All posts by simiecoind

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:
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and Energy Management System (EnMS) are two of the tools which, implicitly or explicitly, are promoted by the EU in order to achieve the targeted goals and objectives identified in the cross frontier legislation for environmental protection. Both management systems have requirements set by international standards (such as ISO 14001 and ISO 50001), by which an organization (or other “organizational entity”) may establish and implement Policies and Objectives for environment or energy, with the assumption of compliance with legal requirements and other requirements to which the organization subscribes. The European Directives were evolving over time, both in structure and in the form of expression. In the beginning of the last decade the key-concepts used were Policies, Community objectives and Action Programmes – all these being the principal elements of the Management systems, too. Later on, the European Directives started to promote equivalent terms for preventive actions, corrections and corrective actions for the noncompliance with critical limits stated by the relevant legislation. Moreover, we can find wording like: environmental aspects and impact analysis, emission monitoring and compliance with legal requirements, specific actions of the operational control, emergency plans and public communication. In some cases (e.g. waste management and energy efficiency), the European Directives have become very explicit in the recommendations they make regarding the utility of EMS and EnMS implementation, based on ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 international standards. Although the implementation of EMS and EnMS is a voluntary decision, the fact they are subject of recent recommendations of the European Directives shows the conviction that these Management systems represent effective tools in achieving commitments regarding environmental protection and pollution prevention or energy performance (energy efficiency, energy usage and energy consumption).

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 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:
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:
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:
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 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:
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 simple and reliable method was developed for the determination of bentazon and azinphos-methyl in water using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) at 254 nm. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a BDS Hypersil C8 column (15 0mm x 4mm, 5 µm particles) at 200C and 0.8 ml/min flow rate with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile – ultrapure water (80 : 20, v/v). Satisfactory separation of two pesticides was obtained in 7 minutes by injecting 10µl standard solution. The linearity ranges of the calibration curves ranged from 0.27 µg/ml to 2.47 µg/ml for bentazon and from 0.34 µg/ml to 3.1 µg/ml for azinphos-methyl. The selectivity of the method was tested by injecting standard solution containing a mixture of azinphos-methyl, bentazon, atrazine, simazine and propazin. These compounds were separated at differents retention times, this showing the selectivity of method. The recovery rate was tested using two SPE cartridges: Strata X (Phenomenex) and LiCrholut EN (Merck). The Strata X cartridges were found to be more suitable for extracting the two organophosphorus pesticides from surface water samples. The average recoveries were 95.8% for azinphos-methyl and 105.6% for bentazon.

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:
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 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:
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:
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:
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:
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.