Date Kernels Research Articles

Efficiency of the TEMJOUHERT date palm kernel as activated carbon in wastewater treatment for the Ghardaia region

This study aims to determine the potential for using activated carbon prepared by local agricultural waste for the treatment of wastewater loaded with organic pollutants. The activated carbon was prepared by chemical activation using phosphoric acid H3PO4 at an “85%” concentration, from local date kernels TEMJOUHERT (TMG) from the Ghardaïa region, Algeria. The activated carbon synthesis yield is equal to 28.56%. The adsorbent prepared was characterized by determining its physical and chemical characteristics, in particular the bulk density, the ash content, the iodine number, the surface functions by the Boehm method and the pH at the point of zero charge. Thus the textural properties are determined by scanning electron microscopy SEM and the Burnauer-emmett-Teller (BET). The surface area and micropore volumes of activated carbon TMG; were found to be 639.9190 m2/g and 0.420779 cm3/g respectively. All the results obtained from the treatment of wastewater from the Atteuf "kef doukhane area in the Ghardaia region. are clear that: the best pollutant removal rates are 84.75% for PO3-4; 85.21% for COD and 74.55% for NH4+ by activated carbons; using a mass of 1g of adsorbent per 100 ml of water, 90 min contact time and 250rpm stirring speed.

Date kernel biochar: A green approach to methylene blue removal from polluted water in Iraq

ABSTRACT This study investigated the potential use of biochar produced from Iraqi date kernels (Khestawi) as an adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) removal from polluted water. A full factorial design methodology was employed to examine the effects of heating rate, pyrolysis temperature and holding time on the performance of the produced biochar. The results showed that pyrolysis temperature and time had a strong effect on the biochar performance, while the heating rate had a weaker effect. The biochar produced at pyrolysis temperatures of 350°C and 550°C exhibited MB removal percentages (% R) of 48.9% and 30.9%, respectively. Similarly, biochar production through pyrolysis durations of 30 and 90 minutes resulted in MB removal rates of 47.5% and 30.3%, respectively. The adsorption experimental data was well-fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model, with a high value of the Freundlich constant (KF = 1.64), indicating a high adsorption capacity of the biochar. The activation of biochar using bio-oil (organic-1) led to a substantial enhancement in the adsorption capacity, with the activated biochar (ABC-1) exhibiting a higher adsorption capability and a higher value of the Freundlich constant (KF = 7.12). Overall, the results suggest that biochar produced from date kernels has the potential as an effective and sustainable adsorbent for MB removal from polluted water, with the potential for further enhancement through biochar activation.

The effect of date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties on bioactive compounds, phenolic constituents, fatty acids and element contents of date seed and oils

AbstractIn this study, the oil amounts, bioactive components, fatty acid profiles and element quantities of the date kernels (Osailah, Rothanh Qassim, Rushudiah, Nabtat‐Ali, Sbakah) were determined. The oil quantities of the date seeds were altered to be between 3.50 (Osailah) and 5.55% (Nabtat‐Ali). The total phenolic quantities of the seeds were assigned to be between 330.83 (Rothanh Qassim) to 365.42 mg GAE/100 g (Osailah) while antioxidant activities of date seeds are assessed to be between 13.89 (Rothanh Qassim) and 38.74% (Nabtat‐Ali). The total flavonoid quantities of the date seeds were displayed to be between 4824.83 (Osailah) and 9133.17 mg/100 g (Sbakah). The (+)‐ Catechin and 1,2‐dihydroxy benzene quantities of the date seeds were established to be between 75.01 (Rothanh Qassim) and 186.02 mg/100 g (Sbakah) to 67.43 (Rothanh Qassim) and 199.89 mg/100 g (Sbakah), respectively. Oleic acid amounts of the seed oils were altered to be between 45.89 (Rothanh Qassim) and 52.55% (Nabtat‐Ali). K, P, S, Ca and Mg were the key minerals of the date seeds. Considering the bioactive components, polyphenol contents, fatty acid composition and mineral content of date kernels, it is thought that date kernel powders can be added to some foods as a food supplement.

The selection of an appropriate concrete mixture for casting a pile cap in hot weather using 3D finite element model

In this study, the finite element model (FEM) was developed to select an appropriate concrete mixture for a large heavily reinforced bridge pile cap located in Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The pile cap with dimensions of 9 m x 9 m in plan and 1.8 m in depth was exposed to hot weather conditions in summer season. The heat of hydration in mass concrete results in high temperature gradients across the depth of the concrete creating excessive thermal stresses resulting in micro-cracking at the surface. The concrete mixtures with 30% date kernels ash, 30% fly ash, 30% natural pozzolan, 30% limestone powder, 30% ground granulated slag and 60% ground granulated slag were investigated. The experimental investigations were conducted on the concrete mixtures to determine the mechanical properties, such as tensile and compressive strength, thermal properties, such as thermal conductivity, specific heat, and thermal resistivity, and heat of hydration. The chemical compositions of ordinary Portland cement, date kernels ash, fly ash, natural pozzolan, limestone powder and ground granulated slag were analyzed using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). Based on the experimental and finite element model results, the concrete mixtures with 30% fly ash (FA), 30% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and 60% GGBFS were found to be less prone to cracking. Notably, the mixture with 60% GGBFS demonstrated the lowest likelihood of cracking, leading to its selection for casting the pile cap.

Physicochemical characterization and antioxidant capacity of the extracted oil from date pits and its effect on storage stability of margarine

Background and aims: The present work deals with the valorization of the date kernel oil of Mech-Degla variety by assessment of its physicochemical and antioxidant properties as well as its use in the formulation of margarine. Methods: Kernels’ oil was extracted using Soxhlet method and its total phenolic (TP), flavonoid and carotenoid contents and DPPH• scavenging activity were estimated using colorimetric assays. After that, this oil was incorporated into margarine. The determined physicochemical parameters were the pH, the salt content, the solid content, the melting point, and the peroxide index. Finally, the elaborated margarine's oxidative stability was evaluated by the Rancimat test. Results: The yield of fat in the extracted oil was 9.84 ± 1.45% and the amount of TP, flavonoids and carotenoids were 112.92 ± 26.57 mg gallic acid equivalent /kg of oil, 15.7 ± 0.7 mg quercetin equivalent/kg of oil and 125.534 ± 0.109 mg β-carotene equivalent/kg of oil, respectively. As regards the anti-DPPH effect, the cold and hot date kernel oil extracts exhibited a moderate capacity by reducing 55.91% and 30%of the free radicals, respectively. After that, table enriched margarine has been industrially elaborated at the Cevital agri-food complex by adding 50 and 100 ppm of date kernel oil. Texture of this margarine was plastic and easy to spread, with an acceptable color and a brilliant and homogeneous appearance. At 37 °C, the solid fat content (SFC) index is lower than 6%, which attested that this margarine melts easily in the mouth. The physicochemical characteristics of the formulated product were also assessed and demonstrated that its pH value was 4.2, its peroxide value was 0.32 meq of O2/Kg of margarine and its melting point was 36.0°C. It was also revealed using the rancimat test that the margarine enriched in date kernel oil proved to be more resistant to oxidation, than the control one. Conclusions: Date kernel oil can be used as a natural additive to enrich table margarine without affecting its properties while improving its oxidation stability. Keywords: Date kernels oil, antioxidant activity, margarine formulation, physicochemical characteristics, oxidative stability.

Effect of date kernels treated in various ways fed to broilers in dilution on some productive traits.

This experiment was conducted at the poultry field, Agricultural Research and Experiments Station, College of Agriculture and the Marshes, Thi Qar University, from 11/1/2021 to 12/12/2021 to determine the effect of diluting the feed with date kernels treated in different ways on some productive traits of broilers. A total of 270, one day, 40 gm chicks of Rose-308 were used. Chicks were randomly distributed to the five experimental treatments with three replicates (18 birds for each replicate); the diets were provided from the beginning of the second week until the end of the sixth week. The treatments were as follows: T1: Standard control diet (without dilution); T2: control diet diluted by 20% regular date seed pods for 7-42 days; T3: basal diet diluted with 20% date kernels, cooked for 7-42 days; T4: basal diet diluted with 20% vinegar-treated seed for 7-42 days; T5: basal diet diluted by 20% seed germinated for 7-42 days. The results indicated a significant improvement when diluting the feed with date kernel powder compared to the control treatment in all the studied productive traits; the dilution of feed with cultivar date kernel powder gave the best results in a significant way compared to the other treatments. Keywords: feeding dilution, date kernels, productive traits, broilers.

Recycling of date kernel powder (DKP) in mass concrete for mitigating heat generation and risk of cracking at an early age

Mass concrete in many structural and non-structural applications is prone to early age cracking and chemo-damage from the exothermic hydration reactions of the cement binder. Date kernels are a waste product generated in large quantities in the date processing industry in the Middle East, North Africa and other countries worldwide. The use of calcined date kernel powder (DKP) as a mineral admixture in concrete to reduce the heat of hydration and temperature rise in mass concrete is a novel idea for which no prior research has been condcuted. A combined experimental and numerical investigation was conducted to assess the performance of DKP as a heat-reducing material in mass concrete. Concrete mixes with 10%, 20% and 30% DKP replacing cement and similar mixes with fly ash (FA) were investigated for evolution of mechanical and thermal properties and the adiabatic heat of hydration. 3D finite element models of mass concrete blocks 2mx2mx2m in size were validated using the data obtained from similar blocks in field instrumented with thermocouples. The 3D FE model was subsequently used to predict the heat of hydration, temperature rise and cracking index of a mass concrete block with 30% DKP powder. Experimental results showed a significant reduction in the heat of hydration in DKP concrete, with levels comparable to the FA concrete without a significant impact of strength properties. The DKP waste material has a strong potential for reducing heat of hydration in mass concrete structures, thereby promoting waste utilization, recycling and sustainability.

EFFICIENCY OF SOME CHEAP MATERIALS IN REMOVING SOME HEAVY METALS

Investigation tests showed the susceptibility of bacterial isolates (Leuconostoc mesenteroids spp.mesenteroids ATCC829, Leuconostoc mesenteroids, Leuconostoc mesenteroids ssp.dextranicum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamosus GG, Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroids) to biofilm formation using titration microplates. In removing metals, it was chosen in conducting subsequent experiments, and the live mass of the two isolates Lactobacillus casei and Leuconostoc mesenteroids showed better retention of lead, cadmium, and cobalt than the biofilm of which it is composed. The results of restriction using multiple materials (sodium alginate, white sand, glass sand, sugar cane residues, activated carbon, Orbeez balls, silica gel, sponge, sunflower seed husks, date kernels, and coconut residues) showed positive results in the removal process. The restriction of adsorption-efficient bacterial cells using Orbeez balls and silica gel was shown to be the best substrate compared to other restrictive substrates

Energy Performance Improvement of a Solar Still System Using Date and Olive Kernels: Experimental Study

AbstractCurrently, solar distillation systems are used to contribute to solving the fresh water supply deficiency problem in some desert and rural areas. The present outdoor experimental work aims to improve the energy performance of a solar still installed in a semi‐arid region. Experiments are performed using three solar distillers (a reference system, a distiller with date kernels, and one with olive kernels). The integration effect of two kernel types date and olive with different concentrations in the range of 300–600 g kernels per 5 L on the hourly and cumulus water production, and thermal and exergy efficiencies are analyzed. The results show that, for the same kernel mass concentration, the system with olive kernel is more effective than that with date kernels; moreover, compared to the reference system, cumulus water production of these systems at a mass concentration of 500 g kernels per 5 L is higher by ≈226% and 176%, respectively. At a concentration of 500 g kernels per 5 L, the average daily thermal efficiency of the solar still with olive kernels and that with date kernels is 38.01% and 30.7%, respectively, and their daily average exergy efficiency is 8.4% and 3.1%, respectively.

Investigating the Potential Use of Date Kernel Ash (DKA) as a Partial Cement Replacement in Concrete.

The palm and date sector is one of the most important sectors in Saudi Arabia. The total number of fertile palm trees in Saudi Arabia is about 31 million. In the production of pitted dates, date molasses, date paste, and date confectionery, a considerable number of date kernels are usually discarded as waste. This study reports experimental investigations conducted to evaluate the potential of waste date kernel ash (DKA), obtained by the calcination of date pits at 800 °C, as a partial cement replacement in concrete. DKA has low silica oxide and does not qualify as a pozzolanic material. The effect of DKA partially replacing the cement and acting as a filler material in concrete was investigated, and its properties were compared with two pozzolanic materials, fly ash (FA) and natural pozzolan (NP). Twelve concrete mixes in which cement was replaced with different proportions of calcined DKA (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30%), NP (10%, 20%, and 30%), and FA (10%, 20%, and 30%) were investigated in the experimental program. The properties of DKA, FA, and NP concrete mixes were evaluated in fresh and hardened states, including the heat of hydration, mechanical characteristics, and thermal properties. The results show that replacing cement with 5% date kernel ash increases the compressive strength by 0.42%, 3.2%, and 2.5% at 3, 7, and 28 days, respectively, while the 28-day compressive strength decreases by 2.4%, 5.4%, 16.3%, and 26.69% when the cement is replaced with 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30% DKA, respectively. Date kernel ash concrete mixes with 10%, 20%, and 30% replacement levels demonstrated higher compressive and tensile strengths and lower thermal conductivity, density, and workability when compared to natural pozzolan and fly ash. DKA is a promising partial cement replacement material; nevertheless, additional research is required to assess the durability of DKA in concrete.

Evaluation the Effects of Administration Iraqi Dates Kernels Oil (sayer) and Malaysian Palm Kernel Oil on Some Blood Parameters in Pregnant and Lactated Female Rats

The present study evaluates the effect of the extraction of Iraqi Date kernels oil (Sayer), and Malaysian palm oil on some. Haematological parameters during later gestation and lactation periods of female rats. The Iraqi palm kernel oil was collected and extracted using the Soxhlet, and the pure Malaysian kernel oil was purchased from Malaysia. The study was divided into two experiments; the first included 15 pregnant females at gestation days 17-19 divided into a first control group of late pregnancy and a second later pregnant administration with 150μL of IDKO, the third subgroup of later pregnancy administration with 150μL of MPKO. The second experiment, lactating was done on lactated mothers from one day of parturition until weaning day, divided into three subgroups: first control group second group lactated mother administration with groups compared with control groups. The parameters: RBC, Hb, PCV, platelets, and basophils increased significantly, and MCH, MCHC, MCV decreased significantly in IDKO and MPKO groups than control in the first experiment (17-19) GD. WBC count increased significantly in IDKO group than control and MPKO while lymphocytes decreased and neutrophils increased in MKPO group. The result from lactating study report that RBC count Hb, PCV, MCV, and MCH did not change significantly in all groups, while lymphocyte decreased. MCHC AND neutrophil increased IN IDKO and MPKO. In contrast, platelets and eosinophils increased significantly, and WBC s count and monocyte decreased in the IDKO group than control and MPKO group; WBCs and basophils elevated in MPKO more than in the control and IDKO. Conclusion: the administration of IDKO or MPKO supported and maintained hemopoietic tissue in pregnant and lactation states.

Effect of feed dilution the with date kernels treated in different ways on some blood traits of broiler

This experiment was conducted at the poultry field, Agricultural Research and Experiments Station, College of Agriculture and the Marshes, Thi Qar University, from 11/1/2021 to 12/12/2021, to determine the effect of diluting the feed with date kernels treated in different ways on some productive traits of broilers. A total of 270, one day, 40 gm chicks of Rose-308 were used. Chicks were randomly distributed to the five experimental treatments with three replicates (18 birds for each replicate), the diets were provided from the beginning of the second week until the end of the sixth week. The treatments were as follows: T1: Standard control diet (without dilution); T2: control diet diluted by 20% regular date seed pods for 7-42 days; T3: basal diet diluted with 20% date kernels, cooked for 7-42 days; T4: basal diet diluted with 20% vinegar-treated seed for 7-42 days; T5: basal diet diluted by 20% seed germinated for 7-42 days. The results indicated a significant increase on the cellular blood characteristics (Red Blood Cell Count, White Blood Cell Count, Hemoglobin concentration and the Packed Cell volume) in all dilution treatments with date kernel powder, whether treated or untreated. A significant increase on the concentration of albumin, globulin and total protein with a significant decrease in the concentration of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides in the dilution treatments with date kernel powder compared to the control treatment.

Evaluation of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and organ-specific effects of activated carbon from Al-Baha date palm kernels

BackgroundActivated carbon (AC) is a carbonaceous material derived from carbonization and activation of carbon-containing compounds at high temperature and has a large surface area, providing it with excellent adsorption properties. Human exposure to ACs via ingestion is increasing and, unfortunately, there is little to no evidence related to its level of toxicity Materials and methodsActivated carbon of powdered date kernels from Al-Baha city in Saudi Arabia were used to treat rats and cell lines (HepG2 and HCT-116). Toxicity, microbiological tests and biochemical analyses were carried out to investigate biological activity of both commercially available AC (CAC), pharmaceutical AC (PAC) and AC from date palm kernels (AAC) ResultsNone of the ACs showed activity on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Protius mirabilis and Escherichia coli. AAC showed the most cytotoxic effect on both HCT-116 and HepG2 cell lines after 24 h, with IC50 of 48.7 ± 17.2 µg/ml and 51 ± 6.24 µg/ml respectively. Rats treated with AAC for 48 h showed no impairment of hepatic and renal functions, unlike those exposed to CAC and PAC. Similarly, AAC-exposed rats did not show oxidative stress in both the liver and kidneys while CAC and PAC exposure resulted in depletion of CAT, GPx, SOD and GSH in both organs. L-arginase and α-fucosidase expression were also induced by both PAC and CAC while α-fucosidase levels were unaffected in AAC-exposed rats ConclusionAAC appears to be biologically safe compared with PAC and CAC due to its antioxidant activities and non-effect on both hepatic and renal functions.

Evaluation of date kernel powder (DKP) for potential use as setting and hydration retarder in concrete

The setting time of concrete is a major determinant of its workability. Increasing the water-binder ratio leads to improve workability, but concomitantly reduces the strength of concrete. Retarding admixtures are generally used to delay the setting time of concrete, especially in hot weather. Date kernels is one of the major waste product generated in Saudi Arabia and Middle east and utilization of date kernel powder (DKP) in concrete and other applications have been investigated with limited success. In this paper, results of an experimental investigation conducted to evaluate the potential of DKP as a setting retarder in concrete are presented. The cement was replaced by DKP at different replacement levels (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%) and different dosages of the commercial retarder were used (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%). The effect of DKP and the commercial retarder on heat of hydration, thermal properties (thermal conductivity, resistivity and specific heat capacity), slump, density, compressive and tensile strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity were investigated. The results showed that DKP had a significant effect on delaying the initial and final setting time of concrete and decreasing the evolution of heat of hydration and peak temperature when the DKP replacement quantities increased. However, the replacement of cement with DKP at a dosage greater than 2% resulted in a significant decrease in the compressive and tensile strength of the concrete. The density of the DKP concrete, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and ultrasonic pulse velocity also decreased with increasing DKP dosage. The commercial retarder, on the other hand, had no significant effect on any of the measured properties.

Investigation of the Coffea Arabica substitution with roasted date seed on Physicochemical and sensory properties of coffee brew

Introduction: Date seeds (also known as pits and kernel) are among the most important wastes which are generated during direct consumption or from the date processing industries. Despite the presence of several nutrients and bioactive compounds and their subsequent beneficial health effects, these by-products are frequently discarded to use as soil fertilizer or as feed for livestock. Roasting opens a cost effective way to include date seed in the human diet. The aqueous extract of roasted date seed represented a coffee-like beverage. Date seed coffee has a relatively low acceptance among consumers and is usually supplemented with a variety of additives to improve the taste. Therefore, due to rising the global coffee price, in the present study, we aimed to substitute Arabica beans with roasted date seeds in order to make a coffee beverage similar to Coffea Arabica boiled coffee brew.Materials and Methods: Coffea Arabica and roasted date seeds were obtained from local markets and 10 grams of powder (100% Arabica coffee (A100), 100% date kernels (D100) or a mixture of Arabica coffee powder and date seeds in proportions of 10 (D10), 35 (D35), 50% (D50) of date seed) was brewed using 100 ml of boiling distilled water. The brewed coffees were examined in terms of lipid, protein, caffeine, acrylamide, total phenol and total flavonoids content. Other parameters including color, viscosity, pH, DPPH and FRAP assays followed by sensorial evaluation were evaluated, as well.Results and Discussion: Substitution with roasted date seed resulted in lower lipids, protein and caffeine of coffee brews as the values were decreased from 330.67, 956.75, 76.51 mg/100 mL in Coffea Arabica (100%) to 192.61, 149.00, 45.59 mg/100 in date seed coffee (100%), respectively. Higher amounts of date seed also resulted in lower pH and acrylamide content. Accordingly, pH was decreased from 5.7 in D100 to 4.4 in A100. Acrylamide content was attenuated from 5.06 µg/100 mL in A100 to 1.71 µg/100 mL in D100. Reduction in viscosity was also observed from 0.93 (A100) to 0.86 mPa.s (D100). The mean value of the color parameter including L*, a* and b* in the 100% Coffea Arabica brew was more than the 100% date seed coffee, which indicated that the coffees brewed from date seeds in different proportions were brighter and had higher red and yellow color parameters. Substitution with date seed had less effect on the total phenol content as TPC of coffees ranged from 28 to 42 mg/100 mL for 100% date seeds brew and Coffea Arabica brew, respectively. On the other hand, the flavonoid content (TFC) of coffees was significantly affected by the amount of date seeds (5 to75 mg/100 mL for 100% date seeds and Coffea Arabica brew, respectively). All brews have high antioxidant activity. For DPPH the highest results (88/9 %) were obtained in the coffee brewed from 100% date seeds, while the FRAP value it was vice versa. The results of sensory evaluation indicated a high similarity among A100 and D10 coffees as parameters such as aroma, color and texture (concentration) of coffee were evaluated appropriate. The results also showed that substituting Coffea Arabica up to 35% with roasted date seeds can improve the overall acceptance of the coffee brews by reducing bitterness.Conclusion: In general, the ability to replace Coffea Arabica with date seeds up to 10 and 35% was reported acceptable in terms of sensory characteristics, as the color and aroma were similar to 100% Coffea Arabica. Besides that due to reduced bitterness, the overall acceptance were almost high.

Effect of feed dilution the with date kernels treated in different ways on some blood traits of broiler

Effect of feed dilution the with date kernels treated in different ways on some blood traits of broiler

Natural minerals as potential catalysts for the pyrolysis of date kernels: effect of catalysts on products yield and bio-oil quality

ABSTRACT An increasing attention is being paid for the production of bio-oil especially in the countries that suffer from the lack of energy resources such as Jordan. The aim of this study is to investigate the catalytic effect of Jordanian minerals on the pyrolysis of date kernels. Experiments are carried out in a lab-scale externally heated-tubular reactor. The experiments are conducted at a fixed catalyst-to-feed ratio at 5 wt%, heating rate of 100°C/min and a final temperature of 500°C. The study investigated the performance of the considered catalysts on pyrolytic product yields and bio-oil quality. Results showed that oil shale ash produced the highest bio-oil yield (44.0 wt%), and zeolitic tuff produced the highest gas yield (138.1 ml/g-feed). The investigated catalysts altered the chemical composition of bio-oil. The produced bio-oil when using the zeolitic tuff as a catalyst possessed the best properties in terms of acidity and stability.

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The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the electron beam (beam) and low-pressure steam (steam) treatments on the nutritional value of date kernel powder for ruminants. At first, date kernel powders were irradiated with the beam at doses of 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 KGy. A part of the irradiated date kernels was then treated with steam (134 ᵒC, 40 min.). Digestion and fermentation of date kernel powder were measured using gas production and two-step digestion techniques. Compared to the control, beam or steam resulted in a decrease in NDF and ADF percentages (P<0.05), a significant increase in potential and rate of gas production, partitioning factor, truly degradable organic matter, and in vitro digestibility of dry matter, NDF, and ADF of date kernel (P<0.05), and the 100 KGy had the best performance (P<0.05). Overall, the treatment with steam or electron beam alone improved the nutritional value of the date kernel, but treatment with steam after beam did not have a positive additive effect. Therefore, the results of the present experiment indicate that beam alone has a great capacity for improving the nutritional value of the date kernel, and the use of steam after the beam has failed to make more improvement.

SCoT-marker analysis of Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) and stored date kernels of Phoenix dactylifera (L.) fumigated with ozone and phosphine gases

• Oryzaephilus surinamensis mostly disseminate in grains, causing losses in crops. • Date crops in the storage are the main target of many insects. • The use of ozone in pest control is considered a safe alternative to pesticides. • Pest control with ozone, provides a requirement for food safety and security. • Mutational effects on insect are easily monitored by SCoT markers. Oryzaephilus surinamensis, a common grain product pest around the world, particularly causing great damage and losses to the date crops available in the storage. It has been traditionally resisted by using organic pesticides despite suspicions of their harmful effects on dates. This study aimed at the evaluation of the usage of ozone gas as an effective pesticide and also focuses on the safety alternatives provided by the respective method as compared to the usage of phosphine as a pesticide. While studying the ozone effects, the O. surinamensis was exposed to the gas for a variety of time scales (2, 4 and 6 h), distinctly for every life stages of the insect such as egg, larva and adults, infested the Phoenix dactylifera L date palm species present in the Siwa oasis. The obtained results showed that the adult insects had high resistance to ozone gas, while the larvae and egg stages were less resistant. The reduction rate of vital insect was 100% in all stages. Start codon analysis of DNA also showed that there are some SCoT primers can be identified and differentiated between the different treatments and control. On the other hand, the percentage of polymorphisms in insects was 50% while in date kernels 25% by six SCoT primers used. This study highlighted higher efficacy and safety regarding the usage of ozone gas in effectively controlling the manifestation of O. Surinamensis and thereby reducing the loss of stored date crops as compared to the phosphine.

Possibility of Removing Phosphates from Activated Charbon Made from Date Kernels

Phosphates in natural waters and whatever their origin, promote the formation of algae, reduce dissolved oxygen and reduce biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. At high doses, phosphate salts can cause health problems. The objective of our study was to develop a simple, efficient and environmentally friendly sorption depollution technique on available and inexpensive media. We have studied the adsorption of phosphate on activated carbons prepared from date kernels. Batch tests were carried out in order to study different operating parameters such as the effect of contact time, pH, initial phosphate concentration and adsorbent dosage and adsorption kinetic. The sorption equilibrium was analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich isotherms model. Results show that the phosphate adsorption was reversible and the quantity adsorbed reached its maximum value (14.49 mg/g) after 40 minutes. It was also found that phosphate uptake was affected by variation of pH, initial concentration of phosphate and activated carbon dosage. The adsorption improved with an acidic pH (pH = 6), initial concentration and adsorbent dosage. The results of kinetic studies revealed that adsorption phosphate on activated carbon based on date kernels (Biocar) and the intra-particle diffusion involved in the adsorption mechanism. Also, isotherm study showed that Langmuir isotherm best fit the data and the adsorption was a physical type.