The Black Sea sturgeons are anadromous fish species [1], which migrate upstream on the Danube River for breeding. The distance traveled in the migration process varies depending on each species, from tens to hundreds of kilometers [2]. After breeding, the anadromous sturgeons return to the Black Sea and go back to the Danube after a time that varies depending on the species between 3 and 5 years [3]. All sturgeon species that migrate in the Danube basin are on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [4]. Considering that sturgeon migration is a condition of the existence of species [5], INCDPM developed in 2011-2017 extensive research studies of their behavior. Using ultrasonic telemetry, unique information volumes have been obtained on the behavior during sturgeon migration in different hydrodynamic conditions and under the pressures caused by anthropogenic activities. The intensity of poaching was also analyzed, resulting in that this pressure represents a real threat to the existence of sturgeon species. Over 70% of the total specimens monitored in research studies, developed by INCDPM during the over 7 years of research, were poached. The research was conducted in Ml compliance with the provisions of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 [6], which aims to conserve endangered habitats and species, including by reducing and eliminating by-catches.

Biological filters are wastewater treatment systems that contain a granular filling material, which form an active biological film that contribute to the biooxidation of impurities from the wastewater. Recent research in the field aimed to improve the classical treatment facilities with aerobic fixed film by using inexpensive and easily accessible materials as filterable loading. Experiments have been carried out on biological filters loaded with volcanic tuff, with a diameter between 20-100 mm, supplied with municipal wastewater from primary settling. The biological filtration efficiency has been etablished throughout the continuous functioning of the experimental installation by physico-chemical water analysis. The analyzed indicators have been the ones stipulated by the legislation in force, namely: pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total suspended matter (TS), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), etc. The analysed wastewater samples have been average samples. The treatment efficiency have been calculated in various hypotheses, depending on the: installation capacity, hydraulic loading, organic loading.

In big cities, certain meteorological phenomena can affect air quality even in cases where the main sources of pollution such as traffic have low intensity. The air pollution varies greatly, depending on the emission source and the type of pollutant. In addition, the dispersion of air pollutants is influenced by weather conditions, as well as other factors such as the type of pollutant and regional and local topography. The air quality is one of the targets of the 11th goal of the UN 2030 AGENDA for sustainable development, also adopted at the national level. This study aims to correlate temperature and humidity with atmospheric pollutants, like PM10. The data were obtained by continuous monitoring for a period of 9 days (5 days when precipitation was recorded and 4 days when precipitation was absent) in which the relative humidity varying between 32-104% while the concentration of PM10 between 13-118 µg/m3. The measurements on air quality parameters were performed in the central area of Bucharest city, near an important boulevard with intensive vehicle traffic and sometimes traffic jams. During daytime period, it was observed that the temperature inversion could be the cause the accumulation of high PM10 levels near the road surface for some hours of the monitoring period.

Considering that the production of energy from fossil sources causes environmental pollution, increasing health hazards or climate change, the research for new alternative energy sources and the development of high-performance renewable energy conversion systems are a basic concern nowadays. Thus, the development and the use of renewable energy sources can increase diversity in energy supply markets, help to ensure long-term sustainable energy resources, to reduce local and global air emissions, and provide commercial attractive options to meet the specific needs of energy services. This paper aims to improve the efficiency of a patented complex installation which was developed vertically to ensure high-energy efficiency in relation to the occupied area, that integrates three renewable energy sources (wind, solar and hydro), by applying bioengineering solutions. Improvements to the original installation consisted in modifying the initial characteristics of the off-shore system (number of slots, deflectors angle, width of slots and width of deflectors), modification of aerial module blades according to the bioengineering model of the thistle seed (Carduus nutans), and modification of the submerged module paddies according to the bioengineering model of a fish species swimmers. Following the tests performed on the modified complex installation, a major improvement of the energy efficiency compared to the (initial) control installation was observed.

In the Lower Danube, sturgeon populations have declined dramatically in recent decades. Although efforts have been made at the legislative level since 2006, by forbidden commercial fishing, an assessment of stocks and conservation status of sturgeon species has not yet been made [1]. In this context, it is necessary to estimate the age and growth rate of sturgeon species in order to establish their current conservation status, with a high level of confidence. This article presents the long-term results obtained by INCDPM during 6 years of research in which were captured and released 108 specimens of beluga (Huso huso) and 193 specimens of stellat sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus). Thus, before the ultrasonically tagging of the sturgeon specimens, informational volumes regarding the biometric parameters were collected simultaneously with the gender determination [1]. Based on the collected data and the calculus hypotheses, it was possible to determine the ages of the sturgeon specimens and to perfect the method of improving the confidence level of the data obtained from the in-situ investigations. In order to foster sustainable management of Danube sturgeon populations, it is essential to carry out assessments with a high degree of confidence of the age of anadromous sturgeon species. The quantification of the population depends on species spawning cycles taking into account that they are characterized by high longevity.