Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University lecturers took part in a series of webinars “Waste and Critical Raw Materials Management – Life Cycle Assessment Methodologies” within the Horizon HEI4S3-RM project.
On October 18, Olena Petrovych, a specialist in chemical technology and environmental protection, delivered a lecture. Ms. Petrovic is currently coordinating the work of the chemical laboratory at the Mining and Metallurgical Institute in Bor, Serbia.
Olena Petrovych spoke in detail about the process of collecting, preparing and analyzing samples of water, precipitation, soil, mining waste and garbage for contamination. She presented protocols for studying samples of all types and familiarized the audience with the specifics of preparing for sample collection. Using photos taken in the field, Petrovych illustrated the process of sample collection. She highlighted the specifics of sample preparation using a microwave oven, a shaker, and an air chamber to check humidity. The lecturer also introduced the audience to various methods of sample analysis and the latest equipment used for research.
On October 19, Ramona Kosheleva, a practicing chemist specializing in colloidal systems and surface phenomena, presented her findings. Today, Ms. Ramonna is researching nanomaterials at the International and Hellenic University of Greece.
Ramona Kosheleva spoke about the main types of pollutants in groundwater, surface water, and ocean water. She presented ways to reduce water pollution related to pollution prevention and wastewater treatment through several stages. The lecturer presented the technology of tertiary water treatment, spoke about the use of adsorption in water purification from pollutants and the advanced oxidation process. The main part of the researcher’s presentation was devoted to the properties and characteristics of nanobubbles and their application, for example, for the purification and desalination of seawater. According to Ramona Kosheleva, nanobubbles can be used in agriculture, environmental protection, medicine and pharmacology, and in the future they can be integrated into renewable energy.
On October 20, the lecture was delivered by Jukka Joutsenvaara, who studies the use of raw materials and their role in social debate, and is engaged in sustainable product design. Mr. Jukka is a researcher and lecturer at the Lapland University of Applied Sciences (Finland).
Jukka Joutsenvaara spoke about the life cycle of various materials and products used in industry and agriculture. He familiarized the audience with the definition of the life cycle, its goals and system boundaries, as well as the assessment of the environmental impact of various products, and the specifics of data collection and analysis for it. The scientist paid special attention to the circular production process, ways of developing the circular economy and its benefits for society.
Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University teachers had the opportunity to watch an educational film about the work organized by Olena Petrovych, ask the lecturers questions and take part in the discussion of interesting topics.
We remind you that the series of webinars in English is part of Phase II of the training courses scheduled from September to December 2023.