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The archival records of chemical composition of mineral waters in Szczawno-Zdrój spa were analyzed in terms of variation of ionic ratios to explain the possible source and origin of the major compounds dissolved in water and evolution of groundwater chemical composition in time. The analyzed data contained the longest available series of chemical records, dating back to 1962, and related to waters discharged by five main springs: Dąbrówka, Marta, Młynarz, Mieszko and Mieszko 14. The research showed that mineral waters in Szczawno-Zdrój belong to shallow meteoric CO2-rich, Rn-containing groundwaters which form their chemical composition mainly through the interaction with aquifer rocks. Detailed analysis of long-term variation of ionic ratios revealed that (1) the carbonates weathering, mostly acid hydrolysis of limestones and dolomites, and (2) the ion exchange reactions with clay minerals, mainly the so-called natural softening, play a fundamental role in formation of the chemical composition of studied waters. Both processes are responsible for the occurrence of dominant ions in solution such as Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and HCO3−. The aluminosilicates hydrolysis occurs with variable extent, but plays rather secondary role in formation of chemical composition. The time distributions of major element concentrations in studied waters showed a characteristic “concave” shape, indicating the decrease in concentrations beginning in the 60s and ending around 2005–2010. Such “concave” shape trends are not reflected in time distribution of ionic ratios which strongly suggests the occurrence of a simple dilution of chemical composition of mineral waters by the influx of fresh water. The observed considerable fluctuations of chemical composition of mineral waters in Szczawno-Zdrój are most probably associated with climatic factors, namely: the increased amounts of atmospheric precipitation in particular periods of time and its seasonal distribution. Such influx of fresh waters reduces considerably mineralization of shallow groundwaters and directly increases springs discharge.

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The aim of the study was to identify fungal spores, in particular plant pathogenic fungi, occurring in the air in selected mountain ranges. The results revealed not only the array of fungal species migrating with air currents from the Czech Republic and Slovakia but also how the season of the year affects the distribution of spores. Such studies may lay a foundation for future aeromycological monitoring, in accordance with the requirements for integrated plant protection. Aeromycological research was carried out between 2013 and 2016 at 3-month intervals in mountainous areas along the southern borders of Poland: the Bieszczady, the Pieniny, the Giant Mountains (Karkonosze) and the Babia Góra Massif. The research relied on impact method employing Air Ideal 3P sampler, which, by drawing in atmospheric air, also collects fungal spores. Regardless of altitudinal zonation, the changing weather conditions appeared to be the main reason for the variations in the number of the fungal spores under study in those years.

Relations between climatic factors during the winter season (n days with frost <0oC and −10oC; n days with snow cover: >1 cm, >10 cm and >30 cm; maximum snow cover during season [cm]) and mortality in free-living ungulates (red deer Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758, roe deer Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758 and mouflon Ovis aries musimon Linnaeus, 1758) in the Owl Mountains (Lower Silesia – Poland) in years 1998–2010 were investigated. Significant effects of all analysed climatic factors on ungulates mortality were documented. Correlations (Pearson) between such weather factors as the depth of snow cover and number of days with frost and recorded mortality in total animal populations analysed ranged from r = 0.33 to r = 0.77. The least adapted to local weather conditions was mouflon introduced to this area ca. 100 years ago from more southern parts of Europe. Roe deer species seems to be environmentally plastic, and are doing quite well in severe winters. Tolerance of red deer to the snow cover is much lower at low temperatures due to the fact that this species, during the period of snow cover, has limited access to the plants covered with snow and difficult access to food base.