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The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of imbalanced mineral fertilization with phosphorus and potassium on calcium and magnesium management in maize at the critical growth stages (BBCH 17 and BBCH 65), as well as the content and accumulation of these nutrients when maize was fully ripe (BBCH 89). A single factor field experiment was established to investigate 8 treatments: the absolute control, without one of the main nutrients (P - WPN or K - WKN), reduced amount of phosphorus and potassium (to 25% - W25 and to 50% - WP50, WK50) and recommended rates of basic nutrients (NPKMg - W100 and NP*KMg, P* - P* as PAPR - W100 PAPR). The results showed no significant effects of mineral fertilization on the calcium and magnesium content in the leaves of maize examined at BBCH 17. Irrespective of mineral fertilization doses applied, Ca and Mg concentrations in maize leaves remained below the standard values. At the next examined maize growth stage (flowering - BBCH 65), magnesium malnutrition was observed as well, whereas the calcium concentration was at the luxury level. Differentiated fertilization with phosphorus and potassium significantly altered Ca and Mg concentrations in the ear leaf of maize at flowering. From the beginning of BBCH 17 stage until the end of maize growth, an antagonism between magnesium and potassium was observed, seen especially distinctively in WKN treatment (no potassium applied). Correlation analysis showed significant relationships between grain yield and plant nutrition with magnesium and calcium at maize flowering. Notwithstanding fertilizer treatments, grain yield of fully ripe maize was determined by the total accumulation of magnesium. More than 50% of Mg total uptake was accumulated in grain. On the other hand, calcium was accumulated mostly in maize stems and leaves, which jointly accumulated 87% of this nutrient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was focused on identification of plant diversity assessment approach which would be suitable for flowing waters. Moreover, the study attempted to estimate the extent of the survey (sampling effort) needed for detection of full plant diversity in river ecosystems. The analysed data were collected in a botanical survey carried out on the lowland sandy bottom Wel river, which is a very common river type in Europe. The Chao method of estimation of total species richness of macrophytes and Hill numbers were used to estimate the diversity based on very common plants (inverse Simpson index) as well as frequent species (Shannon index) and also including rare species (species richness). The analysis showed that using standard macrophyte survey approach for rivers, it is relatively easy to record abundant plants, but it is not possible to detect all species, because many aquatic macrophytes occur with low frequency and abundance requiring enormous sampling effort to detect all of them. It exceeds capabilities of most scientific projects. To improve the accuracy of diversity estimation, the rarefaction and extrapolation method was recommended. This method can reduce the bias in diversity estimates based on limited observational data, and thus limit inaccurate conclusions and subsequent wrong decisions in the conservation frameworks related to freshwater protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Evaluation of the nutritional status of zinc and other micronutrients in maize at the critical growth stages is an important diagnostic and prognostic factor that plays a substantial role in shaping its final yield. A hypothesis was verified that the application of different phosphorus and potassium fertilization doses affected the nutritional status of zinc in maize at the critical growth stages: leaf development (BBCH 17) and flowering (BBCH 65), as well as the zinc accumulation at the stage of ripening (BBCH 89, fully ripe). A single factor field study was conducted for 5 consecutive plant growing seasons (2007-2011). The results showed that mineral fertilization significantly increased zinc concentration in maize leaves at BBCH 17 and BBCH 65 growth stages. Regardless of the effects of the experimental factor, the Zn leaf content in maize at both critical growth stages was much below the standard value. Although the zinc concentration observed at the leaf development stage was low, no significant relationship was found between the zinc nutritional status in maize at that time and the subsequent grain yield. Stronger relationships between the zinc nutritional status in maize and grain yield were observed at the flowering stage. The total accumulation of zinc in maize was significantly differentiated by the experimental factor. The chemical form of phosphorus applied had no significant effect on Zn content in maize at the critical growth stages as well as on the accumulation of this nutrient in fully ripe plants. The ZnHI value obtained in the control treatment was 51.7%, whereas the values achieved in fertilizer treatments were higher and ranged from 52.9% (W100 PAPR - with partially acidulated phosphate rock) to 57.3% (W25 - 25% of K and P recommended rate). Correlation analysis on maize yield and zinc accumulation showed that yield volumes were determined most strongly by zinc accumulation in maize vegetative organs (especially husk leaves). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition is one of the most important factors influencing quantitative and qualitative plant yield. This study examined the effect of manganese (Mn) in nutrient solution on photosynthetic activity parameters, and the relations between photosynthetic activity parameters, yield and plant nutrient status in tomato (Solanum lycoper-sicum L.). Mn supplementation significantly modified the nutrient content of leaves. Macronutrient content var-ied less than micronutrient content. The optimal Mn concentration differed between the studied cultivars. Both Mn deficit and Mn excess caused a decrease of tomato yield. Gas exchange parameters, relative water content (RWC) and specific leaf area (SLA) were measured in fully expanded tomato leaves. Certain levels of Mn were found to be needed for proper plant function and future yield, and toxic effects of excess Mn were noted. Changes in PN (net photosynthetic rate) were found to be the first signal of plant response to higher Mn supply, while yield was as for optimal Mn concentrations. Under Mn treatment, uptake of some nutrients increased. A higher level of absorbed Mg led to a higher photosynthesis rate and increased stomatal opening. PN and gs (stomatal con-ductance) also increased, while Ci (intercellular CO2 concentration) decreased, indicating proper CO2 consumption during the assimilation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropospheric ozone is one of the most phytotoxic air pollutants. It can cause visible injuries, plant growth reduction and yield losses, resulting in economic losses. The effect of ozone on plants is cumulative during the growing season. Hence, in this study we examined the cumulative tropospheric ozone effect on ozone-sensitive tobacco plants (cultivar Bel W3) during one-month exposure in the summer season. The comparison of ozone-caused visible leaf injury in forest and urban sites in relation to cumulative ozone concentration is also presented here, as well as determination of the best index of visible ozone injury. The differences in visible tobacco leaf injury between forest and urban sites were assessed using two proposed indices for assessing the cumulative ozone effect. Both proposed indices revealed tendencies in ozone-caused injuries in particular weeks of the experiment and exposure sites. Higher differences between sites and week of exposure were revealed by the first index, which was calculated on the basis of the three maximum values of ozone leaf in-jury. Moreover, the examined cumulative ozone effect ap-peared earlier in the forest site, where higher ozone concentrations were noted. However, a stronger plant response was estimated in the urban site during the last week of experiment, even though lower ozone concentrations were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropospheric ozone is one of the most phytotoxic air pollutants. Its concentration has doubled over the last few decades. Ozone may cause visible injuries on plants and biomass losses, which is especially dangerous for crop plants. Bioindicator plants are used for detecting the occurrence of ozone at phytotoxic levels. Tobacco plants reveal visible injuries due to the elevated ozone concentrations in the ambient air. Two tobacco cultivars were used in the study presented here - one sensitive and one resistant to tropospheric ozone. The experiment was performed at two exposure sites - urban and rural - in the city of Poznań and in the surrounding area (Tarnowo Podgórne). Plants were exposed for two-week series in 2003-2006, from mid June until early September. Multivariate analysis using a variance model and dual canonical variate analysis were used for interpretation and graphical presentation of air bioindication results. The degree of tobacco leaf injury caused by ozone was higher at the rural site, which is attributable to the transportation of ozone precursors and the formation of ozone at large distances from its precursors' sources. Moreover, differences between years were recorded, due to the variability of meteorological conditions occurring during those years, which either favor or hinder tropospheric ozone creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas established in the European Union on the basis of EU Directives. Simultaneously it is the youngest form of protected areas in Poland. Hence conflicts between conservation objectives and opportunities as well as needs of community economic development are quite common. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the tourism and investment potential of Czarnkowsko-Trzcianecki County and determine whether the Natura 2000 network is a factor in increasing the tourism and investment development of the commune or limiting it. We evaluated the tourism and investment potential based on modification of the Gołembski method (i.e., multidimensional comparative analysis) and measured the proportion of the Natura 2000 network in the total area of the commune. The Trzcianka commune was found to have the greatest tourism development and investment potential, but the Wieleń commune was the most attractive in terms of tourism, and Czarnków (municipal commune) was found to have the highest investment attractiveness. Moreover, there was no correlation between the Natura 2000 network and tourism and investment potential of communes. However, these areas had a negative impact on the investment attractiveness of communes, due to socio-economic and technical aspects, which may cause future potential limitation of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical characteristics of substrate are one the most significant factors influencing the growth and development of cultivated mushroom species. The aim of this study was to determine the mineral composition of six Pleurotus species (P. cistidiosus, P. djamor, P. ostreatus, P. ostreatus var. florida, P. pulmonarius and P. sajor-caju) growing on three wheat straw substrates with the addition of agricultural fertilizer rich in ammonium and with addition of salt solution rich in nitrates. Significant differences in the concentration of Al, Ca, Cu, Ir, Ni, Ru, Sn and Te were observed in all substrates used in this experiment. Cultivation on chemically-enriched substrates did not result in changes in yield with the exception of P. sajor-caju, which had a lower yield when grown on ammonium-rich substrate. No macroscopic alterations in fruit bodies were observed for any species regardless of the applied substrate. A higher concentration of selected elements was not correlated with their higher content in particular mushroom species, or such a relationship was present only in selected mushroom species. The efficiency of element accumulation depends on their concentration in the substrate (positive values of rs), although the mushroom species and the nitrogen form concentration may also have a significant impact (negative rs values). The obtained results show that cultivation of different Pleurotus strains on substrates enriched with a different share of ammonium and nitrate may cause changes in their mineral composition in spite of the similarity in the concentration of the majority elements in substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral composition among mushroom species may be similar or significantly different. It is accepted that mushroom species are one of the main determinants of their varying efficiency of accumulating mineral elements. The aim of this study was to establish whether this statement is accurate and what role the mushroom genus may play. For this purpose, fruit bodies of 5 species belonging to the Lactarius genus and 4 species belonging to Russula genus were collected from a forest area as small as compatible with similar chemical soil characteristics. In total, 4 major (Ca, K, Mg, Na) and 33 trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Cd, Ce, Co, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hf, Hg, Mn, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pr, Rb, Se, Sn, Sr, Ta, Ti, Tl, U, V, Zn, Zr) were determined. Generally, species belonging to the Lactarius genus contained a higher content of major elements compared to Russula. The obtained results reveal a similarity in the mineral profile of the studied mushrooms within each individual genus. Moreover, within each mushroom genus, a specific species with significantly higher element(s) content was observed, suggesting that both the mushroom species and genera may play an essential role in modulating element accumulation from soil to soil fruit bodies. Due to the fact that collected mushrooms grew in close proximity to trees, we were able to confirm that the presence of Fagus sylvatica might stimulate the accumulation of toxic elements in Lactarius vellereus bodies. [Display omitted] • Mineral composition of Lactarius and Russula mushroom species were studied. • Species of genus Lactarius contained higher level of major elements than Russula. • Similarity in mineral profile between mushrooms of the particular genera were observed. • Higher accumulation of elements may depend on species and genus. • Fagus sylvatica may stimulate toxic elements accumulation in Lactarius vellereus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1979 world production of mushrooms has increased almost 10-fold, but it is not known whether the mineral composition profile of fruit bodies has changed over time and if so, what the patterns of changes are. This work attempts to determine alterations in the mineral composition of Agaricus bisporus produced in Poland in the years 1977–2020. The obtained results indicated a general decrease in the content of most of the analysed elements, which was most likely associated with changes in the growing substrate (horse manure in the first years, followed by the production of compost containing straw and poultry manure). The observed alterations in the content of elements in around 2010 probably resulted from the introduction of supplements during the optimisation of mushroom cultivation. Consuming A. bisporus fruiting bodies produced in Poland has never caused a risk to human health or life. Despite fluctuations in the content of elements in selected years, the results indicate a gradual reduction in the content, especially of nonessential and toxic trace elements. The results obtained from the archival and unique research material reflect current cultivation trends described by changes in the mineral profile of white button mushroom production. [Display omitted] • Content of 45 elements in Agaricus bisporus between 1977 and 2020 in Poland is reported. • Intake of mushrooms from Polish producers was not associated with health risk. • Despite diverse mineral profile a general decrease of element contents was observed. • The high content of elements was most likely the result of using horse manure. • Changes in the mineral profile are an effect of using supplements in compost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) remediation is challenging due to the complex nature and the persistence of these metalloid compounds. While it may seem that differences between As forms influence have been extensively described, new findings challenge the previously accepted knowledge, particularly for woody plants. Therefore, this study focused on 2-year-old Tilia cordata Mill. seedlings early (0, 2, 4, 12, 24 h) and late (3, 7, 12, 18, 25, 33 days) responses during growth under: As(III), As(V) or dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) (0.3 mM). Time-dependent transformations of As forms, distribution in plants, and microbiological characteristics (actinobacteria, bacteria, fungi, enzyme activity) were investigated. The highest increase in total As content was observed in plants exposed to As(V) and As(III). Dynamic metalloid form changes in the solution and tree organs were indicated. The most phytotoxic was DMA. This form was the main factor limiting the growth and effective accumulation of As. Despite experimenting in hydroponics, microorganisms played an important role in As form transformations, suggesting the potential for microbial-assisted dendroremediation strategies. The study confirmed that trees can convert more toxic forms into less toxic ones (e.g. As(III) to phytochelatins - As(III)-(PC 3)), whose presence in roots seedlings exposed to As(III) and As(V) has been identified. The formation of hydrophobic forms (e.g. dimethylarsinoyl lipid) in the roots of seedlings grown under As(V) was confirmed. It is the first discovery for trees, previously observed only in bacteria and algae. The dynamics of metalloid form changes indicated that T. cordata transforms As forms according to their needs, which may give tree species an advantage in phytoremediation techniques. It holds great promise for the potential of dendroremediation. [Display omitted] • Biotransformation of As forms began at the first hours of tree seedlings growth. • Phytotoxicity for T. cordata seedlings decreased as follows: DMA > As(III) > As(V). • Low concentrations of As(V) in solution stimulated seedlings' biomass increase. • T. cordata seedlings have ability to convert more toxic into less toxic As forms. • First discovery hydrophobic As forms (e.g. dimethylarsinoyl lipid) in tree roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the use of various substrates in the production of edible mushrooms which may contain metals, including Cu and Pb, it is important to understand the influence of mutual interactions between them in the process of their accumulation in fruit bodies. For this reason, the effects of Cu, Pb, and Cu × Pb on yield, accumulation of five major elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na and P), trace elements (Cu, Pb and Fe) and some bioactive compounds in Lentinula edodes fruit bodies were studied. Both the metals were added in doses of 0.1 and 0.5 mM (Cu0.1, Cu0.5, Pb0.1, Pb0.5 and their combinations). The addition of the metals resulted in a reduction in size, amount and finally yield of fruit bodies. Depending on the presence of Cu and or Pb and their concentration in the substrate, both antagonism and synergism may occur. The influence on the accumulation of other determining elements was also recorded. Among phenolic compounds, phenolic acids and flavonoids were detected. 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid dominated in fruit bodies in the control variant, Pb0.1, Pb0.5 and all experimental variants enriched with Cu + Pb, while gallic acid was the major phenolic after Cu0.1 and Cu0.5 addition. Only protocatechuic acid content increased in all combinations. A significant decrease of all aliphatic acid contents in comparison to the control variant was observed in the Cu0.1 and Pb0.1 variants. Significant stimulation of aliphatic acid synthesis was recorded in Cu0.5 and Pb0.5 variants and in the mixture of both the metals. The additions pointed to the possible role of the determined molecules in detoxification mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Physiological response of Acer platanoides seedlings under arsenic forms was estimated. • Both form and concentration of arsenic induced phenols and organic acid exudation. • The highest exudation was recorded in leaves and the lowest in the rhizosphere. • Low molecular weight organic acids were exudated by Acer platanoides exposed to dimethylarsinic acid. Two-year-old seedlings of Acer platanoides were cultivated during a three-month hydroponic experiment in modified Knop solution enriched with inorganic (As(III), As(V)) and organic (dimethylarsinic acid - DMA) arsenic forms at 0.06 mM, 0.6 mM and their combinations. The profile and content of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) and phenolic compounds were also determined in the rhizosphere, roots and leaves. Arsenic (As) treatment caused an elevated creation of the above mentioned metabolites, which was higher in leaves than in the rhizosphere or roots, and their overall content was correlated with the concentration of As in A. platanoides organs. The addition of all As forms strongly induced the exudation of citric and oxalic acids into the rhizosphere, while malonic, acetic, citric and malic acids were formed in the roots. The most differential profile of roots was confirmed for As(V) 0.06 mM (4-hydroxybenzoic (4-HBA), syringic, 2,5 dihydroxybenzoic (2,5-DHBA), caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic, p -coumaric and sinapic acids and catechin). The obtained results indicate that the presence of particular As forms has a significant impact on the content and profile of exuded and created LMWOAs and phenolic compounds, and can also have a decisive influence on the activation of appropriate detoxification mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy transition and the EU's ambitious policies require member countries to find socially acceptable solutions. One possible solution is agricultural biogas plants. However, research on public acceptance of biogas plants has been a small part of the research on renewable energy sources. The aims of the article were to (I) examine the public awareness of agricultural biogas plants, (II) analyze the public opinion on the perception of biogas plants in a diverse landscape, and (III) perform visual assessment of the landscape with an existing biogas plant based on investments from Poland. A combination of methodological approaches was used to achieve the aims: survey research and visual assessment. Survey research was used to investigate the public awareness and perception of biogas plants in a diverse landscape. Visual assessment of operating biogas plant in the rural landscape was performed using the JAR-WAK landscape evaluation method. The conducted research showed that, according to the respondents, the biggest disadvantage of biogas plants is odors, and the greatest benefit is the production of energy and heat. The surveyed people also negatively perceived landscapes with biogas plants. However, the visual assessment for operating a biogas plant indicated no negative impact on the landscape. • Survey research and visual assessment were used in the present research. • Education is a main factor in perceiving the benefits and costs of biogas plants. • Society is more able to accept biogas plants in the agricultural landscape. • Proper location and management of the land around a biogas plant are key elements. • Further research is needed to better understand the perception of biogas plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of investigations and assessment of air pollution by cadmium, lead, and arsenic using Italian rye-grass are presented in this paper. The experiment was carried out in the 2011 growing season in Poznań city and surroundings areas. Lolium multiflorum L. 'Lema' exhibits several properties useful for active biomonitoring of air pollution. Plants were exposed at sites varying in environmental characteristics. High cadmium and lead concentrations in leaves were noted in plants exposed within the city area. Canonical variate analysis illustrated variability in concentrations of elements in certain exposure series. The highest arsenic concentrations were observed in the first exposure series, while the highest lead concentrations were observed during the second series. Comparison of trace element concentrations at exposure sites to the control site revealed that comparable levels occurred in the city sites and the Agro-ecological Landscape Park. This was an effect of high cadmium and lead levels at city sites, and arsenic at the rural site. The lowest level of measured trace elements was observed at an exposure site located 15 km from Poznań in a rural area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vast amounts of mining and metallurgical wastes containing unimaginable quantities of toxic metal(loid)s require searching for managed ways. The study aimed to long-term assess the growth, elements accumulation (As, Cd, Hg, In, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, Ti, Tl, Zn) and proline content in 2-year-old Tilia cordata Mill. and Quercus robur L. seedlings growing under 1 and 3% extremely polluted mining sludge (MS) after 1, 2 and 3 years. Both species were able to grow efficiently without significant differences resulting from the impact of MS. The overall rise was higher for T. cordata than for Q. robur. The accumulation ability for As, Hg, In, Mn, Mo, Pb, Ti, and Zn in the whole plant was significantly higher for T. cordata, while Cd, Sb, Sn and Tl did not differ considerably between species. The highest content was found for As, Mn and Zn (68.7, 158, and 157 mg per plant, respectively) for T. cordata after 3 years of growth. The calculated Bioconcentration Factors were the highest for Cu (1.23), In (6.86), and Zn (38.4) for Q. robur, as well as for As (1.55), Hg (3.24), Mn (32.8), Mo (1.64) and Ti (18.0) for T. cordata after 3 years. The highest Translocation Factors were observed for In (1.35) and Sn (1.25) after 3 years, as well as for Mn (2.72, 3.38, and 3.03 after 1, 2, and 3 years) for Q. robur seedlings. The proline content was higher for Q. robur, regardless of which organ was examined, and the differences increased with the time of the experiment and the amount of MS addition (possibly more sensitive to stress). Young T. cordata seedlings show much greater potential than Q. robur. This is the first time that a demonstration of the high potential of long-living trees in multi-element MS remediation has been described., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

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., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This 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., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The efficiency of element accumulation depends on numerous factors, where the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil seem to be very important, and the role of taxonomic rank in the accumulation of elements by mushrooms seems to be important. The aim of the study was to compare the mineral composition of 7 species belonging to Leccinum and Suillus genera, collected between 2019 and 2021 from localizations in the west-central part of Poland. The research aimed to indicate the role of selected soil parameters in stimulating/inhibiting the accumulation of elements by selected Boletales mushroom species and to answer the question about the role of species belonging to the genus as an indicator determining the specific mineral composition of fruiting bodies. Soil pH and other soil properties (granulometric composition, organic carbon, degree of organic matter decomposition) may significantly affect mushrooms' mineral composition. Mushroom species belonging to Leccinum genus exhibited the higher amount of essential major and trace elements than species of Suillus genus). It suggests that the affiliation of the studied mushroom species to a specific genus may affect their mineral composition, and the physicochemical properties of the soil may be responsible for the lack of a clear division in the efficiency of element(s) accumulation. Selected species contain high amounts of K, Cu, Fe, and Zn, while others, such as selected Suillus gravellei fruiting bodies, also contain As and Cd. The results described serve as an introduction to a broader scientific discussion and require many further studies to confirm the role of taxonomic ranks and the influence of soil characteristics on the accumulation of elements by fruiting bodies., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Visual pollution by outdoor advertisements (OAs) of the urban landscape in the old town of Gniezno city (Poland) was the main aim of the presented work. For this purpose, the part of Warszawska Street located near the old market was selected. The detailed objective of the work was to evaluate the effect of OA on the building perception and compare two different methods to check the possibility of their interchangeably potential. The city audit and public opinion about selected buildings were performed. The photographs with and without OAs were also analyzed. The statistical analysis was performed to find the significant differences between these two methods and define differences between groups of respondents. In general, the results revealed the strong effect of the building quality (condition and appearance of the building) on the final score of the building perception. This was valid for both evaluation methods. The significant differences between building perception with and without OAs and groups of respondents were found only for the building with good facade quality. While, in the case of low-quality buildings the perception of the urban landscape was low regardless of the presence of OAs. Moreover, we can primarily conclude that city audit and survey of public opinion can be used interchangeably., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Of the many environmental factors that modulate the phytoextraction of elements, little has been learnt about the role of metal interactions. The study aimed to show how different concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn in the cultivation medium influenced the biomass, plant development and phytoextraction abilities of Acer platanoides L. seedlings. Additionally, the impact on the content and distribution of Ca, K, Mg and Na in plant parts was studied with an analysis of phenols. Plants treated with a mixture of two metals were characterised by lower biomass of leaves and higher major elements content jointly than those grown in the salt of one element. Leaves of A. platanoides cultivated in Pb 5  + Zn 1 , Pb 1  + Zn 1 and Pb 1  + Zn 5 experimental systems were characterised by specific browning of their edges. The obtained results suggest higher toxicity to leaves of Pb and Zn present simultaneously in Knop solution than Cu and Pb or Cu and Zn, irrespective of the mutual ratio of the concentrations of these elements. Antagonism of Cu and Zn concerning Pb was clearly shown in whole plant biomass when one of these elements was in higher concentration (5 mmol L -1 ) in solution. In the lowest concentrations (1 mmol L -1 ), there was a synergism between Cu and Zn in plant roots. Plants exposed to Zn 5 , Cu 1  + Pb 5 , Pb 5  + Zn 1 and Cu 1  + Zn 1 were characterised by higher total phenolic content than the rest plants. Both the presence and the concentration of other elements in the soil are significant factors that modulate element uptake, total phenolic content, and plant development., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

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.

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. Graphical abstract.