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Diversification of macrophytes within aquatic nature-based solutions (NBS) developing under urban environmental conditions across European cities
Ekologiczne uwarunkowania rozwoju włosieniczników (Ranunculus sect. Batrachium, Ranunculaceae, Plantae) w wodach płynących w Polsce jako podstawa skutecznej ochrony i zastosowania w bioindykacji rzek
Richness of macrophyte functional groups in relation to hydromorphological and hydrochemical factors of organic rivers in the Biebrza National Park
Different intensities and directions of hyporheic water exchange in habitats of aquatic Ranunculus species in rivers—a case study in Poland
Discovering the ecological structure of different macrophyte groups in rivers using non-parametric and parametric multivariate ordination techniques
AbstractThis paper analyses various methods of ecological ordering that are often used in modelling the relationship between vegetation and habitat. The results of direct gradient ordination by Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), which is based on correlation, were compared with Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), which is based on rank analyses. Both tools were also compared with Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), which is a popular indirect gradient analysis method. The macrophyte assessment was conducted at 98 river locations in the lowland regions of Poland. Each of the surveyed locations falls within a consistent abiotic category: small to medium-sized lowland rivers with a sandy bottom. Habitat elements analysed included limnological variables and geographic parameters, and the botanical survey focused on submerged macrophytes, including vascular plants, as well as bryophytes and algae. Firstly, it was shown that various analytical tools for determining the importance of ecological factors (Monte Carlo test, BIOENV) identify slightly different significant factors responsible for the development of macrophytes in rivers. Secondly, considerable similarity was found in the structure of macrophyte communities generated on NMDS and DCA biplots, while macrophyte communities were presented very differently based on CCA. Thirdly, the ecological preferences of aquatic plants based on one-dimensional analyses primarily reflected the results of CCA, whereas they did not always follow the ecological pattern revealed by NMDS. Finally, by conducting separate studies for non-vascular plants and vascular macrophytes, it was confirmed that different ecological drivers are responsible for the development of particular groups of macrophytes
Behavioral Responses of Unio tumidus Freshwater Mussels to Neonicotinoid Pesticide Contamination
This investigation examined the behavioral responses of freshwater mussels to neonicotinoid pesticide exposure, a widely implemented agricultural crop protection agent. The study systematically evaluated the behavioral modifications of U. tumidus under controlled laboratory conditions, with particular emphasis on shell dynamics and activity patterns during both acute (2.5 h) and prolonged (20 h) exposure to imidacloprid at 50 µg/L concentration. The experimental findings revealed consistent and statistically significant behavioral alterations. Upon initial pesticide exposure, specimens exhibited an immediate reduction in shell aperture, followed by a sustained period of enhanced opening amplitude. Activity metrics demonstrated acute elevation immediately post-exposure, indicative of stress-induced responses, subsequently achieving homeostatic equilibrium before declining in later temporal phases. These behavioral modifications demonstrated statistical significance across all four experimental iterations, indicating a robust and reproducible stress response pattern. This study demonstrated that exposure to high concentrations of the neonicotinoid pesticide imidacloprid significantly affects the freshwater mussel causing significant, repeatable changes in mussel behavior: initial shell closure followed by prolonged opening and increased activity, indicating stress and subsequent toxic effects.
Wielkopolska Regionalna Inicjatywna Doskonałości w obszarze nauk o życiu Uniwersytetu Przyrodniczego w Poznaniu
Observed and estimated taxonomic diversity of different groups of aquatic organisms in the pristine rivers in the Biebrza National Park
Permanent areas and changes in forests, grasslands, and wetlands in the North European Plain since the eighteenth century—a case study of the Kościan Plain in Poland
AbstractThis study investigates the intricate and enduring interplay of historical events, human activities, and natural processes shaping the landscape of North European Plain in western Poland over 230 years. Topographic maps serve as reliable historical data sources to quantify changes in forest, grassland, and wetland areas, scrutinizing their fragmentation and persistence. The primary objectives are to identify the permanent areas of the landscape and propose a universal cartographic visualization method for effectively mapping these changes. Using topographic maps and historical data, this research quantifies land cover changes, especially in forest, grassland, and wetland areas. With the help of retrogressive method we process raster historical data into vector-based information. Over time, wetlands experienced a substantial reduction, particularly in 1960–1982, attributed to both land reclamation and environmental factors. Grassland areas fluctuated, influenced by wetland and drier habitat dynamics. Fragmentation in grassland areas poses biodiversity and ecosystem health concerns, whereas forested areas showed limited fluctuations, with wetland forests nearly disappearing. These findings highlight wetland ecosystems’ sensitivity to human impacts and emphasize the need to balance conservation and sustainable development to preserve ecological integrity. This study advances landscape dynamics understanding, providing insights into historical, demographic, economic, and environmental transformations. It underscores the imperative for sustainable land management and conservation efforts to mitigate human impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity in the North European Plain.