<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Plastics are used in a great number of applications; therefore, the production of the sector intensively increases. It is estimated that in future, the production of plastics can double by 2035 and almost quadruple by 2050. Still globally, most of the plastic waste is landfilled. Only 9% of plastic waste generated between 1950 and 2015 was recycled. New strategy of European Commission proposes actions designed to make the vision for a more circular plastics economy a reality. The circular economy represents an alternative, more sustainable model to the traditional linear economy. EC has approved new recycling targets for plastics to a minimum of 50% by the end of 2025 and to a minimum of 55% by the end of 2030. Changes that will be introduced in design and production of plastics will contribute to increasing their recycling rates for all key applications. The new strategy will help achieve the priority set by the UE for an energy union with a modern, low-carbon and energy-efficient economy and will make a tangible contribution to reaching the 2030 sustainable development goals.</abstract>

Plastics in the circular economy (CE)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> The experiment was conducted on 480 Hubbard Flex chickens (fast-growing) reared to 42 days of age and 480 Hubbard JA 957 chickens (slow-growing) reared to 63 day of age. Day-old chicks were randomly assigned to the three following groups according to the type of coccidiostat: C (control - no coccidiostat in the diet and birds not vaccinated against coccidiosis), A (plant coccidiostat adiCox® AP), and M (monensin coccidiostat). At the end of rearing period the results of the controlled production were presented, the chickens were slaughtered and samples of their intestines were collected for microflora composition analyses. The obtained results show that rearing time influenced the composition of enteric microflora (small intestine and blind gut). Moreover, a higher total count of bacteria was stated in intestinal digesta of the slow-growing chickens that were kept for three weeks longer than the Hubbard Flex chickens.The study also proved a positive influence of the diet on the quantitative composition of enteric microflora. The lowest count of mesophilic bacteria and those from the Enterobacteriaceae family was observed in the chickens receiving adiCox® AP compared to the chickens of the control group and those receiving monensin.</abstract>

Faculty of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Science – SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8 St, 02-786 Warsaw; phone: 022/5936555

Faculty of Agriculture and Biology, Warsaw University of Life Science – SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159 St, 02-776 Warsaw

Faculty of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Science – SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159 St, 02-776 Warsaw

Influence of feed additives used in prevention of coccidiosis on the quality of enteric microflora of fast-growing and slowgrowing chickens / Wpływ wybranych dodatków paszowych stosowanych w profilaktyce kokcydiozy na jakość mikroflory jelit kurcząt szybko i wolno rosnących

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The method for the reduction of pesticide residues in soft fruits based on utilization of ozone was proposed. The procedure allows for effective reduction of boscalid residues by 38% in raspberries, and about 58% thiram in blackcurrants. Furthermore, it can be used on an industrial scale.</abstract>

Dr inż. Maciej Balawejder, mgr Piotr Antos, dr inż. Radosław Józefczyk, Faculty of Biology and Agriculture, University of Rzeszów, Ćwiklińskiej 1 St., 33-601 Rzeszów, Poland, phone: +48 17 8721745

Dr inż. Ewa Szpyrka, Institute of Plant Protection–National Research Institute, Laboratory for Research on Pesticide Residues, Langiewicza 28 St., 35-101 Rzeszów, Poland

Dr inż. Bartosz Piechowicz, dr hab. Stanisław Sadło, prof. nadzw., Campus branch, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Rzeszów, Werynia 502, 36-100 Kolbuszowa, Poland

Method for Reduction of Pesticide Residue Levels in Raspberry and Blackcurrant Based on Utilization of Ozone

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> The necessity to protect natural resources in accordance with the idea of sustainable development is an indisputable issue. Not only the industrial sector organizations, but those of the public sector as well must join this process. The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme can play an important role in this respect. 3.7 thousand organizations have already registered in the EU EMAS register, including, unfortunately, only 71 from Poland, of which almost 40% from the public sector. The author tries to set out the benefits, resulting for the public sector organizations from the implementation of the scheme, but also the barriers and weaknesses of the system, which makes it not very popular in Poland. The results of the author’s own research carried out in 2016 among representatives of EMAS system, inter alia, of public sector organizations in Poland were used for this purpose.</abstract>

Eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS) as an important element of the sustainable development policy on the example of public sector organizations

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Human activity leads to environmental transformations, frequently on a large scale. There are places where anthropogenic consequences are unprecedented and disadvantageous to the extent that can be perceived in terms of an ecocatastrophe that goes beyond the local range. The article presents three anthropogenically degraded areas that pose danger for ecosystems in various parts of the world.</abstract>

Anthropogenic impact on the environment (case study)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>After the implementation of a new waste management system, in which recycling is the most dominating process, landfill disposal still appears to be the most popular method of waste management in Poland, in which waste undergoes gradual decomposition and the influence of climate conditions, for example, air and atmospheric fallout, leads to the production of leachate and biogas emissions, which contribute to continual threats to the natural environment and humans. The above-mentioned threats can be limited by applying suitable techniques of waste treatment before its disposal. A technology that is oriented to these aims is a mechanical biological treatment (MBT) before disposal.The above-mentioned technology results is waste stabilisation and reduction of pollutant emissions. Additionally, it allows to increase the recovery of materials for recycling and to reduce the mass of waste. Finally, it is environmentally friendly.</abstract>

Direct landfill disposal versus Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT)

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The analysis carried out regarding the costs of adapting to the best available technique (BAT) conclusions in relation to the benefits achieved (external costs) showed that these benefits significantly exceed the cost of investments necessary to meet the required levels of permissible best available technique-associated emission levels (BAT-AELs). In the case of sulfur dioxide, the ratio of costs incurred to benefits obtained is only 3%, for nitrogen oxides 7%, and for dust it is less than 1%. This is primarily due to a significant increase in external costs, published in 2021 by the EEA. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that a precise assessment of external costs should be based on the analyses of individual facilities, taking into account their local specificity.
The analysis showed that the most cost-effective way was to adapt the coal-fired power plant sector to the requirements related to reducing dust emissions. Significant benefits were achieved as a result of small investment outlays.
</abstract>

Costs and benefits of reducing air pollutant emissions as a result of bringing coal and lignite-fired power plants into compliance with BAT LCP conclusions

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
There has been a decline in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per capita in all world regions since the 1990s. In developing countries, this decline has been attributed to population growth and an increase in absolute emissions, while in developed countries, the trend is mainly due to a decrease in absolute emissions combined with minor population changes.
This paper aims to delve into the intricacies of global GHG emissions, with a spotlight on the agricultural sector. This paper assesses the patterns and reasons behind the decline in GHG emissions per capita since the 1990s across different regions. In particular, it addresses the concept of the “sustainable intensification of agriculture” and the debate between intensive vs. less-intensive production in the context of GHG emissions. Despite having high emissions per hectare, we argue that European countries show lower emissions in relation to production value, highlighting the region’s production intensity and efficiency. Compelling visual data representations and references from significant international bodies, such as the IPCC and EEA, bolster the paper’s findings and conclusions.
</abstract>

Authors from the Institute of Economics and Finance of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW

Authors from the Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute / The National Centre for Emissions Management / The Centre for Climate and Energy Analyses (CAKE)

Sensitivity of the global agricultural sector to changes in climate policy - EU countries compared to the rest of the world

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The energy mix determines the external costs of transport and the benefits from investments in the drive systems perceived as more environmentally friendly, such as electric vehicles.
The aim of this article was to present a methodology to determine the environmentally preferable urban bus drive systems (electric, hydrogen, CNG, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and diesel) depending on CO2 emission factors related to the production of electricity in a given country.
The developed methodology was exemplified by the Polish energy system. The results indicate the environmentally preferable types of urban bus drive systems, taking into account vehicle exploitation.
The results obtained can inform the decision-making process and, in particular, enable state administrations in EU countries to define a support mechanism for public transport (e.g., through subsidies) that is appropriate to the environmental benefits of operating particular types of vehicles under country-specific energy mix conditions.
</abstract>

Ecologically preferred types of drive systems for city buses—the context of the Polish energy mix

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The calculation aimed to verify the life cycle assessment (LCA) results of the bulky waste management technology by using sensitivity analysis. Different sensitivity analyses for LCA were carried out to point out which of the tested methods gave the most reliable LCA results. The main factor that helped to find the best-fitted method was CO2 emissions. The LCA analyses were performed by IOŚ-PIB using SimaPro software based on the technology data obtained during the Urbanrec project. The sensitivity analysis was conducted twofold: the LCA analysis was carried out for different time horizons in the frame of the ReCiPe method egalitarian (E), individual (I), and hierarchic (H). In the second step, the LCA results for the ReCiPe method were compared with the LCA results for methods: CML-IA, Impact 2002+, and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GGP). The results of the LCA for all endpoints are sensitive to changes in the time horizon, which is reflected in the change in impact assessment methods used in calculations. The biggest differences are visible between the egalitarian and individual perspectives. In the second case of the sensitivity analysis, differences in results between the individual analytical methods used for LCAs can be observed. The obtained results show a high sensitivity of LCA results from the adopted time horizon, as well as moderate sensitivity of the carbon footprint depending on the method of analysis used.
</abstract>

Verification of the results of environmental life cycle assessment of bulky waste management technologies using sensitivity analysis

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The paper presents obtaining the average PM2.5 emission factor from coal combustion in the residential sector using (statistical) Monte Carlo simulation combined with the model proposed by [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_027">Lorenz 1999</xref>] and [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_036">Radović 1997</xref>], also applied by [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_039">Stala–Szlugaj 2011</xref>]. According to the results of laboratory experiments [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_005">Czaplicka et al. 2019</xref>; <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_032">Shen 2014</xref>], the estimated amount of PM2.5 released into the air from the individually heated residential sector might be underestimated. Simulated emission factor is used for estimation of the PM2.5 emission trend for the period 1990–2018 and compared with the data provided by the official Polish emission inventory [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_030">NCEM 2020</xref>]. Due to significant changes in officially applied data (share of coal consumption and emission factor) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_028">MCAE 2023</xref>], and to ensure the data consistency with projected fuel demand [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_040">Stala–Szlugaj 2017</xref>], and PM2.5 emissions [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_029">MSA 2019</xref>], the older data is used [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_030">NCEM 2020</xref>] in the paper. In the near future, the next substantial changes in projected fuel use are expected due to the ongoing works on the update of the National Energy and Climate Plan.
</abstract>

PM2.5 emission from the coal combustion in the Polish residential sector. State and outlooks

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This study addresses the issue of assessing the functioning of farms in areas with diverse natural farming conditions by evaluating them using the latest version of the Agricultural Production Area Valorization (APAV) index. Analyses were performed on three types of farms: fully organic farms, organic farms with co-existing conventional production, and conventional-production farms. To achieve the research objective, 259 communes were selected depending on the level of their APAV. Assessments were made of their production potential, production organization, production and economic results in communes with average APAVs below, equal to, and higher than the national average (66.6 points) based on data from farms continuously keeping accounts for the Polish farm accountancy data network (FADN) in between 2019–2021. The Shannon-Wiener index (S-W index) was used to measure the degree of diversity of crop species in the farms’ sown crops, and determine what proportion of those were structure-forming plants. This research demonstrates that in order for interest in organic production to develop under current conditions, there must be sufficient financial support for agricultural producers, especially in areas with more difficult farming conditions.
</abstract>

Importance of natural conditions in Poland in the operation of fully organic farms and those with co-existing conventional production

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The aim of the research was to investigate the relationship between environmental pollution in Guinea Conakry and the levels of development as well as the assessment of climatic conditions as they influence pollution levels. In order to explore economic, social and cultural situations in Guinea, in-depth interviews were conducted and also face-to-face interviews were recorded. There were observations made in two extreme climatic conditions (dry season and rainy season) that have allowed inference to the impact of climatic conditions on pollution levels.</abstract>

Environmental pollution as a threats to the ecology and development in Guinea Conakry

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> The aim of this study was to determine the impact of pH on arsenic solubility in soils heavily contaminated by the former arsenic industry. For the purpose of the study, three soil samples were collected from the area affected by ore processing in Złoty Stok. Soils differed in initial pH, calcium carbonate content, organic matter content and total arsenic concentration. The amounts of arsenic released from soils at various pH were measured using extraction tests, where soil samples were shaken with various doses of HCl and NaOH in the presence of 0.01 mol • dm−3 CaCl2 as the background solution. Arsenic solubility in soils was considerably low at neutral or slightly acidic pH and increased considerably in both strongly acidic and alkaline conditions. The importance of these effects for environmental risk was discussed.</abstract>

Influence of pH on the solubility of arsenic in heavily contaminated soils / Wpływ pH na rozpuszczalność arsenu w glebach silnie zanieczyszczonych

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The aim of the study was to compare the toleration of <italic>Poa pratensis</italic>, <italic>Lolium perenne</italic> and <italic>Festuca rubra</italic> to cadmium contamination as well as the phytoremediation potential of these three species of grass. The pot experiment was conducted in four replications in pots containing 2.0 kg of soil. The soil was contaminated with three doses of Cd – 30, 60 and 120 mg·kg−1. After two months, the aerial parts of plants were harvested. The roots were dug up, brushed off from the remaining soil and washed with water. The biomass was defined and the cadmium concentration was determined in aerial parts and roots. The phytoremediation potential of grasses was evaluated using biomass of grasses, bioaccumulation factor (BF) and translocation factor (TF). All three tested species of grasses had TF &lt; 1 and BF-root &gt; 1. It indicates their suitability for phytostabilisation and makes them unsuitable for phytoextraction of Cd from the soil. Comparing the usefulness of the tested grasses for phytoremediation has shown that the phytostabilisation potential of <italic>P. pratensis</italic> was lower than that of <italic>L. perenne</italic> and <italic>F. rubra</italic>. <italic>P. pratensis</italic> was distinguished by higher TF, smaller root biomass and lower tolerance for Cd excess in the soil in comparison with the two other test grasses. At the same time, <italic>L. perenne</italic> was characterised by the smallest decrease in biomass and the largest Cd accumulation in roots at the lowest dose of Cd. It indicates good usefulness for phytostabilisation of soils characterised by a relatively small pollution by cadmium.</abstract>

Comparison of phytoremediation potential of three grass species in soil contaminated with cadmium

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Nowadays, wide applications of plastics result in plastic waste being present in the water environment in a wide variety of sizes. Plastic wastes are in water mainly as microplastics (the size range of 1 nm to &lt; 5 mm). Microplastics have been recognized as an emerging threat, as well as ecotoxicological and ecological risk for water ecosystems. In this review are presented some of the physicochemical properties of plastic materials that determine their toxic effect on the aquatic environment. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are mentioned as one of main sources of microplastics introduced into fresh water, and rivers are the pathways for the transportation of the pollutants to seas and oceans. But, effluents from tertiary wastewater treatment facilities can contain only minimally microplastic loads. The issue of discharge reduction of plastic pollutants into water environment needs activities in the scope of efficient wastewater treatment, waste disposal, recycling of plastic materials, education and public involvement.</abstract>

Plastic pollutants in water environment

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Environmental Protection and Natural Resources

Ochrona Środowiska i Zasobów Naturalnych

Original Journal Version : Electronic ISSN 2353-8589  The journal OCHRONA ŚRODOWISKA I ZASOBÓW NATURALNYCH / ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND NATURAL RESOURCES is published by Institute of...

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Original Journal Version : Electronic ISSN 2353-8589  The journal OCHRONA ŚRODOWISKA I ZASOBÓW NATURALNYCH / ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND NATURAL...