RESEARCH TEAMS:
• Hydrology and Microclimate of Peatlands – Analysis of Changes
Consortium: Stanisław Leszczycki Institute of Geography and Spatial Organisation, Polish Academy of Sciences (IGiPZ PAN) and Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies, University of Warsaw
Project leader: Sandra Słowińska, PhD (IGiPZ PAN)
Team:
Jarosław Baranowski, PhD, (IGiPZ PAN)
Arkadiusz Bartczak, PhD, (IGiPZ PAN)
Kaja Czarnecka, MA, (IGiPZ PAN)
Agnieszka Halaś, MA, (IGiPZ PAN)
Anna Jarocińska, PhD, (UW)
Joanna Kaczorowska, MA, (IGiPZ PAN)
Jan Kucharzyk, MA, (UW)
Prof. Magdalena Kuchcik, (IGiPZ PAN)
Katarzyna Lindner-Cendrowska, PhD, (IGiPZ PAN)
Dominika Łuców, PhD, (IGiPZ PAN)
Prof. Michał Słowiński(IGiPZ PAN)
NCN OPUS Project: 2022/45/B/ST10/03423,
National Science Centre
• Studies on Lowland Springs
Project leader: Maksym Łaszewski, PhD
Climate variability, lowering of groundwater levels, and human activity significantly affect the fragile ecosystems of peatlands and springs. Our researchers from the University of Warsaw and IGiPZ PAN are monitoring these processes using modern field, laboratory, and satellite methods. The aim is to develop effective tools for the protection and sustainable management of water resources and valuable natural habitats.
Forest peatlands play an important role in the landscape—they retain water, store carbon, and serve as habitats for unique species. As part of the MIRECLIM project (2023–2027), researchers from IGiPZ PAN and the University of Warsaw are analysing how hydrological disturbances and shrub and tree encroachment affect the microclimate and biological structure of peatlands. At 40 peatland sites across Poland, researchers are conducting:
• measurements of temperature, humidity, and plant composition,
• monitoring of tree encroachment and its effects on habitat conditions,
• observations of mosses and testate amoebae,
• analysis of satellite (Sentinel-2, Landsat 8 and 9) and aerial data.
These data will support the development of the MIRECLIM database and a tool for modelling and forecasting changes in peatland functioning. Combining different research methods will allow for the development of a simple and cost-effective way to assess the condition of moss-dominated peatlands—a key requirement for their protection under changing climate conditions. The research conducted by the second team shows that spring waters fed by Quaternary aquifers—geologically young, shallow groundwater layers—can serve as precise indicators of anthropogenic pressure and climate change. Due to their location, these waters are especially vulnerable to contamination and respond quickly to environmental changes. Hydrochemical analyses were conducted at springs near Nowe Miasto nad Pilicą and the Warsaw Escarpment. The findings indicate:
• a rise in water temperature and mineralisation over the past 60 years,
• the presence of characteristic contaminants linked to agriculture (nitrates) and urbanisation (chlorides, sodium, potassium),
• the highest degree of water degradation in springs located in urbanised areas (historic city centre of Warsaw),
• the lowest degree of chemical transformation in springs near green areas (such as the vicinity of the UKSW campus).
The study highlights the urgent need to protect groundwater through mitigation of human impact. Due to the presence of a hydrotherapy spa in Nowe Miasto nad Pilicą between 1874 and 1914, research on local springs also has historical and social relevance.
Upper graphics:
↑ Distribution of Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values calculated from Sentinel-2 data, showing variability in vegetation condition at the Linje peatland in 2018. Prepared by: A. Jarocińska, S. Słowińska, J. Kaczorowska.
↑ Average concentrations of selected microelements in spring waters on the Warsaw Escarpment, June 2023 – May 2024. The highest levels of elements such as chromium, cobalt, nickel, zinc, and arsenic were recorded at spring UW N, which is subject to the most intense and prolonged anthropogenic pressure (Prepared by: M. Łaszewski).
Lower graphics:
Comparison of vegetation index values and water table depth at one of the Linje peatland monitoring sites (Prepared by: A. Jarocińska, S. Słowińska, J. Kaczorowska, A. Halaś).
Measurement of physical and chemical characteristics of spring water in Nowe Miasto nad Pilicą.
Spatial variation in the chemical composition of spring waters in the Nowe Miasto nad Pilicą area corresponds with the springs’ location relative to urban development. At springs S6 and S7, levels of potassium, sodium, and chloride ions are significantly higher than in suburban areas, where nitrate ions dominate the ionic balance. The size of the circles is not proportional to total mineralisation (Prepared by: M. Łaszewski).
RESEARCH LOCATION: Poland (NOWE MIASTO NAD PILICĄ / WARSAW)