Silviya Lavrova

Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy,
8 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mail: engeco2001@uctm.edu

In this paper the influence of in situ synthesized biocomposite of emeraldine base and Phragmites
australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud (Common reed) on the removal of copper ions from aqueous
media is discussed. Physico-chemical parameters such as initial copper ion concentration,
composite dosage and contact time between composite and Cu2+ ions in the water solution were
studied. The removal efficiency of copper by biocomposite of emeraldine base and Common reed
was determined. Two different quantities of Common reed in the biocomposite (Biocomposite
I and Biocomposite II) were used. The results show, that the longer contact time leads to the
increased removal efficiency. Maximum removal efficiency of 99.9 % and 98.3 % was achieved
using Biocomposite I and Biocomposite II, respectively.

Purna Jana* and Nagendra Prasad Todaria

H.N.B.Garhwal University (Central), Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand-246174, India.
*E-mail: purnajana1986@gmail.com

Clean water is necessary to support the healthy living. Water is one of most important natural
resources which supports several aspects of human development. Access to safe clean drinking
water has a direct bearing on both quality and prosperity of human life. In Himalaya due to several
natural and anthropogenic problems this precious natural resource is facing threat. The present
study has attempted to form a water quality index (WQI) of three sacred groves located in Uttarakhand.
Sacred grove is an age-old tradition where a forest patch or a water body is dedicated
to local deity where cutting plants or killing animals are strictly prohibited, and is supposed to
have high hydrological value. Water Quality Index is renowned effective method to express water
quality in a simple, stable and reproducible unit of measure which communicates information of
water quality to the concerned citizens and policy makers. Also a household survey was carried
out in the year of 2015 in order to gather information regarding safe drinking water availability
and sanitation. The results show that the water of all sacred groves is safe for different household
purposes except for drinking as it needs treatment to make it perfect for this purpose.

Emil Galev* and Diana Koprinska

Faculty of Ecology and Landscape Architecture, University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridski
Blvd., 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mails: emil.galev@abv.bg*; d.koprinska@macro-design.com

Some conditions and opportunities for improving the aesthetic qualities of forest landscapes
and strengthen their visual effect are the focus of discussion in this paper. The panoramic views
and attractive landscape fragments and landscape paintings are often main focus in the construction
of trails for hiking, cycling, mountain biking and horse riding. Most of them use the existing
pedestrian routes that do not always provide landscape attractiveness. The aim of study is to
define principles for the formation of spaces along the tourist trails considering to increase the
emotional influence of forest landscapes. The result of the analysis shows the great importance of
vegetation as a primary component of the visual space and the importance of ably trails tracing for
the visual perception of forest landscapes. The article discusses the application of the principles
of landscape architecture for environmental friendliness, logical paths, optimal visual quality and
landscape influence on tourists. Particular attention was paid to the role of eco-trails as a prerequisite
for creating unique landscape attractions, enhance cognitive nature of outdoor recreation
and suggesting respect to nature by tourists.

Gradimir Gruychev

Department of Wildlife Management, Faculty of Forestry, University of Forestry, 10 Kliment
Ohridski Blvd., 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mail: gradi.val@gmail.com

Thirty-seven nests of Turtle Doves were found in the Sakar Mountains in 2014-2016. The average
height of their situation was 5.3±1.8 (2.1-10) m. The average height of the trees-substrates
was 7.9±2.5 (3-12) m. The earliest nesting was observed at the beginning of May. First laid eggs
were found in the second half of May. Groups of flying juvenile Turtle Doves appeared in early
June to the end of the research period. The first nests were observed on 01.05., eggs - on 21.05.,
and well-flying juveniles on 04.06. The largest number of nests was found in Oak (Quercus spp.)
forests (n=12) and Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra) plantations (n=9). Breeding in small villages of the
turtle dove in Bulgaria was established.

Alexander Bardarov* and Milko Milev

Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry, University of Forestry, 10 Кliment Ochridski
Blvd.,1797 Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mails: a.bardarov@pdm-services.eu*; m_milev@abv.bg

Fourteen provenances of Pinus nigra Arn. from the best autochthonous populations in Bulgaria
were tested on two sites in West Bulgaria. Data of the 36–37th year of the plantations on tree
diameter, height, survival and stem quality show varying results per site but provide grounds for
recommending Goleshevo (Petrodan) and Razlog provenances and avoiding the use of Hristo
Danovo provenance in similar conditions. Significant site-provenance interactions are confirmed.
The source for the seeds – be it from mother plus trees or seed aggregations seems to matter and
plus tress shall be preferred. Showing of different ecotypes and edophotypes is also discussed
indicating better performance of the low-mountain ecotype and the calcareous edaphotype for
similar conditions although not statistically substantiated for the two sites.