Showing papers in "Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management in 2008"

Removal of nitrates and ammonium ions from water using natural sorbent zeolite (clinoptilolite)

Abstract: Experimental investigation of nitrogen compound (nitrates and ammonium ions) removal from water using natural zeolite was carried out in the laboratory of Water Management Department in VGTU. Shallow‐well water samples were taken from a few place situated in Vilnius city and Vilnius district, nitrate concentration was enhanced adding Na NO3 into the samples. Nitrate removal from water solutions was carried out under static conditions: solutions with nitrate concentration of 74–288 mg/l were mixed during one hour with 5 g of 0.315 mm particle‐sized zeolite in an automatic mixer when mixing intensity was 100 min.−1; after 30 min. sedimentation nitrate concentration was measured in all the samples. Ammonium ion removal from water solutions (made of shallow‐well and tap water with NH4Cl) was carried out under static and dynamic conditions (water solutions with 10–15 mg/l of ammonium ion concentration were filtered through 0.315–0.63 mm particle‐sized filter medium). Experimental results show that sha...

Ultraviolet radiation albedo of natural surfaces

Abstract: This article presents measurement results of intensity of solar UVA and UVB radiation, as well as UV radiation albedo from various surfaces. The intensity of albedo was measured from natural surfaces, such as: sand, grass, water, and snow. The paper also presents measurements of solar emitted UVA and UVB radiation intensity in the shadow. Ultraviolet radiation intensity and surface albedo was measured using a handy UVA radiation radiometer UVA ‐ 365HA, with spectral response of 320–390 nm and a handy UVB radiation radiometer PMA2201, with spectral response of 280–320 nm. The results of measurements show that snow has the maximum albedo ‐ from 50 to 60 per cent, sand ‐ 10 per cent, and the minimum albedo is for grass ‐ 2 or 3 per cent. The data of experimental measurements of UVA and UVB radiation in the shadow show that maximum reduction of intensity of UVA radiation up to 80%, was at 1 p.m. in comparison with reduction of intensity of UVB radiation to 70% at 2 p.m.

Impact of a hydropower plant on the downstream reach of a river

Abstract: The impact of a hydropower plant (HPP) on the environment, first of all on the riverbed of downstream reach as well as on fish communities is analysed in the paper. Frequent switching on and off of turbines has been determined to be the reason of intensive and long‐lasting riverbed scour, also significant reduction of fish communities. Each switching on and off of HPP turbines is found to cause a sudden change of water discharge and level in the downstream reach. Water level suddenly drops down after the turbine switches off. Uplift force of ground water flowing from a riverbed destructs a reinforcing layer of large ground particles formed during the self‐lining process. Scour of small particles from the bottom sets in. The riverbed deepens significantly until a new reinforcing layer forms. Suggestions are given to slow down turbine switching within technical possibilities. This simple measure allows to increase the length of a reflux wave, to reduce the speed of water level drop and the length o...

Mathematical simulation of solid particle dispersion in the air of Vilnius city

Abstract: One of the main methods for the air quality assessment and forecast is mathematical simulation of pollutants. In order to simulate the dispersion of solid particles (SP) in the air, there may be applied the package of “Phoenics” software in which the proximity methods of equation solution are used, because an accurate analytic solution of movement equations is not possible to be applied. The software was used in Žverynas district of Vilnius city in which the exact values of SP were selected. The paper presents the technique of mathematical simulation of SP dispersion in the air, the Algebraic Slip Model is described which is used for the solution of the problem; the model uses calculation‐based formulas. Based on the results of the experiment (the values of SP concentration) and the obtained results by applying “Phoenics” mathematical simulation program, the feasibility of the simulation program for modeling the SP concentration dispersion is determined. The results of simulation are submitted in...

Source apportionment and retention of nutrients and organic matter in the merkys river basin in southern Lithuania

Abstract: The assessment of the type of human activity in a basin area that may cause an impact on the status of a water body is needed for successful implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive. Lack of necessary information often makes it difficult to perform the task. Therefore, the statistical MESAW model based on export coefficients approach has been used in this study for evaluation of the impact of different sources of nutrients and organic matter on the water quality in the Merkys River in southern Lithuania. The model was tested on the basis of data from 5 water quality monitoring sites with corresponding subbasin data on land use, point sources and atmospheric deposition. Nonlinear regression was used for simultaneous estimation of the export coefficients and retention. The results revealed that the impact of anthropogenic sources accounted for 73% of COD, 56% of BOD, 90% of Ntot and 78% of Ptot loads measured in the Merkys River. Forest and wetlands contribute from 9.5 to 44% to the corre...

Modelling of motor transport exhaust gas influence on the atmosphere

Abstract: Santrauka Pagrindiniai atmosferos tarsos saltiniai miestuose yra mobilūs (automobiliu transportas), taip pat ir pramones bei energetikos tarsos saltiniai. Automobiliu transporto ismetami tersalai duoda didžiausia emisija i aplinka. Tyrimais nustatyta, kad daugiausia tersalu yra ismetama rytinio ir vakarinio piko valandomis, kai automobiliu transporto eismo intensyvumas mieste yra pats didžiausias. Automobiliu transporto ismetalai yra ypac dideli intensyvaus eismo miesto gatvese ir 2–5 m atstumu nuo važiuojamosios kelio dangos, o esant 6–10 m atstumui ju kiekiai staigiai sumažeja. Nustatyta, kad CO, NOx, CHx, SO2 koncentracijos tiesiogiai priklauso nuo automobiliu transporto eismo intensyvumo. Koncentracija tolygiai mažeja didejant atstumui nuo gatves važiuojamosios dalies. Tyrimai atlikti Vilniaus mieste 14 Žirmūnu gatviu vietu, kur skaiciuotas važiuojancio automobiliu transporto (lengvuju, vidutinio lengvumo, sunkiuju automobiliu) skaicius, pagal tai su COPERT programa nustatytos rytinio ir vakarinio pik...

Investigation and evaluation of noise level in the northern part of Klaipeda city

Abstract: The problem of noise is topical not only in Lithuania but the world over as well. The northern part of Klaipeda city is distinct for its industry and heavy traffic in the streets. Noise research was carried out in 17 selected measurement locations in the northern part of Klaipeda city. Noise measurements were taken in May, June, July, August, September, October and November. The measurements were made three times during the day: in the day time from 6 a.m. till 6 p.m., in the evening from 6 p.m. till 10 p.m. and at night from 10 p.m. till 6 a.m. The locations of the measurements are marked on the map. In order to distinguish the source of bigger noise between industry and transport, the northern part was divided into two belts. Industry is prevalent in the first belt, whereas the main troublemakers in the second belt are motor vehicles. The measured noise level is compared with permissible standards in measurement locations, where noise level is usually exceeded, and the analysis of noise levels ...

Air pollution burning different kinds of wood in small power boilers

Abstract: Experimental investigations have been performed, during which different kinds of wood have been burnt (firewood, wood granules, wood briquettes, sawdust) with the aim to determine the quantities of gases emitted in the air. For the investigation a water boiler burnt by solid fuel with a nominal capacity of 20 kW was applied. For testing gas analyser Testo‐350 was used to measure the quantity of gas dispersed into the air (in carbon monoxide ‐ CO and nitrogen oxides ‐NOx smoke, the quantity of oxygen ‐ O2, the smoke temperature of concentrations in the measurement spot). The quantities of harmful gaseous materials have been measured burning different kinds of wood. The smallest quantities of gaseous materials have been obtained in the process of burning wood granules. The possibility to regulate the combustion process diminishes the gas emission.

Relationship between landscape self‐regulation potential and topsoil additive contamination by trace elements in Vilnius city

Abstract: The aim of investigation was to find out the distribution and relationships between the urban landscape sensitivity to chemical pollution (S) and topsoil additive contamination Zd in the urbanized nucleus of Vilnius taking into account different functional zones. Zd was calculated according to concentration coefficients of 13 chemical elements, and the scores of S were based on integrated evaluation of 7 criteria. Comparison of indices was based on sampling sites. As S indicates the degree of the influence of the load of elements‐pollutants in an urban environment, it can only modify, but not predetermine Zd. The linear relationship between lg(Zd) and S is indirect and can be explained by relationship of Zd with percentage of a built‐up area. The strict correspondence of the categories of Zd and S is observed only in a small part of sites, and according to percentage of sites with unfavourable categories, Zd exceeds S. In urban territories S is not a reliable indicator of Zd, the significance of ...

Research and assessment of wind turbine's noise in vydmantai

Abstract: The decreasing reserve and growing costs of coal, oil and gas has persistently led us to use renewable energy resources. Using them environmental harm, air pollution and greenhouse effect can significantly be decreased. According to the European Union Parliament's and Council Directive 2001/77/EC approved in July 27, 2001, the member countries (Lithuania has been a member country from May 1, 2004) must seek to use not less than 12 per cent of renewable energy sources in total energy balance and 22,1 percent in the country's energy balance (including large hydroelectric power station). The numbers are significant. Thus, using wind energy can be one of the ways to fulfil the requirements. Lithuanian seaside, where the strongest winds are blowing, has been the most favourable place for the wind turbine's installation. However, usage and development of wind energy has been facing resistance from the society. One of the biggest arguments against the wind turbine is the noise which can cause inconvenie...

Ridged terraces ‐ functions, construction and use

Abstract: Erosion is considered one of the basic processes, leading to soil degradation and contamination of surface water. Terracing is a technical soil conservation method, generally intended to control surface runoff and soil losses. Ridged terraces are mainly used to control soil erosion but they could also be used as a mean for harvesting of rain water. These terraces divide the slope into smaller hydrographic units, significantly reducing the rout of the runoff, thus affecting water circulation on the slope and in the entire basin. Water, retained by terraces, does not participate in the direct precipitation‐runoff transformation process. As, a result, water resources in a given site are increased. In Poland there is no tradition and experience with the use of ridged terraces, especially as a measure for rain water collecting. This paper describes types of ridged terraces, their functions and typical cross‐sections, as well as methods of calculation of ridged terraces spacing.

Experimental investigation of biogas production using fatty waste

Abstract: The paper presents the findings of experimental investigation of biogas production using hen manure and sewage sludge with fatty waste (from margarine production). The following mixtures were made using this organic waste: hen manure and sewage sludge were mixed with fatty waste at 75% : 25%, 50% : 50% and 25% : 75% in volume. The paper analyses quantitative and qualitative composition of biogas: gas emission content, the concentrations of methane, sulphuretted hydrogen and oxygen in it as well as temperature and pH change during the experiment. Mixing hen manure with fatty waste at 75% : 25% and maintaining psychrophilic temperature mode, the highest biogas output (0.09 m3) from 0.2 m3 substrate in 32 days was recorded. When using the mixture of sewage sludge and fatty waste at 75% : 25% and maintaining psychrophilic temperature mode, the highest biogas output (0.10 m) from 0.2 m substrate in 32 days was recorded. When using these mixtures, the concentration of methane was also the highest, and ...

Possibilities to restore natural water regime in the Žuvintas Lake and surrounding wetlands – modelling analysis approach

Abstract: The Žuvintas Lake, located in southern Lithuania in the basin of the Dovine River is one of the biggest lakes and the oldest natural reserves of the country. However, the changes in the hydrology of the Dovine River basin, caused by large‐scale melioration and water management works carried out in the 20th century, have resulted in significant alteration of hydrological regime and decrease in biodiversity of the Žuvintas Lake and surrounding wetlands. In order to prevent the ongoing deterioration of the Lake and wetlands solutions have to be found. Therefore, various scenarios have been analysed to evaluate the impact of water management alternatives. For these scenarios the physically‐based distributed parameter model SIMGRO was used. The results have shown that natural water regime in the Žuvintas Lake is hardly reversible. However, the replacement of sluice‐gates implemented at the outlet of the Žuvintas Lake by overflow weir as well as the blocking of drainage ditches and the removal of scrub...

Effect of drain‐blocking and meteorological factors on ground water table fluctuations in kamanos mire

Abstract: The study was carried out in a raised bog located in the Kamanos state reserve in northwestern Lithuania (56°16'N, 22°39'W). The area of the raised bog is 1722 ha. To assess the effect of meteorological factors and damming of drainage ditches on the water regime of the Kamanos mire, we have analysed the water table depth fluctuations over the last 22 years in the northern part of the mire, which was drained out in 1907, and the drainage ditch was dammed in 1999. The control plots were established in the central part of the raised bog without draining activities, where Eriophorum va‐ginatum‐Sphagnum spp. communities prevail in the ground vegetation and small Scots pine trees may also be found. The results showed that, in both natural and damaged‐by‐drainage sites of the raised bog, the air moisture deficiency and the amount of precipitation had a significant effect on the fluctuation of the water table depth during the growth period (R = 0.416 ‐ 0.761 p < 0.05). In comparison with the control plot...

Dendrochronological research of scots pine (Pinus Sylvestris L.) growing in vilnius and kaunas forest parks

Abstract: This study is aimed at dendrochronological indication of unfavourable environmental conditions in Vilnius and Kaunas cities on Scots pine's (Pinus sylvestris L.) radial increment and comparison of city trees growth with the tree growth in relatively unpolluted areas (control forest stands). 330 sample trees in Kaunas and 456 sample pines in Vilnius city and forest parks, 72 sample pines in 3 control forest stands at the distance of 30 km west from Kaunas city were chosen for the radial growth analysis. It was determined that tree radial increment (in per cent) of transformed pine dendro‐scales is lower in cities than in control stands. These alterations were caused by environmental disturbances: exceptionally cold winter in 1979/1980 and air pollution level which was considerably higher in cities than in controlled stands. Though transport emission has constantly been growing since 2000, no clear difference between pine radial growth dynamics in controll stands in Kaunas and Vilnius sample plots ...

Accumulation of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd) in tissues of perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) and roach Rutilus rutilus (L.) under experimental conditions

Abstract: Santrauka Ivertintas sunkiuju metalu pasiskirstymas gelavandeniu žuvu audiniuose monitoringiniuose vandens telkiniuose, taip pat ir kuoju bei eseriu, paveiktu sunkiuju metalu didžiausiomis leidžiamosiomis koncentracijomis (DLK), audiniuose. Eksperimentiniai tyrimai atlikti su Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, kuriu kiekvienas pasižymi kancerogeniniu mutageni‐niu poveikiu. Nustatyta, kad svino DLK (0,2 mg/kg) buvo virsyta eseriu raumenyse 1,6 karto, o kuoju ‐ 1,4 karto. Kadmio DLK (0,05 mg/kg) eseriu ir kuoju raumenyse buvo virsyta apie 1,2 karto. Taip pat nustatyta, kad eseriai sunkiuosius metalus kaupia intensyviau nei kuojos. Eksperimentiniai duomenys sutampa su sunkiuju metalu tyrimu monitoringiniuose vandens telkiniuose duomenimis. Žuvu audiniuose Pb ir Cd koncentracijos yra didžiausios ir dažnai virsija Lietuvos higienos normoje nurodytaja DLK. Tokie rezultatai ipareigoja nuolat kontroliuoti sunkiuju metalu kieki žuvyse. Rezultatai pateikiami sunkiuju metalu sklaidos pasiskirstymo grafikuose.

Investigation of 90Sr acumulation in Pinewood (Pinus sylvestris L.)

Abstract: Santrauka Pateikiami 90Sr medienoje tyrimo rezultatai, pagal kuriuos jis kinta nuo (0,03±0,01) Bq/kg iki (2,32±0,34) Bq/kg. Autoriai siūlo 90Sr sukauptam pusies medienoje kiekiui modeliuoti naudoti FORM modeli. Vidutinis skirtumas tarp tyrimo ir modelio rezultatu yra 13 %. Norint ivertinti visa sukaupta 90Sr medyje kieki, taikomas savitojo aktyvumo integralu sumavimo metodas, pries tai nustacius 90Sr savitojo aktyvumo ir medžio biomas0s prieaugio rysio funkcija. Pagal pasiūlyta modeli ivertinta, kad per 1950–2000 m. pusis sukaup0 620 Bq. Darbe yra ivertintas 90Sr pernasos is dirvožemio i paprastosios pusies mediena koeficientas. 1950–2000 m. laikotarpiu jis kito nuo (2,0±1,0) · 10−4 m2/kg iki (9,7±1,0) · 4m2/kg.

Variation of ozone and aerosol particle numerical concentrations on the working premises under different microclimatic parameters

Abstract: Investigations of air quality on the working and residential premises as well as its effect on human health and materials have been started many years ago and are still intensively carried out now. This is a result of application of new materials in the field of construction, implementation of new technological processes as well as intensive use of various devices at home and workplaces. It is known that a high concentration of ozone and aerosols could have negative effects on human health as well as on materials. Quite frequently not quite new copying machines which might be a strong source of pollutant emission are used for copying. An experiment was carried out on the working premises with three operating copying machines and a laser printer. The changes and distribution of ozone concentration and numerical concentration of aerosol particles (d > 0.4 μm) from the source of emission, i. e. a copying machine, were investigated. Measurements were carried out under different conditions of copying ...

Investigation of cleaning efficiency of biological air‐treatment device with activated charge of different origin

Abstract: In order to carry out an experimental investigation a biological air‐treatment device was used, namely, a biofilter with a charge of a different origin composed of zeolite, foam and wood chips. When mixing foam and zeolite together with wood chips for air treatment from volatile organic compounds, not only a biological but also adsorptive air‐treatment method is used. Using complex treatment technologies the device efficiency and the charge service period are improved. The investigation has shown that microorganisms, being predominant in the bio‐treatment process, can breed in charges of on inorganic origin made of natural zeolite and foam. While cultivating spontaneous microorganism associations in the charge, biofilter treatment efficiency was determined to be dependent on the sort of the supplied pollutant, concentration and filtration period. The charge filtration function was most efficient at a velocity of 0,1 m/s when the device was supplied with acetone‐polluted air. Cleaning air from ace...

Problems and potential of mineral magnetic measurements as a soil particle size proxy

Abstract: The use of mineral magnetic concentration parameters (χLF, χARM and SIRM) as a potential particle size proxy for soil samples collected from the Isle of Man (British Isles) is explored as an alternative means of normalizing particle size effects. Comparison of soil‐related analytical data by correlation analyses between each magnetic parameter and individual particle size classes (i.e. sand, silt and clay), more discrete intervals within classes (e.g. fine sand or medium silt) and cumulative size fractions (e.g. clay + fine silt) are reported. Both χLF and χARM parameters reveal significant (p <0.05; n = 46), but relatively weak (rs = 0.297 and 0.369), associations with clay content, while χLF, χARM and SIRM parameters have no significant relationship with sand and silt content or any discrete or cumulative size fractions. Contrary to earlier research findings, this indicates that magnetic measurements are not always a suitable particle size proxy and it is only certain environments and/or specif...

On possibility of short‐term prognosis of cyclonic activity after‐effects in Vilnius by variation of hard cosmic ray flux

Abstract: Analysis of hard cosmic ray flux (HCRF) variation at an energy interval 1.2—1.6 MeV was carried out in Vilnius. Connection between HCRF decrease at the mentioned energy interval and the minimum atmospheric pressure in 3–6 days is defined. This phenomenon is registered from 8 up to 13 hours. According to the time interval of HCRF decrease, for instance 8–9 and 9–10 hours, the minimum pressure in Vilnius takes place in 3^1 days, and at time intervals 11–12, and 12–13 hours ‐ in 5–6 days. Realization of this prognosis at one of the presented time intervals was 56–67% in 2002–2003. The same investigation results, with the assumption of atmospheric pressure decrease from 1005 hPa and less, showed a high efficiency of prognosis of the minimum pressure in Vilnius at all the time intervals during 6 days ‐ 92%, and 82% in 2002 and 2003, correspondingly.

Modelling vertical migration of 137Cs in Lithuanian soils

Abstract: 137Cs vertical migration in soil was evaluated using two methods: evaluating migration parameters using the quasi‐diffusion model, and modelling vertical migration using VS2DI software package, which is intended for simulating transport of pollution in different types of soil. 137Cs distribution in soil was compared in elevated contamination “spots” in 1992 and 1999–2000. It was determined that 137Cs vertical distribution in soil has two maxima caused by the 137Cs global fallout due to nuclear weapon tests and by the fallout due to the ChNPP accident. 137Cs concentration simulated by VS2DI software package is close to the measured 137Cs concentration, especially to values measured in 1992. This shows that the software is able to simulate 137Cs vertical migration due to a single fallout. The quasi‐diffusion model is adequate for description of long‐term 137Cs vertical migration, and the results of measurements and calculations agreed within error limits. Parameters of long‐term vertical migration ...

Natural ventilation of animal sheds due to thermal buoyancy and wind

Abstract: In designing a natural ventilation system for animal sheds it is necessary to assess the ventilation induced by thermal buoyancy and wind forces during different seasons and under different animal housing conditions. By applying analytical and experimental investigation a methodology was prepared to establish ventilation intensity caused by thermal buoyancy and wind and data were achieved on thermal buoyancy and wind values and their relationship. The innovation of the methodology can be described by the fact that a simple equation was formed to calculate the air speed in inlet and outlet openings, a mathematical expression of thermal buoyancy and wind ratio was achieved and the required inlet opening area to let in fresh air compared with the outlet opening area to let out polluted air was substantiated to ensure that all polluted air is removed through a rooftop open in winter. It was calculated that the average air speed in the rooftop outlet opening of a typical cold‐type cowshed is 1.3 m/s (...

Status of environmental protection as a source of finance for regional economic development: Measurement of environmental and regional policy with the fisher function

Abstract: The present paper analyses spatial distribution of EU financial support for territories, where environmental protection is of high importance, and tests the measuring method based on the t‐statistic of sign frequency in order to apply the R. Fisher function's arcsin transformation. The measuring of EU fund distribution is based on the analysis of sign frequency in sample groups with sign frequency in all the municipalities of Latvia. There are 530 municipalities in Latvia, and in 100 of them environmental protection is of high importance. The author has concluded that Latvian municipalities with high environmental protection levels have significantly higher possibilities to obtain EU funds for environmental improvement. A compact group of municipalities with high environmental protection levels have higher and significantly higher possibilities to obtain EU funding for environmental improvement and local business development support. Participation in environmental protection projects did not wors...

Thermodynamic assessment of carbamide use for reducing boiler NOX, co flue gas emissions

Abstract: Some aspects of boiler toxic pollutant emission reduction in the presence of carbamide are discussed in the paper. Theoretical pollution reduction investigation was conducted by using thermodynamic function calculation methods and evaluating the Gibbs’ energy value changes at various temperatures. The equations of these changes were derived. It was determined that the most reliable compounds, formed during the reaction between carbamide and nitrogen oxides, are CO2, nitrogen and water. Other products are formed when carbamide is oxidized. Also, it was found that carbamide could reduce sulphur oxides to sulphur, and in some cases ‐ to H2S. The pyrolysis of carbamide is possible at temperatures above 450 K.