Search
Search results for: ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
-
Study on a polish peat bog “Rucianka” as a source of yeast strains capable of effective phenol biodegradation
PublicationPhenol is one of the most widely distributed environmental pollutants which can be found in wastewaters and industrial effluents. Due to its toxicity and resistance to self-degradation, it could become even lethal for humans and animals. The treatment of this toxic compound is focused on psychical–chemical methods, although biological treatment of phenol is preferable for economic aspects related to relatively...
-
Application of persulfate-based oxidation processes to address diverse sustainability challenges: A critical review
PublicationOver the past years, persulfate (PS) is widely applied due to their high versatility and efficacy in decontamination and sterilization. While treatment of organic chemicals, remediation of soil and groundwater, sludge treatment, disinfection on pathogen microorganisms have been covered by most published reviews, there are no comprehensive and specific reviews on its application to address diverse sustainability challenges, including...
-
Recent advances on magnetic carbon-related materials in advanced oxidation processes of emerging pollutants degradation
PublicationRecently, carbon-related materials have been proposed to improve the charge separation of the photogenerated carriers in the semiconductor matrices’ and surface properties. Carbon-related materials may act as co-catalysts, enhancing the pollutants adsorption on the surface, improving the charge carriers separation and photocatalyst stability and providing more active centres for photocatalytic reactions. This review summarizes...
-
Cytocompatibility of stabilized black phosphorus nanosheets tailored by directly conjugated polymeric micelles for human breast cancer therapy
PublicationThe novel procedure of few-layer black phosphorus (FLBP) stabilization and functionalisation was here proposed. The cationic polymer PLL and non-ionic PEG have been involved into encapsulation of FLBP to allow sufficient time for further nanofabrication process and overcome environmental degradation. Two different spacer chemistry was designed to bind polymers to tumor-homing peptides. The efficiency of functionalisation was examined...
-
Nitrofurazone Removal from Water Enhanced by Coupling Photocatalysis and Biodegradation
Publication(1) Background: Environmental contamination with antibiotics is particularly serious because the usual methods used in wastewater treatment plants turn out to be insufficient or ineffective. An interesting idea is to support natural biodegradation processes with physicochemical methods as well as with bioaugmentation with efficient microbial degraders. Hence, the aim of our study is evaluation of the effectiveness of different...
-
Hybrid TiO2–Polyaniline Photocatalysts and their Application in Building Gypsum Plasters
PublicationHybrid materials of conjugated polymer and titanium(IV) oxide have attracted considerable attention concerning their potential benefits, including (i) ecient exploitation of visible light, (ii) a high adsorption capacity for organic contaminants, (iii) and eective charge carriers separation. The new class of the photocatalysts is promising for the removal of environmental pollutants in both aqueous and gaseous phases. For the first...
-
Environmemtal Degradation of Ramie Fibre Reinforced Biocomposites
PublicationThe estimation of environmental degradibility of different fibre reinforced biocomposites in Baltic sea and in compost with activated sludge under natural conditions is the subject of this paper. Two types of biocomposites, ramie fibre/ecoflex and ramie fibre/cellulose nanofibre reinforced corn starch resin, were studied.It was demonstrated that the biocomposites with natural fibre of ramie were degraded in compost faster than...
-
Occurrence of Surface Active Agents in the Environment
PublicationDue to the specific structure of surfactants molecules they are applied in different areas of human activity (industry, household). After using and discharging from wastewater treatment plants as effluent stream, surface active agents (SAAs) are emitted to various elements of the environment (atmosphere, waters, and solid phases), where they can undergo numerous physic-chemical processes (e.g., sorption, degradation) and freely...
-
Bringing Bathymetry LiDAR to Coastal Zone Assessment: A Case Study in the Southern Baltic
PublicationOne of the major tasks in environmental protection is monitoring the coast for negative impacts due to climate change and anthropopressure. Remote sensing techniques are often used in studies of impact assessment. Topographic and bathymetric procedures are treated as separate measurement methods, while methods that combine coastal zone analysis with underwater impacts are rarely used in geotechnical analyses. This study presents...
-
Kazimierz Darowicki prof. dr hab. inż.
PeopleStudia wyższe ukończyłem w czerwcu 1981 roku po zdaniu egzaminu dyplomowego i obronie pracy magisterskiej. Opiekunem pracy magisterskiej był dr hab. inż. Tadeusz Szauer. W roku 1991, 27 listopada uzyskałem stopień naukowy broniąc pracę doktorską zatytułowaną „Symulacyjna i korelacyjna analiza widm immitancyjnych inhibitowanej reakcji elektrodowej”. Promotorem pracy był prof. dr hab. inż. Józef Kubicki (Wydział Chemiczny...
-
Polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC) as a method of wood waste management
PublicationIn recent years, due to the progressive environmental degradation and increase of environmental awareness, the sustainability of production systems in wood processing, the wood industry, and wood waste management is a crucial issue for European industry and society. Consequently, the problem of generating wood-like waste and the associated risks has become an increasingly noticeable challenge for science. Although various methods...
-
How Important Is Research on Pollution Levels in Antarctica? Historical Approach, Difficulties and Current Trends
PublicationDespite the fact that Antarctica is a continent notably free from large negative impact of human activities, literature data can be the basis for concluding that this is not an area free from anthropogenic pollutants. Pollutants, which are identified in various elements of the environment of Antarctica, are mostly connected with long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) and deposition in this area. The study presents: a historical...
-
An Overview of Treatment Approaches for Octahydro-1, 3, 5, 7-tetranitro-1, 3, 5, 7-tetrazocine (HMX) Explosive in Soil, Groundwater, and Wastewater
PublicationOctahydro-1, 3, 5, 7-tetranitro-1, 3, 5, 7-tetrazocine (HMX) is extensively exploited in the manufacturing of explosives; therefore, a significant level of HMX contamination can be encountered near explosive production plants. For instance, up to 12 ppm HMX concentrations have been observed in the wastewater effluent of a munitions manufacturing facility, while up to 45,000 mg/kg of HMX has been found in a soil sample taken from...
-
The chemistry of river–lake systems in the context of permafrost occurrence (Mongolia, Valley of the Lakes) Part II. Spatial trends and possible sources of organic composition
PublicationThe chemistry of river–lake systems located in Central Mongolia near the southern border of permafrost occurrence has not been well studied. The main aim of this paper is to summarize patterns in water chemistry in supply springs, rivers and lakes in relation to permafrost occurrence, as well as other natural and anthropogenic impacts. The analyses involved water samples taken from two river–lake systems: the Baydrag River–Böön...
-
The influence of cultivation conditions on the myrosinase activity and glucosinolate content in white cabbage
PublicationIn the process of biofumigation typically natural compounds present in Brassicaceae family are used to combat pests and protect crops. Glucosinolates, sulfur-containing secondary metabolites found in Brassica plants, are hydrolized by the enzyme myrosinase (β-thioglucosidase, EC 3.2.3.1) with the liberation of degradation products such as isothiocyanates, nitriles, thiocyanates and epithionitriles. Isothiocyanates are the most...
-
PAH diagnostic ratios for the identification of pollution emission sources
PublicationPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) diagnostic ratios have recently come into common use as a toolfor identifying and assessing pollution emission sources. Some diagnostic ratios are based on parentPAHs, others on the proportions of alkyl-substituted to non-substituted molecules. The ratios areapplicable to PAHs determined in different environmental media: air (gas þ particle phase), water,sediment, soil, as well as biomonitor...
-
Effect of ground tire rubber on structural, mechanical and thermal properties of flexible polyurethane foams
PublicationFlexible polyurethane foams were modified with two kinds of ground tire rubber, untreated and thermo-mechanically reclaimed. A reclamation process was performed in auto-thermal conditions, which reduced the cost of the process and decreased the environmental impact of devulcanization (e.g., emission of gases). The reclamation process was carried out in a continuous manner using a co-rotating twin screw extruder. The foams were...
-
Stannates, titanates and tantalates modified with carbon and graphene quantum dots for enhancement of visible-light photocatalytic activity
PublicationMost efforts in heterogeneous photocatalysis are focused on development of new and stable photoactive materials efficient in degradation of various pollutants under visible-light irradiation. In this regard, the wide-bandgap perovskite semiconductors, i.e., SrTiO3 (titanate), SrSnO3 (stannate) and AgTaO3 (tantalate), were prepared by a solvothermal method, and then modified with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) or graphene quantum dots...
-
abiotic degradation of chlorinated ethanes and ethenes in water
PublicationIntroduction Chlorinated ethanes and ethenes are among themost frequently detected organic pollutants of water. Theirphysicochemical properties are such that they can contaminateaquifers for decades. In favourable conditions, they canundergo degradation. In anaerobic conditions, chlorinatedsolvents can undergo reductive dechlorination.Degradation pathways Abiotic dechlorination is usuallyslower than microbial but abiotic dechlorination...
-
Enhanced degradation of glucocorticoids, a potential COVID-19 remedy, by co-fermentation of waste activated sludge and animal manure: The role of manure type and degradation mechanism
Publication -
Occurrence and seasonal variations of 25 pharmaceutical residues in wastewater and drinking water treatment plants
PublicationThousands of tons of pharmaceuticals are introduced into the aqueous environment due to their incomplete elimination during treatment process in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and water treat- ment plants (WTPs). The presence of pharmacologically active compounds in the environment is of a great interest because of their potential to cause negative effects. Furthermore, drugs can undergo different pro- cesses leading to the...
-
The use of chain extenders as processing aids in the valorization of single-use polylactide (PLA) products by rotomolding
PublicationBiodegradable plastics in single-use products have increased in popularity as a way to reduce the negative environmental impact of conventional plastics and meet the tightening law regulations. However, their recyclability needs to be assessed, as the environmental behavior of single-use plastics, even if compostable, is not negligible. Polylactide (PLA) is susceptible to thermal, oxidative, hydrolytic, and mechanical degradation...
-
Assessing groundwater vulnerability to pollution in the Puck region (denudation moraine upland) using vertical seepage method
PublicationDegradation of groundwater quality can cause a serious water supply and environmental problems. The identify of potential groundwater pollution can be determined by assessment of groundwater vulnerability method. The assessment of groundwater vulnerability to pollution was based on estimation of migration time of potential conservative contamination through the vadose zone. Area of investigation is a type of denudation moraine...
-
Ultimate biodegradability and ecotoxicity of orally administered antidiabetic drugs
PublicationHypoglycaemic pharmaceuticals are recently more and more frequently detected in the environment. In our previous study, we have shown that even though many of them undergo significant primary degradation some are transformed to stable products or undergo such transformation that a large part of the structure is still preserved. One of the main routes of elimination from wastewaters or surface waters is biodegradation and a lack...
-
Alginate-based sorbents in miniaturized solid phase extraction techniques - Step towards greenness sample preparation
PublicationIn response to growing concerns about environmental degradation, one of the main areas of research activity in recent years has been to make sample preparation methods more sustainable and eco-friendly. The increasing greenness of this step can be achieved by minimizing the usage of reagents, automating individual stages, saving energy and time, and using non-toxic, biodegradable substances. Therefore, the use of natural materials...
-
Efficient removal of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) from industrial/military wastewater using anodic oxidation on boron-doped diamond electrodes
PublicationWith growing public concern about water quality particular focus should be placed on organic micropollutants, which are harmful to the environment and people. Hence, the objective of this research is to enhance the security and resilience of water resources by developing an efficient system for reclaiming industrial/military wastewater and protecting recipients from the toxic and cancerogenic explosive compound – 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene...
-
Photocatalytical degradation of toluene and cyclohexane using LED illumination
PublicationA sol-gel process followed by hydrothermal reaction was used to prepare coupled WO3-TiO2 photocatalysts with varying amounts of WO3 in respect to TiO2 (3 mol% and 5 mol% respectively). Additionally, photocatalysts have been subjected to different calcination temperatures of 400ºC and 800ºC, which allowed us to compare how these affect photodegradation efficiency. Photocatalysts were characterized under a scanning electron microscope,...
-
Nondestructive global corrosion measurement using guided wavefield data
PublicationMetallic structures often face degradation, and corrosion ranks among the most prevalent forms of deterioration. Accurate quantification of corrosion is crucial, especially for structures exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as marine vessels and offshore installations. Because the traditional measurement methods based on scanning by ultrasonic gauge are time-consuming and provide only rough information on the thickness...
-
High-performance activation of ozone by sonocavitation for BTEX degradation in water
PublicationThis work presents a novel advanced oxidation process (AOP) for degradation of emerging organic pollutants – benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEXs) in water. A comparative study was performed for sonocavitation assisted ozonation under 40–120 kHz and 80–200 kHz dual frequency ultrasounds (DFUS). Based on the obtained results, the combination of 40–120 kHz i.e., low-frequency US (LFDUS) with O3 exhibited excellent oxidation...
-
Threats to Rural Landscape and Its Protection in Poland
PublicationThe article describes the premises and conditions for the implementation of a pro-landscape spatial policy in rural areas in Poland. It presents the erosion of spatial order in a large part of the country’s territory. Firstly, the state of protection of the rural landscape and the legal aspects of shaping the space of rural areas are described. Secondly, the location is depicted, and the main physiognomic and environmental threats...
-
The effects of exogenous application of melatonin on the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the rhizosphere of Festuca
Publication -
Current methods and technologies for degradation of atrazine in contaminated soil and water: A review
Publication -
Enhanced Visible Light Active WO3 Thin Films Toward Air Purification: Effect of the Synthesis Conditions
PublicationTaking into consideration, our current environmental situation in the world people should face with growing problem of air and water pollution. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is highly promising tool to improve both, air and water quality through decomposition/mineralization of contaminations directly into harmless CO2 and H2O under ambient conditions. In this contribution we focused on the synthesis of self-assembly WO3 thin films...
-
Addressing challenges of BiVO4 light-harvesting ability through vanadium precursor engineering and sub-nanoclusters deposition for peroxymonosulfate-assisted photocatalytic pharmaceuticals removal
PublicationIn this study, we present a complex approach for increasing light utilisation and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation in BiVO4-based photocatalyst. This involves two key considerations: the design of the precursor for BiVO4 synthesis and interface engineering through CuOx sub-nanoclusters deposition. The designed precursor of ammonium methavanadate (NH4VO3, NHV) leads to reduction in particle size, better dispersion and improved light...
-
Structure, Mechanical, Thermal and Fire Behavior Assessments of Environmentally Friendly Crude Glycerol-Based Rigid Polyisocyanurate Foams
PublicationIn this work, rigid polyisocyanurate foams were prepared at partial substitution (0–70 wt%) of commercially available petrochemical polyol, with previously synthesized biopolyol based on crude glycerol and castor oil. Influence of the biopolyol content on morphology, chemical structure, static and dynamic mechanical properties, thermal insulation properties, thermal stability and flammability was investigated. Incorporation of...
-
Heavy Metals in a High Arctic Fiord and Their Introduction with the Wastewater: A Case Study of Adventfjorden-Longyearbyen System, Svalbard
PublicationLongyearbyen is the largest settlement on Svalbard archipelago, with 2400 permanent residents and approximately 150,000 tourists visiting every year. The city annually releases approximately 285,000 m3 of untreated wastewater to the nearby Adventfjorden. To date, the environmental impact of this continuous input has been studied mainly regarding the sediments and benthic fauna in the fiord. Here, we present results from a study...
-
Assessment of River Water Quality and Pollution Status Using Physicochemical and Biometrics, Awetu River, Ethiopia
PublicationThe surface water is contaminated by a variety of synthetic organic and inorganic compounds, chemicals, and nutrients; due to this reason, the quality of the water resources of Ethiopia is declining at an alarming rate, resulting in severe environmental degradation. The main objective of the study was to recognize the pollution status river for the study area by physicochemical parameters and the extent of microbial environmental...
-
Electrochemical Oxidation of Selected Micropollutants from Environment Matrices Using Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes: Process Efficiency and Transformation Product Detection
PublicationBisphenol A (BPA) and diclofenac (DCF) are among the most prevalent micropollutants in aquatic environments, with concentrations reaching up to several hundred μg/L. These compounds pose significant risks to biodiversity and environmental health, necessitating the development of effective removal methods. However, both BPA and DCF can be resistant to conventional treatment technologies, highlighting the need for innovative approaches....
-
Biochemistry - Laboratory exercises - Nowy
e-Learning CoursesExerise 1. The ability to accumulate metal cations by edible mushrooms, comparison with edible plants Exercise 2. Measurement of activity of glutathione S-transferases - the detoxifying enzymes present in the cytosol of eukaryotic cells Exercise 3. Cell membranes permeability Exercise 4. Detection of mutagenic substances using Ames test Exercise 5. Gluten content in food products part 1. Exercise 6. Gluten content in food...
-
Biochemistry - Laboratory exercises
e-Learning CoursesExerise 1. The ability to accumulate metal cations by edible mushrooms, comparison with edible plants Exercise 2. Measurement of activity of glutathione S-transferases - the detoxifying enzymes present in the cytosol of eukaryotic cells Exercise 3. Cell membranes permeability Exercise 4. Detection of mutagenic substances using Ames test Exercise 5. Gluten content in food products part 1. Exercise 6. Gluten content in food...
-
Molecular transformation of dissolved organic matter in manganese ore-mediated constructed wetlands for fresh leachate treatment
PublicationThe organic matter (OM) and nitrogen in Fresh leachate (FL) from waste compression sites pose environmental and health risks. Even though the constructed wetland (CW) can efficiently remove these pollutants, the molecular-level transformations of dissolved OM (DOM) in FL remain uncertain. This study reports the molecular dynamics of DOM and nitrogen removal during FL treatment in CWs. Two lab-scale vertical-flow CW systems were...
-
Magnetic semiconductor photocatalysts for the degradation of recalcitrant chemicals from flow back water
PublicationIn the present study treatability of persistent organic compounds from the flow back water after hydrauling fracturing was investigated. The combination of TiO2 photocatalyst and magnetic oxide nanoparticles enhance the separation and recoverable property of nanosized TiO2 photocatalyst. Fe3O4/ TiO2 and Fe3O4@SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by heteroagglomeration. The photocatalysts’ characteristics by X-ray diffractometry...
-
Method for Determination of Methyl tert-Butyl Ether and Its Degradation Products in Water
Publication -
A simplified method to assess the impact of ship-to-ship collision on the risk of tanker ship hull girder breaking accounting for the effect of ageing
PublicationOne of the most critical structural failures is the exceedance of the ship hull girder’s ultimate strength, which may result in hull breaking, and subsequent severe consequences, including loss of life and property as well as environmental damage in case of an oil spill. A cause for such loss of structural continuity can be triggered by a collision with another vessel. In addition, the ageing mechanisms of the hull structure could...
-
Silver nanoparticles incorporated with superior silica nanoparticles-based rice straw to maximize biogas production from anaerobic digestion of landfill leachate
PublicationTreating hazardous landfill leachate poses significant environmental challenges due to its complex nature. In this study, we propose a novel approach for enhancing the anaerobic digestion of landfill leachate using silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) conjugated with eco-friendly green silica nanoparticles (Si NPs). The synthesized Si NPs and Ag@Si NPs were characterized using various analytical techniques, including transmission electron...
-
Closing the loop: Upcycling secondary waste materials into nanoarchitectured carbon composites for the electrochemical degradation of pharmaceuticals
PublicationIn this study, we demonstrated the application of electrochemical oxidation as a safer and cleaner technology for minimizing the impact of pharmaceuticals in wastewaters, simultaneously mediated by upcycled secondary waste materials (SWMs)-derived electrodes, to further reduce their environmental impact. The modularity, scalability, ease of operation and reliability make electrochemical oxidation an ideal process for the destruction...
-
Environmental characteristics of a tundra river system in Svalbard. Part 2: Chemical stress factors
PublicationBacterial communities in the Arctic environment are subject to multiple stress factors, including contaminants, although typically their concentrations are small. The Arctic contamination research has focused on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) because they are bioaccumulative, resistant to degradation and toxic for all organisms. Pollutants have entered the Arctic predominantly by atmospheric and oceanic long-range transport,...
-
A novel approach in wood waste utilization for manufacturing of catalyst-free polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC)
PublicationIn recent decades, due to the increase in environmental awareness and noticeable environmental degradation, the area of wood waste management has attracted increasing attention. The purpose of this study is to develop a new type of highly filled polyurethane wood-composite (PU-WC) by the utilization of large amount of wood wastes without addition of a catalyst. Although wood-plastic composites (WPCs) are widely known, there is...
-
Biocatalytic Functionalities of Lignin Peroxidase-Based Systems in Lignin Depolymerization and Pollutants Removal from Environmental Matrices
PublicationPurpose of Review In the presented review, we have summarized and highlighted recent developments in the use of lignin peroxidase (LiP) to remove a variety of pollutants from water matrices. The high redox potential of LiP is underlined by its excellent catalytic functionalities in the elimination of pharmaceuticals, phenolics, dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and other miscellaneous...
-
A New Approach for Investigating the Impact of Pesticides and Nutrient Flux from Agricultural Holdings and Land-Use Structures on Baltic Sea Coastal Waters
PublicationKnowledge related to land-use management impacts on the Baltic Sea ecosystem is limited. The constant release of pollutants into water bodies has resulted in water quality degradation. Therefore, only the innovative approaches integrated with research will provide accurate solutions and methods for proper environment management and will enable understanding and prediction of the impacts of land-use in the Baltic Sea region. Modelling...