Materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) are used for the construction of drinking water supply systems. It was found that regardless of the type of material the distribution network is built of, microorganisms formed biofilms on every available surface. The pipes material plays a key role in terms of biofilm formation. Important factors are the surface roughness, adhesives, plasticizers, stabilizers, which can be a source of nutrients for bacteria. The metabolic activity of microorganisms on polymer materials, induces migration of compounds from the material into water. The aim of this study was to present the differences in the structure and the metabolic profile of biofilm formed on the technical materials.
Application of phytoremediation process for the purification of the environment, particularly of surface water (running or standing) may be a future alternative to existing standard purification methods, in particular for heavy metal removal. Numerous hyperaccumulators are known which can be used for the purification of water, soil or sediment such as Salvinia or Lemna lemnids, occurring in temperate climates, and thus on the territory of Poland. Ability of mercury accumulation by Salvinia natans and Lemna minor was analyzed. The phytoremediation ability of lemnids was compared depending on their origin -commercial (artificial) cultures and those obtained from the natural environment. Phytoremediation process was carried out for a period of 14 days for the concentration of 0.15 mg Hg/dm 3 and 0.2 mg Hg/dm 3 . It was found that both Salvinia natans and Lemna minor show a significant increase in biomass in the presence of mercury, even up to 76% for Lemna minor and 40% for Salvinia natans. The result of this increase was incorporation a considerable amount of mercury in the tissues of plant. The quantity of mercury in plants biomass was in the range of 41.16-115.28 mg Hg/kg DM, while in the control samples -only 0.2-0.6 mg Hg/kg DM.
The aim of this work was to determine toxicity and mutagenicity of anthracene and phenanthrene and their microbial biotransformation products. The following representatives of different trophic levels of aquatic biocenoses were selected for the toxicological tests: Selenastrum capricornutum, Lemna minor, Daphnia magna and Lebistes reticulatus. Mutagenic properties were determined by Ames test. Results of the analyses confirmed toxicity of studied PAHs for test organisms. Metabolites produced during biological degradation of anthracene and phenanthrene were also harmful for selected representatives of aquatic ecosystems.
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