An Overview of Legislative Changes in Packaging Waste Management in
Romania
MĂDĂLINA-MARIA ENACHE, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Iași, Romania DORINA PETRISOR, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania, ADI ECODolj, Craiova, Romania
BOGDAN-CONSTANTIN SETO, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Iași, Romania, GREENPOINT Management, Bucharest, 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 CARMEN TEODOSIU, “Gheorghe
Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of
Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
Abstract Sustainable approaches in packaging waste (a key waste
stream) management play a vital role in increasing material and energy
recycling and recovery rates and promoting closed loops. This review is
focused on how the legislative context influences the performance of
packaging waste management systems. As in any European member state, Romania
has enforced the Directives and subsequent acts related to packaging waste.
From 2018 onwards, the flow of European legislative documents implementation
has increased together with the necessity to match national legislation with
the actual societal needs. In Romania, the packaging waste system is
organized based on the Extended Producer Responsibility principle and the
separate collection of materials. The main findings of this analysis in the
Romanian context, is that the legislative instruments have influenced the
achievement of recovery and recycling rates as envisioned for the 2019-2021
period, as well as increasing the chances for the fulfilment of planned
targets up to 2025. Keywords: packaging waste management, recycling,
extended producer responsibility (EPR), legislation
Analysing of Possibilities to Use of Alternative Fuels as Energy Sources
LEONID VASILIU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Romania LILIANA LAZAR, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Romania MIHAELA FANACHE, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical
Engineering and Environmental Protection, Romania MARIA HARJA, “Gheorghe
Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of
Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Romania,
maria.harja@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract Cement production at the global level has grown at a
dizzying pace in recent decades, and with it the consumption of thermal and
electrical energy of the producing factories. As a result, the negative
effects on the environment also increased, effects also blamed on cement
producers. The classic sources of obtaining the necessary thermal energy are
obtained from fossil fuels, and their replacement with less polluting
sources is of great importance. The use of alternative fuel sources, namely
combustible waste, is a viable solution, but applying a strategy to use them
as the main source of thermal energy is a complex process with many
variables. The most delicate criterion is that of obtaining a product of
superior quality, in large quantities and at constant values. Therefore, by
burning an alternative fuel, the product obtained must not be negatively
influenced by its use. The use of alternative fuels brings both a
competitive advantage and the reduction of polluting gas emissions.
Keywords: alternative fuels, characterization, heavy metals, tires
The Use of Keratin Protein as Animal Fibers to Make a Geopolymer Based
on Alumino-Silicate Industrial By-Products
LUCIAN PĂUNESCU, Cosfel Actual SRL Bucharest, Romania, lucianpaunescu16@gmail.com ADRIAN IOANA, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, Faculty of Science
and Materials Engineering, Romania ENIKÖ VOLCEANOV, University
“Politehnica” of Bucharest, Faculty of Science and Materials Engineering,
Romania, Metallurgical Research Institute SA Bucharest, Romania BOGDAN
VALENTIN PĂUNESCU, Consitrans SA Bucharest, Romania
Abstract Keratin protein fiber existing in poultry feathers was
incorporated (in the maximum volumetric proportion of 1.7%) in the starting
mixture prepared for making a geopolymer concrete based on alumino-silicate
industrial by-products (granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash). The
aqueous solution of the alkaline activator composed of NaOH and Na2SiO3
facilitated the development of the geopolymerization reaction generating the
geopolymer. After the curing process of fresh geopolymer, the strengthened
specimens kept for additional 7 and 28 days were investigated to determine
their mechanical and physical characteristics. The results of investigations
showed an increase in compression strength up to 51.2 MPa and flexural
strength up to 15.8 MPa (after 28 days). The geopolymer made from waste with
very low energy consumption and in ecological conditions is suitable for its
application in construction sector. Keywords: keratin protein, animal
fiber, geopolymer, blast furnace slag, flexural strength
Hesperidin. I. Mechanism of Action and Antiviral Effect Against
SARS-COV-2
MĂLINA MARIA CERNĂTESCU, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and
Pharmacy Iași, Faculty of Medicine, Iași, Romania, malinacernatescu1@gmail.com CLAUDIA COBZARU, “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
Abstract In the ever-evolving landscape of the 2019 Coronavirus
Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) diligently monitor the frequent emergence of new variants of the
virus. This review delves into the intricate structural configuration of the
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), its mechanisms
of infection, and certain treatment options. Amid the various strategies for
preventing and treating COVID-19, the significance of nutrition remains
somewhat underestimated. Foods contain a vast array of substances, with
specific compounds exhibiting antiviral properties and contributing to
immune regulation and cellular defence against oxidative stress. In this
overview, we focus on a specific compound - hesperidin, found in citrus
fruits, renowned for their vitamin and flavonoid content. Hesperidin
exhibits promising results in combating SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the
potential of phytochemical interventions, including nutrition, alongside
conventional therapies. Keywords: COVID19, SARS-CoV-2, Hesperidin,
Antiviral, Anti-inflammatory
Manufacturing the Cellular Carbon from Pine Sawdust and Sucrose Solution
Using Microwave Heating
LUCIAN PĂUNESCU, Cosfel Actual SRL Bucharest, Romania, lucianpaunescu16@gmail.com ENIKÖ VOLCEANOV, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, Faculty of
Science and Materials Engineering, Romania, Metallurgical Research Institute
SA Bucharest, Romania SORIN MIRCEA AXINTE, University “Politehnica” of
Bucharest, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Romania,
Daily Sourcing & Research SRL Bucharest, Romania
Abstract Cellular carbon from pine sawdust and sucrose aqueous
solution was experimentally manufactured. The main element of originality of
the work was the realization of the carbonization process at 750°C of
the pressed mixture in a strong microwave-absorbing crucible placed in the
cavity of a microwave reactor. The inert atmosphere inside the crucible was
obtained by periodically blowing nitrogen. Practically, the material heating
was done indirectly, the thick wall of crucible being the area where the
microwave power was converted into heat. Due to the high heating rate, the
carbonization was achieved quickly and allowed the manufacture of cellular
carbon specimens with low density and low heat conductivity. The compressive
strength was acceptable, while the electrical conductivity and
electromagnetic shielding effectiveness had high values. Keywords:
cellular carbon, sucrose, sawdust, microwave, carbonization
Micropilot Scale Testing of Advanced Inorganic Materials Obtained from
Wastes
MIHAELA CAFTANACHI, S.C. Gemite RO SRL, Iași, Romania, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iaşi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical
Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iaşi, Romania MIHAI VRABIE,
S.C. Gemite RO SRL, Iași, Romania, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of
Iaşi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and
Environmental Protection, Iaşi, Romania ALEXANDRU-IOAN COTOFAN, S.C.
Gemite RO SRL, Iași, Romania MARIA HARJA, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iaşi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Iaşi, Romania,
maria.harja@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract Traditional building materials have a major contribution to
carbon emissions, consumption of natural resources, all these affecting
environmental. To avoid the disadvantages that come from the cement
industry, one strategy could be to use alternative materials as substitutes
for cement-based materials. In plus these materials can be obtaining from by
products, secondary sources of silicates and aluminates. In the present
study, a characterization of the materials obtained following the activation
of some aluminosilicate wastes with an alkaline mixture consisting of KOH
and Na2SiO3 in different mass ratios will be carried out. KOH solutions had
molarities between 5-10 M. The tests that were carried out are: workability
of the fresh material, density of the hardened material, mechanical
properties, capillarity absorption and resistance in the acid, alkaline and
salts environments. The results allow the best conditions to be established
in order to manufacture suitable materials with the proper characteristics. Keywords: alkaline activation, by-products, mechanical properties,
chemical attack resistance
Quantitative Analysis of Lemon Juice
CORINA CERNĂTESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Iași, Romania CĂTĂLINA–MIHAELA POTOP, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical
Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania MĂLINA MARIA
CERNĂTESCU, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași,
Faculty of Medicine, Iași, Romania CLAUDIA COBZARU, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical
Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania,
claudia.cobzaru@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract Citrus fruits are the most widespread and consumed fruits
in the world, being cultivated in more than 80 countries. Lemon juice can be
used to clean grease or stains from various surfaces, as an air freshener,
as a disinfectant, to remove dark sport and cellulite from skin. Lemon is
considered a natural diuretic, control fat accumulation and improve enzymes
actions. Vitamin C protects biologically active compounds from oxidative
degradation; stimulates the biosynthesis processes in cells. Citric acid,
mainly found in various fruits and vegetables, is extremely important in
some enzymatic processes. The lemon juice fresh squired was analysed by the
means of quantitative measurements of vitamin C using both iodometric and
spectrophotometric methods, also the total acidity by titration with NaOH
and the electrical conductivity were measured. Keywords: lemon juice,
iodometric and spectrophotometric quantitative analysis of Vitamin C, total
acidity, electrical conductivity