Oimahmad Rahmonov

Development and functioning of riparian ecosystem (Fraxino-Alnetum) under the influence of human impact

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Abstract

The papers concerns the problem of the development and functioning of the alder ecosystem (Fraxino-Alnetum) forming along the anthropogenic watercourse in the area of the city of Zabrze (Silesian Upland, southern Poland). The vegetation community develops on the habitat of highly contaminated with heavy metals. The investigated riparian alder is supplied by rainwater (urban rainfall/waste water), conducted in artificial riverbed in a tube and targeting the forest area. Despite the high content of some oxides (Fe2O3, Al2O3, P2O5) and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Fe, Cu, Ni, Co) in soil and the existence of an artificial ditch the functioning of the examined ecological system is proper. This might be explained by the presence of silt, claim and loam fraction which deposited on the bottom of channel and in from the surrounding environment, which helps to increase the water capacity of the soil. These situations allow the proper functioning of the alder community. A community has got the proper structure similar to the system of natural character, manifested both in species composition, as well as the vertical structure of the vegetation. Soil cover the study area was completely destroyed and the soil has lost its natural horizons. As mentioned above the soil cover has a high content of heavy metals in excess of the permissible standards. For this reason these soils are classified as Anthrosols in accordance with WRB standards.

Keywords: alder ecosystems; soil properties; heavy metals; anthropogenic impact.