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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]

The ambient concentrations and elemental composition of particles with aerodynamic diameters between 30 and 108 nm (quasi-ultrafine particles, q-UFP) were studied. The data came from 6 sites in Katowice and Zabrze, big cities in Upper Silesia, where particulate matter was sampled at urban background site and crossroads in Katowice and Zabrze, at highway in Katowice, and at urban road in Zabrze. The ambient concentrations of q-UFP and of 24 q-UFP-bound elements at these six sampling sites have been discussed in the paper. The q-UFP mass concentrations in Upper Silesia did not appear high, they were not higher than in other areas. The percentages of the total mass of the examined elements in the q-UFP mass suggest that in Upper Silesia, within a typical residential area, q-UFP consist mainly of primary matter. At the sites under strong influence of road traffic emissions, where the contributions of the examined elements to the q-UFP mass were small, most probably, carbonaceous matter and elemental carbon build the core q-UFP mass. The majority of the elements in q-UFP are anthropogenic. Clear effects of local PM sources can be seen on the ambient concentrations of q-UFP-bound Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Sc, Ti, V, Cd, Cr, Mn, Co, and Sb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microfauna in activated sludge deriving from two different wastewater treatment plants has been compared. Investigations were conducted during the period of seven months taking into account the seasonal changes of microfauna. One studied plant received mainly industrial (70%) and some part of domestic (30%) sewage, and the other mainly domestic sewage (90%). The aim was to compare both plants in terms of occurrence and abundance of key group of microfauna. The determination of key groups and taxa along with biodiversity indices showed that they have potential value as indicators of different conditions characteristic for both types of plants. The innovative using of biotic indices in biodiversity studies also provides useful information on plant operating conditions and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spider webs found in polluted areas could absorb air contaminants. In order to check their cumulative ability, two different study sites had been chosen in Wrocław (in the area of wet ponds and in the residential district of Biskupin) where spider silk was collected (after 10 days from the time of its construction). Web types of appropriate thickness and size were chosen for analyses. The representatives of Agelenidae family belonging to two species Malthonica silvestris and Malthonica ferruginea proved to be the most adequate for further studies. The level of selected heavy metal cumulation was assessed (Pb, Zn, Pt) in the collected samples. As the background, the level of air pollution concerning dust and selected heavy metals was also analysed by classic methods. Based on the web analysis, it was found that site 2 (Biskupin) exhibited the highest level of pollution with some metals. Similar results were obtained with the application of classic methods. The results of research are promising and confirm the possibility of obtaining a practical tool for the indication of air pollutants based on spiders silk, particularly on webs belonging to Agelenidae family. [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]

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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.)