This research aimed to quantify and investigate the morphology of microplastics in skincare and treatment creams related to their chemical composition and the potential risks to human health associated with exposure to microplastics by dermal contact. A total of 21 skincare and treatment cream samples, indicating the target audience (men, women, and children) for each product, and potential diseases were analyzed in terms of the hidden risk of microplastics. To determine the exact number of microplastics to which adults and children are exposed over the course of a year, in-depth research was conducted on the cosmetic care and treatment products used by over 354 respondents from Romania. This study used a free, self-reported questionnaire method, which took into account consumer habits and preferences, as well as any potential medical conditions that could affect exposure. Optical microscopy and micro-FTIR revealed a total of 109 microplastics, with different sizes, colors, and shapes (i.e., fragments and fibers) and various chemical compositions, including mixtures of polymeric and natural structures, as well as 100% synthetic materials, e.g., polyethylene and polyester. The potential health risk of exposure to microplastics in certain cosmetic formulations for adults was assessed by calculating various risk indices, such as the polymer risk index (H), pollution load index (PLI), dermal plastic absorption (DPA), chronic daily dermal exposure (CDDE), risk to human health from dermal absorption (RHHDA), and estimated annual dermal absorption (EADA). These indices were calculated based on the medical conditions and application areas indicated on the labels of the analyzed creams (i.e., skincare and treatment), for both adult and children’s categories, using the fingertip unit (FTU) method for estimating the cream amount. The plastic toxicity of the analyzed samples was assessed using the H and PLI indices. The risk of microplastics to human health from dermal exposure was assessed using the DPA, CDDE, RHHDA, and EADA indices, which showed concerning results regarding the presence of these particles in cosmetic formulations.

Aquaculture in ponds supplied by streams or rivers requires careful evaluation of key physicochemical parameters and potential pollution threats, particularly metals and microplastics. To address these challenges, this research aims to monitor daily climatic and physicochemical parameters and quantify potentially toxic metals and microplastics in the water of 19 fishponds in the SCDP Nucet, Romania, over one winter season (i.e., December 2024 to February 2025). During this season, unique hydrochemical conditions arise, such as lower temperatures, reduced light, and decreased activity, which can affect the ecological balance and fish health. Accordingly, a total of 4650 samples were collected and analyzed in terms of physicochemical parameters (i.e., alkalinity, bicarbonate, calcium ions, magnesium ions, Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio, organic matter, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, ammonium, total hardness, resistivity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, salinity, turbidity, free and total chlorine), metals, and microplastics. Statistical analysis revealed the influence of winter weather on water quality, highlighting links between air and water temperatures and physicochemical parameters. Furthermore, water analyses revealed notable levels of microplastics, including fibers and fragments of various colors, shapes, and sizes. Polypropylene, polyethene, and nylon were the most prevalent. While appreciable quantities of blue, green, black, and yellow fibers were found in size ranges (0.09-0.3 mm), irregular yellow fragments or translucent particles were found in sizes less than 0.5 mm. Metal (i.e., Cr, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) concentrations do not exceed the standard values set by national and European regulations. However, it is worth noting that microplastics can amplify or mitigate metal toxicity. The results emphasize the importance of integrated monitoring of physicochemical parameters and emerging pollutants during the cold season, thereby improving understanding of the chemical processes governing water quality in fishponds, providing scientific support for future environmental risk assessment, and promoting innovative, adaptive technologies.

Microplastics pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. This research examines microplastics in oral care products, particularly mouthwash, using morphological and chemical characterisation. A robust isolation protocol ensured the sample matrix was representative. Evaluation of digestion methods found that weak acids were ineffective and that strong oxidants were damaging to polymers. While alkaline treatment is feasible, the peroxide-based method proved optimal. Comprehensive characterisation is required to combine optical microscopy with micro-FTIR screening to ensure reliable data. A health risk assessment found that polypropylene and amorphous acrylate polymers in mouthwash pose a moderate to high risk for both adults and children.

Historical buildings are highly prone to degradation because they are continuously exposed to the external environment, which represents an extremely aggressive factor. Globally, there are so many historical buildings that need urgent restoration. This paper focuses on finding a new consolidant for real oak old wood and presents a new recipe based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles dispersed in PHBHV solution, aimed at improving old wood properties. The research was conducted on Banloc Castle oak wood, which is predominant throughout the castle. The obtained treatment was applied by brushing onto the wood surface, while the retention and uniform application of the consolidation were confirmed by optical microscopy. One major advantage of the treatment is that the natural color of the wood is not affected, with the total color difference being very small. Another advantage gained after consolidation was the enhanced hydrophobic behavior of the old wood confirmed through water absorption, humidity and contact angle tests. In contrast, untreated wood exhibited hydrophilic behavior and high water and moisture absorption capacity, making aged wood extremely vulnerable to environmental degradation over time. Mechanical tests confirmed that the consolidant solution significantly improved the properties of the wooden material, due to the effective impregnation of the treatment into the wood structure. Furthermore, the MWCNT-based consolidant inhibited the growth of the Aspergillus niger strain, providing antifungal protection and preventing the colonization of microorganisms within the wood structure and its subsequent degradation. Through the methods investigated in this work, it was proven that the treatment is suitable for the consolidation of aged and degraded oak wood materials.

This study aims to investigate the unintentionally released microplastics in rinse-off cosmetic products and the potential risk to human health. In this regard, a total of eight samples of branded rinse-off shampoo were collected based on the consumer habits survey, considering the recipient categories, i.e., children and adults. Microplastics found in these samples exhibited significant heterogeneity, not only in their chemical composition (types of polymers) but also in their quantity, color, size, and shape (whether they are fragments or fibers). This diversity makes it challenging to assess the potential risks to human health, especially considering different recipient categories, such as children and adults.

The contamination of water sources intended for human consumption with heavy metals is a global concern due to their toxicity and potential carcinogenicity. In recent decades, research into heavy metal concentrations in major sources of drinking water, such as groundwater, spring water, and surface water, has increased in Romania, although most studies have been sporadic and limited in scope. In this study, 294 water samples were collected from 14 springs and wells in two regions of Romania. The quality of these waters, their level of contamination, and the associated health risks were then analysed. This research aims to evaluate the carcinogenic health risks primarily associated with chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) in adults and children, depending on the ingestion pathway of these heavy metals in spring and well waters, or through dermal exposure when they are used for sanitation and hygiene purposes. The assessment of the risk to human health associated with consuming water contaminated with heavy metals indicated that, among the 14 sampling points from which water intended for human consumption was collected, some showed heavy metal concentrations exceeding the limits set by national legislation. Therefore, long-term consumption of this water may pose an increased risk to human health. This research found that exposure to chromium, nickel, and cadmium through ingesting water posed a carcinogenic health risk to both children and adults. Children were found to be more susceptible than adults. Regarding the potential carcinogenic risk associated with the aforementioned metals, the risk was highest in spring water, followed by well water.

This research aims to investigate and quantify the possible presence of microplastics (MPs) in usual skin-cleansing products (i.e., liquid soap, micellar water, and micellar cleansing oil), the most popular from the market in terms of brand and customer confidence. Therefore, optical microscopy and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-FTIR) were used to determine the MPs’ number, color, shape, size, and chemical composition. For the first time, the results were correlated with the possible exposure paths (i.e., inhalation, ingestion, or adsorption) to assess the human health risk of the analyzed micellar-based cleansers in terms of chronic total exposure dose to microplastics. Finally, a statistical analysis was added to this study for source prediction of MPs in skin-cleansing samples in terms of morphology, chemical composition, and other factors (i.e., brand, packaging, etc.). The various exposures and toxicities of MPs were assessed in terms of potential health risk, knowing that their toxic effect depends on the polymeric structure strongly linked with the size, shape, and concentration in the products.

In this study, archaeometric investigations of ancient pottery were conducted, a topic that has gained importance in recent decades. In this regard, a batch of ten painted ceramic samples from two types of features discovered at Zăuan - Dâmbul Spânzuraţilor: domestic and funerary in order to be analysed and to provide scientifically proven information given by archaeometric methods for the identification of materials and production techniques, the origin and provenance, involving the characterization and location of natural sources of raw materials used in different types of archaeological ceramic pieces, clay sources, firing temperatures, and decorative motifs

The study aimed to identify the health risks associated with consuming processed milk contaminated with heavy metals (HMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for adults and children. The risk analyses were performed by applying specific exposure and toxicity indices, which allowed a differentiated comparison between age groups and types of milk. The results highlighted significant variations in the risk level depending on the contaminant and consumer category, with higher values observed in the case of adults. At the same time, the statistical correlations performed between the risk indices suggested the existence of interdependence between exposure to heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, highlighting the potential cumulative effect of these emerging contaminants.

This study aims to investigate the phytochemical profile of pomace extract of the NOVA hybrid grape variety sourced from a vineyard located in the central region of Transylvania, Romania. Additionally, P. cuspidatum flower extract was added to grape pomace extract to increase its bioactive compounds content, to be used in various products such as dermatocosmetics, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. These investigations suggested that the mixture of grape pomace and P. cuspidatum flower extracts has promising potential, in terms of bioactive compounds, for application to various skincare formulations.

The clinical utility of sulfonamide antibiotics is increasingly challenged by antimicrobial resistance and pharmacokinetic limitations. In this study, we synthesized five graphene oxide-sulfonamide nanoconjugates (GO-S1 to GO-S5) via covalent functionalization, comprehensively characterized them by IR, Raman, SEM, EDS, etc., and evaluated their antimicrobial, antibiofilm, cytotoxic, apoptotic, hemolytic and gene expression-modulating effects. While the free sulfonamides (S1-S5) exhibited superior antimicrobial activity in planktonic cultures (MICs as low as 19 μg/mL), their GO-functionalized counterparts demonstrated enhanced antibiofilm efficacy, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MBIC: 78-312 μg/mL). Cytotoxicity studies using CellTiter assays and Incucyte live-cell imaging revealed low toxicity for all compounds below 250 μg/mL. Morphological and gene expression analyses indicated mild pro-apoptotic effects, predominantly via caspase-9 and caspase-7 activation, with minimal caspase-3 involvement. Hemolysis assays confirmed the improved blood compatibility of GO-Sx conjugates compared to GO alone. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis showed that GO-Sx modulated the expression of key xenobiotic metabolism genes (CYPs and NATs), highlighting potential pharmacokinetic implications. Among all tested formulations, GOS3, GOS4 and GOS5 emerged as the most promising candidates, balancing low cytotoxicity, high hemocompatibility and strong antibiofilm activity. These findings support the use of graphene oxide nanocarriers to enhance the therapeutic potential of sulfonamides, particularly in the context of biofilm-associated infections.

In the past 136 years, numerous archaeological finds have enriched the history of Roman Apulum and Roman Province Dacia with new data. Various pieces were described and analyzed from a stylistic point of view, but they were not investigated in terms of non-invasive analytical techniques to elucidate the painting techniques and the materials used. In this context, this study aims to identify and characterize the pigments used by Roman painters/craftsmen in decorating houses using Apulum and the painting technique. To achieve this goal, fragments of Roman wall paintings recently discovered in three different archaeological excavations from the ancient Roman Apulum were selected and studied using non-invasive analytical techniques (optical microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy). They have various colors and shades, such as red, green, blue, white, yellow, and admixtures. To establish the potential materials used for wall painting, the samples were analyzed by microFourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

Lilium spp. bulbs are traditionally valued for their medicinal properties, yet their phytochemical profile and biomedical potential remain underexplored. This study aims to assess the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and dermatocosmetic potential of ethanolic extracts from five Lilium cultivars. Bulb macerates were obtained using 70% and 96% ethanol and evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), condensed tannins (CTC), mineral composition, and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay). Spectroscopic (FTIR) and antimicrobial analyses were also performed. Macerates from Lilium “Dark Secret” (LD-70) and Lilium asiaticum “White” (LA-70) exhibited the highest levels of TPC (225 and 162.5 mg GAE/100 g f.w.), TFC (26.12 and 21.75 mg QE/100 g f.w.), and antioxidant activity (81.5 and 58.75 mg GAE/100 g f.w.). FTIR confirmed the phenolic composition, while mineral analysis revealed a high potassium content and negligible toxic metals. Selective antimicrobial activity was observed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, particularly for LD-70 and LA-70 macerates. Based on these findings, stable hydrogel formulations incorporating LD-70 and LA-70 were developed, showing favorable pH, rheology, and sustained antioxidant activity over 60 days. These findings support the integration of Lilium-derived macerates into dermatocosmetic formulations targeting skin protection and microbial defense.

The main aim of this study is to identify and analyze the behavioral factors that influence consumers' attitudes and purchasing decisions regarding cosmetic/ dermatocosmetic products. The goal is to understand the mechanisms behind the selection and use of these products from both sociological and behavioral/habit perspectives. While the study does not directly target the optimization of companies’ marketing strategies, it serves as the initial phase of a multidisciplinary research approach. This approach will be followed by physicochemical analyses of representative products to detect the presence of microplastics. In addition to the main objective, the study includes several specific goals: (i) identifying the most commonly used cosmetic products; (ii) highlighting preferred brands and assessing brand loyalty; (iii) analyzing the motivations for consumption and levels of satisfaction related to quality and price; (iv) evaluating the impact of promotional techniques on purchasing behavior; (v) exploring the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and consumption patterns. This study has demonstrated that collecting data on habits and practices using a rapid, cost-effective online survey method alongside a statistical approach is feasible. While there are some limitations with the collected data, this approach can effectively gather preliminary information on consumers' behaviors and habits related to cosmetic practices or loyalty to cosmetic product categories.

Lilium spp. bulbs are traditionally valued for their medicinal properties, yet their phytochemical profile and biomedical potential remain underexplored. This study aims to assess the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and dermatocosmetic potential of ethanolic macerates from five Lilium spp. cultivars. Bulb macerates were obtained using 70% and 96% ethanol and evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), condensed tannins (CTC), mineral composition, and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay). Spectroscopic (FTIR) and antimicrobial analyses were also performed. Macerates from Lilium “Dark Secret” (LD-70) and Lilium asiaticum “White” (LA-70) exhibited the highest levels of TPC (225 and 162.5 mg GAE/100 g f.w.), TFC (26.12 and 21.75 mg QE/100 g f.w.), and antioxidant activity (81.5 and 58.75 mg GAE/100 g f.w.). FTIR confirmed the phenolic composition, while mineral analysis revealed a high potassium content and negligible toxic metals. Selective antimicrobial activity was observed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, particularly for LD-70 and LA-70 macerates. Based on these findings, stable hydrogel formulations incorporating LD-70 and LA-70 were developed, showing favorable pH, rheology, and sustained antioxidant activity over 60 days. These findings support the integration of Lilium-derived macerates into dermatocosmetic formulations targeting skin protection and microbial defense.

The use of antioxidants in the dermatocosmetic industry has become increasingly popular to help protect and stabilize other sensitive active ingredients, prolonging the effectiveness and durability of the cosmetic product. Grape pomace, as the main by-product generated through winemaking, and Polygonum cuspidatum, concentrate bioactive metabolites with high antioxidant activity. Hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from grape pomace (Merlot and Feteasca Neagra varieties) and the root and flower of Japanese knotweed, respectively, alone and in mixtures, were characterized, and preliminary assays were conducted for their incorporation in two gel-based cosmetic formulations. The characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of catechin, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, resveratrol, and kaempferol. The hydroalcoholic extract of P. cuspidatum flower and root was found to have the highest content of total phenolic compounds (10.920 ± 0.268 mg GAE/mL, respectively, 4.751 ± 0.072 mg GAE/mL), and the highest antioxidant activity (expressed as DPPH Radical Scavenging Capacity, IC50) by 28.04 ± 1.12 µg GAE/mL and 83.91 ± 1.13 µg GAE/mL, respectively. Catechin was the most abundant polyphenol found in pomace extract (687.87 mg/kg). The type and the concentration of the plant extract used in dermatocosmetic gel formulations influenced their antioxidant activity. Encapsulation of P. cuspidatum flower extract in liposomes prior to their incorporation into the gel formulation demonstrated the role of liposomes in enhancing the stability and modulation of phenolic compound delivery. It is worth noting that this dermatocosmetic formulation, which contains the flower extract of P. cuspidatum, was the subject of a pending patent application.

Microplastic contamination in milk and dairy products is an emerging public health concern due to the potential transfer of polymer particles into the human diet. This study aims to assess the health risks associated with the presence of five major polymers, such as poly(methyl methacrylate), polyurethane, polyester, polyethylene, and polyamide, found in a variety of conventional, organic, and raw milk and dairy products. The risk assessment was performed by calculating several indices, including the polymer risk index, concentration factor, daily plastic intake, the chronic daily exposure dose by ingestion, and the plastic risk index. Statistical analyses, including t-test, Pearson correlations, Multilayer Perceptron Analysis, Principal Component Analysis, Scatterplot Matrix, pairwise comparisons, and Multidimensional Scaling, were performed to establish the emerging risks associated with the consumption of contaminated dairy products. The results indicated significant differences in risk parameters between certain product categories, with yogurts, both conventional and organic, showing consistently higher associations with poly(methyl methacrylate), polyurethane, polyester, and polyamide contamination. Strong positive correlations between microplastic concentration and intake-related parameters have confirmed a robust exposure-risk relationship. The exploratory and predictive analyses have revealed product-specific contamination patterns, but no significant association has been observed between product and polymer types. These findings validate the link between microplastic exposure and human health risk and suggest that targeted monitoring of dairy products with high sensitivity is needed to mitigate potential impacts.

This study aims to investigate the presence of microplastics in dairy products in terms of morphology and chemical composition. Through optical microscopy, microparticles of different colors were identified: similar to 942 per kg of conventional butter, similar to 833 per kg of organic butter, and similar to 800 per kg of sour cream. Micro-FTIR technique through OPUS v.7.5 library has identified in the microparticles' composition as having more natural than synthetic compounds. The correlations obtained by the statistical approach could serve or act as an incentive for milk processors to try finding the source of contamination.

This study aims to determine the concentrations of heavy metals and other metals of safety concern in citrus fruit peel extracts. Different types of citrus fruits (i.e., lemon, mandarin, orange, grapefruit, and lime) were collected randomly from markets, during the spring of the year 2024. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique was used to determine the concentrations of Al, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd, and Pb in citrus peel extracts. The obtained data have not exceeded the maximum allowed limits provided by European legislation. The statistical analysis results show that Cu and Zn were correlated positively. Likewise, a strong positive correlation (>0.500) can be observed and Pb. To check if the sample data are adequate, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test was used. The principal component analysis contains a maximum of three components responsible for 74.872% of the total variation, while cluster analysis revealed the approximate HMs content of the 17 analyzed samples.

The current study aims to develop isolation protocols for several contaminants of emerging concern (i.e., microplastics (MPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals (HMs)) from different commercial brands and raw milk samples and also to quantify and characterize the risks of these contaminants pose to human health. The quantification, shape, color, and chemical composition of MPs were achieved using optical microscopy, micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Based on the MP dimensions highlighted by the aforementioned techniques, it can be stated that their length ranges between tens of micrometers and a few centimeters; plus, the thickness in some cases reaches more than 15 µm, and the structure of the MPs can be mostly described as a fibriform with a glossy/matte aspect. The polymeric structures identified were polyamides, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyurethane, polyester, and polyethylene. Chemical investigations (PAHs and HMs concentrations) were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively. The pollution load index (1.091–7.676) and daily intake of MPs for adults (0.021–1.061 n·kg−1·d−1) and children (0.089–4.420 n·kg−1·d−1) were calculated. It can be concluded that the presence of MPs in milk supports the hypothesis that microplastics can act as carriers for other contaminants (HMs and PAHs), thus increasing the threat to health.