2025, Volume 71(75), Issue 3 (September)

Contents

pages 1- 8   Download  

Wastewater Characteristics of a Cattle Zootechnical Farm – A Case Study

CRISTINA-ALEXANDRA HAIVAS, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iaşi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iaşi, Romania, cristina-alexandra.haivas@student.tuiasi.ro
CARMEN ZAHARIA, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iaşi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iaşi, Romania, carmen.zaharia@academic.tuiasi.ro

pages 9 - 20   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17357071
Abstract
This research highlights the waste types and their principal characteristics produced from the main activities in an investigated livestock farm, especially collected wastewaters from different zootechnical activity sectors. Six monitoring sectors were selected to assess the level of polluting load from the discharged effluents. Constant control of the main imposed quality indicators (pH, COD, BOD, total solids, ammonia, extractible substances) is obviously required and periodically reported to water regulatory management authority, as well as the establishment of viable and efficient directions utilized for the wastes treatment and recovery on-site (direct possible use). The limiting norms of the quality indicators controlled in a few sectors (mainly 4 control sectors) are far exceeded and the trend is to increase the polluting loads, which requires the adoption of serious local treatment measures and the continuation of monitoring the quality status of the effluents generated on the livestock farm.
Keywords: environmental protection, wastewater, livestock farm, quality indicators

Advancing Responsible Tourism-Implementing Sustainable Development Goal Targets in Tourist Destinations

RALUCA-MARIA ȚÂBULEAC, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, 700050, Iași, Romania, raluca-maria.tabuleac@student.tuiasi.ro
TIBERIU VLAD SIMION, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, 700050, Iași, Romania
ELENA DIANA UNGUREANU COMĂNIȚĂ, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, 700050, Iași, Romania
MARIA GAVRILESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, 700050, Iași, Romania; Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania; Academy of Technical Sciences of Romania, 26 Dacia Blvd., 010413 Bucharest, Romania

pages 21 - 45   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17357142
Abstract
The tourism sector holds a central role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as it generates jobs and income and contributes to economic growth. Factors such as globalization, changes in transportation, population growth, technological advancements, digital platforms, and increasing communication channels contribute to its development. This study aims to explore the convergence between responsible tourism and the SDGs, focusing on popular tourist destinations. It seeks to identify successful strategies and new approaches for promoting responsible tourism, focusing on poverty reduction, environmental protection, cultural heritage preservation, and inclusion. The paper also presents case studies from different destinations and offers concrete suggestions for policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and community members on how to incorporate fair tourism concepts into their strategies. The findings have implications for policy actors, stakeholders, and professionals involved in tourism management and sustainable development. A better understanding of the economic and environmental dimensions of tourism enables stakeholders to develop informed strategies to maximize the benefits of tourism while mitigating its negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
Keywords: economic development, environmental conservation, SDGs, sustainability, tourism impact

Interinstitutional Responsibilities in Managing Watercourse Interventions and the Need for Unified Management

ANDREEA SILVIA POPA, River Basin Authorities "Siret", SGA Vrancea, Focşani, Romania, andreea-silvia.popa@student.tuiasi.ro
MIHAI DIMA, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and Environmental Engineering, Romania
MARIUS TELIŞCĂ, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and Environmental Engineering, Romania
ALEXANDRU PASCARIU, HYDROPROCONS S.R.L., Iaşi, Romania

pages 47 - 56   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17357199
Abstract
his paper examines the interinstitutional responsibilities involved in managing interventions on watercourses, highlighting the need for a unified approach to ensure efficient and sustainable water resource governance. Watercourses are critical for environmental, economic, and public safety, but their management often involves multiple institutions with overlapping duties, leading to inefficiencies and gaps. The report outlines the roles of key stakeholders, including environmental agencies, local authorities, and regulatory bodies, and emphasizes the importance of clear responsibilities and strong collaboration. It advocates for integrated management systems that streamline decision-making, reduce bureaucracy, and align interventions with national and EU water policies. The report also proposes collaborative platforms for sharing data and best practices, and calls for joint action plans to improve institutional coordination. Ultimately, it recommends establishing a unified framework to enhance the effectiveness, transparency, and sustainability of interventions on watercourses.
Keywords: managing watercourse interventions, unified management

Unconventional Trend in Adopting the New “One-Part” Mixture Geopolymer for Construction Applications

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
ENIKÖ VOLCEANOV, National University of Science and Technology “Politehnica”, Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Language, Bucharest, Romania
BOGDAN VALENTIN PĂUNESCU, Consitrans SA, Bucharest, Romania

pages 57 - 70   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17357277
Abstract
The work aimed at producing “one-part” geopolymer composite material using coal fly ash and granulated blast furnace slag as alumina-silicate precursors, sodium carbonate as a solid alkali activator, and sodium lignosulphonate as a water-reducer superplasticizer, constituting a dry powder mixture, to which water was added later. This preparing way of the geopolymer is an alternative version to the traditional “two-part” geopolymer using liquid alkaline activation and is mainly suitable for in-situ construction applications. The results of the current experiment showed good thermal insulation properties, the density and heat conductivity values being quite low as well as quite high levels of compression and flexural strength, early strength values after only 7 days being high considering the final mechanical resistance values after 28 days.
Keywords: solid alkali activator, “one-part” geopolymer, fly ash, slag, sodium carbonate

Bio-Insecticide Impact of Sida Rhombifolia Fabric Treated with Aloe Vera on Wild Anopheles Gambiae

NSANGOU ABDOURAMANE, University of Douala, Mechanical Laboratory (LME), ENSET Douala, B.P 1872 Douala, Cameroon; University of Dschang, Department of Decorative Arts, Institute of Fine Arts
ETEME ENAMA SERGE, University of Yaounde 1, Laboratory of Parasitology and Ecology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, B.P 812 Yaounde, Cameroon
NKEMAJA DYDIMUS EFEZE, University of Bamenda, HTTTC Bambili, P.O. Box:39 Bambili, Cameroon
BETENE FABIEN EBANDA, University of Douala, Mechanical Laboratory (LME), ENSET Douala, B.P 1872 Douala, Cameroon
DOINA SIBIESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iaşi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iaşi, Romania, doina.sibiescu@academic.tuiasi.ro
NOAH PIERRE MARCEL ANICET, University of Douala, Mechanical Laboratory (LME), ENSET Douala, B.P 1872 Douala, Cameroon
MEWOLI ARMEL EDWIGE, University of Douala, Mechanical Laboratory (LME), ENSET Douala, B.P 1872 Douala, Cameroon
BETENE OMGBA ACHILLE DESIRE, University of Douala, Mechanical Laboratory (LME), ENSET Douala, B.P 1872 Douala, Cameroon
NGUM LESLEY NGUM, Researcher, Institute of Medical Research and Medical Plant Studies, Cameroon
NDOUM ANIGUE NGOULOUMA GASPARD, University of Yaounde 1, Laboratory of Parasitology and Ecology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, B.P 812 Yaounde, Cameroon

pages 71 - 84   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17357350
Abstract
Malaria is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes carrying Plasmodium parasites. In Cameroon, mosquito control primarily relies on long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs), which may cause skin irritation and respiratory discomfort due to synthetic pyrethroids. This study explores a potential natural alternative: weft-knitted Sida rhombifolia fabrics treated with Aloe vera gel. Nine (9) samples were tested, including a positive control (permethrin-treated net), a negative control (untreated net), and seven experimental fabrics: untreated Sida rhombifolia fabric, fabric treated with Aloe vera, the same fabric washed twice, permethrin-treated Sida fabric, and Aloe vera-treated fabrics stored for 1, 2, and 3 months. Two WHO-standard bioassays were conducted: cone tests (3-minute exposure) and cylinder tests (15-minute exposure), using wild Anopheles gambiae populations from Yaoundé. Fabrics treated with Aloe vera showed promising mortality rates, reaching up to 22% in cone tests and 25% in cylinder tests, comparable to those of permethrin. Efficacy declined slightly over time, particularly after 3 months of storage or brief contact exposure. These findings suggest that Aloe vera-treated Sida rhombifolia textiles could serve as natural, biodegradable alternatives to LLINs, subject to further optimisation for long-term stability and field deployment.
Keywords: Sida rhombifolia, Aloe vera, natural insecticide, mosquito control, Anopheles gambiae, bio-fabric

Review - Chemical Functionalization of Cotton Fabrics by Selective Oxidation

ROMEO PRUNEANU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management, Iași, Romania, romeo.pruneanu@student.tuiasi.ro
VASILICA POPESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management, Iași, Romania
MELINDA PRUNEANU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management, Iași, Romania, melinda.pruneanu@academic.tuiasi.ro

pages 85 - 121   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17357520
Abstract
This documentary study presents the possibilities of selective oxidation by sodium or potassium periodate and/or 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl (TEMPO) of cotton textiles, the reaction mechanisms, the assessment and the analytical and instrumental determination of the degree of oxidation of the hydroxyl groups in the C2, C3 and C6 positions of the anhydroglucosidic unit (AGU), with aldehyde/carboxylic groups. The effects of selective oxidation on the molecular and morphological structure of cellulose are also briefly presented, since oxidation depending on the reaction conditions can significantly affect both the amorphous and crystalline areas of cellulose, at the microfibril level, which leads to a decrease in mechanical resistance, which is undesirable in the case of textiles with long-term use or even single-use. Selective oxidation in this case is a compromise between functionality (expressed by the content of aldehyde/carboxylic groups) and moderate degradation of the molecular and morphological structure of cotton cellulose.
Keywords: oxidized cellulose, sodium or potassium periodate, TEMPO, aldehyde and carboxyl groups, degree of oxidation

A Critical Analysis of Drinking Water Quality Policies and Regulations in Romania

MĂDĂLINA-ELENA ABALAȘEI, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Iași, Romania
CARMEN TEODOSIU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Iași, Romania, carmen.teodosiu@academic.tuiasi.ro

pages 123 - 143   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17357581
Abstract
Drinking water quality is essential for maintaining human health and ecological balance. Therefore, implementing standards and legislative directives/ordinances is important to protect human health. Water regulations play a crucial role in the efficient management of water resources, particularly in clean water and sanitation. This analysis evaluates the main water quality parameters regulated by national and European standards and highlights the problems related to the implementation of water quality standards in Romania. This study presents the main limitations of the standards related to underestimation of risks associated with emerging toxic contaminants, the adoption of inadequate limit values for current public health requirements, inadequate analytical techniques at international level or protocols, and existing tools for their monitoring. The conclusions of this analysis in the Romanian context indicate deficiencies in several synthetic chemicals and biological species. The implementation of regulations and standards is essential for sustainable water management, and regional and international partnerships are key solutions to overcome these obstacles.
Keywords: drinking water quality, monitoring, water policies, EU Directives, water resources management

Modern Approaches to Vegetable Oil Fractionation

NICOLETA-OANA DEMOSTENE, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania, nicoleta.demostene@stud.chimie.upb.ro
BIANCA SIMEDREA, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania
PETRICĂ IANCU, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania
OANA PARVULESCU, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania
ROXANA TARPAN, Ovidius University Constanta, Romania
TĂNASE DOBRE, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania

pages 145 - 153   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17357723
Abstract
This study analyses the fractionation of vegetable oils using the methods known up to this point and examines the use of these fractions in various industries. Emphasis was placed on sunflower oil due to its high-oleic acid content, which has health benefits. As a novel fractionation method, the work primarily focuses on molecular distillation, a method that leads to high purities, advantageous for heat-sensitive or easily degradable substances and has been studied up to pilot scale until now. Three sunflower oil samples were subjected to experimental and empirical analysis. The results were compared with available literature data and process simulators outputs.
Keywords: vegetable oils, oil fractionation, sunflower oil, molecular distillation, methanol transesterified oil fractionation