Geology, Geophysics & Environment
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ISSN 2299-8004
e-ISSN: 2353-0790
Issue Date
2020
Volume
Vol. 46
Number
No 1
Description
Journal Volume
Geology, Geophysics & Environment
Vol. 46 (2020)
Projects
Pages
Articles
BPA - an endocrine disrupting compound in water used for drinking purposes, a snapshot from South Poland
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2020) Kmiecik, Ewa; Styszko, Katarzyna; Wątor, Katarzyna; Dwornik, Małgorzata; Tomaszewska, Barbara
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical produced in large quantities for use primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. As an endocrine disrupting compound, it has been included in the list of substances requiring special supervision as a very high-risk substance due to its toxic influence on reproduction. BPA with a reference value of 0.01 μg/L was included in the Drinking Water Directive revision (DWD 2018). This paper presents the results of preliminary studies aimed at identifying the occurrence of BPA in different types of water, i.a. groundwater captured with house wells or flowing wells in a selected location in southern Poland. These waters are commonly used as a source of water intended for human consumption and their quality is not regularly controlled. Additional tests were carried out for surface water, as well as water from springs used for drinking purposes. The authors also analysed tap water from various sources, i.e. surface and groundwater, as the final product of the drinking water production cycle. The results indicate the presence of BPA in water and the necessity of a detailed study on the risk of the BPA occurring in groundwater, especially in domestic wells.
Variation of lignite ash in vertical and horizontal sections of mining walls in the Konin Lignite Mine, central Poland
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2020) Chomiak, Lilianna
This paper focuses on the variations of lignite ash along selected sections and mining walls from three lignite opencast mines in central Poland. They are owned by the Konin Lignite Mine, where the first Mid-Polish lignite seam is being mined to produce electricity. Ash content in lignite is important because ash lowers the calorific value of the lignite. The results obtained are based on 266 samples of lignite collected from the Drzewce, Tomisławice, and Jóźwin IIB opencasts. All samples were tested according to ISO 1171 standard procedures, that is, they were first burned at a temperature of 850°C, then the ash content was determined on a dry basis (A$^{d}$), before the basic statistical parameters were calculated. The studied lignite seam is characterised by a variable distribution pattern of ash both along selected vertical sections and lignite walls, as well as between the three opencasts. The ash content of individual samples ranged from 6.5 to 69.8 wt%, while the average content in opencast mines varied from 9.7 to 17.6 wt%. The coefficient of variation is large (80.23–96.33%) in the case of the Drzewce and Tomisławice, and low to average (14.53–37.75%) in the case of Jóźwin IIB. Significant ash enrichment of some beds is interpreted in this article as a consequence of floods occurring in a Mid-Miocene mire (backswamp), but also of chemical precipitation. When lignite is burned to generate electricity, a relatively large amount of ash is produced. Therefore, recognition of ash content in lignite, in addition to the chemical composition and phase of ash, is recommended to better protect the environment. At the first stage of protection, it can be best achieved by analysing field samples for ash content.
Fractured clasts in the Mt Currie Conglomerate at Kata Tjuta (Central Australia): evidence of Early Cambrian earthquakes?
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2020) Tokarski, Antek K.; Strzelecki, Piotr Jan
Lower Cambrian Mt Currie conglomerate at Kata Tjuta bornhardts (Central Australia) bears numerous fractured clasts. Clast-cutting fractures are restricted to particular clasts, the matrix of the conglomerate is not fractured. The fractures are tectonic joints of two sets. The joints were formed due to either seismic or aseismic deformation. In the former case, the fractures may result from Early Paleozoic earthquakes.
The measurement and interpretation methodology of resistivity logs affected by the Groningen effect - a Polish case study
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2020) Baudzis, Stanisław; Jarzyna, Jadwiga A.; Puskarczyk, Edyta
True formation resistivity Rt measurement is one of the fundamental logs in the calculation of hydrocarbon resources. That is why it is very important to have the most reliable resistivity data possible. In this paper, the various outcomes obtained by Polish well log analysts and engineers for the proper determination of hydrocarbon saturation in the Main Dolomite deposits in the Polish Lowland are presented. The long history of efforts directed to make proper exploitation decisions in wells where the Groningen effect has been observed is illustrated, starting with the standard measurement and interpretational approach, through the modified construction of a reference electrode in a Laterolog device and ending with an examination of HRLA (High Resolution Laterolog Array) or Array Compensated Resistivity Tool) ACRt results. The processing of resistivity logs with the special Poprawki software is included.
The estimation of an anthropogenic depth boundary using the magnetic susceptibility method in Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2020) Jatto, Salomon Sunday; Musa, Kizito O.; Mojisola, Usikalu R.
Magnetic susceptibility measurements remain one of the most reliable methods used to investigate the pollution of both surface and subsurface soil from metallic anthropogenic sources. Most of the geological rocks within the study area increase the susceptibility of the soil, however, knowing the natural background susceptibility of the parent rocks will give an idea of the anthropogenic influence on the susceptibility of the soil. This study was carried out in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria, with the aim of determining the depth of the boundary between the anthropogenic influences on soil magnetic susceptibility from those of a lithogenic origin. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were carried out on 1,760 soil samples, collected from 220 soil profiles at a depth of 80.0 cm and at intervals of 10.0 cm. From the spatial distribution of magnetic susceptibility maps at different depths, the boundary between the basement complex and the sedimentary basin was clearly demarcated. The result further shows the highest magnetic susceptibility values of 350–650 × 10$^{-5}$ SI, which dominates the surface soil to a depth of 40.0 cm. At the depth of 40–50 cm, the result indicates the combination of a natural anthropogenic influence on soil magnetic susceptibility with an average of 250 × 10$^{-5}$ SI. Furthermore, no evidence of layering along the depth sections was observed, suggesting that the soil profiles indicate areas mainly covered by anthropogenically influenced susceptibility, which were localized and restricted to commercial places within the state. This study reveals that the average depth of soil affected by anthropogenic pollutants is between 40–50 cm in commercial places and 20–30 cm in other places with less commercial activities.