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In our experiment, we looked whether there was a chance to remediate tailing ponds with a sub-layer rich in Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb, Cr making use of native species from the regional flora, like Quercus petraea. We have determined the absorption/ accretion potential of the durmast related to heavy metals, as well as the growth rhythm of this species in conditions offered by polluted sites, correlated to the presence/absence of the microbiotis in the soil attached to the root. The research places accent on the fact that the durmast oak, as a native species can be used in remediation actions of polluted sites since it has an adaptive potential, as well as the capacity to absorb and accumulate heavy metals. In what concerns its survival strategy, mycorised fungi ,attached to the polluted soil, play a significant part, since they induce plants a certain resistance by diminishing the absorption of heavy metals by the host plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to see what effects microwaves have on the physical-chemical composition of the raw milk. The results showed that the averages of fat, protein, dry substance and lactose concentrations decreased during the microwave exposure while the density averages increased. This variation was characterized by the critical time moment of 31.71 s, corresponding to the moment when a milk sample exposed to the microwaves action undergoes the first more significant alteration of its physical-chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiments were performed to test the influence of amendments on the growth of Phaseolus vulgaris L. plants. The amendments tested were natural bentonite, natural zeolite modified with Ca2+ and natural zeolite modified with NH4+, respectively. The seeds of beans were planted in polluted soil mixed with 5% and respectively 10% content of amendment. Mixes with the two above-mentioned concentrations were prepared with each type of amendment considered. Soil without amendment was used as control-soil. In each of the seven experimental series, 15 seeds were planted. The height of each plant was measured and recorded after a pre-established number of days, up to one calendar month. Data were analyzed using version 16.0 (for Windows) of the SPSS software package. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to determine if zeolite modified with ammonium ions has a higher capacity than natural zeolite to protect Hieracium aurantium and Rumex acetosella growing on tailing ponds, by reducing the quantity of metal ions these plants would accumulate in their roots and leaves. The influence of the amount of zeolite in the substrate (5 % and 10 % mass percentage) was also studied. The experiments were carried out in laboratory and the concentration of the ions of heavy metal in roots and leaves, after 38 days of growth was established by Flame Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy. The pH, conductivity and redox potential for each of the substrate considered were measured. The results were statistically processed using the one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA). FTIR analyses were performed to establish the structural differences between the natural and modified zeolite. Hieracium aurantium and Rumex acetosella accumulate a smaller quantity of metal ions in roots and leaves in the presence of zeolite modified with ammonium ions than in the presence of natural zeolite. Laboratory tests showed that Hieracium aurantium is more tolerant to ions of heavy metals than Rumex acetosella, as demonstrated by their translocation factors. In terms of reducing the uptake of ions of heavy metals, only the zeolite modified with ammonium has a significant protective effect on Hieracium aurantium, while both natural zeolite and zeolite modified demonstrate a significant role for Rumex acetosella, as revealed by statistical tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tailing pond, produced from extraction and processing of heavy metals ores, not only damage native vegetation, thus leading to large areas of derelict land, but are also sources of metal contaminants in local water, air and land. Microorganisms can be important biosorbents for heavy metal remediation of contaminated soils and wastewaters. The presence of some beneficial fungi stimulated plant growth and protected the plant from metal toxicity. To establish the appropriate bioremediation method, we identified some fungi and bacteria species localized in different points and at different depths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical changes of three types of cheese, yoghurt and kefir were evaluated during storage in packages containing TiO2 with two different compositions of the mixed anatase-rutile phase. The influence of TiO2 packaging during storage on titratable acidity and fat content and on the external aspect was investigated. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were performed to establish whether the TiO2 penetrated the food during storage. The results showed that the TiO2 nanoparticles deposited on polyethylene surface significantly decreased acidity and fat content of the investigated cheese and yoghurt types. During storage in TiO2 nanopackages, the change in chemical parameters is accentuated as the content of rutile grows from 2.8% to 6.9%. The sensory evaluation revealed that the dairy products stored for 11 days in TiO2 nanopackages present similar colour, texture and flavour with that of the references; the samples stored in polyethylene film were found to be unacceptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical changes of homemade curd cheese were evaluated during storage in unmodified and modified packages with extract of garlic (Allium sativum) and thyme (Satureja hortensis), during 3 and 6 day, at room temperature. White paper and low density polyethylene have been used as packaging materials. The influence of type packaging during storage on titrated acidity, chloride, protein and dry weight content was investigated. Also, a set of measurements was performed on cheese stored at room temperature without being packed, after being treated with thyme or garlic extract by immersion for 10 minutes in the extract. The basic compounds from thyme extract and the antioxidant compounds from garlic extract influence the physico-chemical parameters of curd cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to establish if the packages based on paper or LDPE modified with extract of thyme and garlic are efficient in preserving the summer salame during storage, as compared with the unmodified packages. Eight different types of packages based on paper or LDPE impregnated in the aqueous extracts of thyme and garlic were prepared and used to test their preservation activity during the storage of the summer salame, a Romanian meat product, at room temperature and light. The eight types of packages are as follows: product impregnated in extract of thyme (IP thyme) and garlic (IP garlic), summer salame packaged in unmodified paper (H) and LDPE (LDPE), summer salame packaged in paper impregnated in extract of thyme (IH thyme) and in extract of garlic (IH garlic), summer salame packaged in LDPE impregnated in extract of thyme (ILDPE thyme) and in extract of garlic (ILDPE garlic). At 0, 3 and 6 days, the following physico-chemical parameters were monitored during storage: acidity, pH, water, salt and protein content. Additionally, the changes of the organoleptic characteristics were established. It was observed that the most reduced decrease of the acidity and protein content during storage occured in the summer salame impregnated in the thyme extract and in the salame packaged in the paper impregnated in the garlic extract. Moreover, the organoleptic characteristics of the samples impregnated in the thyme and garlic extract, excepting those in packages based on LDPE were not significantly changed during storage, at room temperature and under light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uptake of heavy metals is a process dependent on the resistance/tolerance of plants against chemical stress. The nature of the metal and the particularities of each species influence the uptake capacity. In order to test the uptake capacity of some species, seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris and Zea mays from polluted and respectively unpolluted sites were selected for the experiment following. The authors' previous experiments on germination in the presence of metals (Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb) revealed that seeds from metalliferous fields behave differently against chemical stress compared with seeds from non-metalliferous fields. The differential behavior of the two types of seeds was observed even starting from imbibition. The aim of experiments is to investigate the accumulation abilities of non-metallophytes species such as Phaseolus vulgaris and Zea mays, analyzing the first growth stage. The analysis of the experimental data thus obtained demonstrates that harvested from polluted soil has lower uptake capacity less than the plants grown from seeds harvested from unpolluted soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to prepare and test the capacity of a sensor based on TiO2 to detect the presence of oxygen in the damaged vacuum packages. The oxygen indicator is described, comprising nanoparticles of titania added to a sacrificial electron donor, glycerol and to a redox indicator, methylene blue (MB). The indicator is blue colored in the absence of UV light, however upon exposure to UV light its blue color becomes light blue and until it is exposed to oxygen, whereupon its original color is restored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper studies the influence of work parameters expressed as brewing time, temperature of water, particle sizes and contact time on the releasing of mineral elements (Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe and Pb) in coffee infusion. The higher extractability was obtained in the first 10 minutes for infusion made of coffee samples with particles in range of 125 µm - 500 mm and hot water for Ca (33.02 mg/100g) while in case of diffusion made of coffee beans (diameter > 2 mm) in contact with cold water no lead was noticed after 60 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goals of the experiments detailed below were, on one hand, to determine the nitrate and nitrite content in supermarket (greenhouse) cucumbers as compared to the cucumbers collected from farms located in two villages, Coltau and Sisesti, in Maramures County, and on the other hand to assess to what extent such content could be reduced, in order to minimise the negative impact on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the photoactivity of novel zeolite-based Ti O2 composites modified with metal particles for the photoreduction of Cu2+, depending on the zeolite and metal particles ( Ag or Fe) content and to establish the photoreduction mechanism. The composites have been prepared by incorporating zeolite particles in the sols during the sol-gel preparation of the Ti O2, followed by impregnation of the gels in solutions containing metal ions. The zeolite-based Ti O2 composites have been characterized using X-ray diffraction, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy techniques and TEM microscopy. The role of zeolite particles in the photoreduction process was demonstrated by using different kinetic models. The apparent constant rate for photoreduction increases in direct proportion with the content of zeolite and is higher for the composites modified with Fe than for those modified with Ag nanoparticles. The results demonstrate that composites have a higher photocatalytic efficiency than Ti O2. The experiments in this study reveal that the migration of Cu2+ in solution occurs rapidly and that the diffusion through the film on the composite's surface and, subsequently, the photoreduction process are the rate limiting steps. The role of the zeolite in photoreduction is to diminish the recombination rate of the charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to prepare and characterize gelatin films incorporating hemp and sage oil, to obtain an edible film which combines both food preservation and nutritional properties. Gelatin film-forming solutions were investigated in terms of wettability in relation to different foodstuff and their antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua , Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Penicillium expansum . The gelatin films were evaluated for their water vapor permeability, solubility in food simulants, moisture content, thickness and light barrier property. The steeper decrease in contact angles, surface tension and spreading coefficients was displayed by the sage oil-gelatin film solution and the mildest by the hemp oil-gelatin film solution. The most suitable foodstuffs to be coated in sage/hemp oil-gelatin films seem to be Golden Apple, pork meat and processed cheese, whereas the least suitable appear to be garlic, red bell pepper and cauliflower. Hemp oil has moderate antimicrobial action, while the sage oil displays a strong inhibition. Additive effect is expressed in case of all gelatin film solutions containing sage and hemp oils combinations. The sage oil-gelatin film displays the lowest water vapor permeability and moisture content, while the hemp oil-gelatin film results in the lowest thickness and highest light barrier property. Hemp oil-gelatin film is more soluble than the sage oil-gelatin film. Varying degrees in the investigated parameters can be noticed in cases of oils mixtures-gelatin films depending by the dominant oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation, morpho-structural and photo-characterization of Ag/TiO 2 –SiO 2 (0.5–1wt%) composites were reported. The silver ions were reduced on the titania–silica surface in two different routes. The best Ag/TiO 2 –SiO 2 photocatalysts must have high specific surface area and low Ag content, when the Ag nanoparticles homogeneous dispersed onto the mixed oxide surface generates an oxidation state of titanium (Ti Ag 4+ ), that improves the charge carriers transfer, thus increasing their photoactivity. A negative value of the activation energy suggested that the temperature does not influence the photoactivity of the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbiological and chemical characteristics of white bread during storage in paper-packages modified with Ag/TiO 2 –SiO 2 , Ag/N–TiO 2 or Au/TiO 2 were investigated. The whiteness and the water retention of the modified packages were slightly superior to those exhibited by the reference sample, as the color of the composite was lighter. The water retention was very good especially for the Ag/TiO 2 –SiO 2 -paper. These improvements can be associated with the high specific surface area and with the low agglomeration tendency of Ag nanoparticles in comparison with the Au ones. The preservation activity of the composites for the bread storage is positively influenced by photoactivity and presence of nano-Ag. Packages Ag/TiO 2 –SiO 2 -paper and Ag/N–TiO 2 -paper can find their applicability for extending the shelf life of bread by 2 days as compared with the unmodified paper-package. No influence of the Au/TiO 2 on the extending the shelf life of bread was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red tomatoes exposed for one month to monochromatic Far-Red Light (FRL 740 nm) and darkness, respectively at 10 °C were subjected to physical-nutritional-microbiological investigations. The stimulation of wax biosynthesis corroborated with the widening of hydrophobic fraction in the tomatoes wax composition, the narrowing of the diameter and aperture of pericarp cells in tomatoes cuticle during FRL exposure result in tighter cuticle-wax adhesion, enhanced barrier properties against transpiration and improved firmness retention. Moreover, the storage in FRL proves to be more effective as compared to that in darkness in terms of browning index, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid level. Discoloration in the skin of FRL-exposed tomatoes in the end of storage was more pronounced than that of darkness-exposed tomatoes, as result of lycopene content reduction to a greater extent. A significant diminishing in the surface colonization with yeasts and molds was observed in the FRL-exposed tomatoes as compared to those exposed in the darkness. The results are relevant both from the industrial and consumership points of view. The positive influence of FRL on attributes of red tomatoes in storage can be addressed to improve the illumination in warehouses reflected in the prolongation of tomatoes shelf life and nutritional value, reducing of food waste and financial loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions, in the presence and in absence of commercial TiO2, under UV-light was studied. The influence of catalyst mass, concentration of Pb(II) ions and of citric acid in the starting solution as well as the impact of illumination conditions on the removal rate were also investigated. The results were fitted on the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and Elovich kinetic models, Weber-Morris intraparticle and liquid film diffusion models, in order to establish the photoreduction mechanism. The Pb removal rate increased in time by a combined linear-exponential mechanism. The catalyst had a positive influence on the removal rate at the start of the photoreduction. At a low concentration of Pb(II) ions (20 mg/L), the amount of photoreduced Pb(II) ions was proportional to the concentration of the citric acid solution, but at high concentrations (240 mg/L), the correlation was inversely proportional. The rate limiting steps in the removal of lead were both the photoreduction on the TiO2 surface and the diffusion through the film surrounding the catalyst particle. The lead removal was significantly influenced by the mobility and by the concentration of the species in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was undertaken to establish the preservative role of lactic acid (LA) and salicylic acid (SA) included in a gelatin-glycerol film over the harvested plums. The results showed that highest catalase activity was achieved for the plums modified with LA 0.2% wt and with SA 0.00375 M, after 12 days of storage. The most reduced variation of the physical, chemical, and enzymatic parameters was noticed in the plums coated with LA 0.2% wt. Statistical processing showed that the variation of all physical-chemical parameters, excepting catalase is significant. Variation of catalase is significant only in the case of the plums modified with LA 3% wt and of reference plums. Thus, the coating of the harvested plums with a low amount of LA (≤0.2% wt) can be considered as preservation method during storage for 12 days. Practical applications Lactic acid (LA) and salicylic acid (SA) were coated on the harvested plums and their role as preservative during the fruit storage was established. The results showed that coating the harvested plums with a gelatin-glycerol film modified with LA at low concentration (≤0.2% wt) is an efficient method for preservation at room temperature for 12 days, taking in consideration that the commercial shelf life of harvested plums is 2-6 weeks, at 0 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton fabric decorated with TiO2 synthesized by sol‐gel approach was investigated as a self‐cleaning material depending on the TiO2 loading (1.5 wt% in the case of single layered fabric and 3 wt% in the case of double layered). The materials were investigated by SEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, and photoactivity. The self‐cleaning property was established by determining the amount of the coated dust, the elemental composition, the carbon content, the opacity, and the water contact angle. The self‐cleaning property of the impregnated fabric was accentuated by TiO2 loading. The dust deposited on the single layer fabric stored inside was 3.8 wt% lower than on the nonimpregnated fabric and that deposited on double layer fabric, respectively, was reduced by 9.1 wt%. The decrease in the deposited dust was more accentuated for the samples stored outside (4.2 wt% for the single layer fabric and 16 wt% for the double layer fabric, as compared with the nonimpregnated textile). Schematic mechanism of self‐cleaning [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Obtaining, characterization and preservative role of nano-Ag-graphene-TiO 2 -PLA film. • Mechanical resistance of the film improved by 30% following the composite addition. • Water vapour permeability decreased by incorporation of the composite into film. • Best active packages were the films with the highest composite mass (PLA0.5, PLA3) • Their active role is kept 100% and 85% respectively, during the second use. The study reports obtaining, characterization and evaluation of the preservation efficacy of nano-Ag-graphene-TiO 2 -polylactic acid (PLA) film during the storage of the curd cheese. The reusability of the active package was also evaluated. The mechanical resistance of the film was improved by 30% following the composite addition. Water vapour permeability decreased by 11–27% when the composite was incorporated into PLA in a mass percentage ranged between 0.5 and 3%. The highest fat permeability was obtained for PLA3% at 4 °C. The oxygen permeability of PLA3% is 24.6% lower than that of neat-PLA. PLA0.5% and PLA3% presented the highest antibacterial activity. PLA3% achieved the lowest solubility in food simulants at 4 °C compared to PLA and reference. The best active packages for curd storage were PLA0.5% and PLA3%. They showed also the lowest depreciation from the first to the second use. Their active role is kept 100% and 85% respectively, during the second use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize the glasses made of x(Fe2O3∙V2O5)∙(100 − x)[P2O5∙CaO] with x ranging of 0–50%. The contribution of Fe2O3 and V2O5 amount on the structure of P2O5·CaO matrix was investigated. The vitreous materials were characterized by XRD (X-ray diffraction analysis), EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. A hyperfine structure typical for isolated V4+ ions was noticed to all spectra containing low amount of V2O5. The XRD spectra show the amorphous nature of samples, apart x = 50%. An overlap of the EPR spectrum of a broad line without the hyperfine structure characteristic of clustered ions was observed with increasing V2O5 content. The results of magnetic susceptibility measurements explain the antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic interactions expressed between the iron and vanadium ions in the investigated glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the polymer-based materials needs has induced along the waste accumulation, thus argued higher interest in recycling. The study aims to assess the structural, morphological, mechanical resistance, physical–chemical and biochemical characteristics, as well as the preservative role during the curd cheese storage of a recycled polylactic acid (PLA)-based film modified with Ag-graphene-TiO2 nanostructured composite, obtained by recovering the composite from the used film, followed by its incorporation in new PLA. The breaking load of the recycled film was 24% lower than that of the new film and 10% higher than of the neat PLA. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed changes of the recycled PLA's surface tension and crystallization degree in a greater extent than in the newly prepared film, revealing better incorporation of the recovered composite into the PLA matrix. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy showed the formation of C–O–Ti bridges between composite and PLA both in new and recycled film. Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the new and recycled film decreased by 33% and 45%, respectively, in comparison with reference PLA. The curd cheese was successfully stored in the recycled packaging; the organoleptic characteristics of cheese wrapped in recycled film were superior in comparison with the new film. The variation of fat and protein contents and mass loss was the lowest when the recycled film was used as packaging material. The study successfully showed the possibility to recover and recycle the used PLA-based films modified with inorganic nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]