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Comparison analysis of pro-quality and pro-environmental approaches to products improving in SMEs from the Visegrad Group Countries

Siwiec Dominika, Pacana Andrzej

Zeszyty Naukowe. Organizacja i Zarządzanie / Politechnika Śląska

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2024

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z. 194

461--473

EN

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to perform an in-depth comparative analysis of proquality and pro-environmental approaches to the products improvement in SMEs (belonging to the electrical machinery industry industry) from V4 countries. Design/methodology/approach: An in-depth comparative analysis of pro-quality and proenvironmental approaches to product improvement was carried out in SMEs from V4 countries. Based on previous research (survey research conducted from March to September 2023 including 379 SMEs from V4 countries), two benchmarks for these approaches were developed and further analysed. Statistical analyses were used, i.e. Box-and-whisker chart and Wilcoxon paired test in STATISTICA 13.3. on the level of significance p<0.05. Findings: It was shown that SME entrepreneurs from V4 countries have a relatively similar approach to the improvement of pro-quality and pro-environmental products. The pro-quality approach is more important than pro-environmental in case of product improvement. Practical implications: Research results can be the basis for defining more precise directions for the development of SMEs in V4 countries and increasing cooperation between consortium regions in the development of product production in line with the idea of sustainable development and current customer expectations. Social implications: The results can have a positive impact on public attitudes, mainly entrepreneurs from SMEs, but not only in making further efforts to improve the quality of products while reducing the negative impact on the environment. This behavior may contribute to increased customer satisfaction with purchased products, but also to the development of the economies of the V4 countries and to meeting the requirements of sustainable development. Originality/value: Originality of the research includes determining the current approach of SMEs in the electrical machinery industry in V4 countries to meeting customer expectations regarding product quality, while striving to achieve environmentally friendly products.

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Qualitative-environmental aspects of products improvement in SMEs from V4 countries

Siwiec Dominika, Pacana Andrzej, Gavurová Beáta, Ključnikov Aleksandr, Nagy Szabolcs

Production Engineering Archives

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2024

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Vol. 30, Iss. 1

75--85

EN

Sustainable development has caused companies to try to adapt their activities to changing customer expectations, but also to climate change. This poses a particular challenge for SMEs from developing countries. Therefore, the objective of the investigation was to analyse the qualitative-environmental aspects of the improvement of the products in SMEs from the countries of the Visegrad Group (V4). The results analysed constituted a research sample of 379 companies in the electrical machinery industry (machine processing industry), which were obtained in the period from March to September 2023 through a targeted survey. The area of analysis included, e.g.: (i) environmental issues of selected areas of activity, (ii) measures of environmental activity, and (iii) selected qualitative-environmental aspects. Analyses of the research results were carried out using quantitative and qualitative analyses, including comparative analyses, e.g. regarding the implementation status of ISO 14001, EMAS, and ISO 9001. These techniques were used: word cloud, ANOVA test and Mann Whitney U test at the significance level of α=0.05. It has been shown that SMEs in V4 countries focus their activities on improving products to improve their quality rather than limiting their negative environmental impact. Originality of the research is the identification of significant differences in the qualitative-environmental aspects undertaken when SMEs from V4 countries. Research results may contribute to the development activities more effective and coherent in the V4 countries, to achieve a stable and competitive advantage on the market as part of the qualitative and environmental improvement of the products. The research results and the conclusions drawn from them can be used by scientists and practitioners to shape the target states of enterprises in the period of increasing involvement in proecological ideas.

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Wytwórnie mas mineralno-bitumicznych

Stawowiak Michał

Magazyn Autostrady

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2024

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Nr 3

54--55

PL

Artykuł omawia proces produkcji masy bitumicznej w wytwórniach mas mineralno-bitumicznych. Opisuje znaczenie tej masy w kontekście budowy i modernizacji dróg oraz przedstawia jej proces produkcji. Autor analizuje też aspekty technologiczne i ekologiczne produkcji masy bitumicznej, skupiając się na wykorzystaniu mikroprocesorów, systemów sterujących oraz filtrów o wysokiej skuteczności w celu minimalizacji negatywnego wpływu na środowisko.

EN

The article discusses the production process of bituminous mass in mineral-bituminous mass plants. The importance of the mass in the context of road construction and modernisation is described and its production process is presented. The author also analyses the technological and ecological aspects of bituminous mass production, focusing on the use of microprocessors, control systems and high-efficiency filters to minimise negative impact on the environment.

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Incidence of the Leachates from the Quevedo Emerging Cell on the Water Quality of the Limón Stream, San Cristóbal Parish, Quevedo Canton

Guime Baldión Karla Yanick, Mendoza Cedeño Laura Gema

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2024

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Vol. 25, nr 1

65--73

EN

The present study aimed to assess the impact of leachates from the emerging cell on the water quality of the Limón stream in Ecuador. Five sampling points were selected as references using the NTE INEN 2176:2013 standard. Subsequently, these samples were analyzed in a laboratory using the standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater for the respective physicochemical analysis. The analysis results were compared with the Unified Text of Secondary Legislation of the Ministry of the Environment, and the water quality index (WQI) was determined according to the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF). Additionally, an environmental diagnosis was conducted based on the cause-effect matrix by Leopold to propose a strategy for the restoration and ecological recovery of the affected components. According to the obtained results, the sampling points closer to the leachate discharge showed high concentrations of dissolved oxygen, iron, fecal coliforms, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS), which exceeded the maximum permissible limits according to legislation. This resulted in a “fair” water quality index classification according to the WQI classification. These findings highlight the importance of considering and assessing the environmental impacts. A total of 24 impacts were identified on physical, biotic, and anthropic components, with 4.76% being highly significant, 42.86% significant, and 52.38% negligible. In conclusion, the results indicate a scenario of environmental deterioration at the leachate discharge stations, urging the urgent implementation of corrective measures to address the detected high contamination.

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Broiler production from the perspective of emergy analysis - environmental impact scenarios

Kuczuk Anna, Pospolita Janusz

Economics and Environment

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2024

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no. 1

art. no. 751

EN

Poultry meat consumption is a significant element in Poland's overall food consumption. Economic considerations mean that both nationally and globally, conventional intensive rearing dominates. Nevertheless, environmental and health aspects or the will to treat animals humanely make pro-environmental rearing systems increasingly common. The purpose of this article is an environmental analysis of an example farm engaged in intensive rearing of slaughtered poultry (so-called baseline production). For the analysed production, the following scenarios of changes were proposed: (a) conventional rearing based on the use of own fodder, and (b) organic rearing using free range and own organic fodder. An emergy approach was applied in this analysis. Comparison of different production systems using emergy analysis made it possible to show the scale of environmental resource commitment for baseline and scenario-based productions, and to determine the amount of renewable and non-renewable emergy consumed per unit of production. Through the use of selected emergy indicators, e.g.: Environmental Loading Ratio (ELR), Emergy Yield Ratio (EYR), the environmental impact for each case was determined. For the ecological system scenario, the need to change production parameters (stocking rate, maximum poultry house area, free range) was taken into account. The results of the emergy-based indicators showed that the baseline production places the greatest burden on the environment and is the least sustainable. The organic system is the opposite; however, due to production limitations and the lower production efficiency achieved, it may not be economically viable to orient a farm exclusively to the organic system. In an environmental assessment, the information obtained can provide valuable guidance to agricultural producers. They can help make informed decisions on natural resource management to achieve environmental security. The results are also important for political decision-makers in creating policies for more sustainable agricultural production. The results obtained are discussed, pointing out the importance of the analysis used mainly from an environmental point of view.

PL

Spożycie mięsa drobiowego stanowi istotny element ogólnego spożycia żywności w Polsce. Względy ekonomiczne powodują, że zarówno w kraju, jak i na świecie dominuje konwencjonalny chów intensywny. Niemniej jednak środowiskowe i zdrowotne aspekty oraz chęć humanitarnego traktowania zwierząt sprawiają, że proekologiczne systemy chowu stają się coraz powszechniejsze. Celem artykułu jest analiza środowiskowa przykładowego gospodarstwa prowadzącego intensywny chów drobiu rzeźnego (tzw. produkcja bazowa). Dla tej produkcji zaproponowano scenariusze zmian: (a) chów konwencjonalny oparty o wykorzystanie pasz własnych oraz (b) chów ekologiczny z wykorzystaniem dostępu do wolnego wybiegu i własnej paszy organicznej. W analizie zastosowano podejście emergetyczne. Porównanie różnych systemów produkcyjnych za pomocą analizy emergetycznej umożliwiło pokazanie skali zaangażowania zasobów środowiska w produkcji bazowej i scenariuszach oraz określenie ilości emergii odnawialnej i nieodnawialnej zużywanej na jednostkę produkcji. Poprzez wykorzystanie wybranych wskaźników emergetycznych, np.: Environmental Loading Ratio (ELR), Emergy Yield Ratio (EYR), określono wpływ na środowisko dla każdego scenariusza produkcji. W scenariuszu systemu ekologicznego wzięto pod uwagę konieczność zmiany parametrów produkcji (obsada, maksymalna powierzchnia kurnika, wybieg). Wyniki wskaźników pokazują, że produkcja bazowa stanowi największe obciążenie dla środowiska i jest najmniej zrównoważona. System ekologiczny – odwrotnie, jednakże ze względu na ograniczenia produkcyjne i niższą osiągniętą efektywność produkcji, zorientowanie gospodarstwa wyłącznie na system ekologiczny może nie być ekonomicznie opłacalne. Uzyskane informacje mogą stanowić cenne wskazówki dla producentów rolnych. Mogą pomóc w podejmowaniu świadomych decyzji dotyczących zarządzania zasobami naturalnymi, aby osią-gać bezpieczeństwo środowiskowe. Wyniki analizy są również ważne dla decydentów politycznych przy tworzeniu polityk na rzecz bardziej zrównoważonej produkcji rolnej. Otrzymane wyniki omówiono, wskazując na wagę analizy stosowanej głównie z punktu widzenia ochrony środowiska.

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Geochemistry of the Heavy Metals in the Tansrift Mine (Atlas of Beni Mellal, Morocco) – A Pollution Assessment

Ouahzizi Youssef, Charroud Mohamed, Ali Abdelkhiar Ait, Choukrad Jaouad, El Azzab Driss

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2024

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Vol. 25, iss. 3

253--263

EN

The Tansrift mine is an open-pit exploitation mine that mines copper substances. It is located on the southwestern flank of the Beni Mellal Atlas, 9 km Northeast of Ouaouizaght village. The mining activity delivered about 650 000 t of 1.5% Cu, with an estimated reserve of 1 Mt to 1.32% Cu. In this study, seven hazardous heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, and Ni) have been studied in the tailing and exploitation of the Tansrift mining district. The geochemical analysis contents of the metals were measured in the samples collected from this area. In addition, the pollution indexes, including the geo-accumulation index, the enrichment factor, the contamination factor, and the pollution load index, were used to assess pollution levels caused by those heavy metals. The Igeo index revealed a high to extreme copper contamination with a value above 4. As for the contamination factor, extreme and moderate contamination is shown by the copper and chrome in the totality of the exploitation and tailing areas. Moreover, the pollution load index shows very high pollution in all samples. The climatic conditions are also affecting the pollution of the atmosphere by contaminated dust and the water table and watershed by the contamination from the tailings and mineralized structures.

7

Qualitative-environmental actions expected by SMEs from V4 countries to improve products

Siwiec Dominika, Varga Krisztina, Pacana Andrzej

System Safety : Human - Technical Facility - Environment

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2023

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Vol. 5, iss. 1

28--35

EN

Sustainable development encourages companies to anticipate actions that will help reduce their negative impact on the environment, but will also be beneficial to customers in terms of meeting their expectations. Hence, the purpose was to define the actions that can be expected from SMEs from the V4 countries when improving products and minimizing the negative impact on the natural environment. The research tool was a survey, the presented results of which were obtained from March to September 2023. They included 379 SMEs from the Visegrad Group countries, i.e. Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. The results were analyzed using statistical tests performed in STATISTICA 13.3. For this purpose, the ANOVA test (repeated measurement designs) and the Mann Whitney U test were used to analyze statistically significant differences between the test results. Analyzes were performed at the significance level of α=0.05. The analysis showed that entrepreneurs from the V4 countries expect relatively different actions from SMEs when improving products and minimizing the negative impact on the natural environment. The results from the analysis may be useful in planning sustainable activities in SMEs from the V4 countries, so that these activities contribute to improving the quality of products and at the same time minimizing the negative environmental impact.

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Jak działają najnowsze kolejowe systemy ochrony dzikich zwierząt

Stolarski Marek

Przegląd Komunikacyjny

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2023

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R. 78, nr 6/7/8

60--62

PL

Aby skutecznie ostrzegać dzikie zwierzęta przed niebezpieczeństwem, jakim jest szybko jadący pociąg, konieczna jest wiedza z zakresu etologii, czyli wiedza o naturalnych zachowaniach zwierząt. Znajomość funkcjonowania zmysłów zwierząt oraz instynktów, które kierują ich zachowaniem, pozwala na dobór takich bodźców, który będzie rozumiany jako ostrzeżenie o nadciągającym niebezpieczeństwie i skłoni zwierzęta do odsunięcia się od torów. W ten sposób działa opracowany w Polsce akustyczny system ochrony zwierząt na torach kolejowych.

EN

In order to effectively warn wild animals against the danger of a fast moving train, knowledge on ethology is necessary, i.e. on the natural behaviour of animals. Knowing how the senses of animals function and the instincts that guide their behaviour allows for the selection of such stimuli, which will be understood as a warning of impending danger and provoke the animals to move away from the tracks. This is how the acoustic system for the protection of animals on railway tracks, developed in Poland, works.

9

Dzikie zwierzęta na torach kolejowych – dlaczego dochodzi do wypadków?

Żyłkowska Joanna

Przegląd Komunikacyjny

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2023

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R. 78, nr 3

26--28

PL

Linie kolejowe stanowią stały element siedlisk dzikich zwierząt i zwykle nie mają dużego wpływu na ich funkcjonowanie w naturalnym środowisku. Czasem jednak, gdy zwierzę znajdzie się na torach podczas przejazdu pociągu, stanowią śmiertelne niebezpieczeństwo. W artykule przedstawiono przyczyny kolizji pociągów z dzikimi zwierzętami wynikające z tego, jak funkcjonują zmysły i psychika zwierząt i jak postrzegają one linie kolejowe.

EN

Railway lines are a permanent element of wildlife habitats and usually do not have a large impact on animals functioning in their natural environment. Sometimes, however, when an animal finds itself on the tracks while a train passes, they pose a deadly danger. The article presents the causes of wild animal – train collisions resulting from how the senses and psyche of animals function and how they perceive railway lines.

10

Hybrydowy model pracy biurowej i jej potencjalny wpływ na środowisko

Taczalska-Ryniak Anna

Przegląd Budowlany

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2023

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R. 94, nr 5-6

134--138

PL

Tematem opracowania jest analiza potencjalnego wpływu powszechnej implementacji hybrydowego modelu pracy biurowej na środowisko naturalne. Obejmuje ona między innymi symulacje oszczędności zużycia energii i paliw, a także potencjalnego wstrzymania realizacji nowych obiektów biurowych, pod warunkiem wprowadzenia w Polsce powszechnego systemu pracy hybrydowej dla pracowników sektora usług.

EN

The subject of this study is an analysis of the potential environmental impact of the widespread implementation of a hybrid office working model. It includes, among other things, simulations of energy and fuel consumption savings, as well as the potential halt in the construction of new office buildings, conditional on the introduction of a universal hybrid working system for service sector employees in Poland.

11

Framework for Increasing Eco-efficiency in the Tofu Production Process: Circular Economy Approach

Hartini Sri, Azzahra Faradhina, Purwaningsih Ratna, Ramadan Bimastyaji Surya, Sari Diana Puspita

Production Engineering Archives

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2023

|

Vol. 29, Iss. 4

452-460

EN

This research aims to design recommendations for improving the tofu production process in Sugihmanik Village. Over 30 tofu small medium enterprises (SMEs) generate solid and liquid waste, which pollutes the river. An eco-efficiency strategy was implemented and began by identifying the tofu production process. The life cycle assessment (LCA) method and the SimaPro software were used to calculate eco-cost and eco-efficiency levels. Based on the calculations, the eco-cost value per batch is USD 10.76. If 30 batches are produced daily, the eco-cost value in one of the tofu SMEs is USD 9.10. Tofu production has an eco-efficiency index (EEI) value of 0.12. This value shows that tofu products are only affordable but have yet to be sustainable. The researchers then recommend using biogas from wastewater treatment to replace rice husks and corncobs. This study also develops a circular economy framework in the tofu production system. The output is expected to suppress the discharge of water and solid waste to increase the EEI value of the tofu production process in the future.

12

Skala transportu zwierząt gospodarskich w Unii Europejskiej

Topczewska Jadwiga, Krupa Wanda, Sokołowicz Zofia, Ormian Małgorzata

Polish Journal for Sustainable Development

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2023

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T. 27, cz. 1

65--70

PL

Polityka rolna oraz opłacalność produkcji sprzyjają przemieszczaniu zwierząt przeznaczanych nie tylko do uboju, ale także do tuczu czy opasu. Najwięksi producenci realizują przewozy zwierząt zarówno w obrocie wewnątrzunijnym, jak i do krajów trzecich. Transport zwierząt, szczególnie długodystansowy, wiąże się ze znacznymi kosztami środowiskowymi. Natomiast transport tusz czy mięsa jest bardziej korzystny z punktu widzenia jego wpływu na środowisko i zmiany klimatyczne. Wydaje się, że zmiany w tym obszarze mogą być przyspieszone presją wynikającą z wyborów konsumenckich.

EN

Agricultural policy and the profitability of production are conducive to the movement of animals not only for slaughter, but also for pig fattening or cattle fattening. The largest producers transport animals both in intra-EU trade and to third countries. Transporting animals, especially over long distances, involves significant environmental costs. In contrast, the transport of carcasses or meat is more beneficial in terms of its impact on the environment and climate change. It appears that changes in this area may be accelerated by pressure from consumer choices.

13

Środowiskowe aspekty prowadzenia działalności w odkrywkowych zakładach górniczych. Problemy wybrane – rekultywacja, sukcesja, kompensacja, cz. I

Naworyta Wojciech

Kruszywa : produkcja - transport - zastosowanie

|

2023

|

Nr 3

36--39

PL

W artykule poruszono tylko nie - które obszary wpływu górnictwa na środowisko i sposoby jego ogra - niczania. Z racji profilu wydawnic - twa autor ograniczył się do kopalń surowców skalnych. Skupił się na zmianach, jakie w okresie kilku dekad dokonały się w podejściu do rekultywacji terenów poeksplo - atacyjnych, szczególnie w kontek - ście wspierania bioróżnorodności i ochrony gatunków zagrożonych.

EN

The article addresses only some areas of the impact of mining on the environment and methods of its reduction. Due to the profile of the publication, the subjects matter is limited to rock mines. The paper is focused on the changes that have taken place over several decades in the approach to the reclamation of post-mining areas, especially in the context of supporting biodiversity and protecting endangered species.

14

Środowiskowe aspekty prowadzenia działalności w odkrywkowych zakładach górniczych. Problemy wybrane – rekultywacja, sukcesja, kompensacja, cz. II

Naworyta Wojciech

Kruszywa : produkcja - transport - zastosowanie

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2023

|

Nr 4

46--51

PL

W artykule poruszono tylko niektóre obszary wpływu górnictwa na środowisko i sposoby jego ograniczania. Z racji profilu wydawnictwa autor ograniczył się do kopalń surowców skalnych. Skupił się na zmianach, jakie w okresie kilku dekad dokonały się w podejściu do rekultywacji terenów poeksploatacyjnych, szczególnie w kontekście wspierania bioróżnorodności i ochrony gatunków zagrożonych.

EN

The article addresses only some areas of the impact of mining on the environment and methods of its reduction. Due to the profile of the publication, the subjects matter is limited to rock mines. The paper is focused on the changes that have taken place over several decades in the approach to the reclamation of post-mining areas, especially in the context of supporting biodiversity and protecting endangered species.

15

Assessing the impact of expressway construction and operations on groundwater intake

Łukańko Łukasz, Macuda Jan

Journal of Geotechnology and Energy

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2023

|

Vol. 40, no. 3

5--12

EN

Expressways represent significant public investments contributing to the socio-economic development of a country. However, their construction and operations exert detrimental effects stemming from the road surface onto the adjacent groundwater environment. To mitigate these adverse environmental consequences, extant legal restrictions are factored in during the expressway design phase, accompanied by the implementation of modern technical and organizational solutions. As a pivotal legal instrument, the environmental impact assessment is mandated in the procedural framework for obtaining approval on environmental conditions during expressway construction. The precision in evaluating the negative impact of an expressway on distinct environmental elements hinges on the depth of the assessment, influencing the nature and extent of planned protective measures. In many instances, supplementary environmental risk assessments are conducted to bolster the investment process. This study aims at discerning the specific impact of expressway construction on nearby groundwater intake. To achieve this, an exhaustive assessment of contaminant migration times from the land surface to the aquifer and within the aquifer itself was executed. Subsequently, a proposal for aquifer monitoring was formulated based on the findings to enable the early detection of potential shifts in groundwater quality, facilitating timely preventive interventions.

16

Water and Waste Assessment, Implications for Sustainable Production in Brewery Birra Peja

Pehlivani Kastriot, Elshani Arsim, Loshi Indrit, Zhara Afrore

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, iss. 5

148--153

EN

Water scarcity and waste disposal become increasingly critical issues in many parts of the world, so it is important to analyze their impact on sustainable production practices. Brewery Birra Peja produces an impressive quantity of beverages each year, including 50 000 000 liters of beer, 2 100 000 liters of non-carbonated juices, and 800 000 liters of carbonated juices. However, this production process also generates a significant amount of water waste, with 485 120 000 liters of raw water being used in the process. The management of this water waste is an important environmental issue that the brewery needs to address to reduce its impact on the environment and ensure sustainable production in the future. Birra Peja could implement various strategies to reduce water waste, such as investing in more efficient production processes and equipment, reusing water in the production cycle, and treating wastewater before discharging it into the environment. Additionally, could explore the use of alternative sources of water, such as rainwater harvesting or recycled water, to further reduce their impact on the environment. The paper identifies the potential economic, social, and environmental implications of poor water and waste management in production processes. Finally, the paper proposes strategies for addressing these issues, such as improving resource efficiency, implementing circular economy principles, and adopting innovative technologies. Also taking steps towards sustainability and responsible water management can enhance the company’s reputation and increase its appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Overall, while Birra Peja’s production output is impressive, it’s essential to address the issue of water waste to ensure the sustainability of their operations and minimize their impact on the environment.

17

Review on Toxicity and Removal of Pharmaceutical Pollutants Using Immobilised Microalgae

Obaid Zahraa Hussein, Salman Jasim Mohammed, Kadhim Nuha F.

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, iss. 6

44--60

EN

In recent years, global pharmaceutical consumption has increased, resulting in the increased release into the environment and endangering the entire ecosystem. These pharmaceuticals have attracted considerable attention due to their persistence, toxicity, and the appearance of resistance genes and development antibiotic-resistance bacteria. Furthermore, conventional wastewater treatment plants are ineffective in treating antibiotic-contaminated wastewater. Thus, algae-based technologies are sustainable, low-cost, and friendly to the environment. In this context, immobilization appears to be of particular interest to many researchers as they develop new, efficient, greener strategies for the elimination of toxic and hazardous pollutants. provide a critical overview of algal immobilization-based technologies, and a biotechnological tool that restricts cell movement by confining it within a polymer matrix or attaching it to a rigid support is a promising, and cost-effective alternative that does not necessitate the use of additional chemicals. This paper presents strategies for the systematic removal of pharmaceuticals based on algae immobilization techniques as an economical, effective, and feasible alternative technology for removing pharmaceuticals and environmental concerns from water bodies and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of these techniques.

18

Environmental Impacts of the Solar Photovoltaic Systems in the Context of Globalization

Abid Mohammed Kadhem, Kumar M. Vinay, Raj V. Arun, Dhas M. Davidson Kamala

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, iss. 2

231--240

EN

Solar photovoltaics systems (PV) deliver substantial benefits to the environmental when compared with the conventional energy sources, hence supporting to the human activities ecological benefits with sustainable development. To maintain the quality of the environment at the same time, technological innovations are very much essential to cater the needs of more electrical power according to the demand, decreasing carbon emission by replacing the carbon releasing fossil fuels with the renewable energy. Installation of such facilities require lakhs acres of land globally and thus leads to number of various ecological issues. This paper presents the insight to various environmental issues. Some of the issues are with respect to land, health of human beings, animals, plant lives and environment are presented in this paper. In terms of numbers, the area of land required for a PV system is less or same per kWh power generated, when compared with a thermal power station. Deforestation for installation of solar PV systems is one of the major drawback as it leads to enormous environmental impacts. This paper analyses effects on the environment due to the usage of solar PV systems like, at the time of construction, installation and also at the time of destruction, sound and visual incursions, air, water and soil pollution, emission of greenhouse gases, effects on archaeological sites accidents to unskilled labor, and various socio-economic impacts. Subsequently, reduction in greenhouse effect, carbon footprints, global warming, ozone layer depletion, climate change and acid rains are some of the positive impacts during transition to green energy, i.e., usage of fuels from fossil fuels to solar energy at regional level, national level and global level. This paper outlines the pros and cons, positive and negative environmental impacts, by using solar PV systems to generate electrical power.

19

Environmental assessment of solar cell materials

Klugmann-Radziemska Ewa

Ecological Chemistry and Engineering. S

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2023

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Vol. 30, nr 1

23--35

EN

In today’s world, fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas, are the primary energy sources from which electricity is obtained. As they are exhaustible and their exploitation has a negative impact on the natural environment, they should be, at least partially, replaced by renewable energy sources. The implementation of this goal depends on a number of factors, including social and political, the existence of investment support programmes, and the need to lower electricity prices and ensuring energy security. One of these sources is solar energy. Each year, the Earth receives around 1 ∙ 1018 kWh of solar energy, which is more than 1000 times the current global energy demand. This is therefore a vast source of energy that can be tapped to satisfy human energy requirements. The use of solar energy releases no CO2, SO2, or NO2 gases, and does not contribute to global warming. Photovoltaics is one of the technologies that makes it possible to generate electricity in an environmentally friendly manner. By using the energy of solar radiation, a photovoltaic cell converts energy without emitting harmful substances to the atmosphere, noise, and waste. Photovoltaics is the cleanest technology among all the technologies that use renewable energy. Considering the shorter and shorter times needed to generate energy equal to that required by the module production process, during its lifetime it will produce much more electricity than was used to produce it. This results in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. For example, during its lifetime, a 200 Wp module prevents the emission of over four tonnes (Mg = 106 g) of carbon dioxide. Although the technologies for the production of photovoltaic cells and modules entail a lower environmental burden compared to other sources of electricity, it is necessary to remember about the risks associated with the use of chemicals at the stage of module production, which threatens their release to groundwater or air, and the need to recycle modules after their disassembly. Also, the energy consumption in the production phase of PV systems significantly worsens the ecological balance. This article presents an analysis of the impact of the materials and technologies used on the result of the environmental analysis of PV installations. In the article a detailed energy balance analysis of the EPBT value has been carried out. The values of greenhouse gas emissions throughout the life cycle of the solar module were determined. Methods of limiting the impact of photovoltaic technologies on the natural environment were indicated.

20

Estimating the Size of a Crater after an Underwater Explosion

Kiciński Radosław

Advances in Science and Technology. Research Journal

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2023

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Vol. 17, no 5

187--194

EN

There have been terrorist attacks in the Baltic region that used explosives to destroy underwater infrastructure, including the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines. Data from the Danish National Seismic Network indicate that two explosions occurred on 26 Sept 2022, causing gas leaks from pipelines. While examining the data from 26 Sept, two disturbing events were observed in the Baltic Sea, which caused tremors of magnitude 2.3 and 2.1 on the Richter scale. Both events had high wave energy, indicating an explosion, not an earthquake. Based on the above data, it was decided to analyze the potential effects of underwater explosions in the area of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. From the point of view of ecology, the volume of material torn up from the bottom is essential. For this purpose, empirical formulas for explosions on land were used, and then the crater's size was estimated per the physics of the underwater explosion phenomenon. Calculations indicate that the explosion of 750 kg of TNT will raise about 20 m3 of the bottom volume into the water column. Because of the explosion, a gas bubble will form directly at the bottom, and it will suck the sand and the impurities contained in it and particles of dead organisms, bringing them to the surface and dispersing them in the water column. These attacks pose a severe environmental and safety risk as gas leaks from pipelines can cause harmful effects on marine ecosystems and people. It also violates international law and international agreements, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment in the Baltic Sea Region.