Fossil fungi in lignite-bearing deposits: An overview of Miocene lignites from Poland

The present paper summarises results of studies into fungal microremains (non-pollen palynomorphs) encountered during palynological studies of Miocene lignite-bearing deposits in the Adamów-Konin Basin, the Bełchatów Lignite Mine, the Ruja lignite deposit and the lignite seam at Chłapowo. The Adamów-Konin lignite deposits turn out to be the richest site for fossil fungi within Neogene lignite-bearing strata in Poland. Fungal ecological groups (e.g., epiphyllous fungi, rhizosphere fungi and indigenous wetland fungi) and fungal taxa as environmental proxies were examined alongside plant pollen/spores in order to reconstruct ancient peat-forming environments. Fossil fungi are valuable palaeoclimatic indicators seeing that fungi are generally sensitive to environmental conditions. Fungal non-pollen palynomorphs found in lignite-bearing deposits can provide information on ancient wetland hydrology and conditions, vegetation structure and density, temperature and humidity, and even plant-fungal interactions. Coupled with other proxies, fungal remains can complement the palaeoenvironmental picture obtained from classic pollen analysis, creating a detailed picture of Miocene coal-forming environments.