Piotr Klimaszyk

May a cormorant colony be a source of coliform and chemical pollution in a lake

Studies on the influence of a perennial cormorant colony on chemical and microbial pollution of a reservoir were conducted in Chrzypskie Lake. During the investigation carried out between 2009–2010 in the area of the colony, 155–175 breeding pairs were observed. High pollution of groundwater with biogenic elements and coliform bacteria (together with E. coli) was recorded within the boundaries of the colony. Pollutants migrated to the lake together with groundwater. Mean values of the analyzed forms of biogenic elements and bacteria formed a gradient from the highest values recorded near the colony to the lowest ones recorded in the central part of the lake.

The seasonal variability of phosphorus fractions and phyto- and bacterioplankton in different types of humic lakes (northern Poland)

Humic substances generated in a lake or migrating from high peat bogs and from catchment basin covered with pine and mixed forest (WISZNIEWSKI 1953) are an environmental factor that strongly affects humic lakes. The humic substances induce many significant differences in the functioning of the ecosystems. Special features of humic lakes include low irradiation and dominance of the red part of the spectrum, low pH, alkaliniry, conductivity and conc~ntration of free inorganic nutrients (P, N, Ca, Mg), h1gh water colour, and concentration of dissolved organic carbon QoNES 1992, GúRNIAK et al. 1999). The humic substances dissolved in these waters affect the abundance and species composition of the phytoand bacterioplankton in the lakes (ARvoLA et al. 1990, MÜNSTER 1994). One of the aims of the present study was to analyse the seasonal dynamics of various forms of phosphorus in humic lake water in relation to the biomass of phytoand bacterioplankton represented by chlorophyll a and bacteriochlorophyll d+e.

Unusual complications after occupational exposure to giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum): a case report.

Exposure to giant hogweed brings about the risk of serious skin damage, usually in the form of phytophotodermatitis. Initially, skin changes are signaled by a burning sensation, followed by a vesiculobullous rash and long-term hyperpigmentation. Usually, skin disorders improve after the application of topical and oral corticosteroids. In extremely rare instances, full skin thickness burns or epidermal necrosis occur. The study presents a case of occupational exposure to hogweed, which resulted in extensive skin lesions leading to the disablement of a 27-year-old man. The principles of procedure to be followed when contact with giant hogweed is an occupational hazard are also outlined.

Diel microdistribution of physical and chemical parameters within the dense Chara bed and their impact on zooplankton

Research on the diurnal distribution of physical and chemical parameters within a single macrophyte bed was carried out on the shallow Wielkowiejskie Lake (Poland). A non-parametric statistical analysis was used to compare the water quality features in different parts of a Chara hispida habitat including the middle, both edge (vertical and horizontal) parts of a macrophyte plant, and the open water next to-and above the stonewort stand.The obtained results showed a differentiation in the physical-chemical parameters of the environmental conditions within the Chara hispida stand. The greatest variability was found for dissolved oxygen. Its lowest concentrations were noted in the central part of the macrophyte stand, irrespective of the sampling time.The zooplankton communities within the examined Chara bed were strongly influenced by the concentration of dissolved oxygen. It was also found that two main components of zooplankton communities (rotifers and cladocerans) had a similar trend in their spatial and diurnal distribution within the stonewort stand.

Black spots for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems: impact of a perennial cormorant colony on the environment

The global growth of populations of different cormorant species has raised concern on the consequences of their presence in the environment. This study examined the impact of a perennial colony (160 breeding pairs) of great cormorants on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The deposition of bird-originating nutrients within the area of colony, their accumulation in soils and the fluxed of chemical substances to a nearby lake were investigated. The impact of cormorants on terrestrial vegetation and microbial pollution of the lake were also studied. The soils beneath the colony were found to contain extremely high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus. The overgrowing vegetation was largely limited with nitrophilous and invasive species being more abundant. Increased loads of organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus were also found in groundwater and particularly, surface runoff. The colony area delivered significant amounts of nutrients to the lake also when the birds were absent. The lake water near colony was also characterized by increased nutrient content and additionally higher number of faecal bacteria. The present results demonstrate the complexity through which the effect of cormorant colonies can be manifested simultaneously in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem.

The complexity of ecological impacts induced by great cormorants

Following decades of global extermination, the general population of the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo L.) is on the rise. The lack of regular predators, highly skilled fish rapacity, rapid metabolism, significant rate of excretion and ability to form large nesting colonies on relatively small areas lead to numerous environmental consequences of cormorant presence. Here we comprehensively review the occurrence and distribution of this species and, in particular, its multi-faceted impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and the main routes through which these impacts are being manifested. The bird-induced chemical loading and its biological and ecological consequences, and the effects on microbial pollution and pathogen dispersion are discussed in particular. The need for further investigation to fully elucidate particular effects is stressed throughout the paper. It is concluded that the environmental effects of great cormorants are rather complex, can lead to serious ecosystem modifications and that the presence of these birds should be taken into consideration in ecological assessment and monitoring.

Impact of cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis L.) colonies on microbial pollution in lakes

Abstract During 2009-2011 we investigated the effect of perennial and roosting cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) colonies on microbial pollution in 3 lakes: Góreckie (Greater Poland National Park), Chrzypsko (Greater Poland Province) and Ostrowiec (Drawa National Park). On Lake Góreckie cormorants formed a roosting colony (<200 individuals) that inhabited part of the lake shore. On Lake Chrzypsko a new breeding colony was formed (3 nests) while the breeding colony on Lake Ostrowiec, established over 40 years ago, consisted of over 170 breeding pairs. In the case of Lake Ostrowiec, high pollution with coliform bacteria (including Escherichia coli) was observed. Compared to the control station the significantly higher Most Probable Number (MPN) of coliform bacteria was found in groundwater under the colony. It was found that bacterial counts decreased in the direction of the centre of the water body with the highest numbers noted in the lake samples collected within the colony boundaries. Furthermore, seasonal variations in coliform bacteria were also observed with maximum densities during the breeding season. Similar trends were observed for the roosting colony on Lake Góreckie while for the newly forming colony on Lake Chrzypsko increased density of investigated bacteria was noted only in groundwater.

Contribution of surface runoff from forested areas to the chemistry of a through-flow lake

The role of surface runoff from forested areas in chemical cycling and freshwater ecology is still not completely understood. Changes in total precipitation and increase in heavy rainfalls may, however, in some regions promote the effect of runoff in aquatic environments. In this study, we aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties of the surface runoff occurring within the wooded catchment area of a through-flow lake (Poland, Europe). Samples were collected over a 2-year period from slopes overgrown by the monoculture of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) or mixed forest dominated by European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Scots pine. At the same time, the chemical properties of littoral and pelagic zones were analysed. Waters overflowing both slopes were found to have low pH, high colour and relatively high content of dissolved organic carbon and nutrients. Compared to coniferous site, the runoff from mixed forest was represented by significantly higher concentrations of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium ions. The greatest changes of the studied chemical parameters were noted in runoff occurring during heavy rainfall and snow melting (coniferous slope) or after shedding of leaves (the mixed forest slope). Surface runoff was revealed to be less important source of chemical loads in basins with direct river inflow but for more isolated basins it may be a significant factor affecting water quality.

Health threat associated with Caucasian giant hogweeds: awareness among doctors and general public in Poland

Abstract Context: The Caucasian giant hogweeds (Heracleum sosnowskyi and H. mantegazzianum) are aggressive invaders successfully spreading across different parts of Europe. Their sap containing linear furanocoumarins can lead to a persisting cutaneous dermatitis and massive skin necrosis. Objective: We aimed to assess the awareness of the giant hogweeds’ threat among physicians and general public in Poland. Methods: The level of awareness was assessed using a short questionnaire given to different groups of physicians: dermatologists (DMs), general practitioners (GPs) and occupational practitioners (OPs). An independent questionnaire was also addressed to the general public. Results: Among the surveyed physician groups, DMs were the best informed, while OPs were the worst informed on health threats associated with the giant hogweeds and treatment methods. Most frequently, application of topical corticosteroids was indicated as a successful method of treatment following the exposure to hogweeds. In the general public, awareness was relatively low with only 57.7% of the surveyed having ever heard about these plants. TV, press and Internet were among the most frequent sources of information in this regard. Conclusions: Public and medical attention needs to be raised as to the threats associated with giant hogweeds, particularly in countries that are highly infested with these plants.

The effect of glyphosate-based herbicide on aquatic organisms - a case study

Abstract The non-selective, post-emergence herbicides based on glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] are one of the most widely used pesticides in agriculture, urban areas and forestry. Although there has been documentation on the physical, chemical and toxicological properties of glyphosate, the aquatic toxicity of such formulations still requires assessment and evaluation. In the present study, we describe deliberate use of glyphosate-based herbicide in a bathing area of Lake Lednica (Wielkopolska, Poland) by unknown perpetrators in April, 2011. Glyphosate was detected using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in the water samples collected from the bathing area at a mean concentration of 0.09 mg dm-3. Aboveground parts of emerged macrophytes (Phragmites australis and Typha latifolia) covering the investigated area were completely withered. Studies of benthic macroinvertebrates revealed no significant differences in taxa number between event (13 taxa) and control (14 taxa) sites although differences in abundance of particular taxa were observed. Significantly lower numbers of Chironomidae (by 41%), Oligochaeta (by 43%), Vivipariae (by 75%), Hirudinae (by 75%), Asellus aquaticus (by 77%), Gammarus pulex (by 38%) and Dreissena polymorpha (by 42%) were found at the glyphosate-treated site. Furthermore, compared to the control, chironomids (Chironomidae) exposed to glyphosate were represented by specimens smaller in length while A. aquaticus only showed large adults. The ranges of glyphosate concentration in the tissues of sampled macroinvertebrates and Phragmites australis organs were 7.3-10.2 μg kg-1 and 16.2-24.7 μg kg-1, respectively. Our study indicates that glyphosate-based herbicides may have adverse effects on aquatic organisms including macroinvertebrates, thus their use in (or nearby) surface waters should be subject to strict limitation.