Volume 25 (2014): Issue 2 (June 2014)

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the usefulness of applying scenario methods in shaping the processes of development in municipalities, in which special determinants for development are related to the occurrence of especially significant natural values, i.e. municipalities with the Natura 2000 protected areas. The article presents the methodology and scenarios of economic activities development in municipalities located in Natura 2000 protected areas.

The “Land of the Valleys” lying in the area of the Lutowiska district in the Western Bieszczady Mts. is undergoing unwelcome succession-related changes, such as for example the extinction of valuable plant species or even whole plant associations, and the disappearance of the mosaic pattern of biocoenoses. It is therefore necessary to conduct investigations aimed at assessing the natural values of this region.

The natural assets of the Lutowiska district, where the three raised peat bogs under study (Wołosate, Litmirz and Tarnawa) are situated, were assessed using the Oświt [1995] method for the natural valuation of wetlands and associated landscapes. The method involves awarding points to three groups of indicators: (i) the scope and forms of nature conservation; (ii) general natural values; and (iii) the richness of wetland biotopes, plant communities and flora [Oświt and Dembek 1995]. Altogether, the district scored 60.7 valuation points (with 9 points for relief richness included), which allows classifying it as an area with very high natural values (class VIII on a scale of I-X).

The aim of this study was an evaluation of the influence of Chemical Works “Police” (“Grupa Azoty”) on total S, N, C, Mg, K, Ca, Na Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn concentrations in II-year-old needles of Pinus sylvestris L., Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. and soil samples. The research material was collected in spring 2013 in the coniferous habitats. The total Hg content was determined by Mercury Analyzer AMA 254. The total content of S, N and C was analysed by COSTECH CHNS elementary analyser. The total content of other elements was determined using atomic absorption spectrometer ASA iCE 3000. The highest mercury content was similar in pine needles (0.06 mg • kg^-1 d. w.) and in moss (0.07 mg • kg^-1 d. w.). The soil samples pH value was typical for rusty soils, in which the obtained pH-KCl value was 3.13-4.39 and pH-H₂O was 3.69-5.14 (extreme acid soils). The Zn, Pb, Ni, Hg, Fe, Cu and Cr concentrations were higher in moss than in needles. The content of Pb in Pleurozium schreberi (3.13 mg • kg^-1 d. w.) was few times higher than in Pinus sylvestris needles (0.073- 0.817 mg • kg^-1 d. w.). The soil contamination with heavy metals was not observed. There has been almost a double reduction of sulphur content in pine needles and moss over last 20 years.

The research was focused on the assessment of the bioaerosol concentration in the air of the Machnacz municipal solid waste landfill and its surrounding. Evaluation of air pollution was made during the autumn season. In the air collected with impactor sampler, the levels of indicator microorganisms - bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family, β-haemolytic bacteria, yeasts and yeast-like fungi - were determined. The proposed indicator microorganisms are different from those recommended by Polish Norm PN 89/Z-04111.01. This highlights the specific character of our method. Such selection of indicators allows not only assessing the air pollution of the landfill site but also determining the range of its impact on the surroundings. The results indicate that the landfill is a source of emission and dispersal of bacterial and fungal aerosol, despite its correct management and proper maintenance. The landfill influence on the microbial air quality reaches a distance of 1000-1200 m from the fence. The range of the influence indicates it to be a potential hazard for neighbouring residents.

The Służew Stream, a 14.9 km long watercourse, is part of an ancient river called Sadurka that starts its course in the Warsaw district of Ochota and flows into the Wilanów Lake. In the 19^th and 20^th centuries, the watercourse received industrial and municipal sewage from Warsaw and its environs, but nowadays only rain and snow meltwater is discharged into the stream. Freshwater sediments of five reservoirs in the catchment area of the Służew Stream - Wilanów Lake, Powsinów Lake, Pond in the Horse Racing area, Lake at Morgi and South Pond in the Wilanów Park - were analysed for the contents of Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cd and Hg. The following concentrations have been determined: chromium - from 5 to 274 mg/kg, copper - from 5 to 274 mg/kg, lead - from 3 to 310 mg/kg, zinc - from 44 to 1430 mg/kg, nickel - from 3 to 55 mg/kg, cadmium - from 0.3 to 37.3 mg/kg and mercury - from 0.010 to 0.810 mg/kg (Fig. 2-5). The studies have shown that water sediments of Pond in the Horse Racing area, South Pond and Wilanów Lake, supplied by the Służew Stream waters, are characterised by a very high content of heavy metals. In contrast, water sediments of Powsinów Lake and Lake at Morgi, recharged by drainage ditches flowing into the stream, are characterised by much lower concentrations of these elements, but the levels are still much greater than the geochemical background.