Artykuły (CN-geol)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repo.agh.edu.pl/handle/AGH/102791
Artykuły czasopisma Geology, Geophysics & Environment
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Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Integration of MASW and ERT methods for site characterisation: a case study from Czernichów (Southern Poland)(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2026) Cichostępski, Kamil; Bania, Grzegorz; Borecka, AleksandraThe paper presents an integrated use of multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to characterise the physical properties of near-surface materials, identify subsurface structures, and estimate the depth to bedrock in a planned construction area near Czernichów, close to Krakow (southern Poland). The study shows that integrating MASW and ERT provides a cost-effective and complementary approach to subsurface characterisation, delivering more reliable and less ambiguous interpretations than when the methods are applied independently, thereby reducing the need for expensive and invasive in situ geotechnical investigations. Particular emphasis is also placed on the methodological aspects of both methods. The study site is located on an alluvial plain composed of alluvial soils, sands, sand–gravel mixtures, and silty clays overlying limestone bedrock. Geophysical data were collected along five profiles. The resulting shear wave velocity models and the inverse model resistivity sections show good agreement with borehole data. The study area is characterised by a wide range of physical parameters derived from both methods. The MASW survey enabled recognition of the subsurface down to the bedrock, revealing four seismic layers differing in S-wave velocity. Nevertheless, the MASW inversion did not provide reliable estimates of the limestone S-wave velocity, although it successfully delineated its depth and morphology. The ERT survey identified three geoelectrical layers and proved to be more effective in resolving shallow geological structure, particularly in identifying the boundaries between alluvial soils and sand–gravel mixtures, whereas the depth and morphology of the limestone bedrock were constrained primarily by MASW.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Application of the ground penetrating radar (GPR) method in the detection of underground utilities above the Kobilja Glava Tunnel(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2026) Bektašević, Ekrem; Filipović, Satko; Bojić, Mirnes; Crnogorac, Luka; Gutić, Kemal; Skrzypkowski, KrzysztofAccurate detection and mapping of underground utilities in complex urban environments, particularly in intensive construction zones such as tunnel sites, presents a significant engineering challenge. This paper investigates the application of ground penetrating radar (GPR) integrated with high-accuracy real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS positioning to identify and spatially define a damaged sewer pipeline above the Kobilja Glava tunnel construction site in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Non-destructive investigation was required due to the lack of reliable underground utility documentation and wastewater ingress into the tunnel during construction. The study was conducted under complex urban and geotechnical conditions, including asphalt pavement, high soil moisture, heterogeneous subsurface layers, and proximity to the tunnel. GPR surveys were performed using a dual- channel Leica DS2000 system with 250 MHz and 700 MHz antennas, combining grid-based and free-profile measurements. Spatial georeferencing was achieved with a Topcon Hiper HR RTK GNSS receiver, which provides centimeter-level positioning of identified reflectors within the national coordinate system of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data processing and interpretation followed standard GPR procedures. Results show that the sewer pipeline was reliably identified through hyperbolic reflections, with the depth of the pipe crown ranging from 1.1 to 1.7 m. Integration of GPR and GNSS data enabled precise reconstruction of the pipeline’s position and depth, supporting the design of a new pipeline and reducing construction risks. The study demonstrates the high effectiveness of the integrated GPR-GNSS approach in complex urban environments near tunnel structures. These findings suggest that the integration of GPR and GNSS technologies serves not only for object detection but also provides a critical methodological framework for real-time risk assessment during underground construction. The study demonstrates how precise spatial definition of damaged infrastructure can prevent broader geotechnical instabilities, elevating the work from a local case study to a universal model for monitoring urban infrastructure under stress.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Electrical imaging and 3D modeling of a discontinuous aquifer: Insights from Toumbakro, Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2026) Loukou, Kouamé Gbèlè Hermann; Kouamé, Loukou Nicolas; Kouadio, Kouao LaurentA geophysical survey using electrical imaging in the Wenner–Schlumberger configuration was carried out in a crystalline basement region in central Côte d’Ivoire to improve knowledge of the aquifers in this area affected by recurrent water stress. The 2D resistivity sections, corroborated by petrographic field observations and drilling data, led to the development a 3D conceptual model of the aquifers in the study area. This model distinguishes three main lithological units: a resistant surface cover consisting of a lateritic cuirass, a conductive alteritic layer, and, at the base, a more or less fractured crystalline basement. From a structural point of view, several fracture networks have been identified, with predominantly NW–SE, NNW–SSE, and N–S orientations, constituting potential groundwater circulation zones.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , The effect of different additives on the immobilization of heavy metals, the stability of organic matter, and the ecotoxicity of municipal sewage sludge(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2026) Gondek, Krzysztof; Baran, Agnieszka; Siudek, MichałThere is an ongoing search for the most environmentally friendly use of various materials as additives to improve sludge properties. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of additive type and dose of biochar (BC), dolomite (DL), bentonite (BN) or diatomite (DT) on heavy metal immobilization, organic matter stability, biochemical activity and ecotoxicity of municipal sewage sludge (SS). Risk Assessment Code (RAC) and Ecological Risk Factor (ERF) values indicated low risk associated with heavy metal (HM) mobility. Higher non-hydrolyzing C contents, compared to SS control, were found in SS to which 1% BC (by 3.6%), 1% DL (by 38.0%), 1% BN (by 25.5%) and 1% DT (by 20.6%) were added. Higher ratio C humic acids/C fulvic acids (Ckh/Ckf) values (more than 30% on average) were obtained when 1% BC, DL or BN were added compared to the 3% addition. Compared to the SS, the Ckh/Ckf values in SS with the addition of BC, DL or BN were on average more than 19% higher. The least varied values of dehydrogenase activity and respiration activity of SS (within dose) were obtained after the application of DT and BC, while the values of both parameters differed the most when BN was added to SS. Based on the results, it is not possible to clearly state which of the applied additives had the most significant effect on reducing the biochemical activity of SS. Sewage sludge and its mixtures generally showed low phytotoxicity to Sorghum saccharatum and Lepidium sativum, as root growth inhibition was 8–56% and 17–48%, respectively.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , The use of oxytrees in the purification of the soil and water environment in the area of municipal waste landfills(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2026) Dąbrowska, Dominika; Rykała, Wojciech; Nadgórska-Socha, Aleksandra; Kandziora-Ciupa, Marta; Wdowczyk, AleksandraMunicipal waste landfills are an important source of soil and water pollution due to the generation of leachates rich in heavy metals, salts, and organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Conventional remediation methods are expensive, sparking interest in phytoremediation as a sustainable alternative. This study evaluates the potential of Paulownia tomentosa (oxytree) in remediating soils contaminated by landfills. Seedlings were grown under controlled conditions and irrigated with distilled water, 50% landfill leachate, and 100% landfill leachate. Chemical analysis of the soil, roots, stems and leaves revealed the selective accumulation of macronutrients (particularly nitrogen and phosphorus) and selected potentially toxic elements (such as lead, zinc and copper), with the contaminants primarily retained in the roots. Stress biomarkers indicated significant physiological responses, including increased proline levels and decreased phenol and flavonoid content, reflecting plant stress under elevated leachate exposure. Notably, P. tomentosa demonstrated the ability to reduce 4- and 5-ring PAH concentrations, particularly at moderate leachate levels. However, its overall remediation effectiveness was limited in comparison to phytoremediation grasses, which exhibit stronger contaminant removal potential. These results indicate the limited suitability of Paulownia for landfill remediation, emphasizing the need to optimize leachate concentrations.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Application of seismic refraction methods for rock mass characterization at the lead mine tailings site in Olovo Mine(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2026) Bektašević, Ekrem; Skrzypkowski, Krzysztof; Kahrimanović, Semir; Crnogorac, Luka; Gutić, KemalIn this study, the application of seismic refraction for the characterization of the rock mass at the lead mine tailings facility in Olovo is presented, with the aim of identifying lithostratigraphic horizons, structural discontinuities, and zones of reduced mechanical resistance that may affect tailings stability. The investigations were conducted along seven seismic profiles of varying lengths and resolutions, designed to cover both shallow and deeper portions of the rock mass to a depth of approximately 60 m. Data processing and interpretation were carried out using the Delta-t-V seismic tomography method, which enables reliable reconstruction of P-wave velocities even under conditions of complex geological structure and velocity inversions. The obtained results indicate pronounced heterogeneity of the rock mass, with clearly differentiated zones of surface embankments and unconsolidated materials (600–1,200 m/s), transitional zones of degraded and karstified rocks (1,800–3,200 m/s), and basal horizons of compact limestone, where P-wave velocities reach values of approximately 4,400 m/s. Particular attention was given to locally developed low-velocity anomalies within deeper horizons, interpreted as karst structures and cavernous zones that are potentially critical for tailings stability. By integrating the individual profiles, a unified 3D rock mass model was developed, enabling spatial analysis of anomalies and reliable terrain zoning. The results confirm that seismic refraction, combined with the Delta-t-V method, represents an efficient, non-destructive, and engineering-relevant tool for characterizing complex tailings rock masses. The developed models have direct application in stability assessment, remediation planning, and the enhancement of mining and environmental safety systems.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Vertical variations in the concentration of traffic-related pollutants PM in a selected area along a transport corridor(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2025) Jaroń, Agata; Borucka, AnnaProfiling pollutant distributions contributes to a deeper understanding of the diffusion of traffic air pollution, with road transport being a significant source of air pollution. The available literature presents numerous methods for analyzing air pollution distributions resulting from vehicular transport. However, these studies primarily focus on simulated conditions rather than real-world field measurements. This study examines real-world field measurements of air pollution near a highway in Poland using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform across different seasons. The UAV platform was equipped with a semiconductor laser sensor for measuring air pollutants such as $SO_2$, $CO_2$, $N_{x}O_{y}$, $O_3$ and $PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_1$. Although there are many works on profiling pollutants, this is the first such attempt to visualize pollutants in Poland, along with comparing the indications to the National Air Pollution Monitoring. By applying Spearman’s correlation coefficient, the study assesses the correlation of pollutant concentrations within the vertical profile from a street canyon and conducts pollution mapping. Observations indicate that in spring, summer, and autumn, pollutant concentrations decrease with altitude. However, in winter, a »pollution cloud« was detected at an altitude of 20–30 m, while concentrations above this threshold declined. The findings provide valuable insights for developing recommendations to protect public health. In the future, they may be used to properly manage urban infrastructure in order to protect the population from the negative effects of air pollution.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Trace elements and rare earth elements in post-mining pit lakes of the Muskau Arch (Poland): AMD-related enrichment and toxicity assessment(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2025) Śniady, Igor; Machowska, Aleksandra; Dysierowicz, Maciej; Siepak, MarcinThis study presents results for trace elements (TEs) and rare earth elements (REEs) in five pit lakes located within the Muskau Arch, one of the largest regions in Central and Eastern Europe affected by acid mine drainage (AMD). Concentrations of TEs (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Th, Tl, U, V, Zn) and REEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu) were determined using inductively coupled plasma triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (ICP-QQQ-MS). The highest concentrations were recorded for Fe (0.14–156.9 mg/L), which was the dominant TE in all pit lakes except MA1, where Al was dominant. PCA indicated that TEs such as Al, Be, Co, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Rb, Sc, Th, and Zn were strongly associated with pit lakes affected by AMD. Two subgroups were identified: (1) Be, Co, Ni, and Zn, which correlated with Al and low pH, and (2) Fe, Mn, Li, Rb, and Th, which correlated with slightly higher pH and anoxic and more reducing conditions. The toxicity analysis of TEs revealed substantial variation among the pit lakes (from extreme to low toxicity) and indicated that the most important TEs contributing to water toxicity were Al, Mn, Zn, and Ba. Total REE concentrations ranged from 0.15 µg/L to 149.3 µg/L, with by far the highest values recorded in MA2, and their concentrations were strongly influenced by pH. The pit lakes generally exhibited LREE (including La to Eu) enrichment, as well as a weaker MREE (including Sm to Dy) enrichment. Positive Gd anomalies were identified at all sampling points. Additionally, positive Eu anomalies were observed in all pit lakes except MA2, which was the most strongly affected by AMD, and positive Tb anomalies were recorded primarily in samples influenced by AMD.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , A record of Eocene subaqueous large-scale mass movements in the external Tethys Ocean (Skyba Nappe, Outer Carpathians, Ukraine)(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2025) Waśkowska, Anna; Hnylko, Svitlana; Kowal-Kasprzyk, Justyna; Golonka, Jan; Słomka, Tadeusz; Hnylko, Oleh; Heneralova, Larysa; Pilarz, MonikaStudies were carried out on the Popeli Beds, which were mainly deposited by mass movements along the northern slope of the Tethys Ocean and form an olistostrome sequence occurring within Paleogene deposits. The analysis focuses on the deposits exposed in the northern limb of the Pobuk Syncline – the structural element of the Oriv Skyba – in the external zones of the Skyba (Skole) Nappe. Structural, lithological, sedimentological and paleontological studies allowed for the identification and characterisation of the olistostrome sequence and revealed its structure. Six individual olistostrome complexes were distinguished and described in detail. Five of these are gravelly mudstoneswith oversized clasts, overlain by medium-bedded mudstones and sandstones, the last one consists of deformed packages of thin bedded mudstones and sandstones. The olistostrome sequence is composed of a wide range of lithological and stratigraphic components, including Tithonian – Berriasian shallow- water limestones (so-called Štramberk-type limestones), Upper Cretaceous limestones, sandstones, and siliceous rocks, as well as Paleogene mudstones, sandstones, limestones, and marls. Biostratigraphic analysis of foraminifera indicates the Bartonian as the time of displacement. The olistostrome niche migrated downslope from a lower shelf-upper slope position characterized by marl sedimentation, to slope areas dominated by turbidite sedimentation.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Geothermal water and energy management in Polish district heating – directions for effective use in the Polish Lowlands(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2025) Pierzchała, Karol; Pająk, Leszek; Tomaszewska, Barbara; Tyszer, Magdalena; Kępińska, Beata; Kasztelewicz, Aleksandra; Stokłosa, Alicja Wiktoria; Pétursson, BaldurThe possibility of utilising the available potential of the main geothermal reservoirs in Poland, i.e., the Lower Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous, by using the existing infrastructure in the form of still-operating district heating networks is the subject of this work. The suggested solution, therefore, integrates the resource side with the infrastructure side. This approach should significantly accelerate the implementation of the proposed solutions, supporting the achievement of the ambitious objectives of Poland’s Energy Policy 2040. Geothermal resources in Poland are characterised by low enthalpy and low temperature. Their temperature is often too low for direct utilisation in systems relying solely on geothermal energy. Existing district heating networks require significantly higher heating medium temperatures during specific periods (when low ambient air temperature is observed). Using gas boilers as peak energy sources while employing geothermal energy as the base load for meeting annual heating demands appears to be an attractive and feasible technical option. Poland, alongside Denmark, Latvia, Finland, Estonia, and Lithuania, is among the countries with the highest density of district heating networks. These networks serve as invaluable infrastructure, reducing the costs associated with geothermal energy extraction. However, this infrastructure is under real threat from the trend towards decentralised energy systems. The liquidation of district heating networks would be irreversible, further exacerbated by the lack of access to clean and alternative energy carriers to replace fossil fuels. It has been demonstrated that in most analysed cases the combination of available geothermal resources and district heating infrastructure can successfully contribute to achieving the assumed goals of Poland's Energy Policy. In the best locations, the share of renewable energy exceeded 80%, with an average of around 50%. The total reduction of $CO_2$ emissions is estimated as 1.16 million tonnes yearly. The work draws attention to the slow but positive change in the electricity mix, in which the share of RES is growing. This trend is extremely beneficial for popularising heat pumps powered by electricity using geothermal resources as a low-temperature energy carrier.