The purpose of the work is to assess the ecological structure of selected rural communities Sandomierz Basin to determine the role of manor parks in the agricultural landscape. The study was conducted within nine rural communities located along the Vistula river. Field studies include the identification of ecosystem types according to their degree of naturalness in the surveyed communities and to determine the structure of the coverage in the surveyed municipalities. To develop a program of research results were used Corine Land Cover 2006 (CLC), as well as field research II and III orders of ecological networsk were dominated on studied areas. Ecological corridors are mostly represented by valley and forests.

In the paper the planned restrictions in the use of land and water resources in the protective area of the Świnna Poręba Reservoir are presented, which were proposed in order to protect the reservoir waters against the degradation. There are described the impact of the protective area establishment on the documents of spatial planning in municipalities around the reservoir and the possible economic impact of the creation of such area. Additional protection of the reservoir waters shall be ensured by legal records of the Conditions of use of the waters of the Upper Vistula Region, which put restrictions on the use of the waters in the region, including also the Skawa catchment area. The introduction of these two management instruments – the protective area and the conditions of water use – makes a full protection of the reservoir against excessive loads of pollutants.

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of removal of nutrients nitrogen compounds using the Weibull reliability method. The studies, conducted during the 4 years period from January 2009 to December 2012 in the collective wastewater treatment plant. The designed size of the treatment plant, expressed in PE is 101200 residents. Seventy Three samples of raw and treated sewage samples were collected and subjected to physico-chemical analysis within the study period. Based on the results in raw wastewater it was found much higher than average concentration of total nitrogen. The high in equality concentrations of nitrogen compounds in wastewater influent had an impact on the volatility of nitrification and denitrification processes in a sequential biological reactor. As a result of the volatility process in biological reactor it was found, that 46% cases of concentration of total nitrogen in the waste waterflowing into the river was higher, than the limit specified in the law permit for this facility. In the paper proposes some solutions to the problems associated with the operation of the biological reactor, which in the future should result in increase defficiency of the elimination of nitrogen compounds in the treatment plant.

The paper presents investigation results considering morphological changes and sieve curves modifications within the outlet of upland sand-gravel Raba River. Great intensity of the processes forming the bed of Raba River in this place are the key to preserve the natural mechanism of dynamical continuity and natural character in the face of general river training and use of both the Raba and Wisla Rivers. Field survey consisted from measurement of geometrical parameters for a main channel it’s bed forms, granulometry of the surface and sub-pavement, combination of riffles and pools. From this analysis the character of dynamic processes modifying river while the bedload transport continues can be described. The samples of riverbed material were taken using in-situ method to obtain the layered structure of the dunes and the sub-surfaced granulometric composition. The local dynamic of the Raba channel leads to the erosion and lowering of the bed level and on some of the locations on accumulation and changes in local thalweg moving it between the banks. The granulometric composition analysis was used to describe the influence of raised water stages on the riverbed and to interpret the main mechanisms determining changes in granulometry and the movement of bedforms. Estimating the dynamic hydraulical values in cross-section was used to list the limitations of the movement of bed forms. The calculations proved critical depth for the bedload movement in the surroundings of the bed form 15 cm but the water depth over and around the form varying from 10 cm to 23 cm making thereby the form as the key element determining the limits between movement and sedimentation of riverbed material.

The paper presents tests results of research on the influence of fiber reinforcement on the compressive strength of fly ash from “Skawina” Power Plant stabilized with 3% addition of hydrated lime and cement. 5 × 10, 10 × 10, 20 × 10 and 20 × 20 mm foil strips and Fibrofor High Grade synthetic microfibers were used as a reinforcement. The results revealed that the compressive strength the of fly ash with reinforcement Fibrofor High Grade fibers was 2-times higher compared to the tests with foil strips. The compressive strength of the fly ash with the addition of Portland cement was significantly higher than with the addition of hydrated lime.

The study presents an attempt of determination of the hierarchy of stream bed system elements, which are shaped by regulatory and preservation works creating qualitative and quantitative composition of aquatic macrophytes communities. The field study was conducted on 29 small and medium lowland streams in Lower Silesia region. One hundred of research sections were chosen on these streams. The study included measurements and description of selected elements of complex stream bed system, such as: longitudinal profile, bottom width, watercourse depth, bank slope, type of bank protection, type of bottom substrate, number of aquatic plants species and bottom coverage with the plants. Rough set theory was used in order to determine the hierarchy of discussed elements interactions on qualitative and quantitative composition of vascular aquatic plants communities. Its application allowed to determine the sequence of interactions of single elements of discussed stream bed system elements, these elements pairs, as well as sets composed of three or four elements, on the number of aquatic macrophytes species observed in the stream and on degree the bottom coverage by them.

The goals of the study were to develop a method for extracting and quantifying illicit stimulants and metabolites, methamphetamine, amphetamine, cocaine, and benzoylecogonine from wastewater effluent and surface water grab samples, and evaluate Central Wisconsin wastewater treatment plant’s (WWTP) removal efficiency of compounds of interest. The method created used HLB solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges to extract substances of interest and High Performance Liquid Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) for quantification and qualification. All four wastewater effluent samples and three Wisconsin River samples had quantifiable concentrations of at least one analyte. Conclusions derived from the study were: The method created is effective for separating, quantifying, and identifying amphetamine, cocaine, and benzoylecognine from wastewater effluent and surface water grab samples, and each illicit stimulant and metabolite analyzed in this study were all quantified in wastewater effluent, indicating these compounds have the ability to survive WWTP.

There are various methods to assess soil erodibility for wind erosion. This paper focuses on aggregate analysis by a laser particle sizer ANALYSETTE 22 (FRITSCH GmbH), made to determine the size distribution of soil particles detached by wind (deflated particles). Ten soil samples, trapped along the same length of the erosion surface (150–155 m) but at different wind speeds, were analysed. The soil was sampled from a flat, smooth area without vegetation cover or soil crust, not affected by the impact of windbreaks or other barriers, from a depth of maximum 2.5 cm. Prior to analysis the samples were prepared according to the relevant specifications. An experiment was also conducted using a device that enables characterisation of the vertical movement of the deflated material. The trapped samples showed no differences in particle size and the proportions of size fractions at different hourly average wind speeds. It was observed that most of particles travelling in saltation mode (size 50–500 µm) – 58–70% – moved vertically up to 26 cm above the soil surface. At greater heights, particles moving in suspension mode (floating in the air; size < 100 µm) accounted for up to 90% of the samples. This result suggests that the boundary between the two modes of the vertical movement of deflated soil particles lies at about 25 cm above the soil surface.

The research presented in this paper concerns the diversity and spatial structure of town green areas. Its goal was to compare the dendroflora of the “Wschód” estate in Świdnik with similar urban architectural complexes that have been analysed thus far. The purpose of this research was also to compile an inventory and to determine the species diversity of trees and shrubs that grow within the estate, as well as to indicate their composition and spatial function.

In this paper, the transformation rate of the physicochemical aquatic environment of Dzierzazna catchment were presented. Based on long-term characteristics the temperature, specific conductance, alkali level, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and its seasonal distribution (10 measurement points) the monthly averages and yearly medians also Markham’s seasonality indexes are counted (years 2003–2013). The average water pHs and dissolved oxygen haven’t big spatial and time diversity (low seasonality index: IS = 2.6–13.0%), in contrast to the turbidity and temperature of water (higher seasonality index: IS = 21.4–35.5%). The temperature maximum fell in in July and the amplitude increases with the passage up the river, because of several water reservoirs. The time of other characteristics concentration falls between early April and mid-May. The electrical conductivity showed that the maximum SEC values are observed in winter (till 21.3 mS ∙ cm–1 in A2 motorway sewages), as same as in waters of Dzierzazna river system (360–480 μS ∙ cm–1). The conductivity has also greater seasonal variability and spatial diversity in catchment.

The paper presents the main aspects of the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment with particular attention to cytostatic drugs (anticancer drugs). The attention has been drawn to the likely ecological threat, source and presence of qualitative and quantitative, and the behavior of cytostatics as well. An attempt was made to assess the ways of their degradation depending on the physicochemical parameters with an overview of the recommended treatment and disposal technologies. High removal states as a result of photooxidation, while the highest efficiency enable electrolytic and chemical reactions. However, to obtaining complete elimination and inactivation enforce the use of hybrid methods.

The paper focuses on the consequences of uncontrolled gravel mining from the bed of mountain streams. As a result of that river channels are destroyed and lose their armoring layer. When this armoring layer is destroyed natural river bed is no longer protected against excessive degradation and many hydraulic structures and flood protection river engineering works are in danger. More than that, living organisms are eliminated through the removal of natural habitat and many invertebrate have no space to live. The same with fish, which with river bed gravel bed armoring removed, have no room to lay eggs.

Tree-lined roads are very important elements of the cultural landscape of Poland. Created with old-growth trees often become witnesses’ of historical events as well as they delight in appearance. This article shows the inventory and historical views of oak avenues in Ulucz, Dydnia commune.

In the paper authors identify the multi-criteria model of the significance of drainage pumping stations in Poland. The identified model will allow to classification of drainage pumping stations in terms of their significance in water management of the country. The Characteristic Objects method COMET, which is one of the methods of multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA), was used to build the model. In many scientific articles, issues related to the water management are frequently resolved by using MCDA methods. However, majority of MCDA methods are exposed to the rank reversal paradox, which has a negative effect with respect to the reliability of the final result. In contrast to other MCDA methods, the COMET method identifies the complete model in the space of the problem and not only discrete values for selected objects. The COMET approach identifies the expert model taking to account local feedbacks by using fuzzy logic mechanisms. Three parameters were used to build the expert model for drainage pumping stations, such as drainage efficiency, total output of aggregates and surface drainage. The result is 27 fuzzy rules that define the exact model. Subsequently, this model is used to assess the significance of 270 selected drainage pumping stations in the country. Then, the empirical method to verify the correctness of the results is also presented. On the basis of the results, the primary classification of drainage pumping stations is made in terms of their significance in water management of the country.

The article describes the effectiveness of different treatment technologies used for slurry and how they affect methane emissions from the soil after the application of slurry. For the research, swine and cattle slurry was used, treated with the following technologies: addition of PRP or Effective Microorganisms, aeration, ozonation and methane fermentation. In addition, one of the samples was used without any modification as a control sample. The samples of treated slurry were applied to the soil from the Wielkopolska region. The composition of the emitted gases after the application of the slurry was tested in a gas chromatograph. The research allowed to identify aeration as the most effective method of slurry management, both for swine and cattle slurry. The swine slurry showed a higher potential for biogas production than cattle slurry. Moreover, when storing the digested slurry in closed chambers, and not applying it immediately after the fermentation process, improves the methane emission reduction. The effective microorganisms addition through the process of slurry treatment proved to be the least efficient process. Furthermore, the control sample allowed to compare the effectiveness of the abovementioned processes and their methane emission reductions.

This paper aims to present the flood risk analysis, taking into account sociohydrological aspects. The paper presents a model allowing for a dynamic simulation of interactions between the flood risk and human behavior, also having regard to feedbacks. This model consists of four components: economic, political, technological and social. It seems that the concept of socio-hydrology meets the current needs of the rational water management in catchments. Socio-hydrology can be used to explain the relationships between humans and natural environment, with particular emphasis on water environment.

The paper presents selected issues related to water management of the water reservoir Młyny located at km 6 + 968 of Julianpolka river, in the municipality of Rudniki, in the province of Opole. In this paper, an evaluation concerning the exploitation of the water reservoir Młyny was carried out. The research focuses on the functions of water reservoir Młyny, which are: agricultural (use of water for agricultural irrigation), fish farming and recreational functions. The main problems of water management in it’s catchment area include: water quality (according to the research, pollution of the water that flows into the reservoir is large) and improper use of the direct catchment of the reservoir. This paper outlines proposed changes to the use of the catchment area of the Młyny reservoir, including: implementation of protection zones in the belt around the river reservoir, put of gauge sections on tributaries to the reservoir, install of measurement devices, including water gauges. The research provides important information about the condition of the Młyny reservoir. Moreover, it examines if the water is clean. This study will help with future decisions related to the use of impound water in the reservoir.

The paper presents analysis of hydrochemical research comprising springs occurring in the area of the Ojcow National Park (OPN). There were 19 springs identified in the area, including 10 in Sąspowska Valley and 9 in the Prądnik valley. All springs in the Sąspowska Valley are natural basins, whereas in the Prądnik valley 7 sources have been partially or totally built up by man. During field works the sources capacity was measured, their temperatures, pH value, electrolytic conductivity and redox potential, whereas concentrations of more than a dozen ions, including macroand microelements, and biogenic compounds were determined in a laboratory. On the basis of investigations it was stated that springs with the yield between 1 and 10 dm³ · s^–1 are dominant in OPN. Water flowing from the springs is a two-ionic bicarbonate-calcium water with weakly alkaline pH. On the basis of classification of the analysed physicochemical elements the water was classified to II water purity class, i.e. good quality waters. Elevated concentrations of bicarbonates, calcium and nitrates were registered in all springs, which probably results from natural processes occurring in groundwaters and does not indicate the influence of human activities, or very slight effect.