Alum Concentration Research Articles

Antimicrobial Activity of Potassium Aluminum Sulfate and Phyllanthus emblica Leaves Extract against Common Skin Pathogens, In vitro Study

Background: Because of the growing use of antibiotics worldwide, the expansion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria becomes increasingly threatening to medical treatment. Many natural substances have been reported to have antimicrobial properties. Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial property and the synergistic interaction between potassium aluminum sulfate and Phyllanthus emblica leaves against common skin pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant Cutibacterium acnes, antibiotic-susceptible C. acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: The present study was an experimental, cross-sectional study. The microorganisms were tested using the agar well diffusion method and the broth microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory zone (MIZ) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), respectively. Finally, the synergistic interaction was evaluated by checkerboard assay to determine the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index. Results: The highest inhibition zone, at 21 mm, was observed on P. aeruginosa with the alum concentration of 20% w/v. The lowest inhibition zone, at 6 mm, was noticed on S. aureus with 2.5% concentration of alum. P. emblica extract at a concentration of 5 mg/mL and 25 mg/mL demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, M. luteus, and C. acnes. The lowest MIC of alum solution (0.0195% w/v) was seen on S. epidermidis. The lowest MIC of P. emblica extract, at 0.097 mg/mL, was spotted on C. acnes. The highest FIC index, of 0.421, was observed on M. luteus and the lowest FIC index, at 0.046, was seen on S. aureus. Conclusion: Both alum and P. emblica leaves exhibited substantial antimicrobial activity and can be combined for enhanced efficacy.

Rhamnolipid: nature-based solution for the removal of microplastics from the aquatic environment

Abstract Over the past two decades, research into the accumulation of small plastic particles and fibers in organisms and environmental settings has yielded over 7,000 studies, highlighting the widespread presence of microplastics in ecosystems, wildlife, and human bodies. In recent years, these contaminants have posed a significant threat to human, animal, and environmental health, with most efforts concentrated on removing them from aquatic systems. Given this urgency, the purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of rhamnolipid, a biosurfactant, for the removal of microplastics from water. Specifically, this study evaluates the effects of water matrix, initial pH of the solution (7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, and 10.0), concentrations of alum (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/L), and concentrations of rhamnolipid (1, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 100 mg/L). Optimum removal was achieved at alum and rhamnolipid concentrations of 5.0 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L, respectively, with a solution pH of 8.0. In both types of water tested, a removal efficiency of about 74% was determined, indicating the potential of rhamnolipid as a nature-based solution to control microplastic pollution in surface waters.

Effect of Alum on Microbial Load of Well Water from Rural and Urban Areas in Enugu State

Ten well water samples were analyzed for the development of bacterial load using 1%, 5% and 10% concentrations of alum which was added to each 100ml of well water samples to determine the effect of alum on the microbial load of well water from Rural and Urban Areas in Enugu State. After exerting an effect on the well water sample, the supernatants and sediments were analyzed for development of bacteria colonies by viable cell counts. It was observed that the effect of alum on bacterial load increases as the percentage concentration of the of alum increases, however, further increase in the concentration of alum has no effect on the bacterial load, and this can be observed in well water from Ufuma Achara layout, Agbani Nkanu, Ugbo Paul Abakpa, Ohofia Uwani and Amodu Awkunanaw. On the other hand, from1% to 5% concentration of alum has no effect on the supernatant of well water from Amaokwe Achara layout, but however, with increase in concentration of about 10% it began to exert an effect on the bacterial load of both the supernatants and sediments.

The Effect of Different Concentrations of Alum Solutions on Gingival Disease during Pregnancy

Gingival disease is inflammatory and destructive disease of supporting tissues tooth in pregnant women Alum solution has been used as a medication treatment. The present study investigates the Plaque and bleeding index levels among 20 pregnant women with mean age (29.50±71.14) sharing in the study from different from clinical privet in Baghdad city, The present result display and show the relationship between pregnant women and the gingival disease. In pregnant women included in the study group, the results display decrease of Plaque and bleeding index with the increase of alum concentrations the best activity of alum show in 9 gm/100ml. Also, when increase the time of exposure the subjected criteria decrease. The present experiment included 20 pregnant women with age range between 22-39year sever from Plaque and bleeding among from different private in Baghdad city, the results display significant decrease Plaque and bleeding in the pregnant women with the time and days. Statistical analysis appears significant difference with the probability value (P≥0.01).

Status of some biochemical markers in Sprague dawley rats following sub-chronic consumption of alum- treated water

Alum is a double salt of aluminum and potassium sulfates. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of some biochemical markers in Sprague-dawley rats following sub-chronic consumption of alum- treated water. It consisted of 21 rats of 3–4 months old weighing roughly 122 ± 0.5 g. They were divided into three groups at random with 7 rats / group. The control group received 15 ml of distilled water daily for 30 days, while experimental groups one and two received 15ml of 0.04% concentration of alumtreated water for 15 days daily and 30 days respectively. Following this, 5 ml of blood specimen was withdrawn via cardiac puncture and introduced into corresponding lithium heparin anti-coagulated bottles. These specimens were spun at 1,500 revolutions per minute for 10 minutes using an 800 D macro centrifuge to extract the plasma that were utilized for the measurement of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (colorimetric method), urea (urease Berthelot method), creatinine (Jaffe reaction method) and C-reactive protein (Latex turbidimetry method). Using SPSS 23.0 to perform statistical analysis on the study's findings, it was discovered that there were no significant differences between the experimental group one and the control group for all the measured biochemical parameters (p>0.05). However, in comparison to the control group, the results of the experimental group two revealed significant elevations (p<0.05) in revealed significant elevations (p<0.05) in plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and C-reactive protein. It is concluded that the plasma concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and C-reactive protein may be altered in Sprague-dawley rats following consumption of 15 ml of 0.04% concentration of alum- treated water for 30 days. Thus, it is recommended that this study in a well guided manner be carried out in humans to ascertain if the findings will be consistent.

Evaluation of Selected Computational Methods of Solving Simultaneous Equations in Environmental Science for the Treatment of Textile Wastewater

In this paper, a general model in environmental engineering that relates alum concentration, pH and other chemical treatment factors to the efficiency of chemical treatment techniques was obtained from the literature as a way to evaluate the performance of selected methods of solving simultaneous equations in environmental engineering. Data on textile wastewater treatment (synthetic and typical) were obtained and utilized. Coefficients of model equations were determined using Matrix, Least Square, Gaussian elimination and Microsoft Excel Solver. These final model equations with the determined coefficients were used to compute the performance of the treatment processes and evaluated using standard statistical methods (Total error, mean error, root error, absolute, Model of Selection Criterion (MSC) Model of Selection Criterion (MSC) and mean error). The study revealed that coefficients were between -0.003 for pH to 1.034 for the ratio of coagulant to the concentration of the phosphate. It was revealed that there are significant differences between the coefficients at a 95% confidence level (F15, 45. = 27.761; p = 8.39 x 10 -18, which is less than 0.05). The tables also revealed that there was no significant difference between the methods at a 95% confidence level (F3, 45. = 1.746; p = 0.171, which is greater than 0.05). It was concluded that the order of accuracy of these methods is MES method greater than (>) Matrix > Least square > elimination based on MSC and errors. There is a need to utilize and evaluate other related Excel functions.

Formulation and Evaluation of Yemeni Potash Alum as Hydrophilic Topical Preparations against Candidiasis and Aspergillosis

Skin and soft tissue infections are frequent; Candidiasis and Aspergillosis are the most common cutaneous fungal infections. Yemeni alum (Aluminium Potassium Sulphate) is a natural mineral with antifungal and antibacterial properties. This study aimed to confirm Yemeni alum's antifungal effectiveness against selected fungal strains and develop useful topical formulations. Using different alum concentrations, we prepared twenty-three formulations, including four non-adjusted aqueous solutions, eight adjusted pH aqueous solutions, eight glycerite solutions, and three Oil/Water cream formulations. Then, we examined the antifungal activity against the suggested fungus. The animal skin irritation test evaluated the local skin sensitivity reactions that might happen upon using the formulations we prepared on the intact animal's skin. Additionally, this study also included six weeks of stability testing to estimate the expected shelf life (t90) of the selected formulations. Alum exerted antifungal effect against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. The animal's skin was not irritated by any of the formulations examined. The 5% alum aqueous solution and the 10% alum Oil/Water cream exhibited promising results among all tested formulations. The approximate formulation's shelf-lives (t90) were 2 and 1.52 years with alum content (%) ranging between 105.75 to 106.02 %, respectively. Based on the results we found, 10% alum Oil/Water cream is a promising formulation for large-scale manufacture.

Formulation and evaluation of Yemeni potash alum as hydrophilic topical preparations against bacterial skin infections

Skin and soft tissue infections are common. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause most bacterial skin infections. Yemen's alum is a natural mineral with potent antibacterial and antifungal activity. The current study aimed to verify Yemen alum's antibacterial activity against chosen bacterial strains to formulate a valuable topical preparation. We formulated twenty-three formulations involving four non-adjusted aqueous solutions, eight adjusted pH aqueous solutions, three Oil/Water cream formulations, and eight glycerin solutions, all with different alum concentrations. After that, we evaluated the antibacterial efficacy against the selected bacterial strains. Additionally, we performed stability testing (almost six weeks) to determine the chosen preparations' estimated shelf life (t90). Alum showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Finally, it was concluded that Oil/Water cream (10% alum) is viable preparation for large-scale production.

Integration of coagulation-flocculation process for improved solid–liquid separation of anaerobically treated textile effluent

ABSTRACT Anaerobic process is a promising technique for textile effluent treatment. However, poor solid–liquid separation and residual chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the treated effluent limit its scope for industrial applications. The study analyzed the nature of suspended microbial biomass in the anaerobically treated effluent and further targeted its feasible separation process. The size of the majority of suspended biomass (82%) particles ranged from 500 to 1000 nm. The suspended biomass showed 37.13% hydrophobicity and −15.4 mV zeta potential. The optimization of the coagulation-flocculation (CF) process showed 93% turbidity removal at 400 mg/L of alum, 8 mg/L of a cationic polymer and acidic pH 4, through one variable at a time approach. The optimized results using Central Composite Design (CCD) were experimentally validated, and 97% turbidity removal was recorded at 400 mg/L alum concentration, 12 mg/L of the cationic polymer, and pH 3.2. The results obtained were statistically significant, with a high regression coefficient (R2 = 0.97) at 95% confidence limits. The final treated effluent after CF showed 67% COD removal (from 862 ± 40 to 280 ± 14 mg/L) with 83% color removal (from 740 to 124 Hazen). Hence, the integration of the CF process with the anaerobic process could be a promising approach for textile effluent treatment.

Defluoridation of water by the Homa* method, a co-precipitation technique using wood ash leachate and alum

High fluoride level in drinking water is an endemic public health concern in East Africa. Unlike in Kenya where it is absent, the Nalgonda technique, a defluoridation method that uses two chemicals, alum, and CaO, has seen mixed results in its application and adoption in Ethiopia and Tanzania. This has been due to the low capacity of communities to manage the process and the breakdown in the supply chain of chemicals used in the technique. In the present study, we attempted to bridge the gap in the chemical deficit by investigating the possible substitution of CaO with leachate from wood ash, a by-product of wood combustion commonly found in Kenya. The leachate was prepared from one part of wood ash mixed with two parts of distilled water and stirred for 24 hours followed by decantation. The new technique, the Homa method, using alum and wood ash leachate was then tested on H2O samples from three areas in Kenya with high F- concentrations ranging from 5.1 mg L-1, 9.1 mg L-1 to 91.0 mg L-1. The determination of F- concentration by SPADNS Spectrophotometry was applied throughout the experiment. Four levels of alum i.e. 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% were dosed on five volumes of water i.e. 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 ml raw water at 5.1 and 9.1 mg L-1 F-. For water samples at 91.0 mg L-1 F-, the same volumes were treated with 5 higher alum levels i.e. 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, and 9%. The final pH was then adjusted to 7 with ash leachate for defluoridation. The set-up was a factorial design experiment where the final F- concentration was the dependent variable and the volume of raw water, the percentages, and volume of alum and wood ash leachate constituted the different factors. A fitted multivariate regression model of the general form; where Y = Residual fluoride, X = wood Leachate volume, W = alum Concentration, X*W = Interaction α, β, γ were regression coefficients, ε = error term, showed that only in the Baringo area did we have an interaction between wood ash leachate and alum concentration significant (p < 0.05). Defluoridation occurred (p < 0.05) at as low as 10% and as high as 99%, depending on the initial F- content. Total coliform decreased from 310, 290 and 270 count/l respectively to zero. Unfortunately, high chemical and TDS (from 558 mg L-1 to more than 9,000 mg L-1) enrichment were recorded in addition to the mixed data on turbidity. The overall results show that wood ash can substitute CaO in the Nalgonda process. Further investigation is however required to make it applicable for potable water production.

Optimization of dyeing process parameters for bioactive cotton and silk fabrics with Racinus communis leaf extract

Woven cotton and silk fabric samples have been dyed with Racinus communis extract at optimized conditions of extract concentration, temperature, material - to - liquor ratio (MLR), alum concentration and treatment time, and then evaluated for their fastness properties following ISO standards, antimicrobial activity quantitatively against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial strains and wash durability. Central composite design and single-factor design have been used in the optimization process, and based on the lowest number of colony-forming units per milliliter, optimized values are selected. The results indicate that optimized extract concentration of 39%, dyeing temperature of 70ºC, alum concentration of 3g/L, MLR of 1:30 (silk) and 1:40 (cotton), and treatment time of 30min (silk) and 40min (cotton) lead to 99.84% and 99.78% bacterial count reduction against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively for dyed cotton fabrics. However, for dyed silk fabrics, a more improved percentage reduction in the bacterial count of 99.88% and 99.83% respectively is realized against both bacterial strains. Retention of the antimicrobial activity of dyed fabrics is found to be more significant even after 5 washes. The fastness properties of rubbing, washing, light, and perspiration for both fabrics range from moderate to excellent.

In vitro Effect of Alum on Microbes Associated with Foliar Phytoplasma Disease of Noni

Foliar phytoplasma disease of Noni (Morinda citrifolia) has a devastating socioeconomic impact on host crop species and a huge problem to farmers and scientists. Therefore, this study investigates the in vitro effect of alum on microorganisms associated with foliar phytoplasma disease (FPD) of Noni. Bacteria and fungi were isolated and identified by culture-dependent technique using standard microbiological procedures and susceptibility of species were evaluated by disc and agar well diffusion techniques and inhibition zones (IZs) were measured in millimeter (mm). The microbes identified were Bacillus subtilis, B. tequilensis, Brevundimonas vesicularis, B. cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia species as well as Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger and Penicillium species. Relative abundance (%) of bacterial species occurred in the order; S. aureus > B. tequilensis > B. cereus and least being Br. vesicularis whereas fungi were A. fumigatus (75%), A. niger and A. flavus (50%) respectively and Penicillium (25%) species. Susceptibility test efficacy of Alum was concentration dependent with Serratia sp. as (6.0mm) and S. aureus (4.0mm) whilst A. flavus (36.0mm), A. fumigatus (32.5mm), Penicillium (30.2mm) and A. niger (30.0mm) at 5.0% Alum concentrations as the largest IZs respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Alum against all the microflora were < 2.0gm/mL except for S. aureus which portends a good future prospects in agronomy. However, the higher concentrations of Alum compared favourably with Ketoconazole (control) but showed wide disparity with Ofloxacin (control). This study, however, may proffer solutions for the prevention and management of FPD or foliar related diseases by periodic spraying or fumigation with Alum.

Coactive impact of a novel multifunctional alum co-adsorbent for dye-sensitized solar cells DSSC

This study investigates how utilizing an environmentally friendly alum dye co-adsorbent impacts the overall performances of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Various alum concentrations were added to anthocyanin-based blackberry dye solutions during the 24-hour dye immersion process. It was discovered that the alum dissolution process increased acidity, intensified the amount of hydroxyl group, and improved TiO2/dye interconnection through the effect of the Al(OH)3 mediator. As an added benefit, alum improved the purity of the dye solution by flocculating the crude impurities apart. Due to these multifunctional features, the photocurrent density (JSC) and the overall power conversion efficiency of the 6-ATDS cell have increased to 9.48 mA/cm−2 and 0.58%, respectively.

Optimasi peningkatan kualitas air sumur gali melalui penggunaan tawas (Aluminium Potassium Sulfate) terhadap Escherichia coli

Background: well water provide water that comes from a layer of soil that is relatively close to the ground surface, therefore it is easily exposed to contamination through seepage. In general, seepage comes from human excreta, latrines or latrines and animals, as well as from well waste itself, either because the floor or the sewerage are not impermeable to water. The condition of construction and the way the well water is drawn can also be a source of contamination, for example wells with open construction and drawing water with a bucket. One of the fecal contamination bacteria found in well water is Escherichia coli. Alum (Aluminum sulfate) is one of anti-microbial.Objective: To determine the effect of alum with concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15% on the amount of Escherichia coli in well waterMethod: explanatory research (explanatory research) which is to explain the relationship between variables through comparison and hypothesis testing, using a quasi experimental design method with the experimental design used in this study is Completely Randomized Design with 3 repetitions.Results: The results of the ANOVA test on the content of E. coli with various concentrations obtained a P value of 0.000 an alpha value of 0.05, indicating that there was a significant difference in the observed concentrations.Conclusion: Alum with concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15% affected the number of Escherichia coli in well water. The higher the concentration of alum, the better in inhibiting the growth of E.coli bacteria in well water.Conclusion: Alum with concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15% affected the number of Escherichia coli in well water. The higher the concentration of alum, the better in inhibiting the growth of E.coli bacteria in well water.

Realizing the potential of humic acid recovery in Norway through chitosan treatment of drinking water

The current movement towards a circular economy has increasingly focused on utilizing materials which were previously considered waste products and converting them into valuable resources. Humus materials, including humic acid, are potentially valuable resources that can be harvested from surface water treatment and used in agricultural applications to increase yield and remediate soil. Humic acid is commonly observed as color in surface water, and in Norway, it is typically removed through coagulation with inorganic salt aluminum sulphate. Although this coagulation method has proven to be very cost-effective, has good performance, is relatively easy to handle and is highly available, it produces substantial amounts of alum sludge. Alum sludge contains a high concentration of alum and many other toxic compounds, like pathogens, organic contaminants, and other heavy metals. To decrease the impact on both human health and the environment, there is a need to use a natural, more sustainable coagulant in surface water treatment processes. Chitosan is a natural substance that has been used successfully as a coagulant in water treatment and is a natural material made from the shells of crustaceans. Chitosan is biodegradable and poses no danger to human health and can be used to filter surface water to remove humic acid without contaminating it. This preserves the potential value of humic acid for use in agriculture as a soil amendment. In this paper, the resource availability of humic acid in Norway is mapped with data from more than 2000 drinking water treatment plants. This is done to identify rich sources of humic acid while a mass balance approach is used to determine how much humic acid can be potentially recovered via chitosan. The results of this paper should be used to identify circular business opportunities which allow for humic acid to be brought back into the natural system, to understand where humic acid is occurring naturally in water sources in Norway, and to investigate how it can be sustainably and efficiently harvested as part of the surface water treatment process.

Effect of Potassium Alum and Carbon Black Nanoparticles on Casted Peo Composite: Phase Angle, Dielectric Constant, Impedance and AC Conductivity

The electrical characteristics of hybrid polymer thin films consisting of conductive carbon black (CB) nanoparticles (0.1wt%) doped in poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) filled with electrolyte potassium alum salt at varied concentrations were studied. For varied potassium alum concentrations and fixed content of conductive carbon black of concentration (0.1 wt. percent), the AC electrical characteristics were studied in the frequency range (3kHz - 5MHz) and temperature range (30 oC - 55 oC). Thin film physical constants such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss, AC conductivity, and impedance have been recorded. These measured amounts were discovered to fluctuate with potassium alum concentration, applied field frequency, and temperature. With increasing potassium alum content, frequency, and temperature, the AC conductivity (ac) increases. Dielectric constant (ε') and dielectric loss (ε'') of the composites increase with potassium alum concentration and decrease with frequency.

Chromium-doped titanium oxide nanotubes grown via one-step anodization for efficient photocathodic protection of stainless steel

Single-step anodization of titanium foils in ethylene glycol based electrolytes , which contain chrome alum (KCr(SO 4 ) 2 ) as the source of chromium, has been used to synthesize chromium doped TiO 2 nanotubes with efficient photocathodic protection of 403 stainless steel. Chrome alum is a non-toxic source of Cr 3+ ions. In addition, the effect of various chrome alum concentrations in the anodizing solution on the photocathodic protection behavior have also been investigated. Chrome alum concentration in the electrolyte affected the performance of the prepared photoelectrodes. The photocurrent density of the best chromium doped TiO 2 nanotube electrode was up to 2.4 times higher than the undoped sample. The open-circuit potential of the synthetic films coupled with 403 stainless steel was shifted to more negative values and provided efficient photocathodic protection of stainless steel under light irradiation. In addition, the light absorption and photoelectrochemical behavior of chromium doped TiO 2 nanotube samples was improved under light irradiation in comparison with undoped TiO 2 nanotubes. • Chromium doped TiO 2 nanotube films were prepared by one-step anodization of titanium. • Chrome alum was used as a non-toxic chromium ion (Cr 3+ ) source. • The effects of various Cr 3+ concentrations on photocathodic protection behavior was studied. • The photocurrent density of chromium doped TiO 2 electrodes was enhanced up to 2.4 times compared to the undoped sample

Effects of Flame Retardant on the Flammability of Treated and Untreated Bagasse Papers

A comparative study of the proximate analysis, fire characteristics, and mechanical properties of the papers produced from pretreated and untreated bagasse was carried out. The bagasse collected was washed, dried, depithed and ground to pass through a 5 mm sieve using an electric milling machine. A portion was pulped without pretreatment, while others were pretreated (acetylation) before pulping and washing. After which different mass (0,2,4,6,8 and 10 g) of potassium aluminum sulphate, KAl(SO4)2.12H2O (alum) as flame retardant was added. The proximate analysis, fire characteristics and mechanical properties were determined. Results show that cellulose content increased with an increase in the concentration of potassium aluminum sulphate, while hemicellulose content increased from 24%-34% for flame retarded paper with 0-10 g concentration of alum. Lignin content also increased from 21.3%-63.2% for flame retarded paper with 0-10 g concentration of alum, respectively. Ash content varied with an increase in the concentration of potassium aluminum sulphate. Results from fire characteristics show that flame propagation and flame duration rate decreased with an increase in the concentration of alum, while ignition time and char formation increased in the concentration of alum. The mechanical properties, tensile strength, modulus and elongation at break were enhanced. Conclusively, pretreatment enhanced the properties of bagasse papers produced.

Determination of Minimum Inhibitory and Fungicidal Concentrations of Potash Alum Against Clinical Isolates of Candida albicans

OBJECTIVE: Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen causing oral candidiasis. Commercially available antifungal agents are effective in eliminating C. albicans, however, their toxicity and high cost are undesirable. Potash Alum is a naturally occurring salt with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Therefore, Potash Alum may be effective against C. albicans. Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro susceptibility of C. albicans to Potash Alum. METHODOLOGY: Swab samples from 19 patients attending the Oral medicine department of Rehman College of Dentistry were transferred to tubes containing Sabouraud Dextrose Broth. After identification of C. albicans by Gram-staining, a solution of 2-5 x 105 CFUs/mL C. albicans was prepared and subjected to MIC and MFC determination by the standard broth microdilution method. Potash alum concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 mg/mL were used. Commercially available Nystatin was used as a positive control. RESULTS: Our results showed that 10 mg/mL of Potash Alum (PA) solution was able to inhibit growth of most of the clinical isolates of C. albicans. In 5 samples, even 5mg/mL was effective in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans. Potash alum demonstrated fungistatic rather than a fungicidal action against C. albicans. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that potash alum has a fungistatic action against C. albicans in vitro. In addition, the optimum in vitro concentration of potash alum solution effective in inhibiting growth of C. albicans was found to be 10mg/mL. KEYWORDS: Candida albicans, potash alum, nystatin, antifungal HOW TO CITE: Irshad M, Younas M, Qureshi AU, Hameed A. Determination of minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations of potash alum against clinical isolates of candida albicans. J Pak Dent Assoc 2020;29(4):235-238.

Adding alum through electrocoagulation with rotating anodes for treating dyes from wastewaters

Dyes from textile wastewater were treated via electrocoagulation (EC) with alum addition. The effects of various operational parameters on the removal efficiency of contaminants in terms of color and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were examined. These parameters included the rotational speed of the anode, current intensity, contact time, initial concentration of dyes, and the amount of added alum (20 mg/L). Moreover, the EC of textile wastewater samples without alum added and with alum added was compared in terms of the pH value, conductivity, and amount of sludge produced. The results indicated that the optimum conditions for treating textile wastewater samples are current intensity: 0.4 A, rotational speed: 20 r.p.m, contact time: 5 min, and amount of alum (concentration: 20 mg/L) added: 5 mL. Under these conditions, the removal efficiency of dye reached 90%, the COD decreased from 240 to 41 mg/L, and the final pH of the wastewater was 7.29. These COD values indicated that the wastewater can be directly discharged into the water bodies, in accordance with Egyptian law. During the EC method, the addition of alum in very limited amounts has improved the conductivity as well as the efficiency of removing the contaminants; however, it reduced the final pH. Moreover, the addition of alum has also reduced the period of treatment to a quarter of the required time, hence saving more electrical energy. In this regard, the regression analysis was employed to develop a prediction model for the dye removal. The determination coefficient of the Excel model was (R2 = 0.908) and a determination coefficient was given by the ANN model as follows: (R2 = 0.928).