1. An evaluation of marine sediments in terms of their usability in the brick industry : case study Port of KoperPatrik Baksa, Franka Cepak, Rebeka Kovačič Lukman, Vilma Ducman, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: A dredging process is essential for the development of harbours and ports, allowing the functional daily operation of the port. The management of dredged material represents a worldwide challenge, especially considering unwanted deposition of material. Because of their chemical, petrographic, mineralogical and homogeneity composition, marine sediments could represent an appropriate raw material for the brick industry, particularly for the production of clay blocks, roofing and ceramic tiles. In this study dredged material from Port of Koper was tested for such use, thus various analyses were carried out in order to determine if the dredged material is environmentally friendly and suitable for use in the brick industry. These included: chemical analysis, mineralogical analysis, particle size analysis, chloride content analysis and tests of firing in a gradient furnace. Furthermore, tests of mechanical properties, as well as tests of the frost-resistance of the samples were carried out. On the basis of the primary analyses and samples prepared in a laboratory, it was confirmed that marine sediments from the Port of Koper, without any additives are only conditionally suitable as a source material for producing brick products, because without additives they exhibit too much shrinkage on drying and firing, as well as high water absorption, this can be improved by the incorporation of suitable additives, for example, virgin clay or other suitable waste material. The approach described herewith can also be followed to assess sediments from other ports and rivers regarding its potential use in clay brick sector. Keywords: dredge marine sediment, recycling, clay bricks, mechanical properties, chemical analysis Published in DiRROS: 14.08.2024; Views: 48; Downloads: 26 Full text (448,54 KB) This document has many files! More... |
2. Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of cyanobacterial and algal extracts-microcystin and retinoic acid contentMichal Bittner, Alja Štern, Marie Smutna, Klara Hilscherova, Bojana Žegura, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: In the last decade, it has become evident that complex mixtures of cyanobacterial bioactive substances, simultaneously present in blooms, often exert adverse effects that are different from those of pure cyanotoxins, and awareness has been raised on the importance of studying complex mixtures and chemical interactions. We aimed to investigate cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of complex extracts from laboratory cultures of cyanobacterial species from different orders (Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, Aphanizomenon gracile, Microcystis aeruginosa, M. viridis, M. ichtyoblabe, Planktothrix agardhii, Limnothrix redekei) and algae (Desmodesmus quadricauda), and examine possible relationships between the observed effects and toxin and retinoic acid (RA) content in the extracts. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the extracts were studied in the human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line, using the MTT assay, and the comet and cytokinesis-block micronucleus (cytome) assays, respectively. Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) was used to detect toxins (microcystins (MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-YR) and cylindrospermopsin) and RAs (ATRA and 9cis-RA) in the extracts. Six out of eight extracts were cytotoxic (0.04–2 mgDM/mL), and five induced DNA strand breaks at non-cytotoxic concentrations (0.2–2 mgDM/mL). The extracts with genotoxic activity also had the highest content of RAs and there was a linear association between RA content and genotoxicity, indicating their possible involvement; however further research is needed to identify and confirm the compounds involved and to elucidate possible genotoxic effects of RAs. Keywords: cyanobacteria, algae, extracts, complex mixtures, genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, retinoic acids, microcystins, cyanotoxins, chemical analysis Published in DiRROS: 19.07.2024; Views: 122; Downloads: 115 Full text (1,58 MB) This document has many files! More... |
3. Degradation and Stabilization of Polymer MaterialsBranka Mušič, Andrijana Sever Škapin, 2023, other scientific articles Keywords: polymer-based materials, nano, micro, and macro composites, effects on (micro) organisms and toxicity, impact on the ecosystem, mechanisms and products of accelerated aging and degradation, physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological, analysis, biodegradability, sustainability, life cycle, renewable and recycled resources and the circular economy Published in DiRROS: 21.12.2023; Views: 539; Downloads: 183 Full text (226,05 KB) This document has many files! More... |
4. Synoptic risk assessment of groundwater contamination from landfillsSonja Cerar, Luka Serianz, Katja Koren, Joerg Prestor, Nina Mali, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Waste management in Europe has improved in recent years, reducing the amount of waste disposed at landfills. However, there are still many landfills in the countries. It is well known that landfills that do not have measures in place to control leachate entering groundwater can contaminate groundwater long after the landfill is closed. Collecting monitoring results from all landfills allows permitting and management agencies to improve action plans. This relies on a synoptic risk assessment that allows prioritization and milestones to be set for required actions. The developed method of synoptic risk assessment is based on a conceptual model of the landfill and the results of chemical groundwater monitoring tested at 69 landfills in Slovenia. The study confirms that most landfills have a direct or indirect impact on groundwater quality. All landfills were classified into three priority classes on the basis of the synoptic risk assessment. The results show that a total of 24 landfills have a clearly pronounced impact on groundwater. A total of 31 landfills have a less pronounced impact due to the favorable natural attenuation capacity of the soil or the technically appropriate design of the landfill itself. A total of 14 landfills have a less pronounced or negligible impact on groundwater. Keywords: conceptual model, synoptic risk assessment, landfill, groundwater, chemical analysis Published in DiRROS: 19.07.2022; Views: 779; Downloads: 379 Full text (3,09 MB) This document has many files! More... |