Mesh Sieve Research Articles

Effects of particle sizes and roasting temperature on the Fe-Ni enrichment of limonite ore from the Wolo mine area, Southeast Sulawesi, using corncob char as reductant

Abstract The reduction roasting of a limonite ore sample from the Wolo mine area was investigated using corncob char as a reductant. The objectives of this study were to analyze the effects of particle sizes and roasting temperature on the mineralogical transformation and Fe-Ni enrichment during the roasting process. The limonite ore was prepared into three size fractions of mesh sieves (-100+150, -150+200, and -200 mesh). Limonite ore was roasted with 2g of corn cob char reductant at temperatures ranging between 800 °C and 1100 °C with a 1-hour reduction time. Limonite ore and roasted products were analyzed to determine the mineral and chemical composition using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) methods. Results of the mineralogical analysis indicated that the sample contained chlorite, goethite, lizardite, maghemite, and quartz. Limonite ore is mainly composed of Fe2O3 (53.59%), followed by SiO2 (12.16%), MgO (2.63%), and Ni (1.52%). Results of reduced roasting of limonite ore exhibited that the ore minerals were transformed into spinel, wustite, fayalite, and some tetrataenite (FeNi). The ore with -100+150 mesh particle and heated at 1,000 °C provided the optimum enrichment of 1.74% Ni and 42.87% Fe, respectively.

Application of pre-magnetic separation to address grinding classification density effects and enhance iron-copper separation in deep polymetallic magnetite ores

This study investigates the challenges faced in the grinding and classification process of a polymetallic magnetite ore from Anhui, particularly focusing on low classification efficiency, significant over-grinding, and decreased metal recovery rates. By analyzing the mineralogical properties of the ore, specifically mineral composition, intergrowth relationships, intergrowth particle size, and liberation degree, with an emphasis on magnetite, chalcopyrite, cobalt minerals, and precious metal minerals, this research aims to identify the underlying causes of these issues. Subsequent single-factor experiments were conducted to assess the effects of magnetic field strength and grinding parameters on the enrichment of magnetite and chalcopyrite. Under optimal processing conditions, with a magnetizing current of 0.25 A and a grinding fineness of 65% passing through a 200-mesh sieve, the application of butyl xanthate as a collector during mixed rough flotation achieved a copper recovery rate of 89.54%. Building on these findings, the study further discusses the impact of various process flow optimizations on grinding, classification operations, and the recovery of target minerals. Additionally, it evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of different processing methods in practical applications and ultimately proposes a suitable mineral processing flow for intermediate to deep ore deposits.

A durable self-cleaning superhydrophobic coating fabricated using the preset grid-spraying method

Herein, a new durable superhydrophobic coating was prepared using the preset grid-spraying method which was low cost and simple. To achieve the regular continuous grid structure which had protection and support function to the coatings, the sieve mesh was preset on the substrate with hot pressing process. After spraying the superhydrophobic coating on the substrate of the preset mesh followed by curing, a superhydrophobic coating was obtained. The surface morphology of the superhydrophobic coating prepared using the preset grid-spraying method was primarily composed of the regular grid structure and island-like structure with the micro-nano scale rough structure on them. Compared with the superhydrophobic coating prepared with the traditional spraying method, the mechanical stability of the superhydrophobic coating, which was prepared using the preset grid-spraying method, was considerably higher along with good hydrophobic properties. The superhydrophobic coating demonstrated superhydrophobic properties after 170 cycles of the sandpaper abrasion test, which was about 300 % higher than the traditional superhydrophobic coating. Furthermore, the superhydrophobic coating prepared using the preset grid-spraying method had excellent self-cleaning performance and weather resistance. Self-cleaning efficiencies of this superhydrophobic coatings on kaolin and sand were 99.2 % and 98.9 %, respectively. Even after 170 cycles of the sandpaper abrasion test, the self-cleaning efficiency of superhydrophobic coatings on kaolin and sand remained over 85 % and 90 %, respectively. The coated surface still showed superhydrophobic properties after 30 days of the outdoor placement experiment. Showing excellent comprehensive properties and low cost, the superhydrophobic coating prepared using the preset grid-spraying method had a board application prospect.

Introducing new wheat milling passages to manage the ultra-fine flours of primary streams: Roles of granulation in starchy content

The size distribution of ultra-fine flours (UFF) is crucial for determining the physicochemical properties of the final wheat milling product. To optimize the milling process, new passages with a stack of fine mesh sieves are used. The UFF extracted from both break and reduction passages exhibits a wide range of functionality and physicochemical characteristics, were incorporated into five reconstituted flour blends. By splitting of UFF fraction isolated from primary passages, the quality of baked bread can be modified manually without using any enzymes or chemical improvers. Substituting the default milling stream with 60% of primary UFF increases the availability of starch for gelatinization by shifting the peak temperature to a higher number. This creates stronger starch-gluten network exhibiting increased elasticity. Raised viscoelasticity and hence water absorption value result in higher loaf volume. The infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed a specific peak at 1659 cm−1, associated with water absorption in the amorphous region of starches, which was recorded as the highest intensity for UFF reduction samples. These results were in agreement with imposing a higher starch damage. Furthermore, structural amorphization was also observed based on a broader shallow XRD curve for samples incorporated with UFF of reduction passages due to higher grinding strength generated through the smooth rolls. The lowest polydispersity index content was calculated for break UFF samples and more uniformity in particle size distribution was found. This finding highlighted the effective role of corrugated rolls for producing the certain range of flour granulation.

STABLE CARBON ISOTOPE FOR EVALUATING SOIL ORGANIC CARBON BETWEEN RICE-CORN ROTATION AND CORN MONOCROPPING

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a significant component that plays an important role in soil fertility and crop sustainable production. This study investigated SOC in soil profiles of rice-corn rotation and corn monocropping using a stable carbon isotope of SOC (δ13CSOC) technique. The soil samples were collected from two plots of rice-corn rotation and corn monocropping fields. Soil sampling was conducted in Tak province, involving the collection of 25 soil cores per plot down to a depth of 50 cm. Each soil profile was further segmented into ten depth layers: 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10-15 cm, 15-20 cm, 20-25 cm, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-45, and 45-50 cm. The collected soil samples were then subjected to air drying, pulverization, and sieving through a 200-mesh sieve. The δ13CSOC in rice-corn rotation ranged from -28.41‰ to -23.72‰ while corn monocropping was -24.59‰ to -15.83‰. The results revealed that the values of δ13CSOC for each soil profile gradually increased with soil depth. Since δ13CSOC levels were negatively correlated to SOC. Therefore, SOC decreased with increasing soil depth in both the rice-corn and corn fields. However, significantly higher SOC contents were observed in rice-corn rotation rather than in corn monocropping fields (p < 0.05). SOC contents were higher in soil with rice straw retention than without rice residues. The rotation of rice-corn practice could potentially retain organic carbon in soil better than corn monocropping.

Element behavior during autoclave oxidation of polymetallic sulfide flotation concentrate containing tungsten and molybdenum

In this paper, we investigate the behavior of associated elements (tungsten, molybdenum, and bismuth) contained in a sulfide gold-bearing concentrate during its autoclave oxidation. The process is studied using a sulfide flotation concentrate, crushed to a particle sieve mesh size of minus 0.045 mm and containing 22.1 g/t of gold, 133.2 g/t of silver, 2.7% of tungsten, 13% of molybdenum, and 0.7% of bismuth. The process was carried out in a 2 dm3 autoclave at a temperature of 220ºC and an oxygen partial pressure of 0.7 MPa. The concentrations of sulfuric acid and iron ions in the solution were determined by titrimetric analysis. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy was used to determine the concentrations of bismuth, tungsten, molybdenum, copper, silver, and arsenic in the solution, as well as the content of bismuth, tungsten, molybdenum, copper, arsenic, lead, and iron and sulfur forms in the cake. The cake was also examined using diffraction analysis. Experiments on cyanidation of oxidized cake were carried out in the pH range of 10.0–10.5 and a NaCN concentration of 1 g/dm3 with a PuroliteS992 ion exchange resin for 24 h. Autoclave oxidation experiments showed the sulfide oxidation degree to be higher than 99%. Extraction of molybdenum into solution in the form of [MoO2(SO4)n]-(2n-2) and MoO 2+ amounted to 95%. The decrease in the solid mass led to an increase in the concentration of bismuth and tungsten in the cake, with their contents reaching 1.66% and 12.7%, respectively. The main phases in the cake were established to be scheelite, anhydrite, plumboyarosite, and bedantite. The extraction of precious metals at the subsequent cyanidation stage amounted to 97.5% of gold and 91.6% of silver. Therefore, autoclave cyanide processing of sulfide gold-containing concentrates leads to a molybdenum extraction in the autoclave oxidation solution at the level of 95%. During cyanidation, more than 90% of gold and silver are extracted. Due to the significant amount of tungsten (17%), bismuth (0.9%), lead (5.3%), and molybdenum (3.3%), the obtained cake cannot be considered a waste product.

Potential Use of Municipal Solid Waste Pile in Segawe Landfill (Tulungagung Regency, Indonesia) as Raw Material for Refuse Derived Fuel

The Segawe municipal solid waste (SW) landfill in Tulungagung Regency, Indonesia, has currently exceeded its capacity. This study aimed to determine the potential use of dumped SW at the landfill as raw material for the production of refuse derived fuel (RDF). Buried SW samples were collected at a passive zone of the landfill in six locations. The samples were sieved using 10 and 30 mm mesh sieves. A composition analysis was conducted following the ASTM D5231-92 method to sample fractions of greater than 30 mm size. The density was measured according to the weight and volume. The moisture and volatile matter contents were analyzed using the ASTM D2216-10 and D3175-07 methods, respectively. The calorific value was measured using a Parr C3000 bomb calorimeter following the ASTM D5865 method.The buried SW composition was dominated by a fraction size that was greater than 30 mm (79.4%). This fraction was dominantly composed of plastics (71.2%) and had average volatile matter and calorific values which met RDF criteria as a fuel. However, the ash and moisture contents exceeded the standards and, therefore, required appropriate treatments before their applications.

Effect of Calcination Temperature on Green Powder From Ensis sp. Shell Waste

Ensis sp. is a primary source of protein from the Nyumbun Tradition in Jambi Province, and it is becoming solid waste after tradition. This study explored the effect of calcination temperature on green powder derived from Ensis sp. shell waste. Before characterization, the powder was treated at room temperature, 800 °C, and 900 °C. After that, the powder material was studied using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) instruments. The material was shifted using a 200 mesh sieve. Temperature of 800 and 900 °C showed similar Ca content of 443 and 447,6 mg/g, respectively. The morphology of the two samples was different due to the other temperature conditions used. Higher temperatures induce decomposition, leading to a decrease in particle size. The product of this process could be used as a promising heterogeneous catalyst, so it reduced the existence of shell waste.

Sintesa dan Karakteristik Karbon Aktif dari Batang Pisang Kepok (Musa acuminata) Sebagai Adsorben pada Penjernihan Minyak Goreng Bekas

Kepok banana stems have a cellulose content of 58.6466%. The cellulose content means that Kepok banana stems can be used as a basic ingredient for making active carbon. Activated carbon is a material that has high porosity and can be used for absorption which can remove impurities liquid or gas. Process for making activated carbon is cutting banana stems into small pieces and washed, then drying with sun during 7 days. After that, carbonized at 300℃ for 1 hour. Carbonizasition product were ground and sieved with a 100 mesh sieve and activated with NaOH 0.5; 0.75; 1; 1.25 and 1.5 N for 12; 18; 24; 30; and 36 hours. Then, drying in oven at temperature of 100℃ until constant weight. The best activated carbon is activator concentration of 1.5 N NaOH for 12 hours with a water content of 7.8496%, ash content of 9.7186%, and bound carbon content of 65.3479%. SEM test results of activated carbon from banana stems before application have a porous morphological structure and after application the active carbon pores are seen to be closed. Percentage reduction FFA reach 94.8057% and the reduction peroxide reach 86.8978%.

Flavour profiles, antioxidant activity, particle size distribution and functional properties of some ethnic spice seed powder used as food additive

Spices are ingredients used to flavour, season and preserve foods besides their medicinal properties and health benefits. The flavour profiles, antioxidant activity, particle size distribution and functional properties of six underutilized ethnic spice's seed powder were determined by standard methods. GC–MS analysis revealed significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of flavour compounds which were coumarin (Irugege), arachidonic acid (Gbafilo), linoleic acid (Njangsa), oleic acid (Omilo), 9-tetradecenal (Ataiko), and tocopherol and squalene (Country onoins). Tocopherol was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Njangsa, Omilo and Country onion, whereas linoleic acid was higher in Irugege, Njangsa and Country onions. Further, the results revealed that total phenolic content was higher in Ataiko (17.42 mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoids content was higher in Gbafilo (80.46 mg QE/100 g). DPPH percentage ranged from 39.27 (Njangsa) to 52.07 % (Country onions), FRAP was 28.69 (Omilo) to 42.02 Mmol Fe (11)/100 g (Ataiko). The spice's particle sizes were equivalent of 0.25 to 0.5 mm sieve mesh. Water and oil absorption capacities ranged from 0.9 (Njangsa) to 2.2 % (Irugege) and 1.1 (Njangsa) to 1.46 % (Omilo). Bulk density of spices varied between 0.37 to 0.61 g/cm3 (loose bulk density) and 0.55 to 0.96 g/cm3 (tapped bulk density). These spices represent natural sources of potent flavour and antioxidant compounds for nutrition and health benefits. The study further highlighted that the spices can play functional role in food systems and for industrial exploitation.

Microplastic concentration, characterization, and size distribution in the Delaware Bay estuary

Microplastic (MP) pollution has been widely reported across water matrices including in estuaries, which are important for the understanding of oceanic MPs. Estuaries can greatly alter the fate, transport, size distribution, and abundance of plastic pollution. The aim of this study was to quantify and characterize MP pollution in the Delaware Bay estuary USA, including the size distribution. Samples (N = 31) were collected from the mouth of the Delaware River to the coastal ocean including multiple frontal zones across two sampling campaigns (2019 and 2022). MP were extracted from the collected particles using wet peroxide oxidation and density separation with saturated sodium chloride. Particles collected on 500 μm mesh sieves were analyzed via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Across all samples, 324 of the 1015 particles analyzed were MP, and 11 macroplastics were observed. MP concentrations ranged from below detection to 4.12 MP/m3 (mean 0.34 ± 0.80 MP/m3). No significant differences were observed between sampling sites; nonetheless, the two highest MP concentrations were observed when sampling along frontal zones with visible debris including macroplastics. Polyethylene (53%) and polypropylene (43%) were the most abundant polymers observed. The majority of the non-plastic particles were classified as particulate natural organic matter (82% of non-plastics). Particles from samples collected during 2022 (N = 864) also had color, morphology, and two size dimensions recorded. MP particle size was significantly associated with sampling site, with the coastal ocean sampling site generally having the smallest MPs. A correlation between total post-extraction particles and total plastic particles was observed. Aspect ratios for the plastics ranged from one to 40.7, with larger ratios for fibers, with a mean (±standard deviation) of 3.39 ± 4.72 (unitless). These aspect ratios can be used to select shape factors used to estimate the total volume of MP in the studied size range. Overall, these results can help inform fate, transport, and risk assessments related to estuarine plastic pollution.

Mupirocin/hydroxyapatite composite suspended in transcutol P-spiked hydrogel: In vitro characterization and in vivo wound healing assessment

Objectives: Natural hydroxyapatite (HAP) has been utilized as a drug carrier owing to its excellent bioactivity and biocompatibility. This study is aimed at formulating mupirocin/hydroxyapatite composite suspended in hydrogel. The appropriate quantity of the penetration enhancer (Transcutol-P®) was also investigated. Materials and Methods: The HAP was isolated from bovine bone by hydrothermal treatment, calcined at 1000oC and held for 2 hours in an electric furnace to remove the organic contents. The bones were milled, sifted using 150 µm mesh sieve and characterized. Olive oil, which contains oleic acid, was utilized as a natural capping agent to prevent agglomeration of the particles in the formulation. The quantity of Transcutol-P® was varied with mupirocin used as the active pharmaceutical ingredient for the management of acute wound in Wistar rats. In this animal study, the wound closure rate was evaluated. Results: The formulation with the 0.6%v/v, of Transcutol-P® gave the best wound closure rate of 30.05 mm2/day. The in-vitro study showed that the formulation containing 0.6%v/v Transcutol-P® released 63.9% of the drug after 75 minutes while 42.4% was released at the same time interval when the concentration of the penetration enhancer was increased to 1.2%v/v. The mupirocin-encapsulated HAP hydrogel composite showed high resistance against staphylococcus saprophyticus with inhibition zone of 37.3 mm. Conclusion: The mupirocin encapsulated in HAP allows for sustained release of the antibiotic and thus serves as a veritable drug carrier suitable for wound healing applications. Transcutol-P® (0.6%v/v) is effective in facilitating drug release, which is reflected in the increased wound closure rate in Wistar rats.

Mineral Content, Antioxidant Properties &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, Reduction of Inflammation, and Liver Steatosis &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in vivo&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; by Ngaoundal Propolis in Wistar Rats Fed an Atherogenic Diet

Several studies have reported the benefits of Propolis in the treatment of various disorders such as parasitic infections, bacterial infections, wounds, and burns. The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effects and anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroethanolic extract (EthP) and the fraction powder ≤ 125 µm of Propolis (PP) on atherogenic diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dry Propolis was finely ground, a first part was macerated in a mixture (30:70 v/v water and ethanol) and a second part was fractionated by sieving with a sieve mesh (≤125 µm). The powder fraction≤ 125µm (PP) and Propolis hydroethanolic extract (EthP) obtained were used to characterize the mineral composition &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in vivo&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 20 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups EthP and PP were administered orally to the rats at the same dose (250 mg/kg bw) and fed simultaneously with an atherogenic diet for 45 days. At the end of the experiment, the lipid profile, transaminase aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum, and antioxidants were measured at the organ level (aorta, liver, kidney, and heart). The activities of all parameters were significant (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The results of this study show that Propolis had a significantly (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;p&amp;lt;0.0001&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) lower &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; mineral composition in Iron by 32.56%; in Zinc by 83.21%; in Calcium by 10.82% and in Manganese by 21.40% at the PP level compared to EthP. Antioxidant capacity (DPPH, TAC, and FRAP), which increased with Propolis concentration. High polyphenol content (EthP&amp;gt;PP). Treatment with EthP&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;250&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; and PP&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;250&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; significantly (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;p&amp;lt;0.05&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) reduced serum ALT by 34.27% and 47.36%, creatinine by 67.36% and 37.5%, TG by 63.91% and by 20.18%, IL-17 expression by 50.25% and 100% respectively. HDL-c levels were significantly increased by 47.7% (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;p&amp;lt;0.001&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) in serum compared with TN. NO levels increased significantly (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;p&amp;lt;0.001&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) by 1.38% and 1.63% in the aorta respectively. MDA levels were significantly reduced by 55.12% (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;p&amp;lt;0.0001&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) and 76.09% (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;p&amp;lt;0.05&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) in the liver respectively. This study demonstrated the efficacy of Propolis in the management of non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis and its anti-inflammatory capacity.

Candidate raw materials for a sustainable feeding of greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) reared in recirculating aquaculture systems: Apparent digestibility, physical properties of diets and faeces, and postprandial nitrogen excretion

To evaluate the raw material digestibility, the physical characteristics of diet pellets and faeces, and the postprandial nitrogen excretion in greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) reared in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), 10 diets were obtained by mixing a reference diet (CP: 51.8% DM; EE: 13.6% DM) with one of ten raw materials (7:3 ratio), i.e. fishmeal (FM), porcine haemoglobin (PH), fermented soybean (FS), soybean protein concentrate (SPC), hydrolysed wheat protein (HWP), potato protein (PP), beet pulp (BP), beer yeast without fat (BY), beer yeast with fat (BYF), and Lithothamnium seaweed (LS). Twenty fish (268.9 ± 94.3 g) were randomly distributed into 5 RAS tanks (4 fish per tank) and fed for 140 days the experimental diets. A Latin square experimental design was used based on 5 diets × 5 tanks for two rounds (10 ingredients, 2 weeks per diet per tank). The highest ADCs of dry matter and protein were recorded for PH (83.0% and 88.4%, respectively), FM (81.8% and 84.3%), SPC (77.4% and 82.5%), and BYF (73.0% and 80.9%) while the lowest ones for BY (64.4% and 70.8%), HWP (59.8% and 69.9%), PP (48.3% and 69.8%), and BP (53.7% and 55.8%) (p < 0.05). The ADCs of EAA were the highest for PH, FM and SPC compared to the other raw materials; ADCs of lipids was above 90% for all raw materials (p > 0.05). Regarding pellets properties, FM was associated with the highest value for oil leakage whereas BP to the lowest (0.18% vs. 0.11%; p < 0.05); FS, HWP, BYF, and PH produced less turbidity in water after 15 min than BY (3.68 mg L−1 on average vs. 6.01 mg L−1; p < 0.05). Regarding faeces size, fish fed FS, BYF, and FM produced the lowest volume of fresh faeces of fine-size class than those fed the other raw materials (62.1% vs. 69.2% on average; p < 0.05); the highest rate of dry faeces retained at a sieve mesh interval of 1.0 < mm < 1.2, was produced by fish fed BYF and the lowest rate by those fed BY (1.16% vs. 0.34%; p < 0.05). A maximum of postprandial nitrogen excretion (mg N-NH4+ × kgfish−1 × h) was reached between 2 and 4 h after feed ingestion without differences among diets (p > 0.05). Overall, the findings of this investigation will contribute to the sustainable formulation of RAS aquafeed optimized and tailored for this promising Mediterranean aquaculture species.

Calibration‐free image analysis method for grain‐size distribution of small natural sand samples

AbstractNatural sand samples collected from bedload or suspension transport can be too small to be sieved. However, related transported mass to sediment size is crucial to calibrate sediment transport models. Image analysis technique can be an easy and cheap alternative. The present study proposes a general law valid for natural sand grains and small gravels that statistically relates elongation to flatness of particles and gives after some assumptions on grain shape and orientation of grains at the sieve mesh passage, the closest distribution of mass to sieving technique from images of grains given by a flatbed scanner. The proposed model is based on the hypothesis of an ellipsoidal grain shape and a preferential grain crossing aligned with the sieve diagonal. Any sand either homogeneous or heterogeneous from various origins (fluvial, marine and quarry) can be analysed directly without any further need for calibration.

The Influence of Molasses Concentration on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Evaporation Boat Waste-Based Crucibles

Crucibles are critical equipment utilized across numerous industries, and they are notably costly. In this study, the influence of molasses concentrations on the properties of crucibles fabricated from evaporation boat waste products is explored. The evaporation boat waste was powdered and filtered using a 100 mesh sieve. The molasses concentrations added during the mixing procedure were as follows: 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight. After 120 minutes, the mixture was compacted using 25 MPa pressure. The green body formed was dried at 100 ̊C for 300 minutes and fired at 1150 ̊C for 240 minutes. The obtained specimens were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), density testing, hardness testing, and flexural testing. The results of this study demonstrate that the addition of molasses has significant effects on the properties of the crucibles. Specimens using molasses with a concentration of 5 wt% produce better physical and mechanical properties than other specimens. The density, hardness, flexural strength, and weight percentages of Boron nitride (BN) and Titanium diboride (TiB2) phases in the specimen with 5 wt% molasses were 2.36 g/cm3, 64 HRA, 31.5 MPa, 68.9%, and 31.1%, respectively. The use of evaporation vessel waste and molasses in the production of crucibles in this study is in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 7, 14, and 15, which relate to improving excellent health and well-being, ensuring access to affordable energy, and conserving marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Roadside Soil of Tumfure Main Market, Gombe State

Heavy metal pollution has been a problem of concern in soil ecology in recent decades. This study evaluated the physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metal contents in roadside soil samples of Tumfure main market, Gombe, Nigeria. The soil samples were collected from six different sampling points with a control sample each by handpicking, this was followed by oven-drying, ground to fine grain, and then sieved using a 2 mm mesh sieve. The pH, electrical conductivity and bulk density were carried out on the soil samples, sieve and sedimentation method were used to determine the soil texture. The soil samples were weighed and digested using mixture of HCl and HNO3. The contents (mg/kg) of four metals (cadmium, copper, lead and zinc) were estimated using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Among the metals analyzed, the contents of Cd, Cu and Pb were not detected while the content of Zn (23.454 - 36.026) was found to be within the desirable permissible limits by the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Regulatory Standards (EURS) whose prevalence is to be considered non-toxic in unpolluted soils.

EKSTRATIF BEBERAPA JENIS DAUN BAMBU

This research aims to determine the extractive content based on the type of solvent in several types of bamboo leaves. Air dried bamboo leaves were chopped into particles and ground using a blender. After it was finely ground, the sago waste was sieved using 40 and 60 mesh sieves, to obtain bamboo leaf powder with a size of -40/+mesh (TAPPI T 257 cm-85) for testing chemical components. Testing for bamboo leaf powder includes testing the content of cold-water soluble extractive substances, the content of hot-water soluble extractive substances, and the levels of ethanol-toluene soluble extractives. The results of the research showed that the type of bamboo leaf had a significant effect on the levels of cold-water soluble extractive substances, the levels of hot-water soluble extractives, and the levels of ethanol-toluene soluble extractives. Cold water soluble extractive content was 8.4149-10.6612%, hot water soluble extractive 9.1871-10.7843% and ethanol-toluene soluble extractive 4.2009-7.1242%. The solubility of extractives in hot water tends to be higher for all types of leaves and suanggi bamboo tends to contain higher extractives for each type of solvent.

Efficiency assessment of a novel automatic mosquito pupae sex separation system in support of area-wide male-based release strategies

This study provides a comparative analysis of two state-of-the-art automatic mosquito pupae sex sorters currently available: the ORINNO and the WOLBAKI Biotech pupae sex separation systems, which both exploit the sexual size dimorphism of pupae. In Aedes aegypti, the WOLBAKI sex sorter and the ORINNO with a sieve mesh size of 1.050 mm achieved sex separation with female contamination rates below 1%, low pupae mortality rates and high male flight capacity. However, in Ae. albopictus, there was more variability, with female contamination rates above the 1% threshold and pupae mortality reaching 27% when using the ORINNO sorter. On the other hand, the WOLBAKI sorter achieved a male pupae recovery of 47.99 ± 8.81% and 50.91 ± 11.77% in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively, while the ORINNO sorter with a smaller sieve size achieved male pupae recoveries of 38.08 ± 9.69% and 40.16 ± 2.73% in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively. This study provides valuable information for researchers and practitioners in the field, assisting in the selection of the most suitable system for mosquito control, management and research programs depending on their specific requirements.

The Côte d’Argent, France: Quantification of Plastic Pollution in Beach Sediments

Pollution with anthropogenic waste, particularly persistent plastic, has now reached every remote corner of the world. The French Atlantic coast, given its extensive coastline, is particularly affected. To gain an overview of current plastic pollution, this study examined a stretch of 250 km along the Silver Coast of France. Sampling was conducted at a total of 14 beach sections, each with five sampling sites in a transect. At each collection site, a square of 0.25 m2 was marked. The top 5 cm of beach sediment was collected and sieved on-site using an analysis sieve (mesh size 1 mm), resulting in a total of approximately 0.8 m3 of sediment, corresponding to a total weight of 1300 kg of examined beach sediment. A total of 1972 plastic particles were extracted and analysed using infrared spectroscopy, corresponding to 1.5 particles kg−1 of beach sediment. Pellets (885 particles), polyethylene as the polymer type (1349 particles), and particles in the size range of microplastics (943 particles) were most frequently found. The significant pollution by pellets suggests that the spread of plastic waste is not primarily attributable to tourism (in February/March 2023). The substantial accumulation of meso- and macro-waste (with 863 and 166 particles) also indicates that research focusing on microplastics should be expanded to include these size categories, as microplastics can develop from them over time.