Bzura River Research Articles

A holistic approach to the spatio-temporal variability investigation of the main river water quality – The importance of tributaries

The surface water pollution can cause serious ecological disasters. An example is large-scale fish deaths due to excessive salinity, which is global problem. In order to prevent such situations, it is necessary to carry out regular monitoring of both main rivers and their tributaries. The current monitoring system is neither adapted to the variability associated with the diversified use of catchments nor to changing climatic conditions. The Bzura River is one of the most anthropogenically transformed Polish rivers. So far, no comprehensive assessment of the chemical status of its catchment has been carried out. The presented research is a continuation of the study of the spatio-temporal variability of the Bzura chemistry. It covered 19 tributaries within the boundaries of the Łódź Voivodeship. Samples were collected once a month for one hydrological year. In total, 228 samples were obtained, in which 21 parameters were measured. Spatio-temporal variability of water quality on the basis of coefficients of variation (CVs) and water quality indices (WQIs) was evaluated. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were also performed. In addition, the datasets were visualized using geochemical maps. Combined monitoring with geospatial analysis brings benefits in terms of efficient control and management of water resources. The tributaries were divided according to the degree of their pollution. It was found that the electrical conductivity and concentrations of dissolved oxygen, nitrates, calcium and magnesium differentiated the tributaries in terms of pollution the most. The strong salinity from agricultural and geogenic sources was found. The WQIs were higher for the tributaries than for the Bzura. It suggests that the Bzura may be polluted by the tributaries under “favorable” climatic and hydrological conditions. Therefore, smaller watercourses should be included in monitoring and become more important in terms of an effective solution to global problem of surface water pollution.

Combined Effect of Climate and Anthropopressure on River Water Quality

This study was a continuation of our investigation of the spatio-temporal variability of the Bzura River's water chemistry. Our research is of particular importance in the context of the recent ecological disaster on the Oder River and concerns the international problem of surface water contamination. The study area was a 120 km section of the Bzura River. We tested more measurement points and with a higher sampling frequency than those used in the national monitoring of river water quality. During two hydrological years, 360 water samples were collected. The selected parameters: electrical conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, dissolved organic carbon, nitrates, phosphates, bicarbonates, chlorides, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were determined. Numerous results exceeded the Polish threshold limits. Spatio-temporal variability and water quality were assessed using principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis (CA), and water quality index (WQI) approaches. Many point sources of pollution related to urbanization, agriculture, and industry were detected. Moreover, due to the changing climatic conditions, a significant difference between temporal variability in both years was observed. Our results indicated that it is necessary to increase the number of measurement stations for surface water monitoring; it will allow for a faster detection of the threat.

Variability of Water Exchange in the Hyporheic Zone of a Lowland River in Poland Based on Gradientometric Studies

Abstract The Moszczenica is a lowland river, which is a third-order river with a length of 55 km; it flows into the Bzura River in central Poland. The objective of this study was to evaluate two important factors in the exchange between surface water and groundwater in the hyporheic zone: a considerable change in water flow conditions and various origins of riverbed sections, natural and artificial. To identify the spatial variation of the hydraulic gradient in the hyporheic zone of the river, a gradientmeter was applied. The measurements show that at low water stages, upwelling was dominant, with an evidently inactive zone, whereas downwelling was inconsiderable. However, the morphology of the riverbed changed during the flood flow, and downwelling clearly dominated. Upwelling zones retained their activity despite a major change in hydrological conditions. Present studies on the artificially dug Moszczenica Canal have documented outflow of water from an artificial medieval canal to a naturally formed drainage base. This means that despite the passage of hundreds of years, the natural drainage base of the Moszczenica River is still active. Studies have demonstrated the applicability of the gradientmeter for evaluating the interaction between surface and groundwaters in the hyporheic zone.

The Long-Term Effect of Industrial Waste Landfill on Surface Water. An Example from Central Poland

Water resources are influenced by many anthropogenic pollutants, which may migrate into the environment. The Bzura River is one of the rivers strongly impacted by human activity e.g., waste landfills and former industrial plants. The objective of this study was to assess the spatial-temporal variability of trace metals in river water and sediments and to recognize the main sources of pollution. An investigation was carried out on the 120 km section, during two hydrological years. Concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The basic statistics were supported by principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). Generally, only part of the results exceeded the WHO, USEPA, and Polish threshold values. However, one hotspot burdened by nickel was found. The spatial trend of Ni indicates long-distance migration. The PCA and CA confirmed that the Ni mainly comes from the old industrial waste landfill. Variability of the remaining metals was affected by more mixed sources. None of the metals showed any consistent temporal pattern. The PCA revealed that the anthropogenic factor explained over 50% of the variability in both years; therefore, intensive monitoring of the water river quality is still required.

„Manna Polonicum”. Szkic fitokulturoznawczy

Manna Polonica (Glyceria flutans) to jedna z nazw dzikiego zboża zbieranego na podmokłych łąkach, czego świadectwo zachowało się w zielnikach i podręcznikach agronomii publikowanych w języku polskim od XVI do końca XVIII wieku. Zbieractwo i handel słodkim ziarnem „manny polskiej” lub „manny Polaków” (Manna Polonorum) wybitny biolog Józef Rostafiński wiązał ze starą etnowiedzą i biotopem najbardziej pierwotnych siedzib Słowian. Ten relikt zbieractwa (znany tylko na terenach słowiańskich) zanika, jak twierdzą etnobotanicy, w XIX wieku wraz z intensywnym osuszaniem terenów podmokłych. Autor tekstu, opierając się na historii ustnej z kręgu rodziny, dotyczącej wsi leżącej na mokradłach nad Bzurą, przypuszcza, że zbieractwo manny było tam praktykowane nadal w latach trzydziestych XX wieku. Przypadek ten daje asumpt, by, odnosząc się do obecnych w tym samym biotopie synantropijnych roślin poprzemysłowych (marzana barwierskia, Rubia tinctorum), przedyskutować ponownie pojęcie „przeżytku kulturowego” E.B. Tylora w kontekście naturokulury.

Skrwawione miasto. Uniejów i jego rejon w czasie wojny obronnej 1939 roku

W czasie wojny obronnej we wrześniu 1939 roku Uniejów i jego okolice były miejscem zaciętych walk pomiędzy oddziałami polskiej armii „Poznań” i niemieckiej 8 armii. Taktyczne znaczenie Uniejowa związane było ze znajdującą się tutaj przeprawą mostową, której utrzymanie miało kluczowe znaczenie dla wojsk polskich, maszerujących znad granicy w kierunku Warszawy. Pierwsza faza walk miała miejsce w dniach 6–7 września, gdy polski 60 pp z 25 DP uniemożliwił oddziałom 30 DP z 8 armii zdobycie i zniszczenie mostu w Uniejowie, a tym samym zapewnił bezpieczeństwo przeprawy oddziałom macierzystej armii. Uniejów był miejscem starcia wrogich sobie sił także nocą i rankiem 10 września. Oddziały kawalerii, podporządkowane armii „Poznań” i osłaniające rozpoczynającą się polską ofensywę (bitwa nad Bzurą), pod Uniejowem powstrzymały idące z odsieczą pod Łęczycę dalsze oddziały Wehrmachtu. Ułani 6 puł pokonali znajdujący się w Uniejowie oddział rozpoznawczy niemieckiej 221 DP. Intensywne walki w rejonie Uniejowa przyniosły znaczne straty wśród ludności cywilnej, zarówno mieszkańców miasta i okolicznych wsi, jak i uciekinierów w zachodnich części Polski. Niemieccy żołnierze dokonali kilku zbrodni wojennych. Autor zidentyfikował oddziały Wehrmachtu, odpowiedzialne za dokonane zbrodnie.

Restoration of a shady urban pond – The pros and cons

The Bzura-7 pond (Łódź, Poland) is a typical shallow and shady urban reservoir situated on the Bzura River that is exposed to pollutants introduced mainly by internal loads and the supply from the catchment. In 2010–2012, the following characteristics were observed in the pond: a high allochthonous input of organic matter, high concentration of ammonium, low concentration of dissolved oxygen and low diversity of zooplankton, dominated mainly by Daphnia spp. From January to June 2013, restoration measures were performed, including sediment removal, increasing light access to the pond and construction of a sequential sedimentation-biofiltration system (SSBS). The aim of the present study was to investigate how the water quality in the Bzura-7 pond was affected by the restoration process, which included reducing pollutant inflows and enhancing habitat potential, thus increasing the diversity of this ecosystem. Restoration efforts improved the chemical and physical parameters of the water. The oxygen concentration increased, and the concentrations of TN and ammonium significantly decreased. Despite the increase in pond lighting, the growth of cyanobacteria was limited. However, we observed increased abundance of green algae and diatoms but less than adequate changes in the zooplankton community structures. Although we observed a significant increase in the zooplankton species richness after restoration, this increase was related to the small-bodied groups of zooplankton, rotifers and bosminiids, characteristic of eutrophic ecosystems. In addition, a planktivorous fish – sunbleak (Leucaspius delineatus) – was identified as an unintended side effect of the restoration effort. Further conservation efforts in the Bzura-7 pond and monitoring of results are still needed.

Records on Anthropogenic Environmental Changes in Small River Valleys in the Vicinity of Łowicz (Central Poland): Their Significance for the Reconstruction of Late Holocene Settlement Tendencies

Based on palaeobotanical analyses of organic deposits, as well as geomorphological and geological studies at four sites in various geomorphological locations in relation to tributaries of the Bzura River, the presence of traces of human activity, its intensiveness, and classification to cultural levels were analysed. A pattern of later and later settlement in areas remote from the axis of the Warsaw–Berlin streamway was observed along with the gradual introduction of settlement from river valley bottoms to watershed zones.

Voltammetric determination of the herbicide propham on glassy carbon electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

This paper reports on ours study on the electrochemical oxidation of the herbicide propham (Pro) on glassy carbon electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (GCE/MWCNTs). This is a first report on this topic. We studied the effect of the supporting electrolyte, pH, frequency, amplitude, step potential, as well as the accumulation potential and accumulation time to select the optimum experimental conditions in square-wave voltammetry (SWV) and square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry (SWAdSV) determination. The best signal at about +1.33V for SWV and +1.49V for SWAdSV versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode was recorded in 0.5molL−1 sulphuric acid. The proposed method allows the determination of Pro in the concentration range of 3.00×10−6–3.86×10−5molL−1 (LOD=7.59×10−7molL−1, LOQ=2.28×10−5molL−1) for SWV and 2.00×10−6–4.78×10−5molL−1 for SWAdSV (LOD=3.65×10−7molL−1, LOQ=1.09×10−6molL−1). The developed procedure was successfully applied for the determination of Pro in spiked Bzura River water samples by the standard addition method. To understand the electrode mechanism of Pro, the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique was applied.

Ephemera danica (Ephemeroptera: Ephemeridae) As a Resource for Two Commensals: Ciliated Protozoans (Sessilida) and Chironomids (Diptera).

The distribution and coexistence of two unrelated commensals, the chironomid Epoicocladius ephemerae (Kieffer 1924) and ciliate Carchesium polypinum L. 1758, on one host species, Ephemera danica Muller 1764, sampled in two small lowland rivers in 2009, 2010 and 2011, were investigated. We analyzed 288 mayfly specimens from the Bzura River and 101 from the Mroga River. The number of commensals on a single mayfly specimen varied between 0 and 18 chironomids, and from 0 to 46 colonies of ciliates. Prevalences were >48% for chironomids and ∼30% for ciliates, whereas mean intensities were low (4.01±6.04 commensals on one host). The spatial distribution of each commensal species was investigated on different parts of the host body. Neither chironomids nor ciliates infected the whole mayfly body. The co-occurrence of these two commensals was not random and showed a negative association. Chironomids were most frequent on two or three parts of the body (two parts of the abdomen, with gills and without gills, and legs), whereas ciliates were found on two parts (the whole abdomen). Coexistence of the two commensal species led to partitioning of resources that was host body size dependent: small mayflies (optimal size 11.63 mm) were primarily settled by ciliated protozoans while larger specimens (optimal size 28.77 mm) were settled by chironomids.

Trace metal concentrations in free-ranger, tube-dweller chironomid larvae and a weakly polluted fluvial sediment

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze macroinvertebrate assemblages dominated by Chironomidae (Diptera) and to assess the protective nature of these midges’ larval tubes against trace metals in the weakly polluted Bzura River. This low order lowland river flows through the Łódź City Municipal Area and is supplied by a large amount of organic matter from ecotones and a polluted roadside. Determination of metal content in sediments and chironomid tissue and tubes was conducted using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Our study has shown that the composition of chironomid assemblages was not determined by trace metals but rather by high organic enrichment, which caused the dominance of two species representing the same trophic group − gathering collectors − but differing in behavior. One of them belongs to free-rangers (Prodiamesa olivacea), while the other (Chironomus riparius) to tube-dweller larvae. Although the accumulation of certain trace metals in the tubes was found, the larvae of both types of behavior had a similar concentration of metals in their tissues, which proves effective metal detoxification in these insects.

The influence of the ecohydrological rehabilitation in the cascade of Arturówek reservoirs in Łódź (Central Poland) on the cyanobacterial and algae blooming

Abstract The objective of the studies included a complex of three reservoirs (upper, middle and lower Arturówek) which play an important recreational role for the residents of the Łódź city and the surrounding areas. The reservoirs were constructed on the Bzura River and are located in the area of the Łódź Hills Landscape Park. The river, the ecological status of which was defined as moderate, has a great influence on the quality of water in the Arturówek reservoirs. A total of 36 planktonic samples were collected in 2011-2013 during spring, summer and autumn seasons. During the studies, the selected physical and chemical parameters were measured. In addition to taxonomic analysis of Cyanobacteria and algae, the analyses of abundance and biomass of phytoplankton and the concentration of microcystins in water were conducted. In 2013, ecohydrological rehabilitation of the Arturówek reservoirs was carried out. Investment works included: removal of the bottom sediments to reduce internal loads, construction of buffer vegetation zones (ecotones) and sedimentation-biofiltration systems to reduce the amounts of pollutants flowing into reservoirs with rainwater. Significant changes in the structure of phytoplankton were observed in 2013. Every year, the disappearance of Cyanobacterial blooms was observed in favor of an increasing contribution of algae.

Can Tolerant Diatom Taxa be Used for Effective Assessments of Human Pressure?

AbstractBecause lately the low bioindicative value of tolerant species from different taxonomic groups is often questioned, in this study, we hypothesized that tolerant diatoms may be used for effective temporal assessments of human pressure. We tested this on the lowland Bzura River in central Poland, on 156 diatom samples (DSs) from two study periods of 1972 with extremely severe point‐source water pollution and of 2002–2004, where the complex wastewater management in the river catchment improved water quality considerably. Out of the total 295 diatom species recorded in the samples, only 133 tolerant ones were included in the study. Patterns in their abundance were recognized with a Kohonen artificial neural network (self‐organizing map, SOM), whereas the species significantly associated with each SOM cluster of diatom samples were identified with the indicator value (IndVal) index and the Monte Carlo test. If the hypothesis tested was not supported, the assignation of DSs to the SOM clusters would be random. However, the separation of DSs from 1972 and 2002–2004 was almost perfect because the number of exceptions was as low as 4.5%. In addition, the relatively high number (64 out of 133) of tolerant species significantly associated with any SOM cluster (and respective environmental conditions at sites from which samples assigned to it come) supports the hypothesis tested. This means that almost half of the studied species are not evenly distributed in particular clusters as might be expected for highly tolerant species. The study proves that the abundances of many diatom species, currently classified as tolerant, carry quite precise information on the differences in the quality of the environment, and indicates those tolerant diatom species whose bioindicative potential may be highest. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Floodplain forest vegetation response to hydroengineering and climatic pressure – A five decade comparative analysis in the Bzura River valley (Central Poland)

Floodplain forests are specific, dynamic forest ecosystems rich in species, sited in river valleys. Their quality and existence depends on the flooding regime of the river. In the Bzura River valley (Vistula tributary, Poland) these forests have been subject to human impact by deforestation and melioration. Since 1823, the Bzura River bed has been deepened and straightened, and approximately over 250km of small drainage ditches have been dug in the river valley. Consequentially, the river water level has significantly decreased. The aim of the study was to identify patterns in the response of vegetation to the overall pressure of climate change and anthropogenic modifications of the river valley. A total of 50 samples of riparian forest vegetation from the 1960s and 2011 were classified by two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN). Indicator plant species for the TWINSPAN groups were identified with an indicator value (IndVal) index. Changes were found to have occurred in the vegetation of the alder carr forest Ribeso nigri-Alnetum. An increase in therophyte coverage and the appearance of invasive species (Bidens frondosa, Conyza canadensis, Echinocystis lobata and Oxalis fontana) were recorded. In addition, a substitute community of alder with clear traces of desiccation (Poo trivialis-Alnetum) has been reinforced. Of the ecological indicators (Ellenberg’s values) for light, nitrogen and moisture requirements, the last significantly decreased between 1960s and 2011. The progressive drying of the Ribeso nigri-Alnetum community is expected to facilitate further changes in the riparian forests.

Records on Anthropogenic Environmental Changes in Small River Valleys in the Vicinity of Łowicz (Central Poland): Their Significance for the Reconstruction of Late Holocene Settlement Tendencies

Abstract Based on palaeobotanical analyses of organic deposits, as well as geomorphological and geological studies at four sites in various geomorphological locations in relation to tributaries of the Bzura River, the presence of traces of human activity, its intensiveness, and classification to cultural levels were analysed. A pattern of later and later settlement in areas remote from the axis of the Warsaw-Berlin streamway was observed along with the gradual introduction of settlement from river valley bottoms to watershed zones.

Demonstration of the Bzura River restoration using diatom indices

The quality of running waters is reflected in the composition of benthic diatom assemblages. The biological assessment of changes in the composition, and thus of changes in water quality, was carried out in the lowland mid-sized Bzura River, Central Poland, over the period of 30 years. The benthic diatom material consisted of samples collected in two investigation periods, in 1972 and in 2003–2004. The methods applied were three diatom indices, IPS — Specific Pollution Sensitivity Index, GDI — Genetic Diatom Index and TDI —Trophic Diatom Index, and the OMNIDIA computer program, which are commonly used in Europe. The aim of the study was demonstrating the process of restoration that occurred in the river. The Bzura was included to the most polluted ones in Poland till 1996. Since 1998 a gradual improvement in water quality has been observed, which is caused by a number of biological-technical measures, mostly a proper organization of sewage management in most cites located on the river. In 1972 the IPS classified Bzura water into Water Quality Class IV-V, while in 2003–2004 it reached much higher values, i.e. Class III–IV. On the basis of the GDI Class III was determined in the whole river in 2003–2004, while its values indicated Class III–IV in 1972. The trophic index, TDI attributed Bzura water to the eutrophic to hypereutrophic zone in 2003–2004, and to one degree better water, i.e. from the mesoeutrophic to eutrophic zone, in 1972.

The use of benthic diatoms in estimating water quality of variously polluted rivers

Abstract Two rivers situated in Central Poland, the Bzura and the Pilica, were selected for analysis of their water quality using benthic diatom species as indicators. The Bzura River has previously been strongly contaminated with organic pollutants, while the Pilica River has been classified as having good water quality. Samples were collected from nine sites along the Bzura in April 2003 and seven sites along the Pilica in April 2006. The main aims of the study were to determine the dominant diatom species present in the rivers and to assess their usefulness as biological indicators. Water quality of the rivers was estimated on the basis of the SPI - Specific Pollution sensitivity Index (CEMAGREF 1982) and the GDI - Generic Diatom Index (Coste, Ayphassorho 1991) while trophic status was estimated using TDI - Trophic Diatom Index (Kelly, Whitton 1995). Indices determining saprobic water pollution (SPI, GDI) indicated water quality of class III and IV for the Bzura River and class II and III for the Pilica River. The trophic status determined on the basis of the TDI index revealed the Bzura water to be classified in the eutrophic-to-hypertrophic zone and that of the Pilica River to the oligo-mesotrophic-to-eutrophic zone. The diatom taxa that dominated in the Bzura River were species that are generally considered to be tolerant and resistant with respect to organic water pollution, including: Cyclotella meneghiniana Kützing, Gomphonema parvulum (Kützing) Kützing, Nitzschia palea (Kützing) W. Smith, Nitzschia paleacea Grunow, Sellaphora pupula (Kützing) Mereschkovsky, Stephanodiscus hantzschii Grunow, Ulnaria ulna (Nitzsch) Compere. In the Pilica River diatoms from groups that are sensitive and tolerant to organic pollution were seen to dominate, such as: Achnanthidium minutissimum (Kützing) Czarnecki, Aulacoseira granulata (Ehrenberg) Simonsen, Cocconeis neodiminuta Krammer, Cocconeis placentula Ehrenberg, Cocconeis placuntula var. lineata (Ehrenberg) Grunow, Cyclotella radiosa (Grunow) Lemmermann, Fragilaria crotonensis Kitton, Geissleria decussis (Øestrup) Lange-Bertalot et Metzeltin, Melosira varians Agardh, Navicula reichardtiana Lange-Bertalot, Planothidium frequentissimum (Lange-Bertalot) Lange-Bertalot, Pseudostaurosira brevistriata (Grunow) Williams & Round, Rhoicosphenia abbreviata (Agardh) Lange-Bertalot and Staurosira pinnata Ehrenberg.

The inflow of polonium 210Po from Vistula river catchments area

The activities of polonium 210Po in Vistula unfiltered water samples, collected from November 2002 to November 2003, were measured using the alpha spectrometry. In winter, the highest concentration of 210Po was in Vistula river water from Toruń (2.72 ± 0.04 Bq·m−3) and from the Wieprz river (5.46 ± 0.07 Bq·m−3 [Bequerel per cubic metre]), and the lowest was in water from Nida river (0.59 ± 0.02 Bq·m−3). During spring, the highest concentration of 210Po was observed in Vistula water collected in Dęblin (5.98 ± 0.03 Bq·m−3) and the lowest in water from the Narew river (1.20 ± 0.12 Bq·m−3). In summer, the highest concentration of 210Po was in Nogat river water collected in Malbork (3.18 ± 0.04 Bq·m−3) and the Bzura river (5.30 ± 0.02 Bq·m−3), the lowest in Wieprz river (0.49 ± 0.09 Bq·m−3) and Vistula river water from Kraków (1.44 ± 0.05 Bq·m−3). In autumn, the highest 210Po concentration was in Bzura river (8.93 ± 0.03 Bq·m−3), the lowest in Vistula water from Grudziądz (1.51 ± 0.04 Bq·m−3), and Toruń (1.89 ± 0.05 Bq·m−3). The highest quantity of 210Po was transported from Vistula catchments area to the Baltic Sea in spring and the lowest in summer. Annually, the southern Baltic Sea is enriched by about 73.7 GBq 210Po (with Leniwka and Nogat rivers), with 71.6 GBq going to Gdańsk Bay and 2.1 GBq to Vistula Lagoon. The highest surface 210Po runoff was observed in spring (to 1370 kBq·km−2·quarter−1 for Dunajec catchment's area), the lowest in summer (for Nida catchment's area to 100 kBq·km−2·quarter−1).

Tool-kits and Burial Rites: The Case of the Janisławice Mesolithic Grave

In the autumn of 1936, a prehistoric grave was discovered near the village of Janislawice, Skierniewice Voievodom, central Poland, by two local farmers whilst digging for gravel. The grave was located on the north bank of the Lupia River (a tributary of the Bzura River), 13m above the river valley and 159 m above OD. It was dug into gravelly-sandy fluvioglacial deposits of the penultimate glaciation, on the slope of a kame hill (fig. 1). Although the grave was partially damaged in the discovery, in April of the following year the site was investigated by K. Jazdzewski, from the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw. A stratigraphic sequence was recorded, and the skeleton and a variety of grave goods were excavated.The single skeleton had been placed in a sitting position, the legs outstretched and the back leaning against the wall of the grave pit. Red ochre powder was also probably present in small quantities in the fill. The skeleton was that of a man, aged about 30, having a ‘robust’ build and showing craniometrical similarities to modern Lapp populations (Steslicka-Mydlarska 1954).