Jozef Hančuľák

Toxicity Testing of Sediments

Abstract This study presents the results of the testing toxicity of the contaminated sediments from the water reservoir of Ružín No.I deposit (Slovak Republic) by using Phytotoxkit tests (MicroBioTests Inc., Belgium). The Phytotoxkit system is a screening tool used for a variety of toxicity testing applications. The advantages of this toxicity bioassay are its speed, relative simplicity and low cost compared to chemical analysis and many other biotests. Evaluation of sediments phytotoxicity was based on the testing of seed germination and the assesment of the root growth decrease of the plant Sinapis alba which allows to complete the assays after only 3 days of incubacion. Chemical analysis of the sediment samples involved determination of heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Ni, As, Sb and Hg) concentration. No potential phytotoxic effect of heavy metals in contaminated sediments was observed in the majority of tested seeds of Sinapis alba.

Effect Of Environmental Load On The Toxicity Of Bottom Sediments

Abstract This study is devoted to Ecotoxicity tests, Terrestrial Plant Test (modification of OECD 208), Phytotoxkit microbiotest on Sinapis alba and chronic tests of Earthworm (Eisenia veneta), modification of OECD Guidelines for the testing of chemicals 317, Bioaccumulation in Terrestrial Oligochaetes on polluted sediments. Earthworms can accelerate the removal of contaminants from soil. The study materials are river sediments, which were obtained from a monitoring station - the Water reservoir the Ružín No.1 particularly, the river Hornád, Hnilec and sample from sludge bed Rudňany. The samples of sediment were used to assess of the potential phytotoxic effect of heavy metals on higher plants. Total mortality was established in earthworms using chronic toxicity test after 7 and 28 exposure days. Based on the phytotoxicity testing, phytotoxic effects of the metals contaminated sediments from the sludge bed Rudňany on S. alba seeds was observed. The largest concentration differences were recorded in the sample R7 after 7 days earthworms exposure. The earthworms mortality was not influenced by sediment neither after 7 nor 28 exposure days The spectra of samples H, HO and R showed broad peak at 1 419 - 1 512 cm−1 characteristic for carbonate radical. In the spectra of the samples (R and R7) the vibration of C-H groups at 2 926 and 2 921 cm−1, respectively were also observed, demonstrating the presence of organic matter. Our research will continue with determination of metals concentration in earthworms.

Investigation of genotoxicity in river sediments

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to develop a useful screening method to assess genotoxic effect of polluted bottom sediments from the water reservoir Ružin No.I. The Hornád and Hnilec Rivers drained a former mining area, have been polluted in the long-term by heavy metals (Cu, As, Sb, Hg), which significantly contributed to environmental degradation. Genotoxicity of bottom sediment was evaluated by test SOS-ChromoPadTM 3.0 for solid samples without extraction. The mentioned test represents simple, quick and direct sediment phase toxicity testing procedure. In this test bacterial strain Escherichia coli K12 PQ37 was used. The results of SOS-ChromoPadTM 3.0 showed that sample Hornád has low potential genotoxic effect on the environment. It was determined on the basis of slight blue colouration of chromogenic paper at the point of sediment application. The sample Hnilec was negative. This test allows significantly reduce the time for obtaining information about sediments genotoxicity and accept necessary security proceeding in time.

Terrestrial Eco-Toxicological Tests as Screening Tool to Assess Soil Contamination in Krompachy Area

In this study, we present screening tool of heavy metal inputs to agricultural and permanent grass vegetation of the soils in Krompachy. This study is devoted to Ecotoxicity tests, Terrestrial Plant Test (modification of OECD 208, Phytotoxkit microbiotest on Sinapis Alba) and chronic tests of Earthworm (Dendrobaena veneta, modification of OECD Guidelines for the testing of chemicals 317, Bioaccumulation in Terrestrial Oligochaetes) as practical and sensitive screening method for assessing the effects of heavy metals in Krompachy soils. The total Cu, Zn, As, Pb and Hg concentrations and eco-toxicological tests of soils from the Krompachy area were determined of 4 sampling sites in 2015. An influence of the sampling sites distance from the copper smeltery on the absolutely concentrations of metals were recorded for copper, lead, zinc, arsenic and mercury. The highest concentrations of these metals were detected on the sampling sites up to 3 km from the copper smeltery. The samples of soil were used to assess of phytotoxic effect. Total mortality was established at earthworms using chronic toxicity test after 7 exposure days. The results of our study confirmed that no mortality was observed in any of the study soils. Based on the phytotoxicity testing, phytotoxic effects of the metals contaminated soils from the samples 3KR (7-9) S.alba seeds was observed.

Atmospheric Deposition of Solid Particles in the Area of Košice

The total atmospheric deposition (AD) was sampled in the urban and industrial area with iron and steel works and other urban sources of pollution. The eleven sampling sites have been placed on the roof above the height of the surrounding buildings at a distance of between 1 and 15 kilometers from the largest industrial source of air pollution in Slovakia. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the AD of solid particles (PM) and the fluxes AD of elements (Fe, Al, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd, As) were studied. Particle size distribution, SEM and EDX analysis were applied for PM characterization. Relatively high occurrence of fine particles under 10 µm (12.1 - 47.7%) were found in the samples. SEM and EDX analysis showed the presence of particles whose origin is mainly from emission sources of ironworks (Fe oxides, Fe-rich particles, Ca-rich particles, Mn-Fe oxides). The extremely high values of AD of Fe (18,551 and 27,232 µg.m-2.day-1) and Mn (695 and 1295 µg.m-2.day-1) were measured at two sites near (1.3 and 4.5 km) the iron and steel works compared to the AD of the other areas. The portion of emission sources iron and steel works on the AD of Fe and PM fluxes at the individual sites in the city was calculated in the range of 21.8 to 51.4%. The results from 2009–2014 are introduced.