Reproduction strategies of the silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) at post-industrial sites.

The study aimed to evaluate the parameters of reproductive traits, specimens' fertility and reproductive efficiency observed in Betula pendula populations growing at different types of sites (zinc-lead heaps, coal mine heaps and unpolluted site). The leaf biomass and the biometric characteristics of inflorescences and fructifications were identified. Moreover, the biometric parameters of B.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in surface soils and plant material in the post-industrial city of Katowice, Poland.

This investigation was undertaken to assess the level of environment pollution by biological monitoring. The leaves and bark of popular ornamental trees Acer pseudoplatanus L. and Acer platanoides L.

The reproductive potential of the spiders Agelena labyrinthica and Xerolycosa nemoralis from areas contaminated with metals.

Spiders successfully colonize industrially contaminated environments and maintain relatively stable populations. The aim of this study was to explain the reproductive strategies of two spider species, Xerolycosa nemoralis (an actively hunting, sit-and-pursue predator) and Agelena labyrinthica (a web-building, sit-and-wait predator), between contaminated and uncontaminated sites. Spiders were collected from a reference site (Pilica) and two contaminated sites (Olkusz and Welnowiec).

Quantitative immunodetection of metallothioneins in relation to metals concentration in spiders from variously polluted areas.

Spiders inhabiting post industrial environments, such as waste heaps or ore-bearing areas, are exposed to high concentrations of metals, accumulated in the body of their prey and transferred along food chains. Therefore spiders are pressed to develop metal-neutralization strategies. Low-molecular, multifunction proteins: metallothioneins (MTs), often postulated as biomarkers of metal exposure, are known to bind metals and thus protect organisms against their toxic effects.

The seeds quality of Betula pndula Roth and Betula oscura Kotula from semi-natural and anthropogenic habitats.

This research presents the results of the study of seeds quality of two Polish native species of the genus Betula L. (Betula pendula Roth and Betula obscura Kotula), growing on the semi-natural (low human activities) and anthropogenic (high human activities) habitats. In this study the generative phase has been investigated to find differences between studied taxa and try to find out why population of B.