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 Alexandra Corina COSTANDACHE, Leon Dumitru COVALIU, Anca Andreea ȘĂULEAN, Cristina Ileana COVALIU-MIERLA, Ecaterina MATEI, Razvan TEODORESCU, Valerica TUDOR

Water contamination is a growing concern with profound implications for public health and ecosystems. The advent of nanotechnology has expanded the utility of nanoparticles (NPs) in diverse fields. These biogenic ZnO nanostructures offer an eco-friendly alternative for photocatalysis. The research aims to (i) employ a green synthesis method for ZnO nanostructure production using a grapefruit extract, (ii) thoroughly characterize these nanostructures using optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential and pHpzc, and (iii) evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency in degrading acetaminophen from water solutions. The findings display a sustainable approach to water purification, addressing the challenges of water contamination and emerging pollutants by utilizing green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Mihaela BEGEA, Nicoleta RADU, Mariana CONSTANTIN, Roxana ZAHARIA

A way of valorise the solid by-products resulting from industrial biosyntheses is to use them as such to fertilize agricultural soils or to obtain new types of fertilizers. Two types of fertilizers obtained with spent microbial biomass were evaluated regarding the impact generated on the waters as a result of potential nutrient loss processes through washing throughout rainwater. The tests were carried out in the lab, in glass columns filled with a mixture of red-brown soil, sand, and fertilizers, the last one added in quantities corresponding to a fertilization norm of 200 kg SA/ha. For each experimental variant, an average pluviometry flow rate of 14 L/m2 was simulated; in each column, water was added at intervals of 1; 4; 7, and 15 days. The nutrients lost by leaching were assessed after each interval. The obtained results showed that fertilizers formulated with microbial biomass lose (77.9-85.11)% P2O5 and (76.2-90)% K2O in 24 h, compared to classic fertilizers, which lose 75% P2O5 through leaching, respectively 86.5% K2O. Because the behaviour of fertilizers formulated with microbial biomass is similar to that of complex fertilizers, was estimated that the impact generated by the use of fertilizers with microbial biomass on the water is insignificant.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Eleonora FIKOVSKA, Dimitar KOZUHAROV

The aim of this paper is to present some unpublished data from studies of zooplankton complexes in Mandra Reservoir during the period 2020-2021 at 7 research sites. It analyses whether physicochemical parameters pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity significantly influence the occurrence of zooplankton in a reservoir. At the time of the investigation, 33 taxa of rotifers, 18 taxa of Cladocera, and 12 taxa of Copepoda were noted, and 4 taxa from Protozoa too. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) and biocoenological analyses were performed. In conclusion, we can say that in this shallow holopolymictic basin, no strong correlation was found between the grouping of zooplankton and the measured values for pH, dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity. The dominant analysis reflects the dynamics in the dominant complexes of zooplankton in accordance with the conditions in the ecotonic zones between the Mandra Reservoir and the inflowing rivers.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Cristian-George DRAGOMIRESCU, Victor ILIESCU

Given the significance of the concept of sustainability and the methods used to fulfil its objectives, the paper aims to highlight the possibility of utilizing Bionics to find and implement methods aimed at sustainable development. In the authors' opinion, the mentioned methods and means can be complemented by using Bionics as a source of documentation and implicitly applying models aimed at increasing sustainability. Considering the specificity of this science to decode the "inventions of living nature" by observing natural phenomena, mathematical modelling, prototyping, and verifying theoretical results with practical outcomes, the paper presents several classic examples that contribute to the effort for sustainable development: the drag reduction effect in all fluid flows, based on the shark skin model, used in creating a coating for aircraft to reduce energy consumption, or swarm intelligence of bees and ant algorithms that transfer the behaviour of insects and other animals living in larger communities into technical areas.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Florin NENCIU, Eugen POPESCU, Lorena-Diana POPA, Gabriel NAE, Andreea MATACHE

Integrating degraded or contaminated lands into food production chains poses significant challenges and expenses. This study explores a novel technology for cultivating vegetables on degraded lands employing vegetal substrates in the form of bales. These multi-layered vegetal structures are strategically designed to offer essential support, nutrients, water, warmth, and protection against pests for the cultivated plants. The fertile layer within these structures was produced through composting vegetable waste produced from horticulture. The protective surface of the bale was made from a mixture of agricultural wastes, ensuring both a resilient structure and permeability. The structure was enhanced with two layers made of recycled cotton, aimed at retaining moisture efficiently. The research showed that the adopted technological solution can yield a 30-40% improvement in production of tomato and eggplant. Moreover, it demonstrates high adaptability, being easily applicable for crops establishing in contaminated, degraded environments, or even on concrete surfaces.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Mihai VRABIE, Nicolae APOSTOLESCU, Maria HARJA

Environmental pollution is a major issue that we are dealing with at the moment. The reuse of industrial waste, which is used as raw materials in other industries such as the construction materials industry, is a beneficial way to reduce pollution. This is possible due to the physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of industrial waste. Examples of industrial waste that can be used for obtaining new building materials are: fly ash, furnace slag, silica fume, and so on. These wastes were analysed in this study using the following techniques: SEM, XRD, and EDAX. After characterization, the wastes were used as additives in cement-based materials. The following properties of the obtained materials were tested: compression strength, flexural strength, adhesion to the substrate, and shrinkage testing. Based on the results of the tests, the percentages used as waste addition were chosen.

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

In the context of the policy of securing and protecting water resources for growth and sustainable development, agriculture must, through adequate planning of land use, cultivated crops and water infrastructure and taking into account climate changes and the needs of ecosystems, have a responsible managing role. The changes in Bulgaria after 1989 have brought for agriculture many risks and challenges. Therefore, the present study aims at making a general overview of the state of irrigation in the region of Plovdiv, as an example of the Maritsa River watershed.in the period 2017-2021. On the basis of the obtained results, major problems and their possible solutions for agriculture and irrigation will be defined, such as recommendations for improving the agricultural policy and integrated water management in Bulgaria.

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

The development of various geomatic applications in the forest requires advanced technologies for collecting, transferring, and processing data from the field, related to the spatial positioning of various topographic details. Special software is also required to report the coordinates of detail points and obtain various graphical products. In the forestry sector, planning maps, in analogue and/or digital format as appropriate, are used for various practical applications. The exploitation of cartographic material in digital format, with high accuracy, involves a process of spatial transformation or georeferencing, for which a few at least four points of known coordinates, are required in the two working systems. The positioning of the points required for the georeferencing process is performed with Global Navigation Satellite System (G.N.S.S.) technology, with a G.P.S system and/or with total station (TS), as appropriate. The MapSys 10.0 software can be used to perform the spatial transformation process. The results obtained in this case study ensure that the georeferenced raster is used with optimal accuracy to solve various current problems in the forestry sector.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Asen PESHEV, Bilyana GRIGOROVA-PESHEVA, Boyka MALCHEVA, Georgi KADINOV

The present study aims to track the quantity and distribution of microorganisms in the ground air in "hot points" and park areas of the territory of the city of Sofia. For this purpose, 6 "hot points" were selected, on the territory of boulevards and intersections, and six in the park areas of the capital. The study was carried out using the "Open air" method on suitable solid nutrient media. Each measurement was performed in five replicates. The total microbial number was determined, as well as the amount of the main microbiological groups. The potential presence of streptococci and staphylococci was reported. The data show several times increased levels of the total microflora in the hot spots compared to the green areas. There is also a difference in the percentage participation of the different microbiological groups in the two types of areas studied. In the hot points, fungi represent the main group of microorganisms, followed by bacteria. In green areas, bacteria represent the main group of microorganisms.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIII
Written by Nicoleta-Adaciza IONESCU, Daniela DOBRE, Claudiu-Sorin DRAGOMIR

The paper aims within a multidisciplinary approach (Chemistry, Engineering, Finite element analysis) to highlight the structural behaviour of a computer numerical control (CNC) resistance element from the vibrations point of view and following the deformations and efforts arising from static and dynamic loads. The modelling of the structural bearing member was done with the Finite Element Method, using three-dimensional elements of the Solid type, in specialized software, and considering different types of material (cast iron, reinforced concrete and reinforced concrete with the addition of polymer-coated clinker). Results concerning the variation of the dynamic characteristics (natural periods of vibration) and response spectra in accelerations, velocities and displacements in several points are presented. In conclusion, with regard to the considered materials, the use of concrete with intelligent addition to build the base of a CNC is a good solution. Using a smart reinforced concrete material embedded in the metal box gives greater rigidity to the structural system, the fundamental period having the lowest value, compared to the other two cases.

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