Showing papers in "Ecological Chemistry and Engineering. A in 2013"

Investigations of Bio-Drying Process of Municipal Solid Waste

Abstract: Operation analysis of the mechanical-biological stabilization reactor was presented. Minicipal waste undergoes mechanical pretreatment and then the fraction 0–80 mm rich in organic matter is treated by oxidic method in the reactor. Results of investigations of raw MSW (0–80 mm) and stabilat (0–20 mm, 20–80 mm) which are the resulting material after the 7 days bio-drying processes, were discussed. The loss of ignition (LOI), humidity, pH, the amount of sulfur, chlorides, heavy metals and the biologically stable state are the main investigated parameters. To evaluate the material stabilization, the determination of the O2 uptake and CO2 production was measured. The results allowed to evaluate the work effectiveness of the industrial reactor constructed for MSW treatment. The experiments were led using an OXYMAX respirometer ER-10 (Columbus Instruments), an ion chromatograph 883 Basic IC plus, spectrometer with plasma ICP.

Composite based on foam lime mortar with flax fibers for use in the building industry

Abstract: Building industry as an important branch of the economy of each country consumes significant amounts of energy and emits greenhouse gases into the environment (CO2). These negative effects which affect on the environment have a contribution to make many of the restrictions recorded in the documents of sustainable development in the construction industry. The most significant are: environmentally friendly building products, energy efficiency of buildings, organized management of construction wastes including demolition materials. However, in relation to a building and its surroundings can be distinguished: reduction of impurities emissions resulting from the combustion of the heating facility, reduction of the energy demand for heating, possibility of disposal of waste and effluents. These considerations leads to the exploration and initiation of new construction materials and technologies, and in the final stage for the implementation of low-energy and passive buildings. This paper presents the results of preliminary studies of new composite material based on foam lime mortar, packed with natural flax fibers and additives and admixtures. The paper presents the physico-mechanical characteristics of the composite (strength parameters, absorption, coefficient of thermal conductivity, etc.) of different composition mix output. It is expected that the composite will be applied in the implementation of low-energy and passive building as parts fulfilling the structural and insulation function. The proposed material solution from natural ingredients meets the requirements of sustainable development in the construction industry. Studies are carried out under a cross-border grant from the Technical University in Brest and the material as the original solution is submitted to the Polish Patent Office.

Effect of Foliar Application of Growth Biostimulant on Quality and Nutritive Value of Meadow Sward

Abstract: The experiment was conducted during 2010–2012 on a private farm in the Slaskie province, at an altitude of 320 m above sea level. A one-factorial field experiment was set up as a randomized block design with four replications. The experimental plots, 10 m in area, had class V acid brown soil. Treatment factors were spraying three concentrations (0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 %) of growth biostimulant (Tytanit fertilizer). The highest dose of the foliar application of Tytanit (0.08 %) caused significant increases in dry matter yield and nutrient content in relation to the control plot. The protein and energy value was also found to increase significantly. Satisfactory results were also obtained in plots where titanium was applied at a concentration of 0.04 %.

Leaf Greenness (SPAD) Index in Timothy-Grass Seed - Plantation at Different Doses of Titanium Foliar Fertilization

Abstract: One-factor field experiment in randomized block design with four replications (plot size for harvest was 10 m). The experimental field covered degraded black earth soil formed from loess, class I, wheat group of very good quality, by the agricultural soil classification system. The experiment was conducted at the Plant Breeding Station of Malopolska Plant Growing Company – HBP LLC in Skrzeszowice near Krakow (200 m a.s.l.) from 2006 to 2009. The experimental factor was spraying with titanium fertilizer labelled Tytanit at three different concentrations: 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 %. During growing periods chlorophyll content was measured by means of SPAD readings. Relative chlorophyll concentration indices were growing from shoot elongation stage to anthesis stage, when the highest value was obtained, whereas at milky ripe stage SPAD readings diminished to the level prior to shoot elongation. Foliar fertilization with Tytanit applied at 0.08 % concentration resulted in the highest increase in SPAD value (the difference averaged 6 % over plants from the control object). Again, plants form the objects treated with the most diluted preparation (0.02 %) had the least chlorophyll content over the control one (difference of about 2 %).

Heavy Metals Soil Contamination Induced by Historical Zinc Smelting in Jaworzno

Abstract: The initial study of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Ni and Mn) contamination was carried out on the 22 samples taken from 4 forest soil (podzol) profiles and 5 waste samples taken from 3 points of the historical zinc smelting area in Jaworzno, Southern Poland. XRD and pH analyses on the soil samples were done. The trace element concentrations were measured with the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after mineralisation in concentrated HNO3 (65 % Suprapur) and HCl (30 % Suprapur). Examined materials were ultra acidic to neutral, mostly very strong acidic. Total accumulations of trace elements in the soil varied from 21.91 to 119.32 mgCr, from 1.4 to 51.16 mgCu, from 2.15 to 36.16 mgNi and from 16.33 to 869.19 mgMn kg. In waste samples quantities of the same elements equalled 45.55–67.38 mgCr, 19.5–244.74 mgCu, 4.96–22.15 mgNi and 30.75–369.11 mgMn kg. Vertical distributions of examined metals were determined in each of soil profiles. The research revealed heavy metal pollution of studied soil. Influence of the historical smelter on the pollution is inferred, which changed soil environment to dangerous for humans, especially due to close proximity of abandoned industry to built-up and recreation areas as well as community gardens.

Modelling of stormwater quantity and quality on the example of urbanised catchment in Kielce

Abstract: Due to the stochastic character of precipitation phenomena, and also the accumulation of pollutants in the catchment area and their washoff, predicting the stormwater quantity and quality is a very complex task. That can lead to massive calculation errors at selection and design stages of technological lines in stormwater treatment plants. For hydraulic sewerage systems, the guideline ATV A-118 and the PN-EN 752 standard recommend using hydrodynamic modelling for the catchment area of more than 200 ha, but also for cases when surface flooding caused by excess stormwater occurs, which happens quite often in urban areas. As a majority of computational software tools (SWMM, Mouse, Mike Urban, Civil Storm), in addition to modules for runoff simulations also have those dedicated to wastewater quality assessment, it is justifiable to conduct complex analyses. The paper aims to discuss the results of stormwater quality and quantity numerical simulations obtained with the SWMM software for Si9 sewer catchment located in the area of Kielce. For the paper, hydrogram computations were made for the catchment runoff and the suspension concentrations at the assumption of constant intensity of the rainfall of the duration of td = 15–180 min and the precipitation occurrence probability of p = 20 %. In addition, a mathematical model of stormwater treatment plant was developed. That allowed the determination of the pollutant load of the existing technological line, and of volume and load of suspended solids discharged by the stormwater overflow structure directly into the receiver. The computations that were conducted showed a limited impact of a specific runoff on the mass of suspended solids delivered from the catchment under consideration.

Content of Selected Elements in Miscanthus sacchariflorus (Maxim.) Hack Biomass under the Influence of Sewage Sludge Fertilization

Abstract: The field experiment consisted in the examination of the sewage sludge and mineral fertilization application on contents of some elements: Fe, Mn, Mo, Li, Ti, Ba and Sr in stalks and leaves of Miscanthus sacchariflorus grass cultivated in the first year as well as in the whole biomass harvested in the second year. Total elements concentrations were analyzed by means of ICP-AES technique after combustion in a muffle furnance at 450 C. Much higher concentrations of analyzed elements in leaves of amur silvergrass than in its stalks was found. More molybdenum, and less iron and titanium was recorded in the second year than in the first year of the experiment.

Ionic liquids for the extraction of n-butanol from aqueous solutions

Abstract: The article describes the extraction of n-butanol from four-component aqueous solutions, also containing acetone and ethanol All of these three chemicals are the main constituents of the so-called fermentation broth – a product of ABE (Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol) fermentation process Nowadays, ABE fermentation, which is one of the oldest butanol production technologies, seems to be a viable alternative to petrochemical methods that have so far dominated the industry Such considerations are driven by the steady depletion of fossil fuels, and thus, worldwide tendencies to use renewable resources instead, but also by the popularization of clean production and green chemistry principles The physicochemical properties of biobutanol are very similar to that of gasoline and diesel fuel Therefore, there exists a real potential for its widespread use as a fuel additive, if not a direct application in internal combustion engines For that reason, the effective separation of biochemically derived butanol may have a great impact on fuel production technology, which is by far crude oil oriented The main challenges of applying traditional solvents in liquid-liquid extraction are their toxicity and usually high volatility that prevents an economically justified partitioning of the extract components Hence, there arises a growing interest in non-volatile, thermally stable and water immiscible ionic liquids Properties of these new ‘designer solvents’ have not been fully recognized yet, but the full range of their possible applications may appear as unlimited In this study, phase separation research has been made in five-component systems of water, acetone, butanol, ethanol and ionic liquid Two different ionic liquids have been used: 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [Hmim][PF6] and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [Bmim][Tf2N] Experimental results confirm the efficient recovery of n-butanol from aqueous solutions when volumes of both liquid phases are approximately equal

Effect of Heating Oil and Neutralizing Substances on the Content of Some Trace Elements in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract: The purpose of the present experiment has been to determine the capability of maize (Zea mays L.) to uptake certain trace elements from soil contaminated with heating oil (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g kg soil) after soil amendment with neutralizing substances (nitrogen, compost, bentonite, zeolite and calcium oxide). The study relied on determination of the content of trace metals in plants. Incremental rates of heating oil caused depressed concentrations of copper and zinc, increased accumulation of nickel but did not induce unidirectional changes in the content of iron in maize. Bentonite was more effective than zeolite as a soil amending substance. Bentonite reduced the accumulation of three (copper, zinc, iron) and zeolite – just two (copper and nickel) of the analyzed elements in maize compared with the series without neutralizing substances. Application of calcium oxide and nitrogen to soil, in general, favoured the accumulation of the analyzed elements in aerial organs of maize.

Estimating the level of water eutrophication in poraj dam reservoir based on selected methods

Abstract: In this publication the chosen methods of estimation of the eutrophication were presented. These methods were used for the evaluation of the trophic status of the Poraj Reservoir water. In this research the Integral trophic state index was used. In addition the loading reservoir with total phosphorus was estimated, as well as the permissible and the critical loads of phosphorus according to Vollenweider were also defined. Furthermore, the trophic classification of reservoir water was achieved on the grounds of: the concentrations of biogenic substances in reservoir water, the concentrations of the chlorophyll a, the biomass of phytoplankton and the species composition of phytoplankton. The every chosen methods indicated on the advanced eutrophication processes occurring in this reservoir.

Content and Fractional Composition of Nickel in Arable Soils Depending on Physicochemical Properties

Abstract: The aim of this study was estimation of pseudo-total nickel content and its fractional composition in arable soils depending on their physicochemical properties.The research material consisted of samples taken from arable soil in 81 points of Podlasie Province. The content of pseudo-total nickel in soils and its fractional composition was determined with BCR method. The correlations between pseudo-total content of nickel, as well as its individual fractions and physicochemical properties of soils were evaluated. It was found, that pseudo-total content of nickel was typical for uncontaminated soils and ranged from 2.0 to 14.4 mg kg. The share of acid soluble and exchangeable fraction was above 20 %, as compared to pseudo-total content. Reducible fraction comprised 20–40 %. The most of nickel was bound to organic matter. The factors which influenced fractional composition of nickel were determined. For the light soils it was content of soil fraction < 0.02 mm, granulometric composition and pH, while for medium-heavy soils, organic carbon and magnesium content, granulometric composition and content of soil fraction < 0.02 mm. The factors related to the changes of Ni content in light soils in fraction II and IV and for medium-heavy soils in fraction I, were not determined.

Effect of Vegetable and Mineral Oils on the Development - of Diplocarpon rosae Wolf. the Causal Agent of Black Spot of Rose

Abstract: Experiments were carried out to determine the effect of vegetable oils: corn, olive, rapeseed, sunflower, soybean, and grape; vegetable oils recommended as adjuvants: Dedal 90 EC (90 % vegetable oil) and Olejan 80 EC (85 % rapeseed oil); and mineral oils: Atpolan 80 EC (76 % SN oil), Ikar 95 EC (95 % SAE petroleum oil), Olemix 84 EC (84 % DSA petroleum oil), Promanal 60 EC (60 % petroleum oil), used at a concentration of 1 % for spraying rose bushes 9 times at 7-day intervals in order to control the black spot disease caused by Diplocarpon rosae. The results do not allow the drawing of a clear conclusion as to which of the tested vegetable or mineral oils showed the highest effectiveness in inhibiting the development of the symptoms of black spot and the fungus D. rosae. It was found that the percentage effectiveness of the tested oils relative to the control depended on the type of oil, the time of observation and the experiment. Depending on the experiment and the time of observation, different percentage rates of the inhibition in the development of disease symptoms were obtained. After spraying the roses 3 times, the effectiveness of the tested oils ranged from 35.8 % (sunflower oil) to 77.8 % (Atpolan 80 EC); after 6 applications, it was from 26.8 % (olive oil) to 55 % (Olejan 85 EC); and after a total of 9 treatments, it was from 29.5 % (corn oil, soybean oil and Olemix 84 EC) to 58.6 % (olive oil). There was no evidence of phytotoxicity of the tested oils to the variety of rose on which the experiments were conducted.

Effect of Supplying Fish Ponds with Biologically Treated Wastewater on the Quality of Pond Water

Abstract: Studies on the impact of the effect of supplying fish ponds with biologically treated wastewater on the quality of pond water was carried out in three experimental ponds on the premises of the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Olsztynek in the production season of 2008 The experimental ponds had a surface area in the range of 094 ha to 104 ha, with a maximum depth of 15 m in the summer Raw wastewater fed to the treatment plant comprised household sewage as well as wastewater from a fruit and vegetable processing plant Following preliminary treatment, waste was purified biologically in sequencing batch reactors (SBR) The results of physical and chemical analyses indicate that water in ponds fertilized with biologically treated wastewater was superior in quality in comparison with ponds where conventional breeding methods are applied In the studied ponds, average ammonia nitrogen concentrations were 4to 18-fold lower than the lowest average values for ponds supplied with water, fertilized and unfertilized, where fish were fed grain or pelleted feed

Quantitative-qualitative analysis of sewage for the newly designed sanitary sewage system

Abstract: A basic kind of engineering activity improving quality and comfort of citizens' life is maintenance of the suitable sanitary state. The above may result from suitable devices and buildings of sewage transport and treatment. The correctly designed sewer system assures the uninterrupted intake of sewage at the minimization of the negative impact on human health and the environment. The existing sewer systems are frequently extended for new lines causing the growth of the quantity and load of pollutions in sewage entering the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). This paper shows the results of the quantitative-qualitative analysis of sanitary sewage from the newly designed sanitary sewage system in the west site of Rejowiec Fabryczny. Our analysis was conducted to determine the increase of the pollutants load entering the WWTP. The analysis was based on the pollutants load in average-twenty-four hours samples of raw sewage sampled in the screens chamber in mechanical-biological WWTP. The results of sewage qualitative analyses from the period of years 2008-2009 were adopted to our research. The pollutants loads in the newly designed network in the west of Rejowiec Fabrycznego were defined basing on the research of the inequality of the water demand in seven household. This analysis allowed the pollutants loads prediction in raw sewage inside the newly designed network of the sanitary sewage system. The proposed analysis demands validation permitting for confirmation of assumed simplifications.

Efficiency of antioxidative system in spinach plants growing in soil contaminated with nickel

Abstract: The paper attempted to assess the activity of antioxidative system in cells of spinach plant, ‘Matador’ c.v., growing in the soil contaminated with Ni. Plant material for analyses was obtained from two pot experiments conducted in 2010 and 2011 in the vegetation hall of the Experimental Station of the University of Agriculture in Krakow. Ni content in the plant aboveground parts was assessed by ICP-ES method, contents of reduced glutathione form by colorimetry and ascorbic acid by titrimetric method. Nickel content in spinach aboveground parts ranged from 2.00 to 204.5 mg kg d.m. and increased with growing substratum pollution with this element and usually with plant age. The plants contained from 31 to 238 g GSH g f.m. In the first three objects with 0, I and II degree of substratum pollution according to IUNG classification, this antioxidant contents were higher in comparison with its amount in plants from the control and objects with lower degree of pollution. In the object with the highest nickel dose application, GSH content in plants decreased significantly in comparison with plants from the other objects, while the plants on this object died shortly after germination. Ascorbic acid content in spinach in the both years of experiments ranged from 24.13 to 73.09 mg 100 g f.m. and increased in plants from the successive objects with growing substratum contamination with nickel. In the first phase of growth spinach plants contained generally much more of GSH and AsA, which indicated much better efficiency of the antioxidative system at the initial period of growth.

Assessment of Possible Zinc Accumulation in Soils in the Zone of Potential Zinc-Works Influence

Abstract: The work aimed at determining the susceptibility to zinc accumulation of soils exposed to potential influence of zinc-works. Estimation of soil zinc binding ability was conducted by a modified method suggested by H.P. Blume and G. Brummer, according to which soils are divided into 5 classes differing with heavy metal accumulation ability depending on their physicochemical properties. The most important parameter of this division is soil pH, whereas the content of organic matter and < 0.02 mm particles fraction content in soil play an auxiliary role. Conducted assessment of zinc binding ability in soils revealed that in the area of potential influence of zinc-works, soils with low zinc accumulation ability have the biggest share. Among all analysed soils, 68 % of samples collected from the 0–10 cm layer and 58 % from the 40–50 cm layer reveal low or medium zinc binding abilities. Such high percentage of soils with these disadvantageous properties is mainly due to the fact that in these areas there is the highest number of acid soils with granular size distribution of loose sands. In case when the zinc-works starts operation, there is a serious potential of introducing excessive zinc amounts to food chain.

Content of heavy metal compounds in bottom sediments of the Suchedniow water reservoir

Abstract: Water reservoirs become silted at various intensity levels. Within the reservoir bowls, both allochtonic (built up outside the sedimentation area) and autochtonic (built up in the sedimentation area) matter is accumulated. As a result, reservoirs need desilting after a while. Then a problem arises how to manage the sludge removed from the reservoir bottom. The chemical properties of the bottom sludge, and particularly the content of heavy metals, decide whether it will be possible to use the sludge, and in what way. The chemical properties of the bottom sludge depend, to a far extent, on the character of the reservoir basin, the level of its urbanisation, and also on the climatic conditions. The paper presents the results of investigations into the content of heavy metals in the bottom sediments in the Suchedniow water reservoir. This water body is characterised by small mean depth of 1.05 m and mean annual flow across the dam profile of 0.63 m 3 · s -1 . Forests dominate in the reservoir basin covering 45 % of its area, arable land constitutes 18 %, and the percentage of built-up area does not exceed 5 %. In recent years (2009-2011), the water reservoir has become much silted because of storing large soil masses near the local watercourses during the construction of S7 expressway. The amount of stored soil is estimated at 7.8 thousand m 3 . For investigations, nine bottom sediments samples were collected, in which the content of the following heavy metals: Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe, and Mn was determined. Quasi-undisturbed sludge was taken into transparent cylinders with Eijkelkamp sampler, which made it possible to conduct analysis in sediment layers 20 cm in height. In order to evaluate the sediment pollution with heavy metals, the geoaccumulation index, the pollution coefficient and level were calculated. On the basis of admissible soil chemical pollution tables, the possibility of the sludge use in agriculture after extracting it from the reservoir bowl was assessed.

Impact Low-Cost Processing Methods on the Contents of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sewage Sludge

Abstract: In Poland, more and more often to the processing of sewage sludge are used low-input methods: composting, vermicomposting, reed bed, willow energy and solar driers. Also in the north-eastern part of Poland for many years successfully operate objects using these methods. The paper presents the experience of the use of low-cost methods of sludge treatment in wastewater treatment plant located in Zambrow, Podlaskie Province. The results of studies of sewage sludge on the PAHs content after treatment in reed bed system were presented. In 2012, samples of sediment were taken from the middle part of the oldest red bed (still in service) in the 3-meter profile of the sediment fill. Sampling was performed using a special probe to enable the extraction of sewage sludge from the full depth of the lagoon. Samples were averaged and sediment samples from each 0.5 m section were tested. The obtained results for the PAHs in sediments from the lagoon of sludge from reed sewage treatment plant in Zambrow show that the average content of PAHs studied is approximately 5552.8 g kg d.m. At the same time, there are clear differences in the content of these compounds in each of the processed layers of sludge in the lagoon. An average contents of PAHs tested in individual layers of the sludge were as follows: 5852.2 g PAHs kg d.m. in the upper sludge layer (0–1 m), 6636.8 g PAHs kg d.m. in the middle sludge layer (1–2 m) and 4169.5 g PAHs kg d.m. in the oldest, bottom sludge layer (2–3 m). A significant decrease in the total PAHs content with increasing the time period of the processing of sludge lagoons at the lowest bottom layer was observed after 10–12 years. Sewage sludge processed by California earthworms for vermicompost was characterized by the lowest total content of studied PAHs, which amounted 2550.2 g kg d.m.

Fluctuation of Protein Nitrogen Level in Tubers of Helianthus tuberosus L. Caused by Varying Levels of Nitrogen Fertilisation

Abstract: The effect of nitrogen fertilisation against potassium and phosphorus fertilisation on the total and true protein content in tubers of Helianthus tuberosus L. was examined. Two cultivars of the test plant (Albik and Rubik) were cultivated for 3 years in a field experiment on slightly acidic soil with a granulometric composition of loamy sand. The experimental objects were: 1) control – no fertilisation; 2) PK fertilisation at kg ha; 52.4 – P and 149.4 – K and (against PK fertilisation) four levels of nitrogen fertilisation: 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha. The total protein in tubers was calculated by multiplying the nitrogen content determined by the Kjeldahl method by 6.25, while the true protein content was determined by the Bernstein method. The protein content in tubers of the Jerusalem artichoke cultivars under study was significantly affected by their genetic features. The Rubik cultivar was found to contain significantly more of both forms of protein than the Albik cultivar. Irrespective of the cultivar, phosphorus and potassium fertilisation increased the total protein content compared with the control. The application of nitrogen at a dose as low as 50 kg ha increased the content of both forms of protein.

Effect of soil pollution with oil derivatives on the occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes

Abstract: The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of oil derivatives on the occurrence of entomopatogenic nematodes during the bioremediation process. The experiment was carried out in field conditions in two series (with bioremediation and without bioremediation) at the Experimental Station in Mydlniki near Krakow. Soil was polluted with following oil derivatives: unleaded petrol, diesel oil and used engine oil (dose: 6 000 mg of fuel kg -1 d.m. of soil). Unpolluted soil was used as control. The extraction of nematodes naturally occurring in the soil was done with trap method. Larvae of Tenebrio molitor were used to isolate nematodes. Soil samples were taken once in each season during two year experiment. Contamination of soil with oil derivatives caused significant reduction of entomopathogenic nematodes occurrence in soil environment. The most long-lasting effect on entomopathogenic nematodes population naturally occurring in soil had used engine oil and diesel oil. Application of the biopreparation into contaminated soil had a favorable effect on enthomopathogenic nematodes occurrence. On objects where biopreparation was applied enthomopathogenic nematodes were isolated significantly faster after initial contamination than on objects where only natural remediation process were carried out. Occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes seems to be suitable indicator of bioremediation process effectiveness in soil environment contaminated with oil derivatives.

Phytotoxicity of Ionic Liquid Containing Phosphorus Atom

Abstract: Ionic liquids are low melting which have been accepted as new generation of polar solvents and catalysts. These compounds are non-volatile, non-flammable and their “green” character has usually been justified with their negligible vapor pressure. However, the marketing of any chemical substance, requires the determination of their impact on all the elements of nature. Determination of the potential ecotoxicity of new chemical compounds associated with the conduct of research on the effects of those compounds on the growth and development of selected organism. In the present work, the influence of triphenyl-n-pentylphosphonium iodide, introduced to the soil on germination and early stages of growth and development of superior plants was investigated using the plant growth test based on the OECD/OECD 208/2006. In this test, the seeds of selected species of land superior plants – spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) and common radish (Raphanus sativus L. subvar. radicula Pers.) were planted in pots containing soil to which a test chemical compound had been added and in pots with control soil. To evaluate the phytotoxicity of the triphenyl-n-pentylphosphonium iodide, the germination and (dry and fresh) weight of control plant seedlings were determined and compared with the germination and (dry and fresh) weight of the seedlings of plants grown in the soil with appropriate amounts of the test chemicals added. The visual assessment of any types of damage to the test species, such as growth inhibition, chlorosis and necrosis, based on the obtained results determined the size of the LOEC and the NOEC.

The use of the integrated trophic state index in evaluation of the restored shallow water bodies

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the trophic status of five restored shallow lakes from a group of 30 water bodies in the Olsztyn Lakeland, which were dried in the 19 century as part of a land reclamation program. The effectiveness of the Integrated Trophic State Index (ITS) in the evaluation process was analyzed. ITS is a relatively new method for diagnosing eutrophication intensity. It analyzes the balance between production processes and organic matter decomposition through simultaneous measurements of oxygen saturation and pH of water. ITS is a versatile tool which can be applied in various types of water bodies. In this study, it was used to evaluate shallow water bodies characterized by excessive phosphorus loads and susceptibility to blue-green algal blooms in summer. During a three-year study carried out in 2010–2012, significant correlations were observed between %O2 and pH, which is a basic prerequisite for applying the ITS method. In the analyzed water bodies, correlation coefficients were determined in the range of r = 0.68–0.83. ITS values varied in successive years ITS (from 7.73 to 8.67), ranging from eutrophy to hypertrophy. Most ITS scores were consistent with the values of Carlson’s TSI, which indicates that used integrated trophic state index, based on the values of water pH and oxygen saturation, accurately reflect the ecological status of degraded water bodies.

Occurrence of heavy metals in rain wastewater on example of urban catchment in Kielce

Abstract: Rain wastewater flowing from built-up urban areas introduces much pollution into the receiving water environment. The regulation of the Minister of Environment of 24 July 2006 on conditions that have to be met when releasing wastewater into water bodies or soil, and on substances that are particularly hazardous for the aquatic environment only states values of the suspension and those of oil-derived hydrocarbons in rain wastewater delivered to the receiving water. Other hazardous substances, like eg heavy metals, are disregarded. Because of the possibility of bioaccumulation, heavy metals can adversely affect the environment, in particular, that of rain wastewater receiving bodies. The paper presents the results of investigations into the level of rain wastewater pollution with heavy metals flowing into the sewer system from the area of the selected catchment, located in the centre of the city of Kielce, which is typically urban in character. For the sake of analysis, four days of spring thaw event were selected, namely those of 22 Feb. 2010, 23 Feb. 2010, 24 Feb. 2010, and 14 March 2010. During the passage of thaw water, samples of rain wastewater were collected with an automatic device (sampler) and the concentration of the following heavy metals: Ni, Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb, Cd were determined. The conducted statistical analysis concerning the assessment of the strength of statistical relations between individual pairs of heavy metals in spring thaw event indicated the occurrence of a strong correlation relation only between Ni – Cr, Cu – Cr. The results of investigations were presented in a tabular and graphical form to show the range of variation of concentrations of heavy metals for the observed spring thaw event in the examined Si9 rain water sewer.

Addition of bisulfite ions to methyl vinyl ketone and methacrolein relevant to atmospheric processes

Abstract: Methacrolein and methyl vinyl ketone are highly reactive carbonyls that play a pivotal role in the formation of secondary organic aerosols in the Earth’s atmosphere. Both carbonyls are the major products of isoprene oxidation. We show that among the atmospheric sinks of methacrolein and methyl vinyl ketone, the aqueous-phase addition of bisulfite anions to their molecules can be relevant under polluted conditions with the increased presence of sulfur dioxide. We demonstrate that aqueous-phase reactions of methyl vinyl ketone and methacrolein with bisulfite anions lead to the formation of primary and secondary organic hydroxysulfonates which currently are not included in the atmospheric chemistry modelling, but can be relevant in mechanisms explaining the formation and growth of the secondary organic aerosols from atmospheric carbonyls. The rate constants for all aqueous-phase reactions involved were determined. The primary addition of bisulfite anions to methacrolein was found significantly faster than that to methyl vinyl ketone, with rate constants kMAC1f = 8 and kMVK1f = 0.18 mol –1 dm s at room temperatures, respectively. The rate constant for the bisulfite addition to methacrolein was ten times faster than reported in the literature. The kinetic and mass spectrometric analyses revealed that in both cases, the dominating product was the C4 alpha-hydroxysulfonate (a primary adduct), while the C4 alpha-hydroxy disulfonate (a secondary adduct or diadduct) was produced only in trace quantities. The primary addition of bisufite anions to methacrolein and methyl vinyl ketone should be considered in atmospheric studies relevant to areas with enhanced presence of sulfur dioxide providing sufficiently high concentrations of bisulfite ions in atmospheric waters.

Influence of sewage sludge on the content of selected metals and chlorophyll in lawn grass mixtures

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of municipal sewage sludge from the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant in Sokolka on the content of magnesium and selected micronutrients such as zinc, manganese, copper and iron in the soil and lawn grasses and on the content of chlorophyll a and b in the analyzed plants. These elements are especially important in the process of photosynthesis. In addition, the paper discusses the relationship between the studied elements and the content of assimilation pigments. The experimental plots were sown with two lawn grass mixtures: Eko and Roadside, and three doses of sewage sludge 0.0 (control), 7.5 kg m -2 and 15.0 kg m -2 were used. Chlorophyll a and b content was determined using spectrophotometer by measuring absorbance at = 663 and 645 nm. Metals concentrations in soils with sewage sludge and in plant material were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. It was found that the sludge dose had a significant effect on the manganese content in the soil taken from the experiment in Piastowska Street. In the experiment in Popieluszki Street the application of sewage sludge had a significant impact on the content of zinc and copper in the studied mixtures of grasses and in Raginisa Street - on the contents of zinc, copper and manganese. The analysis of correlations for the results obtained from experiment in Hetmanska Street revealed strong positive correlations between the content of Zn and Mn in the soil and the content of chlorophyll a in plants (r = 0.84 and r = 0.83, respectively) and strong negative correlations between the content of Zn in the soil and the content of chlorophyll b in lawn grasses collected in June and August (r = -0.81 and r = -0.85, respectively). Strong correlations between the concentration of zinc and the content of chlorophyll b in grass samples collected in Hetmanska Street, Piastowska Street and Popieluszki Street (r = 0.85, r = 0.86 and r = 0.98, respectively) and the Cu content in plants and chlorophyll b for plants collected in Hetmanska Street (r = 0.97), Piastowska Street (r = 0.86), Popieluszki Street (r = 0.90) and Raginisa Street (r = 0.82). The content of chlorophyll b was differentiated by dose of sludge and sampling time. The highest average chlorophyll b content in the grass samples collected in June and July was found (1.10 mg g -1 of f.m.), and the lowest in samples collected in October (0.39 mg g -1 of f.m.). The content of chlorophyll a in the analyzed

Impact of Bottom Sediments on Assimilability of Copper and Zinc in Light Soil

Abstract: The aim of the research was to evaluate an effect of bottom sediment addition on the content of soluble forms of copper and zinc in light soil as well as to evaluate the bioaccumulation of these elements by energetic plants, ie Miscanthus giganteus and Sida hermaphrodita. In order to reach the research goal, a field experiment was set up in autumn 2010 in Lipie near Rzeszow using the method of random blocks. The experimental design included 3 doses of the bottom sediment added to soil and a control treatment without sediment supplement. Doses of the bottom sediment were calculated based on soil hydrolytic acidity and the content of calcium carbonate in the sediment. The bottom sediment used in the experiment was taken from the Rzeszow Reservoir and was characterized by alkaline reaction and silt texture. Moreover, it showed an 8-times greater content of soluble forms of copper and zinc in comparison to the experimental soil. The soil of experimental field had granulometric composition of weakly clayey sand with very acid reaction (pHKCl = 4.53), as well as low content of soluble and bioavailable forms of copper and zinc. Miscanthus giganteus and Sida hermaphrodita were chosen for test plants. In autumn 2011 and 2012, soil samples were collected from the experimental plots. In those samples, the contents of copper and zinc soluble forms extracted with 1 mol HCl dm were determined according to Rinkis method. The content of copper and zinc in soil samples and the above-ground parts of plant was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). On the basis of the obtained results, the bioaccumulation factor [BF] of both metals in the above-ground plant biomass was calculated. The obtained results were elaborated statistically using a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test at a significance level of = 0.01. The addition of the bottom sediments to the light soil caused a change its reaction in all the experimental treatments in relation to the control treatment. The applied doses of bottom sediments did not cause exceeding the permissible concentrations of copper and zinc in the examined soil. The content of available for plants soluble forms of copper and zinc in light soil under Miscanthus giganteus and Sida hermaphrodita cultivation increased as consequence of rising bottom sediment doses introduced to the substratum. The addition of the bottom sediments to the soil resulted in a decrease of values of the bioaccumulation factor of copper and zinc in selected energetic plants.

Suspended Particulate Matter as an Indicator of Metals Pollution in Riverin System

Abstract: Content of heavy metals is strongly dependent on the composition of suspendend particulate matter (SPM). Metals contamination of the aquatic environment can be natural origin as well as is a result of human activities. SPM is an important indicator of processes occurring in the basin. Mineralogical and geochemical identification and determination of the origin of the suspension components is necessary to evaluate the role of SPM in the accumulation and transport of trace metals in Odra river. Research were carried in the Upper and the Middle Odra River and its tributaries. SPM samples were analyzed with SEM-EDS application and metals in water and SPM were determined by ICP-MS. Result of SEM-EDS shows the presence of carbonates - mainly calcite, silicates - especially quartz and feldspars as well as illit. Obtained results allowed to recognize a variety of plankton species. It should be noted that very common in SPM feldspar and quartz contain relatively low amount of metal, as opposed to clay minerals that are responsible for the pollution. In SPM samples the presence of significant quantities of anthropogenic dust were recognized. Observed metal pollution of the Odra river basin is dangerous because of their toxic nature and the threat to living organisms. Suspended matter seems to be one of the best indicator of antropogenic pollution in riverin system.