Ecological Engineering and Environment Protection

Abstract: Ecologic-innovative process of social and economic development of is directed on achievement of a standard state of environment at which functioning of a national economy, the region, branch, concrete production is carried out at rational use of all components of raw materials and energy and ecological equilibrium isn't broken. In article the attention is focused on use of the principle of the resource-saving being more favorable in economic and ecological sense.

Key words: effective management, waste, waste management, production greening

LANDSCAPE PLANNING POSSIBILITIES FOR “KORIATA” SAND AND GRAVEL QUARRY, SOFIA REGION, BULGARIA

Vladimir Ilinkin

Abstract: The paper presents results of landscape planning and investigation on Fluvisols. The object is “Koriata” sand and gravel quarry, Bulgaria. Soil samples were taken from seventeen soil profiles at a depth of 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, 40-60 cm, 60-80 cm, and 80-100 cm. There were significant correlations between the physical and chemical soil properties in 40 out of 48 cases. Statistically significant high correlation coefficients (> ±0.6) have been calculated: for example, there is a negative correlation between bulk density on the one hand and soil organic matter (SOM) and nutrients on the other; there is a high positive correlation between total porosity and SOM and nutrients. The correlations between the clay fraction and SOM, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and K2O are also high. Formulating a landscape plan for the territory of “Koriata” sand and gravel quarry will improve the quality of life of residents, will result in at least a sevenfold increase in plant diversity and will meet the demand for themed waterparks within the city limits of Sofia.

Key words: landscape planing, Fluvisols, quarry, physical properties, chemical properties, green system.

FRACTALS, NATURAL DISASTERS AND ECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OF MALDIVES

Boyko Ranguelov, Fathimath Shadiya

Abstract: A new idea about the fractal nature of Maldives archipelago is under investigation. The origin of this famous Maldivian islands’ country is still questionable from geodynamic point of view. The present study is focused to the assessment of the fractal properties and the coefficients of the nonlinearity (fractal dimensions) of the areal spatial distribution of the major atolls of the Maldives. This is the most vulnerable area in the world from point of view of global warming and the possible negative consequences to the country and population from the ocean level increase. From another side the natural hazards (tsunamis, storms, etc.) are common negative phenomena attacking the country. The strongly developed tourism – more then 30% of the GDP and the increased urbanization is another factor creating ecological problems to the local population. The relationships between the fractal nature and the possible ways to avoid the pollution are also in the focus of this research.
Key words: Fractals, Maldives, natural hazards, ecological problems

ASPECTS AND PERSPECTIVE OF INTERIM ECOLOGICAL MONITORING APPLICATION ON ECOSYSTEMS BY MEANS OF REMOTE SENSING

Kameliya Radeva

Abstract: Identifying and detailing the biophysical characteristics of species and habitats, habitat mapping, predicting the distribution of species and spatial variability in species richness and detecting the influence of natural and human-caused disasters on biodiversity urgently implies interim ecological monitoring implementation as part of regular ecological monitoring. The term ‘interim ecological monitoring’ implies the development of models for ecological monitoring, while integrating remotely sensed data. This paper explores how recent advances in spatial and spectral resolutions of satellite sensors can contribute to studying aspects of biodiversity, as well as discussing advantages and challenges of adopting such technologies for biodiversity conservation. The application of interim ecological monitoring methodology contributes to completion of the available data base for the actual condition of ecosystems considering different influence indicators. This paper demonstrates that interim remote sensing data can offer valuable information about diversity patterns and has the potential to become an effective tool in biodiversity evaluation and. conservation The review highlights the aspects and perspectives for interim ecological monitoring application in view of remote sensing potential for investigating the environmental and ecological processes, analyzing the condition of the landscape features and species diversity. This paper emphasizes on the possibilities of interim ecological monitoring to provide decision-makers with high quality and consistent data on ecosystems services potential.

Keywords: interim ecological monitoring, remote sensing, ecosystem services, biodiversity

APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING FOR HIGH MOUNTAIN ECOSYSTEM CONDITION ASSESSMENT (SOUTH WEST RILA MOUNTAIN - BULGARIA)

Kostadin Katrandzhiev

Abstract: On basis of multispectral satellite data from Sentinel 2, an assessment of high mountain ecosystems condition is executed in selected territories of South West Rila Mountain. To define their actual condition, values of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Normalized Differential Greenness Index (NDGI) were computed. The obtained values of these indices are presented as graphic images and thematic maps showing spatial distribution of the actual condition of high mountain ecosystems in the studied territories of Rila Mountain. The obtained results can be used for further assessment of ecosystem services provided by described ecosystems.

Key words: Forest ecosystems, Remote Sensing, NDVI, NDWI, NDGI

AEROSPACE MONITORING OF THE FOREST ECOSYSTEM DYNAMICS WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF VRACHANSKI BALKAN NATURE PARK

Adlin Dancheva

Abstract: In this paper the application of Remote Sensing and GIS as a means of performing aero – space monitoring of forest ecosystems dynamics is being considered. The purpose of this work is to create a model for monitoring the dynamic of forest ecosystems, based on Remote Sensing and GIS. The results of eco-monitoring can be used to update plans and policies for forest ecosystem management. The territory of Vrachanski Balkan Nature park was chosen as the subject of research as there is a certain anthropogenic pressure there. The results presented are obtained by spatial-time analysis of certain aerospace data indices. To carry out the study optical satellite images were used, on the basics of which three indices were calculated: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Normalized Difference Greenness Index (NDGI). A comparative analysis has been created and results of the degree of correlation between the different indices are presented, as well as indicators from the different test areas and related changes in the individual points in time. The results of the survey aim to assess the dynamics and condition of the forest vegetation on the territory of Vrachanski Balkan Nature park and can be utilised in activities related to monitoring, mapping and forest management.

Key words: monitoring, forest ecosystems, remote sensing, NDVI, NDGI, NDWI

INFLUENCE OF BACTERIAL DIVERSITY AND INTERSPECIES INTERACTIONS ON DRINKING WATER-ASSOCIATED BIOFILMS OF YЕRSINIA ЕNTEROCOLITICA

Zvezdimira Tsvetanova, Hristo Najdenski

Abstract: The capability of the enteropathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica 8081 bio/serotype 1B/O:8 to form binary and multi-species biofilms with defined bacterial strains was studied. The interspecies interactions in the binary biofilms of the enteropathogen with three bacterial isolates from drinking water and water-associated biofilms were assessed. The effect of each individual partner strain for the Y. enterocolitica involvement in the four-species bacterial biofilm was evaluated by excluding one by one the isolates from the sessile community.

It was found out that Y. enterocolitica and the tested bacterial strains interact each other in the binary biofilm formation. Moreover, the Y. enterocolitica involvement in the biofilms depends on the partner strain. In the multi-species biofilms, a synergetic effect of one of the bacterial partner strains on the Y. enterocolitica attachment was detected in contrast to the weak inhibitory effect of another one.

Key words: biofilm, drinking water, Yersinia enterocolitica, interspecies interactions, heterotrophs

THERMODYNAMIC SUBSTANTIATION OF INTEGRAL MECHANISMS OF MICROBIAL INTERACTION WITH METALS
Vira Hovorukha, Olesia Havryliuk, Hanna Tashyreva, Oleksandr Tashyrev, Iryna Sioma

Abstract. Despite the promising application of microorganisms for purification of metal-containing wastewater such biotechnologies have not been widely used since their empirical basis. Therefore, the aim of our work was to apply thermodynamic prognosis to determine the optimal pathway of microbial removal of toxic metals (CrO₄^2-, Cu²⁺) and its experimental justification. There was theoretically substantiated on the base of thermodynamic prognosis and experimentally confirmed integration of microbial reduction of metals, and their precipitation by microorganisms. Developed approach is the methodological basis for fast and effective purification of metal-containing wastewater.

Key words: thermodynamic prognosis, toxic metals, wastewater, metal reduction, metal precipitation.

GENERALIZED APPROACH FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY OF HYBRID SYSTEMS WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Ivan Bachev, Boris Demirkov, Ludmil Stoyanov, Vladimir Lazarov, Zahari Zarkov, Gilles Notton, Andrei Damian

Abstract: The purpose of this work is to assess the energies produced by a hybrid system composed of photovoltaic generators and wind turbines. This study aims to develop a method, which could facilitate the sizing of photovoltaic and wind generators in a given hybrid system. The proposed method could also help with the sizing of storage devices in the hybrid system, which provide energy for the consumer in moments when the primary renewable energy source is lacking or for sizing the energy exchange with the grid.

Key words: feasibility study, hybrid systems, photovoltaic and wind generator

CONTENTS

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Kostadin Katrandzhiev