Szabó, Norbert Péter

A hyperparameter estimation-based inversion approach for evaluating shallow unsaturated formations is presented. Natural gamma ray intensity, bulk density, neutron porosity, and electrical resistivity borehole logs measured by direct-push probes are jointly inverted for estimating clay and sand volume, air and water content. The inversion algorithm is enhanced through the preliminary application of factor analysis. The first extracted factor exhibits a strong correlation with water content across various sites in Hungary. A linear relationship between the first factor and water content is assumed and integrated into the forward modeling process. Instead of estimating the water content separately at discrete borehole depths, a linear regression model is used, where the regression coefficients are determined by inversion to predict the depth variation of water content along the entire logging interval. These site-specific coefficients are treated as hyperparameters and predicted in a two-level embedded inversion algorithm. In the outer loop, hyperparameters are optimized with a differential genetic algorithm where volumetric parameters are fixed. In the inner loop, the volumetric quantities are calculated depth-by-depth by a quick linearized inversion. The estimation error of hyperparameters is calculated from the individuals of the last generation of the evolutionary search, while those for the volumetric quantities are derived using the data covariance matrix. Due to an increased data-to-unknowns ratio, the estimation accuracy is higher than local inversion methods. The hyperparameter inversion of direct-push logs sets new perspectives in solving environmental and groundwater problems by giving highly accurate and reliable input parameters for an improved characterization of unsaturated media.

Musaab A. A. Mohammed, Norbert P. Szabó, Joseph O. Alao and Péter Szűcs

In the framework of the Sustainable Development and Technologies National Program of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (FFT NP FTA), our research focuses on the sustainable management of groundwater resources in arid and semi-arid environments. Sudan, where groundwater is the most dependable source of freshwater, faces severe challenges due to limited monitoring infrastructure, high dependence on aquifers, and the growing impacts of climate variability and human demand.

To address these challenges, we combined satellite-based geophysical observations from the GRACE and GRACE-FO missions with land surface data from the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS). This work demonstrates how the integration of geophysical satellite data and modern computational tools can provide new solutions for water resource management in data-scarce regions, supporting the overall goals of FFT NP FTA to promote sustainable development and technological innovation.

In the summer of 2025, a study was published in the Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (D1) journal, aimed at comparing and evaluating the description of ozone dry deposition, as well as the individual component processes, in atmospheric chemistry models. The investigation involved 37 researchers from 24 institutions. The findings highlight the challenges in accurately describing the effects of moisture stress on the stomatal sink of ozone during dry periods, which are induced by ecosystem-specific plant–resource interactions. The methodology of the article is related to the tasks undertaken by the Photoacoustic Research Group at the University of Szeged within the FF&T program.

 

Click here  to the whole study: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics

Slovakia is rich in balneological traditions, where numerous mineral springs have been historically used for therapeutic purposes. The Sobranecké Spa (“Salus per Aquam”) holds a remarkable history dating back to 1336 and is recognized as a Slovakian heritage site for its cultural and historical significance. The healing properties of its mineral-rich waters were first documented in the chronicle of Count Sztáray, where they were described as “Salt healing wells”. Today, this once-prosperous health retreat stands in a state of disrepair, serving as a reminder of its historical significance and the remarkable healing properties of its mineral waters. Recently, renewed interest from the Košice self-governing region has prompted efforts to restore the spa’s activity. This research is designed to assess the physiochemical and microbial characteristics and potential health risks associated with using this water for dermal therapeutic purposes. The findings from this study, as first of its type, serve as a scientific foundation for the spa’s rehabilitation, ensuring that its historical legacy is preserved while aligning with modern health and safety standards for medicinal water use.

Forward to the whole article: Environmental Challenges

Photos: Exterior and interior of the Main Spring in Sobranecké Spa

Researchers from the University of Miskolc’s Institute of Environmental Management, leading an international collaboration with Poland, have published a pioneering study on spring water quality in southern Poland in a prestigious Q1 journal.

The comprehensive research analyzed six spring locations using advanced geochemical modeling, health risk assessment, and Monte Carlo simulations across four seasonal campaigns. The study represents the first integrated assessment of its kind in the region.

Critical Health Findings: The research revealed that children face 1.5-2 times higher health risks than adults from heavy metal exposure. Mercury contamination at one location exceeded safe limits with hazard quotients reaching 3.01, while chromium and lead were identified as priority carcinogenic contaminants.

Key Discoveries: Seasonal variations showed dramatic changes in water chemistry, with calcium concentrations fluctuating from 90-96 mg/L in winter to 19-45 mg/L in summer. The study identified two distinct water types, enabling rapid contamination source identification.

Global Impact: While all springs achieved “Good” water quality ratings, specific locations showed concerning heavy metal pollution indices reaching 120.10. The research provides actionable recommendations for water management authorities and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This groundbreaking work sets new standards for water quality research and demonstrates the power of international scientific collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges.

The full article: nature.com

Join us for an interdisciplinary workshop focused on the pressing issue of plastics in riverine and freshwater systems. The program includes expert presentations from diverse research fields, a guided laboratory visit, and a field trip offering hands-on insights into practical monitoring and assessment techniques.

Date: October 29–31, 2025

Host: Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary

More information:bme.hu

The latest review article by researchers of the Institute for Soil Sciences provides an overview of the role of soil in climate change mitigation and highlights the potential of agricultural practices to support these goals. It provides insights into agrotechnical systems that increase soil carbon sequestration and reduce soil carbon emissions. After a brief global overview, the article will show how the organic carbon stocks of Hungarian agricultural land have changed over the past decades, focusing on climate-smart agricultural techniques (cover crops, conservation tillage, fertilisation, crop rotation, regenerative agriculture, and agroforestry) and their impacts. The article provides insights into the fact that the effectiveness and feasibility of these climate-smart agricultural practices are highly dependent on the geographical location, climate and soil conditions of the growing area, and the applicability and limitations of each practice under Hungarian conditions. In addition, it summarises the trends over time in the adoption of specific climate-smart practices over the last decade or two. Finally, it discusses the challenges to the adoption of the practices presented from economic, political, regulatory, and managerial perspectives.

The article is published in Land, available at the link below: mdpi.com

In an international team led by Valentin Klaus researchers of the ‘Sustainable Cities’ subproject at HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research have recently published a comment paper in npj Urban Sustainability about the potential of the EU Nature Restoration Law in making our cities more resilient, biodiverse and liveable.

The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law is a great opportunity and a much needed step in tackling climate change and protecting biodiversity in Europe. Cities make up over 20% of EU land, and restoring urban ecosystems is a great opportunity to make cities greener, healthier, and more sustainable. But right now, the law mostly measures how much green space a city has, not how good that space is for nature. In fact, cities with already high green space may not be required to do much more under the law.

Many city green spaces look nice, but they often lack the variety of native plant and animal species, and those natural features that support a healthy environment. Poor design and pollution can limit their benefits to people, i.e., the ecosystem services provided. This matters because urban nature is crucial – not just for wildlife, but for people’s health, well-being, and protection from heatwaves and floods.

Therefore, the researchers highlight that European cities need even more ambitious nature restoration targets. Urban green spaces must be ecologically rich and diverse, not just large or leafy. That means planting native species, protecting rare habitats, avoiding too much mowing or paving, and adding features like dead wood or ponds to support insects and birds.

Biodiverse and aestethically appealing tallgrass meadow in an urban park in Gödöllő, Hungary

 

To help make this happen, the study authors propose nine key actions:

• Make biodiversity a key part of urban planning – treat nature as essential, not decorative.
• Set bold targets for restoring native species and ecosystem health.
• Include urban biodiversity in national restoration plans with strong monitoring and long-term goals.
• Show cities as leaders in nature restoration and teach the public about its benefits.
• Give cities expert support and real-life examples to follow.
• Protect rare urban habitats – don’t let infrastructural development or tree planting destroy open areas that are already rich in wildlife.
• Train city staff in ecology, not just landscape design.
• Ensure social fairness – restoration must benefit all residents, not push out poorer communities.
• Measure the current state of urban biodiversity and act quickly to protect what’s left.

Cities have a unique chance to help solve the biodiversity crisis. Unlike farmland or forests, city spaces don’t usually compete with agriculture or timber production. Restoring nature in cities can bring big rewards – from better mental health to cleaner air and even economic benefits like tourism and reduced healthcare costs.

In the comment paper, researchers call on EU countries to use the momentum of the new law to do more – not just create green-looking spaces, but to restore truly biodiverse and resilient urban ecosystems. That’s how we can make our cities better for nature and people.

Good practices in public greenspaces can inspire people to introduce nature into their gardens

 

The full article here: nature.com

This research was conducted within the framework of the Sustainable Development and Technologies, National Program of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences at an international test site, aiming to address groundwater contamination and associated health risks in the Shendi area, Sudan, within the Nubian Aquifer System.

The study revealed that nitrate and fluoride are the primary contaminants contributing to health risks, particularly affecting children. Fluoride concentrations were primarily linked to natural geological sources, while nitrate pollution was largely attributed to agricultural runoff. Nitrite and ammonia contamination reflected a mix of wastewater and farming activities. Probabilistic health risk simulations confirmed that children are significantly more vulnerable than adults due to lower body weight and longer exposure time.

Based on these findings, the study recommends the implementation of water treatment technologies, alongside stricter regulation of agricultural and wastewater discharges to reduce contaminant input. It also emphasizes the need for public health awareness campaigns to inform communities about the risks of untreated groundwater. Furthermore, establishing routine groundwater monitoring is essential for identifying contamination hotspots and supporting timely, evidence-based interventions. These actions are critical to ensuring safe water access and protecting public health in arid and semi-arid regions.

Go to the article: sciencedirect.com

A recent countrywide citizen science project called MyPond launched by researchers from the HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research in Hungary highlights the potential of garden ponds as crucial contributors to urban biodiversity. The online survey gathered data from over 800 garden pond owners, uncovering insights into how these small water bodies support various animals, including amphibians and their tadpoles, odonates, and birds. The study also examined the impact of pond features, pond management practices, and urbanisation on the occurrence of these animals, shedding light on the role of pond management for wildlife.

More information: ecolres.hu