S u m m a r yStudies of the concentration of fungal spores were carried out in the cities of Lublin and Rzeszów simultaneously in 2002. At both sites the volumetric method of measurement was applied, using the Lanzoni VPPS 2000 trap. Only the allergenic taxa were analysed: Alternaria, Botrytis, Cladosporium, Drechslera type, Epicoccum, Torula, Stemphylium, Pithomyces, Polythrincium, and Ganoderma. The research showed considerable differences in the concentration and frequency of spores in the air at the sites compared. Higher mean concentrations of spores were usually observed in Lublin. Only for two taxa were the concentrations higher in Rzeszów. No significant differences were observed for the genus of Polythrincium and Torula. Also the lengths of periods of occurrence of the spores were determined using the 95% method. It was determined that the geobotanical conditions in Rzeszów have a positive effect on the lengthening of the presence of the spores in aeroplankton. The results of the observations were analysed statistically, which confirmed the occurrence of significant differences between the cities compared.

Cumene oxidation with 1-methyl-1-phenylethyl hydroperoxide catalyzed by N-hydroxyphthalimide or its derivatives and transition metal salts has been studied. Effects of the type of metal compound (Co(II), Mn(II) or Cu(II) chloride, acetate or acetylacetonate), amounts of N-hydroxyphthalimide and metal salt as well as temperature were established. The highest yields of dicumyl peroxide (48-54%) were obtained, when reaction was performed at 60-70°C, in the presence of the NHPI/CuCl 2 catalytic system, in acetonitrile as a solvent. Similar yield of dicumyl peroxide (43%) was obtained in solvent-free medium.