ASSESSMENT OF ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITY NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE KARST LANDSCAPE AND A PROPOSAL FOR REVITALIZATION MEASURES - Carpathian Journal of Earth And Environmental Sciences

The paper presents the results and evaluation of the negative impacts of anthropogenic activities (agricultural activities, mechanical and chemical components flow into the underground, illegal landfills in karst depression forms of the georelief) on the quality of hydrological systems in karst landscape. In this context, the environmental research was carried out in the Važec Karst (Slovakia) during the years 2005-2007. There was found a number of illegal landfills near the Priepadla what is the main hydrogical system. By remediation of the biggest illegal landfill in the Konska diera abyss were harvested 160.42 t of waste, 63.42 t were defined as hazardous waste by accreditation testing, what presents 39,53 % rates. Carried out analysis of groundwater quality in the hydrological system of the Priepadlá, which is near the Konská diera abyss were exceeded the limits, indication or recommended values according to the SR Government Regulation No. 354/2006 at water temperature, CODMn, coliform bacteria, mesophilic bacteria and psychrophilic bacteria. Old environmental burdens in the form of illegal landfills have a big impact on pollution and quality of hydrogical structures in the karst areas, and also on the growth of synanthropic vegetation. The surface karst is closely linked with underground karst by mass flow, energy and information flow, creates a specific natural geosystem. In this context, we consequently present implemented measures of practical protection focused on revitalization of disturbed karst landscape. Based on the environmental situation of evaluated karst area, as priority, we propose to improve vertical co-operation in spatial planning, to improve horizontal co-ordination and karst land-integration and to develop Stakeholders' involvement (including environmental awareness increasing of local stakeholders about uniqueness and vulnerability of the karst landscape, to explain the water circulation in underground and clarify the meaning of karst).