In this study, genotoxic potential of industrial waste water (IWW) samples was investigated using Allium cepa assay. The root tips were treated with different IWW samples (A, B and C) for 48 hours. The effects of IWW oncytological effects were determined. It was found that all IWW samples significantly increased the percentage of total abnormality. Mitotic chromosomal abnormalities such as irregular metaphase, stickiness, c-mitosis, micronucleus,vagrant chromosomes and bridges were determined. Furthermore, a significant reduction for the mitotic index that isindicative of cellular toxicity was observed in root tips cells, which were treated with IWW samples. A. cepa assaycan be used as useful tool for the detection of genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of IWWs.

The consumption of various forms of primary and secondary energy is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. Also, the increase in the prices of energy resources is an important factor affecting the economic profitability of running a business organization. Legal requirements in the European Union also affect the need to implement appropriate solutions aimed at increasing energy efficiency, which translates into the need of implementing Energy Management Systems, based the ISO 50001 standard, in many enterprises.. In the case study presented in the article, which is based on a company from the energy industry in Poland, the most important Energy Performance Indexes and the impact of the quality of their information on the results obtained were reviewed. In the analyzed example, the main process used only 28% of the total energy consumption in the organization. Insufficient attention to auxiliary processes led to an undercut of Energy Performance by nearly 11% in the first year of operation. It is partic-ularly important to properly collect data on auxiliary processes, which are very often omitted or treated in general in companies, and as shown may constitute a significant share in the total amount of energy consumed.

The influence of Lindane on net phytoplankton (mainly diatoms) in samples of waters from the Antarctic was investigated for 24 hours from the introduction of ɣ HCH 0,02 and 2 ppm into the environment. Changes in intensity of 14C incorporation in the light and in rate of release of 14C by the cells in the dark during consecutive light/dark periods were measured. The effect of two different Lindane concentrations in diatoms occurred 16 hours after introduction of the compound into the environment and was independent of concentration. The effect was manifested by delayed induction of photosynthesis following the dark period and also by changes in dynamic equilibrium between carbon assimilation and dissimilation. The presence of Lindane clearly stimulated 14C incorporation in the light and also enhanced the participation of 14C incorporation in overall CO2 exchange in the dark.

Official letters and lighter verses written in honour of Mikołaj Szymański, editor-in-chief of “Meander”, who recently resigned from his function after fifteen years of outstanding service.

ARGUMENTUM

Oratio in funere profestricis Annae Komornicka dicta, in qua ostenditur, quanti momenti fuerit ea clara femina in vita suorum familiarium.