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In conventional pollen analysis, usually one sediment core per basin is analyzed to reconstruct past environmental conditions. This approach does not consider spatial heterogeneity of pollen assemblages, and assumes that one analyzed location is representative of the whole basin. To improve the spatial resolution of fossil pollen studies, further knowledge of the factors influencing variations in pollen assemblages throughout a basin is needed. We examined the spatial heterogeneity of pollen assemblages from 45 lacustrine surface samples from a lake with relatively simple hydrology and compared this dense network of surface pollen samples with the Lithuanian State Forest Service arboreal vegetation database. Calculations of pollen productivity at different locations across the lake revealed variations in the behavior of a pollen-vegetation relationship model in different parts of the basin. Our findings suggest that the model underestimated pollen contributions from the lakeshore vegetation. We demonstrate that detailed investigations of surface pollen as a step prior to fossil pollen investigations can provide useful insights, including understanding the influence of sedimentation rate on modelling results and spatial variations in pollen composition, thus providing guidance for site selection for fossil pollen studies.

Bathymetric surveys of Gelionys and Žaliasis Lakes (located in the Baltic Uplands, Aukštadvaris Regional Park, Lithuania) were carried out on April 21, 2020, from a boat with attached Lowrance HDI SKIMMER XDCR transducer (200 kHz), Simrad GO5 chartplotter and Lowrance Point-1 GPS/Glonass receiver. At the same time, the shorelines of the lakes were revised. Average distance between profiles was ~10 m and depth measurement accuracy up to 2–5 cm. Accuracy of water surface elevation measurement using GNSS receiver Topcon Hiper SR up to 1–2 cm. Later, detailed (0.5 × 0.5 m) digital lake bottom models (DEM) were developed, bathymetric plans of the lakes were created, the main morphometric features were calculated, the boundaries and area of the lake catchments were defined, and the physical-geographical characteristics of the lakes were described based on field observations and various data. Gelionys and Žaliasis are small lakes of glaciokarst origin. Gelionys Lake is oval-shaped while shape of Žaliasis Lake is closer to the circle. Despite small surface area the lakes are quite deep. According to survey data, the surface area of Gelionys Lake is 4.79 ha, water surface elevation 216.1 m a.s.l., maximum depth 19.8 m, mean depth 6.0 m, volume 288.3 thousands m3, catchment area 71 ha. The surface area of Žaliasis Lake is 2.14 ha, water surface elevation 120.9 m a.s.l., maximum depth 15.84 m, mean depth 5.7 m, volume 122.2 thousands m3, catchment area 60 ha. During the observation period (from May of 2018 to September of 2020), the annual amplitude of water level fluctuations in Gelionys Lake reached up to 0.47 m, and in Žaliasis Lake up to 0.33 m. Keywords: Gelionys, Žaliasis, glaciokarst, lake, bathymetric chart, morphometry, Lithuania, Aukštadvaris Regional Park.

Apžvalginiame straipsnyje pateikiami susisteminti duomenys apie 2010-2020 m. publikacijas, skirtas oro taršos kietųjų dalelių (KD) sąsajoms su vaikų bronchų astma. Daugelis analizuojamų publikacijų parengtos retrospektyvinių tyrimų pagrindu ir aptaria trumpalaikį kietųjų dalelių poveikį, todėl ilgalaikės ekspozicijos reikšmė vaikams lieka nepakankamai ištirta. Daugiausia prieštaringų rezultatų siejama su itin smulkių (

High spatial resolution diatom and loss-on-ignition analyses were carried out on the surface sediments of a shallow, medium-sized lake in north-eastern Lithuania to examine the degree of spatial heterogeneity of diatom assemblages in the lake, as well as the influence of water depth on diatom compositions. The compositional properties of sediments and diatom assemblages show a strong relationship with water depth; some less prominent changes were attributed to the tributary catchment. Diatom assemblage compositions are rather homogenous throughout the lake (Morisita-Horn similarity indices make >0.9 in most locations of the lake, in relation to others), especially in its deeper parts. Our case shows that the most representative point does not lie in the centre of the lake, as it is assumed in most of fossil studies. Studies of spatial heterogeneity of modern diatoms can facilitate site selection and fossil diatom data interpretation.

The school environment is crucial for the child’s health and wellbeing. On the other hand, the data about the role of school’s aerosol pollution on the etiology of chronic non-communicable diseases remain scarce.Objectives: To evaluate the level of indoor aerosol pollution in primary schools and its relation to the incidence of doctor’s diagnosed asthma among younger school-age children.Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out in 11 primary schools of Vilnius during one year of education from autumn 2017 to spring 2018. Particle number (PNC) and mass (PMC) concentrations in the size range of 0.3-10 µm were measured using an Optical Particle Sizer (OPS, TSI model 3330). The annual incidence of doctor’s diagnosed asthma in each school was calculated retrospectively from the data of medical records.Results: The total number of 6-11 years old children participated in the study was 3638. The incidence of asthma per school ranged from 1.8 to 6.0%. Mean indoor air pollution based on measurements in classrooms during the lessons was calculated for each school. Levels of PNC and PMC in schools ranged between 33.0-168.0 part/cm 3 and 1.7-6.8 µg/m 3 , respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between the incidence of asthma and PNC as well as asthma and PMC in the particle size range of 0.3-1 µm (r=0.66, p=0.028) and (r=0.71, p=0.017) respectively. No significant correlation was found between asthma incidence and indoor air pollution in the particle size range of 0.3-2.5 and 0.3-10 µm.Conclusions: We concluded that the number and mass concentrations of indoor air aerosol pollution in primary schools in the particle size range of 0.3-1 μm are primarily associated with the incidence of doctor’s diagnosed asthma among younger school age-children.

The school environment is crucial for the child's health and well-being. On the other hand, the data about the role of school's aerosol pollution on the etiology of chronic non-communicable diseases remain scarce. This study aims to evaluate the level of indoor aerosol pollution in primary schools and its relation to the incidence of doctor's diagnosed asthma among younger school-age children. The cross-sectional study was carried out in 11 primary schools of Vilnius during 1 year of education from autumn 2017 to spring 2018. Particle number (PNC) and mass (PMC) concentrations in the size range of 0.3-10 µm were measured using an Optical Particle Sizer (OPS, TSI model 3330). The annual incidence of doctor's diagnosed asthma in each school was calculated retrospectively from the data of medical records. The total number of 6-11 years old children who participated in the study was 3638. The incidence of asthma per school ranged from 1.8 to 6.0%. Mean indoor air pollution based on measurements in classrooms during the lessons was calculated for each school. Levels of PNC and PMC in schools ranged between 33.0 and 168.0 particles/cm

‘Algae Service for LIFE’, the project supported by the European Union, seeks to promote best practices in ecological service and the circular economy by implementing innovative complex system of three interlinked elements: i) prototypes for harvesting of cyanobacteria and macroalgae biomass; ii) distant methods for surveying of the blooms and defining hot-spots of algal agglomerations; and iii) restitution of harvesting costs by redesigning of waste algal biomass into valuable products. The current paper describes application of algal biomass part of the project by providing actions in redesigning of harvested waste biomass of cyanobacteria and macroalgae into potential valuable products for sustainable management and recycling of environmental resources. It also highlights the socio-economic aspects of the project and added value of the project for the European Union.

Arsenic (As) is one of the most important elements found in the environment. It is a toxic metalloid that is res-ponsible for the contamination of soil/sediments and water courses due to various natural and anthropogenic processes. This may lead to adverse effects on human health, therefore it is important to monitor and control. The objective of this paper is to summarize the literature on arsenic anomalies in soil/sediments and water of four North-East European countries; the measurements are reported for Finland, Sweden, Lithuania and Poland. The origin of most of the arsenic pollution is determined to be natural and mostly anthropogenic for these co-untries. The data reveal that As is present in matrices such as soil, sediments and water. This review highlights that the As concentration in drinking water or soil/sediments of the four countries exceeds the international standard limits. As at higher concentrations are associated with the mining region of Adak in the Västerbotten district of northern Sweden (e.g. groundwater upto 2900 μg/L; sediments upto 900 mg/kg).

Nagrinėjamos Antakalnio ir Žirmūnų gatvių sąšlavose esančių sunkiųjų metalų koncentracijos ir chloridų kiekiai. Tyrimai atlikti rentgeno fluorescenciniu spektrometru Niton XL2 ir chloridų kiekio nustatymui LAND 63-2004 esančia metodika. Analizuojami Antakalnio ir Žirmūnų gatvių sąšlavose aptikti sunkieji metalai (Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd, Co). Pateikiami ir aptariami tyrimų duomenys, vertinamas gatvių sąšlavose esančių sunkiųjų metalų suminis užterštumas (Zd). Suminis užterštumas Antakalnio gatvėje didžiausias 4-tame taške (Zd = 28,66), o Žirmūnų gatvės 7-tame taške (Zd = 24,69). Toks suminis užterštumas prilyginamas II kategorijai – vidutiniam pavojingumui (16 – 32). Taip pat gauti rezulta-tai parodė, kad sunkiųjų metalų didesnės koncentracijos atsiranda dėl antropogeninės taršos: transporto priemonių dalių dėvėjimosi, transporto intensyvumo ir kitų šaltinių. Chloridų kiekis surinktose sąšlavose nėra didelis. Didžiausias chlo-ridų kiekis Antakalnio gatvėje nustatytas 3 mėginyje – 655,17 mg/kg, o Žirmūnų gatvės 12-ame mėginyje – 433,94 mg/kg. Didesnis chloridų kiekis vyrauja Antakalnio gatvėje. Pateikti tyrimai gali padėti įvertinti miestų gatvių sąšlavose esančių teršalų kiekį ir poveikį aplinkai.

Rising road densities, vehicle speeds limits and traffic volumes, combined with recent growth in the population density of various deer species, have increased the risk of DVCs across the world, causing a great deal of animal suffering, traffic safety problems and socio-economic costs. Object of this investigation was to find out collisions trend with roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Lithuania. The aim of our study was to determine where in Lithuania accidents occure more frequently and evaluate these accidents in time. In 2013–2017 number of AVCs in Lithuania was recorded more then 12 011 times, over half of 7155 occur with roe deer. The temporality of accidents was studied under three scales – daily, weekly and seasonal. Daily peaks start at 7:00 (8.75%), 8:00 (6.08%). Evening peaks, start at 17:00 (7.71%), other at 22:00 (10.64%) hours. Week collisions with roe deer increase on Friday 14.9%. The risk of collision with roe deer varies over the year – the majority of crashes occur in May 14.7% and November 10.7%. In spatial study localization of collision data with ArcGIS 10.3. It was found that road surrounding landscape dominated by agricultural land collisions occurred at a maximum of 29.77%. 19.10% collisions were recorded in the forest area. In built-up areas 11.85%. Analysis of these trends allow to simulate and predict when and where the highest risk of DVCs occurs. In conclusion, this could give valuable information and constitute a manageable tool for the road managers, planners, scientist, wildlife conservationist who are interested in these type of accidents in regions of Lithuania. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/enviro.2020.651

Ungulates (mainly Cervidae and wild boar Sus scrofa) are considered among the most problematic wildlife suffering on roads and causing the largest material losses due to high densities of ungulate populations, spatial and temporal movement patterns, and body size of these animals. Roe deer–vehicle collision (RDVC) as the most usual cause of ungulate fatality on roads may be applied as an appropriate model for understanding ungulate-vehicle collision patterns in general. To better understand, manage, and mitigate RDVCs, a detailed knowledge of the temporal behavioral patterns of roe deer is essential. In order to determine the role roe deer behavior plays in RDVCs, we examine time-dependent patterns of RDVCs in Lithuania, a country with a relatively low human population density and less developed transport infrastructure compared with other European countries with relatively high human population density and more intensive road network. Our analysis includes 5556 RDVC records from 2013 to 2016 and examines both short-term and long-term periods to determine the interrelationship between roe deer behavior and vehicle collisions. Our results document the relationship between RDVCs and season of the year with the highest RDVCs peaks occurring in late spring (May, 817, 14.7% of RDVC) and late autumn (November, 626, 11.3%). The daily RDVC frequency is influenced by seasonal changes in sunrise, sunset, and timing of twilight and the impact of these environmental variables on vehicle operator behavior. Our findings are comparable with those reported elsewhere in Europe and suggest that roe deer temporal behavioral patterns influence RDVCs more than transport infrastructure.

Environmentalists and authorities responsible for road safety are trying to reduce the number of wildlife collisions with vehicles (WCV) worldwide. Roe deer are the most common large animal involved in WCV in Europe. This article discusses the distribution of 2010 wildlife-vehicle collisions involving roe deer (WVRD) in Lithuania in 2013 and 2014. The collisions were analyzed in terms of monthly and daily data for each month separately, and the results are compared with the time of sunrise and sunset in Lithuania. By analyzing trends of natural factors that influence the number of collisions we show that the frequency of WVRD is strongly correlated with seasonal and yearly changes in sunrise and sunset. This research shows that these natural factors are extremely important for the dynamics of WVRD. Future analysis of these factors and application of appropriate preventative measures should significantly reduce the risk of collision between vehicles and roe deer.

Geochemical and lithological parameters of sapropel in lakes, combined with pollen data and radiocarbon 14C datings, contain a wide spectrum of environmental information. This includes records of fluctuations of water level and changes of conditions of sedimentation, accumulation of organic matter and chemical elements due to climate change, human impacts and other environmental changes. Four lakes with different trophic states and anthropogenic pressures were chosen for this study in Lithuania. Lake Balsys has a mesotrophic state while Lakes Didžiulis, Salotė and Gineitiškės have eutrophic states. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was used to analyse concentrations of chemical elements, loss-on-ignition to determine organic, mineral and carbonate matter, pollen analysis and radiocarbon dating were applied for determination of paleoenvironmental conditions and age of sediments. Results of this study demonstrated rather different chemical compositions of sapropels in these lakes. Human impacts are evident in the upper layers of sapropel in all lakes, however very specific and complex geochemical composition was determined in deeper layers of sapropel in the different lakes. Higher concentrations of elements like Cr and Zn are expected in deeper layers of sapropel and are attributed to lithogenic association of trace elements. Pb and Cu were detected in upper layers of sapropel which indicates the impact of anthropogenic activity. Sapropel of eutrophic lakes (Salotė and Gineitiškės) is enriched by high concentrations of heavy metals (galbūt naudoti tiesiog chemical elements?) (Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn). Their main source was multidimensional anthropogenic pollution leading to a biogenic-anthropogenic association of elements. Sapropel with low concentrations of heavy metals exhibits a different inter-association matrix because most of the elements tend to form lithogenic-clastogenic associations.

Water samples from the different basins of the Baltic Sea and North Sea were collected during four cruises taken place in 2016–2017. Altogether 60 water samples for 3H activity concentration and 120 water samples for stable isotopes ratio (δ18O and δ2H) were analysed. Exceptionally strong inflow activity from North Sea to the Baltic Sea occurred prior our surveys. The data obtained enabled comprehensive evaluation of tritium and stable isotopes distribution in waters of Baltic Sea and contributing inputs, including riverine and atmospheric freshwater flux and saline water inflow through the Danish Straits. By comparing with the previous studies, we noticed a tendency toward an increase in the δ18O and δ2H values of zero-salinity component over time, which may be due to climate change. In the case of tritium, the influence of artificial sources has also been noticed., Europos Sąjungos LIFE programos projektas „Algae Service for LIFE“ skatina gerąją ekologinių paslaugų praktiką ir žiedinės ekonomikos kūrimą. Projekto tikslas yra demonstruoti integruotą efektyvų maistinių medžiagų ir dumblių „žydėjimų“ valdymą upių baseinų lygyje, surenkant perteklinę melsvabakterių ir makrodumblių biomasę iš skirtingų vandens telkinių (upių, ežerų, tvenkinių, Kuršių marių). Taip pat projektu siekiama skleisti informaciją nacionalinėms ir vietos valdžios institucijoms, verslo bendruomenei bei didinti visuomenėssusidomėjimą vandens telkinių ekologine būkle. Straipsnyje aptariamos ekologinės vandens „žydėjimų“ kontrolės priemonės ir paslaugos, akcentuojant gėlavandenių ekosistemų eutrofikacijos ir „žydėjimų“ priežastis ir pasekmes. Siūlomos projekte priemonės prisideda prie Europos Sąjungos strateginių direktyvų įgyvendinimo.

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama Vilniaus miesto senamiesčio ir Šnipiškių mikrorajono dalių dirvožemio tarša sunkiaisiais metalais. Tyrimai atlikti rentgeno fluorescenciniu spektrometru Niton XL2. Analizuojami Vilniaus miesto senamiesčio ir Šnipiškių mikrorajono teritorijų dirvožemio kokybiniai parametrai: sunkiųjų metalų koncentracijos (Cu, Pb, Zn) erdvinis pasiskirstymas. Gauti rezultatai apdoroti „ArcMap“ programine įranga, kuria naudojantis tiriamojoje teritorijoje atlikta sunkiųjų metalų koncentracijų interpoliacija. Pateikiami ir aptariami tyrimų duomenys, kurie lyginami su aplinkosauginiais normatyvais. Įvertinamos potencialiai pavojingiausios Vilniaus miesto centrinės dalies teritorijos, kuriose nustatytos didžiausios sunkiųjų metalų koncentracijos. Atlikus išsamius urbanizuotos teritorijos dirvožemio tyrimus, galima įvertinti antropogeninio poveikio mastą, kuris gali būti kenksmingas žmogaus sveikatai ir visai dirvožemio ekosistemai.

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama Akmenių erozinio klonio sapropelio geocheminė sudėtis ir užterstumas minerogeniniais ir sunkiaisiais metalais. Tyrimai atlikti rentgeno fluorescenciniu spektrometru Niton XL2 . Analizuojami kokybiniai Samuko, Antakmenių ir Drabužaicio ežerų parametrai: minerogeninių elementų (Rb, Zr, Sr) ir sunkiųjų metalų (As, Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb) koncentracijų pasiskirstymas pavirsiniuose (0,0–0,6 m) ir giluminiuose (0,6–2,0 m) sluoksniuose. Pateikiami ir aptariami tyrimų duomenys, kurie lyginami su aplinkosauginiais normatyvais (foninėmis ir didžiausiomis leistinomis koncentracijomis (DLK)) bei rodikliais: suminiu užterstumu (Zd) ir praturtinimo faktoriumi (EF). Tyrimų rezultatai ir jų analizė leidžia nustatyti ežerų būkle, juose vykstancius procesus ir pokycius per kelių simtų metų laikotarpį. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/aainz.2018.013

Bottom sediment pollution with heavy metals of the Sventoji River in Ukmerge, Lithuania using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is analyzed in this article. During the research, qualitative and quantitative parameters of heavy metal concentrations and their distribution were investigated. This article presents obtained results of study, where bottom sediment samples were examined from both shores of the river of Sventoji. During this research, received data was treated using GIS software, which helped to interpolate the data of concentrations into the research polygon of the river. GIS software also helped to evaluate the urban runoff influence to the bottom sediment quality and exclude sources of pollution. The runoff dischargers which transport surface wastewater to the river were registered before sampling. At the mouth of streams, flowing into the river of Sventoji, additional samples were taken. After comprehensive river bottom sediment research there is a possibility to assess the extent of anthropogenic activity and its impact on the river ecosystem and human health.

Didelis kiekis atliekų vis dar keliauja į sąvartynus ir tai daugelyje salių islieka vienu is pagrindinių atliekų salinimo būdų. Lietuvoje tiek veikiancių, tiek uždarytų sąvartynų stebėjimas apsiriboja tik sąvartynų monitoringo programoje nurodytais dujų, filtrato ir požeminio vandens tyrimais, taciau nėra gamtinės aplinkos tyrimų. Isorinės aplinkos stebėsena svarbi norint istirti galimą sąvartynų poveikį aplinkai. Tyrimams pasirinkti objektai – veikiantis regioninis Kazokiskių ir uždarytas – Kariotiskių sąvartynai. Mėginiai imti 20 m atstumu už sąvartyno teritorijos visomis pasaulio salių kryptimis – S, SR, R, PR, P, PV, V, SV. Pasirinkti tiriamieji objektai – kerpės ir samanos. Biomonitoriuose nustatyti sunkieji metalai – Sr, Mn, Cr. Mėginių ėmimo taske buvo sudaryti du tinkleliai. Pirmasis – 10×50 cm ant pasirinkto medžio kamieno, paimti kerpių bandiniai. Antrasis – 25×25 cm ant dirvožemio pavirsiaus, po pasirinkto medžio laja, paimti samanų bandiniai. Kontroliniai ėminiai imti is Elektrėnų rajone esancio Veprių botaninio draustinio. Sunkiųjų metalų tyrimas buvo atliekamas remiantis rentgeno fluorescencinės spektrometrijos (XRF) analitiniu metodu. Nustatyta, jog biomonitorius, kuriame vyravo didžiausios sunkiųjų metalų koncentracijos, uždarytame Kariotiskių sąvartyne – samanos, o veikianciame Kazokiskių sąvartyne – kerpės. Atlikus sunkiųjų metalų eksperimentinius tyrimus, matoma tendencija, jog didesnė tarsa vyrauja uždarytame Kariotiskių sąvartyne. Galima daryti isvadą, kad liekamoji tarsa yra didelė ir todėl dėl mažesnės atliekų kontrolės bei pavojingesnių atliekų kiekio uždaryti sąvartynai yra galimai pavojingesni nei eksploatuojami sąvartynai. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/aainz.2017.04

Lietuvos geologijos tarnyba, atlikusi preliminarius tyrimus, turi informacijos apie daugiau nei 12000 užterstų teritorijų, kurias būtina tvarkyti. Straipsnyje pateiktas vienos is tokių teritorijų tyrimas – nagrinėta garažų teritorijos dirvožemio kokybė, tersalų kiekiai ir galima jų sklaida. Norint nustatyti dirvožemio kokybės pokytį buvo tiriamas dirvožemio drėgnis, pH, granuliometrinė sudėtis ir bendrosios anglies kiekis, o rezultatai lyginami su kontroliniu svaraus dirvožemio mėginiu. Nustatyta, kad teritorijoje vyrauja smėlingas gruntas, kurio pH yra padidėjes į sarmine puse, o bendrosios anglies kiekis yra nepastovus ir priklauso nuo tersalų kiekio. Istirti naftos produktų ir sunkiųjų metalų kiekiai teritorijoje tiek horizontaliai, tiek ir vertikaliai iki 0,5 m gylio. Nustatyta, kad naftos produktai virsija leistinas HN 60:2004 normas teritorijos viduryje, kur vykdyta daugiau veiklos, pavirsiniame (0–10 cm) sluoksnyje nuo 1,35 iki 3,5 karto ir prasiskverbia iki 30 cm gylio. Sunkieji metalai aptikti visame plote ir tirtajame gylyje (iki 50 cm). Daugiausia vyrauja cinkas (aptikta iki 818,07 mg/kg), varis (iki 2401,76 mg/kg), manganas (iki 540,12 mg/kg), chromas (iki 75,25 mg/kg), svinas (iki 1833,85 mg/kg) ir vanadis (iki 77,79 mg/kg). Pavirsiniame sluoksnyje (0–10 cm) aptikti sunkiųjų metalų leistinų koncentracijų virsijimai. Pagal gautus rezultatus apskaiciuotas teritorijos užterstumo naftos produktais koeficientas (K = 4,32) ir bendras dirvožemio užterstumo sunkiaisiais metalais koeficientas (Zd = 37,35). Nustatyta pavojinga teritorijos dirvožemiou žterstumo klasė. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/aainz.2017.001

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama Vilniaus miesto Snipiskių mikrorajono dirvožemio tarsa sunkiaisiais metalais. Tyrimai atlikti rentgeno fluorescenciniu spektrometru Niton XL2. Analizuojami Vilniaus miesto Snipiskių mikrorajono dirvožemio kokybiniai parametrai: sunkiųjų metalų koncentracijos (As, Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Ni, Co, Mn), erdvinis pasiskirstymas. Gauti rezultatai apdoroti „ArcMap“ programine įranga, kuria naudojantis tiriamojoje teritorijoje atlikta sunkiųjų metalų koncentracijų interpoliacija. Pateikiami ir aptariami tyrimų duomenys, kurie lyginami su aplinkosauginiais normatyvais bei ankstesniais tyrimų rezultatais. Įvertinamos potencialiai pavojingiausios Snipiskių mikrorajono teritorijos, kuriose nustatytos didžiausios sunkiųjų metalų koncentracijos. Atlikus issamius urbanizuotos teritorijos dirvožemio tyrimus, galima įvertinti antropogeninio poveikio mastą, kuris gali būti kenksmingas žmogaus sveikatai ir visai dirvožemio ekosistemai. Tyrimo duomenys, jų rezultatai ir analizė papildo 1999 metais paskelbtus Snipiskių mikrorajono dirvožemio tyrimus irleidžia geriau suprasti urbanizuotų teritorijų dirvožemio užterstumo laipsnį bei kitimo tendencijas. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/aainz.2017.003

Surface runoff from urbanized territories carries a wide range of pollutants. Sediments in untreated runoff from direct discharge stormwater systems significantly contribute to urban waterway pollution. In this study, heavy metal (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ba, As and Fe) contamination in surface runoff sediments of the urban area of the city of Vilnius was investigated. The surface runoff sediment samples were collected from seven dischargers with the highest volume rate of water flow and concentrations of suspended solids. The geospatial analysis of the distribution of heavy metals shows that there are several active pollution sources supplying the dischargers with contaminated sediments. Most of these areas are located in the central part of the city and in old town with intense traffic. Principal components analysis and t-test results clearly depicted the significantly different chemical compositions of winter and autumn surface sediment samples. The sampling approach and assessment of results provide a useful tool to examine the contamination that is generated in urban areas, distinguish pollution sources and give a better understanding of the importance of permeable surfaces and green areas.

Vis didėjant Europos Sąjungos įsipareigojimams aplinkosaugos srityje tiesine priklausomybe didėja ir medienos kuro / biokuro naudojimas. Sio atsinaujinancio saltinio naudojimo skatinimas vyksta dėl to, kad siekiama sumažinti iskastinio kuro naudojimą, taciau biokuras pasižymi ir neigiamomis savybėmis. Viena is jų – dideli susidarantys pelenų kiekiai ir mažai isvystytas jų tvarkymas / panaudojimas. Siekiant prisidėti prie sios problemos sprendimo, straipsnyje nagrinėjama medienos kuro pelenų geba sorbuoti sunkiuosius metalus. Atlikus sorbcijos tyrimus sunkiųjų metalų koncentracijos matuotos sausame pelenų mėginyje naudojant Thermo Scientific Niton® XL2 serijos rentgeno spindulių fluorescencinį spektrometrą (RFS). Taip pat sunkiųjų metalų koncentracijos matuotos tirpale naudojant atominės absorbcijos spektrometrą AAnalyst200 (AAS). AAS tyrimus atliko atestuota UAB „Vilniaus vandenys“ geriamojo vandens laboratorija. Gauti pelenų sorbcinės gebos tyrimų rezultatai analizuojami sudarant adsorbcinės gebos kreives bei metalo jonų pasalinimo efektyvumo kreives. Taip pat lyginant rezultatus su pradine sunkiųjų metalų koncentracija pelenuose ir užsienio autorių naudotų sorbentų sorbcinėmis savybėmis. Atlikus tyrimus gautas 97,6 % sorbento–pelenų pasalinimo efektyvumas sorbuojant sviną ir 99,2 % sorbuojant cinką. Tyrimų rezultatų paklaida patikrinta lyginant ismatuotą sorbento gebą su apskaiciuotąja. Svino adsorbcinės gebos didžiausia paklaida siekia14,19 mg/kg, o cinko – 57,99 mg/kg.Atlikus issamius sorbcijos tyrimus tiek sausame mėginyje, tiek tirpale galima įvertinti pelenų, kaip biosorbento, efektyvumą ir gebą sorbuoti sunkiuosius metalus. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/aainz.2016.13

The soil contamination by heavy metals in playgrounds of kindergartens in Vilnius city is analysed in this article. The aim of this research is to investigate and evaluate soil contamination by heavy metals in playgrounds of kindergartens in different territories of Vilnius city. Concentrations of heavy metals were measured using Thermo Fisher Scientific Niton® XL2 X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Maximum allowable and background concentrations that are given in Lithuanian hygiene standard and Lithuania geochemical atlas are used to compare and evaluate concentrations of heavy metals. Concentrations of heavy metals and their spatial distribution were analysed in order to exclude the most contaminated areas relating with different functional areas of the city. Geo-statistical analysis and maps of spatial distribution were developed using IDW interpolator in ArcMap software. Detail soil surveys helps to assess the extent of anthropogenic impact in different parts of the city which can be harmful to the soil ecosystem and human health. Such researches can help to change or select different function for city areas in territorial planning process.

Anthropogenic activities are a major source of groundwater contamination in semi-island regions, and evaluation methods developed for inland sites may not be appropriate for coastal sites. We investigated the feasibility of diversity a nitrate-affected groundwater source-fate system in a semi-island environment using comparative methods. The study site was a groundwater well-field in Neringa, Lithuania, where nitrogen compounds obtained in groundwater had increased from the origin thereafter treatment plants. We used ammonium ions and ammonium nitrogen / organic compounds ratios and direct evaluation of total nitrogen concentration to show that biological processes occurred in both source area and water treatment, and could increase nitrogen concentrations over time. The nitrogen compounds and organic carbon compounds rate was changing water quality from the place of origin aquifer, offering a possible means of preventing diversity of the nitrogen compounds by controlling reacting rate over the site. We conclude that biological processes are the real reason of nitrogen compounds diversity at this type of site.

Analytical method of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and specifically Niton XL2 device for analysis of bottom sediments of lake Babrukas is analyzed in the article. The reliability of the method of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for analysis of heavy metals is compared with atomic absorption spectrometry. Results of this method show a very impressive correlation of atomic absorption method. Quality parameters – concentrations of heavy metals in sediments are analyzed. Results of the analysis are overviewed and compared with concentrations of heavy metals in relevant legal documents in Lithuania. It is concluded that the X-ray method gives important and reliable information of anthropogenic impacts for lake ecosystems and human health. The assessment of heavy metals in bottom sediments with X-ray fluorescence method is much quicker and cheaper, thus it gives the opportunity to analyze more samples and more properly assess distribution of pollutants in the lake sediments. The largest technogenic origins of heavy metals concentrations where determined. Geostatistical analysis shows the distribution of concentrations of heavy metals in surface and subsurface layer. The interpolated concentrations of heavy metals are given in maps using Golden Software Surfer computer program. It perfectly shows the distribution and concentrations of heavy metals in surface and subsurface layers after hydro-mechanical treatment. It appears that concentrations of heavy metals in surface layer are still much higher than in subsurface after the hydro-mechanical treatment. After the detailed lake sediment studies the extent of anthropogenic impact which can be harmful to the lake ecosystem and human health is assessed. Most importantly it can give significant information about the centers of contamination and thus specify locations where hydro-mechanical treatment should be concentrated. Keywords: X-ray fluorescence spectrometry; heavy metals; hydromechanical treatment.