The impact of the active hostilities associated with Russia’s large-scale armed invasion of the territory of Ukraine on soil degradation as a result of military actions has resulted in soil damage due to heavy military armored vehicles. Debris from destroyed military equipment, ammunition, and fuel remnants lead to multi-factor damage to the soil system, causing local and global pollution and losses of soil resources. In all the studied cases, mechanical, chemical, and physical soil degradation were observed. This was manifested in changes in granulometric fractions at explosion sites, burning areas, and locations with heavy-metal contamination. Equipment incineration has resulted in an increase in the sand fraction (2.0–0.05 mm) by 1.2–1.8 times and a decrease in the clay fraction (<0.002 mm) by 1.1–1.2 times. The soil contamination levels with regard to heavy metals significantly surpass health standards, with the highest pollution levels observed for Pb, Zn, and Cd. Across all affected areas, changes occurred in the microbiome structure (a 20.5-fold increase in the proportion of mycelial organisms), microbiological process activity was suppressed (a 1.2-fold decrease), microbial biomass (a 2.1-fold decrease) was reduced, and high soil toxicity (99.8%) was observed. Explosions and the pyrolysis of armored vehicles have a significant impact on soil mesobiota and plants. The results indicate the existence of complex interactions between various factors in the soil environment post-explosion, significantly affecting soil health.

Terrestrial ecosystems play a crucial role in the formation of soil resistome and the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Comprehensive studies of soil microbial communities, their structure, integrity, and level of antibiotic resistance (AR) in various terrestrial ecosystems were conducted. In total, 389 strains of dominant bacteria were isolated from the studied ecosystems, 57 of which were resistant to antibiotics, with levels of antibiotic resistance exceeding 70%. The soil microbiome of primeval forests was characterized by a low content of bacteria resistant to antibiotics; only two species, Bacillus cereus and Pantoea agglomerans, showed a high resistance to antibiotics. In the soil of agroecosystems of medicinal plants, among 106 strains of bacteria, a high level of resistance to antibiotics was found in 13 species. It was established that the number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is highest in the soil of agroecosystems contaminated by enrofloxacin. Among 190 tested bacterial strains, 42 (22%) were characterized by a high level of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the soil ecosystem is a key link in the formation and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a potential danger to humans. To reduce the risk of AR for humans, it is necessary to take appropriate measures to manage the soil microbiome and avoid soil contamination with antibiotics.

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS), often disregarded as waste despite its abundance in organic matter and mineral micronutrients, has emerged as a valuable resource for diverse applications. While Europe and Asia have witnessed extensive research in this field over the past decade, Ukraine’s exploration remains limited. This study conducts a thorough investigation into SMS recycling and reutilization over a 4-year period. Employing experimental and comparative methods, this research unveils compelling insights into the potential of SMS for reintroduction into the primary production cycle and secondary activities. The main conclusions reveal the success of SMS valorization in the production of additives, fertilizers, and alternative fuels. Furthermore, the application of SMS in agroecosystems significantly enhances the soil biological activity. The integration of these methods into production chains not only yields economic benefits for companies but also fosters environmental stewardship, aligning with waste-free practices and the principles of bioeconomy and sustainability.

The present study aimed to explore the textile dyeing capability using dyes derived from grape pomace. Extractions were conducted with water at different pH levels and with a water/ethanol solution. Cotton (natural and cationized) and wool were employed in the dyeing process for varying durations (100 and 200 min). The colorimetric and fastness properties, in terms of washing (with hot and cold water) and exposure to natural light, were evaluated. The final color evaluation was performed using ΔE*, a parameter quantifying the magnitude of a color difference by comparing the L*a*b* color coordinates of the CIELAB system of the dyed samples with those of the control. The hues obtained on the fabrics resulted in uniform and earthy colors. However, the cationized cotton substrate showed the highest ΔE* values for all conditions used in obtaining grape pomace extracts, in the range of 33.91 to 37.98. This suggests that the surface treatment enhanced dye uptake, while organic cotton achieved a lighter earthy color. Natural dyeing using grape pomace presents a sustainable, ecological, and non-toxic alternative for textile dyeing, resulting in unique and earthy tones with commercial potential while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources and environmental preservation. The key to achieving sustainable development lies in waste reduction and valorization, along with the adoption of conscious consumption.