Dóra Beke

8417463800

Publications - 14

The impact of asbestos cement pollution in irrigation water on physiological and germination characteristics of Trifolium pratense, Medicago sativa, and Solanum lycopersicum seeds

A. Torma Gergely Zoltán Macher Dóra Beke

Publication Name: Scientific Reports

Publication Date: 2025-12-01

Volume: 15

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

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.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-01011-4

Mosses in Urban Environments as Passive Biofilters and Organisms Impacted by Asbestos-Contaminated Habitats

Gergely Zoltán Macher Dóra Beke

Publication Name: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Publication Date: 2025-06-01

Volume: 22

Issue: 6

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Asbestos cement materials represent a persistent source of environmental contamination, particularly in urban areas where weathering facilitates the release of hazardous chrysotile fibres. Despite extensive research on the human health impacts of asbestos, ecological interactions remain poorly understood. This paper explores the dual role of bryophytes colonising asbestos cement roofing as passive filters that trap airborne fibres and as vulnerable organisms subjected to asbestos-induced stress. Using a synthesis of recent findings, we assess the capacity of mosses to immobilise chrysotile fibres through their dense, mat-like structures, potentially reducing local dispersion. Simultaneously, we examine physiological and biochemical responses to prolonged fibre exposure, including reduced photosynthetic activity and signs of oxidative stress. The findings highlight a paradoxical function of bryophytes: while they contribute to pollution mitigation, they also accumulate contaminants and suffer from sublethal damage. These interactions may have broader implications for contaminant redistribution, particularly through decomposition and trophic transfer. Understanding these dynamics is essential for advancing ecological risk assessments and developing sustainable remediation strategies in asbestos-contaminated habitats.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph22060838

Examining the Environmental Ramifications of Asbestos Fiber Movement Through the Water–Soil Continuum: A Review

A. Torma Gergely Zoltán Macher Dóra Beke

Publication Name: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Publication Date: 2025-04-01

Volume: 22

Issue: 4

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

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.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph22040505

Water quality of harvested rainwater from asbestos cement roofs and its suitability for irrigation

A. Torma Gergely Zoltán Macher Dóra Beke

Publication Name: Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: Unknown

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

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.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/s10098-025-03197-7

Comparison of different geometry trees in fire simulation

L. Környei Csaba Hajdu F. Hajdu Rajmund Kuti Dóra Beke

Publication Name: Pollack Periodica

Publication Date: 2024-10-16

Volume: 19

Issue: 3

Page Range: 34-39

Description:

Wildfire simulations can help to better understand the dynamics and effects of forest fires. The basis of wildfire simulation is the tree-burning simulation. In this paper, the fire simulation of 7 different geometry Hungarian trees in the case of arson is presented. It was observed that the trees were burned down fast. The maximum mass loss rate and maximum heat release rate were larger as the tree was larger. The largest intensity fire could be observed in the case of the smallest tree. The maximum temperature was higher in the case of a large crown diameter. The maximum aerosol reached high pollutant concentrations. In the case of large crown height, the maximum CO2 concentration was higher. The results presented in this paper can be the basis of the following forest fire simulations.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/606.2024.01022

Spectroscopi c Anal ysi s of Chrysoti l e Asbestos and i ts Environmental Resistance in Asbestos Cement Waste Products

A. Torma Christopher Teh Boon Sung Gergely Zoltán Macher Fanni Károly Szilveszter Gergely Dóra Beke

Publication Name: Pertanika Journal of Science and Technology

Publication Date: 2024-10-01

Volume: 32

Issue: 6

Page Range: 2441-2458

Description:

Most asbestos-related studies have focused on asbestos exposure risks, their associated health implications, and waste management issues. Our research introduced a unique perspective that has rarely been explored: the impact of environmental factors on asbestos cement products. The novelty of the study is that, in contrast to previous research, in addition to determining the material quality of asbestos, it analyses the trace materials, additives and the emissive nature of chrysotile fibers. This study aims to identify the chrysotile-asbestos content in three common asbestos cement products found in Hungary, with regard to the release of their fibers upon exposure to the environment and to identify trace elements that could be used to identify the origin and function of each of these products. Our analyses revealed the presence of chrysotile in each tested sample, with spectral matches ranging from 59.6% to 86.7%. Asbestos cement products exposed to various environmental influences for long periods showed a greater chrysotile emission capacity than those unexposed or hermetically sealed ones. Additionally, we established that all asbestos cement products contained glass fibers, with an average spectral match of 62.1%. We further identified polysilicate in the materials with an average spectral match of 66.0%, as it was included in asbestos cement products to enhance their heat resistance. Our results pave the way for a new methodology for assessing asbestos cement products with regard to the implementation of their trace element level assessments.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.47836/pjst.32.6.03

The impact of irrigation with harvested rainwater containing asbestos cement matrix on the germination characteristics of Solanum lycopersicum

Gergely Zoltán Macher Dóra Beke

Publication Name: Acta Phytopathologica Et Entomologica Hungarica

Publication Date: 2024-09-06

Volume: 59

Issue: 1

Page Range: 63-73

Description:

The study aims to investigate how the transfer of matrix materials from eroded asbestos cement products induces stress responses in plants. The paper evaluates the exposure and risk factors of plants, water, and soil to asbestos cement materials. Additionally, the experimental results provide empirical evidence for plant stress responses based on physiological and germination parameters. Contamination of irrigation water with asbestos cement raises environmental concerns due to its potential toxicity to plants and soil quality. Asbestos in irrigation water can lead to toxic stress for plants, affecting germination processes and growth. The paper analyzes the effects of preset doses of irrigation water containing asbestos cement matrix on the germination process and physiological parameters of Solanum lycopersicum in a controlled experiment setting. This research proposes methodological developments that could be valuable for environmental plant protection professionals.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/038.2024.00207

Effect of asbestos cement contamination in irrigation water on physiological and germination parameters of Trifolium pratense and Solanum lycopersicum seeds

Gergely Zoltán Macher Dóra Beke

Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences

Publication Date: 2024-08-23

Volume: 125

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

This study aims to examine the plant stress responses induced by the water transport of matrix materials from the eroded and degraded asbestos cement materials. The paper includes a general assessment of the exposure and risk factors of the plant-water-soil system to asbestos cement products. Furthermore, the results of the experimental analysis provide empirical support for the plant stress response results according to the physiological and germination parameters of the tested plants. The background to the topic is that the contamination of irrigation water by asbestos cement raises serious environmental concerns, with toxicity to plants and soil contamination potentially having negative consequences for vegetation health and soil quality. In the presence of asbestos in water, plants are exposed to toxic stress, which can inhibit photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, but can also affect germination processes. The growth, reproduction and flourishing of plants also be at risk, as asbestos has adverse effects on cell division and metabolism. In addition, environmental stress can make plants more susceptible to disease and insect attack. This paper analysed the effects of pre-set dose concentrations of irrigation water containing asbestos cement matrix on the germination and physiological parameters of Trifolium pratense and Solanum lycopersicum in a germination experiment. The research area of the paper was influenced by the lack of minimum international practice, standards, and methodology. Therefore, the used methodology provides an opportunity for methodological development. The results can be used as a situation analysis for environmental plant protection and analytical professionals.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/202412501005

Analysing the Environmental Durability and Chrysotile Content of Asbestos Cement Products by FT-IR Spectroscopy

A. Torma Gergely Zoltán Macher Dóra Beke

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 114

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 709-714

Description:

The aim of this paper is to examine the environmental resistance and chrysotile content of different asbestos cement products and to prove the relationship between these two factors by analytical results. The paper includes Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic analysis of asbestos cement pipes and asbestos cement products with corrugated and flat characteristics. The methodology of the study is based on FT-IR spectroscopy and general statistical approaches, and the results obtained are compared using correlation analysis. The background to the topic is that asbestos cement products are still widely used today despite their harmful effects on health, contrary to European Union asbestos-free targets. A damaged and eroded asbestos cement product loses several grams of asbestos and cement per year from its matrix structure, which is exacerbated by exposure to various environmental influences. The match rate of the chrysotile spectrum for analysed samples has been over 50 % in each case. In the number of measurements, the chrysotile detection rate was 7.64 % higher for degraded and eroded samples. In addition, in the samples exposed to environmental factors, the percentage variance was approximately 10 % or higher, with the exception of asbestos cement pipes. The results provide a basis for situational awareness options. Analytic practitioners, material science researchers, and analysts can use them.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET24114119

Combined benefits of fermented washed rice water and NPK mineral fertilizer on plant growth and soil fertility over three field planting cycles

Christopher Boon Sung Teh Abba Nabayi Ngai Paing Tan Ali Kee Zuan Tan Dóra Beke

Publication Name: Heliyon

Publication Date: 2023-09-01

Volume: 9

Issue: 9

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Washed rice water (WRW) is the leftover water after washing rice grains and is usually discarded. However, WRW contains nutrients leached from rice, making it a potential plant fertilizer. Reusing WRW promotes better water governance, particularly in the face of increased freshwater needs due to population expansion and climate change. Recent experiments in rain shelters have demonstrated the advantages of using WRW as fertilizer. Building on this, our study assessed WRW's efficacy in an open field against NPK fertilizer, both individually and in combination. The treatments were: R3 (3-day fermented WRW), N1 (full recommended NPK rate), N0.5R3 (half NPK rate and R3), and CON (tap water only). These treatments were tested over three consecutive planting cycles of choy sum (Brassica chinensis var. parachinensis) vegetable. At the end of each planting cycle, measurements were taken for the plant's growth, nutrient content and uptake, as well as various soil chemical properties and bacterial population. Plants were watered daily with 5 mm WRW (R3 and N0.5R3) or tap water (N1 and CON). N0.5R3 showed the best results in terms of plant growth, nutrient content, uptake, and soil nutrient levels. N0.5R3 supplied the most nutrients, especially N, P, and K. Increased plant growth also led to increased plant uptake of nutrients, including micronutrients. Macronutrients had a greater impact on plant biomass than micronutrients, as R3 and N1 had similar results. R3 soils had higher bacterial populations but were more acidic than N1 soils. The negative effect of NPK on bacteria was partially offset by combining NPK with WRW as N0.5R3. No carryover effects were observed, likely because of the high nutrient leaching from heavy rains. These findings confirm WRW's is an effective fertilizer in open fields, but measures like surface mulching are crucial to minimize nutrient leaching prior to its use.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20213

A települési és mezogazdasági vízgazdálkodás azbeszt okozta kockázati tényezoi a krizotil-azbeszt vonatkozásában

A. Torma Gergely Zoltán Macher Dóra Beke

Publication Name: Agrokemia Es Talajtan

Publication Date: 2023-06-21

Volume: 72

Issue: 1

Page Range: 44-63

Description:

No description provided

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/0088.2023.00147

Integrated Analysis and Assessment of the Hungarian Regions in Terms of Health Problems and Waste Management Challenges caused by Asbestos

A. Torma Gergely Zoltán Macher Dóra Beke

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 107

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 361-366

Description:

Nowadays, more information is available regarding the health problems and waste management challenges caused by asbestos, and the research directions that focus on alternative agents, transport processes and mobilization routes of asbestos have gained ground. Only in recent years has the published research on the subject begun to deal more intensively with the development of evaluation methods that would ensure the consistent numerical qualification of individual territorial units. This paper examines the exposure of certain regions of Hungary along the lines of asbestos-related waste management and health aspects. After that, the individual relationships were identified and explored based on the specific patterns of the formed groups. The methodology of this paper is the calculation of an internationally applied integral index, the advantage of which is that it enables the comparison of numerical values with different dimensions. The focus of research is not the development of a new scientific methodology, but rather an exploration of the situation and regional comparability of asbestos exposure that is much more multidisciplinary, complex and multidimensional than the previous viewpoints. The value of the calculated integral index was 0.310±0.155 in 2005, while 0.339±0.170 in 2020. The rate of change in the value of the asbestos involvement and exposure integral index shows an increase of +28.5 % between 2005 and 2020. Based on the results, there are significant differences between the individual regions of Hungary along the values of the calculated multidimensional integral indices.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23107061

Numerical Examination of a Forest Area Fire

L. Környei Csaba Hajdu F. Hajdu Rajmund Kuti Dóra Beke

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 107

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 61-66

Description:

An important task of sustainability is the protection of Earth's forests and the prevention of forest fires. In this paper, the numerical examination of a typical Hungarian ash forest fire is presented. The connection between sustainability and forest fire simulations is also discussed. For the simulation, a Fire Dynamics Simulator was selected, and a particle-based model was used. The simulation setup, which includes a random location of trees following Poisson distribution, is also explained. Then, the simulation of a 10x10 m area of ash forest is presented. It was found that in case of arson, the fire spreads rapidly among the trees, and there will be a high-intensity fire in which the forest area burns down in 4 min. The mass loss rate, the temperature, and the heat release rate also increased fast (above 50 kg/s, above 2,000 °C and above 800,000 kW). The aerosol concentration reached a high pollutant concentration (1.3x10-6), and the carbon dioxide concentration also increased significantly (above 14,000 ppm). These changes have a direct effect on climate change. Therefore, it is important to examine them in a simulation environment. The simulation was compared to a pine tree forest simulation, and it could be observed that in the case of the pine tree, the values are similar, but phenomena occur faster. With the computer simulation, it is easier to determine the areas affected by the fire, which also helps fire prevention and firefighting. The aim of the research is to contribute to the prevention and more efficient extinguishment of wildfires and the sustainability of the Earth.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23107011

Shelf life of bottled water – field conditions in Hungary

Rajmund Kuti Judit Molnár Bendegúz Papp Rita Molnár Dóra Beke

Publication Name: Journal of Food and Nutrition Research

Publication Date: 2020-01-01

Volume: 59

Issue: 4

Page Range: 361-366

Description:

Professional soldiers and firefighters are deployed to deal with the consequences of various disasters, where their supply is carried out under field conditions. This study investigated whether improperly stored bottled drinking water can change its quality and pose a biological hazard. Microbiological quality of 20 samples of bottled mineral water produced in Hungary, including 10 uncarbonated, 5 carbonated and 5 flavoured mineral water samples, was investigated under field conditions. Culturable microorganisms were enumerated by ISO 6222:1999; coliforms and Escherichia coli by ISO 9308-1:2000; Pseudomonas aeruginosa by ISO 16266:2006; Enterococcus spp. by ISO 7899-2:2000; and Clostridium perfringens by ISO 14189:2013. In six cases among uncarbonated water samples, the aerobic colony counts exceeded the standard value. Furthermore, coliforms and P. aeruginosa were detected in three cases. However, in carbonated and flavoured mineral water, no samples of unacceptable bacteriological quality were observed, as their pH value was significantly lower and that probably did not favour proliferation of bacteria. Due to their acidic condition, carbonated and flavoured mineral water appears to be less vulnerable to microbiological contamination under field conditions. During flood damage remediation, it is advisable to perform the supply of intervention units with carbonated and flavoured mineral water to avoid infection.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: DOI not available