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I focused my interests on issues related to the impact of the ore mining and processing industry on the soil and plant structure. I was particularly interested in issues related to the migration of elements in the soil environment. An important aspect of my research is the assessment of health and environmental risks related to the presence of metals in various environmental components. Currently, I am expanding the area of my research with aspects related to the use of various wastes for the purpose of land reclamation degraded by the mining and processing industry.
The aim of the study was to assess leaching of Cl−, SO42−, and PO43− from ashes formed in household furnaces. The ashes were obtained following the combustion of conventional fuels, namely wood and hard coal, and alternative fuels with various fractions of municipal waste in a household boiler. Aqueous leachates of the ashes were used to determine concentrations of chlorides by titration (Mohr’s method) (21.3–3049.6 mg/dm3), sulphates by the gravimetric method (12.2–244.1 mg/dm3), and phosphates by spectrophotometry (0.01–67.2 mg/dm3). It was found that co-combustion of municipal waste with plastic-coated paper cartons, diapers, or a mixed waste fraction leaves the greatest amount of ashes on the furnace grate. The highest amounts of Cl−, SO42−, and PO43− were leached from ashes generated from burning a mix of wood and coals, or wood alone (different species). The addition of municipal waste to the process of burning the conventional and alternative fuels studied did not significantly increase Cl−, SO42−, and PO43− content in aqueous extracts of ashes, the exception being diapers and plywood. In light of the study results, it was concluded that all the ashes could be reused (as an additive to concrete) except for the ash generated from the combustion of a mixed municipal waste fraction and coal (due to the content of Cl−) and diapers (due to the content of PO43−). It was demonstrated that Cl−, SO42−, and PO43− content in the entire set of samples and in individual ash groups is highly heterogeneous and variable.
Alicja Kicińska; Grzegorz Caba. Leaching of Chlorides, Sulphates, and Phosphates from Ashes Formed as a Result of Burning Conventional Fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Municipal Waste in Household Furnaces. Energies 2021, 14, 3936 .
AMA StyleAlicja Kicińska, Grzegorz Caba. Leaching of Chlorides, Sulphates, and Phosphates from Ashes Formed as a Result of Burning Conventional Fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Municipal Waste in Household Furnaces. Energies. 2021; 14 (13):3936.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Kicińska; Grzegorz Caba. 2021. "Leaching of Chlorides, Sulphates, and Phosphates from Ashes Formed as a Result of Burning Conventional Fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Municipal Waste in Household Furnaces." Energies 14, no. 13: 3936.
The aim of the study was to determine the content of macroelements (Ca, K, P, S, Mg) and microelements (Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn, Zn, Pb, Zn, Ti) in the leaves of Lactuca sativa grown in soils contaminated by the mining and metallurgical industry. The plants were cultivated using four fertilization variants: (a) unfertilized soil, (b) mix of straight fertilizers, (c) multinutrient fertilizer and (d) organic fertilizer, namely granular cattle manure. The study also involved an analysis of metal accumulation degree in the edible parts of lettuce by means of calculating a bioaccumulation index—transfer factor (TF). The analysis of the impact of fertilization on the content of the elements in the edible parts of fertilized versus unfertilized lettuce demonstrated that phytoavailability of the metals was most effectively limited by the multinutrient fertilizer and the mix of straight fertilizers. The organic fertilizer proved to be the least effective. The highest TF values (> 0.1) were recorded for macroelements, which denotes their intense and moderate accumulation. Poor bioaccumulation was observed for Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn (0.01 ≤ TF < 0.1), whereas in the case of Fe, Pb and Ti—trace bioaccumulation or no bioaccumulation was found (TF ≤ 0.01).
Alicja Kicińska; Justyna Wikar. The effect of fertilizing soils degraded by the metallurgical industry on the content of elements in Lactuca sativa L. Scientific Reports 2021, 11, 1 -17.
AMA StyleAlicja Kicińska, Justyna Wikar. The effect of fertilizing soils degraded by the metallurgical industry on the content of elements in Lactuca sativa L. Scientific Reports. 2021; 11 (1):1-17.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Kicińska; Justyna Wikar. 2021. "The effect of fertilizing soils degraded by the metallurgical industry on the content of elements in Lactuca sativa L." Scientific Reports 11, no. 1: 1-17.
Metallurgical waste originating from the Zn and Pb refining process presents varying chemical composition and physical properties and contains varying quantities of pollutants. In the study, both fresh and weathered samples of production slag from the final Pb refining process were used to determine its physical parameters and chemical composition as well as to perform an environmental risk assessment (RAC, mRAC) related to its storage. This paper focuses on determining parameters such as natural humidity (1.8%) and bulk density (1267 kg/m3) of the slag. Also, its toxicity was analysed using bio-tests, its pH was measured (11.92) and the content of sulphates (3.5 wt%), chlorides (0.3 wt%) and selected heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb) was determined. The Individual Contamination Factor was determined, yielding the following order of the hazard level: Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd > Fe > Mn. Based on the mobility of metals determined using the Mobility Factor, it was concluded that the hazard level followed the sequence Cd > Pb > Zn > Mn > Fe > Cu. The obtained water leaching results were compared to the values found in the legal regulations in force. Based on this comparison, it was established that the slag studied constitutes toxic waste containing considerable quantities of sulphides and chlorides. The material is also a considerable source of readily leaching elements (Cd, Zn and Pb), and thus any product created using the slag may become hazardous to the environment. Also, the waste studied must not be used in the form in which it is currently stored due to the leaching of particularly toxic elements (Cd and Pb) in water solutions with increasing acidity.
Alicja Kicińska. Physical and chemical characteristics of slag produced during Pb refining and the environmental risk associated with the storage of slag. Environmental Geochemistry and Health 2020, 43, 1 -19.
AMA StyleAlicja Kicińska. Physical and chemical characteristics of slag produced during Pb refining and the environmental risk associated with the storage of slag. Environmental Geochemistry and Health. 2020; 43 (7):1-19.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Kicińska. 2020. "Physical and chemical characteristics of slag produced during Pb refining and the environmental risk associated with the storage of slag." Environmental Geochemistry and Health 43, no. 7: 1-19.
This paper assesses the degree of soil pollution of agricultural land exposed to the emission of pollution related to the mining and processing industry. Based on the analysis of the content of primary elements (Mg, K, P, Ca, S and Fe) and trace elements (Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, Ti and Mn) in soils from the area of Bukowno, Sosnowiec, Nowa Huta and Cło (southern Poland, EU) pollution coefficients i.e. the geo-accumulation index Igeo and the enrichment factor EF were calculated. The usability of the soils analysed in terms of agriculture was also determined in accordance with the guidelines of the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation in Puławy. The research findings indicate that the permissible levels of Pb and Zn have been exceeded (Bukowno, Sosnowiec and Nowa Huta) in locations where the exploitation and processing of Zn-Pb ores and steel production take place. The amount and type of pollution found in the soils is closely related to the type of industry and concentrates (ores) that are processed in a given plant. Heavy Zn pollution (Igeo ≥ 3) and medium Pb pollution (Igeo > 2) preclude some of these areas from agricultural production, especially from leafy vegetable cultivation.
Alicja Kicińska; Justyna Wikar. Ecological risk associated with agricultural production in soils contaminated by the activities of the metal ore mining and processing industry - example from southern Poland. Soil and Tillage Research 2020, 205, 104817 .
AMA StyleAlicja Kicińska, Justyna Wikar. Ecological risk associated with agricultural production in soils contaminated by the activities of the metal ore mining and processing industry - example from southern Poland. Soil and Tillage Research. 2020; 205 ():104817.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Kicińska; Justyna Wikar. 2020. "Ecological risk associated with agricultural production in soils contaminated by the activities of the metal ore mining and processing industry - example from southern Poland." Soil and Tillage Research 205, no. : 104817.
The aim of this paper was to analyse the impact of long-term operation of a zinc-works on the soil environment based on 20-year observations. The study material comprised the surface soil samples and soil profiles collected in close vicinity of the zinc-works in Miasteczko Śląskie (Southern...
Alicja Justyna Kicińska. Lead and Zinc in Soils Around a Zinc-Works – Presence, Mobility and Environmental Risk. Journal of Ecological Engineering 2020, 21, 185 -198.
AMA StyleAlicja Justyna Kicińska. Lead and Zinc in Soils Around a Zinc-Works – Presence, Mobility and Environmental Risk. Journal of Ecological Engineering. 2020; 21 (4):185-198.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Justyna Kicińska. 2020. "Lead and Zinc in Soils Around a Zinc-Works – Presence, Mobility and Environmental Risk." Journal of Ecological Engineering 21, no. 4: 185-198.
The article presents the evaluation of the vulnerability of groundwater to pollution with the use of the DRASTIC method and by determining the vertical filtering time through the aeration zone on the example of the groundwater intake in the Dunajec River valley. The study area was further divided into 3 catchment areas, equivalent to the 3 terraces of the river valley (characterized by different hydrodynamic properties). With the help of the DRASTIC method one made valuable analysis of individual environmental characteristics in terms of their protective functions for the analyzed waterbearing system and estimated vertical migration time, which served for the assessment of the level of exposing waters to potential conservative pollutants. The performed analyses demonstrated medium vulnerability in the case of cut-in-fill terrace and high vulnerability in the case of non-flood terrace and flood plain terrace. The results were used to develop a map representing spatial distribution of groundwater pollution vulnerability. There exists a correlation between the applied methods of vulnerability evaluation in a porous hydrogeological medium – the calculation of vertical infiltration time and the DRASTIC index. Conducted analyses give the possibility of implementation of obtained results for planning works and their use in putting into action appropriate methods of risk manipulation.
Ewa Wysowska; Alicja Kicińska; Grzegorz Nikiel. Analysis of Natural Vulnerability of Groundwater Intakes to Migration of Surface Pollutants Based on a Selected Part of the Dunajec River Basin. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleEwa Wysowska, Alicja Kicińska, Grzegorz Nikiel. Analysis of Natural Vulnerability of Groundwater Intakes to Migration of Surface Pollutants Based on a Selected Part of the Dunajec River Basin. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies. 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEwa Wysowska; Alicja Kicińska; Grzegorz Nikiel. 2020. "Analysis of Natural Vulnerability of Groundwater Intakes to Migration of Surface Pollutants Based on a Selected Part of the Dunajec River Basin." Polish Journal of Environmental Studies , no. : 1.
The aim of the paper is to assess health risk related to the exposure of people to contact with water contaminated with chosen metals, via ingestion and dermal routes. The results of analyses performed in 2012‐2017 using water samples collected from a surface water intake point on the Dunajec, from infiltration wells and samples of treated water supplied to the water distribution system were used as the basis for calculations. Exposure assessment was performed for children and adults. It was demonstrated that treated water supplied directly into the water distribution system had superior parameters. In the case of adults, the calculated HI values were two or three times higher than for children over the entire analysed period in all three risk assessment scenarios. Health risk resulting from the presence of metals in water is mostly related to the ingestion exposure route. Dermal contact does not produce a considerable risk.
Alicja Kicińska; Ewa Wysowska. Health risk related to the presence of metals in drinking water from different types of sources. Water and Environment Journal 2019, 35, 27 -40.
AMA StyleAlicja Kicińska, Ewa Wysowska. Health risk related to the presence of metals in drinking water from different types of sources. Water and Environment Journal. 2019; 35 (1):27-40.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Kicińska; Ewa Wysowska. 2019. "Health risk related to the presence of metals in drinking water from different types of sources." Water and Environment Journal 35, no. 1: 27-40.
Analysis of the content of As, Cd and Tl accompanying Zn–Pb ores was performed using soil material sampled around the zinc-works in Miasteczko Śląskie. It was found that the total content of As, Cd and Tl was considerably higher than the values recorded at the same sites 20 years earlier. This clearly confirms considerable pollution of the environment which continues despite pro-ecological actions taken by the zinc-works. The analysis of the spatial distribution of pollution revealed that the zinc-works itself is no longer the main source of contamination as was the case in 1998. Instead, in 2018 the main sources of As, Cd and Tl emissions were the erosion and deflation processes in old, unprotected mining and industrial waste dumps located near the zinc-works. The most polluted soil layers are the top layers in the soil profile. The content of As, Cd and Tl determined in them was 10 times greater than in the deep layers. There was also a positive change in environmental conditions, which occurred over the preceding 20 years, namely an increase in the content of sparingly soluble fractions, fractions bound with organic matter, and residual fractions. It was also found that depending on the geochemical background and readily mobile fraction values used in the calculations, there is still very high contamination and very high ecological risk with respect to As, Cd and Tl after 20 years. However, when using the quantity of phytoavailable elements as well as the quantity of cations on ion exchange positions and bound to carbonates to calculate the risk assessment code, the analysis showed that environmental conditions improved.
Alicja Kicińska. Environmental risk related to presence and mobility of As, Cd and Tl in soils in the vicinity of a metallurgical plant – Long-term observations. Chemosphere 2019, 236, 124308 .
AMA StyleAlicja Kicińska. Environmental risk related to presence and mobility of As, Cd and Tl in soils in the vicinity of a metallurgical plant – Long-term observations. Chemosphere. 2019; 236 ():124308.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Kicińska. 2019. "Environmental risk related to presence and mobility of As, Cd and Tl in soils in the vicinity of a metallurgical plant – Long-term observations." Chemosphere 236, no. : 124308.
The paper comprises an analysis of As, Cd, and Tl content in two plant species (Agrostis capillaris and Betula pendula) commonly growing in the vicinity of the Miasteczko Śląskie Zinc Works, in the period of 1998–2018. In 2018, the As, Cd, and Tl content (in mg/kg) in the grasses was...
Alicja Justyna Kicińska. Arsenic, Cadmium and Thallium Content In Plants Growing In Close Proximity to a Zinc Works – Long-Term Observations. Journal of Ecological Engineering 2019, 20, 61 -69.
AMA StyleAlicja Justyna Kicińska. Arsenic, Cadmium and Thallium Content In Plants Growing In Close Proximity to a Zinc Works – Long-Term Observations. Journal of Ecological Engineering. 2019; 20 (7):61-69.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Justyna Kicińska. 2019. "Arsenic, Cadmium and Thallium Content In Plants Growing In Close Proximity to a Zinc Works – Long-Term Observations." Journal of Ecological Engineering 20, no. 7: 61-69.
The paper presents the macroelement (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, and Zn) and microelement (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Sn) contents found in the liver of wild animals (boar and deer) and farm animals (rabbit, chicken, duck, cow, goat, and turkey). Statistically, the differences in element contents between the two groups were not significant (at p = 0.05), with the exception of Fe, K, Mg, Cd, Hg, Mo, and Pb. The liver of farm animals contained more Al, Cu, K, Mg, Na, Cr, and Sn, while the content of the remaining elements was higher in wild animals. An analysis of correlations between element content and age in wild animals (boar) showed that Pb and Al content increases with age, while Na and Cr contents decrease significantly. Comparisons between the test results and the maximum limits allowed by law showed that, in the case of wild animals, the regulatory limits were exceeded in 18% (for Cd and Cu) and 9% (for Hg) of the liver samples analyzed. In the case of farm animals, the limits for micro- and macroelement contents were not exceeded. The hazard index (HI) values for farm animals were lower than for wild animals, with regard to consumption by both children and adults. Based on the HI values calculated, it seems recommendable that consumption of the liver (preferably from farm animals) by children be limited to once weekly. For adults, the liver can be a valuable source of elements such as Zn, Fe, and Cr, which may be an indication for more frequent consumption.
Alicja Kicińska; Paulina Glichowska; Magdalena Mamak. Micro- and macroelement contents in the liver of farm and wild animals and the health risks involved in liver consumption. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 2019, 191, 1 -18.
AMA StyleAlicja Kicińska, Paulina Glichowska, Magdalena Mamak. Micro- and macroelement contents in the liver of farm and wild animals and the health risks involved in liver consumption. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 2019; 191 (3):1-18.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Kicińska; Paulina Glichowska; Magdalena Mamak. 2019. "Micro- and macroelement contents in the liver of farm and wild animals and the health risks involved in liver consumption." Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 191, no. 3: 1-18.
The study was performed to determine bioavailable amounts of cadmium, lead, and zinc in soils contaminated through the years of Zn-Pb ore mining and processing near Olkusz, Poland, and to identify the environmental risk (RAC) associated with the occurrence of the most mobile forms of these metals...
Alicja Justyna Kicińska; Bożena Smreczak; Jan Jadczyszyn. Soil Bioavailability of Cadmium, Lead, and Zinc in Areas of Zn-Pb Ore Mining and Processing (Bukowno, Olkusz). Journal of Ecological Engineering 2019, 20, 84 -92.
AMA StyleAlicja Justyna Kicińska, Bożena Smreczak, Jan Jadczyszyn. Soil Bioavailability of Cadmium, Lead, and Zinc in Areas of Zn-Pb Ore Mining and Processing (Bukowno, Olkusz). Journal of Ecological Engineering. 2019; 20 (1):84-92.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Justyna Kicińska; Bożena Smreczak; Jan Jadczyszyn. 2019. "Soil Bioavailability of Cadmium, Lead, and Zinc in Areas of Zn-Pb Ore Mining and Processing (Bukowno, Olkusz)." Journal of Ecological Engineering 20, no. 1: 84-92.
The paper attempts at evaluating potential for the use of sewage sludge produced in a rural area for the rehabilitation of ground degraded by the sodium processing industry. The results demonstrated that the studied sewage sludge conforms to the current regulatory standards, enabling its use in land rehabilitation, both for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes. Ground in areas degraded by the KZS “Solvay” industrial plant has poor parameters in terms of pH, and moderate parameters in terms of humic substance content. An experiment using the bearded iris (Iris barbata) demonstrated that sewage sludge from the “Stróże” treatment plant stimulates plant growth. Therefore, it can be used both for ground rehabilitation, and for fertilization. Considering its properties and its broad spectrum of potential uses, sewage sludge should be viewed as a resource rather than a waste product.
Alicja Kicińska; Jarosław Gucwa; Beata Kosa-Burda. Evaluating Potential for Using Municipal Sewage Sludge in the Rehabilitation of Ground Degraded by the Sodium Processing Industry. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 2018, 102, 399 -406.
AMA StyleAlicja Kicińska, Jarosław Gucwa, Beata Kosa-Burda. Evaluating Potential for Using Municipal Sewage Sludge in the Rehabilitation of Ground Degraded by the Sodium Processing Industry. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2018; 102 (3):399-406.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Kicińska; Jarosław Gucwa; Beata Kosa-Burda. 2018. "Evaluating Potential for Using Municipal Sewage Sludge in the Rehabilitation of Ground Degraded by the Sodium Processing Industry." Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 102, no. 3: 399-406.
The study presents the results of an analysis of fly ashes produced from burning of solid fuels mixed with municipal waste and assesses the environmental and health risk associated with infiltration of the selected metals to the environment. The phase composition suggests that the material is extremely mixed and diverse. Low-temperature components were mixed with substances formed in high temperatures. The variable composition of waste from different home furnaces with high content of the amorphous phase (which dissolves in water more easily than its crystalline equivalents) may be harmful to the environment and for the people. The dominant elements were silicates and aluminosilicates, such as: quartz, feldspar and plagioclase (albite). Clay minerals (kaolinite and mullite), carbonates (calcite), oxides/oxidehydroxides of iron and sulfate minerals (gypsum and anhydrite) were also abundant. The particles' major constituents were Si, Al, Ca and Fe oxides (85.5%), while S, Mg, Na, K and Ti oxides accounted for 12.6% of the total content. The risk assessment code suggested: Low Risk for As, Co, Cr, Ni, Medium Risk for Cd, Cu and Pb, and High Risk for Zn. Hazard Index (HI) calculated for non-cancerogenic substances for children was 2.35E+00. The total Risk index for children was 4.88E-05. As for adults, HI was 2.42E-01 for women, and 2.89E-01 for men, while the Risk index value was 6.85E-05 for women, and 8.48E-05 for men. The value HI > 1 points to the risk of adverse health impact on children exposed to fly ashes.
Alicja Kicińska. Chemical and mineral composition of fly ashes from home furnaces, and health and environmental risk related to their presence in the environment. Chemosphere 2018, 215, 574 -585.
AMA StyleAlicja Kicińska. Chemical and mineral composition of fly ashes from home furnaces, and health and environmental risk related to their presence in the environment. Chemosphere. 2018; 215 ():574-585.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Kicińska. 2018. "Chemical and mineral composition of fly ashes from home furnaces, and health and environmental risk related to their presence in the environment." Chemosphere 215, no. : 574-585.
Magdalena Mamak; Alicja Kicińska. Environmental indicators for evaluation of chromium content in soils on the example of an inoperative tanning plant. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal 2018, 25, 2056 -2072.
AMA StyleMagdalena Mamak, Alicja Kicińska. Environmental indicators for evaluation of chromium content in soils on the example of an inoperative tanning plant. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal. 2018; 25 (8):2056-2072.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Mamak; Alicja Kicińska. 2018. "Environmental indicators for evaluation of chromium content in soils on the example of an inoperative tanning plant." Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal 25, no. 8: 2056-2072.
The purpose of the research was to evaluate the mobility of cadmium [Cd] in slags from municipal waste incineration. The evaluation was based on TVA's two-stage wash-out test on fresh samples and on samples exposed to atmospheric factors’ influence for a period of two weeks. The tested slag samples were collected from the municipal Waste Thermal Treatment Plant [WTTP] in Kraków. Total Cd content in the waste was determined by the decomposition of samples in aqua regia. The Cd concentration in post-extraction solutions was determined by the AAS method. On the basis of the obtained results, it was found that prolonged contact with water causes leaching (washing out) of significant amounts (5.6–11.8% of the total content) of the element from the tested fresh waste. Prolonged contact with water, together with the influence of other atmospheric factors (temperature changes, sunshine, wind), has a negative influence on Cd stability in the examined waste, causing the release of significant amounts of that element into the surroundings, which may pose a threat to the environment.
Beata Kosa-Burda; Alicja Kicińska. Evaluation of the stability of cadmium [Cd] in slags from the Waste Thermal Treatment Plant [WTTP] in Kraków. E3S Web of Conferences 2018, 44, 00075 .
AMA StyleBeata Kosa-Burda, Alicja Kicińska. Evaluation of the stability of cadmium [Cd] in slags from the Waste Thermal Treatment Plant [WTTP] in Kraków. E3S Web of Conferences. 2018; 44 ():00075.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeata Kosa-Burda; Alicja Kicińska. 2018. "Evaluation of the stability of cadmium [Cd] in slags from the Waste Thermal Treatment Plant [WTTP] in Kraków." E3S Web of Conferences 44, no. : 00075.
Soils collected in the proximity of a steel plant in Krakow were analyzed for their pH, the content of total organic carbon, and the total contents of metals and metalloids. Applying the Commission of European Communities Bureau of Reference (BCR) extraction of selected metals: Cd, Fe, Pb, and Zn, their forms of binding in soils have been determined. The results of the soil analyses of the samples taken in 1996 and 2016 were compared, and then the soil contamination changes were assessed using the GI, contamination factor (CF), and PLI indicators. A rehabilitation of the degraded soils was tested using the communal sewage sludge, which was added into the soil at four various ratios. The sewage sludge applied meets the environmental standards as a material for rehabilitating soils for non-agricultural needs but cannot be used for upgrading strongly contaminated soils. The reason is that the sludge addition increases the soil As, Ca, Cr, Mn, and Zn quantities as well as the easily mobilized fractions of the sludge/soil mixtures that contain Cd, Cr, Mg, Mn, Pb, and Tl. The addition of the communal sludge into soils increases the value of the environmental risk in the case of Pb, Mn, Mg, Fe, Cr, Zn, and Ca, but within the same risk classification ranges.
Alicja Kicińska; Beata Kosa-Burda; Piotr Kozub. Utilization of a sewage sludge for rehabilitating the soils degraded by the metallurgical industry and a possible environmental risk involved. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal 2018, 24, 1990 -2010.
AMA StyleAlicja Kicińska, Beata Kosa-Burda, Piotr Kozub. Utilization of a sewage sludge for rehabilitating the soils degraded by the metallurgical industry and a possible environmental risk involved. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal. 2018; 24 (7):1990-2010.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Kicińska; Beata Kosa-Burda; Piotr Kozub. 2018. "Utilization of a sewage sludge for rehabilitating the soils degraded by the metallurgical industry and a possible environmental risk involved." Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal 24, no. 7: 1990-2010.
Contents of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in the material collected in sandboxes of seven spa resorts located in S Poland (CCE) and their results used to establish a health risk of children. After sieving out grains > 2 mm, the bulk samples were quantitatively separated into four grain fractions: 2000–1000, 1000–200, 200–63 and < 63 µm. In each of them were determined: the mineral composition, the total contents of the elements, and the distribution of the elements among the fractions distribution factor. In the bulk material < 2 mm, the totals of the elements are 5–64 times lower than in the finest fractions (< 63 µm). Considering that the finest fractions are enriched in clay minerals such as clinochlore, illite and kaolinite, which can adsorb and desorb metals, this material is most dangerous for children, staying both permanently and temporarily in the spas. The total health risks HI resulting from non-carcinogenic elements present in the fractions < 63 µm are 1.26 and 0.94, for the children-residents 3 and 6 years old, respectively. The figures are disturbing as one of them exceeds and the other is close to a permissible limit of 1. The highest contribution (93.4%) into the total HI is caused by inadvertent swallowing the soil “dirt”: the ingestion path HQing for the 3 years old residents is 1.17, and for the 6-year olds 0.88. With respect to the elements, the highest is the risk resulting from Pb: HQin values of the residents are 4.71E−01 and 3.54E−01 for the 3-year olds and the 6-year olds. Slightly lower are the HQing values calculated for both age groups: in the case of Cr—3.12E−01 and 2.34E−01 and As—2.92E−01 and 2.19E−01). The dermal path (HQdermal) contributes to the total HI much less as it equals 6.5%, while the contribution of the inhalation path (HQinhal) is considerably the lowest and equals only 0.1%. The Risk indexes determined in the case of cancerogenic components for both age groups of the spa residents are lower than the permissible limit 10E−5 and equal 6.48E−06 and 9.72E−06, respectively. Considering the children that only visit the spas, all the calculated indexes, i.e., HI and Risk, are significantly lower than those determined for the children-residents.
Alicja Kicińska. Health risk assessment related to an effect of sample size fractions: methodological remarks. Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment 2017, 32, 1867 -1887.
AMA StyleAlicja Kicińska. Health risk assessment related to an effect of sample size fractions: methodological remarks. Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment. 2017; 32 (6):1867-1887.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Kicińska. 2017. "Health risk assessment related to an effect of sample size fractions: methodological remarks." Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment 32, no. 6: 1867-1887.
Alicja Kicińska; Magdalena Mamak. Health risks associated with municipal waste combustion on the example of Laskowa commune (Southern Poland). Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal 2017, 23, 2087 -2096.
AMA StyleAlicja Kicińska, Magdalena Mamak. Health risks associated with municipal waste combustion on the example of Laskowa commune (Southern Poland). Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal. 2017; 23 (8):2087-2096.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Kicińska; Magdalena Mamak. 2017. "Health risks associated with municipal waste combustion on the example of Laskowa commune (Southern Poland)." Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal 23, no. 8: 2087-2096.
The authors dealt with some hazardous elements, i.e. As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, contained in sands of the sandboxes localized in playgrounds of seven spas in southern Poland (CEE). The following determinations were made: the total contents of metals, the most mobile metals (water-leachable fraction) and the metals available to plants and organisms (CaCl2- and EDTA-extractable fractions). The totals of the metals are below the upper limits of the values recommended for soils of the protected areas (type A). The mobility of the metals is low: the forms leachable with water range from 0.7% of the total content (TC) of Pb to 13.4% TC of Cd. The forms available to living organisms contain considerably higher quantities of the metals: from 2.3% TC of Ni to 22.6% TC of As in CaCl2-extractable fractions and from 0.7% TC of Cr to 82% TC of As in EDTA-extractable fractions. An assessment of the health risk indicates that children are exposed to the metals present in the sandboxes mostly due to inadvertent swallowing of "dirt" from their hands. The highest are the HQingestion indexes of As and Cr, both for the 3-year-old permanent spa residents (5.74E-02 and 1.71E-02, respectively) and the spa visitors of the same age (7.47E-03 and 2.22E-03, respectively) and the 6-year-old residents (4.31E-02 and 1.28E-02, respectively) and visitors (5.60E-03 and 1.66E-03, respectively). The health risk indexes HI in the case of non-cancerogenic substances for children 3 and 6 years old are for spa residents, 9.59E-02 and 7.19E-02, respectively, and for children visitors, who are exposed to environmental factors for a much shorter time than the residents, 1.25E-02 and 9.35E-03, respectively. All the risk indexes have their values significantly below 1, which proves the lack of deleterious effects resulting from the exposition of children to the elements considered. The children of both age groups, exposed to the cancerogenic substances, are endangered mainly by As. The risk values of the cancerogenic As for 3- and 6-year-old children residents are 1.27E-06 and 1.90E-06, respectively, and for children visitors of the same ages 1.65E-07 and 2.47E-07, respectively. These values are significantly lower than a permissible level of "1∙10E-05" and means that also in this case, the health risk is minimal. The risk values calculated for the remaining metals are much lower and follow the sequence Cr > Co > Cd. However, an adverse impact of some sand-contained pollutants that are attributed to the motor traffic (Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Co and Pb) and low emissions (mainly As and Cd) has been established in the spa resorts in question.
Alicja Kicińska; Magdalena Mamak; Monika Skrzypek. Heavy metals in sands of sandboxes: health risk associated with their quantities and form of occurrence in some spas of Poland. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2017, 24, 19733 -19748.
AMA StyleAlicja Kicińska, Magdalena Mamak, Monika Skrzypek. Heavy metals in sands of sandboxes: health risk associated with their quantities and form of occurrence in some spas of Poland. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2017; 24 (24):19733-19748.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Kicińska; Magdalena Mamak; Monika Skrzypek. 2017. "Heavy metals in sands of sandboxes: health risk associated with their quantities and form of occurrence in some spas of Poland." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 24, no. 24: 19733-19748.
Long-term changes of As, Cd, Fe, Pb, Tl, Zn, Cl−, SO42−, and PO42− contents were calculated in topsoil samples and soil profiles in the vicinity of the Zn–Pb mine and processing plant at Bukowno, Poland. Evaluations were based on research results obtained in 1994–2014. Soil was described on the basis of hand specimens for which the following were determined: active and potential pH, organic matter content, moisture content, buffer properties, total metal content (HCl+HNO3 3:1), forms of binding metals (using the BCR sequential extraction procedure), metal bioavailability (extraction by the 0.05 M EDTA solution), and water leaching of metals. Soil contamination was determined by the contamination factor and the pollution load index. The potential environmental risk was determined by the risk assessment code (RAC). Twenty-year-long research demonstrated the trend of decreasing metal content in topsoil. The sampling sites, selected in close vicinity of the flotation tailings dump, showed increasing contents of As, Pb, and Cd. The metal content in soil profiles revealed a significant decrease with time. Metal bioavailability, tested in all soil samples, indicated that the exchangeable forms were carriers of mainly Cd (up to 83%), Zn (up to 72%), and Pb (up to 60%) (the proportions refer to total metal contents), whereas As, Fe, and Tl were bound either with hardly movable forms or remained in the extraction residuum. The RAC showed medium to high environmental risks in soils, caused by the presence of Cd, Zn, Pb, and Tl.
Agnieszka Gruszecka-Kosowska; Alicja Kicińska. Long-Term Metal-Content Changes in Soils on the Olkusz Zn?Pb Ore-Bearing Area, Poland. International Journal of Environmental Research 2017, 11, 359 -376.
AMA StyleAgnieszka Gruszecka-Kosowska, Alicja Kicińska. Long-Term Metal-Content Changes in Soils on the Olkusz Zn?Pb Ore-Bearing Area, Poland. International Journal of Environmental Research. 2017; 11 (3):359-376.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAgnieszka Gruszecka-Kosowska; Alicja Kicińska. 2017. "Long-Term Metal-Content Changes in Soils on the Olkusz Zn?Pb Ore-Bearing Area, Poland." International Journal of Environmental Research 11, no. 3: 359-376.