Optimizing Nighttime Visibility and Road Safety Through the Use of
Photoluminescent Materials in Urban Infrastructure
IRINA-CRISTINA UNGUREANU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, Iași, Romania,
irina-cristina.rusu-ungureanu@student.tuiasi.ro GHEORGHE GUGIUMAN,
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Civil Engineering
and Building Services, Iași, Romania
Abstract The article explores the use of two-component epoxy resin
and phosphorescent pigments as an innovative solution to enhance nighttime
visibility and improve road and pedestrian safety. The study focuses on
photoluminescent materials, which absorb and store light energy during the
day and gradually release it in darkness, thereby increasing the visibility
of sidewalks, curbs, and road markings. The implementation of these
materials is particularly advantageous in poorly lit areas or locations
prone to frequent power outages. Experimental results indicate that epoxy
resin and phosphorescent pigment mixtures maintain a high level of
brightness for up to six hours, offering a durable and sustainable
alternative to conventional lighting. Additionally, these materials
contribute to reducing energy consumption and minimizing light pollution.
The study's conclusions validate the applicability of photoluminescent
technology in road safety while emphasizing the need for further testing to
optimize performance under diverse traffic and climatic conditions.
Keywords: photoluminescence, epoxy resin, road safety, phosphorescent
pigments, nighttime visibility
Study of the Evaporation Process Using Isothermal Thermogravimetric
Analysis
LAURA NISTOR, “GheorgheAsachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor
Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection,
Iași, Romania TSUYOSHI MICHINOBU, Department of Materials Science and
Engineering, Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan GABRIELA LISA,
“GheorgheAsachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu”
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania,
gabriela.lisa@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract Isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to
investigate the evaporation of DDMEBT, an organic compound with third-order
nonlinear optical properties. Anthracene was analyzed under identical
conditions for comparison. Experiments were conducted at 220–240°C, above
the melting points of both compounds. Evaporation rates were determined
isothermally, and the Arrhenius equation was applied to obtain kinetic
parameters. For DDMEBT, the activation energy was 45.31 kJ/mol and the
pre-exponential factor (lnA) was 2.43, with excellent linearity (r2 =
0.9998). These results indicate evaporation without chemical decomposition
and confirm the reliability of the method for low-volatility organic
compounds. In the case of anthracene, evaporation was governed by mass
transfer, showing Arrhenius behavior and an apparent activation energy of
124.26 kJ/mol, supporting the method’s applicability to polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons used as reference substances. Keywords: evaporation,
thermogravimetric analysis, DDMEBT, anthracene, activation energy, Arrhenius
model
Inexpensive and Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing Method of a Heat
Insulation Wood Foam-Based Building Material
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
Abstract A new building material was designed and investigated to
determine its physical-thermal and mechanical performances. Unlike most
construction materials, the one chosen by the authors was oak wood recycled
following typical processing processes. A suitable surfactant (sodium
dodecyl sulfate) and distilled water added to the wood waste-based mix
facilitated the formation of a wet slurry. It was expanded by stirring and
dried at 80°. In physical-thermal terms, the properties of the new material
were excellent. The compressive strength did not reach high values, but they
were considered acceptable, having into account the destination of this
material type. The results were almost similar to those presented in the
literature characterizing other foam types. Keywords: oak wood,
surfactant, wood foam, insulation properties, low density
Polyglutamic Acid: An Innovative and Multifunctional Biopolymer
RUT-ANGELINA DOCA, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Romania IULIAN JURATU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Romania DANIELA LITRA, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical
Engineering and Environmental Protection, Romania CRISTINA-MARIA
HERGHILIGIU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor
Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection,
Romania,
cristina-maria.herghiligiu@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract Polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a biodegradable and
environmentally friendly microbial biopolymer known for its
biocompatibility, biodegradability and versatility. This paper reviews the
structure, production methods and main applications of γ-PGA in agriculture,
medicine, wastewater treatment, food technology and cosmetics. In
agriculture, γ-PGA can improve soil fertility, increase fertilizer
efficiency and contribute to the remediation of saline soils. In the medical
field, it has been investigated for drug delivery systems, tissue adhesives
and bone regeneration materials. Its adsorption and flocculation properties
make it useful for wastewater treatment and other environmental
applications. In addition, γ-PGA is used in the food and cosmetics
industries due to its cryoprotective and moisturizing effects. Despite its
broad range of applications, the large-scale use of γ-PGA is still limited
by high production costs and relatively low biosynthetic yields. Further
advances in production technologies may contribute to the wider
implementation of this biopolymer in industrial and biomedical fields.
Keywords: biosynthesis, biodegradation, biomedical applications,
environmental protection, sustainability
Role of Superficial Functional Groups in Determining Phosphate
Biosorption Efficiency on Marine Green Algae
LOREDANA MUNTEANU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iaşi,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Romania LAURA BULGARIU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iaşi,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Romania,
laura.bulgariu@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract In this study, three types of marine green algae biomass
(Ulva lactuca, Ulva intestinalis and Cladophora vagabunda) were used for the
biosorption of phosphate from aqueous solution. These marine green algae are
abundant in the Black Sea, and can represent a cheap and easy-to-obtain
source of renewable biomass. The efficiency of these three types of algae
biomass was tested at different initial concentration of phosphate (24 – 95
mg·L-1), and the biosorption capacity, increases in the order:
Ulva
intestinalis > Ulva Lactuca > Cladophora vagabunda. This variation is mainly
determined by the number and types of the functional groups on the surface
of the algae biomass (analyzed using the Boehm method), and can be
considered an important criterion in selecting algae biomass for phosphate
biosorption. In addition to the biosorption capacity of algae biomass for
phosphate, the pH, electrical conductibility and turbidity of the solutions
obtained after filtration were also measured. All these parameters play an
important role in selecting the appropriate type of algae biomass for
phosphate removal from aqueous media. Keywords: green marine algae
biomass, superficial functional groups, phosphate, biosorption, aqueous
solution
Particulate Matter Emissions in Urban Construction: Characterisation,
Health Effects, Regulatory Background, and Mitigation Approaches
GABRIELA UNGUREANU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iaşi,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Romania,
gabriela.ungureanu3@student.tuiasi.ro BOGDAN CHELARU, “Gheorghe
Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Civil Engineering and
Building Services, Romania IRINA VOLF, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical
University of Iaşi, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering
and Environmental Protection, Romania
Abstract A significant environmental and public health risks derive
from civil construction as a major source of air pollution, particularly
through the emission of particulate matter (PM). Demolition, earthmoving,
transportation, material handling, and on-site production processes,
continue to generate substantial PM emissions, despite technological
advances. This work assessed the characteristics and behavior of PM,
highlighting the differences between fine and coarse fractions and the
associated toxicological implications. The paper aims to revised current
European regulations for PM10 and PM2.5 including proposed updates to align
with WHO (World Health Organization) recommendations. Exposure to PM leads
to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as to premature
mortality worldwide. The study collects and systematizes several practical
mitigation measures applicable to all construction works stages. Reducing PM
emissions requires robust planning, constant monitoring, and sustainable
construction practices. Implementing an efficient environmental management
plan is mandatory to reduce emissions and protect both humans and
communities. Keywords: urban development, construction, particulate
matter, atmospheric emissions, sustainability
Development And Characterization of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Silver
Nanoparticle Active Packaging Films for Strawberry Preservation
ACHMAD NANDANG ROZIAFANTO, Department of Food Nanotechnology, Politeknik
AKA Bogor, Indonesia,
anandangr@yahoo.com IMAS SOLIHAT, Department of Food Nanotechnology,
Politeknik AKA Bogor Indonesia ANISSYA DWI KUSUMANINGRUM WIBISONO,
Department of Food Nanotechnology, Politeknik AKA Bogor, Indonesia AZZAHRA TIARA PUTRI ARINDA, Department of Food Nanotechnology,
Politeknik AKA Bogor, Indonesia GHINA FAYZA NAFIRA, Department of Food
Nanotechnology, Politeknik AKA Bogor Indonesia IKHSAN AZIS MAULA
HERMAWAN, Department of Food Nanotechnology, Politeknik AKA Bogor, Indonesia
Abstract Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films incorporated with
green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using broccoli extract were
developed as potential active packaging for strawberry preservation. AgNP
formation was confirmed by a UV-Vis absorption peak at 419 nm with an
absorbance of 1.4927, corresponding to localized surface plasmon resonance.
Particle size analysis showed an average diameter of 44.88 ± 6.51 nm and a
polydispersity index of 0.08 ± 0.03, indicating a relatively uniform
dispersion. The films were evaluated for total phenolic content, DPPH
activity, mechanical properties, and visual preservation performance. The 5
mL AgNP film without citric acid showed the highest phenolic content (1.40
mg GAE/g) and tensile strength (44.79 N/mm2). However, DPPH results were
unreliable because most inhibition values were negative. Strawberry
application showed preliminary preservation potential, especially for 2.5 mL
AgNP with citric acid, by reducing fungal growth and maintaining fruit
appearance during storage, although moisture control requires further
optimization. Keywords: active packaging, PVA, silver nanoparticles,
broccoli extract, strawberry preservation
Phosphate Removal from Fertilizer Industry Wastewater Using
Iron-Functionalized Activated Carbon
RAMONA-ELENA TATARU-FĂRMUȘ, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of
Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and
Environmental Protection, Romania ALEXANDRA TODERICĂ, “Gheorghe Asachi”
Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical
Engineering and Environmental Protection, Romania ANDREI PASCU, “Gheorghe
Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of
Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Romania NICOLAE
APOSTOLESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor
Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection,
Romania DANIELA ȘUTEU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Romania MIHAELA POROCH, “Grigore T. Popa” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy Iași, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Preventive
Medicine and Interdisciplinarity, Romania,
boanca.mihaela@umfiasi.ro
Abstract Phosphorus-rich effluents generated during fertilizer
production require efficient treatment technologies to minimize their
environmental impact. This study evaluates the adsorption of phosphate ions
using a carbonaceous material before and after surface modification with
iron under both batch and continuous-flow operating conditions. The modified
adsorbent was prepared by a simple wet impregnation method to introduce iron
active sites capable of enhancing phosphate uptake. The influence of
operating mode and solid–liquid contact time on adsorption performance was
investigated. Surface modification improved phosphate uptake through
electrostatic attraction, ligand exchange, and surface complexation
mechanisms. Under continuous-flow conditions, extending the contact time by
solution recirculation increased adsorption efficiency, demonstrating the
importance of residence time in fixed-bed systems. The results indicate that
the proposed material is suitable for the treatment of highly concentrated
phosphorus-containing wastewaters and that continuous adsorption can provide
performance comparable to, or slightly better than, batch operation when
sufficient contact time is ensured. Keywords: fixed-bed adsorption,
surface functionalization, phosphorus recovery, mass transfer, wastewater
treatment