Dr. Hab. Eng. Robert Cichowicz, Professor of the University

• ResearchGate: (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Robert-Cichowicz);

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  Google Scholar: (https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=pl&user=oti74uYAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate).

Citations, Hirsch index:

• Scopus: 441, h-index: 11;

• Web of Science: 376, h-index: 10;

• ResearchGate: 517, h-index: 11;

• Google Scholar: 657, h-index: 13.

158. Grzywacz M., Cichowicz R.: Stabilization of Pressure Difference in the Heating Chamber in the Lodz Heating System. 2024, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja) 55/7-8:7-13. DOI: 10.15199/9.2024.7-8.1.

Abstract: Heating networks are a critical infrastructure in many Polish cities. For many years, most of them have been undergoing thorough modernization, related to the replacement of channel heat pipes with pre-insulated pipes. The scope and shape of the system also constantly change, which is related to the construction of new facilities and the connection of subsequent recipients. Additionally, in larger cities, older heating plants are being phased out and the power source is changing. Therefore, to maintain the proper operation of the system with proper balancing of flows and disposable pressure in heat nodes, it is necessary to use regulatory fittings. As a result, in heating chambers, which are gaining new importance, pressure difference valves and reduction valves are used. The article will introduce the function of heating chambers and the principle of operation of devices for reducing and stabilizing pressure in heating networks. The correct location of devices in the existing chamber and their proper selection will also be discussed.

157. Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M.: Air quality in a revitalized special economic zone at the center of an urban monocentric agglomeration. 2024, Scientific Reports 14(15503):1-16. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66255-y.

Abstract: In this study, we have examined the air quality within a revitalized, post-industrial urban area in Łódź, Poland. The use of Dron technology with mobile measurement equipment allowed for accurate assessment of air quality (particulate matter and gaseous pollutants) and factors influencing air quality (wind speed and direction) on a local scale in an area of 0.18 km² and altitudes from 2 to 50 m. The results show that the revitalization carried out in the Lodz special economic zone area contributed to eliminate internal air pollution emitters through the use of ecological and effective heat sources. The exceedances permissible concentration values were local, and concerned mainly the higher measurement zones of the troposphere (more than 30 m above ground level). In the case of gaseous pollutants, higher wind speeds were associated with a decrease in the concentration of SO₂ and an increase in H₂S concentration. In both cases, the wind contributed to the occurrence of local areas of accumulation of these gaseous pollutants in the spaces between buildings or wooded areas.

156. Kegler K., Cichowicz R., Kamiński M.: Numerical deformability analysis of composite panels used for ventilation and air-conditioning ducts. 2024. INSTAL 6(463):30-36. DOI: 10.36119/15.2024.6.5.

Abstract: This article presents the numerical simulations using ANSYS software to analyze deformation of the ventilation and air-conditioning ducts made of composite materials. The application of the Finite Element Method for nonlinear static analysis of deformation of such systems with 3D brick finite elements has been discussed. The proposed numerical simulation has been calibrated with the previous laboratory experiments, in which multilayer composite plates used in ventilation and air-conditioning systems have been examined. The efficient numerical model, that has been established thanks to this comparison, may serve in the future to optimize the existing engineering solutions. It could also be efficient in strengthening of the existing ducts with the composite strips. This will enable a remarkable increase of the ducts strength and reliability with preservation of the most important pros of these ducts.

155. Cichowicz R.: Aktualny stan jakości powietrza w polskich miastach (w zależności od wielkości jednostki osadniczej) na przykładzie Łodzi. Polskie Zrzeszenie Inżynierów i Techników Sanitarnych, Webinarium "Wpływ smogu na jakość powietrza w placówkach edukacyjnych". 28.05.2024 Warszawa. MS Teams. Prezentacja nr 2. 

154. Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M.: Analiza emisji amoniaku z instalacji termicznego przekształcania osadów. XXII Konferencja Naukowo-Techniczna Gospodarka Odpadami Komunalnymi. 19-24.05.2024 Polska-Dania-Szwecja-Norwegia. Sesja II: Sesja referatowa. 

153. Cichowicz R.: Stan jakości powietrza w aglomeracji miejskiej na przykładzie Łodzi. II Konferencja Naukowa z cyklu "Uczelnie wyższe wobec wyzwań zrównoważonego rozwoju". 09.04.2024 Łódź. MS Teams. Sesja nr 4: Nauka na rzecz praktyki gospodarczej w kontekście realizacji celów zrównoważonego rozwoju (1). Prezentacja nr 1.

152. Cichowicz R., Bochenek A.D.: Assessing the effects of urban heat islands and air pollution on human quality of life. 2024, Anthropocene 46/100433:1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ancene.2024.100433. 

Abstract: The world population is projected to peak before 2050, with a significant majority residing in highly urbanized areas. As a result, urban areas are expected to undergo further anthropogenic transformations, which will not only influence spatial development (i.e. sealing urban systems) but also affect local climatic conditions. One likely consequence is the increasing incidence of adverse interactions between two phenomena occurring in city centers, which can have a significant impact on human quality of life: urban heat islands (UHI) and urban pollution islands (UPI). Here, we review scientific research relating to the interaction of UHI and UPI. Two basic databases were used: Web of Science and Scopus. The literature review covers publications appearing between 1968 and 2022 (Web of Science: 1300 related to 'heat island', 18,222 on 'air pollution'; Scopus: 4393 on 'heat island' and 34,498 on 'air pollution'), in fields such as environmental studies and meteorology studies. A significant number of the published articles were focused on cities located in Asia, Europe, and North America. Our findings show increasing research interest in UHI-UPI interactions, reflecting the risks they pose in the modern world-not only to human health and life, but also to the ecosystem. Effective urban planning emerges as a critical tool for addressing these challenges. Through the careful selection and implementation of targeted mitigation and adaptation strategies, it becomes possible to safeguard and enhance living conditions for urban populations. Such strategic planning is essential for ensuring that cities are not only habitable but also resilient and sustainable in the face of demographic shifts and environmental pressures.

151. Wiercińska P., Cichowicz R.: Environmental Threats to the Condition of the Urban Fabric - A Literature Review. 2024, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja) 55/1:27-31. DOI: 10.15199/9.2024.1.5.

Abstract: The nature of urban atmospheres has changed greatly over in recent the years, which poses a threat to the high rate of industrialization in the world. The primary well known air pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and smoke, total year-on-year decreased in the 20th century. This improvement in air quality was initially felt in cities in Western Europe and North America. This does not mean that we are free from concerns about environmental threats to the state of the urban fabric. It may be at risk of degradation due to greenhouse emissions, drastic climate changes and biological development. The interaction between air pollutants and buildings in urban environment is also influenced by the presence of vegetation as well as microenvironmental conditions. For example, a large number of high-rise buildings on both sides of the road, can cause a canyon effect that makes the air polluting device recirculate. This combined with the prolongation of the exposure time of the building on polluting device, result in extensive damage of the building. However, a relatively new phenomenon when it comes to air pollution is the dominance of oxidants such as ozone or the presence of soot from diesel engines, which in turn may pose previously unknown threats. Common air pollutants on materials include sulfur dioxide, ozone, chlorides, nitrogen dioxide, nitrates and carbon dioxide. Additional, depending on the location of the system and nearby sources, multiple output components (VOCs) may also include building controls. There are many reasons for the degradation of buildings, with the main cause of air pollution being acid rain. The main pollutants behind acid rain are sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. These two are emitted when burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil (rapid industrialization of uses for these emissions).

150. Dobrzański M., Cichowicz R.: The Influence of the Ventilation Types on the Concentration of Particulate Matter Inside Residential Buildings. 2024, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja) 55/1:12-17. DOI: 10.15199/9.2024.1.3.

Abstract: Indoor air quality is important because people spend a large part of their lives indoors. However, most guidelines, directives and standards concern outdoor air quality. Therefore, the question remains to what extent the level of outdoor air pollution through the building's ventilation system translates into the quality of indoor air. As part of the research, measurements of the concentration of particulate matter were carried out inside and outside residential rooms with different in location, building type and ventilation systems. Measurements were performed continuously for 365 days, measuring PM10, PM2.5, PM1, relative humidity and air temperature. One analyzed facility was equipped with gravity ventilation, the other with ventilation with heat recovery. The research showed that inside the facility with gravity ventilation the concentration of particulate matter was on average 48% lower than outside, while in the case of ventilation with heat recovery it was 56%. At the same time, it was found that there was a time shift in the transfer of contamination from the outside to the inside of the facility. This effect mainly concerned gravity ventilation, lasting up to 1 hour. No direct correlation has been established between outdoor and indoor air quality. In a building with natural ventilation, 14% of days with a higher average daily concentration were recorded inside than outside, and in a building with ventilation with heat recovery only 3%. At the same time, it is important to remember that method of ventilation of residential buildings has a significant impact on the reduction of the penetration of PM pollutants into the rooms and the effectiveness of their removal from internal sources.

149. Jerominko T., Cichowicz R.: Improving the Energy Efficiency of a School Building Built in the 1960s. 2024, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja) 55/1:7-11. DOI: 10.15199/9.2024.1.2.

Abstract: These days the ever-increasing energy costs have a huge impact on the increase in facility maintenance costs. A very large share of this is due to energy consumption for heating buildings, preparing domestic hot water and, in the case of educational buildings, internal lighting. For this reason, the article analyzes the possibilities of improving the energy efficiency of a public building on the example of a primary school building from the 1960s, which was later subjected to thermal modernization. The analyzed building is located in the center of Poland, in the third climate zone. There are thousands of school buildings in which thermal modernization has already been carried out throughout Poland. Nevertheless, the works carried out mainly consisted in insulating the partitions, replacing old windows, possibly replacing the heat source or modernizing the heating installation. The article indicates areas where additional actions can be taken to improve the energy efficiency of such a building. Then, the basic energy indicators PE, FE were calculated for the existing state and for the proposed changes.

year 2023

145. Sówka I., Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M., Bezyk Y.: Analysis of Air Pollutants for a Small Paintshop by Means of a Mobile Platform and Geostatistical Methods. 2023, Energies 16(23):7716. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16237716.

Abstract: Air pollution, in terms of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, PM1.0) and gaseous pollutants (H2S and VOC), has serious health effects, particularly in cities. The evaluation of outdoor air quality was carried out in the vicinity of a small paintshop operating in the city of Łódź, Poland. The con-centrations of pollutants in the vertical profiles (up to 47 m a.g.l.) of ambient air were measured using a mobile platform (unmanned aerial vehicle with measuring equipment) during three measurement campaigns in September 2021. The vertical structure of the pollutant concentrations indicated the occurrence of different types of layers with an almost constant concentration near the land surface, a strong decrease (up to ca. 10–15 m a.g.l.), and significant fluctuations in concentra-tions to higher levels (above 25 m a.g.l.). Particulate matter concentrations (PM10, PM2.5, PM1.0) did not exceed 39 µg m−3, with stable levels on the surface. The maximum value of particulate matter concentrations (up to 38.5 µg m−3) in the vertical profiles was recorded at ca. 35–40 m a.g.l. The average concentrations of H2S and VOC varied between 0.07 and 0.12 ppm and 0.01 and 0.27 ppm, respectively. The highest H2S concentrations were observed at ca. 18–23 m a.g.l., reaching 0.14 ppm. A rapid increase in VOC concentrations, reaching 0.29 ppm, was measured in vertical profiles from 20 m a.g.l. and up to about 40 m a.g.l. In situ measurement approaches were combined with in-terpolation methods in the GIS system to investigate the spatial variability of pollution levels from a specified source in the urban atmosphere. Based on the survey results, the kriging interpolation method was well suited for generating spatially distributed pollution maps for individual measurement campaigns.

144. Wiercińska P., Cichowicz R.: The Distillery Process and the Possibility of Getting Hazardous Substances Into the Air and Methods of Their Measurements. 2023, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja) 54/11:28-32. DOI: 10.15199/9.2023.11.5.

Abstract: The process of making hard alcohol is an industry with its complex nature of activities involving various plant machineries, raw materials, products, operations, intermediates and environmental discharge has a number of associated hazards. Manufacturing alcohol is associated with dangerous fumes and other harmful factors. To protect employees distillery enterprises must take a proactive approach to identify and mitigate the unique exposures that affect their operations. Air quality is one of the key factors directly affecting the health of every human being (the scale of the impact depends both on the age of person, his health, place of residence / work, location of potential industrial and individual pollution sources, meteorological conditions, or socioeconomic conditions). As a result, pollution of the external air has been classified by the international organizations as factors responsible for about 12% of all deaths in the world (data from 2019). Effective elimination and reduction of harmful factors present in the air, such as: vapors and gases of chemical compounds, dusts, aerosols, microbiological agents and physical factors, is possible after the simultaneous assessment of their origin as well as their quantitative and qualitative content. For this reason, the existing threats resulting from the alcohol production process and selected methods used to measure and analyze the quality of outdoor air are discussed in this study.

143. Arkuszewska-Gomulak A., Cichowicz R.: Geodesy in Planning, Construction and Maintenance of District Heating Networks. 2023, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja) 54/11:9-14. DOI: 10.15199/9.2023.11.2.

Abstract: The article discusses the applications of geodesy at each stage of construction and operation of the heating network, presenting the role of the "surveyor" during individual stages of investment and implementation. As a result of the analysis, it was shown how "strong" the impact of geodesy on heating networks is and it was clearly shown that geodetic measurements are an inseparable element of investment preparation, design, construction and completion of the investment. However, when it comes to the operation of the heating network, the authors tried to prove that nowadays it is necessary in broadly understood environmental engineering to use developed "GIS systems" (Geographic Information System), thanks to which it is possible to enter, transform, store, supplement and update data, or conduct their analysis.

142. Kegler K., Cichowicz R., Kamiński M.: Experimental preliminary studies of the deformability of composite panels used for the construction of ventilation and air-conditioning ducts. 2023. INSTAL 11(456):45-51. DOI: 10.36119/15.2023.11.6.

Abstract: The article presents the issue of deformability of ventilation and air conditioning ducts made of composite materials. The problem of testing the mechanical properties of ducts is discussed and the current guidelines in this area are analyzed. A new test scheme was proposed along with an experimental test stand, which can be a starting point for testing various types of multi-layer boards used for the construction of ventilation and air-conditioning ducts. The obtained test results, together with an analysis of currently used methods of duct reinforcement and a review of composite materials used in construction, led to the development of a new method of reinforcement, which is characterized by the possibility of significantly increasing strength and reliability while maintaining the most important advantages of composite ducts. Increasing the range of failure-free operation by more than 2.5 times resulted in obtaining a patent for the invention entitled: “Reinforced multilayer plate, especially for the construction of ventilation and air-conditioning ducts”.

141. Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M.: Analysis of Air Pollution around a CHP Plant: Real Measurements vs. Computer Simulations. 2023, Published in Journals: Energies, Mathematics and Sci. Topic Reprint (Rozdział w monografii) Numerical Methods and Computer Simulations in Energy Analysis (557). Edited by M. Kamiński and A. A. Juan. MDPI, Basel, Switzerland, ISBN 978-3-0365-9201-5 (PDF) doi.org/10.3390/books978-3-0365-9201-5.

Abstract: This study examines the concentrations of air pollution in the vicinity of a combined heat and power plant (CHP) and a communication route, using computer modeling of pollutant dispersion and spatial analysis based on real measurements in the city of Łódź, Poland, Europe. The research takes into account the concentrations of particulate matter (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, PM_1.0) and gaseous pollutants (SO₂ and VOC) in winter and summer. The spatial distribution of pollutants is discussed, including the presence of areas with increased accumulations of pollutants. Because atmospheric air has no natural boundaries, when analyzing any location, not only local sources of pollution, but also background pollution, should be analyzed. A clear difference was observed between the concentrations of pollutants in the summer and winter seasons, with significantly higher concentrations in the winter (heating) period. The impacts of road transport, individual heating systems, and combined heat and power plants were also assessed. Computer calculations confirmed that road transport accounted for the largest share of both PM and SO₂ emissions. The CHP plant was responsible for the smallest percentage of dust emissions and was the next largest producer of SO₂ emissions. The share of the total emissions from the individual sources were compared with the results of detailed field tests. The numerical analysis of selected pollution sources in combination with the field analysis shows that the identified pollution sources included in the analysis represent only a part of the total observed pollutant concentrations (suggesting that other background sources account for the rest).

140. Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M.: Modeling Pollutant Emissions: Influence of Two Heat and Power Plants on Urban Air Quality. 2023, Published in Journals: Energies, Mathematics and Sci. Topic Reprint (Rozdział w monografii) Numerical Methods and Computer Simulations in Energy Analysis (89). Edited by M. Kamiński and A. A. Juan. MDPI, Basel, Switzerland, ISBN 978-3-0365-9201-5 (PDF) doi.org/10.3390/books978-3-0365-9201-5.

Abstract: Large industrial plants, power plants, and combined heat and power plants are popularly believed to be the main sources of point emissions, affecting both local and global air quality. This is because these installations emit significant amounts of pollutants at high altitudes every year. In this study, we investigate the impact of two solid fuel (hard coal)-fired CHP plants located within the urban agglomeration on the air quality of the city of Lodz in Poland (Europe). We used an OPA03 computer software to model the spatial distribution of pollutants. The results show that the annual average concentrations of pollutants were highest at an altitude of 25 m above ground level and decreased at lower measurement heights. The concentrations did not exceed permissible levels, reaching only 4% of national and international regulatory limits. We also made field measuements during the winter heating period, using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with sensors to map the distributions of dust and gas pollutants in the areas with the highest concentrations of emissions from the two heat and power plants. Overall, the field measurements confirmed that it is not high-altitude emissions that have the greatest impact on local air quality.

139. Cichowicz R.: Zanieczyszczenia powietrza - współczesny problem miast. Konferencja Zdrowie, Sport, Środowisko. Centrum Sportu Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi. 23.09.2023. Prezentacja nr 3.

138. Jerominko T., Lisik K., Cichowicz R.: Poziom stężeń zanieczyszczeń w wybranych pomieszczeniach dydaktycznych uczelni wyższej w budynku po termomodernizacji. XIV Międzynarodowa Konferencja Ochrona i Inżynieria Środowiska - Zrównoważony Rozwój. 21-22.09.2023 Kraków - AGH. Sesja tematyczna I. Prezentacja nr 5.

137. Dobrzański M., Cichowicz R.: Analiza przestrzenna dyspersji zanieczyszczeń powietrza wzdłuż wybranego ciągu komunikacyjnego aglomeracji miejskiej. XIV Międzynarodowa Konferencja Ochrona i Inżynieria Środowiska - Zrównoważony Rozwój. 21-22.09.2023 Kraków - AGH. Sesja tematyczna I. Prezentacja nr 4.

136. Cichowicz R., Jerominko T.: Comparison of calculation and consumption methods for determining Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) in the case of multi-family residential buildings in Poland (Central-Eastern Europe). 2023. Energy 282:128393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2023.128393.

Abstract: The calculation method and the consumption method are used to award Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), in accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2010/31/EU with revisions. The calculation method can be used for any type of building, regardless of the type of heat source. A good knowledge of the building is required (architectural and construction documentation, inventory of the building). The consumption method can be used only in buildings with heat and gas meters. It is not necessary to have detailed information about the building. However, this method is not applicable to offices, hotels, or production buildings with periodic breaks in heating and hot water consumption. Here, we apply the calculation method and the consumption method to analyse 15 multi-family residential buildings located in Poland (Central-Eastern Europe). Both methods gave similar values. Using the consumption method the energy indicators were slightly lower than using calculation method (on average, the results differed by approx. 14–17%). The consumption method provides a useful alternative to the calculation method, and can be tested by the scientific and expert community in other countries where it has not yet been  implemented.

135. Sówka I., Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M., Bezyk Y.: Application of mobile platform and geostatistical methods in the analysis of air quality in the selected area of the city of Lodz. IV Konferencja Naukowa Jakość Powietrza a Zdrowie. 03-05.07.2023 Wrocław. Sesja Posterowa. Poster nr 21.

Abstract: Air pollution, in terms of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, PM1.0) and gaseous pollutants (H2S, and VOC) has serious health effects. Thus, the ability to identify sources of air pollutant emissions and quickly assess air quality in urban areas, characterized by complex emission profiles, taking into account the dynamics of air pollutants distribution becomes crucial. In this type of research, mobile platforms can be used in addition to measurements made as part of standard monitoring. The GIS interpolation techniques, on the other hand, allow for predicting unknown values at unsampled points based on the given points with known values distributed within the study area. As part of the study, in-situ measurement approaches were combined with the interpolation methods in the GIS system to investigate the spatial variability of pollution levels from a specified source in the urban atmosphere and an assessment of outdoor air quality in the vicinity of a small Paintshop operating in the city of Lodz was made. Concentrations of pollutants in vertical profiles (up to 47 m a.g.l.) of ambient air were measured using a mobile platform (unmanned aerial vehicle with measuring equipment) during three survey campaigns in September 2021. The performance of two interpolation techniques (inverse distance weighting, IDW and the Ordinary Kriging methods) to analyse the spatial and temporal variability of measured pollution concentration in the vicinity to the Paintshop was compared. The interpolated surfaces were created using the ArcGIS software within the Spatial Analyst and the Geostatistical Analyst techniques in the Geostatistical Wizard extension. The sensitivity of each method to the input data characteristics with different parameters (weights of sample point structure, number of measured points of the search radius) was evaluated. The vertical structure of the pollutant concentrations indicated the occurrence of different types of layers with an almost constant concentration near the land surface, strong decrease (up to ca. 10 – 15 m a.g.l.), and significant fluctuations in concentrations to higher levels (above 25 m a.g.l.). Particulate concentrations (PM10, PM2.5, PM1.0) were not exceeded the value of 39 µg m-3 , with levels peaked on the surface. The maximum value of particulates concentration (up to 38.5 µg m-3 ) in vertical profiles was recorded at ca. 35–40 m a.g.l. The average concentrations of H2S and VOC varied between 0.07 – 0.12 ppm and 0.01 – 0.27 ppm, respectively. The highest H2S concentrations were observed at ca. 18 – 23 m a.g.l., reaching 0.14 ppm. A rapid increase in VOC levels, which reached 0.29 ppm, was measured in vertical profiles of 20 m a.g.l. and up to about 40 m a.g.l. Based on the survey results obtained, the kriging interpolation method was well suited to generate spatially distributed pollution maps for individual measurement campaigns.

134. Lisik K., Cichowicz R.: Air quality in seaside resorts. IV Konferencja Naukowa Jakość Powietrza a Zdrowie. 03-05.07.2023 Wrocław. Sesja Posterowa. Poster nr 13.

Abstract: Many of us are convinced of the beneficial effects of the marine climate on human health. Due to the geographical location, often windy weather, and therefore larger sea waves and salinity, the Polish sea and other Northern Seas produce a greater amount of aquatic particles containing various micro and macro elements beneficial to health, such as iodine, bromine or magnesium. Water particles floating in the air make them extremely beneficial for our body. Many coastal towns, due to their unique microclimate, become health resorts, but in the air, in addition to various beneficial elements, there may also be various dust and gas pollutants. The air we breathe must not contain impurities above the limit values of permissible concentrations, and the oxygen content should be above 19%. Air pollution is created by dusty substances, gaseous substances and microorganisms, each of which can have harmful effects on human health. The size of the particles that make up the pollutants is very important. The type of air pollution most harmful to health is particulate matter (PM), especially finer particulate matter that can reach deeper into the lungs, such as PM2.5 (particulate diameter 2 (sulfur dioxide) and H₂S (hydrogen sulfide), O₂ (oxygen) level, as well as taking into account microclimate parameters such as temperature, relative humidity and wind speed in one of the coastal towns on the Baltic Sea. The results obtained were compared with current standards and the obtained data were compared with scientific data from other cities.

133. Cichowicz R.: Aktualny stan jakości powietrza w polskich miastach na przykładzie Łodzi. III Kongres Energetyczna Regeneracja Miast. 30-31.05.2023. EC1, Łódź - Miasto Kultury. Sesja 31.05.2023. Sala Generator.

132. Grzywacz M., Jerominko T., Cichowicz R.: Thermal stresses in natural compensators of heating systems made of polypropylene pipes. In Proceedings of the 49^th International Conference of the Slovak Society of Chemical Engineering SSCHE 2023, Editors: Assoc. Prof. Mário Mihaľ, Dr. Ivan Červeňanský, Tatranské Matliare, Slovakia, 15-18.05.2023. Session 6: Environmental engineering. Contribution: 511.

Abstract: The aim of the presentation was to analyze existing methods of compensating polypropylene pipes in heating installations and present the results of experimental research. The length of the compensating arms is calculated according to the formula recommended by the manufacturers of pipe installations for use with each pipe diameter and type of heating installation. However, the manufacturers do not justify the origin of the constant values used in the formula. In order to verify the available methods, stress in natural compensators used in heating installations was analyzed using the finite element method. The stress analysis concerned three natural compensation systems: "U", "L" and "Z". The stress analysis showed that the maximum reduced stresses occur on the outer surfaces of the pipes at the points of the greatest deformation of the compensator arms. In order to obtain knowledge about the actual impact of the operation of compensators made of polypropylene pipes on their durability, experimental research was carried out. They were divided into two stages: fatigue and destructive. The experimental research showed that polypropylene pipes subjected to cyclic bending, high temperature and pressure increased their strength compared to new pipes. The results obtained indicated that the temperature and pressure of the heating agent caused additional crosslinking of the material. It was found that reduced dimensions of the compensator arms, in relation to existing guidelines, will not cause its damage. The minimum size of compensators should ensure no deformation of the compensated straight sections. Therefore, the analysis of the constant material coefficients K should be verified in studies of the correct geometry of the entire installation system,

131. Jerominko T., Grzywacz M., Cichowicz R.: Measurement of carbon dioxide concentration in a classroom depending on the type of ventilation. In Proceedings of the 49^th International Conference of the Slovak Society of Chemical Engineering SSCHE 2023, Editors: Assoc. Prof. Mário Mihaľ, Dr. Ivan Červeňanský, Tatranské Matliare, Slovakia, 15-18.05.2023. Session 6: Environmental engineering. Contribution: 533.

Abstract: In rooms where people gather: classrooms, lecture halls, there may be an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air. CO₂ is an odorless and colorless gas that is produced during human respiration. Increased concentration of CO₂ in the room (above 1000 ppm) can cause drowsiness, headaches, dizziness and other symptoms of hypoxia. This CO₂ concentration can affect cognitive function and concentration. That is why it is so important to properly ventilate the room. This article presents measurements of CO₂ concentration in a classroom/laboratory room of the Lodz University of Technology located in the building of the Faculty of Civil, Architecture and Environmental Engineering. Measurements were made during the class block, which lasted 60 minutes. Carbon dioxide concentration was measured in two cases. With active natural ventilation - first measurement. The second measurement was made during working decentralized mechanical ventilation (installed only in this class). Over this measurement, the existing natural ventilation grilles in the room were covered to minimize the impact on the measurements of the existing natural ventilation in the room. With active natural ventilation, during a class block with 14 students, the maximum value of CO₂ concentration of approx. 1300 ppm was reached. In the case of mechanical ventilation, the maximum CO₂ values measured exceeded slightly more than 1000 ppm. At the same time, the CO₂ concentration outdoor was tested (about 650 ppm). In the case of natural ventilation, the CO₂ concentration exceeded the recommended values, reaching the values of increased risk. In the case of mechanical ventilation, the measured values of CO₂ concentration are within the acceptable limits. Mechanical ventilation significantly reduced the CO₂ concentration in the room to acceptable values,

130. Dobrzański M., Cichowicz R.: Impact of urbanization on the concentration of air pollutants on the European University Campus. In Proceedings of the 49^th International Conference of the Slovak Society of Chemical Engineering SSCHE 2023, Editors: Assoc. Prof. Mário Mihaľ, Dr. Ivan Červeňanský, Tatranské Matliare, Slovakia, 15-18.05.2023. Session 6: Environmental engineering. Contribution: 631.

Abstract: Due to the fact that currently about 75% of the population in Europe lives in urban agglomerations, these types of settlement units (highly urbanized) are the main sources of anthropogenic emissions of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. As a result, urban areas have a negative impact on people's health and lives. For this reason, it was decided at the turn of 2020 and 2021 to carry out air quality measurements on the 42 ha campus of a selected university in Poland (Łódź University of Technology). The area was/is located in the center of the Łódź agglomeration in Central and Eastern Europe. As part of the analysis, a spatial distribution of concentrations of PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and gaseous SO₂, H₂S and VOCs pollutants was performed. The analysis carried out in the ArcgisPro program made it possible to select possible sources of pollutant emissions and to locate areas with increased concentrations of pollutants. As a result, the connection of particulate matter emissions with multi-family housing and individual heat sources, as well as H₂S emissions with the sewage system, was found. The results of the research were used to optimize space management by the university authorities and allowed for a "more complete" understanding of the impact of dense downtown development on air quality,

129. Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M.: Spatial analysis of air pollution in the vicinity of thermal sludge processing installations and sewage storage station. In Proceedings of the 49^th International Conference of the Slovak Society of Chemical Engineering SSCHE 2023, Editors: Assoc. Prof. Mário Mihaľ, Dr. Ivan Červeňanský, Tatranské Matliare, Slovakia, 15-18.05.2023. Session 1: Reaction engineering and catalysis. Contribution: 632.

Abstract: The paper analyzes the impact of emissions from the installation of thermal treatment of sewage sludge (ITTS with a capacity of 2x4MW and thermal treatment of approx. 220 Mg of sludge) in the Group Wastewater Treatment Plant in Łódź and the sewage catchment station (7 automatic sewage collection stations from septic tankers), on the surroundings. The analyzed ITTS (equipped with a 25 m high emitter) and the sewage catchment station are classified as low emission (below 40 m). The following publication analyzes the concentration of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, PM_1.0, H₂S and VOC. The tests were carried out in the summer of 2021 in order to limit the impact of background emissions (from nearby single-family housing) on the results of the analysis. Measurements were carried out at the height of 2, 15 and 25 m with the use of measuring equipment attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle and a ground mobile measuring platform. Measurements were made on an area of 56 ha. The analysis of the results consisted in 3D spatial interpolation performed in the ArcgisPro program. Taking into account the influence of wind and relief, the impact of emissions from ITPO on the analyzed area was found. However, the measured concentrations were below the air quality limits. The obtained average hourly concentrations classified the air quality as "very good" or "good" according to the "Polish Air Quality Index". The obtained results also allowed for the identification of emissions in the analyzed area from the "Euro-sewage catchment station". This emitter was primarily responsible for VOC and H₂S emissions,

128. Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M.: Impact of building types and CHP plants on air quality (2019–2021) in central-eastern European monocentric agglomeration. 2023, Science of the Total Environment 878:1-17. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163126.

Abstract: The quality of city air is influenced by many factors, including the density of buildings, the roughness of the terrain, the presence of street canyons, the heat sources in buildings, the types of industry, the topography, and meteorological conditions. Official air quality monitoring systems measure a very limited number of points, making local analysis impossible without the use of mathematical modeling programs. Here, we present an analysis of local air quality in an urban agglomeration. Data were collected over three years (2019, 2020, 2021), using commercial sensors located throughout the area of investigation. Dense downtown buildings equipped with individual heat sources were not found to have any impact on local air quality. The local municipal combined heat and power (CHP) plants contributed less than 1‰ of the measured concentration of particulate matter. Land height and the density of single-family housing were found to significantly affect air quality. We also took into account the influence of weather conditions, wind speed, and wind direction on the concentrations of particulate matter. High concentrations of particulate matter occurred only during heating periods when wind speeds were moderate. Wind direction did not have a direct impact on air quality, despite the expected benefits of ventilation through air corridors,

127. Lisik K., Cichowicz R.: The Impact of the Selected Air Purifier on Indoor Air Quality in Single-Family Buildings - Case Study. 2023, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja) 54/2:8-14. DOI: 10.15199/9.2023.2.2.

Abstract: Recently, especially in the so-called "pandemic ara", more and more attention has been paid to the quality of the air we breathe.  This is a consequence of the fact that air pollution affects both directly and indirectly our health and well-being. At the same time, the quality of outdoor air depends on many global and local factors, including primarily related to the type of fuels burned and the construction of heating devices, meteorological conditions, terrain, type of buildings and traffic intensity. On the other hand, indoor air occurring in residential, industrial or public buildings depends on both the heating and ventilation systems used, as well as the number of people staying in a given room and the quality of outdoor air (because it has the ability to penetrate into the interior through diffusers, ventilation ducts and window and door joinery). At the same time, indoor air can be cleaned of various types of contaminants, such as dust pollen and other allergens, and humidified to the expected humidity level. And this is particularly important because if the indoor air is not subjected to any treatment, it may contain dust and even spores of mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses or dangerous dusts (PM₁, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀). As a result, these pollutants can contribute to malaise, cause headaches, burning eyes, problems with concentration and sleep, and may be responsible for chronic fatigue, as well as lead to more serious diseases, such as respiratory diseases, or in the case of PM₁ and PM_2.5 dust responsible for the formation of various cancers. Therefore, in order to limit their impact on the human body and increase the level of comfort of users/residents, it is necessary to ensure the cleanliness and quality of indoor air. If the building/room does not have mechanical ventilation, an alternative may be air purifiers, which together with various types of ionizers are becoming more and more “fashionable” every year. Therefore, as part of the pilot studies, it was decided to carry out a comparison of air quality in two residential buildings with gravity ventilation in order to assess the impact/effectiveness of an exemplary air purifier on the air quality inside the tested rooms.

126. Jerominko T., Cichowicz R.: Options of Lowering Energy Indexes in Existing Multi-Family Residential Buildings Made of Large Concrete Slabs Connected to the District Heating. 2023, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja) 54/2:3-7. DOI: 10.15199/9.2023.2.1.

Abstract: Increasing the comfort of using the facility, reducing its maintenance costs and increasing the value of the property are the fundamental factors that influence the decision whether to carry out thermal modernization in existing buildings or not. Besides these factors, we can also mention specific energy indicators that must be met in order to receive co-financing for investment costs or even a non-repayable subsidy. This article indicates possible thermal modernization projects in multi-family residential buildings built of large concrete slabs, aimed at reducing the building's energy indicators, such as: indicator of annual demand for nonrenewable primary energy (EP), or indicator determining the demand for final energy (EK). Four indentical existing multi-family residential buildings located in Lodz in the Widzew housing estate were analysed. The common feature of these buildings is that, apart from the same construction, number of apartments, and the same usable area, they are all connected to the district heating and all of them were insulated several years ago.

125. Szulc J., Cichowicz R., Gutarowski M., Okrasa M., Gutarowska B.: Assessment of Dust, Chemical, Microbiological Pollutions and Microclimatic Parameters of Indoor Air in Sports Facilities. 2023, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20(2):1551. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021551.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyse the quality of indoor air in sport facilities in one of the sport centres in Poland with respect to microclimatic parameters (temperature, humidity, and air flow velocity), particulate matter concentrations (PM₁₀, PM₄, PM_2.5, and PM₁), gas concentrations (oxygen, ozone, hydrogen sulphide, sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and benzopyrene), and microbial contamination (the total number of bacteria, specifically staphylococci, including Staphylococcus aureus, haemolytic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas fluorescens, actinomycetes, and the total number of fungi and xerophilic fungi). Measurements were made three times in May 2022 at 28 sampling points in 5 different sporting areas (the climbing wall, swimming pool, swimming pool changing room, and basketball and badminton courts) depending on the time of day (morning or afternoon) and on the outside building. The obtained results were compared with the standards for air quality in sports facilities. The air temperature (21–31 °C) was at the upper limit of thermal comfort, while the air humidity (RH Particulate matter concentrations of all fractions exceeded the WHO guidelines in all researched premises; the largest exceedances of standards occurred for PM_2.5 (five-fold) and for PM₁₀ (two-fold). There were no exceedances of gaseous pollutant concentrations in the air, except for benzopyrene, which resulted from the influence of the outside air. The total number of bacteria (5.1 × 10¹–2.0 × 10⁴ CFU m⁻³) and fungi (3.0 × 10¹–3.75 × 10² CFU m⁻³) was exceeded in the changing room and the climbing wall hall. An increased number of staphylococci in the afternoon was associated with a large number of people training. The increased concentration of xerophilic fungi in the air correlated with the high dust content and low air humidity. Along with the increase in the number of users in the afternoon and their activities, the concentration of dust (several times) and microorganisms (1–2 log) in the air increased by several times and 1–2 log, respectively. The present study indicates which air quality parameters should be monitored and provides guidelines on how to increase the comfort of those who practice sports and work in sports facilities.

124. Zacharko M., Cichowicz R., Depta A., Chmura P., Konefał M.: High Levels of PM₁₀ Reduce the Physical Activity of Professional Soccer Players. 2023, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20(1):692. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010692.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the impact of air quality, analyzed on the basis of the PM₁₀ parameter in three regions of Poland, on the physical activity of soccer players from the Polish Ekstraklasa. The study material consisted of 4294 individual match observations of 362 players during the 2019/2020 domestic season. The measured indices included the parameter of air quality-PM₁₀-and players' physical activities: total distance (TD) and high-speed running (HSR). Poland was divided into three regions (North, Central, South). The statistical analysis of particulate matter (PM) and athletes' physical activities, compared by region, revealed the effects in relation to the PM₁₀ (H = 215.6566(2); p = 0.0001) and TD (H = 28.2682(2); p = 0.0001). Players performed better in regards to physical parameters in the North Region, where air pollution is significantly lower than in other regions. This means that even a short stay in more polluted regions can reduce the performance of professional footballers, which can indirectly affect the outcome of the match. Therefore, greater actions should be taken to improve air quality, especially through changes in daily physical actvity, as this will reduce the carbon footprint.

year 2022

Abstract: For many years, air quality analyses have been conducted around the world. However, it is also interesting to know what the residents themselves think about the quality. The resarch problem formulated in this way has not only cognitive value, but also translates into practice. Knowing what the perception of the phenomenon is, one can take more effective measures to improve air quality. In the article, the authors undertook to present the results of the Attitudes of Europeans towards Air Quality survey conducted by the EU Eurobarometer in 2021. The socalled desk reasearch, primarily secondary data analysis, was used. The material presented shows that EU residents feel air quality is deteriorating and are aware of the effects of this. They see improvement more in industry and energy measures than in their own ones. 

122. Wiercińska P., Cichowicz R.: Selected Methods of Air Quality Testing. 2022, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja) 53/9:42-47. DOI: 10.15199/9.2022.9.5.

Abstract: Air quality is one of the key factors directly affecting the health of every human being (the scale of the impact depends both on the age of person, his health, place of residence/work, location of potential industrial and individual pollution sources, meteorological conditions, or socioeconomic conditions). As a result, pollution of the external air has been classified by the WHO as factors responsible for about 12% of all deaths in the world (data from 2019). For this reason, it is necessary to gradually reduce the risk of exposure of the entire population to potential sources of air pollution, regardless of the scale of the given pollutant concentrations and the duration of their impact. At the same time, it should be considered that the health benefits of breathing clean air also affect economic growth and people's well-being. Effective elimination and reduction of harmful factors present in the air, such as: vapors and gases of chemical compounds, dusts, aerosols, microbiological agents and physical factors, is possible after the simultaneous assessment of their origin as well as their quantitative and qualitative content. At the same time, there is a distinction between air pollutants of both anthropogenic and natural origin, however, the complexity of natural processes, variability of atmospheric conditions and the increasing intensification of human economic activity, often make it impossible to unambiguously determine the origin of pollutants. For this reason, it was decided to analyze air quality in order to pay attention to the scale of the problem and the complexity of the methods/devices used both in air quality monitoring and in measuring/testing the comfort of the indoor environment.

121. Lisik K., Cichowicz R.: Microbiological Risk in Rooms with Mechanical Ventilation. 2022, Journal of Ecological Engineering 23(10):164–171. https://doi.org/10.12911/22998993/152541.

Abstract: The condition of air quality depends on many external (the amount of pollutant emissions, intensity and type of physico-chemical changes taking place in the atmosphere and large-scale movement of air pollutant masses) as well as internal factors (suvh as finishing materials, room equipment, heating systems, ventilation systems, and the presence of the humans themselves). As a result, there are various risks related to air quality, including the most important ones related to microbial contamination. For this reason, it was decided to analyze the quality of internal air in terms of microbiological contamination that may occur in university lecture halls with mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation. the analysis also took into account the impact of mechanical ventilation on physical parameters such as temperature, relative humidity as well as the concentation of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 particulate matter pollutants, thus determining the impact of the tested parameters on human health and well-being. All the obtained results were compared with the applicable permissible standards and conclusions were drawn regarding the improvement of the quality of the indoor air microclimate.

120. Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M.: 3D spatial dispersion of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants on a university campus in the center of an urban agglomeration. 2022, Energy 259:125009. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2022.125009.

Abstract: Urban areas are anthropogenic sources of particulate matter emissions and gaseous pollutants, which can have negative impacts on human health and life. In this study, we examined an area of 0.42 km²in the city center of Łódź/central Poland (Central-Eastern Europe), to identify the likely sources of pollutant emissions. Field measurements were conducted in 2021. The analyzed area consists primarily of a university campus (Lodz University of Technology), with buildings from the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries at heights of 10–40 m. The spatial distributions of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were analyzed_, as well as the spatial distributions of gaseous H₂S and VOCs (from 0 to 40 m above ground level). The analyses took into account the impact of seasonal changes (winter, summer, and autumn periods) on air quality. Air quality was assessed in relation to the limit values. The measurements and analysis confirmed the complexity of the spread of pollutants in dense urban developments. Zones of accumulation of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants in leeward and windward spaces were found. It was found that the probable source of air pollution may be multi-family buildings with individual heating systems and an industrial plant located in the vicinity of the analysis area.

119. Lisik K., Cichowicz R.: Microclimate in the Pool Hall. 2022, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja) 53/7-8:46-50. DOI: 10.15199/9.2022.7-8.6.

Abstract: In todays world, especially recently in the era of a pandemic, people are increasingly both looking for and using active forms/modes of life to spend their so-called „free time”. Recently, not only among children and adolescents, but also among adults, it can be noticed that sports activity has become a priority. One of the most frequently chosen sports activities is swimming (both recreational and sports), which can now be carried out in many larger or smaller indoor swimming pools. As a result, more and more people stay in rooms/buildings with a specific microclimate, favoring the emergence/development of various types of microbial infections (in particular, various types of mycoses). To prevent this, in such facilities as indoor swimming pools, it is very important to correctly select mechanical ventilation, which would take into account numerous external and internal parameters of the room. As a consequence, the task of pool ventilation is to maintain a proper microclimate inside the pool hall. At the same time, it should be remembered that unfavorable temperature and humidity conditions may contribute to the discomfort of pool users, but also to the development of various types of microorganisms. What is more, moisture and fungus may have a negative effect on the building structure and contribute to the destruction of building partitions, and the physical and biological corrosion of building elements may threaten the safe use of the facility. Therefore, in order to check the scale of these phenomena, it was decided to analyze the microclimatic and microbiological conditions in the large building of the swimming pool hall (in the building of the Academic Sports and Didactic Center „Zatoka Sportu” in Łódź). Thanks to this, information was obtained about the temperature range, relative humidity, air flow velocity and the number of microorganisms present in the air in the swimming pool hall both in time (with low load on the sports facility and during the greatest load on the facility, i.e. when the greatest sports activity was carried out in it), as well as depending on the location and distance/height from the pool basin. It seems that performing this type of measurements may be helpful, and maybe even necessary, to pay attention to the importance of the correct selection, design and use of mechanical ventilation in this type of facility.

118. Cichowicz R., Wiśniewski J.: Thermal Insulation of Energy Equipment and Heat Losses in a Fluidized Bed Furnace Designed for Combustion of Municipal Sewage Sludge. 2022, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja) 53/6:10-17. DOI: 10.15199/9.2022.6.2.

Abstract: Internal and external insulations are used to reduce the impact of heat transfer processes from power equipment to the environment, and to reduce heat loss and increase equipment efficiency. Industrial high-temperature equipment, which includes fluidized bed furnaces, does not always need to have external insulation. In the presented considerations, a very important issue related to health and safety was omitted, while the focus was on the problem of heat loss generation and its utilization. It is particularly important because the knowledge of the principles of heat exchange allows for improving the conditions of this process, reducing the start and increasing the efficiency of heating surfaces and maintaining the appropriate shapes of these surfaces. An important element is also the use of the arising heat losses for other purposes, which may influence rational heat management in industrial halls. An example of such rational heat management may be a fluidized bed furnace intended for burning communal sewage sludge. In such a case the refractory lining constitutes the insulation between the combustion chamber and the surroundings. On the other hand, the influence of heat exchange processes, among others heat losses, is noticeable by increased temperature in the furnance surroundings. In such a situation the following questions arise: is additional external insulation necessary, will it be possible and easier to operate such a device, will the heat loss be usable? These are the theses that the authors will try to answer in the following article. The conducted research allows us to conclude that heat losses are caused by its penetration, that insulation is not necessarily needed in the operation of this type of equipment, and temperature differences con be used to increase thermal comfort of industrial rooms.

117. Cichowicz R.: Historical Background of the Institute of Environmental Engineering and Building Installations Lodz University of Technology. 2022, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja) 53/6:5-9. DOI: 10.15199/9.2022.6.1.

Abstract: The article describes the history and activity of the Institute of Environmental Engineering and Building Installations, at the Faculty of Civil engineering, Architecture and Environmental engineering Lodz University of Technology, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. The following are presented: historical outline; students' education profile; and the scope of scientific and research activities.

116. Cichowicz R., Wiśniewski J.: Impact of Pandemic COVID-19 on Air Quality at a Combustion Plant and Adjacent Areas. 2022, Sustainability 14:2594. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052594.

Abstract: Following the emergence of the infectious disease COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus SARS-Cov-2, the WHO (World Health Organization) declared a pandemic in March 2020. The pandemic has affected people’s health, social behaviour, and the economy around the world. It has also had an indirect impact on the environment, including atmospheric air quality, related to changes in the levels of pollutant emissions and the amounts of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. The observed changes have, in part, been a consequence of restrictions on human movement, which has translated into an increase in water consumption, and consequently into an increase in the volume of wastewater. As a result, a new type of incoming load has appeared in sewage treatment plants. Municipal sewage sludge (MSS) is a waste product from the wastewater treatment process, containing substances that are hazardous to both the environment and humans (bacteria, pathogens, viruses). To dispose of these contaminants, MSS is thermally processed in specially designed installations. Thermal recycling technology is based on a fluidized bed, in which MSS is rapidly transformed at a temperature of at least 750°C. Organic compounds are oxidized, gasified, and combusted. The exhaust fumes are emitted into the atmosphere. They also carry a load of pollutants, which can affect the air quality both on site and in the surroundings of the treatment plant. This paper presents measurements of air pollutant emissions and pollutant concentrations provided by the Group Sewage Treatment Plant in Łódź Itd. Łódź is a city located in Poland, in central Eastern Europe. The research covers the area of the wastewater treatment plant and its immediate surroundings within a radius of about 1.5 km. The data show the influence of the pandemic restrictions on the concentrations of gaseous substances, bacteria, fungi, and particulate matter on the state of air quality. Increased emissions of NO_x (by 86%), PM₁₀ (by 50%), HCl (by 37%), and SO₂ (by 16%) were observed compared to the pre-COVID-19 period.

115. Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M.: Analysis of Air Pollution around a CHP Plant: Real Measurements vs. Computer Simulations. 2022, Energies 15:553. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15020553.

Abstract: This study examines the concentrations of air pollution in the vicinity of a combined heat and power plant (CHP) and a communication route, using computer modeling of pollutant dispersion and spatial analysis based on real measurements in the city of Łódź, Poland, Europe. The research takes into account the concentrations of particulate matter (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, PM_1.0) and gaseous pollutants (SO₂ and VOC) in winter and summer. The spatial distribution of pollutants is discussed, including the presence of areas with increased accumulations of pollutants. Because atmospheric air has no natural boundaries, when analyzing any location, not only local sources of pollution, but also background pollution, should be analyzed. A clear difference was observed between the concentrations of pollutants in the summer and winter seasons, with significantly higher concentrations in the winter (heating) period. The impacts of road transport, individual heating systems, and combined heat and power plants were also assessed. Computer calculations confirmed that road transport accounted for the largest share of both PM and SO₂ emissions. The CHP plant was responsible for the smallest percentage of dust emissions and was the next largest producer of SO₂ emissions. The share of the total emissions from the individual sources were compared with the results of detailed field tests. The numerical analysis of selected pollution sources in combination with the field analysis shows that the identified pollution sources included in the analysis represent only a part of the total observed pollutant concentrations (suggesting that other background sources account for the rest).

year 2021

113. Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M.: Modeling Pollutant Emissions: Influence of Two Heat and Power Plants on Urban Air Quality. 2021, Energies 14:5218. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175218.

Abstract: Large industrial plants, power plants, and combined heat and power plants are popularly believed to be the main sources of point emissions, affecting both local and global air quality. This is because these installations emit significant amounts of pollutants at high altitudes every year. In this study, we investigate the impact of two solid fuel (hard coal)-fired CHP plants located within the urban agglomeration on the air quality of the city of Lodz in Poland (Europe). We used an OPA03 computer software to model the spatial distribution of pollutants. The results show that the annual average concentrations of pollutants were highest at an altitude of 25 m above ground level and decreased at lower measurement heights. The concentrations did not exceed permissible levels, reaching only 4% of national and international regulatory limits. We also made field measuements during the winter heating period, using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with sensors to map the distributions of dust and gas pollutants in the areas with the highest concentrations of emissions from the two heat and power plants. Overall, the field measurements confirmed that it is not high-altitude emissions that have the greatest impact on local air quality. 

112. Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M.: 3D Spatial Analysis of Particulate Matter (PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and PM_1.0) and Gaseous Pollutants (H₂S, SO₂ and VOC) in Urban Areas Surrounding a Large Heat and Power Plant. 2021, Energies 14:4070. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14144070.

Abstract: In many regions of the world, the winter period is a time of poor air quality, due primarily to the increased use of individual and district heating systems. As a consequence, the atmospheric air contains increased concentrations of both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants (as a result of “low” emissions at altitudes of up to 40 m and “high” emissions more than 40 m above ground level). In winter, the increased pollution is very often exacerbated by meteorological conditions, including air temperature, pressure, air speed, wind direction, and thermal inversion. Here, we analyze the concentrations of particulate matter (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM_1.0) and gaseous pollutants (H₂S, SO₂, and VOC) in the immediate vicinity of a large solid fuel-fired heat and power plant located in an urban agglomeration. Two locations were selected for analysis. The first was close to an air quality measurement station in the center of a multi-family housing estate. The second was the intersection of two main communication routes. To determine the impact of “low” and “high” emissions on air quality, the selected pollutants were measured at heights of between 2 and 50 m using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The results were compared with permissible standards for the concentration of pollutants. Temperature inversion was found to have a strong influence on the level of pollutants at various heights, with higher concentrations of particulate matter registered at altitudes above 40 m. The source of PM, H₂S, and SO₂ pollutants was confirmed to be “low emission” from local transport, industrial plant areas, and the housing estate comprising detached houses located in the vicinity of the measuring points. “High emission” was found to be responsible for the high concentrations of VOC at altitudes of more than 40 m above the intersection and in the area of the housing estate.

111. Dobrzański M., Cichowicz R.: Influence of the type of surroundings of academic buildings on the concentrations of particulate matter (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, PM_1.0) and gaseous pollutants (VOC, H₂S, SO₂) at different heights. 3rd Symposium Air Quality and Health 2021, Online conference 12–14.05.2021. Sesja Posterowa, Poster (w formie prezentacji) nr 4. Book of Abstracts s.54.

Abstract: Air quality has a strong influence on human health and the health of flora and fauna. The level of air pollution in the area of people's everyday life, i.e. in towns and villages, is particularly important. The analysis of the concentration of pollutants in urbanized areas is a very complex issue, because the concentration of pollutants is influenced by, inter alia, meteorological conditions, terrain roughness, sources of pollutant emissions and the type of surroundings of the analysed area or object. Due to the so-called low and high pollutant emissions, changes in the concentration of air pollutants in relation to the height above the ground should also be taken into account. Based on the analysis of the problem, an attempt was made to investigate the influence of the type of building surroundings on the air quality around them at different heights. Two high buildings located on the campus of the university in the central part of the city were selected. The first building allows you to observe the impact of green areas and the car park, while the second building allows you to see the impact of a busy street and car park on air quality. The analysis included the concentration of particulate matter PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and PM_1.0 as well as gaseous pollutants H₂S, VOC and SO₂.

110. Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M.: Spatial Analysis (Measurements at Heights of 10 m and 20 m above Ground Level) of the Concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM_1.0) and a Selected Gaseous Pollutant (H₂S) on the University Campus: A Case Study. XV Konferencja Naukowa POL-EMIS 2021. Aktualne trendy w ochronie powietrza i klimatu - kontrola, monitoring, prognozowanie i ograniczanie emisji. Online conference - Wrocław 29-31.03.2021 r., I Sesja Posterowa, Poster (w formie prezentacji) nr 6.

109. Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M.: Spatial Analysis (Measurements at Heights of 10 m and 20 m above Ground Level) of the Concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM_1.0) and Gaseous Pollutants (H₂S) on the University Campus: A Case Study. 2021, Atmosphere 12(1):62. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12010062.

Abstract: Spatial analysis of the distribution of particulate matter PM₁₀, PM_2.5, PM_1.0, and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas pollution was performed in the area around a university library building. The reasons for the subject matter were reports related to the perceptible odor characteristic of hydrogen sulfide and a general poor assessment of air quality by employees and students. Due to the area of analysis, it was decided to perform measurements at two heights, 10 m and 20 m above ground level, using measuring equipment attached to a DJI Matrice 600 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The aim of the measurements was air quality assessment and investigate the convergence of the theory of air flow around the building with the spatial distribution of air pollutants. Considerable differences of up to 63% were observed in the concentrations of pollutants measured around the building, especially between opposite sides, depending on the direction of the wind. To explain these differences, the theory of aerodynamics was applied to visualize the probable airflow in the direction of the wind. A strong convergence was observed between the aerodynamic model and the spatial distribution of pollutants. This was evidenced by the high concentrations of dust in the areas of strong turbulence at the edges of the building and on the leeward side. The accumulation of pollutants was also clearly noticeable in these locations. A high concentration of H₂S was recorded around the library building on the side of the car park. On the other hand, the air turbulence around the building dispersed the gas pollution, causing the concentration of H₂S to drop on the leeward side. It was confirmed that in some analyzed areas the permissible concentration of H₂S was exceeded.

108. Cichowicz R., Dobrzański M.: Indoor and Outdoor Concentrations of Particulate Matter and Gaseous Pollutants on Different Floors of a University Building: A Case Study. 2021, Journal of Ecological Engineering 22(1):162–173. https://doi.org/10.12911/22998993/128859.

Abstract: In this study, we investigate the changes in the concentrations of suspended particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) and selected gaseous pollutants (VOCs, H₂S) in the atmospheric air inside and outside a 9-story building, which is intended primarily for the teaching activities. The purpose was to determine whether the air quality inside the building is directly dependent on the outside air quality. The analysis also included the influence of the height of the building, its location and environment, as well as meteorological conditions. No clear correlation was found between the measured parameters inside and outside the building. The height above ground (the floor on which the measurements were made) was found to have a significant influence on the concentration of each pollutant. Wind direction was also found to have a very important impact on the air quality inside the building. A strong relationship was observed on the leeward side between the concentration of impurities on the inside and outside of the building.

year 2020

year 2019

104. Cichowicz R., Stelęgowski A.: Daily variability of air pollution in locations of different population density. E3S Web of Conferences 2019; 100:00011. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/201910000011.

Abstract: The air quality levels vary during a day, especially in inhabited areas. Therefore, it seems reasonable to observe and analyze the occurrence of daily maximum and minimum level of air pollution. In this article, data obtained from automatic air quality monitoring stations located in 5 large, 5 small and medium cities and 5 villages in Poland was analyzed in 2012-2016. Those locations vary, inter alia, depending on number of inhabitants and population density, and for this reason also due to the presence of air contaminants. As an indicator of daily variability air pollution it was determined the ratio of maximum ​​to minimum concentrations of selected air pollutants (NO₂ and NO_x, and O₃, SO₂, CO, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, and benzene) in urban and agricultural areas. In winter, the daily changes were bigger in cities than in villages. While in summer, the level of daily variability was similar, irrespective of  size of the settlement unit. The biggest daily changes concerned nitrogen oxides, the lowest -sulfur dioxide and dusts.

103. Cichowicz R., Stelęgowski A.W.: Average Hourly Concentrations of Air Contaminants in Selected Urban, Town, and Rural Sites. 2019; Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-019-00627-8.

Abstract: The inhabitants of cities, towns and villages are exposed to different levels of air pollution, which also vary throughout the day. Information regarding episodes of poor and good air quality enables planning to mitigate the risks and maximize the benefits of spending time outdoors. In this work, an analysis was made of the state of air quality 2012-2016, using data gathered from automatic measuring stations located in five cities (> 50,000 inhabitants), five towns (5,000-50,000 inhabitants) and five villages (2 and NO_x, O₃, SO₂, CO, PM₁₀, PM_2.5, C₆H₆) to be determined, depending on the type of station and the size of the settlement unit in both winter periods (WP) and summer periods (SP). As a result, the ‘most’ and ‘least’ favorable hours in terms of levels of air pollution were identified. This information could help inform air quality management in modern cities, towns and villages, helping to improve the quality of life particularly among those most susceptible to the negative effects of air pollution, such as the elderly and children.

102. Cichowicz R., Stelęgowski A.: Effect of thermal sludge processing on selected components of air quality in the vicinity of a wastewater treatment plant. 2019; Chemical Papers 73(4):843-849. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11696-018-0636-y.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) generate considerable amounts of sewage sludge. The thermal sludge treatment system (TSTS) is therefore one of the most important technological unit of a WWTP. However, due to technological processes involved in thermal sludge treatment, specific chemical, physical and biological conditions may arise that can affect air quality both within the WWTP area and in its vicinity. This study uses data from experimental measurements taken in and around a WWTP to assess the impact of thermal sludge treatment on air quality. The selected facility is located in the Group Sewage Treatment Plant in the Lodz Agglomeration and serves a population of around one million. The concentrations of harmful gaseous substances, bacteria, fungi, particulate matter and thermal energy were investigated. The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of physical, chemical and biological factors and their influence on air quality are presented.

101. Cichowicz R.: Smog - współczesny problem miast. 2019; XIX Festiwal Nauki, Techniki i Sztuki w Łodzi, Człowiek-Wiedza-Innowacje, Sala 1-1, https://program.festiwal.lodz.pl/impreza/szczegoly?id=1241.

100. Cichowicz R., Stelęgowski A.: Daily variability of air pollution in locations of different population density. 2019; 11^th Conference on Interdisciplinary Problems in Environmental Protection and Engineering, Water, Air, Energy EKO-DOK, Polanica-Zdrój, Session VII-5.

Abstract: The air quality levels vary during a day, especially in inhabited areas. Therefore, it seems reasonable to observe and analyze the occurrence of daily maximum and minimum level of air pollution. In this article, data obtained from automatic air quality monitoring stations located in 5 large, 5 small and medium cities and 5 villages in Poland was analyzed in 2012-2016. Those locations vary, inter alia, depending on number of inhabitants and population density, and for this reason also due to the presence of air contaminants. As an indicator of daily variability air pollution it was determined the ratio of maximum ​​to minimum concentrations of selected air pollutants (NO₂ and NO_x, and O₃, SO₂, CO, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5,and benzene) in urban and agricultural areas. In winter, the daily changes were bigger in cities than in villages. While in summer, the level of daily variability was similar, irrespective of  size of the settlement unit. The biggest daily changes concerned nitrogen oxides, the lowest -sulfur dioxide and dusts.

99. Cichowicz R., Stelęgowski A.: Hourly profiles of air pollution variation in selected cities, towns and villages in Poland. 2019; 10^th International Conference on Environmental Science and Development, Italy, Milan, Politecnico di Milano Session 6-K5042, Books of abstracts s. 59.

Abstract: Concentration of air pollution in urbanized and agricultural areas is related to the activity of various economy sectors (the so-called SNAP categories). Therefore, the change in the emission of pollutants by an anthropogenic source should result in a change in the air pollution level in the selected area. To better understand the interdependence of the nature of changes in air pollution concentration in urban and agricultural areas, an analysis of five-year air quality measurements was carried out at selected automatic air quality monitoring stations in Poland, Europe. The average hourly concentrations in selected areas in cities, towns and villages were compared with the hourly emission factors of power generation sector (SNAP1), residential and commercial combustion sector (SNAP2) and road transport sector (SNAP7). The hourly profiles of air pollution level were expressed by means of the “imission factor”, as analogous to the hourly profiles of the “emission factor” that is being used in the LOTOS-EUROS and the CHIMERE chemistry-transport models.

year 2018

96. Cichowicz R., Hanzl M.: Measuring CO₂ emissions - implications for spatial development. 54^th ISOCARP COngress 2018. Cool Planning: Changing Climate & Our Urban Future. ISBN: 978-94-90354-54-1. Norway, Bodø 01-05.10.2018. Proceedings:151-160, https://isocarp.org/app/uploads/2018/09/PROCEEDINGS_final.pdf.

Abstract: Regarding the broad range of issues affected by climate change, it influences all spheres of contemporary life and brings about numerous challenges, which require careful and comprehensive planning. It is commonly acknowledged and confirmed by international agreements (Paris UNFCCC Agreement of December 2015) that we must not ignore its consequences any longer. The extreme atmospheric events and severe cataclysms which are among the most dangerous humanity experienced so far make us consider issues of vulnerability and risk management and call both for immediate responses and long-term planning strategies. With over 97% of scientists recognising the human impact of climate change through the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions the necessary actions to mitigate these processes have already started in many locations all over the world. Among the four scenarios adopted in IPCC 2015 Report only the most moderate one - RCP2.6 assumes the global surface temperature growth of 1,5°C by the end of the century (2100) comparing to the levels before the beginning of the industrial revolution (1850-1900). However, also this one characterises with the high level of uncertainty when it comes to the vulnerability of many regions all over the world. The other scenarios, and especially the one which assumes the continuation of the business-as-usual, offer much higher levels of uncertainty and risks. This undoubtedly means the necessity of immediate actions and nobody questions the role of planning for these activities. Postponing transformations means increased risks both for the current and future generations, the more that the societal processes require time to take place. The areas of knowledge and science related to air protection have now become key ones for people and natural environment. Therefore, all over the world air pollution measurements and analyses are carried out. It is not easy to determine the impact of various pollutants on the human body and surrounding environment, and thus a system for air monitoring and protection is necessary. The Polish environmental law is based on EU environmental legislation and was implemented before accession in 1999-2001. The main regulation on the air protection is based on CAFÉ Directive. The current research summarises the results of the measurements of the CO₂ emissions taken in the area of the campus of Lodz University of Technology in Poland from the period covering the years 2012, 2014 and 2017. The concentrations of CO₂ have been measured in the function of temperature, air pressure and wind speed. Measurements were also referred to the time of a day and year. This analytical layer has been overlapped with the one of urban development, this way providing the opportunity to assess the actual emissions of various types of structures. The concentrations of CO₂ have been analysed against the overlaying development such as tall, isolated buildings, and denser, lower structures, parking lots and streets of various parameters, greenery - neighbourhood park and lawns, and finally proximity of power plant and electrical power and heating plant. The conclusions of the research conducted indicate future paths of the redevelopment of the area of the campus to reduce CO₂ emissions and pollutants’ concentrations. They show for instance the necessity to use green roofs introduction of more greenery, change of traffic organisation and students transportation behaviours. The current large-scale surface parking should be replaced with multi-storey garages or eliminated. Public transportation and shared bike systems already present in Lodz should be more promoted and cycling and walking infrastructure improved. The results also show the dangers stemming from the presence of the coal power plant.

95. Janas M., Zawadzka A., Cichowicz R.: The influence of selected factors on leaching of metals from sewage sludge. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2018; DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3094-8.

Abstract: In Poland, the amount of municipal sewage sludge that contains both organic and inorganic pollutants increases steadily. As a result of penetration of atmospheric precipitations through sludge layers, products of biochemical decomposition of organic matter and soluble mineral compounds are washed away and form contaminated leachates. Metals contained in these leachates may be particularly burdensome and dangerous, which is due to the toxic nature that disturbs the natural biological balance. In order to check bio-availability of metals in sewage sludge and find out resulting risks to the environment and human health, apart from the determination of total metal content, speciation analysis is often used. It makes possible a quantitative determination of various chemical forms of metals which are bound in the sewage sludge and finding which of them poses the greatest threat to the environment. The degree of immobilization of selected metals in sewage sludge has been determined using one of the sequential extraction methods designed to identify groups of compounds with which the metal is bound. Such a method is the Tessier procedure. Results of this research were used to assess the threat resulting from the increase in the amount of sewage sludge; the management of which is subject to constant restrictions (storage of sewage sludge has been prohibited since January 1, 2016). As a result of the conducted research, it was found that metals in sewage sludge, which undergo various transformations, are very difficult to immobilize. The addition of calcium oxide and an agent supporting the composting process to the sludge does not affect radically the increase of leaching of the analyzed elements from the sludge.

94. Cichowicz R., Wielgosiński G.: Analysis of variations in air pollution fields in selected cities in Poland and Germany. ECOL CHEM ENG S. 2018; 25(2):217-227. DOI: 10.1515/eces-2018-0014.

Abstract: Variations in immission fields resulting from emissions and pollutant dispersion in the atmosphere were investigated. The analysis was based on data from the four-year period covering the years 2012-2015, collected in two automatic atmospheric air monitoring stations, one located in Germany in Magdeburg which is the capital of Saxony-Anhalt and the other in Poland in Lodz, i.e. the seat of Lodz Region authorities. Selected immission monitoring stations in both cities are located in the areas with similar urban development and are characterized by high levels of pedestrian and car traffic. In both measuring stations the following atmospheric air pollutants were measured: PM10, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide, and ozone (carbon monoxide was analyzed only for the station located in Lodz). On the basis of the measured data the periodic exceedance of air pollution limit values measured at both monitoring stations were observed, as well as the levels of particular pollutants and changes in immission fields were analyzed. It seems that this information may be useful not only to the competent authorities of the country but also to the users of these areas.

93. Cichowicz R., Stelęgowski A.: The PMV and PPD indices in the selected boiler room. E3S Web of Conferences 2018; 44:00021. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20184400021.

Abstract: Thermal microclimate in a boiler room is formed by factors resulting from thermal processes that are taking place in combustion units. These factors are negatively affecting the indoor environment by worsening the air quality, and therefore it is crucial to maintain adequate air parameters in the room. It is a consequence of the fact that in the boiler room the operation of technological equipment results in an exposure of workers to adverse effects caused by thermal factors. Therefore, the evaluation of thermal conditions in the work area of people was made for the selected industrial boiler room using PMV and PPD indices (which allow to determine the thermal sensation of employees, regarding their surrounding thermal environment, based on the methodology of ISO 7730 standard). The analysis was based on own experimental measurements and numerical calculations made in the DesignBuilder program.

92. Cichowicz R., Stelęgowski A.: The distribution of air temperature and velocity in the selected boiler room. E3S Web of Conferences 2018; 44:00020. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20184400020.

Abstract: The crucial impact on the indoor air quality in technological rooms, including boiler plant buildings, is made by operation of technological devices and ventilation systems. Therefore, the distribution of air temperature and velocity in these rooms mainly depends on location and heat gains generated by combustion devices, as well as emplacement of air supply and air exhaust elements. The temperature and airflow volume of supplied air is also an issue, because the indoor environment parameters are formed by the flow of air in the working area. Determination of the impact of physical factors on the thermal environment in a room is possible using an analysis of the air temperature and velocity. This issue is vital in terms of necessity to maintain the adequate heat conditions in the working area. Therefore, basing on the experimental measurements and numerical calculations (made in DesignBuilder software), the distribution of air temperature and velocity was analyzed in the selected industrial boiler room, located in the Lodz city, in Poland. The results obtained were compared with the recommended and limit values in the industrial buildings.

91. Namiecińska O., Wielgosiński G., Czerwińska J., Cichowicz R.: Simultaneous reduction of nitrogen oxides and polichlorinated dioxins and furants on scr catalyst (Jednoczesna redukcja tlenków azotu oraz rozkład polichlorowanych dioksyn i furanów na katalizatorze SCR). Rozdział w monografii: Aktualne problemy w inżynierii i ochronie atmosfery. Praca zbiorowa pod redakcją Kuropki J., Gaja K., Sówki I., Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Wrocławskiej, ISBN 978-83-7493-020-8, Wrocław 2018:144-153.

Abstract: Research was carried out on the implementation of a new catalytic technology to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans using a vanadium-tungsten catalyst produced in accordance with patent PL 218 300 - "Method of producing vanadium-tungsten catalyst for decomposition of chlorine containing organic compounds, especially dioxins and furans". The existing thermal waste treatment plant at the Bydgoszcz Oncology Center equipped with a SCR catalytic reactor was used for the research. A cycle of investigations of the flue gas cleaning process was carried out, resulting in a reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions at the level of 10-70% and reduction of PCDD/Fs emissions at the level of 50-82% depending on the temperature. 

90. Czerwińska J., Wielgosiński G., Namiecińska O., Cichowicz R.: Effect of selected parameters on the process of dry flue gas desulphurisation (Wpływ wybranych parametrów na proces suchego odsiarczania spalin). Rozdział w monografii: Aktualne problemy w inżynierii i ochronie atmosfery. Praca zbiorowa pod redakcją Kuropki J., Gaja K., Sówki I., Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Wrocławskiej, ISBN 978-83-7493-020-8, Wrocław 2018:40-47.

Abstract: The paper presents the results of research on the dry desulphurization process carried out in a medical waste incinerator. In order to reduce sulfur dioxide emission, two calcium and one sodium reagents were tested. The tests were carried out in the range of inlet concentrations of SO₂ equal to 50-5000 mg/m³ and HCl concentrations in the range of 200-1600 mg/m³. The temperature of the desulfurization process was 130-180° C. The reagents were tested for three values of reagent dispense rate. The efficiency approx. 70-99% of SO₂, and 50-99% of HCl emission reduction was obtained. The results of the tests showed that the best results of the flue gas purification were find for sodium reagent. 

89. Cichowicz R., Wielgosiński G.: Analysis of variation of air pollution emissions from the sewage sludge thermal treatment plant in Łódź (Analiza zmian wielkości emisji zanieczyszczeń powietrza z emitorów instalacji termicznego przekształcania osadów ściekowych w Łodzi). Rozdział w monografii: Aktualne problemy w inżynierii i ochronie atmosfery. Praca zbiorowa pod redakcją Kuropki J., Gaja K., Sówki I., Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Wrocławskiej, ISBN 978-83-7493-020-8, Wrocław 2018:25-32.

Abstract: The analysis of changes in the emission of air pollutants from emitters of the sewage sludge thermal treatment plant was based on data from the four-year period covering the years 2012-2015, and derived from the automatic air pollution monitoring system, which was located in the Group Treatment Plant Sewage in Lodz. The emission monitoring system measured the following atmospheric pollutants: CO, NO_x, SO₂, dust, HCL and HF. As a result, the level of these pollutants was analyzed (based on daily concentration measurements) over time (months and years) and "no exceedances" were found. As a result, the obtained results should "calm down" the opponents of the application in close proximity to the Sewage Sludge Thermal Treatment Plant. Because none of the compounds exceeded the admissible values, and at the same time confirmed the need for continuous monitoring of emissions emitted to the atmosphere. For this reason, it seems that this information can be useful not only for users of this type of installation, but also for residents of surrounding areas.

88. Cichowicz R., Wielgosiński G.: Analiza zmian wielkości emisji zanieczyszczeń powietrza z emitorów instalacji termicznego przekształcania osadów ściekowych w Łodzi. XIV Konferencja Naukowa POL-EMIS 2018. Aktualne problemy w inżynierii i ochronie atmosfery. Boguszów-Gorce 20-23.06.2018 r., I Sesja Plenarna, Prezentacja nr 7.

87. Namiecińska O., Wielgosiński G., Czerwińska J., Cichowicz R.: Jednoczesna redukcja tlenków azotu oraz rozkład polichlorowanych dioksyn i furanów na katalizatorze SCR. XIV Konferencja Naukowa POL-EMIS 2018. Aktualne problemy w inżynierii i ochronie atmosfery. Boguszów-Gorce 20-23.06.2018 r., I Sesja Plenarna, Prezentacja nr 6.

86. Czerwińska J., Wielgosiński G., Namiecińska O., Cichowicz R.: Wpływ wybranych parametrów na proces suchego odsiarczania spalin. XIV Konferencja Naukowa POL-EMIS 2018. Aktualne problemy w inżynierii i ochronie atmosfery. Boguszów-Gorce 20-23.06.2018 r., I Sesja Plenarna, Prezentacja nr 5.

85. Cichowicz R., Stelęgowski A.: Chemical, physical and biological influence of operation of sludge thermal transformation system on wastewater treatment plant area. 45^th International Conference of the Slovak Society of Chemical Engineering (SSCHE). Tatranské Matliare – Slovakia 21-25.05.2018, Abstract s. 216. Materiały na CD(Po-Th-3, 087.pdf).

Abstract: As a result of technological processes, specific chemical, physical and biological conditions are created in the area of wastewater treatment plants. Consequently, considerable amounts of sewage sludge, requiring treatment and disposal, are generated. Therefore, installations for thermal treatment of sludge are one of the most important parts of sludge management system in wastewater treatment plants. However, it should be remembered that thermal treatment of sludge can affect chemical, physical and biological conditions both in a given sewage treatment plant and in its vicinity. Therefore, it seems that the analysis of the impact of drying and incineration of sludge on the chemical, physical and biological state of air quality outside sludge thermal treatment plant building can be a very important aspect. For this purpose, data from experimental measurements of emission and concentration of chemical factors (harmful gaseous substances), as well as of the presence of biological agents (bacteria and fungi) and physical factors (particulate matter, thermal energy), made in 2012–2016 in East-Central Europe, in central Poland, in the Group Sewage Treatment Plant of Lodz Agglomeration (serving about 1 million population equivalent), were used.

84. Cichowicz R., Wielgosiński G.: Analysis of changes in immision field in vicinity of large chemical plants. 45^th International Conference of the Slovak Society of Chemical Engineering (SSCHE). Tatranské Matliare – Slovakia 21-25.05.2018, Abstract s. 215. Materiały na CD(Po-Th-3, 086.pdf).

Abstract: The analysis of changes in the distribution of air pollution concentrations in terms of the impact of large chemical plants was carried out using data from 2 automatic atmospheric air quality monitoring stations located in central Europe, namely Bitterfeld-Wolfen (in Germany) and Pabianice (in Poland). The measurement data from the four-year period i.e. from 2012-2015 for the following pollutants were selected for the analysis: particulate matter PM₁₀, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide and ozone as well. Monitoring stations worked continuously (24 hours), and all measurements were made in accordance with the reference methods. Analyzing the results of air quality monitoring, the occurrence of periodic exceedances of the permissible values of PM₁₀ and O₃ was observed on both measurement stations. The trend line of changes in all measured levels of pollution over time was also determined. On this basis, the impact on the pathway "chemical plant - measurement station" was analyzed and also the level of possible so-called "industrial contamination" in the immediate vicinity of both atmospheric air quality monitoring stations and the "scale" of the impact of large chemical plants on the surrounding area were examined.

83. Cichowicz R., Stelęgowski A.: The PMV and PPD indices in the selected boiler room. 10^th Conference on Interdisciplinary Problems in Environmental Protection and Engineering  EKO-DOK 2018. Books of abstracts s. 22. Polanica-Zdrój 16-18.04.2018, Session XI-4.

Abstract: Thermal microclimate in a boiler room is formed by factors resulting from thermal processes that are taking place in combustion units. These factors are negatively affecting the indoor environment by worsening the air quality, and therefore it is crucial to maintain adequate air parameters in the room. It is a consequence of the fact that in the boiler room the operation of technological equipment results in an exposure of workers to adverse effects caused by thermal factors. Therefore, the evaluation of thermal conditions in the work area of people was made for the selected industrial boiler room using PMV and PPD indices (which allow to determine the thermal sensation of employees, regarding their surrounding thermal environment, based on the methodology of ISO 7730 standard). The analysis was based on own experimental measurements and numerical calculations made in the DesignBuilder program.

82. Cichowicz R., Stelęgowski A.: The distribution of air temperature and velocity in the selected boiler room. 10^th Conference on Interdisciplinary Problems in Environmental Protection and Engineering  EKO-DOK 2018. Books of abstracts s. 21. Polanica-Zdrój 16-18.04.2018, Session VI-3.

Abstract: The crucial impact on the indoor air quality in technological rooms, including boiler plant buildings, is made by operation of technological devices and ventilation systems. Therefore, the distribution of air temperature and velocity in these rooms mainly depends on location and heat gains generated by combustion devices, as well as emplacement of air supply and air exhaust elements. The temperature and airflow volume of supplied air is also an issue, because the indoor environment parameters are formed by the flow of air in the working area. Determination of the impact of physical factors on the thermal environment in a room is possible using an analysis of the air temperature and velocity. This issue is vital in terms of necessity to maintain the adequate heat conditions in the working area. Therefore, basing on the experimental measurements and numerical calculations (made in DesignBuilder software), the distribution of air temperature and velocity was analyzed in the selected industrial boiler room, located in the Lodz city, in Poland. The results obtained were compared with the recommended and limit values in the industrial buildings.

81. Cichowicz R.: Efektywność energetyczna budynków i oszczędność energii. Konferencja WFOŚiGW w Łodzi – Koncepcja funkcjonowania klastrów energii oraz finansowanie inwestycji w ramach klastra. Łódź 28.03.2018. Prezentacja nr 6, http://www.wfosigw.lodz.pl/aktualnosci_2/article,2120,1,1.html.

80. Wielgosiński G., Czerwińska J., Namiecińska O., Cichowicz R.: Smog episodes in the Lodz agglomeration in the years 2014-17. E3S Web of Conferences 2018; 28:01039. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20182801039.

Abstract: In recent years, in the winter season we are alarmed about the poor air quality in Poland and significantly exceeded permissible concentrations of certain pollutants, especially PM10 and PM2.5, which are a result of so-called low emissions. The authors analyze smog episodes in the Lodz agglomeration by comparing the recorded values of selected pollutant concentrations at monitoring stations of the Regional Inspectorate for Environmental Protection in Lodz with the meteorological conditions prevailing at this time. The analysis covers data from the years 2014-2017.

79. Cichowicz R.: Spatial distribution of pollutants in the area of the former CHP plant. E3S Web of Conferences 2018; 28:01007. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20182801007.

Abstract: The quality of atmospheric air and level of its pollution are now one of the most important issues connected with life on Earth. The frequent nuisance and exceedance of pollution standards often described in the media are generated by both low emission sources and mobile sources. Also local organized energy emission sources such as local boiler houses or CHP plants have impact on air pollution. At the same time it is important to remember that the role of local power stations in shaping air pollution immission fields depends on the height of emitters and functioning of waste gas treatment installations. Analysis of air pollution distribution was carried out in 2 series/dates, i.e. 2 and 10 weeks after closure of the CHP plant. In the analysis as a reference point the largest intersection of streets located in the immediate vicinity of the plant was selected, from which virtual circles were drawn every 50 meters, where 31 measuring points were located. As a result, the impact of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia levels could be observed and analyzed, depending on the distance from the street intersection.

year 2017

73. Cichowicz R., Wielgosiński G.: Przestrzenny rozkład zanieczyszczeń na terenie byłej elektrociepłowni. X Konferencji Naukowej Ochrona  Powietrza  w  Teorii  i  Praktyce. Zakopane 18-21.10.2017, Abstract s. 62. Zeszyt streszczeń, Zabrze 2017.

Abstract: Jakość powietrza atmosferycznego i poziom jego zanieczyszczenia to obecnie jedne z ważniejszych zagadnień związanych z życiem na Ziemi. Występujące i często opisywane w mediach uciążliwości i przekroczenia norm zanieczyszczeń generowane są zarówno przez źródła niskiej emisji energetycznej, jak i źródła ruchome. Wpływ na stan zanieczyszczenia powietrza mają również lokalne źródła emisji zorganizowanej typu energetycznego - np. lokalne ciepłownie, czy też elektrociepłownie. Należy jednocześnie pamiętać, że rola lokalnych elektrociepłowni w kształtowaniu pól imisji zanieczyszczeń powietrza jest uzależniona od wysokości emitorów oraz funkcjonujących instalacji oczyszczania gazów odlotowych. Obiektem badań był teren Zakładu EC-2 w Łodzi, który sąsiaduje w kierunku północno-zachodnim i zachodnim z zabudową o charakterze przemysłowym, natomiast w kierunku północnym, wschodnim, południowym i południowo-zachodnim z zabudową mieszkalną. W odległości 300 m na kierunku północnym i wschodnim od analizowanego obiektu występuję zabudowa 3 kondygnacyjna oraz 10-piętrowe akademiki zamieszkałe przez 10 miesięcy w roku. Natomiast dodatkowo na kierunku południowym występuje 3 kondygnacyjna zabudowa mieszkaniowa Osiedla Nowe Rokicie. Analizę rozkładu zanieczyszczeń powietrza przeprowadzono w 2 seriach / terminach, czyli po 2 i 10 tygodniu od zamknięcia jednej z elektrociepłowni w Łodzi. W analizie jako punkt odniesienia wybrane zostało największe skrzyżowanie ulic znajdujące się w bezpośrednim sąsiedztwie obiektu badań, od którego co 50 m zostały wytyczone „umowne” okręgi, na których zlokalizowano 31 punktów pomiarowych. Do pomiarów wykorzystany został mikrochromatograf, który pozwolił na prowadzenie analiz w warunkach polowych. Dzięki temu na wydzielonym obszarze po byłej elektrociepłowni lokalnie można było zaobserwować i przeanalizować wpływ poziomów stężeń ditlenku węgla, siarkowodoru i amoniaku w zależności od odległości do skrzyżowania ulic oraz wpływ warunków atmosferycznych na poziom koncentracji powyższych zanieczyszczeń w powietrzu atmosferycznym.

72. Wielgosiński G., Czerwińska J., Cichowicz R.: Epizody smogowe w aglomeracji łódzkiej w latach 2014-17. X Konferencji Naukowej Ochrona  Powietrza  w  Teorii  i  Praktyce. Zakopane 18-21.10.2017, Abstract s. 53. Zeszyt streszczeń, Zabrze 2017.

Abstract: W ciągu ostatnich lat, corocznie w okresie zimowym jesteśmy alarmowani w sprawie złej jakości powietrza w Polsce i znaczących przekroczeń dopuszczalnych stężeń niektórych zanieczyszczeń, w szczególności pyłu zawieszonego PM₁₀ oraz PM_2,5, będących skutkiem tzw. "niskiej emisji". W pracy przeanalizowano przebieg epizodów smogowych w aglomeracji łódzkiej porównując rejestrowane wartości stężeń wybranych zanieczyszczeń na stacjach monitoringowych Wojewódzkiego Inspektoratu Ochrony Środowiska w Łodzi z panującymi w tym okresie warunkami meteorologicznymi. Analiza objęto dane z lat 2014-2017.

71. Wielgosiński G., Namiecińska O., Cichowicz R.: Oddziaływanie na środowisko emisji ze spalarni odpadów w porównaniu do typowych instalacji ciepłowniczych. X Konferencji Naukowej Ochrona  Powietrza  w  Teorii  i  Praktyce. Zakopane 18-21.10.2017, Abstract s. 14. Zeszyt streszczeń, Zabrze 2017.

Abstract: W ostatnich latach wybudowano w Polsce 5 nowoczesnych spalarni odpadów komunalnych. Budowa dwóch kolejnych trwa, a jednocześnie rozważana jest budowa kilku kolejnych. Pomimo pozytywnych doświadczeń z eksploatacją istniejących instalacji każdy projekt budowy nowych spalarni budzi wiele emocji i protestów społecznych. W pracy porównano emisje ze spalarni odpadów komunalnych z emisją z typowych obiektów ciepłowniczych: w pierwszej części do porównania wybrano duże obiekty ciepłownicze wyposażone w kotły pyłowe (OP-140), rusztowe (3 kotły WR-35) lub bloki gazowe o mocy około 100 MW, zaś w drugiej części porównano najpopularniejsze w naszym ciepłownictwie kotły rusztowe WR-10 i WR-25 z instalacjami termicznego przekształcania odpadów komunalnych lub paliwa z odpadów (RDF) o podobnej mocy cieplnej. Analizowano zarówno bezwzględną wielkość emisji jak i oddziaływanie - imisję zanieczyszczeń w rejonie obiektu.

70. Cichowicz R., Stelęgowski A.W.: Numerical analysis of convection along hot surface of equipment in the selected boiler room. World Scientific News. 2017; 87:150-162. http://www.worldscientificnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WSN-87-20….

Abstract: The combustion processes, that are taking place in combustion units in boiler plants, result in heat production. Some of the heat is being exchanged between the thermal installation equipment and th air in such type of a room. In consequence, both the temperature of equipment's surface and of the indoor air rises. This results in natural convection effect, in which the air heated up from the equipment rises upwards (along with that part of the heat generated by combustion), and in its place flows the air of lower temperature. As a result of the phenomenon, there is a change in airflow in the room and a removal of part of heat gains from equipment. The numerical analysis of convection along hot surface of technological facilities and equipment was made on the basis of the numerical calculations of air parameters in the selected boiler room. Boundary conditions for the calculations were determined using the results of building energy simulation and the results of experimental measurements.

69. Cichowicz R., Wielgosiński G.: Analysis of variation of air pollution fields in selected cities in Poland and Germany. Central European Conference ECOpole'17. Polanica Zdrój 04-07.10.2017, Abstract s. 17. Materiały na CD.

Abstract: According to the Voivodship Waste Management Plans adopted in 2017, practically the total stream of mixed municipal solid waste (approx. 10 million Mg) is directed to more than 150 installations of mechanical-biological processing (MBT). In these installations approximately 3.5 million Mg of alternative fuels (often named as RDF - Refuse Derived Fuel) are produced. Only about 1 million Mg is combusted in cement plants and the rest is currently stored. RDF has a status of waste and must be incinerated in special incinerators. It is planned to build dozens of such installations, but this causes many social protests. In a lecture the emissions from the alternative fuel incineration plant with a similarly rated 30 MW grate boiler fired by hard coal WR-25 were compared. It has been shown that actual emissions from RDF incineration are considerably lower than during coal combustion, and the impact of the installation is considerably lower than that of conventional heating plants.

Abstract: Nitrogen oxides are considered to be the most dangerous atmospheric pollutants. The new Directive 2010/75/EC on industrial emissions adopted in 2010 envisages significant reduction of emission standards for power plants and waste incineration plants in the coming years. The one of the most effective technologies for NO_x emission mitigation is selective catalytic reduction - SCR which was evolved in the 1980s. Between April and July 2017, a research project funded by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, on implementation a SCR technology for of nitrogen oxide emissions in the medical waste incineration plant operating in the Bydgoszcz Center for Oncology were carried on. The installation has been equipped with a catalytic rector, with a catalyst originally prepared in Poland in accordance to patent PN 218 300. As a result of the tests, the use of a SCR catalytic converter has been found to reduce NOx emissions by approximately 70% (NO_x concentration in exhaust gases was below 50 mg/m³_N - 25% of the current emission standard for waste incineration plants and large combustion facilities). The research confirmed the high efficiency of the new catalyst, which costs about 25-30% less than the catalysts offered by foreign suppliers.

Abstract: In every boiler plant, including industrial boiler plants of thermal capacity above 2 MW, substantial heat gains are generated during the work of combustion units. As a result, the indoor air temperature raises in the room, which affects thermal comfort of workers operating such technological installations. Therefore, heat removal requires an effective mechanical ventilation system.  A numerical analysis of the selected air parameters in a room equipped with combustion devices was undertaken using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations in the DesignBuilder software. This was done for a combustion plant in the “Installation of Thermal Treatment of Sewage Sludge” building, located in the “Group Sewage Treatment Plant” complex of Lodz, Poland. The numerical analysis was based on experimental measurements and the results concerning the personnel work area were compared to the guidelines of the ISO international standard 7730:2005.