Water quality improvement at recreational area of Nemunas River (Lituania, EU)

Abstract

The trans-boundary area between the EU and other countries is very sensitive to water quality changes that, combined with “dry river” phenomena could infl uence its eco-systems signifi cantly. The Nemunas (Neman) River is the biggest in both Lithuania (European Union) and Republic of Belarus with a recreational signifi cant area that is protected by international law. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of recreational facilities on Nemunas River water quality, for diff erent wastewater treatment scenarios. The results indicated that in the case of conventional wastewater treatment, the total nitrate and phosphate concentrations will increase, while in cases of using ecological methods, the concentration of nutrients will signifi cantly decrease. Ecological wastewater treatment plant is needed as it would eliminate aquatic pollution accumulation and restore its acceptable recreational status. Subsequently, recreational river-use policies should be controlled at an international level; these would off er important perspectives of circular economy for the sustainable development of recreational area.