study programme

Chemistry and technology of environmental protection

Original title in Czech: Chemie a technologie ochrany životního prostředíFaculty: FCHAbbreviation: DKCP_CHTOZP_NAcad. year: 2020/2021

Type of study programme: Doctoral

Study programme code: P0712D130001

Degree awarded: Ph.D.

Language of instruction: Czech

Accreditation: 6.6.2018 - 6.6.2028

Mode of study

Combined study

Standard study length

4 years

Programme supervisor

Doctoral Board

Fields of education

Area Topic Share [%]
Chemistry Without thematic area 100

Issued topics of Doctoral Study Program

  1. Application of FTIR and NIR for analysis of soil organic matter fractions

    The thesis is focused on possibilities of using FITR methody for evaluation of selected soil parameters. The objective will be the evaluation of mutual correlations between FTIR data and selected soil parameters such as elements content, texture, soil fractions, soil quality indicators. Next part will be focused on advanced statistical data analysis enabling soil analysis and soil management.

    Tutor: Kučerík Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  2. Development of techniques for analysis of microplastics in soils

    Nowadays, microplatics are among the most discussed environmental issues. Their analysis is well described for aquatic systems, but analysis in soils is hampered by a strong matrix effect. One of the most promissing approches is use of pyrolysis followed by detection of evolved gases. This work is focused on development of pyrolysis-based analyses for detection of microplastics and rezidues originating from biodegradable plastics.

    Tutor: Kučerík Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  3. Development of techniques for fast assessment of soil quality and properties

    Thermogravimetry appeared as a promising techniques for fast assessment of soil properties and showed a potential to replace currently used techniques. These techniques are often costly and require long experimental time, while thermogravimetry experiments require only several hours. The aim of this work is searching for new relationships between thermo-oxidative stability of soil determined using thermogravimetry and soil chemical properties (pH, content of biogenic elements including P, S and different forms of N, metals including Al and Fe), physical properties (texture and volume density) and biological indicators (microbial biomass, potentially mineralizable N, glomalin and phospholipids contents and microbial emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide). These properties are known as indicators of soil quality, and therefore, the found correlations will be used for development of a complex soil quality index and models for prediction of soil organic carbon stability.

    Tutor: Kučerík Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  4. Efficiency of selected chemical reactions on a membrane reactor

    ) Literature review of chemical reactions taking place on membrane contactors 2) Experiments examining the possibilities of using reactions on membrane contactors on a selected type of reactions in wastewater treatment. 3) Evaluation of kinetics and efficiency of reactions measured on membrane contactor.

    Tutor: Svěrák Tomáš, prof. Ing., CSc.

  5. Efficiency of separation of aqueous pollutants on photocatalytic reactors

    1. Literature review of separation of aqueous pollutants on photocatalytic reactors; 2. Putting into operation pilot photoreactor for selected water pollutants; UV tuning capabilities for photocatalysis; 3. Theoretical analysis of possibilities of formation of chemical substances released during decomposition of given water pollutants 4. Experimental work to verify the presence of emerging substances released by decay of selected pollutants. 5. Experimental work to verify the efficiency of separation of selected aqueous pollutants for a given liquid dispersion; 6. Evaluation of separation efficiency and development of photocatalytic decomposition products of selected pollutants. Odeslat zpětnou vazbu Historie Uloženo Komunita

    Tutor: Svěrák Tomáš, prof. Ing., CSc.

  6. Evaluation of the effects of microplastics (degradable plastics) via ecotoxicity tests

    Recently, plastics are among the most frequently mentioned "pollutants", especially in connection with the aquatic ecosystem. The impacts on biota in this ecosystems are due not only to their chemical composition, but also to the size of fragments. The work will monitor the effect of microplastics and / their degradation products on organisms representing significant trophic levels of ecosystems.

    Tutor: Zlámalová Gargošová Helena, doc. MVDr., Ph.D.

  7. Geochemical analysis of Nb-Ta minerals to determine the origin of strategic raw materials

    The work will be focused on geochemical analysis of Nb-Ta minerals in order to verify their origin and to prevent trading of strategic raw materials originating in potentially conflict areas associated with armed conflicts and smuggling. The geochemical analysis employs laser ablation ICP mass spectrometry and requires dating methodology development and searching for a suitable algorithm distinguishing the sourcing localities.

    Tutor: Vašinová Galiová Michaela, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.

  8. Influence of anthropogenic nanoparticles on soil properties

    Currently, the influence of anthropogenic nanoparticles on soil biota belongs among highly discussed subjects. Our results suggest that nanoparticles influence also abiotic soil constituents such as organic matter and water. In this work, different types and sizes of nanoparticles will be tested for their influence on biotic and abiotic processes.

    Tutor: Kučerík Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  9. Phytotoxicity and phytoremediation of nickel

    Nickel (Ni) is the 24th most common element of the Earth’s crust. Its annual production is about 2 mil. tons with various use in industry. Due to the Ni content in the ores ca. 1 – 2%, it is evident that its processing generates considerable amounts of waste with various residual Ni content. Nickel has also long been known as a carcinogen. The aim of this work is a complex processing of the literature data focused on the toxicity of nickel in plants and their use for phytoremediation of this element. The practical part will be focused on i) study of nickel toxicity using model plant species under hydroponic conditions (influence of salts, pH etc.) and ii) selection of species suitable for phytoremediation of nickel using waste from the former Nickel smelter heaps in the city Sered. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of environmentally harmless additives (biochar, humic substances, exogenous application of endogenous plant substances) on nickel uptake by plants.

    Tutor: Kováčik Jozef

  10. Plant bioindicators – a tool for assessing environmental contamination inorganic pollutants

    This thesis will focus on the use of plant material, which is located in the exposed areas, to the assessment of environmental pollution. The aim will be to develop a detailed literature review current bio-monitoring and environmental contamination by inorganic pollutants. After selection will be performed reliable bioindicators and methods for their use regard to the environmental studies; also will be made "optimization" of their use under laboratory conditions. In conclusion, these techniques will be applied to assess the real state of contamination of the environment, particularly the evaluation and comparison of contamination in large urban areas and rural areas.

    Tutor: Kučerík Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  11. Separation of air mass pollutants

    The work will focus on the technological possibilities of the air quality improving by means of selected pollutants separation. Attention is focused on the work with the currently most painful air quality parameters: -the content of ultrafine airborne particles of dust and aerosols in the air which exceeds mostly very often now -and the contents of certain gaseous contaminants as well. The experimental part of the selected segment separation work will be implemented on a pilot separator size.

    Tutor: Svěrák Tomáš, prof. Ing., CSc.

  12. Soil and biomass analysis as a link between line green vegetation and environmetal pollution

    The study is focused on determination of heavy metal distribution in soils, leaves, fruits and wood originating from traffic. In this context, influence of line green vegetation on contamination level will be assessed.

    Tutor: Kučerík Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  13. Stabilization of newly emerging solid phase disintegration surfaces

    Research of the additive of milling processes with surface-active chemicals which allow to suppress the reaglomeration tendencies of the newly formed particle surfaces that result from the milling processes and thus allow for greater fineness of the milling stock with lower energy demands for the milling processes.

    Tutor: Svěrák Tomáš, prof. Ing., CSc.

  14. Study of compositional variation, element partitioning and zonality of minerals in carbonatites

    The thesis will be focused on determination of trace element content, especially REE, in carbonate, silicate and phosphate minerals of carbonatites. The elemental association and fractionation will be studied using laser ablation ICP mass spectrometry, electron microprobe and Raman spectrometry in order to describe evolutionary process. The work also includes investigation of redistribution and migration of elements of interest in postmagmatic stages of post emplacement evolution.

    Tutor: Vašinová Galiová Michaela, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.

  15. Study of contaminants and nutrition elements in plants and soils using ICP mass spectrometry

    The thesis will be devoted to bulk analysis and distribution of elements considered to be contaminants as well as their interactions with nutritional elements in plant samples using ICP mass spectrometry. The work includes solution analysis as well as sampling of solid samples to trace elemental distribution in specific compartments of plant samples. The suitable quantification procedure will be developed. The outcomes will be supplemented with soil sample analyses.

    Tutor: Vašinová Galiová Michaela, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.

  16. Study of interaction of metallocenes with cells by ICP mass spectrometry

    The work will be focused on solution analysis of cells treated with various organometallic compounds as a new potential anti-cancer therapeutics. Beside SN analysis, in situ single cell analysis will be performed in order to determine the distribution of selected elements and cytotoxicity of compounds. The work will be realized in cooperation with Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute where cells will be treated with cytotoxic drugs as well as specific inhibitors.

    Tutor: Vašinová Galiová Michaela, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.

  17. Study of the impact of fast-growing trees on the environment

    Since 2012, the area of ​​fast-growing trees has been growing rapidly in our country. However, we have been stagnating in recent years. Are SRC plantations economically but especially environmentally perspective form of agricultural production in the Czech Republic? And what is their significance in the creation of landscape character?

    Tutor: Kučerík Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  18. Studying the properties of peat using electrochemical and thermografical methods

    The basic subject of study is all peat phenotypes. Predicted methods used are optimized contact and non-contact analysis of AC / DC signals, magnetic induction and targeted thermographic methods. The aim of the study is to describe some specific properties and specific little biophysical peat behavior. During the course of study, a new measuring device suitable for peat bogs will be developed. It is also supposed to master the method and analytical procedure, which will enable us to determine these specific physical and chemical properties of peat without disturbing biotic compatibility.

    Tutor: Kučerík Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

  19. Toxicity and abundance of organic pollutants in plants

    Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (commonly referred to as PAHs) include hundreds of substances that are typically produced by human activity, including the petrochemical industry, the combustion of fossil fuels, and others. The occurrence, abundance and toxicity, especially for the human population, have been addressed by a number of published data, mainly from countries with high industrial activity. Plants may be useful as indicators of environmental pollution and, on the other hand, as accumulators of pollutants (phytoremediation), but this aspect has not received much attention in the central Europe. The aim of this work is to process literature data on the accumulation of selected types of PAHs in plants. The practical part will be focused i) on laboratory study of toxicity of selected PAHs depending on nutritional conditions, pH etc. and ii) on the field collection of some plant taxa from selected sites for the quantification of major PAHs in order to compare pollution level in an international context.

    Tutor: Kováčik Jozef

  20. Transport of heavy metals and nutrients from biochar to soil and biomass

    The aim of the work is the analysis of the release of heavy metals and nutrients from industrial biochar to soils and further transport to higher plants. the experiments will be conducted in pots and in the field. Several soil types will be tested to shed light on role of dissolved organic matter on the release and transport. In addition, it will be tested the residual amount of elements adsorbed on the biochar.

    Tutor: Kučerík Jiří, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

Course structure diagram with ECTS credits

1. year of study, both semester
AbbreviationTitleL.Cr.Com.Compl.Hr. rangeGr.Op.
DC_MAEcs0CompulsoryDrExP - 14 / S - 12yes
DC_AZEcs0Compulsory-optionalDrExK - 4yes
DC_ETJcs0Compulsory-optionalDrExK - 4yes
DC_METMetrology and experimental data processingcs2Compulsory-optionalDrExK - 4yes
DC_NVDNew trends in water management technologiescs0Compulsory-optionalDrExK - 4yes
DC_ENAAdvanced Environmental Analytical Chemistrycs0Compulsory-optionalDrExK - 4yes
DC_OCHAdvanced Organic Chemistrycs2Compulsory-optionalDrExK - 4yes
DC_TNPcs0Compulsory-optionalDrExK - 4yes