Search Results (55)

Ongoing global warming and water regime disturbances have a major impact on the natural environment. Algae phytoremediation is one option to monitor environmental changes at an elemental level. In this study, we monitored heavy metals and other elements accumulated by the genus Oscillatoriales. This research was conducted at two sites in the foothills of the High Tatras between 2020 and 2023. Annual differences showed the impact of drought and lack of rainfall on the accumulation of elements in cyanobacteria. The results show how global warming affects the movement of heavy metals and other elements in the natural environment. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) showed very dry to extremely dry weather in 2022. The drought in 2022 induced a decrease in the concentration of Ti, Cr, Mn, Zn, Rb, Zr, Ba, and Pb due to low rock weathering and sediment distortion. The decrease in heavy metals, particularly Zn, resulted in an increase in S concentration due to increased biological activity. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed, in the first component, discharge depended on the accumulation of many elements. The third component of the PCA described the accumulation of S and K in an increased way during the same year, suggesting increased biological activity. Full article

The global atmospheric transport of microplastics (MPs) plays a crucial role in the contamination of remote, especially higher-elevation, environments. Precipitation is considered the main source of MP pollution. Meanwhile, plastic waste generated from, for example, tourism activities can be a local source of MP pollution. In this study, we specify which of the mentioned sources of MP, global or local, have a higher impact on the pollution level in the high-elevation oligotrophic lakes of Tatra National Park in Poland. Due to its unique natural value, it is listed by UNESCO as an international biosphere reserve and meets the criteria for Natura 2000 areas. We comprehensively analyzed the morphometric and anthropogenic features of 11 lakes in terms of the contamination level, color, shape, and polymer type of the MPs found in the surface waters. MP fibers were found to be present in all studied lakes, with contamination ranging from 25 to 179 items/m³. Polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and natural or semi-natural cellulose fibers—black or red in color with a length of 0.2–1.0 mm—predominated, which corresponds with other studies conducted on remote mountain ecosystems. We did not find any correlation of the number of MPs with local anthropogenic pressure characteristics. In turn, the significant correlation with lake area, coastline length, lake volume, and catchment area indicated airborne sources, including global transport of MPs to the lakes with reduced water outflow. Full article

Environmental factors regulate the regeneration of mountain spruce forests, with drought, wind, and bark beetles causing the maximum damage. How these factors minimise spruce regeneration is still poorly understood. We conducted this study to investigate how the phenology and population dynamics of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), a dominant understory species of mountain spruce forests, are related to selected environmental factors that are modified by natural disturbances (bark beetle and wind). For this, we analysed bilberry at different sites affected by bark beetles and adjacent undisturbed forests in the Tatra National Park (TANAP) during the growing season (April–September) in 2016–2021, six years after the initial bark beetle attack. The observations were taken along an altitudinal gradient (1100–1250–1400 m a.s.l.) in two habitats (disturbed spruce forest—D, undisturbed spruce forest—U). We found that habitat and altitude influenced the onset of selected phenological phases, such as the earliest onset at low altitudes (1100 m a.s.l.) in disturbed forest stands and the latest at high altitudes (1400 m a.s.l.) in undisturbed stands. Although there were non-significant differences between habitats and altitudes, likely due to local climate conditions and the absence of a tree layer, these findings suggest that bilberry can partially thrive in disturbed forest stands. Despite temperature fluctuations during early spring, the longer growing season benefits its growth. Full article

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest towards innovative methods of landscape presentation across various tourism sectors, including natural heritage. Geotourism exemplifies this trend, emerging as a distinct form of tourism primarily centered on inanimate elements of nature, accentuating the aesthetic value of landscapes. Presently, geotourism serves as a platform for showcasing landscape along with its historical narrative, contemporary attributes, and, inherently, its evolutionary trajectory. This paper delves into novel avenues within geotourism, introducing the concept of nostalgic geotourism. This concept involves the portrayal of geological heritage through the lens of historical inquiry. The authors employ a multidimensional analysis to forge a robust theoretical framework underpinning the emergence of this unconventional form of tourism dedicated to landscape presentation. Additionally, the paper furnishes a case study conducted in the High Tatras region, featuring a 19th-century guided tour (lecture) on non-living nature. Through this illustration, the theoretical construct of nostalgic geotourism is applied to the locale. This heralds a fresh dimension of tourism reminiscent of traditional nostalgia-based tourism, with a pronounced cultural focus. The innovative concept fosters an increased interest in exploring geological heritage and natural landscapes, while emphasizing their sentimental value. Full article

During an interdisciplinary study of the mire “Torfowisko pod Małym Śnieżnikiem”, a very old specimen of the Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) was encountered. The aim of the present work was to perform a detailed examination of this tree, to compare it to other spruce trees on the mire, and to provide support for establishing protection for this tree stand. Tree ring cores were sampled at 1.3 m above ground using a Pressler borer, in two field campaigns: June and July 2023, the latter campaign aiming to find the oldest trees. A total of 46 trees were sampled, yielding 84 measured radii. Tree ring widths were measured down to 0.01 mm under a stereomicroscope. The oldest sampled tree yielded a total of 370 tree rings in the two radii, representing the period 1653–2022. The average tree ring width for this oldest tree equals 0.33 mm/year, and shows low values (on average 0.19 mm/year) for the period 1742–1943, i.e., during the Little Ice Age cooling. Changes in the tree ring width coincide with periods of cooling and warming in the nearby Tatra Mountains. The oldest tree does not stand out from other trees from the population with respect to height or trunk diameter. A comparison of the age of this tree to the oldest spruce trees in Poland indicates that it is one of the longest living specimens of this species. Considering the natural character of the stand, the remaining flora, and the peat-forming processes taking place within the mire “Pod Małym Śnieżnikiem”, we argue that the mire should become protected by the law as soon as possible in order to preserve this valuable high mountain habitat. Full article

Pinus mugo plays a significant ecological role in the natural environment at high altitudes in the mountains including the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, and Balkans. In such severe conditions, it is subjected to the harmful effects of various abiotic and biotic factors. In one of the areas of its natural occurrence in Tatra Mts. (southern Poland), for the last few years, a significant intensification of needle disease has been observed. Symptoms similar to those recorded in Tatra Mts. also occur on other Pinus species in Europe and North America, where they are caused by fungi belonging to the genus Elytroderma, Lophodermella, Lophophacidium or Ploioderma (Rhytismataceae). The current paper presents the results of research which was mainly aimed at characterization of disease symptoms observed for the first time in Poland on P. mugo needles, and identification of the main causal agent with use of the morphological and molecular technique. Based on the analyses performed at different times of the year (2015–2020), it was found that dieback symptoms initially appeared only on first-year needles, a few weeks after their development. Symptoms occur on one or both needles in the bundle. The distal parts of the needles died, while the basal parts remained green. In the following year, mainly in June and July, on the previous year’s needles attached to the shoots, mature ascomata can be seen. The fungus Lophodermella sulcigena has been identified as the cause of these symptoms. So far, the related species L. conjuncta has not been found. The morphological features of the pathogen microstructure produced on P. mugo needles are presented. Attention was drawn to certain features that may make its identification difficult, especially in terms of shapes and sizes of ascospores. The phylogenetic position of the identified causal agent in relation to closely related other species was determined. The current results confirmed that L. sulcigena shows great phylogenetic similarity to L. montivaga, which is found in North America. Nine rDNA barcode sequences of L. sulcigena obtained in this work will enrich the NCBI GenBank database. The obtained results, indicating the presence of other fungi in L. sulcigena ascomata, which may limit the spread of its ascospores, were also discussed. Full article

The alpine environment with a high degree of nature protection is characterized by complete non-intervention. The processes and phenomena occurring in it are exclusively of a natural origin. Related geohazards are threatening the safety of people’s movement. They arise as a result of a combination of meteorological, hydrological, and geological–morphological factors permanently operating in the country. Therefore, the prevention of fatal events is limited to monitoring and predicting changes in selected objects where we expect change. Changes in the shape and dimension, or the object’s deformation, can be documented using geodetic and photogrammetric measurements. Our research focuses on monitoring a rock talus cone in High Tatras, Slovakia, at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level (ASL), created mainly due to erosion and seasonal torrential rains. To monitor changes in selected objects, we used mass non-contact methods of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), UAS photogrammetry based on the principle of structure-from-motion–multi-view stereo (SfM–MVS), and airborne laser scanning (ALS). From the selective measurement methods, spatial measurement by a total station (TS) and height measurement based on the principle of precise leveling were used in the monitoring deformation network on a stand-alone boulder. The research results so far analyze and evaluate the possibilities, limits, effectiveness, and accuracy of the measurement and data processing methods used. As a result, we propose a complex methodology for monitoring similar phenomena in alpine environments. Full article

Unmanned aerial vehicle technology is the most advanced and helpful in almost every area of interest in human work. These devices become autonomous and can fulfil a variety of tasks, from simple imaging and obtaining data to search and rescue operations. The most challenging environment for search and rescue operations is the mountainous area. This article is devoted to the theoretical description and simulation tests of a prototype method of landing the light and the medium-weight UAVs used as supplementary devices for SAR (search and rescue) and HEMS (helicopter emergency medical service) in hard-to-reach mountainous terrains. The autonomous flight of a UAV in mountainous terrain has many specifics, and it is usually performed according to predetermined map points (pins) uploaded directly into the control software of the UAV. It is necessary to characterise each point flown on the chosen flight route line in advance and therefore to know its exact geographical coordinates (longitude, latitude and height of the point above the terrain), and the control system of UAV must react to the change in the weather and other conditions in real time. Usually, it is difficult to make this forecast with sufficient time in advance, mainly when UAVs are used as supplementary devices for the needs of HEMS or MRS (mountain rescue service). The most challenging phase is the final approach and landing of the UAV, especially if a loss of GNSS (global navigation satellite system) signal occurs, like in the determined area of the Little Cold Valley in the Slovak High Tatras—which is infamous for the widespread loss of GNSS signals or communication/controlling connection between the UAV and the pilot-operator at the operational station. To solve the loss of guidance, a new method for guiding and controlling the UAV in its final approach and landing in a determined area is tested. An alternative landing navigation system for UAVs in a specific mountainous environment—the authors’ designed frequency Doppler landing system (FDLS)—is briefly described but thoroughly tested with the help of artificial intelligence. An estimation of dynamic stability is used based on the time recording of the current position of the UAV, with the help of a frequency-modulated or amplitude-modulated signal based on the author’s prototype of a precision landing system designed for mountainous terrain. This solution could overcome the problems of GNSS signal loss. The presented research primarily evaluates the success of the simulation flights for the supplementary UAV. The success of navigating the UAV to land in the mountainous environment at an exact landing point using the navigation signals from the FDLS was evaluated at more than 95%. Full article

In today’s world, where environmental protection and sustainability are increasingly important, it is essential to pay attention to the environmental impact of different industries. One of these industries with a potentially significant impact on life, human health, the environment, and property is gas stations, which are essential links in the fuel supply chain. This article focuses on the topic of assessing the impact of gas stations on surrounding environments and will examine the potential negative impacts that these operations can have on society and the environment. The aim of the paper is to analyze how gas stations affect their surroundings in the event of an incident involving a spill of hazardous substances. The scope of the paper is to assess the impacts of a spill of hazardous substances from a gas station, with an emphasis on assessing the risks and consequences on the life and health of the people in the immediate vicinity of the gas station. The selected gas station’s location in the High Tatras National Park enhances the study’s significance due to the unique environmental context, heightened environmental sensitivity, and potential legislative implications. ALOHA software version 5.4.7 was chosen for simulating the release of hazardous substance due to its extensive substance database, mathematical models, support for various release sources, internet availability, and graphical result representation. This manuscript argues for risk assessment beyond current legislation, addressing unclassified sources of risk. This research contributes by utilizing predictive modeling, recognizing environmental contexts, and emphasizing legislative attention. It discusses the consequences of emergency scenarios involving gasoline and LPG, addresses potential limitations and uncertainties, and advocates for accident prevention and risk assessment, especially in environmentally sensitive areas. The conclusion suggests improvements in predictive modeling, legislative adaptation, collaboration, and an expanded scope of analysis for future research. The aim of the paper is also to discuss measures that can be taken to minimize these impacts and ensure sustainable and safe operation. Assessing the risks arising from the operation of gas stations contributes to the development of measures to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. Full article

The article deals with the removal of humic substances from surface water in the High Tatras locality and with the reduction in the intensity of water coloration. Four different types of granular activated carbon (Norit 1240, WG12, Filtrasorb TL830, and Filtrasorb 300) were compared in the experiments. The quality of the water from the water source supplied to the filter columns, and the water at the outlet, the filtration speed, and the efficiency of sorption media were monitored. The results showed more than 70% efficiency in the removal of humic substances and COD_Mn from water, but only about 50% efficiency from the point of view of water color, as determined with the technology used. Full article

Background: The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) is debated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) quality-of-life (QoL) assessments. This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in predictors of clinically significant improvement between the traditional (value of 4) and newly proposed MCID SGRQ (value of 7) after climatic rehabilitation treatment. Climatic rehabilitation treatment consists of two main parts: climatotherapy, which typically involves the controlled exposure of individuals to natural environmental elements, and climatic rehabilitation, which includes other therapeutic factors such as physical activities as well as educating the patient to change their lifestyle. Methods: This study included 90 consecutive patients diagnosed with COPD who underwent structured complex pulmonary rehabilitation in High Tatras, part of the Carpathian Mountains. The examination before and after treatment included spirometry, QoL assessment using the SGRQ, 6 min walk test (6-MWT), and the Borg, Beck and Zung scale. Results: Patients showed statistically significant improvement after the intervention in FEV1, FEV1/FVC, 6-MWT, (p < 0.001), anxiety scores, depression, and improvement in dyspnoea both before and after the 6-MWT (p < 0.001). For both MCID for SGRQ levels 4 and 7, we confirmed the same predictors of clinical improvement for bronchial obstruction grade (spirometry) and exercise capacity (6-MWT), for quality of life in activity score and total score. Conclusion. The results suggest that both the proposed MCID for SGRQ values could be sufficient to assess the clinical significance of the achieved change in health status when assessing the need for pulmonary rehabilitation comprising climatotherapy in patients with COPD. Full article

Forest fires are becoming a more significant problem in Central Europe, but their danger is not as high as that in Southern Europe. The exception, however, is forest fires occurring in disturbed areas (windthrow and bark beetle outbreak areas), which are comparable in severity and danger to the most serious forest fires. In this study, we describe the current situation in Central European countries in terms of fire protection for disturbed areas in managed forests and forest stands left to spontaneously develop (secondary succession). If a country has regulations and strategies in this area, they are often only published in the local language. In this review, we combine information from all Central European countries and summarize it in a unified international language, provide an opportunity for local authorities to express their own experiences, and integrate data from worldwide scientific research. Thus, this paper may be considered a universal guide for managing fire protection and preparedness in disturbed areas and can serve as a reference for the establishment of strict legislative rules at the state level. These laws must be obligatory for all stakeholders in individual countries. The motivation for this study was two large forest fires in an area left to spontaneously develop in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park in the Czech Republic and Harz Mountains in Germany in the summer of 2022. These incidents revealed that fire prevention legislation was inadequate or nonexistent in these areas. The strategy of the European Union is to increase the size of protected areas and spontaneous development areas. Therefore, we consider it necessary to provide governments with relevant information on this topic to create conditions for better management of these destructive events. Full article

There are numerous talus cones that have formed by long-term geological processes and sudden hydrological events in the Small Cold Valley (High Tatras National Park in Slovakia). Frequent hiking trails lead here; therefore, their safeness needs to be monitored due to recent rock avalanches and landslides. A complex methodology for monitoring changes in talus cones was developed to determine the extent, pace, nature, and origin of the morphological changes in the land in this complex high-mountain terrain. Non-contact UAS photogrammetry with SfM-MVS processing was applied as a quick, reliable, and environment-friendly data acquisition method. For proper georeferencing, a network of GCPs and stabilized surveying points were established by terrestrial geodetic surveying. Together with an evaluation of the methodology, the results comparing the actual state of a talus cone in 2018 and 2022 (after the significant hydrological event) are presented. Comparing and analyzing spatial models represented by point clouds, with an accuracy of centimeter level, was obtained. The detected morphological changes reached values in meters. A differential model expresses the distribution of the morphological changes. In conclusion, geodetic and geological knowledge is synthesized to evaluate the phenomena occurring in this territory. Full article

Europe’s mountain forests, which are naturally valuable areas due to their high biodiversity and well-preserved natural characteristics, are experiencing major alterations, so an important component of monitoring is obtaining up-to-date information concerning species composition, extent, and location. An important aspect of mapping tree stands is the selection of remote sensing data that vary in temporal, spectral, and spatial resolution, as well as in open and commercial access. For the Tatra Mountains area, which is a unique alpine ecosystem in central Europe, we classified 13 woody species by iterative machine learning methods using random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms of more than 1000 polygons collected in the field. For this task, we used free Sentinel-2 multitemporal satellite data (10 m pixel size, 12 spectral bands, and 21 acquisition dates), commercial PlanetScope data (3 m pixel size, 8 spectral bands, and 3 acquisitions dates), and airborne HySpex hyperspectral data (2 m pixel size, 430 spectral bands, and a single acquisition) with fusion of the data of topographic derivatives based on Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and airborne laser scanning (ALS) data. The iterative classification method achieved the highest F1-score with HySpex (0.95 RF; 0.92 SVM) imagery, but the multitemporal Sentinel-2 data cube, which consisted of 21 scenes, offered comparable results (0.93 RF; 0.89 SVM). The three images of the high-resolution PlanetScope produced slightly less accurate results (0.89 RF; 0.87 SVM). Full article

The purpose of this research was to compare the geotouristic potential of the Sub-Tatra Region, expressed in the values of expert assessment of geosites, against the preferences of tourists coming to the area. Tourist preferences were evaluated by a survey in which tourists assessed the attractiveness of the types of geosites that can be admired in the area. The expert valorizations showed high and very high indices for most of the analyzed geosites. The highest of these assessment values show particularly high geotourism values for three geosites: the travertine hill with Spiš castle, the limestone hill with Orava castle and the travertine dome in Gánovce. A comparison of these results against average tourist preferences shows a moderate correlation (r = 0.4). Geosites of low and medium value according to expert assessments are rarely selected as the destination for equipment-intensive tourism. The sites with the highest combined valorization coefficients, i.e., hills with castle ruins, are of moderate interest to the surveyed group of respondents. The largest difference is in the assessment of the cave, waterfall and viewpoint geosites, where there is a great interest among tourist respondents, but the expert assessment index is low or moderate. Full article