Dóra Sipos
58851185000
Publications - 11
Exploring disparities in the generation of food waste from a spatial and sustainability perspective
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
APPLICATION OF EMISSION FACTORS TO EXPLORE THE POTENTIAL OF HYDROGEN PRODUCTION FROM SEWAGE SLUDGE
Publication Name: Iet Conference Proceedings
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 2024
Issue: 8
Page Range: 16-24
Description:
The study aims to investigate the possibility of producing hydrogen from sewage sludge obtained during wastewater treatment, using emission factors. It provides an overview of current trends in treating sewage sludge, analyses the potential for generating biogas and hydrogen from sewage sludge, and examines the role of hydrogen in transitioning towards greener energy. The research methodology uses statistical approaches to derive potential values from baseline data through emission factors and categorizes study areas based on this information. The background indicates that biogas-based hydrogen production offers benefits such as utilizing renewable energy sources and reclaiming sewage sludge. There has been a substantial increase in municipal wastewater treatment sludge generation while simultaneously reducing non-hazardous sludge disposal by landfilling. The focus is on utilizing these resources effectively instead of squandering them, while also identifying previously wasted potential over recent years. The primary objective of the paper is to assess the untapped potential that has not been fully utilized in recent years. The research direction was shaped by access to statistical data, albeit constrained by its focus on a typical technological process. The study delves into an increasingly relevant area, with outcomes applicable for policymakers as well as professionals in energy and environmental fields.
Open Access: Yes
Examining the Integrity of Climate Protection Goals and Climate Change Policy Objectives in the Policies of the European Union
Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions
Publication Date: 2023-01-01
Volume: 107
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 139-144
Description:
Nowadays, the effects and consequences of climate change can be directly felt. As a result, the mitigation of climate change and the fight against its effects are of high priority both from the point of view of the European Union and the world, for which strategies and guidelines define an effective climate policy as an essential tool. At the same time, the vast majority of research related to climate change has so far focused on the greenhouse gas emissions of individual countries, their sectoral distribution and mitigation options, as well as the situation and difficulties in meeting their objectives in this direction. The aim of this study is to examine the integration of the policy objectives related to climate change of the individual European Union member states, as well as to explore the path these states are taking in achieving the emission targets for greenhouse gases planned for 2050. In our study, we examine to what extent the evaluations aimed at achieving the sustainable development goals of individual countries take into account the extent to which the projected climate protection trajectory of the same member states is fulfilled. Based on our results, it can be concluded that there are significant differences in the level of development of each country from a sustainable development point of view, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions of the given member countries, and the degree of consideration and adaptation of individual climate protection goals. Based on our findings, it can be said that the global climate policy plays a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but the regulation and target system at the member state level is even more pronounced. Achieving the 2050 climate neutrality goals requires a fundamental transformation of some regulations, and if the limitations arising from the dissonance of these specialized sectors with decarbonization are resolved or managed to an adequate extent, and the actual integrity of the individual goals is achieved, then net zero carbon dioxide emissions can be achieved.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3303/CET23107024
The Dissonances of Asbestos Exposure and the Concept of Sustainable Settlements in the Light of the European Union's 2023 Asbestos Neutrality Objective
Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions
Publication Date: 2023-01-01
Volume: 107
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 145-150
Description:
Until now, the majority of asbestos-related research has focused on the health challenges of asbestos and the waste management challenges caused by asbestos cement products. The limitation of the research is that there is no uniform indicator or index formation method available for asbestos exposure and involvement on a national scale. Given the neglect of the topic, there are no uniform risk assessment and situation assessment procedures available, neither, as a result, indicators or public databases. The aim of this paper is that, in parallel with the European Union's 2023 asbestos neutrality objectives, asbestos exposure is examined as a kind of indicator to assess the actual level of development of those member states that are progressing along the sustainable development goals. The focus of the paper is an analysis of the situation rather than the discovery of new scientific results. Using an integrated index formation method, the relationship between the indicators of sustainable development and the volume of asbestos consumption in the countries in the focus group is examined. It was established that the average value of the sustainable development index corrected for asbestos exposure in relation to the EU-27 is 0.428, which means a medium level of involvement. A comparison of the two indexes shows that there are significant differences. The average correction rate is -47.4 %. Based on the results and according to previous literature sources, asbestos exposure is an unexamined segment of efforts for sustainable development, which can also result in significant dissonances.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3303/CET23107025
The Impact of Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic Products on the Occurrence and Contamination of Microplastics in Compost Leachate
Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 114
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 835-840
Description:
The composting of organic and bio-waste is widely practised, and in some regions, it is even a mandatory waste management practice. A valuable by-product of this process is the nutrient-rich liquid known as compost leachate, which holds great potential for use in agriculture and horticulture. This investigation delves into the content, production methods, and impact of compost leachate on different crops while also emphasising its susceptibility to external factors. Compost leachate forms during composting and serves as an effective soil amendment material containing essential nutrients, microorganisms, and humic acids beneficial for plant growth. The quality of this by-product can be compromised by contamination from organic waste materials. Today, there has been widespread adoption of biodegradable or compostable plastic products in household composting systems due to misconceptions or public attitudes towards their usage. In-home composting, the process of decomposition might be slower, and there could be issues with the conventional waste management systems that are still commonly used. Additionally, not all degradable products are exclusively made from natural materials. Sometimes, synthetic polymer chains are utilised to accelerate degradation. This study aims to explore, through a simulated experiment, the possibility of microplastic contamination in composting environments, primarily due to the presence of biodegradable and compostable plastic items in these settings. The research findings indicate that the potential risks of microplastics to compost and compost leachate have been insufficiently explored, only recently becoming a focal point. The key conclusions suggest that the development of strategies to address these ecotoxicological factors is becoming increasingly pressing.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3303/CET24114140
Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis for Examining the Relationship between Food Waste Generation and Socio-economic Factors
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
Assessing the Urban Climate Resilience of Cities in Hungary Using an Index-based Approach
Publication Name: Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy Water and Environment Systems
Publication Date: 2025-09-01
Volume: 13
Issue: 3
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Climate resilience in urban areas is increasingly critical in the face of climate change, particularly in regions where climate variability poses significant challenges. This study introduces the Climate Resilience Index for Town Sustainability, a novel, multidimensional framework designed to evaluate the resilience of 19 Hungarian cities, including Budapest and county capitals. The framework incorporates 41 parameters across environmental, social, and infrastructural dimensions, addressing significant gaps in existing resilience assessments by providing a region-specific, holistic evaluation. The research employs advanced statistical techniques, including principal component analysis and k-means clustering, to analyse the data sourced from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office and the National Adaptation Geo-Information System. This analysis revealed substantial variability in resilience scores among Hungarian county capitals, with Békéscsaba achieving the highest scores due to its extensive green infrastructure, renewable energy adoption, and lower proportion of vulnerable populations. In contrast, Budapest recorded one of the lowest scores, highlighting challenges such as limited green spaces, high population density, and elevated energy consumption. Clustering analysis grouped the cities into eight distinct categories, emphasising the role of geographic and climatic factors in shaping urban resilience. The findings demonstrate the critical importance of targeted interventions, such as expanding green infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing sustainable practices. By offering actionable insights for policymakers, this index not only advances resilience research but also provides a replicable framework adaptable to other regions. Its innovative approach to integrating multidimensional parameters represents a significant contribution to the understanding and improvement of urban climate resilience in a changing world.
Open Access: Yes
Potential of Green Hydrogen Synthesis from Sewage Sludge: Assessing Emission Factors
Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 119
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 559-564
Description:
The study aims to explore the feasibility of synthesizing hydrogen from sewage sludge in EU countries, with a particular focus on assessing associated emission factors. This research is driven by the increasing interest in utilizing wastewater as a valuable resource for clean energy production in the context of the global energy transition. Despite the need for extensive treatment of the resulting sludge, research efforts are focused on the production of clean energy, particularly hydrogen. The research methodology uses statistical approaches to derive potential values from baseline data through emission factors and categorizes study areas based on this information. Europe produces approximately 10 million tons of sewage sludge annually, with Hungary contributing nearly a quarter of a million tons, hence this significant byproduct should be treated as a valuable resource in accordance with the principles of a circular economy. The paper delves into hydrogen generation from sewage sludge, specifically through anaerobic digestion, and thoroughly reviews and contrasts existing systems, examining key factors and prospects influencing hydrogen production efficacy within the EU context. Overall, this study addresses a topic of growing significance, offering insights beneficial for both policy formulation and practice in the spheres of energy management and environmental conservation, with a special emphasis on its application and implications for European Union countries.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3303/CET25119094
A Multidimensional Analysis of Energy Poverty in the EU: Exploring Complex Drivers and Cross-Dimensional Impacts
Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 121
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 1-6
Description:
Energy poverty remains one of the key obstacles to sustainable development, directly affecting households and increasingly influencing business operations as well. The research investigates the relationship between energy poverty and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the EU, addressing the often-overlooked connection between social vulnerability, environmental impact, and local climate policy. The study utilizes EU-level indicators to assess energy poverty across member states and develops the Energy Poverty Integral Index (EPII) to quantify it through multidimensional socioeconomic indicators. Building on this, the authors introduce the Energy Poverty and Emissions Index (EPEI), a novel, three-dimensional composite index that integrates (1) energy poverty (via the EPII), (2) residential GHG emissions, and (3) participation in the Covenant of Mayors (CoM), a proxy for local climate policy engagement. By bringing these components together, the EPEI offers a new perspective for examining the intersection of energy deprivation, carbon intensity, and policy responsiveness across the EU. This makes it possible to identify country profiles and policy gaps where high energy poverty coincides with either high emissions or weak climate action. The findings reveal significant correlations between energy poverty and emissions in several EU-27 countries, with strong positive relationships in the Netherlands, Lithuania, and Romania. In contrast, some member states exhibit inverse patterns. Cyprus, Italy, and Germany stand out with the highest energy poverty rates. The study contributes by proposing a standardized framework that links energy poverty to environmental and governance dimensions, supporting more targeted and just climate-energy policy responses in the EU.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3303/CET25121001
Life Cycle-Based Environmental Assessment of Hydrogen Production Mixes Projected in the Hungarian Hydrogen Strategy Using the Environmental Footprint Methodology
Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 121
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 61-66
Description:
Hydrogen (H2 ) is increasingly cited as a key element of future sustainable energy systems. Environmental assessment of H2 production is gaining importance in meeting climate goals. While current literature mainly focuses on reducing CO2 emissions, other life cycle impacts – such as effects on ecosystems, human health, and resource use – are often underestimated. In the Hungarian context, this study represents the first attempt to estimate the environmental impacts of the national Hydrogen Strategy. This study aims to fill this gap through a quantitative environmental evaluation of hydrogen production pathways projected in the Hungarian Hydrogen Strategy. Based on life cycle assessment (LCA) using the Sphera database, three major production technologies were modelled: steam methane reforming (grey), reforming with carbon capture (blue), and solar PV-based electrolysis (green). Results show that the total environmental burden of hydrogen production in Hungary could be halved by 2050 compared to 2020, while the specific carbon footprint of H2 production could be 75 % lower than today. However, this projection excludes expected efficiency improvements, as much of the future capacity has yet to be built.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3303/CET25121011
Asbestos Poverty as a New Paradigm for Multidimensional Urban Sustainability
Publication Name: Journal of Urban Health
Publication Date: 2026-02-01
Volume: 103
Issue: 1
Page Range: 214-228
Description:
The popularity of asbestos-containing products stemmed from their fire resistance, thermal insulation properties, and mechanical strength. However, their well-documented adverse health effects led to the prohibition of their use in many countries. This research aims to conduct a comprehensive examination of the often-overlooked social dimensions associated with asbestos, with a specific focus on the affected population’s circumstances and the potential solutions accessible to them. Its analysis encompasses legal regulations concerning asbestos, societal awareness, and the economic implications of asbestos removal from the perspective of those impacted. The findings highlight that the remediation of asbestos-containing products is often contingent on the financial and social conditions of the affected population, posing significant challenges for the economic sector and environmental protection efforts. This research contributes to the development of integrated approaches that address social, economic, and environmental dimensions in tandem. Its originality lies in situating the concepts of social sustainability and socially oriented environmental development within the context of asbestos-related policies. The findings suggest that achieving asbestos-free environments is feasible only through the integration of social dimensions, taking into account the economic and social conditions of the affected communities.
Open Access: Yes
