Robert Kowalik - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Robert Kowalik
Structure and Environment
The paper presents concentrations of pharmaceuticals in surface water and sewage. Special attenti... more The paper presents concentrations of pharmaceuticals in surface water and sewage. Special attention was paid to the content of estrogens in municipal sewage and the method of their disposal. Concentrations of various pharmaceuticals in raw and treated wastewater were compared and the pharmaceuticals in different countries and waters were presented in tables. The most frequently identified drugs in sewage are sex hormones (etradiol, ester, ethinylestradiol, 17 β-estradiol) and the antiepileptic drug Carbamazepine. These drugs are difficult to remove from water and therefore appropriate treatment processes are used, such as: adsorption on active carbon, UV irradiation, etc. Contamination of water with pharmaceuticals has a negative impact on the development of aquatic organisms and can lead to serious human health problems.
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT, 2020
The article presents the results of tests performed on soil samples collected along the express r... more The article presents the results of tests performed on soil samples collected along the express road running across the city center with various types of land development. The purpose of this monitoring-oriented research paper was to analyze the sorption properties, the pH, the pollution with petroleum-derived compounds, and the content of heavy metals Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni in the analyzed soil. In addition, it was assessed whether the area used by students as a research area does not pose a health risk. The granulometric composition was also discussed. The obtained test results indicate a comparable soil pH at the alkaline level with average organic carbon content in the range of 1.05%-2.36%. The studied soils are characterized by the largest percentage of coarse sand (0.63:2.0 mm) and medium sand (0.2:0.063 mm), the average iodine value indicates soils of average sorption. Infrared spectroscopic studies allowed us to assess the content of non-polar aliphatic hydrocarbons in the soil of the studied areas. These values are in the range of 8.34-42.05 mg/kg and were not exceeded in relation to the maximum values allowed in OJ.165.1359. The percentage of the analyzed heavy metals in relation to the binding maximum content specified in OJ.165.1359, was in the following order Pb > Cu > Ni > Zn.
Structure and Environment, 2020
Sewage sludge is a by-product of wastewater treatment processes. However, it has high fertilising... more Sewage sludge is a by-product of wastewater treatment processes. However, it has high fertilising and soil-forming properties, but it cannot always be used for this purpose. The two main criteria limiting their natural use are heavy metals and parasite eggs. Sewage sludge taken from the Daleszyce wastewater treatment plant has been analysed for heavy metals. For this purpose a space analysis was performed to divide the total metal content into four mobility fractions. The mobility issue determines the ability of an element, or one of its forms, to move in the environment. The studies were performed using a four-stage BCR procedure. The results were analyzed and compared to the limits applicable in Poland for sewage sludge intended for environmental use.
Structure and Environment, 2020
Currently, a significant problem of water and sewage management is the presence of human hormones... more Currently, a significant problem of water and sewage management is the presence of human hormones, especially estrogens and progestagens, consumed by women in contraceptives and then excreted from the body. While other drugs are used by a small part of the population and rather sporadically, hormonal contraception is used by a large number of women, which contributes to their high concentration in sewage. Even relatively low estrogen concentrations (compared to other drugs) can have harmful effects on the body, disturbing the hormonal balance and leading to various endocrine disorders. In this paper the types of individual estrogen groups were characterized. Next, different methods of their removal from wastewater were presented. The parameters of estrogen removal efficiency depend on which parameters. Next, the effectiveness of each method was compared, also taking into account economic aspects. The work was summarized with appropriate conclusions.
Resources, 2021
Social and economic changes make it necessary to put in a great deal of conscious effort to shift... more Social and economic changes make it necessary to put in a great deal of conscious effort to shift towards a closed-loop economy, where waste provides a source of raw materials. The low level of selective collection of municipal waste poses a challenge in many countries, including Poland. One of the major causes of the problems in Poland lies in the fact that waste collection points (WCPs) do not have adequate waste containers. The paper aims to put forward a proposal to improve the operation of WCPs. Seeking for new solutions, it is necessary to account for the conditions under which the bodies responsible for waste management take their decisions. They have to comply with the legislation in force, and at the same time, choose the options that generate the lowest costs. The study concerned a typical residential district with housing in multi-family buildings. For two fill rate variants and four emptying schedules, the number of above-ground containers was calculated. Two variants: f...
Membranes, 2021
Sewage sludge from sewage treatment plants has soil-forming and fertilising properties. However, ... more Sewage sludge from sewage treatment plants has soil-forming and fertilising properties. However, sewage sludge cannot always be used in nature, including agriculture. One of the main reasons is the concentration of heavy metals. Sludge from wastewater treatment plants operating in MBR (membrane biological reactor) and SBR (sequential batch reactor) systems was analysed. Studies comparing the risk analysis of the natural use of sludge from MBR and SBR treatment plants were performed for the first time, due to the fact that more and more MBR plants, which are a BAT technology, are being developed in Poland, displacing the classical SBR plants. MBR technology uses a combination of activated sludge and filtration with microfiltration membranes. Wastewater treated in these reactors meets the highest quality standards, both in terms of physicochemical and microbiological aspects. This paper presents studies on the mobility of heavy metals in sewage sludge carried out using the BCR sequent...
Water, 2021
Sewage sludge (SS) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has important soil-forming and fertil... more Sewage sludge (SS) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has important soil-forming and fertilizing properties. However, it may not always be used for this purpose. One of the main reasons why SS cannot be used for natural purposes is its heavy metal (HM) content. SS from the wastewater treatment plant in Poland was subjected to an analysis of the potential anthropogenic hazard of HMs, especially in terms of their mobility and accumulation in soil. Calculations were made for the concentrations of HMs in SS from the analyzed wastewater treatment plants and in arable soil from measurement points in places of its potential use. The geoaccumulation index (GAI), potential environmental risk index (PERI), risk assessment code (RAC) and environmental risk determinant (ERD) were calculated. Then the values of the indicators were compared with the mobility of HMs, which was the highest risk of soil contamination. It was shown that a high level of potential risk and geoaccumulation indicat...
Membranes, 2021
Sewage sludge is a very complex system, with solids and water. It is generated as waste from wast... more Sewage sludge is a very complex system, with solids and water. It is generated as waste from wastewater treatment. Sewage sludge is used to fertilize agricultural and forest areas and to rehabilitate devastated areas. It is a good organic fertilizer because it contains significant amounts of nutrients beneficial for plant development and humus-forming substances. The composition of sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants is similar to soil organic matter, therefore it can be used to improve the physicochemical properties of soil, increasing its sorption capacity. Research material was collected in the Swietokrzyskie and Mazowieckie Voivodships. Sewage sludge was collected from the wastewater treatment plants in Sitkowka Nowiny (Sitkowka) and Kunow, as well as high-quality agricultural soil from Opatowiec and sandy-clay soil from Jastrzebie. Research was carried out on the sorption of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn) by mixtures of sewage sludge with soil. The calculat...
Applied Sciences, 2021
Sewage sludge (SS) is a by-product of processes conducted during the treatment of wastewater. It ... more Sewage sludge (SS) is a by-product of processes conducted during the treatment of wastewater. It can be used in many different ways. One of them is the use of SS in agriculture as an organic fertiliser, but the main criterion for such use is the heavy metals (HMs) content. Knowledge of the total content of HMs in SS does not translate into the danger it may pose. The toxicity of metals is largely dependent on their mobility. The mobility of SS from three different wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, which were characterised by an increased zinc content, was examined in this study. The aim of the study was to prove whether the high level of zinc in SS actually disqualifies the possibility of its natural use. Calculations were made for five environmental hazard indicators: the geoaccumulation index of heavy metals in soil (Igeo), potential environmental risk indicator (PERI), risk assessment code (RAC), environmental risk factor (ERF), and the authors...
Structure and Environment, 2020
The research was conducted on samples of water in Kielce from two intakes: Białogon and Zagnańsk.... more The research was conducted on samples of water in Kielce from two intakes: Białogon and Zagnańsk. The results of selected indicators for these waters were presented, among others, the most important ones influencing its chemical stability i.e. calcium or magnesium. Then, using the PHREEQC program, stability indices were calculated for water in Kielce from the two shots in question. In the next stage, the correctness of the water test method was checked by means of a program through the ionic balance of the water and comparison of pH of the water determined with the value determined by calculation. For the above mentioned activities, tables and calculations were prepared on the basis of which appropriate conclusions were made.
Structure and Environment, 2019
Sewage sludge from sewage treatment plants has important soil-forming and fertilizing properties.... more Sewage sludge from sewage treatment plants has important soil-forming and fertilizing properties. However, they cannot always be used for this purpose. One of the main reasons why sludge cannot be used for natural purposes is its heavy metal content. Sewage sludge from the treatment plant in Starachowice has been subjected to an analysis of the potential risk of heavy metals, especially in terms of their mobility and geoaccumulation. The calculations were made for the concentrations of heavy metals in sewage sludge taken from the treatment plant in Starachowice and in arable soil from the measurement point at the place of its potential use. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were calculated. The analysis of the results shows that although the geo-accumulation index and the level of potential ecological risk are high and dangerous in terms of agricultural or natural use of sediments, the percentage of metals has been recorded mainly in the immobile fraction from which they will not get into the soil.
Structure and Environment, 2019
Sequential Biological Reactors (SBR) are widely used for wastewater treatment, which is becoming ... more Sequential Biological Reactors (SBR) are widely used for wastewater treatment, which is becoming increasingly contaminated with new and more complex substances. Therefore, it is beneficial to include various configurations and operational modifications in order to purify wastewater more effectively. The paper presents a basic description of the SBR process and its modifications, which lead to better removal of the resulting contaminants. The Cyclic Activated Sludge System (CASS) was characterized as one of the most popular sequential reactor (SBR) processes used for the treatment of municipal wastewater and sewage emissions from a variety of industries, including refineries and petrochemicals. Another example presented in this paper is the Unitank biological wastewater treatment system, which combines the advantages of a traditional process with activated sludge and an SBR reactor. The last example of SBR technology modification, presented in the article, is ICEAS (Intermediate Cycle Extended Aeration System) process, which processes continuous sewage inflow. The variable inlet is supported by a distribution box which distributes the flow evenly over all the tanks in order to avoid overloading a single tank. In each case, the benefits of using a given modification are presented.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
More and more attention in sewage sludge management is being devoted to its environmental utiliza... more More and more attention in sewage sludge management is being devoted to its environmental utilization. This approach is justified both from economic and environmental points of view. However, as with any method, there are certain possibilities and limitations. The goal of the natural utilization of sewage sludge is to recover the valuable agronomic properties and fertilizing potential of the sludge. The main aspect limiting the possibility of using sludge as a fertilizer is the heavy metal content. In this paper, an analysis of the risk of environmental contamination in the case of application of sewage sludge with different forms of sludge treatment was carried out. Risk indices such as Igeo and PERI, based on the comparison of total metal content in sludge and soil, as well as RAC and ERD indices, which take into account the mobility of metals in soil, were calculated. It was shown that high levels of potential risk and geoaccumulation indicators do not necessarily disqualify the ...
Structure and Environment
The paper presents concentrations of pharmaceuticals in surface water and sewage. Special attenti... more The paper presents concentrations of pharmaceuticals in surface water and sewage. Special attention was paid to the content of estrogens in municipal sewage and the method of their disposal. Concentrations of various pharmaceuticals in raw and treated wastewater were compared and the pharmaceuticals in different countries and waters were presented in tables. The most frequently identified drugs in sewage are sex hormones (etradiol, ester, ethinylestradiol, 17 β-estradiol) and the antiepileptic drug Carbamazepine. These drugs are difficult to remove from water and therefore appropriate treatment processes are used, such as: adsorption on active carbon, UV irradiation, etc. Contamination of water with pharmaceuticals has a negative impact on the development of aquatic organisms and can lead to serious human health problems.
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT, 2020
The article presents the results of tests performed on soil samples collected along the express r... more The article presents the results of tests performed on soil samples collected along the express road running across the city center with various types of land development. The purpose of this monitoring-oriented research paper was to analyze the sorption properties, the pH, the pollution with petroleum-derived compounds, and the content of heavy metals Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni in the analyzed soil. In addition, it was assessed whether the area used by students as a research area does not pose a health risk. The granulometric composition was also discussed. The obtained test results indicate a comparable soil pH at the alkaline level with average organic carbon content in the range of 1.05%-2.36%. The studied soils are characterized by the largest percentage of coarse sand (0.63:2.0 mm) and medium sand (0.2:0.063 mm), the average iodine value indicates soils of average sorption. Infrared spectroscopic studies allowed us to assess the content of non-polar aliphatic hydrocarbons in the soil of the studied areas. These values are in the range of 8.34-42.05 mg/kg and were not exceeded in relation to the maximum values allowed in OJ.165.1359. The percentage of the analyzed heavy metals in relation to the binding maximum content specified in OJ.165.1359, was in the following order Pb > Cu > Ni > Zn.
Structure and Environment, 2020
Sewage sludge is a by-product of wastewater treatment processes. However, it has high fertilising... more Sewage sludge is a by-product of wastewater treatment processes. However, it has high fertilising and soil-forming properties, but it cannot always be used for this purpose. The two main criteria limiting their natural use are heavy metals and parasite eggs. Sewage sludge taken from the Daleszyce wastewater treatment plant has been analysed for heavy metals. For this purpose a space analysis was performed to divide the total metal content into four mobility fractions. The mobility issue determines the ability of an element, or one of its forms, to move in the environment. The studies were performed using a four-stage BCR procedure. The results were analyzed and compared to the limits applicable in Poland for sewage sludge intended for environmental use.
Structure and Environment, 2020
Currently, a significant problem of water and sewage management is the presence of human hormones... more Currently, a significant problem of water and sewage management is the presence of human hormones, especially estrogens and progestagens, consumed by women in contraceptives and then excreted from the body. While other drugs are used by a small part of the population and rather sporadically, hormonal contraception is used by a large number of women, which contributes to their high concentration in sewage. Even relatively low estrogen concentrations (compared to other drugs) can have harmful effects on the body, disturbing the hormonal balance and leading to various endocrine disorders. In this paper the types of individual estrogen groups were characterized. Next, different methods of their removal from wastewater were presented. The parameters of estrogen removal efficiency depend on which parameters. Next, the effectiveness of each method was compared, also taking into account economic aspects. The work was summarized with appropriate conclusions.
Resources, 2021
Social and economic changes make it necessary to put in a great deal of conscious effort to shift... more Social and economic changes make it necessary to put in a great deal of conscious effort to shift towards a closed-loop economy, where waste provides a source of raw materials. The low level of selective collection of municipal waste poses a challenge in many countries, including Poland. One of the major causes of the problems in Poland lies in the fact that waste collection points (WCPs) do not have adequate waste containers. The paper aims to put forward a proposal to improve the operation of WCPs. Seeking for new solutions, it is necessary to account for the conditions under which the bodies responsible for waste management take their decisions. They have to comply with the legislation in force, and at the same time, choose the options that generate the lowest costs. The study concerned a typical residential district with housing in multi-family buildings. For two fill rate variants and four emptying schedules, the number of above-ground containers was calculated. Two variants: f...
Membranes, 2021
Sewage sludge from sewage treatment plants has soil-forming and fertilising properties. However, ... more Sewage sludge from sewage treatment plants has soil-forming and fertilising properties. However, sewage sludge cannot always be used in nature, including agriculture. One of the main reasons is the concentration of heavy metals. Sludge from wastewater treatment plants operating in MBR (membrane biological reactor) and SBR (sequential batch reactor) systems was analysed. Studies comparing the risk analysis of the natural use of sludge from MBR and SBR treatment plants were performed for the first time, due to the fact that more and more MBR plants, which are a BAT technology, are being developed in Poland, displacing the classical SBR plants. MBR technology uses a combination of activated sludge and filtration with microfiltration membranes. Wastewater treated in these reactors meets the highest quality standards, both in terms of physicochemical and microbiological aspects. This paper presents studies on the mobility of heavy metals in sewage sludge carried out using the BCR sequent...
Water, 2021
Sewage sludge (SS) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has important soil-forming and fertil... more Sewage sludge (SS) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has important soil-forming and fertilizing properties. However, it may not always be used for this purpose. One of the main reasons why SS cannot be used for natural purposes is its heavy metal (HM) content. SS from the wastewater treatment plant in Poland was subjected to an analysis of the potential anthropogenic hazard of HMs, especially in terms of their mobility and accumulation in soil. Calculations were made for the concentrations of HMs in SS from the analyzed wastewater treatment plants and in arable soil from measurement points in places of its potential use. The geoaccumulation index (GAI), potential environmental risk index (PERI), risk assessment code (RAC) and environmental risk determinant (ERD) were calculated. Then the values of the indicators were compared with the mobility of HMs, which was the highest risk of soil contamination. It was shown that a high level of potential risk and geoaccumulation indicat...
Membranes, 2021
Sewage sludge is a very complex system, with solids and water. It is generated as waste from wast... more Sewage sludge is a very complex system, with solids and water. It is generated as waste from wastewater treatment. Sewage sludge is used to fertilize agricultural and forest areas and to rehabilitate devastated areas. It is a good organic fertilizer because it contains significant amounts of nutrients beneficial for plant development and humus-forming substances. The composition of sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants is similar to soil organic matter, therefore it can be used to improve the physicochemical properties of soil, increasing its sorption capacity. Research material was collected in the Swietokrzyskie and Mazowieckie Voivodships. Sewage sludge was collected from the wastewater treatment plants in Sitkowka Nowiny (Sitkowka) and Kunow, as well as high-quality agricultural soil from Opatowiec and sandy-clay soil from Jastrzebie. Research was carried out on the sorption of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn) by mixtures of sewage sludge with soil. The calculat...
Applied Sciences, 2021
Sewage sludge (SS) is a by-product of processes conducted during the treatment of wastewater. It ... more Sewage sludge (SS) is a by-product of processes conducted during the treatment of wastewater. It can be used in many different ways. One of them is the use of SS in agriculture as an organic fertiliser, but the main criterion for such use is the heavy metals (HMs) content. Knowledge of the total content of HMs in SS does not translate into the danger it may pose. The toxicity of metals is largely dependent on their mobility. The mobility of SS from three different wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, which were characterised by an increased zinc content, was examined in this study. The aim of the study was to prove whether the high level of zinc in SS actually disqualifies the possibility of its natural use. Calculations were made for five environmental hazard indicators: the geoaccumulation index of heavy metals in soil (Igeo), potential environmental risk indicator (PERI), risk assessment code (RAC), environmental risk factor (ERF), and the authors...
Structure and Environment, 2020
The research was conducted on samples of water in Kielce from two intakes: Białogon and Zagnańsk.... more The research was conducted on samples of water in Kielce from two intakes: Białogon and Zagnańsk. The results of selected indicators for these waters were presented, among others, the most important ones influencing its chemical stability i.e. calcium or magnesium. Then, using the PHREEQC program, stability indices were calculated for water in Kielce from the two shots in question. In the next stage, the correctness of the water test method was checked by means of a program through the ionic balance of the water and comparison of pH of the water determined with the value determined by calculation. For the above mentioned activities, tables and calculations were prepared on the basis of which appropriate conclusions were made.
Structure and Environment, 2019
Sewage sludge from sewage treatment plants has important soil-forming and fertilizing properties.... more Sewage sludge from sewage treatment plants has important soil-forming and fertilizing properties. However, they cannot always be used for this purpose. One of the main reasons why sludge cannot be used for natural purposes is its heavy metal content. Sewage sludge from the treatment plant in Starachowice has been subjected to an analysis of the potential risk of heavy metals, especially in terms of their mobility and geoaccumulation. The calculations were made for the concentrations of heavy metals in sewage sludge taken from the treatment plant in Starachowice and in arable soil from the measurement point at the place of its potential use. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were calculated. The analysis of the results shows that although the geo-accumulation index and the level of potential ecological risk are high and dangerous in terms of agricultural or natural use of sediments, the percentage of metals has been recorded mainly in the immobile fraction from which they will not get into the soil.
Structure and Environment, 2019
Sequential Biological Reactors (SBR) are widely used for wastewater treatment, which is becoming ... more Sequential Biological Reactors (SBR) are widely used for wastewater treatment, which is becoming increasingly contaminated with new and more complex substances. Therefore, it is beneficial to include various configurations and operational modifications in order to purify wastewater more effectively. The paper presents a basic description of the SBR process and its modifications, which lead to better removal of the resulting contaminants. The Cyclic Activated Sludge System (CASS) was characterized as one of the most popular sequential reactor (SBR) processes used for the treatment of municipal wastewater and sewage emissions from a variety of industries, including refineries and petrochemicals. Another example presented in this paper is the Unitank biological wastewater treatment system, which combines the advantages of a traditional process with activated sludge and an SBR reactor. The last example of SBR technology modification, presented in the article, is ICEAS (Intermediate Cycle Extended Aeration System) process, which processes continuous sewage inflow. The variable inlet is supported by a distribution box which distributes the flow evenly over all the tanks in order to avoid overloading a single tank. In each case, the benefits of using a given modification are presented.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
More and more attention in sewage sludge management is being devoted to its environmental utiliza... more More and more attention in sewage sludge management is being devoted to its environmental utilization. This approach is justified both from economic and environmental points of view. However, as with any method, there are certain possibilities and limitations. The goal of the natural utilization of sewage sludge is to recover the valuable agronomic properties and fertilizing potential of the sludge. The main aspect limiting the possibility of using sludge as a fertilizer is the heavy metal content. In this paper, an analysis of the risk of environmental contamination in the case of application of sewage sludge with different forms of sludge treatment was carried out. Risk indices such as Igeo and PERI, based on the comparison of total metal content in sludge and soil, as well as RAC and ERD indices, which take into account the mobility of metals in soil, were calculated. It was shown that high levels of potential risk and geoaccumulation indicators do not necessarily disqualify the ...