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Influence of biodegradable polymers microplastics on properties of soil organic matter
Denková, Pavla ; Řezáčová, Veronika (referee) ; Kučerík, Jiří (advisor)
The microplastics contamination is an issue observed in all environmental compartments. Currently, the trend is to replace the synthetic polymers by biodegradable ones, which are expected to degrade faster due to omnipresent microorganisms. However, this assumption may not correspond with the reality. In nature, biodegradation can last long or not whatsoever and the microparticles of biodegradable polymers can remain in soil the same way as particles of synthetic polymers. The effect of microparticles of biodegradable polymers on soil´s biota has already been studied, but the effect on the properties of soil and water in the soil has not been elucidated yet. This thesis deals with the influence of microparticles of biodegradable plastics on the physico-chemical properties of soil organic matter, especially on the behavior of water in the soil system under arid and semiarid conditions. Microparticles of poly(R-3-hydroxybutyrate), abbreviated as P3HB, were used as a model biodegradable polymer and were introduced into the soil in various concentrations. To determine the evaporation enthalpy of water and stability of water bridges that affect (stabilize) the physical and chemical structure of soil organic matter Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used. Simultaneously was also measured their effect on water holding capacity of soil organic matter. Under experimental conditions, P3HB microplastics were found to reduce evaporation enthalpy, which facilitates drying of soil organic matter. Nevertheless, their effect on final water holding capacity was relatively low. Besides, we observed a negative effect on the stability of water molecule bridge that connect segments of soil´s organic components. Thus, P3HB microparticles in soil could pose a risk due to their influence on the water retention mechanism in soil under arid and semiarid conditions.
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Soil salination and natural lignite as a potential remediating agent
Kořínková, Alena ; Sýkorová, Ivana (referee) ; Pekař, Miloslav (advisor)
This bachelor thesis deals with sorption ability of raw and water washed lignite for salt NaCl from water solution. Measurement was carried out in accordance with norm ČSN 11265 Quality of soil – Determination of electric conductivity with some modification (time period, extraction agent). Behaviour of lignite-water-NaCl, soil-water-NaCl and soil-lignite-water-NaCl mixtures was studied by measuring pH and electric conductivity.
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Nanoparticles of platinum metals in the environment
Berka, Michal ; Kučerík, Jiří (referee) ; Komendová, Renata (advisor)
Platinum nanoparticles, mainly released from automotive catalysts, pose a potential risk to the environment. The aim of this bachelor thesis is to investigate the effect of platinum nanoparticles on soil properties at different humidities. Specifically, how nanoparticles affect the stability of hydrogen bridges, the stability of aliphatic crystals, and water retention in soil. For the analysis of relations between platinum nanoparticles, water and soil, a method of thermal analysis was used, namely differential scanning calorimetry. The theoretical part is devoted to the general introduction to platinum metals and nanoparticles. And the preparation of nanoparticles, their characterization and their properties. The result of the experiments is that platinum nanoparticles affect the soil properties relatively significantly.
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Infiltration - the elementary hydrological process
Salač, Jan ; Doležal, Petr (referee) ; Kameníčková, Ivana (advisor)
The bachelor thesis deals with the evaluation of water infiltration into the soil in the area of interest of the village Šakvice. Measurements were carried out on 13 May 2009 and 10 September 2009 on arable land with convential tillage (with ploughing). For measurements were used double ring infiltrometers. To evaluate the cumulative infiltration and infiltration rate were used equations of Kostjakov, Mezencev, Philip and three-parameter equation of Philip‘s type. The results were processed numerically, plotted and then compared.
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Relationship between thermo-oxidative stability and soil quality indicators
Svatoň, Karel ; Doležalová Weissmannová, Helena (referee) ; Kučerík, Jiří (advisor)
This diploma thesis focuses on the use of thermogravimetry as quick and low-cost method in the analysis of soil quality. Most of the currently used methods for analyzing some soil properties are, unlike thermogravimetry, demanding especially for pretreatment and analysis time. Previous research has shown an interesting correlation between thermogravimetry data and some soil properties, but to obtain these correlations, it is necessary to keep the analyzed soils at 76% relative humidity. The aim of this work was to determine whether similar correlations can also by achieved at lower relative humidities. Therefore, soil samples in this work were thermogravimetrically analyzed at 43% relative humidity. That humidity is closer to laboratory conditions and it is also easier to be reached by most of commercially available thermogravimeters. Next aim of this thesis was to find whether thermogravimetric data correlate with other soil properties, especially microbiological indicators of soil quality. Results showed that thermogravimetry of soil samples correlates with standard methods even at 43% humidity. Furthermore, it was found that they also correlate with selected microbiological parameters, such as anaerobic ammonification or urease activity. These results suggest the possibility of using thermogravimetry analysis at broader spectrum of soil properties, without the need for pretreatment of samples and at different (relevant) soil moisture.
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Distribution of organochlorine pesticides into the environment
Plačková, Lucie ; Stoupalová, Michaela (referee) ; Vávrová, Milada (advisor)
The master’s thesis was focused on the determination of persistent organic pollutants, namely polychlorinated biphenyls were detected (PCB 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180) and organochlorine pesticides. A total of 31 were evaluated contamination of organochlorine compounds. The level of contamination by organic pollutants were detected in 20 samples, 9 samples were sediments from the river Jevišovka, which is located in the South Moravia and 11 samples represented arable soil samples and were collected in the vicinity of this river. In the theoretical part are characterized both groups of substances, their fate in the environment and negative effects on living organisms. The experimental part focuses on the sampling procedures and processing for analysis by gas chromatography. There is described a complex analytical process involving the three extraction methods (accelerated solvent extraction, microwave extraction and ultrasonic extraction), extract purification and self-determination by gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC / ECD). In the samples of sediment were detected these PCB congeners (138, 153 and 180) and organochlorine pesticides (b-HCH, HCB, p,p’-DDE, p,p’-DDD, p,p’-DDT and o,p’-DDT).. In soil samples were detected PCB congener 28 and organochlorine pesticides (HCB, b-HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, dieldrin, p,p’-DDE, p,p’-DDD, p,p’-DDT and o,p’-DDT).
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The influence of biochar on physico-chemical properties of soil
Polášková, Nikola ; Sedláček, Petr (referee) ; Smilek, Jiří (advisor)
This thesis is focused on assessment of the influence of biochar on the soil physico-chemical properties (particle density, dry density, porosity, water retention capacity and maximum water holding capacity, oxidizable carbon content, total nitrogen content, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium content). The selected and examined soil types were: cambisol, fluvisol, chernozem and regosol. There were two types of biochar used for analysis – NovoTerra and Sonnenerde. Soil samples were dried to constant weight and adjusted to grain-size fraction under 2 mm, respectively 0,25 mm. The oxidizable carbon content was measured by oxidation using a mixture of potassium dichromate and sulphuric acid (Walkley-Black method), the total nitrogen content was measured by kjeldahlization and P, K and Mg content was measured using Mehlich 3 extraction and ICP-OES spectrometer. The results show that biochar has a significant influence on soil characteristics depending on the type of biochar and soil we use for biochar application. This thesis can be used to clarify the complex issues in terms of soil in Czech Republic or it can be used by farmers considering using biochar as a soil additive with the intention to increase productivity and fertility of soil.
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Study and characterization of organic substances in a biochar sample
Vojáčková, Beáta ; Kalina, Michal (referee) ; Enev, Vojtěch (advisor)
This bachelor thesis characterizes biochar from a physico-chemical point of view. The theoretical part deals with biochar as a soil conditioner, its properties, use, production, and last but not least, effect of its sorroundings. For better characterization of organic and inorganic matter a phosphate buffer was used. This buffer ensures their specific extraction due to a neutral pH. The second path is to use rainwater, which simulates the condition of the soil environment. In the experimental part are discussed both; purified buffer-extracted samples and rainwater samples, which were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis (EA) and by infrared spectroscopy with Fouier transform (FTIR-ATR). Conductivity and pH were also measured. Moisture and ash content, which represent the inorganic non-combustible fraction, were determined using thermogravimetry. The extraction yields were converted to ashless wt. % based on these values. Results of EA provided us with information on the content of biogenic elements and basic physico-chemical characteristics of biochar. In contrast, the FTIR method defined the presence of individual functional groups and specific constitutive units, which are present in the extracts. This information allows us to better understand the environmental impact of biochar on the soil ecosystem.
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Utilization of recycled brick waste for growing the agricultural plants
Šmírová, Barbora ; Másilko, Jiří (referee) ; Opravil, Tomáš (advisor)
The master thesis follows up on previous bachelor thesis, which dealt with the sorption capacity of brick recyclate. Brick recyclate, as same as brick, excel with very high porosity. For this reason this work deals with possible implementation of plant growth aids (fertilizers) on the inside surface of such highly porous material This thesis studies possibilities of preparation of brick recyclate with the content of components supporting plant growth. It is a material, that is able to bind water in the soil and nourish cultivated plants at the same time. Aim of the work is to find out, what maximum amount of supporting substances, that later will be released back into surrounding enviroment (soil), is possible to incorporate into the brick recyclate. Such prepared recyclate was added in different amounts into predefined substrates, where plants were grown. Subsequently, the growth course, germination and yields of selected crops were monitored. It was verified that the material based on recycled brick enriched with nutrients improves the distribution of nutrients in the soil and positively affects the germination, growth and yields of tested crops.
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