Task 1: Analysis and assessment of existing geophysical and geological data from Skierniewice experimental site (Warsaw sinclinorium) for structural model creation of main geothermal aquifers in Lowicz area. doc. dr hab.inż. Antoni Barbacki

Project is strictly connected with another project realized in the frame of EU 6th FP titled "Integrated Geophysical Exploration Technologies for deep fractured geothermal systems" (acronym I-GET). MEERI PAS is one of the 11th partners of the project which main aim is elaboration and verification innovative methodology of geophysical measurements (field works and data processing) for exploration in different types of geothermal systems. In the frame of elaborated methodology seismic and magnetotellurics works will be performed in selected European geothermal sites: Gross Schoenebeck (Germany), Travalle (Italy), Henghill (Iceland) and Skierniewice (Poland). Performed analysis and assessment of existing geological and geophysical data is a preliminary stage for preparation of new geophysical measurements. In those results (reprocessing of archive data and its interpretation) new structural model of geothermal reservoirs (Jurassic, Cretaceous, Triassic and Permian) was created. While results of elaborated methodology and new experiments will be validation test for usability in others, potential geothermal reservoirs occur in similar geological and structural conditions.

Task 2: Financial institutions personnel training in the concepts of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technologies for the evaluation of relevant Projects FIP-TREET – dr inż. Jacek Kamiński

The main objectives of the project are the preparation of the training materials and organization of the pilot course on the financial and technical aspects of renewable energy and energy efficiencies technologies for financial institutions’ personnel. The main objectives are carried out according to several tasks, among which the following are finished:

• the elaboration of questionnaire for the evaluation of financial personnel training needs,
• training needs studies in Poland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania,
• elaboration of training materials (The Guide and the presentations) in English,
• translation of the training materials,
• organization of the pilot course with the employment of the training materials,
• verification of the training materials and pilot course.

The Guide and the presentations were elaborated in English in the cooperation with other European partners. The next task was the translation of the training materials into Polish. Additionally, the agenda of the pilot course, during which the training materials were tested, was elaborated. The results of the questionnaire showed high usefulness of the training materials for the financial institutions’ personnel.

Task 1: Economic aspects of mineral resource management Prof. dr hab. inż. Konrad Wanielista, dr inż. JerzyKicki, dr inż. Eugeniusz Sobczyk

This work is an excerpt from a longer work, currently prepared for publication, which summarizes a book series: "From mineral resource evaluation to mine closure". It covers the following topics:

•
• Mineral reserve and resource classification systems, •
• Mineral resource economic viability criteria, economic conditions for their calculation, mean cut-off grades, •
• Losses of mineral resources taking into account their classification and calculation, assessment and economic evaluation methods, •
• Estimating the value of mineral reserves and resources, with particular consideration given to discounted balance methods and option methods.

The work should to some extent be considered a test in the case of some of the topics, till this day paid very little attention to in mining literature.

Task 2:Coking coal economics – part 3 of the book – dr inż. Urszula Ozga-Blaschke

The main goal of this work is to prepare the book – kind of manual – containing information on the role of coking coal in global and domestic economy, presenting “value" of this rank of coal and its quality requirements as a source for coke and chemical industry.

Hard coal plays the key role in global economy both as a source of energy and as one of the most important chemical raw material. Coke engineering is now the only significant branch of energy- and chemical processing of coal.

Coke demand, determined by pig iron consumption, is one of basic factor influencing global coking coal consumption.

Part 1 of the book referred to following problems: coking coal production and consumption, both on global and domestic level, international trade of coking coal, international markets of metallurgical coke, and characteristic of coke-making industry in Poland.

In part 2 – problems of coke-oven gas production, properties and utilization were elaborated; the market of coke industry-origin by-products was also described - present conditions and prospects for domestic market and the world.

Global coking coal market conditions are determined by demand level and growth rate of steel production. In 3^rd part of the book, the long-term forecasts of coking coal market development were presented. Forecasts were based on global trends of steel production and demand. Analysis of coking coal and coke price changes on domestic and global markets was presented, as well as tendencies of pricing policy of coke-making products (coke, by-products).

The work will be published in 2007 as a book – kind of manual on coking coal economics.

Task 3: Trace elements content in coal as a potential factor limiting “value in use" of hard steam coal". Part 1 – research on mercury.-dr inż. Urszula Lorenz

So-called trace elements or their compounds are present in coals in quantities below 0.01% (mass). Elements: As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Ni, Mn, Pb, Sb, Se are considered as harmful for human health.

Main anthropogenic source of mercury in atmosphere are waste stockyards and incinerating plants, and power plants (some one third of mercury released each year to the atmosphere), and that is why its biggest concentration occurs over industrial areas (near power plants, stockyards of industrial and municipal wastes).

Content of mercury in coal is diversified according to coal deposit location (adjacent rocks position, type and temperature of circulating waters), coal age and rank.

During coal combustion, toxic compounds are released to the atmosphere, in this – mercury, which can propagate for very long distance, therefore very important is to reduce emission of this element to the air. In Europe, mercury content in atmospheric air in below the level, having the influence on human health. In Poland – as of today – regular examination on mercury content in coals is not carried out, nor monitoring of air pollution by this element, although mercury is considered as one of the most toxic heavy metals.

According to research conducted in Poland, average mercury content in hard coal varies from 50 to 150 ppb (microgram per kilogram, ?g/kg), and in brown coal – from 120 to 370 ppb. Data concerning mercury content in furnace wastes shows that mercury is concentrated mainly in flying ashes and only small part of it – in slags.

Differences of mercury content in ashes depend on coal burning conditions and on combustible matter content.

Different rate of Hg emission can result from furnace/boiler type (pulverized-fuel boiler, stocker-fired boiler, fluidized-bed boiler) and emission control equipment – dust reduction system (electro-filter, bag-filter) and flue gas desulphurization plant.

It was found that the rate of trace elements removal from gases is close to efficiency of de-dusting equipment, with exception of Hg, Se (and (As).

Mercury emission reduction should be counted among activities very important for environment protection. In the nearest future limits for mercury emission are likely to be determined.

Task 1: Production and use of alternative fuels in a cement plants - prof. dr hab. inż. Eugeniusz Mokrzycki, dr inż. Alicja Uliasz-Bocheńczyk

Task1: A concept of virtual region model as a tool for management of energy system in region – dr inż. Marek Drożdż

The author presents a concept of virtual region which constitutes an information system dedicated rationalization of energy system and environment management in the region.

A virtual region is defined as spatially separated part of the region, constituting 3 dimensional space with all matter and energy included living matter and man. The virtual region is non-material abstract model of real region constructed based on information techniques.

The main task of the virtual region is rationalization (optimization) of people and organizations activity in the effect of access to the information also possibility of designation of effects of alternative economic decisions in real region thanks to the simulations in the virtual region.

The virtual region performs different tasks:

• observation of real region states
• evaluation of real system, its subsystems its elements and internal relations
• forecasting of changes of the system states
• simulation of decisions of system changes
• system steering in to achieve states and dynamics advantageous according to the criteria

The construction of virtual region:

• information system
• system of calculations and model –simulation
• system of selective data presentation

The virtual region can be applied in productive usage of waste and used products, can be also applied in the import of raw materials limitation also minimization of elimination or disposal costs or environmental degradation of energy processes.

Task 2: Elaboration of the rules of brown coal pricing in aspect of ecological requirements and market conditions – dr inż. Zbigniew Grudziński

The objective of the study is to elaborate the rules of brown coal pricing in ecological and market aspects. To perform this task it is necessary to elaborate model pricing formulae, taking into account interdependence and co-relations between price and coal production cost, electricity price, and changing external conditions (mainly – ecological requirements).

Starting point to the research is the description of relationships between coal quality parameters and costs of electricity generation. This problem was the subject of chapter 1.

In chapter 2, the methods of coal price setting in the light of foreseen electricity market development and ecological requirements. Study was focused on theoretical assumptions of pricing formulae constriction for set of enterprises: coal mine-power plant. Factors influencing the need to coal price indexation were discussed. The analysis was focused on external factors, independent from mine and power plants, but influencing the price of brown coal. Following factors were discussed: inflation, changes of electricity prices in domestic market, dissolution of the long-term contracts KDT, electricity markets liberalization. The arguments for including inflation rate and electricity price into process of brown coal price indexation were presented. At the end of chapter 2, the forecast of electricity price on competitive market was presented.

In chapter 3, alternative solutions of brown coal price indexation were proposed: for individual sets: coal mine-power plant the assumptions were formulated and the indexation formulae were presented; the calculations simulating the consequences of formulae were also made.

Task 3: Elaboration of indicative method for assessing the impact of international steam coal price changes on domestic coal market – dr inż. Urszula Lorenz

In respect of prices hard coal is considered as the most stable fossil fuel (energy raw material). Abandon and uniformly distributed resources in the worlds favor coal position. Ecological constrains have negative impact on competitiveness of coal as an energy source mostly because of high emission price (emission credit or emission allowance).

For several years more and more coal selling or buying in international coal trade is realized by electronic way. It has been the incentive to develop coal price indices and to adopt specified quality standard for these indices. Among the indices some are original – elaborated (created) by groups of experts working for important professional journals, some are derivative – calculated on the basis of original ones. To the first group of indices belong e.g. following: Argus, McCloskey, Platts, and GlobalCoal and to the second group – the so-called API indices.

Transactions made on the basis of API indices in international coal markets get more and more valuable. On the OTC market coal swaps contracts are rated at $ 60-70 billion. It’s little wonder that competition in setting standard index for physical trade is getting stronger. There are some new initiatives to create alternative (to API 2) index or to set the index different from CIF ARA basis (at another delivery point).

More and more important role of selected coal price indices is the benchmark price in OTC transaction.

Price index for domestic coal market can also play the role of “import parity price", which allows assessing the competitiveness of domestic coal to import coal. The prices of domestic steam coal and CIF ARA coal are compared in the report.

Coal price indices can be also used to assess the effectiveness of electricity generation basing on different fuels and different technologies. The idea of linking coal price with electricity price is presented.

Task 4: Costs connected with current production of coal – dr inż. Lidia Gawlik

For Polish hard coal mines the costs connected with current production of coal have been evaluated. In Polish accountancy standards not all costs connected with current coal production are accounted to “costs of coal production". The discrepancies have been found and the costs connected with current coal production (as it is defined in the Council Regulation (EC) No 1407/2002 on state aid to the coal industry) were found by adding the costs accounted elsewhere.

The full costs of coal production by kinds and the total ones were shared to fixed and variable parts of costs using statistical dependencies between the given cost and coal productions.

In this part of the work some examples of application of fixed and variable costs for management of production quantity and optimization costs of production are shown. Basing on seven chosen coal mines the method of evaluation of their results on current production of coal is shown. Having determined the share of fixed and variable costs in the costs of current production of coal in each of the mines, the break even points of mines are calculated, evaluated and the ways of the results improvement are pointed out. The conditions of making the results more objective are shown and the method of improvement the results for the entire group of mines under common management are given.

Task 1: Review of English and Polish scientific terms from engineering geology, geophysics, geotechnics and geomechanics – dr inż. Małgorzata Szczepańska

The aim of this work is collecting and alphabetic composing of terms from engineering geology, geophysics, geotechnics and geomechanics in English and separately in Polish. This work should be useful for everybody interesting of these sciences and to help them in using special Polish and foreign literature.

In this work about 7770 notions in English and about 7610 notions in Polish were included. There are many terms locate over a once in the list of terms, because they are situated in many sources and they are they’re similarly or different defined. The watchword was selected from indexes of terms, different specialist’s dictionaries of different character and different volume, information texts. These presented in the lists of terms haven’t uniform character.

Great advantage of comparing of the same terms, dissimilar defined from individual branch of science, is possibility to compare their different understanding by specialists.

Task 2: Elaboration of the approach of ground vibration induced by road vehicles with the help of Geode-24 system – doc. dr hab. inż. Zenon Pilecki

The aim of the work was an approval of usability of special constructed survey system for measurement of ground vibration induced by road vehicles. The system is based on seismic apparatus Geode – 24 made by Geometrics and specially chosen accelerometer with amplifier made by Brüel & Kj?r. The system was calibrated in the range from more than dozen of mm/s2.

The presented work describes the approach of measurement of ground vibration induced by road vehicles based on using Geode – 24 system, installation of accelerometer, attenuation measurements by geophones and using seismic software for data interpretation.

That work is an example of using modified seismic systems for measurement of ground vibration induced by different paraseimic sources and other tasks related with ground vibration influence on environment.

Task 3: Estimation of quality of Carpathian Flysch formations based on seismic waves attenuation parameters – mgr inż. Jerzy Kłosiński

The aim of this study is elaborating the relationship between geomechanical and seismic properties of the Carpathian Flysch formations.

For the optimal choice of field measurements scheme, numerical modeling of refraction surveys were performed first. Results of this work stage indicate on usability of proposed method.

Main part of this study are author’s researches on the chosen testing areas, with giving consideration to the geological - engineering conditions, seismic surveys scheme, processing and data analysis. In this part parameters like: attenuation coefficient ?, quality factor Q, refraction waves velocities and data used for geomechanical classification of studied medium were calculated. Preliminary testing of these parameters relationship was undertaken.

Final elaborated relation between selected seismic and geomechanical parameters will be used to precise of existing geomechanical classification.

Task 1: Balneological resources as an innovative potential of enterprise development in chosen region of Poland (the Eastern Beskid Mts.) – mgr Robert Skrzypczak

The information, which approximate the conditions of occurrence of curative waters (in comprehended with the decision of the Council of Ministers (14 February 2006)) and potential curative waters are presented in this work. Besides, this work presents a genesis of water formation. The places of waters occurrence within the precincts of communes from Polish part of the Eastern Beskidy Mts., which enclose the Low Beskid Mts. and the Bieszczady Mts. are characterized in this work. Appearance of major types of waters – chlorine, thermal, with free carbon dioxide and sulfide water – are shown on a map. State of knowledge about the genesis of free carbon dioxide is presented in that work, because of specific role, that this gas plays in balneotherapy. This was made for areas of major appearance of water with carbon dioxide – in the east part of Poprad subregion DII1 in Wysowa, in the Iwonicz region DIIa in Iwonicz Zdroj and Rymanow Zdroj and in the Bieszczady region DIIb-in potential centum of Rabe village near Baligrod and in Polanczyk, which has the status of health resort. Because of specific role of sulfide water occurrence in tourist-offer, information about this water are separated in the descriptive part of that work, with an indication on its opportunities in balneotherapy in widely range, not only in the Wapienne Health Resort (the Low Beskid Mts.).

An assessment of water occurrence in reference to indicated places and particular communes of the Eastern Beskid Mts. is made in this work. Local, regional, domestic and international innovative potential of communes is pointed out in this work. Besides, here is shown types of water and number, methods and role of intakes (spring, well, hole; monument of non-living nature, intake, which is proposed to that legal protection).

Task 1: Ecological meaning of natural ponds in the aspect of environment diversity on the basis of chosen regions in the Malopolska voivodship - doc.dr hab.inż. Ewa Panek

Ponds are natural water reservoirs with area lesser than 1 ha. Possibility of legal protection is feasible through their classification as ecological land (ecosystems which have a meaning for keeping a biological diversification – natural water reservoirs, muds, peat lands, old river beds, waste land, shrubbery, natural sites, stand of rare and protected species of flora, fauna, their refuge and reproduction places).

This work presents three detailed aims: natural inventory, classification of values and characteristic of menace, which are located in Wielka Wies and Zabierzow communes. A superior aim of that work is an attempt of restrain the devastation and degradation processes of ponds through exposing theirs valuable objects.

Investigatory terrain included the S-W part of Cracow agglomeration: Wielka Wies and Zabierzow communes. Selection of that area is not incidental, because this fragment of agglomeration is characterized by remarkable natural values. Concurrently, this area is under pressure of expansion of building development, industrial and traffic infrastructure.

In this work is proposed an unified scheme of object description, which includes: detailed localization, phisical features (areas: small<0,125 ha, medium 0,125 ha-0,5 ha, large 0,5-1,0 ha), natural characteristic (genesis: natural object: old river bed, landslide structure, karst structure, artificial object; type of object: interfield, interforest, in urban terrain; biological frame of banks: trees, bush, meadow flora, rushes, lack of flora belt), functions (biocenosis, physiocenosis, landscape, scientific-didactic, recreational and economic) and menace and conflict (natural: floral succession, overgrowing, nearness of road, nearness of building, creating of barriers and isolation of object by fencing).

On the considered area was inventory 11 objects: Balice, Myślniki, Bolechowice 1-3, Aleksandrowie, Góry Kaniowskie, Zelków, Mydlniczka, Pasternik 1-2. Practically all objects (10 objects) preformed biocenosis function, physiocenosis function – hardly 3 objects, landscape function – 10 objects, recreational function can preform 3 objects, scientific-didactic function – 7 and economic function as a fish pond – 5 objects. Majority of objects (7 ponds) are menace by nearness of building and danger of isolation by fencing. Other general menace is nearness of road, dangerous for fauna especially for amphibia. On three objects was found an advanced overgrowing process, which is a sequence of natural succession and eutrophication of reserviors. Degradation as a result of drying is posed as a threat to one object (Modlnica). None of eleven ponds are not enclosed by form of legal protection.

Task 1: Elaboration of entries to revise version of “The Sozological Dictionary"- part II – dr inż. Elżbieta Pietrzyk - Sokulska

In the frame of the 2^nd stage, editorial elaboration of entries from the 1st phase was made and selection of new entries, especially from environment protection, was done. These entries include fundamental definitions, legal documents and names of polish and international organization from that field. Tables and maps illustrate a lot of entries. Suitable legal acts (polish and EU) or web sites are ascribed to the many of entries. That proceeding is imposed by an inclination of dictionary (maybe the lexicon of environment protection) in form of electronic version, which can facilitate an updating of fast changing and permanently appearing new definitions from environment protection.

Task 1: Perspectives of recreational usage of the Dobczyckie Lake – dr inż. Wiesław Sroczyński

The work presents dilemmas, which are connected with proposed dam reservoir on the Raba river in Dobczyce and its recreational usage. This large and attractive situated lake (almost 10 km square) is a reservoir of drinking water for Cracow and for that reason it was enclosed of total ban on recreational usage. Local community doesn’t obtain any profits from large and untapped tourist values of environment. In new economic, social and technological position it is right to ask about fact, is it possible to reconcile the limited recreational usage of reservoir with assurance of water purity.

Task 1: Reclamation of post-mining area with use a satellite decision support system – dr Joanna Kulczycka

Abandoned coal mine wastes can result in severe pollution and have aesthetic on the local environment. A range of reclamation techniques is available for substrate, but only through the use of vegetation to stabilize coal mine wastes, it can complete the achievement of long-term rehabilitation. The experiment has been undertaken at the coal mine sites in order to attempt to elucidate and overcome limitations concerning vegetation establishment, allowing the formulation of the large-scale revegetation schemes. Although such schemes often have been successful at specific sites, their widespread application is limited owing to the great variation in physical, chemical and biological factors, which exist between mine wastes. An intelligent decision system for revegetation and reclamation of coal mine wastes was developed.

This paper presents a research attempt in order to develop and evaluate a Decision Support System (DSS) for revegetation of the contaminated land from mining activities. The GIS based on the Decision Support System (DSS) is being developed and tested by China Agricultural University, which is funded by Asia IT&C programme. This paper explains the need of a spatial DSS , the advantages and difficulties with the development and use of the system. The system's architecture and components are described. Some valuable uses of GIS as a tool for decision support during the planning process for revegetation of contaminated land from mining activities are highlighted.

Task 1: Evaluation of the leaching behavior of the selected elements from ore-bearing Trassic rocks in the Chrzanow region – mgr inż. Barbara Syposz-Łuczak

Within a framework of statutory activity in 2006, the analysis of laboratory test, which was realized on rock material from the deposit Trzebionka, are presented. That laboratory test consisted on flushing the rock material by using municipal water and checking the secondary sulphate mineral behavior in contact with liquid. For that purpose, it was used a leaching test. The leaching tests can be divided into two groups: static and dynamic tests. In that specific case it was used a dynamic test. In that test it was used a 42 kg rock material, which was placed in the percolation column. Water was transmitted through the column. During 76 days of experiment activity, the basic physical and chemical factors like: water reaction, electrolytic conductivity of water, temperature and sulphate concentration was investigated. Detailed analyses were made on 22 samples of water in the reason of definition the trace elements concentration. In the consequence of that analysis it was found that admissible values were exceeded for manganese, selenium, thallium and lead. Exceeded of limited values for that elements took place in the first day of empirical system activity, which were connected with “First flush" effect. Realized laboratory test is reflecting the chemical processes, which are preceded during flooding of sulphide mines. Liquidation of the “Trzebionka" mine by using a flooding can cause considerable changes in chemical content of groundwater, especially in Major Groundwater Basin no 452.

In the future, the results of that laboratory test can be used in undertaking of decision about methods of liquidation the zinc and lead ore mining in the Chrzanow region.

Task 2: Application of complex research methods to optimum choice for municipal solid waste landfills sites selection – mgr Aldona Wota

Problems of correct procedure of waste handling, their economic utilization and minimizing their harmful environmental effect belong to the most important issues of natural environment protection. Only one municipal waste disposal technology, i.e. deposition, has been presented in this work, because this particular technology poses the gravest hazards to the natural environment and moreover currently is the most popular in Poland. For this form of waste disposal has been ascribed a great importance, especially because of the site selection. The main technology for disposal of municipal waste in Poland is deposition (about 90% wastes are deposited in landfills). If the landfills have to be the indispensable elements of waste management, even in the best solved system and according to European requirements, the choice of optimum location will gather the special meaning.

This part of work presents the development and current situation of legislation of municipal waste deposition. The situation of location of landfill municipal wastes in the malopolskie voivodship in 1998-2006 on this background was presented. It was affirmed, that the matter of landfill localization of municipal wastes in light of integrated waste management stays without settlement matter.

Second part of work presents the chosen aspects of theory location connected with problems of location of landfill municipal wastes. Chosen mathematical models were described and connected with heuristic methods. It was observed that until now has existed practice mainly depended on oneobjective optimization (e.g. optimization of work transportation).

The situation of location problems was changed with introduction of restrictive regulations connected with protection of environment. These constraints, by location of objects, coerce into allowance of many criteria - often conflicted. In such connotation, the optimization of problems with location takes in multiobjective meaning.

This area of investigations of theory location is very young, developing, looking for the best solutions, which will take into account the multitude varied - the often conflict criteria.

The theoretical aspects of the multicriteria method AHP in the work were described. These methods will be useful to solve problems of landfill sites selection. This aspects finish the first stage of the work.

Task 3: Influence of the storage technologies of communal waste on the quality of ground waters – dr inż. Beata Klojzy-Karczmarczyk

The beginning of legal actions to manage the communal wastes in the EU dates back to the directive 75/422/EWG that is the basis of the wastes law. On the basis of this directive other laws are being created.

Municipal refuse storages as well as storages of waste material originating from the economic sector are inherent elements of the human activity. Location conditions of storages building are presented with taking post-mining areas into consideration. Basic problems connected with the influence of such an objects are characterized. Monitoring is an element of the control essential to ensure safety to the natural environment. Basing on many researches and analyses additional index parameters have been chosen for the needs of soil-water environment monitoring under conditions of potential influence of waste storages. Physical-chemical research of the surface waters under real condition, in the surrounding of municipal refuse storage, proved the selection correctness of index parameters proposed as the result of the laboratory tests of sewage composition and showed the purposefulness of these parameters determination.

The work presents selected results of many – years monitoring of ground water quality in Malinówka river basin, main water race on the area of municipal waste dump in Barycz. The dump, located in mining area “Barycz" pertaining to Wieliczka Salt Mine, utilizes a ground hollow, naturally shaped or created under the influence of sedimentation processes connected with salt leaching that had been exploited up to 1998. The monitoring results show the pollution of tested waters with chlorides and organogenic compounds. Pollutants origin on discussed area has a complex genesis. Pollutants are connected with mining exploitation residues and municipal waste dump activity. Negative influence of the dump on the water quality can be seen in the lower course of Malinówka river.

Task 1: The effect of anthropogenic factors on the variability of mercury concentration in the aeration zone in the Chrzanów-Trzebinia conurbation – Part 2 - dr inż. Beata Klojzy-Karczmarczyk

The aim of research conducted in 2006 was to continue studies began in 2005 which showed that the natural environment in the Chrzanów-Trzebinia conurbation was contaminated with mercury to an extent far greater than other parts of the country. Preliminary studies showed an overall contribution of anthropogenic factors (mostly industrial) to an increased mercury concentration in the soil, sediments, water and plants of the region.

This phase of research allows continuing the earlier conducted field studies and analyses. Successive sampling in certain regions of the conurbation was began this year to facilitate the preparation of a geochemical map (Hg concentration) and of a model of mercury flux from local emission.

The investigated area included regions around Chrzanów and Trzebinia, which are potentially threatened by mercury contamination from various sectors of the economy. The research presented at this phase deals with the identification of mercury pollution or contamination extent in soils, sediments in water tanks and in samples of biological material from the central industrialized area of Trzebinia as well as in regions located at a distance from the centre (forests and the local dam reservoir on the river Chechło).

The conducted research showed differences in mercury content in the investigated soil samples and bottom sediments. This confirmed earlier conjectures about the complexity of factors affecting local concentration changes of this element in the near-surface soil horizon. Further studies in the other regions of the Chrzanów-Trzebinia conurbation will allow collecting material to develop a model describing the local variability of mercury concentration in near-surface soil horizons. An analysis of quantitative share of various local dust and gas contamination emission sources following complete mercury fallout will also be conducted.

Task2: Mercury contamination of water ecosystems in potentially clean and unindustrialised areas, Part 2 – dr inż. Beata Klojzy-Karczmarczyk

In 2005 the Department of Environmental Research and Waste Management of the Mineral and Energy Management Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences launched statutory research into effective waste management and identification of the extent of water environment contamination with mercury and its compounds in conditions of variable anthropogenic pressure. This is the summary of the second stage of environmental research of water ecosystems in relatively clean areas and in those affected by intense industry.

The work contains an assessment of two water ecosystems based on methodology defined at an earlier phase and now modified for best identification of the status quo and definition of reasons for water environment contamination with mercury compounds.

The work presents the results of mercury content studies in various components of the investigated ecosystems located in the potentially clean region of the river San valley and in the partially industrially degraded area of the Chechło dam reservoir which is in the outskirts of a large industrial town of Trzebinia. Earlier ecosystem study results of a process line at a biological-mechanical municipal sewage treatment plant were also referred to.

At this phase the research methodology of water environment contamination was further defined. This, together with the results obtained constitutes the grounds for the continuation of the study in the future with respect to other water ecosystems. Equipment used in the research allowed determining mercury content in various samples with no loss. The results were later compared with materials available in Polish and foreign publications.

The obtained results showed marked differences in the mercury concentration in samples of bottom sediment from the investigated regions. There was a visible impact of industry on the extent of soil-water environment contamination with mercury.

Task 3: Factors determining the formation of subterranean water chemistry processes under weak anthropogenic pressure – dr inż. Beata Klojzy-Karczmarczyk

Human activity directly and indirectly leads to hydrogeochemical changes in geological centers. Formation processes of subterranean water chemistry, their conditions and significance change with time and in space. Human activity disturbs natural factors that form the chemistry of subterranean waters in the environment. So far two sectors of the economy have been analyzed where changes in the hydrogeochemical environment appear to be taking place, however their intensity and extent remain unknown. Areas affected by heavy traffic were considered in particular (an analysis of processes responsible for the introduction of substances uncharacteristic for a given hydrogeochemical environment to the water-bearing horizon) and areas of water intake and discharge for the purposes of heating installations with particular emphasis on heat pumps (an analysis of processes resulting from disturbance of natural factors which affect the chemistry of subterranean waters without substance supply). The work will be continued.

During the studies conducted in 2006 an area within the impact zone of the Krakow ring road was sampled (a part of the busy A4 motorway). The aim of the research was to identify contamination and determine whether mercury content in soil obtained in the course of investigations in 2003 and in 2004 in the vicinity of Kraków was similar to the mercury content in the following years or whether there was any significant change and the mercury share in different portions of the soil. Moreover, the BTX hydrocarbon content was determined in the samples, which made it possible to assess the concurrence with mercury compounds or its lack. At this phase an analysis was conducted of the contamination migration time from area surface to subterranean waters for regions that have already been sampled. The analysis was conducted on the basis of the available methodology.

Moreover, the extent of soil and ground contamination was also determined throughout Kraków in the vicinity of busy roads. The analysis was conducted on the basis of the available materials both published and unpublished.

Task 4: Research about marking chosen organic pollution from electro isolating oils in soil environment on the South Poland area. – mgr inż. Anetta Kucharska

The topic of the research work is a part of realized doctorate about: “Research about marking chosen organic pollution from electro isolating oils in soil environment “

The main objective is to determine the quality of the soil environment around oil transformer and to conduct correlation between concentrations of the characteristic indicators that pollutes environment. For the practical research there have been chosen spots with oil transformers in Zabierzów commune. That way of choosing spots have allowed determining the condition of the soil environment with the possibility of pollution accumulation and observation of this occurrence in time period. Sampling conduction of the spots that are in the influence of transformers and analytic control of this soil samples have allowed to confirm or verify indicators that have been chosen as the characteristic pollution for this kind of areas.

Lab research included analysis of the levels of existence of the BTX – benzene, toluene, xylens in soil.

In marked soil samples there have been marked the sum of aromatic hydrocarbons of BTX. According to decree of Environment Minister from 9th of September 2002, about standards of the soil quality and standards of the ground quality the maximal amount of BTX in A-class soil is 0,1mg/kg of dry weight. Marked amounts of BTX in soils were in norms. Only in place around the 4574 transformers in Ujazd village the amount of BTX was slightly above the norm (0,15mg/kg of dry weight). Cleanness of taken soil samples testifies the right conservation and tests of the transformers in this area.

In the same time there have been taken oil samples from the different moments of exploitation to check for BTX existence. Amounts of BTX were at levels from 0,02mg/kg of dry weight to 0,18mg/kg of dry weight. Those results have confirmed the existence of the BTX in electro isolating oils. Research is being continued at the area of Malopolska.

Task 1: Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costs of the chemical resources. - dr Joanna Kulczycka

For many years production processes were run without paying attention on the environment, generating enormous amounts of waste. Increase of the environment’s destruction and decreasing number of natural resources triggered firstly that environmental pollution was controlled and consequently different methods of treating sewage and waste have been using.

The chemicals resources are: barite and fluorides, phosphorites, sulphurs, diatomite, potassium – magnesium salt, stone salt, clayey resources for mineral paint production, bleaching clay.

In the paperwork, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costs (LCC) of the chosen chemical resources (for phosphorites and stone salt) were prepared. Chemical fertilizers (in their entirety), tripolyphosphate sodium production and fodder phosphates were analyzed – as another life cycle stage of phosphates and salt production.

The analysis was made on the different levels:

• for fertilizers – the general analysis (on the basis of statistical data),
• for tripolyphosphate sodium – detailed analysis (on the basis of data from the manufacturer),
• for fodder phosphates - detailed analysis (on the basis of statistical data and financial data from the manufacturer).

The obtained data was presented as: histograms, resources and processes" trees" that enable to allocate the influence of the production processes to the specified category of that influence.

Generally, in every analyzed case, an attention should be paid on the modification of the production/ mining process in order to limit of the energy and fuel consumption, that cause not only the decrease of the natural resources but also the emission in the atmosphere, water, ground.

Task 2: Technological and economic possibilities recovery of the resources from industrial waste (ZCh Wizów is an example). – dr Joanna Kulczycka

On the slag heap in the Chemical Works “Wizów" in Łąka near Bolesławiec there are collected over 5 million tones of waste – phosphogypsum apatite that includes mainly sulphate limestone from the production of the phosphate acid (received from the apatite resources), and on average 0,5% of the metal oxide of the rare earth. The heap expands by about 150 000 tones yearly, it originates from the current production of the apatite phosphate acid.

The developed technology by the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Technology of the Cracow University of Technology allows the elimination of the phosphoypsum’s further storing through the current throughput of the after production waste and stored reserves for the trade products: sulphate limestone (anhydrite) and the extract of the metal oxide of the rare ground (up to 99% of the content converted into La2O3.

The obtained product represents the building binder. It has the similar properties as the anhydrite cement manufactured form the natural resources, but taking into consideration such properties like: endurance (strength) or white color it is much better than anhydrite cement. The received anhydrite can be used for producing of the self leveled sub-floors that are up to all requirements concerning such materials. The technology has been checked in the experimental scale of the 1t/h phosphogypsum’s throughput.

The developed technology allows the elimination of the phosphogypsum’s further storing and liquidation the existing phosphogypsum’s heap. Moreover, there is a possibility to stop incurring charges for the waste storing in ZCh Wizów.

The financial analysis shows that the investment for the elimination of the phosphogypsum’s mound is profitable and it will bring the high rate of return. Furthermore, its realization will allow employing the additional people – creation of the new workplace in the region.

Task 3: Management costs concerning the industrial and urban waste – dr Joanna Kulczycka

Industrial and urban waste management requires complex planning activities that can bring not only ecological but also economic advantages. Moreover, the preparation of the long term waste management strategy according to the law, economic and technical regulations are the constructive solution regarding the waste problems. Such a strategy should be controlled and accepted by the community. The strategy can base on new solutions that are specific for every region but also on the solutions that already exist in the other places in Europe.

There are many different directives that regulate the principles regarding specific waste management and the methods of waste treatment. The basic rules are:

• proximity principle,
• “pays who pollute “ principle – people who pollute should pay for the environmental use
• priority hierarchy in waste management.

The costs of environment protection include neutralization and reduction costs (e.g. monitoring system), prevention costs from contamination (current costs).

In Poland, the environmental charges (for gas, dust and sewage emission) were introduced in 1980 in order to liquidate the negative influence of the industry on the environment. All fees paid by the companies for the environmental use are paid to the special funds (National Fund of Environment and Water Economy Protection, communal budgets etc.). Consequently, the operating costs of the companies have risen. That is why many Polish firms have developed solutions that are positive for the environment through limitation of the emission and reduction of the material- and energy intensive technologies.

Task 4: LCA as a determinant for international ecological competitiveness –dr Joanna Kulczycka

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is relatively new technique for assessing the environmental aspects. The chief assumption and an undoubted asset of LCA is the desire to take into consideration all factors, which may potentially exert any impact on the environment and are related to a specific product. This technique is applied more and more widely, which results from the recommendation of applying its idea for the promotion of ecologically friendly patterns of consumption and production in a large number of EU documents, e.g. in the declaration of Malmoe [2000], in the plan compiled at the world’s summit in Johannesburg [2002] or in the Communication of the European Commission, e.g.

• COM (2003) 302 in the matter of the Integrated Product Policy,
• COM (2005) 666 Taking sustainable use of resources forward: A Thematic Strategy on the prevention and recycling of waste,
• COM (2005) 670 Thematic Strategy on the sustainable use of the natural resources.

Life Cycle Assessment is one of the tools that allows for minimization of the environmental impact of company and improve the quality of the final product. The work is aimed at supporting decision making process by identifying and quantifying different technological solutions to increase eco-efficiency. The application of LCA to decision making in Zn-Pb industry, based on example of ZG Trzebionka SA, is presented in the work. LCA performed for the extraction processes for Zn-Pb ore and concentrate production as well as waste management allowed determining the main impact factors influenced on the environment. Economic analysis – based on LCNPV - allowed determining the main cost factors. Identification of economic and environmental impacts allow to looking for other technological solutions and to determine the most eco-efficient, which allow to increase competitive position of company on the international market.

Task 5: Multicriteria analysis for the economic and ecological optimisation using LCA and LCC techniques – mgr Małgorzata Góralczyk

In the research interest of economics, the science that deals with the scarce resources, the environmental protection issues were always present. However, the resources need to be redefined to include the environment as an economic good. In the times of industrial revolution the environment was used as a free good, and often it was abused. (Massarrat, 1997). That perception of the environment was prevailing for long time. However, the abusing of the environment resulted in its pollution, substantial enough to represent the problem. That’s when the environmental protection interest appeared. The environmental protection is understood to include pollution prevention, removing of the pollution and economic use.

On the basis of the research the concept of life cycle appeared which connects the outcomes of the environmental research with extended time and territory horizon.

The purpose of this work is to create the system of economic and environmental assessment that will connect the outcomes of the environmental studies, performed with the use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with the economic analysis based on Life Cycle Costing (LCC). The need for such system exists because nowadays each activity has to fulfill the condition of economic and environmental feasibility.

Task 1: Introductory research and data analysis for monitoring of CO2 underground storage site at oil reservoir Jastrząbka Stara, second part doc.dr hab.inż. Radosław Tarkowski

Since 2005 the MEERI PAS [Geotechnology Division], has conducted researches upon CO² concentration in soil air at oil reservoir area of Jastrząbka Stara by Tarnów, and has gathered data concerning operation parameters of the working wells [reservoir fluid production, deposit pressure]. The chosen reservoir is foreseen as location of the pilot installation for underground CO² injection. Current researches are combined with initial stage of CO² underground storage site monitoring.

In 2006 there were gathered and analyzed data concerning deposit parameters [production of oil, natural gas and reservoir water] of seven production wells at reservoir (Jastrząbka Stara: 6, 7, 8, 12, 15, 20 and 21). They will make up a reference during next years, especially after carbon dioxide injection process beginning.

There were conducted measurements of CO² concentration in soil air at reservoir area due to the background estimation. CO² concentration measurements in soil air were run nearby wells JSt-8 and JSt-12 [foreseen as injection well], between them and in the holes hand-drilled and stabilized in 2005. The measurements were taken during three traveling field sessions at springtide, summer and autumn. There were taken ninety measurements of CO² concentration in soil air, approximately. So defined baseline shall serve as reference while further research, during the CO² injection process into the reservoir and after its termination. A result comparison is to be a base for monitoring of CO² concentration level [eventual gas seepage].

Task 2: Geomicrobiological probing of the Ketzin area - part II – doc.dr hab.inż. Radosław Tarkowski

MEERI PAS [Geotechnology Division] participates as a partner in CO²SINK Project that aims to construct an underground carbon dioxide storage laboratory at Ketzin area by Berlin, DE. The lab permits to test miscellaneous monitoring methods applied to geological CO² deposition. The works being carried out by the Institute aim to elaborate and test a geobiomonitoring method in order to detect CO² seepage. Earlier, due to the latter, there were performed quests for indicatory microorganisms that clearly respond to elevated CO² concentration in soil environment. The present works aim to examine seasonal variability of the chosen microorganism populations. One of the most important tasks carried out within the works is the geomicrobiological probing of the future CO² sink area by Ketzin. It was continued in 2006 and covered microbiological samples collection at winter season [February], summer [July] and autumn [November]. They are completed by springtime sampling [on April 2005]. Totally, during three traveling field probing sessions, there were collected several dozens of probes from 80 and 160 cm depth, at previously defined locations. Due to sample collection there were used a hand-driven derrick and an engine-driven device [rammer].

The samples were collected respecting microbiological purity rules. The gathered material was transferred further for qualitative and quantitative tests to an expert laboratory in Kraków. The carried out works aiming to estimate microbial seasonal changes at Ketzin area will be conducted for next years.

Task 3: CO² sources in Poland of more than 100 000 to

MEERI PAS [Geotechnology Division] participates as a partner in the EU Project GeoCapacity (Assessing European Capacity for Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide). Its aim is to estimate a capacity of geological carbon dioxide storage in Europe. The Institute participates there for the whole Project lifetime and takes part at realization of: WP1, WP2, WP5 and WP7. For the first, one year long Project period, MEERI PAS was to execute tasks coming from WP1 and initiate WP2 tasks.

Within frames of WP1 there were collected and composed data considering point CO² emission sources in Poland, for plants emitting more than 100 000 tons per year. Emission data and plant characteristics information were submitted in data formats readable for the GIS system, subordinated to the Project. Within WP1 frames the MEERI PAS gathered following data about CO² emitters in Poland. The data come from questionnaires sent out to the individual Marshall Office, location data come from web pages of individual plants. Part of the works was performed together with PBG in Warsaw, a second Project partner from Poland. CO² emission data cover 161 plants in Poland. During the next Project stage [2007] CO² emitter location and information about concentration will be used to attribute the emitters geological structures appropriate for carbon dioxide deposition.

Within the WP2 frames there were started works upon estimation of storage potential in Poland. There were chosen three brine aquifers of Polish Lowlands [Lower Triassic, Lower Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous] as carbon dioxide sinks. On the maps of chosen formation range there were marked occurrence of considered horizon sediments for a depth below 1000 m. Basing on the maps of the considered horizons` range and on the maps of thickness there were created maps of prospective areas for CO² storage. There were chosen two structures [Chabowo in NW Poland and another in Central Poland] for a case study.

Task 1: World experience in radioactive waste storage – Part 1. Characteristics of operation of radioactive waste storage facilities – doc. dr hab.inż. Kazimierz Ślizowski

Final disposal of nuclear waste, by the isolation from the biosphere, for unlimited period of time is an interdisciplinary geo-scientific and technological issue. Due to a possible nuclear radiation hazard it is found, that each country is obligated to deposit waste within its own territory. However, in the last couple of years, there were debates with the aim of collective underground storage project, especially for countries that do not have proper conditions to create its own storage.

So far, there are no unequivocal international hazardous waste regulations, but there are directives and recommendations created by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.

The work presents, how each country deals with underground disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) and High Level Waste (HLW) problem, based on results of conference arranged by University of California and Berkeley Laboratory in 2001.

Selecting of SNF and HLW final storage localization is a long-lasting procedure and requires detail geological description of potential storage place. Experience proved that supportive research is wildly provided by Underground Research Laboratories (URL) – 13 in whole world.

Currently, the investigation of repository sites selected granite, clay and rock salt formations as a potential host rock for radioactive waste of disposal.

The overview of each country activity:

1. There are 31 countries that have nuclear power plants including: Europe (17), Russia, North America (3), South America (2), Africa (1), Middle East (4), Asia (4).
2. In spite of few dozen years of nuclear power plants activity, none of the countries has finished SNF and HLW underground storage.
3. To choose an optimal localization, each country works on research projects, likewise international collaboration is broadly accepted.

   According to actual knowledge, selection of formations, investigated as regards their suitability to host a repository is variable, as follows:

   • 17 countries – granite formations
   • 4 countries – granite and clay formations
   • 2 countries – clay formations
     • 4 countries – granite, clay and rock salt formations
     • 1 country – granite and rock salt formations
     • 1 country – clay and rock salt formations
     • 1 country – rock salt formations
     • 1 country – rock salt formations and tuff
     • 1 country – granite formations and permafrost

Concerning conception of final SNF storage, the most advanced country is Finland. After all the examination, in 2001 Finnish Parliament approved decision about underground storage construction in granite formation in Olikiluoto.

The first underground waste storage was open in United States in 1999, and it was designed to dispose of TRU waste.

What is more, it is essential to obtain a public opinion acceptance. Experience showed that luck of wildly provided detail information caused manifests against nuclear power industry. Because of that, some counties (e.g. England, Germany) had to suspend their nuclear activity, thus appropriate education turned out to be one of the most significant issues.