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.

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.

Purpose – This study aims to demonstrate how universities can act as catalysts for sustainable development, with a particular focus on Széchenyi István University (SZE). It examines the alignment of the institution’s initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and identifies both the drivers and barriers to creating a sustainable university environment. Design/methodology/approach – A case study methodology is applied. The university’s sustainability initiatives are evaluated across five dimensions: education, research, infrastructure, operations, and stakeholder engagement. These initiatives are benchmarked against international best practices and indicators from the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. Findings – SZE has developed a comprehensive and multidimensional sustainability strategy encompassing quality education, environmental protection, zero-carbon objectives, and partnerships. Despite these achievements, several challenges persist that may hinder further progress. Originality – The study introduces a holistic and adaptable framework for evaluating and improving university sustainability strategies. By aligning institutional development with global SDGs and incorporating a detailed barrier analysis, it provides practical recommendations for higher education institutions seeking to enhance their contribution to the sustainability transition.

Microplastic (MP) pollution in river systems has become an increasing environmental concern, particularly in transboundary rivers such as the Danube. This study provides the first detailed assessment of microplastic contamination in the Szigetköz section of the Danube and its major tributary, the Mosoni-Danube. Depth-resolved pumped water samples were collected at three locations (Rajka, Mecsér and Gönyű) and analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with automated spectral evaluation. MP concentrations showed a clear downstream increase, with average values of 83.8 particles/m³ at Rajka, 237.6 particles/m³ in the Mosoni-Danube at Mecsér, and 795.9 particles/m³ at Gönyű. Polyethylene (PE) was the dominant polymer in the tributary (70.6%), whereas both PE and alkyd resins were prevalent at the main Danube sites (Rajka: alkyd 37.7%, PE 31.8%; Gönyű: alkyd 39.9%, PE 37.3%). Particle size distribution also shifted downstream, with a higher proportion of smaller (50–100 μm) particles detected at Gönyű compared to upstream sites. The results suggest that the tributary may represent an important input to the main Danube channel in this section, while differences in polymer composition point to varying source characteristics within the study area. These findings provide an important baseline for future monitoring and support the development of targeted mitigation strategies in this transboundary river system.

Many composite vulnerability indices are developed at regional or national scales and are updated infrequently, limiting their usefulness for annual climate vulnerability assessment at the municipal level. We developed the Municipal Vulnerability Index (MUVI), a 21-indicator composite framework combining municipal administrative statistics, remotely sensed green-area data and station-observed meteorological records. MUVI was applied to 13 municipalities in Győr–Moson–Sopron County, Hungary, for 2011–2024. Each indicator is normalised to its municipality-specific 2011–2024 mean, so annual values are interpreted relative to the municipality’s own study-period conditions rather than a common cross-sectional benchmark. For diagnostic purposes, the indicators are grouped according to the IPCC AR5 vulnerability dimensions of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity, and their contributions are examined using polarity-corrected component profiles. All 13 municipalities recorded their highest MUVI value in 2024. Heatwave-day ratios were also elevated in that year, while demographic and infrastructure indicators contributed differently among municipalities. In the sensitivity analysis, the 2024 municipality score ordering was largely preserved under PCA-derived alternative weights (τ = 0.949) and Monte Carlo weight perturbations (mean τ = 0.946). Leave-one-out analysis identified greater sensitivity to economic and socioeconomic indicators. MUVI provides an annually updatable screening framework for monitoring municipal vulnerability indicators and identifying areas that require more detailed local assessment, where suitable longitudinal administrative and meteorological data are available.