Key factors for tourist and recreational use of quarry ponds of Belarus and Poland

Abstract

The paper discusses the potential use of quarry ponds in Belarus for tourist and recreational use. As a result of complex limnologic research the key factors for the sustainable function of recreational use of quarry ponds has been determined. These man-made quarry ponds bare a principal resemblance to the natural lakes of the region through macrophytes production, functional organization, and low trophic status. Among the ten quarry ponds that were investigated, Belarus' water and industrial restoration of former chalk pits revealed that there are two trophic types of quarry ponds. The first type are those with macrophytes orientation, which are ecologically sustainable and would thrive under the impacts of recreational use. The second type are those where phytoplankton can be found, which are less sustainable for recreational use. By examining the morphometry of the base of quarry ponds one is able to determine the type of quarry pond. Sustainable function of artificial water systems for tourist and recreational purposes shall be secured by balancing tourist and recreational use dependent upon the type of quarry pond and level of trophic status.