Ecosystems In Poland Research Articles

First molecular identification of Haemonchus contortus (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae), a blood-sucking gastric nematode of artiodactyles, in the ground beetle Carabus granulatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae).

Among gastrointestinal nematodes, Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi) Cobb (order Strongylidae; family Trichostrongylidae) is one of pathogenic and economic importance in domestic and wild ruminants, including the European bison, Bison bonasus Linnaeus (order Cetartiodactyla; family Bovidae); a species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Carabus granulatus Linnaeus (order Coleoptera; family Carabidae) is one of the most prevalent species of ground beetle, inhabiting a wide range of terrestrial ecosystems in Poland. Twenty-six ground beetles of this species inhabiting the Białowieża Primeval Forest in eastern Poland were screened for the presence of DNA of pathogenic gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants. Extracted DNA was sequenced and compared to reference sequences. In six insects, the presence of H. contortus DNA was detected. The obtained nucleotide sequences were homologous to each other and to the majority of the published DNA sequences of H. contortus isolates. The sequences were also identical to a sequence of H. contortus isolated from European bison in Poland. The study provides the first molecular evidence of the presence of H. contortus DNA in C. granulatus. The finding suggests that ground beetles may play a role in the transmission dynamics of this parasite.

The spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements in the mountain forest topsoils (the Silesian Beskids, southern Poland)

Progressive industrialisation and urbanisation in recent decades have dramatically affected the soil cover and led to significant changes in its properties, which inevitably affect the functioning of other components of the forest ecosystems. The total content of Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni, As, and Hg was studied in twenty-five plots at different heights in the topsoil (organic and humus horizons) formed from the Carpathian flysch in the area of the Silesian Beskids (Western Carpathians). The aim of this article is to analyse the spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements in the mountain forest topsoil in different types of plant communities and to determine the relationship between altitude and potentially toxic elements contamination. The soils studied are acidic or very acidic, with an average range of 3.8 (H2O) and 2.9 (KCl). Concentrations of the metals Cd, Zn, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Hg on the plots that were analysed are within the range of permissible standards for forest ecosystems in Poland, while Pb and As exceed the permissible standards for this type of ecosystem. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient showed a high correlation between Fe–Cr (r(32) = 0.879, Pb-Hg r(32) = 0.772, Ni–Cr r(32) = 0.738, Zn-Cd r(32) = 0.734, and Cu-Hg r(32) = 0.743, and a moderate statistically significant positive correlation between Cu-Pb r(32) = 0.667 and As-Pb r(32) = 0.557. No correlation was found between altitude and the occurrence of potentially toxic elements. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) index, on the other hand, indicates that Pb, As, and Cd have the highest impact on soil contamination in all study plots: it classifies soils from moderately to strongly polluted. The enrichment factor (EF) obtained for As and Hg indicates significant-to-very high enrichment in all areas studied. The potential ecological risk index (PLI) calculated for the sites indicates the existence of pollution in all areas examined. The highest risk categories (considerable to very high) are associated with cadmium and mercury.

Green filming in Poland. An interplay between necessity, environmental responsibility and green incentives

The objective of this paper is to explore the sustainable management approach in film production by examining tangible green film policy solutions in Poland. Specifically, the article contributes to mapping the green film ecosystem in Poland. First, it points to different green screen practices, showing actions that promote an environmentally sustainable approach to film production. Second, it examines the challenges associated with implementing green film production in Poland, considering the conditions necessary for transforming film production into an ecological production framework.

Tropical red alga <italic>Compsopogon caeruleus</italic>: an indicator of thermally polluted waters of Europe in the context of temperature and oxygen requirements

The red alga Compsopogon caeruleus can generally be found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. In addition to its natural habitats, this species may be found in waters that receive abnormally hot water, e.g., from powerhouses. To date, the presence of C. caeruleus has not been observed in thermally polluted lacustrine ecosystems in Poland, which has a moderate climate. The thalli of this red alga were found growing on Vallisneria spiralis in Licheńskie Lake. Importantly, this paper presents a previously unknown relationship between the temperature (20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°C) and oxygen requirements of C. caeruleus (based on ex situ measurements of O<sub>2 </sub>consumption by thalli). Surprisingly, 35°C can be the optimum temperature for C. caeruleus, and this temperature is higher than the values reported by some previous thermal analyses by approximately 10°C. Additionally, we reviewed and mapped the distribution of this nonnative and mesophilic red alga in natural / seminatural water ecosystems in Europe. Finally, we propose that the occurrence of C. caeruleus mature thalli can be a novel, simple and easy-to-recognize bioindicator of artificially and permanently heated waters in moderate climate zones by a regular discharge of postindustrial water.

Political and Historical Determinants of the Differentiation of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems of Agritourism in Poland and Kazakhstan

(1) Background: In the context of differences among countries developing pre-entrepreneurship ecosystems in relation to agritourism, the need to define the specific challenges and facilitators in the group of post-communist countries is recognised. Given that, we aim to examine the differences between the countries belonging to the former USSR and the satellite countries of the former USSR. (2) Methods: For the realisation of the intended objective, we analysed studies of the literature on the subject, in terms of the theoretical treatment of the entrepreneurial eco-system in the field of agritourism, and current legal acts. Our own observations from stays in the regions in question were also used, along with statistical methods concerning the density of the transport network, comparative analysis of historical and political conditions, and SWOT analysis. (3) Results: Substantial differences were found between the components of the agritourism entrepreneurship ecosystem in Poland and Kazakhstan, primarily related to the level of transport infrastructure density (satisfactory in West Pomeranian Voivodeship, insufficient in North Kazakhstan), tradition of individual farming (well established in Poland, poorly present in Kazakhstan), support for agritourism development by central and local authorities (relatively high in Poland, incidental and with a short history in Kazakhstan), and finally, differences in the target group of agritourism service recipients (stable in Poland, undefined in Kazakhstan). (4) Conclusions: The research leads to the conclusion of the heterogeneity of the determinants of the development of the agritourism entrepreneurship ecosystem in countries collectively defined as post-communist. There are clearly different challenges and facilitations resulting not so much from the past political system as from the ethnic-historical considerations, the position of agriculture in the economy, and the degree and effectiveness of the involvement of administrative authorities in the development of agritourism. The study leads to a recommendation on the need for more efficient targeting of agritourism consumers abroad.

Geosmithia associated with hardwood-infesting bark and ambrosia beetles, with the description of three new species from Poland.

Geosmithia species (Hypocreales, Ascomycota) are associates of bark beetles and other arthropods. One species, Geosmithia morbida, is a virulent tree pathogen of Juglans nigra. To date, 10 Geosmithia spp. from conifer-infesting, and at least 23 species from hardwood associated bark beetles have been reported from Europe. The aim of this study was to survey Geosmithia spp. associated with 18 bark and ambrosia beetle species in hardwood ecosystems in Poland. In addition, we evaluated the pathogenicity of the six Geosmithia species by inoculating Acer, Fagus, Quercus, Tilia and Ulmus seedlings. Our surveys yielded a total of 1060 isolates from 2915 beetles and 1887 galleries. We identified isolates using morphology and ITS, β-tubulin and TEF1-α sequences. Altogether we identified 11 species including nine previously known and two new species described here as Geosmithia fagi sp. nov. and G. pazoutovae sp. nov. In addition, a sister species G. longistipitata sp. nov., associated with Picea trees, is described here. Bark beetles from hardwoods, with exeption of Dryocoetes alni, D. villosus, Scolytus ratzeburgi and ambrosia beetles, appear to be regular vectors of Geosmithia spp. Like in other parts of the world, most Geosmithia taxa exhibited a distinct level of vector/host specificity. None of Geosmithia isolates induced any disease symptoms under the conditions of our experiment. This study highlights the need for more intensive surveys across additional areas of Central and Northern Europe, insect vectors and host tree species in order to elucidate the Geosmithia species diversity in this region.

Evaluating Business Accelerator Participants’ Experiences: Effectuation at Play?1

Responding to the new phenomena in entrepreneurship ecosystems in Poland, the author undertakes the study that aims to explore experiences of the participants of (pre)accelerator programme for start-ups. Clipster is a business acceleration and incubation programme, where participants have a unique co-living opportunity and work on their new venture ideas. With phenomenological interviews with six nascent entrepreneurs – participants working on their new venture ideas andemployment of inductive research approach, the author uses grounded theory analysis methods. The results provide 4 key categories that reflect effectuation heuristics. The findings contribute to acceleration and incubation literature by providing insights into the interactive and dynamic nature on the micro level of individual and interpersonal behaviours and processes among the programme participants.

Źródła finansowania startupów w Polsce

The aim of the research is to identify startup characteristics and to determine the relationship between the development phase of these entities and the sources of their financing and the empirical verification of the identified dependencies in the conditions of creation and development of startups in Poland. Source of empirical data were the following publications and reports: Startup Poland Foundation, Diagnosis of the start-up ecosystem in Poland, Small and Medium Enterprises (PeKaO SA) Reports, European Startup Monitor 2015. The research was based on the assumption that startups in Poland, regardless of the development phase, are mainly funded by the founders’ capital. Studies have shown that there is no uniform approach to defining a startup. Most often, the term refers to such features as innovation, high growth potential and a period of market activity less than 10 years. The startup life cycle includes various phases of development. They influence the selection of funding sources that can be divided into classical and alternative. The first of these include the founding capital, bootstrapping and so-called FFF. Alternative sources of funding include crowdfunding, business angels, and venture capital. In Poland, the startups are financed mainly by the founders’ capital. They make little use of alternative sources of financing.

CO2 Fluxes from Different Vegetation Communities on a Peatland Ecosystem

Although most studies find temperature, soil moisture and water table to be important environmental factors that affect peatland carbon dynamics, the role of vegetation communities has been investigated less. Therefore, this study investigates whether peatland ecosystems produce heterogeneous CO2 fluxes due to differences in vegetation community. In addition, the study also examines which major environmental factors influence this vegetation. To achieve the aims of this study, four sites with different vegetation communities were established in a semi-natural peatland ecosystem in Poland. CO2 flux measurements were carried out using a closed dynamic chamber system. Measurement campaigns were carried out from April until December 2008, every 2–3 weeks. Measured ecosystem respiration (Reco) and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) rates showed daily and seasonal variation at all investigated sites. Reco presented a strong dependence on soil temperature at the 5 cm depth, while NEE showed a strong dependence on solar radiation. The mean temperature sensitivity (Q10) for the four sites ranged between 3.17 and 8.3. The highest NEE and Reco values were obtained at the site represented by Caricetum elatae and the lowest NEE and Reco at the site represented by Calamagrostietum neglectae.

Functional structure of algal mat (Cladophora glomerata) in a freshwater in western Poland

GAMs (Generalized Additive Models) present a growth pattern for the common filamentous algae (FA) taxa in freshwater ecosystems in Poland. Tribonema, Ulothrix taxa are an early spring species. In comparison with Rhzioclonium, Cladophora and Oedogonium taxa, the algae Zygnemataceae (e.g. Zygnema, Spirogyra) occurs in waters with lower levels of nutrients, total dissolved substances and electrical conductivity. Cladophora glomerata shows different responses to environmental gradients than C. rivularis, C. fracta. Furthermore, the algae Cladophora glomerata (Chlorophyta, Ulvophyceae) forms a thick monoalgae mat (from the surface to the bottom) in the shallow and eutrophic Lake Oporzynskie in Wielkopolska Region in Poland (Central Europe). Detailed algal mat characteristics, physical and chemical parameters of water, and pigments in thalli were measured vertically (surface, middle, bottom) and spatially (marginal and central part) in the stationary mat phase during maximal algal growth. Temperature, dissolved oxygen and PAR irradiation significantly declined as the depth of the mat increased. Water turbidity was greater in the surface layer than in deeper parts, in contrast to the concentrations of N-NO3, N-NH4 and TDS. Pigment content in the cells of C. glomerata, cell lengths and diameters of pyrenoids changed throughout the mat, from top to bottom. The obtained data were used for statistical analyses. In conclusion: dense mats of C. glomerata show a vertical stratification while the mats remain spatially homogenous. Our data suggest that mat structure be considered a biological indicator of freshwater eutrophication.

Characteristics of Cladophora and coexisting filamentous algae in relation to environmental factors in freshwater ecosystems in Poland

Abstract Potential factors affecting the occurrence of filamentous algae include the morphometry of water bodies, the type of substrate and physicochemical conditions of the habitat. This study attempts to describe the individual filamentous algae species recorded in Poland, taking into account the trophic and ecological characteristics based on our own research and available literature data. Filamentous algae attached to the substrate as well as those forming free-floating patches (loose or dense mats) and crusts occur in all types of water bodies. Among the representatives of filamentous algae species, Cladophora have the greatest time-spatial range for they grow abundantly in all types of water bodies. In other parts of Poland, Cladophora species are most common in rivers and shallow lakes. In the typical filamentous algae community, Cladophora, Spirogyra and Oedogonium occur with the highest frequency; Zygnema, Mougeotia, Microspora and Rhizoclonium are also present, but with smaller frequency. According to our studies, distribution of filamentous algae species is correlated with the eutrophic index (PO43 -, N-NO3 -, Chl a), chlorides of anthropogenic origin and TDS.

Zasoby leśne – baza surowcowa i znaczenie w agrobiznesie

The main aim of this paper was to present the possibilities of usage of wood and non-wood forest resources in agribusiness. For the purposes of this paper a broad research on the literature of the subject in natural, medical and agrarian scien ces related to the potential of usage of forest resources has been conducted. This article presents also analyses on the amount and worth of purchase of selected elements of forest ecosystem in Poland. As the research shows, the value of purchase of forest fruit between 2008 and 2012 in Poland increased more than three times and the purchase of mushrooms increased almost two times. Altogether between 2008 and 2012 56,212 tons of forest fruits and 24,507 of mushrooms were purchased. The amount of purchase of forestry products in Poland is characterized by a signifi cant spatial differentiation. Analyses of spatial differentiation of the purchase of mushroom purchase in Poland between 2008 and 2012 showed that the majority of volume in this period came from suppliers located in Wielkopolskie voivodeship.

Occurrence of West Nile virus antibodies in wild birds, horses, and humans in Poland.

Serum samples of 474 wild birds, 378 horses, and 42 humans with meningitis and lymphocytic meningitis were collected between 2010 and 2014 from different areas of Poland. West Nile virus (WNV) antibodies were detected using competition enzyme linked immunosorbent assays: ELISA-1 ID Screen West Nile Competition, IDvet, ELISA-2 ID Screen West Nile IgM Capture, and ELISA-3 Ingezim West Nile Compac. The antibodies were found in 63 (13.29%) out of 474 wild bird serum samples and in one (0.26%) out of 378 horse serum samples. Fourteen (33.33%) out of 42 sera from patients were positive against WNV antigen and one serum was doubtful. Positive samples obtained in birds were next retested with virus microneutralisation test to confirm positive results and cross-reactions with other antigens of the Japanese encephalitis complex. We suspect that positive serological results in humans, birds, and horses indicate that WNV can be somehow closely related with the ecosystem in Poland.

Postglacial shifts in lake trophic status based on a multiproxy study of a humic lake

The long-term development of a humic lake ecosystem in Poland was investigated via palaeoecological analyses of age-dated sediment cores. Peat and lacustrine deposit records spanning approximately 12,000 years of lake history were analysed with regard to palynomorphs, plant macrofossils, degree of peat decomposition, Cladocera and geochemistry. Our study demonstrated the difficulty of classifying sediments deposited in humic lakes. We considered it inadequate to classify dy sediment exclusively using macroscopic criteria in the absence of geochemical parameters. Our study of the palaeoecology of the humic lake suggested three primary shifts in its trophic status: from oligotrophy to mesotrophy (Allerød-Boreal), to eutrophy (Atlantic), and to humotrophy (from the Sub-Boreal to the present). The results indicated that shifts in the trophic status occurred in response to climatic changes and factors linked to the catchment. The transformation from a clearwater lake of high trophic status to a humic lake was possible, such that the latter may originate not only from an oligotrophic lake. As a result of our pioneering study, we determined that a humic water body may even develop because of transformation of a eutrophic lake.

Estimation of carbon sequestration by pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) ecosystems developed on reforested post-mining sites in Poland on differing mine soil substrates

This paper presents an estimation of C-sequestration and relationships between vegetation biomass and reclaimed mine soils in pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) ecosystems in Poland. The study sites were arranged on 8 different geologic/mine soil substrates on waste dumps and surface mine spoils associated with open-cast lignite, sulfur, sand, and hard coal mine spoils. We combined soil and plant biomass data for C and other parameters via a range of site-specific measurements and lab analyses of soil and plant materials for these sites and coupled them with previously derived empirical formulae for biomass estimation. Based on this, we estimated the potential for C-sequestration in post-mining ecosystems and associated internal relationships between soil and plant C-sequestration. Our results indicate significant potentials for development of total ecosystem C stocks (taken as total aboveground biomass+soil+roots) of approximately 50MgCha−1 for even the most oligotrophic habitats in Quaternary sand mine spoils and over 102MgCha−1 for spoil heaps on a sulfur mine in mixed Quaternary sands and Tertiary formation clays, both of which were similar to C stocks in adjacent natural forest pine ecosystems. Litter layer C stocks ranged from 5.9 to 12.7MgCha−1 and total soil C stocks (litter+soil organic carbon (SOC) ranged from 16.8 to 65.0MgCha−1. However, on coal refuse wastes, total soil C stocks were above 2900MgCha−1, which was derived primarily from fossil C. The estimated annual soil C-sequestration rate (in litter+SOC) ranged from 0.7MgCha−1yr−1 to 5.2MgCha−1yr−1 for the 8 sites in this study. Associated C-sequestration rates in organic horizon (litter Oi+Oe) were estimated between ∼0.2 and 0.8MgCha−1yr−1. The estimated range of total annual C-sequestration in post-mine ecosystems (taken as SOC+vegetation biomass across all four mine sites) of this region is 1.6–5.6MgCha−1yr−1.

The invasion and expansion of three North American species of goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L. sensu lato. S. gigantea Ait. and S. graminifolia (L ) Salisb) in Poland

The geographical distributions of three adventive species of North American goldenrods (<em>S. canadensis</em> L. s.l., <em>S. gigantea</em> Ait. and S. <em>graminifolin</em> (L.) Salisb.) throughout Poland are presented. The history of escape, initial establishent and subsequent spread are documented on the basis of almost 1400 herbarium collections and site records of the authors. Of the three species <em>S. gigantea</em> is the most aggressive <em>S. cunadensis</em> has continued to spread vigorously. but <em>S. graminifolia</em> has barely moved beyond its initial area of establishment. The first two species occur essentially throughout Poland. having expanded from centers in southwestern Poland in the decade between 1840 to 1850. Both of these plants are spreading rapidly and producing vigorous populations which thrive in disturbed and semi-disturbed environments and <em>S. gigantea</em> seems to have now attained the capability of invading stabilized habitats and communities. They are in the process of becoming a serious threat to many natural environments and ecosystems in Poland.

Developmental Changes in the Historical and Present-Day Trophic Status of Brown Water Lakes. Are Humic Water Bodies a Uniform Aquatic Ecosystem?

The long-term development of three humic lake ecosystems in Poland was investigated through palaeoecological analyses of sediment cores. These wetland records spanning the Holocene were analyzed for plant macroremains, degree of peat decomposition, sediment geochemistry along with radiocarbon dating. Morphological characteristics of the catchments and data on contemporary water quality and management approaches were integrated. Our research on the palaeoecology of humic lakes suggests two main states: humic and eutrophic-humic. Of the lakes studied, only one consistently presented features typical of the humic type. The other two showed various states, and dynamic patterns of transformation. The results indicate that these systems can change from humic to eutrophic-humic, and back again, in response to catchment-linked factors, climatic change and human impact. Thus determination of uniform pattern in the development of humic lakes is questionable. This suggests that a reassessment of brown water lakes is necessary.

Calculation of Sulphur and Nitrogen Deposition with the Frame Model and Assessment of the Exceedance of Critical Loads in Poland

Abstract Sulphur and nitrogen deposition were calculated with the FRAME model and used to assess the exceedances of the critical loads for acidification and eutrophication of natural ecosystems in Poland. For the first time two tools: the FRAME and SONOX models were used jointly to provide information on ecosystems at risk. The FRAME model obtained close agreement with available sulphur and nitrogen wet deposition measurements. The total mass of sulphur deposited in Poland in year 2008 was estimated as 292 Gg S. Total deposition of nitrogen (oxidized + reduced) is 389 Gg N. 11% of the ecosystems in Poland were calculated to be at risk of acidification due to deposition of sulphur and nitrogen. In the case of eutrophication, over 95% of terrestrial ecosystems are at risk due to the large deposition of nitrogen compounds.

Mercury in Different Feather Types from Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo L.) Inhabiting the Vistula Lagoon Ecosystem in Poland

Total mercury levels in different feather types (down, contour, tail and flight) in Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo L.) were determined using CV-AAS. Feathers from Great Cormorants inhabiting the Vistula Lagoon ecosystem have an average Hg level of 7.14 ± 3.99 (μg/g w.w.). Age-dependent concentrations of Hg were statistically significant (ANOVA Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.0001). There were also significant differences in Hg levels in different parts of feathers from adults and immature birds (ANOVA Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.0001). Cormorant chick feathers appear to be a potential biomonitor of Hg pollution in the Vistula Lagoon ecosystem, but this subject requires further research.

Alien &lt;i&gt;Sinanodonta woodiana&lt;/i&gt; (Lea, 1834) and protected &lt;i&gt;Anodonta cygnea&lt;/i&gt; (Linnaeus, 1758) (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in the Spytkowice pond complex

Dead individuals of Chinese mussel Sinanodonta woodiana (Lea) were found in 2009 in the complex of fishponds in Spytkowice (S. Poland) in the Vistula River valley. Earlier records of this invasive alien species in Poland come mostly from heated waters. Its occurrence in fishponds indicates that it tolerates also colder waters; many aquatic ecosystems in Poland may be threatened with its invasion. Endangered swan mussel Anodonta cygnea (Linnaues) was found in the same fishponds. The species had not been reported from this area before and it is uncertain whether persistence of its population here is threatened by the invasion of Chinese mussel.