Finding solutions for regional waste management systems is task that requires difficult decisions. This paper presents and evaluates alternative solutions to this problem using the example of solution of this system by an example of the waste management in Zabrze. These strategies were assessed using measurable economic, environmental and social criteria. Subsequently, by using multi-criteria analysis for evaluating various aspects, the most favorable variant in terms of compromise was selected. This solution concerns the expansion of the existing waste sorting plant in the city through the addition of elements of mechanical-biological waste treatment. This option does not provide for the construction of installations for waste incineration.

The paper determines the reliability of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) at the Czernichów Municipality. The study was carried out from February 2010 to March 2011. The following physic-chemical sewage quality parameters were analyzed: BOD5, COD and total suspended solids (TSS). While assessing the plant reliability, two indicators were considered: a reliability indicator and an indicator of technical plant efficiency. The number of violations of the effluent limit values, specified in the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment of 24 July 2006 [9] was established.

This paper presents a detailed overview of selected physical and mechanical properties of cohesive soils deposited the Rożnowskie Lake and the possibility of using these sediments in the construction of earth structures. The scope of the article includes a brief description of processes related to the sedimentation of argillaceous sludge in Rożnowskie Lake.

This paper deals with applying a numerical finite element model of water dynamics to sub-ice flow in a retention reservoir. On the basis of earlier experiences, the AdH model is chosen for this task. The previous usage of this model is outlined along with the physical basics used by this algorithm. The application procedure is then described and finally a few simulation results obtained for different conditions are shown. The results comparison and analysis indicate that the chosen model is capable of performing the required tasks.

This paper discusses the concept of an algorithm designed to determine actual evapotranspiration, taking into account the type of vegetation covering the land, the purpose the land is used for, and varying weather and soil conditions. Simple calculation methods are applied, taking into account individual factors which have been considered separately in the studies of soil conditions published to date.

The estimated characteristics of water seepage in a the vadose zone have been determined using analytical formulae based on the Carman-Kozeny capillary beam model. Only two standard soil parameters are needed to achieve this objective: hydraulic conductivity and porosity. The characteristics obtained find their application in a simplified description of infiltration known as the piston model.

The objective of this article is to present the results of a Cracow landscape valuation from the level of the Vistula river. The paper presents and verifies the urban riverside landscape valuation model based upon five classification functions. The study covers a thirty-kilometre section of the Vistula river within the administrative boundaries of Cracow. 144 valuation points were designated at which the landscape was assessed based upon eight parameters. The presented results indicate the dynamics of the Cracow Vistula river landscape value and allow the assessment of application possibilities of the model developed for the landscape of Wrocław.

This paper presents selected aspects of an alternative power supply for small HVAC systems. The application of a system based on photovoltaic cells together with energy accumulation in VRLA gel batteries was analysed. The results were obtained using laboratory installation and were compared with the predicted data.

This paper is part of a series of publications discussing the prevalence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment and the effectiveness of their removal and degradation during wastewater and water treatment processes. It presents the most commonly used b-blockers and their parameters related to their metabolism and excretion from a body. In the paper, the authors review the literature data on the presence of b-blockers in wastewater and surface waters and present new solutions which have been developed to increase the efficiency of removal of these compounds from wastewater and potable water.

The paper is part of a series of publications discussing the prevalence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment. The paper presents two groups of hypolipidemic drugs (lipid regulators) and their basic parameters. A review of the literature on the occurrence of these compounds in wastewater, surface water and groundwater was made. According to the literature, the presence of various lipid regulators in raw water entering water treatment plants poses a real threat of their penetration into the water supply system, and consequently, to public water intended for human consumption.

This paper is part of a series of publications discussing the prevalence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment and the effectiveness of their removal and degradation during wastewater treatment processes. The paper discusses the problem of the presence of carbamazepine and other anti-epileptic drugs. The authors reviewed the basic characteristic parameters of these compounds, and based on the analysed literature data, the problem of anti-epileptic drugs, mainly carbamazepine, in the aquatic environment. Carbamazepine appears to be exceptionally persistent at municipal wastewater treatment plants as has been confirmed by current studies on its elimination and degradation, as well as reports on its presence in surface water, groundwater and even drinking water. The latest studies demonstrated highly effective removal of carbamazepine during oxidation processes. The application of these methods in real life situations should enable the effective protection of the aquatic environment.

The use of absorption refrigerators to produce cold can definitely reduce energy usage through the use of a heat from the geothermal resources. Absorption refrigerators do not have a negative impact on the natural environment. They are particularly economically attractive when there is a free energy source with a temperature of between 50 and 200°C. This article presents a hybrid absorption-compression refrigerator powered by geothermal energy used for the production of ice slurry for air-conditioning refrigeration.

In this paper, the results of numerical simulations of the flow field in the compound channel of the Vistula river in the surroundings of Sandomierz are presented. Hydro_as-2d model was used for these calculations ‒ this numerically solves so-called shallow water equations. Special attention was paid to local variations of the water surface level and velocity distribution due to river meandering, the split of the water stream between the main channel and the floodplain and also due to the removal of high vegetation. Additionally, results of the computations were interpreted in the context of the partly documented knowledge of flow behaviour in meandering compound channels.

This paper presents the results of an analysis of sedimentary rocks in Tauron Group quarry. The main purpose of this study was to assess the possibilities of using remote sensing techniques for the categorisation of rock types. The application of remote sensing systems for the categorisation of rock types allows the evaluation of the volume and mineral composition of the material extracted from the quarry. Rock samples collected from the Tauron Group quarry were classified according to their mineral composition. Spectrometric analyses were also carried out in the spectral range of 350‒2500 nm wavelength. Spectral properties and mineral composition characteristics of the samples allow for the evaluation of the potential of using remotely-sensed data for rock classification. Optimal spectral bands for highest separability between individual rock types in the quarry were identified based on the study.

This study contains an analysis of the Alden turbine with a power level of 5.0 MW in the Dobczyce power plant. Taking into account results of annalysis, it may be concluded that the contemplated use of the Alden turbine in the Dobczyce power plant is close to the limits of practical applicability and economic viability of this solution. The average annual energy output value achieved using the Kaplan turbines oscillates around 9 GWh, and if the turbines are replaced with an Alden turbine, the estimated average annual output may reach a maximum of 10.6 GWh which represents an increase in power output of about 17%.

This paper presents a water quality assessment for the eight recreational water reservoirs located in the Cracow area. This assessment was performed on the basis of water samples collected during three seasons in 2013. The results showed that in the majority of these reservoirs, water had a good level of quality (class II), and was also suitable for recreational purposes (bathing) and as a fish habitat. In reservoirs where water quality parameters were below threshold levels (unclassifiable), such conditions resulted primarily from the location being in the vicinity of pollution surface run-off sources.