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Acta oecologica, vol.

XIII, 1-2, 2006

CONTRIBUTIONS
AT THE AMPOI RIVER WATERSHED
THERMIC SPECIFIC REGIME
Mihai Buiuc, Mircea Micu
Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Sciences, Department of
Ecology and Environment Protection, 31 Oituz St., Sibiu, RO - 550160

ABSTRACT
This work prezent the altitudinal distribution of the thermic
regime specific parameters with specific diferentiations for slopes and
heights and also for valleys and depresions.
Based on the thermic gradients study and of the microclimatics
measurements made by the author was established the thermic
inversions frequency and intensity and implicit the Ampoi Valley
pollutants dispersal conditions.
Key words: air thermic regime, thermic inversions, pollutants dispersal
conditions.

INTRODUCTION
The Ampoi River, right side tributary of the Mure River has
59 km length, 576 km2 surface of the watershed and an average altitude
of 700 m, altitudes which vary between 1060 m at the Ampoi River
springs and 219 m at its confluence with the Mure River at Alba Iulia.
The highest altitude (1300 m) in the Ampoi River basin, exist
at the Vltori Valley springs.
The Ampoi hydrographical basin is situated in the south-east
part of the Apuseni Mountains, an area where the fhn efects were
frequently registered.
In all the Ampoi Watershed frequent thermal inversions were
regisered, inversions which determine unfavourable polutants dispersal
conditions, conditions highlighted by different researches (Buiuc 1974,
1979).

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

MATERIAL AND METHOD


To characterize the Ampoi River watershed climate were
considered the meteorological data of the Ampoi River watershed
meteorological stations and posts (Tab. 1), and that ones from the
neighboring areas. There were studied also Apuseni Mountains high
altitudes meteorological stations data, which analyze allow the
meteorological elements generalization in relation with the altitude,
situation in which any interested area can be correctly characterize.
Tab. 1. The studied meteorological stations and posts.
Altitude
Latitude
No. Meteorological
m
N
crt.
station or post
1.
Abrud
606
4617'
2.
Aiud
290
4619'
3.
Alba Iulia
248
4604'
4.
Bioara
1384
4634'
5.
Brban
249
4603'
6.
Benic
300
4613'
7.
Berghin
305
4604'
8.
Bistra
546
4621'
9.
Cmpeni
575
4622'
10. Ighiu
268
4609'
11. ntregalde
640
4614'
12. Mogo
750
4616'
13. Ponor-Geogel
742
4619'
14. Roia-Montan
850
4618'
15. Sebe
254
4557'
16. Teiu
239
4615'
17. Zlatna
423
4607'

Longitude
E
2304'
2343'
2335'
2322'
2334'
2335'
2344'
2304'
2303'
2331'
2325'
2317'
2322'
2308'
2334'
2350'
2314'

Due to the fact that the 17 meteorological stations and posts


data present not uniform values rows as duration, these were processed
from the climatologically point of view to bring them at a common long
period using for this purpose the longest values row - Sibiu, realizing
the bringing data at a long common period (1851 - 2006).

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

The temperatures data processing was made based on the


differences method, and for the precipitations, the ratios and the
isopercentages method, in conformity with the methodology elaborated
by Katin and Pekrovscaia (1964) and by Dumitrescu and Glja (1972).
After the data were homogenised and bring at a common long
period, the specific values were correlated with the altitude and was
realized their altitudinal distribution in the Ampoi Watershed.
The highest peak in the Ampoi Watershed is Vlcoi Peak (1348
m) situated at the Vltori Valley springs (Runc).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Ampoy Valley climate particularities
The climate in this zone is characterised through some
particularities which confirm and highlight its geographical
individuality in comparison with other areas in Romania.
These particularities are generated by the climatic factors,
which has in the Ampoi Valley case a series of specific characteristics,
determined by the geographical position and the specific phisicogeographical factors characteristics.
The subjacent surface present in the Ampoi Valley a high diversity,
conditioned by the specific particularities of the relief, hydrography,
vegetation and soils, which induce a series of modifications in the
regime and the territorial repartition of the radiative sum elements, and
the general atmosphere circulation, which influence the appearance here
of complex topoclimates in different parts of the basin.
The human factors represented by the localities presence, roads
and industrial pollution, influence in some degree the climate elements.
The relief one of the main components of the subjacent surface
has a special role in the solar energy transformation and of the moving
air masses influence, therefore in forming the climate of this area.
The average altitude of the Ampoi River watershed is 700 m,
and has a lower influence then other local factors, yet the
climatogenetic importance of the absolute altitudes of the relief is
highlighted in this river watershed too through the differentiated
repartition of the climatic elements on the different relief levels of this
river basin.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

In the Ampoi River basin the air temperature is inversely


proportional distributed with the altitude, dropping with 0.5 - 0.6
C/100 m, yet in many months, in some moments of the day, some
exceptions appear. In the majorities of the nights, due to the relief
appear negative thermic gradients, due to the cold air moving from the
neighbouring slopes and its accumulation on the bottom of the valley
area and of the intense radiation of the subjacent surface. In these
conditions temperature inversions are formed, inversions which
increases the temperature contrasts from the lower and the higher parts
of the basin, which in some cases remain above the temperature
inversion layer. These exceptions from the normal thermic regime
evolution are so important and frequent so that is reflected even in the
multi annual average temperature, which is lower around the river.
The vertical zonality affected the precipitations quantities
distribution too.
The relief exposition and inclination has also important roles in
the climatic elements distribution, especially for the thermic regime.
The Ampoi Valley relief form, contribute to the dynamisation
of the atmosphere and to the thermic inversions long persistence, which
accentuate the polluted air stratification over the localities around the
pollution sources, with the night periods when mountain breezes move
the polluted air masses downstream to Alba Iulia. Also the accentuated
air masses stratification induced the air nebulosity presence on the
Ampoi River valley and the increasing of water vapours presence,
reducing the visibility and diminishing the receipted solar radiation.
The main climatic elements characterization in the Ampoi
River watershed
1. Air temperature
1.1. Average annual and monthly temperatures
The air temperatures are one of the main factors which allow
the human activities.
The Ampoi River watershed main specific relief forms with the
general atmospheric circulation and the solar radiation has a very
important influence on the territorial distribution and evolution in time
of the air temperature.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Trough the existing data analysis, correlated with the altitude,


result the fact that in Ampoi Watershed the average annual
temperatures decrease from the confluence of the Ampoi River with the
Mure River (Alba Iulia 9.4 C) to the mountains peaks river springs
area, the lowest annual values of 4.7 C existing on the Vlcoi Peak
(1348 m) at the Vltori Valley springs (Runc) (Tab. 2).

Alti
tude
m
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
550
600
650
700
750
800
850
900
950
1000
1050
1100
1150
1200
1250
1300

months
I

II

III

IV

VI

-3.9
-3.9
-3.7
-3.6
-3.7
-4.0
-4.3
-4.0
-3.7
-3.7
-3.7
-3.7
-3.7
-3.8
-3.9
-3.9
-4.0
-4.1
-4.2
-4.3
-4.5
-4.6
-4.7

-1.2
-1.0
-0.9
-1.0
-1.2
-1.5
-1.9
-2.0
-2.1
-2.2
-2.4
-2.5
-2.7
-2.8
-3.0
-3.1
-3.3
-3.5
-3.7
-3.8
-3.8
-3.9
-4.0

4.5
5.0
4.8
4.6
4.2
3.8
3.3
3.1
2.9
2.7
2.4
2.2
1.9
1.7
1.4
1.1
0.8
0.5
0.2
0.1
-0.1
-0.5
-1.0

10.4
10.5
10.3
10.1
9.8
9.6
8.7
8.3
7.9
7.6
7.2
6.9
6.5
6.2
5.8
5.5
5.1
4.8
4.5
4.2
4.1
9.0
3.8

15.6
15.7
15.5
15.2
14.8
14.6
14.2
14.0
13.7
13.5
13.2
12.9
12.6
12.3
11.9
11.6
11.2
10.9
10.5
10.1
9.7
9.3
8.9

18.8
19.0
18.3
18.0
17.7
17.5
16.9
16.5
16.1
15.8
15.4
15.1
14.7
14.4
14.1
13.8
13.5
13.2
12.8
12.5
12.2
12.0
11.7

VII
20.5
20.3
20.2
20.0
19.7
19.4
18.7
18.3
17.8
17.5
17.1
16.8
16.4
16.1
15.8
15.5
15.2
15.0
14.7
14.4
14.1
13.9
13.6

VIII

IX

XI

XII

19.8
19.7
19.5
19.3
19.0
18.5
17.9
17.7
17.4
17.1
16.7
16.5
16.2
15.9
15.5
15.3
15.0
14.8
14.5
14.3
14.1
13.9
13.6

15.7
15.9
15.6
15.3
15.0
14.5
14.0
13.7
13.3
13.0
12.7
12.4
12.1
11.9
11.6
11.4
11.2
11.0
10.8
10.6
10.5
10.4
10.3

9.9
9.9
9.7
9.6
9.4
9.2
8.8
8.5
8.1
7.9
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.2
6.9
6.8
6.6
6.5
6.3
6.2
6.2
6.1
6.0

4.2
4.5
4.2
4.0
3.7
3.4
3.1
2.8
2.4
2.2
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1.0
1.0
1.1
1.1

-1.1
-0.9
-0.8
-0.8
-0.9
-1.2
-1.6
-1.5
-1.3
-1.4
-1.6
-1.7
-1.9
-2.0
-2.1
-2.2
-2.3
-2.4
-2.5
-2.6
-2.6
-2.7
2.7

Ann
ual

Tab. 2. The average monthly and annual temperatures (C) at


different altitudinal levels on the Apoi Valley (1851 - 2005).

9.4
9.6
9.4
9.2
9.0
8.6
8.2
8.0
7.7
7.5
7.2
7.0
6.8
6.6
6.3
6.1
5.8
5.6
5.4
5.2
5.1
4.9
4.7

If the normal thermic gradient is 0.65 C/100 m, in the Ampoi


Valley conditions can be observed a lower thermic gradient 0.43 C/100
m, at this situation contributing also the frequent thermic inversions.
Along the studied period of time the highest average annual
temperature was 11.2 C and it was registered at Ighiu (268 m) in 1958,
and in the mountainous area 8.0 C in 1966 at Bioara (in the vicinity
of the interested area). The lowest average annual temperatures were
7.8 C in 1940 at Alba Iulia (248 m) and 6.2 C in 1964 in the
mountainous area at Bioara (546 m).

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

In dependence with the baric centres succession, with the


radiative sum elements, with the subjacent surface characteristics in
different periods of the year, the year average temperature present
variations along the year from one month to another (Tab. 2).
The winter last around three months in the lower part of the
Ampoi River watershed, and at over 1000 m altitude it include also the
first half of March, and over 1200 m altitudes the winter last four
months (December - March).
In this cold season an intensive radiative cooling take place,
favoured by the persistence of the anticyclone regime, the long nights
period and the presence of the snow layer. Due to these characteristics
the cold air is accumulating on the Ampoi River valley, the average
winter months temperatures being lower on the valley bottom than on
the neighbouring mountain peaks, especially in January, when the
lowest temperatures were registered between 3.7 C and - 4.7 C. In the
basin sector between 500 m and 1000 m altitude exist a zone with
thermic inversion, a zone which can be observed even from the average
monthly temperatures (Tab. 2).
In the spring due the solar radiation increasing, and the frequent
warm air masses from west and south-west, the air temperature became
positive, the average of the season vary between 8.7 and 10.2 C in the
lower part of the basin (200 - 500 m) and decrease in the mountainous
area between 5.7 and 3.9 C (at altitudes of 1000 - 1300 m).
In the spring the average temperatures increase with 7.7 - 12.3
C in comparison with the winter average temperatures. In the first part
of the season, the air temperatures remain low on the Ampoi Valley
bottom due to the thermic inversions.
The highest monthly increasements along the year are
registered in March and April when are over 5 - 6 C (Tab. 2).
Starting with April, the valley bottom became warm and the
temperatures evolution in relation with the altitude became normal - on
the whole altitudinal gradients profile being almost similar with those
considered standard (0.65 C).
In the spring as a consequence of the solar radiation increasing,
of the thermic convection development, the air temperature register the
highest values, varying in average in this season between 19.4 C at

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Ighiu and 19.6 C at Alba Iulia. In the mountainous zone the average
summer temperature decrease at 18.6 C at Zlatna (423 m) and at 16.1
C at Mogo (750 m). At the level of the mountainous peaks starting
with the 1200 m altitude, can be observe a one month delay in the
appearance of the maximum monthly values. If till the 1200 m altitude
the highest monthly average temperature were recorded in July, at
highest altitudes the highest values were recorded in August (Tab. 2).
In the autumn, due to the solar energy intensity flux decreasing
and the increasing of the number of the days with "cover" sky (5 - 15
days monthly), the air temperature start to decrease, being with 9 - 10
C lower then in summer, varying in the lower part of the Ampoi
Watershed between 9.6 C at Ighiu and 9.8 C at Alba Iulia, decreasing
at 9.2 C at Zlatna, and at altitudes higher than 1000 m decrease under
6.3 C. In the autumn the air temperature is with approximative 1 C
higher than in spring, due to the missing of the snow layers and the
presence of the fehnal efects.
The annual air temperatures amplitudes present values which
vary between 18.3 C and 24.4 C, these amplitudes being lower in the
mountainous zone and higher in the Mure River valley.
The highest monthly air average temperature of the studied
period was registered at Alba Iulia in July 1930 (23.5 C) and in July
1987 at Ighiu (23.4 C), and the lowest monthly average air temperature
of the studied period was registered in January 1940 at Alba Iulia
(- 10.9 C).
In the year round dynamic the monthly average temperatures
present a minimum in January and a maximum in July. One exception
was registered at altitudes over 1200 m, where the annual maximum
was registered both in July and in August - the passing at the
distribution type characteristic for the high mountainous areas.
1.2 The average annual and monthly temperatures
1.2.1 The average daily maximum and minimum temperatures
The multiannual monthly averages of the daily maximum
temperatures (Tab. 3) are positive all over the year in the lower areas,
with the exception of January when the maximum averages
temperatures decrease at some stations a little under 0 C (Ighiu, - 0.3
C).

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Alti
tude
m
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300

months
VII

XII

Ann
ual

Tab. 3. The daily maximum average air temperatures (C).


I

II

III

IV

VI

VIII

IX

XI

0.3

3.9

10.5

16.8

21.7

25.4

28.1

26.6

22.7

15.9

9.3

3.0

15.4

0.3

3.6

9.8

16.2

21.0

24.5

26.9

26.1

22.2

15.8

9.0

2.9

14.8

0.3

3.2

9.0

15.5

20.4

23.5

25.7

25.5

21.7

15.7

8.6

2.7

14.3

0.6

3.0

8.7

15.1

20.1

23.2

25.3

25.2

21.4

15.2

8.4

2.7

14.1

0.7

2.7

8.3

14.6

19.6

22.8

24.9

24.6

20.9

14.7

8.2

2.6

13.7

0.8

2.3

7.6

14.0

19.0

22.3

24.3

24.1

20.3

14.2

7.9

2.4

13.3

0.7

1.9

7.1

13.3

18.4

21.6

23.6

23.4

19.7

13.6

7.5

2.2

12.8

0.5

1.5

6.4

12.5

17.6

20.9

22.8

22.6

19.0

12.9

7.0

2.0

12.1

0.3

1.0

5.7

11.6

16.7

20.0

22.0

21.8

18.2

12.3

6.5

1.8

11.5

-0.1

0.5

4.9

10.7

15.8

19.1

21.1

21.0

17.3

11.6

6.0

1.5

10.8

-0.5

0.0

4.1

9.8

14.8

18.1

20.2

20.1

16.5

11.0

5.4

1.2

10.0

-1.0

-0.5

3.2

8.8

13.8

17.0

19.2

19.3

15.5

10.3

4.9

0.9

9.3

Through the average maximum temperatures correlation with


the altitude (Tab. 3) can be highlight the fact that only at altitudes over
1100 m these values are negative in January, and at altitudes over 1300
m became negative for two months every year (January and February).
The multiannual monthly averages of the daily minimum
temperatures were differentiated on altitudinal levels for slopes and
heights and for valleys and depressions. In the table 4 are presented the
multiannual monthly average values for slopes and heights and in the
table 5 the same category of values for valleys and depressions.

Alti
tude
m
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300

months
III

IV

VII

Ann
ual

Tab. 4. The daily minimum average air temperatures (C) in the Ampoi
River watershed; slopes and heights.
I

II

VI

VIII

IX

XI

XII

-6.3

-2.9

1.3

5.8

10.4

14.3

15.4

14.6

10.3

5.6

2.4

-2.7

-6.9

-3.4

0.4

4.9

9.5

12.7

14.8

14.2

9.9

5.3

2.0

-2.5

5.1

-7.2

-4.1

-0.3

4.1

8.8

11.7

13.8

13.3

9.5

4.7

1.2

-2.3

4.4

-7.4

-4.6

-0.9

3.9

8.1

11.0

12.5

12.2

9.0

3.9

0.3

-2.2

3.8

-7.5

-5.1

-1.5

2.9

7.5

10.5

11.5

11.3

8.4

3.4

-0.2

-2.3

3.2

-7.6

-5.4

-2.0

2.3

7.0

10.0

11.2

11.0

8.1

3.2

-0.3

-2.9

2.9

-7.6

-5.8

-2.4

1.9

6.6

9.6

11.0

10.8

7.9

3.1

-0.4

-3.3

2.6

-7.5

-6.0

-2.7

1.5

6.2

9.3

10.8

10.6

7.7

3.0

-0.5

-3.7

2.4

-7.5

-6.3

-3.0

1.1

5.8

9.1

10.7

10.5

7.5

3.0

-0.5

-4.0

2.2

-7.4

-6.5

-3.2

0.9

5.7

9.0

10.6

10.5

7.5

3.1

-0.6

-4.3

2.1

-7.2

-6.3

-3.1

0.8

5.6

8.9

10.6

10.5

7.5

3.2

-0.6

-4.5

2.1

-6.8

-6.1

-3.0

0.8

5.6

8.9

10.6

10.5

7.5

3.5

-0.7

-4.5

2.2

5.7

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Alti
tude
m
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300

months
I

II

III

-8.1

-4.7

-1.3

-8.7

-5.4

-9.0

IV

VII

Ann
ual

Tab. 5. The daily minimum average air temperatures (C) in the Ampoi
River watershed; valleys and depressions.
V

VI

VIII

IX

XI

XII

4.0

8.6

12.5

13.6

12.8

8.5

3.8

0.6

-4.5

4.5

-1.4

3.1

7.7

10.9

13.0

12.4

8.1

3.5

0.2

-4.3

3.2

-5.9

-2.1

2.3

7.0

9.9

12.0

11.5

7.7

2.9

-0.6

-4.1

2.6

-9.2

-6.4

-2.7

1.6

6.3

9.2

10.7

10.4

7.2

2.1

-1.5

-4.0

2.0

-9.3

-6.9

-3.3

1.1

5.7

8.7

9.7

9.5

6.6

1.6

-2.0

-4.1

1.4

-9.4

-7.2

-3.8

0.5

5.2

8.2

9.4

9.2

6.3

1.4

-2.1

-4.7

1.1

-9.4

-7.6

-4.2

0.1

4.8

7.8

9.2

9.0

6.1

1.3

-2.2

-5.1

0.8

-9.3

-7.8

-4.5

-0.3

4.4

7.5

9.0

8.8

5.9

1.2

-2.3

-5.5

0.6

-9.3

-8.1

-4.8

-0.7

4.0

7.3

8.9

8.7

5.7

1.2

-2.3

-5.8

0.5

-9.2

-8.1

-5.0

-0.9

3.9

7.2

8.8

8.7

5.7

1.3

-2.4

-6.1

0.3

-9.0

-8.1

-5.1

-1.0

3.8

7.1

8.8

8.7

5.7

1.4

-2.4

-6.3

0.3

-8.8

-7.9

-4.8

-0.8

4.1

7.1

8.8

8.7

5.7

1.7

-2.5

-6.3

0.4

After this values examinations, can be reveal the fact that the
daily minimum averages air temperatures on slopes and heights had
negative values three months a year in the lower part of the basin till
300 m altitudes, and on higher altitudes the time period with the
average minimal negative temperatures increase to 4 months by year
(till 600 m) and 5 months by year over 600 m altitudes (Tab. 4), where
the frozen periods start in November and last till March.
In absolute values, the lowest daily minimum averages air
temperature (- 7.6 C) on slopes and heights were registered in January
between 700 - 800 m altitudes, and the highest (15.4 C) were
registered in July in the confluence with the Mure River area and
decrease gradually with the altitude till 10.6 C at 1300 m.
The vertical thermic gradients are small and appear isothermic cases,
facts which create unfavourable conditions for the pollutants dispersion.
On the valleys and depressions (mainly the confluence areas of
the Ampoi with its tributaries), the daily minimum temperature average
prezent negative values five months a year (November - March) till 900
m altitude, and at higher altitudes these values are negative six months
a year (November - April). In comparison with the daily minimum
temperatures averages on the slopes and heights, those from the valleys
and depresions are with 1.5 - 2.0 C higher. On the Ampoi Valley the
freezing periods last with 30 days more then on slopes and hights.

10

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

In absolute values, the lowest daily minimum temperatures


averages in valleys and depresions are registered in January at altitudes
between 500 and 1100 m and vary between - 9.2 C and - 9.4 C, and
the highest (13.0 - 13.6 C) in July in the lower area of the confluence
with the Mure River.
If in the summer time these values decrease with the altitude
with lower gradients in the comparison with the standard gradients, in
winter months the gradients are very low (0.1 C/100 m) or izotermic
layers can be registered (at 700 - 1000 m).
From the table 5 data result the fact that the daily minimum
temperatures averages vary along the year bewten the lowest values
(- 8.1 C and - 9.4 C) in January and highest values between (8.8 C
and 13.6 C ) in July.
1.2.2 The absolute maximum and minimum temperatures
The absolute maximum temperatures in the Ampoi River
watershed was 39.4 C, a registered value in 09.07.1947 at Alba Iulia,
folowed by the 39.2 C value registered at Ighiu in 25.07.1987, and in
the mountainous area of the Apuseni Mountains was recorded at
Cmpeni (591 m) the 38.7 C value in 19.07.1987.
The monthly absolute maximum values analise highlight the
fact that starting with March till November these values are usualy
higher then 20 C, and in May (and even in April) till in Octomber, the
absolute maximum temperatures are frequently over 30 . In June August period the absolute maximum temperatures are over 35 C.
The absolute minimum temperatures became negative starting
with September and remain negative till in May.
The absolute minimum temperatures (- 32.4 C) were
registered in 24.01.1963, at the confluence with the Ampoi River with
the Mure River, also - 32,4 C at Ighiu and - 32.7 C at Cmpeni.
As the absolute extremes are punctual values in table 6 where
are presented the absolute maximum temperatures, and in the table 7
the registered minimal absolute values.
In the table 7 can be observe that the absolute minimum values
decrease for one - two months under - 30 C. In the cold season, two
months (Ighiu), four months (Alba Iulia, Sebe Alba, Cmpeni,
Bioara) the absolute minimum values decrease under - 20 C.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

11

Sta
tion

Tab. 6. The absolute maximum temperatures (C) of the air and the
registration data, in the Ampoi Watershed; m - absolute maximum
temperatures (C), d - day of registration, y - year of registration, A - Alba
Iulia, S - Sebe-Alba, I - Ighiu, C - Cmpeni, B - Bioara.
m
A d
y
m
S d
y
m
I d
y
m
C d
y
m
B d
y

months
VI
VII

VIII

IX

XI

XII

Ann
ual

39.7

39.4

38.5

32.1

20.4

17.5

39.7

19

9.07

1952

1947

1946

1946

1952

1960

1947

1947

34.3

36.4

38.6

37.7

34.6

29.7

23.6

18.3

38.6

12

16

26

12

14

13

17

26.07

1956

1958

1972

1965

1961

1987

1964

1963

1989

1965

31.5

34.0

35.4

39.2

38.4

35.4

32.0

24.5

18.6

39.2

30

24

27

25

16

14

11

25

1966

1952

1950

1968

1982

1987

1952

1987

1952

1970

1979

1987

12.6

19.0

24.6

27.3

30.3

32.5

38.7

33.7

32.1

27.0

21.1

16.0

38.7

24

21

24

16

28

19

18

16

19.07

1988

1990

1974

1968

1969

1963

1987

1963

1982

1963

1963

1989

1987

12.8

15.4

17.2

20.6

24.2

26.5

29.6

26.6

25.3

21.1

19.5

14.6

29.6

16

25

21

25

16

27

12

6.07

1975

1978

1974

1968

1969

1982

1988

1961

1982

1965

1987

1985

1988

II

III

IV

15.4

17.5

28.6

31.4

33.2

35.2

17

26

30

21

26

19

1948

1948

1948

1950

1950

15.0

20.6

27.8

29.8

22

31

17

1988

1966

1968

15.2

20.7

27.6

22

1984

Sta
tion

Tab. 7. The absolute minimum temperatures (C) of the air and the
registration data, in the Ampoi Watershed; m - absolute maximum
temperatures (C), d - day of registration, y - year of registration, A - Alba
Iulia, S - Sebe-Alba, I - Ighiu, C - Cmpeni, B - Bioara.
m
A d
y
m
S d
y
m
I d
y
m
C d
y
m
B d
y

IV

months
VI
VII

VIII

IX

XI

XII

Ann
ual

6.2

5.1

-1.2

-6.7

-14.7

-24.0

-31.0

23

26

26

27

30

29

31

1960

1951

1952

1952

1966

1948

1939

1947

-0.6

1.2

5.2

3.4

-4.2

-8.5

-14.9

-23.5

-33.9

4; 5

10

27

30

29

26

13

24.01

II

III

-31.0

-30.0

-21.0

-5.7

-1.6

2.5

31

13

21

1947

1947

1932

1954

1952

-33.9

-27.6

-21.4

-5.1

24

1963

1954

1987

1974

1965

1990

1962

1980

1970

1971

1976

1983

1963

-32.4

-27.6

-19.6

-5.4

-1.5

4.0

6.0

4.1

-3.0

-6.6

-15.5

-19.6

-32.4
24.01

24

13

21

23

13

30

29

30

24

1963

1954

1987

1954

1952

1965

1951

1965

1970

1971

1948

1948

1963

-32.7

-30.8

-23.0

-6.0

-3.4

0.6

2.3

1.5

-5.5

-9.3

-18.6

-24.1

-32.7
24.01

24

15

21

16

26

28

28

30

1963

1964

1965

1984

1976

1977

1969

1980

1968

1988

1987

1973

1963

-25.3

-22.4

-22.5

-11.0

-5.5

-3.8

0.2

-6.7

-10.9

-15.6

-20.4

-25.3

17

28

29

25

29

15

17.01

1964

1965

1963

1965

1962

1962

1962

1981

1970

1979

1989

1961

1964

12

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

The absolute minimum temperatures remain negative nine


months per year, the latest freezing period was registered in 21 May
1952, and the first freezing periods in autumn were registered between
26 and 30 September (1952, 1968 and 1970).
1.2.3 The freezing days frequency
The first autumn day with freezing temperatures is register
usualy in the second decade of Octomber, and the last spring day with
freezing temperatures is register usualy in the second decade of the
April.
If we analise the registered data at the Ampoi River and Mure
River confluence (Alba Iulia) for the first autumn day with freezing
temperatures in pluriannual average this one is 17.10, and the last such
day is 12.04. The average period of the annual number of days without
freezing temperatures is 188 at Alba Iulia, respectively 177 days with
probable freezing temperatures.
The first autumn freezing at Alba Iulia was in 24.09 and the
latest in 14.11.
The last spring freezing day at Alba Iulia can appear in the warm
springs till 14.03, and in that springs with climatic accidents in 22.05.
1.2.4 The winter days frequency (with maximum temperatures
lower or equal with 0 C) and of the nights with frosty weather (the
minimum temperatures equal or lower than - 10 C)
The winter days number (the maximum air temperatures lower
or equal with 0 C), is lower than the frosty weather days number,
varying between 28.2 days at Ighiu, 29.4 days at Alba Iulia and 47
days/year at 1300 m.
Winter days distribution studing at diferent altitudinal levels,
reveal the fact that these days frequency increase with the altitude with
1.7 days/100 m, being over 30 days/year on altitudes higher than 500 m
and over 40 days/year at higher than 1000 m altitudes.
The maximum winter days on an year vary between 35 and 60,
and the minimum winter days vary between 16 and 25 days.
The frosty weather nights number (the minimum temperatures
equal or lower than - 10 C) vary between 21.3 days in the Ampoi and
Mure rivers confluence area, increasing at 35.0 days in the higher
watershed area. It has to be added the fact that in the Inghiu vineyards
area the frequency of the frosty nights is lower (15.8 days/year).

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

13

1.2.5 The summer days number on an year (with maximum


temperatures higher or equal with 25 C) and of the tropical days on an
year (with maximum temperatures higher or equal with 30 C)
In the warm season, the annual number of the summer days
(with maximum temperatures higher or equal with 25 C) varies
between 76.6 days at Alba Iulia and 80.5 days at Ighiu.
The distribution of these categories of days in relation with the
altitude show that over 100 m the frequency of these days decrease with
6.8 days, thus at the altitudinal level of 500 m were registered 39.5
summer days, at 800 m 15 summer days, and at 1300 m only 1.5 days.
In the analysed period for the lower watershed were registered
the years when the number of summer days was over 100 days and in
cold years the frequency of these days decrease at 40 - 50 days. The
early days with maximum temperatures higher or equal with 25 C
appear (one - two days) in March. In April the summer days number
were registered usually in two days. Due to the solar radiation
intensification starting with the month of June, the summer days
number in the lower area of the Ampoi Watershed increase at 15 - 20
days\month and sometimes more.
The air warming over 25 C has the highest frequency in July
and August when in the area were registered 22 summer days (6 - 8 less
such days then in the southern Romanian Plain).
In Octomber were registered the last days with maximum
temperatures higher or equal with 25 C, 1 - 1.5 days in the lower area
and no such days in the mountanous area.
The tropical days number (with maximum temperatures higher
or equal with 35 C), vary in the lower area of the Ampoi River
watershed between 19.5 days at Ighiu and 21.8 days at Alba Iulia,
decreasing at 10.8 days at 550 - 600 m altitudes, and at higher altitudes
these days number strongly decreased till their disapearance at the
mountainous peaks level (1200 - 1300 m).
1.2.6 Air daily average temperatures passing through 0 C level
To study the passing of the air daily average temperatures by 0
C level the histograms method was used. Were determined the
beginning, the end and the average period in days of the interval with

14

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

daily average temperatures equals or higher than 0 C, values which


determine the heat necesity and the posibility of outdoors human activities.
In the table 8 are present these data for the altitudinal levels
between 200 m in the Ampoi and Mure rivers confluence area, till the
highest area of the basin (1300 m).
Tab. 8. The beginning, the end and the period in days of the interval with
daily average temperatures equals or higher than 0 C and the global
thermic resources at different altitudinal levels in the Ampoi Watershed.
Global
Altitude
thermic
Begining
End
Interval
m
resources
200
18.02
11.12
296
3680
300
19.02
10.12
294
3645
400
22.02
7.12
288
3490
500
28.02
3.12
278
3215
600
5.03
29.11
269
2835
700
8.03
27.11
264
2658
800
12.03
25.11
258
2535
900
15.03
23.11
253
2435
1000
19.03
22.11
248
2350
1100
21.03
21.11
245
2275
1200
23.03
20.11
242
2205
1300
25.03
20.11
240
2135

From the presented data in the table 8 it can be observed the


fact that the begining of the period with temperatures higher than 0 C
was registered in 18.02 and is later with 35 days to 25.03 at the
altitudine of 1300 m.
The end of the period with higher or equal with 0 C values
was produced in 11.12 in the Ampoi and Mure rivers confluence area,
and in 20.11 at 1300 m altitudes, thus at the Ampoi River springs it is
happened 21 days earlier than in the confluence area.
The duration of the period with daily average temperatures
higher the 0 C decrease from 296 days in the Ampoi and Mure rivers
confluence areas to 240 days in the Ampoi River springs area (1500 m),
thus with 56 days earlier in the springs area than in the confluence area.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

15

It results that the period with positive temperatures decrease in average


with 5.1 days for each 100 m. On the bottom of the valleys this value
differ with one to two days in comparison with the slopes and the
highest points, due to the thermal inversions.
The global thermic resources, respectively the summ of the
daily positive average temperatures vary between 3680 C in the area of
the Ampoi and Mure rivers confluences, droping to 2135 C at the
1300 m altitude at the Ampoi River springs area, resulting a decreasing
of the global thermal resources with 140.4 C/100 m atitude.
1.2.7 The specific thermic inversions for Ampoi Watershed
The thermic inversions estimation was made through a careful
analyse of the temperature and relative humidity registrations from the
meteorological stations which border the area, and through special
microclimatic measurements realised in characteristic moments of the
day and of the year.
This analise and the measurements analises pointed out the
frequent temperature inversions existence in 41.4 - 54.1 % of the time
(Buiuc, 1979).
The thermic inversion frequency is high in cloudless days and
low in cloudy days.
The maximum period of the thermic inversions were registered
in the cloudless days.
The termic inversions appear sudenly in afternoons (16 - 17) in
a 200 - 300 m thick air layer from the valey bottom, and around the
midnight are over the mountainous tops (a 500 m thick air layer).
The thermic inversions break up start from the soil surface
around 10 - 11 in winter and 8 - 9 in summer, and the end of the termic
inversion is hapened around the noon.
The dominant winds directions on the Ampoi Valley are the
west and the east, at this situation contributing the general atmosphere
circulation and the local circulation - valley breeze and mountain
breeze. On the valleys the atmospheric calm has a high frequency (40 50 % of the cases), fact which induce the stable stratification of the
atmosphere and as a consequence the pollutants unfavourable dispersal
conditions. At the level of the Metaliferi Mountainous tops increase the
wind frequence and speed, registered daily with 4 - 5 m/second.

16

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

CONCLUSIONS
The monthly average temperatures present a maximum of
(136 C to 205 C) in July and a minimum (- 3.9 C to - 4.7 C) in
January.
The anual average temperatures decrease from 9.6 C in the
lower area (vine yards area) to 4.7 C in the mountainous area of the
watershed.
The maximum daily averages temperatures has the highest
values in July (19.2 C to 28.1 C) and the lowest values in January
(- 1.0 C to 0.2 C.
The minimum daily averages temperatures has the highest
values in July (10.6 C to 15.4 C) and the lowest values in January
(- 6.3 C to - 7.6 C) on slopes and hights.
The altitudinal dynamic of these values clearly indicate the
existence of some thermic inversions, inversions present over the
neighbouring mountaionous tops level too in winter, and in the warm
season the temperatures decrease in altitude with very low termic
gradients, which induce a stabile stratification of the atmosphere in the
warm season too, also frequent being the isotermiies.
In the valleys and depresions the average minimum
temperatures values are lower with 2 - 3 C in comparison with the
slopes and hights.
The absolute maximum temperatures are over 30 C in the
whole Ampoi River watershed 7 months a year (IV - X) and are
positive all the year long.
The absolute minimum temperatures decrease under - 30 C in
January and February and can have negative values 9 months a year.
The temperature inversions are very frequent (41.4 - 54.1 % of
the time), and are very accentuated in the cloudless days.
Due to the temperatures inversions and of the isotermmies exist
very unfavourable dispersal conditions for the pollutants, and the valley
and mountain breesees induce the polluted air masses movement
upstream and downstream.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

17

REFERENCES
1.
Buiuc M., 1974, - Particulariti microclimatice ale distribuiei
elementelor meteorologice pe vile rurilor din Munii Apuseni.
2.
Buiuc M., 1979, - Particulariti microclimatice ale vii Arieului
n zona Cmpeni - Valea Lupei, Studii i cercetri partea I - a
Meteorologie, Institutul de Meteorologie i Hidrologie, Bucureti.
3.
Dumitrescu E., Glja M., 1972, - Metodica prelucrrii datelor
climatologie, Ed. Universitii, Bucureti.
4.
Katin S, Pekrovskaia T.V., 1964 - Climatologie, metode de
prelucrare a datelor climatologice, Editura tiinific, Bcureti.

18

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

19

HIDROLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING


THE AMPOI HYDROGRAPHIC BASIN
Vasile tef*, Rodica Ciobanu**, Valer Dobros***
* Tourism Geography Faculty of Sibiu, 5-7, S. Mehedini St., Sibiu, RO 550182
** Natural History Museum, 1 Cetii St., Sibiu, RO - 550160,
rodi_ciobanu2005@yahoo.com
*** Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Sciences, Department
of Ecology and Environment Protection, 31 Oituz St., Sibiu, RO - 550160

REZUMAT
Reeaua hidrografic a rului Ampoi este reprezentat de rul
Ampoi i dintre afluenii mai importani Vltori, Fene, Ampoia, Ighiu.
Pentru analiza proceselor i fenomenelor hidrografice din bazinul
Ampoi s-au prelucrat observaiile i msurtorile efectuate la staiile
hidrometrice (prezentate n detaliu n lucrare), care demonstreaz c
ntre parametrii hidraulici i morfometrici ai albiilor exist legturi
corelative. Bazinul hidrografic al Ampoiului desfurat pe uniti
fizico-geografice diferite, alctuite dintr-o multitudine de roci
genereaz o mare varietate a scurgerii solide.
Creterea debitelor are ca efect reducerea rugozitii,
amplificarea pantelor i vitezelor de deplasare prin albie. Dup viitur
debitul de ap revine la situaia de dinainte. Revenirea la situaia
preexistent reflect un anumit echilibru ntre alimentarea cu aluviuni,
depunerea la scdere i cedarea aluviunilor din albie ctre scurgere, de
aluviuni din aval. Este cazul staiilor hidrometrice Izvorul Ampoiului.
Rul Ampoi i desfoar cursul peste roci dure cu friabilitate redus
de tipul calcarelor, rocilor vulcanice, metamorfice. n aceste seciuni
variaia este nesemnificativ, compoziia geologic constituie factorul
dominant n realizarea stabilitii albiei. Fenomenul de adncire a albiei
este specific tuturor staiilor hidrometrice amplasate n cursurile
inferioare, depresiunile intramontane (Depresiunea Zlatna).

20

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Scurgerea apei (medie, maxim i minim) este sub directa


influen a climei, a factorilor fizico-geografici al M. Trascu i
Metaliferi. Se evideniaz o bogat scurgere din zonele nalte care se
reduce o dat cu dezvoltarea suprafeei bazinale n cazul scurgerii
medii. Debitele maxime realizate, n special n urma unor precipitaii
maxime, sunt cele mai mari valori, realizndu-se n sezonul de var.
Debitele minime sunt influenate de o bogat scurgere carstic, i au ca
efect meninerea unor debite minime pe tot parcursul rului chiar dac
n cursurile inferioare predomin infiltraia n propriile aluviuni.
Key words: Apuseni Mountains, Ampoi Basin, hydrology.

INTRODUCTION
The Ampoi Basin was in the attention of the geologists, in the
last decades of the last century, because of its economic importance of
the mineral deposits. The research of the area, from a hydrologic point
of view, is linked by the setting up of hydrometric stations in
hydrographic basins having surfaces over 1000 km2, which, constituted
basis for extrapolations at a regional level. tef makes a well-informed
analysis regarding the historic of the research of the Trascu Mountains
in which, naturally is studied the Ampoi Basin, too.
The activity of hydrometric knowledge upon the hydrographic
network of the Trascu and Metaliferi Mountains and, of course, of the
Ampoi Basin, took place in two stages, one before 1961 and one after
this year. Till 1961 the activity of observations and measurements was
regarding only to the records of the levels and these in a limited number
of hydrometric stations; sporadically were executed measurements of
debits, mostly having an expedition character, in Zlatna Mountains.
Observations and measurements, unorganised, were done from ancient
times, and they were linked, especially by the use of water in transport
and by special hydrologic events: flood and high flood, drying up, etc.
After 1960 was done a network of hydrometric stations having
a systematic activity and which were distributed in space taking into
account the relief units and they permitted and still permit a global
characterization of the zone. The hydrometric stations of whose data
were used in this present work are presented in the table 1.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Tab. 1. Hydrometric station whose data were used in the work.


Altitude
Catchment
Distance
0
Hydrometric
from the
map
River
alt.
surf.
station
confluence
level
(km2) (m)
(km)
(m)
Ampoi
Iz. Ampoi
42.0
63,0
856 455.203
Ampoi
Zlatna
37.6
148
818 403.362
Ampoi
Brbn
5.5
556
716 230.152
Vltori
Zlatna
9.8
34
915 414.330
Ighiu
ard
1.2
105
695 256.941

21

Organize
date
1980
1949
1961
1967
1983

The hydrometric station Izvorul Ampoiului is the first


hydrometric station in the Ampoi hydrographic basin. It is at 42 km
from the confluence of Ampoi with Mure, having a surface of 63 km2
and an altitude of the rod of 455.203 m. In this sector the riverbed is
parallel, homogeneous and formed by gravel. The transversal profile is
asymmetric, the left bank being better developed.
The Zlatna hydrometric station, the Ampoi River, is one of the
oldest stations in the Trascu Mountains. The section of the rod is at
100m downstream from the confluence with the Vltori River. The
Zlatna section closes the warning basin Ampoi. The debits measured
are influenced by a succession of collecting and deviations in the basins
Ampoi, Vltori, Fene, this being why at this hydrometric station is
executed a program of observations and measurements necessary for a
daily, monthly and annual reconstruction.
Brbn hydrometric station, Ampoi River, was founded in
1961, upstream of the confluence with Mure River, 5.5 km. in the
regulated riverbed of the river. The riverbed is formed by medium
gravel and sand, the banks being chamfered and stone packed.
Zlatna hydrometric station, Vltori River, is situated in Zlatna,
upstream, 8 km of the confluence with Ampoi River. The hydrographic
basin is in a carstic relief (approximately 75 % of the surface), this
being the reason why the supply of the river is mainly carstic.
ard hydrometric station, Ighiu River, is upstream 1.2 km. by
the confluence with the Ampoi River and in downstream 50 m from the
confluence elna - Bucerdea.

22

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS


The Ampoi Valley comprises 5 sectors different from the
geomorphic and petrography point of view:
- The zone between the spring and the confluence with
Trmpoaiele brook, situated on the development area of the Auriferi
Mountains, characterized by abrupt slopes and narrow valley.
- Zlatna Depression, develops at the East of the localities
Izvorul Ampoiului and Presaca Ampoiului on a length of 15 km, being
mainly drained by Ampoi River and by its affluent: Trmpoaiele, Valea
Mare and Valea Mic on the right and Vltori, Fene and Bibar on the
left. The extinction of the depression is limited upstream by the
confluence with the Trmpoaiele brook and downstream by the
confluence with the Fene brook, this being also the limit between
Trascu Mountains and Metaliferi Mountains.
- The Ampoi narrow path, whose strict delimitation is given by
the localities Presaca Ampoiului and Poiana Ampoiului, this part
crosses formations having a high degree of compactness and hardness
which gives the aspect of narrow path to the limit between Trascu and
Metaliferi Mountains
- The sector of the depressing basins Mete - Tui, delimited
by the localities Poiana Ampoiului and Gura Ampoiului, sector that is
the limit between Trascu and Vin Mountains.
- The sector of the inferior basin where Ampoi covers a spread
meadow between the Bilag and Mamut Hills.
The geomorphic different of the Ampoi sectors is due to the
different geologic evolution, belonging to different paleogeographic
zones having various characteristics linked to the bathymetry of the
basin, the characteristics of the sedimentation process, the lithologic
nature of the sedimentary material, etc.
The paleogeographic evolution of the Ampoi Valley is linked to
the evolution of the entire area. In the Zlatna depression zone, the
hydrographic organism was carved within the levelling surface Rmei
- Ponor. Subsequently the forming state (Pliocene), in Quaternaries the
hydrographic network deepened gradually due to the low basic level of
the Mure River. Thats why the Ampoi River was forced to cross,
epigenetically, the ophiolits downstream of Presaca Ampoiului. Within

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

23

the depression there are 4 levels of terrace: the terrace of 60 - 80 m and


30-40m which are to be found in the contact sector to the proper
mountain zone, broken up by the lasting hydrographic network as well
as by the torrential one. The lower terraces (15 - 20 m and 6 - 10 m)
have a larger developing area being the base of the depression.
The Ampoi Valley presents an asymmetry, in the Zlatna
Depression Area, the left bank of the Ampoi River being more
developed, here being situated the settlements: Zlatna, Fene, Presaca
Ampoiului.
The Ampoi River, is the second affluent of the Mure River,
from the size point of view (F = 559kmp, L = 60km2), on the right side
there is its reception basin beginning with the spring zone under the
Pietricica peak (1.144 m) and Dealul Mare (1.044 m) in the Metaliferi
Mountains. The hydrographic basin is asymmetrically developed, on
the left side being the most advanced and richer flow through the
affluences.
The Groha River, in the hydrologic literature Vltori, is the
first affluent on the left. The Vltori River gathers the waters from a
calcareous relief complex with rich karstic debits. Till 1900 this
hydrographic basin was watched through Zlatna hydrometric station.
The Fene River, the next affluent comes down under
Negrileasa Mogoului from Metaliferi Mountains. In Piatra Craiului
zone it crosses, epigenetically, the calcareous rocks, and afterwards the
slope grows suddenly (from 1.5 m/km to 150 - 200 m/km) and there are
numerous thresholds and waterfalls. From the hydrographic basin is
collected a part of the debits and is transferred to Ampoi River after it
was used in the industry of Zlatna town.
Bibar, is the smallest of the effluents but having a rich debit
due to its supplying from the karst. In its inferior course it presents a
waterfall of about 25m high. As a matter of fact on its road it met
calcareous rocks which, instead of avoiding it, the river approached
directly through the erosion of the friable rocks.
The Mete River, is developing its hydrographic basin in a
region rich in calcareous rocks (especially in Isca Valley). The river has
torrential character; it presents the draying up phenomenon, too.

24

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

The Ampoia River, is one of the greatest hydrographic


underbasins of the Ampoi River; it has its spring in Corabia massif and
mostly in Ciumerna Plateau (through Valea Muntelui). Many karstic
springs, rich in debits (Toplia, Hldhaia), give it an abundant flow all
over the year. After the locality Lunca Mureului it cuts epigenetically
the Ampoia Key through the moment bearing the same name.
The Ighiu River, is the biggest affluent of the Ampoi River (F
= 105kmp) with which it joints in ard. Its origin is in Ciumerga, in the
Ighiu Lake and the springs under this lake (the spring debit - 100l/s). In
the ard zone it gets like effluents the elna and Bucerdea Rivers, both
having the origin in the spring under the Ciumerna Plateau.
Data regarding the morphometry of the hydrographic basins
(length in km., the surface of the hydrographic basins in km2, the
average altitude of the basins, the positions of the confluences to the
banks) are presented for the Ampoi and its affluences in the table 2.
Tab. 2. Morphometric data regarding the hydrographic basins of the
affluences of the Ampoi River; u.c. / upstream confluence.
Average
Confluence
Length
Surface
Waterway
altitude (m)
position
(km)
(km2)
right
53
579
700
Ampoi
u.c. - Trmpoaiele
13
65
855
- Trmpoaiele
right
6
20
750
u.c. - Vltori
17
107
795
- Vltori
left
12
41
982
u.c. - Fene
24
201
763
- Fene
left
16
61
934
u.c. - Ampoia
40
366
744
- Ampoia
left
15
64
777
u.c. - Ighiu
46
432
739
- Ighiu
left
17
107
695
u.c. - elna
13
52
772
- elna
left
13
29
670
-Bucerdea
left
14
21
630

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

25

The hydrologic regime of the surface flow is influenced by the


subterranean flow through the full storages, which can supply the
surface ones. So, taking into account the geologic structure within the
Ampoi basin they can be separated, by the hydrogeologic
characteristics, as follows: Prequaternary and Quaternary deposits.
A. Prequaternary subterranean deposits
1. The Complex of the Metamorphic and Igneous Rocks. Parts of this
complex are: sericite - chlorite schist, micaschist, paragneiss, etc. They
represent the foundation rocks. The geologic structure, the compactness
of the rocks doesnt allow the formation of water deposits. The
accumulation of water on the clefts, interstices, in small quantity, is due
to the rainfalls. The soil, itself, can be a wet reserve depending on its
development degree. At the edge zones there can appear springs, even
permanent ones. The category of igneous Mesozoic rocks is present in
the Ampoi hydrographic basin, left slope, where the basalt, diabase, are
less aqueous.
2. The Calcareous aquatic Complex. It consists of limestone as
plateaus, storages covered by actual vegetation, all of Jurassic age. The
karstic zone represents an important source for the subterranean waters
whose existence and evolution is determined by the geologic
characteristics of the limestone and of the environment factors and the
chemistry of waters.
3. The Cretacic aquatic Complex consists of a series of geologic
formations, known in the literature of specialty as the Fene, Cbeti,
Valea-Dosului, Mete, Prul Izvorului, Valea lui Paul and Brdeti
strata. The main stones are formed by conglomerate, grit stones, marls,
gravel (detritic cemented rocks, the majority having calcareous
cement). Because of the tectonic structure, complicated by wildflisch
type, the accumulation of water is possible only in the fissures, which
affects mostly the conglomerate.
4. The Upper Paleocene Complex is developed only in the Bilag
Plateau, the inferior course of the Ampoi River, where prevails the
conglomerate, the sandstone, the marl - clay in which there werent
found any water reserves.

26

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

5. The Pliocene aquatic Complex is developed flanking the


Cuaternarium storages of the Mure River, which comes in through the
holes as Ampoi River. The geologic storages are formed by sands, marl
clay, gravel in which the possibilities of water accumulation are
limited.
The subterranean contribution, within the Ampoi Basin, has
been studied as a result of the inventory of the debits of each of the
springs within the basin. Statistically, the results of the field research
regarding the debits of the springs in the geologic complexes quoted
above are as follows:
- taking into account its debit, no matters the position:
- big, over 20l/s: Iezer (205l/s), Toblia (43l/s), Piatra Caprii (20l/s)
- medium, between 19,9-5l/s: Feneana, downstream of the chalet
(10m/s)
- under 0,5l/s (in this category falls the majority of the springs, from
which the most important are): Coasta Oprit, Feneana
downstream of the key, Vlae, etc
- taking into account how they reach the surface - descendent - Vlae,
etc.
- taking into account the rock from which they appear to the daylight:
- limestone: Iezer, Piatra Caprii,
- cretaceous flysch: Coasta Oprit, Castel.
- terrace springs: Vlae.
- springs descendent from debris: Naiba.
B. Quaternary subterranean storages
From a geologic point of view the Quaternary storages are
made up from alluvial-proluvial materials, gravel and sands with
intercalations of silty sands, which form an aquatic stratum with
extension into the meadow storages of the effluents. The hydrogeologic
map of the Alba Iulia zone shows through the hydroisohipses the
morphology of the hydrostatic level, the direction of the underground
draining, the link between the surface waters and the underground ones
(Fig. 1).

27

iu
v.

T el n

I gh

a v.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

26
0

26 5

H.St.
Sa rd
Sa rd
IL

Pl

at e

au

H.St.
Ba raba nt

a in s
o u nt
NI M
SE
APU

23
0

23
5

Mic esti

22
5

25
0

B ara bant

Am
i
po
r.

22 0

es

R.

24
5

Pl

r
Mu

ALBA IU LIA

at
ea

25
5

B
245
240

Lege nd

21
5

H .St.A lba Iuli a


0

50 0

1. 00 0 1.5 0 0 k m

hydroizo hipse
sprin gs

s prin g line

section w ith
h ydrolog ic al con ectio n

lo cality
lim ite of
g eo mopho lo gical un it s
h ydrometric station

Fig. 1. Hydrogeological map - Alba Iulia area.

28

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

The water flow


The liquid flow represents the most important hydrologic
characteristic of the hydrologic basins; it expresses the water resources
carried by the rivers. For the characterization of the flow as average,
maxim or minimum aspect there have been analysed all the
hydrometric stations regarding the evolution of the debits and their
repartition in the territory.
A.The Rivers Supply
The particularities of the flow of the liquids and, generally of
the hydrologic elements of the Ampoi River are determined by the kind
of the supply source and the character of its variation along the year.
The most important supply sources are from:
1) The rainfalls - are the basic element of the evolution of the debits of
the hydrographic network (it dominates from a percentage and
quantitative point of view all the other sources). During a year the
maxim value is touched at the end of winter and the beginning of
spring, in the same time with the intensification of the winds (February
- March), when the snow melts. The most reduced values are produced
at the end of summer and at the fall (August-September) when the
underground supply prevails.
2) The calcareous storages - represent an important element of flow
through the special capacity of storing of the debits in drains and big
holes as a result of the draining from the rainfalls or snow (as a result of
melting).
3) The no calcareous sectors - is the most developed source, except the
first one, and is the first source of waters. It develops from East to West
on the calcareous band and comprises the courses of the following
effluents: Ampoi, Fene, Bibar and Ampoia.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

29

Q mc/s
50
40

a.

30
20
10
I

II

III

IV

VI

VII

VI II

IX

XI

X II

VII

VIII

IX

XI

X II

50
40

Q mc/s

30

b.

20
10
I

II

III

IV

VI

a. Hydromethric station Zlatna, Valtori river - limestone


b.Hydromethric station Izvorul Ampoiului, Ampoi river nonlimestone
Fig. 2. Relation between carst /noncarst flow.

B. The Daily Flow Regime


The daily flow is under the direct influence of the weather
factors: rainfalls and snow, the existence and the structure of the snow
stratum, the evolution of the air temperature, the relief, etc. Easy to be
noticed the oscillations of the daily flowing are remarked in springtime
and at the end of winter when the daily thermic modifications cause
variations of the debits (and levels) of the rivers by increasing during
the day and decreasing during the night. In the rainfalls period,
generally beyond 2 l/m, having as background a high wetting degree,
taking into account the time of concentration in the riverbed, the
oscillation of the debits conditioned by the nature, intensity and
duration of the rain, of the water quantity and the rhythm of the

30

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

draining of the underground accumulations. The daily hydrographs


present, in the mountainous zones high oscillations in the hydrographic
basins such as Izvorul Ampoiului (less than 60 km2) due to the low
concentration time, the specific weather factors for the high zones, of
the relief taking into account the hydrometric stations from the
downstream end of the hydrographic basins where the genetic factors
act with low intensity. To all these is added the attenuation regime in
the riverbed, the flow not having a torrential character as in the
mountainous units.
C. The Monthly Flow Regime
The monthly evolution of the flow has been watched as crude
as well as a percentage value taking into account the total flowing.
There have been calculated the module coefficients (Tab. 3). The
highest average flow is in April, over 15 % of the cases, and the lowest
in September. In September-October there is a slight uniformity in the
distribution of flow due to the supply from the underground strata.

April

March

February

January

Tab. 3. Monthly and seasonal average - percentage value.


H. Debits
The factors who influences the average
Month
st. (m3/s)
monthly and seasonal flow
1. 6.20
- the snow doesnt participate directly to the
2. 6.44
flow phenomenon, the supply being done from
3. 6.32
the underground.
4. 5.72
1. 7.90
- because of fhn activity increase the flow
values,
2. 10.5
- the high flood begin in the second half of
3. 9.88
month,
4. 9.12
1. 20.20
- the stress of the snow melting determines the
2. 16.62
increase of the flow values,
3. 14.73,
4. 12.77
1. 16.50
2. 15.60
- the melting of the most part of the snow,
3. 15.58
4. 15.36

May
June

- it continues the tendency of flow lowering,


- high values will be only in the hydrographic
basins with karst supply,

July

- due to the heavy rains there are the highest


percentage values,

August

- the decreasing of the rainfalls stress the


diminution of the flow,

- there is the lowest flow from the internal


supply,

October

- the flow is still high but lower than the


previous one,

- the rains in autumn increase the flow values,

Novem
ber

18.60
11.42
11.67
12.95
9.10
11.58
11.20
14.15
5.10
8.34
8.34
7.87
3.6
3.71
4.17
4.67
1.6
2.80
3.37
3.37
2.2
3.12
4.30
3.49
3.0
3.70
4.66
4.13
4.0
6.17
5.78
6.40

- the rainfalls lead to the increase of flow,

Decem
ber

1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.

31

Septem
ber

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

- the rainfalls and snow as well as the wind


lead to increases of the flow values,

Hydrometric stations:
1. Izvorul Ampoiului, 2. Zlatna, 3. Brban, 4. Zlatna/Vltori

32

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Conclusions: the flow fallows faithfully the evolution of the


rainfalls. In the months with rich rainfalls, March-June, the flow has the
highest values.
D. The Seasonal Flow Regime
The evolution of the seasonal flow is conditioned by the
combination of the supply sources of the hydrologic organisms.
The winter (December-February) is characterized by snow,
which remains stocked. The supply is made from the underground
(calcareous or not). The highest values are of 23 % at Zlatna and
Izvorul Ampoiului. The installation of the winter phenomena has as an
effect the dislocation from the flow of an important water quantity.
The sprig (March-May) represents the richest flow in the entire
year (over 40 %) and it is done under the influence of the snow melting
and the evolution of the rainfalls. The highest values were recorded at
the Izvorul Ampoiului station (55.3 % from the annual flow) and the
lowest ones at the Zlatna, Vltori stations (41.1 %).
The summer (June-August) the regime of the flow is influenced
by the increasing evolution of the temperature, the development of
vegetation, which lead to the decreasing of evaporation. To these is
added the lack of rainfalls, all leading to the decreasing of the flow.
The autumn (September-November) is characterized by the
lowest flow of the seasons. Actually only the underground supply forms
the flow supply. The highest values are of 12.3 % at Brban and the
lowest ones at Izvorul Ampoiului.
As regarding the months, the lowest values are in September
(1.6 % - at Izvorul Ampoiului, 2.8 % at Zlatna)
As a conclusion the supply process of the flow:
the highest monthly flow is in April when having as a
background the snow melting, there are the most rainfalls, too,
the lowest values of the flow were in the winter time when
the rivers ran dry totally (Ighiu, Ampoia).

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

33

The Regime of Average Flow


The average flow of the waters characterizes the richness in
waters of the hydrographic basins. The average flow for many years is
determined taking into account the annual average debits as a result of
the processing of the hydrometric observations and measurements from
the previous years as an average of the debits in the most years.
The average value of the average flow depends on the average
values in more years of the rainfalls, evaporations, by the hydro and
weather components of the geographic coat, by the vegetation cover
degree, by the soil, the slopes etc. Taking into account the multiannual
average values (Tab. 4a) has been done the map of the specific average
flow in Trascu and Metaliferi Mountains.
Tab. 4a. Monthly and annual average debits value.
River
Hydrometric
F
H med
station
km2
m
Ampoi Iz. Ampoiului
60.0
940
Zlatna
148
818
Brban
556
625
Vltori Zlatna
34
915
Ighiu
ard
100
725

Debits
q l/s km2
Q m3/s
0.679
11.3
1.40
9.46
4.01
7.21
0.445
13.1

E. The Regime of Maxim Flow


The maxim flow represents the most important moment of the
water flow through the produced effects. The knowledge of the maxim
flow, its development in time raises problems linked to the fact that
there werent done measurements for very high levels of the waters
from objective reasons. Excepting the high flood in 1970, which
werent recorded at all hydrometric stations, the other ones in the years
1975, 1979, 1981, 1995 considered to be very important for the
calculation of the maxim debits, were recorded. From the table 4b, one
can reach to the conclusion that the highest debits recorded at the
hydrometric stations were as a result of the rainfalls in the hot season,
in July.

34

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Tab. 4b. The frequency of the high flood producing - maxim debits
achieved.
Qmax. achieved
H
Hydrometric
F
(mc/s)
River
2
med.
station
km
value
date
Iz. Ampoiului
60.0
940
23.5
III
Ampoi Zlatna
148
818
116
VII
Brban
556
625
244
VII
Vltori Zlatna
34.05
91
48.5
VI; VII

F. The Regime of Minimum Flow


The calculation of the minimum flow, based on statistics, was
done by processing the observation data for a total of 15 years. The
analysis of the minimum debits (see the table 5) can not be done
correctly if there isnt taken into account the existence of the uses
which, influences the minimum flow. From the investigations in the
field, one can reach to the conclusion that the most influenced station is
the Zlatna station, as a result of the use of the water for industrial
purposes.
G. The Regime of Flow from Alluvial Deposits
The flow from the alluvial deposits is generated by the erosion
phenomenon on the slopes and by the elementary hydrographic
network. In their turn the erosion phenomena, their quality and
distribution in space and time is under the condition of a series of
specific factors of the hydrographic basin: pedology, relief, the
character of the rainfalls, the temperature, etc. To all these factors there
are added the anthrophic ones, which can contribute to the modification
of the sum of the alluvial debit. The data regarding the values of the
solid flow in suspension and of the solid debits are presented in the
tables.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

35

Ampoia
Ighiu

Q 0 (m3/s
)

Fene

downstream of
Ampoi R.confluence

Zlatna
(Vltori River)
Zlatna,
(Ampoi River)
Brban
(Ampoi River)

H med.
(m)

Iz. Ampoiului
(Ampoi River)

F (km2)

Tab. 5. Minim debits with the probability of producing - hydrologic


stations in Trascu and Metaliferi Mountains.
Maximum debits from
L
Hydrometric
different probability
/
station
Z 80%
90%
95%
90%
63

856

0.667

34

915

0.428

148

818

1.40

556

716

3.93

61

934

0.52

54

777

0.43

107

695

0.80

M
D
M
D
M
D
M
D
M

0.038
0.015
0.032
0.010
0.08
0.270
0.10
0.036

0.022
x
0.018
x
0.045
0.16
0.065
0.02

0,014
x
0,012
x
0,03
0,10
0,05
0,012

0,012
x
0,010
x
0,025
0,08
0,04
0,010

0.01

0.03

0.015

0,01

0,008

0.008

0.048

0.030

0,020

0,015

0.020

0.01

Q 0 - multiannual average debits, M - monthly value, D - daily value,


x - litre order value, - anthrophic influence

The Ampoi hydrographic basin, developed on different physic


and geographic made up from a lot of rocks generates a great diversity
of the solid flow. The observations and the measurements done at the
hydrometric stations, demonstrate that there is a link between the
hydraulic and morph metric parameters of the riverbeds. The increase
of the debits has as an effect the reduction of the porosity, the
amplification of the slopes and of the moving speed in the riverbed.
After the high flood the water debit comes back to the previous
situation. The coming back to the previous situation reflects certain
equilibrium among the alluvial supply, laying and giving up the alluvial
on the riverbed to the flow, depositing alluvial in the
downstream.

36

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

This is the case of the hydrometric stations Izvorul Ampoiului. The


Ampoi River develops its course over hard rocks having a reduced
friability, such as calcareous rocks, volcanic rocks and metamorphic
ones. In these sections the variation is not important the geologic
composition is the dominant factor in the achievement of the stability of
the riverbed. The phenomenon of deepening of the riverbed is specific
for all the hydrometric stations placed in the inferior courses,
depressions among the mountains (Zlatna Depression).
CONCLUSIONS
The water flow (average, minimum or maximum) is under the
direct influence of the weather, of both physic and geographic factors
of the Trascu and Metaliferi Mountains. It is emphasized a rich flow in
the high zones which, is reduced due to the development of the basin
surface in the case of the medium flow. The maximum debits are
achieved, especially due to maximum rainfalls, the greatest values
being achieved in summertime. The minimum debits are influenced by
a rich karstic flow, especially in the central calcareous sector, which
have as an effect the maintaining of minimum debits all over the course
of the river, although in the inferior courses the infiltration of the own
alluvials is prevalent.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

37

SELECTIVE REFERENCES
1.
Bleahu M., 1974 - Morfologia carstic, Editura tiinific,
Bucureti.
2.
Diaconu C., 1961 - Unele rezultate ale studierii scurgerii minime a
rurilor RPR, Studii de hidrologie, vol.XXIV, Bucureti.
3.
Ianovici V., Giuc D., Ghiulescu T.P., Borco M., Lupu M.,
Bleahu M., Savu H., 1969 - Evoluia geologic a Munilor
Metaliferi, Editura Academiei RSR, Bucureti, 741 p.
4.
Luduan N., 2002 Zcminte i poluare pe Valea Ampoiului,
Editura Aeternitas, Alba Iulia, 196 pp.
5.
Mutihac V., Ionesi L., 1974 Geologia Romniei, Editura
Tehnic, Bucureti, 612 p.
6.
Mutihac V., 1990 Structura geologic a Romniei, Editura
Tehnic, Bucureti, 418 p.
7.
Mutihac V., Startulat M. Iuliana, Fechet R. Magdalena, 2004
Geologia Romniei, Editura Didactic i Pedagogic, Bucureti,
225 p.
8.
Posea G., 2002 Geomorfologia Romniei, Editura Fundaiei
Romnia de Mine, Bucureti, 445 p.
9.
Preda I., Marossi P., 1971 Hidrogeologie, Editura Didactic i
Pedagogic, Bucureti.
10. teff V., 1998 Munii Trascu. Studiu hidrologic, Studii i
cercetri, hidrologie, 66, 246 p., Institutul Naional de
Meteorologie i Hidrologie, Bucureti.
11. Ujvari I., 1959 Hidrografia RPR, Editura Academiei Romne.
12. Zvoianu I., 1977 Morfometria bazinelor hidrografice, Editura
Academiei RSR, Bucureti.
13. x x x, 1971 Rurile Romniei. Monografie hidrologic, Editura
IMH Bucureti.
14. x x x, 1954 Scurgerea medie specific a rurilor din RPR, DGH,
Bucureti.

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

39

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PETROGRAPHYC STUDY


OF THE MAGMA ROCKS FROM THE
ALMAU MARE (ALBA COUNTY) - TECHEREU TEAMPURI VALLEY (HUNEDOARA COUNTY) AREA
Viorel Ciuntu
Natural History Museum, 1 Cetii St., Sibiu, RO - 550160.

REZUMAT
Zona Almau Mare - Techereu - Valea teampurilor, acoper o
arie de 27 km2 i este situat n partea de nord vest a bazinului Neogen
Zlatna, n zona axial a Munilor Metaliferi. Aceast arie este delimitat
la nord de Dealul Fericelii, la vest de valea teapurilo, i la sud i sud
est de valea Techereu. Partea superioar este numit valea Almaului.
Limita de est a zonei studiate este dat de localitile Almau Mare i
Brdet.
Produsele vulcanice ofiolitice din zona studiat se gsesc n
aria Techereu - Valea teampurilor. Acestea aparin fazei de evoluie
secundar a magmatismului bazic i sunt reprezentate de diabaze
augitice, dolerite i paleobazalte.
Rocile rezultate datorit magmatismului subsecvent tardiv n
zona Almaul Mare - Techereu - valea teampurilor sunt reprezentate
de andezite de Faa Bii, riolite de Bia i andezite de tip Barza.
n lucrarea de fa sunt prezentate caracteristicile mineralogice,
structurale i naturale a acestor produse eruptive, din aria studiat care
aparine Munilor Metaliferi.
Key words: Metaliferi Mountains, mesozoic rocks, neogene rocks,
petrography.

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INTRODUCTION
The Almau Mare-Techereu- teampuri Valley zone with an
area of approximately 27 km, is included between the following
geographic coordinates: 4610and 46 northern latitude and 2045 and
21 eastern longitude.
The area explored, situated in the north-west side of the Zlatna
neogene basin, in the axial zone of Metaliferi Mountains, is delimitated
at north by the Fericelii Hill, at west by the Steampuri Valley, and at
south and south-east by the Techereu Valley, of which superior flow
appears under the name of Alma Valley. The eastern limit of the
researched area is given by the localities Almau Mare and Bradet.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The initial neokimmerian magma from the Techereu-teampuri Valley
The ophiolitic volcanic products from the Techereu-Steampuri
Valley are considered to belong to the second phase of evolution of the
basic magmatism. These products appear developed in area under the
form of lava flow and pyroclastic rocks.It is interesting to remark the
pillow-lava aspect, characteristic of some ophiolitic rocks which are
found in Techereu Valley and teampuri Valley.
Although, the volume of these products, from a magmatic
activity with numerous explosive sequences, reported to the Metaliferi
Mountains area, it is small towards the amount of rocks generated by
the first phase of this magmatism (prekimmeric phase), but in the area
explored by us these become predominant.
The whole ensemble of ophiolitic rocks, corresponding to the
neokimmerian phase, occupies the southern and western part of the
researched area, on the teampuri Valley and Techereu Valley. This
complex enters also in the central part of the area, on the Bodii Valley
and on the Mr Beck (upstream the Techereu village, unlike the Bodii
Valley, which is to be found downstream the village).

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The petrographyc characteristics of ophiolitic rocks from the


Almaul Mare-Techereu-teampuri Valley zone
After the macro study and, especially, of the microscopic one,
we end up differentiating a series of types rocks characteristic to the
neokimmeric phase of the initial magmatism, types of rocks which
developed mostly in the researched area.
In this respect we differentiated three types of rocks that are
major too: diabase augite, dolerits and melaphirs or paleobasalts.
Diabase augite
This type of rock forms small intrusions in the basic rocks in
the area, forming a developed massive up stream the Techereu village,
on the Mr Beck, affluent on the right side of the teampuri Valley.
Here, the dibasic rock appears altered, having an earthy aspect,
and a grayish -black to intense green colors. Macroscopic, one can
distinguish that in the mass of the rock appears, very well developed
phenocrystals of augite, next to calcite tonsils, sometimes of few
millimeters.
The augite, in comparison with the mass of the rock often
altered and weathered appears in fresh shape, under the form of shortprismatic crystals, of black color, which often form crystal aggregates
or macle ones. The dimensions of these crystals are within 5 to 20 mm
in length and 3 to 10 mm in thickness. The short prismatic habitat is
given by a short number of crystallographic forms, such as: pinacoid(100), monoclinal prism-(110), clinoprism-(011) and rarely forms of
orthopinacoid-(101).
Macroscopic one can notice that the augite forms, one of the
main components of the rock, appearing in proportion of 17.6 % from
the mass of the rock, next to which we encounter some other minerals,
such as olivine (11.9 %), plagioclase feldspar, which along with the
microlyth form approximately 15 % from the mass of the rock. The
fundamental mass of the rock, in most of its part profoundly altered
constitutes approximately 45-50 % from the entire rock. The presence
of these minerals and the way they appear in the rock show that it is a
diabase, of whose structure is a porphyritic ophitic one, sometimes
interserthal and having a not directed texture.

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Microscopic, the augite forms aggregates of intermission of


two-three crystals, as well as juxtaposed macle of two specimens of
pinacoid face (100). The augite crystals show an obvious cleavage (86).
A big part of the augite crystals feature zones of structure, due
to the rhythmic variations, sometimes even turbulent ones, of the
chemical composition.
These variations suggest the idea that in the crystallization
process there were very mobile forming conditions and, even, hectic,
due to which the augite crystal germs, permanently supplied with fresh
material, were able to grow, generating the phenocrystals having the
known dimensions.
The characteristic optic proprieties, given by the extinction
angle (44), the highly interference colors, in general green-bluish of 3rd
degree, and brown-reddish of 2nd degree, as well as the obvious relief,
given by a high birefringence, attests the presence of augite in the
diabase of the Techereu-Mr Beck.
Another mineral, which takes part to the formation of the rock,
is plagioclase fedspare. This can appear as a phenocrystal, seldom, as
well as a microlyth, most of the time. These crystals interpenetrate,
forming intersections, in which the crystals of other minerals are
evolving (olivine, magnetite, and sometimes augite). These fedspares
appear, in general, quite fresh, in comparison with the fundamental
mass of the rock. After the microscopic analysis, we could establish
that the plagioclase fedspares, represented in this diabase has an
andesinic composition (35 % An).
Next to augite and plagioclase, in the diabase rock from
Techereu-Mr Beck, appears the olivine, too, most of its part being
altered, which, together with the augite, forms approximately 29.5 % of
the mass of the rock.
As mineral accessories appear the magnetite and leucoxene, as
a result of the transformation of the melanocratic minerals, especially of
olivine, and, in a less quantity of the augite.
As a result of the physical-chemical transformation of the rock,
the component minerals alteration as well, giving birth to a whole series
of minor minerals: chlorite, calcite, serpentine, limonite, and rarely clay
minerals.

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The dolerite
This type of rock appears well developed, only on the Techereu
Valley, in Ordaul Hill. Reported to the entire surface of the explored
area, this dolerite appears as a subordinate type of rock.
From a microscopic point of view, it doesnt differentiate much
from other basic rocks from the area, having a black-greenish color and
a not such a consistent aspect.
Microscopic, this type of rock shows an interserthal porphyric
structure, and a massive texture.
The phenocrystals are formed from plagioclase fedspares,
which appear in a higher quantity that the microlites. These
phenocrystals form crystals aggregates generating intersections, in
which, mainly, melanocrate minerals develop (augite, olivine, rarely,
hipersten). The fundamental mass of the rock is, often, transformed,
and in which one can easily distinguish fedspares microlites.
The melaphyrs or paleobasalts
These rocks constitute the predominant geographic type in the
researched area. They appear well developed on the Techereu Valley,
on the teampuri Valley and on the Bodii Valley.
These rocks are considered to be pale basics (melaphyrs), due
to their mineralogical composition, as well as to their structure and
texture.
Like the diabases and the dolerites in the area, the melaphyres
appear also altered, having an earthy aspect and a black-greenish color
to intense green.
The melaphyres on the Techereu Valley present a pylotaxitic
porphyric structure and a vacuolar-amydaloidal texture.
The phenocrystals are represented through plagioclase feldspar
by the composition of the andesite (32 - 35 % An) and through
pyroxene phenocrystals, mostly augite, as well as olivine, in a smaller
part. The melanocrates minerals appear most of the time, transformed,
being substituted pseudomorphicly by the neoformation minerals,
especially chlorite and calcite. An interesting fact is the presence in the
vacuolar of the rock of the chalcedonies and zeolites next to which
appear the argilitics minerals and iron oxides.

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The Bodii Valley melaphyres are generally greenish-greyish,


with numerous cracks and diaclases. Microscopic, it features a basaltic
aspect, given by the ophitic porphyric structure and amydaloidal texture.
Phenocrystals are represented by feldspar plagioclase with the
andesine composition, rarely of bytownite. The augite and crystal
remains of olivine accompany these phenocrystals. The profound
alteration of the mass of melaphiric rocks led to the transformation of
the mineral components of the rock, and result some minor minerals,
such as: chlorite, caolinite, zeolite, silicon and iron oxides.
The teampuri Valley melaphyres, does not differ, in general
from other paleobasaltics from the area, only that here it appears more
greenish, due of an intense transformation of the melanocrate minerals.
The rocks from this part of the area present the same porphyry ophitic
structure, sometimes intergranular, and vacuolar amygdaloidal texture.
The plagioclase phenocrystals (65 - 68 % An) constitute the
main components of the rock, next to which appear the rhombic
pyroxenes, especially the hypersten, and in smaller quantity, the augite
and olivine, altered in most of its part.
A big part of the fundamental mass of the rock is transformed,
being composed from an entire series of minerals of newly formatted
parts, on the behalf of primary minerals. In this way appear: the clay
minerals (caolinite), chlorite (chlinochlor, prochlorite), minerals
belonging to the antigorite group (serpentine) epidote, calcite,
calcedonite, as well as sericite, but in an entirely subordinate quantity.
From what we have seen so far, a conclusion can be drawn, that
the main rock types characteristic to the neokimmeric phase of initial
magmatism, which is to be found in the researched area, have some
mutual features such as: a porphyric structure and a not oriented or
vacuolar - amygdale texture; the phenocrystals that predominate are the
plagioclase feldspar, in general by the andesine composition, and
pyroxene, especially the monoclinic ones, specifically: the augite; the
main rock types features intense phenomena of transformation, which
affect the primary minerals from the rock, as well as the fundamental
mass of the rocks, resulting a series of minor minerals; as a form of a
deposit, it appears mostly under the form of lava flow and rarely as
agglomerate or other types of explosive products.

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45

Regarding this aspect of the volcanic agglomerate, we must


mention the fact that on the teampuri Valley, especially near the
Techereu village, these become predominant, being interlaid between
the Cretaceous sedimentary deposits. The cement of these agglomerates
is of cineritic nature, and the constitutive elements are, most of its part,
diabase and paleobasalts (melaphyres). Also at these effusion products
one can notice an intense process of physical-chemical alteration of
epimagmatic nature, hydrothermal transformations, forming, mainly,
the calcite and zeolites, which deposed themselves on the contact zone
between the constitutive elements of agglomerates and cineritic cement.
Beside these agglomerates, on the teampuri Valley appears a
series of cineritic products, having a bush aspect which like the
agglomerates, are included in the clay-marl sediments and sandstone of
inferior Cretaceous (Barremian-Aptian).
Reported to the researched area, the cineritic pirocastic
products are more developed than the volcanic agglomerates, and
sometimes, even than the basic lava flows.
The subsequent belated magmatism
A very important role in characterizing the magmatism
evolution from the Metaliferi Mountains has the magmatic
manifestations that took place in Neogen. These manifestations, with
magnitude and different areas, constitute what in the geologic literature
in our country is known under the name of subsequent belated
magmatism.
The fact that to a series of neogen magma rocks are linked
many deposits and metaliphere minerals (Au, Ag, Te, Pb, Zn, Cu, Hg,
etc) has made this magma rocks to be thoroughly explored under
mineralogical aspect, such as: from the petrography point of view, as
well as from the genetics, the chemical and the genetic of the metals
point of view.
Special researches regarding the subsequent belated
magmatism from the Metaliferi Mountains area started, in a systematic
way, even from the second half of 19th century, by some of the
geologists from abroad, such as: F. Richthofer, Fr. Hauer, G. Stache, J.
Szadeczky, K. Papp, etc.

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

In the period between the wars the research activity regarding


the tertiary magmatic manifestations in the Metaliferi region was
continued by some Romanian geologists, from the Geologic Institute,
such as M. Ilie, T.P. Ghiulescu, M.Socolescu, D. Giuc, V. Ianovici,
N. Petrulian, which elaborated works of a real scientific value,
regarding the evolution of the neogen magmatism, as well as regarding
the genesis of the metals phenomenon, linked to that magmatism.
Referring to the evolution of the subsequent belated
magmatism some works must be mentioned: M. Ilie (Lge des roches
effusives dans les regions auriferes des Monts Apuseni) and T. P.
Ghiulescu and M. Socolescu (Etude geologique et miniere des Monts
Mtaliferes -1941), in which the authors considered that the evolution
of this type of magmatism had taken place in four distinct phases.
If, until the year 1960, the Romanian geologists were not
completely agreeing to an evolution of subsequent tardy magmatism in
three phases, today this conception regarding this magmatism evolution
in the Metaliferi Mountains is unanimously accepted.
Interesting and valuable studies were written lately by a series
of geologists such as M. Borco, Constantina Stanciu, G. Cioflica, etc,
studies in which the authors dealt with some aspects regarding the
genesis of the metals and the hydrothermal transformations about the
places of some rocks (especially andesites), in the Metaliferi Mountains
area, especially in their central-eastern part.
Nowadays, a great part of the studies and the researches in the
Metaliferi Mountains, regarding the neogen magmatism and the
phenomena associated to it, are reproduced, in a systematic way in the
large work Evoluia geologic a Munilor Metaliferi (The geologic
evolution of Metaliferi Mountains), edited by a group led by the
academic dr Virgil Ianovici.
The evolution of the subsequent tardy magmatism in the Metaliferi
Mountains
Besides the first two phases of subsequent magmatism in the
Metaliferi Mountains, such as subsequent precocious magmatism and
the epeirogenetic one, the third and the last phase, the subsequent tardy
magmatism, comes to complete the geologic architecture of the
Metaliferi Mountains.

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47

After a long period of the rising of the earth crust in which a


big part of the previous formed relief was erodeted the magnetic
activity is started over again in Badenian, through the manifestation of
a volcanism of andesite and riolit type, with numerous pyroclastic
products.
The neogen volcanism (Badenian-Sarmatian) had a strong
explosive character generating important quantities of cinerite,
pyroclastic rocks and lava constituting numerous volcanic devices,
especially volcanoes and volcanic chimneys.
The maxim development of subsequent tardy magmatism, in
the ditch of the Metaliferi Mountains, it is to be found in its central
zone, in the gold-bearing quadrilateral.
From the petrochemical point of view a big resemblance is
made between the products of this phase and of the epiorogenic phase,
this leading to the idea the petrochemical fund could have been the
same form both of the magmatic phases.
In the ditch of the Metaliferi Mountains, this last phase of
neogen magmatism took place in the tardecinematics phase of alpine
cycle.
The most violent sequence of neogen magmatism is
characterized by a genetic phase of the metals, a very well developed
one, of mezzo- and epithermal nature. The mineralization generated by
this intense hydrothermal phenomenon is mainly of a gold and silver
nature, with tellurium and native gold, which in some places, deeper,
passes to a mineralization dominated by lead-zinc or cooper. To the end
of these mineralized zones another zone is developed, of cinnabar
mineralization, of epithermal type, in which the cinnabar is often
associated with native gold, arsenic minerals and antimony, also
epithermal.
Linked to the flow of hydrothermal solutions through the
neogene magmatic rocks, appears the transformation phenomenon,
transformation that took place in more phases.
Regarding the evolution of the eruption phases from the
subsequent tardy magmatism it is necessary to present the opinions of
some of the geologists, which dealt with this issue.

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M. Ilie acknowledges the existence of four phases of eruption


during the neogen magmatism, as follows: phase I of eruption-the
effusion phase of rhyolites, which took place during the 1st
Mediterranean (antebadenian at Roia and acvitanian at Zlatna); phase
II of eruption-the effusion phase of andesites with the pyroxenies
between the Mediterranean 1st and 2nd; phase III of eruption-the
effusion phase of andesites and postbadeniene dacites; phase IV of
eruption- the effusion phase of pliocene basalt.
Linked to the conception of M. Ilie regarding the evolution of
the neogen volcanism, must be mentioned the conception of T. P.
Ghiulescu and M. Socolescu, which does not differ from the first one.
In this respect, the two geologists admit a tertiary volcanic
activity, also in four phases, as follows: phase I of eruption putting the
Faa Bii andesites in the place and of Bia riolites; phase II of
eruption putting in the place the Cinel dacites; phase III of eruption
where the Barza andesite was put in the place (in Brad-Scrmb basin)
and Breaza pyroxene andesite (in Zlatna-Almau Mare basin); phase IV
of eruption with the forming of Detunata basalt.
Unlike these three geologists opinions, in the year 1969,
Ianovici V. and the collaborators issued the opinion that the evolution
of the subsequent tardy magmatism took place in three phases, starting
from badenian to sarmatian.
In this respect the authors above distinguished: 1st cycle of
eruption, which manifested exclusively in Badenian period and it was
remarked through putting in the place of some volcanic products such
as Bia rhyolites, Fata Bii andesite and of Breaza rhyodacites; 2nd
cycle of eruption, which activity started in the superior badenian and
continued in sarmatian period, occupying a part of pannonian, too. The
magmatites put in the place in this phase are characterized through
uumanu andesites, Cinel - Roia dacites, followed by the Barza and
Vlioara - Scrmb andesites, also of Cetra dacites; 3rd cycle of
eruption, it manifested effusively and explosive, to the end of the
pannonian, putting in place of Rotunda andesites from Roia Montana
and Baia de Arie, this activity continued until quaternary, being
represented by the pyroxene basalts from Detunata.

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The subsequent tardy magmatism in the Almau Mare-Techereuteampuri Valley area


The tardy phase of subsequent magmatism from Metaliferi
Mountains is well represented in the researched area, also in the entire
Zlatna-Almau Mare basin, continuing to Stanija.
The neogen magmatits, which appear in the researched area,
are part of the volcanic alignment Zlatna-Stanija, being introduced
through some volcanic devices, well developed in Teiu Hill, Bodii
Crest and in Fericelii Hill.
The eruptive rocks from which are made these volcanic devices
are part of the first two cycles of eruption, from the three, supposed to
be existed, ones by V. Ionovici and collaborators.
The 1st cycle of eruption, developing in Badenian, characterized
through putting in the place of the ryolits rocks and andesites took place
in Zlatnas miocen basin.
Faa Bii andesite
Which touch the climax of its development in Faa Bii area,
appears in the researched area, near Techereu village, being developed
in Teiu Hill and less in Bodii Peak.
Macroscopic, the rock has a fresh aspect, in a reddish color. In
the reddish fundamental mass one can distinguish, with the naked eye
or with the magnifier, phenocrystals of feldspar plagioclase, less
melanocrate minerals.
At the microscop, one can notice a microporphyric structure
and a fluidal structure, characteristics given by the mineralogical
composition of the rock itself.
Phenocrystals are represented by plagioclase feldspar, which
represent a weak area and a composition of andesite type (35 % An).
The feldspar phenocrystals are generally cracked, on these cracks
developed minor minerals, such as: sericite, caolite, and even calcite.
The feldspars represent approximately 38 % from the mass of the rock.
The melanocratic mineral is given by the augite, which is
presented in crystals with irregular form because of the magmatic
corrosion, with a weak pleocroism, but with highly colors of
interference. It forms approximately 12 % from the mass of the rock.

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Next two these main components, in the fundamental mass of


this andesite one can notice the presence of some opaque minerals,
probably magnetite minerals, which constitutes approximately 5 % of
the rock.
The rhyolite of Bia
The Bia rhyolite represents the final product of the first cycle
of eruption, being put in the place at the end of superior badenian. The
rhyolitic laves are well represented in Teiu Hill-Bodii Peak-Techereu
Valley zone.
The rhyolitic volcanic crater is situated on the western part of
the Teiu Hill, making a common body with the andesic crater. In the
Teiu Hill and especially on the Bodii Valley, the rhyolites have a white
color, and also a porcelain aspect. One can notice with the naked eye
the existence of the phenocrystals of quartz and feldspars. At the
microscope the rock evidences the existence of a fundamental silicium
mass, in which one can distinguish the presence of the quartz
phenocrystals, altered and magnetic absorbed, with dimensions between
1 to 2 mm. Next to the quartz appear the plagioclase feldspar
phenocrystals, of orthoclase - andesinic composition, as well as
orthoclase feldspar, glassy feldspar, which appear in subordinate
quantity.
As a result of the intense silicified process of rhyolites in this
part of the studied area, in the fundamental mass of the rock appear
other varieties of silica (calcedonit, lutecite, opal and hydrothermal
quartz).
Unlike this variety of rhyolite, on the Techereu Valley are to be
found the rhyolites affected by the turning into kaolin phenomenon, and
in a very little respect, the turning into silicium phenomenon. The rock
appears with an earthy aspect, being white and reddish colored,
sometimes even in green.
Macroscopic one can notice the existence of the quartz
phenocrystals, less the feldspar ones, as well as numerous kaolin zones.
Also here it developed a variety of rhyolite with biotite, whose
phenocrystals existence can be noticed with the naked eye. This
rhyolite variety is less altered, the rock having a fresh aspect. Unlike
the rhyolite that can be found on the Bodii Valley and in the Teiu Hill,

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51

the rhyolite on the Techereu Valley presents numerous biotite


phenocrystals. From the microscopic point of view this biotite minerals
variety does not differ very much from the rock existent on the Bodii
Valley, as mineralogical composition, just that other minerals also
appear in big quantity like olinite mineral and other clayey minerals,
which invade the entire mass of the rock, next to these appearing
numerous irregular granules of iron oxides. Also on the Techereu
Valley appears a new variety of green rhyolites, with a glassy aspect
and also with evident biotite phenocrystals, some of these being
chlorised.
The second cycle of volcanic eruption, which activity started in
the final part of Badenian and continued in Sarmatian, is well
represented in the researched area, in the superior basin of Steampuri
Valley, in Fericelii Hill. This cycle of eruption has generated magmatic
products of more acid composition, the predominant rocks being the
andesite.
The Barza type andesite
Under the aspect of mineralogical composition is a quartz
andesite with amphiboly. Macroscopic, the rock presents a greengrayish color, to blackish-brownish one, having the fracture conchoidal
and slivering break, and in the same time having a big resistance to
breaking. One can notice with the naked eye the amphiboly
phenocrystals, which by the different participation the composition of
the rock generate different varieties of andesite.
At the microscope, one can notice that the quartz andesite of
Barza presents a structure from microporphyric one to euporphyric one
and a newly oriented texture. The phenocrystals are formed from
plagioclase feldspar and amphibolies, next to these, appearing
pyroxenes and biotite, in a subordinated place. The plagioclase feldspar
appears in the macle multisyntetic crystals, in some parts, with a
composition of andesite (35 % An). Together with the microlites, the
feldspar phenocrystals form approximately 37 % from the mass of the
rock. Another leucocratic mineral, which is present in the rock, is
represented by the quartz, which appears in decayed form and forms
approximately 4 % from the mass of the rock.

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From the melanocratic minerals, which are present in the rock,


we mention: the common hornblende, with pleochroism and colors of
high interference, the phenocrystals of this mineral often appearing
opaque, with separation of iron oxide; the hypersthene, which appears
under the form of figuration microcrystals and having optic
characteristics having the dimensions 0.7 - 1.0 mm; the biotite appears
entirely subordinated. By putting in the place the Barza type andesites,
in the superior basin of teampuri Valley, it created a volcanic form,
respectively under volcanic one, in the Fericelii Hill, presenting two
apophysis one getting to the actual area, where it appears under the
form of dyke.
Unlike the first cycle of volcanic eruption, which was lacked of
metals mineralizations, at least in the researched area, the putting in the
place of the type Barza quartz andesite was accompanied by an
important metal genetic activity of hydrothermal nature. The mineral
solutions, moving along on the cracks from the intrusion of the andesite
through the previous formed formations, had provoked the forming of a
new series of veins. All these veins presents a mainly golden
mineralization, the gold appearing tided to the pyretic mass,
mineralization which, in depth, becomes a type of lead-zinc
mineralization.
The presence of all these mineral veins, localized at the
Fericelii Hill, had allowed the opening of the mining exploitation, the
purpose being the golden deposit situated in the Muncceasca area
(Muncceasca-east and Muncceasca-west), in this latter district near
gold also appeared the lead-zinc mineralization, we spoked about
above.
Next to the intrusive magmatic products, the second cycle of
manifestation of the neogen magmatism, is characterized in the
researched area also by pyroclastic rocks, rocks of andesic nature,
which in the north-west part of Almau Mare village forms
intercalations between the Badenian residue, generating a sedimentaryvolcano stratum, strongly developed, in this part of Zlatna-Almau
Mare basin.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

53

CONCLUSIONS
As a conclusion we can say that the subsequent tardy
magmatism in Almau Mare, Techereu-Valley, Steampuri Valley area
can be characterized as follows: it took place in Badenian and
Sarmatian; it was represented through two cycles of eruption-the
products generated by this magmatism are of intrusive nature (andesine,
rhyolites) and also of explosive-effusive nature (pyroclastic rocks,
cynerite); the main types of rocks and the characteristics for the activity
of subsequent tardy magmatism in the researched area are: Faa Bii
andesite, Bia rhyolite and Barza andesite.

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

SELECTIVE REFERENCES
1.
Bedelean I., 1970 Zeoliii din Munii Apuseni i fenomenul de
zeolitizare (tez de doctorat), Cluj.
2.
Benk G., 1890 Mineralogische Mittheilungen aus dem
Siebenbrgischen Erzgebirge - Fldt. Kzl. 19 Budapest i Fldt.
Kzl. 20 Budapest.
3.
Borcea M., 1966 Raport privind documentarea mineralogicpetrografic a lucrrilor de explorare din antierul IGEX Almaul
Mare - Stnija - Draica. Comietul de Stat al Geologiei ntreprinderea Geologic de Prospeciuni.
4.
Borco M. i Mantea Gh., 1962 Vrsta formaiunilor neogene din
bazinul
Zlatna-Almaul
Mare
(Munii
Metaliferi).
D.S.Com.Geol.XLIX.
5.
Borco M., Mantea Gh. i Gheorghi I., 1965 Relaii stratigrafice
i tectonice ntre formaiunile sedimentare mezozoice i complexul
rocilor eruptive bazice mezozoice, cu privire special asupra
Munilor Metaliferi. Soc. St. Nat. i Geogr. Din R.P.R. III.
6.
Ghiulescu T.P., Socolescu M. i Giuc D., 1938 tudes
gologiques et minires dans le quadrilatre aurifre (Monts
Apuseni) D.S. Inst. Geol. Rom. - XXII.
7.
Ghiulescu T.P. i Socolescu M., 1941 tudes gologiques et
minires des Monts Mtallifre. Ann. Inst. Gol. Roum. - XXI.
8.
Ianovici V., Giuc D., Ghiulescu T.P., Borco M., Lupu M.,
Bleahu M. i Savu H. 1969 Evoluia geologic a Munilor
Metaliferi - Editura Academiei R.S.R.
9.
Ilie M., 1963 L'age des roches effusives dans les rgions
aurifres des Monts Apuseni. C.R. Acad. Roum. Sci. - II/2.
10. Ilie M., 1938 Sur les roches ophyolitiques dans les Monts
Apuseni. C.R.Acad. Roum. Sci. - II/4.
11. Lupei N., 1963 Sintez geologic i de geologie minier a
Munilor Metaliferi. Asoc. Geol. Carp. Balc. Congresul VBucureti-1961. vol. V.
12. Stoicovici E., 1969 Augitul din diabazul de la Techereu. Bul. Soc.
tiine Geol. R.S.R. - XI.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

55

THE AMPOI VALLEY.


GEOLOGIC CONSIDERATIONS
Rodica Ciobanu
Natural History Museum, 1 Cetii St., Sibiu, RO - 550160,
rodi_ciobanu2005@yahoo.com

REZUMAT
n lucrare ne propunem evidenierea a ceea ce este caracteristic,
din punct de vedere stratigrafic pentru arealul strbtut de Valea
Ampoiului.
Formaiunile geologice din acest areal sunt diverse din punct de
vedere litologic i stratigrafic. n afara rocilor cristaline ca aparin
fundamentului sunt prezente sedimente prelaramice - de vrst
neocomian, barremian, apian, albian, vraconian, cenomanian,
santonian, turonian, maestrichtian - i postlaramice, de molasa,
depuse in depresiunile intramontane, badeniene. Conform
nomenclaturii introdus prin aplicarea teoriei tectonicii globale la
teritoriul Romniei, formaiunile din arealul studiat fac parte din
transilvanide.
Alctuirea depozitelor, aflate n arealul Vii Ampoiului,
evideniaz evoluia acesteia ntr-o zon situat n apropierea riftului
sud-apusean. Asocierea rocilor sedimentare cu cele magmatice este
nota caracteristic a aproape dou treimi din Valea Ampoiului. Marea
n care s-au depus sedimentele a avut forme de relief, ale fundului
bazinului, diferite astfel nct temporar s-au individualizat fose cum a
fost i fosa Mureului, Bucium etc. legate prin golfuri cum a fost i
Golful Fene.
n fosa Bucium n afara fundamentului cristalin existent, sunt
prezente depozite sedimentare alctuite predominant din fli. Cele mai
vechi formaiuni sedimentare aparin Jurasicului ce nu afloreaz.
Cretacicul s-a depus n continuitate de sedimentare i s-au descris n
literatura de specialitate formaiuni distincte a cror denumire este
legat de toponime locale. Cretacicul ncepe, n fosa Bucium, cu o

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

sedimentare de tip pelagic (prefli) care trece treptat la depozite grezoistoase cu caractere de fli atipic i ajunge ca n Apian depozitele s
fie de fli calcaros (strate de Valea Dosului) n care se intercaleaz
secvene de wildflysch. Depozitele albiene sunt n facies aleuritic ce
devine predominant n Cenomanian (stratele de Prul Izvorului).
Seria cenomanian-turonian se dispune pe seria fliului aleurolitic. n
sectorul Izvorul Ampoiului, gresiile fine aleuritice, sunt nlocuite de
gresii cuaroase ce devin din ce n ce mai grosiere trecnd n
microconglomerate cuaroase (conglomeratele de Negrileasa).
Senonianul prezint caractere aparte datorate ridicrii zonei axiale a
Munilor Metaliferi ce face ca sedimentarea s nu fie uniform. n zona
sudic a avut caracter detritic, conglomeratic-brecios cu gresii grosiere
i microconglomerate cuaroase la partea superioar.
n zona central a fosei Mureului ce corespunde sectorului
sud-estic al Unitii de Fene i Unitii de Cplna-Techereu,
Eocretacicul a avut caractere litologice diferite legat de adncimile
diferite ale bazinului, viteze diferite de sedimentare. n partea central a
fosei Mureului i a golfului Fene sedimentarea a mbrcat un facies
pelagic (marno-calcare, argilite) i un facies grosier (faceisul grosier al
stratelor de Fene). Partea superioar a seriei eocretacice, n fosa
Mureului, are caracter flioid cu nivele de calcarenite (stratele de
Mete). Golful Fene a constituit, n timpul Cretacicului inferior i parte
mediu principala legtur ntre fosa Bucium i cea a Mureului. Ca
urmare a diastrofismului austric trziu a ncetat sedimentarea de tip
wildflysch i s-a depus o formaiune grezoas grosier, cenomanian,
cu caracter de molas (stratele de Valea lui Paul). Sfritul
Neocretacicului, pentru aceast zon, a nsemnat o sedimentare de tip
fli (strate de Boze). Sedimentarea postlaramic a condus la depunerea
unei molase pstrate n zone depresionare badeniene.
Key words: the Southern Apuseni Mountains, the Ampoi River Valley,
transylvanides, geology.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

57

INTRODUCTION
In the last decades of the past century, the basin of Ampoi
Valley has been at the center of geologists interest due to the economic
importance of the mineral deposit. The studies which dealt with the
deciphering of the geological evolution of the territory, with the
description and dating of the geological formations but especially of the
intense magma processes in the area. The exploitation of the useful
minerals has caused injuries and major disequilibrium of the natural
environment, to such an extent that at present the area has become a
study subject for the ecologists, too. The special landscapes due to the
diverse, spectacular relief, due to the vegetation and the fauna, lead to
the area being an attractive subject for research for geographers,
biologists, etc.
Reference geological papers dealing with the Apuseni
Mountains were produced by researchers such as Ianovici, Giuc,
Ghiulescu, Borco, Lupu, Bleahu, Savu (1969), who accomplished the
most complex analysis of the Metaliferi Mountains. Mutihac and Ionesi
(1974), Mutihac (1990), Mutihac et al. (2004) made general
presentations of the Apuseni Mountains in papers about the Romanian
geology. They applied the theory of global tectonics to the territory of
Romania so that the structural genetic units identified within the
Southern Apuseni Mountains are distinct from those mentioned in the
classical geological papers, but with no major modifications related to
the lithology, the dating of the geological strata or the nomination of the
formations.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The Ampoi Valley separates geographically the Trascu from
the Metaliferi Mountains, which together are also referred to as the
Mure Mountains. The eastern sector of the Metaliferi Mountains is
called the Vinu Mountains (Bleahu and Savu, 1969; Luduan, 2002) or
the Ampoi Mountains (Posea, 2002) etc.

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

The Ampoi Valley encompasses sectors differentiated under


geomorphologic and petrographic aspect (Ianovici et al., 1969,
Luduan, 2002) as follows:
- the sector of origin, the zone encompassed between the spring
and the conjunction with the Trmpoaie spring, located on the
development area of the Auriferi Mountains, characterized by abrupt
slopes and narrow valley; from a stratigraphic point of view, one can
find in this sector barremian, aptian and albian deposits, included in the
Bucium Unit.
- the Zlatna depression, whose expansion is limited upstream
by the conjunction with the Trmpoaie spring and in downstream by the
conjunction with the Fene spring, which also represents the border
between the Trascu and the Metaliferi Mountains. The Ampoi Valley
crosses baremian - aptian, vraconian - cenomanian and tortonian
formations.
- the Ampoi canyon, whose strict delimitation is given by the
Presaca Ampoiului and the Poiana Ampoiului towns; this sector crosses
highly compact and hard formations, which create the canyon aspect of
the border between the Trascu and the Vinu Mountains. These
formations belong to the neocomian, aptian - albian, vraconian cenomanian.
- the Mete-Tui depression bassinettes sector, bordered by the
Poiana Ampoiului and the Gura Ampoiei towns; this sector represents
the border between the Trascu and the Vinu Mountains. In this sector,
the Ampoi Valley crosses aptian - albian and turonian - maestricht
deposits
- the lower basin sector, where the Ampoi crossed a wide
riverbed between the Bilag and Mamut hills.
The geomorphologic differentiation of the Ampoi sectors is due
to the distinct geological evolution, to the belonging to different
palaeogeographical zones, with various characteristics connected to the
batimetrics of the basin, to the features of the sedimentation process, to
the lithological nature of the sedimented material etc.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

59

From a geological point of view the Ampoi Valley crossed the


Southern Apuseni Mountains. According to the nomination introduced
through the implementation in the Romanian territory of the global
tectonics theory, the Southern Apuseni belongs to the transylvanides
and the northern ones to the inner daciades. Therefore, the Ampoi
Valley is part of the transylvanides and the sediments have been
collected in the flisch area of the Apuseni Mountains.
The fragmentation of the Transylvanian- Pannonian plate, the
emergence of the south- western rift area and of the corresponding
unstable zone, have determined the evolution of certain specific
geological processes which eventually lead to the formation of the
Southern Apuseni (the end of Middle Jurassic and the beginning of Neo
Jurassic). The opening of the profound fracture of the continental rift
has lead to the triggering off of intense, magma phenomena of
intermittence, whose tracks are present in the entire area. From the
continental area of the Transylvanian - Pannonian plate, composed
mainly of crystalline schists, fragments in the form of crystalline
islands were left. Such are those form the Trascu Mountains and
from Rapolt. The curve made by the Mure aisle in the zone of the
Ampoi Valley is a replica of modest size of the one from the Oriental
Carpathians and points to the existence of the rigid middle
Transylvanian block. The sedimentation which has started in Middle
Jurassic, maybe even earlier, was continuous up until the end of the
Neocretacic, while the activity of the magma was intermittent.
The morphology of the continental crystalline area of the
fragmented Transylvanian - Pannonian plate, affected by the alpine
movements, lead to the sedimentation not being uniform. Thus, the
prelarmic sediment has settled in a basin in which the sea bottom
displayed deeper zones - fosses in which the connection was done
through gulfs. That is why the sediments in these fosses display
characteristics which are common to the entire south - western area, but
also the lithological particularizations. Ever since the Jurassic, two
fosses were functioning in the Ampoi Valley zone, the one from
Bucium and the Mure one (in the paper we refer to the central area)
united by the Fene gulf (Ianovici et. al., 1969).

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

The study of the Apuseni Mountains and of the southern ones


has lead to different delimitations of structural- genetic units, according
to the criteria which was used. Thus, a close analysis would reveal that
the differences are not related to lithology, to the stating of the age
therefore of the cronostratigraphy. When Ianovici et al. (1969)
presented the geology of the Metaliferi Mountains, they favoured the
delimitation according to palaeogeographic criteria, since the
sedimentation took place in fosses and gulfs. Mutihac (1990, 2004)
delimitates the prelaramic sedimentation zones according to their
grouping around the ophilite mass responsible for this division into
zones. Thus, in the areas which makes the subject of this paper, he
separates the Trascu- Ampoi Valley zone (the western extreme area)
and the Deva - Zam zone (the eastern extreme area) (Fig. 1).

ea
Ar
au
sc
ra
-T

ui

Bu ciu m-Abrud A rea

Are a

ul

e
io lit

Ampoi

De va - Zam A rea

Va

le

Op h

a A re

M
ur
es

D r oc e

Ba
ia d
e
S p A ri e
ur
s

Aries

Al ba
Iulia

M ures
R apolt Is land

De va

Fig. 1. The Mure geosynclines sedimentation area


(Mutihac, Ionesi, 1974)

The separation by tectonic criteria has lead to the structuring of


several tectonic units which display a fray character. For the area which
makes the subject of this article, the Bucium, Fene and CplnaTechereu Units were separated.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

61

Since the present paper does not aim for the approach based on
the perspectives only of stratigraphy or of the nomination of the
described formations, we will focus on presenting the formations from
the cronostratigraphic perspective in an attempt to enable eventual
correlations with cartographic materials.
Therefore one can identify the following lithological and
structural - genetic units within the Apuseni Mountains: the prealpine
crystalline mountains, ophiolite magmatites, prelaramic sediment,
laramic vulcanites is postlaramic depression sediments. As a result, the
prelaramic sediment crossed by the Ampoi Valley belongs to the
Cretacic and to the Neogene. The post laramic sediments are of
molasses type and have settled in the Badenian depressions between the
mountains which were the result of the vertical movement undergone
by the Carpathian Mountains. (Fig. 2)
The crystalline schist of the letter board does not outcrop along
the Ampoi Valley. It is believed that they belong to the so called
Tracu alignment (the stratigraphic position of the Trascu alignment
aroused the interest of specialists and there are diverse opinions related
to this, but which are not the focus of the current paper) which reaches
the surface in the form of two crystalline islands in the Trascu
Mountains (Mutihac, 1990). The Trascu alignment is made up mostly
of sercit - clorit schist with intercalations subordinated by white
quartzite, black graphite quartzite or crystalline limestone, with the
degree of metamorphism corresponding to the green schists facieses.
In the Trascu-Ampoi Valley zone, the reef (the highest
development is seen by the Bedleu ridge) facies has developed in
Malm-Neocomian. It begins by basalt lava and piroclastite which are
alternating with fossil limestone which steadily turn into massive
organogen limestone (Lupu, 1964). To the North of the Ampoi Valley, a
particularly described facies as the lower Fene strata is encountered in an
anticline structure and in the Vinu Mountains. This is usually developed
in the left slope of the Ampoi Valley basin, on the Fene, Ischia and
Ighiel valleys, in a particular facies which is the result of the ophiolite
volcano phenomena represented by an association of clay schists,
limestone and spilits. The name of this stromatolitic facies developed in
the Ampoi Valley was given by Bleahu (quoted by Mutihac, 1990).

LEGEN D

c onglomerat e, sandstone, marl- clay (P g3)

Oligocene

sand, marl- clay, gravel (pn)

Pa nnonian
Bad enian

sand and gravel (q h)

Quaternary

conglomerate, limenston e, gypsum,


salt , tuff,sandston e ( bd)

andesite,diorit e, dac ite

basalts, melaph yres, diabase

pn

P g3

qh

Fig. 2. V .Ampoi area geol ogical map


(about Tur da map, 1:50.000)

marl-limestone, sandstone (J)

clay sichst-Lower Fenes strata (ne)

clay sichst, sandstone, conglomerate-Upper Fenes strata (br-ap)

conglomerate, limestone, marl sich st-V.Dosului strata (ap)

wildflisch-Metes strata (ap-al)

conglomerate, sandstone- Valea lui Paul strata (vr-cm)

conglomerate, sandstone, marl-sandstone flisch: Bozes strata (tu-ma)

sand stone, conglomerate-sandstone flisch (ma)

ALBA IULIA

M icesti
Barab an t

S ard

Igh iu

M aestrichtian
Campanian
Santonian
C oniacian
Turonian
C eno man ian
Vra conian
A lbian
Aptian
B arremian
N eocomian
Jurasic

Ampoita
Fenes
M etes
Patringea
P resaca
V aleni Tau
Amp oiului P oiana
V. M ica
Galati
Ampoiului

Zlatna

Valea M orilor

Neogene ,
quaternary

Ma g matite
M esozoi c

bd

Trimpoaele

Iz vo ru
Ampoiului

ma

62
Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

63

In the Barremian-Albian interval, tectonic movements were


intensified and reached the Austrian climax so that the detritus facies
includes thick rhythmical deposits which resemble the flisch ones and
the wildflisch ones in the big blocks of sediments. Big litho
stratigraphic variations were noticed in the Southern Apuseni at this
cronostratigraphic level. However, in the Ampoi Valley region, only
two of the formations described by Bleahu (quoted by Ianovici et al.,
1969 and Mutihac, 1990) as the Fene upper strata and the Mete strata
were distinguished.
The Fene upper strata have settled above the lower ones and
are made up of sandstones which are alternating with clay, and display
intercalations of tuff and here and there display biostromal limestone. It
is estimated that they are of Barremian-Aptian age. Continuing the
sedimentation a wildflisch formation has separated the Mete strata.
These are mostly made up of marls with white limestone and fine
sandstone intercalations. What characterizes these strata is the presence
of certain conglomerates in which the Jurassic limestone elements reach
metric dimensions. There are out crops starting with the Ampoi Valley
northwards up to the Galda Valley and westwards up to the Stnija
region.
In the Upper Cretacic the sediment formations settled in the
studied area have changed their characteristics since the tectonic
conditions were different. The Austrian climax has determined the
drafting of two emerging alignments, one of which corresponds to the
Trascu and Drocea Mountains. The two emerge areas were separated
by an aisle would correspond to the current Ampoi Valley and the
nature of the sediments, their space allocation has depended on these
areas. In Neocretacic, while the Northern Apuseni was functioning as a
shelf, in the Southern ones the tectonic movements have carried on
throughout this entire interval. That is why in the Upper Cretacic the
deposits had a predominant detritus character with frequent flisch
sequences.
In the Ampoi Valley the pelite - Prul Izvorului strata were
distinguished, which display albian age and support conglomerates of
great thickness called the Negrileasa conglomerates.

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Among the Upper Cretacic deposits the following stratigraphic


deposits were separated: Vraconian - Cenomanian and Turonian Maestrichtian. The vraconian - cenomanian deposits which are settled
in a transgressive manner over the Fene strata were described, in the
Ampoi Valley aisle, as the Valea lui Paul strata (in strata over 3 m
thick). These include conglomerates, friable sandstones and rhythmic
succession of grit and clay deposits.
In the south of the Southern Apuseni, the postconiacian
deposits cover a wide area between the crystalline isle from Rapolt and
the Ampoi Valley. Within the thick stack of rocks, three lithological
complexes were distinguished:
- the Boblna strata - the basalt grit-limestone complex,
- the Geoagiu strata - the middle limestone - marl complex,
- the Boze strata - detritus flisch complex- rhythmic series of
gritstones, limestone, marl. These are often complemented by
microconglomerates and marl intercalations rich fossilized.
The blanket of post-laramic sediments is encountered on the
middle course of the Ampoi in the Zlatna-Alma Depression which has
functioned as sedimentation basin in Badenian. The deposits which
make up the filling of the basin are predominantly rude, in which
limestone facies are locally developing. The badenian deposits start
with a highly fossilized conglomerate complex (the Faa Bii
conglomerates). Over the conglomerates a gravel stone horizon has
settled (the Almau Mare gravel stone) and tuff marl towards the upper
side.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

65

Maestrichtian

Correlations of the Mesozoic deposits from Ampoi Valley


(according to Ianovici et al., 1964, filled in by the authoress).
Mure
fosse
Bucium fosse
Lithofacial maps
central
area
conglomerates
continenmolasse
prealpin land
ante - maestrichtian alpin land
pela gic facies
sandstone with
tal
torrential
formation
structure
V .Am po
i

sa
fos
res
u
M

Alba Iulia

re s
Mu

Deva
0

10 km

pr ealpin land

she lf facie s

ante -san tonian alpin land

Santonian - Campanian

flisch facies

V . Am p oiu

lu i

Mures fossa

Alba
Iulia
Mu

Boze
strata
(flisch)

res

Deva
0

10 km

Gosau
formations

66

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

sandstone flisch

shelf facies

pr ealpine land

an te-tur onian alpin e lan d

fo
ss
a

V .A m p oi

M
ur
es

Coniacian - Turonian

sandstone-limestone
flis ch

Mu

Alba
Iulia

r es

Deva

Cenomanian - Vraconian

10 km

sand ston e f lisch

a nte -ce no ma nian alpine lan d

shelf facies

prea lp in e la nd

Negrileasa
conglomerate

sa
fos
ium
B uc
V.Ampoi

es
ur
M

sa
fos

Alba Iu lia

res
Mu

D eva

sandstone flisch

wildflysch

Albian

Bucium fossa

V .A mpoi

ur
M

Deva

Mu

es

Prul
Izvorului
strata

Metes
strata

Fenes g ulf

fo

Valea lui
Paul strata

ante- albian
alpine land
prealpine land

pelitic flisch

limestonesandstone
flisch

10 km

quartzsandstone

ss

(wildflisch)

Alba Iulia

re s
0

10 km

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

limestone facies

67

an te-aptian alpine land

volcanog en -sedimentary
f ormations

prealpine land

Aptian

Bucium fossa

V.Dosului
strata

V.Ampoi

Fenes gulf

Alba Iulia

Mures fossa

res
Mu

Deva
pelagic facies

Upper
Fene
strata

10 km

volcanogen- sed iment ary formations


kimmeric
land

prealpine land

sandstone flisch

Barremian

Bucium fossa

sandstone
flisch

V.Ampoi

Fenes gulf
Dr oce a
Te chere u rais in

A lba Iulia

Mures fossa
res
Mu

D eva
10 km

pelagic facies

prealpine land

vo lcan ogen-sedimen tary


formation s

kimmeric lan d

limestone
flisch with
wildflisch
occurrence

Neocomian

Bucium fossa

Fenes gulf
V.Ampoi
Drocea - Te chereu
raising

Alba Iulia

limestonemarls

Lower
Fene
strata

Mures fossa

jasper

res
Mu

Deva

Triassic - Jurassic
Foundation

10 km

ophiolites
Crystalline North Apuseni Mount.

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

CONCLUSIONS
All in all, the sediment deposits from the northern sector of the
Ampoi Valley are different from the ones in the southern sector. As
mentioned above, these differences are related to the morphology of the
basin, to the characteristics of the sedimentation process and to the
source of the sediment material.
Therefore in the Bucium fosse besides the crystalline letter
board one can notice the presence of sediment deposits, predominantly
of flisch nature. The oldest sediment formations belong to the Jurassic
but not towards the surface within the studied sector. The Cretacic has
settled continuing sediments which were described in the specialty
literature under the name of distinct formations whose name if
connected to local toponyme. In the Bucium fosse the Cretacic starts cu
a pelagic (preflisch) sedimentation which step by step turns into
gritstone- schist deposits with atypical flisch characteristics, so that
during Aptian the deposits come to limestone flisch (Valea Dosului
strata) in which wildflisch sequences are intercalated. The albian
deposits are in aleurite facies, which becomes predominant in
Cenomanian (the Prul Izvorului strata). The cenomanian-turonian
series is laid on the aleurolite flisch series. In the Izvorul Ampoiului
sector, the fine aleurolite sandstone are replaced by quartz gritstone
which become ever coarse, turning into quartz microconglomerates (the
Negrileasa conglomerates). The Senonian displays unusual
characteristics due to the uprising of the axis zone of the Metaliferi
Mountains, which determines the sedimentation not to be uniform. In
the southern part it had a detritus, conglomerate - breccias character
with coarse gritstone and quartz micro conglomerates at the upper side.
In the central part of the Mure fosse which corresponds to the
south - eastern sector of the Fene Unit and of the Cplna-Techereu
Unit, the Eocretacic had different lithologic characteristics, due to the
various depths of the basin, to the different speed of sedimentation. In
the central part of the Mure fosse and of the Fene gulf, the
sedimentation took the form of a pelagic facies (marl- limestone, clay)
and that of a gorsier facies (the gorsier facies of the Fene strata). The
upper side of the Eocretacic series has flisch character with limestone
levels (the Mete strata) in the Mure fosse (the flisch levels are

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

69

maintained only in the central sector of the former Mure fosse and in
the Fene gulf). During the lower Cretacic and during some part of the
middle Cretatic, the Fene Gulf represented the main connection
between the Bucium fosse and the Mure fosse. As a result of the late
Austrian diastrophism the wildflisch sedimentation has ceased and a
gritstone gorsier formation, cenomanian, with molasses character has
settled (the Valea lui Paul strata). The end of the Neocretacic meant
flisch sedimentation for this area (Boze strata). The postlaramic
sedimentation has lead to the settlement of molasses in depression zones.

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

REFERENCES
1.
Ianovici V., Giuc D., Ghiulescu T.P., Borco M., Lupu M.,
Bleahu M., Savu H., 1969 Evoluia geologic a Munilor
Metaliferi, Editura Academiei R.S.R., Bucureti, 741 p.
2.
Luduan N., 2002 Zcminte i poluare pe Valea Ampoiului,
Editura Aeternitas, Alba Iulia, 196 pp.
3.
Lupu M., 1964 Asupra vrstei stratelor cu Aptychus din Masivul
Trascu, Dri de Seam Comitetul Geologic, (1962-1963), L: 247250, Bucureti.
4.
Mutihac V., Ionesi L., 1974 Geologia Romniei, Editura
Tehnic, Bucureti, 612 p.
5.
Mutihac V., 1990 Structura geologic a Romniei, Editura
Tehnic, Bucureti, 418 p.
6.
Mutihac V., Startulat M. Iuliana, Fechet R. Magdalena, 2004
Geologia Romniei, Editura Didactic i Pedagogic, Bucureti,
225 p.
7.
Posea G., 2002 Geomorfologia Romniei, Editura Fundaiei
Romnia de Mine, Bucureti, 445 p.
8.
* * *, Harta Geologic a Romniei, 1:200.000, foaia Turda.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

71

STRUCTURE OF DIATOM COMMUNITIES


INHABITING THE AMPOI RIVER
Laura Momeu*, Leontin tefan Peterfi**
* "Babes-Bolyai" University, Department of Biology, Ecology-Genetics
Chair, 5-7 Clinicilor St., Cluj-Napoca, RO - 400006, lmomeu@yahoo.com
** "Babe-Bolyai" University, Department of Biology, Plant Biology
Chair, 42 Republicii St., Cluj-Napoca, RO - 400015

ABSTRACT
Diatoms (Bacillariophyta) represent the dominant algal group
from the river benthos, especially on the upper and middle reaches. The
results of the Ampoi River study in 2000 confirm it. The diatom
communities' structure indicates an eutrophication tendency from
upstream to downstream regions, as well as a change from xenooligosaprobic waters in the upper reach, to critical saprobic level on the
middle and lower zones. A natural regeneration of diatom communities
was recorded on the Ampoi River, downstream of Zlatna heavy metals
factory, due to its activity cease.
Key words: diatoms, the Ampoi River, species diversity.

INTRODUCTION
Previous studies regarding algal communities from
Transylvanian rivers (Momeu et al, 1988, 1999; Rasiga, Momeu,
Peterfi, 1995-1996, 1999 a, b, etc.) show a clear dominance of diatoms,
which reach even 80-90 % within benthic algal communities. Diatoms
were used, more than any other algal group, for assessing river water
quality, in the past (Kolkwitz and Marsson, 1909; Sladecek 1973;
Zelinka and Marvan, 1961), as well as at present (Prygiel and Coste,
2000; Kelly et al, 1995; Lenoir and Coste, 1994, 1995, 1996). This is
due to several diatom characteristics, such as their great adaptability to
environmental factors; thus diatoms are able to inhabit different
habitats, natural or severely polluted. An another feature is their short

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

life cycle, that leads to a quick renewal of the communities, at a certatin


distance from the outfall or after the cease of the disturbing factors,
natural or man-caused. In order to use diatoms in water quality
assessment studies, their species diversity must be established and the
relative quantitative abundance must be estimated. The results can be
really significant if these data are correlated with the physico-chemical
parameters of water and substratum.
In this context, the aim of this paper is to study diatom
communities from several sampling sites on the Ampoi River,
especially that a significat decrease of the human impact was recorded
after 1990, caused by industrial and agriculture collapse. Thus, severall
important pollution sources, such as the Zlatna heavy metals factory
decresed or ceased their activity, making possible the reconstruction of
benthic communities.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Benthic epilithic and epipelic samples were taken using standard
methods of scraping, brushing or aspiration, depending on the nature of
the substratum, in November 2000. The three sampling sites on the
Ampoi River were: A2 and A3, upstream from Zlatna, and A5,
downstream of Zlatna (see the sampling stations' map in this volume).
Together with these samples, we also used two species lists from
Autumn samplings of the years 1982 and 1983 in the Ampoi River,
downstream of Zlatna (unpublished data), in order to compare diatom
communities' structure.
To point out the impact caused by the Zlatna factory waste
waters, with high levels of heavy metals, and to observe diatom
communities' natural regeneration when the external disturbing factor
ceased its influence, we used the truncated normal curve model
(Momeu et al, 1988, elaborated by Patrick, Hohn and Wallace, 1954).
Therefore, countings were made up to 6000 individuals per sample; the
graphic representation took into consideration the species number,
every frequency interval being twice as large as the one before.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

73

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS


74 taxons were identified in the sampled material (Tab. 1).
Tab. 1. The structure of diatom communities of the Ampoi River.
Sampling sites
Sampled
Diatom taxa
1982
1983
2000 A 2 2000 A 3 2000 A 5
Achnanthes
+
+
affinis
Achnanthes
+
+
+
lanceolata
Achnanthes
+
+
+
minutissima
Amphora
+
ovalis
Amphora
+
+
pediculus
Amphora
+
veneta
Ceratoneis
+
+
arcus
Cocconeis
+
diminuta
Cocconeis
+
+
pediculus
Cocconeis
+
+
+
placentula
Cymatopleura
+
+
+
solea
Cymbella
+
affinis
Cymbella
+
cistula
Cymbella
+
+
+
+
minuta
Cymbella
+
+
naviculiformis
Cymbella
+
prostrata

74

Cymbella
silesiaca
Cymbella
sinuata
Cymbella
tumida
Diatoma
ehrenbergii
Diatoma
moniliformis
Diatoma
vulgare
Fragilaria
capucina
Fragilaria
constuens
Fragilaria
pinnata
Fragilaria
pulchella
Fragilaria
vaucheriae
Fragilaria
virescens
Frustulia

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

+
+

+
+
+

+
+

+
+
+

+
+

vulgaris

Gomphonema
angustatum

Gomphonema
intricatum

Gomphonema

olivaceum

Gomphonema

parvulum

Hantzschia

+
+

amphioxys

Melosira
varians
Meridion
circulare

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

75

Navicula
capitatoradiata
Navicula
cincta
Navicula
cryptotenella

+
1982

Navicula
lanceolata
Navicula
pupula
Navicula
radiosa
Navicula
tripunctata
Navicula
veneta
Navicula
viridula
Nitzschia
amphibia
Nitzschia
dissipata
Nitzschia
frustulum
Nitzschia
gracilis
Nitzschia
hatzschiana
Nitzschia
linearis
Nitzschia
palea
Nitzschia
perminuta
Nitzschia
sigmoidea
Nitzschia
sinuata

1983

2000 A 2

2000 A 3

2000 A 5
+
+

+
+
+
+
+
+
+

+
+

+
+

+
+
+

+
+

76

Nitzschia
sociabilis
Pinnularia
brebissonii
Pinnularia
borealis
Pinnularia
mesolepta
Pinnularia
microstauron
Pinnularia
rupestris
Pinnulartia
viridis
Rhoicosphaenia
abbreviata
Rhoicosphaenia
curvata
Stauroneis
anceps
Surirella
angustata
Surirella
brebissonii
Surirella
capronii
Surirella
linearis
Surirella
montana
Surirella
ovata
Surirella
rumpens
Synedra
pulchella
Synedra
ulna

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

+
+
+

+
+

+
+
+
+
+
+

+
+
+

+
+

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

77

The smallest number of species (3 - 12) was recorded in the years


1982-1983, when benthic algal communities from the Ampoi River,
dominated by diatoms, were severely affected by the Zlatna factory
waste waters, with high contents in heavy metals.
After 1990, due to a decrease in Zlatna factory impact, caused by
its complete cease of activity, a natural regeneration of diatom
communty took place. Species diversity increase confirms it; thus, from
a total of 73 species only two (Achnanthes affinis and Cymbella
naviculiformis) are present only in the samples from 1982 and 1983
(Tab. 1). At the same time, the species number increased fivefold (61
species) in the station downstream from Zlatna, in the year 2000,
compared to the year 1982 (when only 12 species were identified).
Likewise, the number of species in the year 2000 is twenty times
greater than in 1983, when only 3 species were recorded. Therefore, it
is evident that the natural reappearance of algal communities is possible
after a short time (Peterfi and Momeu, 1984).
The species number of diatom communities affected by pollution
depends on the moment of sampling, because the outflow from the
wastewater plant can be intermittent or periodical. A sampling made
right after the waste water outlet causes a complete wash of benthic
communities (the case of the year 1983). If the sampling is made after a
certain period of time, diatom communities recover, but the species
diversity is decreased (12 species identified in 1982), tolerant or
adapted species developing very large populations, with thousands of
individuals. Thus, Achnanthes affinis is known from the litterature as
tolerant to heavy metals (Werner, 1977), especially to copper, being
able to grow in waters with a concentration of copper up to 2 mg Cu/l.
Within the Ampoi diatom community, when the water was highly
polluted with heavy metals (like in 1982 or 1983), this species was the
dominant element, developing very large populations.
The change in diatom community structure was also presented by
means of the truncate normal curve model (Patrick, Hohn and Wallace,
1954) (Fig. 1). The characteristics of the curves that model the
communities affected by the pollution with heavy metals (Fig. 1) are
completely different from the one drawn for the recovered communities
in the year 2000. Thus, in the first case (Fig. 1) the curves are flat and

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

cover a large number of intervals, while in case of certain natural


communities, recovered from the action of the external disturbing
factor, the curve is high and covers a relatively small number of
intervals (Fig. 1).
As concerns the diatom communities from the year 2000, the
species diversity increases from upstream to downstream. Thus, the
number of species identified downstream from Zlatna (A5) is almost
double (61 species) compared to the two other stations (A2 and A3)
upstream of Zlatna (Tab. 1). This represents a normal situation, due to
water eutrophication caused by the allochthonous material from the
catchment area, but also due to a general pollution (domestic,
agricultural or industrial). The litterature specifies similar cases in
Romania (Rasiga, Momeu, Peterfi, 1995-1996, 1999 a, b) or in Europe
(Lenoir and Coste, 1994)
Regarding the diatoms' distribution along the Ampoi River, we
noticed the presence of a great number of eurytopic, indifferent and
cosmopolite elements, like: Cocconeis placentula, Cymbella minuta,
Gomphonema intricatum, Fragilaria capucina, Melosira varians,
Navicula capitata, N. radiata etc., as well as many species that prefer
waters with moderate or high mineral content: Diatoma moniliformis,
Cymatopleura solea, Surirella brebissonii, Rhoicosphaenia curvata etc.
(Tab. 1). In the upper reach of the river, at the stations upstream of
Zlatna (A2, A3), catarobic, xeno-oligosaprobic, even microthermic
elements are the highly abundant species: Ceratoneis arcus, Meridion
circulare, Gomphonema angustatum, Surirella angustata, Cocconeis
diminuta. Alcalibiont, alcaliphilous, even calciphilous elements are
present in the diatom communities: Diatoma vulgare, Achnanthes
minutissima, Navicula lanceolata, N. viridula etc. Habitat-strange
elements, washed form the catchment area soils (aerophytes) or coming
from the neighboring wetlands are represented by isolated individuals
(Pinnularia borealis, P. rupestris, P. viridis).
The cease or decrease of industrial and agricultural activities
favored the development of algal communities in the investigated river,
as one can judge from the analysis of floras. In spite of recent
improvements in community structure, because the lack of wastewater
purification plants, there is a permanent inflow of organic materials and

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

79

pollutants (domestic wastes, textile industry wastes, hospital wastes,


bakery wastes etc.), which spoil the quality of these waters. The
presence of --, -saprobic or -polysaprobic elements (Synedra
pulchella, Navicula viridula, Nitzschia palea, N. sigmoides) clearly
indicates the excess of organic materials in the water. The number of
such elements has an increasing tendency from uphill to downhill,
along the river course.
Dominant species change from one station to another, according
to the local conditions. In both sampling sites situated uphill Zlatna of
the Ampoi River, the highly abundant species are Achnanthes
minutissima, Diatoma vulgare and Surirella angustata, all of them
xeno-oligosabrobic elements. The first two indicate waters of good
quality according to the methodological guidebook of Prygiel and Coste
(2000). Based on the same guidebook one should mention the presence
of diatoms indicating excellent or good water quality, but which are
less frequent in the uphill sampling sites of all investigated rivers:
Meridion circulare, Ceratoneis arcus, Diatoma hiemale, Cymbella
affinis, C. sinuata and Fragilaria vaucheria.
In the sampling site located downhill Zlatna on the Ampoi
River, the dominant species are the indifferent ones like Navicula
capitatoradiata, Fragilaria capucina, Melosira varians, or those
indicating waters of moderate quality (Prygiel and Coste, 2000):
Fragilaria pulchella, Navicula viridula, Gomphonema truncatum, G.
parvulum and Rhoicosphaenia curvata.
The findings obtained based on the present observations, are in
accord with the results of previous investigations dealing with
Romanian and other European rivers (Rasiga, Momeu, Pterfi, 1999 a,
b; Momeu et al., 1988, 1999; Kelly, Penny, Witton, 1995; Lenoir,
Coste, 1995, 1996).

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

CONCLUSIONS
Based on the presented data, we can affirm that there are no
serious pollution problems in case of the Ampoi River. Compared to
the 80's, we noticed the natural restoration of diatom communities in
the station downstream of Zlatna, not long after the cease of the
pollution with heavy metals. All these are confirmed by the high
species diversity and the relative dominance of the floristic elements,
characteristic for the various river courses (upper, middle, low).
There is a tendency of graduate eutrophication of the water
from their springs towards downhill, based on the maturation of
watercourses, doubled by the human influences.
The presence of algal elements indicating critical saprobic level
should be a warning for local authorities to start monitoring of these
rivers.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

81

REFERENCES
1.
Kelly, M. G., Penny, C. J., Witton, B. A., 1995 Comparative
performance of benthic diatom indices used to assess river water
quality, Hydrobiologia, 302, 179-188.
Kolkwitz, R., Marsson, M., (1909) kologie der Tierischen
2.
Saprobien, Internat. Rev. Hydrobiol., 2, 126-152.
3.
Lenoir, A., Coste, M., 1994 Estimation de la qualit des eaux du
bassin RhinMeuse laide des communauts de diatomes
benthiques, Agence de lEau RhinMeuse, Cemagref de Bordeaux,
1-183.
4.
Lenoir, A., Coste, M., 1995 Un nouvel indice diatomique pratique
pour le suivi de la qualit biologique des stations du Rseau
National de Bassin fond sur lapplication de la mthode des profils
cologiques, in 14 me Colloque de lADLaF, Le Paraclet 80440
Boves, Conseil suprieur de la Pche 29-30.
Lenoir, A., Coste, M., 1996 Development of pracrical diatom index
5.
of overall water quality applicable to the French national water Board
network, in Witton, B. A., Rott,E., (Eds.), Use of Al;lae for monitoring
rivers II, Innsbruck, Austria, 17-19 September, 1995, Studia Student
G.m.b. H., 29-43.
6.
Momeu, L., Pterfi, L. t., Pndi-Gacsdi, O., ipo. C., 1988
Structure of diatom communities occurring in a Transylvanian
river, Romania, Contrib. Bot., Cluj-Napoca, 153-161.
7.
Momeu, L., Rasiga, A., Pterfi, L. t., Kozma, A., 1999 Algal
communities of the Cibin river and of wetlands situated on the
upper and middle course of the Olt river, Transylv. Rev. Syst. Ecol.
Res., 1, 49-65.
8.
Patrick, R., Hohn, M. H., Wallace, J. H., 1954, A new method for
determining the pattern of the diatom flora, Not. Nat. Acad. Natur.
Sci. Philadelphia, No. 259, 1-12.
9.
Pterfi, L. t., Momeu, 1984 Dezvoltarea comunitilor de
diatomee epilitice din rul Arie, Transilvania, Stud. Univ. BabeBolyai, Ser. Biol., 29, 3-8.
10. Prygiel, J., Coste, M., 1997 First results of the application of the
Biological Diatom Index, in (Eds.) 3rd European Workshop Use of
Algae for Monitoring Rivers II, Donai 29109 110, 1997
(communication orale).

82

11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Prygiel, J., Coste, M. (Coord.), 2000 Guide mthodologique pour


la miseen oeuvre de lIndice Biologique Diatomes, NFT 90-354,
AEAP Cemagref.
Rasiga, A., Momeu, L., Pterfi, L. t., 1995-1996 Compoziia i
structura comunitilor algale din rul Someul Mic, Transilvania,
Romnia, Contrib. Bot., Cluj-Napoca, 37-45.
Rasiga, A., Momeu, L., Pterfi, L. t., 1999a Biodiversity of algae
of the upper and middle course of the Olt river, Transylv. Rev. Syst.
Ecol. Res., 1, 31-48.
Sldeek, V., (1973) System of water quality from the biological
point of view, in Elster, H., J., Ohle, W. (Eds.), Ergebnise der
Limnologie, Schweitzerbat, Stuttgart, 1-211.
Zelinka, M., Marvan, P. (1961), Zur Przisierung der biologischen
Klassifikation der Reinhet fliessender Gewsser, Arch. Hzdrobiol.,
57, 389-407.
Werner, D., 1977, The Biology of Diatoms, Botanical Monographs,
vol, 13, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, London,
Edinburgh, Melbourne.

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83

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF POLLUTION LEVEL


IN TWO INDUSTRIAL AREAS USING BIOINDICATORS
Katalin Bartok*, Ana-Maria Rusu**
*Babe-Bolyai University, Faculty of Biology-Geology, Department of
Taxonomy and Ecology, Republicii St., no. 48, Cluj-Napoca, RO - 400015,
Romania, bartok_katalin@yahoo.com
**Babe-Bolyai University, Faculty of Environmental Science, tefan cel
Mare Square, no. 1, Cluj-Napoca, RO - 400022, Romania,
anamariarusu2OO4@yahoo.com

REZUMAT
n acest studiu prin monitorizare pasiv s-au utilizat lichenii i
muchii nativi din Zlatna i Baia Mare, cunoscute centre industriale
puternic poluate, pentru evaluarea gradului de contaminare cu Pb, Cu i
Zn. n ambele zone, datorit polurii flora lichenologic este mult redus,
ca diversitate i abunden. Astfel, numai lichenii genului Cladonia (C.
coniocraea, C. fimbriata, C. caespiticia) cu o toxisensibilitate mai
redus s-au gsit n ambele zone. Muchii par mai toxitolerani, astfel s-au
determinat 11 specii aparinnd la 6 genuri (Ceratodon, Amblystegium,
Pohlia, Brachythecium, Weissia, Bryum). Pentru o mai bun evaluare
aceste elemente s-au determinat i din probe de sol, colectate din aceleai
puncte cu lichenii i muchii. Sunt prezentate valorile minime i maxime
determinate n probele analizate, licheni, muchi i sol. Concentraiile
obinute pentru cele trei elemente au depit valorile admise. Elementul
cel mai poluant n ambele orae este Pb, att n muchi ct i n licheni. n
ambele orae acumularea Pb n licheni este de peste 100 ori mai mare dect
n proba martor, iar n muchi este de 161 ori mai mare n Zlatna i de
47 ori mai mare n Baia Mare fa de proba martor. Solurile au un pH
puternic acid n ambele zone studiate, ceea ce mrete bioaccesibilitatea
acestor elemente, n sol concentraiile acestor elemente fiind mai
sczute dect n muchi i licheni. Cu toate acestea concentraiile de Cu
i Pb n sol sunt peste valorile admise. Pe baza datelor obinute rezult
c zona Zlatna este mai poluat dect Baia Mare.

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Key words: heavy metals, pollution, bioindicators, lichens, moss.

INTRODUCTION
Air pollutants are removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry
deposition processes. Monitoring of air contaminants is necessary to
determine impacts upon environment and controls required for
abatement.
Lichens and mosses have a long history of use as biological
indicators of air quality (John and Dale, 1995; Steines, 1993). The
lichens and mosses can be used as pollution monitors in three ways
(Hale, 1983): by identifying and mapping all lichen and moss species in
an area; transplanting healthy lichens and mosses into polluted area and
measuring their deterioration and sampling an individual species and
measuring contaminants accumulated within them.
The terricolouse lichen and -moss species are well-suited for
use in metal monitoring, as they are known to be tolerant of pollutants.
These cryptogams are easily identified and sampled and are ubiquitous
throughout Transylvania. The purpose of this study was to compare two
industrial areas from Transylvania, namely Zlatna and Baia Mare, to
gain information on pollution levels, in particular Pb, Cu and Zn, the
main pollutants in these regions. As biomonitors were used native
lichens and mosses, also soil samples from these two areas were analyzed.
EXPERIMENTAL
As is well known the town of Zlatna is build around a mineral
processing plant and smelter (S.C. Ampelum S.A.). The plant processes
a variety of complex products. Release SO 2 and metals as fine particles
of slag cause acid precipitation and metal contamination for more than
30 km down wind from the smelter (Jones, 1996). The town of Baia
Mare is the site of two major plants for processing Pb (S.C. Romplumb
S. A.) and Cu (S.C. Allied Deals Phoenix S.A.) ore. The first plant is
for manufacturing and recycling metallic Pb used in the car batteries.
This plant is the main polluter with Pb and Zn. The second, Phoenix
Company, is a chemical and metallurgical plant, similar in mineral
processing technologies with that situated in Zlatna town. Thus, the
main polluters of the areas are with SO 2 and extent Cu-containing
particles.

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85

The lichen, moss and soil samples were collected to be


representative for the both investigated areas.
All the lichens species collected belongs to genera Cladonia
(Cladonia coniocraea, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia caespiticia )while
the mosses to 6 genera (Ceratodon, Amblystegium, Pohlia,
Brachythecium, Weissia, Bryum) which are toxitolerants.
A 0.75 g amount of vegetable sample was digested with
HNO 3 /H 2 O 2 mixture and diluted to 50 ml with distillate water to the
final volume.
A 0.2 g of finely ground soil sample was digested with Lunge
reagent (3:1 HNO 3 :HCl v/v). The resulting samples was cooled and
bulked to 100 ml.
Pb, Cu and Zn from all samples were analyzed by flame atomic
absorption spectrometry. A Perkin-Elmer Model 3030B atomic
absorption spectrometer with an air-acetylene flame was used.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
In the Fig. 1 are presented the minimum and the maximum
element concentrations for three elements (Pb, Cu and Zn) determined
in lichen samples collected in selected sites from Zlatna and Baia Mare
industrial areas. The most pollutant element in both studied areas is the
Pb. In Baia Mare the Pb range between 176-9513 mg/kg, while in
Zlatna between 317-5399 mg/kg. The background level of Pb
concentration in Cladonia lichens was 40 mg/kg. It is seem from Fig. 1
that the concentration of Pb in Baia Mare is 238 times larger than
background level, same time in Zlatna 135 times larger, ones. Our
results regarding the Pb accumulation in Cladonia species in both
industrial sites are much higher (more than 100 times) than detected in
same species published in literature (Bartok et al., 2001).

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Pb min

176
317

Cu min

97
169

Zn min

69
20

Pb max

Baia Mare
Zlatna

5399

Cu max

383
575

Zn max

290
267

9513

Fig. 1. The minimum and maximum concentrations of Pb, Cu and Zn


(mg/kg) determined in lichens collected from Zlatna and Baia Mare areas.

In moss samples, same as in the lichens, the Pb was the most


contaminant element that exceeded the background concentration 161
times in Zlatna, respectively 47 times in Baia Mare (Fig. 2). We
observed that the minimum and the maximum Pb, Cu and Zn
concentrations in Zlatna are bigger than in Baia Mare. May be the age
of the mosses, or their exposure to the pollutants is more favorable in
Zlatna than in Baia Mare causing a higher accumulation.
The pH values of Zlatna soils range between 3.1 and 4.7,
while in Baia Mare between 4.4 - 7.1. These pH values are sufficiently
low to considerable increase the bioavailability of metals. In Baia Mare
collected soil samples the concentration of Cu (2646 mg/kg) is the
highest followed by Pb (1893 mg/kg) concentration (Fig. 3.). In Zlatna
the Pb concentration is the highest (1680 mg/kg) and only 600 mg/kg
the Cu. The Cu and Pb concentration in both industrial areas compared
with the normal value of these elements in soils (Pb-20 mg/kg, Cu-20
mg/kg, Zn-100 mg/kg) [6] exceed by considerable margin of these.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Baia Mare

Pb min

40

Cu min

95
420

Zn min

159
260

850

Zn max

Zlatna

1677

Pb max
Cu max

87

782

5800

2110

1183
1000

Fig. 2. The minimum and maximum concentrations of Pb, Cu and Zn (mg/


kg) measured in moss samples collected from Zlatna and Baia Mare areas.

Pb min

207
200

Cu min

212
25

Zn min

41
180

Baia Mare
Zlatna

1893
1680

Pb max
Cu max
Zn max

600
500

2646

972

Fig. 3. The minimum and maximum concentration of Pb, Cu and Zn (mg/


kg) determined in soil samples collected from Zlatna and Baia Mare areas.

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

CONCLUSIONS
From the comparison with the backgrounds data it is apparent
that all three analyzed elements are generally enhanced in the lichens,
mosses and soils, too in the both studied areas. In the table 1 are
presented the calculated mean values for the three analyzed elements
from all sites of the two industrial areas. The total metal content of the
studied samples were 1963 mg/kg in Baia Mare and 2703 mg/kg in
Zlatna. Based on these data we can conclude that the studied industrial
regions are strong polluted looking the Pb, Cu and Zn content of
analyzed samples. As it was expected Zlatna areas is excessively
polluted occupying a certain place among the strongest polluted areas
on the word, because here the mining and metal processing endure
more than three century.
Tab. 1. The average value of heavy metals (mg/kg) calculated in lichens,
mosses and soils collected from the studied sites of Zlatna and Baia Mare
areas.
Zlatna

Baia Mare

Pb

Cu

Zn

Pb

Cu

Zn

lichens

1590

340

182

2140

206

161

mosses

2700

1413

650

610

292

522

soils

684

221

329

918

708

327

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

89

REFERENCES
1.
Bartk, K., Rusu, A.M., Purvis, W. O., 2001, Long term
biomonitoring of pollutant elements employing lichen species in
Transilvania, Romania, In: I. Pais editor, New perspective in the
research of hardly known trace elements and the importance of the
interdisciplinary cooperation, Budapest, 60-70.
2.
Hale J. R., 1983, The biology of lichens, Ed. Edward Arnold,
London, 97-104.
3.
John, E., Dale, M. R. T., 1995, Neighbor relations within a
community of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes, The Bryologyst, 98,
1:29-37.
4.
Steinnes, E., 1993, Some aspects of biomonitoring of air pollutants
using mosses. In: Plants as biomonitors Ed. B. Marker, Weinheim,
381-395.
5.
Williamson, B. J., Purvis, O. W., Bartk, K., Har, N., Manolache,
E., Jones, D., Stanley, C., Vlad, N., 1996, Chronic pollution from
mineral proccessing in the town of Zlatna, Apuseni Mountains
(Romania), Studia Univ. Babes-Bolyai, Geologia, XLI, 1: 87-93.
6.
*** Monitorul Oficial al Romaniei, 1997, IX, 303/I: 27.

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

91

THE HYDROPHILOUS AND HYGROPHILOUS FLORA


AND VEGETATION FROM THE AMPOI RIVER BASIN
Constantin Drgulescu
Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Sciences, Department of
Ecology and Environment Protection, 31 Oituz St., Sibiu, RO - 550160,
ctindrg@yahoo.com

REZUMAT
Autorul evalueaz flora din bazinul Ampoiului la 810 specii de
cormofite dintre care 265 cresc pe blocurile calcaroase, iar 180 sunt
plante higrofile i hidrofile. Ponderea cea mai mare o au hemicriptofitele
(54 %) i terofitele (22 %) urmate de geofite (10 %), fanerofite (8 %) i
camefite (4 %). Helohidatofitele sunt prezente doar n procent de 2 %
din cauza suprafeelor restrnse ocupate de ape i mlatini. Sub aspect
fitogeografic se evideniaz speciile eurasiatice (40 %), europene (14 %),
central-europene (11 %) i circumpolare (10 %). Speciile meridionale
(submediteranene i mediteraneene, mediteranean-pontice, pontice,
balcanice i carpato-balcanice) ajung la 15 %, iar cele endemice 2 %.
Plantele cosmopolite i adeventive nu depesc la un loc 8 %.
Vegetaia dominant este format din pduri (Quercetum pubescenti
-cerris, Quercetum petreae-cerris (Dl. Boului, 543 m), Querco petreaeCarpinetum, Carpino-Fagetum, Fagetum carpaticum (650 - 1200 m),
pajiti (Festucetum rubrae montanum, Agrostietum tenuis, Agrostietum
stoloniferae, Nardetum strictae montanum, Festucetum pratensis, Festucetum
valesiacae, Festuco rubrae-Cynosuretum, Lolio-Cynosuretum, Nardoallunetum) stncrii (Asplenio rutae-murariae-Melicetum ciliatae, AsplenioPoaetum nemoralis, Avenastretum decori, Seslerietum rigidae, Festucetum
glaucae). Vegetaia acvatic este puin, iar cea higrofil exist la
marginea blilor de excavaie din albia Ampoiului i a micilor iazuri de
peti, n anuri i microdepresiuni, n pajitile nmltinite i mlatinile
din lunca Ampoiului i afluenilor si dar i de-a lungul izvoarelor.
Key words: Ampoi Valley, acvatic and paludal plants, vegetal
associations.

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

INTRODUCTION
The Ampoi River Basin had a surface of 579 km and an
altitudinal amplitude over 1100 m. The highest peaks (Dmbu,
Corabia, Bigla Mare, Deda, Muntioru) are under 1370 m altitude, and
the confluence point with the Mure River is localised at south-east of
Alba-Iulia locality at 230 m. From the springs to the confluence with
the Mure River, the Ampoi River pass the localities Izvorul
Ampoiului, Zlatna, Ptrngeni, Galai, Fene, Presaca Ampoiului,
Poiana Ampoiului, Gureni, Mete, Tu(i), Ampoia, ard, Miceti,
Brban and Alba Iulia. Its main tributaries came down from the
Trascului Mountains and are: V. Vltori (V. Rnielii), V. Feneului,
V. Ampoia and V. Ighiu.
Under geological aspect the Cretaceous and Jurasic lime stone are
predominant. More exactly the lime stones of Ampoiului Valley and the
tributaries are formed of white Jurasic lime stones over Cretaceous
formations, in the river meadoes and depressions are present aluvial
Holocene deposits. On these geological substrates were formed brown,
acid, aluvial and rendzines soils.
The climate annual average temperatures varry between 2 C in the
springs area and 9 C at the confluence with the Mure River. The
average value of precipitatins vary between 537 mm/year at Alba Iulia
and 1000 mm/year on the highest peaks of the basin.
The Ampoi and Ampoiei valleys flora were briefly and
accidental studied by J. Baumgarten (1816), M. Fuss (1866), F. Schur
(1866), L. Simonkai (1886), B. Csernyi (1888), J. Csto (1896), M.
Rvru (1944) and C. Burduja et al. (1959). The majority of these
authors cited species from Alba Iulia and from the soroundings hills,
only B. Csernyi and J. Csto note too species from the lower course of
the Ampoi River (Miceti, Brban, ard). A detailed study of this area
was realised by I. Pop and I. Hodian (1960) and especialy by I.
Hodian (1966, 1967, 1968, 1971). Al. Borza (1968) realized an
inventory of th Alba Iulia and its soroundings flora (in which include
also the Miceti, ard and Brban localities, all in Ampoi River
basin). A. Crian, I. Hodian, 1964 studied the parasite mushroms, and
K. Bartk (1980) the lichens around Zlatna locality and the
accumulation of the heavy metals in lichens.

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93

Based on the references and the personal studies in the field can
be highlighted that the Ampoi River basin flora is formed of 810
cormophites species. 265 of these species grow on lime stones and 180
are hygrophilous and hydrophilous plants; (54 %) hemicryptophytes,
(22 %) therophytes, (10 %) geophytes, (8 %) phanerophytes, (4 %)
chamaephytes, (2 %) helohidatofitele. Under phitogeographic aspects
exist eurasiatics species (40 %), europeane species (14 %), centraleuropean (11 %) and circumpolare species (10 %). The meridional
species (submediteranens and mediteraneans, mediteraneans-pontics,
pontics, balcanics and carpatho-balcanics) represent 15 %, and the
endemics 2 %. The cosmopolites and adventives plants are no more
than 8 %.
The dominant vegetation is represented by forests (Quercetum
pubescenti-cerris, Quercetum petreae-cerris, both on Boului Hill with a
543 m altitude, Querco petreae-Carpinetum, Carpino-Fagetum,
Fagetum carpaticum (between 650 and 1200 m), lawns (Festucetum
rubrae montanum, Agrostietum tenuis, Agrostietum stoloniferae,
Nardetum strictae montanum, Festucetum pratensis, Festucetum
valesiacae, Festuco rubrae-Cynosuretum, Lolio-Cynosuretum, Nardoallunetum) and clifs (Asplenio rutae-murariae-Melicetum ciliatae,
Asplenio-Poaetum nemoralis, Avenastretum decori, Seslerietum
rigidae, Festucetum glaucae). The aquatic vegetation has a very low
representation in the area and the higrophilous vegetation appear near
the excavated areas in the Ampoi River riverbed and the small fish
ponds, in diches and microdepresions, in swamped lawns, in the
Ampoiului and its tributaries meadows swamps and along the springs.
We have to underline the fact that, a common phenomenon in the
majority of the Romanian rivers lower courses, the Ampoi River
riverside thickets is completely destroied downstream ard locality.
All the informations followed by ! mark are originals, results of
the author observations on the field.

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

RESULTS
Flora
Acer negundo: Presaca Ampoiului (!)
Acorus calamus: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1972)
Aegopodium podagraria: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), ard,
Ampoia, Zlatna, Izvorul Ampoiului (!), V. Feneului (I. Hodian,
1966, 1971)
Aethusa cynapium: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888)
Agrostis stolonifera: Alba Iulia, ard, Ampoia, Tau, Mete, Poiana i
Presaca Ampoiului, Zlatna (!), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)
Alisma plantago-aquatica: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), Presaca
Ampoiului, Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Alnus glutinosa: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), Tu, Presdaca
Ampoiului, Zlatna, Izvorul Ampoiului (!), V. Feneului (A.
Crian, I. Hodian, 1964), Alnus incana: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza,
1968), Zlatna, Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Alopecurus aequalis: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966), Alopecurus
pratensis: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !)
Angelica silvestris: Alba Iulia (J. Csto, 1896), Presaca Ampoiului (!),
V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1967, !)
Bidens tripartita: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), ard, Ampoia, Tu,
Zlatna (!)
Blysmus compressus: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)
Bolboschoenus maritimus f. digyna: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968)
Butomus umbellatus: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968)
Calamagrostis pseudophragmites: V. Feneului (A. Crian, I. Hodian,
1964)
Callitriche cophocarpa: Ighiel (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1953)
Caltha laeta: V. Ampoiei (I. Pop, I. Hodian 1960), Izvorul
Ampoiului (!), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968); var.
alpina: Ighiel (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1953)
Calystegia sepium: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), Ampoia, Tu,
Mete, Poiana i Presaca Ampoiului (!)
Cardamine amara: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966), Cardamine
pratensis: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1955, Al. Borza, 1968)

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95

Carduus personata: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1967, !)


Carex echinata: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968), Carex diandra:
Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1966), Carex distans: Brbn
(Al. Borza, 1968), V. Ampoiei (I. Pop, I. Hodian 1960), V.
Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966), Carex divisa: Alba Iulia (Tr.
Svulescu, red., 1966), Carex divulsa: V. Ampoiei (I. Pop, I.
Hodian 1960), Carex flava: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), V.
Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968), Carex gracilis: V. Feneului
(I. Hodian, 1966), Izvorul Ampoiului (!), Carex hirta: Alba Iulia
(B. Csernyi, 1888, !), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968),
Carex lepidocarpa: V. Ampoiei (I. Pop, I. Hodian 1960), V.
Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968), Carex leporina: V. Feneului
(I. Hodian, 1966, 1968, !), Carex pallescens: V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1966, 1968), Carex panicea: V. Feneului (I. Hodian,
1968), Carex paniculata: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1966),
Carex remota: Izvorul Ampoiului (!), Carex vesicaria: V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1966), Carex vulpina: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888)
Centaurium pulchellum: ard (J. Csto, 1896, Tr. Svulescu, red.,
1961), Ampoia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1961), f. emarginatum: ard
(Tr. Svulescu, red., 1961), Ampoia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1961)
Centunculus minimus: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1960)
Ceratophyllum submersum: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1955)
Chrysosplenium alternifolium: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)
Cicuta virosa: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888, Tr. Svulescu, red., 1958)
Cirsium canum: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), V. Ampoiei (I. Pop, I.
Hodian 1960), Cirsium oleraceum: V. Feneului (I. Hodian,
1966, !), Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Colchicum autumnale: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1968)
Dactylorhiza latifolia: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1968) poate D.
cordigera?
Crepis paludosa: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)
Deschampsia caespitosa: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968, !)
Drosera rotundifolia: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1965, 1966)
Echinocystis lobata: Zlatna (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1964)

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Eleocharis palustris: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), V. Ampoiei (I.
Pop, I. Hodian 1960), Presaca Ampoiului (!), V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1966, 1968)
Epilobium hirsutum: ntre Brban i Miceti (B. Csernyi, 1888),
Presaca Ampoiului (!), Epilobium palustre: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza,
1968), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966), Zlatna, Izvorul
Ampoiului (!), Epilobium parviflorum: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi,
1888), Epilobium roseum: Presaca Ampoiului (!)
Equisetum fluviatile (limosum): Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1952),
Equisetum palustre: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968),
Zlatna, Izvorul Ampoiului, Equisetum telmateia: Alba Iulia (Al.
Borza, 1968), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966), Equisetum x
littorale: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1952, Al. Borza, 1968)
Eriophorum latifolium: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), V. Ampoiei (I.
Pop, I. Hodian 1960), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)
Eupatorium cannabinum : Ampoia, Tui, Mete, Poiana i Presaca
Ampoiului (!), Zlatna (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1964, !), V. Feneului
(I. Hodian, 1971, !), Izvorul Ampoiului (!), V. Rnelii (!)
Euphorbia palustris: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888, Tr. Svulescu, red.,
1953), Euphorbia villosa: Brban (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1953)
Festuca pratensis: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), V. Ampoiei (I. Pop,
I. Hodian 1960), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1967, 1968)
Filipendula ulmaria: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1966, 1967, 1968), Zlatna (!)
Galium aparine: Mete, Poiana i Presaca Ampoiului, Zlatna (!),
Galium palustre: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968) Izvorul
Ampoiului (!), Galium rubioides: V. Feneului (I. Hodian,
1967), Galium uliginosum: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)
Geum rivale: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)
Gladiolus imbricatus: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1968)
Glyceria fluitans: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), Glyceria maxima: Alba
Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), Glyceria plicata: V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1966), Presaca Ampoiului, Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Gratiola officinalis: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888)
Helianthus decapetalus: Tu, Mete, Poiana i Presaca Ampoiului (!)
Holcus lanatus: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968), Zlatna (!)

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97

Hypericum tetrapterum: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1968)


Impatiens noli-tangere: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1967), Izvorul
Ampoiului, V. Rnelii (!)
Inula helenium: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1964)
Juncus articulatus: V. Ampoiei (I. Pop, I. Hodian 1960), V. Feneului
(I. Hodian, 1966, 1968), Presaca Ampoiului, Zlatna (!), Juncus
bufonius: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966), Juncus compressus: V.
Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966), Juncus conglomeratus: V.
Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966), Juncus effusus: Alba Iulia (Al.
Borza, 1968, !), Brban (Al. Borza, 1968), Tu, Zlatna (!), V.
Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966), Juncus inflexus: V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1966), Presaca Ampoiului, Zlatna (!)
Lathyrus paluster: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1957)
Lemna minor: Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Lychnis flos-cuculi: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968), Zlatna (!)
Lycopus europaeus: Presaca Ampoiului, Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Lysimachia nummularia: V. Ampoiei (I. Pop, I. Hodian 1960), V.
Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966), Izvorul Ampoiului (!), Lysimachia
vulgaris: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888), Ampoia, Tu, Mete,
Poiana i Presaca Ampoiului, Zlatna (!)
Lythrum hyssopifolia: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888), Lythrum salicaria:
Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), ard, Ampoia, Tu, Mete,
Poiana Ampoiului, Zlatna, Izvorul Ampoiului (!), V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1966, 1968), Lythrum virgatum: Alba Iulia (Tr.
Svulescu, red., 1957), Brban (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1957)
Matteuccia struthiopteris: Mete (!), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966),
Zlatna (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1952, !)
Mentha aquatica: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1966), Izvorul Ampoiului (!), Mentha arvensis:
Brban (B. Csernyi, 1888), Izvorul Ampoiului (!), Mentha
longifolia: Alba Iulia, ard, Ampoia, Tu, Mete, Poiana i
Presaca Ampoiului, Zlatna, Izvorul Ampoiului (!), V. Feneului
(I. Hodian, 1966, 1967, 1968), var. valesiaca: Mete (Tr.
Svulescu, red., 1961), Mentha pulegium: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi,
1888)
Menyanthes trifoliata: Zlatna (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1961)

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Myosotis scorpioides: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888), V. Ampoiei (I.


Pop, I. Hodian 1960), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968),
Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Myricaria germanica: Miceti (J. Csto, 1896)
Myriophyllum verticillatum: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968)
Narcissus angustifolius: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1968)
Nasturtium officinale: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888), Brban (Al.
Borza, 1968)
Oenanthe aquatica: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1967), Oenanthe banatica: V. Feneului (I. Hodian,
1966), Oenanthe fistulosa: Brban (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1958),
Oenanthe silaifolia: Alba Iulia (J. Csto, 1896, Tr. Svulescu,
red., 1958)
Ophioglossum vulgatum: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1965, 1968)
Orchis palustris ssp. elegans: Alba Iulia (J. Csto, 1896, Al. Borza,
1968), Brban (Al. Borza, 1968),V. Ampoiei (I. Pop, I.
Hodian 1960), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968)
Parietaria officinalis: ard (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1952, Al. Borza,
1968)
Parnasia palustris: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)
Pedicularis palustris: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888, Tr. Svulescu, red.,
1960)
Petasites hybridus: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1966), Presaca Ampoiului, Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Phragmites australis: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1966), Presaca Ampoiului (!)
Poa palustris: Izvorul Ampoiului (!), Poa pratensis: Alba Iulia (Al.
Borza, 1968, !), Tu (!), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1967, 1968),
Poa trivialis: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1967, 1968)
Polygonum amphibium: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), Polygonum
cuspidatum: Presaca Ampoiului (!), Polygonum hydropiper: Alba
Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), Tu, Mete (!), V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1968), Polygonum lapathifolium: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza,
1968, !), Ampoia, Tu (!), Polygonum minus: Alba Iulia (B.
Csernyi, 1888, Tr. Svulescu, red., 1952), Polygonum persicaria:
Tu (!)

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99

Populus alba: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1952), Fene (Tr.
Svulescu, red., 1952), Populus nigra: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza,
1968), Tu, Poiana i Presaca Ampoiului (!)
Potamogeton crispus: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968) f. ecornutus opa:
Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1966), Potamogeton lucens:
Ighiel (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1966), Potamogeton natans: Ighiu
(Tr. Svulescu, red., 1966), Potamogeton pusillus: Alba Iulia (Tr.
Svulescu, red., 1966)
Potentilla anserina: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), ard, Tu, Poiana
i Presaca Ampoiului (!), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1967),
Potentilla reptans: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888, !), V. Feneului
(I. Hodian, 1966), Zlatna (!)
Pulicaria dysenterica: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888, Tr. Svulescu,
red., 1964), ard (L. Simonkai, 1886, Tr. Svulescu, red., 1964),
Tu (!)
Ranunculus acris: Alba Iulia, ard, Ampoia, Tu, Poiana i Presaca
Ampoiului (!), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968), ssp.
strigulosus : Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), Brbn (Al. Borza,
1968), Zlatna, Izvorul Ampoiului (!), Ranunculus peltatus: Alba
Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1953), Ranunculus polyphyllus: Alba
Iulia (J. Baumgarten, 1816, Tr. Svulescu, red., 1953),
Ranunculus repens: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), V. Ampoiei
(I. Pop, I. Hodian 1959), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968,
!), Ampoia, Tu, Poiana i Presaca Ampoiului, Zlatna, Izvorul
Ampoiului (!), Ranunculus sardous: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi,
1888), Brbn (L. Simonkai, 1886), Ranunculus trichophyllus:
Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1953, Al. Borza, 1968), Ighiel
(Tr. Svulescu, red., 1953)
Rorippa austriaca: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1955, Al. Borza,
1968, !), Brban (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1955), V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1967), Presaca Ampoiului (!), Rorippa silvestris: Alba
Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), Presaca Ampoiului, Zlatna (!), f.
rivularis: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1967)
Rubus caesius: Alba Iulia, ard, Ampoia, Tu, Mete, Poiana i
Presaca Ampoiului (!)

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Rumex conglomeratus: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1967), Presaca


Ampoiului (!), Zlatna (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1952, !), Rumex
crispus: Alba Iulia, ard, Ampoia, Tu, Presdaca Ampoiului,
Zlatna (!), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1967), Rumex
hydrolapathum: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1952, Al. Borza,
1968), Rumex obtusifolius: Presaca Ampoiului, Izvorul
Ampoiului (!), Rumex palustris: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red.,
1952, Al. Borza, 1968), Miceti (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1952)
Salix alba: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888), ard, Tu (!), Salix fragilis:
Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), Ampoia, Tu, Izvorul
Ampoiului (!), Salix viminalis: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red.,
1952, Al. Borza, 1968), Brban (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1952),
Salix triandra: Tu (!), Salix sp.: V. Feneului (A. Crian, I.
Hodian, 1964)
Sanguisorba officinalis: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1956), V.
Feneului (I. Hodian, 1968), Zlatna (!)
Saponaria officinalis: Alba Iulia, Ampoia, Tu, Mete, Poiana and
Presaca Ampoiului, Zlatna (!)
Schoenoplectus lacustris: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888),
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968)
Scirpus sylvaticus: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), V. Ampoiei (I. Pop, I.
Hodian 1960), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968), Zlatna (!)
Scutellaria galericulata: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888), V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1965), Izvorul Ampoiului (!), Scutellaria hastifolia:
Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888), Brban (Al. Borza, 1968)
Senecio fluviatilis: Miceti (Al. Borza, 1968 ap. Haynald herb.)
Solanum dulcamara: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), Ampoia, Tu,
Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Spiraea salicifolia: supspontan n Valea Ampoiului (Tr. Svulescu,
red., 1956)
Stellaria aquatica: Tu (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1953), V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1967), Izvorul Ampoiului (!), Stellaria palustris: Alba
Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888, Tr. Svulescu, red., 1953)
Symphytum officinale: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968, !), Tu, Presaca
Ampoiului, Zlatna (!); ssp. uliginosum: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu,
red., 1960)

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101

Telekia speciosa: V. Feneului (A. Crian, I. Hodian, 1964), Izvorul


Ampoiului, V. Rnelii (!)
Trifolium hybridum: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), Tu (!), V.
Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)
Triglochin palustre: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1966, Al. Borza,
1968), Brban (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1966), V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1966)
Trollius europaeus: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1968, Tr.
Svulescu, red., 1953) var. alpina: Ighiel (Tr. Svulescu, red.,
1953)
Typha angustifolia: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), Ptrnjeni (!), Typha
latifolia: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), Presaca Ampoiului, Zlatna
(!), Typha shuttleworthii: Miceti (J. Csto, 1896)
Utricularia vulgaris: Alba Iulia (B. Csernyi, 1888)
Valeriana officinalis: V. Ampoiei (I. Pop, I. Hodian 1960), V.
Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1971, !), Izvorul Ampoiului, V.
Rnelii (!), Valeriana simplicifolia: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu,
red., 1961)
Veronica anagallis-aquatica: Alba Iulia (Al. Borza, 1968), V.
Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966), Veronica beccabunga: V. Feneului
(I. Hodian, 1966, 1968), Presaca Ampoiului, Zlatna (!), var.
limosa: V. Ampoiului (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1960), Veronica
scutellata: Alba Iulia (Tr. Svulescu, red., 1960, Al. Borza,
1968), V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)
Moss
Aulacomnium palustre, Campthothecium lutescens, Philonotis
fontana, Sphagnum acutifolium, Sph. parvifolium: V. Feneului
(I. Hodian, 1966)

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Vegetation
Aegopodio-Alnetum: Poiana i Presaca Ampoiului (!)
Agrostietum stoloniferae: Alba Iulia, Tu, Zlatna (!), V. Feneului (I.
Hodian, 1968, !)
Agrostio-Eleocharidetum palustris: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966),
Presaca Ampoiului, Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Alnetum incanae: Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Blysmo-Juncetum compressi: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1967)
Caricetum gracilis: Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Caricetum vericariae: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)
Carici flavae-Eriophoretum: V. Ampoiei (I. Pop, I. Hodian 1960), V.
Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)
Festucetum pratensis: V. Ampoiei (I. Pop, I. Hodian 1960), V.
Feneului (I. Hodian, 1968)
Glycerietum plicatae: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966), Presaca
Ampoiului, Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Helianthetum decapetali: Presaca Ampoiului (!)
Juncetum effusi: Tu (!)
Junco-Menthetum longifoliae: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, 1967, !),
Presaca Ampoiului, Zlatna (!)
Lolio-Potentilletum anserinae: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1967), Presaca
Ampoiului (!)
Petasitetum hybridi: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966, !), Presaca
Ampoiului, Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Poaetum palustris: Izvorul Ampoiului (!)
Polygonetum cuspidati: Presaca Ampoiului (!)
Ranunculo strigulosi-Equisetetum palustris: Zlatna, Izvorul Ampoiului,
la ultima cu Carex gracilis (!)
Salicetum albae-fragilis alnetosum glutinosae: Tu, Mete, Presaca
Ampoiului, la ultima i rubosum (!)
Scirpetum sylvatici: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)
Sphagnetum acutifolii: V. Feneului (I. Hodian, 1966)

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103

REFERENCES
1.
Bartk, K., 1980, Influena polurii atmosferei asupra florei
lichenologice din zona industrial a Zlatnei, Contr. Bot. Cluj, 195199.
2.
Baumgarten, J. G., 1816, Enumeratio stirpum Magno Transilvaniae
Principatui, I-III, Vindobonae.
3.
Burduja C. i colab., 1959, Note floristice i geobotanice, St. i cerc.
tiin. Iai, ser. biol i t. agric., 1, 69-75.
4.
Crian, Aurelia, Hodian, I., 1964, Contribuii la cunoaterea florei
micologice din Valea Feneului (raion Alba), Contr. bot. Cluj, 8187.
5.
Csto, J., 1896, Alsfehr vrmegynek nveny- s llatvilga.
Alsfehr vrmegye Monografija, I, Aiud, 187-277.
6.
Csernyi, B., 1888, Gyulafehrvr krnyknek flrja, Alba Iulia
7.
Fuss, M., 1866, Flora Transilvaniae excussoria, Sibiu.
8.
Hodian, I., 1965, Analiza florei de pe Valea Feneului (raion Alba,
regiunea Hunedoara), Contr. bot. Cluj, 99-106.
9.
Hodian, I., 1966, Vegetaia higrofil din Bazinul Feneului (raionul
Alba, reg. Hunedoara), Contr. bot. Cluj, II, 49-56.
10. Hodian, I., 1967, Aspecte privind vegetaia ruderal din Bazinul
Feneului (raionul alba, regiunea Hunedoara), Contr. bot. Cluj, 145150.
11. Hodian, I., 1968, Cercetri fitocenologice asupra pajitilor din
Bazinul Feneului (Jud. Alba), Contr. bot. Cluj, 209-230.
12. Hodian, I., 1971, Noi contribuii la cunoaterea vegetaiei
masivelor Dmbu i Prginoasa din Bazinul Feneului (Jud. Alba),
Contr. bot. Cluj, 169-174.
13. Pop, I., Hodian, I., 1960, Aspecte de vegetaie de la Tui-Ampoi i
Cheile Ampoiei, St. i cerc. biol. Cluj, XI, 2, 239-254.
14. Rvru, M., 1944, Plante noi sau rare pentru flora judeului Alba,
Rev. tiin. V. Adamachi Iai, 30, 4, 239-241.
15. Svulescu, Tr. (ed.), 1952-1976, Flora Republicii Populare Romne
(Flora R.S.R.), I-XIII, Edit. Acad. Bucureti.
16. Schur, F., 1866, Enumeratio plantarum Transilvaniae, Vindobonae.
17. Simonkai, L., 1886, Enumeratio florae Transsilvaniae vasculosae
critica, Budapest.

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105

NOTE ON THE AQUATIC OLIGOCHAETA


FROM THE AMPOI RIVER
Diana Cupa
University of Oradea, Faculty of Sciences, Dept. of Biology, 5 Armatei
Romne St., Oradea, RO - 410087, dcupsa@uoradea.ro,
d_cupsa@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT
In our study we wanted to make an inventory of the aquatic
oligochaeta from the Ampoi River, a right side tributary of the Mure
River. Along the river we tried to determine the repartition of the
oligochaeta, the modifications of the specific composition at each
sample site due to the pollution of the water, the hydrologic regime and
the type of the substratum. These facts help us to evaluate the quality of
the water in the mentioned river.
We found out that the Ampoi is a clean river with the exception
of the Zlatna area which is very much polluted.
Key words: aquatic oligochaeta, Ampoi River.

INTRODUCTION
The Ampoi is a short river a right side tributary of the Mure and
it is important because passes through two towns: Zlatna which has a
very pollutant chemical plant and Alba Iulia then it flows into the
Mure at a short distance downstream Alba Iulia.
In our study we want to make an inventory of the aquatic
oligochaeta from this river and to praise the differences between the
different river portions due to the substratum, hydrological regime and
the different self cleaning capacity of the water.

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MATERIAL AND METHODS


The aquatic oligochaeta were collected with a bottom Surber
sampler which covers an area of 887cm2, in November 2000, from a
number of 6 sample sites from Ampoi. The biological material was
preserved in the field in 4 % formalin, selected in the laboratory under a
20X magnifying stereomicroscope, transferred in 70 % ethyl-alcohol,
transparentised in lactic acid and prepared as microscopic slides for
determination of the species.
The sampling sites were the following:
A1 ten kilometers upstream from locality Zlatna. It is situated in
the mountainous area; the river has the aspect of a mountainous stream.
The substratum is covered by stones and boulders. The water is clear
and has a high velocity.
A2 upstream Zlatna. The water course is typically mountainous;
the substratum is made up from stones covered by periphyton.
A3 downstream Zlatna. The substratum is made up from stones
which are covered by organic mud and yellowish substance from the
dust eliminated by the Zlatna chemical plant. The soil is covered by a
reddish dust.
A4 upstream Alba Iulia (23 km downstream Zlatna). The water
has a calm course; the substratum is made up from stones covered by
organic mud.
A5 situated at the entrance in Alba Iulia. The river looks like in
the former sample site A4.
A6 upstream the confluence with the Mure River. It is situated
downstream Alba Iulia. The substratum is made up by pebbles covered
by organic mud. The river has a hilly aspect.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
In the 6 sampling sites we found a number of 12 aquatic
oligochaeta species, 9 from Naididae family Amphichaeta leydigii,
Spercaria josinae, N. bretscheri, N. elinguis, N. behningi, N. pardalis,
Slavina appendiculata, Pristina bilobata, P. longiseta and 3 from
Tubificidae family Tubifex newaensis, Limnodrilus claparedeianus and
Potamothrix vejdovskyi.

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107

At A1 we found only Naididae species (four) because the water


is clear and with a low organic content (Tab. 1).
At A2 the water quality and the substratum is similar to the
former sample site, so the oligochaeta community is very alike, made
up from five species of Naididae.
Tab. 1. Aquatic oligochaeta from Ampoi River on each sampling site in
percentages.

Species

A1

A2

A3

A4

A5

A6

Fam. Naididae
Amphichaeta leydigii
Spercaria josinae

4.55

N. bretscheri

15.91

N. elinguis
N. behningi

6.82

N. pardalis

72.73

Slavina appendiculata

2.45

43.48

60.12

6.52

31.29

13.04

4.29

2.17

Pristina bilobata

23.91

P. longiseta

10.87

1.84

Naididae species

33.33

100

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Fam. Tubificidae
T. newaensis

33.33

Limnodrilus
claparedeianus

50

33.33

50

Potamothrix
vejdovskyi
Tubificidae species

Total species

At A3 we found only two species of Tubificidae because the


water is polluted by the domestic residues from the town of Zlatna and
especially from the chemical plant from this town.
At A4 we found again a Naididae species because the water
passes to a self-cleaning process and also the substratum has a different
aspect, because it is not polluted by the Zlatna factory
At A5 we found a Naidid species which is exacting about the
substratum conditions. The presence of this species is a sign that the
quality of the water has improved.
At A6 we found seven Naidid species and due to the fact that
this sample site is situated downstream Alba Iulia we found two
exacting species which indicate a good quality of the water.
The Ampoi River has a good quality water upstream Zlatna, but
downstream this locality the quality of the water decreases very much
because of the pollution in this sector, the exacting species disappear
and downstream due to the self-cleaning process and the diminution of
the pollutant factory influence the quality of the water become good
again and its remain good till the flow into the Mure.
From the point of view of the water quality the Ampoi River is
the cleanest excepting the polluted zone from Zlatna.

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109

CONCLUSIONS
In the Ampoi River we identified a number of 12 species of
aquatic oligochaeta, 9 Naididae and 3 Tubificidae. In this river we
found exacting oligochaeta species.
In the upper part of the river Ampoi the water has a good
quality with a low organic content which allows only a few species of
oligochaeta to settle and these are from the Naididae family which
prefer cleaner waters.
Downstream Zlatna the water is polluted so we found only
Tubificidae in the sediment which can support the pollution.
At the following sites the water quality is improving due to the
self-cleaning process, so the Naididae species reappear in the sediment.
The Ampoi River has a good quality water except the Zlatna
region where the chemical pollution is hard and the water quality drops.

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SELECTIVE REFERENCES
1.
Botea, Fr., 1975 Considerations sur lcologie des oligochetes
hydrorhophiles de la riviere Prahova, Lucr. Inst, Speol. E.
Racovi, Bucureti, T XIV: 17-23.
2.
Botea, Fr., Paladian, G., Lzrescu, D., Murean, A., 1968
Ecological observations on the oligochaeta from Teleajen, Prahova
and Ialomia. Their role in the determination of the quality of the
water courses. Hidrobiol., Bucureti, Tom. 9: 187-195.
3.
Brezeanu, Gh., Baltac, M., Zinevici, V., 1968 The chemical and
Biocenotical structure of the Ialomia River in dependence with the
environmental factors. Hidrobiol., Bucureti, T 9 : 21-28.
4.
Brinkhurst, R. O., 1966 The Tubificidae (Oligochaeta) of polluted
water. Verh. Int. Verein. Theor. Angew. Limnol., 16 : 854-870.
5.
Brinkhurst, R. O., Jamieson, B. G. M., 1971 - Aquatic oligochaeta
of the world, Oliv. And Boyd, Edinburgh: 1-860.
6.
Chapman, P. M., Farrell, M. A., Brinkhurst, R. O., 1982 - Relative
tolerances of selected aquatic oligochaetes to combinations of
pollutants and environmental factors, Aquat. Toxycol., 2: 69-78.
7.
Diaconu, I., 1985 The structure and the role of the oligochaeta in
the benthos of Malia-Merhei lakes. (1970-1982), Danube Delta. St.
com. Ecol. Tulcea, 1: 25-37.
8.
Diaconu, I., 1986 The ecologic study of some oligochaeta
populations from Danube Delta. PhD Thesis, Univ. Bucureti.
9.
Draganovici-Duca, M., 1967 Biological researches on the quality
of some rivers from the Criuri rivers basin. Stud. Prot. i Epur.
Apelor, Bucureti, 8: 70-83.
10. Elian -Tlu, L., Prunescu-Arion, E., 1980 Contributions to the
study of the periphytic fauna from Sachalin (Danube Delta).
Hidrobiol., Bucureti, Tom. 16: 247-25.
11. Enceanu, V., Brezeanu, Gh., 1970 The repartition and
composition of the flora and fauna of the Danube from the spring to
the river mouth. I Fauna. Hidrobiol, Bucureti, Tom. 11: 227-265.
12. Ferencz, M., 1979 - A vizi kevessertj gyrsfrgek (Oligochaeta)
kishatrozja - Vizgyi Hidrobiolgia, 7 ktet, Budapest: 7- 167.
13. Fox, H. M., Taylor, A. E. R., 1955 The tolerance of oxigen by
aquatic invertebrates, Proc. Soc. Biol. Wash., 143 : 213-218.

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14.

15.

16.

17.

111

Lang, C., Reymond, O., 1993 - Recovery of Lake Neuchatel


(Switzerland) from eutrophication indicated by the oligochaete
communities, Arch. Hydrobiol.,128, 1: 65-71.
Marcoci, S., Duca, M., Botea, Fr., 1966 Considerations on the
importance of the oligochaeta in the characterisation of the clean
status of the waters. Stud. de protecia i epurarea apelor, Bucureti,
II: 680-693.
Popescu-Marinescu, V., Zinevici, V., 1969 The specific
componence of the zoocoenosis from some aquatic macrophita from
the Danube Delta. Stud. i Cerc. Biol. Seria biol. Anim., Bucureti,
Tom. 21: 179-182.
Whitten, B. K., Goodnight, C. J., 1966 Toxicity of some
common insecticides on Tubificids, J. Watt. Poll. Contr., Fed.,
227234.

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113

AMPOI RIVER
ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
BASED ON THE BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE
COMMUNITIES STRUCTURE
Angela Curtean-Bnduc, Lavinia Lobon
Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Sciences, Department of
Ecology and Environment Protection, 31 Oituz St., RO - 550160, Sibiu,
angela.banaduc@ulbsibiu.ro, banaduc@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
This paper presents the Ampoi River ecological status, based
on the benthic macroinvertebrates communities in correlation with the
biotope conditions.
The river sector between Zlatna and two km upstream the
confluence with the Mure River (31 km), is the most affected by the
human impact. Downstream the Zlatna locality is present an
accentuated poluttion with heavy metals, also along this sector the river
receive waste water from the riverine localities, localities which do not
have sewege collecting systems and waste water cleaning plants.
Two km upstream the confluence with the Mure River an
improvement in the river state was noted, due to the fact that along this
sector, no significant pollution sources are present, the tributaries has
good quality water and the hydrological conditions are favorable for the
water self cleaning processes.
Key words: macroinvertebrate communities, biotope, human impact, river
ecological status.

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INTRODUCTION
This studys aim is the Ampoi River ecological assessment,
based on the quantitative and qualitative structure of the benthic
macroinvertebrate communities and on the biotope characteristics
(substratum type, water velocity and water's physico-chemical
characteristics).
A first order tributary of the Mure River, the Ampoi River,
with a watershed of 579 km2 and a length of 60 km, is localized (Fig. 1)
in the inner part of the Romanian Carpathians. It springs in the southeast part of the Apuseni Mountains, cross the Zlatna-Ighiu Depression
and then it flow in Mure River near Alba Iulia locality (Badea et al.,
1983; Curtean-Bnduc et al., 2001; Posea, 1983; Rou, 1980).

Fig. 1. The Ampoi River location (Badea et al., 1983 - modified).

At least due to the biotope characteristics variation and to the


aggresive human impact presence, this river is an interesting one
concerning the ecological research.

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115

MATERIAL AND METHODS


The Ampoi River was researched (2001 - 2003) along its entire
course.
Seven sampling stations (A 1 - A 7 ) starting at 1 km downstream
the Ampoi River origin to the confluence with Mure River (Fig. 2,
Tab. 1) were chosen according to the valley morphology, the type of
the river substratum, the confluence with the main tributaries and the
human impact types and degrees, on the river.

Fig. 2. The quantitative sampling stations on Ampoi River.

The benthic macroinvertebrates quantitative samples were


sampled, in June - Octomber (2001 - 2003), in each sampling station,
numerous samples, in different points were done to cover the habitats
diversity. The number of the quantitative samples in a sampling station
varies between three and five, related with the biotope heterogeneity,
but is constant for each sampling station in each sampling campaign.
This number was established before, based on a preliminary study, to
allow a correct organisms diversity assessment in each studied
riverbed section.

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To find the species with a low abundance (rare species) in the


studied river sectors, qualitative samples were also taken.
The benthic macroinvertebrates quantitative samples were
realized with an 887 cm2 surface bottom Surber Sampler with 250
mesh net. The sampled biological material was fixed in a 4 %
formaldehyde solution at which NaHCO 3 was added. The organisms
and sediments separation was realized through washing on screens in
the laboratory. The biological material was sort out, the
macroinvertebrates individuals belonging to each systematic group
were counted, preserved in alcohol 70 %, and included in the
collections of the Aquatic Biology Laboratory, Department of Ecology
and Environmental Protection, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu.
For the biotope conditions description were analyzed the
following physical and chemical characteristics of the river water:
temperature, pH, total hardness (TH), dissolved oxygen (DO),
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5 ), chemical oxygen demand (CODMn), Cl-, SO 4 2-, NO- 3 , PO 4 3-, CO 3 -, total N, total P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Pb, Zn,
Cu, Cd and Mn. Also we considered the type of substratum, water
discharge and water velocity. The water for the physico-chemical
analyze was sampled in the same stations and with the same frequency
of the benthic macroinvertebrates quantitative samples. Water
temperature, pH and the dissolved oxygen were determined at the
sampling station with a portable MultiLine pH-oxi device. The rest of
the analysis, were realized in the Sibiu Regional Environmental
Protection Agency laboratories, through actual standardized (STAS)
methods.
For the quantitative structure description of the present benthic
macroinvertebrates communities we have used the relative abundance
(A %) and frequency (F %).
The indicator values of the determined species were took from
the papers of the following authors: W. M. Beck (1977); S. Marcoci
(1984); J. M. Hellawell (1986); D. Chapman (1992); D. M. Rosenberg,
V. H. Resh (1993); N. De Pauw, H. A. Hawkes (1992); J. Seager and
colab. (1992), R. A. E. Knoben et al. (1995), V. Resh et al. (1996).

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117

Tab. 1. The location of the sampling stations and some physico-geographic


characteristics, along the Ampoi River.
Multi
annual
The
Average
watershed
average
Sampling
slope
water
stations
surface
o
( / oo )
discharge
(km2)
(m3/s)
A 1 - 1 km downstream the Ampoi
33
50
0.667
River origin
A 2 - 10 km downstream A 1
38
33
A 3 - 22 km downstream A 1 (1 km
93
15
0.428
upstream Zlatna locality)
A 4 - 26 km downstream A 1 (1 km
152
8
1.400
downstream Zlatna locality)
A 5 - 33 km downstream A 1
280
5
3.93
A 6 - 57 km downstream A 1
575
4.5
A 7 - 59 km downstream A 1 (0.5
km upstream the confuence with
578
2.5
Mure River)

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS


In the A 1 sampling station (Tab. 1, Fig. 2), the river has a
mountainous aspect, the maximum width of the riverbed is 1 m and the
river substrate is formed of rocks, boulders and pebbles, and near the
banks exist narrow coarse sand stripes. The water had a high velocity
due to the 50 riverbed average slope.
The physico-chemical analysis reveal the fact that the water is
well oxygenated - the average value of the oxygen saturation in the
study period was 87.02 %, with a low level of organic matter (COD-Mn
= 3.9 mg/l, BOD 5 = 1.1 mg/l - average values for the study period), low
levels of NO- 3 -= 0.25 mg/l and PO 4 3- = 0.0 mg/l (Tab. 2).

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Tab. 2. Ampoi River water phisico-chemical characteristics (TH - total


hardness, DO - dissolved oxygen, BOD 5 - biochemical oxygen demand,
COD-Mn - chemical oxygen demand).
Sampling
Indicator
stations / values
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
pH
7.3
7.1
6.9
7.5
7.65
8.3
7.6
DO (mg/l)
10.3
10.4
10.9
7.8
7.92
7.6
8.4
DO (%)
87.02 88.0 99.95 75.2 76.87 76.38 82.7
BOD 5 (mg/l)
1.1
1.05
2.8
15.8 14.97 14.1
8.7
COD-Mn (mg/l)
3.9
3.55
5.4
27.8
25.2
23.9 19.07
Cl- (mg/l)
44.37 32.27 19.52 23.66 28.33 35.5 132.5
SO 4 2- (mg/l)
77.14 79.15 83.26 304.7 319.5 320.4 246.3
NO- 3 (mg/l)
0.25
0.83
1.63
3.14
3.85
3.92
4.96
PO 4 3- (mg/l)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.009
0.1
0.2
0.055
CO 3 - (mg/l)
126.5 116.7 112.8 134.2 145.3 195.2 180.9
total N (mg/l)
0.085 0.32
0.62
1.89
1.22
1.01
1.43
total P (mg/l)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.003 0.05 0.065 0.055
Ca (mg/l)
39.8 37.01 29.8 37.73 39.20 46.0 65.86
Mg (mg/l)
6.44
7.22
9.84 18.72 23.73 32.83 19.38
TH (G)
7.05
6.62
6.44 13.62 13.55 14.0 12.86
Fe (mg/l)
0.044 0.055 0.073 0.74
0.35 0.117 0.49
Mn (mg/l)
0.0
0.0
0.0
2.03
1.04
0.95
0.8
Pb (mg/l)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.033 0.02
0.02
0.01
Zn (mg/l)
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.63
0.19
0.08
0.02
Cu (mg/l)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.8
0.70
0.68
0.07
Cd (mg/l)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.011 0.010 0.003 0.002

In this sector the insects larvae are numerically dominant:


chironomids - 73.26 %, ephemeropterans - 13.44, trichopterans - 2.87 %,
plecopterans - 2.67 %, simulids - 1.12 %, coleopterans - 0.72, near
which are present too the oligochetes - 3.71 %, hydracarians - 0.83 %,
amphipods - 1.03 %, collembols - 0.14 % and gastropods (Ancylus
fluviatilis) - 0.03 %.

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119

Oxyphilic and rheophilic species which characterize natural


mountain rivers are present: Perla marginata, Perla pallida, Leuctra
fusca (Plecoptera), Btis alpinus, Btis sinaicus, Btis rhodani
(Ephemeroptera), Rhyacophila obliterata, Rhyacophila tristis, and
Limnephilidae (Trichoptera). These species, form in this river sector,
stable populations (appear in samples with frequencies of over 70 %).
Among the chironomids, numerically dominant are that species which
belong to the genera which prefer clean water: Diamesa and
Pseudodiamesa. Here is present a stable population, with a high
number of individuals of the oxiphilic gastropode Ancylus fluviatilis.
In the A 2 sampling station (Tab. 1, Fig. 2) the riverbed
maximum width is 3 m, the substratum is formed of boulders, boulders
covered with periphyton and pebbles. The water is characterized by a
high velocity, well oxygenation and a low contents of organic
substances (Tab. 2).
The benthic macroinvertebrates community of this sector is
mainly formed of ephemeropterans (41.12 %). Also constant present
groups with high relative abundances (over 6 %) are the chironomids
(24.36 %), the plecopterans (6.96 %), the trichopterans (6.76 %) and
the oligochaetes (7.21 %). With lower relative abundances are present
the amphipods (4.39 %), the colembols (0.33 %), the hydracarians (1.74
%), the simulids (2.24 %) and the coleopterans larvae (4.89 %).
The insects larvae are numerically dominant, rheophilic and
oxyphilic species are present. Thus, among the ephemeropterans, stable
populations are present in the cases of Betis alpinus, Betis rhodani,
species, together with Caenis moesta, Ephemerella ignita species. The
plecopterans group which appear with a 100 % frequency in the A 2
sampling station samples, are represented by the species: Perla
marginata, Perla pallida, Leucra fusca and Leuctra inermis.
The benthic macroinvertebrates structure in this river sector,
and the parameters values which describe the phisico-chemical
characteristic of the water (Tab. 2) show a good ecological state, almost
similar with the natural one.

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In the A 3 station (Tab. 1, Fig. 2) the maximum riverbed width


is 3 m and the riverbed substratum is formed of medium sized boulders
covered with periphyton, pebbles and coarse sand near the banks.
The water physico-chemical analysis (Tab. 2) reveal the fact
that the water is well oxygenated, with a relative low contents of
organic substances (the average value of the COD-Mn indicator is 5.4
mg/l, and of the BOD 5 indicator is 2.8 mg/l), but higher then in
upstream sectors. The salts concentration (Tab. 2) is not significant
different in comparison with the upstream sectors.
The benthic macroinvertebrates communities of this river
sector present the following structure (in terms of relative abundance):
chironomids - 72.11 %, oligochaetes - 10.36 %, trichopterans - 5.98 %,
coleopterans - 3.63 %, hydracarians - 2.85 %, ephemeropterans - 2.02 %,
gastropods (Ancylus fluviatilis) - 1.93 %, plecopterans - 1.12 %.
The benthic community structure, the constant presence of the
trichopterans of the family Hydropsychidae, the ephemeropterans
Betis vernus and Ephemerella ignita and the water physico-chemical
analysis reveal the existence of an organic substances supplementary
input in comparison with the upstream river sectors, the sources of this
input being considered the wastewaters of the riverine localities.
The A 4 sampling station is situated at 1 km downstream the
Zlatna locality (Fig. 2, Tab. 1). In this sector the riverbed substratum is
formed of pebbles and sand covered with black mud and periphyton,
the maximum riverbed width is 4 m.
The water present the highest concentrations of heavy metals
(Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd) for the entire river course (Tab. 2).
In comparison with the upstream river sector the organic
substances quantities in water increased, also the chlorates, nitrates,
sulphates and phosphates concentrations, the total hardness and water
mineralization degree increased too (Tab. 2).
The benthic macroinvertebrates community is structured as
follow: chironomids - 43.33 %, oligochaetes - 26.67 %, trichopterans 13.34 %, ephemeropterans - 3.33 %, coleopterans - 3.33, colembols 10 %. The density of macroinvertebrates is low in comparison with the
upstream and downstream river sectors, a fact which can be associated
with the heavy metals presence in water and in the sediments.

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121

Constantly present in samples are the chironomids of the genus


Chironomus, the oligochetes and trichopterans (Hydropsyche
contubernalis), organisms resistant to the organic pollution;
ephemeropterans, coleopterans and colembols appear in samples with
low frequencies (under 25 %).
The water physico-chemical analysis (Tab. 2) and the benthic
community structure reveal the accentuated organic pollution in this
river sector, pollution induced by the Zlatna unfiltered wastewater
discharged in the river. High heavy metals concentrations in water are
introduced by the nonferrous metallurgy of Zlatna.
In the A 5 sampling station (Tab. 1, Fig. 2) the riverbed
maximum width is 7 m, the substratum is formed of medium size
boulders and pebbles covered with mud and periphyton.
The benthic macroinvertebrates communities, present the
following structure (in therms of relative abundance): chironomids 57.14 %, oligochetes - 32.86 %, trichopterans - 1.43 %, hydracarians 1.43 %, hirudineans - 5.71 %, tipulids - 1.43 %.
In this sector with frequencies above 50 %, species which
prefer water richer in organic substances, as Hydropsyche
angustipennis, Hydropsyche modesta (Trichoptera) and species of the
genus Chironomus (Chironomidae).
The benthic macroinvertebrates communities and the water
physico-chemical analysis (Tab. 2) reveal the water pollution with
organic substances. The source of this water pollution, are the riverine
localities and illegal wastes deposits situated on the river banks.
In the A 6 sampling station (Tab. 1, Fig. 2) the riverbed
maximum width is 10 m, the substratum is formed of medium sized
boulders and pebbles covered with mud.
The water had a relative high content of organic matters, but is
decreasing substantially in comparison with the upstream sector. Also,
the heavy metals concentrations decrease in comparison with the
upstream sector. (Tab. 2)
The benthic macroinvertebrates community of this river sector
has the following structure (in therms of relative abundance):
chironomids - 77.19 %, oligochetes - 16.81 %, trichopterans - 4.96 %,
ephemeropterans - 0.52 %, colembols - 0.31 and hydracarians - 0.21 %.

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In this river sector indicator species for organic pollution are


present: Hydropsyche angustipennis, Hydropsyche contubernalis and
Hydropsyche modesta (Trichoptera). Among chironomids numerically
dominant are those belonging to Chironomus genus, near which appear
that belonging to Cricotopus genus.
The A 7 sampling station is situated 0.5 km upstream the
confluence with Mure River (Fig. 2, Tab. 1). In this river sector the
substratum is formed of pebbles covered with mud. The riverbed
maximum width is 5 m.
The organic substances quantity in the river water decrease in
comparison with the upstream river sector, also heavy metals
concentrations, but the mineralization degree and concentrations of
nitrates, phosphates and chlorates increase (Tab. 2).
The benthic macroinvertebrates community of this river sector
is numerically dominated by the chironomids (83.17 %). Here are also
present the oligochaetes (6.52 %) and with a much lower number of
individuals the trichopterans (5.32 %), ephemeropterans (3.58 %),
hydracarians (0.83 %), heteropterans (0.03 %) and amphipods (0.55 %).
Characteristic species for the polluted river sectors with residual
domestic wastewater are present: chironomids of Chironomus genus (F =
80 %), trichopterans Hydropsyche angustipennis (F = 88.88 %) and
Hydropsyche contubernalis (F = 100 %). Beside those appear
euryvalent organisms: chironomids of the genera Microtendipes (F = 75 %)
and Cryptochironomus (F = 88.88 %), ephemeropterans belonging to
Btis rhodani species (F = 33.33 %).
The benthic macroinvertebrates community structure and the
water physico-chemical analysis reveal a significant increasing in the
river ecological status/quality in comparison with the upstream sector.

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123

CONCLUSIONS
The benthic macroinvertebrate communities structure like an
expression of the biotope selection and of the interspecific and
intraspecific relations, reveal the existence of three ecological zones
along the Ampoi River.
I. The mountainous sector is stretching between the river
springs and 0.5 km upstream Zlatna locality. This sector is
characterized by clean water, with low organic matter and mineral salts
content, well oxygenated, with high speed velocity (the minimum
riverbed slope is 15) and the predominance of lithological substrate.
The benthic macroinvertebrate communities present a relatively
high specific diversity, the typical reophilic and oxyphilic species are
present, species characteristic for mountainous rivers courses. The
insect larvae are numerically dominant.
In this area the anthropogenic impact upon the river is not
significant, this sector can be considered as a reference sector for the
downstream degraded under the human impact river sectors assessment.
II. The river sector 31 km downstream Zlatna is seriously
affected by the pollution with heavy metals and domestic wastewater, a
reason for which the specific diversity and the benthic
macroinvertebrates is low. It has to be highlighted the fact that the
riverine localities have no sewerage systems and filtering stations for
wastewater.
III. 2 km upstream the confluence with the Mure River, an
improvement in the river state was noted, due to the fact that along this
sector, no significant pollution sources are present, the received
tributaries are cleaner and the hydrological conditions are favorable for
the water self cleaning processes.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Romanian
Environmental Partnership Foundation and Ecotur Sibiu N.G.O. which
support the Program A clean Mure River through clean tributaries based
on which a part of the needed work on the field were basically realized,
also to Mrs. Adriana Morariu which made a part of the water chemical
analysis.

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REFERENCES
1.
Badea, L., et al., 1983 Geografia Romniei I, Geografia Fizic, (in
Romanian), Editura Academiei Romne.
2.
Beck, W. M., 1977 Environmental requirements and polluation
tolerance of common freshwater Chironomidae, Environmental
Monitoring Series, E. P. A. 600/4, 77 - 124.
3.
Curtean - Bnduc, A., et al., 2001 Impactul antropic asupra
Trnavelor i Ampoiului (in Romanian), Sibiu.
4.
Chapman, D., 1992 Water quality assessment; a guide to the use of
biota, sediments and water in environmental monitoring,
UNESCO/WHO/UNEP, Cambridge, 629.
5.
Hellawell, J. M., 1986 Biological indicators of freshwatter
pollution and environmental management, London, 546.
6.
Knoben, R. A. E., Roos, C., Orischot, M. C. M., 1995 Biological
Assessment Methods for Watercourses, UN/ECE Task Force on
Monitoring and Assessment, Vol. 3, 86.
7.
Marcoci, S., 1984 ndrumar metodologic pentru urmrirea evoluiei
calitii apelor prin intermediul analizelor biologice, Consiliul
Naional al Apelor, 139.
8.
De Pauw, N., Hawkes, H. A., 1992 Biological monitoring of river
water quality, River water quality monitoring and control, Walley W.
J., Judd S. (eds.), Ashton University, UK, 87 - 111.
9.
Posea, G., et al., 1983 Enciclopedia Geografic a Romniei (in
Romanian), Ed. tiinific i Enciclopedic, Bucureti.
10. Resh, V. H., Myers, M. J., Hannaford, M. J., 1996
Macroinvertebrates as Biotic Indicators of Environmental Quality,
Methods in Stream Ecology (Hauer R. F., Lambert G. A., eds.),
Academic Press, San Diego, 647 - 668.
11. Rosenberg, D. M., Resh, V. H., 1993 Freshwater biomonitoring
and benthic macroinvertebrates, Chapman and Hall, London.
12. Rou, A., 1980 Geografia Fizic a Romniei, Ed. Didactic i
Pedagogic, Bucureti, 234.
13. Seager, J., Milne, I., Rutt, G., Crane, M., 1992 Integrated
biological methods for river water quality assessment, Riwer water
quality (eds. P. Newman et al.), 399 - 415.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

125

EFECTS OF THE ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACT


ON THE AMPOI RIVER
FISH COMMUNITIES
Doru Bnduc
Natural History Museum, 1 Cetii St., RO - 550160, Sibiu,
banaduc@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
This paper summarize a three years (2001 - 2003; June Octomber) fish survey.
The ichthyologic material was sampled from seven sampling
stations from Ampoi River (Mure River watershed) springs to the
confluence with Mure River.
Based on this biologic material, on the biotope characteristics
and on the human impact presence was made an ecological zonation of
the Ampoi River.
The obtained data concerning the fish assemblages structure
variation along the river and the cause - effect relations identification
are important elements in the construction of a needed integrated
management plan for the Ampoi River basin.
Key words: fish associations, fish zonation, biotope, human impact, river
ecological status, Ampoi River.

INTRODUCTION
A first order tributary of the Mure River, the Ampoi River,
with a watershed surface of 579 km2 and a length of 60 km, is localized
(Fig. 1) in the inner part of the Romanian Carpathians.
It springs in the south-east part of the Apuseni Mountains, cross
the Zlatna-Ighiu Depression and then it flow in Mure River near Alba
Iulia locality (Badea et al., 1983; Curtean-Bnduc et al., 2001; Rou,
1980).

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Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

Fig. 1. The Ampoi River location (Badea et al., 1983 - modified).

Although the fish associations may have a high degree of


natural variability, they can be useful indicators of the aquatic
ecosystems status/health (Karr, 1981; Kleynhans, 1999; Bnduc and
Curtean - Bnduc, 2002). Also, is recomended the case of fish be given
consideration in biological water-quality surveys of rivers due to the fact
that they generaly are discerned by the public to be ecologically relevant.
The natural and economic importance of this river for the middle
Mure River sector, the aggresive types of human impact and also the
scarcity of previous studies, justify an ichthyologic survey in this area.
The Ampoi River was assessed in terms of: fish association's
structure in terms of relative abundances, indicators species in terms of
their life stages and ecological preferences, the dominance of some
species on particularly habitat types, and species distribution in space
and time where historical data were available. Based on these items, the
river general quality conditions were identified, and also the area of
highly concern or deficiency were flagged.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

127

The biotic information, were related to water and habitat quality


and human activities, to provide a picture of the lotic system quality
across the whole river, and used for the mapping of the ichthyologic
elements of the river which allow assertions concerning fish
assemblages structure and cause - effect relations identification as a part
of a needed integrated management plan for the Ampoi River watershed.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This fish assemblages survey, through time (one hour) on effort
unit quantitative and qualitative samplings were made with a hand - net,
in a total of seven sites in June - Octomber 2001 - 2003, in Ampoi
River (Fig. 2; Tab. 1).

Fig. 2. The quantitative sampling stations on Ampoi River.


The studied sampling stations were chosen according to: the
valley morphology, the type of river substratum, the confluence with
the main tributaries, and to the human impact presence bias (land use,
urban and industrial pollution sources). Only two sites (A 1 and A 2 )
represent background conditions and generally are only slightly
affected by human activities.

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The sampled fish were identified, counted and partially


released back to the stream and partially fixed in a 4 % formaldehyde
solution, than preserved in alcohol 70 % and included in the collections
of the Natural History Museum of Sibiu, and of the Aquatic Biology
Laboratory within the Department of Ecology and Environmental
Protection of Faculty of Sciences, of Lucian Blaga University of
Sibiu.
The sampled and studied biological material is formed of the
following species: Salmo fario Linnaeus, 1758; Barbus petenyi Heckel,
1852; Squalius cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758); Phoxinus phoxinus
(Linnaeus, 1758); Alburnoides bipunctatus (Bloch, 1782); Orthrias
barbatulus (Linnaeus, 1758); and Cottus gobio Linnaeus, 1758 (Tab.
1).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
In the 54 sampled individuals seven species belonging to seven
genera and four families were identified (Tab. 1).
The existence in Ampoi River, on the top length of flow in the
A1 river sector of the typically intolerant native coldwater species
Salmo fario, emphasize the existence of the upper sector of the trout
zone. The trout low number in the area, in spite of the good water
quality (Curtean-Bnduc, 2001), can be explained by some biotope
characteristics as general low and variable river water flow and the
medium water flow velocity. The vicinity of the road (DN 74 Alba Iulia
- Oradea), the local human activities (mining, farming and forest
exploitation) and the presence of the Izvorul Ampoiului locality can
bring additional anthropogenic impacts on the fish fauna.
In A2 sampling station area, the Cottus gobio high dominance,
reveal the lower sector of the trout zone presence and is related with the
river habitats modification for which Cottus gobio is better adapted.
The increase of the trout number it can be in connection with the water
flow volume increasing. The slightly appearance of Phoxinus phoxinus
and Barbus petenyi species is natural in the local habitat context. This
river sector present the highest fish diversity, a similar situation a at the
downstream A3 sector.

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129

Tab. 1. The relative abundance (A%) of the sampled (in time/effort unit)
fish species in Ampoi River.
Sampling
Individuals Abundence
Species
station
A1
Salmo fario
1
100
7 km upstream the
Izvorul Ampoiului
locality
A2
Salmo fario
2
11.11
10 km upstream
5.56
Phoxinus phoxinus
1
the Zlatna
11.11
Barbus petenyi
2
locality
72.22
Cottus gobio
13
A3
Phoxinus phoxinus
5
23.80
the entrance of the Barbus petenyi
5
23.80
Ampoi River in
Orthrias barbatulus
6
28.58
Zlatna locality
Cottus gobio
5
23.80
A4
the exit of the
Ampoi River from
Zlatna locality
A5
23 km upstream
Alba Iulia locality
A6
Barbus petenyi
10
100
500 m upstream
Alba Iulia locality
A7
8
50.00
Barbus petenyi
50 m upstream the Squalius cephalus
6
37.50
confluence with
2
12.50
Alburnoides
bipunctatus
the Mure River

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In the A3 river sector the trout is disappearing, the Zlatna


locality proximity may influence this elusive species. The well
balanced proportional abundances of Phoxinus phoxinus, Barbus
petenyi, Orthrias barbatulus and Cottus gobio reveal a river sector
where the lower sector of the trout zone is mixing with the Balkan
barbell zone.
In natural conditions in the A4 - A7 sectors have to be expected
a continuous increasing of fish species diversity (Bnrescu, 1964). In
fact in the A4 and A5 river sectors no fish were collected even after
numerous other qualitative samplings. The influence of the Zlatna
locality (over 9000 inhabitants) industry on the area is serious and
historic mainly through the mining and processing of the nonferrous
metals: gold, silver, copper, mercury, lead, cadmium, zinc, arsenic,
stibium, bismuth, etc. Actualy S.C Ampelum S.A. and R.A.
Exploatarea Minier Zlatna are the main pollution source for the river
(Curtean-Bnduc, 2001).
In A6 river section, the Ampoia and Ighiu tributaries bring
significant cleaner water, allowing the existence here of a species
(Barbus petenyi) which is in a significant expansion in the last years in
the Romanian lotic systems.
The increasing number of species in A7 sampling station can
be explain through the Mure River proximity which plays a role of a
fish diversity reservoir for the lower Ampoi River sectors.

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131

CONCLUSIONS
Due to its biotope variability and a strong human impact
Ampoi River is characterized by diverse fish assemblages along its
course.
The Ampoi River ichthyofauna through its structural
composition, as a respond at the natural and anthropogenic impact
influence, is a reliable indicator for this river ecological status.
The upper sector (A1, A2 and A3), out of a significant human
impact, has the highest fish diversity values and the highest number of
individuals.
In spite of the fact that in the middle river sectors (A4 and A5), in
natural conditions, the fish species diversity should increase and also
the number of fish individuals, the missing of any fish reveal an
aggressive and constant human impact on the river.
In the lower river sectors (A6, A7), the Ampoia and Ighiu
cleaner tributaries and the Mure River which play a role of a fish
diversity reservoir, show a partial recover of the Ampoi River
ecological status, reflected by the fish fauna ecological status.
Acknowledgements
The author would like to express his gratitude to the Romanian
Environmental Partnership Foundation and Ecotur Sibiu N.G.O. which
support the Program A clean Mure River through clean tributaries based
on which a part of the needed work on the field were basically realized,
and also this volume can appear.

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REFERENCES
1.
Badea, L., et al., 1983 Geografia Romniei I, Geografia Fizic, (in
Romanian), Editura Academiei Romne.
2.
Bnduc, D. and Curtean-Bnduc, A., 2002 A biotic itegrity index
adaptation for a Carpathian (first - second order) river assesment,
Acta oecologica, Vol. IX, Nr. 1 - 2, 81 - 99, Sibiu.
3.
Curtean - Bnduc, A., et al., 2001 Impactul antropic asupra
Trnavelor i Ampoiului (in Romanian), Sibiu.
4.
Karr, J. R., 1981 Assessment of biotic integrity using fish
assemblages, Fisheries, vol. 6, 21 - 27.
5.
Kleynhans, C. J., 1999 The development of a fish index to assess
the biological integrity of South African rivers, Water S. A. (25) 3,
265 - 278.
6.
Rou, A., 1980 Geografia Fizic a Romniei, Ed. Didactic i
Pedagogic, Bucureti, 234.

Acta oecologica, vol. XIII, 1-2, 2006

133

AMPOI RIVER WATERSHED


MANAGEMENT PLAN ELEMENTS PROPOSAL
Angela Curtean-Bnduc, Doru Bnduc
Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Sciences, Department of
Ecology and Environment Protection, 31 Oituz St., RO - 550160 Sibiu,
banaduc@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
This work established ecological rehabilitation, conservation
and management measures for the Ampoi River, its main tributaries and
their riverine areas. These measures are based on scientific ecological
assessment and monitoring of the structure of the river communities
(benthic macroinvertebrates and fish) and of the physical and chemical
water parameters over the last six years.
The major categories of human impact on these rivers are
underlined (water and sediment pollution; river banks reshaping and
embanking; riverine land exploitation), and also their consequences on
these lotic systems. Specific ecological rehabilitation measures and
optimum conservation measures are described for these rivers.
Key words: ecological assessment, monitoring, rehabilitation and
conservation, Ampoi River watershed.

INTRODUCTION
The impetus for such an ecological assessment and
rehabilitation measures proposal has come from the concern of
hydrobiologists over the declining quality of the lotic systems as
complex resources, on the Romanian territory, an increasing
phenomenon over the past seven decades.
In any historical period and in almost all geographic regions,
water was and is a priceless resource but always was handled by people
and human communities with different interests, methods and with
significant different spatial and temporal effects.

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The Ampoi River is a first order tributary of the Mure


River, with a watershed surface of 579 km2 and a length of 60 km,
is localized (Fig. 1) in the inner part of the Romanian Carpathians.

Fig. 1. The Ampoi River location (Badea et al., 1983 - modified).

This river springs in the south-east part of the Apuseni


Mountains, cross the Zlatna-Ighiu Depression and then it flow in
Mure River near Alba Iulia locality (Curtean-Bnduc et al., 2001).
Although the macroinvertebrate and fish communities may
have a high degree of natural variability, they are good indicators of
aquatic ecosystem status (Karr, 1981, Moyle and Herbold 1987,
Bnduc 2000, Bnduc and Curtean-Bnduc 2002). Also, it is
recommended that these taxons be given consideration in biological
water-quality surveys of rivers because they are discerned by the
public as ecologically relevant, and in direct relation to legislative
mandates because of human health and endanger species concerns.
Analyses of these taxonomic groups are essential for establishment
of the lotic systems management plans (Curtean-Bnduc and
Bnduc 2001, 2005).

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135

This river natural and historic economic importance, as well as


the variable and very aggressive types of human impact (CurteanBnduc et al., 2001), justify such a study for this specific watershed
area (Fig. 1).
The Ampoi River was assessed in terms of: benthic
macroinvertebrates and fish association's structure in terms of relative
abundances, indicators species in terms of their life stages and
ecological preferences, the dominance of some species on particularly
habitat types, and species distribution in space and time where
historical data were available. Based on these items, the river general
quality conditions were highlighted and also the area of highly concern
or deficiency were flagged.
The biotic information, were related to habitat quality and
human activities, to provide a picture of the lotic system quality across
the whole river, and used for the mapping of the ichthyologic elements
of the river which allow assertions concerning fish assemblages
structure and cause - effect relations identification as a part of a needed
integrated management plan for the Ampoi River watershed.
METHODS
The presence and the effects of the anthropogenic impact
relative to a reference ecological state was analysed in terms of relative
biologic integrity, biodiversity indexes (Margalef, Shannon-Wiener,
Simpson, equitability, Belgian Biotic Index, Hilsenhoff Biotic Index,
Carpathian Fish - Index of Biotic Integrity, based on a variety of
benthic macroinvertebrates [plecopterans, trichopterans and
ephemeropterans] and fish), and on physical and chemical water
parameters (temperature, pH, total hardness (TH), dissolved oxygen
(DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5 ), chemical oxygen demand
(COD-Mn), Cl-, SO 4 2-, NO- 3 , PO 4 3-, total N, total P, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd and
Mn), which were used as ecological indicators of the state of the river.
The seven Ampoi River sectors were chosen according to: the
valley morphology, the type of river substratum, the confluence with
the main tributaries, the relative undisturbed areas and to the human
impact presence bias (riverine land use, urban and industrial pollution
sources).

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Generated data during this phase filled existing data gaps in


order to provide a comprehensive understanding upon which to
evaluate possible remedial alternatives for the human and ecological
risk situations. The biological monitoring was used to characterize
the response of the aquatic ecosystems to multiple disturbances,
considering that the integrity of the biota inhabiting the river
ecosystems provides a direct and integrated measure of the integrity
or health of the river.
In the end, with these offered alternatives, a specific case
proposal is developed concerning natural resources restoration,
conservation and management of the Ampoi River.
RESULTS AND DISSCUSONS
In examining the Ampoi River biotic and abiotic
characteristics, research has determined that the striking disturbing
Ampoi River natural conditions are its water and sediment
pollution.
A wide range of natural resources and natural resource
services are affected or potentially affected by the permanent and
acidentaly release of different pollutants.
Historically, these rivers received both industrial pollutants
and sewage waste for centuries, accidental and permanent release of
hazardous substances was high at least in the last six decades, the
anthropogenic impact being in this period drastically higher.
The main sources of river contamination include inactive
and active hazardous waste disposal sites and technical installations,
combined sewer overflows, sewage effluent, and tributaries entering
the river. The main released pollutants (organic substances, phytosanitation products, suspensions, nitrites, nitrates, detergents, oil
products, SO 2 , CO 2 , NO, CO, Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Sb, Bi, Cd) are over
the legal limit concentrations.
It has to be highlighted that not all riverine localities have
water treatment plants and sewage systems, not enough sewage
systems and/or deteriorated sewage systems and a lot of illegal
waste deposits exist on the river banks.

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137

The quantity and concentration of the hazardous substances and


the frequency of the releases are sufficient to cause serious injury to
natural resources (sediment, water, biota), resulting in various longterm ecological effects in the Ampoi River. The affected resources with
their sundry ecological and human services (habitat, water as a direct
resource, recreational activities, etc.) are described further in the
context of this area contamination impact.
The rivers provide habitat for macroinvertebrate and fish
communities, including feeding, breeding and nursery services.
Bioassessment using these groups of organisms reveals that many
sectors are seriously affected from this point of view by the elevated
hazardous substance concentrations, particularly damaging aquatic
organism populations. This river has undergone a progressive loss of
biodiversity as a result of habitat degradation or loss.
The Ampoi River is the cheapest high quality direct water
resource in the area only in its upper third part sector. The significant
modifications of the analyzed invertebrate and fish associations reflect
that, downstream of this upper sector, this river are no longer
appropriate to be used as reliable and cheap source of water. Beginning
with this hot spot, water pollution in this river acts as a constraint on the
economic and social development of the downstream localities. The
improved raw water quality for the water supply can improve the local
economy efficiency and public health standards.
Numerous sectors of this river, except its mountainous part, and
their environment are less appropriate to support both consumptive and
non-consumptive recreational activities such as recreational fishing,
with no health hazards coming from fish consumption, swimming,
boating, and wildlife viewing, activities with (for the moment) a
theoretical important touristic potential in the area.
There is a lack of compliance with the regulations governing
waste water management. This with a lack of adequate effluent dilution,
are the major causes of the river degradation. Action is needed when:
there is not enough supply of water for dilution; the effluent treatment
conditions are not sufficient; past and present response actions have not
sufficiently restored the injured river natural resources; there is actual
or potential continued release of hazardous substances.

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This actions could include: unconditional respect of


Romanian and international environmental laws by everybody;
increasing water consumption efficiency through the use of general
contour meters and a reliable pipe transport system; keeping
hazardous waste sites inactive; creation of a hazardous waste site
evaluation unit. This unit should include biologists to represent the
interests of wildlife. This unit would be involved in the process of
identification and clean up of inactive and active hazardous waste
sites; developing a potential resource damage claim against the
major polluters; changing the inadequate physical and chemical
standards used to characterize and manage wastewater treatment in
Romania to protect the downstream environment in the vicinity
below wastewater works; countermeasures against accidental oil
spills; ensuring the protected and semi-protected river sectors are
large and dense enough to allow the river self cleaning capacity to
be active enough to face human impact pressure; managing the
healthy river biocoenosis as biological capital whose interest is
collected through reducing the expenses for water cleaning
technologies.
Another identified human impact in the area is the
riveriverine unsustainable land exploatation. Few directions are
necessary in this area of interest (together with the pollution
mitigation) to be follow to mitigate this type of human impact:
determination of incentive policies for cultivation of multi-year
cultures (vineyards, orchards, forests); rehabilitation of riverine
forest corridors, with interdiction of arable land extension within the
minimum 10 m riverine corridor along the river banks; prohibiting
access to the upper parts of catchment areas (limiting damage from
water erosion) so that spontaneous perennial vegetation could
regenerate in the best conditions; rotating rational sylviculture and
grazing activities, having regard to seasonal conditions, especially
on the river banks.

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139

There are few technical aspects related to this management plan


implementation. The implementation of a management plan should be
done with the participation of associations, groups of farmers, NGOs,
and groups of specialists of different disciplines including those who
work for improvement of forests, pastures, improvement of practices for
use of terrain, control of erosion, etc. This would be facilitated by a
functional interdisciplinary watershed professional council. The
management plan should include the criteria and indicators required for
monitoring the relevant structures of the ecosystem.
CONCLUSIONS
The argument with which the local or/and national
authorities will reject as impossible the implementation of such an
ecological rehabilitation will be the lack of necessary funding. In fact,
the basic problems are their incorrect understanding of the problem as a
whole, their indecision and the fact that they did not use sufficient or
integrated professional advisory services.
The situation of this river is, in general, a common one among
Romanian rivers. The Romanian specialists involved in water
management are astonishingly determined to follow the same wrong
wetlands management strategies which were successfully collapsed
or are changing in western countries. There are good examples of
destroying wetlands resources, overexploitation of Western European,
North American and ex-communist countries, and destructive and longterm unprofitable effects. There also are good examples, from the last
two decades, of the reshaping of the human-wetlands relationship, in
developed countries. If our specialists have no capacity to learn from
the mistakes and experiences of others, claiming again and again false
economic considerations, we will learn on our own but at our expense.
Based on the disappointing last 60 years of experience in
Romania, it is idealistic to think that ecological restoration of this river
can be complete in a short period of time. The long term human impact
effects, the decision makers understanding concerning nature, economic
and social interrelations, will make ecological restoration possible only
in the near future European conditions of high standards and observance
of regulations in both the environment and economic fields.

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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Romanian
Environmental Partnership Foundation and Ecotur Sibiu N.G.O. which
suport the Program A clean Mure River through clean tributaries based
on which a part of the needed work on the field were basically realized and
this volume can appear.

REFERENCES
1.
Badea, L., et al., 1983 Geografia Romniei I, Geografia Fizic, (in
Romanian), Editura Academiei Romne.
2.
Bnduc D., 2000 - Ichthyofaunistic criteria for Cibin River
(Transylvania, Romnia) human impact assessment, Trav. Mus.
Hist. Nat. Grigore Antipa, Bucureti, vol. XLII: 365 - 372.
3.
Bnduc, D. and Curtean-Bnduc, A., 2002 A biotic itegrity
index adaptation for a Carpathian (first - second order) river
assesment, Acta oecologica, Vol. IX, Nr. 1 - 2, 81 - 99, Sibiu.
4.
Curtean - Bnduc, A., et al., 2001 Impactul antropic asupra
Trnavelor i Ampoiului (in Romanian), Sibiu.
5.
Curtean-Bnduc Angela, Rul Cibin caracterizare ecologic,
Editura Universitii Lucian Blaga din Sibiu, ISBN 973-739195-0, 240 pg., 2005
6.
Curtean-Bnduc A. and Bnduc D. 2001, Cibin River
(Transylvania, Romania) management scientific foundation
proposal, Acta oecologica, vol. VIII, 1-2.
7.
Curtean-Bnduc Angela, Bnduc D., Srbu I., 2001, Oameni i
ruri mpreun. Impactul antropic asupra Trnavelor i Ampoiului,
Editura Mira Design Sibiu, ISBN 973-8232-32-5, pp. 15 67, 86
pg., 2001.
8.
Karr, J. R., 1981 Assessment of biotic integrity using fish
assemblages, Fisheries, vol. 6, 21 - 27.
Moyle, P. B., and Herbold, B., 1987 Life-history patterns and
9.

community structure in stream fishes of western North America:


Comparisons with eastern North America and Europe, 25 - 32, in W. J.
Matthews and D. C. Heins (Editors), Community and Evolutionary
Ecology of North American Streams Fishes, University of Oklahoma
Press, Norman, Oklahoma.

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