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Chemical plant protection is a commonly discussed factor potentially responsible for decline in pollinators and other beneficial insect populations. Various groups of chemicals including persistent organic pollutants could impact a bee colony’s welfare and are reported to be present in bee tissue and apiary products. The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of selected persistent organic pollutant and pesticide residues in bee pollen originating from different geographical regions of Poland. Pesticide residues were identified in 60% of tested bee pollen samples. The compounds identified were mainly active ingredients of fungicide preparations. Insecticide active ingredients were up to 30% of the identified residues. The triazole fungicide tebuconazole and the neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid were the most frequently found pesticides in pollen. The highest pesticide concentration was determined for prothioconazole (356 μg kg-1). Mean concentrations of chlorinated biphenyls–EC6 and EC12 were 194 pg g-1 and 74 pg g-1, respectively. CB # 28 has the greatest share in the EC6 profile (mean 61 pg g−1, 31% contribution). Relatively high contributions were also observed for CBs # 101 (35 pg g−1, 18%), # 138 (36 pg g−1, 19%) and # 153 (33 pg g−1, 17%). CB # 114 and 118 have the highest share in the dioxin-like biphenyls fraction with mean concentrations of 17.6 and 37.6 pg g−1 (respectively 23 and 50%). Mean calculated concentrations of 39 polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners (Σ39 BDE) were 20 ± 27.7 pg g−1. High variability was observed between maximal and minimal determined concentration values. Individual BDEs were found at different frequencies and varying concentration levels. BDEs # 47, 75 and 99 dominated the profile with average concentrations of 3 pg g−1, 3.1 pg g−1, and 2.9 pg g−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Stable isotopes of sulfate in wastewater, fertilizers and manure in the Upper Silesia are generally more homogeneous compared to the literature data. • Isotopic composition of sulfate from landfill leachates is enriched with heavy isotopes of S and O. • Isotopic studies of local sources of contamination reduce the uncertainty in the interpretation of sulfate sources in groundwater. Isotopic signatures of anthropogenic sulfate sources within the Upper Silesian urban area (southern Poland) were investigated to increase the reliability of the origin assessment of groundwater contaminants. To analyze δ34S and δ18O in sulfate, 64 samples were collected, representing several sulfate sources: synthetic and organic fertilizers, raw and treated wastewater, mine water, leachate from landfills, mine heaps, and industrial waste dumps. Additionally, 10 surface water samples were taken from contaminated rivers regarded as potential groundwater pollution sources. Results of δ34S and δ18O in sulfate derived from anthropogenic sources were compared with literature data, which indicated significant discrepancies for some contamination sources. The results were applied to assess SO 4 2- origin in groundwater samples from the Gliwice aquifer. Apart from the δ34S and δ18O data, the study included measurements of major ions, inorganic nitrogen forms, trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene in groundwater. Isotopic analyses of river water samples confirmed the impact of urbanized and industrialized areas on surface water pollution and possible influence on groundwater contamination. The values of δ34S and δ18O similar to wastewater were reported for most groundwater samples from the Gliwice carbonate aquifer. Groundwater contamination was also manifested by higher values of electrical conductivity and concentrations of chloride, sodium, trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene. The comparison of recent isotopic data on SO 4 2- sources with literature values clearly shows that it is very important to investigate local potential contamination sources to increase their reliability in determining the source of groundwater or river water pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Stable isotopes of sulfate in wastewater, fertilizers and manure in the Upper Silesia are generally more homogeneous compared to the literature data. • Isotopic composition of sulfate from landfill leachates is enriched with heavy isotopes of S and O. • Isotopic studies of local sources of contamination reduce the uncertainty in the interpretation of sulfate sources in groundwater. Isotopic signatures of anthropogenic sulfate sources within the Upper Silesian urban area (southern Poland) were investigated to increase the reliability of the origin assessment of groundwater contaminants. To analyze δ34S and δ18O in sulfate, 64 samples were collected, representing several sulfate sources: synthetic and organic fertilizers, raw and treated wastewater, mine water, leachate from landfills, mine heaps, and industrial waste dumps. Additionally, 10 surface water samples were taken from contaminated rivers regarded as potential groundwater pollution sources. Results of δ34S and δ18O in sulfate derived from anthropogenic sources were compared with literature data, which indicated significant discrepancies for some contamination sources. The results were applied to assess SO 4 2- origin in groundwater samples from the Gliwice aquifer. Apart from the δ34S and δ18O data, the study included measurements of major ions, inorganic nitrogen forms, trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene in groundwater. Isotopic analyses of river water samples confirmed the impact of urbanized and industrialized areas on surface water pollution and possible influence on groundwater contamination. The values of δ34S and δ18O similar to wastewater were reported for most groundwater samples from the Gliwice carbonate aquifer. Groundwater contamination was also manifested by higher values of electrical conductivity and concentrations of chloride, sodium, trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene. The comparison of recent isotopic data on SO 4 2- sources with literature values clearly shows that it is very important to investigate local potential contamination sources to increase their reliability in determining the source of groundwater or river water pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work conducted in the area of Międzyrzeki Strict Nature Reserve in the Roztocze National Park was to show new sites of rare and species new to Poland from the Kobayasiella genus ( K. okadae (Skvortzov) Lange-Bert., K. tintinnus Buczkó, Wojtal & Jahn) with regard to morphological and ecological characteristics. Chemical parameters show that investigated habitats are poor and oligotrophic with a low content of chlorides, sulfates and nitrates. K. okadae, K. subtilissima (Cleve) Lange-Bert. and K. tintinnus were found in the studied area. The authors suggest the use of synonym Navicula hoeflerii Cholnoky for the Kobayasiella okadae. LM and SEM images were used in the analysis of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]