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Spent portable batteries belong to the category of hazardous waste, sometimes dumped together with non-hazardous municipal waste in landfills, resulting in various aquatic environments. Their presence in the aquatic environment leads to changes in its quality and its contamination with heavy metals or other toxic elements. This paper highlights the portable battery waste's influence on the aquatic environment in stagnant conditions. Therefore, three types of batteries and three solutions with different pH values were used to represent the possible media existing in nature: acid (pH = 4.00), rainwater (pH = 5.63), and alkaline (pH = 8.00). After 180 days, the results showed changes in the chromatics and composition of the initial solutions. The analyses showed decreased pH, increased conductivity, and the transfer of several heavy metals into solutions (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Fe). Thus, there were slight exceedances of the maximum allowed values for water quality class I (Order no. 161/2006) in the case of Cu and Pb and higher exceedances in the case of Zn, Ni, and Fe. Zinc–carbon batteries stand out because of the release of Pb and Fe ions. The same applies to lithium manganese dioxide batteries because of Ni ions as well as zinc–manganese alloy batteries because of Cu and Zn ions. Altogether, the negative influence of spent batteries on the aquatic environment is noticed, and the measures for the implementation of safe disposal and processing are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main ways of soil pollution are: on path air or atmospheric path and on terrestrial path, pollution path of direct their. Sources of air pollution are two categories: natural sources (volcanic eruptions, decomposition acts, etc.) and artificial, resulting from human activities (mining and metallurgy, energy, etc.). Solid air pollutants are those treated in the paper. They are dispersed in the air from emissions of particles which containing heavy metal ions in the atmosphere having a low sedimentation rate. Finest particles, dispersed in the air gets a considerable stability, for which will persist for a much longer time in air, thereby of increasing pollution. Direct pollution comes from direct deposit of minerals on the soil as raw materials and hazardous waste, particle entrainment by deflation surface dumps, infiltration of sewage from emplacement, accidental discharge of sewage from the emplacement and crack pipes, etc. This paper shows how it is influenced soil pollution and crack pipes, etc. from the perimeter intrauzinal and extrauzinal of SC Romplumb SA by two of the factors leading to pollution, conveying technological waste water and atmospheric emissions, respectivelly.

In order to evaluate the mobility of heavy metals in soil from Baia Mare mining region, the total, water and DTPA extractable metal contents were determined. The results showed that despite the high total metals contents and the high percentages of plant available metals only a low percent was water soluble, indicating a potential accumulation of metals in trophic chain and a potential risk for public health. Among the investigated metals, the plant available Pb and Cd species are the most severe contaminants. Significant correlations between total and DTPA extractable metals were found for Cu (r=0.510) and Pb (0.418), and also an affinity between total and water extractable metals were identified for Cu (0.366), Pb (0.502) and Zn (0.597).

Heavy metal contamination of soils is associated to mining activities and has impact on plants, micro-organisms and life support functions such as immobilisation, mineralisation, nitrification. The increasingly frequent contamination of soils with heavy metals represents a serious problem for Maramures county in Romania. The phytoremediation method can recover the infertile soil that has been polluted with excessive concentrations of heavy metals, it is a friendly environment method of remediation, can be applied on large areas, it is an in situ method and conserves topsoil. The objective of this paper consists in creating an objective and concrete image, also detailed and actual about the pollution of soils with heavy metals from different areas of Maramures county, in Romania with the purpose of highlighting the necessity of remediation and protection of the environment due to the magnitude of soil pollution. The paper has a fundamental approach based on data from specific literature and technical documentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, soil pollution is a critical environmental problem that concerned all humanity due to its impact on ecological environment and human health. In order to remediate the contaminated soils, some technologies, generally based on physical, chemical, thermal, and biological processes, have long been in use. However, effectiveness of these methods depends considerably on soil type and characteristics, level of pollution and mixed contaminants present in soil. Therefore, in the present study, the pedological properties of the soil collected from abandoned mining perimeter of "Larga de Sus" from Zlatna (Alba County, Romania) were investigated in order to choose the most appropriate method for soil remediation and establish the parameters of soil remediation technology. The results indicated that soil in the area is highly acidic which favors the mobility of heavy metals in soil and other environmental components. On the other hand, most of the samples are partially structured and poorly structured while some samples are well structured, very poorly structured, or present a lack of aggregates structure. Also, the coarse sandy and loam-sandy texture of the samples was identified. Thus, considering soil properties, soil washing technology may be the appropriate remediation technology for contaminated soil in the studied area considering costs and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was carried out the monitoring of the qualitative parameters for the "Ocnei" and "Rotund" lakes located in the protected area "Salina Turda", Romania, and as well it was made a comparative analysis of the results with previous determinations. It was determined the evolution of the physico-chemical parameters on 5 segments of depth. The monitoring was carried out within 2 measurement campaigns. It has been determined that the lakes tend to lose basicity and it was found that the heliotherm phenomenon represents a stable index in comparison with previous determinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research described in this paper performs a centralization of the dates for the open lakes for recreation and treatment, after 7 years from opening. In the context of the work, it has been achieved environmental analyses for „Ocnei" and „Rotund" lakes, located in the Salina Turda area. It has pursued the evolution of the quality parameters on depth of the lakes, intended for the tourist activity as well spa. The monitoring process was achieved through the deployment of one measurement campaign developed in April 2016. From this research results that the lakes have a tendency to lose basicity and the temperature increases with the increasing of the depth, which determines the presence of heliotherm phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents investigations on the quality of environmental factors (soil and air) in the Somes industrial area of the city of Cluj-Napoca. In order to assess the quality state, the following environmental factors were investigated: soil and air. For the purpose of this study, soil samples were taken from 5 areas near trading companies chosen for monitoring. Air quality was assessed based on data collected from the industrial air monitoring station for the air in the investigated area and by collecting sedimentary particle samples. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the quality of the environment in the industrial area of Cluj-Napoca city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal contamination of soils is a widespread environmental problem associated with mining operations and has drawn considerable study interest, due to its impact on ecological environment. The present study consisted in the determination of heavy metals concentration in the soils nearby "Larga de Sus" mine (Zlatna mining perimeter, Romania). Thus, the concentration of Pb, Cu, Cr, Zn and Cd in twenty soil samples collected from ten soil sampling sites was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. In spite of the fact that mining activity is nowadays completely stopped, the results of the chemical analysis indicated that the soil in the study area is still highly polluted with Pb since the identified concentrations of Pb (10.4-3136.0 mg/kg) in soil exceeds the intervention threshold limits established by the Romanian legislation in most of the samples collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composting is one of the most effective recycling method of green waste. The presence of some heavy metals, such as chromium, copper, manganese and zinc may influence the compost quality. The bioavailable and unavailable metal forms for plants determined by sequential analysis showed similarities in relation to the percentages of extracted forms. The lowest percentages were recorded for the bioavailable metal forms for plants uptake. Thus, the succession F6>F5>F4>F3>(F1+F2) is characteristic for chromium, the succession F5>F6>F4>F3>(F1+F2) is characteristic for copper and zinc and the succession F5>F4>F6>F3>(F1+F2) is characteristic to the zinc and manganese. Thus, by adding some organic additives, like manure, the micronutrients and heavy metals regime is influenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of three humic washing solution pH values (3.0, 7.0 and 9.6-its natural pH) on the removal efficiency of Pb and Cu from multimetal contaminated soil collected nearby "Larga de Sus" mine from Zlatna (Alba County, Romania) was investigated, at laboratory scale, by an ex-situ soil washing technique. In this study, a commercial soluble humic sample extracted from German Leonardite was used as washing agent to remove Pb and Cu from polluted soil. Soil washing experiments were conducted in a stirrer with orbital-rotation oscillation at a liquid/solid ratio (L/S ratio; mL:g) of 8:1, concentration of humic washing solution of 2% and various stirring times (4, 6, 12, 24 and 40 hours). The removal efficiency of Cu and Pb increased with increasing pH from 3.0 to 9.6. In investigated experimental conditions, the best removal efficiencies (60.3% in case of Cu and 48.08% in case of Pb) were obtained at alkaline pH values of humic washing solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the results obtained for methylene blue removal on a commercial natural activated plant-based carbon using a simple and fast method. The optimum adsorption conditions were 200 mg/L initial methylene blue concentration, pH 1 in the initial solution, 0.5 g quantity of commercial natural activated plant-based carbon, 300 min contact time, <0.5 mm particle size of commercial natural activated plant-based carbon, and 75 rpm stirring rate. Analysis of variance indicated that the most significant parameter for methylene blue removal was the quantity of commercial natural activated plant-based carbon. Also, the results showed that the quantity of commercial natural activated plant-based carbon was the most significant parameter for methylene blue removal (24% contribution), while contact time was the least significant parameter (6% contribution). Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms suggested a favorable adsorption of methylene blue by commercial natural activated plant-based carbon, while the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm indicated a chemisorption process involved in methylene blue removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study consisted in the determination of lead concentrations in soil samples and sterile material dumped collected from the Almaşu Mare mining area. The lead concentration in the samples collected were determined by atomic adsorption spectrometry (AAS). In spite of the fact that all mines from area are nowadays inactive, the results of the chemical analysis showed that the soils in the area are still highly polluted with lead, except at the base of the "Radeş" dump, where the lead concentrations were below the intervention thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important contaminated areas from Cluj County are the uncontrolled HCH scrap deposits from Turda city, which appeared as a result of the industrial activity of the former Chemical Plant Turda. Over the years, were identified 4 locations in the area. The four contaminated locations situated in the area of Turda city Sum up to 60000 tons of HCH polluted soil are. One of these zones is the Posta Rat area (40000 m2) which is situated on the left bank of Aries River. The objective of this paper is to carry out experimental researches in order to establish the physical-chemical properties of the soil from Posta Rat area, soil contaminated with HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane). The texture, structure, humidity and pH are the main analysis performed in order to determine the optimum cleaning technologies for the deteriorated soil as a result of the activity of the Chemical Plant in Turda. The results of the physical-chemical analysis can point out the most suitable cleaning soil solution, because as a result of the study, the characteristics of the soil are known, being much easier to identify the applicability limits of the cleaning solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution has become an issue of current concern for all humanity, because of the negative impact on the environment and human health. One of the most affected by environmental factors due to human activities is the soil, which is a sponge for contaminants. Soil contamination with heavy metals presents a major concern both global and national levels, in order to control resulted pollutants from industrial activities and finding different methods of eco-friendly and effective remedy. In the present paper is presented the Haneş mine area, the soil from here being very acid due to mining activities performed in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gold mining activity performed in the past in Romania has led to the pollution of the environment, the degradation of large areas of land and currently represents a significant risk to human health. As a result of the gold mining activities performed in Almasu Mare area, there were large sterile dumps and gold mine galleries that continue to give their mark on the quality of the environment and human health through the amount of heavy metals in the soil and the sterile material improperly deposited, the water that comes out of the underground to the contaminated surface and which flows into the rivers in an uncontrolled way. This paper brings details of cadmium soil pollution in the studied area. The results obtained in the analysis of cadmium concentrations through the AAS spectrometry show that the analysed soil exceeds the admissible limits provided by the legislation in force, and the sterile material collected from the sterile dumps reflects values of the Cd concentration in the interval 10.7 - 22.6 mg/kg. Due to the high concentrations present in the soil and sterile material analysed, soil remediation interventions are required in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper presents the method that designs, manufactures and tests antimony based pH sensor used for monitoring of soil pH. In the first stage of this work the method of manufacturing the sensitive antimony elements is presented. These sensitive elements are casted into different forms (conical and cylindrical). These are subjected to a series of analysis in order to determine the chemical composition of the material used 99.73% Sb, 0.27% Ti (EDX), the morphology of the structure (SEM) and the characteristics of the oxide layer (XRD). The second part of this paper explains the method of testing the manufactured antimony sensors in the reference pH solutions. Finally, the sensors are used for measurements and are tested, alternatively, in pairs, with a reference Ag/AgCl sensors found in commerce. The results of these measurements show values approximately identical at both manufactured sensors. The adapted sensor that was obtained shows a relatively fast and stable response to pH changes in aqueous solutions. Its potential has a linear relation with pH solutions and a slope of 50.95 mV/pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past mining activities in the Almasu Mare area have led, along the time, to environmental pollution, especially of the soil. Rades gold mine is a source of negative impact today. The improperly mine closure gives the possibility of the leaks from the inside of mine to arrive at surface, creating large imbalances in soil and not only. Also, the sterile dump which is very near of Rades mine is a concern for the environment from Almasu Mare because it is not subject to ecological coating process, and the wind and rain can lead the particulates on the surface of the dump at long distances. In order to analyse the current situation of soil in Rades mine area some physico-chemical analysis were performed. The physico-chemical analysis consisted in determination of the humidity content, the structure, texture and pH of the soil. The results of experiments related to the humidity showed that the soil humidity in the forest (18.34%-34.77%) was higher than the humidity determined from the surface tailings of Rades dump (14.15% - 22.39%). The soil in forest area is partially structured and the dump material is poorly or very poorly structured. The dump material and soil texture is largely rough and the pH of tailings material taken from the Rades dump surface was in the range of 3.4-4.8 pH units and in the forest was in the range of 5.3-5.6 pH units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-ferrous metallurgical activities led to the pollution of large areas of soil and affected the environment in a negative way. The problems generated by soil contamination with different pollutant substances have been, in the latest period in the center of attention for researchers from all around the world. The objective of this paper is to perform experimental researches in order to establish the physical-chemical properties of the soil from Copsa Mica area. The texture, structure, humidity and pH are the main analysis performed in order to proper establish the optimal soil cleaning technologies. In order to establish the actual pollution degree in the moment of soil sampling, was determined also the concentration of metals in the soil. For this purpose, were taken soil samples from two areas on three depth interval (0-40 cm). Determining the concentration of heavy metals on three depth levels offers the researcher a relevant view of the historical pollution of the area under study. As a result of these researches was established that the soil is polluted with Pb, Zn and Cd. The quantity on metals in the soil is way beyond the alert threshold. As a conclusion these soil need cleaning, which can be made through various methods, one of the being bioleaching, which is a biological cleaning method which implies using microorganisms in order to favor leaching and heavy metals extraction from the polluted soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable management and development of forest sector should become an essential element in the strategy of prevention of the degradation of the land of each state. The forests play an important role in debts settlement of water courses, in ensuring the water quality, in maintaining land stability including the erosion control, landslides or avalanches. Forest exploitation represents a main source on degradation on the soil, having a major impact on the environment. Accelerated erosion caused by forest exploitation and soil degradation has become the main factor which limits the sustainable use of the soil. Through irrational forest exploitation, the nature of damage that occurs is ecological, social and economic. Forests are sours of other goods and services for society, such as processed wood and non-wood products, space of recreation, landscaping etc. The large number of sites affected as a result of the forest exploitation, emphasizes massive environmental risks and their existence without urgent action has a negative impact on human health and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contaminated soils from former industrial sites need urgent measures of treatment in order to be used for other purposes. Because of the large spaces that industrial sites usually occupy, green technologies have to be chosen to treat the soil while protecting the environment. Phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly technology that uses plants to decontaminate soils. The main advantage is the low cost compared to other techniques and the main disadvantage is the time factor because phytoremediation requires long period of time to treat the polluted soil. This paper presents specific features that must be taken into consideration when planning and implementing phytoremediation projects. Pollutants concentration and soil properties limit the application of phytoremediation. A clean-up plan is prepared taking into consideration limiting factors and then the remediation measures are implemented. The project needs long-term monitoring to determine the quantity of contaminants in soils during its implementation. The main purpose is to provide a safe environment for humans' health while improving the ecological situation of the former industrial sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of aeration of soils polluted with heavy metals by using Thiobacillus-type microorganisms was studied using soil samples contaminated with heavy metals (Cu 4074 - 7550 mgkg-1, Zn 5870 - 9310 mgkg-1, Cd 36-50 mgkg-1, Pb 15000 - 42890 mgkg-1), from Romplumb, Baia Mare. The variation of the metal concentration extracted by bioleaching and aerated bioleaching was monitored for 16 weeks. The soil samples treated by bioleaching (Cu: 9 - 53%; Zn: 9 - 62%; Cd: 9 - 24%. Pb: 31 - 71%) have obtained a lower efficiency than the soil samples treated by aerated bioleaching (Cu: 34 - 70%; Zn: 36 - 76%; Cd: 17 - 38%. Pb: 44 - 78%), but there are percentage differences between the two processes (Cu: 17 - 27%; Zn: 14 - 27%; Cd: 8 - 14%, Pb: 7 - 13%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal pollution is an important issue worldwide and one of the technologies that can be sustainable in treating the contamination is phytoremediation. One of the plants that is known to tolerate heavy metals is Helianthus annuus. It can deal with heavy metals like Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Cu, As, Fe. In this study, our aim was to determine the plant's tolerance to copper and to investigate its influence on the germination of seeds and plant growth. The measurements and collection of data were made one week after establishing the seed germination test. We analysed which was the highest concentration of copper that the seeds of sunflower can tolerate and what is the effect at low and high concentrations. For a low concentration of copper, the germination rate was high, while a high concentration was toxic. We compared the root and shoot lengths and the fresh and dry weight of the plants to determine the effect of copper on the plant's development. Our investigation concluded that the highest seed copper tolerance of 90% was at 1 ppm concentration and it decreased significantly to 16% at the concentration of 10 ppm. At the highest concentrations the tolerance was low and the seeds had an abnormal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]