Polesie Lubelskie Research Articles

Rushes as a phytoindicator of a lake’s surrounding land use

Rushes belong to the group of plants commonly found in water bodies, fulfilling many important functions. However, their presence depends both on features of the immediate surroundings and morphology of the lake. At the same time, rush presence can be an indicator of important features of the surrounding habitats. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of shoreline and buffer zone development on the attributes of rushes. Indications of lake features affected the rushes most strongly. We analysed 65 lakes located in the eastern part of Poland, within the boundaries of the Łęczna-Włodawa Lake District. The multidimensional analyses identified factors that most strongly determined the development of lake rushes in Polesie Lubelskie. The presence of peat bogs, scrubland communities, and wet meadows favoured the development of rushes. Among the morphometric characteristics of lakes, the depth and frequency of water mixing were significant, as well as the trophic level of the lake. Moreover, models describing scenarios for further development of rushes were developed. They predicted that the surface area of the rushes in the lake will increase (average of 0.288 ha) when the peatlands become overgrown 1 ha, and the share of dry (drained) meadows will increase (average of 0.996 ha) in the buffer zone. The increase in the density of rushes will take place if the share of buildings and scrub communities increases both in the buffer zone and shoreline area.

Fungi inhabiting the aboveground organs of downy willow (Salix lapponum L.) and swamp willow (Salix myrtilloides L.)

The species of downy willow (<em>Salix lapponum</em>) and swamp willow (<em>Salix myrtilloides</em>) are extremely rare relicts among all members of the genus <em>Salix</em>. In Poland, they occur only in the eastern part of the Karkonosze Mountains, Masurian Lake District, and Polesie Lubelskie area. A huge threat to both species is the drainage of peat bogs and their excessive exploitation as well as diseases caused by bacteria and fungi. The present study aimed identify fungal species colonizing the aboveground organs of plants with disease symptoms and to indicate which species may pose a threat towards <em>S. lapponum</em> and <em>S. myrtilloides</em> growing under natural conditions. This research was conducted in Polesie National Park as a part of a research project by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Plant health assessments were carried out in natural habitats, while aboveground organs with disease symptoms were collected for laboratory mycological analysis. <em>Colletotrichum salicis</em> (teleomorph <em>Glomerella salicis</em>), <em>Coniothyrium concentricum</em>, <em>Cylindrosporium salicinum</em>, <em>Phomopsis</em> spp., <em>Truncatella angustata</em>, and <em>Cytospora chrysosperma</em> (teleomorph <em>Valsa sordida</em>) were the fungal species most frequently isolated from leaves and shoots of both willow species. The above-mentioned fungi are dangerous plant pathogens from the family Salicaceae. There were no obligatory parasites or monophagous pathogens on the aboveground organs of downy or swamp willow. Obligatory parasites may indicate a markedly low population of host plants in Polish conditions.

Submerged macrophytes as bioindicators of environmental conditions in shallow lakes in eastern Poland

We investigated the responses of submerged macrophytes to environmental conditions in shallow lakes to evaluate the role of macrophytes as bioindicators of water quality and anthropogenic disturbances (such as eutrophication) of shallow lake ecosystems. The studies were conducted on a group of ten shallow lakes situated on the area of Polesie Lubelskie (eastern Poland). The lakes represented five types of macrophyte communities, Chara - Stratiotes -, Myriophyllum -, Potamogeton - and Ceratophyllum -dominated. The total biomass of macrophytes and their distribution were significantly negatively correlated with the trophic status of the lake. Principal component analysis confirms the separation of the lakes with regard to trophic status and macrophyte species richness and biomass. The results of the Monte Carlo permutation test (RDA analysis) indicated the significant effect of Secchi disc depth, pH, conductivity, chlorophyll-a , P tot , P-PO4 , N-NO3 and N-NH4 on the biomass and distribution of submerged macrophytes in the lakes.

Pollen viability of Salix myrtilloides L. – an endangered species in Poland

<em>Salix myrtilloides</em> L. (swamp willow) is the most endangered species among the boreal <em>Salix</em> species in Poland. The number and size of its population have been decreasing constantly since the 1990s. The main aim of the study was to determine the viability of collected <em>S. myrtilloides</em> pollen and optimal conditions for its in vitro germination. The pollen of <em>S. myrtilloides</em> was collected from 25 male individuals from a population growing in the mid-forest peat bog Dekowina (Sobibór Landscape Park) in May 2014. Two methods were applied to estimate the viability of fresh and stored pollen: staining pollen with 2% acetocarmine solution and in vitro germinability. Various temperature (11°C, 23°C) and light conditions as well as different concentrations of glucose (1%, 2.5%, 5%, or 7.5%) were tested for the optimization of in vitro germination. We documented relatively high <em>S. myrtilloides</em> pollen viability. Pollen tube growth was found to be largely affected by both glucose content in the medium and thermal conditions during germination. Fresh pollen germinated most effectively on the medium with 2.5% glucose (stored pollen – in 5% glucose), at 23°C and in the presence of light. We conclude that pollen viability of <em>S. myrtilloides</em> does not seem to be a limiting factor for reproductive success. Moreover, the pollen is not sterile even after storage for 12 months. The <em>S. myrtilloides</em> individuals from the Dekowina peat bog produce viable pollen grains that are able to germinate and therefore it can be used to pollinate other populations present in the Polesie Lubelskie region for gene pool enrichment.

Effect of water chemistry on zooplanktonic and microbial communities across freshwater ecotones in different macrophyte-dominated shallow lakes

<p>Complex interactions between zooplankton and microbial food webs are vital to the ecosystem ecology of shallow lakes. However, little is known about how horizontal changes in environmental conditions may influence microbial and metazoan communities in shallow lakes. The specific goals of the study were i) to describe environmental variables responsible for the distribution of bacteria, flagellates, ciliates and crustaceans in an adjacent canal, ecotone and reservoir (littoral-pelagic zone) in two different types of lakes (<em>Ceratophyllum</em>-dominated and <em>Potamogeton</em>-dominated lakes); ii) to determine whether the contact zone waters differ in hydrochemical and biological terms from the waters of the canal and the open water zone; iii) and to evaluate the influence of particular macro-habitats (canal, canal/reservoir, littoral and pelagic zone) on the interactions between components of the planktonic food web. We studied four shallow, eutrophic lakes in Polesie Lubelskie (eastern Poland). The highest diversity and abundance of microorganisms and crustaceans were observed in the canal-reservoir contact zone, while the lowest values were noted in the pelagic zone. Hence, the contact zone in the investigated lakes could fulfil the function of an ecotone, distinguished by a significant increase in biodiversity, abundance, and species specificity of micro- and macroorganisms. Weak relations between food web components were found in the <em>Ceratophyllum</em>-dominated lakes, where environmental variables explained the bulk of the total variance in plankton abundance, whereas in the <em>Potamogeton</em>-dominated lakes, where environmental variables had a minor role in the total variance in plankton abundance, strong predator-prey relations were noted. Spatial structure of habitats proved to be another important factor for relationships between food web components, as our study indicated that habitat complexity can reduce negative correlations between food web components. Our study contributes to knowledge of the functioning of eutrophic lakes in the current era of increasing eutrophication caused by climate change and human activity.</p>

Stable isotope analyses revealed high seasonal dynamics in the food web structure of a peatbog

Stable isotope analysis has become a powerful tool for the study of food web structures in aquatic communities. However, there has been little recognition of the spatial and temporal variabilities of isotopes in food webs in peatbogs. Here, we investigated the structure of food web in peatbog dominated by Sphagnum mosses by analyzing: (i) density and biomass of different components of food webs; (ii) the digestive vacuole contents of Hyalosphenia papilio—the most abundant species of amoebae occurring in peatbog; (iii) the seasonal changes in the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope signatures of particular components of food web. The study was performed in the Moszne peatbog located in the western part of Polesie Lubelskie (eastern Poland). Fieldwork was done on a monthly basis from April to November 2013. The largest total biomass of microorganisms in all of the seasons was noted in testate amoebae. Algae and cyanobacteria were the second largest group of microorganisms. The feeding behaviour of H. papilio varied throughout season. Among the identified prey, the highest frequency was noted in algae, cyanobacteria and ciliates. In spring and summer, prey was dominated by phycoflora, while during the autumn period the main prey consisted of cyanobacteria and ciliates. The results of the study indicate significant seasonal variation in the level of stable isotopes in individual components (bacteria, fungi, protozoa and metazoa) of the food web of peatbog, and thus also considerable dynamics of changes between trophic levels.

Assessment of Chosen Reproductive Cycle Processes and Genetic Diversity ofSalix myrtilloidesL. in Wetlands of Polesie Lubelskie: The Prospects of Its Survival in the Region

ABSTRACT Salix myrtilloides L. is an endangered species whose western limit of range runs through Poland. The main aim of the study was to increase the knowledge on the ecology and biology of S. myrtilloides populations in the Polesie Lubelskie region (Eastern Poland) in order to create an effective protection program. An 80% decrease in its population was found in this area. Our study was conducted to identify the mechanisms responsible for the process of withdrawal of this species from its natural stands by determining whether the processes of generative reproduction (pollen viability and germinability, seed germination ability and dynamics) in the populations occur properly and by characterizing within- and among-population genetic diversity of S. myrtilloides, using ISSR (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat) primers. The results confirmed that S. myrtilloides pollen viability was high (84.17±8.67), and so were the seed germination ability (76% of the total number of sown seeds/24 h) and dynamics. The within-...

Effects of Lake Transparency on Diversity of Microhabitats for Chironomid Communities

ABSTRACT: The study investigated the effect of microhabitat (emergent/submerged macrophytes) within lakes of different status (transparent/cloudy water) on the diversity and distribution of chironomid assemblages. Field and laboratory studies were undertaken bimonthly, from January to November 2008, in two shallow lakes of Polesie Lubelskie (eastern Poland), transparent water and cloudy water lake. The main objectives of the study were to compare the density and taxonomic richness of chironomids associated with emergent and submerged macrophytes within lakes of extremely different environmental conditions and to recognize the most important variables affected chironomid distribution between microhabitats within lakes. In transparent water lake, number of chironomid taxa varied between 12 (emergent macrophytes) and 18 taxa (submerged macrophytes) and was significantly higher than in cloudy water lake, 6 and 8 taxa, respectively. Mean abundance of chironomids associated with emergent macrophytes was higher ...

Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration in Profiles of Polesie Lubelskie Peatlands

Abstract Soil respiration is a very important factor influencing carbon deposition in peat and reflecting the intensity of soil organic matter decomposition, root respiration, and the ease of transporting gases to the surface. Carbon dioxide release from three different peat soil profiles (0-80 cm) of the Polesie Lubelskie Region (Eastern Poland) was analyzed under laboratory conditions. Peat samples were incubated at 5, 10, and 20°C in aerobic and anaerobic environments, and their CO2-evolution was analyzed up to 14 days. The respiration activity was found to be in the range of 0.013-0.497 g CO2 kg-1 DW d-1. The respiratory quotient was estimated to be in the range of 0.51-1.51, and the difference in respiration rates over 10°C ranged between 4.15 and 8.72 in aerobic and from 1.15 to 6.53 in anaerobic conditions. A strong influence of temperature, depth, the degree of peat decomposition, pH, and nitrate content on respiration activity was found. Lack of oxygen at low temperature caused higher respiration activity than under aerobic conditions. These results should be taken into account when the management of Polish peatlands is considered in the context of climate and carbon storage, and physicochemical properties of soil in relation to soil respiration activity are considered.

Population resources of an endangered species Salix lapponum L. in Polesie Lubelskie Region (eastern Poland)

This research, carried out in the years 2011–2013, aimed to evaluate <em>Salix lapponum</em> stands in the peat bogs of Polesie Lubelskie Region as well as to determine the condition of the population and the changes that have taken place since the 1950’s. An inventory carried out in 25 stands of <em>S. lapponum </em>known from the literature shows that the number of its stands has decreased by 80% in Polesie Lubelskie Region. In all the confirmed locations, a decrease in population numbers was also found in relation to the data known from the literature since the 1950’s. In the majority of the population locations that were considered to be extinct, there were no significant changes in habitat conditions, and ecological succession and changes in hydrological conditions could have been the cause of habitat changes only at a few sites. In the light of the study, the preservation of the <em>S. lapponum </em>population in Polesie Lubelskie seems to be impossible if appropriate active conservation measures are not taken immediately. Because area-based conservation, which covers most of the habitats of the studied species, does not bring the expected results, the possibility of <em>ex situ</em> conservation and enlargement of the populations existing in the natural environment in peat bog ecosystems in Polesie should be explored.

Effect of substrate on periphyton communities and relationships among food web components in shallow hypertrophic lake

We studied the role of natural (common reed) and artificial substrata (bamboo) in structuring the abundance and taxonomic composition of periphyton assemblages. Investigations were conducted in a shallow, hypertrophic lake situated in the area of Polesie Lubelskie (Eastern Poland). Periphyton communities (algae, ciliates, small metazoa and chironomids) on both types of substratum were sampled monthly, from May to November of 2007. Water samples for chemical analysis were collected together with biological samples. We selected the group of ten environmental variables which are the most important in determining the habitat conditions in highly eutrophic lakes: temperature, Secchi disc visibility, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, periphytic chlorophyll-a, N-NO3, N-NH4, TP, P-PO4 and total organic carbon (TOC). The abundances of periphytic algae, ciliates, metazoa and chironomids were significantly affected by season and substrate. On natural substrata, in all studied months, periphyton communities showed higher abundances. The results of PCA analysis confirmed the distinction between periphyton communities on natural and artificial substrata. The Monte Carlo permutation test showed that the periphyton communities on common reed were the most significantly affected by temperature, N-NO3, Secchi disc visibility and TOC. The communities on artificial substrata were significantly influenced by temperature, P-PO4 and TOC. On natural substrata biomass of periphytic algae was significantly negatively correlated with abundances of all groups of potential grazers (ciliates, metazoa, chironomids). On artificial substrata the relations between components of periphytic food web were stronger; correlation coefficients between algae, protists and chironomids were significant at P<0.01. The results of analysis indicate that periphytic algae can play an important role as food source for higher trophic levels. These interactions are less significant on natural (reed) substrata, where algae during their growth may use nutrients releasing by plants. On inert substrata intensive feeding activity of grazers (ciliates, metazoan, chironomids) can markedly reduce algal biomass and affect their taxonomic composition.

Effect of substrate on periphyton communities and relationships among food web components in shallow hypertrophic lake

We studied the role of natural (common reed) and artificial substrata (bamboo) in structuring the abundance and taxonomic composition of periphyton assemblages. Investigations were conducted in a shallow, hypertrophic lake situated in the area of Polesie Lubelskie (Eastern Poland). Periphyton communities (algae, ciliates, small metazoa and chironomids) on both types of substratum were sampled monthly, from May to November of 2007. Water samples for chemical analysis were collected together with biological samples. We selected the group of ten environmental variables which are the most important in determining the habitat conditions in highly eutrophic lakes: temperature, Secchi disc visibility, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, periphytic chlorophyll-a, N-NO3, N-NH4, TP, P-PO4 and total organic carbon (TOC). The abundances of periphytic algae, ciliates, metazoa and chironomids were significantly affected by season and substrate. On natural substrata, in all studied months, periphyton communities showed higher abundances. The results of PCA analysis confirmed the distinction between periphyton communities on natural and artificial substrata. The Monte Carlo permutation test showed that the periphyton communities on common reed were the most significantly affected by temperature, N-NO3, Secchi disc visibility and TOC. The communities on artificial substrata were significantly influenced by temperature, P-PO4 and TOC. On natural substrata biomass of periphytic algae was significantly negatively correlated with abundances of all groups of potential grazers (ciliates, metazoa, chironomids). On artificial substrata the relations between components of periphytic food web were stronger; correlation coefficients between algae, protists and chironomids were significant at P<0.01. The results of analysis indicate that periphytic algae can play an important role as food source for higher trophic levels. These interactions are less significant on natural (reed) substrata, where algae during their growth may use nutrients releasing by plants. On inert substrata intensive feeding activity of grazers (ciliates, metazoan, chironomids) can markedly reduce algal biomass and affect their taxonomic composition.

Comparison of gastrotrich fauna on elodeids and in bottom sediments of lakes of different trophic status (the region Polesie Lubelskie, Eastern Poland)

Abstract Species diversity of gastrotrich communities on elodeids and in bottom sediments of lakes of different trophic status was compared. Thirty-eight species of Gastrotricha (34 in bottom sediment and 21 on elodeids) were found, which belong to the only family of Chaetonotidae Zelinka, 1889. Species diversity of both habitats was reflected in the diversity indices ranging from 2.02 (a dystrophic lake) to 2.67 (a strongly eutrophic lake) for bottom sediment, and from 2.01 (a mesotrophic lake) to 2.54 (a strongly eutrophic lake) for elodeids. The similarity of gastrotrich fauna from the two habitats was low, and varied from 17% (a mesotrophic lake) to 38% (a strongly eutrophic lake). Low similarity of elodeid fauna from lakes of different trophic status was also found, in spite of similar plant species composition. The lowest similarity in elodeid fauna (23%) was recorded for dystrophic and mesotrophic lakes, whereas the highest one (68%) was observed for eutrophic and strongly eutrophic lakes. That allows to conclude that the diversity of epiphytic fauna is affected by trophic status rather than by vegetation type. The comparison of the gastrotrich fauna from elodeids and bottom sediments in lakes of different trophic status provides additional autoecological characteristics of Heterolepidoderma ocellatum (Mečnikow, 1865) and allows to recognize this species as belonging to a group of species closely related to macrophytes.

Epiphytic chironomids on rigid hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum L.) - the relation between the community structure and lake status

Abstract Studies on the role of Ceratophyllum demersum L. as a substratum for epiphytic midges in relation to lake status were conducted within two shallow polymictic lakes of Polesie Lubelskie. Lake Skomielno is classified as macrophyte dominated (MD), clear water state and Lake Syczyńskie represents phytoplankton dominated (PD), turbid water state. The results demonstrated that lake status is a determinant of community composition of epiphytic chironomids. Both species richness and abundance showed significantly higher values in the macrophyte dominated lake. The studied ecosystems differ in the composition of dominant chironomid taxa. In the clear state lake, the group of dominants included four taxa: Psectrocladius sp. (gr. sordidellus), Glyptotendipes sp., Ablabesmyia phatta and Paratanytarsus austriacus, the contribution of which changed during the studied months. In the turbid state lake two midge taxa dominated: Cricotopus sp. (gr. sylvestris) and Endochironomus albipennis. The CCA ordination showed the important differences between the studied lake types. In the MD lake, four environmental factors (temperature, chlorophyll-a, total P, P-PO4) influenced mostly the distribution and composition of epiphytic chironomids. In the MD lake, five variables (periphyton biomass, total suspension, N-NH4, total P, pH) affected the structure of midges.

Evaluation of the hydrological role of wetlands in the Włodawka River catchment (Polesie Lubelskie)

Evaluation of the hydrological role of wetlands in the Włodawka River catchment (Polesie Lubelskie) The Włodawka River catchment of an area of 725 km2 covers the central and eastern part of the Łęczna-Włodawa Lake District. Evaluation of the role of hydrogenic areas in runoff creation was based on materials of the Department of Hydrography and the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management data. The analysis was conducted for selected catchments in which additional hydrometric measurements and water quality tests were done. Such parameters as: the share of hydrogenic surfaces in total catchment area, types of wetlands, their hypsometric location and position with reference to drainage streams were taken into consideration for evaluation. The degree of anthropogenic transformation of the marshland was expressed in terms of density and depth of the drainage ditches that dissect it. It was found that the drained gyttja of Krowie Bagno plays a considerable role in increasing the minimum discharge. Wetlands in the Włodawka River catchment influence the conditions of the runoff and water quality, which is noticeable, primarily, in the concentration of organic carbon, and of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds.

Functioning of Hydrogenic Landscapes the Upper Włodawka River Catchment Basin

Abstract In the dissertation, I analysed two aspects of the Polesie Lubelskie landscape. The first is the historical aspect – changes in the landscape in the 19th and 20th centuries. In evaluating such changes I relied on the existing maps and relevant literature. The second aspect is the contemporary functioning of the hydrogenic landscape, changes over the course of the year or seasonal changes. This is to allow an assessment of contemporary changes in the environment. The fieldwork focuses on three components or three factors of the environment: water, soil and vegetation. The water factor is analysed by measuring oscillation of the ground water table as well as the chemical content of river and ground waters. The soil component is examined to determine distribution of various soil types in the study area. Vegetation is analysed by spatial distribution of floral assemblages. I am researching chemical features such as the levels of Ca, HCO3 −, Mg, N, P K, Fe, S, Cl, Si and pH.

Deposition Rate of Lake Sediments Under Different Alternative Stable States

Deposition Rate of Lake Sediments Under Different Alternative Stable States Sediments of five shallow lakes in Polesie Lubelskie region (Eastern Poland), representing a wide range of nutrient concentration, were dated by Pb-210 method and reliable age-depth models were constructed. These models were a base for studies of relationship between status of lake biocenoses and rate of sedimentation in the lakes. The sedimentation rate does not depend on ecological status of studied lakes. The highest mean sedimentation rate was found in phytoplankton-dominated (Lake Syczyńskie) and phytoplankton-macrophyte-dominated (Lake Sumin) lakes. Macrophyte-dominated lakes represented intermediate values of deposition rate. Lake depth, area and hydrology are more important factors controlling sedimentation rate. The sedimentation rate was rather stable or changed over the time, depending on human management in the lakes' drainage basins.

Comparative study of periphytic ciliate communities and succession on natural and artificial substrata in two shallow lakes (Eastern Poland)

The colonization and succession of periphytic ciliate communities on the natural (Phragmites australis and Typha Iatifolia) and artificial (glass slides) substrata were studied in 2 shallow lakes (Polesie Lubelskie, Eastern Poland). Sampling was done on a monthly basis from April to November 2003-2004. During each sampling occasion 6 periphton samples were collected from each type of substrata at 3 sites: the land/water contact zone, among emergent macrophytes, and at the emergent macrophytes/open water border. Irrespective of the type of substrate and trophic state, species number and densities of periphytic ciliates reached the highest value in the land/water contact zone and decreased in the direction of the area of emergent macrophytes/open water zone. In land/water contact zone, the biggest factors limiting the ciliate communities were temperature, conductivity, concentrations of total organic carbon and nutrient (Ptot and N-NH4). In turn, in the other 2 zones, the influence of chlorophyll a concentration increased.