Across the world the fossil fuels are depleting and countries are forced to find an alternative source to reduce green house gases and replace petroleum fuels. Depending of the raw material sources, vegetable oils, animal fats or algae, biodiesel offers a solution for a clean-burning diesel fuel. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) seed were collected and the oil was extracted. The oil was transformed into fatty acid methyl esters through a transesterification process and blended in various proportions with diesel fuel. The physico-chemical properties of fuels were determined. Results obtained showed that the biodiesel has a density (0.870 g/cm3), kinematic viscosity 40�C (3.1 mm2/s), flash point (128�C), saponification index (150 mgKOH/g), iodine index (108 mgI2/100g), peroxide index (3.7 mEqO2/Kg) and oxidation stability (6 hours) in the range of UE specifications. The engine tests were conducted on a Deutz F4L912 diesel engine, 51 kW, 4-stroke, air cooled, direct injection diesel engine. From the test performed was observed that the CO and HC emissions were reduced due to high content of oxygen in biodiesel blends.
The paper evaluates the presence and content of traces of heavy metals Hg, Pb, Ni, Cd (total forms) from coal and solid combustion products, the degree of transfer and accessibility in the area of influence of a lignite power plant. The content of toxic heavy metals in residues are characterized by RE Meiji [ 1 (Pb and Hg) and REMeij �1 (Ni and Cd) for the filter ash. Pb and Ni content in the soil exceeds normal values, and Pb exceeds and alert value for sensitive soils around the residue deposit (70.20 mg.Kg-1). The degree of accessibility of the metals in plants (TF), reported at the Khan reference value (0.5), indicates a significant bioaccumulation level for the metals: Cd (1.9) and Hg (0.6) inside the deposit; Cd (0.39) at the base of the deposit, Hg (0.8) in the area of the thermal power plant. The trace levels of heavy metals analyzed by GFAAS and CVAAS (Hg), indicates a moderate risk potential for food safety and quality of life in the studied area.
A triptych icon from the 18th century from Borsa Maramure�s County, Romania was investigated by physical-chemical destructive and nondestructive methods: Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction and thermal analysis by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). There were identified: gypsum as ground, wooden stage (lime wood), egg yolk as binder, pigments from the painting layer (red lead, green malachite and white lead), silver foil, iron bolus and animal glue for ground. The scientific investigation of various religious objects in general, this wooden icon in the present case, is a mandatory step in the approach to conservation and restoration of cultural goods.
The paper evaluates the presence of methyl xanthine compounds: caffeine, theophylline, theobromine used as ingredients in carbonated soft drinks or as color and flavor ingredients in alcoholic beverages. The active components extracted from the selected products (coffee, tea, drinks) was separated and identified chromatographically using plates with silica nano -Sil NH2 / UV-254, mobile phase ethanol - water (50: 1, 50: 3, 50: 5; 50: 7; v / v) and 60 F254 plates, mobile phase acetone-toluene-chloroform (40:30:30 v / v). Separated caffeine and identified by TLC was analyzed using a HelWet Packard 5890 Gas Chromatograph equipped with MS 5972 mass detector and spectral library to confirm identification. This simple and rapid TLC, GC / MS instrumental method is useful in controlling traces of methyl xanthine compounds in food as a food safety measure.is useful in controlling traces compound of food products containing methylxanthines as a food safety measure.
The aim of experiment was to evaluate the local impact of mercury accumulations, discharge from coal power plants, by examining samples of ash, slag, soil, spontaneous vegetation and crop plants, using as analytical techniques the cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. Mercury determined in samples of lignite (0.020 mg. Kg-1), is found in fly ash samples retained by filters (0.037 mg.Kg-1), bottom ash transported hydraulic in deposit (0.022 mg.Kg-1), adjacent soils landfill and the power plant (0.12 mg.Kg-1 or 0.049 mg.Kg-1). The mercury content in vegetation presents differentiated values depending on the bioavailability of plant, area and the positioning of the emission source, reaching values between 0.014 at 0.005 mg.Kg-1 in the wild flora and 0.022 mg.Kg-1 to 0.004 mg.Kg-1 for plants crop. Data obtained for plants, confirmed that most families tend to accumulate mercury plant in larger quantities in the roots (0.022 � 0.0016 mg.Kg-1) and moderate quantities in the foliar level by translocation or by direct vapor absorption.
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