Search Results (457)

Bioavailable fractions of particulate-bound trace elements are key determinants of inhalation toxicity, yet air-quality assessments typically rely on total metal concentrations, which may underestimate health risks. This study integrates the exchangeable (F1) and reducible (F2) fractions of trace elements in fine (PM_2.5) and coarse (PM₁₀) particulate matter with multi-criteria decision-making (TOPSIS) and similarity-based classification (Czekanowski’s method). Archival weekly-integrated samples from the summer season were collected at eight industrially influenced sites in southern Poland. Sequential extraction (F1–F2) and ICP-MS were applied to quantify concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, nickel, and lead in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. Aggregated hazard values were then derived with TOPSIS, and site similarity was explored using Czekanowski’s reordered distance matrices. Regulatory targets for cadmium and nickel, and the limit for lead in PM₁₀ were not exceeded, but F1/F2 profiles revealed pronounced site-to-site differences in potential mobility that were not evident from total concentrations. Rankings were consistent across size fractions, with site P₁ exhibiting the lowest hazard indices and P₈ the highest, while mid-rank sites formed reproducible similarity clusters. The proposed chemical-fractionation and multivariate framework provides a reproducible screening tool for multi-element exposure, complementing compliance checks and supporting prioritisation of sites for targeted investigation and environmental management. In the sustainability context, bioavailability-based indicators strengthen air-quality assessment by linking monitoring data with health-relevant and cost-effective management strategies, supporting efficient resource allocation and reducing exposure in vulnerable populations. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton biomass in the Bay of Gdansk (Southern Baltic Sea, Poland) on its usability for anaerobic digestion. Biomass samples were collected between May and October (2023–2024) for quantitative, taxonomic, and chemical analyses as well as for anaerobic digestion in mesophilic periodical bioreactors. Study results demonstrated substantial seasonal variations in the taxonomic composition of phytoplankton, with green algae and dinoflagellates prevailing in the spring, cyanobacteria in the summer, and diatoms in the autumn. These fluctuations were also reflected in the chemical composition of the biomass and its anaerobic digestion efficiency. The highest methane yield of 270 ± 13 mL CH₄/g VS and its highest production rate reaching 32.5 ± 1.6 mL CH₄/g VS·d were recorded in August, i.e., in the period of cyanobacteria predominance with the maximal contents of TOC (51.4 ± 2.1% TS), sugars (599 ± 42 mg/g TS), and lipids (126 ± 13 mg/g TS) in the biomass. In contrast, the lowest biomethanation efficiency was determined in October under diatom prevalence. A strong correlation was found between taxonomic, structural, and chemical properties of the substrate, and anaerobic digestion efficiency. This study’s findings underscore the enormous potential of phytoplankton biomass from summer blooms for energy production as a crucial element of sustainable management of coastal ecosystems and the circular economy. Full article

Ore mining and smelting are often related to environmental pollution. This study provides information about the geochemical features of Technosols at historical mining and metallurgical sites in the Tatra Mountains, southern Poland, evaluating the contents of potentially toxic trace elements (PTTE) and their behaviours in soils, as well as the influence of soil properties on PTTE mobility. Thirteen soil profiles were studied in eight abandoned mining and smelting sites. PTTE concentrations, including rare earth elements (REE), were measured using ICP-MS and ICP-OES. Selected elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Sb, Ba, Sr, Co, Ni, Mn and Cr) were fractionated using the modified European Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) four-step sequential extraction. Contamination of soils with PTTE was compared against Polish regulatory limits, which were exceeded for Cu, Zn, Pb, Mo, Hg, As, Co, Ni and Ba, with concentrations exceeding limits by 16, 18, 34 and 160 times for Cu, Hg, As and Ba, respectively, in some profiles. Based on geochemical features depending on parent material properties, the soils examined were divided into three groups. Group I Technosols (near-neutral soils developed from Fe/Mn-ore and carbonate-bearing mining waste) were particularly enriched in Co, Ni, Mn and REE. Group II Technosols (acidic soils developed from polymetallic ore-bearing aluminosilicate mining waste) contained elevated concentrations of Cu, Zn, Hg, As, Sb, Bi, Co, Ag, Ba, Sr, U and Th; they contained lower contents of REE than Group I Technosols. Group III Technosols (soils developed in smelting-affected areas and containing metallurgical waste) were rich in Cu, As, Sb, Ba, Hg, Co and Ag and contained the lowest REE contents among the studied soils. Sequential BCR extraction revealed that PTTE mobility varied strongly according to soil group, with higher mobility of Mn, Cu and Zn in acidic polymetallic ore-derived soils (Group II), while carbonate-rich soils (Group I) showed mainly immobile forms. Metallurgical slag-derived soils (Group III) exhibited complex PTTE behaviour controlled by organic matter and Fe/Mn oxides. Soil properties (pH, carbonates and TOC) seem to control PTTE mobility. Full article

Potatoes are a strategic crop in Poland, particularly important for agriculture in the southern and southeastern parts of the country. Environmental variability makes assessing yield stability and quality traits of varieties crucial for food security. Research Objective and Methodology: This three-year field study (2021–2023) aimed to comprehensively assess the yield stability and quality traits of mid-early potato varieties. The research was conducted in four pedologically diverse locations (rendzinas, brown soils, alluvial soils, and pseudopodzolic soils), according to the COBORU methodology. Key yield parameters (total and marketable tuber yield) and quality traits (dry-matter and starch content and yield) were analyzed. Interregional stability was also assessed. The environmental characteristics were supplemented with detailed analyses of soil physicochemical and biological properties, monitoring of agroclimatic parameters, and an assessment of the impact of geographical location. The collected data was subjected to advanced statistical analyses (ANOVA, correlations, descriptive statistics). Results analyses revealed significant yield variation across soil types, with the highest yields on alluvial soils and the lowest on pseudopodzolic soils. Geographic location significantly influenced yield stability, highlighting the role of local factors. Strong correlations were also found between soil properties and starch content (r = 0.61–0.73), indicating a key influence of the soil matrix on tuber quality. Conclusions and Recommendations: This study provides practical recommendations for selecting potato varieties adapted to specific soil types, precision fertilization strategies, and climate-change-adaptation protocols. Further research should focus on the impact of extreme weather events, optimized water management, and the use of precision agriculture. Full article

Free-living amoebae (FLAs) are widely present in the environment and may be pathogenic for animals and humans. Studies on the prevalence of FLAs in European soils are few in number. This study aimed to molecularly identify the species and genotypes of FLAs occurring in soil from Southern Poland. Forty soil samples were collected in June 2024 in the Babiogórski National Park. Amoebae cultures and a thermal-tolerance test were conducted, and all strains grew at 37 °C. Five PCR protocols were applied for the amplification of FLA SSU rRNA fragments. The following FLAs, including potentially pathogenic ones, were detected: Acanthamoeba T4 and T13 genotypes in 79.1% of positive samples, Naegleria gruberi and Naegleria galeacystis in 25%, Vermamoeba vermiformis in 12.5%, and Paravahlkampfia sp. and Ptolemeba bulliensis in 8.3%. Species and genotype identification were determined by sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis. This study reports, for the first time, the isolation of N. galeacystis from soil and N. gruberi and V. vermiformis from soil collected in Europe. The used primer sets have different usefulness for Naegleria species identification and their phylogenetic analysis. The primers applied in this study may not reveal the full diversity of amoebae in soil; therefore, it is necessary to design new primers for this purpose. Full article

This study seeks to develop and evaluate a methodological framework for assessing the tourism potential of hillforts, by using a selected sample of 25 of these heritage resources located in the Lower Silesia Voivodeship. This region, as one of Poland’s most popular among domestic and international tourists, is increasingly confronting overtourism at its primary attractions. Concurrently, it possesses underutilised cultural assets, notably 250 remnants of gords/hillforts (grodziska in Polish) spanning various historical periods and dispersed across the whole area. Thus, to ensure the universality of the method, samples of hillforts from three main topographic zones of Lower Silesia were selected. In addition to the aim of testing the method, a secondary objective of the research involved conducting a preliminary assessment of selected hillforts’ tourism potential in different parts of the voivodeship. The methodology combined desk research and field studies across all selected archaeological sites. Concerning the primary objective, the developed assessment tool effectively replicated the multidimensional analytical framework characteristic of established methodologies, yielding reliable outcomes for evaluating gords’ tourism potential. However, modifications to the scoring system are recommended to enhance methodological precision. Regarding analysis of the 25 surveyed hillforts, the results indicate that objects from all zones mainly demonstrate high tourism potential, suggesting an opportunity for transformation into tourist attractions. The integration of hillforts into existing tourism infrastructure could significantly contribute to localised sustainable development across the region. The primary significance of these heritage resources lies in their capacity to facilitate the diversification of tourism offerings across distinct areas of the voivodeship. This development holds particular strategic value for northern poviats currently peripherally engaged in tourism economy. Moreover, by leveraging hillforts, communities obtain assets important in the process of building a common identity around cultural/historical place while safeguarding monuments. Concurrently, the most attractive southern poviats will benefit from the new attractions as they can help in mitigating overtourism pressures at overcrowded places, being an interesting alternative to the top attractions. This approach aligns with strategies to disperse tourist flows through specialised archaeological tourism products, thereby balancing economic benefits and local communities’ well-being with heritage preservation. Full article

Hydrological drought in Central Europe is becoming an increasingly serious threat to agriculture, industry, and people due to climate change and the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The main aim of the paper was to assess the spatial variability of streamflow drought in Poland. The spatial analysis was conducted using daily streamflow series from 340 gauging stations for the period 1973–2022. Hydrological drought was defined as a period with a streamflow lower than Q_90%. The results show that, on average, hydrological droughts occur 52 times per year at a given gauging station. Drought duration and volume depend on the gauge elevation. At higher-altitude stations, shorter and smaller-volume droughts are most commonly observed. The longest droughts are recorded in Northern Poland, particularly in the Lakeland regions, which is a serious problem mainly for the agriculture sector. Hydrological droughts in Poland most frequently begin in summer and end in late summer or early autumn. Analyses showed that hydrological drought has a strong spatial distribution, and it is possible to identify five main regions with homogeneous drought duration and volume. Trend analysis of the annual number of low-flow days indicates no statistically significant trend at 46% of stations, while 54% exhibit statistically significant increases, with marked regional variability. The highest number of stations with statistically significant decreasing trends occurs in the Southern and Eastern Baltic Lake District and in the Central Poland Lowlands and Highlands with Polesie. The study highlights the necessity of enhancing water retention, particularly in the central, lowland regions of Poland. Full article

This study investigates the internal structure and lithologic variability of slope deposits in a small catchment in the Polish Outer Carpathians using pedological methods supported by geochemical analyses and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). It addresses the occurrence of lithologic discontinuities in the soils of flysch-dominated mountain areas. Diagnostic criteria from the WRB system—based on particle-size distribution and the content and lithology of coarse fragments—were applied to identify lithologic discontinuities, complemented by computation of sand and silt separates on a clay-free basis. Geochemical analyses and ERT were then used to assess their likely origin. Three major vertical sections were distinguished, separated by discontinuities: an uppermost unit consisting of aeolian material mixed with solifluctional deposits; a middle unit dominated by solifluctional materials; and a lowermost unit composed of colluvial deposits. The study confirms the utility of ERT in detecting subsurface differentiation of stratified slope sediments and provides a model for interpreting pedosedimentary sequences in Carpathian low-mountain environments. Full article

This study offers a detailed environmental, energy, and economic evaluation of thermal modernisation options for an existing single-family home in southern Poland. A total of 24 variants, combining different heat sources (solid fuel, biomass, natural gas, and heat pumps) with various levels of building insulation, were analysed using energy performance certification methods. Results show that, from an energy perspective, the most advantageous scenarios are those utilising brine-to-water or air-to-water heat pumps supported by photovoltaic systems, reaching final energy demands as low as 43.5 kWh/m²year and primary energy demands of 41.1 kWh/m²year. Biomass boilers coupled with solar collectors delivered the highest renewable energy share (up to 99.2%); however, they resulted in less notable reductions in primary energy. Environmentally, all heat pump options removed local particulate emissions, with CO₂ reductions of up to 87.5% compared to the baseline; biomass systems attained 100% CO₂ reduction owing to renewable fuels. Economically, biomass boilers had the lowest unit energy production costs, while PV-assisted heat pumps faced the highest overall costs despite their superior environmental benefits. The findings highlight the trade-offs between ecological advantages, energy efficiency, and investment costs, offering a decision-making framework for the modernisation of sustainable residential heating systems. Full article

Landslides are among the most frequent and dangerous natural hazards, posing serious threats to life and infrastructure. To mitigate their impacts, landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) plays a crucial role by identifying areas prone to future landslide occurrences. This study aimed to assess how the choice of feature selection methods influences the performance of LSM models based on the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm when an extended set of input variables is used. Two study areas located in Southern Poland, called Biały Dunajec and Rożnów, were selected for analysis. These regions differ in terrain, elevation, and environmental characteristics and are situated approximately 65 km apart. Three widely used feature selection techniques were applied: the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), symmetrical uncertainty (SU), and analysis of variance (ANOVA). For each method, XGBoost models were trained and evaluated using multiple performance metrics, including the area under the curve (AUC), overall accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The highest AUC values were achieved using the PCC method: 0.985 for Biały Dunajec and 0.983 for Rożnów. The best overall performance (accuracy of 0.93, recall of 0.94, and F1-score of 0.79) was obtained for the Rożnów case study using PCC features. These findings highlight that, when a comprehensive set of input variables is used, the exclusion of less informative features has little effect on model accuracy, as their information is largely preserved within the retained features. Full article

This paper presents an annual, real-world evaluation of the performance and economics of a residential photovoltaic (PV) system coupled with a battery energy storage system (BESS) in southern Poland. The system, monitored with 5 min resolution, operated under time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariffs. Seasonal variation was significant; self-sufficiency exceeded 90% in summer, while winter conditions increased grid dependency. The hybrid system reduced electricity costs by over EUR 1400 annually, with battery operation optimized for high-tariff periods. Comparative analysis of three configurations—grid-only, PV-only, and PV + BESS—demonstrated the economic advantage of the integrated solution, with the shortest payback period (9.0 years) achieved with financial support. However, grid voltage instability during high PV production led to inverter shutdowns, highlighting limitations in the infrastructure. This study emphasizes the importance of tariff strategies, environmental conditions, and voltage control when designing residential PV-BESS systems. Full article

Climate warming poses significant challenges for the sustainable management of natural water resources, making efficient planning and usage essential. This study evaluates the water requirements, irrigation demand, and rainfall deficits for two key vegetable crops, carrot and white cabbage, under projected climate scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 for the period 2031–2100. The analysis was conducted for Kraków and Rzeszów Counties in southern Poland using projected monthly temperature and precipitation data from the Klimada 2.0 portal. Potential evapotranspiration (ETp) during the growing season (May–October) was estimated using Treder’s empirical model and the crop coefficient method adapted for Polish conditions. The reference period for comparison was 1951–2020. The results reveal a significant upward trend in water demand for both crops, with the highest increases under the RCP 8.5 scenario–seasonal ETp values reaching up to 517 mm for cabbage and 497 mm for carrot. Rainfall deficits are projected to intensify, especially during July and August, with greater shortages in Rzeszów County compared to Kraków County. Irrigation demand varies depending on soil type and drought severity, becoming critical in medium and very dry years. These findings underscore the necessity of adapting irrigation strategies and water resource management to ensure sustainable vegetable production under changing climate conditions. The data provide valuable guidance for farmers, advisors, and policymakers in planning effective irrigation infrastructure and optimizing water-use efficiency in southern Poland. Full article

Background: The 2022 conflict in Ukraine triggered mass migration, leading to a significant influx of Ukrainian refugee children into Poland. This situation raises concerns about hepatitis B virus immunity, as Ukraine’s hepatitis B vaccination coverage has been inconsistent compared to Poland’s high vaccination rates. Objective: To evaluate hepatitis B immunity and infection prevalence among Ukrainian refugee children residing in Southern Poland and to assess implications for vaccination strategies in the host country. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 1322 Ukrainian refugee children (0–18 years) presenting to a pediatric infectious diseases department in Southern Poland between February 2022 and March 2024. Data on vaccination history, demographic characteristics, and selected laboratory parameters, including hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HBs antibody levels, were collected. Protective immunity was defined as anti-HBs antibody levels ≥10 IU/L. Results: Among the participants (mean age 9.9 years; 50.2% female), 83.2% were reported as vaccinated according to national immunization programs, but only 64.9% demonstrated protective anti-HBs antibody levels. Protective antibody prevalence declined significantly with age, with less than half of adolescents aged 15–18 years showing immunity. Five children (0.4%) were diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, four of whom were unvaccinated. Conclusions: This study identifies a significant gap in hepatitis B immunity among Ukrainian adolescent refugees residing in Southern Poland, with less than half possessing protective anti-HBs antibody levels. This immunity gap and the high risk of sexual transmission of the hepatitis B virus in adolescents highlight the urgent need for comprehensive surveillance, screening, and catch-up vaccination programs. Full article

Background: Vaccination effectively reduces the risk of infection, including COVID-19 yet older adults often receive insufficient attention despite their increased vulnerability. The study aimed to correlate serological results with underlying conditions, vaccination status, and COVID-19 history. Methods: This non-interventional, multicenter study aimed to assess vaccination coverage and SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels among residents of eight long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Southern Poland. Data collection took place between January and June 2022, with 429 participants recruited based on their ability to provide informed consent and their residency in LTCFs. Sociodemographic data, medical history, and COVID-19-related information—including infection history and vaccination status—were collected through surveys. Blood samples were obtained for serological testing using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Statistical analysis, including Spearman’s correlation, revealed significant associations between antibody levels and vaccination status, as well as between RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infections and higher antibody titers. Results: Among the seven different qualitative serological, only the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 NCP (IgG) and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 (IgA) tests showed a positive correlation with the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac (IgG) test, which was used as a comparator. A weak correlation was noted with the age of the residents. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that vaccination positively influences antibody responses, underscoring the importance of immunization among LTCF residents. Additionally, certain comorbidities—such as degenerative joint disease and diabetes—showed weak correlations with higher antibody levels. This study provides valuable insights into the humoral immune response to COVID-19 in vulnerable populations residing in LTCFs. Full article

Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, it has evolved, leading to variants that differ in their transmissibility, severity of disease, and susceptibility to therapy. Our goal was to describe the dynamics of the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants among the population of the southern part of Poland (Silesia) in the period from September 2021 to August 2022. Our results showed that, like in the rest of Poland or in neighboring countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia), Delta was replaced by the Omicron BA.1 variant, isolated for the first time in December 2021, and subsequently Omicron BA.2 and its derivative subvariants acquiring further mutations. Finally, in August 2022, only the BA.5.2.26 subvariant was present in Silesia. However, we noted differences in the dynamics of emergence and spread of some Omicron subvariants compared to the rest of Poland and the neighboring countries, which may be due to differences in population density or import of the virus from other regions. Full article