Magdalena Modelska

The coupled study of metal concentrations and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of lichens (Hypogymnia physodes) from the Świętokrzyski National Park—environmental implications

SO2, NOx, and metals (including Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Mg, Fe) present in airborne particulate matter are a major threat to preserving good air quality. The complicated pathways and transformation processes that can change their physical/chemical state in the atmosphere renders identifying their origin extremely difficult. With the objective of alleviating this difficulty, we identified and characterized potential local and regional sources of atmospheric pollutants using bioindicators (Hypogymnia physodes) from the Świętokrzyski National Park (SE Poland): 20 lichen samples were collected during winter (February; heating period) and summer (June; vegetative period) seasons and analyzed for metal contents and free radicals concentrations. Our results indicate that the highest gaseous pollutant levels were observed during the heating season, along roads (NO2) and at the highest elevation (SO2). The semiquinone/phenoxyl radical concentrations correlated during the heating season with the atmospheric SO2: ln (free radicals concentrations) = 0.025 SO2atmosphere + 39.11. For Mn/Fe ≥ 2, the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra presented a hyperfine splitting. Results showed that since 1994 metal concentrations increased for Cd, Mn, and Mg, Fe remained somewhat constant for Zn and Cu but slightly decreased for Pb, in agreement with the phasing out of lead in gasoline. Finally, a principal component analysis (PCA) identified two main factors controlling variability within the analyzed parameters: air pollutants transport over long distances and local fuel combustion by both transport and home heating.

Pollution indicators in groundwater of two agricultural catchments in Lower Silesia (Poland)

Abstract The article discusses the content and source of mineral nitrogen compounds in groundwater, based on the data collected in two river catchments in two series (spring and autumn 2014). The study area comprises two catchments located in Lower Silesia, Poland - Cicha Woda and Sąsiecznica. Both catchments are characterised agricultural character of development. In the both researched areas, the points of State Environmental Monitoring (SEM) are located but only the Cicha Woda area is classified as nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ). To analyse and compare the contamination of Quaternary and Neogene aquifers, the concentration of nitrates, nitrites, ammonium and potassium ions was measured primarily. Results showed the exceedance of nitrogen mineral forms of shallow groundwater Quaternary aquifer in both basins. The concentration of nitrates range from 0.08 to 142.12 mgNO3 −−/dm3 (Cicha Woda) and from 2.6 to 137.65 mg NO3 −−/dm3 (Sąsiecznica). The major source of pollution is probably the intensive agriculture activity. It causes a degradation of the shallow groundwater because of nitrate, nitrite, potassium, phosphates and ammonium contents. There was no observed contamination of anthropogenic origin in the deeper Neogene aquifer of Cicha Woda catchment.

The Mofetta Tylicz – an example of carbonated water springs in the area of Tylicz (Beskid Sądecki, the Carpathians)

Abstract The paper characterise the group of CO2-rich (carbonated) water springs in the Carpathians, which are accompanied by exhalation of CO2. These springs called the Mofetta Tylicz are the example of the environmental and touristic unique object. We present geological and hydrogeological background as well as chemical analysis of the springs composition. The springs are characterised by the variability of the chemical composition of analysed groundwater, which indicates the need to implement a systematic monitoring. The monitoring would assess the reasons for this variability and allow the effective protection of spring waters of this area in the future.

Numerical model of the catchments of the Oziąbel and Wołczyński Strumień rivers - Wołczyn municipality

Abstract The article presents a numerical model designed for determining groundwater dynamics and water balance of the catchments of the Oziąbel (Czarna Woda) river and the Wołczyński Strumień river in Wołczyn region. Hydrogeological mapping and modelling research covered the area of 238.9 km2. As a result of measurements performed in 2008-2009, flows were determined in major rivers and water table positions were measured at 26 points. In the major part of the area described, the water table, lying at the depth of 1.5-18.7 m, has unconfined character, and the aquifer is built of Neogene (Quaternary) sands and gravels. In the area under study, groundwaters are drawn from 6 wells with total withdrawal of 6133 m3/d. The numerical modelling was performed with the use of Visual Modflow 3.1.0 software. The area was partitioned by a discretization grid with a step size l = 250 m. The conceptual model of the hydrogeological system is based on hydrological data gathered over a period of one year, data from HYDRO bank database, cross-sections and maps. The boundaries of the modelled hydrogeological system were established on the watersheds of the Wołczyński Strumień river and the Oziąbel river, apart from the areas where they run together. The modelled area was extended (271.5 km2) around the Wołczyński Strumień river catchment to achieve a more effective mapping of the anthropogenic impact on its balance and the hydrodynamic system of the catchment area. The structure is characterised by the occurrence of one or rarely two aquifers separated by a pack of Quaternary clays. The investigation produced a detailed water balance and its components.