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.

The article examines the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a tool for environmental management and for the planning and development of renewable energy sources (RES). Based on a review of the literature, it is demonstrated that GIS support key managerial functions, including planning, monitoring, decision-making, and communication, by enabling comprehensive spatial analysis and the integration of environmental data. The study emphasizes the importance of GIS in facilitating a systemic and interdisciplinary approach to environmental governance. The paper examines how GIS can help with environmental management, specifically in locating high-risk areas and strategically placing energy investments. Examining GIS’s organizational, technological, and legal facets, it emphasizes how it is increasingly collaborating with cutting-edge decision-support technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), remote sensing, and big data. The analysis emphasizes how GIS help achieve sustainable development’s objectives and tasks.

This spatial analysis focuses on the relevant elements regarding the use of renewable energy sources, in particular, biogas, taking into account sustainability. The characteristics of the processes of biogas formation are presented, including the technological and biological aspects of its production. The issues of agricultural biogas plant profitability are discussed using examples from Poland, analyzing the economic and financial aspects of investing in this type of plant. Geospatial analysis supported by geographic information systems (GISs) looked at factors affecting the relief of the land and also the analysis of local plans or zoning decisions for the selected site. In addition, distance relationships and geological aspects taking into account terrain, landslides, and forestation, as well as hydrological aspects relating to flood and flooding hazards, were examined. It analyzed the availability of utility networks and proximity to road infrastructure. It was also examined that the proposed project will not have a negative impact on environmental protection. The analyzed site meets favorable conditions for the construction of the proposed project, and the conclusion drawn from this study is to emphasize the importance of integrating renewable energy sources with information systems to achieve sustainable development.

The aim of the analysis was to carry out a detailed assessment of the site in Krościenko nad Dunajcem in terms of its suitability for the construction of a photovoltaic farm. Geospatial data and analysis of urban planning documents such as the Local Spatial Development Plan and the...

The objective of the study was to identify system changes in waste management, including qualitative and quantitative changes in the Łososina Dolna County between 2012 and 2014, taking into account eleven waste streams in the period before and after the introduction of these changes on the level...

The main objective of the research presented in this article was to analyze the composition of exhaust gases from passenger cars undergoing periodic inspections and to determine the influence of vehicle age, mileage and the applicable EURO emission standard on the level of emissions of individual components of exhaust gases and thus on the environment. The research was carried out at the District Vehicle Inspection Station in Nowy Sącz, using methods for analyzing the composition of exhaust gases and smoke opacity. The results obtained make it possible to assess whether exhaust emission diagnostics can form the basis for the implementation of a sustainable road transport policy. The study showed that older vehicles emit higher concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC), and diesel cars manufactured before 2010 are characterized by increased smoke opacity. A reliable analysis of the emissions performance of vehicles on the road enables more effective measures to be taken to reduce emissions and improve air quality through regulation, the introduction of clean traffic zones and raising environmental awareness among drivers. This is especially important in regions with specific geographical conditions, such as the Nowy Sącz district, where the terrain—Nowy Sącz is located in a basin surrounded by mountain ranges—favors the accumulation of pollutants and hinders the natural air circulation, leading to the long-term persistence of smog.