Effects of metal contamination on soil biota activity were investigated at 43 sites in 5 different habitats (defined by substratum and vegetation type) in a post-mining area. Sites were characterised ...in terms of soil pH and texture, nutrient status, total and exchangeable metal concentrations, as well as plant species richness and cover, abundances of enchytraeids, nematodes and tardigrades, and microbial respiration and biomass. The concentrations of total trace metals were highest in soils developed on mining waste (metal-rich dolomite), but these habitats were more attractive than sandy sites for plants and soil biota because of their higher content of organic matter, clay and nutrients. Soil mesofauna and microbes were strongly dependent on natural habitat properties. Pollution (exchangeable Zn and Cd) negatively affected only enchytraeid density; due to a positive relationship between enchytraeids and microbes it indirectly reduced microbial activity.
► Bioavailable zinc and cadmium reduce enchytraeid density. ► Enchytraeids positively influence microbial respiration and biomass. ► Total contents of heavy metals in soil are poor predictors of the distribution of plants and soil biota.
Elevated concentrations of exchangeable Zn and Cd reduce enchytraeid density and indirectly affect microbial activity adversely.
This study examined the effects of soil physicochemical properties (including heavy metal pollution) and vegetation parameters on soil basal respiration, microbial biomass, and the activity and ...functional richness of culturable soil bacteria and fungi. In a zinc and lead mining area (S Poland), 49 sites were selected to represent all common plant communities and comprise the area's diverse soil types. Numerous variables describing habitat properties were reduced by PCA to 7 independent factors, mainly representing subsoil type (metal-rich mining waste vs. sand), soil fertility (exchangeable Ca, Mg and K, total C and N, organic C), plant species richness, phosphorus content, water-soluble heavy metals (Zn, Cd and Pb), clay content and plant functional diversity (based on graminoids, legumes and non-leguminous forbs). Multiple regression analysis including these factors explained much of the variation in most microbial parameters; in the case of microbial respiration and biomass, it was 86% and 71%, respectively. The activity of soil microbes was positively affected mainly by soil fertility and, apparently, by the presence of mining waste in the subsoil. The mining waste contained vast amounts of trace metals (total Zn, Cd and Pb), but it promoted microbial performance due to its inherently high content of macronutrients (total Ca, Mg, K and C). Plant species richness had a relatively strong positive effect on all microbial parameters, except for the fungal component. In contrast, plant functional diversity was practically negligible in its effect on microbes. Other explanatory variables had only a minor positive effect (clay content) or no significant influence (phosphorus content) on microbial communities. The main conclusion from this study is that high nutrient availability and plant species richness positively affected the soil microbes and that this apparently counteracted the toxic effects of metal contamination.
► We examined effects of habitat properties on microbial parameters in polluted soil. ► Nutrient content increased microbial activity. ► Plant species richness increased microbial activity and functional richness. ► Toxic effects of trace metals were ameliorated by nutrient content. ► Bacterial and fungal communities were affected by habitat properties differently.
•Effects of C. epigejos, C. palustre and T. farfara on coal mine spoils are tested.•The plants increase C, P, K and Ca and microbial activity in the spoil material.•Effects of studied plants on ...spoil’s properties are species-dependent.•The studied plants can play a key role in soil formation on heaps after coal mining.
This study examined three herbaceous plant species, namely Calamagrostis epigejos, Chamaenerion palustre and Tussilago farfara spontaneously colonizing spoil heaps after hard (bituminous) coal mining for their effects on selected physico-chemical and microbial parameters of the spoil material. The parameters were measured for plots of C. epigejos, C. palustre, T. farfara and controls (bare ground) established on heaps belonging to two age categories: 5–10 and 15–20 years from the end of spoil heaping. The spoil material was characterized by varying pH values (from 4.0 to 9.1), high content of total C (10.3±3.8%), deficiency of other nutrients (1.04±0.76mg N–NO3kg−1, 2.16±1.07mgOlsenPkg−1, 572±163mgexchangeableCakg−1) and low respiration rate (0.64±0.34μMCO2gdwt−124h−1). The spoils under the plants had less N–NO3 and more exchangeable Ca and K, available (Olsen) P and total C than the spoils from non-vegetated plots. The effect for the latter three variables was species-dependent. Electrical conductivity and N–NO3 concentrations were lower in the spoils from the older heaps than those from the younger ones, while the opposite effect was found for N–NH4 and Ca concentrations. The spoils from the vegetated plots supported more active and richer microbial communities than the bare spoils. This effect was strong, especially for the older heaps. Microbial respiration was the highest under C. palustre; it averaged 0.92±0.31μMCO2gdwt−124h−1, i.e., 2.6 times more than in the bare spoils. Microbial communities studied with Biolog plates were more active and utilized a higher number of carbon substrates under the plants than in the bare spoils. T. farfara differed considerably from the two other species in the structure of microbial communities (the metabolic fingerprint) it supported. Overall, the results show that the three plant species significantly affected nutrient availability and enhanced microbial performance in the coal mine spoil material. Since these plants effectively colonize industrial waste sites, they can be recommended for use in reclamation programs.
Rosa rugosa
Thunb. (Japanese Rose) is one of the most invasive species in Europe. It spreads spontaneously in coastal areas of western, central and northern Europe, posing a threat to dune habitats, ...including those indicated in the EU Habitats Directive as particularly valuable.
R. rugosa
has already been reported to displace native plants and alter soil properties. However, little is known about how these effects are mediated by the habitat context or the invader condition (health, ontogenetic stage). This study addressed that gap by examining vegetation and soil in 22
R. rugosa
-invaded sites, half of which were in yellow dunes and the other half in grey dunes, i.e. two habitats representing the earlier and later stages of dune succession. The study was conducted on the Hel Peninsula (Poland’s Baltic coast).
R. rugosa
had a significant impact on dune vegetation, but the impact was strongly dependent on the habitat type. In the yellow dune sites,
R. rugosa
outcompeted most resident plant species, which translated into a strong decline in their total cover and richness. The invasion was almost not accompanied by changes in soil properties, suggesting that it affected the resident vegetation directly (through space takeover and shading). In the grey dunes,
R. rugosa
caused a shift in species composition, from that characteristic of open communities to that typical of forests. In this habitat, a significant increase in the soil organic layer thickness under
R. rugosa
was also observed, which means that both direct and indirect effects of the invasion on the vegetation should be assumed. Finally, a negative relationship was found between the total chlorophyll content in
R. rugosa
leaves and the parameters of resident plant communities, showing that the invasion effects can vary not only across habitats, but also with the condition of the invader. The results may have practical implications for managing
R. rugosa
invasions in coastal sand dune systems. Since
R. rugosa
accelerates grey dune succession, protecting this habitat may be more urgent and, at the same time, more complicated than protecting dunes at the earlier stages of development.
Abstract
Reynoutria japonica is one of the most harmful invasive species in the world, dramatically reducing the diversity of resident vegetation. To mitigate the impact of R. japonica on ecosystems ...and properly manage affected areas, understanding the mechanisms behind this plant’s invasive success is imperative. This study aimed to comprehensively analyse plant communities invaded by R. japonica, taking into account species traits, habitat conditions and seasonal variability, and to determine the ecological profile of species that withstand the invader’s pressure. The study was performed in fallow and riparian areas in southern Poland. Pairs of adjacent plots were established at 25 sites with no obvious signs of recent human disturbance. One plot contained R. japonica, and the other contained only resident vegetation. For each plot, botanical data were collected and soil physicochemical properties were determined. Twelve sites were surveyed four times, in two springs and two summers, to capture seasonal variability. The presence of R. japonica was strongly associated with reduced resident plant species diversity and/or abundance. In addition to the ability to quickly grow and form a dense canopy that shades the ground, the success of the invader likely resulted from the production of large amounts of hard-to-decompose litter. The indirect impact of R. japonica by controlling the availability of nutrients in the soil might also play a role. A few species coexisted with R. japonica. They can be classified into three groups: (i) spring ephemerals – geophytic forbs with a mixed life history strategy, (ii) lianas with a competitive strategy and (iii) hemicryptophytic forbs with a competitive strategy. Species from the first two groups likely avoided competition for light by temporal or spatial niche separation (they grew earlier than or above the invasive plant), whereas the high competitive abilities of species from the third group likely enabled them to survive in R. japonica patches.
Reynoutria japonica, native to East Asia, is a highly invasive plant beyond its range. It easily outcompetes and displaces most species from plant communities it invades. However, there are some plant species that, due to their functional traits, can coexist with R. japonica and even benefit from its invasion. In our study, we found such species among spring ephemerals (they undergo a full vegetation cycle before the development of R. japonica canopy), lianas (they treat shoots of R. japonica as support for climbing and overgrow them) and highly competitive native plants.
Metal pollution can affect soil microbial communities, and vegetation potentially influences this relationship. It can, for example, modify the toxicity of metal to soil microbes by controlling its ...input to the ground or by altering soil physicochemical properties. This study examined metal effects on soil respiration, potentially active microbial biomass (SIR) and catabolic abilities of culturable heterotrophic bacterial communities (Biolog GN) in pine forest and grassland ecosystems developed on soils contaminated with Zn, Pb and Cd. In samples from non-forested areas we found that metal pollution reduced the microbial biomass and functional diversity of bacteria, while increasing the metabolic quotient. In samples from pine forests we found no relationship between metal pollution and microbial parameters. Metals induced changes in soil respiration neither in forest nor in grassland sites. Generally, microbial performance was determined predominantly by soil physicochemical properties (nutrient content, acidity, contamination level). Vegetation type seemed a minor but important factor influencing microbial communities. More work is needed to determine why even relatively high metal concentrations do not significantly affect microbial communities in forest soils.
Planting of Japanese rose Rosa rugosa along the Baltic Sea coastline has contributed to the synanthropization of coastal ecosystems. Many ant species inhabiting coastal dunes are rare, have high ...conservation value and are sensitive to ecosystem disturbances. This short communication presents a study describing the species composition of ground‐nesting ants beneath the invasive plant Rosa rugosa. Twenty‐five paired invaded–native plots were established along the Hel Peninsula in gray and white dunes. We identified a total of 13 species within both the invaded and reference plots, of which 11 species were shared. The difference between reference and invaded plots was tested using permutational multivariate anova based on the Bray–Curtis index dissimilarity matrix. Permutational multivariate anova partitioning showed the greatest component was the residual, and there was no evidence for vegetation type effect. Thus, we did not confirm the negative influence of R. rugosa invasion on the community composition of ground‐nesting ants. Comparing the species composition of invaded and reference plots, we identified a small bias towards a slightly higher frequency of hygrophilous Myrmica species and a higher frequency of the psammophilous ant Lasius psammophilus, which raises the question for future investigations of whether R. rugosa creates nesting microhabitats preferred by hygrophilous ants.
In this paper we investigated the species composition of ants nesting in the ground beneath invasive plant Rosa rugosa. We showed that the invasion of R. rugosa is associated with only minor changes in the community composition of nesting ants. Slightly higher frequency of some species in invaded plots suggests that R. rugosa creates humid microhabitats.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is having a negative impact on the mental health of nurses around the world. The aim of the study was to assess the sense of fear and the degree of exposure to ...SARS-CoV-2 infection and to estimate the influence of various factors on the fear of SARS-CoV-2. We analysed methods and strategies for coping with stress used by Polish nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was conducted using a diagnostic survey, which included a self-constructed questionnaire and a standardized psychological questionnaire: Brief-Cope. Results: A total of 361 nurses confirmed their participation in the study. Most of the nurses were ages 31 to 50 (48.2%), lived in a city (83.7%), and had a master’s degree in nursing (45.7%). Nurses ≥ 51 years of age, with ≥ 21 years of work experience and with secondary education in nursing and master of nursing were more likely than other nurses to agree with the statement, I am afraid of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 (appropriately p = 0.009, p = 0.007, p = 0.014). During the outbreak of COVID-19, nurses most often took action to improve the situation, reflecting on and planning what to do. The most frequent means of coping with stress by Polish nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak were problem-focused strategies. The least frequent strategy was the use of substances (taking substances to alleviate unpleasant emotions), considered to be the least effective, but useful in some situations. Conclusions: Most nurses were afraid of being infected with COVID-19. The most frequently used strategies for coping with stress by Polish nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic were problem-focused strategies. Nurses should receive psychological support and assistance from the employer in improving their working conditions.
► AMF colonization of sage in MAN was lower than in MRL. ► Higher AMF species richness was found in MRL and was affected by plant identity. ► Soil basal respiration was lowest under lemon balm and ...highest under lavender. ► Mineral fertilizers did not suppress and sometimes enhanced microorganisms. ► The effects of fertilizer type on microorganisms depended on plant identity.
The effects on soil microorganisms of a three-year cultivation programme using mineral and manure fertilization on three perennial medicinal plant species, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), were studied. Root endophyte colonization, namely arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), dark septate endophytes (DSE) and Olpidium spp., as well as AMF species richness and abundance in the soil, soil respiration, microbial biomass, and the activity and functional richness of culturable bacterial communities were assessed. In the mineral fertilization treatment (MRL), phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were incorporated at the beginning of the experiment, while nitrogen fertilizer was applied throughout its course. In the manure fertilization treatment (MAN), animal manure was applied once four years prior to soil and plant sampling. The soil under MRL was characterized by a higher pH and P, N and Ca contents. AMF colonization of sage under MAN was lower in comparison to MRL; however, no significant differences were found in the case of lemon balm and lavender. The results of the Plantago lanceolata L. laboratory bioassay in respect of the infectivity potential of the AMF present in the soils tested were in accordance with the trends obtained from mycorrhizal colonization assessments of the medicinal plant species. DSE and Olpidium spp. were also observed in the roots subjected to analysis; however, they were not abundant. In the case of sage, DSE were more frequent in MAN, while no significant differences were found in lemon balm and lavender. In contrast, Olpidium spp. were more abundant in the sage and lavender from MRL. Moreover, the lemon balm roots were devoid of these endophytes. The spores of 15 AMF species from 10 genera were isolated from trap cultures established from the soils collected in the field. The species richness found in MRL was higher than that in MAN. Moreover, four AMF species were detected exclusively in the trap cultures established from the soils collected from under lemon balm, two were exclusive to sage and one to lavender. The soil basal respiration was significantly affected by the plant species, but not by the fertilization systems and this parameter was lowest under lemon balm and highest under lavender. The microbial biomass differed significantly between management types only for lemon balm and was lower in MAN than in MRL. Bacterial activity was affected neither by plant species nor by fertilization type. Bacterial functional richness was significantly influenced only by the fertilization type in interaction with the plant species and was higher in MAN than in MRL for sage. Our results suggest that moderate application of mineral fertilizers does not suppress, and sometimes enhances, AMF and other soil microorganisms. Moreover, the effects of the fertilization type on soil microbial properties depend on the plant species being cultivated.
Abstract
- The aim of the present study was to investigate the composition of spontaneous plant cover and the physicochemical properties of the substratum of spoil heaps of the Siersza hard coal mine ...in Trzebinia (southern Poland) abandoned in 2001. Floristic and soil analyses were performed in 2011. The substratum was very diverse in terms of texture (sand: 55-92 %, clay: 6-38 %), nutrient content (total C: 1.3-41.0 %, total N: 0.05-0.49 %, total Ca: 0.5-7.3 %) and pH (3.7-8.7). Moreover, total thallium concentration in the substratum was high, ranging from 6.0 to 14.6 mg kg
-1
. Plant cover varied from 50 to 95 %. The number of plant species per 4m
2
varied from 6 to 29 and correlated negatively with total carbon content (r = -0.85, p < 0.01), and positively with sand content in the substratum (r = 66, p < 0.05). The highest number of species per area unit was observed on a humus substratum, where initial soil has developed on the part of carboniferous waste rock spoil under 20-30 year old trees, and the lowest on carbon shale with coal and culm. Among 197 plant species, most belong to Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae and Rosaceae families. Hemicryptophytes (49%) and terophytes (18%) predominated. The investigated area was primarily colonized by native species spread by the wind. However, invasive alien species also had a significant share (8%) in the plant cover.
PDF
