A. Zseni

56601398400

Publications - 14

Multidimensional comparison of life cycle footprint of hydrogen production technologies

András Torma A. Zseni Péter Németh

Publication Name: Cleaner Engineering and Technology

Publication Date: 2025-02-01

Volume: 24

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Hydrogen as an energy carrier will play an important role in the future in achieving sustainable development goals in the energy and mobility sectors as well as to reach decarbonization goals. Currently adopted hydrogen strategies foresee a significant increase in the amount of hydrogen used in the future. To meet this increased volume in the most sustainable way, a careful analysis of potential hydrogen production technologies is necessary, considering real environmental impacts. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of different non-renewable and renewable hydrogen production technologies and evaluates their environmental effects based on global warming potential (GWP). Environmental footprint data discussed in this paper are based on published life-cycle assessment (LCA) results. As direct comparison of LCA results is difficult due to different LCA scenarios, selected system boundaries, various material components and manufacturing techniques, a novel multidimensional comparison approach was developed to understand LCA results better and to give a more comprehensive picture of environmental footprint components. In addition to methodological issues, the key influencing factors of the carbon footprint of different hydrogen production technologies were also identified. It is not possible to identify one stand-alone technology that would be the most environmentally friendly in all circumstances, it is essential to investigate all the technologies in the given context of use. Regarding water-splitting, it is outstandingly crucial to examine the source of the electricity because it strongly influences the GWP of this H2 production technology. If the GWP of the electricity is high, this technology could be more harmful to the environment than the steam methane reforming (SMR).

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.clet.2025.100902

Exploring disparities in the generation of food waste from a spatial and sustainability perspective

A. Zseni András Horváth Gergely Zoltán Macher Dóra Sipos Judit Pécsinger

Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences

Publication Date: 2024-08-23

Volume: 125

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

In the near future, food production will encounter numerous challenges. The world's population, per capita intake of calories, protein, and cereals is growing, and expected to continue increasing in the future. According to the World Resources Institute, feeding 9-10 billion people by 2050 will require a 70% increase in food calorie compared to 2006 levels. The expansion of crop and livestock production, the increasing use of fertilisers and pesticides at global level, and the growing adoption of precision farming methods may not be appropriate in the light of problems such as soil degradation, the impact of climate change on yields, the depletion of fish stocks and the reduction of arable land per capita in certain areas. Mitigation of food waste can be a possible way to sustainable food supply but it alone cannot solve the problem. The paper focuses on examining disparities in the generation of food waste from a spatial and sustainability perspective within EU-countries. Data related to food waste and various environmental, social and economic indicators are collected for EU countries. Correlation between these parameters is investigated to find possible connections. Cluster analysis is applied to food waste data to find the groups of countries with similar characteristics. The distribution of environmental, economical, and social parameters is calculated for these groups, and statistical methods are applied to investigate their differences.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/202412502002

Examinations on the cultivated bacteria from the drinking water system of a healthcare building

Roland Miseta A. Zseni Dalma Gregosits Csaba Kiss

Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences

Publication Date: 2024-08-23

Volume: 125

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The aim of our research was the identification of nosocomial pathogens found in the internal drinking water network of healthcare facilities which can cause infections in hospitals. In this study, the composition of bacterial communities from the internal water network of a health institution in Győr (Hungary) was examined using standard culture-based methods. Identification of the bacterial isolates was performed using Analytical Profile Index (API). Members of 13 bacterial taxa were recovered from a multi-storey healthcare institution. 10 species were identified via API20E and API20NE testing, out of which isolates of genera Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Sphingomonas were found in the highest proportion on different media. These bacteria can cause nosocomial infections in clinical environments, leading to serious illnesses mainly in patients, as they may have multiresistance genes. In addition, Legionella species were also identified in the water samples, which are also known to be nosocomial pathogens, since they can be spread with aerosols in hospital environments and can cause severe respiratory diseases in immunocompromised individuals.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/202412503001

The utilization of struvite produced from human urine in agriculture as a natural fertilizer: A review

Anna Mikola Surendra K. Pradhan A. Zseni J. Nagy

Publication Name: Periodica Polytechnica Chemical Engineering

Publication Date: 2019-05-15

Volume: 63

Issue: 3

Page Range: 478-484

Description:

Most of the nutrients in municipal wastewater originate from urine. Nevertheless, chemical fertilizers are commonly used in the agriculture instead of urine. There are some problems related to the direct utilization of urine, such as micropollutants present in urine, odour and storage of large volume of urine. In wastewater, phosphorus may contribute significantly to the pollution of the aquatic systems. Therefore, wastewater treatment techniques are mainly focusing on removing phosphorus. Phosphorus is collected in the sludge either by a chemical or by a biological process. With the growing concern of micropollutants present, which are in the sludge, the use of sludge in agriculture has been gradually decreasing. It means that the phosphorus content in sludge is not recycled efficiently whereas the use of limited mineral phosphorus resources is growing. To overcome these issues, urine could be collected separately and struvite could be produced. This may recover about 90% of phosphate in urine. In this paper, the use of human urine and struvite as a fertilizer in the agriculture and the production of struvite is discussed. Results showed that the struvite could be an effective natural fertilizer.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3311/PPch.12689

Microbiological testing of drinking water in the western transdanubian region of Hungary using API tests

Roland Miseta A. Zseni Bálint Németh

Publication Name: Wit Transactions on Ecology and the Environment

Publication Date: 2019-01-01

Volume: 239

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 193-203

Description:

Using standard and routine methods for drinking water microbiological quality control may lead to uncertainty. In some cases, biochemical tests for confirmation of presumptive colonies have negative results. It can also happen that the target bacteria cannot be found, but the high concentration of the background biota contaminates water sampling points or even the entire water supply system. The aim of the study was to investigate and identify bacterial colonies retrieved from water samples of drinking water supply systems using a relatively cheap, fast and easy-to-use method as well as to acquire information on the presence of pathogens in the background biota. To achieve our goals, water samples from 18 western Hungarian settlements were collected during a two month period. A total of 66 morphologically different bacterial colonies growing on four media were tested for taxonomic identification by three different API (Analytical Profile Index) tests which are suitable for the identification of bacteria at species level. Out of the 66 bacterial colonies involved in the study, 58 could be identified by API tests. During the identification, the presence of 27 different taxa were proved in the water samples. As a result of our research, species (Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Burkholderia cepacia) that can cause confusion in the evaluation of water samples by forming morphologically typical colonies on the medium or presenting in high number of colony form units as background contaminants were identified. The presence of species (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aerococcus viridans, Aeromonas hydrophila, Gemella morbillorum, Streptococcus constellatus) which originated from the background biota on different agar plates and can cause human diseases, were also confirmed. Even if the organisms which indicate water quality degradation are not present in the water sample, the background biota may contain human pathogenic bacteria that might lead to health problems when enriched in the drinking water supply system.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.2495/WS190171

Human urine as an efficient fertilizer product in agriculture

A. Zseni J. Nagy

Publication Name: Agronomy Research

Publication Date: 2017-01-01

Volume: 15

Issue: 2

Page Range: 490-500

Description:

Flush toilet based water infrastructure, which handles blackwater and greywater together, causes a lot of environmental problems. Among these, the loss of valuable organic material and nutrient content of human excreta (faeces and urine) is not sufficiently emphasized yet. Utilization of human excreta for agricultural purposes is based on the separate collection of greywater and human excreta. As urine contains most of the nutrients of human excreta, researches focus mainly on urine’s treatment and utilization for agricultural purposes. We reviewed the data in literature about the nutrient content of human excreta. In this paper we present the content of macro and microelements of human urine to show its potential value as a fertilizer. To confirm the necessity of urine’s utilization in agriculture instead of treated it by traditional waste water treatment methods, we have collected and compared the most important advantages and disadvantages of traditional wastewater treatment, separated handling of greywater and excreta as well as human urine’s agricultural utilization.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: DOI not available

Thermal impact assessment with hydrodynamics and transport modeling

Viola Somogyi Viktor Sebestyén A. Zseni Zoltán Papp Endre Domokos

Publication Name: Energy Conversion and Management

Publication Date: 2015-11-01

Volume: 104

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 127-134

Description:

While the number of installed geothermal heat pump systems is rising legislation is not prepared to address the issues concerning thermal impact. The aim of this paper is to model the effects of geothermal heat pump systems installed to shallow geothermal reservoirs in sedimentary formation based on the results of a real system in order to show the magnitude of the thermal affected zone. The system examined is a standalone geothermal heat pump with a production and an injection well-being able to produce a maximum of 3.4 m3/h groundwater. The thermal impact determined by simulation was 35 m for the standalone system. Two scenarios were considered to define the impact of two neighboring open-loop systems on each other. The results show that if two systems are to be installed on the same reservoir the minimum distance should be 55 m. That indicates that in case of designing systems installed to similar hydrogeological environment should consider the change in the water table and increased thermally affected zone if other groundwater heat pumps are in the area.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2015.04.045

Integrated regional development and river basin management

A. Zseni M. Bulla

Publication Name: Wit Transactions on Ecology and the Environment

Publication Date: 2011-01-01

Volume: 153

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 397-408

Description:

The paper presents a multidisciplinary expert system which can be applied in the field of ex-ante assessment both of regional development programmes and river basin management planning. The research introduces the 'complex knowledge space' model which is a further improvement of the environmental management model which was presented during the Conference on Environmental Engineering Education and Training organised by WIT 1996. © 2011 WIT Press.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.2495/WS110351

Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis for Examining the Relationship between Food Waste Generation and Socio-economic Factors

A. Zseni András Horváth Gergely Zoltán Macher Dóra Sipos Judit Pécsinger

Publication Name: Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy Water and Environment Systems

Publication Date: 2025-09-01

Volume: 13

Issue: 3

Page Range: 1-16

Description:

Food waste contributes to social inequalities and sustainability issues by worsening resource overuse and environmental harm. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17 highlights the importance of reducing food waste to address hunger and promote a sustainable, economically viable global food system. This paper examines the geographic differences in food waste levels among European Union member nations and analyses the associations between food waste and diverse environmental, geographic, social and economic indicators, including Sustainable Development Goals and other sustainability metrics. Using dimensionality reduction methods, nontrivial multivariate connections between food waste and these parameters were identified, allowing for the characterisation of countries based on a few significant factors. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), applied to food waste data across European Union countries, uncovered three distinct groups: (1) those with elevated food waste in primary production, manufacturing and distribution stages; (2) those with lower waste in these domains yet elevated waste in restaurants and households; and (3) those with all of their food waste components smaller than or equal to the average. The multivariate linear correlation between the PCA factors and socio-economic parameters is nonsignificant, but a few (nonlinear) regularities could be identified: five of the six countries of the first group above are characterised by the population settled mainly on flatland and an above-average supply of meat or fish. Another pattern observed is that former Eastern Bloc countries belong to the third group. The research findings offer valuable insights that can inform the efforts of environmental experts, professionals and policymakers working in the circular economy and waste management domains. This knowledge can facilitate the development of more effective strategies aimed at mitigating food waste and promoting sustainability.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.13044/j.sdewes.d13.0579

Using Dimensionality Reduction Methods to Explore the Social, Cultural and Geographical Reasons Behind Food Waste in the European Union

A. Zseni András Horváth Gergely Zoltán Macher

Publication Name: Sustainability Switzerland

Publication Date: 2025-10-01

Volume: 17

Issue: 20

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The paper investigates disparities in food waste generation across European Union countries between 2020 and 2022, focusing on spatial and sustainability dimensions. It utilizes data for six key food waste parameters and a broad range of environmental, social and economic indicators. A combination of statistical methods, including correlation analysis, cluster analysis and Principal Component Analysis, uncovers multivariate patterns and identifies groups of countries with similar food waste characteristics and related factors. The paper highlights the temporal and spatial dynamics of food waste over the three-year period, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the total volume of food waste remained relatively stable across the EU, notable shifts occurred in waste sources. Household food waste peaked in 2021, likely due to increased time spent at home during pandemic-related lockdowns. Conversely, waste from retail, restaurants and food service sectors showed a consistent increase. The paper identifies non-trivial correlations between food waste and socio-economic variables, suggesting that differences in food waste generation across EU countries are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including policy effectiveness, cultural practices, consumer behaviour and economic conditions. This comprehensive analysis of food waste patterns across EU countries and over time offers valuable insights for policymakers aiming to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/su17209315

Temporal and Spatial Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Waste Generation in the European Union

A. Zseni András Horváth Gergely Zoltán Macher

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 121

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 37-42

Description:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant socioeconomic and environmental impacts, substantially altering food production, consumption, and waste generation trends across the European Union. This study examines the temporal and spatial fluctuations in food waste generation among European Union member states during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on six key food waste parameters. The data analysis revealed that the total amount of food waste did not undergo significant changes during the 2020-2022 period. The proportion of food waste generated by household activities was the highest in 2021, which aligns with the increased time spent at home by the population. The proportion of food waste from retail and other food distribution channels, as well as restaurants and food services, exhibited a steadily increasing trend over the study period. The detailed results highlight differences in food waste generation dynamics, with varying degrees of impact across European Union countries. This suggests not only differential policy effectiveness, but also the influence of diverse socioeconomic factors, individual and community habits.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET25121007

Illuminating Inequality: Public Lighting Energy Consumption and Light Pollution in Urban and Rural Contexts

A. Zseni Dalma Schmeller Dalma Bódizs

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 121

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 67-72

Description:

This paper investigates the spatial and social dimensions of light pollution through the lens of electricity consumption and technical losses related to public lighting across Hungarian municipalities, focusing on the Western Transdanubia region. Unlike traditional approaches based on remote sensing, this paper employs local-level electricity use data as a proxy for assessing light pollution intensity. Notably, several sparsely populated rural settlements display disproportionately high per capita electricity use and losses, suggesting inefficiencies, potential over-lighting, and elevated exposure to light pollution. The inclusion of technical losses provides a more accurate picture of systemic inefficiency that may contribute to excessive artificial illumination without corresponding social benefit. These findings underscore the relevance of electricity data as an indirect but actionable source for evaluating light pollution and energy waste. The paper advocates for more data-driven, environmentally conscious, and socially equitable lighting policies that integrate energy efficiency and light pollution mitigation into local planning frameworks. Based on data from 657 municipalities, total public lighting consumption ranges from under 10 MWh in small villages to over 1,000 MWh in large cities, with a regional average of 51.3 MWh (SD: 338.3 MWh). Per capita consumption varies between 0.002 and 0.02 MWh/person, with technical losses up to 17.9 kWh/person in some rural areas. These results indicate that energy inefficiency and light pollution are often more pronounced in small settlements, highlighting the need for regionally tailored modernization strategies addressing both energy use and environmental impact.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET25121012

AI-Driven Adaptive Urban Lighting for Reducing Light Pollution and Energy Consumption in a Multi-Level Perspective

A. Zseni Dalma Schmeller Dalma Bódizs

Publication Name: Energies

Publication Date: 2026-03-01

Volume: 19

Issue: 5

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Urban lighting systems contribute significantly to energy consumption and light pollution, raising environmental and societal concerns. This paper explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (abbreviation: AI)-driven adaptive urban lighting as a sustainable solution, framed within a multi-level perspective on socio-technical transitions. At the landscape level, increasing urbanization and global sustainability targets exert pressure for energy-efficient practices, while traditional street lighting regimes remain largely rigid and resource-intensive. At the niche level, we propose a novel adaptive lighting system integrating real-time Internet of Things (abbreviation: IoT) sensor data and machine learning algorithms to dynamically adjust illumination based on traffic, pedestrian activity, weather conditions, and ambient light. Studies demonstrate that the proposed approach can significantly reduce energy use while minimizing light pollution, without compromising safety or visibility. The results indicate that such niche innovations, supported by AI and renewable energy integration, have the potential to influence broader regime change and contribute to sustainable urban development. This research highlights the importance of combining technological innovation with socio-technical frameworks to address pressing urban environmental challenges, offering insights for policymakers, urban planners, and energy managers seeking to balance efficiency, safety, and ecological impact.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/en19051128

Microplastic pollution in the Szigetköz section of the Danube: sources, composition and FTIR-based quantification

K. Kozma András Torma A. Zseni Gábor Bordós Eszter Kókai Bence Prikler Gergely Zoltán Macher Anett Bedő

Publication Name: Environmental Systems Research

Publication Date: 2026-12-01

Volume: 15

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

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.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1186/s40068-026-00473-3