Study on the Viscosity of Solvents Based on Alanine and Potassium
Carbonate
RAMONA-ELENA TĂTARU-FĂRMUȘ, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of
Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and
Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania NICOLAE APOSTOLESCU, “Gheorghe
Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of
Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania CLAUDIA
COBZARU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor
Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection,
Iași, Romania GABRIELA ANTOANETA APOSTOLESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical
Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania CORINA
CERNĂTESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor
Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection,
Iași, Romania ELENA NICULINA DRĂGOI, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania,
elena.dragoi@tuiasi.ro MIHAELA AURELIA VIZITIU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Iași, Romania MIHAELA POROCH, “Grigore T. Popa” University
of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Preventive
Medicine and Interdisciplinarity, Iași, Romania
Abstract Due to its low regeneration energy, low degradation rates,
and low corrosivity, potassium carbonate is an excellent solvent for carbon
dioxide capture. However, potassium carbonate has a drawback in that it has
relatively slow reaction rate with CO2, necessitating the use of large
absorption apparatus. The addition of promoters to the potassium carbonate
solutions is the most effective way to increase the absorption kinetics.
Potassium salt of alanine (KAla) was chosen as a promoter for CO2 absorption
in potassium carbonate solution (25% K2CO3). The density and viscosity of
solvents are crucial for their thorough evaluation for industrial
applications, and they should be considered in addition to the absorption
rate data. The viscosity of these novel solvents was evaluated over the
temperature range of 298 - 333 K, for concentrations ranging from 3% KAla to
the maximum 7% KAla. Keywords: amino acid salts, carbon dioxide capture,
chemical absorption, promoters, transport properties.
Contamination of Medicinal Plants
with Heavy Metals and Identification of Potential Human Health Risks
DANA-MIHAELA ASIMINICESEI, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Iasi, Romania MARIA GAVRILESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iasi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Iasi, Romania, Academy of Romanian Scientists,
3 Ilfov Street, 050094 Bucharest, Romania, mgav@tuiasi.ro
Abstract The increasingly frequency of the use of
medicinal plants in everyday life is connected with one of the major
problems facing society today, related to the environmental pollution, as a
consequence of unsustainable human activities. Therefore, despite the fact
that medicinal plants are used as natural sources of health remedies, they
can contain various pollutants, as a result of their ability to absorb some
toxic chemical compounds from soil, air, water. Among these pollutants,
heavy metals generate major impacts in the environment because they are
toxic, non-biodegradable, can accumulate in the soil and in biological
components of ecosystems and can move through the food chain, then affecting
human health. Considering these aspects, our work aims to concisely present
the state of knowledge in the field of contamination of medicinal plants
with heavy metals, by: (i) describing the mechanisms of interaction of
plants with the environment, (ii) evaluating the mobility of heavy metals in
plants, (iii) examination of the way of generation and evaluation of risks
for human health. Keywords: absorption, bioavailability, hazard quotient,
persistence, phytotherapy, soil, translocation.
In Vitro Evaluation of the
Dermatocosmetic Emulsions Based on Saffron (Crocus sativus) Alchoolic
Extracts
DELIA TURCOV, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Iași, Romania ANIȘOARA CĂTĂLINA PEPTU, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical
Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania ANCA ZBRANCA,
“Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical
Bioengineering, Iași, Romania DANIELA ȘUTEU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania,
danasuteu67@yahoo.com
Abstract The dermatocosmetic emulsion at
the centre of this work simultaneously responds to the multiple needs of
patients, related to the protective effects provided by the ingredients, but
also to the comfort and pleasure in using the product. At the same time, the
biologically active ingredients have a unique source, by capitalizing on the
floral residues of saffron rich in biological compounds with significant
antioxidant activity. The aim of this article is to test in vitro the
behavior of some emulsions based on Saffron (Crocus sativus) plant extract.
The results of the in vitro tests complete our previous studies and
underline the fact that these emulsions can be made into new
dermato-cosmetic formulations with a perspective in combating skin oxidative
stress. Keywords: dermatocosmetic emulsion; Franz cell; human health; in
vitro evaluation; Saffron; vegetal extract.
Combined Effect of Glycerol and
Calcium Carbonate as Expanding Agents for Manufacturing Foam Glass Gravel on
a Pilot Microwave Oven
LUCIAN PĂUNESCU, Cosfel Actual SRL Bucharest,
Romania, lucianpaunescu16@gmail.com SORIN MIRCEA AXINTE, Daily Sourcing &
Research SRL Bucharest, Romania, Department of Applied Chemistry and
Materials Science, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, Romania ALEXANDRU
FITI, Cosfel Actual SRL Bucharest, Romania
Abstract Foam glass gravel, a building material with
excellent load-bearing and insulation properties, has become very attractive
in recent decades due to its low production costs and its environmental
friendliness. Used in construction, especially in harsher climates, this
product uses recycled residual glass as a raw material. The authors of
current paper have recently approached this field using electromagnetic
waves as energy carriers converting microwave power into heat. Raw material
was recycled post-consumer glass and the combination of a liquid agent
(glycerol) and a solid agent (calcium carbonate) was used as the glass
powder foaming agents. The experiment took place in a modified 10 kW-oven,
much larger than the 800 W-microwave oven used previously. Glass foam gravel
had excellent thermal insulation properties and very good compressive
strength being at the qualitative level of industrial products manufactured
by conventional methods. Keywords: foam glass gravel, glass waste, glycerol,
calcium carbonate, compressive strength.
Study on the Effect of UV Radiation
Over Time on the Oily Maceration of Hot Peppers
CLAUDIA COBZARU, “Gheorghe
Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of
Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iasi, Romania GABRIELA
ANTOANETA APOSTOLESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Iasi, Romania MIHAELA AURELIA VIZITIU, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iasi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical
Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iasi, Romania RAMONA-ELENA
TĂTARU-FĂRMUȘ, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, “Cristofor
Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection,
Iasi, Romania NICOLAE APOSTOLESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of
Iasi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and
Environmental Protection, Iasi, Romania CORINA CERNĂTESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iasi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical
Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iasi, Romania,
corina.cernatescu@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract This study analyses the stability of hot
pepper extract in time, but also under the action of UV radiation. The
experimental data show that, after a long time (4 years), the oily macerated
samples of hot peppers do not present major changes, being resistant to
photochemical degradation. Moreover, it is more resistant to
photo-degradation than the sunflower oil initially used for maceration
Keywords: extraction, hot peppers, oily maceration, photo-degradation.
Effects of the Relative Humidity of
Atmosphere on Performance of n-Hexane Vapors Adsorption Under Static
Conditions
ADELA-MARILENA BUBURUZAN, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University
of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and
Environmental Protection, Department of Environmental Engineering and
Management, Iași, Romania,
marilena-adela.buburuzan@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract Although activated carbon have
been widely used as adsorbents for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it
frequently encounters some problems like fire risk and pore blocking, its
hygroscopicity and preference for adsorbing water vapor which leads to a
decrease in the retention of VOCs vapors and increasing the amount of water
co-desorbed in the regeneration stage. Here, two hypercrosslinked polymeric
resins, MN 202 and MN 250 were successfully tested for n-hexane vapors
adsorption under static conditions for a concentration range between 9200
ppm and 46050 ppm. The performances of n-hexane vapors adsorption, expressed
by removal efficiency (R, %) and adsorption capacities (q, mg/g) recorded by
MN 202 and MN 250 were compared with those recorded by the granular
activated carbon AC 20 (GAC-AC 20) tested in the same conditions and it
turned out that MN 250 > AC 20 > MN 202. Besides, the adsorption
performances of n-hexane vapors by the three adsorbents, were investigated
at different humidities, RH, from 33% to 97% and the results showed that the
polymeric resins behaved much better in high humidity environment. When the
RH increased from 33% to 97% and the n-hexane vapors concentration varied in
the range 9200 ppm to 46050 ppm, the efficiencies of n-hexane removal (R, %)
decrease for each adsorbents thus: by 13% to 40% for AC 20, by 15% to 25%
for MN 202 and by 6% to 10% for MN 250. Therefore, MN 202 and especially MN
250 are promising adsorbents for VOCs removal. Keywords: adsorption,
n-hexane vapor, relative humidity, VOCs, hypercrosslinked polymeric resins,
activated carbon.
High Mechanical
Strength-Geopolymer Concrete Based on Coal Fly Ash and Ground Recycled
Residual Glass Added in the Fine Aggregate
LUCIAN PĂUNESCU, Cosfel Actual
SRL Bucharest, Romania, lucianpaunescu16@gmail.com BOGDAN-VALENTIN PĂUNESCU,
Consitrans SA Bucharest, Romania ENIKÖ VOLCEANOV, Faculty of Science and
Materials Engineering, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, Romania,
Metallurgical Research Institute SA Bucharest, Romania
Abstract Fly ash-geopolymer concrete using ground
glass waste as a partial substitute for the fine aggregate was
experimentally made in order to increase the mechanical strength of
geopolymer. Using the method recently patented by the French Davidovits for
activating the geopolymerization reaction of alumino-silicate materials in a
highly alkaline liquid medium, this material type was produced in a gel
state, poured into the mold and subjected to the steam curing process at
80ºC, followed by keeping at room temperature for 28 and 90 days
respectively, before determining its characteristics. Additionally and
simultaneously, constituting the work originality, the fine aggregate of the
mixture was partially replaced up to 15% with ground glass waste. At the end
of the curing process, the investigation of specimen characteristics
highlighted the increase of compressive strength up to 62.7 MPa, i.e. 8.05%
higher compared to the reference sample made without replacing the fine
aggregate with glass. Keywords: geopolymer concrete, fly ash, recycled glass
waste, geopolymerization, alkaline activator.
Evaluation of Barrier Properties of
Food Packaging Papers Coated with Hemicellulose Biopolymers
MIRELA ROMAN,
“Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, Doctoral School of Fundamental and
Engineering Sciences, Galați, Romania, mirela.roman@ugal.ro PETRONELA
NECHITA, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, Department of Environmental,
Applied Engineering and Agriculture, Galați, Romania CRISTIAN SILVIU
SIMIONESCU, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, Department of
Environmental, Applied Engineering and Agriculture, Galați, Romania
Abstract The existing food packaging
papers are obtained by coating with aluminium/plastic foils and synthetic
polymers. Due to the use of non-renewable resources, poor recyclability and
lack of biodegradability, these solutions are not sustainable. In this paper
are presented the results on utilisation of xylan hemicelluloses as
biopolymers in coating of paper to improve its characteristics for food
packaging. In this scope, biopolymer coatings based on xylan and xylan
derivatives (acetylated and hydrophobized xylan) were applied in single and
successive layers on paper surface. The structural and barrier (to water,
gases, oil and grease) properties of coated paper samples showed the good
performance to be used in food packaging applications. These findings will
make possible obtaining of packaging papers with functional properties,
recyclable, biodegradable and compostable that will contribute to reduce of
plastic packaging utilisation. Keywords: xylan; coatings; paper; food
packaging; barrier characteristics.
Evaluating the Effects that the Zero
Waste Sewing Patterns Have on an Apparel Item’s Environmental Impact
IRINA-ELENA MARIN, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty
of Industrial Design and Business Management, Iași, Romania,
irina-elena.marin@student.tuiasi.ro VICTORIA BOCANCEA, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business
Management, Iași, Romania MARIA CARMEN LOGHIN, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management,
Iași, Romania
Abstract The
effects of climate change are more and more visible nowadays, and global
warming has taken its toll lately. Those effects are but a result of the
massive and irresponsible production capacity, fueled by the greed for
consumption. Within the apparel sphere, this overwhelming manufacturing rate
has been manifesting itself in tremendous amounts of fabric waste, designed
for landfill disposal, which contributed over the years to climate change.
The damage that has been done can only be fixed by rethinking and
restructuring the conventional ways garments are produced, as well as
becoming more aware of the need for a structural change within the fashion
industry. Considering the major impact the apparel industry has upon the
environment, this study aims to identify what are the steps to be followed,
and by how much can a clothing item be less hazardous, by addressing the
consequences of regular and sustainable apparel upon global warming,
eutrophication and acidification. Keywords: apparel industry, ecodesign,
fabric consumption, global warming, patterns.
Watershed Delineation in Flat Urban
Areas Using GIS Techniques
IOAN-CORNELIU MARȚINCU, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and
Environmental Engineering, Iași, Romania,
anca.danila@academic.tuiasi.ro ANCA ZABORILĂ, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of
Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and Environmental Engineering, Iași, Romania
CATRINEL-RALUCA GIURMA-HANDLEY, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of
Iași, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and Environmental Engineering, Iași,
Romania
Abstract The accurate
determination of the catchments is still a challenge in the flat terrains of
the urban areas even if this is a precondition for runoff modeling,
hydrological modeling and water quality simulations. To aid in delineating
of the contributing drainage areas across an entire city at the level of
individual drain inlets, which were then aggregated to larger basins in an
urban landscape, a workflow has been developed. The purpose of this paper is
to delineate the regional storm watershed properties to perform a drainage
analysis on a terrain model. Arc Hydro package has been utilized for this
study because can reduce considerably the time-consuming processes as well
as help to improve the reliability and resolution. The results of this study
show that delineations of urban watersheds in flat areas can be possible
even in lower resolution city models and provide high superiorly data if a
complete database that reflects the reality will be utilized. Furthermore, a
distinction has been made between the basins which drains to the surface
waters and those that are draining to the sewerage network. The results can
be easily used to study the pipe hydraulics for sewer systems and for future
management planning. Keywords: watershed delineation, stormwater network,
digital terrain model, hydrology.
On the Ecological State of Moldova River in the Cordun Area
PETRU-DANIEL
BRĂNIANU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of
Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and Environmental Engineering, Iași, Romania MIHAIL
LUCA, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of
Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and Environmental Engineering, Iași, Romania,
mluca2015@yahoo.com VALENTIN BOBOC, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University
of Iași, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and Environmental Engineering,
Iași, Romania
Abstract The
research was carried out on the section of the Moldova River where the
industrial water catchment of the city of Roman is located. The realization
of a catchment construction influenced the morphology of the minor bed of
the Moldova River over a length of about 400 m. The river was divided into
two arms separated by an island. The research highlighted the morphological
differences between the two riverbeds, an aspect that also influenced their
ecological condition. Both streams do not provide optimal conditions for the
aquatic and riparian habitat in the current stage of operation. The research
revealed that the left arm cannot provide good habitat conditions due to the
hydraulic characteristics of the catchment. The secondary bed is not
regularized and has an uneven water supply. The acrid situation does not
allow the achievement of the hydraulic and biological parameters of the
habitat's existence. Keywords: degradation, habitat, river morphology, water
catchment.