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Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the SED-BIO System in Reducing the Inflow of Selected Physical, Chemical and Biological Pollutants to a Lake
The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of the innovative SED-BIO system in limiting the inflow of pollutants to Jelonek Lake. The analyses were conducted in the Gniezno Lake District in Greater Poland (the western part of Poland). Physical and chemical analyses were conducted in the years 2016–2019. The results demonstrate that the system is highly effective in the reduction of such nutrients as nitrogen (NO3−—63%; NH4+—14.9%) and phosphorus (PO43−—19.3%). Although the presence of cyanobacteria was confirmed practically throughout the whole monitoring period of the system (2016), the specimens found in most samples were not toxigenic genotypes with a potential to produce microcystins. Microcystins (3 µg·L−1) were detected only once, immediately after the SED-BIO system had been installed in the river and pond, which demonstrates that this natural toxin was eliminated from the additional pool of contaminants that might be transported to Jelonek Lake.
Permeable Organic Barriers as Effective Tools for Reducing Emissions of Nitrogen Compounds and PCBs from Manure to Groundwater
Agricultural pollution, such as contamination from manure storage or leaking livestock buildings, often spreads through the catchment, affecting groundwater and surface water. An effective solution is the construction of permeable organic barriers. This study evaluates the efficiency of an innovative bioactive barrier in removing nitrogen compounds (NO3− and NH4+) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Two types of barriers were tested: a horizontal deposit under a manure storage point and a vertical deposit in the leachate flow path. The bioactivity of the barrier was confirmed by the presence of bacterial genes involved in nitrogen transformation and PCB degradation. Results showed a 70% reduction in NO3− (368.4 mg·L−1) and 43% reduction in NH4+ (42.4 mg·L−1). Genetic analysis identified bacteria capable of complete denitrification, resembling Pseudomonas stutzeri. The analysis also indicated that higher summer temperatures and pH levels fostered microbial communities capable of nitrogen transformation. Cluster analysis revealed that the vertical deposit zone was crucial for nitrogen removal. Additionally, the vertical barrier achieved a 53% reduction in PCBs, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa-like bacteria identified as PCB degraders.