Extraction pH Research Articles

Phytomonitoring of Air Pollution Around Brick Kilns in Urban Area: Exploring the Potential of Plants for the Remediation of Pollutants

This study examines the impacts of various pollutants on foliar biochemical parameters, including relative water content (RWC), total chlorophyll, leaf extract pH, and ascorbic acid content, and their relationship with the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). RWC, a crucial indicator of plant resilience, showed a significant positive correlation with APTI values (r = 0.4503, p < 0.05). Species with higher RWC, such as Carica papaya and Cassia fistula, demonstrated enhanced tolerance to pollutants, with RWC values reaching up to 85%. Chlorophyll content, which is vital for photosynthesis, exhibited a significant reduction in polluted areas, with levels ranging from 0.28 to 3.23 mg/g (p < 0.05). Notably, Cassia fistula had high APTI values but lower chlorophyll content, reflecting the complex relationship between tolerance and chlorophyll levels. Leaf extract pH was significantly lower in polluted areas, with pH values consistently below 7, correlating with higher APTI values (p < 0.05). Ascorbic acid content, an important antioxidant, was significantly higher in plants exposed to pollution, with positive correlations to APTI (r = 0.9214) and pH levels (r = 0.62). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified that pH, ascorbic acid, and APTI were positively correlated, while total chlorophyll and RWC showed opposing trends. Sensitivity analysis indicated that RWC (95.84% impact on Carica papaya and 85.92% on Cassia fistula) and pH were the primary factors influencing APTI and Metal Accumulation Index (MAI) values. The findings underscore the role of RWC, chlorophyll, pH, and ascorbic acid as biomarkers for plant responses to pollution and highlight the effectiveness of species with high MAI values in heavy metal accumulation and environmental monitoring.

Optimization of enzymatic-assisted extraction of polyphenol from cashew nut testa by using cellulase and pectinase

A significant amount of cashew nut testa is removed during the processing of cashew kernels, resulting in many negative environmental impacts. The objective of this study was to valorize the cashew nut testa by enzymatic-assisted extraction of polyphenol using a mixture of cellulase and pectinase. A central composite design was employed to analyze the effects of extraction temperature from 41.6°C to 58.4°C, extraction pH from pH 3.2 to pH 4.8, and enzyme concentration from 0.03% to 0.37% (v/w) on extraction efficiency. A second-order response surface model was constructed to elucidate the effects of these independent variables on the response values of total phenolic content (TPC) and free radical scavenging activities [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays]. Regression analysis results showed that 91%, 88%, and 92% variations of the response variables of TPC, DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities can be explained by the models, respectively. Under optimal conditions, the predicted value for TPC was 164.26 (mg GAE/g DW), and the free radical scavenging activities according to DPPH and ABTS assays were 936.52 (µmol TE/g DW) and 1591.47 (µmol TE/g DW), respectively. The experimental results were consistent with the predicted values, demonstrating the suitability of the quadratic model and the success of the response surface method for optimizing the polyphenol extraction from cashew nut testa by using the enzyme mixture.

Optimization of extraction for efficient recovery of kenaf seed protein isolates: evaluation of physicochemical and techno-functional characteristics.

Kenaf seeds are a rich source of protein; however, finding the best extraction method is crucial to obtaining high-quality protein from these underutilized seeds. This research devised an optimized extraction process for best recovery of kenaf seeds protein using response surface methodology. The key parameters affecting the yield and protein content were optimized, including extraction pH (2-11), seed:water ratio (5:1-50:1), temperature (30-90 °C), and duration (20-360 min). The physicochemical and techno-functional properties of kenaf seed protein isolates (KSPIs) were examined. A maximum protein yield of 12.05 g/100 g with purity level 91.94 g/100 g was obtained using an optimized extraction with pH 11.0, seed:water ratio 50:1, 360 min duration, and temperature 50 °C. The oil and water retention capacities of KSPI were 1.14 mL g-1 and 1.37 mL g-1 respectively. After 30 min at pH 7, KSPIs demonstrated remarkable emulsion capacity (83.12%) and stability (75.63%), along with high foaming capacity (106%) and stability (18.3%). As per high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, arginine, glutamic acid, leucine, phenylalanine, and lysine were the most abundant amino acids detected in KPSIs. The KSPIs' globular protein structure was successfully verified using analytical approaches, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, protein fraction ratios, and differential scanning calorimetry. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that KPSI has a molecular weight distribution ranging from 10 kDa to 50 kDa. The results of this study support the application of the proposed response-surface-methodology-optimized extraction method for efficient recovery of high-quality kenaf seed proteins that meet the necessary physicochemical and techno-functional requirements. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

In-Syringe Vortex-Assisted Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Based on Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent for Simultaneous Determination of the Two Anticancer Polyphenols Chrysin and Resveratrol.

The simultaneous determination of multiple anticancer drugs in combination therapy poses a significant analytical challenge due to their complex nature and low concentrations. In this study, we propose an in-syringe vortex-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (IS-VA-LLME), based on a green natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES) for the simultaneous determination of two coadministered anticancer drugs (resveratrol and chrysin) prior to the HPLC-UV analysis, for the first time. The key parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as extraction solvent, vortex time, pH, and ionic strength were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the method demonstrates good linearity over the range of 0.05-15.0 μg/mL for RVT and 0.50-15.0 μg/mL for CHR with low limits of detection (LODs) of 16.78 and 161.60 ng/mL for RVT and CHR, respectively, confirming the high sensitivity of the method. The interday and intraday precision values, expressed as %RSDs, are below 2.0%, indicating good repeatability and reproducibility. Furthermore, the proposed method could be efficiently applied for the determination of the two drugs in human plasma and river water. The obtained results show satisfactory % recoveries (97.80%-102.04%), highlighting the accuracy and reliability of the developed method. The sustainability of the method was comprehensively evaluated using seven different tools. In conclusion, the developed IS-VA-LLME-NaDES allows for enhanced extraction efficiency, reduced extraction time, and improved recovery of the target analytes. This method holds great promise for applications in clinical and environmental research, enabling the precise quantification of these anticancer drugs in complex matrices.

Green extraction of colorants from achiote seeds for dyeing mordanted nylon fabric

The extraction of sustainable colorants requires energy efficient technology for their eco-application in different fields. For current study on nylon fabric, the natural dye from achiote (Bixa orellana) has been extracted in aqueous and acidic media and valorized through microwave (MW) radiation. MW treatment has been applied to both extracted biomolecule and nylon fabric up to 10 min and the dyeing variables were optimized using statistical model. For getting permanent shades eco-salts of Al (III) and Fe (II) as well as biomolecules from waste plant materials (pomegranate and myrobalan) were utilized. ISO methods for assessment of colorfast shades have been employed. It was found that for nylon, by MW treatment of the dye material and polymeric stuff for 4 min, good color yield in terms of color strength (K/S=29.52) is obtained. It has been observed that when MW treated extract (pH=6) is employed at 40 °C for 55 min, good quality shade of high strength is obtained by using selected amounts of eco-chemical and organic molecules. It is concluded that MW treatment should be given to dyeing process for getting effective yield and tannin based green molecules as organic mordant can used to make dyeing process more ecofriendly and sustainable.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by Smyrnium cordifolium plant and its application for colorimetric detection of ammonia

The need to identify ammonia is necessary because of its harmful effects on the environment and humans. In this study, a colorimetric method was also developed for the detection of ammonia using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized with the green approach. Biosynthesis of AgNPs was performed by silver nitrate as a silver precursor and Smyrnium cordifolium extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Plant extract was studied by FTIR and LC/Mass techniques. The optimization of the effective parameters was carried out with central composite design according to silver nitrate concentration, plant extract volume, pH, and temperature. Biosynthetic nano-silver was characterized with XRD, EDS/EDX, FE-SEM, FTIR, TGA, and DLS methods. The AgNPs was validated for ammonia colorimetric detection. Biosynthesis of AgNPs were increased in 20 mM AgNO3, 5 ml Smyrnium cordifolium extract, pH 10, and the temperature of 70 °C. Crystal form of AgNPs characterized with XRD at 2Ѳ value of 38.34°, 44.19°, 64.74°, and 77.59° and spherical shape highlighted in the range between 77.8 and 93 nm. Plant extract consisted of polyphenol (phenolic acid, flavonoid, and terpenoid), fatty acid, amino acid, sugar, purine, and organic acid. AgNPs were used for colorimetric detection of ammonia by shifting the λmax from 580 to 490 nm. A method for ammonia detection was set up, with linear range of 0.5–200 ppm, detection limit of 0.028 ppm and recovery level of 96.3 ± 6.5%. In conclusion, a new biosynthetic method by specified local plant was developed to propose a simple and sensitive colorimetric method for soluble ammonia detection.

Response surface optimization of protein extraction from cold-pressed terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus L.) oil byproducts: Physicochemical and functional characteristics.

The current study focused on optimizing the extraction parameters of terebinth seed proteins from cold-pressed terebinth oil byproducts to maximize protein purity and protein yield. The isolated proteins were characterized to evaluate their properties; thus revealing the valorization potential of these byproducts. Response surface methodology was used to detect the effect of three extraction parameters (pH, temperature, and time). The protein isolates were studied for their physicochemical and functional characteristics. The results indicated that an extraction pH of 8, a temperature of 50°C, and an extraction period of 60min are optimum conditions for obtaining protein isolates with the highest purity. On the other hand, it was demonstrated that an extraction pH of 12, a temperature of 46.4°C, and an extraction duration of 102.4min were optimum conditions for the maximum protein yield. The proteins produced under these two sets of conditions, referred to as TRP (terebinth protein with maximum purity)and TRY (terebinth protein with maximum yield), respectively, exhibited comparable oil absorption capacity (OAC), foaming, emulsifying capabilities, and stability. Both proteins showed the highest solubility at pH 11, and their zeta potentials approached zero at pH 4, indicating proximity to their isoelectric points. However, FRAP and DPPH assays showed that TRP and TRY offered low antioxidative capacity. The high β-sheet content in TRP and TRY suggests enhanced thermal stability but reduced digestibility of these proteins. Therefore, in addition to protein enrichment, TRP and TRY protein isolates can be utilized in muffins and other food applications thanks to their favorable oil absorption, foaming and emulsifying capacities, and thermal stabilities.

Exploring the nutritional and biological properties of green coffee extracts: A comparative study of aqueous and enzymatic extraction processes

The effects of aqueous (AEP) and enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction processes (EAEP) on the biological and nutritional properties of green coffee extracts (protein and antioxidant-rich fraction) were investigated. All extracts exhibited high in vitro protein digestibility (>98%), regardless of the pH and use of enzymes during extraction, probably due to the low molecular weight of coffee proteins. Raising extraction pH from 7.0 to 9.0 resulted in extracts with lower concentrations of caffeine and some phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic and cinnamic acids, as well as catechin and epicatechin. This led to a reduction in the antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained at alkaline pH (AEP – pH 9.0). Overall, higher phenolic and caffeine extractability was achieved at neutral pH (AEP – pH 7.0), with no observed improvement in extraction yields when carbohydrases and/or proteases were employed. Coffee extracts generated by AEP at pH 7.0 exhibited the highest lipase inhibitory activity (66%), primarily attributed to their higher chlorogenic acid concentration. Conversely, EAEP extracts exhibited higher angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (up to 85%) compared to AEP extracts (68.5 – 74.3%). This strong inhibitory activity is likely related to the presence of both phenolic compounds (mainly chlorogenic acid) and smaller peptides. Nevertheless, all extracts exhibited low effectiveness for α-glucosidase inhibition (≤14%) and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The current research underscores the feasibility of modulating the composition of green coffee extracts using sustainable and scalable AEP and EAEP, paving the way for developing tailored extracts with specific biological properties.

Extraction of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Ulva sp. Using Acid and Toxicity Testing with the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT)

This study investigates the extraction of sulfated polysaccharides from Ulva sp. at pH 3 and evaluates their toxicity using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) with Artemia salina. Artemia salina is utilized for its rapid life cycle and sensitivity to various chemical compounds, making it an effective bioassay organism for assessing the toxicity of natural extracts. The extraction process was conducted at both hot (80°C) and cold (room temperature) conditions, with the hot extraction yielding higher amounts of polysaccharides. The results indicated a wet extraction yield of 890 mL at 80°C and 800 mL at room temperature, while the highest dry weight yield was achieved at 80°C (0.57 g). The toxicity assessment revealed an LC50 value of 15,815.85 ppm, classifying the sulfated polysaccharides as non-toxic to Artemia salina. Maintaining optimal water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen levels, is essential for the successful cultivation of Artemia salina. Furthermore, the acidic extraction pH significantly influences the structure and chemical properties of the resulting polysaccharides, emphasizing the importance of this parameter in future applications. These findings support the potential use of sulfated polysaccharides from Ulva sp. as a safe and effective feed ingredient in aquaculture.

Gigartina skottsbergii Setchell &amp; N.L.Gardner (Rhodophyta) Incorporated Organic@Inorganic Hybrid Cu3(PO4)2 Nanoflowers with an Intrinsic Antioxidant and Catalytic Activities

AbstractIn this study, the extract of one of the red algae, Gigartina skottsbergii was used for synthesis of organic@inorganic hybrid nanoflower (hNFs) for the first time. hNFs were sytematically synthesized with different concentrations of algal extract (from 0.5 to 1.65 ml) and Cu2+ in different pHs (7.4 and 9) of PBS. Hierarchical synthesis of hNFs in the PBS buffer did not occur in the acidic medium (pH: 5). The morphological structures of hNFs were detailed with FE-SEM images. hNFs synthesized in morphology closest to the ideal flower structure with variable algal extract concentrations and pH were determined by FE-SEM. Organic and inorganic groups (structural components of hNFs), crystallinity of optimum synthesized hNFs were detailed by FT-IR, EDX and XRD analysis, respectively. It has been recorded that synthesized hNFs have antioxidant properties. hNFs have captured catalytic dyes with peroxidase-like activity. The ability of hNFs in destroying the dye in the presence of H2O2 has been attributed to the Fenton reaction. As a result, an easily applicable, inexpensive, one-step catalyst was synthesized using the Fenton mechanism. It is foreseen that the study data can be applied for nanotechnology field and basic sciences.

Characterization of mango seed kernel starch: Extraction and Analysis

During mango (Mangifera indica) processing, significant by-products like peel and kernel are generated. Mango seed kernels are cost-effective and readily available materials for starch extraction. This study explores low-cost methods to extract mango kernel starch (MKS) from Surjapuri (X) and Amrapali (Y) varieties using distilled water and alkaline solution. Proximate analysis revealed starch yield variations from 44.49 % to 62.11 %, with moisture content between 4.32 % and 5.89 %, protein content from 0.067 % to 0.069 %, fat content from 0.22 % to 0.24 %, and ash content from 0.12 % to 0.14 %. X-variety starch extracted using distilled water had a higher yield (62.11 %), foaming capacity (5.94 %), and emulsion capacity (6.36 %), while alkaline extraction showed higher water absorption (0.16 %) and oil absorption (0.15 %). Y-variety starch showed higher amylose content (23.50 %) with distilled water extraction and higher pH (7.94) with alkaline extraction. X-variety starch had higher swelling power (11.35 g g-1) with distilled water extraction and higher solubility (0.27 %) with alkaline extraction at 90 °C. Principal component analysis (PCA), Heat map, and Pearson correlation analyses highlighted significant relationships between proximate and physicochemical properties. These results suggest that distilled water extraction is an effective, low-cost method for isolating high-quality MKS, with potential applications in various industries.

Comparative analysis of twin-screw pressing and blending methods for walnut oleosome extraction: Yield, physical stability, and functionalities

Walnuts are renowned for their rich oil content and nutritional value, imparting significant health benefits. Walnut oleosomes, naturally present in a pre-emulsified state, can be effectively extracted through aqueous methods. Mechanical processes, such as twin-crew pressing or blending, are commonly employed to disrupt cell walls and extract oleosomes. Our study focused on investigating these two methods under varying soaking pH for walnut oleosomes extraction to develop an efficient extraction process for large-scale production or specific applications. Results showed that the oil content of extracted oleosomes ranged from 84.5% to 89.5%, with no substantial differences noted. Twin-screw pressing significantly achieved higher extraction yields (53.3–57.8%) compared to blending (35.7–36.4%), while blending produced walnut oleosomes with higher zeta potential, viscosity, storage modulus, and smaller particle size, improving physical stability compared to blended samples. The soaking pH levels minimally impacted extraction efficiency and physicochemical attributes of the oleosomes. Overall, blending offered oleosomes with relatively better physical stability, while twin-screw pressing was more advantageous for higher yields, making it more commercially viable for large-scale production. This study underscored the efficiency of sustainable approach in harnessing walnut oleosomes for various industrial applications.

Application and valorization of novel indigenous Azadirachta indica leaf in leather processing

This study investigated the viability of locally available organic sources of Azadirachta indica leaf as vegetable tannin agent in leather processing to promote green leather manufacturing. Leather tanned with Azadirachta indica leaf powder (NPT), extract (NET) and conventional vegetable tanned leather (CVT) was characterized with FTIR, DLS, HPLC, DSC, TGA, and SEM. Total soluble solid, pH, tannin content, and tanning strength of Azadirachta indica leaf extract were found to be 24 %, 4.81, 12.34 % and 1.81 respectively. Moisture content, fat content, and water-soluble content of Azadirachta indica leaf extract tanned leather (NET) were 12.26 %, 10.8 % and 7.2 % respectively. The shrinkage temperature, tensile strength, stitch tear strength, grain crack load, and finished film bond strength of NET leather were 86 °C, 282.52 kg/cm2, 139.53 kg/cm, 24 kg, and 414 g/cm respectively. NET leather exhibited better anti-microbial sensitivity against E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa than NPT and NET leather. Overall, the experimental results of this study indicate the A. indica leaf could serve as a prime renewable tanning agent, substituting hazardous chromium and imported conventional vegetable tannin chemicals in leather manufacturing. Thus, developed A. indica leaf tannin material from plant sources could provide sustainable leather production, contributing to eco-friendly and viable green leather processing options.

New Insights on Y, La, Nd, and Sm Extraction with Bifunctional Ionic Liquid Cyphos IL 104 Incorporated in a Polymer Inclusion Membrane.

In this study, an ionic liquid-based polymer inclusion membrane (IL-PIM) made of (50% polymer-50% CyphosIL104) was used to extract and separate the rare earth elements (REEs) Y, La, Nd, and Sm in chloride solutions. The effect of extraction time and pH was studied to optimize the extraction and separation conditions. The four REEs were effectively extracted at pH 4-5 from both single and mixed metals solutions. However, at pH 2, only Y was extracted. The recovery of the extracted REEs from the loaded PIM was achieved using HNO3 and H2SO4. In the case of La, it was quantitatively back-extracted with H2SO4 after a contact time of 1 h, while up to 4 h was necessary to recover 70% of the extracted Y, Sm, and Nd. Extraction isotherms were studied, and the Freundlich isotherm model was the most adequate to describe the interaction between the PIM and the REEs. Finally, the developed PIM was investigated for the extraction of REEs from mixtures containing other metals, which showed great selectivity for the REEs.

Towards a sustainable recovery of polyphenols from agrifood waste: Performance of polymeric sorbents with natural deep eutectic solvent extracts

Olive oil production generates large amounts of waste, which contains phenolic compounds at relevant concentrations. In recent years, interest in the recovery of these compounds has grown to take advantage of their natural antioxidant properties. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs), considered as green solvents, have proved their efficiency to extract phenolic compounds from agri-food waste. The resulting extracts must be purified before being used in pharmaceutical, food, or cosmetic applications. In this study, the performance of several non-functionalized polymeric sorbents (PuroSorb PAD900, PAD950 and PAD610, and Macronet MN202) was evaluated for the purification of NaDES extracts (choline chloride-glycerol (1:5); 30% water) from olive tree leaves. It is important to highlight that these types of characterization studies are common for conventional solvent extracts but are very novel and scarce for their NaDES counterparts. Sorption was investigated at the natural conditions of the extracts (pH 5.3), and ethanol-water mixtures were used in the desorption experiments. Overall, the four sorbents displayed good sorption characteristics, with MN202 being particularly suited to retain 3-hydroxytyrosol. Ethanol levels above 70% were appropriate for desorption of most phenolic compounds, while mixtures with ethanol content below 50% were more efficient for small polar molecules such as 3-hydroxytyrosol.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Cashew Nutshell Liquid (CNSL): Characterization and Methylene Blue Removal Studies.

In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) by varying the concentration of silver ions and the pH of the CNSL extract. The synthesized AgNPs were further characterized to study their surface, structural, and morphological properties and tested for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye. The results of this study showed that depending on the conditions, particles of various sizes, ranging from 1 to 60 nm, and different degrees of stabilization and agglomeration were produced. The concentration of silver ions equal to 3 mM and the pH of the extract of ~4.5 (AgNP3) resulted in the most efficient synthesis, where particles appeared to be highly stabilized and homogeneously distributed on the surface, exhibiting a small average particle size and a narrow particle size distribution (6.7 ± 6.5 nm). Such particles further showed the highest percent removal of MB, where up to 80% removal was recorded within the first 20 min. Higher concentrations of silver ions and higher pH of the extract resulted in substantial particle agglomeration and particles being over-capped by the CNSL biomolecules, respectively, which further negatively affected the ability of particles to remove MB. Finally, the fact that visible light showed no significant effect on the removal of MB, with the average removal rates found to be about the same as in the dark, suggests the strong catalytic nature of AgNPs, which facilitates the electron transfer reactions leading to MB reduction.

Impact of soil and water quality on the sustainable management of mangrove-compatible brackishwater aquaculture practices in Indonesia

The widespread degradation of mangroves has been attributed to their conversion into other land uses and purposes, most notably their destruction to construct extensive brackishwater aquaculture ponds. This study investigated the relationship between environmental factors and management alternatives for an integrated mangrove-aquaculture system in Derawan Island District, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The study collected a total of 56 soil and water samples from around 50 ha to assess environmental limiting factors for integrated mangrove-brackishwater aquaculture management. The measured soil quality variables included field pH (pHF), pH of hydrogen peroxide extract (pHFOX), peroxide oxidizable sulfur (SPOS), pyrite (FeS2), organic matter (OM), nitrogen-total (N-TOT), iron (Fe), and aluminum (Al). Water quality variables included salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), different forms of nitrogen (NH3–ammonia, NO3–nitrate, and NO2–nitrite), phosphate (PO4), Fe, and total organic matter (TOM). The study employed a hydrological restoration approach to suggest a mangrove-friendly aquaculture pond design and layout. The study generally showed that Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) significantly restricted the existing mixed-mangrove aquaculture pond management by negatively impacting water quality. This study highlights that, given the characteristics of ASS-affected aquaculture ponds, reducing pond size for shrimp culture (mangrove-to-pond ratio of 80% and 20%) will simplify managing ASS environmental limiting factors through cost-effective remediation techniques and a Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS). The reduced shrimp pond size will also provide direct opportunities for mangrove restoration and allow effective hydrological restoration. The economic benefit of the proposed pond design and management model focuses on diversifying production units which include shrimp aquaculture ponds, milkfish or tilapia culture in the peripheral canals of the mangrove compartment, juvenile shrimp production, and periodic harvest from the primary pond canal. The study findings are particularly applicable to ponds that have already been built in ASS to improve productivity in addition to supporting the mangrove rehabilitation program. Converting mangrove and ASS-affected land is not advisable for constructing new aquaculture ponds.

Development of a colorimetric sensor for selective manganese detection using green-synthesized silver nanoparticles from Withania somnifera

This study reports the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the fruit extract of Withania somnifera and their application as a colorimetric sensor for selective manganese (Mn2+) ion detection. The synthesis of AgNPs was optimized by varying pH, reaction time, and concentrations of fruit extract and AgNO3. UV–visible spectroscopy revealed that the highest absorbance of AgNPs occurred at pH 11, indicating optimal conditions for NPs formation. The absorbance behavior over time demonstrated the nucleation and stabilization processes, with optimal stability achieved after 1800 min. Increasing concentrations of fruit extract and AgNO3 enhanced NPs synthesis, reaching a plateau at 1.0 mL of extract and 1.0 mM AgNO3, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation of spherical AgNPs of 43–85 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the involvement of functional groups such as O-H and C=O in the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. The green-synthesized AgNPs exhibited notable antioxidant activity, with moderate free radical scavenging abilities compared to ascorbic acid. The colorimetric detection of Mn2+ was achieved through the aggregation of AgNPs, leading to a visible color change. UV–vis absorption spectra showed a prominent peak at 412 nm, with a linear relationship between absorbance change and Mn2+ concentration, demonstrating high sensitivity and selectivity. Comparative studies with other metal ions (Co2+, Cr3+, Ni2+) confirmed the specificity of AgNPs towards Mn2+. In conclusion, the green-synthesized AgNPs from W. somnifera offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach for Mn2+ detection, with significant potential for environmental monitoring and biomedical applications.

Comparison of dissolved organic matter composition from various sorbents using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry

Solid phase extraction (SPE) of a variety of diverse dissolved organic matter (DOM) endmembers through eight commercially available sorbents was examined (ENV, PLEXA, PPL, HLB, Isolute 101, C18/ENV+, C18, EnvirElut) representing styrene divinylbenzene polymer (SDVB) and silica-based sorbents. We assessed dissolved organic carbon (DOC) recovery and DOM composition via 21T Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). DOC recoveries and SPE-DOM composition differed more by endmember type than by sorbent. Silica-based sorbents retained DOM with many N-containing formulae, while SDVB-based sorbents retained DOM with more S-containing formulae. Extraction pH exerted a greater influence on DOM composition, notably through the presence of strong groupings composed of saturated and lowly oxygenated formulae at basic pH, and of aromatic and highly oxygenated formulae at pH 2, irrespective of endmember or sorbent. There was above 25% DOC recovery, regardless of sorbent or endmember; >90% of the relative abundance (RA) of molecular formulae were shared with PPL, which is currently the most commonly utilized sorbent for DOM. This clearly highlights the ability of the selected sorbents to retain representative DOM across diverse endmembers. Such findings may be useful for future targeted DOM studies (e.g., bioincubations, wastewater and drinking water applications) interested in focusing on specific compositional changes and will provide a better understanding of how organic carbon cycling is impacted by anthropogenic processes.

Investigation of bioactive phytochemical compounds of the Ethiopian medicinal plant using GC-MS and FTIR

Medicinal plants Highly aromatic crude materials are utilized for treating warts as an alternative medicine to surgical treatment because they can be permanently removed from the body. Thus, this investigation aimed to extract plant material from Calotropis procera leaves, describe the phytochemical screening, analyze anti-microbial activities, determine the functional groups in FTIR, and identify the chemical compounds in GC-MS. The PH, specific gravity, and viscosity of the crude extracts of Calotropis procera were determined at 4.5, 0.79, and 0.49, respectively. Analyze the solubility of crude extracts; ethanol can dissolve while water does not. Flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, and saponins were also present in the phytochemical screening tests of the Calotropis procera extracts, triterpenoids, terpenoids, and steroids were not present in the crude extract. Flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, and saponins are the primary phytochemical components found in therapeutic plant material. The Calotropis procera crude extracts analyzed for functional groups by FT-IR contained a hydroxyl group, alkane, carbonyl, aldehyde, ketone, phenols, ester, alcohol, and methylene. The chemical compounds analyzed by GC-MS of Calotropis procera crude material were found to have 22 main compounds. Of 22 compounds, 5 compounds are active ingredients for the applications of medical purposes. The bioactive compounds found in the Calotropis procera plant extract are neophytadiene, hexahydrofarnesyl, lanosterol, 2,4-dimethylbenzo [H]quinolone, and squalene. Those bioactive compounds have anti-bacterial, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties. In an in vitro antimicrobial activity test, the crude extract effectively inhibited more gram-positive bacteria than gram-negative bacteria. This collective reason is why the traditional therapist uses this Calotropis procera plant for the treatment of warts.