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The paper presents the results of a study of parameters used for determining the amount of organic pollutants in wastewater flowing into a collective wastewater treatment plant with a population equivalent of about 120 000 PE. The plant constituted part of a sewage system. Assays were performed for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (CODCr), permanganete index (CODMn) and total organic carbon (TOC). In addition, the pH of wastewater and its alkalinity were determined. Sampling of incoming wastewater and measurement of physicochemical parameters were performed once a week, in the spring. A total of 44 samples of wastewater were collected. The correlations between the individual parameters and the correlations between the ratios of these parameters were determined. It was found that it was possible to estimate, with suffi cient accuracy, the values of selected parameters for determining the concentrations of organic compounds in municipal wastewater, knowing the values of other parameters in this group. Moreover, it was shown that, knowing the relationship between the analyzed parameters, one can find multiple regression equations for a given type of wastewater, which allow one to calculate the remaining relationships with a good fit, i.e. a determination factor R2greater than 0.6

In the study, the Weibull reliability theory was used to analyze the reliability of a small Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor (SBBR) for domestic wastewater purification. Also, the relative frequency and probability of exceedance of effluent discharge limits for the analyzed pollution parameters (BOD5, COD, total suspended solids, total nitrogen and total phosphorus) were determined. Full technical scale tests were carried out at a facility with a mean throughput of 0.6 m3/d, for a period of 34 months from December 2016 to September 2018. An analysis of the test results regarding the reliability of removal of the contaminants to the maximum effluent discharge levels yielded the following figures: BOD5 – 77.5%, COD – 97.8%, TSS – 100%, TN – 12.2% and TP – 21.7%. The relative exceedance frequencies measured in treated wastewater, expressed as proportion of all measurement series for a given parameter were: BOD5 – 17.14%, COD – 3.7%, TSS – 0%, TN – 85.2% and TP – 81.2%. The study showed that the small SBBR system was reliable in removing the basic contaminants (TSS, BOD5, COD) from domestic wastewater, but did not ensure effective removal of biogenic compounds. Large-scale use of this type of treatment plants may contribute to the eutrophication of wastewater receivers.

The aim of this study is to analyse the possibilities of use of waste from dairy production to produce electricity and heat in the process of anaerobic digestion. The analysis covers one of the Polish dairies located in Eastern Poland. The amounts of the substrates produced in analyzed dairy plant will enable the production of approx. 14,785 MWh electricity and 57,815 GJ of heat. This will allow the construction of biogas plant with an electrical power of 1.72 MW. The paper has been stated that the construction of biogas plants for environmental and social reasons is beneficial.

The results of research on the efficiency and technological reliability of domestic wastewater purification in two household wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with activated sludge are presented in this paper. The studied facilities were located in the territory of the Roztocze National Park (Poland). The mean wastewater flow rate in the WWTPs was 1.0 and 1.6 m3/day. In 2017–2019, 20 series of analyses were done, and 40 wastewater samples were taken. On the basis of the received results, the efficiency of basic pollutant removal was determined. The technological reliability of the tested facilities was specified using the Weibull method. The average removal efficiencies for the biochemical oxygen demand in 5 days (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were 66–83% and 62–65%, respectively. Much lower effects were obtained for total suspended solids (TSS) and amounted to 17–48%, while the efficiency of total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) removal did not exceed 34%. The analyzed systems were characterized by the reliability of TSS, BOD5, and COD removal at the level of 76–96%. However, the reliability of TN and TP elimination was less than 5%. Thus, in the case of biogenic compounds, the analyzed systems did not guarantee that the quality of treated wastewater would meet the requirements of the Polish law during any period of operation. This disqualifies the discussed technological solution in terms of its wide application in protected areas and near lakes, where the requirements for nitrogen and phosphorus removal are high.

The paper presents the results of a 3-year study on the technological reliability and the efficiency of typical domestic wastewater treatment in two hybrid constructed wetland systems (CWs) located in the area of the Roztocze National Park (Poland). The studied objects consist of an initial settling tank and a system of two beds of the vertical flow (VF) and horizontal flow (HF) (VF&ndash, HF) type with reed and willow. The wastewater flow rate in the constructed wetlands systems (CWs) was 0.4 and 1.0 m3/d, respectively. During the study period (2017&ndash, 2019) 20 series of analyses were performed and 60 wastewater samples were collected. Based on the obtained results the effects of pollutant removal and the technological reliability were determined, which were specified with the Weibull method. The average efficiency of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was 96&ndash, 99%. Slightly lower effects were obtained in the case of total phosphorus (TP) removal (90&ndash, 94%), as well as for total suspended solids (TSS) (80&ndash, 87%) and total nitrogen (TN) (73&ndash, 86%) removal. The analysed CWs were characterised by 100% technological reliability for BOD5 and COD, as well as a good reliability for TSS and TP (87&ndash, 100%) but slightly lower for TN removal (35&ndash, 89%). Hybrid CWs of VF&ndash, HF type should be recommended to use in protected areas for wastewater treatment and water resources quality protection.

The paper presents the results of a study of selected parameters of common osier (Salix viminalis) biomass sampled annually, over a 12-year period, from a constructed wetland wastewater treatment plant. The focus of the study was on parameters that were relevant to biomass energy management. The study was conducted in a constructed wetland wastewater treatment plant consisting of one horizontal flow bed with a total area of 186 m2, planted with osier willows. The following biomass parameters were analysed: biomass yield, volume, humidity, ash content, higher and lower heating values, and contents of N, P, K in different parts of plant stems. The study showed that osier biomass harvested from the investigated constructed wetland system could be used as an energy source in thermochemical processes. The higher and lower heating values were similar to those obtained by other authors (18.13 and 17.38 MJ·kg−1, respectively). The energy yield (17.49 MJ·m−2) and energy density (3486–5411 MJ·m−3) were also calculated. Young shoot parts had higher ash and micronutrient contents and lower energy parameters than old parts.

Recent years have seen an increasing interest in hybrid constructed wetland (HCW) systems for domestic sewage treatment. This paper is focused on kinetics of removal of the main pollutants occurring in wastewater i.e. organics expressed as chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen. The purpose of the article is to compare different HCW configurations in terms of mass removal rates (MRR) and removal rate coefficients (kA and kv). Analysed data have been collected at two wetland systems, each composed by two subsurface flow beds: horizontal flow (HF) and vertical flow (VF). Reliable evaluation was achieved by using the same composition of influent wastewater in both HCWs. Performance of opposite configurations HF + VF vs. VF + HF was compared after each stage and the overall HCW system. The average mass removal rates of COD, BOD5 and TN in both systems were similar, respectively: 2.30, 0.98 and 0.40 g m−2 d−1. However, removal rates differ between single wetland beds after each treatment stage.

The paper presents the results of the research about the efficiency of organic substance removal in a hybrid sand filter. The investigations were carried out on a model wastewater treatment plant consisting of a preliminary sedimentation tank and two sand filter with a horizontal flow of wastewater (aerobic and anaerobic beds). The efficiency of BOD5 and COD removal was analysed for different wastewater hydraulic load levels: 0.72; 1.08; 1.44 dm3·d−1. The best efficiency of BOD5 and COD removal was obtained when the hydraulic load level was 1.08 dm3·d−1, respectively 83.8 and 72.3%. The average values of BOD5 and COD in the treated wastewater were significantly higher than the values deemed acceptable by relevant regulations in Poland. Based on the studies in the analyzed case, it was found that, sand filters with horizontal flow, do not guarantee high effluent treatment effect of typical household wastewater. In order to obtain a better efficiency of organic substance removal in a hybrid sand filter wastewater need to be oxygenate before being carried to these systems.

The paper presents the results of a study of the reliability and efficiency of pollutant removal during long term operation of a one-stage constructed wetland system with horizontal flow. The flow rate of the wastewater treatment plant was 1.2 m 3 d −1 during the research period. Physical and chemical analyses of raw wastewater and treated effluent were carried out in the years 1997–2010 (14 years). During this study period, 56 series of analyses were performed and 112 wastewater samples were collected. The average efficiencies of BOD 5 (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and TSS (Total Suspended Solids) removal in the investigated facility during the 14 years of its operation were respectively: 84.7%, 80.9%, and 62.4%. The average values of these parameters in the treated wastewater were significantly lower than the values deemed acceptable by relevant regulations in Poland. The reliabilities of the wastewater treatment plant, based on the Weibull reliability theory for acceptable values of pollution parameters in the effluent of the treatment plant, were as follows: BOD 5 – 92%, COD – 98%, TSS – 90%. The conducted analysis showed that the operational reliability of the one-stage horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSFCW) over the operation period was insufficient according to the Polish standards. Improvement of the reliability of the analyzed system by introduction of additional purification elements, such as irrigated biological beds or a constructed wetland with vertical wastewater flow, was recommended.

The aim of the present study was to assess the technological reliability of a domestic hybrid wastewater treatment installation consisting of a classic three-chambered (volume 6 m3) septic tank, a vertical flow trickling bed filled with granules of a calcinated clay material (KERAMZYT), a special wetland bed constructed on a slope, and a permeable pond used as a receiver. The test treatment plant was located at a mountain eco-tourist farm on the periphery of the spa municipality of Krynica-Zdrój, Poland. The plant's operational reliability in reducing the concentration of organic matter, measured as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), was 100% when modelled by both the Weibull and the lognormal distributions. The respective reliability values for total nitrogen removal were 76.8% and 77.0%, total suspended solids – 99.5% and 92.6%, and PO4-P – 98.2% and 95.2%, with the differences being negligible. The installation was characterized by a very high level of technological reliability when compared with other solutions of this type. The Weibull method employed for statistical evaluation of technological reliability can also be used for comparison purposes. From the ecological perspective, the facility presented in the study has proven to be an effective tool for protecting local aquifer areas.

The paper presents the results of application of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for the optimization of the effects of ammonia nitrogen removal from domestic wastewater. The investigations were carried out at a model wastewater treatment plant consisting of a preliminary sedimentation tank and a sand filter with a horizontal flow of wastewater at a constant hydraulic load of 1.44 L/day. The efficiency of ammonia nitrogen removal was analyzed for different wastewater oxygenation levels: 0–10%, 10–20%, 20–30%, 30–40% and 40–50%, maintained by controlled application of a 0.1% H2O2 solution. It was demonstrated that the gradual increase in oxygen concentration in treated wastewater due to H2O2 dosing resulted in an increase in ammonia nitrogen removal from 39.0 to 81.2%. The best removal efficiency was obtained when the oxygenation level was in the range of 30–40%. It was also shown that application of hydrogen peroxide resulted in an effective removal of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5). The highest BOD5 removal efficiency (94.3%) was obtained at the oxygenation level of 30–40%. The results indicate that oxygenation of wastewater with hydrogen peroxide can be applied for the optimization of the nitrification process in wastewater treatment plants.

The aim of study was the analyze of the reliability pollution removal in wastewater treatment plant in Mińsk Mazowiecki. The article presents the results of the reliability of BOD, COD and total suspended solids removal of wastewater treatment plant with actived sludge. Physical and chemical analyses of raw wastewater and treated effluent were carried out in the years 2016–2017 (2 years). The designed size of the treatment plant with actived sludge, expressed in PE is 82 200 residents. During this study period, 50 wastewater samples were collected and analyses. For each of pollution indicators descriptive statistic, percentage reduction and and treatment plant reliability factors (WN) were calculated. The average effectiveness of BOD5 (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), CODCr (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and TSS (Total Suspended Solid) removal in this period of study were respectively: 99.1%, 96.3% and 98.9%. A reliability analysis was performed using the Weibull probability model.

The aim of this work was to determine the technological reliability of pollutions removal in different seasons in one-stage constructed wetland system with horizontal flow operating in the conditions of moderate climate. In the above-mentioned system, willow (Salix Viminalis L.) was planted and the average flow of domestic sewage were 1.2 m3/d. The analyzed system is located in south-eastern Poland, where the climate is moderate transitional. The tests were carried out during the 14-year exploitation of the wastewater treatment plant (1997–2010). During this period, sewage samples were collected in 4 seasons (winter – February, spring – may, summer – August and autumn – November) to be analyzed. The average long-term air temperatures in these months were respectively: −1.8; 13.8; 18.3 and 3.5 °C. Altogether 56 series of analyzes were carried out during the research and 112 samples of the sewage, both from the inflow and the outflow of the wastewater treatment plant, were collected. The measured parameters were: BOD5, COD, total nitrogen, total phosphorus. On the grounds of the reliability analysis performed on the basis of the Weibull probability model, it was found that the reliability of pollutions removal in the tested constructed wetland system are higher in summer and autumn (August, November) than in winter and in spring (February, May). It was shown that exceedance of the admissible values ​​of pollutant indicators in treated wastewater is dependent on the season (air temperature) and it occurred mainly in the winter period (February). It was proved that the tested CW does not provide effective elimination of biogenic indicators (nitrogen and phosphorus), as evidenced by small values ​​of reliability. To increase the technological reliability of the tested treatment plant, it is proposed to expand the existing system and create a hybrid system consisting of two beds with vertical and horizontal flow and a special P-filter. info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersion

tThe aim of the study was to determine the influence of the particle size of carbonate–silica rock (opoka)used in rock filters on the efficiency of phosphorus removal from domestic wastewater. The investigationswere carried out in a laboratory using a model consisting of three vertical flow filters with carbonate–silicarock of different particle sizes (G1= 1–2 mm; G2= 2–5 mm; G3= 5–10 mm). The tested rock was subjectedto decarbonising at 900◦C and consisted primarily of 51.7% SiO2, 23.2% CaO, and 7.6% Al2O3. In the firstthree weeks of the study (1–3), the hydraulic load of each filter was Q1= 0.72 l/day and the hydraulicresidence time was HRT1= 24 h; in the next three weeks (4–6) Q2= 1.08 l/day and HRT2= 16 h, and duringthe last three weeks (7–9) Q3= 1.44 l/day and HRT3= 12 h. A significant influence of the size of rock parti-cles and the hydraulic load (hydraulic residence time) on the efficiency of total phosphorus removal andon phosphorus concentration in the wastewater discharged from the system was observed ( = 0.05).Statistically, the best removal of phosphorus from wastewater – an average of 97%, was found in thesubstrate with the smallest particle size (rock G1, 1–2 mm) at the lowest hydraulic load of 0.72 l/dayand at a hydraulic residence time of 24 h. The lowest phosphorus removal efficiency was observed inthe filter containing rock G3with a particle size of 5–10 mm (mean

Under conditions of low funding for the production of “green energy” in Poland, it became necessary to search for other – cheaper sources of biomass and the development of more efficient technologies. The maize straw is waste material arising in the production of grain. Therefore currently has no wider application and the cost of acquisition is several times lower than in case of maize silage. This paper presents the results of research on biogas efficiency of the maize straw silage, the dynamics of the fermentation process and the decomposition time of biomass under the meso- and thermophilic conditions. Moreover, the exploitation costs of a biogas plant working on this substrate and maize silage have been compared. It has been proved that thermophilic fermentation is significantly shorter (17%) than mesophilic and permits to increase biogas production (8.6%) and methane content (9.3%). In turn, mesophilic fermentation has more stable pH changes in comparison with the thermophilic technology. However, it is related to inhibition of the propionic acid, which can be of great importance in case of continuous fermentation. On the basis of energetic calculations it was shown that the substitution of the maize silage with the maize straw silage allows for nearly three-fold costs reduction and thus increase of the biogas plant profitability.

In recent years, constructed wetland systems are used widely for the purification of small amounts of wastewater because they provide very high effects of removing impurities. The existing research results show that constructed wetland systems can be used not only for highly efficient wastewater treatment, but at the same time in order to produce biomass for energy purposes. The aim of this paper was to determine the possibilities of energy use of the plants: common reed, willow, Jerusalem artichoke, giant miscanthus, obtained from constructed wetland system. The yield of common reed was the highest compared to the other plant species used in analyzed object and amounted to 13.6 Mg DM ha −1 and then 8.7 Mg DM ha −1 for willow. The lowest dry matter yield was 5.9 Mg DM ha −1 in the case of Jerusalem artichoke. High Heating Value was similar in all analyzed plants (17.9–19.2 MJ kg −1 ), the highest results were obtained from willow. Biomethane production during anaerobic digestion was the highest from common reed (108 m 3 Mg −1 FM) and the lowest from Jerusalem artichoke (66 m 3 Mg −1 FM). The methane concentration in biogas was rather low (50.9–54.9) comparing to other typical substrates for biogas production.

The present paper reports pollutant removal efficiencies and reliability for a four-stage hybrid constructed wetland (HCW) consisting of the following sequence of subsurface (SS), vertical flow (VF) and horizontal flow (HF) beds: SSVF-SSHF-SSHF-SSVF. The experiments were carried out over a period of three years, with sampling done in each season: winter, spring, summer and autumn. Grab samples of wastewater collected from different stages of treatment were tested for total suspended solids (TSS), BOD5, COD, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). The wetland was found to have a very high efficiency of removal of suspended solids and organics, with relatively little seasonal variability. The three-year average TSS removal efficiency was approximately 92.7%. The effectiveness of elimination of organic compounds was very high throughout the study period at 96.6% BOD5 and 95% COD. The effluent from the four-stage system had significantly lower contents of TN and TP compared to the wastewater discharged from the first two beds of this facility.

The hydraulic loading of biofilter (HL), temperature and C/N ratio - these factors influence on nitrogen and carbon removal efficiency from airport wastewater containing de-icing agents. The vast area of airports and significant fluctuations in atmospheric precipitation contribute to huge differences in wastewater flows discharged to treatment systems. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the hydraulic loading on nitrogen and organic compounds removal in biofilters in low temperatures. The novelty of the paper results from low temperatures (0, 4 and 8 °C), specific wastewater and biofilter filling (light weight aggregates prepared from fly ashes from sewage sludge thermal treatment (FASST LWA). The study was divided into four series differing in the hydraulic loading (1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 10.0 L·m−2·d−1). In each series, biofilters (filled with FASST LWA) were operated at the temperature of 0, 4, 8 °C and 25 °C. The organic carbon to nitrogen ratio was 0.5. The study showed the effective removal of nitrogen at low temperatures, even at high HL. The highest efficiency of nitrogen removal at the temperature of 0 °C (34.93 ± 4.54%) was obtained at 5.0 L·m−2·d−1. The hydraulic loading and temperature affected the efficiency of nitrogen and COD removal. The presented experiment demonstrated that the use of biofilters filled with FASST LWA may offer an effective and sustainable method for the treatment of airport de-icing wastewater.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the nitrogen removal and its effects on the plant’s growth and leaves morphology. using two subsurface vertical flow (VF bed), with different depths (0.24 m2 × 0.70 m; 0.24 m2 × 0.35 m) and nitrogen load increments. The VF bed were planted with Vetiveria zizanioides, filled with light expanded clay aggregates (Leca®NR 10/20) and fed in parallel mode with synthetic wastewater. High ammonium nitrogen concentration ([NH4 +–N] from 68 ± 3 to 290 ± 8 mg L−1) was used without toxicity symptoms in plants, although the effects of ammonium nitrogen load were stopped the growth of the plants. Significant differences between ammonium nitrogen removed in each VF bed obtained for total nitrogen (TNinfl.) ≥ 27 ± 0.8 g m−2 d−1. The nitrification was contributed to ammonium nitrogen removal because was found higher values of nitrate and nitrite in the effluent. These values were more higher in VF bed 1 than in the VF bed 2, since ammonium nitrogen removal were also more higher in VF bed 1 than in the VF bed 2. Total nitrogen mass balance was carried out and the results show that the nitrification/denitrification process occurred with nitrogen plants uptake. It was observed that the VF bed depth has an influence on all nitrogen removal processes. As higher the depth root system it is seemed to favour the creation of zones with different oxidations conditions that allow the nitrogen compounds to be removed intensively.

In this paper, the pollutant removal efficiency and the reliability of a vertical and horizontal flow hybrid constructed wetland (CW) planted with common reed, manna grass, and Virginia mallow were analyzed. The wastewater treatment plant, located in south-eastern Poland, treated domestic sewage at an average flow rate of 2.5 m3/d. The tests were carried out during five years of its operation (2014&ndash, 2018). The following parameters were measured: biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. The results showed that more than 95% of BOD5, COD, and total phosphorus was removed in the tested CW system. The average effectiveness of removal of total suspended solids and total nitrogen exceeded 86%. A reliability analysis performed using the Weibull probability model showed that the removal reliability in the tested CW was very high for BOD5, COD, total suspended solids, and total phosphorus (100%). The probability that the total nitrogen concentration in the treated effluents would reach the limit value (30 mg/L) established for effluents discharged from a treatment plant of less than 2000 PE (population equivalent) to standing waters was 94%. The values of all the pollution indicators in wastewater discharged to the receiver were significantly lower than the limit values required in Poland. The investigated hybrid CW system with common reed, manna grass, and Virginia mallow guaranteed stable low values of BOD5, COD, total suspended solids, and total phosphorus in the treated wastewater, which meant it was highly likely to be positively evaluated in case of an inspection.

The paper presents the results of a study of the efficiency and technological reliability of total nitrogen and total phosphorus removal during long term operation of a one-stage constructed wetland system with subsurface horizontal wastewater flow. The flow rate of the wastewater treatment plant was 1.2 m3/d during the research period. Physical and chemical analyses of raw wastewater and treated effluent were carried out in the years 1997–2010 (14 years). During this study period, 56 series of analyses were performed and 112 wastewater samples were collected. It was observed that the average efficiency of total nitrogen and total phosphorus removal amounted to 51% and 73%, respectively. The technological reliability, determined by means of the Weibull reliability method, was 45% for total nitrogen removal and 48% in the case of total phosphorus removal. Total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations in the treated wastewater did not exceed the permissible values in 39.3% and 37.5% of cases, respectively. A negative correlation was found between the sorption capacity of the soil-plant filter for the removal of total phosphorus and the time of plant operation. The efficiency of total nitrogen removal was stable over time.

The quality of surface water in watercourses in the region of Lublin agglomeration was studied in 2012–2014. Biological and chemical indicators of the study for various sampling sites were detected and the resulting values of the indicators were processed statistically. Rivers characterized by small size and the flow and modification of the riverbed. The resulting low values of macrophyte river index and infusorial index pointed to a poor quality of surface waters. Chemical indicators of the quality of surface waters reached low values, only BOD and phosphates reached high values. The river is located outside the city and it is characterized by moderate potential ecological (III quality class), and the river within Lublin is insufficiently potential ecological (IV quality class). Statistical analysis showed high variability index values between the studied positions.

The aim of this study is to present the application of statistical methods to assess the possibility of grouping precipitation according to their elevation above sea level and precipitation levels in the temperate climate of Poland. The country was divided into regions with similar levels of precipitation using cluster analysis by Ward’s method. The study was performed with meteorological data on average monthly precipitation of 53 meteorological stations from 1981 to 2010. The selection of stations was dictated by the need to consider the variability in amounts of annual precipitation throughout the country. The data was used to calculate average annual precipitation total as well as average precipitation total in the summer half-year (from May to October) and the winter half-year (from November to April) for Poland, from 1981 to 2010. Statistical method was performed and six clusters were generated, for the elevation of the stations and average annual precipitation as well as average precipitation for hydrological half-years. The average annual precipitation for the clusters ranged from 530 mm (cluster 5) to 820 mm (cluster 2). The average precipitation for the winter hydrological half-year ranged from 190.1 mm (cluster 1) to 288.8 mm (cluster 5). The average precipitation for the summer hydrological half-year ranged from 326.3 mm (cluster 5) to 605 mm (cluster 2). The conclusions from the analysis carried out in the study are that: (1) grouping by means of Ward’s method can be used to distinguish homogeneous areas with the same levels of precipitation; (2) both precipitation and the elevation, at which meteorological stations are located, are the basis for distinguishing clusters in Ward’s method.

Poland is proud of 23 National Parks (NPs) which were established to protect unique European areas. Through cooperation between Life Science University in Lublin and the NPs, highly effective methods for environmental protection were introduced in Roztoczanski and Poleski National Parks. One method is a hybrid treatment wetland (HTW) for wastewater treatment. HTWs, if well designed and maintained, can effectively treat wastewater generated in houses and museum buildings in the area of the NPs. In 2014, three HTWs were constructed in Roztoczanski National Park (RNP) (A – Kosobudy, B – Zwierzyniec, C – Florianka). One of these installations was constructed in the shape of a fir tree (A – Kosobudy). In 2015 another one, in a turtle shape, was built in Poleski National Park (PNP) (D – Stare Zalucze). Similar wastewater treatment technology was applied in all facilities. The technology consisted of three steps: (i) mechanical treatment in three septic tank chambers, (ii) biological treatment in two or three stages of vertical and horizontal beds, and (iii) inactivation of phosphorus in p-filter with calcium-silica rock. Since the very beginning all facilities have been monitored and the results indicate very low concentrations of pollutants in the final effluents. It can be concluded that HTWs working according to the assumed technology fulfill the strict requirements for wastewater treatment in NP areas in Poland.

Agricultural biogas plants produce biogas and residues referred to as digested pulp. In Europe, digestate is mostly used as fertilizer for agricultural soils although it can be converted to solid fertilizer and also used for biofuel production. The aim of this study was to evaluate if solid fraction of the digestate (DSF) is a suitable material for composting. Composting of DSF was performed for 51 d in a specially designed and constructed system of composting bioreactors (each with volume of 165 l). The process was controlled by daily measurements of temperature and gaseous emissions and samples of composted material tested for dry and organic matter, pH and conductivity. The maximum temperature of the composted mixture was 70.2 °C. High temperature (over 60 °C) for at least two days will allow to annihilate most pathogens. Dynamic temperature rise was related to significant decrease in organic matter (by 39.6%) – from an initial 8.46 kg to 5.12 kg at the end of the process. Decomposition of organic matter during the thermophilic phase of composting was also related to intensive emissions of CO2. The maximum values of carbon dioxide occurred at the highest compost temperature on the third day of the experiment and amounted to 13.3% in the chamber. The results of the analysed parameters allowed us to conclude that the composting process was operating properly and that composting of DSF can a solution for the management of biogas effluent.