Chapter Salination of springs in the Bakar bay

Overview & Synopsis

Rising sea levels, increasing air temperatures, and recurring extreme weather events make coastal freshwater more susceptible to salination. This study investigates the relationship between salinity in the Dobrica, Dobra, and Perilo springs in the Bay of Bakar (Croatia) and extreme weather events from June 2005 to June 2020. Panel analysis, including water temperature (°C), electrical conductivity (µS/cm), hardness (mg/L CaCO₃), and chloride (mg/L), showed significant positive correlations between water temperature and chloride content, as well as direct relationships between electrical conductivity and chloride concentration. The study emphasizes the influence of weather on spring salinity and underscores the need for climate change adaptation strategies and sustainable water resource management. The findings hold significant implications for policymakers and stakeholders in water resource management.