With the pronounced increase in nanotechnology, it is likely that biological systems will be exposed to excess nanoparticles (NPs). Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) are among the most abundantly produced nanomaterials in the world. Their widespread use raises fundamental questions related to the accumulation in the environment and further interactions with living organisms, especially plants. NPs present in either soil or soilless environments are absorbed by the plant root systems and further transported to the aboveground parts. After entering the cytoplasm, NPs interact with chloroplast, nucleus, and other structures responsible for metabolic processes at the cellular level. In recent years, several studies have shown the impact of nanoceria on plant growth and metabolic processes. Research performed on different plants has shown a dual role for CeO₂ NPs. The observed effects can be positive or negative and strongly depend on the plant species, characterization, and concentrations of NPs. This review describes the impact of root-applied CeO₂ NPs on plant growth, photosynthesis, metal homeostasis, and parameters of induced oxidative stress.

Photovoltaic systems represent a leading part of the market in the renewable energies sector. Contemporary technology offers possibilities to improve systems converting sun energy, especially for the efficiency of modules. The paper focuses on current concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) technologies, presenting data for solar cells and modules working under lab conditions as well as in a real environment. In this paper, we consider up-to-date solutions for two types of concentrating photovoltaic systems: high-concentration photovoltaics (HCPV) and low-concentration photovoltaics (LCPV). The current status of CPV solar modules was complemented by the preliminary results of new hybrid photovoltaic technology achieving records in efficiency. Compared to traditional Si-PV panels, CPV modules achieve greater conversion efficiency as a result of the concentrator optics applied. Specific CPV technologies were described in terms of efficiency, new approaches of a multijunction solar cell, a tracking system, and durability. The results of the analysis prove intensive development in the field of CPV modules and the potential of achieving record system efficiency. The paper also presents methods for the determination of the environmental impact of CPV during the entire life cycle by life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis and possible waste management scenarios. Environmental performance is generally assessed based on standard indicators, such as energy payback time, CO₂ footprint, or GHG emission.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are emerging pollutants that are likely to occur in the contemporary environment. So far, their combined effects on terrestrial plants have not been thoroughly investigated. Obviously, this subject is a challenge for modern ecotoxicology. In this study, Pisum sativum L. plants were exposed to either CeO₂ NPs or ZnO NPs alone, or mixtures of these nano-oxides (at two concentrations: 100 and 200 mg/L). The plants were cultivated in hydroponic system for twelve days. The combined effect of NPs was proved by 1D ANOVA augmented by Tukey’s post hoc test at p = 0.95. It affected all major plant growth and photosynthesis parameters. Additionally, HR-CS AAS and ICP-OES were used to determine concentrations of Cu, Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca, K, Zn, and Ce in roots and shoots. Treatment of the pea plants with the NPs, either alone or in combination affected the homeostasis of these metals in the plants. CeO₂ NPs stimulated the photosynthesis rate, while ZnO NPs prompted stomatal and biochemical limitations. In the mixed ZnO and CeO₂ treatments, the latter effects were decreased by CeO₂ NPs. These results indicate that free radicals scavenging properties of CeO₂ NPs mitigate the toxicity symptoms induced in the plants by ZnO NPs.

Cerium dioxide nanoparticles are pollutants of emerging concern. They are rarely immobilized in the environment. This study extends our work on Pisum sativum L. as a model plant, cultivated worldwide, and is well suited for investigating additive interactions induced by nanoceria. Hydroponic cultivation, which prompts accurate plant growth control and three levels of CeO₂ supplementation, were applied, namely, 100, 200, and 500 mg (Ce)/L. Phytotoxicity was estimated by fresh weights and photosynthesis parameters. Additionally, Ce, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ca, and Mg contents were analyzed by high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption and inductively coupled plasma optical emission techniques. Analysis of variance has proved that CeO₂ nanoparticles affected metals uptake. In the roots, it decreased for Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Mg, while a reversed process was observed for Ca. The latter is absorbed more intensively, but translocation to above-ground parts is hampered. At the same time, nanoparticulate CeO₂ reduced Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Ca accumulation in pea shoots. The lowest Ce concentration boosted the photosynthesis rate, while the remaining treatments did not induce significant changes. Plant growth stimulation was observed only for the 100 mg/L. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates the effect of nanoceria on photosynthesis-related parameters in peas.

The paper presents a review of End-of-Life scenarios (EoL) (disposal, incineration, chemical, thermal and mechanical recycling) compared to the production stage of Fibre-Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) of composites regarding global warming potential. Innovative FRP manufacturing technologies (vacuum infusion, ultraviolet curved pultrusion, hot stamping, three-dimensional printing and automatic tape placement) commonly used in the shipbuilding industry were environmentally assessed. The materials, energy flows and waste discharged to the environment over the whole life cycle were collected, identified and quantified based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis in the frame of the Fibre4Yards project. The results of LCA calculations show that waste management (the EoL scenario) contributes 5 to 39% of the total carbon footprint for FRP technologies. The highest contribution of the EoL scenario was found for technologies where polypropylene was applied, i.e., 33 and 38% of the total CO₂ emissions. Our analysis of the literature and information from industrial partners confirm that the standard and most common waste scenario for FRP materials and compounds is still incineration and landfilling.