Manufacturing the Rye Starch-Based Bioplastics Using Glycerine as a
Plasticizer
LUCIAN PĂUNESCU, Cosfel Actual SRL Bucharest, Romania,
lucianpaunescu16@gmail.com MARIUS FLORIN DRAGOESCU, University “Politehnica” of
Bucharest, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Research
Center for Environmental Protection and Eco-Friendly Technologies,
Bucharest, Romania
Abstract Bioplastic film based on rye starch and glycerine was
experimentally produced. The starch extraction from rye grains was made
after very fine grinding of rye grains together with distilled water, the
powder filtration through cotton cloth, decanting, and slow drying at 60ºC.
Different starch/glycerine weight ratios in the range of 2.5-3.7 constituted
three versions of the mixture subjected to the stirring process and heated
to 60ºC. The slurry-mixture was poured into a metal die and pressed forming
1-1.5 mm-sheet. After completing the drying, removal from the die, and
keeping at room temperature for 2 days, the bioplastic was characterized.
The results (density of 1.7 g·cm-3, tensile strength of 2.8 MPa, elongation
at break of 6.3%, water contact angle of 53.4º) corresponding to the optimal
version of the starch/glycerine ratio of 3.7, were almost similar to those
obtained in making the bioplastic based on sweet potato starch.
Keywords: bioplastic, film, rye starch, glycerine, keywords, tensile
strength
Rheological Study of Cosmetic Creams with Basil Extracts Obtained by
Maceration
CLAUDIA COBZARU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University
of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and
Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania CĂTĂLINA ELENA COBILIȚĂ,
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu”
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
MARICEL DANU, “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,
corina.cernatescu@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract This study presents the rheological properties of cosmetic
creams formulated with basil extracts that were obtained by maceration with
ethyl alcohol. Rheological measurements showed that all of the analysed
cosmetic creams with basil extracts have a time-dependent pseudoplastic
behaviour. In the case of cosmetic creams obtained in the laboratory, they
are homogeneous, have a fine texture and a specific smell of basil, and on
the other hand, they are moderately absorbed and give it long-lasting
hydration and a velvety skin. Keywords: rheology, cosmetic cream,
alcoholic maceration of basil, natural extracts
Raising Awareness of Textile Waste Contamination Danger
ALEXANDRA BODOGA, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management,
Iași, Romania,
alexandra.bodoga@academic.tuiasi.ro ANDREEA NISTORAC,
“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 Textiles are fundamental materials in fashion industries and
other sectors, including healthcare and food service. Textiles can easily be
contaminated with viruses, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms that
can cause many diseases. Reducing the risk of transmission of
micro-organisms, especially in a tragic post-pandemic context, has become
one of the greatest modern concerns. Diverse methods of textile
decontamination can be discussed, including thermal, chemical, and physical
techniques and their effectiveness in eliminating microorganisms. In recent
years, textile and footwear recycling has become a priority for the fashion
industry due to its negative impact on the environment. Before being
recycled, textile waste should be decontaminated to avoid the spread of
pathogen agents. The purpose of this state-of-the-art research is to raise
awareness regarding the need of establishing a decontamination step at the
beginning of the textile waste recycling process to maintain safety
standards from both the facility cross-contamination viewpoint and the human
resource perspective. Keywords: textile life cycle, pathogens in
textiles, disinfectant substances, biological load, recycling steps
Cellular Glass as Insulation Material in Construction Under Conditions
of Mechanical Stress
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 Cellular glass with excellent thermal insulation properties
(low density of 0.26 g·cm-3, very low heat conductivity of 0.064 W·m-1·K-1,
and high porosity of 87.6%), and in the same time, relatively high
compressive strength of 6.0 MPa was prepared. The mixture was composed of
finely ground solid materials (glass waste, borax, and Na2CO3) and liquids
(Na2SiO3 solution and water addition), separately processed and then mixed
together. The obtained dense paste was poured into a mold, pressed, removed
from the mold, to be freely loaded into the microwave oven. Sintered at
825ºC, the expanded material resulted as a cellular product adequate for
using as insulation material in construction under the conditions of
mechanical stress. Keywords: cellular glass, recycled glass waste,
sodium carbonate, borax, sodium silicate solution
Considerations on Floods in the Prut–Bârlad Basin
VIOLETA DOMINTE (CROITORU), “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and Environmental
Engineering, Iași, Romania,
violeta.croitoru@student.tuiasi.ro MIHAIL LUCA,
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Hydrotechnics,
Geodesy and Environmental Engineering, Iași, Romania
Abstract The work presents an analysis of historical floods and
areas with potentially significant risk to floods, in the Prut–Bârlad river
basin, as well as measures to reduce flood risk. Over the years, floods have
had significant consequences for human activity, the environment, cultural
heritage and economic activity. In order to reduce flood risk, various
programmes for tracking hydrometric and hydrometeorological parameters have
been created, critical defence work has been fixed, the warning system has
been implemented-alarm, the defence plan has been updated against floods,
critical points were inventoried on water courses and hydrotechnical
constructions. In order to assess flood risk, hazard maps have been drawn up
in 3 flood scenarios with different probabilities, as well as flood risk
maps using hydrological and hydraulic modelling. In order to reduce the risk
to floods, at European level, emphasis is placed on non-structural measures:
measures to reduce the probability of flooding (reduction of hazard) and
measures to increase resilience to floods. Keywords: defense, hazard,
measures, risk reduction, warning
Pressure Management for Leakage Reduction in Water Distribution Systems
IONUȚ-EMILIAN TODIRICĂ, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and Environmental
Engineering, Iași, Romania,
ionut-emilian.todirica@student.tuiasi.ro CATRINEL RALUCA
GIURMA-HANDLEY, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and Environmental Engineering, Iași,
Romania ANCA ZABORILĂ, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and Environmental
Engineering, Iași, Romania
Abstract As a response for water losses in urban water supply
networks, the pressure management has become now, one of the most effective
method in order to reduce the leakage part of non-revenue water (NRW). The
implementation of pressure management has as main objectives besides
reducing leakage, reducing bursts frequency and extending the life of the
infrastructure. Therefore, in order to improve the water distribution
systems, this paper presents the advantages of pressure control and
optimization for water distribution using pressure reducing valve (PRV). The
main purpose of using PRV is to provide uniform distribution of the pressure
and decreasing of the excessive pressure on the water system, reducing the
water leakage and energy consumption accordingly. Reducing average and
maximum excess pressure by only 10% produces a reduction in leakage,
reduction in pipe bursts, deferred renewal and extension of residual asset
life, as well as energy savings. Keywords: water losses, pressure
management, PRV
Considerations for Recovering Valuable Materials from Electronic Waste
ȘTEFAN LEONTIN MARTINAȘ-IONIȚĂ, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical
Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania,
martinasstefan@gmail.com GABRIELA ANTOANETA APOSTOLESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania MARIA HARJA,
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu”
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
Abstract The production of electrical and electronic equipment has
increased significantly in recent years because of an increase in consumer
demand, yet their life expectancies have shortened as a result of the rapid
advancement of technology. As a result, a significant amount of electronic
waste (or “e-waste”) is generated every day. Most of these wastes are made
up of materials that, if managed improperly, can affect the habitats in
which they are placed as well as implicitly the species that inhabit those
environments. These wastes typically include refractory oxides, polymers,
and metals. If correctly separated and recovered, these materials can have
significant economic value. In this study, the primary methods for
separating and extracting valuable elements from electrical and electronic
trash were evaluated, and the efficiency of these techniques was evaluated
in terms of removing the waste. Processes like pyrometallurgical,
hydrometallurgical, pyro-physical, and biological have been analysed.
Keywords: e-waste, extraction, environment protection, recovery, valuable
metals
A Short Review on Urban Air Pollution and Innovative Bioremedial
Approaches
ADRIAN CĂTĂLIN TOMA, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania IRINA VOLF,
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu”
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania,
irina.volf@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract In the European Union air pollution is a significant threat
to human health and to environment, with more than 400,000 premature deaths
estimated annually. Romania experienced an increase in air pollutants from
2016 to 2018, followed by a decrease from 2019 to 2021, with values lower
than the WHO guideline recommendations. However, air pollution remains a
public health concern in Romania, with heart disease and stroke being the
leading causes of death associated with it. Innovative techniques for air
(bio)remediation are necessary to mitigate the negative effects of air
pollution. Indoor phytoremediation, which uses plants to remove pollutants
from the air, is a promising solution for urban spaces. Indoor plants
systems, including green walls and biofilic systems, can reduce air
pollutant levels and improve indoor air quality, thereby reducing associated
health risks. In conclusion, it is essential to take active measures to
lessen its impact on both the quality of life and the environment.
Keywords: air pollution, health effects, (bio)remediation, green walls
Circular Economy. Business Models and Good Practice Models. Waste Uses
of Wine Production
MARIUS TEODOR GRAMATICU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management,
Iași, Romania,
marius-teodor.gramaticu@student.tuiasi.ro SILVIA AVASILCĂI,
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design
and Business Management, Iași, Romania
Abstract Seen as part of the solution to the crisis of natural and
ecological resources, the Circular Economy has become a development priority
both in the European Union economy and in the world. In a circular economy
natural, raw materials are used to their full potential and waste is
reintroduced into the circuit for sustainable reuse and thus it becomes a
solution and an opportunity to transform the current economy into a
sustainable one. Like any other industry and the wine industry is a producer
of waste but some of them can become by reuse raw materials needed and used
in other industries. Any wine producer can become part of the circular
economy, thus increasing their income and reducing pollution or consumption
of natural resources. In some European countries, massive investment has
been made in recycling and reducing waste from wine production.
Keywords: producers, transformation, sustainable economy, resources
Chicken Manure Valorisation by Forced Aeration In-Vessel Composting at
Laboratory Scale
GEORGE BARJOVEANU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania PETRU APOPEI,
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu”
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
DANIELA GAVRILESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania,
daniela.gavrilescu@academic.tuiasi.ro ANDREEA GHERGHEL,
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu”
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
CARMEN TEODOSIU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University
of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and
Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
Abstract Intensive rearing of different animals has led to
significant amounts of farming animal derived wastes, such as chicken
manure, an important biodegradable waste that is still frequently applied in
direct land fertilization as a method of disposal. Unfortunately, this is
not a sustainable treatment option for chicken manure due to its intrinsic
properties. In line with the waste management hierarchy options and with
circular economy principles, chicken manure valorisation is possible after
biological or chemical treatment, the first being even more desirable
because it mimics the natural cycles. However, various materials must be
added to the chicken manure to make susceptible to biodegradation. This
study proposes the experimental laboratory-scale investigation of an
in-vessel forced aeration process applied for the treatment and valorisation
of chicken manure. The most suitable bulking agent out of 4 materials
(sawdust, wheat straw, lignite and charcoal) and the various C:N ratio in
waste-bulking agent mixtures were investigated. The results indicated that
lignite is the most suitable bulking material, while a C:N ratio of a
chicken-manure lignite mix of 10:6 is considered to give the best composting
results. Keywords: composting, chicken manure, waste valorisation,
circular economy
Probabilistic Methods for Determining Flood Waves
CLARISA PARASCHIVESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and Environmental
Engineering, Iași, Romania CIPRIAN VOROVEI, “Gheorghe
Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and
Environmental Engineering, Iași, Romania,
ciprian.vorovei@academic.tuiasi.ro CATRINEL RALUCA
GIURMA-HANDLEY, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and Environmental Engineering, Iași,
Romania
Abstract Floods represent a phenomenon of rapid and significant
increase and decrease of the levels, respectively the flows of the
watercourses; these are defined by hydrographs. For the dimensioning, the
execution and the exploitation of the hydrotechnical constructions in safe
conditions it is necessary to know the flood waves with different
probabilities. The paper presents the way of determining the flood waves
with different probabilities for the cases when there is and when there is
not enough data from measurements, followed by calculation examples.
Finally, some flood prevention measures are recommended. Keywords:
hydrograph, flow, rainfall