Preliminary results of monitoring studies on macrophytes in the area of brine discharge from the creation of gas storage caverns (Puck Bay, Baltic)

The coastal zone of the Puck Bay (near Mechelinki cottage), located in the area protected within Natura 2000 network (Puck Bay and Hel Peninsula PLH 220032), is subjected to the influence of two media – wastewaters discharged through a collector of the sewage treatment plant in Dębogórze and brine effluent discharged by means of a pipeline as a result of construction of the underground gas storage – UGS Kosakowo. The results of the monitoring studies in 2009, 2012 and 2015 have shown that after 40 years, macrophytes were again noted in the area (in 2012 and 2015). They occur in small amounts, but slightly increase their bottom coverage. It indicates the improvement of the environment state in the area being under pressure of two media, and also points indirectly, that environmentally friendly technical solutions were applied for discharge of the effluents.