<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>This article refers to the biology and ecology of stingless bees (Meliponini), living in tropical and subtropical areas. Similar to honey bees (<italic>Apis mellifera</italic>), stingless bees (Meliponini) belong to the category of proper social insects and are at the highest level of social development. This group of insects comprises about 500 species and they are the most common bees pollinating the native plants in many tropical areas. Families of stingless bees are usually quite numerous, reaching up to 100,000 individuals. They are characterised by polymorphism, age polyethism and perennialism. This article presents the structural complexity of natural nesting of these tropical insects and their ability to settle in artificial nest traps. The main significance of stingless bees for humans is their role in the natural environment as pollinators, which is an essential factor influencing biodiversity.</abstract>

The role and significance of stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apiformes: Meliponini) in the natural environment

<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 research was focused on the assessment of the bioaerosol concentration in the air of the Machnacz municipal solid waste landfill and its surrounding. Evaluation of air pollution was made during the autumn season. In the air collected with impactor sampler, the levels of indicator microorganisms - bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family, β-haemolytic bacteria, yeasts and yeast-like fungi - were determined. The proposed indicator microorganisms are different from those recommended by Polish Norm PN 89/Z-04111.01. This highlights the specific character of our method. Such selection of indicators allows not only assessing the air pollution of the landfill site but also determining the range of its impact on the surroundings. The results indicate that the landfill is a source of emission and dispersal of bacterial and fungal aerosol, despite its correct management and proper maintenance. The landfill influence on the microbial air quality reaches a distance of 1000-1200 m from the fence. The range of the influence indicates it to be a potential hazard for neighbouring residents.</abstract>

Department of Ecotoxicology Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute, Krucza 5/11d St., 00-548 Warsaw

Waste Management Department, Institute of Environmental Protection - National Research Institute, Krucza 5/11d St., 00-548 Warsaw

Bioaerosol concentration in the air surrounding municipal solid waste landfill

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Among the heavy metals, lead (Pb) is one of the most common environmental pollutants. This study examines the effect of 1 mM lead nitrate Pb(NO3)2 on the germination index, morphological parameters (root length, shoot length, fresh biomass and tolerance index) and physiological parameters (proline, total chlorophyll and carotenoids) in the leaves of 10-day-old seedlings of various species of crop plants under laboratory conditions. All results, when compared to control, showed Pb adversely affecting the morphological and physiological parameters of the test plants. Among the 12 studied plants, three species (pumpkin, rye and wheat) presented high tolerance to Pb compared to the other test plants. The most sensitive to Pb exposure were radish, barley, tomato and alfalfa</abstract>

Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Słowackiego 17 St.,71-434 Szczecin

Department of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Słowackiego 17 St., 71-434 Szczecin

Effect of lead on germination and some morphological and physiological parameters of 10-day-old seedlings of various plant species / Wpływ ołowiu na kiełkowanie i niektóre parametry morfologiczne i fizjologiczne w 10-dniowych siewkach różnych gatunków roślin

<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...