Bioindication Studies Research Articles

Phytotoxicity Testing of Atmospheric Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have well-known phytotoxicity on higher plants. However, while numerous bioindication studies have been targeted on how different symptoms indicate the deleterious effects of PAHs in the field, laboratory-scale phytotoxicity tests are much rarer. While ecotoxicity tests might rely on the very same end-points as bioindication studies, they have to comply with quality assurance criteria, repeatability being the most important. As such, proper reporting involves the description of the test compound, experimental design and conditions, test organism used, and end-points measured. The recent review intends to give an overview of studies available in the literature complying with these requirements. PAHs occur in the atmosphere both in gaseous form and bound to particles. As plants are exposed to both phases, test protocols available represent different exposure pathways, fumigation chambers vs. direct foliar treatment. Reported studies, therefore, are grouped based on the exposure route they intend to simulate.

Recommendations for Using the Method of Standards in Bioindication Studies of the Northern Caspian Sea

Despite the increasing water and sediment pollution in the western part of the Northern Caspian Sea, the quality of its marine environment has never been assessed through bioindication, largely due to methodological issues. In this article, the method of standards, which involves comparing the species composition between the polluted and clean (reference) sites, was used for the bioindication of organic pollutants in the Northern Caspian Sea. The study area was segmented based on isobaths. The segments were determined depending on the range of depths inhabited by zoobenthos species and their ecological valence to oxygen. The depths with a sufficient abundance of oxyphilic zooplankton species (bioindicators) to apply the method of standards were located. The obtained results show that the method of standards is a good and reliable choice to assess the marine environment quality in the Northern Caspian Sea at isobaths of 6–9 m and within depths of 14–18 m for polluted and reference sites. However, the sediments must contain shells, sand, and siltstones. Therefore, while the method of standards has clear merits, it does not suffice for the rest of the Caspian Sea area.

APPLICATION OF BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES AS POTENTIAL BIO-INDICATORS IN MALAYSIAN'S RIVERS: GAP AND BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSES

The literature on reliable indices, suitable bio-indicators, taxonomic level, frequency of measurements, and replications on benthic macroinvertebrates remains scarce in Malaysia. In addition, no review study was conducted using bibliometric analysis related to this discipline. Thus, this review aimed at gap and bibliometric analysis of publications on benthic macroinvertebrates as potential biological indicators. Sixty-six relevant scientific research papers from 2011 to 2022 were selected from the different databases. Then, descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to assess the most reliable potential bio-indicators for river assessment and monitoring. Visualized statistics regarding bibliographic coupling analysis of authors, journal proceedings, and organizations were analyzed. The findings revealed that publications on invertebrates had no significant relationship in the last ten years (r = 0.241; p > 0.05). Most publications on macroinvertebrates in Malaysian rivers were found in the Scopus database (53.57%). Therefore, research articles must be published in journals included in the Journal Citation Report (JCR) to improve their quality further. Besides, benthic macroinvertebrates are commonly identified only up to the family level (47%) due to incomplete tropical benthic macroinvertebrates identification keys. As such, using environmental DNA methods with the power of next-generation sequencing has come in handy in bio-indicator species identification. Among the potential bio-indicators found in Malaysian rivers are Chironomidae (9.11%), Baetidae (8.87%), and Hydropsychidae (8.62%). Based on the approaches utilized in analyzing benthic macroinvertebrates as bio-indicators, in-depth research such as bioassay and toxicology tests is necessary to realize the potential bio-indicators fully. Many studies focused on recreational rivers in Peninsular Malaysia. Therefore, research studies would be expanded to urban rivers and rivers in Sabah and Sarawak. Also, to overcome the limitation of the single biotic index, developing a multimetric index to evaluate the water quality by selecting many river basins is essential. Bibliographic analysis showed that the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, made the greatest total link strength. The Serangga Journal published the highest number of research articles. Finally, utilizing advanced technologies is recommended to address Malaysia's lack of potential bio-indicator studies.

Bioindicators for Forest Area Condition: A Systematic Literature Review

Flora and fauna are essential components of ecosystems, playing a vital role in maintaining environmental balance. They also serve as bioindicators for assessing forest health. As a result, many researchers have focused their studies on bioindicators, as evidenced by the extensive literature published in journals. The objective of this Systematic Literature Review (SLR) is to systematically identify, study, evaluate, and interpret data from relevant journal articles. We conducted a search in the Scopus database using the keyword "Bioindicator Forest," which yielded a total of 248 articles. After applying our criteria, we narrowed our research to only 49 articles. To conduct our inclusion and exclusion process, we utilized PRISMA guidelines. Analyzing the publication trend on the topic of forest bioindicators, we observed a decline from 2021 to 2023. However, in 2020, we noted a peak with nine articles published. Regarding the research approach, forest bioindicator studies employ quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Notably, the most prominent authors in this field are F. Helbing, J. Litavsky, S Stasiov, Dominguez, and De Deyn. The dominant keyword used in these studies is biodiversity, often related to forestry botany. The authors of these articles originate from 29 different countries, with Europe contributing the majority at 62.07%. Collaboration-wise, a significant number of articles were published through both national and international collaborations. Furthermore, 47 articles received support or sponsorship from external parties. In our discussion, we explore the various techniques, instruments, and data analyses employed in these studies. Overall, this SLR serves as a comprehensive reference for researchers investigating forest bioindicators. Its findings contribute to the diversification of subjects and the enrichment of alternative bioindicators for forest ecosystems.

Chitosan vs chitin: Comparative study of functional pH bioindicators synthesized from natural red dyes and biopolymers as potential packaging additives

In this study, we compare pH-sensitive bioindicators fabricated via the facile one-pot reaction of biopolymers (chitosan or chitin) and natural red dyes (carminic acid and purpurin). The relationship between the biocomponents and the structure, stability, and pH-sensing activity of the resulting materials is also investigated. XPS, FT-IR, SEM and pH assessments confirmed the presence of interactions between the biopolymers and the natural dyes, leading to the formation new functional smart colorants. The type of biopolymer determined the stability of the materials, and the incorporation of natural dyes significantly increased their chemical and thermal stability. All the colorimetric indicators were highly sensitive to HCl and NH3 vapors, changing color after just a few minutes. Their application as new biocolorants for ethylene-norbornene copolymer (EN) resulted in composites with attractive color performance and good photostability. This was evidenced by the lower color changes and carbonyl index increment of the samples containing the new color systems after 50 h, 100 h, and 200 h of UV irradiation compared to pure natural dyes. For the real-time analysis of the application of colorimetric pH indicators, the colored EN composites were applied to colorimetric monitor the freshness of shrimps at room temperature. The findings indicated that the designed biopolymer-dye materials could be used simultaneously as colorants, pH indicators, and additives for polymers, providing protection against unfavorable aging conditions. Importantly, the new colorants also exhibited lower tendency to leach from the polymer matrix compared to natural dyes. This could elegantly overcome the strong migration problems associated with natural dyes and enable widespread application of the new biocolorants in packaging systems.

Delonix regia as a climate bio-indicator: The effect of climate change on flowering time in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara

The study of climate bio-indicators, such as the flowering time of plants, can provide valuable insights into the effects of climate change on the environment. In this study, we investigated the impact of climate change on the flowering time of Delonix regia in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. Delonix regia trees at 50 points were observed, and their flowering time was determined in monthly time series between 2013 and 2022 using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) technique with Landsat 8 satellite imagery. The NDVI criteria for determining flowering were verified through real-time observations during the flowering season in 2021 – 2022 and confirmed using Google Earth imagery. The study’s findings indicate that Delonix regia trees in Kupang previously mass-flowered (> 75% of the population with 65 – 100% closure of the canopy area) once a year in November – December over the past decade, but the flowering time is now changing. Some observed trees in 2021 and 2022 flower twice a year, in April – May and November – December, causing flowering not to close the canopy as in previous years fully. Changes in temperature and rainfall affect the timing of flowering. Increased rain in February-March-April 2021 and 2022 (> 65 mm from the climatology 1990 – 2020) and warmer annual average temperature conditions are thought to trigger flowering initiation, which suggests that climate change significantly impacts the local environment. Our results demonstrate the potential of Delonix regia can be one of the climate bio-indicators and emphasize the importance of monitoring the flowering times of plants.

NH3 concentrations below the current critical level affect the epiphytic macrolichen communities – Evidence from a Northern European City

Acidophytic, oligotrophic lichens on tree trunks are widely considered to be the most sensitive biota to elevated concentrations of atmospheric ammonia (NH3). We studied the relationships between measured NH3 concentrations and the composition of macrolichen communities on the acidic bark of Pinus sylvestris and Quercus robur and the base-rich bark of Acer platanoides and Ulmus glabra at ten roadside and ten non-roadside sites in Helsinki, Finland. NH3 and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations were higher at the roadside than non-roadside sites indicating traffic as the main source of NH3 and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The diversity of oligotrophs on Quercus was lower at the roadside than non-roadside sites, while that of eutrophs was higher. The abundance and presence of oligotrophic acidophytes (e.g., Hypogymnia physodes) decreased with increasing NH3 concentration (2-year means = 0.15–1.03 μg m−3) especially on Q. robur, while those of eutrophic/nitrophilous species (e.g., Melanohalea exasperatula, Physcia tenella) increased. The abundance of some nitrophytes seemed to depend only on bark pH, i.e., their abundances were highest on Ulmus, which had the highest average bark pH. Overall, the results of lichen bioindicator studies may depend on tree species (bark pH) and lichen species used in calculating indices describing the air quality impact. Nevertheless, Quercus is recommended to be used to study the impact of NH3 alone and in combination with NOx on lichen communities, because the responses of both oligotrophic acidophytes and eutrophic species can already be observed at NH3 concentrations below the current critical level.

Carotene Synthesis Changes of Rhodotorula Aurantiaca Indicator Yeasts in the Presence of Copper (II) Salts

Rhodotorula aurantiaca yeasts are ubiquitous microorganisms found in water, soil, plants, etc. Since the main requirement of an indicator organism is the wide occurrence in nature, this species can be an informative bioindicator of the ecological state of the environment. The aim was to study the influence of Cu (II) compounds on the color of carotenoid pigments intensity of two Rh. aurantiaca strains (Y-1193 and Y-1195).
 Rh. aurantiaca Y-1193 strain was more susceptible to the compounds of Cu (II) than Rh. aurantiaca Y-1195. Thus, due to the action of Copper (II) chloride in a concentration of 100 mg/dm3 and Copper (II) sulfate in a concentration of 200 mg/dm3, the synthesis of pigments in Rh. aurantiaca Y-1193 was inhibited, which was 2 and 2.5 times, respectively, lower than concentrations at which the Rh. aurantiaca Y-1195 strain lost its ability to form carotenoid pigments. The most toxic effect on Rh. aurantiaca yeast was caused by the compound Cu(NO3)2. There was no cell growth at a concentration of 200 mg/dm3 of Cu2+ ions, and the concentration interval between the loss of pigments and growth retardation was also not detected. dE (the difference in the intensity of pigment accumulation of microorganisms) yielded a greater value when the difference between control and experimental yeast samples was bigger. Thus, for intensively pigmented colonies, this index varied from 7.4 to 9.6 c. u., however, for non-pigmented colonies under the influence of Copper (II) compounds, dE was in the range from 19.8 to 21.5 c. u. To confirm the effectiveness of using the scale for visual assessment of pigment accumulation for studied microorganisms, the quantitative content of carotenoids in Rh. aurantiaca Y-1193 strain was determined by spectrophotometric methods. When comparing the visual assessment of pigment accumulation in yeast and the concentration of carotenoids in cells, a strong correlation was established (r = 0.9). The dependence is statistically significant (p<0.05). Therefore, the carotenogenic culture of Rh. aurantiaca Y-1193 can be recommended for use in bioindication studies of water contamination with Cu (II) compounds. The prospect of further research is to study the influence of other compounds of the I and II hazard classes on the intensity of pigment accumulation of yeasts in the Rhodotorula genus.

Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of bioindication methods in monitoring environmental studies in St Petersburg

The purpose of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of bioindication methods in determining the state of the environment in St. Petersburg on the example of Vasileostrovsky and Pushkinsky districts. The content of chemical elements in soils, poplar bark Populus balsamifera, Tilia cordata and Betula pendula leaves, moss (Sphagnum angustifolium) and lichen (Cladonia stellaris) traps was studied, the integral index of fluctuating asymmetry of linden leaves T. cordata and birch B. pendula was calculated, soil biotesting using Daphnia magna and Chlorella vulgaris was carried out. It is established that the main sources of pollution of the urban environment are motor transport, the Baltic plant in Vasileostrovsky district and the industrial zones "Shushary" and "Pushkinskaya" in Pushkin district. The territory of the park zone of the Pushkin district can be considered as a conditional background for environmental monitoring. The use of fluctuating asymmetry of tree species leaves in bioindication studies is recommended only in conjunction with the results of chemical analysis. Poplar bark seems to be the most convenient bioindicator for assessing environmental pollution over a long period, the chemical composition of the leaves of tree species (linden T. cordata and birch B. pendula) reflects information about the intake of pollutants during one growing season, analysis of the chemical composition of moss and lichen traps allows you to determine the intake of pollutants in a relatively short period of time and identify sources of pollution. To assess the ecological state of the urban environment on the basis of the Harrington desirability function, an integral bioindication parameter BIP has been developed, taking into account the degree of transformation of individual environmental components under the influence of anthropogenic load: a change in the chemical composition of plants relative to clark (background) values; the manifestation of fluctuating asymmetry of tree species leaves compared to the norm. The effectiveness of BIP application for geoecological assessment of the state of the environment in cities is shown.

Биологические характеристики черноморской скорпены из прибрежных вод Севастополя в современный период

The article presents the analysis of parameters of the biomonitor species ‒ small-scaled scorpion fish at the dif-ferent organization levels as part of the study of the current status of fish and their habitat conditions in a coastal zone of Sevastopol. In spite of the similarity of the size and mass values in species caught in the different bays there has been found regularity in the fish size: the Balaklavskaya Bay > the Kruglaya Bay > the Streletskaya Bay. The indexes of the gills and liver of Scorpaena porcus from the Streletskaya Bay were higher in the older fish group compared to those in other water areas, which was considered as an adaptive response to unfavorable habitat conditions. At the same time, high values of the hepatosomatic index, fish size and weight, glucose content in blood in this benthic species from the Balaklavskaya Bay indicated a better natural food supply. Thus, the values of the parameters studied in fish from different bays often differed slightly, which proves the similar living conditions and satisfactory state of the bays of Sevastopol today. This was also evidenced by the results of a more sensitive analysis - the morphometric parameters of the gills: the length and width of the filaments, as well as the density of their distribution on the gill arch did not differ significantly in species of the same size from different bays. However, comparing inter-annual changes in population parameters it was found that the size of scorpion fish species, especially females, has decreased in 2021 compared to 2017–2019. The fish weight decreased in the Balaklavskaya Bay by 8–10 g, in the Kruglaya Bay ‒ by 20 g, and in the Streletskaya Bay in 2021 individuals weighed almost half as much as in previous years. The conducted bioindicative studies have showed a deterioration of the ecological status of the water areas of the Crimea.

Computer-Assisted Bioidentification Using Freshwater Macroinvertebrates: A Scoping Review

Background: Evaluation and prediction of the freshwater status based on freshwater macroinvertebrates (FwM) has become valuable in bioindication because they provide a more general and accurate picture of the ecological status of water bodies over time. Recent research on bioindication through FwM has increased the use of computational technologies, mainly in the classification and data analysis stages of water quality assessment and prediction. Objective: This scoping review aims to provide an overview of different approaches in computer-assisted bioindication with FwM. Particularly, the objective is to identify the techniques and strategies employed for FwM automatic classification or data treatment, characterize their use in recent years, and discuss gaps and challenges to broaden the scope of bioindication as a tool for understanding real conditions in a water body. Design: The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews (ScR). Scopus and Web of Science databases were used to identify articles published between 1999 and 2022. We selected 81 publications that used computational technology for automatic FwM classification or data analysis to predict water quality using biological indices. Results and conclusions: We identified two areas of applying computational technologies in bioindication studies with FwM. Firstly, computer-assisted technologies are used to evaluate water quality through samples already classified by human experts which correspond to 57% of the documents analyzed. The second application area is the automatic classification of FwM. In addition, we determined the main critical factors affecting strategy selection in each of the studies, such as taxonomic resolution, sample size and quality, image quality, data size, and complexity. Finally, we established the relationship between the strategies and algorithms employed in a timeline for automatic classification according to available FwM image databases. The research will allow taxonomic and related experts to better understand the role of computational technologies in FwM studies and thus increase confidence in these techniques to extend their use in bioassessment tasks.

ANALYSIS OF PHYTOINDICATION PROPERTIES OF ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA L. IN THE CONDITIONS OF KAMYANETS-PODILSKY

Phytoindication properties of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in the conditions of Kamyanets-Podilsky were analyzed. Data on the role of plants in the ecological stabilization of the urban environment are given. It is noted that woody plants have a number of advantages over others, as they enrich and purify the air throughout the year, their large area of photosynthetic organs allows you to effectively absorb toxic substances from the environment and play an assimilative role. In addition, woody plants are studied in phytoindication studies. Information about the object of study, its contradictory significance due to invasiveness and large economic and social role is provided. To analyze the phytoindication properties of R. pseudoacacia in the conditions of Kamyanets-Podilsky, we selected seven experimental sites with different anthropogenic loads, including traffic intensity. The area of leaves, the number of beans on the model branch, the length and width of the beans, the morphometric parameters of the seeds (length and width), the number of seeds in the bean and the weight of the seeds were chosen for the studied parameters. It is shown that R. pseudoacacia plants in different places of growth of KamyanetsPodilsky differ in morphometric parameters. It was found that with deteriorating conditions, the area of leaves, the number of fruits on the model branch, the length and width of beans, seed weight and its linear size decreases. We propose to use the studied parameters in bioindication studies to assess the state of the environment.

A pictorial key for identification of the hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) of the Madeira Archipelago.

Syrphid flies are important ecological indicators and provide crucial ecosystem services, being important pollinators and biological control agents of insect pests. These charismatic insects are conspicuous and, due to their size and colourful patterns, are relatively easy to identify. However, the lack of user-friendly literature (e.g. photographic guides) for most areas may hamper its wider selection as a study group in biodiversity and ecological studies. The syrphid fauna of Madeira Archipelago comprises 26 species, including four endemics (Eumerushispidus Smit, Aguiar & Wakeham-Dawson, 2004; Melanostomawollastoni Wakeham-Dawson, Aguiar, Smit, McCullough & Wyatt, 2004; Myathropausta, Wollaston, 1858 and Xanthandrusbabyssa, Walker, 1849), but, despite the current good taxonomic knowledge on this group, information on species distribution, ecology and conservation is still lacking. Here, we provide a pictorial key to the adult hoverflies of Madeira Archipelago highlighting diagnostic characteristics and present photographs of both males and females (in dorsal and lateral views) in colour plates. The key and plates will help researchers to differentiate these species, thus encouraging the use of this insect group in future bioindication studies. In addition, this study also aims to engage a broader audience of non-experts in improving the knowledge on the distribution and ecology of Madeira syrphids. We provide a checklist for the hoverflies of Madeira Archipelago and a pictorial key to help on species identification.

Assessment of the state environment by the complex of bioindication reactions of woody plants

This research looks at the results of bioindication studies on the territory Voronezh city. A decrease in the water content of Betula pendula mouth leaf blades was found in different growing conditions compared to the control. In the industrial and transport zone, there is a reduction in the size of leaves and a decrease in the specific leaf surface. The vital state of stands is a response to the degree of extremity of growing conditions. Healthy specimens predominate in the recreational area of the city, and severely damaged and dying ones - in the transport zone. Most of the dead-hardy trees are recorded in street plantings. Large deviations of bioindication parameters were revealed in comparison with the control in areas with increased anthropogenic load. The Betula pendula species used as the object of research is sensitive to stressful environmental conditions and can be used to assess the state of the environment during monitoring.

Testate amoebae: a review on their multiple uses as bioindicators

Testate amoebae (TA) are unicellular protozoans enclosed in a test capable of indicating a wide variety of environmental conditions. Among others, characteristics such as short life cycle, great sensitivity and worldwide distribution makes them adequate bioindicators. As a complement to physical and chemical measurements, biomonitoring can be a cheaper and fastest way of environmental monitoring. This research sought to evaluate the extent of TA use in biomonitoring and the responses given by them to environmental features. The research was conducted in Scielo, Science Direct, Online Library, Google Scholar and Capes Journal Portal and yielded 211 papers. TA bioindication is able to provide information on metal, trace element and atmospheric pollution, and to point out different trophic states, pH, and evidence on characteristics of hydrology. Further, TA can be used in paleoenvironmental reconstruction as they reflect climate, volcanic and even sea level change phenomena. Sometimes, together with other organisms in environmental analysis, they have shown to be an important complement to biomonitoring. Additionally, a functional traits approach has been recently included as a promising tool. Methodological adjustments that have been conducted throughout the years are allowing TA use to be more reliable and precise. This review provides insight on the many possible functions of TA in bioindication studies, highlighting their wide use as bioindicators.

Soil invertebrates of coniferous forests along a gradient of air pollution (Komi Republic).

BackgroundThe role of soil invertebrates in the cycle of substances, soil-forming processes and the provision of ecosystem services is undeniable. Therefore, soil invertebrates are valuable in bioindication studies. Comprehensive research of soil invertebrates in the production area of Mondi Syktyvkar JSC as the largest pulp and paper enterprise in the European part of Russia was initiated in 2003. A huge amount of data about composition, abundance and structure of soil macro- and mesofauna along an impact gradient was accumulated during the period from 2003 to 2019 years. These data can be used to study local biodiversity, monitor the state of soil invertebrate communities and assess the impact of the pulp and paper industry on the environment.New informationDatasets here presented include information from a monitoring programme for soil invertebrates that inhabit coniferous forests in the production area of Mondi Syktyvkar JSC (Komi Republic). The assemblages' structure of macrofauna, collembolans and nematodes are described. Information on the number of individuals of springtail species, nematodes genera and macrofauna taxa is given. A total of 11146 sampling events of macrofauna, 6673 sampling events of Collembola, and 2592 sampling events of Nematoda are recorded along a gradient of air pollution from pulp and paper industry emissions.

The Pollen of Plants of the Shrub Layer in the Urban Green Space as an Indicator of the State of Atmospheric Air of the City (on the Example of Representatives of the Genus Forsythia)

It is especially important to assess the potential mutagenicity of the air environment in the area of active life and human respiration. In our opinion, perennial shrub plants are the most informative objects of such research. Purpose. Study of the sensitivity of the male haploid generation Forsythia suspensa Vahl. to the state of atmospheric air of Kyiv in the surface layer; the prospects of using this species to indicate the quality of atmospheric air and assess possible risks to public health. Methods. Fields, statistical. The state of the generative sphere of F. suspense was determined by fertility and morphometric parameters of pollen, determination of the index of shape and proportion of abnormal grains in the population of non-hydrated pollen. Results. It is established that the pollen of F. suspense is sensitive to a complex of exogenous factors of the growing environment in the park ecosystems of Kyiv. The statistical significance of the complex influence of plant growing factors and weather conditions on the variability of F. suspensa pollen quality traits and its sizes has been confirmed. There is a greater influence of air pollutants in the surface layer of atmospheric air on the size of the equatorial diameter of the pollen grains of this plant species. Introduction of restrictive anti-epidemic measures in 2020 and 2021 has reduced the level of integrated air pollution in most of the studied areas of the capital. These changes in the conditions of the growing environment, especially in the absence of the influence of the developed network of highways, affected the share of abnormal grains in pollen populations in the studied areas. Conclusions. The expediency of further use of plants of F. suspensa to assess the state of the environment on a toxic-mutagenic background and zoning of park ecosystems on a gradient of anthropogenic impact is noted. Complementing the results of bioindication studies using, in particular, F. suspensa pollen, information on the state of health of the population and data on air pollution increases the effectiveness of indicating the state of the environment in Kyiv

Monitoring of urban pollution as an indicator of environmental engineering

The comfort of the urban population living in a particular territory is characterized by a combination of factors on it. The analysis of natural, socio-economic, architectural and environmental indicators is a comprehensive system for establishing the quality of life and safety in the conditions of technogenesis. The paper presents the results of the study the trees vital state in the urban agglomeration. It is recommended to include the obtained data in the graphoanalytic structure of environmental quality laboratory studies in the framework of the priority direction of sustainable development. Based on the principles of improving and maintaining the environment with the help of bioindication methods, it becomes possible to propose preventive measures of urbanized territories degradation. The paper takes into account the response of plants and justifies the changes that occur within them under the influence of anthropogenic factors. It is established that the results of bioindication studies allow us to assess the real ecological situation of the territory and can be included in the concept of environmental engineering.

Bać się czy się nie bać? Bioakumulacja, bioindykacja i toksyczność metali ciężkich Rośliny w świetle badań terenowych i laboratoryjnych

Heavy metals that pose a threat to the environment include lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and mercury (Hg). Biomonitoring of environmental quality using plants is widely accepted as a reliable and inexpensive way of obtaining information on contamination also by heavy metals. It allows the assessment of the direction of changes in the natural environment and development of prognoses and methods for early warning related to predicted transformations in ecosystems. This paper presents the results of field and laboratory studies on floristic biodiversity in the areas of southern Poland related to extraction and processing of Zn and Pb ores. The paper also shows the selected plant defence mechanisms against the excess of heavy metals and the results of bioindication studies using different plant species, including the selected metallophytes related to the assessment of contamination levels and the most frequently used plant ecophysiological parameters. It is necessary to monitor contamination level, popularize knowledge and take action at the level of local authorities to mitigate adverse effects of human activity, bearing in mind possible bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the food chain and the adverse health effects associated with environmental contamination.

Assessment of the Urban Air Environment Based on Bioindication Studies

The article is devoted to the study of the possibilities of bioindication for coniferous and deciduous woody and herbaceous plants for assessing the state of atmospheric air in an urban area where there is no significant anthropogenic impact and there are no large industrial enterprises. At the same time, there has been an increase in the population, an increase in the number and the development of small businesses and organizations, an increase in units of use and, consequently, an increase of vehicle traffic in the recent years. Studies were performed on both of these departments of the plant kingdom in order to compare the results. A dynamic analysis of the results of the study with archived data was also carried out.