Scientific and Technical Bulletin, Series: Chemistry, Food Science and Engineering

WAYS TO DETERMINE COLIFORM BACTERIA IN FOOD – A MINI REVIEW

Ionel POPESCU-MITROI — 2024-08-19

The presence/absence of coliform bacteria in food is a hygienic-sanitary indicator that provides valuable
information about the hygienic conditions in which the food was processed. The determination of coliform bacteria in
food using the classical method (multiple-tube method) is a laborious work, and the results take a long time. In recent
years, modern techniques for the determination of coliform bacteria have emerged, which include enzyme tests, ELISA
techniques, PCR techniques, and spectrophotometric techniques, with much faster results.
In this paper, the use of ion mobility spectrometry for the determination of o-nitrophenol (ONP), a volatile marker
generated by the E. coli species, is briefly described, discussing both the strengths and weaknesses of this method.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TEXTILE RECYCLING FOR FAST-FASHION CONSCIOUS PEOPLE

Andreea RACEU — 2024-08-19

The textile industry's pollution is a growing environmental concern. This study promotes sustainable
fashion awareness through clothing recycling. By addressing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, we aim
to advance eco-friendly fashion. This research can benefit future students and interested individuals. Our methodology
included a questionnaire with 105 respondents. Results revealed high support for clothing recycling. The study emphasizes textile waste's environmental consequences, such as water and energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and
ecosystem pollution. While most people are environmentally concerned, apathy still poses a threat to the environment.

THE INFLUENCE OF EXPIRED MEDICINES ON PLANT PHOTOSYNTHESIS PARAMETERS AND CHLOROPHYLL PIGMENTS

Lucian COPOLOVICI — 2024-08-19

This study examines the influence of expired pharmaceuticals on Brassica oleracea var. Buzau, grown at three
different CO2 concentrations, focusing on photosynthetic parameters and chlorophyll pigment concentrations. Active
pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients in expired drugs pose significant environmental and public health risks
through improper disposal, leading to soil and water contamination. Pharmaceuticals in the soil significantly impact
plant photosynthesis, reducing net assimilation rates and stomatal conductance. Additionally, they cause a marked
decrease in chlorophyll a and b concentrations due to toxic effects that degrade chlorophyll and inhibit its biosynthesis.
However, an increase in zeaxanthin concentration suggests an adaptive response to oxidative stress. While total phenol
concentrations remain relatively unaffected, flavonoid levels significantly decline, disrupting secondary plant
metabolism. Elevated CO2 levels can stimulate phenolic compound synthesis, partially offsetting the negative impacts of
pharmaceuticals. The antioxidant activity of plants is also compromised, as indicated by altered inhibition percentages
due to reduced phenol concentrations essential for soil microbial activity and chemical reactions. These findings highlight
the need for understanding the combined effects of pharmaceuticals and elevated CO2 on plant health and stress the
importance of managing soil contamination to protect ecological health and agricultural productivity.

CHARACTERIZATION OF BEESWAX-BASED OLEOGELS WITH PUMPKIN SEED OIL AND RAPESEED OIL

Simona PERTA-CRISAN — 2024-08-19

The present research studied some oleogels based on cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil (PO), refined
rapeseed oil (RO), and their mixtures in different combinations: PO:RO (3:1) and RO:PO (1:1), formulated with 7% and
10% beeswax (BW) as oleogelator. Several physicochemical properties were analysed, such as crystal formation time
(CFT) and oil bonding capacity (OBC), along with oxidative stability, texture and sensory properties. The developed
oleogels based on PO and PO:RO (3:1) with 10% BW were found to be stable regarding texture and oxidation, exhibiting
high OBC and good consumer acceptability.

ANALYZING THE VARIATIONS IN POLLUTION LEVELS FOUND IN MEDICAL FACILITIES

Lucian COPOLOVICI — 2024-08-22

This study investigates indoor air quality (IAQ) in a small medical family doctor facility, focusing on particulate
matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), formaldehyde, and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). Over five days, measurements
revealed that indoor pollutant levels often exceeded those outdoors, with PM concentrations increasing throughout the
week due to indoor activities and inadequate ventilation. Formaldehyde levels ranged from 21 to 100 µg/m3
, peaking in
the doctor's office on Thursdays and Fridays and mid-week in other rooms. Outdoor TVOC levels were low and stable,
while indoor levels were highest in the treatment room and doctor's office. These findings underscore the need for effective
IAQ management to ensure a healthy environment for patients and healthcare workers.