European stakeholders' perspectives on implementation potential of precision weed control: the case of autonomous vehicles with laser treatment.

Weed control is a basic agricultural practice, typically achieved through herbicides and mechanical weeders. Because of the negative environmental impacts of these tools, alternative solutions are being developed and adopted worldwide. Following recent technical developments, an autonomous laser-based weeding system (ALWS) now offers a possible solution for sustainable weed control. However, beyond recent proof of performance, little is known about the adoption potential of such a system. This study assesses the adoption potential of ALWS, using a mixed-method approach. First, six macro-environmental factors regarding the adoption of ALWS were determined. This assessment is referred to as a Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental (PESTLE) analysis and is conducted in a form of a literature review initiated by expert consultations. Second, a range of European stakeholders' perceptions of ALWS was evaluated in four focus-group discussions (n = 55), using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis. The factors identified in the PESTLE and SWOT analyses were subsequently merged to provide a comprehensive overview of the adoption potential of ALWS. Labour reduction, precision treatment and environmental sustainability were found to be the most important advantages of ALWS. High costs and performance uncertainty were identified as the main weaknesses. To promote the adoption of ALWS, this study recommends the following: (1) Concrete performance results, both technical and economic, should be communicated to farmers. (2) Farmers' knowledge of precision agriculture should be improved. (3) Advantage should be taken of policies that are favourable towards non-chemical methods and the high demand for organic products. This article also extensively discusses regulatory barriers, the risks posed to the safety of both humans and the machines involved, technological challenges and requirements, and policy recommendations related to ALWS adoption.

Multi-Faceted Environmental Analysis to Improve the Quality of Anthropogenic Water Reservoirs (Paprocany Reservoir Case Study).

Maintaining good condition of dam reservoirs in urban areas seems increasingly important due to their valuable role in mitigating the effects of global warming. The aim of this study is to analyze possibilities to improve water quality and ecosystem condition of the Paprocany dam reservoir (highly urbanized area of southern Poland) using current data of the water parameters, historical sources, and DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) and 3D modeling concerning human activity and the global warming effects. In its history Paprocany reservoir overcame numerous hydrotechnical changes influencing its present functioning. Also, its current state is significantly influenced by saline water from the coal mine (5 g L-1 of chlorides and sulphates) and biogenic elements in recreational area (about 70 mg L-1 of chlorate and to 1.9 mg L-1 Kjeldahl nitrogen) and in sediments (222.66 Mg of Kjeldahl nitrogen, 45.65 Mg of P, and 1.03 Mg of assimilable phosphorus). Concluding, the best solutions to improve the Paprocany reservoir water quality comprise: increasing alimentation with water and shortening the water exchange time, restoration of the 19th century water treatment plant, and wetlands and reed bed area revitalization. The study also proved the applicability of mathematical models in planning of the actions and anticipating their efficiency.

The determinants of lead and cadmium blood levels for preschool children from industrially contaminated sites in Poland.

OBJECTIVES: Industrially contaminated sites (ICS) represent an important public health issue in European countries. The Silesian Voivodeship, the region located in the southern part of Poland, the historical center of industry, has many sites that meet ICS criteria. Most of them are landfills containing lead, cadmium and zinc. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aim of the study has been to evaluate determinants of lead and cadmium blood levels for preschool children living in the vicinity of selected environmental hazards in Piekary Slaskie, the city located in the region of Silesia. Data about exposure was obtained from the parental questionnaire and was verified by levels of biomarkers in children's blood. Finally, 678 preschool children were studied. RESULTS: Obtained results have confirmed that the statistically significant higher level of lead in blood has been revealed in the case of younger children whose fathers have a higher level of education and whose mothers smoke cigarettes at home, as well as for those living in the vicinity of any environmental hazard. In the case of cadmium, a higher level of the biomarker has been reported for older children who rather do not live close to any environmental hazard. We have recognized 30% of children with blood lead level (PbB) exceeding 2 µg/dl and 0.8% of children with blood cadmium level (CdB) exceeding the reference value (0.5 µg/l). CONCLUSIONS: Own observation has confirmed that preschool children living in Piekary Slaskie are still exposed to heavy metals existing in environment. The source of the higher level in blood is not only the hazardous vicinity in the place of residence but also well-known factors associated with the age of children, parental life style and educational background. The parental questionnaire could be useful to identify potential determinants of exposure to lead and cadmium, however exposure must be verified by measurement of a proper biomarker. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(3):351-359.