EN
In each larger catchment area variation in physical dimensions can be indicated from the origin to the mouth of the river. Due to this variation, the vegetation changes too. However, local and regional environmental problems influence the quality of river water, resulting in a change in vegetation. However, point-pollution might disappear by biochemical processes. With a dataset from the catchment area of Narew river these relations can be proved. Types of vegetation are linked to defined parts of the catchment. Chemistry and physical dimensions can explain this distribution. Environmental problems with pollution result in regional changes in the expected type of vegetation. Moreover, the chemistry at both undisturbed and polluted locations informs about the standards in required water chemistry, necessary to maintain the original types of vegetation. By defining the variation in the vegetation, the standards of water quality and the knowledge about the sources of pollution, techniques to develop a sustainable development in a catchment area become available.