Papers by Keyword: Environment

Abstract: This research investigates the progressive substitution of natural aggregates, conventionally used in road construction, with alternative materials derived from industrial co-products. Specifically, the study focuses on developing an innovative material that combines shale aggregates and blast furnace slag for road construction applications. The experimental procedure involved preparing various mixtures with slag content ranging from 10% to 50%, followed by comprehensive laboratory characterization through standardized mechanical and road performance tests. The results demonstrate that these composite materials exhibit highly promising characteristics. Mixtures containing 30–50% slag meet all current standard requirements, showing particularly excellent performance in bearing capacity (with CBR values reaching 62.15 for the 50% slag mixtures), while maintaining outstanding water stability (with variations of less than 4% after immersion).These mechanical properties, combined with consistent dry density values above 2.1 g/cm³ and a maximum internal friction angle of 43.53°, make these materials especially suitable for pavement layers. Beyond their technical performance, the shale–slag composites offer a sustainable solution with dual benefits: they significantly reduce pressure on depleting alluvial deposits while effectively valorizing abundant industrial by-products.Based in these findings, it is strongly recommended that such materials be integrated into conventional pavement construction, particularly for low to medium traffic. This circular economy approach therefore represents both a high-performance and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional materials.

Abstract: This research aims to investigate the potential effect on the performance of Al-Al electrodes in the electrocoagulation method. The influence of this potential can be observed through microplastic removal and turbidity levels. The research was conducted in situ using a chemical beaker, employing Al-Al electrodes at various different potentials (5, 10, 15, and 20 V) that were systematically investigated. The results of this research indicate that an increase in potential has a positive impact on the efficiency of microplastic removal and turbidity levels. Efficiency removal of microplastic and turbidity levels increase with an increase in potential until optimum condition. The microplastic removal efficiency was found to be 100% ± 0 at a potential of 10 V after 60 minutes of electrolysis, with a plate spacing of 2.5 cm and an electrolyte concentration of 0.01 mol/L. At a potential of 10 V, the value of NTU changed from >200 NTU to 30 NTU. This research showed that the effectiveness of the Al-Al electrodes performance is influenced by the potential.

Abstract: Nickel and cobalt recovered from ternary leaching solutions have high market value and stability. In addition to preventing environmental damage, this recovery process is also very useful in the application of power energy storage and electric vehicles. Solvent extraction is an effective and selective method for separating elements in ternary leaching solutions. This research focuses on the separation stage of feed solution impurities, especially Cu, by optimizing the extraction process using multi-stage extraction. This method, which is adapted to a laboratory scale, mixes the feed solution with saponified P204 (prepared with NaOH) and then stirred until phase separation into a loaded organic phase and raffinate occurs. The use of P204 with 3-stage extractions with O/A= 1.5/1 and pH= 4.5 succeeded in separating 99.96% extraction of Cu with a primary yield of Cu value of 99.999%. This solvent extraction also successfully separated 99.23% of Mn, Ca=95.62%, and other impurity metals such as Fe, Zn, Li, and Si reaching a final concentration in the raffinate solution of only 10^-3 g/L. The results of this research are very useful in the subsequent extraction process in the form of separating the valuable elements nickel and cobalt. This method can potentially overcome environmental problems resulting from the disposal of NCM battery waste in the metallurgical field.

Abstract: Creep and shrinkage of concrete are important parameters for verification of ultimate and serviceability limit states. The prediction models which can be found in design codes, are applicable for ordinary concrete types. Unusual concrete types, like e.g., white concrete can be used, but their properties should be investigated by experimental testing. The paper is focused on measurement of shrinkage and creep of white and grey concrete of the same strength class. The experiments showed that both, creep and shrinkage of white concrete are higher than those of ordinary grey concrete. The measured shrinkage strains were compared with predicted shrinkage strains using various prediction models.

Abstract: The paper presents statistics of navigation events occurring on the Romanian sector of the Danube, in general and focused on those whose consequences represented a potential danger of pollution of the Danube water.The information presented and analysed shall be based on publicly available information provided and made available by the relevant competent authorities.The large amount of cargo transported per transport unit (approximately 1000 tons) can cause pollution with the most adverse consequences for the marine environment, but also for live animals and vegetation in the event of a navigation accident. Improper handling of cargo in oil terminals can also lead to accidental pollution with major consequences for the environment, for live animals and vegetation.Thus, involuntary stranding, collision between two ships, fire on board are direct sources of pollution when the integrity of the hull is affected, and fuels, lubricants, greases on board, and or cargo end up in the marine environment.The actions carried out to eliminate the consequences of pollution on the Danube from ships have different aspects and methods of intervention depending on the area where the pollution occurred, the polluting.

Abstract: This prototype of a CO2 sensor with Internet of Things (IoT) offers an affordable solution for measuring carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in parts per million (ppm). It utilizes specialized sensors to detect CO2 concentrations in the environment. The prototype combines multiple CO2 measurement sensors with an Arduino microcontroller to process the collected data and provide comprehensible ppm CO2 readings. Additionally, an ESP-32 has been incorporated to enable IoT connectivity, allowing for the transmission of CO2 readings to a cloud platform. This platform displays the most recent readings and maintains a brief history of previous measurements, providing real-time insights into CO2 conditions and a record for analysis. A noteworthy feature of this prototype is its buoy system, which enables operation in aquatic environments while minimizing the risk of submersion, ensuring that the sensor remains on the water’s surface without direct contact with the liquid.

Abstract: Energy problems and the search for effective solutions to solve its various crises represent one of the most important problems facing societies and countries, and the consequent economic problems represented in costs and resources, in addition to its negative effects and accompanying environmental effects. And health problems for humans and their environmental surroundings. Therefore, architecture has tended over the years to search for self-sufficiency in its buildings as one of the solutions that can contribute to saving energy. With its external environment on the other hand, and to achieve these goals, the designers resorted to employing a set of mechanisms and strategies in the designs of its buildings and within the stages of designing and operating the buildings, as the paper aims to (discover and clarify the mechanisms and strategies that designers adopt to employ clean energies in the design of contemporary buildings). In its theoretical framework, a group of studies dealt with defining the possibilities of employing clean energies and reviewing the possibilities of employing them in traditional architecture, up to contemporary architecture. Its applied side also deals with a group of contemporary and modern architectural projects and analyzes the design mechanisms adopted by the designers to reach a more healthy and less polluted environment, which are the mechanisms through which we can employ them in the construction of our buildings in our local communities and reach healthier and more prosperous cities and reduce economic costs.

Abstract: Abstract: Improving the environmental impact of textile waste is essential for the good functioning of the planet, as it is not viable to prolong the recycling of textile materials indefinitely due to the loss of properties. The presence of dyes in fabrics is a key point to study from the perspective of biodegradability, as the presence of these dyes in effluents is widely studied due to their high polluting impact on water. This project has analysed whether the presence of dyes in fabrics affects their biodegradability process. In addition, it has been studied whether finishing with laccase enzyme, which is usually used to purify the wastewater from the dyes of the indigo blue dye used, influences the degradation of the fabric. For this purpose, dyed and undyed cotton fabrics impregnated with this enzyme were analysed. Following the proposed measurement protocol, it has been defined that fabrics dyed with the indigo blue dye (VAT BLUE I) have a positive influence on degradation, while the presence of small doses of compounds added to the fibres, such as the laccase enzyme studied in this case, can lead to the generation of deviations in the biodegradability of the sample. Although the efficiency and efficacy of this enzyme in dye degradation under anaerobic conditions has been demonstrated, under compost conditions its effectiveness decreases and negatively influences the biodegradability process. No ecotoxicity is shown in soil after the biodegradation process. Keywords: Sustainability; laccase; vat dye; textile; environment; burial.

Abstract: Several attempts have been made on the use of alternative material for constructionpurpose. This is to limit the exploitation of the natural resources and the need to engage onrenewable resources that can function adequately in road construction with minimal carbonfootprints. The main objective of this review is to consider the outcome of the suitability of wasteglass products in the construction of roads based on the existing studies. From the relevant literatureconsulted, it was discovered that waste glass powder has the capacity to improve the compressiveand tensile strength of asphalt mix. Also, it has lower water absorption rate, thereby making itimpossible for the penetration of the chloride ions which usually accelerate road degradation. Inaddition to this, it improves the workability of the concrete used for the pavement construction,hence, it is more advantageous when compared with sand. The findings from this study will help theconstruction industry on the methods of waste glass recycling and its adoption into roadconstruction.

Abstract: This chapter explores the evolution of public lighting, tracing its historical development from the early days of illumination to contemporary times. It highlights the contemporary significance of public lighting in meeting regulatory standards for illumination, emphasizing the fundamental role of LED technology. LED technology not only ensures compliance with lighting regulations but also significantly reduces network power consumption, thereby mitigating environmental pollution compared to traditional discharge lamps. Furthermore, this chapter underscores the transformative shift in the role of modern lighting systems, which have evolved into multifunctional hubs for the integration of value-added services. These services encompass a wide range of applications, including surveillance cameras, smart parking systems, and electric vehicle charging stations, thereby enhancing the overall functionality and sustainability of urban environments.