The results of investigations into suspended matter sedimentation from mine waters in the settling tank at the Ziemowit coal mine as well as in the relevant model of the settling tank were presented. It was shown that variations in the performance of the tank are caused by improperly accumulated sediment, which generates privileged water flow in superficial layers. Additionally, impetuous periodical water discharges seem to be important. The investigations performed on the settling tank model were focused on estimating the influence of temperature, flow rate and the aeration of mine water on the suspended matter sedimentation. Reasons for inefficiency of the settling tank were determined, and technological changes enhancing the process of suspensions removal were suggested.

Potok Golawiecki (a river in the province of Silesia) is polluted in a way typical for the Upper Silesian industrial zone. It is the river into which the Ziemowit coal mine discharges its salt waters and it also receives municipal sewage. Changes in the values of selected indicators ofwater quality for Potok Golawiecki along its course were determined in the paper. It was found that the hydrochcmical character of the water in Potok Goławiecki depended strongly on salt water discharges from mines, which were the main factor disturbing the river's natural environment. The pollution of the river makes its water non-potable, and excludes its use even in industry

The research and analysis of the bactericidal properties of the spacer knitted fabric with the UV-C system are presented in this paper. The disintegration factor affecting the bacteria in the knitted fabric is the UV-C radiation in the range of 265–270 nm distributed via woven optical fibres. The way of integrating elements of the system generating the UV-C radiation in the structure of the spacer knitted fabric was designed, as well as various configurations of optical fibres arrangement, fibre density, number of radiation sources, and diode types were tested. The material was contaminated with selected microorganisms indicative of sanitary contamination and important in terms of nosocomial infections. The scope of the research included microbiological (quantitative and qualitative) analyses of selected taxonomic groups of microorganisms (mesophilic bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes) before and after the irradiation process. The analysis of the research results and the applied modification of the knitted fabric turned out to be effective in reducing the amount of potentially pathogenic microorganisms.