Progressing Pollutant Elution from Snowpack and Evolution of its Physicochemical Properties During Melting Period—a Case Study From the Sudetes, Poland

Main aim of the work assumed recognition of physicochemical changes in snowpack occurring during the melting period. Properties of snow cover had been identified at two sites in Western Sudetes mountains (860 and 1228 m asl) in SW Poland since the end of January, and monitored until the disappearance of snow in late Spring. Snow pit measurements and sample collection at both sites were made followed by chemical analyses with the use of ionic chromatography. The results were compared for subsequent stages of snowpack evolution. Thermometers installed above the ground during summer in one site (860 m asl) helped to identify the thermal gradient existing inside snow during winter. During studies, special attention was paid to the pollutant elution with determination the different release rates of individual ions from the snow cover. Results of chemical analysis showed that during the thaw, the first portions of meltwater were responsible for drainage into the ground a substantial part of the impurities. During the first two weeks of thaw at higher elevated site, pollutants released from the snow cover load amounted to 123.5 mMol·m(−2). In those days, there was a release to the ground of approximately 74, 74, and 57 %, respectively of H(+), NO(3−), and SO(4)(2−) ions contained in the snow cover, while only 14 % of snow mass in the form of meltwater was released.