Geology, Geophysics & Environment
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ISSN 2299-8004
e-ISSN: 2353-0790
Issue Date
2015
Volume
Vol. 41
Number
No. 2
Description
Journal Volume
Geology, Geophysics & Environment
Vol. 41 (2015)
Projects
Pages
Articles
The influence of pore media distribution on the elastic parameters of rocks in Miocene sediments (Carpathian Foredeep, Poland, B deposit)
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2015) Bała, Maria
This paper presents the results of modelling compressional and shear wave velocities and elastic moduli, as well as Poisson’s coefficient changes in sandstone-shale rocks, based on the distribution of media reservoir (water, gas) in the pore space. Modelling was performed using the Estymacja-TP computer program and theoretical Kuster–Toksöz and Biot–Gassmann relationships. Phase distribution of saturating pores (ellipsoidal shapes) in several ways was assumed. Calculations were made of elastic parameters in the deposits of the autochthonous Miocene Sarmatian in the borehole B-4. Using a method similar to the so-called »fluid substitution« velocity of compressional and shear waves, elastic moduli, Poisson’s ratio and bulk density, under various conditions of water and gas saturation, were calculated. The assumed change in water saturation ranged from S$_{w}$ = 0% to 100%.
Mercury contamination of bottom sediments in water reservoirs of southern Poland
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2015) Koniarz, Tomasz; Tarnawski, Marek; Baran, Agnieszka; Florencka, Natalia
The aim of this study was to assess the mercury concentration in bottom sediments, collected from eight reservoirs located in south-eastern Poland. A DMA-80 Mercury Analyser was used for the analysis of the concentration of mercury in bottom sediments. Concentration of mercury in sediments was between 0.01–0.18 mg $\cdot$ kg$^{-1}$. The research results show that 13 samples are above the Polish Hg background level. Only 9 samples are below the background level. Generally, the sediments belonged to class I and II (unpolluted and moderately polluted sediments). The concentration of mercury in bottom sediments follows the order: Rybnik (highest) > Bagna Rzeszowskie > Rzeszów > Ożanna > Brzóza Stadnicka > Brzóza Królewska > Głuchów > Narożniki (lowest). The low mercury content in sediments is related to absent or limited anthropogenic sources of this metal. Elevated concentrations of Hg in bottom sediments of the reservoirs in Rybnik and Bagna Rzeszowskie are related to their proximity to large agglomerations and industrial plants. Organic matter was likely to be the most important factors controlling the concentration and distribution of mercury in the studied sediments.
Anthropogenic sediments from facultative lagoons of the Konstancin-Jeziorna sewage treatment facility and their usability for soil recultivation
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2015) Kostrz-Sikora, Paulina; Bojakowska, Izabela; Wołkowicz, Stanisław; Dobek, Przemysław; Lech, Dariusz; Narkiewicz, Wanda
The sewage treatment facility of a paper mill at Konstancin-Jeziorna was opened to process industrial and domestic wastewater. After closure of that mill, the sewage treatment facility had to be rebuilt and modernized. Therefore, it was necessary to analyse the chemical and phase composition of the sediments from facultative lagoons used for biological treatment of wastewater. Eight samples of sediments were taken to identify a general phase composition by X-ray diffraction and ten to determine concentrations of selected main and trace elements with the use of ICP-AES and AMA methods.The analyses showed that the sediments consisted of over 90% of mineral fraction, mainly kaolinite, calcite, and quartz and also neomorphic smithsonite. They contained low quantities of Hg, Cd, Co and Mo, and elevated concentrations of Zn, Ba, Mn and Sr. Comparisons of the obtained mean values with admissible concentrations of metals, as defined by Regulation of the Minister of Environment of 9 September 2002, showed that the mean concentrations of As, Sn, Co, Mo and Ni (and also of Hg and Cr in the southern lagoon) met quality standards for soils in areas under protection (group A). Mean concentrations of Pb (both lagoons), Ba, Cu, Cd (northern lagoon) as well as Cr and Hg (southern lagoon) in sediments are higher. However, they still meet standards for areas usable for agricultural and other purposes (group B). The highest concentrations were recorded for Zn, Cd, Cu and Ba in samples from the southern lagoon. These continued to be lower than all the limits acceptable for industrial areas.
Assessment of the current possibility of agricultural use of soils in agricultural areas adjacent to the Copper Smelter »Głogów«
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2015) Rosada, Janusz; Przewocka, Marta
The studies were conducted in the years 2012–2014 on agricultural areas affected by the gas and dust emissions of the Copper Smelter »Głogów«. The content of five trace elements – copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadium (Cd), arsenic (As) – was determined in soil samples collected on the borders of the protection zone of the smelter by means of the AAS method. Additionally, the collected samples were used to determine the pH of the analysed soil. The studies showed that the contents of the analysed trace elements in the soil depended on the location of the soil in relation to the sources of the emission of the pollution and were the result of a strong concentration of these elements in a period of intensified emission from the plant. The element which caused the greatest soil pollution was copper. A strong variation in pH values was observed in the analysed soils (ranging from acid to alkaline reactions). The pH of most of the soils was $\geq$ 5.6. The conducted studies formed the basis for determining the initial isoline of the areas which exceeded the legal standards for soil quality in the discussed area. These studies are an integral complement to existing work on the evaluation of the local variability of soil pollution with heavy metals and arsenic in an area affected by smelter emissions.
The impact of the combustion waste landfill of the Skawina Power Plant on selected elements of the agricultural production area
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2015) Szwalec, Artur; Mundała, Paweł; Kędzior, Renata; Telk, Marek; Lasota, Agnieszka
Field observations and interviews with residents of Kopanka, Ochodza and Borek Szlachecki villages indicate that the agricultural production area located near the combustion waste landfill is negatively affected. Two distinct phenomena are observed: increased dust concentration in the air and excessive soil moisture or even flooding. The aim of the study was to assess whether and to what degree the landfill affects the content of the trace elements Cd(II), Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cu in the soil and plants of the adjoining agricultural production areas. The content of Cd(II), Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cu in the soil of the studied area was within the acceptable norms specified in the regulation of the Ministry of the Environment (Dz. U. 2002 nr 165, poz. 1359). In the herbaceous vegetation growing at sampling points W150, E150, E100 and N100, the acceptable level of Cd(II) specified in the regulation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development exceeded the norms (Dz. U. 2012 poz. 203). In turn, all the plant samples Pb(II) showed acceptable levels. The content of Zn(II) and Cu in the plant material meets the criteria for fodder proposed by IUNG (Kabata-Pendias et al. 1993). The high phytoaccumulation indices for Cd(II) and Zn(II) in the plant material may be due to dust fall containing metals. However, without precise quantitative and qualitative measurements of dust fall, it is difficult to ascertain to what extent this is caused by migration from the landfill and to what extent it is a result of deposits of pollutants from other sources.