Southern Poland Research Articles

Trends of Major Ions in a Carpathian River in Poland: The Influence of Flow and Damming

Flow influences major ion concentrations in river water, therefore, it seems that it can differentiate ion concentrations in mountain rivers in different hydrological years. This study aimed to determine the impact of flow on the major ion concentrations in the Carpathian Raba River above and below the Dobczyce Reservoir (southern Poland) in hydrologically dry (HD), average (HA), and wet (HW) years (period April–October) in the period 2010–2017. In the river above the reservoir, the flow negatively affected the concentrations of most major ions under all hydrological conditions, which resulted in their significant differences between (1) the studied hydrological years (except for SO42−)–higher in the HD years than in the HA or HW years–and (2) seasons–higher Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl−, and SO42− concentrations (mainly point sources of pollution) were identified in summer or autumn than in spring in the HD and HA years. The dam reservoir strongly modified the ion concentrations in the downstream river. It significantly decreased all major ion concentrations only in the HD years, when they were high in the upstream river, and Ca2+, Mg2+, or HCO3− concentrations in all the studied hydrological years. There, the ion concentrations were not related to the flow that resulted in their insignificant differences between the studied hydrological years (with the exception of HCO3−, Ca2+, and Cl−) and different seasonal changes to those in the river above the dam. The obtained results allow for predicting conditions favouring an increase in the salinity of mountain river waters; therefore, they are important for appropriate management and water use opportunities.

Two new species of Achaeta (Enchytraeidae, Oligochaeta) from afforested post-mining and post-fire sites in Poland

Achaeta (Enchytraeidae, Oligochaeta, Clitellata) is a genus of small, soil-dwelling annelids, peculiar by the absence of chaetae in all species. Here two new species of this genus are described from afforestation sites in southern Poland. Descriptions are based on the investigation of living and preserved material. The species are also characterized at the DNA level, using fragments of the COI and ITS genes, sequenced from the holotypes and paratypes. The worms are not longer than 4–6 mm, with about 30 to 35 segments, and with medium-large male and female reproductive organs. Achaeta florens sp. nov., discovered at a post-mining site, has four segmental pyriform glands, an oesophageal appendage restricted to segment V, a clitellum with distinct transverse rows and dorsal and ventral interruption, and spermathecae with blossom-like fields of vesicular gland cell apices around the ventrally located ectal pores. The species is without peculiar characters but the combination of characters is diagnostic. Its morphological distinction from A. nurmineni, described from the Indian subcontinent, is difficult due to the poor description of that species; A. nurmineni is therefore considered a species inquirenda. Achaeta gemmata sp. nov., discovered in high abundance at a post-fire site, is without pyriform glands but with conspicuous, gem-like lateral papillae in all preclitellar segments. The papillae are modified and enlarged epidermal gland cells that protrude into the body cavity. The species is without oesophageal appendage and has a dorsally closed clitellum and lateral spermathecal pores. It is superficially similar to Achaeta camerani, found at the same site, but can be distinguished based on sexual and non-sexual characters. A comparison of COI sequences showed 100% identity with a specimen from Sweden, erroneously identified as A. cf. brevivasa. Genetic distance between the two new species based on COI differences is 20%, distances to other species of Achaeta with publicly available COI sequences range from 16% to 26%.

Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of New Lavandula angustifolia Ecotypes

The purpose of this study was to characterize ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers of two ecotypes (PL—intended for industrial plantations and KC—intended for cut flowers) of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. The plant was cultivated in 2019 in southern Poland as part of a long-term research plan to develop new varieties resistant to difficult environmental conditions. The collected leaves and flowers were used to prepare ethanol extracts, which were then analyzed in terms of phytochemical composition and antioxidant, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties. Using UPLC techniques, 22 compounds belonging to phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified. UPLC test results indicated that ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers differ in phytochemical composition. Lower amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified in leaf extracts than in flower extracts. The predominant substances in the flower extracts were rosmarinic acid (829.68–1229.33 µg/g), ferulic acid glucoside III (810.97–980.55 µg/g), and ferulic acid glucoside II (789.30–885.06 µg/g). Ferulic acid glucoside II (3981.95–6561.19 µg/g), ferulic acid glucoside I (2349.46–5503.81 µg/g), and ferulic acid glucoside III (1303.84–2774.17 µg/g) contained the highest amounts in the ethanol extracts of the leaves. The following substances were present in the extracts in trace amounts or at low levels: apigenin, kaempferol, and caftaric acid. Leaf extracts of the PL ecotype quantitatively (µg/g) contained more phytochemicals than leaf extracts of the KC ecotype. The results obtained in this study indicate that antioxidant activity depends on the ecotype. Extracts from the PL ecotype have a better ability to eliminate free radicals than extracts from the KC ecotype. At the same time, it was found that the antioxidant activity (total phenolic content, ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP) of PL ecotype leaf extracts was higher (24.49, 177.75, 164.88, and 89.10 μmol (TE)/g) than that determined in flower extracts (15.84, 125.05, 82.35, and 54.64 μmol (TE)/g). The test results confirmed that leaf and flower extracts, even at low concentrations (0.313–0.63%), significantly inhibit the growth of selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and Candida yeasts. Inhibition of mold growth was observed at a dose extract of at least 1 mL/100 mL.

Spatiotemporal use of urban rivers by local bat populations in a large city (Cracow, Southern Poland)

AbstractUrban watercourses are an essential part of blue-green infrastructure (BGI) that can mitigate the negative impact of habitat loss resulting from urbanization. Many studies on temperate urban bats activity did not concern its seasonal variations. Our work evaluated the bats’ activity and occurrence in different urban riverside environments throughout the vegetation period. Our results showed that long-range echolocators were represented mainly by Nyctalus noctula. Their activity peak occurred in late summer in open habitats of high anthropogenic pressure levels, and at least part of the population was present year-round in the city. Recently reported from Cracow: Hypsugo savii and Pipistrellus kuhlii were confirmed in the medium-range echolocators. The high occurrence of P. pygmeus with a relatively low P. pipistrellus was noteworthy and is probably a result of the low competitiveness of the latter in the presence of P. kuhlii. Two spring and late summer activity peaks on different rivers suggest different migration corridors from and to hibernacula. However, the autumn activity in the city center may also indicate partial hibernation in the old town. The activity peak of short-range echolocators occurred in spring, as expected - mainly in a narrow riverbed and low anthropogenic pressure environments. However, ambiguous spring and late summer activity in the open with the highest anthropogenic pressure environment may result from the rapidly progressing synurbization of M. daubentonii. Our results indicate the need to monitor the bat adaptation process to the cities in the context of dynamic climatic and environmental changes.

Starch from Unripe Apples (Malus domestica Borkh) as an Alternative for Application in the Food Industry

This study investigated the properties of starch isolated from the unripe fruit of two apple cultivars (Malus domestica Borkh) grown in southern Poland (Central Europe). The chemical composition of both starches, molecular mass, their granulation, thermal characteristics, swelling characteristics, and rheological characteristics were studied. The starches differed significantly in ash, phosphorus, and protein content. The water-binding capacity at temperatures of 25–65 °C was similar, while differences of 20% appeared at higher temperatures. In contrast, a significant difference was found in the solubility of the two starches in the temperature range of 25–75 °C. The study showed that apple starches have a relatively low tendency to retrograde, with the enthalpy of gelatinization for starch from the Oliwka variety being 40% higher than that from the Pyros variety. However, the starches differed in the hardness of the gels formed, i.e., one variety formed soft gels with an internal structure resistant to external forces, while the other formed hard gels.

Potentially Harmful Elements Content in Soil and Stream Sediments in Southwestern Districts of Katowice (Southern Poland) – Geochemical Record of Historical Industrial Plants’ Activity

Abstract The aim of the research was to assess the quality of topsoils and stream sediments in the districts of the Katowice City of southern Poland in the Upper Silesian Industrial Agglomeration, influenced primarily by the exploitation of hard coal deposits and metallurgy. The task was carried out using indicators used to assess anthropogenic soil contamination (contamination factor CF and the Igeo geoaccumulation index), as well as ecotoxicological indicators used to determine the quality of stream sediments (Threshold Effect Concentration TEC and Probable Effect Concentration PEC). In order to indicate the most polluted areas, geochemical maps of selected elements in soil and stream sediments were developed. The material comes from the top layer of soil (0.0–0.3 m) and stream sediments located in the districts of the Katowice City. The work took into account selected potentially harmful elements (PHEs). The concentrations of elements were measured using the ICP-AES method, except for Hg (the CV-AAS method). The values of the CF and Igeo indicators allowed for the indication of high concentrations of most metals, arsenic, and sulfur in the topsoil layer, significantly exceeding the geochemical background values caused by the historical exploitation of Zn-Pb and zinc ores and ferrous metallurgy. The values of the TEC and PEC indicators classify the sediments into categories that may threaten the environment and living organisms.

Screening of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the water environment of a region diversified in land use and urban development (Silesian Province, southern Poland)

This research aimed to assess the PPCP contamination of the water environment within the Silesian Province (southern Poland), where emerging contaminants are likely to occur due to urbanisation and industrialisation, especially in the central part of the voivodeship. An attempt was made to compare the PPCP occurrence in waters of areas that varied in land use and urban development, i.e. within the Upper Silesian Urban Area (USUA) and outside this region. The research was performed in selected areas of the province and involved sampling of raw and treated wastewater from four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), as well as surface water (9 samples) and groundwater (14 samples) in six pilot sites. In total, 102 PPCPs were analysed using the LC-MS/MS method. In the natural waters, physicochemical parameters were also measured, and the basic chemical composition of the samples was determined. In the wastewater samples, the number of detected substances and the total PPCP concentrations were up to 66 PPCPs and 1211.0 µg/L in influents, and up to 59 PPCPs and 174.1 µg/L in effluents. The values for the natural water samples were respectively up to 71 PPCPs and 172.2 µg/L in surface water, and up to 13 PPCPs and 1.5 µg/L in groundwater. The results revealed that wastewater discharges from WWTPs using conventional treatment methods serve as a significant source of PPCPs due to inefficient removal of the microcontaminants. The contamination level of the surface waters in terms of the PPCP occurrence and basic chemical composition was higher within the USUA, where rivers are recipients of wastewater discharges from WWTPs. The PPCP quantity in the groundwater samples did not vary greatly within and outside the USUA, likely due to hydraulic connection between rivers and aquifers or induced surface water infiltration that recharge aquifers in some of the selected areas.

Od listopada do listopada. Monarchii habsburskiej i Polaków wzajemne rozstawanie

The author of the text analyses the reasons why Poles from Galicia, southern Poland, departed from the so-called Austro-Polish conception and matured towards the ideal of full independence. He draws attention to the significance of the Act of 5 November 1916 for the initiation of emancipation processes among Poles living under the Habsburg rule.

Municipal waste management based on geomechanical assessments of the landfill site slope – a case study in southern Poland

Municipal waste management based on geomechanical assessments of the landfill site slope – a case study in southern Poland

The potential risk of human exposure to tick borne infection by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti in selected recreational areas of the Poprad Landscape Park in southern Poland

The potential risk of human exposure to tick borne infection by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti in selected recreational areas of the Poprad Landscape Park in southern Poland

Heat waves in Poland: The relations to atmospheric circulation and Arctic warming

AbstractFrom the beginning of the 21st century, the heat waves in Europe have become more frequent, severe and longer lasting, especially in the southern region. The longer duration of heat waves may be partly attributed to wave‐amplification, high‐amplitude waves in the mid‐latitudes, favouring the longer‐lasting blocking systems. The primary objective of the paper was to examine the long‐term changes of hot days and heat wave events and to identify the atmospheric circulation condition that prevails its occurrence. The other object was to investigate the correlations between hot days' occurrence in Poland and sea‐ice cover and sea surface temperature changes in the Arctic and its surroundings. Over the past few decades, Central and Southern Poland have experienced a considerable rise in maximum temperatures, which has led to an increase in the number of hot days. This increase is particularly prominent during the summer months (June, July and August) but also in May and September, which extends the hot season. Although heat waves have become more frequent and persistent since 2006, their mean intensity has remained unchanged. During all heat waves in Poland, the high‐pressure centre was located over the country or its close neighbourhood, mainly in the eastern sector but also in the south, southwest or over Scandinavia. The blocking systems were mainly related to the extended ridge of the Azores High, but also to strong blocking over the North Pole and Greenland reaching Scandinavia or anomalous high pressure in the East Arctic. The longest‐lasting heat waves were usually preceded by air masses advection from the Atlantic, but the highest potential temperature along the trajectories was observed for the southern direction of inflow. The growing number of hot days is statistically significantly related to the decreasing sea‐ice cover and increasing sea surface temperature in Arctic and Subarctic regions.

Source attribution of carbonaceous fraction of particulate matter in the urban atmosphere based on chemical and carbon isotope composition

Air quality is of large concern in the city of Krakow, southern Poland. A comprehensive study was launched by us in which two PM fractions (PM1 and PM10) were sampled during 1-year campaign, lasting from April 21, 2018 to March 19, 2019. A suite of modern analytical methods was used to characterize the chemical composition of the collected samples. The contents of 14 sugars, sugar alcohols and anhydrosugars, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, selected metals and non-metals and ions were analyzed, in addition to organic and elemental carbon content. The carbon isotope composition in both analysed PM fractions, combined with an isotope-mass balance method, allowed to distinguish three main components of carbonaceous emissions in the city: (1) emissions related to combustion of hard coal, (2) emissions related to road transport, and (3) biogenic emissions. The heating season emissions from coal combustion had the biggest contribution to the reservoir of carbonaceous aerosols in the PM10 fraction (44%) and, together with the biogenic emission, they were the biggest contributors to the PM1 fraction (41% and 44%, respectively). In the non-heating season, the dominant source of carbon in PM10 and PM1 fraction were the biogenic emissions (48 and 54%, respectively).

Ecological Risk Assessment, Distribution and Source of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Soil of Urban and Suburban Forest Areas of Southern Poland

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental pollutants that can pose a risk to people living near contaminated soils. The role of forest ecosystems around urban agglomerations as a draw to urban dwellers has been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic led us to focus this study on the soils beneath forested areas around urban agglomerations, with the aim of assessing the sources and ecological risk of PAHs in the soils. For the study, a 150 km transect was delineated by six sampling sites, located in urban and commercial forests, which were characterised by the same species composition. Samples were taken from the 0–10 cm depth horizon, after removal of the organic layer. The content of 16 PAHs was determined, from which the potential source of contamination, the toxic equivalent quotient (TEQ), the potential ecological risk quotient (RQ) and the incremental lifetime cancer risk quotient (ILCR) were calculated. The mean sums of the PAHs ranged from 12.41 to 52.76 μg·kg−1. Our analysis indicated that the share of pollutants in the soils had resulted from industrial combustion, biomass and coal combustion, and traffic. The RQ of the PAHs in the soils of the Upper Silesian Industrial Region, or within its impact range, were found to be low to moderate. High ILCR ratios for children (1.9 × 10−4) and adults (8.38 × 10−5) were recorded in soils related to a refinery. Our findings confirm that forests around urban areas are vulnerable to pollution. People living in cities should consider spending their leisure time in forest areas at a distance from their homes. Systematic and continuous monitoring of PAHs is necessary to ensure that human safety is guaranteed.

The influence of COVID-19 pandemic on deposited dose of outdoor particulate matter in human respiratory tract: A case study from Krakow, Southern Poland

The influence of COVID-19 pandemic on deposited dose of outdoor particulate matter in human respiratory tract: A case study from Krakow, Southern Poland

Environmental friendly energy resources improving air quality in urban area

The article concerns a very important issue related to the air quality in Kraków, a historic city with a rich history and cultural tradition. Kraków is the capital of the Małopolska Voivodeship, located in southern Poland. Due to the common phenomenon of smog in winter and the related problem of significant exceedances of permissible air pollutants, Kraków was the first city in Poland which implemented a complete ban on the combustion of solid fuels (coal, wood and also all types of biomass). It is allowed to use only district heat, gaseous fuels, light fuel oil, electricity and renewable energy sources as heat pumps, solar collectors and photovoltaics. The article attempts to analyze the results of air quality tests in the period after the implementation of restrictions on the type of energy sources used in relation to the previous years. The starting point for this analysis is the presentation of emissions of combustion products of energy carriers with various calorific values in heating devices with various energy efficiency. Environmental aspects are also analyzed, such as average annual temperatures, wind speeds and directions, precipitation, and the number of days with fog. Thanks to this, the picture of the changes introduced in Kraków becomes complete and allows you to understand the environmental effects that have occurred. The analysis of air quality was carried out with regard to six pollutants: TSP (total suspended particulate), PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter, benzo(a)pyrene, sulfur dioxide (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Additionally equivalent emission has been calculated. The obtained results indicate an improvement in air quality in relation to the previous heating periods, which allows to draw a conclusion that regulatory actions such as a ban on the burning of solid fuels was justified and that this sector (individual heat generation) has a significant impact on the state of the environment. A significant reduction in all analyzed pollutants – TSP, PM10 and PM2.5, B(a)P and SOx is evident, and the only the exception is NOx.

Nutrient uptake efficiency and stoichiometry for different plant functional groups on spoil heap after hard coal mining in Upper Silesia, Poland

Various plant functional groups (PFGs) used in the reclamation of post-mining heaps may differ in their nutrient uptake efficiency and thus in their effect on the ecosystem development. The effect of PFGs may be additionally modified by the applied reclamation measures such as e.g. topsoiling. In this study we compared the nutrient uptake efficiencies and plant stoichiometry for two PFGs (grasses and forbs) growing on the sites reclaimed by applying topsoil (TS) and unreclaimed sites on carboniferous bare rock (BR) in hard coal spoil heap in Upper Silesia (southern Poland). Basic soil parameters, including pH, texture, soil organic carbon, and nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), were measured, and the aboveground plant biomass and nutrient content in plant tissue were determined. Forbs were characterized by a larger biomass and higher nutrient concentrations (except for P) than grasses. The TS treatment supported higher concentrations of N and P in plant tissues but not to the level ensuring more significant primary biomass production. The nutrient concentration and elemental stoichiometry in plant tissue indicated that N was the primary limiting element. However, the major growth limitation for N-fixing forbs was from P. Forbs were much more efficient in nutrient uptake than grasses, independent of the reclamation treatment. Therefore, they stimulate nutrient cycling in the restored ecosystems more than grasses.

Lake bottom relief reconstruction and water volume estimation based on the subsidence rate of the post-mining area (Bytom, Southern Poland)

Mining activity leads to subsidence troughs and permanent changes in water relations, like the formation of anthropogenic reservoirs. In the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (S Poland), their number is so high that the area is called an anthropogenic lake district. Any form of water retention, in the face of climate change, is valuable. However, the problem is the high variability of these lakes, making it challenging to estimate water resources. An example of this type of anthropogenic lake is the Brandka Pond in Bytom. An original method was proposed, consisting of two stages: reconstruction of the lake bottom relief based on the initial state of the area relief in 1994, i.e. at the beginning of the reservoir formation, and the land subsidence rate calculated for this area. Archival cartographic materials and DEMs from LiDAR data were used and processed in the open-source geoinformation software. Orthophoto maps and satellite scenes were also collected to determine changes in the extent of the pond from 1993 to 2019. Bathymetric data obtained in 2019 during sonar measurements on the reservoir was used to verify the calculations. The pond began to form in the early 1990s, and by 2019, it had reached an area of 178,226 m2, a maximum depth of 5.8 m and a capacity of 421,173 m3. The reconstruction method is accurate and suitable for lakes over 2 m deep, and the calculated capacity differs from the bathymetric data by 0.2%.

Shaping a model of transformation in a huge centre of zinc and lead smelting: case study of Szopienice district in the city of Katowice (Poland)

The problem of dynamic transformations within complex settlement systems poses an important challenge to planning. This is particularly true of post-industrial and post-mining regions, whose economic past adds an additional dimension affecting development and spatial policy. However, the article highlights the case of a settlement (Szopienice – a district of the city of Katowice in southern Poland) with a heterogeneous genesis in relation to the (post-)mining region in which it is located. Taking into account its economic development founded on zinc and lead metallurgy, the difficulties of development projection are pointed out. These difficulties are emphasised by a focus on the importance of paying attention to this type of locality from several research perspectives. In addition to the aforementioned heterogeneity, the role of “in-between” town locations and spatial peripheralisation is highlighted.

Recent and subfossil malacofauna of Witkowe Rocks in the Jerzmanowice area (Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, Southern Poland)

Malacological analysis was carried out on the deposits filling small karst forms within Witkowe Rocks in the southern part of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland (Southern Poland). The study included six profiles and was supplemented by observations of the contemporary mollusc fauna inhabiting the area. Four types of subfossil faunal assemblages, characterised by different taxonomic composition and zoogeographic and ecological structures, were identified. The observed diversity of malacofauna indicates that the sediments filling the analysed forms accumulated in different climatic phases of the Holocene. In the oldest deposits, cold-loving taxa no longer found in the Upland were common. These sediments represent the Early Holocene or Late Glacial. The younger generation of fillings included an assemblage with shade-loving taxa with high thermal tolerance representing the Early Holocene. In the most recent fills, assemblages with composition and structure similar to contemporary malacocoenoses are present, varying depending on local environmental factors and corresponding to the period of the last few hundred years. No significant anthropogenic conversion of habitats was identified within Witkowe Rocks, and the observed diversity of malacofauna is due to natural factors operating at a local scale.

Exploring the connection between ego-resiliency and health behaviors: a cross-sectional study of Polish health sciences students.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ego-resiliency and the intensity of health behaviors among Polish health sciences students. The study involved 483 students from health-related faculties in southern Poland, consisting of 314 women (63.7%) and 179 men (36.3%). The average age of the participants was 21.7 ± 2.5 years. To assess resiliency (ER), the Ego-Resiliency Scale (ER89-R12) by Block and Kremen was used in its Polish adaptation. The intensity of health behaviors was examined using the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) developed by Z. Juczyński. The results revealed a positive correlation between the intensity of health behaviors and ER (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), both for the general factor and its categories (positive mental attitude, proper eating habits, preventive actions, and prohealth activities). Students with a high level of health behaviors exhibited significantly higher ER (M = 38.95, SD = 5.15) compared to those with average (M = 35.93, SD = 5.03) and low (M = 32.97, SD = 5.12) HBI levels. Among the HBI categories, Positive Mental Attitude showed the strongest correlation with both general ER and its factors: optimal regulation (OR) and openness to life experiences (OL). Furthermore, the correlation was found to be stronger with the OR and weaker with OL. Higher ER in students is correlated with a greater frequency of health behaviors. Nurturing the development of ER may contribute to the maintenance of prohealth practices despite life difficulties and temporary loss of motivation. This, in turn, promotes the regularity of health behaviors, which is crucial for their positive impact on overall health.