Quality evaluation of the surface waters entering the Donana National Park (SW Spain)

Abstract

Surficial waters entering the Donana National Park were sampled and analysed for 20 parameters over 12 years at more than 30 sampling sites. Different types of pollution characterize the different water networks entering Donana. The waters entering from the north are little polluted or only polluted by outlets from small villages and/or effluents from industries of transformation of agricultural products. Acid mine-waters with high heavy metal concentrations skirt and enter Donana from the east. Finally waters of marine origin enter Donana from the south. The eastern and northern water networks are very dynamic, and flood Donana frequently. The importance and variation of the pollution carried through the various water networks under different flow conditions are discussed.