Search

The aim of this study was to develop a natural nonwoven layer made of cottonized bleached flax and cotton fibers which is suitable to replace one of the three polypropylene layers of face mask type II in order to reduce non-biodegradable waste production and limit the negative impact of used masks on the environment. The work focused on the design of a nonwoven structure based on properly blending cotton and flax fibers as well as ensuring the cover factor, which can support the mask's barrier properties against air dust particles and does not make breathing difficult. Additionally, a biodegradable film was developed to connect the nonwoven layer with the other polypropylene filtering layers. The effectiveness of the biodeterioration of the flax/cotton nonwoven was evaluated based on a test of the susceptibility of materials to the action of soil microorganisms. The flax/cotton nonwoven layer was tested in terms of mechanical, physical, and biophysical properties, and an analysis of the covering of the nonwoven surface with fibers was conducted as well. The results confirmed that the structure of flax/cotton nonwovens is suitable to replace the nondegradable polypropylene layer of the face mask type II to improve its environmental performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil degradation is an unavoidable phenomenon that poses a real threat, as it limits soil utility and reduces its resources. Early assessment of soil degradation can prevent its further deterioration. Various parameters of soil microbial activity may be helpful in this evaluation. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the usefulness of microbiological (total abundance of oligotrophic bacteria and filamentous fungi), biochemical (soil respiration) and enzymatic (dehydrogenase, protease, acid and alkaline phosphatase activity and fluorescein hydrolytic activity) indicators, as well as phytotoxicity, in monitoring the condition of chemically degraded soils due to severe alkalization. The experimental material was soil collected in three sites located at different distances from the reservoir with liquid post-production waste. The analyzed indicators were correlated with the physical and chemical properties of the soil in three variants at the level of sampling sites, soil profile and seasonal variability. All analyzed parameters showed significant changes in the level of their activity at individual sampling sites. The location closest to the waste reservoir was characterized by the lowest values of the discussed activities and the highest phytotoxicity. Individual activities also showed changes depending on the season and soil layer. Considering the usefulness in monitoring changes in soils exposed to chemical degradation, total bacterial and fungal counts, as well as acid and alkaline phosphatase activities and fluorescein hydrolytic activity proved to be the most sensitive indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was carried out to assess soil condition many years after waste introduction for reclamation purposes. The parameters of the activity of soil microorganisms responsible for the revitalization processes in degraded soils were used in the research. Soil material was derived from the area of the former sulfur mine. The results showed that even a single waste introduction to degraded soil caused long-lasting effects in the activity of soil microorganisms. The most favorable changes were caused by the addition of sewage sludge and the use of mineral wool in the form of a pad. The application of lime alone turned out to be the least beneficial for the revitalization processes, i.e., restoring the homeostasis of biological life in degraded soil. This research is a continuation of study that concerned the initial recultivation period. The obtained research results show the need for monitoring soils reclaimed with waste, not only in the initial period but also in the following years. These results allow evaluation of the usefulness of the parameters of soil microbial activity in monitoring soil environments subjected to strong human pressure. The results can be used to assess the risks associated with the introduction of waste into the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sewage sludge, thanks to its content of nutrients, can be used as a fertilizer for lawns. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the applied dose of sewage sludge and variety of lawn grasses and changes in the quality and quantity of microorganisms in the root zone of grass. The community of fungi isolated from the rhizoplane was significantly dominated by fungi belonging to the Fusarium genus, including F. oxysporum. The share of these fungi in the isolated community increased with the dose of sewage sludge. It was also found that the share of some saprotrophic fungi significantly increased after application of the sludge at a dose of 60 t·ha-1 and decreased after its application at the highest dose of 150 t·ha-1. The lowest number of fungi of the Fusarium genus was observed in the roots of perennial rye-grass (30.3% of all isolates), while their highest number occurred in creeping red fescue (44.3% of all isolates). Based on all the results, such as the level of dominance, the number of potential pathogens and bacteria and fungi saprotrophic observed that the dose of 60 t·ha-1 is the most favorable option, while the use of a dose of 150 t·ha-1 may increase the share of pathogenic fungi in the community fungi, without causing beneficial changes in the number of microorganisms inhabiting rhizosferę terms lawns where no fertilizer was applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]