Summary:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of selected conta-minants in sewers produced during sauerkraut fermentation. The samples were collected in three farms located in the Charsznica district (Malopolska province), from biggest producers of sauerkraut on this area. During the experiments BOD5, COD, pH, total suspended matter as well as the concentration of chloride, nitrate and ammonium ions were determined. The obtained results were submitted a de-tailed analysis and were compared with the standard values which are valid for sewers drained to the waters and ground. Allowed limits of BOD5, COD and chlo-ride concentration were exceeded several hundred times in analysed brines after fermentation, it was also found that the samples were characterized by over several or dozen times higher levels of NH4+ i NO3- ions, total suspended matter and pH compare to standard values. Brines obtained after sauerkraut fermentation in the Charsznica district (Malopolska province) cannot be directly treated using biolog-ical methods, but should be earlier diluted and then neutralized.