The impact of human activities on freshwater aquatic systems

The roles of oxygen and its activated species (superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals), as well as that of sulfur compounds, are considered in relation to biological quality and the self-cleaning capacity of freshwater aquatic systems. The effects on the aquatic redox-processes are discussed in terms of atmospheric fallout of sulfur compounds, bottom sediment composition, and input of wastewaters containing reducing substances. It is shown that the totality of anthropogenic influences, and/or unfavourable natural geochemical conditions, as well as climatic effects in a region can increase the signifcance of one-electron transfer processes in bio-geochemical cycles of oxygen, sulfur and manganese, compared with the significance of two-electron transfer processes. The resulting, reactive intermediate products of one-electron transfer processes are very important with respect to the composition and properties of aquatic systems. Examples are given of practical applications of wastewater treatment, using hydrogen peroxide and UV-irradiation, and of regulation of consumers' activities which affect natural waters.