NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN projects

CONTUR - Emerging Technologies to Counteract the Effects Induced by the Turbulent Flows of Fluid Environments

87PCCDI/2018

In order to solve the specific problems generated by the turbulence phenomena on the human activities in the terrestrial environment, this project is aimed at the development of emerging technologies to counteract effects induced by the turbulent flows. The complex project is divided into two complementary component projects. The first component project is dedicated to the study of the clear air turbulence, while the second is aimed at designing new active control technologies to reduce vibrations.

CHEMOP - CHEMical and Optical characterization of atmospheric suspended Particles

PN-II-RU-PD-2011-3-0082 12/2011

CHEMOP aims to characterize the atmospheric suspended particles from optical, microphysical and chemical point of view. This characterization will be helpful to reduce the inverse scattering problem uncertainty, the problem of determining the characteristics of the atmospheric aerosols (its shape, internal constitution, etc.) from measurement data of radiation scattered on them. Another goal is to use modern classification methods for depiction of the meaningful optical, microphysical and chemical properties of aerosols.

IDEA - The Effects of Petroleum Pollutants and of Hydrocarbons Natural Degradation on Aquatic Ecosystems

PNCDI II-32-148/2008

IDEA  was focused on determination of  the best strategy to facilitate the cleanup of petroleum-polluted marine water when natural attenuation takes place, including the active role of the hydrocarbon-oxidant bacteria in the marine environment. New techniques in marine environmental monitoring were implemented (active remote sensing, photoacoustic spectroscopy).

The consortium consists of 4 research institutes (National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics- INFLPR, National Institute for Marine Geology and Geo-ecology - GEOECOMAR, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics – INOE and Institute of Biology of the Romanian Academy–IBB), one university (University „Ovidius” Constanta – UOC) and a private investor (SC Dolsat Consult SRL).

Objectives:

  • Impact assessment of hydrocarbons and bacteria involved in petroleum natural damping on aquatic ecosystems;
  • Designing scenario and sensitivity study models for the response of aquatic ecosystems to the hydrocarbon pollution, based on „key “parameters and  in situ assessment of water quality;
  • Improving the visibility and international impact of Romanian field research and build a basis for developing and participating in European consortia.
  • During the project were characterized photosynthesizing organism from a “healthy” sea environment and in the presence of hydrocarbon pollutants and assessed the physico-chemical and microbiological properties of aquatic environment at a certain period after petroleum pollution.

ROLINET - Romanian Lidar Network

PNCDI II 31002/2007

ROLINET was dedicated to develop and construct an experimental lidar system, unique in Romania and further more to create a network for national monitoring of the environment in Romania, by using the active remote sensing technique in observing the time vertical distribution of the aerosol in the planetary boundary layer and lower troposphere. Our mission was not only to become a part of European and global lidar networks but also to be the nucleus of a future network dedicated to south east Europe.

ROLINET is the first Romanian network consisting in 5 lidars located across the country: system INOE at Magurele, system ANM at Baneasa, system UPT at Timisoara, system UAIC at Iasi and system UBB at Cluj.

 In ROLINET a prototype, a Romanian lidar system has been developed (Published patent no. RO125055-A0) and constructed by ESYRO company, project partner. This instrument was set up at ANM. This instrument was used to determine the optical characteristics (backscattering and extinction coefficients) of aerosols and was tested during the international workshop „Physics and chemistry of the atmosphere: from laboratory experiments to field campaigns” at Constanta near the Black Sea coast, by intercomparison with the state-of art RAMAN lidar of INOE. Results of this campaign were used to better decide the configuration of the future lidars for Timisoara, Cluj and Iasi. The design of the lidar was especially for use near an airport, but then it was improved to study the planetary boundary layer (0- 3Km) and free troposphere aerosol (up to 10 km). Three identical lidars have been installed at Iasi, Cluj and Timisoara.

This network is used for various applications at local, regional and national level:

  • Characterization of PBL’s structure and dynamics - first layer of the troposphere, which influences directly and fundamentally the ecosystem (water, soil, flora, fauna, population) and weather (especially precipitations);
  • Real time detection of major aerosol intrusions coming from natural (volcanic eruptions, major fires, long range Saharan dust transport) or anthropogenic sources (industrial hazards, transgression pollution);
  • Three-dimensional assessment of punctual (e.g. industry) and distributed (e.g. traffic) sources impact on air quality.

 

TOP - Optical Remote Sensing for Investigations of the Urban Boundary Layer Pollution

CEEX 734/2006

TOP had as objective implementation of optical remote sensing techniques in synergy with classical “in situ “monitoring techniques for pollution of the planetary boundary layer, in order to get advanced control systems for continuous, real-time monitoring of the atmosphere in polluted urban regions, in agreement with European Union Briefings.

The consortium behind this project was built of 2 research institutes (National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics and National Institute of R&D for Environmental Protection), 2 universities of different profiles and from different country areas (Faculty of Physics - University of Bucharest, Politechnica University of Timisoara), an economical agent, (Ecosymplex Nova) and a non-governmental association (Regional Center for Major Industrial Accidents Prevention).

For the first time in Romania, this project mobilized three remote sensing techniques (satellite, LIDAR, DOAS), in order to evaluate the air level pollution and its diurnal and seasonal variability, in connection with meteorological parameters. Intensive measurements campaigns were done in order to create a data base concerning the level and the variability of the urban air pollution (gaseous pollutants and particulates originating from industrial areas and traffic) using remote sensing techniques. Long-term surveillance of aerosol concentration and gaseous pollutants in critical points such crowded road intersections or industrial areas provided valuable data for diurnal, seasonal and territorial analysis, in relation with meteorological data, which could contribute to a better management of traffic and urban planning.

 

LIDIA - LIDAR Applications for Remote DIagnosis of Accidental Pollution with Oil Products in Coastal Zone of the Black Sea

CEEX 64/2005

LIDIA had as main scope to implement the active laser remote sensing technique in investigating the pollution level of the Black Sea and to realize the first in-situ studies of the coastal zone.

The consortium behind this project is built from two research institutes (National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics; National Institute for Marine Geology and Geo-ecology), two universities of different profiles and from different regions of the countrie (Politehnica University of Bucharest and Ovidius University of Constanta) and an economical agent (ALEPH).

The project contributed to implementation of laser remote sensing method for pollution level investigation on Romanian Black Sea coastal zone. The properties of river, marine and polluted waters, as well as rapid processing methods for fluorescence signals are discussed. Laser induced fluorescence and time resolved fluorescence measurements were used for the first time in Romania for water sample characterization. 

The fluorescence Lidar technique have been utilized for in situ measurements of dissolved organic matter, pollutants and chlorophyll distributions along Romanian Black Sea coastal zone and harbors. The results reveal significant quantities of dissolved organic matter especially on coastal areas and different surfaces of hydrocarbon films. Also the capabilities of Lidar system to detect highly polluted areas and to sense organic compounds relative distribution were demonstrated in connection with data processing method used.

 

IMPAERO - The usage of the LIDAR techniques and satellite remote sensing for the research atmospheric AEROsols IMPact on regional climate variability

CEEX 112/2005

IMPAERO had as main objective to establish a three-year long climatology of aerosol microphysics and clear-sky direct aerosol radiative forcing to interpret seasonal influences on regional aerosol variability; investigation of the aerosols influence on optical properties of clouds and implicitly on the regional climate; the increase of the Romanian research visibility and international impact in this domain and the insurance of premises for participating to European consortiums, including EARLINET.

The consortium behind this project is built from two universities (Faculty of Physics - University of Bucharest; CTANM - Politehnica University of Bucharest), National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, National Meteorological Administration and a non-governmental agency (Regional Center for Major Industrial Accidents Prevention).

During the project a data base was created and had been done studies regarding optical properties of aerosols derived from Lidar and satellite data, planetary boundary layer dynamics, clouds properties and radiative forcing.

 

CONEEX - CONnections to the European EXcellence research in environment problematic

CEEX 5/2005

CONEEX had as main objectives to form young specialists, with high scientific competence in nonconventional technologies of monitoring, evaluation by organizing practical courses in the frame of the summer school and to build international partnerships to facilitate the integration of Romanian teams in ERA-Net type projects and initiation of international consortiums in the frame of the workshop.

The consortium behind this project is built of 1 research institute (INOE), 1 university (UNBM) and a technological transfer center as part of a research institute (ICIA-CENTI).

During the project were organized three international scientific manifestations: summer school - workshop - exhibition, targeting three categories of participants: young researchers, specialists, beneficiaries. This package gave on one hand the access of the participants to newest scientific achievements, in their fundamental and applicative form, and on the other hand the necessary conditions to implement these in near future in Romania and less developed countries.

This project was the starting point for the annual scientific event Workshop on Optoelectronic Techniques for Environmental Monitoring -OTEM.

PNCDI-II- CNMP Contract nr.32-109/1.10.2008 acronym MAGEOS, Director M. Zoran, 2008- 2011: Advanced integrated monitoring system of seismic precursors, modeling and seismic hazard assessment in Vrancea zone by satellite and in situ geophysical data.

PN-II-ID-PCE-2008 Cod Project: ID_115/2008 Contract nr. 1043/2009 acronym MODIBUS, Director M. Zoran, 2008 - 2009:  Predictive modeling of urban systemBucharest dynamics and quantifying of anthropogenic and climatic factors impact by satellite remote sensing and bio-geophysical in-situ data

PNCDI-II- CNMP Contract nr.31-009/14.09.2007 acronym MOSATCLIM, Director M. Zoran, 2007- 2010: Monitoring and predictive assessment forRomania of the climatic changes feedbacks impact on landuse/landcover by satellite and biogeophysics in situ data

PNCDI-II- CNMP Contract nr. 31-020/14.09.2007 acronym GEOLASDATA, Responsabil INOE M. Zoran, 2007- 2010: Advanced researches for thermal, special and chemical parameters determination of minerals, rocks and industrial waste for data and meta data georeferenced  basis building for environmental problems monitoring

CEEX Programme Contract Nr. 2-CEEX-06-11-5/25.07.2006 acronym MODEVRA, Director M. Zoran, 2006- 2008: Models for assessment of crustal deformations by radar interferometry satellite data, ASTER and GPS for seismic risk prediction in Vrancea area

CEEX Programme Contract CEx05-D11-51/ 07.10.2005 acronym FORMEPI, Director M. Zoran, 2005- 2008: Spectral models for assessing and forecasting the impact of environmental pollutants and climatic changes on forest systems

PNCDI CERES Contract 4-20/4.11.2004 acronym RADSOL, Director M. Zoran,2004- 2006: Advanced Methods Of Solar Radiation Potential Monitoring by Remote Sensing and Geophysical Data For Solar Energetics Application inRomania

PNCDI CERES Contract 4-21/4.11.2004 acronym CERNAVSAT, Director M. Zoran, 2004- 2006: Spectral methods of Environment Quality Monitoring and Surveillance in Nuclear Power Plant Cernavoda area by Remote Sensing and Geophysics data

PNCDI CERES Contract 3-5/2003  acronym SISH, Director M. Zoran, 2003- 2005: Advanced integrated system fotr seismic hazard assessment of seismogenic zone Vrancea by geologic, geophysics, seismologic, GPS and remote sensing data

PNCDI CERES Contract 3-68/2003  acronym SPECURBA, Director M. Zoran , 2003- 2005: Spectral Models for Air Quality Investigation in Bucharest Urban area from remote sensing and geophysical data

PNCDI CERES Contract 56/2002, Director M. Zoran, 2002- 2004: Bio- optical models for environmental changes inRomaniathrough remote sensing and geophysical data

PNCDI CERES  Contract 40/2001, Director M. Zoran, 2001- 2004: Theoretical models for identifying and crustal displacements monitoring in seismic zone Vrancea through remote sensing and local geophysical data integrated systems for earthquake forecasting

 

ROMANIAN SPACE AGENCY STAR projects

RO-CEO  - Romanian Cluster for Earth Observation

STAR 109/2017

The overall scope of RO-CEO is to increase the capacity of Romanian organizations to contribute to ESA’s EO programmes and projects, by setting-up the Romanian Cluster for Earth Observation, a formal association of organizations, with its own statute and agenda. 

QIT-MS - Development of quadrupole and multipole ion trap based mass spectrometers for optical characterization and chemical analysis of atmospheric aerosol particles

STAR 136/2017

The project aims to investigate urban aerosol particles and characterize their optical properties in a combined approach, consisting of ground based measurements using electrodynamic (Paul) ion traps and mass spectrometry techniques. Our approach suggests using two independent  experimental methods: Quadrupole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry (QIT-MS) and Aerosol Mass Spectrometry (AMS). 

ISABEL  - Intelligent Software for Aerosol typing Based on Earth observation products, remote sensing measurements and transport modelLing

STAR 183/2017

The purpose of the project is to develop a state of the art aerosol-typing software prototype based on the classification intelligent algorithms using data from active and passive remote sensing instruments together with satellite imagery and in situ data.

AirFRAME - Aerosol properties retrieval from remote sensing spectroscopic measurements

STAR 162/2017

AirFRAME represents the Romanian contribution to international efforts in setting up a ground-based network of monitoring stations which will be used for the calibration and validation of different product regarding the atmosphere during the commissioning and operational phase of existing and future ESA space missions.

ASSESS - Atmospheric studies in support of ESA’s sentinel 4 and 5 products

STAR 150/2017

The main objective of this project is to develop scientific missions for atmospheric research for validation of the satellite products and to improve the ESA’s Sentinel 4, 5 and 5P data accuracy and long term stability of their related products.

STRATUS - SaTellite pRoducts vAlidaTion USing ground based lidar stations

STAR 152/2017

STRATUS project is designed to meet EU efforts to calibrate and validate ESA earth observation programs by providing the backbone to understand and study new satellite products and to make the first steps to perform complementary measurements for validation and calibration purposes. 

CARESSE - Centre for Atmospheric REmote Sensing and Space Earth observation

STAR 55/2013

CARESSE represents an initiative to concentrate and organize existing capacities for atmospheric remote sensing in Romania, in order to become a relevant and competent partner for ESA’s EO missions. CARESSE relies on RADO – the Romanian Atmospheric 3D research Observatory (through its coordinator, INOE) and its strategic (national and international) partners.

CAPESA - Clouds and Aerosols Profiling in suport of ESA’s sentinel 4 and 5 missions

STAR 38/2012

The main goal of the CAPESA project is to intensify the participation of the Romanian scientific community to the "ESA contributing missions" through the development and intensification of the Atmospheric Remote Sensing (ARS) research activities. For this purpose two already existing facilities, ATMOSLAB and RADO will join expertise, infrastructure and efforts. CAPESA will lead to a better understanding of atmospheric processes and their dependency on human actions, since the first step in solving the environmental problems is to establish an objective relation between causes and effects.