Yearly Archives: 2016

Abstract:
The biotechnological principle of using combined microalgae – activated sludge system for wastewater treatment consists in bidirectional metabolic fluxes that can be established between the photoautotrophic microalgae and heterotrophic bacteria. Thereby, the oxygen released during the photosynthesis process by the microalgae species is used by bacteria to degrade organic matter, the resulted degradation products (mainly CO2) being used in turn as nutrients by the microalgae for cell development. Since the microalgae biotechnology has been recognized as a viable solution for wastewater treatment, it was used mainly in tertiary treatment processes. However, during the last decade, several researchers focused their studies on using the microalgae for secondary wastewater treatment, high treatment performances for domestic and industrial wastewater being attained. The main drawback of this biotechnology is represented by the poor microalgae cells recovery. The currently applied methods (centrifugation, filtration, flocculation/coagulation etc.) are involving high costs, contamination with heavy metals, filter clogging etc. In order to solve this problem, several researches were conducted in this field and, until now, bio-flocculation method seems to be the most feasible solution.

Abstract:
This paper describes the benchmarking of municipal sewing sludge dewatering technology with traditional geotube technology and air drying beds. The use of geotube dehydration technology process occurs faster due to reagents that provide clogging sludge. Applying the technology of dehydrating the sludge in geotube leads to reducing: the time required for dehydration from 18 months up to one month; the surface of land required for the dehydration from 6.0 to 1.25 ha, and respectively, for storage, from 27.7 to 3.65 ha. Removal of toxic gases into the atmosphere is reduced from 1.4 to 6.2 times. Compared with the traditional technology of air drying beds, the dehydrated sludge in geotubes contains 2 times more carbon and total nitrogen. Total phosphorus content had a slight tendency to decrease, total potassium concentration increases with 1.76 times. One tonne of dried sewage sludge stored in geotube and stocked for one year has the humidity of 65% and contains 151 kg of organic matter, 9.0 kg N, 10 kg P2O5 and 2.9 kg K2O. Heavy metal content is below the maximum that is allowed by national legislation from 2008. The application of sewage sludge as a fertilizer provided a specific increase of the total yield over the two years of 100.5 kg per ton of grain units at the dose of 18 t/ha and 45.5 kg per ton of grain units at the dose of 36 t/ha .

Abstract:
Sludge obtained in the tertiary stage of wastewater treatment can become a source of potential fuels. Up to now, the methods applied for making the best use of such sources have aimed at obtaining energy through indirect processes and using sludge for agricultural land improvement. However, most conversion methods applied on a national scale have major technical and economic disadvantages, as well as a negative impact on the environment. The present paper summarizes the research work performed by the authors for the direct use of sludge under the form of solid fuel, as well as the optimisation of the disposal of sludge resulted from biological wastewater treatment.

Abstract:
A pilot plant for the treatment of acid mine drainage was tested in the Apuseni Mountains on behalf of the Rosia Montana Gold Corporation. A containerised mobile unit was developed and built by a team of WISUTEC, G.E.O.S. and BAUER Water and operated for a period of 7 months. The plant allowed testing of two innovative treatment technologies, a two-stage precipitation process, and nano-filtration including optional solution pre-treatment and concentrate neutralisation, both of which proved their reliability in relation to durability and compliance to the stringent Romanian discharge limits (NTPA 001/2005). Valuable operating and cost data for future process design were obtained.

Abstract:
Chlorinated ethenes such as 1,2-dichloroethylene (1,2DCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE) were identified in some groundwater sources used for potable purpose. Contamination of groundwater can occur from many sources, the most important of which being leachates from waste disposal sites. Analysis of contaminated groundwater has shown high concentration level of halogenated volatile organics (1,2DCE = 14-18 mg/L, TCE = 80-130 mg/L, PCE = 198-258 µg/L), over the current limits imposed by enforced legislation (L 458(r1)/2011: MACTCE + PCE = 10 µg/L). The main treatment technique used by individual water consumers is based on GAC adsorption in one or two steps (ηTCE = 99.4%, ηPCE = 99.8%, ηDCE = 46%), which can’t assure the required quality for drinking water, the residual concentrations being higher than MAC value (1,2DCE ≤ 10 mg/L; TCE ≤ 500 µg/L; PCE ≤ 0,5 µg/L). The applied treatment processes for advanced degradation of chlorinated ethenes are based on oxidation using photolysis or ozonation in different systems: UV alone, UV/H2O2, UV/O3, O3 alone, O3/ H2O2. Also, air stripping can be used for pollutants removal. The paper presents the experimental results obtained for the advanced removal of halogenated compounds by coupling air stripping with chemical oxidation, which can provide drinking water quality in compliance with legislation requirements.

Abstract:
Removing of oil spills from solid surfaces, sea, rivers and lakes formed as a result of accidental spillage during transport or storage is of great concern. Such ecological accidents have created a great need to find more efficient and lowcost materials for oil spill cleanup. The methods commonly used to remove oil involve the use of dispersants, skimmers, sorbents etc. The main limitations of some of these techniques are their high cost. Removal of oil by sorption has been observed to be one of the most effective techniques for removal of spilled oil under ambient conditions. In this work, indigenous oligotrophic peat was prepared using several methods and tested (according to ASTM F726-12 Standard Test Method for Sorbent Performance of Adsorbents) as a low cost sorbent in order to determine their potential for oil spill cleanup in terms of adsorption capacity, floatability and leachability. In order to cover the most common oil products causing accidental spills, for this study were used: gas, diesel and motor oil. The peat sample prepared by drying, chopping and sieving had highest adsorption capacities (expressed as g pollutant/g sorbent), depending on the contact time and pollutant properties, of 4.13 – 5.02 for gas, 5.44 – 6.81 for diesel oil and 15.13- 15.17 for motor oil. The adsorption capacity of indigenous peat sample increases along with the viscosity and density of the pollutants as follows: gas

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Abstract:
The granulated slag resulting from the pyrometallurgical processing of lead-rich concentrates was chemically analysed quantitatively by X-ray fluorescent spectometry, microstructurally by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and microcompositionally by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX).The compositional phases were determined using the qualitative analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD). A leachate test was carried out in order to asses the constituents which can be leached from the slag and to determine if these are in accordance with the specific reference figures. The preliminary assessment of the acid draining of slag was carried out using the modified static ABA test by acid-base analysis. In order to determine the possibility of valorisation of slag as a construction material for embankments, road foundations, and sub-base and base layers, the granulated lead slag was analysed by determining the chemical, physico-mechanical (granulometric analysis, compaction characteristics, California bearing capacity index, permeability) and geotechnical (direct undrained, unconsolidated shearing strength) characteristics and comparing these characteristics with those of sand.

Abstract:
The study presents experimental data on phytostabilization/ phytoremediation of 5.57% total petroleum hydrocarbons contaminated soils, using plants of the Achillea millefolium species. Studies have been conducted on pots placed in outdoors in three experimental variants in the absence/presence of an additional treatment: 1.contaminated soil; 2. contaminated soil treated with fertilizer agent, stabilized sewage sludge; 3. contaminated soil treated with fertilizer and amendment based on indigenous volcanic tuff with clinoptilolite. After five months of growth the plant roots have formed a strong twinned network throughout the vegetation soils of volume pots. The content reduction of the total petroleum products in the contaminated soil was 45.4% and 65.4% for the variant of contaminated soil treated with fertilizer agents, anaerobically stabilized sewage sludge from the municipal treatment plant in the absence/presence of the amendment with indigenous volcanic tuff.

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:
The existence of drugs, hormones, toxic substances, synthetic polymers, etc in wastewaters is a great problem for environment. In this research the technologies for obtaining biodegradable “Core-Shell” composites with shell from natural biopolymers (collagen, casein or their combination) and immobilized in core drugs (ampicillin or gentamicin) in the smallest amount were developed.

Abstract:
Chlorinated aniline belongs to the anilines family, which are common pollutants, being frequently used as intermediates for the chemical synthesis in polymer, rubber, pesticide, pharmaceutical and dye industries. Due to their high toxicity and persistence in aquatic environments, they are classified by European Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC as the priority pollutants and are strictly regulated in EU countries. Since their presence in water bodies is risky for human health and aquatic life, developing powerful, modern treatment methods like advanced oxidation processes (AOP`s) are needed in order to assures pollution mitigation. If properly applied, TiO2-based photocatalysis can be regarded as an environmentally friendly and cheap treatment option. In the present study, solutions with (0.14-14.2) x 10-4 M 4-CLA content were photo-oxidized in the following working conditions: pH=4; [TiO2] = 50-500 mg/L; [H2O2] = (0.1-10)x10-3M; τirr = 5 – 180 minutes. Pollutant degradation pathway by three possible routes was proposed, according to organic intermediates identified by gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry-screening method. The first route consists of OH radical attack on target pollutants with amino group substitution and 4- chlorophenol (4-CP) formation. The second degradation route represents OH radical attack on aromatic ring by hydrogen abstraction with aniline-radical formation, that is subsequently stabilized by dimerization to 4,4’- dichloroazobenzene (DCAB), which is further oxidized to 4-chloronitrobenzene (4-NCB). The third route of pollutant degradation takes place by a heterolytic mechanism consisting of hydrogen and chloride atoms release as HCl, and aniline (A) formation, which is oxidized to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) by OH radicals addition to the aromatic ring. The secondary intermediates (4-CP, 4-AP, 4-NCB) are subsequently hydroxilated to hydroquinone that is also oxidized to benzoquinone leading to carboxylic acids by its ring cleavage under OH radical attack. Based on experimental results can be concluded that after 90 minutes of irradiation, 4-CLA was complete degraded. Mineralization yields of organic chlorine and nitrogen were around 81% and 85%, respectively for prolonged irradiation (180 min.). These results are consistent with presented degradation pathway that proposed as intermediates, aromatic compound like 4-CP, A, 4- NCB and 4-AP. The presence of these intermediates in irradiated samples is also supported by 82.4% TOC removal yield obtained at prolonged irradiation.

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.

Abstract:
The aim of this paper was to apply the electrochemical oxidation on Dimensionally Stable Anodes (DSA) to remove pharmaceuticals at low concentrations from wastewaters. Two anodic compositions were used: Ti/RuO2-TiO2 and Ti/RuO2/SnO2-Sb2O5-RuO2 and diclofenac (DCF), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which is recalcitrant to biological degradation, was chosen as a model of pharmaceuticals. The experiments were carried out by using simulated solutions of DCF of 1 mg/L in 0.1 M Na2SO4 as supporting electrolyte and spiked effluent of a wastewater treatment plant (DCF-EWWTP). The applied current densities were 100, 200 and 300 A/m2 and pH of 5.8 and 11. The process was followed by recording the UV spectra and assessing the DCF concentration in the electrolysed solutions by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) detection. The best results were obtained by using Ti/RuO2/SnO2-Sb2O5-RuO2.

Abstract:
The European Water Framework Directive (WFD-2000/60/EC) was implemented in order to improve and protect water quality (for surface water, coastal water, and groundwater) and to prevent further deterioration across Europe by the year 2015. Also, this directive stipulated that Priority Hazardous Substances are a subset of Priority Substances considered extremely harmful. Heavy metals are listed in the first category as they may accumulate to very high toxic levels and cause severe impact on the aquatic organisms without any visible signs. During the period 2008-2010 National Research and Development Institute for Environmental Protection was involved in the project SAFAR. One of the main objectives of this project was the determination of heavy metals content (Pb, Cd, Hg, Ni) and risk assessment for water and sediments. Another objective of the project was to establish the variation of environmental factors in respect to the heavy metal content upstream and downstream from the Moara Domneasca Lake. This paper presents part of the most relevant results concerning the heavy metals content and the hazard of the heavy metals in the water samples. The results obtained were interpreted according with the Romanian quality standards Order 2006/161 and Governmental Decision 2010/1038 based on the 2008/105/EC Directive with the W.F.D. amendment.

Abstract:
The aim of this study was to indice evolution of the Olt river water quality in the Ramnicu Valcea industrial aria in the past three years. S.C. Oltchim S.A. discharging wastewater with inorganic and organic load by two final effluent wastewater „Camera de amestec” and „Biological Treatment Station”. The Olt river quality control was realized between Priza Olt Nr.2, upstream, Cremenari and Babeni Marcea, downstream, according with National Legislation. In the downstream sections, in the all three years, was observed increased of the organic and inorganic water pollution in comparison with Section Priza Olt. In all section, -HCH izomer, was situated into limit by 0.02 g/l, 1,2 dichloroethane was falling values in the 10,0 g/l imposed by National Legislation, the other organochlorine chemicals (hexachlorobenzene and 1,2,4 trichlorobenzene) taking values below the detection method. In the last three years there was no heavy metal pollution: mercury, nickel, chromium and cobalt, in three sections. The other factors which affect the Olt river water quality in the Ramnicu Valcea industrial aria, are the hydro-electric plant programs, the quantity of precipitation and the other pollutant accidents.

Abstract:
Plant cell wall has the composition, structure and properties that make it suitable for many uses, such as composite and paper manufacture. Cell wall has many active sites on its surface which are involved in interaction with its environment (solvent). We investigate its capacity for purification of water pollutants. In this study, we investigated capacity of plant cell walls isolated from milled maize stem to remove different concentrations of nickel from polluted water. By combining fluorescence technique with spectrophotometry, complementary results were obtained. Autoflorescence spectra of plant cell walls were recorded and their spectral changes during interaction between cell wall and pollutants were examined. Emission spectra were analyzed by fitting with multiple log-normal distribution curves, whose form resembles to real experimental spectra of individual fluorophores

Abstract:
In the quest for efficient and economical water use and the optimization of land footprint needed in water production, membrane bioreactors (MBR) are leading the way. In this article, we look at how the membranes in a MBR work, and show some construction developments in this sector of water industry. Secondly the article discusses a completely new and extremely environmentally friendly module cleaning technology. This technology has meanwhile been successfully tested in different pilot units for example in cooperation with Darmstadt University of Technology.

Abstract:
European legislation requires that special aggressive pollutant gases (i.e. NO), must be measured continuously, particularly in locations with the suspected highest load risk. There are a number of oxides of nitrogen, including nitrous oxide (N2O), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen trioxide (N2O3), and nitrogen pentoxide (N2O5), that are referred to collectively as NOx. The two oxides of nitrogen that are of primary concern to air pollution are NO and NO2. The monitoring of NO2 for regulatory purposes requires methods suitable for concentrations measuring in the range relevant for Europe, i.e. 0 – 500 mg/m3, with a sufficiently high accuracy. Different methods have been developed for the measuring of NO2 concentrations, some of which can only measure NO2, while others can also measure NO and/or NOx. These methods are referring either to standard methods or to acceptable one, with simple chemical and physical principles, either to methods based on sophisticated electronic techniques. In this paper are presented certain methods for measurement, monitoring and control of the nitrogen oxides, recommended at international level. Through these methods, can be known the quantity of NOx emissions from ambient air. This is the first step to establish appropriate methods to prevent and reduce air pollution.

Abstract:
Voltammetric behavior of the complex of vanadium with 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehide in acid buffered solutions in the presence of bromate ions as an oxidant agent has been investigated. It has been established that the analytical signal amplifies by more than one order. The lowest concentration of vanadium determination with an accumulation time of 30 s is 2·10-10 М. The method has been used for determination of vanadium in natural waters.

Abstract:
Thermoelectric power plants are one of the main polluters of the environment. Power plants Nikola Tesla in Serbia burn lignite containing trace metals and radionuclides to a certain extent. To assess environmental contamination due to power plants operation, concentrations of metals and radionuclides were determined in soil samples of surrounding areas. Concentration of major and trace elements were determined using different spectrometry techniques. Gamma-ray spectrometry was used to determine activity concentrations of natural gamma-emitting radionuclides (40K, 226Ra and 232Th) and 137Cs derived from Chernobyl accident. Soil particle size fractions were determined by the traditional pipette method. To determine the correlation between content of metals and radionuclides in soil and soil particle-size fractions the obtained data were subjected to cluster analysis (CA). Resulting dendrogram identified five clusters. Significant correlations were obtained between Cr, Fe and Co; 40K, silt and clay; 232Th, 226Ra and sand. Weak correlation of Cu, Pb, Cd and 137Cs with other parameters indicated their anthropogenic origin in soil samples. Cesium, clay and Mn were grouped into one cluster which indicated the association of this radionuclide with manganese oxides and clay particles. Results obtained by CA confirmed that multivariate analysis is powerful tool for the assessment of origin of stable metals and radionuclides in areas surrounding thermal power plants

Abstract:
This study was realized in order to determine the degree of substances priority/hazardous pollution in the industrial chemical platform of Ramnicu Valcea. Samples were collected in two campaigns, in February and June 2010 and nickel, copper, cadmium, 1,2 dichloroethane, trichlorethylene, 1,2,4 trichlorobenzene and perchlorethylene from water, soil and sediments was analized. The results show that heavy metals in sediments collected from the Olt river, (Priza Olt and Cremenari), had higher concentrations than in National Legislation. Also notice that in all three points, 1,2 dichloroethane, trichlorethylene, 1,2,4 trichlorobenzene and perchlorethylene taking values below the detection method. Concentrations of heavy metals in water were lower than the limits imposed by National Legislation. For organochlorine substances analyzed in three points, an increase of concentration for 1,2 dichloroethane, trichlorethylene and perchlorethylene in sections downstream of the chemical platform of Ramnicu Valcea (Cremenari and Babeni Marcea) to the Priza Olt upstream section of the platform.The concentrations of nickel, copper, cadmium, 1,2 dichloroethane, trichlorethylene, 1,2,4 trichlorobenzene and perchlorethylene in soil samples respect the limits by the Environmental Legislation. In Priza Olt and Cremenari points, were found a degree of accumulation of heavy metals higher compared Babeni Marcea point, located in downstream of wastewater discharges of chemical platform. There was an accumulation of organochlorine in sediments in the three points.

Abstract:
In this paper, are monitored following indicators physics of water in Eforie Nord, Herastrau Mogosoaia Moeciu, Bordei: turbidity, pH, oxygen, conductivity, such variation is made and physical indicators of temperature. To measure this quality indicator of water, we used: turbidimetru portable microprocessor type HI 93 703, oxigenometru portable microprocessor type HI 9146, HI 9214 pH meter type. Natural water quality is determined, in general, all mineral and organic substances, dissolved gases, particulate matter and living organisms present. Conductivity of water is one of the most used indicators to assess the degree of mineralization, water conductivity measurements allow determination of total dissolved salts in water.The concentration of hydrogen ions in water (pH), is an important factor determining the reactivity of water capacity, its aggressiveness, ability to provide water for development of various media organizations. Turbidity is due to solid particles or in the form of colloidal suspensions. It is therefore very important to monitor physical indicators of water.

Abstract:
Pharmaceutical compounds are continually introduced into the environment as a result of industrial and domestic use. Influents and effluents from three municipal waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) with varying waste water treatment technologies and design were analyzed for six anti-inflammatory drugs, an antiepileptic drug and a nervous stimulant during nine months period. The temporal evolution and removal rates in the WWTPs of the pharmaceutical compounds have been studied. Analytical determination was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with multiwaved detector after sample clean up and concentration by solid phase extraction (SPE). All compounds were detected not only in influents but also in waste water effluents. These findings indicate that several conventional waste water management practices are not effective in the complete removal of pharmaceutical compounds, and their discharges have a large potential to affect the aquatic environment.