The current scientific literature predominantly focuses on pilot-scale studies concerning the effectiveness of membrane covers in reducing gas emissions during cattle manure composting. Our study centers on the application of a leading market commercial membrane cover (ePTE-TEX_comm) and a locally manufactured one (ProfiCover^®) at industrial processing levels, evaluating their efficacy in mitigating gas emission during the fifth day of the thermophilic phase. Taking into account material inhomogeneities, work environment impact, and efficiency, the results are characteristic of industrial-scale processes rarely discussed in the scientific literature. Our results, obtained with a portable gas sampler and FTIR spectroscopy measurements using corresponding standards, indicate that ePTE-TEX_comm manifested a reduction of 90.8% for NH₃ and 59.6% for CO₂. CH₄ emissions increased, suggesting their potential entrapment. N₂O and propane equivalent experienced reductions of 23.1% and 44.8%, respectively. On the other hand, ProfiCover^® presented emission reductions for NH₃ and CO₂ of 93.3% and 85.9%, respectively. CH₄, contrasting with ePTE-TEXc_omm, showed a significant reduction of 55.6%. N₂O and propane equivalent followed with reductions of 56.7% and 84.5%, respectively. All of this divergence in performance implies a potential trade-off in emission reduction efficacy between the covers. Knowledge sharing between researchers and industry partners is key to translating these technologies into widespread adoption.

The use and quality analysis of household compost have become very important issues in recent years due to the increasing interest in local food production and safe, self-produced food. The phenomenon was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine period, which gave new impetus to the growth of small home gardens. However, the knowledge associated with making high-quality compost is often lacking in home gardeners. Therefore, the objective of this research was to find answers to the following questions: can the quality of backyard compost be considered safe in terms of toxicity and nutrient content? Can weed seed dispersion affect the usability of backyard compost? In general, can the circulation of organic matter be increased with the spread of home composting? In this study, 16 different house composts were analysed for stability, weed seed contamination, toxic elements, and nutrient content using analysis of variance. The results of the research showed that the quality properties of the composts (including their weed seed dispersion effect) were greatly influenced by the different techniques and raw materials used. The toxicity levels, as well as the content of macro and microelements, were within the parameters of safe-quality compost. The specific macronutrient (Ca, Mg) and micronutrient (Fe, Mn) contents of the tested composts have a similar and, in some cases, more favorable nutrient supply capacity in crop production than the frequently-used cow manure-based composts. With a plan of basic education on composting, there is potential to encourage farmyard composting.

The Earth's climatic system is greatly dependent on atmospheric mineral dust. Dust particles are regarded as one of the less well-known contributors to recent climatic changes, much like other aerosol constituents. Fifty to seventy percent of the world's budget for mineral dust comes from the Sahara Desert areas. These sources can produce dust-loaded air masses that can travel great distances and affect many parts of the world including Europe, the Middle East, North and South America. In March 2022 Europe faced two Saharan Dust storms (14-19 and 28-31), that affected many countries including Hungary. We used registered measurements of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations from urban background air quality station in Budapest and MONARCH model to assess the effects of the two Saharan Dust storms on Budapest. As measured by daily average concentrations, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations rose by 12 µg/m3 and 10 µg/m3 respectively during the first Saharan Dust event (SDE1), and by 14 µg/m3 and 5 µg/m3 during the Second Saharan Dust event (SDE2). While the effects of both SDEs on PM10 were nearly identical, SDE1 had a greater impact on PM2.5 concentrations than SDE2. Moreover, the dust load arriving to Budapest as estimated by the MONARCH model was higher in the SDE1 (1.26 g/m3), and that was associated with high values of dust surface concentration and Dust optical depth (243.1 µg/m3 and 0.71).

Reducing emissions of various air pollutants is needed to achieve cleaner and healthier air quality in all EU countries. The National Air Pollution Reduction Programme sets out pollution reduction targets of 55% for particulate matter (PM), 73% for sulphur dioxide, 58% for non-methane volatile organic compounds and 66 % for nitrogen oxides, among other air pollutants, by 2030 compared to the 2005 reference year. The household sector is one of the areas most responsible for the emission of the main air pollutants linked to human activity. Within this, household solid biomass combustion is particularly important as a widely used heating method in Hungary. In this paper, we show how traditional boilers pollute the environment by measuring the results of a given boiler. Furthermore, the study describes how the specific boiler's air pollutant emissions and energy performance occurred. Finally, the research found that traditional boilers cannot meet strict emission standards, so their replacement and further development may be justified.

Partially treated wastewater can potentially provide a reliable and constant source of water and nutrients for hydroponic crop production. It is essential to determine the macronutrient content of the effluent, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), to maximize the yield. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) measurements are essential daily tasks to be fulfilled, measurements were applied for multiple sources of K content only in this study, determining the exact daily content and concentration pattern. Influent and effluent K levels were measured separately. According to measurements, it was observed that the concentration of K decreased significantly during treatment, with varying values as the wastewater passed through different treatment stages. Two locations with dissimilar technologies were sampled: Etyek, Hungary, semi-continuous batch system with suspended sludge, and South-Pest, Hungary, a continuous activated sludge system. The results were 39,7 mg/l in the influent and 7,5 mg/l in the effluent in Etyek, while South-Pest contained 28,9 mg/l in the influent and 24,5 mg/l K in the effluent respectively. Furthermore, the potassium content was measured in the Return Activated Sludge (RAS) line of South-Pest and found 50,8 mg/l concentration, however, it is being removed from wastewater with the Wasted Activated Sludge (WAS) in activated sludge systems.