Assessing the Effect of Disturbances on Ectomycorrhiza Diversity

Ectomycorrhiza (ECM) communities can be described on a species level or on a larger scale at an ecosystem level. Here we show that the species level approach of successional processes in ECM communities is not appropriate for understanding the diversity patterns of ECM communities at contaminated sites. An ecosystem based approach improves predictability since different biotic and abiotic factors are included. However, it still does not take into account the hierarchical structure of the ecosystem. We suggest that diversity patterns of ECMs communities in forests can best be investigated at three levels. This hypothetical approach for investigation can be tested at sites of secondary succession in areas contaminated with metals. Once the diversity patterns are appropriately described by a hierarchical ecosystem approach, to the species level is used to explain these patterns by populational and ecotoxicological mechanisms

Semiquantitative functional analyses of Greaca landscape

Functional analyses is the method used for evaluating the offer of goods and services of the natural capital’s components. We firstly characterised the structure of the complex of ecosystems Greaca. Then we applied the FAEWE/PROTOWET procedure for a semiquantitative analyses of the natural services. The procedure was applied in a sector of the flooded area and also in the entire diked area. The results show that in the dam sector none of the original functions that where fulfilled before the banking is fulfilled at the maximumrate. In the whole landscape the only functions that are maximally fulfiled are the functions conditioned by the continuous input of nutrients from the socio-economic systems that use this area

Quantitative and modelling evaluation of the hydrologic function in the Greaca landscape

The hydrologic function has been evaluated for the Greaca area, component of the Lower Danube Wetlands System. The evaluation was comparative for two periods of time (before and after the Danube damwas build). The antropic impact on this area is discussed analyzing the total volume of water retained by this area, for the two periods of time. We used SWAT to evaluate the degree of basin fragmentation and, based on the results obtained, it is discussed the human role in the fragmentation of hydrologic basins

Monitoring Rainwater Properties and Outdoor Particulate Matter in a Former Steel Manufacturing City in Romania

Wet deposition is influencing air quality because air pollutants are washed away from the surrounding air. Consequently, particulate matter and associated compounds are transported in the rainwater and enter into soil, surface waters, and groundwater. Nonpoint sources of heavy metals from stormwater runoff have increased in urban areas due to industrialization and the increasing impervious surfaces. In this work, we present an assessment of the rainwater composition regarding the nutrients and other physicochemical characteristics measured in three locations selected in Targoviste city, Romania, a city that had a specialized steel factory and important metallurgical facilities. The rainwater was collected using three PALMEX rain samplers and then was transferred to high-density polyethylene bottles and analyzed using ICP-MS. PM2.5 concentrations were also monitored continuously using optical monitors calibrated using a gravimetric sampler. A detailed analysis of the heavy metals content in rainwater and PM was presented for the pollution episodes occurring in October and November 2019. Backward trajectories were computed using the HYSPLIT model for these periods. The results showed that the PM2.5 ranged from 11.1 to 24.1 μg/m3 in 2019, while the heavy metals in collected rainwater were (µg L−1): 0.25 (Cd) − CV = 26.5%, 0.10 (Co) − CV = 58.1%, 1.77 (Cr) − CV = 24.3%, 377.37 (Ni) − CV = 27.9%, 0.67 (Pb) − CV = 74.3%, and 846.5 (Zn) − CV = 20.6%. Overall, Ni, Pb, Cr, and V had significant correlations between the concentrations from rainwater and PM. Negative associations were found between precipitation events and heavy metals both from rainwater and PM, but only a few showed statistical significance. However, this could explain the “washing” effect of the rain on the heavy metals from PM2.5. The potential sources of nitrogen in the rainwater collected in Targoviste could be from burning fossil fuels and the soils, including both biological processes and fertilization resulting from the intensive agriculture in the piedmont plain in which the city is located. Based on the results, rainwater monitoring can constitute a reliable method for air quality characterization. Additional research is required to better understand seasonality and sources of heterogeneity regarding the associations between PM and rainwater composition

guidelines for end-users ; 32 Tabellen

PREFACE: The problem of prevention with regard to floodplains is related to two extremes: Prevention of floods and prevention of droughts, both urgent socioeconomic issues during the last years. „Retard the flow of water in the stream corridor“ is the message to cope with both kind of problems. An amphibian landscape will help to maintain water supply during periods of droughts and by its retention area to reduce peaks of high floods. Flood retention areas will function sustainably only if there is an intact ecological system and equilibrium between erosion and accumulation of sediments which in turn both depend from the evolution of the hydraulic conditions and from the succession of the riparian forest. The RipFor — project laid emphasis on the hydraulic processes and their erosion / accumulation effects in retention areas with the aim to get insight into the interaction between riparian vegetation, sediment transport, hydraulics and ecology. Interdisciplinary and intereurOpean work was carried out in the field, the laboratory and by modelling. Results of the RipFor — project as presented in the scientific report and the attached „guidelines for End-Users “ in this way are a contribution to the international discussion on river restoration and to the implementation of the European Water Framework Directives. The scientific report was compiled by Ingo Schnauder and Jens Bölscher (Karlsruhe and Berlin) from contributions of all partners, whereas the bulk of work on the „Guidelines“ was done by Ingo Schnauder (Karlsruhe), Jens Bölscher (Berlin) and Harald Meixner (Vienna), who also cared for the layout. Reporting of the Romanian NAS partner was directed by Virgil Iordache. Assistance of subcontractors and endusers is highly appreciated, especially by Othmar Huppmann (Regierungspräsidium Freiburg / former Gewässerdirektion Oberrhein). Funding within „Quality of Live and Management of Living Resources“ in the RP5 framework of the European Union was essential for this project and is highly acknowledged. Prof. Dr. Peter-Jürgen ErgenzingerresearchDFG, SUB Göttingen, FU Berli

Cervical Cancer Mortality in Romania: Trends, Regional and Rural–Urban Inequalities, and Policy Implications

Background and Objectives: Despite being largely preventable, cervical cancer mortality still remains an important public health problem globally, in Europe, and in Romania. The European Union member states are urged to implement systematic, population-based screenings for cervical cancer, but the programs developed by the countries remain very heterogeneous. This study aimed to investigate the differences in cervix cancer mortality between Romania and EU and within Romania over the last two decades and to reveal the major sources of inequalities and the policy implications. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the number of deaths and the mortality rates by cervical cancer, standardized using the direct method, over two decades (2001–2016 for the EU, and 2001–2019 for the national and sub-national analyses). Trends, mortality reduction over the years, and mortality differences at the beginning and end of the time interval have been calculated for the EU and Romania, at national and sub-national levels (rural–urban and regions). Results: Our results revealed differences in cervical cancer mortality between Romania and EU and within Romania (among regions and rural–urban areas). These differences used to be very high in the past and are still persisting. Conclusions: The country should revisit its national cervical cancer screening program, which has been implemented for many years, but with a very limited participation rate. Due to the similar problems existing in Central-Eastern Europe, targeted support from the EU for the members from this geographical area could contribute to the minimization of differences in cervical cancer mortality among the EU members

Environmental metal contamination and health impact assessment in two industrial regions of Romania

.We investigated two Romanian industrial regions- Copşa Mică and Zlatna, to assess the current situation of soil pollution and bioaccumulation of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in different vegetable species and possible risks to consumers. Both total and mobile forms of the metals were determined in soil samples, and metal content in the edible parts of root vegetable samples was also assessed. The concentrations of Pb and Zn in soil were higher in Copşa Mică than in Zlatna (566mg/kg vs 271mg/kg for Pb and 1143mg/kg vs 368mg/kg for Zn)·The metal mobility in soil from Copsa Mica decreases in the order Zn>Cu>Cd>Pb (1.88mg/kg, 0.40mg/kg, 0.22mg/kg, 0.16mg/kg, respectively), while in Zlatna, the order was Cu>Zn>Pb>Cd (0.88mg/kg, 0.29mg/kg, 0.04mg/kg, 0.01mg/kg, respectively), apparently depending on metal and soil conditions. In Copsa Mica, the amount of Pb and Cd in vegetable samples exceeded the maximum permissible limits in carrots (median concentration 0.32mg/kg for Pb and Cd) and in yellow onions (median concentration 0.24mg/kg for Cd). In Zlatna region, the content of Cd exceeded the maximum limits in yellow onions (median concentration 0.11mg/kg). The amount of Pb was higher than the maximum acceptable level in carrots from the Zlatna region (median concentration 0.12mg/kg). Cu and Zn levels were within the normal range in all vegetable samples. In the Zlatna region, the transfer factors for Pb and Cd were higher in carrots (median values of 9.9 for Pb and 21.0 for Cd) compared to carrots harvested in Copsa Mica (median values of 4.0 for Pb and 2.0 for Cd). Daily intake rates of metals through local vegetable consumption exceeded the limit values established by the European Food Safety Authority for Pb (1.2 to 2.4 times) and Cd (5.5 to 9.1 times) in both regions, with potential adverse health effects for the local population. The results highlight the need for total soil remediation action before fruit and vegetables produced in these polluted areas can be safely consumed