Jacek Motyka

Impact of Zn–Pb mining in the Olkusz ore district on the Permian aquifer (SW Poland)

Long-term extensive mining of Zn–Pb ores in the Olkusz area resulted in significant changes of water table levels and chemical composition of water in all aquifers in this area. Within the Permian aquifer, hydrochemical type of water evolved in two general stages. Short-term effect was freshening in the zones of contact with overlying the Triassic limestones and dolomites. Long-term effect was a change in flow pattern and, as a consequence, an inflow of naturally altered and antropogenically contaminated water from the Triassic aquifer into the Permian complex. This was especially intensive in densely fissured and fault zones. As a result of all these processes, hydrochemical type of water shifted from multi-ion types with various combinations of ions towards higher shares of sulphates, calcium and magnesium.

Skład chemiczny wód potoków południowego stoku masywu Babiej Góry

The chemical composition of the waters of mountain streams depends on natural and anthropogenic conditions. The aim of the study was to determine the variability of physico-chemical properties of water in the streams in the massif of Babia Gora. The study selected fourteen streams located in the Babia Gora National Park and its buffer zone. Based on the results of analyses of macronutrients and micronutrients of ions, conditions determining the physico-chemical parameters of water were determined. The physical and chemical composition of stream waters proved to be conditioned by the geology of catchments, the process of dilution, water temperature and the type of plant communities as well as and the seasonality of vegetation.

Natural processes caused by soil resaturation in the Patnow open-pit cone of depression

Patnow Open-Pit is one of the largest brown-coal post-mining workings in Poland. Natural flooding processes started in March 2001. Groundwater discharge to the open-pit is aided by water taken from a dewatering system based on a barrier of wells. This article presents the first stage of research and includes hy-drogeological conditions in Pataow area, piezometric water level data and chemical analysis of groundwater inflows and water supplied to the Patnow workings. It also describes some geotechnical problems connected with open-pit flooding.