Monthly Archives: April 2016

Abstract:
The good coordination between all Danube countries, environmental understanding between them and their joint efforts in the global European policy for the river Danube will help to restore the purity of the river. Danube catchment is extremely large and diverse. It supports a variety of eco-systems (karst caves, alpine steppe lakes, floodplain forests, delta) and various wetlands of European significance.

Abstract:
Climate change is a major challenge of our times, described as a complex area in which we must improve the knowledge and understanding to take the most appropriate measures, in order to minimize the effects and, if possible, to restore climate equilibrium [1]. Due to energy crisis, research was oriented towards finding new possibilities to produce low cost energy with minimum environmental impact. One of the most important ways to produce green low cost energy is by converting residual biomass into energy by transforming biomass into biogas through anaerobe digestion or through coincineration with solid fuels[2, 3]. This paper presents the results of two case studies developed in order to calculate the pollution reduction by transforming biomass into energy through biogas production or coincineration. First case study aims to estimate the emission decrease of greenhouse gas by using anaerobic digestion of biomass waste, resulting biogas and sludge. Biogas can be used as an alternative source of energy and sludge may be used as a soil amendment and fertilizer in agriculture. It has been observed a reduction of 53-73% of CO2 emission after using biogas to produce electricity[5]. The sludge from the biogas station corresponds qualitatively to fertilize agricultural land and can lead to a corresponding reduction in CO2 equivalent to produce 902.4t of NH4NO3. The second case study was developed in order to establish the level of CO2 emission reduction by using the biomass with coal in the energy industry [8,9]. It is also observed a reduction of CO2 emissions correlated with the amount ofbiomass used for coincineration. Both case studies indicate a high reduction of greenhouse gas after using biomass for direct or indirect production of energy.

Abstract:
The noise is a complex of sounds without a periodical character that affect the biological and psychological health of humans and other organism from nature. Noise pollution represents the human or animal exposure to sounds at disturbing, stressful or harmful levels. This paper aims to introduce new systems for absorption and attenuation of noise from industry or from urban and extra-urban transport based on composite materials made from recycled solid waste. Compared to conventional materials this new type of composites incorporates various wastes that can harm the environment. The absorption coefficient is used to express the capacity of a material to absorb the sound waves – to transform the kinetic energy of the sound waves into thermal energy. It is expressed in percents and represents the proportion between the total sum of energy that is transmitted and absorbed by the material and the total incidence energy of sound waves. This paper presents several types of composites produced using waste matrix binder. Absorbing capacity of sound for the new composites varies depending on the proportion of waste used. Also, are presented correlations between the grading of the reinforcing material that is used, the density and porosity of the resulted composite and the absorption sound waves coefficient for composite material samples which are reinforced with different wastes.

Abstract:
In this paper we studied operating parameters to determine the optimal conditions for separation and concentration of organochlorine pesticides in aqueous samples using solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. Several parameters affecting extraction, viz. extraction mode, incubation time and temperature, stirring speed, extraction time, desorption time, bake out time and temperature, vial penetration were investigated. In our experiments we used polydimethylsiloxane 100 µm fibers at the extraction temperature of 85 °C for 10 minutes and desorption temperature of 250 °C for 3 minutes. Under these optimal conditions, the proposed solid phase microextraction method provided good linearity in the ranges of 0.5-1000 ng/mL organochlorine pesticides. The recoveries of pesticides in water samples exceeded 85%.

Abstract:
Atmospheric corrosion is not a very clearly defined subject. It occupies the territory between immersed corrosion and dry oxidation, since metals may be exposed to damp atmospheres or may be subjected to the full force of the weather. It is usually taken to include packaging and storage, painting and preparation for painting, and the effects of climate and air purity. Metals exposed to uncontrolled “normal” atmospheres may corrode more rapidly and by different mechanisms than those kept in pure, dry air – even if they are not exposed to rain. In dry atmospheres, the growing oxide film usually protects the underlying metal, giving rise to a logarithmic or square-root time law. In uncontrolled atmospheres, the rate usually remains constant for a period, but may fall off when the film has grown to an appreciable thickness. If the metal is exposed to rain, it may corrode while it is wet at the rate appropriate to immersion in impure, well-aerated water, but the rate will fall when it dries. Equations for predicting rates of atmospheric corrosion must therefore contain a term for “time of wetness” as well as for average temperature, average relative humidity, atmospheric purity and so on. These equations are of limited value because it is almost impossible to specify the local conditions sufficiently precisely. Detailed results are often difficult to rationalise but in general it is clear that persistent wetness, high temperatures and contamination by strong electrolytes are responsible for the highest rates of corrosion. Rates of rusting in impure controlled atmospheres without the complication of rain are low if the relative humidity is kept low, and remain fairly low even at 100% RH in the absence of strong electrolytes. The rate increases sharply at some RH in the region of 60-80% if the surface is contaminated with particles of sodium chloride, or ammonium sulphate, or if the atmosphere contains sulphur dioxide. Vernon showed that there was an increase in rate at about 60% relative humidity even in pure air, and a further sharp increase at 80% in the presence of 0.01% of sulphur dioxide. The increase was larger and the corrosion product less protective if the surface was contaminated with particles of charcoal. More recent evidence suggests that the SO2 content in this work was unrealistically high, and that higher RH is needed to initiate rapid corrosion with 1 ppm SO2 or less. In general, it seems that the “critical” relative humidity is set by the vapour pressure of some salt hydrate in the corrosion product, and that chlorides and sulphates are the most effective corrosive agents. The effect of moist atmospheres is to set up droplets of some strong electrolyte with the classical pattern of corrosion with a small anode in the centre of the drop acting as a source of ferrous ion and oxygen-reduction cathodes at the edges producing hydroxyl ion. Such droplets become covered by a transparent skin, presumably of ferrous hydroxide, which darkens and thickens and eventually runs through the range of hydrated ferric oxides up to Goethite and lepidocrocite. According to atmospheric conditions, these droplets may remain as discrete scabs, or may spread, or produce tracks that wander over the surface. When the rust layer is completed, the metal surface may become starved of oxygen, and it is quite common for a layer of Fe3O4 to form under the hydrated rust. The presence of corrosive salts will, however, prevent this layer from becoming very protective. Vernon showed that a carefully cleaned steel specimen would not rust even in a normal laboratory atmosphere if it was enclosed by muslin stretched over a wire frame. The protective oxide film continued to develop, and if the specimen was removed from the enclosure after, say, a year, it would remain unaffected by dust particles, perhaps for several weeks, before spots of rust appeared. Factors conducive to rusting of iron and steel are therefore: – Sensible moisture High RH (above 70-80%) – Salt mist – Surface contaminants (dust, sweat residues, soldering fluxes, etc) – Atmospheric contaminants (SO2, HCl, organic acids) – High temperature.

Abstract:
The chronology and the extent to which Republic of Bulgaria laws in the water protection field correspond to EU legislation is presented in the paper. The key issues and opportunities for prevention, quality control and river waters protection from different types of contaminants are analyzed.

Abstract:
The results of determination of total and mobile forms of Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb in soils and plants near the traffic routes has been present. Research has highlighted the influence of emissions on the accumulation degree in the soils (0-10 cm) and plants of Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb in south direction in the interval of 5-15 m and 50-100 m distance from the road. Forest in the neighborhood serves as a barrier to accumulation of trace elements, depositing them in high concentrations in the litter. Accumulation of trace elements is more intense in vegetables cultivated near the highways; with high concentrations in leaves (cabbage, tomatoes).The cereals straw accumulate trace elements below the maximum allowed.

Abstract:
The aim of this paper is to show the using of numerical software in order to improve the wastewater treatment plants efficiency from the design phase. The use of computer simulation programs to evaluate and design wastewater treatment plants is becoming more prevalent; design engineers often implement models without adequate influent characterization and calibration. In this paper the STOAT (Sewage Treatment Operation and Analysis over Time) software is considered to simulate a real wastewater treatment plant, to analyze the solids retention time and the nutrients (N and P compounds) in the effluent taking into account different activated sludge models.

Abstract:
Nutrient pollution originated from agricultural or household activities, is one of the main issues our modern world has to deal with. Due to the specific aspects this type of pollution implies – the uncertain nature of pollution source, the relative continuous character of the pollution process, the complex environment system implied (soil, surface and ground waters), these issues are difficult to manage and presume an integrated approach and a strategic perspective. Another aspect that gives this phenomenon a special status is the transborders pollution character. Romania, as an EU member, has committed to accomplish the compelling liabilities derived from European Directives. Integrating the two directives in Romanian legislation – 2000/60/CE and 91/676/CEE – was achieved by amending the Law 107/1996 and elaboration of GD 964/2000. These obligations regard achieving a balanced ecological and chemical status of waters through measures that concern important water management issues: organic substances, nutrients and hazardous substances pollution. In a specific approach included in the process of implementing the 91/676/CEE Directive, Romania has been initially assigned nitrate vulnerable areas (NVZ) for 255 regions, representing 8.64% of the total surface of the country and, respectively, 13.93% of the total agricultural surface. Meeting the aforementioned Directives requirements imply technical, administrative and social proceedings. These arise from the main targets drafted in the project mainframe „Integrated Control of Nutrient Pollution”, as follows: (i) reducing nutrients discharge in water bodies; (ii) promoting behavior shifts at regional level; (iii) providing support in strengthening regulation and institutional capacity. Theoretically, the educational segment – formative and promoting, objectified in the project through component 3, defined as “Strategy for public informing and replication of project interventions”, is designed to provide the necessary set of knowledge in the field, according to specific particularities of a complex target group – authorities, population from the rural environment, of different ages and occupations. The public awareness program, as part of the „Integrated Control of Nutrient Pollution” project, is structured in two major directions: providing of appropriate training services for target audience sections and media coverage – promoting shows, materials, and press appearances. By combining these instruments, the knowledge delivered directly to the targeted audience becomes nationally available.

Abstract:
In an economy increasingly globalized a country’s energy strategy is done in the context of changes and developments taking place worldwide. Due to increasing energy demand, energy has developed rapidly without the problem of environmental protection. [1]. Energy sector is the largest sector in the emissions of greenhouse gases, responsible for 66,44% of total emissions of greenhouse gases generated nationwide in 2009. Total energy demand in 2030 will be around 50% higher than in 2003 [1]. European Commission proposes a set of documents representing the new energy policy of the EU, increase emissions of greenhouse gases by 20% by 2020 compared to 1990. [2; 3]. Monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) is the basis for the (EU ETS) Romania, has undergone two phases of the EU ETS, first phase was performed in 2005-2007 in accordance with the Order of 1175/2006 and in the second first phase, in 2008-2012 in accordance with Decision 589/2007.[4; 5]. In the third phase of monitoring, starting on 01.01.2013 in all EU Member States nr.601/21.06.2012 rules apply. The paper proposes an application in the energy sector, for the evaluation of CO2 emissions using both calculation data from analytical laboratory investigations and those determined by direct measurement of the source. From research carried out it was determined the method for assessing CO2 is direct measurement and for reporting and monitoring that both methods can be used (direct measurement and calculation), the results being comparable, the differences in uncertainty margin were under 10%, acceptable for automatic measurements [5; 6] .

Abstract:
The paper presents the use of Rough Set Theory (acronym RST) as a new emerging instrument to support the environmental decision in uncertainty conditions. New developed methodologies for environmental pollution diagnosis and prediction and their use in environmental impact/risk assessment are presented. Those methodologies can be successfully used to make prediction regarding pollution phenomena and seems to be a promising simple instrument to be implemented in order to adapt the measures to be taken in adequate time during incidental/accidental discharge so that pollution plume concentration (regardless the pollution type) to be estimated.

Abstract:
The present study investigates the influence of in-house installation systems to the tap water quality in Brasov Municipality in order to get an overview of the current contamination levels of drinking water at the consumer’s tap. In a sampling campaign organized in March 2013, the samples were collected from customer’s cold line pipe with first draw (1st liter taken in the morning from kitchen without previous flush of the tap) and fully flushed sampling (after flushing five minutes same tap) procedures. In the monitoring program were included samples from Tarlung Water Plant, drinking water samples from storage tanks situated in different Brasov areas, 34 samples from customer’s tap and 12 samples from branch pipes. The investigated parameters (metals, organic compounds and microbiological parameters) were those included in Romania Legislation in accordance with European Drinking Water Directive 98/83/EC. The metallic element Al, As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb and Zn were analyzed in tap water samples using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy technique. The monitoring data show an influence of the material used in the internal distribution system within the customer buildings to the tap waters quality. Around 18% of first draw samples indicated a pollution of drinking water with Ni (two samples) and Pb (two samples). The metal concentrations recorded in tap waters collected with tap flushing procedure and also the samples collected from branch pipe were situated in the limit values in all studied cases.It was notice a decrease of free chlorine concentration in stagnated water (in most samples, below the limit of detection for the test method) compared with branch pipe and fully flushed samples. This permits the development of microorganisms, the stagnated water being unprotected from the bacteriological point of view. The present study demonstrate that materials used in water supply domestic installations have a major contribution in deterioration of water quality provided by the local distribution network, due to the processes of water stagnation and lack of maintenance of the internal distribution materials.

Abstract:
The presented contribution focuses on the complex study of the pilot-scale photochemical H2O2/UVC system arranged as the ex-situ decontamination cell for heavily polluted waters (contamination with organic substances. The method principle comprises the rational decomposition of hydrogen peroxide induced by UV-C (254 nm). The produced OH radicals are very efficient oxidation species enabling the direct destruction of wide spectrum of organic compounds (polyaromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, aniline, nitrobenzene etc.). Concentrations mentioned compounds in groundwater were very effectively reduced by photochemical oxidation H2O2/UVC (efficiency up 95%). This contribution also brings details on the feasibility of the designed processes in comparison with traditional approaches.

Abstract:
A method for simultaneous analysis of Fe, Mn, Al, Ca, Mg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn and As from mine water treatment sludge was developed using an NEX CG – Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer. The XRF analysis results were verified with other consecrated method such AAS and ICP-MS using standardized methodologies, including pretreatment of samples. Good correlation of results between methods was achieved (usually 0.93-0.98). Minimum sample preparation (drying, sieving and prolene cup preparation) is needed, and up to 4 samples can be analyzed per hour. Usual limit of detection for analyzed elements was between 3 and 30 mg/Kg dw, with higher limits for light elements as Mg (384 mg/Kg dw) Al(162 mg/Kg dw). XRF analysis method was successfully used for analysis of some precipitates obtained from mine waters using various precipitation methods. Mine water was sourced from some closed Romanian mines.

Abstract:
A semi-quantitative method has been developed for the determination of typical profiles of PASHs to identify the main sources of soil pollution. PASHs compounds selected in this study were 2,3-dimethylbenzothiophene, 6,7- dimethylbenzothiophene, naphto[1,2-b]thiophene, phenanthro[3,4-b]thiophene, 3-phenylbenzothiophene and 3-(naphthyl)benzothiophene. Extraction of soil samples was carried out by ultrasonication using a mixture of n-hexane and dichloromethane. Final analysis was performed by gas chromatography using a non-polar capillary column TR-5ms (60 m, 0.25 mm, 0.25 µm) and the detection by high resolution mass spectrometer with magnetic and electric sector using electronic impact ionization. The linear range of the standard curve prepared from contaminated soil was from 1.0 to 8.0 ngKg-1 (R2 >0.97). Limits of detection ranged from 0.13 ngKg-1 to 2.50 ngKg-1 . The developed analytical method was successfully applied to study the soil profiling polluted by mobile and fixed sources.

Abstract:
The investigation of the geological environment is absolutely necessary in the case of pollution and more so in the case of the accidental pollution in order to determine environmental damages and in order to take the appropriate measures necessary to restore it to bring it to the acceptable quality conditions in accordance with the requirements of the legislation. This article presents the results of investigating the geological environment in two case studies, which allows a concrete analysis of the factors involved in oil pollution case. Distinguish a number of important factors such as the lithology and geomorphology of the land, mainly slope, the meteorological factors (rainfall, soil frost), depth of the underground water table level, land drainage, etc. The analytical results obtained are presented in details and the quantitative estimation of the soil affected by oil pollution related to land surfaces analyzed in the two specific cases studied.

Abstract:
In the present work, an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of six β-lactam antibiotics (ampicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin V, penicillin G, oxacillin and cephalexin) is proposed for the determination of these compounds in wastewater treatment plants (WWPTs) influents and effluents. The β-lactams were extracted from water samples using Oasis HLB cartridges with preconcentration factors up to 250. The compounds have been separated using a Zorbax SB-C18 (50 mm x 2.1 mm, 1.8 µm) HPLC column and gradient elution with mobile phase consisting of aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile. Detection was performed by mass spectrometry with a triple quadrupole using an electrospray interface. The linear range of the standard curve was from 1.0 to 600 ngmL-1 (R2 >0.99). Average recoveries of β-lactams in fortified samples were generally above 74% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) lower than 11 %. Limits of detection were in the range 20-150 ngL-1 and 8-60 ngL-1 for influent and effluent wastewater samples, respectively. The described method was applied to the determination of the β-lactams in wastewater samples from a municipal WWTP.

Abstract:
Radon is the second leading cause after smoking related to lung cancer occurrence. In the the framework of IRART Project 2010 (European funds) have been selected 21 homes for the remediation from 2 complete integrated measurements campaigns (in different seasons), from a batch of 303 homes (58% of all houses from Câmpani, Băiţa, Fânaţe and Nucet – Băiţa-Ştei area). Based on these integrated measurements, were identiffied in a first stage 40 locations with radon values between 600 and 6000 Bqm-3. From these homes those that have fulfilled the main selection criterion (values of indoor radon concentrations higher than 800 Bqm-3) as a result of discussions with residents have been selected 20 houses and also a pilot house for effective remediation. The remedial measures and obtained results are presented in this paper showing a mean efficiency of 80.9% (65.2 – 95.1%). In average the radon concentration was reduced from 992 Bqm-3 to an average of 160 Bqm-3 .

Abstract:
The instruments meant to implement the 2020 EU Strategy must be better structured compared with those used for the implementation of Lisbon Strategy. The sustainable development strategies implemented at local, regional level must be continuously updated in order to respond to the real needs of local communities. The present paper presents the results obtained within a pilot project carried in 2012 in the Suceava County, Romania, which tried to rebuild the local sustainable development strategy based on the capabilities and expertise of local specialists. The strategy was modeled using the Balanced Scorecard tool and for the first time a strategic map was created for the pilot region.

Abstract:
In everyday life, the concept of thermal energy is associated, in outlook, with areas or facilities which are distinguished by relatively high temperatures. In the shadow of this perception, we are tempted to not see the quantities of heat that benefits all of us, for personal convenience or for carrying some activities. The reason for this negligence is that the heat enter our lives at relatively low temperatures, which is not perceived as dangerous. Required amount of heat at low temperature are huge and are largely obtained on account of adequate fossil fuels quantity burning. This conduct can not be considered environmentally friendly because, on the one hand, leads to high rates of diminishing fuel reserves and, on the other hand, increase the rates in which terrestrial atmosphere is loaded with fossil carbon. However, “Mother Nature” is generous and gives us the opportunity to obtain large amounts of heat through smart exploitation of local resources present practically in any area. This work aims to analyze the thermal energy at low temperature consumption under three aspects. The first of these concerns the structure and dimensions of the particular market. The second issue concerns the “supply” of available heat in the environment. Finally, the third aspect concerns the technical possibilities available for an intelligent exploitation of natural heat supply to cover a portion of alleged market.