Solid waste management in developing countries including Malaysia is dominated by waste dumpsites which have a high possibility of transporting organic and inorganic pollutants to the underlying groundwater and surface water within the surrounding area. The objective of this study is to characterise the landfill leachates and its surrounding groundwater and river water quality and metals concentrations, namely arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) from Beris Lalang, Kelantan. Nine sampling points were collected within the dumpsite for analysis of in-situ: dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity, turbidity and ex-situ; Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Suspended Solids (SS) and the results were compared with permissible limits. As and Pb in groundwater samples were collected from the surface of two dug grounds within the vicinity of the dumpsites exceeded the standard of Ministry of Health. Cr, Cu and Pb in leachates exceeded Environmental Quality Act (EQA, 1974)’s standard, whereas Ni, Pb and Zn in surface water of Gali River exceeded the limit of class III National Water Quality Standard (NWQS). Exceeding metals concentration in leachates and its surrounding groundwater and river water relative to their respective standards points out toward potential leachate migration to the waterbodies within the surrounding vicinity of Beris Lalang dumpsite. This study provides the initial baseline data and preliminary monitoring assessments as a first step towards improving water security and waste management in Kelantan.
Clinacanthus nutans, known to the locals as Belalai Gajah, is a medicinal plant widely used by Malaysians in the belief to cure various diseases including cancer. However, the production of Belalai Gajah hardly fulfils the market demand since the growing techniques of stem cutting and tissue culture are inefficient and expensive. Therefore, improvements in tissue culture techniques and materials application are required. Hence, this study tested Carica papaya (locally know as papaya) stem, an agricultural waste, to enhance the tissue culture of C. nutans. The effects of C. papaya stem powder and extract on the shoot proliferation of C. nutans parameters were investigated. The average number of shoot, leaves and length of leaves were observed. Phytochemicals screening was also conducted. Overall, C. papaya stem extract showed positive performance and 1% extract was found to be the optimum concentration to enhance the shoot proliferation. Meanwhile, C. papaya stem powder inhibited the shoot proliferation. It was also found that flavonoids, glycosides, steroid and terpenoid contributed in the shoot proliferation. In conclusion, the papaya stem extract is a potential in-vitro supplement for tissue culture studies. This study gained insights in sustainable green economy and showed that zero waste can be attained by converting local papaya stem waste to valuable product. In addition, sustainable technology in pharmaceutical approach could be addressed through in-vitro low cost large-scale production of Belalai Gajah medicinal plant.
This study compares the distribution of dissolved nutrients (NO3 − and PO4 3−) between two seasons (pre-monsoon and post-monsoon) in Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu. The concentration of dissolved PO4 3− was found to be 16 to 83 times higher during the postmonsoon period (April 2015) compared to the pre-monsoon period (October 2014). On the other hand, the concentration of dissolved NO3 − was two (2) to three (3) times higher during the post-monsoon period (April 2015) compared to the pre-monsoon period (October 2014). These nutrients’ inputs were converted from P limitation condition during the premonsoon period to N limitation condition during the post-monsoon period at our study area. The results of this study suggest that the Northeast monsoon plays an important role in influencing the distribution of dissolved nutrients between seasons in Pulau Perhentian. It is thought that during the post-monsoon period, a considerable input of nutrients from bottom water is responsible for increasing dissolved nutrients in surface water, in particular PO4 3−.
Exposure to industrial air pollutants is a public health concern particularly in children due to their immaturity of respiratory systems. The distance between their school and home from the industrial area will elevate the risk of airway inflammation among children. This study aims to determine the exposure of Industrial Air Pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and VOCs) and its association with airway inflammation (FeNO) among primary school children in industrial and non- industrial areas in Kemaman, Terengganu. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among Malay primary school children in Kemaman, Terengganu. A validated questionnaire was randomly distributed to children to get the background information, respiratory symptoms and exposure history of the children. The assessment of indoor air quality was carried out in each primary school and home using indoor air monitoring equipment. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was measured using an NIOX MINO device. The results showed a significant difference between concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and VOCs in different classrooms from selected schools and homes of exposed and comparative groups, P
Local people in Sarawak, Malaysia produce sago starch, commonly referred as lemantak, using traditional method for authentic meals and delicacies. The quality of lemantak degrades with time due to its high moisture content limiting the potential for a wider market, and hence affecting the socio-economy of those whose livelihood depends on sago starch production. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the changes in the properties of traditionally processed dried Sarawak sago starch. In order to achieve this, sago starch was extracted using a well-established traditional process and was dried at 40°C to produce sago starch with moisture contents of 40%, 30%, 20% and 10% wet basis. The effect of moisture content on the physical properties was studied through colour analysis, microscopic analysis, and particle size distribution. Analysis on resistant starch content was also performed. Changes on the hydration and functional properties was monitored by measuring the water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), swelling capacity (SC), and gelatinisation behaviour. Lastly, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was applied to observe the changes in amorphous and crystalline areas. The physical properties analysis showed changes in starch colour and granule surface; but the change on granule size varied. Dried starch with lower moisture content exhibited higher resistant starch, absorption index, and peak temperature, but lower solubility index, swelling capacity, peak viscosity, crystalline index, and amorphous index. It is suggested that moisture content affected the changes in traditionally processed sago starch properties which was influenced by few components namely polyphenol, lipid, amylose-lipid complex, and inter-molecular hydrogen bond.
The present work was aimed to develop a new type of yogurt made from a mixture of milk
and soymilk. Balanced Incomplete Block Ranking Test and 9-Point Hedonic Scale were
employed in order to determine the best formulation. The effects of sonication condition (time
and temperature) were evaluated on the developed milk-soymilk yogurt properties (viscosity,
texture, and syneresis). Microscopic photographs were used to check the size distribution of
fat globules. The sensory evaluations showed that milk to soymilk ratio of 3:1 was the best
formulation. Moreover, proximate analysis was carried out in order to determine the nutritional
values of the product. It was found that sonication had positive effects on the yogurt properties
such as viscosity, firmness, cohesiveness, and consistency. However, the syneresis of the yogurt
sample did increase when compared with the control.
Tropical fats such as palm oil (PO) from Elaeis guineensis (oil palm), cocoa (Theobroma cacao
L.) butter (CB), avocado (Persea americana) oil (Avo), palm stearin (PS), and Mee (Madhuca
longifolia) fat (MF) are useful raw materials for the formulation of bakery shortenings. Blending
these fats at differing ratios such as binary [MF:PS (99:1)], ternary [Avo:PS:CB (84:7:9)], and
quaternary [PO:PS:SBO:CB (38:5:52:5)] would lead to fat mixtures as replacement for lard
(LD). In the present work, the influence of these three fat blends and LD on cookie dough
textural properties and cookie quality was investigated. The results showed that the hardness of
cookies was correlated to the hardness of dough, which was influenced by the solid fat content
(SFC). The degree of unsaturation of triacylglycerol molecules also seemed to influence these
parameters. Nevertheless, the cookies of all different types of shortenings did not show any
significant differences with regard to their width and thickness. This could be probably due
to the fact that cookies made from formulated plant-based shortenings and LD expanded
uniformly during baking.
The concentrations of Cd, As, Pb, Se, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu in acid-digested onion samples
were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the corresponding
elemental profiles were evaluated by using chemometric techniques. Results from principal
component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the spatial variations were
highly associated with As, Se, Pb, Zn, and Cd, which advocated dominance of the site related
impacts over colour variant of the onions. Such variation pattern could be partly attributed to
the consequences of industrialisation and/or urbanisation. From the safety assessment data,
concentrations of hazardous elements such as As, Cd, and Pb, were found beyond the World
Health Organisation and Food and Agricultural Organisation permissible levels, but within the
Malaysian regulatory limits except for Pb. The presence of elevated levels of toxic elements
beyond the reference limits in the onion varieties could be of health concern if ingested.
Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was extracted from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) root and partially
purified up to 11.51× with a 43.6% yield using aqueous two-phase separation system. The
optimum pH was at 8.0 for both substrates; 4-methylcatechol and pyrogallol. PPO activities
were maximally achieved at 50°C for pyrogallol, and 20°C for 4-methylcatechol. 84% and 71%
loss of relative PPO activities were obtained for pyrogallol and 4-methylcatechol, respectively
following heat inactivation at 90°C for 40 min. Inactivation rate constant (k) values ranged
between 0.88 × 10-2 min-1 to 2.97 × 10-2 min-1 for pyrogallol, and 0.69 × 10-2 min-1 to 2.44 × 10-2min-1 for 4-methylcatechol. The activation energy (Ea) were 75.32 kJ mol-1 and 73.14 kJ mol-1
for pyrogallol and 4-methylcatechol, respectively. PPO activity was strongly inhibited (> 79%)
by ascorbic acid. SDS exhibited the greatest efficiency in activating lotus root PPO.
The present work aimed at obtaining the optimum combination of stabilisers used in an
instant ice cream formulation. Instant ice cream mixes were formulated using milk protein,
fat, sucrose, stabilisers, emulsifiers and water. A basic formulation for ice cream mix was
prepared according to the process flow of instant ice cream. Three different stabilisers
mixtures, which were carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carrageenan, and sodium alginate
used in 14 formulations were studied using mixture design methodology. Physical analyses on
meltdown rate, hardness, melted ice cream viscosity, and overrun were performed. The results
were compared with those of commercial instant ice cream to determine the acceptability and
quality of the final products. From the optimisation study, the recommended combination of
stabilisers was found to be 0.151% CMC and 0.149% sodium alginate. The optimised sample
had a higher viscosity of 0.17 Pa.s than the commercial one (0.16 Pa.s), which corresponded to
higher hardness thus indicating slower melting rate, which is a good texture for ice cream. The
overrun of the optimised sample was 108.33%, which is considered high. The high amount of
air, viscosity, and hardness resulted in a low melting rate of 0.22 g/min, which is desirable for
ice cream consumption. Based on sensory evaluation, the optimised instant ice cream was the
most preferred by panellists as compared to commercial sample.
Kappaphycus alvarezii is a species of red algae, and one of the most important carrageenan
sources for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. It is commercially cultivated in the
eastern part of Malaysia. Although K. alvarezii is rich in nutrients, it is limited in its integration
into Malaysian food products. Therefore, the present work was conducted to investigate the
quality characteristics, sensorial attributes, and antioxidant activity of K. alvarezii in Malaysian
food products. Seaweed puree (SP) from K. alvarezii at 10%, 20% and 30% concentrations were
prepared in the formulations of fish sausages, flat rice noodles and yellow alkaline noodles.
Proximate analysis, physicochemical analysis, microbial count, total phenolic content (TPC),
sensory evaluation, and consumer acceptance survey of the formulated food were conducted.
The incorporation of K. alvarezii significantly increased the fibre, moisture, and ash content in
formulated foods. In addition, the TPC content of K. alvarezii food also significantly increased
up to 42 mg GAE/100 g. The presence of SP in food at higher concentration decreased the
microbial counts. Sensory analysis confirmed that only fish sausages added with SP was
overall acceptable as compared to control. Based on customer survey, functional foods that are
“research proven” were the most preferred. In conclusion, K. alvarezii has the potential to be
incorporated in Malaysian food products and developed as functional food.
Palm kernel cake (PKC) proteins were hydrolysed in the presence of seven proteolytic enzymes.
The antioxidant and antihypertensive activities of each protein hydrolysate were evaluated.
Papain-generated protein hydrolysate showed the highest antioxidant effects measured by
radical scavenging activity (65%), iron (Fe)(II)-chelating activity (65%), and antihypertensive
activity (71%). The results revealed a strong correlation between the antioxidant activity of
the protein hydrolysates with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity (R2
= 0.69 - 0.98), except for trypsin-generated hydrolysate (R2 = 0.22). The most potent protein
hydrolysate was fractionated and profiled using reversed-phase high-performance liquid
chromatography and isoelectric focusing; peptides were subsequently isolated and identified
by tandem mass spectrometry. The individual peptides were evaluated for antihypertension
potential. A positive correlation was identified between radical scavenging activity and Fe(II)-
chelating activity together and ACE inhibitory activity with R2= 0.69 - 0.98. The findings indicate that there was a positive relationship between the antioxidant and antihypertensive activities of protein hydrolysates and bioactive peptides from PKC proteins.
The bioaccessibility property of apigenin from Mangifera indica (Water Lily var.) was
investigated using in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model. Two digestion stages were
simulated namely the gastric and small intestinal digestion by using different enzymes and
physiological conditions that mimicked the digestion process. Following digestion, the
bioaccessible apigenin was analysed using HPLD-DAD-MS. Results showed that the apigenin
fraction in intestinal phase was higher than in gastric phase with amounts 1.03 ± 0.35 mg/100
g DW and 0.50 ± 0.08 mg/100 g DW, respectively. After 1 h exposure to gastric juice, the
bioaccessibility of apigenin was 20.26 ± 3.06% with 79.74 ± 3.06% losses during the digestion,
whereas in intestinal phase, the percentage of bioaccessibility significantly increased to 41.53
± 13.99% and 58.47 ± 13.99% losses after 2 h treatment with pancreatin. It was concluded that
the apigenin in Water Lily mango became bioaccessible, suggesting the absorption possibility
of the compound in the upper part of intestine, which can lead to the health-related outcomes.
The primary objectives of the present work were to produce corncob powder (CCP) from
corncobs and incorporate the CCP into bread formulation in order to develop high fibre bread,
and to investigate the physicochemical and sensory properties of the produced high fibre
bread (HFB). The corncobs were collected and washed before they underwent the grinding
and drying processes. The obtained CCP was incorporated into the bread formulation in three
different proportions (5, 10 and 20%) to partially substitute bread flour in the formulation. All
three bread samples and the control (0% CCP in the formulation) were analysed to obtain their
physicochemical and sensory properties. The incorporation of CCP significantly affected the
texture, colour and volume attributes of the produced breads. Increasing the content of CCP
in the formulation was found to be responsible for firmer, smaller and darker bread loaves as
compared to the composite bread samples. The bread formulation incorporated with 10% CCP
had the highest mean scores (7.00) of overall acceptability among all the other formulations,
and it was comparable to the commercial breads in the current market.
The present work was aimed to optimise the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of dabai oil
from dabai pulp and defatted pulp using RSM in comparison with hexane extraction method.
Fatty acid profile and antioxidant properties of the extracted dabai oil were also determined.
Optimal RSM conditions were 36 MPa pressure, 40°C temperature and 21 min of extraction
time. The extracted yields ranged between 14.13% and 15.42%. Supercritical carbon dioxide
extracted oils had lower total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidative activities than the
hexane-extracted oils. High-performance liquid chromatography results showed that only
vanillic, protocatechuic and gallic acids were identified in both hexane and supercritical carbon
dioxide extracted oils of defatted dabai pulp. The total saturated fatty acids were higher in
hexane-extracted dabai oil as compared to the supercritical carbon dioxide extracted oil, and
vice versa for the unsaturated fatty acid. Although supercritical carbon dioxide extracted dabai
oils are inferior to the hexane-extracted oils, they are preferred as they are extracted using
green technology.
The present work assessed the effect of solid-state fermentation (SSF) and drying methods [hot air drying (HAD) and hot air drying assisted by microwave finish drying (MFD)] on the physicochemical, functional and gelatinisation properties of flours of Nangka and Tanduk plantain cultivars. Drying methods and SSF did not affect the fat, dietary fibre and carbohydrate contents of the plantain flours. However, both treatments significantly affected the pH and titratable acidity of the flours. In addition, SSF coupled with MFD significantly increased the water absorption and oil absorption capacities of the flours more than the flours obtained from the hot air drying. Similar trend was observed with the swelling characteristics of the flours. Fermented and MFD flours had higher swelling power than flours obtained by hot air drying. Optical microscopy revealed that drying methods employed in the present work did not significantly alter the starch granules birefringence of the plantains.
The awareness of the general public on healthy foods has been a major concern and people are looking for the right variety of rice for diabetic patients. High amylose content rice with low glycaemic index (GI), which is an indicator of sugar release in the blood, is beneficial for human health. The present work was aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics and nutritional compositions of MR219 mutant rice, and the effects of amylose content to blood glucose response and glycaemic index in field condition. A total of 31 M4 mutant lines (ML1 to ML31) were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics and nutritional compositions in comparison with the parental variety, MR219. In glycaemic response study, 48 female BALB/c mice were fed with glucose (a baseline), saline water, two check varieties (MR219 and MRQ74) and four selected mutant lines with different amylose contents. The physicochemical and proximate analysis revealed highly significant differences among the mutant lines. Some mutant lines improved amylose content and nutritional composition. Mutant ML3 had slightly higher amylose content than the parental variety and was recommended for glycaemic responses. However, the field experiment results showed two mutant lines namely; ML3 and ML30, having significantly lower glucose reading (5.49 mmol/L and 5.47 mmol/L, respectively) as compared to the parental variety and other mutant lines. The glucose level was found highest at 60 min after feeding but significantly dropped at 120 min. The normal glucose reading in ML3 and ML30 also resulted in moderate GI values (65% and 66%, respectively). As low and moderate GI foods are recommended for diabetic patients, ML3 and ML30 had high potential for their consumption, and can be suggested for further breeding program to develop low GI rice.
The physico-chemical and antioxidant activity of the mesocarp and exocarp of Borassus flabellifer were determined to assess the potential of the fruit as a food ingredient. Proximate analysis indicated that both mesocarp and exocarp had a high fibre content of 23.92% and 28.20%, respectively, of which 62.5% and 79.4% were insoluble dietary fibre. The soluble dietary fibre was < 0.50% for both samples. Hemicellulose was the major component in the exocarp followed by cellulose and lignin. Meanwhile for the mesocarp, cellulose was the highest component followed by hemicellulose and lignin. Fructose, galactose, glucose, mannose and sucrose were detected in both samples. Phenol and tannins were present in both mesocarp and exocarp; however, saponin was only detected in the mesocarp. Radical scavenging activity (157.05 mM TE/g) and reducing power (213.05 mM Fe2+) of the exocarp were significantly higher as compared to those of the mesocarp.
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.) is a highly beneficial fruit, containing potent bioactive compounds such as xanthones. However, the metabolite comparisons of mangosteen pericarp, aril and seed have not been described in detail previously. A comparative approach was undertaken in the present work to evaluate the effects of different ratios of solvent combination in the metabolite extraction of mangosteen. Gas chromatography-based metabolomics approach was performed to evaluate the efficiency of two metabolite extraction methods utilising different solvent extraction ratios (3/1/1 v/v or 2/1/2 v/v of methanol/chloroform/water) in determining the primary metabolite composition of mangosteen fruit tissues (pericarp, aril and seed). Cumulatively, 43 known metabolites were putatively identified from the mangosteen fruit tissues. Due to the higher ratio of polar solvent (methanol and water) used in method 2 as compared to method 1, the former method preferentially extracted a higher number of polar metabolites. Conversely, the higher ratio of methanol solvent in method 1 also contributed to the identification of more alcohol metabolites. Additionally, the multivariate analysis revealed that mangosteen pericarp was mainly localised by ribonic acid, arabinopyranose, β-hydroxypyruvic acid, L-(+)-tartaric acid and galacturonic acid. Meanwhile, thymol-α-D- glucopyranoside and D-ribofuranose contributed to the separation of mangosteen aril, whereas mangosteen seed contained high levels of β-D-galactofuranose, L-threonic acid, butanoic acid, glycoside, malic acid and myo-inositol. Results suggested that the differing solvent ratios can highly influence the types and levels of the extracted metabolites. This finding highlights the influence of metabolite solvent extraction methods towards the end results of the extraction as well as the localisation of primary metabolites in different mangosteen fruit tissues. Hence, the present work is vital in revealing important spatial information of various metabolites toward a better understanding of the mangosteen fruit ripening process.