G. Catrina, Lidia Kim, A. Serbanescu, Georgiana Cernica, C. Bumbac, Marius Sburlis
{"title":"Chemical characterization methods for biodegradable organic wastes with relevance for the composting process. Case study","authors":"G. Catrina, Lidia Kim, A. Serbanescu, Georgiana Cernica, C. Bumbac, Marius Sburlis","doi":"10.21698/rjeec.2021.218","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21698/rjeec.2021.218","url":null,"abstract":"The study aimed to develop some methods for the compositional characterization of biodegradable waste with relevance to the composting process at the laboratory level. For testing, four waste fractions were selected, such as waste-based on dehydrated sludge, waste from parks (leaves, branches), market waste (mixture of vegetable and fruit), and cardboard waste. For metals and phosphorus, several microwave digestion methods were applied. The ammonium nitrogen content (NH4-N) was determined using a number of extraction procedures (water, CaCl2, and KCl). Three certified reference materials were used for testing the validity of the results. Recovery percentages higher than 90% were obtained. The developed and validated methods are suitable for biodegradable waste characterization used in composting processes.","PeriodicalId":21370,"journal":{"name":"Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75428575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Options to improve the coagulation process operation in a drinking water treatment plant. Case study","authors":"A. Pacala, Maria Laura Samonid, B. Murariu","doi":"10.21698/rjeec.2021.214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21698/rjeec.2021.214","url":null,"abstract":"Aluminum salts are widely used across Romania in surface water treatment as coagulants. It is well-known that the efficiency of these coagulants has a complex dependency on the nature of the raw water, being affected by temperature, pH, and suspended solids. The objective of this case study was to compare the coagulation-flocculation efficiency process of raw water from the Bega River, at low temperature and turbidity, taking into account the use of alternative coagulating agents such as alum, poly aluminum chloride (PAC), and their mixing in 1:1 ratio. The raw water samples were treated using the \"Jar Test\" procedure, comparable with the current plant conditions at Timisoara Waterworks and taking into account possible operational improvements. For the mixture method applied in which was combined alum and PAC in 1:1 mixing ratio were achieved lower concentrations in aluminum residual, TOC, and turbidity.","PeriodicalId":21370,"journal":{"name":"Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry","volume":"89 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90112263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gina Vasile Scăețeanu, Rodica Maria Majdar, A. Moț
{"title":"An overview of methods used for quantification of heavy metal contents in vegetal samples","authors":"Gina Vasile Scăețeanu, Rodica Maria Majdar, A. Moț","doi":"10.21698/rjeec.2021.201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21698/rjeec.2021.201","url":null,"abstract":"Continuous monitoring of heavy metals content in vegetal products is a priority for food control and a risk assessment strategy for human health. Having in view the importance of heavy metals surveillance, the aim of this paper is to identify, on the basis of literature data, the most suitable procedures and techniques used for accurate determination of them in vegetal samples. In most cases, quantification of heavy metals in the vegetal matrix is preceded by digestion performed through different protocols chosen carefully because this is a critical step for obtaining accurate results. Among most used techniques for heavy metals’ assessment from vegetal products reported by literature it worth to be mentioned: atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), neutron activation analysis (NAA), anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV).","PeriodicalId":21370,"journal":{"name":"Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry","volume":"66 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81680697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G. Serban, M. Niculescu, V. Iancu, I. Paun, F. Pirvu, Cǎtǎlin Manea, F. Chiriac, G. Vasile
{"title":"Assessment of environmental pollution level caused by shipbuilding industry","authors":"G. Serban, M. Niculescu, V. Iancu, I. Paun, F. Pirvu, Cǎtǎlin Manea, F. Chiriac, G. Vasile","doi":"10.21698/rjeec.2021.213","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21698/rjeec.2021.213","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of the paper was to create databases that would allow a proper assessment of the degree of marine pollution generated by the shipyard industrial sector. The study was conducted over a period of three years, between 2015 and 2017. The parameters determined for the waters collected from the shipyard were within the maximum allowed limits according to the norms in force. However, values very close to the maximum allowable limit were observed in the case of groundwater for nickel, determined from the drilling located near the fuel depot in 2015 and chlorides determined from the drilling located near the galvanizing workshop, both in 2016 and in 2017. The analyzed parameters for the soil samples, collected from various sampling points and different depths, were below the value of the alert thresholds for less sensitive soils, according to Order 756/97. The databases created for this study can contribute as an incipient basis for the development of larger studies that include other industrial sectors as well as a longer evaluation period.","PeriodicalId":21370,"journal":{"name":"Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry","volume":"130 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79599785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G. Vasile, Anda Tenea, Ecaterina Anca Serban, G. Catrina, V. Badescu, P. A. Vlaicu
{"title":"Ranking the dietary treatments of broiler chickens in order to reduce nitrogen pollution of the environment","authors":"G. Vasile, Anda Tenea, Ecaterina Anca Serban, G. Catrina, V. Badescu, P. A. Vlaicu","doi":"10.21698/rjeec.2021.212","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21698/rjeec.2021.212","url":null,"abstract":"The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology was used to rank the tested nutritional solutions and to choose the best nutritional solution in order to reduce environmental pollution with nitrogen. The evaluation methodology consisted in comparing by three evaluators the diets based on the zootechnical performances/thigh meat quality / environmental impact. The diets of tested nutritional solutions were contained either medicinal or aromatic plants (basil, thyme, sage) in a proportion of 1% (batch 2), respectively essential oils (0.05%) of the same plants (batch 1). The application of the AHP methodology indicated that the best nutritional alternative was obtained for basil, either in the form of essential oil or vegetal material.","PeriodicalId":21370,"journal":{"name":"Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81354669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
I. Catianis, D. Grosu, A. Constantinescu, Laura Tiron Duţu, O. Dobre
{"title":"Physical-chemical properties of the surface water from shallow lakes of the Matita-Merhei Unit, Danube Delta, Romania: current state and environmental significance","authors":"I. Catianis, D. Grosu, A. Constantinescu, Laura Tiron Duţu, O. Dobre","doi":"10.21698/rjeec.2021.203","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21698/rjeec.2021.203","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to assess the water quality of certain lakes (Bogdaproste, Trei Ozere and Radacinos) belonging to the Danube Delta, Romania. Deltaic ecosystems are subject to natural and man-made environmental stressors. If in the past these ecosystems were largely threatened by eutrophication and organic/inorganic pollution, nowadays, we must focus on hydro morphological impact. This refers to the physical character and water content of the aquatic environment, impoundment (dams and flood gate), channelization and embankments, as well as clog/siltation of lakes. Environmental parameters are those physical, chemical and biological indicators used to characterize a freshwater body, and, which vary in time and space. In this regard, 44 water samples were collected in the dry season from the three lakes, for analysis of physical-chemical quality indicators. A series of physical (T, EC, TDS, turbidity, TSS, transparency) and chemical parameters (pH, DO, nutrients, SiO2, TOC, SO42-, ORP, technophilic elements) were considered. The results obtained in the physical-chemical analyses revealed that the majority of parameters were found in line with enforcing environmental regulations. Despite that, P-PO43- and Cd concentration results of some samples were found above certain permissible limits set by the normative. Probably, these inadvertences can be associated with local conditions of the transitional deltaic environment. Further analysis is required conducting repeated measurements with the same question, meaning a routine monitoring, especially P-PO43- and Cd. Finally, it was concluded that the results of this study showed a good quality of water in investigated lakes that did not pose potential health and environmental problems related to the biota.","PeriodicalId":21370,"journal":{"name":"Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry","volume":"28 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84545587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Dinu, G. Vasile, Anda Tenea, C. Stoica, S. Gheorghe, Ecaterina Anca Serban
{"title":"The influence of toxic metals As, Cd, Ni and Pb on nutrients accumulation in Mentha piperita","authors":"C. Dinu, G. Vasile, Anda Tenea, C. Stoica, S. Gheorghe, Ecaterina Anca Serban","doi":"10.21698/rjeec.2021.217","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21698/rjeec.2021.217","url":null,"abstract":"Medicinal plants are, for a considerable part of the population, an important source of treatment for certain diseases. They contain essential nutrients for the human body such as magnesium, iron , and zinc. The present study shows the influence of the addition of As, Cd, Ni, Pb on mineral nutrients in different organs of Mentha piperita. The experiments were carried out in the laboratory for a period of three months (May-July). Mentha piperita plants were AsCd and AsCdNiPb exposed up to final concentrations corresponding to the soil intervention threshold according to Romanian Order no.756/1997 (25 mg/kg As, 5 mg/kg Cd, 150 mg/kg Ni and 100 mg/ kg Pb). Simultaneously with these experiments, a control experiment (M) was performed. To evaluate the effect of the addition of AsCd and AsCdNiPb on the accumulation and transfer of Ca, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Fe and Zn, the transfer coefficient (TC), the translocation factor (TF), and the enrichment factor (EF) were calculated. A higher concentration of Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn was observed especially in the mint root in the experiments in which AsCdNiPb was added compared to those in which only AsCd was added. The AsCdNiPb addition did not influence the translocation of micro and macronutrients from the root to the aerial (edible) parts of the plant. In the case of the AsCd, addition, the translocation of zinc from the root to the aerial parts (leaves and stem) of the plant was increased.","PeriodicalId":21370,"journal":{"name":"Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry","volume":"14 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81793954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"In vitro effect of salinity and pH on Fusarium sp., the causal agent of sweet-potato root rot","authors":"L. Barbu, Oana Alina Boiu Secoia","doi":"10.21698/rjeec.2021.205","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21698/rjeec.2021.205","url":null,"abstract":"Fusarium root rot in a common pathogen of sweet potato, with a wide range of host plants. In the current study six new isolates of Fusarium sp., collected from infected sweet potato plants, along with a reference strain of Fusarium oxysporum, had their growth behavior studied in various pH and saline conditions. In vitro studies showed that salinity higher than 6% NaCl in the PDA substrate significantly reduces the fungal growth. At 12% NaCl, four of seven strains revealed complete mycelia inhibition. However, for the other two isolates, and for the reference strain, 12% salinity only reduced the growth with 77.4%. Regarding the fungal growth at different pH values, it was noticed that tested fusaria were not perturbed at up to 8.5 alkalinity. However, at a pH of 4.5, the growth rate was reduced, although the growth differences were diminished during prolonged incubation time. Considering the in vitro results, saline water should be tested as preventive immersion treatment on the sweet potato sprouts, before their planting, in order to reduce the incidence of Fusarium infection.","PeriodicalId":21370,"journal":{"name":"Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry","volume":"159 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75934259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G. Murariu, R. Enescu, D. Vasile, L. Dincă, G. Mocanu, D. Munteanu
{"title":"A study regarding the parameters that influence the growth rate of Salix alba","authors":"G. Murariu, R. Enescu, D. Vasile, L. Dincă, G. Mocanu, D. Munteanu","doi":"10.21698/rjeec.2021.210","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21698/rjeec.2021.210","url":null,"abstract":"The inventory and evaluation of growth rates for afforested surfaces is extremely important in estimating production levels and in determining the wood quantities that can be harvested. The present research was realized in southeast Romania, on a surface that contains 375h of afforested fields. The monitored surfaces are situated in Hanu-Conachi Independenta Forest, at a relatively low altitude. The study took into account only the surfaces afforested with willow (Salix alba) and extended between 2010 and 2015. The afforested surfaces’ consistency and age were evaluated based on direct observations and measurements. The used numerical analysis on different optimization methods was selected from amongst the most used series from the specialty literature. Our results have shown that evaluations of estimated production growth rates can vary significantly when different statistical analyses and numeric methods are used. By using numerical optimizing models, computer simulations can offer precise estimations regarding growth rates, and consequently, for the efficiency of a given forest inventory. Common numerical interpolation methods or the usage of neuronal networks do not always lead to consistent results. Specific numeric methods are preferable for a better evaluation of growth rates and current inventory. In addition, investments in computer simulation methods and software should be encouraged in order to reach a permanent inventory, improve the efficiency of exploitation operations, and sustain environmental protection.","PeriodicalId":21370,"journal":{"name":"Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry","volume":"146 5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91122539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G. Soreanu, M. Diaconu, S. Maier, I. Volf, I. Cretescu
{"title":"Moving forward sustainable solutions for VOCs biotrickling filtration through co-immobilised microorganisms","authors":"G. Soreanu, M. Diaconu, S. Maier, I. Volf, I. Cretescu","doi":"10.21698/rjeec.2021.207","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21698/rjeec.2021.207","url":null,"abstract":"This study is moving forward with some available options for upgrading the biotrickling filters (BTFs) treating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air, in the light of lowering their greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions. One of such options refers to the addition of the microalgae component to the biological matrix involved in such systems, by (co)immobilization, for the capture of the carbon dioxide issued from the VOCs biodegradation and potentially contributing to the overall VOCs removal performance. Particularly, alginate beads with (co) immobilized microorganisms (microorganisms isolated from commercial compost and microalgae Arthrospira platensis PCC 8005) are for the first time tested for this purpose, as follows: beads with entrapped compost-based microorganisms and attached microalgae (BTF-I); beads with an entrapped mixture of microalgae and compost-based microorganisms (BTF-II). Although both options provided promising performances in treating air contaminated with ethanol (as a model VOC in this study), the last option exhibited lower CO2 emissions and higher packing bed durability, being more prone to further development and implementation.","PeriodicalId":21370,"journal":{"name":"Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81661186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}