Monthly Archives: April 2016

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:
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:
The aquatic ecosystems – a perfect environment to propagate the characters of pathogenicity and virulence of the microorganisms, could be reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes. During January – June 2013, a program to investigate bacteriological water quality of St. Gheorghe branch has been created. The investigations were carried out systematically, by establishing 11 locations with anthropogenic potential risks that could influence the quality of aquatic ecosystems. The surface water and sediments samples were monthly collected and the bacteriological indicators with their antibiotic resistance profile were quantified and analyzed. The Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas sp. strains with antibiotic resistance profile were identified and they were subjected to PCR technique to identify the genes encoding these resistance mechanisms. The natural resistance mechanisms to antibiotics were identified, but there was amplified a tem gene which encode for resistance to β-lactams.

Abstract:
The phytostabilization of the slag and fly ash dumps was studied in an experimental block consisting of variants fertilized with different organic fertilizing agents, sewage sludge or biological sludge resulting from a slaughter house in the absence/presence of an organic stimulus. The organic stimulus was used during the sowing stage and subsequently through regular foliar applications on the grown crop. The organic stimulus Biocomplex 900 is based on a marine brown algae extract and comes from SC EKO GEA EAST SRL, Romania. The germination degree of Lolium perenne seeds was studied at the same time with the coverage degree of sown areas during different phenophases. The plant development and the amount of biomass harvested were monitored. The slaughter house sludge used (0.5 kg·m-2) with the addition of Biocomplex 900 organic stimulus determined a rapid vegetation in the fertilized slag and fly ash variant along with green biomass harvests which was 2-3 times higher than in other experimental variants.

Abstract:
Environmental assessment is an integral part of the procedure for the adaptation of plans and programs. In the field of water management the Directory Scheme of River Basins Management and Development is a planning instrument in the water field on river basin. It has two components: the River Basin Development Plan and the River Basin Management Plan. The current development plans, including the national plan, were elaborated on the basis of substantiation studies, elaborated by numerous institutions in the field, studies to which NIHWM participated not only as developer, but also as coordinator. In the environmental assessment of NDPRB, the plan objectives contribute to achieving environmental objectives relevant to consider the potential significant environmental effects if the plan was implemented or not. Strategic environmental assessment involve the analysis plan objectives from the perspective of potential conflicts that may arise in achieving them. From the perspective of the strategic environmental assessment of NDPRB there is identified mainly the opportunity of promoted measures according to the magnitude and reversibility of environmental effects, with emphasis on consideration of national security perspective to ensure water demand and general aspect of the geographic location for the establishments.

Abstract:
Systemic toxic pollutants such as heavy metals, exerts its actions on different organs and human body systems, the effect being specific to this substance. Their spread in the environment is increasing and their accumulation in the environment and in the human body is important for the pathological changes that occur. Beryllium is an important component of nuclear reactors as a neutron source with low neutron-absorbing capacity. Beryllium oxide is used in insulators, resistors, spark plugs and microwave tubes from the electronics industry. Little information about atmospheric input of beryllium (Be) into ecosystems is known, despite its highly toxic behavior. Beryllium is a toxic material and an inhalation risk causing sensitization and chronic beryllium disease (CBD) to receptors. Beryllium and its compounds are included in Class I carcinogens’’ according to Order 462/1993, and the emission limit value is 0.1 mg/m3 at a mass flow greater that 0.5g/h. Beryllium emissions are isokinetically sampled from the source. The particulated emissions are collected in a probe and on heated filters and the gaseous emissions are collected in a series of chilled absorbes with absorption solutions. This paper presents the results obtained by optimizing the beryllium determination method from stationary sources emissions using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) and at also presents the performance characteristics of the method. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.0018 µg/m3, the linearity range under optimized condition was 0.05 -2 µg/L and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.0027 µg/m3.

Abstract:
A preliminary acute evaluation of toxicity in Danube River – Danube Delta Romanian sector (1075 – 0 km) was proposed including surface-water and sediment. The conventional classification of natural waters is based primarily on chemical and physical parameters. Recently the hazard classification have include the use of selected microbiotests based on organisms sensitivity. The spatial (11 control points) and temporal (in winter and spring of 2013) toxicity effects have been assessed using a biotests battery with representative species of producers (grean algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) and consumers (rotifers – Brachionus calyciflorus, crustaceeans – Daphnia magna, Heterocypris incongruent). The physical, chemical, biological and microbiological characteristics of water and sediment also have been performed. The preliminary tests results revealed no acute to slightly toxic effect, respectively Class I and II of hazard. The sediment samples were more toxic than water. The toxicity results were directly influenced by organisms sensitivity, sampling locations, season and climate change issues. The water quality according to hazard classification was related to pollution classification and biological determinations (macrozoobenthos, phytoplankton and zooplankton).

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 heavy metal pollution is among the most disseminated environmental contamination, at least in some regions of Romania, having a particularly adverse effect on surface water and sediments in affected areas. This type of contamination could be directly linked to some industrial activities like smelting and mining. The main task of this study is to assess the heavy metal outflow from the contaminated sediment to the aquatic environment, with its subsequent toxic effect on the living organisms in water. In this paper we study the distribution and mobility of nickel and lead in sediment samples taken from a highly heavy metals polluted area, the principal anthropologic input being from existing and former mining activities. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the ecological pollution degree by determining the mobility and distribution of nickel and lead in sediments of rivers polluted by industrial human activities. In order to determine the mobile fraction of nickel and lead in sediment samples we used BCR extraction method that separates three fractions which differ in the mobility of existing metal chemical species and a method of leachable extraction fraction by cold extraction method using certified reference material. Our results show that by applying BCR sequential extraction method on sediment, it is found that nickel due to its higher mobility than lead, induce a significant degree of pollution by its migration from sediment to surface water.

Abstract:
Aerobic granular technology, compared to conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plants, is a novel alternative offering numerous advantages such as high biomass retention, good settling ability and simultaneous removal of organic load and nutrients. The main focus of research was to evaluate granules formation and evolution of treatment performances during startup and steady state conditions. The experiments were performed in lab scale sequencing batch reactors with automated control of the operational cycle: anaerobic feeding (45min.), aerobic reaction (11 h), settling (5min.) and effluent withdrawal (10 min.). One of the bioreactors (D) was inoculated with conventional activated sludge while the other one (GM) was inoculated with crushed aerobic granular sludge. Both bioreactors were fed with dairy industry wastewater with high organic and nutrients load (CODCr=1723 – 3550 mg O2/L, BOD5 = 492 – 1806 mgO2/L; NH4 + = 64,6 – 114 mg/L, P tot = 5,04 – 21,5 mg/L). Aerobic granular structures were observed even after 5 days (10 treatment cycles) with 67 to 556 µm in diameter in D bioreactor and with 392 to 1200 µm in GM bioreactor. The granules diameter in D bioreactor increased significantly after 25 days to diameters between 513 µm and 1276 µm and up to 2 mm by the end of the experiment. The granules in GM bioreactor increased to 764- 1482 µm and up to 4 mm in diameter by the end of the experiment. Treatment performances increased rapidly along with the growth of granules size.

Abstract:
Compliance of Romanian industrial organizations to European Union environmental regulations constitutes a premise for sound environmental performance and is accompanied by important costs. A clear identification and evaluation of both tangible and intangible environmental costs incurred within an industrial organisation / sector represents the baseline for proper managerial decisions. The proposed composite index is taking into account the main environmental costs identified within the organisation / sector and is representing an important base for decisions related to the improvement of both economic and environmental performance of organisation / sector. A methodology for both identification of tangible / intangible environmental costs and calculation of environmental costs composite index was developed based on available United Nations – Environmental Management Accounting and Material Flow Cost Accounting – ISO 14051 procedures. The methodology was applied in a first step at the level of an industrial organisation from energy production sector and then translated to the sectorial level. Its application resulted in a set of measures to be implemented at the level of industrial organisation in order to improve its performances and options for sustainable development of the energy production sector. A set of eco-efficiency indicators to be applied at the level of organisation and industrial sector was also developed in order to assess their environmental performances.

Abstract:
European Parliament and Council by a recommendation, in April 2008, established the European Qualification Framework (EQF) which stipulates that the professional competencies development and evaluation are done based on units of competence described in the professional training standards and the occupational standards. INCD ECOIND participated as a partner in a POS DRU project at the development of infrastructure for assessment of professional competencies obtained by other means than the formal one, through the development and authorization of eight centers for assessment of environmental protection occupations. One of these, the Professional Competencies Assessment Centre ECOIND founded in institute was authorized for Environmental Responsible occupation. This paper presents the technical documentation developed for evaluation and authorization of the center: operational documentation of the center, assessment tools and forms used in the candidates’ assessment process.

Abstract:
The article presents the possibility to use Rough Set Theory (English acronym RST) to manage environmental risk using EMAS III relevant recommended indicators. The general considerations about how to use the theory as a new instrument in order to take environmental decision in uncertainty conditions within organization EM system to increase organization management performance are presented.

Abstract:
Environmental authorities are more and more involved in planning of the evaluation strategies for the ecological risks implied by sediments contamination. Nevertheless, the estimation of the long term effects of the sediments contamination is still difficult and implies a high degree of uncertainty. Sediments represent an important pollution source for the aquatic environment, because are the final accumulation medium for a multitude of organic or inorganic contaminants. This paper presents the investigations carried out on the quality of surface water and sediments collected from Abrud hydrographic basin affected by long lasting activity extraction of minerals. Investigations carried out have as purpose to establish the water quality Abrud river upstream and downstream of the pollution sources including Foiesu river (right tributary of Abrud) and also the changes induced upon them along investigated time period. It was also evaluated the partition of some metals (Cu, Cd) within all fractions defined by sequential extraction operations using the BCR (Community Bureau of Reference). Metal distribution in those fractions offers information on their bio-availability, which in turn allows aquatic environmental risk assessment. It is found that the risks induced by the two analyzed metals are changing according to the conditions of surface water flow, sediment composition punctual and weather conditions. It highlights for both heavy metals the positive evolution of environmental risk over time.

Abstract:
This paper presents a functional model for the investigation of the groundwater quality expanded to the size of a county of Romania, considered as a case study. Were followed several steps: defining the surface area of the study, establishing the methodology of the investigation (the sampling method and the quality indicators), design of the experimental field, applied methodology and getting a set of functional groundwater geochemical model of the entire county. Were determined for each groundwater sample a total of 20 physical and chemical quality indicators and overall analytical determinations were subjected to a total of 119 samples of water from underground with free level. Each sample was located with a GPS receiver, so all the results are a georeferenced database for the entire county. We have mapped the distribution of the pollutant concentrations to a number of relevant nutrient pollution category and a map of the “nitrates” indicator, the pollutant with the highest amplitudes of the concentrations recorded.

Abstract:
Both energy and environment fields are of top priority in the current and strategic European Union policies. These sectors imply complex approaches and consistent investment in order to keep pace with depleting resources, converting to renewables and reduce the environmental footprint of anthropic activities. Operating power production facilities leads to huge amounts of installation data. The paper presents a possible alternative to large investments to improve the efficiencies of existing installations: namely the use of datamining techniques for analysing existing operational data. Data-mining is emerging as a valuable concept based upon detailed analysis of operational records with advanced mathematical/statistical tools. Outcomes are, e.g.: evaluating the consistency of measurements, identifying new hardware needs, internal/external benchmarking, correlation of consumptions with power/ heat production, pointing out causes of high environmental impact, maintenance scheduling, stock optimization, analysing scenarios for future development and decision support for local managers, etc. The paper details the data-mining carried out at the TERMICA – Suceava power plant for the period 2007-2012. The analysis was carried out by a multidisciplinary, complex team (engineers of various specialities, environmentalists, economists, mathematicians, IT experts). Dta mining is much less expensive than rushing to investment in new equipment. Participation of Company’s top management is fundamental, this being the driving force and motivation source for experts and operators. The approch presented is self learning.

Abstract:
This paper aims to evaluate pollution priority hazardous substances in the Olt river ecosystems induced by the industrial platform Ramnicu Valcea. There is generally insignificant soil pollution caused organochlorine substances (1,2 Dichloroethane, Trichloroethylene, 1,2,4 trichlorobenzene ether β,β’diclordiizopropilic, perchlorethylene) and heavy metals (nickel, cadmium, copper, zinc, lead). There was a significant pollution with copper in the point S7, point was situated at approx. 50 m east of Monomer plant, vicinity pool DA 602 (wastewater treatment). In general the water samples from the Olt river and the accumulation lakes on the Olt river not found pollution of a heavy metals, nickel, copper, cadmium, zinc and lead. The exception is the point P7 (Cremernari) in which nickel was within grade quality. For organochlorine substances analyzed in the sections isobserved that 1,2-dichloroethane, trichlorethylene and perchlorethylene took values that are within the limits imposed by the Order no. 161/2006, and 1,2,4 trichlorobenzene and ether β, β ‘diclordiizopropilic falls below the detection limit of the method. In sediment samples collected from the Olt River and the accumulation lakes on the Olt river is found higher concentrations of nickel in the sections S1, S2, S3, S6, all sections situated upstream of the platform, copper in sections S3 and S6, , cadmium in section S7 (Cremenari), lead in sections S1, S3, S6, S9, zinc in the sections S1 , S3, S6, S7, sections S1, S3, S6, situated upstream of the platform. Also observe that in all sections, 1,2 dichloroethane, trichlorethylene, perchlorethylene, 1,2,4 trichlorobenzene and ether β, β ‘diclordiizopropilic, taking values below the detection limit of the method. From the results it is observed accumulation of metals (nickel, copper, zinc and lead) greater in the upstream industrial platform Ramnicu Valcea, downstream sections from which one can deduce that pollution sources could be Ramnicu industrial activities located in Valcea upper Olt.

Abstract:
This paper aims at establishing the historical and current sources of mercury pollution, for monitoring mercury dispersion in Olt River Basin ecosystems (B.H.Olt) and development of the quality of aquatic ecosystems upstream and downstream of pollution sources investigated. For this, samples water and sediment from spring B.H.Olt (Balan) and until it flows into the Danube, upstream and downstream of pollution sources and soil samples from industrial sites in B.H.Olt vicinity, were collected. The degree of pollution with mercury was established and mercury pollution on ecosystems soil, water and sediment from B.H.Olt was evaluated by comparing the determined values during the investigation period, with the legislation.

Abstract:
In this present study we analyzed the impact of three naturally carbonated mineral water springs to the soil pH value of the surrounding farmlands in the Olt Valley, selected by us. The field and forest areas are inundated by the mineral water making the soil wet, and we assume that by its mineral salt content it affects the pH value of the soil, thus altering fertility. By our measurements we tried to prove these assumptions. Moreover, we would like to support our research by the observation of the changes in vegetation around the springs.

Abstract:
Producers and holders of waste – legal entities – are forced to classify each type of waste generated by their activity in the national list of waste (for Romania, waste list is enclosed in the Government Decision no. 856/2002). Therefore, occur frequently requests to characterize the waste in order to their classification. This has made to be necessary a methodology to establish (in a consistent and reproducible manner that take into account the legislative provisions and the needs of those working in the production, transport and capitalization/waste disposal) the hazardous/non – hazardous nature of a waste. The methodology established and used in the INCD ECOIND Bucharest was based on Romanian legislation (legislation harmonized with the European one), which, however, is not able to make easy work of framing a waste. Methodology for determining the dangerousness of waste is laborious. A correct methodology requires as much information about the analyzed waste: data obtained from the client, from literature, from safety data sheets of the raw materials used in waste-generating processes or in waste – treating processes, from data obtained by analytical determinations performed on waste samples analyzed; it is important, therefore, to correctly identify the quality indicators to be determined. Further, the method includes identifying risk phrases of all determined or potential components existing in waste. The quantification of dangerous properties of analyzed waste samples is achieved by summing the total concentration of compounds that shows the same risk phrase, responsible for a particular dangerous property. To minimize the effort of applying this methodology, it was necessary to develop a database (with the names of substances, CAS Registry Number, molecular weight, solubility in water, risk phrases risk statements etc.) for the potential constituents of a wide variety of waste, database remaining open.

Abstract:
The issue of waste management is among the priority concerns for environmental protection both nationally and internationally. The continuous growth of human activities has economic, social and environmental implications. Among the environmental problems caused by human activities, the municipal waste management has gained a priority for environmental protection. Emissions from municipal landfills negative have impact on all environmental components, “air”, “water” and “soil”. Landfills are acknowledged as generating impact and risk to the environment and public health. Composition and typology of waste deposited on landfill of municipal waste is extremely different. They may contain a number of compounds which often shows a dangerous character. By default, they are found in emissions from storage and hazards to the environment. The paper highlight specific cases, the risks associated with these pollutants in adjacent deposits areas.

Abstract:
This paper presents trichloroethylene (TCE) removal efficiencies from soilpolluted matrix based on batch oxidation experiments with potassium permanganate, at laboratory scale. The influence of KMnO4 dose and the reaction time on TCE degradation were evaluated, taking into account: chloride ions generated and residual TCE in aqueous phase. The soil sample was CAHfree topsoil having the following main characteristics: pH = 7.5, humus 3.3% d.w., 2 g TCE/ kg d.w. (addition of TCE analytical reagent), 58 mg Cl- /kg d.w., 55 g Fe/kg d.w., 29 mg Pb/kg d.w. Batch tests were performed in slurry system (soil:distilled water weight ratio of 1:10), continuous stirring. Solid oxidant KMnO4 was added in the range of 4.75 g/kg d.w. (stoichiometric amount) – 220 g/ kg d.w. and reaction times were two hours, 2 days and 4 days each of them corresponding to at least two different oxidant doses. Potassium permanganate reacts with both soil organic matrix and TCE. Trichloroethylene oxidation efficiency depends on the oxidant dose and oxidation/solubilization of soil organic matrix. The conversion of organic chlorine from TCE to ionic form increased with oxidant dose. Over 60 g KMnO4/kg d.w. soil is need to obtain TCE degradation efficiency higher than 90%. At the same time, the organic load (COD, TOC) in aqueous phase increases due the solubilization of humic mater. MnO2 generated in the oxidation-reduction processes remains in the soil bulk.

Abstract:
Environmental relationships with socio-economic activities has become a concern since the last decade of the last century and has evolved in complexity and shapes according to evolutionary laws and interest in environmental compliance requirements and demands. The work reviews synthetically the scientific fundaments of the compulsory provisions and regulations for obtaining the environment permit, agreements and authorizations from the habilitated environment institutions and of the voluntary procedures for the ISO14001 certification and the registration with the EMAS register.