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Dust sampling equipment exhibits significant variations over time depending on the operating principle, being influenced by interaction of environmental factors, such as air flow velocity, relative humidity, ambient temperature and barometric pressure. The objective of this study is to perform a comprehensive comparative evaluation between the gravimetric reference method and the optical method for determining PM10 particles in ambient air. In order to allow the evaluation of each observation in relation to method...

This study investigates experimentally the influence of dust thermal conductivity on the maximum surface temperature of Ex equipment operating under dust layer conditions at a fixed dissipated power of 3 W. Experiments were conducted using a purpose-built resistive test sample, designed and manufactured at INCD INSEMEX, tested with two dust materials representing boundary conditions of thermal behaviour: vermiculite, selected as a worst-case insulating material, and Portland cement dust, selected for its industria...

The present study aims to track the influence of location and climate dynamics on the distribution and relationship of fine particulate matter (FPM) and airborne microorganisms. Hot spots, green urban areas and green peripheral areas in five Bulgarian cities with different climatic specificities were studied - Sofia, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora and Burga. The samples were collected using an air spinner. The total number of microorganisms was established, as well as the percentage of individual microbiological groups rel...

In terms of its influence on human health, noise has a significant effect. One type of noise is generated by tire/road contact while a vehicle is in motion. This noise is monitored and analyzed using the CPX (Close-ProXimity) method according to ISO 11819-2, in which microphones are used to measure the noise generated by a rolling reference tire. The level of this type of noise is determined by various factors. One of these factors is the macrotexture of the road surface, that is, the texture of the road surface a...

This study investigates the transport dynamics of heavy metals and metal-containing nanoparticles from mining-affected areas through major Georgian river systems into the Black Sea, with a focus on environmental risk assessment. Mining activities in Georgia represent a significant source of metal contamination, influencing both dissolved and particulate phases within riverine environments. A spatial monitoring approach was applied along upstream–downstream gradients to evaluate the distribution of metals in wate...

This study presents a numerical analysis of resonator configurations for acoustic agglomeration in air purification applications. The efficiency of acoustic agglomeration is determined by the spatial distribution of acoustic pressure, which is controllably modified through mechanically deformable resonators. The investigation employs finite element analysis in a sequential multiphysics approach (ANSYS Workbench), comprising modal analysis for natural frequencies and mode shapes, harmonic acoustic analysis for defo...

Mercury is among the most hazardous trace elements released during fuel combustion, yet its occurrence in biomass and biomass ash remains insufficiently constrained. This paper presents an integrated assessment of published data on Hg contents, associations, and probable modes of occurrence in eight biomass types and their ashes generated during combustion, with emphasis on Hg volatilization, retention in biomass ash, and comparison with industrial coals used in Bulgaria. Published chemical, mineralogical, thermal...

Fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5) lead to dangerous air pollution, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause health damage by causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. PM2.5 appears mainly as a result of combustion processes such as car operations, burning coal, wood, fuel oil in CHP and in the private sector, as well as through industrial emissions and fires. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters effective used for capturing these harmful particles, but we have ...

The present study aims to track the seasonal dynamics of airborne microorganisms on the territory of Sofia, Bulgaria in relation to the dynamics of fine particulate matter (FPM). Seven sampling points were selected from which sampling was carried out in seasonal dynamics. A laboratory Spin Air sampler was used as 1 m3 of air was passed through the apparatus. For the purpose of the study, the total number of microorganisms was established, as well as the quantity of the main microbiological groups. Isolation of pur...

The coal mining waste dump of Petrila in the Jiu Valley, Romania, represents a significant source of environmental hazards due to spontaneous combustion of coal residues. This study investigates the generation of nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, and NOX), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) from the Petrila dump, focusing on their correlation with self-heating phenomena and internal temperature variations. Field observations were conducted on the dump, recording signs of surface smoke, elevated temperatures, and othe...

This paper proposes the concept of the virtual perimeter as an innovative approach for determining the average velocity of ventilation flow in tunnels. Average velocity is a fundamental parameter that defines volumetric and mass flow rates, energy losses, and thermal regimes. Classical methods, based on multipoint measurements with anemometers, are difficult to apply in large tunnels and, in many cases, practically impossible. The virtual perimeter identifies the zone of the tunnel’s cross-section where the loca...

Heavy metal pollution, particularly lead contamination, poses significant environmental and public health risks in urban areas. This study investigates the spatial distribution of lead in snowmelt within Jelgava, Latvia, to identify pollution sources, assess potential environmental impacts, and provide insights into urban pollution management. From 2020 to 2024, snow samples were collected from diverse urban locations, including highways, railway-adjacent zones, industrial districts, and residential areas. Inducti...

The continuous accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere represents one of the greatest challenges to achieving a sustainable and circular carbon economy. Traditional capture technologies based on aqueous amines are effective but suffer from high energy penalties, corrosion, and environmental toxicity. In contrast, bio-based polymers offer renewable, low-impact alternatives for CO2 capture and subsequent transformation. Chitin and its deacetylated derivative chitosan emerge as particularly promising d...

A global challenge of our nowadays life is dealing with micro- and nano-plastic particles (MNPs), due to wide spreading all around us, persistence over the years, and toxic character, contributing to adverse effects on human health. As one of the biggest polluters worldwide, the textile industry including mechanical and chemical processes of fibers and garments generates various contaminants in the indoor air, including -white pollutants- with micro-nano plastic particles MNPs. This paper presents some methods for...

The environmental impact of the long-standing fossil fuel, namely coke as a reducing agent has been a challenge in the pyrometallurgical industry for decades. The threats that it poses have become increasingly unbearable. Few attempts on different biochar have been conducted and their impact on the quality of slag investigated. More improvements are still underway for industrial scale use. The current project evolves on the reducing capabilities that spent malt waste biochar in the reduction zone during carbotherm...

A pivotal role in pollution control and climate change mitigation within the transportation sector, particularly in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, plays the catalytic converters. It functions by converting harmful emissions into less harmful substances before they are released into the atmosphere. This process reduces key pollutants that contribute to both air quality degradation and climate change. The catalytic converter thus serves as a critical technology in improving urban air quality and mitigati...

Zephyr AGH represents an attempt to address the need for low-emission transportation. In its initial iteration, it was a race vehicle powered by compressed air. Currently, the project is being developed with a focus on maximizing its utility, particularly in urban traffic conditions. Due to the low energy density of compressed air, it is not a sufficient standalone energy carrier for individual transportation. To maintain the low-emission profile of the vehicle, the design team decided to integrate electric motors...

This paper emphases the synergistic nature of greenhouses, underlining their role in feeding the population and optimizing energy, water, and gas fuel consumption. Several synergies associated with greenhouses are listed: that of recoverable energies, that of water, that of carbon offset, that of trophics, that of economics and that of politics. The most significant greenhouse configurations are reviewed: the passive greenhouse, oper-ating exclusively with renewable energies, the cogenerating greenhouses, producin...

Corrosion is one of the most important causes of failures of reinforced concrete building structures, reduces their service lifetime, reliability and increases the economic complexity of subsequent reconstructions and renovations of buildings. This paper is devoted to the investigation of aggressive environmental influences on building structures. The research is closely linked to long-term measured data of the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMI), which are used to calculate corrosion losses per year and t...

Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) in poultry farming transforms livestock manage-ment and promotes climate resilience, namely in sub-Saharan Africa, where the rising demand for animal protein is challenged by climate variability and limited resources. This review examines how IoT enhances climate resilience, operational efficiency, and sustainability in African poultry systems. A systematic scoping review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted using databases such as Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Sci-enceDirect, Spri...

The authors of this paper investigate the way rural areas can be sustainably maintained (designing and building -green buildings-, managing natural resources, practicing sustainable agriculture, practicing sustainable economy, practicing sustainable transportation, producing renewable energy, protecting the environment, reducing waste, being responsible) through environmental measures (conserving water, controlling pollution, designing and building -green buildings-, educating in the spirit of environmental protec...

The paper will provide an overview of platforms and their impact in the context of climate change on the seas and oceans. It discusses the types of platforms, and the technologies used to improve performance in the face of severe weather and sea level rise. The proposed work emphasizes the importance of integrating innovative solutions to improve the offshore industry. Analysis conducted so far highlight different types of platforms, classified according to their specific use and structural characteristics, highli...

Urbanization and increasing traffic intensity contribute significantly to heavy metal pollution in urban environments, posing potential risks to public health and ecosystems. This study investigates the spatiotemporal variations of zinc concentrations in snow water within Jelgava, Latvia, from 2020 to 2024. A total of 59 sampling sites in Jelgava and an additional site in Mezciems were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine zinc concentrations and identify potential pollu...

Previous research has shown that the properties of biomass pellets (composition, moisture, density) have a significant impact on particulate matter emissions. However, pellet length has been investigated to a lesser extent, mainly for wood pellets. This study offers a new perspective, as it focuses on non-wood biomass (red fescue pellets) and systematically evaluates particulate matter emissions in relation to pellet length. Pellets were sorted into three categories: 0.15-1.65 cm (I), 1.65-3.15 cm (II), and over 3...

Plastic waste pollution represents extensive threats to ecosystems and human health. A lot of plastic waste enters the ocean or ends on landfills, where it threatens the ecosystem. Therefore, it is crucial to find methods for its effective disposal or reuse. A significant amount of plastic can be found in personal protective equipment used to protect against viral infections and transmission, for example during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article focuses on the utilization of plastic waste by mixing it with beech ...

If a few years ago climate change was a new and fanciful concept and not everyone was aware of its entire action range, today we are witnessing increasingly pronounced climate change. At the European Union level are many political initiatives in order to mitigate the climate change so the next generations to have the same changes to a good environment. All the efforts must be put into shifting the development to a more sustainable one. There are different drivers that interfere with the climate. Among energy, tran...

Air pollution is a major problem related to human health and the protection and quality of the environment. Increasingly emphasis is placed on the problems associated with fine dust particles, without paying enough attention to the potential problems associated with the increase of microorganisms in the ground air layer. The present pilot study aims to establish the dynamics in the number of microorganisms at different height in the ground air. Six hot spots and six green zones were analyzed at a distance from the...

The process of burning alternative materials such as refused derived fuels is an important topic in current scientific research and industry. Emissions and particulate matters are formatted during the combustion of refused derived fuels (RDF) and it is important to identify the ways of their reduction. This manuscript analyses the influence of factors such as fuel fraction and fuel moisture on particulate matter (PM) concentrations. The findings can assist to better understand the impact of individual factors on a...

Camphene and 3-carene are key atmospheric monoterpenes used in cosmetics, fragrances, and food flavouring. In order to assess their impacts on human health and the environment it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the degradation mechanisms involved in their reactivity. The present study aimed to investigate the OH radicals initiated atmospheric degradation of camphene and 3-carene under simulated NOx-free conditions. The experiments were conducted using facilities provided by the 760 L Environmental...

Snow water pollution, especially from heavy metals, is a growing global environmental concern, as urbanization and industrial activities increasingly contribute to the contamination of precipitation. Snow, acting as a natural filter, accumulates atmospheric pollutants, which are subsequently released during snowmelt, entering stormwater systems and surface water bodies. This issue has been observed across Europe, North America, and other industrialized regions, where heavy metals such as nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu...

The increasing flow of traffic passing through cities on a daily basis, especially those cities that have a difficult situation with bypass, raises concerns about the air quality in sections of the transport corridors, as well as in the city as a whole. Heavy metal pollution is a serious environmental concern, especially in urban and suburban areas where vehicle emissions contribute to air and soil pollution. The aim of the study is to assess the extent of heavy metal contamination in snow samples collected at dif...

In urban environments, human health is increasingly affected by air quality, particularly air pollution with particulate matter (PM), which contains various toxic chemical elements. Car traffic is one of the main sources of air pollution in urban areas, which not only raises dust from roadways but also emits micro particles from diesel engines and tire wear containing heavy metals. The aim of the study is to evaluate the ability of the lichen species Xanthoria parietina, commonly found in Latvia, to biomonitor and...

Despite other sectors, agriculture faces the direct influences of the environment and climate. Today climate change represents a challenge for farmers around the world, not only for Romanian ones. The paper deals with this problem and agriculture resilience. It brings to attention the important issue of resilience and the challenges for agriculture and for farmers, especially for small farmers. The research is based on questionnaires applied to farmers focusing on their perception of risks, adaptation options and ...

Climate change significantly affects agriculture in Slovakia by altering precipitation patterns, temperatures, and the length of the growing season. Common effects include drought, more intense rainfall, higher summer temperatures, and increased pest populations, all of which influence crop production and livestock breeding. Human activities have already impacted atmospheric properties such as temperature, precipitation, CO2 levels, and ground-level ozone, and this trend is expected to continue. While warmer clima...

Well-aerated soils are essential for methane (CH4) uptake from the atmosphere, acting as significant sinks for this greenhouse gas, which has a global warming potential 25 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2). These soils contain methanotrophic bacteria, which oxidize CH4 and thereby reduce atmospheric methane concentrations. The potential of soils to assimilate CH4 depends on factors such as soil type and moisture regime. This study investigates the ability of clay soil Cambic Calcisol to assimilate CH...

This research aims to conduct a descriptive statistical analysis to identify the statistical correlation between categories of new and second-hand vehicles registered for circulation in Romania and various health conditions associated with atmospheric pollution. Currently, a significant challenge for the global community lies in mitigating the impact of atmospheric pollution, considered a crucial factor both in terms of global climate change and its impact on public health. One major source of atmospheric pollutio...

This article deals with the issue of the indoor environment in terms of optimal conditions of thermal comfort and the satisfactory quality of indoor air. A weekly measurement of the parameters of the indoor environment was carried out in the building of the day rehabilitation centre in order to verify the state of the indoor environment, to determine the processes that create the indoor environment and to define the factors that affect the resulting state of the indoor microclimate. One of the important factors is...

As the climate changes, the EU is experiencing heavier rainfall, harsher storms and rising sea levels. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), the consequences of fluvial, pluvial and coastal floods in Europe will overall worsen as a result of local and regional increases in intensity and frequency of flooding [1]. The article concerns the indication of the functionality of the available QGIS software in the identification of critical infrastructure objects in Poland and the Czech Republic along with t...

Approximately 5% of the area of Slovakia is made up of built-up areas and courtyards. These represent land where buildings and courtyards, motorways, roads, local roads, railways, airports, and water structures are built. To compare the influence of the urbanized part of the country on the daily air temperature, the city of Nitra, located in the western part of Slovakia, was selected. Meteorological stations are in the territory of the city, from which air temperature data were obtained. For the comparison of the ...

Since the drone industry is more and more frequently used on a large scale, it is desired to obtain autonomous drones for the fulfillment of as many different missions as possible. Thus, within this project it presented the design of a mobile tether system for a rotary-wing UAV, with the aim of detecting changes in air quality, especially in areas around cities where illegal waste burning is frequently reported or in highly industrialized areas. Mobility is one of the important features of the proposed tether syst...

This research investigates the increasing use of alternative fuels in internal combustion engines, a phenomenon that has experienced significant growth in recent decades due to the heightened interest in reducing atmospheric pollution. Although the pollution level associated with alternative fuels is generally lower compared to fossil fuels, it is essential to emphasize that the pollutant impact of alcohol-based fuels depends on various factors, such as engine technology, mixture composition, fuel quality, and usa...

Heat pumps are important due to their efficiency and a target of climate neutrality. They also reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide. This article deals with the smart mini hybrid heat pump, which is planned to use for heat gain in summer, energy accumulation in the ground storage, and further consumption in winter. This heat pump can get heat from the surroundings or solar collectors. Heat pump water-water has been used in this article. Its input and output parameters were measured, a coefficient of performance ...

Snow cover is an indicator of the fluctuating climate, resulting from the change in the regime of winter precipitations and air temperatures. Our previous studies have revealed significant decreasing of the seasonal snow cover maxima and the precipitation amounts in the highest mountainous regions of Bulgaria, which is however not so strong at lower altitudes. Current research summarizes our last findings about one other characteristic of the snow cover - its duration. This is presented as annual number of days wi...

Reducing air pollution is a major objective of road transport, the most important consequence of this reduction being the decrease in the number of illnesses and, implicitly, a better quality of human life. To achieve this goal, researchers- efforts have been directed towards reducing the quantities and treating the exhaust gases of vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines. It is important to note that the reduction of environmental pollution must also aim at decreasing the emissions of particles that ar...

Miyawaki-forest is a well-known method to create small forest quickly in urban conditions. It works with native woody species that are densely (4-5 pcs/m2) planted together after topsoil changing in a quite small area. The first Hungarian Miyawaki-forest was introduced in Taban, 2021. It planted with 9 native species (Acer platanoides, Acer campestre, Carpinus betulus, Crataegus monogyna, Euonymus europaeus, Pyrus pyraster, Ulmus laevis, Sorbus torminalis and Quercus robur). The area is 40 m2. Soil was changed up ...

This research aims to conduct a detailed analysis of the necessity for generating electrical energy using conventional methods, simultaneously assessing the impact on water quality. Wastewater, originating from fluids used in industrial processes or households, contains various impurities and is discharged into the natural aquatic environment (such as rivers, lakes, or the Black Sea) or onto various lands, either with or without prior treatment. The production and utilization of primary energy raw materials, such ...

The paper presents an ecological technology regarding the use of explosive materials in obtaining unconventional layered structures. It is emphasized that the use of the presented method contributes substantially to the minimization of the action of toxic factors on the environment compared to classic welding technologies. The reduction of harmful effects on the environment is due to the extremely short duration of the process, the entire amount of explosive material being consumed almost instantly. The subject of...

The international community declared a commitment to Net Zero through the Paris Agreement to address accelerating climate change. Countries worldwide agreed to participate by submitting and implementing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). South Korea also joined this declaration, aiming to achieve Net Zero by 2050. Achieving Net Zero requires the establishment of policies tailored to each country, along with regular assessments to ensure effective strategy implementation. The Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Re...

In the context of the urgent need to combat climate change, renewable energy sources, such as geothermal energy, play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study examines the ecological impact in the form of avoided emissions for five geothermal heating plants located in Poland. The analysis included emissions of CO2, SO2, NOx, CO, benzo(a)pyrene, and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), considering three reference scenarios based on conventional fuels: hard coal, high-methane natural gas, and ...

The purpose of this work is to explore the potential for predicting and improving the fuel efficiency of vehicles with thermal engines, especially in the context of reducing exhaust gas emissions that contribute to environmental pollution. With rising fuel costs, consumers need to make informed decisions about the fuel consumption and environmental impact of purchasing vehicles with internal combustion engines. To achieve this goal, the researchers utilized artificial intelligence and created a model using neural ...