The variability of conditions of carbonate allocation on the example of a small flow-through Łęczna-Włodawa lake (Eastern Poland)

A synthetic index LSI (Langelier Saturation Index) was calculated to analyze conditions of carbonates allocation. The higher LSI value, positive or negative, the better conditions to deposition or chemical denudation, respectively. Physical–chemical research was carried out in the lake-catchment system of Lake Syczynskie, located in the border zone of Polish Lowland and Lublin Upland. The data were collected during the three water years 2007–2009. A hydro-chemical state of products of CaCO3 dissociation in waters was close to the equilibrium for most of the year. Values of the LSI ranged from −0.08 to 1.44 in the water of the catchment under study. The highest LSI values were observed in the lake water. The lowest LSI values occurred in waters of the inlet originated from a Cretaceous spring. Allocation conditions were established along inlet–lake–outlet transect. A decrease of carbonates translocation along the transect was typical for the Lake Syczynskie and it occurred in all seasons. A clear seasonality of the carbonate equilibrium state was observed in the lake-catchment system under study. Results showed that inlet of groundwater determined transport of products of calcium and magnesium carbonate dissociation in the catchment Lake Syczynskie. The most stable chemical conditions were observed in winter, which resulted from an intense groundwater inflow. The least stable conditions occurred in spring, in which season conditions of carbonates allocations were modified by precipitation and/or surface runoff.