bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and distribution of hexavalent chromium in ground and surface waters in Cyprus under the CrITERIA project
Authors: Zissimos Andreas , Christofi Christos , Christoforou Irene , Rigas Mihalis
Published: November 2022

The origin and distribution of hexavalent chromium, Cr (VI) over four seasonal cycles was investigated through a conceptual model that included three aquifer systems in Cyprus. An extensive water sampling grid covered two areas of known sea water intrusion of the local coastal aquifers, namely the Kokkinochoria (Area 1) and Kiti (Area 2) and the mountainous ophiolite complex of Troodos (Area 3). Sources of anthropogenic contamination of Cr (VI) were investigated through sampling points in proximity to agricultural and industrial environments. Analytical results give a good insight in the presence of Cr (VI). Samples from the Kokkinochoria (Study area A1) and Kiti (Study Area A2) areas exhibit high conductivity nitrate concentrations (due to NPK fertilisers and seawater intrusion). The highest Cr (VI) value of 25 μg/l is observed in the Troodos area (Study area A3) where Cr(VI) is observed in all types of water systems (surface, ground and spring). The highest mean value, however, is exhibited in Kiti-Pervolia. Stable isotope analyses show strong deuterium versus Cr (VI) correlation with distinct differentiation between the types of water systems. Troodos shows two distinct groups of meteoric and near meteoric water whereas isotopically enriched water is shown to correspond to the Kiti and Kokkinochoria area.
The green projects as a source of proecological transformation
Authors: Grudziński Adam
Published: November 2022

Green projects are unique, complex, one-time and intertwined activities that serve to preserve and protect the natural environment. The implementation of green projects may affect the greening of some enterprises. At the same time, so-called "brown" enterprises will have the chance to reduce their pressure on the natural environment. What is more, there may be a cyclical implementation of some green projects. Therefore, they may become the beginning of new and green processes, and over time affect the main operational processes. The purpose of this article is to define a green project and to indicate its role in proecological transformation. In this article, the qualitative method was used.
A web-based GIS tool for environmental footprint estimation of agribusinesses
Authors: Hliaoutakis A. , Papadopoulos S. N. , Kydonakis A. , Doula M. K. , Papadopoulos N. , Sarris A.
Published: November 2022

The deterioration of environmental quality and vulnerability to climate change of the Balkan Peninsula are escalated by the lack of specific financial and strategic measures that can promote sustainable resource management. Environmental problems of the Balkan countries need to be addressed under a unified context targeting the development of common strategies to improve environmental quality and reach European and international markets. To this end, the INTERREG project “Towards farms with zero carbon-, waste- and water-footprint. Roadmap for sustainable management strategies for Balkan agricultural sector-BalkanROAD” aims to provide Balkan agribusinesses with protocols and Information Technology tools conformed to the particularities of the Balkan Peninsula, in order to promote products of high quality and value to the European and international market. Within the project’s framework, a web-based GIS application tool was developed, namely ROAD, that assesses all production and processing stages, namely from field to the market, capable to identify processes that can be improved and provide alternatives for reducing carbon, waste and water footprint of the final marketable products. In this work we describe the ROAD tool implementation steps, as well as some of its key functionalities.
Modeling the spatial evolution of nitrogen pollution in groundwater and the amount of nitrogen leached under potato crops in the Khemis Miliana Plain
Authors: Richa A , Douaoui A , Djezzar M
Published: November 2022

The maximum concentration of nitrates in drinking water admitted by the World Health Organization is 50 mg nitrate per liter of water. Europe recommends a standard content of 25 mg NO3- / l according to the interdisciplinary research program on the environment (2009).
The present work quantifies spatially the evolution of this pollution and determines and estimates the influence of agricultural practices "calendars of irrigation and fertilization" on the quantity of nitrates leached under the potato crops towards the groundwater of the Khemis-Miliana plain using a new model Pilote N.
The spatial evolution of the average nitrate concentrations above the norms in the groundwater of the Khemis-Miliana plain represents 80% of the total area of the plain.
The transfer of nitrates through the unsaturated zone was simulated by the PiloteN model giving an estimate of the amount of N leached under the potato crops, which represents, according to the model, 50% of the total nitrogen supplied (300 KgN / ha) on the ground.
According to the model, the nitrogen leaching period is greater and coincides with the days of fertigation. In this context, a field study was conducted to get an idea of these agricultural practices (time, doses of fertigation ...) brought to the soil of the Khemis-Miliana plain in order to know, on average, the quantities of nitrogen leached by calculating the nitrogen balance at the potato plot scale using an empirical method and the PiloteN model.
An Agent Based Modelling tool exploring decision-making processes for flood risk management
Authors: Koutiva Ifigeneia , Makropoulos Christos
Published: November 2022

Cities at risk of extreme hydro-meteorological events need to be prepared to decrease the extent of the impacts. However, the majority usually reacts to the catastrophe, having failed to proactively prepare against extremes. This can be a result of both absent structural protection measures and problematic governance. While for the first, models exist that can simulate the effect, the effect of the latter is difficult to quantify. This work aims to explore how the different decisions authorities make, regarding for example: whether or not to cooperate with someone; build something; assign funding to something else etc., affect the flood risk management of an area. For that matter, the Institutional Analysis Framework was used to conceptualise the decision-making processes of authorities responsible for flood risk management. Based on this, an Agent Based Modelling tool has been created, enabling the exploration of the system’s behaviour under different decisions and risk scenarios. The tool has used as a case study the responsible authorities for flood protection in the city of Rethymno, Greece. The tool has a user-friendly interface enabling the end-user to explore the drivers of decision-making processes under different conditions.
Degradation of Cylindrospermopsin using Advanced Non-Thermal Plasma Technologies
Authors: Schneider Marcel , Rataj Raphael , Kolb Jürgen , Bláha Luděk
Published: November 2022

The application of non-thermal plasmas in wastewater and air purification received a lot of attention, but their potential application in drinking water treatment has scarcely been investigated. Classified as Advanced Oxidation Processes, plasmas ignited in water or at the air-water interface generate a vast range of reactive species capable of removing water contaminants.
The efficiency to degrade cylindrospermopsin (CYN, cyanobacterial toxin) was compared for six different plasma sources. A spark discharge showed the most energy-efficient degradation, followed by the other investigated systems, which showed similar trends.
Two approaches were selected for further in-depth study of the degradation efficiency and underlying mechanisms. For a follow-up detailed study, a corona-like and a dielectric barrier discharge were selected based on the CYN degradation efficiency, usability of the reactors and plasma-chemistry. For the corona-like plasma, the degradation efficiency increased with increasing voltage and solution pH. After 15 min of plasma treatment at pH ≥ 7.5, degradation of CYN even progressed without further plasma application. The pH-dependency was not observed for the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), whose degradation efficiency increased with decreasing operating voltage. The corona-like plasma promotes degradation primarily via OH, whereas the DBD produces mainly O3 and NOx.
The application of non-thermal plasmas (NTPs) appears to be an innovative and promising approach for effective removal of cyanotoxins such as cylindrospermopsin from drinking water.
Determination of pharmaceutical residues in natural waters using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: BOTI VASILIKI , KIFOKERI DAFNI , NANNOU CHRISTINA , ALBANIS TRIANTAFYLLOS
Published: November 2022

The presence of residual pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment is an important environmental issue. Since the drugs are designed to cause biological responses, they could pose a risk to organisms in their natural environment. In this study, the presence of selected pharmaceutical compounds (paracetamol, phenazone, ketoprofen, budensonide and atenolol) in surface waters was studied. Six sampling points along the aquatic system of the River Louros, close to the city of Ioannina (Epirus, NW Greece), were selected for the assessment of their pollutant load. Analytical method was based on solid-phase extraction of water samples, using Oasis HLB cartridges, followed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ/Orbitrap-MS). The methodology exhibited good analytical characteristics (R>65%, R2 >0.9990, LOQs between 1.5 and 11.0 ng/L). Results revealed the presence of only paracetamol (although in levels below LOQ) in two sampling stations. The proposed analytical methodology proved to be fast, easy and reliable for the systematic monitoring of pharmaceuticals residues in natural waters.
A study of alkali-activated concrete mixes in seawater environments
Authors: Mavroulidou Maria , Mengasini Laura , Gunn Michael
Published: November 2022

This paper assesses the performance in seawater environment of concrete mixes based on alkali-activated (AA) cements; these are proposed as an alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) to address environmental footprint of cement production and to find new uses for waste materials. The proposed AA cements contained an industrial by-product, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and a waste material, paper sludge ash (PSA). Mixes were made with fresh water and seawater respectively and were cured either in freshwater or seawater to simulate future exposure environments. The compressive strength at different curing times and a number of durability-related properties of AA mixes in marine environment were investigated and compared to those of OPC systems. The findings indicated that mixing with seawater rather than freshwater enhanced the performance of the AA mixes in terms of compressive strength and durability (resistance to chloride and sulphate attack). In a seawater environment the AA slag concrete mixes with PSA had the lowest porosity, which can be linked to their good durability performance. The study gives promise for the suitability of the tested alkali-activated concrete mixes in seawater environments.
Technology Critical Elements in industrial wastes as the source of soil contamination
Authors: Fornalczyk Agnieszka , Rachwal Marzena , Jablonska-Czapla Magdalena , Grygoyć Katarzyna , Willner Joanna
Published: November 2022

The intensive development of industry, especially the mining and metallurgy, automotive and electrical industries, as well as the growing demand, rapid consumption and "ageing" of most products, including electrical/electronic equipment, requiring regular replacement, affects the amount of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE), including Technology Critical Elements (TCE) in the environment.
This preliminary study focuses on the following TCE: Ga, Ge and Tl. The main thing they have in common is that they have not been much studied and the level of knowledge concerning the environmental impact of their use is quite slight. Additionally, content of more common PTE (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, Zn) was determined in order to discover some relationships between these both group.
Soil samples were collected from topsoil (0-5 cm) and subsoil (<15 cm) in industrial area influenced by metallurgical slag dump and road traffic. Concentrations of elements were determined with High-Resolution Inductive Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) after HNO3 microwave digestion. Results revealed that almost all studied elements were in higher amount in the topsoil suggesting the anthropogenic pollution as a source of their content in soil.
The research project received funding from the National Science Centre of Poland on the basis of the decision number UMO-2018/29/B/ST10/01522.
Fluoride-free Anodization of Titanium and the Photocatalytic Behaviour the Produced TiO2 Nanostructures
Authors: Wenk Jannis , Taylor Caitlin , Mattia Davide
Published: November 2022

Current methods for anodizing titania to produce immobilized titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst require the use of hazardous fluoride electrolytes. A fluoride-free electrolyte anodization method was developed. The electrolytes tested in this study were both bromide- and chloride-based and contained ethylene glycol as an additive. Under optimised anodization times and temperature conditions the alternative electrolytes led to growth of stable immobilized TiO2 layers. Crystal phases and topography of the produced TiO2 layers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Photocatalytic experiments showed that differences in the crystal phases had a strong effect on the degradation of the model aquatic contaminants carbamazepine and phenol. Nitrogen doping using urea made the photocatalyst more efficient by red shifting light absorption from UV into the visible region. The photocatalytic ability of fluoride-free anodized immobilized TiO2 photocatalysts has previously not been investigated. Using electrolytes without fluorine can be a more sustainable and a safer way to produce immobilized TiO2.
Magnetic solid-phase extraction of pesticides in environmental water samples Fe3O4@SiO2@C18 nanoparticles coupled to GC-MS determination
Authors: ALBANIS T. , KAPSI M. , SAKKAS V.
Published: November 2022

A rapid magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) method coupled to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed for the simultaneous extraction of ten pesticides belonging to various categories (insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) in environmental water samples. The magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2@C18 nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions, at alkaline conditions, under hydrothermal treatment and used as adsorbents of MSPE.
The proposed method is optimized by means of experimental design and response surface methodology. Several parameters influencing MSPE efficiency were investigated. The most important were the amount of the sorbent and the extraction time. Under optimal conditions, the MSPE/GC-MS method presented fast simple separation and analysis, and excellent linearity in the range of 6.4–5000.0 ng/L, with coefficients of determination (R2) higher than 0.9901 for all compounds. Moreover, the performance of the MSPE method was compared to a conventional SPE and the MSPE method was comparable.
Finally, the optimized method was applied in a case-control study carried out in Rivers Aliakmonas, Loudias and Axios (Macedonia Region-North Greece). The most frequently detected compounds were atrazine, methyl-parathion, chlorpyriphos and irgarol.
The magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2@C18 composites based MSPE method proved promising for convenient and efficient determination of pesticides in environmental water samples.
Comparative effects of salinomycin and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) on lead induced impairment of reproductive function in male mice
Authors: Pavlova E. , Kamenova K. , Gluhcheva Y. , Petrova E. , Ivanova Ju. , Atanassova N.
Published: November 2022

Lead (Pb) directly targets testicular spermatogenesis and also the sperms in the epididymis inducing reproductive toxicity. In our study we compare the effects of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and tetraethylammonium salt of salinomycinic acid on Pb content and the endogenous levels of calcium, copper, zinc and iron in testis of mice, subjected to Pb intoxication. We present new data on the effect of both chelating agents on testis morphology and sperm count of mice, subjected to subacute Pb intoxication.
Adult male ICR mice were orally subjected to Pb intoxication for 14 days (average daily dose 80 mg/kg b.w. Pb(NO3)2) followed by treatment with 20 mg/kg b.w. DMSA or tetraethylammonium salts of salinomycinic acid for another 2 weeks. Testes were used for histological and atomic absorption spectrometry analysis. Spermatozoa were isolated from both ductus deferens and counted.
Both chelating agents considerably reduced Pb content in the testis compared to the toxic control. The administration of tetraethylammonium salt of salinomycinic acid ameliorated Pb induced alterations in Cu and Zn homeostasis and significantly restored endogenous Ca levels unlike DMSA. Testicular morphology of Pb intoxicated mice recovered to control after salinomycin treatment but sperm count remains 21% lower compared to the untreated mice. These results suggest the potential application of salinomycin as antidote for treatment of lead intoxications.
Start-up of the nitrogen removal process in an anaerobic up-flow reactor inoculated with aeration tank sludge
Authors: Ribeiro Hugo , Wijaya I Made , Soedjono Eddy , Slamet Agus , Teixeira Catarina , Bordalo Adriano
Published: November 2022

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) has been considered a promisingly alternative to traditional nitrification/denitrification to remove nitrogen in an autotrophic process, without using an external carbon source, requiring low energy consumption and sludge production. The start-up of the anammox process in a stirred anaerobic up-flow reactor was seeded with aeration tank sludge, and fed with medium containing ammonium and nitrite at the ratio1:1. The reactor was running for 369 days, with an initial instability period of 117 days, when nitrite was removed, and nitrate accumulated. Further on, the reactor was not fed with nitrite, and nitrate decrease in the effluent. Afterwards, a transition period (140 days) was followed by a stable one (112 days). The average ammonium removal was 48.0% in the transition stage, to decrease to 33,6% in the stable period. No nitrite was noticed in the effluent. The presence of anammox community in the reactor related to Candidatus Brocadia fulgida was detected. These results have been combined with molecular techniques to evaluate shifts on microbial community structure and composition within the reactor.
Acknowledgments: Project UNNOWN (PTDC/BTA-BTA/31098/2017), co-financed by COMPETE 2020, Portugal 2020 and the European Union through the ERDF, and by FCT through national funds.
Radiation-induced degradation products of 2-methyl isoborneol and geosmin: the role of different reactive species
Authors: HISKIA ANASTASIA , CHRISTOPHORIDIS CHRISTOPHOROS , PESTANA CARLOS , LAWTON LINDA
Published: November 2022

Gamma radiolysis can serve as an effective method for the degradation of organic water pollutants, due to the production of reactive species, oxidative (OH•, OOH•, O2•-) or reductive (eaq-, H•). The application of scavengers enables the selective production of these species. Our aim was to explore the effects of the radiolytically produced reactive species, on commonly occuring water taste and odour compounds, 2-methyl isoborneol (MIB) and geosmin (GSM). Transformation products (TPs) were identified using liquid extraction followed by GC-MS/MS and confirmed with Linear Retention Indexes (LRI). The diversity and proposed structure of the TPs depend on the reactive species present in the solution. Structure elucidation of TPs revealed that reaction pathways are strongly dependant on the presence of individual reactive species. The oxidative degradation of MIB via OH• proceeds with the production of carbonyl- (camphor) and hydroxyl-containing TPs, a subsequent ring opening, arriving to linear structured products. Fewer TPs are produced upon the effect of OOH•, starting with a ring opening and addition of one hydroxyl group. The oxidative pathway of GSM via OH• occurs with an initial ring opening, formation of carboxyl-group and subsequent second ring opening. The reductive pathway is currently under study
Design-based and model-based estimations of distribution and abundance of dolphin populations in Gulf of Corinth, Hellas
Authors: Karamitros Grigorios , Giantsis Ioannis , Martsikalis Petros , Kavouras Menelaos , Exadactylos Athanasios
Published: November 2022

In recent years a major scientific effort has been focused on the protection of marine mammals. Gulf of Corinth is part of the Natura 2000 network (GR2530007) since 2016, with Special Areas of Conservation and constitutes an important habitat for striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). Dedicated shipboard transect line surveys were designed and based in Conventional Distance Sampling and were implemented seasonally during 2018-2019, using passive acoustic and visual techniques, combined with related data derived from 2005-2006 field surveys. Estimation of distribution and abundance of dolphins’ population with a design-based approach using factors such as weather conditions and cluster sizes surprisingly revealed the total absence of Delphinus delphis from the studied area. Density Surface Models (DSM) were used to model these adjusted counts based on a formula involving environmental covariates (depth, surface temperature, chlorophyll-a), in order to investigate the response of populations to biotic and abiotic covariates. Model-based approach for mapping the spatial distribution of animal species clusters can be a useful management tool in establishing protected areas, as well as in communicating monitoring data with non-experts.
Evaluation of a new millifluidic device for the consistent determination of oil droplet biodegradation kinetics
Authors: Kapellos George , Nagarajan Maxwell , Kalogerakis Nicolas , Doyle Patrick
Published: November 2022

Natural seeps and accidental releases of crude oil in the sea result in swarms of droplets that are carried away by underwater sea currents. The droplets may be created either at the sea surface during the breakup of an oil slick by sea waves, or at the seafloor during the extrusion of crude oil from natural cracks or broken wellheads. A high concentration of oil droplets in seawater disturbs the established ecosystem dynamics and poses a significant risk of toxic effects to fish and other marine animals. The fate of underwater droplet swarms is determined by natural attenuation processes, mainly dissolution into the seawater and biodegradation by oil-eating microbes. Using microfabrication techniques (photolithography and 3D printing), we have developed a new millifluidic device that enables the generation of oil droplet populations with desired size and, subsequently, the entrapment, long-term incubation and microscopic imaging of the droplets while they undergo microbial degradation. Here, we will present experimental results on the biodegradation of hexadecane droplets by Marinobacter sp. microbes in synthetic saltwater.
Acknowledgement: EU Horizon 2020 MSCA Grant 741799 - "OILY MICROCOSM"
Interactions between rhizosphere microorganims and spontaneous plant species inhabiting smelter wastelands
Authors: Siebielec Sylwia , Siebielec Grzegorz , Sugier Piotr , Stuczynski Tomasz
Published: November 2022

Processes of spontaneous vegetation of toxic smelter waste deposits are slow. However permanent plant cover, effectively limiting dispersion of metals, should be based both on introduced grasses and spontaneous species to ensure greater plant diversity and resistance of such ecosystem. The role of microorganisms in colonizing smelter wastelands by plants has not been sufficiently understood. The growing conditions for both plants and microorganisms in such waste are extremely harsh due to the high content of heavy metals and deficit of nutrients and water. The aim of the work was to assess interactions between microorganisms and most frequent spontaneous plants inhabiting a waste deposit in Piekary, Poland. The samples were collected in the summer of 2018 from rhizosphere of 8 plant species inhabiting the waste pile: 1. Thymus serpyllum; 2. Silene vulgaris; 3. Solidago virgaurea; 4. Echium vulgare; 5. Rumex acetosa; 6. Verbascum thapsus; 7. Solidago gigantea; 8. Eupatorium cannabinum. The samples were subjected to analyzes of enzymatic activity, abundance of microorganisms, functional (System Biolog) and genetic diversity(NGS), physicochemical properties (pH, metal content and solubility, nutrient content) and subsequently compared with the unplanted reference samples. Plant samples were analyzed for metals ans nutrient contents.
Co-creating data based on human nose perceptions to study odour nuisance from an oilseed industry
Authors: Teixeira Sofia , Pereira Paulo , Ferreira Francisco
Published: November 2022

Odour nuisance is the second environmental problem with more citizen complaints after noise. This fact and the lack of odour regulation in Portugal led way to develop a bottom-up approach focused on citizens to co-create the analysis. Despite the existence of odour measuring instruments, the human nose is a universal sensor with high sensitivity that allows to assess the impact of discomfort on human receptors. A sensorial method was conducted in a community neighbor of an oilseed industry that cause impact on their daily life because of the “cereal/flours/meal” odour. Two monitoring campaigns were conducted with the help of a group of citizens forming an observers panel (OP)
whose function was to record the positive perceptions of odor. A road circuit was outlined by the technical team also to register odour perceptions but essentially to verify the OP registers. For both cases a meteorological analysis was conducted with a weather station. Results showed that the “cereal/flours/meal” kind of odour was registered by the OP 150 times during a six month period. The intensity level, although week, was several times percepted when the meteorological conditions were week wind and wind blowing from the northwest which led the plume towards the population.
Durability of cement mortars and concretes exposed to biological attack as one of the sustainability parameter – a correlation analysis
Authors: Ondrejka Harbulakova Vlasta , Estokova Adriana , Smolakova Michaela , Luptakova Alenka
Published: November 2022

Among the pillars of the sustainability, the aspect of prolongation of life of constructions has to be involved. Focus on sustainability of construction leads to study of durability of building materials. Phenomenon called biocorrosion, existing mainly in concrete sewer systems, agricultural structures and septic tanks, can results in structure deterioration due to of various microbial processes. Special attention is paid to oxidation of hydrogen sulphide to sulfuric acid by bacteria community established on a concrete surface. The type of the binder and composition of aggregate is very important factor for investigation of the biocorrosion processes of concrete. In this paper, a comparison of deleterious processes proceeded in cement mortars and in concrete composite exposed to bacterial influence was investigated. The process of biocorrosion was evaluated by statistical analysis on leached-out quantities of selected ions (Ca and Si) and sulphur content in leachates over a period of 270-day exposure to Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. Concentrations of dissolved ions as well as amount of elementary sulphur in leachate (as an indicator of sulphate bio-corrosion) were measured every 7 days during the experiment. The attributes of the large-size mortars and small-size concrete specimens were compared each other. The correlation analysis was confirmed to be a useful tool to help the interpretation of the experimental findings.
Ultrafine and nanoparticles emissions from hospital waste incineration: characterization and chemical speciation.
Authors: Cernuschi S. , Lonati G. , Ozgen S. , Signorini S.
Published: November 2022

Focus on atmospheric particulate matter has recently steadily shifted towards finer size fractions, namely those particles with dimensions included from 2.5 µm down to the minimum practical detection limit of few nm. These fractions share the higher burden of health related effects arising from particle pollution, with ultrafine (UFP) and nanoparticle (NP) aerosols (size less than 0.1 and 0.05 µm respectively) actually receiving a constantly rising attention. Reference data available are mainly addressed to their presence in ambient air, whilst much less investigations have dealt with characterization of emission sources of potential interest and still fewer with their chemical speciation, in terms of the content of some trace toxic compounds involved in health effects.
Present paper reports on an extended field scale investigation of UFP and nanoparticle size fractions emitted from a hospital waste incineration facility. Measurements were conducted at stack emissions with an electric low-pressure impactor counting system for the evaluation of total particle number concentrations and size distributions in the range 7 nm - 10 µm. Sampled fractions were also evaluated for their content of trace metals of toxic concern (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Tl, V, Zn), analysed in terms of total concentrations and size distributions within fine, ultrafine and nanoparticle fractions. Measurement results obtained are reported and discussed in terms of absolute values and size dependent chemical profiles, and further examined in comparative terms with similar data available for other sources.
TREATMENT OF SLAUGHTER HOUSE WASTEWATER UTILIZING COGON GRASS (Imperata cylindrica) IN A SUBSURFACE FLOW SYSTEM CONSTRUCTED WETLAND IN ZAMBOANGA CITY, PHILIPPINES
Authors: Flores Roy , Adil Jihan
Published: November 2022

Natural treatment systems are gaining a preference for wastewater treatment as an ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change. This study investigated the performance of a laboratory scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (SSFCW) planted with cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) in reducing the pollutant concentration of slaughterhouse wastewater in Zamboanga City, Philippines.

Results showed that the mean efficiency of BOD5 removal at seven (7) and 14 days detention time were 94.49 percent and 89.31 percent, respectively; while the average TSS removal efficiency was 97.8 percent and 99.9 percent, respectively. Statistical analysis of the BOD5 removal efficiency revealed that there is a significant difference; which means that higher BOD5 removal is achieved at seven (7) days detention time as compared to 14 days detention time. Analysis of the TSS removal efficiencies likewise revealed a significant difference, proving that longer detention time results in higher suspended solids removal.

Therefore, horizontal SSFCW planted with cogon grass can be used to treat slaughterhouse wastewater at seven (7) days detention time. It is recommended that pilot study on horizontal SSFCW be conducted as well as an investigation of its performance using other wastewater sources, different parameters, and other endemic hydrophytic grasses, and to consider meteorological and climatological factors.
Bottom-up synthesized hierarchical Beta zeolites as the catalysts for low-density polyethylene cracking
Authors: Pyra Kamila , Janiszewska Ewa , Tarach Karolina , Majda Dorota , Góra-Marek Kinga
Published: November 2022

Improving mass transport in zeolites Beta by bottom-up hierarchization was aimed at preserving their native microporous acidic characteristic and finally demonstrating their applicability in LDPE catalytic pyrolysis, in contrast to top-down modified analogues.
Nitrification inhibition test of salty wastewater containing Tetrakishydroxymethyl phosphonium sulphate (THPS), formaldehyde and methanol using salt-adapted nitrifying bacteria, an alternative test method to ISO method
Authors: Chhetri R , Kokkoli A , Karvelas S. , Andersen H
Published: November 2022

Nitrification inhibition test is a standard method to test if the chemicals or samples received by wastewater treatment plant are toxic to the nitrifying bacteria in the wastewater treatment plant. Nitrification inhibition test based on ISO method ISO9509 or modified ISO9509 method (REFLAB method) can’t differentiate the toxicity between salt and toxicant in the sample, which is unrealistic for regulation of salty wastewaters that are treated in wastewater treatment plants with sufficient volume to dilute salts to harmless levels. To overcome the toxicity due to salinity to the nitrifying bacteria, salt-adapted nitrifying bacteria were grown on the Z400 MBBR carriers. The aim of this work was to validate and compare the nitrification inhibition of samples measured from salt-adapted nitrification inhibition test method (DTU method) with REFLAB method. The new salt-adapted nitrification inhibition test was validated by investigating the statistical uncertainty on the use of new test method with the existing REFLAB method.
The inhibition concentration of formaldehyde and methanol were similar when nitrification inhibition experiment was conducted using DTU method and REFLAB method. Lower inhibition concentration of Tetrakishydroxymethyl phosphonium sulphate (THPS) was observed with the DTU method. This means it is more sensitive to THPS and thus detects it at lower concentrations. The difference between the methods might be due to sorption of chemicals into the sludge as the biomass concentration in the DTU method is lower. The new methods standard deviation of nitrification inhibition around the 50% inhibition level was below 3%. The method is thus well suited to replace the REFLAB method for salty water samples as both repeatability and sensitivity is similar or better.
SeaLoc: A pilot forecasting system providing sea characteristics and other support services on high local resolution
Authors: Kalantzi Georgia , Kotsopoulos Stilianos , Panitsidis Konstantinos , Partozis Athanasios
Published: November 2022

SeaLoc project aims in developing an integrated forecasting system with accompanying services for the Greek seas. Further development, however, can facilitate the whole Mediterranean region. It will provide interaction both with specialists as well as with everyday users through the internet and specialized applications, whose output will be in a format ready to be utilized by relevant target groups. The specialized applications will focus on identified needs of each target group, providing easy-to-comprehend thematic indices alongside the actual forecasts. The system consists of in-house wind and wave predictions as well as other crucial Copernicus Marine products (currents, salinity, SST, nitrate, plankton and dissolved oxygen). The great impact of the project derives from the fact that it combines current forecasting research developments along with available Copernicus Marine data/ services in an effort to bridge the gap between science and end-users. Additionally, the high spatial and temporal resolution in selected areas of marine-dependent financial importance, make SeaLoc a great decision-support tool towards local development and financial growth. Sectors than can benefit from such a tool are: coastal and marine tourism, fishing, aquaculture, shipping, coastal constructions, energy harvesting and others.
Simulating nutrient loads in an intensively cultivated Mediterranean watershed under current and projected climate conditions
Authors: Pisinaras Vassilios , Kamidis Nikolaos , Koutrakis Emmanouil , Hatzigiannakis Evangelos , Panagopoulos Andreas
Published: November 2022

On the global scale, agriculture constitutes the most significant non-point pollution source for surface water bodies, especially in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus. Located in northeastern Greece, Vistonis basin constitutes the area that discharges into Vistonis estuarine system, which is very significant both from the environmental and economic perspective. Divided into three sub-basins basin includes 220 km2 of agricultural land cultivated mainly with cotton, corn and wheat.
The present study aims to quantify the effects of agricultural activities in nutrient loads that discharge in Vistonis. Therefore, detailed spatial distribution of crops and soil data, combined to cultivation practices were used in order to apply SWAT model and quantify discharge, nitrogen and phosphorus loads for the period 2003-2014. The results presented significant variation in nutrient loads, while their contribution on a massive fish kill event that took place on summer 2014 was found to be significant.
Nutrient loads variation were further investigated using projected, bias-corrected climate data from 3 Regional Climate Models (RCMs) for the period 2021-2040 and 2061-2080. The results indicate decreasing trend in nutrient loads due to decrease in river discharge because of precipitation decrease.
Microbial Biodiversity of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) dumpsites of Cochin, Kerala, India.
Authors: Chenichery S , Varier J , Kuttamassery N
Published: November 2022

Cochin, the commercial and industrial centre of Kerala, lies on the south-west coast of Arabian sea. It covers an area of 94.88 Km2. There are two major dumpsites in the city, one at Brahmapuram and other at Kalamassery. The proper management of the waste has been a challenging task for the concerned authorities. One of the cost-effective combating ways is the use of microbes. A preliminary attempt was performed to quantify both the physicochemical and microbial characteristics of the dumpsite soils and evaluated by using standard techniques. The soil samples from the study sites showed higher values for bacterial and fungal counts than the control soils. Some of the isolated species belonged to the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Klebsiella. As the findings reveal that the dumping site soils have wide microbial diversity which can be exploited for sustainable and eco-friendly bioremediation approach.
Adsorption of Gatifloxacin from Aqueous Solution with Highly Stable Zr(IV)-Based Porphyrinic Metal-Organic Frameworks
Authors: Wang Xia , Chen Jing-Jing , Wang Li-Juan , Xu Gui-Ju , Zhao Ru-Song
Published: November 2022

Water stable Zr-metal–organic framework nanoparticles (PCN-224 NPs) have been solvothermally synthesized. PCN-224 NPs show spherical shape with smooth surface and particle size of approximately 200 nm. PCN-224 NPs can be stable in acid and aqueous solutions, as confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. Gatifloxacin (GTF) adsorption measurements showed that PCN-224 NPs exhibit a high adsorption capacity of 876 mgg-1. Meanwhile, the adsorption factors, adsorption characteristics, and mechanisms of GTF were investigated in batch adsorption experiments.
Site selection of hybrid solar/wind renewable energy systems: A case study from Andros, Greece
Authors: Vagiona Dimitra , Bili Athina
Published: November 2022

The combination of two or more forms of Renewable Energy Sources at the same spatial scale is a highly promising sector, resulting in an increase in the number of installations of hybrid RES systems. In Greece, where abundant resources such as wind and sun are available, the combination of these two renewable forms of energy can contribute to reducing dependence on conventional energy resources, as in hybrid power systems the weakness of a source is offset by the forces of the other. The purpose of this paper is the development of a methodology for selecting suitable sites for the installation of Hybrid Wind and Solar Energy Systems (HWSES) using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The implementation focuses on the island of Andros, Greece, and the proposed methodology includes the exclusion of areas defined by the Greek legislation and the international experience for both forms of energy. The site selection corresponds to a multi-dimensional process, which includes multiple criteria such as wind speed, solar radiation, distance from settlements, technical infrastructure, environmental and cultural interest and slope. Finally, the areas occupied by wind and solar farms in different licensing stages are excluded from the areas that are available for HWSES siting.
European port trends on environmental issues
Authors: Darbra Rosa Mari , Puig Martí , Raptis Sotiris , Wooldridge Chris
Published: November 2022

This paper presents the current environmental performance of the European Port Sector, based on the 2018 results of a wide representation of EcoPorts members (90 ports).

All the information presented in this research comes from aggregate data of the Self-Diagnosis Method (SDM), a concise checklist against which ports can self-assess their environmental management and compare it to the performance of the EU port sector. The SDM tool is currently managed by the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), which is the responsible body for this study.

A set of environmental performance indicators have been analysed and their results have been discussed in this research. These key environmental indicators are categorized in: i) Environmental Management Indicators summarized in the Environmental Management Index; ii) Environmental Monitoring Indicators; iii) Top 10 Environmental Priorities for the port, and iv) Indicators on Services to Shipping offered by the port authority in order to facilitate a greener shipping.

In addition to these indicators, selected benchmark performance elements are also introduced on additional topics, such as environmental communication, training or emergency planning. Moreover, the 2018 results have been compared with data on previous years, allowing the analysis of trends over time of the European port sector environmental performance.
Can Cell-Phone Tower Signals Help Fight Malaria in Africa?
Authors: David Noam , Gao H. Oliver
Published: November 2022

Malaria is one of the major causes of mortality in the world today. Sub-Saharan African countries suffer most acutely from outbreaks of the disease and some 90% of cases of death (hundreds of thousands of people each year) occur in this region. High intensity rainfall is a central parameter leading to severe outbreaks of the disease, which typically lag the rain event by several weeks. However, current rainfall monitoring tools deployed in Africa do not provide sufficient response due to very limited spread in the continent.
During the last dozen years, the ability to monitor rain using microwave communication networks has been demonstrated. However, the tens of research papers published thus far have shown the contribution of the method mainly for hydro-meteorological needs.
This note points to the potential of microwave communication networks for providing rainfall information critically required to predict malaria outbreaks and to support planning of preventive measures.
Mixed Nanostructures/PES/ RO Membrane for Water Desalination
Authors: Shalaby Marwa , Abdallah Heba , Shaban Ahmed , Chetty Raghuram , Kumar Mathava
Published: November 2022

Different nanomaterials graphene, zinc nanorode and zinc nanosephere were used in membrane preparation. Polyethersulphone as a main polymer was blended with nanosoultions of these nanomaterials, then coated by composite coating layer consists of polyvinylacohol and titanium dioxide nanotubes to provide strength and enhance hydrophilicity of membranes. M2 ( using graphene) provides highest permeate flux 30.6 L/m2.h due to its highest hydrophilicity, but it was lowest salt rejection 48.9% at feed concentration 5000 ppm. M3 and M4 provide high salt rejection 99% for M4 and 89% for M3. The highest mechanical strength was for M3, which was 8.8 N/cm2 tensile strength and elongation 20 mm.
Pyrolysis of Spirulina sp. Microalgae: Effect of Temperature on Chemical Compositions of Bio-Oil and Aqueous Phase
Authors: Özçakır Gamze , Karaduman Ali
Published: November 2022

Pyrolysis of Spirulina sp. Microalgae was carried out in a semi-batch glass reactor system. Effect of temperature on the yields of pyrolytic products (gaseous, liquid and solid residue) and chemical composition of the liquid products were investigated. All experiments were performed in 25 mL/min nitrogen atmosphere with 15 g feedstock which was dry and powder form of Spirulina. Temperature was varied from 470 to 620 °C with 50 °C break by utilizing PID controller which was setted 10 °C/min heating rate. The aqueous phase and bio-oil (organic phase) of the liquid products were characterized by GC-MS. Maximum yields of bio-oil and aqueous phase were obtained approximately as 30 wt. % at 520 °C and as 20 wt. % at 470 °C. When temperature was increased, oxygenated compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons decreased. However, nitrogenous compounds and alkanes increased in the microalgal pyrolytic bio-oil.
DEVELOPMENT OF CONTINUOUS, LINEAR MODELS FOR MARINE BENTHIC MACROPHYTES DESCRIPTION
Authors: TZOUVARAS N.
Published: November 2022

The European Water Framework Directive has fostered indicator development, pertinent to biological quality elements, for ecological status assessment of coastal waters. For seaweed communities, the CFR index considers composition, abundance and physiological status, through four constituents (Richness, Opportunistic species, Cover, physiological Status) with arithmetically added scores (integers), summing up in [0, 100] and yielding ecological quality ratio (EQR) values in [0, 1]. Quantities C, O and S are expressed as percentages; R as small integer values; each one’s range of values is subdivided into 5 intervals, each attributed a score (integer). Discontinuous (step-wise) score values cause CFR (integer) discontinuities in the ranges [0, 10] and [90, 100], affecting pertinent EQR values and precluding certain ones (e.g. 0.04, 0.93, 0.98). Based on the major contribution of quantities C and O to CFR, the present work transforms their combined, discontinuous variation into a continuous, linear model, employing recently used concepts (PRI approach), applied in developing a continuous, linear, composite model for another benthic macrophytic index. Application to CFR underlines the flexibility of the RPI approach.
ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC PURCHASE BEHAVIOR TOWARDS HOUSEHOLD GREEN PRODUCTS IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE).
Authors: Elsergany Moetaz , ALANSAARI Amal
Published: November 2022

The aim of green production and consumption is to adopt the idea of supplying the consumers with products that fulfill their needs with lower consequences on the environment. This concept was introduced in 1970 aims to protect the environment and to have better control over natural resources. This study is aiming at investigating the consumers’ purchase behaviors toward green products which can help decision makers to identify the tools that may be needed to promote green products in UAE markets.the study was conducted through the distribution of self-administered questionnaire to assess green purchase practices and public knowledge about green products. The study concluded that The quality of green products is the most important factor that the UAE’s consumers will consider for their decision regarding the green purchase. Eco-labeling may not be well understood among the studied population, and more awareness is needed about Ecolabeling among the community. This study showed that social media is a very important and effective tool to spread and influence green purchase practices among the residents.