GC FID Research Articles

The Impact of Feed Management Technologies on Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH) Contamination: A Comparative Farm Level Approach

Legislative frameworks about contamination are often limited to foods and underestimate the role of animal nutrition for safe production. This study aims to assess mineral oil hydrocarbon (MOH) contamination in feed and identify the technological factors that are contributing to this issue, particularly focused on mechanised harvesting and processing. Three dairy farms, classified by contamination risk (low, medium, and high), were selected, and fifteen feed samples were analysed using the coupled liquid chromatography–gas chromatography–flame ionisation detection (LC–GC–FID) method, with a microwave-assisted saponification (MAS) step to determine mineral oil saturated (MOSH) and aromatic (MOAH) hydrocarbon levels. Important contamination levels were observed depending on the technological development of each farm. MOSH levels ranged from 11.4 mg/kg to 81.40 mg/kg, while MOAH levels ranged from 0.5 mg/kg to 4.6 mg/kg. MOAH accounted for 4.74% of the total MOH content. The results showed a connection between feed production technologies and MOH contamination levels. Factors such as the mechanisation, the machinery used, and the storage conditions were potentially contributors to contamination, while chemical treatments had no direct impact but some potential risks. The contamination levels varied across farms, indicating certain contamination sources beyond technological factors. Advanced technological measures and proper equipment maintenance are suggested to mitigate MOH contamination risks in feed.

Development of molecularly imprinted polymer-based dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction for the selective extraction of histamine from canned tuna fish samples prior to its determination by GC–FID

Development of molecularly imprinted polymer-based dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction for the selective extraction of histamine from canned tuna fish samples prior to its determination by GC–FID

The first report of an Algerian Leopoldia comosa essential oil content and antioxidant assessment

In the current study, we examined the chemical makeup and anti­oxidant potential of an Algerian Leopoldia comosa. The results showed that there were moderate levels of phenols and flavonoids in the crude extract (15.11 ± 0.78 μg GAE/mg and 31.27 ± 2.71 μg QE/mg, respectively). Additionally, the findings showed that both crude extract and EO had moderate antioxidant capabilities (8.74 ± 1.13 mg/ml; 13.18 ± 0.18% and 12.94 ± 0.89%, respectively). Twelve (12) volatile compounds were found in the EO according to GC–MS and GC–FID analyses, with tetrapentacontane (48.25%), 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (16.59%), hexatriacontane (9.17%), and 6,10,14-trimethylpentadecan-2-one (8.80%) accounting for the majority of the components. To our knowledge, no earlier studies have looked at the chemical composition of L. comosa oil. These findings might contribute to our understanding of this species’ makeup and make it a useful source of food and medicine in the future.

Exploring of biological activity and diverse metabolites in hemp (Cannabis sativa) seed oil by GC/MS, GC–FID, and LC–HRMS chromatographies

BackgroundThis study investigated the antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of hemp seed oil using various bioanalytical methods. Furthermore, this study determined the suppressive properties of hemp seed oil on α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase and carbonic anhydrase II that purified by the sepharose-4B-L-Tyrosine-sulfanilamide affinity chromatoghraphy, all of which are related to different metabolic diseases. Moreover, the phenolic concentration in the essential oil was quantified through LC–HRMS chromatography. Thirteen distinct phenolic compounds were detected in hemp seed oil. Additionally, both the chemical components and quantity of essential oils within hemp seed oil were assessed through GC–FID and GC/MS analyses.ResultsThe predominant essential oils in hemp seed oil included linoleoyl chloride (34.62%), linoleic acid (33.21%), and 2-4-di-tert-butylphenol (5.79%). Hemp seed oil's ability to scavenge radicals was studied through the use of 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil bioanalytical radical scavenging methods. The results unveiled its potent radical-scavenging properties, with an 46.20 μg/mL for 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals and IC50 of 9.76 μg/mL for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil radicals. The investigation also extended to explore the reducing capabilities of Fe3+-2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-S-triazine, copper (Cu2+), and iron (Fe3+). Hemp seed oil demonstrated notable inhibitory effect against α-amylase (IC50: 545.66 μg/mL), achethylcholinesterase (IC50: 28.00 μg/mL), and carbonic anhydrase II (IC50: 322.62 μg/mL).ConclusionsThis interdisciplinary research will prove valuable and set the stage for future investigations into the antioxidant characteristics and enzyme inhibition patterns of plants and plants oils that hold medical and industrial significance.

Development of GC–MS coupled to GC–FID method for the quantification of cannabis terpenes and terpenoids: Application to the analysis of five commercial varieties of medicinal cannabis

Cannabis terpenes and terpenoids are among the major classes of pharmacologically active secondary metabolites of therapeutic interest. Indeed, these hydrocarbon molecules, responsible for the characteristic aroma of cannabis flowers, are thought to be involved in a synergistic effect known as the “entourage effect”, together with cannabinoids. Numerous analytical studies have been carried out to characterize the terpene and terpenoid contents of some cannabis varieties, but they have not proposed any real quantification or have described a limited number of analytical standards or average response factors, which may have led to over- or underestimation of the real content of the cannabis flowers. Real and reliable quantification is necessary to justify the entourage effect. Here, we report a rigorous and precise GC–FID and GC–MS method for the identification and quantification of cannabis terpenes and terpenoids. This method is distinguished by the use of a high number of analytical standards, the determination of retention indices for all compounds studied, an exhaustive comparison of databases and scientific literature, the use of relevant response factors, and internal calibration for reliable results. It was applied to the study of terpenic compounds in five commercial varieties of medicinal cannabis produced by Bedrocan International: a CBD-rich (Bedrolite®), a THC/CBD balanced (Bediol®), and three THC-dominant (Bedrocan®, Bedica® and Bedrobinol®). Two extraction solvents are described (ethanol and hexane) to compare their selectivity towards target molecules, and to describe as exhaustively as possible the terpenic profile of the five pharmaceutical-grade varieties. Twenty-three standards were used for accurate dosages. This work highlights that the choice of solvent and the analysis method reliability are critical for the study of these terpenic compounds, regarding their contribution to the entourage effect.

Gas-chromatographic analyses of volatile organic compounds in essential oils extracted from Slovak juniper berries and needles (Juniperus communis L.)

Juniper essential oils (EOs) are mainly extracted from berries; however, nowadays studies point to needles as a viable source of EOs. Total qualitative-quantitative profiles of individual volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of EOs extracted from berries, old and young needles, gathered from the same locality, were obtained by GC–MS and GC–FID analyses. Moreover, qualitative-quantitative differences were determined among particular EOs within two subsequent years. Generally, VOC profiles of EOs were mainly represented by monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and their oxygenated derivatives. Depending on the harvest year, α-pinene (27.70–35.42 %) was the most abundant VOC in juniper berry EOs, followed by germacrene D, sabinene, myrcene, germacrene B and β-pinene. Overall, needle EOs were primarily characterised by sabinene, α-pinene, γ-terpinene and terpinen-4-ol, but with an intense dependence on the needle age and harvest year. β-Ylangene and α-cubebene were specific to berry EOs, whereas trans-2-hexenal was specific to needle EOs. Discriminant analysis achieved 100 % accuracy of correctly classified EOs according to the raw material and harvest year. α-Cubebene, germacrene B, γ-muurolene, one unknown compound and trans-2-hexenal were identified as the most significant for discrimination according to the source, while juniper camphort, cis-2-p-menthen-1-ol, terpinen-4-ol and β-elemene played dominant roles in discrimination according to the harvest year.

GC-FID spectroscopic analysis and antioxidant activities of methanolic fraction of Cassia tora leaves

IntroductionFrom time immemorial, different parts of Cassia tora (Jue ming zi) have found application in Chinese medicine. There is a reputation for the therapeutic properties of the plant's leaves, seeds, and roots. The objective of this study is to ascertain the antioxidant properties and bioactive compounds found in Cassia tora leaf. Materials and methodPhytochemical and antioxidant studies were carried out using standard analytical techniques. Bioactive compounds were analysed using GC FID. ResultsResults of the quantitative phytochemical analysis of the methanolic fraction of Cassia tora leaves indicated the presence of saponins (71,760±943.2µg/ml), terpenoids (47,466.70±46.2µg/ml), tannins (21,253.30±46.2µg/ml), flavonoids (14,682.70±40.3µg/ml), phenols (30,986.70±46.2µg/ml), steroids (13,557.30±24.4µg/ml), alkaloids (9770.67±9.2µg/ml), glycosides (5434.67±139.8µg/ml). Using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) to analyze the antioxidant properties of the methanolic fraction of Cassia tora leaves, it was discovered that the higher the scavenging power of the fraction, the lower the concentration of the standard (ascorbic acid). In comparison to the standard (ascorbic acid), the fraction had the maximum antioxidant capacity at 6.86mg/ml. Total antioxidant power in the fraction ranged from 1.78mg/ml to 16mg/ml. Twenty (20) bioactive chemicals were found in the methanol fraction of Cassia tora leaves, according to the results of the gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID) investigation. ConclusionThe findings of this current study demonstrate that the leaves of Cassia tora are rich in numerous bioactive compounds and are natural sources of antioxidants.

The efficiency of the microbial fuel cell reactor in biodegradation of methyl tertiary butyl ether and electricity generation from wastewater: Effects of co-substrate, surfactant, and membrane changes

This study highlights the promising potential of utilizing an MFC reactor equipped with Nafion 117 and PVA/GA membranes. This innovative and cost-effective approach has proven to be highly effective in addressing the challenge of treating methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in wastewater, while also offering the added benefit of electricity generation. Biodegradation efficiency and electricity generation were assessed in this study using co-substrates such as glucose (GLS) and sodium acetate (SAC), in addition to surfactants like sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The MTBE concentration ranged from 10 to 200 mg/L, and it was quantified in the samples through gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC–FID). To explore the structural characteristics of Nafion 117 and PVA/GA membranes, we conducted field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The maximum biodegradation efficiency of MTBE (%) in MFC reactors with Nafion 117 and PVA/GA membranes was found to be 93.3% and 89.8%, accompanied by maximum production voltages (mV) of 895 mV and 853 mV, respectively. This was achieved with the addition of SAC co-substrate and SDS surfactant. Notably, the addition of co-substrate had a more significant impact compared to the surfactant. Simultaneously adding both the co-substrate and surfactant had a substantial effect on both the biodegradation efficiency (%) of MTBE and the generated voltage. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the MFC reactor equipped with Nafion 117 and PVA/GA membranes is capable of effectively breaking down MTBE. However, due to its lower cost, the PVA/GA membrane may be considered a more economical choice. Therefore, the utilization of an MFC reactor featuring Nafion 117 and PVA/GA membranes holds great promise as an efficient approach for treating MTBE in wastewater, while concurrently generating electricity.

Phytochemical analysis, biological activities of methanolic extracts and an isolated flavonoid from Tunisian Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss: an in vitro and in silico investigations

In recent years, due to the dramatic increase of the bacteria resistance to antibiotics and chemotherapeutic drugs, an increasing importance is given to the discovery of novel bioactive molecules, more potent than those in use. In this contest, methanol extracts of different parts of the medicinal plant Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss. (Plumbaginaceae), widely occurring in Tunisia, were prepared to evaluate the antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. The methanol extract of the roots showed the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus and E. faecalis, whereas the stem extract exhibited the highest antiproliferative effects towards a Hela cell line. Analysis of volatile fractions, using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC–FID) techniques, led to the identification of camphor as the most abundant constituent, which represented from 84.85 to 99.48% of the methanol extracts. Multiple chromatographic separation of the methanol leaf extract afforded the flavonoid maeopsin-6-O-glucoside (S1) and a few fractions that were subjected to biological activity assays. One fraction exhibited interesting antibacterial activity against E. coli and E. faecalis (MIC values of 62.5 and 78.12 µg/mL, respectively), and antiproliferative effects against Hela and A549 cells (IC50 = 226 and 242.52 μg/mL, respectively). In addition, in silico studies indicated that maesopsin-6-O-glucoside, which was moderately active against Staphylococcus aureus, strongly interacted with the active site of the accessory gene regulator protein A (AgrA) of Staphylococcus aureus.

Volatile Composition, Antimicrobial Activity, and In Vitro Innate Immunomodulatory Activity of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench Essential Oils.

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is a medicinal plant commonly used for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, the common cold, sore throat, migraine, colic, stomach cramps, and toothaches and the promotion of wound healing. Based on the known pharmacological properties of essential oils (EOs), we hypothesized that E. purpurea EOs may contribute to these medicinal properties. In this work, EOs from the flowers of E. purpurea were steam-distilled and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), GC with flame-ionization detection (GC-FID), and chiral GC-MS. The EOs were also evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial and innate immunomodulatory activity. About 87 compounds were identified in five samples of the steam-distilled E. purpurea EO. The major components of the E. purpurea EO were germacrene D (42.0 ± 4.61%), α-phellandrene (10.09 ± 1.59%), β-caryophyllene (5.75 ± 1.72%), γ-curcumene (5.03 ± 1.96%), α-pinene (4.44 ± 1.78%), δ-cadinene (3.31 ± 0.61%), and β-pinene (2.43 ± 0.98%). Eleven chiral compounds were identified in the E. purpurea EO, including α-pinene, sabinene, β-pinene, α-phellandrene, limonene, β-phellandrene, α-copaene, β-elemene, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and δ-cadinene. Analysis of E. purpurea EO antimicrobial activity showed that they inhibited the growth of several bacterial species, although the EO did not seem to be effective for Staphylococcus aureus. The E. purpurea EO and its major components induced intracellular calcium mobilization in human neutrophils. Additionally, pretreatment of human neutrophils with the E. purpurea EO or (+)-δ-cadinene suppressed agonist-induced neutrophil calcium mobilization and chemotaxis. Moreover, pharmacophore mapping studies predicted two potential MAPK targets for (+)-δ-cadinene. Our results are consistent with previous reports on the innate immunomodulatory activities of β-caryophyllene, α-phellandrene, and germacrene D. Thus, this study identified δ-cadinene as a novel neutrophil agonist and suggests that δ-cadinene may contribute to the reported immunomodulatory activity of E. purpurea.

A new essential oil from the native Ecuadorian species Steiractinia sodiroi (Hieron.) S.F. Blake (Asteraceae): chemical and enantioselective analyses

In the present study, the essential oil from dry leaves of Steiractinia sodiroi (Hieron.) S.F. Blake is described for the first time. The plant material, collected in the Province of Loja (Ecuador), was analytically steam-distilled in a Marcusson-type apparatus, affording an essential oil with a 0.2 ± 0.12% yield. The volatile fraction was submitted to GC–MS and GC–FID analyses, on two stationary phases of different polarity. A total of sixty-seven compounds, corresponding to 95.6–91.2% by weight of the whole oil mass, on the two columns respectively, were detected and quantified with at least one column. The quantification was carried out calculating the relative response factors of each constituent according to their combustion enthalpy. The major components were limonene (25.6–24.9%), sabinene (11.7–12.4%), germacrene D (7.7–7.0%), α-pinene (7.8–6.9%), δ-cadinene (7.3–7.0%), (E)-β-caryophyllene (4.8–4.5%), and bicyclogermacrene (3.6–3.0%). The chemical composition was complemented with the enantioselective analysis of some major chiral compounds, conducted by means of two β-cyclodextrin-based capillary columns. Three constituents, (S)-(+)-α-phellandrene, (R)-(−)-1-octen-3-ol, and (S)-(−)-limonene were enantiomerically pure, whereas (1R,5R)-(+)-β-pinene, (1S,5S)-(−)-sabinene, (R)-(−)-terpinen-4-ol, (R)-(+)-α-terpineol, and (R)-(+)-germacrene D presented an enantiomeric excess. Finally, α-pinene was present as a racemic mixture.

Comparative study on different extraction methods of oil extract from Mentha asiatica Boriss. and optimization of the extraction process by response surface methodology

AbstractIn the current study, the lipophilic solvent (n‐hexane) extraction, steam distillation (SD) and supercritical CO2 fluid extraction (SC–CO2) methods were used to extract the volatile components of Mentha asiatica Boriss. Comparisons were made between the extraction yield, chemical component and biological activity. Gas chromatography quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC–QTOF–MS) and semi‐quantitative analysis of chemical contents by flame ionization detector (GC–FID) were used to study the chemical ingredients in Mentha asiatica Boriss. aromatic extract. The oil extract obtained from lipophilic solvent (n‐hexane) extraction (1.27 ± 0.03%, w/W) showed the highest yield, followed by supercritical CO2 fluid extraction (1.15 ± 0.04%, w/W), the extraction rate of SD was (0.37 ± 0.01%，w/W). The oil extract of Mentha asiatica Boriss. contained a total of 70 components that were identified. In the following, the primary volatile compounds of the essential oil produced using the three extraction techniques: α‐thujene, camphene, sabinene, β‐pinene, β‐cymene, limonene, β‐terpinene, camphol, α‐terpinene, carvenone, carvone, piperitone oxide, thymol, myrtenyl acetate, dihydrojasmone, caryophyllene, germacrene D and caryophyllene oxide. Findings from this study indicate that the three methods of essential oil extraction produced oils with varying antioxidant capacities against DPPH and ABTS free radicals. Against Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, all of the essential oils simultaneously showed clear inhibitory actions. Response surface methodology (RSM) and the Box–Benhnken design with three factors and three levels were both utilized to optimize the distillation process of essential oils. The appropriate extraction parameters were a 3 h extraction period, a solid–liquid ratio of 1:10 and a 3 h soaking time. The highest yield of essential oil was 0.38%. The impact of extraction parameters on essential oil yield was examined using the SD method. The findings indicated that the main factors affecting the yield of volatile oil extracted by SD were soaking time > ratio of solid to liquid > extraction time.

Comprehensive study of the volatile profile of Niágara Rosada (Vitis labrusca) wines produced from Brettanomyces anomalus using GC–FID–MS: a chemical and sensory approach

Comprehensive study of the volatile profile of Niágara Rosada (Vitis labrusca) wines produced from Brettanomyces anomalus using GC–FID–MS: a chemical and sensory approach

Electrospun mesh pattern of polyvinyl alcohol/zirconium-based metal-organic framework nanocomposite as a sorbent for extraction of phthalate esters

Herein, an electrospun composite polyvinyl alcohol/zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (PVA@UiO-66) nanofiber coating was prepared on the surface of stainless steel mesh (SSM) and then utilized as novel sorbent for the extraction of phthalate esters (PEs) in milk and water samples. Gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC–FID) was used for the quantitative determination of extracted analytes. The SSM coated with PVA@UiO-66 was used in a polypropylene syringe to fabricate the solid-phase extraction (SPE) device. The PVA@UiO-66 nanofiber coating was confirmed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (FT–IR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The effective parameters of the extraction efficiency including volume and type of desorption solvent, sample volume, ionic strength, pH, extraction flow rate, and desorption flow rate were optimized. At the optimal extraction conditions, the calibration plots for phthalate esters were linear within the range of 0.05–100 ng mL−1 and, low detection limits (0.015–0.06 ng mL−1). Finally, this semi-automated SPE was used for the extraction and detection of phthalate esters (PEs) in milk and various environmental real water samples. The results showed good precision with acceptable and satisfactory extraction recovery values ranging from 89.5 to 99.2% and relative standard deviations (RSDs%) ranging from 4.5 to 6.9%.

Bio-efficacy of Salvia officinalis essential oil, nanoemulsion and monoterpene components as eco-friendly green insecticides for controlling the granary weevil

In the pursuit of searching for novel and environmentally benign insecticides to minimize the environmental risks of synthetic pesticides, essential oil (EO) of Salvia officinalis L., the so-called common sage, was hydrodistilled and analyzed using gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC–FID) and Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The monoterpenes, α-thujone (26.8%), camphor (19.9%), and 1,8-cineole (13.4%) were identified as the key fractions. Oil-in-water nanoemulsion (NE) was developed adopting a green low energy method, then characterized for thermodynamic stability. The EO, the NE and monoterpenes showed insecticidal bioactivity against the granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius L. The NE caused the strongest contact bioactivity against larvae (LC50 =7.2 µL/cm2) after 72 h of exposure. At the same assaying conditions, EO (LC50 = 14.1 µL/cm2) and camphor (19.3 µL/cm2) exhibited promising bioactivities. For adults, the LC50's of NE, EO and camphor after 72 h of exposure were 5.8, 9.2, and 19.8 µL/cm2, respectively. Upon fumigation, the NE, EO and camphor were the most effective as fumigants, where LC50 values after 72 h larval exposure were 8.1, 11.0, and 14.0 µL/L, respectively, and for adult were 5.4, 9.6, and 12.1 µL/L, respectively. The phytochemicals effectively repelled the weevils at low concentrations, and considerably inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). None-target evaluations proved that the phytochemicals and NE were safe for earthworm, Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826) at a limit concentration of 200 mg/kg soil, and the albino rat at an oral limit dose of 4500 mg/kg body weight, except for α-thujone. The test phytochemicals were non-phytotoxic to wheat grains at concentrations reached 150 µL/ml. Results provide evidence for a potentiality for using sage EO, particularly at its nanoscale, as ecofriendly grain protectant against the granary weevil.

Essential Oils from Different Parts of Azorean Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex L.f.) D. Don (Cupressaceae): Comparison of the Yields, Chemical Compositions, and Biological Properties

Azorean Cryptomeria japonica is widely used for local wood production, generating large amounts of aerial-part biomass residues that can be a sustainable source of value-added bioproducts. This comparative study aimed (i) to determine the yield and chemical profile of the essential oils (EOs) extracted by hydrodistillation from Azorean C. japonica foliage, leaves, male cones (MCs), and female cones (FCs), and (ii) to investigate the antimicrobial and brine shrimp lethality (BSL) effects of the obtained EOs and some major components. The EOs yield revealed a wide range (ca. 1–3%, w/d.w.) and their chemical composition, analysed by GC–MS and GC–FID, showed the presence of seventy-one components. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (38–71%) dominated in all the studied EOs, mainly α-pinene (17–45% of total EOs), decreasing as follows: cone EOs > leaf EOs > foliage EOs. Oxygen-containing monoterpenes (mainly terpinen-4-ol) also dominated in cone EOs. Contrariwise, oxygen-containing sesquiterpenes (mainly elemol) and diterpene hydrocarbons (mainly phyllocladene) dominated in foliage/leaf EOs. The studied EOs exhibited activity against Gram-positive bacteria but no activity against Gram-negative bacteria. A similar trend was displayed by α-pinene. Only the cone EOs showed antifungal activity against Penicillium chrysogenum, but this was significantly lower than those of α-pinene and terpinen-4-ol. Moreover, FC EO should also be considered for further investigation due to its high toxicity on BSL bioassay. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the variability of yield, chemical profile, and bioactivities in the EOs from different parts of the Azorean C. japonica, expanding the knowledge of the potentialities of C. japonica aerial-part EOs, particularly the ones from the cone samples.

The Essential Oil Composition of Anthriscus caucalis M. Bieb. (Apiaceae) Growing Wild in Southwestern Idaho

Background Anthriscus caucalis is a non-native plant in North America with invasive potential. As part of our interests in essential oils of the Great Basin, a wild-growing sample of A. caucalis was collected in southwestern Idaho. Methods The essential of A. caucalis was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatographic methods (GC–MS, GC–FID, and chiral GC–MS). Results The major components in the essential oil were cis-chrysanthenyl acetate (42.3%), myrcene (20.4%), cis-chrysanthenol (6.7%), α-pinene (4.2%), and ( E)-β-farnesene (4.2%). (+)-α-Thujene, (+)-α-pinene, (+)-sabinene, (+)-limonene, (−)-β-phellandrene, (−)-bornyl acetate, (−)-( E)-β-caryophyllene, and (−)-germacrene D were the predominant enantiomers in the essential oil. Conclusion The essential oil composition of A. caucalis from Idaho is similar to those from Europe, but markedly different from A. caucalis from China. The enantiomeric distributions are comparable to those reported in other essential oils of the Apiaceae.

Appraisal of the Temporospatial Migration and Potential Ecotoxicity of Phthalic Acid Esters in Municipal Effluents, Rivers and Dam—A Catchment-Wide Assessment

Herein, the catchment-wide temporal dynamics and potential ecotoxicological risk of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in aquatic ecosystems were assessed. Specifically, water samples were collected for a period of six consecutive months from seven selected sites, i.e., covering both dry and wet seasons for seasonal variabilities. The appraised PAEs comprised dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP), diphenyl phthalate (DPP), di-n-hexyl phthalate (DHP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP), diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP)) in municipal wastewater effluents, rivers and dam. Their concentrations were quantified using a gas chromatography–flame ionisation detector (GC–FID) via the liquid–liquid extraction mode. The appraised PAEs were ubiquitous in the selected sampling points, with DBP being the most abundant PAE homologue throughout the assessed localities. In particular, quantifiable concentrations were 18.9, 37.9 and 11.5 μg/L for DBP in wastewater effluents, rivers and the dam catchment, respectively, and for overall Σ10PAEs of minimum, mean and maximum of 0.492, 3.6 ± 9.82 and 63.2 μg/L, respectively. In addition, PAE concentrations in the effluents, rivers, and dam samples showed no significant differences with p < 0.05. The overall prominent sequence for ∑PAEs registered: 53.3 > 10.1 > 10.0 > 9.8 > 4.3 > 2.5 > 1.8 > 1.7 > 1.1 > 0.9% for DBP > DEHP > DiDP > DOP > DHP > DPP > BBP > DMP > DEP > DiNP, respectively. The ecotoxicological risk assessment (risk quotient method) showed that DBP and DiDP posed high risk (RQ ≥ 1), and DOP, DEHP, DHP, DiNP and BBP posed median risk to aquatic organisms (0.1 ≤ RQ < 1), while the risk from DMP and DEP was minimal (RQ < 0.1). Additionally, DBP, DEHP, DOP, DPP and DiDP were higher than the water criterion (3 μg/L) of PAEs recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for the protection of aquatic life. Findings from this study should go a long way in guiding regulators, custodians and catchment management forums, along with interested and affected parties, regarding the status and potential ecotoxicological effects of PAEs in the receiving environment.

Evaluation of blood BTEX levels in fuel stations workers using vortex-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on deep eutectic solvent followed by gas chromatography flame-ionization detector

In this research, an eco-friendly method was established by vortex-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on the deep eutectic solvent (VA–DLLME–DES). The performance of the proposed method was demonstrated by the determination of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) in blood samples of fuel stations workers combined with GC–FID. The selected hydrophilic deep eutectic solvent is consisting of l-menthol and (1S)-(+)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid (CSA) at a 5:1 molar ratio as a green solvent instead of traditional toxic organic solvents. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the introduced method exhibited good linearity with a coefficient of determinations (r 2) higher than 0.9985 and an acceptable linear range of 0.03–80 µg l–1. Accordingly, the limits of detection (S/N = 3) and limits of quantification (S/N = 10) were in the ranges of 0.01–0.04 µg l−1 and 0.03–0.10 µg l−1, respectively. Blood BTEX levels of fuel stations workers were analyzed based on age, duration of working at the station, smokers or nonsmokers, and station type (CNG, gasoline, and dual-purpose). The results showed that there was no significant difference between blood BTEX levels in different age groups, while the concentration of BTEX compounds increases with the increase of working time in the station. Blood BTEX levels were much higher in smokers than in nonsmokers.

THE IN VITRO ANTIFUNGAL AND SYNERGISTIC ACTIVITY OF SELECTED PLANT EXTRACTS AND ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST CANDIDA SPP.

This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity and the potential synergistic activity of ten plant extracts (EXs) and ten essential oils (EOs) obtained from the same plant species, namely Agrimonia eupatoria L., Arctium lappa L., Arnica montana L., Bidens cernua L., Corylus avellana L., Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench), Menta piperita L., Trifolium pratense L., Syzygium aromaticum L., and Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels were used. Three species of the genus Candida, namely C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis, isolated from polluted estuarine water, were used in this study. The chemical composition of all EOs was evaluated by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC–FID) analysis. Firstly, the susceptibility of Candida spp. strains to EXs and EOs was screened by the agar disc diffusion method. Then the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tested EXs and EOs was determined in a concentration range from 256 to 0.125 µL/mL. Following that, the effective EXs and EOs were divided into two groups (strong effect and weak effect) and tested in combination (strong + weak) at various concentrations depending on the tested strain to determine their potential synergistic effect using the chessboard pattern. The most sensitive strain to treatments with EXs and EOs tested alone and in mixtures was C. albicans. The most potent combinations with other EXs/EOs were observed with Syzygium aromaticum L., for both plant extract and essential oil, respectively. In this study the EOs and EXs tested in combination were much more effective than when acting on the growth of Candida spp. separately. So, the synergistic effect of the combinations of the EXs and EOs can lead to a reduction in the doses of commercial antifungals and can provide an effective way to reduce the infections caused by yeasts of the genus Candida.