In the recent decades, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions increased considerably; due to the remarkable growth in anthropogenic activities.These gasses have potentialwarming effects on the atmosphere as long as they accumulate in the atmosphere.Methane(CH4) as a GHGhas very high radiative forces, with ashortlifetimeof approximately 10 years. Therefore, targeting CH4 emissions would bring immediate climate benefits in the short-term.Land-use changing policies in the urban area decrease CH4sinks and affect the urban contribution in CH4budget. However, the uncertainty ofCH4emissionsin the urban area is very high,so that estimating CH4 concentrationis important to take appropriate mitigation measures.In our study, we estimatedstreet-level CH4 concentrationsin the following four urban areas:the city center (CC), the central park (CP), a residential area (RA), and a commercial area (CA). AnEnhanced Portable Fluxmeterdevice with a precise measurement of 0.1 parts per million (ppm) was used to perform these CH4estimationsbetween 10:00 and 12:00 am (EEST), from 20-30 March.The results showedthat theCC and CAhavean elevated contribution in CH4 concentrationwith more than 2.3 ppm.TheRArecorded the least as hypothesize.Surprisingly, the CPwhich was supposed to have the least contribution in CH4 concentration from theanthropogenic perspective, was estimated to have ascendingrecords. These findings demonstratetheremarkablecontribution of the urban area in influencing CH4concentration, andrecommend further CH4 investigation in the urban areaand to identify its potential sources.

Microplastic particle (MPs) pollution is and will continue to be a real threat to the entire planet. There is still no clear and complete information about these effects of MPs. In the research area, the data held so far are enough to have reasons for concern about this global phenomenon that shows an upward trend in global plastic production. The persistence in all four environmental factors and the extreme diversity of MPs leads to high levels of uncertainty in hazard and exposure estimates for this type of risk. Why do we produce plastic? Due to its durability, rigidity, and even abrasiveness. No technical and efficient way could eliminate nano and microplastic from the environment, and thus peoples attitudes can play a significant role in reducing MPs emissions. Currently, few studies have examined how individuals perceive MPs. Our research is based on how Romanians perceive risks (MPs) and how such risk perception affects peoples pro-environmental behavioral intention. The entire study is based on a survey (questionnaire) of 405 people, from all over Romania. The software used is SPSS and the questionnaire was sent online through different types of platforms. GDPR rules were taken into account when preparing the questionnaire so that respondents are not asked for their personal data. One of the questions in the questionnaire measures the following statements on a scale from 1 to 7: Dedicating time, money and effort to my activities is more convenient for me than recycling plastic products/Dedicating time, money and effort is more convenient for me than replacing plastic items with ecological products. On the scale used, 1 represents - Categorically No \ 7 - Categorically Yes. We made the delimitation by groups of counties/regions so that we can see a result of the attitude of Romanians from Banat, Transylvania, Maramure?, Oltenia, Moldova, and Dobrogea, in relation to MPs. The results of our study show that in Romania, the recycling process is on an upward curve. We still do not have this culture of being friendly to the environment, as developed as in the West.

The degradation of historical monuments due to atmospheric and anthropogenic factors is a frequently encountered phenomenon on all continents, being intensively investigated to understand the type and degree of damage and to choose an appropriate restoration method. Based on extensive bibliographic documentation, this study presents a comprehensive review of the physical, chemical, and biological weathering processes induced by extrinsic factors (atmospheric, biological, and anthropic) that lead to the deterioration of limestone and marble, the most common construction materials found in historic buildings of humanitys architectural heritage.

Nowadays, the use of oleogelsoffers several advantages in food products. They can mimic the functionality of solid fats, providing structure, stability, and mouthfeel to various food formulations. By replacing solid fats or hydrogenated oils with oleogels, manufacturers can reduce oreliminate trans fats and therefore produce healthier food products. The present study focuses on the formulation of oleogels based on pumpkin seeds and rapeseed oils and the use of beeswax or ethylcellulose as oleogelators. The preliminary results indicate that the pumpkin seeds oil contributes to the formation of oleogels with higher consistency.Furthermore, the mechanical properties of oleogels can be manipulated, by adjusting some parameters, such as the type of oil andthe kindand concentration of the oleogelator.

Methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, has negative radiative impacts on the atmosphere, reachingup to 20 times compared with CO2. However, mitigating CH4 emissions from its sources, either natural or anthropogenic, will reduce global warming consequences in the short run, given that CH4 has a short lifetime which takes approximately a decade.The urban aqueous system is part of the natural sources of CH4 in the urban area, which could be influenced by microorganisms or increased human activities and the discharging of sewage water into the system. Recent studies have stated that high organic matter in river sediments isthe primarysourcefor increased production of CH4 in the river bed. However, the contribution ofthe urban aqueous system in CH4 annual fluxes is still uncertain, soa research gap needs to be filled to understand further CH4 emissions from this system.This study aimsto detect CH4 content in the urban aqueous system and identify locations with high concentrations to establish further investigation and determinethe factors behind these concentrations.In our study, the aqueous system is classified into three main categories: rivers, lakes, and ponds. Water samples were collected from each of these sub-systems for estimating CH4 concentration. Samples from Somes Riverwere gathered from three segments: upstream, urban segment within the urban area, and downstream river. Moreover, samples were also taken from lakes and ponds,considering spatial even distribution between sampling points. Our samples were analyzed via head-space extraction method using Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS),which precisely detects emissions up to 0.1 ppmv. The results showed that water samples are oversaturated with CH4 concentration. In other words, the aqueous system in the selected urban area represents an active hotspot for CH4 exchange from water into the atmosphere. However, CH4 fluxes should be quantified to understand betterthe contribution of the urban aqueous system tothe CH4 budget and to take appropriate abatement measures for reducing these emissions.

The phytochemical composition and biological activity of theplantextracts obtained in different solvents (water, 70% ethanol,methanol, and diethyl ether) of the brown knapweed(Centaurea jacea L.)harvested in Romania were obtained. The chemical composition of the extracts was determined by gas chromatography–massspectrometryanalysis, by total phenolic and flavonoid content.The antioxidative potential was determined using ferric-reducingantioxidant power (FRAP)and2,2-dyphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging methods.Themethanolic extracts revealed the highest antioxidant activity by FRAP and DPPH assays.This study revealed, once again, the importance of the geographic and climate region of harvesting the plants used for biomedical applications.