Decrease In Turbidity Research Articles

Characterization of a Peptidoglycan-Degrading Protein: Biochemical and Antimicrobial Characteristics, Antibiotic Synergism, and Delivery System Innovation.

The global health threat posed by antibiotic resistance has led to new research involving bacteriophage-encoded enzymes. This study characterized a new peptidoglycan-degrading protein and evaluated its synergism with colistin and its antimicrobial efficacy when conjugated with polycationic-polymer nanoparticles. The gene that codes for endolysin in the vB_PaeM_USP2, a Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophage, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant endolysin (rEnd2) was purified and its biochemical properties were determined using peptidoglycan substrate. The enzymatic activity was measured through peptidoglycan layer degradation and a decrease in turbidity of permeabilized Gram-negative bacteria. The antimicrobial activity of rEnd2, alone and in combination with colistin, was evaluated by checkerboard assay. The antibacterial activity of the cationic lipid oleylamine (OAM) conjugated with rEnd2 (OAM-rEnd2) was evaluated by time killing assay. The rEnd2 is structurally analogue with other endolysins and showed muramidase activity. The rEnd2 maintained higher activity between pH 6.0 to 7.5, had maximum activity at 35 °C, and was not affected by chaotropic and reducing reagents. It was sensitive to an increase in surfactant concentration, being inactivated by sodium dodecyl sulfate and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. Ions exhibited neither a positive nor a negative effect on enzyme activity. The rEnd2 showed clear muralytic activity and decreased turbidity of permeabilized Gram-negative bacteria. However, it did not control bacterial growth despite the combination with an antibiotic and its complexation with polycation (OAM-rEnd2 nanoparticle conjugate). The rEnd2 did not show clear antimicrobial activity suggesting further optimization of conditions for its activity or engineering and modification.

KINETIC AND THERMODYNAMIC ADSORPTION STUDIES ON THE REMOVAL AND TREATMENT OF TEXTILES EFFLUENTS USING ACTIVATED CARBON DERIVED FROM DIOSPYROS MESPILLIFORMIS SEEDS.

An agricultural waste Diospyros mespiliformis seeds were treated, and activated with 30% of 0.3M sodium hydroxide base, to obtain an activated carbon employed in an adsorption process. It was utilize to treat effluent textile water sample from African Textile Manufacturers Limited in Dala, Kano State, Nigeria. Various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and proximate analysis were employed to investigate the adsorption process. The adsorbent was able to remove the dark red color to colorless found in textile effluents and shown a higher removal affinity for zinc ( 99.4%) and least affinity for nickel (0.11%), also Chromium (Cr) reduced by 39.4%, Copper (Cu) reduced by 20.9%, Iron (Fe) reduced by 91.9% , Manganese (Mg) reduced by 79.3%, are reduced significantly, the PH change from acidic PH 6.4 to neutral PH 7.1, turbidity decrease from 131 to 14 NTU , electrical conductivity change from 723 to 110 ?s·cm?1 .Diospyros mespiliformis seeds activated carbon was used for removal of congo red and malachite green from an aqueous solution. The effect of adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration and contact time on the process of adsorption was investigated. The optimum dosage was found to be 0.5g had a percentage removal of 98.1% for congo red and 94.4% for malachite green. 10mg/l and 80minute was found to optimum concentration and optimum time in adsorption of congo red and malachite green. The equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the dyes removal were also investigated. The experimental data were modeled using linear regression method of analysis. The correlation coefficient was used as a criterion for model adequacy and acceptance. The pseudo second-order kinetic model was found to best correlate the experimental data with R2 of 0.9523 for CR and 0.9297 for MG. The experimental data were investigated at three different temperature, 305k, 325k and 335k were found to follow the Langmuir model with R2 of 0.9679, 0.9662 and 0.989 for CR and 0.9529, 0.9662 and 0.994 for MG. also were found to follow Temkinp model with with R2 of 0.9549, 0.9318 and 0.9952for CR and 0.9885, 0.9443 and 0.9209 for MG. The negative free gribbs energy indicated that the adsorption processes were spontaneously feasible. The positive values of +31.66KJ/mol and +92.3KJ/mol on both CR and MG indicate that adsorption process has been found to be endothermic in nature. The removal of congo red was found to be more spontaneous and feasible than the removal of malachite green on the adsorbent. From the study, it was deduced that the Diospyros mespiliformis seeds activated with sodium hydroxide was found to be a good adsorbent for the treatment of textile wastewater containing Congo red and Malachite green.

The benthic nepheloid layer in the offshore waters of the Great Lakes and its post-dreissenid disappearance

Prior to the appearance of Dreissena, pronounced benthic nepheloid layers (BNL) near the bottom characterized by elevated levels of both turbidity and total phosphorus (TP), were a consistent and extensive feature of the offshore, stratified waters of all the Laurentian Great Lakes, except Lake Superior. In recent (2010–2019) years, the BNL has disappeared from all areas except for central Lake Erie, where only a small decrease in bottom turbidity has occurred. All stratified regions which exhibited a pre-Dreissena BNL, including central Lake Erie, experienced substantial post-Dreissena reductions in near-bottom TP, although the forms of phosphorus (particulate or soluble) responsible for these reductions have varied from lake to lake. Notably, the arrival of Dreissena at offshore sites was not accompanied by an increase in soluble phosphorus. Initiation of changes in the BNL almost invariably preceded appearance of Dreissena in the offshore, suggesting both that dreissenid impacts on the reductions in the BNL were largely remote, and by extension that the source of the BNL was also at least in part remote. Previous researchers’ estimates of the importance of the benthic pool of phosphorus to offshore water column concentration suggest that the post-invasion reductions in bottom phosphorus during the stratified season could be contributing to the offshore oligotrophication of the lakes.

Predicting and evaluating seasonal water turbidity in Lake Balkhash, Kazakhstan, using remote sensing and GIS

Lake Balkhash is Asia’s third-largest lake and an endorheic basin. The lake and its contributing tributaries provide essential water and ecosystem services to the surrounding population, particularly in the Kazakh region. With approximately 2.5 million people living in the areas such as Almaty oblast, Zhetisu oblast, several districts of Karagandy oblast, and Abay province, monitoring and maintaining the lake’s health and water quality is essential for the sustainable management of water resources. The hydrology of Lake Balkhash has been significantly impacted in recent decades by a warming climate, landuse landcover changes, and water-consuming economic activities, the latter of which are driven by population growth and expansion. Turbidity—the measurement of water clarity—serves as a major indicator of water health. Here, we analyze spatial and temporal variability in turbidity across Lake Balkhash by mapping the normalized difference turbidity index (NDTI) based on Landsat data for 1991–2022. We consider major exploratory variables such as precipitation, near-surface temperature, wind speed and direction, water level, and landuse landcover (LULC) within the catchment. We find an overall decrease in turbidity over interannual and seasonal timescales. We observe significant negative correlations between NDTI, near-surface temperature, and water level at both scales but no clear relationship between turbidity and precipitation or wind variables. Among the LULC variables, grassland and bareland near Lake Balkhash showed a positive correlation with NDTI but have spatially decreased over time. Conversely, shrubland and wetland exhibit a negative correlation with NDTI; however, this has spatially increased with time. Our results highlight the significant impact of rising temperatures, anthropogenically influenced water levels, and the LULC variables on turbidity. The turbidity dynamics, in turn, influence the circulation, oxidation, and overall health of Lake Balkhash’s water. Therefore, the study emphasizes that the warming climate and alterations in the lake’s hydrology have a considerable impact on water quality. This suggests that monitoring water health alone may not suffice to mitigate the impacts of climate change and human activities. However, a more comprehensive approach is needed to sustainably manage and conserve dryland water resources.

Modification mechanism of soybean protein isolate-soluble soy polysaccharide complex by EGCG through covalent and non-covalent interaction: Structural, interfacial, and functional properties

Soybean protein isolate was modified with polysaccharides and polyphenols to prepare a natural emulsifier with antioxidant capacity. Physicochemical, structural, interfacial, and functional properties of SPI-SSPS complex were investigated after covalent and non-covalent interacted with EGCG. SPI-SSPS-EGCG ternary complex with low EGCG concentrations (0.0625 and 0.125 mg/mL) showed a significant increase in absolute potential value and a decrease in turbidity. EGCG destroyed the original rigid structure of SPI-SSPS complex, and the covalent complexes had an ordered structure, while the non-covalent interaction resulted in disordered. The ternary complex with high EGCG concentrations (0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL) exhibited stronger EGCG binding capacity and lower surface hydrophobicity, which in turn affected its interfacial properties. The EAI and ESI of SPI-SSPS-EGCG covalent complex increased significantly, while the non-covalent complex had a significant change in EAI but no significant change in ESI with increasing EGCG concentration. The ternary complex showed significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity. The SPI-SSPS-EGCG ternary complex, with excellent antioxidant capacity and emulsifying property, making it suitable for emulsion delivery systems.

Two novel bacteriophages isolated from the environment that can help control activated sludge foaming.

Nocardia spp., which belongs to one of the Nocardio-form filamentous bacteria, is usually surface hydrophobic and when overproduced attaches to the surface of bubbles under the action of surfactants, allowing the stable presence of foam on the surface of aeration tanks, leading to the occurrence of sludge-foaming events. Two novel phages, P69 and KYD2, were isolated from the environment, and their hosts were Nocardia transvalensis and Nocardia carnea, respectively. These two phages are Siphophages-like with long tails. An aeration tank pilot plant was constructed in the laboratory to simulate sludge foaming, and these two strains of phage were applied. Compared with the reactor not dosed with phage, the application of phage could reduce the host level in the reactor, resulting in the highest decrease in turbidity by more than 68% and sludge volume index by more than 25%. The time for surface foam disappearance was 9h earlier than that of the control group (the group with the same concentration of Nocardia carnea but no bacteriophage applied), significantly improving water quality. The phage can effectively inhibit the propagation of Nocardia in the actual sludge-foaming event, control the sludge foaming, and improve the effluent quality. It provides a novel and relatively economical solution for controlling sludge foaming in sewage treatment plants in the future, shows that the phages have potential application value in the prevention and control of Nocardia, and provides another way to control the sludge-foaming event caused by the excessive reproduction of Nocardia in the future.

Pemanfaatan Limbah Fly Ash Sebagai Koagulan Dalam Pengolahan Air Melalui Ekstraksi Aluminium Dan Besi Menggunakan Metode Kalsinasi – Pengasaman

The process of burning coal by PLTU produces large amounts of fly ash waste that has the potential to pollute the environment if not handled properly. Various kinds of research have been carried out to deal with fly ash waste, one of which is to make fly ash a coagulant material because it has a dominant aluminum and iron content. The conviction of the use of fly ash as a coagulant aims to determine the highest recovery presentation of aluminum and iron using HCl and H2SO4 solvents with variations in concentrations of 6%, 8%, and 10%, variations in extraction time of 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours, and determine the rate of decrease in turbidity using the resulting coagulants. This study began with the preparation and characterization of fly ash samples using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), then the reparated sample mixed with Na2CO3 4 M is then calcined at a temperature of 950 ⁰C to be then extracted using HCl and H2SO4. The results showed that the highest percentage of extracted aluminum and iron recovery used 10% HCl for 6 hours ie 97.91% and 96.01%, and used 10% H2SO4% for 6 hours, 99.66% and 97.79%. Increasing solvent concentrations and extraction times cause increased concentrations of aluminum and extracted iron. Coagulant quality testing of fly ash using the jar test method, obtained the result that the coagulant results from the extraction of fly ash with HCl and H2SO4 solvents at 10% concentration% with an extraction time of 6 hours is the best coagulant that can reduce the value of turbidity to 0.61 NTU and 0.74 NTU.

Effects of large dams on the aquatic food web along a coastal stream with high sediment loads

The contribution of two basal energy sources – detrital organic matter and primary producers – as part of aquatic food webs varies typically along river continua. A host of barriers to river flow increase the water residence time and sediment and nutrient retention in reservoirs worldwide, and potentially alter the balance between detritus-based and algae-based energy pathways in the downstream food webs. We explored this issue on the Sélune River (Normandy, France), a small coastal stream that drains an agricultural catchment with high sediment runoff. Seasonal measurements of the following parameters were compared upstream and downstream of the reservoirs of two large dams (16 m and 36 m high): sediment fluxes, nutrient and chlorophyll a concentrations, algal communities in the epilithic biofilm (taxonomic composition, biomass and growth), and benthic invertebrate communities (abundance and trophic guild structure). As anticipated, annual sediment fluxes were much lower downstream of the reservoirs, where significant decreases in water turbidity, phosphate and silicate concentrations were recorded. A higher chlorophyll a concentration in water and a higher contribution of pelagic algae taxa to the photosynthetic biofilm suggested drifting and deposition of reservoir-borne phytoplankton downriver. Photosynthetic biofilm growth was higher downstream of the reservoirs in spring and fall, and so was the abundance of herbivores in the invertebrate community, notably scrapers and algae eaters. Energy pathways within riverine food webs were traced using stable isotope analyses of carbon (C) and nitrogen in the tissues of aquatic consumers (invertebrates and fish). Mixing models revealed a discontinuity in the origin of the C entering the food webs along the river continuum, confirming a greater contribution of algal C to aquatic consumers downstream of the reservoirs. These results illustrate mechanisms whereby large reservoirs can modulate C flow in food webs along a small coastal river with high sediment loads, and make it possible to anticipate the effects of dam removal on the future river ecosystem.

An eco-friendly solution for greywater treatment via date palm fiber filter

Greywater reuse emerges as a promising solution, being a renewable resource with relatively low treatment costs due to its low pollutant content. In Saudi Arabia, ablution water (AW) serves as a significant example of greywater due to its substantial quantities. This study introduces an assessment of a pilot scale sustainable filtration system for treating AW for reuse purposes and its water savings potential in mosques. Various AW samples were collected from 24 mosques distributed across Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, considering geographic location and local activity. The collected samples underwent measurement and comparison of total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, conductivity and turbidity. A filtration process was conducted using date palm fibers (DPFs) as a green filtration media with varying thicknesses to achieve optimal TDS and turbidity removal. The findings exhibited significant decreases in turbidity, up to 90%, while TDS and conductivity lowered by up to 15%. pH levels varied based on the surrounding area's activities, decreasing for domestic and increasing for commercial and industrial regions, meeting the standard pH environmental levels. This study sheds light on the potential of greywater recycling, contributing to efforts in mitigating water scarcity and promoting sustainable water management practices.

Anthropogenic influence on the state of Lake Shalkar in Western Kazakhstan

Lakes are natural accumulating systems with slow water exchange, acting as a regulator of river systems. Small lakes, which include water bodies with a surface area of up to 10-50 sq. km, are found everywhere and are actively used for economic and recreational purposes. Lake Shalkar is located in Western Kazakhstan and is the “Pearl of Kazakhstan”, where there are many vacationers in the summer. The summer months are characterized by bright, dry weather. The average air temperature in the territory in July is 23.6°C, the absolute maximum temperature reaches 41-45°C. The article studies the ecological state of Lake Shalkar. Research was carried out on several parameters: the organoleptic and hydrochemical properties of the lake water were studied, as well as the anthropogenic impact on the lake, since the lake, due to its unique properties, has recreational significance. In this regard, field trips to the lake were organized during the summer resort campaign in order to identify the anthropogenic load on the lake. A decrease in water turbidity was observed in summer. According to the data obtained, water does not differ in smell and taste from year to year. On average, organoleptic indicators do not change much; the smell is salty, easily detected, and may be the reason that the water is undrinkable, but suitable for bathing. In Lake Shalkar, the average water temperature was 14.7, the hydrogen index was 6.33, the concentration of oxygen dissolved in the water was 10.16 mg/dm3 BOD5 - 2.82 mg/dm3. Exceedances of the MPC were recorded for substances from the group of main ions (chlorides -6.7 MPC, sulfates -1.2 MPC).

Učinkovitost obrade elektrokoagulacije kombinirane s različitim veličinama čestica prirodnog zeolita

In a previous study, the larger size of synthetic zeolite particles was highlighted as better choice for electrocoagulation combined with zeolite (ECZ). This choice resulted in a smaller rise in pH and temperature, a more significant decline in turbidity as well as chemical oxygen demand (COD), and lower electrode wastage, but with greater damage to the electrode surface. The focus of this study was to determine whether natural zeolite of three different particle sizes has the same effect on the ECZ process. The Taguchi method L9 was employed in planning the experiments, with particle sizes of natural zeolite ranging up to 600 μm, three different electrode materials (carbon steel, aluminium alloy, and sacrificial zinc anode), current density in the range of 0.003–0.018 A cm<sup>–2</sup>, and contact time in the range 10–30 min. The Taguchi optimisation results revealed a more significant decrease in COD and turbidity with the smallest particle size of natural zeolite used (90 µm) and with Al electrodes. Evidently, the zeolite particle size, together with the zeolite composition, had a significant influence on the reduction in COD and turbidity. Anode consumption ranged from 0.0172 to 0.6469 g, with minor cathode consumption evident on all electrode materials. Optical microscopy analysis indicated significant corrosion of the anodes, particularly with the largest natural zeolite particle size of 160–600 µm, while minor corrosion damage was also observed on the cathodes.

Studies of Improving Drinking Water Quality in the Kalurahan Banaran Kabupaten Kulon Progo Using Porous Concrete Filter

Some citizens of the Kalurahan Banaran Kabupaten Kulon Progo everyday use water that has an iron content (Fe) of 8.8 mg/L and a turbidity of 120 NTU, which is above the limit set by the Minister of Health’s Regulation RI Number: 2 Tahun 2023 on the Quality Requirements of Drinking Water. To solve this problem, research has been conducted to reduce Fe and turbidity by using porous concrete filters. Three models of porous concrete A (porousity 0.42), B (porousity 0.44), and C (porousity 0.46), were used to filter water samples using two aerator diffusers at speeds of 3 L/h and 6 L/hour on each porous concrete filter. The results of the study showed that at an aeration rate of 3 L/hour, there had been a successive decrease in turbidity and Fe from 14.9 NTU to 1.38 NTU and 1.64 mg/L to 0.14 mg/L (filter A); 80 NTU to 0.5 NTU and 6.55 mg/L to 0.02 mg/L (filter B); 80 NTU to 0.1 NTU and 6.5 mg/L to 0 mg/L (filter C). For an aeration rate of 6 L/hour, there had been a successive decrease in turbidity and Fe from 80 NTU to 0.82 NTU and 6.55 mg/L to 0.05 mg/L (filter A); 89.8 NTU to 0.28 NTU, and 7.8 mg/L to 0.01 mg/L (filter B); 80 NTU to 0.28 NTU and 6,55 mg/L to 0 mg /L (filter C). The results show that the porous concrete filter can be considered an alternative to drinking water treatment in the Kalurahan Banaran Kabupaten Kulon Progo.

Pemanfaatan Limbah Logam Aluminium Sebagai PAC Untuk Proses Penjernihan Air Sumur

Utilization of aluminum metal powder waste left over from the plate rack which is wasted can apparently provide economic value as raw material for making coagulants. Aluminum powder waste contains 88.74% aluminum. The high aluminum content makes plate rack waste potentially as raw material for the manufacture of polyaluminium chloride (PAC). This study begins with the manufacture of AlCl3 monomers on 4 grams of aluminum metal weight, by varying NaOH concentrations (44, 45, 46, 47 and 48%) and variations in HCl concentrations (31, 32 and 33%). Next the AlCl3 monomer is converted to PAC polymer. The results on variation of 48% NaOH and 32% HCl with pH 3.6 and specific gravity 1.23 g / ml. This result is in accordance with SNI 06-3822-1995 quality standards. This study also tested the ability of PAC to reduce turbidity in well water, with a pH of 4.30 and a decrease in turbidity of 94.94%. Can produce PAC that is more economical and has met the standard qualityof conventional SNI PAC.

COMBINATION OF RICE HUSK WASTE AND KAPOK SHELL WASTE AS ACTIVE CARBON IN REDUCING LEVELS OF Fe, Mn, pH, TURBIDITY, and TDS IN DUG WELLS IN THE RAWA MAKMUR PERMAI AREA, BENGKULU CITYCOMBINATION OF RICE HUSK WASTE AND KAPOK SHELL WASTE AS ACTIVE CARBON IN REDUCING LEVELS OF Fe, Mn, pH, TURBIDITY, and TDS IN DUG WELLS IN THE RAWA

Water is a basic need for life, especially for humans who always need water throughout their lives. Humans use water for daily needs such as drinking, bathing, washing, toileting, and so on. After measurements were carried out, the turbidity results were 113 NTU, pH 9; The iron (Fe) content is 4.83 mg/L, manganese (Mn) is 1.75 mg/L, and TDS is 336 ppm. The aim of this research was to determine the decrease in Fe, Mn, pH, turbidity and TDS levels before and after treatment using varying thickness combinations of rice husks and kapok shells of 20 cm, 30 cm, 50 cm. This type of research uses a quasi-experimental method (Quasi Experimental) with a post test design with control group, namely research carried out before and after treatment. Then the difference between the two measurements is looked for and the difference is considered as a result of the treatment. The research results showed that the reduction in Fe, Mn, pH, turbidity and TDS levels occurred very significantly even though the turbidity and TDS did not meet the quality standards required by Minister of Health Regulation No. 2 of 2023.

Analysis of Microbial Community in Circulating Cooling Water System of Coal Power Plant during Reagent Conversion

The use of phosphorus-containing chemical corrosion and scale inhibitors has been found to result in excessive phosphorus discharge and an inability to reduce the high concentration of CODcr in the circulating cooling water, thereby making it challenging to comply with increasingly stringent sewage discharge standards. This study aims to assess the practicality of utilizing biological corrosion and scale inhibitors in coal power plants’ operation, as well as investigating the correlation between water quality indicators and microbial communities during the conversion period. The data illustrates that, in comparison to the chemical method, there is a decrease in turbidity of the circulating water from 19.44 NTU to 9.60 NTU, a reduction in CODcr from 71.55 mg/L to 45.47 mg/L, and a drop in TP from 2.35 mg/L to 0.38 mg/L. Microbial community analysis during the transition period reveals that microorganisms rapidly establish a new equilibrium in the circulating water, sediment, and fiber ball, resulting in significantly different microbial community structures. The relative abundance of corrosive microorganisms such as Flavobacterium, Pedomicrobium, and Hydrogenophaga is significantly diminished in the circulating water, whilst the abundance of anaerobic microorganisms like Anaerolineaceae and Rhodopseudomonas in the sediment also declines. Conversely, there is an increased presence of microorganisms associated with contaminant degradation, such as CL500-3 and SM1A02. These findings suggest a decrease in the risk of system corrosion and an enhancement in contaminant degradation capability. This study provides evidence supporting the replacement of chemical agents with biological agents in circulating cooling water systems, contributing to more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.

Advancing produced water treatment: Scaling up EC-MF-MDC technology from lab to pilot scale

Membrane distillation integrated with crystallization (MDC) holds promise for sustainable produced water treatment. Addressing challenges like fouling and wetting, common due to high inorganic content and oil-grease presence, requires efficient pretreatment for stable performance. To establish a compact, manageable treatment solution, we examined a pilot-scale integrated electro-coagulation (EC) - microfiltration (MF) system as pretreatment. This step produced 3600 L daily, significantly improving water quality. A remarkable 40% reduction in total organic carbon, 22-fold decrease in total suspended solids, and 600-fold decrease in turbidity underscore its effectiveness. This enhances the suitability for subsequent membrane distillation. In addition, a significant decrease in fouling and scale formation was observed. Long-term batch and continuous MD tests investigated crystallization between MD cycles that prevents significant flux decline. Implementing continuous MDC increased total water recovery six-fold, with stable membrane performance over six cycles, recovering approximately 10% of feed per cycle. These observations highlight the scalable potential of the less-explored integrated treatment (EC-MF-MDC) for effective produced water treatment. This study suggests the viability of the integrated approach for sustainable, larger-scale produced water treatment.

Enhancing Water Quality Management in Ornamental Fish Aquariums with Pot and Bamboo Filter Systems

The filtration of aquarium wastewater composed of a pot and bamboo is constructed for the purification of microbial activities and to reduce turbidity. The aquarium wastewater is treated with sand to reduce BOD and COD; the usage of coconut husk and vetiver act to decrease the turbidity, nitrite, and pH while raising DO level. Initially, sand was sieved to produce 12 size ranges between 180 and 2000 m. The effectiveness of each range in removing turbidity, BOD, and COD through sand beds 4 or 5 cm deep were tested. The critical size (300 & 425 m) at which no solid particles could penetrate through the sand bed was observed at 3 and 4 cm in depth, respectively. Moreover, the flow of solids through sand filter beds had all particles smaller than 180 m removed from them. A 2 cm bed of sand allowed 0.2-0.5% of solids to flow through, and a 4 cm bed allowed 0.07-0.1 %. Both fine and coarse sand layers are supported by a layer of gravel. In the column approach, the thickness and flow rate of each layer were fixed. The thickness of the layers of sand and charcoal were fixed at 4 cm and 6 cm, respectively. The findings of the column analysis, the combined filter showed decreases in turbidity by 48%, COD by 52%, BOD by 30%, and increasing DO by 48%, respectively. The results reveal that absorbing nutrients can serve as bio-filters to create better conditions for fish growth. The final weight, length, and SGR of fishes in the three aquariums were significantly different after seven weeks of trial, the treated aquarium showed the highest value than the control.

Physico-chemical, functional, and structural properties of un-defatted, cold and hot defatted yellow lupin protein isolates

This study investigates the structure, physico-chemical and functional properties of yellow lupin isolate protein (YLPI) obtained by different processes (conventional wet and purely aqueous fractionation) from un-defatted (YLPIU), and hot (YLPIHD) and cold (YLPICD) defatted flour. The defatting process modified the physical, structural and functional characteristics of lupin protein isolates. Indeed, a decrease of α-helix, free sulfhydryl groups amount and an increase of disulfide bond levels were observed for defatted samples, improving their emulsifying stability. The defatting process exposes the hydrophobic groups present within the YLPI, which increases total sulfhydryl content and protein surface hydrophobicity. Hot and cold defatting induced a decrease in turbidity, water-holding capacity, oil adsorption capacity, tapped and poured bulk densities. In addition, the defatting process changed the particle size of protein isolates that induced changes in their viscosity. Tryptophan spectra and protein surface hydrophobicity indicated that YLPICD and YLPIHD underwent structural conformational change during the defatting process.

Influence of physicochemical changes and aggregation behavior induced by ultrasound irradiation on the antioxidant effect of highland barley β-glucan.

The effect of ultrasonic treatment on the structure, morphology and antioxidant activity of highland barley β-glucan (HBG) was investigated. Ultrasonic treatment for 30min was demonstrated to improve the aqueous solubility of HBG, leading to a decrease in turbidity. Meanwhile, moderate ultrasound was found to obviously reduce the particle size distribution of HBG, and transform the entangled HBG molecules into flexible and extended chains, which reaggregated to form larger aggregates under long-time ultrasonication. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of HBG treated by ultrasonic first increased and then decreased compared to native HBG. Congo red complexation analysis indicated the existence of helix structure in HBG, which was untwisted after ultrasonic treatment. Furthermore, ultrasound treatment influenced the glucopyranose on HBG, which weakened the intramolecular hydrogen bond of HBG. The microscopic morphology showed that the spherical aggregates in native HBG solution were disaggregated and the untangled HBG chains reaggregated with excessive ultrasonication.

SUSTAINABLE EXPERIMENTAL PRACTICE: THE MUCILAGE OF THE XIQUE-XIQUE CACTUS AS ACOAGULANT FOR THE TREATMENT OF TURBED WATER

Chemistry is generally viewed negatively by elementary school students. This problem in many cases is the result of the lack of applicability of methodologies that instigate the interest of students and guarantee the inclusion of all of them. Therefore, the work on screen aimed to report the development of an accessible and contextualized experimental class, in one of the 4th year of the Technical Course Integrated to the High School of Environmental Control of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraíba - IFPB, João Campus Person. This action was intended to encourage the active participation of students through the didactic approaches addressed. Thus, through a qualitative and participatory research, the scholarship holders of the Tutorial Education Program of the Degree in Chemistry - PET Chemistry, from the aforementioned institution, developed an activity entitled "Experimental Chemistry Course for High School - CQEEM". This teaching intervention exposed a low-cost process to improve water quality, through the mucilage of the Xique-Xique cactos (Pilosocereus gounellei), a natural coagulant, for the treatment of cloudy water. This theme was chosen because it is a current and relevant subject to the experience of students of environmental control courses. The activity was divided into two parts: carrying out tests to confirm the real coagulante potential of the plant, and the development of the experimental procedure, by the group, from the separation of the samples of turbid water, the treatment of the water with the cactus mucilage, until the analysis of the turbidity decrease of the samples. In this process, the students presented satisfactory considerations regarding the activity, showing that this practice was fundamentally important for their technical training.