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 Simeon BOGDANOV, Bilyana GRIGOROVA-PESHEVA

Some sentences are overly long or repetitive. Consider: Forest fires induce significant environmental changes, with long-term impacts on forest ecosystems and soil properties. These changes affect soil temperature, chemical composition, organic matter content, and microbial communities. This study investigates the alterations in silvicultural properties of Gray Forest soils (Gray Luvisols) in Northwestern Bulgaria following forest fires, considering key variables such as fire type and intensity, time since fire, forest type, and stand density. The results show that forest fires generally reduce soil organic matter and total nitrogen content, alter soil acidity, and affect soil microbial abundance. In particular, low-intensity fires may stimulate microbial activity, whereas high-intensity fires tend to suppress it. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of post-fire soil transformation and offer a scientific basis for afforestation and land reclamation planning in fire-affected forest areas.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Adrian SIMION, Claudiu-Sorin DRAGOMIR

Due to the requirements to reduce energy consumption, the thermal rehabilitation of existing buildings has gained momentum in recent years, both in Romania and at the European level (Petcu et. al., 2023). The most accessible and used technical solution for the thermal rehabilitation of residential buildings, is represented by the external cladding systems with polystyrene thermal insulation. For this type of buildings thermal insulation system, the most unfavourable and most common external actions are represented by compartment fires. The researchers of the Fires Research Laboratory within the INCERC Bucharest Branch, have carried out a series of experimental studies on a natural scale, in order to develop a method of testing ETICS systems for fires generated from fire compartments. Through these studies and experimental research, conclusive results were obtained regarding the development of compartment fires, the evolution of temperatures inside the combustion chamber and the propagation of fire on the combustible facades of buildings.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Dorian HAUSLER COZMA, Teodor Eugen MAN, Robert Florin BEILICCI, Erika BEILICCI

Railway infrastructure is constantly undergoing processes of change and development, it is becoming an important means of transportation. At European level, railways are going through a period of transformations aimed at increasing the transportation capacity for both goods and passengers, as well as increasing travel speeds. Railway infrastructure is constantly exposed to the action of rainwater, groundwater or extreme weather events such as floods. The problem arises when the water is not quickly drained, it remains for a longer period in the embankments leading to wetting or even saturation of the ground. Soil saturation leads to a decrease in bearing capacity and contributes to soil degradation, compromising infrastructure stability. This paper presents advanced numerical modelling with MIKE11 software of real flood situations in the Nădab area, as well as to assess mitigation scenarios through works on railway infrastructure and land improvement.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Loredana COPĂCEAN, Luminiţa COJOCARIU

Floods, rapid and destructive phenomena, significantly impact the environment, including agricultural lands. Geospatial methods for analysis, mapping, and monitoring have been developed over time to identify vulnerable areas. In this context, the present study applies a complex GIS model based on geospatial data, remote sensing data and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine flood susceptibility in the Nera river basin, located in the southwest of Romania (Caraș-Severin County). The analysis includes nine factors: precipitation, drainage density, elevation, slope, distance to rivers, soils, topography, land use and land cover (LULC) and distance to roads. The results are synthesized into a susceptibility map, classified by risk levels and correlated with LULC to evaluate the impact on agriculture. Theoretically and practically, such models are essential for preventing and managing the effects of floods and for implementing optimal measures in line with sustainable development principles.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Cornel Cristian TEREŞNEU

This study assesses the suitability of an area located between the localities of Bran and Râșnov in Brașov County, Romania, for the development of a ski resort. A combination of cartographic resources - including orthophoto maps and topographic-cadastral plans - was initially employed, followed by detailed field measurements using GNSS technology. Climatic variables critical to ski infrastructure planning were evaluated using data from four meteorological stations, with a focus on air temperature, frost days, solid precipitation, and snow cover duration and depth. Geospatial analysis was conducted using GIS tools to examine key orographic parameters such as altitude, slope, aspect, shading, land curvature, and drainage patterns. By integrating climatic and terrain data, the study identifies the area as favorable for ski resort development based on both environmental suitability and technical feasibility.

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

Urban air pollution poses significant public health risks, with airborne microorganisms contributing to air quality concerns and respiratory illnesses. This study investigates the distribution of airborne microflora using a six-stage cascade impactor. Samples were collected from three urban hotspots, three park areas, and a natural control site in Sofia, Bulgaria. Microbial counts were analyzed across six particle size fractions to determine spatial distribution patterns. Hotspots showed significantly higher microbial loads, especially in larger particle fractions (>7 µm, 4.7-7 µm), whereas densely forested green areas exhibited lower microbial levels with a shift toward finer fractions (2.1- 3.3 µm, 1.1-2.1 µm). Parks with minimal vegetation showed microbial patterns similar to hotspots. These findings underscore the role of urban vegetation in mitigating microbial air pollution and highlight the importance of incorporating forested green spaces into urban planning to enhance air quality and public health.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Iolanda-Gabriela CRAIFALEANU, Claudiu-Sorin DRAGOMIR, Daniela DOBRE, Emil-Sever GEORGESCU, Alexandra-Marina BARBU

The participation of the National Network for the Seismic Monitoring and Protection of Building Stock (RNMPSPC) at NIRD URBAN-INCERC in EPOS ERIC, the pan-European Research Infrastructure for Solid Earth Science, requires a rigorous framework for ensuring high-quality seismic data. This paper presents key criteria for seismic data quality assurance and their implementation within RNMPSPC, which operates a strong-motion network of 64 stations across Romania. We detail modern methodologies for seismic data acquisition, processing, and validation, emphasizing compliance with international standards. The practical application of these methods is illustrated using records from a recent ML 5.4 earthquake in the Vrancea seismogenic zone. The study highlights ongoing improvements in equipment, software integration, and data management to enhance the accuracy and reliability of ground motion records. These advancements support seismic hazard assessment and structural safety, reinforcing Romania’s contribution to global seismological research.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Saeed KARIMI, Ehsan TALEBI, Saeed GIVEHCHI

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) gas leaks are a serious threat to communities near industrial sites, endangering health and the environment. While safety technology has improved, a community’s ability to respond effectively depends on how well-prepared people are. This review dives into what shapes community behavior during H2S emergencies, drawing from global research and a study in Assaluyeh and Nakhl Taghi, Iran. We found that understanding risks, trusting local authorities, and clear communication are key to safe responses. Our data shows notable differences in safety behaviors, especially tied to where people live, revealing gaps in awareness and training. We call for community-focused plans with better education, open communication, and practical training to empower people, reduce risks, and build stronger, safer communities worldwide.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Selma MYSLIHAKA, Aida BANI, Teuta BUSHI, Dorina XHULAJ, Eugen SKURA, Irena DUKA

The consumption of vegetables and fruits is a major pathway for human exposure to heavy metals, especially when these elements accumulate in edible plant parts. This study assessed the accumulation of nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in soils and food crops cultivated near a former metallurgical plant in Elbasan, Albania. The analyzed crops included onion, salad, potato, pepper, and strawberry. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were calculated to evaluate the capacity of each crop to uptake heavy metals from soil. Available metal concentrations in soil were determined using the Mehlich-1 extraction method and quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated that Mn, Zn, Fe, and Cr concentrations in potatoes, and Fe levels in pepper, were within WHO safety limits. However, Fe levels in onion, salad, and strawberry, Ni in all edible crops, and Cr in onion, salad, strawberry, and pepper exceeded recommended thresholds. The calculated BCFs confirmed notable metal accumulation, particularly for Ni and Cr. These findings highlight the need for regular monitoring of heavy metal levels in both soil and crops to safeguard food safety and public health.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Iulian IANCU, Sorin PERJU, Ioan BICA, Alexandru-Nicolae DIMACHE

Asbestos water supply networks are not believed to represent a significant hazard to public health in normal use. However, repair, rehabilitation and removal of asbestos pipes involve cutting, and demolition, can release asbestos fibers into the air, posing risks to public health. Many water utilities currently have significant portions of their water mains composed of asbestos pipes that need to be rehabilitated. This paper focuses on the evaluation of four different alternatives to rehabilitate/remove of asbestos pipes, considering the impact on the environment, respectively the total air emissions generated by the activities involved in this rehabilitation. A very performant model, EMEP/EEA air pollutant emission inventory guidebook 2023, was used for this assessment. Results indicate that the replacement of asbestos-cement pipes with no-dig, pipe-bursting technology, which involves laying the new pipe on the inside of the existing pipe, which is broken but remains underground, will have the lowest environmental impact.

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The publisher is not responsible for the opinions published in the Volume. They represent the authors’ point of view.

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