Diversity of Aquatic and Coastal Vegetation in the Lublin Coal Basin Complex - Long-Term Changes

Abstract

Natural resources are fundamental to the survival and development of human populations, and their exploitation is associated with problems such as resource depletion and environmental degradation. Within the borders of the Lublin Coal Basin (LZW) there is the Łęczna-Włodawa Lake District, which includes over 60 lakes. It is one of the most valuable natural areas in the Lublin Voivodeship and the entire region. Due to the undoubted impact of LZW, as well as the lack of detailed botanical studies in the existing literature, research has been undertaken since the 1980s to analyse the floristic and ecological vegetation of aquatic and coastal plants of 6 lakes in the mine's impact zone. Macrophytes are recognized by the WFD as one of the key groups suitable for freshwater biomonitoring and for ecological classification purposes. The conducted research confirmed the progressive degradation of the analyzed lakes. Since the 1990s, there have been significant changes in the use of the area covered by the analyses. The share of built-up areas has significantly increased, but also the share of surface waters. The share of built-up areas has significantly increased, but also the share of surface waters. The qualitative and quantitative structure of macrophytes has undergone very significant changes towards a reduction in the number of species and phytodiversity. The share of species in fertile habitats has increased. Despite the introduction of various forms of legal protection in this area, changes in the depletion of biodiversity are continuing.