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The aim of the present study was to determine the level of contamination of the bottom sediments in the Rzeszow reservoir by the selected heavy metals Pb, Cd and Zn, and to identify the potential environmental risks of heavy metals content basing on available assessments and classification of bottom sediments. The Rzeszow reservoir is situated on the Wisłok River in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, southeaster Poland, was constructed on 1974. Nowadays, as a result of silting, the reservoir reduced its surface and depth, which does not have a positive effect on the assumed functions it is to perform. The study was conducted in 2016. The samples of sediment were collected in five locations. Samples were taken twice: in June and in October. The following concentrations have been determined: cadmium - 0.01 ÷ 0.92 mg•kg–1, zinc - 54.39 ÷ 128 mg•kg–1, lead - 2.98 ÷ 25.42 mg•kg–1. The decline trend in the sediment is following: Zn > Pb > Cd. For the assessment of sediment contamination, following methods: aquatic sediment quality classification used by the Polish Geological Institute - I class, Regulation of the Minister of Environment of April 16 2002 on the types and concentrations of substances contaminating the excavated material – unpolluted and LAW sediment classification – Pb - I/I-II, Cd - I/I-II/II and Zn - I/I-II. The obtained results were compared with the results obtained by the other authors in earlier years, which led to the estimated changes in the concentration of the tested metals.

The article presents research results of the introduction of powdery activated carbon to the existing technological system of the groundwater treatment stations in a laboratory, pilot plant and technical scale. The aim of the research was to reduce the content of organic compounds found in the treated water, which create toxic organic chlorine compounds (THM) after disinfection with chlorine. Nine types of powdery active carbons were tested in laboratory scale. The top two were selected for further study. Pilot plant scale research was carried out for the filter model using CWZ-30 and Norit Sa Super carbon. Reduction of the organic matter in relation to the existing content in the treated water reached about 30%. Research in technical scale using CWZ-30 carbon showed a lesser efficiency with respect to laboratory and pilot-plant scale studies. The organic matter decreased by 15%. Since filtration is the last process before the individual disinfection, an alternative solution is proposed, i.e. the second stage of filtration with a granular activated carbon bed, operating in combined sorption and biodegradation processes. The results of tests carried out in pilot scale were fully satisfactory with the effectiveness of 70–100%.

The paper presents an analysis of the trophic status of two small retention reservoirs located in the Subcarpathian region: Blizne reservoir on the River Ladzierz and Cierpisz reservoir on the River Tuszymka. The capacity of the reservoirs is respectively 137,000 m3 and 22,000 m3 and they occupy an area of 11.46 and 2.3 hectares. The study was conducted from May to October in 2013 and in 2014. Samples of surface water were collected from two locations for each reservoir. Assessment of the trophic status of the reservoirs was based on the concentrations of phosphorus, nitrogen and chlorophyll a. Criteria available in the literature were used to assess the trophic status. The progress of eutrophication was also evaluated on the basis of the Trophic State Index (TSI). Analysis of the results showed that in the studied period the water of Blizne was on the border of eutrophic and hypertrophic. The fertility of the water of Cierpisz in the analysed period deteriorated from the eutrophic state to the border with hypertrophic

The aim of the work described here was to develop and validate a method by which dibutyl phthalate may be subject to determinations using solid phase extraction and gas chromatography. Optimization of the chromatographic method was based on the selection of working conditions for both the chromatograph and the detector. Following the optimization of extraction and separation parameters, the method was validated by evaluating specificity, the analytical curve, linearity, limits of detection and quantification and recovery. The proposed method has been evaluated in terms of linearity, over a range of concentrations from 0 to 7.5 mg·L-1.The analytical curves show values for correlation coefficients higher than 0.99. Mean recoveries from samples ranged from 97 to 127%, with relative standard deviation lower than 11%. Limit of detection LOD and limit of quantification LOQ values were 0.02 and 0.053 mg·L-1 respectively.

Negative and effectively “irreversible” changes in the environment have often been caused by one or more factors including the intensive development of new technologies, progressing urbanisation and - above all - insufficient knowledge of the properties and toxic effects of many chemicals used. Hundreds of non-natural compounds capable of exerting a negative effect on the natural environment have now been identified in it, including within the broad categories of pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Such new and emerging pollutants pose a serious threat to living organisms on account of their tendency to accumulate in certain parts of the environment. Furthermore, the substances in question may prove toxic and harmful to human beings and the environment even at low concentrations. Work described here thus had as its objective an analysis of the pollution of surface water in Poland in terms of content of organic compounds in general, and the aforementioned emerging organic pollutants in particular. Results confirm the presence in waters of such substances as phthalic esters, polybrominated diphenylethers, and organic tin compounds. Reference to average values for individual parameters in the cases of different rivers and lakes further show that, as of 2014-15, the various Polish surface waters researched were characterised by similar levels of pollution, other than in the case of naphthalene.

The paper presents the water classification of four small retention reservoirs on the basis of selected physical and chemical indicators, such as: conductivity, pH level, dissolved oxygen, calcium hardness, general hardness and alkalinity. Three reservoirs (Ożanna, Kamionka and Cierpisz) are within the limits in terms of average values for the second class of water quality. Water in the Nowa Wieś reservoir does not qualify as second quality class of surface water. These reservoirs have had very irregular seasonal variations of water quality. Unambiguous correlations have not been established. Aggressive properties of water have been tested on the basis of Langelier (IL) or Ryznar (IR) indexes and calcium carbonate saturation [pHs]. Waters in the Ożanna and Nowa Wieś reservoirs do not have aggressive properties. Both the Kamionka and Cierpisz reservoirs are characterized by corrosive and leaching aggressiveness.

The work detailed in this study investigated the efficiency of oxidizing technologie for the removal of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from aqueous solutions. OCPs constitute an important group of environmental pollutants also known to be endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). The particular focus has been on a process achieving oxidation through the use of ultrasonic waves, with the impacts of pH, time on TOC and pesticide removal all being tested. Results confirm effective TOC decomposition using ultrasonic waves, albeit with reaction time showing a significant impact on results. Furthermore, results for TOC were not found to reflect those relating to the removal of individual substances from the tested mixture. Chromatographic analysis of reaction mixtures was therefore carried out after the selected processes had been applied, and an attempt to identify and characterize degradation products of the pesticides tested was also made. During the irradiation, the H2O2 concentration arising was also monitored. The results indicate that H2O2 is produced by cavitation during ultrasonic irradiation.

The Alyssum genus, with its many metal-adapted species, is a good candidate for research on phytoremediation and metal tolerance mechanisms. These goals can be supported by elaborating on an in vitro multiplication protocol. Our study aimed to determine the aseptic conditions for the growth and effective propagation of Alyssum murale, A. alyssoides, and A. montanum, each exhibiting different adaptation strategies to nickel ions. Firstly, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were investigated in the biological Lepidium test to find their optimal concentrations that could improve the germination attributes of tested Alyssum species. The concentration of 0.5 mM H2O2 or SNP was selected for research on Alyssum seeds, which were the initial material to start in vitro cultivation. Regardless of the species, H2O2 harmed germination percentage; however, its application accelerated radicle emergence, especially in metal-sensitive genotypes, while in both metal-tolerant ones, the germination time of H2O2-treated seeds was similar to that of treated with SNP. These findings provide a novel insight into the effect of H2O2 or SNP on seeds, contributing to a better understanding of their role in the germination of different genotypes. Among tested media compositions, the synchronous plant regeneration of all species was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 2iP and 0.1 mg/L IAA, making an essential advancement in the in vitro protocols for metallophytes.

This work begins with a literature-based discussion of the hazardous-waste problem represented by car tyres as hazardous waste, along with possible ways in which they might be utilised or managed. The impact of the material on the environment is characterised in the process, not least in the context of pollutants leached to the aquatic environment. Input in terms of new research results concerns the impact on water and soil of material from used car tyres being used in geotechnics. Specifically, tyre bales comprising 100–140 car vehicle tyres compressed into a lightweight block and secured by galvanised steel tie wires running around the length and depth of the bale, were researched, having been immersed in basins with alkaline and acidic water following initial preparation and pre-washing. The aim was to in some sense simulate—respectively—conditions in which rain and surface/ground water are involved, or else acid rain. To do that, the tyre bales were placed in the water for 120 days, with emerging leachate analysed after set intervals of time, with a view to changes in key physicochemical parameters of water being noted, as well as signs of the leaching of both undesirable components and priority substances, from tyres into the aqueous medium. Washing of the tyre bales was shown to induce slight pollution of water, with limited exceedance of normative values in respect of OWO content. However, this increase was not due to leaching of the Persistent Organic Pollutants tested for, but may rather have reflected contamination of tyres used, e.g., of soil at the place of previous storage. In general, waste water arising does not therefore contain substances that would stand in the way (legally) of its being discharged into a combined sewer system. Similar conclusions were arrived at through analysis of the leaching of pollutants from tyre bales exposed in the aforementioned pools of water of neutral and acidic reaction. Wastewater arising was not enriched significantly in impurities (be these metals, PAHs, phthalates, selected anions or cations), and there were therefore no exceedances of standards imposed for wastewater discharged to either waters or soil.

The objective of the work was to demonstrate the relationship between the natural environmental characteristics of a reservoir and its catchment and severity of trophic degradation. The shallow, highly-silted Rzeszów Reservoir (SE Poland) was the object of study. The impact on degradation of internal supply from accumulated bottom sediments was also assessed, using water and sediment sampled in 2013 and 2014. A high value for trophic state was identified for the reservoir on the basis of TSI indexes, while assessed natural resilience to degradation and analysis of the catchment as a supplier of biogenic and organic matter both indicate high susceptibility to cultural eutrophication. Obtained values for equilibrium phosphate concentrations under anoxic conditions (EPC-0) point to the possibility of a more intensive process of internal supply in phosphorus. However, the presence of sediments poor in organic matter suggest no major threat of ongoing eutrophication. Desludging and/or dredging are likely to entail elimination from the ecosystem of a large part of the pollutants accumulated in sediments, as well as the internal supply of phosphate to the water column. However, as external sources are responsible for the advanced degradation of Rzeszów Reservoir, any attempts at reclamation within the water will fail to yield persistent effects if appropriate protective procedures in the catchment are not implemented.

This paper presents the results of research into pathways leading to the production of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in sediments of two eutrophic reservoirs (Maziarnia and Nielisz), located in south-eastern Poland. In seeking to identify the pathways in question, use was made of analysis of stable carbon isotopes in CH4 and CO2 dissolved in pore water. This determined that CH4 is mainly produced through acetate fermentation, though the hydrogenotrophic methanogenic process may also be of importance, especially in deeper layers of sediments. Both the presence of autochthonous organic matter and increased pH values are shown to favour acetate fermentation. In turn, methanogenesis in sediments is assessed as capable of accounting for the generation of a considerable amount of CO2. Indeed, the role of methanogenesis in CO2 production is increasingly important further down in the layers of sediment, where allochthonous organic matter is predominant.

Praca zawiera przegląd literatury dotyczący właściwości i występowania benzotriazoli (BTR) w różnych komponentach środowiska. Szczególną uwagę zwrócono na problem zagrożenia dla jakości środowiska wynikającego z obecności i trwałości w środowisku związków z tej grupy i ich pochodnych. Właściwości benzotriazoli sprawiają, że są one powszechnie wykorzystywane w wielu gałęziach przemysłu. Stosuje się je między innymi jako inhibitory korozji, stabilizatory światła ultrafioletowego do tworzyw sztucznych oraz jako środki rozjaśniające w przemyśle metalowym. Ponadto znajdują zastosowanie w produkcji kosmetyków, detergentów, leków, materiałów budowlanych i części samochodowych. Istnieją jednak ograniczone dane dotyczące losu benzotriazoli, które są uwalniane do środowiska. Ze względu na odporność benzotriazoli na utlenianie w warunkach otoczenia i na promieniowanie UV, mogą być obecne w środowisku przez bardzo długi okres czasu. Stabilność benzotriazoli skutkuje tym, że nie są one usuwane ze ścieków przy zastosowaniu konwencjonalnych metod z zadowalającą wydajnością. Dodatkowo, odporność na biodegradację i właściwości fizyko-chemiczne benzotriazoli powodują, że są obecne we wszystkich komponentach środowiska. Zostały wykryte w ściekach, wodach powierzchniowych, osadach dennych, glebie, powietrzu, a nawet w kurzu domowym i organizmach żywych np. w rybach. Potwierdzone negatywne oddziaływanie na organizmy żywe, wynikające w szczególności z ich aktywności estrogenowej, mutagenności, toksyczności i rakotwórczości wymaga opracowania skutecznej metody eliminacji BTR.

Osady denne są nagromadzonym materiałem osadowym, który odkłada się systematycznie zmniejszając pojemność retencyjną zbiorników wodnych. Usuwanie osadów jest jedną z metod rekultywacji wód powierzchniowych. Wydobyte osady denne, które nie zawierają substancji szkodliwych mogą być wykorzystane lub odpowiednio składowane. Skład osadów dennych jest uzależniony od czynników naturalnych i antropogenicznych, głównie punktowych i obszarowych źródeł zanieczyszczeń. W wyników procesów samooczyszczania się, znaczna część zanieczyszczeń z wód zbiorników wodnych przedostaje się do osadów dennych, gdzie są zatrzymywane. Z tego powodu skład osadów dennych i wód powierzchniowych są od siebie zależne. Zależność ta jest zauważalne szczególnie w przypadku zanieczyszczeń, które charakteryzują się małą rozpuszczalnością oraz trudno ulegające biodegradacji, takich jak sole metali ciężkich i trwałe związki organiczne. Wybór sposobu zagospodarowania osadów dennych jest zależny od ich właściwości chemicznych i fizycznych. Możliwe jest wykorzystanie niezanieczyszczonych osadów dennych przyrodniczo, w budownictwie i do produkcji energii cieplnej. W pracy przedstawiono możliwości wykorzystania osadów dennych oraz kryteria decydujące o sposobie ich zagospodarowania. Na podstawie omówionych kryteriów zaproponowano schemat postępowania z pozyskanymi osadami dennymi.

The work detailed in this study utilized 20 kHz ultrasonic irradiation as a mechanism of hydrogen peroxide production. The effects of various operating parameters were investigated, including ultrasonic intensity; solution pH; source of water; initial dibutyl phthalate concentration and the presence of hydrogen peroxide. During the irradiation, the H2O2 concentration was monitored. The results indicate that H2O2 is produced by cavitation during ultrasonic irradiation. An increase in ultrasonic intensity increases the amount of hydrogen peroxide produced. The initial pH of the solution does not affect the efficiency of processes substantially. H2O2 is regarded as one of the most effective additives enhancing the sonochemical production of hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide. Above a 0.1 mM dose of H2O2, the amount of H2O2 formed decreased as the concentration of H2O2 increased. Thus, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide plays a crucial role in the extent to which the effectiveness of the combined process is enhanced. The negative effect on reactions of the presence of additional components in the reaction solution was also confirmed. It was therefore concluded that the experimental evaluation of optimum parameters of hybrid processes is a matter of importance.

Geochemical analysis of surface sediment samples collected in 2005 and 2006 was used to evaluate the potential sources of the organic matter present in sediments of southeast Poland's Solina Reservoir. Statistical analysis of sediment variables (carbon to nitrogen ratio, and the carbon 13 and nitrogen 15 isotope ratios) determined for the organic fraction indicated significant spatial variability with respect to sources of organic matter. A binary mixing model was developed from literature sources to predict the relative contributions of allochthonous and autochthonous production to sediment organic matter. Autochthonous production was shown to account for 60–75% of bulk sedimentation in the lacustrine parts of the reservoir, near the dam. In contrast, autochthonous production accounted for only 25% of sedimentation in the riverine zone receiving stream inputs. Statistical analysis identified the δ 15 N of organic matter as the best predictor of the source of organic matter. Multiple regression analysis indicated that two water-quality variables (nitrate and dissolved silica) were significantly related to the δ 15 N signature of organic matter. This led to a conclusion that limnetic nitrate and dissolved silica concentrations were regulating organic matter production in the Solina Reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few reports have been reported on the conditions of the decomposition of plastics in the environment and their threats, while the influence of the decomposition of plastics as a potential factor in increasing greenhouse gas emissions has not been investigated. Greenhouse gases from the decomposition of plastics have so far not been considered in the development of models that show the likely climate change in the future. The work described here examined the presence and possibility of emission of phthalic acid esters and greenhouse gases from various plastic materials in daily use in the aquatic environment. The article presents, inter alia, research on the influence of temperature (20, 60, and 90 °C), pH (3, 7, and 10), plastic material, time (1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 d), and ultraviolet radiation on the migration of components present in various types of plastics, such as poly(vinyl chloride) (with high and low content of plasticizers) and polypropylene. No significant effect of pH on the migration of the plasticizers from the polymer matrix was observed. In turn, the influence of temperature on the emission of these susceptibilities was determined by the type of polymer. The highest emission level of plasticizers made of poly(vinyl chloride) was recorded for 60 °C, while from polypropylene for 20 °C. Depending on environmental conditions, the degradation of microplastics leads to a reduction in the mass of the material and conversion to methane and carbon dioxide. Each material was degraded, which resulted in the observed migration of components and methane and carbon dioxide emissions from the analysed materials. The highest degree of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate migration was observed for the material made of poly(vinyl chloride). The amount of greenhouse gas emissions depended on the insolation conditions, and the poly(vinyl chloride) material showed the highest emission of methane and carbon dioxide. The highest concentration of methane at the level of 94 ppm after 360 days was observed for poly(vinyl chloride) with a large amount of plasticizers without access to light. [Display omitted] • The degradation of plastic materials increases CH 4 and CO 2 emissions. • The temperature of the aqueous environment is sufficient to release the plasticizers from the microplastics. • The pH of the reaction medium had no significant effect on the amount of eluted substances. • The movement of microplastic particles increases the migration of phthalates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Badania miały na celu analizę opinii respondentów w zakresie gospodarki energetycznej, jej oddziaływania na środowisko oraz znaczenia różnych źródeł energii. Materiał badawczy stanowiło 1036 kwestionariuszy ankiet, wypełnionych w okresie październik – grudzień 2015 r. W celu określenia wpływu charakterystyk opisujących respondentów na prezentowane przez nich oceny, podzielono ich na grupy z uwagi na wiek, płeć, miejsce zamieszkania, wykształcenie i deklarowany stopień zainteresowania zagadnieniami z zakresu ochrony środowiska. Do weryfikacji wpływu tych charakterystyk na poglądy ankietowanych osób zastosowano statystyki testu chi-kwadrat. Badania wykazały, że ogólnie niska ocena poziomu wiedzy społeczeństwa dotyczącej problematyki ochrony przyrody była bardziej pesymistyczna u osób z wykształceniem zawodowym i średnim oraz prezentujących niższy poziom zainteresowania ekologią. Jednocześnie osoby te oraz kobiety, osoby starsze oraz absolwenci szkół wyższych, jako bardziej znaczący uznali wpływ człowieka na globalne ocieplenie. Na węgiel kamienny, jako najważniejsze źródła energii w gospodarce kraju, wskazywali mieszkańcy miast oraz osoby mniej zainteresowane problematyką ochrony środowiska, a ta ostatnia grupa osób upatrywała w tym surowcu także najbardziej znaczące źródło energii dla gospodarki podkarpackiej. Spośród rozważanych w opracowaniu źródeł energii odnawialnej praktycznie największy potencjał posiada biomasa, a potrzebę jej szerszego wykorzystywania w gospodarce podnosili mężczyźni, natomiast możliwość zwiększenia jej znaczenia w mieszkalnictwie - absolwenci szkół wyższych. Ponadto większymi zwolennikami budowy elektrowni atomowej okazali się mężczyźni, osoby młodsze i mieszkańcy wsi. Przeprowadzona analiza dowodzi często pewnych niezgodności między opiniami respondentów, a rzeczywistym stanem problematyki będącej przedmiotem badań. Stąd niezbędna staje się potrzeba pełniejszego informowania społeczeństwa o stanie i kierunkach rozwoju gospodarki energetycznej w oparciu o rzetelne argumenty.

Celem badań była ocena prezentowanych przez respondentów opinii w zakresie szeroko rozumianej gospodarki energetycznej, z uwzględnieniem jej oddziaływania na środowisko oraz znaczenia różnych nośników energii. Analizę oparto na 1036 kwestionariuszach ankiet, wypełnionych w okresie październik – grudzień 2015 r. W niniejszej części opracowania poddano analizie kształtowanie się ocen ankietowanych osób bez uwzględniania opisujących je charakterystyk. Stwierdzono, że w opinii respondentów poziom wiedzy społeczeństwa w zakresie ochrony środowiska, a zwłaszcza przyrody jest ciągle niski, natomiast wpływ człowieka na globalne ocieplenie – znaczny. Za najgroźniejsze gazy cieplarniane, z uwagi na skalę ich oddziaływania, uznano, w kolejności ich ważności: dwutlenek węgla, freony i halony, metan, tlenki siarki, tlenki azotu oraz parę wodną. Zastosowanie trzech najważniejszych tradycyjnych źródeł energii (węgiel kamienny, gaz i węgiel brunatny) dla kraju i województwa podkarpackiego uznano za takie samo, przy czym energetyce jądrowej dla podkarpackiej gospodarki przypisano mniejszą atrakcyjność, aniżeli dla Polski. Skłonność do zamiany pieca węglowego na bardziej ekologiczne źródło energii wyraziła prawie połowa respondentów, a tylko jedna piąta ich liczby akceptuje budowę siłowni atomowej. Przeprowadzona analiza dowodzi dużych rozbieżności między opiniami respondentów, a stanem rzeczywistym problematyki będącej przedmiotem badań. Wynika stąd potrzeba szerszego informowania społeczeństwa o stanie i kierunkach rozwoju gospodarki energetycznej w oparciu o rzetelne i aktualne argumenty.

The aim of the study was to compare sulfate fertilizers and mixtures of elemental sulfur (S0) and sulfate in terms of yield and nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) status in perennial ryegrass. Mixtures of sulfate and S0 can reduce the consumption of sulfate alone. The plants were grown in soil cultures. The plants were supplemented with S0, K2SO4, MgSO4, and (NH4)SO4 or a mixture of these salts with So. Two sulfur doses were applied and the ryegrass was harvested three times. Fresh and dry weights of each swath, the N and S content, and their uptake were determined. The total fresh yield of sulfur-fertilized plants was 25 to 94% higher compared to unfertilized plants. The increases in dry matter were even more significant. Fertilizers, being a mixture of S0 and sulfate, showed the same efficiency as those containing sulfate alone. Sulfur fertilization resulted in a higher S content and its uptake, lowered N concentration in second and third swatch, and a decrease in total N uptake. In conclusion, to achieve high crop yields, soil sulfur deficiency should be corrected and fertilizers that are the mixture of elemental sulfur and sulfate are a beneficial and effective approach.

W publikacji przedstawiono główne aspekty obecności wybranych grup farmaceutyków w środowisku ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem leków cytostatycznych (przeciwnowotworowych). Zwrócono uwagę na prawdopodobne zagrożenie ekologiczne, źródła, obecność jakościową i ilościową oraz behawioralność cytostatyków. Na podstawie danych literaturowych przeprowadzono analizę wpływu parametrów fizykochemicznych cytostatyków na metody ich degradacji wraz z przeglądem zalecanych technologii unieszkodliwiania i usuwania. Wysokie usunięcie stwierdza się w wyniku fotoutleniania, natomiast najwyższą efektywność umożliwiają reakcje elektrolityczne i chemiczne. Jednak uzyskanie całkowitej eliminacji oraz unieczynnienia wymuszają stosowanie metod hybrydowych.

The aim of this study was to determine the ecological characteristics of vascular plants colonizing serpentine mining waste dumps and quarries in Lower Silesia. The investigated flora was analyzed with regard to species composition, geographical-historical status, life forms, as well as selected ecological factors, such as light and trophic preferences, soil moisture and reaction, value of resistance to increased heavy metals content in the soil, seed dispersal modes and occurrence of mycorrhiza. There were 113 species of vascular plants, belonging to 28 families, found on seven sites in the study. The most numerous families were Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae and Caryophyllaceae. Only 13% of all plants recorded occurred on at least five of the study sites. The most numerous were species related to dry grassland communities, particularly of the Festuco-Brometea class, which included taxa endangered in the region of Lower Silesia: Avenula pratensis, Salvia pratensis, Festuca valesiaca. Apophytes dominated in the flora of the investigated communities. Hemicryptophytes were the most numerous group and therophytes were also abundant. The serpentine mining waste dumps and querries hosted heliophilous species which prefer mesic or dry habitats moderately poor in nutrients, featuring neutral soil reaction. On two study sites 30% of the flora composition consisted of species that tolerate an increased content of heavy metals in the soil. Anemochoric species were the most numerous with regard to types of seed dispersal. Species with an arbuscular type of mycorrhiza were definitely dominant in the flora of all the study sites, however, the number of nonmycorrhizal species was also relatively high. It was suggested that both the specific characteristics of the habitats from serpentine mining and the vegetation of adjacent areas had a major impact on the flora composition of the communities in the investigated sites.

The Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, Co, As, Sr, Ba, and Zr content has been determined in the tested rock raw materials. The concentration of cadmium (Cd) was found to be elevated in all types of rock materials and was found on average to be: 1.39 mg/kg in limestones, 0.86 mg/kg-sandstones, 0.44 mg/kg-diatomites, 0.55 mg/kg-opoka rocks, 0.89 mg/kg-marls, 0.21 mg/kg-gaizes 0.42 mg/kg-kaolin clays, and 2.13 mg/kg-decalcified opoka rocks. Higher concentrations of arsenic (As) have also been recorded in sandstones and diatomites, as well as lead (Pb) in limestones and sandstones. The results obtained indicate that the anomalous level of elements is of natural origin and the results of identified secondary mineralisation processes that have affected the tested materials. Pyritization and sulfatization processes have been detected. Mineralogical research has shown that these processes can be associated with the activity of biochemical processes caused by the decomposition of the soft tissues of animal organisms and the organic substances of plant origin that fill the stylolites. It has been shown that the content of strontium (Sr) increases in geologically older Jurassic formations compared to younger Cretaceous formations, which can be used in the monitoring of building materials.

The aim of this article is to apply advanced predictive modeling techniques to understand the degradation process of microplastics in aquatic environments. Utilizing a Fractional Factorial Central Composite Experimental Plan, this study seeks to develop precise predictive statistical models that enable forecasting the quantity of pollutants generated during the degradation of microplastics under various environmental conditions. This tool was applied to model changes in DOC (dissolved organic carbon) and DEHP (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) values during the degradation of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems. The methods were developed using data derived from laboratory tests conducted using the GC-MS technique. The obtained approximating functions, considering factors such as degradation time, water temperature, and particle size, significantly reduced the analysis time. A two-stage verification of the approximating functions was conducted, considering the accuracy of the function form, its adequacy, the statistical significance of input variables, and their correlation with DOC and DEHP. The employed a Fractional Factorial Central Composite Experimental Plan allowed for the simultaneous reduction in the number of experiments and prediction of the influence of variables on the output values. Precise predictive models support understanding of the microplastic degradation process, facilitating the development of effective strategies for managing this pollution., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Financed by the Minister of Science and Higher Education Republic of Poland within the program "Regional Excellence Initiative”. This publication reflects the implementation of Research Project No. 2022/06/X/ST5/00624, ID: 556207 funded by the Polish National Science Center., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The research described here investigated the suitability of coagulation process in the elimination of microplastics from tap water. The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of microplastic type (PE1, PE2, PE3, PVC1, PVC2, and PVC3), tap water pH (3, 5, 7, and 9), coagulant doses (0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 g/L), and microplastic concentration (0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 g/L) on elimination efficiency with coagulation utilizing Al and Fe coagulants as well coagulation combined with a detergent (SDBS) addition. This work also explores the elimination of a mixture of two microplastics (PE and PVC) that are significant in terms of the environment. The effectiveness of conventional and detergent-assisted coagulation was calculated as a percentage. The fundamental characteristics of microplastics were also determined via LDIR analysis, and on the basis of these findings, particles that were more coagulation-prone were identified. The maximum reduction in MPs was achieved with tap water's neutral pH and a coagulant dosage of 0.05 g/L. The addition of SDBS increased the loss of the plastic microparticles' efficacy. A removal efficiency of greater than 95% (Al-coagulant) and 80% (Fe-coagulant) was achieved for each of the microplastics tested. The removal efficiency of the microplastic mixture with SDBS-assisted coagulation was obtained at a level of 95.92% (AlCl 3 ·6H 2 O) and 98.9% (FeCl 3 ·6H 2 O). After each coagulation procedure, the mean circularity and solidity of the unremoved particles increased. This confirmed that particles with irregular shapes are easier to completely remove.

The paper presents new reactive materials, namely marl and travertine, and their thermal modifications and the Polonite ® material, analyzing their phosphorus removal from water and wastewater by sorption. Based on the experimental data, an analysis of the factors influencing the sorption capacity of the materials, such as the material dose, pH of the initial solution, process temperature, surface structure, and morphology, was performed. Adsorption isotherms and maximum sorption capacities were determined with the use of the Langmuir, Freundlich, Langmuir-Freundlich, Tóth, Radke-Praunitz, and Marczewski-Jaroniec models. The kinetics of the phosphorus sorption process of the tested materials were described using reversible and irreversible pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and mixed models. The natural materials were the most sensitive to changes in the process conditions, such as temperature and pH. The thermal treatment process stabilizes the marl and travertine towards materials with a more homogeneous surface in terms of energy and structure. The fitted models of the adsorption isotherms and kinetic models allowed for an indication of a possible phosphorus-binding mechanism, as well as the maximum amount of this element that can be retained on the materials' surface under given conditions-raw marl (43.89 mg P/g), raw travertine (140.48 mg P/g), heated marl (80.44 mg P/g), heated travertine (282.34 mg P/g), and Polonite ® (54.33 mg P/g).

The paper presents research on the emission of pollutants from used car tires in the form of microparticles. Due to the large amount of waste generated in the form of used car tires, a method is being sought to utilize this material as secondary raw material. More and more frequently, this waste is used in civil engineering. To do this, it is necessary to determine the environmental impact of this waste. 2 g of microplastic samples with fractions of 3000-8000, 1000-3000, 1000, and 600 µm were incubated in water protected from light. The influence of pH (3, 7, and 10), incubation time (1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 d) and temperature (20, 60, and 90 °C) on the degree of emission of selected phthalic acid esters and other tire components was investigated. Additionally, the influence of the decomposition of the analyzed material on the emission of methane and carbon dioxide at the temperature of 20 °C during 30, 180, and 360 days was investigated. The analysis of the amount of released substances was carried out using a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer. Greenhouse gas analysis was performed using a gas chromatograph with a Barrier Discharge Ionization Detector. The research carried out confirmed that, depending on the environmental conditions, tire particles leach out, among others, phthalates, benzenediamine, phenol, benzothiazole, and benzene. Influence of particle size, pH value, incubation time, and temperature on the degree of emission of selected plasticizers was investigated. An innovative aspect of the research was the use of artificial neural networks to identify the validity of using machine algorithms in environmental research. An additional negative aspect of the implementation of tire particles in the water-soil environment is the emission of carbon dioxide and methane that are greenhouse gases., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The work detailed here examined the impact of selected unit methods and ultrasonic removal of the widespread plastic additive di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) from the bottom sediments of a body of water. To this end, hydrogen peroxide and a classic or modified Fenton process were used, supplemented by an ultrasonic field. The latter had a vibration frequency of 20 kHz and an acoustic wave intensity of 3.97 W/cm 2 . The impact of process parameters such as reaction environment, reaction time, initial impurity content, aging of the impurity, influence of processes on the content of organic matter and dissolved organic carbon, and elution of selected components from the matrix were all analysed. It emerged that the most effective process by which to remove DEHP from a solid matrix involved a modified Fenton process assisted by an ultrasonic field. The highest average degradation efficiency achieved in this way was 70.74%, for C 0 = 10 mg/kg d.w. and t = 60 min.

Modern technologies designed to treat wastewater containing phosphorus compounds are based on the processes of adsorption and precipitation. In addition, more environmentally friendly and cheaper materials are being sought to ensure greater conformity with overarching assumptions of green chemistry and sustainable development. Against that background, this paper offers a review and analysis of available information on the considered reactive materials that have the capacity to remove phosphorus from wastewater. These materials are categorised as natural (with a sub-division in line with the dominant sorption groups of Al/Fe or Ca/Mg), waste, or man-made. Notably, most studies on sorbents have been carried out in laboratory systems via experimentation under static conditions. Among the natural materials, opoka has the highest sorption capacity of 181.20 g P/kg, while red mud (in the waste material category) is most efficient at binding phosphorus with a level of 345.02 g P/kg. Finally, among the group of commercial materials, Rockfos has the highest sorption capacity of 256.40 g P/kg. In addition, this paper recognises the effect of composition, pH, and physical properties on a reactive material's capacity to absorb phosphorus, as well as the possibility for further potential use in the production of fertilisers.® has the highest sorption capacity of 256.40 g P/kg. In addition, this paper recognises the effect of composition, pH, and physical properties on a reactive material's capacity to absorb phosphorus, as well as the possibility for further potential use in the production of fertilisers.

This work begins with a literature-based discussion of the hazardous-waste problem represented by car tyres as hazardous waste, along with possible ways in which they might be utilised or managed. The impact of the material on the environment is characterised in the process, not least in the context of pollutants leached to the aquatic environment. Input in terms of new research results concerns the impact on water and soil of material from used car tyres being used in geotechnics. Specifically, tyre bales comprising 100-140 car vehicle tyres compressed into a lightweight block and secured by galvanised steel tie wires running around the length and depth of the bale, were researched, having been immersed in basins with alkaline and acidic water following initial preparation and pre-washing. The aim was to in some sense simulate-respectively-conditions in which rain and surface/ground water are involved, or else acid rain. To do that, the tyre bales were placed in the water for 120 days, with emerging leachate analysed after set intervals of time, with a view to changes in key physicochemical parameters of water being noted, as well as signs of the leaching of both undesirable components and priority substances, from tyres into the aqueous medium. Washing of the tyre bales was shown to induce slight pollution of water, with limited exceedance of normative values in respect of OWO content. However, this increase was not due to leaching of the Persistent Organic Pollutants tested for, but may rather have reflected contamination of tyres used, e.g., of soil at the place of previous storage. In general, waste water arising does not therefore contain substances that would stand in the way (legally) of its being discharged into a combined sewer system. Similar conclusions were arrived at through analysis of the leaching of pollutants from tyre bales exposed in the aforementioned pools of water of neutral and acidic reaction. Wastewater arising was not enriched significantly in impurities (be these metals, PAHs, phthalates, selected anions or cations), and there were therefore no exceedances of standards imposed for wastewater discharged to either waters or soil., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests., (©2020 Duda et al.)