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The aim of this study, conducted in accordance with both European Union and national legislation, was to evaluate the physicochemical conditions of the Rega River in northern Poland, where efforts are underway to restore its watershed for migratory fish. From 2018 to 2022, water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, total suspended solids (TSS), conductivity, alkalinity, total hardness (TH), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (CODCr), nitrite nitrogen (NO2-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), and total phosphorus (TP) were measured at nine monitoring sites. The results showed that TSS and nitrite nitrogen (NO2-N) were the main factors threatening the suitability of the Rega River as a habitat for salmonid fishes. Additionally, maximum water temperatures occasionally exceeded the tolerance limits for these fishes. Seasonal variations in nitrogen and phosphorus forms, and the dependency of nitrogen forms on DO, indicated disruptions in natural biochemical processes due to surface runoff pollutants from the watershed. This includes fertilizer runoff from agricultural fields and municipal pollution from the towns through which the river flows. The findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring of Rega River waters to safeguard the habitat conditions required by environmentally sensitive fish species.

The seasonal availability of food for Antarctic zoobenthic consumers affects, among other factors, the levels of excreted metabolites that can serve as a source of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) for autotrophs. This study tested the effects of prolonged starvation on N and P excretion by Nacella concinna, Odontaster validus, and Sterechinus neumayeri, as well as changes in their body chemistry. In all animals starved for 65 days, a significant decrease in body protein content was observed (33% for S. neumayeri and approximately 23% for N. concinna and O. validus). Nitrogen excretion rates were higher than phosphorus, with mean values (in µmol N or P h−1 100 g−1) of 1.351 and 0.094 for N. concinna, 0.779 and 0.037 for O. validus, and 0.538 and 0.075 for S. neumayeri, respectively. Ammonium nitrogen accounted for 50% to 69% of total nitrogen, while total reactive phosphorus represented 35% to 42% of total phosphorus. The study confirmed the natural adaptation of zoobenthos to prolonged food scarcity and demonstrated that (i) protein was the primary energy source during starvation, (ii) excretion rates were negatively correlated with invertebrate body size and were higher for N than P, and (iii) the excreted N and P loads may serve as a source of nutrients for autotrophs and act as chemical signals in trophic chemoreception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to ensure the protection of lakes against eutrophication, an ongoing global problem, its causes should be determined on an individual basis. In this study, we investigated Lake Niesłysz in northwestern Poland in terms of (i) the impact of nitrogen and phosphorus on primary production, (ii) the Trophic State Index (TSI), and (iii) the hydromorphological characteristics and watershed features. We determined the thermal conditions, dissolved oxygen, organic matter, and selected forms of nitrogen and phosphorus. TSI was determined using Secchi depth (SD), chlorophyll a, total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN). Hypolimnetic anoxia was observed in summer. Surface concentrations of chlorophyll a and organic carbon, total inorganic nitrogen (TIN), and total reactive phosphorus (TRP) were 5 μg L−1, 11.7 mg C L−1, 0.049 mg N L−1, and 0.018 mg P L−1, respectively. The TN:TP ratio was >30, while TIN:TRP was <10. The TSIs for chlorophyll a, SD, and TP ranged from 42 to 59, and for TN it was >145. The total trophic state index (T-TSI) exceeded 72. In conclusion, Lake Niesłysz has an average resistance to degradation and the catchment has little influence on the release and transport of biogenic matter into the lake. The limiting nutrient for primary production was phosphorus, but the influence of nitrogen or covariates of nitrogen cannot be excluded. Based on the oxygen conditions in the hypolimnion, the lake should be classified as eutrophic. Most of the TSIs were in the mesotrophic range, while the TSIs for TN and T-TSI classified the lake as hypertonic. The results show that Lake Niesłysz is currently at a critical stage of progressive degradation, and it is advisable to develop and implement protective measures immediately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimizing human exposure to arsenic (As) and ensuring an adequate dietary intake of selenium (Se) are significant issues in research on food sources. This study measured the content of As and Se in the muscles, gills, liver, and gonads of the fish round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) to assess the benefits and risks associated with their consumption. This was achieved by using dietary reference intake (DRI), estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR). The elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentrations of As and Se (in μg kg−1 wet weight) were 25.1 and 161.4 in muscle, 58.8 and 367.4 in liver, 47.4 and 635.3 in gonads, and 16.4 and 228.5 in gills, respectively. Arsenic in the muscle portion of fish accounted for up to 0.5% of the DRI, while Se constituted approximately 30% of the DRI. The EDI values were below the reference oral dose (RfD). The THQ were much below the permissible levels (THQ < 1), and the CR were at least within the permissible limit (CR < 10−4). With regard to the As content, round goby muscles can be deemed safe for consumers. They may also be a valuable source of Se in the human diet. However, round goby consumption should be monitored for the proper and safe intake of these elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health benefits and detrimental effects of coffee consumption may be linked to chemical compounds contained in coffee beans. The aim of our study was to evaluate the concentration of sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in green and roasted samples of coffee beans purchased in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to determine the potential health implications at current consumption level.

The aim of this study was to compare the quality characteristics of the meat of two genotypes (Lohmann Brown and Lohmann White) of laying hens after the laying period. Studies were conducted on pectoral and leg muscles from 26 females, 13 of each genotype. Breast and leg muscles were evaluated in terms of their basic chemical composition, acidity (pH24), color attributes (L*, a*, b*), electrical conductivity (EC24) and macro- (K, P, Na, Mg, Ca) and microelements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr). Analysis of the texture of the pectoral muscle major and rheological properties (sum of viscosity modules and sum of elasticity modules) was also performed. Breast and leg meat were also subjected to sensory evaluation. The genotype of the birds significantly affected the percentage of intramuscular fat in the pectoral muscle and the percentage of protein, fat and water in the leg muscle. When analyzing pectoral and leg muscles for color attributes, we found no significant (p > 0.05) differences between genotypes. Differences were shown, however, between genotypes in EC24 and phosphorus content in leg muscle. Breast muscles differed significantly (p < 0.05) in iron and zinc content. Sensory analysis revealed significant differences between genotypes in leg muscle tenderness and juiciness, and breast muscle juiciness and aroma desirability. When analyzing the breast muscle in terms of texture, we did not observe any significant differences, nor did we find any differences in the assessment of rheological properties. Not depending on genotype, however, we noted significant differences between protein, fat, water and collagen content, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, chromium, acidity, color parameters (L*, a*, b*), EC24 and tastiness desirability between breast meat and leg meat. The results of this study showed that meat from old hens obtained after the laying period is a good material for further technological processing, due to its favorable basic chemical composition and high nutritional value expressed in the content of macro- and microelements, and is also characterized by relatively good sensory characteristics, which can be improved by marinating or adding enzymatic preparations during its processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River pollution resulting from unregulated and improper water sewage management is a global issue of concern. The discharge of inadequately treated sewage into rivers and the sudden release of excessive quantities during heavy rainfall can result in significant fish mortality. This phenomenon has been observed repeatedly in the case of the Sąpólna River, NW Poland. Consequently, a decision was made to monitor the water quality at two key locations: the drainage channel that feeds into the river and downstream of the channel. Seventeen water quality indicators were measured, including temperature, pH, conductivity, total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (CODCr), total organic carbon (TOC), alkalinity, total hardness, total reactive phosphorus (TRP), total phosphorus (TP), nitrite-nitrogen (NO2−-N), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3−-N), total ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N), total organic nitrogen (TON), and total nitrogen (TN). It was determined that, at the location farthest from the drainage channel, water quality still falls short of meeting the specified standards. The primary factors leading to the degradation of water quality at this point were TSS, TRP, NO2−-N, and TN. It was concluded that the primary localized source of water pollution in the studied section of the Sąpólna River is the discharge from sewage treatment plants in Nowogard. Consequently, actions should be taken to address sewage quality and reduce discharge quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to analyze and assess the possibility of using a two-stage filtration system with ceramic membranes: a 3-tube module with 1.0 kDa cut-off (1st stage) and a one-tube module with 0.45 kDa cut-off (2nd stage) for treating effluent water from a juvenile African catfish aquaculture. The study revealed that during the 1st filtration stage of the effluent water, the highest degrees of retention were obtained with respect to: suspended solids SS (rejection coefficient RI=100%), turbidity (RI=99.40%), total iron (RI=89.20%), BOD5 (RI=76.0%), nitrite nitrogen (RI=62.30%), and CODCr (RI=41.74%). The 2nd filtration stage resulted in a lower reduction degree of the tested indicators in comparison to the 1st filtration stage. At the 2nd stage, the highest values of the rejection coefficient were noted in for the total iron content (RIV=100%), CODCr (RIV=59.52%; RV=64.28%, RVI=63.49%) and turbidity (RIV and RV = 45.0%, RVI=50.0%). The obtained results indicate that ceramic membranes (with 1.0 and 0.45 kDa cut-offs) may be used in recirculation aquaculture systems as one of the stages of effluent water treatment.

The objective of the study was to trace the variability of the hydrochemical conditions in three lakes of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship (Poland) - Starzyca, Maszewskie and Nowogardzkie in the annual cycle. The research was done in 2018-2019, and samples for analysis were collected 4 times a year. All analyses were performed applying standard methods. Such hydrochemical indices were determined as dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, content of orthophosphates, total phosphorus, nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, chlorophyll a and iron. The study showed that all lakes in the research cycle were characterised by a polymictic type of water mixing, and the trophic level, based on the adopted criteria, indicated advanced eutrophy, which may also be caused by anthropogenic pressure. Oxygen conditions characterised by deoxidation of the waters in the bottom layer in the spring and summer seasons, and clear oxygenation in the surface water layer (in Lake Maszewskie reaching even 188.5% in the spring) confirm the significant advancement of the eutrophication process. The supply of phosphorus and nitrogen in spring from pelagic waters in the waters of the examined lakes influences concentrations of chlorophyll a in the summer. The influence of "internal supply" (bottom waters and bottom sediments) on the amount of nutrients available for autotrophs is clearly visible in the analysed lakes - an increase in nitrogen and mineral phosphorus concentrations in relation to surface waters was observed in the bottom layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: What are the main findings? The high specific surface area of the biofilter media has a positive effect on nitrification. The smooth surface of the biofilter medium reduces the efficiency of nitrification. What is the implication of the main finding? Passive biofilter activation can be used in salmonid RAS. P and C concentrations do not limit nitrogen transformation processes. High-performance biofilters for water purification in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) ensure the safety of cultures of highly nutritious fish. As the most critical step in the functioning of biofilters is their activation, the objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of commercial artificial media, namely RK Plast (BR-1), Mutag-BioChip30 (BR-2), and LevaPor (BR-3), for the passive activation of biofilters used in rainbow trout farming. Changes in NH4+-N, NO2−-N, NO3− -N, phosphorus, and carbon concentrations were analyzed. In the first period, an increase in NH4+-N concentration was recorded, before an increase in NO2−-N concentration (maximum concentrations ranged 0.728–1.290 and 0.982–5.198 mg N dm−3, respectively), followed by a reduction and stabilization to a level safe for the fish (both below 0.100 mg N dm−3). Concurrently, a steady increase in NO3−-N concentration was noted, with a maximum concentration between 6.521 and 7.326 mg N dm−3. Total phosphorus and total carbon ranged from 0.423 to 0.548 mg P dm−3, and from 43.8 to 45.2 mg C dm−3. The study confirmed the feasibility of using the tested artificial biofilter media for rainbow trout farming in RAS with passive biofilter activation. Biofilter activation efficiency was highest for the media with the highest specific surface area (BR-2 and BR-3). The removal of ammonium nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen was above 90%. Nitrogen biotransformation was not limited by phosphorus or carbon concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although interest in the use of membranes for the concentration of microalgal biomass has steadily been growing, little is known regarding the phenomena of membrane fouling. In addition, more attention has been given to polymeric membranes compared to ceramic membranes, which have a longer life that is associated with a higher resistance to aggressive chemical cleaning. In this study, microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) of two microalgae species, Chlorella vulgaris and Monoraphidium contortum, were carried out using tubular crossflow ceramic membranes. Permeate flux was measured, resistance was calculated, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was determined. The flux reduction during the first 10 min of filtration was higher for MF than UF (>70% and <50%), and steady-state permeate fluxes were <5% (for MF) and <25% (for UF) of initial (in m3 m−2 s−1) 6.2 × 10−4 (for MF) and 1.7 × 10−4 (for UF). Total resistances (in m−1) were in the ranges of 4.2–5.4 × 1012 (UF) and 2.6–3.1 × 1012 (MF) for M. contortum and C. vulgaris, respectively. DOC reduction was higher for UF membrane (>80%) than for MF (<66%) and DOC concentrations (mg C L−1) in permeates following MF and UF were about five and two, respectively. In conclusion, we demonstrated: (i) higher irreversible resistance for UF and reversible resistance for MF; (ii) permeate flux higher for UF and for M. contortum; (iii) the significant role of dissolved organic compounds in the formation of reversible resistance for MF and irreversible resistance for UF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of the physicochemical properties of fresh eggs (raw material for caviar production) of the Salmonidae [sea trout (Salmo trutta L. 1758) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792)] and the acipenseridae [siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri Brandt, 1869)], as well as sturgeon hybrids (Acipenser baeri Brandt, 1869 × Acipenser gueldenstaedti Brandt & Ratzeburg, 1833), included determination of basic physicochemical parameters (pH, dry weight, content of protein, fat, fiber and ash), amino acid composition and fatty acid profile. Compared to the Acipenseridae, Salmonidae eggs yielded a 22.5% higher total protein content, a 40.0% higher level of essential amino acids (EAA) and a 57.5% lower crude fat content. The sea trout eggs showed also a completely different fatty acids profile and hence values of lipid indices (lowest PUFA value – 11.72%, highest SFA value – 39.86%). The rainbow trout and sturgeon eggs had a similar fatty acid profile, and were characterized by a high nutritional and dietary value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the culturing of post‐juvenile African catfish, wastewaters were purified using single and integrated processes. Iron coagulant (IC), aluminium coagulant (AC), lanthanum modified bentonite (LMB) and ceramic membranes (NF – nanofiltration) were each tested in single processes, while the combination of IC + NF and AC + NF were used in the integrated process tests. Among the single processes, membrane filtration was the most effective in purifying the aquaculture effluent. The total suspended solids (TSS) were removed entirely and there was a near‐complete removal of turbidity (99.2%), as well as effective removal of Al and Fe (80.8% and 67.4% respectively). Precipitating agents overall removed TSS most faithfully, from 37.5% removal with AC, through 50.2% with IC, to 62.3% with LMB. Using integrated processes, the highest removal efficacy was recorded for TSS (100%) and turbidity (99.7% – IC + NF; 99.9% – AC + NF). Additionally, integrated processes attained a 96.8%–98.4% removal of NO2‐‐N. This study confirms the possibility of using IC, AC and LMB in chemical purification of effluents from recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). However, due to their low removal efficacy for nitrogen and phosphorus, it is preferable to use NF or integrated processes – membrane filtration combined with chemical precipitation, methods which proved to be most effective for water purification in RAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The qualitative and quantitative composition of major ions and nutrient compounds in surface waters and soils of the west coast of Admiralty Bay (King George Island, West Antarctica) was investigated together with the effect of soil-forming processes and atmospheric precipitation on the ionic composition of surface waters. In the water bodies studied, Cl- and Na+ were dominant major ions (average concentrations: 1102.2 and 930.9 μM, respectively). Average concentrations of the other major anions ranged from 2.80 μM (F-) to 81.64 μM (SO42-) and major cations ranged from 12.46 μM (K+) to 130.76 μM (Mg2+). Average concentrations of total reactive phosphorus, N-NO2-, N-NO3- and N-NH4+ amounted to 1.374, 0.410, 6.299 and 1.490 μM, respectively. Average concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, K, N and P in the surface layer of the soil equalled 16.8, 15.9, 6.4, 3.6, 0.646 and 0.744 g kg-1, respectively. The calculated Na+/Cl-, Ca2+/Mg2+, Ca2+/Na+ and HCO3-/Cl- ratios revealed that atmospheric precipitation was the main source of major ions. We conclude that the ionic composition of the waters of the western coast of Admiralty Bay differ from surface waters of Continental Antarctica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present paper was to analyze the process of ultrafiltration of model protein solutions of bovine serum albumin ( BSA) used for ultrafiltration of a ceramic membrane with the cut-off of 150 k Da. Working solutions were water solutions with 1 g/dm3 BSA concentration, 1% CH3COOH content and characterized by 4, 8 and 12% Na Cl concentrations, respectively. The solutions were subjected to the process of ultrafiltration at various pH levels, i.e., 2, 4 and 6. The ultrafiltration tests were conducted at the pressure of 100 k Pa and fixed temperature of 293 K. The highest values of permeate flux were observed at pH 6 for all ionic strength variants. The lower the pH value, the lower the permeate flux. Concentrations of Na+ and Cl− ions did not have a significant influence on the volume of the permeate flow. At the same time, it was observed that at each pH variant the permeate flux was the lowest at the 4% concentration and was growing at the 8% concentration. The highest degree of protein retention in the membrane was observed when the value of pH equaled 2 (98.5-99.5%) and even though the degree of BSA retention was decreasing as the pH was growing, retention values remained at a high level (on average: 95.5% at pH 6). Obtained research results showed that optimal conditions for conducting the ultrafiltration process of water solutions of BSA characterized by various ionic strengths and with an addition of the acetic acid existed between the protein isoelectric point and the point of zero charge of the ultrafiltration membrane. Practical Applications Processes of membrane filtration are widely used in the food industry. Process streams of the industry are characterized by a broad pH range and the content of mineral salts or acids. This work may be helpful in the design of industrial filtration systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our paper presents a study on the middle reaches of the Ina River. Select physical and chemical indicators were analyzed in order to evaluate water quality. It was determined that the studied river was subjected to strong anthropopressure, and factors declassifying river water included CODCr, TP, general hardness, and alcalinity. A high level of biogenic elements was additionally increased by pollution discharged to the river in the proximity of a factory specializing in agricultural production and processing food and agricultural produce near the town of Stargard Szczecinski. The process of self-purification was noted, which can be considered as a factor modifying changes and dynamics of nitrogen and phosphorus in the studied river, leading to an internal enrichment with biogenic elements. Those processes were multi-directional as confirmed by PCA analysis, where component 1 accounted for just 36.7% of the total variance, and the total variance exceeding 90.0% was only noted for 7 components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater generated as a result of the fish brining process has a very high contamination load. Application of appropriate technologies of wastewater treatment in order to reuse it in the production process once the NaCl content has been supplemented can provide an alternative to its costly recycling. The experiment included ultrafiltration tests conducted on waste brine originating from food processing industry. The results of physicochemical tests indicated very high reductions of fat content (100%) and turbidity (99.8%). Reductions were also revealed in the case of other indicators, i.e., chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, protein and histamine content: by 24.4, 35.2, 27.6 and 22.7%, respectively. Furthermore, it was reported that the obtained permeate retained its quality and microbiological stability. The studied ultrafiltration (UF) process can be successfully used for recirculation of brine in salted fish processing, and at the same time constitute an easily monitored critical control point in the hazard analysis and critical control point ( HACCP) system. Practical Applications Fish processing industry is characterized by very high water consumption for technological purposes and generates a considerable amount of wastewater burdened with organic matter and mineral compounds (mainly sodium chloride). Such wastewater is usually released to the common sewage system. An alternative solution would be to release it into a recirculation system. This solution can be made possible by membrane separation technologies. The application of the UF using ceramic membranes allows to obtain high-quality brine which can be successfully reused in the production process after the NaCl content has been replenished. Moreover, introduction of the UF technology meets the requirements of the HACCP system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Oder River creates one of the largest estuaries in Poland. The estuary can be divided into three zones, each with a different hydrochemical regime: the Pomeranian Bay (salt water habitat), the Szczecin Lagoon (brackish water habitat), the Oder River up to the Widuchowa section (transitional environment - brackish and typical freshwater). The Pomeranian Bay was characterized by the lowest concentration of nutrients throughout the research series in comparison to the other regions. It had a low nitrogen to phosphorus proportion and the highest stability of variability in total nitrogen concentration. The Szczecin Lagoon was characterized by a higher concentration of nutrient loads in comparison to the Pomeranian Bay, by a lower nitrogen and phosphorus proportion than the Oder waters, and by the high stability of variability of concentrations of mineral nitrogen and total nitrogen. As the "nutrient trap" for the Oder estuarine system, the Oder River, with its highest nutrient concentration, is characterized by the highest stability of variability of total nitrogen concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present paper is to present the results of a study on the impact intensive carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), feeding with extruded commercial feed has on the quality of cooling waters. The feed studied had varied fat and carbohydrate contents. The study also revealed the optimal hydrochemical conditions of cooling waters for carp fanning. Cage farming caused growing loads of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the water. Experimental extraction of feed from the water revealed that high fat fish feed was more stable in comparison to high carbohydrate fish feed. Intensive carp fanning with these two feeds led to considerable fish weight gain in both feed groups, but the weight gain for the carp fed with high fat feed, in comparison with that of carp fed with high carbohydrate fish feed, was significantly greater (p<0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ichthyological biodiversity of Polish lakes is poorly understood, even in lakes not used for fishing and those under strict protection. With this in mind, the aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive ichthyological survey of several lakes in the Wolin National Park (Poland). The study was conducted in Domysławskie and Gardno lakes and the anthropogenic Stara Kredownia reservoir. Each fishing exercise was conducted using benthic nets over a 12 h period. The fish caught were measured and weighed, and the species identified. Shannon-Wiener (H) and Simpson biodiversity indices were determined. The catch comprised a total of 4580 fish (of which 4391 were caught in Domysławskie Lake) belonging to 15 species, with a combined weight of 98,165 g. In general, the most prevalent species were non-predatory fish: roach (Rutilus rutilus), freshwater bream (Abramis brama), white bream (Blicca bioerkna), bleak (Alburnus alburnus), and rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus). Individually, perch (Perca fluviatilis) and roach (Rutilus rutilus) were the most abundant species. Ichthyofauna diversity varied greatly between the studied water bodies, with 15 species found in Domysławskie Lake and only 6 species in Gardno Lake. In Stara Kredownia Reservoir, no fish were caught, but amphibians were observed, such as great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) and common newts (Lissotriton vulgaris). Based on the results obtained, Lake Domysławskie had a higher species ichthyofauna diversity than the other 'tench and pike' lakes. Gardno Lake had a much lower biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Freshwater crayfish species are critical for both local communities and the modern food industry. The study characterised the meat of invasive spiny-cheek crayfish, analysing the yield, basic chemical composition, nutritional value, as well as culinary value. Crayfish meat has high nutritional parameters due to favourable fatty acid and amino acid profiles, as well as balanced mineral content. Crayfish meat is an alternative to livestock meat in the human diet and draws attention of the food industry to the processing of underutilised resources of high-quality aquatic species. The aim of the study was to present a comprehensive characterisation of crayfish meat, which is crucial to assess its potential usefulness in the food industry. To this end, we assessed the yield, basic chemical composition (protein, fat, minerals), nutritional value (amino acid and fatty acid profiles, essential amino acid index (EAAI), chemical score of essential amino acids (CS), hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio (h/H), atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity (TI) indices), as well as culinary value (lab colour, texture, sensory characteristics, structure) of the meat of spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus) (n = 226) from Lake Sominko (Poland) harvested in May–September 2017. Crayfish meat, especially that from the abdomen, was shown to have high nutritional parameters. It is lean (0.26% of fat), with a favourable fatty acid profile and a very high quality of fat (PUFA (sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids):SFA (sum of saturated fatty acids), n-6/n-3, h/H, AI, TI) and protein (high CS and EAAI). It is also a better source of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and Cu than meat from slaughter animals. Hence, crayfish meat can be an alternative to livestock meat in the human diet. Owing to its culinary value (delicateness, weak game flavour, and odour), it meets the requirements of the most demanding consumers, i.e., children and older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The separation efficiencies of aqueous solutions containing nitric salts of Zn, Cu, Fe or Pb at various pH in process of nanofiltration have been investigated experimentally. These results were used to obtain the total volume membrane charge densities, through mathematical modelling based on the Donnan–Steric partitioning Model. The experimentally obtained retention values of individual heavy metal ions varied between 36% (Zn2+ at pH = 2), 57% (Pb2+ at pH = 2), 80% (Fe3+ at pH = 9), and up to 97% (Cu2+ at pH = 9). The mathematical modelling allowed for fitting the total volume membrane charge density (Xd), which yielded values ranging from −451.90 to +900.16 mol/m3 for different non-symmetric ions. This study presents the application of nanofiltration (NF) modelling, including a consideration of each ion present in the NF system—even those originating from solutions used to adjust the pH values of the feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective protection of lakes against degradation requires a detailed recognition of the factors leading to their eutrophication. This also pertains to small lakes, which constitute an important element of various ecosystems and are crucial for maintaining biodiversity. Therefore, the aim of the study is to determine the trophic state as well as the susceptibility to degradation of three small lakes in north-western Poland: Maszewo, Starzyca, and Nowogardzkie. This study analyzes the morphometric characteristics of the lakes, the impact of the catchment, their actual trophic state, and phosphorus levels. The analysis showed varying regeneration potentials of the lakes. Maszewo Lake is eutrophic-hypertrophic, nonresilient, strongly exposed to influence from the catchment, with phosphorus levels within the norm. Starzyca Lake is a eutrophic lake, not very resilient to the influence of the catchment, with excessive phosphorus levels. Nowogardzkie Lake is a eutrophic lake with moderate resilience to degradation, but with excessive phosphorus levels, which endangers the functioning of this aquatic ecosystem. In all the lakes, phosphorus supply was predominantly internal. Restoration of these lakes could be performed by completely cutting off the inflow of nutrients, as well as reclamation involving the deactivation of phosphorus (e.g., by precipitation) as well as the removal of the bottom sediments responsible for the internal supply of phosphorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Technologies involved in roasting coffee beans, as well as the methods used to prepare infusions, vary according to culture, and contribute to differences in the concentration of elements in the drink., Materials and Methods: Concentrations of six elements: manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), chrome (Cr), silver (Ag) and lead (Pb) were investigated in coffee infusions from eleven samples of coffee, roasted and purchased in four countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Lebanon and Poland. Metal concentrations were determined using an induction coupled plasma technique in combination with mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, Perkin Elmer) which measures total metal (ionic and non-ionic) content., Results: Metal intake estimated for individual countries (in the respective order; mean consumption per person per year) was as follows: Mn: 26.8-33.1, 28.3-29.5, 29.7, 12.6-18.9 mg; Co: 0.33-0.48, 0.42-0.35, 0.32, 0.12-0.17 mg; Ni: 3.83-5.68, 4.85-5.51, 4.04, 2.06-2.24 mg; Cr: 0.17-0.41, 0.21-0.47, 0.17, 0.09-0.28 mg; Ag: 0.16-1.13, 0.26-0.70, 0.61, 0.33-1.54 mg, Pb: 4.76-7.56, 3.59-5.13, 3.33, 1.48-2.43 mg., Conclusions: This finding gives new data for Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, and Ag intake from coffee , and suggests that the amounts are negligible. However, the data for Pb consumption in heavy drinkers, for example in Bosnia and Herzegovina, indicate that Pb intake from coffee may contribute to the disease burden. The high lead level in some coffees suggests the need for a more precise control of coffee contamination.