Joanna Fronczyk

Level and Contamination Assessment of Soil along an Expressway in an Ecologically Valuable Area in Central Poland

Express roads are a potential source of heavy metal contamination in the surrounding environment. The Warsaw Expressway (E30) is one of the busiest roads in the capital of Poland and cuts through the ecologically valuable area (Mazowiecki Natural Landscape Park). Soil samples were collected at distances of 0.5, 4.5 and 25 m from the expressway. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were determined in the soils by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry method (FAAS). Soils located in the direct proximity of the analyzed stretch of road were found to have the highest values of pH and electrical conductivity (EC), which decreased along with an increase in the distance from the expressway. The contents of Cd, Cu and Zn were found to be higher than Polish national averages, whereas the average values of Ni and Pb were not exceeded. The pollution level was estimated based on the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and the pollution index (PI). The results of Igeo and PI indexes revealed the following orders: Cu < Zn < Ni < Cd < Pb and Cu < Ni < Cd < Zn < Pb, and comparison with geochemical background values showed higher concentration of zinc, lead and cadmium.

Application of permeable reactive barriers near roads for chloride ions removal

Application of permeable reactive barriers near roads for chloride ions removal One of the most critical sources of pollutants are road run-offs. Road run-off is a complex mixture of toxicants e.g. heavy metals, de-icing agents, organic compounds and water suspensions of solid substances. One of the most negative impact on the environment has sodium chloride which is used as de-icing agent. In the case of incorrect environment protection in the vicinity of roads pollutants may migrate to groundwater causing hazard to sources of potable water. One of the methods to prevent the migration of pollutants to groundwater is imposing the flow of polluted water through a reactive material filling a permeable reactive barrier (PRB). This paper examines the feasibility of selected reactive materials for the reduction chlorides concentration in road run-offs. Four different reactive materials: zero valent-iron, activated carbon, zeolite and geza rock have been chosen for studies. The tests results indicated that the most popular reactive materials used in PRB technology, activated carbon and zero-valent iron, removed exhibited the highest efficiency in chloride ions removal. Moreover, the composition of road run-off in samples collected along roads in Warsaw was determinated. Zastosowanie Przepuszczalnych Barier Reaktywnych przy drogach do usuwania jonów chlorkowych Do poważniejszych źródeł zanieczyszczenia środowiska gruntowo-wodnego należą wody spływowe z dróg, które są mieszaniną substancji szkodliwych, złożoną m.in. z metali ciężkich, związków stosowanych do odladzania, związków organicznych i zawiesin. Powszechnie stosowaną substancją do odladzania nawierzchni jest negatywnie oddziaływujący na środowisko chlorek sodu. W przypadku nieprawidłowego zabezpieczenia środowiska gruntowo-wodnego wzdłuż dróg zanieczyszczenia mogą migrować do wód gruntowych, powodując zagrożenie dla źródeł wody pitnej. Jedną z metod zapobiegania tym zjawiskom jest wymuszony przepływ zanieczyszczeń przez materiały reaktywne wypełniające przepuszczalną barierę reaktywną (PRB). Celem badań jest zbadanie przydatności wybranych materiałów reaktywnych do zmniejszenia stężenia chlorków w wodach spływowych z dróg. W artykule przedstawiono analizę czterech materiałów reaktywnych pod kątem usuwania chlorków. Wyniki badań wskazują na to, że materiały, które są najpowszechniej wbudowywane w PRBs - węgiel aktywny i żelazo elementarne, usuwają największą ilość tych zanieczyszczeń. Ponadto, w ramach badań, zbadano skład chemiczny próbek śniegu pobranych wzdłuż dróg w Warszawie.

Evaluation of single and multilayered reactive zones for heavy metals removal from stormwater

In this paper, the ability of granular activated carbon (GAC), silica spongolite (SS) and zeolite (Z) to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions has been investigated through column tests. The breakthrough times for a mobile tracer that does not sorb to the material for SS, GAC and layered SS, Z and GAC were as follows: 2.54×104 s, 2.38×104 s and 3.02×104 s. The breakthrough time (tbR) for Ni was in the range from tbR = 1.70×106 s for SS, through tbR = 3.98×105 s for the layered bed, to tbR = 8.75×105 s for GAC. The breakthrough time for Cd was in the range from tbR = 1.83×105 s for GAC to tbR = 1.30×106 s for SS, Z, GAC. During the experiment, the concentration of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the solution from a column filled with construction aggregate and the concentration of Pb, and Cu in a filtrate from the column filled with several materials was close to zero. The reduction in metal ions removal was due to high pH values of the solution (above 8.00). In addition, during the testing period, an increase in Cd and Zn concentrations in the filtrate from the column filled with the layered bed was observed, but at the end of the experiment the concentrations did not reach the maximum values. The test results suggest that the multilayered permeable reactive barrier is the most effective technology for long time effective removal of heavy metals.

Co-remediation of Ni-contaminated soil by halloysite and Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract The effects of increasing nickel contamination of soil on the update of selected microelements by Brassica juncea L. in the presence of raw halloysite (RH) and halloysite modified by thermal treatment (calcination) at 650°C (MH) were investigated experimentally. Such treatment causes partial dehydroxylation and enhances mineral-adsorption properties towards cations. In a vegetative-pot experiment, four different levels of Ni contamination, i.e. 0 (control), 80, 160, 240 and 320 mg kg-1 were applied in the form of an analytical-grade NiSO4·7H2O solution mixed thoroughly with the soil. Among the minerals which were added to soil to alleviate the negative impact of Ni on plant biomass, MH had a particularly beneficial effect on the growth of B. juncea L. The amount of Ni, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cr in Indian mustard depended on the Ni dose and type of accompanying mineral structure. The average accumulation of trace elements in B. juncea L. grown in Ni-contaminated soil follow the decreasing order Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr.

Selection of material suitable for permeable reactive barriers in the vicinity of landfills

Selection of material suitable for permeable reactive barriers in the vicinity of landfills This paper focuses on the criteria proposed for the selection of reactive materials suitable for permeable reactive barriers surrounding waste disposal sites. The criteria were divided into three groups: hydraulic, mechanical and sorption. Hydraulic and sorption criteria are equivalents and complementary to one another in the process of reactive material selection. Only a material that fulfills both criteria should be used. The third criterion — mechanical — that is related to the deformation and strength properties of the reactive material should be considered in designing the technology and evaluation of safety conditions. Kryteria doboru materiałów do wykonania przepuszczalnych barier reaktywnych (PBR) w rejonie składowisk odpadów. W artykule przedstawiono kryteria, które są konieczne do wybrania, zależnie od lokalnych warunków środowiskowych i geologicznych, odpowiedniego materiału do wykonania PBR w rejonie składowisk odpadów. Kryteria doboru materiałów obejmują trzy aspekty: hydrauliczny, sorpcyjny i mechaniczny (właściwości wytrzymałościowe i odkształceniowe). Kryteria hydrauliczne i sorpcyjne są równoważne i uzupełniające się przy wyborze odpowiedniego materiału reaktywnego. Optymalnym materiałem jest ten, który równocześnie spełnia oba kryteria. Kryterium trzecie — mechaniczne — powinno być wzięte pod uwagę w projektowaniu technologii i określeniu niezawodności PBR.

Assessment of the effect of reactive materials on the content of selected elements in Indian mustard grown in Cu-contaminated soils

Abstract Zero-valent iron (ZVI) represent a promising agent for environmental remediation. The research was aimed to determine the influence of copper in doses of 0, 80, 150, 300, and 600 mg Cu·kg−1 of soil as well as ZVI, and lignite additives on the content of macroelements in the Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.). The average accumulation of analyzing elements in Indian mustard grown in copper contaminated soil were found to follow the decreasing order Mg > Na > P > Ca > K > N. Soil contamination at 600 mg Cu·kg−1 of soil led to the highest increase in P, Mg, N, and Ca content. The application of ZVI had a positive influence on the average phosphorus and potassium content of Indian mustard. Moreover, the application of ZVI and lignite had a positive influence on the average Mg and Ca content in the above-ground parts of Indian mustard. From the analyzed reactive materials, the application of lignite was shown to be the most effective resulting in the decrease in the average nitrogen and calcium content when compared to the control crop. Calcium content in plants from the control group, without the addition of zero-valent iron, and powered lignite (control), was positively correlated with increasing doses of copper.

Hydraulic performance of zero-valent iron and nano-sized zero-valent iron permeable reactive barriers – laboratory test

Abstract Hydraulic performance of zero-valent iron and nano-sized zero-valent iron permeable reactive barriers - laboratory test. The hydraulic conductivity of zero-valent iron treatment zone of permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) may be decreased by reducing the porosity caused by gas production and solids precipitation. The study was undertaken in order to evaluate the influence of chloride and heavy metals on the hydraulic conductivity of ZVI and nZVI using hydraulic conductivity tests as well as continuous column tests. Results show that the lead retention in the solution had no impact for hydraulic conductivity in ZVI sample, on the other hand the calculated hydraulic conductivity losses in nZVI sample (from 4.10·10-5 to 2.30·10-5 m·s-1) were observed. Results also indicate that liquids containing the mixture of heavy metals may cause significant decrease in hydraulic conductivity (from 1.03·10-4 to 1.51·10-6 m·s-1). During the column tests, several number of clogging of the reactive material caused by iron hydroxides precipitation was observed over the course of injection of heavy metals solution. In contrast, the hydraulic conductivity of ZVI and nZVI is unaffected when they are permeated with chloride ions solution (k = 1.03·10-4 m·s-1). Finally, the results indicate the need to take account of changes in the hydraulic conductivity of reactive materials for successful implementation of PRBs technology. Streszczenie Właściwości filtracyjne przepuszczalnych barier reaktywnych zbudowanych z żelaza zero-wartościowego i nano-żelaza zero- -wartościowego - badania laboratoryjne. Produkcja gazów oraz wytrącanie się nierozpuszczalnych cząstek stałych może być przyczyną zmian współczynnika filtracji przepuszczalnych barier reaktywnych PBR wykonanych z żelaza zero-wartościowego (ZVI). Zmiany te mogą być przyczyną nieprawidłowego przebiegu procesów oczyszczania środowiska gruntowo-wodnego. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki laboratoryjnych badań przepuszczalności hydraulicznej mających na celu sprawdzenie wpływu chlorków i metali ciężkich (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) na wartość współczynnika filtracji (k) wybranych materiałów reaktywnych - ZVI i nZVI. Analiza uzyskanych wyników badań wykazała brak wpływu chlorków oraz jonów ołowiu na współczynnik filtracji ZVI (k = 1,03·10-4 m·s-1). Obecność Pb(II) w roztworze spowodowała natomiast znaczące zmniejszenie wartości k nZVI z 4,10·10-5 do 2,30·10-5 m·s-1. Przepływ roztworu zawierającego mieszaninę metali ciężkich przez próbkę ZVI również spowodował zmniejszenie zdolności filtracyjnych materiału, co mogło być spowodowane intensywnie zachodzącymi procesami redukcji materiału. Współczynnik filtracji podczas trwania badania zmniejszył się z wartości 1,03·10-4 do 1,51·10-6 m·s-1. Podczas filtracji roztworu mieszaniny metali ciężkich przez kolumny wypełnione ZVI zaobserwowano kolmatację materiału spowodowaną wytracaniem się wodorotlenków żelaza i metali ciężkich, czemu towarzyszyło zwiększenie odczynu oraz zmniejszenie potencjału oksydacyjno-redukcyjnego roztworu wypływającego z kolumny. Zaprezentowane w artykule wyniki badań wskazują na konieczność uwzględnienia podczas projektowania PBR wpływu zanieczyszczeń na zmiany właściwości filtracyjnych materiałów reaktywnych.

EFFECT OF REACTIVE MATERIALS ON THE CONTENT OF SELECTED ELEMENTS IN INDIAN MUSTARD GROWN IN CR(VI)-CONTAMINATED SOILS

Reactive materials represent a promising agent for environmental co-remediation. The research was aimed to determine the influence of hexavalent chromium in doses of 0, 25, 50, and 150 mg Cr(VI).kg-1 of soil as well as zero valent-iron, and lignite additives on the content of macroelements in the Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The average accumulation of the analysed elements in Indian mustard grown in Cr(VI) contaminated soil were found to follow the decreasing order Mg>Na>P>Ca>K. Soil contamination at 150 mg Cr(VI).kg-1 of soil led to the highest increase in magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium content in Indian mustard. The application of zerovalent iron had a positive influence on the average Na and K content of the tested plant. The application of lignite had a positive influence on the average magnesium, sodium and calcium content in the above-ground parts of the studied plant. In the non-amended treatments (without reactive materials), the increasing rates of chromium (VI) had an explicitly positive effect on the content of phosphorous and sodium in Indian mustard.

Removal of dissolved metals by activated carbon from road runoff in batch systems – equilibrium and kinetic

Abstract: Removal of dissolved metals by activated carbon from road runoff in batch systems – equilibrium and kinetic. Activated carbon is an effective sorbent for removing organic and inorganic contaminants from aqueous solutions. In conducted experiments, granulated activated carbon (GAC) was used to examine the adsorption processes of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn). Studies (performed in batch system) were carried out as a function of time, heavy metals concentration and pH values. The obtained results show that GAC effectively removes mentioned metals. Numerous kinetic models were used to investigate the mechanism of adsorption processes. Using the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum adsorption capacities were calculated to be 3.010, 3.662, 4.430, 3.800 and 4.169 mg·g–1 for Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, respectively, in neutral conditions and 2.684, 2.578, 3.482, 2.592 and 2.253 mg·g–1 in acidic conditions.

Reactivity of nano zero-valent iron in permeable reactive barriers

Abstract In this paper, the ability of nZVI to remove heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) from multicomponent aqueous solutions was investigated through batch experiments. The experimental data were fitted to a second-order kinetic model based on solid capacity. The data for copper and lead fitted well into the second-order kinetic model, thus suggesting that the adsorption had a physical character. The values of the removal ratio and the second-order rate constant indicated that the order of adsorption priority of nZVI was as follows: Pb>Cu>Zn>Cd>Ni. The adsorption isotherm data were described by the most conventional models (Henry, Freundlich, and Langmuir). Equilibrium tests showed that copper and zinc were removed from the solution by adsorption processes, i.e., complexation and competitive adsorption. The test results suggested that the removal processes using nZVI are more kinetic than equilibrium. The study demonstrated that nZVI is favorable reactive material; however, comprehensive investigation should be performed for further in situ applications in PRB technology.