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GEOLOGY, GEOPHYSICS & ENVIRONMENT

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Fields of science: environmental engineering, mining and energy (Engineering and Technology), biotechnology (Natural sciences), chemical sciences (Natural sciences), Earth and related environmental sciences (Natural sciences)

New!   Aktualny numer: 2026 - Vol. 52 - No. 1

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 639
  • thumbnail.journal.alt
    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, Aleksandra 
    The 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.
  • thumbnail.journal.alt
    Item type:Journal Volume,
    Geology, Geophysics & Environment
    Vol. 52 (2026)
  • thumbnail.journal.alt
    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, Krzysztof
    Accurate 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.
  • thumbnail.journal.alt
    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 Laurent
    A 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.
  • thumbnail.journal.alt
    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, Michał
    There 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.
  • thumbnail.journal.alt
    Item type:Journal Issue,
    Geology, Geophysics & Environment
    2026 - Vol. 52 - No. 1
  • thumbnail.journal.alt
    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, Aleksandra
    Municipal 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.
  • thumbnail.journal.alt
    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, Kemal
    In 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.
  • thumbnail.journal.alt
    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, Anna
    Profiling 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.
  • thumbnail.journal.alt
    Item type:Journal Issue,
    Geology, Geophysics & Environment
    2025 - Vol. 51 - No. 4