Rafał Kozłowski

Abstract

Air pollution in Europe, including Poland, still exceeds the levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), despite numerous systemic and legal changes. This issue is not only a significant threat to human health but also has a broad impact on the natural environment. Air pollutants are mobile and can affect various environmental components over large areas. Harmful substances inhaled by humans lead to many diseases, negatively impact nature by disrupting photosynthesis, transpiration, and respiration processes, and cause the corrosion of metals and building materials (Degórska and Bartnicki, 2011; Dąbrowiecki et al., 2015).

The cement industry in the Świętokrzyskie region, with plants in Nowiny, Ożarów, and Małogoszcz, plays a significant economic role, generating over 600 jobs. However, the activities of this industry are associated with the emission of dust and gases, which are a significant source of air pollution. The Lafarge Małogoszcz Cement Plant has been classified as one of the most environmentally burdensome plants in the region. Although data from recent years show a downward trend in emissions, these dusts still have a significant impact on the environment both locally and over greater distances through air migration (GUS, 2020; GIOŚ, 2023).

To assess the condition of the natural environment under the influence of the cement industry, biomonitoring was used, which is based on analyzing the reactions of living organisms to pollutants. This method allows for the study of changes occurring in ecosystems at different levels: cellular, individual, and population. The lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. was used in the studies, which is considered one of the best indicators of air sanitary conditions due to its ability to accumulate heavy metals proportionally to their concentrations in atmospheric dust (Jóźwiak, 2010; Traczewska, 2011).

The studies were conducted in the so-called Białe Zagłębie area, covering about 50 km², with the Lafarge Małogoszcz Cement Plant at its center. The lichens were collected from the Borecka Forest, an area with minimal industrial influence, and exposed at measurement points around the cement plant. After three months of exposure, the samples were collected and analyzed in a laboratory, where the content of elements such as Pb, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, Al, and Fe was measured.

The results showed variability in the content of elements in the lichens (Table 1), with the highest concentrations of iron (4141.4 μg·g^-1 d.w.) and aluminum (2470.3 μg·g^-1 d.w.). The lowest values were recorded for copper (0.1 to 0.8 μg·g^-1 d.w.). High concentrations of elements, especially at points closest to the cement plant, confirm the significant impact of industrial emissions on the local environment. For example, lead content ranged from 2.4 to 9 μg·g^-1 d.w., which is almost a threefold increase compared to the reference value. The average concentration values of the analyzed elements in the lichen thalli showed the following decreasing order: Fe > Al > Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > Co.

The spatial distribution of the analyzed elements showed two main areas of pollution concentration: one near the cement plant and another near national roads, indicating the additional impact of vehicular traffic on air quality (Fig. 4). Using the Ward clustering method, three main classes of measurement points with varying anthropogenic pressure were distinguished. Class A included points with the highest concentrations of elements, located closest to the cement plant, while Class B consisted of points located farthest away, where concentrations were the lowest. Class C included points with medium concentrations of the analyzed elements.

The studies showed that the cement industry significantly impacts air quality in the region, with the highest concentrations of pollutants near the cement plant. Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. lichens proved to be an effective bioindicator, allowing for precise monitoring and assessment of the environmental condition. The obtained data can be an important source of information for local authorities, governments, and environmental protection institutions, enabling effective actions to protect ecological systems. Knowledge about the impact of pollutants on the environment and the effectiveness of biomonitoring methods are crucial for conducting effective monitoring and environmental protection. The conclusions from the conducted studies may contribute to further development of technologies that reduce emissions and the introduction of stricter environmental standards, which in turn can improve air quality and the health of the region’s residents.

Keywords: cement industry, trace elements, dust, bioindication, lichen, bioaccumulation

Rafał Kozłowski [rafal.kozlowski@ujk.edu.pl], Uniwersytet Jana Kochanowskiego w Kielcach, Instytut Geografii i Nauk o Środowisku
Marta Ludew [marta.ludew.ujk@gmail.com], Uniwersytet Jana Kochanowskiego w Kielcach, Instytut Geografii i Nauk o Środowisku

Citation

APA: Kozłowski, R., & Ludew, M. (2025). Możliwości wykorzystania porostów Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. do oceny wpływu przemysłu cementowego na środowisko przyrodnicze Białego Zagłębia. Przegląd Geograficzny, 97(1), 87-103. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.1.5
MLA: Kozłowski, Rafał, and Ludew, Marta. "Możliwości wykorzystania porostów Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. do oceny wpływu przemysłu cementowego na środowisko przyrodnicze Białego Zagłębia". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 97, no. 1, 2025, pp. 87-103. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.1.5
Chicago: Kozłowski, Rafał, and Ludew, Marta. "Możliwości wykorzystania porostów Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. do oceny wpływu przemysłu cementowego na środowisko przyrodnicze Białego Zagłębia". Przegląd Geograficzny 97, no. 1 (2025): 87-103. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.1.5
Harvard: Kozłowski, R., & Ludew, M. 2025. "Możliwości wykorzystania porostów Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. do oceny wpływu przemysłu cementowego na środowisko przyrodnicze Białego Zagłębia". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 97, no. 1, pp. 87-103. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.1.5