AbstractDuring the transition to a market economy, many countries with a planned economy in Central and Eastern Europe face similar challenges when the established socio-economic systems and infrastructures deemed inefficient in a market economy. Also new issues are being raised by the trends of globalization and the vision of sustainable development. In the energy sector the challenges raised by the Kyoto Protocol and its implementation mechanisms are especially interesting, because they are in...
Autori: Andrius Plepys, Giulia Gervasoni, Jean-Philippe Boutin, Kes McCormick, Kristin Seyboth, Luis Mundaca, Marko Ratton, Patrick Lamers, Robert Hlep
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25104

An aliphatic-amine-bearing chromatographic support, based on commercial silica, was prepared and tested as potential matrix for affinity immobilization of a copper/topaquinone-containing amine oxidase from lentil seedlings. The support proved to be noticeably effective in immobilizing the enzyme with concomitant purification and activity retention. The immobilization yields and some properties of this preparation were also determined and compared with those of the soluble enzyme. High activity r...
Autori: Barbara Noli, Enrico Sanjust, Francesca Sollai, Giovanni Floris
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25108

Abstract Hydrogen could be considered a synthetic secondary power carrier fuel in the years to come, subsequent to the fossil fuels economy. Thus the concept 'hydrogen economy' shall be defined, and it will also have a great influence in the future years.The field of power generation (producing electric power), transports, (electric cars), chemistry (hydrogen is a major raw material) are potential users of hydrogen.The experts support, by means of a series of economical and strategic analysis ma...
Autori: Corina Rădulescu, Elisabeta Păsculete, Florentina Condrea
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25111

The use of gasoline oxygenated with MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) reduced significantly air pollution (16 - 23% lower emissions of CO and 18% lower emissions of unburned hydrocarbons) but increased water pollution. There is no European or national regulations for MTBE in drinking water except for Denmark, which has set a limit value of 30 Âľg/ L for MTBE. USEPA proposed a maximum concentration of 20- 40 Âľg/L. This paper is a review with 70 references on the MTBE production, use, properties and...
Autori: Camelia Beţianu, Florina Ungureanu, Loredana Branza, Lucian Vasile Pavel, Maria Gavrilescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25122

Iinclude urmatoarele articole:� Process water of papermaking: model building and characterization� Landfill inventory in the Republic of Moldova: problems and solutions� Floodplain revegetation and river basin restoration� Environmental problems of copper complex in Bor area� Researches on air micro flora determination from public indoor spaces and hospital wards in an urban area� Current practice of solid waste management in Malaysia and its disposal� An assessment of potential he...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25199

In recent years the removal of toxic substances especially heavy metals from water and wastewater by using of non-conventional low-cost sorbent (industrial wastes and some natural material including microorganisms, plant-derived materials, agricultural products and by-products, mineral oxides, clays) has received much attention. In this paper efficiency of Zn (II) removal from aqueous solutions by sorption onto Romanian sphagnum peat moss was studied in batch experiments involving process parame...
Autori: Angelica Kicsi, , Matei Macoveanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25126

The Kyoto target for Romania was to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 8 % from the 1989 levels. The 1989 emissions were around 260 million tones. In 2000 the net CO2 emission - some 125 million tones - were 54% of the net CO2 emission in the reference year -1989, leaving some 115 million tones as a reserve or as a tradable resource to other countries that can not met their Kyoto targets. Assuming that Romania will sell 100 millions tones of its extra quota in accordance to Article 17 under ...
Autori: Ciprian Sebastian Munteanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25129

AbstractThe Kyoto target for Romania was to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 8 % from the 1989 levels. The 1989 emissions werearound 260 million tones. In 2000 the net CO2 emission - some 125 million tones - were 54% of the net CO2 emission in the reference year -1989, leaving some 115 million tones as a reserve or as a tradable resource to other countries that can not met their Kyoto targets. Assuming that Romania will sell 100 millions tones of its extra quota in accordance to Article 17...
Autori: Koshy Varghese, L. S. Ganesh,
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25130

AbstractThe goal of this paper is to examine the potential for ecologically and economically sustainable kraft pulp mills. This paper reviews technical and scientific literature on a wide range of factors that will influence the overall impact of a pulp mill on its total environment. The emphasis is on efforts to achieve "closed-loop," or Totally Effluent Free (TEF) mills which eliminate all liquid effluent and minimize the quantity and environmental impact of air and land discharges. An attempt...
Autori: Adrian Puitel, Dan Gavrilescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25202

AbstractMicrobial flora is an indicator of the environmental potential of allowing the air-transmitting infections. The paper presents the determination of micro-flora from public indoor spaces and hospital wards in an urban zone. There were used the following sampling and insemination methods: harvesting by sedimentation (Koch method) and harvesting by aspiration, filtration methods, barbotage method, impact method, electro-precipitation method and biotest Hycon. Air micro-flora determinations ...
Autori: Capatina Camelia, Cristinel Racoceanu, Gheorghe Lazăr
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25139

AbstractSafe water is fundamental for positive health and well-being. Much of the ill-health in society, especially in the developing countries, can be attributed to lack of harmless water. Each country elaborates its own drinking water standards based on healthbased targets.To ensure reliable consistent water-treatment and supply, drinking water standards have been prescribed both for drinking water supply and packaged/bottled water. Different countries prescribe standards that vary significant...
Autori: B. S. Nanda Kumar, D. Venkatakrishnappa, Monto Mani, Santosh M. Avvannavar
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25141

AbstractElectrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were used to characterize the electrochemical behaviour of the some commercial dental alloys: two PdAg based alloys (Paliag, PaliagMaestro), two NiCr based alloys (Wirolloy, VeraSoft), two CoCr based alloys (Vitallium, VeraPDI) and two CuAl based alloys (Gaudent, NPG+2) in artificial saliva. Impedance spectra were represented in the form of Bode plots and it was fitted using a commercial softwere package called Electrochemistry Po...
Autori: Daniel Mareci, Gina Ungureanu, Julia Claudia Mirza Rosca, Neculai Aelenei, Romeo Chelariu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25143

AbstractThe paper describes the synthesis and characterization of layered double hydroxides (LDH) intercalated with 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol(DNOC) and 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (2,6DBN) by anionic exchange method. The incorporation of the organic pesticides in the structure of layered double hydroxides can offer premises to increase the pesticide active life by reducing its volatilization, controlling the release of the pesticide from the layered structure and decreasing the pesticide adsorption in s...
Autori: Gabriela Lisa, Marcel Ionel Popa, Mihaela Frunza
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25144

AbstractIn 2004, the types of shoreline were estimated on Lake Balaton, such as rip-rap covered, reedy, concrete or grit. Exact area of a specific face of a rock in the rip-rap covered parts can be determined by digital image analysis. Wetted rocky area of the shore was estimated as a function of water level in 10 cm steps of level changes. Taking into account the reproduction characteristics of the studied fish species (Cyprinidae) the potential substrates for spawning are dominantly the shallo...
Autori: Gabor Borbely, Gabor Paulovits, Laszlo G. Toth, Nora Kovats
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25204

AbstractLead is unique among the toxic air contaminants that the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified it in several ways. Lead concentration is increasing rapidly in the environment due to increased use in anthropic activity. Lead is released into the atmosphere from metallurgy and siderurgy industry, during coal burning, oil or wastes, from power plants which use solid fuel, from traffic and the building sites. Regardless the exposure mode, the presence of lead in urban air, even in r...
Autori: Alina Murariu, Aurelia Meghea, Aurelian Stanescu, Ioana Lacatusu, Mihaela Mihai
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25205

AbstractThe mechanisms in the shaping of organic food in Denmark since the 1970'ies are analysed as a contribution to the discussion of strategies for a more sustainable production and consumption of food. The background is the major  achievements in Denmark within organic food since the 1970'ies, but also the recent years' reduction in the land converted to organic farming. The analyses are based on experiences from projects, analyses and literature and draw on innovation theory and theory...
Autori: Michael Sogaard Jorgensen
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25153

The amperometric response in dynamic or fixed potential conditions, as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) of a copper oxide-copper electrode was studied and proposed for the fast characterization of the simulated wastewaters containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and sulfur compounds, i.e., thioacetamide (TA) as organic pollutant models. The additivity of the individual amperometric signals in the overall response of the electrode for mixed solutions corresponded to over 95% recov...
Autori: Aniela Pop, Ciprian Radovan, Florica Manea, Georgeta Burtica, Ilie Vlaicu, Joop Schoonman, Marcel Morariu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25158

Contain all the articles from this issueICEEM /02 PLENARY SESSION:"Environmental Engineering and Management in the Context of Sustainable Development"Green technology foresight of high technology: Hype of potentials - The challenges from nanotechnology, Biotechnology and ICTMichael S?¸gaard J?¸rgensenIntrinsic properties of noble metals in catalytic selective reduction of NO by propene in lean burn conditionsAnne Giroir-Fendler, Helleh Saadallah, Adela HaletaICEEM/02 - ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING ...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25178

Include urmatoarele articole:� Removal of persistent organic pollutants from textile wastewater by membrane processes� Sustainability evaluation of an urban residential settlement� Removal of zinc (II) from aqueous solutions by romanian sphagnum peat moss� Development trends of cold plasma reactors in the global context of carbon emission reduction� Assessing the potential of wind power in Romania within Kyoto targets� Research on the impact induced in the environment by milk process...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25198

Include urmatoarele articole:� Keynote Lectures Energy from municipal solid waste: large-scale incineration or small-scale pyrolysis?� Electrical properties of SnO2-Pt/Al2O3 in reduction atmosphere� Corporate management tools to address sustainability Challenges. A reflection on the progress and difficulties experienced during the last decade� Emerging academic responsibilities and opportunities for promoting regional sustainability� Challenges for integrated water resources management...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25200

Include urmatoarele articole:� "Waste not, want not" a study of household attitude toward recycling of solid wastes� A kinetic model for the crystal violet mineralization in water by the electro- fenton process� Development of a coagulation/flocculation predictive model for turbidity removal from tehran water treatment plants� Removal of cadmium (II) from aqueous solutions by sphagnum moss peat: Equilibrium study� Environmental sustainability based on fuzzy models� Impact of dust emi...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25207

Include urmatoarele articole:� Cost sensitivity analysis by Monte Carlo simulation� Mathematical modeling of gas drying by adsorption� Methyl isobutyl ketone combustion over Pt/Al2O3 catalyst� Distribution of oxygen transfer rate in stirred bioreactors with simulated broths� Unsteady heat transfer inside an elliptic cylinder� Triphasic external-loop airlift reactors. Hydrodynamic and dispersion studies� Sustainable combined utilization of renewable forest resources and coal in Roma...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25209

AbstractFrom a traditional market economy perspective, the productivity attained when water and land is used for acequias is much lower than the productivity achieved when applying these same resources to urban and industrial uses. An analysis of key stakeholders has indicated that there are cultural and environmental attributes of acequia agriculture landscapes that are not captured in the market-assigned value of acequias. This analysis revealed the motivations behind the value placed on acequ...
Autori: Joseph Ulibarri, Steven Archambault
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25212

AbstractVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) constitutes an important class of environmental pollutants, which, together with other contaminants as NOx, SOx, CO, NH3, CO2 etc. participate in degradation of atmosphere and exhibit a potential risk for human health. VOC emissions may be generated in more than 25 percentages through the use of solvents in different industrial or house holding activities. For applying a certain plan concerning the pollution reduction, any user of organic solvents contai...
Autori: Florin Bandrabur, Ion Balasanian, Liliana Lazar
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25218

AbstractThis work presents the state of the art of qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methodologies in a variety of fields. Because risk exists in all ranges of human activity, both private and professional, risk assessment is an attempt to analyze precipitating causes of risk in order to more efficiently reduce its probability and effects. Numerous methodological guidelines within the field of environmental science exist to provide guidance for a risk assessment program, although the ...
Autori: , , Florentina Anca Căliman, Maria Gavrilescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25226

AbstractBased on the polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the case of three commercial alloys (Wirolloy, NicromalSoft and VeraSoft) maintained in artificial saliva, it was established the type and the intensity of the corrosion process by means of the corrosion currents value. The passivation of all the samples occurred spontaneously at the open circuit potential. The corrosion currents value decrease after the alloys maintenance in the corrosive medium due the...
Autori: Daniel Mareci, Gina Ungureanu, Julia Claudia Mirza Rosca, Neculai Aelenei
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25235

AbstractThe removal of formasine fines particles from water by precipitation with polyelectrolyte and surfactant complex of Polyacrylamide (industrial product Praestol 611 made by Degussa) and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) was experimentally studied. Calcium oxide was added to initiate precipitation of the polyelectrolyte complex together with the fines particles. The experiments were carried out with complexes having the surfactants concentration higher then the critical aggregation concentratio...
Autori: Cristina Costache, Gabriel Dabija, Mihaela Mihai
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25238

AbstractAn assessment of acide drainage forming potential for a mining waste material resulted in a former mine of nonferrous and precious metals ore has been made. The waste material has the following contents: 2,20?ˇ2,28% sulphide sulphur, 2,53?ˇ2,58% Fe, 0,07% Cu, 0,05% Zn, 0,36?ˇ0,40% Pb, 0,008?ˇ0,013% Ca and 3,85?ˇ7,97% sulphate. Bacterial leaching tests in percolating columns during 380 days have been made. The leaching liquor has been recirculated at a liquid:solid ratio of 1L:1kg. After ...
Autori: Vasile Oros
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25239

AbstractThis paper presents an overview of research related to use of surfactant modified natural zeolites (SMZ) in water and wastewater treatment. The most common natural zeolite, widely used as starting material is clinoptilolite, but other natural zeolites have also been used (chabasite, heulandite, mordenite). In the first part, the preparation methods and the influence of process parameters on the final product properties is reviewed. The discussion is focused on the influence of surfactant...
Autori: , Cezar Catrinescu, Roxana Elena Apreutesei
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25241

AbstractThe synthesis of some grafted polysiloxane and azo-polysiloxanes with potential applications as rheology modifiers or surfactants for waterborne paints is reported. Nowadays it became very important to design environmentally friendly systems exhibiting the best end-uses properties. Due to their complex architecture and their sensitivity to UV radiation the studied polymeric systems exhibit very interesting rheological properties. All the polymers containing the azobenzenic groups in the ...
Autori: Constanta Ibanescu, Ioana Moleavin, Iulian Nor, Nicolae Hurduc, Viorel Sandu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25252

AbstractA comprehensive characterization of fly ash from Iasi, Romania has been carried out in order to set up the utilization potential of fly ash resulting in appreciable amounts from thermal power plants as a waste, which leads to soil and groundwater contamination, as well as atmospheric pollution. This fly ash can be classified on the base chemical and technological properties in F class. Having in mind the assignment of the processing conditions, the fly ash can be used as sorbent for poll...
Autori: , Maria Harja, Marinela Bărbuţă, Nicolae Apostolescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25259

AbstractIn this study, we follow the chrome distribution and his association forms with mineral and organic components, from 14 soilsamples from industrial zone of IaÂ?i city.The total chrome concentration in studied soil samples varied between 11.73-129.35 μg/g, being lower than the normal values only for four samples. The Cr(VI) weight of total chrome content varied between 3.78-14.52 %. For none of studied soil samples the chrome content is not over to value of alert concentration. The q...
Autori: Constantin Rusu, Doru Juravle, Dumitru Bulgariu, Laura Bulgariu, Matei Macoveanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25260

AbstractThe corrosion resistance of three types of low-carbon steels in water-contaminated mixtures of adipic acid and methanol was investigated. The concentration of water in the organic mixture was progressively raised from 1% to 5%, while the carbon concentration in the steel samples varied from 2% to 4%. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to investigate the insoluble corrosion products. Based on the weight losses measurements, on the polarization curves and on t...
Autori: Adrian Cailean, Daniel Mareci, Daniel Sutiman, Mircea Teodor Nechita
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25287

? Denitrifying activity of activated sludge in suspension and in biofilm? Denitrifying potential of an activated sludge derived consortium? Biosorption of hexavalent chromium based on modified Y zeolites obtained by alkali-treatment? Identifying anaerobic digestion models using simultaneous batch experiments? Olive mill wastewater as a renewable resource? Influence of innoculum acclimation in the biodegradation rate and estimated biodegradbility of cow manure, food waste and oil? Studies on the ...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25378

Abstract In this paper preliminary results of studies concerning the extraction of uranium(VI) from soils in aqueous PEG (1550) 20 % - Na2SO4 20 % - Na2CO3 10-2-10-3 M two-phase systems are presented, as well as the spectrophotometric determination of extracted uranium with pirocatechol violet (PV). A special attention was given to the experimental factors (pH, redox potential, CO32- anion concentration and initial uranium concentration), which was found to influence both the formation and stabi...
Autori: Daniel Condorachi, Doru Juravle, Dumitru Bulgariu, Laura Bulgariu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25290

AbstractSoil pollution causes significant damage to the environment and human health as a result of their mobilities and solubilities.Significant progress has been made in regulating soil pollution, with a parallel development of methodologies for soil assessmentand remediation. The selection of the most appropriate soil and sediment remediation method depend on site characteristics, concentration, type of pollutants to be removed, and the end use of the contaminated medium. The approach include...
Autori: Attar Singh Sheoran, Poonia Poonam, Vimla Sheoran
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25291

AbstractThe possibility of biological phosphorus removal (BPR) was studied using a lab-scale single reactor the same as SHARON process. Up to now, there has been no investigation of the feasibility of SHARON process for the purpose of phosphate removal. The optimal operation conditions were established to obtain highest removal rates. Under the experimental conditions, the phosphorus concentration dropped from an influent concentration of 1000 mg/L to levels around 0.1 mg/L or less. It was concl...
Autori: Abbas Rezaee, Hatam Godini, Masod Solimani, Nayera Nami
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25293

AbstractThe paper discusses some aspects concerning the utilization of biomass as a bioenergy resource worldwide and in Romania, since  biomass is considered a sustainable, potentially environmentally sound and a replenishable resource. The biomass categories for bioenergy are analyzed, considering the factors which influence its availability. Biomass energy potential and current use in different regions as well as in Europe is accounted. Also, biomass power as an important alternative for ...
Autori: Maria Gavrilescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25298

AbstractThe development of technologies for waste treatment, simultaneously with minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, has become a matter of great concern at global level. Biogas systems can help in the fight against global warming by avoiding to escape methane from organic waste, into the atmosphere. Biogas technology is of great benefit to the end-users and the environment by energy, compost and nutrient recovery. Romania is a country with a huge biomass potential. Implementing of biogas techn...
Autori: , Corina Alice Babutanu, Gheorghe Băran
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25300

AbstractAt the beginning of 3rd century the humankind finds at a crossroads. Daily, people assist at miracles, live in a time of change, both in economical and rational areas. Energy demand is expected to increase steadily over the next couple of decades, as income levels and economic output expand, especially in the new democratic states after ’90th.Renewable energy resources represent a new opportunity in Romania, with less participation in the market than those forums outside of the country...
Autori: Camelia Ciubota-Rosie, Maria Gavrilescu, Matei Macoveanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25305

AbstractPulp and paper mills generate various quantities of energy-rich biomass as wastes, depending on technological level, pulp and paper grades and wood quality. These wastes are produced in all stages of the process: wood preparation, pulp and paper manufacture, chemical recovery, recycled paper processing, waste water treatment. Energy recovery from wastes of different origin has become a generally accepted alternative to their disposal. Pulp and paper industry expresses an interest in adap...
Autori: Dan Gavrilescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25307

AbstractThis paper discusses the results of study concerning the interaction between the birch veneer and some compounds with biocide potential action are presented. With this end in view the samples of veneer were immersed in solutions with a concentration of 5% of the following products: unmodified straw lignin or modified through hydroxymethylation, furan resin and tannins dissolved in 0.1 N ammonia solution. To make a comparison, the same combined treatments were applied, using ammonia solut...
Autori: Adina-Mirela Capraru, Elena Ungureanu, Valentin I. Popa
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25309

Include urmatoarele articole:� Biomass - A source of chemicals and energy for sustainable development � Equilibrium study of Pb(II) and Hg(II) sorption from aqueous solutions by moss peat� Wood-based epoxy resins and the ramie fiber reinforced composites� Studies on the interaction between birch veneer and compounds with biocide potential action� Effect of methanogenic inhibitors, inocula type, and temperature on biohydrogen production from food components� Energy from biomass in pul...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25313

AbstractThe present article deals with the study of the quality of the soils in the Cordun area – the waste dump. This refers to the characteristics of the analyzed location site (geomorphological, geological considerations, the pedological and agrochemical characterization of the soils in the area outside the plant), but also to the establishment of the pollution rate in the location site (experimenata data, results and debates). The conclusion of the present article is that the analyzed area...
Autori: Elena Doinita Carlig, Matei Macoveanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25315

AbstractThe paper proposes a solution for life quality improvement by changing the individual’s mentality and creating a sustainable behavior. The solution consists of the development of a psycho-behavioral pattern starting from the Gorgon experiences. The latter are hurtful experiences in the individual’s life the effect of which is a complete or partial emotional components blockage. The hindrance of these components performance affects the individual’s behavior, placing him or her in a ...
Autori: Brindusa Robu, , Matei Macoveanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25323

AbstractConsidering that the fate and behaviour of contaminants within the environment is an extremely complex issue, this paper analyzes the development of predictive models which can contribute to the understanding of the release of a contaminant.  Different types of models concerning the atmospheric transport of POPs are examined, taking into consideration that these models can be used to simulate the behaviour of contaminants. A successful simulation, in which there is satisfactory agre...
Autori: Camelia Smaranda, Maria Gavrilescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25327

AbstractThe electrochemical behaviour of Ti6Al4V and Ti6Al4Zr alloys has been evaluated in Ringer's solution at 250C. The effect of the substitution of vanadium in Ti6Al4V alloy has been specifically addressed. The evaluation of the corrosion resistance was carried out through the analysis of the open circuit potential variation with time, potentiodynamic polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. Very low current densities were obtained (order of nA/cm2) from t...
Autori: Adrian Cailean, Daniel Mareci, Daniel Sutiman, Igor Creţescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25334

- Artificial intelligence applications in the atmospheric environment: status and future trends- Kernel methods and neural networks for water resources management- Environmental decision support systems based on models and model-based reasoning- Towards an intelligent tutoring system for environmental decision makers- SBC-MEDIU: A multi-expert system for environmental diagnosis- Fast and accurate residential fire detection using wireless sensor networks- Validation of a knowledge-based risk mode...
Autori: http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25377

AbstractPaint sludge of automotive industry contains heavy metals and other toxic substances. Due to this matter, it has a high pollution potential. Incorrect disposal of paint sludge led to kinds of environmental pollution. Recycling and reusing of wastes can be one of the best solutions for decreasing of pollutant entrance to environment. The purpose of this study was to present a new method of extracting the main components of paint sludge, for determining concentration of elements in paint s...
Autori: Azadeh Akhavan Bloorchian, Seyed Mostafa Khezri
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25346

AbstractA study was fulfilled concerning the source and the distribution of PAHs in the effluent proceeding from an oil refinery. The monitoring of the PAHs concentration in the refinery’s effluent also was performed during a year long. The practical goal of the work was to observe the complying with the limits imposed by the current legislation and to identify the potential risks of exceeding these limits in the future. For this study, gas chromatographic and HPLC methods were used. The metho...
Autori: Anca Iuliana Birladeanu, Claudia Irina Koncsag, Mariana Popescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25357

AbstractTitanium alloys show attractive properties for biomedical applications where the most important factors are biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, low modulus of elasticity, very good strength-to-weight ratio, reasonable formability and osseointegration. The aim of present study was to evaluate the electrochemical behaviour of Ti6Al7Nb alloy in Ringer’s solution of different pH. This evaluation was carried out through the analysis of the potentiodynamic polarization curves, and electr...
Autori: Daniel Mareci, Julia Claudia Mirza Rosca, Marina Garcia Falcon
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25363

Include urmatoarele articole:� Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, Vol. 8 Nr. 2� Bioengineering aspects of tissues culture bioreactors for medicine and environmental applications� Removal of bis (1-chloro-2-propyl) ether from wastewater using sonodegradation and biodegradation� A novel plasma reactor for toluene decomposition in contaminated air flow� Study of the copper (II) removal from aqueous solutions by chelating resin Purolite S930 � Analysis of some metal levels...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25371

AbstractWind energy is being used extensively in various areas as an economically and environmentally friendly type of energy. The number of wind farms is continuously developing and it is foreseen a three time increase in contribution of wind energy to European electricity consumption for next twenty years. A complementary trend, of large potential and expectations, is the revival of the small wind turbines (SWT) (<100 kW), suitable for operating in rural areas with moderate winds. In the ca...
Autori: Irina Tiţa, Doru Calarasu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25383

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to analyze the recycling potential of printing papers, which are obtained by two different filler loading processes: conventional loading by direct addition of calcium carbonate to cellulose fiber suspension and in-situ loading by precipitating calcium carbonate within cell wall and lumen of pulp fibres. In order to evidence the influences of the both filler content and loading method, a reference sample for recycling was obtained without filler, but using th...
Autori: Maria Ciobanu, Elena Bobu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25386

AbstractThe adsorption characteristics of n-hexane vapors from gaseous stream onto two types of hypercrosslinked polymeric resins (MN 202 and MN 250), and a bituminous granular activated carbon (AC 20) was investigated. The n-hexane influent concentration ranged from 2100 to 4500 ppm and the adsorption processes were performed at 30, 40 and 50 ?C. Thermodynamic potentials ?H, ?S, and ?G and isosteric heats of adsorption were calculated from experiment performed at different temperatures (30-50?C...
Autori: Adela Marilena Buburuzan, Cezar Catrinescu, Matei Macoveanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25393

Abstract Human exposure to heavy metals requires special surveillance measures on these elements in human body in order to detect a relation between heavy metal exposure and adverse health effects. The aim of this paper is focused on biomonitoring contamination with heavy metals in fish foodstuffs and in blood, and corroboration of contaminant levels with immunotoxicological effects on target groups of consumers. The final goal is to establish some recommendations on human diet with fish food...
Autori: Aurelia Meghea, Alina Murariu, Cristina Tanase, Eleonora Codorean
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25398

Abstract The potential of using ultrasonic irradiation and microbiological treatment for the removal bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) ether from aqueous solutions has been investigated. Experiments were performed in a continuous bioreactor, 3500 mL volume, and in an ultrasonic bath respectively, using frequencies of 38+1kHz and applying a power of 30 W. Under these conditions, the sonochemical conversion of ether was found to be superior to the biological one. The ultrasound method was improved by air ...
Autori: Mihaela Iordache, Vasile Lucian Pavel, Lim Myunghee, Ioan Iordache
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25403

Abstract Pollution with toxic metals is a serious concern, because once these elements enter in the soil they can be present for a long time, with the potential contamination of drinking water sources. Certain metals in soil may be taken up by plants which are subsequently harvest for human consumption. Our objective was to study the presence of heavy metals in soils, groundwater sources, some medicinal plants from areas of the water sources and in its watery extracts. All of the samples, af...
Autori: Diana Diaconu, Victor Nastase, Mara Mihaela Nanau, Ovidiu Nechifor, Elena Nechifor
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25411

Abstract Phytoremediation is an eco-friendly, cost effective, in situ treatment technology. In the present research study, phytoremediation technology has been employed for remediation of radionuclides namely 137Cs and 90Sr by using living green plant Catharanthus roseus. C. roseus plants were exposed to different activity levels of 137Cs and 90Sr in aquatic condition to assess the efficiency of plants for remediation of radionuclides. C. roseus plants have been found to remediate 70%, 52% an...
Autori: Singh Anamika, Susan Eapen, Madhusudan H. Fulekar
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25417

Abstract The paper highlights the combustion possibilities of crude vegetable oils as fuels for stationary application. This is an opportunity of a new utilization in Romania of tee vegetable oils, for electricity production and heating systems, instead of the current situation of using in transportation as biodiesel fuel. The research focuses on crude vegetable oils obtained from some indigenous cultures: rape, soy, sunflower. An overview of the agricultural potential of oleaginous plants is...
Autori: Ion Oprea, Ionel Pisa, , Tudor Prisecaru, Gheorghe Lazaroiu, Gabriel Negreanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25424

Abstract Transition to a more sustainable economy and the consequences of the Kyoto protocol on global climate change, includes a shift of feedstock for energy and chemical industries from fossil fuels and petrochemicals to renewable resources. The use of vegetal fibers as major source of renewable resources represents a valuable alternative both from economical and environmental points of view. Traditionally, vegetal fibers are widely used in textile industry, paper manufacture, and packagin...
Autori: Dan Gavrilescu, Bogdan Marian Tofanica, Adrian Catalin Puitel, Puiu Petrea
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25431

Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate the electrochemical behavior of a three casting non-precious dental alloys: Vera PDI (Co-Cr based), Heraenium (Ni-Cr based) and NPG+2 (Cu-Al based) three test solutions: artificial saliva (AFNOR, pH = 8), acidified saliva (pH = 2.5) and fluoridated acidified saliva (1000 ppm F-, pH = 2.5). Open circuit potential (EOC) measurement; potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are the electrochemical proce...
Autori: Daniel Mareci, Daniel Sutiman, Adrian Cailean, Julia Claudia Mirza Rosca
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25435

Abstract The mass of usage of secondary plastics are mostly determined by their quality and price. Therefore it was essentially to collect and evaluate the related aspects and expectations from the potential secondary-plastics users. To enable this in the frame of the W2Plastics EU7 project (Magnetic Sorting and Ultrasound Sensor Technologies for Production of High Purity Secondary Polyolefins from Waste) an adequate questionnaire was worked and sent out to automotive plastics end-product man...
Autori: Andrea Toldy, Brigitta Bodzay, Mircea Tierean
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25443

Abstract This paper presents the corrosion processes of steel samples with different composition, in aggressive corrosion solutions containing chloride ions. The inhibition capacity of two new Mannich basis: 2-aceto-4-morpholylmetyl-1-naphtol (BM1) and 1- (2'-hydroxynaphtyl)-3-(4-morpholyl)-1-propanone (BM2) was tested and compared. The corrosion tests were done in a potentiostatic installation and, based on the polarization curves, the Tafel plots were obtained. The kinetic and thermodynamic...
Autori: Ileana Manciulea, Cristina Bogatu, Eugenia Comanita, Anca Duta, Lucia Dumitrescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25459

Abstract Wood has been used as an engineering material because it is low in cost, renewable and strong and it requires low processing energy. Wood has many excellent properties that result from its exceptional combination of microstructural, ultrastructural and molecular features. The main drawback is its dimensional instability in the presence of moisture, which can affects also the biological stability. Wood is susceptible to degradation in a number of ways, including rot or decay, insect a...
Autori: Lucia Dumitrescu, Ileana Manciulea
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25473

Abstract Herbs have been used as food and for medicinal purposes for centuries. In recent years, natural compounds such as phenolic acids, phenolic diterpenes and triterpenes, present in various plants, have been the subject of intense research due to their potential benefits for human health. It has been demonstrated that the antioxidant and radical scavenge activities are the main properties of these compounds. The main difficulties in using natural products as a source for pharmaceutical ...
Autori: Ruxanda Bodirlau, Iuliana Spiridon, Carmen Alice Teaca, Narcis Anghel, Maria Ichim, Svetlana Colceru , Alice Armatu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25474

Abstract The purpose of this work is to investigate the secondary Al slag (SAS) relating to its technical and environmental properties and, as consequence, to its compatibility with Portland cement matrix. This study may be a contribution to establish of SAS potential valorization as secondary raw material (SRM) in low strength cement matrix composites, as construction products. DRX mineralogical analyses revealed that SAS includes transition alumina compounds, especial boehmite. The hydrati...
Autori: Maria Gheorghe, Nastasia Panait, Romanita Teodorescu, Maria Roman
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25498

Abstract The cleanup of environmental pollution involves a variety of techniques, ranging from simple biological processes to advanced engineering technologies. Cleanup activities may also address a wide range of contaminants. Technologies to remediate contaminated soil fall into two principal clean-up approaches: in-situ (which is always done onsite), or ex-situ (which can be done on- or off-site). In-situ treatment deals with contamination without removing material from the ground, while ex...
Autori: Maria Gavrilescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25501

Abstract Bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil is one of the major concerns of our days. Phytoextraction has been lately utilized as an alternative of in situ remediation technology for polluted soils but is generally perceived to be too slow. Even so, phytoextraction is an efficient long lasting, accessible and environmentally friendly technique. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the phytoextraction potential of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in stress conditions induced by heavy me...
Autori: Alina Stingu, Irina Volf, Valentin I. Popa
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25508

Abstract The individual physical, chemical, and biological interactions that determine the exposure of plants and animals to chemicals associated with soils are of great importance in the assessment of contaminants bioavailability. Understanding of bioavailability processes is at last needed to improve the scientific basis of risk assessment and is the purpose of the present research. Since bioavailability processes are embedded within existing human health and ecological risk frameworks, so...
Autori: Brindusa Mihaela Robu, Camelia Smaranda, Florentina Anca Căliman, Laura Carmen Apostol, Lucian Vasile Pavel, Maria Gavrilescu, Raluca Maria Hlihor
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25516

Abstract The idea of sustainable farming relies on raising its yield along with a safe and constant gain with minimum environmental impact and by ensuring the population’s food security. Sustainable agriculture is a large concept that encompasses the complexity of this production system, the biological stability of farming plants and varieties, the conservation and protection of natural resources, but also the implementing and generalization of high-output modern technologies. Sustainable a...
Autori: Brindusa Robu, Carmen Cătălina Ioan, Edinel Robu, Matei Macoveanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25520

Abstract The constructed wetlands are considered as a low-cost alternative system for nitrogen removal. Shale was selected as a media in constructed wetlands, on the basis of adsorption capacity and suitability for plant growth. The specific objective of this study was to evaluate nitrogen adsorption capacity for using as a media in constructed wetlands. Shale was sieved into 5 particle sizes Shale A-E. The physical and chemical characteristics of shale showed that it is suitable to be use as...
Autori: Amara Daothaisong, Jareeya Yimrattanabovorn
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25535

Abstract It is well known that the conventional fuels are responsible for environmental pollution. On the other hand, the unconventional sources for energy and biofuels are more environmentally friendly with a lower pollution degree than the conventional ones. Following the European Union Directive 2003/30/EC regarding the use of biodiesel in mixture with conventional diesel and its gradual replacement, Romania has either to produce its own percentage of biodiesel for the mixture or to import...
Autori: Teodor Robu, Alexandru Dragos Robu, Aurel Chiran, Elena Gindu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25540

Abstract Ballast water is used to supply stability on ships that have no load. It is loaded on before departure and often carries stowaways in the form of tiny organisms. To avoid that, the ballast water can be treated on board. Treating ballast water to free it from potentially harmful invasive species is a challenging problem. Alfa Laval in cooperation with Wallenius Water has been developed one system that cleans ballast water during ballasting and de ballasting operation. The paper presen...
Autori: Liviu Constantin Stan, Nicolae Buzbuchi, Feiza Memet
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25567

Abstract This work describes the preparation of a hydroxyapatite/polyurethane composite membrane and their characteristics. The porous hydroxyapatite/polyurethane composite membranes were made via solvent casting process. The deposited hydroxyapatite layers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The data suggest that the method utilized in this work can be applied to obtain deposition of coating of crystalline hydroxyapatite on porous polyurethane...
Autori: Gabriela Ciobanu, Dorina Ignat, Gabriela Carja, Constantin Luca
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25572

Abstract In Europe, recovered paper is a valuable raw material for the paper industry already since the early 20th century, actually corresponding to half of the total use of fibres for paper and board production. The aim of this paper is to describe the present status of paper recycling in Europe and thereby to create a data basis for evaluation the results of the FP7 project ?Recovered Paper Sorting by Innovative Technologies ? SORT IT. The overview is based on specific questionnaires addre...
Autori: Dan Gavrilescu, Elena Bobu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25579

Abstract The Environment Action Program foresees the development of a Thematic Strategy concerning the sustainable use of natural resources and waste management (Report EUR 21002 EN, 2004). In this context, the activities regarding the research and industrial development related to waste valorization through recycling and reusing have been grown. The wastes resulted from the fine ceramic technological process (scraps, used molds etc.) may be valorized. The used molds can be valorized in other...
Autori: Ion Balasanian, Liliana Lazar
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25582

Abstract The removal efficiency of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions by sorption on a bifunctional acrylic ion exchange resin with groups of hydroxamic acid and amidoxime is presented. It was found that Pb(II) sorption potential varies as function of solution pH, initial metal concentration, contact time and temperature. From aqueous solutions with Pb(II) initial concentration of 82.96 ?ŽÂ?g/mL the sorption percentage is 98.64%. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to model the Pb(II) ...
Autori: Anca Ceica, Carmen Paduraru, Igor Creţescu, Lavinia Tofan, Violeta Neagu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25586

Abstract Commercial pure titanium (Cp-Ti) and titanium alloys are used on large scale in restorative dentistry due to their advantages as compared with other similar materials: chemical inertia, low density, high strength, high corrosion resistance in biological media and increased biocompatibility.The effect of fluoride and pH on the corrosion behaviour of Cp-Ti and a new Ti50Ta alloy were examined by open circuit potential (EOC) measurement, linear polarization, potentiodynamic polarization...
Autori: Daniel Mareci, Daniel Sutiman, Georgiana Ciurescu, Igor Creţescu, Romeo Chelariu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25591

Abstract The use of biomaterials as biosorbents for treatment of wastewaters will provide as a potential alternate to the conventional treatment methods. The main advantages of biosorption are high selectivity , cost effectiveness and good removal performance. World wide numerous low cost bio materials have tried for biosorption of dyes. In this present investigation, the dead biomass of Penicillium sp. fungus and wood sawdust was used as biosorbents and their capacity to removed malachite gr...
Autori: Cornel Pohontu, Florin Luca, Igor Creţescu, Manea Liliana, Mariana Diaconu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25593

Abstract The former Arad Chemical Fertilizer Plant had an important polluting effect on environment and, although it was shut down in 1990, its environmental heritage still exists. The paper contains a short description of the former plant and its impact on the environment, mainly on the quality of water and soil and emphasizes the effects of polluting heritage that still exists. Today, one of the major problems on the platform of the former Fertilizer Plant is the existence of all concrete b...
Autori: Aurica Grec, Florin Dumescu, Ladislau Klein
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25599

Abstract Some samples consisting in silica functionalized in different degrees with dihydroxy-azomethine groups have been tested as sorbents for copper (II) ions from aqueous solutions in different conditions. An indirect monitoring procedure for the complexing process was approached: UV-VIS absorption intensity ? time variation for the metal-containing solution in which complexing silica was soaked. In order to find the conditions in which the maximum efficiency in the metal absorption can b...
Autori: Ciprian-George Piuleac, Maria Cazacu, Silvia Curteanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25608

Abstract Characterization of soil permeability is of great importance for several geotechnical analyses. In common practice, because of the difficulty in sampling of granular material, constant head permeability tests are usually employed on specimens having similar relative densities to those in the field. An alternative approach to permeability tests for granular soils is the prediction of permeability levels by means of empirical equations depending on several particle size distribution an...
Autori: Alper Sezer, Burak A. Goktepe, Selim Altun
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25609

Abstract The adsorption behavior of bael tree (BT) leaf powder for cadmium ions from aqueous solutions has been investigated as a function of appropriate equilibrium time, adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentrations and pH using a batch system. Studies showed that the pH of aqueous solutions affected cadmium removal as a result of the fact that removal efficiency increased with increasing solution pH. The maximum adsorption was 93.56% at solution pH equal to 6.0, contact time of 30 min and initi...
Autori: Ponnusamy Senthilkumar, Rangasamy Gayathri
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25621

Abstract The aim of this work was the evaluation of the denitrification potential of a consortium of activated sludge adapted to anoxic conditions. As the carbon source is the main parameter influencing the denitrification process, in the first stage three carbon sources (acetate, citrate and glucose) were assayed in batch activity tests. The highest denitrification efficiency was ttained with acetate, being nitrate and nitrite completely reduced. The adapted sludge was then used as a potent...
Autori: Joana Azeredo, Pilar Teixeira, Rosario Oliveira, Zelia Fernandes
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25638

? STUDY OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM OILSEED PLANTS II. EVALUATION OF BIODISEL PRODUCTION FROM SOME CULTIVARS OF RAPES ? STUDY OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM OILSEED PLANTS I. EVALUATION OF THE GENETIC SIMILARITY OF SOME Brassica Napus CULTIVARS USING RAPD MARKERS ? STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION AND IN VITRO CYTOTOXIC POTENTIAL OF COAL DUST IN A ROMANIAN POWER PLANT ? MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN BENGHAZI (LIBYA): CURRENT PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES ? COMPARATIVE ENVIRONM...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25661

? AN ASSESSMENT OF OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS FOR THE REMOVAL OF CHLOROPHENOLS FROM WASTEWATER ? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES: A PSYCHOLOGICAL-BEHAVIORAL MODEL FOR RESEARCHERS ? ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE: DYNAMICS OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES IN SOILS CULTIVATED WITH MAIZE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC FERTILIZATION ? SOLAR-ASSISTED JOULE-BRAYTON ENGINES USED TO REDUCE CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS ? STUDY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF HEATING SYSTEMS ? MIXED JET-VORTEX METHOD FOR ...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25662

? COMPARATIVE CONSIDERATIONS ON THE STRUCTURE OF SOME MOLYBDENUM/NIOBIUM DOUBLE PEROVSKITES OXIDES ? THE INFLUENCE OF THE STORAGE TIME ON THE STABILITY OF BUTTER ? CaCO3 CONTROLLABLE SYNTHESIS BY DOUBLE EXCHANGE METHOD USING CaCl2 RESIDUAL SOLUTIONS ? OPTIMIZATION OF COAGULATION-FLOCCULATION IN THE TREATMENT OF CANAL WATER ? ANODIC DETERMINATION OF PENTACHLOROPHENOL FROM WATER USING CARBON NANOFIBER-BASED COMPOSITE ELECTRODE ? STUDY OF PRECIPITATES GROWTH IN COAGULATION ...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25663

? Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, Vol. 9 Nr. 4 ? THE PROTECTION OF EQUIPMENTS USING VOLATILE INHIBITORS ? CONTINUOUS SURFACE TEMPERATURE MONITORING TO ESTIMATE SENSIBLE HEAT LOSS BY BUILDING FINISHES ? RECYCLE OF POLYAMIDE DYEING WASTEWATER FOLLOWING DECOLORIZATION WITH POLYMERIC SORBENTS ? PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF AMINO ACID SALT-BASED COMPLEX ABSORBENTS FOR CO2 CAPTURE ? ADSORPTION EQUILIBRIUM STUDIES ON COPPER (II) IONS REMOVAL BY NATURAL WASTE USIN...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25666

? EFFECT OF ELECTRICAL CURRENT ON H2/ H2O2 GENERATION IN NON-THERMAL PLASMA GLIDING ARC REACTORS ? ADVANCES IN THE VISUALIZATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL SEISMIC VOLUME DATA ? CHARACTERIZATION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION FROM A PATIENT MONITOR ? METHODS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE REDUCTION IN ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC SIGNAL ACQUISITION ? SPHERICAL MODEL OF THE HUMAN HEAD EXPOSED TO ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD ? BRAIN ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY RECORDING IN SOME ELECTROMAGNETIC ENVIRONM...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25667

? HYDROGEL MICROSPHERES BASED ON ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY POLYMERS WITH POTENTIAL BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS ? STUDY ON THE MIXING EFFICIENCY IN A BASKET BIOREACTOR WITH IMMOBILIZED YEASTS CELLS ? MANAGEMENT OF WASTE FROM ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IN CYPRUS ? A CASE STUDY ? SEPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTHOCYANINS BY ANALYTICAL AND ELECTROCHEMICAL METHODS ? AN INTEGRATED DECISION AID FOR IDENTIFYING AND PRIORITIZING STRATEGIES IN FOREST MANAGEMENT ? INFLUEN...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25668

The abundant and inexhaustible solar energy has been widely considered a viable solution to the energy-shortage problem as well as the pollution of the environment. Therefore, it is an urgent need to perform detailed and reliable estimation of available solar resource in order to shift from traditional fossil fuels to the rich solar energy. However, such a scientific action has been often taken simply from the theoretical reserves, with few regards for the specific using scenarios. This paper in...
Autori: Guangxu Liu, Wenxiang Wu, Quansheng Ge, Erfu Dai, Zhiwei Wan, Yang Zhouhttp://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25690

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is widely used as disinfectant in tertiary sewage treatment process. In order to identify the impact of disinfection with ClO2 on treated water quality, secondary effluent pretreated by coagulation was disinfected by ClO2, and the characteristic of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the biological toxicity of the water before and after disinfection were investigated. The results showed that ClO2 could remove part of DOM and the removal rate of hydrophobic (HO) component b...
Autori: Lihua Cheng, Xuejun Bi, Aihua He, Changqing Liu, Qi Wang, Zuliang Liaohttp://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25692

Abstract:Point of zero charge (PZC) is defined as the condition at which the surface charge density of a material equals to zero and, formost of the solids it is strongly pH dependent. The PZC can be controlled by tuning the solid surface properties (crystallinestructure, morphology) and by a proper environment control, thus it is important to evaluate the PZC for a certain type of material,in given working conditions, for enhancing the efficiency in the targeted application (e.g. layer by layer...
Autori: Laura Maria Bertus, Radu Adrian Carcel
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25721

Abstract:This work concerns studies related to strategic development of products in which bio-based plastics are or will be applied, referredto as bio-based products. The studies cover (1) current and potential benefits of bio-based products in extended value chainsincluding activities after end-of-life of products, (2) value communication between stakeholders in extended value chains, and (3)creating an integrated development approach for optimized bio-based products. Most existing models for v...
Autori: J.W. Lin, Jarmila Kopecká, Kim Ragaert, Ludwig Cardon, Maarten De Groote, Rolf Koster
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25728

Abstract:In this paper the study on the possibilities of converting chopped reed stalk biomass into briquettes is described, in the conditions of harvesting water reed plant from Danube Delta region in winter time and based on briquetting technology used for wood waste from production. The water reed tested in the research has been harvested from Tulcea reed bed, one of the largest in Romania, chopped in a veneer drum chipper and compacted into the hydraulic briquette machine. The paper focuses ...
Autori: Aurel Lunguleasa, Camelia Coşereanu, Constantin - Radu Gheorghiu, Dumitru Lica, Gavril Budău
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25734

Abstract:The increasing of energy consumption and fossil fuel emissions (especially CO2, SO2 and NOx) and the limitation of crude oilreserves, determined a growing trend toward renewable energy technologies, like solar, wind, geo-thermal energy and biomass forbiofuels.From all the renewable energies sources, biomass attracts more and more interest being a renewable resource with economicpotential, which can be found all over the world, with positive environmental properties due to neutral emissi...
Autori: Anca Sauciuc, Angela Potetz, Georg Schlaub, Gerald Weber, Hermann Hofbauer, Lucia Dumitrescu, Reinhard Rauch, Ziad Abosteif
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25762

Abstract:In Romania, the small hydro power scheme (mini-, micro- and pico- hydro power) represents a potential renewable energy sourcefor electrical energy. Nevertheless, this small hydro potential must be used efficiently. The paper proposes an innovative e-methodof integrating design with manufacturing, for a small Pelton turbine. The first part presents the application of Rapid ProductDevelopment (RPD) with focus on Product Design (PD) of a new, very small customized hydropower turbine. This ...
Autori: Anisor Nedelcu, Bogdan Deaky, Razvan Udroiu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25769

Abstract:This study aimed to assess the coagulation performance using simple aluminum sulfate (Alum) and pre-hydrolyzed polyaluminumchloride (PACl) coagulation agents by conventional global parameters, i.e., turbidity and organic matter expressed by totalorganic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), and non-conventional spectrophotometric parameters.Non-conventional spectrophotometric parameters, expressed as absorbance recorded at different wavelengths, i.e., A254, A280,A365, allowed d...
Autori: Florica Manea, Georgeta Burtică, Ilie Pisoi, Smaranda Masu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25777

Abstract:Based on the fuzzy logic principle, a modified Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) is proposed to assess water quality status ofWeihe River (Baoji, China). The potential application of the FSE has been tested in a case study. Twelve sampling locations ofWeihe River and its tributaries in Baoji area were selected and seven water quality parameters of BOD5, COD, fluoride, ammonia,total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN) and permanganate index, were monitored from 2008 to 2009. The findings...
Autori: Chundi Xu, Jun Zhang, Qi Zhou, Yani Geng, Yaqian Zhao
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25780

Abstract:The present paper is concerned with the determination of the appropriate subsidy level for environmental friendly technologyvehicles. For this purpose, the economic calculation of the corresponding environmental benefit is necessary, which is realizedthrough the calculation of the negative environmental externality that could be avoided, if the examined subsidies have beenestablished. For the calculation of the latter, the EcoSenseLE tool has been applied here, using life-cycle airborne...
Autori: Dimitrios A. Georgakellos
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25782

Abstract:There is a growing concern that the Earth’s atmospheric composition is being altered by human activities which can lead toclimate change. Policy measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions are on the agenda of the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the European Union (EU). Climate Change is an environmental problem and answers have to be sought among robustenvironmental policies that are often classified in market-based, command-and-control and voluntary instruments. Althoug...
Autori: Christos A. Kontovas, Harilaos N. Psaraftis
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25792

Abstract: The paper focuses on eutrophication due to nutrients load into a reservoir. A thermally stratified reservoir water body is divided in vertical layers and horizontal zones according to water temperature and depth. The layers show different compositions of limiting nutrient because of the density of flow and due to inhabitants on the bottom of the reservoir exposed to sunlight. The bioassay for algal growth potential test (AGPT) is the most direct and effective way to determine a limitin...
Autori: Dimitri Solomatine, Ioana Popescu, Jae-Ki Shin, Nahm-Chung Jung, Peter Kelderman, Roland K. Price
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25798

Abstract:In this study, the adsorption mechanism of a reactive azo dye, Reactive Yellow 125 (RY 125), onto a nitrogen doped TiO2 modified zeolite (Z-TiO2-N) has been examined in order to identify the affinity of the material for the investigated pollutant envisaging its degradation by heterogeneous photocatalysis. Equilibrium experiments were performed and the data obtained were fitted with different isotherm equations, i.e., Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R). The Freundlich i...
Autori: Cornelia Ratiu, Elida Cristina Ilinoiu, Florica Manea, Laura Cocheci, Liliana Andreea Colar, Rodica Pode
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25809

Agrotourism, a form of tourism that falls within the framework of rural tourism, is based on the tourism taking place on farms with the possibility of doing work with the owners of the farm with this being seen as a leisure activity, educational in nature and of interest to members of many groups. The importance of this kind of tourism resides in the possibility of complementing the income generated from the farm with income produced by the tourism, as well as assuring the conservation of the en...
Autori: Ana-María Campón-Cerro, Antonio Pérez-Díaz, Felipe Leco-Berrocal, José-Manuel Hernández-Mogollón
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25828

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are by-products of petrol transformation; a report prepared by ICON, London, United Kingdom in 2001, showed that the principal sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in wastewater are domestic usage, storm runoff and commercial effluent. This work presents the results on 14 commonly occurring and/or highly carcinogenic PAH compounds listed as priority pollutants by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the European Union. Wastewater sa...
Autori: Dumitru Ristoiu, Edward Muntean, Livia Alhafez, Nicoleta Muntean, Radu Mihaiescu, Tania Mihaiescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25847

The availability of good quality water is an indispensable condition for preventing diseases and improving the quality of life. Water is one of the most important renewable resources, which must be prevented from deterioration in quality. Various physicochemical parameters like pH, alkalinity, total hardness, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, have a significant role in determining the potability of drinking water. In this study, samples were collected from wells situated in vi...
Autori: Maria Cioroi, Mirela Praisler
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25853

This paper is part of LCA studies performed in the frame of FP7 project �Recovered Paper Sorting by Innovative Technologies - SORT IT�. It analysis the results obtained by Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) of the reference case for recycled packaging paper manufacturing (current sorting technology), which will constitute a comparison base for new sorting technology developed in SORT IT project. The main stages considered in the life cycle were: recovered paper (RP) transport from collectio...
Autori: Alina Iosip, Antonio Dobon, Elena Bobu, Mercedes Hortal
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25860

The present study describes the preparation of a filtering medium from a polymeric cellulosic support (filter paper) by functionalization with monochlorotriazinyl-β-cyclodextrin. The permanent immobilization of cyclodextrins confers the new material special properties and the potential for a better decontamination of liquid and gaseous effluents. The structure, physicomechanical and filtration properties of the filter paper, successfully functionalized with MCT-β-CD, have been emphasiz...
Autori: Ana-Maria Grigoriu, Constantin Luca, Florin Ciolacu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25862

The most important argument of this experiment was to demonstrate an increased content of active principles under the influence of some substances (considered in the literature as mutagene), when used in low concentration, do not affect the environment. The purpose of this study was the selection of some treatment variants, which, during the experimentations show the same biosynthetic potential, stabilized or increased. The substances used in the experiment were ethidium bromide at the concentra...
Autori: Constantin Leonte, Marius Zaharia, Roxana Vatavu, Teodor Robu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25867

Among the different types of waste products tested, the bark of different Pinus species have been identified as a promising class of low- cost sorbents for heavy metal binding. In this context, the potential of Romanian pine bark wastes as green and economical sorbent for cadmium (II) ions removal from aqueous solutions has been tested in batch conditions as function of initial pH, contact time, sorbent dose, metal ion concentration and temperature. The equilibrium data at three different temper...
Autori: Anca Miron, Brindusa Robu, Carmen Paduraru, Lavinia Tofan, Roxana Laura Mihailescu Amalinei
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25871

The herbicide use can be seen as an auxiliary path for new farming methods, providing more advantageous farming and land use capabilities and increasing crop yields. Some of them are quickly degraded but others persist in the environmental compartments being toxic for human health and the environment.The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of some triazine herbicides from agricultural sources on quality of well and surface water, in two regions of Romania with different agricultural act...
Autori: Andreea Dragus, Mihail Simion Beldean-Galea, Radu Mihaiescu, Tania Mihaiescu, Dumitru Ristoiu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25889

Five new aryloxyalkylcarboxylic acid derivatives (diazoaminoderivatives) are studied for their thermal behavior by applying a coupled TG-FTIR technique over the (30-400 oC) range in correlation with the environmental impact of gaseous species resulting by thermal degradation. These compounds are of a particular practical significance since they show a high biological potential as agrochemicals, such as pesticides (herbicides, acaricides, fungicides, growing stimulators etc.). This is why the pap...
Autori: Anca Mihaela Mocanu, Carmen Zaharia, Constantin Iordache, Constantin Luca, Lucia Odochian
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25899

The present study was carried out to highlight the areas where heavy metal content in the soils from Rodna mining perimeter exceeds normal limits and to attempt to reduce the concentration of free heavy metal ions by using natural zeolite from the Dej tuff. In order to emphasize the heavy metal content and their accumulation in soil in Rodna region, 35 soil samples were collected from the upper and deeper layer (about 0-10 and 10-20 cm depth) and analyzed to determine total and free Cu, Pb and Z...
Autori: Ramona Nimirciag
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25900

Tourism is one of the essential components of population services and a major influence factor for economic and social development. The tourism industry is characterized by a great structural complexity, in multiple forms of this service.This industry can also have an impact on the natural resources and environment in the various tourist destinations, on everyday life of these locations and also on the individuals from those areas, whether rural or urban. Nowadays, tourism faces different challe...
Autori: , Elena Elisabeta Pomeanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25903

The presence of pollutants in food raises some serious questions concerning their potential impact on consumers health, being necessary to monitor their distribution in the environment. The present work provides data regarding levels of organochlorine pesticides (lindane, p,p’- DDT, p,p’- DDE, p,p’- DDD, HCB, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin and hepthaclor) and PAHs: acenaphthene (Ace), acenaphthylene (Acy), fluorene (F), naphthalene (Np), anthracene (An), fluoranthene (Fl), phenanthrene (Ph), ben...
Autori: Alina Soceanu, Danut Tiberius Epure, Gabriela Stanciu, Simona Dobrinas, Viorica Popescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25905

Abstract An activated sludge from SBBR (sequencing biofilm batch reactor) reactor filled with Fe0  as filler had been acclimated to Fe(III)rich environment aiming at secure an enrichment culture of iron-reducing bacteria. The dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction ability and its efficiency on the effect of nitrogen and phosphorous removal by dosing different Fe(III) under anaerobic condition were investigated. The mechanism was also proposed based on the results derived from the experiment a...
Autori: Jie Li, Juanjuan Feng, Siyuan Zhai, Ya’e Wang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25943

AbstractIn this study, a novel excess activated sludge (EAS) based nitrification and denitrification process was developed using EAS toprovide nitrifiers and denitrifers for nitrogen removal from the reject water of a municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWWTP).This can achieve a significant reduction in the nitrogen (N) loading in wastewater treatment plants. The results show that theammoniacal-nitrogen (NH4+-N) and total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiencies were in the range from 74.7% to 93.1%...
Autori: Wei Li, Xiaoxia Yang, Xinchao Guo, Yongzhe Yang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25946

AbstractEstrogens and anti-inflammatories can pose adverse effects on human health and wildlife. This paper investigated four estrogens(estrone, E1; 17β-estradiol, E2; estriol, E3; 17α-ethynylestradiol, EE2) and three anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, ketoprofen andnaproxen) by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in BaiyangdianLake during the dry (April) and wet seasons (September). These compounds were mostly detected at low levels ...
Autori: Jianghong Shi, Jinling Cao, Ting Bo, Xiaowei Liu, Yingxia Li
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25955

AbstractBy investigating the basic physicochemical characteristics, nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and heavy metalconcentrations of the excess sludges from four wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Xi’an city, the feasibility of applyingsewage sludge to landscaping in Xi'an was studied. The results showed that the basic physicochemical properties of sewagesludge satisfy the requirement of most plants growth. The sewage sludges are rich of organisms, nitrogen and phosphorus, butre...
Autori: Bohan Yin, Qin Zheng, Rixia Zhang, Sheping Wang, Xinan Liu, Zhengliang Yang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25964

“The Exploratory Workshop „Progress inEnvironmental Engineering, Biotechnology andManagement in The Frame of Knowledge-BasedSustainable Economy” took place in the contextwhen worldwide research shows that the currentindustrial system supports a population that useresources and generates waste, consuming the Earth'ssupply, but who’s biocapacity is far outweighed bythe increased demand of products for a developmentsystem that often works on unsustainable bases.Today’s challenge is the integration ...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25969

AbstractNumerous governments have adopted innovative policy instruments to deal with important environmental policy challenges.Various forms of negotiated instruments may offer the potential to improve on environmental performance beyond whatregulation alone can accomplish. Dutch covenants, which represent negotiated agreements with sectors of industry as targets ofbehavioral change in terms of mitigation of pollution, waste minimization and sustainable products and processes, provide auseful sa...
Autori: , Kris Lulofs, Laura Franco, Theo de Bruijn, Yanyan Xue
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25972

AbstractIn this paper, the background of bioethanol as an alternative fuel to conventional one is analyzed with the aim of examining theefficiency of biomass-to-fuel conversion by poly-generation taking into account the energy integration approach for a completerecovery of the process’ exergy potential.Based on literature data it is underlined that exergy analysis represents a primary tool to analyze the ethanol production processfrom an integrated point of view....
Autori: Anton Friedl, Maria Gavrilescu, Petronela Cozma
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25974

AbstractMethane landfill emissions are a general concern and should be estimated for taking the proper measures for global warmingmitigation. The European legislation is supporting all techniques that avoid, reduce or treat CH4 emissions. One of the maindirections is reducing the quantities of biodegradable waste disposed in landfills. The efforts for GHG emissions reduction andalso compliance with European legislation in the field of waste management does not mean only putting in place some sta...
Autori: Liliana Bobirica, Rodica Stanescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25984

This special issue of EnvironmentalEngineering and Management Journal is dedicated tointerdisciplinary research and discusses multipleresults addressing environmental issues inElectromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) andEngineering in Medicine and Biology (EMB) areas.Some of the most significant researchdirections considered in this issue entail theelectromagnetic pollution together with a survey ofelectromagnetic environment in order to analyze andquantify the biological and health effects ofelectro...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25990

AbstractThe first part of the paper is focused on actual measurements of Human Body Capacitance (HBC). Even if we have developedthree fundamental key diagrams for factual measurements of this capacitance, we have here detailed and compared only theobtained results for two variants of the method based on the measurement of the influence of a precisely-known capacitance uponthe human (alternative or continuous) potential, with respect to earth.The second part aims to investigate the relationship b...
Autori: Alexandru Salceanu, Eduard Lunca, Oana Beniuga
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=25991

AbstractThis paper describes a model and an algorithm used to develop a solar radiation database for Romanian territory. In order toobtain this database, two main steps were performed. In the first part, a clear sky solar radiation model was presented, inaccordance with the latest models published in European Solar Radiation Atlas. After this, a digital elevation model has beendeveloped, based on the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission database, which, together with the previously mentioned model,a...
Autori: Ciprian Nemes, Marcel Istrate
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26010

AbstractDue to high energy costs and the rising consciousness of energy issues in the textile industry, saving energy became a significantproblem. Since a large amount of the energy required in textile finishing is needed in the form of steam for various processes,recovering wastewater heat has great potential for cost reduction. In this research, it was studied the heat recovery from cellulosictextiles finishing wastewater, based on a case study in a textile company. After examining the wastewa...
Autori: Armand F. Bertea, Gheorghe Condurache, Răzvan Berariu, Romen Butnaru
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26013

AbstractIn this work, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential-pulsed voltammetry (DPV) were used to detect pentachlorophenol (PCP)at two types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT)-based composite electrode, i.e., TiO2-modified-CNT-Epoxy (TiO2-CNTEpoxy)and CNT-Epoxy in 0.1 M sodium sulphate solution supporting electrolyte. The electrochemical behaviour of theelectrodes was investigated in the absence and presence of UV irradiation. A single oxidation peak at a potential value of about+1 V vers...
Autori: , Ágnes Jakab, Aniela Pop, Cornelia Bandas, Florica Manea, Joop Schoonman, Rodica Pode
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26033

AbstractWater quality is an inportant concern for the ecosystem state from a particular region. Since the continuous urban and economicdevelopment induces a negative impact on entire hydrological cycle, this study investigates the water quality of a Romanian lake,located in the Surduc area - Timis County. This perimeter has undergone significant economic development in the past twodecades due to increased tourism potential and the number of holiday residences.We proposed hybrid materias for the ...
Autori: Adina-Elena Segneanu, Cornelia Bandas, Florentina Cziple, Ioan Grozescu, Paula Sfîrloagă, Titus Slavici
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26040

AbstractThe paper intends to contribute to the stages of bioremediation technologies elaboration, by means of experiments and efficiencydemonstrations of adequate biological depollution and ecological reconstruction methods. During the 2009-2011 period, heavymetals and metalloids, etc phytoextraction tests were performed with Lolium perenne L, from tailing samples collected fromwaste heaps and tailings dams of the mining exploitations (Rodna, Bistriţa–Năsăud, Fundu-Moldovei, Sucea...
Autori: Alexandru Crihan, Alin Bolonyi, Bianca Malschi Florian, Cecilia Roman, Dana Malschi, Dorian Brăhaiţa, George Ghira, , Marin Şenilă, Mirela Miclean
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26044

AbstractThis paper presents research into conceptualisation, design and implementation of an innovative web-based virtual environmentfor flood information sharing and dissemination. A system intended to be used by flood management authorities and potentiallyaffectedcitizens is demonstrated. Latest technological advances for collection, archiving and sharing of environmental data usingweb-based Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) are used for system implementation. Flood-related data and models are...
Autori: Adrian Almoradie, Andreja Jonoski, Dimitri Solomatine, Florin Stoica, Ioana Popescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26045

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the opportunity of GIS technique implementation for the research of agricultural landsquality. Taking into account that the factors which determine the quality of agricultural lands have a spatial distribution, weconsidered that the complex activities (especially on large surfaces) can be better done within the framework of an informationsystem. Compared to other methods applied for assessing the productive potential of agricultural lands, the GIS ...
Autori: Florian Statescu, Gabriela Biali
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26075

AbstractA study on the electrochemical decolourisation, aromatic ring degradation and mineralization of Reactive Red 147 (RR) syntheticsolutions using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes is presented. Electrolyses were carried out under galvanostaticconditions in 0.1 M Na2SO4 supporting electrolyte using undivided electrolytic cell. Prior to electrolysis application, theelectrochemical behaviour of BDD electrode was characterized in the presence of RR dye by cyclic voltammetry in order toestabl...
Autori: Sorina Moţoc
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26089

AbstractEast Calcutta Wetland ecosystem is a Ramsar Site in India covering almost 51 km2 and is one of the largest of its type. Thiswetland receives a massive load of almost untreated industrial and domestic effluents every day, throughout the year, that hasbeen effectively utilized in pisciculture for having a better yield (2.85 metric tons of fish per 0.01 km2 of water body per annum).The present investigation was carried out to study the toxicity of the untreated effluents discharged from tan...
Autori: Utpal Singha Roy
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26094

AbstractTwo laboratory-scale constructed wetlands planted with Juncus effusus were used to investigate the effect of nitrate load on thesulfur transformation dynamics related to the removal of organic carbon and ammonium. Organic carbon was removed at aconstant high mean level of 80% (inflow of 25 mg/L total organic carbon), irrespective of the nitrate load. In contrast, sulfatereduction responded immediately to the presence or absence of nitrate in an opposing manner, indicating a high abundanc...
Autori: Shubiao Wu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26095

AbstractA new approach to environmental protection management is the aerobic microbial digestion of food industry wastewaters byusing those waters as substrate, while the pollutants contained work also as oxygen-vectors. In biotechnology, oxygen masstransfer is a key parameter involved in the design and operation of mixing–sparging bioreactors and it can be analyzed by meansof the oxygen mass transfer coefficient (kLa). The influence of a second liquid phase with higher oxygen affinity (in this ...
Autori: Elena Folescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26097

Mother Earth Investments AG, is actively working onthe development 2nd generation bioenergy feedstocks.In this book, Mr. Jansen generously shares hisknowledge in the field, in particular, regarding thechallenges and opportunities in development ofbiomass-derived fuels. This essential guide toinvesting in bioenergy commodities details secondgeneration biofuels from a scientific, technical andeconomic perspective, and discusses their globalenvironmental, political and financial impact.The book is ...
Autori: Roland A. Jansen
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26100

The book edited by Haibo Xie and NicholasGathergood focuses on one of the most importantscientific issues of the 21 century which is thereplacing fossil fuel with sustainable alternatives suchas biomass. Fossil fuels are conventional rawmaterials for many industrial sectors includingchemical and energy production. Usage of fossil fuelis limited by their availability, price and carbonfootprint. Biomass is a renewable resource globallyavailable, cheaper and carbon sequestering. Step bystep shiftin...
Autori: Adrian Catalin Puitel
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26101

Abstract Known as the most important byproducts of water disinfection with chlorigen chemicals, trihalomethanes (THMs) are incriminated in causing severe effects upon human health. The exposure pathways that can lead to potentially significant uptake of THMs include for adults ingestion of tap water and inhalation of THMs in vapor phase resulting from bathing, showering and washing. The purpose of this paper is the exposure assessment to THMs through ingestion, inhalation and derma...
Autori: Anca Elena Gurzău
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26110

Abstract Poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester with very high potential for industrial applications. The properties could be improved by mixing with another polymer, natural or synthetic, such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The resulting polymer blends are potentially able to achieve the desired performance for different applications. Biodegradation modifies mechanical, physical and chemical properties of a given material. PHB are degraded by diverse...
Autori: Luiza Jecu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26111

Abstract This paper presents a research method for the exploratory analysis of non-compliant municipal waste landfills by determining the gas composition of emissions. The proposed method has the following stages: establishing municipal landfill surface contour by topographic measurements; setting measuring points on the deposit surface; setting the number of points needed and their spatial coordinate; field location of points for making exploratory measurements; making and recordi...
Autori: Michaela Bianca Vac Soporan
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26127

Abstract This paper presents a proposal for measurements and interpretation of gaseous emissions from the municipal landfills, especially for non-compliant sites. Based on the measurements made on the Pata Rat landfill, Cluj-Napoca, a methodology for interpreting the results is presented, in order to assess current energy potential of the deposit. Measurements are the main basis for determining the energy potential of the deposit. By applying the methodology for determining the ene...
Autori: Michaela Bianca Vac Soporan
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26128

Abstract One of the causes of climate change is the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Methane (CH4) is one of the greenhouse gases, with an ability to trap heat in Earth's atmosphere 21 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit mass and in the same period of time. Because the lifetime of methane in the atmosphere is relatively short, it could be kept under control. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are anthropogenic sources of CH4 emissions. Anaerobic digestion of t...
Autori: Doru Lucian Manea
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26139

Abstract In a world of uncertainty, the only constant is change and rapid change produces a multitude of diverse facts. Risk is an integral part of life. While no country in the world is entirely safe, the lack of capacity to limit the impact of hazards remains a major burden for all countries and while the world has witnessed an exponential increase in human and material losses due to natural disasters, there is a need to reverse trends in vulnerability to earthquakes. Available d...
Autori: Gheorghe Mărmureanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26140

Abstract Volcanic hazard is ignored in natural hazard studies in Romania because no active volcano is known on its territory. However, the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland and its consequences on air traffic safety across Europe and the whole northern hemisphere dramatically demonstrated that volcanic hazard in a certain area, such as a country, is not necessarily related to the presence of active volcanoes in the same territory. Therefore, target-focused approa...
Autori: Alexandru Szakács
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26146

Abstract After any treatment process of wastewater results residual sludge that is characterized depending on the type of the wastewater or by the sludge treatment type. The sludge treatment process can be divided in three important stages: the preliminary stage (with the sludge thickening), the stabilization stage, and the dewatering stage. The paper shows the results of the research for the identification of the most efficient organic cationic flocculants, which might be used wit...
Autori: Mariana Turcu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26149

AbstractKnown concentrations of naphthalene were added to soil samples to investigate the anaerobic degradation potential by theinoculated naphthalene-adapted bacteria under nitrate reducing conditions. Naphthalene could be anaerobically biodegraded tonon-detectable levels within 35 days when the initial concentrations were 5.8 mg/kg, 34.7 mg/kg, 61.4 mg/kg, 93.7 mg/kg and146.6 mg/kg in soil, respectively. The degradation rates of naphthalene increased with increasing initial concentrations. The...
Autori: Junfeng Dou
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26157

AbstractIn the conventional water flooding process of Daqing Oilfield in China, the occurrence of abundant sulfate-reducing bacterialpopulations has substantially affected the industrial production. This study was conducted from the perspective of ecologicalsuppression by operating anaerobic ABR reactors and dosing ecological inhibitors in a continuous-flow experiment. The practicaloperating efficacy was investigated and associated dynamic bacterial population succession was analyzed. Results sh...
Autori: Bin-song Wang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26165

AbstractThe solidified waste drilling mud has been landfilled into slurry ponds with impermeable layer at oil & gas field since 1990s. Thisarticle aims to elucidate the heavy metal contaminations from landfill ponds at semiarid region. The heavy metal concentration inthe waste and its potential mobility based on its binding forms was studied. Furthermore, the blocking effect of impermeable layer was used to elaborate the environmental effects of heavy metals. From the analysis, Cr was found ...
Autori: Yun Ma
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26171

AbstractCompared with pollution transfer, cleaner production (CP) was more effective to reduce pollution in many less developedcountries. However, it was more difficult to assess the potential of cleaner production (PCP) in emission-reduction. The model ofPCP in Liao River Basin was established based on system dynamics, which could quantitatively analyse the potential of basincleaner production and the contribution to emission-reduction. The result showed that selected 2010 as the base year, 201...
Autori: Minghui Xie
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26179

AbstractThough at a first sight the potential of tourism was advocated, without any doubt, as an routine tool for improving the welfare ofthe population, in recent years several works have appeared that criticize the universal validity of tourism as a development tool,whose premise is that the relationship is not automatic between the two dimensions, but instead a country must meet certaincharacteristics in order for this link to occur and, therefore, calls into question the solution implemented...
Autori: Juan Ignacio Pulido-Fernández
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26197

AbstractThe transport of hazardous substances is an essential economic activity because it represents a quite relevant percentage of thetotal goods transportation. The risk associated to such an activity is fundamentally related to the possibility of an accidenttriggering that may cause negative environmental and public health consequences. A recent example is the Viareggio accident(2009), which involved the blast of tank wagons containing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and caused more than thirt...
Autori: Vincenzo Torretta
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26200

AbstractSupply of heat energy is of the high importance in the northern countries of the Europe. EU energy policy and high prices of theheat energy resources takes a challenge to find any alternative resources for generation of heat energy. Therefore in this paper the integration of renewable energy source - solar energy into the existent heat energy supply system is analyzed as the alternative or additional source of heat energy. The case study of the Girionys boiler-house (at Kaunas district, ...
Autori: Jolanta Dvarionienė
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26201

AbstractThis study presents a simple, synoptic and suitable for continuous monitoring model based on the fuzzy logic to monitor landdegradation after a forest fire in a Spanish Mediterranean coastal area. The model combined topography and vegetationinformation to assess land degradation status. Topography parameters, slope and aspect were derived from a digital elevationmodel (DEM). Evidences about the soil status were obtained by analyzing the vegetation cover with remote sensing images. TheNor...
Autori: Ignacio Melendez-Pastor
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26206

AbstractPotential of unmodified Wheat Straw as an adsorbent for the removal of lead and copper was studied. Effect of pH, adsorbentdose, contact time and initial metal concentration on the removal of the metal ions were also investigated. Maximum removal oflead was found to be 43.55% by wheat straw under optimum conditions (pH=5, adsorbent dose=16g/L, contact time= 240minutes, metal concentration=100 mg/L). Unmodified Wheat straw removed 0.381 mg/g of lead. While 56.36% copper removalwas achieve...
Autori: Mehwish Anis
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26209

AbstractWastewater sludges are organic and nutrient-rich materials that could be used to improve soil tilth. However, the land applicationof sludge needs to be properly managed to avoid the detrimental effects on micro and macroorganisms in the soil. Earthwormsare one of the most important soil macroorganisms. Addition of sludge to the soil environment may impact earthworm activity,and in turn, soil productivity and health. In this study, sludge from the canned food industry was added to soil mi...
Autori: Efsun Dindar
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26238

AbstractNon-pesticide persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDDs/PCDFs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs), polybromobiphenyls (PBBs) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which are industrial chemicals and/orunintentional byproducts that remain in the environment, bioaccumulate in human and animal tissue through the food chain, andhave adverse effects ...
Autori: Wen-Tien Tsai
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26239

AbstractThe aims of this study were to investigate the performance of anaerobic up-flow column reactor (AUFCR) and immobilizedactivated sludge biomass (ASB) potential for the adsorption of dye drimarene Blue-K2RL (Db-K2RL) and removal of chemicaloxygen demand (COD) from textile wastewater (TWW). AUFCR with ASB at flow rate of 50 mL h-1 and hydraulic retentiontime (HRT) of 10 h showed 95% dye adsorption at pH 4 and 87% COD reduction at pH 6 while non-activated sludge (NAS)showed only 60% of adsor...
Autori: Anwar Ahmad
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26246

AbstractThe abundant availability of solid agroindustrial waste, sugarcane bagasse from sugar mills and juice extraction units, can bepotentially beneficial for the production of fermentation based biochemicals, paper boards and power. However, its role incausing bagassosis, an acute respiratory disease among the personnel handling large dry deposits has also been detected. Disposal of liquid waste whey from dairy industries poses a formidable threat to the aquatic ecosystem due to high BOD and ...
Autori: Manoj K. Ghosh
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26248

AbstractHealthcare waste management is one of the most important environmental problems in the world and particularly in Tunisia,because of the potential environmental hazards and public health risks. The collection of infectious healthcare waste is a highlyvisible and important service that involves large expenditures. This study discusses the off-site transport problem of infectioushealthcare waste from the 12 hospitals in the governorate of Sfax (Tunisia) to a planned steam sterilization disp...
Autori: Wafik Hachicha
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26252

AbstractThe aim of this study is to elaborate a survey on the efficiency of three anti-aging cosmetic formulations by applying FourierTransform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) with Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) in order to characterize and identify thespecific recognition markers of the active ingredients. FTIR (ATR) spectrometry in specific regions was applied also to theingredients used in these products, depending on their role in the specific cream. Comparing the different composition of th...
Autori: Anca Maria Juncan
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26261

AbstractA sustainable flood retention basin (SFRB) is an impoundment or integrated wetland, which has a pre-defined or potential role inflood defense and diffuse pollution control that can be accomplished cost effectively through best management practice in urbanor remote regions. A database comprising 372 SFRB, which belong to 6 types and are characterized by 43 variables, has beendeveloped for the central Scotland area. However, the determination of SFRB types and some characterisation variabl...
Autori: Qinli Yang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26264

AbstractThe construction industry is one of the main sectors of energy consumption and carbon emissions in China. The new-types ofbuilding materials can be produced by recycling industrial solid wastes which is an effective solution to development of greenbuilding materials and abatement of environmental emissions. In this paper, new-types of bricks made of fly ash (residuesgenerated in coal combustion) and coal gangue (a kind of solid wastes generated in coal mining and coal production) and the...
Autori: Haitao Zhang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26265

AbstractThe main objective of this study is to investigate the utilization potential of oil well-derived drilling waste (DW) in the firedshale-brick production. Different mixtures were suggested for the experimental work with the DW content varying from 20% to40%. The prepared briquettes from different mixture were fired at a temperature ranging from 950°C to 1050°C for 1 h, with aheating rate of 2~3°C /min. Water absorption, apparent porosity, bulk density, weight loss by ignition, firing shrin...
Autori: XiangGuo Li
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26269

AbstractIn the present work an optimized experimental condition has been developed for the treatment of pulp and paper mill wastewater using an electrocoagulation process. The removal efficiency of 85 % COD and 94 % of color with a good repeatability of results (RSD <3%) has been achieved under the optimal experimental conditions of pH-7, treatment time of 2 h and a current density of 15 A/m2. In this study, wastewater from paper mill has been used and thus, high efficacy of removing the poll...
Autori: Chhaya Sharma, Rajni Sharma, Satish Kumar
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26281

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the environmental impacts of the municipal waste disposal facility of Pata Rat, Cluj-Napoca, Romania during dry periods of the year. The environmental impact assessment on the landfill site was carried out on the basis of the measurements of environmental quality indicators. Environmental indicators were measured in the surface water, soil and air. For the assessment of the environmental impacts generated by landfill on surface water measurements were carri...
Autori: Ákos Rédey, Anca Gurzau, Antoanela Popovici, Constantin Măruţoiu, Fazekas Bence, , Ildiko Varga, Raluca Mariana Haţegan, Tatiana Yuzhakova
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26296

AbstractAerobic granulation is a novel biotechnique for the treatment of coloured wastewater containing toxic xenobiotics in sequencingbatch reactor (SBR). The aerobic granules were investigated as a potential biomaterial for biodegradation of p-nitrophenol. Theremoval efficiency of p-nitrophenol was 93 % after 65 days of operation at 8 hr hydraulic retention time (HRT). The aerobicgranules were cultivated at a p-nitrophenol loading rate of 0.9 kg m-3 day-1, with sodium acetate as co-substrate t...
Autori: Pijush Kanti Mondal, Rais Ahmad
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26302

AbstractIn the present study, batch adsorption experiments were performed for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from its aqueoussolution using newly prepared surface modified cashew nut shell (SMCNS) by varying the operating parameters like solution pH,adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration, contact time and temperature. The SMCNS has been prepared by treating the cashewnut shell with the sulphuric acid. Adsorption equilibrium data were analyzed by the model equations such as Langmuir,Fr...
Autori: Krishnan Gayathri Lashmi, Muthukumar Priyadharshini, Ponnusamy Senthil Kumar, Ramasundaram Vijayakumar Abhinaya, Subramanian Sivanesan, Vishwanathan Arthi
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26309

AbstractAccording to the contemporary research, there are some indications that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields, such asthose originating from electric power transmission lines, can have some influence on human health. This work involved thecomputation of the magnetic field generated by one typical 110 kV power transmission line in Serbia by applying artificialintelligence techniques that, as previous investigations confirmed, allow accurate assessment. At first, the investigation...
Autori: Jasmina Skerlić, Jasna Radulović, Milorad Bojić, Vesna Ranković
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26316

AbstractThe distribution and fractionation of nine heavy metals (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Cd, Zn, V, Pb and As) in the sediments of Lake Chaohu,a shallow eutrophic lake, were investigated using the BCR sequential extraction procedure. The level of pollution attributed tothese nine heavy metals was evaluated employing the potential ecological risk index (RI) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo). Metalconcentrations in sediments ranged from 65.00~104.00 for Cr, 14.50~21.70 for Co, 28.50~50.90 for Ni, 25.40~51....
Autori: Beidou Xi, Fengyu Zan, Guangchao Zhao, Jing Su, Kevin M. Yeager, Shouliang Huo, Xiujuan Yu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26321

AbstractGlobal climate change affects the temperature and precipitation. These changes have serious impacts on the availability of waterresources on regional basis. Turkey, being located in the Mediterranean Basin, is predicted to be severely affected by the adverseeffects of global climate change, particularly in terms of water resources. It is important to figure out the situation of the countryin terms of water scarcity induced by anthropogenic climate change in order to provide rational meas...
Autori: Özgür Aktaş
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26342

AbstractThis paper discussed the potential ecological risk, homologous relativity and spatial distribution of heavy metals in the waterlevel-fluctuating zone (WLFZ) of the Xiao River, a tributary of the Yangtze River. The Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn contents in the WLFZsoil were analyzed via atomic absorption spectroscopy. The potential ecological hazards of the heavy metals were also evaluatedusing the classical Lars Hakanson potential ecological risk index method. The average Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn contents ...
Autori: Chuan Fu, Dan Liu, Junjie Lin, Zhiguo Yu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26346

AbstractThe survival of Formosan landlocked salmon has been threatened by the change of habitat ambience. Because of the potentialtoxicity of nitrite (NO2-) and ammonium (NH4+) to salmonid fisheries, we studied the evolution of nitrogen compounddistributions in stream water and their relationship with ambient abiotic factors. The water was sampled at five sites surroundedwith various land-use types in bi-monthly intervals for seven years. The results indicated that a high NO2- concentration occu...
Autori: Wen-Hui Kuan, Yi-Lang Chen
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26351

AbstractThis study was conducted to generate a hierarchical modelling based on ecological land classification in the Yukarıgokdere forestdistrict of the Mediterranean region, Turkey. Two ways indicator species analysis was applied to obtain response variables fromthe relevant vegetation matrix at each level. Response variables were modelled by using classification tree technique at eachlevel. Validation tests (i.e. multi-response permutation procedures for determination of differences of pl...
Autori: Kürşad Özkan
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26352

AbstractThe energy and environmental regulations of thermal power plants became crucial issues in China due to the coal dependence ofelectricity generation. The regulation costs, which are distributed differently between the plants are evaluated based ondirectional distance functions approach using the input and pollution data of the main thermal power plants in 2008. The resultsof our analysis show that potential cost for complying with the regulations entailing coal consumption for power gener...
Autori: Jinyi Li, Wei Zhang, Xiaohua Xia
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26376

AbstractThe naturally or industrially occurring flammable mixtures containing combustible gases or/and dusts represent a potential risk ofexplosion with major consequences on the environment and human personnel. Methane and coal dust are among the best knowncomponents able of leading to the formation of such mixtures either in coal mining activities or in different industries using coaldust as fuel. In order to assess the risk of explosion and the explosion evolution in such composite mixtures, ...
Autori: Maria Prodan
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26402

AbstractStatic electricity represents one of the potential ignition sources for the explosive atmospheres. The test methods for materials, ingeneral, and especially the test methods for textile fabrics for assessment of the protective performances in static electricity, haveknown a permanent evolution alongside newly developed electrostatically dissipative materials. Within the National Institute ofResearch and Development for Safety in Mines and Explosion Protection (INCD-INSEMEX) new testing s...
Autori: Mihaela Părăian
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26405

AbstractIn industrial plants many types of combustible dusts are generated, processed, handled and stored. When ignited, they can burnrapidly and with a considerable explosion force, when mixed with air in proper proportions. This is the reason why adequateprecautions have to be adopted, to ensure all equipment is appropriately protected so that the ignition likelihood of the explosiveatmosphere is diminished.Explosion preventing and protection precautions aim to stop explosion occurrence, by el...
Autori: Adrian Jurca
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26406

AbstractThe simulation of different situations that may occur in the operation of the mine ventilation network is performed on its virtualmodel, developed and optimized using dedicated software. Depending on the chosen scenario, on the network model are applieda number of changes (addition of new ventilation workings, addition / removal of branches and nodes, changes in aerodynamicparameters: pressure, air flow driven by the fan etc.), the ultimate goals being: to assess how the new model obtain...
Autori: Marius Cornel Șuvar
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26408

AbstractThe rapid technical and economic development in the last few years has brought significant advantages to the human society, butit has also generated very serious threats, such as: pollution, technological accidents, and some other forms of environmentaldegradation. Human actions, either intentional or accidental, imposed by the economic and social development, have had, insome cases, a major impact on the environment, turning into potential hazards and causing environmental damage.This p...
Autori: Daniel-Cătălin Felegeanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26426

AbstractMunicipal wastewater, characterized by temperatures of 14-22°C in the inflow of Wastewater Treatment Plants and above 35-40°C in domestic outflows, represents a relevant thermal energy source. A feasibility study of the implementation of heatrecovery from a specific sewer system should take into account several aspects: potential heat capacity (depending on wastewatertemperature and flow rate in the considered area and climate conditions, and on the sewer characteristics), users that cou...
Autori: Silvia Fiore
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26427

AbstractThe supply of building materials in the city of Kinshasa is one of the major challenges for sustainable development andespecially at this time when the authorities are committed to rebuild the country and to rehabilitate the basic infrastructure,mobilization and knowledge of these materials appears to be of paramount importance. In this context, the Kinshasa morphologywill change day by day because of the operations of construction materials extraction, to meet the needs of the populatio...
Autori: Holenu Holy Mangenda
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26428

AbstractThe right individuation of the more convenient solution for final treatment and destination of sewage sludge deriving fromwastewater plants, normally after anaerobic digestion process, is a very interesting problem, in accounting of urgent needs foracceptable solutions. The produced sludge, primarily after thermal drying, can be sent to energetic valorization processes as, forexample, incineration, gasification and also pyrolysis. In this work we examined the thermal solutions (both dire...
Autori: Deborah Panepinto
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26435

AbstractThe aim of our investigations was to assess the potential ecotoxicological effects induced by complex chemical mixtures ofanaerobically digested sewage sludge. The sensitivity of monocotyledonae cereal (Triticum aestivum L.) test plant to varioussanitization treatments of anaerobic stabilized sewage sludge was evaluated. Several biometrical and biochemical responseindicators were selected as endpoint in this ecotoxicological tests. Thus, the ecotoxicity of sewage sludge was evaluated thr...
Autori: Dumitra Raducanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26437

AbstractAmong foods that possess potent medicinal properties, Cucurbitaceae seeds stand as a promising source, since they are assumedto have a protective effect against oxidative stress. In order to analyze the antioxidant compounds of the seeds of Citrulluslanatus, Lagenaria siceraria, Telfaria occidentalis, Cucurbita maxima, Cucumis sativus, Cucumeropsis mannii, and Cucurbitamoschata, the dried seeds were extracted in MeOH-H2O (50 %; v/v) mixture at constant mixing rate. Qualitative phytochemi...
Autori: Aristide Guillaume Silapeux Kamda
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26440

AbstractIn the present work, the kinetics of amaranth dye biosorption onto the roots, stems, leaves and the whole plant of water hyacinth(Eichhornia crassipes) were studied for differential evaluation of the plant’s biosorptive potential to remove the toxic dye fromaqueous solutions. E. crassipes´ leaves showed the highest level of amaranth dye biosorption (43.1 mg/g), followed by the entireplant (31.18 mg/g), the roots (28.51 mg/g), and finally by the stems (23.97 mg/g). The same differential t...
Autori: Imelda Guerrero-Coronilla
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26463

AbstractThe main purpose of the present work was to evaluate the potential of plum (P. domestica L.) tree bark (PDB) to remove Cr(VI)and total chromium from aqueous solutions in batch systems. Experimental data showed that the Cr(VI) and total chromiumremoval capacity was dependent on operating variables such as PDB particle size, PDB pretreatment, solution pH, initial Cr(VI)concentration, and contact time. The mechanism of Cr(VI) removal by PDB implies two simultaneous processes: 1) the reducti...
Autori: Perla Vianey Lopez-Nuńez
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26464

AbstractThe failure of process equipment due to the impact of natural hazards, the so-called Natech events, have generated severalindustrial accidents, such as Fukushima, Japan - 2011, Ichihara, Japan - 2011, Tupras, Turkey - 1999, Northridge, US - 1994 etc.,causing the release of large quantities of hazardous materials in the environment. Earthquakes occupy a leading position in thelist of natural hazards with Natech potential, causing serious damage and the loss of containment in process equip...
Autori: Augusta Diana Gheorghiu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26460

AbstractThe paper analyses the hydrologic parameters of the Tarata perimeter with alluvial soils, in order to estimate the values of theTazlau River behaviour, in case of flooding. Tazlau River flow rate has an annual average value of 4.9 mł/s, with a torrentialcharacter when the level of precipitation is increasing. The analysis of this perimeter is of interest today as a result of the existingexcessive erosion. We identified a possible solution to reduce soil erosion through the exploitation o...
Autori: Stelian Cartacuzencu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26469

AbstractPathogenic bacteria are fetal to human health, requiring cost-effective and safe approaches to be removed from drinking watersource. With poly-allylamine-hydrochloride (PAAH) stabilization, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were introduced in this studyto remove pathogenic bacteria by electrostatic interaction and magnet capture. High removal efficiency was achieved for fourmain pathogenic species, as Escherichia, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and Bacillus, and over 99.5% of the pathogens can b...
Autori: Yunfeng Xu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26475

AbstractThe performance of some complex coagulants derived from weak and medium anionic polymers and medium cationic surfactantin coagulation-flocculation process for water treatment was experimentally investigated by carrying out kinetic studies and bydetermining the optimum coagulant dose. The complex coagulants were prepared from weak anionic and medium anioniccopolymers of acrylamide and sodium acrylate with the commercial names Praestol 2515 and Praestol 2540, and mediumcationic surfactant ...
Autori: Constantin Bobirică
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26478

AbstractIn this study, TiO2-zeolite modified carbon nanotubes-epoxy (TiO2-Z-CNT-Epoxy) and TiO2-zeolite modified carbon nanofibersepoxy(TiO2-Z-CNF-Epoxy) composite electrodes were applied for pentachlorophenol (PCP) degradation and determination inaqueous solution. The morpho-structural characterization of the composite electrodes was studied by scanning electronmicroscopy. The electrochemical behaviour of the electrodes was investigated under UV irradiation presence/absence, usingcyclic voltamm...
Autori: Ágnes Jakab
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26491

AbstractFluorescence spectroscopy and parallel factor (PARAFAC) form a powerful tool in separating different fluorophores and maybe useful in detecting the fluorescent signature of dissolved organic matter (DOM). Despite the large number of studies onfluorescence and PARAFAC it is still uncertain if this combination is capable to separate DOM from different water types byanalyzing the presence of specific components and their spectral shape. This paper presents a preliminary study on thefluoresc...
Autori: Elfrida M. Carstea
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26495

AbstractA soot transducer based on the measurement of the electrical resistance value of the soot layer deposited on a finger structure wastested at different thermophoretic potentials. The soot, similar to that issued from the Diesel engines, in terms of particle numberand size distribution, was obtained by the incomplete burning of propane and subsequent dilution. The decrease of the resistancevalue in time was directly proportional with the temperature gradient. Thus a soot transducer is aime...
Autori: Doina Lutic
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26503

AbstractThe objective of this study is air pollutants discharging on active centers, depending on its relative electric permittivity, effectivein thermal, chemical and mechanical hydrogen relaxation enabling the fastest velocity of pollutant heat transport. The diagnosticsof relative electric permittivity is carried out on the basis of the daily pollutants mass concentration monitoring results, in sixthday period in the various seasons and locations in Romania and Serbia. The monitoring results ...
Autori: Milan Pavlović
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26507

AbstractThe mining waste facilities in the Baia Mare region, Romania, resulted from the extraction of poly-metallic ores (including Au,Ag). Metal sulphide minerals from the mining waste facilities have a potential to produce acid rock drainage (ARD) and togenerate risk for the environment, including for the water resources. Some of the mining waste deposits from the region arelocated near the town of Baia Mare, close to the residential areas, the agricultural lands and the surface water. The sho...
Autori: Oana-Cristina Modoi
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26512

AbstractThe impact of modern structures on the environment during the building process and actual life-cycle becomes more and more ofa problem and needs to be minimized using unconventional architectural and building solutions, materials and overallacknowledgement of the whole concept.This study has the task of determining the feasibility of a modern earth sheltered house solution by comparing its thermalperformances and environmental impact to a conventional above-ground building solution. Alth...
Autori: Horia Tundrea
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26517

AbstractGreywater (GW) has attracted global attention as an alternative water source over the last few decades. GW treatment andreliable reuse require the overall qualitative characterization of samples from different sources. This paper represents aninvestigation of household-generated GW in the Northern Great Plain Region of Hungary. Modern and reliable analyticaltechniques and instruments (ion chromatography, microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry, Zetasizer Nano Z analysis,etc.) were ...
Autori: Ildiko Bodnar
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26528

AbstractIn this paper, we develop a rigorous theoretical framework and a practical implementation for the evaluation of the energy- andcost-saving potential of buildings. The goal is to promote sustainability in the context of building energetics by achieving themost efficient, optimal exploitation of the financial resources available for refurbishments. The practical realization of thisconcept requires the evaluation of the optimal refurbishment cost that maximizes the net energetic or financia...
Autori: Árpád Csík
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26535

AbstractThe sustainable refurbishment of the existing building stock is a key issue in achieving the ambitious long-term energy andenvironmental goals of the European Union. Europe has a vast building stock built with prefabricated reinforced concrete largepanelconstruction technology after World War II to decrease the general housing shortage, mostly in the Eastern-Europeancountries and East Germany.This study focuses on the environmental evaluation of the retrofitting of the existing precast l...
Autori: Sára Hrabovszky-Horváth
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26538

AbstractThe relationship between the use of renewable energy sources and other characteristics of national economies has frequently beeninvestigated, and a wide range of approaches can be observed in publications. The aim of this study to examine the potentialrelationship between the ratio of renewable consumption in gross energy consumption, GDP per capita, and R&D expenditures inEuropean Union countries. Data are analyzed in their original forms, and a mathematical model is presented that ...
Autori: Imre Kocsis
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26542

AbstractThe adsorption potential of 10 wt.% COOH/TUD-1 material for removing Cd2+ from aqueous solutions was investigated via thebatch technique, and the effects of pH, temperature and contact time were studied. Experimental data showed that the maximumCd2+ adsorption, 90%, occurred at pH 6. The adsorption equilibrium was reached within 35 min for 10 wt.% COOH/TUD-1. Theadsorption mechanism was investigated in terms of its thermodynamics and kinetics. The adsorption data were fitted using theLan...
Autori: Nabila Bensacia
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26558

AbstractLand decay processes caused by erosion are very serious by their long term impact on the quality of soils, surface waters,environment and living standards. This article presents the results of a spatial erosion modelling. A new methodology is herebyproposed to estimate the soil losses caused by water erosion. The method is based on using GIS techniques, and its noveltyconsists in applying the mathematic calculation model on the pixel/ cell level, by using the “overlay” technique, which g...
Autori: Gabriela Biali
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26559

AbstractThis paper presents the experimental results obtained during testing in an electromagnetic field with non-ionizing radiations fromlow-intensity microwaves acting on a group of substances consisting of: double distilled water, neutralized to pH = 7; drinkingwater with pH = 7.3; slightly acidic aqueous solutions obtained by diluting the acetic acid at concentrations of 2.25‰, 4.5‰ and9‰ in double distilled water, for pH = 6.8, 6.7 and 6.5, respectively. The exposure of the samples was perf...
Autori: Gheorghe Morariu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26562

AbstractThe hotel industry constitutes a major sector of the wider tourism industry and, in common with other industries, hospitalityoperations inevitably entail environmental impacts. Requirements for corporate financial reporting are commonplace, but publicdisclosure of the environmental effects of organizations’ economic actions - referred to as environmental reporting – whilegenerally only a voluntary commitment offers a potentially valuable contribution towards assessing the industry’s glob...
Autori: Patricia Milanés-Montero
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26572

AbstractThe aim of the present work is to study the performance of a constructed wetland for domestic wastewater depuration alsoworking as a microbial fuel cell (MFC) under two different subsurface flow modes in the upper cathodic compartment (horizontalflow, HF, or vertical flow, VF), and to compare the efficiency under both situations. A pilot-scale subsurface constructed wetlandtreating domestic wastewater was used, and the installation also included the electrodes and devices needed to work ...
Autori: José Villaseńor Camacho
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26574

AbstractThe potential application of methemoglobin from bovine blood to remove aromatic compounds in the presence of hydrogenperoxide has been evaluated. The organic compounds herein tested include phenols, amines or hydrocarbons, which arepollutants deriving from different industries and display high persistence and toxicity in waters. The oxidative process has beencharacterized by soluble hemoglobin and immobilized on Eupergit CM, using 4-chlorophenol as a model substrate. Theobtained ...
Autori: María Teresa Pérez-Prior
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26580

Abstract Carbon capture and storage is one of the critical technologies that can enable the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of large industrial sites worldwide. The injection of CO2 into saline water formations is related with many factors and processes that control the safety of its long-term storage. This paper analyzes the leakage risks and the factors that influence the integrity of the cap rock in deep saline aquifer formation. Several pathways have leakage potential risks d...
Autori: Xiaojuan Qiao
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26585

Abstract This work performs an energy flow case study on the cosmetics industry in Taiwan. In addition, the energy-saving potential of these options is evaluated. It is found that the total potential energy saving amounts to around 2397.0 GJ. It represented a potential reduction of 179.8 tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions. This study establishes an energy flow analysis and energysaving method for this case study, in addition to identifying potential energy-saving areas. The greatest energy-s...
Autori: Te-Li Su
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26591

Abstract This study evaluates the potential of Crambe abyssinica press cake, a residue from crambe oil extraction and/or biodiesel production, as an adsorbent for removal of cationic dyes from wastewaters. Batch adsorption tests were performed at 30, 40 and 50oC. Adsorption kinetics and equilibrium were satisfactorily described by the pseudo second-order and Freundlich models, respectively. Adsorption was spontaneous and exothermic. Fixed bed adsorption (breakthrough curve) was satisfactoril...
Autori: Adriana S. Franca
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26597

Abstract In the Netherlands green gas is seen as a sustainable alternative to natural gas. However, green gas is still not competitive to natural gas in terms of pricing, and production volumes are remarkably low. Currently, there is a lot of attention to green gas which stems from upgraded biogas, which is produced by manure-based anaerobic co-digestion by livestock farmers. In this article the central question is to understand green gas demonstration projects from stakeholders’ persp...
Autori: Thomas Hoppe
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26603

Abstract In the present study, the results of PM10 pollution levels assessment in the most populated town from Romania, namely Bucharest, the capital of the country are presented for a 10 years period, 2004 – 2013, respectively, with the aim of emphasizing the progress recorded after the implementation of Directive 2004/107/EC and Directive 2008/50/EC provisions. Data were collected from 8 monitoring stations located in different areas of Bucharest. PM10, Cd, Pb and Ni from PM10 averag...
Autori: Marian Proorocu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26606

Abstract The present study deals with the removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution by polypyrrole (PPy). Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied for the design and analysis of experiments in the optimization of pH, temperature, initial concentration, contact time and adsorbent dose during the removal of the Cr (VI). The optimum adsorbent dose, temperature, initial concentration of Cr (VI), pH and contact time were found to be 0.8 g, 46.5 oC, 187.5 mg/L, 5.3 and 15.4 min respectively. ...
Autori: Ehsan Hasani
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26614

Abstract This study examined the characteristics of geopolymer with solar panel waste glass. After 28 days of curing, the compressive strengths of the geopolymer samples containing 10 mass % and 20 mass % solar panel waste glass were 63.3± 1.8 and 49.1 ± 2.2 MPa, respectively. The geopolymer sample with 10% solar panel waste glass exhibited a stronger reaction than that with 20% solar panel waste glass, and the strength decreased as the amount of solar panel waste glass increas...
Autori: HuiCong Hao
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26621

Abstract The development strategy of the European Union until the year 2020, Europe 2020, militates for an intelligent economy, sustainable and favorable to inclusion. Following these principles, each Member State establishes its targets and action plans at a national level. On the other hand, the rural zones benefit from diverse forms of renewable energy which can assure their development and energetic autonomy, bringing important advantages to the rural community: the diminishing of energy...
Autori: Liliana Topliceanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26644

Abstract Co(II), Cd(II) and Rh(III) complexes with 2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyridine (Htzp) as ligand were synthesized and investigated. The neutral mononuclear complexes with a generic [M(tzp)n] structure have been prepared from Htzp and corresponding transition metals chlorides at 2:1 and 3:1, respectively molar ratios in H2O–EtOH. The resulted crystalline complexes were investigated through magnetic and molar conductivity measurements, elemental analysis, FT-IR, mass spectroscopy, t...
Autori: Petronela Horlescu
ISSN: 1
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26652

Abstract The capacity of ion exchange resins, MN 500 and C100 H, for the removal of copper ions from aqueous solution has been investigated under different conditions, namely: initial solution pH, initial metal-ion concentration and contact time. The adsorption of Cu(II) on these resins follows the first-order reversible kinetic. The film diffusion of Cu (II) in these ion exchange resins was shown to be the main rate limiting step. The studies showed that these cation exchange resins can be ...
Autori: Cristina Modrogan
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26658

Abstract Drinking water treatment using activated carbon (AC) decontamination offers effective methods for removing some organic compounds, tastes and odors, but it is not so efficient for metals, nitrates, microbial contaminants and other organic and inorganic contaminants. In the last years, nanotechnologies introduced several types of nanomaterials for organic, inorganic and biological removal of contaminants in drinking water, such as: sorption, filtrations and catalytic processes. In th...
Autori: Elena Radu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26671

Abstract The bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanoparticles are easily synthesized from a solution of bismuth nitrate pentahydrate (Bi(NO3)3·5H2O) in ethylene glycol by a hydrolysis solvothermal route at temperatures of 120-150C. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy are used to characterize the products. The results show that the reaction temperature, the reaction duration and the initial solution concentration play important rol...
Autori: Xiaowen Luan
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26689

Abstract The present study explores the potential of Streptococcus epidermis, an indigenous isolate for biotransformation of phenol and phenol derivatives. Different phenolic derivatives such as 4-methylphenol, methylbenzene, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,6- dichlorophenol and 4-nitrophenol were attempted for biotransformation study. The results have shown that 4-nitrophenol was best transformed. The effect of degradation parameters like pH and temperature was studied, showing the value of 7.0 as o...
Autori: Bhavana V. Mohite
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26705

Abstract The removal efficiency of algal biomass Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for Pb and Cu metal ions was evaluated in single and binary metal systems. Biosorption experiments were performed in solutions containing 0.2 g L-1 of algal biomass at 30oC and pH 6. Initial metal ion concentrations ranged from 10-7 M to 10-6 M. Thermal analysis of the biosorbent indicated that algal cells are composed of groups containing C, H, N, and S. The presence of ionisable functional groups responsible for bio...
Autori: Roula Flouty
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26709

Abstract This research evaluated two electrokinetic remediation systems (EKR) for separating phenanthrene from bentonite and its electrochemical destruction by using a Boron Doped Diamond (BDD) electrode. The effect of the electrochemical potential for the oxidation of phenanthrene in liquid phase with Ti/BDD was analyzed by Normal Pulse Voltammetry and Hydroxyl Radical (●OH) analysis using the Spin Trapping Technique. The results showed that 70% of phenanthrene was removed from benton...
Autori: Alejandro Medel
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26710

Abstract This paper aims to analyze the characteristic of Road deposited sediment (RDS) using West Chang Tan highway, Hunan, China as a study site. RDS samples were collected at five representative highway sites and the particle size distribution was generally less than 150μm. Particles with the grain size (<150μm) had high metal concentrations among all sampling sites (unit: mg/kg): Cu 74-178, Zn 309-2737, Pb 601-1160, Cd 9.8-44.5. There is significant spatial variability between t...
Autori: Yunbo Zhai
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26728

Abstract The aim of this study is to evaluate adsorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamic parameters of anionic textile dye (Acid Red 88) onto montmorillonitic clay from aqueous solutions. The parameters of pH, initial dye concentrations, temperature, and the adsorbent dosage were investigated experimentally. Four kinetic models including pseudo-second order, pseudo-nth order, Bangham’s equation and double exponential equation (DEE) were selected to follow the adsorption process. ...
Autori: Sedef Dikmen
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26731

Abstract Response surface methodology and central composite experimental design were used to model and optimize the operational parameters of the excess sludge protein extraction yield by ultrasonic wave-assisted extraction. The three variables involved in this research were the ultrasonic extraction time, pH, and temperature. In the range studied, statistical analysis of the results showed that selected variables had a significant effect on protein extraction yield. The optimized extraction...
Autori: Yulin Xiang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26736

Abstract Optimum conditions for the reusability of red mud were explored testing both dried and HCl-activated red mud as a coagulant in the treatment of dyehouse wastewater. Treated dyehouse wastewater was further reused in five dyebaths with different mixture ratios of distilled water (D) and treated wastewater (W) for dyeing fabrics at three color strengths of three reactive dyes. Sludge obtained from the optimum dosage of HCl-activated red mud was tested for its reuse potential in the pro...
Autori: Aylin Yildiz
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26738

Abstract In Hungary, 0.5 million m3 of thermal water is exploited every day for diverse purposes. After utilization, this enormous amount of thermal water becomes sewage water with a high concentration of salts, heavy metals, ammonia, nitrate, an unfavorable ion composition and high temperature. A common treatment is to dispose of waste water into a surface recipient through uninsulated channels surrounded by arable land. By infiltration, sewage water can cause potential salinization/sodific...
Autori: Andrea Farsang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26742

Abstract Natural herbicides may be more sustainable than their chemical homologues, but they are still toxic substances that can affect humans and animals. Implementation of natural herbicides may require just as many safety precautions as the application of commercial herbicides, hence the need not to confuse the term "organic" with "non toxic". Allelopathy is accomplished through chemical inhibition of species towards each other, being an antagonistic phenomenon. Respon...
Autori: Ana Maria Vîrteiu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26752

Abstract This paper presents the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) modelling used in the process of comparing the best technology for disposal municipal solid waste (MSW) in the Banjaluka region. Three scenarios were considered: unsanitary landfill, sanitary landfill with gas collection and burning on flare and sanitary landfill with energy recovery. The Banjaluka landfill is currently an unsanitary landfill because a system for collecting and treating gas has not yet been implement...
Autori: Draženko Bjelić
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26767

Abstract In the context of biogas sustainability assessment, a promising way to reach greenhouse gases (GHG) reduction and fossil energy savings is the anaerobic digestion (AD) of both animal manure and energy crops. Nowadays, more than 1,100 AD plants are working in Italy, mostly located in Northern Regions. To those plants with an electrical power lower than 1 MW, strong public incentives were given, therefore, several of them have been put into operation; this entailed increasing cereal ...
Autori: Jacopo Bacenetti
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26771

Abstract This paper reports the activity, promoted by the Italian agency for new technologies, energy and sustainable economic development (ENEA), in the framework of the project for the development and implementation of the first Italian Platform for Industrial Symbiosis implemented in Sicily (2011-2015). The goals of the project were: to provide a methodology and an instrument for industrial symbiosis implementation at regional scale, to implement a IS Platform as a support to SMEs to ind...
Autori: Laura Cutaia
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26774

Abstract The Bio.Lea.R project aims to demonstrate the performance of a landfill for less reactive, biologically treated waste (pretreated organic wastes) compared to a conventionally managed landfill, with regard to both environmental (biogas and leachate production) and economic aspects. The objective is to control the pretreated biodegradable waste through a liquid injection in order to achieve the same biogas quantity in a shorter time than in conventional landfill. Laboratory and full ...
Autori: Alberto Godio
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26784

Abstract Hydrolysates of Arundo donax, a crop offering high productivity in contaminated or salinized soils with no inputs of irrigation and agrochemicals, were used in a discontinuous fermenter to grow the oleaginous yeast Lipomyces starkey, to obtain microbial oils potentially useful for the production of 2nd-generation biodiesel. A mixture of fermentable sugars was obtained by steam-explosion and subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of the lignocellulosic materials. The concentration of Ni2+ ...
Autori: Domenico Pirozzi
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26789

Abstract This paper discusses end-of-life (EoL) modeling issues in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), through the application to a domestic cooker hood. Two EoL approaches are applied and discussed, namely the avoided burden and the one recommended by the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) Guide, presently under testing. While no case studies on PEF application have been published yet, to the best of our knowledge, the scientific community is questioning the robustness and relevance of some me...
Autori: Francesca Reale
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26790

Abstract This study carried out for the first time a comparison among ligninolytic (white-rot) and cellulosolytic or xylanolytic (Trichoderma) pre-treated wheat straw, for biogas production, potential, without or with pig slurry in co-digestion. Methane (CH4) production from wheat straw pre-treated for 4 and 10 weeks with seven different fungal isolates was preliminarily measured. Then, the effects on biogas yield of the co-digestion with pig slurry were checked on straw pre-treated with 3 s...
Autori: Ciro Vasmara
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26796

Abstract Economy depends heavily on transport. Since the overwhelming motor vehicles burn fossil fuels at present, transport system keeps producing CO2, which will speed up the climate change if fossil fuels are consumed excessively. Thus, Jinan, the economic center of China’s second developed province, aims to formulate a low-carbon transport system in future. This paper analyzes the causal relationship in transport system and discusses its CO2 emission situation according to the time...
Autori: Qiang Han
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26802

Abstract The recycling and later use of construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) as construction materials present a strategic inconvenience for many stakeholders involved in the sustainable construction. In some countries, the recycling percentage of C&D waste is around 80% of the C&D generated. However, in other countries this percentage is much lower. This complexity requires a better understanding of the recycling dynamic. In the specific case of Spain, the National Inte...
Autori: Nuria Calvo
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26817

Abstract Waste engine oil contains hydrocarbons which are potentially carcinogenic. The objective of this study was to determine if organic wastes, specifically cow dung (T1) and poultry manure (T2) can improve the microbial degradation of the hydrocarbons. A questionnaire survey to determine generation, management and disposal of waste engine oil was carried out. A Complete Randomized Design, with two treatments and three replications was used to set up plots at Makerere University Agricult...
Autori: Richard Elijah Ssonko
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26820

Abstract In citizen observatories, the observations, insights and involvement of 'ordinary' citizens - alongside those of scientists and professionals - can be included in earth observation, environmental conservation as well as decision making. Facilitated by information and communication technologies (ICTs), such ICT-enabled citizen observatories have the potential to generate fundamental changes to existing governance structures. Based on an action research approach in three Europ...
Autori: Uta Wehn
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26831

Abstract The recycling of plastic waste is important both in the conservation of resources and the environmental protection. A plastic waste (PE/PP/PS/PVC) was pyrolyzed over a series of post-use FCC catalysts using a fluidizing reaction system similar to the FCC process operating isothermally at ambient pressure. Experiments carried out with these catalysts gave good yields of valuable hydrocarbons with differing selectivity in the final products dependent on reaction conditions. A model ba...
Autori: Ta-Tung Wei
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26836

Abstract Landslides constitute an abrupt and short-lived geomorphic risk phenomena, which may cause significant damages to human made infrastructures or even claim human lives. The present study aims to assess landslide susceptibility, at regional scale, in the Bârlad Basin, situated in eastern Romania. The subject is approached by means of logistic regression analysis, which is one of the main methods employed for this purpose worldwide. A landslide inventory was carried out by digiti...
Autori: Cristian Valeriu Patriche
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26846

Abstract Isotopic composition and electrical conductivity (EC) of groundwater were analyzed to trace the source and transport of pathogenic microbes in shallow and deep groundwater wells over a depth range from 9 m to 75 m below land surface (bls). Stable isotopic composition was used for the identification of the source of water while environmental tritium contents were used to estimate the time elapsed since the recharge of the groundwater. The results revealed that drain water contaminate...
Autori: Anju Pant
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26851

Abstract This study investigated the use of tea waste to decolorize refractory dyestuff from textile wastewater. The influence of the solution pH and the contacting time were examined for various adsorbents, namely green tea-leaf powder (GTP), black tea-leaf powder (BTP), and powdered activated carbon (PAC). Results from batch experiments revealed that the reduction in true color (ADMI) increases with decreasing pH. The ADMI reduced from 1106 to 150 with 0.8 g/L of GTP at pH 2. The results a...
Autori: Chih-Huang Weng
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26863

Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that occurs due to a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Brain area affected by progressive destruction of neurons controls movements, and patients with PD reveal rigid and uncontrollable gestures, postural instability, small handwriting and tremor. There are some risk factors that have been proven to trigger PD with a certain probability (for example insecticides exposure, and genetic and environmental ...
Autori: Oana Geman
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26868

Abstract Air pollution is an increasing critical issue and the focus of innumerable studies and monitoring activities. In addition to automatic monitoring systems typically used to measure fine dust, ozone, nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide, the use of bioaccumulation monitors can also be exploited, especially when monitoring large areas. The advantage of biomarkers is the very low costs involved compared to traditional monitoring systems. Bio-indicator techniques do not measure directly air q...
Autori: Vincenzo Torretta
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26892

Abstract The CoCrMo alloys have been widely used in artificial knee or hip joints. It is well known that these materials have a good corrosion resistance and acceptable biocompatibility properties. Zirconia as a ceramic biomaterial facilitates the osteoconductivity and tissue osteogenetic capacity in new bone formation around implant. Linear polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to characterize the electrochemical behavior of plasma sprayed yttrium oxid...
Autori: Manuela Romaş
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26896

Abstract Synthesized silicates and their organically modified products have been least explored for their potential use in contaminated water remediation and also as slow release formulations. In this study, adsorption potential and applicability of surfactant modified clinoptilolite (SMC) and montmorillonite (SMM) nanoparticles as adsorbent and slow release formulation of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) have been investigated. The surface modification of hydrothermally synthesized s...
Autori: Deepesh Bhardwaj
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26913

Abstract Establishing a management system for collecting and disposing the solid waste materials is of great importance in urban areas. Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia, is at its initial phase of managing this problem. Currently, landfill disposal is the main option for dealing with rapidly growing amounts of waste. This paper’s research goal is to estimate the landfill gas quantity at Belgrade’s only landfill site Vinca, and to estimate the potential for collection and util...
Autori: Vesna Alivojvodic
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26923

As the serious effect of climate change and global warming is recognized, nitrous oxide (N2O) emission during wastewater treatment is receiving lots of attention due to its high potential to greenhouse effect. In this study, nitrifiers were acclimated in sequencing batch reactors with influent ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) concentrations of 60 mg/L (SBR60) and 180 mg/L (SBR180), respectively. Nitrous oxide emission during nitrification was examined in both typical cycles and batch experiments. T...
Autori: Enge Wang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26926

Aniline is a priority pollutant, which is known as a toxic organic pollutant released as effluent from several industries. Several physicochemical methods have been used for degradation of this pollutant. In this study, photocatalytic degradation of aniline from synthetic wastewater by ZnO nanoparticle was considered. The effects of different variables, such as irradiation time, the amount of photocatalyst, initial pH values and initial concentration of pollutant on the photodegradation of an...
Autori: Ahmad Jonidi Jafari
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26929

Because of their toxic effects on the food chain and sources of water, antibiotics are potential pollutants that represent an important environmental problem. The objective of this research was to study the adsorption of penicillin G (PEN G) onto chestnut shell using a batch adsorption system. Maximum adsorption was achieved at pH 3.0. The equilibrium uptake capacity (mg/g) increased with increasing levels of initial penicillin G concentration. The uptake capacity of penicillin G onto chestnu...
Autori: Amir Sheikh Mohammadi
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26940

Severe power shortages and poor performance of administrative demand response (DR) in China have motivated exploration of potentially more effective market-based approaches to promote DR deployment. We present a systems dynamics model for estimating DR-related costs and benefits to stakeholders. The model is used to study the performance of DR programs under various alternative incentive mechanisms. The systems dynamics process can quantitatively explain incentive-related obstacles in China ...
Autori: Beibei Wang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26945

A drainage channel network in Vojvodina, Serbia, made for collection and transition of (sub)surface waters from waterlogged arable land areas, is exposed to diffuse and/or point contamination sources. Over time, the channel network has accumulated sediment material containing potentially harmful organic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this study, the concentration of 16 environmentally relevant PAH substances from 42 sampling points in drainage channel sediments...
Autori: Radovan Savić
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26950

Treatment of agrochemical industry wastewater is difficult to carry out unless integration with some advanced oxidation process (AOP) is used. The present study deals with treatment of an agrochemical industry wastewater, first using activated sludge and then with sulfuric acid treated activated carbon (SAAC) in presence of Fenton reagent. During the activated sludge treatment the food-to-microorganisms (F/M) ratio is varied from 0.1 to 0.2 mg chemical oxygen demand (COD) per mg mixed liquor ...
Autori: Makarand Vasant Karkare
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26957

We analysed the body of knowledge on the topic of environmental management in the construction sector with the intention to identify the state of the art and opportunities for further research. The articles' database is from international journals in English and in Portuguese languages. We identified key features of interest related to environmental management in the construction sector by performing a systematic analysis. Relevant articles along with their level of citations and the reco...
Autori: Lucila M.S. Campos
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26969

Ranunculus rionii and Ceratophyllum demersum develop aquatic dense stands, which lately started to represent a major ecological concern for all the ponds and/or lakes in Romania. The potential relationships between the phytochemical compounds detected in these plant extracts (acids, phenols, heterocycles, alcohols, hydrocarbures) and the allelopathic properties against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains and microalgal cultures were investigated and discussed in the current stud...
Autori: Mariana Lupoae
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26971

Risk can be defined as the probability that an existing hazard could turn into an accident. It can be evaluated through the potential losses in the manufacturing process or the harmful level of accidents with an impact on human health, caused by unpredictable technical events. Romanian authorities have not found yet a nationwide method for evaluating the risks in the establishments that fall under the scope of the SEVESO Directive. Starting from the potential risk that an accident might occur...
Autori: Daniel-Cătălin Felegeanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26979

The study aims to identify important challenges that the practitioners and researchers in wastewater collection systems are facing in order to reduce the emissions of hydrogen sulphide and greenhouse gas emissions. Based on literature review, it identifies the main technologies used for avoiding and removing odorous compounds from wastewater gas streams. The paper also highlights issues pertaining to the emission and biofiltration of hydrogen sulphide, methane and nitrous oxide from sewage co...
Autori: Iulia Carmen Ciobotici Terryn
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26984

Biomass is a very important source for the production of biofuels. During the hydrolysis step of the process for obtaining biofuels the rate of decomposition of biomass is strictly related to its organic matter content and the operating mode of the facilities. This paper highlights the effect of different pretreatments on the composition of biomass at the molecular level using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). For this experiment, a mixture...
Autori: Andreea Cocarcea Rusei
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26986

The renewable sources of energy represent a viable alternative for satisfying the energetic needs of humanity in case the fossil fuels reserves are exhausted, which is estimated to occur in maximum 25 years if the current rate of exploitation is maintained. Nowadays, there are several concerns about the valorization of the energetic potential of these resources (wind, water flows, solar, geothermal energy etc.), but also a series of extremely beneficial practical uses (i.e. wind parks, photov...
Autori: Daniela Suteu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26989

Environmental threats posed in the environment by plastic production and plastic wastes continue to be a major problem today, closely connected with the increase of plastics consumption by the population. Moreover, little efforts are involved in some parts of the world associated to plastic waste collection, recycling and reuse. Considering all these prerequisites, the identification and discussion of risks generated by plastic production and waste in the environment are performed in this pap...
Autori: Elena - Diana Comăniță
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26990

Our study aims to analyse soil quality based on the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in natural or slightly modified anthropogenic soils, technosols and landfill deposits in Iasi. The pollution level analysis based on lognormal distribution plot allows the differentiation of elements coming from the parent material (Mo, Cd, Ni and As) of those with anthropogenic origin (Pb, Zn and Cu). The enrichment factor (EF) calculated based on manganese (Mn) as reference in the parent ...
Autori: Cristian Vasilica Secu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=26991

The densities and distributions of airborne fungal spores known to cause respiratory tract disorders were monitored in three educational buildings located in different boroughs in Iaşi. Air samples from all locations were collected monthly over a period of 3 months (March-May 2011), using the Petri plate gravitational settling (passive) method. Petri plates containing nutrient media were exposed to room air for a 15-minute period, face upwards, to collect particles settling by gravity. A...
Autori: Florin Daniel Lipşa
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27003

Fly ash is the major residue produced during the combustion of coal. Research has been carried out to recover silica and alumina from fly ashes collected from different thermal power plants in India. Silica and alumina from the fly ash were recovered and the recovered products were subjected to X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy analyses to estimate the silica and alumina content. Total recovered silica content in the samples was...
Autori: Ruth Sherly Endluri
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27007

Emission from the combustion processes can cause adverse effect to the environment. The formation of pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxides of sulphur (SOx) are hazardous and harmful to the ecosystem. Due to these pollutants and also depletion of fossil fuel, several steps should be taken in order to mitigate this problem. Biofuel is known as the potential replacement for fossil fuel. Envo Diesel is one form of biofuel that can be us...
Autori: Mohammad Nazri Mohd Ja’afar
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27011

The arsenic removal from aqueous medium was investigated through adsorption by employing finely powdered bark of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. The batch mode laboratory scale experiments were conducted to investigate the removal efficiency of Pinus bark against total arsenic and the effect of pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and initial adsorbate concentration on adsorption to optimize the process. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to validate the adsorption data and respective constants w...
Autori: Syed Hasnain Shah
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27013

Semi-conductor oxide enhanced photocatalysis is a sustainable technology suitable for disinfection of water contaminated with pathogens. Disinfection of Escherichia coli was investigated using an immobilized thin film tungsten trioxide (WO3) photocatalyst in a visible light-driven photoelectrocatalytic batch cell (PECB). Disinfection efficiency was monitored under dark electrocatalytic, photolytic and photoelectrocatalytic conditions and assessed using a culture-based approach. Optimal disin...
Autori: Efetobor Scott-Emuakpor
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27014

Accidents in spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plants are a critical issue for the safety of people, of operators and the environment, as well as for the security of the plants. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the possibility to use a free license code to simulate radiological diffusion after an accident in these particular plants, in order to obtain a model which allows identifying escape routes for the people potentially involved in the fallout. The authors performed a benchmark an...
Autori: Mariachiara Carestia
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27015

Production and utilization of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs), which are smart materials with ability of sensing and destroying chemical contaminants, is growing rapidly. However, these materials seem to have some ecological and health adverse effects. Hence, the main goal of this review study is to give a brief description about the recent developments of the commercial available engineered nano particles in the environmental remediation and also to note the current state of findings about t...
Autori: Mohammadreza Kamali
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27017

Rice is one of the main staple foods in China and plays an extremely important role in ensuring the country’s food security. Therefore, the impacts of climate change on rice yields have garnered considerable attention. In this study, meteorological and rice yield records during 1951-2011 from the Reclamation area (RA) and general agricultural area (GAA) in the Heilongjiang province of Northeast China were used to assess the impacts of climate change on rice yield trends using multiple r...
Autori: Yang Zhou
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27019

Zirconia (ZrO2) as a ceramic biomaterial facilitates the osteoconductivity in new bone formation around implant. Surface characterization before and after electrochemical testing was performed used scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical properties of the yttrium oxide stabilized zirconium oxide (YSZ) coated and uncoated MgCa sample with the open circuit potential at different immersion time in Ringer’s solution were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EI...
Autori: Bogdan Istrate
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27021

The need of hydraulic structures for the improvement of the navigation conditions on the Danube, between Calarasi and Braila (km 375 and km 175), led to the development of studies regarding the environmental impact. The studies were made by correlating the dynamic implementation of hydraulic works with the results of the environmental monitoring, biotic and abiotic factors. The hydraulic works designed to be built-up on the Bala branch, raised issues regarding sturgeons’migration in thi...
Autori: Alina-Florina Nicolae
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27036

Renewable resources, biopolymers and bio-based materials are keywords of the sustainable development and environmental sustainability concepts. Biopolymers, the green alternatives to fossil fuel based polymers, have already found different feasible applications, from consumer goods to regenerative medicine. Keratin is the biopolymer contained in the skin derivatives and appendages and is one of the the proteins with the most sophisticated architecture nature could produce. It is found in huge...
Autori: Hossein Rajabinejad
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27043

Deforestation has been recognized as an important environmental threat in the hilly area of Eastern Romania during the last two centuries. Nowadays, these former forested lands are extremely degraded through soil erosion and gullying due to improper human impact. Under such background, the paper aims at reconstituting the natural forest cover of the late 18th century, prior the aggressive deforesting actions. The methodology is based on two key elements: old maps and soil typology, both integ...
Autori: Iulian Cătălin Stângă
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27062

This paper aims at identifying the specific and phytocenotic diversity, as well as assessing the conservation status of habitats across the Protected Natural Area Racâş-Hida - Site of Community Interest from Romania (ROSCI 209), located in the Sălaj County. The target is to identify taxa and types of natural habitat whose conservation requires them designation as special conservation areas, as well as to identify solution for the sustainable management of the range. As a resul...
Autori: Aurica Grec
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27067

This article addresses a cross-destination research to study a key issue for the growth and competitiveness of the tourism sector, which is the perceived environmental sustainability of a destination. Particularly, a segmentation analysis is developed to examine potential unobserved heterogeneity across tourists regarding their perception of environmental sustainability of the destination. 918 tourists of five Mediterranean Sea Basin cities are studied using a latent class segmentation techni...
Autori: Raquel Sánchez-Fernández
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27075

In studies of biochemical methane production (BMP) researchers often collate a large number of samples at the same time for a sample archive. The samples are often frozen to avoid microbial transformation, further homogenized by grinding. We studied the influence of subfreezing/thawing and drying/milling of energy crop on BMP and anaerobic biodegradability (BD). Relative standard deviation (RSD, %) between the BMP of controls and of the subfrozen was in the range 2.1–9.0%, and of the d...
Autori: Jin Mi Triolo
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27079

A test for quantifying the contribution of colour and scale to the visual impact of buildings in the rural setting was developed and validated by means of a public opinion survey. The method was based on some psychological aspects of visual perception and on a simple image treatment performed by a well known and easily available computer program. Results were provided as numerical values, enabling the quantification of the impact for the two individual elements studied and for their potential in...
Autori: María Jesús Montero-Parejo
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27080

While the water quality issues in suburban watersheds have been greatly attributed to rapid urban development and stormwater runoff, pollution contribution from agricultural practices are still significant but often overlooked. The objective of this study is to assess water quality impacts of managing both agricultural and urban lands in a suburban watershed. Neshanic River watershed is a headwater watershed with mixed land uses located in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, USA. It has 40% of agr...
Autori: Zeyuan Qiu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27081

This study highlights the potential use of yellow Zea mays seed chaff (YZMSC) biomass as a biosorbent for the removal of Cr3+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. Fourier transformed Infrared analysis of the biomass suggests that YZMSC biomass is basically composed of cellulose and methyl cellulose. The biosorption capacities, qmax, of YZMSC biomass for Cr3+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ are 14.68, 121.95 and 384.62 mg/g respectively. Biosorption equilibrium was achieved at 20, 30 and 60 min for Cr3+...
Autori: Jonathan Oyebamiji Babalola
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27083

This work evaluates the potential of Phyllanthus debilis for the adsorption of Zn2+ and Ni2+ ions using synthetic solutions. Adsorption experiments were performed in order to examine the effect of pH, contact time, biomass concentration and initial metal ion concentration in the removal process, in a batch mode. The results revealed that the adsorption is highly pH dependent. The adsorption of Zn2+ and Ni2+ ions were concentration dependent and increased from 2.446 to 8.688 mg/g for Zn2+ and ...
Autori: Mohammad Aslam
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27084

This paper reports the potential of rice husk waste biomass to remove copper (II) from simulated wastewater under different experimental conditions. For this, rice husk has been pre–treated by boiling, formaldehyde and concentrated sulphuric acid. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy dispersive analysis X–ray analyses were performed before and after adsorption, to explore number and position of the functional groups available for copper ...
Autori: Manjeet Bansal
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27095

Freshwater marshes are the single largest source of atmospheric methane (CH4). Climate change and anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition can alter the production and oxidation of CH4 respectively and thereby also CH4 exchange. But there was little known about how N regulate key carbon (C) processes, like CH4 production and oxidation under freshwater marshland conditions. In this study, field-fertilization and incubation experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of four N-fertilizat...
Autori: Lihua Zhang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27107

In order to improve the soil fertility, several eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cultivation practices have been proposed. The use of biofertilizers, such as rhizobacteria with different plant growth promoting properties is an environmentally-friendly option to achieve sustainability in agriculture. In this context, two bacterial strains (Bacillus pumilus R3 and Pseudomonas lini R7) isolated from the rhizosphere of runner bean plants were assessed for their plant growth promoting abil...
Autori: Gabriela Mihalache
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27108

Biological control relying on soil microorganisms may offer feasible and sustainable perspectives in many agrosystems for management of soil pests such as root-knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne spp.). The rhizosphere environment shows a complex of soil microbial communities, including beneficial organisms such as specialized bacterial pathogens and/or of rhizosphere fungi. New advanced technologies like Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) may enlarge our knowledge about the biodiversity and rol...
Autori: Aurelio Ciancio
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27109

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), the bioelectrochemical devices for conversion of waste into electricity through bacterial metabolic activity can use substrates with different complexity and strength. Wastewaters with moderate to high organic content can be exploited as MFC substrates. In this study, four different industrial wastewaters (from a chemical company, milk industry, soyabased food and soft-drink company and laundry) with different compositions were used as substrates in identical MFCs...
Autori: Deepak Pant
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27117

The Project “Green - Industrial Symbiosis” (G-IS), in Emilia Romagna region (IT), took place in two phases: phase I, 05.2013 – 03.2014; phase II, 10. 2014 – 10.2015. During the first phase, it was completed the first part of the pilot project of industrial symbiosis (IS) in Emilia-Romagna, which involved 13 companies in the agro-industrial sector, 7 laboratories of the High Technology Network, with Unioncamere and Aster (promoters) and ENEA (technical and scientific co...
Autori: Laura Cutaia
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27124

In this study, the toxic effects of binary mixtures of Pharmaceutical Active Compounds (PhACs) that are observed in the effluents from a wide range sewage treatment plants and surface water bodies were investigated using the bioluminescent bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri (Microtox® test). The selected chemicals were the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac sodium [DCF] and the anti-epileptic carbamazepine [CBZ]. In addition, caffeine [CFF], a psychoactive stimulant of the...
Autori: Valeria Di Nica
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27126

This work was aimed to test the suitability of an epoxidized cardanol derived plasticizer for the production of soft PVC characterized by low environmental and toxicological impact soft PVC. Nowadays, the use of natural derived plasticizer in soft PVC industry is emerging as valid alternative towards conventional phthalate plasticizers, in order to reduce the environmental and toxicological impact of soft PVC. In facts, cardanol is a natural and renewable resource, characterized by a wide wor...
Autori: Antonio Greco
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27128

Rapeseed meal (RM) is an abundant and cheap by-product of oil extraction process. RM is a rich source of nitrogen, carbon, and minerals. Thanks to these features, RM has a striking potential for eco-friendly production of high value products in biotechnological processes. In this study, the possibility of using a low-cost medium based on the water soluble fraction of RM for laccase production by the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus has been evaluated and compared with the use of synthetic complex ...
Autori: Lucia Guarino
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27129

In this study, the potential for biogas production from biodegradable bioplastics was evaluated. Mater-Bi® (a family of maizestarch based flexible films) and PLA (PolyLactic Acid; a rigid, polylactide-based, polymer) bioplastics were digested in laboratory batch reactors, alone or in co-digestion with pig slurry or scotta (partially deproteinized cheese whey), at 35°C or 55°C. Methane (CH4) and hydrogen (H2) production were monitored during the incubation period. Maximum CH4 (Mmax...
Autori: Ciro Vasmara
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27134

The aim of the present study was to prepare environmentally friendly silver-based materials using Cornus mas L. fruits extract. For this purpose, silver nanoparticles (Cornus mas-AgNPs) were green synthesized using this plant extract. The bioreduction of silver ions was analyzed by UV–VIS and ATR-FTIR spectroscopic studies. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the formation of spherical phyto-nanosilver particles with size ranging between 12 and 40 nm. Different amounts ...
Autori: Ioana-Raluca Suica-Bunghez
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27139

The removal of quinoline from synthetic wastewater by heterogeneous photo-Fenton in a novel internal circulating fluidized-bed reactor was investigated systematically. The flow field in the reactor was simulated by FLUENT software conjoined with tracer particles experiment, and the influence of reaction parameters such as initial quinoline concentration, catalysts dosage and H2O2 dosage were evaluated. Results indicated that the designed reactor was suitable for the heterogeneous photo-Fenton...
Autori: Ran Zhang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27142

Carbadox is a veterinary antibiotic and widely used in livestock production as feed additives. Carbadox and its metabolites have the potential of provoking a tumor-inducing mutation. In this study, the influence of carbadox addition on composting performance and its removal during thermophilic composting were investigated. The results showed that the carbadox addition slightly influenced pH variation and C/N ratio, and also improved the decomposition of organic matter. However, XRD analysis indi...
Autori: Lin Shi
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27147

In this study, a mathematical model was introduced to calculate the collection efficiency of dust particles in a wire-pipe single-stage electrostatic precipitator (ESP). The aerodynamic diameters of these particles are less than 10 μm (PM10). The mathematical model, using combined Deutsch-Anderson Equation, considers coupling effects among gas flow field, electric field and particle field. A simplified 2-D ESP model was established using GAMBIT and a software application (FLUENT) was used to ...
Autori: Jian-Ping Zhang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27172

Phosphorous (P) and organic carbon (OC) found in organic matter (OM) play pivotal role in the productivity process of aquatic environment and significantly controlling its physico-chemical properties. The excessive P and OC containing muds of aquaculture systems deteriorate the congenial culture environment through developing eutrophication problems. The objective of present study was to determine the distributional relationship between the P, OC, and OM in the mud of shrimp-farming ponds of Vie...
Autori: Jatindra N. Bhakta
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27175

The need for ensuring safety of energy supply, as well as the tendency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has led to greater use of energy efficient technologies and renewable energy sources. Cogeneration (combined production of heat and electricity) is one of high-efficiency technologies, because the losses of primary energy are less than losses from the separate generation of heat and power. Consequently, in 27 EU member-states 70% of the district heating is based on cogeneration plants. Us...
Autori: Vladimir Vukašinović
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27177

Rural areas near Pucallpa City in the Peruvian Amazon have no access to electricity. Fuelwood is the main source of energy and is used for open-fire cooking, which is generally considered as less efficient cooking method. The performance of two improved cookstoves (Ceramic Stove - CS and Rocket Stove – RS) has been compared with the traditional open-fire three-stone cooking method locally recognized as Traditional Cocina (TC). The CS and RS were constructed by the indigenous tribe of Shipi...
Autori: Iva Kucerova
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27178

This study was carried out to (1) investigate the potential of in-vessel solid-state anaerobic acidogenic co-digestion of high solids containing substrates, namely organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and cow manure and (2) examine the feasibility of using leaching bed reactors (LBR) for hydrolysis/liquefaction and acidification of OFMSW and cow manure mixtures for maximum total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and alcohol production. Results indicated that hydrolysis efficiency of 20-25% ...
Autori: Tuba H. Erguder
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27186

A natural Cretaceous sodium (Na) bentonite from North Patagonia, Argentine, is considered a potential construction material for landfill liners. It is studied alone and in mixtures with sand. Physical and chemical properties of the Na-bentonite were determined to verify the suitability of this material for the construction of low permeability mineral liners. Hydraulic conductivity measurements were conducted on pure bentonite and on mixtures of poorly graded sand with 3, 6, 9 and 12% of Na-bento...
Autori: Telma Belén Musso
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27190

In this work, the effect of cyclic anaerobic/aerobic conditions on the biodegradative capability of the mixed microbial culture for the azo dye Acid Red 18 was investigated in the sequencing batch reactors. For this purpose, five anaerobic/aerobic sequencing batch reactors were operated under the same operation conditions at different anaerobic/aerobic reaction times. The whole reaction time was 22-h with anaerobic/aerobic periods of 6/16, 10/12, 14/8, 18/4 and 22/0 (h/h) in An/ASBR1 to 5, respe...
Autori: Mohammad Hakimelahi
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27191

Hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), is one of the toxic heavy metals released into the environment by a number of industries, so it is crucial to limit its further discharge into the environment. In the present study, the aerobic reduction of Cr(VI) to less mobile and less toxic Cr(III) by Aspergillus niger was investigated. The potential of this fungus strain as biocatalyst was capable of resisting Cr(VI) up to 300 mg/L. The effects of the process parameters such as solution pH, initial Cr(VI) concent...
Autori: Farshid Ghanbari
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27194

Any modern enterprise, with focus on marketing and management success have to be based on market principles, pursuing the main objectives, of increasing production and services in terms of sustainable development. In this context, rural tourism and agritourism, with a high rate in rural areas, is a major factor, with direct consequences on local development and meeting the consumption needs of tourists. There are several advantages of the agritourism which had been described previously such as: ...
Autori: Elena Leonte
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27206

The need to develop models for analyzing socio-ecologically structured strategic portfolios derives from concerns regarding the sustainable development manifested in the current economy. Such models are useful for underlying the strategy of the organizations oriented towards achieving their objectives and the requirements of sustainable development. The model that we propose is based on an algorithm of strategic portfolio classification focused on the organization’s potential of sustainab...
Autori: Oliver Constantin Pricop
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27209

This paper examined some physical and mechanical properties of wood from thin trees of sessile oak collected from thinning operations, in order to recommend this secondary wood resource for potential superior applications (as solid wood panels and furniture components). Swelling, shrinkage, modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) and compression strength parallel to the grain were examined and compared with data from literature reported for mature trees. The variation of the abo...
Autori: Alin M. Olărescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27210

Groundwater originating from two rural communities from Cluj and Bistrita Nasaud counties was analyzed using parallel ion chromatography, the focus being on major anions (chloride, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and sulphate) and cations (potassium, sodium, ammonium, calcium and magnesium). These analytes were determined simultaneously using a Shimadzu two-channel instrument with non-suppressed conductivity detection, separations being carried out using an Allsep Anion 7u column and an Universal Ca...
Autori: Edward Muntean
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27211

Date pits were used as a low-cost adsorbent to study the effective removal of copper (II) ions in an aqueous solution on the basis of adsorption kinetics and isotherm equations. Before and after the adsorption process, the date pits were characterized by electron scanning microscope (ESM) as well as Infrared spectroscopy (IR). The effects of the pH, zero point of charge, the adsorbent mass, and the adsorbent particle size on the adsorption of copper (II) were also studied. Equilibrium data were ...
Autori: Tarek E. Khalil
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27212

Adsorption equilibrium, kinetic and dynamic studies were done for removal of zinc (II) from aqueous solutions using alunite ore. The alunite sample was characterized by using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) porosimetry, differential thermal (DTA), and Thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. The batch equilibrium adsorption data of zinc (II) ions onto alunite particles were applied to some...
Autori: Hoda Arabyarmohammadi
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27216

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a methodology that can be used to evaluate the environmental performance of municipal solid waste management systems (MSWMS). Despite of Waste Directive provisions, this methodology is insufficiently applied as a decision-support method able to identify the best option for the waste management in Romania. In this paper we applied LCA methodology to study of the municipal waste management system of Cluj County, supported by GaBi software. The aim of this study is to...
Autori: Gabriela-Emilia Popiţa
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27225

Natural disasters from earthquakes can cause considerable damages, with potentially severe effects to urban environment. Last strong Vrancea earthquake on March 4, 1977 (Mw=7.4, depth=95km); tens of thousands of buildings damaged, many people injured and dead. Strong earthquakes in the Vrancea zone occur between 60-200 km depth within an almost vertical column. Bucharest Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system detects earthquakes with a seismic network in the epicentral Vrancea region and issue a ...
Autori: Hakan Alcik
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27235

Based on more than 25 years of research in the field of agritourism, the current work represents a pertinent, realistic and critical analysis of the main factors favourable to the implementation and development of agritourism and rural tourism in Romania. Firstly, we examined the main natural and anthropic tourist resources which constitute the country’s tourist treasures, and we concluded that Romania has rich, varied and attractive tourist resources that have not been fully exploited and...
Autori: Aurel Călina
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27237

The capability of ornamental rocks solid waste (ORSW) as a low-cost sorbent was investigated in order to remove As(V) and Mn(II) from aqueous solution. Physical-chemical characterization analyses of the raw material presented albite and quartz as the main minerals. The solid waste presents low surface area (209.70 m2/g). The Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips (Langmuir-Freundlich), Redlich-Petersen and Tóth models were used to analyze sorption phenomena. The maximum sorption capability from the e...
Autori: Fernando Jorge Santos Oliveira
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27246

Many industrial complexes in Korea have produced a variety of potential toxic chemicals during manufacturing processes and activities by air emissions, effluents, or solid wastes over the past few decades. In this study, arsenic levels in air, soil, and water near an industrial complex were determined. Human health risk assessment for arsenic was conducted based on the levels and potential exposure pathways in a multimedia environment (air, soil, and water). The point estimate of incremental can...
Autori: Yong-Chul Jang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27249

Developing countries have seriously low adoption rates of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) and there is a need to understand why. This paper reviews 31 past studies focusing on the factors influencing the adoption of SAPs. Using a vote count methodology, SAPs adoption is revealed as a complex set of behaviors which depend on a range of socio-economic, agro-ecological, institutional, informational, psychological factors and perceived attributes. Identified within these six dimensions, ma...
Autori: Yeong Sheng Tey
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27253

Soil in industrial cities and their surrounding regions sustains high levels of contamination due to the intense industrialization and urbanization. Taiyuan, a city in northern China, and its surrounding regions are a hotspot for the development of heavy industry. To assess the environmental quality, we collected surface soil samples from Taiyuan’s urban–rural transition zone. We determined concentrations of Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Cd, and Hg. The primary inputs of Cr and As were pedogen...
Autori: Jinchang Li
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27260

Non-availability of good quality water in sufficient quantities and the environmental impacts of used water discharges have led to the treatment and reuse of the aquaculture water contaminated with dissolved organics and ammonia rather than discharging it. This paper explores the effectiveness of in-situ sediment microbial fuel cell (MFC) for aquaculture water treatment along with generation of electricity. A sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) was designed and the efficiency of stainless steel ...
Autori: Thypparampil Karunakaran Sajana
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27261

Carbonaceous materials were obtained from waste tyres and their potential application as hydrogen sulphide adsorbents was investigated. The adsorbents were obtained by pyrolysis of waste tyres and physical (CO2) or chemical (KOH) activation at 550 and 800ºC. The effect of modification conditions on the performance of waste tyres based materials as adsorbents of H2S at room temperature in dry and wet conditions was investigated. Sorption capacity of such adsorbents was found to strongly depe...
Autori: Magdalena Hofman-Bieniek
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27263

Floods have long been the cause of severe human and economic loss. Structural measures are applied to minimize the consequences of these natural disasters. A potential mitigating approach is the design and implementation of a control strategy for the water network aimed to regulate the water flowing within the river catchment system. There are several tools that have the ability to model and forecast the flood events in water networks. However, some tools are limited in the ability of providing ...
Autori: Phạm Thai Hňa
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27278

Analyzing and reducing the possible effects of air pollution on human health became important issues for improving the quality of life in urban areas. Particulate matters (PM) are air pollutants with a potential important impact on human health of vulnerable people (e.g., children, elderly) and non-vulnerable people as well. The level of PM air pollution is mainly influenced by the PM concentration and parameters such as meteorological conditions and synergic effects of other air pollutants. The...
Autori: Mihaela Oprea
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27286

The present work illustrates the results of a long-term field experiment with sewage sludge used on agricultural land in order to assess the influence of sewage sludge on wheat crop productivity. The experimental research was conducted for three years as following: the evaluation of the agricultural use of sewage sludge in the year of application and its residual effect in grain and in soil for the next two years. The sewage sludge considered in the framework of the study was from Sfantu Gheorgh...
Autori: Diana Mariana Cocarta
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27303

Industrial packaging waste as an object of reverse logistics has nowadays from environmental and cost perspective become a huge task especially in retail. In addition to that most costs come from transportation, which if not rationalized leads to negative environmental impacts. The research consists out of two parts, where the first part provides an overview of domestic and foreign literature in the field of environmental impacts caused by transportation of packaging waste in retail and, the sec...
Autori: Vaska Pejić
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27311

In emergency departments computed tomography (CT) has became the most important diagnostic tool because it is a very fast and accurate method, but the main drawback of the increased number of the CT examination is the high radiation dose and the potentially increased risk of developing cancer. That why, lowering the radiation dose at a level as reasonable achievable is the most important strategy in modern medical practice. This article has two parts: first part is a review of the physics of rad...
Autori: Bogdan Dobrovăț
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27313

With population growth and increasing industrialization, enormous amounts of agro-industrial wastes are being produced. Without proper use, these keep piling up leading to tremendous pressure on environmental safety. There is also considerable economic interest not only in the proper utilization of these wastes, but also in developing appropriate processes for this purpose. Sludge generated in pulp and paper mills is one of such solid wastes. Although several studies have investigated its reuse,...
Autori: Patrícia Raquel Silva Zanoni
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27320

Arsenic removal from groundwater as drinking water source was investigated using electrocoagulation (EC) process with horizontal anodes of iron plate under galvanostatic regime. The current density of 5 A·m-2 was determined as the optimum operating conditions at the electrolysis time of maximum 25 minutes and pH ranged between 6.5 to 8.5, by which the arsenic concentration was reduced below 10 μg·L-1. The aspects related to the arsenic removal mechanism were discussed by Zeta...
Autori: Aniela Pop
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27327

Pharmaceuticals contaminants in waters exhibit a significant threat on the human health and the ecosystem quality. This research demonstrates the utility of a silver-doped zeolite-modified carbon nanofiber-epoxy (AgZ-CNF) prepared by two-roll mill method in development of the fast methodology for the detection of fluoxetine (FXT) in the aqueous solution. The results showed the role of zeolite that improved the sensitivity and the limit of detection of FXT resulted to the possibility to propose a...
Autori: Magdalena Ardelean
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27328

Conversion of natural ecological systems has been one of the greatest human impact on terrestrial ecosystems. The expansion of anthroposphere altered virtually all biogeochemical cycles of elements. Nitrogen holds a key place in sustaining life and presents unique traits such as broad chemical speciation and mobility within the environmental compartments. With historically adapted ecosystems to low bioavailable nitrogen, understanding the complexity of the nitrogen disruption is a continuous cha...
Autori: Andreea Csolti
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27329

In the current context of industrialization, chemical and radioactive pollution is a concern for environmental protection and interference with human health. Care for environmental protection also includes vegetation that grows spontaneously in potentially contaminated places, thus avoiding illness among the population if consumed. The study area is located at 4.5km SSE from downtown Bacău City, Romania and is the result of the manufacture of H3PO4 through the wet method. In this study, t...
Autori: Mioara Săndulache Rachieru
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27331

This paper substantiates the opportunity of a longitudinal study meant to emphasize the curriculum influence over students in various years of study from the Department of Environmental Engineering and Management at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection of the “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, Romania. The diagnosis value of the results indicates the compatibility degree between personality profile of the students and that of professionals wo...
Autori: Carmen Cătălina Ioan
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27344

Analysis of main environmental components must be appropriate and useful for establishing decision-making elements regarding environment quality, the need for intervention and remediation in major cases, or improvements and development forecasting for local specific situations or subsequent climatic behaviour and composition transformation processes. In this respect, the usefulness of the information gathered from environmental analysis largely depends on how monitoring actions and environmental...
Autori: Angelica-Nicoleta Călămar
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27349

Although the main reason for the extraction of methane from coal beds continues to address ensuring the safety of workers, an important driver is the need to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. In order to identify potential technical problems specific for available technologies implementation, we performed a comparative critical analysis, based on which the technically feasible systems resulted, their further selection being based on detailed analysis in financial and investment terms. The re...
Autori: Lucian-Ionel Cioca
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27350

This paper aims to study the behavior of air-gas explosion systems, in terms of propagation speed of pressure wave and flame front, based on experimental measurements in a shock tube, in order to prevent accidental pollution with the combustion gases. The characteristic parameters of the explosion process determined using the shock tube, the velocity of propagation of the flame front, the speed of propagation of the wave of pressure, explosion pressure at various distances from the source of in...
Autori: Emilian Ghicioi
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27355

Early detection of spontaneous combustion processes through dedicated tools aimed at processing significant measurement data, can provide major improvement of safety levels in underground working environments. As an index of self-heating event occurrence, the increase in carbon monoxide content in hard coal collieries atmosphere became significant since the early stages of this severe phenomenon. To highlight the changes in carbon monoxide average levels, this paper synthesizes the results of re...
Autori: Roland Iosif Moraru
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27359

Areas within which could arise explosive atmospheres having high concentrations, therefore requiring special precautions so as to guard the health and safety of concerned employees, are considered to be dangerous. If the electrical equipment used in these hazardous locations is not properly selected and installed for operating in explosive atmospheres, they are likely to generate an ignition and to result in explosion type events with significant environmental and material damages and, moreover...
Autori: Vlad Mihai Păsculescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27360

Noise causes masking effect of the safety signals and alarms, covers the warning acoustic messages of danger and reduces attention and concentration capacity. To these may be added the degradation of communication between workers equipped with hearing protective equipment and it creates difficulties to locate the direction of danger signals. This article presents two researches regarding noise exposure level of the workers on a marine platform and a gas compressing station and establishes techn...
Autori: Silviu-Nicolae Platon
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27362

In this pilot study, exposure to airborne microorganisms in solid recovered fuel (SRF) plants has been measured. Different steps in SRF production processes such as separation and size reduction can cause generation of airborne microorganisms. Exposure to these biological agents can cause some health problems, so their levels should be measured to assess the potential risks. Therefore, exposure to airborne total bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi were measured in the runn...
Autori: Şenol Yildiz
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27373

In this study, a decision support system based on a stochastic optimization model under modeling uncertainty and parameter certainty (SOMUM-DSS) is developed for petroleum-contaminated sites management. The SOMUM-DSS incorporates scenario analysis, numerical simulation, multivariate analysis, nonlinear optimization within a decision support system. It provides an effective tool for decision makers to select the optimal remediation strategy. The developed SOMUM-DSS is then applied to a petroleum-...
Autori: Qi Yang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27374

The utilization of agro-industrial waste as a potential substrate for producing enzymes may serve a dual purpose of reducing the environmental pollution along with producing a high value commercial product. Twelve different agro-industrial wastes were evaluated for extracellular BGL (β-glucosidase) production by a mutant of Bacillus subtilis on solid state fermentations (SSF). The Citrus sinensis bagasse was found to be the most suitable substrate with highest BGL titer (35 U/gds). Optimum ...
Autori: Ruchi Agrawal
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27378

Environment-friendly demulsifying strains could be applied in breakup of emulsion produced in the petroleum industry. The demulsifying strain Alcaligenes sp. S-XJ-1 was found to be capable of utilizing paraffin or certain pure n-alkane as its sole carbon source, and exhibited a strong cell surface hydrophobicity above 70% and demulsifying ability above 80%. A maximum biomass of 6.27 g/L was obtained when the demulsifying strain was cultured using eicosane as carbon source. A positive correlation...
Autori: Xiang-Feng Huang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27379

The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential utilization of polyethylene terephthalate PET waste in cementitious matrix, as substituent to cement, to develop lightweight construction materials and for preventing chemical attacks or repairing various reinforced concrete structures. Composites containing different amounts of PET particles, as partial replacement to cement by weight, were characterized by destructive and non-destructive testing. So, the thermal conductivity, ul...
Autori: Ahmed Soufiane Benosman
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27381

This study models the potential effect of various fuel treatments on crown fire behavior by using two crown fire simulation models in Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) stands. Fuel complex characteristics that influence fire behavior were measured in a representative Aleppo pine stand in northern Greece, using standard surface and canopy fuel inventory methods. Nine different fuel treatments (control, prescribed burning, controlled grazing, thinning without slash removal, thinning with slash...
Autori: Ioannis D. Mitsopoulos
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27382

The electronic waste (e-waste) is increasingly flooding Asia, especially in developing countries. E-waste could precipitate a growing volume of toxic input to the local environment if it was not handled properly. This brings the evaluation of environmental impact from electronics an essentially important task for the life cycle assessment (LCA) and the end-of-life management of electronic products. This case study presented a quantitative investigation on the environmental impact analysis on ele...
Autori: Srivalli Chellvarajoo
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27384

Anthropogenic activities negatively affect the ecosystems by introducing high amounts of metals in the environment. The study assessed the contamination and ecological risk caused by As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in urban soils situated near a metallurgical complex, based on geochemical load (Igeo), contamination factor (Cfi), degree of contamination (Cd), potential ecological risk factor (Eri) and potential ecological risk index (Ri). The results showed concentrations above the geochemical backg...
Autori: Maria-Alexandra Hoaghia
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27394

Continuously increasing energy prices, as well as the increasing number of legal stipulations, bring to the attention of scientists the necessity of finding solutions for energy saving by using different heat sources. According to the EU Action Plan, the highest potential of energy savings (27-30% until 2020) will be applied to the existing buildings. Under the circumstances of environmental issues, research on the use of secondary energy resources is of great interest, being a concern in the...
Autori: Timea Gabor
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27395

• EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON THE PARAMETERS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS    • CONCENTRATIONS OF CHROMIUM, CADMIUM AND NICKEL IN TWO CONSUMED FISH SPECIES OF PERSIAN GULF, IRAN    • IMPROVING THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS BY USING A DRAIN WATER HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM    • ASSESSMENT OF METAL CONTAMINATION AND ECOLOGICAL RISK IN URBAN SOILS SITUATED NEAR A METALLURGICAL COMPLEX    • FINANCIAL DE...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27398

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON THE PARAMETERS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS    • CONCENTRATIONS OF CHROMIUM, CADMIUM AND NICKEL IN TWO CONSUMED FISH SPECIES OF PERSIAN GULF, IRAN    • IMPROVING THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS BY USING A DRAIN WATER HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM    • ASSESSMENT OF METAL CONTAMINATION AND ECOLOGICAL RISK IN URBAN SOILS SITUATED NEAR A METALLURGICAL COMPLEX    • FINANCIAL DEVELOPME...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27399

End-of-life liquid crystal displays (LCD) represent a potential source of secondary raw materials for their relevant content of valuable materials, like plastics and metals. Furthermore, the combination of traditional and innovative recycling processes allows the recovery of indium, defined as critical raw material by European Commission. In this context, we have evaluated the environmental impacts of different management scenarios: incineration, the current recycling strategies and more inno...
Autori: Alessia Amato
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27401

Steady Raw Materials (RM) supply is essential for the EU economy and increasingly under pressure to sustain the businesses and industries demand. The supply of RM is not only a matter of availability of primary but also of secondary raw materials (SRM). In fact a great amount of waste can be regained as practical and valuable SRM by enhancing the recovery processes from industrial, mining and municipal landfill sites, especially if we consider that Europe is highly dependent on the imports of...
Autori: Giovanna Antonella Dino
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27403

This research was focused on the valorization of agro industrial waste/by products available in the local industry with the kilometer zero (km 0) concept, as a replacement of virgin raw materials (clay) to elaborate lightweight aggregates (LWAS). The alternative raw materials were employed as pore forming agent, in order to reduce sintering temperature and energy consumption of the furnace. The three technical nutrients studied were provided for local food industries: sludge from wastewater trea...
Autori: Romina D. Farias
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27405

The research work aimed at analysing the drinking water quality in Vilanculos (Mozambique) and at investigating the influence of poor sanitation management on drinking water quality. The purpose was to understand the reasons of water source contamination and re-contamination in the water supply chain, in order to define strategies to control source contamination and to suggest practical ways for reducing the risk of recontamination. A first phase of microbiological drinking water quality monito...
Autori: Silvia Gibellini
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27406

Sharing economy business experiences are rapidly rising worldwide and deeply changing structures and models of customers purchasing attitudes and needs. Inspired by principles of sustainable consumption, its starting point is the idea that every underutilized resource is a wasted resource. Beyond the digital services implemented by sharing platform, there are also social and physical places where communities are experimenting the potential of collaborative and innovative solutions: purchasing...
Autori: Paola Sposato
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27417

A worldwide trend is leading the international community to explore the possible paths for the transition from a linear to a circular economic model. Recent studies identified the main enabling factors to facilitate this transition, among which closed loop logistics models and new service-based and function-oriented business models play a significant role. The diffusion of new business models relating to the use of a product rather than its ownership can indeed reduce material consumption and th...
Autori: Maria Grazia Gnoni
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27418

This study was conducted to evaluate the cyanide removal efficiency by coupled process of Fenton and coagulation/precipitation from aqueous solution. The study was performed at laboratory scale in a batch system. Variations of pH, Fenton and precipitation reagents (molar ratios of Fe2+/H2O2 and ferric chloride), contact time and initial concentration of cyanide were investigated, and the optimum conditions obtained from each of the Fenton and precipitation processes were followed in the coupl...
Autori: Ahmad Jonidi Jafari
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27426

A significant part of each risk informed land-use planning methodology, applied in the surroundings of Seveso installations, is the assessment of the vulnerability of all possible potential human and environmental targets. This paper focuses on the enhancement of the transparency of these methodologies, through the application of ELECTRE TRI, which is a well known and structured multi-criteria methodology. A broad set of multiple and conflicting criteria is considered, ranging from population...
Autori: Ioannis D. Mitsopoulos
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27428

In the present study, anaerobic treatment of food wastes from restaurants of a fermentation industry and methane gas production yields produced during the treatment were investigated. For this purpose, food wastes with a Total Solid Contents (TS) ratio of 5- 7-10% were digested in a 100l experimental reactor. Batch anaerobic digestion studies were conducted at mesophilic temperatures (36.5 oC) for 30 days and optimum Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA) and alkalinity values for methane gas production ...
Autori: Sevgi Fersiz
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27429

Cascade dams alter the movement and accumulation of heavy metals in sediments along the river continuum. 27 sample crosssections were taken in July 2011 from the Xiaowan, Manwan, and Dachaoshan dams in the middle reach of the Mekong River in southern China and analyzed for content of heavy metal (Zn, Cr, Pb, As, Cu, Ni, and Cd) concentrations in the dammed river reach. There were evident spatial variations of the heavy metal concentrations downstream and upstream of the three cascade dams; t...
Autori: Li Deng
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27436

Acid-base accounting was applied to evaluate the acid generating potential of waste rock dumps of different ages at a nickel mine in Zimbabwe. Metal concentrations in soils surrounding the dumps were also assessed. The net neutralising potential (NNP) of waste rock samples was derived from the maximum potential acidity (MPA) and the neutralising potential (NP). MPA and NP were determined based on total sulphur and acid consumption respectively. Waste rock dumps (WRDs) had more (p<0.05) su...
Autori: Artwell Kanda
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27437

Eutrophication is water pollution initiated by high amounts of plant nutrients. With the excess influx of nutrients from human activities, the eutrophication process begins and causes a breeding ground for algae. The amount of nutrients present in any given cycle will be higher than the levels present in previous cycles. Therefore, it is very important to manage water quality in lakes and dams to prevent and to slow or to reverse the eutrophication process. This can be ensured by using effect...
Autori: Saeed Bashiri
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27442

Turfy soil is a special soil formed in the swamp environment with the incomplete decomposition of plant residue. On one hand, the special engineering geological properties of turfy soil such as high compressibility, high moisture content, high void ratio, will cause great difficulty with engineering construction in turfy soil area, this study will make it clear of parameters value for engineering design. Turfy soil, on the other hand, is a part of the wetland, the essence of protection of the...
Autori: Lei Nie
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27445

This paper reports an improved chlorolignin (CL) oxidative decolorization in alkaline media by the use of a heterogeneous system consisting of hydrogen peroxide and a silica [bis(dibenzoylmethido) copper II] (S1) catalyst. The catalytic functions of S1 in the presence of H2O2 were evaluated by comparing the chlorolignin decolorization in media with and without addition of catalyst. Since decolorization is associated with CL degradation, the pH variation and chloride release assays were carrie...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27448

A total of 152 different actinomycetes isolates were recovered from samples that were collected from different ecosystems of Algeria. The desert soil of Bousaada gives the greatest number of actinomycetes compared to others soils. The first screening indicates that 63.15 % of the isolates were able to produce carboxymethyl cellulase enzyme. Isolates were evaluated for their cellulase activity by growing in carboxymethyl cellulose broth. B-PNG23 isolate is one of the isolates displayed a high enz...
Autori: Azzeddine Bettache
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27451

The negative effects of acid mine drainage (AMD) on the natural and human environments are well understood in South Africa, yet a robust and economic AMD treatment technology has not been developed. The current study aimed at exploring the performance of synthetic zeolite F9 in AMD treatment with specific focus on iron and manganese removal. For this, batch adsorption mode was adopted for which the effects of adsorbent dosage, initial pH and temperature were investigated. As a result, it was fou...
Autori: Mike Masukume
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27454

This paper displays the kinetics of the corrosion process for short-term immersion of seven mild steel samples of similar compositions. A comparison between the data obtained for corrosion process in three types of water: bidistilled water (BW), drinking water (DW) (tap water) and river water (RW) (from Bahlui River, Iasi, Romania) has been done. Electrochemical techniques such as the cyclic voltammetry (CV), the linear voltammetry (LV) and the rotating disk electrode technique (RDE) have been u...
Autori: Alexandra Ciomaga
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27460

Urban forests contribute to social, aesthetic and economic benefits within cities. In urban forest management, these aspects are often not incorporated, especially in the countries of South East Europe (e.g. Serbia), where the management of urban forests is still dominated by classical forestry aims (i.e. timber production). This paper analyzes the Košutnjak urban forest in Belgrade, with a special emphasis on the needs of its visitors and the importance of its use. We aim to raise awaren...
Autori: Jelena Tomićević-Dubljević
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27461

The artifacts, as part of our cultural heritage, are exposed to fungal attack. Fungi can cause irreversible damage to the artifacts, resulting in economic, aesthetic and historical loss. The use of chemicals for the elimination of fungal biodeteriogens is currently a controversial subject, due to the potential toxic effect on human health and environment. The aim of this paper is to study the potential antifungal effect (on “environmental moulds”) of a series of extracts from nati...
Autori: Radu Claudiu Fierăscu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27472

In the present study the potential of a gene fusion between the arsB promoter from Synechocystis 6803 and the bacterial luxAB genes was evaluated to be used as a cyanobacterial bioreporter for monitoring the bioavailability of inorganic arsenic species. A whole-cell bioreporter strain, designated arsLux, was constructed based on this fusion. In concert with the specificity of the promoter presented earlier, luminescent signal could be detected upon exposure to arsenite, arsenate and antimonite, ...
Autori: Loredana Peca
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27473

The paper presents results obtained by analysis of some soil and wastes samples in order to establish the heavy metal (HM) content from these samples. The analyzed wastes were sewage sludge from municipal waste treatment and hydrotechnical basin sludge. These types of wastes were mixed with soil from Oltenia Sub-Carpathian area, obtaining the substrates useful for different types of plants. It was studied the migration potential of the metals from substrate to apple trees, the results being comp...
Autori: Cristian Predescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27476

Fly ash ponds are dangerous for the environment because the fly ash can cause multiple harmful effects. This is cause for major concern for researchers and industry people alike. The rise of the water table level inside the ash structure may cause a loss of stability over time, with adverse effects on the environment. Therefore it is necessary to adopt efficient solutions to ensure the stability of ash ponds and rapid measures that can be applied. The use of geosynthetic materials has proven to ...
Autori: Lidia Niculiţă
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27483

A low-cost magnetic zeolitic material was synthesized from coal fly ash by means of a new, simple method involving alkaline hydrothermal zeolitization of fly ash (FA) followed by low-intensity wet magnetic separation. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis was applied to characterize the composition, microstructure, and morphology of the material. The mineral and synthetic zeolite phases were identified by powder X-ray diffraction. The obtained magnetic zeolitic m...
Autori: Annie Shoumkova
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27486

A large number of microorganisms are capable of producing cellulases; however, fungi are considered among the most active enzymes producers. Different strains of white rot fungi (WRF) were reported to have a great potential for biotechnological applications and cellulase enzymes is much involved in this effect, especially for bioethanol production. Misiones is included in a forest region characterized by a vast biodiversity, and within this environment, a large number of microorganisms can be...
Autori: Ernesto M. Giorgio
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27489

The present study deals with the production of biogas from post-harvest wastes of pineapple such as peels, leaves, mixture of peels and leaves with the two different types of inoculum viz., Cow Manure (CM) and Novel microbial Consortia (NC). The results between the two types of inoculum were compared to find out their efficiency. Among the different substrate-inoculum combinations, the biogas production potential was evaluated which resulted that NC was more efficient compared to CM. All assays ...
Autori: Mukesh Kumar
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27496

Increase in tourism demand in the coastal areas of Mazandaran Province, Iran, as one of the major tourist attractions near Tehran, has led to tourism development and consequently adverse environmental impacts. However, given the tourism potential within the region, tourism managers and planners seek to follow sustainable development principles. In this regard, determining sites capable of tourism development and finding an optimal site among the alternatives are two main challenges that they ...
Autori: Jafar Nouri
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27503

This study evaluated the performances of adsorption and Fenton oxidation for the removal of multilan red (MLR) and multi-active blue (MActB) dyes from aqueous solution. Zeolite, the adsorbent used in the study was modified using two surfactants: hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMA-Br) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The modified zeolite characterized using FTIR, SEM and XRD analysis. The modification studies revealed that HDTMA-modified zeolite exhibited better performance than ...
Autori: Jacob Kitinya
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27505

Galvanocoagulation (GC) utilizing metallic iron chips and granular coke was studied as a potential technique for decolorization of dye-containing aqueous solutions. GC and chemical coagulation by inorganic metallic coagulants such as iron sulfates (Fe2+, Fe3+) were examined for the removal of individual dyes, used in the fur industry, from model aqueous solutions. The role of metal cations when progressively electrogenerated in situ was compared to when they are added simultaneously. The superio...
Autori: Marina R. Sizykh
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27526

Irrigation is an increasingly important practice for sustainable agriculture. Water reuse as refined or non-refined wastewater can help agroecosystem productivity. Contaminated water may influence seed germination. Two experiments as laboratory and pot were carried out to assess impact of different levels of laundry detergent and water stress on seed germination and early growth in maize. At the laboratory experiment, seeds were treated with solutions of 0, -0.01, -0.09, -0.6 MPa polyethylene gl...
Autori: Hassan Heidari
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27527

The potential use of a novel low-cost adsorbent, Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng, as a solution to remove Cr(VI) ions from aqueous was reported. Effects of various regulating parameters, such as pH value of reaction, adsorbent dosage and temperature, were investigated. To fit the adsorption equilibrium data, Langmuir isotherm and Freundlich isotherm were invoked. Additionally, thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption process, such as ΔG, ΔS and ΔH, were also calculated. The res...
Autori: Chen Jin-fa
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27535

A project called ’Cleaner Production’ is conducted in the organization of the Cleaner Production Centre of Serbia at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The goal of the project is to perceive critical places in a company and define measures which would achieve significant financial savings and, at the same time, protect and improve the condition of the environment with minimal investment...
Autori: Snezana Urosevic
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27541

It is acknowledged that organic fertilizers and wastes, such as animal slurries/manure from intensive farm enterprise, sewage sludge, poultry litter are and will continue to be spread on agricultural land and provide beneficial nutrients to crops. However, many of these materials which are also potentially polluting if not properly managed can pose a risk to groundwater and surface water quality. Generally, their distribution on the soil is performed with specialized machines to reduce the risk...
Autori: Vasilica Ştefan
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27545

The synthesis and the study of the complexes obtained in this paper represent the beginning of our research for applied coordinative compounds of this type in agriculture. The analysis and the study of Mn(II) complexes with DL-β-Aminoisobutyric acid as ligand were accomplished in aqueous and alcoholic solution and also in solid state.The composition ratios and the stability of the synthesised compounds were analysed with specific methods: conductance, pH measurements, spectrophotometry and ...
Autori: Doina Sibiescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27549

A polycrystalline CeO2-ZnO catalyst was prepared by using a hydrothermal procedure in order to improve the structural properties. This polycrystalline material was then used to remove organic pollutants from aqueous solutions by the means of photocatalysis. The structural, morphological and optical properties of as-prepared materials were characterized by several techniques, such as UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM, FTIR, XRD. The SEM analysis shows that the crystallite size sample varies in the ran...
Autori: Nicolae Apostolescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27550

There is an increasing interest in the food industry and in protective health care for the expansion of natural antioxidants from plant materials. The solid wastes generated by the winemaking industry represent about 30% of the material used and it consists mainly of grape pomace (containing seeds, pulp, stem and skin). It is well known that high quantities of valuable compounds like dietary fibre, oils from the seeds, anthocyanins and phenolic compounds still remain within the grape marc. The p...
Autori: Valeriu V. Cotea
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27553

Microalgae can be considered as significant sources of sustainable and beneficial biocompounds such as carotenoids, lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, pigments, vitamins etc., with many uses in energy production (biofuels), pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. This class of microorganisms are considered as sustainable feedstock due to some major advantages related to metabolism modulation, faster growth rate compared to plants, no use of terrestrial land. This review will present the mo...
Autori: Alexandra Cristina Blaga
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27558

The study provides information about separation and identification of natural bioactive compounds from beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) bark with potential therapeutic applications such as antibacterial activity against human pathogens. Beech is a common material used in the wood industry, but its bark is separated from the wood and is considered a by-product. In this study, natural compounds with biological activity were obtained from beech bark by hot water extraction. The high-performance liquid ch...
Autori: Corneliu Tănase
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27561

The potential of Sphagnum moss peat to adsorb oxyanions (As(III), As(V), Sb(III), Sb(V) and Se(VI)) from aqueous solution was studied in batch mode. For arsenic (both species) and selenium, the results were negative: moss peat is not able to retain these oxyanion. For antimony, the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups from the Sphagnum moss peat surface seems to be responsible for Sb uptake. Kinetic studies were conducted for both Sb(III) and Sb(V) and a fast uptake process was observed, equilibrium bei...
Autori: Gabriela Ungureanu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27565

Estrogens excreted by humans and animals are groups of endocrine disruptors, which degrade rapidly in soil and water as reported. This review focuses on biodegradation of estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) in surface water, STPs (sewage treatment plants), manure, soil and sediments, and illustrates possible pathways and mechanisms. In general, half-lives of EE2 are much longer than E1 and E2, because an ethinyl group at one hydroxyl group containing C-atom...
Autori: Hai-Liang Song
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27571

Environmental quantitative risk assessment requires the development of multimedia modeling tools to address dynamic site conditions at field scale. This work is the second part in a two-part series. A new fuzzy-set enhanced environmental multimedia modeling system (FEMMS) has been presented in Part I. Environmental multimedia modeling often involves a sizeable amount of parameters and data. The challenges have been the difficulties to quantify the uncertainties and to manage the data and main mo...
Autori: Zhi Chen
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27573

• Environmental engineering and Management Journal No. 4    • AN ENHANCED ENVIRONMENTAL MULTIMEDIA MODELLING SYSTEM (FEMMS): PART II – USER INTERFACE AND FIELD VALIDATION    • COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF OPTIMIZING CONCENTRATED FEED BLENDS TO DECREASE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS    • FATE AND BIODEGRADATION OF ESTROGENS IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND ENGINEERING SYSTEMS – A REVIEW    • ANALYSIS OF THE MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF MIXED MUN...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27577

• Environmental engineering and Management Journal No. 4    • AN ENHANCED ENVIRONMENTAL MULTIMEDIA MODELLING SYSTEM (FEMMS): PART II – USER INTERFACE AND FIELD VALIDATION    • COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF OPTIMIZING CONCENTRATED FEED BLENDS TO DECREASE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS    • FATE AND BIODEGRADATION OF ESTROGENS IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND ENGINEERING SYSTEMS – A REVIEW    • ANALYSIS OF THE MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF MIXED MUN...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27576

According to EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, Lithuania obligates to ensure sustainable growth, gain and maintain good condition of marine environment until 2020. In accordance with the sustainability approach, every potential cost and energy cutting as well as social sustainability measure for wastewater treatment should be explored. Nonetheless, Lithuania wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in the sustainability context have never been evaluated before. A comprehensive set of 30 sustainab...
Autori: László Gyenge
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27578

According to EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, Lithuania has to ensure sustainable growth, gain and maintain good condition of marine environment until 2020. In accordance with the sustainability approach, every potential cost and energy cutting as well as social sustainability measure for wastewater treatment should be explored. Nonetheless, Lithuania wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in the sustainability context have never been evaluated before. A comprehensive set of 30 sustainable dev...
Autori: Jolanta Dvarionienė
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27583

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) colonize rhizosphere and enhance growth in crop plants, by producing various regulatory substances. Since PGPR employ diverse array of mechanisms and exact mechanism and role are still to be established. Therefor experiment was designed 1) to identify and 2) to select potential rhizobacterial strains based on their impact on the growth, physiological and enzymatic activities of rice. A CRD pot experiment with six PGPR isolates; two containing only ACC-...
Autori: Waseem Hassan
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27587

The influence of the active compound of Moringa oleifera Lam (MO) seeds was evaluated by different methods for the preparation of the natural coagulant in the treatment of surface water. Nine methods were analyzed, comprising samples of seed powder with different granulometry, aqueous and saline solutions, evaluated before and after oil extraction from MO seeds. Tests of coagulation/flocculation and sedimentation were accomplished using simple Jar Test. Natural coagulant dose of 50 mg.L-1 identi...
Autori: Karina Cardoso Valverde
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27588

This work evaluates the effect of 5 mixtures of water treatment sludge, soil from the Cerrado region (Brazil) and a commercial substrate on the growth of 4 species of native plants (Copaifera langsdorffii, Astronium fraxinifolium, Peltophorum dubium and Tabebuia roseo-alba) from the Brazilian Cerrado. A randomized design was setup with four repetitions and WTS loading rates of 0, 204, 417, 638 and 869 g/kg. Plant sampling for analysis was performed at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days after planting,...
Autori: Paulo Scalize
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27593

In order to reduce the production of pollutants, it is most important that landfills are adapted to the climatic conditions of the area where they are located. In this sense, there are very few studies focused on how to reduce leachates from landfills in semiarid regions, which are especially sensitive to the impacts that this type of activity potentially has on water resources. The aim of this study is to identify the best type of landfill cover that reduces leachate production in semiarid regi...
Autori: Javier Senent-Aparicio
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27595

In order to investigate the influence of coal macerals on biomethane production, two types of coal samples were collected respectively from Malan mine in Gujiao and Shaqu mine in Liulin, Shanxi. The vitrinite, inertinite and liptinite were separated by the methods of hand picking and float-and-sink test. Meanwhile, biomethane production experiments using the raw coal samples, vitrinite-rich coal samples, inertinite-rich coal samples as substrates were carried out in the laboratory. Finally, the ...
Autori: Hongyu Guo
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27620

The enzyme-based biosensor stability and its analytical performance depend on both the immobilization process and the matrix used for immobilization of the enzyme into a stable layer. In this paper, the development and evaluation of an optimal enzymatic layer for stable encapsulation of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) through the sol-gel method onto mediated carbon-ink screen-printed electrodes was performed, obtaining electrochemical enzyme-based biosensors. The enzyme was immobilized on...
Autori: Melinda David
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27636

Eco-industrial parks (EIPs) and other eco-industrial developments have different histories, sizes, locations and organizational forms. In order to characterize them several classifications and models have been elaborated. In this work for the first time the existing European EIPs are overviewed with the help of four classifications. These classifications are based on (1) the stage of the development of the area, (2) the starting point, (3) the activity of the EIP and (4) the location of the comp...
Autori: Ewa Liwarska-Bizukojc
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27652

Pesticides are considered among the most serious environmental pollutants, frequently used in the control of agricultural and domestic pests. Biodegradation of chlorpyrifos and its 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) derivative was studied in mineral medium and soil with fungal consortium consisting of JAS1 and JAS4 strains which were isolated from paddy field soil. The fungal consortium was spiked with 300 mg l-1 chlorpyrifos which was degraded completely within 12 h of incubation in the miner...
Autori: Jayanthi Abraham
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27655

In this work, PM2.5 removal mechanism was explored to investigate PM2.5 collection efficiency under the influences of applied magnetic field and diffusion charging (the main charging mode for submicron particle). The proposed electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) mathematical model considered three-field interaction between fluid field, electromagnetic field and particle dynamic field. CFD software FLUENT was used to generate the simplified solid structure of the ESP. In numerical calculation, t...
Autori: Jian-Ping Zhang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27667

The objective of the present study was to (i) compare different treatment options for greywater (GW) reuse, (ii) assess the potential of treated GW for reuse, and (iii) select the optimal treatment option by using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Raw GW was settled for 2 h. Five different treatment options were investigated simultaneously in parallel using the same influent (settled GW). The treatment options were (1) sand filtration, (2) sand/brick bat filtration, (3) alum coagulation/floc...
Autori: Dilip Machindra Ghaitidak
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27669

In this study, we consider a potential Finnish solution to sustainable energy production to satisfy the European Union's forestrelated energy policies related to climate change. Conventional energy production includes a number of fossil fuel, peat, and renewable fuel procurement chains that supply a combined heat and power (CHP) plant during different periods of the year. In Finland, peat is commonly used as fuel by energy plants. However, it is not environmentally friendly because it is ...
Autori: Teijo Sakari Palander
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27672

Unlike other vegetables, mushroom production requires several substrate ingredients, energy to sterilize the substrate, water to humidify the fruiting house and waste management of the spent substrate and used materials. This work studied the environmental impacts and eco-efficiency of sajor-caju mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Sing.) production in terms of climate change potential, acidification potential, water depletion potential and fossil fuel depletion potential, using life cycle asse...
Autori: Siriprapa Ueawiwatsakul
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27685

Real estate is an industry sector with high potential to increase energy efficiency. However, many of the existing green building investment opportunities (GBIO) are not utilized because economic valuation tools are complex and oftentimes difficult to understand. For this reason, we develop a formal, but comprehensible bottom-up model to determine the optimal investment amount from an economic perspective, placing particular emphasis on the descriptive valuation of risk, and point out the applic...
Autori: Hans Ulrich Buhl
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27687

Sulfide bearing mine tailings generated through mining and processing of mineral ores is one of the serious problems around the world due to their potential environmental hazards. Current study focuses on vertical distribution and potential mobility of metals in New and Old tailings of a Lead and Zinc mining area of India. Mine tailing profiles sampled from New (0-500mm) and Old tailing (0-400mm) dams were chemically (pH, EC, Carbonate content, Cd, Pb, Zn and Mn levels) and mineralogically (usin...
Autori: Malik Anju
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27690

The presence of nitrogen in its reduced forms serves as an indicator of natural aquatic system degradation. The excessive concentrations of nitrogen in reduced forms (NH4+, NO2-) found in the sections of the the Shireutsi (of the Prut River) and the Olaneshti (of the Nistru River) prove that these sites are areas to focus efforts on improving water quality. Laboratory simulations indicate a good environmental buffer action of natural waters to potential pollution in Sculeni and Ungheni sections ...
Autori: Petru Spataru
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27698

Novel systems based on modified azo-polysiloxanes and gelatin with potential biological applications were prepared and characterized. Simultaneous rheological and UV irradiation studies allowed evidencing structural modification inside the gelatin matrix. For all analyzed samples a shift in the temperature corresponding to the physical network destructuration, from 30˚C (corresponding to gelatin) to 40˚C (for the composite) was noticed. The experimental results proved the existence of ...
Autori: Elena- Luiza Epure
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27699

A judicious use of energy is a fundamental factor to achieve sustainable development. The limited character of energetic fossil resources and the pollution generated by burning fossil fuels for electricity production generate the need to replace them with other sources of energy. Despite the fact that fossil fuels would continue to play a prevailing role in the energy supply for decades to come, renewable energy resources have the potential of contributing to the increasing global energy demands...
Autori: Tiberiu Rusu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27700

The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of Zn, Mn, Cu and Ni in the aboveground and underground shouts of Glyceria maxima and in the bottom sediments of the Słupia River. These studies allow for assessment of the existing and potential hazards resulting from toxic influence of heavy metals on water environment and human health. The concentration of research elements was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Results indicate that the concentration of heavy metals in t...
Autori: Agnieszka Parzych
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27701

With the aim of contribute to a bioremediation technology drafting, this paper presents a preliminary research on bioremediation of wastewaters polluted with heavy metals and other toxic contaminants. Bioremediation tests were performed with aquatic species Lemna minor, Vallisneria spiralis, Eichhornia crassipes, Hydrilla verticillata, Pistia stratiotes, Cladophora glomerata, on samples of contaminated waters resulting from the toxic pond of waste landfill Şomârd-Mediaş, Sibiu Co...
Autori: Dana Malschi
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27702

• INFLUENCING FACTORS OF THE ACCEPTABLE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION OF FARMERS FOR CONTROLLING FERTILIZER-INDUCED WATER POLLUTION    • DETERMINATION OF THE RARE EARTH METALS IN THE RED MUD FOR POSSIBLE UTILIZATION    • Fe(II) AND Mn(II) REMOVAL FROM CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER BY ADSORPTION: A COMPARISON OF ACTIVATED CARBON AND PINE BARK    • RESPONSE OF UPLAND COTTON GENOTYPES TO SALINITY AT EARLY GROWTH STAGES    • KINETICS AND ISOTH...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27782

Huge amount of red mud has been disposed for the past several decades and it is still generating all over the world. Red mud is a waste of the bauxite processing industry obtained during the alkaline extraction of alumina from bauxite ore. The red mud is a potential raw material containing several valuable components including iron, titanium and rare earth metals. The aim of the research was to develop an appropriate acid digestion technique for the red mud in order to determine the amount of...
Autori: Tatjána Juzsakova1
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27780

The quantification of heavy metals in dry and wet weather derived (runoff and snowfall) sediment from roads, under three different environmental conditions, has indeed the potential to allow improved understanding on urban diffuse pollution. With that aim, the reported study determined the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr and Zn in road sediment, which are reported to be found in elevated level in the road-traffic environment, and associated pollution levels at four different sites, represen...
Autori: Sudip K. Pal
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27776

Environmental decontamination requires strategies for removing organic contaminants from the ecosystem. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with toxic and carcinogenic properties are potentially hazardous pollutants. One suitable method for PAHs removal is their solubilization by micelles. This paper evaluates the effect of borax upon the aggregation ability of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) with consequence over the micellar solubilization of naphthalene. Various techniques, such as micellar ...
Autori: Elena Livia Vasilescu
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27774

The aim of this paper is to show the results of two methodological approaches applied for decontamination of the Midia Port dredged sediment to assess their potential reusability. Firstly, the sediment samples were defined in physical, chemical, microbiological and ecotoxicological terms. The results were compared to the limit values established by environmental regulations for dredged sediment management. Some sediment samples exposed a very high concentration of hydrocarbons; the sediments wer...
Autori: Irina Catianis
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27770

Application of a biological treatment system using white rot fungi is an interesting alternative for treatment of water and wastewater contaminated with persistent organic pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). A packed bed bioreactor using the white rot fungi, Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P. chrysosporium) was evaluated for degradation of pyrene and phenanthrene in polluted wastewater. White rot fungi have significant potential to metabolize organic pollutants such as PAHs...
Autori: Mahsa Baniasadi
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27767

• INFLUENCING FACTORS OF THE ACCEPTABLE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION OF FARMERS FOR CONTROLLING FERTILIZER-INDUCED WATER POLLUTION    • DETERMINATION OF THE RARE EARTH METALS IN THE RED MUD FOR POSSIBLE UTILIZATION    • Fe(II) AND Mn(II) REMOVAL FROM CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER BY ADSORPTION: A COMPARISON OF ACTIVATED CARBON AND PINE BARK    • RESPONSE OF UPLAND COTTON GENOTYPES TO SALINITY AT EARLY GROWTH STAGES    • KINETICS AND ISOTH...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27729

• INFLUENCING FACTORS OF THE ACCEPTABLE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION OF FARMERS FOR CONTROLLING FERTILIZER-INDUCED WATER POLLUTION    • DETERMINATION OF THE RARE EARTH METALS IN THE RED MUD FOR POSSIBLE UTILIZATION    • Fe(II) AND Mn(II) REMOVAL FROM CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER BY ADSORPTION: A COMPARISON OF ACTIVATED CARBON AND PINE BARK    • RESPONSE OF UPLAND COTTON GENOTYPES TO SALINITY AT EARLY GROWTH STAGES    • KINETICS AND ISOTH...
Autori:
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27730

Indoor air quality (IAQ) improvement potential of rotor turbine ventilator (RTV) was researched by setting up an RTV on the outer part of the chimney of a kitchen, located in a “windy” city, Çanakkale, Turkey. Efficiency of RTV was assessed by preliminary tests, conducted in a three-storey restaurant. After obtaining positive results in terms of airborne bacteria count (TBC) from these tests, long-term measurements were carried out in a cafeteria by air sampling before and aft...
Autori: Sibel Mentese
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27734

This study investigated the spatial variability of heavy metal emission patterns and associated measures of contamination on Riccarton Campus at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Road deposited sediments were collected from 12-different sites representing typical urban/sub-urban road layout over a 10 month period covering seasonal variations. The heavy metal concentrations of the road sediments collected from different sites of a road were determined by strong nitric acid digestion ...
Autori: Sudip K. Pal
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27738

This paper focus on how prefabricated building systems can allow the implementation of deconstruction strategies. Prefabricated mechanically fixed components, in comparison with conventional concrete and brick in situ construction, can be more easily separated during demolition, allowing its reuse, and even if this is not possible, at least allowing the recycling or the energetic recovery. It is very important that construction practitioners understand the benefits of the prefabrication. As a wa...
Autori: Joăo Pedro Couto
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27739

In this study, the development of a suitable methodology for establishing and monitoring indicators of Ecosystem Health (EH) and its responses to wildfire using Earth Observation (EO) data synergistically with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is investigated. The proposed methodology combined GIS and Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) data to assess ecosystem characteristics, including its vigor, organization and resilience, for a case study in Central Gr...
Autori: Aaron Evans
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27745

The ecological risk related to the wastes disposal is that attached to functioning, closure and the post-closure phases of an ecological landfill lyfe cycle. The prediction of ecological risk in each of those three phases - i.e. the manifestation and evolution of possible negative consequences of different severities for different environmental targets - is an endeavor that organizations that possess and operate those ecological landfills should consider in order to ensure the maximum protection...
Autori: Lidia Kim
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27748

The potential effects of climate change on nutrient (total N and total P) loads in four large-scale (A=2940–6771 km2) river basins in Lithuania were analyzed. The climate impact assessment was based on an ensemble of four (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5) future climate projections, representing the averaged outputs from three (GFDL-CM3, NorESM1-M and HadGEM2-ES) global climate models. For each climate projection, near-future (2016–2035) and distant-future (2081–2100) time pe...
Autori: Arvydas Povilaitis
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27751

This study was conducted to screen plants growing on potentially contaminated areas of landfill body and nearest surrounding to determine their potential for metal accumulation. In addition, enrichment coefficient (EC) for plant/soil system, correlation and principal component analysis were used for determining the environmental contamination from landfill in terms of heavy metal (HM) accumulation. The examined plant samples meet the stated requirements. The highest values in samples 1 - 8 reach...
Autori: Magdalena Daria Vaverková
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27752

The Anzali Wetland, is located in south west of the Caspian Sea, is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems in Iran. In recent decades much domestic and industrial untreated wastewater has been deposited in the wetland. This study was done to obtain a preliminary assessment of heavy metals contamination in the wetland sediments. Tests were done to determine levels and distribution of the heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in surface sediment of the wetland. Results showed that averages of ...
Autori: Maryam Panahandeh
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27753

The probabilistic estimation and the risk analysis of the exposure to pesticides through the ingestion of plants and food products is an important task for ensuring informed decision making and appropriate consumer protection. Monte Carlo-based methods are powerful tools in this regard, allowing for the empirical estimation of the distribution of exposure values, as well as for carrying out a corresponding uncertainty analysis. Such findings are important for assessing the exposure risk for mult...
Autori: Petronela Cozma
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27754

Debris from deciduous trees in the form of park green waste was investigated as a potential biosorbent for the removal of chlorinated solvents from water. The sorption properties of beech leaves and cupules, oak leaves and acorns, birch leaves and lime leaves (all tree species common for a moderate climate) in a non-modified form were investigated with regard to the removal of perchloroethylene, 1,1,2-trichloroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrachlorothane. The preliminary results showed that these biosorb...
Autori: Marek Tobiszewski
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27760

This study aims to monitor Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and odour annoyance perceived by the exposed population living nearby a petroleum plant through an integrated high temporal resolution methodological approach. The area under investigation is considered one of the most critical industrial areas of the South of Italy (Basilicata) because of presence of the largest Italian petroleum plant, called the "Center Olio Val d'Agri" (COVA). In fact, VOCs and odours emitted from ext...
Autori: Alessia Di Gilio
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27791

Large amounts of spent coffee grounds (SCG) are currently available all over the world due to the enormous increase in coffee consumption. This increase has in turn to be related to the even greater diffusion of coffee vending machines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomethanation potential (BMP) of SCG alone or in co-digestion with pig slurry (PS). Pig slurry was chosen because it is frequently utilized as feedstock for biogas production from agricultural waste. The raw material was...
Autori: Ciro Vasmara
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27794

Heavy metals are inorganic persistent pollutants with adverse health and environmental effects. In our study, self-synthesized iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were encapsulated in the Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P. chrysosporium) hyphae. The prepared biosorbents possessed high efficiency for Pb(II) biosorption from single and binary metal systems. The maximum biosorption capacity was found to be 50.05 mg g–1 at pH 5.0. Environmental scanning electron microscope accompanied with energy d...
Autori: Danlian Huang
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27864

The present study describes the results of air quality analysis and surfaces inside the Orthodox Church in Oradea City, Romania, a wooden monument (BH-II-m-B-20958), originally built in the village Letca from Sălaj County and displaced in 1991 to the campus of the University of Oradea. The paper focuses on the degree of microbial and fungal contamination of surfaces and air inside the wooden church. It also identifies various microbial species with potential risk on the health of parishione...
Autori: Dorina Camelia Ilieș
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27858

The paper reveals original findings in agrobiodiversity, as part of the global biodiversity puzzle. The Grey Steppe cattle are endangered to extinction and are part of a genetic preservation program in Romania. The research approached the productive performance, the genetic determinism of milk production traits, studied on a Grey Steppe breed population nucleus of 30 individuals, throughout 4 productive cycles. The average milk yield in all 4 consecutive lactations reached 1858 kg per capita, wh...
Autori: Vasile Maciuc
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27859

The study performs an approach to the "environment - life quality - biotechnological molecular gastronomy" direction, an axis with consistent theoretic and practical potential in offering attractive and pleasant culinary products for the consumers, with the same effect on health as supplementary under pharmaceutics format. The paper proposes a change of paradigm, in order to develop certain excellence gastronomic preparations, based on incorporating functional and/or nutraceutic foo...
Autori: Romulus Gruia
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27855

According to “polluter pays” principle, there is huge burden on the industries to remediate contaminated sites. Mergers and acquisitions of industrial sites is a preferred mode of growth for corporations. The management of the acquiring company should be mindful of potential environmental risks which they may inherit as part of the acquisition and take appropriate risk management actions. If not, they may face financial, reputation and other liabilities due to the “polluter ...
Autori: Shweta Gaur
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27854

The goal of the present work is to evaluate the efficiency of bioventing on low permeability soils stimulated with hydraulic fractures and polluted by a mixture of semi-volatile and non-volatile hydrocarbons. A synthetic non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) composed of 5 hydrocarbons is prepared: 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (TMB), methylcyclohexane (MCE), n-dodecane (n-C12), n-decane (n-C10), n-eicosane (n-C20). The capacity of indigenous bacteria to degrade high NAPL concentrations is evaluated with biov...
Autori: Dimitra N. Tzovolou
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27849

In this paper, an improved engineering model and analysis techniques are presented of the fly ash particles coagulation with droplets in Venturi tubes of industrial scale, based on spatial variation of the collection efficiency of particles on individual droplets, accounting for spray water flow polydispersity and particle size distribution, which allows to define optimal droplets size and spray water flow rate at different modes of thermal power units operation. The model is validated with the ...
Autori: Igor Volchyn
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27836

This paper seeks to evaluate the quantities of e-waste in Botswana from 2000-2019, with a view towards formulating an effective and sound e-waste management system. Due to a lack of complete historical records on e-waste quantity and quality, this was achieved by the Grey Model GM(1,1) forecasting method. Our estimations indicate that an average weight of about 293.18 tons of e-waste will be generated in 2019 in the country. Considering an economic lifespan of between 3 and 10 years, more e-wast...
Autori: Daniel Mmereki
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27838

The macrophyte Pistia stratiote was used as biosorbent for the removal of Black Krom KJR (BK-KJR) dye in synthetic aqueous solution. Initially, some tests were performed to verify the best operational conditions such as pH, biosorbent particle size, sorption temperature and stirring speed, which were later used in the kinetic and equilibrium tests. All tests were performed in duplicate. The highest removal rates of the pollutant were achieved at the process conditions of initial pH 2, granulo...
Autori: Aparecido Nivaldo Módenes
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27843

Integration of the management of energy and environmental systems was suggested by the scholarly literature in the early phase of dissemination of ISO 14001, as a potential way to improve the environmental performance of companies. Nevertheless, there has been little empirical work reported in the literature that explores this proposition in depth, or sheds light on relevant issues such as the additional effect of an Energy Management System when an Environmental Management Systems has previo...
Autori: Iker Laskurain
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27876

A wide range and globally active agro-industries such as olive oil processing, winery, tannery, textile and food production discharge a large volume of wastewater containing tannins. Tannins are complex structured chemicals which cause high organic content, requiring high dissolved oxygen in wastewater treatment plants or producing oxygen depletion in the aquatic environment. Tannins are known to be hardly degraded in biological treatment. There has been evidence that the presence of natural ...
Autori: Giusy Lofrano
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27885

Greywater reuse is widely accepted as a suitable response to the increasing demand of fresh water in urban areas. On the other hand, strict environmental regulations have obligated the development and implementation of membrane separation technologies for production of municipal potable water, in industrial water supply and in wastewater treatment. Potential energy crisis in the future has highlighted the importance of using renewable source of energy for membrane separation processes. This r...
Autori: Mohammad Ramezanianpour
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27889

Sand contamination is an important factor when assessing the health hazard potential of public beaches. The goals of this study are to assess the performance of four sand washing procedures on the removal of surface adsorbed chemical species, and to identify which chemical components are best suited for monitoring the health quality of beach sand. Four washing treatments were investigated: contact, stirring, sonication, and boiling. Sand samples were collected from three Portuguese beaches an...
Autori: Mário Dias Almeida
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27890

The synthesis of dimethylamino-propylamine pullulan, DMAPA-P, with a substitution degree of 0.4 was performed in dimethylsulfoxide using N,N’-carbonyldiimidazole as activator and dimethylaminopropylamine as amination agent. Then, two quaternary derivatives (trimethylammonium-propylamine pullulan, TMAPA-P, and benzyldimethylammonium-propylamine pullulan, BzDMAPA-P) were prepared from DMAPA-P by quaternization with methyl iodide and benzyl chloride. The behavior of new pullulan derivativ...
Autori: Anca Giorgiana Grigoras
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27902

This paper presents the results of theoretical estimations of the quantity of landfill gas (LFG), as well as the energy potential of Cell A from the municipal landfill in Oradea city, Romania, based on a mathematical model. Considering three scenarios for LFG recovery according to the capture system efficiency, the following LFG theoretical flows have been obtained: 157 m3LFG/h for 45% recovery efficiency; 209 m3LFG/h for 60% recovery efficiency; and 297 for 85% recovery efficiency, respectiv...
Autori: Gerardo Collaguazo
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27903

Considering world energy demand and its security, much attention has been focused on identifying promising lignocellulosic substrates to generate a variety of downstream fuels and chemicals. In response, a recent key research area has centered on hydrolysis of cell wall polysaccharides by various physical, chemical and biological means. Due to their complex chemical and molecular structure, there is a substantial knowledge gap in understanding of biomass recalcitrance and its relationship wit...
Autori: Nadeem Akhtar
ISSN: 1843 - 3707
http://www.ecozone.ro/reviste.php?RID=27908