Degraded land reclamation 1400-226RTZ
Soil degradation and devastation – the scale of the phenomenon. The forms of degradation – erosion, geomechanical, hydrological, chemical degradation (i.a. contamination with heavy metals, high salinity).
The problematic wastes of power industry; possible ways of their management.
Soil degradation caused by fires.
The chosen low regulations related to degraded land reclamation and soil protection in Poland; explanation of such terms as: land reclamation, remediation, restoration, natural compensation, revitalisation.
The aims, assumptions and phases of reclamation process. Possible directions of reclaimed land management.
Applying different plant species in biological reclamation, their biology and ecology; the right choice of plant species, the risk of species expansion or invasion.
The importance of natural succession for biodiversity restoration in degraded areas. A necessity to protect areas of an unique natural value.
The significance of green in urban areas, i.a. examples of water retention based on plants, phytoremediation.
Practicals:
Practical classes take place both in the field and laboratory
In the field part, some objects within the Warsaw area are visited, where reclamation works have already been finished or are being done (i.a. municipal waste landfill Radiowo, ash dump near the heat and power plant Siekierki).
In the laboratory part, the examples of degraded areas and ways of their reclamation or revitalisation are discussed.
An experiment is carried out with plant cultivation in degraded soil.
Using plants for soil remediation (especially phytofiltration) is discussed.
Some plant species used in biological reclamation are also presented, including the expansive or invasive, thus potentially dangerous ones to natural ecosystems
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
A student gains knowledge of:
- basic terms referring to land degradation, land reclamation and revitalisation. (K_W02 OS1)
- reasons and forms of soil degradation, caused chiefly by man’s activities (industry, agriculture, urbanisation), and methods of reconstruction or improvement of soil quality, including biological methods - especially those based on ecological processes. (K_W05 OS1)
- civilizational problems arising from necessary reconciliation between economic development and environment protection requirements; a student identifies also main threats to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and climate. (K_W06 OS1)
- using plants for environment remediation (basic knowledge) and a student understands relations and connections between different natural science disciplines. (K_W01 BT1)
A student is able to:
- analyse causes of threats to the environment and biodiversity and indicate relevant counter-measures. (K_U06 OS1)
- recognise and explain, based on different sources, essential problems in natural resource management. (K_U08 OS1; K_U03 BT1)
- make in laboratory simple physicochemical and biological measurements, make observations and use basic mathematical and statistical methods to describe phenomena and analyse data. (K_U5 BT1)
A student is ready to:
- broaden and constantly update knowledge of environmental issues and broaden professional competence. (K_K02 OS1)
- determine priorities for solving problems within the area of the environment and nature protection. (K_K03 OS1)
- apply the rules of sustainable development in daily life and economy. (K_K04 OS1)
- understand biological phenomena and processes in nature. (K_K01 BT1)
- conform to the basic ethical rules in work and life. (K_K08 BT1)
Assessment criteria
A written exam is based on the lectures’ content.
A final grade of practical classes is the mean of particular grades given for oral multimedia presentations, a written report and an oral test.
During the course at most two absences are allowed.
Practical placement
inapplicable
Bibliography
- Karczewska A. 2008. Ochrona gleb i rekultywacja terenów zdegradowanych, Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Przyrodniczego we Wrocławiu, Wrocław.
- Wierzbicka M. Ekotoksykologia. 2015. Rośliny, gleby, metale, Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, Warszawa.
- Turek, A., Maciejewska A. 2019. Rewitalizacja terenów poprzemysłowych. Wydawnictwo PWN, Warszawa.
- online scientific and popular scientific publications on the examples of land degradation processes and land reclamation and revitalisation actions.
Notes
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Term 2024Z:
None |
Term 2025Z:
None |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: