Air In Poland Research Articles

Multidimensional analysis of losses in the number of passengers transported by air in Poland and Germany caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of the maintenance of economic security

In the study, the authors conducted a multidimensional data analysis on the decrease in the number of passengers transported by air in Poland and Germany caused by the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020-2022. Forecasts of the number of passengers transported by air in Poland and Germany obtained after applying the Holt-Winters exponential smoothing method from January 2020 to December 2022 were compared with actual data. The research showed that in the case of Germany, in 2020 there was a decrease of 174 628 873 people, and in 2022, it was 90 620 354 people. In Poland, the decrease in 2020 amounted to 40 257 520 people; in 2022, it was already 21 083 066 passengers.

Plutonium isotopes in the ground air layer in southern Poland (2010–2016): Source terms, seasonal variability and correlations with meteorological conditions

In this study, the results of the analysis of Pu-238 and Pu-239 + 240 activity concentrations on aerosol filters collected from 2010 to 2016 in Krakow (Southern Poland) are presented and discussed. For the first time, the temporal variation of Pu-239 + 240 activity concentration in surface air in Poland was studied using Fourier analysis. The analysis clearly showed that the Pu-239 + 240 content in the near-ground air layer is subject to seasonal variations and demonstrates annual periodicity. Pu analyses were performed using alpha spectrometry. The measured values ranged from 1.93∙10−10 Bq/m3 to 1.31∙10−8 Bq/m3 with an average of 2.07∙10−9 Bq/m3 for Pu-239 + 240 and from 9.07∙10−11 Bq/m3 to 1.27∙10−9 Bq/m3 with the average 1.52∙10−10 Bq/m3 for Pu-238. The analysis of the potential sources of plutonium isotopes in the air aerosols samples indicated that only two samples are uniquely characterized by the ratio corresponding to spent nuclear fuel: February 2012 (0.59 ± 0.18) and February 2015 (0.68 ± 0.19). The remaining samples showed mixed origins, with global radioactive fallout appearing to contribute more than spent nuclear fuel. To study the relationship between Pu-239 + 240 and meteorological conditions, Pearson's correlation and circulation pattern analyses were performed. The analyses showed that the Pu-239 + 240 activity concentration depends on air temperature (R = 0.51), the sum of ice and snowfall (R = −0.45), relative humidity (R = −0.54) and mean total cloud cover (R = −0.56). High concentrations of Pu-239 + 240 were positively correlated with air advection from the southern and eastern sectors, whereas low concentrations were observed during dynamic weather conditions with intense circulation from the western sector. In case of Pu-238 no significant correlation was observed.

Alnus pollen grains in the atmospheric air in Poland in 2022

In addition to hazel pollen, alder pollen causes allergy symptoms in subjects suffering from early spring allergies. The study consisted in the analysis of the concentration of Alnus pollen in the air of 12 Polish cities: Bialystok, Bydgoszcz, Cracow, Kielce, Lublin, Olsztyn, Piotrkow Trybunalski, Sosnowiec, Szczecin, Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Zielona Gora. The research was carried out in 2022. The volumetric method and Burkard or Lanzoni samplers were used. The pollen season was determined with the 95% method. The onset of the season was recorded earlier in the west of Poland than in the east of the country, i.e. between January 30th and February 18th. The season ended between March 23rd and April 3rd. The maximum alder pollen concentrations were determined in between February 14th and March 16th. The highest concentrations of alder pollen were detected in Kielce and Piotrkow Trybunalski, while the lowest values were recorded in Bialystok and Szczecin.

Nikiel i jego związki. Metoda oznaczania w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy

Nickel due to its physicochemical properties is used to produce high strength, corrosion resistant, temperature resi-stant, high resistance and acid resistant alloys. Nickel in the form of fine powder can induce an allergic response when in contact with the skin, carcinogenic properties have been proven with long-term exposure to nickel dust. According to the proposed directive of the European Parliament No. 2020/0262, a value of maximum allowable concentration (MAC) in a workplace air in Poland for the inhalable fraction should be at 0.05 mg/m3 and for the respirable fraction at 0.01 mg/m3 (2020/0262/COD). The aim of this study was to develop a method for determining nickel in the range of 1/10 ÷ 2 of the MAC. The method is based on gathering nickel aerosol and its compounds contained in the air on a filter, filter mineralization in nitric acid(V) and hydrochloric acid at elevated temperature then determination of nickel content in the sample using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) with flame atomization. The method for the determination of nickel is presented in the form of an analytical procedure, which is included in the appendix. This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.

Nikiel i jego związki. Metoda oznaczania w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy

Nickel due to its physicochemical properties is used to produce high strength, corrosion resistant, temperature resistant, high resistance and acid resistant alloys. Nickel in the form of fine powder can induce an allergic response when in contact with the skin, carcinogenic properties have been proven with long-term exposure to nickel dust. According to the proposed directive of the European Parliament No. 2020/0262, a value of maximum allowable concentration (MAC) in a workplace air in Poland for the inhalable fraction should be at 0.05 mg/m3 and for the respirable fraction at 0.01 mg/m3 (2020/0262/COD). The aim of this study was to develop a method for determining nickel in the range of 1/10 ÷ 2 of the MAC. The method is based on gathering nickel aerosol and its compounds contained in the air on a filter, filter mineralization in nitric acid(V) and hydrochloric acid at elevated temperature then determination of nickel content in the sample using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) with flame atomization. The method for the determination of nickel is presented in the form of an analytical procedure, which is included in the appendix. This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Vs. the Economic Political Dimensions of the Problem of Air Pollution in Poland

Purpose: The aim of the article is (1) to investigate whether the short-term reductions of air pollution related to the COVID-19 lockdowns resulted in a significant improvement in air quality in Poland throughout 2020, and thus positively influenced the level of Poland’s compliance with the EU’s air quality directives, and (2) to analyze the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on air quality policy (AQ policy) in Poland. Design/Methodology/Approach: The air quality analysis is based on the 24-hour average concentration of particulate matter (PM10), i.e., the primary atmospheric pollutant in Poland, about the EU’s air quality standards. Data on surface concentrations of PM10 were retrieved from air quality monitoring stations of the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection. As regards the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on AQ policy in Poland, the analysis is conducted on a theoretical level, concerning: (1) the two-stage model of AQ policy development (Monks and Williams, 2020), (2) the theory of classification in policy-making (Rhinard, 2019), and (3) the research on the success and failure in public policies, tied to the theories of crisis management (McConnell, 2011). Findings: Research results show that the COVID-19 lockdowns positively impacted Poland's air quality in 2020, and it considerably improved the level of Poland’s compliance with the EU’s air quality standards. However, the unexpected (i.e., not exclusively related to air quality reforms) reduction of air pollution decreased the pressure to implement policy measures that could lead to a long-term air quality improvement. Practical Implications: Understanding how air pollution is affected by the restrictions on people's mobility and economic activity provides essential information for AQ policy development. Additionally, the article helps raise public awareness of poor air quality in Poland, which is also of great importance for AQ policy development. Originality/Value: This is the first study to investigate whether the short-term reductions of air pollution during the COVID-19 lockdowns helped Poland comply with the EU’s air quality directives.

Legal Model of Air Protection in Poland – Selected Issues

This article attempts to discuss selected elements of a legal model of air protection in Poland synthetically in order to provide Slovak readers with some overview of the same, which may, subsequently, become the starting point for an international scientific discussion in this field. The author firstly describes the background of the present poor quality of air in Poland, and afterwards presents a brief analysis of reasons why the air should be understood as a common good subject of state protection. Eventually, the author classifies air protection instruments in Poland and discusses the selected ones.

Are BBQs Significantly Polluting Air in Poland? A Simple Comparison of Barbecues vs. Domestic Stoves and Boilers Emissions

The study attempts to compare the total annual emissions of selected air pollutants emitted during occasional grilling and the emission of the same pollutants from small domestic heating installations. For this purpose, in the absence of any data on the emission of pollutants during grilling processes, tests were carried out consisting of measuring the concentration of air pollutants in exhaust streams from two types of grills (solid fuel grill powered by charcoal briquette and gas grill powered by liquid propane), using popularly prepared dishes (previously marinated meat and raw, seasoned mixed vegetables). The concentrations of PM2.5, CH4, CO, CO2, H2O, NH3, N2O, NO, NO2, SO2 were measured in the exhaust stream from both grills using a particulate matter (PM) measuring device and a portable spectrometer, separately while grilling the same portions of meat and vegetables. Then, considering the available data on Poles’ barbecue habits, the emissions that are released into the air during occasional grilling were estimated. The calculated emissions were compared with the data on emissions from domestic heating installations used in Poland. It has been shown that during grilling, as much as 2.30, 92.07, 4.11, 3.83, 2.96, and 9.81 Gg of PM2.5, CO, NOx, SO2, NH3, and CH4 may be released into the atmosphere in Poland, respectively. In the case of PM, the amount of the pollutant emitted to the air is over 100 times lower than the emissions caused by the operation of small heating installations. In the case of other pollutants, the differences are smaller. Nevertheless, emissions from grills should not be underestimated as, in certain periods of the year, these sources may be responsible for not meeting the air quality standards in selected areas of the country, and thus the excessive exposure of people to pollutants resulting in negative health consequences. Therefore, attention was paid to the legitimacy of abandoning the use of charcoal and charcoal briquette grills and replacing them with gas-powered grills or electric ones, not only due to the health benefits of food and lower human exposure, but also by the reason of ecological values.

Impact of Covid-19 lockdown on air quality in the Poland, Eastern Europe

The first case of COVID-19 in Poland was registered on 4 March 2020. Governmental measures significantly restricted social and economic activities. This study investigates the impact on air quality resulting from the preventive measures taken by the government to manage Covid-19. The study was carried out with use of aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieved from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) satellite and tropospheric column NO2 observed by Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). Concentrations of atmospheric pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and SO2) retrieved from ground-based air quality stations, located in five large cities of the country, were also used for quantitative assessment of air quality change. Ground-based and satellite data demonstrated the reduction of pollutants in the period of lockdown as compared to the same periods in 2018 and 2019. In particular, AOD data shows reductions of aerosol concentrations in the air column in April and May of approximately by −23% and −18% as compared to 2018–2019. The greatest contraction was for PM2.5 in April and May with reductions of −11.1% to −26.4% and from −8.7 to −21.1% respectively. For PM10, the reductions were from −8.6% to −33.9% and from −8.5% to −31.5% as compared to the same months in 2019. The results showed that restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 significantly improved Poland's air quality.

The Development of Poland’s Air Defense System: The Operational Context

The article discusses operational context for the development of Poland's air defense system. The assessment focuses on air defense operations in high intensity conflict. Recommendations include setting a realistic level of ambition in the field of air defense and increasing operational capabilities through modernization of its combat assets. The priority proposed for Poland’s air defense system is to introduce a new generation of short range surface to air missile systems and then to develop medium range air and missile defense capabilities.

Nieskuteczność przepisów prawnych w zakresie ochrony powietrza przed zanieczyszczeniami emisyjnymi oraz inne wybrane aspekty zagadnienia ochrony powietrza

The study attempts to show the inefficiency of legal solutions in the area of protecting air from harmful emissions. In order to analyse the issue completely, first, selected extra-legal aspects of air protection are presented. The research starts with general issues of air protection, as a foundation for analysis leading to an answer to the paper’s research question. The study of legal solutions is the fundamental analytical goal. It encompasses fundamentals of international and European law, as well as a wide analysis of domestic norms, also taking into account documents for the planning of air protection. The thesis can be defended only after specific statistical data and information from air monitoring has been presented. For this reason, the introduction of legal regulations is accompanied by specific data the influences the quality of air in Poland as well as an analysis of the norms being exceeded for selected types of emissions based on data from the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection.

Utilization of methane deposits from the liquidated mines in the aspect of environmentally friendly energy technologies

At the beginning of the article main factors occurring in polluted atmospheric air and their connection with the methods of energy production are discussed. Various energy sources in the aspect of energy production technologies, including primary energy sources are presented. Two main actions taken to improve the quality of atmospheric air in Poland are described: Clean Air Programme, assuming a subsidy for an exchange of individually-used coal boilers for ecological ones or for gas heating, and the Polish Energy Policy until 2040, which assumes a gradual reduction in the share of hard coal and lignite in energy production. Methane as a mineral accompanying coal seams as well as ways of its recognition and management are presented. An example of the conducted research project shows a significance of the resource recognition and dynamics of the deposit in planning an economically justified exploitation of the deposit from closed down mines. Finally, there is hope that due to a further process of efficient restructuring of the Polish mining industry, the importance of using methane from closed down mines as a green energy source will increase.

Halotolerance (ionic NaCl) and chaotolerance (ionic MgCl2) of the human pathogen Wallemia mellicola isolated, for the first time, from indoor air in Poland

We isolated the human pathogen <em>Wallemia mellicola</em> from the class Wallemiomycetes for the first time in Poland. The fungus was isolated from indoor dust in Cracow. The strain belonged to the genus <em>Wallemia</em>, as confirmed by molecular methods (i.e., ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 nrDNA sequencing). We compared the halotolerance and chaotolerance of <em>W. mellicola</em> to other those of halotolerant fungi (<em>Talaromyces diversus</em> and <em>Aureobasidium pullulans</em>) isolated from an anchialine cave. The <em>W. mellicola</em> strain tolerated up to 20% NaCl and up to 15% MgCl<sub>2</sub>. As the concentration of NaCl in the culture medium increased, the colony diameter of <em>W. mellicola</em> decreased slightly. Dose–response curves for the two reference fungi <em>T. diversus</em> and <em>A. pullulans</em> revealed much lower tolerance of these fungi to increasing concentrations of NaCl. Our results indicated that <em>W. mellicola</em> is an advanced kosmotrope that is distinctly adapted to saline environments.

Low-cost PM monitors as an opportunity to increase the spatiotemporal resolution of measurements of air quality

To care for air in Poland and in the world, its quality is monitored. Owing to the obtained data, it is possible to develop appropriate plans of air quality improvement. Unfortunately, the number of professional measuring devices is usually insufficient. For example, in the capital of Poland, Warsaw, in the area of 517 km2 data on concentrations of pollutants in the air within the State Environmental Monitoring, provide only 8 automatic stations.The paper presents the concept of using low-cost PM measuring devices to increase the spatiotemporal resolution of air quality measurements supplementing the network of reference devices. It is presented a prototype network of such devices installed in Nowy Sacz, as well as results of measurements obtained by its using.

Problems associated with the emissions limitations from road transport in the Lubuskie Province (Poland)

According to the report of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the list of 50 cities with the most polluted air in Europe as many as 33 are located in Poland. All the cities that are on the list exceed the maximum concentration of dust recommended by WHO at least three times. In the Lubuskie Province there is a very serious problem of maintaining good air quality. The air in Poland is among the most polluted in the European Union and this also applies to less-industrialized areas, such as Lubuskie, where the concentration levels of substances hazardous to human health and the environment are recorded as exceeded. One of the main factors affecting the poor air quality in the region is road transport. It is not just a problem near roads with heavy traffic, but also applies to the cities, where there is a large movement of cars, which are often old and do not meet current environmental standards. This article aims to identify the main sources of low emission from road transport and identify potential solutions to help reduce emission from this sector. The actions aimed at limiting low emission from road transport can bring a significant positive ecological effect. The aim of this article is to review one of the main sources of low emission in the province of Lubuskie, which is transportation. Moreover, the authors of the paper indicate the main problems associated with the emission coming from road transport and describe the possibilities for opportunities to reduce pollution from this sector. In addition, the article presents the three-scenario simulation of annual emissions from passenger cars that could take place in 2020.

Change-over natural and mechanical ventilation system energy consumption in single-family buildings

The parameters of the outside air in Poland cause that in winter it is reasonable to use a mechanical ventilation equipped with a heat recovery exchanger. The time of spring, autumn, summer evenings and nights are often characterized by the parameters of the air, which allow for a natural ventilation and reduce the electricity consumption. The article presents the possibilities of energy consumption reduction for three energy standards of buildings located in Poland, ventilated by a change–over hybrid system. The analysis was prepared on the assumption that the air–to–water heat pump is the heat source for the buildings.

An Outline of the Legal Protection of Air in Poland and the European Union

Air Protection is clearly an issue regulated both under Polish, as well as international, law especially European Union law. The area of this regulation is part of wide-ranging environmental protection issues, the essence of which should be considered mainly in the light of the numerous socio-economic transformations of the late twentieth century, as well as the development of the structures of the European Union and the Polish membership of this organisation since 2004. Currently, the broad regulations on air protection have been amended many times already by the Act of 27 April 2001. Environmental Protection Law and implementing Acts issued on its basis, define first and foremost the principles for the protection of the environment and conditions for the use of its resources, taking into account the requirements of sustainable development and, in particular, the rules determining the conditions of conservation of the environment, the conditions for the introduction of substances or energy into the environment, the costs of using the environment as well as the responsibilities of authorities and responsibilities and sanctions. Its provisions do not apply to matters covered in nuclear law and in respect of the obligation to hold a permit, issue a decision on an acceptable level of noise, or pay fees in the case of conducting rescue operations, as well as the noise arising in connection with the widespread use of the environment. This article includes the issues of formation and characteristics of the current normative regulations relating to the protection of the air as part of the environment both in regard to Polish, as well as foreign, legislation.

Modelling of the energy use of ventilation air from the mines

In this paper an attempt is a comprehensive presentation of the problem of methane emissions from ventilation air from the mines to the atmosphere and possible solutions are suggested. Methane is released during excavation work in coal mines is a big problem in terms of safety and environmental protection. At the same time, it is a further potential source of energy that has been not yet used on a larger scale [1]. In order to properly identify ventilation air methane as an energy source will be presented its properties and possible complications due to the nature of this type fuel. A very important part will also determine the methane potential from ventilation air in Poland [2]. The work provides an overview of available technology for methane utilization from ventilation air as a fuel. Important from the point of view of the rest of the work is presentation of catalytic flow-reversal reactor technology created in Poland. Main objective of the topic is the development and modeling of heat recovery system cooperating with the IUMK-1000 installation [3]. The premise is the electricity production and also heat for central heating when it is technically feasible and justified in economic terms. Different concepts of heat recovery are modeled by the IPSE-Pro software. Then an analysis of the efficiency and performance of the proposed system is carried out. Based on the results, an individual concepts cycle works were analyzed and assessed and the best solutions possible for implementation on an industrial scale is selected.

Akty prawa miejscowego z zakresu ochrony powietrza w świetle wybranego orzecznictwa sądów administracyjnych

According to the principle of decentralization of public authority, the protection of ambient air in Poland is executed also on the selfgovernmental level. The complex regulation of the issues concerning the protection of ambient air is included in the Act on Environmental Protection Law where the competence to adopt local acts is given to self-governmental authorities. On that ground, the voivodeship assemblies may propose resolutions such as air-protection programmes, short-term activities plans and those preventing the negative impact on the environment or historical monuments. The activity of local selfgovernment within this scope is subject to the control of administrative courts, which often take the submitted complaints into consideration and criticize the quality of the local legislation. This article will thus attempt to present the requirements that shall be fulfilled by the local acts on ambient air protection and identify the sources of their most frequent imperfections.

Meteorological Conditions for the Variability of 7Be and 210Pb Concentrations in Surface Layer Air in Poland

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of meteorological factors on the concentration of beryllium 7Be and lead 210Pb in the surface layer air on background their variability due to environmental conditions. Data analysis was carried out for 13 Polish stations for the period 2005-2009. The measurement cosmogenic and terrestrial radioactivity were collected on network station type ASS-500. The analysis includes the following meteorological elements from NWS stations: temperature, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, humidity, solar radiation and in addition number of sunspots (SSN). It was considered that these meteorological elements mainly responsible for the transport and removal processes of 7Be and 210Pb from the atmosphere. The study method was used correlation analysis. Because of the relatively small area of Poland, it is hard to prove the dependence of 7Be activity concentration variability on the influence of such factors as geographical location or SSN. However, the activity concentration of 7Be and 210Pb are dependent on meteorological conditions. The inverse interaction of atmosphere stability conditions on 7Be and 210Pb allows one to use the 7Be/210Pb ratio as an indicator of vertical transport in the atmosphere.