Robert Mazur

The selected examples of the application of computer image analysis in the assessment of environmental quality

The environmental monitoring (EM) is an essential part of protection of the environment, most of the methods of environmental protection based on visual techniques or physico-chemical and biochemical measurements. The automation of traditional methods proceeds at an accelerating rate, modern laboratories prefer this type of tools to conduct a more comprehensive assessment and online monitoring. The application of computer image analysis methods in biomonitoring brings to this discipline the opportunity to develop innovative tools that allow for more precise sensitive and quantified assessment of monitored processes. The application of techniques based on computer image processing technology will dominate in the future and very comfortable and intuitive tool for researchers in the study of the components of the environment quality. The article presents some methods of automation the acute toxicity bioassay based on the application of computational methods.

Use of artificial neural networks in the identification and classification of tomatoes

The project aimed to produce a classification model of neural network that would allow automatic evaluate quality of greenhouse tomatoes. The project used computer image analysis and artificial neural networks. Authors based on the analysis of biological material selected set of features that are describing the physical parameters allowing the quality class identification. Image analysis of tomatoes digital photographs samples allowed to choose characteristics features. Obtained characteristics from the images were used as learning data for artificial neural network.

Selected elements of cultural landscape structure in Wielkopolska region of Poland as habitats for the parasitoid hymenoptera Pimplinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae)

1. The studies included cultural landscapes of simple (agricultural land) and complex (forest) structure in Wielkopolska. 2. The goal of the studies was to define biocoenotic function of marginal habitats such as – shrubs, field border, road borders, and forest edges – structural elements of agricultural landscape making suitable habitats for parasitoid hymenoptera of subfamily Pimplinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) 3. The authors wanted to establish: i. which of marginal habitats are most attractive for Pimplinae; ii. which of these habitats are similar to forest habitats, due to the qualitative and quantitative structure of parasitoid hymenoptera communities living there; and iii. whether linear marginal habitats (like road sides) can fulfil the function of ecological corridors for parasitoid hymenoptera, between agricultural and forest habitats. 4. The species diversity of Pimplinae in all the habitats of agricultural landscape and forest environment (national park) was similar. 5. On the forest edges (high heterogeneity landscape), the communities of Pimplinae were most numerous. In the low heterogeneity landscape, the greatest species diversity occurred in shrubs. The majority of Pimplinae populations living in agricultural landscape and forest showed great similarity in their qualitative structure and less similarity in their quantitative structure. 6. The conclusion can be made that marginal habitats of agricultural landscape make attractive environment for parasitoids of Pimplinae and that vegetation alongside roads can make function as ecological corridors.

Removal of Carbon and Nitrogen Compounds in Hybrid Bioreactors

Both types of biomass, despite some similarities, show also many differences. Probably as a result of complex relations (competition, migration, physical factors like flow velocity and biochemical factors like oxygen supply) the flocs and attached biomass can demonstrate many differences, e.g. texture, active surface, heterotrophs and autotrophs ratio, and especially biomass age. A compilation of these two technologies in one hybrid reactor allows to utilize advantages of these technologies and to achieve high carbon and nitrogen removal efficiency. The additional advantages of this new technology (moving bed biological reactor – MBBR; other similar terms: Integrated Fixed Film/Activated Sludge IFAS, Mixed-Culture Biofilm MCB) are cost savings and reactor volume reduction. Simultaneous processes maintenance (SND reactor) and specific parameters preservation enable treatment of specific wastewater.

The use of computer image analysis in a Lemna minor L. bioassay

Our study presents a low-cost method (no expensive hardware platforms required) of quantified biomonitoring based on computer image analysis. The negative influence of toxins on surface waters was analysed. The method was verified on widespread freshwater macrophyte Lemna minor to test populations treated with non-ionic detergents. We showed that the proposed automated bioassay has a broad applicability in assessing the negative impacts of aquatic toxicants. This approach enabled fast and precise evaluation of the morphometric parameters of the duckweed test population. We observed that growth rate of L. minor reacts to non-ionic detergents, which is reflected by the change in the surface area. The decrease in the growth of L. minor was revealed at high doses of detergents. This test proved to be highly useful, because it is well repeatable and fast in its implementation. Unlike classical bioassays, the proposed test allows the elimination of measurement errors, resulting from observers’ subjectivity.

The Application of Computer Image Analysis in Water Toxicity Tests

Laboratory bioassay belongs to very important tools in environmental monitoring; biological assessment of water quality plays a fundamental role in whole system of water monitoring. The WFD requires the use of bioassay in assessing the threat of aquatic ecosystems from certain pollutants runoff into the aquatic environment. Classical methods of acute and chronic toxicity biotests are based on classical visual evaluation and observation of the negative effects of the selected toxicants impact. The usage of image analysis tool such as computer in water biomonitoring increases their sensitivity both in qualitative and quantitative assessment of negative effects from the selected toxicants. They make new bioassay very useful for the optimisation bioprocesses involved in the protection and control of aquatic ecosystems.

Integrated Innovative Biotechnology for Optimization of Environmental Bioprocesses and a Green Economy

A systematic approach to sustainable management of natural resources incorporates integration of innovative biotechnologies and eco-engineering. Here we review complementary eco-innovations for sustainable development in different regions. One of the newer biotechnologies is laser photostimulation of different species of plants and microorganisms to increase their adaptability to xenobiotics in soil, air, and water. Empirically selected algorithms of laser irradiation significantly increase biodegradation of hydrocarbons, phytoremediation of trace metals by willow Salix sp., elephant grass Miscanthus x giganteus, Virginian mallow Sida hermaphrodita, and to increase tolerance of different species of plants to petrochemical pollutants and efficiency of reclamation of contaminated areas and tolerance to salinity of soil and suboptimal temperatures as well as water deficiency. This biotechnology is also useful for biomass enhancement and bio-energy production under suboptimal conditions for more efficient vegetative multiplication of some vegetables and development of sustainable agriculture, forestry, protection of the landscape, and biodiversity. Integration of transdisciplinary cooperation and application of complementary biotechnologies and innovative methods of environmental pollutant bioremediation (such as wastewater treatment) and reclamation, supported by the implementation of a neural network, can optimize bioprocesses that are useful for a better quality of life, globally. Long-term research-developing studies are supplemented by problem-solving training and case studies in different regions (including ecotourism, recreation, and promotion of ecological culture), long distance education and life-long education for the common action of experts and knowledge-based society, promoting sustainable development that is based on integrated biological sciences and sustainable models of consumption.

Directions of utilisation of waste from green areas

Abstract Each year communities generate large quantities of municipal waste, including green waste such as grass and leaves. According to the waste catalogue, they may be treated as belonging to the group 20 02 (garden and park waste), and more specifically, to the group 20 02 01 – biodegradable waste. The aim of the study is to characterise the development directions of the green waste generated in the municipalities. Skilful management of this waste is extremely important. The following work focuses on three different technologies that enable efficient management of the green waste: methane fermentation, pelletising and composting. According to many authors, the most common technologies are pelletising and composting. In contrast, biogas fermentation of green waste in the municipalities is performed on a much smaller scale than other technologies. This may be due to the fact that this technology requires a significant expertise and is more complicated in terms of technology

The application of computer image analysis in life sciences and environmental engineering

The main aim of the article was to present research on the application of computer image analysis in Life Science and Environmental Engineering. The authors used different methods of computer image analysis in developing of an innovative biotest in modern biomonitoring of water quality. Created tools were based on live organisms such as bioindicators Lemna minor L. and Hydra vulgaris Pallas as well as computer image analysis method in the assessment of negatives reactions during the exposition of the organisms to selected water toxicants. All of these methods belong to acute toxicity tests and are particularly essential in ecotoxicological assessment of water pollutants. Developed bioassays can be used not only in scientific research but are also applicable in environmental engineering and agriculture in the study of adverse effects on water quality of various compounds used in agriculture and industry.