Search

Rapid industrial development is connected with technical improvement and modern solutions which diminish its adverse environmental impact globally. Although this progress is significant and does not degrade the environment the historical contaminants are still present which can significantly affect human health. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on the areas where industrial activities lasted a long time. Among industries, the chemical sector can have a severe environmental impact, including process production and waste. Hence, this study aimed to assess Złotniki Chemical Works S.A. impact on the environment and residents' health risks as this plant was present in this area for years. Findings show significant environmental impact and possible health risks to inhabitants due to high metal concentrations in the studied soil samples. High concentrations of lead, zinc, and copper were recorded. Despite advanced technologies, continuous industrial activity monitoring is crucial for local community safety and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterocyclic compounds could remain in the environment as hazardous and resistant pollutants. The aim of this study was to determine the physiological features of Methylobacterium sp. GPE1 strain being able to degrade heterocyclic compounds. Ten various substrates (sugars, alcohols and acids) were used in this assay, for metabolic purposes and eight ones were used as a sole source of carbon and energy. The comparison of the results with data taken from the literature indicated that GPE 1 could be a new species of Methylobacterium sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological impact of dams on benthic macroinvertebrates found in three small montane rivers in south-western Poland was assessed. The macroinvertebrates lived in upstream and downstream zones as well as in the river free of any anthropogenic impact. We sampled 14 543 macroinvertebrate individuals in order to show how they respond to an impounding reservoir. We employed biotic indices (BMWP-PL, ASPT) to prove their usefulness as the indicators of anthropogenic perturbation. The diversity of macroinvertebrate species above dams and in the "natural" river was significantly higher than below dams. The chironomids and dipterans dominated downstream. However, the density of Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera and Crustacea was significantly reduced downstream. The analysis of Simpson's diversity index also proved the above results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environment Protection Engineering is the property of Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Wroclawskiej and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Environment Protection Engineering is the property of Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Wroclawskiej and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Environment Protection Engineering is the property of Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Wroclawskiej and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)