LAURENȚIU-CONSTANTIN MIHĂILĂ, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical
Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
ANNAMARIA TALPALARU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of
Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and
Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania BEATRICE IOANA IACOB,
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu”
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
CATALIN LISA, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of
Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and
Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania GABRIELA LISA,
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu”
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania,
gabriela.lisa@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract This study investigates the drying kinetics of celery purée
(Apium graveolens L.) using a halogen moisture analyzer at isothermal
temperatures ranging from 50 to 105°C. Thermogravimetric analysis
(TG/DTG/DTA) revealed an initial moisture content of 88.67% and
characteristic thermal degradation of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin.
Thin-layer drying curves were obtained, and effective moisture diffusion
coefficients increased with temperature, ranging from 4.083·10-10 to
20.511·10-10 m2/s. Activation energy for moisture diffusion, calculated
using the Arrhenius equation, was 30.18 kJ/mol, comparable to literature
values reported for celery slices. Results indicate similar moisture
diffusion mechanisms despite structural differences between purée and intact
plant tissues. The study provides valuable experimental data for optimizing
drying processes, reducing energy consumption, and producing high-quality
dehydrated vegetable products with potential industrial applications.
Keywords: celery purée, drying kinetics, halogen moisture analyzer,
effective moisture diffusion, activation energy
ELENA UNGUREANU, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life
Sciences, Iași, Romania BOGDAN M. TOFĂNICĂ, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad”
Iași University of Life Sciences, Iași, Romania, bogdan.tofanica@iuls.ro CARMEN-OLGUȚA BREZULEANU, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life
Sciences, Iași, Romania OVIDIU C. UNGUREANU, “Vasile Goldis” West
University of Arad, Arad, Romania MARIA-EMILIANA FORTUNĂ, “Petru Poni”
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iași, Romania STEJĂREL
BREZULEANU, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, Iași,
Romania IRINA VOLF, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
Romania
Abstract The current study proposes to evaluate the adsorption
capacity of Sarkanda grass lignin regarding the retention of As(III) from
aqueous media from a thermodynamic, spectral and biological point of view,
considering the need for rational use of resources and the danger of the
As(III) ion derived from its potentially toxic function. The state of
chemical equilibrium was assessed by determining the enthalpy, entropy and
Gibbs free energy of adsorption, and the diffusion and retention of the
polluting species in the lignin pores were highlighted using scanning
electron microscopy (SEM). The biostability was analyzed by means of
germination tests applied to barley seeds (Hordeum vulgare L., Amethyst
variety) incorporated in the lignin infested with As(III) and in the
filtrates collected, after phase separation. The experimental results
obtained recommend Sarkanda grass lignin for potential applications in the
sorption of polluting species from aqueous environments, in particular
As(III), offering a sustainable solution also in terms of the valorization
of secondary agricultural products, in the context of the circular
bioeconomy. Keywords: sorption, toxic, lignin, As(III), Hordeum vulgare
L.
TIBERIU VLAD SIMION, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Iași, Romania RALUCA-MARIA MIGHIU (ȚÂBULEAC), “Gheorghe
Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of
Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania,
raluca-maria.tabuleac@student.tuiasi.ro MARIA GAVRILESCU, “Gheorghe
Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of
Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania; Academy of
Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania; Academy of Technical Sciences of
Romania, Bucharest, Romania
Abstract This study examines the complex interplay between tourism,
the free movement of people, and sustainable development within the European
Union (EU). While tourism and mobility represent pillars of European
integration, cultural exchange, and economic growth, they also generate
substantial environmental and socio-economic pressures. The paper explores
how increased tourist flows and cross-border travel contribute to greenhouse
gas emissions, resource depletion, and ecosystem degradation, particularly
in ecologically sensitive and infrastructure-limited regions. Through a
critical review of academic literature, policy frameworks, and regional case
examples, the analysis identifies key governance challenges, including
institutional fragmentation, uneven policy implementation, and the lack of
harmonized sustainability indicators. Special attention is given to regional
disparities in sustainability practices and the underrepresentation of
mobility impacts in EU sustainability strategies. The study concludes by
emphasizing the need for integrated, participatory, and adaptive governance
approaches that align long-term environmental goals with the socio-economic
realities of tourism-dependent regions. The findings contribute to a deeper
understanding of how the EU can advance its sustainability objectives in the
context of increasing mobility and tourism intensity. Keywords:
environmental impact, European Union, free movement, sustainability policy,
sustainable tourism
CODRIN PAUL FUIOAGA, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Iași, Romania; Faculty of Medicine, Apollonia University of
Iași, Romania, codrin_paul@ymail.com DELIA MIHAELA RATA, Faculty of Medicine, Apollonia University of Iași,
Romania LEONARD IONUT ATANASE, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of
Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and
Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania; Faculty of Medicine, Apollonia
University of Iași, Romania; Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest,
Romania TUDOR MOCANU, Faculty of Medicine, Apollonia University of Iași,
Romania XENIA PATRAS, Faculty of Medicine, Apollonia University of Iași,
Romania ANCA NICULINA CADINOIU, Faculty of Medicine, Apollonia
University of Iași, Romania
Abstract This study explores the development of a novel liposomal
formulation of Nystatin for transmembrane administration aimed at treating
oral mycoses. Traditional Nystatin, though effective, presents systemic
toxicity risks. By encapsulating it in cationic liposomes (DPPC/DOTAP/CHOL)
and embedding them into alginate hydrogels, the researchers achieved
controlled drug release, improved bioavailability, and reduced side effects.
The formulations were synthesized via lipid film hydration, characterized by
zeta potential, size distribution, and encapsulation efficiency, and
evaluated in vitro for antifungal efficacy using Candida albicans ATCC
10231. Results indicated dose-dependent antifungal activity with promising
inhibition zones. This liposomal approach offers a safer, targeted
alternative to systemic antifungals, particularly beneficial for patients
with compromised mucosal barriers or immunosuppression. Future directions
include broader microbiological evaluations and optimization of liposomal
drug loading. Keywords: Liposomal Nystatin, antifungal therapy,
transmucosal delivery, alginate hydrogel, Candida albicans
LUCIAN PĂUNESCU, National University of Science and Technology
“Politehnica”, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Research
Center for Environmental Protection and Eco-Friendly, Bucharest, Romania, lucianpaunescu16@gmail.com SORIN MIRCEA AXINTE, National University of Science and Technology
“Politehnica”, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Research
Center for Environmental Protection and Eco-Friendly, Bucharest, Romania;
National University of Science and Technology “Politehnica”, Faculty of
Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Bucharest, Romania MARIUS
FLORIN DRĂGOESCU, National University of Science and Technology
“Politehnica”, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Research
Center for Environmental Protection and Eco-Friendly, Bucharest, Romania
Abstract The production of cellular glass gravel based on glass waste
and a suitable foaming agent has rapidly reached an industrial level in the
last decades, satisfying the need for insulation-under slab and rooftops,
light filling material for landscaping, roof gardens, green roofs, etc.,
having drainage and load bearing abilities. Not only glass waste was tested
for the manufacture of cellular gravels, but also other material precursors,
the most interesting being metallurgical slag and coal fly ash. They
exhibited the capability to increase the mechanical strength of cellular
products, but had a certain negative effect on their thermal insulation and
physical properties. The current work aimed at finding an optimal
correlation between the proportions of glass waste and those of slag and fly
ash used in the material mixture. The own technical solution of applying
predominantly direct microwave heating was maintained in this experiment. Keywords: cellular gravel, microwave heating, drainage, load bearing,
insulating
LAURA-CRINA MIRAUTE (COCA), “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of
Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management, Iași, Romania,
laura-crina.miraute@student.tuiasi.ro NICOLETA MIHAELA CASANEANU
(DASCĂLU), “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of
Industrial Design and Business Management, Iași, Romania MARIUS PÎSLARU,
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design
and Business Management, Iași, Romania
Abstract The pharmaceutical industry faces increasing pressure to
minimize its environmental footprint while ensuring product safety and
quality. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of current trends,
challenges, and best practices related to environmental sustainability in
pharmaceutical production. Using a systematic literature review approach,
the study examines key areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, water
contamination with active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and hazardous
waste management. The findings reveal that large companies in developed
countries are leading the adoption of green chemistry principles and life
cycle assessment (LCA), driven by regulatory frameworks and financial
resources, while producers in emerging economies struggle with inadequate
waste management infrastructure and regulatory enforcement. The paper also
explores regulatory influences, technological innovations, and
digitalization as enablers of sustainable practices. Solutions such as
process optimization, renewable energy adoption, solvent recovery, and
integration of artificial intelligence in production processes are
highlighted as essential for reducing the sector’s ecological impact. This
review identifies research gaps and provides recommendations for aligning
pharmaceutical manufacturing with global sustainability goals. Keywords:
sustainability, pharmaceutical industry, green chemistry, life cycle
assessment (LCA), environmental impact, waste management
LUCIAN PĂUNESCU, National University of Science and Technology
“Politehnica”, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Research
Center for Environmental Protection and Eco-Friendly, Bucharest, Romania, lucianpaunescu16@gmail.com ADRIAN IOANA, National University of Science and Technology
“Politehnica”, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Bucharest,
Romania BOGDAN VALENTIN PĂUNESCU, Consitrans SA, Bucharest, Romania
Abstract The current paper concerns the possibility of partial
replacing Portland cement, the production of which creates ecological
difficulties, with the widely available waste glass in manufacturing process
of construction concrete. Converting the glass from an inert waste into one
with pozzolanic properties similar to those of cement through fine grinding
the glass represents an adequate method to achieve this objective. The
experiment described in this paper allowed replacing cement with pozzolanic
glass in proportions under 36%. Using for the first time recycled
amber-glass from post-consumer drinking bottles together with cement as
binders, fine and coarse aggregates, sodium lignosulfonate as a
water-reducing superplasticizer, and working-water, four concrete versions
were made, where compressive strength was increased up to 49.8 MPa
corresponding to the use of 36% cement replacement and at the end of the
56-day curing process. Also, flexural strength reached a maximum value of
11.4 MPa. Keywords: cement, residual amber-glass, pozzolanic,
superplasticizer, strength