IT Systems Supporting Waste Management in Municipalities – Research Results

When a new EU directive on municipal waste management was implemented in Poland over 5 years ago, there were practically no IT systems on the market allowing for comprehensive support of this process. Significant changes revealed a number of problems that the municipalities had to face and are facing today, trying to create an integrated system of waste management. IT systems used by municipal units before the amendment of the act have been proved insufficient to be able to efficiently manage the collection of waste from residents. The new regulations significantly influenced, among others, the process of information flow between entities in the waste management system. New participants in the municipal waste management process have been introduced, which from that moment has had to be dealt with by municipal units - the entire organization of the waste collection process and information activities in this area fell on the municipalities. This article presents the results of research on IT systems used in municipalities and its needs in this area. These surveys were carried out using a questionnaire sent to municipalities in the Silesian Voivodeship. Its aim was to identify the features and functions that should be met by the IT system, allowing for comprehensive management of the new municipal waste management system

Orthoptera insects as bioaccumulators of potentially toxic elements (Ostrava city, Czech Republic)

Abstract This paper explores whether orthopteran insects (Orhtoptera) may be used to study bioaccumulation of potentially toxic elements in their bodies on the territory of Ostrava City. For the purpose of laboratory analysis, we used a common species Metrioptera roeselii (Ensifera) and Chorthippus parallelus (Caelifera). The laboratory analysis confirmed a bioaccumulation of some potentially toxic elements (Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr), which is probably dependent on the distance of the sources of pollution and main wind direction.</jats:p

Soil seed bank in Ostrava post-mining landscape

Abstract The paper deals with analysis of soil seed bank of Odra and Oderka heaps in Ostrava region. On selected sites, samples of soil were taken, slope and exposure was assessed and phytosociological relevés were conducted. 3436 seeds were extracted from 17 soil samples of Odra heap and 5701 seeds from 15 soil samples of Oderka heap. Almost 90 % of extracted seeds belong to Betula pendula species. Woody plants and grasses dominated in examined samples. Composition of soil seed bank was compared with vegetation of selected heaps using Sørensen index. Influence of slope and exposure on distribution of seeds in soil seed bank was assessed by multivariate analysis (RDA, DCA).</jats:p

Influence of management on vegetative reproduction of invasive species of Helianthus tuberosus in Poodri PLA

Abstract In this article, the authors deal with the influence of management on vegetative reproduction of Helianthus tuberosus, which is invasive plant in the Czech Republic and spreads uncontrollably in the Poodri PLA, where it displaces native plant species. We applied the proposed management (application of herbicides, mowing, engraving) on the study areas and then monitored the condition of the plant tubers.</jats:p

Botanical and zoological aspects of the shale post-mining landscape (Jakartovice village, Czech Republic)

Abstract The area of the Jakartovice village is well known for its shale roofing tiles since the 18th century. In places where shale was exploited until 1945, abandoned areas after mining works remained. These places due to its specifical environmental conditions have important function in the post-mining landscape. There are very interesting species bond to specific environmental conditions of post - mining landscape, with frequent rare and endangered species. A basic inventory survey of plant species and communities was carried out according to the rules of the Zurich - Monpellier School. Inventory survey of animals consisted of different methods according to individual species.</jats:p

Contamination of the Burňa watercourse, by a dumps complex

Abstract This article dealing with the problematic contamination surface water in dumps complex and there were monitoring basic physical and chemical parameters, toxic and strategic metals. There were analysed inorganic ions NH4, Cl, SO4, NO3, NO2 by standard laboratory analysis, and the elements Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni were measured by method ICP MS, and elements Zn, Fe, Mn, Na by method AAS. The case study of the contamination in the Burňa watercourse basin, in industrial landscape of the Ostrava city is unique in solving the problem of ecological burdens of the Ostrava city. One year of monitoring case study showed a significant load on the watercourse with the expected contamination especially by toxic metals. The surface water Burňa watercourse was affected by a dumps complex and their chemistry. The source of the contamination is the impact of former mining, in this post-mining landscape.</jats:p

Management of invasive species Solidago canadensis in Ostrava region (Czech Republic)

Abstract In this article authors deal with the possibilities of population management of Solidago canadensis species, which is not indigenous in Czech Republic and invasive. The study areas were chosen within the Poodri PLA, which is situated near the city Ostrava in Moravian-Silesian region. Invasive species Solidago canadensis as well as all the other invasive species in general poses a threat especially in the protected landscape areas such as Poodri PLA thanks to disrupting their natural ecosystems and reducing their exceptional biodiversity. Solidago canadensis can achieve those goals mainly thanks to the ability of quick propagation not only sexual one by seeds, but also asexual (vegetative) by rhizomes and thanks to releasing allelopathic substances which has negative impact on other plant species for example inhibition of their germination and growth. By these means it relatively quickly sets up monodominant covers, displaces original and rare plant species and poses threat to further development of the landscape of Poodri PLA. Management was proposed and applied on 5 study areas in Poodri PLA and after that the effectiveness was evaluated. There were chemical (application of herbicides) and mechanical (mowing) methods and their combinations used.</jats:p