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  1. Fulltext Machine learning models development for accurate multi-months ahead drought forecasting: Case study of the Great Lakes, North America
    Hameed MM, Razali SFM, Mohtar WHMW, Rahman NA, Yaseen ZM
    PLoS One, 2023;18(10):e0290891.
    PMID: 37906556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290891
    The Great Lakes are critical freshwater sources, supporting millions of people, agriculture, and ecosystems. However, climate change has worsened droughts, leading to significant economic and social consequences. Accurate multi-month drought forecasting is, therefore, essential for effective water management and mitigating these impacts. This study introduces the Multivariate Standardized Lake Water Level Index (MSWI), a modified drought index that utilizes water level data collected from 1920 to 2020. Four hybrid models are developed: Support Vector Regression with Beluga whale optimization (SVR-BWO), Random Forest with Beluga whale optimization (RF-BWO), Extreme Learning Machine with Beluga whale optimization (ELM-BWO), and Regularized ELM with Beluga whale optimization (RELM-BWO). The models forecast droughts up to six months ahead for Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron. The best-performing model is then selected to forecast droughts for the remaining three lakes, which have not experienced severe droughts in the past 50 years. The results show that incorporating the BWO improves the accuracy of all classical models, particularly in forecasting drought turning and critical points. Among the hybrid models, the RELM-BWO model achieves the highest level of accuracy, surpassing both classical and hybrid models by a significant margin (7.21 to 76.74%). Furthermore, Monte-Carlo simulation is employed to analyze uncertainties and ensure the reliability of the forecasts. Accordingly, the RELM-BWO model reliably forecasts droughts for all lakes, with a lead time ranging from 2 to 6 months. The study's findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, water managers, and other stakeholders to better prepare drought mitigation strategies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water
  2. Fermentation of Lactobacillus fermentum NB02 with feruloyl esterase production increases the phenolic compounds content and antioxidant properties of oat bran
    Li Y, Zhang Y, Dong L, Li Y, Liu Y, Liu Y, et al.
    Food Chem, 2024 Mar 30;437(Pt 1):137834.
    PMID: 37897817 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137834
    In this study, strains producing feruloyl esterase were screened by Oxford Cup clear zones method and by evaluating the ability to decompose hydroxycinnamoyl esters. The strain was identified by 16S rDNA molecular biology. The contents of dietary fiber, reducing sugar, water-extractable arabinoxylans, phytic acid, total phenolics, total flavonoid, phenolic compounds composition, microstructure and antioxidant activity in bran before and after fermentation were studied. Eight strains producing feruloyl esterase were screened, among which strain P1 had the strongest ability to decompose hydroxycinnamoyl esters. The strain was identified and named L. fermentum NB02. Compared with unfermented bran, fermented bran exhibited higher contents of soluble dietary fiber, reducing sugar, water-extractable arabinoxylans, total phenolics, total flavonoid, and lower insoluble dietary fiber and phytic acid content. The dense surface structure of bran was destroyed, forming a porous structure. The release of phenolic compounds increased significantly. L. fermentum NB02 fermentation improved the antioxidant capacity of bran.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water
  3. Fulltext Degradation effects of dietary solvents on microhardness and inorganic elements of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing dental composites
    Munusamy SM, Helen-Ng LC, Farook MS
    BMC Oral Health, 2024 Feb 01;24(1):162.
    PMID: 38302972 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-03905-7
    BACKGROUND: Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) dental composites were introduced with superior mechanical properties than conventional dental composites. However, little is known on effects of dietary solvents on microhardness or inorganic elemental composition of CAD/CAM composites.

    OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the degradation effects of each dietary solvent on the microhardness of the different CAD/CAM dental composites and to observe the degradation effects of dietary solvent on the inorganic elements of the dental composites investigated.

    METHODS: Fifty specimens with dimensions 12 mm x 14 mm x 1.5 mm were prepared for direct composite (Filtek Z350 XT [FZ]), indirect composite (Shofu Ceramage [CM]), and three CAD/CAM composites (Lava Ultimate [LU], Cerasmart [CS], and Vita Enamic [VE]). The specimens were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 10) and conditioned for 1-week at 37°C in the following: air (control), distilled water, 0.02 N citric acid, 0.02 N lactic acid and 50% ethanol-water solution. Subsequently, the specimens were subjected to microhardness test (KHN) using Knoop hardness indenter. Air (control) and representative postconditioning specimens with the lowest mean KHN value for each material were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni test at a significance level of p = 0.05.

    RESULTS: Mean KHN values ranged from 39.7 ± 2.7 kg/mm2 for FZ conditioned in 50% ethanol-water solution to 79.2 ± 3.4 kg/mm2 for VE conditioned in air (control). With exception to LU, significant differences were observed between materials and dietary solvents for other dental composites investigated. EDX showed stable peaks of the inorganic elements between air (control) and representative postconditioning specimens.

    CONCLUSIONS: The microhardness of dental composites was significantly affected by dietary solvents, except for one CAD/CAM composite [LU]. However, no changes were observed in the inorganic elemental composition of dental composites between air (control) and 1-week postconditioning.

    Matched MeSH terms: Water
  4. Synthesis of tapioca starch/palm oil encapsulated urea-impregnated biochar derived from peppercorn waste as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer
    Sim DHH, Tan IAW, Lim LLP, Lau ET, Hameed BH
    Waste Manag, 2024 Jan 01;173:51-61.
    PMID: 37977096 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.11.006
    Nutrient leaching and volatilization cause environmental pollution, thus the pursuit of developing controlled-release fertilizer formulation is necessary. Biochar-based fertilizer exhibits slow-release characteristic, however the nutrient release mechanism needs to be improved. To overcome this limitation, the approach of applying encapsulation technology with biochar-based fertilizer has been implemented in this study. Black peppercorn waste was used to synthesize urea-impregnated biochar (UIB). Central composite design was used to investigate the effects of pyrolysis temperature, residence time and urea:biochar ratio on nitrogen content of UIB. The optimum condition to synthesize UIB was at 400 °C pyrolysis temperature, 120 min residence time and 0.6:1 urea:biochar ratio, which resulted in 16.07% nitrogen content. The tapioca starch/palm oil (PO) biofilm formulated using 8 g of tapioca starch and 0.12 µL of PO was coated on the UIB to produce encapsulated urea-impregnated biochar (EUIB). The UIB and EUIB pellets achieved complete release of nitrogen in water after 90 min and 330 min, respectively. The nutrient release mechanism of UIB and EUIB was best described by the Higuchi model and Korsmeyer-Peppas model, respectively. The improvement of water retention ratio of UIB and EUIB pellets was more significant in sandy-textural soil as compared to clayey-textural soil. The EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be utilized as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water
  5. Conversion of seaweed waste to biochar for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution: A sustainable method to address eutrophication problem in water bodies
    Ravindiran G, Rajamanickam S, Ramalingam M, Hayder G, Sathaiah BK, Gaddam MKR, et al.
    Environ Res, 2024 Jan 15;241:117551.
    PMID: 37939801 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117551
    The present study investigated the sustainable approach for wastewater treatment using waste algal blooms. The current study investigated the removal of toxic metals namely chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) from aqueous solutions in batch and column studies using biochar produced by the marine algae Ulva reticulata. SEM/EDX, FTIR, and XRD were used to examine the adsorbents' properties and stability. The removal efficiency of toxic metals in batch operations was investigated by varying the parameters, which included pH, biochar dose, initial metal ion concentration, and contact time. Similarly, in the column study, the removal efficiency of heavy metal ions was investigated by varying bed height, flow rate, and initial metal ion concentration. Response Surface Methodology (Central Composite Design (CCD)) was used to confirm the linearity between the observed and estimated values of the adsorption quantity. The packed bed column demonstrated successful removal rates of 90.38% for Cr, 91.23% for Ni, and 89.92% for Zn heavy metals from aqueous solutions, under a controlled environment. The breakthrough analysis also shows that the Thomas and Adams-Bohart models best fit the regression values, allowing prior breakthroughs in the packed bed column to be predicted. Desorption studies were conducted to understand sorption and elution during different regeneration cycles. Adding 0.3 N sulfuric acid over 40 min resulted in the highest desorption rate of the column and adsorbent used for all three metal ions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water
  6. Exploring the microplastic pollution: Unveiling origins and varieties in coastal sediments and waters of the Bushehr Province, Persian Gulf, Iran
    Gholizadeh M, Shadi A, Abadi A, Nemati M, Senapathi V, Karthikeyan S, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2024 Jan;198:115939.
    PMID: 38128339 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115939
    In this study, microplastic (MP) pollution in the coastal sediments and tidal waters of Bushehr province in the Persian Gulf was comprehensively investigated. The sampling stations were selected based on their proximity to various human activities in January and February 2022, such as tourism, fishing, urban development and industry. The results showed that the abundance of MP associated with different human activities varied. The highest concentrations were observed near the petrochemical industry in Asaluyeh, followed by the densely populated Bushehr and the fishing port of Dayyer. Other areas such as Ganaveh, Deylam and Mand also showed varying levels of MP contamination. The average MP concentration was 1.67 × 104 particles/km2 in surface water and 1346.67 ± 601.69 particles/kg in dry sediment. Fiber particles were in the majority in both sediment and water samples, mainly black. The sediment samples had a size range of 100-500 μm (41.34 %), while the water samples were between 500 and 1000 μm (33.44 %). The main polymers found were polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). This assessment highlights the widespread problem of microplastic pollution in the coastal and intertidal zones of Bushehr province in the Persian Gulf.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water
  7. Effect of chemical treatments of arundo donax L. fibre on mechanical and thermal properties of the PLA/PP blend composite filament for FDM 3D printing
    Tablit S, Krache R, Amroune S, Jawaid M, Hachaichi A, Ismail AS, et al.
    J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2024 Apr;152:106438.
    PMID: 38359736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106438
    Arundo donax L. is investigated in this study as a suitable reinforcing agent for PLA/PP waste blend 3D printing filament. To improve the compatibility of the fibre and polymer, the Arundo fibre was chemically modified using alkali and silane treatment. Untreated and treated fibres were extruded with Polymer blends before being 3D printed. Effect of chemical treatment on thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of the composites was investigated. The tensile, Izod impact, and water absorption of the 3D printed specimens were also tested. The Alkali treated (ALK) and combination of alkali and silane treatment (SLN) composites displayed good results. Tensile strength and modulus of the materials increased, as well as their maintained stability in the Izod impact test, demonstrating that the incorporation of ArF did not result in a loss in performance. SEM examination supported these findings by confirming the creation of beneficial interfacial contacts between the matrix and fibre components, as demonstrated by the lack of void between the matrix and the fibre surface. Furthermore, the alkali treatment of the ArF resulted in a considerable reduction in water absorption inside the biocomposite, with a 64% reduction seen in ALK composite comparison to the untreated composite (Un). After the 43-day assessment period.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water
  8. Sustainability and mechanical property assessment of concrete incorporating eggshell powder and silica fume as binary and ternary cementitious materials
    Sohu S, Bheel N, Jhatial AA, Ansari AA, Shar IA
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2022 Aug;29(39):58685-58697.
    PMID: 35366210 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19894-5
    Cement production emits a significant carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, dramatically influencing the environment. Furthermore, a large amount of energy is consumed during the cement manufacturing process; since Pakistan is already facing an energy crisis, this high energy consumption by the cement industry puts further stress on Pakistan's energy sector. Hence, the price of cement is rising day by day. Furthermore, waste disposals and concrete ingredients' restoration after demolition have adversative effects on the environment. Therefore, using these wastes decreases cement manufacturing, thereby reducing energy consumption, but it also aids in safeguarding the environment. The study aimed to determine the concrete properties by partially replacing cement with only eggshell powder (ESP) and combining ESP and silica fume (SF) in a ternary binder system in the mixture. However, workability, water absorption, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength were all investigated in this study. In this experimental study, cement was replaced as 5, 8, 11, 15, and 20% of ESP, along with 5, 10, and 15% of silica by weight of cement in concrete. Approximately 21 mixes were prepared, from which 01 control mix, 05 mixes of ESP alone, and 15 mixes designed with a blend of ESP and SF with a 1:1.25:3 mix ratio and 0.5 water-cement ratios. Study parameters advocate the substitution of 11% ESP and 10% SF as the optimal option for maximum strength. Furthermore, combining ESP and SF diminishes the composite concrete mixture's workability and dry density greatly.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water
  9. The process-based stand growth model Formix 3-Q applied in a GIS environment for growth and yield analysis in a tropical rain forest
    Ditzer T, Glauner R, Förster M, Köhler P, Huth A
    Tree Physiol, 2000 Mar;20(5_6):367-381.
    PMID: 12651452
    Managing tropical rain forests is difficult because few long-term field data on forest growth and the impact of harvesting disturbance are available. Growth models may provide a valuable tool for managers of tropical forests, particularly if applied to the extended forest areas of up to 100,000 ha that typically constitute the so-called forest management units (FMUs). We used a stand growth model in a geographic information system (GIS) environment to simulate tropical rain forest growth at the FMU level. We applied the process-based rain forest growth model Formix 3-Q to the 55,000 ha Deramakot Forest Reserve (DFR) in Sabah, Malaysia. The FMU was considered to be composed of single and independent small-scale stands differing in site conditions and forest structure. Field data, which were analyzed with a GIS, comprised a terrestrial forest inventory, site and soil analyses (water, nutrients, slope), the interpretation of aerial photographs of the present vegetation and topographic maps. Different stand types were determined based on a classification of site quality (three classes), slopes (four classes), and present forest structure (four strata). The effects of site quality on tree allometry (height-diameter curve, biomass allometry, leaf area) and growth (increment size) are incorporated into Formix 3-Q. We derived allometric relations and growth factors for different site conditions from the field data. Climax forest structure at the stand level was shown to depend strongly on site conditions. Simulated successional pattern and climax structure were compared with field observations. Based on the current management plan for the DFR, harvesting scenarios were simulated for stands on different sites. The effects of harvesting guidelines on forest structure and the implications for sustainable forest management at Deramakot were analyzed. Based on the stand types and GIS analysis, we also simulated undisturbed regeneration of the logged-over forest in the DFR at the FMU level. The simulations predict slow recovery rates, and regeneration times far exceeding 100 years.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water
  10. Influence of irradiance on water relations and carbon flux during rooting of Shorea leprosula leafy stem cuttings
    Aminah H, McP Dick J, Grace J
    Tree Physiol, 1997 Jul;17(7):445-52.
    PMID: 14759836
    Single-node leafy stem cuttings of Shorea leprosula Miq. were subjected to a high, intermediate or low irradiance treatment for 16 weeks in an enclosed mist propagation system. Before rooting, maximum photosynthesis of the cuttings occurred at an irradiance of 400 micro mol m(-2) s(-1). Although none of the irradiance treatments affected the number of roots produced per cutting, the numbers of cuttings that formed roots were 50 and 30% in the high irradiance (diurnal range of 0-658 micro mol m(-2) s(-1)) and low irradiance (diurnal range of 0-98 micro mol m(-2) s(-1)) treatments, respectively, compared with 62% in the intermediate irradiance treatment (diurnal range of 0-360 micro mol m(-2) s(-1)). Low rooting frequency of cuttings in the high irradiance treatment was associated with water deficits (maximum leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit (VPD) = 3.6 kPa), whereas cuttings in the low irradiance treatment had a low rooting frequency because they were below the light compensation point most of the time. In the intermediate irradiance treatment, cuttings withstood a daily maximum VPD of 1-2 kPa and recovered overnight from the previous day's deficit, as indicated by higher relative water content (RWC) and stomatal conductance (g(s)) in the morning than in the previous afternoon and evening. Higher RWC and g(s) of cuttings in all treatments on Days 14 and 21 compared with Day 8 probably indicated recovery from water deficit following severance and insertion of the cuttings in rooting medium. There were negative relationships between stem volume of cuttings and both number of cuttings that rooted and number of roots per cutting.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water
  11. Promoting the suitability of graphitic carbon nitride and metal oxide nanoparticles: A review of sulfonamides photocatalytic degradation
    Zango ZU, Lawal MA, Usman F, Sulieman A, Akhdar H, Eisa MH, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2024 Mar;351:141218.
    PMID: 38266876 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141218
    The widespread consumption of pharmaceutical drugs and their incomplete breakdown in organisms has led to their extensive presence in aquatic environments. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics, such as sulfonamides, has contributed to the development of drug-resistant bacteria and the persistent pollution of water bodies, posing a threat to human health and the safety of the environment. Thus, it is paramount to explore remediation technologies aimed at decomposing and complete elimination of the toxic contaminants from pharmaceutical wastewater. The review aims to explore the utilization of metal-oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) and graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C3N4) in photocatalytic degradation of sulfonamides from wastewater. Recent advances in oxidation techniques such as photocatalytic degradation are being exploited in the elimination of the sulfonamides from wastewater. MONP and g-C3N4 are commonly evolved nano substances with intrinsic properties. They possessed nano-scale structure, considerable porosity semi-conducting properties, responsible for decomposing wide range of water pollutants. They are widely applied for photocatalytic degradation of organic and inorganic substances which continue to evolve due to the low-cost, efficiency, less toxicity, and more environmentally friendliness of the materials. The review focuses on the current advances in the application of these materials, their efficiencies, degradation mechanisms, and recyclability in the context of sulfonamides photocatalytic degradation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Waste Water
  12. Fulltext Chronic Kidney Disease, Fluid Overload and Diuretics: A Complicated Triangle
    Khan YH, Sarriff A, Adnan AS, Khan AH, Mallhi TH
    PLoS One, 2016;11(7):e0159335.
    PMID: 27442587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159335
    BACKGROUND: Despite promising role of diuretics to manage fluid overload among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, their use is associated with adverse renal outcomes. Current study aimed to determine the extent of renal deterioration with diuretic therapy.

    METHODS: A total 312 non-dialysis dependent CKD (NDD-CKD) patients were prospectively followed-up for one year. Fluid overload was assessed via bioimpedance spectroscopy. Estimated GFR (eGFR) was calculated from serum creatinine values by using Chronic Kidney Disease- Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation.

    RESULTS: Out of 312 patients, 64 (20.5%) were hypovolemic while euvolemia and hypervolemia were observed in 113 (36.1%) and 135 (43.4%) patients. Overall 144 patients were using diuretics among which 98 (72.6%) were hypervolemic, 35 (30.9%) euvolemic and 11 (17.2%) were hypovolemic. The mean decline in estimated GFR of entire cohort was -2.5 ± 1.4 ml/min/1.73m2 at the end of follow up. The use of diuretics was significantly associated with decline in eGFR. A total of 36 (11.5%) patients initiated renal replacement therapy (RRT) and need of RRT was more profound among diuretic users.

    CONCLUSIONS: The use of diuretics was associated with adverse renal outcomes indicated by decline in eGFR and increasing risk of RRT initiation in our cohort of NDD-CKD patients. Therefore, it is cautiously suggested to carefully prescribe diuretics by keeping in view benefit versus harm for each patient.

    Matched MeSH terms: Water-Electrolyte Imbalance/complications*; Water-Electrolyte Imbalance/drug therapy*; Water-Electrolyte Imbalance/physiopathology
  13. Modelling photoperiod in enhancing hydrogen production from Chlorella vulgaris sp. while bioremediating ammonium and organic pollutants in municipal wastewater
    Ardo FM, Khoo KS, Ahmad Sobri MZ, Suparmaniam U, Ethiraj B, Anwar AF, et al.
    Environ Pollut, 2024 Apr 01;346:123648.
    PMID: 38408504 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123648
    Municipal wastewater is ubiquitously laden with myriad pollutants discharged primarily from a combination of domestic and industrial activities. These heterogeneous pollutants are threating the natural environments when the traditional activated sludge system fails sporadically to reduce the pollutants' toxicities. Besides, the activated sludge system is very energy intensive, bringing conundrums for decarbonization. This research endeavoured to employ Chlorella vulgaris sp. In converting pollutants from municipal wastewater into hydrogen via alternate light and dark fermentative process. The microalgae in attached form onto 1 cm3 of polyurethane foam cubes were adopted in optimizing light intensity and photoperiod during the light exposure duration. The highest hydrogen production was recorded at 52 mL amidst the synergistic light intensity and photoperiod of 200 μmolm-2s-1 and 12:12 h (light:dark h), respectively. At this lighting condition, the removals of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammoniacal nitrogen were both achieved at about 80%. The sustainability of microalgal fermentative performances was verified in recyclability study using similar immobilization support material. There were negligible diminishments of hydrogen production as well as both COD and ammoniacal nitrogen removals after five cycles, heralding inconsequential microalgal cells' washout from the polyurethane support when replacing the municipal wastewater medium at each cycle. The collected dataset was finally modelled into enhanced Monod equation aided by Python software tool of machine learning. The derived model was capable to predict the performances of microalgae to execute the fermentative process in producing hydrogen while subsisting municipal wastewater at arbitrary photoperiod. The enhanced model had a best fitting of R2 of 0.9857 as validated using an independent dataset. Concisely, the outcomes had contributed towards the advancement of municipal wastewater treatment via microalgal fermentative process in producing green hydrogen as a clean energy source to decarbonize the wastewater treatment facilities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Waste Water
  14. Fulltext Antioxidant Properties of Crude Extract, Partition Extract, and Fermented Medium of Dendrobium sabin Flower
    Abu F, Mat Taib CN, Mohd Moklas MA, Mohd Akhir S
    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2017;2017:2907219.
    PMID: 28761496 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2907219
    Antioxidant properties of crude extract, partition extract, and fermented medium from Dendrobium sabin (DS) flower were investigated. The oven-dried DS flower was extracted using 100% methanol (w/v), 100% ethanol (w/v), and 100% water (w/v). The 100% methanolic crude extract showed the highest total phenolic content (40.33 ± mg GAE/g extract) and the best antioxidant properties as shown by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. A correlation relationship between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content showed that phenolic compounds were the dominant antioxidant components in this flower extract. The microbial fermentation on DS flower medium showed a potential in increasing the phenolic content and DPPH scavenging activity. The TPC of final fermented medium showed approximately 18% increment, while the DPPH of fermented medium increased significantly to approximately 80% at the end of the fermentation. Dendrobium sabin (DS) flower showed very good potential properties of antioxidant in crude extract and partition extract as well as better antioxidant activity in the flower fermented medium.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water
  15. Environmental occurrence and assessment of organic pollutants in surface sediments of South Peninsular Malaysia
    Alkhadher SAA, Sidek LM, Zakaria MP, A Al-Garadi M, Suratman S
    Environ Geochem Health, 2024 Mar 15;46(4):140.
    PMID: 38488953 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01916-5
    Organic pollution continues to be an important worldwide obstacle for tackling health and environmental concerns that require ongoing and prompt response. To identify the LAB content levels as molecular indicators for sewage pollution, surface sediments had obtained from the South region of Malaysia. The origins of the LABs were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). ANOVA and a Pearson correlation coefficient at p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Waste Water
  16. Leaf and twig traits predict habitat adaptation and demographic strategies in tropical freshwater swamp forest trees
    Lam WN, Huang J, Tay AHT, Sim HJ, Chan PJ, Lim KE, et al.
    New Phytol, 2024 Aug;243(3):881-893.
    PMID: 38840520 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19876
    Differences in demographic and environmental niches facilitate plant species coexistence in tropical forests. However, the adaptations that enable species to achieve higher demographic rates (e.g. growth or survival) or occupy unique environmental niches (e.g. waterlogged conditions) remain poorly understood. Anatomical traits may better predict plant environmental and demographic strategies because they are direct measurements of structures involved in these adaptations. We collected 18 leaf and twig traits from 29 tree species in a tropical freshwater swamp forest in Singapore. We estimated demographic parameters of the 29 species from growth and survival models, and degree of association toward swamp habitats. We examined pairwise trait-trait, trait-demography and trait-environment links while controlling for phylogeny. Leaf and twig anatomical traits were better predictors of all demographic parameters than other commonly measured leaf and wood traits. Plants with wider vessels had faster growth rates but lower survival rates. Leaf and spongy mesophyll thickness predicted swamp association. These findings demonstrate the utility of anatomical traits as indicators of plant hydraulic strategies and their links to growth-mortality trade-offs and waterlogging stress tolerance that underlie species coexistence mechanisms in tropical forest trees.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fresh Water
  17. Inverse vulcanization induced oxygen modified porous polysulfides for efficient sorption of heavy metals
    Lyu S, Abidin ZZ, Yaw TCS, Resul MFMG
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Mar;31(11):16940-16957.
    PMID: 38326685 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32323-z
    The applications of polysulfides derived from natural plant oil and sulfur via the inverse vulcanization in the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions suffered from their low porosity and scarce surface functionality because of their hydrophobic surfaces and bulk characteristics. In this study, polysulfides from sulfur and palm oil (PSPs) with significantly enhanced porosity (13.7-24.1 m2/g) and surface oxygen-containing functional groups (6.9-8.6 wt.%) were synthesized with the optimization of process conditions including reaction time, temperature, and mass ratios of sulfur/palm oil/NaCl/sodium citrate. PSPs were applied as sorbents to remove heavy metals present in aqueous solutions. The integration of porosity and oxygen modification allowed a fast kinetic (4.0 h) and enhanced maximum sorption capacities for Pb(II) (218.5 mg/g), Cu(II) (74.8 mg/g), and Cr(III) (68.4 mg/g) at pH 5.0 and T 298 K comparing with polysulfides made without NaCl/sodium citrate. The sorption behaviors of Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cr(III) on PSPs were highly dependent on the solution pH values and ionic strength. The sorption presented excellent anti-interference capability for the coexisting cations and anions. The sorption processes were endothermic and spontaneous. This work would guide the preparation of porous polysulfides with surface modification as efficient sorbents to remediate heavy metals from aqueous solutions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water
  18. Fulltext Health major incident : the experiences of mobile medical team during major flood
    Ahmad R, Mohamad Z, Noh AY, Mohamad N, Hamzah MS, Mohammed NA, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2008 Apr;15(2):47-51.
    PMID: 22589626 MyJurnal
    Disaster is a sudden event that associated with ecological changes, disruption of normal daily activities, destruction of infrastructures, loss of properties, and medical disabilities. In disaster, there is a mismatch between available resources and patients need for healthcare service. During flood disaster, the victims were predisposed to different type of illnesses for various reasons such as inadequate supply of clean water, poor sanitation or drainage system, unhealthy foods, and over-crowded relief centers. Mobile clinic is an option for delivering medical care for the disaster victims who often have a difficulty to access to the medical facilities. In this article we would like to share our experiences during the provision of humanitarian services for flood victims at District of Muar Johor. Common illnesses among the flood victims at visited relief centers and advantages of Mobile Medical Relief Team were also highlighted and discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water
  19. Fulltext Assessment of coastal river water quality in Bangladesh: Implications for drinking and irrigation purposes
    Uddin MR, Khandaker MU, Ahmed S, Abedin MJ, Hossain SMM, Al Mansur MA, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0300878.
    PMID: 38635835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300878
    Saltwater intrusion in the coastal areas of Bangladesh is a prevalent phenomenon. However, it is not conducive to activities such as irrigation, navigation, fish spawning and shelter, and industrial usage. The present study analyzed 45 water samples collected from 15 locations in coastal areas during three seasons: monsoon, pre-monsoon, and post-monsoon. The aim was to comprehend the seasonal variation in physicochemical parameters, including water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness, and concentrations of Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe2+, HCO3-, PO43-, SO42-, and Cl-. Additionally, parameters essential for agriculture, such as soluble sodium percentage (SSP), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), magnesium absorption ratio (MAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), Kelly's ratio (KR), and permeability index (PI), were examined. Their respective values were found to be 63%, 16.83 mg/L, 34.92 mg/L, 145.44 mg/L, 1.28 mg/L, and 89.29%. The integrated water quality index was determined using entropy theory and principal component analysis (PCA). The resulting entropy water quality index (EWQI) and SAR of 49.56% and 63%, respectively, indicated that the samples are suitable for drinking but unsuitable for irrigation. These findings can assist policymakers in implementing the Bangladesh Deltaplan-2100, focusing on sustainable land management, fish cultivation, agricultural production, environmental preservation, water resource management, and environmental protection in the deltaic areas of Bangladesh. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of seasonal variations in the hydrochemistry and water quality of coastal rivers, aiding in the comprehension of salinity intrusion origins, mechanisms, and causes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water Quality
  20. A review on the application of biochar as an innovative and sustainable biocarrier material in moving bed biofilm reactors for dye removal from environmental matrices
    Jagaba AH, Abdulazeez I, Lawal DU, Affam AC, Mu'azu ND, Soja UB, et al.
    Environ Geochem Health, 2024 Jul 19;46(9):333.
    PMID: 39026137 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02122-z
    Dye decolorization through biological treatment techniques has been gaining momentum as it is based on suspended and attached growth biomass in both batch and continuous modes. Hence, this review focused on the contribution of moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBR) in dye removal. MBBR have been demonstrated to be an excellent technology for pollution extraction, load shock resistance, and equipment size and energy consumption reduction. The review went further to highlight different biocarrier materials for biofilm development this review identified biochar as an innovative and environmentally friendly material produced through the application of different kinds of reusable or recyclable wastes and biowastes. Biochar as a carbonized waste biomass could be a better competitor and environmentally friendly substitute to activated carbon given its lower mass costs. Biochar can be easily produced particularly in rural locations where there is an abundance of biomass-based trash. Given that circular bioeconomy lowers dependency on natural resources by turning organic wastes into an array of useful products, biochar empowers the creation of competitive goods. Thus, biochar was identified as a novel, cost-effective, and long-term management strategy since it brings about several essential benefits, including food security, climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and sustainability improvement. This review concludes that integrating two treatment methods could greatly lead to better color, organic matter, and nutrients removal than a single biological MBBR treatment process.
    Matched MeSH terms: Water Pollutants, Chemical
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