Volume 26 (2015): Issue 3 (September 2015)

With the expansion of urbanization, the increase of pollutants in air, soil and water is observed. The major source of Hg in urban soils is fossil fuel combustion, and these soils become important indicators of contaminants in the soil environment.

The aim of the research was to determine the distribution of mercury in urban soil profiles on the basis of their physicochemical properties and origin.

Analysed soils come from the city centre of Bydgoszcz, from park and square areas intended for recreation. Research was conducted on four soil profiles: Mollic Regosol (Technic), Skeletic Regosol (Technic), Eutric Regosol (Loamic), Eutric Regosol (Endoclayic). Determined in most profiles artefacts were pieces of bricks, concrete, glass, garbage, slag, asphalt, tar, and charcoals in proportion up to 25% of the volume. In soil samples basic soil parameters and the total content of mercury were determined (using atomic absorption spectrometer AMA-254).

Determined parameters and the total mercury content of analysed soils of Bydgoszcz city were typical for urban areas, and the soils were classified as noncontaminated of this metal (total Hg content 0.009-1.114 mg.kg-1, mean 0.218 mg.kg-1). In most analysed soils the source of Hg was atmospheric deposition and addition of human-made materials. It was confirmed by significant correlation coefficient -0.415 (p<0.05), calculated between Hg content and percent of course fragments (Ø>2mm), among which artefacts were very common. Profile distribution of mercury was mainly the result of antropopression but also the concentration of Hg in parent material. Spatial differentiation of Hg content between tested soil profiles was related with localisation (vicinity of heavy traffic roads).

The aim of this study is to assess the selenium (on two oxidation states +IV and +VI) effect on antioxidant capacity in light soil contaminated with gasoline and diesel fuel. The soil used in experiment is characterised by granulometric composition of loamy sand with organic carbon content of 8.7 g·kg⁻¹. Different combinations of gasoline or diesel fuel in dosage 1 or 5%, and H₂SeO₃ and H₂SeO₄ in dosage 0.05 mmol Se·kg⁻¹ were added into soil. In the period of 35 days at weekly intervals, antioxidant capacity of the soil in methanol and alkali extracts was determined. Soil contamination with petroleum caused the decrease in antioxidant capacity. Selenium application increased in antioxidant capacity in extracts. In the case of uncontaminated soil, this effect was higher for selenium on the oxidation state +VI, and in soil that contained petroleum for selenium on the oxidation state +IV.

The primary source of soils and plants contamination with heavy metals is rapidly growing traffic. One of the places exposed to harmful effect of vehicle exhaust is Leśny Park Kultury and Wypoczynku in Myślęcinek (LPKiW) near Bydgoszcz. Along LPKiW goes a communication road, which may be the source of environment contamination with heavy metals. The main threat for arable areas and forests is lead (Pb), originating from tetraethyl lead, used until recently as an additive in gasoline.

The aim of the conducted research was to determine the influence of traffic on the content of lead in soils and pine trees bark on the area of LPKiW located in the close vicinity of a busy traffic route. The research material was collected along the outlet route to A1 highway in the distance of 50 - 75 m from the edge of the road, from 13 representative research points. The content of lead in the research material was determined using ASA method after the mineralization of samples with microwave technique. In surface horizons of the investigated soils the total contents of Pb ranged from 11.71 to 40.58 mg·kg^-1, and in subsurface horizons ranged from 8.61 to 9.41 mg·kg^-1. The characteristic feature of the investigated soils is the higher accumulation of Pb in surface horizons, which is associated with its absorption by organic matter and clay minerals. The obtained results and literature data as compared with Pb content in reference samples show the influence of vehicles emissions on the Pb content

The environmental study, carried out in Slovak Republic, was aimed at the assessment of quality of onion based on the contents of selected heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd) as well as the possible correlations among heavy metals in soil and onions (Allium cepa L.).

Gained results showed that in some monitored localities the measured values were exceeded in comparison with limit values given by the Law No. 220/2004 (valid in the Slovak Republic) as well as threshold values proposed by European Commission (2006). In our paper, the values of total cadmium content were in the range from 1.15 to 1.34 mg∙kg^-1 and the content of mobile form of lead was in the range from 0.19 to 1.09 mg∙kg^-1. The lead content in all samples (except cv. Red matte grown in locality Klasov) of the onions was also exceeded and the values ranged from 0.05 to 0.21 mg∙kg^-1. Among the varieties statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the intake of heavy metals were found (Multifactorial analysis of variance, LSD-test contrast P < 0.05) was used to process gained data

Among the heavy metals, lead (Pb) is one of the most common environmental pollutants. This study examines the effect of 1 mM lead nitrate Pb(NO₃)₂ on the germination index, morphological parameters (root length, shoot length, fresh biomass and tolerance index) and physiological parameters (proline, total chlorophyll and carotenoids) in the leaves of 10-day-old seedlings of various species of crop plants under laboratory conditions. All results, when compared to control, showed Pb adversely affecting the morphological and physiological parameters of the test plants. Among the 12 studied plants, three species (pumpkin, rye and wheat) presented high tolerance to Pb compared to the other test plants. The most sensitive to Pb exposure were radish, barley, tomato and alfalfa

Studies were conducted on farm “A” located in east-central Poland to assess the mineral content in cows, taking into account individual links of the soil-feed-animal trophic chain. The mineral assessment included the determination of Na and K. Soil samples were taken once from the humus layer (that is at the depth of 0-15 cm) of pastures and arable fields in mid-growing season by means of a soil sampling stick. Feed samples were taken regularly when the feeds were included in rations (all year round), making sure the samples were representative. Sodium and potassium contents in soil and feeds were determined by the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry methods and in hair by the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry method. There were two dates for hair sample collection: I (10-14 days prior to calving) and II (after the first month of lactation). The results showed that Na and K concentrations were sufficient to meet animal needs. The sodium level in cow’s hair fell within the physiological range. Also potassium concentration complied with the referential standards (2000 mg·kg^-1 d.m.) and approximated 2040 mg·kg^-1 d.m.

The aim of the study was the assessment of zinc, cadmium and lead concentrations in the hoof horn of the European bison free ranging in Białowieża Primeval Forest.

The investigation material comprised hoof samples collected from animals eliminated during annual selection. Animals were divided depending on gender (males and females). Metals content was determined using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method (ICP-MS). Mean metals concentrations in hoof were: 114.1, 0.15 and 0.45 mg·kg^-1 dry matter for zinc, cadmium and lead, respectively. A significantly correlated dependence at p ≤ 0.05 was observed between the zinc and lead content in the material studied. No statistically significant differences in the metals content were observed depending on gender. It can be stated, that zinc, cadmium and lead concentrations in the hoof wall of the European bison from Białowieża primeval forest are in the reference values determined for the hair coat of other ungulates species

Channels of Czadeczka and Krężelka rivers (Beskidzie Śląski Mts) are at present subjected to regulation because of which these rivers have lost their natural character, partially still preserved. The reasons for the river regulation have been analysed. Using archival maps, the buildings erection time has been analysed on valley floors, in the immediate vicinity of river channels for the period 1790-2012. Next, the distribution of existing buildings has been compared with hydraulic structures in the channels developed in order to regulate the Czadeczka and the Krężelka reaches, such as: concrete and stone embankments reinforcing the channel banks, check dams on channel bottoms. Results indicate a strong correlation between the number of buildings on valley floors in the 20^th century and channel regulation. The mechanism of destroying rare, preserved natural river reaches is based on irrational permission allowing construction of buildings in areas threatened by floods and lateral erosion of rivers. Consequently, the inhabitants, in fear of floods and erosion of land or house foundations, seek river regulation that gives them a false sense of security. Natural river reaches are destroyed though efficient protection against floods and lateral erosion is still not provided and the range of possible losses increases even more due to continued building erection.

International and national documents related to climate change and restriction of its effects emphasize the significant role of local authorities in adaptation to climate change. New tasks resulting from the necessity to adapt to climate change rest with a commune as the basic unit of local authority and a government community, which is an organized territorial system implementing particular tasks, having its own structure and applying appropriate procedures. This paper is focused on presenting and discussing the statutory tasks of communes with regard to adaptation to climate change, identified within the frame of the KLIMADA research project “Elaborating and implementation of a strategic plan of adaptation for sectors and areas sensitive to climate change

The goal of this article was to compare the efficiency of Fenton and photo-Fenton reaction used for stabilised landfill leachate treatment. The mass ratio of COD:H₂O₂ was fixed to 1:2 for every stages. The dose of reagents (ferrous sulphate/hydrogen peroxide) was different and ranged from 0.1 to 0.5. To determine the efficiency of treatment, the BOD (biochemical oxygen demand COD (chemical oxygen demand), TOC (total organic carbon) , ammonia nitrogen and BOD/COD ratio was measured. The experiment was carried out under the following conditions: temperature was 25ºC, the initial pH was adjusted to 3.0. Every processes were lasting 60 minutes. The most appropriate dose of reagents was 0.25 (Fe²⁺/H₂O₂). It was found that the application of UV contributed to increase of COD, TOC and ammonia removal efficiencies by an average of 14%.

Soil is one of the most important sources of plant foods’ contamination by heavy metals which enter into human and animal organisms via the food chain. From the observed metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd) the enhanced total contents of Cd and contents of mobile forms of Pb were determined. Especially mobile forms of Pb in soil (0.100-0.295 mg∙kg^-1), higher than the critical value, represent a risk resulting in the high content of Pb in potatoes (0.244-0.855 mg∙kg^-1 FM). The high significant correlations between soil and potatoes in values of Pb content and were between soil pH values and Pb content in potatoes were confirmed in two from three potato cultivars (P-value < 0.01). No correlation was confirmed between humus content in soil and Pb content in potatoes.

The objective of the study is to compare the degree of accumulation of risky metals by seeds and aboveground biomass of five amaranth cultivars cultivars (Golden Giant, Rawa, Annapurna, Oscar Blanco, Koniz), as well as to assess the metal input extent in system soil-plant. The soil of amaranth cultivation was uncontaminated with the exception of Cd and Pb contents, those were 40% and 10% higher than limits given for the soil extract by aqua regia and by NH₄NO₃, respectively. In seeds of all investigated amaranth cultivars the maximal allowed amounts for Cd and Pb were by 60-100% and 25-200% (respectively) exceeded. In aboveground amaranth biomass 0.17-12.25 fold higher amounts of heavy metals were determined in comparison to amaranth seeds. Our results confirm, that amaranth seeds and leaves as food raw materials could represent a risk to the health of the consumer from the aspect of high Cd and Pb amounts. Because of the ability to produce abundance of biomass and at the same time to accumulate high amounts of dangerous heavy metals amaranth could be used as a potential plant for a soil phytoremediation. The results confirmed the ability of amaranth to accumulate metals even from relatively „clean“ soil