A. Michnea - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by A. Michnea

Research paper thumbnail of Application of pollution indexes, cluster analysis and isocontent chart to the study of soil pollution

Creative Mathematics and Informatics, 2013

Statistical methods were applied to the assessment of the multi-elements pollution degree of the ... more Statistical methods were applied to the assessment of the multi-elements pollution degree of the soil with heavy metals and arsenic (microelements) in Baia Mare area, NW Romania. The content of several microelements were analyzed in soil samples from four zones in the studied area. Pollution indices were used to define the pollution degree compared to the Romanian regulation. Cluster analysis was used to classify the analyzed microelements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Co, Ni, Cr, Sn, Sb). Based on iso-contents maps for Pb and As, their contents in soil in whole Baia Mare area are assessed. The sampling point coordinates (latitude and longitude) were registered with a GPS (Global Positioning System) instrument. Considering the coordinates of each sampling point and the corresponding concentration of the considered microelement in the sampling point, a matrix XYZ was obtained where X was the longitude; Y was the latitude and Z the concentration of the microelements. A continuous surface was g...

Research paper thumbnail of Large-scale experiments for safe-guarding mine waste and preventing acid rock drainage

Process Metallurgy, 1999

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of The traceability of copper and zinc in some vegetables from old mining area in Baia Mare, NW Romania

journal-of-agroalimentary.ro

Research paper thumbnail of Adsorption Kinetic of 8-Hydroxyquinoline on Malachite

American Journal of Applied Sciences, 2007

Influence of temperature and collector concentration on its adsorption rate on mineral surface wa... more Influence of temperature and collector concentration on its adsorption rate on mineral surface was studied as regarding to the 8-hydroxyquinoline/malachite system. Theoretical equations as well as experimental data may be useful to estimate the adsorption rate and kinetics connected to the conditioning stage in mineral flotation in order to optimise the selectivity and the recovery of the desired mineral.

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a bioremediation process for mining wastewaters

Process Metallurgy, 1999

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Trace element transfer from soil to vegetables around the lead smelter in Baia Mare, NW Romania

Baia Mare is a mining and metallurgical centre in North-west Romania producing lead and copper fo... more Baia Mare is a mining and metallurgical centre in North-west Romania producing lead and copper for over 150 years. The lead smelter is located in Ferneziu district in a relative densely populated area. We collected 11 soil samples around the lead smelter and also 44 vegetable samples of 8 vegetable species commonly grown in gardens in Ferneziu district. The contents of trace elements (As, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn and Co) in soil and vegetables were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The average contents of As and heavy metals in the edible part of vegetable samples were: As 1.21; Pb 29.21; Cd 1.23; Zn 82.72; Cu 10.4; Ni 0.44; Mn 18.88 and Co 0.18 mg kg -1 dry weight (DW) while in the soil samples they were: 143.45; 3058.82; 6.28; 976.82; 607.82; 4.20; 1239.27 and 4.63 mg kg -1 DW. Pollution indexes were used in order to characterize the overall degree of soil and vegetable contamination with As and heavy metals. Pb is the prevalent pollutant element b...

Research paper thumbnail of A mathematical model for the study of contamination of honey with lead and cadmium in Baia Mare area

Creative Mathematics and Informatics, 2014

Eleven samples of honey collected from different locations spread in the Baia Mare area and situa... more Eleven samples of honey collected from different locations spread in the Baia Mare area and situated at various distances from the pollution source, the company Romplumb S.A. (while it has been in operation and after its closure in January 2012) were studied to determine the presence of the Pb and Cd by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. It has been found that the concentration of lead and cadmium is generally correlated with the degree of pollution of the environment with these heavy metals, as well as with the distances from the pollution source and the directions of circulation of the contaminated air. In order to characterize the contamination of honey we introduced the index of contamination (IC) that shows a medium contamination for Pb and weak contamination for Cd in the period the pollution source was active and a weak contamination for Pb and no contamination for Cd after the closure of the metallurgical plant. We obtained a mathematical model representing the concentration of Pb in honey with respect to the geographical position in case the air was also contaminated with Pb, and showing more clearly the influence of air flows on the contamination of honey.

Research paper thumbnail of Application of pollution indexes, cluster analysis and isocontent chart to the study of soil pollution

Research paper thumbnail of Wet deposition analysis using UV-VIS spectrometry in Maramures county (Romania)

The paper Wet Deposition Analysis Using UV-VIS Spectrometry in Maramures County presents the expe... more The paper Wet Deposition Analysis Using UV-VIS Spectrometry in Maramures County presents the experimental results obtained for wet deposition using Perkin Elmer Lamba 25 UV-VIS spectrometer. Four parameters were analysed: chloride, sulphate, nitrate anions and ammonium cation. The samples were collected from four location of Maramures County (Baia Mare, Sighet, Viseu and Borsa) during May- September 2014. The analysis of these parameters aims to investigate the air quality in Maramures County and in the Romanian-Ukraine transboundary area. The level of the wet deposition expressed in liter/square meter (L/mp) was different in the studied areas. The highest average level of wet deposition was in Borsa (52.03±23.64) followed by Baia Mare (43.95±23.33). The values of the wet deposition pH, considering all the sampling locations, ranged between 4.813 and 7.45. In the rain samples collected in Baia Mare area were found the highest average values of the concentrations of SO4 2- (1.569±0.6...

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of metals on the environment due to technical accident at Aurul Baia Mare, Romania

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2001

The S.C. Aurul S.A. is a joint venture company owned by the Esmeralda from Australia and the &quo... more The S.C. Aurul S.A. is a joint venture company owned by the Esmeralda from Australia and the "Remin" National Company of Precious and Non-ferrous Metals in Romania, established in 1992. The design concept was to transport the mining waste away from the city, while the gold and silver in the tailings could be recovered, using efficient and modern technology that was not available at the time the dam was established. On 30 January, 2000, at 22.00, the dam burst and released 100,000 cubic meters of tailing pulp, heavily contaminated with cyanide and cyanide complexes, especially with copper, into the Lapus and Somes tributaries of the river Tisa. The paper deals with the impact of metals on the environment associated with their presence in surface waters, river sediments and soils.

Research paper thumbnail of Nitrogen Species in Wet Atmospheric Deposition in Maramures County

The publications of the MultiScience - XXIX. MicroCAD International Scientific Conference

Research paper thumbnail of Experiments for the cyanide biodegradation from industrial wastewater from the processing of gold bearing ores

Research paper thumbnail of Trace element transfer from soil to vegetables around the lead smelter in Baia Mare, NW Romania

ABSTRACT Baia Mare is a mining and metallurgical centre in North-west Romania producing lead and ... more ABSTRACT Baia Mare is a mining and metallurgical centre in North-west Romania producing lead and copper for over 150 years. The lead smelter is located in Ferneziu district in a relative densely populated area. We collected 11 soil samples around the lead smelter and also 44 vegetable samples of 8 vegetable species commonly grown in gardens in Ferneziu district. The contents of trace elements (As, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn and Co) in soil and vegetables were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The average contents of As and heavy metals in the edible part of vegetable samples were: As 1.21; Pb 29.21; Cd 1.23; Zn 82.72; Cu 10.4; Ni 0.44; Mn 18.88 and Co 0.18 mg kg -1 dry weight (DW) while in the soil samples they were: 143.45; 3058.82; 6.28; 976.82; 607.82; 4.20; 1239.27 and 4.63 mg kg -1 DW. Pollution indexes were used in order to characterize the overall degree of soil and vegetable contamination with As and heavy metals. Pb is the prevalent pollutant element both in soil and vegetables but also important pollutants were Cd, As, Zn and Cu, while Co, Mn and Ni do not present any hazard due to their presence in soil or in plants. Transfer factors (TF) were calculated and they decrease in the following order: Cd > Ni > Zn > Co > Cu > Mn > Pb≈As. The high values of Cd TF for some vegetables like carrot, parsley and dill are of big concern. The consumption of the vegetables grown in Ferneziu area poses risk on the health of residents especially for vegetables having high values of TF or high concentration of pollutant elements (Cd, Pb, Zn and As) in the soil in their gardens.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of Lead and Cadmium Content in the Soils and Plants in Industrial Area

American Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2011

Problem statement: The objective of this research was to assess the degree of soil pollution and ... more Problem statement: The objective of this research was to assess the degree of soil pollution and also of Plant contamination with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in Baia Mare city (located in NW Romania) area which used to be one of the most important nonferrous metallurgical centers in Romania. Approach: Soil and plant samples were collected from 3 districts of Baia Mare: Ferneziu, located near the metallurgical plant producing lead, Săsar district, along the Săsar River in the preferential direction of the wind blowing from the metallurgical plant and the central area (Center) of the city of Baia Mare. As reference area, Dura area was considered located in a less polluted zone. The Pb and Cd assay was carried out by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Statistical analysis of the data was performed and correlations and similarities between the variables were highlighted. Principal component analysis was applied in order to improve the significance and to reduce the number of variables.

Research paper thumbnail of Arsenic and Antimony Content in Soil and Plants from Baia Mare Area, Romania

Problem statement: The objective of this research was to evaluate the degree of soil contaminatio... more Problem statement: The objective of this research was to evaluate the degree of soil contamination with arsenic and antimony in Baia Mare, a nonferrous mining and metallurgical center located in the North West region of Romania. The soil in the area is affected by the emissions of powders containing metals from metallurgical factories. Previous studies indicated the soil contamination with copper, zinc, cadmium and lead, but there is few data about the actual level of soil pollution with arsenic and antimony. Approach: The soil samples were collected from 2 districts of Baia Mare: Ferneziu, which is located in the proximity of a lead smelter and Săsar district which is located along the Săsar River in the preferential direction of the wind over a metallurgical factory producing lead. As reference was considered Dura area located in a less polluted hilly area, in the west part of the town. Samples of soil and plants from the residential area of Ferneziu, Săsar and Dura districts were collected. The arsenic determination was carried out by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and the antimony determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: In Ferneziu area, the concentration of arsenic in soil ranged between 0.25 and 255 mg kg −1 . In Săsar district the arsenic concentration in the soil ranged between 5.5 and 295 mg kg −1 . Regarding antimony, in Ferneziu area the concentration ranged between 5.3 and 40.6 mg kg −1 ; while in Săsar, antimony soils concentrations vary in the range: 0.9-18.4. Arsenic and antimony concentrations in plants were low for almost of the samples, both in Ferneziu and Săsar area indicating a low mobility of these elements in the studied soils. Conclusion: This study indicated the soil pollution with arsenic both in Ferneziu district and in Săsar district. The soil pollution with antimony was found especially in Ferneziu district.

Research paper thumbnail of Arsenic and Antimony Content in Soil and Plants from Baia Mare Area, Romania

American Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2010

Problem statement: The objective of this research was to evaluate the degree of soil contaminatio... more Problem statement: The objective of this research was to evaluate the degree of soil contamination with arsenic and antimony in Baia Mare, a nonferrous mining and metallurgical center located in the North West region of Romania. The soil in the area is affected by the emissions of powders containing metals from metallurgical factories. Previous studies indicated the soil contamination with copper, zinc, cadmium and lead, but there is few data about the actual level of soil pollution with arsenic and antimony. Approach: The soil samples were collected from 2 districts of Baia Mare: Ferneziu, which is located in the proximity of a lead smelter and Săsar district which is located along the Săsar River in the preferential direction of the wind over a metallurgical factory producing lead. As reference was considered Dura area located in a less polluted hilly area, in the west part of the town. Samples of soil and plants from the residential area of Ferneziu, Săsar and Dura districts were collected. The arsenic determination was carried out by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and the antimony determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: In Ferneziu area, the concentration of arsenic in soil ranged between 0.25 and 255 mg kg −1 . In Săsar district the arsenic concentration in the soil ranged between 5.5 and 295 mg kg −1 . Regarding antimony, in Ferneziu area the concentration ranged between 5.3 and 40.6 mg kg −1 ; while in Săsar, antimony soils concentrations vary in the range: 0.9-18.4. Arsenic and antimony concentrations in plants were low for almost of the samples, both in Ferneziu and Săsar area indicating a low mobility of these elements in the studied soils. Conclusion: This study indicated the soil pollution with arsenic both in Ferneziu district and in Săsar district. The soil pollution with antimony was found especially in Ferneziu district.

Research paper thumbnail of Trace element transfer from soil to vegetables around the lead smelter in Baia Mare, NW Romania

Baia Mare is a mining and metallurgical centre in North-west Romania producing lead and copper fo... more Baia Mare is a mining and metallurgical centre in North-west Romania producing lead and copper for over 150 years. The lead smelter is located in Ferneziu district in a relative densely populated area. We collected 11 soil samples around the lead smelter and also 44 vegetable samples of 8 vegetable species commonly grown in gardens in Ferneziu district. The contents of trace elements (As, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn and Co) in soil and vegetables were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The average contents of As and heavy metals in the edible part of vegetable samples were: As 1.21; Pb 29.21; Cd 1.23; Zn 82.72; Cu 10.4; Ni 0.44; Mn 18.88 and Co 0.18 mg kg -1 dry weight (DW) while in the soil samples they were: 143.45; 3058.82; 6.28; 976.82; 607.82; 4.20; 1239.27 and 4.63 mg kg -1 DW. Pollution indexes were used in order to characterize the overall degree of soil and vegetable contamination with As and heavy metals. Pb is the prevalent pollutant element both in soil and vegetables but also important pollutants were Cd, As, Zn and Cu, while Co, Mn and Ni do not present any hazard due to their presence in soil or in plants. Transfer factors (TF) were calculated and they decrease in the following order: Cd > Ni > Zn > Co > Cu > Mn > Pb≈As. The high values of Cd TF for some vegetables like carrot, parsley and dill are of big concern. The consumption of the vegetables grown in Ferneziu area poses risk on the health of residents especially for vegetables having high values of TF or high concentration of pollutant elements (Cd, Pb, Zn and As) in the soil in their gardens.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of heavy metals content and pollution level in soil and plants in Baia Mare area, NW Romania

In order to assess the soil pollution level by heavy metals and also the possibility of metals en... more In order to assess the soil pollution level by heavy metals and also the possibility of metals entrance in the food chain via plants, pollution load index (PLI), contamination factors (CF) and soil to plant transfer factors (TF) were calculated. Topsoil samples (1-10 cm) and plants growing on them were collected from four areas in Baia Mare city and surroundings: three polluted areas (Ferneziu, Săsar and Center) and one reference area. The following heavy metals: Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Co, Mn, Sn were analyzed in soil and plant samples by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The highest TF were obtained for Cd (0.66-3.13) while the lowest values were calculated for Pb (0.004-0.02). The contamination level of the soil within the investigated areas was assessed according to PLI values. Ferneziu district, where the lead smelter is located, was found being the most polluted site for Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and Sn. Cluster analysis was conducted in order to classify metals of different sources and origins. Cd, Pb, Sn, Zn and Cu occur as a result of anthropogenic activities while Co, Cr, Mn and Ni in soil can be naturally found in the soil composition

Research paper thumbnail of Arsenic and Antimony Content in Soil and Plants from Baia Mare Area, Romania

American Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2010

Problem statement: The objective of this research was to evaluate the degree of soil contaminatio... more Problem statement: The objective of this research was to evaluate the degree of soil contamination with arsenic and antimony in Baia Mare, a nonferrous mining and metallurgical center located in the North West region of Romania. The so il in the area is affected by the emissions of powders containing metals from metallurgical factor ies. Previous studies indicated the soil

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of Lead and Cadmium Content in the Soils and Plants in Industrial Area

American Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2011

Problem statement: The objective of this research was to assess the degree of soil pollution and ... more Problem statement: The objective of this research was to assess the degree of soil pollution and also of Plant contamination with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in Baia Mare city (located in NW Romania) area which used to be one of the most important nonferrous metallurgical centers in Romania. Approach: Soil and plant samples were collected from 3 districts of Baia Mare: Ferneziu, located near the metallurgical plant producing lead, Săsar district, along the Săsar River in the preferential direction of the wind blowing from the metallurgical plant and the central area (Center) of the city of Baia Mare. As reference area, Dura area was considered located in a less polluted zone. The Pb and Cd assay was carried out by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Statistical analysis of the data was performed and correlations and similarities between the variables were highlighted. Principal component analysis was applied in order to improve the significance and to reduce the number of variables.

Research paper thumbnail of Application of pollution indexes, cluster analysis and isocontent chart to the study of soil pollution

Creative Mathematics and Informatics, 2013

Statistical methods were applied to the assessment of the multi-elements pollution degree of the ... more Statistical methods were applied to the assessment of the multi-elements pollution degree of the soil with heavy metals and arsenic (microelements) in Baia Mare area, NW Romania. The content of several microelements were analyzed in soil samples from four zones in the studied area. Pollution indices were used to define the pollution degree compared to the Romanian regulation. Cluster analysis was used to classify the analyzed microelements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Co, Ni, Cr, Sn, Sb). Based on iso-contents maps for Pb and As, their contents in soil in whole Baia Mare area are assessed. The sampling point coordinates (latitude and longitude) were registered with a GPS (Global Positioning System) instrument. Considering the coordinates of each sampling point and the corresponding concentration of the considered microelement in the sampling point, a matrix XYZ was obtained where X was the longitude; Y was the latitude and Z the concentration of the microelements. A continuous surface was g...

Research paper thumbnail of Large-scale experiments for safe-guarding mine waste and preventing acid rock drainage

Process Metallurgy, 1999

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of The traceability of copper and zinc in some vegetables from old mining area in Baia Mare, NW Romania

journal-of-agroalimentary.ro

Research paper thumbnail of Adsorption Kinetic of 8-Hydroxyquinoline on Malachite

American Journal of Applied Sciences, 2007

Influence of temperature and collector concentration on its adsorption rate on mineral surface wa... more Influence of temperature and collector concentration on its adsorption rate on mineral surface was studied as regarding to the 8-hydroxyquinoline/malachite system. Theoretical equations as well as experimental data may be useful to estimate the adsorption rate and kinetics connected to the conditioning stage in mineral flotation in order to optimise the selectivity and the recovery of the desired mineral.

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a bioremediation process for mining wastewaters

Process Metallurgy, 1999

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Trace element transfer from soil to vegetables around the lead smelter in Baia Mare, NW Romania

Baia Mare is a mining and metallurgical centre in North-west Romania producing lead and copper fo... more Baia Mare is a mining and metallurgical centre in North-west Romania producing lead and copper for over 150 years. The lead smelter is located in Ferneziu district in a relative densely populated area. We collected 11 soil samples around the lead smelter and also 44 vegetable samples of 8 vegetable species commonly grown in gardens in Ferneziu district. The contents of trace elements (As, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn and Co) in soil and vegetables were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The average contents of As and heavy metals in the edible part of vegetable samples were: As 1.21; Pb 29.21; Cd 1.23; Zn 82.72; Cu 10.4; Ni 0.44; Mn 18.88 and Co 0.18 mg kg -1 dry weight (DW) while in the soil samples they were: 143.45; 3058.82; 6.28; 976.82; 607.82; 4.20; 1239.27 and 4.63 mg kg -1 DW. Pollution indexes were used in order to characterize the overall degree of soil and vegetable contamination with As and heavy metals. Pb is the prevalent pollutant element b...

Research paper thumbnail of A mathematical model for the study of contamination of honey with lead and cadmium in Baia Mare area

Creative Mathematics and Informatics, 2014

Eleven samples of honey collected from different locations spread in the Baia Mare area and situa... more Eleven samples of honey collected from different locations spread in the Baia Mare area and situated at various distances from the pollution source, the company Romplumb S.A. (while it has been in operation and after its closure in January 2012) were studied to determine the presence of the Pb and Cd by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. It has been found that the concentration of lead and cadmium is generally correlated with the degree of pollution of the environment with these heavy metals, as well as with the distances from the pollution source and the directions of circulation of the contaminated air. In order to characterize the contamination of honey we introduced the index of contamination (IC) that shows a medium contamination for Pb and weak contamination for Cd in the period the pollution source was active and a weak contamination for Pb and no contamination for Cd after the closure of the metallurgical plant. We obtained a mathematical model representing the concentration of Pb in honey with respect to the geographical position in case the air was also contaminated with Pb, and showing more clearly the influence of air flows on the contamination of honey.

Research paper thumbnail of Application of pollution indexes, cluster analysis and isocontent chart to the study of soil pollution

Research paper thumbnail of Wet deposition analysis using UV-VIS spectrometry in Maramures county (Romania)

The paper Wet Deposition Analysis Using UV-VIS Spectrometry in Maramures County presents the expe... more The paper Wet Deposition Analysis Using UV-VIS Spectrometry in Maramures County presents the experimental results obtained for wet deposition using Perkin Elmer Lamba 25 UV-VIS spectrometer. Four parameters were analysed: chloride, sulphate, nitrate anions and ammonium cation. The samples were collected from four location of Maramures County (Baia Mare, Sighet, Viseu and Borsa) during May- September 2014. The analysis of these parameters aims to investigate the air quality in Maramures County and in the Romanian-Ukraine transboundary area. The level of the wet deposition expressed in liter/square meter (L/mp) was different in the studied areas. The highest average level of wet deposition was in Borsa (52.03±23.64) followed by Baia Mare (43.95±23.33). The values of the wet deposition pH, considering all the sampling locations, ranged between 4.813 and 7.45. In the rain samples collected in Baia Mare area were found the highest average values of the concentrations of SO4 2- (1.569±0.6...

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of metals on the environment due to technical accident at Aurul Baia Mare, Romania

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2001

The S.C. Aurul S.A. is a joint venture company owned by the Esmeralda from Australia and the &quo... more The S.C. Aurul S.A. is a joint venture company owned by the Esmeralda from Australia and the "Remin" National Company of Precious and Non-ferrous Metals in Romania, established in 1992. The design concept was to transport the mining waste away from the city, while the gold and silver in the tailings could be recovered, using efficient and modern technology that was not available at the time the dam was established. On 30 January, 2000, at 22.00, the dam burst and released 100,000 cubic meters of tailing pulp, heavily contaminated with cyanide and cyanide complexes, especially with copper, into the Lapus and Somes tributaries of the river Tisa. The paper deals with the impact of metals on the environment associated with their presence in surface waters, river sediments and soils.

Research paper thumbnail of Nitrogen Species in Wet Atmospheric Deposition in Maramures County

The publications of the MultiScience - XXIX. MicroCAD International Scientific Conference

Research paper thumbnail of Experiments for the cyanide biodegradation from industrial wastewater from the processing of gold bearing ores

Research paper thumbnail of Trace element transfer from soil to vegetables around the lead smelter in Baia Mare, NW Romania

ABSTRACT Baia Mare is a mining and metallurgical centre in North-west Romania producing lead and ... more ABSTRACT Baia Mare is a mining and metallurgical centre in North-west Romania producing lead and copper for over 150 years. The lead smelter is located in Ferneziu district in a relative densely populated area. We collected 11 soil samples around the lead smelter and also 44 vegetable samples of 8 vegetable species commonly grown in gardens in Ferneziu district. The contents of trace elements (As, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn and Co) in soil and vegetables were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The average contents of As and heavy metals in the edible part of vegetable samples were: As 1.21; Pb 29.21; Cd 1.23; Zn 82.72; Cu 10.4; Ni 0.44; Mn 18.88 and Co 0.18 mg kg -1 dry weight (DW) while in the soil samples they were: 143.45; 3058.82; 6.28; 976.82; 607.82; 4.20; 1239.27 and 4.63 mg kg -1 DW. Pollution indexes were used in order to characterize the overall degree of soil and vegetable contamination with As and heavy metals. Pb is the prevalent pollutant element both in soil and vegetables but also important pollutants were Cd, As, Zn and Cu, while Co, Mn and Ni do not present any hazard due to their presence in soil or in plants. Transfer factors (TF) were calculated and they decrease in the following order: Cd > Ni > Zn > Co > Cu > Mn > Pb≈As. The high values of Cd TF for some vegetables like carrot, parsley and dill are of big concern. The consumption of the vegetables grown in Ferneziu area poses risk on the health of residents especially for vegetables having high values of TF or high concentration of pollutant elements (Cd, Pb, Zn and As) in the soil in their gardens.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of Lead and Cadmium Content in the Soils and Plants in Industrial Area

American Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2011

Problem statement: The objective of this research was to assess the degree of soil pollution and ... more Problem statement: The objective of this research was to assess the degree of soil pollution and also of Plant contamination with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in Baia Mare city (located in NW Romania) area which used to be one of the most important nonferrous metallurgical centers in Romania. Approach: Soil and plant samples were collected from 3 districts of Baia Mare: Ferneziu, located near the metallurgical plant producing lead, Săsar district, along the Săsar River in the preferential direction of the wind blowing from the metallurgical plant and the central area (Center) of the city of Baia Mare. As reference area, Dura area was considered located in a less polluted zone. The Pb and Cd assay was carried out by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Statistical analysis of the data was performed and correlations and similarities between the variables were highlighted. Principal component analysis was applied in order to improve the significance and to reduce the number of variables.

Research paper thumbnail of Arsenic and Antimony Content in Soil and Plants from Baia Mare Area, Romania

Problem statement: The objective of this research was to evaluate the degree of soil contaminatio... more Problem statement: The objective of this research was to evaluate the degree of soil contamination with arsenic and antimony in Baia Mare, a nonferrous mining and metallurgical center located in the North West region of Romania. The soil in the area is affected by the emissions of powders containing metals from metallurgical factories. Previous studies indicated the soil contamination with copper, zinc, cadmium and lead, but there is few data about the actual level of soil pollution with arsenic and antimony. Approach: The soil samples were collected from 2 districts of Baia Mare: Ferneziu, which is located in the proximity of a lead smelter and Săsar district which is located along the Săsar River in the preferential direction of the wind over a metallurgical factory producing lead. As reference was considered Dura area located in a less polluted hilly area, in the west part of the town. Samples of soil and plants from the residential area of Ferneziu, Săsar and Dura districts were collected. The arsenic determination was carried out by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and the antimony determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: In Ferneziu area, the concentration of arsenic in soil ranged between 0.25 and 255 mg kg −1 . In Săsar district the arsenic concentration in the soil ranged between 5.5 and 295 mg kg −1 . Regarding antimony, in Ferneziu area the concentration ranged between 5.3 and 40.6 mg kg −1 ; while in Săsar, antimony soils concentrations vary in the range: 0.9-18.4. Arsenic and antimony concentrations in plants were low for almost of the samples, both in Ferneziu and Săsar area indicating a low mobility of these elements in the studied soils. Conclusion: This study indicated the soil pollution with arsenic both in Ferneziu district and in Săsar district. The soil pollution with antimony was found especially in Ferneziu district.

Research paper thumbnail of Arsenic and Antimony Content in Soil and Plants from Baia Mare Area, Romania

American Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2010

Problem statement: The objective of this research was to evaluate the degree of soil contaminatio... more Problem statement: The objective of this research was to evaluate the degree of soil contamination with arsenic and antimony in Baia Mare, a nonferrous mining and metallurgical center located in the North West region of Romania. The soil in the area is affected by the emissions of powders containing metals from metallurgical factories. Previous studies indicated the soil contamination with copper, zinc, cadmium and lead, but there is few data about the actual level of soil pollution with arsenic and antimony. Approach: The soil samples were collected from 2 districts of Baia Mare: Ferneziu, which is located in the proximity of a lead smelter and Săsar district which is located along the Săsar River in the preferential direction of the wind over a metallurgical factory producing lead. As reference was considered Dura area located in a less polluted hilly area, in the west part of the town. Samples of soil and plants from the residential area of Ferneziu, Săsar and Dura districts were collected. The arsenic determination was carried out by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and the antimony determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: In Ferneziu area, the concentration of arsenic in soil ranged between 0.25 and 255 mg kg −1 . In Săsar district the arsenic concentration in the soil ranged between 5.5 and 295 mg kg −1 . Regarding antimony, in Ferneziu area the concentration ranged between 5.3 and 40.6 mg kg −1 ; while in Săsar, antimony soils concentrations vary in the range: 0.9-18.4. Arsenic and antimony concentrations in plants were low for almost of the samples, both in Ferneziu and Săsar area indicating a low mobility of these elements in the studied soils. Conclusion: This study indicated the soil pollution with arsenic both in Ferneziu district and in Săsar district. The soil pollution with antimony was found especially in Ferneziu district.

Research paper thumbnail of Trace element transfer from soil to vegetables around the lead smelter in Baia Mare, NW Romania

Baia Mare is a mining and metallurgical centre in North-west Romania producing lead and copper fo... more Baia Mare is a mining and metallurgical centre in North-west Romania producing lead and copper for over 150 years. The lead smelter is located in Ferneziu district in a relative densely populated area. We collected 11 soil samples around the lead smelter and also 44 vegetable samples of 8 vegetable species commonly grown in gardens in Ferneziu district. The contents of trace elements (As, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn and Co) in soil and vegetables were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The average contents of As and heavy metals in the edible part of vegetable samples were: As 1.21; Pb 29.21; Cd 1.23; Zn 82.72; Cu 10.4; Ni 0.44; Mn 18.88 and Co 0.18 mg kg -1 dry weight (DW) while in the soil samples they were: 143.45; 3058.82; 6.28; 976.82; 607.82; 4.20; 1239.27 and 4.63 mg kg -1 DW. Pollution indexes were used in order to characterize the overall degree of soil and vegetable contamination with As and heavy metals. Pb is the prevalent pollutant element both in soil and vegetables but also important pollutants were Cd, As, Zn and Cu, while Co, Mn and Ni do not present any hazard due to their presence in soil or in plants. Transfer factors (TF) were calculated and they decrease in the following order: Cd > Ni > Zn > Co > Cu > Mn > Pb≈As. The high values of Cd TF for some vegetables like carrot, parsley and dill are of big concern. The consumption of the vegetables grown in Ferneziu area poses risk on the health of residents especially for vegetables having high values of TF or high concentration of pollutant elements (Cd, Pb, Zn and As) in the soil in their gardens.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of heavy metals content and pollution level in soil and plants in Baia Mare area, NW Romania

In order to assess the soil pollution level by heavy metals and also the possibility of metals en... more In order to assess the soil pollution level by heavy metals and also the possibility of metals entrance in the food chain via plants, pollution load index (PLI), contamination factors (CF) and soil to plant transfer factors (TF) were calculated. Topsoil samples (1-10 cm) and plants growing on them were collected from four areas in Baia Mare city and surroundings: three polluted areas (Ferneziu, Săsar and Center) and one reference area. The following heavy metals: Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Co, Mn, Sn were analyzed in soil and plant samples by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The highest TF were obtained for Cd (0.66-3.13) while the lowest values were calculated for Pb (0.004-0.02). The contamination level of the soil within the investigated areas was assessed according to PLI values. Ferneziu district, where the lead smelter is located, was found being the most polluted site for Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and Sn. Cluster analysis was conducted in order to classify metals of different sources and origins. Cd, Pb, Sn, Zn and Cu occur as a result of anthropogenic activities while Co, Cr, Mn and Ni in soil can be naturally found in the soil composition

Research paper thumbnail of Arsenic and Antimony Content in Soil and Plants from Baia Mare Area, Romania

American Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2010

Problem statement: The objective of this research was to evaluate the degree of soil contaminatio... more Problem statement: The objective of this research was to evaluate the degree of soil contamination with arsenic and antimony in Baia Mare, a nonferrous mining and metallurgical center located in the North West region of Romania. The so il in the area is affected by the emissions of powders containing metals from metallurgical factor ies. Previous studies indicated the soil

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of Lead and Cadmium Content in the Soils and Plants in Industrial Area

American Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2011

Problem statement: The objective of this research was to assess the degree of soil pollution and ... more Problem statement: The objective of this research was to assess the degree of soil pollution and also of Plant contamination with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in Baia Mare city (located in NW Romania) area which used to be one of the most important nonferrous metallurgical centers in Romania. Approach: Soil and plant samples were collected from 3 districts of Baia Mare: Ferneziu, located near the metallurgical plant producing lead, Săsar district, along the Săsar River in the preferential direction of the wind blowing from the metallurgical plant and the central area (Center) of the city of Baia Mare. As reference area, Dura area was considered located in a less polluted zone. The Pb and Cd assay was carried out by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Statistical analysis of the data was performed and correlations and similarities between the variables were highlighted. Principal component analysis was applied in order to improve the significance and to reduce the number of variables.