Marin Senila

Herein, we developed a sensitive and accurate analytical methodology based on diffusive gradients in thin‐films (DGT) technique for matrix separation and preconcentration of Cd and Pb from table salt solution prior to their quantification by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The methodology relies on the passive accumulation of the analytes from an aqueous table salt solution over a 24‐h period using a relatively simple and inexpensive tool. The linear accumulation of Cd and Pb during a 24 h DGT deployment was evaluated, with determination coefficients ( R ² ) of 0.9939 and 0.9887, respectively. The performance parameters of the proposed methodology were evaluated in accordance with the requirements specified in Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and Commission Regulations 2023/915/EU, 2011/836/EU, and 2007/333/EC. The limits of detection for Cd and Pb in salt samples were determined to be 38 and 81 μg kg ⁻¹ , respectively. The method demonstrated trueness values ranging from 85% to 92%, precision expressed as relative standard deviations between 11.0% and 13.1%, and combined standard measurement uncertainties of 13.2% for Cd and 14.0% for Pb. These performance characteristics satisfy the minimum requirements mandated for analytical methods employed in official laboratories for the quantification of Cd and Pb in food matrices. The validated method was applied to the analysis of 10 types of refined and unrefined table salt from Romanian markets. In two samples, the Pb concentration exceeded the maximum level established by Commission Regulations 2023/915/EU. The proposed method shows good analytical potential and can be easily implemented in control laboratories.

Royal jelly (RJ) is a nutrient-rich, bioactive substance that has been used for medicinal purposes since antiquity. For honeybees, RJ plays a nutritional role and provides structural support for queen larvae in their upside-down oriented hive cells. In recent decades, composite materials have become an increasingly important topic in materials science and tissue engineering. The present interdisciplinary study explores the development and characterization of composite materials consisting of strontium (Sr)-doped phosphate glass powders and RJ, proposing a novel approach that integrates the biocompatibility of phosphate glass materials with the bioactive properties of RJ. Three RJ samples were biochemically characterized, and the native ultrastructure of RJ was highlighted through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The glass samples were characterized through dissolution tests, pH measurements, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The ultrastructure of RJ–glass mixtures was analyzed with TEM. This preliminary structural analysis allowed us to gain insight into the interactions between the two components. The landscape of the native RJ ultrastructure is dominated by proteinaceous fibril bundles embedded in a fibrillary ground substance. Our morphological observations indicate that the core ultrastructure was largely preserved after interacting with the glass powder.

In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the potential harmful effects that analytical methods can have on human health and the environment. Green analytical chemistry (GAC) integrates sustainability into chemical analysis by emphasizing a reduction in waste, energy consumption, and hazardous reagents while maintaining analytical performance. This review summarizes the most recent developments in atomic spectrometry techniques used for analyzing trace metals in various types of samples. Key advances include green metrics, sampling methods, direct analysis, and instrument miniaturization. Since direct sample analysis via spectrometric methods is rarely feasible, recent developments in sample pretreatment, which align with the 12 principles of GAC, are also discussed. Passive sampling can serve as a valuable approach for conducting analyses with reduced sample pretreatment steps and overall costs, thereby addressing these concerns. Current green assessment metrics and their application in atomic spectrometry are also reviewed. This article aims to provide researchers with detailed information to improve the determination of trace metals in accordance with GAC principles.

Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous element in the environment that may pose a threat to human health due to its toxicity, high mobility through the food chain, and long-lasting persistence. Organic Hg compounds, particularly methylmercury, are more toxic than inorganic mercury due to their easy absorption and persistent retention within the organism. Although natural attenuation can occur in soil through various processes, excessive levels of Hg cause pollution that can adversely affect agricultural soil, making remediation necessary to either remove or stabilize Hg within the soil. This review primarily aims to summarize key remediation strategies—chemical, biological, and physical—developed in recent years for agricultural soil remediation. It discusses the influencing factors, advantages, limitations, mechanisms, and practical applications of these soil remediation technologies. The published literature focuses on identifying plant species and microorganisms capable of remediating Hg-contaminated soils. Emerging amendments, such as biochar and nanomaterials, have been tested for treating mercury (Hg)-polluted soils primarily by immobilizing mercury and reducing its bioavailability and methylation. Ex situ remediation technologies are effective for Hg-contaminated soils but are often costly, labor-intensive, detrimental to soil quality, and generate hazardous secondary waste. In contrast, in situ technologies treat Hg directly within the soil, preserving the soil matrix and its biota. According to the literature, remediation of Hg-contaminated agricultural soils can be compatible with food crop production only if the bioavailable Hg fraction is sufficiently reduced and crop uptake remains below food safety limits. The gap between laboratory trials and actual field applications in Hg-contaminated soil remediation mainly arises from differences in scale, complexity, and the uncertainty of real-world conditions, which often reduce the efficiency and predictability of treatments. This review aims to provide a practical reference for improving the effective remediation of Hg-contaminated soils in the future.

Extra virgin olive oils obtained from the Ayvalık, Memecik, Gemlik, Çekişte, and Sarı Ulak Turkish cultivars were evaluated to determine their chemical composition, quality classification, authenticity indicators, and sensory characteristics. Standard quality parameters, including free fatty acidity, peroxide value, and ultraviolet absorbance (K232, K270), were analyzed in accordance with International Olive Council (IOC) regulations. The majority of the samples met the criteria for extra virgin olive oil. The oleic acid content varied by variety and region, with Ayvalık and Memecik showing notably high levels. Sterol profile analyses revealed distinctive chemical markers that indicate authenticity and quality. Sensory analysis results showed that regional differences had a significant impact on aroma, taste, and overall acceptability. Oils from Ayvalık and Memecik received high scores for positive sensory attributes such as fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency. The results show that the chemical and sensory qualities of olive oil are directly influenced by both genetic diversity and growing conditions, which underscores the importance of conserving local varieties and promoting regional production methods.

Tomato processing produces large quantities of by-products, mainly pomace, which are frequently discarded despite their significant nutritional and functional potential. The study aimed to evaluate the proximate analysis, volatiles, fatty acids, total antioxidant capacity, carotenoids, lycopene, and β-carotene in the pomace of three varieties of tomatoes (two Romanian cultivars and one Mediterranean cultivar) for potential valorization of these by-products. The mineral content in the tomato pomace was found to follow the order (average, mg kg⁻¹): K (13,090) > P (2793) > Ca (1121) > Mg (879) > Na (258) > Fe (12.3) > Zn (11.4) > Mn (7.0) > Cu (3.0). The fatty acid profiles revealed the presence of linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acids. All cultivars exhibited a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (55.7–62.3%) and a low content of omega-3 fatty acids (2%). Nutritional quality indices were calculated based on the fatty acid profiles. Analysis of volatile compounds revealed that Mediterranean cultivars were predominantly enriched in alcohols, hydrocarbons, and aldehydes, whereas Romanian cultivars had a high level of terpenes, along with hydrocarbons and aldehydes, contributing to their distinctive flavor profiles. The identified terpenes included β-phellandrene, terpinolene, limonene, ocimene, and cholestanone. All samples exhibited notable levels of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols and carotenoids. Additionally, high quantities of lycopene were found in the tomato by-products. The nutritional quality indices indicate that tomato pomace can be utilized as an ingredient to enhance the nutritional value of other products.

Zeolites are widely acknowledged as minerals with outstanding characteristics, primarily due to their complex porous structure and large specific surface area. The modification of natural and synthetic zeolites can improve their properties, making them suitable for a wider range of applications. In recent years, silver-exchanged natural zeolites have been increasingly studied because silver is known for its antimicrobial and electrical conductivity properties, which enhance their utility in various fields. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review specifically focused on the silver-zeolite composite system. It synthesizes advancements in silver modified zeolites, offering a targeted analysis that connects synthesis methodologies to enhanced properties and applications. The paper is structured to include an overview of the general characteristics of both natural and synthetic zeolites, and methods for their modification to serve as supports for Ag⁺ and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). It subsequently covers the properties of silver-exchanged zeolites and their principal applications. The study also summarizes the advantages and limitations of these materials, along with an analysis of future trends regarding new production possibilities and potential applications.

The growing demand for rare earth elements (REEs) has led to an increase in mining activities, raising significant environmental concerns, particularly related to wastewater (WW) management. Mining WW can contain a complex mixture of contaminants, including naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), heavy metals, and organic compounds, which pose potential risks to both human health and the environment. Among various treatment approaches, adsorption is widely recognized for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and broad applicability. In this study, a range of adsorbents including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), biochar, chitosan, zeolite, various biomasses, activated carbon, silica gel, and Fe₃O₄ were investigated for their potential to remove these contaminants. The goal is to evaluate and optimize the most effective adsorption process, either individually or in combination, for treating REE mining WW. This work contributes to the development of efficient, sustainable methods for mitigating the environmental impact of REE extraction.