An Overview of Industrial Source Discharges into Water in the Albanian Territory

Direct and indirect discharges are released in the environment by many economic entities which operate in the territory of Albania.Different installations release many substances from separated sources or widespread,affecting the environmental quality and often causing pollution.Each economic entity that discharges substances in the environment is equipped with an environmental permit which is granted according to a system composed by two categories,A and B.Each Albanian citizen has the right guaranteed by the constitution to collect information regarding the city or country environmental conditions by this system.Furthermore,this system provides data regarding the state of the environment,polluting activity,different chemical components discharged,etc.The purpose of this study is to identify different sources of industrial discharge into water bodies,aiming to provide information that can be useful for the environmental protection,its preservation and improvement,the prevention and reduction of risks related to human and animal health and the improvement of the life quality.Data gained from the identification of economic entities equipped with an active environmental permit type A and B showed the various sources of waste discharges in the Albanian territory.The study was conducted using the QKB(National Business Center)database for a period of eight years from 2014 to 2022.Data show that an increase of technical unit discharging substances into water has increased over years due to a major number of installations of polluting economic entities in the country territory.

Discovery and Significance of Diamonds and Moissanites in Chromitite within the Skenderbeu Massif of the Mirdita Zone Ophiolite,West Albania

In recent years diamonds and other unusual minerals （carbides, nitrides, metal alloys and native elements） have been recovered from mantle peridotites and chromitites （both high-Cr chromitites and high-Al chromitites） from a number of ophiolites of different ages and tectonic settings. Here we report a similar assemblage of minerals from the Skenderbeu massif of the Mirdita zone ophiolite, west Albania. So far, more than 20 grains of microdiamonds and 30 grains of moissanites （SIC） have been separated from the podiform chromitite. The diamonds are mostly light yellow, transparent, euhedral crystals, 200-300μm across, with a range of morphologies; some are octahedral and cuboctahedron and others are elongate and irregular. Secondary electron images show that some grains have well-developed striations. All the diamond grains have been analyzed and yielded typical Raman spectra with a shift at -1325 cm^-1. The moissanite grains recovered from the Skenderben chromitites are mainly light blue to dark blue, but some are yellow to light yellow. All the analyzed grains have typical Raman spectra with shifts at 766 cm^-1, 787 cm^-1, and 967 cm^-1. The energy spectrums of the moissanites confirm that the grains are composed entirely of silicon and carbon. This investigation expands the occurrence of diamonds and moissanites to Mesozoic ophiolites in the Neo-Tethys. Our new findings suggest that diamonds and moissanites are present, and probably ubiquitous in the oceanic mantle and can provide new perspectives and avenues for research on the origin of ophiolites and podiform chromitites.

Diamonds Discovered from High–Cr Podiform Chromitites of Bulqiza,Eastern Mirdita Ophiolite,Albania

Various combinations of diamond, moissanite, zircon, corundum, rutile and titanitehave been recovered from the Bulqiza chromitites. More than 10 grains of diamond have been recovered, most of which are pale yellow to reddish–orange to colorless. The grains are all 100–300 μm in size and mostly anhedral, but with a range of morphologies including elongated, octahedral and subhedral varieties. Their identification was confirmed by a characteristic shift in the Raman spectra between 1325 cm-1 and 1333 cm-1, mostly at 1331.51 cm-1 or 1326.96 cm-1. This investigation extends the occurrence of diamond and moissanite to the Bulqiza chromitites in the Eastern Mirdita Ophiolite. Integration of the mineralogical, petrological and geochemical data of the Bulqiza chromitites suggests their multi–stage formation. Magnesiochromite grains and perhaps small bodies of chromitite formed at various depths in the upper mantle, and encapsulated the ultra–high pressure, highly reduced and crustal minerals. Some oceanic crustal slabs containing the magnesiochromite and their inclusion were later trapped in suprasubduction zones, where they were modified by tholeiitic and boninitic arc magmas, thus changing the magnesiochromite compositions and depositing chromitite ores in melt channels.

Petrology and PGE Abundances of High-Cr and High-Al Podiform Chromitites and Peridotites from the Bulqiza Ultramafic Massif, Eastern Mirdita Ophiolite, Albania

The Bulqiza ultramafic massif, which is part of the eastern Mirdita ophiolite of northern Albania, is world renowned for its high-Cr chromitite deposits. High-Cr chromitites hosted in the mantle section are the crystallized products of boninitic melts in a supra-subduction zone(SSZ). However,economically important high-Al chromitites are also present in massive dunite of the mantle-crust transition zone(MTZ). Chromian-spinel in the high-Al chromitites and dunites of the MTZ have much lower Cr~# values(100 Cr/(Cr+Al))(47.7-55.1 and 46.5-51.7, respectively) than those in the high-Cr chromitites(78.2-80.4), harzburgites(72.6-77.9) and mantle dunites(79.4-84.3). The chemical differences in these two types of chromitites are reflected in the behaviors of their platinum-group elements(PGE).The high-Cr chromitites are rich in IPGE relative to PPGE with 0.10-0.45 PPGE/IPGE ratios, whereas the high-Al chromitites have relatively higher PPGE/IPGE ratios between 1.20 and 7.80. The calculated melts in equilibrium with the high-Cr chromitites are boninitic-like, and those associated with the high-Al chromitites are MORB-like but with hydrous, oxidized and TiO-poor features. We propose that the coexistence of both types of chromitites in the Bulqiza ultramafic massif may indicates a change in magma composition from MORB-like to boninitic-like in a proto-forearc setting during subduction initiation.

Local Knowledge on Plants and Domestic Remedies in the Mountain Villages of Peshkopia(Eastern Albania)

Ethnobotanical studies in the Balkans are crucial for fostering sustainable rural development in the region and also for investigating the dynamics of change of Traditional Ecological Knowledge(TEK),which has broad-sweeping implications for future biodiversity conservation efforts.A survey of local botanical and medical knowledge and practices was conducted in four mountainous villages of the Peshkopia region in northeast Albania,near the Macedonian border.Snowball sampling techniques were employed to recruit 32 informants for participation in semi-structured interviews regarding the use of the local flora for food,medicinal,veterinary and ritual purposes.The uses of 84 botanical taxa were recorded as well as a number of other folk remedies for the treatment of both humans and livestock.Comparison of the collected data with another ethnobotanical field study recently conducted among Albanians living on the Macedonian side of Mount Korab shows a remarkable divergence in medicinal plant uses,thus confirming the crucial role played by the history of the last century in transforming TEK.Most noteworthy,as a legacy of the Communist period,a relevant number of wild medicinal taxa are still gathered only for trade rather than personal/familial use.This may lead to unsustainable exploitation of certain taxa(i.e.Orchis and Gentiana spp.) and presents some important conservation challenges.Appropriate development and environmental educational frameworks should aim to reconnect local people to the perception of limitation and renewability of botanical resources.

Origin of the Diamonds within Chromitite from the Mirdita Ophiolite(Albania) and its Geological Significance

Geophysical investigations and laboratory experiments show evidence for possible subduction of ancient oceanic crust.Geological and mineralogical observations suggest that subducted oceanic crust is recycled into the upper mantle.The subduction is supported by the recovery of superdeep diamonds from kimberlites and the presence of crustal materials in ophiolitic chromitites and their host peridotites.What is the mechanism?Here we report the new discovery of ophiolite-hosted diamonds in the podiform chromitites within the Skenderbeu massif from the Mirdita ophiolite in the western part of Neo-Tethys(Fig.1).The diamonds are characterized by exceedingly light C isotopes(δ13CPDB^-25‰),which can be interpreted as evidence for subduction of organic carbon from Earth’s surface.The diamonds are also characterized by an exceptionally large range inδ15Nair(-12.9‰to+25.5‰),accompanied by a low N aggregation state(Fig.2).On the other hand,materials sparsely included in diamonds include amorphous material,Ni-Mn-Co alloy,nanocrystals(20 nm×20 nm)of calcium silicate with an orthorhombic perovskite structure(Ca-Pv),and fluids(Fig.3).We consider that the Skenderbeu diamonds nucleated and grew from a C-saturated,NiMnCo-rich melt derived from a subducted slab of ocean crust and lithosphere in the deep mantle environment.The environment is in the diamond stability field or near the top of the mantle transition zone.The new discovery of diamonds from the Mirdita ophiolite provides a valuable opportunity to understand deep cycling of subducted oceanic crust and mantle(i.e.,composition and process).

Multi-stage Process of the Bulqiza Chromitites, Eastern Ophiolitic Belt, Albania

The ultramafic massif of Bulqiza,which belongs to the eastern ophiolitic belt of Albania,is the most important area for metallurgical chromitite ores.The massif consists of a thick(>4 km)rock sequence,with a generalized

Micro-XRF Investigation of Decoration Materials and Painting Techniques in Three 18th-19th Century Mosques in Berat, Albania

We will present here the data obtained from the examination with micro-XRF of a series of micro samples taken from the decorations of three mosques in Berat, Albania. These are parts of an Islamic religious complex situated at the central area of the old town and include the “Helvetia Tekke”, the King’s Mosque and the Bachelors’ Mosque, which were built or reconstructed during the second half of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. Beside the architectural values of the buildings, the interiors of the monuments are decorated with paintings of the walls and the ceilings made of carved wood. The results of the measurements indicate that the preparation layer of the paintings on wooden ceilings was made of gypsum while that of the wall paintings was made of calcium carbonate. The palette includes the following inorganic pigments: lead white, gold, yellow and red ochre, vermilion, red lead, a copper based green, smalt and probably carbon black at Helvetia Tekke;green earth, yellow ochre, red ochre, red lead and cinnabar at Bachelors’ Mosque and red lead, orpiment and Indigo should have used for the original decorations of the ceilings in King Mosque, which are later overpainted with traditional pigments like yellow and red ochre, prussian blue and other modern pigments. Organic pigments, probably indigo and carbon black should have been used for the blue and black color. Similarities and differences observed between the monuments and indications about the painting technique as well as the degradation of some pigments will also be discussed.

A Preliminary Geochemical and Isotopic Appraisal of Sea Water Intrusion in the Fushe Kuqe Aquifer(Northwestern Albania)

The Fushe Kuqe costal aquifer is a typical confined alluvial aquifer.The aquifer medium consists of sand-gravel and silt-clay layers intercalation which gave it a multilayer character.The aquifer recharge occurs mainly by water infiltration from the Rver Mat in the North,and from River Droja in the South.The water flow direction is from northeast to southwest and from southeast to northwest,discharging to the Adriatic Sea.Based on the chloride and TDS(Total Solids Dissolved)content in groundwater,an advancement of sea water intrusion into aquifer was evidenced.The direction of sea water wedge is from coastal south-western sectors towards the north-eastern ones.Sample No.6,8,9 and 10 show chloride concentrations over 100 mg/L and Na/Cl ratios less than 0.86 implying that the groundwater is impacted by sea water intrusion.SR(Simpson Ratio)values of 1.15 and 1.09 for water sample No.8 and 10 are indications of a slight seawater influence,while groundwater of sample no.6 and 9 have SR values of 6.02 and 12.35 which are typical for a highly contamination by sea water.All the points of sampled groundwater fall above the GMWL,indicating that they have suffered a preliminary evaporation before entering the aquifer,likely in the hydropower lakes of Ulza and Shkopet upstream the River Mat course.Despite the narrow range ofδ18O andδ2H values(-6.80‰to-8.00‰and-54.00‰to 42.00‰,respectively),the points of sample No.6,8,9,10 fall on the fresh water-seawater mixing line,indicating the influence of the seawater intrusion.

Groundwater Geochemistry of the Fushe Kuqe Aquifer,North-Western Albania

The Fushe Kuqe costal aquifer is a typical confined alluvial aquifer.The aquifer medium consists of alternating and discontinuous layers of gravel and sand-gravel and silt-clay impermeable layers which have conditioned its multilayer character.The aquifer recharge occurs mainly through water infiltration from the Mat river in the North,and from Droja river in the South,while its natural discharge proceeds to the Adriatic sea.TDS(Total Solids Dissolved)concentration varies from 200-500 mg/L in the North-Eastern area up to over 1,000 mg/L near the coastal area.Such a wide range of TDS values is also confirmed by high(11.89° dH)value of its standard deviation.The HCO3-Ca-Mg and HCO3-Mg-Ca hydrochemical water types dominate in the eastern-north-eastern aquifer sectors,Na-Mg-HCO3-Cl,Na-Cl-HCO3 type in central-western area and,finally,Na-Cl type along the coastal parts of the aquifer.Dissolution of carbonates and sulphate minerals and silicate weathering seems to be the primary processes for the formation of the chemical composition of the groundwater.Chloro-Alkaline Indices CAI-1 and Chadha’s classification diagram distinguished two groundwater compositional groups derived from water-medium chemical reactions and fresh groundwater-seawater mixture,respectively.

Morpho-structural Features and Structural Classification of Chromite Pods in the Tropoje-Has Ophiolite Massif, Albania

Tropoje-Has ophiolitic massif of eastern Mirdita(Albania)ophiolitic belt,is a major source for metallurgical chromite ore in Albania.Massif consists of a thick mantle section of SSZ type,8-10 km thick and

Prevalence of Refractive Errors in the Total Population and the Analysis of Myopic Progression in Adults Aged 20 to 39 in the Urban Area of Tirana, Albania

This study is a retrospective analysis of data stored digitally for 13 years in a Vision Center located in the urban area of Tirana, Albania. In a population of 19,686 people (39.5% M and 60.5% F) who met the criteria, there was a prevalence of astigmatism 42% (12% only astigmatism, 30% associated with hyperopia or myopia), myopia 25%, hyperopia 22% and 24% presbyopic prescriptions for the medium and near distance. The myopia progression study (mean spherical equivalent) indicates that 20% of people had no change, 42% had an increase in myopic correction from 0.25D to 0.50D, 17% from 0.75D to 1.00D, 11% from 1.25D to 1.50D, 5% from 1.75D to 2.00D and 5% of the population had myopic progression greater than 2.00D.

Sanitary Landfill Site Selection Using Multi-criteria Analysis Evaluation:Case Study of Dibra Region,Albania

Landfill is a common solution for the final disposal of MSW(Municipal Solid Waste)in Albania.Landfill sitting is an extremely difficult task to accomplish because the site selection process depends on different factors and regulations.To ensure that an appropriate site is chosen,a systematic process should be developed and followed.In this study,10 candidate sites for an appropriate landfill area in Dibra Region are determined by using the MCE(Multi-criteria Evaluation).From the application of the exclusion criteria provided in the study methodology,it was able to find the best three alternatives.The statistical processing for the determination of the best place was accomplished through MCA(Multi-criteria Analysis)and Environmental Management,for three scenarios with different weights of criteria.The application of this method has led to the identification of the most suitable site for the construction of sanitary landfill in the Dibra Region.

Evaluation of Erosion Rates in Relation to Vegetation Coverage Level-Case Study:Kukësi and Hasi Regions,Albania

Soil erosion is one of the most destructive phenomena of earth causing the loss of land,leading to increased pollution and sedimentation in streams and rivers,clogging these waterways.Due to soil erosion,degraded lands are also often less able to hold onto water,which can worsen flooding.Among all natural causes of soil erosion such as rainfall intensity,temperature and wind,the human activity;massive deforestation and intensive agriculture,including the latest climate changes are considered as very important factors especially nowadays.Thus,evaluating the soil erosion appears very important in order to prevent the phenomena.In this study the soil erosion in forest and pasture areas in Kukësi and Hasi regions(Albania)was evaluated,and classified depending on the degree of coverage by forest vegetation.Detailed information for the above factor was gathered from site visits and national databases of different institutions.Results show that erosion is present in forest and pasture areas in Kukësi and Hasi Regions and is mainly caused by human activities such as large deforestation,intensive use of agricultural land,etc.There is a need to take effective measures and use advanced methods to prevent or control soil erosion not only in Kukësi and Hasi regions,but in all Albanian watersheds.

Investigation of Pottery from Different Neolithic Sites in Southeast Albania Using Various Analytical Techniques

In this paper we will consider the results of the investigation of ceramic shards from four Neolithic sites located in the south-east of Albania using different analytical methods. The sites of Vashtemi, Podgori, Dunavec and Maliq, situated at the plateau of Korca, represent the Neolithic culture at the different stages from Early Neolithic to Eneolithic. The application of EDXRF, micro-XRF, XRD and Optical Microscopy (OM) allowed us to collect data on the mineralogical and elemental composition of the ceramics and the materials used for the external decorations. The results indicate that coarse to medium coarse, non-calcareous clays were used for the ceramic manufacture in all the sites. Mineral inclusions rich in Si, Ca, K, and Fe were identified, some of which could have been intentionally added to the clays during the production process. The similarities of the elemental composition of the shards indicate that the ceramics in each site were prepared from different clay deposits that should have been close to each site. Minerals rich in Ca, Fe and Mn have been used respectively for the white, red and dark brown surface decorations, while bitumen has been applied after the firing in a black decoration.

Results from Multi Technique Investigation of Pottery from Different Early Neolithic Sites in Albania

The archaeological excavations of the Neolithic sites in Albania show that this area has been the center of the confluence of different cultures with various levels of development and social organization. This is reflected in the pottery manufacturing, which during early Neolithic is classified in three major groups. The pottery from the Early Neolithic site at Kolsh, situated in north east, shows similarities with all the other cultures of central Balkans, the shards from the site Blaz in the north-west region show an Adriatic-Mediterraean character, while the south culture represented by Vashtemi and Podgorie sites appears to show cultural report with early Neolithic in the area of Thessaloniki. During the last years, the Institute of Applied Nuclear Physics of the University of Tirana and the Institute of Archaeology of the Center of Albanian Studies have initiated a cooperative study of the ceramic finds which aims at a better characterization and classification of the ceramic finds. In this context Optical Microscopy (OM), EDXRF, micro-XRF and XRD were used for the elemental and structural characterization of ceramic samples. Some data on the fabric texture, inclusions, decoration materials and elemental composition of the shards from pottery samples belonging to the mentioned Early Neolithic sites in Albania will be presented.

Vice-President Ji Bingxuan's Visit to Albania,Latvia and Canada:A Sidelight

At the invitation of the Parliament of Albania,the Albania-China Cultural Association,the Latvia China Business Council,and the Canada International Council,Mr.Ji Bingxuan,ViceChairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress,and Vice-President of the Chinese Association for

Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in Albania

AIM:To assess the prevalence and socio-demographic distribution of hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection in Albania.METHODS:Blood samples from 410 unselected schoolboys,666 students,500 military personnel,1286 casual blood donors,378 voluntary blood donors and 640 pregnant women(total 3880 non-vaccinated residents of rural and metropolitan areas from all over Albania;2354(60.7%) male and 1526(39.3%) female;mean age of 26.3 years) were tested during 2004-2006 for hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis B virus(anti-HBs) by ELISA.RESULTS:The HBsAg and anti-HBs prevalence were 9.5% and 28.7%,respectively.The highest HBsAg prevalence was evident in the younger age group,such as in schoolchildren(11.8%) and the military(10.6%).Consequently,the anti-HBs prevalence increased with age,from 21.2% in schoolchildren(mean age:15.7 years),to 36.3% in pregnant women(mean age:26.3 years) and 29.7% in voluntary blood donors(mean age:40.1 years).There were no significant differences between males and females.CONCLUSION:Despite the estimated two-fold reduction of HBsAg prevalence in the general population from about 18%-19% to 9.5%,Albania remains a highly endemic country(i.e.over 8% of HBsAg prevalence rate).