Conference Polish Hydrobiologists Book of
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Conference Polish Hydrobiologists Book of
ABSTRACTS of the 21st Conference of Polish Hydrobiologists Lublin, 9-11 September 2009 Organisers: The Faculty of General Ecology at Lublin University of Life Sciences The Faculty of Hydrobiology at Lublin University of Life Sciences The Faculty of Hydrobiology & Botany at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin Polish Hydrobiological Society Polish Academy of Sciences, Branch in Lublin Contributions compiled by: Ryszard Kornijów Monika Tarkowska-Kukuryk Wojciech Pęczuła Małgorzata Adamczuk 1 Scientific Committee: Chair: Lublin prof. dr hab. Ryszard Kornijów - University of Life Sciences in Members: dr Paweł Buczyński - Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin dr Danuta Krupa - University of Life Sciences in Lublin dr hab. Bogdan Lorens - Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin prof. dr hab. Zdzisław Michalczyk - Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin dr Tomasz Mieczan - University of Life Sciences in Lublin mgr Marek Nieoczym - University of Life Sciences in Lublin prof. dr hab. Barbara Pawlik-Skowrońska - University of Life Sciences in Lublin prof. dr hab. Marcin Pliński – University of Gdansk dr Robert Stryjecki - University of Life Sciences in Lublin prof. dr hab. Władysława Wojciechowska - The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin Organizing Committee: Chair: Lublin dr hab. Krzysztof Czernaś, prof. University of Life Sciences in Secretary: dr Monika Tarkowska-Kukuryk - University of Life Sciences in Lublin Members: dr Barbara Banach - University of Life Sciences in Lublin mgr Radosław Mencfel - The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin dr Małgorzata Adamczuk - University of Life Sciences in Lublin dr Wojciech Pęczuła - University of Life Sciences in Lublin dr Michał Solis - The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin dr Artur Serafin - University of Life Sciences in Lublin dr Agnieszka Szczurowska - University of Life Sciences in Lublin mgr Michał Niedźwiecki mgr Michał Blicharz 2 Introduction This is the first time, when contributions presented during the Conference of Polish Hydrobiologists, organized every three years, are presented in English. Our aim was to enable foreign hydrobiologists to have an insight and overview on the investigations carried out in aquatic ecosystems, mostly by Polish hydrobiologists, although, there were also lectures presented by participants from abroad. The topics presented during the conference comprised nearly all the problems dealing with hydrogenic habitats, such as: hydrology, monitoring, assessment of ecological status, degradation and restoration, biological diversity and invasions, life strategies and evolutionary ecology, interactions, ecotoxycology, paleolimnology, ichthybiology and fishery. Finally, because the conference took place during the Darwinian Year, there were several lectures, given by prominent foreign and Polish scientists, showing achievements of world hydrobiology in creative developing of the Darwin’s ideas. The session devoted to this was called „Darwinian thinking in limnology”, and was inspired and organized with an assistance of Biology Faculty of University of Warsaw. Ryszard Kornijów, Chair of the Scientific Committee Wojciech Pęczuła, Member of Organizing Committee 3 Abstracts Plenary Lectures WHAT CAN FISH-FREE HABITATS TELL US ABOUT THE ROLE OF FISH IN SHAPING OFFSHORE ECOSYSTEMS? Z. MACIEJ GLIWICZ Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology University of Warsaw Banacha 2, 02-097 Warszawa email: [email protected] Most fish, at least as juveniles, are planktivores – predator-harvesters rather than predator-hunters – capable of demolishing planktonic prey populations; a single small roach or sardine may ingest 3600 cladocerans per hour! To optimize its feeding, an individual fish selects large- over small-bodied prey because they are more conspicuous and can be seen from a greater distance (in a wider field of vision), and are energetically more rewarding. This highly selective fish predation results in spectacular changes in the relative abundance of different species in the zooplankton community and of different instars in each species’ population. The effects of this behavior cascade down to the lower trophic levels, causing alterations in the composition and abundance of algae, protozoans, cyanobacteria and bacteria, ultimately producing marked changes in the turbidity and transparency of the aquatic habitat. For years, efforts have been made to apply this knowledge in eutrophication control and water quality protection by optimizing fishery management, promoting piscivores, and sponsoring the mass exploitation of small cyprinid fish of no commercial value. Gaps in our knowledge have made it difficult to fully appreciate the importance of fish in shaping plankton community structure and the abundance of each species in our lakes and seas. Only recently have we begun to comprehend the mechanisms that lead to fixed proportions of different species in a zooplankton community and of different instars in the populations of each component species. Wide-ranging studies on zooplankton have started to tackle previously unanswered questions such as (i) why is each species’ population density inversely related to its specific reaction distance (the distance from which a foraging fish can see its planktonic prey), (ii) why is the population density level of each species not dependent on the reproduction rate in populations grown at different food levels, and (iii) why is increased recruitment into the population immediately compensated by increased 4 mortality due to predation by foraging fish? It is now clear that fish predation is the key factor permitting long lasting coexistence of different species with overlapping diets, a phenomenon known as the ‘paradox of plankton’, which contradicts the rule of competitive exclusion. Although less intuitive, it is also the case that fish predation is the reason for the high species diversity of zooplankton. The overpowering force of fish predation becomes easier to grasp by examining the consequences of its absence. In rare fish-free habitats, competitively inferior zooplankton species are excluded and replaced by a superior competitor. This may be a single species or a single clone of large body size, e.g. a cladoceran such as Daphnia pulicaria, or a branchiopod such as Artemia franciscana, each capable of building its population to a density orders of magnitude higher than those seen in habitats containing fish. Greater body size permits body growth and reproduction at lower foods levels than those required by smaller and competitively inferior species. The population density of a superior competitor may increase up to the carrying capacity of the habitat, at which point each individual can merely cover its respiration (R) by assimilation (A) restricted by low food levels, with some increase in body mass (P=A-R). This cannot be accomplished by individuals of another species of smaller body size since its specific food threshold concentration at which A=R is higher. This also implies long periods of persistence of adults in the winner’s population. These animals are either unable to accumulate sufficient resources or are prudent enough to refrain from egg production, being maladaptive at food levels below their specific threshold food concentration (higher than that specific for adults). Severe competition for limiting resources imposes strong selective pressure for the postponement of reproduction until food levels are temporarily increased. Offspring can only survive when born in a short time window between such an increase in food levels and its subsequent decline resulting from population growth due to the appearance of other juveniles. Such zooplankton become not only a single-species community, but also form a single-cohort long-lifespan population. Do these observations permit any new notions relevant to water quality control and fishery management? This question is intended to close my lecture and to invite members of the audience to come up with new ideas to replace those implemented since the concept of ‘biomanipulation’ was first introduced. Novel thinking and inspiration are needed to rejuvenate our discipline and reverse the trend of declining interest in fundamental limnology. 5 HOW TO COUNT FISH IN THE LAKE FOR THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE- EXAMPLE OF SHALLOW MALTA RESERVOIR MAŁGORZATA GODLEWSKA, WIESŁAW WIŚNIEWOLSKI Inland Fisheries Institute, Oczapowskiego 10, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland, e-mail: [email protected] Hydroacoustic methods are being increasingly used for both fisheries and ecological studies. While usefulness of these methods in deep waters is unquestionable, their accuracy in shallow waters is often doubted. Draining of the shallow Malta reservoir (Poland) provided an unique opportunity to check the accuracy of acoustical estimates of fish stock. Before the draining detailed investigations of the fish population were performed using standard gillnetting and horizontally directed echosounder (split beam Simrad EY500, 120 kHz). During reservoir draining all fish were collected and weighted. Roach (Rutilus rutilus) and perch (Perca fluviatilis) were dominating species both in numbers and weight. All together 11 fish species were caught of total weight equal to 34 348,9 kg that is 536,7 kgha-1. Fish biomass estimated acoustically under assumption that fish are distributed with random aspect relative to the beam (i.e. using deconvolution) and using Frouzova et al.[2005] regression for TS/length relationship accounted to 548 kgha-1, which is surprisingly close to the density estimated from the total catch. It has been shown that the TS/length relationship has major effect on fish biomass estimation, while different methods (i.e. based on SED or tracked fish) give very similar results. THE INFLUENCE OF DAM-RESERVOIRS ON RIVER WATER QUALITY RYSZARD GOŁDYN Department of Water protection, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz Uniwersity in Poznań, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland, e-mail: [email protected] Location of the dam-reservoir on a river course causes distinct disturbances in the processes taking place along its course, described in the theory of ‘river continuum’. According to the trophic state indexes it elucidated the decreasing of nutrient concentrations, mostly in the result of processes of primary production and sedimentation of suspended matter, both of allo- and autochthonous origin. It is the reason of popular opinion that every damreservoir can be treated as a panacea on nutrient decreasing in the river course. It was frequently putted into practice in construction so-called preliminary 6 reservoirs, for the protection of situated down-stream main reservoir against the inflow of excessive nutrient loads. In the reality problem is far more complicated. The ability of nutrient retention in a reservoir is dependent on many variables, e.g. on its size and depths, its age, water retention time, nutrient concentration in the inflowing water. They are overlapped by the biological processes, taking place in the reservoir, which are seasonally variable. As the effect preliminary reservoirs can be in some conditions (e.g. in certain periods of their age, or in some seasons of a year) an important source of nutrient loads. It influences the trophic conditions, stimulating water blooms in main reservoir situated down-stream. BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS OR COMMING BACK HOME? MICHAŁ GRABOWSKI, KAROLINA BĄCELA-SPYCHALSKA Institute of Biogeography and Ecology of Invertebrates, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Lodz e-mail: [email protected] In the last century biological invasions are treated as the biggest danger for native biodiversity. Human activity undoubtly influence the intensive expansion of plants and animals. Connections of different catchment areas by construction of inland canals, intensive boat transport and aquacultures resulted in exchange of fauna among areas previously isolated. The alien species, which colonised new territories very rapidly and serve a danger for natives is called invasive species. The European fauna is relatively young and has been forming for 11,000 years, after the glacial age (Würm glaciation) finished. The Iberian, Apennine, Balkan peninsulas and Ponto-Caspian region served as refugia for many animal and plant species during Pleistocene ice age. In many cases the recolonisation of Europe started from these areas. The brown bear, hedgehog, green grasshopper and fresh water chub, barbel and European bullhead are the well studied examples of recolonisation of Europe from southern refugia. Therefore, question arise if species as zebra musell, Chelicorophium curvispinum or racer goby, which spread out from Ponto-Caspian region, are alien elements in fauna of Central and Western Europe or maybe they are coming back to areas inhabited before ice age, but with a human help. May we treat as an alien the gammarid of Balkan origin Gammarus roeselii which has been noticed in our rivers for longer than 100 years, or maybe its presence in Central and Western Europe is an effect of recolonisation? Concerning that one can ask if the idea of diminishing the invasive species population size is right. The main aim of all activities in invasive species management is protection of native biological diversity. However, may we state undoubtly what is native 7 and what not in particular area in the light of historical human mobility and ability to environment modifications? We need to keep in mind that for example Suez Canal was constructed in ancient ages and had been working till 6 century C.E. and the exchange of goods was well developed on the continental and intercontinental scale during ancient and Middle Ages. Concerning the above the problem of defining what is alien, invasive and native species occur. Can be native species invasive, when it recolonises very extensively areas inhabited before after declining geographical borders? Can be the species called native when it was introduced successfully long time ago and still is present in the area? And the most important question: which species should be protected? PALEOLIMINOLOGIC RESERCH METHODS – APPLICATIONS, POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITATIONS. KRYSTYJNA MILECKA Department of Biogeography and Paleoecology Adam Mickiewicz University, Dzięgielowa St. 27, 61-680 Poznań, [email protected] In regard of an abrupt quickening of a civilization development during the last few decades, actions related with preservation of environment have become a necessary aspect accompanying the economic growth. They are essential to achieve conservation of some ecosystems and species, especially those threatened of anthropopression due to specific ecological requirements and specific conditions of existence. Peatbogs and lakes doubtlessly belong to this group, especially those of a low nutrient content i.e. oligotrophic. Their number and/or area diminishes in consequence of conscious human’s actions tending to agronomical land cultivation of some areas, and also unintentional effects of e.g. eutrophication processes inseparably connected to intensification of industrial and agricultural production. Nature preservation is very closely related to paleoecological research and paleolimnology, because only studying the natural past allows effective elaboration of proper conservation methods. The condition of ecosystems, which we observe nowadays is only a short period in several hundred years, or usually longer, history. Studying the conditions affecting on the one hand formation of a given configuration, on the other assuming a present form has a key meaning for a strategy of effective conservation actions. Lakes’ past researches use methods connected to identification of not decomposed animal and plant elements, lying in organic sediments, usually gyttja and peat. 8 Plant and animal micro- or macrofossils such as: pollen grains, seeds, fruits, flower and seed scales, bark or wood fragments, diatoma skeletons, cladoceran shells, malacofauna, fragments of insects and numerous groups of organisms allow to reconstruct flora and fauna existing in the past time horizon. The condition of their usage is the ability of separating of particular remains and above all - their identification. Remains in a fossil state are sometimes a little different than a fresh/young, or present-days specimen. Numerical and qualitative comparison of a determined organism’s fragments are the basis of a paleoliminologic (paleoecologic) interpretation, during of which the knowledge about ecology of a given species is used. Interpretation of a paleobiological work’s results is an intimately linked to a problem of an organic sediments dating or a direct notation of an age of a selected remains. Paleolimnologic analysis has a various applications in research of formation and development of lake body, trophy changes and particular physico-chemical features of waters (e.g. temperature, pH), but also water level fluctuations and filling in the lakes by accumulation the limnic and peat sediments, leading to complete fulfillment of an accumulative basin and origin of a land ecosystem. The sediment’s elements analysis allows the reconstruction of a history not only the mother configuration of their deposition, but also surrounding the lake land communities, therein forest. Another, wide and vital aspect of paleolimnoligic researches is observing the anthropopression precisely recorded in accumulated layers from feebly illustrated changes in Mesolithic, till drastic environmental changes of the 20th century. Applications of paleolimnologic research in mentioned and many others aspects are limited by few factors: (1) technical abilities of obtaining full sequences of lake sediments, (2) indicating the age of analyzed sediments, (3) the maintenance state of a plant and animal parts what influence the precision of identification and (4) lack of sufficient knowledge within ecology what limits the bioindicative meaning of the identified fossiled parts.. „ECO-EVO” – ARE LIMNOLOGISTS INTERESTED IN? JOANNA PIJANOWSKA Department of Hydrobiology, University of Warsaw Banacha 2, 02-097 Warszawa email: [email protected] The research programs of American and European scientists are aimed to integrate ecology and evolutionary biology (eco-evo). Nowadays – also with 9 developmental biology, to produce an integrative approach, so called eco-evodevo. Such an integration gives a chance to both: ecologists to find answers to questions, concerning the functioning of an organism in its environment and to physiologists, molecular biologists or biochemists to discover the mechanisms governing the adaptations to life in a variable and adverse environment. It also increases probability to publish in top journals. The sole description of an ecological phenomenon, even spectacular, is not satisfactory enough. Further questions have to be answered, concerning its evolutionary sense and, also, mechanism governing its expression. Limnology does not follow these postulates. Is then there any future ahead traditional limnologists? HAZARDOUS WATER BLOOMS – NOT ONLY THE HYDROBIOLOGICAL PROBLEM MARCIN PLIŃSKI Institute of Oceanography, Gdańsk University, al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia e-mail: [email protected] Water blooms as a natural phenomenon are known for many years. It is joint with the mass growth of algae occurring in the water bodies. The toxic phytoplankton blooms observed in the last few years are caused by the eutrophication. Dinoflagellates and golden-brown flagellates are the main producers of toxins in the marine environment, but the cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae) in the inland waters. Cyanobacterial blooms present hazards to animal and human health because all of the species which characteristically form the blooms are capable of producing potent toxins. Animal fatalities, birdand fish-kills associated with cyanobacterial blooms, or attributed to cyanobacterial toxins, have been reported from around the world for more than a century. Common potentially toxic cyanobacteria in the freshwater include the unicellular Microcystis genus and the filamentous genera Anabaena, Planktothrix, Aphanizomenon and Nodularia. The alkaloid neurotoxins anatoxin-a and homoanatoxin-a are postsynaptic neuromuscular blocking agents, resulting in death by respiratory arrest. The alkaloid toxins saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin are sodium channel-blocking agents causing paralysis. Signs associated with cyanobacterial neurotoxicoses include muscule fasciculations, lethargy, collapse, cyanosis, opisthotonos in birds and convulsions. The hepatotoxins include a cyclic heptapeptide group microcystin and cyclic pentapeptides (nodularins); they are slower acting than neurotoxins. Microcytins and nodularins are accumulated in the liver where they bind irreversibly and inhibit key regulatory enzymes (protein phosphates). Sings of poisoning include weakness, lethargy, pallor, cold extremities, bloody diarrhoea, respiratory 10 distress and coma, with death occurring due to cardiovascular collapse within a few hours to several days. There have been no noticed the immediate human mortal intoxication caused by hepatotoxins. Till now we have no effective technical methods preventing cyanobacterial blooms. Widely education in the field of potentially hazards causing by the contact with water having sings of cayanobacterial blooms is recommended. WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN POLAND IN THE VIEW OF EU REQUIREMENTS HANNA SOSZKA Institute of Environmental Protection, Kolektorska 4, 01-692 Warsaw, e-mail: [email protected] Water Framework Directive accepted in 2000 is considered to be the most important and modern piece of legislation establishing a framework for the Community action in the field of water policy. Implementing WFD requirements concerning water assessment and classification constitutes a big challenge for all EU countries. The directive promotes quite new approach to the issue, introducing the assessment of the ecological and chemical status, which together create a general view of surface water conditions. Ecological status of the water body represents structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystem, and is assessed as the deviation from reference conditions. The basis of ecological status assessment are so-called biological elements, in other words assemblages of aquatic organisms inhabiting waters (phytoplankton, macrophytes and phytobenthos, benthic macroinvertebrates and fish). When introducing WFD requirements Member States faced the necessity to elaborate (by 2006) biological assessment methods related to the reference conditions. Countries which had a long tradition in biological monitoring (i.e. Germany, Austria and Great Britain), owned a large database and practised traditional biological assessment methods, didn’t find the task so problematic. These countries can also benefited from a number of projects launched since late 90’s aimed at establishing new assessment methods compliant with WFD or adaptation of traditionally used methods to new requirements. Countries which ran the biological monitoring in a limited range (as the case was in Poland) elaborate new biological assessment methods and implement them to monitoring practice with a significant delay. The reason for this situation is the lack of uniform biological databases (on the whole country scale) and insufficient scientific basis for designing classification systems. These should be a result of profound knowledge about reaction of aquatic assemblages to different types of pressure in quantitative terms. Extended 11 involvement of scientific society in these works could significantly speed up implementation of assessment methods compliant with WFD in Poland. 12 Darvinian thinking in limnology DARWIN AND LIMNOLOGY IN A DOMESTICATED WORLD STANLEY I. DODSON Zoology Department, 444 Birge Hall University of Wisconsin 430 Lincoln Drive Madison, WI 53706-1381, USA e-mail: [email protected] The world landscape has become domesticated since Darwin’s time, but limnologists use “adaptation”, a pre-domestication concept, to explain workings of aquatic communities, even though adaptations are contextdependent. A characteristic of postdomesticated Earth is the rapidly-changing ecological context, in which our challenge as limnologists is to discover how to apply adaptation theory. Limnologists use evolutionary theory as a basic tool for explaining how aquatic systems are structured and how they work. For example, the mechanisms of the PEG model are based on the assumption that aquatic organisms are adapted to their environment and to each other. However, domestication has changed Darwin’s world, through species invasions, extinctions, replacement of natural with artificial habitats, and new kinds of water chemistry. Thus, domestication of the Earth changes aquatic environments and communities and favors weedy ubiquitous species, and probably changes the ways in which limnological information can be applied to management of aquatic resources. Nevertheless, the next generation of limnologists will make the transition to using evolution from the domesticated-earth perspective. DARWINIAN NATURAL SELECTION: WHY ITS WAY TO ECOLOGY HAS BEEN SO LONG? ALEXEI GHILAROV Department of General Ecology, Biological Faculty of M.V. Lomonosov University, Moscow 119991, Russia e-mail: [email protected] Although Ernst Haeckel, who coined in 1866 the term “ecology”, was the ardent supporter of Darwinism, ecology for a long time developed without any influence of evolutionary views. Even in 1920–30s – the time when the foundations of contemporary ecology were laid, evolutionary approach was 13 rather declared than practically used. To understand the reason of such situation we should address the roots of ecology and changing demands of this science for theoretical background. The first, perhaps principal, root of ecology is natural history, an ancient form of inquiry originally oriented at the description and classification of organisms. The second one is general systems theory, the belief that there are some basic laws or “rules” that govern the functioning of any dynamic system. If we radically simplify the whole content of ecology we see that the main stuff of this science till recent time was typical for natural history. However the methods of organizing and arrangement of raw material were different. If for classical natural history it was “nomination of the visible”, for ecology it was the revealing of some general principles, that underlie population dynamics, community organization, or ecosystem functioning. In such structure of ecology there was no place for Darwinism simply because ecology didn’t need it. However every science has some inner logic of development, a succession of tasks that arises one after another. What we see now is the movement from statement of general principles to more deep understanding of nature in the details. New tasks demand new organizing principles. Darwinism is the name of one of such principles. Recently Oleg Kosterin, entomologist from Novosibirsk, has aptly noted that “the main sense and greatness of Darwinism is the statement about absence of special evolutionary mechanism that imply some “aim” (in any sense) as the cause of evolutionary changes”. This simple idea for a long time was not appreciated by scientific community. Ecologists were no exception. CAN DAPHNIA REDUCE THE COSTS OF ANTIPREDATION DEFENSES WHEN GROWN AT LOW POPULATION DENSITY LEVEL? MACIEJ GLIWICZ, WOJCIECH USZKO, PIOTR MASZCZYK Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw Banacha 2, 02-097 Warszawa, e-mail: [email protected] Daphnia (D. hyalina × galeata) were grown in batch culture or flow-through plankton organ chambers in medium containing high levels of Scenedesmus food (1 mg organic carbon L-1) at either low or high population density levels (1 and 60 Daphnia L-1, respectively), in the presence or absence of fish (roach Rutilus rutilus) kairomones. In the presence (but not in the absence) of kairomones, antipredation defenses were weaker in Daphnia grown at low population density: they remained closer to the surface in daylight, their guts were fuller, their body growth faster, the number of eggs per clutch at first reproduction greater and their daily investment in reproduction higher. These observations suggest that Daphnia is able to use low population density as an antipredation refuge and maximizes its fitness in this situation by giving up costly 14 antipredation defenses. This ability may allow Daphnia to quickly restore high density levels after a population collapse. Experiments with live fish (roach) demonstrated that giving up antipredation defenses at low population density levels makes Daphnia more vulnerable to fish predation when the population density becomes high enough to make Daphnia prey attractive to fish again, showing that increased fitness is readily lost when population density increases rapidly. HOW HAVE THE STRATEGIES FOR RESTORING LAKES USING LAKE BIOMANIPULATION BENEFITED FROM THE LIFE-TIME RESEARCHES OF MACIEJ GLIWICZ? RAMESH D. GULATI NIOO/Centre for Limnology, 3631 AC Nieuwersluis, The Netherlands e-mail: [email protected] The literature search on Lake Biomanipulation indicates a rather limited, active involvement of Maciej Gliwicz with lake restoration studies. Moreover, as many other eminent freshwater ecologists, Maciej seems to have his reservations: he is, apparently, even pessimistic about lake biomanipulation as a sustainable food-web measure for restoring or rehabilitating lakes. And he is probably right! Many of Maciej’s studies concern the cascading top-down effects of piscivorous fish on planktivorous fish and, in return, of the planktivorous fish on large-bodied herbivorous zooplankton. A perusal of Maciej’s field studies leads to several interesting revelations. He provides us with an excellent insight into the organisms and their populations and the factors that determine their fitness in the food-web, i.e. the factors that should be in place and operating, if the biomanipulation measures were to succeed in producing the desired results. In this lecture, I attempt to provide a brief expose of Gliwicz’s ’s life-time works, both in the field and laboratory, generally obtained from his published papers in the ISI Journals. Most of this information is also nicely collated and condensed in his book Between Hazards of Starvation and Risks of predation: The Ecology of Offshore Animals. I will attempt to show how some of Gliwicz’s findings are at the base of strategies employed to biomanipulate lakes, especially in the north-west Europe and the US, and comment upon why there are far more cases of failure than success of biomanipulation. 15 TRADEOFFS IN PLANKTONIC INTERACTIONS: EFFECTS ON ECO-EVOLUTIONARY DYNAMICS NELSON HAIRSTON, JR., LUTZ BECKS, STEPHEN P. ELLNER, LAURA E. JONES Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University Ithaca, New York 1485 USA, e-mail: [email protected] “… natural selection is continually trying to economise in every part of the organisation. If under changed conditions of life a structure before useful becomes less useful,any diminution, however slight, in its development, will be seized on by natural selection, for it will profit the individual not to have its nutriment wasted in building up an useless structure.” (Charles Darwin 1959). “The question of the optimum tradeoff between survival and growth must be answered correctly at every moment of life. To an offshore dweller the answer may change drastically within hours or minutes” (Maciej Gliwicz 2003). For a phytoplankton in a tightly cycling predator-prey interaction with zooplankton, the tradeoff that Darwin identified and that Gliwicz describes so eloquently is manifested as oscillating selection for defense when the predators are abundant and competitive ability when predators are scarce and algae are dense. We demonstrate the importance of rapid evolutionary response to this oscillating selection pressure using single stage chemostats with Chlamydomonas as prey and Brachionus as predator. The algae form clumps of cells that prevent consumption but at a cost in reduced growth rate. Cyclical evolution of clump size results in “evolutionary cycles” that look nothing like normal predator-prey cycles: the cycles of predator and prey are exactly out of phase (instead of the normal quarter-phase lag). Insights gained from these laboratory microcosms and the accompanying mathematical models help us understand clear-water phase (CWP) dynamics in lakes. Annual clearing events driven by Daphnia grazing generally have an algal minimum (maximum water clarity) exactly out of phase with peak Daphnia abundance. Measurements of seasonal changes in the quality of phytoplankton as food for Daphnia combined with mathematical models support the hypothesis that the CWP is as single oscillation of a Daphnia-algal “evolutionary cycle” in which the defense-vs.-growth-rate tradeoff exists among the succession of phytoplankton species rather than genotype within a single algal taxon. 16 WHERE TO BE AND NOT TO BE IN A COMPLEX PELAGIC ENVIRONMENT – THE DAPHNID’S DISTRIBUTION DILEMMA PETTER LARSSON, WINFRIED LAMPERT Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Allégaten 41 5007, Bergen, Norway e-mail: [email protected] Vertical distribution and diel vertical migration of herbivore zooplankton are supposed to be a behaviour the animals use to maximize their individual fitness. However, the picture is more complicated than a pure food-predationlight relationship. Other factors interfere with this simple model and the animals have to in addition to consider their own physiological state and size, as well as the temperature and oxygen conditions, to be able to achieve maximum fitness. We carried out three similar experiments in the plankton towers at the Max-Planck Institute for limnology to find how a Daphnia pulicaria clone reacted to a complex environment. They were given an environment with two thermoclines, deep chlorophyll maximum, oxygen depletion and fish predation at the end of the experiment. Juveniles and adult reacted differently with the juveniles searching higher temperature than the adults. Maximum density of animals was found in the thermocline compromising temperature and food availability. Depths with low oxygen condition were supposed to be sought as a refuge when fish were introduced, but low oxygen areas were avoided both with and without fish. EVOLUTION AND (META)COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN ZOOPLANKTON LUC DE MEESTER Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Leuven, Belgium As there is increasing evidence of rapid evolutionary changes, these evolutionary dynamics are likely impacting ecological processes. Using studies on the zooplankton model Daphnia as a starting point, I will illustrate how ecoevolutionary dynamics may impact basic ecological processes such as priority effects and community assembly. I will introduce the concept of evolving metacommunities as a challenging but strong framework to consider “big questions”, such as to understand and predict how communities respond to environmental change, including anthropogenic stress caused by pollutants, climate change, and the spread of exotic species. 17 THE DISTRIBUTION OF A Daphnia HYBRID SPECIES COMPLEX IN PERIALPINE LAKES OVER SPACE AND TIME: THE ROLE OF BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC FACTORS PIET SPAAK1, NORA BREDE1, 2, CHRISTIAN RELLSTAB1, 3, JENNIFER FOX1, 4 Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf 2Evolutionary Ecology, Goethe University, Siesmayerstrasse 70, D-60023 Frankfurt, Germany 3Present address: Centre of Excellence in Evolutionary Research, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI40014 Finland 4Program in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, Drew University, Madison, NJ 1Eawag, The three Daphnia species of the D. longispina complex (D. galeata, D. hyalina and D. cucullata) and their hybrids can be found in lakes all over Europe. Many factors (e.g. food quality and quantity, predation, diseases, competition) have been studied to explain why parentals and hybrids co-occur. In this talk I want to summarize these studies briefly and then show results of a recent study in which we surveyed Daphnia populations north and south of the Swiss Alps, and reconstructed some of these populations over time using sediment cores. We show that Lakes North of the Alps were invaded with one species (D. galeata) and hypothesize that lakes south of the Alps were invaded with D. hyalina. A first life history experiment shows some evidence for this hypothesis. DARWIN AND PLANT DIVERSITY: COMPLEMENTARITY EFFECTS IN LAKE PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES HERWIG STIBOR Department Biologie II, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Grosshaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany e-mail: [email protected] The idea that highly diverse plant communities are more productive than less diverse communities dates back to Darwin. Positive effects of biodiversity on ecosystem function are described from an increasing number of systems, but the underlying mechanisms remain frequently elusive. A truly*//* predictive understanding of biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships requires the a priori identification of traits conferring specific (and possibly complementary) functions to individual species. Although planktonic organisms are responsible 18 for approximately half of the world's primary production, few studies have reported on the relationship between phytoplankton biodiversity and planktonic primary production. We argue that taxon-specific differential equipment with photosynthetically active pigments provides a biochemical mechanism of resource use complementarity among phototrophic microorganisms, enabling more diverse communities to more completely harvest the light spectrum. 19 Other Contributions CRUSTACEAN PLANKTON COMMUNITIES AS FOOD RESOURCES FOR FISH IN SHALLOW POLESIE LAKES WITH CONTRASTING DEVELOPMENT OF SUBMERGED MACROPHYTES MAŁGORZATA ADAMCZUK, RYSZARD KORNIJÓW Department of Hydrobiology University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Dobrzańskigo 37, 20-262 Lublin e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Crustacean plankton is an important component in diet of planktivorous fish as well as fry stages of benthivorous and predatory fish. Crustacea and planktivorous fish are strictly connected in predator-prey interactions since quality and availability of crustaceans affects growth rate of fish, while feeding pressure of fish influences species richness and density of crustaceans and their spatial distribution. Temporary decreases in crustacean densities, decline in density of large-bodied species and dominance of small cladoceran Bosmina longirostris and Cyclopoidae copepods are the major symptoms suggesting deterioration in crustacean feeding resources for fish. Macrophytes hamper fish grazing on crustaceans due to restricting visual area and hindering their swimming behaviour. The aim of the research was to evaluate crustacean forage resources for planktivorous fish in five shallow lakes on the basis of selected demographic prey parameters (density, biomass, dominance and bodysize). The lakes are located in Łęczna-Włodawa Lakeland (eastern Poland) and are small (5.6-91.5 ha) and shallow (max. depth 1.3-7 m). They clearly differ in respect with species richness and coverage of submerged macrophytes, and thus represent different alternative stable states. The best crustacean feeding conditions for fish were found in macrophyte-dominated Lake Rotcze and in phytoplankton-macrophyte dominated Lake Sumin. A little worse crustacean feeding base occurred in phytoplankton-macrophyte dominated Lake Głębokie, and the worst in macrophyte-dominated Lake Kleszczów. Submerged vegetation was the most abundant in lakes Kleszczów and Rotcze (PVI = 29.3139.29%). The feeding conditions for planktivorous fish in these two lakes, however, were totally different. One reason for this might be species composition and distribution of submerged macrophytes, very rich and patchy in Lake Rotcze and rather poor and monotonous in Lake Kleszczów. Multispecies vascular plant communities in Lake Rotcze could have influenced interactions between crustacean plankton and planktivorous fish by creating habitats with alternative food resources, such as e.g. epithytic fauna, diminishing fish pressure on zooplankton. In Lake Kleszczów, in turn, luxuriant development of charophytes and very low density of phytoplankton being responsible for high water clarity, created excellent conditions for feeding 20 by visually-oriented planktivorous fish. In consequence, macrophyte patches being penetrated by them most probably were not sufficient refuge for crustaceans, that showed high annual density fluctuations in the lake. BIOMASS AND FISH POPULATION STRUCTURE OF THE MALTA RESERVOIR IN POZNAN AFTER DRAINING WOJCIECH ANDRZEJEWSKI1, JERZY MASTYŃSKI1, JAN MAZURKIEWICZ1, MAŁGORZATA GODLEWSKA2, JACEK SZLAKOWSKI2 1Poznan University of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology Zoologii, Department of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture, ul. Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznań, [email protected] 2Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn, Department of Riverine Fisheries, ul. Główna 48, śabieniec, 05-500 Piaseczno, [email protected] The Malta Reservoir in Poznan is hypereutrophic lowland dam reservoir, which apart from its main functions, such as sport, recreation and retention is also important for fisheries. The biomanipulation is carried out constantly to improve fish population structure mainly by stocking predatory fish such as pike, pike perch and wels. Every four years the reservoir is drained out and all the fish are removed. The last draining had place in October and November 2008. A beach seine with a wing length 150 m, mesh sizes 25 mm, and mesh sizes 12 mm in a cod-end was used for commercial fishing during draining of the Malta Reservoir. After draining of the reservoir the density of fish in the old River Cybina bed was estimated with the help of electro-fishing. On the basis of all the catches the fish population structure was determined, as well as length and weight distributions. The total catch with the beach seine from the area of 64 ha was 34348.9 kg or 536.7 kg/ha, and it was much higher than average from all the previous drainings of Malta reservoir (362,2 kg ha-1). Ichtyofauna of the Malta reservoir consists of 11 commercially important species. The dominating species both in biomass and numbers was roach (Rutilus rutilus L.) making 70,7%, than perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) (8,92%) and bream (Abramis brama L.)(6,37%). The share of dominating tree predatory species, pike perch (Stizostedion lucioperca L.), wels (Silurus glanis L.) and pike (Esox lucius L.) was only 11,17%. The other species such as tench (Tinca tinca L.), ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus L.), Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio Bloch), eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) and atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus L.) made only 2,85% of fish biomass. Thus the biomanipulation did not give the expected effect and predatory fish biomass was very low. The research was financed from the research project NN304052234 21 THE SETTLEMENT PROCESS OF THE MIDFIELD POND BY MACROPHYTES EWA ARCZYŃSKA-CHUDY, HANNA GOŁDYN Institute for Agricultural and Forest Environment of the Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Bukowska 19, 60-809 Poznań, e-mail: [email protected] Study on sustainable development of agriculture areas are carried on in Gen. Chlapowski Landscape Park (Wielkopolska region) from many years. Their goal is to protect and even to enrich ecosystem diversity within rural landscape among other by the creation of the new ecological grounds such as for example midfield ponds. The object of investigations was the pond (1800 m2) which was dug in the summer 1995 in natural, periodically flooded area. In this pond aquatic and marsh plant succession was observed in 1995-2005. The areas occupied by particular plant associations were measured in the period of their maximum development. The study on the flora diversity and water quality were carried on too. In the pond the following phases in the plant succession were distinguished: - domination of charophytes species in the whole pond and the small share of emergent macrophytes - Potagometon natans and the spieces of charophytes domination and the intensive growth of rushes - Potagometon natans domination and disappearance of charophytes meadows. The appearance of hornwort and abundant growth of rushes. During the first and second vegetation seasons the stonewort meadows covered 91% of bottom area. In 1998 the stoneworts domination finished. In that period there were’t any observed phytoplankton blooms. The content of chlorofile in the water was characteristic for mesotrophic reservoirs. After the third year of the pond existence the plants with floathing leaves covered large area. They shade the bottom area and it was the reason of charophytes disappearance. In 2000 the communities of emergent plants dominated in the pond. Since 2003 the patches of hornwort is growing among the submergent plants. It points the end of the early development stage of the pond. In the pond many of rare in Poland and Wielkopolska species occurred, for example: Chara fragilis, Chara vulgaris, Ceratophyllum submersum i Teucrium scordium. 22 CILIATE COMMUNITIES IN ACTIVATED SLUDGE OF SOUTHERN POLISH SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS ROMAN BABKO1, JANUSZ FYDA2 1Sumski Państwowy Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny im. A. S. Makarenki, ul. Romens’ka 87, 40002 Sumy, Ukraina, [email protected] 2Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland, e-mail: [email protected] Ciliated protozoa are essential elements of the activated sludge biocenosis, which play an important role in nutrient removal during the sewage treatment process. The main role of protozoa is to stimulate the bacteria growth and to keep it in the exponential phase of the growth. We investigated the ciliate communities in eight treatment plants of Southern Poland during years 20042005. The samples were taken from aerotanks every month. During the study 73 ciliate species were found. The analysis of similarity between investigated treatment plants showed high identity degree. Jaccard’s index similarity exceeded 50 % only in three plants. The most similar ciliate communities were in Czechowice and Pszczyna plants (59%), a little bit lower similarity indexes were between Czechowice and Wisła Wielka (52%) and between Czechowice and Sucha Beskidzka (50%). The dominant group of ciliated protozoa for all treatment plants consisted of Acineria uncinata, Aspidisca cicada, Aspidisca lynceus, Carchesium polypinum, Chilodonella uncinata, Epistylis coronata, Vorticella aquadulcis and Vorticella infusionum. The most frequent in the samples were Vorticella aquadulcis and Aspidisca cicada, their occurrence reached 77,6% and 76,7% respectively. Lower occurrence was noticed in case of Acineria uncinata (69%), Carchesium polypinum (64,7%), Vorticella infusionum (62,1%), Chilodonella uncinata (57,8%), Epistylis coronata (51,7%) and Aspidisca lynceus (50,9%). Rank abundance distribution of ciliates can be used for the evaluation of the effectiveness of aerotanks work. In the investigated treatment plants the curves of ciliates rank abundance were typical for the natural communities. However, in some cases the rank abundance curves were abnormal and this is caused probably by troubles in sewage treatment process. Such reaction of ciliated protozoa enables the using of rank abundance curves as a simple tool for evaluation of the sewage treatment plant efficiency. 23 EFFECT OF RIVER DAMS ON HYDROLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND STRUCTURE OF BENTHIC MOLLUSCS ASSEMBLAGES ROMAN BABKO 1, TETIANA KUZMINA 2 1Sumy State Pedagogical University, Romens’ka str. 87, 40002 Sumy, Ukraine, [email protected] 2Sumy State Pedagogical University, Rymskogo-Korsakowa str. 2, 40007 Sumy, Ukraine, [email protected] River dams change the life conditions of the majority of water organisms drastically. River regulations which decrease water current velocity cause the changes in structure and composition of macrobenthos community and influence water quality. Molluscs are in plains rivers the most numerous groups of macrobenthos. The aim of this work was studying mollusc assemblages and their distribution above the dams in the Rivers Psel and Vorskla. Both rivers are the first tributaries of Dnieper. The reservoir on river Psel was constructed in 1953 and on Vorskla River in 1989. Effects of dams on hydrological parameters extend up to 40-50 km. Above the water reservoir the current velocity reaches 0,2-04 m/sec in reach zones and 0,5-1,0 m/sec on the rifts. In water reservoirs the current flow did not exceed 0,2 m/sec. Water transparency in Vorskla River reaches 4-5 m and 3-4 m in Psel River. Near the dams the transparency was the lowest and reached 0,6 m in Vorskla and 0,4 m in Psel River. In the near-dam sectors of the reservoirs the clear oxygen and nutrient stratification was observed. The samples were taken from the reservoirs and from the rivers up the reservoirs. In Vorskla River 27 and in Psel River 25 molluscs taxa were found. Their density above reservoirs amounted to an average 320 spec/m2 in Psel and 250 spec/m2 in Vorskla. In Psel reservoir the molluscs density was lowest and reached 85 spec/m2. The bivalved mollusks which number up the reservoir amounts 50-55 spec/m2 disappear before the dam. In Vorskla reservoir the total molluscs density was the same as in the river up the reservoir. While the bivalved mollusks number decrease from 70 spec/m2 up the reservoir to 1 spec/m2 in the reservoir. In both molluscs assemblages Lithoglyphus naticoides naticoides (C. Pfeiffer, 1828) dominated and reached up to 70-90%. Within both reservoirs the density of this mollusk decrease toward the dams. 24 STRUCTURE OF PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES AT LAKE BIAŁE WŁODAWSKIE ON POJEZIERZE ŁĘCZYŃSKO-WŁODAWSKIE BARBARA BANACH, KRZYSZTOF CZERNAŚ, AGNIESZKA SZCZUROWSKA Katedra Ekologii Ogólnej, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie, Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin The studied lake is situated in the eastern – the least transformed – part of Pojezierze Łęczyńsko-Włodawskie. In summer, the reservoir is strongly anthropopressed due to intensive recreational and touristic utilization. Its morphometric traits (depth 33.6 m, capacity 14988 thousand m3, area 106.4 ha) make that it is extremely resistant to degradation. On a base of biological indicators (chlorophyll a and Ecological Status Macrophyte Index ESMI) along with physicochemical properties, the lake’s water is classified to the 1st class in accordance to data by WIOŚ. The study aimed at evaluating the qualitative and quantitative structure of phytoplankton communities as one of the biological indicators for assessment of water ecological status. Phycological survey and physicochemical analyses of water – taking into account the seasonality of phytoplankton changes – were conducted since July 2007 till October 2008. Water samples were collected in north-eastern part of the reservoir that is intensively utilized for recreation. Change of phytoplankton structure occurred during the study. In 2007, diatoms made up the largest quantitative and qualitative percentage. Chlorophyta and cyanophyta, at quantitative domination of cyanophyta, prevailed in 2008. In majority sampling dates, the chlorophyll a concentration ranged from 7.33 to 8.43 µg dm-3 chl-a, and only in autumn 2007, the increase of chlorophyll a concentration up to 16.13 µg dm-3 chl-a was recorded, which may resulted from a strong touristic press in summer. Differences in phytoplankton communities structure in two subsequent vegetation seasons, mainly the increase of qualitative and quantitative shares of chlorophyta and cyanophyta, may indicate the beginning of lake’s trophy status (beginning of eutrophication stage). A massive appearance of Planktothrix rubescens (DeCandolle ex Gomont) Anagnostidis et Komárek – potentially toxic filamentous cyanophyta in spring 2008, that had not been earlier recorded – was alarming, because it can prove the significant change of the reservoir water quality. 25 DO TEMPORARY INTERMISSIONS IN PREY (DAPHNIA) COLLECTION BY PLANKTIVOROUS FISH (RUTILUS RUTILUS) RESULT FROM THE NEED FOR VIGILANCE? MACIEJ BARTOSIEWICZ Department of Hydrobiology, University of Warsaw Banacha 2, 02-097 Warszawa Animals do not have to invest as much time in vigilance when foraging in groups as when foraging alone. This well known rule might be also applied to such harvesting predators as planktiovorous fishes, which are known for fast food collection when zooplankton prey is abundant. Daphnia are collected by young roach (Rutilus rutilus) in sequence of many sequential captures every 1-3 seconds. Such serial captures have been found to be interrupted by intermissions of 10-20 seconds (Rygielska2009). These intermissions might result either from a physiological constrains or from the need for vigilance, particularly when a piscivore predator is present. To test whether they result, at least in part, from time investments for vigilance, I have video recorded many series of subsequent prey captures by roach feeding in high Daphnia density. These recordings were made both on roach foraging alone as well as on roach feeding in groups of two or three individuals. Preliminary results have revealed that the mean duration of the intermissions was significantly greater in the presence of predator’s odor (resulting in significant decrease in capturing rate).They have also showed that these intermissions were significantly shorter when roach was feeding in groups, thus implying that the investment of time for intermissions is clearly the cost of antipredation defense. CYANOBACTERIA - PLANKTONIC CLADOCERANS INTERACTIONS UNDER FORECASTED GLOBAL WARMING CONDITIONS. ANNA BEDNARSKA Department of Hydrobiology, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland, [email protected] In lake ecosystems global warming may lead to frequent and long lasting periods of cyanobacteria domination in phytoplankton communities. Cyanobacteria are considered to be a poor food source to herbivorous zooplankton and, moreover, their presence in the environment may have a harmful impact on animals. Large bodied, unselective cladocerans from genus Daphnia are the most affected by presence of cyanobacteria in the environment. Toxicity, poor manageability and nutritional inadequacy may independently and/or synergistically trigger different responses, both in visible phenotypic 26 traits (behaviour, morphology, life history), as well as on molecular level (e.g. Heat Shock Proteins level). Rise of the temperature increases the growth rate of Daphnia but simultaneously increases vulnerability of the animals to toxins and interference in food gathering process caused by cyanobacteria. This leads to a decrease in food gathering effectiveness and results in higher energetic costs. Decreased fitness due to cyanobacteria presence under higher temperature can be theoretically, at least partly, overcome, if Daphnia have the possibility to acclimate to one or both of those stress factors. To test this hypothesis individuals of Daphnia acclimated and not acclimated to one or both factors were exposed to presence/absence of cyanobacteria under “normal” and “global warming” conditions in full factorial design experiments. Key life history parameters and HSP levels were measured. MOLECULAR BASES OF DAPHNIA LONGISPINA BEHAVIOURAL PLASTICITY PIOTR BERNATOWICZ1, JOANNA PIJANOWSKA2 1 Department of Paleobiology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, [email protected] 2 Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, [email protected] Cladocerans from the Daphnia longispina complex may select depth in open water, depending on environmental conditions. In the presence of predator (planktonivorous fish), filamentous cyanobacteria or toxic compounds, Daphnia stay deeper than in the environment free from stress. The aim of the study was to examine the molecular mechanism that governs behavioural plasticity in cladocerans from D. longispina complex. When changing depth, Daphnia experience rapid changes of temperature. It is hypothesised that molecular mechanism regulating Daphnia behaviour is connected to heat shock proteins (HSPs) machinery; changes in the expression of HSP (caused by thermal shock) were, indeed, observed in Daphnia. Daphnia depth selection and the level of expression of HSP 60, HSP 70 and HSP 90 were examined in 5 clones of D. longispina in the presence of predator, filamentous cyanobacteria (Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii) and toxic substances (PCB 153 and PCB 52). We found positive correlation between the level of HSP 70 expression and the scale of Daphnia behavioral plasticity. Presumably, a high level of this protein allows Daphnia to change their depth, depending on environmental conditions, without negative consequences caused by the sudden change in temperature. 27 ASSESSMENT OF THE ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF LAKES BASED ON ICHTHYOFAUNA WITOLD BIAŁOKOZ AND ŁUCJAN CHYBOWSKI Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn Department of Lake Fisheries in GiŜycko ul. Rajska 2, 11-500 GiŜycko According to the EU Water Framework Directive, the ecological status of lakes is to be assessed and classified based on biological indicators, including ichthyofauna. Various assessment methods have been developed in EU members states, and the goal of the intercalibration process which is currently in progress is to establish a common classification system across Europe, ensuring the comparability of results. One of the methods developed in Poland for the assessment of the ecological status of lakes is based on the species composition and structure of ichthyofauna. The reference materials included long-term commercial catch data and environmental data. Ichthyological lake typology, reference models and a method for estimating deviation from reference models were developed. Then mathematical formulas of reference models and of deviation models were devised, which provided a basis for developing the Lake Fish Index (LFI). The model for the assessment of the ecological status of lakes based on ichthyofauna is an empirical multiple regression equation obtained by selecting the most suitable subset of independent variables, i.e. the percentage share of fish species or functional groups in the total catch of lake fish, which respond positively or negatively to positive or negative changes in the environment: LFI = b0 + b1 X1 + b2 X2 + b3 X3... bn Xn, where: LFI - Lake Fish Index (fish-based assessment of the ecological status of lakes), b0 ... bn – regression coefficients for individual variables, X1 ... Xn – independent variables. The variables were selected based on extensive research data showing that environmental quality deterioration is accompanied by a decrease in the percentage share of the vendace, pike, perch and tench, and an increase in the percentage share of members of the family Cyprinidae, in particular small individuals of such species as the bream, roach and white bream, in total catch. In addition, in the group of “coregonids” lakes, a symptom of environmental quality deterioration is an increase in the percentage share of the pike perch in total catch. In lakes characterized by more favorable environmental conditions the catch rates of the vendace, pike, perch and tench remain stable, the percentage share of large individuals of the family Cyprinidae is relatively high, and the pike perch is practically absent in deep “coregonids” lakes. The presented method can be used to assess the ecological status of lakes for which long-term commercial catch data are available. In lakes for which no 28 such data exist, the structure of ichthyofauna has to be analyzed with the use of calibrated nets (the so called Nordic nets), and the obtained results have to be interpreted as dependent on the percentage share of indicator fish species or functional groups that respond strongly to environmental changes. Such work has already been initiated within the framework of the Polish-Norwegian project: “Scientific basis for an integrated assessment of the ecological status of rivers and lakes to support river basin management plans”. INFLUENCE OF RECREATION ON SPECIES RICHNESS AND DIVERSITY OF ROTIFERS (ROTIFERA) IN PONDS OF THE LANDSCAPE COMPLEX “SZOPIENICE-BORKI” (SILESIAN UPLAND) IRENA BIELAŃSKA-GRAJNER1, ANNA GŁADYSZ2, EWA SKOWRONEK2 1Department of Hydrobiology, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, e-mail: [email protected] 2Department of Ecology, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, e-mail: [email protected] Planktonic rotifers were studied in two ponds created by sand extraction: Hubertus III (infrequently used for recreation) and Stawiki (commonly used for recreation). The ponds are located within the protected Landscape Complex “Szopienice-Borki” in Silesian Upland (SW Poland). Water samples were collected from April till October 2007, in two-week intervals. A total number of 58 taxa of rotifers were noted. The number of rotifer species and their densities were smaller in Hubertus III than in Stawiki. In Hubertus III, Polyarthra species were the most abundant, accounting for 48% of total rotifer density, whereas in Stawiki, Keratella cochlearis reached the highest density (accounting for 36% of total density). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference between communities of rotifers in species diversity (F=5.88, p=0.02) and species richness (F=5.57, p=0.03). The research proved that the pond commonly used for recreation (Stawiki) is characterized by a higher trophic state. Results of this study indicate that the methods and range of use of water bodies by humans have an important influence on the species richness and diversity of communities of planktonic rotifers. 29 NEW DATA ABOUT UNIQUE SPECIES – THEROMYZON MACULOSUM (RATHKE, 1862) (HIRUDINIDA: GLOSSIPHONIIDAE) ALEKSANDER BIELECKI , KATARZYNA PALIŃSKA, JOANNA CICHOCKA Katedra Zoologii, UWM Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn e-mail: [email protected] This relict and boreal leech species, despite that, was described over 140 years ago, was believed to be doubtful (Blanchard 1894; Gedroyć 1913, 1915, 1926). However, Pawlowski (1936) have described T. maculosum as a valid species. Subsequent literature reports about this species are not very numerous and found rarely (Pawłowski 1968; Wilkialis 1970; Koperski 2003; Kołodziejczyk 2007). The newest research proceeded by authors, from 2006 to 2009, in the Suwalski Landscape Park in the Czarna Hancza river, revealed not yet known stands of this leech species. Moreover, there are new data concerning anathomy of T. maculosum. THE SIGNIFICATION OF HYPOTHETIC-DEDUCTIVE METHOD IN CHARLES DARWIN’S WORKS AND „BIRTH” OF HIS GREAT THEORY ALEKSANDER BIELECKI, JOANNA CICHOCKA Katedra Zoologii, UWM Olsztyn ul. Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn e-mail: [email protected] The authors search in the Charles Darwin’s resum and education a method, which he was using in his work. This searching refers, first of all, to Charles Darwin’s statements, but also to important moments in his development. In the next step the Charles Darwin’s citations, in which he mentioned about method, was interpreted. Darwin’s conceptual metaphores, which concerning language, method and research object, were very useful. Given the development of science the authors cite Karl Popper, who continues the Darwin’s Concepts. Subsequently, relationships between the Theory of Evolution and next categories: the Definition of Science, the Value and Role of Science, the Language and Method, and the Karl Popper’s Worlds, have been found. 30 CRUSTACEAN PLANKTON OF THE RESTORATED STARODWORSKIE LAKE. MAGDALENA BOWSZYS1, AGNIESZKA GUTKOWSKA1, RENATA TANDYRAK2 1 Katedra Ekologii Stosowanej, Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie, ul. Oczapowskiego 5, 10-957 Olsztyn; [email protected] 2 Katedra InŜynierii Ochrony Środowiska, Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie, ul. Prawocheńskiego 1, 10-720 Olsztyn; Lake Starodworskie has been restorated since the sixties of the last century, on the beginning by means of waters aeration, and later (in the nineties), applying the method of phosphorus inactivation. As a result, a significant decrease in phosphorous content and chlorophyll „a” concentration were recorded LOSSOW et all. (2005). In order to maintain positive effects of lake restoration, biomanipulation has been carried out to limit the size of planktivorous fish population. In the years 2007-2008, Lake Starodworskie was stocked with zander and asp. After six month a significant increase of water transparency as well as oxygen range in water column were recorded. Overall zooplankton abundance and community structure are useful indicators of changes in the environment of lakes under restoration due to close functional relationship between phytoplankton and zooplankton. Moreover, trophic activity of planktonic crustaceans may result in elimination of algae from water body that can enhance positive effects of efforts to improve water quality. The studies of zooplankton in Lake Starodworskie were carried out in 2007-2008. In the community, strong domination achieved Bosmina longirostris and Daphnia cucullata, while as the dominants occurred Eudiaptomus graciloides, Diaphanosoma brachyurum and Mesocyclops leuckarti. The mean annual crustacean density reached 329 indiv./dm3 and the mean biomass was 5,1 mg/dm3. In comparison to earlier studies of zooplankton in Lake Starodworskie, changes in overall abundance and zooplankton structure were found. It was recorded the drop in the mean annual planktonic crustaceans biomass and decrease in the contribution of taxa indicative of highly eutrophictead waters. The analysis of quantitative and qualitative traits of the zooplankton community suggests that the lake is moderately eutrophic. EFFECT OF NANOSILVER ON CLADOCERAN DAPHNIA MAGNA ANNA BRONOWSKA, RYSZARD POLECHOŃSKI Zakład Limologii i Rybactwa, ul. Chełmońskiego 38c, 50-630 Wrocław email: [email protected] With a dynamic growth in the number of products containing nanosilver it seems justified to define the influence of nanoparticles on water ecosystems 31 especially after taking into account the fact that the latest literature is scarce in the information on the effects that nanoscale materials may have on water environment. The aim of the following research was to investigate the influence of different concentration of nanosilver solution (N-Nanosilver-PVP-1000Amepox) on survival rate of water flea (Daphnia magna). The research was performed in accordance with PN-72 C-04610 standard in ten versions with different addition of colloidal silver solution both in clean water and water enriched in alga being main feed for water flea. The following nanosilver concentration was analysed in the test: 0,00; 0,01; 0,02; 0,03; 0,04; 0,05; 0,06; 0,07; 0,08; 0,09 mg Ag·dm-3. Each concentration was tested on 10 animals. Observation and rejestration of the number of dead animals was performed in accordance with the standard after 1, 3, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours. As a result of the following research negative correlation was observed between nanosilver concentration and the animal survival rate. Alga contained in water inhibited water fleas dying out. Probably, alga absorbed nanosilver on their surface and in their cells reducing its amount in water. Safe solution for water fleas was observed at 0,01 level of nanosilver. In higher concentration of nanosilver growing number of dead animals were noted. NESTS OF WATER AND MARSH BIRDS AS A POORLY KNOWN LITTORAL HABITAT. MARSH HARRIER (CIRCUS AERUGINOSUS) PAWEŁ BUCZYŃSKI1, GRZEGORZ TOŃCZYK2,GRZEGORZ GRZYWACZEWSKI3, IGNACY KITOWSKI4,RAFAŁ KRAWCZYK4 1 Department of Zoology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, Univeristy of Łódź, Łódź 3 Department of Zoology, University of Life Sciences, Lublin 4 Department of Nature Protection, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin 2 The subject of the presentation are the results of the studies accomplished in the frames of the project „Nests of water and marsh birds as the habitat of aquatic invertebrate fauna”. Taxonomic composition, spatial distribution and numbers of invertebrate macrofauna as well as potential influence of a nest on macrofauna in its surroundings were analysed. The studies were conducted in 2007 on fish ponds in central-eastern Poland. Four nest-surrounding arrangements were analysed. The volume of nests ranged from 0,61 to 0,95 m3. Water was nutrient rich, warm, heavily loaded with biogenic substances and excrements. Water in their surroundings (within the distance of 1 m and 5 m) was: less nutrient rich, more alkaline, less rich in biogenic substances and E. coli bacteria, richer in oxygen (the difference was 4,35,4 mg/dm3). 32 4853 individuals belonging to: Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, Gastropoda, Isopoda, Collembola, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Heteroptera, Homoptera, Dermaptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Megaloptera, Lepidoptera, Trichoptera, Diptera, Acari and Araneae were obtained. The most of groups were present in nests and its surroundings. Exceptions were Collembola, Dermaptera and Hymenoptera (in nests only) as well as Odonata and Megaloptera (in surroundings only). The differences are in dominance structure of the noted assemblages. In nests, fauna density was the highest in the dry layer above water (144-322 ind./dm3, 238 on average), next – in the moist layer above water (56-150 ind./dm3, 76 on average) and the submerged one (1-98 ind./dm3, 33 on average). The same referred to the numbers of taxa which were as follows in the same order: 5-11 (7,7 on average), 5-9 (6,7 on average) and 2-10 (5,0 on average). In the submerged layer to the dominants belonged typically aquatic groups; in the dry one – higrophilous, saprophagous and necrophagous land taxa like dipterans and beetles – especially rove beetles. The moist layer was of intermediate character. Macrofauna recorded in the surrounding of nests was clearly different from the one obtained within the nests. The dominants in littoral were: Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, Ephemeroptera, Isopoda, Gastropoda, Diptera (Chironomidae) and Coleoptera. In nests Coleoptera and Diptera (other families than Chironomidae) were significantly dominating. Fauna densities in the surrounding of nests were evidently lower than in the nests, however, the values did not differ considerably from the value of this index for the zones of the bottom situated more remotely. It was reported that macrofauna inhabiting nests of a marsh harrier was clearly different with respect to quantitative structure and assemblage densities. Studies were financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (grant no. N304 109 31/3813). CHANGES IN THE PHYTOPLANKTON OF A SHALLOW RESERVOIR DURING RESTORATION TROUGH FERRIC SULPHATE TREATMENT AGNIESZKA BUDZYŃSKA, RYSZARD GOŁDYN Department of Water Protection, Instytut Biologii Środowiska, Uniwersytet im. A. Mickiewicza, ul. Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań A hypertrophic reservoir, situated within the city of Poznań (W Poland) was subjected to restoration processes in 2006 and 2007. Relatively small amounts of ferric sulphate (PIX) were dosed into the lake with the intention to strenghten the natural processes of phosphorus immobilization in the sediments, and thus decrease the internal loading of this element. Phytoplankton, as a primary 33 producer, reacts as the first of the ecosystem components to the nutrient reduction, and also affects other trophic levels. The aim of this paper is to depict changes in the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the lake’s phytoplankton during restoration. Sample collection was conducted at the deepest part of the reservoir in the year before the restoration processes started (2005) and in two years of restoration (2006 and 2007). Samples for the phytoplankton analysis were preserved with Lugol’s solution, and analysed with the use of an inverted microscope. The abundance of phytoplankton in Rusałka was the highest in the first year of restoration. It showed no significant difference between spring and early summer of 2005 and 2007. In August 2007 phytoplankton reached much higher number than in the same month of 2005, while in Autumn the opposite situation was noted. Changes in the taxonomical structure of the phytoplankton were much more distinct. In the year before the restoration cyanobacteria were the most numerous phytoplankton group from June till November, in 2006 form July till October, and in 2007 they dominated in two summer months only (July and August). A shift towards the domination of green algae was observed in the second year of restoration. The results will be discussed on the background of nutrients concentration in the water of Rusałka reservoir. THE INFLUENCE OF REGULATION ON THE ICHTHYOFAUNA AND BENTHOS OF THE RÓśANKA STREAM ANETA BYLAK, KRZYSZTOF KUKUŁA, EWA KUKUŁA Katedra Biologii Środowiska, Uniwersytet Rzeszowski ul. Prof. S. Pigonia 6, 35-310 Rzeszów [email protected] The regulation of water courses accelerates the surface flow causes the enlargement of the amount of water drained off by the stream, and removing the meanders shortens the stream-bed. It also causes unifying the habitat. The habitats appropriate for many invertebrates and hideouts for fish disappear. The aim of the present work was the analysis of structure of ichtyofauna and macrozoobenthos groups settling the sections of stream regulated in different degrees. The research dealt with a small piedmont stream, left tributary of Wisłok River, flowing through Pogórze StrzyŜowskie. From the obtained historical information it results that the stream in the lower and middle part had a similar character before the regulation; with numerous meanders, deeper places, with stony-gravelly bottom. The upper part of the stream bed was regulated in the 80’s and the area was drained. In this section the water course is almost totally straightened and the banks are covered almost exclusively by herbaceous plants. In the regulated part the diversification of the environment 34 conditions was scarce. There was no typical habitat mosaic. However, the stream-bed of the lower part had a natural character. Five research stations, different in the level of regulation were chosen. On the basis of numerical analysis of agglomeration based on 23 morphometric parameters the research stations were divided into two categories: regulated and natural. The research was conducted in the years 2005-2007. The physicochemical parameters of water were measured. The composition, density and biomass of macrozoobenthos were examined. To examine the state of ichtyofauna the electro-fishing was conducted. All the fish were measured, weighed and than released into the water in the place of netting. The average content of biogenic elements and the water temperature in all the research stations did not differ considerably. However in the summer months the water in the more shallow and non shaded, regulated part of the stream warmed faster. The regulations of the stream-bed did not lower the total density of zoobenthos, and the abundance of mayflies Baetidae, flies Chironomidae and Simuliidae, amphipod Gammarus, shellfish Pisidium and leeches Hirudinea was even higher in the regulated part. The statistical analysis of contingency table demonstrated significant differences in the benthic community composition between the natural and regulated stations for all the main taxa. The ichthyofauna of the regulated part of the stream was very poor. From the eleven species of fish found in the RóŜanka Stream in this part only gudgeon Gobio gobio, minnow Phoxinus phoxinus and chub Leuciscus cephalus were netted and their total number was only 4% of all the fish netted in the examined water course. The related physico-chemical parameters of water and abundant food base for fish in all the research stations show that the factor deciding about the number of fish was the quantity of hideouts and places appropriate for spawning and rearing fry. In the accepted four-level scale of estimation of potential hideouts and places connected with reproduction the regulated stations received the lowest grade. DYSTROPHY OF THE ŁĘCZNA-WŁODAWA LAKES IN THE YEARS 20002008 STANISŁAW CHMIEL Department of Hydrography, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, 20-033 Lublin, Poland e-mail: [email protected] Dystrophic lakes are generally small water bodies, rich in humic acids, with an acidic pH and a brown colour. They are characterised by a high degree of naturalness, thereby they are environmentally very valuable; at the same time, they are very susceptible to degradation (in particular eutrophication). A 35 change in the trophic nature of a dystrophic lake is manifested in the first stage by the periodic disappearance of specific physicochemical characteristics of water. Therefore, hydrochemical investigations provide valuable information on the existence and functioning of such lakes. In the years 2000-2008, investigations of physicochemical characteristics of the water sampled from the Łęczna-Włodawa Lakes were carried out, including 17 lakes described most frequently in literature as dystrophic or dystrophiceutrophic. In the material collected, an assessment was made of dystrophy of the waters by using the HDI index - Hydrochemical Dystrophy Index (Górniak 2006). The HDI index is the geometric mean of 3 values: D1, D2, D3, where D1 = 100/log(SEC), D2 = (10DOC)/DIC, D3 = (9.5-pH)20; the waters with the value of HDI >50, calculated based on measurements made during the summer period, are considered to be dystrophic. In the summer season, the HDI index was within a range of 4 to 61, and values above 50 were recorded only periodically in the waters of Lake Brzeziczno. The waters sampled from Lakes Brzeziczno and Łukietek, Święte, Orchowe, Biesiadki, Płotycze, had the HDI index within a range of 35-50. The waters sampled from Lakes Brudzieniec, Perespa, Dubeczyńskie, Lubowierzek, Brudno, Czarne Gościnieckie, Obradowskie, Długie had the HDI index within a range of 20-35. The waters of Lakes Moszne, Łukie, Lubowierz had the HDI index below 20. During the winter season and in early spring, the HDI index of the investigated waters was usually higher by over a dozen points, primarily as a result of the lower pH of the water. The obtained values of the HDI index for the investigated waters show that the a.m. lakes did not have typical dystrophic features. The waters of the other Łęczna-Włodawa Lakes, which were not considered to be dystrophic, usually had the HDI index below 25. SOME ISSUES IN ASSESSMENT OF EUTROPHICATION OF RIVER WATERS AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STORAGE RESERVOIR (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE BYSTRZYCA RIVER) STANISŁAW CHMIEL*, SŁAWOMIR GŁOWACKI, ZDZISŁAW MICHALCZYK, JOANNA PISZCZ Department of Hydrography, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, 20-033 Lublin, Akademicka 19, Poland, *e-mail: [email protected] Based on the authors’ own study and data of the Voivodship Environmental Protection Institute (WIOŚ) in Lublin, the quality of the waters of the Bystrzyca River and changes in water quality related to the operation of the reservoir in Zemborzyce were analysed. The Zemborzyce reservoir is a shallow dam 36 reservoir, constructed in 1975; in recent years, the mass occurrence of Cyanobacteria has been found in it. In the years 2005-2007, upstream of the Zemborzyce reservoir, the following values for the eutrophication indicators were recorded in the Bystrzyca River (min–max/average): N-total 2.33–5.01/3.3 mgdm-3, P-total 0.1–0.49/0.23 mgdm-3, N-NO3 0.71–2.88/1.5 mgdm-3, chlorophyll “a” <25 mgdm-3. Downstream of the reservoir, the following values were recorded: N-total 0.84– 3.41/2.19 mgdm-3, P-total 0.01–0.40/0.16 mgdm-3, N-NO3 0.01–1.39/0.1 mgdm-3, chlorophyll “a” 19–239/110 mgdm-3. The method for assessment of eutrophication indicators for surface (stagnant and flowing) waters applied so far in Poland has been based on average annual concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, nitrate content and chlorophyll “a” content in the water (Dz. U of 2002, No. 241, item 2093). In the case of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, in accordance with the criteria applicable to flowing waters, the waters of the Bystrzyca River, both upstream and downstream of the reservoir, did not show susceptibility to eutrophication. It was only in the case of chlorophyll “a” that its level downstream of the reservoir showed advanced water eutrophication. In the case of assessment of eutrophication in the waters of the Bystrzyca River based on the criteria applicable to flowing waters, both the waters upstream of the Zemborzyce reservoir and the waters of the Bystrzyca River downstream of the reservoir showed high eutrophic potential. Small storage reservoirs, which may have an adverse effect on the quality of river water, are currently constructed in Poland on a large scale. When taking a decision to construct a reservoir on a river, water quality should be taken into account, in particular its trophic potential determined based on the criteria defined for standing waters (Dz. U. of 2002, No. 241, item 2093). Commonly used methods in assessment of the trophic state of lakes, e.g. OECD, Carlson indices and indicators identifying the susceptibility of lakes to degradation, will also be useful. THE UNIVERSAL SCRAPER TO PERIPHYTON WITH INTERCHANGEABLE BAG JULIUSZ C. CHOJNACKI, TADEUSZ ZAMKOWSKI West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin Department of Marine Ecology and Environmental Protection 71-550 Szczecin, ul. Kazimierza Królewicza 4H/19 [email protected] The different scrapers are used for collected samples of periphyton. The scraper is a variety of hand net, when a bottom part of hoop is made from steel plate with sharpened front edge. 37 In Department of Marine Ecology and Environmental Protection West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin there was made scraper for collected samples of periphyton for different taxonomical groups, for example: snails (Lymnacidae, Viviparidae, Planorbidae, Physidae), molluscs, crustaceans (Gammaridae), Nematoda, Chlorophyta, Chrysophyceae, Bacillariophyceae. This scraper is using to sampling of organisms from plunged surface of hydrotechnical elements (supports of bridges, port embankments etc.), from different subjects, which are on the bottom and from macrophytes. Since two years this scraper is using to collected samples of periphyton from coastal waters of the Pomeranian Bay and the Szczecin Lagoon. We can state a big usefulness and good results at taking samples. The interchangeable bags putting on the hoop of scraper enable fast preparation for next sampling and the telescopic stem (to 2 m long) enable a forceful reaching hard-available elements of constructions or subjects plunged in water. IDENTIFICATION OF OUTER DISTURBANCE CAUSES IN BIOLOGICAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT WITH BIOINDICATION METHOD MARIOLA CHOMCZYŃSKA, GRZEGORZ ŁAGÓD, AGNIESZKA MONTUSIEWICZ, JACEK MALICKI Politechnika Lubelska, Wydział InŜynierii Środowiska, ul. Nadbystrzycka 40B, 20-618 Lublin, 0-81 53814404, e-mail: [email protected] The high pollutant loads in the raw sewage are biodegraded in aerobic and anaerobic conditions, during their transport through the sewer system. Live fractions of sewage suspension and microorganisms of biofilm (pecton) occupying walls of sewer system, participate in biodegradation processes. The sewage in waste water treatment plant are treated by an activated sludge suspended in bioreactors or biofilm settled at packing of tricking filter beds. The purification processes may be disturbed by the inner and outer factors. The most dangerous outer causes are conscious outpasses of pollution quality limits, observed usually during the time when the legal sewage control is unavailable. Identification of the sources that influence sewage quality is in fact impossible using physical-chemical methods. Application of bioindication method enables the pollution source to be identified even after the significantly long time – more than 20 hours. Toxic substances towards the organisms of activated sludge or biofilm are far more harmful to live suspension fraction and microorganisms forming the pecton. Biomonitoring based on the systematic microscopic observation of the raw sewage transported in collectors enables the live (active) organisms’ absence to be determined in the suspension and may indicate the outer causes of process failure. Pecton sampling in subsequent downstream fragments of sewer system and observations of live (active) 38 organisms in them with a simple direct microscopic method, evidently identifies the source of harmful pollution. The physical and chemical methods indicate pollution source only during its duration. The bioindication method permits the identification of source disturbing treatment processes even after hour dozens from the moment of its activity surcease. MEASUREMENT AND VISUALIZATION OF CHANGES IN BIODIVERSITY - THE METHOD PROPOSAL MARIOLA CHOMCZYŃSKA, GRZEGORZ ŁAGÓD, AGNIESZKA MONTUSIEWICZ, JACEK MALICKI Politechnika Lubelska, Wydział InŜynierii Środowiska, ul. Nadbystrzycka 40B, 20-618 Lublin, 0-81 53814404, e-mail: [email protected] Biological diversity (biodiversity) can be evaluated basing on the species richness or richness of chosen taxa. The biodiversity assessment is also enabled using the Shannon index (H) that includes taxon numbers and their relative abundances (or relative biomass likely relative degrees of covering). The suitable description of biological or statistically significant differences (or their lack) between the compared taxocenosises of identical or subjectively different values of S and H is not possible using both methods mentioned. Thus, the aim of our work was to present the manners for solving this problem basing on the example of three hypothetical organism communities. Two of the them were characterized by the same values of S (taxon richness) and different values of H (the Shannon index) and two ones had the same H values and different values of S. To obtain the complete description of biological differences between compared communities the following indices were calculated: Hmax (maximum value of the Shannon index for the richness of taxa represented by the same number of individuals), Vd (percentage value of covering structural capacity of community, evenness deficiency), E (the MacArthur index – taxon number (S) in a community for which the observed value of H equals Hmax) and Ps (taxon richness shortage in percents). Moreover, graphical method of ∆β, Tj and Lj profiles was used for comparing community diversities. To obtain information about statistically significant differences in taxon richness between analyzed communities, the zero model was applied. The model is based on the Monte Carlo method and gives results in the form of rarefaction curves. 39 THE NEW SPECIES IN FRESHWATER FAUNA – GLOSSIPHONIA SP. NOV. (HIRUDINIDA: GLOSSIPHONIIDAE) JOANNA CICHOCKA, ALEKSANDER BIELECKI, KATARZYNA PALIŃSKA Katedra Zoologii, UWM Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, [email protected] The leeches were collected from Czarna Hancza river, in July 2006 and October 2007, from different objects and plants sunked in water. 9 individuals of Glossiphonia sp. nov. was collected. The leeches were conserved in 70% alcohol and 2,5% glutaraldehyde. The leeches were measured, and according to mathematical model, they were classified to body form. After that the reproductive system was interpreted. The data relating to the body form and reproductive system, especially atrium, indicate that Glossiphonia sp. nov. is a separate species. A METHOD FOR MACROPHYTE-BASED ASSESSMENT AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL STATE OF LAKES HANNA CIECIERSKA1, AGNIESZKA KOLADA2, HANNA SOSZKA2, MAŁGORZATA GOLUB2 1Department of Botany and Nature Protection, University of Warmia and Mazury, Plac Łódzki 1, 10-727 Olsztyn – Kortowo, Poland, email:[email protected]; 2Department of Freshwater Assessment Methods and Monitoring, ul. Kolektorska 4, 01-692 Warszawa, Poland, e-mail: [email protected] The method for macrophyte-based assessment of the ecological state of lakes was developed in compliance with the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive (2000), using data on 156 Polish lakes with a surface area larger than 1 ha, including 78 lakes with an area larger than 50 ha. Based on vegetation diversity and abiotic parameters, all these lakes were divided into four groups corresponding to four macrophyte types, as follows: I – soft-water (lobelian) lakes, II – deep, calcium-rich, charophyte-colonized lakes, III – shallow, calcium-rich, charophyte-colonized lakes, IV – lakes of the ŁęcznaWłodawa Lakeland. A separate classification of ecological state was proposed for group II and group III lakes. The lakes were evaluated using the Ecological State Macrophyte Index (ESMI), which comprises indicators of the taxonomic composition (phytocenotic diversity index H - Shannon-Weaver index) and abundance (colonization index Z calculated by the modified Rejewski method, 1981) of macrophytes. The 40 values of ESMI range from 1 (very good ecological status) to 0 (poor ecological status). The index meets the requirements of the Water Framework Directive regarding biotic indices of the ecological state of water bodies. Both the ESMI and its component indices reflect the degree of human pressure, with eutrophication as its most striking manifestation. The boundaries between the classes within the macrophyte-based lake classification system were determined by statistical methods, based on the dispersion of ESMI values. The threshold values for individual classes will be verified by comparing them with those applied in the assessment systems in other European countries, according to the pan-European inter-calibration procedure. During field investigations, macrophytes were samples along transects, in accordance with the WFD. The reliability of the results obtained by this method was confirmed in a pilot study conducted in 2006 on 13 lakes. An analysis of large-area covering datasets may indicate that the investigated macrophyte communities differ with respect to geographical factors or other parameters not considered in the current typology. In such a case the existing biotic typology and the classification system of Polish lakes will be further expanded. AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ECOLOGICAL STATE OF LAKE ŁUKNAJNO BASED ON LITTORAL VEGETATION HANNA CIECIERSKA1, HENRYK TOMASZEWICZ2, J. DZIEDZIC1, PIOTR DYNOWSKI1 1Department of Botany and Nature Protection, University of Warmia and Mazury, Plac Łódzki 1, 10-727 Olsztyn – Kortowo, Poland, e-mail:[email protected]; [email protected]; 2 Department of Plant Ecology and Environment Protection, University of Warsaw, Al. Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warszawa, e-mail: [email protected] Lake Łuknajno is a natural extension of the postglacial marginal Lake Śniardwy (relict of the proglacial Lake Sniardwy), which lies close to its north-western corner. Both lakes are connected via a narrow channel, approximately 0.5 km in length. Vegetation mapping was carried out on Lake Łuknajno in 2003, using aerial photography and GPS. Based on the surface areas occupied by selected types of communities, the ecological state of the lake was assessed by a method involving macrophytes (REJEWSKI 1981, 2008). In compliance with the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive (DIRECTIVE 2000), the lake was classified into a relevant group, based on the values of the Ecological State Macrophyte Index (ESMI) reflecting the degree of anthropogenic changes in the 41 vegetation. An analysis of previous results regarding littoral vegetation enabled to determine the dynamics of its changes (POLAKOWSKI, DZIEDZIC 1973; KRÓLIKOWSKA, OZIMEK 1995; KRÓLIKOWSKA 1996). Studies of aquatic and rush plants, conducted on Lake Łuknajno in successive years, including in 2003, confirmed a very good ecological status of this water body. Certain changes were observed with respect to the structural and spatial vegetation development, which however had no effect on lake classification. The area covered by a key ecological group responsible for water purity, charophytes, diminished (KUFEL, OZIMEK 1996; KUFEL, KUFEL 1997, 2002; SCHEFFER 1998). Charetum aculeolatae communities, which in the 1960s accounted for over half of the total phytolittoral area, disappeared. The phytocenoses of the above charophyte species were replaced by fertile habitats of other charophytes (Ch. tomentosae) and vascular plants (e.g. Stratiotetum aolidis, Najadetum marinae) (DZIEDZIC 1997; TOMASZEWICZ 1979). These changes in phytolittoral are caused by changing water parameters, as confirmed by high correlations between their values and ESMI_L – an indicator of the ecological state of lakes. VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF DAPHNIA MAGNA AND ITS DIAL CHANGES AS A RESPONSE TO PRESENCE OF FILAMENTOUS CYANOBACTERIA CYLINDROSPERMOPSIS RACIBORSKII ADAM CIEPLIŃSKI Department of Hydrobiology, University of Warsaw Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland email: [email protected] Frequency and the area covered by cyanobacteria blooms are both believed to have increased within last several years. Along with the rise of water temperature comes domination of cyanobacteria in phytoplankton composition. According to different climate models the average Earth temperature will increase about 5oC within XXI century. Cyanobacteria are threatening freshwater organisms not only because of toxins they excrete but also due to the fact they are of poor nutrient quality which is a big problem for non-selective planktonophagous such as cladocerans from the Daphnia order. Planktonic crustaceans from the Daphnia order are the main compound of food chains in most of the lakes in the Temperate Zone as the principal prey for fishes and main consumer of phytoplankton. Their filtration rate of algae cells influences water quality and visibility in a lake. Filamentous cyanobacteria (particularly these ones with long filaments) disturb Daphnia’s food filtration in the process called mechanical interference. 42 In my experiment I have been studying vertical migrations of Daphnia magna in the presence of cyanobacteria Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii in a thermally stratified aquarium. I used “plankton organs” to simulate thermal stratification naturally occurring in lakes. Temperature was set at 10oC at the bottom of aquarium and at 20o or 24oC at the surface. Three feeding variants were used: with algae Scenedesmus obliquus, with long filaments of C. raciborski and with short filaments of C. raciborskii. Observations correspond with the hypothesis that Reynolds number decreases on Daphnia’s filtration apparatus due to migrations of animals into the deeper (colder) water when exposed to Cyanobacterial filaments. This behavior attenuates unfavorable influence of C. raciborskii’s long filaments on filtration mechanism. PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES OF TWO LAKES BEFORE RESTORATION MONIKA CZAJKOWSKA, MAREK BRYCHCY, ANNA KOZAK, RYSZARD GOŁDYN Department of Water Protection, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland, [email protected] Phytoplankton of two lakes – Turawskie Średnie and Sławskie was studied. Both reservoirs are planned to restoration. Turawskie Średnie is an artificial reservoir that covers an area of 16 ha with a mean depth of 3.0 m, the maximum depth is 5.2m. The Sławskie lake is characterised by: an area of 817 ha, capacity 4.3 ×107 m3, mean depth 5.2 m, the maximum depth is 12.3m. The phytoplankton samples were taken once in autumn, winter and spring. They were preserved with Lugol’s solution and analysed after sedimentation with an Olympus CH-2 microscope, employing magnification of 400× The aim of the study was the qyalitative analizes of autumn, winter and spring phytoplankton. A total of 107 taxa representing eight classes of phytoplankton was confirmed. The group with the most numerous number of taxa was green algae (comprising 39% of all the taxa identified), diatoms (24%), and chrysophytes (10%). The other taxonomical groups were represented by a smaller number of taxa. 43 PRELIMINARY STUDIES UPON WATER RE-NATURALIZATION IN SMALL WATER RESERVOIR APPLYING EM-FARMING BIOTECHNOLOGY 1KRZYSZTOF CZERNAŚ, 2KRZYSZTOF JÓŹWIAKOWSKI 1Katedra Ekologii Ogólnej, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie, Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin 1Katedra Melioracji i Budownictwa Rolniczego, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie, Leszczyńskiego 7, 20-069 Lublin The study was aimed at presenting the preliminary results from the improvement works of degraded aqueous-sewage habitats, mainly surface waters, applying EM-Farming biotechnology according to KwadrantEkosystEM method. The study was carried out in 2007-2008 upon the object localized in Jastków – 14 km away from Lublin. The object was the pond receiving purified sewage that were disposed from a household, ground-plant treatment plant with grown Salix viminalis. The pond area was 1190 m2, with its mean depth 0.8 m. Studied object has been exploited as the sewage receiver from the household treatment plant for 14 years. The continuous flow of sewage (remains from the biological treatment process) caused the intensification of eutrophication phenomena, namely excessive macrophyte development, which resulted in the increase of COD and BOD5 values, as well as the increase of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total suspensions concentrations along with the gradual shallowing of the reservoir. Since September 2007 till June 2008, the reagent EM-Farming was applied in accordance to Kwadrant-EkosystEM method by using “efficient microorganisms” that can help the purification process of degraded surface waters. The technology was worked out by Professor Teuro Higa from University in Ryukyus in cooperation with Matthew Wood from USA – the student and many-year co-worker of Professor Teruo Higa from USA. The physicochemical analyses of waters flowing in and out of the pond were performed to evaluate the changes of water quality after applying the EMFarming™ reagent. Moreover, chlorophyll a concentration was determined, and it ranged from 85.61 in open water to 136.59 g*dm-3 at the estuary. Determined algae taxons belonged to 7 taxonomic groups. Chlorophyta -27%, Bacillariophyceae – 20%, Euglenophyta -19%, and Cyanoprokaryota – 16% were represented most numerously, whereas also taxons from Dinophyceae, Cryptophyta, and Chrysophyceaei groups appeared. Preliminary studies indicate that the applied reagent considerably contributed to the improvement of water quality in the pond. After EM-Farming preparation application, the N-NH4 concentration in pond water decreased by 85%, Nog by 56.6%, while P-PO4 by 77.6%. Research was made within the frames of the scientific project TKD/U/92 entitled “Evaluation of Kwadrant-EkosystEM method usefulness for 44 revitalization of surface waters – preliminary studies” COMPLEX RIVER SEDIMENT POLLUTION ASSESSMENT A CASE STUDY IN THE TOWN OF OPOLE IZABELA CZERNIAWSKA-KUSZA Departament of Land Protection, University of Opole, Oleska 22, 45-052 Opole [email protected] The sediment quality triad (SQT), integrating data on the chemistry, toxicity and benthic community structure, was used to evaluate the extent of sediment contamination. To assess potential environmental impacts of various industrial branches, sediment samples were collected from streams located in the county town of Opole. The SQT demonstrated that the level of site degradation varied significantly, which was attributed to the elevated concentrations of heavy metals, oil derivatives, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The distribution and condition of the benthic community were found to vary in response to natural and anthropogenic factors, and apparent associations between degraded infaunal conditions and sediment contamination/toxicity were observed over half of the sampled stations. MEROPLANKTON AS AN INDICATOR OF BOTTOM FILTRATOR FAUNA IN THE GULF OF GDAŃSK NATALIA DOBOSZ, STELLA MUDRAK Department of Marine Plankton Research, Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Al. M. J. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, e- mail: [email protected] Benthic macrofauna, especially bivalves, barnacles and some polychaetes, play an important role as filtrators in marine ecosystem. From their condition depend the environment where they have lived. Practically all of them in theirs development have stadium of pelagic larvae and thus they can increase their area of living. In our studies we would like to define variability of quantitative and qualitative structure of meroplankton in the Gulf of Gdańsk. Our results had to be of service as indicator of filtrating zoobenthos in this basin. The studies were based on material collected in 2006 in the west and east waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk from 13 stations. Samples were collected mainly once a month using a copenhagen plankton net (100 µm mesh diameter). The larvae of benthic fauna in the Gulf of Gdańsk consisted of taxa: Polychaeta larvae, Bivalvia veliger, Gastropoda veliger, Balanus improvisus nauplii and cypris, 45 trochophora and planula Cnidaria. In the Gulf of Gdańsk the highest concentration of meroplankton were on spring and summer (more than 200 larvae in 1m3). Better place to development for larvae were shallow areas (spring 391ind./m3, summer 168ind./m3) than deep areas (spring 60ind./m3, summer 214ind./m3). Distribution on west and east shallow waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk indicate that in west waters were much more larvae (spring 719ind./m3, summer 344ind./m3) than in east waters (spring 286ind./m3, summer 162ind./m3). Deeper waters the Gulf of Gdańsk were more stable – abundance of meroplankton was similar in whole region – spring 50-60ind./m3, summer 220-250ind./m3. The greatest part of benthic fauna larvae in the Gulf of Gdańsk during 2006 year have had larvae veliger Bivalvia (64%) and nauplii Balanus improvisus (11%), the smallest has had trochophora (0,7%). Diversity of larvae was greatest in spring–summer months. Qualitative domination among larvae was changed in shallow areas seasonally: winter - Polychaeta, spring nauplii Balanus improvisus (especially in western areas, where this trend has been maintained also at summer), summer - veliger Bivalvia, fall - planula Cnidaria. In deeper waters of the Gulf in eastern and western parts there were similar situation – majority of the year veliger Bivalvia had greatest meaning, only in fall - planula Cnidaria. Accommodation of larvae covered in big measure with presence of theirs parents. Probably the larvae of Polychaeta are mostly Marenzelleria neglecta, which currently are widespread distributed in the shallowest bottom areas of Gulf of Gdańsk. The whole area of Gulf is good place of living for Macoma baltica, shallowest parts also for Mya arenaria, for Mytilus trossulus especially western part of the Gulf of Gdańsk. The last one is a very good substratum for development of Balanus improvisus. Comparing the abundance and structure of bentic invertebrates larvae to concentrations of benthic macrofauna we can see very close relationships between them among the same taxa. Our results indicate that in spite of pollution in the ecosystem of the Gulf of Gdańsk, the biofiltrator communities in the Gulf have a great potential for regeneration and development. INDIRECT SPECIES CONSERVATION ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE COOCCURRENCE OF DIPPER (CINCLUS CINCLUS), BROWN TROUT (SALMO TRUTTA M. FARIO), NOBLE CRAYFISH (ASTACUS ASTACUS) AND CADDIES FLIES (TRICHOPTERA) JULIA DOBRZAŃSKA Warsaw University of Life Sciences Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Science Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw e-mail: [email protected] 46 Bioindicators can give us valuable information about habitat conditions of other organisms’ sites. Moreover, public interest in particular species or their groups can help in protection of other, less popular taxa. Dipper, brown trout and noble crayfish are species which people are interested in and are widely believed to be associated with clean waters. Caddies flies larvae are a less popular, but they are valuable habitat quality indicators. The study showed that caddies flies larvae can be useful in classification of the sites of the chosen species. However, this parameter is too simple to evaluate sites. On the sites studied, the three chosen species did not reveal preferences concerning caddies flies assemblage. Moreover, the studies did not showed the domination of the caddies flies larvae families associated with clean waters. Nevertheless, this is not a sufficient proof to reject the hypothesis of indicator properties of the three chosen species. THE TOXICITY TEST IN THE ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF RIVER – A CASE STUDY ON THE SOKOŁÓWKA RIVER IN ŁÓDŹ AGATA DROBNIEWSKA 1, ALEKSANDRA SKOWRON 1,2, WOJCIECH FRĄTCZAK 1, ALICJA ZAWADZKA3 1 International Institute of Polish Academy of Sciences European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology under the auspices of UNESCO, 3 Tylna Str., 90-364 Lodz, Poland; 2 University of Lodz, Department of Applied Ecology, 12/16 Banacha Str., 90-237 Lodz, Poland, 3 Technical University of Lodz, 213 Wólczańska Str., 90 – 924 Lodz, Poland, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] [email protected] The rivers are located in the lowest parts of landscape and therefore, collect and transport pollutants downstream from the catchment. Especially urban ponds are exposed to negative anthropogenic influence caused by lack of ecotone zones, small biodiversity and high amount of point source pollutants mostly supplied by storm water. High amount of matter can be accumulated in the ponds. Created sediments have a negative influence on the quality of water. Polish river-monitoring programmers are based on traditional methods which mainly examine the physicochemical and biological parameters of water quality. However the river` sediments tend to accumulate various contaminations. Therefore through analysis is necessary. Actually, according to the legislation, the status of rivers in Poland is mainly assessed by the surface water monitoring programme. As a result the complete ecological condition of rivers is unknown. For this reason the bioindication became a valuable supplement of chemical analysis. On the other hand, sound methods for the assessment of the ecological status of surface water are required by the Water Framework 47 Directive. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of the battery of microbiotests in the assessment of reduction of pollution in the urban interlinked ponds located on the Sokołówka River (typical storm water receiver). A battery of three microbiotests was used for this study. The battery was composed of test species representative of different trophic levels of food chine: primary producers (Sorghum saccharatum, Lepidium sativum and Sinapis alba), primary consumers (Heterocypris incongruens – Ostracodtoxkit)), and decomposers (Vibrio fischeri – Microtox® STP). The samples were collected in April, July and October 2008. At each sampling site, the river’s sediment and water were taken. During the study the toxicity tests were made on the sediment samples and the general parameters of water such as (Cl-, NO2-, NO3-, PO42-, SO42-, Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ i Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cu) and in the sediments samples (organic matter content, pH and metals content Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cu) were analyzed. The research was financed by SWITCH 018530-2 – „Sustainable Water management Improves Tomorrow’s Cities’ Health” (2005 – 2011). RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MICROTHRIX PARVICELLA FOAM AND THE CONCENTRATION OF N-NH4 IN MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT EFFLUENT ADAM DRZEWICKI Katedra Ekologii Stosowanej, Uniwersytet Warmińsko – Mazurski w Olsztynie, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-957 Olsztyn,e-mail: [email protected] The presented material describes a part of a research on the problem of biological foam in 10 wastewater treatment plants for nutrient removal, located in the Warmia and Mazury Province, Poland. Wastewater treatment plant throughput ranged from 300 to 7000 m3⋅d-1. All treatment plants operated in a low range of activated sludge loading with a load inflowing wastewaters, i.e. from 0.004 to 0.146 kg BOD5⋅kg-1 MLVSS d-1. The contribution of industrial sewage in wastewaters inflowing to treatment plants ranged from 0 to 60 % of the total wastewater volume. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen at the outlet of reactors of the treatment plants examined ranged from 0.0 to 15.0 mg/dm3. The microscopic analysis of the foam was performed on a living material and on Gram and Neisser stained smears. The identification of microorganisms was carried out using the publications of Eikelboom (2000) and Jenkins, et al. (2004). Intensity of the foaming problem was expressed by means of a Scum index (Ip) understood as a ratio of organic dry foam and activated sludge. Determinations of the concentration of dry matter of activated sludge in chambers of biological treatment and those of contamination indicators in wastewaters were 48 performed according to methodology of Hermanowicz (1999). In order to determine a dependency between the value of concentration of ammonia nitrogen in treated wastewaters, and the Scum index, Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) were calculated. A relationship between concentration of ammonia nitrogen in treated wastewaters and the Scum index was additionally analyzed by means of a logistic regression model. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen in wastewater at treatment plant’s outlet, expressed in mg/dm3, was adopted as an independent variable, whereas the value of the Scum index (Ip), expressed in a binary system, as a dependent variable. Our previous observations demonstrate that Ip > 1 points to a serious foaming problem. If Ip < 1, then that value was recorded as 0, once Ip > 1 the value was recorded as 1. The main biological component of all investigated foam samples was Microthrix parvicella. Foaming intensity, expressed by the Scum index, was statistically significantly positively correlated with the concentration of ammonia nitrogen in the treated wastewaters (r = 0.4661; n = 20; p < 0.05; y = 1.4749 + 0.5118 X). An analysis of the logistic regression model demonstrated that the probability of intensive foam appearance (Ip > 1) exceeds 50 % once ammonia nitrogen concentration in the treated wastewaters is > 2 mg⋅dm-3. Goodness of fit of that model accounts for P = 0.0000. It is common knowledge that ammonia nitrogen is an indispensable source of nitrogen for the growth of Microthrix parvicella. SELECTIVITY OF FOOD RESOURCES BY PERCH (PERCA FLUVIATILIS L.) AND RUFFE (GYMNOCEPHALUS CERNUUS (L.)) FORAGING AMONG SURMERSED RIVERINE MACROPHYTES MAŁGORZATA DUKOWSKA Department of Ecology & Vertebrate Zoology, University of Łódź, 12/16 Banacha Str., Łódź 90-237, Poland email: [email protected] The study was carried out in 2004 in the seven stream order section of the lowland Warta River that is the tailwater of the Jeziorsko Reservoir. Submersed vascular plants (Potamogeton pectinatus L. and P. lucens L.) develop in this river section in the period of low water discharge when the reservoir water level is maximal and thus water drawdowns reduced. The appearance of submersed vascular flora in this Warta section, which would be untypical for an unimpounded river, much “enriches” the environment. On the one hand water macrophytes get very quickly overgrown by epiphyton, which is the food source for invertebrates, which rapidly colonize them, while on the other they contribute to increased sedimentation of organic matter and enable the development of numerous pelophilous zoobenthic forms. Plants also 49 constitute a refuge for zooplankton that drifts from the reservoir to the tailwater. This biocoenosis, which is rich in food, gets very quickly inhabited by fish. The aim of the present investigation was the assessment of the diet and food selectivity by fish of the percid (Percidae) family, perch and ruffe, which are considered species of similar food spectrum in the literature. The questions that were asked in the present study were: What is the division of available food resources between the fish species? Which of the trophic levels are usually exploited by perch and ruffe foraging among submersed macrophytes? Whether and to what extent do the food niches of the fish species overlap? It was determined that the diet of perch and ruffe closely reflected available food resources. The fish species exploited food from three ecological formations: epiphyton, zoobenthos and zooplankton. The main prey types were: 1) larvae of chironomids and trichopterans, and 2) cladocerans. The complementary food types were: ephemeropterans and other insects, and small amounts of detritus, while in the ruffe additionally waterlouse (Asellus aquaticus) and seed shrimps (Ostracoda). While the diet of perch was dominated by chironomids of the Orthocladiinae subfamily (Cricotopus sp.), i.e., epiphytic forms, the intestine of ruffe, beside epiphytic chironomids, was filled in to a large extent with pelophilous Chironomini forms, which inhabit bottom sediments. A detailed analysis of prey in the food resources (epiphytic fauna) and of the alimentary tract content proved a decisive preference of the studied fish species to consume large body size Cricotopus sp. and Hydropsyche sp. larvae; thus they prefer food types that give them maximal net profit (strategy of optimal foraging). DAMMING RIVERS AND CHIRONOMID BIODIVERSITY MAŁGORZATA DUKOWSKA, MARIA GRZYBKOWSKA, MICHAŁ KURZAWSKI, ELIZA SZCZERKOWSKA-MAJCHRZAK, MARIUSZ TSZYDEL Department of Ecology & Vertebrate Zoology, University of Łódź, 12/16 Banacha Str., Łódź 90-237, Poland email: [email protected] The response of riverine benthofauna to the damming of low order sections of three streams in central Poland, the Bzura, MroŜyca and Mroga was investigated. Samples were collected monthly downstream of the dam, and as a control, upstream of the backwater, of each of the reservoirs, over the annual cycle, between November 2007 and October 2008. Together with zoobenthic sampling morphometric and hydraulic parameters of sites, as well as food resource material were estimated. The rhythm of water release from each of the reservoirs was determined by their function. In the Bzura River (Arturówek Reservoir) it was a recreation 50 pool. Almost each year before winter the reservoir was emptied; and the river then experienced a flood downstream of the dam. The sluices of the dam in April, for filling in the pool again, drastically reduced discharge downstream. The reservoir in the Mroga (Bogdanka Reservoir) is a typical angling ground, while the Stara Piła Reservoir on the MroŜyca River was a feeder of a mill, of the “Solan” (potato processing factory) and of a starch factory, all of which determine a high flow fluctuation. The volume and frequency of releases from the reservoirs is affected by numerous abiotic factors, which, in turn, impact the composition and abundance of benthofauna. Chironomidae dominated in each of the sites, but the structure and abundance of these insects much differed. Below the impoundments the highest density of chironomid larvae was recorded in the Mroga, and a much lower one in the Bzura and MroŜyca, but it was just the MroŜyca, where the highest chironomid diversity was observed. Chironomini dominated (Microtendipes), numerous were also Tanytarsini (Micropsectra), predatory Tanypodinae (Procadius, Macropelopia) as well as Prodiamesinae (Monodiamesa). In the Bzura, the most numerous were Chironomini (Polypedilum nubeculosum, Microtendipes and Cryptochironomus defectus) and Tanypodinae (Procadius), while in the Mroga, Chironomini (Chironomus, Glyptotendipes i Microtendipes), Prodiamesinae (Prodiamesa olivacea) and Orthocladiinae (Cricotopus). The composition and structure of the most diversified zoocoenosis in the MroŜyca results from frequent flow fluctuations; on the one hand do not allowing of the domination of a few species, and on the other enabling the coexistence of several species in relatively high abundances (the intermediate-disturbance hypothesis, Ward, Stanford 1983). LONG TERM STUDIES ON THE COMPOSITION AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF OLIGOCHAETE IN A HIGH MOUNTAIN POND (WESTERN TATRA MTS.) ELśBIETA DUMNICKA, JOANNA GALAS Institute of Nature Conservation PAS, av. A. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Kraków, e-mail: [email protected] The samples of benthos for faunistic studies, sediments for organic matter content and water for chemical analyses were collected in Siwy WyŜni pond during the period 1998-2006 (every year in August). The pond is situated at the altitude of 1718 m, and its catchment area is built by metamorphic rocks of crystalline core of the Tatra Mts. covered by postglacial rock debris. The area of the studied pond is 370 m2 and it is 1 m deep. Water chemical analyses showed low values of conductivity (27.3 to 42.1 µS) while pH values ranged from 6.3 to7.5. Nutrient concentrations were very low, whereas sediment organic matter content ranged from 10.4 to 16.6 %. 51 In the studied pond 14 taxa of oligochaete were found (13 species and 1 genus), mainly representing the Enchytraeidae family (9 out of 14 taxa). This number ranged from five to nine in particular years of the study. The following species dominated: Spirosperma ferox Eisen, Tubifex montanus Kowalewski and Nais variabilis Piguet; their densities ranged strongly between particular years, but only in case of one species Nais vaiabilis these differences were statistically significant (post hoc multiple comparisons test). The percentage share of Haplotaxis gordoideas (Hartmann) and Marionina riparia Bretscher was small but they were almost constantly present in studied habitat. The statistical differences in densities of other species were found more often, since they appeared only sporadically during the study period. In such a harsh environment as the shallow, high mountain pond, only few typically aquatic species constitute stable element of the oligochaete community, whereas other species are semi-aquatic or soil forms so their presence and changes of densities are more pronounced. AN IMPACT OF RIVER CURRENT ON HOMOGENIZATION OF LITTORAL COMMUNITIES OF ROTIFERA JOLANTA EJSMONT-KARABIN, PIOTR ZIELIŃSKI Institute of Biology, University of Białystok, Świerkowa 20 B, 15-950 Białystok Studies were carried out in September 2007 on eight stations located in eight small rivers inflowing to the River Sokołda and one station on the Sokołda itself. Concurrently, rotifers were sampled on ten stations of the small the River Rudnia. An aim of the research was the verification of the hypothesis on homogenizing effect of river drift on rotifer communities inhabiting water vegetation. Percentage similarity of rotifer communities from water vegetation and river current on the same stations were slightly higher in rivers inflowing to the River Sokołda (19.3%) than on stations of the River Rudnia (16.1%), which suggests that species composition of communities of epiphytic rotifer fauna has rather low impact on species structure of rotifer communities in water drift. A set of individuals of different species carried with water current is casual and different on different stations. Percentage similarity of rotifer communities in river current in different stations of rivers was very low and markedly lower in rivers inflowing to the River Sokołda and the river itself (10.8%) than different stations of the River Rudnia (17.1%). Despite of the above mentioned differences, communities occupying habitats connected with macrophytes in different rivers were similar in 33.0%, whereas those from different stations of the River Rudnia - in 35.3%. Thus, the hypothesis cannot be confirmed with results of this research. 52 THE STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF PHYTOPLANKTON REGARDING WINTER SEASONS IN THE FLOW-THROUGH PASŁĘK LAKE (OLSZTYŃSKIE LAKELAND, NE POLAND) ZBIGNIEW ENDLER, BOśENA JAWORSKA, MIROSŁAW GRZYBOWSKI Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Fisheries, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 5 The aim of the study was the phytoplankton assemblage of Lake Pasłęk, flowthrough reservoir that is a part of the river-lake system of the upper course of the Pasłęka River. The studies were carried out from autumn 2007 to spring 2009 with special regard to winter seasons. In autumn and winter 2007/2008, phytoplankton was dominated by Bacillariophyceae which showed low taxonomic diversity. The contribution of diatoms in the phytoplankton community reached 90%. In November and December, Asterionella formosa predomianted, while Fragilaria ulna. var acus was subdominant species. The intensity of phytoplankton growth was relatively high. The minimum occurred in January and coincided with the change in domination structure. The share of Chrysophyceae increased to 40%. The development of the yellow algae took place then, when ice cover, that in 2007/2008 occurred only for 4 weeks, began to melt. As early as in February the increase of growth rate of Bacillariophyceae was recorded again. The diatom species that prevailed before continued to dominate. In early summer, receding Bacillariophyceae were replaced by Cyanoprokaryota which development was so intensive that this group of algae prevailed in the summer community with periodical co-dominance of Dinophyceae. Next shift in domination structure took place in November. At the time, Flagilaria ulna var. acus and Asterionella formosa dominated. In the year 2008/2009, taxonomic structure of the phytoplankton community in autumn and winter was similar to that recorded in 2007/2008, but the intensity of the development of algae was lower despite the fact that the same species dominated. The growth of Chrysophyceae took place no earlier than on the turn of March and April, when ice-cover disappeared (1.04.2009), almost after four month. The structure and development of the phytoplankton community respond environmental conditions, and consequently all recorded changes are the result of variations in physico-chemical water properties and biocenotic relations acting in functioning of water ecosystem. In the years 2007/2008 and 2008/2009, the time of ice cover occurrence was the factor that significantly differentiated the dynamics of structural changes and the intensity of phytoplankton growth between years in Lake Pasłęk. 53 ZOOBENTHOS OF CARP PONDS EXPLOITED ACCORDING TO DUBISCH SYSTEM BARBARA FAŁOWSKA Department of Ichthyobiology and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, ul. Prof. Spiczakowa 6, 30-199 Kraków-Mydlniki, e-mail: [email protected] Quantitative and qualitative changes in the zoobenthos in different kind of carp ponds (fingerling, footling, commercial and wintering ponds) with different stock density and feeding level have been investigated during two vegetation seasons (2002 and 2004). Ponds without fish served as control ones. Total number of taxons found in the investigated ponds was 96; Among them, 45 taxons of Chironomidae, 18 taxons of Oligochaeta and 33 of other benthos organisms. The dominant component of the zoobenthos in the investigated ponds, both quantity and biomass, were Oligochaeta. It was shown that in ponds with fish, the number and biomass of zoobenthos were higher than in the same ponds without fish. Intensification of carp production by the mean of higher stock density and feeding may cause the decrease in number, biomass and biodiversity of zoobenthos. This effect is similar to the influence of pollution of the rivers on biodiversity of zoobenthos. It was found that draining of the ponds in the summer and filling with water in winter has no influence on biodiversity of zoobenthos in comparison with the ponds drained in winter and filled up in the summer, as determined by D coefficient (S/logN). However, the dominant organisms were different, and their number and biomass considerably lower. THE ROLE OF UNDERGROUND WATER SUPPLY IN WATER EXCHANGE DYNAMICS OF UPPER – MOST LOCATED ŁĘCZNA – WŁODAWA LAKES BEATA FERENCZ1, JAROSŁAW DAWIDEK2 1Katedra Hydrobiologii, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie, ul Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-262 Lublin, e-mail: [email protected] 2Zakład Hydrografii, Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej, ul. Akademicka, 20-950 Lublin, Polska, e-mail: jarosł[email protected] One of the distinctive features of Łęczna – Włodawa Lakes, which is being mentioned the most frequently is slow water exchange dynamics. By far this issue was not an aim of detailed study in regard to insufficient basic research concerning this part of Poland. Underground water supply determination was limited to general schemes of seasonal changes, which are commonly known. Lakes Syczyńskie, Tarnowskie, Chuteckie and Pniówno can be easily distinguished (among Łęczna – Włodawa Lakes), in terms of their altitude. 54 They are located within or in the vicinity of cretaceous hills of Pagóry Chełmskie. The lakes functioning are based on upland supply regime in regard to quantity as well as quality. One of the most important factors that decide of these lakes’ peculiarity is an underground faze of water cycle. During periods without atmospheric alimentation, little capacity of lake basins brings about water shortages. It is conductive to eutrophication processes. Seasonal changes of underground lake basins supply are shaped mostly by territorial features. These are: geological structure, cretaceous rocks lithology and thickness of aeration and saturation zones. A value of water supply, which determine mixing process transformations of limnetic water quantity, result from infiltration and filtrations conditions diversity in catchment area. In spite of similarity of these lakes, (altitude, atmospheric alimentation, land use of their catchment areas e.g.), a world of difference in terms of underground water supply can be distinguished. The differences relate to seasons, as well as variability amplitude. The biggest variations in underground water supply were observed in Lake Tarnowskie, while Lake Syczyńskie was characterised as the most stable one. FUNGAL COLONISATION AND RESPIRATION RATES OF ALDER LEAF LITTER IN PRISTINE AND NUTRIENT-IMPACTED STREAMS TADEUSZ FLEITUCH1, VLADISLAV GULIS2 Ochrony Przyrody, Polska Akademia Nauk, 31-120 Kraków, al. Mickiewicza 33, email: [email protected] 2Department of Biology, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC, USA 1Instytut Some measures of microbial activity associated with decomposing leaf litter are expected to be sensitive metrics to detect functional impairment of stream ecosystems. In this study, we compared microbial respiration rates (CO2 production), fungal biomass (ergosterol concentrations) and fungal community structure associated with decaying alder leaf litter (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn) in two streams with contrasting nutrient concentrations. Colonisation of alder litter by aquatic hyphomycetes was faster in the nutrient-impacted stream than in the reference stream. The maximum sporulation rate (936 conidia/mg AFDM/day) and fungal biomass (73.4 mg/g AFDM) were detected in the nutrient-impaired stream after 2-4 weeks of litter submergence. In the reference stream, microbial parameters peaked only after eleven weeks. Respiration rate associated with decaying leaves after 2 weeks of submergence was twofold higher in the impacted than in the reference stream. Fungal species richness increased gradually after litter submergence with maxima reached after 18 weeks in both streams. Taking into account our results and data from other streams, it seems that microbiological parameters may be useful for functional assessment of stream ecosystems. 55 ECOHYDROLOGY BASES IN INTEGRATED URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT WOJCIECH FRĄTCZAK1, 2,ALEKSANDRA SKOWRON2,1, MACIEJ ZALEWSKI1, 2 International Institute of Polish Academy of Sciences European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology under the auspices of UNESCO, 3 Tylna Str., 90-364 Lodz, Poland 2 University of Lodz, Department of Applied Ecology, 12/16 Banacha Str., 90237 Lodz, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] 1 According to the ecohydrology concept, sustainable development of water resources is dependent on the ability to control processes of water and nutrient circulation, and energy flow at the basin scale (Zalewski, 2000). New environmentally friendly approaches in Urban Water Management include to the success strategy a complementary component - amplification of opportunities – for enhancement absorbing capacity of ecosystems against intensified impact. Most of the river regulations in the municipal space considered by conventional hydrological practice, were primarily concerned with the elimination of threats related to quantitative and economic aspects of a developing city. Such investments changed permanently the environmental conditions, reduced catchment capacity for water retention and deteriorated water resources, living environment and quality of life. The example of such activities is the Sokolowka River, flowing across the northern part of the Lodz City. Results of physical and chemical tests performed during the 2006 - 2008 season showed that the top medium concentration of nutrients (TP, TN) and matter (TSS) occur on the first point of monitoring system as a result of illegal dumps of household sewage, leakages of the existing sewerage system and introducing storm-water dump into the river. The poster will present results the demonstration activities in Lodz, focused on application of ecohydrological approach to restoration of the municipal river for storm water management. The major goal of the scientific research is established hierarchy of parameters influencing on enhance carrying capacity of existing reservoirs against eutrophication symptoms. The approach is to reduce pollution load, improvement of water quality and ecological status of Sokolowka River and existing reservoirs cascade by using Multi Chamber Sedimentation Biofiltration Prereservoir as a new solution in IUWM. The research was financed by SWITCH 018530-2 – „Sustainable Water management Improves Tomorrow’s Cities’ Health” (2005 – 2011). Zalewski M. 2000. Ecohydrology-the scientific background to use ecosystem properties as management tools toward sustainability of water resources. Guest Editorial, Ecological Engineering 16, 1-8. 56 EFFECT OF CYANOBACTERIA INDUCIBLE DEFENCE ON TRI-TROPHIC MICROSYSTEM STABILITY JANUSZ FYDA, AGNIESZKA PAJDAK-STÓS, EDYTA FIAŁKOWSKA Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland, e-mail: [email protected] Using laboratory microcosms we studied direct and indirect interactions among components of the bi- and tritrophic community. Filamentous cyanobacterium Phormidium sp., capable of inducible defense was used as primary producer. Its defense consisted in developing a polysaccharide envelope by the attacked filaments and their gathering together in dense and compact clumps. This defense was induced by ciliate Pseudomicrothorax dubius, a specialized filamentous cyanobacteria grazer, representing second trophic level. A gymnostomatid ciliate Homalozoon vermiculare, which prey as on Pseudomicrothorax but did not directly affect cyanobacteria, was a top predator of the microcosm community. The experiment showed that the predator, very effective in a simple bi-trophic system, had little effect on its prey when Phormidium was introduced into the habitat. Under grazer pressure the cyanobacterium defends itself against its grazer, and in this way makes clumps of entangled filaments accessible for Pseudomicrothorax and which the ciliates used as their refuges. The prey ciliate – Pseudomicrothorax reacts to cyanobacterium defense by encystment in mass. Gradually decreasing pressure of grazers resulted in diminishing Phormidium defense reaction, which enabled Pseudomicrothorax to feed on filaments again. The consequence of changing extent of induced defense in Phormidium was stabilization of the microcosm community. WHY NOT THE BEST ...? TORUŃ VOICING ITS SUPPORT FOR THE WŁOCŁAWEK RESERVOIR AND FOR THE NEW DAM WEST OF WŁOCŁAWEK – DOWN THE VISTULA RIVER. ANDRZEJ GIZIŃSKI, ANDRZEJ KENTZER ¹Departament of Hydrobiology, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 9, 87-100 Toruń, Poland To a large degree, thanks to the long-term research and publications of Torunian hydrobiologists the project of dismantling the Włocławek Dam (with its daily output of 2000 MWh of renewable electricity) has been stopped. And, thanks to this, the idea of setting up a new reservoir in the region of Nieszawa or Ciechocinek – in order to ensure due seurity to the former and prevent any kind of potential disaster – has by now become a tangible reality. Let us 57 examine once again our arguments against the confusion and feeble arguments that originated from the so-called “defenders of the Vistula”. 1. It is NOT true that the Vistula is the dirtiest river in Europe and that the Włocławek Reservoir contributes to this of affairs. On the contarary, the Vistula is the cleanest river of Europe, in terms of its hydrochemical parameters, and the Włocławek Reservoir (RW henceforth) has to be given due credit for it. 2. It is NOT true that the setting up of the dam has brought to about the diminishing of the number of reophilious fishes. The WR provides habitat to five new species of reophilous fishes relative to the period preceeding the damming up. 3. It is NOT true that the setting up of the dam has brought about the decrease of biodiversity. On the contarary, the dammed river section, between the littoral zone and current zone, naturally creates a flooding zone. As a rule, any increase ofenvironmental diversity enhances the rise od biodiversity. A similar phenomenon was observed and explored by Giziński and Wolnomiejski in the area of Koronowo Reservoir (back in 1960’ s and 1970’ s). 4. WR is a unique reservoir, uncomparably different from any others displaying prolonged retention time. Until the end of 2002 the “Włocławek” hydroelectric power station worked along the peak cyclicity parameters (involving the cyclic changes of flow velocity within the 24 h. period). As a result, it appeared to display the characteristics of sendimentation trap, elimination c. 50% of biomass and phytoplankton. 5. The existing projects and environmental predictions regarding the setting up of the new dam in Nieszawa, allow us to make assumptions about both positive and negative effects of this undertaking. The effects can appear to be qualitatively similar to the ones regurding the WR, but quantitatively smaller due to the fact that the new dam-reservoir system will take up the area which is three times smaller and thus will involve the volume that is four times smaller. An additional positive effect of the settig up od the dam (apart from the aforementioned prevention against the potential Włocławek Reservoir disaster) will involve a partial recreation and reconstitution of natural features of Vistula’s enviwnment, also involvihg the reconstruction of islands amounting to ca. 200 hectares. We are working on a project aiming at obtaining optimum parametere for the shape of the bowl of the reservoir that will make it possible to mnimize any negative effects and maximize positive ones. Why not the best...? 58 RESPONSE OF AQUATIC VEGETATION TO EUTROPHICATION PROCESSES IN AGRICULTURE LANDSCAPE EXEMPLIFIED BY THE GEN. D. CHŁAPOWSKI LANDSCAPE PARK HANNA GOŁDYN, EWA ARCZYŃSKA-CHUDY Institute for Agricultural and Forest Environment, Polish Academy of Sciences, Bukowska 19, 60-809 Poznań, Poland e-mail: [email protected] Aquatic and wetland habitats belong to the most precious nature elements of rural environment. At the same time they are very sensitive to eutrophication and diverse impacts caused by intensive agriculture. If protected and well kept they may enrich plant diversity in agricultural landscape. The presented investigations on the changes of aquatic vegetation during the last thirty years period were carried out within agricultural landscape of Gen. Chłapowski Landscape Park in Wielkopolska Region. Their goal was to analyse changes in aquatic plant communities of various ecosystems (the lake, peat pits, the drainage ditch). Vegetation was first studied from 1976 to 1979 and investigations were repeated in 2006 and 2007. This allowed to evaluate the transformation of vegetation during the last 30 years. The investigated area has been vulnerable to human pressure for many years. This results from the intensification of agriculture. The most serious threat, especially for the freshwater ecosystems, is an increase of the nitrogen content in surface waters and groundwater. The study showed that in the 1970s 18 plant communities had occurred in the water column of investigated ecosystems. The number of them decreased about 4 in the last thirty years. 9 plant associations disappeared. 7 among them are endangered in the Wielkopolska region. The most valuable were Nitellopsidetum obtusae, Charetum aculeolatae and Stratiotetum aloidis. Among 5 new associations which were found Zannichellietum palustris and Ceratophylletum submersi were threatened in Wielkopolska. The disappeared communities mostly preferred slightly eutrophicated waters. They belonged to threatened with extinction as a result of the increasing human pressure. In the contrast, the new associations are indicators of a high nutrient level in waters and they all, except the Zannichellietum palustris, belong nowadays to frequently occurring in aquatic environments of the Gen. Chłapowski Landscape Park. 59 INTERNAL PHOSPHORUS LOADING IN CHOSEN LAKES OF THE CYBINA RIVER VALLEY RYSZARD GOŁDYN1, KATARZYNA KOWALCZEWSKA-MADURA1, RENATA DONDAJEWSKA2 1Departament of Water Protection, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 60-614 Poznań, Poland, [email protected] 2 Jeziory Ecological Station, Adam Mickiewicz University, P.O. Box 40, 62-050 Mosina, Poland The studies of internal phosphorus loading from bottom sediments were conducted in 11 lakes situated in the Cybina River Valley. Lakes Góra and Uzarzewskie as well as Antoninek and Maltański Reservoirs are situated directly in the course of Cybina River. Lakes Baba, Cyganek, Uli and Ósemka are localized on Cybinka, a tributary of Cybina. Additionally, samples were collected in lakes Wójtostwo, Prawe and Lewe. The aim of studies was to determine ex situ the ability of bottom sediments to release or accumulate phosphorus. Undisturbed sediment cores were collected from the deepest place of each lake with the use of modified Kajak sampler. They were kept in lab in darkness in temperature of 16oC in oxic and anoxic conditions for about 2 weeks. Total phosphorus, phosphorus fractions, organic matter content in sediment samples as well as SRP and TP concentrations in interstitial water and water overlying bottom were analyzed. The highest P loading from sediments was noted in anaerobic conditions in Antoninek Reservoir (41.4 mgP m2d-1), whilst the lowest in Ósemka Lake (0.39 mgP m2d-1). In oxic conditions the greatest amount of P was released in Góra Lake (12.2 mgP m2d-1), while the lowest in Ósemka Lake (0.07 mgP m2d-1). A slight accumulation of P was noted in Uzarzewskie Lake (0.43 mgP m2d-1). TP content in bottom sediments varied between 0.45 mg P g-1 d.w. in Lewe Lake and 2.31 mg P g-1 d.w. in Ósemka Lake. In most of analyzed lakes NaOH-NRP, i.e. P bound to organic matter dominated. Organic matter content ranged from 10.8% in Maltański Reservoir to 64.6% in Cyganek Lake. TP concentration in interstitial water varied between 0.25 mg P l-1 (Ósemka Lake) and 3.28 mg P l-1 (Góra Lake). In water overlying bottom P concentrations were lower and ranged from 0.043 mg P l-1 in Cyganek Lake to 1.89 mg P l-1 in Lewe Lake. This study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Grant no. N 305 108 31/3632. 60 ESTIMATION OF ECOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF THE MALTAŃSKI RESERVOIR IN POZNAŃ IN 2008 RYSZARD GOŁDYN, ANNA KOZAK Department of Water Protection, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland email: [email protected], [email protected] The Maltański Reservoir with a mean depth of 3.1 m is situated in the center of Poznań. It covers an area of 64 ha. The reservoir is used for recreation and water sport purposes. It is under influence of big loads of nutrients, transported with tributary water from the catchment area. The reservoir was sampled two times every month from every meter in depth profile, at one station, situated in the central part of the reservoir. Some variables of water quality was analyzed, as: chlorophyll-a, phosphorus and nitrogen concentration, Secchi depth, temperature, pH, conductivity and oxygen dissolved in the water. Phyto- and zooplankton was also analyzed, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Secchi depth fluctuated from 0.9 m in summer to 1.55 m in a cold seasons. During prevailing time it was over 1 m, which is typical for shallow reservoirs with a good ecological potential. Spring phytoplankton was dominated by cryptophytes, especially Cryptomonas marssonii, C. reflexa, C. ovata and Rhodomonas lacustris. In summer time dominated greens with most abundant Oocystis marssonii, O. lacustris, Pediastrum boryanum, Scenedesmus communis, Coelastrum astroideum, C. reticulatum, Lagerheimia ciliata and Pandorina morum. Cyanobacterial water blooms, typical for the reservoir water quality in the past, were not observed this year. However, biomass of the phytoplankton in the end of summer was high, as chlorophyll-a concentration was rising up to 58,02 µg/l. During most time of the growing season chlorophyll-a concentration was in the range of 10-20 µg/l, which is typical for the shallow reservoirs in a good ecological potential. The research was supported in part by a grant no. N N304 052234 from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education 61 THE LEVEL OF CONVERGENCE OF WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENTS PERFORMED ON THE BASIS OF ZOOBENTHOS AND HYDROMORPHOLOGICAL AS WELL AS PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL ANALYSES MAŁGORZATA GORZEL, RYSZARD KORNIJÓW Departament of Hydrobiology University of Life Sciences in Lublin Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-262 Lublin e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] The research was done in five forth order Bystrzyca Lubelska tributaries of different level of anthropogenic modification of their river-beds as well as of different level of water pollution. Field measurements were conducted in 2003 and 2004. Physical and chemical analyses included physical, oxygen, biogenic, salinity, microbiological and heavy metal indicators. Macrobenthos was sampled with a tube apparatus of 12,6 cm² grabbing surface, and then it was sieved through the mesh size of 0,25 mm. Biological evaluation of water quality was conducted on the basis of the analysis of macrobenthos communities, using the following indices: BMWP-PL, PBI, Oligochaeta/Chironomidae index, and biodiversity index d. Hydromorphological evaluation was done following the index method by Oglęcki and Pawłat and ecomorphological valorisation elaborated by Ilnicki and Lewandowski. At most of the researched sites, especially the ones of a medium level of pollution, biological and chemical evaluations produced diverse results. Only in the case of highly polluted rivers the results of both biological and chemical analyses were concurrent. Biological evaluation well corresponded with the level of the river-beds modification. At most of the investigated sites the values of the applied indices (BMWP-PL, PBI, d, O/CH) were higher (indicating higher water quality) in the stretches of a low level of river-bed modification and definitely lower in regulated stretches. The level of anthropogenic modification of the examined river stretches did not correspond with physical and chemical water quality assessment. Water quality in most of the stretches, irrespective of their level of modification, was satisfactory. Our results show that in order to fully picture the ecological status of rivers it is necessary to perform simultaneous biological, physical and chemical as well as hydromorphological analyses, as in most cases their results are not likely to be convergent. 62 CHANGEABILITY OF PHYTOPLANCTON OF THE STELCHNO LAKE JACEK GOSZCZYŃSKI, DAWID SZATTEN Voivodeship Inspectorate of Environment Protection in Bydgoszcz ul. Piotra Skargi 2, 85-018 Bydgoszcz, [email protected] The Stelchno lake is located in the Southern Pomerania Lakeland, in the southern part of the Wda river’s basin. It has the area of 154,5 ha, the maximum depth amounts to 10,3 m and that is why the summer thermal stratification is incomplete. In the complete drainage basin composed of sandur formations, forests are the predominant form of usage of the area. In its environment there is developing the recreational built-in.. The lake is not a wastewater receiver. Helophytes create practically a continuous belt around the coastline. The submerged vegetation is dominated by abundant meadows which dominate Characeae. The trophic state, according to Carlson, corresponds to mesotrophy. Since 1998 the lake is being examined within the frames of the National Environment Monitoring. The analogous analyses conducted in the years 200708 showed, that biomass of phytoplankton fluctuated from 0,03 to 3,39 mg/l with a similar course in the next vegetative seasons falling on July or August. However, the size in the analyzed years was different and was characterized by a different decomposition in time and a similar strong differentiations in individual time limits. In 2008 maxima were noted in May and August, one year earlier there was only one maximum, almost 3 times lower and falling on June. The taksonomic composition of blooms was different. They were composed by both Bacillariophyceae as well as Chrysophyceae and Cryptophyceae. The most abundant taxon in the periods of homothermy there were diatoms, even though in March 2007 the Oscillatoria type of green-blue algae were the codominants. In the whole period of studies, the diatoms occurred rather numerously also in the remaining months. In summer no numerous predominance of green-blue alga plankton over the remaining groups was noticed, but its differentiation in species was substantial. Clear, in particular in 2008 was also the share of green algae. Asterionella formosa, Fragillaria crotonensis had the highest attendance among diatoms, and among green-blue algae it was Gomphosphearia naegeliana. The size, biomass and the chlorophyll „a” concentration were not correlated with themselves. The phycoflora of the Stelchno Lake reflects its low trophic status resulting both from a small supply of biogens from the basin and the role of the Charecea limiting the eutrophication. One of the reasons of the qualitative and quantitative differentiation of the phytoplankton observed in the subsequent years, there could the different course of thermal conditions in the trophogenic stratum 63 SMALL WATER POWER STATIONS (SWP) AFFECTING FOR CONFIGURATION OF ZOOPLANKTON STRUCTURE, IN THE SELECTED RIVERS IN OLSZTYN URBAN INSTANCES ANNA GOŹDZIEJEWSKA Department of Applied Ecology University of Warmia and Mazury ul. Oczapowskiego 5, 10-957 Olsztyn In 2006 it was the probe to get a fix on Small Water Power Stations (SWP) for configuration and densification of river zooplankton. Four watercourses in the area of Olsztyn urban were covered in these studies: river Wadag in village Kiezliny, river Dymer in Nowe Marcinkowo, Marozka in Waplewo, river Jemiolowka in Samogowo and Guzowy Mlyn, and in Lidzbark Warminski urban the river Symsarna in Debowo. 20 liters probes were single taken in summer time, on the part of rivers under direct influence of SPW hardware equipment. Zooplankton was concentrated on plankton net, with stitch of 30 µm, then preserved by Lugol’s solution, and then conserved by 4% formaldehyde solution. Laboratory analyze involved taxonomic identification, abundance estimating, and comparing of biocenoze species differences, before the ,and after turbine outlet, closely the river bed. Inside zooplankton of the controlled watercourses, there were counted generally 58 Rotatoria taxa, 17 Cruscatea taxa include young schools, and 8 Protozoa species. In watercourses biocenoza quantities structure, with slower flows in rivers Jemiolowka, Marozka, Dymer, there were dominated protozoan over another groups. Participation of Protozoa species inside the total quantities of zooplankton in the above rivers, was 35 – 89%, with strange increasing tendency (30 – 90%) in points after turbines outlets, closer the river bed. Arcella discoides decided of the high protozoan quantity in the examined ecosystems (beside Wadag river). In rivers Symsarna and Wadag, characterized by high flows alternation, occurrences of significant terrain declines, and impetuosity like mountain torrents, rotifers dominated in zooplankton, becomes 65 - 95% of a total zooplankton abundance. The higher Rotatoria quantity was counted on points before hardware turbines of these watercourses, where distinctive dams were created, as the result of smaller water comulation (beside Wadag river). In Rotatoria species quality structure, there were dominated: Keratella cochlearis, K cochlearis var. tecta, and small psammon species, like: Lecane, Lepadella, Colurella. In crustaceans menu, adolescent studies of Copepoda – nauplius and kopepodit exist mostly. Light part of structure creating was taken by small and tiny cladocerans species (Chydorus sphaericus or immatured parts of Daphnia gender), and cyclopodids genders designed for smaller water dams, macrofites zones (Eucyclops sp.), or bottomed (Paracyclops sp.) evolved in dams before stations hardware. 64 The biggest of the controlled watercourses – Wadag river, characterized of the highest total zooplankton quantity, what was three times higher in outlet water, than before station hardware. Fauna affinity of reservoirs analysis reported the highest differences zooplankton structure, between points before and after station hardware, in both examined parts of Jemiolowka river. WHY DO PELAGIC ANIMALS DEPOSIT DIAPAUSING FORMS AT THE WATER SURFACE? TOMASZ GRABOWSKI I MIROSŁAW ŚLUSARCZYK Zakład Hydrobiologii, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warszawa e-mail: [email protected] Some deep dwelling pelagic animals oviposit their diapausing forms at the water surface (e.g. planktonic crustaceans of the genus Daphnia). Considerable cost of such behavior may indicate its adaptive value. The aim of our study was to test which of two hypothetical functions: dispersal between or within water habitats may better explain this phenomenon. If the primary reason of this behaviour was passive transport of diapausing forms by surface vectors to the littoral zone, where they could face more suitable hatching conditions, we should observe it in deep aquatic habitats, yet not necessary in shallow ones with large littoral zone.. However, if the primary function of his behavior was dispersal between reservoirs, we should observe it in both types of lakes with comparable proportion. We placed two sets of seston traps in a few shallow and deep lakes in the North-East Poland in autumn period of diapausing eggs production by planktonic cladocerans. The traps were collecting diapausing eggs deposited either at or below the water surface. The higher proportion of diapausing eggs found in surface tarps compared to deep ones in the shallow lakes compared to the deep ones may indicate dispersal to other water reservoirs as more likely reason of the tested phenomenon. 65 HABITAT DIVERSITY IN THE BALTIC PART OF THE WOLIŃSKI NATIONAL PARK PIOTR GRUSZKA1, JULIUSZ CHOJNACKI1, WOJCIECH KOWALSKI2, JERZY MASŁOWSKI1 , WALDEMAR PIASECKI3, JOANNA ROKICKA-PRAXMAJER1, BEATA ROSIŃSKA1, TADEUSZ ZAMKOWSKI1 1) Chair of Marine Ecology and Environmental Protection Faculty of Food Sciences and Fisheries West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin ul. Królewicza Kazimierza 4, 71-550 Szczecin 2) Chair of Botany and Nature Conservation Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin ul. Słowackiego 17, 71-550 Szczecin 3) Department of Hydrobiology Faculty of Food Sciences and Fisheries West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin ul. Królewicza Kazimierza 4, 71-550 Szczecin In the years 2007–2008 survey of epibenthic flora and fauna in the coastal zone of the Pomeranian Bay along the Wolin Island up to 1 nautical mile between Międzyzdroje and Świętouście (the area being a part of the Woliński National Park) was made taking into account significance of different types of bottoms for fish spawning. The determination of places suitable for fish reproduction is important not only from the point of view of the protection of target species resources, but also in the context of possible decisions on the location of a reserve in the coastal waters of the WNP. Research using underwater videography permitted to work out a schematic map of the bottom coverage (sands, gravels, stones and boulders, also mussel beds) reflecting fish spawning conditions and possible spawning sites in the area. Basing on the collected samples, qualitative and quantitative composition of shallow bottom organisms, particularly Mytilus community, along with the spawn of fish (the spring herring and the garfish), and fauna of the water column (including ichthyoplankton), as well as physicochemical parameters of the water are described. All that has allowed to identify within the already existing marine protected area such a subarea, where the creation of a strict reserve - also from the point of fisheries management - would be fully justified, and subareas where such form of protection would not be a preference matter. 66 BOTTOM FAUNA OF THE LAKE ŁEBSKO IN THE YEARS 2006-2007 PIOTR GRUSZKA, JAKUB WENT Chair of Marine Ecology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Food Sciences and Fisheries West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin ul. Królewicza Kazimierza 4, 71-550 Szczecin In Autumn 2006 and Spring 2007, qualitative and quantitative research of bottom macrofauna in the Lake Łebsko was conducted. The lake is influenced by the Baltic waters, which is indicated by elevated salinity (1.1 PSU) in its north-eastern part and brackish-water fauna typical for the Baltic Sea inhabiting bottom there. Bottom sediments are dominated mostly by medium-grained sand, frequently with conspicuous admixture of fine sand, especially significant in the north-eastern part of the lake. 22 species and not identified specimens of Clitellata (Oligochaeta) constituted bottom macrofauna. The highest species richness, resulted from high number of mollusk species, was found in autumn 2006 in the eastern part of the lake. Non-indigenous species belonging to Malacostraca (Gammarus tigrinus), Polychaeta (Marenzelleria neglecta), Gastropoda (Potamopyrgus antipodarum), and Bivalvia (Dreissena polymorpha) were identified. Chironomus f.l. plumosus and Oligochaeta were constant and main constituents of the benthos. Particularly high dominance of midges in terms of abundance could be recorded in both study periods, whereat abundance found in spring 2007 was significantly higher then in autumn 2006. Bivalvia dominated benthic biomass. It were most frequently Anodonta spp. and Cerastoderma glaucum (only in the brackish part of the lake, where Hediste diversicolor co-dominated). In autumn 2006, the dominance of chironomid larvae was clearly marked in the middle part of the Łebsko. DO DAPHNIA MAGNA MALES AND FEMALES DIFFER IN THEIR GROWTH RATES? MAŁGORZATA GRZESIUK, ANDRZEJ MIKULSKI DEPARTMENT OF HYDROBIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF WARSAW Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, [email protected] Though males and females of Daphnia magna are genetically identical, their morphology, behavior and physiology differ. Differences in growth rate, body length and mass between the individuals of both sexes, cultured in diverse food conditions were investigated. The observed differences in growth rates are discussed in the context of different life strategies of Daphnia males and females. 67 DIVERSITY OF HYDROGENIC HABITAT SITES OF THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS (SPA) NATURA 2000 DŁUGIE LAKE NATURA 2000 REFUGE LOCATED IN THE NORTHEASTERN POLAND MIROSŁAW GRZYBOWSKI, ZBIGNIEW ENDLER Chair of Applied Ecology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-957 Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 5 Special Protection Areas (SPA) pltmp030 “Długie Lake” is a new protection area established within the frames of the Natura 2000 in the north-eastern Poland, that is located to the west from the village of Łukta, at the area of the Olsztyńskie Lakeland mezoregion, in the north-eastern part of the Taborskie Forests. In the studied area, the following hydrogenic habitat sites, important in view of protection within the frames of Natura 2000 were recorded: Special Protection Areas (SPA) pltmp030 „Długie Lake” wymienione Annex I habitat types Council Directive 92/43/eec of 21 may 1992: Code Name Area [ha] % Cover Represent ativity Relative surface Conse rvatio n Status Global 3110 Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) Natural euthrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds 84,215 12,21 B C B B 7,270 1,05 B C B B 14,441 2,09 B C A B Transition mires and quaking bogs Bog woodland 3,322 0,48 A C A A 29,947 4,34 C C B B 91D0-2 8,474 1,23 B C B B 91D0-6 1,741 0,25 D 58,830 0,35 A C A A 3150 3160 7140 91D0-1 91E0-3 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) 68 SEASONAL CHANGES IN A DIET OF CORMORANT PHALACROCORAX CARBO IN AN EUTROPHIC DAM RESERVOIR – WHY DOES A DIET OF FISH-EATING BIRDS CHANGE? ROBERT GWIAZDA, ANTONI AMIROWICZ Institute of Nature Conservation PAS al. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Kraków The fish species composition and fish size distribution in a diet of nonbreeding Cormorants and in fish assemblages in the Dobczyce reservoir in two periods in 2005 were studied. Pellets were collected on the roost and fish was caught in littoral and pelagial zones in late spring (SP: May–June) and in autumn (AP: Oct–Nov). Seven fish species were recorded in the fish assemblages in SP. Roach and perch had the highest share in littoral (30.7% and 25.6% by numbers, respectively). In pelagial, the number of fish caught was 23 times lower. Four species (roach, white bream, chub, and perch) was recorded in Cormorant diet in SP with the highest share of roach (70%). The occurrence of 9-species fish assemblage was recorded in AP. The most abundant was white bream (31.5%), followed by roach (28.2%) and perch (24.4%) in littoral zone. Similar number of fish was caught in pelagial in this period. The most abundant were bleak (55.0%) and white bream (27.7%) there. The diet of Cormorant was composed of 5 species (roach, white bream, perch, ruffe, pike). The most numerous were perch and roach (40.0% and 32.0%, respectively). A preference toward roach in SP and toward perch in AP was fund. The range of the total length (LT) of fish in Cormorant diet was 5–38 cm. Avoidance of small fish (<10 cm) and large individuals (>30 cm) was fund based on Jacobs’s index. Diet of Cormorants consisted of smaller fish in AP. Availability of small fish (based on CPUE) was c. 10 times greater in this period compared to SP. Weighted mean of fish TL in assemblages was 20 cm for roach and 12.5 cm for perch in SP and 11.8 and 8.1 in AP, respectively. The share of roach and perch did not changed seasonally and could not explain the change in Cormorant diet. Fish length distribution in assemblages differed between seasons. The proportion of average weight of roach to that of perch was greater in SP (3.94:1) than in AP (2.87:1). Probably it can explain the shift toward perch in autumn. ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME ACTIVITIES AND LIPID PEROXIDATION IN MYTILUS GALLOPROVINCIALIS FROM THE FRENCH MEDITERRANEAN COAST KRZYSZTOF GWOŹDZIŃSKI1, MARTA GONCIARZ1, EWA KILAŃCZYK1, ALEKSANDRA KOWALCZYK1, ANNA PIENIĄśEK1, GERARD BRICHON2, 1Departament of Molecular Biophysics, University of Łódź, 2Institute Michel Pacha, Universite de Lyon 69 Marine organisms, such as mussels and fish, have been used successfully as biomarkers to evaluate the biological effects of chemical pollutants. The aim of the present work was to compare the activity of antioxidant enzymes: catalaseCAT, glutathione peroxidase-GPx, the level of GSH, lipid peroxidation and lactat dehydrogenase-LDH activity in control mussels and in the mussels clearly exposed to anthropogenic impact. The bioindicator species studied was Mytilus galloprovincialis from a coastal marine area close to Tamaris on the south of France. Higher activity of CAT and GPx were found in contaminated mussels (161.76 and 45.36 U/ mg protein) in comparison to control mussels - 98.68 and 28.94 U/ mg protein, respectively. Lipid peroxidation was also significantly higher in contaminated mussels (9.321 nmol MDA/ mg protein) than in the control ones (7.57 nmol MDA/ mg protein) in contrast to GSH level, which was significantly lower in contaminated mussels (2.85 mol GSH/ mg protein) compared to control (5.81 mol GSH/ mg protein). No significant differences in the activity of LDH were observed between the two mussel populations. Several classes of pollutants such as trace metals and organic compounds enhance oxidative stress in organisms. Higher level of reactive oxygen species increased lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes and decreased GSH level. SUBFOSSIL CHIRONOMIDS ALONG NUTRIENTS GRADIENT IN FIVE SHALLOW POLESIE LAKES ANNA HALKIEWICZ Department of Hydrobiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-262 Lublin, Poland e-mail: [email protected] The studies were carried out in March 2004 in five shallow lakes of Polesie Lubelskie Region. The lakes represent different trophic status (mesotrophic lakes Kleszczów and Rotcze, eutrophic lakes Głębokie Uścimowskie and Sumin, and one hypertrophic Lake Syczyńskie). Five 2-cm thick layers of surface sediments were collected from the centre of each lake using a UWITEC gravity corer (inside diameter 6 cm). The remains over 180 µm were analysed. The most abundant in subfossil chironomids were mesotrophic lakes Kleszczów and Rotcze (495 and 154 HC (head capsules)/100 cm3 sediment, respectively) and the least (50 HC/100 cm3) hypertrophic Lake Syczyńskie. The highest taxonomic richness of chironomids was found in mesotrophic lakes (19-20 taxa). In the hypertrophic lake the total number of taxa was nearly twice lower. 70 Chironomids in highly fertile lakes (lakes Syczyńskie and Głębokie Uścimowskie) were dominated by plant-associated forms, eutrophic Lake Sumin by benthic taxa, and the mesotrophic lakes by eurytopic taxa. Epiphytic chironomids in most fertile lakes was represented mostly by Cricotopus sp., Glyptotendipes sp. and Polypedilum sordens; in eutrophic Lake Sumin - Glyptotendipes sp., and in mesotrophic lakes by Polypedilum sordens, Cricotopus sp. in Lake Rotcze and by Psectrocladius sp. and Glyptotendipes sp. in Lake Kleszczów. Benthic assemblage in all the lakes, except Lake Sumin, was represented mainly by Chironomus sp. Its relative abundance ranged from 20 to 50%. Its highest percentage was noticed in two lakes of opposite fertility (mesotrophic Lake Kleszczów and hypertrophic Lake Syczyńskie). In eutrophic Lake Sumin benthic chironomids were dominated by Procladius sp. THE DISTURBANCES IN THE HAJKA DAM RESERVOIR EKOSYSTEM (NORTHERN POLAND) DUE TO THE LOWERING OF THE WATER LEVEL TOMASZ HEESE1, MAGDALENA KACZORKIEWICZ1, AGNIESZKA POCIECHA 2, ELśBIETA WILK–WOŹNIAK 2 1Koszalin University of Technology, Department of Environmental Biology, ul. Śniadeckich 2, 75-453 Koszalin e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] 2Institute for Environmental Protection, Polish Academy of Sciences al. Adama Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Kraków email: [email protected], [email protected] The study was conducted on the 0.9 km2 surface reservoir Hajka, which is situated on the Radew river (a Parsęta tributary) and works as the lower reservoir to the Rosnowski reservoir (surface area 1.9 km2) in a cascade system An experiment on reaction of the Hajka reservoir ecosystem to a lowering of the water level by 0.8m was planned. A 1.1 MW flow turbine is installed in the dam. The research was led from 12.09.2007 to 25.10.2007 in weekly intervals. The beginning took place before the water level was lowered, i.e. at 42.81 m a.m.s.l., then, after a week's time, the water level was lowered to 42.00 m a.m.s.l., the water level was at that height up to 17.10.2007, and during the week after that date, until 25.10.2007, the level was raised to 42,88 m a.m.s.l. The analyzed physicochemical parameters were: total phosphorus, phosphorates, total nitrogen, nitrates, nitrites, ammonium nitrogen, pH, redox potential, specific electrolytic conductance and oxygenation. Zooplankton and phytoplankton were also investigated. The most changes were noticed immediately after the lowering of the water 71 level. During that time the concentrations of nitrates and chlorophyll, which resulted in decreased phytoplankton numbers. Zooplankton reacted differently. Near the surface the quantities of Rotatoria and Copepoda dropped rapidly, while a slight rise of Cladocera took place. In the lower parts of the reservoir an increase of zooplankton, and especially Rotatoria, numbers was noted. After the water level dropped, the researchers have found heightened ammonium and nitrites concentrations, as well as lower redox potential. That was likely caused by an influx of waters from the reservoir's immediate drainage basin. These complex interactions of surface and underground waters had a great bearing on the structure of phyto- and zooplankton, as well as on the concentrations of many substances, including biogenic ones. We should infer, that due to the changes of water level, which are the result of the reservoir's water management, similar changes take place in other reservoirs. DIATOM ASSEMBLAGES OF A FISHPOND DEVÍNSKE JAZERO IN BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA ALICA HINDÁKOVÁ INSTITUTE OF BOTANY, SLOVAK ASCADEMY OF SCIENCES DÚBRAVSKÁ CESTA 14, SK-84523 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA EMAIL: [email protected] The diatom assemblages of a small fishpond Devínske jazero in Bratislava (Western Slovakia) have been investigated in the years 2007-2009. In contrast to other eutrophicated fishponds in this country, where cyanobacteria and green algae are usually predominating namely in summer and autumn, the investigated fishpond has been characteristized by almost exclusively dominance of diatoms during the whole observed period. To the characteristic centric diatoms of the phytoplankton can be assigned namely Cyclotella meneghiniana, Stephanodiscus hantzschii f. tenuis, and Cyclostephanos invisitatus. Besides these constantly occurring taxa, other centric diatoms were observed in small numbers, such as Thalassiosira duostra and Th. pseudonana, Discostella woltereckii, Cyclotella atomus and Cyclostephanos delicatus. In July 2009, after last haevy raining weeks, Thalassiosira pseudonana, a tiny planctonic species, astonished with a dominant populations. Majority of centric representatives were also found in the Danube and Morava rivers flowing nearby. As only some of the Thalassiosira species are known from freshwater ecosystems, and the direct connection between the observed fishpond and the 72 Morava River does not exist, diatom community of the fishpond could be considered extraordinary. Diatom flora of the Morava River at Devín and at the fishpond Devínske jazero is compared, althout they represent two different types of water bodies (running vs stagnant character). CHANGES OF ALPHA-GLUCOSIDASE LEVEL AND ACTIVITY IN CARP’S ( CYPRINUS CARPIO L. ) BLOOD SERUM JULIA KOTOŃSKA Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Science Department of Animal Hygiene and Ichthyology Chelmonskiego 38C 51-630 Wroclaw e-mail: [email protected] Neutral alpha-glucosidase classified as EC 3.2.1.20, hydrolytically break take α 1→4, α1→6 and α1→2 glycosidic bonds of both oligo- and poli- saccharydes, but the two latter to a lesser extent. It occurs in cytoplasm several cell types. Activity of alpha-glucosidase is species related in mammals blood serum with high differences occurring among them. Cyprinus carpio blood serum alphaglucosidase has high hydrolytic as well as transferase activity. At higher substrate concentration ( 20 – 40 mM ) the transferase activity becomes well visible as a result of the maltotriose and maltotetraose creation. In relation to seasonal environmental changes in carp’s breeding cycle and corresponding fish’s biological state, the activity of transferase alphaglucosidase was studied. There are three characteristic periods for cold-blooded fish’s biological activity such as March, September and December when the research was conducted. Blood samples were in vivo taken from carp’s heart. Syntetic maltose-Nglycoside was used for transferase activity assay. Products of transferase reaction ( maltooligosaccharides ) were separated using HPLC chromatography and determined at 365 nm. Glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels were also determined for the fish physiological condition control. Optimal pH for transferase activity was found to be between 6,8 – 7,0. The serum enzyme activity is visible at range of temperatures of 5 – 700 C. And at the highest point of this range, the enzyme is active for about 30 min at the presence of substrate. 170 mg% if the blood glucose concentration was in the middle of the summer season, while 55- 65 mg% was found during the winter and spring seasons. The triglycerides values at the same periods were 220 mg% and 100 – 125 mg % respectively. Cholesterol concentration seasonal changes have been found to be 250 mg%, 200mg% and 115 mg% at the summer, spring and winter 73 respectively. Growth in concentration of the studied parameters is connected to the fish’s full biological activity and intensive food intake. Neutral alpha-glucosidase in carp’s blood serum was reported as the most active in summer with 4,6 – 5,2 IU/ cm3. In winter and spring it was lower measured as 2,1 – 3,0 IU/cm3. These changes are related to season, insolation, water temperature and fish activity. HAS POTAMOPYRGUS ANTIPODARUM DISAPPEARED FROM THE POLISH PART OF THE VISTULA LAGOON? IZABELA JABŁOŃSKA-BARNA1, AGATA RYCHTER2 1 Chair of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Protection and Fisheries, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 5, 10-718 Olsztyn 2 The State Higher School of Vocational Education in Elblag, Institute of Technology, ul. Wojska Polskiego 1, 82-300 Elblag, Poland Potamopyrgus antipodarum is one of the invasive species which colonize fresh and sea waters of Europe. Having been transported in ship ballast waters from the Pacific Ocean in the 19th century, the snail colonized shore waters of the Baltic Sea and began spreading inland. Its presence in the Vistula Lagoon was confirmed in the early 20th century. Until the 1950s, representatives of this species were found at the bottom of the whole lagoon, but in the late 20th century their presence was not detected in the western part of the reservoir. At the same time, the snail appeared in large numbers in the eastern part of the Vistula Lagoon (which belongs to the Russian Federation). In 2008, in order to verify the data regarding the extent of the presence of Potamopyrgus antipodarum, a study on the taxonomic composition of the zoocenosis inhabiting the bottom of the Polish part of the Vistula Lagoon was conducted. The observations carried out in the muddy bottom of the lagoon revealed the presence of Potamopyrgus antipodarum in the western part of the reservoir. Representatives of this species were found in 63% of the collected samples, at an average density of 857 individuals per m-2 (maximum density 3,377 indiv. m-2) and biomass reaching 6.93 g m-2 (max. 32.55 g m-2). The study is part of research project PNRF-82-AI-1/07 74 THE MORPHOLOGIC DIVERSITY AND PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIP OF PICOCYANOBACTERIA ISOLATED FROM THE GREAT MAZURIAN LAKE SYSTEM IWONA JASSER1,*, EWA KOZŁOWSKA2, ADRIANA KRÓLICKA AND ANNA KARNKOWSKAISHIKAWA3 1Uniwersytet Warszawski, Zakład Ekologii Mikroorganizmów, Instytut Mikrobiologii ul. Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warszawa, e-mail*: [email protected] 2 Uniwersytet Warszawski, Zakład Immunologii, Instytut Zoologii 3 Uniwersytet Warszawski, Zakład Systematyki i Geografii roślin, Instytut Botaniki The morphologic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of picocyanobacteria isolated from lakes of the Great Mazurian Lakes system was studied. The phycoerythrin-rich (PE) and phycocyanin-rich (PC) picocyanobacteria were isolated from studied lakes and the isolates were analyzed morphologically and using direct sequencing of cpcBA-IGS and 16S rRNA encoding genes. The isolation of PE and PC picocyanobacteria was achieved by two methods: the classic plate method and a modified flowcytometry method. The modified flow-cytometry method turned out to be more selective for PE picocyanobacteria as well as less time consuming and less laborious. 44 out of 50 isolates were characterized on the basis of their microscopic and macroscopic morphological features. The correspondence analysis (CA) of morphological features allowed to divide isolated strains into three PC and two PE groups. The phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA encoding gens and cpcBA-IGS was performed using four methods: neighbor joining (NJ), maximum likelihood (ML), maximum parsimony (MP) and Mr. Bays’ (MB). The analyses assigned part of the isolated strains to already known picocyanobacterial clusters (A, B, C, E and I). Several other isolates formed a new clade, named by us Group M (Mazurian). According to 16S rDNA analysis the PE and the PC picocyanobacteria belonged to this group, while in cpcBA-IGS analysis only the PC. The existence of cluster M was confirmed by all four methods in both phylogenetic analyses. The comparison of morphological and phylogenetic analyses showed that the phylogenetic diversity can, to some extent, be reflected in the morphology of these tiny organisms. 75 SEASONAL BIOGENS DYNAMIC IN MARSZEWO LAKE; TROPHY STATE AND EUTROPHICATION RESISTANCE ANNA JAROSIEWICZ Pomeranian Academy in Słupsk Department of Water Ecology, Institute of Biology and Environment Protection Arciszewskiego 22b St., 76-200 Słupsk e-mail:[email protected] Studies were carried out in lake Marszewskie DuŜe (Marszewo) (54030,5’; 16042,6’), located in the northern part of Poland (West Pomeranian Lake District). The lake surface covers an area about 0.18 km2, maximal depth amounts 20 m (average depth about 6,5m). The seasonal distribution of various phosphorus and nitro gen forms was measured in monthly intervals from the September 2007. Measurements were conducted at 4 sites, arranged in the profile from the coast to the deepest central part of the lake. At each site water samples were collected from surface (1m under surface) and near-bottom layer, as well as from above and below the thermocline zone. Moreover, the water visibility was measured and temperature and oxygen concentration vertical profiles were determined. Concentrations of respective nutrient forms (NO3-N; NH4-N; Ntotal; PO4-P; Ptotal) and pH and water conductivity were measured in the laboratory. Lake Marszewo is dimictic closed water body with thermal stratification during vegetative season. Water transparency (Secchi depth) during measurements was from 2.3 (vegetative season) to 4.3m (winter) and conductivity amounted about 400µS. Seasonal changes of respective nitrogen and phosphorus form were observed. During second part of vegetative season, the increase of total phosphorus concentration in bottom anoxic layer was measured. Similar situation was observed in the case of inorganic phosphorus. From June the concentration of PO4-P in hypolimnion was increased to 0.3 mgPdm-3 until the late- autumn water circulation. Low dissolved oxygen concentration in bottom layer created favourable conditions for additional phosphorus release from active sediments layer to water column. Also concentration of nitrogen forms was strongly connected with oxygen concentration changes in different lake layer. The most intensive changes and seasonal vertical stratification were observed in the case of ammonia nitrogen. Concentration of NH4-N was changed, depending on oxygen conditions from 0.04 to 1.95 mgNdm-3 in near bottom layer. Performed measurements permit to determine a current trophy level of lake Marszewo and qualify the lake as mesoeutrophic, but the high total phosphorus concentration during summer indicate the beginning of eutrophy. 76 PHYTOPLANKTON VERSUS THERMAL CONDITIONS IN THE EUPHOTIC ZONE OF LAKES OF A DIFFERENT TROPHIC STATE (MAZURIAN LANDSCAPE PARK, NE POLAND) BOśENA JAWORSKA 1, JULITA DUNALSKA 2, DOROTA GÓRNIAK 3, MAGDALENA BOWSZYS 1 1 Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Fisheries, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 5 2 Department of Environment Protection Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Fisheries, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Olsztyn, ul. Prawocheńskiego 1 3 Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 1A The aim of the study was phytoplankton in lakes of diversified trophic state (Mikołajskie, Kuc, Majcz Wielki) in different thermal conditions in the limnological years 2007 and 2008. In spring 2007, Chrysophyceae achieved the highest share in the algal community of Lake Kuc. In Lake Mikołajskie Bacillariophyceae prevailed, while in Lake Majcz Wielki diatoms gained the position of the dominating algal group no earlier than after early spring, short-time growth of the blue-green algae, which was not recorded in 2008, when water temperature was lower. In 2008, in Lake Majcz Wielki, Bacillariophyceae prevailed during the entire spring period. The same phytoplankton groups dominated in the lakes Kuc and Mikołajskie but in particular reservoirs dominating species occurred in different time. In 2008, spring was generally warmer, but the temperature recorded at the end of this season was lower than in 2007. It was found that summer 2007 commenced with relatively high water temperature that fluctuated within a few degrees limits. In the next year the temperature of the euphotic zone during summer period was more even. Summer phytoplankton in Lake Kuc and Lake Majcz Wielki in 2007 was gradually changing what manifested itself as increasing in time contribution of the blue-green algae with co-occurrenc of other phytoplankton groups. Phytoplankton of Lake Mikołajskie was dominated by Dinophyceae, which growth was periodically inhibited by mass occurrence of the blue-green algae. In 2008, the domination structure of phytoplankton in Lake Kuc was similar to that observed in the previous year and the contribution of the blue-green algae was high and relatively constant. This algal group also continued to develop in Lake Majcz Wielki, but the intensity of its growth was weak In Lake Mikołajskie, as early as in spring, that was warmer than in the previous year, the blue-green algae took over the position of the dominating group what remained unchanged till autumn. Warmer autumnal period and gentle thermal drop was recorded in 2007. At the time, in Lake Kuc, it was not recorded significant shift in the domination structure and summer species continued to dominated. In Lake Mikołajskie, despite the fact that the species 77 representing Bacillariophyceae were relatively numerous. The diatoms were the most abundant algal group in Lake Majcz Wielki during autumn in both studied years. Lakes of a different trophic state show divergent seasonal patterns of phytoplankton growth, taxonomic composition and domination structure which features of the algal community are similar in particular lake in the consecutive years, but they can be modified by a complex of related environmental features existing within given ecosystem. Thermal conditions in the euphotic zone of the studied lakes were one of the factors that shaped the structure, growth rate and the intensity of phytoplankton development in the process of trophic changes acting in the lakes under study. AMPHIPOD CRUSTACEANS OF THE ANTARCTIC SHELF IN ADMIRALTY BAY, KING GEORGE ISLAND, ANTARCTIC. ANNA JAśDśEWSKA Laboratory of Polar Biology and Oceanobiology, University of Lodz, ul. Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, [email protected] Amphipod crustaceans are one of the most diverse group of Antarctic zoobenthos. So far 800 species of Amphipoda were reported from Southern Ocean (south from Subtropical Front), whereas in the Antarctic sensu stricto, south from Antarctic Convergence, 500 species were noted. The investigations on the Admiralty Bay zoobenthos concentrated mostly on shallow sublittoral (up to about 30 m) and subtidal zone. As the result the list of 118 species of Amphipoda from Admiralty Bay was presented. However, the knowledge on the diversity and communities of amphipods of deeper sublittoral is insufficient. The presented analysis is based on 140 quantitative samples collected from wide range of depths from 20 m to 500 m in the central basin of Admiralty Bay, and in Ezcurra Inlet, its shallower, inner part, influenced by subglacial streams. As a result of the studies 23 species of Amphipoda new for the Admiraly Bay were recorded. The analysis allowed to discriminate less diverse amphipod communities in Ezcurra Inlet (28 species with clear dominance of two Heterophoxus species) and more diverse assemblage in the central basin (over 100 species). The maximum species number was noted at the depth range from 50 to 100 m. The clear biocenological boundary between two zones has been observed at the depth of ca 50 m. It 78 divides shallow and deep-water zones inhabited by different amphipod communities. In the shallow water, up to 50 m depth, Hippomedon kergueleni and Prostebbingia gracilis dominated. At the depths 50–200 m the dominants were: Schraderia gracilis, Waldeckia obesa and Heterophoxus videns, whereas deeper than 200 m, dominated the following species: Urothoe sp., Cephalophoxoides kergueleni and Harpiniopsis aciculum. FACTORS AFFECTING WATER TRANSPARENCY IN SELECTED LAKES OF WIELKOPOLSKA NATIONAL PARK TOMASZ JONIAK ADAM MICKIEWICZ UNIVERSITY OF POZNAŃ, FACULTY OF BIOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF WATER PROTECTION, UMULTOWSKA STR. 89, 61-614 POZNAŃ; E-MAIL: [email protected] Solar radiation is of central importance to lake ecosystems. It is the main energetic stream which regulates, among others, thermal water-currents, productivity, depth of occurrence of underwater vegetation or the structure of plankton biocenoses. The depth of light penetration in water is regulated by the water itself and by various optically active substances, which absorb or scatter the light (i.e. tripton, organic suspended sediments, plankton, dissolved organic substances, algal pigments and water vegetation). While the scattering of light, which is a natural optical feature of water, depends on the amount of light in water environment, its incidence angle and the amount of optically active substances which cause a deeper light penetration, the absorption completely attenuates the light radiation. Because the composition and concentration of the water components influencing its clarity is a resultant of many environmental factors, the present research was conducted with a special consideration for the water trophy and a type of lake mixis (di- and polymictic). The analysis of the optical features of water in the field of Secchi disc visibility permitted the identification of a characteristic composition of substances influencing the water transparency in each of the lakes. The turbidity and water opalescence generated by a high content of autochthonous dissolved organic substances was the main factor restricting the light range in the eutrophic lake. In two mesotrophic lakes representing different types of mixis, the range of visibility depended in one of them mainly on the concentration of the suspended matter, and in the other one on the dissolved optically active substances, especially colour producing compounds. The occurrence of the shallow-layer turbidity (a strongly concentrated mixture of organic fractions forming a colloidal stage) in the bottom part of the euphotic zone, at the point of contact between different thermal layers, was a common property of dimictic 79 lakes during the summer stagnation. Its origin as well as the impact on light conditions of lakes remain the subject of investigation. The research work has been supported by the Ministry of Science and Education within the project No N305 022 32/1103. SYNTHETIC HYDROMORPHOLOGICAL INDEXES IN RIVER HABITAT SURVEY METHOD AS PARAMETERS SUPPORTING THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF RIVERS SZYMON JUSIK, KRZYSZTOF SZOSZKIEWICZ DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, POZNAŃ UNIVERSITY OF LIFE SCIENCES, WOJSKA POLSKIEGO 28, 60-637 POZNAN, [email protected] Ecological classifications of rivers according to Water Framework Directive includes evaluations of hydromorphological status as an element supplementary to biological parameters. The British method River Habitat Survey (RHS) is presently a widely used method of evaluation of hydromorphology of rivers. The method is used in many European countries, including Poland. Its advantage is, for example an ability to present the state of the environment in a form of synthetic hydromorphological indexes. The most commonly used are two such indexes. The first of them, Habitat Quality Assessment (HQA), is the index of natural habitat, which reflects the diversity of natural elements of morphological watercourses and valleys. The second index, Habitat Modification Score (HMS), describes the total level of anthropogenic changes in hydromorphology of rivers. Indexes HMS and HQA have been adapted to Water Framework Directive and can be used as parameters supporting the evaluations of ecological status of rivers. In the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection of the Poznan University of Life Sciences modification of HMS index has been elaborated. It increases its usefulness in evaluation of ecological status of rivers. It is based mostly on the change of rules of granting points in the modifications of river banks and river beds. For example, various kinds of reinforcements receive different number of points in HMS index, depending on their influences on water organisms. In years 2002-2008, 380 sites located in 215 rivers from all over Poland were surveyed. Their ecological status was defined in accordance with Macrophyte Method for River Assessment and their hydromorphological status was defined with River Habitat Survey method. Calculated indexes HQA and HMS allowed to classify the surveyed sites to five classes of hydromorphological status. These indexes were significantly correlated with macrophytes indexes of ecological status (MIR, MTR, IBMR) and selected of physic-chemical parameters of water. Synthetic hydromorphological indexes proved to be useful especially in setting 80 reference condition of different river types and differentiation between very good and good ecological status. BRACKISH WATER TANAIDACEA (CRUSTACEA: MALACOSTRACA) GENUS HETEROTANAIS (SARS, 1882) PIOTR JÓŹWIAK, MAGDALENA BŁAśEWICZ-PASZKOWYCZ Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Lodz, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Tanaidacea are small crustaceans common in marine waters.They inhabit almost all types of marine ecosystems as coral reefs, underwater caves, hydrotermal vents and cold seeps. As far over one thousand tanaids species are known for science. The majority was recorded from waters of high salinity and only few of them occur in brackish habitats. One of the typical brackishwater tanaids is genus Heterotanais, represented by four species. Heterotanais oerstedi is only Tanaidacea species recorded in the Baltic Sea. This species was noted at relatively high value of density 8000 ind./m2 in areas with salnity amount 7‰, down to 3‰ (Vistula Lagoon). In the materials collected in the estuary of Dragonja river (Slovenia) a brackish water tanaid was recorded, pirmarily classified as H. oerstedi. The samples were taken in the section from the outlet to 2 km upwards. The salinity in the sampling area oscillated above 4‰. The clear-sighted analysis of the appendages and mouth parts allow us to describe this species as a new for science. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING DIVERSITY OF MALACOFAUNA OF WATER BODIES WITHIN THE LOWER BUG RIVER VALLEY EWA JURKIEWICZ-KARNKOWSKA Akademia Podlaska, ul. B. Prusa 12, 08-110 Siedlce, e-mail: [email protected] The investigations aimed to find environmental factors significant in structuring composition and diversity of malacocoenoses of water bodies located along over 100 km sector of the lower Bug River. The investigations were carried out in 132 water bodies located within the natural floodplane, the 81 floodplane constrained by flood control embankments and the former one (outside of the embankments). Molluscs, water and bottom sediments were sampled during the period May - July in the years 2007-2008. From among environmental factors some general features of the water bodies were considered (location within the floodplain, size, depth, permanence, hydrological connectivity, successional stage, vegetation, shrubs), as well as some water parameters (pH, conductivity, concentration of oxygen, nitrates, ammonia nitrogen, orthophosphates, calcium and chloride ions) and bottom sediment features (granulometric composition, organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus content). Within the investigated area 56 mollusc species were found – 38 snails (including 11 prosobranchs) and 18 bivalves. In particular water bodies from 3 to 17 species were collected. Mollusc abundance ranged from 20 to 1826 individuals per 1m2 of the bottom. Species diversity (Shannon-Weaver’s index, H’) amounted from 0,44 to 3,12. Dominance pattern differed among sites. Most of the environmental factors affected the structure of malacocoenoses by the influence on individual mollusc species. Location of the water body within the floodplain, its permanence, size, depth and the successional stage, as well as phosphorus content in bottom sediments exerted significant influence on mollusc species richness and diversity (H’). This study was financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (project number N305 11731/3934). PREFERENCES OF TWO ALIEN GOBIIDS FOR VARIOUS BOTTOM SUBSTRATES AND MACROPHYTES DENSITY TOMASZ KAKAREKO1, JAROSŁAW KOBAK2 1 Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 9, 87-100 Toruń, [email protected] 2 Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Institute of General and Molecular Biology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 9, 87-100 Toruń In laboratory experiments, we checked the influence of two environmental factors (substratum type, macrophyte density) on habitat preferences of two Ponto-Caspian fishes successfully dispersing in the Vistula River: monkey goby Apollonia fluviatilis and racer goby Neogobius gymnotrachelus. We tested small (<7 cm total length) and large (>7 cm) specimens. In 137-L tanks, four different substrata (fine sand, gravel, small stones and mud) were offered simultaneously to a single fish. Alternatively, they could select among four different coverages of a macrophyte, flowering rush Butomus umbellatus: 0 (control), 111, 308 and 82 788 ind m-2. We recorded fish movements every 2 minutes for 3 hours using a video camera. All monkey goby clearly preferred sandy bottom, while racer goby of both sizes evidently selected muddy sediments. Both species often buried themselves in the preferred substrates. Moreover, monkey goby were more active. They changed their positions more frequently than racer goby. Small monkey goby slightly preferred open water areas over those covered by denser vegetation, whereas small racer goby mostly occupied areas with the highest plant density. Large individuals of both species spent more time among dense macrophytes. Our study shows that monkey and racer goby reveal clear habitat partitioning, which facilitates their coexistence in the environment. This may favour their simultaneous expansion in novel areas. Our study was supported by the grant of Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education No. N N304 3387 34. PURITY OF WATERS OF LAKES SITUATED IN THE NORTHERN-EASTERN PART OF BORY TUCHOLSKIE FOREST EWA KILAŃCZYK1, JAN CZEPAS2, KRZYSZTOF GWOŹDZIŃSKI2 1Zakład Mikrobiologii, Uniwersytet Świętokrzyski, 25-406 Kielce 2Katedra Biofizyki Molekularnej Uniwersytet Łódzki, 90-237 Łódź, [email protected] The purity of waters of seven lakes (Borzechowskie, Niedackie, Ocypel, Czechowskie, Wygonin, Struga i Wielkie) situated in the northern-eastern part of Bory Tucholskie forest was determined in Kaliska district in 2008. The standard parameters approved for basic monitoring of water purity such as oxygen-thermal profile and physico-chemical parameters: chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, oxidability, total, mineral and ammonium nitrogen, nitrates, phosphates, total phosphorus, chlorophyll, transparency, conductivity, pH, chlorides, sulphates, weight of dry seston and sanitary purity (E.coli) were applied. Samples of waters were taken in spring and during summer stagnation from the deepest points of lakes. The lowest values of chemical oxygen demand and oxidability were observed in Niedackie lake: 5.4 mg O2 dm-3 and 2.73 mg O2 dm-3, respectively. Corresponding values for these parameters Borzechowskie lake were 7.5 mg O2 dm-3 and 4.7 mg O2 dm-3. The highest transparency of water was found in Niedackie and Wygonin lakes and the lowest one in Ocypel, Wielkie, Struga lakes. The lowest conductivity of water was observed in Wygonin (<200 µS/cm) and Niedackie (350 µS/cm) lakes. The conductivities of waters in others lakes oscillated near 400 µS/cm. 83 pH of waters was lower than 7,3. Higher pH value (8.3) was found in Wielkie Lake. Estimated physicochemical parameters let us to classify lakes to the appropriate class of water purity. The best sanitary purity of water was determined in Niedackie and Czechowskie lakes classified us I class. Borzechowskie i Czechowskie lakes were classified as II class and Wygonin, Ocypel, Struga i Wielkie lakes as III class. These lakes are rich in bioorganic elements and are characterized by high parameters of biochemical oxygen demand, high level of chlorophyll and mass of seston. In the group of studied lakes one can see development of water eutrophysation connected with tourism pressure and the presence of numerous centers for rest and leisure, especially around Ocypel Lake. THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF OMOPHRON LIMBATUM FABRICIUS, 1777 (COLEOPTERA, CARABIDAE) POPULATIONS IN THE CONDITIONS OF REGULATED RIVERS MARINA KIRICHENKO1, ROMAN BABKO2 1Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology NAS of Ukraine, B. Khmelnyts’kogo str. 15, 01601 Kyiv-30, Ukraine, e-mail:[email protected] 2Sumy State Pedagogical University, Romens’ka str. 87, 40002 Sumy, Ukraine, email: [email protected] Omophron limbatum Fabricius, 1777 is one of the numerous, well known riparian carabid beetles and seems to be enough studied. This carabid beetle is exclusively associated with exposed riverine sediments habitat, has a widespread distribution in Europe. The purpose of this study was to ascertain spatial distribution and density of O. limbatum F. populations in the riverbanks of dam fragmented beds and to describe how spatial population structure depends on overgrowing degree of riverbank, recreation and heavy cattle trampling. This study was conducted at the plain rivers Psel and Vorskla which are firstorder tributaries of the Dnipro River. The alluvial bars were dominant open habitat on the Psel and Vorskla riverbanks. Initiated at the 50-ies years of last century mass construction of the hydroelectric power station on Dnipro and its tributaries fragmented the rivers. Thus most rivers were reduced into riverbed reservoirs that have changed their dynamic natural water regime. The detritus accumulated on the bars provoked their siltation and as an effect their overgrowing by vegetations. Beetles were collected using the dry pitfall traps and simply “washed out” from their daytime-resting places. Pitfall traps were installed row upon row along the bank starting from water level to the line of alluvial blanket, which 84 functioned with dusk to morning. The length from each trap row to the level of water in riverbed, as well as the area of each investigated alluvial bar, were measured. In general the given species has vastly shortened its number of individuals in comparison with years 1990-1995 data. As studies have shown, density population of this species decreased by reason of silting and overgrowing bars of the medium-sized rivers. The negative influence of overgrowing is obvious. We indicated the overgrowing stages in which gradient the population density of O. limbatum F. reliably decreases. Our investigation found that recreation and livestock trampling a baleful influence on populations’ density. The examinations on different Ukrainian rivers showed that this species is not occurring on the banks of small rivers with undeveloped bank formations. Therefore small rivers are can not be as refugium for given ripicolous beetle. On this background threatening looks the reduction of species density because of siltation and overgrowing of the medium-sized riverbanks. WATER HABITAT THE EXISTENCE OF FUNGI BOśENA KIZIEWICZ Department of General Biology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Jana Kilińskiego 1, email: [email protected] Oomycota/ Oomycetes also known as water molds are large group of funguslike organisms. They are microscopic absorptive organisms that reproduce both sexually and asexually and are composed of mycelia. Traditionally, this groups was thought to include types of fungi and indeed fungi themselves were once believed to be closely related to plants. Many species of Oomycota are still described as types of fungi and sometimes be referred to as pseudofungi or lower fungi. Oomycota are actually members of chromistans which are in turn part of the larger kingdom Protista/Chromista/Straminipila within superkingdom of Eukaryota. Water molds are universally present in all types of natural waters and, as decomposers, form one of the most important components of water ecosystems. They occurred in different type water bodies and they colonize leafs fallen to water, branches, stems, coastal grass as well as animal material. Fungi decompose organic compounds in water. Water molds mineralize organic matter, helping in the natural purification of water. Using the vegetation as source of carbon and energy, they take a part in processes selfcleaning of waters and the same they prevent the eutrophication. Mainly, the number of fungal species fundamentally depends on the amount of organic matter, oxygen concentration, temperature, and acidity. Most of 800 species of 85 oomycetes are saprobes. Part of them are plant, animals and human parasites. Parasitism of aquatic animals and saprotrophic existence on dead bodies and sloughed remains has always been recognized. Economically, the most important members of Oomycetes are the phytoparasites, particularly the rootrotting fungi. In many cases the hosts are crop plants such as sunflower, lettuce, cucurbits, vines, corn, millet and potato. SURFACE RUNOFF AS A FACTOR DETERMINING TROPHIC STATE OF MIDFOREST LAKE PIASECZNO MAŁE (DRAWIEŃSKI NATIONAL PARK). PIOTR KLIMASZYK, PIOTR RZYMSKI, TOMASZ JONIAK Zakład Ochrony Wód, Uniwersytet im. A. Mickiewicza, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, e-mail: [email protected] Piaseczno Małe lake (surface area 8 ha, max. depth 6,8m) shows the symptoms of dystrophy such as: high, brown water colour and low pH. Its catchment area is about 22 ha and is dominated by podzolic and rusty-podzolic soils being habitat of fresh coniferous forest. Catchmet area is 100% forested – 80% being covered by old-growth pine forest (Pinus silvestris), rest being covered by European beech (Fagus sylvatica). It has step slopes inclination – at waterside area reaching up to 40 o . Morphology of catchment area supports surface runoff occurrence and makes it a significiant part of lake’s water balance. To analyse the influences of catchment area on physicochemical properties of runoff and lake water two stations were allocated: first in area grown by coniferous, second in area grown by deciduous forest. In 2005-2007 physicochemical properties of surface runoff waters were investigated. In 2006 forest litter was collected from both stations in order to investigate intensity of ions washout. Specified amount of litter was swamp in water and during 10 days the washout of chemical substances was analysed. It was found that surface runoff waters within an investigated catchment areas have low pH (4,7 – 5,6), brown colour and high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (max. ca 150 mgCdm3) – major component of humic acids. Considerable high concentrations of biogenic substances were noted. Comparision of two stations showed that surface runoff from pine forest consists higher concentrations of organic carbon. Surface runoff from beechgrown areas consists higher concentrations of biogenic substances. Differences in values of most of investigated physical and chemical properties were statistically significant. Similar tendencies were observed in laboratory experiment. Moreover, it was found that rate of release of chemical substances from forest litter is very high. The most significant increase of nitrogen and phosphorus ions, water colour and decrease of pH was observed after first hour of experiment. 86 Fluctuations of colour and pH of lakes water (the most intense brown colour and the lowest pH of lake water in periods of the highest rainfall and surface runoffs) indicates significant role of surface runoff in estabilishing dystrophic state of Piaseczno Małe lake. BEHAVIOUR OF ZEBRA MUSSEL DREISSENA POLYMORPHA INDUCED BY POTENTIAL PREDATORS OF VARIOUS SPECIES AND SIZE JAROSŁAW KOBAK1, TOMASZ KAKAREKO2, MAŁGORZATA POZNAŃSKA1 1 Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Institute of General and Molecular Biology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 9, 87-100 Toruń, Poland, [email protected] 2 Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 9, 87-100 Toruń, Poland We studied the behaviour of the zebra mussel in the presence of fish with different feeding habits: 1) large roach Rutilus rutilus (180-250 mm TL), an efficient molluscivore; 2) small roach (80-110 mm), unable to feed on dreissenids; 3) perch Perca fluviatilis (100-180 mm), not feeding on zebra mussels. We kept small (<10 mm) or large (10-17 mm) mussels in tanks containing fish or empty (control), covered by 1-mm nylon mesh. We measured their attachment strength and counted aggregated (touching one another) individuals after 1 or 6 days of exposure. After a 1-day exposure, we found no differences in attachment strength between treatments. After 6 days in the presence of large roach, smal and large mussels were attached more strongly than in the other treatments. After 1 day, mussels in all the fish treatments were more clustered than the control individuals. Proportion of clustered mussels increased with time in the large roach and control treatments only. As a result, after a 6-day exposure in the presence of large roach, the percentage of clumped mussels was the greatest and differences among the other treatment disappeared. An initial mussel response could be a non-specific reaction to the presence of any fish, whereas after a longer exposure mussels could respond specifically to large roach. The effectiveness of the observed mussel defences will be assessed in the future studies. Our study was supported by the grant of Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education No. N N304 1530 33. 87 IDENTIFYING REFERENCE LAKES BY USING THE PRESSURE CRITERIA ANALYSIS AGNIESZKA KOLADA Instytut Ochrony Środowiska ul. Kolektorska 4, 01-692 Warszawa In accordance with the new approach to water quality assessment as promoted by the Water Framework Directive (EC 2000), the status of aquatic ecosystems (ecological status) is expressed as a deviation of observed biological conditions to these expected in a state non-impacted by human activity (reference state). In reference status the structure and functioning of the aquatic communities is consider to be undisturbed. The use of biological data from existing sites, which are not or only slightly exposed to an anthropogenic pressure, is one of the most straightforward methods for establishing reference conditions. In this method, the accuracy of the determination of reference conditions strongly depends on the correct choice of the sites used as a basis for describing biological communities. The aim of this study was to present the different methods for the reference lakes selection and to compare the results obtained when using them. 84 Polish lowland lakes, representing various morphometric, hydrographic and catchment-related conditions, as well as the wide spectrum of water quality and the anthropogenic pressures, were used as a basis for reference lakes identification. The selected pressure parameters, such as land use in the total catchment, the size of point sources of pollution, the number of towns and villages in the direct catchment and the tourist pressure information were used to determine the intensity of anthropogenic pressure affecting the lakes. Three methods were tested: - a simple scoring system, the so-called cumulative pressure indicator (CPI), which reflected the total sum of points assigned to all the analysed parameters of the pressures affecting the lakes; - the agglomeration method (the cluster analysis by using the Ward method and the Euclidean distance measure), where the selected pressure parameters were used as the variables characterising the lake; - the multi-dimensional method (the canonical correspondence analysis CCA, which permits testing the relationship between the pressures affecting an ecosystem and the structure of biological communities); the selected pressure parameters were used as the environmental variables and the syntaxonomic composition of aquatic and rush vegetation was applied as the variables characterising the lake. Using the three methods, 11 lakes meeting the criteria for the reference ecosystems were selected; indeed, the results obtained by the individual methods were very similar. The cumulative pressure indicator (CPI) was the simplest, the least refined and also the most subjective method. The cluster analysis, permitting the identification of groups of lakes with similar pressure 88 characteristics, turned out to be a much more objective method. The canonical correspondence analysis, which took into account not only the pressure parameters but also the variability of the aquatic communities, made it possible to obtain the most credible picture of the reference conditions. It should be emphasised that, despite the substantial objectivity of multi-dimensional techniques, when using each of them it proved necessary to consider the expert’s opinion, additionally. For this reason, it is recommended that, when selecting the reference sites, more than one method should be applied, also using expert judgement. It is only the analysis of the biological data from the correctly chosen reference sites that may be the basis for identifying the reference conditions for the assessment of ecological status. IS POLAND ABOUT TO BE INVADED BY NEW ALIEN MUSSEL SPECIES? ANDRZEJ KOŁODZIEJCZYK Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw e-mail: [email protected] The invasion of alien species is becoming an increasingly frequent phenomenon. Ten new mollusc species have been observed among numerous alien species occurring in Polish fresh waters. The first newcomer was the ponto-caspian bivalve Dreissena polymorpha, while two other bivalves, Corbicula fluminea and C. fluminalis, are the most recent invaders. In the near future we anticipate the arrival of two further alien bivalve species: Dreissena bugensis and Congeria leucophaeata. Dreissena bugensis, originally described in 1890 at the mouth of the River Boh (Southern Bug), showed no tendency for expansion for many years. The first signs of migration were noted in the 1930s, when this species penetrated the lower Dnieper and its reservoirs. Subsequently, it appeared in rivers of the Black Sea drainage basin, reaching the Pripet River at the point where it joins the Dnieper. In addition, this mollusc was observed almost simultaneously with D. polymorpha in the North-American Great Lakes, and some years later it appeared in the lower and upper Danube and at the mouth of the Rhine. Congeria leucophaeata (= C. cochleata) was imported from West Africa to Belgian rivers and canals in 1835. It then appeared in the Netherlands and northwestern France. In Germany, it was first observed in 1928 in SchleswigHolstein, then in the middle Rhine and the Weser River. In 2000 it was noted in the lower River Warnow at Mecklenburg. Occurrences of this bivalve species have also been recorded in Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. C. leucophaeata tolerates a salinity of up to 5.1%, but it can occur in fresh waters, where it is sometimes accompanied by D. polymorpha. 89 Recently, increased expansion of both D. bugensis and C. leucophaeta has been observed and they appear to be migrating closer and closer to Poland. Because of their morphological resemblance to D. polymorpha and similar way of life, there is a risk that their occurrence could remain unnoticed for a long time. It is even possible that they are already present in our fresh waters. THE MESUREMENT OF BIODIVERSITY - THE WEAKEST POINT OF BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT IN FLOWING WATERS PAWEŁ KOPERSKI Department of Hydrobiology, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-927 Warszawa, Poland e-mail: [email protected] Among a few mathodological flaws of biological assessment proposed by Water Frame Directive the measurement of biodiversity seems to be the most important. Taxonomic diversity as the most important component of biodiversity is one of the basic parameters in both, competing in Poland methods of biological assessment. Besides the occurence and the number of indicative taxa also the diversity indices and taxa richness are used. Those indices are based on certain taxa, adjusted in the protocol and identified on the various levels. The differences in the values calculated in this way are treated as important parameter evaluating total biodiversity - which is, however, a wrong assumption. The estimation of biodiversity on the basis of crude identification is faulty because of the fact that mean number of species in genera and mean number of genera in families are extremely different in particular taxa of freshwater macro-invertebrates. The analysis of long-term data on the relations between biodiversity of particular taxa and different environmental parameters in small streams in Mazurskie Lakeland (Poland) clearly shows that: 1. Particular environmental variables modify biodiversity of various groups of fauna in different ways and this influence on total biodiversity in an resultant of those modifications for different taxa. 2. There is no clear effect of pollution of the stream and total biological diversity. The assessment of environmental quality of a stream on the basis of total diversity of its fauna is incorrect (important effects are not displayed) as well as the assessment on the basis of diversity of selected groups (only selected, less important effects are displayed). 90 BENTHIC FAUNA OF SMALL WATER BODIES LUCYNA KOPROWSKA Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie Katedra Ekologii Stosowanej, email: [email protected] This paper contains a comparison of the qualitative and quantitative structure of benthic fauna in three small water bodies situated in the south of Olsztyn. One of these reservoirs, covering 1.8 ha and of an average depth of 2.5m, functions as a Special Fishery. In 2005, it was stocked with pike (Esox lucis L.) carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), tench (Tinca tinca L.), brown bullhead (Ameiurus nobulosos L.), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.) and crucian carp (Carassius carassius). Another one is a man-made pond, created by excavating clay for a brickyard that stood near the pit. Its surface area is 0.8 ha and the average depth is 1.7m. The third reservoir, which covers 3.5 ha and has an average depth of 1.0m, is a flow-through water body, which connects Starodworskie Lake with Kortowskie Lake. The surface of the latter water body was covered with plant communities comprising Lemma throughout the whole period of the study. Samples were collected from October 2006 to October 2007, using a 0.02 m2 dredge. In total, 45 taxa representing different taxonomic levels were distinguished during the study. In the first reservoir the benthic fauna was dominated by Chironomidae larvae. The analysis of the size structure of Chironomidae larvae proved that assemblages of macroinvertebrates were mainly affected by pressure produced by fish. Also in the second water body, a prevailing number of Chironomidae larvae was found among the benthic animals, which in addition included leeches Hirudo medicinalis L. This pond serves a recreational and landscape-forming function, and as such should be legally protected as an ecological site. The composition of the population of macroinvertebrates found at the bottom of the last reservoir was conditioned by the plant assemblages present in that lake as well as the influx of allochtonous organic pollutants. The qualitative and quantitative composition of the benthic fauna in this water body was dominated by Chaoborus sp. larvae. TO BUILD OR DISMANTLE DAM RESERVOIRS? TRENDS IN POLAND AND ABROAD RYSZARD KORNIJÓW Faculty of Hydrobiology, Lublin University of Life Sciences Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-262 Lublin e-mail: [email protected] Around 45000 large (> 15m of height) water dams are functioning over the World. The majority of them are located in the USA (6375), India (4010), China (1855), Spain (1187), and Japan (1077). 91 In Poland there are 140 dam reservoirs. They collect about 60 m3 of water per 1 inhabitant, which is 20 times less than the world average. Therefore, Poland seems to fall behind in this scope. Consecutive governments attempt to convince us of it, allocating more and more resources to hydrotechnical development of rivers. Subsidies for the development and modernisation of small retention reservoirs are currently offered from the European Fund for Regional Development within the scope of the Integrated Regional Operational Programme (Measure 3.1. Rural Areas). The assumption of the Programme is the improvement of “the water balance, and the need for environmental protection”(!?) The Policy of hydrotechnical development, supported by the EU in our country, is in obvious conflict with the requirements of the Water Directive according to which we are obliged, within relatively short time (by the year 2015), to bring Polish rivers to “good ecological status” with the consideration of hydromorphological criteria. It is also in conflict with the stronger and stronger tendency for eliminating dams over the world. The United States are leaders in the scope. 500 dams were eliminated there during the last 75 years, including almost half of them during the last 15 years. More than ten dams were dismantled in Canada and Europe, too. The process is more and more dynamic. So far, only small dams with the height from a few to a dozen or so meters (so called small retention in Poland!!!) were dismantled. However, preparation for liquidation of large dams with the height of over 80 meters (the USA) is in the process. The reason for dismantling water dams is their silting, deterioration of their technical state (liquidation turns out to be 2-3 times less expensive than renovation), lack of justification for the production of so-called “white energy” in the context of environmental losses, as well as the effect of demand of local communities to restore the fishery and environmental (renaturalisation) values of rivers. It is worth noticing that elimination of reservoirs does not increase their alleged flood protection function. Tragic experiences related to floods resulting from increasing the water level among others in the immensely regulated and reach in retention reservoirs Mississippi river, proved their meagre significance in this scope. There, as well as in other countries, where attempts to “control” rivers failed, effective solutions to the flood problem are currently sought in building houses in larger distance from riverbeds, and not in their regulation. On the other hand, dams are still constructed in many countries, mostly in China (280), Turkey (250), Iran (69), Japan (51), and India (28). Therefore, there are two opposing tendencies concerning water dams in the world: 1. their dismantling – in countries with large water resources where opportunities of water retention other than water dams exist, and where environmental protection is considered as significant, and 2. construction of water dams – mainly in the Far East and Asia, in mountainous countries with warm or hot climate, with well developed economy, and overpopulated countries. 92 Therefore, questions arise, such as to which group Poland should belong? What reasons in our local geographical-climate conditions may actually justify undertaking the extremely expensive investments, namely the construction of dam reservoirs whose functioning term is usually less than twenty years, and which pose a serious, and extremely costly problem to solve resulting from silting at a later stage (e.g. Włocławka)? Should we not start learning from others who have already suffered painful and costly losses, and drawn relevant conclusions from their experience? Finding appropriate answers to these questions is of great significance for the present and future generations. They should be included among others in the currently prepared document entitled “The National Ecological Policy in the years 2009-2012, with the perspective until the year 2016”. The entries included there so far, as priority measures, include the necessity of the development of so-called small retention (construed mainly as the construction of retention reservoirs on rivers), with the financial support of EU programmes (Operational Programme “Infrastructure and Environment”). Should we go in this direction, and start construction of new water dams on a large scale, to a large degree for the European Union funds, we will undoubtedly dismantle them in a couple tens of years, like it is done in the USA, but for our own resources. The Report of the World Commission for Dams (WCD) prepared in 2000, evaluating the justification of the construction of a few large dams in various parts of the world, should help find solutions relevant for Poland. It includes, among others, the conclusion that the influence of dams on the environment is to a larger extent negative than positive, and in many cases lead to serious and irreversible environmental losses. POSSIBILITY TO USE THE ANAMORPHIC SOIL FUNGUS BJERKANDERA ADUSTA CCBAS 930 AND ITS MUTANTS IN A REMOVAL PROCESS OF WATER BROWN COLORATION TERESA KORNIŁŁOWICZ-KOWALSKA, HELENA IGLIK, KAMILA RYBCZYŃSKA University of Life Science, Department of Agricultural Mycology, Microbial Laboratory Leszczyńskiego 7, Lublin 20-069, Poland The native lignin (lignin-cellulose complex of wood) as well as its toxic derivatives (alkaline lignin, thiolignin, ligninosulfonates) contained in a reflux from cellulose-paper works are hardly-degradable polymers. Nutritionally specialized fungi of wood white rot (Basidiomycota), that produce exogenous oxidoreductaes (oxygen-dependent laccase and peroxidases requiring H2O2 catalyzing the oxidative depolymerization of lignin), are main destructors of above derivatives. Searches for efficient lignolytic organisms useful for 93 discoloration and purification of brown-colored sewage rich in lignins, have been made for many years. Present paper describes the mutagenesis and selection of mutants of anamorphic fungus Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS 930 with elevated efficiency of post-industrial lignin water solutions decolorizing (I alkaline fraction). A new lignolytic strain B. adusta CCBAS 930 was isolated at Mycological Laboratory, University of Life Science in Lublin from a soil (Pheozems according to FAO classification), identified (identification sequences available in Gene Bank No AY319191) and deposited in Culture Collection of Basidiomycetes (CCBAS) in Prague (Czech Republic) No 930. The fungus mutants induction was performed N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoquanidine (MNNG) and UV radiation. A preliminary mutants selection was made on a base of morphological criteria (colony structure) as well as measurements of the size of agar plus 0,2% lignin medium discoloration zone. The right selection of achieved mutants was made on a base of the discoloration of 0,2% lignin solution degree, decrease of phenols and metoxyphenols levels, as well as exoperoxidase activity. Studies revealed that about 15% tested B. adusta CCBAS 930 mutants decolorized lignin faster that the initial strain. Mutants achieved after MNNG mutagenesis: R59-2 and R59-5 decolorized lignin the shortest time. Faster and more efficient discoloration of lignin solutions was conjugated with faster decrease of phenols and metoxyphenols contents as well as higher exoperoxidase activity. THE WETLAND BIRDS’ NESTS AS A HABITAT FOR OPPORTUNISTIC PATHOGENS TERESA KORNIŁŁOWICZ-KOWALSKA1, IGNACY KITOWSKI2, HELENA IGLIK1 1University of Life Science, Department of Agricultural Mycology, Microbial Laboratory Leszczyńskiego 7, Lublin 20-069, Poland 2University of Maria Curie-Sklodowska, Departament of Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland The opportunistic pathogens are microorganisms that invoke infection when a disease processes occur within an organism and they do not attack health organisms. They may be of endogenous or exogenous origin. The opportunistic fungi of exogenous origin live in natural habitats as saprophytes, and their occurrence is favored by elevated-temperature niches such as bird nests. Up-todate, no broader studies upon the settlement of wetland birds’ nests by those microorganisms were conducted. The present research aimed at identifying the opportunistic fungi as well as evaluating the infection of wetland birds’ nests by these microorganisms. The study included 38 nests of 9 bird species belonging to: Anatidae, Podicipedidae, Rallidae, Ardeidae, Laridae, Sternidae, and Accipitridae families, 94 collected when left by a progeny. Nests (except from those of grey heron (Ardea cinerea) were most often localized among the shore plants of various water reservoirs (lakes, ponds, sedimentation reservoirs) in Lublin region. Fungi were isolated by means of dilution method applying the Sabouraud’s medium and 260C (mesophyls) or 440C (thermophyls) incubation temperature. The identification of separated isolates was made on base of macroscopic and microscopic fungi observations on plates and micro-cultures. It was found that the total number of mesophilic fungi in studied nests varied depending on a bird species and a nest examined ranging from 26 thousands up to 231.5 million cfu . g-1 DM of nest material. The highest population of these fungi was recorded in nests of marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus), while the lowest in Podicipedidae, Laridae, and Sternidae nests. Number of thermophilic fungi was low and ranged from 0 to only 125 cfu . g-1 DM of nest material. Among total 63 isolated species, opportunistic pathogens were represented by 34 species. Aspergillus fumigatus, including thermophilic strains of that species, dominated in isolated fungi. The frequency of the fungus, counted to so-called thermo-tolerant mesophyls, was from 0 to 17% (260C) and from 3% to 100% (440C) in examined nests. That species makes aspergillosis, mainly at lungs of many bird species, and it is the most common cause of human’s lung mycosis. Following items were opportunistic fungi often recorded in studied habitats: Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Paeciliomyces variotii, Acremonium killiense, Geotrichum (Trichosporon) fermentans, and Chrysosporium keratinophilum invoking various forms of deep and superficial mycoses at humans and animals, or mycotoxicoses. Presence of all above fungi species in water collected from around the studied nests indicates the possibility to their transfer within the aqueous habitats. In such context, wetland birds’ nests may be considered as a reservoir of some ethiological factors of opportunistic mycoses at humans and homoeothermic animals. ZOOBENTHIC ASSEMBLAGES OF PONDS SUPPLIED WITH BIOLOGICALLY TREATED SEWAGE JACEK KOSZAŁKA Department of Applied Ecology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 5, 10-957 Olsztyn The composition of benthic macroinvertebrate communities were studied in three ponds supplied with biologically purified wastewater from the sewage treatment plant in Olsztynek (Masurian Lake District). The ponds were used for rearing fry of common carp (Cyprinus carpio (L.)), tench (Tinca tinca (L.)) and pikeperch (Sander lucioperca (L.)) from spring to autumn. Zoobenthos was sampled monthly between April and October 2007. 95 Taxon reachness was low. A total of 25 taxa (8 species, 3 group of species, 12 genera and 2 higher taxa) were collected and identified during the study. The dominant taxa were Chironomidae and Oligochaeta (constituted 98% of the total zoobenthos abundance in each of studied ponds). Ceratopogonidae and Ephemeroptera were scarce. The highest number of taxonomic units were found in the pond 2 (20 taxa). This pond was also ranked highest in macroinvertebrates density, there the average number was 9928 ind. m-2 during period of surveys. The average number of benthic fauna in pond 1 was significant low (p<0.01) - 3060 ind. m-2 and also the lowest taxonomic richness (15 taxa) were noted there. The fauna of ponds were different, but community of pond 2 and pond 3 did not differ significantly (similarity at 43%, Bray-Curtis index). The taxonomical composition of zoobenthos community indicated high trophy and impact of fish. WAŁECKI BARBEL (BARBUS WALECKII ROLIK, 1971) – SPECIES OR HYBRYD? JAN KOTUSZ¹, ADAM ZAWADA² ¹ Museum of Natural History, Wrocław University, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, e-mail: [email protected] ² Section of Limnology and Fishery, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 38C, 51-360 Wrocław, e-mail: [email protected] Wałecki barbel Barbus cyclolepis waleckii Rolik, 1970 is one of the most mysterious fish species in Poland as regards taxonomy and occurrence. The species has been formally described as subspecies based on specimens from the San River basin. The fish deemed to belong to the same subspecies were also caught in Wisłoka, Dunajec, Wilga near Warsaw and the Dniester basin, however the latest genetic research undermine the accuracy of the taxonomic description and suggest that it refers to interspecific hybrids B. peloponnesius and B. barbus. This thesis includes a morphological comparison of museum material B. cyclolepis waleckii including type material to Wałecki barbel, with spotted barbel, common barbel specimens and their hybrids. The total number of 154 specimens were researched, including 46 common barbels, 30 spotted barbels, 44 Wałecki barbels, 30 artificially bred hybrids, 4 natural hybrids (B. peloponnesius * B. barbus). Meristic, metric and quality features were analyzed – normally used in taxonomic research. The procured data was statistically compiled by means of Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA), non-parametric alternative to the analysis of variance, Kruskall-Wallis test and multiple 96 comparisons of mean ranks for all groups tests. The quality attributes and meristic variability images were presented thanks to agglomerative analysis with the application of Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA). The obtained data indicate wide range of metric features variability of B. cyclolepis waleckii. The morphologic description of B. cyclolepis waleckii does not allow to differentiate natural hybrids of B. peloponnesius * B. barbus and B. barbus * B. peloponnesius. It is not excluded that the material of B. cyclolepis waleckii described by Rolik is a set of natural hybrids of spotted barbel and common barbel. THE VARIABILITY OF PHOSPHORUS FRACTIONS CONTENT IN BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF CHOSEN LAKES IN WIELKOPOLSKA REGION KATARZYNA KOWALCZEWSKA-MADURA1, RENATA DONDAJEWSKA2, RYSZARD GOŁDYN1 1Departament of Water Protection, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 60-614 Poznań, Poland, [email protected] 2 Jeziory Ecological Station, Adam Mickiewicz University, P.O. Box 40, 62-050 Mosina, Poland Phosphorus fractions content was surveyed in seven lakes in Wielkopolska Region: Wronczyńskie Wielkie, Dębiniec, Góra, Dobra, Lipno, Jarosławieckie and Tuczno. Bottom sediments cores ca. 25 cm in length were collected with the use of modified Kajak sampler in the deepest place of each lake in vegetation season of 2007. Cores were divided into 5 cm long sections for the analyses of P fractions in each of them. The mean total P concentration in all cores varied between 0.481 mg P g-1 d. m. (Jarosławieckie Lake) and 1.866 mg P g-1 d. m. (Dobra Lake). NH4Cl-P fraction, i.e. loosely bound or labile P, dominated in sediments of Dębiniec Lake. Its mean content was 0.192 mg P g-1 d. m. (30.8% of total P concentration). NaOH-P-Al. fraction, i.e. P adsorbed on Al., had greatest share in lakes Jarosławieckie and Tuczno. Its content amounted to 0.159 mg P g1 d. m. (32.9%) and 0.898 mg P g-1 d. m. (50.9%), respectively. HCl-P fraction (Ca-bound P) had the highest values in lakes Góra and Wronczyńskie – the mean was 0.53 mg P g-1 d. m. (43.3%) and 0.293 mg P g-1 d. m. (28.8%), respectively. In lakes Dobra and Lipno Res-P fraction dominated (inert P) – the mean content reached 0.94 mg P g-1 d. m. (49.7%) in Dobra Lake and 0.760 mg P g-1 d. m. (72.1%) in Lipno Lake. This study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Grant no. N 305 108 31/3632. 97 SEASONAL VARIABILITY IN COPPER CONCENTRATION IN MUSCLES OF COMMERCIAL CARPS (Cyprinus carpio L.) MONIKA KOWALSKA-GÓRALSKA, HENRYK BIAŁOWĄS, MAGDALENA SENZE, WOJCIECH DOBICKI, RYSZARD POLECHOŃSKI Wrocław Univof Environmental Life Sciences, Department of Limnology and Fishery, ul. Chełmońskiego 38c 51-630 Wrocław, [email protected] For the last several years carps have been sold by manufacturers throughout the year. Because of varying temperatures in individual months and the related changes in metabolism, the rate of sexual maturation and feeding intensity, fish speciments from the same pond may be expected to have different chemical composition of flesh, depending on the month. For this reason a study was set up to check the composition of flesh acquired during successive 12 months in terms of selected parameters: dry mass content as well as copper, zinc and chromium concentrations. The study material came from commercial carps from the Polish Academy of Sciences Fishculture Expirimental Institute of Ichtiobiology and Aquaculture; the fishes were full siblings reared in the same pond. The highest copper and zinc concentrations were found in August, November and July. These were a result of high contents of the metals in five specimens, manyfold exceeding the concentrations in the other carps. No statistically significant differences in the amount of dry mass(26,1- 30,1%), and copper(0,030,26 mgCukg-1), zinc (0,21-1,38 mgZnkg-1) or chromium (0-0,16 mgCrkg-1) concentrations in individual months were found. Significant positive correlations (p<0,05) in chromium and zinc concentrations, copper and zinc concentrations, and chromium concentration and dry mass content were determined. The impact of the sex or gonad development stage was not found to be significant. This means that in the case of genetically equal stocking material reared in the same environmental conditions carp flesh is qualitatively consistent, irrespective of the sex or the month in which it is obtained. THE DYNAMICS OF PHYTOPLANKTON OF UZARZEWSKIE LAKE DURING RESTORATION ANNA KOZAK Department of Water Protection, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland, e-mail: [email protected] 98 Uzarzewskie lake is a hypertrophic lake localized on Cybina River (right tributary of Warta River). It covers an area of 10.6 ha and is characterized by maximum depth 7.3 m. and mean depth 3.4 m. The aim of the study was the analysis of a dynamics of phytoplankton of Uzarzewskie Lake in the year 2008 during restoration. In order to decrease water blooms the Uzarzewskie Lake was being restored in 2008. The hypolimnetic oxygenation and the introduction of a chemical preparation based on iron sulphate (PIX), to reduce the concentration of phosphorus in the water. The qualitative and quantitative changes in the phytoplankton community taking place in the 2008 in Uzarzewskie Lake were studied. The samples were taken without concentration from two points from the surface, and the depth of 2, 4 and 6 meters. All taxonomical groups were counted with an Olympus microscope after sedimentation in a Sedgwick–Rafter chamber of 0.67 cm3 volume. The most abundant, in the number of taxa, were the green algae. The most numerous were Cyanobacteriae, especially in summer and autumn months. The most numerous species observed in Uzarzewskie Lake in summer and autumn months were: Planktothrix agardhii Aphanizomenon flos-aquae Anabaena flos-aquae i Limnothrix redeckei. After than Cyclotella, Stephanodiscus and Fragilaria ulna var. acus or Nitzchia acicularis were dominated. Chrysophyceae and Cryptophyceae was the most numerous in winter period. During spring and summer the most numerous species were Rhodomonas lacustris i Rh. lens and also Cryptomonas marssonii and C. reflexa. The number of green algae increased especially during spring months, where Oocystis lacustris, Tetraedron minimum, Coelastrum astroideum, Actinastrum hantzshii, Monoraphidium contortum, Koliella spiculiformis and Scenedesmus communis were especially noted. THE EVALUATION OF USEFULNESS OF CADDISFLIES (INSECTA:TRICHOPTERA) IN METHODS OF BIOMONITORING OF RUNNING WATERS ON THE EXAMPLE OF WARMIŃSKO-MAZURSKIE VOIVODESHIP – PRELIMINARY RESEARCH RESULTS. MARCIN KREJCKANT Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn 3 Łódzki square, 10-727 Olsztyn e-mail: [email protected] With joining the European Union our country was obliged to apply the General Water Directive . According to this order all member countries have to restore good condition of their surface waters until 2015. Directive, though does not 99 specify the methods used in monitoring researches, increases the stress put on methods based on biological component of river ecosystems. Bioindicators are organisms which, by their presence or absence in given environments, allow us to make conclusions about their ecological condition. Caddisflies perfectly suit the niche because they are amphibious insects, the larvae of which develop in water environment significantly long and so they may properly react to ongoing anthropogenic changes. The research was conducted in water flows of warmińsko-mazurskie voivodeship. In 2006 on 5 posts on rivers: Drwęca, Iławka, Łyna, Pisa and Symsarna. In 2007 on 8 on water flows: Krutynia, Dajna, Liwna, Omet and outflow from the lake SarŜ. Bentos samples were collected in the same way as in the case of BMWP-PL index and with Multi Habitat Sampling method which is used in the international project STAR-AQEM. Furthermore on every research post a hydromorphological evaluation of river quality was made with the use of the method River Habitat Survey. Along with the evaluation a number of physico-chemical factors were researched including, among others: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, BZT, ChZT, general nitrogen, phosphorus compounds, general phosphorus, conduction, chlorophyll and general suspension. A survey of which factor affects Trichoptera the most was carried out as well as the strength of correlation between them and caddisflies, which ultimately shows real effectiveness of used methods of monitoring and the possibilities of their development. THE USEFULNESS OF VARIOUS INDICES IN THE ASSESSMENT OF LOWLAND RIVERS QUALITY ELśBIETA KRÓLAK, MAŁGORZATA STRZAŁEK, MAŁGORZATA KORYCIŃSKA Katedra Ekologii i Ochrony Środowiska, Instytut Biologii, Akademia Podlaska, ul. Prusa 12, 08-110 Siedlce Biological indices using, inter alia, the taxonomic composition of invertebrate macrofauna and the macrophyte index, together with physical and chemical indices play an important role in the assessment of the rivers quality. In the confines of the researches carried out in the upper stretch of the Liwiec River (the Bug River tributary) the following aspects were analyzed: chosen chemical indices of water, the content of N, P and Corg in the bottom sediment, the taxonomic composition of invertebrate macrofauna, the taxonomic composition of macrophytes and the degree to what the bottom was covered with hydrophytes. Four sites of different purity were chosen at the upper stretch of the studied river (one of them lying beyond the outlet of the canal leading from the sewage treatment plant in Siedlce). It was observed that the influx of water from the sewage treatment plant changes chemical indices of water, increases 100 the content of biogenes in the bottom sediment and decreases the taxonomic diversity of taxonomic macrofauna (5 families) and the amount of macrophytes covering the bottom (15%). In the sites which were not contaminated with sewage, a greater diversity of macroinvertebrates (18-27 families) was noted. What is more, the bottom of the river in these sites was covered with a greater amount of macrophytes (60-80%), while the content of biogenes in the bottom sediment was smaller. The values of BMWP-PL biotic index (127.7-11.7) showed that the quality of the river at the studied stretch was changing from the 1st to the 4th purity class, while the values of the macrophyte index (41.6-35.0) indicated that water was of a good or average quality. The macrophyte index seemed to be a less sensitive indicator than the index using macroinvertabrates. Correlations between the occurrence of macrophytes and the content of biogenes in the bottom sediment and between the chosen chemical and bottom sediment factors and the taxonomic content of invertebrate macrofauna were established. THE BODY SIZE OF FILINIA LONGISETA (EHRENBERG) IN HABITAT DIFFERENTIATED SMALL WATER BODIES NATALIA KUCZYŃSKA-KIPPEN, ANNA BASIŃSKA, KASPER ŚWIDNICKI Department of Water Protection, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland, e-mail: [email protected] The functioning of small water bodies is dependent on the specificity of the structure of hydromacrophyte communities, physical-chemical parameters of water, the kind of surrounding catchment area and the level of predation present in a particular pond. These features may directly and indirectly influence the size and shape of the rotifer body. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the length of the body and setae of specimens of the species Filinia longiseta, with particular types of small water body (mid-field, mid-forest and anthropogenically modified ponds) and different habitats within the examined ponds (nymphaeids, elodeids, helophytes and the open water zone). The investigated water bodies differed in respect to the presence or absence of fish. The morphometric analysis of specimens of Filinia longiseta revealed that both the pond type, defined by different kind of land use in the catchemnt area as well as the habitat type influenced the body and setae length. The specimens of this rotifer were significantly smaller in the mid-field ponds. Considering the spatial differentiation within particular water bodies the greatest specimens were found among nymphaeids, while the smallest were found the zone of open water. pośród nymfeidów. It was assumed that the differentiation in the size structure of this pelagic species between particular habitats may have been 101 a result of differentiated predation pressure and the ecological requirements of this rotifer towards a particular habitat. This work was supported by the Polish Committee for Scientific Research (KBN) under grant No. 2P06S 00829. THE ICHTHYOFAUNA OF A MOUNTAIN STREAM BUILT UP BY BEAVERS KRZYSZTOF KUKUŁA, ANETA BYLAK Katedra Biologii Środowiska, Uniwersytet Rzeszowski ul. Prof. S. Pigonia 6, 35-310 Rzeszów e-mail: [email protected] The European beaver Castor fiber in Poland was recognised as a nonendangered species at the end of the 80’s in the 20th century. It occurs in greater numbers, quickly occupying successive areas. In Bieszczady Mountains its reintroduction was started in the 90’s. The most characteristic traces of beavers’ presence in the streams are dams partitioning the water-courses and damming up water. Such constructions modify the conditions existing in the stream, creating new habitats, unheard-of before. Slowing down the flow or accumulation of sediment in the beaver ponds change the physicochemical parameters of the water. Moreover, the dam may be a physical barrier for the water animals. The aim of the present work was examining the influence of beaver on the ichthyofauna of Negrylów Stream, left tributary of upper San River. Five research stations were appointed. The first was located in the upper, flowing part of the stream, out of the direct influence of the beaver ponds. The next two stations were located in the ponds, the fourth in the stream between the ponds. The fifth was located about 300 m below the last dam. The biggest examined pond’s depth was reaching 1,8 m and its surface was about 2500 m2. The research was conducted in the years 2007-2009. Each research station was measured, the surface of the types of existing habitats was defined. The estimation of utility of the particular of the pond as the hideouts for fish was also carried out and they were also given the appropriate rank. Four times the electro-fishing was conducted. All the fish were measured, weighed and than released into the water in the place of netting. 19 physicochemical parameters of the water were measured. The average content of oxygen was the highest in beaver ponds (10,3 mg/l). BOD was two times higher here in comparison with the lower, flowing part of the stream (>1,2 mgO2/l). In Negrylów Stream four species of fish were netted: brown trout Salmo trutta m. fario, bullhead Cottus poecilopus, minnow Phoxinus phoxinus, stone loach Barbatula barbatula. The brown trout was the most numerous in the ponds and were almost 70% of all the trout netted in a particular water course and their average length (19,4 cm) and weight (79,5 g) were also the biggest. On the other hand bullhead was the 102 least numerous. From over 1000 of the netted specimen only 8% were netted in ponds. The number of minnow in beaver ponds was smaller than in the lower parts of the stream. The dams built by the beavers fundamentally changed the character of the mountain stream. A new type of habitat was created, with deep, well oxygenated, still water. Big brown trout of the length (Tl) >20 cm were present almost exclusively in ponds, where deeper places, washed under tree-roots and flooded trees create numerous hideouts. In the deepest pond the average length and weight were respectively 20 cm and 86 g and the specimen with the length greater than 25 cm were 15% of all the netted trout. Outside the ponds only one netted brown trout was 20 cm long. In those shallow, flowing parts of the stream 90% of netted trout was fry 6-11 cm long. The factor deciding about the distribution of the brown trout population was the accessibility of hideouts. According to the accepted method of estimation of hideouts utility valuable shelters were found only in beaver ponds. EFFECT OF INTERFERENCE COMPETITION ON FEEDING RATE IN PLANKTIVOROUS FISH (ROACH) AT DIFFERENT PREY (DAPHNIA) DENSITIES MARTA KULIK, PIOTR MASZCZYK, JAKUB E. JURKOWSKI Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warszawa e-mail: [email protected] Experimental tests have been made to see whether interference competition may diminish feeding rate of planktivorous fish (roach – Rutilus rutilus). Fish in a group of 5, 10 or 20 were allowed to feed for 6 minutes on Daphnia in experimental tanks, each containing 60 liters of pre-filtered lake water with known densities of Daphnia (5, 10 and 20 Daphnia × L-1). In experiments I and II, feeding rate of roach was calculated from the difference between the initial and final Daphnia numbers. In experiments III-VI, feeding rate was calculated from the difference between the sum of the initial Daphnia numbers plus those added in the course of the experiment, and the final numbers. In all experiments, feeding rate of an average fish was significantly smaller for fish feeding in large (20) than those feeding in small (5) groups. However, only experiments III-VI have shown the pure effect of interference on feeding rate because, contrary to experiments I and II, the reduction of feeding rate was not augmented by reduced densities of Daphnia prey in the end of short experimental time. 103 NANOTECHNOLOGY AND DIATOMS (UNVEILING THE SECRETS OF DIATOMS) JANINA KWANDRANS Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, A. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Kraków; e-mail: [email protected] This review is connected with natural micro- and nano-biological systems exemplified by diatoms as inspiriting model for nanotechnological applications. The nanotechnology as a branch of engineering that deals with the functional technological structures within the 1-1000 nanometer range (1 nm = 0.001 µm = 0.000 0001 mm; which equals about 1/1000 of human hair diameter). The concept 'nano-technology' was given by physicist Richard Feynman in 1959 (Nobel Prize winner in physics), who described a process of minituralization devices by the ability to manipulate individual atoms and molecules. Nanotechnology since R. Feynman has been inspired by the biological phenomena. Currently, “nanotechnology” is interdisciplinary field of research combines knowledge of physics, chemistry, mechanics and biology. The new path of investigation is bio-tribology that deals with the interaction of surface in relative motion, their design, friction, adhesion, lubrication and wear in biological systems. Diatoms are perfect models for nanotechnology due to their morphology, precise organization, mechanical stability and amusing environmental adaptations (Gebeshuber & Crawford 2006). The examples discussed in presented review comprise man made devices and natural micromechanical systems made of nanostructured silica of diatom frustules. Unique type of cell composed of biogenic hydrated silica, which consists two parts that fit together with a series of bands to hold pieces, exhibit an amazing diversity of nanostructured frameworks. Those micro-organisms that have strong and rigid surfaces in relative motion have evolved excellent self-healing adhesives, nanostructured amorphous silica surfaces and interconnected junctions. On the base on SEM imagines are given various examples by which neighboring cells in the chains or two sibling valves of single cells interlock. Besides of linking structure of several diatoms (e.g. Aulacoseira, Cymatosira, Ellerbeckia) presentation, the examples of diatom ability to move are also showed (Bacillaria paradoxa Gmelin, Navicula radiosa Kützing, Gyrosigma kützingii (Grunov) Cleve). The uniform nano-structure of diatom frustules (pores, microchannels, nanoparticles of silica microcrystals, as well as mechanisms of diatom moving may suggest many real engineering and medical applications. Currently, human chemical synthesis cannot produce siliceous structures with the hierarchical structural detail of the diatom frustules. Therefore processes of diatom morphogenesis as well as mechanisms of motility and its control system are receiving special attention and it is open scientific field of both diatomists, and nanotechnologists because their potential in nanotechnology. References: 104 Gebeshuber I. & Crawford R.M. 2006. Harmony of beauty and expediency. Science 5, First Hand: Diatoms, 30–36. BENTHIC DIATOMS AND PHYTOPLANKTON ASSEMBLAGES IN THE WATERS POLLUTED BY HEAVY METALS (UPPER SILESIA) JANINA KWANDRANS 1A, ELśBIETA WILK-WOŹNIAK 1A, DARIUSZ CISZEWSKI1B, EWA SZAREK-GWIAZDA1A, URSZULA ALEKSANDER-KWATERCZAK2, ANDRZEJ WALOSZEK3, EDWARD WALUSIAK1C 1aDepartment of Freshwater Biology, Institute of Nature Conservation PAS, al. A. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Kraków, e-mail: [email protected], 1bDept. of Geodiversity INC PAS, Kraków, 1cDept. of Vegetation Conservation INC PAS, Kraków 2Faculty of Geology, Environmental Protection and Geoturistics, University of Science and Technology, al. Mickiewicza 30; Kraków 3Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, Kraków Streams and rivers of the Upper Silesia region (southern Poland) for years have been affected by anthropogenic contamination with heavy metals. The objective of this study is observation of the long-term influence of Cd, Zn and Pb contamination of alluvial deposits on aquatic organisms of the most polluted rivers of this region. Samples were taken from streams and fish ponds in the Matylda valley (Przemsza river drainage basin), where discharging of heavy metals ceased ca. 40 years ago. Samples taken in Graniczna Woda and Stoła streams (Biała Przemsza and Mała Panew drainage basins) represent only streams, which are currently exposed to zinc, cadmium and lead contamination. Resent studies comprise: 1/sediment contamination and bioindication and describing the ecological status of these streams and fish ponds regarding phytoplankton, benthic diatoms and macrophytes composition, 2/assessment of phyto-remediation methods to reduce entry of chemical elements into surface waters. Preliminary results indicate differences in diatom community composition and abundance in studied streams. The changes on water quality reflected by different types of diatom community and values of diatom indices show similar trend in the water quality as those obtained by chemical analyses. In the Matylda stream the range of the diatom indices reflected good water quality and relatively small changes of the water status along the stream course. However, diatom communities and diatom indices in the Graniczna Woda and Stoła streams, in general, indicated worse water quality and high organic pollution. All stations were characterized by low species diversity, highest relative abundance of pollution taxa and as well increasing in share of metal resistant species (e.g. Nitzschia palea, N. capitellata). There were also phytoplankton differences in the fish ponds. The first and second fish ponds, 105 the most impacted by heavy metals coming from the river, were dominated by coccoid chlorophytes, euglenophytes and diatoms. In contrast, the remaining less polluted with heavy metals ponds contained high concentrations of diatoms and euglenophytes, with less representation by the coccoid chlorophytes. Greater numbers of the coccoid chlorophytes occurred during spring (April) (not characteristic) in contrast to the more common high concentrations associated with summer. Pawlik-Skowrońska (2002) has also indicated some coccoid chlorophytes, diatoms, and euglenophytes may be more tolerant to these heavy metals concentrations. The differences observed in the structure and dominance of the planktonic algae in these fish ponds are the results of their size, trophic status, and regional environmental conditions, but they could also reflect the influence that these heavy metals may have on the algal composition and abundance. References: Pawlik-Skowrońska B. 2002. Tajemnice odporności glonów i sinic na toksyczne metale cięŜkie. Kosmos, 51:175-184. A COMPARISON OF HARD STRUCTURES USABILITY FOR AGE ESTIMATION IN ZARTE VIMBA VIMBA (L., 1758) COMING FROM LUBIE LAKE MAGDALENA LAMPART-KAŁUśNIACKA, TOMASZ HEESE, MICHAŁ ARCISZEWSKI Koszalin University of Technology, Department of Environmental Biology Śniadeckich 2, 75-453 Koszalin e-mail: [email protected] Vimba Vimba vimba (L., 1758) comes from Cyprinidae family, and belongs to rare, even threatened fish in our ecosystems. The exploration of its biology conditions the defining of effective preservation methods, which would lead to an increase among this species in the future. Unquestionably, age can be classified as one of these conditions, which was used in this work. The fish used in the research came from lake Lubie. The fish were acquired in 2000 and 2001. Totally, 18 specimen were caught, among which were 10 females, 7 males, and 1 specimen of undetermined sex. During morphologicalanatomical examination otoliths and hard rays of the dorsal fin were extracted. On such basis the age of the analyzed specimen was established. Both the otoliths and the fin rays were immersed in resin, which enabled the preparation of sections and analysis of their structure. It was established, that the fish were between 5+ to 11+ years of age, according to otoliths as well as to the fin rays. 12 cases yielded congruent results, four cases lacked otoliths, and in two cases, the age measured from otolith was considerably smaller (5+) than that measured from the dorsal fin rays (8+). It is worth noting, that in Vimba, both the otolith and the dorsal fin rays are structures suitable for inferring the age of 106 a fish. Nonetheless, conducting double analysis provides a possibility for confrontation and verification of the results. THE INVESTIGATION OF MICROFLORA OF TURAWSKIE LAKE, A HYPERTROPHIC DAM RESERVOIR KATARZYNA LEWICKA, TOMAS HEESE, MAGDALENA KACZORKIEWICZ, DIANA FIJAŁKOWSKA Environmental Biology Department, Koszalin University of Technology ul. Śniadeckich 2, 75-453 Koszalin email: [email protected] A lowland retention reservoir, Turawskie lake was created in 1948 by damming the river Mała Panew at 18th km of its length. The lake is also supplied by water from watersheds of two rivers, the Libawa and the Rosa. The reservoir's surface area is about 20.8 km2, while the volumetric capacity equals 107,6 million m3. This body of water counts among shallow reservoirs and is characterized by a 4 m mean depth, and a maximum depth of 13 m. The Jezioro Turawskie retention reservoir constitutes an important element in flood control by regulating water levels during rainfall, snow melting and drought, as well as by shaping the level of ground water in the catchment area of Mała Panew. The reservoir provides water for public utilities and agriculture in the catchment area of Mała Panew and is the source of water for "Opole" power plant in addition to enabling the existence of a hydroelectric power plant. Moreover, Turawskie lake makes possible the regulation of Opole stretch of the river Odra for the river navigation needs. It is also a recreational and resting site. Turawskie reservoir allows for self–purification of pollutions received from both the Mała Panew, and recreational as well as sports centers, through natural processes. However, too big a load of pollutions received by the reservoir causes an excessive growth of trophy status. The deterioration of reservoir's ecological state decreases not only its recreational, but also water retention potential. The investigation of water and sediments took place during summer 2008. Water samples were taken from the surface and from a 5 m depth, while the sediments were collected from three layers placed on 0–2.0 cm, 2.1–5.0 cm and 5.1–10.0 cm depth at three sites located in the head dam vicinity. For the purpose of bacterioplankton and bacteriobenthos structure assessment the researchers used a method of directly counting bacteria under a fluorescence microscope, stained with DAPI fluorochrome. With this method the following microbiological parameters were established: TBN – total bacteria number, BB – bacteria biomass, MCV – mean cell volume and morphological and quantitative structure of the bacterial biocenosis. In order to establish the share of cells with active electron transport system ETS+ in bacterioplankton and bacteriobenthos 107 was used direct counting under fluorescence microscope method with application tetrazolum chloride CTC. Bacteria with active dehydrogenases cause the reduction of a non-fluorescent tetrazole chloride to a red fluorescent formazan during cellular respiration processes. The method employed allows to estimate the number of bacteria containing active dehydrogenases ETS+ and their percentage in the total number of bacteria present in various water and sediment layers. A parallel analysis physico-chemical parameters of water and sediment samples was also conducted. The total bacteria number and biomass in the water shows variance with respect to both, the reservoir's profile and the sample's acquisition site. A visible domination of small-sized cells of bacteria can be observed, and among morphological forms prevail rods and cocci. In sediments both, bacteria number and metabolic activity change with progression in the vertical gradient. The highest value of both parameters can be observed in a layer up to 2 cm deep, below which point a decrease in the number and activity of bacteria begins and progresses with depth. Bacterial metabolic activity in bottom sediments contributes to mineralization of organic matter, and in certain conditions to release of regenerated mineral nutrients into bottom waters. On the other hand, it could cause retention of nutrients in the bottom sediments through incorporation into cellular biomass of benthic bacteria. LIFE CYCLE OF LEECH PISCICOLA ANNAE BIELECKI, 1997 (HIRUDINIDA: PISCICOLIDAE) STANISŁAW CIOS2, KAMILA LICHACZ1, ALEKSANDER BIELECKI1, JANUSZ TERLECKI3, JOANNA CICHOCKA1 1Katedra Zoologii, ul. Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, UWM Olsztyn, [email protected] 2ul. Stryjeńskich 6/4, 02-971 Warszawa 3Katedra Ekologii Stosowanej, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-957 UWM Olsztyn, The study defines a life cycle of leech Piscicola annae in Gwda river, and also presents a compilation of parasitic relationships between the parasite leech P. annae and fishes from Salmonidae family (Salmo trutta m. fario). The study specifies intensity and extensity of invasion, and explains a choice of fins as a place of attaching and feeding for leeches. It defines P. annae to be a fin-parasite. Fishes were caught by fishing-rod in years 1987, 1988 and 1989. Leeches were preserved in 75% alcohol. 34 brown trout fishes of 44, which were caught, were invaded. Extensity of invasion was 77, 3 %, while intensity of invasion was from 1 to 13 leeches. The leeches showed also specificity to host fins: pelvic, pectoral and caudal. There were 22,7% fishes without leeches on theirs fins and they were statistically substantially less numerous. 108 INFLUENCE OF DRAINAGE AREA ON PACE OF EUTROPHICATION OF CHOSEN ŁĘCZNA-WŁODAWA LAKES BOGDAN LORENS1, JUSTYNA TRACZ2 1Department of Ecology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland 2Department of Geobotany, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland, e-mail: [email protected] During the last glaciation Łęczna-Włodawa Lakes were not covered with icesheet. Those lakes are unique that is why it is important to estimate their pace of eutrophication. Five lakes (Kleszczów, Krasne, Miejskie, Rotcze i Rogoźno) have been chosen due to different physical geographic parameters of the drainage area and hydrological features of reservoirs. There have been used E. Bajkiewicz-Grabowska method to assess the pace of reservoirs declining. This system is based on evaluation of the drainage area as matter supplier and lake natural resistance on degradation. Parameters of the lakes and their drainage area (for example: volume of hypolimnion, catchment land use) are given points from 0 to 3 depending the effect on the lakes degradation. The arithmetic mean of the number of points is the final result. The lakes are grouped in categories (I-IV, I – lake is resistant, IV – lake is not resistant for external influence) and drainage area in groups (1-4, 1 - the drainage is not very active as a matter supplier, 4 – the drainage has a great ability to supply the lake with matter). The combination of categories of lakes resistivity and groups of drainage as a matter supplier allowed to distinguish four types of drainage-lake systems varying as to their degradation ability: the first type – natural parameters of lake and its drainage are not favourable degradation (Krasne, Rogoźno); the second type – lake is resistant but the drainage has a great ability to supply the reservoir with matter – natural pace of eutrophication is moderate (none of chosen lake is grouped in this type); the third type – lake is not resistant but the drainage area is not active as matter supplier – natural pace of eutrophication is also moderate but any change, for example, in land use structure can cause fast declination of lake (Rotcze); the forth type – lake shows great dependence on external factors and the drainage has a great ability to supply the reservoir with matter – the eutrophication is fast (Kleszczów, Miejskie). 109 PHENOTYPIC VARIABILITY OF DAPHNIA IN THE PRESCENCE OF FILAMENTOUS BLUE-GREENS JAN MALKOWSKI, PIOTR DAWIDOWICZ Department of Hydrobiology, University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 2, 02-097 Warszawa, e-mail: [email protected] The filtering apparatus of two Daphnia species was studied. Intra- and interspecific variation in the intersetular distance (filter mesh-size) of Daphnia cucullata and Daphnia hyalina was examined. Samples were collected in the summer, at night, from three depths (epi-, meta- as well as hypolimnion) from lakes of different trophic levels: eutrophic (Białoławki Lake) and mesotrophic (Ołów Lake). The research shows that the filter mesh-size varies between the two lakes. It may be related to a prescence of filamentous blue-greens being highly competitive in phytoplankton communities of eutrophic reservoirs especially in the summer. Moreover there is a significant difference in the norms of reaction in the filter mesh size between Daphnia species. While the small D. cucullata seem to have dispersed regularly in the gradient of depth, the bigger D. hyalina distributed in the lake in a particular pattern: individuals with coarser sieves tended to hide in lower depths. The observations are consistent with a recent mechanistic hypothesis aiming to link hydrodynamic properties (as the filter mesh size and a temperature/viscosity of water) with an effectiveness of food acquisition by Daphnia during blue-green blooms. INFLUENCE OF A PRELIMINARY RESERVOIR ON THE QUALITY OF SURFACE WATERS SUPPLYING WATER RESERVOIR “NIELISZ” ANDRZEJ MAZUR Katedra Melioracji i Budownictwa Rolniczego Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie ul. Leszczyńskiego 7 Retention in artificial dam reservoirs is one of the methods for increasing the water resources; however, it is also the area for accumulating the contaminants flowing along with the flows. To improve the quality of waters retentioned in dam reservoirs, the preliminary reservoirs are built above the main reservoir. They aim at retaining the contaminants transported by a river as well as taking over significant part of biochemical processes that reduce pollution making the main reservoir eutrophication. The water reservoir “Nielisz” is the example of such solution. Section of water lifting of the main reservoir is localized at 235.2 km of river Wieprz. At NPP, surface of water area is 709 ha, and its total capacity 18.3 mln m3. The preliminary reservoir of 179 ha area and 1.18 mln m3 capacity at NPP, is localized in river Por valley. The lifting section is situated at 110 its 1 685 km. River Por flows through agricultural loess areas threatened by water erosion, thus decision on a building and localization of the preliminary reservoir was made. Since June 2008, every quarter, studies aimed at evaluating the influence of preliminary reservoir on the quality of surface waters supplying the main reservoir, have been carried out. The water samples are collected at the inflow and outflow from the preliminary reservoir. Achieved results allow for finding if preliminary reservoir contributes to considerable improvement of the quality of water flowing into the main reservoir. An apparent, characterizing by seasonal variability, concentrations decrease of majority determined water quality indices, was observed at the outflow. The total suspension concentration decreased the most (78%) during study, phosphates decreased by 47%, ammonia by 37%, total nitrogen by 24%, nitrates (III) by 17%, potassium by 15%, and nitrates (V) by 13%. The highest reduction of contaminants concentrations occurred during the intensive macrophytes growth. Values of COD increased by 36%, BOD5 by 2%, and electrolytic conductivity increased by 1%. FACTORS REGULATING THE STRUCTURE OF THE PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES IN THE STABLE AND DISTURBED ENVIRONMENTS BEATA MESSYASZ Department of Hydrobiology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Institute of Environmental Biology, Umultowska 89 , 61 – 614 Poznań, Poland, [email protected] The climatic warmer of weather noted in the last years often makes it impossible to cover of ice lid in the water ecosystem and in the process causes early establishing of theromcline and more and more long period of lasting for it. In the consequence it leads to the long-term water stratification and the great stability of the aqueous environment. At the same time in different types of small water bodies or small lowland rivers it reaches the decrease of the water level causing astatic character of the given ecosystem. The aim of the study was comparing factors regulating the structure of the summer phytoplankton communities in the period of the long-term stratification in the dimictic lake and in the pond and in the lowland river (Wełna) being an example of disturbed environment on account of the water level and the diversified current of water. Research of the species and quantitative phytoplankton structures in the volcanic Lake Holzmaar was conducted from 2002 till 2006, in the Wełna river (average flow 2.6 m3/s) in years 1999 – 2007 and in the artificial static pond in years 2004 - 2005. 111 Physical and chemical parameters of Lake Holzmaar water were confirmed appearing of the long-term stratification (to 9 months) with thermocline founding at depth 6-8m. A phenomenon of the constant increase of the Fe, Mg, Ca, K, PO4 in direction from the epilimnion to the hypolimnion layer was stated. Mass appearing of Planktothrix rubescens in metalimnion (average - 30000 ind. in 1 ml) was stable in the period of examinations and it was associated with the double mechanism of limitation: through the light from the top and through phosphorus from the bottom. The participation of remaining taxonomical groups in the biomass of the phytoplankton was evident in the surface layer where diatoms (in the spring) and green algae (in the summer and partly by the autumn) dominated. In the pond at very great concentrations of nutrients a gradual increase of the total phytoplankton biomass from 37,454 mgl-1 in July all the way to 155,964 mgl-1 in the secondo part of August 2004 was stated. In this period Coelastrum microporum was a dominant species which achieved value of the 69% of the total phytoplankton biomass in August and accompanying species was diatom Melosira granulata. The peak of the phytoplankton appearing in the pond was noted in the first half of September when total biomass reached value about 700 mgl-1 and was connected with the development of the Pandorina morum monoculture (over 90% of biomass). Moreover, Pteromonas angulosa (22,597 mgl-1) was also stressed its participation in biomass. In this period the water level gradually lowered all the way to total drying. In the Wełna river concentration of nutrients was high on all research sites and clearly increase at low flows in August. The unchecked inflow of rich in nutrients waters from fish ponds to the river causes overgrowing of Wełna and slowing down (also a disappearance) of its water current. In the summer period a rise of green algae Coelastrum microporum, Desmodesmus communis in the participation of the phytoseston community was observed and the blue-green algae share increased to almost a 30% in the total biomass. Changes (supported by results of a statistical analysis) which were occurred under the influence of physical and chemical factors in the structure of the phytoplankton communities will be presented. ALGAE AS THE ELEMENT OF CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ECOLOGICAL STATE OF RIVERS ON LOWLAND AND UPLAND AREAS BEATA MESSYASZ1, RYSZARD STANISZEWSKI2, SZYMON JUSIK2 of Hydrobiology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Institute of Environmental Biology, Umultowska 89, 61 – 614 Poznań, Poland, [email protected] 2Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, University of Life Sciences in Poznan, Piątkowska 94C, 60-649 Poznań, Poland 1Department 112 The species structure and quantitative composition of benthic and planctonik algae communities were analysed in 21 small lowland and upland rivers which differed between themselves on account of the depth, the flow of water (role in developing chemical parameters of waters) and hydromacrophytes appearing. The purpose of this study was determining the ecological state of rivers basing on the structure of algae communities and macrophytes communities considering their habitat conditioning. Comparing our results it will allow to assess in what rank all biological indicators are reflected the coincident information about the environmental state of rivers. Phycological samples for examinations were collected from the late spring period to autumn in years 2005 – 2008 on 31 sites (21 rivers). The estimation of ecomorphological conditions was carried out basing on the River Habitat Survey method – RHS. Every single time routine physical-chemical measurements of water were made. At the assessment of the water quality we were based on indicators among others: MTR (Mean Trophic Rank), IBMR (Indice Biologique Macrophytique en Riviere), RI (Reference Index), IPS (Specific Pollution Sensitivity Index), GDI (Generic Diatom Index), TDI (Trophic Diatom Index) and index of the trophic state (Picińska 2007). Moreover, an percentage participation of species tolerating polluting waters was calculated. Macrophytes analyses basing on MTR (24 - 40) were showed that examined rivers were in most cases moderate eutrophic and only in several cases eutrophic. In rivers Sparganium erectum, Glyceria maxima and Elodea canadensis had the greatest regularity of appearing. EPI and TDI indices in the case of 5 sites demonstrated the divergent assessment of the trophic state with respect to macrophytes indicators pointing to great trophy and the poor ecological state of waters. Diatoms of the surface layer of deposits in large most numbers were represented by Aulacoseira granulata, Cocconeis plcentula, Cyclotella radiosa, C. operculata, Gomphonema acuminatum, G. parvulum and Nitzschia palea. In rivers with the low flow of water n phytoseston together with diatoms also increased numbers of green algae were noted: Monoraphidium contortum, Tetraëdron minimum, T. caudatum, Scenedesmus/Desmodesmus and cyanobacteria Planktolyngbya limnetica, Tychonema granulatum, Planktothrix agardhii. The structure of phytoseston communities as a rule was well reflected physicalchemical conditions observed on individual sites of rivers. Research findings were showing, that environmental state of rivers assessed on the basis f macrophytes and diatoms indicators is demonstrated the big similarity, in range 63 – 82%. We also made an attempt at elaborating results of applied biological indicators individually with reference to small lowland rivers and to upland rivers. The study was supported by the Polish Ministry of Education Science grant No. N N305 3537 33. 113 PROTOZOA IN DIFFERENT TYPE OF PEATLANDS: DISTRIBUTION, STRUCTURE, AND ROLE IN THE MICROBIAL FOOD WEB TOMASZ MIECZAN Department of Hydrobiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-262 Lublin, e-mail: [email protected] Peatlands are generally characterized by rich biodiversity and also play key roles in preserving the stability of ecological relationships in particular regions. At the same time, they belong to the fastest disappearing and most endangered ecosystems in Europe. Investigations of the structure and function of various types of peatland ecology have mainly been related to the vegetation. Generally, in the whole of Europe and worldwide, very little is known about the microorganisms and their roles in the functioning of these ecosystems. Research was undertaken to verify the following hypotheses: that the physiochemical and biological (abundance of heterotrophic bacteria, flagellates and small metazoans) characteristics of waters significantly influence the species structure of testate amoebae and ciliates in peatlands; the hydrological and species variability of mosses have a significant influence on the abundance and structure of these microorganisms; the species richness and abundance show distinct differentiation in vertical micro-distribution; and testate amoebae and ciliates are subordinate to strongly delineated seasonal changes in species composition and abundance. This study was performed in different type of peatlands located in the Polesie National Park and Roztocze National Park in 2005-2009. Micro-sites sampled in raised bogs included hummocks, lawns, and hollows. In the lowmoore and carbonate bogs, protozooplankton was collected in patches of emergent and submerged plants. Additionally, in order to evaluate grazing pressure, field enclosures were used in which metazoan abundance and composition was manipulated by size-fractionation. The present study showed clear vertical and horizontal micro-distribution patterns of testate amoebae and ciliates. In raised bogs, the highest number of taxa, abundance and biomass of protozoans were all observed in bottom water, while the lowest values were noted in ground water. The highest species richness and abundance occurred in hollows. Decidedly lower numbers of taxa and densities were observed in hummocks. In lowmoore peatbogs the density and biomass of protozoa communities, increase together with the abundance and the level of the complicated spatial structure of the plants. Over experiments, metazoan shifted from dominance of rotifers to copepods. In the first experiment, with rotifers dominating, metazoan had only a modest predatory impact on the protozoa. In contrast, the second experiment, with copepods prevailing, demonstrated a clear top-down control of the whole protozoa communities by metazoan. In raised peatbogs, relations between microbial loop components were stronger. The factors which to the highest 114 degree affect their occurrence is probably water level, potential food and TOC. The contribution of pH and TP was not (or marginally) statistically significant. THE INFLUENCE OF CORMORANT (PHALACROCORAX CARBO) COLONIES ON THE ORGANOCHLORIC ENVIRONMENT CONTAMINATION. ANTONI STEFAN MIKOSZEWSKI*, ALICJA JABŁOŃSKA Zakład Ekologii, Uniwersytet Warszawski, ul.Banacha 2, 02-097, Warszawa *[email protected] Despite their withdrawal from use in Poland twenty years ago, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chloroorganic pesticides are still present in many ecosystems, both in organisms and abiotic elements. The contamination of lake sediments with these chemicals still presents a serious problem. It is known that animals can transfer this kind of contamination between varied environments. In the presented research the qualitative and quantitative analysis of chloroorganic pesticides and quantitative analysis of PCBs from lake sediments and plankton samples was performed. The plankton and sediments samples were taken from three Mazurian lakes on which the cormorant colonies had been present for many years – Inulec Lake, Tuchlin Lake and Czos Lake and, for comparative purpose, from three lakes without great cormorant colonies – Majcz Wielki Lake, Łuknajno Bay (Śniardwy Lake) and ferry crossing in Wierzba (the boundary between Mikołajskie Lake and Bełdany Lake). In all tested lakes traces of chloroorganic pesticides and their metabolites were detected. In the sediments – β-HCH, γ-HCH, 4,4’-DDE, 4,4’-DDD, 2,4’-DDD, 2,4’-DDT and in the plankton samples - γ-HCH and 4,4’-DDE. The PCBs congeners were detected only in the samples taken from the lakes on which the cormorant colonies had been present for many years. The PCBs concentrations varied from trace to about 90 ng/g. In plankton samples from these lakes the trace concentration of PCBs was detected (<10ng/g). Despite the fact that the concentration of the tested constituents is not high it is highly possible that large colonies of cormorant influence the rate of contamination of their breeding areas with described chloroorganic substances. 115 HEAT SHOCK AS A COST OF DAPHNIA DIEL VERTICAL MIGRATION ANDRZEJ MIKULSKI, AGNIESZKA PAWŁOWSKA, MAŁGORZATA GRZESIUK, PIOTR BERNATOWICZ Department of Hydrobiology, University of Warsaw Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, e-mail: [email protected] Genetically identical individuals of Daphnia magna were cultured under different temperature regimes. Thermal conditions experienced by migratory animals were simulated in some variants of experiment. Life history and level of Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) of experimental animals was noticed. The results suggests that thermal stress associated with diel vertical migrations can be a significant costs of this behavior. BIOCOENOTIC DIFFERENTATION OF SMALL WATER BODIES IN WIELKOPOLSKA BARBARA NAGENGAST1, NATALIA KUCZYŃSKA-KIPPEN1, TOMASZ JONIAK1, SOFIA CELEWICZ-GOŁDYN2, BEATA MESSYASZ3, KAROLINA STEFANIAK4 1Department of Water Protection, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland, [email protected]; [email protected] 2Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences in Poznań, ul. Wojska Polskiego 71 c, 60-625 Poznań 3Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland 4Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland A differentiated character of the catchment area in the direct neighbourhood of small water bodies may have a decisive effect not only with respect to the physical-chemical features of water and sediments but also concerning the functioning and structure of communities of organisms, including macrophytes, phyto- and zooplankton as well as periphyton. Even though the examined types of ponds (28 mid-field and 26 mid-forest ponds) differed in respect to size, the level of overshading and the level of macrophyte coverage, the differentiation of biocoenotic parameters differed only a little. The differences mainly concerned the analysed species (e.g. dominating species, rare and exclusive species), while the total number of species and abundance/biomass of organism communities revealed differences among the studied types of ponds only slightly. One of the reasons responsible for this may have been the considerable differentiation of certain ponds within each type of small water body in relation to pond origin, anthropogenic 116 pressure, physical-chemical features of water and sediments, morphometric parameters or pond age. Much greater differentiation was found when analysing the groups organisms in the spatial aspect (open water zone, helophytes, elodeids). The zone of elodeids, the most spatially and morphologically complex area, measured as the density of macrophyte bed, created a habitat of the highest level of heterogeny and was characterised by significantly higher species diversity of all planktonic organisms and periphyton. The obtained results indicate the direction of future limnological research, and strongly indicates the necessity for the protection of the diversity of small freshwater ecosystems and the need for the monitoring of their conditions and changes. This work was supported by the Polish Committee for Scientific Research (KBN) under grant No. 2P06S 00829. HYDROLOGICAL AND HYDROCHEMICAL CONDITIONS OF SPRING VEGETATION IN THE EARLY GLACIAL LANDSCAPE OF THE POMERANIA REGION ZBIGNIEW OSADOWSKI Department of Botany and Genetics, Pomeranian AcademyArciszewskiego Street 22B, 76-200 Slupsk, Poland, e-mail: [email protected] The subject matter of this study includes the research on ecohydrological characteristics of vegetation in springs of the Pomerania region. The aim of this work was to assess the qualitative and quantitative influence of spring waters on the spatial distribution of vegetation. It was hypothetically assumed, that the amount and quality of outflowing groundwaters have crucial influence on spatial distribution and species composition of the consecutive plant communities. The investigation was performed on selected spring complexes located in the drainage areas of the Parsęta, Grabowa, Wieprza, Słupia, Łupawa and Łeba rivers. Throughout years 2006-2008 we studied 150 outflows of groundwaters as regards their distribution, diversity, flora as well as hydrological and hydrochemical conditions. In this paper we analyze the influence of capacity, flow rate and chemical composition of spring waters on selected plant species and plant communities. The performed analyses indicated that groundwaters significantly influence spatial distribution and species composition of spring phytocoenoses, which indirectly revealed their ecological preferences. The proposed ecohydrological characteristics may be the basis for more effective methods of spring ecosystem protection and restitution in the Pomerania region. 117 Scientific work financed from resources earmarked for science in years 2006– 2009 as Research Project no. 2P04G03530. EFFECT OF COPPER ON THE DEMOGRAPHIC RESPONSES OF SUCCESSIVE GENERATIONS OF TWO CLADOCERANS MOINA MICRURA (KURZ, 1874) AND CERIODAPHNIA DUBIA (RICHARD, 1894) E.A. PICAZO-PAEZ, S. NANDINI, S.S.S. SARMA Laboratory of Aquatic Zoology, Edificio UMF, Division of Research and Postgraduate Studies, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Campus Iztacala, Av. De los Barrios S/N Los Reyes Iztacala, Ap 314, CP 54090, Tlalnepantla, State of Mexico, MEXICO. Copper is one of the heavy metals frequently found in water bodies. Although an essential heavy metal, at high levels it can be highly toxic. Its impact across several generations can be easily evaluated using cladocerans due to their short lifespan and sensitivity to stress. Multi-generational assessments are helpful for understanding the possible adaptive strategies of zooplankton under chronic stress conditions. In this study we evaluated the chronic impact of copper (as sulphate) on the demographic parameters of three successive generations of Moina micrura and Ceriodaphnia dubia. The median lethal concentrations (LC50 24h) of CuSO4 for M. micrura and C. dubia were 0.35 mg/L and 0.66 mg/L, respectively. However, chronic toxicity tests showed that M. micrura was less sensitive; at low concentrations of copper (0.035 and 0.105 mg/L of CuSO4), a hormetic effect was observed on the lifespan and reproductive output with a more than 15% increase as compared to the controls. This hormesis was observed in the F1 but not F3 generation. For C. dubia, the negative impact was observed only in the F3 generation. The results warrant further studies on the impact of heavy metals for more than one generation to understand long term effects of toxicants to zooplankton. PHYTOPLANKTON – THE ELEMENT IN THE ECOLOGICAL STATUS ASSESSMENT FOR LAKES OF THE WEL RIVER CATCHMENT AREA AGNIESZKA NAPIÓRKOWSKA-KRZEBIETKE1, AGNIESZKA PASZTALENIEC2, ANDRZEJ HUTOROWICZ1 1Inland Fisheries Institute, ul. Oczapowskiego 10, 10-719 Olsztyn, [email protected], [email protected] 2Institute of Environmental Protection, 01-692 Warsaw, Kolektorska 4, POLAND, [email protected] Preliminary results presented in our paper are the effect of study conducted in the catchment area of the lowland Wel river (Central Poland, 791 km2) in the 118 frame of the Polish –Norwegian project DeWELopment “Development and validation of methods for integrated assessment of ecological status of rivers and lakes to support river basin management plans”. The results of the project will find application for the complete and integrated assessment of the freshwaters according to the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) (EC2000/60/WE).) The study has been carried out out in 10 flow-through lakes of the area from 52.72 to 584.73 ha and maximal depth from 5.2 to 34.7 m. They belong to three different abiotic types of Polish lowland lakes: Dąbrowa Wielka (stratified, low Schindler ratio), Dąbrowa Mała, Rumian, Grądy, Lidzbarskie, Kiełpińskie (stratified, high Schindler ratio) and Tarczyńskie, Zarybinek, Hartowieckie, Zwiniarz (not stratified, high Schindler ratio). The above mentioned lakes are under varied antropogenic influence. They are direct and indirect sewage receivers. The sewage are carried to the Wel river from the city purification plant located in cities Lidzbark Welski, Dąbrówno and Rybno, as well as from numerous distilleries, dairies and farms. In 2005, water of the Wel river was mainly classified to III class of purity, and only nearby the city Lidzbark Welski to IV class. The quantitative and qualitative algae studies were started in April 2009 and will last to the end of the growth season. The integrated water samples are taken monthly from euphotic zone (spring and autumn circulation) or from epilimnion (summer stagnation). Simultaneously, the following physico-chemical measurements of water are conducted: temperature, SD, pH, electrolytic conductivity, alkalinity, oxygenation, concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, chlorophyll a and phycocyanin concentration. In the spring, the planctonic algae biomass ranged from 7 to 28 mg dm-3. The greatest phytoplankton biomass was recorded in Lake Lidzbarskie, Lake Dąbrowa Mała and Lake Grądy, which are under the highest anthropopresure whereas the lowest in Lake Kiełpińskie (forest catchment) and Lake Hartowieckie. Diatoms (Cyclotella, Stephanodiscus, Fragilaria, Asterionella), cryptophytes (Cryptomonas, Rhodomonas) and dinoflagellates (Gymnodinium, Peridinium) were dominated in phytoplankton. Biomass variety corresponded with chlorophyll a concentration, from 19 µg dm-3 (Lake Kiełpińskie) to 60 µg dm-3 (Lake Dąbrowa Mała). Cyanoprocaryota biomass in all lakes never exceeded 6% of total biomass, and phycocyanin concentration (measured as the number of cells per 1 cm3) ranged from 160 to 3400 cell cm-3. Favourable environmental conditions e.g. water temperature up to 11.5oC, total nitrogen – 1.64 mg N dm-3, total phosphorus – 0.097 mg P dm-3 were conducive to the growth of phytoplankton. The great phytoplankton biomass caused the good water oxygenation (15 – 23 mg O2 dm-3) and relatively low water transparency (SD ranged from 0.9 to 1.6 m). 119 THE ZOOPLANKTON OF THE LOWER VISTULA’S FLOODPLAIN LAKES. INFLUENCE OF HYDROLOGICAL CONDITIONS ON STRUCTURE AND RICHNESS OF THOSE FORMATION. PAWEŁ NAPIÓRKOWSKI Dept. Hydrobiology, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Nicholas Copernicus University in Toruń, Gagarina st. 9, 87-100 Toruń, e-mail: [email protected] The composition, abundance and biomass of zooplankton in two floodplain lakes along the Lower Vistula was analyzed in relation to lake characteristics and lake water level fluctuations in 2008 since April to September. One of the lakes is periodically connect to the river (during medium and high water level) and second is permanently cut off from the river. A total of 83 zooplankton species were found in both floodplain lakes (65 species of rotifers, 14 cladocerans sp. and 4 copepods sp.). The mean number of zooplankton in floodplain lakes was 2796 ind. . dm-3, its mean biomass being 3,44 mg w.w. . dm-3. The zooplankton communities were predominantly composed by rotifers (Keratella cochlearis, Keratella quadrata and Polyarthra longiremis ) and by nauplii of copepods. The species richness as well as density and biomass of zooplankton was higher in lake permanently cut off from the river to compare to those periodically connect to the river. The comparison of the zooplankton study results of the Vistula’s floodplain lakes to literature data, state that zooplankton of the investigated floodplain lakes was not in quantity and in quality poorer then zooplankton of the lakes. THE INFLUENCE OF CARP (CYPRINUS CARPIO L.) ON HABITAT PREFERENCES OF BREEDING ASSEMBLAGES OF WATERFOWL ON FISHPONDS MAREK NIEOCZYM Department of Zoology, University of Life Sciences, 13 Akademicka Str., 20-950 Lublin, Poland The research presented here concerned the influence of one aspect of carpculture on food conditions in ponds and occupancy of these reservoirs by breeding species of waterfowl. The investigations were carried out on five fishpond complexes in Lubelszczyzna. These were single-age carp-ponds stocked with three age classes of carp (0+, 1+, 2+). 120 The dominant species of breeding birds on the fishponds were omnivorous birds: Coot Fulica atra (average density = 0.8 breeding pair/ha, dominance = 31.9%) and Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (0.3p/ha; 12.5%); benthophags: Pochard Aythya ferina (0.2p/ha; 8.6%) and Tufted Duck A. fuligula (0.2p/ha; 8.1%); grebes: diving zoophags - Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis (0.2p/ha; 8.9%) and diving ichthyophags - Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus (0.2p/ha; 8.6%). The Great Crested Grebe and the Little Grebe had evident habitat preferences. The Great Crested Grebe chose ponds with carp 1+ (ANOVA F(2,54)=13.56; P<0.001) and the Little Grebe preferred ponds with carp 0+ (F(2,54)=5.22; P<0.01). The Coot avoided ponds with carp 2+ (F(2,54)=3.95; P<0.05). The dominant ducks did not show habitat preferences (Mallard: F(2,54)=1.14; P=0.33; Pochard: F(2,54)=0.88; P=0.42; Tufted Duck: F(2,54)=1.15; P=0.32 ). The most abundant food base was found in ponds 0+, whereas ponds 1+ and 2+ were poorer in food. A statistical analysis revealed significant differences in amphibian biomass between the three analyzed categories of ponds (F(2,51)=4.99; P<0.05). The biomass of nectobenthos and benthos was higher in ponds 0+, but the differences between the ponds were not significant (F(2,51)=3.06; P=0.055; F(2,33)=2.83; P=0.07, respectively). The biomass of submerged macrophytes was similar in all categories of ponds (F(2,31)=0.57; P=0.57). The results show that the carp influences the food base used by breeding species of waterfowl on a fish farm. The food conditions depend on the age class of carp. The research revealed habitat preferences of the three dominant species of breeding birds. The Coot and the Little Grebe preferred ponds with the most abundant food which included invertebrates and tadpoles. The habitat preferences of the Great Crested Grebe could be connected with the availability of fish of suitable size. EPIPHYTIC FAUNA INHABITING STRATIOTES ALOIDES IN A NEW LAKE OF THE SŁOWIŃSKI NATIONAL PARK (SMOŁDZIŃSKIE LAKE, POLAND) KRYSTIAN OBOLEWSKI, IWONA ZAKOLSKA, MAGDALENA KUBERNA Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Department of Aquatic Ecology, Arciszewskiego 22b str., 76-200 Słupsk e-mail:[email protected] Quantitative and qualitative observations were carried out during one limnological period – from spring to summer. Samples of Stratiotes aloides L. were collected monthly during one vegetation period, from 25th May till 25th October 2008. 121 The goal of the research was to examine the composition and biomass of epiphytic fauna inhabiting S.aloides in the Gardno Lake gulf and in one of its melioration ditches. Results of the research revealed considerably more representatives of epiphytic fauna in the melioration ditch than in the lake. 38 taxa of epiphytic fauna was found altogether. The highest amount of taxa was observed in the melioration ditch in June (24 taxa) The collected epiphytic fauna was used for the evaluation of biological water quality. The BMWP-PL index for the Smołdzinskie Lake classified it as the third category of water quality, whereas the melioration ditch was classified as the third category during summer but the fourth category during autumn. The permanent elements of the collected epiphytic fauna were Gastropoda and Hirudinea as well as the Chironomidae larvae representatives. In the Smołdzinskie Lake both maxima (for density and biomass) were observed in May, whereas in the melioration ditch - in June. Density of epifauna inhabiting S.aloides showed upward tendency in May and downward tendency in June. Biomass of the collected epiphytic fauna did not reveal any correlation with the level of density in separate months. The highest biomass was observed in the lake in September, thanks to Gastropoda species, but the representatives of Hirudinea family obtained the eudominant status. The highest index of dominance in the melioration canal obtained Asellus aquaticus, while the biomass was predominated by Gastropoda. There were no significant correlations between epifauna density and biomass in the consecutive months (t-student test, p>0.05). Insignificant difference in variation between epifauna density probably confirms the fact, that samples taken at the studied sites might originate from the same general population. PALAEOECOLOGY OF NER-ZAWADA PEATLAND (CENTRAL POLAND) MILENA OBREMSKA1, DOMINIK PAWŁOWSKI2 1 Zakład Biogeografii i Paleoekologii IGiG, Uniwersytet im. A. Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, ul. Dzięgielowa 26, 61-606 Poznań; [email protected] 2 Instytut Geologii, Uniwersytet im. A. Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, ul. Maków Polnych 16, 61-606 Poznań; [email protected] The Ner-Zawada peatland is located 12 km from Poddębice. The peatland covers 4 ha in the valley of the Ner River in central Poland within the limits of WarsawBerlin Glacial Valley. The examined core NZ-1 is 4,75 cm long and was taken in 2007. The sediments include the peat (in the bottom and in the top) and gyttja - (about 2 m of 122 sediment in the central part of core). The samples of 1 cm3 every 10 cm were prepared in a standard way for pollen and Cladocera analysis (Berglund, Ralska-Jasiewiczowa 1986, Frey 1986). The initial stage of the mire took place in the Allerød (radiocarbon data 12720 ± 100 BP (Poz 28986)). In the beginning it was a mosses peat bog with Sphagnum and Cyperaceae. The level of water was low and there were only a few littoral species of Cladocera present. In the Young Dryas the basin was filled with water and the populations of the Pediastrum appeared. Then the mosses started to decline and in aquatic plants communities developed in the lake, with Potamogeton and Myriophyllum spicatum . Bosmina longirostris and Bosmina (E.) coregoni dominated, littoral Cladocera were represented by Acroperus harpae, Alona affinis, A. rectangula, Camptocercus rectirostris, Ch. sphaericus, Eurycercus lamellatus, Graptoleberis testudinaria and Pleuroxus spp. among others. In Preboreal the basin started to overgrow and to shoal. The number of algae decreased. Nympheae sp. communities and the rushes with Typha latifofolia developed along the shore. The lake had existed till the beginning of Boreal. Then, in place of the water basin a peatland with Cyperaceae developed. The water level was very low and only littoral species of Cladocera were present (Alona affinis, A. rectangula, A. guttata, Alonella excisa, Al. exigua and Ch. sphaericus). Probably the change of the moistness was the cause the mire drying up and the disappearing of the telmatic plants. The hiatus in the sediments appeared. The top of sediments was accumulated in Subatlantic (radiocarbon data (220± 30 BP (Poz 28986). The pollen grains of the human indicators (cereals, Rumex acetosa/acetosella, Plantago lanceolata, Centaurea cyanus) are present. Aside from Cyperaceae and Polypodiaceae, rushes plants as well as sparse mosses grew there again. There were unfavorable conditions for Cladocera communities and in the youngest sediments only one species (Ch. sphaericus) is represented. These changes were probably caused by the development of the settlement in Middle Ages and in the XVIII century. It’s confirmed by archeological data. Palaeocological reconstruction from Ner-Zawada peatland enriched the knowledge about the palaeogeography of the middle section of Ner River valley during the last glaciation. References: Berglund B.E. Ralska-Jasiewiczowa M. 1986. Pollen analysis. In: Berglund B.E. (ed.): Handbook of Holocene paleoecology and paleohydrology. 455-483. Frey D.G. 1986. Cladocera analysis. In: Berglund B.E. (ed.): Handbook of Holocene paleoecology and paleohydrology. 667-692. 123 PREVALENCE OF DIAPAUSE RESPONSE TO A PREDATION RISK IN DIFFERENT SPECIES OF DAPHNIA AGNIESZKA OCHOCKA, MIROSŁAW ŚLUSARCZYK Zakład Hydrobiologii, Uniwersytet Warszawski Banacha 2, 02-097 Warszawa email: [email protected], [email protected] Planktonic freshwater crustaceans may be exposed to high risk of fish predation. Potential preys utilize various defense mechanism, which may reduce the predation risk. One of the most effective but most expensive antipredator mechanism may be production of protective diapausing eggs, discovered in planktonic cladocera Daphnia magna. In laboratory experiment we tested prevalence of predator avoidance diapause in different species of Daphnia by exposing experimental animals into simulated threat of fish predation (fish kairomones). The tested species of Daphnia (D. magna, D. pulicaria, D. longispina) differed in body size and thus in vulnerability to visually hunting fish. According to our expectations proportion of females producing diapausing eggs was inversely related to species specific mean body size of experimental animals. HYDROLOGICAL AND HYDROCHEMICAL CONDITIONS OF SPRING VEGETATION IN THE EARLY GLACIAL LANDSCAPE OF THE POMERANIA REGION ZBIGNIEW OSADOWSKI Department of Botany and Genetics, Pomeranian Academy, Arciszewskiego Street 22B, 76-200 Slupsk, Poland, e-mail: [email protected] The subject matter of this study includes the research on ecohydrological characteristics of vegetation in springs of the Pomerania region. The aim of this work was to assess the qualitative and quantitative influence of spring waters on the spatial distribution of vegetation. It was hypothetically assumed, that the amount and quality of outflowing groundwaters have crucial influence on spatial distribution and species composition of the consecutive plant communities. The investigation was performed on selected spring complexes located in the drainage areas of the Parsęta, Grabowa, Wieprza, Słupia, Łupawa and Łeba rivers. Throughout years 2006-2008 we studied 150 outflows of groundwaters as regards their distribution, diversity, flora as well as hydrological and hydrochemical conditions. In this paper we analyze the influence of capacity, flow rate and chemical composition of spring waters on 124 selected plant species and plant communities. The performed analyses indicated that groundwaters significantly influence spatial distribution and species composition of spring phytocoenoses, which indirectly revealed their ecological preferences. The proposed ecohydrological characteristics may be the basis for more effective methods of spring ecosystem protection and restitution in the Pomerania region. Scientific work financed from resources earmarked for science in years 2006– 2009 as Research Project no. 2P04G03530. MACROPHYTES - EXPECTATION OR DANGER FOR LAKE ECOSYSTEMS TERESA OZIMEK Department of Hydrobiology, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland e-mail: [email protected] Macrophytes have a strong influence on the lake ecosytems. The vegetation effect on functionning of littoral zone and can effect on the quality of the water in whole lake. Many authors suggest that plants have a high ecological value. The multiple role of macrophytes in functioning of lake ecosystems is well documented in literature. Macrophytes effect in different ways on the environment (light conditions, temperature, oxygen concentration other elements, pH, suspension rate, resuspension rate) and organisms (phyto- and zooplankton , invertebrate fauna, fish, birds) because provides not only food but also hiding and spawning places. The aim of presentation is reply on question – can macrophytes be danger for functioning of lake biocenosis? In which situations they can play negative role in lake ecosystem. POLYCHAETE ASSEMBLAGES OF ANTARCTIC SUBLITORAL IN HABITATS WITH DIFFERENT SPATIAL STRUCTURE (ADMIRALTY BAY, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS) KRZYSZTOF PABIS Laboratory of Polar Biology and Oceanobiology, University of Lodz, ul. Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, e-mail: [email protected] Admiralty Bay bottom fauna is among the most completely elaborated in the Antarctic. Polychaetes are one of the most numerous and diverse groups of 125 benthic invertebrates in this basin. Till now analyses of macrofaunal polychaete communities in Admiralty Bay were carried out mostly for the soft bottom. Biogenic structures like kelp holdfasts or colonies of various invertebrates are structurally complex habitats and can provide shelter for many invertebrates. The aim of the study was to compare the species composition, richness and diversity of polychaete fauna of such complex habitats (ascidians and bryozoans colonies, Himantothallus grandifolius holdfasts) and compacted bottom sediments. On H. grandifolius holdfasts very specific, rich and diverse assemblage of polychaetes was found. In the depth range from 200 to 300m two assemblages forming mosaic ware encountered. First one on ascidians and bryozoans colonies attached to drop stones. Those colonies provide a shelter for motile, epibenthic polychaete species. Second assemblage was found on the soft bottom and was dominated by Maldane sarsi antarctica. In the deepest sublittoral at depths from 400 to 500m rich and diverse assemblage characterized by constant presence of Sternaspis sp. and Kingbergonuphis notialis was found. Diversity, species richness and diversity of polychaete feeding guilds was higher in the complex habitats and in the habitats with stable environmental conditions, in the deepest sublittoral of Admiralty Bay. THE BODY FORM OF FISH LEECHES (HIRUDINIDA: PISCICOLIDAE) KATARZYNA PALIŃSKA, ALEKSANDER BIELECKI, JOANNA CICHOCKA Katedra Zoologii, UWM Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, e-mail: [email protected] The body form of leeches, which becomes a modeling object, is a valid ectosomatic feature. It describes a borders, in which, we can find a internally organs of individual. The range of realization of the body form, proposed for different groups of leeches, characterize their life spaces. These life spaces are distinct in term of position of body of leeches to host and to environment. Individuals came from Caspian See, Baikal Lake, and from fresh waters of Italy, Finland, Russia, Germany and Poland. Over 1200 of individuals, belonging to 8 genera were measured. The measurements have been made in according to model of the leech body form (Bielecki 1993, 1997, 2001; Bielecki and Epshtein 1994, 1995). 126 SEASONAL VARIATION OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF REEDBED HABITATS OF SEVERAL WATERBODIES IN EŁK LAKELAND AND THEIR DOMINANT MACROPHYTES IN 2006 AND 2007 PIOTR PANEK Institute of Botanics, Warsaw University Al. Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warszawa e-mail: [email protected] Several physico-chemical parameters of a few waterbodies of Ełk Lakeland were assessed every month during growing seasons 2006 and 2007. Water, sediment and plant tissues were examined. Every waterbody had slightly alkalic to neutral water. The highest acidicity was found in an astatic pond with Typha latifolia. This pond had also the lowest electrolytic conductivity level. The content of phosphates decreased in the tissues of green stems during the growing season. It did not follow the phosphate variation in the habitat. The content of sulphates in plant tissues had a temporary increase. The iron content was the highest in the water and sediment of an astatic pond with Typha latifolia. It was also high in the pond with Sparganium erectum. The macrophytes from these habitats had also a relatively high level of this element in tissues. However, the highest level was in Sparganium erectum from Łaśmiady Lake, being higher than the content of iron in Sparganium erectum from a pond as well. In some cases habitats covered by the same species had different physicochemical parameters. Several parameters changed in subsequent months of the growing season irregularly, and the pattern of the variation did not repeat in the next year. TESTING OF PHYTOPLANKTON BASED METHODS FOR ECOLOGICAL STATUS ASSESSMENT OF FRESHWATERS AGNIESZKA PASZTALENIEC Institute Of Environmental Protection, Department of Freshwater Assessment Methods and Monitoring, Kolektorska 4, 01-692 Warsaw, Poland, e-mail [email protected] In the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/EC, EU, 2000), phytoplankton is one of the five biological groups (phytoplankton, macrophytes and phytobenthos, macroinvertebrates and fish) required for the ecological status assessment of surface waters. According to the WFD, the phytoplankton based assessment should include: species composition, species abundance or biomass, and the frequency and intensity of phytoplankton blooms. There are several methods of ecological status assessment, based on 127 mentioned above phytoplankton parameters, which are still being developed or have already been applied in EU countries. This presentation, is an attempt of evaluation the ecological status of some Polish lakes, applying to methods published for Hungarian and German lowland lakes, in order to examine their comparability despite their different methodological approaches. Methods were tested using phytoplankton data obtained during a 1-year study (April-August) in four shallow lakes (mean depth from 1.6 to 4.6 m) located in the Łęczna-Włodawa Lakeland, and in three deeper lakes (mean depth 6.1 to 10.1 m) situated in the Wel Landscape Park. In each lake, integrated samples (from euphotic or epilimnion layer) of water were taken from the deepest part of the lake. According the Hungarian method requirements, the phytoplankton composition was expressed in terms of phytoplankton ‘functional’ assemblages. On the basis of the relative shares of functional groups in the total biomass the Q index was calculated. The German multi-metric lake phytoplankton index (PSI) consists of three mandatory metrics: “biomass”, “algal classes” and the “Phytoplankton-TaxaSeen-Index” (PTSI). The evaluation of lakes, was done based on following data: biomass of taxonomic groups, chlorophyll a concentration, indicator taxa lists and physico-chemical parameters (water visibility, nutrients concentrations). Results demonstrated the variability of ecological status between studied lakes. Although all the studied lakes are eutrophic, the assessment of their ecological status indicated a broader range of classes from good through to moderate and poor to bad. It seems that both methods are reliable for assessing the quality of Polish lakes. However, the key element of the assessment is the correct identification of the lake abiotic type. Both methods are also sensitive to taxonomic misidentifications of dominant species. The study was partly financed by Polish-Norwegian Research Fund within the project DeWELopment “Development and validation of methods for integrated assessment of ecological status of rivers and lakes to support river basin management plans” ANTHROPOGENIC THREATS TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT VERSUS BIODIVERSITY LOSS IN AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS EWA PATUREJ University of Warmia and Mazury, Department of Applied Ecology, ul. M. Oczapowskiego 5, 10–957 Olsztyn, Poland, e-mail: [email protected] Biodiversity is a multidimensional concept and cannot be reduced to a scientific definition. The Parties to the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy and the Convention on Biological Diversity (commonly referred to as 128 the Biodiversity Convention) are obliged to recognize and monitor, on a regular basis, the biological diversity of taxa, ecosystems, habitats and landscapes. The concept of sustainable development sets principles for sustainable use of biodiversity components (ecosystems, species and genes). Biodiversity impoverishment results from unprecedented human pressure on the natural environment. In aquatic ecosystems biodiversity is affected by global climate changes, fluctuations in stratospheric ozone concentrations, water contamination, environmental acidification and fish farming, as well as by the introduction and invasion of alien species. THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE ZOOPLANKTON COMMUNITY IN THE VISTULA LAGOON EWA PATUREJ, MAREK KRUK Department of Applied Ecology, University of Warmia and Mazury M. Oczapowskiego 5, 10–957 Olsztyn, Poland e-mail: [email protected] Numerous brackish estuarine water bodies are situated in the Polish Baltic Coastal Zone. All of those water bodies are characterized by different hydrological and hydrochemical conditions. The Vistula Lagoon, being an estuarine system affected by both continental shelf and marine environments, is marked by rapid changes in the local environmental conditions (including salinity levels, Secchi disk visibility, water temperature, reaction, dissolved oxygen content, trophic state, wind). The factor exerting the most significant effect on the lagoon ecosystem is the wind and related estuary water circulation. Heat exchange, salinity, wave motion, ice formation processes and many other hydro-meteorological and biological phenomena are determined by the direction and strength of wind. The wind, responsible primarily for wave generation, may contribute to or limit the development of zooplankton communities, depending on the intensity of wave action. In the present study, zooplankton abundance and horizontal distribution were analyzed as dependent on environmental factors. 129 FISH IN MARINE SUMMMER RESORDS WATERS – RULL OR INCIDENTE ANNA J. PAWELEC, MARIUSZ R. SAPOTA University of Gdańsk, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology . Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, e-mail: [email protected], In the Gulf of Gdańsk, there is more than seventy species of fish, several of them has been recorded in the shallow area. The coastal areas are mainly occupied by the three spine stickleback, nine spine stickleback, small sandeels and great sandeels. In this area also pipefish, straightnose pipefish, freshwater fish (roach, perch), and the gobies were observed. The organisms present in shallow zone are exposed to changing environmental conditions, wave, changes in salinity, temperature and lighting. That situation raises the question whether the region as dynamic, continually changing and intensively used by people in the summer, is a place where there is a specific fish fauna assemblage or occurrence of fish in this area is accidental. During the research the greatest abundance of fish was found in warmer period of the year. In the winter season they are scarce. The first increase in the abundance of fish was observed in spring. It was associated with the juveniles herring feeding beginning and small sandells occurance. Another peak of abundance was during the summer and was associated with the reproduction of gobies. The whole year can be divided into several periods in which the fish fauna is dominated by various species. In the shallow eulitoral the daily ichtiofauna variation was observed. Regardless of the season, changes in abundance and biomass of fish, during the day were noticed. Usually thinking about fish occurring in the water body, we are referring to organisms that occur in deeper waters. The shallow zone that is close to the beach, for many people, seem to be devoid of fish. However, it appears that the fish fauna is present in the shallow water almost always and recurs evenly in the seasonal cycle. There are no fish only during strong storms, when the direct wave impact reache the bottom and in the winter when ice cover the coastal zone of the Gulf. SEDIMENTARY IMPRINT OF CYANOBACTERIAL BLOOMS IN LAKES BARBARA PAWLIK-SKOWROŃSKA1,2*, RYSZARD KORNIJÓW1**, JACEK PIRSZEL2*** 1 Department of Hydrobiology, University of Life Science in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland, * e-mail: [email protected], ** ** [email protected] 2 Centre for Ecological Research, P.A.S., Experimental Station, Niecała 18, 20-080 Lublin, Poland, e-mail: ***[email protected] 130 In nutrient-rich water reservoirs both biomass of cyanobacteria and their toxins can be partly adsorbed on bottom sediments. We hypothesized that traces of microcystins can be present in deep layers of sediments and can be used as a markers showing past development of eutrophication in lakes in which nowadays cyanobacterial blooms consisted of Microcystis spp, Anabaena spp or P. agardhii occur. In 1 cm- layers of sediment cores of lakes Głębokie Uścimowskie and Syczyńskie (Lubelski region) sampled in 2004-2005 , content of Adda - the aminoacid present in all microcystin isoforms was determined by means of GC/MS. In sediments of both lakes considerable amounts of microcystin (MC) traces were detected. In sediment core ( 1 - 40 cm) of the lake Głębokie MC contents increased in the range 11-950 µg equival. MC-LR/kg d.w. within 350 years and indicate increasing eutrophication. In the lake Syczyńskie , MC contents were relatively similar in old (more than110 years) and younger (up to 30 years) sediment layers. The obtained results indicate that MC collected in bottom sediments may affect benthic organisms and that traces of microcystins may be useful in paleoecological investigations of lakes. RECONSTRUCTIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN śABIENIEC PEATLAND, BASED ON CLADOCERA AND CHIRONOMIDAE: COMPLEMENTARY ANALYSES DOMINIK PAWŁOWSKI1, MATEUSZ PŁÓCIENNIK2 Mickiewicz University, Institute of Geology, Maków Polnych 16, 61-606 Poznań, Poland; [email protected] 2 Uniwersity of Łódź, Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland; [email protected] 1 Adam The ecological preferences of Cladocera are well known, so cladoceran species are good for reconstruction of palaeoenvironmental conditions (e.g. trophic status, fluctuations of water level, and pH in lakes). Subfossil Chironomidae are good for reconstruction of paleotemperature, but their analysis also delivers information about other prevailing conditions in the water body (e.g. trophic status, fluctuations of water level, and vegetation in lakes). The results of analyses of subfossil Cladocera remains as well as head capsules of Chironomidae from Late Vistulian and Holocene organic deposits (16-metre core) from śabieniec mire (near Łódź, Central Poland) allow reconstruction of the development of this ecosystem. The distinguished phases of development of cladoceran and chironomid communities in the water body show convergence. 131 Their succession happened mostly as a result of the influence of climate, but also due to changes in local prevailing conditions in the water body. A decrease in frequency of Cladocera as well as Chironomidae was interpreted as caused by the influence of cooling in Late Vistulian. An increase in frequency of Cladocera and Chironomidae indicated an improvement of living conditions for these groups, particularly for species preferring warm waters, which responded to periods of climatic warming. In the Holocene, the water body was shallowed gradually and transformed into peatland. Until the Middle Ages, the water body evolved naturally. Changes in frequency of compared groups indicated human influence on the water body at the top of the sediment core (depth ca. 0.60 m). The śabieniec mire can fill the gap in palaeoecological investigations in Central Poland, because this site is characterized by a relatively long persistence of the water body, completeness of record, as well as a long lack of human impact recorded in peat and lake deposits. MOTION AND FEEDING ACTIVITY OF ODONATA LARVAE COLONIZING LITTORAL ALGAL MATS EWA PIECZYŃSKA, JAN IGOR RYBAK Department of Hydrobiology, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warszawa, [email protected] [email protected] Littoral algal mats are often colonized by numerous invertebrates. There is limited information on living conditions among algae as well as on interactions between associated animals. In the current laboratory experiments, the living activity (motion and feeding) of odonate larvae (Aeshna cyanea, Anisoptera and Coenagrion pulchellum, Zygoptera) among filamentous algae (Mougeotia sp.) were examined and compared with their activity among macrophytes (Elodea canadensis) and in water without plants. These odonates were fed with larvae of Chironomidae, Ephemeroptera and Zygoptera as well as Asellus aquaticus and Cladocera. All experimental animals were observed in aggregations of filamentous algae in the littoral of Masurian lakes. Larvae of both odonate species penetrated freely within algal mats. The average movement rate of A. cyanea was lower within algae than in water without algae, but C. pulchellum did not show similar significant difference. Both species have shown similar movement intensity among macrophytes and algae. Both odonate species effectively preyed upon all studied preys. Feeding rate of A. cyanea was usually lower among algae than in water without algae. Intensity of predation of C. pulchellum in most cases was similar in both compared habitats, only Cladocera 132 were consumed significantly less abundantly in the presence of algae. Predation activity of both examined odonate species have shown similar pattern among algae and macrophytes. In general, our studies show that Odonata larvae may have rich feeding habitat in algal mats, they are capable to freely move among interweaved filaments of algae and they are able to effectively catch preys. THE ECOLOGY OF DAPHNIA AGEING BARBARA PIETRZAK Departament of Hydrobiology, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warszawa, e-mail: [email protected] Although ageing is universal among multicellular organisms, its cellular and physiological mechanisms, nor evolutionary causes have not been completely understood yet. Ageing research concentrates on explaining genetic mechanisms underlying the phenomenon, however lifespan and fitness changes with age are the element of phenotype, and as such are a result of interactions between the genotype and environment. The first aim of the study was to establish the effect of the stability of habitat of origin on physiological lifespan of Daphnia. Second aim was to establish the effect of food concentration on lifespan and fitness changes with age. Third aim was to compare longevity of Daphnia males and females. Interclonal differences in lifespan were shown, although they might not be related to the type of habitat of origin. Lifespan was shortest under highest food levels, although clones again differed in their response, suggesting existence of high and low food specialists. Moreover, the results contradicted the anecdotal reports in literature, by showing Daphnia males leave as long as or longer than Daphnia females. BIOMETRIC AND MERISTIC CHARACTERISTIC OF BLUE BREAM (ABRAMIS BALLERUS L.) POPULATION FROM NEW DISCOVERED SITE IN WARTA OXBOW LAKE PIOTR PIŃSKWAR1, MARIA JEZIERSKA-MADZIAR1, JANUSZ GOLSKI2, MONIKA DUDA 1 Institute for Agricultural and Forest Environment, Polish Academy of Sciences, Bukowska 19, 60-809 Poznan, e-mail: [email protected] 2Poznan University of Life Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Department of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture, Wojska Polskiego 71c, 60-825 Poznan. 133 In 2004 during carrying on studies of ichtiofauna in Warta oxbow lakes a new population of blue bream (Abramis ballerus L.) earlier not described in literature has been found. This Warta oxbow lake, named “Swieconka”, is situated on the right bank of the Warta river, on 277 km. According to literature date it can be assumed that it is the farthest on the south site of this species in Warta river ecosystem. The studies were carried on 104 specimens, caught in gill-net with cells 40 mm diameter. On every specimen 24 body features have been measured. For these body characteristics some statistics were calculated (average, max, min, confidence intervals, 25 and 75 quartiles, standard deviation, standard error and skew). Correlation coefficients and multiple regressions for characteristics with length of the body have been defined. The statistical significant characteristics for this population on this basis have been stated. The values of meristic features according to accepted methodology have been defined too. The number of vertebra by x-ray photography was calculated. Biometric and meristic specifications of this new discovered blue bream (Abramis ballerus L.) population and comparison with other populations of this fish species in Poland are results of these studies. IS ZOOPLEUSTON ABLE TO CONTROL PLANKTON CRUSTACEAN CONCENTRATION IN SHALLOW LITTORAL? WOJCIECH PŁASKA Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie, Katedra Hydrobiologii UL. DOBRZAŃSKIEGO 37, 20-262 LUBLIN, E-MAIL: [email protected] Aim of the study was to discover the role of zoopleuston in littoral of shallow lakes. Zoopleuston predators are active swimmers, able to penetrate very shallow (up to 1cm) waters, or sometimes even depart water environment to the land. In reservoirs with fish pressure they tend to concentrate on shallows. They sometimes occur in very high amount (even over 200 ind. m-2) and with relatively large biomass, influencing potentially strongly other water invertebrates for example: crustaceans zooplankton. In order to investigate the ability of zoopleuston (dominant spices) to reduce the amount of zooplankton, the laboratory experiment was conducted. Zooplankton used in experiment had been caught in its natural habitats and placed in aquarium with water conditions similar to naturals. Later, after adaptation period, predatory zoopleuston invertebrates has been introduced (Ilyocoris cimicoides and Plea minutissima). In order to control zooplankton mortality rate without zoopleuston pressure a verification aquarium was set up. Observation in aquariums with predatory water bugs indicate falling tendency of zooplankton concentration. According to expectations in verification 134 aquariums (without zoopleuston pressure) only a slight decreasing tendency of abundance was observed, caused probably by zooplankton natural mortality rate in farm conditions. In three others experiment aquariums with zoopleuston an average abundance degradation was 76% whereas in verification aquariums was on the level of 36%. Obtained results showed that zoopleuston predatory pressure affects significantly zooplankton community, causing an decrease of zooplankton abundance in experiment aquariums. Basis on these preliminary results the seminal role of a predatory influence of zoopleuston for plankton crustacean has been confirmed. FLORISTIC AND HABITAT VALORIZATION OF RIVER MIETIUŁKA IN POLESKI NATIONAL PARK MAGDALENA POGORZELEC Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie, Katedra Ekologii Ogólnej ul.Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin email: [email protected] River Mietiułka is a small water flow situated in the northern part of Poleski National Park. The river flows on the eastern side of the watershed (within river Bug catchment) with its catchment area of about 3 965.8 ha. The rivers begins near Pieszowola village, just at the Park’s border and flows into river Włodawka above lake Wytyckie. The total length of the river within Poleski National Park is 9.25 km. Typically anthropogenic character of its bed results from melioration works made in the mid of 20th century. River Mietiułka has uniform shores and with bushes removed in majority. The study aimed at natural valorizing the selected fragments of meliorated river Mietiułka, including recording and analyzing the vascular flora as well as characterizing the habitat conditions of studied area. The field and laboratory survey was performed in 2006-2007. The morphometric measurements of river Mietiułka bed were made in 6 sectors (25 meters length each): length, width, and depth at the initial, middle, and terminal parts, in situ water acidity (pH), and electrical conductivity (µS . cm -1). Concentrations of selected metal cations were determined in water samples (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+). Status of phytocenoses in particular sectors was verified by making and analyzing the detailed species records. The study revealed that river Mietiułka is heterogenic, both referring to its morphometry and habitat. Slopes and river bed are the habitat for the flora differentiated in reference to botanical, syntaxonomic, and ecological features, that is a mixture of plants typically aqueous and characteristic for habitats surrounding the river. 135 In total, 113 vascular species from 42 botanical families, 15 syntaxonomic classes, and characterized by their affinity to various plant ecological groups, were recorded in all studied sectors. The lack of the flow and water stagnation in some river fragments made a favorable conditions for developing the floating plan species from Lemnaceae family, including Wolffia arrhiza that is rare in Poland. The habitat analysis made on a base of the affinity of plant species from particular sectors to characteristic ecological groups (according to Ecological indicator numbers of vascular plants), along with analyses of physicochemical features of water indicates that the river water is in its various fragments the fertile and moderately fertile habitat with slightly acidic to alkaline reaction (pH 6.09 – 8.26). Probably the differentiation of physicochemical parameters of river Mietiułka water – within its whole length – is determined by such features as water flow rate and character of habitats adjacent to the river. MACROZOOBENTHOS COMMUNITIES FROM THE TWO TYPES OF LANDWATER TRANSITION ZONES IN A LOWLAND DAM RESERVOIR MAŁGORZATA POZNAŃSKA1, JAROSŁAW KOBAK1, TOMASZ KAKAREKO2, NORBERT WOLNOMIEJSKI3 1 N. Copernicus University, Institute of General and Molecular Biology, Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Gagarina 9, 87-100 Toruń, [email protected] N. Copernicus University, Institute of Ecology and Environment Protection, Department of Hydrobiology, Gagarina 9, 87-100 Toruń 3 Sea Fisheries Institute, Research Station in Świnoujście, Plac Słowiański 11, 72-600 Świnoujście 2 We studied the benthos from the land-water interfaces in the middle part of the Włocławek Reservoir. In 2002-2003 we sampled the air-exposed (above and from the water line) and submerged (0.5 and 1m depth) sites from a sandy area located in the flooded part of the reservoir and from a cove overgrown by plants, with the sediments rich in organic matter. In the organic-rich sediments, biodiversity and abundance was higher at the exposed sites than at the submerged ones. Furthermore, we found numerous semi-terrestrial and terrestrial taxa specific for this land-water interface. These symptoms indicate the existence of the edge effect. In contrast, the sandy shore was a simple transition zone. Some symptoms of the edge effect appeared (high biodiversity and the presence of a few amphibious taxa), but the abundance was much lower than at the submerged sites. The community from the sandy transition zone was a casual assemblage. The homogenous, unstable land-water interface 136 at the sandy shore is a poor habitat for macroinvertebrates, which have no protection against wave actions, air exposure and freezing. Their substratum may be destroyed in winter by ice drifting downstream. On the other hand, organic-rich sediments are more stable and provide much better protection and food conditions for the fauna living near the water line. DAPHNIA TWINS – THE PHENOTYPE DIFFERENCES THE CLUE TO A BETTER FITNESS IN AN UNPREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENT ANNA PRZYTULSKA Department of Hydrobiology, University of Warsaw ul. Banacha 2, 02-097 Warszawa email: [email protected] Small, astatic ponds are especially exposed to an environmental changes, coming from both anthropological and natural sources. Dynamic changes of environmental conditions (e.g. temperature) cause organisms to optimize their life strategy. In order to increase fitness cladocera produce resting eggs, which allows for genotype and phenotype offspring diversity. Object of research were 60 Daphnia magna clones originated from 30 ephippiums from small, astatic ponds. To check, if there are any phenotype differences between Daphnia twins, several experiments were carried out. Such as life history experiments and flow-through experiment. THE PROCESS OF THE RESTORATION OF THE BZURA RIVER IN THE BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY ON THE BASIS OF THE BENTHIC DIATOM COMMUNITIES BARBARA RAKOWSKA*, EWELINA SZCZEPOCKA* Algology Laboratory, Departament of Algology and Mycology, University of Łódź, 12/16 Banacha Str., 90-237 Łódź, e-mail: *[email protected], *[email protected] The aim of the study was the presentation of the renaturisation process of the Bzura River that took place over the recent 30 years in the benthic diatom community structures on the basis of the biological assessment of the river. Water quality was evaluated on the basis of three diatom indices: Specifice Pollution Sensitivity Indes (IPS)(CEMAGREF 1982), Generic Diatom Index (GDI) (Coste, Ayphassorho 1991) and Trophic Diatom Index (TDI) (Kelly, Whitton 1995), all of which are commonly used in Europe. 137 The Bzura River (leftside tributary of the Vistula River) was included till 1996 to the most polluted rivers in Poland. Since 1998 a gradual improvement in water quality has beeen observed, which occurs owing to a number of environmental and technical measures, mainly advancement in sewage management in most towns located on the river. Nine sites were established on the Bzura for sampling: 1 – Łódź-Arturówek, 2 – Zgierz-Krzywie (upstream of the Zgierz town), 3 – Aniołów (downstream of Zgierz), 4 – Parzyce (downstream of the Ozorków town), 5 – Witaszewice (downstream of the Łęczyca town), 6 – Orłów, 7 – Łowicz (upstream of the Łowicz town), 8 – Sochaczew (upstream of the Sochaczew town), 9 – Wyszogród. Samples were collected in two periods, in 1972-1977 (samples collected by Rakowska) and in 2002-2004 (samples collected by Szczepocka). Obtained diatom lists (400 frustules were collected) were used for biological assessment carried out using the OMNIDIA program (version 4.1). The IPS values attributed the Bzura water to Class III-IV of Water Quality in 2000-2004, while to much a lower quality in 1972-1977, when Class IV was determined along the whole river, except the outlet section, where water was of Class V. On the basis of the GDI values Class III of water quality was recorded along the whole river in 2002-2004. The values of this index indicated Class III-IV in the river in 1972-1977. The trophic TDI index classified the Bzura water to the eutrophic to hypereutrophic zone in 2002-2004. In 1972-1977 TDI values indicated a one degree higher quality, i.e. between the mesosaprobic and eutrophic zones. Carried out research indicates that the IPS index (Specific Pollution Sensitivity Index CEMAGREF 1982) is the best index that may be commonly used in Poland for the assessment of saprobic pollution of running waters. The values of the IPS index are best in precise determination of the diversity of water quality in given sections of the river and of the impact of Bzura’s tributaries and indicate an improvement in the water quality of the Bzura River. THE ICHTHYOFAUNA OF THE SMALL STREAMS IN THE CITY OF LUBLIN JACEK RECHULICZ Laboratory of Fishery, Department of Hydrobiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-262 Lublin; E-MAIL: [email protected] Within the area of Lublin two streams flow into the Bystrzyca River: the Czerniejówka and the Czechówka. The Czerniejówka is a right tributary of the Bystrzyca River. This 27 kilometre-long stream flows throughout its course in a grooved steep-sided valley. The Czechówka is a left, 18 kilometre-long Bystrzyca tributary. The upper course of the stream is partly regulated and 138 transformed, whereas the lower one is located within the area of the city of Lublin. Its final section is an underground canal which flows under the city centre. On both the streams two sample sites were chosen, each 100m long, situated within the borders of the city of Lublin. Control fishings were carried out sixfold between 2003 and 2006 at each site, using an IUP–12 pulse fishing aid. Each time the fish were caught as we progressed upstream. All the fish were identified according to their species and their total lengths (mm) and weights (g) were measured before returning the catch into the water. Additionally, the numerical and biomass structure of the catch was determined. In total, 1994 fish representing 15 species belonging to 7 families were caught, the most numerous of which being the cyprinids (8 species). Altogether, the presence of 15 fish species was identified: 9 species in the Czechówka and 14 in the Czerniejówka. The number of the fish in the streams varied depending on the stream and the site and ranged from 82 to 287 fish x 100m-1 x 1h-1, being twice higher in the Czechówka than in the Czerniejówka. The species with the highest numerical strengths were the gudgeon, representing between 21.6 and 51.6% of all the catch, and the stickleback (from 14.0 to 37.0%). Moreover, at one of the sample sites on the Czechówka the bleak also had a considerable representation (24.2 %), whereas at another one the common dace was quite numerous (39.6 %). Apart from the gudgeon and the threespine stickleback, the numerical strengths of the stone loach and the Prussian carp were notable in the Czerniejówka. At one of the sites on the Czechówka the biomass was dominated by the Prussian carp (59.3%) and at another one by the common dace (56.8%). At both the sites on the Czerniejówka the largest proportion of the general biomass was made up by the gudgeon (from 42.9 to 57.7 %), with a significant representation of the brown trout (13,3 -16.2 %) and the stone loach (7 – 8.3 %). In the analyzed rivers the presence of two protected species was identified: the stone loach and the weather loach, as well as that of four alien fish species. Among the alien species only the Prussian carp was present in the Czechówka, whereas, apart from the aforementioned species, the brown bullhead, the Amur sleeper and the topmouth gudgeon were also observed in the Czerniejówka. COMPARSION OF ZOOPLANKTON COMMUNITY IN BAY AREAS AND MAIN WATER STATIONS IN LAKE JEZIORAK, POLAND KATARZYNA RESZKOWSKA, JUSTYNA CYBULSKA, PAWEŁ NAPIÓRKOWSKI Sekcja Hydrobiologiczna, Studenckiego Koła Naukowego Biologów, Zakład Hydrobiologii, Instytut Ekologii i Ochrony Środowiska, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu 139 At the field trips time to Limnological station UMK in Iława, research of zooplankton in pelagic bay areas and main water were made. Data was sampled from 7 stations in 2005-2007, where 4 stations where situated in bays and 3 in the main water of lake Jeziorak. 44 species of zooplankton occurred, 28 Rotifera, 10 Cladocera and 6 Copepoda. Higher number of species was noticed in the pelagic area (25 species) of bays than in the main water of the Lake Jeziorak (20 species). Number of specimen research shown the same relationship between stations. As a result, it can be said that bays has better environment for zooplankton communities to develop than main water of lakes. This effect could be caused by better hydrological aspects such as lower water turbulence in bays, where main water stations is commonly used by human. MORPHOMETRIC DIVERSITY OF THALLI OF THE FRESHWATER ULVA PROLIFERA (O. F. MÜLLER) J. AGARDH FORM (ULVACEAE, CHLOROPHYTA) ANDRZEJ RYBAK Department of Hydrobiology, Adam Mickiewicz University, INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY, Umultowska 89, 61 – 614 Poznań, Poland, [email protected] Ulva prolifera O. F. Müller [=Enteromorpha prolifera (O. F. Müller) J. Agardh, Enteromorpha salina Kützing] is a marine macroalga which appears in waters of inshore seas and oceans. Centre of the Ulva prolifera development in Poland is located in the Gdańsk Bay and the Pucka Bay. This species is one of 5 species from the genus Ulva noted both in marine as well as freshwater ecosystems. The aim of this study was explaining causes of the mass development of this marine macrogreen alga in the freshwater ecosystem. A pace of the U. prolifera development was determined and a changeability of the structure of thalli was described with reference to physical-chemical conditions found in the habitat of this examined species. Development of the U. prolifera population was studied on permanent research station located on the small flow pond in the Tulce village near Poznań (52º 20’ 35’’N; 17° 04’ 40’’E - Wielkopolska). Diversification the structure of thalli and the size of the macroalga population as well as characteristics of mats built by this species (number of thalli in the mat, the participation of mature and young individuals, the number of branched and smooth thalli and others) for two vegetative seasons in the period since May by September 2008 and 2009 years were analysed. Every week samples of water for physical-chemical examinations was taken. Chemical analyses of water were carried out with the DR – HACH 2010 spectrophotometer (P-PO4, N-NO3, NNH3, Cl-, NaCl), measurements in situ in the pond were made with the multifunctional ELMETRON CX – 401 sondes (conductivity, pH, O2). Moreower, photographs of cells of thalli was taken with the confocal 140 microscope in the purpose of the macroalga species identification. Pictures from the scanning microscope (SEM) were helped in the assessment to distortions of thalli surface. The freshwater form of U. prolifera clearly was different in terms of the morphological structure from the known marine form. The source of such a considerable changeability of young thalli within the species changes were the concentration of N-NH4, O2 and the depth of waters observed in its habitat. These water parameters stimulated increasing the participation of young thalli in the macroalgae mats and growth of thalli to the length. The increasing pH and P-PO4 concentrations were factors limiting the development of thalli what was manifested with reducing the surface of the macroalga mat. The increasing alkalinity of waters also adversely affected in the participation of not-splited specimens in the mat. Diversifying the structure of the thalli surface were resulted also from external biotic factors as the mass periphytic diatoms development and abiotic - precipitating carbonate - calcium crystals. Algal mats built by this species of Ulva were reached the biggest surface during May and June. The longest thalli of U. prolifera were observed in May. However, the widest thalli were appeared in June and at the beginning of the July. By June submerged thalli of Ulva dominated in the pond but at the end of the thalli development (August) present were only free floating thalli on the surface of water. MACROALGAE FROM ULVA GENUS (ULVACEAE, CHLOROPHYTA) AS THE POTENTIAL NUTRITIONAL BASE FOR PLANORABIRUS CORNEUS AND LYMNAEA STAGNALIS (MOLLUSCA: ORTHOGASTROPODA) ANDRZEJ RYBAK AND BEATA MESSYASZ Department of Hydrobiology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Institute of Environmental Biology, Umultowska 89, 61 – 614 Poznań, Poland, e-mail: [email protected] and [email protected] Cosmopolitan species of marine macroalgae from the genus Ulva (Enteromorpha; Chlorophyta) settling zones of the seas and oceans littoral constitute the important nutritional base for the number of marine organisms, mainly: of snails, crustaceans, polychaetes and of birds. In the last centuries marine macroalgae species appearing from the Ulva genus were encroached in freshwater ecosystems localised farther inside continents. The scope of macroalgae mats formed by the Ulva sp. influence organisms communities in freshwater ecosystems was not examined so far. In the littoral zone of the seas and oceans it was observed that some species of marine invertebrates were avoiding places dominated by macraoalgae monocultures built by species from the genus Ulva. The above situation was monitored in the 141 case of polychaetes, crustaceans and snails. Decrease in the zoobentos condensation under mats built by species from the genus Ulva results finally in reducing numbers of its predators; mainly of fish and birds. Also a number of organisms permanently connected with Ulva species were found like e.g. the kind of monophagous animal, the snail Hydrobia ulva which use thalli as its refuge and the source of food. In order to introduce closer the problem of ecological influences among the invading marine species of alga and freshwater organisms trophic relations were examined between macrogreen algae from the genus Ulva and two species of freshwater snails (Planerabius corneus and Lymnaea stagnalis). The field research was conducted since May till July 2008 and in the 2009 year on three rivers (Michałówka, Świątnica and Dworski Rów) located in Poznań where Ulva sp. thalli appearing were noted. Research work also relied in carry out the number of laboratory experience in which the pace of grazing Ulva thalli by snails was checked. It was observed that marine species of Ulva sp. appearing up at inland waters of Poland are exploited by freshwater snails. Thalli of macroalgae constitute substrate for Planerabius corneus and Lymnaea stagnalis which in large numbers were met on them. In the in situ examinations other species of freshwater snails permanently staying on Ulva thalli were not observed. Results from laboratory tests showed that thalli of Ulva sp. can be an alternative food source for Lymnaea stagnalis in the situation of the lack of different food or in the dominance of these macroalgae in the water environment. Planerabius corneus unwillingly was consumed Ulva thalli. It was observed that this species is able for scraping sparsenesses of periphytic diatoms off attached to the surface of thalli this examined macrogreen alga. INTERACTION OF ALGAL (CHLORELLA VULGARIS) DENSITY AND HEAVY METAL (LEAD OR CADMIUM) CONCENTRATION ON THE POPULATION GROWTH OF ANURAEOPSIS FISSA (GOSSE, 1851) (ROTIFERA: BRACHIONIDAE) S.S.S. SARMA, GERARDO CERÓN MARTÍNEZ, S. NANDINI Laboratory of Aquatic Zoology, Building UMF, Division of Research and Postgraduate Studies, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Campus Iztacala Av. de los Barrios, No. 1, Los Reyes, Iztacala, Postal Code 54090, Tlalnepantla State of Mexico, Mexico. E-mail: [email protected] Contamination of freshwater bodies by heavy metals is global problem and is also the case in Mexico. Rotifers are often used as bioassay organisms to quantify the effect of stressors in aquatic systems. Among the many species of Brachionidae, Anuraeopsis fissa is the smallest rotifer, often found in ponds lakes 142 and reservoirs. In this work, we evaluated the combined effects of green algal density and heavy metal concentrations (Pb or Cd, separately) on the population dynamics of A. fissa. Our data on the median lethal concentration (LC50, 24 h) were 0.73 mg/L for Pb and 0.45 mg/L for Cd (both metals as chlorides), respectively. The results of chronic toxicity evaluation indicated that very low concentrations of the heavy metals (0.0008 mg/L for Cd and 0.0064 mg/L of Pb) allowed a positive population growth of the tested rotifer species. Alga in high densities, in general, reduced the toxicity of Cd or Pb to A. fissa. However, at high concentrations of the heavy metals (0.1024 mg/L of Pb and 0.0128 mg/L of Cd), the algal density did not have any impact and the rotifers showed negative population growth rates. MIGRATION OF ALUMINIUM FROM BOTTOM SEDIMENTS INTO WATER IN LABORATORY CONDITIONS MAGDALENA SENZE, MONIKA KOWALSKA-GÓRALSKA, WOJCIECH DOBICKI, RYSZARD POLECHOŃSKI, PRZEMYSŁAW POKORNY Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wrocławiu Zakład Limnologii i Rybactwa ul. Chełmońskiego 38C, 51-630 Wrocław [email protected] A laboratory experiment regarding the release of aluminium from bottom sediments in the dam reservoirs Słup and Lubachów in Lower Silesia. Apart from their flood-control function, the two reservoirs are also used to retain water. The water collected in them is – following treatment – used as potable water. Two sediment samples, differing in organic matter content, were taken from each reservoir. The sediments from the Lubachów reservoir were found to contain more aluminium and organic matter than those from the Słup reservoir. The Lubachów reservoir sediments were noticeably more acidic. The aluminium content in the Lubachów reservoir sediments oscillated between 3914 mgAl·kg-1 and 4969 mgAl·kg-1 and in the case of the Słup reservoir – between 3695 mgAl·kg-1 and 3752 mgAl·kg-1. The experiment was conducted in a laboratory, with the sediment (8 g) samples placed in glass beakers and the solution stabilized with HCl and NaOH. Aluminium was released from the sediments in environments with differing water reaction (acidic 3,27 pH, neutral 7,40 pH, alkaline 11,81 pH) after 15, 30 and 45 minutes and 1, 6, 12, 48, 72 and 96 hours. The concentration of the aluminium released from the sediments in the case of acidic reaction amounted (1006,86-2462,47 mgAl·dm-3), neutral (3,28-79,63 mgAl·dm-3) and alkaline (6,18- 477,97 mgAl·dm-3). 143 In the acidified and alkalified water the released amounts of aluminium were markedly bigger for the Lubachów reservoir sediments. In the case of neutral reaction more aluminium was released from the Słup reservoir sediments. The aluminium release rate, irrespective of the reaction of the environment, increased until the 6th hour into the experiment. Also the release of aluminium from the Lubachów reservoir sediments was intensive and fast, especially in an acidic environment. Large amounts of aluminium were released from the very beginning of the experiment. For the Słup reservoir sediments the process was slower, not so changeable and the released amounts of the metal were smaller. The risk of large amounts of the aluminium from the Słup reservoir sediments finding their way into the water is regarded to be small. In the case of the Lubachów reservoir (an acidic reaction of the sediments) an external factor that would boost water acidity might cause a release of large amounts of aluminium. This might pose a danger to potential water consumers, as the water is used as tap water. INFLUENCE OF THE TRANSITIONAL PEAT-BOG CONDITION ON PHYTOPLANKTON PRODUCTIVITY IN LITTORAL ZONES OF LAKES PIASECZNO AND BIKCZE IN SUMMER 2006-2007 ARTUR SERAFIN Katedra Ekologii Ogólnej, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie, ul. Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, e-mail: [email protected] An active transitional peat-bog introduces its active humic acids into the lake’s waters, which balances the biogens inflow and making them inaccessible for plants. Mineralization of peat organic matter occurs under conditions of peatbog mucking and oxygen access, which may result in introducing the eutrophic biogenic substances into a lake, e.g. ammonia, organic phosphorus, and humus substances. Based on the above assumptions, phytoplankton productivity was determined in littoral zone waters of: mesotrophic lake Piaseczno adjacent to mucked transitional peat-bog and de-eutrophicating lake Bikcze adjacent to an active peat-bog. The study was performed in summer 2006-2007 by measuring the biological trophy indicators in littoral zone water: phytoplankton gross primary production and chlorophyll a concentration. The rate of phytoplankton gross primary production was measured by means of oxygen method by VOLLENWEIDER (1969) by recalculating the amount of released oxygen onto the quantity of carbon assimilated under 1 m2 within an hour (mgCass*m-2*h-1). Chlorophyll a concentration was determined applying spectrophotometry (NUSCH, 1980) in mg*m-2. The study did not reveal an apparent difference of trophy biological indicators values for peat-bog littoral zone waters at both lakes. The phytoplankton gross primary production for lake Piaseczno littoral 144 zone ranged 17.55-88.9 mgCass*m-2*h-1, at seasonal mean value of 34.71 mgCass*m-2*h-1, while chlorophyll a concentration: 1.65-3.57 mg*m-2, with seasonal mean 2.305 mg*m-2. In the case of lake Bikcze, the phytoplankton gross primary production was similar: 20.47-93.6 mgCass*m-2*h-1, with slightly higher seasonal mean 60.74 mgCass*m-2*h-1. Chlorophyll a concentration level ranged between 2.2 and 6.73 mg*m-2, at seasonal mean value of 3.53 mg*m-2. Achieved results for both studied lakes did not confirm the differentiating influences of the transitional peat-bog development stages on the phytoplankton productivity rate. PRODUCTIVITY OF PHYTOPLANKTON IN PELAGIC ZONE OF LAKE PIASECZNO DURING ITS TROPHY ASSESSMENT IN SUMMER 2005-2007 ARTUR SERAFIN Katedra Ekologii Ogólnej, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie, ul. Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, e-mail: [email protected] Lake Piaseczno – a deepest and one of the most naturally valuable lakes within Pojezierze Łęczyńsko-Włodawskie – is considerably affected by biogens intensifying its eutrophication due to varied anthropopression (agriculture, intensive tourism, coal mine). It results in changes in species composition and phytoplankton productivity, which determines the metabolism specificity and lake’s trophy status. The study was carried out in summers of 2005-2007 within trophogenic pelagic zone at depths: 0.75m, 2.5m, 5m, and 10m. Values of the following competent biological trophy indicators were measured: gross phytoplankton primary production, and chlorophyll a concentration. The oxygen method proposed by VOLLENWEIDER (1969) was applied for measuring the gross phytoplankton primary production, by recalculating the amount of released oxygen onto the quantity of carbon assimilated under 1 m2 during an hour (mgCass*m-2*h-1). The chlorophyll a concentration was measured by means of spectrophotometry (NUSCH, 1980) in mg*m-2. Gross phytoplankton primary production for trophogenic zone of lake Piaseczno pelagic zone during the study achieved values: 103.35-372.93 mgCass*m-2*h-1, at mean seasonal value of 238.71 mgCass*m-2*h-1, while data for chlorophyll a were following: 16.87-23.27 mg*m-2, and seasonal mean 19.84 mg*m-2. The lowest values of determined parameters were recorded in 2005 with mean value for the summer was about 139.57 mgCass*m-2*h-1 for primary phytoplankton production and 17.07 mg*m-2 for chlorophyll a concentration, whereas the highest in 2007 – 292.34 mgCass*m2*h-1 and 21.75 mg*m-2, respectively. Elevated values of assessed biological trophy indices during the study in 2005-2007 univocally indicated the intensification of eutrophication process, which determined (in opinion of KAJAK, 1998) the over-mesotrophic character of the reservoir. 145 STUDIES UPON THE BENTHOS OF ADMIRALTY BAY AN IMPORTANT ARGUMENT FOR ESTABLISHING THIS BASIN AS AN ANTARCTIC LEGACY SITE JACEK SICIŃSKI1, KRZYSZTOF JAśDśEWSKI1, CLAUDE DE BROYER2, RYSZARD LIGOWSKI1, MAGDALENA BŁAśEWICZ-PASZKOWYCZ1, PIOTR PRESLER1, KRZYSZTOF PABIS1, ANNA JAśDśEWSKA1 1Laboratory of Polar Biology and Oceanobiology, University of Lodz, ul. Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, e-mail: [email protected] 2Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences Rue Vautier 29, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium Admiralty Bay is one of the best studied areas in the Southern Ocean. Its exploration, lasting over 30 years, was associated with the facilities excellently provided by Polish Henryk Arctowski (erected in 1977) and Brazilian Commandante Ferraz (erected in 1984) polar stations. During the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Utrecht in 1996 Admiralty Bay has been established as an Antarctic Specially Managed Area No. 1. Studies on the biodiversity of Admiralty Bay benthic communities are conducted mostly in the Department of Polar Biology and Oceanobiology University of Lodz. Almost 1000 species of benthic organisms have been hitherto recorded from the area of Admiralty Bay. An extensive projects: Structure, evolution and dynamic of lithosphere, kriosphere and biosphere in European sector of Arctic and in the Antarctic and Structural and ecofunctional aspects of the bottom communities diversity in the Maritime Antarctic, with special reference to Admiralty Bay (South Shetland Islands), related to the leading International Polar Year biological projects: Census of Antarctic Marine Life (CAML) and Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research Marine Biodiversity Information Network (SCARMarBIN) has been developed in last few years. Different aspects of the diversity of some better studied, species rich invertebrate groups, as well as an attempt of community classification on the background of bottom habitats diversity have been discussed. The structure of macrobenthic communities depends mostly on the sediment quality, depth, the distance from glaciers, and suspended matter inflow. Very specific, structurally complex habitats are the biogenic structures, e.g. bryozoan and ascidian colonies which provide a shelter for rich and diverse invertebrate communities. The most peculiar community appeared to be the brown algae holdfasts invertebrate assemblage in the shallow phytal zone and the deepest sublittoral assemblage occurring at the depth of 400-500m. The present summary of all hitherto obtained data can be the scientific background for establishing the Admiralty Bay as an Antarctic Legacy Site. 146 THE EVALUATION OF WATER QUALITY IN RESERVOIRS CREATED BY PEAT EXTRACTION „NARTY” IN KAMPINOS NATIONAL PARK WITH THE USE OF MACROZOOBENTOS EWA PEŁNIA – IWANICKA1, ANNA SIKORA1, DAWID MARCZAK2 Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego, ul. Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warszawa, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] 2 Kampinoski Park Narodowy, ul. Tetmajera 38, 05 – 080 Izabelin, e-mail: [email protected] 1Szkoła The aim of the research was the evaluation of water quality, on the basis of macrozoobentos, in reservoirs created by peat extraction. The research was conducted in 5 reservoirs in the village of Narty in Kampinos National Park. The field studies took place since the 29th of July till the 7th of August 2008, laboratory analyses was conducted in September 2008. In each reservoir 4 double samples were taken. As a method of gathering the samples the bottom of each reservoir was swept with a hydrobiological sweep net. The gathered material was segregated and identified to the family. In order to determine the diversity in each reservoir Shannon's diversity index and Pielou's species evenness index were used. While analyzing the results it was attempted to determine domination and similarity. The study proved the presence of 2242 individuals of aquatic invertebrates classified into 29 families. The most numerous sample was taken in reservoir V (786 individuals belonging to 19 families) and the least numerous in reservoir III (136 individuals belonging to 20 families). Most numerous in all gathered samples were Baetidae and Corixidae 26% and 25% of all captured invertebrates. Individual specimens belonged to such families as: Glossiphonidae, Gyrinidae, Ceratopogonidae and Pyralidae. According to the indexes reservoir II (Shannon's diversity index) and III (Pielou's species evenness index) were most diverse, while reservoir V showed the lowest diversity. Analyses of the quality composition of families showed groups characteristic both for clean and polluted waters. Clean waters are preferred by mayfly larvae, to which the Baetidae family belongs. Characteristic for polluted waters are Diptera larvae from the Chironomidae and the Asellidae which consisted 2% to 11% of the material gathered in the researched reservoirs. 147 CHANGES IN OLSZYNA PARK AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON VEGETATION DARIA SIKORSKA Katedra Kształtowania Środowiska, Wydział InŜynierii i Kształtowania Środowiska Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego ul. Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warszawa e-mail: [email protected] Areas that resemble natural ecosystems, occurring in urban areas, have a unique character. They create refuges for vegetation, often for rare plant species. For this reason protection of the remaining parts of natural vegetation, the same way as preservation of historical buildings, is essential for sustainable functioning of urban landscape. Landscape-Nature Protected Complex “Olszyna” consists of hydrogenic sites of unique ecological value. The aim of this work was the assessment of changes in habitat and vegetation of riparian alder-carr forest covering the research area of Landscape-Nature Protected Complex “Olszyna” in Warsaw, where during engineering investments drainage system was introduced. Changes of vegetation was studied here in years 2006-2008. Results were compared with previous researches, that were held in the 70’s and 90’s. Hygrophilous vegetation of riparian woodlands, after lowering of the groundwater table due to investments (neighborhood of Toruńska Artery) is slowly transforming into more mesophilic one. Despite the system of ditches whose purpose is to keep water level elevated, maintaining proper functioning of the alder-carr forest ecosystem seems to be impossible. Lack of spring floodings for about 20 years causes adverse vegetation changes. Increase of total number of plant species, mostly synantrophical, was recorded. Changes showed in DCA graph reveal linear tendency. FILIBRANCH MINERALIZED GILLS IN A LATE TRIASSIC FRESHWATER UNIONOID BIVALVE? ALEKSANDRA SKAWINA Zakład Paleobiologii i Ewolucji, Instytut Zoologii Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, Banacha 2, 02-079 Warszawa, [email protected] All Recent members of the bivalve order Unionoida is described often by the occurrence of parasitic larva (usually a glochidium) stage and also by eulamellibranch organization of gills (that form the brood pouches). In the Late Triassic (Carnian) of the Krasiejów claypit in southern Poland freshwater 148 bivalves with exceptionally preserved chitinous gill supports occur. X-ray EDS spectrometer analysis revealed their calcium phosphate mineralization. Experiments on the Recent Unio tumidus allowed recognition of decay stages of the gills. Results of the experiments disclosed differences between morphology of the Recent and fossil gills. In fossils gill supports of outer demibranch are sometimes displaced in respect to inner demibranch which dos not occur in decaying gills of Recent unionids, and occurence of gill supports separatation into a fan-like structures suggests lack of the intralamellar junctions in fossil bivalve which may support the idea of filibranch organization of the Triassic gills. This finding presumably may be a basal form in freshwater bivalves evolution. FRESHWATER BIVALVE ASSEMBLAGE IN THE EARLIEST HETTANGIAN (EARLY JURASSIC) OF SOŁTYKÓW, POLAND, AND ITS PALEOENVIRONMENTAL BACKGROUND ALEKSANDRA SKAWINA AND GRZEGORZ NIEDŹWIEDZKI Zakład Paleobiologii i Ewolucji, Instytut Zoologii Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, Banacha 2, 02-079 Warszawa, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] The Sołtyków (also known as OdrowąŜ) is a well known the Early Jurassic paleontological site with numerous fossils, mainly dinosaur track and traces. This locality is an old, long abandoned clay pit and has yielded twenty three bivalve specimens preserved as imprints of the shell (external and composite moulds) or as internal moulds. Other fossils that occur in Sołtyków are represented by plant remains, insects, isolated scales of palaeoniscid fish and fragmentary preserved dinosaur bones. Ostracodes (Darwinula sp.), and conchostraca (cf. Bulbilimnadia sp.) are also reported from this site. Discovered bivalve material is housed as three collections by the Geological Museum of the Polish Geological Institute in Warsaw, the Holy Cross Mts. Branch of the Polish Geological Institute in Kielce, Museum of Nature and Technology in Starachowice. Classifications of extinct freshwater bivalves have been based largely on morphological characteristics of their shell. Bivalves from Sołtyków are small to medium-sized (about 30-60 mm length), general ovoid in shape (but some specimens are near circular in shape), with the length two or three times longer than the height. In several specimens well preserved growing lines and surface with sculpture are well visible. After our preliminary anatomical study we suggest that they represent of two morphotypes, which are clearly connected with two type of sediments. In the Sołtyków exposure, channelised bodies of poorly-sorted sandstone lithofacies (channel-fills) are encased in the floodplain muddy subsystem. Circular in shape and smaller forms were found in 149 sandstone deposits. Much bigger forms ovoid in shape come from mudstone and claystone strata. Interesting, after our carefull study the taxonomical position of all analyzed specimens is still unknown. Probably, they represent the new species or genus of the Early Jurassic Unionoida bivalves. Finds of freswhater bivalves are really rare in Early Jurassic strata. Concerning the age of deposits exposed in Sołtyków, floral remains point to the earliest Jurassic age. Sequence stratigraphy correlation allows to narrow its age range to the early Hettangian (Planorbis biochronozone). The new biostratigraphic data (finds of conchostraca) suggests also earliest Hettangian age of this site. HYDROMORPHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF POLISH LAKES WITH USE OF BRITISH LAKE HABITAT SURVEY (LHS) METHOD SKOCKI KRZYSZTOF, SOSZKA HANNA, GOŁUB MAŁGORZATA, KOLADA AGNIESZKA Institute of Environmental Protection, Department of Freshwater Assessment Methods and Monitoring, Kolektorska 4, 01-692 Warsaw, Poland, [email protected] Assessment of ecological status of water bodies according to Water Framework Directive requires characterization of physical habitat of lakes and rivers. So called “hydromorphological” quality elements, supporting the assessment, include morphological conditions and hydrological regime. Lake Habitat Survey (LHS) elaborated in UK (John Rowan), and still being refined, seems to be accepted for testing in some European countries. The method involves field survey of the lake at 10 evenly spaced habitat observation plots (Hab-Plots, HPs), and the observation of lake perimeter as well as whole lake features. The plot includes littoral, shore and riparian zones. LHS technique has been tested in Poland since 2006 within the project financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. In LHS technique the following features are recorded at each HP in distinguished zones: Littoral zone, Shore zone and Riparian zone (15 m and 50 m zones landward from the bank top). Human pressure is recorded over the entire HP (e.g. residential development, roads and railway, campsites, docks, tilled land). For the whole lake characterization of the Water Body Perimeter is also analyzed. Additionally, “in-lake” pressures affecting whole lake, e.g. navigation, dredging, motorboat sporting activities, swimming, are also recorded. 150 To fulfill the aim of the study we chose more than 20 Polish lakes. This lakes seems to be suitable for LHS testing because of different land use in its surrounding (tilled land, meadows, different types of forests) and anthropogenic impact types present (recreation, campsites, residential development). We found general possibility and need to use LHS or LHS-based hydromorphological assessment method for Polish lakes. Our experience with use LHS field form for assessment of two Polish lakes (Górskie and Ciechomickie, Gostynińskie Lakeland, Central Poland) show, the results of such assessment can well describe modifications of lakes’ shoreline and near neighborhood. Some better explanation of terms used in original form is needed. Additionally we found there is a possibility and need to use high resolution Remote Sensing RS data to improve LHS analysis for Polish lakes. Field analyses, both from boat and shore (based on standard LHS methodology), generated many errors in zones delineation and in land cover assessment, especially in 15-50m zone, due to its low visibility and typical problems with ranging of observed features. In some cases use of RS data can directly fill the gap in observation possibilities. Nowadays, new field form for hydromorphological assessment for Polish lakes, based on LHS form and other concepts of hydromorphological assessment across Europe was prepared. It is much more simplified and specially designed for use on Polish lakes. Some changes in HP location are proposed, but design of form will save a possibility to count LHMS and LHQA on the same rules as in original LHS. PHYTOPLANKTON INDUCED TRANSPORT OF SELECTED POLLUTANTS IN URBAN RESERVOIRS CASCADE. ALEKSANDRA SKOWRON1,2, AGATA DROBNIEWSKA 2, WOJCIECH FRĄTCZAK 2, ALICJA ZAWADZKA3 1 University of Lodz, Department of Applied Ecology, 12/16 Banacha Str., 90237 Lodz, Poland, 2 International Institute of Polish Academy of Sciences European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology under the auspices of UNESCO, 3 Tylna Str., 90-364 Lodz, Poland; 3 Technical University of Lodz, 213 Wolczańska Str., 90 – 924 Lodz, Poland e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] [email protected] Phytoplankton has been shown to play a key role in metals transport in lakes but was not that important in rivers (Admiraal et al., 1995). In this research the impact of the phytoplanktonic bloom on fate of anions (Cl-, NO2-, NO3-, PO42-, SO42-), cations (Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) and metals (Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cu) 151 content in water of three urban interlinked ponds located on the Sokolowka River (typical storm water receiver), was investigated. The biological, chemical and physical parameters were measured in April (before bloom) and in July (during bloom) 2008. Observed increase in concentrations of metals in raw water and stabilization of ratio between concentration of dissolved metals and total metals during algal bloom might prove phytoplankton role in metals fate. According to this ratio the following pattern Pb>Zn>Cu>Cd>Ni of phytoplankton “uptake” of metals could be seen. However Persons coefficient showed interaction only between phytoplankton and total Pb (0.88) and dissolved Ni (0.81) content. Similar correlations between phytoplankton (-0.93, 0.86, 0,99) and ions (Cl-, Na+, Ca2+ respectively) and ions and metals (total Pb 0.83; total Zn – 0.87; dissolved Ni 0.81) suggest indirect impact through phytoplankton induced changes of water chemistry. No significant correlation was found with metals and phytoplankton dependant pH, which influence the adsorption of metals on particulate phase. Insignificant or very small chlorophyll a – metals interaction in a cascade showed that such biotic interactions are of low importance in metals cycle in this lotic - lentic system. Admiraal W., G.M.J. Tubbing, L. Breebaart, 1995. Effects of phytoplankton on metal partitioning in the lower river Rhine. Water Research 29: 941 – 946. The research was financed by SWITCH 018530-2 – „Sustainable Water management Improves Tomorrow’s Cities’ Health” (2005 – 2011). ECOLOGICAL STATUS ACCORDING TO WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE NEW HORIZONS, DOUBTS, PROBLEMS, TRAPS HANNA SOSZKA Institute of Environmental Protection, Kolektorska 4, 01-692 Warsaw, e-mail: [email protected] All EU countries are facing numerous problems and doubts related to WFD implementation. They are broadly discussed on European platform and in particular Member States. The most difficult and most frequently broached issues are: establishing reference conditions, interpretation of Directive regulations (mainly normative definitions of ecological status classes), rules of integrated assessment of ecological status (one-out-all-out principle), estimation of the risk of misclassification. Polish Hydrobiological Society Congress creates a unique opportunity to exchange views on at least some of the issues among Polish specialists dealing with functioning of aquatic eco-systems on daily basis. 152 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE STRUCTURE OF ZOOPLANKTON IN THE LAKE ŚWIDWIE IN 2005 ELśBIETA SROKA West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin Department of Marine Ecology and Environmental Protection 71-550 Szczecin, ul. K. Królewicza 4D e-mail: [email protected] Świdwie Lake is an ornithological nature reserve located on the southern edge of the Wkrzańska Forest within the area of Police and Dobra communes. It has been known for many years as a waterfowl and marshland bird sanctuary, as well as the place where great bird migratory routes cross. It was legally established in 1963 on the area of 382 ha and then enlarged up to 891.28 ha in 1988. It comprises Świdwie Lake together with the surrounding belt of rushes, meadows, peat bogs and forests. Świdwie Lake is a shallow reservoir, largely overgrown with bulrush and reed, which causes a division of the lake surface into two separate reservoirs with the area of approx. 50 ha and 26 ha. Currently maximum depth of the larger reservoir amounts to 2.4 m, average depth is 0.7 m, and its maximum length amounts to 157 m. Świdwie Lake research was conducted in 2005 at 5 sites located at the following latitudes and longitudes: 1 – N53º33.490’; EO14º22.665’, 2 – N53º33.573’; EO14º22.411’, 3 – N53º33.659’; EO14º22.279’, 4 – N53º33.592’; EO14º21.891’, 5 – N53º33.330’, N53º33.330; EO14º22.544’. From the selected sites water samples were collected on days allowing to observe changes that are characteristic for particular climatic seasons (06.04.2005r., 03.06.2005r., 13.07.2005r., 13.09.2005r., 14.11.2005r.). In biological samples the qualitative and quantitative structure of zooplankton was described in accordance with the current methodology. In the research material of zooplankton sampled 60 taxa were determined, which belonged to: rotifers Rotatoria, water fleas Cladocera, copepods Copepoda. There was among rotifers in biggest amount: Keratella quadrata, Keratella kochlearis i Polyarthra sp. They took a stand from water fleas most often: Bosmina longirostris i Ceriodaphnia sp.The zooplankton data showed quantitative and qualitative differences between both the sampling sites and the seasons. Throughout the period of study, the highest taxon richness of the zooplankton was typical of site 3. 153 INFLUENCE OF EŁCKIE LAKE RESTORATIN ON SEASONAL SUCCESION OF NEAR SURFACE ROTIFERA COMMUNITIES URSZULA STAJNIAK Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Wydział Biologiczno – Chemiczny,Instytut Biologii, ul. Świerkowa 20B, 15-950 Białystok e-mail: [email protected] Ełckie Lake for the most part, lies in the City of Elk. For a long time the lake was the receiver of municipal and industrial effluents. This has led to severe eutrophisation in the reservoir, therefore, in 1999 began its restoration by hypolimnetic aeration. To reach this goal in the north part of the lake two 20 m long STRATIFLOX – type hypolimnetic aerators has been installed. Effects of restoration was examined on the basis of observation of Rotifera communities. Samples were collected from two sampling stations, once a month from April to November 2008, with a depth of about 20 cm. The sampling station No. 1 was located near the aerators, and the No. 2 fell in the sheltered bay of the southern part of the lake. Laboratory tests consisted of determination of the number of individuals of a species per 1 L of water. After the statement of the results found differences in species composition and abundance between the sampling stations. Samples collected in spring from either co - dominated the same species (Polyarthra dolichoptera, Keratella cochlearis), but achieved far greater abundance in the bay with limited aeration (sampling station No. 2). Similarly, in summer, when dominant species in both positions was Trichocerca pusilla, the greater number stated in the No 2. In the fall dominant species was Anuraeopsis fissa, reaching a similar number in both positions. The greater number of individuals of dominant species in the samples collected from the sampling station which wasn’t supplied for oxygen from external sources in comparison with the position located near the aerators should be explained by greater availability of food associated with higher trophy of the water. LONG-TERM CHANGES OF DREISSENA POLYMORPHA (PALL.) POPULATIONS IN THE GREAT MASURIAN LAKES ANNA STAŃCZYKOWSKA, KRZYSZTOF LEWANDOWSKI Institute of Biology, University of Podlasie, B. Prusa str. 12, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland e-mail: [email protected] Long-term hydrobiological studies in the Great Masurian Lakes, carried out by many research teams, showed environmental and biocoenotic changes 154 associated mainly with the advancement of eutrophication. Dreissena polymorpha noted in most of these lakes was characterised by a great variability in the occurrence, density and other population parameters. The Great Masurian Lakes are markedly differentiated in their trophic status. Northern part (Lake Mamry complex) is composed of meso-eutrophic lakes; lakes in the middle part (Lake Jagodne to Lake Tałty) are highly eutrophic while southern lakes (Śniardwy, Nidzkie) are less eutrophic. D. polymorpha is most numerous in northern and southern lakes. Lake colonization by D. polymorpha varied. This species was abundant in the beginning of the 1960’ and scarce in the 1980’and 1990’ due to the enhancement of eutrophication processes in lakes associated with intensive agriculture, population growth and development of tourism. The beginning of the 21st century brought the improvement of lake water quality (changes in agriculture – agrotourist farms with small sewage treatment plants that replaced large state farms, constructing large municipal sewage treatment facilities, environmental friendly attitude in tourists and restoration of D. polymorpha populations in some lakes. For example, changes in the population of D. polymorpha in Lake Mikołajskie during 50 years were remarkable. Despite stable environmental conditions rapid declines in its density from very high level to almost none were observed in the 1960’ and 1970’. It seems that such reduction could be associated with overpopulation of the bivalves. Very low densities of D. polymorpha that persisted in the eighties and nineties after the last density collapse in midseventies might be associated with the worsening of water quality in Lake Mikołajskie. Population started to regrow at the end of the 1990’ after installation of the sewage treatment plant. The long-term studies on the occurrence of D. polymorpha in the Great Masurian Lakes indicate first of all that the distribution and density of D. polymorpha vary largely in time and space. Density of D. polymorpha population is mainly determined by environmental factors like trophic status of lakes. Biocoenotic (predatory fishes and birds) and population (overpopulation) factors are less important for the occurrence of D. polymorpha in this area. WATER MITES (ACARI, HYDRACHNIDIA) OF THE BUG RIVER VALLEY BETWEEN WŁODAWA AND KODEŃ ROBERT STRYJECKI Department of Zoology, University of Life Sciences, ul. Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, e-mail: [email protected] The Bug River is one of the main border rivers in Central and Eastern Europe. The Bug is one of the few European rivers whose stream beds have retained their natural character along nearly their entire course. Studies have been 155 carried out only on selected groups of organisms in this area of such great natural interest. One group of animals that has not yet been studied in this region is water mites (Hydrachnidia). A study was conducted in 2006 and 2007 on the stretch of the Bug valley between Włodawa and Kodeń. Samples were collected from the Bug River, its tributaries (the rivers Kałamanka and Hanna), oxbow lakes, temporary water bodies, and meadow ditches. In these water bodies 1159 Hydrachnidia specimens (1075 adults and 84 deutonymphs) were caught. Sixty-six species belonging to 22 genera and 14 families were noted. The families represented by the highest numbers were Pionidae (29.7 % of all the material collected, 10 species), Hydrodromidae (16.6 %, 1 species), Arrenuridae (15.3 %, 16 species.), Limnesiidae (12.2 %, 3 species), Hydryphantidae (10.7 %, 11 species), and Eylaidae (7.4 %, 6 species). The dominant species were Hydrodroma despiciens (16.6 %), Tiphys ornatus (14.4 %), Arrenurus bifidicodulus (8.8 %), Limnesia fulgida (7.9 %) and Piona nodata (5.2 %). These species and other representatives the most numerous families are associated with standing waters. The percentage of rheobionts and rheophiles was very small. River species were caught mainly in the tributaries of the Bug. Two synecological groups dominated in the material collected – small water body species and species typical of temporary water bodies. The most specimens and the most species were noted in the oxbow lakes (1018 specimens, 57 species). Eighty specimens belonging to 11 species were caught in the temporary water bodies, 14 specimens from 5 species in the meadow ditches, 9 specimens from 8 species in the Bug tributaries, and 38 specimens belonging to 6 species in the Bug River itself. Based on these data it can be concluded that the key habitats shaping the biological diversity of the valley are water bodies of the floodplain, mainly oxbow lakes. The dominance of species typical of standing waters and the very small proportion of river species should be considered a characteristic feature of the water mite fauna of the Bug River. Stagnobionts comprised as much as 97.3 % of the material collected. Representatives of the genus Eylais were dominant, and the most numerous species was Eylais infundibulifera (60.5 % of all water mites collected in the river). The 66 water mite species belonging to 22 genera and 14 families should be considered high values, as the study was not intensive and a relatively short segment of the valley was investigated. The Bug valley can serve as a model of natural ecosystems no longer encountered in Western Europe, and encountered less and less often in Poland. Despite certain changes taking place due to human activity, the Bug River valley represents natural values of European significance. Further, intensive studies should be conducted on the Hydrachnidia of this area. 156 STAGES OF BIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF SŁONE LAKE (CHEŁMSKIE HILLS REGION) BASED ON SUBFOSSIL CLADOCERA REMAINS MAGDALENA SUCHORA Hydrobiolgy Department, University of Life Sciences in Lublin Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-625 Lublin e-mail: [email protected] To reconstruct stages of Lake Słone development, a detailed Cladocera analysis of 5,5 m sediment core from NE lake palaeobasin was conducted. Lake Słone is one of the southmost lacustrine water bodies among ŁęcznaWłodawa Lake group. This unique lakeland is situated out of the maximum range of Vistula Glaciation. Small size of the lake (ca 3,4 ha) with relatively large area of the catchment (over 526 ha) makes the whole geosystem outstandingly sensitive for environmental changes proceed in lake vicinity. This fact provides to the examined site a great potential as an object of palaeogeographical studies. Localization in Chełmskie Hills Region (region of chalk karst phenomena) implicates an exceptional geological position of the lake. On the base of 55 geological drillings a detailed reconstruction of paleobasin morphometry and spatial variability of biogenic sediments has been made. It was proved that the entire paleobasin is established in calcareous bedrock (chalk). This fact determines to the large extent lake water chemistry, type of lake sediments as well as lake biological life. Analysis of Cladocera subfossil remains led to determination 5 main stages of Cladocera development, corresponding to biological stages of lake evolution. Examined sediments had been deposited in Late Glacial and Holocene. It was recognized that Cladoceran fauna was predominated by littoral species (Chydoridae). Planctonic forms were represented mainly by Bosmina longirostris. Other planctonic species (as Bosmina longispina and Ceriodaphnia) were less abundant. Taxonomic composition and abundance of Cladocera remains reflect visibly morphological situation of examined site. It was proved that part of paleobasin where the core was taken, were rather shallow, with well developed littoral zone. On the basis of indicative species, changes of trophic status was reconstructed. Correlation the Cladocera analysis outcome with results of other analyses (pollen and Ostracoda) guide to conclusion that lake evolution were driven considerably by climatic changes. HEAVY METALS IN SEDIMENT OF A SUBMONTANE DAM RESERVOIR – DISTRIBUTION AND MOBILITY EWA SZAREK-GWIAZDA Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. A. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Krakow, e-mail: [email protected] 157 Toxic metals accumulated in bottom sediments of dam reservoirs represent potential hazards for biota. Therefore it is very important to recognize their spatial distribution, parameters which influenced their distribution, and potential mobility. The Dobczyce Reservoir is a typical reservoir for the submontane part of the Polish Carpathians. As a result of landscape configuration it consists of three distinct parts: the Myślenice Basin - along the Raba River valley, mean depth of 9.9 m, the Dobczyce Basin - near the dam, mean depth of 16.4 m, and having pond’s character the Wolnica Bay – mean depth of 4.9 m. Total concentrations of Cd and Pb as well as parameters influencing metal distributions in the sediments were determined in sediment samples (0-5 cm layer, fraction < 63 µm) collected from 30 stations situated in the Dobczyce Reservoir in spring 2007. In selected sediment samples partitioning of Cd and Pb, and their potential leachability under changing pH were determined. Texture of sediments in the central part of the reservoir showed clay-silty character and reflected lithology and soil types in the Raba River basin. Texture of sediments in the bank zones was more variable. The concentration of organic matter in the sediment ranged 2-8.5%, while pH 6.8-7.9. The concentrations of Cd and Pb showed considerable spatial variability. The values of index of geoaccumulation showed that the sediments were unpolluted by Cd at 1 station and Pb at 23 stations, slightly polluted by Cd at 10 stations and Pb at 7 stations, and moderately polluted by Cd at 19 stations. The lowest Cd and Pb concentrations were found in the bank zones of the Myślenice and Dobczyce basins. The highest concentrations of Cd and Pb were determined in the central part of the Dobczyce Basin, the shallow Wolnica Bay, and additionally of Pb in the central, deeper part of the Myślenice Basin. Statistical analysis confirmed lower concentrations of Cd and Pb in the bank parts compare to the central one. The pattern of metal accumulation indicated that they were delivered mostly by the Raba River. Their additional source was the catchment basin of the Wolnica Bay, which has mainly agricultural character and dense built-up area. The coefficient of correlation indicated that important role in Cd accumulation in the sediment play compounds of Al and organic matter, while in Pb accumulation compounds of Fe and Mn, organic matter, and coarse and medium silt (0.05-0.02 mm). Sediments at varied stations were characterized by different buffer capacity, Cd and Pb partitioning and leachability from the sediment under decreasing pH. Both partitioning and leaching of studied elements from the sediments under decreasing pH indicated that Cd was more mobile and dangerous for organisms than Pb. 158 RESPONSE OF A CHIRONOMIDAE COMMUNITY (DIPTERA) TO FLOW CHANGES IN A LOWLAND RIVER ELIZA SZCZERKOWSKA-MAJCHRZAK Department of Ecology & Vertebrate Zoology, University of Łódź, 12/16 Banacha Str., Łódź 90-237, Poland e-mail: [email protected] Investigations of a benthofauna (Chironomidae, Diptera) were carried out in a fourth stream order section of the lowland Drzewiczka River, downstream of a dam reservoir and a white water canoeing track constructed for canoeists. Sampling was conducted in five established habitats: pool, stagnant, macrophyte, bank and riffle ones. The objective of the project comprised an experiment consisting in purposeful manipulating of the flow level. Samples were collected on three occasions: September 2000, March 2001 and February 2002, twice each time: B - before the water drawdown (pre-disturbance samples), A - after the drawdown (disturbance samples). Five samples (100 cm2 of river bottom) were collected from each site using a tubular sampler of surface area of 10 cm2 (10 subsamples per each sample). In the habitats, water temperature, depth, velocity and oxygen content were additionally measured. The mean typical discharge of the Drzewiczka was 2.6 m3/s. During he experiment discharge was increased three times in September, five times in March and sixteen times in February as compared with the typical one. This increase in discharge caused alteration of many parameters of the river due to destabilizing the benthic community of the studied river section. The three-fold increase in discharge (September 2000) caused a destabilization of inorganic substrate, organic sediments and periphyton, and consequently, of the chironomid community in the pool and in the bank habitat. The highest decrease in abundance was noticed for Procladius sp., Microtendipes chloris i Cladotanytarsus mancaus. The five-fold increase in discharge (March 2001) caused similar changes in the pool, stagnant and riffle habitats, which reduced the abundance of Ablabesmyia monilis, Cricotopus sylvestris, Polypedilum convictum, Cryptochironomus defectus, C. manaus. The strongest, catastrophic increase in discharge (February 2002) destabilized the substrate, which was manifest in numerous individuals being washed out together with their food resources. Among chironomids the decline concerned all distinguished taxa, while the lowest destabilization occurred in the pool located just downstream of the white water canoeing track. 159 BACTERIOPLANKTON OF THE RIVER WARTA IN RELATION TO WATER QUALITY AND FLOW ELśBIETA SZELĄG-WASIELEWSKA1, MICHAŁ MICHAŁKIEWICZ2, TOMASZ DYSARZ3, TOMASZ JONIAK1, BEATA MĄDRECKA2 1Department of Water Protection, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, e-mail: [email protected] 2Institute of Environmental Engineering, Poznań University of Technology, Piotrowo 5, 60-965 Poznań 3 Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Faculty of Reclamation and Environmental Engineering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Piątkowska 94 A, 60-649 Poznań Bacteria are a group of microorganisms that affect significantly the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, their ecological stability, and the process of eutrophication. Bacterioplankton play a fundamental role in decomposition and mineralization of organic matter, and in regeneration of mineral substances that are necessary for functioning of the other groups of organisms. Particularly in polluted waters rich with nutrients, bacterial biomass and production are high, and bacterioplankton are then dominated by heterotrophic bacteria. The aim of this study was to analyse the abundance and dynamics of bacterial communities in the middle section of the river Warta (Wielkopolska Lakeland, Poznań Warta Gorge). In this section of the river, water is eutrophic and polluted, and flow rate varies greatly between seasons. Water samples for bacterioplankton analysis were collected from the river current, usually twice a month, and their abundance was measured in two ways: (1) incubation method, i.e. microbial culture on media; (2) non-incubation method, with the use of fluorochromes and fluorescence microscopy. Correlations were analysed between the abundance data and the physicochemical environmental parameters measured simultaneously (e.g. water temperature and pH, electrolytic conductivity, dissolved oxygen and its percent saturation, concentration of selected forms of nitrogen, phosphorus and organic carbon) as well as water flow, and compared to earlier results from the Warta and other lowland rivers. COLD EVENT IN EARLY HOLOCENE: RECORD FROM THE SEDIMENT OF LAKES BASED ON CLADOCERA REMAINS KRYSTYNA SZEROCZYŃSKA, EDYTA ZAWISZA Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] 160 The reasons of climate anomalies are still not known. Climate fluctuation which we now seem to be observing, happened also in the past. In the Early Holocene two cold phases, by many proxies, has been directed. The large amount of data collected and reviewed by specialists clearly shows that the cold climate event which happened 8200 years ago was the one of the most prominent climate anomaly so far. The cold event 8200 cal. yr BP was discovered in the Greenland ice cores as a negative δ18O excursion and according to this ice core the chronology of the Holocene was built. This event was recorded also in a variety of the paleoclimatic archives – including lake sediments, ocean cores, speleotherms, tree rings and glacier oscillations. We are presenting the influence of the 8200 cal. yr BP cooling event of the Northern Poland lake ecosystems (Lake Ostrowite and Lake Charzykowskie) using the subfossil Cladocera analysis. For the first time in Poland subfossil Cladocera analysis was used to examine the response of aquatic ecosystems to the 8200 cal. yr BP cold event. Lakes sediments deposited in the Early Holocene were analyzed with a 1 – 5 cm resolution. In the studied sediments (layer 1125-1120 cm -Lake Ostrowite, 1990-1985 cm Lake Charzykowskie) we observed sudden decrease of frequency of many Cladocera species, some other disappeared completely. In the same layer we noted abundance of Camptocercus fennicus and Alonopsis elongata, species typical for north Scandinavian lakes. We also observed the increase of species of Daphnia longispina group. That indicates a lake level rise, which in Central Europe is often noted as a result of the 8200 cal. BP cold event. Subfossil Cladocera analysis results from Finland (Lake Arapisto) have shown strong temperature fall during the cold event 8200 cal. BP. Our preliminary results are a little different, probably in this time the climate in Finland was much more colder. FISH-BASED RIVER ECOLOGICAL STATUS ASSESSMENT ON EXAMPLE OF THE NAREW RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES JACEK SZLAKOWSKI1, PAWEŁ BURAS1, WIESŁAW WIŚNIEWOLSKI1, PAWEŁ PRUS1, IRENA BORZĘCKA1, IWONA KOSTRZEWSKA-SZLAKOWSKA2, JANUSZ LIGIĘZA1 1The Stanisław Sakowicz Inland Fisheries Institute, River Fishery Department, śabieniec ul. Głowna 48, 05-500 Piaseczno, e-mail:[email protected] 2Centre for Ecological Research of PAN, Dziekanów Leśny, ul. M. Konopnickiej 1, 05-092 Łomianki The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) precise actions which should lead to improvement of surface waters ecological status in EU. Biological 161 components, like phytoplankton, phytobenthos, macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and fish will play an important role in assessment of this status. The Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) elaborated in the United States in 1980ties was the first method using fish to ecological status assessment in rivers. In 2004 the European Fish Index (EFI) was developed as an attempt to create a standard tool to asses the ecological status of rivers in Europe for the purposes described in WFD. Development and testing of this index were based on archival data from electro-catches done in rivers mainly of western and southern European countries. Testing of index applicability as a tool for assessment of lowland rivers, dominating in north-east EU regions proved low accordance of results obtained with EFI and another methods. This fact caused need of improvement of this tool, what was a subject of recently finished project "Improvement and spatial extension of the European Fish Index EFI+" undertaken by a consortium of 14 institutions from several EU countries. As a result of this project a new fish-based index for river ecological status assessment (EFI+) was developed. The rivers of North-east Poland are characterised by relatively low anthropogenic modifications. These rivers are in close-to-natural state especially in protected areas, like Narwiański National Park and Biebrzański National Park. Three methods of ecological status assessment: IBI, EFI and EFI+ were used to assess the ecological status of Narew River and its tributaries. The results of different assessment methods were compared and causes of incompatibilities were analysed. CLASSIFICATION OF RUNNING WATERS WITH THE MACROPHYTE METHOD FOR RIVER ASSESSMENT KRZYSZTOF SZOSZKIEWICZ, JANINA ZBIERSKA, SZYMON JUSIK, TOMASZ ZGOŁA Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznań, [email protected] Freshwater evaluation and classification by assessing their ecological status a new and approach in monitoring fulfilling requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Macrophytes belongs to the groups of organisms considered by the WFD in the ecological status assessment. The Polish macrophyte method for rivers has been developed in the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection of the Poznań University of Life Sciences in the year 2006. The method known as Macrophyte Method for River Assessment (MMOR), was introduced into the national monitoring of running waters in Poland. It is base on quantitive and qualitative evaluation of freshwater species composition. The method allows to assess river degradation, mainly caused by eutrophication. To assess ecological status of rivers, the Macrophyte Index for Rivers (MIR) is utilised method. The analyses used to 162 develop the method were conducted in years 2002-2007. They were located in more than 550 sites (river basins) placed in 208 Polish lowland rivers. MMOR method allowed to assess ecological status, which is a main requirement of Water Framework Directive. It was proved that diversity of freshwater macrophytes of Polish lowland rivers is grouped into three main macrophytebased river types: stony-gravel rivers, sandy rivers and organic rivers. MIR index values allowed to grade analysed rivers into five ecological status classes. 65 rivers represented very good status, good status was represented by 261 rivers, 167 rivers were classified as moderate, 44 as poor and 13 rivers represented bad ecological status. High level of correlation between MIR index and phosphorous in the water was detected. Currently development of the MMOR method for the highland and mountain take place and, moreover, the intercalibration with other European macrophyte methods is undertaken. IF ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF THE LAKE DETERMINES THE DIVERSITY OF THE FAUNA ASSOCIATED WITH RIGID HORNWORTH (CERATOPHYLLUM DEMERSUM L.)? MONIKA TARKOWSKA-KUKURYK Department of Hydrobiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-262 Lublin, email: [email protected] The relation of ecological status of the lake and the diversity of epiphytic fauna on rigid hornworth (Ceratophyllum demersum L.) has been investigated in two ecosystems of shallow lakes of Polesie Lubelskie, macrophyte-dominated (MD) Lake Skomielno and phytoplankton-dominated (PD) Lake Syczyńskie. Studies focused on species structure and abundance of epiphytic fauna and on evaluation of environmental factors limited the diversity of epiphytic fauna in studied ecological status of the lake. The analysis included these physical, chemical and biological parameters (Secchi disc visibility, dissolved oxygen, concentrations of chlorophyll a, total P, P-PO4, N-NO3 and N-NH4, as well biomass of epiphytic algae and macrophytes) which determine habitat conditions for epiphytic organisms. Samples of epiphytic fauna and algae were collected bimonthly form January to December 2007. Together with biological samples were taken water samples for physical and chemical analysis and was estimated macrophytes biomass. Totally in macrophyte dominated lake were noted 23 taxa of epiphytic fauna, in phytoplankton-dominated taxa number was two times lower and amounted 12. Density of epiphytic fauna, in particular months ranged from 15 ind. up to 56 ind.100 g WW in MD Lake Skomielno and from 35 to 79 ind. 100 g WW in PD Lake Syczyńskie. The community of epiphytic fauna, independently on the lake status was dominated by Chironomidae larvae. In MD lake the highest share 163 amounted larvae of Glyptotendipes sp. and Psectrocladius sp. (gr. sordidellus), in PD lake – visibly dominated larvae of Paratanytarsus austriacus. In MD Lake Skomielno the density and species structure of the fauna associated with Ceratophyllum demersum were strongly affected by dissolved oxygen content, concentration of N-NO3 and macrophyte biomass. In PD Lake Syczyńskie, Secchi disc visibility and concentrations of N-NH4 and P-PO4 limited the diversity of epiphytic fauna. CHROMIUM OCCURANCE IN BOTTOM SEDIMENT OF THE DOBCZYCE RESERVOIR IZABELA TŁOCZEK Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences al. Mickiewicza 33,, 31-120 Krakow, Poland The aim of the study was to determine chromium distribution and mobility from bottom sediment of the Dobczyce Reservoir on Raba River (southern Poland). Samples of bottom sediments (layer 0-5 cm) were collected from 27 stations situated along crosswise and lengthwise transects in the reservoir, additional 3 stations at Wolnica Bay was situated. In all samples total concentration of Cr were determined. Mobility of chromium from sediments at three stations (one from each basin) was also determined. The concentrations of chromium in the bottom sediments ranged 24.4 – 65.4 µg g-1. The amount of Cr increased from the upper to the lower part of the reservoir. The highest concentrations of Cr were found in the middle, deeper part of Myślenicki Basin (Stations 11 and 14) and in the middle part of Dobczycki Basin, along the past Raba River course (Stations 20, 21, 25). The sediments of the right-side of the reservoir were less contaminated by Cr than those of the left-side and middle part. Differences in chromium concentrations in the sediment between left-side and right-side were probably caused by different land use in the direct catchment area of the reservoir. Forestation was bigger and the area of arable land was smaller in right-side bank compare to the left-side bank of the reservoir. Chromium was an immobile element in the sediment of the Dobczyce Reservoir. At pH c. 1.5, only c. 4.5% Cr was leaching from the sediment at two stations situated at Wolnica Bay and Dobczyce Basin. At pH 2 c. 3.2% Cr was leaching from the sediment at the station located at Myślenice Basin. Cr was leaching from the sediment in portion higher than 2% at pH 5 at station situated at Myślenicki Basin, while at pH c.3 at stations situated at Dobczyce Basin and Wolnica Bay. 164 MICROCYSTINS PRODUCED BY CYNOBACTERIA AND THEIR ACUMULATION IN ICHTYOFAUNA OF A HYPERTROPHIC LAKE MAGDALENA TOPOROWSKA1*, BARBARA PAWLIK-SKOWROŃSKA1,2** 1Department of Hydrobiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland, e-mail: *[email protected] 2 Centre for Ecological Research, P.A.S, Experimental Station, Niecała 18, 20-080 Lublin, Poland, e-mail: ** [email protected] Blooms of Cyanobacteria producing cyanotoxins are a serius problem in many eutrophic water bodies in Poland. So far, there are few reports on transfer of cyanotoxins in trophic chain in natural aquatic environments. The aim of the paper was to study the development and spatial distribution of cyanobacteria producing microcystins (MC) in the hypertrophic lake, as well as the accumulation of MC in tissues of fish living in the lake. Water samples in Lake Syczyńskie (Łęczna-Włodawa Lake District) were collected in 2006 – 2007. The structure of phytoplankton community was analysed and concentrations of MC (GC-MS) were determined. In all investigated seasons, including winter, potential producers of microcystins belonging to genera Planktothrix, Planktolyngbya, Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Microcystis, Oscillatoria, Snowella were observed in the lake. Strong bloom of Planktothrix agardhii (>107 ind./l) occurred from May to November, 2006. However, the abundance of P. agardhii was high (1.2 x 105 ind./l) also in the ice-covered lake. MC concentration in the lake water was positively correlated with P. agardhii density (R2 = 0,85). The abundance of P. agardhii and concentrations of extracellular MC in water column were even but concentrations of intracellural MC were higher in surface than in bottom layer of water. In winter, extracellural fraction of MC dominated (96% of the total MC concentrations; max. 0.82 µg eq. MC-LR/l) in the lake, whereas in summer intracellular one (98%; max. 123.6 µg eq. MC-LR/l). In 2007, due to decrease in NH4-N and PO4-P concentrations, a considerable decrease in cyanobacterial abundance and MC contents were observed. Both omnivorous crucian carps and predacious perches living in the lake accumulated MC in their tissues. In crucian carps, the highest concentrations of MC were determined in liver and muscles (e.g. 420 and 20 µg eq. MC-LR/kg tissue WW, respectively), whereas in perches – in gills and muscles (e.g. 350 and 20 µg eq. MC-LR/kg tissue WW, respectively). Despite the inhibition of cyanobacterial development and strong decrease in MC concentrations in 2007, the concentrations of MC in tissues of ichtyofauna were still high. It may affect not only the heath of fishes but also their consumers. 165 UNEXPECTED TOXIC CYANOBACTERIAL BLOOMS IN SMALL DAM RESERVOIRS WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF THEIR EXISTANCE MAGDALENA TOPOROWSKA1*, BARBARA PAWLIK-SKOWROŃSKA1,2** 1Department of Hydrobiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland, e-mail: * [email protected] 2 Centre for Ecological Research, P.A.S, Experimental Station, Niecała 18, 20-080 Lublin, Poland, e-mail: ** [email protected] Blooms of Cyanobacteria producing hepato- and neurotoxins are a result of eutrophication of water bodies and are hazardous for living organisms. Cyanobacterial blooms occur e.g. in new-built, small dam reservoirs, which are used for recreational and fishing purposes. The aim of this paper was to study the dynamics of cyanobacterial development and production of cyanotoxins (microcystins and anatoxin-a) in water of two new-built reservoirs located in Lubelskie province. Surface water samples in the Reservoir Konstantynów (on CzyŜówka river) were collected from VII to XI, 2007, whereas in the Reservoir Kraśnik (on WyŜnica river) from V to IX, 2008. Physico-chemical parameters of water were estimated and the structure of phytoplankton community was analysed. Total concentrations of microcystins (GC-MS) and anatoxin-a (HPLC) were determined in cyanobacterial scum and phytoplankton biomass. Cyanobacterial blooms (abundance of cyanobacteria >107 ind./l) occurred in both studied reservoirs. During August in the Konstantynów Reservoir (TSIchl = 97), mass development of Anabaena flos-aquae and Planktolyngbya limnetica (32 and 30% of the total phytoplankton abundance) was observed. Then (in September) an increase in Planktothrix agardhii abundance occurred, whereas the dominance of this species (85%) was noted in autumn. In August, the cyanobacterial scum - consisted mainly of Anabaena flos-aquae, contained high amounts of neurotoxic anatoxin-a (1.4 mg anatoxin-a/l of cyanobacterial scum; 0.3 mg/g DW of scum) and lower amounts of hepatotoxic microcystins (0.01 mg eq. MC-LR/l of scum; 0.002 mg/g DW of scum). In July in the Kraśnik Reservoir (TSIchl = 79), the bloom of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (9.7 x 106 ind./l) occurred, whereas in August different species of Microcystis spp. developed abundantly (1.3 107 colonies/l). Simultaneously, during 19 days of August an increase in the total concentration of microcystins (from 13.6 to 788.5 µg/l) and anatoxin-a (from 0.03 to 83.6 µg/l) in water was observed. Mass development of Cyanobacteria producing very high concentrations of cyanotoxins in the studied hypertrophic reservoirs in first year of their functioning is a serious ecological and social problem. It shows that there is a strong need for preparation of an expert’s report before decision about construction of such reservoirs. 166 METHANE EMISSION FROM SEDIMENTS OF SELECTED DAM RESERVOIRS IN POLAND ADRIANA TROJANOWSKA, MARTA KURASIEWICZ. Laboratory of Isotope Geology and Geoecology, Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, 30 Cybulskiego Str. 50-205 Wroclaw, Poland e-mail: [email protected] Dam reservoirs give significant contribution to global gross methane emission, which have been estimated for 104 ± 7.2 Tg CH4 per year. However this value might be far from real numbers since only 30 dam reservoirs were covered by such research, mainly Brazilian, Indian and Canadian. This study was aimed to estimate the amount of methane emitted from selected lowland dam reservoirs in Poland in relation to formation depth, organic matter content, red-ox, pH, number of bacteria and hydrological conditions. Isotope composition of carbon from methane (δ13C(CH4) was applied to trace the pathways of methane formation. The research were conducted on 5 dam reservoirs located in a cross section from SW to NE of Poland and representing diversified hydrological and hydrochemical conditions: Turawa, Mietków, Sulejowski, Włocławski, Siemianówka. Pore gas from sediments was collected using gas traps located randomly in several points covering the whole area of each reservoir. Gas samples were analysed on GC Teleko 504 for estimation of methane concentration. Isotopic composition of carbon in methane was measured on the Finnigan Mat Delta E IRMS after manual preparation. At the same sites sediments samples were taken for estimation of physico-chemical parameters: pH, red-ox temperature, organic matter content, water content. Total number of bacteria was analyzed using fluorescence microscopy after staining with DAPI. The reservoirs showed a wide range of average amount of collected gas and CH4 contribution: negligible in Mietków, 6,6 ml CH4 m-2 d-1 in Sulejowski, with up to 18% of CH4 contribution in pore gas, 562 ml CH4 m-2d-1 in Siemianówka (CH4 up to 71 %), 58 ml CH4 m-2d-1 Turawa (CH4 up to 36 %) and 578 mlCH4 m-2d-1 in Włocławski (CH4 up to 60 %), in average. The most diversified results were reported for Turawa and the most stable for Włocławski. Only in the Włocławski reservoir CH4 emission was directly related to organic matter content in sediments (r=0,8149, p=0,026) and only there the relationship with depth was not recorded. Methane emission was negatively correlated with redox potential in sediments in all of the investigated reservoirs except of Siemianówka and with pH in two of them: Sulejowski and Siemianówka. In general the amount of ebulited gas was increasing in areas along the main stream in the reservoirs and in lower part with higher content of organic matter in sediments. 167 Carbon isotope composition in methane δ13C(CH4) was fluctuating in quite similar range in all studied reservoirs and showed similar pattern of spatial change: gradual enrichment in light carbon isotope (12C) along the reservoir. In Sulejowski dam reservoir values were changing from -65,13 ‰ in backwater part to -73,92 ‰ in lower course; in Włocławski from -60,59 ‰ to -71,17 ‰, respectively. This indicate that the main mechanism of methane formation is fermentation of methylated substrates, with possible slight contribution of CO2 reduction in lower part of the reservoirs. However it is also probable that spatial shift of isotopic carbon composition in methane may be related to isotopically light carbon in organic matter, which in lower course is of different origin than in backwater. The studies were supported by the Polish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, grant No.: R1205602. ZOOPLANKTON CHANGEABILITY CHARACTERISTIC IN FRY PONDS NEAR OLSZTYNEK TOWN WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT STEFAN TUCHOLSKI2, ANNA GOŹDZIEJEWSKA1 1Department of Applied Ecology 2Department of Land Reclamation and Environmental Management University of Warmia and Mazury ul. Oczapowskiego 5, 10-957 Olsztyn The analysis involves three fry ponds in Olsztynek town wastewater treatment plant. Zooplankton probes were taken one time monthly, between April and October 2007. In zooplankton probes of controlled ponds were counted: existence of 41 rotifers taxons, 7 cladocerans taxons, 6 copepodied species, including individuals in the juvenile stage, and 6 protozoan species. The densification of rotifers decided about zooplankton numerous all ponds, with a maximum in 2118 individuals dm-3, what was 86,8% of overall zooplankton forms. The correlation rate between the level of Clacodera biotic community, and an overall value of a whole plankton animals biocenosis, was r=0,988 and fundamental statistically in probability level of P<0,05. The highest values were counted during spring Cladocera - Daphnia longispina summit, on May and June (22114 – 36363 mg m-3), and during autumn collocation Bosmina longirostris var. cornuta in third pond, on September (34673 mg m-3). No statistical differences were observed within average numerous values of zooplankton biotic community, in all ponds (Test U, P<0,05). This link was confirmed by important and high value of correlation rate (where r = 0,977 , P< 0,05). Zooplankton biotic community was created by crustaceans in all ponds. The correlation rate was r=0,988 and fundamental statistically in 168 probability level of P<0,05, between the level of Clacodera biotic community, and an overall value of a whole plankton animals bio community. Abundances results, and numbers zooplankton biomass in fry ponds, were compared to the basic water physicochemical parameters: temperature, pH, concentration of Oxygen felt in water, BZT5. There was found a statistically important, reversed proportion correlation, between contents of Oxygen felt in water, and cyclopodids numerous in biotic community (where r = -0,51 with P<0,05). An overall cyclopodids numerous was decided generally by evolved members nauplius and kopepodit, and in the summer time, additionally by a strong evolution of Thermocyclops crassus i Cyclops strennus populations. Oxygen conditions in all ponds were very good in a whole controlled period. Content of Oxygen felt in water was in range 5,37 – 18,56 mg O2 dm-3. Depreciation of consistence and saturation of oxygen felt in water was not the limited factor, during transit periods: springer-summer, and early autumn, for older evolution parts, and mature members of Copepoda, which existed widely in biotic community, because of easy accessing to feed (rotifers), and fishes pressured directly to springer cladocerans Daphnia longispina population. After decreasing of D. longispina on July, T.crassus and C.strennus populations dominated in group of Crustacea. Content of organic mass in water abbys of ponds, represented by BZT5 rating, was generated by Cladocera numerous. It was statistically important, reversed proportion correlation for both of the above parameters (where r = -0,54, P<0,05). A very large D. longispina population has eliminated plant plankton from water abyss, on May and June, in the first pond (accordingly: 128 and 210 ind. dm-3), and in the second pond (accordingly: 140 and 175 ind. .m-3). It has depreciated BZT5 value, to the minimum for a whole research period, in the first pond to 3 mg O2 dm-3, and in the second pond to 2,9 mg O2 dm-3. ZOOPLANKTON OF THE LAKE HAŃCZA JACEK TUNOWSKI Department of Hydrobiology Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn The most characteristic feature of the zooplankton in Lake Hańcza was its considerable qualitative richness. Within the six years (1991-94 and 2007-2008) totally 53 taxons of zooplankton organisms were detected. Order Cladocera consisted of 13 species and forms, Copepoda 10 and Rotifera 30 taxons. In each zooplankton group the species typical to oligo- and mezotrophic waters were detected (the most frequent: Daphnia cristata, Eurytemora lacustris, Filinia terminalis). The first time in Poland the occurrence of Eurytemora gracilis G.O. 169 Sars, 1898), (Copepoda, Temoridae) was recorded in the deep pelagic zoon. This species of copepods was noted only at the area of Siberian Rivers before. Study of the diurnal migration was carried out in the pelagic zone in September 2008. The big crustaceans as D. cuculata and Cyclops vicinus exhibited the highest vertical mobility. Dafnia translocated within two water layers: the first one consisted of epi- and metalimnion and the second - of the middle and deep hypolimnion. C. vicinus inhabited mainly the hypolimnion zone. Rotifers diurnal mobility was restricted primarily to the epilimnion. Long-term observations of zooplankton indicate the stable domination structure of crustaceans and rotifers in the pelagic zone of Lake Hańcza, typical domination for low trophy lakes. The high percentage of Cladocera in the zooplankton biomass as well as the predominance of big filtrators species limits fitoplankton growth in spring and summer. During the study, predominance of cladocerans was noted (70 - 85% in total biomass of zooplankton) in season of intensive vegetation. Significant increase of copepods abundance (more than 90% in total biomass of zooplankton). The share of rotifers in biomass was marginal (up to 16%). It indicates the low trophy of Lake Hańcza and lack of nutrients for sedimentators (mainly Rotifera) THE PRESENT AND SUBFOSSIL PLANT COMMUNITIES OF LOW PEATLAND IN THE śÓŁKIEWKA VALLEY (THE LUBLIN UPLAND) DANUTA URBAN, JUSTYNA JENDRZEJEWSKA Institute of Soil Science and Environmental Management, University of Life Science in Lublin, Leszczyńskiego 7, 20-069 Lublin, e-mail: [email protected] The studied peat land is located in the śółkiewka valley which flowing through the Giełczew Heights (the mesoregion of the Lublin Upland). It belongs to buried peatlands. Their peat deposits are covered by mineral sediments. These mineral sediments were formed as a result of intensive water erosion and redeposition of slop soil material on the surface of peat deposits formed in the river valleys. In the place Niemienice – Białka a cross – section (transect) was made. The valley of the śółkiewka River in the studied area is asymmetric and its breadth is about 550m. The whole surface of the valley is covered by silt-loam of various thickness (50-150 cm). Under this formation occurs silted sedge peat (to a depth of 300cm). In the left part of the valley, at a larger distance from the river bed, the thin layer of peat moorsh formation on carbonate gythia occurs. Under carbonate gythia occurs silted sedge peat. Under organic layers, on the surface of the whole valley occurs the loose sand. 170 The occurrence of the rush communities of the class Phragmitetea (the communities: Phragmitetum australis, Caricetum gracilis, Caricetum acutiformis, Phalaridetum arundinacea), the meadow communities of the class MolinioArrhenatheretea (the communities: Arrhenatheretum elatioris and Poo-Festucetum rubrae) and the scrubs and forests communities of the class Alnetea glutinosae were observed. In the small pools and drainage ditches, small patches of the water plant communities representing the class Lemnetea minoris have developed. Among the subfossil plant communities, appearing during development of peatland, rush phytocoenoses of the class Phragmitetea predominated. The communities of the class Scheuchzerio-Caricetea fuscae and the scrubs and forests communities of the class Alnetea glutinosae occurred more seldom. FLORISTIC AND PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL VALUES OF WESTERN PART OF GARBATÓWKA PEAT LAND (ŁĘCZYŃSKO WŁODAWSKIE LAKELAND) DANUTA URBAN1, HANNA WÓJCIAK2 1Institute of Soil Science and Environmental Management, University of Life Science in Lublin, Leszczyńskiego 7, 20-069 Lublin, email:[email protected] 2Department of Botanist and Mikologia, Institute of Biology, Maria CurieSkłodowska University in Lublin, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, e-mail: [email protected] The studied part of peat land is located in the Łęczyńsko – Włodawskie Lakeland near Garbatówka village. It is part of Nature 2000 area “Uściwierskie Lakes”. The peat deposit was formed by weakly decomposed Magnocaricetum fen peat with layer of fibrous Bryalo-Parvocaricioni peat at 300 cm depth. Under peat deposit occurs layer of mineral, silty and clay – calcareous gyttja interstratified in 20 layer of sand. The research shows that the water, rush, meadow, peaty, scrubs and forests plant communities developed here. Large area is occupied by community of common birch Betula pubescens, a smaller area is occupied by grey willow thicket Salicetum pentandro-cinereae. The community of Betulo-Salicetum repentis occur as small patches. The peaty communities representing the class Scheuzerio-Caricetea fuscae deserve credit also (Caricetum lasiocarpae and Caricetum davallianae). The meadow communities representing the class MolinioArrhenatheretea occur near the edges of peat land (Arrhenatheretum elatioris and Holcetum lanati), also between peat pits (Molinietum caeruleae). The rush communities representing the class Phragmitetea developed in the old peat pits and flooded hollows. The water communities representing the class Charetea 171 (Charetum vulgaris) and Potametea (Potametum natantis, Stratioletum aloidis and Hottonietum palustris) occur in many small peat pits. The following rare and protected species were classified such as Betula humilis, Pedicularis sceprtum-carolinum, Epipactis palustris, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Dactylorhiza maculata, Pinguicula vulgaris ssp. bicolor, Uticularia vulgaris, Menyanthes trifoliata, Carex davalliana and Ostericum palustre (the species from Annex II of Council Directive 92/43/EWG). Four types of habitats from Annex I of Habitats Directive 92/43/EWG were observed in the studied area – hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthis vegetation of Chara sp., Molinia meadows on calcerous, peaty or clayey-siltladen soils, lowland hay meadows, alkaline fens. INTERACTION BETWEEN SELECTED POPS AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CONDITIONS IN URBAN RIVER MAGDALENA URBANIAK1,2, ALEKSANDRA SKOWRON1, WOJCIECH FRĄTCZAK 1,2, MAREK ZIELIŃSKI3, WIKTOR WESOŁOWSKI3 1 Department of Applied Ecology, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland; 2 International Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences, European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology under the auspices of UNESCO, Tylna 3, 90-364 Łódź, Poland; 3 Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Teresy 8, 91-348 Łódź, Poland. e-mail: [email protected] Intensified human impact in urban catchments is reflected through degradation of hydrological cycles and acceleration of matter, energy and pollutants flows. In this study the comparative analysis of occurrence, concentrations and transfer of seven PCDD and ten PCDF in the urban river water were determined using isotopically labelled internal standards and HRGC/HRMS. Collection sites were selected to determined possible sources of contaminants along urbanized Sokołówka River, and its five interlinked cascade reservoirs. The total concentration and toxicity of analyzed PCDD/PCDF in riverine water ranged from 0.00 (below detection limit) to 12.53 pg l-1 and 0.80 pgTEQ l-1 and the maximum concentrations was noted at the site situated near high traffic road. Concentrations in reservoirs were much more higher and ranged from 26.75 pg l-1 to 1352.50 pg l-1 with lower concentrations at the beginning of the cascade compared to reservoirs at end of system wherein maximum concentration were noted. The same situation was observed for TEQ concentrations with minimum value in the initial reservoirs: 0,65, 0.60 and 0.09 pgTEQ l-1 in the first, second and third reservoir respectively; whereas the last 172 two reservoirs possessed several times greater toxicity: 73.46 and 10.72 pgTEq l1. The obtained data showed moderate or strong correlations between PCDD/PCDF concentration and environmental conditions of the water column: pH (R=0.65, p=0.04), conductivity (R=0.70, p=0.18), total (organic and mineral) solids (R=0.82, p=0.08), phosphate (R=-0.67, p=0.03). Furthermore these parameters could have played an indirect role in PCDD/PCDF reduction through stimulation of phytoplankton production. This in consequence might have influenced the PCDD/PCDF pathways in river and reservoirs through changes in their sedimentation, transport and degradation processes as significant relation between PCDD/PCDF and chlorophyll a content was found (R=0.70, p=0.18). ICHTIOFAUNA OF THE POSTOMIA RIVER WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE „UJŚCIE WARTY” NATIONAL PARK WOJCIECH ANDRZEJEWSKI, JAN MAZURKIEWICZ, ANTONI PRZYBYŁ, JANUSZ GOLSKI Poznan University of Life Sciences, Instytut of Zoology, Division of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznań, e-mail: [email protected] Ichthiological studies were carried out in the ycars 2000-2006 in Postomia river on the area of the „Ujście Warty" National Park (Warta Mouth). On the river, four sites of fish sampling were selected characterized by different biotops. Fish were caught from a boat floating along one river bank, on a distance of 500 m. Equipment for electrofishing was used. It was an internal combustion motor aggregate with an attachment rectifying alternating current to direct pulsating current of 2.5 kW, 230 V. All caught fishes were sorted according to species, they were individually weighed and then, they were returned to the river in the same place where they had been caught. Fish species were arranged according to their affiliation to the ecological spawning groups, as proposed by Balon (1990). Furthermore, in the ichthyofauna analysis, the biocenotic domination (D) indices, fish number and their weight, as well as the constancy of fish occurrence (C) were recorded. In the ichthyofauna of Postomia river, the total occurrence of 25 fish species was found, whereby, in the particular localities, 14 to 20 species were identified. The dominants included: roach, white bream, pike and perch, while the highest participation in the biomass was shown by pike, ide, gibel carp and tench. In all studied localities, there occurred ten species: pike, perch, ruff, roach, rudd, ide, bream, white bream, tench and spined loach. River ichthyofauna was dominated by phytophils and psammophils species typical of medium size lowland rivers. Comparison of the 173 obtained results with earlier data indicated that the ichthyofauna of Postomia river is actually represented by a greater number of fish which, in some degree, is the result of the appearance of typical breeding farm species such as, e.g, gibel carp. Penczak et al. (2006), who carried out studies in Obra river system, observed that a modification of ichthyofauna composition in rivers takes place, when in the catchment area of the rivers, fish breeding ponds arc established. Another factor which contributes to the differentiation of fish fauna in Postomia river are the migrations of fish from Warta and Oder, particularly during the seasonal swelling of these rivers. CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF WIŚLISKO KOBYLE OXBOW LAKE: A HABITAT FOR Euglena pascheri Swir. 1915 1SŁAWOMIR LIGĘZA, 2ELśBIETA WILK-WOŹNIAK 1Institute of Soil Science and Environment Management, Leszczyńskiego 7, University of Life Sciences, 20-069 Lublinie 2Department of Freshwater Biology, Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. A. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Kraków; e-mail: [email protected] Samples for phytoplankton analysis were taken from the oxbow lake Wiślisko Kobyle (Niepołomice Forest) in 2004-2005. At the same time, the samples for chemical analysis were also taken. Wiślisko Kobyle is located on the old floodplain terrace of the Vistula River. However, it is separated from the main river bed by levees that stopped an inflow of flood water, which used to be a predominant component of the water intake of the oxbow lake. At present, precipitation, ground water and surface run-off from the drainage basin constitute the main sources of water for the reservoir. Water-level fluctuations in Wiślisko are high. When the water level is low, the reservoir is fragmented and it is possible to divide it into the small individual habitats, which are not connected to each other. We observed a bloom of Euglena pascheri in association with Lepocinclis ovum (Ehr.) Min. in the shallowest part of Wiślisko Kobyle during the spring of 2005. There is a lack of information about the environmental preferences of E. pascherii. The aim of this presentation is to show that the variation of habitats in which the bloom of E. pascherii was observed. We present data on the habitat from two seasons, spring (Euglena bloom) and summer (time after blooming). During the Euglena bloom the total suspended solids exceeded 400 mg dm-3 and the chlorophyll a concentration reached almost 2 mg dm-3. During the summer (after bloom), the same parameters were 21,4 mg dm-3 (suspended solids) and 0,03 mg dm-3 (chlorophyll a). The pH during the spring was lower (3,8) compare to the pH during the summer (6,5). During spring, we noted the lack of oxygen 174 (0 mg dm-3 O2), and EC was 3 times higher compared to summer (spring = 1,7 and summer = 0,6 mS cm-1). Particularly high differences in nutrient concentrations were noted among N-NH4 and Ntot. (very high during the spring but low during the summer). Opposite to nitrogen, the phosphate concentration was 3 times lower during the spring than summer. During spring it was 50 µg PO4. This P pulse might have initiated the Euglena bloom, because algal growth is stimulated by orthophosphates (dissolved P) from the water. However, there were no differences in the Ptot concentration, since the concentration was similar during the spring and summer (ca. 1600 µgPO4 dm-3). Concentrations of a majority of the nutrients analysed, with the exception of Mg, were higher in spring compared to summer. The biggest differences were Cl, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cd (toxic). Very high contents of Fe and Mn combined with low pH during the spring might have been a result of oxygen deficits measured at that time. When water is anoxic and has a low pH Fe and Mn become more mobile and easily migrate from sediments to the water column. The water chemistry during the Euglena bloom (spring) and following it (summer) differs considerable. A higher concentration of a majority of the nutrients occurs during the spring, which might be explained by the inflow into the lake from the forest catchment (melting snow) combined with their releasing from the sediments. The bloom occurrence of E. pascheri is a very interesting phenomenon. Until now only Euglena mutabilis Schmitz. was considered as an indicator of acid waters containing a high concentration of iron. Our study has demonstrated that E. pascheri can also be an indicator of acidic habitats. The research was conducted as part of project 2PO4F 045 27 funded by Ministry of Science and Higher Education in 2004-2006. We are grateful to Prof. K. Wołowski for verification of Euglena species. DOUBLE LIFE OF MIXOTROPHS – THE ROLE OF THE PLANKTONIC MIXOTROPHS IN THE ECOSYSTEMS OF THE DEEP DAM RESERVOIRS ELśBIETA WILK-WOŹNIAK, AGNIESZKA POCIECHA Instytut Ochrony Przyrody PAN, al. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Kraków, e-mail: [email protected]; pociecha @iop.krakow.pl Mixotrophy is represented by numerous motile species in a variety of algal groups that include the cryptophytes, chrysophytes, dinoflagellates, and a few chlorophytes. These taxa are capable of utilizing both autotrophic and heterotrophic means of nutrition. This ability allows mixotrophs to be more competitive with obligatory autotrophs, especially under certain adverse environmental conditions such as reduced light levels, with their motility within the water column an added advantage in capturing food. However, when present they are also an important food source for zooplankton. In this relationship they represent a dynamic and abundant link in the trophic system 175 as both a predator and as prey for other species in the ecosystem. Studies regarding the deeper waters of several reservoirs located in Southern Poland (Czorsztyński, Dobczycki, and RoŜnowski reservoirs) showed throughout the year the greater share of the total phytoplankton density consisted of mixotrophs. They dominated the riverine zone of the Dobczycki dam reservoir where there was the lowest light transparency and the most variable range of water temperatures compared to other parts of that reservoir. High concentrations of mixotrophs were also noted shortly after flood events and following blooms produced by other algae in all of the studied reservoirs. However, ordination analysis did not show any clear relationships with physical-chemical parameters (e.g. water flow, water temperature, transparency, phosphates, nitrate nitrogen, and ammonia nitrogen). Because the mixotroph species have a “double life” as both an autotroph and heterotroph, it is suggested that the phytoplankton component be divided into two distinct groups, the obligatory phytoplankton (obligate autotrophic algae) and the ‘mixoplankton’ (mixotrophs) in studying aquatic habitats. INFLUENCE OF WATER PH ON THE OCCURRENCE OF AMPHIBIANS IN WATER BODIES OF THE ŁYSOGÓRY MOUNTAINS DARIUSZ WOJDAN Jan Kochanowski University of Humanities and Sciences, Institute of Biology, Department of Nature Protection, Świętokrzyska 15, 25-406 Kielce, [email protected] The research was carried out in the years 2005-2007 in the area of the Łysogóry Mountains (Świętokrzyski National Park, Central Poland). In total, 137 water bodies were checked. Most of them were flood waters of streams (124), then springs (10) and ponds (3). All water bodies were very small. The area of the largest one was 600 sq m and its maximum depth was 1.6 m. Areas of the smallest ones varied during the year, as they dried out in summer and autumn. The investigated water bodies had different acidity, which additionally varied during the year. In April, water pH was 4.10-6.12 (depending on the water body) and in October the values changed to 4.35-7.02. The differences resulted from acidification of water from melted ice and snow which fed streams (pH of melted snow was 3.53-4.22). The occurrence of amphibians depended on water pH in spring. It was found that amphibians occurred in water bodies at pH of 5.5 (22 water bodies). Water bodies with lower value of pH, however, did not hold any batrachofauna (Chisquare test, p<0.0001). In occupied water bodies Mesotriton alpestris Laur., Lissotriton vulgaris L. (rarely) and Rana temporaria L. mated. Only in the largest one (the Bielnik pond) there were found additional three species: Triturus 176 cristatus Laur., Bufo bufo L. and Pelophylax kl. esculentus L. In other water bodies (115 in total) pH values were lower and amphibians were not found in April. In summer and autumn pH values increased. It did not, however, have any significance as amphibians mate only in spring. The occurrence of amphibians did not depend on other factors. The main reason of acidification in water bodies of the Łysogóry Mountains is the quartzite bed-rock (calcareous rock does not occur here). As a result soils of this area are also acidic (aluminum-iron or aluminum buffers). The highest acidification was found in springs, brooks and water bodies at higher altitudes. At lower ones, however, pH values increased. In addition, a pH range of surface waters was lowered by precipitations. Decreasing gas emissions in Poland has influenced the pH increase of rain falls in the Łysogóry Mountains since the 90-ties (in the 80-ties it was higher). On the other hand, higher acidification has still continued in the surface waters of this area, what directly results in the scarcity of the fauna, including amphibians. COMAPRISON OF THE ROLE OF PELAGIC (DAPHNIA SPP.) AND BENTIC (DREISSENA POLYMORPHA) FILTRATORS IN NUTRIENTS DYNAMIC ADRIANNA WOJTAL-FRANKIEWICZ & PIOTR FRANKIEWICZ Department of Applied Ecology University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16 Str., 90-237 Lodz, Poland, e-mail; [email protected] The Daphnia spp. and zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) influence on nitrogen and phosphorus allocation in water ecosystems was investigated in a field experiment. The experiment was performed in 150-L containers filed with non-filtered water from Sulejow Reservoir. There were prepared four treatments of the experiment (in three replicates): Phyto (control with nonfiltered water from reservoir), Phyto+Zoo (non-filtered water+110 ind.dm-3 of Daphnia spp.), Phyto+Zoo+Dreis (non-filtered water+110 ind.dm-3 of Daphnia spp.+175 g of zebra mussels colonies, which corresponds to biomass 500 g/m2) and Phyto+Dreis (non-filtered water+175 g of zebra mussels colonies). During 11 weeks of the experiment following physical, chemical and biological analyses were conducted: temperature (oC), oxygen concentration (mg dm-3), ph, conductivity (S cm-1), concentration of NH4-N, PO4-P (mg dm-3), TN (mg dm-3), TP (g dm-3), phytoplankton community structure and chlorophyll a concentration (g dm-3). The value of ammonia ions was the highest in Phyto+Zoo treatment (max. 69,36 mg dm-3), while phosphate ions reached the highest values in treatments with zebra mussels (max. 86,37 mg dm-3). The results confirmed the ability of Daphnia spp. to increase the N:P ratio (the range of molar ratio: 23-27) whereas excretion of zebra mussels resulted in decreasing 177 the N:P ratio in water (the range of molar ratio: 9-13). In zebra mussels treatment P-rich water enabled sudden growth of Chlorophyta, resulting in the blooms of Hydrodictyon reticulatum, Oedogonium sp. and Spirogyra sp. (total biomass: 82,26 g wet weight of green algae) after 3-4 weeks duration of the experiment. Such phenomena were not observed in control and Phyto+Zoo treatments. In the last week of the experiment concentration of chlorophyll a amounted to 151 g dm-3 in the Fito+Dreis treatment, 17,34 g dm-3 in the Fito+Zoo treatment, and only 3 g dm-3 in the control. Presented results indicate that zebra mussels, in contrast to Daphnia spp., may increase the symptoms of water eutrophication and indirectly contribute to blooms of expansive phytoplankton species. THE INFLUENCE OF WATER POWER STATION IN NIEDZICA OF MEIOBENTHIC ASSEMBLAGES INHABITING LITTORAL ZONE OF CZORSZTYŃSKI AND SROMOWIECKI DAM RESERVOIRS (SUMMER SEASONS 2007 AND 2008) BARBARA WOJTASIK Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland The construction of the water power station in Niedzica, accompanied by formation of the Czorsztyński and Sromowiecki dam reservoirs, has changed the existing ecosystem of the River Dunajec gorge. An evaluation of the impact of the water power station on the littoral zone of the newly formed dam reservoirs is complicated. Small meiobenthic invertebrates, as a functional group, are a sensitive indicator of changes occurring in the water environment. As a result of research on the diversity of meiobenthos inhabiting the littoral zones of the Czorsztyński and Sromowiecki reservoirs in summer 2007, a substantial taxonomical heterogeneity of the group and a small population density were observed. On summer 2008 in the same samples stations were observed new meiobenthic assemblages, poorer than summer 2007. It was probably an influent of low water level during autumn 2007, winter, spring and first part of summer season 2008. The meiobenthos after this long time period created new assemblages in the same places. Basic investigated physicalchemical parameters on investigated stations were very similar in 2007 and 2008, however conductivity and TDS had a lower value in 2008, pH had a higher value in 2008 than in 2007 sample series. Meiobenthic assemblages showed dynamic impact of the water power station on the littoral zone. 178 VARIETY OF MEIOBENTHIC ASSEMBLAGES AT THE BACKGROUND OF ENVIRONMENT IN SELECTED FRESHWATER RESERVOIRS OF CENTRAL ROZTOCZE REGION (SE POLAND) BARBARA WOJTASIK1), JAN RODZIK2), PRZEMYSŁAW STACHYRA3), MONIKA STOLARSKA4) 1)Laboratory of Limnozoology, Chair of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, e-mail: [email protected] 2)Roztocze Research Station, Institute of Earth Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, al. Kraśnicka 2 c,d, 20-718 Lublin, e-mail: [email protected] 3)Roztocze National Park, ul. PlaŜowa 2, 22-470 Zwierzyniec, e-mail: [email protected] 4)Student Research Association of Hydrobiology and Water Protection, University of Gdańsk al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, e-mail: [email protected] On the Roztocze region, there is a contrast between plenty of groundwaters and poverty of surface waters. Precipitation is relatively high (650-700 mm) but water is rapidly infiltrated into fissured Cretaceous rocks: gaizes, opokas and marls. The region area is dissected into deep valleys, in which plenty of springs feed sparse river network. Therefore, rivers of the Roztocze region have small hesitation of discharge. The main groundwaters layer is established by local Quaternary aquifer in sands. In places, swamps and peat-bogs on surface were made. A surface river network is supplemented by artificial retention and recreative reservoirs and fishing ponds. Poorly diversified bedrock litology makes chemical composition of Roztocze rivers and springs waters relatively monotonous. All waters are composed of two ions – hydrogen carbonate and limestone. Differences in general mineralization (150-300 mg/l) and in concentration of subservient ions are connected with diversity of deposit cover, such as: rock-mantle, loesses and sands. It is stressed especially in the central Roztocze region, in upper Wieprz river catchment with its tributaries and upper Szum river one. Those catchments are hydrologically and hydrochemically controlled by Maria CurieSkłodowska Roztocze Research Station in Guciow in collaboration with Roztocze National Park. State of colonization by meiobentos in central Roztocze region reservoirs were researched in September 2008. Twenty samples, mainly in upper Wieprz and upper Szum river catchment were collected. Researches were led in rivers, a few peat-bogs and artificial ponds in Świerszcz river catchment: Kościelny, Echo, Czarny and Florianiecki. Quantitative samples were taken from 10 square centimeters area of channels and reservoirs bottoms. The results of quantitative and qualitative analyses of meiobenthos had shown differences between studied stations. Taxonomic biodiversity was higher for ponds and peat-bogs than stations on rivers. The same situation was observed 179 for density of meiobenthos (number individuals for 10 cm2): the results had shown lower density of meiobenthos on rivers sediment then density of ponds and peat-bogs. The highest frequency and relative abundance calculated for Rotifera and Nematoda. The most interesting assemblages inhabiting peat-bogs of very low selected hydrological parameters: pH (about 5), conductivity and TDS, because of rather high taxonomic biodiversity despite specific hydrological conditions of environment. LAKE MINNOW EUPALLASELLA PERCNURUS (PALLAS) IN POLAND – OCCURRENCE AND PROTECTION JACEK WOLNICKI Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn, Pond Fishery Department, Glowna 48, Zabieniec, 05-500 Piaseczno, Poland Polish populations of tiny cyprinid fish, lake minnow, inhabit small (< 1 ha) and shallow, water bodies, usually of anthropogenic origin, most commonly former peat excavations. Lake minnow has vast range of its occurrence in the northern hemisphere, but it is not considered as threatened globally. In Poland, being among the rarest freshwater fishes, it has particularly high protective status. It is subject to strict species protection (since 1983) and appears in all editions of national red lists and red books as a species critically endangered (CR) or strongly endangered (EN) with extinction; it is a priority species in the international ecological network Natura 2000. By the end of the previous century, 98 lake minnow localities were identified and described, most of them in Lubelszczyzna. However, almost all of them became extinct by today. From the beginning of the present century, extensive survey for lake minnow unknown sites takes place in the country which resulted in many new discoveries. As a result of them, at present about 150 distinctly separated lake minnow sites, both single water bodies and their complexes can be considered as existing. Present distribution of the Polish lake minnow sites coincides with the historical range of this species covering five voivodeships: Pomorskie (85 sites), Wielkopolskie (1), Kujawsko-Pomorskie (7), Mazowieckie (15) and Lubelskie (42). Most of these sites are strongly endangered with total extinction, mainly due to drying off. In 2002, in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, the only in Poland long-term project of lake minnow conservation has been initiated. It has resulted in both discoveries of sites formerly unknown to the knowledge (9) and setting up of 6 entirely new ones. The latter are formed by means of translocations (introductions) of juvenile individuals aged one or two years, originating from the controlled conditions (5 sites) or wild adult fish from a local population that exists independently are used (one site). All freshly established populations are monitored. One of them, from Kowalicha near 180 Radzymin, reached stability after three years of fish introduction (2004-2006) with the use of 1530 individuals. In 2008, density of this population was assessed at about 600 individuals at the age of 1+ and older. HYDROBIOMANIPULATION – REGULATION OF TROPHIC CASCADE BY HYDROLOGICAL REGIME MACIEJ ZALEWSKI1,2, KATARZYNA IZYDORCZYK1, SEBASTIAN RATAJSKI2, WOJCIECH FRĄTCZAK1, ALEKSANDRA SKOWRON1, ADRIANNA WOJTAL-FRANKIEWICZ2 1 II PAS European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology under the auspices UNESCO, Tylna 3, 90-364 Łódź, Poland 2 Department of Applied Ecology, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland According to discovery by Hrbacek et al. (1961) and Carpenter et al. (1985) of the top-down effect, water quality in eutrophic lakes and reservoirs can be seriously improved by reduction of zooplankton eating fish (mainly juvenile fish). It can be done by increasing predatory fish pressure or controlling fish spawning success. Since juvenile fish recruitment depends on the shallow littoral areas in a reservoir, manipulation of water level during its spawning period seems to be a good tool for regulation its recruitment success. The concept of hydrobiomanipulation, resulted from the work by Zalewski et al. (1990) means the water level regulation on fish reproductive success and transfer of this effect down the trophic cascade. Hydrobiomanipulation was started by increasing and maintaining high water level before and during spawning time. The increase of water level caused flooding the ecotone zone along shoreline, which enabled fish to use inundated terrestrial vegetation as spawning substrates. The decease of water level was started directly after spawning, which resulted in eggs falling dry on subtracts, reduction of hatching and thus recruitment success of fish. In 2006, high efficiency of the measure was achieved. The decrease of juvenile fish density to 1.3 ind. m-2 was observed as a result of decreasing of water level of 40 cm during spawning period. Reduction of fish densities enhanced filtering zooplankton population, which reduced cyanobacterial biomass. Despite optimal physico-chemical conditions stimulated cyanobacterial growth, cyanobacterial biomass, the average measured cyanobacterial biomass reached 7.6 mg dm-3, whereas prognostic cyanobacterial biomass, which was estimated using the predictive regression model based on long-term data amounted 15.7 mg dm-3. In 2007, the water level was decreased only of 24 cm. It resulted in declaim of fry fish densities (to 5.1 ind. m-2) which was still too high to maintain strong filtering zooplankton population. 181 RECONSTRUCTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LAKES LOCATED IN EUROPEANIAN POLAR REGIONS ON THE BASIS OF CLADOCERA REMAINS – PRELIMINARY RESULTS EDYTA ZAWISZA, KRYSTYNA SZEROCZYŃSKA Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Reconstruction of the development of the lakes located in the polar regions in Europe was done on the basis of the subfossil Cladocera analysis. We analyzed the sediments taken from the lakes located near Polish Polar Station in Hornsund (Spitsbergen), Oulanka National Park and Kevo Strict Nature Reserve (Finland, Lapland). In the top-most layers were dated by 210Pb method, which indicated the sediments from depth 0-7 cm were deposited during last 150 years. The sediments were analyzed, at intervals of every 1 cm. All Cladocera remains were counted: headshields, shells, postabdomens, postabdomional claws and ephippia. The results of our research are presented on the diagrams of absolute frequency. The frequency was very low, from a few to 1850 specimens in 1 cm3 and very differed depending on the geographical location of the studied lakes. We found cosmopolitan species as Chydorus sphaericus, species typical for polar regions as: Acroperus harpae but also some stenothermal species as Camptocercus rectirostris and Graptoleberis testudinaria which authors did not expected to find there. The presence of species preferring warmer water may be explained by the polar day effect. In some Spitsbergen lakes no subfossil Cladocera remains were found in sediments, although have been present in body water in those lakes. In the analyzed sediments the subfossil Pediastrum and Chironomidae were also counted in order to complete the Cladocera analysis. It allows for better interpretation of the changes in the lake’s ecosystems. Presented results are preliminary and the research on the polar lakes development history is still conducted. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE CHANGES OF PHYTOPLNKTON IN THE YEARS 2001-2003 IN THE VICINITY OF THE WATER POWER STATION ON THE PASŁĘKA RIVER ELśBIETA ZĘBEK University of Warmia and Mazury, The Faculty of Law and Administration, Warszawska 98, 10-702 Olsztyn, e-mail: [email protected] 182 Studies on net phytoplankton were conducted for the Pasłęka River, which is only the montane type of river in the Warmia and Mazury Region, and it is also a protected river. Samples were collected monthly from April to November during 2001-2003 at 11 sites situated above and below the Kasztanowo water power station. The flows of waters in river were established on basis of average monthly rainfalls for Warmia and Mazury Region. On the basis 2002 year was high water (69 mm), 2001 – average water (55 mm) and 2003 – low water (12 mm). The objective of the present study was to determine the relationships between changes of abundance and biomass of phytoplankton and water physicochemical parameters from April to November in the River Pasłęka with respect to quantity of rainfalls in the 2001-2003 period. On the basis of studies carried out on phytoplankton it has been stated as follows: 1. The highest mean abundance and biomass of phytoplankton were in the 2003 year of low water (3602 indiv. l-1 and 0.029246 mg l-1) and the lowest in the 2001 year of average water (1919 indiv. l-1 and 0.027606 mg l-1). The highest proportion in the total abundance and biomass of phytoplankton were noted for diatoms (94.64% and 92.58% in 2003, respectively), then for blue-greens (8.17% and 7.75% in 2002, respectively) and the lowest for green algae (1.13 and 5.28% in 2002, respectively). 2. Diatoms the highest mean abundance and biomass reached in 2003 (low water) at the lowest mean water temperature (13.0oC) and the highest oxygen content, electrolytic conductivity, orthophosphate and silicon concentrations (10.52 mg O2 l-1, 601 µS cm-1, 0.56 mg PO4 l-1 and 1.10 mg Si l1, respectively). However, the highest mean abundance and biomass of bluegreens and green algae were noted in 2002 (high water) at the highest mean water temperature (14.2oC) and total nitrogen concentration (1.9 mg N l-1). 3. In the season from April to November, three tops of diatom abundance were observed (IV, VII and IX at high and low waters, and V, VIII and X at average water) with maximum abundance in April (7716 indiv. l-1 and 10749 indiv. l-1) and in May (5218 indiv. l-1), respectively. The highest abundance of blue-greens was noted in October in 2002 and in November in the remaining years. However, green algae the maximum abundance reached in April at high and average waters and in August at low water. 4. Summary, the data suggest that changes in the abundance and biomass of phytoplankton in the River Pasłęka in the 2001-2003 period, could depend on the quantity water flowing down from the catchment, which might influence the water physicochemical parameters. High electrolytic conductivity and biogenic concentrations favoured the development of diatoms at low water, and high nitrogen concentration delivered from the catchment favoured blue-greens and green algae at high water. Moreover, it suggest that diatoms could have the autochthonous character, as was confirmed by the highest their abundance and biomass at low water, 183 however blue-greens and green algae could have the allochthonous character especially in high water condition. * This studies were executed in frames the grant of KBN of No. 6PO4G006620 DO NODULARIA SPUMIGENA TOXIC BLOOMS RESTRICT INVASION OF THE ROUND GOBY (NEOGOBIUS MELANOSTOMUS)? ILONA ZŁOCH, MARIUSZ SAPOTA, AGNIESZKA HEBEL, HANNA MAZUR-MARZEC, MARCIN PLIŃSKI University of Gdańsk, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology Al. M. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia Currently it is unclear why cyanobacteria release toxins. Cyanobacteria respond differently to changing environmental condition and their toxin production varies over the time and may be explained by a combination of environmental factors. Toxin concentration is very wide and ranges from <1 to 8600µg/g dry weight of algal material which is released naturally during the growth cycle of cyanobacteria or in association with the breakdown of cyanobacterial blooms. There are many papers dealing with toxic blooms (e.g. Sivonen 1996, Fastner et al. 1995, Codd 1995) but our knowledge of the ecological consequences of cyanobacterial toxins in aquatic habitats is scarce. The degree to which fish are affected by the toxin is difficult to predict and depends on the toxicity and duration of the toxic bloom. In spite of this it is possible to distinguish possible risk: decreased organism condition caused, in high extent, by toxin accumulation in fish tissues. Is the level of accumulated toxins significant for fish? The answer for this basic question is still unknown. The aim of the present study is to find out what is impact (level of accumulated nodularin) of Nodularia spumigena on nonindigenous species round goby in the Gulf of Gdańsk. The results also show if toxic blooms of Nodularia spumigena are able to limit the expansion of round goby in the Gulf of Gdańsk. Round goby individuals were exposed to three sublethal nodularin concentration 50, 500, 1000µg/l. After 24, 48, 72 hours and 1 week exposition liver, alimentary tract, gonads, muscles, brain, gills and spleen samples were dissected. Lyophilized samples were prepared to ELISA and PP1 tests. The accumulation in all tissues, except gonads and alimentary tract, positively correlated with time. The highest values of accumulated nodularin were observed in alimentary tract, gills, liver and gonads. 184 ELEMENTARY BODY COMPOSITION CHANGES OF THE ROUND GOBY (NEOGOBIUS MELANOSTOMUS) TREATED WITH NODULARIA SPUMIGENA EXTRACTS ILONA ZŁOCH, MARIUSZ SAPOTA University of Gdańsk, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology Al. M. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia From the moment of its invasion the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) acclimatized very well and inhabited trophic niche which had not been extensively utilized. The degree to which the round goby is exposed to nodularin during cyanobacterial bloom is still unknown. The aim of present research was to estimate the influence of potentially toxic blooms of Nodularia spumigena on the round goby condition. Elemental analysis is suitable method allowing to burn the slight material amount with high accuracy. The changes of body biochemical composition in relation to nodularin dose were derived by indirect method of estimating biochemical composition and energy value. Quantitive establishment of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen is based on compounds burning in element analyzer. Carbohydrate, lipid and protein compositions are stoichiometrically related to organic carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen contents. Carbon and nitrogen content in the round goby liver kept at 1000µg/l concentration of nodularin rapidly dropped during first 24 hours comparing to control values. With continuing the experiment until the end – 1 week, these values gradually increased, but they did not achieve as high values as control one. Similar pattern was observed for carbon and nitrogen content in fish muscles exposed to the same nodularin concentration. At 500µg/l concentration after 24 hours high carbon percentage content in the round goby liver was noted. It decreased during 1 week experiment. Nitrogen content in liver did not importantly change after 24 hours in comparison to control value, whereas it significantly increased at the end of the experiment. Carbon and nitrogen content in muscles of fish exposed to 500µg/l nodularin did not importantly differ. Different C:N ratio changes expressed many mechanisms of the round goby dealing with sublethal nodularin concentration to which it can be exposed during toxic cyanobacteria bloom. 185 INFLUENCE OF A DAM RESERVOIR ON QUALITY OF WATERS IN SMALL UPLAND RIVER TOMASZ ZUBALA Department for Land Reclamation and Agricultural Structures, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Leszczyńskiego 7, 20-069 Lublin The paper deals with the evaluation of the functioning of a small dam reservoir (surface area 0.92 ha), localized on river Ciemięga in Dys (PłaskowyŜ Nałęczowski), including its influence on the quality of water flowing out through the river bed. It is a pilot object put to utilization in 1995 according to a concept of the valley bottom building with a lifts cascade – enhancing the water retention on the area with intensifying water deficit. Intensive erosion processes, often magnified by improper land management, can be observed within the loess catchment of the reservoir. It is a serious threat for river water quality and for functioning and exploitation of the reservoir (biogens migration, sediments bringing). During the study carried out in 2004-2007, physicochemical properties of water in the river and reservoir were determined. Water samples were subjected to determination of the following parameters: temperature, conductivity, pH, suspension, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, CODCr, NH4, NO3, NO2, PO4, SO4, Fe, K, and Cl. Water supplying the reservoir was usually characterized by insufficient quality. Mainly phosphates were the component that worsened the water quality in river Ciemięga. Their concentration exceeded value of 1 mg⋅dm-3 in two dates of measuring. Also CODCr, BOD5 as well as NO2 and Fe concentrations reached relatively high levels. The water lifting had positive influence on the water quality in the river. Decrease of majority of contaminants migration was observed during the study, namely total suspension, NH4, and Fe (average reduction amounted to: 52, 18, and 14%, respectively). Oxygen indices were also improved – the flow through the dam caused the increase of dissolved oxygen content by 13%, on average (maximum by 4 mg⋅dm-3), which is extremely important for self-cleaning processes. A gradual worsening of the quality of water retentioned in the reservoir was observed during the study. Bad water quality at last four dates of measure resulted from high PO4 concentration (max. 3.3 mg⋅dm-3) and CODCr value (max. 40 mg⋅dm-3). The presence of the reservoir in the valley bottom for several years contributed to the improvement of water quality in river Ciemięga (function of bio-geochemical barrier), although excessive contaminants accumulation, including bottom sediments, considerably decreased its household usefulness. Intensification of eutrophication processes was recorded. 186 INFLUENCE OF NUPHAR LUTEA (L.) SM. ON MACROZOOBENTHOS AND SELECTED ABIOTIC PARAMETERS OF WATER AND BOTTOM SEDIMENTS JANUSZ śBIKOWSKI1, JAROSŁAW KOBAK2 1 Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland, [email protected] 2 Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Institute of General and Molecular Biology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland, [email protected] Studies on the role of nymphaeids in the environment are uncommon, despite of the fact that they usually dominate in eutrophic lakes. We evaluated the effect of N. lutea on bottom fauna and selected parameters of water and sediments. Three pairs of stations (one among plants and the other outside them) were established in two shallow, eutrophic lakes and sampled monthly during the entire year. The taxon richness, biodiversity and zoobenthos density were higher among nymphaeids, usually irrespective of the season. Out of 43 taxa found in the studied area, all were noted among macrophytes, whereas only 26 taxa occurred outside them. The benthic organisms were divided into three categories: (1) reaching higher densities in the Nuphar assemblages, the most abundant being chironomids: P. nubeculosum and C. lateralis, an oligochaete P. bavaricus, Ephemeroptera and Ceratopogonidae; (2) those more abundant outside plants (Tanypus sp., P. hammoniensis and Chaoborus sp.); (3) organisms which responded either ambiguously or not at all to the presence of macrophytes (Chironomus sp., Procladius spp., E. dissidens and V. piscinalis). The above mentioned taxa were relatively abundant. N. lutea did not affect the water parameters (temperature, oxygen concentration, conductivity). On the other hand, the sediments among plants had lower water content and contained more large organic particles. The positive response of the zoobenthos to the nymphaeids probably resulted from the increased habitat heterogeneity, bottom stability and better food conditions. NEW SITES OF CRASPEDACUSTA SOWERBII LANK. IN POLAND ROMAN śUREK Institute of Nature Conservation PAS 31-120 Kraków, Al. A. Mickiewicza 33 e-mail [email protected] Craspedacusta sowerbii is a species of temperate zone of both hemispheres. Tropical region is occupied by other freshwater medusa Limnocnida tanganjicae Böhm, 1883 (Günther, 1893). Since 1928 this species was 12 times reported from 187 Poland. It was observed three times in aquaria, nine in nature and one information about its locality is uncertain. Sometimes species is considered as alien species however, it might occur for immemorial. Presently it is considered as caspian origin species. From 18 described species of Craspedacusta genera, for a certaintly are three: C. sowerbii, C. iseanum, C. sinensis (and may be C. sowerbii var. kiatingi). Medusa stage usually appears in August ± one month. When is numerous, it can significantly modify structure of zooplankton community. 15o 14o 16o 17o 18o 19o 20o 21o 22o 23o 24o 54o 54o 53o 53 o A A 52o 52 o A 51o 51 o 50o 50o A - akwarium - teren 49o 49o 15 o 16 o 17o 18o 19o 20 o 21o 22o 23o 24o Rys.1. All reported sites of Craspedacusta sowerbii Lank. in Poland. 188