Chemical Treatment Research Articles

Enhanced Removal of Malachite Green from Wastewater Using Nonthermal Plasma Gliding Arc Discharge Combined with Ferrate Oxidation

The rapid and complete removal of Malachite Green (MG) dye was effectively achieved by combining potassium ferrate (Fe(VI)) treatment with nonthermal plasma discharge in both deionized water (DIW) and tap water (TW). This study evaluated the decolorization and mineralization efficiencies under varying MG concentrations, Fe(VI) dosages, and pH levels, as well as the impact of radical scavengers on the process. Fe(VI) alone resulted in moderate decolorization (35.01%) and low mineralization (21.46%) at an MG concentration of 50mg/L in DIW. Plasma discharge alone achieved mineralization rates of 20.6% in TW and 24.16% in DIW. While complete decolorization was observed for all initial MG concentrations, it required significantly longer treatment times (>30min). However, the combination of Fe(VI) with plasma (Fe(VI)-Plasma) demonstrated significant synergistic effects, achieving total decolorization and high mineralization rates -up to 92.5% in DIW and 88.7% in TW for 20mg/L MG- at much shorter treatment times. Radical scavenger tests revealed that hydroxyl radicals (OH) were the primary oxidants in MG degradation, followed by superoxide radicals and electrons. These findings suggest that the combined Fe(VI)-Plasma technology is a promising and efficient solution for dye removal, reducing both chemical usage and treatment time.

Cow dung compost and vermicompost amendments promote soil carbon stock by enhancing labile organic carbon and residual oxidizable carbon fractions in maize field soil

AbstractEnhancing soil quality and promoting the accumulation of soil organic carbon through economically and environmentally sustainable practices are essential for modern agriculture. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various organic amendments and rotation systems on soil properties and sweet corn growth in sandy loam soil. A split‐plot field experiment was conducted over 2 years, including rotations with or without Sesbania sesban as the main plot and six fertilizer treatments: a no fertilizer control, chemical fertilizer and four organic amendments as subplots. The cropping system did not significantly influence soil properties and sweet corn growth. However, the application of soybean meal, castor meal, cow dung compost and vermicompost resulted in sweet corn yields comparable to those achieved with the chemical fertilizer treatment. Notably, the soil organic matter (SOM) content was significantly higher in the cow dung compost and vermicompost treatments compared with both the no fertilizer and chemical fertilizer treatments. Moreover, these two amendments significantly increased soil carbon stock because of significant increases in labile organic carbon (TOC400) and residual oxidizable carbon (ROC) fractions in the maize field soil. A significant positive correlation was observed between fresh ear weight with husks and several soil parameters, including electrical conductivity, available P, exchangeable K and Zn, NO3–N, NH4–N, inorganic C and N, TOC400, ROC and SOM. In conclusion, cow dung compost and vermicompost not only result in sweet corn yields comparable to those from chemical fertilizer but also significantly enhance soil carbon stock by increasing TOC400 and ROC. Therefore, they can partially substitute for chemical fertilizers in promoting sustainable agricultural production of sweet corn.

Bioremediation Using Fruit Waste to Remove Lead From Water

ABSTRACTThe application of biomaterials in the remediation of contaminated water requires studies that support their use, involving physical, chemical, and/or biological treatments. This study aimed to physicochemically characterize the adsorption process of biomaterials created from orange peels, tamarind seeds, and avocado seeds when they interact with lead to remove it from water. Additionally, we compared the adsorption efficiency between materials subjected to physical processes and chemical processes (polymerized with polyanilines). Our results indicate that orange peel is the best option for Pb(II) concentrations lower than 100 mg L−1, whereas avocado seeds offer better adsorption results for higher concentrations, followed by tamarind seeds. The results show that Freundlich isotherms best describe the adsorption process. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectra indicate that chemisorption is the dominant mechanism. This is supported by comparing the adsorption capacity of the biomaterial with that of the biomaterial polymerized with polyanilines; this process reduces adsorption by up to 40% due to the diminution of active sites. The optimal pH for orange peel and tamarind seeds is 4.5, whereas for avocado it is 6.0, which coincides with the pKa of carboxyl groups. The infrared spectra suggest that the interaction occurs in the carboxyl groups.

Warmer is better for evolutionary rescue, driving a warm-to-cold bias in habitat colonization dynamics.

Evolutionary rescue occurs when populations survive lethal environmental stresses through the rising and fixation of tolerant genotypes. Temperature has long been believed to determine the evolutionary speed of populations and species. Here, we suggest that warmer temperatures can facilitate evolutionary rescue. Moreover, with dispersal among habitats, the advantage in evolutionary rescue for warmer populations may cause a bias in habitat colonization dynamics towards the warm-to-cold direction. We experimentally tested these hypotheses with a model microbial system. Our first experiment showed that bacterial populations at warmer temperatures had a greater chance to evolve resistance and escape the fate of extinction under an antibiotic treatment. In the second experiment, metapopulations that consisted of warm and cold habitats were exposed to the antibiotic stress; local populations that went extinct might be recolonized, and such recolonization events were biased to the warm-to-cold direction. We also examined possible mechanisms underlying the temperature effect on the rapid evolution of resistance in our study system. Our results may help to understand the mechanisms of maintenance of biodiversity and patterns of gene flow among climatic regions, particularly in pest species subject to chemical control treatments.

Development and performance of microalgae-based symbiotic systems for high-strength chemical oxygen demand wastewater treatment from the sugar mills

Agricultural and agro-industrial activities have risen exponentially to meet the ever-growing demand for food, energy, and other important resources. High freshwater consumption occurs in these sectors and is discharged as effluent containing excessive organic loads that require treatment. In this study, microalgal, bacterial, and fungal (yeast) isolates native to the sugar industry effluent were screened for effective chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal from wastewater when co-cultured. The microalgae-bacteria consortium (MBC) comprised Chlorella sorokiniana A7 and three bacterial strains including Rhodococcus sp. B009, Bacillus sp. B010, and B013; whilst the microalgae-yeast consortium (MYC) consisted of Chlorella sorokiniana A7 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y2. When the Chlorella sorokiniana-based symbiotic systems were characterized in sugar industry wastewater, excellent COD removal efficiencies were achieved compared to the axenic Chlorella sorokiniana A7. The COD removal efficiencies were 86 %, and 71 % after 96 h of cultivation for MBC, and MYC, respectively. After 168 h of cultivation in wastewater, ≥90 % of COD removal efficiency was observed in both MBC and MYC systems. The MYC also showed improved chlorophyll-a content, photosynthesis, and respiration in Chlorella sorokiniana A7. This study has demonstrated the efficiency of Chlorella sorokiniana-based consortium systems that could be used as eco-friendly and sustainable bioremediation tools for high-strength COD wastewater streams. An insight into mechanisms of interactions between Chlorella sp., and co-cultured microbial strains grown in sugar industry wastewater still needs further studies.

A deep treatment process for chemical polishing wastewater towards resource recovery: Optimization and performance

The chemical polishing industry generates abundant wastewater that contains high concentrations of phosphoric acid and metal ions. In light of the rapid growth of the economy and the stringent demands for sustainability, developing cost-effective and energy-efficient technologies for wastewater treatment is crucial. Herein, an EPRC-ICT-ANT process integrating electrodialysis, iron contact, and alkali neutralization, was proposed to deeply treat chemical polishing wastewater and achieve optimal recovery of acid, phosphorus, and aluminum. The results indicated that with the electrochemical phosphoric acid recovery cell (EPRC), the maximum recovery efficiency and final phosphoric acid concentration were 34.6 % and 25.2 g/L. Following the iron contact tank and alkali neutralization tank (ICT-ANT) treatment, a remarkable 99.17 % removal of Al3+ and 49.5 kg/t wastewater yield of AlPO4 were achieved. Simultaneously, the released Fe2+ and remaining PO43- triggered the rapid formation of vivianite with a yield of 120.7 kg/t wastewater. This comprehensive treatment strategy led to the near-complete removal of Al3+ and PO43- (∼100 %) with an impressive recovery of Al3+ (∼100 %) and PO43- (75.7 %), emphasizing its immense potential for chemical polishing wastewater treatment.

The optimization of sample preparation on zebrafish larvae in vibrational spectroscopy imaging

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae are widely used in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and ecotoxicological studies. Their transparency and translational potential make them particularly valuable for fluorescence imaging. In addition to fluorescence imaging, microspectroscopy, which combines vibrational spectroscopy: Raman or Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) with microscopy, allows the collection of spatially resolved, label-free information. According to available literature, it was the first application of FT-IR imaging in zebrafish larvae.This study aims to compare different fixation methods for 10-day post-fertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae using vibrational spectroscopy imaging. Paraformaldehyde (PFA), glutaraldehyde (GA), low temperature, and embedding in gelatin and agarose were investigated. Amides, lipids, and phosphates distribution were more informative in embedded samples but with challenging handling of the sample due to stiffness at −20 °C. FT-IR and Raman mapping revealed that frozen samples had better-preserved tissue structure than chemical fixation. PFA showed uniform amide distribution, while GA treatment exhibited tissue disruptions and denser protein networks in both. Handling of embedded samples is challenging for an operator, but provides more reliable results in developmental biology or disease modeling, compared to chemical treatment.

Exploring the use of fatty acid ethyl esters as a potential natural solution for the treatment of fish parasitic diseases.

Alternatives to conventional chemical treatments for parasitic diseases in fish are needed. Microalgal-sourced fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) have shown an antiparasitic effect against Gyrodactylus turnbulli infection in guppies. Here, we tested a range of commercial FAEEs of various carbon chain lengths and unsaturation levels against two fish parasites. Guppies and barramundi infected with G. turnbulli and Trichodina sp., respectively, were used. The most effective FAEE, after excluding those toxic to fish, was ethyl laurate (12:0). For both parasites, the LD50 was 18.75 μM within 250 min of incubation. Ethyl eicosapentaenoate (20:5n3) was the next most effective FAEE against G. turnbulli, and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid ethyl ester (20:3n6) and ethyl α-linolenate (18:3n3) were the next most effective against Trichodina sp. In addition, FAEEs prepared from the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum residue, after fucoxanthin extraction, were examined against Trichodina sp. infection in barramundi for the first time. LD85 and LD100 was achieved at 2.5 and 5 μL mL-1 of the FAEE preparation, respectively. Invivo, immersion of infected barramundi in 1.25 μL mL-1 of this preparation for 24 h reduced infection prevalence from 100% to 53% and was non-toxic to fish.

Preserving snake fruit (Salacca zalacca) Voss) quality: Effective control of Peniophora salaccae SKRU002 with fungicides and biological agents

Peniophora salaccae (Russulales, Basidiomycota), a newly identified pathogen of Salacca zalacca, is a major cause of snake fruit rot, resulting in significant agricultural losses. This study evaluates the efficacy of chemical fungicides and biological controls against P. salaccae SKRU002, focusing on disease suppression and fruit quality preservation. Commercial fungicides (propiconazole®, prochloraz®, metalaxyl®, azoxystrobin®, thiram®) and Streptomyces philanthi strains RM-1-138 and RL-1-178 were tested. In vitro, prochloraz® (1000 μL mL−1) fully inhibited P. salaccae growth, outperforming other fungicides. Both S. philanthi strains exhibited strong antifungal activity through volatile and non-volatile compounds. Additionally, autoclaved (at 121 °C for 15 min) and diluted (1/1000) bacterial culture filtrates (BCF) from both strains achieved over 55 % inhibition of P. salaccae. In liquid culture, RM-1-138 (86.80 %) and RL-1-178 (80.86 %) demonstrated greater inhibition than metalaxyl® (9.34 %) and azoxystrobin® (56.84 %), though prochloraz® and propiconazole® remained the most effective (100 %). In vivo, untreated fruits inoculated with P. salaccae showed 100 % disease incidence, significant weight loss (13.28 %), color changes (L∗, a∗, and b∗), and reductions in total soluble solids, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity, while titratable acidity remained unchanged. Both biological and chemical treatments effectively controlled the pathogen and preserved fruit quality. These findings highlight the potential of S. philanthi strains and fungicides in managing P. salaccae, offering promising strategies for snake fruit cultivation.

Fabrication of CNC-AC bionanosorbents from the residual mass of Magnolia champaca l. Bark after methanol extraction for wastewater treatment: Continuous column adsorption study

In this current study, a new class of multifunctional biobased ecofriendly nanosorbents namely crystalline nanocellulose-activated char (CNC-AC) nanosorbents were fabricated by employing a much more innovative and beneficial solvent evaporation induced phase separation (EIPS) technique. While the crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) were extracted from a very much new, innovative, and beneficial agrowaste source namely banana tree (M. oranta) rachis fibers by conducting a series of chemical treatments like scouring, alkali treatment, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis reactions. Additionally, the biochar were synthesized from the residual mass of Magnolia champaca L. barks after methanol extraction and functionalized by 30 % H3PO4 to improve their overall properties. Besides these the fixed-bed continuous column adsorption study were carried out by optimizing the various influential factors such as preliminary concentration and flow rates of the inlet wastewater solution, along with the nanosorbent bed heights into the applied column. For better understanding the overall physicochemical, thermomechanical, and morphostructural behavior of the newly fabricated polyfunctional CNC-AC bionanosorbents the samples were characterized by conducting FTIR-ATR, FESEM, BET, XRD, TGA analysis. Meanwhile the treated and nontreated water specimens were examined by conducting AAS and UV–vis-NIR techniques. The obtained results recommended that the newly produced CNC-AC nanosorbents have contained a quite number of active edges/binding sites along with substantial sp. surface area (around 316.95 m2/g). Additionally, they possessed a crystallinity index about 59.98 ± 0.027 %, greater thermal steadiness up to 600 °C, and outstanding 2D honeycomb-like mesoporous peripheral surface microstructure with a promising spherical shapes and smaller size nearly 5–10 nm. The highest removal capacity were found at 538.91 mg/g and 455.70 mg/g for Pb2+ and CR respectively. Additionally, for better understanding the experimental breakthrough curves (BTC) were evaluated by several well established column models while the maximum R2 value was found around 0.999 for the Thomas model and reduced chi squire (χ2) value was around 0.0001.

Evaluating the effect of Incorporating Chicken Feather Fibers on the Technological Properties of Eco-Friendly Compressed Earth Bricks

This paper investigates the feasibility of improving the performance of raw bricks by using chemically treated chicken feather fibers as a sustainable reinforcement material. Although numerous studies have already explored the use of chicken feathers in brick composites, this work is distinguished by the application of a novel chemical treatment involving formaldehyde and silane to enhance the fibers' compatibility with the clay matrix. The treated fibers were incorporated into raw brick samples at varying concentrations. The effects of fiber reinforcement on critical properties such as porosity, bulk density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity were systematically analyzed. The results indicate that incorporating chemically treated chicken feather fibers reduces porosity and bulk density while increasing compressive strength within an optimal concentration range. Additionally, a significant reduction in thermal conductivity was observed, demonstrating the potential of these materials to improve thermal insulation in construction applications. This study highlights the promise of utilizing chicken feather waste, treated with formaldehyde and silane, as reinforcement in the production of eco-friendly bricks, with implications for sustainable construction practices.

Utilization of Banana Peel Waste as Anti-bacterial Organic Gloves with Latex Addition

The increased use of synthetic gloves made from plastics such as nitrile and vinyl resulted in serious environmental problems due to plastic waste that was difficult to decompose. This study aimed to utilize banana peel waste for producing antibacterial organic gloves with the addition of latex. The manufacturing method involved mixing latex with ionol as an antioxidant, sulfur for vulcanization, and banana peel powder to add antibacterial properties. Tensile strength testing was conducted by varying the proportion of banana peel and chemical treatment using NaOH and NH4OH solutions. The results showed that increasing the proportion of banana peel led to a decrease in tensile strength and elongation of the material, from 22.5 MPa and 550% at a 10% banana peel ratio to 16.0 MPa and 480% at a 40% ratio. Treatment with NaOH resulted in a greater reduction than NH4OH. This study demonstrated that banana peels had potential as an environmentally friendly additive for the manufacture of antibacterial organic gloves. To improve its effectiveness, it was recommended that future research focus on optimizing the proportion of ingredients, developing the production process, and evaluating costs to achieve an optimal balance between quality, durability, and production efficiency

Alkali and Non-alkali Treated Coconut Coir Fiber-Reinforced Coconut Shell Powder/MWCNT-Filled Polyester Matrix Composite: An Experimental Comparison

Engineering, biomedical, and medicinal applications effectively employ the extraction of natural resources. Natural and recycled natural fibers are highly advantageous for producing hard-core and soft-core composite materials and equipment. Natural fiber processing can yield diverse material characteristics. Particularly, processes such as chemical treatment, heat treatment, fine coating, and polishing (gold) composites can significantly enhance the characteristics of these materials. A further selection of non-synthetic solutions is designated for material application and environmentally friendly biodegradation to the earth. Due to the non-destructive nature of composites, many synthetic resources are incorporated into the environment, which can lead to corrosion and atmospheric pollution. Therefore, the remarkable movement toward replacing these compounds with natural coconut fiber, whether refined or untreated, shell powder, and composites incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) contributes to establishing a more environmentally sustainable society. This work included rigorous mechanical testing to compare the effects of alkali and non-alkali treatments. In particular, the tensile strength is 17.06% higher, the flexural strength is 7.35% higher, and the hardness on Shore D is 5.81% higher than that of non-alkali-treated material. The SEM analysis revealed the alkali-treated and untreated composites' consecutive failure zones, regions, and matrix structures.

EFFICACY OF A RANGE OF FUNGICIDES AGAINST FUNGAL DISEASES OF WALNUT IN THE SOUTHERN FRUIT-GROWING ZONE OF KAZAKHSTAN

The most widespread and effective method of protecting walnut trees from diseases is through chemical treatments. With the increasing variety of fungal pathogens affecting walnut trees in the southern zone of fruit production in Kazakhstan, there is a need to study the effectiveness of fungicides against these pathogens. Therefore, laboratory and field studies were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of several fungicides against the most common diseases of walnut trees caused by Fusarium and Alternaria fungi. The effectiveness of fungicides with different mechanisms of action was studied for the first time. The fungicides evaluated were Score (difenoconazole, 250 g/l), Horus (cyprodinil, 750 g/kg), Stroby (kresoxim-methyl, 500 g/kg), Luna Tranquility (fluopyram, 125 g/l + pyrimethanil, 375 g/l) against walnut diseases in the southern zone of fruit cultivation in Kazakhstan. The results of both laboratory and field experiments showed that the most effective fungicide against fungal pathogens on walnut was Score (difenoconazole, 250 g/l). Stroby (kresoxim-methyl, 500 g/kg) also demonstrated over 80% biological efficacy against Alternaria alternata. The results of this study will assist local growers in managing various fungal diseases in walnut plantations.

Effect Of Cytokinin BA And Different Concentrations Of Chemical Stress Treatments On The Multiplication Of Vegetative Shoots Of The Plant Antirrhinum Magus L. Grown In Vitro

The study was conducted on the multiplication of Antirrhinum magus L. plant using the micropropagation technique, represented by culture vegetative shoots on MS nutrient medium prepared with different concentrations of cytokinin BA and different levels of chemical stress treatments. The treatment of 4.44 μmol.L–1 BA with a NAA concentration of 0.54 μmol.L–1 gave the highest significant increase in the average number of vegetative shoots per plantlet, shoot length, number of leaves per plantlet, and leaf width, which amounted to 6.40 shoot explant-1, 4.00 cm, 20.60 shoot leaves -1, 0.68 cm, respectively, while a significant decrease in the average vegetative traits was observed when the concentration of BA in the medium was increased in the two treatments (8.88, 11.10) μmol.L–1 BA, which did not differ significantly between them. The results of chemical stress showed that reducing the level Mannitol to 15gm L-1 in multiplication medium led to a significant and inverse increase in the average number of vegetative shoots per plantlet, shoot length, number of leaves per shoot, and leaf width reached 4.80 shoot explant-1, 3.50 cm, 11.40 shoot explant1-, 0.44 cm in succession, and their averages decreased. By increasing the concentration in the middle. It was also observed that there was an inverse relationship between the average vegetative traits and the levels of PEG8000, where the control treatment achieved the highest significant increase in the average of all vegetative traits, amounting to 6.60 shoot explant-1, 4.06 cm, and 7.60 shoot explant-1, 0.92 cm, respectively, compared to the other averages of water stress whenever the level of PEG8000 increased. In the nutrient medium down to the level of 45g. L-1.

Single Visit Root Canal Treatment of Teeth with Chronic Periapical Periodontitis

The treatment of periodontitis aims to eliminate the etiological factor, i.e. microorganisms and their toxins; to influence the inflammatory process in the periapical tissues and to stimulate the healing process; to provide an airtight filling of the root canal to isolate the apical periodontium from contact with saliva in the oral cavity. The removal of the etiological factor is associated with mechanical and chemical treatment of the root canal. Since most endodontic problems are of microbial origin, their removal is considered the most important step in root canal therapy. The number of visits for treatment of infected root canals is one of the most discussed topics in endodontics. Endodontic treatment through multiple visits is a traditionally accepted method. However, an alternative protocol involving one visit has been proposed. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of clinical success in teeth diagnosed with chronic asymptomatic apical periodontitis treated by a single-visit method. Thirty one patients aged 16 to 69 years with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic asymptomatic apical periodontitis were included in the study. All proven cases are subject to treatment in a single stage. Based on the data obtained from this task, it is clear that adequate isolation and adherence to the simplified generally accepted irrigation protocol are sufficient to obtain good healing results.

RESPONSE OF THE ‘POLESIE’ RASPBERRY CULTIVAR TO FOLIAR APPLICATION OF CHITOSAN WITH DIFFERENT MOLECULAR WEIGHTS

This study explored the effects of chitosan, a biodegradable and non-toxic natural polymer derived from chitin, on the yield and quality of raspberries. Various molecular weights (3.3–950 kDa) were assessed to determine the impact on raspberry plants and fruit development. These applications were made during key growth phases – the start of the vegetation period, during flowering and at the fruit-bearing stage – using a foliar method to ensure full coverage of both leaves and fruit without runoff. The results indicated that chitosan application influenced various parameters of fruit quality, including firmness, colour and antioxidant levels. Notably, chitosan with a molecular weight of 21 and 50 kDa significantly enhanced fruit yield and size compared with the control. Conversely, chitosan with a higher molecular weight (500 and 950 kDa) did not improve yield and appeared to induce stress in plants, although they did contribute to increased fruit firmness and potentially extended the shelf life due to their film-forming capabilities. The findings suggest that while chitosan can improve the yield and quality of raspberries, the effectiveness is highly dependent on its molecular weight. These results support the potential of chitosan as an alternative to traditional chemical treatments, promising a reduction in chemical inputs while sustaining or enhancing agricultural productivity and fruit quality.

Estudio palinológico de las Licofitas (Lycopodiopsida) de las Sierras Pampeanas centrales de Argentina

Background and aims: The Sierras Pampeanas Centrales of Argentina constitute the fourth centre of diversity of lycophytes and ferns in the Cono Sur, where representatives of four families of lycophytes live: Huperziaceae, Lycopodiaceae, Isoetaceae and Selaginellaceae. The aim of this work is to provide data of the morphology of their spores observed with optical and scanning electron microscopes, as a contribution to the taxonomy and conservation. M&M: The materials were analysed without prior chemical treatment and photographic records were obtained with both observation equipments. Results: The morphological diagnostic features of the spores are presented. The Huperziaceae and Lycopodiaceae are isosporous with trilete spores. Huperziaceae presents foveolated or fossulated spores, while Lycopodiaceae spores are reticulate, scabrate and baculate. In Isoetes hieronymi (heterosporate), the microspores are monolete with echinate ornamentation, while the megaspores are trilete, with reticulate ornamentation. The Selaginellaceae, all heterosporate, produce trilete microspores and megaspores, both with varied ornamentation. Conclusions: Spore characteristics provide relevant information for regional floristic studies as well as for taxonomic assignments, both of extant flora and fossil records. Also, for studies of the composition of soil spore banks as a tool for the conservation of local floristic biodiversity.

Influence of Aloe Vera Gel on Germination and Early Growth of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Seedlings in the Nursery

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) nursery production often relies heavily on chemical inputs to ensure vigorous seedling growth, which may have environmental and economic drawbacks. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera gel as a natural alternative to chemical treatments for improving germination and early seedling growth of Cobra 26 tomato seeds. The study used a factorial block design to compare the effects of seed treatments (Aloe vera gel coating, mancozeb, and untreated control) and substrate types (unfertilised topsoil, NPK-fertilised topsoil, and Aloe vera gel mixed with topsoil) on seed germination and seedling growth over three nursery cycles. Seeds coated with Aloe vera gel demonstrated the highest germination rate (90.53%) and fastest germination time (3 days), outperforming both mancozeb-treated and control seeds in germination kinetics. Growth parameters such as seedling height and leaf number were significantly influenced by substrate type (p<0.03), with no notable differences between NPK and Aloe vera-treated substrates. The study suggests that Aloe vera gel, both as a seed coating and soil additive, offers a promising, eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments, enhancing seed germination and early seedling growth in tomatoes

The effects of chemical treatment parameters on the yield of bamboo fibers extracted

Nitric Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide (NCHP) treatment offers an efficient method for extracting lignocellulosic fibers from bamboo in a single bath. This procedure effectively removes lignin and hemicellulose, facilitating the separation of bamboo fibers while gradually breaking down inter-microfibrils and interlamellar layers in the cell wall. This study focuses on assessing the yield of lignocellulosic fibers extracted under various chemical treatment parameters and characterizing these fibers. Utilizing crushed and air-dried bamboo as raw material, cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose content was analyzed. Characterization involved Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, providing insights into the chemical properties of the extracted lignocellulosic fibers. The FTIR spectra revealed the preservation and reinforcement of cellulose functional groups, confirming the effectiveness of the NCHP treatment. Control over treatment yield was achieved by manipulating temperature, concentration, and time. Optimal conditions were identified: 3.2 mol/L nitric acid, 60 mmol/g hydrogen peroxide, 50°C, and 72 hours, resulting in a maximum fiber yield of 76%. The findings indicate that higher temperatures, prolonged treatment times, and appropriate concentrations significantly enhance fiber extraction. Specifically, the optimal conditions led to an improved yield and better preservation of cellulose content compared to untreated bamboo. The study demonstrates that the NCHP treatment is a robust and effective method for producing high-quality lignocellulosic fibers from bamboo, with potential applications in sustainable materials. In conclusion, the NCHP treatment provides a scalable and efficient approach to extracting lignocellulosic fibers, offering significant improvements in yield and chemical composition. This process has promising implications for industrial applications, particularly in the development of sustainable materials and biocomposites