Fire has considerable impact on vegetation and organic soils properties. As we observed that the differences between vegetation of burnt and unburnt areas on the rich fen are visible 11 years after the fire, we assumed that the post-fire changes are long lasting, yet limited exclusively to the burnt areas. In order to check this hypothesis we studied spatial differentiation of physical and chemical properties of soils, and productivity capacities of burnt and unburnt areas in the fen in Biebrza National Park. We took soil samples from the neighboring burnt and unburnt areas, from the depth of 0–30 cm and 30–50 cm. We analyzed 21 parameters of the soils including: pH, ash content, moisture, bulk density, exchangeable K, Na, Ca, available P, N-NH4+, N-NO3−, total N, C, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, P; and calculated C:N, C:P ratios. Surface layer of the burnt soils differed significantly from the unburnt soils in respect of 17 out of 21 parameters. The most pronounced difference was observed for available phosphorous (on average 6 times higher for the burnt soils). The differences in the deeper layer were mostly insignificant. The burnt areas were also characterized by twofold higher plant productivity than recorded for the unburnt areas. The influence of fire on peaty soils was long lasting but mostly limited to the surface layer of the soils. In the case of particular soil features, the post-fire differences were modified by advanced muck formation (moorshing) processes in the unburnt areas. Since the fire led to long lasting increase of fertility, the recovery of fen vegetation is unlikely.

The subject of investigations was the fragment of low peatland complex located close to Miękinia,

about 30 km from Wrocław. Within the range of the examined area of peat bog complex there can be distinguished three parts differing in their utilization and composition of species, namely: 1/ the area degraded by the

attempt to afforest it with alder trees Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner, 2/ occasionally used bog hay meadow and

3/ typical peat forming phytocenosis. Total number of determined species, belonging to 11 phytosociological

classes, ranged 77, out of which more than a half constitute representatives of Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class.

As far as a non-afforested area was concerned, there were determined 5 phytocenosis, including 4 classified as

peat forming ones and one typical for post-bog meadows (Alopecuretum pratensis). The afforested area featured

herbaceous plant composition which indicated that the area with Alopecuretum pratensis phytocenosis had been

degraded. Analysis of environmental requirements, done with the use of ecological numbers, proved that prevailing number of species characterize similar requirements. It was mainly afforested part to feature taxons of

broader ecological scale, e.g. Polygonum bistora L., Carex hirta L. and Plantago lanceolata L.

The afforested area was purchased by a private person, therefore it can be assumed that the reason for such

a way of peatlands utilization was obtaining EU subsidies at minimum work effort. A higher financial profit,

however, would have been made by the owner if he had maintained a bog area as an extensive meadow.

This work focuses on the paleoenvironmental and palaeoclimatological history of the undisturbed core sequence of 8.6 m extracted from the Bottomless Lake (Tăul fără fund) sphagnum peat bog located in Bǎgǎu, Romania, which covers the last 8,600 years based on radiocarbon dating. By comparing results of archaeological and palaeoenvironmental investigations carried out so far in the area, results of the loss on ignition analyses and the data of the chronological analyses, it was possible to reconstruct climatic factors and anthropogenic impacts on the local environment. The undisturbed core sequence has above 86% organic matter content all along excluding the erosion horizons. Anthropogenic effects (building, woodcutting, pasturage, husbandry, farming) and changes in the local climate, vegetation, and environment increased the rate of the erosion and decreased the rate of the accumulation.

The dynamic changes in selected heavy metal concentrations were analyzed in two ombrotrophic peat bogs from southern Poland: Puścizna Mala (PK) and Puścizna Krauszowska (PM). The highest contents of Pb and Zn occur at the top of profiles examined: 115.36 mg/kg (PM1), 90.61 mg/kg (PM2), 182.40 mg/kg (PK1), 121.68 mg/kg (PK2) and 127.43 mg/kg (PM1), 89.73 mg/kg (PM2), 170 mg/kg (PK1), 130.4 mg/kg (PK2), respectively. Concentrations of copper are similar to those of local soils varying from 9.4 to 12.8 mg/kg. Cadmium strongly varies with depth, which indicates distinct mobility of this element. Two peaks of elevated Fe concentrations are observed at the top and bottom of the Puścizna Mala profile, while the maximum in Puścizna Krauszowska was at the top of the peat bog. The Ti content distinctly varies with depth and correlates with the ash content (R 2 = 0.91-0.99). The strongest and positive correlation is observed between Zn-Pb and Ti-Pb contents. The significant differences of metal concentrations are noted between the profiles, which is probably connected with a rate of peat accumulation and plant composition of the profiles investigated, as well as with their disturbance by human activity.

Peat soils (FAO — Gelic Histosols) in the southern Bellsund coast area occur on slopes and terraces. They are formed in places favourable for plant growth, i.e. adequately moistened and fertilized largely with bird excrements. These formations belong to moss peats which are generally decomposed weakly and moderately to about 0.5 m depth. Their content of organic matter is equal to about 30-90%, but it is higher in terrace peats. The latter are more acidified than slope peats. The reaction both of slope and terrace peat soils is as a rule, slightly acid or neutral, and CaC03 content does not exceed 10%. As regards the content of macroelements, that of Al is the highest followed by Ca, Fe, Mg and P. Little K and Ti, and only traces of Na are found. Microelements occur in the following sequence: Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Co, Cd. Particularly Mn, Zn as well as Cu and Cd were found in a higher concentration. Slope peat soils are richer in macro- and microelements than terrace ones, e.g. 4 times in the case of Mg. Peat soils poor in ash parts (up to 25% ash), contain the fewest elements. Some regularities concern also a vertical distribution of the particular profiles but only with regard to terrace peat soils.

The aim of the research was to assess the microbiological (number of heterotrophic bacteria, actinobacteria and moulds) and biochemical (urease and acid phosphatase activity) state of peat with the admixture of composts produced from sewage sludge. An additional aim of the research was to demonstrate the influence of those substrates on the morphological traits of scarlet sage (height, number and length of shoots, number of buds and inflorescences, greenness index (SPAD)). Composts produced from sewage sludge, wheat, maize and lupine straw were mixed with peat, where their percentage varied from 25% to 75%.

The substrate which included the composts applied in the experiment had a higher number of heterotrophic bacteria and a higher acid phosphatase activity level than the control substrate (peat). The multiplication of moulds and actinobacteria was more intensive than in the peat only in the combinations with K3 (sewage sludge 50%+sawdust 20%+ lupine straw 30%) and K4 (sewage sludge 50%+sawdust 20%+fresh maize straw 30%) composts, whereas the highest urease activity level was observed in the soils produced from K1 (sewage sludge 50%+sawdust 20%+white straw 30%) compost.

The most optimal development of plants was observed in the substrate with compost produced from wheat straw. Composts produced from municipal sewage sludge were found to be suitable for growing scarlet sage. However, their effect depends on the percentage of high peat in the substrate.

This malacological analysis was conducted at a site with peat and calcareous tufas in Łapsze Niżne, Podhale

(southern Poland). The study was carried out in 6 main and several complementary sections, in which 37 mollusc

species were recognized represented by almost 11 000 specimens. The study enabled the reconstruction of

environmental changes during the accumulation of the Holocene deposits (from the Boreal Phase till present).

Conclusions drawn from these reconstructions were compared with results of malacological and palynological

studies from other sites in Podhale. As a result, regional environmental reconstructions for the Holocene of the

area were made. The specific composition, ecological structure and succession of molluscan assemblages from

Łapsze Niżne indicate a significant role for local factors, thus demonstrating the variability of environmental

conditions within a geographic region.

The aim of the study was to assess the possibility of using natural carbonaceous materials such aspeat, lignite, and hard coal as low-cost sorbents for the removal of Direct Orange 26 azo dye from an aqueous solution. The adsorption kinetics and the influence of experimental conditions were investigated. The following materials were used in the research: azo dye Direct Orange 26, Spill-Sorb “Fison” peat (Alberta, Canada), lignite (Bełchatów, Poland), and hard coal (“Zofiówka” mine, Poland). The morphology and porous structure of the absorbents were tested. Dye sorption was carried out under static conditions, with different doses of sorbents, pH of the solution, and ionic strength. It was observed that the adsorption of Direct Orange 26 dye on all three adsorbents was strongly dependent on the pH of the solution, while the ionic strength of the solution did not affect the adsorption efficiency. The adsorption kinetics were consistent with the pseudo-second-order reaction model. The stage which determines the rate of adsorption is the diffusion of the dye in the near-surface layer. The process of equilibrium adsorption of Direct Orange 26 dye on all tested adsorbents is best described by the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity for peat, brown coal and hard coal was 17.7, 15.1 and 13.8 mg/g, respectively. The results indicate that peat, lignite, and hard coal can be considered as alternative adsorbents for removing azo dyes from aqueous solutions.

The adsorption of cadmium(ll) ions by low moor Alder Peat occurring in the overburden of brown coal deposits in Bełchatów Brown Coal Mine was investigated under dynamic conditions. Cadmium(ll) ions were applied to the column in aqueous solutions containing either cadmium sulfate or cadmium chloride. Solutions were also prepared containing cadmium ions alone or in combination with zinc(ll) and copper(ll) ions. The peat used as the adsorbent in this study had a high capacity for adsorbing the ions tested. The cadmium adsorbing capacity of the peat was significantly affected by pH, the anions present in the solution, and other cations present in the solution. The cadmium adsorbing capacity of the peat was significantly lower in the presence of other metal cations such as zinc(l l) and copper(l l), because these cations effectively compete with cadmium ions for binding sites on the peat. Peat can be recommended for purification processes designed to remove cadmium ions. Because cadmium ions arc predominantly loosely bound to the peat, they are easily extracted. This means that the cadmium adsorbing capacity of the peat is regenerated so that it can be used in further purification cycles.

The article discusses the spatial development of non-urban areas based on the use of local peat resources. Creating a methodology for the advanced spatial development of non-urban areas has peat resources based on multi- criteria optimisation of production and social infrastructures. The industrial and social infrastructure of the non-urban areas having reserves of peat, associated mineral, and industrial raw materials. Regularities, trends, and features of formation and functioning of the productive and social infrastructure of the natural and man-made complex in the development of peat reserves, associated mineral, and industrial raw materials. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to conduct interdisciplinary research and solve the following specific objectives: (1) the scientific justification of new technological processes and equipment for peat and mineral raw materials processing for obtaining new composite materials for multiple purposes; (2) the feature analysis of the use of local peat resources to provide the development of non-urban areas based on a set of scientific approaches; (3) the development of the methodology for project management of the natural and man-made complex to ensure multi-criteria optimisation of productive and social infrastructure. The example of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra development selected results of confronting the existing “big grand” and national challenges through the mechanisms of rational use of local peat resources non-urban areas are illustrated. The results indicated that by 2030 there would be a 3.8-fold increase in mineral extraction and a 5.9-fold increase in processing industries.

Understanding the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of grabens rich in lignite is important in the context of the accumulation of ~40–650 m of peat, as well as the exploitation of later formed lignite seams with a thickness of ~20–250 m. Six such areas were selected for a detailed palaeotectonic analysis: the Gostyń, Szamotuły, Legnica, Zittau, Lubstów, and Kleszczów grabens. During the analysis, borehole data were used, taking into account the compaction of peat at the transition to lignite, in order to reconstruct the magnitude of the total subsidence. This made it possible to distinguish between regional (covering areas also outside the grabens) and local (occurring only in the grabens) tectonic movements, and among the latter, tectonic and compactional subsidence. The hypothetical palaeosurface of the mires was reconstructed based on the lignite decompaction. As a result, it was possible to determine whether the examined peat/lignite seams underwent post-depositional uplift and/or subsidence. Between one (Gostyń Graben) and four (Zittau Basin and Kleszczów Graben) stages of tectonic subsidence were distinguished in the studied lignite-bearing areas. In the case of the Zittau Basin, as well as the Lubstów and Kleszczów grabens, post-depositional stages of tectonic uplift were also indicated. Like the boundaries of lithostratigraphic units, the successive stages of the Cenozoic tectonic development of the examined grabens are diachronic.

In order to reconstruct environmental changes in the Borzechowo mire, a sediment core was subjected to macrofossil and stratigraphic analyses. The mire is located in the eastern part of the Pomeranian Lakeland (Tuchola Forest, northern Poland). It is a limnogenic mire, formed as a result of terrestrialisation of a water body. The time of basal peat accumulation was estimated by radiocarbon dating as 9860±130 14C BP (Gd-12393) and by palynological analysis as Preboreal. The analysis of macrofossils shows that in that period, considerable hydrological changes took place in the study area. These hydrological changes were caused by melting of dead ice blocks that was common place in the Late Glacial and the Early Holocene.

This study reports on the accumulation rates and ²¹⁰Pb fluxes in Spitsbergen, Svalbard archipelago, wetlands. Six peat cores were collected in the Hornsund region, SW Spitsbergen (77°N) in 2007. The ages of peat layers were obtained with the Constant Flux/Constant Sedimentation and Constant Rate of Supply models based on the ²¹⁰Pb-dating technique. The obtained ²¹⁰Pb flux values ranged from 28 to 50 Bq m ^–2 y ^–1, which was consistent with the level of 222Rn emanation estimated for northern latitudes. The values of vertical and mass accumulation rates were slightly lower than reference data for peatlands of 50°−70°N. Furthermore, the vertical variations of peat accumulation rates exhibited the highest values in the upper part of the examined cores. The increasing tendency may be due in part to low compaction and low decomposition in the youngest peat layers. The analysis of the peat accumulation rate as a function of organic matter content and bulk density revealed positive and negative correlations, respectively, rather strong in both cases. The air temperature and precipitation gradients in the last few decades may have affected peat growth rates, which should be thoroughly investigated in future projects. Undoubtedly, the reported findings have provided a valuable addition to the relatively sparse dataset on recent peat deposits in Spitsbergen.

The aim of the study was to assess the P-PO4 and N-NH4 pollution of water in grasslands located on peat soils and to identify the impact of groundwater level on this pollution formation. The research was conducted in 2000– 2010 on grounds of ITP-PIB in Biebrza village (Poland). Within lowland fen a total of 18 monitoring points of groundwater and watercourses were established in 6 separate test stands. The subject of the research was water collected from drainage ditches/channels and groundwater, which was taken from wells installed in organic-soil layer and wells whose bottom was 15–20 cm below this layer. Water samples were collected several times a year, and in the case of groundwater, its level was also measured. It was found that: 1) due to concentration level of P-PO4 and N-NH4, about 46 and 39% of water samples from organic-soil layer and more than 40 and 37% of water samples from mineral- organic-soil layer respectively, were characterized by poor chemical status; 2) due to the exceeding of the limit values of P-PO4 and N-NH4 concentration, water samples from watercourses in over 30 and 27% respectively were not within 1st and 2nd class of surface water quality; 3) P-PO4 and N-NH4 concentrations in each water type were statistically significant and positively correlated with each other; 4) in organic-soil layer the groundwater level changing every 10 cm was a statistically significant factor differentiating the average P-PO4 concentration in groundwater associated with mineral-organic layer of peat soil and average N-NH4 concentration in each type of water.

Humic acids (HAs) are components of natural organic matter found in soil and are considered responsible for its fertility. They can be extracted from sources such as peat and lignite on an industrial scale. In order to increase the efficiency and reduce the duration of the alkaline extraction step, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was used in this study. Statistical analysis was implemented to describe the influence of microwave power, temperature, and time on the yield of HA extraction. Experimental points were created on the basis of the matrix, according to the Box-Behnken design. Statistical analysis showed the importance of linear correlations between the process parameters and the response. The last part of the presented study was to create the polynomial model and response surface plots, attached in poster form, which describe the result as a function of parameters of the MAE process.

The paper is designed to present a method to estimate greenhouse gases (GHG) uptake or emissions in the absence of data for peat bog areas (GEST method). The paper presents the research results produced by a project on “Limiting CO2 emissions via the renaturalisation of peat bogs on the Eastern and Central European Plain”. The study area consisted of three peat bogs: Kluki, Ciemińskie Błota, and Wielkie Bagno (Słowiński National Park). The GEST method relies on the estimation of gas emissions on the basis of vegetation and water levels and greenhouse gas coefficients for each given habitat type provided in the research literature. The greenhouse gas balance was calculated for a baseline scenario assuming the lack of human impact and for a scenario taking into account human impact in the form of peat bog preservation. Initial research results indicate that there is a total of 41 GESTs in the studied bog areas and that a reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately 12% will occur following what is known as renaturalisation by raising the groundwater level, felling of trees across the bog, and making changes in habitats.

We investigated sediments of three Sphagnum peatland-lake ecosystems located in Tuchola forest, both in moraine (Małe Leniwe near Rekowo) and outwash plain (Dury and Rybie Oko) landscape. Geological cross-sections were studied for each basin. Characteristic feature of these ecosystems is the presence of floating mats encroaching the lakes and deposition of highly hydrated sediments below the floating mat. Principal conditions favouring the development of peatland-lake ecosystems are (1) location of the lake in a sandy, non-calcareous catchment overgrown by coniferous forest, (2) steep ness of the lake basin, what prevents emerged macrophytes succession and (3) the depth of the basin significantly exceeding 10 m to avoid complete in filling of the lake basin. The developmental pathway in the Dury I basin indicates a shift in lake environment from neutral to acid one. After initial development of Charophytes, Potamogeton and Najas expanded, which later on, were succeeded by Sphagnum due to acidification of the lake water. Initial stages of the development of the lakes were determined mainly by allogenic factors, whereas in later stages autogenic factors (development of floating mat and peat acidifying the lake water) played fundamental role.

This paper presents results of investigation on peat and lacustrine sediments from the Kładkowe Bagno peat-bog located in the Puszcza Knyszyńska Forest. Using analysis of plant remains from sediment samples, vegetative and generative finds were identified which allowed describing peat units. Basing on these results, reconstruction of subfossil vegetation and palaeoenvironmental changes in the mire was made. Altogether 4 subassociations of Sphagnetum magellanici were described, which delivered information about humidity of the mire surface during peat forming processes. Stages of deposit development were dated by radiocarbon method. Accumulation of the oldest sediments in the southern basin took place in the Late Glacial. Peat of the northern basin started to accumulate in the Atlantic period. The both parts of the mire aggregated probably 400 years ago.