ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE ECOSYSTEM OF BALTA ALBĂ LAKE, BUZĂU COUNTY

This study provides data on the impact of climate change on the Balta Albă Buzău natural reserve. Lake Amara, as part of the reserve, dried up first, followed by Balta Albă Lake, which now contains a reduced amount of water; in certain years, the water has receded tens of meters from its former shores. The lake is nationally and internationally recognized for the health benefits of its mineralized waters and sapropelic muds, which constitute the biotope of this lake. The present paper presents a study of the physical-chemical quality indicators of the water and mud from Balta Albă Lake, Buzău County. Experimental analyses were performed for the following physical-chemical parameters: pH, dissolved salts, and the content of calcium, magnesium, chlorides, and sulfates. The research aims to assess the influence of the significant water retreat on the mineral content of the lake’s water and mud, the lake being renowned for over 200 years for its curative properties for various conditions.