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Hydrological modelling has long been recognised as an essential tool for understanding and predicting water dynamics, particularly in regions where long-term observational data are limited. In Latvia, significant advancements have been made in the development of hydrological models, with the METQ model family becoming one of the most widely applied for the simulation of runoff and groundwater level regimes. Initially developed in the 1980s, METQ has been continuously refined to improve its predictive capabilities,...

Heavy metal pollution, particularly lead contamination, poses significant environmental and public health risks in urban areas. This study investigates the spatial distribution of lead in snowmelt within Jelgava, Latvia, to identify pollution sources, assess potential environmental impacts, and provide insights into urban pollution management. From 2020 to 2024, snow samples were collected from diverse urban locations, including highways, railway-adjacent zones, industrial districts, and residential areas. Inducti...

The research was carried out to examine the influence of tributary inflows on the hydrochemical properties of the Svete River, which traverses intensive agricultural regions. Sixteen monitoring sites were selected along the main channel and at major tributary junctions. Water samples were collected monthly from surface layers (0 5 cm) over a one-year period, and concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and selected metals were evaluated. A multi-parameter probe and an inductively coupled plasma optical ...

Lake Liepaja, a shallow lagoon-type lake located in the temperate climate zone, is affected by persistent ecological pressures, including nutrient enrichment, sediment contamination, and climate variability. This study presents an overview of long-term water quality dynamics based on monitoring data from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (2001-2023), interpreting key physical and chemical indicators as evidence of broader ecological trends. Multi-year records of physicochemical parameters wer...

Peatlands are crucial carbon sinks, but their degradation through extraction and drainage results in substantial greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem disruption. This study investigates groundwater level dynamics in a 16.4-hectare extracted peatland in Central Latvia to assess hydrological conditions relevant for restoration. Groundwater levels were monitored from May 2023 to May 2024 using TD-Diver loggers installed in six wells. The data reveal pronounced spatial and seasonal variability, with precipitation an...

Urbanization and increasing traffic intensity contribute significantly to heavy metal pollution in urban environments, posing potential risks to public health and ecosystems. This study investigates the spatiotemporal variations of zinc concentrations in snow water within Jelgava, Latvia, from 2020 to 2024. A total of 59 sampling sites in Jelgava and an additional site in Mezciems were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine zinc concentrations and identify potential pollu...