The life and death of windmills in central Poland: Between lost heritage and the heritage of memo... more The life and death of windmills in central Poland: Between lost heritage and the heritage of memory Windmills are one of the most complex human inventions of the pre-industrial era. Making use of wind energy to serve human needs was not only a miracle of architecture and technology: it produced silent witnesses of history-an important part of a rural landscape, local identity and folklore. Thanks to their multiple roles, windmills are useful research objects for scientists in various fields. In Poland the first written records of windmills date from the thirteenth century. Shortly after World War II there were still about 3300 such constructions (many of them still fully operational) despite losses in the war. Today there are around 250 windmills under legal protection (around 70 of which were moved to open-air museums). This figure illustrates the vulnerability and progressive disappearance of Poland's windmills. Despite the efforts made to protect this heritage, often the only remnants of such objects are the memories people living nearby. These memories join the present with the past, recall people and their work, and preserve the memory of an item. Windmills that have ceased to exist are still present in people's collective remembering as a sum of their subjective experiences and impressions. In this paper,
Basaltic artefacts related to early agrarian cultures (Neolithic and Early Bronze Age) inhabiting... more Basaltic artefacts related to early agrarian cultures (Neolithic and Early Bronze Age) inhabiting the Kujawy region of the Polish Lowlands (Central Poland) were studied. The main goal of this study was to assess the provenance of the basaltic raw material and the documentation of manifestations of the activity of inhabitants of the Lowlands. The mineral and chemical compositions of the artefacts were directly compared with those of basaltoids considered as a potential raw material. The basic discrimination feature that allowed an unambiguous correlation of the artefacts with their source region was copper and silica mineralization present exclusively in the basaltoids from Volyn (western Ukraine). Moreover, it excludes the provenance of the basaltic raw material from Lower Silesia (south-west Poland) and Scania (southern Sweden). Usage of the basaltic raw material from Volyn was most probably based on cultural and processual presumptions, such as migrations of a population(s) from the Upland regions and/or manifestations of relatively permanent participation of the local population in interregional contacts and long-term, long-distance exchange of items.
Basaltic artefacts related to early agrarian cultures
(Neolithic and Early Bronze Age) inhabiting... more Basaltic artefacts related to early agrarian cultures (Neolithic and Early Bronze Age) inhabiting the Kujawy region of the Polish Lowlands (Central Poland) were studied. The main goal of this study was to assess the provenance of the basaltic raw material and the documentation of manifestations of the activity of inhabitants of the Lowlands. The mineral and chemical compositions of the artefacts were directly compared with those of basaltoids considered as a potential raw material. The basic discrimination feature that allowed an unambiguous correlation of the artefacts with their source region was copper and silica mineralization present exclusively in the basaltoids from Volyn (western Ukraine). Moreover, it excludes the provenance of the basaltic raw material from Lower Silesia (south-west Poland) and Scania (southern Sweden). Usage of the basaltic raw material from Volyn was most probably based on cultural and processual presumptions, such as migrations of a population(s) from the Upland regions and/or manifestations of relatively permanent participation of the local population in interregional contacts and long-term, long-distance exchange of items.
We used spider webs as a particulate matter (PM) sampler to assess the possible health risk to th... more We used spider webs as a particulate matter (PM) sampler to assess the possible health risk to the inhabitants of Legnica city (Poland). We aimed to find out if it is a useful material and could provide reliable information. We selected two spider families (Agelenidae and Linyphiidae) whose webs structure enhances the PM accumulation. The collected particles were analysed using a Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) which provided morphological and chemical information and allowed to indicate possible sources of pollution. The results showed that PM10, the fraction of particles smaller than 10 µm, was dominated by the particles of natural origin, while fine fractions were composed of diverse anthropogenic particles, whose origin can be connected with the activity of the copper smelter and in smaller quantity with the road traffic. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk was as...
<p>The research conducted in recent years has revealed that processes operating at ... more <p>The research conducted in recent years has revealed that processes operating at depth play an important role in the morphogenesis of stepped tablelands in Central Europe (SW Poland, N Czechia), underlain by alternating layers of sandstone and fine-grained rocks of the Upper Cretaceous age. It has been demonstrated that underground erosion significantly contributes to the <em>in situ </em>disintegration of the marginal parts of sandstone plateaus and mesas, thereby producing distinctive ruiniform assemblages. They comprise chaotic boulder clusters replacing the cliff-lines, joint-aligned corridors, clefts opened due to the loss of mass from beneath, as well as plazas and courtyards with negligible surface runoff. While the widespread occurrence of sandy cones at the outlets of vertical fissures and allochthonous sandy aprons on the subjacent slopes testifies well to the efficiency of underground erosion, the mechanisms of detachment of sand grains remain unknown. This research aims to elucidate which processes are making the sandstone mechanically incoherent and susceptible for mechanical erosion at depth.</p><p>In older views weathering processes acting upon sandstone cliff-lines have either remained unspecified or <em>a priori</em> assumed to be mechanical breakdown. Yet, the presence of joint-aligned and highly disintegrated zones, often mimicking the grikes of the ‘classic’ karst terrains, as well as the widespread evidence of sandy detritus removal <em>via </em>subsurface drainage, allowed us to hypothesise that dissolution may be an important but neglected factor responsible for the loss of coherence of the sandstone rock mass.</p><p>Sandstone samples were collected from both disintegrated and non-disintegrated sandstone cliff-lines, as well as fresh debris originating from a recent rockfall event in one of the rock cities in Czechia. Loose grains of sand, already removed from the caprock and deposited at the foot of rock walls, were investigated too. Scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDX) was used to study micromorphological changes, diagnostic of intensive chemical weathering. This was supplemented by studies using the polarizing light microscopy, i.e. study of thin sections as well as x-ray diffraction (XRD) accompanied by thermal analysis (DSC-TG) to evaluate mineralogical composition of sandstone and to assess the secondary rock porosity.</p><p>The preliminary results revealed high degree of etching, mainly of syntaxial quartz overgrowths, with a number of v-shaped or irregularly shaped pits as well as large embayments. Interestingly, SEM-EDX analysis showed the presence of kaolinite, which might conform to the advanced chemical weathering of sandstone as well. It is supposed that solutional processes not only have prepared the rock for further erosional processes and the resultant development of ruiniform relief, but they also contribute to a variety of catastrophic mass movements due to the significant decrease of intact rock strength.</p><p>The results presented are the first outcomes of the new Q-MESA project (no. 2020/39/D/ST10/00861) funded by the National Science Centre, Poland.</p>
<p>Study area is located in the Olkusz ore district, in the south Poland where Zn a... more <p>Study area is located in the Olkusz ore district, in the south Poland where Zn and Pb were recovered from sulfide and calamine ore bodies. The primary ore is composed mainly of sphalerite, galena, and marcasite/pyrite and was excavated from the so-called ore bearing dolomite of the Middle Triassic age. Studied rocks are mainly composed of smithsonite, cerussite, goethite, hemimorphite, anglesite and are considered as supergene ore derived from alterations of sulfides mainly during Miocene. The chemically-mediated weathering of sulfides has extensively been studied, whereas microbially-mediated weathering of calamines requires experimental research to be undertaken to improve our understanding on dissolution of such rocks. This study aimed: (i) to determine the bioleaching potential of Zn, Pb, Cd, and As from Zn-bearing supergene ores exposed to <em>A. thiooxidans</em>, native soil microorganisms, and root exudates; (ii) to assess the impact of mineral composition (goethite-bearing vs. hemimorphite-bearing samples) of the rocks on leaching of elements; (iii) to determine mineral dissolution under bioweathering conditions. Two supergene samples were investigated: first collected from the mining heap next to the abandoned “Bolesław” calamine open-pit in the Bolesław village (B), and second from the weathering site of the abandoned “Olkusz-Pomorzany” Zn-Pb underground mine (OP). Trace elements in solutions were measured using by ICP-QQQ whereas mineral composition of the fresh and weathered samples was determined using by XRD, SEM-EDS, EPMA, and DSC-TG methods. Results of the experiments revealed the highest leaching efficiency for Zn was found for both samples treated by <em>A. thiooxidans</em>  (up to 125 000 and 14 000 mg·kg<sup>-1 </sup>for OP and B, respectively) and Cd (up to 817 and 46.8 mg·kg<sup>-1 </sup>for OP and B, respectively). The highest amounts of Pb (3840 mg·kg<sup>-1 </sup> and 660 mg·kg<sup>-1</sup>) were liberated from sample OP by root exudates and soil bacteria, respectively. As compared to other elements studied, arsenic revealed the lowest leaching efficiency under bioweathering conditions. In sample OP, dissolution of hemimorphite and cerussite caused the release of Zn and Pb, respectively. In sample B, goethite was found to weather intensively.</p>
220 On the occurrence of magnesium bearing phases in Baroque mortars from post-Cistercian Abbeys ... more 220 On the occurrence of magnesium bearing phases in Baroque mortars from post-Cistercian Abbeys in SW Poland W. BARTZ, J. KIERCZAK AND M. GĄSIOR University of Wroclaw, Cybulskiego 30, 50-205 Wroclaw, Poland (correspondence: wojciech.bartz@ing.uni.wroc.pl). University of Wroclaw, Cybulskiego 30, 50-205 Wroclaw, Poland. Laboratory for Technological and Conservation Research, Faculty of Architecture, Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland.
Abstract Two samples of larderellite (NH 4 )B 5 O 7 (OH) 2 · H 2 O from Monte Rotonda (Italy) hav... more Abstract Two samples of larderellite (NH 4 )B 5 O 7 (OH) 2 · H 2 O from Monte Rotonda (Italy) have been studied. Spectroscopic methods, like infrared and Raman spectroscopy, were used in combination with thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. The main objective was vibrational characteristic of research mineral and, based on the obtained results, test how the long storage of minerals affect their structure. Raman and infrared spectroscopy confirm the presence of tetrahedral and trigonal boron structural units in the investigated samples. The most intensive Raman band is located at 149 cm −1 and is assigned to lattice vibration. The most intensive infrared bands, located at 1209 and 1273 cm −1 , are ascribed as in-plane modes (δ) of B O H. Bands associated with water bending mode ( ν 2 ) and stretching vibration ( ν 1 ) are observed at 1668 cm −1 (IR) and in the 3000–3500 cm −1 region (both Raman and IR spectrum). Thermal analysis showed differences between two research samples of larderellite connected with presence of adsorption water, that can indicate influence of conditions of minerals storage on properties of mineral.
ABSTRACT Zn-Pb-bearing rocks from mining sites in Olkusz, southern Poland may continue to represe... more ABSTRACT Zn-Pb-bearing rocks from mining sites in Olkusz, southern Poland may continue to represent a risk to the environment through the mobilization of metals. This study experimentally simulated the exposure of calamine-type rocks and goethite crusts to various weathering conditions and then compared the behavior of these mineralogically diverse samples. Study conditions included sample exposures to and comparisons of native microorganisms (biostimulation of the soil solution favoring microbial growth) and sterile soil extracts, single bacterial strains (Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans bioaugemnation) and sterile acidic growth mediums, root exudates of various concentrations, and water. This study demonstrated that A. thiooxidans and root exudates had the largest influence on the mobilization of metallic elements (up to 44% for Zn, 29% for Pb, and 78% for Cd), whereas H2O was found to play a minor role (0.13% for Zn, 0.27% for Pb, and 1.23% for Cd). The sample composed of goethite crust with quartz was generally more susceptible to bioweathering than the calamine-type rock, a result that was likely caused by the presence of goethite and smithsonite, both undergoing severe dissolution. We conclude that bioweathering was an important driver affecting the stability of the sample rocks. The dissolution of minerals such as hemimorphite and smithsonite under experimental conditions proves that analogic dissolution can also occur under natural weathering conditions.
The Stare Mìsto Zone is the lowermost part of Lugicum, marking out the main boundary between the ... more The Stare Mìsto Zone is the lowermost part of Lugicum, marking out the main boundary between the East and West Sudetes. Small part of the unit is exposed in Poland, in the vicinity of Bielice village. This area consists mainly of banded amphibolites, intruded by syntectonic granitoids. The banded amphibolites are medium-to coarse grained. Main constituents are segregated into alternating, light-plagioclase rich, and dark-amphibole rich layers. Quartz and K-feldpars are subordinates. Accessories are: zircon, apatite, titanite, and locally garnet, biotite; secondary minerals are: chlorite and prehnite. Banded amphibolites underwent progressive M 1 amphibolite facies metamorphism, with PT peak conditions at 650-720°C and 8.0-9.5 kbar. This was followed by M 2 and M 3 regressive metamorphism, accompanied by rapid uplift, regional mylonitization and metamorphism under the greenschists and sub-greenschsits facies conditions.
Samples of historical terrazzo floor from the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw, dated back t... more Samples of historical terrazzo floor from the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw, dated back to the thirties of the twentieth century, have been analysed. Investigations by polarised optical microscopy, scanning microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and simultaneous thermal analysis were preformed. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that terrazzo tiles were prepared on the basis of ordinary Portland cement and aggregate, dominated with crushed stone (marble, serpentinite, limestone and marl), accompanied by sparse quartz sand grains. The binding mass was colourised with the use of pigments containing iron ions. The occurrence of altered serpentinite and marble grains, the latter clouded and partly replaced with micrite, the presence of portlandite, indicate the terrazzo tiles were subjected to thermal impact. This is related to the fire that took place at the beginning of World War II. Based on this study, repair mortars were formulated, on one hand compatible with th...
The life and death of windmills in central Poland: Between lost heritage and the heritage of memo... more The life and death of windmills in central Poland: Between lost heritage and the heritage of memory Windmills are one of the most complex human inventions of the pre-industrial era. Making use of wind energy to serve human needs was not only a miracle of architecture and technology: it produced silent witnesses of history-an important part of a rural landscape, local identity and folklore. Thanks to their multiple roles, windmills are useful research objects for scientists in various fields. In Poland the first written records of windmills date from the thirteenth century. Shortly after World War II there were still about 3300 such constructions (many of them still fully operational) despite losses in the war. Today there are around 250 windmills under legal protection (around 70 of which were moved to open-air museums). This figure illustrates the vulnerability and progressive disappearance of Poland's windmills. Despite the efforts made to protect this heritage, often the only remnants of such objects are the memories people living nearby. These memories join the present with the past, recall people and their work, and preserve the memory of an item. Windmills that have ceased to exist are still present in people's collective remembering as a sum of their subjective experiences and impressions. In this paper,
Basaltic artefacts related to early agrarian cultures (Neolithic and Early Bronze Age) inhabiting... more Basaltic artefacts related to early agrarian cultures (Neolithic and Early Bronze Age) inhabiting the Kujawy region of the Polish Lowlands (Central Poland) were studied. The main goal of this study was to assess the provenance of the basaltic raw material and the documentation of manifestations of the activity of inhabitants of the Lowlands. The mineral and chemical compositions of the artefacts were directly compared with those of basaltoids considered as a potential raw material. The basic discrimination feature that allowed an unambiguous correlation of the artefacts with their source region was copper and silica mineralization present exclusively in the basaltoids from Volyn (western Ukraine). Moreover, it excludes the provenance of the basaltic raw material from Lower Silesia (south-west Poland) and Scania (southern Sweden). Usage of the basaltic raw material from Volyn was most probably based on cultural and processual presumptions, such as migrations of a population(s) from the Upland regions and/or manifestations of relatively permanent participation of the local population in interregional contacts and long-term, long-distance exchange of items.
Basaltic artefacts related to early agrarian cultures
(Neolithic and Early Bronze Age) inhabiting... more Basaltic artefacts related to early agrarian cultures (Neolithic and Early Bronze Age) inhabiting the Kujawy region of the Polish Lowlands (Central Poland) were studied. The main goal of this study was to assess the provenance of the basaltic raw material and the documentation of manifestations of the activity of inhabitants of the Lowlands. The mineral and chemical compositions of the artefacts were directly compared with those of basaltoids considered as a potential raw material. The basic discrimination feature that allowed an unambiguous correlation of the artefacts with their source region was copper and silica mineralization present exclusively in the basaltoids from Volyn (western Ukraine). Moreover, it excludes the provenance of the basaltic raw material from Lower Silesia (south-west Poland) and Scania (southern Sweden). Usage of the basaltic raw material from Volyn was most probably based on cultural and processual presumptions, such as migrations of a population(s) from the Upland regions and/or manifestations of relatively permanent participation of the local population in interregional contacts and long-term, long-distance exchange of items.
We used spider webs as a particulate matter (PM) sampler to assess the possible health risk to th... more We used spider webs as a particulate matter (PM) sampler to assess the possible health risk to the inhabitants of Legnica city (Poland). We aimed to find out if it is a useful material and could provide reliable information. We selected two spider families (Agelenidae and Linyphiidae) whose webs structure enhances the PM accumulation. The collected particles were analysed using a Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) which provided morphological and chemical information and allowed to indicate possible sources of pollution. The results showed that PM10, the fraction of particles smaller than 10 µm, was dominated by the particles of natural origin, while fine fractions were composed of diverse anthropogenic particles, whose origin can be connected with the activity of the copper smelter and in smaller quantity with the road traffic. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk was as...
<p>The research conducted in recent years has revealed that processes operating at ... more <p>The research conducted in recent years has revealed that processes operating at depth play an important role in the morphogenesis of stepped tablelands in Central Europe (SW Poland, N Czechia), underlain by alternating layers of sandstone and fine-grained rocks of the Upper Cretaceous age. It has been demonstrated that underground erosion significantly contributes to the <em>in situ </em>disintegration of the marginal parts of sandstone plateaus and mesas, thereby producing distinctive ruiniform assemblages. They comprise chaotic boulder clusters replacing the cliff-lines, joint-aligned corridors, clefts opened due to the loss of mass from beneath, as well as plazas and courtyards with negligible surface runoff. While the widespread occurrence of sandy cones at the outlets of vertical fissures and allochthonous sandy aprons on the subjacent slopes testifies well to the efficiency of underground erosion, the mechanisms of detachment of sand grains remain unknown. This research aims to elucidate which processes are making the sandstone mechanically incoherent and susceptible for mechanical erosion at depth.</p><p>In older views weathering processes acting upon sandstone cliff-lines have either remained unspecified or <em>a priori</em> assumed to be mechanical breakdown. Yet, the presence of joint-aligned and highly disintegrated zones, often mimicking the grikes of the ‘classic’ karst terrains, as well as the widespread evidence of sandy detritus removal <em>via </em>subsurface drainage, allowed us to hypothesise that dissolution may be an important but neglected factor responsible for the loss of coherence of the sandstone rock mass.</p><p>Sandstone samples were collected from both disintegrated and non-disintegrated sandstone cliff-lines, as well as fresh debris originating from a recent rockfall event in one of the rock cities in Czechia. Loose grains of sand, already removed from the caprock and deposited at the foot of rock walls, were investigated too. Scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDX) was used to study micromorphological changes, diagnostic of intensive chemical weathering. This was supplemented by studies using the polarizing light microscopy, i.e. study of thin sections as well as x-ray diffraction (XRD) accompanied by thermal analysis (DSC-TG) to evaluate mineralogical composition of sandstone and to assess the secondary rock porosity.</p><p>The preliminary results revealed high degree of etching, mainly of syntaxial quartz overgrowths, with a number of v-shaped or irregularly shaped pits as well as large embayments. Interestingly, SEM-EDX analysis showed the presence of kaolinite, which might conform to the advanced chemical weathering of sandstone as well. It is supposed that solutional processes not only have prepared the rock for further erosional processes and the resultant development of ruiniform relief, but they also contribute to a variety of catastrophic mass movements due to the significant decrease of intact rock strength.</p><p>The results presented are the first outcomes of the new Q-MESA project (no. 2020/39/D/ST10/00861) funded by the National Science Centre, Poland.</p>
<p>Study area is located in the Olkusz ore district, in the south Poland where Zn a... more <p>Study area is located in the Olkusz ore district, in the south Poland where Zn and Pb were recovered from sulfide and calamine ore bodies. The primary ore is composed mainly of sphalerite, galena, and marcasite/pyrite and was excavated from the so-called ore bearing dolomite of the Middle Triassic age. Studied rocks are mainly composed of smithsonite, cerussite, goethite, hemimorphite, anglesite and are considered as supergene ore derived from alterations of sulfides mainly during Miocene. The chemically-mediated weathering of sulfides has extensively been studied, whereas microbially-mediated weathering of calamines requires experimental research to be undertaken to improve our understanding on dissolution of such rocks. This study aimed: (i) to determine the bioleaching potential of Zn, Pb, Cd, and As from Zn-bearing supergene ores exposed to <em>A. thiooxidans</em>, native soil microorganisms, and root exudates; (ii) to assess the impact of mineral composition (goethite-bearing vs. hemimorphite-bearing samples) of the rocks on leaching of elements; (iii) to determine mineral dissolution under bioweathering conditions. Two supergene samples were investigated: first collected from the mining heap next to the abandoned “Bolesław” calamine open-pit in the Bolesław village (B), and second from the weathering site of the abandoned “Olkusz-Pomorzany” Zn-Pb underground mine (OP). Trace elements in solutions were measured using by ICP-QQQ whereas mineral composition of the fresh and weathered samples was determined using by XRD, SEM-EDS, EPMA, and DSC-TG methods. Results of the experiments revealed the highest leaching efficiency for Zn was found for both samples treated by <em>A. thiooxidans</em>  (up to 125 000 and 14 000 mg·kg<sup>-1 </sup>for OP and B, respectively) and Cd (up to 817 and 46.8 mg·kg<sup>-1 </sup>for OP and B, respectively). The highest amounts of Pb (3840 mg·kg<sup>-1 </sup> and 660 mg·kg<sup>-1</sup>) were liberated from sample OP by root exudates and soil bacteria, respectively. As compared to other elements studied, arsenic revealed the lowest leaching efficiency under bioweathering conditions. In sample OP, dissolution of hemimorphite and cerussite caused the release of Zn and Pb, respectively. In sample B, goethite was found to weather intensively.</p>
220 On the occurrence of magnesium bearing phases in Baroque mortars from post-Cistercian Abbeys ... more 220 On the occurrence of magnesium bearing phases in Baroque mortars from post-Cistercian Abbeys in SW Poland W. BARTZ, J. KIERCZAK AND M. GĄSIOR University of Wroclaw, Cybulskiego 30, 50-205 Wroclaw, Poland (correspondence: wojciech.bartz@ing.uni.wroc.pl). University of Wroclaw, Cybulskiego 30, 50-205 Wroclaw, Poland. Laboratory for Technological and Conservation Research, Faculty of Architecture, Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland.
Abstract Two samples of larderellite (NH 4 )B 5 O 7 (OH) 2 · H 2 O from Monte Rotonda (Italy) hav... more Abstract Two samples of larderellite (NH 4 )B 5 O 7 (OH) 2 · H 2 O from Monte Rotonda (Italy) have been studied. Spectroscopic methods, like infrared and Raman spectroscopy, were used in combination with thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. The main objective was vibrational characteristic of research mineral and, based on the obtained results, test how the long storage of minerals affect their structure. Raman and infrared spectroscopy confirm the presence of tetrahedral and trigonal boron structural units in the investigated samples. The most intensive Raman band is located at 149 cm −1 and is assigned to lattice vibration. The most intensive infrared bands, located at 1209 and 1273 cm −1 , are ascribed as in-plane modes (δ) of B O H. Bands associated with water bending mode ( ν 2 ) and stretching vibration ( ν 1 ) are observed at 1668 cm −1 (IR) and in the 3000–3500 cm −1 region (both Raman and IR spectrum). Thermal analysis showed differences between two research samples of larderellite connected with presence of adsorption water, that can indicate influence of conditions of minerals storage on properties of mineral.
ABSTRACT Zn-Pb-bearing rocks from mining sites in Olkusz, southern Poland may continue to represe... more ABSTRACT Zn-Pb-bearing rocks from mining sites in Olkusz, southern Poland may continue to represent a risk to the environment through the mobilization of metals. This study experimentally simulated the exposure of calamine-type rocks and goethite crusts to various weathering conditions and then compared the behavior of these mineralogically diverse samples. Study conditions included sample exposures to and comparisons of native microorganisms (biostimulation of the soil solution favoring microbial growth) and sterile soil extracts, single bacterial strains (Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans bioaugemnation) and sterile acidic growth mediums, root exudates of various concentrations, and water. This study demonstrated that A. thiooxidans and root exudates had the largest influence on the mobilization of metallic elements (up to 44% for Zn, 29% for Pb, and 78% for Cd), whereas H2O was found to play a minor role (0.13% for Zn, 0.27% for Pb, and 1.23% for Cd). The sample composed of goethite crust with quartz was generally more susceptible to bioweathering than the calamine-type rock, a result that was likely caused by the presence of goethite and smithsonite, both undergoing severe dissolution. We conclude that bioweathering was an important driver affecting the stability of the sample rocks. The dissolution of minerals such as hemimorphite and smithsonite under experimental conditions proves that analogic dissolution can also occur under natural weathering conditions.
The Stare Mìsto Zone is the lowermost part of Lugicum, marking out the main boundary between the ... more The Stare Mìsto Zone is the lowermost part of Lugicum, marking out the main boundary between the East and West Sudetes. Small part of the unit is exposed in Poland, in the vicinity of Bielice village. This area consists mainly of banded amphibolites, intruded by syntectonic granitoids. The banded amphibolites are medium-to coarse grained. Main constituents are segregated into alternating, light-plagioclase rich, and dark-amphibole rich layers. Quartz and K-feldpars are subordinates. Accessories are: zircon, apatite, titanite, and locally garnet, biotite; secondary minerals are: chlorite and prehnite. Banded amphibolites underwent progressive M 1 amphibolite facies metamorphism, with PT peak conditions at 650-720°C and 8.0-9.5 kbar. This was followed by M 2 and M 3 regressive metamorphism, accompanied by rapid uplift, regional mylonitization and metamorphism under the greenschists and sub-greenschsits facies conditions.
Samples of historical terrazzo floor from the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw, dated back t... more Samples of historical terrazzo floor from the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw, dated back to the thirties of the twentieth century, have been analysed. Investigations by polarised optical microscopy, scanning microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and simultaneous thermal analysis were preformed. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that terrazzo tiles were prepared on the basis of ordinary Portland cement and aggregate, dominated with crushed stone (marble, serpentinite, limestone and marl), accompanied by sparse quartz sand grains. The binding mass was colourised with the use of pigments containing iron ions. The occurrence of altered serpentinite and marble grains, the latter clouded and partly replaced with micrite, the presence of portlandite, indicate the terrazzo tiles were subjected to thermal impact. This is related to the fire that took place at the beginning of World War II. Based on this study, repair mortars were formulated, on one hand compatible with th...
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(Neolithic and Early Bronze Age) inhabiting the
Kujawy region of the Polish Lowlands (Central
Poland) were studied. The main goal of this study was
to assess the provenance of the basaltic raw material
and the documentation of manifestations of the activity
of inhabitants of the Lowlands. The mineral and chemical
compositions of the artefacts were directly compared
with those of basaltoids considered as a potential
raw material. The basic discrimination feature that
allowed an unambiguous correlation of the artefacts
with their source region was copper and silica mineralization
present exclusively in the basaltoids from Volyn
(western Ukraine). Moreover, it excludes the provenance
of the basaltic raw material from Lower Silesia
(south-west Poland) and Scania (southern Sweden).
Usage of the basaltic raw material from Volyn was
most probably based on cultural and processual presumptions,
such as migrations of a population(s) from
the Upland regions and/or manifestations of relatively
permanent participation of the local population in
interregional contacts and long-term, long-distance
exchange of items.
(Neolithic and Early Bronze Age) inhabiting the
Kujawy region of the Polish Lowlands (Central
Poland) were studied. The main goal of this study was
to assess the provenance of the basaltic raw material
and the documentation of manifestations of the activity
of inhabitants of the Lowlands. The mineral and chemical
compositions of the artefacts were directly compared
with those of basaltoids considered as a potential
raw material. The basic discrimination feature that
allowed an unambiguous correlation of the artefacts
with their source region was copper and silica mineralization
present exclusively in the basaltoids from Volyn
(western Ukraine). Moreover, it excludes the provenance
of the basaltic raw material from Lower Silesia
(south-west Poland) and Scania (southern Sweden).
Usage of the basaltic raw material from Volyn was
most probably based on cultural and processual presumptions,
such as migrations of a population(s) from
the Upland regions and/or manifestations of relatively
permanent participation of the local population in
interregional contacts and long-term, long-distance
exchange of items.