Abstract: Japan is regarded as an interesting source for drawing useful lessons that could help in drafting the process for transforming the Polish energy mix. The reason is very simple: the two countries have relatively similar starting points. A large proportion of the Japanese energy mix is still based on fossil fuels. We can already observe a slow but evident drift away from fossil fuels (from some 85% in 2013 to less than 75% in 2019). Another reason why Japan is relevant to the Polish conditions is the recent decision of the new government in Japan to return to nuclear energy after the Fukushima disaster. Other interesting solutions in the Japanese way forward include the wide use of hydrogen and ammonia; that could be interesting for Poland, because it is a major producer of hydrogen: the fifth in the world and the third in Europe. Grey hydrogen is currently produced, but that could easily be transformed into green hydrogen produced using distributed solar installations. It also seems that nobody in Poland is seriously working on the use of ammonia in the energy sector. Those reasons alone would be enough to choose Japan as the country for the analysis presented below, therefore the literature review is limited to the Japanese sphere. A short historical view of the energy-mix configuration is followed by an enumeration of the important aspects to consider for Polish conditions: energy security and energy efficiency, followed by an analysis of important sources of energy: nuclear, renewable energy sources (RES), hydrogen, and ammonia as well as thermal power development. PubDate: Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: This review describes the presence of phthalate diesters (PAEs) in various products and elements of the environment, their toxicology, and possible risk is presented as reported in the scientific literature. PAEs have been detected in a variety of environmental elements, including air, soils, sediments, and landfill leachate, as well as in ground, surface, and drinking water, which makes them a common environmental contaminant. The most common and detectable phthalate in all elements of the environment is di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). When added up, the amounts of human exposure to all sources of phthalates can be significant and pose an equally significant health risk to humans and other living organisms. Several PAEs, including DEHP, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), di-isobutylphthalate (DIBP), and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) are classified as toxic to reproduction and have endocrine-disrupting properties. Despite the introduction of strict regulations and restrictions on PAEs worldwide, long-term monitoring of human exposure is needed to reduce the potential risk to humans and other living organisms. PubDate: Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The aim of our study was to estimate the amount of waste disposed through the public system of waste collection, as well as the amount collected during clean-up activities in public spaces in Poland. This study has been the first of its kind in Poland. We defined terminology for the public system of waste collection and public spaces. Our analyses were for the year 2021 and focused on diverse research areas. The administrative and landscape standard was used as a criterion for the selection of the units tested in field trials, by means of a questionnaire survey. 46 units were purposefully selected, and two series of surveys were carried out with respect to two research areas. During the qualitative assessment of our information sources to assess their suitability for the development of the methodology, it was necessary to apply methodological verifiers relating to mass, persons, area, and statistics. The verifiers took into account all variables influencing the quantities of waste considered in the study. The results obtained showed the lack of separate records in the municipal register for the waste assessed under the study. It was found that nearly 85% of the waste collected in the public systems of waste collection and litter in public spaces were registered as mixed (unsorted) municipal waste (Code 20 03 01) [Regulation... 2020]. It was noted that 20% of municipal waste generated outside households was left behind as litter in public spaces and posed environmental risks. For this reason, among others, it was necessary to estimate the amount of this type of waste. PubDate: Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group consisting of 209 congeners, differing in the number and site of substitution of chlorine atoms to the biphenyl molecule. Due to their physicochemical properties, they have found wide industry use. As a result of many years of large-scale use of PCBs, their toxic properties began to be noticed as they manifested in poisoning among humans. After thorough testing of PCBs, they were classified in the group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and their production was banned and they were withdrawn from use. Although PCBs are no longer produced in factories, they can still be formed. In this article, will be presented and explained methods of accidental formation of PCBs. Based on data from the literature, we performed an environmental risk assessment for PCB-contaminated soils. PubDate: Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The effects of a dynamic increase in the total length of expressways in Poland include the issue of wastewater generation and disposal at roadside rest areas, which has been gaining importance, especially regarding the safety of local water ecosystems. Currently, the total number of roadside rest areas in Poland is nearly 400, yet in the future it could double, because of road infrastructure expansion and the need to improve road travel comfort. The most common approaches to wastewater disposal are septic tanks or wastewater treatment plants. In view of Poland's environmental goals, only the second solution can be regarded as a form of final wastewater disposal. The aim of this study was to analyse available solutions for wastewater treatment at roadside rest areas, analysis of the effectiveness of their performance and identification, and diagnosis of existing problems. The tested facilities contained solutions based on biological wastewater treatment, preceded by a mechanical stage with the use of a two-chamber primary settling tank. Two solutions involved a sequencing batch reactor, and the remaining ones used submerged fixed-bed bioreactors. Finally, the obtained results showed unsatisfactory wastewater treatment effectiveness. Parameters such as chemical oxygen demand (COD) were exceeded at five of the six study sites, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) was exceeded at three sites, and total suspended solids was exceeded at two sites, which indicates a disturbance in the operation of the treatment plant. The reason for the poor effluent was primarily inadequate technological supervision of the operation of these facilities. PubDate: Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, as a leader, along with the University of Szczecin and Enea Operator LLC, is implementing the R&D project ‘Development of an intelligent and automatic system for stabilising the operation of power distribution networks based on modular installations of a hydrogen energy buffer with the intention of utilising hydrogen’. Its goal is to build the first hydrogen energy buffer in Poland, whose task will be to stabilise the parameters of the power grid. The operating conditions of the power grid, and the impact of the energy buffer system on its stability, have been determined. The nominal parameters of the buffer elements were calculated and the place of its installation and the assumptions for its operation have been indicated. The buffer will be located in the 110 kV / 15 kV substation. PubDate: Sat, 31 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: This paper refers to the inventory of pollutant emissions in Poland from different transport categories over the period 1990–2020. The changes in the annual national emissions of selected pollutants, i.e. nitrogen oxides, non-methane volatile organic compounds, sulfur oxides, PM2.5, PM10, total suspended particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and lead were analysed. The shares of the national annual emissions of the examined pollutants from each studied transport category in the national annual emission from total transport were assessed. The sensitivity of the national annual pollutant emission inventory with regard to the transport categories and emitted substances under the study was assessed.The trend of decrease in the national annual emissions of the substances analysed was appraised as positive in the face of a substantial intensification of transport activities. Taking into account the fact that road transportation is responsible for a dominant share of the national emission of pollutants, important progress in the reduction of emissions is attributable to the substantial technical improvement of the internal combustion engines of road vehicles. PubDate: Wed, 21 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Climate change will have a significant impact on forests as most of the factors determining their condition are modified by the effects of the climate change process. Some of these effects are a change in the distribution and amount of precipitation, an increase in the frequency of extreme meteorological phenomena, including hurricane winds, temperature distribution, or a change in the length of the growing season. In order to maintain the productivity of Polish forests and the range of ecosystem services they provide, the forestry sector will have to adapt to these changes. However, forestry will also have to take a part in holding back climate change. Achieving climate neutrality by mid-21st century and ensuring a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 will not be possible without using the ability of forests to absorb and permanently store carbon.Polish forestry seems to be insufficiently prepared for the challenges ahead. A new national forestry policy has not been developed in the past twenty years, which results, inter alia, in a lack of any clear indication of the role of Polish forests in climate protection. Adaptation to the effects of climate change is hampered by the lack of up-to-date, detailed scenarios of how this process will affect the climate factors in Poland. Particularly dangerous, in light of the role of forests in climate protection, is a significant decrease in the afforested area, which in turn leads to a reduction in the amount of carbon absorbed by them. Another obstacle to implementation of effective measures may be the growing disparity between the current forestry practice and social expectations, as well as a low degree of willingness from the State Forests to cooperate with stakeholders who present different opinions on how to conduct forest management. This obstacle may lead to disputes about the management of Polish forests at the European Union level and rulings of the Court of Justice of the European Union.The conducted analyses showed that cooperation with a wide range of stakeholders will be the basic condition for the inclusion of Polish forests in the implementation of climate policy objectives on a greater scale. It should help define the role of this sector in this process, implement the necessary adaptative and climate protection measures, and support activities aimed at acquiring new land for afforestation. PubDate: Fri, 16 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the real share of the morphological components of the municipal waste generated in the municipal systems in Poland (all municipal waste collected from the communes). So far, the analysis of the morphological composition of municipal waste has not involved all of the waste streams. In addition, it is necessary to use factors for correcting estimates of waste mass to prevent false increases in the mass of certain groups of waste. Determining the real morphological composition of municipal waste is necessary for proper calculation of the levels of readiness for the re-use and recycling of municipal waste. This study shows that bio-waste accounted for the largest mass share of 28.68%, followed by paper, glass, and plastic, constituting 10.78%, 10.59%, and 10.29%, respectively. This study reveals the proportion of the rubble and mineral fractions is 6.60% in total; however, these fractions should not be found in municipal waste, according to the given definition of this waste and the indicated codes for municipal waste. The content of <10 mm and 10–20 mm fractions was high, amounting for a total of 11.60%. The <20 mm fine fraction contained, among other components, glass, earth, bio-waste, plastics, ceramics, and small stones. The following conditions contributed to the high share of the fine fraction: the crumbling of various groups of waste, the time of storage at the place of production, incorrect separate collection of waste by primary producers, and the means by which it was transported to waste treatment plants. This causes the morphological composition of the generated waste to differ from that of the waste supplied for treatment. For this reason and others, it is necessary to change the methodology for determining the morphological composition of municipal waste generated in the Polish municipal systems. PubDate: Sun, 23 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: This paper presents the complexity of issues related to removal of risks related to historical mining workings and underground structures that are located numerously in the area of the Sudetes and their Foothills (Lower Silesia). These grounds, rich in raw materials, feature complex political and economic history, the material remnants of which are i.a. different kinds of underground structures of the anthropogenic origin, predominantly scantily surveyed and constituting risks resulting both from sheer existence of incorrectly or almost completely not liquidated underground hollows and especially from various sorts of wastes that have been accumulated there—including hazardous ones. Due to incorporation after World War 2 of a part of Lower Silesia into Poland (so called “Recovered Territories”), these historical workings and underground structures were created in the area of another state (Germany), which is the cause of a number of uncertainties concerning both the legal status of these objects and determining the form its responsibility for eradication of the risks related to them will take. An excellent example of this kind of situation constitutes the issue of the cluster of the underground workings located in the area of the town of Bolków where, in the years 1943–1944, an attempt was undertaken to locate an underground factory of airplane subassemblies there. Over half a century since the end of World War 2, an accumulation of potentially hazardous substances was discovered there—probably petroleum-derived, which have never been identified correctly and their present storage place remains unknown—due to an illegal penetration of the underground places by unauthorized persons and theft of the artefacts located there (including containers with an unknown content). PubDate: Fri, 14 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The article, meant as the first in a series, tries to answer some questions around the future desired shape of the new Polish electro-energy mix in relation to the one described in the national energy policy document PEP 2040 (Energy Policy of Poland till 2040) and as compared with the targets set up in the newest UE legislative package, ‘Fit-for-55’. In this article, I first present the rich overview of literature as well as economic theory behind the analysis of the energy transformation and energy-mix decarbonisation, in order to show how the energy mix should evolve in a way that will guarantee the biggest net gain to the society. Second, some comparable cost calculations on selected electro-energy sources, both LCOE (levelized cost of energy) and external costs are presented; these are modifications of my previous work as a co-author. Finally, the comparison of the 2040 electro-energy mix, as designed in the official governmental programme PEP 2040, with the two alternative scenarios, both of which exclude coal, and one also neglects the possibilities for nuclear energy to be included in the mix are presented. The alternative scenarios built into the paper are based on European Union (EU) plans to decarbonise Europe quickly. Recent geopolitical considerations related to the war in Ukraine, however, make it necessary to consider energy security as an important part of the plan. That would mean that nuclear energy would be a necessary component of the future mix in Poland. Security considerations are left to be analysed in the coming months, after a series of articles on lessons learnt by other developed countries in the process of making their energy-mix transformations and will complete the final recommendations for the future of the Polish energy mix. PubDate: Fri, 30 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: This paper presents the results of analyses that were focused on pollutant emissions from road vehicles classified into the generalised categories with respect to vehicle use. The analyses were performed using the authorised results of Poland's pollutant emission inventory, carried out in 1990–2020 by the National Centre for Emissions Management (KOBiZE) at the Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute (IOŚ-PIB) in order to meet requirements for the national emissions reporting under EU legislation and the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution. The following road vehicle categories were analysed: passenger cars, light duty vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, buses (urban buses and coaches) and L category (motorcycles, mopeds, quads, microcars). The emissions of selected pollutants that are harmful to the health of living beings were studied, i.e. nitrogen oxides, non-methane volatile organic compounds, sulfur compounds, particulate matter size fractions, carbon monoxide and lead compounds. The shares of national annual pollutant emissions from each studied vehicle category of the total pollutant emissions from road transport were determined. With the aim to assess trends in improving environmental properties of road vehicles, there were determined changes of the energy emission factors for individual pollutants in all the vehicle categories under the study. The results obtained showed dynamic decreases in the energy emission factors for nitrogen oxides, non-methane volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide. In the case of particulate matter emission, the improvement was not as pronounced. The evident reduction in the emissions of sulfur and lead compounds in the 21st century was confirmed to be a consequence of practical elimination of these compounds from road vehicle fuels. PubDate: Thu, 08 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: This research was conducted to determine plant biomass, carbon potential, and CO2 reserve potential in understory vegetation in general, namely grasslands, shrubs, and rainfed rice fields. The sampling of the research was carried out randomly and intentionally, and was limited to the vegetation of reeds, shrubs and rainfed land bushes in the Aceh Besar District of Indonesia. The sample was taken based on a digitized map obtained from overlaying the land use map, slope map, soil type map, and Aceh Besar government map. Measurement of biomass in the vegetation of Imperata, shrubs, and rainfed rice fields is in accordance with procedures from the Indonesian National Standard (2011) and the World Agroforestry Center. The area of bush vegetation is larger than that of rainfed rice fields and grasslands. In general, the plants found in bush vegetation are Acacia leucoeplhoea, Mimosa pudica, Cyperus rotundus, and Eleusine indica. Grassland vegetation has one plant only, namely, Pennisetum purpureum. The vegetation of rainfed rice fields consists of the Oryza sativa type of plant. Plant biomass, carbon [C] content, and carbon potential in bush vegetation are greater than that of grassland and rainfed rice fields, as well as plant biomass reserves, plant biomass carbon and total CO2 reserves. Shrubs and woody plants render the potential for biomass, carbon, and CO2 absorption greater than that of grassland and rainfed rice fields. This is in accordance with the research that the increase in biomass is followed by an increase in potential carbon storage. Parameters that affect biomass indirectly will also affect carbon storage in a biomass and in an ecosystem, namely, individual density, stem diameter, tree species diversity, and soil. The density of trees in an area will affect the increase in carbon stocks through an increase in biomass. This is because the vegetation of shrubs does not only consist of undergrowth, but also of woody stems such as Acacia leucoeploea, making carbon stock potential in bush vegetation greater than that of grassland and rainfed rice fields, as shrubs cover an area of 96,962.2 ha, hence larger than that of grasslands and rainfed rice fields. PubDate: Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Several studies have amply proved that air pollution negatively impacts human health. The nature of its effects on COVID-19 has, of late, become an area for investigation across the world. The present study reviews reports in the literature that centred on whether the presence and impact of air pollutants magnified the symptoms and actions of COVID-19 and whether preventive measures taken, starting with lockdown, affected air pollution levels. This may help to establish causality, if any, between pollution and COVID-19. Studies were chosen to ensure representation of all continents with diverse climatic conditions with the exception of Australia. Most of the studies concluded that air pollutants declined as a result of the lockdowns imposed to constrain the spread of COVID-19. A significant reduction in NO2 is observed along with the resultant increase in tropospheric ozone in the atmosphere. The inference is untrue in hostile meteorological conditions. According to some studies, reduction in pollutants aided in contracting the spread and severity of COVID-19. On the other hand, hostile weather conditions incited the spread and magnitude of COVID-19. A governmental policy inference could be that government intervention through imposing a lockdown would reduce air pollution and ensure the health safety of the people, but economic growth considerations need to be balanced against the benefit for public health. PubDate: Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The study addresses the principles of functioning of Poland’s system of environmental fees and focuses on the assessment of the existing system in terms of its efficiency. The analysis of revenues from the charge due to burdening the environment and their redistribution were carried out based on data published by Statistics Poland (GUS) and those available in the reviewed subject publications. The issue of rising costs related to the fee system functioning was stressed and an attempt was made to assess the system efficiency based on revenues and costs, as well as the number of entities under the charging system contrasted with those actually paying environmental fees. In view of appropriate social and technological conditions, confirmed by data on the access of national administration to the Internet, a solution was proposed to reduce environmental fees through the digitalisation of data reporting and collection. There was also a proposal presented to modify the environmental fee system in terms of its normative scope which could increase its efficiency. PubDate: Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: A multitude of spatial relations between the lake and its catchment prompts both water managers and scientists to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The paper presents the possibility of using GIS systems in the monitoring and management of Polish lakes, taking advantage of the dynamic development of geoinformatics. The focus is on the possibility of using GIS systems when creating documents necessary for the implementation of subsequent water management plans, as required by the Water Framework Directive. This review presents the currently existing spatial databases of Polish lakes and discusses the impact of the use of morphometric data of lakes on the process of water monitoring. Attention was paid to the problem of delimiting the catchment areas of lakes and the legal consequences of determining their boundaries. Tools used in the interpolation of limnological parameters and the models most often used in GIS software for water quality prediction are discussed. PubDate: Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: In order to function properly, every living organism must have favourable conditions for its operation, i.e. it must be systematically supplied with the necessary nutrients. On the example of selenium (Se), it can be seen how important is the right balance between providing the right amount of it, without exceeding the level above which it is toxic. The amount of Se in soil is closely correlated with its content in the parent rock; therefore, it differs depending on the soil type and may change even in a small area. Considerable dispersion of the element in the soils of Poland is related to their formation, mainly from dump materials of various glaciations. The problem of maintaining the balance between deficiency and excess of Se in the diet of humans and animals is related primarily to the uneven distribution of this element in nature. In this paper, on the basis of scientific literature, the current issues related to the deficiency and excess of Se in the soil and its possible sources are presented. The relationship between the content in the soil and the supply of Se in plants, animals and humans was also shown. The aim of this study was to summarise the state of knowledge on the complexity of Se occurrence in the environment and its importance in the soil-plant-animals-human system. PubDate: Fri, 31 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The prepared article by the team of authors aims to show research in the field of strengthening and developing knowledge and awareness from environmental education in the community of nature conservation services and the academic community. This paper is the result of research conducted in 2014–2015, in the Włoszczowa-Jędrzejów Protected Landscape Area, in the Świętokrzyskie Province. The material for the study was acacia robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) leaves collected on two research areas, differentiated due to the influence of anthropogenic factors. As a result of the study, 5,000 black locust leaves were collected, 65% of which were found to be damaged. Research stands under the influence of strong anthropopressure were characterised by a higher number of lesions on leaves. PubDate: Fri, 31 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT
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