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Eutrophication of small ponds poses an important problem in rural areas as there is an increased risk of nutrient inflow. The accumulation properties of some macrophytes create an opportunity to limit the outflow of waste from agricultural activities to the catchment area. The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of Typha latifolia, which by collecting and accumulating N, P, K, Mg and Ca can improve water quality. The research covered 10 ponds located in northern Poland. The obtained test results indicate statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the water ponds in the content of P and Mg in rhizomes and roots and Mg in the leaves of T. latifolia. The lack of statistically significant differences in the case of N, K and Ca indicates a strong impact of species characteristics on the accumulation capacity of this macrophyte in relation to nitrogen, potassium, and calcium. It was found that the accumulation capacity of T. latifolia significantly shaped the content of organic matter in bottom sediments and their pH. The accumulation properties of T. latifolia differed between groups A and B, with organic matter content ranging from 28.1% to 37.9% (group A) and from 4.6% to 16.3% (group B). The reaction of bottom sediments significantly influenced the content of Mg and Ca in leaves (group A) and the content of P (in leaves, rhizomes and roots), K (in leaves and rhizomes) and Ca (in leaves, rhizomes and roots) in group B water ponds. This variation confirms that the accumulation capacity of T. latifolia, dependent on the species and modified by the physicochemical properties of bottom sediments, significantly limit the outflow of nutrients to the catchment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faba beans (Vicia faba L.) are a high-protein legume crop that can be widely cultivated in most climates in Europe. The amino acid composition of the faba bean protein is also beneficial for monogastric animals since it contains a great deal of lysine, an amino acid that is deficient in cereals. Two genotypes of faba beans were cultivated at three sowing densities (45, 60 and 75 seeds per m2) during three growing seasons (years 2013–2015). The aim of the research was to assess accumulation of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) of two faba beans in seeds and straw under different sowing densities. A field experiment was conducted in 2013–2015 at fields of Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences in southwestern Poland from which plant material was used for chemical analysis in terms of determining the accumulation of the following elements—N, P, Mg, K and Ca—in the seeds and straw. The results showed that the genotypes of the faba bean varied greatly in accumulation of nutrients in various sowing densities and in following years of research. However, the average accumulation of nitrogen, calcium and magnesium in seeds for three years (2013–2015) was significantly higher in the Bobas cultivar under 60 seeds per m2 as well as in both tested cultivars using 75 seeds per m2. Accumulation of potassium and phosphorus in seeds was highest in both analyzed cultivars using 60 and 75 seeds per m2 (average for 2013–2015). Considering accumulation of elements in the straw of faba bean, it is shown that the concentration of potassium and calcium was the highest in both tested cultivars under the effect of sowing density at 60 and 75 seeds per m2 while the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium did not differ significantly as an effect of the interaction of cultivar and sowing date (average for 2013–2015). Weather conditions played an important role in accumulation of nutrients of both faba bean genotypes in the years of research (2013–2015). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineral composition of wild-growing mushroom species is influenced by various environmental factors, particularly the chemical properties of the soil/substrate. We hypothesised that element uptake might also correlate with taxonomic classification, potentially allowing us to predict contamination levels based on mushrooms within the same taxonomic rank. This study compared the mineral composition (Ag, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) of 16 saprotrophic mushroom species from 11 genera across 4 families and 2 orders. Among these were 13 edible and 3 inedible mushrooms, all collected from natural, wild stands in a forest in central-western Poland between 2017 and 2020. Phallus impudicus exhibited the highest mean content of Ba (together with Phallus hadriani) (6.63 and 8.61 mg kg−1, respectively), Ca (with Paralepista gilva and Stropharia rugosoannulata) (803, 735 and 768 mg kg−1, respectively), Cd (with Lycoperdon perlatum) (3.59 and 3.12 mg kg−1, respectively), Co (0.635 mg kg−1), and Fe (with P. hadriani and S. rugosoannulata) (476, 427 and 477 mg kg−1, respectively), while Macrolepiota mastoidea showed the highest content of Ag (1.96 mg kg−1), As (with Coprinus comatus) (1.56 and 1.62 mg kg−1, respectively) and Cu (with Macrolepiota procera and Chlorophyllum rhacodes) (192, 175 and 180 mg kg−1, respectively). Comparing the content of the analysed elements in the genera represented by at least two species, a similarity was observed, the same as the mean concentration in soil under these species. Soil characteristics could be a superior factor that overshadows the impact of the mushroom genus on the elements accumulation, obscuring its role as a determinant in this process. The results are not definitive evidence that belonging to a particular taxonomic rank is a prerequisite condition affecting the accumulation of all elements. A closer focus on this issue is needed. [Display omitted] • Mineral composition of 16 mushroom species in 2 taxonomic orders was examined. • Taxonomic rank may affect mushroom physiology expressed in uptake of elements. • Discriminative taxonomic rank may be mostly mushroom genus, sometimes the species. • Mineral profile of mushrooms depends on chemical characteristics of soil. • Chosen mushroom species contain high amounts of K and Mg and possibly As and Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The element concentrations in the fruitbodies of Leccinum scabrum from two forested upland sites and one lowland site of different geochemical background were compared to topsoil concentrations. The aim of the study was to establish baseline concentration datasets, gain insight into the species' bioconcentration potential and to assess the impact of anthropogenic factors. The validated methods for analysis include inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV–AAS). Bioinclusion (bioconcentration factor > 1) by L. scabrum was observed for the elements Ag, Cd, Cu, K, Hg, Mn, Na, Mg, P, Rb, and Zn. In contrast, the elements Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, Ni, and Sr as well as the toxic Pb were bioexcluded. Among these elements, the toxic elements Cd and Pb are noteworthy regarding the aspect of human mushroom consumption. The medians of Cd in caps of L. scabrum from the upland sites were in the range of 5.6–6.6 mg kg−1 dm, with a maximum in an individual sample of 14 mg kg−1 dm, which is in the range of concentrations reported previously for polluted soils. Lead concentrations were much lower, with medians in the range of 0.79–1.3 mg kg−1 dm in caps and 0.48–0.59 mg kg−1 dm in stipes. Mineral contents of L. scabrum appear to be the result of a complex interaction of a species' characteristic physiology with local mineral soil geochemistry and with anthropogenic pollution factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study monitored the content of 55 elements in 21 wood-growing mushroom species collected between 2013 and 2019 from Lower and Upper Silesia in Poland. Only 27 of the elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, In, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pr, Pt, Rh, Sr, Ti, Tm, V, Y, Zn, and Zr) were detected in all mushroom species, while others (As, Au, B, Be, Bi, Ce, Co, Cr, Dy, Er, Eu, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Ho, Ir, Li, Lu, Mo, Os, Pb, Rb, Re, Ru, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Tb, Te, Th, Tl, Tm, U, and Yb) were below the limit of detection in the fruit bodies of at least one species. Wide ranges for major elements in the whole population of all the mushroom species were as follows: 15.4–470 (Ca), 6580–44,600 (K), 314–2150 (Mg), 38.0–319 (Na), and 1100–15,500 (P) mg kg−1 dm, respectively. The rank sum revealed that M. giganteus fruit bodies were the most enriched with all detectable elements, while A. mellea had the lowest content of the majority of elements. Mushrooms belonging to the Hymenochaetaceae family were characterized as some of the most enriched with the studied elements, while mushrooms of the Fomitopsidaceae family had the lowest content of elements. Similarities as well as differences between the obtained results and the available literature data confirm the important role of both mushroom species and the tree on which the fungus has grown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been known since the 1970s that differences exist in the profile of element content in wild-growing mushroom species, although knowledge of the role of mushroom species/families as determinants in the accumulation of diverse element remains limited. The aim of this study was to determine the content of 63 mineral elements, divided into six separate groups in the fruit bodies of 17 wild-growing mushroom species. The mushrooms, growing in widely ranging types of soil composition, were collected in Poland in 2018. Lepista nuda and Paralepista gilva contained not only the highest content of essential major (531 and 14,800 mg kg−1, respectively of Ca and P) and trace elements (425 and 66.3 mg kg−1, respectively of Fe and B) but also a high content of trace elements with a detrimental health effect (1.39 and 7.29 mg kg−1, respectively of Tl and Ba). A high content of several elements (Al, B, Ba, Bi, Ca, Er, Fe, Mg, Mo, P, Sc, Ti or V) in L. nuda, Lepista personata, P. gilva and/or Tricholoma equestre fruit bodies belonging to the Tricholomataceae family suggests that such species may be characterised by the most effective accumulation of selected major or trace elements. On the other hand, mushrooms belonging to the Agaricaceae family (Agaricus arvensis, Coprinus comatus and Macrolepiota procera) were characterised by significant differences in the content of all determined elements jointly, which suggests that a higher content of one or several elements is mushroom species-dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of the article is to identify the accumulation processes in farms in Poland based on the economic size as well as the context of eco-efficiency (from the perspective of Environmental Sustainable Value). In addition, the importance of subsidies in generating accumulation was specified and the context of eco-efficiency was taken into account. Analysis of the environmental context was carried out with the use of the assessment of subsidies for public goods and return to cost ratio (RTC) based on the concept of Sustainable Value (SV). Cross-analysis has shown that with the transition to groups of farms with an increasing economic size, the situation was more favourable from the perspective of the accumulation rate and its level per 1 ha. Subsidies play a significant role in shaping accumulation. It was observed that the higher rate of accumulation associated with the transition to groups of farms with greater economic strength is accompanied by an increase in eco-efficiency through the prism of the RTC indicator. Larger (but not the largest) farms are more efficient in using the transformation of environmental inputs into production output, which does not mean that they exert an absolutely lower environmental pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of our research was to assess the chronic exposure of red foxes to Cd, Pb and Zn. We have determined concentrations of these metals in the kidney, liver and muscle of 36 red foxes hunted between December 2002 and March 2003 in differently polluted areas in southern Poland. Tissue concentrations of Pb and Cd in the red foxes significantly co-varied with concentrations of these elements in the soil, and differed between the tissues. We compared concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn in red foxes with two rodent species, Apodemus flavicollis and Myodes glareolus, trapped simultaneously in the same area. Concentrations of Pb and Cd appeared significantly higher in the red foxes than in the rodents, but the slopes of the relationship between metal concentrations in tissues and in soil were similar in all species. This indicates that extrapolation from results of monitoring studies conducted on rodents to mammalian carnivores is possible but requires applying an extrapolation factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was done in the upper course of the Kamienna Creek which is the left-bank tributary of River Słupia situated in the northern part of Poland within Leśny Dwór Forest Inspectorate area. The aim of the study was the comparison of accumulation properties of herbaceous plants in spring niches in relation to macro- and microelements. The shoots of research plant species showed a good supply of macro- and micronutrients. The highest contents of nutrients were found in the shoots of Athyrium filix-femina (Ni), Caltha palustris (Mg, Ca, Sr), Cardamine amara (K, Zn, Fe, Al), Carex rostrata (Mn) and Solanum dulcamara (N, P, Cu), and the lowest in shoots of Ajuga reptans (P, Zn, Mn), Cardamine amara (N, Cu) and Carex rostrata (K, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ni, Fe, Al). Herbaceous plants accumulated from 1767.23 mmolc .kg-1 (Carex rostrata) to 2739.87 mmolc .kg-1 (Caltha palustris) of all the analyzed elements. Macronutrients dominated in all herbaceous plant species (>99%), and microelements ranged from 0.33% in Solanum dulcamara to 0.67% in shoots Cardamine amara. The share of nitrogen was from 38.8% to 56.8% of this amount, phosphorus from 2.9% to 3.9%, potassium from 28.5% to 40.6%, magnesium from 4.8% to 7.6%, and calcium from 4.6% to 16.4%. A large share of iron (from 33.7% Athyrium filix-femina to 39.5% Caltha palustris), manganese (from 9.2% Cardamine amara to 28.8% Carex rostrata) and aluminum (from 16.7% Carex rostrata to 40.8% Cardamine amara) in total measured components indicates excessive downloading them through plants. During the three years of research done in spring niches, it was found that some plant species take up nutrients in the quantities exceeding their physiological demand, which enables to use some of them for forming e.g. artificial wetlands, stopping many impurities and forming protective barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • core boreholes from trees growing near the busiest roads in Poznań were analyzed. • increase in the content of determined elements from the pith to the cambium layer. • no particular species accumulated the most of all the elements. • increasing degree of pollution in the urban environment over 30 years. • core fragments with several increments are a promising tool in urban dendromonitoring. Dendromonitoring helps answer the question of how polluted cities are and how this pollution will change over the years. However, due to many possible over-interpretations of the obtained results, it is necessary to understand the deposition processes of pollutants in trees thoroughly. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the mineral composition of the wood of 3 common deciduous tree species: Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.), silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.), and black poplar (Populus nigra L.) growing near the busiest roads in Poznań, Poland. The research material consisted of core fragments containing the annual increments collected at the breast height of living trees. The content of 22 elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pr, Rb, Sb, Sr, Ti, Tl, and Zn) in the obtained samples together with the determination of the number of annual increments and density of 3 cm wood fragments were presented. The obtained results indicated an overall increase in the content of determined elements from the pith to the cambium layer. The range of the examined elements was extensive, and it was not found that one particular species accumulated the most of all the elements. Acer platanoides accumulated the highest concentration of 13 (Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Ti), B. pendula of 3 (Ba, Mn, and Zn), and P. nigra of 6 (Al, Cr, Pr, Rb, Sb, and Tl) elements. Despite the growth of individuals of the same species in different parts of the city, a general trend associated with the increase in the content of most elements was observed. We can assume that the concentration increase indicated in our study reflects the increasing degree of pollution in the urban environment over 30 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation, distribution and potential dietary intake of mercury accumulated by mushrooms of Lactarius species L. delicious , L. volemus and L. deterrimus were studied in the Pomerania region of Poland. In total, 212 fruiting bodies and 106 underlying topsoil samples were analyzed. Analysis indicated that the concentrations of Hg were at low levels both in mushrooms and forest topsoils for a majority of the locations investigated. L. volemus that grew in soils with only a slightly elevated contamination (0.11 ± 0.07 mg kg −1 of dried soil), very efficiently accumulated Hg in fruiting bodies and concentration levels were at 3.7 ± 1.3 mg kg −1 of dry biomass in caps and at 1.9 ± 0.9 mg kg −1 of dry biomass in stipes. Consumption of mushrooms foraged from the Sobowidz forest, which is close to a foundry using ferrous and non-ferrous metals could result in a Hg intake that exceeds the current statutory limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to demonstrate differences in the efficiency of municipal waste management from 2014 to 2017 between two selected cities with a comparable number of inhabitants: Radom in Poland and Spokane, WA, in the United States. The study considers the significance of these cities' rates of waste accumulation and the application of the autoregressive integrated moving average model for forecasting. Within a 4-year period, Spokane recorded a higher total mass of waste collected (4175.4 Mg) than Radom, while Radom recorded a higher monthly average (exceeding 500 Mg) than Spokane. In these cities, nonselectively collected waste was predominant, with an average mass of 1340 Mg, and the highest accumulation rate per capita in the European Union was recorded in Radom (174.04 kg per year). An increase in the number of residents by 2000 people in Spokane fostered an increase in waste accumulation rates per capita by an average of more than 11 kg per year, with the highest value of selectively collected waste accumulation per capita reaching 102.18 kg per year. In comparison to Radom, the Spokane city waste management system is characterised by projected waste growth, greater efficiency, a higher accumulation of selective waste, and rational waste to energy processing. Generally, the results of this study indicate a need to develop rational waste management, while taking into account the principles of sustainable development and the requirements of the circular economy., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

This paper gives an up-to-date information on accumulation, occurrence, intake and possible health risks associated with noxious metallic elements (Ag, Cd, Hg, Pb) among mineral constituents (Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn) contained in Common Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius) mushrooms, a species subjected to a broad use within the domestic market of Poland and widely exported abroad, and presents a short review of data from the available literature. The tasty values ofC. cibariusseem to be more rated than the essential minerals contained in its flesh and nominally taken with 1,000 g of fresh fruiting bodies eaten per capita annually, while the contents of toxic or potentially toxic metals, such as Cd, Pb, Hg and Ag, are much below the tolerance limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contents of 16 minerals and trace elements (Ag, As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pt, Ti and Zn) were analyzed in edible mushrooms (Leccinum scabrum,Boletus edulisandBoletus badius) collected in southwest Poland. Content of Co, Ni and Pb was similar in all tested mushroom species, while content of Ag, Ca, Cd, Hg and Ti was significantly higher inB. edulisthan inL. scabrumandB. badius. The largest differences between these species were observed for Fe and Zn accumulation. The highest contents of these elements were noted inB. badiusbodies (202 ± 88 and 137 ± 24 mg kg−1dry matter, respectively), lower inB. edulis(131 ± 99 and 89 ± 26 mg kg−1dry matter, respectively) and lowest inL. scabrum.Differences in As, Cu and Cr content between tested species were observed mainly betweenL. scabrumandB. badiusfruiting bodies. Content of Pt was below 0.01 mg kg−1dry matter). In the case of Mg and Mn accumulation, differences betweenB. edulisandB. badiuswere not observed (478 and 440 mg kg−1dry matter for Mg and 23 and 19 mg kg−1dry matter for Mn), and the results showed significantly higher content of these elements than inL. scabrumbodies (312 and 10 mg kg−1dry matter, respectively). It is worth underlining that clear accumulation shown by the bioconcentration factor (BCF>1) observed for all three mushroom species was noted in the case of elements Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Ni and Zn only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of 18 trace elements in the eggshells of grey heron (Ardea cinerea) from four colonies located in the Lublin region (East Poland) were determined. The pattern of element concentration in grey heron eggshells for all colonies followed the order: Si > Sr > B > Al > Zn > Fe > Ba > Li > Cu > Mn > Se > As > Cr >Ni > Pb > Sc > V > Cd. The results on the concentrations of elements in water sediments showed different accumulation pattern such as: Mn > Sr > Ba > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu >Ni> As > Cd >Al. On the other hand, an increasing concentrations of the following toxic element sequence: Cr > Pb > Cd was found in both cases. This phenomenon was observed in three out of four grey heron colonies. On average, the eggshells contained 140 mg/kg dw (dry weight) of strontium. The maximal concentration of Sr reached a level up to 203 mg/kg dw while the level of aluminium was up to 18.0 mg/kg dw. Geometric means found for Li, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd in eggshells from all colonies were 2.05, 2.04, 0.53, 0.47 and 0.06 mg/kg dw respectively. Our study showed that herons can be a good bioindicator of elements such as Sr, Al, Cr, Pb and Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury (Hg) contamination in piscivorous birds, especially methylmercury (MeHg), has been drawing much attention worldwide in regard to its bioaccumulation and biomagnification in food chains. In this study on Hg in the soft tissues of white-tailed eagles ( n = 22) and ospreys ( n = 2) from Poland, total Hg (THg) range was 0.15-47.6 while MeHg range was 0.11-8.05 mg kg dry weight. In both species, median THg and MeHg concentrations were lower in the muscle and brain than in the liver and kidney. Median nephric residues were just under 3 and 5 mgTHg kg or 0.9 and 3.7 mgMeHg kg for white-tailed eagle and osprey, respectively. In Norwegian data from the 1970s and in our results, MeHg in the muscle of white-tailed eagle was ~60 % THg (%MeHg = MeHg/THg × 100), lower than in other piscivorous birds. A clear similarity in THg tissue levels was found between Polish and German populations of white-tailed eagles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. This paper constitutes a supplementary study of the research conducted to assess accumulation efficiency of selected trace elements by Xerocomus badius fruiting bodies picked in some regions of Poland in selected years. Material and methods. Atomic absorption/emission spectrometry techniques (FAAS and AES) were applied to determine in the fruiting bodies of this mushroom species the total contents of Ca, K, Mg and Na, as well as Al as a metal capable of entering into easy interactions with nutritional elements and inhibiting their proper action in the human organism. Results. The highest concentrations of Al, K and Mg were determined in mushroom fruiting bodies collected in the Lower Silesia Voivodeship, amounting to 28.08 ±5.81 mg·kg-1 d.w., 2.39 ±0.21 g·kg-1 d.w. and 372.31 ±90.55 mg·kg-1 d.w., respectively. On the other hand, the highest concentrations of Ca (78.08 ±24.64 mg·kg-1 d.w.) were recorded in mushrooms from the Lódz Voivodeship, while the highest concentrations of Na (77.03 ±20.46 mg·kg-1 d.w.) - in those from the Pomeranian Voivodeship were observed. In general, BCF > 1 was found only for K accumulation. Conclusion. Concentrations of nutritional elements determined in this study revealed that the consumption of X. badius fruiting bodies supplied only small quantities of these constituents in comparison with the amounts consumed in other products. The detected Al concentrations showed that fruiting bodies of this mushroom species consumed in Poland during the past 20 years could not lead to health problems caused by the presence of this metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Intake of wild growing edible mushroom in selected regions of Europe (especially East and Central Europe) is significant. Additionally, mushrooms are able to accumulation many times higher amounts of nutritional and toxic elements than plants, therefore knowledge on their concentration levels and changes in their content is important for human health. Material and methods. Eleven biologically important (Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sr, Zn) and five toxic elements (Al, Ba, Cd, Hg, Pb) were determined in twenty three fruiting bodies of edible wild growing mushroom species. The tested mushroom species: were collected from selected places located practically throughout Poland. Efficiency of element accumulation in mushrooms and soils were analysed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and atomic emission spectrometry (AES). Results. The highest concentrations for K, Mg, Na, Zn and Fe and significantly lower concentrations of Ba, Cd, Co, Hg, Ni, Pb and Sr were observed. Additionally, significant lower accumulations of elements by the lamellar were found in comparison to the tubular fungi. Conclusion. Based on presented results in our opinion an occasional intake of the analysed mushrooms is not dangerous to humans. Of course, some toxic elements (Hg or Pb) are accumulated in human organs, but these elements are provided also with other foodstuffs (vegetables, fruits, meat) or drinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare accumulation efficiency of Al, Ba and nutritional elements (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na) exhibited by six edible mushrooms collected in particular regions of Poland during the last 20 years. The studied mushroom species were Boletus edulis,Cantharellus cibarius,Lactarius deliciosus,Leccinum aurantiacum,Suillus luteusandXerocomus badius. The highest and the lowest concentrations of the elements in tested mushroom species were 11 – 410, 34 – 337, 16785 – 34600, 140 – 607, 12 – 75 and 16 – 143 mg kg−1d.m., respectively. The highest average concentrations of Al, Mg and Mn were observed inSuillus luteusfruiting bodies, while for Ba, Ca, K and Na it was inLactarius deliciosus. BCF >1 was found for K and Mg in all tested mushroom species and additionally for the highest Ca and Na concentrations of all tested mushroom species except forC. cibariusandS. luteus, respectively. For the other tested elements (Al, Ba, Fe and Mn) BCF values < 1 were recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The content of nutrients and heavy metals was indicated in different parts of Typha angustifolia and Typha latifolia, collected in lakes in western Poland. Three groups of metals were indicated, depending on the place of their accumulation. The cattail species studied differed significantly with their Cu, Pb, and Cd content, but were characterized by the same accumulation pattern in the leaves: Mn > Fe > Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd, and in the rhizomes: Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cd. The statistical results of this research suggest the possibility of using Typha latifolia in the biological analysis of contamination by Mn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of study about distribution, inflow and accumulation of polonium, uranium and plutonium in aquatic and land environment of Poland and the southern Baltic Sea. Radionuclides of 210Po, 234U and 238U as well as 239+240Pu and 241Pu are strongly accumulated in Baltic organisms and plants and transferred through the trophic chain. The values of bioconcentration factor (BCF) in Baltic plants and animals are higher for polonium and plutonium in comparison with uranium. The principal source of radionuclides in the southern Baltic Sea is their inflow with rivers. Total annual runoff of polonium, uranium and plutonium from the Vistula and the Odra as well as the Pomeranian rivers were calculated at 95 GBq of 210Po, 750 GBq of 234+238U and 160 MBq of 238+239+240Pu. Seasonal and spatial variability of 210Po, 238U and 239+240Pu levels in the Vistula and the Odra drainage basins were assessed by application of neural-network based classification, especially cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA) and self-organizing maps (SOM). The result for the Vistula river indicated correlation between polonium and plutonium as well as polonium and uranium. In the Odra drainage basin, the biggest differences were observed in the case of 238U. To assess if there are statistically significant differences in mean concentration values of 210Po, 238U and 239+240Pu for the Vistula and the Odra rivers drainage basins were obtained by used of the non-parametric tests. Comparing to the Vistula catchment area, statistically differences concentration of 210Po and 239+240Pu in all year was observed for river samples collected on the Odra drainage basin. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Concentrations of tributyltin (TBT) and its breakdown products, dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MTB), were measured in tissues of male turbot Scophthalmus maximus from the Gulf of Gdańsk (GDA) and the Pomeranian Bay (POM) in the southern Baltic Sea. The fish (n =206) were collected during the spawning seasons of 2008–2009. All specimens were at the same maturity stage and in full breeding condition. The ripe testes of the turbot appeared to be a target tissue for TBT accumulation. We report that TBT is extensively eliminated at the specific whole-body level and that the males from TBT-contaminated location (GDA) reach this specific level at 23–24cm in total length. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of heavy metal pollution on Oligochaeta (Enchytraeidae and Lumbricidae) populations was studied along a pollution gradient in vicinity of Olkusz (southern Poland). The study sites, which differed in metal concentrations in the humus layer, were established in mixed-pine forests 3.5 km, 2.5 km, 3.9 km, 7.9 km and 31.9 km (reference site) from the source of pollution (zinc smelter). Enchytraeid and earthworm population density and species composition were determined from soil sampled four times from the study sites. Enchytraeidae populations consisted of nine genera and 18 species. The dominating enchytraeid species in all study sites was Cognettia sphagnetorum (approx. 90%), except for the most polluted site, where Enchytraeus, Fridericia and Henlea were the most common species diversity and heterogeneity were the highest in the most polluted site. The highest mean densities were found in the reference site (16,333 individuals m−2) and lowest in the most polluted site (3932 individuals m−2). Earthworm populations consisted of three epigeic species, and the most abundant one was Dendrobaena octaedra. Earthworms densities in all sites sampled were low. The concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd in: humus layer, and in enchytraeids and earthworms, were the highest for the most polluted site and decreased with distance from pollution source. Density of Enchytraeidae and body loads of metals in Enchytraeidae and Lumbricidae can be employed for biomonitoring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Geoindicators enable us to assess the quality of the environment and to monitor anthropogenic impacts on different ecosystems. The results of geochemical studies of soils in the selected forest ecosystems of eastern Poland (performed during 1998-2003) indicated that the organic fermentative-humic (Ofh) soil subhorizon was characterized by increased accumulative capabilities of mercury, lead and presumably polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons compared to underlying soil horizons. Moreover, the subhorizon-Ofh constrains the migration of these chemical species. Due to a substantial diversity of forest soils in the temperate zone, it may be regarded as a good pollution geoindicator for temperate forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to provide information on accumulation of polonium in tissues and organs of deer carvidae in order to assess the potential transport of this element via food-chain to game meat consumers. Livers, kidneys and muscles of large herbivorous animals belonging to three species: roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama), collected in Northern Poland, were the subject of the present investigation. Activities of 210Po were determined by means of alpha spectrometry along with relevant radiochemical procedures. The concentration of 210Po in analyzed animals decreased in the order kidney > liver > muscle tissue. The average activity concentrations of 210Po ranged between 0.02 ± 0.01 Bq· kg- 1 w.w. in muscles and 7.15 ± 0.12 Bq· kg- 1 w.w. in kidneys. Levels of polonium were not influenced by sampling location, sex, age and species of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation of metals in deciduous tree foliage from urban areas in western-south Poland was monitored during the vegetation season of 2000 year. Concentrations of Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti and Zn were measured in birch, willow, linden and maple leaves using the ICP-AES method. Seasonal variations of metal concentrations and their relations with sampling site were investigated. The most dynamic accumulation of Al, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb was observed for examined species. The highest differences in element concentrations for investigated sites were found for Ba, Cd, Mn and Ni. Interelement correlations were investigated. In all foliar samples synergistic relationships between Al–Cr and Ca-Sr were found. Statistically significant negative correlations were observed only for Cd and Ti in birch leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of selected N, K, and P forms in soils within three perennial colonies of black cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) and grey heron (Ardea cinerea) located in northern and eastern Poland were investigated. Soil samples were collected beneath the nests from the most representative for each colony plots. Control samples were taken outside the colonies within sites adjacent to the nesting areas but not affected by bird excrement. From each genetic horizon (20 horizons) in soil profiles, a cumulative sample of about 25–30 kg of soil was taken for analysis. Nitrogen by Kjeldahl, ammonium ions (NNH4), nitrates (NNO3), exchangeable potassium (Kex), available potassium (Kav), and available phosphorus (Pav) were determined. The soils affected by birds demonstrated a very strong enrichment with N, K, and P in comparison to the control sites, especially in the topsoil horizons. The content of NNH4 in individual soil horizons from the colonies was from 1.7 to 10.1 times higher than the respective control, NNO3 from 2.9 to 215.7, Kex from 2.0 to 35.1, Kav from 1.1 to 48.1, and Pav in the range from 2.4 to 53.0 times. The highest increment of chemical elements was noticeable in the soils of territories inhabited by cormorants and the least in forest occupied by herons. Some relationships between soil texture and accumulation of biogenic nutrients were determined. Clay loam soil showed the greatest enrichment with analysed forms of elements with the exception of NNH4. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present work, we focused on two aspects of mercury (Hg) bioconcentration in the above-ground parts of Neoboletus luridiformis. In the first part, we monitored the bioconcentration potential of individual anatomical parts of a particular fruiting body and evaluated the obtained data by the spline interpolation method. In the second part, we focused on assessing the mercury content in 378 samples of N. luridiformis and associated samples of substrates from 38 localities with different levels of Hg content in Slovakia. From the obtained data of Hg content in samples of substrate and fungi, we evaluated ecological indicators (geoaccumulation index - Igeo, contamination factor - Cf a potential ecological risk - PER), bioconcentration indicators (bioconcentration factor - BCF; cap/stipe quotient - Qc/s) and health indicators (percentage of provisional tolerable weekly intake - %PTWI a target hazard quotient - THQ). Based on the Hg distribution results, the highest Hg content was found in the tubes & pores (3.86 mg/kg DW), followed by the flesh of cap (1.82 mg/kg DW). The lowest Hg content was in the stipe (1.23 mg/kg DW). The results of the BCF values indicate that the studied species can be included in the category of mercury accumulators. The results of the ecological indices representing the state of soil pollution pointed out that two localities (Malachov and Nižná Slaná) stood apart from all monitored localities and showed a state of an extremely disturbed environment. This fact was also reflected in the values of Hg content in the fruiting bodies of the studied mushroom species. In the case of the consumption of mushrooms from these localities, it can be stated that long-term and regular consumption could have a negative non-carcinogenic effect on the health of consumers. It was confirmed by the %PTWI (Malachov: 57.8%; Nižná Slaná: 53.2%) and THQ (Malachov: 1.11 Nižná Slaná: 1.02). The locality Čačín-Jelšovec is interesting from the bioconcentration characteristics point of view, where the level of environmental pollution was the lowest (Hg content in the soil was below the background value) compared to other localities, however, the THQ value was the highest (1.29)., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The uptake of As by various plants growing in highly enriched sites was examined in order to identify potential As accumulators and to assess the risk associated with As presence in plant shoots. Representative samples of 13 plant species, together with soil samples, were collected from various sites affected by historical As mining: mine and slag dumps, tailings and contaminated soils with As concentrations in a range 72-193,000 mg/kg. Potentially and actually soluble As forms, extracted with 0.43 M HNO 3 and, 1M NH 4 NO 3 were examined in relation to As concentrations in plant roots and shoots. The latter differed strongly among the species and within them and were in the ranges 2.3-9400 mg/kg and 0.5-509 mg/kg, respectively. The majority (over 66%) of plant samples had As shoot concentrations above 4 mg/kg, an upper safe limit for animal fodder. The uptake of As by plants correlated well with total and extractable soil As, though As concentrations in plants could not be predicted based on soil parameters. Equisetum spp. and C. epigejos indicated a particularly strong accumulation of As in shoots, while A. capillaris , and H. lanatus showed a limited As root-to-shoot transfer, apparently associated with species-related tolerance to As., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The article aims to present extreme aeolian processes observed in April 2011 in the fields of the Szamocin municipality in Pojezierze Wielkopolskie (the Great Poland Lakeland). Aeolian erosion of cropland was fostered by strong wind with gusts exceeding 15 m·s−1. The erosion was related to the movement of a deep barometric low from the Norwegian Sea over western Russia (Joachim barometric low). Geomorphological mapping of accumulated sandy aeolian covers was conducted. Morphometric measurements of aeolian covers were made considering their spatial distribution and the thickness of sediments that build them. Samples were collected from sediments to analyze grain size and the volume of deposited sediments was calculated. According to grain size analysis the accumulated fine-grained mineral material was well, moderately well and moderately sorted. The thickness of aeolian covers exceeded the thickness of covers presented in Polish literature so far. Calculations of the total volume of mineral sediment derived from small areas covered with aeolian erosion (a few hectares each) indicate significantly greater volumes than those provided in publications from other research areas in Poland. The described dust storms did not cause much damage in Poland. At the same time (8 April) in northern Germany, a dust storm led to a severe collision on the A19 highway. Eight people died in car accidents and dozens suffered serious injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater mussels are widely used in the monitoring of pollution because they are filter-feeding, long-lived animals that tend to accumulate metals in their shells. The temporal scale of such studies can reach thousands of years, since the composition of shells preserves them against decay. This allows us to reconstruct past environmental conditions and to compare current environmental conditions to those prevalent thousands of years ago. Here we assessed metal concentrations (Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) in recently harvested mussel shells and mussel shells found by archaeologists, and tested the hypothesis that levels of some metals are higher in today's shells, reflecting increasing anthropogenic impact. We observed lower metal concentrations (with the exception of Cd) in shells found by archaeologists (n = 35) than in recently harvested mussel shells (n = 14) (Unio crassus, Unio pictorum, Unio tumidus) in the same water bodies. There were no significant differences in metal levels among species in shells found by archaeologists, while in recently harvested mussels almost all metals for which we tested were found in their highest levels in Unio crassus. The results suggest that metal concentrations in prehistoric times were lower than today, which probably reflects human impact, rather than changes in the geochemical structure of rocks. The results also revealed that metal transfer between mussel shells and surrounding deposits does not occur. We therefore suggest that they might be successfully used as independent bioindicators., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Selected trace elements (Ag, As, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Tl, U, Zn) and rare earth elements were determined in 13 samples of Juncus effusus collected from three investigation sites in the Holy Cross Mts., south-central Poland. Sampling was carried out four times during a vegetative season of 2014. Almost all the elements examined showed different seasonal trends in their concentrations, except for Ag, Co and Ni. Maximum concentrations of Ag in samples of three investigation sites were found in May (0.068, 0.062, 0.047 mg/kg) whereas Co (0.124, 0.070, 0.079 mg/kg) and Ni (1.8, 0.998, 2.8 mg/kg) in July, respectively. Mean concentrations of Mn and Cd were higher in shoots (558 and 2.35 mg/kg) than in roots (435 and 1.7 mg/kg). Both these elements revealed much higher concentrations in J. effusus than their typical contents in plant samples. Principal component method allowed us to allocate Ni, Ba, Cd and Cu to one group with the highest positive loadings. The most probable explanation for this correlation is that bioavailability of these metals is increased by J. effusus through a release of oxygen to the rhizosphere. Light rare earth elements concentrations predominate over heavy rare earth elements in the samples examined. A fractionation of lanthanides occurs during their transport from roots to shoots, although this transport is rather limited. All shoot samples have a strong positive Eu anomaly., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the study was to analyse levels of 17 trace elements and 5 major minerals in 11 Boletus badius fruiting bodies able to grow in extremely polluted waste (flotation tailings) and polluted soil in southern Poland. The presented data widen the limited literature data about the abilities of wild-growing mushroom species to grow on heavily contaminated substrates. Content of elements in waste, soil and mushrooms was analysed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS - Hg). The industrial areas differed greatly as regards the content of elements in flotation tailings and soil; therefore differences in Ag, Ba, Cd, Co, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ca, K, Mg, Na and P accumulation in mushrooms were observed. The highest contents of elements in mushrooms were observed for: As, Al, Cu and Zn (86 ± 28, 549 ± 116, 341 ± 59 and 506 ± 40 mg kg(-1) dry matter, respectively). Calculated bioconcentration factor (BCF) values were higher than 1 for Al (15.1-16.9), Fe (10.6-24.4) and Hg (10.2-16.4) only. The main value of the presented results is the fact that one of the common wild-growing mushroom species was able to grow on flotation tailings containing over 22 g kg(-1) of As and, additionally, effective accumulation of other elements was observed. In view of the high content of the majority of analysed elements in fruiting bodies, edible mushrooms from such polluted areas are nonconsumable.