Around the Bloc: Cleaning Up Eastern Europe’s Radioactive Legacy
Romanian and Czech authorities are failing to ensure the safety of former uranium miners and other people exposed to contamination, an investigation claims.
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Romanian and Czech authorities are failing to ensure the safety of former uranium miners and other people exposed to contamination, an investigation claims.
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Soil erosion by water is one of the most important morphogenetic processes taking place within the lowland geoecosystems in Poland. Therefore, it is relevant to recognise its nature, course, conditions and dynamics. This article presents some lithological conditions of water soil erosion on a testing plot within the Chwalimski Potok catchment in the Drawskie Lakeland. The conducted measurements of soil particle size distribution, soil moisture and compaction, shear strength and degree, as well as infiltration rate constitute the basis of the analysis and all relevant calculations. It was shown that topsoil (slightly loamy sands) with increased humidity at the surface is most susceptible to the process of soil erosion by water. Some methods to prevent adverse degradation processes were suggested in the article.
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W artykule zaprezentowano przykłady analizy współzależności między powierzchniami kopalnymi (paleopowierzchniami) i powierzchnią współczesną, opracowane w oparciu o powszechnie dostępne narzędzia z rodziny GIS (Geograficzne Systemy Informacyjne). Jako obszar badań wybrano Polskę Środkową, gdzie pomimo kilkudziesięciu lat badań paleogeograficznych, nie ukształtowała się jednoznaczna opinia co do oceny roli starszego podłoża w pochodzeniu rzeźby współczesnej. Główną część opracowania stanowi przedstawienie oraz analiza procedur badawczych prowadzonych w technikach GIS mających na celu rozwiązanie wskazanego wyżej problemu.
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Pustynsky State Natural Reserve of Regional Importance (area 19,730 hectares) was established by decree of the administration of Nizhny Novgorod oblast on September 16, 2013. It is located in the Tyoshe-Seryozhinsky karst area of the Oka-Sura karst region or Seryozhe-Panskoy karst lake district. Its creation is justified by the need to protect the rare species of living organisms, diverse types of vegetation, unique landscapes and plant communities that are concentrated in this territory. Despite the fact that in 1934 on the shore of the Great Lake in the Staraya Pustyn village the biological station of the State University of Nizhny Novgorod was founded, local flora of the karst lakes which are linked into a single system by the channel of the River Seryozha, remains insufficiently studied. In 2014 and 2015 the authors conducted a study of the flora of the Pustynsky lake-river complex. The collection of material for study of the taxonomic composition of the flora of the reservoirs and the collection of herbarium material were carried out by the route method from a rowing boat and, in part, by traversing along the shore. Taxonomic, ecological (including the spectrum of life forms of plants) and ecobiomorphological analysis of the flora, including the analysis of the ratio of its latitudinal and longitude elements, was carried out in cameral conditions. The taxonomic analysis of flora showed 162 species of vascular plants from 61 genera and 42 families, 6 of these species – Najas minor All., N. major All., Trapa natans L., Potamogeton praelongus Wulf., P. trichoides Cham. et Schlecht. and Carex bohemica Schreb, being included in the List of Rare and Protected Species on the Territory of Nizhny Novgorod oblast. On the basis of the annotated list of plant species, taxonomic, geographic, ecological-coenotic and ecobiomorphological analysis of the flora of the water reservoirs was made. We confirmed that the flora of the lake-river complex is traditional for this territory. Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Potamogetonaceae, Polygonaceae and Asteraceae belong to the dominant families and Potamogeton L., Carex L., Juncus L. and Salix L. belong to the dominant genera of the Pustynsky lake-river system. The level of the hybrid component of the flora is extremely low, which is typical for the watershed lakes. We found that a 6.5 km stretch of the Seryozha River accounts for about 30% of species of the vascular plants belonging to the flora in the Volga River basin. The high species richness of the flora of this territory is due, primarily, to the specific features of the shoreline, forming a broad range of habitats and the relatively stable water level regime despite the strong fluctuation in the level of anthropogenic pressure. We found that boreal and plurizonal elements dominate zonally but Holarctic and Eurasian species – regionally. The predominance of species typical for the ecotone zones of lakes (hygrophytes, hydrophytes and mesophytes) is an integral feature of the ecological-coenotic diversity which is characteristic of the Volga River basin. According to the Raunkiaer classification of life forms, hemicryptophytes are the most numerous group and the hamephytes are the least numerous one. A biomorphological analysis shows the predominance of vegetative mobile, clearly polycentric and vegetative immobile monocentric ecobiomorphs.
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The article covers the patterns of oxidation of sulfide and thiosulfate ions by bacteria Rhodopseudomonas yavorovii Ya-2016 under different cultivation conditions. In the environments with 1.4–5.6 мМ Na2S2O3, R. yavorovii Ya-2016 bacteria accumulated biomass of 1.4–1.6 g/l, which was higher than biomass (1.2-0.6 g/l) accumulated by the bacteria with the same concentrations of Na2S × 9H2O. The efficiency of oxidation of 1.4, 2.8, 5.6 мМ sulfide - and thiosulfateions as donors of electrons by the bacteria equaled 97.4, 42.6, 18.7 and 68.8, 28.0, 3.7%, relatively. As a result bacteri’ oxidation of 1.4 мМ hydrogen sulfide and sodium thiosulphate in the environment caused accumulation of 0.13– 1.30 мМ sulfate-ions, and the element sulfur became an intermediate metabolite in the environment with Na2S × 9H2O. R. yavorovii Ya-2016 bacteria are capable of using sulfate-ions as a single source of sulfate at increase in photptrophs. In the environment with 2.5 мМ sulfate-ions concentration the bacteria biomass was 1.4 g/l, the bacteria assimilated 17.7% of sulfates. Because purple non-sulfur bacteria R. yavorovii Ya-2016 are capable of using sulfide-ions as donors of electrons of anoxygenic photosynthesis and using sulfate-ions as a single source of sulfate, they could be successfully used in the technologies of remediating the environment from compounds of sulfur.
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Productive activity of man results in contamination of the environment which causes substantial damage to ecosystems, upsetting their balance, species composition, etc. Within industrial areas, plants suffer significant harm. At the same time, plant organisms play an important role in optimization of the environment, performing sanitaryhygienic, landscaping and aesthetic functions. In this context, we investigated the influence of industrial contamination of air by fluorine, sulphur and nitrogen compounds on the activity of peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase in ten types of arboreal and shrub plants which differ in their resistance to air pollution. Our research was conducted on the basis of a full multivariate experiment with two levels of factors. Peroxidase activity was determined by a colorimetric method according to the duration of oxidization of benzidine. For determination of polyphenoloxidase activity we determined the duration of oxidization of p-phenilendiamin according to the change in optical density of the solution. Pollutants have a significant influence on activity of the investigated enzymes in the leaves of the plant species studied, which depends on the resistance of the plants to contamination, and also the composition and concentrations of pollutants. With resistant species (Ligustrum vulgare L., Quercus robur L., Lonicera tatarica L., Eleagnus angustifolia L., Philadelphus coronaria L.) peroxidase activity either did not change or rose by 11.2–64.1% compared to the control. depending on the composition of pollutants, their concentrations and the duration of their activity. Polyphenoloxidase activity in these plants did not significantly change in most variants of the experiment, although high concentrations of pollutants resulted in suppression of the activity of this enzyme by 26.1–37.6%. In species with variable tolerance which did not experience damage, peroxidase function did not change. Species sensitive to pollutants (Sorbus aucuparia L., Fraxinus lanceolata Borkh) were characterized by the significant decline in peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase activity, by 18.7–79.1% and 20.5–71.2% respectively, depending on the duration of action of the gases in all variants of the experiment. In species with variable tolerance (Aesculus hippocastanum L., Acer negundo L., Populus simonii Carriere) the reaction to the pollutants was ambiguous in nature and depended on the presence of damage. If the leaves of these plants did not show visible damage (necrosis), then activity of the enzymes did not change. When there was damage to leaf laminae this index decreased in relation to control by 17.3–60.1% for peroxidase and 24.7–57.3% for polyphenoloxidase. Significant negative linear correlation was found between activity of antioxidant enzymes and damage to leaves of the investigated plants: the coefficients of correlation were –0.385 between peroxidase activity and damage and –0.130 between polyphenoloxidase activity and damage. The character of changes in peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase activity show that these enzymes play a considerable role in the detoxication of pollutants and that there is a reduction in their influence on metabolic processes of plant organisms.
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This paper analyses the growth and phenology of fourteen European provenances of Scots pine at the international experimental plot at Zepce. The experiment with the provenances was developed during the spring of 2012 with two (2+0) year old plants. In total 1400 Scots pine saplings were planted in an experimental random block layout, fourteen provenances in four repetitions (4 x 25 plants). The experiment is composed of provenances from ten European countries: Austria (Traisen, Rein, Sistrans), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bugojno), Scotland (Shieldaig), Ukraine (IvanoFrankivsk), Slovakia (Hanusovce), Romania (Sacueini), Norway (Narvik), Germany (Trippstadt), Poland (Raciane – Nida) and Italy (Ca del Lupo, Fenestrelle, Piani – Valda). The morphological results relate to the differences in survival, height, diameter on the root neck and the ratio of these measurements to the height of the saplings of different provenances of Scots pine. Phenological details relate to the phenology of the buds and complete formation of pine needles. All of the details researched have yielded notably different findings. The results of the research can play a significant role in reforestation as well as the preservation of the genetic wealth of Scots pine.
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The broad spectrum of negative effects of food additives and surfactants on living organisms and the environment in general indicate a necessity of a detailed study on this issue. The aim of this article is to evaluate the impact of food additives and surfactants in a concentration of 350 mg/kg of fodder on the body weight of third age Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) larvae. A significant change in the body weight of T. molitor larvae was observed when they consumed a diet containing 350 mg/kg of sodium glutamate, sodium cyclamate and sodium benzoate. We observed a tendency towards increase in body weight after addition of the food colouring Allura Red, saccharin, benzoic acid, betaine, emulsifying wax, AOS and SLES, and also we observed a decrease in body weight after addition of Tartrazine and Indigo Carmine in the same concentration. Out of the 18 tested food additives, 3 significantly stimulated an increase in the body weight of third age T. molitor larvae, and 3 manifested the same effect at the level of tendency (stimulated an increase in mass on average by 43–58% over the 14-day experiment), and 2 caused decrease in the body weight of larvae. Also, the 4 studied surfactants manifested a tendency towards increase in the body weight of T. molitor. This study on the impact of food additives and surfactants on organisms of insects is of great significance for protecting rare species of insects.
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The indices of the Melophagus ovinus (Linnaeus, 1758) population in Ukraine, and also the peculiarities of morphological and metric structure of the insects’ body at all the stages of their development within the conditions of the surveyed region were investigated. New data on morphometric differential signs of sexually mature males and females of sheep bloodsuckers were obtained. It was established that M. ovinus are significantly widespread in Poltava and Zaporizhzhia regions, and they parasitize 26.1% of the examined sheep stock with the infection intensity of 92.7 ± 1.4 specimens and abundance – 24.7 specimens on one animal. The dynamics of M. ovinus population at different stages of development was characterized by the highest abundance of sexually mature males (11.1 specimens) and females (8.9 specimens). The given index concerning pupae and larvae was considerably lower (4.2 and 0.5 specimens on one animal). It was found that post-embryonic and adult development stages of M. ovinus differ in their metric indices. The length and width of the pupae were 17.4% and 13.2% larger than those of the larvae. The sizes of males and females relative to the indices of body length, the length and width of head, thoracic, and abdominal segments, the length of maxillary palpus and the length and width of the proboscis in fact differ in their values. The differential morphological species signs of M. ovinus are the form and location of oculi, antennae, the structure of the head segment of the body, and the mouthparts, and of sexual dimorphism – the distance from the caudal segment of the copulatory apparatus to the rear of the insect’s last abdominal segment.
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In this paper is considered the Republic of Adygea, one of the smallest federal subjects of the huge and complexly organized Russian Federation. Here is presented a concise history of building of the republic, as its today’s natural characteristics: geographic position, area size and population, relief, climate and water, and natural resources and economy. Especially is emphasized the attractiveness of its touristic destinations and cultural heritage, as conditions for tourism development. Specific possibilities for cultural cooperation between Serbia and Adygea provides Circassian minority, who settled in Kosovo (and in other parts of Serbia) after the Crimean War, one part of which returned to the homeland.
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The paper looks into the image of the ecological city created by the media as a perspective of the concept of the “smart city” and the principles of sustainable development. The possibility to implement in practice technology projects, research, innovative eco-technologies in the eco-city is a challenge for designers, developers, investors, government institutions and eco-activists. The media image of the ecological city is part of the green idea and the hyper-represented topic of the changed human-nature-society relationship.
More...Areas Affected by Wildfires in Thasos Island using GIS
In this paper we want to highlight the areas affected by wildfires in Thasos using Esri technology. The study is based on images from before and after the event. GIS possibilities offer us the appropriate environment to develop the study. The workflow was created in ArcGIS Pro10.3, using Chain Function.
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The Islamic region includes most of the arid and semi-arid areas existing on Earth. Forthis reason, water is a deficit resource there, with strategic importance. Often, in thepast and now, activities aimed at securing the right amount of water for economic andcommunal purposes led to local and interstate conflicts. The article explains the methodsof obtaining water used in this area in the past as well as today, especially in countriesexperiencing demographic explosion and high economic dynamics. Particular emphasiswas placed on the uneven distribution of desalination installations and the geopoliticalimportance of water resources as well as the possibility of using modern technologies inits acquisition, which in a privileged position puts countries with financial resources attheir disposal.
More...Distribution Maps for Protected Area Rosci 0299 - Dunărea La Gârla Mare Maglavit
Protected areas, defined as areas in which the primary purpose is the conservation and protection of nature and cultural values are important to all segments of society. They have great potential to become models of the harmonious development of human society because these areas are promoted, more than elsewhere, sustainable management of natural and cultural resources. One of such protected area is - ROSCI0299- DUNĂREA LA GÂRLA MARE MAGLAVIT in Dolj County, and it consists of six blocks. Site of Community Importance, ROSCI0299 Danube at Gârla Mare - Maglavit is characterized by the presence of several classes of habitats, specify both the wetlands and the land, territories sure walk some important species of conservation interest, among mammiferous , amphibians, fish etc. The site totals an area of 9422 ha, which, in terms of bio-geographic region is integrated into the mainland. Actions due to natural phenomena (unpredictable or predictable) and / or factor socio-economic constantly evolving technical and economic can generate, over time, changes in the natural environment and components defining site ROSCI0299 Danube at Gârla Mare - Maglavit, with implications area times its scientific relevance. Mapping the distribution of the species for this site is a very important part of the management plan of the protected area.
More...Floods Damage Estimation Using Sentinel-1 Satellite Images. Case Study-Galati County, Romania
Romania has a long and well documented history of flooding, resulting in numerous material as well as human loses. In order to monitor and estimate flood damages in near-real time, numerous techniques can be used, from a simply digitizing on maps, to using detailed surveys or remote sensing techniques. However, when using the last mentioned technique, the results are conditioned by the time of data acquisition (day or night) as well as by weather conditions. Although, these impediments can be surpassed by using RADAR satellite imagery.The aim of this study is to delineate the land surface of Galati County that was affected by floods in October 2016. For this case study, Sentinel-1C-Band SAR data provided by ESA (European Space Agency) were used. The data sets were taken before and after the flood took place, all within 6 days and were processed using Sentinel Toolbox.
More...Romanian Cadastre Involvement in Climate Change Policy
This paper aims to present the usefulness of cadastral data integration in analyzing the effects of climate change. Based on the experience of developed countries in the EU and on the necessity of stopping, if possible, the effects of climate change, is necessary also in our country to take urgent action of public and authorities awareness campaigns in this direction. We will try to demonstrate that cadastral data can provide support policies to mitigate the effects of climate change, especially in urban areas.
More...Digital Terrain Model In Mining Topography Aplications
The digital terrain model is a real relief representation in three-dimensional space, taking into account the planimetric coordinates N, E and the H elevation. The studied terrain topography is approximated through a mathematical surface achieved by interpolating the measured elevation in the terrain and with the help of the contour. This article approaches the creation of the digital model of the the terrain in several ways and solving specifical mining topographycal problems based on this.
More...Research of Surface Waters Quality in Hilly Areas with Model “WaQ”
Water quality modelling with “WaQ” wants to improve current systems for monitoring, the model allows establishing the source of pollutants and limits for discharges that lead to poor quality water, as well as the basic or additional measures necessary to achieve environmental objectives under Framework Directive 2000/60. Analysing the data output of the model “WaQ” for the Bahlui catchment it has been found that impairment of good water, especially regarding nutrients as required by the directive is given by agricultural work practices, this fact indicating agriculture as one of the main sources of diffuse pollution of surface water, including barrier lakes. As a result of modelling with “WaQ” for Bahlui catchment, the forecast made in the perspective of 2021, was found an increase in total nitrogen and total phosphorus imissions compared to 2012, fact caused by increasing agricultural areas. On the other hand, only for the sub-basin Razboieni-upstream Podu Iloaiei was determined a decrease in load with total nitrogen and total phosphorus in 2021, which resulted an improvement of the ecological potential for the barrier lake Podu Iloaiei.
More...Research on Water Quality in Small and Medium Barrier Lakes in Hilly Areas with Bathub Model
Presence in waters of large amounts of nutrients, determine their contamination and the occurrence of eutrophication manifested through an accelerated growth of algae and other higher plant forms. In order to assess the risk of eutrophication of the two barrier lakes studied Cucuteni and Tansa-Belcesti from Bahlui catchment, it was used a model namely BATHUB. Modelling of potential eutrophication, it is expressed through items like total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chlorophyll “a”, transparency, organic nitrogen and organic phosphorus. For the two barrier lakes Cucuteni and Tansa-Belcesti was achieved high levels of total nitrogen and total phosphorus caused by diffuse pollution supported mainly by agricultural work practices. The nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients get into the lakes via the river system, and phytoplankton fails to fully assimilate them, which causes maintenance the eutrophic condition for these barrier lakes.
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