Browse

Naturally occurring arsenic (As) in groundwater of sedimentary aquifer has emerged as a global problem, and issue of major environmental health concern. Most groundwater from the Terai Basin of Nepal is contaminated by excess arsenic. Such groundwater is widely used for drinking and irrigation purpose and makes easy means of direct entrance of arsenic into human body and food chain; and that affects human health adversely. This paper evaluates the state of arsenic contamination in the six Terai districts of Nepal ...

The feasibility to substitute feldspar raw materials in a porcelain stoneware body with waste Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) glass was investigated. Various compositions, containing different percentages of feldspars and CRT glass, were compared. The densification process was studied by non-isothermal dilatometry and the degree of sintering was evaluated by pycnometric techniques. The structure and phase composition of the final ceramics were studied by SEM and XRD, respectively. The technological parameters and the mecha...

Recently, the noisy problem is increasing parallel to the improvement of the technology, which arises in the developed countries and makes the life difficult. It is recently one of crucial environmental problem that it is a sort of pollution, still least known and least struggled in our country. However, the investigations carried out on noise pollution have brought up that the matter is a problem of public health gaining importance increasingly. The aim of this study was noisy measurements, both to determine the ...

The economical investigation is one of the most important stages in the mine planning, as it can be a useful guide in the mine exploitation. The iron ore district of Gol-E-Gohar (GEG) is located about 60 km south-west of the city of Sirjan, in the Kerman Province of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Six anomalies are known and for about 10 years, Area 1 ore is mined and processed for the recovery of a dry as well as a wet concentrate. The proven reserves of Area 1 were about 265 million tonnes, whereas near to 100 mil...

Both the group and phase velocity of the signals of all space geodetic techniques operating in the microwave band, is disturbed when they pass through the ionosphere – an effect, which can be corrected only if the measurements are carried out at two distinct frequencies. In this way also information about the parameters of the ionosphere in terms of Total Electron Content (TEC) values can be gained and used to correct single-frequency measurements and to monitor the ionization processes. The classical input data f...

Since 2000 in Bulgaria have been installed and put into operation two DGPS beacons. Preliminary site selection and equipment delivery procedures for a new station of the same type have been started recently. Each of the two existing and one planned stations serve specific activities: marine and inland water way navigation and exploration, land navigation, positioning, targeting, etc. Though built with different purposes and missing a common network concept, these stations provide differential correction coverage o...

There are two methods fixed and real-time assignment for improving the performance of transportation through truck- shovel system in open pit mines. The real-time assignment (RTA) method is a better manner for optimization process of transportation system in open pit mines, especially in the complex transportation systems. The most significant objective of the RTA method is, introducing a transportation system which cause to increasing production per time and decreasing cost per ton. In this study, a software base...

Making macro velocity model is the most important part in any seismic data processing system. It is a very time consuming and none accurate step in conventional methods like NMO/DMO/stack. In this article, we drive a velocity model for a synthetic data with new introduced tomographic inversion method. This method uses the kinematic wavefield attributes which would yield from common reflection surface (CRS) stacked data. These attributes are normal (N) wave and normal incidence point (NIP) wave curvatures. The tomo...

In this study, enrichment probabilities of Topraktepe (Yesildag-Beysehir) chromites by Multi Gravity Separator were investigated. Multi Gravity Separator tests were carried out using -106-75 $\mu$m particle size and 2500 g specimen. The results of beneficiation studies showed that concentrate containing 57.52\% Cr2O3 was obtainable with a 79.83 \% rate of recovery. The results of Multi Gravity Separator test demonstrated that high recovery and high grade concentrates have been obtained for 3 drum speed. The best r...

Gold mining is attracting increasing attention in many countries of the world, although it has a major impact on the environment. Large quantities of hazardous chemicals such as mercury or sodium cyanide are consumed to recover gold from its ores. Therefore, this activity should be carefully regulated by means of global directives based on an up-to-date knowledge of ecotoxicity principles and modern environmental standards. In light of recent developments in world gold mining, T\"urkiye has caught the attention of...

The earthquake jeopardy for our country is a reality that can not be ignored, since 98\% of Bulgarian territory is an earthquake-prone area. Among all natural disasters, earthquakes are the greatest contemporary menace - according to UN statistics. Hence, the existence of appropriate resources for effective earthquake protection is the relevant background for the sustainable economic development of any modern state. The continuous seismic monitoring of strong earthquakes, affecting the territory of Bulgaria is car...

INTRODUCTION Within the scope of the recently started initiative SAFEMANMIN under 6th Framework Programme, a preliminary report about methods used for the characterization of mining wastes in several Eli countries (Austria, Italy, Greece, Poland, Norway, Spain, France, Germany, Bulgaria and Romania) has been complied. This study is based on the Reference Document on Best Available Techniques of Tailings and Waste-Rocks in Mining Activities, prepared by the IPPC Office in Seville (July 2004). It aims on establishin...

The paper applies the transport costs calculation technique as a decision making support tool of municipal solid waste management and logistics in a case study of the city of Koљice, Slovakia.

This paper presents the results of ground vibration analysis induced by blasting during the construction of the Istanbul Kadık\"oy-Kartal metro tunnel. Different rock formations in this tunnel route which is 21,6 km in length were encountered during the excavation with blasting. As a first stage, Test site is divided into 3 main regions with respect to lithology changes in the rock units and Hoek’s Geological Strength Index value of these rock units. In the first region representing S8 shaft tunnels, 59 events in ...

WATER-MAP is a 2-year project funded under the Community Initiative INTERREG III B ARCHIMED and implemented by nine partners from six countries (Greece, Italy, Malta, Cyprus, Turkey, and Palestinian Authority). The project looks at the topic of integrated groundwater resources management. The aim is to provide scientifically reliable information to the local authorities in order to develop optimal spatial development strategies. Within the framework of the project, vulnerability maps are generated in order to dete...

Shoreline change rate is the most critical feature of the coastal area because it reveals future harmful impacts driven by long-term climate changes and episodic events. Since the coastal zone is one of a nation’s greatest environmental and economic assets, the best methodology, as far as accuracy is concerned, estimating the rate of change of a shoreline is an open question. The accuracy both of the geoinformation used and the computed change rate is of crucial importance. The purpose of the present paper is to u...

In our paper, the investigations have focused on observations regarding the physiological and biochemical changes on the horse-chesnut’s (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) leaves during their ontogenetic cycle under the influence of the atmosphere pollutants (sulphur dioxide, chlorine, ammoniac, lime or cement powders). The foliar chlorosis and necrosis represent the clear manifestation of deep physiological modifications, as well as severe structural alterations, which affect the average content of water, dry matter, an...

The present work discusses the synthesize of sintered granite–like glass-ceramics obtained by vitrification of hazardous industrial wastes. The chemical resistance of parent wastes and glasses were classified by the toxic characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP), whereas the crystallization behaviour was evaluated by DTA and XRD. The thermal and mechanical properties of final glass-ceramics were also measured and discussed. The obtained glass-ceramics have attractive appearance, elevate chemical durability and me...

In the open-pit mining industry, trucks and shovels are the mining technology of choice; however, it is widely recognized that the operation of these trucks and shovels contributes significantly to the overall operation cost. Fortunately, there exist many opportunities to reduce the cost of the truck and shovel operation. Chador-malu iron ore mine has been exploited since 1997. This deposit is located in the North-East of Yazd province and reserve of this deposit is about 400 million tons. At present, there is a n...

This paper summarizes potential modern technologies for large scale power generation based on lignite which should be used in Kosova. A part of the study was done to review modern power plant technologies currently available potential technical concepts for large scale power generation on lignite taking in account their high moisture contents. Reference is also be made to the importance of low rank coals-lignite in the international scene. The combination of the high moisture content and high reactivity of low lig...

The filtering of binary images containing graphic and text information possesses typical peculiarities and uses heuristic processing procedures. At the same time the application of grey level methods for processing of digital images gives a lot of advantages. It is introduced an approach for the processing of binary images that is based on the adaptation of algorithms for grey level images like boundary detection, contour tracing, and line tinning. It is made the comparison of methods for binary filtering and corr...

The leaching conditions of galena (PbS) concentrate in nitric acid (HNO3) medium containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were investigated in this study. Effects of stirring speed in the range of 0 to 600 rpm, nitric acid concentration in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 M, hydrogen peroxide concentration in the range of 0.25 to 2.0 M, leaching temperature in the range of 23 to 60°C, particle size range of -212 +106, -106 +75, -75 +45 $\mu$m on lead dissolution were investigated. According to obtained results, it was determine...

The Sungun porphyry copper deposit (PCD) is located in East Azarbaijan, in the NW of Iran. The Sungun porphyries occur as stocks and dikes ranging in composition from quartz monzodiorite through quartz monzonite. Four types of hypogene alteration are developed at Sungun, potassic, phyllic, propylitic and argillic. Based upon their phase content, four types of fluid inclusions are common at Sungun (1) vapor, mono-phase (2) vapor-rich, two-phase, (3) liquid-rich twophase, and (4) multi-phase. Halite is the principal...

As we have already approached the 21st Century, there is a growing need for management and utilization of natural resources for its optimal beneficial use with the concurrent technologies. The demands for the fresh water are increasing rapidly requiring holistic management of fresh water as a finite and vulnerable source.. Thus knowledge about water quality of the rivers for the effective management has become most interest aspect. Haraz is a basic river in northern Iran that flows northward from foot of Mount Dam...

In this paper some specific problems concerning the database and information quality are presented analyzed. There are emphasized some approaches presented in the literature and some “classical” mistakes encountered in practice.

The mineral projects have a number of characteristics that make them somewhat different from other types, including the usual long-lived nature of the operation, the pronounced cyclical nature of mineral prices and so on. These increases the risk of mining ventures compared to other types of investment opportunities. Thus this paper has been prepared to presenting the methodology and application of Monte Carlo simulation technique as used in the evaluation of mineral projects to analyze and measure risk. The objec...

Peak particle velocity is the most important criterion for analyzing dangers resulted from ground vibration. According to the investigations, this parameter can independently indicate the possible damage and is proportional to it. Up to now, investigators have proposed many different formulas to calculate this parameter, but none of them are applicable for all areas and based upon regional conditions such as geological, technical, geotechnical, rock mechanical and so on, only one of these equations can be adopted....

In current paper the purposes of an environmental assessment are described and the method, through which the “Impacting Factors” and “Environmental Components” are determined, is also outlined. Then, according to the definition, possible scenarios, and matrixes of weighting factors, the algorithm which shows the relation between Impacting Factors and Environmental Components is determined. Furthermore, the derivation of matrixes and the method of environmental assessment are described. In order to compare the exis...

A review of the CAD systems used in the investigation planning, possibilities to automate planning and the basic directions related with planning are done. Examples for achieved results when developing software for the specialized investigation activities and when working with the program package “Geodesy” are given.

The technical specifications defined from instrumentation owners of suitable for remote access expensive equipment in Earth Sciences domain are presented. The database containing all mentioned above structured information is created and used as analytical tool in this investigation. The user community requirements in several different domains for application of remote access are evaluated and analysed. This work is one of the main parts of RINGrid project (Remote Instrumentation in Next-generation Grids) under the...

On 22.12.2005 the General Assembly of the United Nations Organization unanimously decided to proclaim the year 2008 as International Year of the Planet Earth. UNESCO and the International Union of Geosciences decided to develop the programmes within a Trienium of Geosciences 2007- 2009. Thus, the United Nations acknowledge the special role that geosciences may and should play in establishing a better world, their huge potential being utilized in a more rational manner for the benefit of humanity and its sustainabl...

Carbon disulfide is a well-known occupational hazard in viscose industry. With a view to improvement of the work conditions in the viscose industry was made an exposure assessment to carbon disulfide of different work groups in a plant for manufacturing viscose in Bulgaria. The study involved 76 workers from three different shops in the plant, exposed to different levels of carbon disulfide. The control group comprised 26 individuals from the same region without occupational exposure. The sampling strategy for thi...

The microalgae from a genus Pseudo-nitzschia are constantly presented in the plankton at the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. They are described as potential toxic and their monitoring is significant for the Black Sea’s ecosystem, fishing development and aquacultures. Aspects such as distribution density, biomass and bloom’s forming from this group of algae are explored in this article. Since 1996 to 2005, one great blooming of P.delicatissima is observed and the rest are below 5 000 x 103 cells/l. The frequencies and m...

The analysis of the practical applications of the findings of the preliminary tests for the effectiveness of the disinfection treatments with high-frequency cold plasma conducted on samples collected from patrimony items and reference materials of organic nature has shown that the microbiological investigations confirm the biocide action of the HF plasma in fighting bacteria (after 45 minutes in the samples of icon wood and natural silk, 60 minutes in the cotton samples, 90 minutes in the archaeological wood and l...

Prospecting and exploration activities for oil and gas in a number of cases are connected with some environmental impacts in the location of their implementation. Depending on the applied prospecting and exploration methods – geophysical or drilling methods or combination of both - the environmental impacts comprise mainly of: air emissions from the equipment engines, short-term damages to land and soil, contamination of surface and ground water, waste generation, cuttings in forests, etc. The implemented complex ...

In this study, natural radioactivity removal methods have been compared for present drinking water supplies (privately owned wells or small water works) which have radioactivity values higher than determined standards (WHO \& EPA standards). There are several methods known to remove radioactivity from water such as aeration to remove “Rn222”, adsorption by granular activated carbon (GAC) to remove “Uranium”, ion exchange methods (IX) to remove “Ra266 and Ra288”, reverse osmosis (RO) to remove “Gross alpha and Gros...

Sedimentation and corrosion potential are the major problems that exit in all industries particularly in water industry which cause decrease of public health, water quality depletion, facilities and piping equipment scales. Thus their control leads to promotion of water health and quality. The purpose of this research is determination of the potential in drinking water network in Behshahr city, north of Iran.We used major indexes such as Langelier Index, Ryzner Index and Corrosion index. Samples are taken from 9 a...

A major producer of zinc on the Balkans is Bulgaria (about 100 000 tons per year). The two zinc plants in Plovdiv and Kardjali deliver a part of the necessary raw materials from Bulgaria and the Balkan countries – Turkey, Romania, Greece, Serbia and Macedonia. In this connection an analysis is made of the delivered sulfide zinc concentrates through statistical processing of data about their chemical content. For the aim of processing them according to the classic hydrometallurgical scheme studies are carried out u...

This study presents preliminary results of our study on the kaolinisation of Tertiary magmatic units in the Biga Peninsula. Volcanic and intrusive rocks of Tertiary age crop out in the vicinity of the Harmancık and \"U\ccpınar villages of \cCanakkale country, Lapseki town. Volcanic rocks consist of andesites, basalts and rhyolites, whereas intrusive rocks consist of granitic plutons. The granitic intrusions cut the volcanic rocks. Kaolin deposits appears to have formed within the andesitic rocks. The kaoline depos...

Each employee has a unique potential, which need to be stimulated due to be most productive. Education is an important factor for this stimulation. Only well educated employees are real competitive advantage for the company. In the year 2006 we have realized research study of educational needs of tourism organization in Koљice region. We tried to identify factors, which are necessary for the real development of tourism. In the study we have found areas, in which human resources needs to be strengthened. The follow...

Air pollution is a growing environmental problem in the major cities of the world due to growing urbanization, motorization and industrialization, Kathmandu valley is not exception. In the valley (Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktrapur cities), quantity of Particulate Matter (PM10) is higher than WHO guideline (20 $\mu$g/m3 per year \&50 $\mu$g/m3 per 24 hour). This paper presents four years (2003-2006) monitoring and analysis of PM10 from 6 different stations of Kathmandu valley as well as tried to correlate among PM...

Most of the coastal zones in Europe are under the high level of anthropogenic pressure. Intensive use can lead to a devaluation of the natural capital of these zones and negatively affect the social and economic balance. These issues cannot be solved by the South-Eastern Baltic Region States separately (e.g. common natural and cultural heritage, transfers of pollutants and sediments, tourist flows, maritime safety) and requires international collaboration. One of the ways to ensure sustainable development of the c...

The long-going petroleum exploitation in the Section Cocu determined the increase of chloride concentrations in groundwater. The aquifer system in this area comprises four aquifers, with different extensions, separated by semipervious units. The third and the fourth aquifer are more extended. The third aquifer is in direct relationship with potential pollution sources, such as oil wells and oil pipelines and it is drained by the River Cotmeana. Several monitoring wells were drilled for the purpose of this study, p...

In this paper, we investigate the the lateral displacement of a Gaussian beam by a conductive thin slab is investigated. A description of the Gaussian beam and a lateral displacement of Gaussian beam at a conductive thin slab is given. We construct a plane wave representation of a Gaussian beam incident upon a homogeneous, lossless, isotropic conductive slab. The waves inside and outside the slab are solved analitically by matching the conductive boundary conditions at the interface. Numerical results including th...

Checking the quality of blasting is considered an essential matter in surface mining, and requires measuring objective parameters. One of these parameters is the results of the blasted product. Numerous fragmentation “measuring” systems have been developed and marketed, based on image-processing. In this study, the GoldSize system was used to determine the size distribution of rock fragments in Sarcheshmeh Copper complex mine, Iran. The effects of size of rock samples and imaging method on image analysis are inves...

This case study presented herein compares the landslide susceptibility mapping methods of frequency ratio (FR), logistic regression and artificial neural networks (ANN) applied in the Kat county (Tokat-Turkey). Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was first constructed using a GIS software. Parameter maps affecting the slope stability such as; geology, faults, drainage system, topographical elevation, slope angle, slope aspect, topographic wetness index (TWI) and stream power index (SPI) were then produced from DEM of th...

Noise is an important factor affecting human health psychologically due to lack of performance, hearing failures, decreases in heart beats, physiologically due to higher brain liquid pressure and sociologically due to lack of communication. Especially in closed working areas, it has significant negative effects on the performance. Noise control in closed working areas is generally done with boron added cellulosic mixture sprayed on the structure or surfaces with required thicknesses. In this study, noise was gener...