The Project Description
In 2013, biotechnological solutions were implemented within the Bzura River catchment area in Łódź. Their biological outcome was an improvement in the ecological potential of the river and the three recreational reservoirs located along its course, while their socio-economic outcome was an enhancement of the recreational value of the Arturówek complex in line with the principles of sustainable development. These measures were implemented as part of the EU-funded project entitled "Ekohydrologiczna rekultywacja zbiorników rekreacyjnych w Arturówku (Łódź) jako modelowe podejście do rekultywacji zbiorników miejskich" [Ecohydrological Restoration of the Arturówek Recreational Reservoirs (Łódź) as a Model Approach to Urban Reservoir Restoration] (EH-REK, LIFE08 ENV/PL/000517). The project was financed under the LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance programme, while part of the beneficiaries' own contribution was covered by a grant awarded by WFOŚiGW in Łódź.
During the twelve years following the restoration of the Arturówek recreational reservoirs, intensive use of the Arturówek complex, including recreational activities, has been observed, alongside increasingly severe impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. These impacts include rising temperatures and growing disruption of the hydrological cycle, manifested through extreme rainfall events and prolonged drought periods. In recent years, these processes have resulted in the disappearance of water flow in the river supplying the reservoirs. These factors may significantly affect the effectiveness of the implemented solutions and, consequently, the water quality of the Arturówek reservoirs. Evaluation of the current ecological potential of the reservoirs is possible only through specialised scientific research. The aim of the present project is to optimise the existing biotechnological solutions and assess the impact of observed changes in temperature, precipitation patterns and land use on interactions between surface water and groundwater, as well as their consequences for water quality in the reservoirs. Detailed studies are essential for developing adaptation measures and restoring ecosystem services and climate resilience. They are also crucial for supporting city managers through up-to-date maintenance protocols designed for systems particularly vulnerable to climate change.
The project aims to achieve the following ecological effects:
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Improvement of the water balance through enhanced water retention in the landscape and reduction of flood waves in rivers.
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Improvement of water quality in recreational reservoirs and, consequently, stabilisation of the trophic structure of aquatic ecosystems, increasing their resilience to anthropogenic stress.
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Enhancement of biodiversity in the studied aquatic ecosystems by increasing the availability of habitats, including shelter, feeding and breeding sites for birds, fish and invertebrates, particularly zooplankton filter feeders.
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Improvement of the natural, landscape and recreational value of the Arturówek complex.
The Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, has entered into a cooperation agreement with the City of Łódź Office in the fields of research, education and implementation activities related to the above-mentioned project. In accordance with the agreement, the City of Łódź Office has undertaken, subject to available budgetary opportunities, to carry out activities aimed at modernising and improving the operation of the biofiltration systems constructed on the Bzura River in the Arturówek area. These activities will be based on solutions proposed as a result of the experimental research conducted by the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection within the framework of the project, with the objective of effectively reducing the inflow of pollutants from urban areas into aquatic ecosystems.
Text: dr hab. Adrianna Wojtal-Frankiewicz, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz (Department of UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz)
Edit and graphics: Mateusz Kowalski (Promotion Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz)
