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This study examines air quality in Polish health resorts (HR) and its potential health risks, challenging the belief that these environments always provide safe air for recovery. Over five years, air quality was evaluated by measuring concentrations of PM10 and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) in seven resorts with varying environmental conditions. Using data from 3781 daily samples, both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were assessed for visitors (various age groups) and employees to determine health risks from prolonged exposure. The findings show frequent exceedances of national B(a)P limits, with some resorts, such as HR2 in Rabka-Zdrój and HR3 in Polanica-Zdrój, surpassing permissible levels by up to 320% and 373%, especially in winter. Non-carcinogenic risks exceeded safe limits by up to 40% for visitors in HR2 and 18% for employees in HR6 (Szczawno-Zdrój). Carcinogenic risks were up to 3.74 times higher than acceptable levels for visitors in HR2 and 3.15 times higher for employees in HR5 (Latoszyn), indicating a continuous risk from long-term exposure. These findings underscore the urgent need for measures to improve air quality in HRs. Given the global implications, similar risks could affect resorts worldwide. Therefore, future research should focus on cross-border studies and innovative strategies to manage pollution and protect health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates plastic litter on two beaches in Malta, Golden Bay and Rivera Beach, with a focus on plastic abundance, characteristics, sources, and the influence of human activity on pollution levels. Conducted in March 2023 during the low-tourist season, 13 sediment samples were collected from a depth of 5 cm using a systematic square sampling method. Plastic litter was quantified and sorted by size, shape, color, and polymer type, and concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were measured (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Fe via ICP-OES). Golden Bay exhibited significantly higher plastic quantities (53.9 ± 4.3 n/m2) compared to Rivera Beach (29.7 ± 4.0 n/m2). Microplastics were dominant on both beaches, with Golden Bay showing a higher proportion (57.0%) than Rivera Beach (50.6%). The plastic litter predominantly consisted of PE (59.6–68.0%) and PP (29.6–38.8%). Golden Bay plastics had PTE concentrations up to 4.9 times higher than those in Rivera Beach, notably for Mn (309.0 μg/g vs. 63.1 μg/g). This research contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of plastic pollution in coastal environments, particularly in areas influenced by tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution emissions from road vehicles majorly contribute to particulate pollution. This poses significant threats to the environment and human health. Road dust contains various potentially toxic elements, which, when exposed to humans, can lead to severe illnesses such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This study assessed adult health risks through accidental ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact associated with heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in road dust (with a fraction size < 0.1 mm). The analysis covers areas between sound-absorbing screens (S), in open spaces without screens (F), and at highway/express exits (E) with different surfaces: asphalt (A) and concrete (C). Results indicate the highest health risk levels are associated with Zn in road dust in S and E areas, indicating its potential negative impact on human health. When comparing results for all metals, road dust collected from A surfaces might pose a greater health risk than C surfaces. The carcinogenic risk for Cr and Ni found in road dust collected from A and C surfaces at points S, F, and E is medium. The most significant carcinogenic risk (medium-high) is associated with Cr in road dust from A surfaces in the F area, whereas the lowest risk (low-medium) for both A and C surfaces is linked to Ni exposure in the S point. The contributions of Cr and Ni highlight the need to reduce emissions of these elements in areas surrounding heavily trafficked roads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil washing effectively and permanently decreases soil pollution. Thus, it can be considered for the removal of the most toxic elements, for example arsenic (As). In this study, historically As-contaminated soils (2041-4294 mg/kg) were remediated with tannic acid (TA) as the washing agent. The scope of this study included optimization of the operational conditions of As removal, determination of As distribution in soil before and after double soil washing, and measurement of TA loss during washing. The optimum conditions for As removal were 4% TA, pH 4 and 24 h washing time. The average As removal after single and double washings was 38% and 63%, respectively. TA decreased As content in amorphous and poorly crystalline oxides by >90%. Although TA increased the amount of As in the easily mobilizable As fraction, the stability of As in washed soils increased, with reduced partition indexes of 0.52-0.66 after washing. The maximum capacity of the soils to adsorb TA (qmax) was 50.2-70.4 g C/kg. TA sorption was higher at alkaline than at acidic conditions. Only TA removes As from soils effectively if the proportion of As in amorphous and poorly crystalline oxides is high. Thus, it can be considered for remediation of historically contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]