Diploma thesis presents the issue of the impact of the addition of charred plant biomass for vermicomposting. The theoretical section describes the definition of biochar, its production, and application benefits to the soil, and other purposes. In other section, devoted to vermicomposting, there is defined the methodology of domestic vermicomposting. The chapter which is devoted to the own experiment is based on the hypothesis that biochar slows down the process of vermicomposting, reduces odor and emissions produced during the process, and that the combination biochar with vermicompost would be a suitable alternative fertilizer. During the experiment, two bins for vermicomposting were used. Biodegradable waste and biochar were added to the first one, and biodegradable waste were added to the second one. The same type and amount of substrate were added to the bins, and they were placed under certain conditions. The difference was only in the addition of biochar. During the whole process, vermicomposting diversity and the resulting product were studied. Vermicompost was evaluated by the available methods.

This master thesis depicts process of composting of food waste using an electric composter. Electric composters are eligible solution for waste management of catering facilities, that are in accordance with current legislation. The problematics of the food waste is being described using the literature review. The main goal of this thesis is quality evaluation of the final product of the composting process. The main focus is on evaluation of enzymatic activity of compost named arylsulfatase, which corelate with sulphur cycle. The enzymatic activity itself is being measured by spectrophotometer UV/VIS Lambda 25 (Perkin-Elmer, Shelton, CT, USA) using 5 mMp -Nitrophenyl sulfate as a substrate. Thesis also studies pH values of compost and phototoxicity (by Phytotoxkit test), that demonstrate an effect of final product of composting on white mustard seeds (Sinapis alba L.).

Surface mining of coal in the country leaves a lot of damage. This type of mining is characterized by the creation of large external dumps. The dumps often contain substrates with toxic substances or substances which become toxic after reaction with air. These substrates are toxic to plants and edaphon. This work is intended to show what properties of substrates are important for phytotoxicity. The location of research was selected including 3 different kinds of substrates, terrain unevenness and a lagoon in the middle. Coordinate grid has been created on the selected location. At each point a test was conducted with plant Sinapis alba and biomass was extracted from a naturally growing vegetation. Further, at the points substrates were collected and values of pH, conductivity and arsenic were measured. Test with plant Sinapis alba was repeated in the laboratory conditions as well. On site GPS coordinates were measured for the mathematical model created in ArcGIS. Experiment has shown the importance of the type of substrate and the geologic description, and then the association between dejection, value of pH and conductivity. Conductivity and pH levels also correlate with the germination Sinapis alba and biomass of naturally growing vegetation.

Environmental effects of selected monomers, eventually aditives of polymers, will be evaluated by ecotoxicity tests. For this purpose two alternative tests of toxicity: Thamnotoxkit F TM on testing organism Thamnocephalus platyurus and Daphnotoxkit F TM on testing organism Daphnia magna will be used. Two phytotoxicity tests will be also used: Sinapis alba root growth inhibition toxicity test and Allium cepa L root growth inhibition toxicity test. Obtained results enable calculation of value LC50, EC50 and IC50 for tested substances.

Polymers or their modifiers may become parts of a wide range of products. After the end of life cycle useful parts of the products are recycled but significant parts still become household waste. It´s therefore desirable not only by law on chemicals and chemical products, but also according to the requirements of European directive REACH, to assess the impact not only chemical but also the additives of all products or products themselves in terms of their impact on the environment. For these purposes it serves ecotoxicity tests, which allow prediction of the influence test compounds in the environment. In this diploma thesis were evaluated polypropylene modifiers, which are commercially produced. Use of ecotoxicity tests were evaluated maleic anhydride and itaconic anhydride effects on the environment. Alternative tests have been used for toxicity and namely Thamnotoxkit FTM the organism Thamnocephalus platyurus and Daphnotokit FTM the organism Daphnia magna. The phytotoxicity test groups were selected toxicity tests: Sinapis alba root growth inhibition toxicity test, Allium cepa L root growth inhibition toxicity test and Semi-chronic toxicity test on Lemna minor L. From marine toxicity tests was performed Acute inhibition test of brine shrimps Artemia salina.

This thesis is focused on attestation of ecotoxicity of octachlorstyrene (OCS), persistent organic pollutant (POP), by biological tests of toxicity. The toxicity of OCS was determined by using two kinds of alternative tests applied on fresh water organisms. First of them, Thamnotoxkit, is based on observation of mobility, immobilization or even killing of crustacean Thamnocephalus platyurus. The second one, Daphnotoxkit, applies crustacean Daphnia magna. For purposes of comparison, a standard test of toxicity – so called test of root growth inhibition of Sinapis alba and two fytotests – test of growth inhibition of Lemna minor and test of root growth inhibition of Allium cepa were performed as well.