Several years of observations enabled us to assess the extent and variability of heavy metal contamination (Zn, Cu and Pb) of the sludge of the municipal stormwater treatment plant (the town of Puławy, Poland). In terms of size (high capacity) and innovation, it is the only facility of this kind in the country. It collects rainwater run-offs from two catchments (separate inlets) with a total area of about 500 ha. The concentration of the analysed metals is characterised by a large spatial and temporal diversity. The reason for this may be differences in the manner and intensity of use of drained surfaces and different hydraulic conditions (of sedimentation) prevailing in the particular treatment devices. The highest pollution was found in sediments in the grit chamber and in the part of the settler from the side of the interceptor supplying sewage, i.e. from the main traffic route of the town (heavy traffic and developed technical infrastructure). The best-quality sludge was retained in the pond for treated wastewater. In the pool of analysed components, the largest share is Zn, which amounts to about 85%. The content of heavy metals limits the possibility of the natural use of sludge from the municipal stormwater treatment plant. In chemical terms, they should be seen as a potentially dangerous waste and undergo remediation.

Abstract:Ploughed-on terraces in loess landscape of strongly developed high plains. The ploughed-on terraces were one of the techniques for agricultural use of steep slopes in loess landscapes of developed high plains, the example of which is described fragment of the valley in Bartłomiejowice near Nałęczów. Giving up the agricultural use makes disappearance of those anthropogenic-erosion relief forms in the landscape structure. The authors postulate to protect -by restoring the meadow-pasture use -the characteristic enclaves of loess landscapes with ploughed--on terraces.

The level of pollution and the variability of rainwater runoff quality collected in reservoirs next to the new Lublin bypass (south-eastern Poland) were assessed in this scientific paper. In the rainwater harvesting and treatment system, two types of reservoirs with different construction, size and presence of pre-treatment devices were used. Laboratory tests involved selected physical, oxygen, biogenic, salinity indicators, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Particularly large variability in concentrations included NO2-, TP, PO43-, K+ and Cl-. Parameters decreasing the water quality were mainly conductivity, BOD5, COD, NO2-, TP and Cl-. High concentrations of salt and phosphorus in collected rainwater require great care in final management (risk of salinization and eutrophication). In the second year of research, there was significant deterioration of water quality, which may result from different weather conditions and gradual accumulation of pollutants in new reservoirs. Not many significant differences were found in the quality of water collected in reservoirs with pre-treatment and without it. Loads of heavy metals and aromatic hydrocarbons in reservoirs were relatively small. However, these impurities have high durability and the ability to accumulate in the environment. Therefore, further studies should also take into account monitoring of bottom sediments and areas adjacent to the bypass.

Anthropopressure is considered as one of the most important causes of disorder of natural water relations in the environment and impoverishment of the landscape. This is particularly evident in urban areas, where the degree of built-up areas and participation of impervious surfaces are still increasing. The result of such processes are extreme phenomena-more frequent droughts and floods. One way to keep a good state of water resources in urban catchments is creating retention and infiltration of rainwater. The paper presents examples of sustainable rainwater management that determine change of the face of the city and increase its friendliness towards the environment.

Zieleń jest integralnym i nieodzownym komponentem przestrzeni zurbanizowanej. Zapotrzebowanie na nią jest tym większe im większy jest stopień zabudowy danego miejsca. W przypadku braku możliwości wykorzystania powierzchni biologicznie czynnych do wprowadzenia roślinności lub chęci zabudowy mało estetycznych pionowych elementów krajobrazu miejskiego można zastosować ogrody wertykalne, których pomysłodawcą był Patrick Blanc w latach 80. XX wieku. Możliwość wprowadzania wielkopowierzchniowych ogrodów nie zajmując powierzchni poziomych nasuwa nieograniczone możliwości bliskiego kontaktu z naturą w centrach wielkich miast, miejscach gęsto zasiedlonych, a nawet we wnętrzach budynków. Praca ukazuje konsekwencje rozwoju budownictwa i infrastruktury miejskiej kosztem terenów zieleni oraz wskazuje ogrody wertykalne jako alternatywę dla kurczących się powierzchni zielonych. Przedstawia charakterystykę ogrodów wertykalnych, ich wpływ na krajobraz miejski oraz rozwiązania techniczne tych założeń. Głównym celem pracy jest prezentacja koncepcji ogrodu wertykalnego w przestrzeni miejskiej Lublina, z zastosowaniem filcowego systemu kieszeniowego, dla potrzeb poprawy walorów estetycznych miejsca oraz samopoczucia mieszkańców.