2023, Volume 69(73), Issue 4 (December)

Contents

pages 1- 8   Download  

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

pages 9 - 22   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10684910
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

pages 23 - 32   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10684992
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

pages 33 - 46   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10685359
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

pages 47 - 57   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10685387
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

pages 59 - 69   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10685410
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

pages 71 – 80   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10685440
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

pages 81 - 91   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10685473
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