The widespread use of alkylphenols in European industry has led to their presence in the environment and the living organisms of the Baltic Sea. The present study (2011–2012) was designed to determine the concentrations of alkylphenols, 4-nonylphenol (NP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), in surface sediments of the Gulf of Gdansk, a section of the Baltic that lies in close proximity to industrial and agricultural areas and borders with an agglomeration of nearly one million inhabitants. It is also where the Vistula, the largest Polish river, ends its course. In spring, large concentrations of 4-nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol were washed off into the coastal zone with meltwater. In summertime, sediments near the beach had the highest alkylphenol concentrations (NP—2.31 ng g−1 dw, OP—13.09 ng g−1 dw), which was related to tourism and recreational activity. In silt sediments located off the coast, the highest NP (1.46 ng g−1 dw) and OP (6.56 ng g−1 dw) amounts were observed in autumn. The origin of OP and NP at those test stations was linked to atmospheric transport of black carbon along with adsorbed alkylphenols.

AbstractSulfur is an element commonly occurring in the environment. It is present in the atmosphere, in the hydrosphere, and in live organisms; it is one of the most important physicochemical and geological indicators. Depending on the natural conditions, sulfur compounds in the environment may play the role of electron acceptor or donor in the redox processes. These compounds influence the ion concentration and ion balance in benthic sediments. They also determine the speciation, bioavailability and toxicity of heavy metals. Comprehensive knowledge of the processes mediated by sulfur can be a valuable source of information about the past and present state of the ecosystem.

Autorka przygląda się dwóm narracjom o Izraelu: reportażowi Pawła Smoleńskiego Izrael już nie frunie oraz opowieści Eli Sidi Izrael oswojony. Publikacje stanowią pretekst do analizy sposobu kreowania literackich reprezentacji kraju. Tym, co wydaje się szczególnie interesujące, są elementy wspólne obu książek oraz ich elementy odmienne. Czynniki wpływające na kształt narracji to rola, status i cel opowiadającego. Wnioski płynące z lektury obu tekstów są zbieżne – Izrael jest trudno uchwytnym, egzotycznym i pod wieloma względami niedostępnym miejscem.