The research area located in south-eastern Poland is exposed to alkaline pressure from a cement plant in Nowiny, which has been operating there since 1960. Both biotic and abiotic components of the natural environment remain in the zone of the plant’s negative impact. Their reaction, described according to the concept of geo- and bioindicators, provides valuable information on the state of the natural environment in this area. In 2016–2018, the properties of precipitation were being investigated by determining its pH, EC (specific electrolytic conductivity), and chemical composition in terms of the presence of selected heavy metals. Additionally, the chemical composition of samples of two-year-old pine needles, bark, and wood, as well as soil taken from the immediate vicinity of the cement plant, was analyzed. The analysis performed using the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer-Time-of-Flight (ICP-MS-TOF) showed the presence of heavy metals. The highest contents were recorded in soils (Pb 123 mg·kg−1; Cr 138 mg·kg−1; Cu 18 mg·kg−1; Zn 699 mg·kg−1), while the lowest ones were found in the wooden cores of drilled trees (Pb 0.1 mg·kg−1; Cr 1 mg·kg−1; Cu 0.1 mg·kg−1; Zn 4.1 mg·kg−1). On the basis of the research conducted on precipitation, it was found that the pH and EC values were increased, and the presence of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, and Cu) indicating a local source of pollution was indicated.

No abstract

No abstract

The smoke emitted during thermal decomposition of elastomeric composites contains a significant number of carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds from the group of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs, as well as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans, PCDDs/Fs. By replacing carbon black with a specific amount of lignocellulose filler, we noticeably reduced the fire hazard caused by elastomeric composites. The lignocellulose filler reduced the parameters associated with the flammability of the tested composites, decreased the smoke emission, and limited the toxicity of gaseous decomposition products expressed as a toximetric indicator and the sum of PAHs and PCDDs/Fs. The natural filler also reduced emission of gases that constitute the basis for determination of the value of the toximetric indicator WLC50SM. The flammability and optical density of the smoke were determined in accordance with the applicable European standards, with the use of a cone calorimeter and a chamber for smoke optical density tests. PCDD/F and PAH were determined using the GCMS-MS technique. The toximetric indicator was determined using the FB-FTIR method (fluidised bed reactor and the infrared spectrum analysis).

No abstract