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Description
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This figure presents the Spearman correlation matrix between surface-water concentrations of five organic UV filters (OUVFs) and selected physicochemical water quality parameters measured during the peak bathing season (summer 2023) in Lake Balaton (Hungary).
The analysis was conducted across shoreline sampling sites influenced by recreational activity. Correlation coefficients (Spearman’s r) quantify monotonic relationships between OUVF concentrations (avobenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, iscotrizinol, ethylhexyl triazone) and key limnological parameters including nutrients, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and other water quality indicators.
The matrix enables identification of co-occurrence patterns among UV-filters and potential environmental drivers influencing their distribution. Strong positive correlations among selected OUVFs indicate common sources related to recreational sunscreen usage, while associations with specific physicochemical parameters provide insight into environmental behaviour and transport processes in shallow freshwater systems. |