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Nowadays, agricultural practices require special attention due to their important contribution to water pollution, the more so as they are associated with environmental and health impairments. Despite legislation addressing nutrient pollution, there are still high levels of nutrients in water bodies, as evidenced by the results identified in the literature. Among nutrients of environmental concern identified in water and associated with agricultural practices are nitrogen and phosphorus. When applied in excess under fertilizer form, these nutrients accumulate in water bodies with consequences such as eutrophication or human health impairments if water is used for drinking. The purpose of this review paper is to present the current state of nutrient water pollution generated by unsustainable agricultural practices. In addition, are presented the main legislative regulations addressing water quality imposed by the European Union, are described aspects related to nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from agriculture, and levels of nutrients in water bodies from different European countries. Also, effects of agricultural pollution on the environment and humans are discussed, and possible strategies that could be employed to decrease or prevent water pollution are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water contamination with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) is strongly linked to agricultural practices, and it still represents an environmental issue, despite the OCPs bans in many countries and despite the reported sustainable remediation technologies for their removal. Considering the environmental persistence of OCPs, the imbalances produced in the ecosystem, and the bioaccumulation tendency in living organisms through the food chain, the monitoring of OCPs and of their metabolites has crucial importance. The accuracy of the results obtained is strongly connected to the selection of reliable and accurate analytical procedures, especially considering the multitude of challenges related to OCP quantification. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the analytical techniques and protocols reported for OCP assessment in water, and to offer scientists a presentation of the current state of the literature on this subject. Nevertheless, it must be considered that each method has advantages and disadvantages, and, in most cases, the protocols reported in the literature must be adapted and improved. In addition, the levels of OCPs identified in surface water, groundwater, and rainwater have been reviewed. This review paper is directly connected to sustainability practices, since environmental sustainability is related to the responsibility to conserve natural resources and to prevent pollution, and for scientists, these objectives are fulfilled by conducting chemical analyses to track and quantify pollutants, as part of environmental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the effects of glyphosate treatments on vineyard soil from Tohani Dealu-Mare on soil reaction and concentration of mobile forms of metals (copper, iron and manganese) on two depths: 0-30 cm (D1) and 30-60 cm (D2). Treatments applied in five different concentrations, as it follows: 5.04 mmol·L-1 (S1), 15.12 mmol·L-1 (S2), 30.24 mmol·L-1 (S3), 45.36 mmol·L-1 (S4), 60.48 mmol·L-1 (S5) provided in soil glyphosate levels of 0.021 mmol·kg-1 (C1), 0.063 mmol·kg-1 (C2), 0.126 mmol·kg-1 (C3), 0.189 mmol·kg-1 (C4), 0.252 mmol·kg-1 (C5). Soil analyses were performed at three different moments: before application (T0), 7 days (T1) and 14 days (T2) after glyphosate treatments. The obtained results evidenced decrease of pH values due to glyphosate acidifying effect. It was found significant correlation between pH and glyphosate concentrations at T1, T2 moments and D1 depth, also at T2 at D2 depth. In addition, it was evidenced that glyphosate concentrations influence metals mobility. For instance, the mobile manganese concentrations found at two depths present a significant correlation at T1 and D1 (r =0.8340*) and at T2 and D2 (r = 0.8333*) with glyphosate treatments. Also, chelation effect of glyphosate on microelements is related with applied concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to perform a morphometric analysis of Prussian carp individuals collected from the Moara Domnească pond in Ilfov County, Romania. This was accompanied by a physico-chemical characterization of the water, which was sampled from the same location. Consequently, we analyzed a total of 60 Prussian carp individuals that were caught in April (N = 32) and May 2023 (N = 28). For the Carassius gibelio in the study site, we provided, for the first time, data on the weight–length relationships (WLRs), the Fulton K condition factor and the biometric features, including the total length (TL), standard length (SL), head length (HL), snout length (SNL), body depth (BD), girth and ratios for the TL/HL, as well for the TL/BD and TL/SL. A negative growth type was estimated for both the samples of C. gibelio. Based on other studies and fishing reports, besides C. gibelio, there are another 11 species that belong to the Cypriniformes order, and there are two teleost members of the Perciformes order (Lepomis gibbosus and Perca fluviatilis)—these were also associated with this habitat. Water samples were collected from 12 sampling points (SP), which were subjected to physico-chemical characterizations that consisted of an assessment of the turbidity (T), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), chloride (Cl−), total hardness (TH), oxygen regime parameters, phosphate phosphorus (P-PO43−), nitrate nitrogen (N-NO3−), nitrite nitrogen (N-NO2−) and ammonium nitrogen (N-NH4+) levels. In addition, considering their characteristics (high toxicity, non-biodegradability, long-range atmospheric transport and bioaccumulation potential), a number of organochlorine pollutants (OCPs) were identified. The total hardness values presented a very significant correlation with conductivity (r = 0.5974 ***) and with pH (r = 0.5854 ***). The results allowed for the water samples to be placed into the quality classes established by legislation, and they were also discussed in relation to the fishes' requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to present some of the results of the project "Research on the use of composts obtained from food waste", where more compost variants obtained with OKLIN series composters were analyzed and tested on two horticultural species (germination and total growth). According to the specifications, OKLIN composters are designed to produce compost 24 hours after the organic residues are introduced. Compost obtained from different sources (grounds of coffee, vegetables (40%) and fruits (60%), vegetables (40%), fruit (50%), and fish (10%), food and vegetable waste (100%), etc) were analyzed regarding microbiota (bacteria, fungi, and respiration coefficient) and agrochemical parameters. Several ratio variants were tested on parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and Luffa, monitoring germination rate and total growth. All the compost variants, in general, presented beneficial and neutral bacteria and fungi with high potential as fertilizer. 10% and sometimes 20% were the most favorable compost ratios as fertilizer for the horticultural plants tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several field trips were carried out in 2022 and 2023, aiming to investigate the water quality parameters, ichthyofaunal and floristic diversity in some areas of Gurban Valley, located in the protected area Natural Park Comana, Giurgiu County, southern Romania. Throughout the study period were identified fish specimens belonging to nine species: Prussian carp Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782); Gobio obtusirostris Valenciennes, 1842; Dnieper chub Petroleuciscus borysthenicus (Kessler, 1859); Roach Rutilus rutilus (Linnaeus, 1758); Danubian spined loach Cobitis elongatoides Băcescu & Mayer, 1969; Belica Leucaspius delineatus (Heckel, 1843); Southern ninespine stickleback Pungitius platygaster (Kessler, 1859); European bitterling Rhodeus amarus (Bloch, 1782) and European mudminnow Umbra krameri Walbaum, 1792. A total of 147 captured specimens were measured, weighed and photographed. For the capture of fish, minnow traps and plankton nets were used, on the Gurban River, right tributary of the Neajlov River, Giurgiu County. The floristic inventory compiled so far included 58 plant species grouped into 31 families, with European, circumpolar, Eurasian, eurasiatic continental or cosmopolitan distribution. Related to physico-chemical characterization of water samples collected from four sampling points (SP), the results of laboratory analysis allowed to frame the water into quality classes and to evaluate if the water meets the requirements for aquatic organisms. Hence, on the basis of nitrite-nitrogen (N-NO2 -) and nitrate-nitrogen (N-NO3 -) water corresponds to Ist quality class, meanwhile chemical oxygen demand (COD), phosphate-phosphorus (P-PO4 3-) and ammonium-nitrogen (N-NH4 +) allowed to associate water quality with IIIrd class. In addition, it has been found very significant correlations between electrical conductivity (EC) and total hardness (TH) with r = 0.9230*** and between pH and TH with r = 0.8821***, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even if online and distance learning options were accessible before COVID-19 it wasn't appreciated and incorporated properly within educational process. The unwelcomed situation created by COVID-19 pandemic it has brought a lot of uncertainties, challenges and set a milestone for online educational process. In the context of suspended face-to-face activities, teachers had to solve a great challenge: to teach online experimental activities at science disciplines. Hence, everyone had to adapt and to found in a short period of time the best solutions. If delivering theoretical aspects was easier to implement, experimental activities became quite provocative at that moment. This paper presents solutions that we found and implemented in our science classes during COVID-19 pandemic period and the new perspectives that arose from this experience. Considering that online learning represents a powerful educational solution and having in view possible future emerging situations (pandemic, extreme climatic conditions etc) that may affect face to face learning, we intend to develop and implement in our science disciplines a virtual laboratory under the name "Hybrid Environmental Engineering Laboratory for exercising practical skills". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summarizing so far personal observations dated April 2023 and knowledge among anglers concerning the ichthyofauna of Iezerul Mostitea located in Călărai County, was established that this ecosystem host 18 edible species. This paper analyzes for the first-time weight-length relationships, Fulton's condition factor and the size structure for Prussian carp in relation to water quality from Mostitea Lake. A positive allometric growth pattern was estimated for Carassius gibelio: TW = 0.0148TL3.3097 (coefficient of determination R2 = 0.9803), TW = 0.0046SL3.4855 (R2 = 0.977). The values for length ranged between 7.8 and 21.1 (average 11) cm for TL, 6 and 17.4 (average 8.77) cm for SL, while total weight varied from 5 to 174 (average 23.76) grams. Condition factor ranged between 1.05 and 1.86. Eustrongylides spp. and Philometroides sanguineus were also recorded. Water samples collected from three sampling points were subjected to physico-chemical characterization and based on results water was classified in quality classes. Total hardness values present very significant correlations with electrical conductivity (r=0.8814***) and pH (r=0.9183***). The determined parameters indicated that the water quality is optimal for the development of aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The researches presented in this paper were carried out during agricultural year 2019 in Grădifftea, Ilfov County and the main objective was investigation of the variability of yield for maize hybrid P0268 under application of a starter microgranular fertilizer with a 25 kg·ha-1 dose. The chosen hybrid is characterized by high yield, resistance to drought and high temperatures, being suitable for all types of soils, including those with low level of organic matter. The selected microgranular fertilizer for experiment ensures fast start of crops, accelerating the germination and influence positively the development of root system. The efficiency of microgranular fertilizer was evidenced at all maize vegetation stages and consisted in more vigorous and intense green colored plants, well developed radicular system and stems in comparison with unfertilized control variant. At harvest time, the grain yield in the case of fertilized variant was with 229 kg·ha-1, higher in comparison with control. This experiment reveals the efficacy of microgranular fertilizer application on maize yield, but under climatic conditions of the agricultural year 2019, economic efficiency was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was the assessment of the water quality collected from Moara Domnească pond, in Ilfov County, on the basis of the following physico-chemical parameters: turbidity (T), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), chloride (Cl-), total hardness (TH), dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), phosphate-phosphorus (P-PO43-) and nitrogen pollutant species: nitrate-nitrogen (N-NO3-), nitritenitrogen (N-NO2-), ammonium nitrogen (N-NH4+). Water sampling was performed during autumn (September) 2022 from 15 sampling points from surface layer (0.5 m). Based on the obtained results and according to Order 161/2006, water collected from Moara Domnească pond was classified in quality classes. Limnological surveys of physicochemical parameters were completed by high-resolution remote sensing imagery by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). For each flight performance, an orthomosaic of georeferenced RGB images was made and the different features of interest were monitored and quantified by an automatic identification. UAV imagery is a useful tool for environmental lake management. Reporting the coordinates of the sampling points on the orthomosaic it helps to interpret better the results, having an overview of the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulphur plays a vital role in plant nutrition. Its deficiency can have severe effects on crops, being essential in many biological processes. For an optimal supply it is necessary to know the content of elements of both the soil and the inputs used in agriculture. With the conversion from conventional to organic farming, an increasing number of analyses are needed on soil, the used inputs, and the obtained products. In general, sulphur determination methods are tedious and time consuming. This study proposes a dry combustion method for sulphur determination, which can gain ground due to the speed and ease of application. This elemental analysis method is sensitive and accurate, and can be applied for the determination of total S content in many types of sample matrices, including fertilizers. Different validation parameters were measured to ensure that the method can be used successfully applied and the procedure can be standardized, fully validated and nationally accepted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of organic fertilizers has proven a lot of benefits which converge to better yield parameters and food of high quality. The objectives of our study were to research the efficiency of three fertilizers accepted for organic agriculture (CODAMIX - F1, ECOAMINOALGA - F2 and ECOAMINOALGA PLUS - F3) on four different field crops, to evaluate their effects on yield parameters and to compare the results with those obtained in a previous experimental year. The study was developed in Albota, Argeș County during 2020-2021 and the field crops subjected to this investigation were winter wheat (Trivale variety), sunflower (PG4 hybrid), maize (T.332 hybrid), soybean (Raluca TD variety). The experimental scheme was composed from four plots and four variants (control, F1, F2, F3) for each crop. Organic fertilizers (F1, F2, F3) were applied for all field crops as two foliar treatments during vegetation period. The obtained results evidenced that application of organic fertilizers increased yield parameters and the efficiency of treatments is following the order F3>F2>F1. The results obtained during 2020-2021 are in good agreement with those reported for 2019-2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen is one of the most important component of fertilizers. Quantifying nitrogen, along with other elements, is an essential operation for calculating the efficiency of these inputs. Because Romanian regulations doesn't provide any methodology for determining nitrogen from inputs used in organic agriculture, each laboratory uses its own method for these determinations. This study presents a fast and efficient dry combustion method of determining the total nitrogen from organic inputs, using a CHNS elemental analyzer (Eurovector EA 3100). This Automated Pregl-Dumas technique is a very good alternative to the classic Kjeldahl method, which has several drawbacks: it does not quantify nitrogen from nitrates (although fertilizers contain a large amount of nitrogen in this form), needs a longer time for the sample to be analysed, it is not environmental friendly, and has lower accuracy of the results. To ensure the quality of the results, the necessary parameters for the validation of this method were calculated according to international guidelines, and the acceptance criteria of results were verified based on certified reference materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) are widely consumed cereal crops throughout the world, representing a major staple food. Increased demand of food requires higher crop yields which are dependent of climatic conditions and soil fertility. Hence, for achieving this objective, it is necessary to adopt proper fertilization schemes. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural systems poses negative environmental effects and accordingly, use of ecological inputs became a safer alternative. In this context, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of ecological inputs' application on quality indicators for wheat and maize crops. In the experimental scheme was included foliar fertilization during vegetation period with CODAMIX and ECOAMINOALGA, as one treatment for wheat and two treatments for maize. The obtained results indicated that both applied fertilizers favoured accumulation of protein and starch in cereal seeds at levels higher than those identified for control variant. On the basis of the achieved data, it was found that application of ECOAMINOALGA was more efficient than CODAMIX and stimulated formation of seeds with better quality parameters for both crops subjected to this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic agriculture is increasing in Romania, especially due to a better understanding of the effect of conventional agriculture on biodiversity. Being a relatively new implemented concept, there is a gap in the regulations regarding contaminants in organic inputs. Therefore, there are no available standard methods used to quantify contaminants such as pesticides from inputs (fertilisers) used for organic farming. This study aims to develop and to validate a quantification method to analyse the triazine contaminants (Hexazinone, Simazine, Simetryne, Atrazine, Ametryn, Propazine, Terbuthylazine, Prometryn) from organic foliar fertilizer using UPLC-PDA. Commercialy available types of fertilizer were used as complex matrix (Codamix). The quantification method was evaluated in terms of linearity, limit of detection and limit of quantification, BIAS, recovery, precision of repeatability and precision of reproducibility. Based on the acquired data, the standard uncertainty of the method was also evaluated. The developed and validated method can be successfully optimised for other type of organic fertilisers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research was to investigate the efficiency of two fertilizers accepted for organic agriculture (CODAMIX - F1 and ECOAMINOALGA - F2) on different field crops and to compare their effects on yield performances. The experimental study developed during 2019-2020 in Albota, Argeş County is based on investigation of the variability of yield components for wheat, sunflower, maize and soybean crops under influence of organic fertilizers application. The experimental scheme was composed from four plots and three variants (control, F1 and F2) for each crop. Organic fertilizers (F1, F2) were applied foliar during vegetation period as one treatment for wheat and two treatments for the other field crops. For wheat (Trivale variety), all investigated yield parameters increased after foliar fertilization, a significant increase of total biomass and spikes biomass being noticed after F2 treatment. As concerning the sunflower (Puntasol CL hybrid) and maize (F376 hybrid) crops, the results indicated significant and distinct significant differences between treatments and control variant. In the case of soybean (Florina F variety) crop, application of organic fertilizers influenced positively all yield parameters but considering drought conditions of the year the yield was generally affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of organic fertilizers is becoming more widespread, especially since an increasing number of farmers are reorienting to organic farming. However, on the market there is a relatively limited offer of these treatments compared to conventional fertilizers. Studying their efficiency is a domain still at early stages in our country. This study aims to determine the influence of a chelated complex fertilizer of micronutrients (Codamix) and an organic fertilizer based on proteins and seaweed (Ecoaminoalga), on the total nitrogen content of some crops. These foliar treatments were applied to wheat, maize, sunflower and soybean crops and the total nitrogen content of both leaves and seeds was determined. A control lot where no foliar fertilizers were used was also analysed. Both plant and fertilizer samples were analysed with CHNS Elemental Analyzer, after dehydration. Multiple differences were observed between the control group and the lots where foliar treatments were used, as well as correlations between the type of fertilizer and the nitrogen content for certain crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the lifecycle of plants begins with the germination phase, evaluating this process under different environmental factors may reveal some parameters with great importance for the further development of plants. Also, it can represent a base for other studies. The purpose of this paper was the evaluation of germination and seedling growth of maize under different levels of heavy metal contaminations. The following heavy metals were used as mixtures: Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Co and Zn. Five mixtures with different concentrations of Cd (3 to 20 ppm), Cu (20 to 200 ppm), Ni (25 to 200 ppm), Pb (30 to 150 ppm), Co (20 to 100 ppm) and Zn (100 to 700 ppm) were used as variants, and distilled water as control variant. Seed germination percentage was determined in accordance to ISTA (International Seed Testing Association). A series of physiological indicators associated with germination and seedling growth were calculated. The germination was observed for ten days, until no changes occurred for three consecutive days. Several effects were observed at the end of the experiment regarding the seed germination and especially to seedling development. Although there were some differences on germination between control variant and high contaminated variants, the growth of seedlings showed a high variation as the concentration of heavy metals increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lately, organic farming has become a big part of the economy, and its importance is constantly growing. Since the organic farming is subject to a number of restrictions, not all agricultural inputs used in conventional agriculture can be used. Focusing on environment and human health protection, a number of inputs have been studied for acceptance in organic farming. Some of the most used inputs are ashes, composts, certain mineral fertilizers and manure. In order to be used as soil amendments, these inputs should meet a series of standards regarding the content on different elements or substances, to be sure that they are not harmful to health or to environment. Besides pesticides, antibiotics, dioxins and other substances, heavy metals are one of the most common contaminants in these inputs. Their quantitative analysis and correlation with current legislation should be one of the key factors in approving their use. These inputs are obtained from materials used in various industries and subject to different treatments such: combustion at 700-1000oC in the case of ashes, slow fermentation in the case of compost and manure or chemical synthesis for some fertilizers accepted in organic farming. This diversity leads to different methods of analysis, depending on the type of sample. Thus, analysis of certain inputs may require additional steps in the analysis protocol. For some heavy metals, there may be differences from the standard procedure, also. It should be mentioned that each method has its own limitations, and each class of instrumentation had a specific precision that depends of manufacturers. The accuracy of obtained result is strongly related to chemist's decision in choosing proper and most suitable analysis method. This paper presents a list of methods used for heavy metals analysis in different matrices, found in recent studies. For the analytical metods of these elements, the sample preparation is an important step, which consists in sample conversion into a liquid form by various means. The methods for dissolving samples are also presented as they are described by the studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological agriculture is nowadays considered a potential solution to obtain healthier and nutritious food products but also to minimize the environmental impact by using as inputs, natural resources without resorting synthetic chemicals. The inputs (organic and mineral fertilizers, soil amendments, plants protection products, etc.) accepted for ecological agriculture are regulated by Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 and by Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The quality of inputs is very important and therefore it is mandatory to subject them to chemical analysis, from two perspectives: to characterize their nutritional value for crops and also to evaluate the level of contaminants. Having in view the above mentioned aspects, this paper presents a systematic review of the methods used for nutrient (macro-, oligo-/microelements) and contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides) quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important aspects regarding food safety is the heavy metal content of food and agricultural products. Due to the rapid development of different industries and other anthropogenic activities, the environmental contamination suffered an exponential increase. The assessment of the soils and crops heavy metal content is unavoidable nowadays, even mandatory for specific products. Also, it provides important information regarding the characterization of a specific area, of the soils properties variations and allows correlations between different elements and agricultural practices. Our study aims to evaluate some of the most common heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Co, Zn, Cu, Mo, As and Cr) found in one calcaric alluvial soil from Buzau county used for tomato cultivation in organic farming system. We aimed both to establish the compliance with national and European legislation and determine a correlation between these elements, in the context of using microbial inoculants for crop protections. The soil samples were taken only from the surface layers (0-20 cm depth), from plots planted with Florina 44 tomato variety, microwave digested and the elements were quantified using ICP-MS method. The obtained values showed that the soil content is within the legislation limits and allowed us to illustrate some correlations between different heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macro and micronutrients status of soil is very important not only for plant grows and development (function of plant enzymes and biochemical processes and integrity of plant cells) but is also an indicator for soil fertility. Deficiency of nutrients in soil can lead to the crop yield reductions, while the excess can affect the plant quality and health. In this context, the aim of the study was to evaluate the macro and microelements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe and Se) content in an organic experimental field from Buzău region, using ICP-MS method. The results reveal positive correlation between nutrients content and soil profile. Soil nutrient availability has a significant impact on organic crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental research developed during 2017-2018 in Morteni Commune, Dâmbovița County using Exotic and Solehio wheat varieties was based on the investigation of the variability of (i) yield components (yield, number of spikes/m2, hectolitre mass HLM, thousand kernel weight TKW) and of (ii) quality parameters (wet gluten, crude protein content) influenced by preceding crops and by wheat variety in correlation with different agrophysiological crop parameters (plant height, spike length). The experimental scheme was composed from 4 plots, as it follows: plots 1 and 3 with Exotic wheat variety and plots 2 and 4 with Solehio wheat variety. The crop rotation sequence for plots 1 and 2 was maize (2016-2017), sunflower (2015-2016), wheat (2014-2015) and for plots 3 and 4 was sunflower (2016-2017), maize (2015-2016), wheat (2014-2015). The results of the research indicated that yield, spike length, number of spikes/m², HLM and TKW parameters were higher after sunflower as preceding crop, meanwhile the plant height, gluten and protein contents were higher after maize as preceding crop for both wheat varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of soils and crops by heavy metals is considered one of the most serious environmental problem due to their non-biodegradable nature, the long biological half-life and also their potential accumulation in different body parts of plants. In Romania there are areas of thousands of hectares of agricultural land polluted with heavy metals. The distribution of heavy metals in agricultural soil can serve as a basis for a better management of soil quality, as well as to protect human health and the soil environment. This paper aims to present an overview based on the data found in other studies and to obtain a mapping of each the most common heavy metals met in soils of Romania. Due to the fact that there are not enough studies for the whole country, some areas will be estimated and also, is possible that others will not be covered at all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are many studies on mint species, too few establish the link between its growth and the environment in which it grows. Between 7 and 22 August 2017, at Ilganii de Sus village (Nufăru commune, Tulcea County), on Sulina Danube branch, five soil samples taken from the base of some populations of pennyroyal plants (Mentha pulegium L.) were analysed. The sampling points were chosen according to the different habitats encountered at Ilganii de Sus (ruderal sites, grazed pastures, flooded ditches, sandy beaches on the banks of Arhipenco channel), with different soil texture. Surrounded by other mint species and cocklebur, pennyroyal can be seen as a potential environmental weed in the study area. We found that the highest values of humus content, potassium and phosphorus levels correspond to a zone located at the western edge of the village, where household waste and poultry manure are deposited. The pH values of soil at Ilganii de Sus varied between 7.30 and 8.57; meanwhile, salts levels indicated a non-saline soil type. As far as we know, this report brings the first data concerning the soil features and environmental conditions for Mentha pulegium in a Romanian landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most important cereal grown in Romania and is produced all over the country under diverse climate and environment conditions. Besides all these environmental factors (temperature, precipitation, fertilization, etc.), the used hybrids play an important role to establish the final production and quality parameters. The experimental research was carried out in the agricultural year 2017 in Grindu and Gheorghe-Doja communes in Ialomiţa County, using four hybrids: Pioneer P9903 (FAO 360, mid-early), P9537 (FAO 350, mid-early) and Dow Seeds DA Sonka (FAO 380, mid-early), DS 0336C (FAO 320, early). The research objective was to determine the influence of the hybrids on the following indices: yield, % kernel/cob, 1000 kernel weight (TKW), starch and crude protein content, and also to establish a correlations between yield capacity and quality indices for tested hybrids. All maize hybrids were have been cultivated under the same fertilisation conditions. In order to achieve the necessary data, some soil analysis were performed (soil pH, phosphorus and potasssium mobile forms, humus) ans also plant analysis (dry matter, total nitrogen content, crude protein and starch content). The experimental results indicated that the DA Sonka (mid-early) and DS 0336C (early) hybrids had the best performance on yield capacity due to a very high production potential and also provided a high crude protein content. P9903 (mid-early) and P9537 (mid-early) hybrids have higher starch content compared to DA Sonka hybrid who had the lowest value. Among the four tested hybrids under the described pedoclimatic conditions, the recommended hybrid is DA Sonka, because it has the highest protein content (a very important indicator of crop quality) and also was highlighted with the highest yield. The conclusions of the research underline the importance of choosing the optimal hybrid in order to obtain a high quality crops with high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capillary gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry technique was used for the assessment of low concentration of dinitrophenol pesticide, Dinocap in different spiked samples. For this purpose it has been spiked with Dinocap (15-200 μg/mL) five environmental matrices (a soil sample and two each samples of wine and grapes). The Dinocap degradation grade in these samples was also monitored. The extraction was performed in dichloromethane. The assessment of the Dinocap in the samples were also achieved by FTIR/ATR and reveals that after 18 days of pesticide application the recovery level of Dinocap decreased from 64% to 3% in grape, from 72% to 9% in soil, from 82% to 10% in wine at 18 days after pesticide application. The method described in this paper could be used for screening and identification of the named pesticide in other environmental samples with a spiking level as low as 2-20 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is an important food crop and is by far the most popular cereal in Europe, Romania being among the six important producers. In Giurgiu County at S.C. AZOCHIM S.R.L farm it was designed a field experiment for investigation of variability of the yield components (yield, plant height, spikes/m2, number of grains per ear, thousand kernel weight TKW) and variability of quality parameters (wet gluten and crude protein contents) influenced by mineral fertilization and wheat variety. It was developed a bifactorial experiment where a factor was wheat variety (Glosa, Miranda) and b factor was fertilization. It was adopted three fertilization schemes: starter (NPK 16:16:16) (V1), starter (NPK 16:16:16) + CAN (calcium ammonium nitrate) + AN (ammonium nitrate) (V2) and starter (NPK 16:16:16) + UAN (urea ammonium nitrate) (V3). An efficient nitrogen transfer into grains was obtained by splitting nitrogen fertilization. The results indicated that three applications of liquid fertilizer UAN (V3) increased the proteins levels and produced the highest yields for both wheat varieties. The same trend was recorded for plant height, spikes/m2, number of grains per ear and for quality parameters. Concerning TKW, fertilization did not lead to significant differences, but it was observed higher values for Miranda in comparison with Glosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Length-weight relationship, Fulton's K condition factor and the size structure were assessed for unsexed cyprinid gibel carp, Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) (N= 100) caught from Pantelimon II Lake area - a man-made lake from Colentina River. Negative allometric growth was estimated for gibel carp in both seasons: TW = 0.0396 x TL2.7583 (N=50, November 2016) and TW = 0.0269 x TL2.8639 (N=50, May 2017). Condition factor K registered values between 1.44 and 2.38 (cold season), 1.49 and 3.79 (warm season). The physico-chemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, chemical oxygen demand, ammonium nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen and phosphorus-phosphate were determined, in order to evaluate the impact of abiotic environmental conditions on fish population. The microbiological examination of water quality was also carried out, to detect the micromycetes which may pose health risk to both human and fish. The presence of Penicillium spp. and some yeast strains were confirmed in water samples from the studied area. According to all analyzed parameters, the water resource was found to be within the suitable range for well-being of C. gibelio, which is important assuming that local fishermen often catch and eat gibel carp. To our knowledge, this paper provides first information on length-weight relationship, Fulton's K condition factor and the size structure of Carassius gibelio from Pantelimon II Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed culture is a relatively new type of crop in our country. The rapeseed for oil production was reintroduced in Romania in 1995 and until this period, the areas planted with rape were relatively small. At the moment, between 400000 and 500000 ha per year are grown in our country every year, rarely being altogether harvested. The rapeseed on relatively large areas is compromised due to the winter frost. The growth of rapeseed areas in our country is due to some facts such as: the introduction of varieties and hybrids free of erucic acid and glucosinolates, the cultivation of varieties and hybrids resistant to wintering and falling off, the full mechanization of the crops, the high demand of rapeseed on the external and internal market, especially for fuel production. Rapeseed requires a high fertilization being a great nutrients consumer. Fertilizer doses depend on planned yield and soil agrochemical characterization by nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium available content. The research was carried out in Ialomita County during the agricultural year 2016-2017, on a calcic chernozem using Vesuvio hybrid which present good resistance to frost and have a high capacity to regenerate. The experimental scheme was composed from 4 variants (3 replicates), denoted as it follows: V1 - 18-46 DAP 150 kg + NH4NO3 150 kg; V2 - 18-46 DAP 150 kg + NH4NO3 200 kg; V3 - 18-46 DAP 200 kg + NH4NO3 150 kg; V4 - 18-46 DAP 200 kg + NH4NO3 200 kg. The objectives of the research consisted in evaluation of the influence of mineral fertilization on: rapeseed yield, average height of plant at harvest time, number of lateral branches per plant, number of siliques per plant and on seeds number per silique. The results indicated that application of additional fertilizer doses led to significant yield differences for V3 (110%) and V4 (116%) as against V1 (100%) that was considered as control variant. The other indicators were more or less influenced, depending on the type of fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]