Groundwater is an important source of drinking water in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas where about 65% of the population resides. However, unplanned population growth and overexploitation of traditional water sources are exerting immense pressure on groundwater reserves. Pollution of groundwater has emerged as a serious issue, mainly attributed to improper waste management and human activities. The major categories of contaminants include toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and radioactive substances. Leaching of nitrogen, phosphorus, and metals into soil further deteriorates groundwater quality. This research aimed to assess groundwater quality and propose measures for its improvement. A comparative study was conducted in 2024 across two provinces, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Fourteen sampling sites were selected from KP and eleven from Sindh. From each site, three samples were collected using standard procedures, resulting in a total of 75 samples. These were analyzed for physicochemical parameters, trace metals, and heavy metals. The results revealed the presence of toxic elements, including arsenic, manganese, iron, chromium, lead, and mercury. Concentrations of these contaminants in most samples exceeded both Pakistan Standards and WHO guidelines, posing significant risks to human health and contributing to waterborne diseases.
Suspended particulate matter (SPM) plays a pivotal role in the transport and separation of heavy metals (HMs) in river systems and has a significant impact on water quality and ecosystem integrity. This study examined the seasonal dynamics of total suspended solids (TSS), SPM particle size distribution, and the separation of HMs (Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) between dissolved and particulate phases in the Styr River (Ukraine) throughout 2024. Analytical methods included gravimetric analysis, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and laser-based particle sizing. The TSS concentrations and median floc size (D50) were substantially elevated during the warm season, enhancing sorption of metals onto SPM, especially for Fe, Cd, Pb, and Mn (Kd > 3). In contrast, Zn, Cu, and Cr exhibited stronger preferences for the dissolved phase. Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong associations between TSS and particulate-bound metals during warmer periods. Seasonal variations in hydrological and biological parameters significantly influence the physicochemical behavior of SPM and the separation of HMs. This is important for assessing the contamination of surface water with both dissolved and particulate phases of HMs.
The article assesses the current condition of two lacustrine habitats of the Natura 2000 PLH32006 site, located within the Płonia River catchment. The state of water and sewage management in this catchment area may seriously affect these habitats. All lakes representing Natura 2000 habitats in this area - mesotrophic lakes and eutrophic lakes were investigated in the vegetational season of 2019. Surface water and sewage of the Płonia River catchment were analysed for NH4+, NO3-, PO43-, Cl-, electrolytic conductivity (EC), and pH in the period 2019-2021. Our research shows that the vast majority (99.5%) of the area of mesotrophic lake habitat is evaluated as unfavourable (U2 = bad). The area of eutrophic lakes has increased from 929.28 ha to 1.127.07 ha, and 91% of this habitat type is also unfavourable state (U2). This general result depends strongly on the negative evaluation obtained for Miedwie Lake. In the tested surface waters, the concentration of NH4+, PO43- and electrolytic conductivity clearly point to a poor condition of surface water (below class 2). Analysis of the waters from sewage receivers at operating treatment plants (including chloride concentration) indicates that they pollute the waters. Our research discloses the negative influence of water and sewage management on the condition of the protected wetland and water ecosystems in the Plonia Valley Natura 2000 sites.
The physicochemical parameters of the water of the Biała River and its tributaries were analysed at 11 test points. Some points represented highly urbanized catchment areas while the remaining ones – mixed catchments (with buildings, forest and agricultural areas). The research was conducted from June 2021 to May 2022. Its aim was to identify the pollution of water flowing in developed foothill areas. Basic water quality parameters were determined: C, TDS, CODMn, Fe, Cl-, SO4,2-, PO4,3-, NO3,-, TKN. During the research period, the parameter values at individual points were very variable (variation over time). Differences in values between points (spatial variation) were also noted. Water quality was related to the development of the catchment area – overall pollution expressed as C or TDS values was greater in highly urbanized catchments and in the lower part of the studied area, but individual substances in high concentrations were also observed locally. It was found that the water was contaminated mainly with organic and biogenic substances.
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is an organochloride pesticide with a global impact on agriculture. Despite the international ban on this pesticide in 2001, DDT is still illegally used for malaria control in some parts of the world, such as India and South Africa. The presence of DDT and its metabolites in waters, soil, and sediments continue to adversely affect living organisms. Understanding the toxic effects of DDT is crucial for global environmental health. The goal of this study was to investigate the toxicity of DDT in E. coli ATCC-25922, Sarcina spp., ATCC-35659, Enterobacter homaechei LBM ATCC-700323, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-25923 and Candida albicans ATCC-1023. To confirm oxidative stress as a mechanism of toxicity, sodA promoter induction in the Escherichia coli sodA:luxCDABE biosensor strain and ROS (Radical Oxygen Species) synthesis in E. coli ATCC-25922 strain, across various DDT concentrations (10, 1, 0.1, and 0.01 mg/L) were measured. The results showed that DDT in the range of applied concentrations shows a toxic effect on bacteria/fungi. Analysis of sodA promoter induction and ROS synthesis values in E. coli strains showed an increase in these indicators following exposure to the tested DDT concentrations. The results confirmed the validity of the hypothesis that the molecular mechanism of DDT toxicity is by induction of oxidative stress. Therefore, the need to develop more effective methods of removing DDT from wastewater and water and reducing the transport of this pesticide into the environment is justified. Moreover, recent evidence has increasingly confirmed positive correlations between human exposure to DDT and the development of cancers.
Water quality is crucial for the survival of living organisms and their environment. The Water Quality Index (WQI) is commonly used to monitor and minimize pollution. This study utilized The WQI was used to evaluate the water quality of the Fervença River in Bragança, Portugal, from January to June 2022. Water samples were collected monthly at five locations along the river. The WQI, which is based on physical, chemical, and biological parameters, provides a comprehensive numerical assessment, ranging from 0 to 100. In general, points 1-4 exhibited a good WQI and showed similar results. However, at point 5, reduced WQI values were consistently observed in all sampling campaigns, indicating a likely connection with discharge from the nearby wastewater treatment plant. The winter season, which is typically characterized by higher rainfall in the region, experienced severe drought during the study period. Consequently, the influence of rainfall on the WQI parameters could not be evaluated as expected, particularly from January to March. Comparing the obtained results, it is evident that as the Fervença River flows through the city of Bragança, the water quality indices decrease in most campaigns, particularly after Point 5. This finding highlights the negative influence of cities on the river water quality. This study highlights the importance of assessing water quality. Points 1 to 4 demonstrated good water quality, whereas point 5 showed reduced quality, linked to the wastewater treatment plant. Drought and city influence affect river water quality, which is crucial for the survival of living organisms and their environments.
The aim of this study is to combine the hydrochemical data, geostatistical methods, and numerical approaches with the water pollution vulnerability index of the Mitidja alluvium. This index is obtained by applying the DRASTIC model and a numerical rating system to develop a methodology based on the water sensitivity index. The socio-economic development has led to the overexploitation of groundwater and surface water resources, coupled with insufficient rainfall, which has exacerbated the sensitivity and vulnerability of this precious resource. Compared to previous studies, the most recent sensitivity map serves as an important decision support tool for relevant authorities. According to the survey, this index was very low, accounting for 45.43% of the total drinking water area in 2010. It decreased to 8.25% and later increased to 28.06% in 2018. The high and very high sensitivity index to water pollution (SI) accounted for 5.34% and 9.87% in 2010, and 19.77% and 15.78% in 2018. The variation in irrigation water sensitivity was similar that of drinking water sources (DWS). The medium and high sensitivity indices (SI) increased from 27.21% and 18.20% to 37.19% and 42.01%, reflecting a significant and alarming increase in groundwater sensitivity, vulnerability, and pollution within the study area. The results of the geostatistical approach yielded some interesting results, considering the water intended for drinking water supply and the water intended for irrigation separately in the Mitidja alluvial aquifer.
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Celem tego badania jest połączenie danych hydrochemicznych, metod geostatystycznych i podejść numerycznych ze wskaźnikiem podatności na zanieczyszczenie wody aluwium Mitidja. Wskaźnik ten uzyskano poprzez zastosowanie modelu DRASTIC i numerycznego systemu oceny w celu opracowania metodologii opartej na wskaźniku wrażliwości wody. Rozwój społeczno-gospodarczy doprowadził do nadmiernej eksploatacji zasobów wód gruntowych i powierzchniowych, w połączeniu z niewystarczającymi opadami deszczu, co zaostrzyło wrażliwość i podatność tego cennego zasobu. W porównaniu z poprzednimi badaniami najnowsza mapa wrażliwości służy jako ważne narzędzie wspomagające podejmowanie decyzji dla odpowiednich organów. Według badania wskaźnik ten był bardzo niski i stanowił 45,43% całkowitej powierzchni wody pitnej w 2010 r. Zmniejszył się do 8,25%, a następnie wzrósł do 28,06% w 2018 r. Wysoki i bardzo wysoki wskaźnik wrażliwości na zanieczyszczenie wody (SI) stanowił 5,34% i 9,87% w 2010 r. oraz 19,77% i 15,78% w 2018 r. Zmienność wrażliwości wody nawadniającej była podobna do zmienności źródeł wody pitnej (DWS). Średnie i wysokie wskaźniki wrażliwości (SI) wzrosły z 27,21% i 18,20% do 37,19% i 42,01%, co odzwierciedla znaczny i alarmujący wzrost wrażliwości, podatności i zanieczyszczenia wód gruntowych na badanym obszarze. Wyniki podejścia geostatystycznego przyniosły interesujące rezultaty, biorąc pod uwagę osobno wodę przeznaczoną do zaopatrzenia w wodę pitną i wodę przeznaczoną do nawadniania w warstwie wodonośnej aluwialnej Mitidja.
The article discusses issues related to the pollution of watercourses, and an analysis of various aspects of this topic has been carried out: sources of pollution, types, effects and methods of counteracting. The issue of watercourse pollution is described on the example of the situation on the Oder in 2022. Rivers play a key role for both the natural and anthropogenic environment. Used by industrial sectors that heavily exploit the aquatic environment, they are exposed to the emission of pollutants in many forms. The deterioration of water parameters affects the development of harmful microorganisms, the presence of which puts an additional burden on watercourses. In addition, the natural migration of water on the surface of the Earth's crust facilitates the free migration of low-quality water along with harmful substances. In Poland, between 2014 and 2019, more than half of the rivers studied, i.e. as much as 63.1%, were classified as waters of moderate quality class, thus not allowing them to be fit for consumption. The analysis was carried out on the basis of a literature review and reports published by the Institute of Environmental Protection and the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection, which show that one of the main problems of the environmental disaster on the Oder was the increased electrical conductivity of water, exceeding 7000 μS/cm, and the increased pH, which was the result of contamination of the river with poorly treated post-mining wastewater. The persistently high salinity of the water created conditions conducive to the bloom of Prymnesium parvum algae capable of producing a strong toxin called primnesin. The release of primnesin into the aquatic environment as a result of the death of microorganisms and the associated reduction in oxygen content in the water led to the mass death of fish, estimated at 360 tonnes, including protected species.
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W artykule omówiono zagadnienia związane z zanieczyszczeniem cieków wodnych, przeprowadzono analizę różnych aspektów tego tematu: źródła zanieczyszczeń, rodzaje, skutki oraz metody przeciwdziałania. Problematykę zanieczysz-czeń cieków wodnych, opisano na przykładzie sytuacji na Odrze z 2022 roku. Rzeki odgrywają kluczową rolę zarówno dla środo-wiska naturalnego jak i antropogenicznego. Wykorzystywane przez sektory przemysłowe, silnie eksploatujące środowisko wodne, narażone są na emisję zanieczyszczeń w wielu postaciach. Pogorszenie parametrów wody wpływa na rozwój szkodli-wych mikroorganizmów, których obecność dodatkowo obciąża cieki wodne. Dodatkowo, naturalna wędrówka wody po powierzchni skorupy ziemskiej ułatwia swobodną migrację niskiej jakościowo wody wraz ze szkodliwymi substancjami. W Pol-sce na przestrzeni 2014–2019 roku ponad połowa badanych rzek, bo aż 63.1%, została sklasyfikowana jako wody o umiarkowa-nej klasie jakości tym samym nie dopuszczając ich jako zdatnych do spożycia. Analizę przeprowadzono na podstawie przeglądu literatury oraz raportów opublikowanych przez Instytut Ochrony Środowiska oraz Główny Inspektorat Ochrony Środowiska, z których wynika, że jednym z głównych problemów katastrofy ekologicznej na Odrze była podwyższona przewodność elek-tryczna wody, przekraczająca 7000 μS/cm, oraz zwiększone pH, co było wynikiem zanieczyszczenia rzeki słabo oczyszczonymi ściekami pokopalnianymi. Utrzymujące się wysokie zasolenie wody stworzyło warunki sprzyjające zakwitowi glonów Prymne-sium parvum zdolnych do produkcji silnej toksyny zwanej prymnezyną. Uwolnienie prymnezyny do środowiska wodnego w wyniku obumierania mikroorganizmów oraz związane z tym zmniejszenie zawartości tlenu w wodzie doprowadziło do maso-wego śnięcia ryb, szacowanego na 360 ton, w tym gatunki objęte ochroną.
This study presents the findings from three seasonal field surveys conducted in the Lepenc River and its tributaries during 2023. The surveys were carried out on May, July, and October, focusing on six sampling sites: Prevallë, Lepenc (Kaçanik), Hani i Elezit, Jezerc, Gerlicë, and Nerodime (Kaçanik). Standardized electrofishing technique was applied, in accordance with the methods used by the European Union Water Framework Directive (EU WFD) monitoring protocols, which have been implemented in many Balkan regions. A total of 790 fish specimens were caught, identified, measured, and subsequently released back into their natural habitats.The species found during this investigation were: Salmo sp., Barbus balcanicus, Squalius varedaresnisi, Alburnoides thessalicus, Alburnus thessalicus, Gobio balcanicus, Phoxinus sp., and Oxynoemacheilus bureschi. The sampling site in Gerlicë consistently showed no presence of fish, likely due to pollution. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of fish community composition and their seasonal variations, highlighting the influence of physicochemical parameters on aquatic biodiversity. The results emphasize the urgent need for conservation measures to address habitat degradation and pollution, ensuring the preservation and restoration of biodiversity in the Lepenc River Basin.
Access to safe water and ensuring residents’ health are the main components of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Water pollution has a significant impact on residents’ health, and there are many factors that exacerbate water pollution. In this study, we applied the geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of factors affecting water pollution in China from 2005 to 2021. Hence, this article takes the chemical oxygen demand emissions (CODE) as the dependent variable, and the independent variables are ending permanent population (EPP), urbanization rate (UR), comprehensive production capacity of water supply (CPCOWS), per capita GDP (PCGDP), industrial water consumption proportion (IWCP), and per capita water consumption (PCWC). The conclusions are as follows: (1) The temporal evolution of CODE in different regions is highly consistent, with the order of water pollution severity being central, northeast, eastern, and western. (2) The effects of different factors on water pollution have obvious spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Overall, EPP, UR, CPCOWS, and PCWC have positive effects on water pollution, and PCGDP and IWCP have negative effects. (3) The direction of EPP and PCGDP impacts on CODE remains consistent across regions. UR impacts are primarily in the northeast, CPCOWS impacts are primarily in the eastern, central, and northeast, IWCP impacts are primarily in the central and western, and PCWC impacts are primarily in the eastern and central. Ultimately, some practical and feasible policy recommendations were proposed for different regions.
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Dostęp do bezpiecznej wody i zapewnienie zdrowia mieszkańców należą do najważniejszych Celów Zrównoważonego Rozwoju Organizacji Narodów Zjednoczonych (SDGs). Zanieczyszczenie wody ma znaczący wpływ na zdrowie mieszkańców, a istnieje wiele czynników, które zwiększają zanieczyszczenie wody. W tym badaniu zastosowaliśmy model regresji ważonej geograficznie i czasowo (GTWR) do analizy charakterystyki czasoprzestrzennego rozkładu czynników wpływających na zanieczyszczenie wody w Chinach w latach 2005-2021. Dlatego w tym artykule przyjęto emisję chemicznego zapotrzebowania tlenu (CODE) jako zależną zmienną, a zmiennymi niezależnymi są końcowa liczba ludności (EPP), wskaźnik urbanizacji (UR), całkowita zdolność produkcyjna zaopatrzenia w wodę (CPCOWS), PKB na mieszkańca (PCGDP), udział zużycia wody przemysłowej (IWCP) i zużycie wody na mieszkańca (PCWC). Wnioski są następujące: (1) Czasowa ewolucja CODE w różnych regionach jest wysoce spójna, przy czym kolejność zagrożeń wynikających z zanieczyszczenia wody jest następująca: regiony centralny, północno-wschodni, wschodni i zachodni. (2) Wpływ różnych czynników na zanieczyszczenie wody jest wyraźnie zróżnicowany przestrzennie i czasowo. Ogólnie rzecz biorąc, EPP, UR, CPCOWS i PCWC mają pozytywny wpływ na zanieczyszczenie wody, a PCGDP i IWCP mają skutki negatywne. (3) Kierunek wpływu EPP i PCGDP na CODE pozostaje spójny we wszystkich regionach. Oddziaływania UR występują głównie na północnym wschodzie, oddziaływania CPCOWS występują głównie na wschodzie, środku i północnym wschodzie, oddziaływania IWCP występują głównie w środkowej i zachodniej części, a oddziaływania PCWC występują głównie na wschodzie i w środku. W końcowej części pracy zaproponowano praktyczne i wykonalne zalecenia polityczne dla różnych regionów.
Mikroplastiki określa się mianem zanieczyszczeń budzących niepokój, łatwo dostających się do łańcucha pokarmowego. Występują one w wielu formach i co ważne, przenoszą się każdą możliwą drogą transportu: powietrzem, glebą i oczywiście wodą. W przypadku tworzyw sztucznych, wytwarzane są głównie z dużych, wszechobecnych materiałów, a ich wykrywanie, analiza i usuwanie to niezwykle istotny problem środowiskowy.
Water pollution and scarcity are amongst the most pressing challenges affecting the water environment in the Gaza Strip. Agricultural activities play an important role in this issue, consuming more than 50% of the extracted water, while contributing to environmental degradation through the excessive use of pesticides and fertilisers. The grey water footprint (GWF) was quantified to evaluate pollution from crops using the Hoekstra methodology. The grey water totalled 30.63 mln m3, with 51% attributed to vegetables, 44.5% to horticultural trees, and 4.5% to field crops between 2018 and 2022. An evaluation of the sustainability of the water footprint revealed that the assimilation capacity of water resources has been completely consumed. As a result, the Gaza Strip is classified as an unsustainable area, which is a serious violation of globally approved water quality standards. To optimise the grey water footprint, the nitrogen balance, N-leakage rate, and associated uncertainties were analysed using fractional programming, leading to the development of a model aimed at achieving optimal results. The findings show the importance of implementing this approach in the Gaza Strip, enabling policymakers and local authorities to develop a promising strategy for agricultural practices. This would promote sustainable and effective management of water resources and a safe and productive agricultural environment.
The photocatalytic degradation of the antiviral drug Isoprinosine (inosine pranobex, IPN) by TiO2-P25, ZnO and SnO2 was investigated in two different aquatic matrices, i.e. milli-Q-water (MQ) and tap water (TW) under solar irradiation of 500 W/m2. The changes in concentration of IPN during all experiments were monitored using HPLC at a wavelength of 260 nm, and the photocatalytic degradation of IPN followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. The highest value of the pseudo-first-order rate constant of IPN photodegradation (k) was obtained by the presence of 20 mg/l TiO2-P25, (k=0.0483 min-1) in MQ water with the value of the coefficient of determination (R2) equal to 0.9268. The study also assessed the impact of photocatalyst doses and initial IPN concentrations on the efficacy of IPN photodegradation. The results showed that IPN was resistant to degradation under only sunlight (without any photocatalysts addition), with a degradation rate of 9% after 2 hours in milli-Q water and 16% after 2 hours in tap water. However, the addition of selected photocatalysts resulted in the breakdown of the IPN molecule. TiO2-P25 was particularly promising among the tested photocatalysts. The research also discovered that IPN partially adsorbed to TiO2 particles (33% after 2 hours), ZnO particles (26% after 2 hours), and SnO2 (4% after 2 hours). Based on the f indings, solar-light-driven photocatalysis could be a promising technique for the degradation of certain antiviral drugs in water matrices after optimizing the process.
The urgent need for technological innovation to combat water pollution underscores the significance of biosorption as a potential solution. The success of biosorption hinges on the careful selection of a suitable biosorbent. Biofilms, composed of microbial communities, emerge as a promising alternative due to their expansive adsorption capacity and ready availability. In practical applications, biosorption is often executed at pollutant concentrations lethal to microbes. Consequently, comprehending the biosorption potential of biofilms with deceased microbes becomes imperative. Notably, biofilms with deceased microbes offer the added advantage of minimizing the risk of pathogenic microbial contamination. Despite this, studies are scarce comparing biosorption between intact biofilms and those with deceased microbes. This comparative analysis could enhance the feasibility of biofilms in biosorption as an eco-aquatic technology for alleviating aquatic pollution. This study aims to scrutinize the biosorption characteristics of intact biofilm (with living microbes) and autoclaved biofilm (with deceased microbes). The methods employed for analyzing biosorption characteristics encompass examining electric charge properties, FTIR spectra analysis, ion adsorption, and ion desorption. The model ions chosen for this study are K⁺ (monovalent ion) and Mg²⁺ (divalent ion). Results indicate that the biofilm’s electric charge properties and adsorption capacity remain relatively unchanged post-autoclaving. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that biofilms, whether intact or autoclaved, present substantial potential as biosorbents in the advancement of eco-aquatic technology for mitigating water pollution.
Poli- i perfluoroalkilowe związki organiczne (ang. poły- and perfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS) w ostatnich latach są przedmiotem zainteresowania naukowców, technologów, a także całego społeczeństwa. Jest to związane z ich niebywałą trwałością w środowisku - należą bowiem do grupy tzw. wiecznych chemikaliów (ang. forever chemicals), a także zagrożeniem, jakie stanowią dla zdrowia ludzi.
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The effect of the electro-Fenton process depends on the ability of the cathode material to produce H2O2, a primary oxidizing agent that is responsible for destroying organic pollutants. The study aimed at the impact of various cathode materials, including carbon felt, carbon graphite, and stainless steel, as well as current density on the electrochemical oxidation of pefloxacin (PEF) in water. The electro- -Fenton technique was applied for the first time on the PEF employing various cathodes with a platinum anode. HPLC and LC-(MS-MS) studies have been utilized to determine intermediate compounds. Using ion chromatography, inorganic ions released in the solution as a final stage of the mineralizing process were determined. Finally, we assessed the viability of fusing the biological process with the electro-Fenton one. As a result, PEF-contaminated water can be treated effectively and cheaply.
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The growing pollution of aquatic environments, primarily of anthropogenic origin, combined with global climate change, has led to significant increases in eutrophication. This process often results in harmful algal blooms (HABs) of phytoplankton and algae in various water bodies, including inland lakes, marshes, rivers, seas, and oceans. These blooms pose a serious threat not only to aquatic ecosystems but also to human health. Understanding phytoplankton and algal blooms is inherently complex, as these phenomena manifest on multiple spatial and temporal scales. Comprehensive studies of phytoplankton and algae require the collaboration of scientists from diverse scientific disciplines, including biology, ecology, and environmental science. One of the critical tools in this multidisciplinary approach is geostatistics, an advanced and continuously evolving branch of statistics that specialises in analysing spatial and temporal phenomena. Geostatistics is particularly well-suited for the study of phytoplankton and algal blooms due to its ability to handle data that varies across different scales and locations. This review presents and discusses selected studies that employ geostatistical methods to investigate plankton and algae in various water bodies. It highlights the most significant scientific works that, in the authors’ opinion, represent milestones in the application of these studies. Furthermore, various geostatistical methods are explored, ranging from variography to spatiotemporal modelling, providing insights into spatial and temporal patterns and their variability of phytoplankton and algal blooms in aquatic ecosystems.
Reduction of ecological risks of shipping is a challenging task that requires methods of legislative and regulatory control, organizational measures, and technical and technological support. Furthermore, the matter concerns not only the reduction of possible risks but also the level of existing impact on the marine environment because of exhaust gas emissions by ships, discharge of waste and ballast water, as well as control of ecological consequences of accidents. The purpose of this study is to analyse possible sources of environmental impact during ship operation cycles, identify significant risks, review existing potentials to reduce the risk of ship accidents and their environmental consequences, and develop solutions to existing problems. This study offers results, which can serve as the initial basis for the formation of comprehensive measures on the reduction of environmental risks, and consequences of possible accidents for the environment caused by ships and international shipping.
Stormwater runoff is a source of water pollution containing a wide range of chemical pollutants and various disease-causing bacteria and viruses that are transported by runoff to water bodies and have a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, stormwater treatment should meet the highest standards and contribute to sustainable water resource management. Responding to today‘s environmental challenges and following the Green Deal and Circular Economy’s goals, it is necessary to apply new innovative solutions and infrastructure in stormwater management. Research shows that green solutions might be a potential tool to treat stormwater and to ensure the proper quality of surface water bodies. The article aims to discuss various possible solutions of green infrastructure (rain gardens, green roof, wetlands etc.), which could be applied in future research to remove pollutants (heavy metals, organic compounds etc.) from stormwater. Studies have found multiple benefits of using green infrastructure in order to protect the environment. It is a cost effective, innovative and architectural measure, which promotes economic growth, contributes to climate change mitigation, reduces urbanization impact on the environment and creates recreational and green spaces.
PL
Spływ wód opadowych jest źródłem zanieczyszczenia wody zawierającego szeroką gamę substancji chemicznych oraz rożne bakterie i wirusy chorobotwórcze, które wraz ze spływem przenoszone są do zbiorników wodnych i mają negatywny wpływ na ekosystemy wodne. W związku z tym oczyszczanie wód opadowych powinno spełniać najwyższe standardy i przyczyniać się do zrównoważonego zarządzania zasobami wodnymi. Odpowiadając na współczesne wyzwania środowiskowe oraz kierując się celami Zielonego Ładu i Gospodarki o Obiegu Zamkniętym, konieczne jest stosowanie innowacyjnych rozwiązań i infrastruktury w zarządzaniu wodami opadowymi. Badania pokazują, że zielone rozwiązania mogą być potencjalnym narzędziem oczyszczania wód opadowych i zapewnienia odpowiedniej jakości części jednolitych wód powierzchniowych. Celem artykułu jest omówienie rożnych możliwych rozwiązań zielonej infrastruktury (ogrody deszczowe, zielone dachy, tereny podmokłe itp.), które można zastosować w przyszłych badaniach nad usuwaniem zanieczyszczeń (metali ciężkich, związków organicznych itp.) z wód opadowych. Badania wykazały wiele korzyści wynikających z wykorzystania zielonej infrastruktury w celu ochrony środowiska. Jest to rozwiązanie opłacalne, innowacyjne i architektoniczne, które sprzyja wzrostowi gospodarczemu, przyczynia się do łagodzenia zmian klimatycznych, zmniejsza wpływ urbanizacji na środowisko oraz tworzy przestrzenie rekreacyjne i zielone.
Obecność farmaceutyków w środowisku stanowi złożone zagadnienie, któremu poświęca się coraz więcej uwagi z racji potencjalnego wpływu toksycznego na zdrowie ludzi oraz zwierząt. Przemysł farmaceutyczny jest jedną z najprężniej rozwijających się gałęzi przemysłu, a postępujące choroby przewlekłe i cywilizacyjne, jak również zwiększająca się świadomość profilaktyki oraz suplementacji, przekładają się na coraz częstsze stosowanie wszelkich środków farmaceutycznych. Do najczęściej pojawiających się leków w wodach oraz glebach zalicza się niesteroidowe leki przeciwzapalne (NLPZ) i przeciwbólowe, antybiotyki, środki hormonalne, β-blokery, regulatory lipidów, leki psychotropowe i przeciwpadaczkowe oraz inne substancje aktywne (m.in. kofeinę). Przedostają się one do ekosystemu wraz z nieprawidłowo składowanymi odpadami medycznymi czy przemysłowymi, wodą z kąpieli i odchodami oraz spływem z pól uprawnych nawożonych obornikiem. Liczne badania wykazały, iż konwencjonalne oczyszczalnie ścieków nie są wystarczająco skuteczne w ich usuwaniu, dlatego poszukuje się innowacyjne i bardziej skuteczne metody likwidowania zanieczyszczeń farmaceutycznych ze ścieków.
EN
The presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment is a complex issue that is receiving increasing attention due to their potential toxic impact on human and animal health. The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most dynamically developing Industries, and progressive chronic and civilization diseases, as well as the increasing awareness of prevention and supplementation, translate into the increasingly frequent use of all pharmaceuticals. The most common drugs that appear in water and soil include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAlDs) and analgesics, antibiotics, hormonal agents, b-blockers, lipid regulators, psychotropic and antiepileptic drugs, and other active substances (including caffeine). They enter the ecosystem along with improperly stored medical or industrial waste, bathing water and feces, as well as run of from farmlands fertilized with manure. Numerous studies have shown that conventional sewage treatment plants are not effective enough in the removal of these active substances, therefore innovative and more effective methods for the treatment of pharmaceutical contaminants in wastewater are being sought.
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