elena bucur - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by elena bucur
Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, 2020
Air pollution is a serious problem in many heavily populated and industrialized areas in the worl... more Air pollution is a serious problem in many heavily populated and industrialized areas in the world. It affects vegetation, and also human health. The diversification of emission sources, among them vehicles, industrial processes, waste burnings and fuel storage, creates zones with different species and concentrations of air pollutants. In this paper was studied the excessive accumulation of toxic metals such as Al, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb in vegetation as a risk factor for ecosystem and also for human health. The purpose of the study was to establish an optimal method of determination for toxic elements accumulation in leaves, using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). These results made to suppose that, visible and analyzed responses of in in-situ exposed bio monitors compared with heavy metal accumulation depended on the atmospheric situation during the period of exposure, which could assess the efficiency of biomonitoring programs in the region. The advantage of this stu...
SIMI 2017, 2017
The aim of this work is to apply an ion-chromatography method which was initially developed for t... more The aim of this work is to apply an ion-chromatography method which was initially developed for the determination of sulfur content in fuels, on other classes of samples as municipal waste and oil and sewage sludge. With respect to their physical properties and texture, solid waste materials as municipal waste, are typically strongly heterogeneous and thus, sample preparation can be critical in obtaining reliable analysis results so that, particle size reduction and homogenizing of the municipal waste was an important step in conducting the experiments. The homogenization of the samples was performed by cutting and then grinding the material in two steps: first a reduction of the particles to diameters passing a 10-mm sieve and secondly to diameters passing a 2-mm sieve. The sulfur extraction from the homogenized waste samples was carried out by the combustion method in the calorimetric bomb. Sulfur as sulfate anion was then analyzed by ion-chromatography and gravimetric techniques and the results were compared. Depending on the nature and sulfur content of the sample, the repeatability standard deviation sr and the relative repeatability standard deviation RSD of the results were of the same order of magnitude for the both gravimetric and ionchromatography methods and they were in the range of about 0.01-0.05 % for sr and in the range of about 3.23-6.25 % for RSD.
SIMI 2017, 2017
Sewage sludge from urban wastewater treatment plants come from different stages of wastewater tre... more Sewage sludge from urban wastewater treatment plants come from different stages of wastewater treatment and are considered as waste, falling under the waste regulations. In order to reduce the negative environmental impacts, the removal of sewage sludge on landfill is considered as the last waste management option. One of the sludge management alternatives is to recover energy from the sewage sludge by incineration in waste incinerators or co-combustion in cement or thermal power plants. The use of sewage sludge as a source of renewable energy is an ecologically and economically efficient option, both in the EU and Romania sludge management strategy. Total organic carbon is a key environmental indicator for soil, sludge and sediment and a parameter for characterizing sludge for energy recovery. The paper presents the methodology for total organic carbon determination from acidified sludge samples by dry combustion, in an oxygen atmosphere using FlashEA 1112 Series Analyser. From the experimental laboratory researches the following aspects were highlighted: the interdependence between the total organic carbon content and the heating value of sludge samples, an important factor for energy recovery/elimination by incineration, co-combustion and utilization as secondary raw materials in cement plants.
This paper reports determination of bismuth from stationary emission sources using atomic absorpt... more This paper reports determination of bismuth from stationary emission sources using atomic absorption spectrometry with atomisation in a graphite tube (GFAAS) and with generation of hydrides (HGAA). In the last years hydride generation technique (HGAA) became more and more popular in laboratories for estimating trace metals in materials with changeable composition, while the graphite furnace method is often not reliable due to the strong and variable matrix effect and signal splitting. The metals sampling train is used to determine the bismuth in stationary source emissions. The stack gas is withdrawn isokinetically from the source with the particulate emissions collected in a probe and on heated filters and the gaseous emissions collected in a series of chilled impingers with absorption
Our institute, INCD ECOIND Bucharest, with the activity domain environmental research (pollution ... more Our institute, INCD ECOIND Bucharest, with the activity domain environmental research (pollution control, pollution assessment, environmental technologies, environment and quality management, trainings, expertise, consultancy, technical assistance) by its Pollution Control Department organized during years some National and International Proficiency testing schemes on different pollutants and environment factors. Further will present the statistical treatment and the results of an international PT organized in 2005-2006. Participating laboratories analyzed the samples as part of their normal routine, and reported the results to the scheme organizers. After the statistical treatment done by the organizers the participating laboratories were provided with a report showing how closely their results agree with the accepted value.
Bucharest is one of the most polluted cities in Europe, with a very high population density and i... more Bucharest is one of the most polluted cities in Europe, with a very high population density and intense traffic. Because many residential buildings and shopping centres are located near different busy roads and crossroads, the air pollution induced by traffic affects the inhabitants in the area. The level of air pollution needs to be constantly monitored in order to take appropriate measures when the concentrations exceed the limits. Most of the measurement techniques require time and expensive equipment, therefore, a big attention turned into finding an air pollution indicator that could be precise enough, easily and cheap to determine. The paper presents some preliminary studies regarding the correlation between noise pollution and the concentrations of NO 2 , SO 2 , CO. The measurements were conducted at different distances from some very busy roads and crossroads in order to determine a pattern. The data have been processed with a statistical analysis program in order to establish if the noise level can be used to assess the urban air pollution generated by traffic. Most of the results indicate a good correlation between noise and chemical pollutants. Noise level can be a good indicator for air pollution, especially for the situation when there is no need of a precise determination.
Book of Abstracts SIMI 2021, 2021
Book of Abstracts SIMI 2021, 2021
Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry, 2020
In this paper, a comparison is made of the level of air pollution between two brick production li... more In this paper, a comparison is made of the level of air pollution between two brick production lines that apply different technologies, one old and one new, and more efficient. The main pollutants emitted in the air from the baking kilns are CO, SO2, NO2, HCl, HF, and dust. The monitoring of emissions was performed with a Testo 350 flue gas analyzer – the automatic method. A Paul Gothe isokinetic sampler was used to take dust, HCl, and HF sampling, and the analysis was performed in the laboratory using gravimetric and spectrophotometric analytical methods. The results of the tests performed showed a reduction in the level of pollution by applying the new and BAT technologies by up to 90% for all monitored pollutants, compared to the pollution produced by old and non-re-technologized line. At the same time, energy consumption is lower per unit of product, which results in a significant decrease in production costs.
Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry, 2020
In the paper are presented the results of tests on the evaluation of the level of noise and chemi... more In the paper are presented the results of tests on the evaluation of the level of noise and chemical air pollution in two distinct urban areas: an industrial area and an area characterized by heavy road traffic, with a focus on the novelty elements introduced by the regulations in force on the measurement and management of the level of ambient and industrial noise by periodically developing specific noise maps. The results of direct tests and noise maps developed in the case of the studied areas indicated higher values of the indicators measured near the road artery compared to the other measuring points, highlighting the influence of vegetation in urban areas to reduce noise levels and reduce air pollution.
Book of Abstracts E-SIMI 2020, 2020
Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2019
This paper presents the results of a case study conducted between 2.04 and 24.04.2013 in order to... more This paper presents the results of a case study conducted between 2.04 and 24.04.2013 in order to establish the most relevant indicators that characterize the influence of outdoor air pollution, with particulate matter having a nominal diameter less than 2.5μm (PM2.5), on the quality of indoor air from a new building. The tests consisted in simultaneous determination of the daily average PM2.5 concentrations at four indoor sites and at one outside, nearby the building. The average PM2.5 concentration was 38.41±7.4μg/m 3 , but only 70% of the outdoor performed tests were above the daily limit of 35μg/m 3 , set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The indoor air pollution with PM2.5 was lower than outdoor with an average concentration of 21.78±6.22 μg/m 3. Both Pearson's statistical correlation analysis and linear regression analysis showed a good direct correlation between indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations, the proper insulation of the building and the absence of major indoor sources of PM2.5 particles. The results of this study demonstrated that for a new building the indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio and infiltration factor (Fin) could give a correct estimation of the outdoor air pollution influence on the indoor air quality. Further information could be provided by statistical correlation and linear regression analysis; the value of the intercept could be a good indicator of the presence of indoor sources.
Revista de Chimie, 2018
This paper brings into attention of the indoor air specialists new information regarding the asse... more This paper brings into attention of the indoor air specialists new information regarding the assessment of the potential cumulated impact of the air chemical compounds and microclimate factors on materials; for exemplification it was selected a wooden church made by oak and the monitoring values for temperature, humidity and the concentration of four chemical compounds with a destructive potential on organic materials generally: NO2, SO2, O3 and PM2.5.
Revista de Chimie, 2018
The study aims to assess the identification of the specific species of plants for selection of ce... more The study aims to assess the identification of the specific species of plants for selection of certain plant species and utilization of selected one�s in experimental biomonitoring studies.The purpose of the proposed study was to develop and apply new techniques, methods and methodologies for air quality assessing in the context of climate change and updating of international environmental studys. The novelty of the active biomonitoring method using plants is an innovative research area for the National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology in terms of the use of sentinel species. The first stage research activity was aimed to identify plant species with specific response to certain environmental pollutants, in our case, ozone. By exposing higher plants (from the Solanaceae family) to various environmental conditions, a direct impact measurement of ground-level ozone was considered - as an indicator of environmental pollution (air) - there was a significant diffe...
Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry, 2019
The odours in the ambient air, through the discomfort that they induce, represent an actual probl... more The odours in the ambient air, through the discomfort that they induce, represent an actual problem for the communities located nearby companies with technological processes that emit in the air different strong and unpleasant odorous substances. The standard method for odour assessment involves measuring the concentration through dynamic olfactometry according with SR EN 13725:2003, a very complex method that requires specialized working staff and expensive equipment. The paper presents an indirect method for odour assessment in the ambient air, based on monitoring the process and meteorological data - Predictive Emission Monitoring Systems (PEMS) and it is applied to a livestock farm. Using the multiple regression analysis of the monitoring data for the most important specific technological and meteorological parameters it can be developed a mathematical model that could be used for the calculation of odour concentration in air, without the necessity of direct measurement, after t...
Revista de Chimie, 2020
The paper presents the test results regarding the evaluation of the accuracy of the PM2.5 and PM1... more The paper presents the test results regarding the evaluation of the accuracy of the PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter concentration measurement performed with the uRADMonitor A3 fixed air quality monitoring station produced by SC MAGNASCI SRL. The procedure involves the calculation of the accuracy elements: trueness and precision, based on the experimental data obtained by measuring the concentration of particulate matter using the tested analysers in parallel with the reference method, SR EN 12341: 2014, and analysis of data series by Pearson correlation and linear regression.
Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, 2019
Nowadays, the air pollution has become a major environmental problem due to rapid increase of ind... more Nowadays, the air pollution has become a major environmental problem due to rapid increase of industrialization and anthropogenic activities which led to climate change. Air pollution is considered as a harmful agent for human health. Different classes of gaseous pollutants (SOx, NOx) are continuously released in air and perceived/recognized as pollutants. Among the biological models, plants could give us information related with pollution range in a monitored area, analyzing injuries caused on the leaves surfaces. The aim of this study was to identify and select certain species of plants for using them in experimental biomonitoring studies. An experimental fumigation system with a closed fumigation glasshouses maintained under defined conditions with environmental control and pollutant delivery was used to study the effects of air pollution on plants species. The relative degrees of injury as a response of plants to pollutants fumigation were assessed. Considering the sensitiveness...
SIMI 2019, 2019
Nowadays, the air pollution has become a major environmental problem due to rapid increase of ind... more Nowadays, the air pollution has become a major environmental problem due to rapid increase of industrialization and anthropogenic activities which led to climate change. Air pollution is considered as a harmful agent for human health. Different classes of pollutants like gaseous (SOx, NOx) are continuously released in air and perceived/recognized as pollutants. Among the biological models, plants could indicate pollution load in a particular area via alterations in physiological parameters so, there is a need for reliable and sustainable air pollution monitoring and control methods.
Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, 2020
Air pollution is a serious problem in many heavily populated and industrialized areas in the worl... more Air pollution is a serious problem in many heavily populated and industrialized areas in the world. It affects vegetation, and also human health. The diversification of emission sources, among them vehicles, industrial processes, waste burnings and fuel storage, creates zones with different species and concentrations of air pollutants. In this paper was studied the excessive accumulation of toxic metals such as Al, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb in vegetation as a risk factor for ecosystem and also for human health. The purpose of the study was to establish an optimal method of determination for toxic elements accumulation in leaves, using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). These results made to suppose that, visible and analyzed responses of in in-situ exposed bio monitors compared with heavy metal accumulation depended on the atmospheric situation during the period of exposure, which could assess the efficiency of biomonitoring programs in the region. The advantage of this stu...
SIMI 2017, 2017
The aim of this work is to apply an ion-chromatography method which was initially developed for t... more The aim of this work is to apply an ion-chromatography method which was initially developed for the determination of sulfur content in fuels, on other classes of samples as municipal waste and oil and sewage sludge. With respect to their physical properties and texture, solid waste materials as municipal waste, are typically strongly heterogeneous and thus, sample preparation can be critical in obtaining reliable analysis results so that, particle size reduction and homogenizing of the municipal waste was an important step in conducting the experiments. The homogenization of the samples was performed by cutting and then grinding the material in two steps: first a reduction of the particles to diameters passing a 10-mm sieve and secondly to diameters passing a 2-mm sieve. The sulfur extraction from the homogenized waste samples was carried out by the combustion method in the calorimetric bomb. Sulfur as sulfate anion was then analyzed by ion-chromatography and gravimetric techniques and the results were compared. Depending on the nature and sulfur content of the sample, the repeatability standard deviation sr and the relative repeatability standard deviation RSD of the results were of the same order of magnitude for the both gravimetric and ionchromatography methods and they were in the range of about 0.01-0.05 % for sr and in the range of about 3.23-6.25 % for RSD.
SIMI 2017, 2017
Sewage sludge from urban wastewater treatment plants come from different stages of wastewater tre... more Sewage sludge from urban wastewater treatment plants come from different stages of wastewater treatment and are considered as waste, falling under the waste regulations. In order to reduce the negative environmental impacts, the removal of sewage sludge on landfill is considered as the last waste management option. One of the sludge management alternatives is to recover energy from the sewage sludge by incineration in waste incinerators or co-combustion in cement or thermal power plants. The use of sewage sludge as a source of renewable energy is an ecologically and economically efficient option, both in the EU and Romania sludge management strategy. Total organic carbon is a key environmental indicator for soil, sludge and sediment and a parameter for characterizing sludge for energy recovery. The paper presents the methodology for total organic carbon determination from acidified sludge samples by dry combustion, in an oxygen atmosphere using FlashEA 1112 Series Analyser. From the experimental laboratory researches the following aspects were highlighted: the interdependence between the total organic carbon content and the heating value of sludge samples, an important factor for energy recovery/elimination by incineration, co-combustion and utilization as secondary raw materials in cement plants.
This paper reports determination of bismuth from stationary emission sources using atomic absorpt... more This paper reports determination of bismuth from stationary emission sources using atomic absorption spectrometry with atomisation in a graphite tube (GFAAS) and with generation of hydrides (HGAA). In the last years hydride generation technique (HGAA) became more and more popular in laboratories for estimating trace metals in materials with changeable composition, while the graphite furnace method is often not reliable due to the strong and variable matrix effect and signal splitting. The metals sampling train is used to determine the bismuth in stationary source emissions. The stack gas is withdrawn isokinetically from the source with the particulate emissions collected in a probe and on heated filters and the gaseous emissions collected in a series of chilled impingers with absorption
Our institute, INCD ECOIND Bucharest, with the activity domain environmental research (pollution ... more Our institute, INCD ECOIND Bucharest, with the activity domain environmental research (pollution control, pollution assessment, environmental technologies, environment and quality management, trainings, expertise, consultancy, technical assistance) by its Pollution Control Department organized during years some National and International Proficiency testing schemes on different pollutants and environment factors. Further will present the statistical treatment and the results of an international PT organized in 2005-2006. Participating laboratories analyzed the samples as part of their normal routine, and reported the results to the scheme organizers. After the statistical treatment done by the organizers the participating laboratories were provided with a report showing how closely their results agree with the accepted value.
Bucharest is one of the most polluted cities in Europe, with a very high population density and i... more Bucharest is one of the most polluted cities in Europe, with a very high population density and intense traffic. Because many residential buildings and shopping centres are located near different busy roads and crossroads, the air pollution induced by traffic affects the inhabitants in the area. The level of air pollution needs to be constantly monitored in order to take appropriate measures when the concentrations exceed the limits. Most of the measurement techniques require time and expensive equipment, therefore, a big attention turned into finding an air pollution indicator that could be precise enough, easily and cheap to determine. The paper presents some preliminary studies regarding the correlation between noise pollution and the concentrations of NO 2 , SO 2 , CO. The measurements were conducted at different distances from some very busy roads and crossroads in order to determine a pattern. The data have been processed with a statistical analysis program in order to establish if the noise level can be used to assess the urban air pollution generated by traffic. Most of the results indicate a good correlation between noise and chemical pollutants. Noise level can be a good indicator for air pollution, especially for the situation when there is no need of a precise determination.
Book of Abstracts SIMI 2021, 2021
Book of Abstracts SIMI 2021, 2021
Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry, 2020
In this paper, a comparison is made of the level of air pollution between two brick production li... more In this paper, a comparison is made of the level of air pollution between two brick production lines that apply different technologies, one old and one new, and more efficient. The main pollutants emitted in the air from the baking kilns are CO, SO2, NO2, HCl, HF, and dust. The monitoring of emissions was performed with a Testo 350 flue gas analyzer – the automatic method. A Paul Gothe isokinetic sampler was used to take dust, HCl, and HF sampling, and the analysis was performed in the laboratory using gravimetric and spectrophotometric analytical methods. The results of the tests performed showed a reduction in the level of pollution by applying the new and BAT technologies by up to 90% for all monitored pollutants, compared to the pollution produced by old and non-re-technologized line. At the same time, energy consumption is lower per unit of product, which results in a significant decrease in production costs.
Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry, 2020
In the paper are presented the results of tests on the evaluation of the level of noise and chemi... more In the paper are presented the results of tests on the evaluation of the level of noise and chemical air pollution in two distinct urban areas: an industrial area and an area characterized by heavy road traffic, with a focus on the novelty elements introduced by the regulations in force on the measurement and management of the level of ambient and industrial noise by periodically developing specific noise maps. The results of direct tests and noise maps developed in the case of the studied areas indicated higher values of the indicators measured near the road artery compared to the other measuring points, highlighting the influence of vegetation in urban areas to reduce noise levels and reduce air pollution.
Book of Abstracts E-SIMI 2020, 2020
Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2019
This paper presents the results of a case study conducted between 2.04 and 24.04.2013 in order to... more This paper presents the results of a case study conducted between 2.04 and 24.04.2013 in order to establish the most relevant indicators that characterize the influence of outdoor air pollution, with particulate matter having a nominal diameter less than 2.5μm (PM2.5), on the quality of indoor air from a new building. The tests consisted in simultaneous determination of the daily average PM2.5 concentrations at four indoor sites and at one outside, nearby the building. The average PM2.5 concentration was 38.41±7.4μg/m 3 , but only 70% of the outdoor performed tests were above the daily limit of 35μg/m 3 , set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The indoor air pollution with PM2.5 was lower than outdoor with an average concentration of 21.78±6.22 μg/m 3. Both Pearson's statistical correlation analysis and linear regression analysis showed a good direct correlation between indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations, the proper insulation of the building and the absence of major indoor sources of PM2.5 particles. The results of this study demonstrated that for a new building the indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio and infiltration factor (Fin) could give a correct estimation of the outdoor air pollution influence on the indoor air quality. Further information could be provided by statistical correlation and linear regression analysis; the value of the intercept could be a good indicator of the presence of indoor sources.
Revista de Chimie, 2018
This paper brings into attention of the indoor air specialists new information regarding the asse... more This paper brings into attention of the indoor air specialists new information regarding the assessment of the potential cumulated impact of the air chemical compounds and microclimate factors on materials; for exemplification it was selected a wooden church made by oak and the monitoring values for temperature, humidity and the concentration of four chemical compounds with a destructive potential on organic materials generally: NO2, SO2, O3 and PM2.5.
Revista de Chimie, 2018
The study aims to assess the identification of the specific species of plants for selection of ce... more The study aims to assess the identification of the specific species of plants for selection of certain plant species and utilization of selected one�s in experimental biomonitoring studies.The purpose of the proposed study was to develop and apply new techniques, methods and methodologies for air quality assessing in the context of climate change and updating of international environmental studys. The novelty of the active biomonitoring method using plants is an innovative research area for the National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology in terms of the use of sentinel species. The first stage research activity was aimed to identify plant species with specific response to certain environmental pollutants, in our case, ozone. By exposing higher plants (from the Solanaceae family) to various environmental conditions, a direct impact measurement of ground-level ozone was considered - as an indicator of environmental pollution (air) - there was a significant diffe...
Romanian Journal of Ecology & Environmental Chemistry, 2019
The odours in the ambient air, through the discomfort that they induce, represent an actual probl... more The odours in the ambient air, through the discomfort that they induce, represent an actual problem for the communities located nearby companies with technological processes that emit in the air different strong and unpleasant odorous substances. The standard method for odour assessment involves measuring the concentration through dynamic olfactometry according with SR EN 13725:2003, a very complex method that requires specialized working staff and expensive equipment. The paper presents an indirect method for odour assessment in the ambient air, based on monitoring the process and meteorological data - Predictive Emission Monitoring Systems (PEMS) and it is applied to a livestock farm. Using the multiple regression analysis of the monitoring data for the most important specific technological and meteorological parameters it can be developed a mathematical model that could be used for the calculation of odour concentration in air, without the necessity of direct measurement, after t...
Revista de Chimie, 2020
The paper presents the test results regarding the evaluation of the accuracy of the PM2.5 and PM1... more The paper presents the test results regarding the evaluation of the accuracy of the PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter concentration measurement performed with the uRADMonitor A3 fixed air quality monitoring station produced by SC MAGNASCI SRL. The procedure involves the calculation of the accuracy elements: trueness and precision, based on the experimental data obtained by measuring the concentration of particulate matter using the tested analysers in parallel with the reference method, SR EN 12341: 2014, and analysis of data series by Pearson correlation and linear regression.
Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, 2019
Nowadays, the air pollution has become a major environmental problem due to rapid increase of ind... more Nowadays, the air pollution has become a major environmental problem due to rapid increase of industrialization and anthropogenic activities which led to climate change. Air pollution is considered as a harmful agent for human health. Different classes of gaseous pollutants (SOx, NOx) are continuously released in air and perceived/recognized as pollutants. Among the biological models, plants could give us information related with pollution range in a monitored area, analyzing injuries caused on the leaves surfaces. The aim of this study was to identify and select certain species of plants for using them in experimental biomonitoring studies. An experimental fumigation system with a closed fumigation glasshouses maintained under defined conditions with environmental control and pollutant delivery was used to study the effects of air pollution on plants species. The relative degrees of injury as a response of plants to pollutants fumigation were assessed. Considering the sensitiveness...
SIMI 2019, 2019
Nowadays, the air pollution has become a major environmental problem due to rapid increase of ind... more Nowadays, the air pollution has become a major environmental problem due to rapid increase of industrialization and anthropogenic activities which led to climate change. Air pollution is considered as a harmful agent for human health. Different classes of pollutants like gaseous (SOx, NOx) are continuously released in air and perceived/recognized as pollutants. Among the biological models, plants could indicate pollution load in a particular area via alterations in physiological parameters so, there is a need for reliable and sustainable air pollution monitoring and control methods.