Maciej Balawejder

A Novel Method for Degradation of DDT in Contaminated Soil

A novel method for remediation of DDT contaminated soil based on advanced oxidation processes including reactions with hydroxyl radicals and ozone has been developed. On the basis of the conducted experiments the authors concluded that ozone did not degrade DDT in soil. Analysis of degradation products that were formed during exposure to a stream of gaseous ozone indicated that hydroxyl radicals might play a key role in degradation of this compound. In the modified fluidized bed reactor where hydroxyl radicals could be generated from ozone and water vapor, reduction of over 90% of DDT residue level has been achieved. Authors proposed a pathway of DDT degradation, under the influence of hydroxyl radicals and ozone. As a result of this research, an effective method for remediation of DDT-contaminated soil has been proposed.

Method for Reduction of Pesticide Residue Levels in Raspberry and Blackcurrant Based on Utilization of Ozone

Abstract The method for the reduction of pesticide residues in soft fruits based on utilization of ozone was proposed. The procedure allows for effective reduction of boscalid residues by 38% in raspberries, and about 58% thiram in blackcurrants. Furthermore, it can be used on an industrial scale.

Impact of Pre-Ozonation on Mechanical Properties of Selected Genotypes of Cucumber Fruits During the Souring Process

ABSTRACT Cucumber souring is a process mediated by a microorganisms present on the surface of cucumber fruits. Sour pickles are fresh cucumbers that have been poured over with a sodium chloride solution and various types of spices. In the present research, pre-ozonated and control cucumber fruits were subjected to the souring processes. It was observed that ozone treatment had no negative impact on the quality of the fruit before the souring process. Moreover, sour pickles after pre-ozonation had better mechanic and sensory properties than the control.

Pilot-scale Installation for Remediation of DDT-contaminated Soil

ABSTRACT An effective remediation method of DDT-contaminated soil was developed. The preliminary results of investigations on a laboratory scale were exploited to scale up the technology into pilot scale. The approach for soil remediation was based on the utilization of hydroxyl radicals that were generated from water aerosol and ozone in a fluidized bed reactor. During the remediation procedure the level of soil contamination was reduced by 80%. The procedure was successfully scaled up; no degradation products were detected and the total organic carbon was preserved.

Effect of ozone on fruit quality and fungicide residue degradation in apples during cold storage

ABSTRACT The potential of the ozone-enriched atmosphere for the improvement of the shelf life of apples of Gloster variety (Malus domestica) in cold storage was investigated. The storage experiment was conducted for 84 days. During that period, ozone at the concentration of 1 ppm was dosed every 12 hours for 1 minute. However, the exposure to ozone at such a concentration was unsuccessful in terms of inhibition of fungal disease development. Furthermore, the captan level in apples was reduced; therefore, they were more susceptible to fungal disease. On the other hand, the tests of the physical properties showed that utilization of ozone slowed down the ripening of apples; therefore, extending their shelf life provided that they were not infected.

A method for remediation of soil contaminated with simazine

Abstract Although the utilization of pesticides accounted for the group of persistent organic pollutants was banned years ago, a count of pesticides are still directly or indirectly a source of contamination in Europe. One of them, simazine is still allowed for use in the United States. Aim of this experiment was development of soil remediation method which could be utilized for degradation triazine class pesticides – simazine was an example used. A method for soil remediation based on ozonation processes in fluidized bed was successfully utilized for removal of simazine from contaminated soil. For the study soil highly contaminated with simazine up to the concentration of 0.05% w/w was used. Determination of the pesticide levels in soil was performed using extraction and gas chromatography. The method allowed 80% reduction of pesticide concentration level. The degradation of pesticide was accompanied with changes of physicochemical parameters of soil, i.e., decrease of pH and a increase of nitrates concentration. Despite changes in physicochemical properties of the soil, the developed method proved to be highly effective and can be successfully applied on an industrial scale.

Postharvest Ozone Treatment of Cucumber as a Method for Prolonging the Suitability of the Fruit for Processing

ABSTRACT Ground cucumber, as a nutrient, is a product highly valued by consumers in both fresh and processed form. The aim of the research was to develop a technology for extending the shelf life of ground cucumbers stored at room temperature before further processing. For this purpose, ozone treatment was utilized and the changes in the mesocarp and the peel puncture strength of the ozonated and the control cucumbers during storage were measured. Ozonation extended the shelf life of ground cucumber fruit making them useful for longer time for further processing.

MCPA decomposition method in soil matrix using ozone as an oxidant

In presented research a method for remediation of MCPA contaminated soil based on the combination of fluidization process technique and ozone was utilized. Exposition of soil contaminated with MCPA at the concentration of 0,1 % w/w on the a mixture of air and ozone allowed for removal of over 90% of MCPA in form of MCPA 2-ethylhexanol-ester (MCPA 2-EHE) in laboratory conditions. The efficacy of the method was proven by GC-MS analysis of MCPA concentration profile during soil remediation procedure and by comparing of kinetic data, such as half life time, with the natural half life time of MCPA in the soil.1

12. The Smell of Beer as a Factor Affecting the Emission of Carbon Dioxide by Arion Lusitanicus Auct. Non-Mabille

Abstract More and more frequently beer is used as an attractant in traps to eliminate the slug Arion lusitanicus auct. non-Mabille. The smell of beer is not indifferent to animals. Hence it is highly probable that it affects the physiological processes in the slug’s body. The aim of our study was to examine whether the smell can induce changes in respiration activity (measured as CO2 emission) of adult individuals of Arion lusitanicus. The results showed that all the tested brands of beer caused an increase in CO2 emission. Furthermore, in all the samples of studied brands of beer, this increase in CO2 emission correlated negatively to the content of the following compounds: acrylic acid N- hydroxysuccinimide ester, decanoic acid, (9Z,12Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid, 2-(acetyloxy)-1- [(acetyloxy)methyl]ethyl ester, bicyclo[4,1,0]heptane and ethyl caprylate.