Carpathian Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences

The crucial importance of mountain regions for the cohesion policies is underlined by key Romanian and European Union documents. However, the lack of a unique definition or criteria used to delineate and analyze them constitutes a barrier to the elaboration of development strategies. This study has created Geographical Information Systems-based methodology to select Romanian hardly accessible mountain regions with a complex and high-valued touristic potential and determine their characteristics using spatial analysis based on specific indicators. The results indicate that mountain regions are affected by poor accessibility, resulting into the lack of basic supplies, as well as education and health issues. Tourism trends suggest reduced accommodation, food, and entertainment opportunities, increased number of tourists, but decreasing average durations of stay and usage of touristic facilities. Based on these findings, the outstanding touristic potential of Romanian mountain regions appears to be insufficiently valorized, calling for actions on behalf of the authorities.

The thermal difference between the settlements and their environment is called urban heat island (UHI). Potential UHI intensities are determined by the size, population and built-up structure of settlements, while meteorological conditions have a determinant impact on the development of the heat island at a certain moment. However, not much attention is paid to medium-sized and small towns from this aspect in International and Hungarian studies. Consequently, this study has been focused on the development of UHI in such an environment in Hungary. Settlements, located near the city of Debrecen (cca. 220000 inhabitants) in East Hungary, with population of about 30000, 20000 10000 and 1000 were chosen for the research. Data were collected in two one-year-long mobile measurement campaigns. Spatial characteristics of UHI have been described. Results have proved the existence of UHI even in the smallest settlement under suitable weather conditions. Effects of cloudiness and wind speed have been revealed as well. Stratus clouds have proved to be the most effective in preventing the formation of UHI. Wind speed had a strong impact on the strength of the heat island, while wind directions affected its shape merely.

In 2009 and 2010 we identified seven Salamandra salamandra populations in the Getic Piedmont from south-western Romania. The salamanders come down to the southern limit of the piedmont, reaching altitudes of 201 meters. All of the seven populations are found in afforested areas. The S. salamandra populations from the Getic Piedmont seem to be in contact with those from the Southern Carpathians, indicating a continuous distribution range of the species in the region. The salamanders are directly exposed to anthropogenic pressure in the form of clearings of forests, road kills and waste dumping. The future survival of the salamanders in the Getic Piedmont depends on the protection of the forest habitats that they live in.

Dolichophis caspius was indicated for two new localities in southern Romania: Pietrosani and Suhaia. This new data confirms a continuous distribution of the species in southern Romania, near the areas around the Danube's meadow. In the new localities, too, the large whip snake populates the loess walls that border the northern side of the Danube's meadow, in areas surrounded by vines. The identified populations are under a great deal of anthropogenic stress, road kills being identified in both locations. The survival of the species in the region is conditioned by the conservation of its habitat, which needs to be done first. Thus, the entire meadow of the Danube needs to be investigated as soon as possible, the existent populations need to be monitored and measures need to be taken for their protection.

The study presents the channel changes along a 17km length of a Tisza River bend by Martfu. Along the study we were trying to answer the question - what kind of deformations were caused by anthropogenic regulations (such as bank revetments) along the examined river channel in horizontal and vertical aspects in the post-engineering times. Furthermore, the objective was to determine in detail how the river channel regulation works influenced the channel parameters like reach length (LR), Chord length (H), Width (W) and the profile of cross sections. Different aspects of the analyzed river bend were identified. The results show that, the regulation works influenced the geomorphology of the channel, e.g. decrease in average width of the channel, the level of low water levels decreased in the period of 1911-1920 and in 1921-1930 no negative values were recorded after the regulation of the riffle. The cross section areas by the revetments decreased more intensively than the non-stabilized cross section areas. After the stabilization works - by the 1st, 4th, and 6th sections -, the midstream has been growing by the 2nd and 3rd sections between 312-310 km-s. As a result of increased erosion a cutbank has been developing between 311-310 km-s.

Triturus dobrogicus is signalled in a premier in Caraş Severin County in Caraş Depression. The species occupies a wet area near Iam locality, which is situated near the border with Serbia. T. dobrogicus is present at 89 m altitude in an area with a plain relief. The habitat is characteristic to the species, several amphibian species being identified together with the crested newts: Lissotriton vulgaris, Bombina bombina and Rana dalmatina. The survival of T. dobrogicus in the region is possible due to the existence of an adequate terrestrial habitat and to the fact that the aquatic habitat is not polluted. The measures that must be taken in order to assure its survival are discussed.

In this article we analyzed the greatest floods in Serbia between 1960 and 2010. The probability of flood occurrence was calculated for 21 hydrological observation stations on major rivers (Danube, Sava, Tisza, Tamis. and Velika Morava) in whose valleys great floods were recorded in the observed period. By means of probability theory and mathematical statistics, analyses of time series of maximum discharges and water levels were made and the theoretical functions of the distribution of high water occurrence were obtained. The probability of flood occurrence was calculated on the basis of these data. Most often the Log-Pearson Type 3 and Pearson Type 3 distribution showed the best agreement with the empirical distribution function. The results have shown that the greatest floods in the majority of watercourses were recorded in 1965 and 2006 and return periods longer than 100 years were observed on the Vlasina River near Vlasotince (168 years), on the Velika Morava near Varvarin (132 years) and the Danube near Bezdan (116 years) and Veliko Gradiste (108 years). The analysis of floods shows that they mostly occur in late spring or early summer, in the periods of frequent cyclones.

The European Network of Experimental and Representative Basins (ENERB) is the results of several experimental projects concerning the hydrological forecasting and flood mitigation effort which have been implemented within states member of European Union. In Romania, the hydrometric activity for ENERB it is currently composed of 14 representative basins (RB) of which the Trebeş-Negel (184 km2) was selected as RB for Eastern Carpathian and Subcarpathian transition zone. Located in one of the most affected territories by hydrological hazards, the Trebeş-Negel RB reacted as a small-scale flood sensor for the entire region. Using the well-documented discharge and pluviometric database collected at five gauge stations within the study area, we develop the first comparative analysis of historical flood events that occurred in the Trebeş-Negel RB post-1990. Five exceptional floods were selected: flood events from July 2 to July 8, 1991; flood events from June 16 to June 22, 1992; flood events from July 11 to July 14, 2005; flood events from July 26 to July 31, 2010; and flood events from June 28 to July 1, 2018. All flood events envisaged were caused by heavy rains, when significant amounts of precipitations were recorded which sometimes exceeded 100 mm/day.

Integrated conservation and management of agricultural areas affected by the current global warming represents a priority at international level following the implementation of the principles of sustainable agriculture and adaptation measures. Transylvanian Plain (TP), with an area of 395,616 ha is of great agricultural importance for Romania, but with an afforestation degree of only 6.8% and numerous degradation phenomena of farmland, it has the lowest degree of sustainability to climate change. Monitoring of agro-climatic indicators and their evolution in between 2008-2014 and the analysis of the obtained data underlie the technological development of recommendations tailored to current favorable conditions for the main crops. Results obtained show that: the thermal regime of the soils in TP is of mesic type and the hydric regime is ustic; multiannual average of temperature in soil at 10 cm depth is 11.40 degrees C, respectively at 50 cm depth is 10.24 degrees C; the average yearly air temperature is 11.17 degrees C; multiannual average of soil moisture is 0.227 m(3)/m(3); Multiannual average value of precipitation is 466.52 mm. During the studied period, compared with data series available (1961-1990; 1901-2000), clear decrease of the average quantities of rainfall especially during critical periods for crops, and increases in average temperatures for the entire year can be noticed. Between June and August the highest temperature difference were recorded, differences of +3.09 degrees C to +3.65 degrees C. There is an increase phenomenon of drought and heat; determined indicators show that most values, 61.11%, are commensurate with a semiarid climate. Aggression peaks are in February-April, July, and October-November, and for the whole period, in 19.43% of the cases are favorable and very favorable conditions for triggering erosion. Recommended ago-technical measures to limit and counteract the effects of drought, as a climatic phenomenon with major risk to agriculture in TP, refer to: i) use of a biological material resistant to water stress and heat; use of management practices favorable for accumulation of, conservation and the efficient use of water from rainfall; iii) operating a system of conservation agriculture based on soil protection and desertification avoidance.

The 210Pb radiometric dating method was applied in order to determine the sedimentation rates of a northern Danube Delta lake (Merhei Lake) using α and γ spectrometry for assessing the radionuclides of interest. Another objective is to measure the geochronology of each sediment layer and to determine the dynamics of the characteristic sedimentation processes. The Danube Delta is the second largest river delta in Europe, having an approximate surface of 4152 km2. The Danube branches into three main distributaries into the delta: Chilia, Sulina and Sfântul Gheorghe. Two sediment cores (one from the close proximity of the estuary and another one from a more secluded area) were taken from a northern lake, namely Merhei Lake, formed between the Chilia and Sulina branches. The sedimentation rate was measured by 210Pb using its α emitting progeny, 210Pb, for determining the solid discharge of the delta branches and, respectively, the spacial and temporal variations; while 226Ra (determining the supported and unsupported 210Pb content of the sediments) was determined using high resolution γ spectrometry. The sediments have been dated up to 1885, having average mass sedimentation rates of 0.30 ± 0.04 g/cm2y and linear sedimentation rates of 0.68 ± 0.18 cm/y. The sediment is transported throughout the lake, so the more secluded part of the lake has at some depths up to twenty times more sediment intake than the one near the estuary.

The distribution of natural radionuclides in the main rock-types: granodiorites (granites), biotite-gneisses, black shales and amphibolites from the Male Karpaty Mts. complex was studied in samples collected from two boreholes. The samples were analyzed by means of gamma-ray spectrometry. The concentrations of U-238, Th-232 and K-40 were found to be within the range of 0.091 - 37.800 mg/kg (U-238), 0.534 - 13.234 mg/kg (Th-232) and 0.116 - 5.162 mg/kg (K-40). The highest average U-238 concentration was in black shale, highest average Th-232 concentration in granodiorite-granite and highest average K-40 concentration in granodiorite - granite as well. Activities of U-238 were determined within the range of 1.092 - 48.960 Bq/kg (with exception of one anomalous value -453.6 Bq/kg), activities of Th-232 within the range of 2.189 - 54.298 Bq/kg and activities of K-40 within the range of 30.933 - 1,376.499 Bq/kg. It is considered that the source of U-238 and Th-232 (and partially also of K-40) is in the granitoide intrusion. Uranium was during the metamorphic process mobilized from granitoides to the black shales. The concentrations and consequently the total activities of U-238, Th-232 and K-40 in the studied rock samples exceed the permitted limit values for building materials. It is possible to recommend their utilization only for external purposes.

The distribution of natural radionuclides in the main rock-types: granodiorites (granites), biotite-gneisses, black shales and amphibolites from the Malé Karpaty Mts. complex was studied in samples collected from two boreholes. The samples were analyzed by means of gamma-ray spectrometry. The concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K were found to be within the range of 0.091 - 37.800 mg/kg (238U), 0.534 - 13.234 mg/kg (232Th), and 0.116 - 5.162 mg/kg (40K). The highest average 238U concentration was in black shale, highest average 232Th concentration in granodiorite-granite and highest average 40K concentration in granodiorite - granite as well. Activities of 238U were determined within the range of 1.092 - 48.960 Bq/kg (with exception of one anomalous value - 453.6 Bq/kg), activities of 232Th within the range of 2.189 - 54.298 Bq/kg and activities of 40K within the range of 30.933 - 1,376.499 Bq/kg. It is considered that the source of 238U and 232Th (and partially also of 40K) is in the granitoide intrusion. Uranium was during the metamorphic process mobilized from granitoides to the black shales. The concentrations and consequently the total activities of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the studied rock samples exceed the permitted limit values for building materials. It is possible to recommend their utilization only for external purposes.

The use of 1D, 2D, and 1D/2D modelling techniques to identify flood prone areas is a critical component of any flood hazard management project (e.g., APDF – action plan for dam failure) in the proximity of big dams and reservoirs. In this work, we manage to computed flood hazard models using 2D HEC-RAS module based on Digital Elevation Models (DEM’s) derived from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data and pre- and post-processed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based software (e.g., ArcGIS, HEC-RAS). Therefore, to produce urban flood hazard (FH) maps downstream of the Strâmtori-Firiza reservoir (S-Fr) in NW Romania, a multi-scenario approach based on LiDAR-derived DEM integration, 2D hydraulic modeling, and remote sensing (RS) data validation is provided. In this context, to assess the flood control capacity (FCC) of the S-Fr hydro-technical system, three flood tests based on S-Fr flow rate with 5% (167 m3/s), 1% (270 m3/s) and 0.1% (447 m3/s) return periods were performed. The flood impact within the urban area of Baia Mare located downstream of S-Fr was achieved for each flood scenarios using four spatial data derived from the RAS Mapper module: flood extent (FE), flood depth (FD), flood velocity (FV) and flood hazard (FH). The results indicate that a large area of Baia Mare city can be affected by a potential flood caused by a dam failure and also contribute to the APDF update of S-Fr dam.

The site of the final disposal facility for radioactive waste of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant at Bátaapáti in Hungary is under intensive geological survey, including paleo-environmental and paleo-surface investigations. The objective of this paper is to present the results of a borehole database analysis and modelling for the pre-Quaternary paleo-surface reconstruction in this important area. Data are heights above sea level of this paleo-surface measured in drill cores. The analysis is based on the assumption that a geological process such as hill slope erosion produces a statistically homogeneous distribution of the measured variable, paleo-surface depth in this case. During spatial trend analysis the obtained six statistically significant paleo-surface depth populations are divided into 13 trend surfaces significant at the 95% confidence level. The model gained by merging the 13 local trend surfaces describe the overall slope conditions. The other surface model is obtained by the accurate linear Triangular Irregular Network (TIN) interpolation capturing all the local details of morphological information. The original 10m grid TIN model is generalised by average smoothing filter with window size increasing from 25m to 1,000m in order to reveal morphological 'trends' at various spatial scales. Analysis of morphological lineaments confirm that major valleys run along regional fault lines, while secondary erosion processes forming the smaller side valleys act at scales below 1km. In this way the pre-Quaternary and younger paleo-valleys can be distingushed from the higher spatial scale tectonic forms. The stationary residuals remaining after trend removal enables detailed surface reconstruction by kriging interpolation.

Using historical geographic and landscape ecological methods three North Hungarian landscape units that underwent different types of anthropic impact were studied. Viticulture in the Nagy Hill of Tokaj was founded more than eight centuries ago, however, due to economic crises and the phylloxera epidemic extension of the vineyards has fallen to less than one-half during 250 years; wetlands and grassland of the Taktaköz were changed by arable lands after river regulation and flood prevention performed in the second half of the 19th century; and traditional land use/land cover pattern of the East Borsod Coal Basin has been transformed by coal mining and industrialization from the end of the 19th century. On the basis of study on transformation of land use/land cover patterns, consequences concerning landscape planning of the studied areas can be drawn. (1) Vineyards of the Nagy Hill of Tokaj have represented a traditional land use category in the area for many centuries; therefore, re-plantation of the abandoned vineyards would be the reasonable purpose. (2) In the Taktaköz arable lands have become dominant land use elements. Although the recent land use pattern can be regarded as traditional, the ancient wetlands and grasslands could be, at least partly, restored by significant landscaping work. (3) In the East Borsod Coal Basin the extension of forest has spontaneously increased after the closure of coal mines, therefore, the pre-mining landscape pattern could be more-or-less restored without considerable landscape transforming action.

Land-use conflicts are multifaceted social phenomena especially prevalent in periurban landscapes where land is limited and the margin of separation between diverse urban and rural uses is small. Their complexity poses an ongoing challenge for research and management. We investigate which socio-demographic and environmental variables are associated with conflict occurrence. The study area is located in a peri-urban landscape of Switzerland where conflict data were collected through a content analysis of the local print media. Decision trees are calculated to relate the presence or absence of conflicts to possible explanatory variables. The results show that four main variables are associated with the occurrence of land-use conflicts: proportion of rented accommodation, steepness of the terrain, population growth, and the proportion of commuters. The tree model is useful for theory building and can stimulate discussions on where land use conflicts are most likely to occur. Furthermore, based on the study we would suggest accompanying land change processes in areas with a high proportion of rented accommodations with especially comprehensive public participation processes.

An oceanographic cruise on board the R/V El Puma (from the National Autonomous University of Mexico) was performed around the volcanic rocks of Clarion Island (CIR) in the western region of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Mexico. Surface sediments, nodules and representative rock samples from the CIR were collected. Texture is mainly constituted by silt and clay that suggest the influence of pelagic muds carried from the mainland to the deep sea by sea currents. The sandy fraction (less abundant) of the sediments is characterized by micronodules, pumice and remains of siliceous organisms. The most abundant muddy sediment fraction contains smectite, which played a role in the incorporation and release of metals and REE into the polymetallic nodules. The Mn, Ni, Co and REE concentrations in the studied sediments and nodules were slightly enriched when compared to UCC, NASC and CIR rocks.

Copper adsorption capacity of the illuviation (E) and accumulation (B) horizons of a Luvisol profile was studied in high ionic strength NaCl solution and at pH 4-5. The maximum copper adsorption calculated by Langmuir equation was 0.052 mol/kg Cu (3 304 mg/kg Cu) for the E horizon, and 0.071 mol/kg (4 512 mg/kg) Cu for the B horizon. The differences arise from the different mineral composition of the distinct horizons. Hydrous iron oxides and swelling chlorite/vermiculite in the accumulation layer increase Cu adsorption capacity, while hydroxy-interlayering in vermiculite, and absence of iron oxides decrease Cu uptake of the eluviated horizon. Based on XRD studies, measurable fraction of Cu was sorbed in the interlayer space of vermiculite by ion exchange mechanism. This adsorbed Cu caused the loss of expansion capacity of the vermiculite.

The "kovarvany" called reddish, hardened embeddings of the eolian sand were examined. A few 10 cm thick, lens like or irregular bodies appear in the top of dunar morphology. They consist finer quartz sand with increased amount of clayey-silty grain size fraction and 0.5-1.2% iron content. In spite of the similar mineralogical composition of the sand fraction, differences appear in the shape and the size of the grains. The upper faces of these embeddings are gently waved, the grains are well packed, with nests of limonite concretions. The lower separation surface is irregular, often with a gradual passage to the host sand. In the SEM photos of the sand grains, biogenetical corrosion and crushing were evidenced. The bonding material with touching and void filling character consists of a colloidal mixture of iron hydroxides and clay minerals, while in the host sand, free mason" (cementless, uncemented?) and meniscus type bonding appear. The goethite and illite neoformation in the bonding material indicate the beginning of the diagenetic processes in this sediment. Neither ascending iron ions nor iron oxi-hidroxide precipitation was evidenced in the moving zone of the groundwater table. These embeddings represent the rest of ancient forest soil, with biogenetic iron accumulation and grain crushing. Thus, during the wet periods of the Holocene, the dunes were capped with small tree groups and bushes - and later, when the vegetation was dried out, the soil cover was partly eroded and it was buried under the moving sand nappes.

Environmental contaminants such as heavy metals are a major problem for living organisms. Phytoremediation methods are used to eliminate the problem of soil pollution, which is the direct use of living green plants for cleaning the soil. In Georgia, the soil contamination problem is particularly acute in some regions, including Bolnisi Municipality (South-East Georgia the country), where gold and copper are mined in the open-pits. Within the scope of the research, the sugar beet was studied in the field conditions near the mining area using Bio-stimulants Bioragi and Deposit that were not used before. ANOVA statistical method was used for data analysis and accumulation coefficient (AC) was calculated. The study showed that the Cd, Cu, and Zn accumulation coefficients were higher in the control sugar beet than in the plants fertilized with bio-stimulants. The cadmium AC in sugar beet was much higher than copper and zinc AC. In September the sugar beet accumulated the highest concentration of Cd, Cu, and Zn, then in July and October. Control sugar beet uptake more heavy metals in July and September, compared to Bioragi and Deposit, but in October Cd, Cu, and Zn concentrations were higher in sugar beet with Bioragi. It was discovered that the lifespan of the sugar beet with Bioragi was longer than control sugar beet. Bio-stimulants in polluted soils can be appropriate, in terms of reducing heavy metals and have a practical use for agricultural purposes.

The enrichment of the phosphates by a humid process can be accompanied with rejects of mud poured in hydrographic network of the region of Gafsa-Metlaoui to Chott El Gharsa. These releases are rich in phosphate and trace elements; the average is around these values: P 2 O 5 : 10.96 %, Cd: 25.83 ppm, Zn: 260.91 ppm, Cr: 387.7 ppm, Cu: 16 ppm, Ni: 26 ppm and Sr: 717.15 ppm. Soils adjoining these rejects present total concentrations in Cd, Zn and Cr higher to the maximal contents tolerated in soils. A two step sequential extraction showed that heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu and Ni) were poorly labile (i.e. not soluble in diluted CaCl 2), indicating that their leaching under natural conditions is probably very low. However, extraction with DTPA, CaCl 2 and TEA generated significant amounts of metals (mainly Cd and Cu), suggesting that they were potentially mobilizable. However, zinc and strontium are more concentrated in the mobile phase, indicating that the Zn-Sr-solutions are possible in natural conditions. This study evaluates the potential for phytoremediation of 30 species collected from six localities, growing on a contaminated site of the study area. Plants and the associated soil samples were collected and analyzed for total metals concentrations. While total metals concentrations in soils vary from 1 to 36 ppm Cd, 1.6 to 2463 ppm Zn, 8.5 to 442 ppm Cr, 2.8 to 38.5 ppm Cu, 1 to 31.7 ppm Ni and 144.6 to 1310 ppm Sr, while those in the plants ranged from 0.11 to 82 ppm Cd, 0.5 to 567 ppm Zn, 0.04 to 174.7 ppm Cr, 0.95 to 51.73 ppm Cu, 0.17 to 6.9 ppm Ni and 6 ppm to 2858 ppm Sr. None of the plants were suitable for phytoextraction because no hyperaccumulator was identified. However, plants with a high bioconcentration factor (BCF, metal concentration ratio of plant roots to soil) and low translocation factor (TF, metal concentration ratio of plant leaves to roots) have the potential for phytostabilization. The plants most effective in the accumulation of metals in leaves are Malva aegyptiaca (TF=30.7) for Cd, Frankenia thymifolia (TF=8.55) for Zn, Peganum harmala (TF=29.14) for Cu and Citrulus sp (TF=10.42) for Sr. Anthemis stiparum was most suitable for phytostabilization of contaminated sites with Cd (BCF=23.51). Our study showed that native plant species growing on contaminated sites may have the potential for phytoremediation.

Worldwide wastewater loaded with toxic heavy metals, used as a reliable source for irrigating a variety of crops, have some risks and restrictions. The extent of wastewater heavy metal accumulation was investigated during 2009-10 in soils, vegetables and fodder crops grown in the periphery of District Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. The wastewater exhibited extreme basicity (pH 10.31) and the ratios of electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption, carbonates and bi-carbonates, and chloride concentration were beyond the prescribed standards suggesting that the use of wastewater could be a limiting factor. In addition, wastewater had abnormally higher levels of Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, Pb, Cr, and Cd. Generally, in wastewater irrigated soil, the heavy metal concentration was higher than tube-well irrigated soil and was found beyond the permissible limits. Majority of the vegetables and fodder crops tested here accumulated excessive amounts of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, which were beyond the permissible limits. The concentrations of Cr, Ni, Mn and Fe on the contrary were below the permissible limits in vegetables and fodder crops. Utilization of wastewater for irrigating the food and feed crops might not be safe, which could possibly be due to high salinity and sodium adsorption ratio leading eventually to adverse impact on growth and yield of crops. Soils and crops irrigated with wastewater should closely be monitored for heavy metals deposition so that the human health problems could be avoided.

The Lower Palaeozoic deep marine strata of the Tarim Basin are rich in petroleum resources and show bright prospect of exploration. The Tarim Basin is a typical multicycle superimposed cratonic basin. The Tarim Basin experienced a number of significant structural changes, resulting in a complex reservoiring process of oil and gas with the characteristics of "multi-source hydrocarbon supply, multi-stage reservoir, and mixed adjustment". The Cambrian-Ordovician hydrocarbon source rock in the Tarim Basin can be divided into three sets of source rocks: the Mid-Lower Cambrian, Mid-Lower Ordovician, and Upper Ordovician ones. The low geothermal gradient in the Tarim Basin contributed to the late oil generation of Cambrian and Ordovician oil-gas source rocks. The oil and gas of ultra-deep marine carbonates in the Tarim Basin generally commonly originated from multiple source rocks. The ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs in the Tarim Basin include four types, namely, reef-bank reservoir, dolomite reservoir, karst reservoir, and fracture reservoir, which are jointly controlled by factors of structure, strata sequence, facies, and fluid. The ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs in the Tarim Basin experienced multiple oil and gas accumulation period. The first accumulation period occurred in the late Caledonian period, the second one in the late Hercynian period, and the third one in the Himalayan period. The petroleum reservoir in the Tarim Basin is characterized by obvious multi-stage sealing and layered enrichment. Many types of pathways of migration were developed in the Tarim Basin, such as unconformities, faults, fractures, permeable transport layers, and volcanic piercement. The validity of pathways of hydrocarbons migration mainly depends on the location of source rocks and the matching relation between the period of hydrocarbon generation and migration and the formation of pathways. The formation and distribution of petroleum reservoir in the Tarim Basin is mainly controlled by factors of palaeouplift, palaeoslope, hydrocarbon source, regional seal, and structural balance zone.

The abandoned mining sites related to uncontrolled mine waste and acid mine drainage are one of the most serious environmental problems of Romania. The mining activities in Romania started to decline since the 90's when economically has become unprofitable, but the consequences on the ecosystem begin to emerge: drastic decline of fish fauna, drying of the riparian vegetation of floodplains. The Baia Mare mining region offers numerous, and well studied examples for this problems. The Upper Lăpuş Valley was selected by us because of the presence of a typical terrace system, and the lack of other (no mining) industrial pollution sources. Therefore, sampling the successive levels, beginning from the actual riverbed, until the Pleistocene terrace, the historical and industrial heavy metal inflow can be separated to the natural (geological) background. The Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd concentrations in soil samples of the upper level of the floodplain are higher, that the background, reaching in some samples the attention level. The values for heavy metals are between 4.90 - 2015 ppm for Cu, 0.50 - 50.90 ppm for Cd, 5.00 - 1050 ppm for Pb and between 21.00 - 5050ppm for Zn. It is evident, that there are a historical pollution, tied to the pre-industrial mine works from Băiuţ area and to the activity of the Rojahida furnace plant. The pollution front advances downward both in alluvia and in soils of floodplain, menacing all of Lăpuş Valley, including the protected area of Lăpuş Gorge. Spreading the mineral particles in soil cover, the heavy, toxic metals will be accumulate in feedstuff, in crops and finally, in human foods.

This article raises the issue of heavy metal concentrations in urban soils. Soil samples were collected from the surface layers of urban soils located in industrial areas, urban allotment garden areas as well as urban green areas in the city of Skarzysko-Kamienna which has chiefly industrial origins. The soil samples collected in Skarzysko-Kamienna indicated slightly acidic pHKCl in the range of 3.48-6.97. The highest average pHKCl value was reported for the industrial areas. The analyses indicated varied concentrations of heavy metals. The maximum values were reported for the soil samples coming from the industrial areas, except for Cd whose highest values were noted in the soils of urban allotment gardens. The results in comparison to the geochemical background defined for the soils of Skarzysko-Kamienna demonstrated higher concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn in the soils. This was confirmed by the analysis of the contamination degree determined through the geoaccumulation index (Igeo); however, the Igeo values were very differentiated within each group of land-use types. The study does not indicate a direct relationship between heavy metal concentrations and types of land use, except for Cr in the case of which such relationships were statistically proved. The degree of contamination of the city is especially affected by the locations having outlying concentrations of heavy metals as showed by the spatial presentation of the obtained results by means of the kriging method.

The aim of the experiment was to determine how earlier Zn pollution or the acidification of the soil influenced Zn adsorption and desorption of adsorbed Zn. Previous Zn pollution levels were 0, 500 and 2500 mg·kg⁻¹ Zn, while the shaking solutions used for adsorption analysis had concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 mg·dm⁻³. Desorption analysis was performed using the hot water percolation (HWP) method, resulting in ten 100 cm³ fractions. The pH value was measured both for adsorption and desorption. Langmuir isotherms were fitted to the adsorption data and the maximum adsorbable Zn quantity and the value of the equilibrium constant were determined. As a modified Langmuir isotherm was applied, the quantity of Zn bound on the surface prior to adsorption analysis was also determined. Sorption properties of soil were changed by both reduction of soil pH and partial saturation of Zn binding sites. The change in pH (pH6-pH4) had the greatest influence on the soil buffer capacity and on the equilibrium constant of this process, while previous Zn pollution also reduced the adsorption capacity. Zn loads in excess of the sorption capacity of the soil resulted in a significant decrease in soil pH. A considerable part of the adsorbed zinc is bound to the soil in readily mobilisable form. More the pH of the soil differs from the original value the more pronounced this phenomenon becomes.

This study aims to determine the field and petrographic properties of sandstones observed in Arsuz-İskenderun (Hatay) region and micro-size porosity changes in acidizing stages. The fine-grained sandstones of the Aktepe formation have more quartz grains than the other components and the binding material is matrix. Rock fragments that consist of fossil shells, limestone and igneous fragments are observed relatively to quartz and feldspar grains in the Kızıldere formation sandstones. The first step of reservoir rock acidizing is HCl acidizing and the process is experimentally provided by capillarity experiment. HCl with dilution rates of 7.5% - 15% - 30% was absorbed into the samples at room temperature and after 100 minutes, effective distances were observed as 0.6-0.8-1.1 cm and dissolved rock amounts as 32.82-34.02-35.54 g, respectively. In acidizing process, the average porosity analysed with Micro-CT is 39.6% of acidified samples with 15% diluted acid and non-acidified samples, equivalent results were obtained with porosity values measured by well logs. There is an increase in the porosity of about 16% with acidizing. Pores were bonded together by acidizing and pore size increase about 20%. The change in the pore throat by acidizing is 105%. Calculation of porosity of rocks by Micro-CT and image processing methods can be performed faster compared to the other methods.

The ability of mixed biomass (stems and leaves) of an invasive plant Reynoutria japonica to bind up Zn(II) ions has been studied. For modelling of kinetic data, pseudo-second-order model was used. The sorption equilibrium data were described by the Langmuir and Freundlich models; the processes were in concordance with obtained Langmuir and Freudlich isotherms. Both linear and non-linear models were suitable for data modelling. Maximal sorption capacity for Zn(II) was 8.97 mg/g (PAB 0.5). The sorption mechanism explained as ion exchange was described using EDS analyses. The binding groups of leaves and stems of R. japonica biomass were analyzed using FTIR method. For desorption of Zn(II) from R. japonica mixed biomass, 0.2M H2SO4 was successfully used.

The chabazitic and phillipsitic tuffs presented in this study are located in the south of Sandi{dotless}kli{dotless} (Afyon-west Anatolia). In this district there are important zeolitic resources. In petrographic investigations of tuffs, optical microscopy, SEM, and XRD methods were used for mineral analysis. Trachyte/ trachyandesitic tuffs contain chabazite and tephriphonolitic tuffs contain chabazite and phillipiste. According to the XRD results, chabazite occurs in the Ca-form; phillipsite is in the Na-K, K, and K,Caforms. Zeolite contents of tuffs (52.41-58.59 wt. %) were determined by using a heavy liquid method. Physical and mechanical tests of tuffs for using as building stone have been done in accordance with the Turkish Standard (TS 699). Zeolitic tuffs according to rock classification based on porosity fall in to the "very porous rock" category, and according to rock classification based on uniaxial compressive strength fall in to the "very low strength rock" category. The removal performance of heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+) in aqueous solution were investigated by adsorption process on chabazitic and phillipsitic tuffs. The selectivity sequence was determined as Cu > Zn > {all equal to}Ni for chabazitic tuffs, and as Cu > Ni > {all equal to}Zn for phillipsitic tuffs. The major chemical components of the trass, along with the flexural and compressive strengths of the pozzolana mortar, conform well to the requirements of both the ASTM and the Turkish Standard TS 25 (TS EN 196-1). The chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the blended cement mortar prepared with 15% and 30% zeolitic tuff additive are in accordance with the Turkish Standard (TS EN 197-1), and according to the results of experiments they can be mixed in the OPC and used as blended cement. These results show that zeolitic tuffs are used as blend materials and building stone, and to remove heavy metal ions from domestic wastewater because cation exchange properties provide economical and environmental advantages.

The chabazitic and phillipsitic tuffs presented in this study are located in the south of Sandikh (Afyon-west Anatolia). In this district there are important zeolitic resources. In petrographic investigations of tuffs, optical microscopy, SEM, and XRD methods were used for mineral analysis. Trachyte/trachyandesitic tuffs contain chabazite and tephriphonolitic tuffs contain chabazite and phillipiste. According to the XRD results, chabazite occurs in the Ca-form; phillipsite is in the Na-K, K, and K,Ca-forms. Zeolite contents of tuffs (52.41-58.59 wt. %) were determined by using a heavy liquid method. Physical and mechanical tests of tuffs for using as building stone have been done in accordance with the Turkish Standard (TS 699). Zeolitic tuffs according to rock classification based on porosity fall in to the "very porous rock" category, and according to rock classification based on uniaxial compressive strength fall in to the "very low strength rock" category. The removal performance of heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+) in aqueous solution were investigated by adsorption process on chabazitic and phillipsitic tuffs. The selectivity sequence was determined as Cu > Zn > congruent to Ni for chabazitic tuffs, and as Cu > Ni > congruent to Zn for phillipsitic tuffs. The major chemical components of the trass, along with the flexural and compressive strengths of the pozzolana mortar, conform well to the requirements of both the ASTM and the Turkish Standard IS 25 (TS EN 196-1). The chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the blended cement mortar prepared with 15% and 30% zeolitic tuff additive are in accordance with the Turkish Standard (TS EN 197-1), and according to the results of experiments they can be mixed in the OPC and used as blended cement. These results show that zeolitic tuffs are used as blend materials and building stone, and to remove heavy metal ions from domestic wastewater because cation exchange properties provide economical and environmental advantages.

Ten soil profiles from the Mezohavas region of the Gurghiu Mountains and ten from the Vf Madarasi Teto region of the Harghita Mountains were investigated by taking samples from the various horizons of each profile, leading to a series of 39 soil samples from Gurghiu and 37 from Harghita. In the course of the work the rate of phosphate adsorption on the soils was determined, and correlations were sought between chemical soil properties and the rate of adsorption. The maximum adsorption rate was calculated with the help of the Langmuir isotherm, and numerous other soil properties were examined in order to determine which parameters were correlated with the rate of phosphate adsorption. Among the soil properties, the oxalate-soluble Al and Fe contents, i.e. the non-crystalline Al and Fe oxyhydroxides, proved to be in close, positive, approximately linear correlation with the phosphate adsorption rate for both groups of soils. In addition, phosphate adsorption exhibited a close, negative, exponential correlation with the quantity of exchangeable cations, and a positive linear correlation with the pyrophosphate-soluble Al, i.e. that bound to organic matter.

The shrinking of wetlands in Hungary is a striking consequence of recent climatic processes and anthropogenic influence. The investigation of endangered wetland areas is of crucial importance, since the complex phenomenon of climate change superimposed by inadequate management strategies seriously threatens these exceptionally rich and diverse areas. Statistical and spatial assessment is a difficult task as tendencies need to be realised and quantified in a highly variable environment. The quantity of water in the landscape is a key factor from this aspect. The database of the study was made up of medium scale and freely accessible LANDSAT satellite images at the greatest possible temporal resolution. The main object of the investigation was the mapping of aridification on a longer 130 year and a shorter 4 year timescale at the protected Upper Kiskunság Lakes, being severely hit by droughts in the past decades. When analysing maps and images certain areas were difficult to classify and results did hardly yield a general and uniform long term tendency. Degradation processes were evaluated by applying both an optimistic and pessimistic scenario. In case of the optimistic evaluation, ambiguous patches were always considered to represent the favourable state in the future (the pessimistic approach worked the opposite way). Concerning the optimistic and pessimistic scenarios 5.6 and 33.5% of the study area will be affected negatively by water management strategies and precipitation decrease, respectively. As a consequence a remote sensing based monitoring activity is suggested by using sensors of great resolution in order to support planning, decision making and nature conservation in the future.

The studied area is placed south of the copper plant Baia Mare and was under the impact of gaseous emissions for many years. Heavy metals pollution and landslide caused by pedogenetic conditions were the factors that led to the limitation of land use for agriculture. Based on the physical and chemical characteristics and soil composition profile there were identified these types of soil: eutricambosol, typical luvosol, stagnic, gleyic luvosol and aluviosols. Lead concentration value is between 32-165ppm with high frequency values exceeding 100 ppm, the allowable maximum limit (100 ppm) for lead is exceeded by 1.14 – 1.65 times. Lead concentrations increase in close proximity of copper plant (425-995ppm). Copper concentrations are between 28-118ppm and at present the maximum frequency is below the allowable maximum values within the territory of Groşi locality for all the soils type. Copper concentrations between 54-750ppm, with the value frequency of over 100 ppm, are representative of soils in the area adjacent to the metallurgical plant. On the Groşi territory locality the Cu show concentration elevated above background. Zinc concentrations within the Groşi locality are between 89-308ppm. Zinc concentrations between 252-1325ppm are greater in the region adjacent to Baia Mare metallurgical plant. Cadmium concentrations do not exceed the allowable maximum value in the area of Groşi locality (0.7ppm) but in the area nearby metallurgical plant the excessive concentrations (1.20-9.44ppm) exceed the alert and intervention thresholds. Determinations by X-ray diffraction have emphasized the existence of montmorillonite and allophane in the clay fraction associated with hidromuscovite, feldspar and quartz. Low note of bonitate are due to gleyization and pseudogleyization and pollution from human activities and in particular the metallurgical industry. If used as grassland, the grades levels are between 58-81 and fall within the class III of bonitate and I class.

Ten sediment samples from Arieş river sediments were studied microbiologically during the four seasons of the year 2008. The following four ecophysiological bacterial groups have been studied: aerobic mesophilic heterotrophs, ammonifiers, nitrifiers and denitrifiers. The presence of all the four ecophysiological bacterial groups was registered in all the studied sediments. The studied bacterial groups present fluctuations according with the sampling season and the sampling points. The descending ranking of their abundance in the sampled sediments was: aerobic mesophilic heterotrophs, ammonifiers, denitrifiers, nitrifiers. Based on the bacteria number of the each ecophysiological group, the bacterial indicators of sediment quality (BIQS) were calculated and we observed its seasonal variations.

There are many shallow, environmentally sensitive salt-affected lakes in the Danube-Tisza Interfluve, Hungary. Because of long-term tendencies in regional and local hydrological and meteorological conditions (e.g. channelization, precipitation extremities, consecutive droughts) significant changes occurred in the state of these shallow lakes (or soda pans) in the last decades. In the example of Lake Szappanos the changes were studied that have taken place over the last three decades, such as the quality of surface water, groundwater and soil condition, transformation of vegetation, in 2014/2015 - repeating a survey in 1982. In the observed points, the average depth of groundwater level slightly dropped, away from the lake the differences became more pronounced, while the extension of the lake surface decreased. The soluble salt content of the groundwater decreased by one order of magnitude. The saline groundwater lies deeper, getting to lose its role as the source of salt. The rainfed near-surface water can act as a "freshwater cushion", which results in freshwater-like conditions, accompanied by changes in the vegetation. The "desalinization" process can be reversed to some extent and the Smaroglay's (1939) lake-evolutionary stages ("white" to "black" lake toward freshwater marsh) could be interchangeable in both directions by changing the influencing factors.

New geological data on the Orlea mining field, Roșia Montană ore deposit, Romania were obtained by fieldwork carried out in the underground level +730 m, where three types of mineralized structures hosted by the Vent Breccia formation were studied, i.e., (i) flatly dipping vein with rhodochrosite gangue, (ii) steeply dipping tectonic breccia dyke, and (iii) steeply dipping base metal vein, respectively. The Vent Breccia is a polymictic matrix-supported breccia with sedimentary (clay, sandstone), volcanic (dacite), and metamorphic (quartzite, garnet micaschist) clasts. Four types of hydrothermal alterations were identified, i.e., (i) K-metasomatosis (adularia I); (ii) phyllic alteration (sericite); (iii) silicification; and (iv) potassic alteration (adularia II). The ore mineral assemblage consists of electrum, pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, and minor arsenopyrite and pyrrhotite. The higher-grade ore body is the intermediate-sulfidation flatly dipping vein with rhodochrosite gangue grading up to 101g/t Au. The tectonic breccia dyke is a low-sulfidation ore body illustrating the evolution from early banded vein structure to late/final open-space clast supported tectonic breccia dyke.

This research presents a numerical simulation of the regional scale hydrothermal fluid flow over an E-W geological profile in the Northern Lawn Hill Platform, Australia, at 1575 Ma. The modeling work assesses favorable hydrological scenarios for the formation of stratiform Zn-Pb-Ag SEDEX deposits by buoyancy driven free convection of hydrothermal fluids. Based on recent geological mapping and stratigraphic interpretation, our conceptual model depicts the stratigraphy in the area at the time of mineralization at a finer resolution than previous simulations in the area. The stratigraphic sequence consists of three cycles of clastic and carbonate basin fills, cut by several major synsedimentary faults. FEFLOW, a 3D finite element code, is used to simulate fluid flow and coupled heat transfer. Based on a two dimensional simulation, the authors aim to gain insight into the regional groundwater circulation and heat redistribution, discharge at the surface by conduits of faults, and the impact of fluid flow on the mineral precipitation in diagenetic aquifers and deposition on the sea-floor at the vents of discharging faults. The evolution of the hydrothermal system is simulated based on the key hydraulic parameters controlling the paleo fluid flow pattern and heat transport. Numerical simulations indicated the relationship between faults and aquifer sequences as being a major factor controlling buoyancy driven convection. A sensitivity analysis performed for different scenarios by varying relationships between aquifers and syn-sedimentary faults offers a better understanding of the hydrogeological constraints on the genesis of major SEDEX deposits. The purpose of the present study was to target prospective Zn-Pb deposits in the Northern Lawn Hill platform, the Mt. Isa basin by buoyancy driven fluid flow and heat transport.

The content of soil organic matter (SOM) with regards to soil structure was evaluated in Chernozems of the Danube Lowland (Slovakia). The content of water-stable macro-aggregates (WSA(ma)) in the studied soils was on average 74.6%. Important from the agronomical viewpoint aggregates fraction 0.5-3.0 mm amounted on average 29.9%. The average content of soil organic carbon (SOC) was 13.5 +/- 3.78 g kg(-1) and it was significantly higher as compared to the content of this element in water-stable micro-aggregates (WSA(mi)) (10.5 +/- 4.22 g kg(-1)). The highest content of SOC was in the WSA(ma) (13.8 +/- 4.36 g kg(-1)). The content of labile carbon (C-L) was on average of 2.03 g kg(-1). On average, the contents of C-L in water-stable aggregates (WSA) were lower as compared to C-L in soil. SOC decreased with rising sand content. In contrast, SOC increased with increasing clay and silt contents in the soil. The content of SOC in WSA was conditioned by SOC concentration, the content of silt and clay fractions as well as by the content of WSA. The same trend was observed for C-L in WSA; however, C-L in WSA(mi) was not affected by C-L in soil, rather by SOC with combination of other parameters such as: silt and clay contents and content of WSA(mi).

Geomorphological processes and micro-relief landforms within the Hungarian flat lowlands are rarely studied in detail. This study aims to identify the morphometric characteristics of agricultural landforms developed by ploughing and ridges along drainage and irrigation canals (canal-ridges) based on a digital elevation model. The study found that the average height and width of canal-ridges is 0.44 m and 17 m approximately, and in several cases they block routes of runoff. Considerably larger ridges were formed along the main canals with a height of 0.8-1.4 m and a width of 25-50 m. In addition, many of the canal-sections lie on elevated surfaces and therefore they do not perform their drainage function. Symmetry analysis highlighted that most of the canals has ridges with different sizes, therefore orientation of canal sections to slope direction can be a major runoff modifying factor. Micro-landforms developed by ploughing are considerably lower (0.05-0.2 m) than canal-ridges but still have water retention function especially on the flattest plots.

The study means to quantify the impact of aridification on the dynamics of agriculturalproduction systems in South-Western Romania, where the consequences of climate change become ever more visible. Vast tracts of farmland and especially arable land are nowadays increasingly impacted by recurring droughts, which caused the aridification of large areas, and occasionally the complete elimination of vegetation. The question arises, in this context dominated by these phenomena, how do the other components of the impacted territorial systems react. This study establishes a correlation between the evolution of the aridification process and the dynamic of water resources at regional level, the latter being a vital component in the development of agricultural-production systems. Research methodology included a detailed analysis of aridification in correlation with the fluctuation of certain hydrological and hydrogeological parameters, as well as, indirectly, an analysis of the connection between water resources and regional crops. The results obtained emphasize the decline of agricultural-production systems as a result of the expansion of aridification and the decommissioning of irrigation systems which, over a long time, had compensated the absence of precipitations.

Grass ecosystems perform productive functions and significant non-productive functions - ecological and environmental. The sod (root biomass and tillering zone), with a dominant share of 80 % in primary grass swards production, ensures these functions. The production of root biomass and aboveground phytomass was examined on three grass swards types - permanent grass swards (PGS), over-sown grass swards (OGS), temporary grass swards (TGS) with four variants of mineral nutrition. The experiment was carried out in the research area of GMARI in Banska Bystrica (Slovak Republic). Root sampling was realized from the soil profile 0-100 mm by the method of monoliths. The lowest root biomass production was observed on TGS (7.3 t.ha(-1)), the highest production on PGS (8.27 t.ha(-1)). The root biomass production is highly influenced with mineral nutrition and with climate change. The significantly highest amount of root biomass (8.3 t.ha(-1)) was produced on grass swards fertilized at highest doses of nutrients (180 kg N + 30 kg P + 60 kg K.ha(-1)) and amount of root biomass was significantly higher during the dry years than climatically normal and wet years. Parameter for the evaluation of drought effect on the grass swards is the ratio of the root mass to the aboveground mass ratio (R/S). The results of R/S (4.02 - 5.16) demonstrate the significant ecological stability of the grass swards to the drought stress factor. The accumulation of biogenic elements in roots and in aboveground phytomass of grass swards was also determined. The total grass sward biomass accumulate: 362.7 kg.ha(-1) N, 41.8 kg.ha(-1) P, 252.1 kg.ha(-1) K, 115.5 kg.ha(-1) Ca, 49.7 kg.ha(-1) Mg on average. Root biomass has considerable importance in protection of the environment and food chain, because accumulates heavy metals from soil and prevents excessive release to the aboveground biomass using as forage for livestock.

The Pereschiv catchment is a typical rural and poorly developed area from eastern Romania, where over 90% of active population has been involved only in the primary sector. The local subsistence agricultural pattern is based on crop production and defined by very low yields. Degradation of the land quality strongly connected with the improper human impact resulted in significant soil erosion and gulling rates. Under such background and using GIS techniques, the main objective of this study is to establish an appropriate methodology to identify the best land use pattern, based on the natural conditions, so that land planning and land treatment investments to be at minimum level. Thus, the expected outcome is to automatically create an optimum land use map by comparing the present land use map with the evaluation score calculated for each land use type. The obtained results show that the current land uses do not match the maximum favorability due to the natural conditions for over half of the study area. The geomorphologic and pedologic conditions indicate that forestland, pastures and meadows should have to extend against the arable land, which it is recommended to be halved. The pastures slightly extend from 21.6% to 28.3%, while the forestland should increase more than three times from 12.2% at present to 37.1%. Generally, in the Pereschiv upper basin, the people are recommended to shift towards large-scale livestock, an activity which currently supports only their domestic purposes. In the middle and lower catchment, livestock has to extend too, and alternate with crop farming on relatively large areas, but higher than today. In terms of sustained investments, vineyard and the orchard can achieve very good results.

Excess water inundation can be regarded as a typical geological event in lowland areas when the surface is seasonably but persistently inundated in a considerably large area. Excess water inundation brings about serious damage essentially in agricultural regions, so one of the tasks of agrogeology is the prediction of excess water inundation upon geological conditions. From the geological factors of excess water inundation the two decisive are the permeability of surface and near-surface geological formations and the hydrostatic level of groundwater below the surface. The first one prevents or delays the infiltration of precipitation, whereas the second one is back damming infiltrating precipitation withholding thus precipitation on the surface. The excess water inundation as a phenomenon is evaluated differently area by area, so the definition was made clear first. Then after the research of the geological factors of excess water inundation, the determination of the possible occurrence of this problem is shown through a small region as an example in the northeast of the Great Hungarian Plain by the compilation of different thematic maps. Finally it can be stated that areas of high risk of excess water inundation due to geological factors are more extensive than those influenced solely by relief and other geomorphological characteristics, therefore deliberate land use is necessary.

The feasibility of achieving high biodegradation of benzo(ghi)perylene (BghiP), one of the most recalcitrant and carcinogenic PAHs, was investigated in soil samples. Microorganisms used were Bacillus licheniformis STK 01, Bacillus subtilis STK 02, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa STK 03, with Bacillus licheniformis STK 01 being the primary B(ghi)P biodegrader. The effects of co-culturing the isolates, biosurfactant augmentation, and using phenanthrene (Phe) and Beta vulgaris as co-metabolic substrates were investigated in a 60 day trial experiment. B(ghi)P concentrations were determined by a GC-FID while degradation levels were estimated by mass balance analysis. At the end of the experiment, 52.70%, 40.50%, and 58.36% B(ghi)P were degraded by B. licheniformis STK 01, B. subtilis STK 02, and P. aeruginosa STK 03 respectively, in mono-septic cultures without supplementation. However, the co-culturing of B. licheniformis and B. subtilis improved the degradation of B(ghi)P to 60.76%, B. licheniformis supplementation with Beta vulgaris waste increased the degradation to 58.36%, whereas biosurfactant addition to B. licheniformis increased the degradation to 60.90%. Moreover, B(ghi)P degradation kinetics observed for another 60 days, using B. licheniformis culture with biosurfactant supplementation, showed a further increased to 61.37%. Overall, the biological systems used, achieved a significant degradation efficiency of B(ghi)P in all the cultures studied, while first-order rate kinetics succinctly described the experimental kinetic data (R = 0.9878).

Air pollution tolerance index (APTI) is mostly used to select plant species tolerant to air pollution. The different physiological and biochemical parameters were used to develop APTI. In the present communication, we represent a comparative study to understand the effect of air pollution on vegetation composition in disturbed and undisturbed community investigated based on Importance Value Index (IVI). This study also suggest that plants have the potential to serve as excellent quantitative and qualitative indices of pollution as biomonitoring of plants is an important tool to evaluate the impact of air pollution on plants. Among the trees Azadirachta indica A.juss showed high degree of tolerance. Such plants species can be used as an important bioindicator and bioaccumulator along with economical importance.

Air pollution is the leading environmental agent that poses a severe threat to human health and is one of the most severe problems in cities. Of the pollutants, particulate matter (PM), especially particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter, has the most profound health impacts. Urbanization and industrialization in cities have made the air quality up there worse and worse. Our study was based on the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) feature, a parameter obtained by remote sensing that relates to the presence of airborne particles potentially associated with PM. In this study, the PM2.5 concentration data from the ground monitoring station and the MODIS AOD product of 3 km resolution were correlated to build a suitable regression function to simulate the spatial distribution of PM2.5 concentrations. Next, the AOD was retrieved from the Landsat image based on the characteristics of the decrease in atmospheric clarity caused by the pollution particles. Landsat AOD has a 600m higher resolution than MODIS AOD. Research results on air quality (AQ) were simulated on Landsat AOD image through PM2.5 concentration distribution and air quality index (AQI), in which AQI was determined based on USEPA standards. The analysis shows that the linear regression function between PM2.5 concentration and MODIS AOD correlated best with the correlation coefficient R=0.9. Then PM2.5 distribution was established on Landsat AOD image with higher spatial resolution. Case analysis for March of 2018 reflected that the average concentration of PM2.5 across Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) was higher than the allowable threshold specified in QCVN05:2013/BTNMT. PM2.5 concentration in central districts tended to be higher than in suburban districts. The study also found that the city average AQI-PM2.5 was around 97.38, peaking at 159, which was in the Unhealthy range, especially for sensitive groups. The result of the study provides potential solutions for AQ monitoring at the city level with a detailed spatial distribution.