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. XIV
Written by Sorin ANGHEL

This paper presents the use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and photogrammetry in the assessment and monitoring of hydrocarbon contamination in polluted areas. The integrated approach combines the advantages of both techniques to provide a detailed image of pollution distribution in the soil and potential migration pathways of contaminants. The GPR, used to detect underground anomalies, was complemented by photogrammetry to obtain accurate mapping of the microrelief and terrain structure. The studies were conducted through electrical resistivity measurements and field surveys, with the collected data being integrated into a detailed geophysical model. This combined method allowed for the identification of hydrocarbon accumulation zones and their migration according to the geological structure and infiltration conditions. The results obtained are essential for understanding the impact of pollution on the surrounding environment and for developing efficient solutions for monitoring and rehabilitating affected lands.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Andreea-Miruna CODREANU, Ștefania-Adelina MILEA, Valentina Andreea CĂLMUC, Justinian-Andrei TOMESCU, Alin Constantin DÎRȚU, Cătălina ITICESCU, Puiu-Lucian GEORGESCU

PFAS are present in freshwater fish in the Danube River, posing concerns about aquatic ecosystem contamination and adverse effects on human health. These substances also referred to as “forever chemicals” have the potential to accumulate in the food chain and provoke several health issues, including hormonal imbalance and cancer. In this work, the QuEChERS extraction and clean-up method combined with UHPLC-HRMS (Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography – High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry) was applied for the determination of 18 PFAS in muscle tissue of freshwater fish (European wels catfish – Silurus glanis). The method was validated in terms of Specificity, Linearity, Precision (% RSD), Recovery, and Accuracy (mean spike recovery, %) at two levels of concentration: 0.1 and 5 ng. Additionally, the study assessed the impact of matrix effects on PFAS detection in fish tissue.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Lia STELEA, Alexandra-Constanța DUDU, Corina AVRAM, Gabriel IORDACHE, Constantin-Ștefan SAVA

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions, but the risk of CO2 leakage requires monitoring. As part of project PN 23300404, we aim to develop an environmental monitoring methodology for onshore geological storage sites, evaluating vegetation surveys as a monitoring tool. In 2024, we conducted combined vegetation and geochemical surveys at two sites: Bodoc, an analogue for safe storage, and Băile Lăzărești, an analogue for CO2 leakage. Using a grid-based sampling approach, we measured soil-flux and concentrations alongside floristic observations. At Bodoc, no significant relationship was observed between CO2 levels and vegetation state. In contrast, at Băile Lăzărești, areas with high CO2 concentrations had sparse vegetation and exposed soil, though these features were also present in some low-CO2 areas due to landscaping. Follow-up surveys are planned for next year to determine the natural variability of the vegetation. Currently, we conclude that vegetation surveys have the potential to be used for leakage identification.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Mirela Alina SANDU, Veronica IVANESCU

This study investigates the integration of virtual laboratories into an undergraduate environmental engineering course through a blended learning approach. Using HybridPraxisLab, a browser-based simulation platform, second-year students engaged in optional virtual modules designed to reinforce theoretical knowledge and procedural skills. Quantitative data collected via a 14-item questionnaire revealed high student satisfaction across accessibility, engagement, and confidence dimensions. Additionally, a significant difference in final laboratory grades was observed between students with high and low virtual engagement, suggesting a positive impact on academic performance. These results support the use of virtual labs as effective and inclusive tools for enhancing learning outcomes in engineering education, especially for part-time or remote learners. The findings highlight the potential of such platforms to supplement traditional instruction and improve readiness for hands-on laboratory tasks.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Gary L. HAWKINS

Water management and conservation tillage practices can be important when producing fruit and vegetable crops in areas of limited water resources. This study evaluated six alternative mulching materials - compost, biofilm plastic, newspaper, craft paper, compost with glycerin, and a no-mulch control - against standard low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic in a bedded watermelon production system. Three replications of each treatment (mulches) were randomly placed in sections of watermelon rows. Weed density, soil moisture, and temperature were monitored to assess the performance of each mulch. Results showed that all treatments, except for the control and compost, provided effective weed suppression comparable to LDPE. Soil temperature and moisture levels varied across treatments, with compost producing the highest and lowest recorded temperatures. These findings suggest that several alternative mulches, when used in combination with conservation tillage, offer viable, sustainable options for small-scale fruit and vegetable production.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Oana Alina NIŢU, Ionuț Ovidiu JERCA, Mihaela BĂLAN, Elena Ştefania IVAN

Climate change significantly impacts agriculture, especially in Romania's semi-arid and sub-humid regions, such as Dobrogea, Southern Moldova, and Muntenia. This study analyzes water use efficiency in irrigated agriculture, considering the increase in average annual temperatures and its effect on water consumption. The three irrigation methods – drip, sprinkler, and furrow irrigation – were compared to identify the most efficient strategies. The results indicate that drip irrigation is the most efficient, with minimal water losses and optimized consumption, although high initial costs may pose a disadvantage. Sprinkler irrigation demonstrates moderate efficiency but is influenced by weather conditions, while furrow irrigation has high water losses and low efficiency. In scenarios where temperatures increase by 2°C and 5°C, water consumption for major crops – maize, sunflower, soybean, and sugar beet – increases by up to 25%. The study emphasizes the need to modernize irrigation infrastructure and adopt sustainable technologies to address climate challenges. Financial support for implementing drip irrigation and educational programs for farmers is strongly recommended.

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© 2019 SCIENTIFIC PAPERS LAND RECLAMATION, EARTH OBSERVATION & SURVEYING, ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING. All Rights Reserved. To be cited: SCIENTIFIC PAPERS LAND RECLAMATION, EARTH OBSERVATION & SURVEYING, ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING.

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