ANALYSIS OF PLANKTON PRESENT IN THE WATER PONDS OF BIAŁOWIEZA FOREST

Bialowieza Forest is the natural habitat of many rare species of green plants, animals and fungi. For centuries, it has been a unique place for developing environmental processes. The water ponds are the wildlife habitat for many organisms, whose lives depend on aquatic environments. Protected species of green plants and animals also live in the water ponds. The aim of this research was to determine the species and quantity of plankton which are present in Bialowieza Forest’s water ponds. The presence of different species of plankton proved the presence of minimal organic pollution. It was noticed that the primary producers dominated over the other organisms, which confirmed high mineralisation. The water ponds should continue to be monitored, as they are responsible for biodiversity within the Bialowieza Forest area and they are the best place to settle for many species which are characteristic for swamps and small sources of water.