Geology, Geophysics & Environment
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ISSN 2299-8004
e-ISSN: 2353-0790
Issue Date
2015
Volume
Vol. 41
Number
No. 1
Description
Journal Volume
Geology, Geophysics & Environment
Vol. 41 (2015)
Projects
Pages
Articles
Urban soil contamination with lead and cadmium in the playgrounds located near busy streets in Cracow (South Poland)
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2015) Aleksander-Kwaterczak, Urszula; Rajca, Aleksandra
The pollution of urban soil with heavy metals caused by traffic activity is increasingly becoming a great threat to human health and environmental quality. This paper presents results of research of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) distribution in land on playgrounds situated near busy streets in Cracow (Poland). Samples of sand and soil were collected from the most top layer (0–10 cm). Concentrations of examined metals are: Pb from 6.80 to 54.04 mg/kg and Cd from 1.60 to 2.61 mg/kg, respectively. The highest concentrations were found in sampling points near the busiest roads, and are particularly visible in the case of lead concentration in soil samples. For sand samples, metal concentrations are much lower. Although the results have not determined a high degree of soil’s contamination, they indicate the problem of the children’s exposure to toxic metals. Urban soil should be monitored particularly in such special places as playgrounds.
Studies on Gypsophila fastigiata parameters verifying its suitability to reclamation of post-flotation Zn-Pb wastes
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2015) Muszyńska, Ewa; Hanus-Fajerska, Ewa; Ciarkowska, Krystyna
An excessive amount of heavy metals negatively affects the environment, causing degradation of large areas throughout the world. Therefore, the effective and inexpensive techniques focused on either removal of those substances or their long-term stabilization in situ need to be improved. We currently propose to use a calamine ecotype of <i>Gypsophila fastigiata</i> (Caryophyllaceae) for biological reclamation of wastes accumulated after Zn-Pb ores enrichment. Plants were cultivated in (1) untreated waste material (control), (2) wastes enriched with mineral fertilizers, and (3) wastes enriched with sewage sludge. Photosynthetic pigments content and electrolyte leakage outside plasma membrane were tested periodically in representative samples. In untreated waste material growth gradually deteriorated during the season. The content of chlorophyll a in leaves taken from control plants decreased more than threefold from 0.51 mg/g f.m. at the beginning to 0.14 mg/g f.m. at the end of the growing season, whereas in treatment with sewage sludge the reduced seasonal variations in photosynthetic pigments content was ascertained (0.78 mg/g f.m. for chl <i>a</i> and 0.20 mg/g f.m. for chl <i>b</i>, both in the spring and autumn) what positively influenced the plant growth. The results indicate that tested <i>G</i>. fastigiata genotype might be used in an assisted revegetation project.
The effect of bottom sediments on the content of heavy metals in meadow soils
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2015) Kabzińska, Katarzyna; Szczesio, Małgorzata; Świętosławski, Jacek; Turek, Anna
The objects of the study were grasslands situated along the watercourse that collect matter directly from surface runoff from the surrounding fields and ditches. Therefore, the chemical composition of the bottom sediments can be varied. The aim of the study was to determine the content of anthropogenic fractions of selected heavy metals in meadow soils where the material from the watercourse maintenance was stored. Soil samples were collected along the banks of the Witonia »A« Channel (soil with sediment), and 30 meters from the watercourse (soil without sediment). The pH of soils without sediment was in the range 6.2–6.6, whereas the soil with sediment had a pH $\geq$ 7.0. The content of organic matter was 5.7–31.5%. The concentration of anthropogenic fractions of elements was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after extraction with a (1 + 4) HCl solution. The anthropogenic enrichment coefficients (AEC) calculated in relation to the geochemical background level, were within the range: 0.9–2.8 for Zn, 1.2–3.5 for Cu, 0.7–3.1 for Pb, 1.0–2.8 for Ni and 0.3–0.9 for Cd. The AEC values for lead, copper, cadmium and nickel were usually higher in samples without sediment. A significant correlation between the metal and organic content ($R^{2}$ = 0.7–0.9) was found. On two sites, the level of heavy metals under investigation shows a significant local influence from anthropogenic pressure.
Effect of soil management on its radioisotopic composition
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2015) Dołhańczuk-Śródka, Agnieszka; Ziembik, Zbigniew; Kusza, Grzegorz
Radioactive isotopes in the environment, both natural and artificial, can be good indicators in the analysis of a number of physical and chemical processes and the transport of pollutants in the ecosystem. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of soil use on the radioisotopic composition in its surface layers. The radioisotopic compositions of surface soil samples, collected in the area of a cement plant, abandoned for over 20 years, as well as in the area of the nearby allotments were examined and compared. Calculations were performed using methods designed to study compositional variables. The results confirmed a significant impact of the way soil is used on the radioisotopic composition of the surface soil layers. However, some characteristics of the composition were common to both locations. It was discovered, that a significant proportion of the lead isotope Pb-210 was derived from atmospheric deposition. Other radioisotopes remained relatively close to equilibrium in their decay chains.
Laboratory studies on benzene sorption processes in clay formations
(Wydawnictwa AGH, 2015) Wołowiec, Krzysztof; Malina, Grzegorz
The presented studies focused on benzene sorption mechanisms in the semi-permeable geological formations (aquitards). Clay formations were taken under consideration as not well investigated so far. Natural clay samples artificially contaminated with benzene were used in batch and column experiments to determine benzene partitioning and retardation in the studied clay material, and to reflect natural groundwater flow conditions. Column tests were carried out under controlled water flow conditions and using undisturbed clay samples. Benzene concentrations in tested samples (water and soil) were determined by gas chromatography (GC-FID). The linear sorption isotherm was used to fit the experimental data, as well as calculate the distribution coefficient ($K_{d}$ = 0,042) and the retardation factor ($R$ = 1.21) of benzene in the studied clay material. These parameters are important for mathematical modelling of the fate and transport of benzene through the semi-permeable formations (clays) to assess the associated risk and to prevent groundwater resources from contamination.