Czesława Rosik-Dulewska

Impact of Mining Dump on the Accumulation and Mobility of Metals in the Bytomka River Sediments

Abstract The research aim was to determine the long-term impact of the mine waste stored at the coal waste dump Hałda Ruda on the content of heavy metals in the bottom sediments of the Bytomka River. It is a watercourse flowing along this coal waste dump and has been under its influence for over fifty years. The research also attempted to determine the seasonality of changes (2 years) and mobility of selected elements. The article presents total contents of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb in the bottom sediments collected from the Bytomka River. It also focuses on the distribution of these elements in particular geochemical fractions determined with the Tessiers sequential chemical extraction procedure. Total element contents were determined with an EDPXRF (Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence) technique. The extractants of particular Tessiers fractions were determined quantitatively with an ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) spectrometer. The research results show that the stored waste significantly influences the contents of heavy metals in the Bytomka River bottom sediments. The lowest concentration of heavy metals was observed at the B1 spot (above the dump), while the highest one was measured at the B3 spot (below the dump). Sequential chemical extraction of the bottom sediments indicates that the Zn content in the ion-exchange and carbonate fractions diminished within a year. Nevertheless, Zn bound to Fe and Mn oxides acted in the opposite way. Mn, Zn and Pb are the most dangerous elements from the viewpoint of environmental hazards, as their total concentrations were high. Moreover, their high contents were observed in the most mobile (ion-exchange and carbonate) fractions. Extremely toxic Cd was bound to the oxide fraction to the largest extent. Cu was mainly bound to the organic fraction while environmentally hazardous Cr was bound to the residual fraction.

THE INFLUENCE OF BIOMASS ASH ON THE MIGRATION OF HEAVY METALS IN THE FLOODED SOIL PROFILE - MODEL EXPERIMENT

Abstract Soils that have been exposed to flood waters can be heavily polluted by inorganic and organic compounds. They are mainly compounds which appear in dissolved or suspended form flowing together with heavily laden floodwater, as well as compounds created as a result of reactions in the soil profile, mostly due to anaerobic transformation of organic matter. Heavy metals brought with flood waters are absorbed by the soil and also washed out from flood sediments by precipitation when the flood recedes. This paper presents the results of research on the effects of fertilization with ash from incineration or pyrolysis of biomass on the migration process of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd, Mn) in the arable layer of soil. It has been shown that the metals in the flood sediment migrate actively in the soil profile what leads to the enrichment of the soils, also in the case of the soil fertilization with biomass ash.

Inorganic nanomaterials in the aquatic environment: behavior, toxicity, and interaction with environmental elements

Abstract The aim of this paper is to present characteristics, toxicity and environmental behavior of nanoparticles (NPs) (silver, copper, gold, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide) that most frequently occur in consumer products. In addition, NPs are addressed as the new aquatic environmental pollutant of the 21st century. NPs are adsorbed onto particles in the aquatic systems (clay minerals, fulvic and humic acids), or they can adsorb environmental pollutants (heavy metal ions, organic compounds). Nanosilver (nAg) is released from consumer products into the aquatic environment. It can threaten aquatic organisms with high toxicity. Interestingly, copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) demonstrate higher toxicity to bacteria and aquatic microorganisms than those of nanosilver nAg. Their small size and reactivity can cause penetration into the tissues and interfere with the metabolic systems of living organisms and bacterial biogeochemical cycles. The behavior of NPs is not fully recognized. Nevertheless, it is known that NPs can agglomerate, bind with ions (chlorides, sulphates, phosphates) or organic compounds. They can also be bound or immobilized by slurry. The NPs behavior depends on process conditions, i.e. pH, ionic strength, temperature and presence of other chemical compounds. It is unknown how NPs behave in the aquatic environment. Therefore, the research on this problem should be carried out under different process conditions. As for the toxicity, it is important to understand where the differences in the research results come from. As NPs have an impact on not only aquatic organisms but also human health and life, it is necessary to recognize their toxic doses and know standards/regulations that determine the permissible concentrations of NPs in the environment.

ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN GROUNDWATER IN THE FORMER AIRBASE

Organic Pollutants in Groundwater in the Former Airbase Oil derivatives are commonly used and they play a key role in the economy. They are used in many industries. Such big amounts of oil derivatives products generate vast quantity of pollution. Those pollutants can get into the ground and water beyond any control during catastrophes or due to inadequately managed waste and storage. The aim of the paper was to determine the level of oil derivatives pollution in the groundwater on the area of a former airbase, where between 1950 and 1990 the Soviet Army stationed. Analysis was carried out on groundwater samples from three piezometers placed on the area of the former airbase. In the samples some parameters were determined, i.e. temperature, reaction, electrolytic conductivity, the depth of groundwater surface, the content of aliphatic hydrocarbons, monoaromatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Determined amount of dissolved hydrocarbons was large what proves unsatisfactory effectiveness of previous rehabilitation processes. Zanieczyszczenia Organiczne w Wodach Gruntowych na Terenie Byłej Bazy Lotniczej Produkty ropopochodne są szeroko rozpowszechnione i odgrywają kluczową rolę w gospodarce człowieka. Znajdują one zastosowanie w wielu gałęziach przemysłu. Tak duże ilości produktów ropopochodnych generują znaczne ilości odpadów. Odpady te mogą przedostawać się do środowiska gruntowo-wodnego w sposób niekontrolowany podczas różnego rodzaju katastrof czy niewłaściwie prowadzonej gospodarki odpadami, w tym składowania. Celem badań było określenie stopnia zanieczyszczenia substancjami ropopochodnymi wód podziemnych na terenie byłego lotniska wojskowego, na którym w latach 1950-1990 stacjonowały jednostki Armii Radzieckiej (JAR). Analizie poddano próbki wód podziemnych pochodzących z trzech piezometrów znajdujących się na terenie byłej bazy lotniczej. W pobranych próbkach określono takie parametry jak: temperatura, odczyn, przewodność elektrolityczna właściwa, głębokość zalegania wód gruntowych, zawartość węglowodorów alifatycznych, monoaromatycznych oraz wielopierścieniowych węglowodorów aromatycznych. Oznaczona ilość rozpuszczonych węglowodorów była wysoka, co wskazuje na niezadowalającą efektywność przeprowadzonych wcześniej procesów rekultywacyjnych.

Hydrogen peroxide as a biodegradation stimulator in remediation processes of soils heavily contaminated with petrochemicals

Abstract The soil contaminated with petroleum products must be excluded from the crops and treated to reclamation processes. Natural processes of decomposition of hydrocarbon compounds go very slow, so it is necessary to use bioaugumentation or stimulation in order to accelerate the return of the soil to high culture. In this study the effect of hydrogen peroxide on the process of cleaning soil strongly contaminated with pertochemicals was investigated. For this purpose, a pot experiment lasting 60 days was carried. The dynamics of changes in the population of filamentous fungi, yeasts and bacteria were examined and also content of aliphatic hydrocarbons (n-alkanes), monoaromatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Experimental use of hydrogen peroxide in the process of biodegradation of petroleum compounds assisted in the analyzed soil led to an increase of the number of grampositive bacteria during the test. Stimulation of oil products biodegradation by hydrogen peroxide also increased by 35% decomposition efficiency of aliphatic hydrocarbons (C8-C40) and about 50% PAH’s in comparison to control samples without hydrogen peroxide. There was no influence of hydrogen peroxide on the content of monoaromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) with respect to controls, although in the end of experiment, the total concentration decreased by about 50% compared to the initial content.

Adsorption of anionic dyes onto natural, thermally and chemically modified smectite clays

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the adsorption capacity of the smectite clays (from the overburden of the lignite deposit in Belchatow) for two anionic dyes, i.e. Reactive Blue 81 (RB-81) and Direct Blue 74 (DB-74). Additionally, the influence of the thermal and chemical (acid and alkali) clay modifications on the amount of bonded dyes was investigated. The adsorption capacity of the clay (natural and modified) was different for studied dyes and depended on the initial concentration and modification type. All the modified clays adsorbed the dyes at pH>pHPZC as the negatively charged surfaces of their particles (in accordance with the formula: AOH ↔ AO- + H+) prevented the formation of electrostatic bonds between the anionic dyes and the clay surface. The dyes were mainly bound with the hydrogen bonds forming between the donor groups in the dyes and the acceptor groups (-SiO and -Al2OH) in the clays. The coefficients in the adsorption isotherms were estimated with the linear and non-linear regression. The linear regression method was found that the Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms described the dye sorption much better than the Langmuir model. On the other hand, all three models described well the experimental data in the non-linear regression method. Furthermore, the 1/n value (<1) obtained from the Freundlich equation for all the dye-sorbent systems indicated the favorable sorption.

Granulated organic and mineral fertilizers: Technology and utility properties

Granulated organic and mineral fertilizers: Technology and utility properties This work presents the selected aspects of a technological concept for the production of organic and mineral fertilizers from communal sludge stabilized with volatile ash, by using two methods of granulation: coating and pressure. The presented concept is the effect of optimization, taking into account an interference of a number of factors exerted onto the fertilizing values and the mechanical strength of the final products. The fertilizers (contain ash from brown coal) obtained according to that method are characterized by a sufficient (according to law) content of organic matter (35,73% w/w), total nitrogen (1,70% w/w), phosphorus P2 O5 (3,62% w/w) and after the modification, also potassium K2O (8,43% w/w). The mechanical properties are better for the granulates, prepared by using pressure granulation (15,1 kG/cm2) and allow for their transportation, storage and application.

HOMEMADE SLOW-ACTION FERTILIZERS, AS AN ECONOMIC SOLUTION FOR ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCTION

Organic plant cultivation, especially those intended for human consumption, poses new requirements for gardening. It is recommended to use organic slow-action fertilizers, which provide doses of nutrients essential for plants for a long time. Particularly valuable fertilizers are those that arise within the household, due to their high quality and the absence of costs associated with their purchase and transport. Organic matter contained in the food industry waste or arising in households, in the absence of contamination by other types of waste, can be used for self-production of organic fertilizer. The paper presents the results of testing organic fertilizers, which you can make yourself, destined for the cereal plants. The experimental fertilizers were made from coffee spent grounds (CSG) and ash from the thermal conversion of biomass (A), and the components limiting the amount of pests in the form of leaves and flowers of tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.). The fertilizer can be used at the time of planting and sowing, because of the slow release of nutrients. Moreover, the addition of leaves and flowers of tansy helps to protect the seedling due to the content of essential oils. As a comparison, the horse manure and rabbit droppings fertilizers were used. Such fertilizers can be prepared independently, which leads not only to reducing the weight of biodegradable and mineral waste, but also provides the ability to generate financial savings of the household and promote organic gardening. Fertilizers made from a mixture of CSG and A support the implementation of good agricultural practice and sustainable development.

Ashes from Sewage Sludge and Bottom Sediments as a Source of Bioavailable Phosphorus

Phosphorus is an element necessary for the growth of plants. As phosphate rock gets depleted, it becomes an increasingly scarce resource. Therefore, it seems necessary to implement simple methods of cheap and effective phosphorus recovery from waste. The ashes of municipal sewage sludge and bottom sediments constitute particularly valuable sources of phosphorus. However, these materials usually carry significant amounts of pollutants, including heavy metals. Optimization of ash phosphorus sequential extraction methods from a thermal conversion of sewage sludge and bottom sediments allows to select an effective and simple technology of phosphorus recovery, while maintaining low heavy metal pollution, which is one of the main restrictions in use of ashes. Determination of an amount of bioavailable phosphorus is therefore a basis for estimation of the possibility of using it from waste. Extraction using the Golterman method or shaking out with calcium lactate or Trougs reagent indicates that the ashes from sewage sludge and bottom sediments are rich sources of bioavailable phosphorus, which could find use under field conditions as a viable alternative to fertilizers containing fossil phosphorus.

Water quality in forests small retention reservoirs in southern Poland – case study

Abstract This paper provides an analysis of water quality in three newly constructed small water retention reservoirs (Rudziczka, Niemysłowice I and Paciorkowy) located in forested areas of the forest district Prudnik in the Opolskie Province (southern Poland). The main purpose of these reservoirs is not only water retention, but also flood safety, fire protection, recreation and ecology. This paper presents the results of research carried out in December 2014 and May 2015. The assessment of water quality was performed in accordance with the applicable provisions on water quality assessment. Moreover, an assessment of eutrophication of water and of the usability of water in reservoirs is given (an analysis of suitability of water as a fish habitat). The research shows that the investigated waters are of quality class I in terms of the values of electrolytic conductivity, nitrates, nitrites, dissolved oxygen CODMn, calcium, magnesium and general hardness. In terms of the temperature (the Rudziczka reservoir), and the content of ammonia and phosphates they were of quality class II. The reaction, BOD5 and sulphates and chlorides content exceeded the threshold values for class II. It was also found that the investigated waters are not eutrophic. Based on the indicators such as reaction, dissolved oxygen, ammonia nitrogen and temperature, the waters in all the reservoirs except for Rudziczka met the quality requirements for habitats of salmonids and cyprinids. The living conditions for fish are deteriorated most by the increased levels of BOD5 and of nitrites in the Rudziczka and Paciorkowy reservoirs. The analysis of seasonal fluctuation in concentrations of water quality indicators in the investigated water bodies showed that in winter the concentrations of indicators were higher for nitrates, phosphates, electrolytic conductivity, calcium and general hardness and lower for temperature, reaction, nitrites, ammonia and dissolved oxygen. While the water in the Paciorkowy reservoir had the worst quality, the surface water in the Rudziczka reservoir had the best quality. The research initiated in small forests water retention reservoirs provides preliminary information on water quality and the importance of investigated reservoirs for increased retention.