The impact of forest areas on changes in selected water parameters – case study of the Romnicka Forest in central Europe

This paper presents the results of a two-year study (2020 and 2021) of physico-chemical parameters of water samples on the example of two rivers of eastern Poland, the Żytkiejmska Struga and the Błędzianka, as well as a preliminary analysis, which are located in an area generally considered to be free of negative industrial influences. Based on the results, 55% of the analysed water samples did not correspond to purity classes I and II (quality below good) compared to previous years. The analysis of our own research shows that the need to include forest habitats in comprehensive studies of surface water quality is essential, as they can play an important role in reducing pollution, stabilising ecosystems and mitigating climate change.