The properties of reservoir water in post‑mining excavations of Cambrian and Devonian quartzite sandstones (Holy Cross Mountains)

In the Holy Cross Mountains (southern Poland), there are numerous disused quarries. Some of these are filled with water, and some, despite their nearby location, have extremely diverse physicochemical and chemical properties of their waters. One such object is the Wiśniówka Mała reservoir. Its waters contain large amounts of sulfates (> 700 mg/L) and iron (24 mg/L), which are weathering products of rocks containing metal sulfides (mainly pyrite) in the direct drainage zone. As a consequence, there is an increase in the electrolytic conductivity of the water supplying the reservoir, resulting in very low pH values (< 4). This article presents the detailed limnological characteristics of this reservoir and explains the process that led to its water acidification. A control reservoir, Barcza, was also selected for the tests. Although it is also a post-mining excavation, it has a neutral pH and a low concentration of sulfates and iron. The examined reservoirs differ in the hydrochemical type of waters. The Wiśniówka Mała reservoir represents a sulfate–calcium double-ion type ( SO4 2−–Ca2+) and the Barcza reservoir, a bicarbonate–calcium type ( HCO3 −–Ca2+). The concentrations of the main ions occurring here are shaped by the lithological features of the surrounding rocks (respectively: Upper Cambrian quartzite sandstones with pyrite mineralization zones, Lower Devonian sandstones cut by mudstones and claystones with tuffite inserts)

The Importance of The Busko-Zdrój and Solec-Zdrój Spas for Tourist Accommodation in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship

The presented paper shows the results of a comparative analysis describing the state and occupancy rate of accommodation establishments in Busko county in 2000 and 2015, including the influence of Busko-Zdrój and Solec-Zdrój where two major spas are located. With the use of the data from the Central Statistical Office describing establishments that provide accommodation services, a number of indices characterizing tourist management (i.a. density of the accommodation establishments, Charvat’s, Baretje’s and Defert’s indices) and tourist traffic (Schneider’s and Defert’s) were calculated. The analysis of the indices values obtained has shown that Busko county can be classified as well-developed touristically in comparison to other counties in the voivodeship, and even in Poland. It has been proved that the two dynamically functioning spas contribute significantly to such an assessment

Turystyka religijna do Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Bolesnej Królowej Polski w Kałkowie-Godowie

Religious tourism at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland at Kałków-GodówThe purpose of the study was an analysis of pilgrimmages to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland, at Kalków-Godów ( east of the city of Kielce ) in 2005 – 2011, both that of individual tourists and organized groups. An analysis of the structure of tourist traffic concerns the place of their residence. The authors describe the history of this sanctuary and some elements influencing its attractiveness. This is the newest center of the Marian devotion in Poland consisting of various buildings, chapels, figures, and the Way of the Cross stations. The monumental building of the Świętokrzyska Golgotha, Pantheon of the Polish Nation’s Martyrology, is a 33-meter-high structure topped by a 15-meter-tall wooden cross. The altar of the church includes a miraculous picture of Our Lady, a copy of the famous picture of Our Lady of Licheń. The number of tourists visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows at Kalków – Godów has declined in recent years ( 950,000 in 2005 ; 600,000 in 2011 ). The largest number of pilgrims, among organized groups who came to the shrine in 2011, were inhabitants of the Radom Diocese ( more than 18,000 )

Problematyka hydrologiczna w programie ochrony środowiska miasta Kielce

The paper presents hydrological issues included in the current Environment Protection Programme of the Kielce city along with its environmental impact assessment. The tasks related to the aquatic environment prevail in this Programme which has been drawn with the use of the sustainable development indicators of pressure, state and response. The performed analysis has shown that among 229 tasks of the Programme, 57 are related to surface and underground water environment and water management. Separated tasks, included in individual partial plans, have also been assessed in order to estimate their potential impact on environmental components. Their implementation will significantly influence the state of city’s environment – primarily the water environment (82.5%) and also the soil and ground surface (35.1%). Preventive actions proposed in the Programme might have both positive and negative impact on fauna and flora biodiversity. There have been three priority task groups (A, B, C) identified in the Programme that point out to the importance and urgency of implementation of the tasks concerning water protection and other environmental components along with reduction of the risks to citizens’ health. The most important and urgent tasks (priority A) include: reducing the high burden caused to aquatic environment by insufficiently cleaned wastewater; reducing the surface runoff growth; preventing the degradation of water in the area of the main aquifer; reactivation of the surface water monitoring system.W&nbsp;pracy przedstawiono zagadnienia hydrologiczne i&nbsp;hydrogeologiczne ujęte w&nbsp;aktualnym&nbsp;Programie Ochrony Środowiska miasta Kielce&nbsp;wraz z&nbsp;prognozą jego oddziaływania na środowisko. W&nbsp;Programie&nbsp;tym, opracowanym z&nbsp;wykorzystaniem wskaźników zrównoważonego rozwoju: presji, stanu oraz reakcji, dominują zadania związane ze środowiskiem wodnym. Przeprowadzona analiza wskazuje, że w&nbsp;Programie&nbsp;aż 57 z&nbsp;229 zadań odnosi się do środowiska wód powierzchniowych i&nbsp;podziemnych oraz gospodarki wodnej. Wyodrębnione zadania, wchodzące w&nbsp;skład poszczególnych planów cząstkowych, zostały poddane ocenie w&nbsp;celu identyfikacji potencjalnych oddziaływań na komponenty środowiska. Realizacja zadań wpłynie znacząco pozytywnie na środowisko, a&nbsp;przede wszystkim na wody (82,5%) oraz powierzchnię ziemi i&nbsp;glebę (35,1%). Zaproponowane działania prewencyjne mogą mieć jednocześnie znaczący pozytywny i&nbsp;negatywny wpływ na bioróżnorodność, florę i&nbsp;faunę. W&nbsp;Programie&nbsp;określono trzy grupy zadań priorytetowych (A, B, C). wskazujących na ważność i&nbsp;pilność działań na rzecz ochrony wód i&nbsp;pozostałych komponentów środowiska oraz ograniczenia zagrożeń dla zdrowia mieszkańców miasta. Za najważniejsze i&nbsp;najpilniejsze zadania (priorytet A) uznano: zmniejszenie dużego obciążenia środowiska wodnego jeszcze niewystarczająco oczyszczonymi ściekami; ograniczenie wzrostu odpływu powierzchniowego; przeciwdziałanie degradacji wód podziemnych w&nbsp;obrębie GZWP; reaktywację systemu monitoringu środowiska wód powierzchniowych

Simulation of the number of storm overflows considering changes in precipitation dynamics and the urbanisation of the catchment area: A probabilistic approach

This paper presents a probabilistic methodology that allows the study of the interactions between changes in rainfall dynamics and impervious areas in urban catchment on a long- and short-term basis. The proposed probabilistic model predict future storm overflows while taking into account the dynamics of changes in impervious areas and rainfall. In this model, a logistic regression method was used to simulate overflow resulting from precipitation events based on average rainfall intensity and impervious area. The adopted approach is universal (as it can be used in other urban catchments) and is a significant simplification of classic solutions; a hydrodynamic model is used to analyse the operation of the overflow. For the rainfall simulations, a rainfall generator based on the Monte Carlo method was used. In this method, a modification that allows the simulation of changes taking place in rainfall dynamics, including the effects of climate change, was introduced. This method provides the opportunity to expand and modify probabilistic models in which outflow from the catchment is modelled to predict the functioning of reservoirs and to design sewer networks that have the ability to deal with future rainfall dynamics, including moderate, strong, and violent downpours according to the Sumner scale. To verify the simulation results with a probabilistic model, an innovative concept using a hydrodynamic model was considered. This verification considers the changes in the impervious area in the period covered by the simulations and is limited using standard calculation procedures. In practice, the model presented in this work creates opportunities for defining the concept of sustainable development in urban catchments while taking into account the factors mentioned above. From the perspective of landscaping, this is important because it creates the opportunity to limit the impacts of climate change and area urbanization on the receiving waters.Este artículo presenta una metodología probabilística que permite el estudio de las interacciones entre cambios en la dinámica de lluvias y áreas impermeables en cuencas urbanas a largo y corto plazo. El modelo probabilístico propuesto predice futuros desbordamientos de tormentas teniendo en cuenta la dinámica de los cambios en las áreas impermeables y la lluvia. En este modelo, se utilizó un método de regresión logística para simular el desbordamiento resultante de eventos de precipitación en función de la intensidad de lluvia promedio y el área impermeable. El enfoque adoptado es universal (ya que puede ser utilizado en otras cuencas urbanas) y es una simplificación significativa de las soluciones clásicas; se utiliza un modelo hidrodinámico para analizar el funcionamiento del rebosadero. Para las simulaciones de lluvia, se utilizó un generador de lluvia basado en el método Monte Carlo . En este método se introdujo una modificación que permite simular los cambios que se están produciendo en la dinámica de las lluvias, incluyendo los efectos del cambio climático . Este método brinda la oportunidad de ampliar y modificar modelos probabilísticos en los que se modela el caudal de salida de la cuenca para predecir el funcionamiento de los embalses y diseñar redes de alcantarillado que tengan la capacidad de lidiar con la dinámica futura de las precipitaciones, incluidos aguaceros moderados, fuertes y violentos según a la escala Sumner. Para verificar los resultados de la simulación con un modelo probabilístico, se consideró un concepto innovador utilizando un modelo hidrodinámico. Esta verificación considera los cambios en el área impermeable en el período cubierto por las simulaciones y se limita utilizando procedimientos de cálculo estándar. En la práctica, el modelo presentado en este trabajo crea oportunidades para definir el concepto de desarrollo sostenible en cuencas urbanas teniendo en cuenta los factores mencionados anteriormente. Desde la perspectiva del paisajismo, esto es importante porque crea la oportunidad de limitar los impactos del cambio climático y la urbanización del área en las aguas receptoras

The Relationship between Suspended Solid Loads and Dissolved Material during Floods of Various Origin in Catchments of Different Use

The paper presents the results of stationary, detailed studies on the variability of the mutual share of two fluvial loads, i.e., suspended solids and dissolved material during floods caused by rainstorm, continuous rainfalls and snowmelt in selected rivers (Silnica, Sufraganiec) draining small catchments in central Poland, including two characterized by a high level of urbanization. Irrespective of the origin of the flood, the share of suspended solids load did not exceed 80% in urbanized catchments, in suburban catchments—44%, and in forest catchments—32%. In the former, the gradient of the increase in the share of suspended solids and concentration time in the first phase of the flood was several times higher than in the other catchments. It was proved that statistically significant relationships exist between the share of sealed surfaces (roads, car parks, roofs, etc.) in the total catchment area and the average share of suspended solids, both in the rising and falling phase of the flood wave, regardless of their origin. Similar relationships were documented by analyzing: the density of the drainage network (storm sewers, roads, etc.)—the share of suspension. The obtained results have an interesting cognitive aspect and in practice are used for the development of hydrotechnical documentation related to water management in the city

Morphological and soil determinants of forest cover changes in Świętokrzyski National Park and its buffer zone in the last 200 years

The research described in the paper utilized GIS methods and comparative cartography in order to analyze changes in forest cover in the period 1800–2011 in the Świętokrzyski National Park (76.26 km²) and its buffer zone (207.86 km²). The research was done for predefined elevation intervals, slope gradients, and genetic soil types. Source materials included historical maps as well as a digital elevation model. Changes in forest cover were noted in spatial and temporal terms and were usually linked to morphology and soil type. While the 19th century was characterized by intense deforestation, this process reversed starting in the early 20th century. Nevertheless, forest cover in the study area has still not returned to its state from 1800

Impact of the City on the Rapid Increase in the Runoff and Transport of Suspended and Dissolved Solids During Rainfall—The Example of the Silnica River (Kielce, Poland)

Urbanisation changes the water cycle and affects the parameters of transported, suspended and dissolved matter, especially in small river catchments. This paper presents the reasons why river runoff and fluvial transport rapidly increase during rainfall-induced summer floods in the stretch of the Silnica River that flows through the centre of Kielce, a city with a population of 200,000. Examples of implemented hydrotechnical solutions that aim to reduce the height of flood waves and eliminate water accumulation are also presented. The 18.05 km long Silnica River drains a catchment area of 49.4 km2. It flows through areas of varied land use, which have determined the location of five hydrometric stations (outlets) at different sub-catchments: Dabrowa(forest), Piaski (suburbia) and Jesionowa (includes a reservoir), as well as Pakosz and Bialogon (largely impervious areas in the city centre). Specific runoff, suspended and dissolved solids concentration and the specific load of these two types of fluvial transport were determined. It was found that the maximum specific runoff in the outlets of urban sub-catchments was significantly higher during floods than those of the sub-catchments upstream of the city centre; the suspended solids concentration was several times higher, and the suspended solids load was approximately 200 times higher. Recognition of the basic parameters of rainfall-induced flood waves, as well as the dynamics and size of fluvial transport at the hydrometric stations, especially at the outlets of sub-catchments with a large proportion of impervious area (approximately 30%), has become the basis for the development and implementation of modernisation projects and the construction of hydrotechnical facilities and devices in the river channel in the centre of Kielce

Turystyka religijna do Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Bolesnej Królowej Polski w Kałkowie-Godowie

Religious tourism at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland at Kałków-GodówThe purpose of the study was an analysis of pilgrimmages to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland, at Kalków-Godów ( east of the city of Kielce ) in 2005 – 2011, both that of individual tourists and organized groups. An analysis of the structure of tourist traffic concerns the place of their residence. The authors describe the history of this sanctuary and some elements influencing its attractiveness. This is the newest center of the Marian devotion in Poland consisting of various buildings, chapels, figures, and the Way of the Cross stations. The monumental building of the Świętokrzyska Golgotha, Pantheon of the Polish Nation’s Martyrology, is a 33-meter-high structure topped by a 15-meter-tall wooden cross. The altar of the church includes a miraculous picture of Our Lady, a copy of the famous picture of Our Lady of Licheń. The number of tourists visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows at Kalków – Godów has declined in recent years ( 950,000 in 2005 ; 600,000 in 2011 ). The largest number of pilgrims, among organized groups who came to the shrine in 2011, were inhabitants of the Radom Diocese ( more than 18,000 )