Yearly Archives: 2016

Abstract:
An important component of the durable development concept, the environment protection strategy must be thought today in the alternative accepted by almost all world countries: maintain of the global, regional or local ecological balance means a continuous existence.Thus, a continuation, development or even perfecting of the solutions concerning the ecological reconstruction of the Lonea M.E. sterile heap from Jiu Valley is wanted, through field and laboratory research. The main pollutant in the Jiu Valley area is the coal extraction and preparation industry, which constitutes an influence factor on the environment, with negative effects on the soil, water and air. The soil is affected by sterile’ deposit in heaps as a consequence of the underground exploitation activities. By depositing sterile in heaps numerous unbalances have been produced in the area’s flora and fauna, the current project proposes solving these problems in the Lonea M.E. perimeter, which is taken into consideration. We will finally conclude and propose the sollution with the highest efficiency for the ecological reconstruction of the Lonea M.E. sterile heap by using modern methods, pointing out the concrete aspects resulted from the teoretical and experimental studies.

Abstract:
This paper evaluates the effects of the interferents on the method of determination of the As species through stripping voltammetry, using as a working electrode the dropping Mercury electrode. The interferents found in the determination of As through the voltammetric methods can be classified in three categories: the metallic ions which can form intermetallic compounds with As (Cd) that are accumulated on the hanging Mercury electrode; compounds with tensioactive properties which can be absorbed on the surface of the electrode or which can absorb As on their surface; compounds which can determine complexes or precipitates with As (Fe, Zn, Mn). The effected studies led to the following results: iron interferes in the correct evaluation of the result at concentrations higher than 13000µg/l, concentration corresponding to a As(III):Fe 1:4200 ratio; zinc presents interferences over 5000 µg/l values corresponding to a As(III):Zn ratio of 1:1700; the interference of Cadmium is very strong over 150 µg/l values; the tensioactive compounds over 500 µg/l concentrations, corresponding to a As(III) ratio: the tensioactive compounds of 1:167 completely block the determination of arsenic species. The samples were submitted to the UV digestion and then cysteine was added in order to determine the total arsenic, but the results were totally unsatisfactory; mangan proved not to have interference effects even over concentrations of 30mg/l. following these results, as well as the previous studies, we came to the conclusion that the method can be successfully applied on surface and drinking waters or on waters with low metal concentrations, as well as on waters with a reduced organic charge

Abstract:
The recent research demonstrates that we spent indoor more than 80% of our time, or in case of child and old persons even 85-90%. Thus, the indoor air quality become a very important problem, a highly attention being accorded to find out the sources of pollution in order to reduce as much as possible the pollution in the indoor air. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a product used on a large scale to produce a large variety of products used in buildings construction (windows, doors, floors, paints, fittings, etc.) but also for household assets (vessel, cling film, etc.) without an important effect on human health; uses of PVC products presents problems due to the presence of vinyl chloride monomer absorbed in the material which is slowly desorbed into air and further in the human body were can generate a large variety of manifestations, from simple sensitivity to diverse cancer forms. Concerns to reduce the monomer quantity from PVC products are since ’70, the producers having established maximum concentrations of polymer in their products. In the last years, due to the large scale usage of PVC in construction as well as due to the measures for building energy efficiency trough reduction of air exchange with outdoor, were generated conditions to accumulate, especially in the new buildings, new toxic compounds, including vinyl chloride. The vinyl chloride concentration in the indoor air, depending on the condition, can rise from tenths to hundred or even thousands of µg/m3. The present paper presents the results of the research activities conducted to establish a method to determine the vinyl chloride from indoor air. The methods performance parameters: LOD – 20,3µg/m3, LOQ – 31,1µg/m3 , bias -5,6%, repeatability – 1,31% and recovery 92,3% allow the method to be used for concentrations higher then 30-40 µg/m3; in order to determine vinyl chloride concentrations lower then 10µg/m3 the method sensibility should be improved.

Abstract:
The elemental concentrations of Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Eu, F, Fe, Hf, Hg, I, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, U, V, W, Yb, Zn, and Zr in airborne particulate matter (PM10), deposited dust, and tap water samples collected inside a phosphate fertilizer plant in Romania have been determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). In addition, X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (XRFA) was used to determine S, and also Ba, Mn, and Ti in airborne particulate mater. These results were compared with permissible levels given by the Romanian norms for chemical pollutants in the workplace atmosphere and potable water. All values were below the maximum permissible levels

Abstract:
Many toxic xenobiotics entering aquatic environments exert their effects through redox cycle. Oxidative stress, incorporating both antioxidant defenses as well as oxidative damage, is a common effect in organisms exposed to xenobiotics in their environment. The present study proposed to evaluate the acute effects of benzenthonium chloride (quaternary ammonium compound with cationic proprieties) and cocamidopropyl betaine (zwitterionic compound with amphoteric proper) on antioxidant defense mechanisms and lipid peroxidation in Cyprinus carpio organs (liver, intestine, kidneys and gills). We assessed the level of oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase – SOD, catalase – CAT, glutathione peroxidase – GPx, glutathione reductase -GR, glutathione S transferase – GST, glucose -6- phosphate dehidrogenase – G6PDH) and the levels of lipid peroxidation – LPO through malondialdehide -MDA of 1mg/l toxic substance nominal concentration after 96h exposure period. LPO and antioxidative enzymatic mechanisms displayed different responses in the investigated tissues. We observed that the action of toxic substances is selective at organs levels. The liver and gills were the most affected by toxic action of both tested surfactants compared with the controls. At liver, gills and kidneys level, after 96h toxic exposure, significant modifications were observed in case of CAT, G6PDH, GPx, GST and Gred. In all organs LPO installation was observed which indicate oxidative damage of tissues induced by accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The biochemical analysis led to the conclusion that antioxidant enzymes showed deficit in ROS balance at all tissues levels which induce oxidative stress in fish organs.

Abstract:
Lichens are by far the most indicators of the environmental quality, due to their sensitivity to anthropogenic impact. The assessment of environmental quality, has been performed in forest ecosystems located within Bucharest metropolitan area by using epiphytic lichens. A total of 27 lichen species were recorded in the investigated forests, of which some certain lichen species, such as: Candelaria concolor (Dicks.) Ach., Flavoparmelia caperata (L.) Hale, Pertusaria dacica Erichs., and Ramalina farinacea (L.) Ach. were not found within disturbed forests from the studied area. The presence of mentioned lichen species is attributed to an improvement of atmospheric quality. Regarding the number of inventoried lichen species no major differences were recorded in the investigated forests as a function of the distance from Bucharest Municipality. One certain lichen species (Flavoparmelia caperata) which have recorded the highest values of relative abundance have a rather low to intermediate resistance to atmospheric pollution, therefore it has been found within relatively unaffected forestry ecosystems unlike cosmopolitan lichen species which have recorded higher values of relative abundance in proximity of anthropogenic sources. The values of Atmospheric Purity Index has revealed for a majority of investigated forests a rather low environmental quality.

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.

Abstract:
The purpose of this paper was to investigate distribution of organic and inorganic contamination in water and sediment in different locations of Saint George Branch -the southern branch of the Danube Delta. Concentrations of dissolved oxygen, nutrients, metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), mineral oil were analyzed in water and sediment samples and the results were compared to those obtained in the previous works. Sampling was monthly performed in the period 2009-2011 from seven locations of Saint George Branch from the Danube Delta. The obtained values were evaluated for their compliance with quality standards stipulated in Statutory Order No. 161/2006 of the Romanian Ministry of the Environment and Water Management. In Danube river water, the content of heavy and toxic metals was in most cases below the limits according to the national legislation, only iron values exceed the limit. Concerning organic compounds, mineral oil, DDTs and PCBs periodically were recorded in river water over the limit. In sediment, in some locations, were detected higher concentrations of copper, nickel, mercury, Lindane, PAHs, DDTs and PCBs that exceeded the quality standards according to Romanian legislation transposed from Frame Water Directive 2000/60/EC.

Abstract:
Industrial activities cause important environmental changes. It is relevant to observe that the impact of industrial activities on the environment depends on the type of technological process and on the product that is obtained, or on the efficiency of pollution control technologies. A known source for environmental pollution in urban areas or at the workplace is noise. Sound pressure level produces harmful effects on human health. There are several studies that have investigated noise pollution determining the World Health Organization to warn, to raise awareness and to promote actions against noise pollution. This paper aims to introduce innovative systems that absorb and attenuate the noise from industry, urban or extra-urban environment efficient and sustainable based on composite made by recycling solid waste. Research regarding absorptive properties of new types of ecological composite materials, composed of reinforcement materials from various wastes is presented in this paper. Are presented research on the absorbing properties of new types of ecological composite materials, which are based on use as reinforcement material of various wastes, which can affect the environment. Absorption sound capacity for new composite materials varies depending on the proportion and of the nature of the waste that is used. Both the absorbtion capacity for each composite materials represented by the absorbtion coefficient and the influention of the reinforcement material are presented in this paper. Thus the worldwide was taken a series of measures to reduce noise, as in the environment, and jobs.Upon joining the EU, our country is required to align the relevant legal provisions that are regulated by a series of measures to limit noise.

Abstract:
The present paper presents the results of the research started in the frame of the project called „Dig Where You Live” (2005-2007). It has been developed as a partnership between The Social-Cultural Foundation for Democracy „I.U.G.A.”, the Sisesti Guildhall and North University of Baia Mare. The data required by the “Questionnaire Sheet” provided information on the area of land that belongs to the villagers, the land use, the most used fertilizers, the agricultural machineries that are owned by the local farmers, the animals that provide for the farms, the storages and use of households waste, the tenacity of their house and annexes, crafts that they still practice, local farming habits etc. Each year the starting of the plough and the ritual of the tilling of the soil in Surdesti marks the beginning of a new phase in the rural agrarian cycle. Old farmers remember that before collectivization, the hayfields were often fertilized by using the mobile fold technique. Factual material that was discovered in Surdesti village points that the agriculture that is practiced here is not intended primarily to cope with competitive pressure and market force in the European Union. In terms of environmental factors, soil tests, water courses and underground water tests show that Surdesti village is an unpolluted area, suitable for ecological agriculture and eco-tourism. Nowadays, farmers need agricultural practice and good examples of correct and timely information.

Abstract:
In accordance with the legal requirements, all organizations involved in producing, packaging, distribution and sale of food must ensure that the safety of these products was not compromised throughout the food chain. The concept of food security involves ensuring all food’s quality parameters (chemical, physical, microbiological) are met from the stage of raw material to the stage of food reached to consumer. A guarantee to ensure the food safety of products during the production flow of an organization is the implementation and certification of the food safety management system. Food safety management system is actually a quality management system, whose goal is the production of safe products for consumption and is based on hazards analysis of critical control points – HACCP. One of AVIECO PN II project objectives, led by INCD BNA Balotesti, where INCD ECOIND is partner is to design, develop and implement a food safety management system to another partner, SC AUGER PETRUS SRL. For this purpose, in accordance with the requirements of SR EN ISO 22000:2005, in INCD ECOIND was developed a methodology for designing and implementing the food safety management system. The paper describes the methodology for the design and implementation of the system and presents the results: the technological flow charts for each product; the hazards analysis; the critical and the critical control points; the preliminary Programs (PRP); the HACCP plan; the documentation of food safety management system: the food safety management manual, the system procedures and the operational procedures

Abstract:
The paper presents the results of determination the self – purification capacity of the soils polluted with heavy metals (Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb) in laboratory conditions. Heavy metal pollution has led to soil acidification and increase the chemical forms of trace elements. The moderate and high pollution of soils did not affect the moisture, humus and exchangeable bases content. Indexes of self – purification capacity showed that clayey and loamy-clayey soils have a high property of cleaning than sandy-loamy soil and sand

Abstract:
Impact assessment methodology of industrial waste, implies not only the research of the geological environment, but also the determination of the most accurate dynamics and complex processes of pollution. In most of the cases, the primary data which describe the geological environment show a discontinuous image of the real investigated (natural) system. Often, increase in date volume, from in situ determinations or from laboratory, means a proportional and substantial increase of expenditures. Generally, the costs of direct geological investigation are high. The numerical model is the tool used by the environmental protection or environmental geology specialist, to replace this inconvenient. The numerical modeling is the main stage of the interpretation of the primary data and represents the base of the decisions making process. Also, processing of primary data and interpretation, using the water flow and transport models of pollutants, represent an important component of the investigation methodology for contaminated sites.

Abstract:
The development of the nuclear techniques in Romania and the commissioning of the WWR-S research reactor belonging to the Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering -(NIPNE) demand to deal with the storage and disposal of radioactive waste. The institute decided to store the radioactive waste inside a building that belonged to the Defense of Capital City System named “Fort” which is located on the Magurele site. About 5000 packages were produced and transferred to the storage facility of radioactive waste treatment plant after decommissioning of Fort building. In the mean time a repository was commissioned and the most part of the waste has been disposed. There still were remained about 800 packages which, in time, became corroded. A huge effort was put in place in order to repack the waste for disposal. At the end of 2008, the whole amount of legacy waste have been treated, and disposed or stored. The paper describes the management of legacy radioactive waste from the storage facility of Radioactive Waste Treatment Plant.

Abstract:
The actual mining activity has a varied and complex influence on the environment, materialised by temporary or definitive occupation of a field surface, by affecting, in some cases, the hydrology and the relief surrounding the exploitations, the partial or total degradation of soils and the landscape, changing hydrographical conditions, as well as ulterior change of the environment and the degradation of existence conditions of the inhabitant from the industrial areas. The protection of the environment is accomplished by the reasonable use of the natural resources, by preventing and combating the pollution and the damaging effects of the natural phenomena by means of certain law means. In the present paper it was realised an evaluation of the impact produced on the environment by the activity realised in the Rosia Jiu quarry, being also proposed the necessary measures for the intercession and minimization of the negative effects realised on environment factors.

Abstract:
In the study were developed two methods for quantification of mercury and tin in water samples. The methods were performed with Perkin Elmer 5300 DV Optima ICP-EOS spectrometer by continuous hydride generation using flow injection analysis system. For detection of mercury, a pre-treatment step was applied using an ultrasonic bath and a mixture of acids and oxidants (such as sulphuric acid, nitric acid, potassium permanganate, potassium dichromate). Mercury was detected at 194.168 nm wavelength, using as reducing agent 0.3% of NaBH4 in 0.5% NaOH solution. The detection limit of the method is 0.1 µg/L, precision is 3.2% and uncertainty of measurement is 8.5%. Tin was detected at 189.927 nm wavelength. To generate tin gas, sample solutions in 4% boric acid and 0.5 M HCl were mixed in line with a solution of 1% NaBH4 and 2% NaOH. The detection limit of the method is 0.2 µg/L, sufficient for tin levels commonly found in water samples. Precision of the method is 3.1% and uncertainty of measurement is 9.3%.

Abstract:
There is increasing interest in isolation, identification and quantification of polyaromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASH) in view of their importance in environmental forensics, toxicology, geochemistry, etc. Although EU regulations are still in process for this class of compounds, the mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of some PASH compounds determined a major analytical development, all efforts being conducted to a higher level of interest of monitoring water resources and possible soil contamination. Over the past decade, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was a powerful tool for characterization of PASH compounds in environmental samples. To be able to identify possible water and soil contamination with PASH compounds, a new method was necessary to be developed, to have the opportunity to take action and promote a new step in Romanian environmental protection. For this purpose, we developed a GCMS method using a low resolution mass spectrometer for identification and quantification of some PASH compounds including phenanothro[3,4b]thiophene with mutagenic effect J.Heterocycl.Chem.17(1980)1259).

Abstract:
The paper presents a new analytical method for identifying of chromium, copper and lead from drinking water. Its novelty consists in introducing a selected methyl orange –dye for identification and dozing of three metals. The method is applicable both for drinking and mineral water in which the degree of interaction with other compounds or impurities is relatively low. The three metals are usually qualitatively and quantitatively analysed by standard classical methods: colorimetry or atomic absorption spectrophotometry. But these methods require some reagents, also are energy consuming and have high cost. The new method is cheaper, faster and the colloidal dye can be applied in situ. The method for determination of: chromium, copper and lead from drinkable waters consists in introducing a fixed amount of dye and measuring absorption of the formed metal-dye associates. Most organic dyes are basic or acids compounds and present colloidal association. Their tendency to associate in colloidal micelles was first studied by conductivity. Due to the flat shape their molecules form layered lamellar micelles, resembling like a “package of cards”. Methyl orange is recognized as a colloidal type dye. The intensity of characteristic bands is proportional to the amount of colloid indicator (methyl orange- dye) and number of metal-dye associates present in the system. Thus the concentration of metals in water can be determined. Due its capacity to determine qualitatively and quantitatively the three selected metals in drinking water, the paper presents ecological importance