• dr Karolina Bierza
Stanowisko: Asystent
Jednostka: Wydział Nauk Przyrodniczych
Adres: 40-007 Katowice, ul. Bankowa 9
Piętro: parter
Numer pokoju: 14
Telefon: (32) 359 1118
E-mail: karolina.bierza@us.edu.pl
Spis publikacji: Spis wg CINiBA
Spis publikacji: Spis wg OPUS
Scopus Author ID: 57219449865
Publikacje z bazy Scopus
2025
Hutniczak, A.; Bryś, W.; Dychkovskyi, R.; Gaj, R.; Dyczko, A.; Błońska, A.; Bierza, K. A.; Bacler-Zbikowska, B.; Woźniak, G.
Identifying and understanding novel ecosystem functions: a scientific approach to nature restoration law Journal Article
In: Journal of Water and Land Development, no. 64, pp. 203-210, 2025, ISSN: 14297426, (0).
@article{2-s2.0-105001520382,
title = {Identifying and understanding novel ecosystem functions: a scientific approach to nature restoration law},
author = { A. Hutniczak and W. Bryś and R. Dychkovskyi and R. Gaj and A. Dyczko and A. Błońska and K.A. Bierza and B. Bacler-Zbikowska and G. Woźniak},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105001520382&doi=10.24425%2fjwld.2025.153532&partnerID=40&md5=c472e7626539f3e7b65f8277c0788567},
doi = {10.24425/jwld.2025.153532},
issn = {14297426},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Water and Land Development},
number = {64},
pages = {203-210},
publisher = {Polish Academy of Sciences Publishing House},
abstract = {Human activity causes changes in habitat conditions. Where habitat conditions have been significantly altered by human activities, novel ecosystems emerge. This paper aims to analyse novel ecosystem parameters, particularly in relation to biodiversity and restoration law. It presents the role of novel ecosystems in ecosystem functioning and their significance within urban-industrial landscapes. Based on extensive literature reviews, that these ecosystems have been a subject of scientific interest for many years. However, comprehensive knowledge of these ecosystems still needs to be broadened. An interdisciplinary approach to their management is essential. The European Union (EU) has implemented various legislative and policy measures aimed at restoring and conserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity across different members states. Key initiatives include the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, EU Habitats Directive, and EU Funding Programs, all of which promote sustainable development and strengthen restoration laws. Only a proper identification and understanding of novel ecosystems and their ecological processes can contribute to implementing relevant legal actions. In the urban industry landscape, the poor mineral post-mining habitat sites have the unique potential to harbor and develop biodiversity hot spots in densely populated areas. Many of these sites with very harsh habitat conditions that have been left to spontaneous processes going on have become protected sites with outstanding biodiversity established (e.g.; Bytom city). Such examples in Silesia (S Poland) provide proof that such solutions should be a constant element of the post-mining site management plans. © 2025. The Authors.},
note = {0},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Human activity causes changes in habitat conditions. Where habitat conditions have been significantly altered by human activities, novel ecosystems emerge. This paper aims to analyse novel ecosystem parameters, particularly in relation to biodiversity and restoration law. It presents the role of novel ecosystems in ecosystem functioning and their significance within urban-industrial landscapes. Based on extensive literature reviews, that these ecosystems have been a subject of scientific interest for many years. However, comprehensive knowledge of these ecosystems still needs to be broadened. An interdisciplinary approach to their management is essential. The European Union (EU) has implemented various legislative and policy measures aimed at restoring and conserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity across different members states. Key initiatives include the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, EU Habitats Directive, and EU Funding Programs, all of which promote sustainable development and strengthen restoration laws. Only a proper identification and understanding of novel ecosystems and their ecological processes can contribute to implementing relevant legal actions. In the urban industry landscape, the poor mineral post-mining habitat sites have the unique potential to harbor and develop biodiversity hot spots in densely populated areas. Many of these sites with very harsh habitat conditions that have been left to spontaneous processes going on have become protected sites with outstanding biodiversity established (e.g.; Bytom city). Such examples in Silesia (S Poland) provide proof that such solutions should be a constant element of the post-mining site management plans. © 2025. The Authors.
2024
Magurno, F.; Uszok, S.; Bierza, K. A.; Bakr, J.; Kende, Z.; de Queiroz, M. Bessa; Casieri, L.
In: Agronomy, vol. 14, no. 7, 2024, ISSN: 20734395, (2).
@article{2-s2.0-85199607086,
title = {Glomus mongioiense, a New Species of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi from Italian Alps and the Phylogeny-Spoiling Issue of Ribosomal Variants in the Glomus Genus},
author = { F. Magurno and S. Uszok and K.A. Bierza and J. Bakr and Z. Kende and M. Bessa de Queiroz and L. Casieri},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85199607086&doi=10.3390%2fagronomy14071350&partnerID=40&md5=18ec43c7dbf8b3dfd7f6da651eaea78d},
doi = {10.3390/agronomy14071350},
issn = {20734395},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Agronomy},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)},
abstract = {Glomus mongioiense, a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the family Glomeraceae, was isolated from rhizosphere soil collected from a meadow in the Italian Alps. The novelty of the species and its relationship with other species of the same genus were obtained by morphological and phylogenetic (45S nrDNA + RPB1 gene) analyses. Two glomoid spore-producing AMF isolates from a saltmarsh of the Scottish Highlands and maritime sand dunes of the Baltic Sea in Poland, were also included in this study and later found to be conspecific with G. rugosae. Phylogenetic placement analysis using environmental sequences indicated that G. mongioiense sp. nov. seems to be a rare species. Furthermore, the molecular and phylogenetic analysis provided important insights into the presence of highly divergent ribosomal variants in several Glomus species, with potential negative implication in phylogeny and species recognition. © 2024 by the authors.},
note = {2},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Glomus mongioiense, a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the family Glomeraceae, was isolated from rhizosphere soil collected from a meadow in the Italian Alps. The novelty of the species and its relationship with other species of the same genus were obtained by morphological and phylogenetic (45S nrDNA + RPB1 gene) analyses. Two glomoid spore-producing AMF isolates from a saltmarsh of the Scottish Highlands and maritime sand dunes of the Baltic Sea in Poland, were also included in this study and later found to be conspecific with G. rugosae. Phylogenetic placement analysis using environmental sequences indicated that G. mongioiense sp. nov. seems to be a rare species. Furthermore, the molecular and phylogenetic analysis provided important insights into the presence of highly divergent ribosomal variants in several Glomus species, with potential negative implication in phylogeny and species recognition. © 2024 by the authors.
Bierza, K. A.; Bierza, W. M.
The effect of industrial and urban dust pollution on the ecophysiology and leaf element concentration of Tilia cordata Mill. Journal Article
In: Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol. 31, no. 48, pp. 58413-58429, 2024, ISSN: 09441344, (4).
@article{2-s2.0-85204688671,
title = {The effect of industrial and urban dust pollution on the ecophysiology and leaf element concentration of Tilia cordata Mill.},
author = { K.A. Bierza and W.M. Bierza},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85204688671&doi=10.1007%2fs11356-024-34999-9&partnerID=40&md5=d347d50d6c46429662cc8b02a622d04b},
doi = {10.1007/s11356-024-34999-9},
issn = {09441344},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research},
volume = {31},
number = {48},
pages = {58413-58429},
publisher = {Springer},
abstract = {The influences of airborne trace elements in urban dust on element concentrations and functional traits of Tilia cordata were examined. For the present study, the unwashed and washed leaves of T. cordata were collected to assess the concentration of metals in Katowice City, Poland, from sites of different traffic intensity and industry activity. The content of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, C, and N was measured. Additionally, a number of functional traits such as photosynthetic pigment content, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and diseased areas of the leaves were determined to assess the impact of the polluters on the physiology of the trees and their resources acquisition strategy. We hypothesized that the photosynthetic pigments of T. cordata will decrease with the traffic and industry intensity, and the traits related to the resources acquisition and stress resistance will shift into a more conservative strategy. The Principal Component Analysis and the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method helped to identify that the Fe, Zn, Al, and Cr were related mainly to traffic intensification and Pb to industrial activities. The results indicate that Katowice is considerably polluted by Zn (up to 189.6 and 260.2 mg kg−1 in washed and unwashed leaves; respectively), Pb (up to 51.7 and 133.6 mg kg−1), and Cd (up to 2.27 and 2.43 mg kg−1) compared to other cities worldwide. Also, a reduction of approximately 27% in the photosynthetic pigments was observed at the high-traffic and industrial sites. The trees from the mainly affected areas with heavy traffic and industry tend to apply a conservative resources strategy with a decrement in SLA and an increment in LDMC. In contrast, the opposite trend was observed at the less affected sites (high SLA; low LDMC). The study showed that unfavourable urban conditions can trigger a plastic response on multiple levels. Knowledge of the possible paths of adaptation to urban conditions of different plant species is nowadays crucial to appropriate urban greenery planning. © The Author(s) 2024.},
note = {4},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The influences of airborne trace elements in urban dust on element concentrations and functional traits of Tilia cordata were examined. For the present study, the unwashed and washed leaves of T. cordata were collected to assess the concentration of metals in Katowice City, Poland, from sites of different traffic intensity and industry activity. The content of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, C, and N was measured. Additionally, a number of functional traits such as photosynthetic pigment content, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and diseased areas of the leaves were determined to assess the impact of the polluters on the physiology of the trees and their resources acquisition strategy. We hypothesized that the photosynthetic pigments of T. cordata will decrease with the traffic and industry intensity, and the traits related to the resources acquisition and stress resistance will shift into a more conservative strategy. The Principal Component Analysis and the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method helped to identify that the Fe, Zn, Al, and Cr were related mainly to traffic intensification and Pb to industrial activities. The results indicate that Katowice is considerably polluted by Zn (up to 189.6 and 260.2 mg kg−1 in washed and unwashed leaves; respectively), Pb (up to 51.7 and 133.6 mg kg−1), and Cd (up to 2.27 and 2.43 mg kg−1) compared to other cities worldwide. Also, a reduction of approximately 27% in the photosynthetic pigments was observed at the high-traffic and industrial sites. The trees from the mainly affected areas with heavy traffic and industry tend to apply a conservative resources strategy with a decrement in SLA and an increment in LDMC. In contrast, the opposite trend was observed at the less affected sites (high SLA; low LDMC). The study showed that unfavourable urban conditions can trigger a plastic response on multiple levels. Knowledge of the possible paths of adaptation to urban conditions of different plant species is nowadays crucial to appropriate urban greenery planning. © The Author(s) 2024.
2020
Bierza, W. M.; Bierza, K. A.; Trzebny, A.; Greń, I.; Dabert, M.; Ciepał, R.; Trocha, L. K.
In: Plant and Soil, vol. 457, no. 1-2, pp. 321-338, 2020, ISSN: 0032079X, (2).
@article{2-s2.0-85092763346,
title = {The communities of ectomycorrhizal fungal species associated with Betula pendula Roth and Pinus sylvestris L. growing in heavy-metal contaminated soils},
author = { W.M. Bierza and K.A. Bierza and A. Trzebny and I. Greń and M. Dabert and R. Ciepał and L.K. Trocha},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85092763346&doi=10.1007%2fs11104-020-04737-4&partnerID=40&md5=f5ac89886482da3a5b02385c802a8ee6},
doi = {10.1007/s11104-020-04737-4},
issn = {0032079X},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Plant and Soil},
volume = {457},
number = {1-2},
pages = {321-338},
publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},
abstract = {Aims: Pioneer tree species such as Betula pendula and Pinus sylvestris encroach soils contaminated with heavy metals (HMs). This is facilitated by ectomycorrhizal fungi colonizing tree roots. Thus, we evaluated the ectomycorrhizal fungal (EMF) communities of B. pendula and P. sylvestris growing in HM-contaminated soils compared to non-contaminated soils. We also studied the effect of HMs and soil properties on EMF communities and soil fungal biomass. Methods: Roots of B. pendula and P. sylvestris were collected from three HM-contaminated sites and from two non-contaminated sites located in Poland. EMF species were identified using DNA barcoding. Soil fungal biomass was determined by soil ergosterol. Results: B. pendula and P. sylvestris growing in HM-contaminated soils had similar EMF communities, where Scleroderma, Rhizopogon and Russula as well as ectomycorrhizae of the long-distance exploration type dominated. Among all of the examined soil factors studied, toxicity index (TITotal) was the most significant factor shaping the composition of EMF communities. Despite significant differences in the structure of the EMF communities of trees growing in HM-contaminated sites compared to control sites, no differences in overall diversity were observed. Conclusions: Only well-adapted EMF species can survive toxic conditions and form ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with encroaching trees facilitating the forest succession on contaminated soils. © 2020, The Author(s).},
note = {2},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Aims: Pioneer tree species such as Betula pendula and Pinus sylvestris encroach soils contaminated with heavy metals (HMs). This is facilitated by ectomycorrhizal fungi colonizing tree roots. Thus, we evaluated the ectomycorrhizal fungal (EMF) communities of B. pendula and P. sylvestris growing in HM-contaminated soils compared to non-contaminated soils. We also studied the effect of HMs and soil properties on EMF communities and soil fungal biomass. Methods: Roots of B. pendula and P. sylvestris were collected from three HM-contaminated sites and from two non-contaminated sites located in Poland. EMF species were identified using DNA barcoding. Soil fungal biomass was determined by soil ergosterol. Results: B. pendula and P. sylvestris growing in HM-contaminated soils had similar EMF communities, where Scleroderma, Rhizopogon and Russula as well as ectomycorrhizae of the long-distance exploration type dominated. Among all of the examined soil factors studied, toxicity index (TITotal) was the most significant factor shaping the composition of EMF communities. Despite significant differences in the structure of the EMF communities of trees growing in HM-contaminated sites compared to control sites, no differences in overall diversity were observed. Conclusions: Only well-adapted EMF species can survive toxic conditions and form ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with encroaching trees facilitating the forest succession on contaminated soils. © 2020, The Author(s).
2016
Bierza, K. A.; Franiel, I.; Bierza, W. M.; Pawlak, B.; Palowski, B. F.
Assessment of heavy metal pollution in surface soils and plant material in the post-industrial city of Katowice, Poland Journal Article
In: Journal of Environmental Science and Health - Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering, vol. 51, no. 5, pp. 371-379, 2016, ISSN: 10934529, (11).
@article{2-s2.0-84959479003,
title = {Assessment of heavy metal pollution in surface soils and plant material in the post-industrial city of Katowice, Poland},
author = { K.A. Bierza and I. Franiel and W.M. Bierza and B. Pawlak and B.F. Palowski},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84959479003&doi=10.1080%2f10934529.2015.1120509&partnerID=40&md5=423bf13837043d7c8dfa7ad1f379bea5},
doi = {10.1080/10934529.2015.1120509},
issn = {10934529},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Environmental Science and Health - Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering},
volume = {51},
number = {5},
pages = {371-379},
publisher = {Taylor and Francis Inc.},
abstract = {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. and soil from the sampling sites were used to perform heavy metals pollution monitoring in urban areas with different pollution sources, as well to investigate the suitability of the leaves and bark as bioindicators of Pb, Zn, Cd and Cu pollution. Plant samples were collected at nine locations classified into three pollution groups based on metal content in the soils. The chosen pollution indices were used to assess the level of contamination according to background values. Soils in the Katowice area are found to be relatively heavily contaminated with Pb, Zn and Cd. Both of the maple tree species did not statistically differ in terms of the investigated elements' concentration in leaves or bark. Only bark samples reflected the pollution level, showing differences between the sampling points, and therefore are recommended for biomonitoring purposes. © 2016 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.},
note = {11},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
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. and soil from the sampling sites were used to perform heavy metals pollution monitoring in urban areas with different pollution sources, as well to investigate the suitability of the leaves and bark as bioindicators of Pb, Zn, Cd and Cu pollution. Plant samples were collected at nine locations classified into three pollution groups based on metal content in the soils. The chosen pollution indices were used to assess the level of contamination according to background values. Soils in the Katowice area are found to be relatively heavily contaminated with Pb, Zn and Cd. Both of the maple tree species did not statistically differ in terms of the investigated elements' concentration in leaves or bark. Only bark samples reflected the pollution level, showing differences between the sampling points, and therefore are recommended for biomonitoring purposes. © 2016 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
2013
Franiel, I.; Bierza, K. A.
Preliminary studies on the morphological variability among Arabidopsis halleri populations from contrasting habitats Journal Article
In: Annales Botanici Fennici, vol. 50, no. 3, pp. 142-148, 2013, ISSN: 00033847, (1).
@article{2-s2.0-84879584269,
title = {Preliminary studies on the morphological variability among Arabidopsis halleri populations from contrasting habitats},
author = { I. Franiel and K.A. Bierza},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84879584269&doi=10.5735%2f085.050.0303&partnerID=40&md5=70d6e1487dc63341bdddf6498c91f6c4},
doi = {10.5735/085.050.0303},
issn = {00033847},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {Annales Botanici Fennici},
volume = {50},
number = {3},
pages = {142-148},
abstract = {Different environmental conditions can cause specific modifications during the development of plants. In this study, we investigated the effect of contrasting habitats (a Zn-Pb dump and a forest site) on morphological and reproductive traits of 154 plants of the perennial herb Arabidopsis halleri. Base on the results of our preliminary investigation we distinguished morphological and functional traits, which differentiate populations of A. halleri from forest and dump habitats. Discriminant analysis distinguished the seed number and the length of the longest rosette leaf as the most distinctly variable traits. © 2013 Finnish Zoological and Botanical Publishing Board.},
note = {1},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Different environmental conditions can cause specific modifications during the development of plants. In this study, we investigated the effect of contrasting habitats (a Zn-Pb dump and a forest site) on morphological and reproductive traits of 154 plants of the perennial herb Arabidopsis halleri. Base on the results of our preliminary investigation we distinguished morphological and functional traits, which differentiate populations of A. halleri from forest and dump habitats. Discriminant analysis distinguished the seed number and the length of the longest rosette leaf as the most distinctly variable traits. © 2013 Finnish Zoological and Botanical Publishing Board.
2011
Bierza, K. A.; Palowski, B. F.; Góras, P.; Nadgórska-Socha, A.
Assessment of bark reaction of select tree species as an indicator of acid gaseous pollution Journal Article
In: Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 619-622, 2011, ISSN: 12301485, (9).
@article{2-s2.0-80054000861,
title = {Assessment of bark reaction of select tree species as an indicator of acid gaseous pollution},
author = { K.A. Bierza and B.F. Palowski and P. Góras and A. Nadgórska-Socha},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80054000861&partnerID=40&md5=1bfcff3f35cb27828448f3843de4eee3},
issn = {12301485},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-01},
journal = {Polish Journal of Environmental Studies},
volume = {20},
number = {3},
pages = {619-622},
abstract = {pH values of the bark of the common tree species black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.), European yew (Taxus baccata L.), and European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) were evaluated to determine the acid gaseous pollution impact on their bark in eight heavily industrialized cities of southern Poland and relatively unpolluted areas of the Beskidy Mountains, Częstochowa Upland, and Nida Basin. It has been stated that the correlation between SOinf2/inf levels in the atmosphere and the reaction of tree bark exists in all investigated tree species. Hence, the reaction of the bark of these species could be used as a simple indicator of air pollution. The results suggest that the European ash bark could be the best bioindi-cator.},
note = {9},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
pH values of the bark of the common tree species black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.), European yew (Taxus baccata L.), and European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) were evaluated to determine the acid gaseous pollution impact on their bark in eight heavily industrialized cities of southern Poland and relatively unpolluted areas of the Beskidy Mountains, Częstochowa Upland, and Nida Basin. It has been stated that the correlation between SOinf2/inf levels in the atmosphere and the reaction of tree bark exists in all investigated tree species. Hence, the reaction of the bark of these species could be used as a simple indicator of air pollution. The results suggest that the European ash bark could be the best bioindi-cator.