Trinitrotoluene (TNT), a commonly used explosive for military and industrial applications, can cause serious environmental pollution. 28-day laboratory pot experiment was carried out applying bioaugmentation using laboratory selected bacterial strains as inoculum, biostimulation with molasses and cabbage leaf extract, and phytoremediation using rye and blue fenugreek to study the effect of these treatments on TNT removal and changes in soil microbial community responsible for contaminant degradation. Chemical analyses revealed significant decreases in TNT concentrations, including reduction of some of the TNT to its amino derivates during the 28-day tests. The combination of bioaugmentation-biostimulation approach coupled with rye cultivation had the most profound effect on TNT degradation. Although plants enhanced the total microbial community abundance, blue fenugreek cultivation did not significantly affect the TNT degradation rate. The results from molecular analyses suggested the survival and elevation of the introduced bacterial strains throughout the experiment. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Nõ lvak, H.; Truu, J.; Limane, B.; Truu, M.; Cepurnieks, G.; Bartkevičs, V.; Juhanson, J.; Muter, O. 2013. Microbial community changes in TNT spiked soil bioremediation trial using biostimulation, phytoremediation and bioaugmentation, Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management 21(3): 153Á162. http://dx. abstract.Construction and demolition wastes (C&DW) are usually recognized as not dangerous, but their accumulation can generate serious environmental problems. In spite of C&DW high potential to be reused/recycled, the practical procedures need to be assessed in terms of environmental consequences. The objective of this study is to quantify the environmental impacts of C&DW recycling/reuse, specifically in the production of aggregate 0/30 mm, comparative to those generated during the natural inert processing, in terms of global impacts addressing the whole process and for each technological phase. The analysis was carried out using Life Cycle Assessment methodology, assisted by SimaPro software, and based on primary data collected directly from the Italian Emilia Romagna region. Three methods were used for impact quantification: Eco-Indicator 99, EDIP/UMIP and Cumulative Energy Demand. The analysis revealed that the environmental impacts generated by C&DW recycling/reuse accounting for about 40% of the impacts induced by natural inert processing. reference to this paper should be made as follows: Simion, I. M.; Fortuna, M. E.; Bonoli, A.; Gavrilescu, M. 2013. Comparing environmental impacts of natural inert and recycled construction and demolition waste processing using LCA, Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management 21(4): 273-287. http://dx.

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In this study, the adsorption of Pb2+ and Zn2+ ions from aqueous solutions onto lignin obtained from unmodified Sarkanda grass was analyzed. To ensure optimal process conditions, the retention of lead and zinc ions was tested at different experimental parameters (pH of the initial solution and adsorbent, the dose of adsorbent, the concentration of aqueous solutions and contact time). The experimental results have been interpreted using the classic Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, as well as two kinetic models (the Lagergren pseudo-first order and the Ho and McKay pseudo-second order models). Based on the analysis of the experimental data, it has been concluded that unmodified Sarkanda grass lignin can be recommended as an efficient alternative, considering its practical applicability, in the retention of Pb2+and Zn2+ ions from aqueous solutions, both in terms of the amount of adsorbate and pollutant species retained, as well as in terms of adsorption time.

"Considering the negative effects of polluting species on the environment and human health, in particular heavy metals, and the need for efficient use of resources, the present study investigated the adsorption of As (III) from aqueous solutions under static conditions onto chemically unmodified Sarkanda grass lignin. In order to optimize the adsorption process, the retention of As (III) was tested under various experimental parameters (pH of the initial solution and adsorbent, concentration of aqueous solutions, adsorbent dose and contact time of the two phases). The experimental data obtained were interpreted based on the classical models of Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms, which was useful in establishing the equilibrium conditions and in evaluating the adsorption capacity for a solute. The adsorption dynamics was studied using the Lagergren pseudo-first order and the Ho and McKay pseudo-second order models. The analysis of the obtained experimental data recommends chemically unmodified Sarkanda grass lignin as a future alternative adsorbent for water remediation, taking into account its practical applicability in the retention of As (III) from aqueous solutions, in terms of both adsorbent and adsorbed doses, as well as the time required for adsorption. "

In the present work, precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) were prepared to obtain new hybrid materials used in papermaking. In the first step, occurred the precipitation of CaCO3 in solution containing CMC at different levels (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). In the second step, PCC–CMC hybrid material (25%) was added to pulp suspension, and the sheets were made. The effect of PCC–CMC on paper properties (mechanical and optical) was systematically investigated. Breaking length, the brightness and opacity of the sheets obtained with the PCC–CMC material were better than the sheets fabricated with the unmodified PCC at similar levels of content.