ISSN 2285-6064, ISSN CD-ROM 2285-6072, ISSN-L 2285-6064, Online ISSN 2393-5138
 

Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Cristian PETCU, Claudiu Sorin DRAGOMIR, Andreea HEGYI

The construction sector demand for thermal insulation materials is rising, to enhance building energy efficiency and indoor thermal comfort. While insulation materials like organic foams (EPS, XPS, PUR, PIR) or inorganic fibers (glass or rock wool) are widely used, there is a shift towards eco-friendly alternatives derived from agro-industrial waste. These sustainable options not only reduce operational energy consumption in buildings but also offset some of their own production energy requirements. Furthermore, using such sub-products as insulation materials presents an ecological advantage, contributing to CO2 sequestration and offering a greener choice in the construction industry. This paper presents the thermal properties of such insulating materials and compares their values with some of the commonly used insulation materials. The thermal conductivity of the materials was assessed using the λ-Meter EP500e, a guarded hot plate apparatus specialized for such measurements, using the instructions outlined in the SR EN 12667 standard, ensuring accuracy and compliance with established guidelines. The paper aims to elevate awareness about the potential of transforming what is currently viewed as agricultural waste into innovative and environmentally friendly building materials.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Adelina MOJA, Vasile PADUREANU, Mirabela LUPU, Alina MAIER, Cristina CANJA

In the context in which one of the biggest problems affecting the environment worldwide is that of global warming, the study of carbon footprint, greenhouse gases and their effects is of utmost topicality. Current statistics show that agriculture and the food industry are some of the sectors with a significant carbon footprint, resulting in the need for conclusive studies to provide solutions to reduce it. The main purpose of this study is to concentrate on the results of research undertaken in this area. Thus, the thorough analysis of studies published in the main databases shows that the food industry contributes significantly to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the main sources of emissions being agricultural practices, crop rotation, waste management, etc. The urgency of adopting sustainable practices and mitigation strategies in the food industry to minimize the carbon footprint is underlined. Research not only highlights the urgent need to address the environmental impacts of the food industry, but also provides an essential basis for developing policies and strategies for implementing sustainable agricultural practices.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Vasilica VASILE, Cristian PETCU, Alina DIMA, Mihaela ION

The pollution level of urban area is often high, mainly due to the traffic conditions that can lead to pollutant emissions such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM), negatively affecting inhabitant’s health. However, this level of traffic had a strong decrease, given the lockdown of the population imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the present paper is a comparative analysis on air pollution level, before and during the two periods of lockdown. For this, the concentrations of specific traffic pollutants, suspended particles (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), were monitored. According to the obtained results, PM2.5 values have been lowering with 37.5% and 54.8 %, in trend with those from San Jose (45%) or Los Angeles (41%). Likewise, NO2 concentrations decreased with 62.3% in the first month and with 57.0% in the second month of the lockdown, similar with values recorded in London (40%) or Barcelona (70%). The analysis showed that air pollution can be reduced and considering the importance of heath for inhabitants, long-term solutions must be found.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Diana HANGANU, Lidia FAVIER, Maria HARJA

This article presents an in-depth exploration of diverse methodologies for the separation and removal of various classes of antibiotics from water and aqueous solutions. Focusing on recent advancements, the study offers a comprehensive overview of active substances and novel combinations employed in the removal processes. Notably, the role of adsorbents is discussed, emphasizing their high porosity that enables efficient absorption of substantial contaminant doses. Additionally, the financial benefits of employing photocatalysts in contaminant degradation are highlighted, with an emphasis on the growing body of research in this area. The historical significance of exchange resin as one of the pioneering removal methods is acknowledged, alongside a more contemporary examination of electrochemical approaches specifically tailored to the structural and ionic characteristics of antibiotics. Serving as a valuable guide, this article addresses the advantages and considerations associated with diverse methods of separating antibiotics from aqueous solutions, providing insights into emerging technologies and facilitating informed decision-making in environmental remediation efforts.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Adrian Alexandru CIOBANU, Aurelia BRADU, Andreea HEGYI

This work aims to research and promote construction products based on natural raw materials. The study and promotion of traditional materials can represent an answer to the problem of carbon emissions. More and more specialized studies prove the fact that new, modern constructions can alter both our lifestyle, compromising our physical, mental and emotional health. The conclusions of the studies do nothing but reinforce the idea of the fact that returning to traditional materials, their re-assimilation in current constructive techniques and solutions, represents the right solution both for the environment and for us as individuals. Research involves development and experimental research to check the characteristics and performance of products made from natural raw materials (clay, lime, straw, hemp, wood waste in the form of sawdust) and various additions and/or additives in the lowest possible percentages, by studying some recipes different compositions, in order to optimize them from both a mechanical and hydrothermal point of view, depending on the areas of intended use.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Aurelia NICA, Ira-Adeline SIMIONOV, Alina ANTACHE, Catalina ITICESCU, Stefan-Mihai PETREA, Catalin PLATON, Victor CRISTEA

Disaster resilience is the ability of individuals, communities, organizations, and systems to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impacts of hazards, such as natural disasters, extreme weather events, and other emergencies. It encompasses a broad range of factors and capacities that enable communities to withstand and bounce back from adverse events, minimizing their negative impacts and promoting long-term sustainability and well-being. Response efforts focus on the immediate actions taken during and immediately after a disaster to save lives, protect property, and meet the basic needs of affected populations. This includes deploying emergency services, providing medical care, search and rescue operations, and distributing aid to affected areas. Overall, disaster resilience is a dynamic and multidimensional concept that requires a comprehensive and integrated approach to address the complex challenges posed by natural hazards and climate change. By investing in resilience-building measures, communities can enhance their ability to withstand and recover from disasters, ultimately reducing human suffering, economic losses, and environmental degradation.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Ernest Daniel OLINIC, Tatiana OLINIC

The physical characteristics of a soil give indication on its mechanical behavior and also offer suggestions in the correct programming of the laboratory tests, which will correctly describe the mechanical behavior of the soil. The plasticity index and the consistency index are two important parameters used to describe the cohesive soils. If the plasticity index is a nature parameter, the consistency index is a state parameter, which describes the state of the soil at its natural moisture content. The consistency index is the difference between the liquid limit and the natural moisture content, divided to the plasticity index. For the calculation of the consistency index corresponding to the state of saturation, the natural moisture content is replaced by the saturation moisture content, a situation in which, for the respective soil, the lowest state of consistency is anticipated in the assumption of its saturation. Beyond the theoretical aspects regarding the definition of this parameter, never previously used in technical literature, being an invention of the authors, the paper presents calculation examples and case studies with an emphasis on collapsible soils and swellings-shrinking soils, which represent difficult foundation conditions.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Petru NICOLAE, Luminiţa CHIVU, Raluca Ioana NICOLAE

Decarbonizing irrigation systems plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This paper explores advanced technological solutions to enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of water resource management in irrigation systems. By leveraging innovations such as floating photovoltaic panels, smart irrigation controls, and the integration of renewable energy sources, this research aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and optimize water usage. The analysis encompasses the socio-economic and environmental impacts of these technologies, highlighting significant benefits including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved water conservation, and local economic development.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Sorin ANGHEL

The detection and spatiotemporal monitoring of hydrocarbon contamination in the geological environment (soil, geological formations, and groundwater) represent the main objective of the study, conducted during the period of 2023-2024. The study focused on areas adjacent to the Petromidia refinery with industrial activity exceeding five decades, located in the vicinity of the city of Navodari. Both 'classic' geophysical techniques (VES - Vertical Electrical Sounding, IP - Induced Polarization) and recently introduced techniques on a global scale (GPR - Ground Penetrating Radar) were employed. Electrical and electromagnetic measurements were complemented by magnetic investigations, drilling works, and geological and hydrogeological observations. The most effective geophysical measurements, both for detecting and monitoring underground hydrocarbon contamination, were the geoelectrical resistivity ones, due to the significant contrast in electrical resistivity between the highly resistive pollutant substances and the affected geological environment, consisting of rocks and fluids with much higher electrical conductivity. The geological and hydrogeological data from shallow boreholes were used for the correct interpretation of geophysical anomalies, while the results of magnetic measurements indicated the routes of buried pipelines, and potential sources of pollution.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Zhulieta ARNAUDOVA, Dimka HAYTOVA

The leaf area index (LAI) is important for monitoring and assessing crop vigor. It is used in the evaluation of plant condition, as inputs in various models to predict productivity. The main aim of this study was to identify the changes in LAI between major growth stages of pepper. In situ measurements and time series imagery from Copernicus Land Monitoring services were used. In situ data collection was carried out in a production pepper plantation, cv. Slonsko uho is grown under open field conditions in the village of Katunitsa, Plovdiv region, Bulgaria. Measurements were carried out in different stages of the development of plants. The destructive determination of LAI was conducted after collection of plant samples. The leaf area was determined using an electronic plotter Image Analysis Systems "WinDias 3". The leaf area index was calculated as the ratio of plant leaf area covering a unit of land area. The LAI images were downloaded for two years (2022 and 2023), between different stages of the development of pepper. A correlation between satellite data and in situ measurements was established. The dependence of LAI on the time series for the two years was determined.

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