Southwestern Poland Research Articles

Assessment of heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils in Poland using contamination indicators

Heavy metals are considered a major pollutant due to their resistance to biodegradation, toxic effects on organisms, the fact that they can persist for long periods of time in soils and translocation. So far, no comprehensive, retrospective analyses have been carried out in Poland to assess spatial and temporal changes in contamination of agricultural soils with heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Co, V) using toxicity indices. The main objectives of the present study were to comprehensively assess the status of contamination of agricultural soils in Poland with selected heavy metals based on several indicators: Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Contamination Factor (CF), Potential Ecological Risk Index (ER), Enrichment Factor (EF), Pollution Index (PI) and Nemerow Pollution Index (NPI). Multivariate statistical analysis was also carried out, including principal component analysis (PCA) and descriptive statistics presented in box plots. Analyses were conducted over a period of 25 years at 216 study points within the framework of the chemistry monitoring of Poland's arable soils. This study will provide considerable assistance in the different soil types of Poland on the basis of toxicity indices. The presented research results show the spatial and structural diversification of soil contamination with metals and can be used in practice to formulate recommendations for rational soil use and planning investment activities in the field of environmental protection. In addition, these studies may be useful in the development of planning documents, especially in the development of postindustrial areas. At the analysed points, the potential toxicity of soils in relation to heavy metals was influenced by industrial activities in southern Poland (Upper Silesia) and south-western Poland (Lower Silesia); however, these exceedances affected few points (usually 2–3 of the 216 assessed). This situation persisted at these sites throughout the study period. The dominant type of contaminated soils was cambisols and phaeozems.

TAPHONOMY OF TINY TETRAPOD TRACKS IN AN EXAMPLE FROM THE LOWER PERMIAN (CISURALIAN) SŁUPIEC FORMATION (SW POLAND)

Abstract The continental Lower Permian Słupiec Formation (the Sudetes Mountains, southwestern Poland) is well known for the occurrence of fossilized tracks of Early Permian tetrapods. Previous reports have focused on the taxonomy of tracks and their producers. The track assemblage was apparently missing the footprints of amphibians and thus such tetrapods were thought to be truly absent in the Słupiec Early Permian paleohabitat. The present paper utilizes the results of experiments and field surveys in order to test a possibility that tracks of tiny tetrapods (e.g., with body mass < 9 g), including amphibians, could be missing due to taphonomic filtration. The experimental tests were performed to investigate the following: (1) the interplay between the sizes of the penetrator (representation of trackmaker’s pes and manus) and the particles within the substrate, with emphasis on how the size interplay affects the lamina-modification mechanism, e.g., lamina-piercing by sand versus lamina compaction/displacement by sand or clay; (2) undertrack production in laminated sandy substrates by tiny tetrapods; and (3) the taphonomic impact that biofilm may have on the occurrence of tiny tetrapod tracks in clay. The results of experimental tests and the field survey suggest that tiny tetrapod tracks (e.g., amphibians) may be underrepresented in the Słupiec Formation track assemblage due to negative taphonomic filtration.

Development of regional height growth model for Scots pine using repeated airborne laser scanning data

The rapid development of remote sensing technologies is creating unprecedented opportunities for monitoring and inventorying forest ecosystems. One advantage of remote sensing data is that it can be used to monitor and measure tree growth in near real-time, providing extremely useful data for growth modelling. This study used Aerial Laser Scanning (ALS) data from 14,920 Scots pine stands for the Katowice Regional Directorate of State Forests in southwestern Poland. We tested the possibility of calibrating a regional height growth model for Scots pine for a study area covering 754 thousands of hectares of forests. The model was validated with models developed for Scots pine using the traditional approach based on field data. Our results show that the model calibrated using remote sensing data does not differ significantly from the model calibrated using traditional field measurements from stem analysis. What is more, using a model developed from ALS data gives even better accuracy in modelling height growth than a traditional model calibrated with ground data. Our results are promising for the application of repeated ALS data to the development of regional height growth models, allowing long-term prediction of tree growth under current climatic conditions.

Improving Linear Interpolation of Missing Hydrological Data by Applying Integrated Autoregressive Models

The application of linear interpolation for handling missing hydrological data is unequivocal. On one hand, such an approach offers good reconstruction in the vicinity of last observation before a no-data gap and first measurement after the gap. On the other hand, it omits irregular variability of hydrological data. Such an irregularity can be described by time series models, such as for instance the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. Herein, we propose a method which combines linear interpolation with autoregressive integrated model (ARI, i.e. ARIMA without a moving average part), named LinAR (available at GitHub), as a tool for inputing hydrological data. Linear interpolation is combined with the ARI model through linear scaling the ARI-based prediction issued for the no-data gap. Such an approach contributes to the current state of art in gap-filling methods since it removes artificial jumps between last stochastic prediction and first known observation after the gap, also introducing some irregular variability in the first part of the no-data gap. The LinAR method is applied and evaluated on hourly water level data collected between 2016 and 2021 (52,608 hourly steps) from 28 gauges strategically located within the Odra/Oder River basin in southwestern and western Poland. The data was sourced from Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (Poland). Evaluating the performance with over 100 million assessments in the validation experiment, the study demonstrates that the LinAR approach outperforms the purely linear method, especially for short no-data gaps (up to 12 hourly steps) and for rivers of considerable size. Based on rigorous statistical analysis of root mean square error (RMSE) – expressed (1) absolutely, (2) as percentages and (3) using RMSE error bars – the percentage improvement, understood as percentage difference between RMSE of linear and LinAR interpolations, was found to reach up to 10%.

The significance of heterophasic ion exchange in active biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution of surface waters

We have carried out studies to examine the possibility of using biosorbents: the epigeic mosses Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. ex Brid.) Mitt., and the epiphytic lichens Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. in active biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution of surface waters. The dried sea algae Palmaria palmata (L.) Weber & Mohr were used as the third biosorbent. The studies were conducted in the waters of the Turawa Reservoir, a dam reservoir with a significant level of eutrophication in south-western Poland. Incremental concentrations of Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb were determined in the exposed samples. It was shown that a 2-h exposure period increases the concentration of some metals in the exposed samples, even by as much as several hundred percent. High increments of nickel concentrations in the algae Palmaria palmata (mean: 0.0040 mg/g, with the initial concentration of c0 < 0.0016 in the algae) were noted, with negligible increments in concentrations of this metal in mosses and lichens. In contrast, mosses and lichens accumulated relatively high amounts of Cd (mean: 0.0033 mg/g, c0 = 0.00043 mg/g) and Pb (mean: 0.0243 mg/g, c0 = 0.0103 mg/g), respectively.

Albinism in the common shrew Sorex araneus

AbstractAlbinism is a hypopigmentation disorder which occurs as a consequence of mutations in genes involved in melanin biosynthesis. It is recorded in many mammalian species but is generally considered to be rare in natural populations. Here, we describe a fully albino individual of the common shrew Sorex araneus found in south-western Poland. We also present previous findings of albino specimens of this species in Europe. Since the 1960s, there have only been three confirmed records of wholly albino individuals of common shrews in mainland Europe; however, albinism has been recorded more frequently in this species from Britain. In other shrew species, wholly albino individuals are also recorded very rarely.

Microplastic Pollution in EU Farmland Soils: Preliminary Findings from Agricultural Soils (Southwestern Poland)

Agricultural soils are considered as “hot-spots” of plastic particles; however, due to a lack of standardized method of microplastic determination in soils, as well as no legal regulations requiring the monitoring of the soil environment in the context of microplastic contamination, the data on MP abundance and occurrence in European soils are very limited. In this first study of MPs pollution in agricultural soils in Poland, we developed a method of microplastic extraction from soil samples with different properties (particle size distribution, clay and organic matter content) and used optical microscopy for MP determination and quantification. In this study, we analyzed 44 soil samples from five sampling site locations with differing soil type, agricultural activity, including farmland soils on floodplains and past records of sewage sludge and compost applications. We found evidence that 93% of cultivated soils in the SW part of Poland contained MPs. The content of MP varied between soil types and present/former use of the land. Loamy and clay soils contained more MPs, 1540 ± 912 particles per kg soil and 933 ± 682 particles per kg, respectively, compared with sandy soils at 383 ± 188 particles per kg of soil. The highest MP concentrations were determined in soils amended with sewage sludge, wastewaters and green-waste composts (up to 4050 ± 2831 particles per kg of soil). The wide distribution of MPs with a dominance of plastic fibers (up to 60% of determined MP types) can be associated with agricultural sources such as soil mulching, the use of organic fertilizers, seed coating or unintentional waste dumping and air deposition.

Allometric Model of Crown Length for Pinus sylvestris L. Stands in South-Western Poland

The growth of a tree depends on the size, shape, and functioning of the crown. The length of the crown is a somewhat subjective value because the base of the crown is often difficult to determine. The aim of this study was to develop an allometric model to calculate the crown length of Pinus sylvestris L., which might serve as an alternative to the current equations used especially for stands of variable density. The model used three predictive variables, i.e., diameter at breast height, tree height, and density. The developed crown length model showed high compatibility with empirical data within the studied stands differing in diameter at breast height, height, age, biosocial position, and, above all, density (SD = 1.786). The correlation coefficient between the empirical crown length for the stand (Hemp*) and the calculated model (Hcal*) was r = 0.974, with a discrepancy of (±) 3.17%. The derived crown length model can be one of the components used to estimate the mass of needles or leaf area index (LAI) and, consequently, the amount of transpiration or the amount of carbon dioxide bound, which is crucial in the context of climate change.

The influence of landscape features on the population connectivity and genetic structure of the Edible Dormouse Glis glis in Poland

Abstract In this study, we analyze and compare the genetic structure of edible dormice representing five populations, inhabiting forest complexes in southwestern Poland that differ in their degree of fragmentation and isolation. Total genomic DNA was isolated from hairs with bulbs of 145 individuals captured between 2018 and 2020. All dormice sampled were genotyped at 14 microsatellite loci. Population genetic analyses showed that genetic variability in the studied dormice, assessed based on observed and expected heterozygosity as well as allelic richness, was on average very low (0.39, 0.43, and 2.83, respectively). In the populations studied, genetic structure was detected indicating two or five distinct genetic clusters, the existence of which can be attributed to either historical factors or modern human activity. Genetic differentiation between dormice living in the studied localities, determined by FST, ranged from 0.07 to 0.40 (all FST coefficients were significant at P &amp;lt; 0.05). A significant positive correlation was detected between genetic differentiation and geographic distance (r = 0.645, P &amp;lt; 0.017), indicating that genetic differentiation increases with distance, but no correlation between genetic differentiation and habitat barriers (r = 0.359, P &amp;lt; 0.132). The results of this research are compared to those of other European populations of edible dormice, and implications for the future of this endangered species are discussed.

Nutritional Status of Wood Melick (Melica uniflora Retz.) in a Natural Forest Stand in South-Western Poland

Melica uniflora Retz., commonly known as wood melick, is a grass species that is native to most of Europe. Melica uniflora grows in hardwood forests near Fagus species, providing vital food and shelter for forest wildlife. The nutritional status of wood melick is not sufficiently recognized. The study aims to identify the intrapopulation variability of Melica uniflora plants collected from natural forest habitats in Poland in terms of nutritional status variability in relation to stage development and the course of weather conditions. The research was conducted for two consecutive years: 2021 and 2022, in the area of the Ślęża Massif, near the town of Sobótka in Lower Silesia voivodeship (Poland). The material for analyses was collected from 10 natural forest sites twice: in July (I) and October (II). The content of nutritive components: crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) was evaluated. Relative feed value (RFV), dry matter digestibility (DDM), dry matter intake (DMI), cellulose (CL), and hemicellulose (HCL) content were calculated based on ADF and NDF. Melica uniflora plants contained 75.2 g·kg−1 DM of CP, 290.6 g·kg−1 DM of CF, 120.0 g·kg−1 DM of CA, and 25.9 g·kg−1 DM of WSC. The content of NDF was 637.6 g·kg−1 DM, ADF 407.5 g·kg−1 DM, and ADL 58.0 g·kg−1 DM. The nutritional status of wood melick depended on the course of weather conditions in the following years and its location, which changed during the growing season. Plants collected in the first year of the study contained more CL, NDF, and ADF fractions and less CA, ADL, and WSC. Melica uniflora plants harvested in June were characterized by higher CP (102.1 g·kg−1 DM) and WSC (30.1 g·kg−1 DM) content and lower content of remaining nutrients. It can be concluded that Melica uniflora plants can be a valuable source of these nutrients in the forage of forest animals.

Pokładowe wystąpienia soli potasowo-magnezowych w południowo-zachodniej Polsce – potencjał złożowy

Pokładowe wystąpienia soli potasowo-magnezowych w południowo-zachodniej Polsce – potencjał złożowy

Scandio-winchite, ideally ☐(NaCa)(Mg4Sc)(Si8O22)(OH)2: The first Sc-dominant amphibole-supergroup mineral from Jordanów Śląski, Lower Silesia, southwestern Poland

Abstract Scandio-winchite, the first natural Sc-dominant amphibole-supergroup mineral, has been discovered in a granitic pegmatite that crops out in close association with rodingite-like calc-silicate rocks and metasomatized granitic bodies in a serpentinite quarry at a Jordanów Śląski village near Sobótka, ~30 km south of Wrocław, Lower Silesia, SW Poland. It occurs as an isolated subhedral crystal, with the size of ~20 × 8 μm in planar section, and as three polycrystalline aggregates, up to 50 μm across, composed of needle-shaped crystals dominated by {110}. It is present within chlorite aggregates that supposedly represent remnants of partly recrystallized xenoliths of the blackwall chlorite schists and is in quartz-feldspar portions of the pegmatite adjoining such xenolithic assemblages. Owing to the scarcity of the material and the exceptionally small size of the crystals, the color, streak, and optical properties could not be measured. By analogy with other amphiboles, scandio-winchite has a vitreous luster, brittle tenacity, and a Mohs hardness of ~5½. The mineral shows an uneven fracture and {110} perfect cleavage, with an angle of ~56° between cleavage planes. The density calculated from the empirical formula and refined unit-cell parameters is 3.026 g/cm3. The holotype crystal is composed of (in wt%): 55.88 SiO2, 0.11 TiO2, 0.53 Al2O3, 9.22 Sc2O3, 0.44 MnO, 8.89 FeO, 12.77 MgO, 5.71 CaO, 4.12 Na2O, 0.17 K2O, and 2.09 H2Ocalc(+); total 99.93. The composition normalized on the basis of 22 O2– + 2 (OH)– ions corresponds to the empirical formula A(☐0.966K0.031Na0.003)Σ1B(Na1.132 Ca0.868)Σ2C(Mg2.704Fe1.0552+Mn0.053Sc1.140Al0.023Ti0.012)Σ4.987T(Si7.935Al0.065)Σ8.000O22(OH)2, simplified formula (☐,K)(Na,Ca)2[(Mg,Fe)4Sc](Si8O22)(OH)2, and the ideal formula ☐(NaCa)(Mg4Sc)(Si8O22)(OH)2. The crystal structure was refined in the monoclinic system, space-group symmetry C2/m, with R1 index of 6.57%. Its unit-cell parameters are: a = 9.864(2) Å, b = 18.163(3) Å, c = 5.3053(16) Å, β = 104.41(3)°, V = 920.6(4) Å3; Z = 2, and the a:b:c ratio is 0.5431:1:0.2921. The crystal-structure refinement indicates almost exclusively Si-occupied T sites, the M4 sites occupied by nearly equal amounts of Na and Ca, M1 and M3 sites by divalent Mg + Fe cations, and M2 filled in equal proportions by divalent cations and Sc. These results, along with the dominant vacancy at the A site, univocally indicate that the mineral corresponds to a M2Sc-analog of winchite. Scandio-winchite is most likely a secondary phase of metasomatic origin related to the evolution of the country rocks and partial alteration of the blackwall chlorite schists xenolith induced by the pegmatitic melt and associated fluids.

Influence of the Bed Temperature on the Operational Reliability of a Hybrid Constructed Wetland Wastewater Treatment Plant in South-Western Poland—A Case Study

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of atmospheric air temperature on the efficiency and reliability of pollutants removal from wastewater. The studied facility was a hybrid constructed wetland wastewater treatment plant with vertical and horizontal flow serving a single-family building in the village of Krajanów in south-western Poland. The operation of the facility was evaluated on the basis of studies conducted in 2021–2022. The tests included a physico–chemical analysis of wastewater treated mechanically in a settling tank and effluents from constructed wetland beds with the vertical and horizontal flow. The following parameters were determined: BOD5, COD, total suspended solids, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. No statistically significant effect of air temperature on the analyzed pollutants removal levels was found. The temperature in the soil–plant bed never fell below 0 °C, and so the wastewater flowing through the beds never froze. The discussed facility was characterized by high efficiency and reliability of the tested pollutants removal across the seasons. The mean concentrations of pollutants in treated wastewater did not exceed the limit values specified in the currently binding legal act. It was shown that hybrid constructed wetlands can be successfully used for wastewater treatment in the climatic conditions of southern Poland.

Past and future changes in the start, end, and duration of the growing season in Poland

The aim of the study was to determine the direction and rate of the projected changes of the start, end, and duration of the growing season in Poland in two-time horizons: 2021–2050 and 2071–2100. The main part of the paper was preceded by an analysis of changes in the start and end dates and the duration of the growing season in Poland in the period 1966–2020. The growing season in Poland is projected to be the shortest in mountain areas and in the north-eastern regions of Poland, where the date of growing season start is the latest and the date of the growing season end is the earliest. Whereas the longest growing season due to the projected earliest start and latest end dates is expected in the southwestern Poland. In the case of the coast, its late end will be of the greatest importance for its duration as a result of the warming effect of the sea in the autumn–winter period. The most intensive changes are forecasted in the long-term perspective in the case of the scenario regarding a high level of greenhouse gas emissions. The forecasts show that outside mountain areas, the growing season duration will vary from less than 255 days in the northeastern regions to more than 290 days in southwest and western Poland. In the duration of the mountains, the growing season will vary from 180 days on Kasprowy Wierch to 188 days on Śnieżka. This suggests significant changes in agroclimatic conditions in Poland.

Evaluation of the quality of life of older people with diabetes.

Diabetes is commonly classified as a chronic disease of affluence due to the frequency of its incidence and the rate of its spreading. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life of geriatric patients with type 2 diabetes. 294 seniors diagnosed with type 2 diabetes living in the Lower Silesian Province in south-western Poland took part in the study. The study used a self-developed questionnaire collecting clinical and socio-demographic data, the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire, Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Self-Care of Diabetes Inventory (SCODI) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Significant relationships of QoL with BMI, level of education and place of residence, were observed. BMI was significantly negatively correlated with the psychological domain of functioning and the environmental functioning, the level of education was correlated with physical health, psychological and environmental functioning, while the place of residence was correlated with the perception of the QoL and environmental functioning. Acceptance of illness was positively correlated with the perception of QoL and one's physical health. The results of regression analyses in predicting QoL in all domains showed that all models were a good fit for the data (p < 0.001), and the single predictor was maintenance of self-care. The level of depression was negatively correlated to a statistically significant degree with the perception of QoL and one's health condition. BMI, level of education and place of residence had the highest impact on the quality of life of the participants. The quality of life of the participants improved with the increase in the acceptance of their illness. The higher the level of depression exhibited by the participants, the poorer they evaluated their quality of life.

Spatio-temporal evolution of eutrophication and water quality in the Turawa dam reservoir, Poland

The objectives of the article are: to assess spatio-temporal evolution of eutrophication and water quality of the Turawa dam reservoir, located in south-western Poland on the Mała Panew River; to identify location and relationship between potential sources of physicochemical pollution related to the progressing process of eutrophication; and to determine trophic status and water quality indices of the selected research object. The analysis (Mann–Whitney U test, PCA, HCA, Spearman correlation matrix) showed a high susceptibility of the reservoir to eutrophication processes, especially due to the influence of dangerous loads of compounds emerging from areas with high tourist intensity and pollutants flowing from the Mała Panew River. The parameters deteriorating the ecological status were TP, DO, BOD5, and COD. Considering the cumulative results of water quality indices for the period 1998–2020, the average water quality was in classes II or III. A noticeable deterioration appeared in water quality for the years 2016–2020, which proves the progressing eutrophication in the Turawa reservoir. In 1998–2020, the reservoir was classified as eutrophic or mesoeutrophic based on the calculated three trophic status indices. This article would help in developing a strategy for dealing with water blooms, a reliable system for monitoring pressures causing eutrophication, and optimal technologies for the reconstruction of multifunctional reservoirs.

The Role of Local Government in the Bottom-Up Energy Transformation of Poland on the Example of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship

This article focuses on the role of local government in energy transition. The aim of this article is to answer the question of whether local government authorities undertake actions aimed at the energy transformation of the region. This article is based on both literature studies and independent research. The empirical research was carried out in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, located in Southwestern Poland. This region was chosen because it experienced the negative effects of economic transformation (liquidation of the Lower Silesian Coal Basin). Two hypotheses (H1 and H2) were adopted in the article. H1 assumes that in Polish conditions, bottom-up energy transformation requires the involvement of local authorities, and they should act as both initiators and shareholders of energy cooperatives. According to H2, local authorities participate in the energy transition to a limited extent. According to the conducted surveys, there has been no investment in wind farms, hydroelectric power plants or biogas plants. Communes are not interested in large, capital-intensive investments, limiting themselves to local actions with a small spatial range and small economic significance, although they are aware of the advantages of RES.

The ritual context of pottery deposits from the Late Bronze Age settlement at Wrocław Widawa in southwestern Poland

In this paper, I survey archaeological evidence for deliberate deposits mostly containing ceramic vessels but also stones and animal bones. They were discovered at a Late Bronze Age settlement, dated to the 9th-8th centuries, situated in the northern part of the contemporary city of Wrocław in southwestern Poland. Their stratigraphical contexts indicate that their deposition took place at the very end of the use of the site, i.e. after the accumulation of the thick occupational layers. Based on the fine preservation of the vessels and their distribution, I argue that they are remains of practices performed in a common settlement area, resulting in the deposition of used ceramics. I also refer to a broad concept of the notion of ‘pottery deposits’ and compare the presented evidence with similar finds from other sites with a similar chronology.

222Rn and 226Ra concentrations in selected shallow circulation groundwaters from the Fore-Sudetic Monocline area

Natural radioactive isotopes occur in various components of the natural environment, including groundwater. The general population, not always aware of possible threats, can use its resources. The activity concentration of some of the radioactive isotopes should be monitored, especially in those intakes from which it is possible to obtain water for human consumption, e.g. in domestic wells. The conducted research was innovative due to the fact that in many countries, including Poland, there are no regulations on waters exploited from home wells using as a drinking water source. As the groundwaters from this area have not been examined for radon (222Rn) and radium (226Ra) occurrence yet, the goal of this research was to perform screening tests in this part of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. For this purpose, the authors have measured the concentration of 222Rn and 226Ra activity in groundwater collected from this geological unit located in south-western Poland. 222Rn and 226Ra occurrence was researched, and specific electrolytic conductivity, redox potential, pH and temperature were measured in 52 groundwater samples. 222Rn activity concentration ranged from 0.18 to 19.78 Bq/dm3. Only in three cases, 226Ra activity concentration reached a value above the lower detection limit of the applied method, i.e. 0.05 Bq/dm3 (max. 0.77 Bq/dm3). The authors present completely new data on the occurrence of these radioactive isotopes in the waters of the first aquifer in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline, which is not without significance for the health of consumers of these waters.

Estimation of Carbonaceous Aerosol Sources under Extremely Cold Weather Conditions in an Urban Environment

The present study investigated the characteristics of carbonaceous species in an urban background site. Real-time measurements of inorganic (sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, chloride, and black carbon [BC]) and organic submicron aerosols (OA) were carried out at the urban background site of Vilnius, Lithuania, during January–February 2014. An aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM, Aerodyne Research Inc., Billerica, MA, USA) and co-located 7-λ aethalometer (AE-31, Magee Scientific, Berkeley, CA, USA) were used to analyze the chemical compositions, sources, and extinction characteristics of the PM1. Extremely contrasting meteorological conditions were observed during the studied period due to the transition from moderately cold (~2 °C) conditions to extremely cold conditions with a lowest temperature of −25 °C; therefore, three investigation episodes were considered. The identified periods corresponded to the transition time from the moderately cold to the extremely cold winter period, which was traced by the change in the average temperature for the study days of 1–13 January, with T = −5 °C and RH = 92%, in contrast to the period of 14–31 January, with T = −14 °C and RH = 74%, and the very short third period of 1–3 February, with T = −8 °C and RH = 35%. On average, organics accounted for the major part (53%) of the non-refractory submicron aerosols (NR-PM1), followed by nitrate (18%) and sulfate (9%). The source apportionment results showed the five most common OA components, such as traffic and heating, to be related to hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols (HOAtraffic and HOAheating, respectively), biomass-burning organic aerosols (BBOA), local organic aerosol (LOA), and secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Traffic emissions contributed 53% and biomass burning 47% to the BC concentration level. The highest BC and OA concentrations were, on average, associated with air masses originating from the southwest and east–southeast. Furthermore, the results of the PSCF and CWT methods indicated the main source regions that contributed the most to the BC concentration in Vilnius to be the following: central–southwestern and northeastern Poland, northwestern–southwestern and eastern Belarus, northwestern Ukraine, and western Russia. However, the potential sources of OA were widely distributed.