Search

Activated carbons have great applicability in the conditioning of wines: discoloration, removal of foreign taste and smell, correction of organoleptic parameters, etc. The purpose of this work was to compare the structural and sorption characteristics of local vegetal activated carbon obtained from apricot stones (AC-C, Republic of Moldova) with that of commercial activated carbons (Granucol® BI/GE/FA, Germany). The physico-chemical characteristics of studied activated carbons have been evaluated by standard methods (nitrogen sorption isotherms, IR spectroscopy, pH value of activated carbons suspension etc.) and the adsorption capacity by using methylene blue dye as a reference substance. Experimental data were analysed by theoretical models: Langmuir and Equilibrium isotherm models, and pseudo-first-order, and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The adsorption capacity of the local activated carbon (AC-C, 690 mg/g) is higher by 30% than that of activated carbons from Granucol® series (approx. 535 mg/g).

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a significant cause of morbidity, even in children, and is frequently associated with systemic manifestations. There are many cytokines involved in the inflammatory response characteristic of this disease. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is one of the most important cytokines involved in AP, beginning from cellular injury and continuing to the systemic inflammatory response and distant organ involvement. IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates acute-phase response and inflammation. It is produced by various cells and exerts its biological role on many cells through its high-affinity complex receptor. IL-6 has been investigated as a predicting maker for severe forms of AP. Many studies have validated the use of IL-6 serum levels in the first 48 h as a reliable marker for severe evolution and multisystemic involvement. Still, it has not been used in daily practice until now. This review discusses the main binding mechanisms by which IL-6 triggers cellular response and the AP pathogenetic mechanisms in which IL-6 is involved. We then emphasize the promising role of IL-6 as a prognostic marker, which could be added as a routine marker at admission in children with AP.

The process of the kinetics of caffeine adsorption from aqueous solutions on activated carbon AC-0-9, obtained from apple wood, was studied. The analyses of nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms demonstrated that this carbon adsorbent is basically mesoporous. The pseudo-two model describes best the kinetic process, highlighting the role of functional groups on the activated carbon surface. The pseudo-one model only initially describes the kinetic process of caffeine adsorption on this activated carbon. It was found that the kinetics of the adsorption process of caffeine on AC-0-9 activated carbon takes place in two stages. In the first stage, the speed of intraparticle diffusion is high, due to the adsorption of caffeine molecules in macro- and mesopores, and in the second stage, the speed of intraparticle diffusion is low, given the fact that adsorption takes place in micro- and supermicropores.

This paper presents the the main scientific and innovative results are presented, which were obtained by the talented chemist and renowned ecologist Valeriu Ropot throughout his scientific career. The results of scientific investigations are bestowed and analysed concerning the quality of the waters of the Dniester and the Prut Rivers, Dubasari reservoirs on the Dniester River, as well as the main bodies of water in the Republic of Moldova. The paper also includes the practical recommendations for reducing the negative impact on the environment, of the discharge of hundreds of thousands of tons of brine into the Dniester River as a result of the accident at the mineral fertilizer plant in the city of Stebnik, Ukraine. Moreover, the paper presents the results of studies aimed at developing methods for determining organic and inorganic pollutants in natural waters.

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is one of the most important disorders encountered in pediatric nephrology due to its frequency and potential evolution to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of our study was to identify noninvasive and easy-to-determine urinary markers to facilitate the diagnosis and staging of VUR. We performed a cross-section study including 39 patients with VUR followed over three years (August 2021–September 2023) and 39 children without urinary disorder (the control group). We measured the urinary concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6), cathelicidin (LL-37), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in VUR and healthy controls. Moreover, we analyzed the correlation between these biomarkers and the presence of renal scars (RS), reflux nephropathy (RN), and CKD. The NGAL concentrations were significantly higher in patients with VUR than in the controls (p = 0.02). Regarding the severity of the reflux, NGAL/creatinine and LL-37/creatinine were positively correlated with severe reflux (p = 0.04, respectively, p = 0.02). In patients with VUR and RS, LL-37/creatinine was significantly lower (p = 0.01). LL-37/creatinine with an AUC of 0.71 and NGAL/creatinine with an AUC of 0.72 could be acceptable diagnostic tests for severe VUR. In conclusion, urinary IL-6, NGAL, and LL-37 could serve as valuable markers for diagnosing and predicting outcomes in patients with VUR and RN.

The adsorption of methylene blue and the kinetics of adsorption of aqueous solutions on activated carbon CAN-9, obtained from walnut shells by chemical activation with orthophosphoric acid were studied. It has been shown that the adsorption isotherm of methylene blue from aqueous solutions on CAN-9 in the linear coordinates of the Langmuir model is a straight line (R = 0.99427) and is of the Langmuir type. The kinetics of adsorption of methylene blue on CAN-9, measured at two initial concentrations, showed an increase in Kint and C values with the increase of the initial concentrations. The process of intra-particular diffusion occurs in only one stage and takes place in the mesopores.

This paper presents brief scientific information concerning the role of activated carbons (AC) in solving economic and ecological problems in our society. Data concerning synthesis and adsorption of new activated carbons, used for soil remediation and wastewater treatment are depicted. The findings of investigations aimed to compare the structure parameters and adsorption capacities of the newly obtained native activated carbons in comparison with several activated carbon marks known in the world are explained. It has been shown that currently synthesized activated carbons are competitive with foreign marks.

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is characterized by immune-mediated hepatocyte injury resulting in the destruction of liver cells, causing inflammation, liver failure, and fibrosis. Pediatric (AIH) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that usually requires immunosuppression for an extended period. Frequent relapses after treatment discontinuation demonstrate that current therapies do not control intrahepatic immune processes. This study describes targeted proteomic profiling data in patients with AIH and controls. A total of 92 inflammatory and 92 cardiometabolic plasma markers were assessed for (i) pediatric AIH versus controls, (ii) AIH type 1 versus type 2, (iii) AIH and AIH–autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis overlapping syndrome and (iv) correlations with circulating vitamin D levels in AIH. A total of 16 proteins showed a nominally significant differential abundance in pediatric patients with AIH compared to controls. No clustering of AIH subphenotypes based on all protein data was observed, and no significant correlation of vitamin D levels was observed for the identified proteins. The proteins that showed variable expression include CA1, CA3, GAS6, FCGR2A, 4E-BP1 and CCL19, which may serve as potential biomarkers for patients with AIH. CX3CL1, CXCL10, CCL23, CSF1 and CCL19 showed homology to one another and may be coexpressed in AIH. CXCL10 seems to be the central intermediary link for the listed proteins. These proteins were involved in relevant mechanistic pathways for liver diseases and immune processes in AIH pathogenesis. This is the first report on the proteomic profile of pediatric AIH. The identified markers could potentially lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, considering the complex pathogenesis of AIH, more extensive studies are warranted to replicate and validate the present study’s findings.

The application of a new hydrometallurgical process for gold extraction by thiosulphate leaching from Romanian mining wastes, coming from Balan and Deva deposits, was studied. There was obtained 85% of Au extraction after leaching; moreover, an integrated flow-sheet, including recycling of process solution and carbon, was outlined, based on results obtained at a laboratory scale, using a schematic chemical circuit of treatment. Global recovery of the process (leaching-adsorption-desorption-electrodeposition) of about 75-80% of Au was achieved. The developed integrated flow-sheet, allows to recycle the reagents during the process, with a loss of only 5-10%, in particular thiosulphate and alcohol, for each complete circuit of treatment.

Vitamin D (calciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that has a significant role in phospho-calcium metabolism, maintaining normal calcium levels and bone health development. The most important compounds of vitamin D are cholecalciferol (vitamin D3, or VD3) and ergocalciferol (vitamin D2, or VD2). Besides its major role in maintaining an adequate level of calcium and phosphate concentrations, vitamin D is involved in cell growth and differentiation and immune function. Recently, the association between vitamin D deficiency and the progression of fibrosis in chronic liver disease (CLD) was confirmed, given the hepatic activation process and high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in these diseases. There are reports of vitamin D deficiency in CLD regardless of the etiology (chronic viral hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, or autoimmune hepatitis). Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) is synthesized by the liver and has the role of binding and transporting vitamin D and its metabolites to the target organs. VDBP also plays an important role in inflammatory response secondary to tissue damage, being involved in the degradation of actin. As intense research during the last decades revealed the possible role of vitamin D in liver diseases, a deeper understanding of the vitamin D, vitamin D receptors (VDRs), and VDBP involvement in liver inflammation and fibrogenesis could represent the basis for the development of new strategies for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of liver diseases. This narrative review presents an overview of the evidence of the role of vitamin D and VDBP in CLD, both at the experimental and clinical levels.

On March 3-4, 2022, the Society of Chemistry of the Republic of Moldova, the Institute of Chemistry, the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the State University of Moldova intends to organize the VII International Conference EEC-2022, dedicated to the 70th anniversary from the birthday of the illustrious scientist Gheorghe Duca. The current jubilee is an occasion to pay a beautiful homage and gratitude to this tireless researcher and organizer of science, whose activity is a worthy example to follow of serving the nation and the land.

Vitamin D intervenes in calcium and phosphate metabolism and bone homeostasis. Experimental studies have shown that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol) generates immunologic activities on the innate and adaptive immune system and endothelial membrane stability. Low levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) are associated with an increased risk of developing immune-related diseases such as psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune diseases. Various clinical trials describe the efficacy of supplementation of vitamin D and its metabolites for treating these diseases that result in variable outcomes. Different disease outcomes are observed in treatment with vitamin D as high inter-individual difference is present with complex gene expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, it is still not fully known what level of serum 25(OH)D is needed. The current recommendation is to increase vitamin D intake and have enough sunlight exposure to have serum 25(OH)D at a level of 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) and better at 40–60 ng/mL (100–150 nmol/L) to obtain the optimal health benefits of vitamin D.

The adsorption of strontium ions from aqueous solutions on nut shells activated carbons (samples CAN-7 and CAN-8) at different temperatures has been studied. The isotherm of adsorption of strontium ions from aqueous solutions on activated carbon CAN-7 has two inflection points at relatively small and high equilibrium concentrations. As the temperature increases, the adsorption values decrease, which indicates that the adsorption process is exothermic.

Enoxil-silica composites with various Enoxil-to-silica ratios were prepared by mechanical mixing of the biologically active Enoxil and fumed silica powders. The hygroscopic properties of the composites were studied by the gravimetric method. . It was found that hygroscopicity is reduced by 30÷40% when the Enoxil-to-silica mass ratio in the composites is 0.15÷0.35.

The state of water in a polyacrylamide (PPA) gel has been studied by the 1H NMR spectroscopy. It is shown that the PAA gel can serve as a container for prolonged retention of the Enoxil preparation without changing its chemical composition. At the same time, the molecular structures of Enoxil bind strongly to polymer chains, probably due to the formation of hydrogen-bound complexes with amino and imino groups.

The aim of the study was to modify the diatomite from Ghidirim village (Ribnita distinct, Republic of Moldova) with purpose to use it as filter material. The initial diatomite was modified by alkaline treatment with sodium carbonate, and the filtering capacity was evaluated by suction filtration method. The treatment of diatomite by sodium carbonate resulted in an increased filtration rate, recording the most pronounced filtering capacity for diatomite treated with 20% solution of sodium carbonate.

Pediatric autoimmune liver disorders include autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC), and de novo AIH after liver transplantation. AIH is an idiopathic disease characterized by immune-mediated hepatocyte injury associated with the destruction of liver cells, causing inflammation, liver failure, and fibrosis, typically associated with autoantibodies. The etiology of AIH is not entirely unraveled, but evidence supports an intricate interaction among genetic variants, environmental factors, and epigenetic modifications. The pathogenesis of AIH comprises the interaction between specific genetic traits and molecular mimicry for disease development, impaired immunoregulatory mechanisms, including CD4+ T cell population and Treg cells, alongside other contributory roles played by CD8+ cytotoxicity and autoantibody production by B cells. These findings delineate an intricate pathway that includes gene to gene and gene to environment interactions with various drugs, viral infections, and the complex microbiome. Epigenetics emphasizes gene expression through hereditary and reversible modifications of the chromatin architecture without interfering with the DNA sequence. These alterations comprise DNA methylation, histone transformations, and non-coding small (miRNA) and long (lncRNA) RNA transcriptions. The current first-line therapy comprises prednisolone plus azathioprine to induce clinical and biochemical remission. Further understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms encountered in AIH may depict their impact on clinical aspects, detect biomarkers, and guide toward novel, effective, and better-targeted therapies with fewer side effects.

Adsorption of strontium ions from aqueous solutions on active carbons CAN-7 and oxidized CAN-8 has been studied. It has been found that allure of the adsorption isotherms for both studied active carbons are practically identical. Studies have shown that the adsorption isotherms for strontium ions from aqueous solutions are well described by the Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich equations, respectively. The surface heterogeneity of activated carbons CAN-7 and oxidized CAN-8 has been assessed by using Freundlich equation.

Aluminium sulphate is one of the most widely used coagulants for water treatment and has been proven to be an effective coagulant for the removal of certain contaminants, turbidity and colour. Aluminium sulphate used during the coagulation process is hydrolyzed in the water, forming polynuclear complexes. Aged aluminium solutions show different coagulation behaviour than that of freshly prepared solutions. Obtained results reveal that using of optimal aging solution of coagulant improves the coagulation process.

The catalytic activities of nanoporous carbon materials, their modified forms and enzyme catalase was determined by calculation of Michaelis constants according to the kinetics of substrate decomposition. It is found that the catalytic activity of studied samples correlated with surface basicity and presence of quaternary nitrogen groups in structure.

The aim of presented research was to optimize the treatment process of the Prut River water. In order to realize the proposed goal, there were studied the following factors which can improve the process of coagulation: (i) the influence of stirring speed during coagulation and (ii) the influence of the concentration of the coagulant solution added in the process of coagulation. The optimal conditions of coagulation were established using the Jar-test method. Application of the recommended procedure contribute to the reduction of the coagulant dose, the contact time, the aluminum concentration in water and the expenses for water treatment.

This paper reports on the influence of sodium ions on experimental determination of strontium ions concentration in waters with a high content of sodium ions by using emission flame photometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy. For the method of emission flame photometry it was shown that at a wavelength of 460.7 nm (spectral emission line of strontium) the emission is linearly dependent on the concentration of sodium ions. The greatest impact of high concentrations of sodium ions on the result of determination the strontium ions concentration has been registered at low levels of strontium. The influence of nitric acid on the results is also discussed. In the case of using atomic absorption spectroscopy method no influence of sodium ions and nitric acid on the results of determination the strontium ions concentration was revealed. The metrological characteristics of both methods are evaluated.

Processes of removal of divalent ions of iron and manganese and hydrogen sulfide from groundwater at various pH values and temperature were studied. Obtained results have been used in order to elaborate a process of groundwater purification from the mentioned pollutants. The use of elaborated process for natural water leads to the decrease of the content of iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide below the maximum allowable concentrations.

The study relates to determination of nitrate in presence of nitrite in water and can be used in the quality monitoring of natural water (surface and groundwater), drinking water, water from fish farms and public aquaria where autonomous filters is used. The nature and quantity of reagents used have insignificant impact on natural waters and sewages. According to the investigation, the method includes the removal of nitrite from the solution/water with sulfaminic acid, the nitrate ion reduction to nitrite using a reducing mixture that contains Na2SO4 and zinc dust in ratio of 100:5 and determining the nitrite with the Griess reagent.

Four series of samples containing manganese supported carbonaceous adsorbents were prepared. Obtained results reveal the importance of surface chemistry of carbonaceous adsorbents on the manganese loading.

Au fost precizate unele aspecte metodologice ale tehnicilor de titrare vizuală (metoda Boehm) şi electrometrică (titrări alcalimetrice şi acidimetrice) pentru stabilirea proprietăţilor acido-bazice ale adsorbanţilor carbonici. Pe suprafaţa cărbunilor activi obţinuţi prin metoda fizico-chimică predomină grupările funcţionale bazice, pentru determinarea conţi­nutului lor fiind recomandată metoda titrării conductometrice acidimetrice. De rând cu grupările bazice, pe suprafaţa acestor cărbuni există şi grupări funcţionale acide, pentru determinarea lor fiind recomandată metoda titrării pH-metrice indirecte. Pe suprafaţa cărbunilor activi obţinuţi prin metoda chimică predomină grupările funcţionale acide, pentru de­ter­­minarea conţinutului lor fiind recomandă metoda titrării conductometrice alcalimetrice. Pentru determinarea grupări­lor bazice pe suprafaţa acestor cărbuni se recomandă metoda titrării pH-metrice indirecte.EVALUATION OF ACTIVE CARBONS ACID-BASIC PROPERTIESThe methodological peculiarities of visual titration method (Boehm method) and electrometric (alkalimetric and acidimetric titrations) for researching of acid-basic properties of carbonaceous adsorbents have been specified. On the surface of active carbons obtained by physical-chemical method of activation the basic sites predominate being recom­mended acidimetric conductometric titration for their determination. Besides of such groups there are also acidic sites being recommended alkalimetric pH-metric back titration for their determination. On the surface of active carbons obtained by chemical activation the acidic groups predominate being recommended alkalimetric conductometric titration for their determination. Besides of such groups there are also basic sites being recommended acidimetric pH-metric back titration for their determination.

Technologies for active carbons obtaining from vegetable byproducts such as straw, nut shells, fruit stones, sawdust, hydrolysis products of corn cobs and sunflower husks have been developed. The physico-chemical characteristics, structural parameters and sorption characteristics of obtained active carbons were determined. The ability of carbonaceous adsorbents for detoxification of soil against pesticides, purification of surface waters and for removal of organic pollutants from wastewaters has been evaluated. The obtained results reveal the effectiveness of their use in a number of environmental technologies.

The supplemented scheme for determination of phosphorus forms in natural waters was tested for the River Prut.

This communication is devoted to the elaboration of a new optimal technique of infrared spectra registration of activated carbons in potassium bromide pellets. Authors investigated the dependence of the intensity of the least overlapping infrared bands of activated carbons on the conditions of preparation, recording of the spectrum, and the degree of homogenization with KBr.

Compuşii azotului amoniacal expun carbonaţii metalelor grele degradării chimice; ca rezultat, metalele solubilizate sunt spălate în apele naturale, poluându-le. Scopul investigaţiei constă în elucidarea particularităţilor interacţiunii dintre carbonaţii metalelor şi compuşii amoniului, precum şi în determinarea impactului acestor compuşi asupra sistemelor calcaroase naturale.HEAVY METALS CARBONATES SOLUBILIZATION WITH AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONSAmmonia nitrogen compounds expose heavy metals carbonates to chemical degradation; as a result dissolved metals are washed into natural waters, polluting them. The aim of the investigation is to elucidate the peculiarities of interaction between the metal carbonates and the ammonium compounds as well as determining the impact of these compounds on natural calcareous systems.

The compound Enoxil is a mixture of polyphenols, esthers, and carboxylic acids, which could be involved in reducing the risk of diseases associated with oxidative stress. The results of the investigation of antioxidant activity for the compound Enoxil and its forms are presented in this paper. It can be concluded that acetone-Enoxil has a higher antioxidant activity that other tested compounds.

This research has been carried out in order to demonstrate the use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in detecting and measuring α- and β-relaxation processes in amorphous pharmaceutical systems. DSC has been employed to study amorphous samples of poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), indomethacin (InM), and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDA) that are annealed at temperature (Ta) around 0.8 of their glass transition temperature (Tg). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is used to measure β- relaxation in PVP. Yet, the DSC has been used to study the glassy indomethacin aged at 0 and -10 oC for periods of time up to 109 and 210 days respectively. The results demonstrate the emergence of a small melting peak of the α-polymorph after aging for 69 days at 0°C and for 147 days at -10°C (i.e., ~55°C below the glass transition temperature) that provides evidence of nucleation occurring in the temperature region of the β-relaxation.

The corrosion process of some steels immersed in HNO3 solutions of different concentrations by means of voltammetric measurements was investigated. For different values of the corrosion potential, or of the contact time: solid steel-aggressive medium, several equations of the type: I = f (E) were proposed, only for linear domains of the voltammograms.

This paper presents the results of scientific research related to the electrochemical behavior of the complex preparation Enoxil. It was established that the oxidation-reduction process of Enoxil is quasireversible. The reactivity of Enoxil obtained from alcohol soluble enotannins is more pronounced, compared to that obtained from standard enotannins. The dependence of cathodic current intensity on Enoxil concentration is linear. This can be used to establish Enoxil concentration in solution. Cyclic voltamograms were used to establish reduction and oxidation potential and the formal redox potential on platinum electrode in sodium perchlorate aqueous environment. These features can be used for identification and determination of Enoxil in pharmaceuticals.

The methods of thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have been used to study the thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation of polystyrene (PS) and a PS-clay nanocomposite. An advanced isoconversional method has been applied for kinertic analysis. Introduction of the clay phase increasers the activation energy and affects the total heat of degradation, which suggests a change in the reaction mechanism. The obtained kinetic data permit a comparative assessment of the fire resistance of the studied materials

The dissolution of the iron from steel was observed by drawing the cyclic voltammetry (CV) for the systems consisting of the solution resulted when the alloy sample was immersed in HNO3, H2SO4, and HCl, aqueous solutions on platinum disk electrode (PtDE). The presence of some redox processes can be observed only in HNO3 which confirms the complexity of the mechanism of Fe dissolution in this acid. On the other hand, there were manufactured electrodes of steel samples taken into experiment achieving the corrosion characteristics in the media mentioned above.

The paper explores the use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TM DSC) to study α- and β- processes in amorphous sucrose and trehalose. The real part of the complex heat capacity is evaluated at the frequencies, f, from 5 to 20mHz. β-relaxations were studied by annealing glassy samples at different temperatures and subsequently heating at different rates in a differential scanning calorimeter.

This paper deals with a study of water splitting by gamma rays in the presence of some double perovskites A2MM’O6 and also Sr2Fe1-xTa1+xO6. The irradiation is performed using 60Co as a source with 3·104 Ci activity and 8.3 kGy/h dose rate, which simulated the radioactive wastes, resulted from reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel elements much more active: 108-109 Ci. The stable products of radiolysis, as well as the other chemical species are measured by mass spectrometry. The calculated radiation yield (GH2) generally decreases in the order: Sr2Fe1-xTa1+xO6 (x=0.5; 0.4; 0.3; 0.1) > Ca2AlTaO6 > Sr2AlTaO6 > Ba2AlTaO6, under the given experimental conditions; the yield was higher in the presence of these catalysts than in their absence.

This communication deals with the appearance and development of the research in the field of chemistry in the Republic of Moldova; at the beginning - in chemistry sections of Moldovan Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences and then - at the Institute of Chemistry, founded in 1959. The dynamics of changes in the structure and research subjects is traced. Data are presented concerning the research results in the fi eld of the chemistry of coordination compounds, fine organic synthesis, natural products chemistry, physicochemical analysis, quantum chemistry, mineral resources, chemistry of natural water and purifi cation of waste water, the preparation and utilization of active carbons, and ecological chemistry. A detailed account both of basic research and applied investigation is given. The collaboration of our scientists with their colleagues from abroad is considered. Information is presented related to the scientific schools at our institute, its guidance and laboratory′s leaders. The scientific equipment of the institute is mentioned. The relationship of the institute with higher schools, as well as training of young researchers will be presented.

This review details the most important achievements in the fi eld of ecological chemistry and environmental protection, obtained at the State University of Moldova and Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova. The main research directions are described, as well as main scientific laboratories and centres of these two institutions.

It is our privilege to give a special dedication to the Editor-in-chief of Chemistry Journal of Moldova and our colleague, Academician Gheorghe Duca, who stands at the origins of the Journal. Our appreciation and admiration for the renowned scientist, pedagogue and public person, Gheorghe Duca, descends from the certitude that he is a pioneer and an impassioned animator in the field of his scientific activity – Ecological Chemistry. Through his research work, initiatives and especially his visions, Acad. Gheorghe Duca is, indisputably, a Personality of European value. As the founder of the scientific school of Ecological Chemistry in Republic of Moldova, he developed the theory of redox phenomenon in the environment, the ecological audit methodology and formulated the basic principles of environmental education. Under the supervision of Acad. Gheorghe Duca many disciples became accomplished specialists, including 4 DSc and 22 PhD. The scientific results of Acad. Gheorghe Duca are reflected in more than 70 books, 150 patents and about 1000 scientifi c papers. Through the initiatives of Acad. Gheorghe Duca, Republic of Moldova got the reputation of an international scientific center in the field of Ecology. Under the leadership of Acad. Gheorghe Duca five editions of Ecological Chemistry conferences were organized in Chisinau.

A dedication in memoriam of Academician Constantin Turta, Doctor habilitate in chemistry, Professor, famous scientist, world-renowned chemist, Laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Moldova, person of a exquisite culture and noble attitude. Scientist Constantin Turta was a worldwide specialist in the field of bioinorganic and coordination chemistry. He became known in the scientific community by his fundamental pioneering work on the application of Mössbauer spectroscopy in inorganic and coordination chemistry. Merits of academician Constantin Turta were appreciated both by the scientific community and the government. He is the Knight of the Order "Labour Glory" and Medal "Dimitrie Cantemir" of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova.

A dedication in memoriam of corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Professor, Doctor Habilitatus Mihail Revenco (1947-2014). Scientific work and practical results of Professor Mihail Revenco were deservedly appreciated by superior bodies, being awarded the National Award in Science and Technology (1995), Order of “Emeritus” of the Republic of Moldova (1996), “Dimitrie Cantemir” Medal (2006), “Paisie Velcikovsky” Medal (Poland 2011), the Memorial Award “Yurii Simonov” (2012). In 2012, for outstanding results, through Presidential Decree, Professor Mihail Revenco was awarded the Order “Labour Glory”.

Dear academician, professor Constantin Turta, on the occasion of Your 70 years anniversary and 50 years of fruitful scientific and teaching activity, on behalf of the scientific community of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, we address You our best wishes of prosperity, health, welfare, new advances in boinorganic chemistry, nanomaterials and advanced technologies.