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Surface modification and characterization of carbonaceous adsorbents for the efficient removal of oil pollutants

Anjum H, Johari K, Appusamy A, Gnanasundaram N, Thanabalan M

J Hazard Mater, 2019 11 05;379:120673.
PMID: 31254791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.05.066

In this study, the impact of different oxidizing agents on the structural integrity of activated carbon (AC) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was studied for the removal of BTX from aqueous solution. Seven different combinations of green oxidizing agents (mild organic acids) in conjugation with NaOCl (basic oxidizing agent) were used. The modified adsorbents were analyzed by Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Boehm titration, Raman spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), x-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential, and variable pressure field emission scanning electron microscope (VPFESEM). The results suggested that the carbonaceous sorbents modified with combination of citric acid tartaric acid, malic acid and salicylic acid (CTMS-I) showed increased surface area (O-AC: 871.67 m2/g, O-MWCNTs: 336.37 m2/g) and total pore volume (O-AC: 0.59 cm3/g, O-MWCNTs: 0.04 cm3/g), with the significantly improved thermal stability. Preliminary batch adsorption experiments conducted using the present prepared O-AC and O-MWCNTs, showed an improved performance towards the adsorption of BTX, compared with other available reported adsorbents in the literature.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
A revisit to the effects of zinc salt on skin burn wound healing to reflect the risks in current pharmaceutical care

Osman MAH, Wong TW, Anuar NK

J Dermatolog Treat, 2020 Sep;31(6):651-654.
PMID: 31264929 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2019.1639607

The lower limit of soluble zinc content that can possibly be applied onto a wounded skin as a healing promoter was not known. This study examined skin wound healing process of rats inflicted by partial thickness thermal burn wound as a function of applied soluble zinc contents (0.1 ml of zinc chloride solution 0.01% (w/w) or 5.0% (w/w)). The size, surface morphology and histological profiles of wound beds of untreated rats and those treated with zinc chloride solutions were characterized. A soluble zinc content as low as 10.5 μg/cm2 of skin negated skin wound healing when compared to the untreated rats. This was alarming as the commercial products currently in the market are formulated with a high level of zinc content. Albeit the zinc salt employed was water-insoluble, a minute fraction of soluble zinc might be available to the treatment sites. This could be partially responsible for the late adverse effects such as pruritis and inflammation reported with calamine/diphenhydramine lotion, medicated shampoo, Olay Complete defense moisturizing lotion and Zineryt® topical solution. The skin irritation was likely a resultant oxidative stress action of soluble zinc, where a small fraction could be adequate to negate the skin homeostasis.[Figure: see text]Key messagesZinc is essentially a cofactor for skin collagen formation.Soluble zinc content as low as 10.5 μg/cm2 of skin irritates skin and negates burn wound healing.Skin irritation of commercial products relates to minute soluble zinc content availability.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
Fulltext An Assessment of Heavy Metals Toxicity in Asian Clam, Corbicula fluminea, from Mekong River, Pa Sak River, and Lopburi River, Thailand

Sow AY, Dee KH, Lee SW, Eh Rak AAL

ScientificWorldJournal, 2019;2019:1615298.
PMID: 31379469 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1615298

High population density and economic development attributing to the changes in water quality in Pa Sak River, Lopburi River, and Mekong River have attracted great attention. This research aimed to determine the pollution of heavy metals in collected clams at three different study sites. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) may be likely to cause serious health effects on human beings. The clams sampled from three different rivers (Mekong, Pa Sak, and Lopburi) from Thailand were analyzed for the presence of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Mn, and Pb) with an air-acetylene flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Among the heavy metals studied, Zn was recorded as having the highest concentration (127.33-163.65 μg/g) among the three rivers. The observed mean concentration of Cu was in the range of 84.61-127.15 μg/g followed by Mn (13.96-100.63 μg/g), Cr (5.79-15.00 μg/g), Pb (3.43-8.55 μg/g), and Cd (0.88-1.95 μg/g). Overall, Asian clam from Pa Sak River was found to contain high concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, and Pb compared to Mekong and Lopburi River.

Matched MeSH terms: Fresh Water
Physiological and metabolic responses of Scenedesmus quadricauda (Chlorophyceae) to nickel toxicity and warming

Yong WK, Sim KS, Poong SW, Wei D, Phang SM, Lim PE

3 Biotech, 2019 Aug;9(8):315.
PMID: 31406637 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-019-1848-8

An ecologically important tropical freshwater microalga, Scenedesmus quadricauda, was exposed to Ni toxicity under two temperature regimes, 25 and 35 °C to investigate the interactive effects of warming and different Ni concentrations (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 ppm). The stress responses were assessed from the growth, photosynthesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and metabolomics aspects to understand the effects at both the physiological and biochemical levels. The results showed that the cell densities of the cultures were higher at 35 °C compared to 25 °C, but decreased with increasing Ni concentrations at 35 °C. In terms of photosynthetic efficiency, the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) of S. quadricauda remained consistent across different conditions. Nickel concentration at 10.0 ppm affected the maximum rate of relative electron transport (rETRm) and saturation irradiance for electron transport (Ek) in photosynthesis. At 25 °C, the increase of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) values in cells exposed to 10.0 ppm Ni might indicate the onset of thermal dissipation process as a self-protection mechanism against Ni toxicity. The combination of warming and Ni toxicity induced a strong oxidative stress response in the cells. The ROS level increased significantly by 40% after exposure to 10.0 ppm of Ni at 35 °C. The amount of Ni accumulated in the biomass was higher at 25 °C compared to 35 °C. Based on the metabolic profile, temperature contributed the most significant differentiation among the samples compared to Ni treatment and the interaction between the two factors. Amino acids, sugars and organic acids were significantly regulated by the combined factors to restore homeostasis. The most affected pathways include sulphur, amino acids, and nitrogen metabolisms. Overall, the results suggest that the inhibitory effect of Ni was lower at 35 °C compared to 25 °C probably due to lower metal uptake and primary metabolism restructuring. The ability of S. quadricauda to accumulate substantial amount of Ni and thrive at 35 °C suggests the potential use of this strain for phycoremediation and outdoor wastewater treatment.

Matched MeSH terms: Waste Water
Termites mitigate the effects of drought in tropical rainforest

Ashton LA, Griffiths HM, Parr CL, Evans TA, Didham RK, Hasan F, et al.

Science, 2019 01 11;363(6423):174-177.
PMID: 30630931 DOI: 10.1126/science.aau9565

Termites perform key ecological functions in tropical ecosystems, are strongly affected by variation in rainfall, and respond negatively to habitat disturbance. However, it is not known how the projected increase in frequency and severity of droughts in tropical rainforests will alter termite communities and the maintenance of ecosystem processes. Using a large-scale termite suppression experiment, we found that termite activity and abundance increased during drought in a Bornean forest. This increase resulted in accelerated litter decomposition, elevated soil moisture, greater soil nutrient heterogeneity, and higher seedling survival rates during the extreme El Niño drought of 2015-2016. Our work shows how an invertebrate group enhances ecosystem resistance to drought, providing evidence that the dual stressors of climate change and anthropogenic shifts in biotic communities will have various negative consequences for the maintenance of rainforest ecosystems.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
Fulltext Potential of Zeolite and Algae in Biomass Immobilization

Emami Moghaddam SA, Harun R, Mokhtar MN, Zakaria R

Biomed Res Int, 2018;2018:6563196.
PMID: 30643814 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6563196

The interest in utilizing algae for wastewater treatment has been increased due to many advantages. Algae-wastewater treatment system offers a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional treatment processes such as electrocoagulation and flocculation. In this biosystem, algae can assimilate nutrients in the wastewater for their growth and simultaneously capture the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis resulting in a decrease in the greenhouse gaseousness. Furthermore, the algal biomass obtained from the treatment process could be further converted to produce high value-added products. However, the recovery of free suspended algae from the treated effluent is one of the most important challenges during the treatment process as the current methods such as centrifugation and filtration are faced with the high cost. Immobilization of algae is a suitable approach to overcome the harvesting issue. However, there are some drawbacks with the common immobilization carriers such as alginate and polyacrylamide related to low stability and toxicity, respectively. Hence, it is necessary to apply a new carrier without the mentioned problems. One of the carriers that can be a suitable candidate for the immobilization is zeolite. To date, various types of zeolite have been used for the immobilization of cells of bacteria and yeast. If there is any possibility to apply them for the immobilization of algae, it needs to be considered in further studies. This article reviews cell immobilization technique, biomass immobilization onto zeolites, and algal immobilization with their applications. Furthermore, the potential application of zeolite as an ideal carrier for algal immobilization has been discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Waste Water
Fulltext First record of Phyllorhiza sp. (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) in a Chinese coastal aquaculture pond

Dong Z, Morandini AC, Schiariti A, Wang L, Sun T

PeerJ, 2019;7:e6191.
PMID: 30643699 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6191

Background: It has been suggested that aquaculture ponds on the Chinese coast could act as breeding grounds for scyphozoans. Here, we present the first record of the scyphomedusa Phyllorhiza sp. in an aquaculture pond on the coast of the southern Yellow Sea, based on a combination of morphological characteristics and mitochondrial 16S DNA sequence data.
Methods: A field survey was performed on June 29, 2017 in a pond used for culturing the shrimp Penaeus japonicus, located in the southern Yellow Sea, China. Jellyfish specimens were collected for morphological and genetic analysis. The morphological characters of the jellyfish specimens were compared to taxonomic literature. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial 16S fragments of these specimens were also conducted.
Results: These specimens had the following morphological characters: hemispherical umbrella without scapulets; J-shaped oral arms; a single larger terminal club on each arm; bluish colored with a slightly expanded white tip; and mouthlets present only in the lower half to one-third of each arm. These morphological features of the medusae indicated that the specimens found in the shrimp culture ponds belong to the genus Phyllorhiza Agassiz, 1862, but did not match with the description of any of the known species of the genus Phyllorhiza. Phylogenetic analyses of the mtDNA 16S regions revealed that these specimens, together with Phyllorhiza sp. from Malaysian coastal waters, belong to a sister group of Phyllorhiza punctata. Juveniles and ephyrae of Phyllorhiza sp. were observed in the aquaculture pond. The mean density of Phyllorhiza sp. medusa in the surface water within the pond was estimated to be 0.05 individuals/m2.
Discussion: Based on our observations of the gross morphology and molecular data, we state that the specimens collected in the aquaculture pond can be identified as Phyllorhiza sp. This is the first record of Phyllorhiza sp. in Chinese seas. Large scale dispersal through ballast water or the expansion of jellyfish aquarium exhibitions are possible pathways of invasion, but this needs to be confirmed in further studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
Model for bioavailability and metal reduction from soil amended with petroleum wastewater by rye-grass L

Ahmad A, Sreedhar Reddy S, Rumana G

Int J Phytoremediation, 2019;21(5):471-478.
PMID: 30648407 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2018.1537243

To assess the tolerance, the rye-grass L. grown on soil amended with petroleum wastewater (PWW) containing four metals lead, zinc, nickel and mercury. The PWW (25 to 50%) showed remarkable increase in length and biomass. Chlorophyll 'a and b' increased with an increase of PWW from 25-50% while such contents decreased on increasing the 75-100% compared to control. The mass balance performed on the system showed the removal of 90-97.6% lead, 85.5-92.9% zinc, 78.9-85.5% nickle and 47.6-27.5% mercury. The model for the maximum metal reduction rate (Rmax) was much better for Pb (89.5) and Zn (72.1) with respect to Ni (57.3) and Hg (32.4). Survival of rye-grass (30-days, statics, and renewal exposures) was increased by 50% as compared to control. The toxicity index Y of PWW showed 0-25% deficiency level, 25-50% tolerance level, 50-90% toxic level and 90-100% lethal level. The experimental data showing high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.98).

Matched MeSH terms: Waste Water
Fulltext Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Montmorillonite-Reinforced Polypropylene/Rice Husk Hybrid Nanocomposites

Majeed K, Ahmed A, Abu Bakar MS, Indra Mahlia TM, Saba N, Hassan A, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2019 Sep 25;11(10).
PMID: 31557811 DOI: 10.3390/polym11101557

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the use of natural fibers as potential reinforcing fillers in polymer composites despite their hydrophilicity, which limits their widespread commercial application. The present study explored the fabrication of nanocomposites by melt mixing, using an internal mixer followed by a compression molding technique, and incorporating rice husk (RH) as a renewable natural filler, montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay as water-resistant reinforcing nanoparticles, and polypropylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH) as a compatibilizing agent. To correlate the effect of MMT delamination and MMT/RH dispersion in the composites, the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were studied. XRD analysis revealed delamination of MMT platelets due to an increase in their interlayer spacing, and SEM micrographs indicated improved dispersion of the filler(s) from the use of compatibilizers. The mechanical properties were improved by the incorporation of MMT into the PP/RH system and the reinforcing effect was remarkable as a result of the use of compatibilizing agent. Prolonged water exposure of the prepared samples decreased their tensile and flexural properties. Interestingly, the maximum decrease was observed for PP/RH composites and the minimum was for MMT-reinforced and PP-g-MAH-compatibilized PP/RH composites. DSC results revealed an increase in crystallinity with the addition of filler(s), while the melting and crystallization temperatures remained unaltered. TGA revealed that MMT addition and its delamination in the composite systems improved the thermal stability of the developed nanocomposites. Overall, we conclude that MMT nanoclay is an effective water-resistant reinforcing nanoparticle that enhances the durability, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of composites.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
Performance of a novel casing made of chitosan under traditional sausage manufacturing conditions

Adzaly NZ, Jackson A, Kang I, Almenar E

Meat Sci, 2016 Mar;113:116-23.
PMID: 26656870 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.11.023

The goal of this study was to validate the commercial feasibility of a novel casing formed from chitosan containing cinnamaldehyde (2.2%, w/v), glycerol (50%, w/w) and Tween 80 (0.2% w/w) under traditional sausage manufacturing conditions. Meat batter was stuffed into both chitosan and collagen (control) casings and cooked in a water bath. Before and after cooking, both casings were compared for mechanical, barrier, and other properties. Compared to collagen, the chitosan casing was a better (P≤0.05) barrier to water, oxygen, liquid smoke, and UV light. In mechanical and other properties, the chitosan casing had higher (P≤0.05) tensile strength, lower (P≤0.05) elongation at break and tensile energy to break, and better (P≤0.05) transparency whereas a similar (P>0.05) water solubility to the collagen casing. Overall, the chitosan casing was less affected by sausage manufacturing conditions than the collagen casing, indicating that chitosan casing has potential as an alternative to the current collagen casing in the manufacture of sausages.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
Fulltext The UV spectroscopic and chromatographic methods of hydroalcoholic extracts of Aloe vera

Kathleen J. Jalani, Razuan Hilmi Md Sulji, Hannis Fadzillah Mohsin, Ibtisam Abdul Wahab

ESTEEM Academic Journal, 2019;15(1):18-24.
MyJurnal

Aloe vera which is also known as Aloe barbadensis Miller,is a plant that is commonly used for medicinal purposes and as treatments for various health issues. It produces two substances; gel and latex, which are used for commercial household products, halal food and cosmetics. Aloe gel is the clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the Aloe leaf while Aloe’s yellow latex comes from the peel. Aloe vera is able to provide therapeutic effects such as wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, laxative and antimicrobial properties. The objective of this study was to
investigate the extracts via spectrophotometry (λ = 200 – 400 nm) and liquid chromatography. After 21 days, the ultraviolet spectra showed the evidence of the water molecules interactions and the hydroxyl groups in hydroalcoholic extracts. Significant peaks were also observed in the chromatograms. Further studies evaluating the stability of A. vera extracts should be carried out.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
Fulltext Effect of sugar beet pectin on oil uptake in fried banana and its acceptability

Siti Suhara Ramli, Aini `Izzati Mohd Rosdi

ESTEEM Academic Journal, 2019;15(1):64-75.
MyJurnal

Fried banana is one of the popular local snacks in Malaysia. However, tremendous interest in healthy food has risen among consumers and producers resulting in a rising demand for low-fat foods. Thus, oil uptake needs to be considered during frying since it also affects the flavour, odour
and general organoleptic properties of the food. The main objective of this study is to determine the effect of different concentrations of sugar beet pectin in the frying batter of fried banana and introduce the new usage of sugar beet pectin as one of the ingredients in the frying batter. Three different formulations of frying batter were prepared using 1%, 1.5% and 2% of sugar beet pectin (SBP) together with other ingredients including rice flour, water, plain flour, baking powder and salt. The addition of sugar beet pectin improved the characteristic of the batter as well as the fried banana crust. The moisture content of the crust increased about 7.6% when 1.5% SBP (F2) was used in the formulation thereby reducing the oil absorption by 8.5%. The crust crispiness also increased by 16.7% when 1.5% SBP (F2) was added to the frying batter formulation. Batter pick-up value was found highest in F1 (1% SBP) with 8.84% increment as compared to batter with no added hydrocolloids. Addition of SBP in batter formulations significantly increased the batter pick-up value. In terms of acceptability, F1 (1% SBP) was the most preferred by the panellist which was due to the appearance and colour of the fried bananas. All formulations obtained attributes scores higher than six thus were accepted by the panellists.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
Fulltext Synthesis of GO-ZnO via impregnation method for fluoride removal in wastewater

Mohamad Hanafi Mohamad Rosli, Nurulhuda Amri, Norhusna Mohamad Nor

ESTEEM Academic Journal, 2019;15(2):35-43.
MyJurnal

High concentration of fluoride in wastewater discharge from various industries is threatening the environment due to its hazardous effects and properties. This research work aims to develop an efficient adsorbent for fluoride removal in wastewater. Graphite oxide (GO) was impregnated
with ZnO nanoparticles as an adsorbent, and the effect of synthesis parameters of GO-ZnO adsorbent for fluoride removal were studied (sonication temperature, synthesis time, and ratio of GO to ZnO). The surface functional groups of these synthesized adsorbents were analyzed by
using FTIR. The synthesis parameters that contribute to the highest adsorption capacity and percentage removal are 5:1 ratio of GO-ZnO, 45 ºC of sonication temperature and 60 minutes of synthesis time, respectively. The highest value of adsorption capacity obtained from the fluoride
removal is 55.5 mg/g. The functional groups contained in the GO-ZnO adsorbent are hydroxyl group (O-H), C=O group, aromatics group, carboxyl group (C-O), epoxy group and alkoxy group. These functional groups showed significant impact towards fluoride adsorption due to the bonding of fluoride ion to the functional groups.

Matched MeSH terms: Waste Water
Fulltext Determination of Temperature-Dependent Coefficients of Viscosity and Surface Tension of Tamarind Seeds (Tamarindus indica L.) Polymer

Malviya R, Jha S, Fuloria NK, Subramaniyan V, Chakravarthi S, Sathasivam K, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Feb 18;13(4).
PMID: 33670569 DOI: 10.3390/polym13040610

The rheological properties of tamarind seed polymer are characterized for its possible commercialization in the food and pharmaceutical industry. Seed polymer was extracted using water as a solvent and ethyl alcohol as a precipitating agent. The temperature's effect on the rheological behavior of the polymeric solution was studied. In addition to this, the temperature coefficient, viscosity, surface tension, activation energy, Gibbs free energy, Reynolds number, and entropy of fusion were calculated by using the Arrhenius, Gibbs-Helmholtz, Frenkel-Eyring, and Eotvos equations, respectively. The activation energy of the gum was found to be 20.46 ± 1.06 kJ/mol. Changes in entropy and enthalpy were found to be 23.66 ± 0.97 and -0.10 ± 0.01 kJ/mol, respectively. The calculated amount of entropy of fusion was found to be 0.88 kJ/mol. A considerable decrease in apparent viscosity and surface tension was produced when the temperature was raised. The present study concludes that the tamarind seed polymer solution is less sensitive to temperature change in comparison to Albzia lebbac gum, Ficus glumosa gum and A. marcocarpa gum. This study also concludes that the attainment of the transition state of viscous flow for tamarind seed gum is accompanied by bond breaking. The excellent physicochemical properties of tamarind seed polymers make them promising excipients for future drug formulation and make their application in the food and cosmetics industry possible.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
Fulltext Effects of Pegagan (Centella asiatica L.) Ethanolic Extract SNEDDS (Self-nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems) on the Development of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos

Hayati F, Chabib L, Fauzi IS, Awaluddin R, Sumayya, Faizah WS, et al.

J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020 10 08;12(4):457-461.
PMID: 33679093 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_297_19

Introduction: Pegagan is a traditional medicinal plant with three major bioactive properties, triterpenoid, steroids, and saponin. It has the properties of antioxidant, antistress, and wound healing. Pegagan extract is prepared in self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) to overcome the problem of low water-solubility level.
Objectives: This study aimed to observe the effect of pegagan ethanolic extract SNEDDS on the development of zebrafish embryos.
Materials and Methods: This study used 12 sets of zebrafish embryos presented in five sets of extract SNEDDS with different concentrations, that is, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 μg, five sets of SNEDDS without extract with different concentrations, that is, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 μg, a set of positive control (3.4-DCA 4 mg/L) with one control set (diluted with water), and a negative control (SNEDDS without extract). The procedure was conducted for 96 h with observations every 24 h. The parameters observed were embryonic coagulation, formation of somites, detachment of tail bud from the yolk, and abnormality of embryo.
Results: The results showed that in 96 h the 20ppm concentration caused 100% mortality. Embryo abnormality appeared as coagulation of embryo, somite malformation, and abnormal tail.
Discussion: There is a correlation between the concentration of SNEDDS and the incidence of embryo coagulation. The malformation in the group of pegagan extract SNEDDS is characterized by cardiac edema, somite malformation, and abnormal tail.
Conclusion: Pegagan ethanolic extract SNEDDS of 20ppm can inhibit the development of zebrafish embryos.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
Fulltext Safety and quality preservation of starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) at ambient shelf life using synergistic pectin-maltodextrin-sodium chloride edible coating

Mohd Suhaimi NI, Mat Ropi AA, Shaharuddin S

Heliyon, 2021 Feb;7(2):e06279.
PMID: 33681497 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06279

The demand for fresh, safe, and healthy fruits by consumers has increased, which concurrently occurs with an increase in initiatives on reducing food wastage. Starfruit consists of good nutrition and valuable sensory attributes, but its shelf life is short and can only be preseved for a few days at ambient storage. This research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of synergistic edible coatings (pectin [Pe] and maltodextrin [M] and 100, 200, and 300 ppm of sodium chloride [SC]) on the quality and safety criterion of starfruits throughout a shelf life analysis of 14 days at ambient temperature. Consumer acceptability of the edible-coated starfruit was also evaluated. The coating process was performed using a dipping method. The uncoated (control) and coated samples were evaluated for the characteristics of weight, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), water activity, color, texture, microbial growth, FTIR, and sensory evaluation. From the results, the starfruit coated with Pe + M + 100 ppm SC had a significantly lower weight-loss trend compared to the other samples. On day 14, pH of the coated starfruits were 3.02, 3.14, and 3.31 for 100, 200, and 300 ppm of SC, respectively, were found to be significantly different (p < 0.05) from the control (pH 3.49). The control had a significantly higher value of total soluble solids (6.00 ⁰Brix) compared to the coated starfruits (6.00, 5.47, and 5.33 ⁰Brix, respectively). The coated samples have significantly higher values of firmness than control especially in initial days of storage. It was observed that Pe + M + 100 ppm SC could minimize the spoilage of fruits by reducing the growth of yeast and mold, as well as bacteria, up to 0.86 and 2.02 log CFU/ml, respectively. FTIR results confirmed the presence of the coating on the starfruit. In the sensory evaluation, no significance different (p > 0.05) were obtained for all the sensory attributes and overall acceptability for day 0 and 3. In conclusion, starfruit coated with synergistic Pe + M + 100 ppm SC appeared to be the best sample in extending its shelf life and maintaining the physicochemical characteristics of starfruits up to more than 14 days.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
Fulltext Chronic low dose organic arsenic induced liver structural damage

Shahida S, Nor Zamzila A, Norlelawati AT, Jamalludin AR, Azliana AF, Zunariah Buyong

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2020;19(1):37-44.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Over the decades, organic arsenic has been thought to be less toxic than inorganic arsenic.
Monosodium methylarsonate (MSMA) is a potent organoarsenical herbicide that is still being used in most
Asian countries. Reported studies on the effects of organic arsenic are mainly to the gastrointestinal system,
however there are limited research on its impacts to the liver. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the
effect of MSMA exposure on hepatocytes and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC). Materials and Methods:
Fourteen Sprague Dawley rats (n=14) were divided equally into arsenic-exposed (n=7) and control (n=7)
groups. The rats in arsenic-exposed group were given MSMA at 63.20 mg/kg daily for 6 months through oral
gavage. While the rats in control group were given distilled water ad libitum. At the end of the duration,
they were euthanized and underwent liver perfusion for tissue preservation. Liver tissues were harvested and
processed for light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The findings were analysed
descriptively. Results: MSMA had caused necrotic and apoptotic changes to the liver. Normal organelles
morphology were loss in the hepatocytes while LSEC revealed defenestration. Conclusion: In this study,
chronic low dose organic arsenic exposure showed evidence of toxicity to hepatocytes. Interestingly, LSEC
demonstrated capillarization changes.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
Fulltext Herbal-Based Formulation Containing Eurycoma longifolia and Labisia pumila Aqueous Extracts: Safe for Consumption?

Teh BP, Ahmad N, Ibnu Rasid EN, Zolkifli NA, Sastu Zakaria UR, Mohamed Yusoff N, et al.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2021 Feb 10;14(2).
PMID: 33579048 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020142

A combined polyherbal formulation containing tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) and kacip fatimah (Labisia pumila) aqueous extracts was evaluated for its safety aspect. A repeated dose 28-day toxicity study using Wistar rats was conducted where the polyherbal formulation was administered at doses 125, 500 and 2000 mg/kg body weight to male and female treatment groups daily via oral gavage, with rats receiving only water as the control group. In-life parameters measured include monitoring of food and water consumption and clinical and functional observations. On day 29, blood was collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. The rats were necropsied and the organs were collected for histopathological examination. This study showed that the combined formulation did not induce any significant toxicity effect at any dose level in terms of morbidity, mortality, behaviour, functional observation, body weight, food and water consumption, whole blood haematology and serum biochemistry. However, there were some microscopic changes in the histopathological examinations of some organs given 2000 mg/kg body weight, which may suggest an early response to the polyherbal formulation. From this study, the no observed adverse effect level is estimated to be more than 500 mg/kg body weight but not exceeding 2000 mg/kg body weight. The observed effects at the highest dose indicate the need for further study of longer dosing duration.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
Fulltext Role of Sintering Temperature in Production of Nepheline Ceramics-Based Geopolymer with Addition of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Ahmad R, Abdullah MMAB, Ibrahim WMW, Hussin K, Ahmad Zaidi FH, Chaiprapa J, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Feb 25;14(5).
PMID: 33669116 DOI: 10.3390/ma14051077

The primary motivation of developing ceramic materials using geopolymer method is to minimize the reliance on high sintering temperatures. The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was added as binder and reinforces the nepheline ceramics based geopolymer. The samples were sintered at 900 °C, 1000 °C, 1100 °C, and 1200 °C to elucidate the influence of sintering on the physical and microstructural properties. The results indicated that a maximum flexural strength of 92 MPa is attainable once the samples are used to be sintered at 1200 °C. It was also determined that the density, porosity, volumetric shrinkage, and water absorption of the samples also affected by the sintering due to the change of microstructure and crystallinity. The IR spectra reveal that the band at around 1400 cm-1 becomes weak, indicating that sodium carbonate decomposed and began to react with the silica and alumina released from gels to form nepheline phases. The sintering process influence in the development of the final microstructure thus improving the properties of the ceramic materials.

Matched MeSH terms: Water
Fulltext Surface Modification of Polytetrafluoroethylene Hollow Fiber Membrane for Direct Contact Membrane Distillation through Low-Density Polyethylene Solution Coating

Mohd Ramli MR, Ahmad AL, Leo CP

ACS Omega, 2021 Feb 23;6(7):4609-4618.
PMID: 33644568 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c05107

Membrane distillation (MD) is an attractive technology for the separation of highly saline water used with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hollow fiber (HF) membrane. A hydrophobic coating of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) coats the outer surface of the PTFE membrane to resolve membrane wetting as well as increase membrane permeability flux and salt rejection, a critical problem regarding the MD process. LDPE concentrations in coating solution have been studied and optimized. Consequently, the LDPE layer altered membrane morphology by forming a fine nanostructure on the membrane surface that created a hydrophobic layer, a high roughness of membrane, and a uniform LDPE network. The membrane coated with different concentrations of LDPE exhibited high water contact angles of 135.14 ± 0.24 and 138.08 ± 0.01° for membranes M-3 and M-4, respectively, compared to the pristine membrane. In addition, the liquid entry pressure values of LDPE-incorporated PTFE HF membranes (M-1 to M-5) were higher than that of the uncoated membrane (M-0) with a small decrease in the percentage of porosity. The M-3 and M-4 membranes demonstrated higher flux values of 4.12 and 3.3 L m-2 h-1 at 70 °C, respectively. On the other hand, the water permeation flux of 1.95 L m-2 h-1 for M-5 further decreased when LDPE concentration is increased.

Matched MeSH terms: Saline Waters; Water

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