2023, Volume 69(73), Issue 3 (September)

Contents

pages 1- 8   Download  

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

pages 9 - 18   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10072262
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

pages 19 - 26   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10072397
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

pages 27 - 40   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10072414
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

pages 41 - 53   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10072418
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

pages 55 - 66    Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10072428
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

pages 67 - 74   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10072439
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

pages 75 - 86   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10072445
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

pages 87 - 101   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10072450
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

pages 103 - 108   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10072460
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

pages 109 - 120   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10072463
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

pages 121 - 127   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10072473
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