Average pH Values Research Articles

Statistical evaluation ff physical and chemical characteristics of effluent at a university

The aim of this study is to characterize the physic-chemical aspects of the effluent generated at a university campus and statistically analysing how the effluent characteristics are affected by campus activities. Effluent samples were done along one year. Parameters analysed were: COD, total solids, suspended solids, dissolved solids, chloride, pH, ammoniacal nitrogen, conductivity and flow rate of the effluent based on water consumption. Statistical studies were carried out in order to analyse the impacts of campus activities on effluent quality parameters. It was observed that chemical oxygen demand (COD) and dissolved solids vary according to the days of the week, whereas pH, chloride and conductivity do not. However, none of these parameters have statistically different average values throughout the hours of the day. Furthermore, there are no differences between the average pH values of the term and pH of the vacation period; instead, COD, chloride and conductivity have statistically lower average values in the vacation period. Correlation tests have shown that the academic population does not directly influence pH and concentrations of COD, total solids and suspended solids. In addition, it was concluded that the number of served meals can influence effluent characteristics. This work shows that campus effluent has unique characteristics. All data and analysis of this work can support better projects and management of sewage treatment systems in educational institutions. Studies on the broad characterization of university effluents are scarce in the literature. This work aims to complement the literature on this topic.

Preparation of nanometer zirconia by hydrothermal method: Influence of temperature and mechanism

Monoclinic (m-ZrO2) and tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO2) nanoparticles with average grain size of 22.8 nm were synthesized by hydrothermal method using zirconium oxychloride octahydrate (ZrOCl2·8H2O), urea (CO(NH2)2) and deionized water as zirconium source, precipitant, and solvent, respectively. The effects of CO(NH2)2 hydrolysis rate, hydrothermal temperature, and time on the crystal structure, morphology, and grain size were studied. The structure, morphology, grain size, and crystal phase of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetry (TG-DTA), and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results show that the formation mechanisms of different crystal forms can be controlled by the average pH value. The hydrolysis rate of CO(NH2)2 was relatively slow at 120 °C, resulting in a slower rate of OH− production. The lower average pH value favors the formation of m-ZrO2 through the dissolution precipitation mechanism. With the increase of crystallization temperature, the hydrolysis rate of CO(NH2)2 is accelerated, and the average pH value of the solution is increased, which is conducive to the structural rearrangement of [Zr(OH)8(H2O)16]8+ precursor to form tetragonal phase. In addition, the number of defect sites is directly proportional to the crystallization temperature. Extension of crystallization time helps the generation of ZrO2 crystals by polycondensation and directional growth.

Pemanfaatan Ampas Kopi dan Tepung Beras Menjadi Masker Organik

Indonesia is an agricultural country with one of its sub-sectors being plantations and coffee being one type of plantation crop that has long been cultivated. This has resulted in a high culture of drinking coffee resulting in an increase in coffee grounds. There are still many coffee shops/cafes that throw away coffee grounds, even though coffee grounds can still be utilized, one of which is as an organic face mask. Coffee grounds contain antioxidants that can maintain skin health, moisturize and smooth the skin. The purpose of this study is to utilize coffee grounds and reduce environmental pollution which causes the greenhouse effect and to find out how many people like organic face masks from coffee grounds and rice flour. In this study, the face mask was made with a formulation of 50% coffee grounds and 50% rice flour. The test parameters in this study are organoleptic tests of aroma, color, texture, liking, pH test and effectiveness test. The results showed an average pH value of 5.0. The average color organoleptic test was 2.52, texture 2.88, aroma 3.32 and average liking 3.2. The drying time of the mask is 15 minutes. This coffee grounds face mask is well accepted by panelists.

Facilitated OH¯ diffusion via bubble motion and water flow in a novel electrochemical reactor for enhancing homogeneous nucleation of CaCO3

Electrochemistry is a potential method for water softening. An essential disadvantage is OH¯ ions from water electrolysis accumulate on cathode surface, inducing the generation of the insulating CaCO3 layer and then interrupting the electrochemical reaction. In order to propel OH¯ diffusion into the bulk solution instead of aggregation at cathode, we designed an electrochemical reactor, whose electrodes were placed horizontally in the middle of the reactor, and the bubbles created by water electrolysis move upward, while the water flows downward. The visual evidence displayed that the unique reactor structure allowed OH¯ to spread to almost all the solution rapidly. Average pH value of bulk solution reached 10.6 in only 3 min. Therefore, homogeneous nucleation of CaCO3 in bulk solution would take primary responsibility for water softening, and the softening efficiency is up to 212.9 g CaCO3/h/m2, higher than reported results. The reactor is easy to scale up, providing a new idea for the softening of circulating cooling water.

Use of Innovative Tools for the Detection of the Impact of Heat Stress on Reticulorumen Parameters and Cow Walking Activity Levels.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the temperature and humidity index on reticulorumen parameters such as temperature, pH, rumination index, and cow walking activity levels. Throughout the experiment, the following parameters were recorded: reticulorumen pH (pH), reticulorumen temperature (RR temp.), reticulorumen temperature without drinking cycles, ambient temperature, ambient relative humidity, cow walking activity levels, heat index, and temperature-humidity index (THI). These parameters were registered with particular smaXtec boluses. SmaXtec boluses were applied on 1 July 2022; 24 days were the adaptation period. Measurements started at 25 July 2022 and finished at 29 August 2022. The THI was divided into two classes: THI < 72 (comfort zone) and THI ≥ 72 (higher risk of thermal stress). Cows assigned to the 2nd THI class had lower average values for pH, temperature, and rumination index, but not walking activity levels. The mean differences ranged from 0.36 percent in temperature to 11.61 percent in walking activity levels (p < 0.01). An analysis of the THI revealed a significant positive linear relation with hours, where the THI had a tendency to increase on average by 0.2403. The reticuloruminal pH showed a negative linear relation with hours, where the reticuloruminal pH had a tendency to decrease on average by 0.0032, p < 0.001. Data analysis revealed a significant positive linear relationship between walking activity levels and hours, where walking activity levels had a tendency to increase on average by 0.0622 steps per hour, p < 0.001. The rumination index was not significantly related to hours (p < 0.005), although the rumination index had a tendency to increase by 0.4376 per hour, p > 0.05. The influence of HS on reticulorumen parameters increased the risk of acidosis and cows' activity levels. HS had a negative impact on reticulorumen pH, temperature, and the rumination index. A higher THI (≥72) increased the risk of ruminal acidosis and decreased cows' physical activity levels. From a practical point of view, we can use innovative tools for the detection of HS and its impact on reticulorumen parameters and cow walking activity levels.

GEOTECHNICAL STUDY AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SOILS OF THREE QUARRIES IN THE CITY OF ABECHE IN CHAD

This article focus on the geotechnical and physicochemical studies of soils from three sites in the city of Abéché. The article presents the locations of the sampling sites, experimental devices, and some physical parameters. Prior to the geotechnical study, a physicochemical characterization of soil from different quarries was conducted, including wetting-drying tests, capillary water absorption tests, and desorption isotherms of bricks. Finally, geotechnical characterizations of three soils were performed, including analyses of grain size by sieving and sedimentometry, Atterberg limits, methylene blue tests, and the bulk density of solid particles. The results showed that the different soils were very similar, being of a low-plasticity loam and clay type. The results also showed that the organic matter content in the different soils was very low and that the average pH value of the three sites was around 7.1, which is neutral with a slightly basic tendency.

The Effect of Different in Liquid Egg Yolk Storage Temperature on Physical, Chemical, Microbiological and Functional Properties

The research objective was to determine the effect of differences in liquid egg yolk storage temperature on physical, chemical and functional properties. This research was conducted for 6 (six) months at the Food Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Agricultural Technology Universitas Semarang. The materials used were 500 eggs, and plastic packing. The equipment used in this study were: egg tray, knife, filter, mixer, container. stainless steel, steam pasteurization equipment, plastic packaging, refrigerator, pH. The experimental design was completely randomized in one direction pattern, with the treatment factor being the storage temperature. The applied treatments were as follows: P2: Storage at chiller temperature (5°C), P3: Storage at refrigerator temperature (10°C), and P4: Storage at freezer temperature (-18°). The treatment was repeated 5 times. Observations were made on fresh conditions, storage time of 14 days and storage time of 28 days. The variables observed were pH,, TPC (total plate count), viscosity, and fat content (%). The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance, if there were differences due to the treatment, it was continued with the DMRT test, with a significance value of 5% using SAS software version 9.2. The results showed that there were significant differences in the average values of pH, TPC, viscosity and fat content in both storage for 14 days and 28 days. The lower the storage temperature, the higher the pH value and fat content but the lower the TPC value and viscosity.

A Case Study on Assessment and Rehabilitation of IIUM Pusu River for Water Quality Improvement

Pusu river (or Sungai Pusu/Sg. Pusu) is one of the most severely polluted rivers in Malaysia. Pusu river is a tributary of River Gombak in the Klang River Basin, and the IIUM Gombak campus is located at the downstream part of Pusu river. This study was conducted in response to the recent cloudy river flow on the IIUM Gombak campus. Due to the lack of current data for water quality parameters in Pusu river, it is hard to identify the sources that contributed to the river's pollution. Hence, this study was to determine the sources of river water pollution by analysing the parameters for water quality. The analysis of river water quality showed that the average values of pH, conductivity, TDS, TSS, and turbidity were 7.09, 67.6 µs/cm, 46.5 mg/L, 131.8 mg/L, and 717.6 NTU, respectively. It can be seen that Pusu river has a severe sedimentation issue, as turbidity and TSS showed values beyond the allowable limit according to the National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia. As such, several river methods were suggested to rehabilitate Pusu river, which flows through the IIUM Gombak campus.

The Chemical Characteristics of Rainwater and Wet Atmospheric Deposition Fluxes at Two Urban Sites and One Rural Site in Côte d’Ivoire

Due to their close relationship with atmospheric chemical composition and global impacts on ecosystems, it is of crucial importance to determine rain chemical composition and quantify wet deposition. In this study, we characterized the chemical composition of precipitation at one rural and two urban sites in Côte d’Ivoire along a south-north transect. Annual and monthly Volume Weighted Mean (VWM) concentration of major ions, as well as wet deposition fluxes in rainwater samples from Abidjan, Korhogo (urban sites), and Lamto (rural site), have been calculated. We also simulated air mass back-trajectories and generated satellite maps of burnt fraction and nitrogen species emissions (NH3, NO2) to better analyze our results. Results show that the dominant ion at both urban sites is Ca2+, whereas NH4+ dominates the chemical content of the Lamto rural site. The analysis of atmospheric sources of influence shows that urban sites rains are characterized by a mixture of terrigenous continental and anthropogenic sources (39–33%), as well as a high marine contribution (34–24%) and a significant nitrogenous contribution (18–25%) mainly associated to fossil fuel from road traffic, domestic and biomass burning sources. At the rural Lamto site, marine, terrigenous, and nitrogenous contributions represent, respectively, 14%, 25%, and 30%. The average pH values are, respectively, 5.76, 5.31, and 5.57 for Abidjan, Lamto, and Korhogo, with a preponderance of mineral acidity contribution at the urban sites, while the organic acidity contribution dominates in Lamto. Neutralization factor (NF) of mineral and organic acids calculations revealed that Ca2+ and NH4+ are the most important neutralizing ions in the rain at all three sites, and we estimated that 79% to 87% of the rain acidity is neutralized by alkaline compounds.

Evaluation of Water Quality within and around Flood Prone area and Dumpsite Environment in Part of Benin Metropolitan city Southern, Nigeria

The study was carried out in Egor local government area, Dumpsite in Ovia North-East local government area of Edo state. The study areas are located between latitudes of 6°27'27.8''N to 6°27'44.6''N and longitudes of 5°35'58.7″E to 5°36'16.8''E in Egor local government area and the dumpsite is located with a latitude of 6°22´1.2''N to 6°27´51.3″N and longitudes of 5°36'42.3''E to 5°36´2.1″E in Ovia North-East local government area. A total of five (5) water samples were collected from an existing borehole at different locations within the study area. Physiochemical test, Major anion and cation concentration was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Microbiological Parameters for all the water samples was also determined. The following are the physiochemical parameters, major cations and anions that was analysed from all the water samples collected: pH, EC, TDS, Na+, Ca+, Mg2+, Cl-, NO3- , HNO3- , HNO3- , SO42- , Cr2-, Cd-, Ni-, and Pb2+ and the Microbiological parameter analysed for all the water samples are Coliform and E. Coli. The Microbiological parameter analysed for are Coliform and E. Coli as shown in Table 1. The results reveals that the study areas have average value of pH (4.89) which is below the WHO (2011) and NSQW (2007) standard permissible limit of 6.5-8.5 and this indicates that the water is slightly acidic probably due to the presence of decayed organic matter in high amounts and mineral acids produced during hydrolysis. The average values of E.C (121.86μS/cm), TDS (46.52mg/l), Na+ (1.48mg/l), Cl- (53.85mg/l), NO3- (1.17mg/l), HNO3- (0.39mg/l), SO42- (0.12mg/l), Cr2- (0.031), and Ni- (0.0074) conforms with the WHO (2011) and NSQW (2007) standard for drinking water expect some physiochemical parameters : Ca2+, Mg2+ Cd-, Pb2+, E.Coli and Coliform which has average values (4.49mg/l, 3.10mg/l, 0.027mg/l, 0.016mg/l, 1.36 X 103 (cfu/100mL)and 1.06 X 103 (cfu/mL) which do not conform with the WHO (2011) and NSQW (2007) for drinking water because of many factors and anthropogenic activities on the environment which contaminated the groundwater of the study areas. The results analysed from the three-study area reveals that the physiochemical parameters and microbiological parameters show similar trend. The water sample collected in the premises of University of Benin is more acidic compare to other water samples from the other locations. This probably due to the presence of decayed organic matter in high amounts and mineral acids produced during hydrolysis.

Herbicide selection through GIS-based groundwater quality maps

Reducing consumption or increasing the efficiency of chemical inputs in the agriculture sector has been among the most important issues which are in line with sustainable use strategies. Despite some environmental impacts, chemical herbicides are widely used to control the weed population of crops due to advantages such as saving application costs, time, and labor force. Groundwater is the most common type of solvent for applying herbicides in farming systems. Hence, this research was conducted to investigate the effect of groundwater quality parameters (acidity and water hardness) on the suitability of herbicides registered in wheat fields of Khorasan-Razavi province in Iran. For this purpose, threshold-based water hardness and acidity classified maps were produced through the geographical information system (GIS)-based techniques, and the groundwater suitability of the study area was investigated for the application of various herbicides (narrow-leaf, broad-leaf, and dual-purpose). The results showed that most of the groundwater in the study area was alkaline (with an average value of pH 7.82) and hard (water hardness >200 PPM). It is shown that in the areas where the groundwater is alkaline and hard, the chemical weed management of wheat fields is extremely restricted. In this regard, it is shown that by simultaneously considering the two qualitative properties of groundwater (pH and water hardness), only two herbicides (Puma super and Atlantis) can be recommended without worrying about the decrease in their efficiency, while the rest of the herbicides, maybe are not applicable (in a strict mode) or can be used more conservatively through strongly advised suggestions. The study also revealed that water hardness compared to acidity has generally a more negative impact on the efficacy of wheat herbicides. In this research, a map of the amount of ammonium sulfate (AMS) needed to overcome the adverse effects of water hardness on the effectiveness of herbicides is produced. Overall, the present study suggests that by providing the raster map of groundwater quality parameters we can precisely locate the suitable areas where proper herbicides should be taken into account to, in turn, avoid any serious risks of leaving a huge amount of chemicals in the environment. From a practical point of view, such kind of information can also be uploaded into the Web-Based GIS Platforms or be implemented in software applications.

Automated Hydroponics System

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to control the factors that are responsible for plants growth in hydroponics systems and automate them to reduce the human effort with less space and electricity. In this paper we used a combination of two methods: Deep water culture and Nutrient film technique for the system. In this method plants will have continuous nutrient supply. We used a linear regression method to control EC and pH of the system and the microcontroller will send signals to the system to adjust them to desired value with the help of dozers by taking average EC and pH values.

Geochemical Signatures of Bara Basin Aquifers, Kordofan State, Sudan

Purpose: In this paper, geochemical investigation has been carried out to study the concentrations of major cations; Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Magnesium (Mg2+), and Calcium (Ca2+), and major anions; Chloride (Cl-), Bicarbonate (HCO3-), Nitrate (NO3-) and Sulphate (SO42-), other parameters such as (pH), Electric conductivity and T.D.S were also studied in all water samples taken from wells in Bara basin.&#x0D; Methodology: Forty five (45) water samples have been collected from wells. Lab works were done at Groundwater and Wadis Directorate (GWD), Khartoum State according to Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization, (2002), to study the major cations and major anions.&#x0D; Findings: The results revealed that the average value of pH was (7.9) E.C values were (843.4 μS/cm) and T.D.S values were (59 mg/l). The average concentrations of the major cations obtained were; Na+ (126.3), K+ (5.22), Mg2+ (28.30), Ca2+(66.41) and the major anions (mg/l) were; Cl- (159.00), HCO3- (165.30), NO3- (156.70) and SO42- (164.70). The (Na/Cl) ratio is (2.47) is also high which reflects the abundance of (Na+) ions relative to the Chloride (Cl-) ions which confirmed the light-salty nature of groundwater. Geochemical mass balance calculations indicate that upper aquifer is mainly affected by the dissolution and dolomitization processes of major anions.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This process is highly developed in the central west part of the basin due to the abundance of Sulphate (SO42-), Bicarbonate (HCO3-), Magnesium (Mg2+), and Calcium (Ca2+) ions. High values of E.C, T.D.S, Ca2+, and SO42- are mainly presents as a saline water resource in some villages. Two types of water are classified here these are : i). Na-HCO3 type and ii). Ca- Cl -SO4 type. The study concluded that water samples from Almakser, Hamdan-2, Um-Zeeraga-2, and Al-Zareeba-2 villages have very high concentrations of E.C, T.D.S Ca2-, Cl-, NO3- and SO42-, which may suggest that water samples are not fit for human consumption, according to guidelins by W.H.O (1984). This paper recommends further study on water quality.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ORAL LIQUID IN CHILDREN WITH MALOCCLUSION AND DIFFERENT ENAMEL RESISTANCE

One of the factors in the development of dental caries in children with malocclusion is the insufficient enamel mineralization in different age periods, that is, its resistance is reduced. An important role in the formation of enamel resistance is played by the oral fluid, in particular its physical properties, mineralization potential and protective mechanisms. Fluctuations in the pH of the oral fluid significantly depend on the hygienic condition of the oral cavity and the nature of the food. At the same time, the possibility of access of mineral elements to the surface of the enamel significantly worsens in case of increased viscosity and decreased rate of saliva secretion of oral fluid. This, in turn, contributes to the reduction of diffusion processes in tooth enamel and the creation of conditions for the development of enamel demineralization.&#x0D; The purpose of the investigation is to study the peculiarities of the physical properties of oral fluid in children with malocclusion at different levels of enamel resistance.&#x0D; Research methods. It was found that the concentration of hydrogen ions in the oral fluid of the examined children with malocclusion is, on average, 6.67±0.05 units, and the viscosity and rate of saliva secretion is 2.32±0.06 rel. unit and 0.43±0.02 ml/min. In children with anomalies of individual teeth, the average pH value of the oral fluid is 6.93±0.08 units, while with anomalies of the dental arches and occlusion, there is a shift of the pH to the acidic side. In 12and 15-year-old children with anomalies of occlusion and caries-resistant enamel, the pH of the oral fluid is higher by 7.46% and 7.85%, respectively, compared to children with conditional-resistant and caries-susceptible enamel, the viscosity of the oral fluid is lower by 40.49% and 33.48%, respectively, and the rate of salivation is higher by 26.19% and 22.92%, which changes the function of oral fluid in the latter towards the demineralizing solution.&#x0D; Conclusions. Thus, the detected changes in the physical properties of the oral fluid in children with malocclusion and reduced enamel resistance may be important in the pathogenesis of dental caries development, as in such conditions the function of the oral fluid changes from mineralizing to demineralizing.

Microbiological and Physicochemical Evaluation of Pineapple Fruit and Its Juice for Compliance with Export Requirements

Fruit juices are unfermented but probably fermentable fruit extracts, stored fresh and consumed around the world due to their great nutritional importance. The objective of this study wasto determine the pesticide residues, the physicochemical and nutritional parameters of pineapple juice and pineapple derivatives in Benin. The samples were taken from pineapple juice producers and pineapple producers. These samples were subjected to microbiological and physicochemical analyzes in the laboratory.&#x0D; The results show that the average pH value of whole pineapple is 4.1228±0.0130. While and the average pH value of pineapple juice is 4.0762±0.0222. Whole pineapple samples had an average titratable acidity of 85.78±2.27. The pineapple juice samples had an average titratable acidity of 85.73±4.52. Imported whole pineapple samples were found to have the highest average concentration compared to pineapple juice (0.60±0.009 g/L). The average etephon concentration is higher in whole pineapple samples (0.76±0.05) than in pineapple juice samples (0.49±0.06). The average logarithmic contamination rate on whole pineapple samples is around 2.329 log10 CFU/g for FAMT, 0.18 log10 CFU/g for yeasts and molds and 0.014 log10 CFU/g for Staphylococcus aureus. Nevertheless, the average logarithmic contamination rate on whole pineapple samples is less than 10 log10 CFU/g respectively for Coliforms, Faecal Coliforms and E coli. The suspicion of salmonella was around 0% for whole pineapple samples.&#x0D; While the average logarithmic contamination rate on pineapple juice samples is around 0.71 log10 CFU/ml for FAMT. Nevertheless, the average logarithmic contamination rate on pineapple juice samples is less than 10 log10 CFU/ml respectively for Coliforms, Faecal Coliforms, E coli, yeasts and molds and Staphylococcus aureus. The suspicion of salmonella is around 0% for the pineapple juice samples.&#x0D; This study reveals that pineapple juice and pineapple derivatives contained various microflora, nutritional element and pesticide residues. It also notes that the microbiological and nutritional quality of pineapple juice and pineapple derivatives varies according to the producers and depends on the hygienic conditions of production.

Hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater resources in Wadi Araba Basin, Southern Jordan

Groundwater quality is an important factor that determines its usage for drinking and irrigational use. This study was carried out along the quaternary alluvial aquifer which extends along Wadi Araba groundwater basins, in southern Jordan. Chemical and physical parameters were measured and analyzed for thirty-seven groundwater samples collected from twenty-one wells in the study area during two periods in the year 2019; the spring season (April–May) was represented by fourteen samples and the autumn season (August–September) represented by twenty-three samples were collected to determine its suitability for drinking and irrigational purposes. The groundwater in the study area is generally of low alkalinity with an average pH value of less than 8 for both spring and autumn seasons. The water of the area is excessively mineralized due to salinity, and the increase in water salinity of the southern Wadi Araba basin is less expressed than in the northern part. The hydrochemical characterization shows that most wells of the study area are characterized by HCO3–Ca–Mg and HCO3–SO4–Ca–Mg types in the eastern escarpments of Wadi Araba (i.e., recharge area) and Cl–SO4–Na and Cl–Na types in the discharge area. There is no substantial change in the hydrochemical composition during the two seasons. Based on the Piper diagram, most of the groundwater samples (91.8%) belong to class “E” as “earth alkaline water with increased portions of alkalis with prevailing sulfate and chloride.” The Durov diagram reveals that most groundwater samples (62.2%) lay in the water genesis “field 6” which indicates that the water may be related to the reverse ion exchange of Na–Cl. The chemical composition of the water samples was compared with the drinking water standards of the World Health Organization and the Jordanian Standard. Groundwater from this area was not suitable to be a source for direct drinking based on total hardness and total dissolved solids. The dominant cation is sodium, while the dominant anion is chloride. The calculations of saturation indices for the two sampling campaigns for different minerals showed negative values of (SI) for carbonates minerals (anhydrite, gypsum, sylvite, and halite). This suggests that the groundwater in the alluvial aquifer is undersaturated with respect to these minerals in most of the study area. This is indicative of the fact that these minerals are undergoing the process of dissolution. The mineral saturation indices suggest that the dominating hydrochemical processes were dissolutions of evaporite minerals (halite and gypsum), carbonate minerals (such as calcite, dolomite, and rhodochrosite), the manganese oxide minerals (such as jarosite-K, hausmannite, pyrochroite, and pyrolusite) and reverse ion exchange.

Physicochemical and microbiological assessment of commercial dehydrated black olives

Among the many different types of table olives, the production of dehydrated black olives is rather low worldwide, although there is an increasing interest in them from consumers. The physicochemical and microbiological characterization of 20 samples of these olives obtained from different countries and processing methods was studied. The average pH and water activity (a w ) values were 4.7 units and 0.85 respectively, although a great variability was found among samples due to the cultivar and the elaboration method used, including oven-dried olives and dry-salted olives obtained from harvested fruit along with oven-dried fruit from fermented black olives. Moreover, the NaCl concentration in many samples was higher than the unique legal requirement for these olives by international standards (>8–10% in the olive juice), which probably implies a reduction of this mineral in the future as demanded by consumers. More precisely, this product must be valorized based on its 40% content of oil rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, and more than 2500 mg/kg of phenolic compounds and 3500 mg/kg of triterpenic acids which make these olives a very attractive product from a nutritional point of view. • Most of the commercial black olives complied with legal requirements. • NaCl in the olive juice of black dehydrated olives was much higher than established. • They contained more than 2500 mg/kg of phenolic compounds. • They were particularly rich in triterpenic acids (>3500 mg/kg).

Fluorine-Rich Shallow Groundwater in Weigan River Basin (Xinjiang): Enrichment Factors and Spatial Distribution

Long-term usage of drinking water with excessive fluoride concentration (above 1.5 mg/L) is known to harm human health. Since the fluoride concentration in the shallow groundwater of the Weigan River Basin, China, exceeds this level, this study explored fluoride’s sources and enrichment mechanism for this basin. Based on information retrieval and regional geological environment analyses, 47 sets of shallow groundwater samples in the Weigan River Basin were collected and analyzed. The research results show that the fluoride content in the drainage basin of the research area ranged from 0.2 to 5.46 mg/L, with an average value of 1.14 mg/L. The test results showed that 40.43% of the water sample test results exceeded the national domestic drinking water safety standard (1.0 mg/L). The average pH value of the research area was 8.37, which was slightly basic. Type Na+–Cl−/(SO42−) was the primary hydrochemical type. In the research area, groundwater with a high fluoride concentration contained much sodium and little calcium. The main mechanism of excessive fluoride formation in the groundwater was the continued dissolution of fluorine-containing minerals (fluorite) in the research area, while the main fluorine source was weathering of silicate rocks and evaporites. Evaporation-crystallization and cation exchange were the main factors controlling fluorine enrichment. These findings indicate that physicochemical processes are the major mechanisms for controlling F− enrichment and that may be useful for studying F− occurrence in groundwater in arid and semi-arid areas.

Physicochemical and Bacteriological Characterization of Surface and Stored Groundwaters in Natitingou, Benin Republic

Surface and groundwater collected in the municipality of Natitingou constitute a potential infectious risk for human health and the environment due to the pathogenic bacteria and Chlorella vulgaris they contain after conservation in tanks. In this study, surface and groundwater samples were collected and analyzed according. The results of the physicochemical and bacteriological characterization of these water samples revealed average values of pH (4.35 to 6.98), of turbidity (0.65 to 169.97 NTU), nitrites (0.15 to 5.40 mg/L), nitrates (0.55 to 114.34 mg/L), ammonium (0.05 to 0.60 mg/L) and significant faecal contamination by total coliforms, coliforms faecal and enterococci. The analysis results also reveal the presence of Chlorella vulgaris in both surface water and groundwater conserved. Chlorella vulgaris shows a positive correlation with nitrates, nitrites and ammonium and a negative correlation with phosphates, total coliforms, faecal coliforms, enterococci and the proliferation of Chlorella vulgaris in surface water and groundwater. The consumption of this water without any treatment could expose populations to waterborne diseases.

Assessment of Tannin Tolerant Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts Isolated from Miang for Production of Health-Targeted Beverage Using Miang Processing Byproducts

This research demonstrated an excellent potential approach for utilizing Miang fermentation broth (MF-broth), a liquid residual byproduct from the Miang fermentation process as a health-targeted beverage. One hundred and twenty yeast strains isolated from Miang samples were screened for their potential to ferment MF-broth and four isolates, P2, P3, P7 and P9 were selected, based on the characteristics of low alcoholic production, probiotic properties, and tannin tolerance. Based on a D1/D2 rDNA sequence analysis, P2 and P7 were identified to be Wikerhamomyces anomalus, while P3 and P9 were Cyberlindnera rhodanensis. Based on the production of unique volatile organic compounds (VOCs), W. anomalus P2 and C. rhodanensis P3 were selected for evaluation of MF-broth fermentation via the single culture fermentation (SF) and co-fermentation (CF) in combination with Saccharomyces cerevisiae TISTR 5088. All selected yeasts showed a capability for growth with 6 to 7 log CFU/mL and the average pH value range of 3.91-4.09. The ethanol content of the fermented MF-broth ranged between 11.56 ± 0.00 and 24.91 ± 0.01 g/L after 120 h fermentation, which is categorized as a low alcoholic beverage. Acetic, citric, glucuronic, lactic, succinic, oxalic and gallic acids slightly increased from initial levels in MF-broth, whereas the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were retained. The fermented MF-broth showed distinct VOCs profiles between the yeast groups. High titer of isoamyl alcohol was found in all treatments fermented with S. cerevisiae TISTR 5088 and W. anomalus P2. Meanwhile, C. rhodanensis P3 fermented products showed a higher quantity of ester groups, ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate in both SF and CF. The results of this study confirmed the high possibilities of utilizing MF-broth residual byproduct in for development of health-targeted beverages using the selected non-Saccharomyces yeast.