Heavy Metal Pollution of the Świder River, Protection Measures and Impact on Tourism Development

As a fundamental element of nature, water determines the existence of life on Earth. The physicochemical and biological composition of natural waters is closely correlated with the state of the environment through which they flow. The main threat is municipal wastewater, but also nonpoint source pollution from agriculture, which has a major impact on the state of the aquatic environment. The main objective of this study was to analyse selected heavy metals in surface waters and bottom sediments of the Świder River. Given the intricate nature of how heavy metals interact and move between water and sediment, the study also aimed to show whether bottom sediments of surface waters may pose an environmental risk—particularly through the potential release of toxic metals and the development of tourism on the Świder River. The obtained values of the concentrations of the analysed metals were below the permissible standards. The highest concentrations were found in the lower reaches of the Świder River, where a tourist and more urbanised area is located. The obtained results allowed us to assess the bioavailability of these metals, and will be used by local government units to improve the management of this area in order to minimise anthropogenic pollution.