Abstract
Although the results of surface water contamination have not been as alarming as in the past, the current situation of river contamination is far from favourable situation. This is evidenced by the long-term contamination of other components of the river ecosystem, in this case biofilms and sediments which reflect the long-term situation in the river and they can serve as a secondary pollution source themselves due to changes of external conditions (floods, drought, greater flow, pH change, oxygen concentration etc.).
Pollution of the Bílina River influences the Elbe River and it is mentioned as one of the “hot spots” (together with the Mulde River (Bitterfeld), Teltowkanal (Berlin), Hafengewasser (Hamburg)).