Science, Technology and Innovation

Long-term changes in macrozoobenthos structure and water quality of the upper Jasiołka River (Southern Poland) in 2014, 2018, and 2025

2026-04-29T16:31:24+02:00

The article presents the results of long-term monitoring of water quality in the upper reaches of the Jasiołka River (Southern Poland) based on macrozoobenthos are presented. Field research was conducted in May 2025 at five sampling sites, and the data obtained were compared with historical results from 2014 and 2018, as well as with data from reference Carpathian rivers: Ropa and Wisłoka. Biological methods were used for ecological assessment: the BMWP-PL biotic index and the Margalef’s diversity index. A total of 38 macroinvertebrate families were recorded in the 2025 study. Water quality assessments obtained using both indices were consistent, classifying the tested section of the Jasiołka mostly as Class I (very good quality). The long-term analysis demonstrated the stability of high water quality during the study period. The water quality of the Jasiołka is similar to that of the Ropa, but clearly better than the Wisłoka, which indicates lower anthropogenic pressure in its catchment area. Biomonitoring results correlate positively with historical physical and chemical parameter studies, which means that over a multi-year scale, the Jasiołka is not subject to pressures, or they are low.

Effect of mineral composition and chemical activation of clay raw materials on the flexural strength of ceramic bodies

2026-03-13T14:39:22+01:00

The mechanical strength of ceramic bodies in the air-dried state is one of the key technological parameters determining the course of forming, drying, and transport processes of ceramic green bodies. This study evaluates the influence of mineral composition and chemical activation of clay raw materials on the flexural strength of ceramic bodies, with particular emphasis on kaolinite, illitic clays, and smectite-rich raw materials. The effect of quartz sand addition and sodium activation (Na₂CO₃) on the mechanical properties of the specimens was also investigated.

Samples were prepared from KOC kaolin, Krakowiec clay, and bentonitic clay from the Bełchatów deposit, in both non-modified form and after sodium activation in the range of 3–10% Na₂CO₃. In the case of bentonitic bodies, quartz sand was added in amounts of 10–30%. Flexural strength was determined using the three-point bending method in the air-dried state and after drying at 105°C. In addition, the moisture content of the samples after drying was analyzed.

The obtained results demonstrated a significant influence of both mineral composition and chemical modification on the modulus of rupture values. The highest air-dried flexural strength was achieved for smectite-rich raw materials, whereas kaolin-based bodies exhibited the lowest binding capacity. Sodium activation resulted in a substantial improvement in the strength of all investigated ceramic bodies, although the effect strongly depended on the type of raw material and its particle size distribution. For bentonitic bodies containing 30% quartz sand, the highest modulus of rupture values were obtained with 10% Na₂CO₃ addition. Samples dried at 105°C exhibited higher strength values, which was attributed to closer packing of clay mineral layers and enhanced electrostatic interactions.

Insight into the thermodynamics of hydrogen sulphide adsorption through multi-temperature fit of the related isotherms

2026-03-26T14:39:19+01:00

Adsorption of hydrogen sulphide is a process of practical importance, among others, in the context of biogas desulphurization. Its full understanding may require knowledge about the related thermodynamic aspects. In the current study, the possibility of indirectly obtaining such data based on mathematical modelling of the temperature dependence of H₂S adsorption isotherms is examined. For this purpose, a cooperative multimolecular sorption model was selected as the theoretical isotherm equation. It was used to simultaneously fit several sets of experimental data on a multi-temperature way. Such an approach, despite certain limitations, is an effective tool for modelling hydrogen sulphide adsorption on the studied activated carbons and zeolites. Furthermore, it allows for the straightforward calculation of thermodynamic quantities characterizing the process: the isosteric enthalpy of adsorption and the entropy of the adsorbed phase. In the study, curves reflecting the changes in these functions with adsorption progress were successfully determined and analyzed, supplementing the quantitative characterization of the process.