Small-particle-produced goods, such as those used in industry, medicine, cosmetics, paints, abrasives, and plastic pellets or powders, are the main sources of microplastics. It is also possible to mention tire recycling granules here. Larger components break down in the environment to generate secondary microplastics. Microplastics, or particles smaller than 5 mm, and nanoplastics, or particles smaller than 1 μm, are the products of degradation and, in particular, disintegration processes that occur in nature as a result of several physical, chemical, and biological variables. Polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, polyurethane, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are among the chemicals included in this contamination in decreasing order of quantity. Micro- and nanoplastics have been detected in the air, water, and soil, confirming their ubiquitous presence in natural environments. Their widespread distribution poses significant threats to human health, including oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular damage, and potential carcinogenic effects. The aim of this article is to review the current literature on the occurrence of micro- and nanoplastics in various environmental compartments and to analyze the associated health consequences. The article also discusses existing legal regulations and highlights the urgent need for intensified research into the toxicological mechanisms of microplastics and the development of more effective strategies for their mitigation.

Fungal-derived bioactive compounds are emerging as key components in functional food development, offering new opportunities for health-promoting formulations. The Polyporaceae family, particularly Cerrena unicolor, has demonstrated significant potential due to its rich biochemical profile and diverse health benefits. Despite its extensive bioactive properties, its application in food science and biotechnology remains underutilized. This review explores the bioactive composition, technological potential, and functional applications of C. unicolor in innovative food systems. We analyze its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects, focusing on its interactions with dairy-based matrices to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic potential. C. unicolor is a valuable source of polysaccharides, phenolics, and enzymatic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its anticancer potential, especially when incorporated into dairy fermentations, opens new avenues for oncology-focused functional foods. Strong antimicrobial activity suggests its potential as a natural biopreservative or bioactive food additive. Bioactive fractions contribute to metabolic health improvements (diabetes management) and tissue regeneration, highlighting their role in next-generation nutraceuticals. Incorporating C. unicolor into functional food systems represents a cutting-edge approach to biotechnology-driven health solutions. Further research is required to optimize its formulation, improve bioavailability, and explore regulatory pathways for market implementation.

The publication contains analyzes on the understanding of information in terms of quantitative and qualitative, objective and subjective aspects, the way it works and the role played in the process of morphogenesis. The aim of the publication is an attempt to define the ontological status of information and to indicate possible sources of its origin. The qualitative, not quantitative, aspect of the information is important. Determining what, in its qualitative essence, information is, what a being is, will allow to create the necessary premises to try to confirm or deny the thesis that information is a fundamental and fully real causative and functional factor of morphogenesis, as well as to verify the correctness of the hypothesis about a specific, fundamental, related to the action of God, the source of information origin.

Areas with recognised natural values need special protection of environmental resources and cultural and architectural elements, as well as securing the living conditions of the local population and socio-economic activation. Especially in Local Agenda 21, which should consider such security, this task requires preparing comprehensive strategic documents. From an ecological and sociological perspective, this article looks at the situation of the local community in Poland. In this context, concern at sustainable development strategy, ecological security, discussion about sustainable development in national park territory, and human activities for the local environment. The article draws attention to the difficulties in local, sustainable development strategies and directions of activities involving the local community in ensuring natural and social order. In short, the analysis presents the importance of ecological security, the social situation in regions of natural protection, and the role of the local community in a strategy of sustainable development and ecological security.

Street sweeping waste (SSW) represents a heterogeneous urban material rich in road-deposited particles and associated contaminants, including heavy metals. Although SSW is generated systematically in all cities and constitutes a relevant indicator of diffuse urban pollution, research addressing its chemical composition, especially its temporal dynamics, remains limited. This study investigates the annual variability of total and leachable concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd) in SSW collected monthly over a one-year period in a medium-sized city. Total metal content was determined using aqua regia digestion, while leachability was assessed through standardized extraction tests. Statistical evaluation included correlation analysis, variability indices and assessment of metal mobility. Results confirm that both total and leachable metal concentrations exhibit distinct seasonal patterns, strongly influenced by traffic intensity, winter maintenance practices, and fluctuations in particle size distribution. Several metals demonstrated a high mobility factor, highlighting the potential environmental risk associated with their transport to urban soils and stormwater systems. The findings emphasize the necessity of incorporating temporal dynamics into SSW management strategies and demonstrate the importance of monitoring mobile metal fractions rather than relying solely on total concentrations. Due to the scarcity of annual-scale studies on SSW contamination, this research contributes novel insights into the environmental behavior of heavy metals in urban settings.