Jujube Seeds Research Articles

Removal of hexavalent chromium using activated and magnetic Ziziphus Jujube seed biochar — a column study

ABSTRACT In this study, activated and magnetic biochar prepared from Ziziphus Jujube Seeds (ZJS) is used to remove Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) using Fixed Bed Column Experiment. Physicochemical characteristics of the activated and magnetic biochar such as functional groups, surface area, morphological study, and magnetic properties were analyzed. The column experiment was carried out for varying bed heights (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 cm), flow rates (20, 30 ml/min), and initial chromium concentrations (40, 60, 80 ppm) to determine adsorption performance of the studied biochar. The characteristic study found that magnetic biochar (MB) has good magnetic properties and crystallinity nature with essential functional groups such as C-O, FeO. The study found that Magnetic Biochar (MB) effectively removed 99% of hexavalent chromium through column adsorption under optimal conditions, including bed height of 6 cm, 60ppm Chromium concentration, and flow rate of 20 ml/min. Kinetic model study showed that Magnetic Biochar (MB) showed very good agreement with Adam Bohart Model, with R2 of 0.97, which is best fit model than other model studies whereas the other model showed a lesser R2 value. The study reveals that magnetic biochar from Ziziphus Jujube Seed is optimal adsorbent for removal of Cr(VI) through column adsorption experiment.

Exploiting the Combinatorial Potential of Mangiferin and Jujube Seeds in Poultry Meat Preservation: A Sustainable Packaging Solution to Improve Food Quality

Exploiting the Combinatorial Potential of Mangiferin and Jujube Seeds in Poultry Meat Preservation: A Sustainable Packaging Solution to Improve Food Quality

Evaluation of Ethnobotanical Fruit-Based Composition Extracts for Their Active Components and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Chinese medicine employs fruit-based compositions such as Diospyros kaki calyx and Ziziphus jujuba seeds in traditional medications. Thai folklore uses the edible fruits of Dillenia indica and Diospyros rhodocalyx for numerous uses. The goal of this study was to establish the potential benefits of these fruit-based components by creating extracts for pharmacological use and exploring their composition and biological activity. The extracts were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with betulinic acid as a marker. The extracts containing the marker were tested for anti-inflammatory activity using the inhibition of nitric oxide production assay on RAW264.7 cells. The toxicity to cells was concurrently investigated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Betulinic acid levels in the extracts varied from 0.78 to 7.75%. All compound-containing extracts demonstrated anti-inflammatory performance in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 values ranged from 97.1 to 287.6 µg/mL, and greater concentrations resulted in cell toxicity. The correlation study, conducted using Pearson’s analysis, demonstrated a connection between the Diospyros species based on similar chemical compounds and biological functions. Also, the anti-inflammatory effect of a feasible seed extract from Dillenia indica was linked to those of the seeds of Ziziphus jujuba, a widely used Chinese medicinal fruit. These extracts containing betulinic acid have the potential to be investigated more thoroughly for their anti-inflammatory properties for application in herbal preparations.

Moringa, Milk Thistle, and Jujube Seed Cold-Pressed Oils: Characteristic Profiles, Thermal Properties, and Oxidative Stability.

Cold-pressed moringa, milk thistle, and jujube seed oils were investigated in terms of their characteristic profiles, thermal properties, and oxidative stability. The findings proved that the extracted oils were characterized by high nutritional values, which encourages their use in various fields. Results showed significant differences between the obtained oils. Overall, jujube seed oil exhibited the best quality parameters, with acidity equal to 0.762 versus 1% for the moringa and milk thistle seed oils. Milk thistle seed oil showed absorbance in the UV-C (100-290 nm), UV-B (290-320 nm), and UV-A (320-400 nm) ranges, while the moringa and jujube seed oils showed absorbance only in the UV-B and UV-A ranges. Concerning bioactive compounds, jujube seed oil presented the highest content of polyphenols, which promoted a good scavenging capacity (90% at 10 µg/mL) compared to the moringa and milk thistle seed oils. Assessing the thermal properties of the obtained oils showed the presence of four groups of triglycerides in the moringa and milk thistle seed oils, and two groups of triglycerides in the jujube seed oil. The thermograms were constant at temperatures above 10 °C for milk thistle seed oil, 15 °C for jujube seed oil, and 30 °C for moringa seed oil, which corresponded to complete liquefaction of the oils. The extinction coefficients K232 and K270, monitored during storage for 60 days at 60 °C, proved that jujube seed oil had the highest polyphenols content and was the most stable against thermal oxidation.

Saponins from seeds of Zizyphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa exhibit vasorelaxant effects on rat isolated aorta

AbstractAimThe vasorelaxant saponins jujuboside A(1), A1(2), B(3), and acetyljujuboside B(4) were isolated from 50% MeOH extracts of seeds of Zizyphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa Hu ex H.F. Chou (Rhamnaceae), and their effects were studied using isolated rat aortic rings.MethodDried jujube seeds were crushed and extracted with 50% MeOH, and the extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure. Vasorelaxant effects of this extracts were assessed on rat isolated aorta rings. The aorta rings were placed in a well‐oxygenated bath of modified Krebs–Henseleit solution and the mechanical tension was measured isometrically.ResultsThe crude extract was fractionated by chromatographic methods with the guidance of vasorelaxant activity, and four saponins (1~4) were isolated. These compounds were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. Compounds 1~4 showed slow relaxation activity against norepinephrine (NE)‐induced contractions of rat aorta with/without endothelium. Treatment with 1~4 did not significantly inhibit NE‐induced vasoconstrictions. Compounds 1~4 inhibited vasoconstriction induced by high‐concentration potassium (60 mM) and NE in the presence of nicardipine but did not affect phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate‐induced vasoconstriction.ConclusionThese results suggest that inhibition of NE‐induced vasoconstriction by 1~4 is due to the inhibition of receptor‐operated Ca2+ channels and voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels or inhibition of intracellular calcium modulations.

Green Synthesis and Antimicrobial Study on Jujube Seed Extract Functionalized Ag Nanoparticles

AbstractGreen synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using the plant extract is a very important strategy to gain efficient antimicrobial agents with strong antimicrobial activity and low toxicity. In this study, jujube seed extract (JSE) is utilized to green synthesis of AgNPs by both hydrothermal process and solution‐based approaches. UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra confirm that jujube seed extract functionalized Ag nanoparticles are formed by both approaches and jujube seed extract covered on the surface of Ag nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicate that the JSE‐AgNPs are spherical with the average diameter of 17.7 and 14.2 nm for the hydrothermal process and solution‐based approaches, respectively. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the JSE‐AgNPs prepared by both approaches have face‐centered cubic crystal structure. The antimicrobial activity test reveals that minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of JSE‐AgNPs by the solution‐based method are 62.5, 125, and 62.5 µg mL−1 against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, respectively. These results imply that the JSE‐AgNPs have potential to be developed as efficient antimicrobial agents.

Combined Effects of Ziziphus jujuba, Dimocarpus longan, and Lactuca sativa on Sleep-Related Behaviors through GABAergic Signaling.

We aimed to analyze the increase in the sleep-promoting effects based on the mixed ratio of botanical extracts, Ziziphus jujuba seeds, Dimocarpus longan fruits, and Lactuca sativa leaves, using animal models. Behavioral analyses, including an analysis of the total sleep time of Drosophila melanogaster, were conducted to select the optimal mixed ratio of the three botanical extracts. The effects were verified in a caffeine-induced sleepless model, specific neurotransmitter receptor antagonists, and ICR mice. In D. melanogaster exposed to 2.0% of each extract, group behavior was significantly reduced, and the mixed extracts of Z. jujuba, D. longan, and L. sativa (4:1:1 and 1:4:1) significantly increased the total sleep time with individual fruit flies. In the caffeine-induced insomnia model, mixed extracts (4:1:1 and 1:4:1) led to the highest increase in total sleep time. An analysis of locomotor ability revealed a significant reduction in the mobility percentage in the mixed extract groups (0:0:1, 1:0:1, 1:1:1, 4:1:1, and 1:4:1). The administration of Z. jujuba extract and mixed extracts (4:1:1) significantly increased the expression of GABAA-R, whereas the administration of the mixed extracts (4:1:1) and (1:4:1) significantly increased the expression of GABAB-R1 and GABAB-R2, respectively. D. longan extract and the mixed ratio (1:4:1) reduced the subjective nighttime movement and increased the total sleep time in the presence of flumazenil. An analysis of ICR mice indicated that the administration of mixed extracts (4:1:1) significantly increased sleep duration in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicated that the mixed ratio of Z. jujuba, D. longan, and L. sativa extracts, particularly the mixed ratio of 4:1:1, may have sleep-enhancing effects in fruit flies and mice. The study also identified changes in gene expression related to GABA receptors, indicating the potential mechanism for the observed sleep-promoting effects.

DNA barcoding identification of grafted Semen Ziziphi Spinosae and transcriptome study of wild Semen Ziziphi Spinosae.

Semen Ziziphi Spinosae (SZS) is the dried and ripe seeds of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa. Currently, the yield of naturally grown SZS is unstable owing to environmental factors. Grafting high-quality sour jujube scions onto sour jujube or jujube tree stocks can result in a greater yield. However, the effects of grafting on the quality and gene expression of SZS have rarely been reported. This study used a DNA barcoding technique, high-performance liquid phase-evaporative luminescence detector (HPLC-ELSD), and transcriptomics to investigate the origin and genetic differences between grafted and wild jujube seeds. DNA barcoding identified all samples as Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa. HPLC-ELSD analysis revealed a higher content of grafted SZS compared to that of the wild SZS. Transcriptome analysis of the metabolic pathways in SZS showed that 22 and 19 differentially expressed gene sequences encoded enzymes related to flavonoids and saponin synthesis, respectively. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) identified 15 core genes governing the differences in medicinal components between grafted and wild SZS. This study demonstrated the use of DNA barcoding and fingerprint methods to identify jujube seed species and effectively capture ingredient information of medicinal materials. Additionally, transcriptome technology provided data for identifying core differential genes, facilitating studies on quality differences between grafted and wild SZS.

The Pharmacological Potential of Bioactive Components of Zizypus jujuba Seeds: A Review

The Pharmacological Potential of Bioactive Components of Zizypus jujuba Seeds: A Review

Sleep-Enhancing Effect of Water Extract from Jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) Seeds Fermented by Lactobacillus brevis L32.

Although Ziziphus jujuba Mill (jujube) is used in folk medicine for hypnotic sedative, anxiolytic, and many other purposes, to date, only a few studies have revealed its sleep-promoting effects and related mechanisms. Currently, drugs used for the treatment of sleep disorders have various side effects, so it is essential to develop safe natural materials. Therefore, we evaluated the sleep-enhancing activity and mechanism of action of an aqueous extract of jujube seeds (ZW) fermented with Lactobacillus brevis L-32 in rodent models. The starch contained in ZW was removed by enzymatic degradation and fermented with L. brevis to obtain a fermented product (ZW-FM) with a high γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content. To evaluate the sleep-promoting effect of ZW-FM, pentobarbital-induced sleep tests were performed on ICR mice, and electroencephalography analysis was undertaken in Sprague Dawley rats. Additionally, the awakening relief effects of ZW-FM were confirmed in a caffeine-induced insomnia model. Finally, the mechanism of sleep enhancement by ZW-FM was analyzed using GABA receptor type A (GABAA) antagonists. The ZW-FM-treated groups (100 and 150 mg/kg) showed increased sleep time, especially the δ-wave time during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. In addition, the 150 mg/kg ZW-FM treatment group showed decreased sleep latency and increased sleep time in the insomnia model. In particular, NREM sleep time was increased and REM sleep time, which was increased by caffeine treatment, was decreased by ZW-FM treatment. ZW-FM-induced sleep increase was inhibited by the GABAA receptor antagonists picrotoxin, bicuculline, and flumazenil, confirming that the increase was the result of a GABAergic mechanism. These results strongly suggest that the increased GABA in water extract from jujube seeds fermented by L. brevis acts as a sleep-promoting compound and that the sleep-promoting activity is related to GABAA receptor binding.

Three acidic polysaccharides derived from sour jujube seeds protect intestinal epithelial barrier function in LPS induced Caco-2 cell inflammation model

Normal intestinal epithelial barrier function plays a key role in the prevention of many diseases such as infectious enteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, etc. In this study, three novel acidic polysaccharides ZY-2, ZY-3 and ZY-4 were isolated from sour jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. Spinosa) seeds and purified by DEAE Sephrose Fast Flow gel. The molecular weight of ZY-2, ZY-3 and ZY-4 was 7.76 kDa, 10.71 kDa and 8.31 kDa respectively, mainly composed of different proportions of mannose, rhamnose, glucose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, galactose, xylose and arabinose. 1H NMR and Congo red experiment results showed that the three polysaccharides mainly contained both α-type and β-type glycosidic bonds with obvious triple helix structural traits. The polysaccharides could up-regulate the expression levels of occludin and ZO-1 in LPS-induced inflammation Caco-2 cells, and reduce IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α significantly. In conclusion, the acidic polysaccharides from sour jujube seeds exhibited great potential in protection intestinal epithelial barrier function through anti-inflammatory effects.

English

A co-flow pilot filter with a packing support material (coated jujube seeds) was constructed and tested for the biological removal of iron from Senegalese groundwater. Indeed, it is a PVC tube with an internal diameter of 40 mm and a height of 90 cm. The performance of the filter was tested at a constant hydraulic head of 261.67 m3/m2 per day while the iron feed concentrations varied between 0.5-1, 0.5-1.5 and 0.5-2 mg/L, respectively. Coated jujube seeds, covered with a plastic layer and a biofilm containing microorganisms, were used as the filter material. The iron removal was carried out in a single stage, for which a period of two months was required for the maturation of the bed. In optimal working conditions (QL = 8.11 L/h; pH = 9.5; [Fe2+]0 = 2 mg/L; P = 1.013 bar and T = 25±1° C; Redox potential = 300 mV), an operating cycle time of 1 day has proven to be sufficient for the filter bed backwash operation. The results show that the biological treatment gives reduction percentages of 39.3, 48.76 and 67.23%, respectively for the boreholes of Pout Kirène (PK2), Pout Sud (PS5) and Koungheul (KK5).   Key words:  Biofilm, continuous test, biological oxidation, iron removal, column, doped water.

Ziziphus Jujube Seeds derived Biomass as Cost-Effective Biosorbent for the removal of Cr6+ from Aqueous solutions: Isotherm and Kinetic Studies

<p>Biosorption of hexavalent chromium ions from the synthetic solution was performed using activated Ziziphus jujube seeds powder as an adsorbent material. A chemical synthesis process prepared the adsorbent, and various methods have evaluated its characteristics. FTIR, SEM and EDX analysis was conducted to check the ability of hexavalent chromium uptake from the synthetic solutions. Batch mode of adsorption process was performed and the adsorption parameters of pH, concentration, dose, contact time and temperature were found in various operating conditions. The entire adsorption process was evaluated by isotherm and kinetic models to check the nature of the adsorption process and its chemical reactions. Thermodynamic studies were conducted, desorption studies were used to recover the spent adsorbent using concentrated hydrochloric acid.</p>

Increasing the Germination Ability of Bidara (Ziziphus nummularia (brum.f.) Wight & Arn) Seeds Through Dormancy Breaking with Chemical Treatment

<em>The wild jujube plant is a shrub originating from Southeast Asia, which has many benefits, one of which is a traditional medicinal plant. The population of wild jujube plants in Indonesia is still rarely found, even though this plant has many benefits from leaves, roots to stems. With the benefits of wild jujube plants and the community's needs, it is necessary to hold propagation. Jujube plants can massively use seeds but require 2-3 months to sprout in optimum media. This study aimed to determine the effect of dormancy breaking treatment in chemistry on the germination ability of wild jujube seeds. This research has been implemented from July to August 2021 in Pataruman Village Tarogong Kidul-Garut District. This study used a nonfactorial Randomized Block Design method with six treatments and four replications. The first treatment was KNO<sub>3</sub> concentration 0.5% (A), KNO<sub>3</sub> concentration 1.0% (B), KNO<sub>3</sub> concentration 1.5% (C), H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> concentration 25% (D), H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> concentration 50% (E), and H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> concentration 75% (F). The results showed that the H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4 </sub>treatment with 50% concentration affected parameters normal seedling (%), seeds did not grow (%), growth speed (%), vigour index (%), germinations length (cm), and root length (cm) than KNO<sub>3</sub> and another H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4 </sub>concentration. Consider corrosiveness H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>, mask, gloves, and lab coat needed when using it in an outdoor or acid room.</em>

Glucokinase activity enhancement by cellulose nanocrystals isolated from jujube seed: A novel perspective for type II diabetes mellitus treatment (In vitro)

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were extracted from jujube seeds by the exertion of sulfuric acid hydrolysis procedure initially and thus, utilizing the alkaline and bleaching treatments. The resultant materials were identified after each stage of treatment. In the following, we performed morphological researches by the usage of field diffusion scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, the spherical forms of synthesized CNCs were observed with a diameter of 27 nm throughout the FESEM images, while displaying a value of 27.37 nm as well due to TEM micrographs. The obtained Zeta potential displayed a reasonable negative surface charge for CNCs. In conformity to the outcomes of TEM and FESEM, the results of AFM revealed the fine dispersion and spherical form of cellulose nano-particles. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to assess the thermal stability of CNCs, provided by the usage of jujube seeds, and it was suggested by the outcomes that this factor is affected mainly through the induced dehydration by sulphate groups. The obtained spectra from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy displayed the gradual ejection of non-cellulosic materials (lignin and hemi-cellulose) and determined the affiliation of resulting samples to cellulose species. Jujube and CNC seed crystallization was also investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, which was indicative of the high crystalinity of 87.21%. According to the results of energy dispersive x-ray diffraction (EDX), CNCs contained 0.74 wt% sulfur impurity next to the company of other main components, while the evaluation of CNCs cytotoxicity did not show any cytotoxic effect. The synthesized novel CNC from jujube seed was screened by using an in vitro assay to measure the increases in glucokinase (GK) activity that was stimulated by the glucose concentration of 10 mM. According to the results, this substance proved to be capable of acting as a potent activator for GK. The Ksv values obtained from fluorescence quenching for GK-glucose and GK-glucose-CNC were 4.98 × 103 M−1 and 8.95 × 103 M−1, respectively. Spectral results revealed the conformational changes in GK upon interaction with glucose-CNC with higher binding affinity than to glucose. The circular dichroism spectroscopy indicates that the secondary structure of GK is changed in the presence of glucose and glucose-CNC.

Jujuboside A Ameliorates Myocardial Apoptosis and Inflammation in Rats with Coronary Heart Disease by Inhibiting PPAR-α Signaling Pathway.

Background Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a chronic disease caused by atherosclerosis (AS), which can cause myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, or necrosis, seriously threatening human health. There is an urgent need for effective treatments and drugs to reduce the various risk factors for coronary heart disease and relieve symptoms of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction in patients. Jujuboside A (JuA) is a triterpenoid saponin extracted from jujube seeds, which has various biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and neuroprotective effects. We study the function of JuA in myocardial injury, dyslipidemia, and inflammation in the CHD rat model, to explore its potential mechanism of improving CHD. Methods A rat model of CHD was established by feeding a high-fat diet. The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 6): control group, CHD group, JuA 25 mg/kg group, JuA 50 mg/kg group, and JuA 75 mg/kg group. Echocardiography was used to detect the cardiac function parameters of rats in each group, and then, hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess the histopathological injury in myocardial tissues. Levels of blood lipids, myocardial injury indexes, and inflammatory factors of rats in each group were measured by biochemical tests and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and the levels of Bax, Bcl-2, c-caspase-3, PPAR-α, p65, p-p65, IκBα, and p-IκBα protein expression in myocardial tissues were detected by western blot. Results Compared with the CHD group, JuA therapy significantly improved injury in myocardial tissue and endothelial tissue. It also strengthened cardiac function, while decreasing total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the serum and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. In addition, JuA also restrained cardiomyocytes apoptosis and inhibited the inflammatory reaction by reducing TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression in myocardial tissues. Furthermore, administration of JuA inhibited the activation of PPAR-α pathway by preventing the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα in myocardial tissues of CHD rats. Conclusion JuA may improve cardiac function, alleviate myocardial and endothelial injury, and also ameliorate dyslipidemia and inflammatory reaction in rats with CHD, where JuA probably plays a protective role by inhibiting the activation of PPAR-α pathway.

Flavonoid Glucosides from Ziziphus jujuba Seeds Improve Learning and Memory in Mice

Flavonoid Glucosides from Ziziphus jujuba Seeds Improve Learning and Memory in Mice

Adsorptive scavenging of cationic dyes from aquatic phase by H3PO4 activated Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) seeds based activated carbon: Isotherm, kinetics, and thermodynamic study

In the present work, a cost-effective Indian jujube seeds derived activated carbon (IJSAC) prepared via o-phosphoric acid chemical activation, is studied for the sequestration of acriflavine (AF) and Victoria blue B (VB) from the aquatic environment. The activated carbon is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N2-adsorption/desorption isotherm, scanning electron microscopy techniques and point of zero-charge measurement. The specific surface area (SBET) of 571 m2/g with a pore radius of 22.45 Å specifies mesoporous nature of the IJSAC. The implication of operational conditions on the adsorption of both dyes onto IJSAC assessed by batch methodology, establish the optimal conditions as dosage (1.5 and 2.5 g/L), contact time (60 min), pH (8 and 10), and initial concentration (130 and 140 mg/L) for AF and VB uptake, respectively. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm model (R2 = 0.99) appropriates the equilibrium data suggesting multilayer adsorption onto heterogeneous surface sites, while pseudo-second order (R2 = 0.95–0.99) is the best fit kinetic model. The liquid film and intraparticle diffusion modelling demonstrate that the adsorption process of these dyes is governed by both the steps. Maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity is 113.6 mg/g for acriflavine and 92.78 mg/g for Victoria blue B. Thermodynamic studies indicate endothermic and spontaneous adsorption of dyes. The adsorption mechanism for the uptake of AF and VB by IJSAC most probably involves hydrogen bonding, electrostatic and π-π interactions. Based on its high adsorption capacity, relatively faster kinetics, and reusability, IJSAC can be perceived as a proficient and effective adsorbent for cationic dyes removal from the liquid waste.

Process for the Biological Removal of Fe (II) from Reconstituted Waters on a Support of Filter Material with Coated Jujube Seeds

Three beakers for removing Fe (II) in reconstituted water (doped with FeSO4) were built and tested. Given the set operating conditions ([O2] > 4 mg·L-1, Patm = 1.013 bar, T = 25°C ± 1°C and [Fe2+]0 = 0.5 to 2 mg·L-1), removal of iron was caused by biological and possibly physical and chemical oxidation because there is a quantity of free oxygen in the medium. The extent of each type of oxidation has not been evaluated as it specifically studies the biological degradation of iron in these beaker tests by setting the operating conditions (pH > 6.5, dissolved oxygen from 0 to 8 mg·L-1, Redox Potential from 100 to 400 mV). The experimental studies focused particularly on the measurements of maximum wavelength, conversion efficiencies from Fe (II) to Fe (III), the effect of the Fe (II) concentration, the influence of pH, the action of the temperature of the prepared solutions and the effect of O2 concentration under specified operating conditions. It noticed precipitated amounts of iron deposited at the bottom of the beakers. Thus, the low concentrations of Fe (II) detected in the influent after the biological oxidation operation could be attributed to microorganisms that consume iron as a substrate.

Effects of fermentation on the proximate, anti-nutrients, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids profiles of jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam) seeds

Background: Fermentation has been recognized as one of the oldest ways of food processing that increase food quality by increasing nutrient bio-availability through the reduction in anti-nutrient compositions. The present study evaluated the effects of fermentation on nutrients and anti-nutrients composition of jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam) seed. Methods: The seed of Z. mauritiana was fermented for 24 hr. Standard analytical procedures were used to analyse the proximate, minerals, amino acid, fatty acid and anti-nutrient compositions of the seed sample at 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hr of fermentation. Results: The seed has high amounts of proteins, minerals, amino acids and low levels of anti-nutrients. The seed also has higher unsaturated than saturated fatty acids. Fermentation significantly increased the minerals compositions, decreases anti-nutrients and some amino acid levels but had no plausible effects (p>0.05) on proximate contents of the seed. Fermentation for 6 and 12 hr had no significant (p <0.05) effect on the fatty acids, however, at 18 and 24 hr a significant (p<0.05) reduction in fatty acid were recorded. On the basis of nutrient retention, the most plausible and positive effects of the fermentation on Z. mauritiana were observed at ≤ 12 of fermentation. Conclusion: Ziziphus mauritiana seed could be employed as an alternative source of nutrients for humans and animals. However, fermentation of Z. mauritiana should be done for a period of ≤ 12 hr if necessary