NICOLETA TOFĂNESCU (MIHAI),
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design
and Business Management (DIMA), Romania,
nicoleta.mihai@student.tuiasi.ro VASILICA POPESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of
Industrial Design and Business Management (DIMA), Romania
Abstract In the context of the need to develop
sustainable textile technologies, this research investigates the application
of Prunus spinosa extracts as environmentally friendly coloring agents. The
fruits and bark of this species are rich sources of bioactive compounds,
including tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, characterized by
antioxidant, antimicrobial, and dyeing properties, thus providing a viable
alternative to synthetic dyes. Pigment extraction from Prunus spinosa fruits
can be conducted through various methods such as maceration, boiling, and
pressing. The chemical composition of the extracts can be characterized
using advanced analytical techniques, including High-Performance Liquid
Chromatography (HPLC), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR), and
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Employing these extracts in
environmentally friendly textile dyeing processes significantly contributes
to the reduction of environmental pollution by eliminating the necessity of
harmful chemical agents. The stability and fixation properties of these
natural dyes can be evaluated using spectroscopic analyses, wash, light, and
rub fastness tests, as well as colorimetric measurements. Literature studies
have indicated a high affinity of these natural dyes towards natural textile
fibers, such as cotton and wool, ensuring strong adherence and enhanced
color durability. In addition to ecological advantages, this method supports
the development of a more sustainable textile industry by providing products
with additional functional properties, such as ultraviolet (UV) protection
and antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the valorization of Prunus spinosa
extracts in textile dyeing aligns with green chemistry principles, promoting
innovative and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional dyes. This approach
represents a significant step towards reducing the ecological impact of the
textile industry by demonstrating the feasibility of utilizing natural
resources in sustainable processes. Future studies will focus on extending
the applicability of these natural dyes to synthetic fibers, optimizing
extraction procedures, and maximizing pigment fixation efficiency. Thus, the
application of Prunus spinosa extracts as natural coloring agents not only
offers a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic dyes,
thereby reducing the negative environmental impact of the textile industry
but also opens new perspectives for the development of functional textiles
with antimicrobial and UV-protective properties, contributing to the
transition towards more sustainable production processes aligned with
circular economy and green chemistry principles. Keywords: Natural dyes;
Prunus spinosa; textile dyeing; green chemistry; sustainability.
ALEXANDRU-ION
PASCARIU, S.C. HYDROPROCONS S.R.L., Iași, Romania, alexandru-ion.pascariu@student.tuiasi.ro MIHAI DIMA, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and
Environmental Engineering, Iași, Romania MARIUS TELIȘCĂ, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Geodesy and
Environmental Engineering, Iași, Romania AANDREEA SILVIA POPA, River Basin
Authorities “Siret”, SGA Vrancea, Focșani, Romania
Abstract The main goal of the work consists in the
optimization from the point of view of energy efficiency and the reduction
of the implementation and operation costs of the advanced (tertiary)
treatment stage of urban and industrial treatment plants, through the
correct choice of the staged sequence of calculation of the still used
primary parameters from the design phase of the tertiary stage component
equipment. In the evaluation of the biological treatment stage within a
wastewater treatment plant, several critical operational and design
parameters must be rigorously analyzed. Primarily, the focus is on
quantifying the concentration of organic pollutants (CBO5) in the influent
to the biological reactor, alongside the total pollutant load, which
includes both organic and inorganic constituents. These concentrations are
essential for dimensioning the reactor and determining the oxygen demand.
Furthermore, a detailed mass balance is performed for nutrients,
particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. Keywords: energy efficiency,
improvement and dimensioning of the parameters.
SEBASTIAN JAN BARANYAI, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania,
sebastian-jan.baranyai@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 The
recovery of phosphorus from sewage sludge and sewage sludge ash (SSA) is a
crucial step toward achieving sustainable resource management and closing
nutrient cycles. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of
current technologies for phosphorus recovery, focusing on both chemical and
thermochemical processes, including acid leaching, struvite precipitation,
and high-temperature treatments. Special attention is given to industrially
implemented approaches such as the KomPhos, PHOS4green (GLATT/SERAPLANT),
AshDec, and RecoPhos processes. The discussion addresses the technical,
environmental, and economic aspects of each method, highlighting their
advantages, limitations, and regulatory challenges. Economic evaluation
criteria such as investment and operating costs, potential revenue, and
environmental impacts are also examined. Additionally, the paper presents
illustrative process flow diagrams and evaluates the prospects for
large-scale implementation. By integrating technological innovation with
sustainability goals, phosphorus recovery from SSA emerges as a vital
strategy for reducing dependency on imported phosphate rock and promoting
circular economy practices. Keywords: circular economy, fertilizer,
phosphorus recovery, secondary phosphate recycling, sewage sludge ash
CLAUDIA COBZARU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental,
Iași, Romania MARTA-VERONICA GRIGORE, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University
of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and
Environmental, Iași, Romania MARICEL DANU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental, Iași, Romania GABRIELA-ANTOANETA APOSTOLESCU, “Gheorghe
Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of
Chemical Engineering and Environmental, Iași, Romania CORINA CERNĂTESCU,
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu”
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental, Iași, Romania,
corina.cernatescu@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract In this study, three cosmetic creams
containing/with different lemon extracts were formulated and studied from a
rheological point of view. Rheological tests such as: the flow test,
amplitude sweep and frequency sweep were determined by specific measurements
and showed that the products formulated based on lemon extracts are stable
at different temperatures and can easily be applied to the skin. Additional
microbiological tests and clinical studies are required for cosmetic creams
to be marketed. Keywords: rheological study, lemon extract, cosmetic cream,
oily maceration.
LUCIAN PĂUNESCU, National University
of Science and Technology “Politehnica”, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and
Materials Science, Research Center for Environmental Protection and
Eco-Friendly Technologies, Bucharest, Romania,
lucianpaunescu16@gmail.com ENIKÖ VOLCEANOV, National University of Science and Technology
“Politehnica”, Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Language, Bucharest,
Romania ADRIAN IOANA, National University of Science and Technology
“Politehnica”, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Bucharest,
Romania SORIN MIRCEA AXINTE, National University of Science and Technology
“Politehnica”, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science,
Bucharest, Romania; Daily Sourcing & Research SRL, Bucharest, Romania
BOGDAN
VALENTIN PĂUNESCU, , Consitrans SA, Bucharest, Romania
Abstract Wood waste delignification is a process
known and used for longer time in the pulp and paper industry, whose
technological adoption is necessary for producing wood foam. The new
cellular wood manufacturing procedure is attractive for the production of a
cheap and effective insulating material for the building construction
sector. Experimental testing of several tree wood types was initiated in
recent decades and the team of the current paper authors was also recently
involved in this research. The current paper aimed at testing the behaviour
of birch wood in foaming made by delignification of waste in the form of
sawdust. The work originality results from the premiere use of birch wood in
the manufacturing process of a stable foam. Utilizing wood waste, nanoclay,
an adequate surfactant, and distilled water as well as a heat treatment at
75ºC, products with peculiarities suitable to established objective were
obtained. Keywords: birch wood, lignin, delignification, sawdust, insulation
properties.
OANA CUCOVEICA, “Gheorghe
Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of
Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania; Faculty of
Medicine, Apollonia University of Iași, Iași, Romania, oanacucoveica@yahoo.com LEONARD IONUȚ 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, Iași, Romania; Academy of Romanian Scientists,
Bucharest, Romania
Abstract
Nanotechnology represents a sector with high potential for the treatment of
human diseases. Among different types of drug delivery systems, polymer
nanoparticles (NPs) are of main importance in the biomedical field. They are
mainly used as vehicles for the delivery of active compounds, thus
protecting the drug against enzymatic and chemical degradation and directing
it to the various target tissues and cells. Many factors can influence the
size of NPs such as stirring speed, polymer concentration, organic phase
addition speed or surfactant concentration. The aim of this study was to
find the optimum conditions for the preparation of nanoparticles using an
emulsification/evaporation method. Using dynamic light scattering technique,
it was possible to assess the optimal conditions for the preparation of NPs
with size less than 200 nm, such as: 1 wt. % concentration in CHCl3, 1 wt. %
concentration of PVA in the aqueous phase and 5 min homogenization. These
optimized parameters ensure a stable and monodisperse colloidal suspension
suitable for future parenteral administration. Keywords:
poly(ε-caprolactone), drug delivery systems, optimization parameters,
dynamic light scattering, colloidal stability.
LUCIAN PĂUNESCU,
National University of Science and Technology “Politehnica”, Faculty of
Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Research Center for Environmental
Protection and Eco-Friendly Technologies, Bucharest, Romania,
lucianpaunescu16@gmail.com ENIKÖ VOLCEANOV, National University of Science
and Technology “Politehnica”, Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Language,
Bucharest, Romania ADRIAN IOANA, National University of Science and
Technology “Politehnica”, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering,
Bucharest, Romania SORIN MIRCEA AXINTE, National University of Science and
Technology “Politehnica”, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials
Science, Bucharest, Romania; Daily Sourcing & Research SRL, Bucharest,
Romania BOGDAN VALENTIN PĂUNESCU, Consitrans SA, Bucharest, Romania
Abstract The procedure of preparing a light gypsum-based material
using aluminium powder activated in aqueous Ca(OH)2 solution was tested in
this work. The aluminium was recycled from post-consumer soft drink
packaging waste, melted under the action of microwaves and atomized into
very fine particles by direct contact with concentrated nitrogen jets.
Except for calcined gypsum as the main raw material, other additive
materials were used: coal ash, vermiculite, polypropylene fibres,
polystyrene beads, silica fume, and carboxymethyl cellulose. The process
took place at room temperature. The obtained product had good thermal
insulation properties (density between 527-595 kg·m-3 and heat conductivity
in the range of 0.147-0.180 W·m-1·K-1) as well as satisfactory compression
strength (between 1.2-2.0 MPa). Keywords: gypsum, aluminium, Ca(OH)2
solution, microwave, vermiculite.
DUMITRIŢA NUŢU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iaşi,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Iaşi, Romania LAURA BULGARIU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iaşi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Iaşi, Romania,
laura.bulgariu@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract Landfill leachate (leachate) is a liquid generated during
the storage process of municipal waste. Due to its complex composition
(which often includes highly toxic inorganic and organic compounds),
leachate samples must be detailed characterized to ensure their effective
treatment and environmental protection. The most commonly used indicators
for the characterization of leachate samples are color, temperature, pH,
electrical conductivity (1/R), turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS),
chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium nitrogen (N-NH4+), chlorides (Cl-),
and heavy metal content. However, the measured values of these indicators
largely depend on the time elapsed between sample collection and their
actual determination. In order to obtain accurate values, this study
presents a methodology for leachate sample analysis, in which the order of
indicator determination was established experimentally. The experimental
studies were conducted using the same leachate sample, and each indicator
was measured periodically over four days. By following such a methodology,
accurate values for the qualitative, physical and chemical indicators
characteristic of the leachate samples can be obtained, which may be useful
in waste management. Keywords: leachate sample, characteristic
indicators, analytical measurements, experimental methodology.