Aneta Pytka

The Efficiency of Pollution Removal From Domestic Wastewater in Constructed Wetland Systems With Vertical Flow With Common Reed and Glyceria Maxima

The paper presents the results of research on the effects of removing pollution from domestic wastewater in two beds of constructed wetland systems with vertical flow. Bed I was planted with common reed (Phragmites australis Cav. Trin. Ex Steud.), whereas bed II with Glyceria maxima (Glyceria aquatica L.). The surface of each of the beds amounted to 30 m2, and the hydraulic load of each of them amounted to 0.033 m3·m-2·d-1. The study showed very good results in the removal of most of the analyzed indicators of contamination, which were similar in both analyzed beds. They were, respectively: 91 and 93% – for total suspended solids, 96 and 98% – for BOD5, 96 and 94% – for CODCr, 88 and 86% – for ammonia nitrogen and 87 and 88% – for total phosphorus. Much smaller effects were reported with regard to total nitrogen removal – 55% in bed I with common reed and 54% in bed II with Glyceria maxima. The tested beds also eliminated the number of coliform bacteria and faecal coliform bacteria quite effectively. Average effects of the removal of coliform bacteria in bed I and II were 99.74%, in the case of faecal coliform 98.06% and 97.94% respectively. Values of basic indicators of contamination (total suspended solids, BOD5 and CODCr) in the wastewater discharged from the analyzed beds met the requirements of the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment of 2014. The test results obtained in the first year of operation of the analyzed beds show that neither of the applied plants significantly improves the results of contaminant removal.

Ocena wpływu przydomowych oczyszczalni ścieków z drenażem rozsączającym na jakość wód podziemnych w studniach kopanych i głębinowych

The paper presents an assessment of the impact of sewage treatment plants with drainage system on the quality of groundwater in dug and deep wells in the Kwasowka village in the Inzynieria Ekologiczna

Hybrid Constructed Wetlands for the National Parks in Poland – The Case Study, Requirements, Dimensioning and Preliminary Results

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.

The use of carbonate-silica rock (opoka) to remove iron, manganese and indicator bacteria from groundwater

Abstract The study investigated the efficiency of removal of iron, manganese and indicator bacteria from potable groundwater by using carbonate-silica rock (opoka). The tests were performed in a laboratory in three filter columns supplied with water containing increased concentrations of iron and manganese. Two of the columns were filled with carbonate-silica rock with particle sizes of 2-5 mm; retention time for water in the columns was set at 1 h and 2 h. A third column was filled with 1-2 mm rock particles, with hydraulic retention time set at 1 h. High removal efficiencies were determined for iron, manganese and coliform bacteria and low removal efficiencies for psychro- and mesophilic bacteria. An increase in the alkalinity of the investigated water was also observed.

Evaluation of the possibilities of using water-damming devices on the Tyśmienica River to build small hydropower plants

Abstract Hydropower plants in Poland currently use only 19% of the river’s energy potential. Development of hydropower is limited by environmental regulations as well as by economic grounds. From the environmental point of view, it is desirable to build small hydropower plants integrated into the local landscape. This paper presents results of the research aimed at estimating the amount of energy that could be produced in the case of small hydroelectric power plants on weirs existing on the Tyśmienica River. There is also a legal framework that should be adapted at hydropower development. It was calculated that the technical capacity of the small hydropower plants that could be built on 4 existing weirs, is 0.131 MW. These power plants could produce 786 MWh of electricity per year. The economic efficiency of this production is currently difficult to assess, because a new support system for renewable energy sources is currently being implemented, which will be a decisive factor for entrepreneurs. It should be borne in mind that potential investments will be made in protected areas within the Natura 2000 network, which may limit their constructing or impose the obligation to assess their impact on selected environmental elements. Location within the protective area does not eliminate such investments, especially when solutions with the least possible environmental impact are used.

EFFECT OF ANTHROPOGENIC POLLUTANTS ON THE QUALITY OF SURFACE WATERS AND GROUNDWATERS IN THE CATCHMENT BASIN OF LAKE BIALSKIE

The work evaluates the effect of anthropogenic pollutants on the quality of water in Lake Bialskie (51o32’07” N 23o00’55” E) and its catchment basin. Samples of water were taken from the lake (4 sampling points) and from wells dug within the catchment basin. The quality of water was analysed in May, June, August and November 2015. In the wells only in single cases was the level of chemical pollution found to exceed drinking water standards. However, in all samples the standard content of manganese was exceeded. In waters from the lake the concentrations of total phosphorus, which can contribute to eutrophication were recorded above the standard level. Both in waters from the lake and from the well a large count of mesoand psychrophiles and Coli and faecal coliforms as well as faecal Enterococci was found, which points to a high degree of contamination of the analysed waters with anthropogenic faeces. The phenomenon was observed to intensify in summer months, which can be associated with increased tourist traffic around the lake in this period.

QUALITY OF RAINWATERS OUTFLOWING FROM ROOFS OF GARAGE BUILDINGS OF PARK AUTHORITY OF ROZTOCZE NATIONAL PARK

Rational use of surface and underground waters leads to a reduction in their consumption, which is currently one of the fundamental tasks in the field of the conservation of waters, in its broad sense. This includes also the utilisation of water from additional sources, such as e.g. precipitation water. The paper presents an analysis of the quality of rainwater outflowing from the roofs of garage buildings of the Park Authority of the Roztocze National Park. The results of analyses presented in the paper indicate a favourable composition of rainwater that meets the norms defined for water for human consumption. In the waters under analysis, exceeded levels were noted for ammonia, manganese and biological factors, but these do not preclude the use of the waters for household purposes. Rainwaters at the Roztocze National Park can be used for car washing, for the irrigation of green areas, or for toilet flushing. Such utilisation of rainwaters can largely contribute to a reduction of the use of high-quality underground waters.