Due to ferrimagnetic properties of historical slags magnetic prospection is an efficient tool for... more Due to ferrimagnetic properties of historical slags magnetic prospection is an efficient tool for they localization. • C 14 dating indicates Pb contamination from about the year 1000 BC • Ore mining and smelting in Upper Silesia was older than previously estimated
One of the oldest areas of ore mining in Upper Silesia (southern Poland) is Miasteczko Śląskie, w... more One of the oldest areas of ore mining in Upper Silesia (southern Poland) is Miasteczko Śląskie, which is surrounded by numerous peat bogs developed in the Brynica Valley. These can offer a good alternative to standard archaeological investigations because they are valuable archives of climatic and anthropogenic impacts. The main aim of this study was to detect traces of human activity and historical mining and smelting in the Brynica River catchment using a combination of magnetic, radiometric and geochemical methods. The research was conducted on two peat profiles: Moczydła and Żyglinek. The application of mass-specific magnetic susceptibility (χ), the determination of the content of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe) and radiocarbon dating allowed for investigation into the distribution of anthropogenic pollutants in the peat profile. Additionally, the enrichment factor (EF) of selected heavy metals was calculated. The results revealed the potential mobility of Cu, Zn and Cd in peat profiles and the lack of Pb mobility. Maximum enrichment of Pb could be observed in the Moczydła profile at a depth of 17 cm (5,996 mg kg -1 ) and in the Żyglinek profile at a depth of 14 cm, where it amounted to 287 mg kg -1 and dated back to the period 1300-1600 AD. However, in the Żyglinek profile a noticeable increase in the value of χ could be seen from a depth of 40 cm, where peat layers corresponded to 2700 BC. The high correlation observed between anthropogenic Pb (EF Pb ) and magnetic parameters (χ and χ/Fe) will be useful for the further study of the tracers of ore mining and smelting and other historical human impacts on the environment. It can support archaeological studies conducted at the sites of early settlements, which in Central and Northern Europe were very often located on hills surrounded by swamps and peat bogs.
Zarys treści. Badania prowadzone były w usytuowanym na wydmie stanowisku archeologicznym Miastecz... more Zarys treści. Badania prowadzone były w usytuowanym na wydmie stanowisku archeologicznym Miasteczko Śląskie 2. Prace archeologiczne i geologiczne ujawniły ślady bytności człowieka ze środkowej epoki kamienia, okresu wpływów rzymskich, średniowiecza, a w sąsiednich torfowiskach poziomy węgli drzewnych z okresu neolitu. Stanowisko Miasteczko Śląskie 2 przypuszczalnie wyznacza strefę peryferyjną większego, wielodzielnego obozowiska lub miejsca krótkiego postoju gromady mezolitycznych łowcówzbieraczy-rybaków. Opierając się na przesłankach technologicznych i typologicznych, inwentarz warunkowo może być przypisany do kompleksu Duvensee lub kultury komornickiej. Z przeprowadzonych badań wynika, że przebywające na wydmie społeczności mezolitu realizowały zadania gospodarki łowiecko-zbierackiej w zakresie wytwórczości krzemieniarskiej, prawdopodobnie polowania na ptaki i gromadzenia surowców mineralnych z przeznaczeniem na barwniki. W okresie wpływów rzymskich i w średniowieczu w pobliżu eksploatowano drewno sosnowe i torf. Kopanie torfu zbiega się w czasie z intensyfikacją górnictwa i rozwojem metalurgii w okolicach Tarnowskich Gór, które pociągnęło za sobą wzrost zapotrzebowania na drewno i węgiel drzewny. Aktywność ta została zapisana także w postaci wzrostu zawartości metali ciężkich w okolicznych torfowiskach.
One of the oldest areas of ore mining in Upper Silesia (southern Poland) is Miasteczko Śląskie, w... more One of the oldest areas of ore mining in Upper Silesia (southern Poland) is Miasteczko Śląskie, which is surrounded by numerous peat bogs developed in the Brynica Valley. These can offer a good alternative to standard archaeological investigations because they are valuable archives of climatic and anthropogenic impacts. The main aim of this study was to detect traces of human activity and historical mining and smelting in the Brynica River catchment using a combination of magnetic, radiometric and geochemical methods. The research was conducted on two peat profiles: Moczydła and Żyglinek. The application of mass-specific magnetic susceptibility (χ), the determination of the content of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe) and radiocarbon dating allowed for investigation into the distribution of anthropogenic pollutants in the peat profile. Additionally, the enrichment factor (EF) of selected heavy metals was calculated. The results revealed the potential mobility of Cu, Zn and Cd in peat profiles and the lack of Pb mobility. Maximum enrichment of Pb could be observed in the Moczydła profile at a depth of 17 cm (5,996 mg kg -1 ) and in the Żyglinek profile at a depth of 14 cm, where it amounted to 287 mg kg -1 and dated back to the period 1300-1600 AD. However, in the Żyglinek profile a noticeable increase in the value of χ could be seen from a depth of 40 cm, where peat layers corresponded to 2700 BC. The high correlation observed between anthropogenic Pb (EF Pb ) and magnetic parameters (χ and χ/Fe) will be useful for the further study of the tracers of ore mining and smelting and other historical human impacts on the environment. It can support archaeological studies conducted at the sites of early settlements, which in Central and Northern Europe were very often located on hills surrounded by swamps and peat bogs.
1 Department of Radioisotopes, Institute of Physics, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, ... more 1 Department of Radioisotopes, Institute of Physics, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland 2 University of Toulouse (INP, UPS) and CNRS, EcoLab, ENSAT, Castanet Tolosan, France 3 Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland 4 Laboratory for Ecological Research, Measurement and Expertise, Gliwice, Poland 5 UR AGEs, Department of Geology, University of Liège (Sart Tilman), Belgium _______________________________________________________________________________________
Zarys treści. Badania prowadzone były w usytuowanym na wydmie stanowisku archeologicznym Miastecz... more Zarys treści. Badania prowadzone były w usytuowanym na wydmie stanowisku archeologicznym Miasteczko Śląskie 2. Prace archeologiczne i geologiczne ujawniły ślady bytności człowieka ze środkowej epoki kamienia, okresu wpływów rzymskich, średniowiecza, a w sąsiednich torfowiskach poziomy węgli drzewnych z okresu neolitu. Stanowisko Miasteczko Śląskie 2 przypuszczalnie wyznacza strefę peryferyjną większego, wielodzielnego obozowiska lub miejsca krótkiego postoju gromady mezolitycznych łowcówzbieraczy-rybaków. Opierając się na przesłankach technologicznych i typologicznych, inwentarz warunkowo może być przypisany do kompleksu Duvensee lub kultury komornickiej. Z przeprowadzonych badań wynika, że przebywające na wydmie społeczności mezolitu realizowały zadania gospodarki łowiecko-zbierackiej w zakresie wytwórczości krzemieniarskiej, prawdopodobnie polowania na ptaki i gromadzenia surowców mineralnych z przeznaczeniem na barwniki. W okresie wpływów rzymskich i w średniowieczu w pobliżu eksploatowano drewno sosnowe i torf. Kopanie torfu zbiega się w czasie z intensyfikacją górnictwa i rozwojem metalurgii w okolicach Tarnowskich Gór, które pociągnęło za sobą wzrost zapotrzebowania na drewno i węgiel drzewny. Aktywność ta została zapisana także w postaci wzrostu zawartości metali ciężkich w okolicznych torfowiskach.
A one-meter long peat core was taken from the peatland in Wolbrom (Silesian-Cracovian Upland, sou... more A one-meter long peat core was taken from the peatland in Wolbrom (Silesian-Cracovian Upland, southern Poland). The analysis of the botanical composition showed that Wolbrom is a fen. Vegetation species such as Carex rostrata and Phragmites australis have been found. An age-depth model was constructed using 12 conventional radiocarbon dates and 13 lead-210 dates from the upper part of the deposit. In this work, the results of radiocarbon dating are presented. According to the model, we can estimate the age of the fen. The oldest part comes from a depth of 1.05 meter and its conventional age is 5940 ± 95 BP (modelled date 5000–4790 BC, 68.2% probability interval). The accumulation rate varies between approximately 0.53 mm·yr-1 and 6.48 mm·yr− 1. The core has been also tested for the presence of trace elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) using ICP-OES. There are considerable variations in the concentrations of the tested metals – in many cases the concentration starts to rise at ...
In the area of Brynica River basin (Upper Silesia, southern Poland) the exploitation and smelting... more In the area of Brynica River basin (Upper Silesia, southern Poland) the exploitation and smelting of iron, silver and lead ores was historically documented since early Middle Ages. First investigations showed that metallurgy industry had a large impact from 9th century (AD) until the Second World War. The aim of the study was to use magnetic prospection to detect traces of past mining and ore smelting in Brynica River Valley located in Upper Silesia (southern Poland). The field screening was performed by measurement magnetic susceptibility (κ) on surface and in vertical profiles and was supported locally by gradiometric measurements. Vertical distribution of magnetic susceptibility values was closely associated with the type of soil use. Historical technogenic magnetic particles resulting from exploitation, processing, and smelting of iron, silver, and lead ores were accumulated in the soil layer at the depth 10 to 25cm. They were represented by sharp-edged particles of slag, coke, ...
The results of investigations (SEM/EDS and AAS) of a peat deposit, spanning 13,000 years of peat ... more The results of investigations (SEM/EDS and AAS) of a peat deposit, spanning 13,000 years of peat accumulation, are shown. The peat deposit is located in a region of shallow occurrence of Zn-Pb ores, near Tarnowskie Go ´ry town, within the Cracow-Silesia district (southern Poland). Exploitation of lead, silver and iron during the medieval times (Twelfth and thirteenth century) was confirmed by historical documents whereas there are no unambiguous data showing that there was metal mining during the Romanian or earlier times in the region. The peat deposit is located within the influence of atmospheric Pb and Zn emission from a nearby Zn-Pb smelter. Two vertical peat profiles were investigated (120 and 140 cm depth of profile) showing variable concentrations of Zn up to 713 mg kg -1 , Pb up to 317 mg kg -1 , Cd up to 13 mg kg -1 and Tl up to 31 mg kg -1 . The highest concentrations were recorded for the uppermost peat layers. SEM and EDS investigations revealed the occurrence of metalbearing, submicroscopic mineral components: Fe, Mn, Ti and Zn oxides and Zn and Pb carbonates. The top layer of the deposit contained Zn, Pb and Cd sulphides. The occurrence of aggregates of Au-Ag, Cu-Zn and Au-Ag-Cu alloys can be possibly related to prehistorical mining and smelting or be explained by geochemical transformations. The preservation of carbonates and oxides in the peat is discussed, indicating a generally neutral to alkaline peat water chemistry and maintenance of an oxidized environment in the fen.
By histological (survey staining with hematoxylin and eosin) and analytical (determination of tra... more By histological (survey staining with hematoxylin and eosin) and analytical (determination of trace elements content) techniques, morphological evaluation of the lungs of rats affected by soil dust has been carried out. Experimental animals have been given intratracheally, with a blunt aspirating needle, a suspension of 50 mg of the test sample of soil dust in 0.6 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution. The material for studies, in form of small segments of lungs, has been collected 3 and 9 months after dusts application. The findings point to possible pathogenetic effects of soil dusts, which is related to their physico-chemical properties.
There was analysed the behaviour of the pulmonary tissue in white Wistar female rats exposed to a... more There was analysed the behaviour of the pulmonary tissue in white Wistar female rats exposed to a single effect of electroenergetic ashes from a few Polish power stations, hasting plants and electrohasting plants. The animals received a single 0.6 ml dose of the ashes in suspension of physiologic fluid intratracheally; 3 and 6 months after the experiment, the animals were decapitated and material for examinations was collected. Grains of used ashes were then assessed under the scanning electron microscope. Segments were stained with hematoxyline and cosine and by Masson's method. All the ashes caused inflammatory infiltrations, granulomas containing grains of the examined ash, fibrosis, thickening of interalveolar septa, atelectasis, and emphysema. The experiment resulted in a disturbance of biological balance of pulmonary connective tissue (stroma) due to the action of the ashes.
There was analysed, by means of biochemical examinations, the behaviour of hydroxyproline level i... more There was analysed, by means of biochemical examinations, the behaviour of hydroxyproline level in the lungs of experimental animals exposed to the action of soil dusts and electroenergetic ashes. 44 female white rats of Wistar strain were used in the experiment. The animals were administered intratracheally 0.2 ml dusts and electroenergetic ashes suspension. After decapitation, prepared material was taken from the left lung. Hydroxyproline determinations were performed according to Prokop's und Undenfried's method modified by Tomaszewski and Hanzlik. 9 months after the administration of the dusts, the contents of hydroxyproline slightly differed from the levels observed in control group.
Experimental animals (female white rats of Wistar strain) were given intratracheally a suspension... more Experimental animals (female white rats of Wistar strain) were given intratracheally a suspension of soil dusts and electroenergetic ashes. 3 months later, hydroxyproline contents in lung tissue was determined with PROKOP'S and UNDENFRIEND'S method modified by TOMASZEWSKI and HANZLIK. The highest hydroxyproline levels were found in animals from experimental groups, which had been administered electroenergetic ashes.
Annales Universitatis Mariae Curie-Skłodowska. Sectio D: Medicina, 1992
Normal metabolism, regulation of stimulation and checking of electrolyte secretion in the gastric... more Normal metabolism, regulation of stimulation and checking of electrolyte secretion in the gastric juice depend on the way of feeding and its nutritional ingredients. Feeding experimental animals with fodder containing power plant ashes or loess dusts causes a change in the gastric juice reaction, thus resulting in a different assimilation of elements contained in the fodder. There was shown an increase of some elements content (Mg, Na, Cu, Fe), a decrease in the content of some others (Pb,Zn) in the gastric juice and a positive tendency for blocking by calcium ions of heavy metals contained in the fodder by the mucous membrane of the stomach.
This paper presents an array of analyses of the laminated sediments of Lake Perespilno, eastern P... more This paper presents an array of analyses of the laminated sediments of Lake Perespilno, eastern Poland, covering the period between Older Dryas and Preboreal. Using the varve chronologies, pollen and C data, the laminated sequence of Lake Perespilno has been synchronised with that of Lake GosH ci!z . The length of the AlleroK d and Younger Dryas periods, derived from Lake Perespilno sediments, agrees well with the previous estimates. According to our data, the climate in the AlleroK d was relatively mild, with some increase of precipitation and humidity after ca. 13.2 kyr cal BP. The beginning of the Younger Dryas is marked by drastic changes in temperature as well as humidity. Thinning of forests facilitated input of allochtonous material to the lake. It seems that the groundwater level as well as lake level dropped signi"cantly, and the period of lowest water table was prolonged for ca. 300 years. Surprisingly, the abrupt warming at the beginning of the Holocene is only slightly re#ected in the sediments. Changes in sediment composition at that time seem to be controlled more by the development of surrounding vegetation than by the climate itself.
... One should stress that the transitions between the consecutive phases were rather abrupt ... ... more ... One should stress that the transitions between the consecutive phases were rather abrupt ... mineralogical composition of sediments and palaeohumidity. 4. Discussion of the environmental changes at ... Also in this field, some lessons from the palaeoclimatic studies could be drawn. ...
According to historical sources, the development of settlement around Lake Gosci& aogon;z during ... more According to historical sources, the development of settlement around Lake Gosci& aogon;z during the last 330 yrs was intense at two time periods: the second half of the 1700's, and from ca. 1880 until 1944. The small farms were then abandoned, following which the lake surroundings were planted with forest trees. The presented study of human influence on the lake
Due to ferrimagnetic properties of historical slags magnetic prospection is an efficient tool for... more Due to ferrimagnetic properties of historical slags magnetic prospection is an efficient tool for they localization. • C 14 dating indicates Pb contamination from about the year 1000 BC • Ore mining and smelting in Upper Silesia was older than previously estimated
One of the oldest areas of ore mining in Upper Silesia (southern Poland) is Miasteczko Śląskie, w... more One of the oldest areas of ore mining in Upper Silesia (southern Poland) is Miasteczko Śląskie, which is surrounded by numerous peat bogs developed in the Brynica Valley. These can offer a good alternative to standard archaeological investigations because they are valuable archives of climatic and anthropogenic impacts. The main aim of this study was to detect traces of human activity and historical mining and smelting in the Brynica River catchment using a combination of magnetic, radiometric and geochemical methods. The research was conducted on two peat profiles: Moczydła and Żyglinek. The application of mass-specific magnetic susceptibility (χ), the determination of the content of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe) and radiocarbon dating allowed for investigation into the distribution of anthropogenic pollutants in the peat profile. Additionally, the enrichment factor (EF) of selected heavy metals was calculated. The results revealed the potential mobility of Cu, Zn and Cd in peat profiles and the lack of Pb mobility. Maximum enrichment of Pb could be observed in the Moczydła profile at a depth of 17 cm (5,996 mg kg -1 ) and in the Żyglinek profile at a depth of 14 cm, where it amounted to 287 mg kg -1 and dated back to the period 1300-1600 AD. However, in the Żyglinek profile a noticeable increase in the value of χ could be seen from a depth of 40 cm, where peat layers corresponded to 2700 BC. The high correlation observed between anthropogenic Pb (EF Pb ) and magnetic parameters (χ and χ/Fe) will be useful for the further study of the tracers of ore mining and smelting and other historical human impacts on the environment. It can support archaeological studies conducted at the sites of early settlements, which in Central and Northern Europe were very often located on hills surrounded by swamps and peat bogs.
Zarys treści. Badania prowadzone były w usytuowanym na wydmie stanowisku archeologicznym Miastecz... more Zarys treści. Badania prowadzone były w usytuowanym na wydmie stanowisku archeologicznym Miasteczko Śląskie 2. Prace archeologiczne i geologiczne ujawniły ślady bytności człowieka ze środkowej epoki kamienia, okresu wpływów rzymskich, średniowiecza, a w sąsiednich torfowiskach poziomy węgli drzewnych z okresu neolitu. Stanowisko Miasteczko Śląskie 2 przypuszczalnie wyznacza strefę peryferyjną większego, wielodzielnego obozowiska lub miejsca krótkiego postoju gromady mezolitycznych łowcówzbieraczy-rybaków. Opierając się na przesłankach technologicznych i typologicznych, inwentarz warunkowo może być przypisany do kompleksu Duvensee lub kultury komornickiej. Z przeprowadzonych badań wynika, że przebywające na wydmie społeczności mezolitu realizowały zadania gospodarki łowiecko-zbierackiej w zakresie wytwórczości krzemieniarskiej, prawdopodobnie polowania na ptaki i gromadzenia surowców mineralnych z przeznaczeniem na barwniki. W okresie wpływów rzymskich i w średniowieczu w pobliżu eksploatowano drewno sosnowe i torf. Kopanie torfu zbiega się w czasie z intensyfikacją górnictwa i rozwojem metalurgii w okolicach Tarnowskich Gór, które pociągnęło za sobą wzrost zapotrzebowania na drewno i węgiel drzewny. Aktywność ta została zapisana także w postaci wzrostu zawartości metali ciężkich w okolicznych torfowiskach.
One of the oldest areas of ore mining in Upper Silesia (southern Poland) is Miasteczko Śląskie, w... more One of the oldest areas of ore mining in Upper Silesia (southern Poland) is Miasteczko Śląskie, which is surrounded by numerous peat bogs developed in the Brynica Valley. These can offer a good alternative to standard archaeological investigations because they are valuable archives of climatic and anthropogenic impacts. The main aim of this study was to detect traces of human activity and historical mining and smelting in the Brynica River catchment using a combination of magnetic, radiometric and geochemical methods. The research was conducted on two peat profiles: Moczydła and Żyglinek. The application of mass-specific magnetic susceptibility (χ), the determination of the content of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe) and radiocarbon dating allowed for investigation into the distribution of anthropogenic pollutants in the peat profile. Additionally, the enrichment factor (EF) of selected heavy metals was calculated. The results revealed the potential mobility of Cu, Zn and Cd in peat profiles and the lack of Pb mobility. Maximum enrichment of Pb could be observed in the Moczydła profile at a depth of 17 cm (5,996 mg kg -1 ) and in the Żyglinek profile at a depth of 14 cm, where it amounted to 287 mg kg -1 and dated back to the period 1300-1600 AD. However, in the Żyglinek profile a noticeable increase in the value of χ could be seen from a depth of 40 cm, where peat layers corresponded to 2700 BC. The high correlation observed between anthropogenic Pb (EF Pb ) and magnetic parameters (χ and χ/Fe) will be useful for the further study of the tracers of ore mining and smelting and other historical human impacts on the environment. It can support archaeological studies conducted at the sites of early settlements, which in Central and Northern Europe were very often located on hills surrounded by swamps and peat bogs.
1 Department of Radioisotopes, Institute of Physics, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, ... more 1 Department of Radioisotopes, Institute of Physics, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland 2 University of Toulouse (INP, UPS) and CNRS, EcoLab, ENSAT, Castanet Tolosan, France 3 Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland 4 Laboratory for Ecological Research, Measurement and Expertise, Gliwice, Poland 5 UR AGEs, Department of Geology, University of Liège (Sart Tilman), Belgium _______________________________________________________________________________________
Zarys treści. Badania prowadzone były w usytuowanym na wydmie stanowisku archeologicznym Miastecz... more Zarys treści. Badania prowadzone były w usytuowanym na wydmie stanowisku archeologicznym Miasteczko Śląskie 2. Prace archeologiczne i geologiczne ujawniły ślady bytności człowieka ze środkowej epoki kamienia, okresu wpływów rzymskich, średniowiecza, a w sąsiednich torfowiskach poziomy węgli drzewnych z okresu neolitu. Stanowisko Miasteczko Śląskie 2 przypuszczalnie wyznacza strefę peryferyjną większego, wielodzielnego obozowiska lub miejsca krótkiego postoju gromady mezolitycznych łowcówzbieraczy-rybaków. Opierając się na przesłankach technologicznych i typologicznych, inwentarz warunkowo może być przypisany do kompleksu Duvensee lub kultury komornickiej. Z przeprowadzonych badań wynika, że przebywające na wydmie społeczności mezolitu realizowały zadania gospodarki łowiecko-zbierackiej w zakresie wytwórczości krzemieniarskiej, prawdopodobnie polowania na ptaki i gromadzenia surowców mineralnych z przeznaczeniem na barwniki. W okresie wpływów rzymskich i w średniowieczu w pobliżu eksploatowano drewno sosnowe i torf. Kopanie torfu zbiega się w czasie z intensyfikacją górnictwa i rozwojem metalurgii w okolicach Tarnowskich Gór, które pociągnęło za sobą wzrost zapotrzebowania na drewno i węgiel drzewny. Aktywność ta została zapisana także w postaci wzrostu zawartości metali ciężkich w okolicznych torfowiskach.
A one-meter long peat core was taken from the peatland in Wolbrom (Silesian-Cracovian Upland, sou... more A one-meter long peat core was taken from the peatland in Wolbrom (Silesian-Cracovian Upland, southern Poland). The analysis of the botanical composition showed that Wolbrom is a fen. Vegetation species such as Carex rostrata and Phragmites australis have been found. An age-depth model was constructed using 12 conventional radiocarbon dates and 13 lead-210 dates from the upper part of the deposit. In this work, the results of radiocarbon dating are presented. According to the model, we can estimate the age of the fen. The oldest part comes from a depth of 1.05 meter and its conventional age is 5940 ± 95 BP (modelled date 5000–4790 BC, 68.2% probability interval). The accumulation rate varies between approximately 0.53 mm·yr-1 and 6.48 mm·yr− 1. The core has been also tested for the presence of trace elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) using ICP-OES. There are considerable variations in the concentrations of the tested metals – in many cases the concentration starts to rise at ...
In the area of Brynica River basin (Upper Silesia, southern Poland) the exploitation and smelting... more In the area of Brynica River basin (Upper Silesia, southern Poland) the exploitation and smelting of iron, silver and lead ores was historically documented since early Middle Ages. First investigations showed that metallurgy industry had a large impact from 9th century (AD) until the Second World War. The aim of the study was to use magnetic prospection to detect traces of past mining and ore smelting in Brynica River Valley located in Upper Silesia (southern Poland). The field screening was performed by measurement magnetic susceptibility (κ) on surface and in vertical profiles and was supported locally by gradiometric measurements. Vertical distribution of magnetic susceptibility values was closely associated with the type of soil use. Historical technogenic magnetic particles resulting from exploitation, processing, and smelting of iron, silver, and lead ores were accumulated in the soil layer at the depth 10 to 25cm. They were represented by sharp-edged particles of slag, coke, ...
The results of investigations (SEM/EDS and AAS) of a peat deposit, spanning 13,000 years of peat ... more The results of investigations (SEM/EDS and AAS) of a peat deposit, spanning 13,000 years of peat accumulation, are shown. The peat deposit is located in a region of shallow occurrence of Zn-Pb ores, near Tarnowskie Go ´ry town, within the Cracow-Silesia district (southern Poland). Exploitation of lead, silver and iron during the medieval times (Twelfth and thirteenth century) was confirmed by historical documents whereas there are no unambiguous data showing that there was metal mining during the Romanian or earlier times in the region. The peat deposit is located within the influence of atmospheric Pb and Zn emission from a nearby Zn-Pb smelter. Two vertical peat profiles were investigated (120 and 140 cm depth of profile) showing variable concentrations of Zn up to 713 mg kg -1 , Pb up to 317 mg kg -1 , Cd up to 13 mg kg -1 and Tl up to 31 mg kg -1 . The highest concentrations were recorded for the uppermost peat layers. SEM and EDS investigations revealed the occurrence of metalbearing, submicroscopic mineral components: Fe, Mn, Ti and Zn oxides and Zn and Pb carbonates. The top layer of the deposit contained Zn, Pb and Cd sulphides. The occurrence of aggregates of Au-Ag, Cu-Zn and Au-Ag-Cu alloys can be possibly related to prehistorical mining and smelting or be explained by geochemical transformations. The preservation of carbonates and oxides in the peat is discussed, indicating a generally neutral to alkaline peat water chemistry and maintenance of an oxidized environment in the fen.
By histological (survey staining with hematoxylin and eosin) and analytical (determination of tra... more By histological (survey staining with hematoxylin and eosin) and analytical (determination of trace elements content) techniques, morphological evaluation of the lungs of rats affected by soil dust has been carried out. Experimental animals have been given intratracheally, with a blunt aspirating needle, a suspension of 50 mg of the test sample of soil dust in 0.6 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution. The material for studies, in form of small segments of lungs, has been collected 3 and 9 months after dusts application. The findings point to possible pathogenetic effects of soil dusts, which is related to their physico-chemical properties.
There was analysed the behaviour of the pulmonary tissue in white Wistar female rats exposed to a... more There was analysed the behaviour of the pulmonary tissue in white Wistar female rats exposed to a single effect of electroenergetic ashes from a few Polish power stations, hasting plants and electrohasting plants. The animals received a single 0.6 ml dose of the ashes in suspension of physiologic fluid intratracheally; 3 and 6 months after the experiment, the animals were decapitated and material for examinations was collected. Grains of used ashes were then assessed under the scanning electron microscope. Segments were stained with hematoxyline and cosine and by Masson's method. All the ashes caused inflammatory infiltrations, granulomas containing grains of the examined ash, fibrosis, thickening of interalveolar septa, atelectasis, and emphysema. The experiment resulted in a disturbance of biological balance of pulmonary connective tissue (stroma) due to the action of the ashes.
There was analysed, by means of biochemical examinations, the behaviour of hydroxyproline level i... more There was analysed, by means of biochemical examinations, the behaviour of hydroxyproline level in the lungs of experimental animals exposed to the action of soil dusts and electroenergetic ashes. 44 female white rats of Wistar strain were used in the experiment. The animals were administered intratracheally 0.2 ml dusts and electroenergetic ashes suspension. After decapitation, prepared material was taken from the left lung. Hydroxyproline determinations were performed according to Prokop's und Undenfried's method modified by Tomaszewski and Hanzlik. 9 months after the administration of the dusts, the contents of hydroxyproline slightly differed from the levels observed in control group.
Experimental animals (female white rats of Wistar strain) were given intratracheally a suspension... more Experimental animals (female white rats of Wistar strain) were given intratracheally a suspension of soil dusts and electroenergetic ashes. 3 months later, hydroxyproline contents in lung tissue was determined with PROKOP'S and UNDENFRIEND'S method modified by TOMASZEWSKI and HANZLIK. The highest hydroxyproline levels were found in animals from experimental groups, which had been administered electroenergetic ashes.
Annales Universitatis Mariae Curie-Skłodowska. Sectio D: Medicina, 1992
Normal metabolism, regulation of stimulation and checking of electrolyte secretion in the gastric... more Normal metabolism, regulation of stimulation and checking of electrolyte secretion in the gastric juice depend on the way of feeding and its nutritional ingredients. Feeding experimental animals with fodder containing power plant ashes or loess dusts causes a change in the gastric juice reaction, thus resulting in a different assimilation of elements contained in the fodder. There was shown an increase of some elements content (Mg, Na, Cu, Fe), a decrease in the content of some others (Pb,Zn) in the gastric juice and a positive tendency for blocking by calcium ions of heavy metals contained in the fodder by the mucous membrane of the stomach.
This paper presents an array of analyses of the laminated sediments of Lake Perespilno, eastern P... more This paper presents an array of analyses of the laminated sediments of Lake Perespilno, eastern Poland, covering the period between Older Dryas and Preboreal. Using the varve chronologies, pollen and C data, the laminated sequence of Lake Perespilno has been synchronised with that of Lake GosH ci!z . The length of the AlleroK d and Younger Dryas periods, derived from Lake Perespilno sediments, agrees well with the previous estimates. According to our data, the climate in the AlleroK d was relatively mild, with some increase of precipitation and humidity after ca. 13.2 kyr cal BP. The beginning of the Younger Dryas is marked by drastic changes in temperature as well as humidity. Thinning of forests facilitated input of allochtonous material to the lake. It seems that the groundwater level as well as lake level dropped signi"cantly, and the period of lowest water table was prolonged for ca. 300 years. Surprisingly, the abrupt warming at the beginning of the Holocene is only slightly re#ected in the sediments. Changes in sediment composition at that time seem to be controlled more by the development of surrounding vegetation than by the climate itself.
... One should stress that the transitions between the consecutive phases were rather abrupt ... ... more ... One should stress that the transitions between the consecutive phases were rather abrupt ... mineralogical composition of sediments and palaeohumidity. 4. Discussion of the environmental changes at ... Also in this field, some lessons from the palaeoclimatic studies could be drawn. ...
According to historical sources, the development of settlement around Lake Gosci& aogon;z during ... more According to historical sources, the development of settlement around Lake Gosci& aogon;z during the last 330 yrs was intense at two time periods: the second half of the 1700's, and from ca. 1880 until 1944. The small farms were then abandoned, following which the lake surroundings were planted with forest trees. The presented study of human influence on the lake
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