In agricultural areas, afforestation SYSTEMS – including mid-field, roadside, and waterside woodlots – when systematically introduced and continuously maintained, offer numerous benefits to both people and the environment. These benefits encompass biological-ecological, technical, aesthetic, and social functions that are closely interrelated. One of the additional but crucial functions is fire protection, especially in treeless fields and densely built-up villages (residential and agricultural ones). The role of trees as natural fire barriers has been recognized for centuries. This practice has been widely used in forestry and traditionally around houses and farmsteads as protection against lightning strikes and the spread of fire. Protective shelterbelts have also been established along railway tracks, roads, and around industrial zones, where the risk of fire outbreak is high. Long-term research and observations by the authors indicate that, in contrast to other European countries, Poland is experiencing a gradual degradation of existing shelterbelts, with insufficient supplementation and expansion of these structures.
This article presents a study of the relationship between power and torque for a small spark-ignition outboard engine depending on the fuel used. The fuels considered here were gasoline with an octane number of 95, bioethanol in pure form, and mixtures of both fuels. Also studied were selected components of the exhaust gas generated during operation of the engine for each fuel. The results showed a decrease in the power and torque with an increase in the bioethanol content of the fuel, thus confirming the possibility of using both a bioethanol additive and bioethanol itself as a fuel to power the engine. The findings of the study clearly indicate that the use of an additive in the form of plant-based fuel significantly affects the reduction of emissions of harmful substances into the environment, for example reducing CO emissions by 67%, and HC by 56%. However, without design changes to the power systems, the reduction in emissions is achieved at the cost of a drop in power of more than 30%. This topic is currently important due to the tightening of regulations on emissions and recent research and implementation by engine manufacturers related to the development of electric propulsion systems, particularly for smaller vessels. However, restrictions on their applicability result in a continued need to use internal combustion engines.
Urbanization significantly contributes to environmental changes, increasing carbon emissions, and resource consumption. This study quantifies the carbon footprints (CFs) and biocapacities (BCs) of urban settlements in Poland by focusing on household consumption levels in 18 regional cities. The research assesses CF in categories like waste generation, energy use, mobility, and food consumption, converting it into global hectares [gha] in order to measure the environmental impact. BC is evaluated by land use types in order to understand urban sustainability. The results showed considerable disparities, with Warsaw having the highest level CF and Zielona Góra the lowest. Mobility, electricity, and food contributed more than 80% of the total CF in our study. All of the cities exhibited ecological deficits, with CF levels exceeding those of BC; this indicated unsustainable resource use. Warsaw, for example, required more than 28 times its BC to support its consumption patterns. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions in transportation, energy efficiency, and public awareness in order to reduce urban environmental impacts. Local governments must prioritize sustainability efforts – especially in high-impact sectors. The research highlights the importance of urban planning strategies that align with sustainability goals in order to achieve a long-term ecological balance and resilience against climate change, thus offering insights that could guide policy development beyond Poland.
The main aim of the study was to compare two technologies of diesel engine piston manufacturing. Additionally, a simplified analysis was also made for the operation stage. The environmental impact was determined using a life cycle assessment. The research was conducted in four phases: goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment and interpretation. From the perspective of production itself, the aluminium pistons have been revealed to be a better option. However, differing emission characteristics and lower impact while in operation have compensated for the differences resulting from production and equalised the environmental impact of both solutions. Despite less environmentally friendly production, the fact that steel pistons are used in newer generations of engines means that, in terms of the two analysed life cycle stages, both solutions are environmentally comparable. The environmental hot spots of the production processes turned out to be different, although in both cases, they are associated with energy consumption. The research is of an applied nature with reference to real production processes and with highlights of the importance of factoring in the perspective of life cycle.
PL
Celem badań było porównanie oddziaływania na środowisko dwóch technologii produkcji tłoków przeznaczonych do silników wysokoprężnych. Wpływ na środowisko określono przy użyciu środowiskowej oceny cyklu życia. Badanie zrealizowano w czterech fazach: określenie celu i zakresu, analiza zbioru wejść i wyjść, ocena wpływu cyklu życia i interpretacja. Z punktu widzenia etapu produkcji, wytwarzanie tłoków aluminiowych okazało się lepszą środowiskowo opcją. Jednakże odmienne parametry emisyjne silników i mniejsze oddziaływania podczas użytkowania skompensowały różnice wynikające z produkcji i zrównały oddziaływanie obu alternatyw. Mimo mniej przyjaznego środowiskowo wytwarzania, fakt wykorzystywania tłoków stalowych w nowszej generacji silników powoduje, że w perspektywie dwóch analizowanych etapów cyklu życia oba rozwiązania są porównywalne. Środowiskowe punkty krytyczne obu procesów produkcyjnych okazały się różne, mimo, że w obu przypadkach ostatecznie wiążą się one z energochłonnością. Wartością badań jest ich walor aplikacyjny i odniesienie do rzeczywistych procesów produkcyjnych. Analiza uwidoczniła istotne znaczenie uwzględnienia perspektywy cyklu życia podczas oceny procesów technologicznych.
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.
A significant spillage of oil-derived cargo or fuel in the port areas causes serious threats to the natural environment and to the ship traffic. Hydrometeorological conditions and the availability of means to limit such spillage have a significant influence on the way the oil spill propagates. In the article, the authors presented a simulation of the distribution of oil spills taking place in Port Polnocny in various hydrometeorological conditions and the impact of the spill on areas located near the port. For simulation process was used GNOME an interactive environmental simulation system designed for the rapid modelling of pollutant trajectories in the marine environment.
This paper delves into the evolving landscape of the aviation industry, focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) as a potential solution to mitigate the environmental impact of air transport. With the aviation sector playing a pivotal role in global connectivity, its growth is shadowed by significant environmental challenges, notably high levels of carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases. Traditional aviation fuels, largely based on petroleum, are the primary contributors to these emissions, presenting a clear imperative for alternative solutions. This study explores the viability and environmental benefits of SAFs, produced from diverse renewable sources such as biomass, agricultural waste, and solar energy, which can seamlessly integrate into existing aviation infrastructure. The research highlights the technical, economic, and regulatory challenges in transitioning to SAFs while emphasizing their potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions without necessitating major modifications to aircraft technologies. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of current technologies, production methods, and the market viability of SAFs, including their economic implications in the context of fluctuating oil prices and the industry's drive towards carbon neutrality. By examining the lifecycle emissions and sustainability of various SAFs, this paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on reducing the aviation sector's carbon footprint and enhancing its sustainability profile.
The paper deals with individual possibilities for energy savings and the use of chemicals in the production of automotive components. Specifically, it focuses on operating an aluminium foundry where shape-complex castings such as engine blocks and gear and clutch housings are produced using high-pressure die-casting technology. Regarding the production process, foundry operations are characterized by high energy consumption and high wastewater production. On the other hand, there is also a great potential for introducing various innovations and seeking savings. This paper aims to present selected innovative solutions throughout the foundry operation and assess their benefits in energy consumption savings, reduced wastewater production, and chemicals usage. The impact of the presented savings is financial in terms of the production of components and environmental in terms of CO2 production.
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.
In recent decades, the concept of sustainable development has become increasingly widespread since the United Nations Convention on Climate Change was adopted. However, it is also being overused, imitated, politicized, or even ignored. This study analyzes the current conditions and long-term consequences of the European energy transition and discusses the limitations and true economic and environmental implications of implementing energy sustainability. The paper is aimed at forming an understanding of the current environmental conditions and challenges associated with the economic, financial, and environmental consequences of introducing renewables in Europe. Research has revealed that renewables, while cleaner energy sources are not necessarily sustainable as initially suspected. There are various implications and limitations, that is: an initial carbon footprint, land footprint, recycling issues, harmful impacts on wildlife and humans, moreover the efficiency and economic implications when transitioning to a net zero. As a result, it is concluded that the basic principles of the energy transition are to be introduced and considered for it to become indeed sustainable. It is also concluded that when introducing or improving an energy model, it is crucial to consider the country's initial energy and resource base. Nuclear energy should not be disregarded and should considered to be a clean energy source, as well as a safe one, particularly in the context of national security, which is heavily dependent on energy transition.
PL
W ostatnich dziesięcioleciach koncepcja zrównoważonego rozwoju stała się coraz bardziej powszechna, szczególnie od czasu przyjęcia Konwencji ONZw sprawie zmian klimatycznych. Jednak jest on również nadużywany, upolityczniany, a nawet ignorowany.W niniejszym badaniu przeanalizowano obecne warunki i długoterminowe konsekwencje europejskiej transformacji energetycznej oraz omówiono ograniczenia oraz prawdziwe implikacje gospodarcze i środowiskowe wdrożenia zrównoważonego rozwoju energetycznego. Celem artykułu jest zrozumienie obecnych warunków środowiskowych i wyzwań związanych z ekonomicznymi, finansowymi i środowiskowymi konsekwencjami wprowadzenia odnawialnych źródeł energii w Europie.Badania wykazały, że odnawialne źródła energii, choć czystsze, niekoniecznie są zrównoważone. Istnieją różne implikacje i ograniczenia, tj.: początkowy ślad węglowy, ślad gruntowy, problemy z recyklingiem, szkodliwy wpływ na dziką przyrodę i ludzi, a ponadto problem efektywności i skutków ekonomicznych w przypadku przejścia na zero netto. Należy rozważyć i wprowadzić podstawowe zasady transformacji energetycznej, aby była ona rzeczywiście zrównoważona. Stwierdzono, że wprowadzając lub udoskonalając model energetyczny, należy wziąć pod uwagę wyjściową bazę energetyczno-zasobową danego kraju. Nie powinno się przy tym lekceważyć energetyki jądrowej, którą należy postrzegać jako źródło czystej, a zarazem bezpiecznej energii, szczególnie w kontekście narodowego bezpieczeństwa energetycznego, które jest w dużym stopniu uzależnione od transformacji energetycznej.
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W pracy zaprezentowano wykorzystanie zdjęć wykonanych przez drony do oceny wpływu działalności bobra europejskiego Castor fiber na ekosystemy Poleskiego Parku Narodowego (PPN). Badania potwierdzają ścisły związek obecności bobrów na tym terenie z wielkością powierzchni lustra wody, co oznacza pozytywny wpływ działalności bobrów na retencję zlewni. Dzięki obecności i działalności tych zwierząt drastyczny spadek poziomu wód powierzchniowych, spowodowany suszą meteorologiczną, nie spowodował suszy glebowej. Może o tym świadczyć wzrost powierzchni roślin zielnych w okresie jesiennym na terenach, na których wykazano całkowity spadek lustra wody. Wraz ze wzrostem powierzchni i liczby żeremi spadała powierzchnia zajmowana przez roślinność suchą. Może to potwierdzać pozytywny wpływ obecności bobrów na retencję wody i roślinność na badanych powierzchniach, szczególnie w warunkach występowania skutków suszy atmosferycznej.
EN
This paper presents drone images to assess the impact of European beaver Castor fiberactivity on the ecosystems of PolesieNational Park. The study confirms the close relationship between the presence of beavers in Polesie National Park and the size of the water surface, which confirms the positive impact of beaver activity on the retention of the catchment area. Thanks to the presence and activity of beavers, the drastic decrease in the level of surface water caused by meteorological drought did not cause soil drought. This may be evidenced by the increase in the area of herbaceous plants in autumn in the regions where a total decrease in the water table has been shown. As the area and number of foraging plants increased, the area occupied by dry vegetation decreased. This may confirm the positive effect of beavers on water retention and vegetation in the study areas, especially under the impact of atmospheric drought.
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.
Purpose: This paper aims to advance knowledge in the methodology of environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) for vehicles and to discern potential environmental and health burdens associated with combustion and electric vehicles. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted using the Scopus database, with a focus on papers published between 2005 and November 2023. The search was refined to include only English-language publications investigating passenger vehicles, resulting in a final corpus of 75 studies. Results: The review revealed that LCA conclusions for automotive vehicles can vary widely depending on the specific study's scope, methodology, and goals. Many studies emphasize the need for a holistic approach considering various drive technologies, production aspects, and local geographical conditions. Theoretical contribution: This paper contributes to the field of environmental science and sustainability by synthesizing the current state of knowledge on the environmental impact of vehicles across their entire life cycle. The findings highlight the importance of a nuanced and comprehensive approach to understanding and mitigating the environmental externalities of transportation. Practical implications: The insights from this review can inform policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers in their decisions regarding sustainable transportation solutions. By understanding the key areas of concern and improvement opportunities across the entire life cycle of vehicles, stakeholders can work towards a more environmentally responsible and sustainable transportation system.
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of selected herbicides: Roundup Flex Ogrod, Sprinter 350 SL and Chwastox TRIO®540 SL on the natural environment. The effect of herbicide preparations on the survival and life functions of test organisms was determined using toxicological studies. Various taxa were selected for toxicity tests: Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, bioluminescent bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri, aquatic crustaceans Daphnia magna and Chironomus sp. larvae. A determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of herbicides on selected micro-organisms was carried out, as well as an effective concentration (EC50 ) to inhibit the bioluminescence of Aliivibrio fischeri, and acute toxicity tests were performed with Daphnia magna and Chironomus sp., for which a lethal concentration (LC50) was determined. In acute tests, the LC50 concentration was calculated by statistical methods. All tested herbicides belong to highly toxic compounds. Sprinter 350 SL showed the highest degree of toxicity, while Roundup Flex Ogrod and Chwastox TRIO®540 SL showed similar harmfulness. The herbicide formulations tested showed varying degrees of toxicity using Daphnia crustaceans and Chironomus larvae. Daphnia were more sensitive in acute tests. Based on the conducted research, it was found that regular and detailed control of toxicity and the impact of herbicides on the environment is necessary.
Securing sustainable access to water resources is a critical concern for all nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea, and Algeria is no exception. Leveraging its extensive 1,200–kilometer coastline, Algeria has embraced desalination as a key strategy, treating both seawater and brackish water sources. This approach provides potable water to inland towns and cities, extending as far as 60 kilometers from the coast. Currently, Algeria boasts an impressive network of 21 desalination plants, with a combined daily production capacity of 2.6 million cubic meters. The majority of these facilities utilize reverse osmosis, a widely employed desalination technology. This study focused on the Bousfer mini-desalination plant situated on Algeria’s western coast. Various water samples were analyzed throughout the desalination process: seawater intake, post-desalination (osmosis) water, remineralized drinking water, and the resulting brine wastewater. A physicochemical and bacteriological analysis was conducted to assess water quality at each stage. Statistical comparisons were performed using paired-sample T-tests for seawater and osmosis water, and one-sample T-tests were used to compare drinking water and wastewater against established international standards. The analysis revealed significant reductions (p-value<0.001) in most physicochemical parameters for the reverse osmosis water, including conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, total hardness, chlorides, calcium, and magnesium. Conversely, these parameters were significantly elevated in the brine wastewater. The bacteriological analysis confirmed the absence of harmful bacteria like E. coli, enterococci, and sulphite-reducing clostridia in the final drinking water. However, this study also highlighted a negative environmental externality, the presence of debris and foam layers on the water surface near the desalination plant outlet, attributed to chemical discharges, which poses a potential nuisance for tourists visiting nearby Bousfer beaches.
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.
The waste management issue in developing countries, particularly in Indonesia, remains uncontrolled and is urgent to address. This problem is significantly tied to the issue of resource scarcity and global climate change. Various policies have been formulated, both globally and nationally, to resolve this issue. Makassar City is one of the cities the government should target to achieve the goal of converting waste into energy by 2025. This study focuses on the environmental impact of various scenarios on waste-to-energy potential using life cycle assessment (LCA) in Makassar City. The waste management strategy in this study uses five scenarios, comparing incinerators generating electricity, landfills with gas, and composting. The results showed that scenario 5, which has a low environmental impact, consists of 10% composting, 45% incineration, and 45% landfill gas (LFG). Incineration can reduce 45% of solid waste disposal (SWD) and produce 1.45 E + 08 kg/year of CO2 emissions. The waste-to-energy (WtE) scenario model significantly reduces the environmental impact, especially the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. The role of incinerators in the environment is not only to reduce the volume of SWD per year but also to provide a new source of energy. The LFG collector plays a crucial role in reducing the concentration of CH4 in the atmosphere due to its facility for capturing CH4 gas.
This study introduces the current status of recycling technology for waste lithium-ion batteries, with a focus on the environmental impact during the recycling process of waste lithium-ion battery cathode materials. Composition of lithium-ion battery was analyzed in order to estimate which components are potentially dangerous to the environment. Heavy metals are main pollutants and change the pH of the environment; also, organic solvent actively reacts with oxidants and reducing agents in the environment. Other parts of waste battery mainly impact an air during the combustion or thermal decomposition generating toxic lithium, cobalt oxides, other gases. Sources of air, water, noise pollution, solid waste, and toxic chemicals generated in the recycling process were identified. Air pollutants generated at every stage of the process of positive electrode materials recycling include dust, acidic gases, and organic gases. The wastewater is generated mainly from the discharge pretreatment and cathode recovery processes (leaching and extraction). Although the wastewater volume is relatively small, its composition is complex, poorly biochemical and toxic (lithium compounds, organic solvents, etc.). In the dismantling process, plastic connectors, circuit boards, high-voltage wiring, powders, collectors and pool electrode material casings are generated as solid waste. Corresponding pollution prevention and control measures are suggested to prevent environmental pollution during the recycling process of waste lithium-ion battery cathode materials.
PT A is a cement industry that produces slag, portland cement, and composite portland cement. This research aims to examine the environmental impacts of the cement industry by applying the life cycle assessment method. The methods used in this research are divided into goal and scope, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This research uses SimaPro software for data processing. In carrying out impact assessments using life cycle assessment, several methods are used such as CML IA Baseline V3.05, Impact 2002+, EPD 2018, and cumulative energy demand. The results show that there are two types of impacts. Primary impacts include global warming, eutrophication, acidification, and stratospheric thinning. Meanwhile, secondary impacts are photochemical oxidation, abiotic depletion of fossils and non-fossils, terrestrial and aquatic ecotoxicity, carcinogenicity, toxicity, water consumption, land use change, and non-renewable energy depletion.
Medical wastes include the wastes created by biomedical research institutes, medical labs, and hospitals. Through exposure to infectious pathogens, improper waste treatment causes substantial hazards of disease transmission to waste workers, waste pickers, patients, health workers, and the population in general. Poor waste management releases dangerous and detrimental constituents into society. However, due of the volumes of wastes generated and its infectious nature, contamination of highly contagious agents such as the sudden pandemic has created huge instability in medical waste treatments and consequent recycling. Several nations have implemented safety procedures to counteract this pollution and manage medical wastes; nevertheless, these efforts are inadequate and vary depending on the nation. Moreover, worldwide organizations have recognized recommendations for the handling of medical wastes. Those rules are aiding in the management of highly infectious medical wastes generated by all-medical centers. Instead of sending things to landfills, proper medical wastes management may make available value by limiting disease transmission and enhancing recyclability. Disinfecting and classifying medical wastes enables for more sustainable management and reuse of important resources. This paper addresses the various medical solid wastes environmental impacts, management and disposal techniques used in various nations, the issues encountered throughout these strategies, and potential solutions to these challenges.
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