Wielkopolski National Park Research Articles

Heavy metals: their pathway from the ground, groundwater and springs to Lake Góreckie (Poland)

The migration pathways of heavy metals derived from an area previously in agricultural use was investigated in the Wielkopolski National Park (mid-western Poland). The heavy metals involved (Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni and Zn) were determined in groundwater, the springs that feed Lake Góreckie and the lake itself. In order to show how the heavy metals may be set free and what is their biological availability, soil and sediment samples were subjected to single-stage extraction, using 0.01M CaCl(2), 0.02M EDTA, 0.005M DTPA, 0.1M HCl, 1M HCl and de-ionised water. Varying metal concentrations were recorded in the water samples during the study period (from November 2009 to July 2010), usually with higher values in winter and lower ones in summer. The seasonal changes may be ascribed to natural processes taking place in the ground- and surface waters of Lake Góreckie. On the other hand, the concentration levels (mostly of Cd, Pb and Cr) are indicative of anthropogenic activity. It should be mentioned in this context that the highest metal concentrations were found in the soil layer. The concentrations were also found to exceed both the Polish and the World Health Organization water-quality standards. It appears that the soils are highly contaminated, mostly with cadmium. The long-lasting effect of acid precipitation in the area makes it possible for immobile forms to become mobile, thus facilitating further migration into the environment.

Episodes of extreme rainwater pollution and its relationship with synoptic situation (Wielkopolski National Park, Poland)

Synoptic conditions of extreme rainwater pollution episodes, evidenced by maximum values of parameters measured in the protected area of Wielkopolski National Park (western-central Poland), were analysed in this study. Precipitation samples were tested for the following parameters: pH, electrical conductivity and the concentration of the following elements: F-, Cl-, NO 2 - , NO 3 - , PO 4 3- , SO 4 2- and Na+, NH 4 + , K+, Mg2+, Ca2+. It was assumed, that in winter, western advection of Atlantic air masses was the most frequent aerosol and pollution transport scenario for the investigated area. In summer the most heavily pollution occur at the intensified meridional flow over the central Europe, indicating advection of cooler air from northern Europe and the North Sea. In most of cases, the weather conditions causing extreme concentration of examined pollutants, were determined by the movement of weather fronts over considerable parts of Poland and by precipitation caused by those fronts.

Functioning conditions of small basinbogs in Wielkopolski National Park

Functioning conditions of small basinbogs in Wielkopolski National Park The hydrological and geochemical aspects of the functioning and evolution of two small peatbogs located in Wielkopolska National Park were studied. The investigated peatlands are isolated from the influence of catchment ground waters. The main source of water supply is precipitation and surface run-off from the wooded catchment. Physical and chemical properties of the peatland waters are determined by hydrological conditions. Acid water reaction and low concentration of dissolved minerals suggest the peatlands should be classified as ombrotrophic high peatbogs. High concentrations of nutrients (especially phosphorus) were found in the peat waters. However, the bioavailability of the phosphorus is strongly limited due to the presence of humic substances and the low pH of the water. Statistical analysis revealed that the peatlands studied were chemically similar.

Reactions of the herb and moss layer, tree saplings and the shrub layer to tree deaths in forests of the Wielkopolska National Park (Western Poland)

This study examines the impact of canopy and canopy gaps on the development of lower forest layers in five protected phytocoenoses of oak-hornbeam habitats (natural and regeneration stands) and oak-pine habitats in the Wielkopolska National Park (WPN). In the studied forests the most common form of dead trees are those which are uprooted (45–59%), while the most frequently dying tree is pine (40–88%). The total area of gaps in relation to the studied forest area ranges from 329 to 2356 m2/ha. The study reaches the following key conclusions. Gaps do not affect bryophyte richness and cover. The impact of gaps on the herb layer is not uniform for the investigated forests. Gaps often, though not in all cases, cause a significant increase in the total herb layer cover, vascular antrophophyte cover, vascular species richness and a greater H′ diversity. Change in the cover of grasses and lianas to the thinning are not statistically significant. The greatest increase was observed in perennial herbs (mainly dicotyledones). In tree stands under regeneration change gaps are characterized by a rising cover of woody perennials and pioneer species of the Rubus genus. The increase in the herb layer cover does not diminish the cover of tree seedlings. To generalize: differences in the herb layer between the canopy and gaps are greater for forests of oak-hornbeam habitats than for oak-pine forest. The strength of the influence of light gaps on the herb layer is determined by such traits of the pytocoenoses as: density, species composition of tree stand, overshadowing abilities of species present in the canopy, domination or co-domination of one or two species in the herb layer.

Prevalence and habitat preference of quill mites (Acari, Syringophilidae) parasitizing forest passerine birds in Poland

AbstractWe surveyed the prevalence of quill mites in wild passerines captured in Wielkopolski National Park, Poland. A total of 438 birds of 12 species were mist-netted during three consecutive spring seasons from 2006–2008. Eight bird species were infested with syringophilid mites: Erithacus rubecula (L.) (index of prevalence, IP = 16.2%), Turdrus merula L. (IP = 22.4%), T. philomelos Brehm (IP = 10.5%), Fringilla coelebs L. (IP = 36.2%), Coccothraustes coccothraustes (L.) (IP = 7.4%), Sturnus vulgaris L. (IP = 53.6%), Sylvia atricapilla (L.) (IP = 6.1%) and Troglodytes troglodytes (L.) (IP = 7.1%). In four cases, multiple infestation was observed, where one bird species was parasitized by 2–3 species of quill mites occupying separate niches in the plumage of the host.

The effects of abiotic conditions on release of biogenic substances from bottom sediments

Abstract The effects of abiotic environmental conditions, such as water oxygen content, pH and temperature, on the release of biogenic substances (mainly orthophosphates) from bottom sediments were examined in freshly collected samples from Lake Góreckie, Wielkopolski National Park. It was observed that their release was favoured by anaerobic conditions, alkaline pH and elevated temperatures, which are conditions naturally occurring in surface waters, especially in reservoirs of higher trophy.

Tendencies of changes in the chemical composition of precipitation in the Wielkopolski National Park

The results are presented of chemical studies on precipitation based on multi-year observations (1992–2007) carried out in the Wielkopolski National Park (WNP). They are compared with the monitoring data obtained by stations grouped in the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) network. It was found that over the study period the pH of precipitation tended to grow systematically, thus contributing to a decrease of the annual deposition of (H + ) ions. The trend lines of changes in the deposition of hydrogen ions have similar slope coefficients, which indicates similar rate of changes. The year with the lowest pH was 1994, in which the mean annual pH was 3.92. In turn, the acidification level was the lowest in 2006 with pH – 4.80. The deposition of hydrogen ions at all stations often exceeded 20 mg·m –2 ·year –1 , and at the WNP station it even reached 70 mg·m –2 in 1994. The deposition of acid-forming ions was also analysed. Predominant among them were sulphate ions, but their deposition showed a declining tendency with time. Their maximum values were recorded in precipitation in the WNP – 707 mg S-SO4·m –2 (2002) and 260 mg NNO3·m –2 (2007). It was found that the NO3/SO4 eq/eq ratio tended to increase, which is indicative of changes in the composition structure of precipitation. This effect resulted from the decrease in SO2 emission in the Wielkopolska region and from the increase in NOx emission caused by car traffic in the Park and along its border. Calcium dominated among the deposited alkaline cations – its share exceeded 50%. The figures recorded for potassium and calcium deposition by lowland EMEP stations were several times lower than those obtained in the WNP and lower than the mean for Poland. Over the last years one can note a stabilisation in the amount of deposited cations.

Multivariate statistics as means of tracking atmospheric pollution trends in Western Poland

This study was carried out over a period of 4 years (2002–2005) at 2 sites located in western Poland differing as regards to human impact by analysis of chemical composition of bulk precipitation. The aim of the study was to determine the sources of pollutions and assess their quantitative contribution to the bulk precipitation composition and to analyse long term-changes in the chemical quality of precipitation. Based on this information the possible transboundary impacts of pollution were also determined. The samples were characterized by determining the values of pH, electrolytic conductivity and concentration levels of Cl−, F−, SO4 2−, NO3 −, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and NH4 +. Analytical measurements were connected with application of principal component regression (PCR) and time series analysis (TS). Based on PCR results three major sources of pollutants in central part of Poland have been identified and quantitatively assessed as follows: “combined” (Poznań – 31%, WNP – 32%), “soil-particulates” (Poznań – 2%, WNP – 26%), “anthropogenic-fossil fuels” (Poznań – 43%, WNP – 23%). Time series analysis enabled discovering 12-month time cycle for NO3 −, NH4 +, Cl−, F− and SO4 2− in average monthly concentration values in bulk precipitation collected in Wielkopolski National Park. Seasonal variation in the emission of precursors of NO3 − and NH4 + was caused by changes in intensity of fertilizer application in agriculture and automobile exhaust emissions. Decreasing trend was visible for sulphates, nitrates, chlorides and fluorides which is an important indication of the acid rain reduction in the ecologically protected area and in Poznań.

Composition and variability of soil solutions as a measure of human impact on protected woodland areas

AbstractA study was made of the sandy and loamy soils of the woodland areas of the Wielkopolski National Park (Poland) affected by acid rain. The basic properties of the soils were determined, revealing their strong acidification, poor buffering power, and the possibility of aluminium release. An analysis was made of the content of soluble, exchangeable, organic, amorphous, and free forms of aluminium. The concentration of exchangeable aluminium exceeded that of the form dissolved in soil water several times to tens of times.In soil solutions Ca/Al ratios in some horizons show very low values that could induce a nutrient deficit. In the sandy profiles the ratio even drops below the critical level of 0.1. In the surface horizon the dominant cation at all the sites is the aluminium ion.An analysis of anions shows a dominance of sulphate and chloride ions. In autumn nitrites were recorded at all depth levels, while in spring only in the surface layers. The highest fluoride concentrations were found to occur in profiles situated the closest to the emission source of fluorine compounds. The markedly higher concentrations of ammonium than nitrate ions can lead to increased acidification and eutrophication of the soil.

Variations in the Fluoride Level in Precipitation in a Region of Human Impact

The research concerns the Wielkopolski National Park (West Poland), which suffered a huge human impact in the 1970s and 1980s owing to the nearby location of an industrial plant. Since then, fundamental technological changes that it introduced into its production of phosphate fertilizers have radically reduced the amount of pollution emitted. A three-year study (2002–2004) of fluorides in precipitation in open terrain and under tree crowns showed their concentrations to range from levels below the detection limit (0.003 mg/l) to 0.560 mg/l. Those registered under tree crowns were several times higher and indicated substantial dry deposition of fluorides on the trees. The highest values were recorded in 2003, with 43% of samples ranging from 0.01 to 0.05 mg/l, and with 51% of throughfall ranging from 0.10 to 0.50 mg/l. A strong connection was shown to exist between fluoride and sulphate concentrations in the precipitation. An analysis was made of the available data on F concentrations in the air and the dust levels around the factory, but these figures did not show an unequivocal effect on F concentrations in precipitation. A great similarity was found to occur between the fluoride content in rainwater in the Wielkopolski National Park and in the centre of the nearby Poznan metropolitan area, which indicates that there are also other F sources besides the local factory.

Chemometrics in the assessment of local and trans-boundary air pollution

This paper provides the results and assessment of local and transboundary pollution in the Pozna metropolitan area and at the Wielkopolski National Park, Poland. Precipitation that occurred simultaneously in both locations was collected and the analyses such as H+, F−, Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and NH4+ and conductivity were determined. The results were subjected to full statistical evaluation and chemometrical analysis: Time Series (TS), Correlation Analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). TS analysis allowed the observation of noncorresponding peaks on TS graphs and the occurrence of local pollution effects. Correlation analysis and PCA indicated a strong correlation between the concentrations of analytes determined in samples collected at both sites, especially those that originate from anthropogenic sources. This indicates that pollutants emitted in the metropolitan area or from remote sources might significantly influence the nearby area. ANOVA, supported with the prevailing wind direction analysis, showed a minor influence of the cross-border transport of pollutants.

Evaluation of Bulk Deposition in Protected Woodland Area in Western Poland

Research on precipitation carried out systematically at the University station at Jeziory in the Wielkopolski National Park (western Poland) allowed the determination of pollutants deposited with precipitation in this forest ecosystem. During 13 years of study, the pH of precipitation was found to persist at a low level (4.33 on average), which resulted a substantial deposition of H(+). Values of acidifying and basic ions deposited in this area were determined and compared with the respective figures obtained at selected EMEP stations studying background pollution, the means for Poland, and areas subjected to considerable human impact. The use of the critical load function made it possible to establish that the S and N deposition for 2002-2005 were below its line.

Assessment of potentially reactive pools of aluminium in poor forest soils using two methods of fractionation analysis

The research was carried out in a pine-covered area of the Wielkopolski National Park (Poland), for years exposed to acid rain. The soils under study are sands and loamy sands with a pH of 3.3–4.4. To assess potentially reactive pools of aluminium in those soils, two methods were employed: sequential and single extraction. For the exchangeable form the results obtained by single extraction using KCl greatly exceeded the figures yielded by sequential extraction, in which the conditions under which the process was executed (pH 7) led to an underestimation of the results. The soil profile displayed a lithogenically dichotomous structure which was reflected in the aluminium content, especially in Al extracted by pyrophosphate (single extraction) and in the so-called oxidisable fraction (sequential extraction). In both cases there was a jump in Al concentrations resulted from the release of aluminium from interlayer spaces of clay minerals. The labile percentage obtained for mean values in the profile amounted from 8.1% for single extraction to 12.1% for sequential extraction, which may indicate the metal’s considerable pool of potentially reactive aluminium. Single extraction seems to be more reliable in evaluating Al forms.

Study of parameters associated with the determination of cadmium in lake sediments by slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Cadmium concentration in lake sediments is determined by suspending the solid samples in a solution containing 5% (v/v) concentrated nitric acid and 0.1% (v/v) Triton X-100. Three modifiers were tested for the direct determination. The furnace temperature programmes and appropriate amount for each modifier were optimised to get the highest signal and the best separation between the atomic and background signals. The drying stage is performed by programming a 400 °C temperature, a ramp time of 25 s and hold time of 10 s on the power supply of the atomiser. No ashing step is used and platform atomisation is carried out at 2200 °C. W–Rh permanent modifier combined with conventional modifier by delivering 10 μl of 0.50% (w/v) NH 4H 2PO 4 solution was the best chemical modifier for cadmium determination. This modifier also acts as a liquid medium for the slurry, thus simplifying the procedure. Calibration is performed using aqueous standards in the 1–5 μg l −1 range. The optimised method gave a limit of detection of 0.56 ng ml −1, characteristic mass of 10.1±0.8 pg for aqueous standard, 9.6±0.7 pg for slurry samples containing different Cd concentrations and good precision (7.6–5.2%). The method was validated by analysing four certified reference lake sediment materials: LKSD-1, LKSD-2, LKSD-3 and LKSD-4; satisfactory recoveries were obtained (90.0–96.3%) and no statistical differences were observed between the experimental and the certified cadmium concentration. The developed methodology was used to determine cadmium in three ‘real’ sediment samples from lakes in the area of Wielkopolski National Park, Poland.

Horizontal distribution of phytoplankton as related to the spatial heterogeneity of a lake – a case study from two lakes of the Wielkopolski National Park (western Poland)

This study compares phytoplankton communities within macrophyte communities and mid-lake sites along transects in two lakes of the Wielkopolski National Park. Water samples were collected in August 1998 to characterize the phytoplankton communities at these locations and for the physical-chemical analysis of the water. There was phytocoenotic differentiation associated with the sites and the specific water properties in the two lakes, especially between the phytolittoral and mid-lake sites. In addition, there was strong negative correlation in abundance between Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Aphanizomenon issatschenkoi along the Lake Jaroslawieckie transect.

Neozygites abacaridis sp. nov. (Entomophthorales), a new pathogen of phytophagous mites (Acari, Eriophyidae).

A new entomopathogenic fungus, described here as Neozygites abacaridis n. sp. (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales), has been found on the mites Abacarus hystrix, Aculodes dubius, and A. mckenziei (Acari: Eriophyidae). It differs from other Neozygites species affecting mites by its small, globose primary conidia, short-ovoid, smoky coloured capilliconidia, and very short capillary conidiophores-which are usually not longer than the spore length. This pathogen infected mite individuals in autumn (from mid-August until mid-November) on Lolium perenne, Agrostis stolonifera, and Festuca rubra. It caused 0.5-1% host's mortality in the vicinity of Siedlce (Eastern Poland) and up to 2-8%, on an average in Puszczykowo (Wielkopolski National Park near Poznań), where its prevalence on some plants reached 13%.

The distribution of rotifers (Rotifera) within a single Myriophyllum bed

The research on the spatial distribution of rotifers between the central and border part of the Myriophyllum bed (M. verticillatum) was carried out between 1998 and 1999 in the shallow part (approx. 1 m depth) of Budzynskie Lake (Wielkopolski National Park, Poland). The comparison of both species composition and the numbers of individuals between both of the examined zones have not revealed statistically significant differences. However, a higher number of rotifer species and their higher densities, as well as increased participation of littoral species were observed in the middle of the vegetation bed. The structure of the dominating species also differed between both areas. Seven rotifer species were found to have significantly greater numbers in the central part of the Myriophyllum bed, while only one species was significantly correlated with the border part of the macrophyte stand. These differences in the behaviour of particular groups of rotifers may be dependent on the structure of their microhabitat and their position in relation to the open water zone. They may also be related to young fish predation in both habitats and better refuge conditions inside the thick macrophyte stand, as well as typical adaptation to littoral or limnetic life.

The impact of the spatial structure of hydromacrophytes on the similarity of rotifera communities (Budzyńskie Lake, Poland)

The hydrobiological research was carried out on the shallow and macrophyte-dominated Lake Budzynskie (Wielkopolski National Park, Poland). Biometric parameters (such as length of stems and dry weight) of particular plant associations (Charetum tomentosae, Myriophylletum verticillati, Potametum natantis, and Typhetum angustifoliae) were analysed. Additionally, the dry biomass of periphyton obtained from the rinsing of each type of plant was estimated, in order to compare the content of periphyton adequate to 1 litre of water in each particular phytocoenosis. Macrophyte beds with Myriophyllum verticillatum and Chara tomentosa were characterised by significantly higher scale values of periphyton, contrary to the macrophyte beds represented by Typha angustifolia and Potamogeton natans. These results were connected with the differences in the density and the morphological build of particular plant species. However, the analysis of the mean value of the similarity of rotifer community between particular macrophyte stations revealed that the stands of floating and emerged macrophytes, which were of the `sparse' spatial structure and low values of chemical variables obtained from periphyton, were of the highest similarity. A second group, consisting of both species of submerged macrophytes, which was characterised by `dense' spatial structure and high values of chemical variables, was distinguished but the level of similarity of the rotifera community was lower.

Changes in the bee fauna (Apoidea) of the Wielkopolska National Park over the last half century

Within the Wielkopolska National Park (W Poland) 225 species have been recorded, which accounts for 48% of thePolish bees fauna. Modern investigations have failed to confirm the occurrence of 44 bee species that were recorded in the Park in the 1930’s. Among them, 19 species occurred in habitats that were later transformed to a large extent, so these species could really have disappeared. However, 80% of the 44 species are still recorded in adjacent regions, so the changes in the fauna of the Park seem to be only local. Thanks to the extensive knowledge of the bee community of the Park, this is a good area for monitoring quantitative and qualitative changes in bee resources.

Functioning of small water bodies in the Wielkopolska National Park (West Poland)

Functioning of small water bodies in the Wielkopolska National Park (West Poland)