For many, roadside embankments are just a piece of land... but for scientists at the Centre for Climate Research of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, they are much more!

Microplastic (MP) particles - plastic fines smaller than 5 mm in size - are a ubiquitous pollutant in waters around the world. In a recent review of the scientific literature, researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich (Dr. Paulina Cholewinska, Dr. Konrad Wojnarowski, Prof. Dusan Palić) and Wroclaw University of Life Sciences (Dr. Przemyslaw Pokorny), and Dr. Hanna Moniuszko from SGGW's Climate Research Center, analyzed the distribution and types of MP detected in fresh and saline waters, as well as the microbiological implications of this pollution.

Our recent publication in the prestigious journal Environmental Pollution shows that frequent rainfall or regular sprinkling of water on plants (e.g., during watering) can increase the efficiency of particulate matter (PM) removal from the air by up to three times - and potentially up to six times - compared to situations with no or less frequent rainfall.

Roads are not just transportation networks - they are also sources of noise, gases and particulate matter that affect human and environmental health. To reduce noise, noise barriers and earthen embankments are being built along busy routes.

Environmental flow is the amount of water that must flow in a river to meet the water needs of aquatic and water-dependent ecosystems. It is an important criterion for water management - the value of environmental flow is determined by the nature of the river, the organisms living in it and the hydrological conditions.

Green walls (green walls) are innovative solutions that improve air quality, regulate microclimates and increase biodiversity in cities. The article, based on experience in Turin, describes a project of two green walls with a total area of 300 m², implemented as part of urban revitalization.

Extreme temperatures are becoming an increasingly serious challenge for urban areas, and the implementation of urban heat island mitigation strategies faces numerous difficulties. Using the example of Wuhan, China, this paper analyzes the ability of urban greenery to cool urban areas in the context of actual stress conditions, such as road density, traffic intensity, building density and height, and the proportion of impervious surfaces.

Urban greenery improves the quality of life in cities by regulating temperature and humidity, biofiltrating air pollutants, reducing noise, and creating spaces conducive to relaxation and recreation. Unfortunately, urban conditions not only negatively affect the condition of plants, but also limit their ability to perform ecosystem services.

From April 30 to June 27, SGGW will participate in the Biodiversity Challenge for ICA Members 2025 as a member of the ICA Network, which is co-hosting this event organized by Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands. You are welcome to participate!