Volume 3 [2001]

The present attempt has a two prong-emphasis. On the one hand it demarcates the physical, structural,
social and economic parameters and the eliciting environmental problems in Thriassion Plain, the main
industrial area of metropolitan Athens, Greece. On the other hand it attempts to delineate a framework
of total unit management in terms of actions that may make possible the solution of long term pollution
problems focusing on the whole spectrum of potential policy alternatives. Such an approach could contribute
in presenting some options, for water resources management in particular and in general for natural
resources management efforts, that may outline an environmental management framework necessary
for a continuous, comprehensive and future oriented development of the area.

The malaria situation in Bulgaria during the past decade of the century was analysed and the evaluation
of the risk of re-emerging of the diseases and factors determining it in the phase of maintanence
of malaria eradication was carried out. The epidemiological analysis of malaria cases notified during
the period 1991-2000 in Bulgaria is presented. Of a total of 382 malaria episodes registered, 363
(95.03%), were imported into Bulgaria from endemic countries, 1 (0.26%) occurred after haemotransfusion
and 18 (4.71%) were indigenous introduced ones. Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 68.59%
of all imported cases, P.vivax, for 23.82%, P.ovale, for 2.36%, P.malariae, for 1.85%. In 1.83% more
than one species was detected, and in 6 cases, the species was not identified. The import of malaria
came mainly from Africa-299 (82.37%) cases, followed by Asia-63 (17.36%) and Oceania-1 (0.27%).
Four cases with falciparum malaria resulted in death. A great number of imported cases-231 (63.81%)
was diagnosed during the potential malaria season in Bulgaria (April-October). The analysis of present
entomological situation showed a high density of Anopheles population. As an indication for existence
of potential risk of spread of indigenous malaria, especially in cases of delayed diagnosis and treatment,
18 indigenous cases of vivax malaria were recorded in 1995-1996 in the region of the town of Sandanski,
for the first time after malaria eradication in 1965. The cases were classified as introduced ones. The
analysis of the essential malaria import in Bulgaria, climatic conditions and presence of Anopheline
species revealed a fairly high level of malariogenic potential. The stratification of the country was carried
out in accordance with the degree of hazard of malaria spreading, and the territory was divided
into three categories of regions: with high-, medium- and low-risk. The present situation, that probably
will be valid for the future, too, requires a scientific based prognosis and improvement of a system of
surveillance activities aiming at prevention of indigenous endemic and epidemic spreading of malaria
in the country, as well as elaboration of adequate activities of the health network in case of reappearance
of autochthonous cases.

Electricity generation in solid fuel fired power stations is currently the main source of flying particulates
and greenhouse gases emissions. Environmental pollution is expected to deteriorate dramatically
in the coming century unless pollution abatement technologies for solid fuels energy conversion will be
applied. The Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) system, currently under industrial testing,
provides for high solid fuel energy conversion efficiency (e.g. ~ 45 %) and favors the application of
proven technologies for gas purification (e.g. H2S oxidation to elemental sulfur, CO2 separation and
disposal as a stable carbonate solid). Additionally, gasification combined with fuel cell technology
(CGFC) may provide in the long run, for energy conversion efficiency well over 50%. This article
reports also the results of pilot plant lignite gasification tests for the production of a medium heating
value synthesis gas using a novel indirect heat (allothermal) gasification process (ALLOGAS). The latter
process employs an indirect heat rotary kiln gasifier and is considered as the most appropriate to
gasify moist lignite with the minimum pretreatment.

Natural phosphate raw materials contain up to 3.5% of fluorine. In reprocessing natural phosphate raw
material 30 - 100 % of fluorine emits into the environment as toxic compounds. The acid is used for
decomposing the carbon dioxides that are contained in raw materials. The way and technology of
obtaining the phosphate fertilizer has been offered. This technology provides for using the carbonic
acid instead of strong acids. Thus, it is possible to exclude formation of water - soluble fluorine toxic
compounds and use of the acid for decomposing carbon dioxide.