Moderate Continental Climate Research Articles

HYDROGEOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND TERRAIN CHARACTERIZATION ON A SECTION OF ROAD 2B SARAJEVO-FOČA, AREA OF FBiH

Roadways are complex construction (line) facilities that have specific characteristics in terms of planning, design and execution of the route. Due to the length of the roads, many characteristics of the terrain such as lithological, hydrogeological, engineering geological and geomorphological change along the route, as a result of which different effects of endodynamic and exodynamic processes and phenomena occur on certain sections. This points to the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach when creating the conceptual and implementation project, in order to choose the optimal solution based on all the influencing parameters. The route of the road that passes through the Entity of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for the most part stretches along the valley of the Željeznica and Dobrinja rivers. The section is located at stations 0+000.00 – 3+250.00, and continues at stations 19+800.00 – 26+100.00, and the total length is 9,550 m'. The area of the studied terrain is located in the zone of the inner Dinarides of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the pre- mountainous and moderate-continental climate prevails. The elevations of the terrain start at 505 m.a.s.l. in the part of the route near the Stupska petlje loop, and increase to an elevation of 535 m.a.s.l., in the part of Aerodromski settlement, while the second part of the section stac.19+800.00 – 26+100.00 is defined by elevations of 778 m.a.s.l. – 830 m.a.s.l. Key words: hydrogeological characteristics of the aquifer, route of the Sarajevo-Foča road.

Autochthonous grape varieties in the Lower Don Region

This article describes modifi cation changes in the phenotypic traits of grape varieties, including the number of normally developed shoots and infl orescences, the average bunch weight, and grape yield under the infl uence of unstable weather conditions. The research was carried out in the moderate continental climate of the Lower Don region in the period from 2013 to 2022. The average annual air temperature ranged from +10.2 to +11.6 °C, with the climatic norm being +10.4 °C. In the period of active vegetation (May–September), the temperature ranged from +21.2 to +22.7 °C, with the norm being 18.1 °C. The maximum temperature ranged from +37.2 to +40.0 °C, with the norm being +40.0 °C. In winter, during the plant dormancy period (December–February), the average air temperature varied from 0.6 to minus 2.6 °С, with the norm being about minus 2.4 °С. The annual precipitation varied from 292 to 693 mm, with the norm being 548 mm. During the vegetation period of grapes, atmospheric precipitation by the years of observation varied from 99 to 359 mm, with the norm being 177 mm. The aim was to establish the limits of modifi cation variability of phenotypic traits under the infl uence of the unstable moderate continental climate of the Lower Don Region. The research objects were autochthonous grape varieties, including ‘Varyushkin’, ‘Krasnostop’ ‘Zolotovsky’, ‘Kumshatsky Belyi’, ‘Plechistik’, ‘Sibirkovy’, and ‘Tsimlyansky Chernyi’. The reaction norm and modifi cation changes of the phenotypic traits of grape plants under the infl uence of natural conditions in their habitats were studied. The autochthonous grape varieties in contrasting weather conditions exhibited individual and varietal specifi city in terms of reaction norm and adaptability. According to the variability of phenotypic traits and adaptive potential, the varieties were ranked in the following descending order: ‘Plechistik’, ‘Krasnostop Zolotovsky’, ‘Varyushkin’, ‘Kumshatsky Belyi’, ‘Sibirkovy’, and ‘Tsimlyansky Chernyi’. The genotypes ‘Plechistik’, ‘Krasnostop Zolotovsky’, ‘Varyushkin’, and ‘Kumshatsky Belyi’ with their high adaptive potential for formation of stable vine plantations are recommended for developing stable grape plantations in the conditions of the Lower Don region.

АГРОБИОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ И ЭНОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ПЕРСПЕКТИВНЫХ КЛОНОВ СОРТА САПЕРАВИ В УСЛОВИЯХ ЧЕРНОМОРСКОЙ АГРОЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ЗОНЫ ВИНОГРАДАРСТВА

Clone breeding is one of the promising directions for obtaining productive, high-quality, adaptable to local conditions grape genotypes. The Saperavi variety is a classic for the winemaking of the Caucasus, therefore, its preservation for further production in the conditions of modern climate change is an urgent task. The present study is aimed at identifying clones of the Saperavi variety with improved yield and wine quality indicators that preserve productivity and adaptability to local conditions. The place of research is subzone № 1 of the Black Sea agroecological zone of viticulture, moderate continental climate, soils are southern chernozems. 2023 was much warmer compared to the climatic averages. 10 bushes (C1-C10) were isolated without visual signs of viral, bacterial and phytoplasmic infections, which, according to the results of DNA analysis, have a Saperavi DNA profile from the international VIVC database. According to the data of resistance to winter conditions, variants C2, C4, C6, C8 and C10 were distinguished, according to agrobiological records – C1, C7, C8 and C9, according to the average weight of the bunch – C1, C3, C5, C6 and C8; according to the yield per bush – C10, according to the productivity of the shoot – C2, C3 and C10. The qualitative indicators of the yield (the mass concentration of sugars and titrated acids in berry juice) were high in all variants. According to the volume fraction of ethyl alcohol, the mass concentration of titrated acids, volatile acids and the reduced extract of wine materials, all samples showed values corresponding to GOST. According to the mass concentration of sugars in dry wine in bulk, variants C1, C2, C6 and C10 were distinguished, according to the sum of phenolic substances – C2, C8 and C10, according to the sum of coloring substances – C2, C3 and C8. According to the tasting assessment, variants C3 and C6 were noted. Variants C2, C6 and C10 were determined based on a set of characteristics (resistance to winter conditions, moderate productivity and high quality of yield and wine products). Key words: GRAPES, CLONE BREEDING, PROTOCLONS, VITICULTURE, ZONING VITICULTURE

ПОДВОИ И НОРМА НАГРУЗКИ ДЛЯ ВИНОГРАДА ЛИВИЯ

In the course of the experiment, the differentiat-ed influence of various rootstocks and the norms of the bush load with shoots on the agrobiologi-cal indicators of grapes was established. The ob-ject of research was the grapevine variety Livia, rootstocks SO4 and 41B. The studies were car-ried out in the conditions of a moderate conti-nental climate in the Central agroecological zone of viticulture of the Krasnodar region, on irrigat-ed vineyards in a covering culture. Scheme of planting bushes was 3.8×2 m. The soils are low-humus, leached powerful chernozems. The most productive were the vineyards on the rootstock 41B. The bunch size on the 41B rootstock was 1.34 times greater than on SO4, the yield capaci-ty – 1.56 and amounted to 696 g and 28.23 t/ha, respectively. The predominant influence of the 41B rootstock in comparison with SO4 on the productivity of the Livia grapes is preserved with a differentiated load of grape bushes with bunches. With a maximum load of bushes with bunches (SO4 – 33, 41B – 38 pcs./bush), their weight on the 41B rootstock was 43 % higher than on SO4, yield capacity – by 62 %, with an average load (SO4 – 27, 41B − 32 pcs./bush) – by 27 and 48 %, respectively, at minimum load (SO4 – 19, 41B – 23 pcs./bush) – by 32 and 59 %, respectively. The influence of rootstocks on the norm of bush load by shoots is not unam-biguous. Against the background of the maxi-mum number of bunches on bushes, the highest values of bunch weight and grape yield capacity on SO4 and 41B were at loads of 25 and 26 shoots/bush, average – 25 and 33 shoots/bush, minimum – 31 and 20 shoots/bush, respectively. For growing high yields and attractive sizes of bunches of table grapes of Livia variety in the Central agroecological zone of the Krasnodar re-gion, it is recommended to use rootstock 41B, the load norm of bushes with shoots of 26 and bunches of 38 pcs./ bush.

Effects of Different Types of Residential Block Greenery in Summer Conditions in Areas of Moderate Continental Climate on Thermal Comfort

Effects of Different Types of Residential Block Greenery in Summer Conditions in Areas of Moderate Continental Climate on Thermal Comfort

Research into the nested method of sowing soybean under the conditions of a moderate-continental climate

Sowing is the most important agrotechnical operation, on which the yield directly depends. With the nested method of sowing soybeans, better illumination is achieved, thanks to which plants develop the root system and aboveground parts better, which contributes to a high attachment of the lower beans on plants and reduces losses during harvesting. A seeding apparatus for nest sowing has been designed and manufactured, taking into account the physical and mechanical properties and dimensional characteristics of soybean seeds. Field studies of the nested method of sowing soybeans were carried out in the farm “Niva” of the Tambov region, according to the results of which, taking into account the humidity and weight of 1000 seeds, the biological yield was calculated. With the nested method of sowing. on the experimental plot, a yield of more than 4 t/ha was obtained, which is 0.4% more than with continuous sowing on the control plot, despite the 2-fold increased seeding rate on it. The height of attachment of the lower beans on the plants of the experimental plot averaged 15 cm, on the control plot the height of attachment of the lower beans was 10 cm.

The size distribution metrics and kinetic energy of raindrops above and below an isolated tree canopy in urban environment

Raindrop impact on bare soils is the initial phase of rainfall-induced soil erosion which is altered under any type of vegetation due to the interactions of rainfall with the canopies. This study examines the drop size distribution (DSD) and kinetic energy (KE) of raindrops above and below the birch tree (Betula pendula Roth.) canopy in a research plot in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia using a one-year observation of 63 rainfall events and the effect of meteorological variables under moderate continental climate. Simultaneous measurement of the microstructures of open rainfall and throughfall was carried out using an optical disdrometer. The result of our analysis revealed that throughfall DSD showed two distinct major peaks (bimodal) occurring primarily on smaller drop sizes while open rainfall has only one. The cumulative drop number, median drop-volume diameter (D50), and drop fall velocity of throughfall were 16.4%, 26.6%, and 5.0% lower than those of open rainfall, respectively. Also, the relative volume percentage of raindrops > 1.5 mm is 1.5 times higher than those observed in throughfall drops which indicates that the presence of the canopy caused the fractionation of larger drops into smaller droplets. These reductions significantly differ depending on the phenoseasons of the canopy with the leafed state being higher than the leafless state. Similarly, the Kruskal-Wallis H test result revealed that birch tree elicits a statistically significant change in the kinetic energy of open rainfall, thus weakening the mean rainfall KE by 33.7%. On the other hand, KE is positively affected by the phenological condition of the canopy with higher attenuation being observed during its leafed state. Also, the correlation analysis demonstrated that vapor pressure deficit, air temperature, and relative humidity have stronger associations with throughfall kinetic energy among meteorological variables considered. These findings underscore the necessity of an optimized selection of tree species for afforestation programs.

Supporting decision-makers in estimating irrigation demand for urban street trees

Greening cities is of considerable significance to creating sustainable cities. Cost-benefit analyses have shown that urban green is not only ecologically and socially desirable but also economically advantageous. However, maintaining this urban green is becoming challenging due to changing climatic conditions. With frequent heat-waves, droughts and increasing water scarcity in many regions, it is crucial to establish systematic approaches to economise the available water used for irrigation. Currently, cities rely on rough approximations to assess irrigation demand. To address this gap, a linear time series model was developed based on soil water balance and Water Use Classifications of Landscape Species approach. The model uses publicly available data regarding trees, soil, and current and forecasted weather to estimate the irrigation demand of urban street trees on a weekly time scale. The developed model is applied in a case study of a metropolis in a moderate continental climate. The results show more distributed irrigation demand than the currently implemented soil moisture based model of the case study city. Accordingly, the model can support the decision-makers to not only assess the irrigation demand of existing trees but also help in water budgeting of new plantation under varying climatic conditions.

Improvement of the grapevine gene pool on the basis of agrobiological and physio-biochemical assessment of new genotypes under the unstable moderate continental climate conditions of Southern Russia

Background. Development of table grape cultivars is currently aimed not only at higher vineyard productivity and grape quality but also at enhancing the adaptive potential of plants under the dynamic change in the climate conditions of Southern Russia. Increasing the share of modern Russian cultivars of table grapes will update and improve the assortment. The aim of this study was to evaluate new Russian hybrid grapevine forms according to their agrobiological, physiological and biochemical characteristics in the central agroecological zone of Krasnodar Territory.Materials and methods. Agrobiological characters were assessed using modern methods. Among physio-biochemical characters, the content of photosynthetic pigments was measured as well as the level of stress parameters under drought, such as the total water content in leaves and the content of malondialdehyde. Artificial drought was simulated to identify the most stress-resistant hybrid forms.Results. The highest values of fruitfulness coefficients k1 and k2 in the period of research were recorded for the Akello and Agat Dubovsky hybrid forms. Timoti and Agat Dubovsky had the maximum average yield for two years among the hybrid forms. The Gamlet, Kishmish Dubovsky, Agat Dubovsky and Timoti genotypes significantly exceeded the reference cultivar in the bunch weight. The Akello and Agat Dubovsky hybrids were identified for their physio-biochemical parameters: the highest content of chlorophyll in their leaves, high adaptive potential expressed in a low development level of secondary oxidative processes under stress, and the highest content of carotenoids.Conclusion. The obtained results evidenced that the Agat Dubovsky hybrid form could be identified as the most promising among the studied genotypes for cultivation in Southern Russia.

Microbiome composition of disturbed soils from sandy-gravel mining complexes with different reclamation approaches

Activities connected to mineral mining disrupt the soil layer and bring parent rock material to the surface. It leads to altering the environmental conditions and leaves behind vast areas of disturbed lands. Returning these lands to natural ecosystems is an important contemporary challenge, which can be acquired by reclamation practices. Soil microbiome composition reflects changes happening to disturbed lands; thus, its analysis is a powerful tool for evaluating the disturbance degree and estimating the effect of the implementation of reclamation techniques. Additionally, factors connected to the characteristics of a particular geographical region have a certain impact on the microbiome and should be taken into account. Thereby, studies of soil microbiomes of disturbed soils of different origins are essential in understanding the dynamics of soil restoration. Here, we focus on soil microbiomes from two sandy-gravel mining complexes in mountainous areas with a moderate continental climate of the Central Caucasus. These quarries share the same parent rock material, but differ in benchmark soil type and reclamation approach - one was left for passive recovery and the other was technically reclaimed with overburden material. Comparative analysis of microbiome composition, based on sequencing of 16S rRNA gene libraries, showed that region and disturbance are the key factors explaining microbiome variation, which surpass the influence of local factors. However, the application of reclamation techniques greatly reduces the dissimilarity of soil microbiomes caused by disturbance. Linking of soil chemical parameters to microbiome composition showed that the disturbance factor correlates with a lack of organic carbon. Other chemical parameters, like pH, ammonium, nitrates and total carbon explain microbiome variability on a smaller scale between sampling sites. Thus, while regional and disturbance factors reflected differentiation of soil microbiomes, soil chemical parameters explained local variation of certain groups of microorganisms.

FORMATION MONITORING OF PARASITE FAUNA IN STABLED ANIMALS OR ANIMALS IN ENCLOSED GRAZING AREAS

Monitoring studies were performed on biological diversity of parasite fauna in domesticated animals at the territory of the Joint Russian-Armenian Scientific Experimental Centre, within the piedmont zone of Armenia with moderate continental climate at 900-1200 m above the sea level. The study species were large and small ruminants, rabbits and hens. All the animals except sheep were kept indoors (stalls). We found 3 trematode species, 4 cestode species and 5 nematode species based on seasonal coproovoscopic and larvoscopic examinations, as well as an incomplete helminthological dissections of 5 sheep. The infection of sheep and cattle with hematophagous parasites was also detected and the infection of hens and rabbits with helminths and protozoa was found. Oribatid mites Scheloribates sp. were isolated from the studied soil samples. We also found and studied land and freshwater molluscs, intermediate hosts of a number of important parasite species for the infection. The land molluscs were found to have naturally-acquired invasions with larval forms of Protostrongylidae and Dicrocoeliidae. In total, we found 20 helminth species, 5 ixodid ticks, 1 oribatid mite and 7 protozoa, and vectors: 2 species of freshwater molluscs and 1 species of land molluscs.

Thermo-Energy Performance of Lightweight Steel Framed Constructions: A Case Study

The building sector continues to play an essential role in reducing worldwide energy consumption. The reduced consumption is accompanied by stricter regulation for the thermotechnical design of the building envelope. The redefined nearly Zero Energy Building levels that will come into force for each member state will pressure designers to rethink the constructive details so that mandatory levels can be reached, without increasing the construction costs over an optimum level but at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The paper aims to illustrate the main conclusions obtained in assessing the thermo-energy performance of a steel-framed building representing a holistically designed modular laboratory located in a moderate continental temperate climate, characteristic of the south-eastern part of the Pannonian Depression with some sub-Mediterranean influences. An extensive numerical simulation of the main junctions was performed. The thermal performance was established in terms of the main parameters, the adjusted thermal resistances and global thermal insulation coefficient. Further on, the energy consumption for heating was established, and the associated energy rating was in compliance with the Romanian regulations. A parametric study was done to illustrate the energy performance of the investigated case in the five representative climatic zones from Romania. An important conclusion of the research indicates that an emphasis must be placed on the thermotechnical design of Light Steel Framed solutions against increased thermal bridge areas caused by the steel’s high thermal conductivity for all building components to reach nZEB levels. Nevertheless, the results indicate an exemplary behaviour compared to classical solutions, but at the same time, the need for an iterative redesign so that all thermo-energy performance indicators are achieved.

Phytochemical and Nutritional Profile Composition in Fruits of Different Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Cultivars Grown in Romania

Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.), a valuable fruit crop, is cultivated in small areas in Romania, mostly in the west, where the moderate continental climate has a slight Mediterranean influence. This work aims to investigate the bioactive characteristics (total polyphenols, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity), individual polyphenolic composition, phytochemical and nutritional HRMS screening profiles, sugar and mineral composition of six sweet chestnut cultivars, namely ‘Marsol’, ‘Maraval’, ‘Bournette’, ‘Précoce Migoule’ and ‘Marissard’ grown at Fruit Growing Research—Extension Station (SCDP) Vâlcea, in Northern Oltenia, Romania. Fruit samples were collected in two consecutive years, in order to study the impact of genetic variability between cultivars and the influence of the different climatic conditions corresponding to different cultivation years. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) allow the discrimination between the sweet chestnut fruits harvested in different years and different sweet chestnut cultivars. Analytical investigations revealed that sweet chestnut cultivars grown in Romania show similar bioactive, phytochemical and nutritional composition to cultivars grown in the large European chestnut-producing countries, indicating the high adaptation potential of the chestnut in the temperate continental zone with small Mediterranean influences characteristic of the southwestern area of Romania.

The Ornithological Zoning of the Azov–Black Sea Dry Steppe Enclave of Europe

Abstract The scheme of ornithological zoning of the Azov–Black Sea dry steppe enclave of Europe has been presented in the article based on domination of individual ornithological complexes, depending on the landscape structure of the territory. This enclave is a unique region due to its utmost western location and moderate continental climate. Its typical natural features and factors of their formation have been determined. The anthropogenic transformations of region have been characterized, and peculiarities of landscape changes have been caused by them. It has been found that the agro-landscapes are dominated in the Azov–Black Sea dry steppe enclave by the area. The schemes of physical–geographical zoning have been determined, which are suitable for ornithological zoning of the region; the dependence of composition of ornithological fauna on predominant landscapes has been revealed. On this basis, the scheme of ornithological zoning of the mentioned region has been proposed. The flat interfluve-steppe, stony-steppe, sandy-steppe, floodplain-river, and liman-marine ornithological areas have been singled out and have been characterized. The main differences in the ornithological regions are correlations of predominant and codominant ornithological faunistic complexes, which depend on the area landscapes and natural and anthropogenic transformation of their components; they are relief, soil, water bodies, and vegetation.

Experimental Evaluation of Energy-Efficiency in a Holistically Designed Building

The building sector continues to register a significant rise in energy demand and environmental impact, notably in developing countries. A considerable proportion of this energy is required during the operational phase of buildings for interior heating and cooling, leading to a necessity of building performance improvement. A holistic approach in building design and construction represents a step to moderate construction costs in conjunction with reduced long-term operating costs and a low impact on the environment. The present paper presents an experimental evaluation of the energy efficiency of a building under real climate conditions; the building, which represents a holistically designed modular laboratory, is located in a moderate continental temperate climate, characteristic of the south-eastern part of the Pannonian Depression, with some sub-Mediterranean influences. Considerations for the holistic design of the building, including multi-object optimization and integrated design with a high regard for technology and operational life are described. The paper provides a genuine overview of the energy efficiency response of the building during six months of operational use through a monitored energy management system. The energetic analysis presented in the paper represents an intermediary stage as not all the energetic users were installed nor all the energetic suppliers. However, the results showed a reliable thermal response in the behaviour of recycled-PET thermal wadding used as insulation material in the building and for the intermediary stage in which the building has only secondary energy users, the energetic balance proves its efficiency, keeping the buffer stock of energy high values over 90%.

PV Panel and PV Inverter Damages Caused by Combination of Edge Delamination, Water Penetration, and High String Voltage in Moderate Climate

There exist over 2 GW of photovoltaic (PV) systems in the Czech Republic, exposed to moderate continental climate. Although there exist many PV modules defects, thanks to the generally the same production year 2009, only some of them are usual at systems installed in Czech Republic. This work shows delamination failures that are frequent in moderate climate conditions. Special account is taken into edge delamination defect and its possible propagation in modules of standard construction. Combined PV panel and PV inverter failure is caused by edge delamination with water penetration and high string voltage. The electric discharge channel is created between the string of solar panels and the grounded PV panel frames. The result of the discharge channel created because of edge delamination is inverter switch- off and few months later total destruction of the inverter because of protective relay damage. The number of combined PV panel and PV inverter failures is increasing substantially after ninth year of operation of PV panels in moderate climate. Additional sealing of the PV panel frames by transparent polysiloxane gel reduced the number of combined PV panel and PV inverter failures very substantially.

Study of stand-alone building heating system operating with renewable energy sources under moderate continental climate conditions

The climatic conditions in Moscow limit to a certain extent the utilization of renewable energy sources for heat supply. Long heating period, relatively low average daily sunshine hours during heating period, and low outside temperatures act as barriers to realising the full potential of renewable energy sources. The paper presents an evaluation of feasibility and effectiveness of using various renewable energy sources in the heat supply system of Block 23 of the National research university «MPEI». The system arrangement for heat supply of the building with renewable energy sources is described. Experimental data have been obtained on the basis of this system. The calculated time dependences of building heat consumption and heat pump system (HPS) outputs are given. In addition, for the air-source heat pump system, the dependence on the outdoor temperature is given. Values of HPS efficiency indices are also presented. A comparative analysis of the efficiency of air-source HPS and liquid-to-liquid HPS with a geothermal circuit in winter conditions is carried out.

The reaction norm of Augustine and Moldova grape varieties in the agroecological conditions of the moderate continental climate of the south of Russia

The grape plant reacts by modification variability of phenotypic traits to the variation of weather conditions. The reaction of the Augustine and Moldova grape varieties to the variability of natural conditions was ambiguous. In the Augustine, the lower limit of the modification variability of the cluster mass is 354 and the upper limit is 410 g, the grape yield is 8.1 and 11.5 kg/bush, the sugar content of the berry juice is 15.8 and 17.5 g/100 cm3, in the Moldova, respectively, 387 and 457 g, 9.6 and 13.2 kg/bush, 16.4 and 17.8 g/100 cm3. The reaction norm of the Augustine according to the phenotypic traits is following: the cluster mass is 56 g, the yield is 3.4 kg/bush and the sugar content is 1.7 g/100 cm3, of the Moldova, respectively, 70, 3.6 and 1.4. Against the background of the application of fertilizers, the lower and upper limits of variability have increased as well as the reaction norm by cluster mass and yield, however reaction norm by sugar content decreased.

Assessing and modeling biocatalysis in field denitrification beds reveals key influencing factors for future constructions

Environmental contamination with fertilizers is threatening biodiversity in many ecosystems due to nitrate-based eutrophication. One opportunity for a cost-efficient nitrate elimination are denitrification beds in which a microbial community thrives under anoxic conditions with polymeric plant material as a carbon and an electron source. Incoming nitrate is used as electron acceptor and reduced to molecular nitrogen. Projects realizing denitrification beds in field scale are sparse and robust data on their efficiency throughout the year mostly not available. This study analyzed the nitrate elimination efficiency and microbiology of a 216 m3 denitrification bed over the time course of more than three years. Phylogenetic as well as transcriptomic analysis revealed that the reactor contained a biofilm community growing on the surface of the wood chips and a planktonic community. Both differed in composition but their variance was affected only to a minor extend by seasonal temperature changes. Cellulose degradation was mainly conducted by the biofilm population while denitrification was mostly conducted by the planktonic community. Methanogens were detectable only to a very minor extend. Using online data from the nitrate concentration of in- and outflowing water as well as a hydrological model to predict the water inflow, it was possible to establish a process model that sufficiently describes the denitrification process. This model clearly indicates that the denitrification efficiency is mostly impacted by temperature and hydraulic retention time. It also suggests that the simple design of the denitrification bed most likely leads to different flow paths through the reactor depending on the volumetric flow rate. This study allows for the first time a robust estimation of the necessary reactor size for nitrate removal in a moderate continental climate setting. It also suggests how future denitrification beds could be improved for better performance.

Growth and erosion rates of the East Carpathians volcanoes constrained by numerical models: Tectonic and climatic implications

The East Carpathian volcanic range experienced an along-arc, Late Miocene to Quaternary migration of eruptive activity during its ~11 Ma-long activity. Here, a novel and complex methodology is presented that yields new geochronological and geomorphological constraints on the evolution of the 20 volcanic edifices. New unspiked K-Ar ages either constrain their lifespan (6.79 ± 0.10–6.47 ± 0.09 Ma for Seaca-Tătarca; 5.47 ± 0.08–4.61 ± 0.07 Ma for Vârghiş) or date the youngest volcanic activity (central Călimani). In parallel, numerical reconstructions of volcanic paleo-topographies were performed to quantify their shape at the end of their construction stage. The inferred initial volcano size shows a wide range (3 to 592 km3), making up the four main successive volcanic segments (910, 880, 279 and 165 km3 for Călimani, Gurghiu, North Harghita and South Harghita segment, respectively) totalizing 2200 km3 and an average growth rate of 200 km3/Ma at range-scale. At the volcano-scale, with only consideration to their respective time spans (i.e. avoiding repose periods), growth rate is characterized by two major trends: a moderate growth rate (137 km3/Ma) for the older volcanoes (11–3.6 Ma) followed by a lower growth rate (28 km3/Ma) obtained for the Plio-Quaternary volcanoes. Comparing reconstructed and current topographies yielded a total eroded volume of 524 ± 125 km3, defining averaged denudation of 22% and a 20 m/Ma erosion rate. Erosion rates for major climatic periods were computed, which highlight the contrasting climatic contexts since 11 Ma. The highest erosion rate (38 m/Ma) occurred during transitional moderate subtropical-continental climate period (9.5–8.2 Ma). An intermediate erosion rate (14 m/Ma) characterized a moderate continental climate period (8.2–6.8 Ma) when conditions became less humid. The lowest erosion rate (7 m/Ma) reflects the prevailing continental but occasionally semi-arid climate (6.8–5.8 Ma). The highest erosion rate (28 m/Ma) was obtained for Plio-Quaternary times during the interglacial/glacial cycles. Such a quantitative morphometric and geochronological approach demonstrates its efficiency to study volcanic dynamism, including both constructional and erosional processes, through time.