Current assessment of nitrogen and phosphorus content in the river water and snow cover of the Southern Baikal basin

Abstract

The paper presents the results of long-term studies of chemical composition of water of tributaries and snow cover of the south-eastern and south-western coasts of Lake Baikal. The content of different forms of nitrogen and phosphorus in river water and snow cover was analyzed. A quantitative assessment of total nitrogen and phosphorus input from the atmosphere to the Southern Baikal catchment area for 2019-2023 is given. The south-western coast of the lake experiences a great load in terms of the content of various forms of nitrogen and phosphorus in the snow cover and water of tributaries. Nitrogen in the snow cover and tributaries of Southern Baikal is represented mainly by its mineral form. The rivers of the south-eastern coast, which are exclusively atmosphere-fed, are generally not subjected to anthropogenic impact. In contrast, the minor watercourses of the south-western coast of the lake (Listvyanka settlement) are significantly influenced by economic activities. The organic form of phosphorus predominates in the snow cover of Southern Baikal and in river waters of the south-eastern coast. In the water of tributaries of the south-west coast phosphorus is found in its mineral form. A comparison of current data with the results of previous years was carried out.