All posts by simiecoind

Abstract:
Special weather events manifested in a previous period in Jiu Valley, which consisted of precipitations with maximums of 130l/m2, provoked production of flood waves and maximum water flows of up to 25m3/s on the Renghi Creek. As an effect of this unwanted event, has been reported erosion, dislocation and training, to the city, of some important quantities of material deposited in the waste dump 2 West belonging to the closed Ileana Mine. In the paper is presented the designed and applied solution to counter this event and, respectively to protect the city, which consists in execution along the crossed dump of an concrete channel for water acquisition and routing, channel provided at the bottom with a drain, constituted by a network of perforated tubes and reverse filter for overtaking the possible infiltration waters provided from the waste dump. In order to avoid the deterioration of the creek’s banks, the solution consists, supplementary, of mounting of a protection wall, consists of two overlapping rows of gabions

Abstract:
In the region of the Apuseni Mountains, part of the Western Carpathians in Romania, metal mining activities have a long-standing tradition. Their activities caused impairments to the environment, such as acid mine drainage (AMD) resulting in long-lasting heavy metal pollution of waters and sediments. The paper presents the biological analysis of an aquatic ecosystem in 9 control sections in order to assess the affected area by mining activities. The sampling for biological analysis was performed during two sampling campaigns: winter – February 2010 and spring – May 2010. The results of analysis for the biotic communities were according to the Norm concerning the reference objectives for the surface water quality classification (Order MMGA no.161/2006) and also, to the Directive 2000/60/EC which established a framework for community action in the field of water policy. To achieve the objectives were sampled momentary storage compartments – water and sediment – in order to study the most representative biotic communities of the aquatic ecosystems (phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic macro invertebrates) and to evaluate the contaminated sites by the distribution of pollutant substances in terms of biotic communities. This was choosen for captured important stages of life cycles and fluctuation fields of the main factors that influencing the control structure and functions of biotic populations. The analysis of the biotic communities in the all sampling site focused on the quantitative (numerical density, biomass, abundance after numerical density and biomass) and qualitative component (dominant species, indicator species). The results of the study can be used by various stakeholders, mainly the mining company and local municipalities, in order to integrate them in their post-mining measures, thereby making them aware of the potential long-term impact of mining on the environment and on human health as well as on the local economy.

Abstract:
This paper presents the results of evaluating the environmental risk induced by the activity of non-compliant municipal landfills of class “B”, in a period of over four decades. Storage locations analyzed presents a number of particularities: is situated in a hilly area, with an energy of about 40 m of relief, marked by the presence of a stream with flow influenced by precipitations, in proximity of an emissary Slatina rivulet. Starting from the principle that the environmental risk is defined as the product between the probability of appearance of some threats to the quality of the components of the environment and their consequences (severity of the effects), the base of investigations was relationship source-path-receiver. Assessment hazard and effects was realized on the basis of the results of quality investigations the soil, groundwater, and leachate transported by stream and surface water flood thus highlighting the sources of danger and their route of transmission. Ecotoxicological characterizations for surface water and leachate, to taken in consideration the results of acute lethal toxicity tests performed in laboratory on fresh water fishes (Carasius auratus) and acute immobilization of water flea Daphnia Magna Status species (Cladocera crustaceans). The studies were conducted in accordance with the methods OECD 203 and 202 published in Regulation (EC) 440/2008 with any future changes in Regulation (EC) 761/2009. Quantifying the risk of occurrence of a serious risk underlined induced of the groundwater and surface water – Slatina rivulet. Development of tree chart of the adverse effects allow formulation of the measures necessary to be applied in risk management process in order to eliminate causes of danger and/or restriction of adverse effects generated of the WATER environment component.

Abstract:
Having as background the lasting global economical crisis, efforts towards the use of new, environmental friendly materials, design of new products and technologies that could be labeled “eco”, finding alternative, renewable, dependable energy sources, efforts that should not impede the economy of the country neither the deterioration of the environment become more numerous and more intense. Evaluating such efforts at the enterprise level is done, with more and more success, by applying the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Method, usually in its two, more elaborated approaches: cradle-to-grave or, more recently and having an increased impact, cradle-to-cradle. The present paper illustrates an LCA methodology that generates LCA scores, aggregating impact of a given product or material upon the environment or humans, during the entire life of that product or material, from multiple environmental and health and safety points of view. The paper approaches the industrial sectors (metallurgy, chemistry, energy, transport, waste treatment) having a major impact upon the environment and analyses the structure of this impact, vs the structure of the contribution of these sectors to GDP and the dynamics of this impact, in time. The objective of the work is to generate new, modern instruments for the objective building of new sustainable strategies at a macroeconomical level and help devising new policies that substantiate these strategies.

Abstract:
Statistics at the EU and national level, on the generation and management of waste coming from industrial activities are used in the process of monitoring the implementation of industrial waste policies and in assessing how the prevention/reduction principle in generating waste at their source is applied. The paper presents the methodology of setting up a system of statistical indicators able to illustrate the environmental pressure coming from the economic development, by reporting the production value obtained to the waste quantity generated to get that production.The indicators developed in the work at the aggregated level for several industrial sectors or for a given NACE-coded industrial activity have been calculated by using the databases of the National Agency for Environmental Protection and of the National Institute for Statistics. Statistical analyzes of the dynamics of the developed indicators revealed a series of expected trends, absolute (or relative) de-coupling of development from resource use, but also some instances in which the environmental impact increased. As the indicator system assesses the success or failure of environmental policies, they may constitute a decision making support, relevant for Central / Local Authorities, Regulatory Agencies, business operators but also for communities, NGO and the general public.

Abstract:
Estimating risks induced by gaseous emissions from soil/subsoil dangerous nature (methane) in areas close to municipal landfills is of particular importance in the context of future developments, some of these lands may have residential destinations. The methodology for assessing these risks starts with a documentary phase (office): gathering relevant information on the landfill site, its history, as well us geomorphology and lithology data area. Continue to identify potential sources and then the migration paths of gaseous emissions from soil / subsoil to the receptors.This paper presents the methods of investigation of emissions from soil/subsoil area situated in the neighborhood of two municipal waste landfills chosen as case studies; running several campaigns of investigation on which the intrusive methods have been applied, i.e. achievement of boreholes and measuring collection gas concentration with portable gas analyzer (O2, CO2, CH4, CO, and H2S). For spatio-temporal evolution of the gaseous emissions were added for the correlation, data on weather conditions and lithology of the areas analyzed. From the methodological point of view, risk estimation is based on the identification and expression of two categories of factors, i.e. the probability of appearance and the effects on receptors that highlight levels of risk arising on a scale with five levels of risk, at a very low risk to a very high level of risk. Another methodological approach allows the quantification of risk gaseous emissions from soil/subsoil by introducing indicator “Gas Screening Value – GSV” product of high gas concentrations measured in borehole (CH4 and CO2) and measured flow (liters per hour). According to the values of this indicator of risk may evolve at a very low (GSV<0,07) up to one very large (GSV >70) on a scale of 6 levels of risk. Applying the methodology for locations chosen as case studies allowed the identification and risk assessment of gaseous emissions from soil / subsoil in areas near potential sources and develop protective measures must be taken in case the area would in future residential destination.

Abstract:
One of the main issues in the Water Framework Directive (see the portal EU-WFD, 2011) is the establishing of specific Action plans at the River Basins levels in EU. Building up such plans implies a thorough knowledge about all the processes, stakeholders, synergies, problems active in the area of a given River basin. The paper details a Project for integrating water management at VIROMET chemical platform. The mathematical models used are based upon water balances at the platform level, with details for each particular consumer (stakeholder). Sets of restrictions are developed for water flows, production capacities, and consumptions. Linear and non-linear programming are then used to answer specific scenarios: “what is the most favorable production structure in order to maximize the profit of the VIROMET system?”, “what will be the production structure to fulfill the minimal requirements of the customers, whilst minimizing water consumption at the platform level”, “given a specific need of a stakeholder, what will be the most profitable production profile?”, etc.

Abstract:
In Maramures county a area of the 250 milion of square meters was estimated as historical polluted. The repossession as owners of land led to the situation in which agriculture is practiced today in the various locations. One of these locations is located near the ponds and waste dumps located in the west part of Baia Mare city. Although these ponds and waste dumps are in conservation, the specific mining activities (which have meanwhile become history) and their performances, is felt even today.The maize crop is commonly practiced in the areas near these deposits. From the desire to use the land efficiently, between corn are grown various vegetables as: cabbage, zucchini, beans or kohlrabi. These vegetables are intended for human or animal consumption, in own their households.This study highlights the presence of metals in soil (in total and mobile forms) and in vegetables (the cabbage and the zucchini) taken from the culture of corn. Samples of soil and vegetables were taken in late September 2010 and their analysis was conducted in the period between September and October 2010.

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:
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

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:
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:
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:
Natural gamma-emitting radionuclides (40K, 226Ra and 232Th) and Chernobyl-derived radionuclide 137Cs were determined in soil profiles representing typical soil types of Belgrade (Serbia). The influence of soil properties and content of stable elements on radionuclide distribution down the soil profiles (at 5 cm-intervals up to 50 cm depth) was analyzed. The relationships between soil properties and radionuclides suggested the association of 40K, 226Ra and 137Cs with fine-grained soil fractions. The activity concentration of 137Cs correlated significantly with organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, saturated hydraulic conductivity and specific electrical conductivity. The strong positive correlations between 226Ra and 232Th activity concentrations and Fe and Mn indicate their association with oxides of these elements in soil. The correlations observed between 40K and Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn and also between 137Cs and Cd, Cr, Pb and Zn could be contributed to their common affinity for clay minerals. The results of this study provide insight into the the main factors that affect radionuclide migration in the soil, which contribute to the understanding of radionuclide behaviour in the environment and factors governing their mobility within terrestrial ecosystems.

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:
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 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:
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:
PRINCE (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a structured project management method for effective project management. This method was established by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) which was an United Kingdom government agency and initially used for information system projects. PRINCE was originally based on PROMPT (a project management method created by Simpact Systems Ltd. in 1975) and in 1989 effectively substituted PROMPT within Government projects. The Office of Government Commerce (the former CCTA) continued to develop the method, and in 1996 PRINCE2 was launched. PRINCE2 is extensively used by the United Kingdom government, and now is a de facto standard widely recognised for all projects not just for information system projects. For any research and development project is possible to apply a product-oriented methodology as PRINCE2 and guide the project by its principles.The originality of the paper consists in adapting and adjusting PRINCE2 to a pre-established project methodology of an authority which finances projects (such as National Authority for Scientific Research- ANCS). PRINCE2 was tailored to suit that methodology and designed the adapted process model diagram. The aim of the paper is not substitution of PRINCE2 processes and products with those of a default methodology but only according them. Applying PRINCE2 methodology for any research and development project is a guarantee that the project could be kept under control in terms of time, cost and quality.

Abstract:
Mercury is a metal that exists naturally in the Earth’s Crust. It can be released by rock weathering and transported by stream waters and may go through a series of chemical transformation according to the bio-physical-chemical conditions. Thus, in reaction with inorganic ligands or organic matter, different forms of mercury can bioaccumulate in the high organisms through the sediments and the food chain. A fraction of this trace element can be trapped into the soils by close relationship with organic matter, iron and aluminium oxides or sorbed onto the mineral particles. Some natural processes (water, soil and vegetation degassing, volcanic emissions) allow it to degas and to flow back into the atmosphere, creating an atmospheric dispersion and a diffuse deposition on the terrestrial ecosystems. Mercury has become one of the most important environmental pollutants. Due to industrial, domestic and medical activities, the amount of total mercury in the environment and mainly in the atmosphere has been increasing since the 20th century. Approximately 5000 tons of mercury is introduced in the Earth’s atmosphere every year. The main objective of this study is to quantify the real impact of the mercury emissions downstream the chemical plants and to determine the mercury pollution in such an area. This study is not only there to demonstrate the significance of the ecosystems soil, water/sediment pathway in the mercury pollution downstream the human activities, but also to show the major role of the mercury in the persistent contamination of the Olt catchment.

Abstract:
Aspects of environmental actions taken by economic agents are presented in order to comply with Water Directive regulatory bases and the Romanian corresponding laws for meeting the 2015’ and 2027’ targets of preserving the good and very good water quality for the majority of water bodies in Europe. In this respect a program for progressive reduction and elimination of priority/priority dangerous substances in municipal sewage system should be implemented. Pollution pressures put by hazardous substances should be analyzed. The analysis is required by Governmental Order 31/2006 and Governmental Decisions 351/2005 updated with 1038/2010 and is view as a technical document that identifies and evaluates the potential hazards for sewage system and water bodies receiving the wastewaters from sewage system. The presence of pollutants is analytically determined at the final point of discharge before the sewage system and it is assessed in relation to the site activities/products and services to assist the appropriate environmental actions to be taken. It is a link between site investigation activities and response actions carried out to address hazards posed by the presence of dangerous substances/priority dangerous substances to the sewage system. During over forty performed screenings in different Bucharest sewage system areas, where economical agents discharge their urban waste waters, we founded interesting practical aspects for regulatory authorities, for industry and for the organization that has in administration the Bucharest sewage system. Those aspects have been recorded, analyzed and their results are discussed considering the risk for human consumption as final target to be assessed. Conclusions are finally presented in relation with the general consensus that should be reached in order to fulfill the sustainable development principles and to meet the set targets.

Abstract:
Mine water from closed sites throughout the main Romanian mining areas represents a significant vector for water pollution. Those mine water, especially from non-ferrous mines have a high variability of chemical-physical characteristics (pH, conductivity, ORP, heavy metals, alkaline and alkaline earth ions, sulphate and chloride). There are significant challenges for the treatment of these types of water, including the removal of sulphate and alkaline-earth metals ions. For the sulphate removal, the biological reduction is one of the possible technical alternatives. This paper presents some results for a lab-scale trial for the evaluation of the potential of passive system for the biological sulphate reduction from mine waters.

Abstract:
In Suplacu de Barcau area the pollution with oil have very serious effects upon environment and the human population. The implementation of this technological method could provide a useful and profitable solution to solve the problems caused by the pollution. During the process of thermal desorption volatile products could be removed very efficiently, the base of this process is the physical separation of the components, being a remediation technology which use heat in order to increase the volatility of the components so these components could be removed by the solid matrix (inorganic soil components). Beside treating the wastes contaminated by oil products, this technology offer the possibility of oil recovery.