Abstract: Coal’s high propensity for spontaneous combustion can be the cause of fires in coal heaps located at mine sites, power plants, distribution or coal handling points. The application of appropriate measures to prevent coal from self-igniting and consequently to protect against fire. This paper presents optimal methods for monitoring and fire protection of coal stockpiles. The selection of suitable stockpiles for testing was carried out, followed by an assessment of the condition of the stockpiles (measurements of the temperature of the surface and interior of the facility, studies of the chemical composition of the atmosphere inside the facility, and the composition of the atmospheric air on the facility and in its immediate vicinity. Continuous monitoring of the dump was carried out for visible changes indicative of possible thermal phenomena. This was followed by the selection of the method and method of application of the antipyrogen (injection and spraying) and trials with the antipyrogen. Application of the product was followed by further monitoring of the dumps and analysis of the results obtained. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Due to the widespread occurrence and the potential threat to the environment, plastic materials are currently a growing problem of environmental protection in the world. Plastics whit dimensions not exceeding 5 mm are called microplastics. One of the main sources of microplastics in the aquatic environment are municipal wastewater treatment plants. The paper presents the results of research on the presence of microplastics in leachate from sludge processing at a large municipal wastewater treatment plant. The leachate was divided into the leachate produced in the processes of sludge thickening and dewatering. The analysis of the isolated microplastics included a physical analysis, which focuses on determining size, shape, and color of the isolated material. The next step was the chemical identification of the microplastic, where the type of polymer of the tested material was confirmed by means of Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared. Among the isolated microplastic particles, almost a half was identified as fragments, and a smaller amount was confirmed for the presence of foil, fibers, foams and granules. The identified particles were plastic materials, including polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene or poly(terephthalate). Based on the results of the conducted research, the mass of microplastics in leachate was characterized and determined. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Precipitation is one of the main factors causing surface, linear and landslide erosion. Their influence on erosion processes is determined by such parameters as: precipitation frequency, amount, duration and intensity. These features affect the rate of infiltration and the intensity of surface runoff, and thus the occurrence, course and effectiveness of erosion processes [2, 3, 4].The aim of research was to analyse the 40-years of rainfall measurements data from the Lubuskie Voivodeship and inspect whether occurring of heavy rains are random events or maybe indicate some long period trends. To analysis was used non-parametrical Mann-Kendall test and correlation test.What is more the authors’ prepared a path of selecting the optimal dewatering system, where would be taken into consideration ground stability and changes in the rainfall trends. For this purpose, the paper contain short overview existing dewatering systems which are used to reducing risk of landslides. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Due to the difficulties in implementing other methods of removing organic compounds and nitrogen from wastewater, municipal wastewater treatment plants use classical processes (nitrification and denitrification) that require large energy expenditure on aeration. The problem of high energy consumption concerns every treatment plant using aerobic activated sludge, hence the constant attempts to introduce possibly intelligent aeration control techniques. In this study, a short-term (hourly) forecast of oxygen concentration in the aeration chamber was calculated under the conditions of changing values of wastewater flow and pollutant concentrations as well as active aeration control according to an unchanging algorithm. Artificial neural networks were used to calculate the forecast. It is shown that an accurate prediction can be obtained by using different sets of input data but depending on what data we choose, the neural network required to obtain a good result has a more or less complex structure. The resulting prediction can be applied as part of a system for detecting abnormal situations and for preventing excessive energy consumption through unnecessary over-oxygenation of activated sludge. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The current research represents a pilot study for application of the Perpendicular Vegetation Index (PVI) for an area with forests in Bulgaria. It is the first of its kind when it comes to forest studying in the country to the best knowledge of the author. When it comes to soil background Landsat images and other spectral data may be used for monitoring forest territories as well. The study area is Pernik Province which is located in the western parts of Bulgaria. The main aim is to investigate the PVI for the forests of Pernik Province. The index has been calculated by the application of Landsat 8 bands. The PVI has been processed for several months of different years. The main focus is both on the beginning and the end of the growing season when there are significant changes in leaf biomass. The results are promising and show typical vegetation features in the beginning of the growing season (April), a well-developed vegetation (July) and a steadily decreasing biomass in November. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Masks are the primary tool used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the current pandemic. Tests were carried out to determine the total pressure drop through the materials from which the masks are made and the correlation of these results with the concentration of carbon dioxide in the inner space of the mask. The results showed that a parameter representing hydraulic losses of the mask material has a significant influence on the concentration of carbon dioxide in the inner space of the mask. Masks with higher hydraulic resistances accumulated a higher concentration of carbon dioxide, and generated greater fluctuations of carbon dioxide as a function of time, which may be caused by compensation of the respiratory system. For example, in a two-layer mask (mask no. 3) the hydraulic resistance values are about three times higher than in a single-layer mask (mask no. 1). The study also noticed that the inscriptions and prints placed on the masks increase the hydraulic resistance of the material from which the masks are made, which may also contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the space between the mask and the face. To reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide within the inner space of the mask, the results of this work suggest searching for mask materials with the lowest possible hydraulic resistance. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The paper presents the results of numerical analyses carried out in the IRIC environment on the Nays2DH hydrodynamic model regarding the impact of plants in the riverbed and watercourse maintenance on hydraulic conditions. The research material was collected for the actual input variant in October 2018 on the Ślęza River in Wrocław. The constructed and calibrated model was reconfigured on basis of the existing vegetation in three possible variants related to river maintenance: W0 variant - leaving the vegetation in the riverbed, W1 variant - removing all vegetation in the riverbed, variant W2 - removing vegetation in the 2.0 m strip from the right bank, W3 - removing of vegetation in a strip of 2.0 m from the bank, alternately on the right and left bank. Hydrological boundary conditions were flows from 0,32 to 5 [m3/s]. For four variants, the dependence of flows on the water table location, maximum and average velocities in the channel, and maximum and average shear stresses in the channel were analysed. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Publishing BIM standards can facilitate the implementation of BIM construction projects. Their compilation, as in the article, allows to improve them, create or specify requirements. The publication of the international standard ISO 19650 for BIM resulted in numerous revisions to national guidelines. In the aspect of the degrees of detailing of BIM model is visible the development of their definition. Initially, they were divided according to the project phases, over time, into industries, and finally within the types of elements and separately for geometric and alphanumeric information, as well as the attached documentation. ISO 19650 uses the term Level of Information Need.Due to the quantity of global standards in various countries, the article focuses on the Oceania area and ISO 19650. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Agricultural policy in the European Union at Community level, as well as in the member states, increasingly emphasises the issue of sustainable agriculture. The pursuit of climate neutrality requires a reduction in emissions from agricultural sources. Above all, it is necessary to fully exploit the potential of agricultural and forestry areas to increase carbon sequestration in biomass and soil, optimise systems for the storage, transport and use of livestock manure, and significantly improve energy efficiency and increase the share of renewable energy in plant and livestock production. Rural areas, and in particular agriculture, are also seen as one of the main and important sources of pollution and eutrophication of water. Determining the correct way to assess the degree of sustainability of farms requires objective and feasible to determine measures and indicators of socioeconomic-environmental sustainability and a lot of analysis, methodological and practical research. To date, no uniform set of sustainability indicators has been developed and their selection depends on data availability. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The purpose of the article is the general characteristics of military residential architecture built in the 1920s and 1930s in the 2nd Polish Republic. In the newly restored Poland the most pressing problem was the improvement of the housing conditions of the population. The military, who contributed the most to the reinstating of independence held special privilege with the state officials. Therefore, the problem of their quartering was resolved with utmost preference. After an unsuccessful period of trial and error with traditional and light timber frame construction the government addressed this problem systemically establishing the Military Accommodations Fund with a dedicated budget for creating typified, repeatable solutions. The MAF commissioned specific designers, held open as well as limited competitions and hired a cadre of architects and engineers to come up with designs that could rapidly and cost effectively replenish the housing base with functional, hygienic solutions. Because the MAF was well funded, the most prominent polish modernist architects readily cooperated with the organization making Polish interwar architectura militaris an engine of modernization. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Since 1991, Poland has been taking steps to organize the country’s wastewater management in order to meet the requirements of Council Directive 91/271/EEC. The current goals to achieve the said requirements are set in the VI update of the National Urban Wastewater Treatment Program (KPOŚK) and has to be achieved to 2027. The article presents the status of water and wastewater management in the districts of Lubuskie Voivodeship, Poland in 2021, in relation to year 2017. The degree of water supply and sewerage system, as well as wastewater systems management in individual agglomerations of Lubuskie Voivodeship are defined. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The major goal of this study is to determine the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the tissues and bones of Red Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) taken from two distinct sites in Terengganu state, Malaysia, namely Kijal and Paka. Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb)were the metals examined. Soil analysis also was carried out for the same elements. The tissues and bones of the fishes were separated before further analysis was made. Drying process technique was used to determine the moisture content for all samples at 80 °C for 24 hours. Water content ranged between 70 & 77%. Triplicate samples were evaluated by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) to find out heavy metals concentration. Oven and Teflon beakers were used to fully digest all solid samples at 120 oC for 3 hours. Highest readings of Zn, Ni and Pb were found in the fish bone for the samples collected from both mentioned locations. However, different pattern was noticed for Cu where higher values were found in the tissues for the same samples. Values of Pb in the tissues were higher than the acceptable value in edible fish by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); 1 ppm and Malaysian Food Act (MFR) & World Health Organization (WHO); 2 ppm, whereas values of Cu, Zn were in the acceptable range set by the same organizations. No values recommended for Ni by MFR. In general heavy metals in the bones and tissues from both locations can be sorted in descending order as follows; Pb>Zn>Cu>Ni. Soil samples collected from both locations showed different pattern where high concentration was found for Zn followed by Pb then Cu and Ni. Moreover analysis for soil samples collected from Paka River showed higher content for all elements compared to Kijal. More investigation is needed to clarify whether this contamination is solely from industry or due to geology of the area. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: A heat pump uses natural energy from renewable sources such as air, ground or water. The pump, acquiring thermal energy from the environment (75%) and using electricity (25%), supplies it to the heated object. A heat pump-based system consists of a ground heat source (heat is taken from it), a heat pump unit and an upper heat source (heat is transferred to it). The refrigerant transfers heat from the lower heat source to the upper heat source. The paper discusses types of heat pumps in terms of the use of the lower heat source. A technical and economic analysis was carried out on the basis of two types of heat pump: air-to-water and ground-to-water A comparative analysis of the results obtained results will allow a real assessment of the system’s functioning. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The architectural form of buildings is determined by many factors, one of the most important is construction technology. It remains in a close and inseparable relationship with architectural design. Contemporary technologies in construction are constantly subject to improvements, streamlining, changes aimed at increasing all kinds of efficiency (cost, thermal efficiency, labor input, etc.). One of today’s widely discussed determinants of changes in the way buildings are designed and constructed is environmental issue. An awareness of environmental degradation and climate change and their consequences prompts the search for increasingly sustainable solutions. This paper summarizes the research on prefabricated solutions and their implementation, especially in single-family residential architecture. This article presents pre-design, design, and post-design experiences related to planning and realization of single-family houses with prefabricated wall technology made of light expanded clay concrete. The authors implemented comparative qualitative and quantitative research through case studies, the method also uses experiences from their own research by design practice. The advantages and disadvantages of prefabrication in the selected technology are presented. The authors attempt to answer the question of whether the individual architectural design approach is reflected in the relevant environmental considerations, including, first, those related to the mitigation of climate change and adaptation to its consequences, and to what extent the discussed technology fits into the assumptions of climate and environmentally responsible design. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Progressive climate change brings many challenges to cities, which, in an effort to meet them, are looking for ways to create a built environment that is resilient and adapted to change. The subject of the paper is the urban nature, which, skillfully used and introduced into public space, becomes an active tool for adapting cities to future climate conditions. The aim of the paper is to identify key solutions to introduce urban nature into public spaces in the context of model strategic planning and urban design undertaken in cities. To this aim, development strategies, with a particular focus on urban nature, developed in Copenhagen over the past few years, were researched. Of those identified, the directions and actions that address public spaces and holistically link the needs of the built and natural environment with the needs of humans were selected. Research leads to a comparison of the model strategies and selected implementations used in Copenhagen, prioritizing the urban nature, with examples of strategic development policies and adaptation projects implemented in the public spaces of selected Polish cities. The result of the research is an assessment of the completeness of climate change adaptation measures undertaken in Poland, using the potential of urban nature in public spaces and recommendations for updating planning and strategic documents based on Copenhagen’s model solutions. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: In the case of tunnelling by mining methods, mining regulations apply to the design of ventilation. The most important criteria to be taken into account when calculating the minimum air flow rate in a tunnel are the air velocity, the multiple exchange of air during one hour, not exceeding the permissible concentrations of gases and dust, and ensuring appropriate climatic conditions. In this paper, an analysis of ventilation methods is carried out, taking into account the parameters of fans and ventilation ducts. Changing the diameter of the duct line from 1,000 to 1,400 mm results in a 3-4-fold reduction in fan power. Adding a second twin installation reduces the ventilation power requirement fourfold. Making the duct lines parallel increases the ventilation power requirement by about 30-50% compared to two duct installations. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The paper presents original research, encompassing the results of analyses of modular building façade solutions, as well as innovative design concepts based on these results by students of the Faculty of Architecture at the Poznań University of Technology. Adapting architecture to climate change is the main objective behind research and innovative designs. Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, thermal comfort of buildings, better thermal environment ergonomics for users of buildings’ interiors, increased energy efficiency together with the use of renewable energy sources are major challenges for today’s designers. Dealing with rainwater, wind and pressure changes are already absolute necessities. Contemporary trends in modern construction in urban areas were identified on the basis of results of analyses of selected existing buildings, presented using tables, graphs and statistical tools. Conclusions from the demonstrated correlations of quantitative data with social, economic and environmental factors became the basis for the students’ conceptual assumptions. The selected innovative façade designs presented in the article demonstrate a variety of solutions for modern modular systems which protect buildings from excessive sun exposure, help insulation resist external factors, generate energy, ventilate buildings, use pressure differences, collect water, purify air, protect fauna, etc. As a result, the developed concepts may be indicative of a contemporary approach to sustainable building design, based not only on reducing any negative environmental impact and conserving natural resources, but also on designing aesthetic buildings based on classic notions of beauty. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Wastewater treatment in semi-natural systems, such as a hydroponic lagoon operating as the third stage of treatment, is becoming more and more popular because of the efficiency of organic matter and nutrient removal. The article presents an analysis of the efficiency of pollutant removal at the mechanical-biological wastewater treatment plant in Gronów with a capacity of Qd = 1125m3/day and a load of 9375 PE. The wastewater treatment plant operates on the basis of activated sludge and biomass settling technology on submerged flow beds. The treatment plant is characterized by a very high variability of wastewater inflow during the year due to periodic inflow of wastewater from tourist resorts in Łagów. The average efficiency of removing pollutants from wastewater was: BOD5 - 98.5%, COD - 92.8%, total suspended solids - 93.2%, total nitrogen - 86.1% and total phosphorus - 69.5%. The study showed that the use of a hydroponic lagoon in the technological system improved the efficiency of wastewater treatment by 1.7% for BOD5, 0.9% - COD, total suspended solids by 4.3%, 6.4% for total nitrogen and total phosphorus- 3.3%. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Bridges by their nature are structures that absorb a large amount of resources. For the promoter, usually public entities, the biggest share of the investment is made when the new structures are raised. However, as will be shown in the study presented in this paper, user costs are often much higher than direct costs and may even be higher by an order of magnitude. In addition to the costs resulting from maintenance/rehabilitation interventions, there are also environmental damages due to the pollution caused by the vehicles. The presented methodology will be applied to a case study where the global costs are highlighted and determined considering the scenario in which there are no disturbances in the circulation of vehicles and when they occur due to maintenance and rehabilitation works. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The Global Environmental Monitoring Index (GEMI) represents a vegetation index that allows for making analysis. The index is not that sensitive to atmospheric effects. GEMI has been applied for the investigation of disruptions in the coniferous forests in Pernik Province, which is situated in the western parts of Bulgaria. The basic data comes from Landsat 8 and Corine Land Cover. The results of the study show that the index performs well in the distinguishment of broad-leaved vegetation from the coniferous one. At the same time the index doesn’t always provide satisfying results when it comes to deforestation. In conclusion GEMI provides good results, yet it’s use should be controlled and supported by other vegetation indices. PubDate: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
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