The environmental pollution potential of asbestos products is a worldwide health issue, but their dissemination through the water–soil continuum is often an overlooked aspect. Similarly, the behavior of asbestos fibers released from the products is still not fully understood, although our knowledge is based on studies concerning their mineralogical characteristics, health effects, and waste disposal. It has been claimed and contradicted that asbestos harm is only found in air and humans. Asbestos fibers are found not only in industrial settings but also through the industrial use of asbestos cement products, which has contributed to asbestos emissions and its movement in water and soil. Asbestos fibers are diverse in their physicochemical properties, and this diversity has a significant influence on their behavior in the environment. Recent research has confirmed that asbestos can be transported by water and spread to other parts of the environment. However, the mechanisms underlying this, such as the settling of fibers, their attachment to soil particles, or their movement in groundwater, as well as the environmental and health implications, require further investigation. This paper examines the process and impact of asbestos contamination in the interconnected water, soil, and plant environmental sectors, providing a systematic review of the latest literature.

Washed rice water (WRW) is the leftover water after washing rice grains and is usually discarded. However, WRW contains nutrients leached from rice, making it a potential plant fertilizer. Reusing WRW promotes better water governance, particularly in the face of increased freshwater needs due to population expansion and climate change. Recent experiments in rain shelters have demonstrated the advantages of using WRW as fertilizer. Building on this, our study assessed WRW's efficacy in an open field against NPK fertilizer, both individually and in combination. The treatments were: R3 (3-day fermented WRW), N1 (full recommended NPK rate), N0.5R3 (half NPK rate and R3), and CON (tap water only). These treatments were tested over three consecutive planting cycles of choy sum (Brassica chinensis var. parachinensis) vegetable. At the end of each planting cycle, measurements were taken for the plant's growth, nutrient content and uptake, as well as various soil chemical properties and bacterial population. Plants were watered daily with 5 mm WRW (R3 and N0.5R3) or tap water (N1 and CON). N0.5R3 showed the best results in terms of plant growth, nutrient content, uptake, and soil nutrient levels. N0.5R3 supplied the most nutrients, especially N, P, and K. Increased plant growth also led to increased plant uptake of nutrients, including micronutrients. Macronutrients had a greater impact on plant biomass than micronutrients, as R3 and N1 had similar results. R3 soils had higher bacterial populations but were more acidic than N1 soils. The negative effect of NPK on bacteria was partially offset by combining NPK with WRW as N0.5R3. No carryover effects were observed, likely because of the high nutrient leaching from heavy rains. These findings confirm WRW's is an effective fertilizer in open fields, but measures like surface mulching are crucial to minimize nutrient leaching prior to its use.

Rainwater harvesting is increasingly recognized as a sustainable solution for water management, especially in areas affected by water scarcity. However, the potential pollution risks linked to asbestos cement roofing materials, widely used in residential areas, have not been thoroughly explored. This paper addresses this gap by assessing the effects of asbestos cement roof degradation on the quality of harvested rainwater, focusing on its suitability for irrigation. The research combines controlled laboratory experiments and field-based sampling of rainwater in contact with asbestos cement surfaces. Significant changes in water quality were observed, notably, the analysis highlights a substantial increase in heavy metal contamination, including a 75.4% rise in mercury concentration and a dramatic 127.3% increase in lead levels. The findings underscore the need for extensive investigations into the impact of asbestos cement roofs on water quality in Hungary, considering the varying characteristics and contamination levels of asbestos cement products across countries as well as the limited existing scholarship on the subject in Hungary. This research is novel in its pioneering examination of the effects of asbestos cement roofing on harvested rainwater quality in Hungary, with a particular focus on heavy metal contamination (e.g., lead, mercury, zinc), which poses significant environmental and health risks. Graphical Abstract

This paper investigates how plants respond to stress caused by asbestos cement products in irrigation water. It presents a thorough evaluation of the exposure and risk factors for plants, water, and soil when exposed to these materials. The experimental results provide empirical evidence of plant stress responses based on physiological and germination parameters. The research is motivated by concerns about environmental contamination from asbestos cement in irrigation water, which can be toxic to plants and lead to soil pollution, negatively impacting vegetation and soil quality. When exposed to asbestos in water, plants experience toxic stress that can inhibit photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and germination. Asbestos can also adversely affect cell division and metabolism, risking plant growth, reproduction, and overall health, as well as making them more susceptible to disease and pests under environmental stress. The paper examines the impact on germination and physiological parameters of Trifolium pratense, Medicago sativa, and Solanum lycopersicum, particularly how they were affected by pre-established concentrations of irrigation water mixed with asbestos cement during a controlled germination experiment. The research methodology was developed in the absence of established global practices, standards, and methods, creating an opportunity for further methodological advancement. The findings could serve as a situational analysis for professionals in environmental plant protection and analytical fields.

Nowadays, the number of forest and vegetation fires is gradually increasing, which are destroying ever larger areas of the Earth. In order to increase the efficiency of activities aimed at prevention and elimination of the consequences of fires, a scientifically based investigation of vegetation fires is essential. Our goal is to examine vegetation fires in simulation environment. During our research work, a simulation model was created with WFDS program, and the spread and effects of fire in a given area were examined. The analysis of the simulation results can help in understanding the propagation properties of vegetation fires, as well as form a good starting point for further research.

Asbestos cement materials represent a persistent source of environmental contamination, particularly in urban areas where weathering facilitates the release of hazardous chrysotile fibres. Despite extensive research on the human health impacts of asbestos, ecological interactions remain poorly understood. This paper explores the dual role of bryophytes colonising asbestos cement roofing as passive filters that trap airborne fibres and as vulnerable organisms subjected to asbestos-induced stress. Using a synthesis of recent findings, we assess the capacity of mosses to immobilise chrysotile fibres through their dense, mat-like structures, potentially reducing local dispersion. Simultaneously, we examine physiological and biochemical responses to prolonged fibre exposure, including reduced photosynthetic activity and signs of oxidative stress. The findings highlight a paradoxical function of bryophytes: while they contribute to pollution mitigation, they also accumulate contaminants and suffer from sublethal damage. These interactions may have broader implications for contaminant redistribution, particularly through decomposition and trophic transfer. Understanding these dynamics is essential for advancing ecological risk assessments and developing sustainable remediation strategies in asbestos-contaminated habitats.