Irina Eugenia Lucaciu - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Irina Eugenia Lucaciu
The Science of the total environment, 2018
Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition bioassay (VFBIA) has been widely applied for the monit... more Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition bioassay (VFBIA) has been widely applied for the monitoring of toxicity on account of multiple advantages encompassing shorter test duration, sensitive, cost-effective and ease of operation. Moreover, this bioassay found to be equally applicable to all types of matrices (organic & inorganic compounds, metals, wastewater, river water, sewage sludge, landfill leachate, herbicides, treated wastewater etc.) for toxicity monitoring. This review highlights the apparent significance of Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition assay for ecotoxicological screening and evaluation of diverse chemical substances toxicity profile. The biochemical and genetic basis of the bioluminescence assay and its regulatory mechanism have been concisely discussed. The basic test protocol with ongoing improvements, widespread applications, typical advantages and probable limitations of the assay have been overviewed. The sensitivity of VFBIA and toxicity bioassays ...
Toxics, Apr 29, 2022
Histopathological Changes in Gills and Kidneys of Cyprinus carpio following Exposure to Benzethon... more Histopathological Changes in Gills and Kidneys of Cyprinus carpio following Exposure to Benzethonium Chloride, a Cationic Surfactant.
Foods
The perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a persistent class of synthetic chemicals that spr... more The perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a persistent class of synthetic chemicals that spread in the environment as a result of industrialization. Due to their bioaccumulative and endocrine disruption implications, these chemicals can affect food quality and human health, respectively. In the present study, the bioconcentration and biotransformation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were evaluated in a biphasic system (exposure and depuration). Carp were continuously exposed, under laboratory conditions, to 10 (Experiment 1) and 100 (Experiment 2) µg/L PFOA for 14 weeks, followed by a wash out period of 3 weeks. Fish organs and tissues were collected at 8, 12, 14 weeks of exposure and at week 17, after the depuration period. The results obtained from the LC-MS/MS analysis showed the presence of PFOA in all studied organs. The highest values of PFOA were identified in the gallbladder (up to 2572 ng/g d.w.) in Experiment 1 and in the gallbladder ...
Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) are the most commonly parameter... more Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) are the most commonly parameters for characterization of organic matter content of water. Correlation between BOD5 and COD for different types of water can provide relevant information about the nature of pollution, the content of organic matter and its level of biodegradability. This correlation could also be used to assess the quality of effluent after the treatment processes, to improve the performance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and/or to monitor the quality of river water into which wastewater are discharged. The objective of this study was to assess the degree of biodegradability of different types of water (influents and effluents of 3 important municipal WWTPs of Romania, untreated wastewater discharged by different economic units from Bucharest; effluents of 5 different hospitals and surface water - natural receptors of the effluents discharged by the municipal treatment plants), based on the ratio...
In Romania, water intended for human consumption is obtained from surface water (90-92%) and unde... more In Romania, water intended for human consumption is obtained from surface water (90-92%) and underground water resources, and the existent systems of water supply cover only 65% of population consumption (97% for urban population). Under EEA Financial Mechanism, INCD ECOIND and STIFTELSEN SINTEF (Norway Company) will developed in partnership a project for monitoring potable water quality (from catching until production
Revista De Chimie, Feb 7, 2020
The present paper aims to evaluate the toxic effects generated by conventional treated mine water... more The present paper aims to evaluate the toxic effects generated by conventional treated mine water as well as freshwater samples (Macris river) on primary producers (green algae, Selenastrum capricornutum) and primary consumers (planktonic crustaceans, Daphnia magna). Those organisms could be very realiable biological models to assess the toxic effect of mine waters on the environment. The green algae growth inhibition test (performed according to OECD201) and the acute immobilization test of freshwater crustaceans (Daphnia magna) (performed according to OECD 202) showed no growth inhibition or Daphnia magna immobilization / mortality during 72h and 48h incubation in presence of surface water samples from Macris river. The aqueous system with 1.89 g/L sulphate ion (SO4 2-) concentration, containing treated mine water mixed with freshwater sample (ratio 2.4:1), generated 100% toxic effect on crustaceans (Daphnia magna) after 48h incubation.
Water Science & Technology: Water Supply, Aug 23, 2014
Under European Economic Area Agreement, Romania and Norway have developed a project for monitorin... more Under European Economic Area Agreement, Romania and Norway have developed a project for monitoring the quality of raw and potable water (from production technology until distribution) supplied by two Romanian water companies. In the present study was investigated the microbiological quality of water, which was compared with organic matter loads. Resulting free chlorine and trihalomethane compounds after disinfection processes were also analysed. The raw water collected from Danube hydrographical basin showed significant pollution with potential pathogenic microorganisms with faecal origin such as Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter braakii, Providencia stuartii, and Enterococcus sp. Also other bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter, total number of bacteria at 22 and 37 W C were detected, being related to high water oxidability. The microbial load was reduced considerably after the disinfection process. However, the total number of bacteria at 22 or 37 W C was constantly higher than the imposed limit and Clostridium perfringens was identified occasionally. The tap water presented a sporadic microbial loading with Enterococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli and constantly with total number of bacteria due to an improper water distribution network.
Revista De Chimie, Feb 7, 2020
The widespread use of detergents has raised concern with regard to the environmental pollution ca... more The widespread use of detergents has raised concern with regard to the environmental pollution caused by their active substances, which are biorefractory, toxic or persistent. Even though anionic and non-ionic surfactants often used in commercial detergents composition are reasonably degradable under aerobic conditions and not particularly toxic at low concentrations, high concentration of surfactants influenced the activated sludge activity and are harmful for the aquatic environment. In the literature, data on the biodegradability and/or ecotoxicity of a certain type of surfactant (anionic, nonionic, cationic) are usually presented. Our study aimed to assess the biodegradability of a mixture of two types of surfactants (anionic mixed with non-ionic) and also, effects caused by their presence of elevated concentrations to the activated sludge microorganisms, within a batch experiment. We performed a biodegradability test (according Zahn-Wellens method) on 2 synthetic solutions with high concentrations of anionic surfactant-methyl dodecylbenzene sulfonate (15-25 mg/L) and non-ionic surfactant-4-nonylphenyl-polyethylene glycol (10 mg/L). The study established different percent of biodegradability (measured by COD decrease and surfactants removal) depending on initial concentrations of anionic and nonionic surfactants in the tested solutions. High surfactants concentrations modulated the activity and morphology of activated sludge, so its degradation efficiency of the organic substrate has decreased. Surfactant solutions resulting from biodegradability experiment have been tested for toxicity to planktonic crustaceans (Daphnia magna).
InTech eBooks, Jun 14, 2013
NATO science for peace and security series, 2013
The main objective of this paper is to highlight the dynamics of biotic community in terms of spa... more The main objective of this paper is to highlight the dynamics of biotic community in terms of spatial and temporal relationship. The biotic community dynamics in St. Gheorghe Branch were discussed based on existing data and the results of our own research during 2003–2009. Surface water and sediment samples have been collected monthly from two control sections, Murighiol and Uzlina. The analyzed parameters were according to the Norm concerning the reference objectives for the surface water quality classification (Romanian Order MEWM no. 161/2006) and also, to the EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC which established a framework for community action in the field of water policy. The variation of parameters during the investigated period along St. Gheorghe Branch was strongly influenced by the climatic conditions (drought, flood). Further studies need to be carried out in this area in order to accomplish a sustainable management and to evaluate the occurrence of persistent organic pollutants and toxic metals in tissues, and to assess the risk of these contaminants on the ecosystem and human health.
Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology, 2012
Due to their favourable physicochemical properties, the surfactants are the essential ingredients... more Due to their favourable physicochemical properties, the surfactants are the essential ingredients in the most household laundry products and industrial cleaners as well as in personal care and cosmetic products. after utilisation, they are mainly discharged into the environment compartments by the wastewater pathway. In accordance with the europeans norms concerning surfactants and chemicals and oeCD/Iso/astM testing methodology, the present work intended to assess the aquatic acute toxicity of 2 surfactants raw materials used frequently in detergent products (cationic-dialkyl hydroxyethyl ammonium methasulphate, and amphoteric-cocoamidopropyl betaine). the tests were performed on different aquatic organisms as: fish (Cyprinus carpio sp.), crustacean (Daphnia magna sp.), marine luminescent bacteria (Vibrio fischeri sp.), gram-negative and positive bacteria (11 species-Mara test) and algae (Selenastrum capricornutum sp.). the results of research were the lC50/eC50/noeC and loeC values and the toxicity effects correlation for the cationic and amphoteric surfactants, in these classes of aquatic organisms. the testing procedure has followed the biological parameters: mortality, behaviour and physiological modifications (in case of fish); immobilisation and reproduction inhibition (at crustacean); inhibition and stimulation (in case of bacteria). this research represents one part of a complex research concerning the risk assessment of cationic and amphoteric surfactants on aquatic organisms.
In the region of the Apuseni Mountains, part of the Western Carpathians in Romania, metal mining ... more In the region of the Apuseni Mountains, part of the Western Carpathians in Romania, metal mining activities have a long-standing tradition. Their activities caused impairments to the environment, such as acid mine drainage (AMD) resulting in long-lasting heavy metal pollution of waters and sediments. The paper presents the biological analysis of an aquatic ecosystem in 9 control sections in order to assess the affected area by mining activities. The sampling for biological analysis was performed during two sampling campaigns: winter-February 2010 and spring-May 2010. The results of analysis for the biotic communities were according to the Norm concerning the reference objectives for the surface water quality classification (Order MMGA no.161/2006) and also, to the Directive 2000/60/EC which established a framework for community action in the field of water policy. To achieve the objectives were sampled momentary storage compartments-water and sediment-in order to study the most representative biotic communities of the aquatic ecosystems (phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic macro invertebrates) and to evaluate the contaminated sites by the distribution of pollutant substances in terms of biotic communities. This was choosen for captured important stages of life cycles and fluctuation fields of the main factors that influencing the control structure and functions of biotic populations. The analysis of the biotic communities in the all sampling site focused on the quantitative (numerical density, biomass, abundance after numerical density and biomass) and qualitative component (dominant species, indicator species). The results of the study can be used by various stakeholders, mainly the mining company and local municipalities, in order to integrate them in their postmining measures, thereby making them aware of the potential long-term impact of mining on the environment and on human health as well as on the local economy.
This paper presents results obtain by a complex analysis in areas crossed by important water bodi... more This paper presents results obtain by a complex analysis in areas crossed by important water bodies under through impact of the existence of major pollution sources: industrial and domestic wastewaters specific of the large urban agglomerations and other sources of pollution, like as agriculture. Geographic location of the control sections for sampling in the investigated area was performed by the technique of positioning by satellite (GPS), a basic criteria in establishing the control sections for water bodies examined was that of positioning upstream and downstream of the potential pollution sources. The results were compared with those from a database established with a few years ago when it was revealed that, from urban areas a large quantities of pollutants that induce a worst ecological status is discharged in downstream of the water bodies It is due mainly of the domestic wastewater which are not treated in totality, due to the fact that the treatment plant that serves the entire urban area is not ready to be operated at maximum performance. It is important to mention that the operation of wastewater treatment plant that services the Bucharest Municipality has made its mark in a positive manner on the quality of the aquatic emissary studied.
Occurrence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from seafood pro... more Occurrence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from seafood products and market and processing environments in Iran
The Science of the total environment, 2018
Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition bioassay (VFBIA) has been widely applied for the monit... more Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition bioassay (VFBIA) has been widely applied for the monitoring of toxicity on account of multiple advantages encompassing shorter test duration, sensitive, cost-effective and ease of operation. Moreover, this bioassay found to be equally applicable to all types of matrices (organic & inorganic compounds, metals, wastewater, river water, sewage sludge, landfill leachate, herbicides, treated wastewater etc.) for toxicity monitoring. This review highlights the apparent significance of Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition assay for ecotoxicological screening and evaluation of diverse chemical substances toxicity profile. The biochemical and genetic basis of the bioluminescence assay and its regulatory mechanism have been concisely discussed. The basic test protocol with ongoing improvements, widespread applications, typical advantages and probable limitations of the assay have been overviewed. The sensitivity of VFBIA and toxicity bioassays ...
Toxics, Apr 29, 2022
Histopathological Changes in Gills and Kidneys of Cyprinus carpio following Exposure to Benzethon... more Histopathological Changes in Gills and Kidneys of Cyprinus carpio following Exposure to Benzethonium Chloride, a Cationic Surfactant.
Foods
The perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a persistent class of synthetic chemicals that spr... more The perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a persistent class of synthetic chemicals that spread in the environment as a result of industrialization. Due to their bioaccumulative and endocrine disruption implications, these chemicals can affect food quality and human health, respectively. In the present study, the bioconcentration and biotransformation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were evaluated in a biphasic system (exposure and depuration). Carp were continuously exposed, under laboratory conditions, to 10 (Experiment 1) and 100 (Experiment 2) µg/L PFOA for 14 weeks, followed by a wash out period of 3 weeks. Fish organs and tissues were collected at 8, 12, 14 weeks of exposure and at week 17, after the depuration period. The results obtained from the LC-MS/MS analysis showed the presence of PFOA in all studied organs. The highest values of PFOA were identified in the gallbladder (up to 2572 ng/g d.w.) in Experiment 1 and in the gallbladder ...
Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) are the most commonly parameter... more Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) are the most commonly parameters for characterization of organic matter content of water. Correlation between BOD5 and COD for different types of water can provide relevant information about the nature of pollution, the content of organic matter and its level of biodegradability. This correlation could also be used to assess the quality of effluent after the treatment processes, to improve the performance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and/or to monitor the quality of river water into which wastewater are discharged. The objective of this study was to assess the degree of biodegradability of different types of water (influents and effluents of 3 important municipal WWTPs of Romania, untreated wastewater discharged by different economic units from Bucharest; effluents of 5 different hospitals and surface water - natural receptors of the effluents discharged by the municipal treatment plants), based on the ratio...
In Romania, water intended for human consumption is obtained from surface water (90-92%) and unde... more In Romania, water intended for human consumption is obtained from surface water (90-92%) and underground water resources, and the existent systems of water supply cover only 65% of population consumption (97% for urban population). Under EEA Financial Mechanism, INCD ECOIND and STIFTELSEN SINTEF (Norway Company) will developed in partnership a project for monitoring potable water quality (from catching until production
Revista De Chimie, Feb 7, 2020
The present paper aims to evaluate the toxic effects generated by conventional treated mine water... more The present paper aims to evaluate the toxic effects generated by conventional treated mine water as well as freshwater samples (Macris river) on primary producers (green algae, Selenastrum capricornutum) and primary consumers (planktonic crustaceans, Daphnia magna). Those organisms could be very realiable biological models to assess the toxic effect of mine waters on the environment. The green algae growth inhibition test (performed according to OECD201) and the acute immobilization test of freshwater crustaceans (Daphnia magna) (performed according to OECD 202) showed no growth inhibition or Daphnia magna immobilization / mortality during 72h and 48h incubation in presence of surface water samples from Macris river. The aqueous system with 1.89 g/L sulphate ion (SO4 2-) concentration, containing treated mine water mixed with freshwater sample (ratio 2.4:1), generated 100% toxic effect on crustaceans (Daphnia magna) after 48h incubation.
Water Science & Technology: Water Supply, Aug 23, 2014
Under European Economic Area Agreement, Romania and Norway have developed a project for monitorin... more Under European Economic Area Agreement, Romania and Norway have developed a project for monitoring the quality of raw and potable water (from production technology until distribution) supplied by two Romanian water companies. In the present study was investigated the microbiological quality of water, which was compared with organic matter loads. Resulting free chlorine and trihalomethane compounds after disinfection processes were also analysed. The raw water collected from Danube hydrographical basin showed significant pollution with potential pathogenic microorganisms with faecal origin such as Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter braakii, Providencia stuartii, and Enterococcus sp. Also other bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter, total number of bacteria at 22 and 37 W C were detected, being related to high water oxidability. The microbial load was reduced considerably after the disinfection process. However, the total number of bacteria at 22 or 37 W C was constantly higher than the imposed limit and Clostridium perfringens was identified occasionally. The tap water presented a sporadic microbial loading with Enterococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli and constantly with total number of bacteria due to an improper water distribution network.
Revista De Chimie, Feb 7, 2020
The widespread use of detergents has raised concern with regard to the environmental pollution ca... more The widespread use of detergents has raised concern with regard to the environmental pollution caused by their active substances, which are biorefractory, toxic or persistent. Even though anionic and non-ionic surfactants often used in commercial detergents composition are reasonably degradable under aerobic conditions and not particularly toxic at low concentrations, high concentration of surfactants influenced the activated sludge activity and are harmful for the aquatic environment. In the literature, data on the biodegradability and/or ecotoxicity of a certain type of surfactant (anionic, nonionic, cationic) are usually presented. Our study aimed to assess the biodegradability of a mixture of two types of surfactants (anionic mixed with non-ionic) and also, effects caused by their presence of elevated concentrations to the activated sludge microorganisms, within a batch experiment. We performed a biodegradability test (according Zahn-Wellens method) on 2 synthetic solutions with high concentrations of anionic surfactant-methyl dodecylbenzene sulfonate (15-25 mg/L) and non-ionic surfactant-4-nonylphenyl-polyethylene glycol (10 mg/L). The study established different percent of biodegradability (measured by COD decrease and surfactants removal) depending on initial concentrations of anionic and nonionic surfactants in the tested solutions. High surfactants concentrations modulated the activity and morphology of activated sludge, so its degradation efficiency of the organic substrate has decreased. Surfactant solutions resulting from biodegradability experiment have been tested for toxicity to planktonic crustaceans (Daphnia magna).
InTech eBooks, Jun 14, 2013
NATO science for peace and security series, 2013
The main objective of this paper is to highlight the dynamics of biotic community in terms of spa... more The main objective of this paper is to highlight the dynamics of biotic community in terms of spatial and temporal relationship. The biotic community dynamics in St. Gheorghe Branch were discussed based on existing data and the results of our own research during 2003–2009. Surface water and sediment samples have been collected monthly from two control sections, Murighiol and Uzlina. The analyzed parameters were according to the Norm concerning the reference objectives for the surface water quality classification (Romanian Order MEWM no. 161/2006) and also, to the EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC which established a framework for community action in the field of water policy. The variation of parameters during the investigated period along St. Gheorghe Branch was strongly influenced by the climatic conditions (drought, flood). Further studies need to be carried out in this area in order to accomplish a sustainable management and to evaluate the occurrence of persistent organic pollutants and toxic metals in tissues, and to assess the risk of these contaminants on the ecosystem and human health.
Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology, 2012
Due to their favourable physicochemical properties, the surfactants are the essential ingredients... more Due to their favourable physicochemical properties, the surfactants are the essential ingredients in the most household laundry products and industrial cleaners as well as in personal care and cosmetic products. after utilisation, they are mainly discharged into the environment compartments by the wastewater pathway. In accordance with the europeans norms concerning surfactants and chemicals and oeCD/Iso/astM testing methodology, the present work intended to assess the aquatic acute toxicity of 2 surfactants raw materials used frequently in detergent products (cationic-dialkyl hydroxyethyl ammonium methasulphate, and amphoteric-cocoamidopropyl betaine). the tests were performed on different aquatic organisms as: fish (Cyprinus carpio sp.), crustacean (Daphnia magna sp.), marine luminescent bacteria (Vibrio fischeri sp.), gram-negative and positive bacteria (11 species-Mara test) and algae (Selenastrum capricornutum sp.). the results of research were the lC50/eC50/noeC and loeC values and the toxicity effects correlation for the cationic and amphoteric surfactants, in these classes of aquatic organisms. the testing procedure has followed the biological parameters: mortality, behaviour and physiological modifications (in case of fish); immobilisation and reproduction inhibition (at crustacean); inhibition and stimulation (in case of bacteria). this research represents one part of a complex research concerning the risk assessment of cationic and amphoteric surfactants on aquatic organisms.
In the region of the Apuseni Mountains, part of the Western Carpathians in Romania, metal mining ... more In the region of the Apuseni Mountains, part of the Western Carpathians in Romania, metal mining activities have a long-standing tradition. Their activities caused impairments to the environment, such as acid mine drainage (AMD) resulting in long-lasting heavy metal pollution of waters and sediments. The paper presents the biological analysis of an aquatic ecosystem in 9 control sections in order to assess the affected area by mining activities. The sampling for biological analysis was performed during two sampling campaigns: winter-February 2010 and spring-May 2010. The results of analysis for the biotic communities were according to the Norm concerning the reference objectives for the surface water quality classification (Order MMGA no.161/2006) and also, to the Directive 2000/60/EC which established a framework for community action in the field of water policy. To achieve the objectives were sampled momentary storage compartments-water and sediment-in order to study the most representative biotic communities of the aquatic ecosystems (phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic macro invertebrates) and to evaluate the contaminated sites by the distribution of pollutant substances in terms of biotic communities. This was choosen for captured important stages of life cycles and fluctuation fields of the main factors that influencing the control structure and functions of biotic populations. The analysis of the biotic communities in the all sampling site focused on the quantitative (numerical density, biomass, abundance after numerical density and biomass) and qualitative component (dominant species, indicator species). The results of the study can be used by various stakeholders, mainly the mining company and local municipalities, in order to integrate them in their postmining measures, thereby making them aware of the potential long-term impact of mining on the environment and on human health as well as on the local economy.
This paper presents results obtain by a complex analysis in areas crossed by important water bodi... more This paper presents results obtain by a complex analysis in areas crossed by important water bodies under through impact of the existence of major pollution sources: industrial and domestic wastewaters specific of the large urban agglomerations and other sources of pollution, like as agriculture. Geographic location of the control sections for sampling in the investigated area was performed by the technique of positioning by satellite (GPS), a basic criteria in establishing the control sections for water bodies examined was that of positioning upstream and downstream of the potential pollution sources. The results were compared with those from a database established with a few years ago when it was revealed that, from urban areas a large quantities of pollutants that induce a worst ecological status is discharged in downstream of the water bodies It is due mainly of the domestic wastewater which are not treated in totality, due to the fact that the treatment plant that serves the entire urban area is not ready to be operated at maximum performance. It is important to mention that the operation of wastewater treatment plant that services the Bucharest Municipality has made its mark in a positive manner on the quality of the aquatic emissary studied.
Occurrence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from seafood pro... more Occurrence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from seafood products and market and processing environments in Iran