Food Materials Research Articles

Method development, multi-residue determination, and dietary exposure risk assessment of plant growth regulators in homologous materials of medicine and food.

Residues of plant growth regulators (PGRs) in homologous materials of medicine and food threaten public health. This study aimed to develop a rapid, sensitive, and high-throughput method for simultaneously determining 16 PGR residues in homologous materials of medicine and food. Furthermore, the established method was applied to actual samples to assess the potential exposure risk of multi-PGR residues. A modified high-throughput quick, easy,cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was developed and validated. The extraction solvent, type of extraction method, and subsequent purification techniques were investigated to achieve a better analysis of the target. Risk assessment was based on chronic dietary risk assessment. Ultrasonic extraction with 1% formic acid-acetonitrile was employed, and MgSO4 + NaAc was selected as the clean-up sorbent. The 16 PGRs showed a good linear relationship in the range of 1 ~ 200 μg/L (r ≥ 0.9960), with detection limits ranging from 0.3 to approximately 3 μg/kg. The recovery rate ranged from 65 to 109%, with RSD from 0.01 to 10% (n = 6). The total detection rate of 16 PGRs in the samples was 87%. The risk assessment indicated that the multi-residues of PGRs in homologous materials of medicine and food would not pose a potential risk to human health. This work provides a valuable reference for the monitoring of multiple PGRs. It has also improved our understanding of the possible exposure risk of PGR residues in homologous materials of medicine and food.

Enhancement of Growth and Lipid Production in Microalgae Using Aggregation-Induced Emission Based Luminescent Material for Sustainable Food and Fuel.

AIEbased nanomaterials are progressively gaining momentum owing to their evolvement into an interdisciplinary field ranging from biomass and biomolecule yield to image-guided photodynamic therapy. This study focuses on a novel strategy to enhance growth, lipid accumulation, and in vivo fluorescence visualisation in green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using AIE nanoparticles to quantify radical changes. The absorption of AIE photosensitiser, TTMN was recorded from 420 to 570 nm with a peak at 500 nm, and the emission ranged from 550 to 800 nm with a peak at 650 nm. As a ROSmolecule, H2O2 generation of TTMN in C. reinhardtii cells was detected with AIE nanoprobes TPE-BO. H2O2 accumulation increased with the increase of TTMN concentrations. The maximum growth was observed at 10 µM TTMN-exposed C. reinhardtii cells. Significant lipid accumulation was found in both 10 and 15 µM TTMN-treated cells. For lipid visualisation, an AIE nanoprobe, 2-DPAN was used, and superior fluorescence was determined and compared with the traditional BODIPY dye. Cytotoxicity analysis of 10 µM TTMN on the HaCat cell line with 86.2% cell viability revealed its high biocompatibility on living cells. This AIE-based nanotechnology provides a novel approach for microalgae-derived sustainable biomass and eco-friendly biofuel production.

Influence of fermentation with lactic bacteria on the structure, functional properties and antioxidant activity of flaxseed gum

Flaxseed meal is a by-product of flaxseed oil extraction. In this research, lactic acid bacteria suitable for modification of flaxseed gum were screened based on cellulase activity and the extraction rate of flaxseed gum. The enzyme-weight method was employed to extract flaxseed gum (SDF). The influences of fermentation modification on the extraction yield, structure, function, and antioxidant activity of flaxseed gum was investigated. Based on the enzyme-producing activity and extraction rate, Lactobacillus plantarum (LP-3), Bacillus paracaetocasei (KLDS-82), and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAC-11) were identified as the most suitable strains for modifying flaxseed gum. The results indicated that the extraction yield of flaxseed gum was 18.45 % ± 0.2 % after fermentation with KLDS-82, which was significantly higher than that of the unmodified group. After fermentation, the microstructure of flaxseed gum became looser and more porous. The characteristic absorption peak of polysaccharide was observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the crystallization area was reduced. Simultaneously, its swelling capacity, water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, and other physicochemical properties have also been enhanced. The glucose adsorption capacity, cholesterol adsorption capacity, sodium cholic acid adsorption capacity, cation exchange capacity, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, and antioxidant properties of SDF modified by Bacillus paracaetocasei (F-SDF) were significantly higher than those of Lactobacillus acidophilus modified SDF (S-SDF), Lactobacillus plantarum modified SDF (Z-SDF), and unmodified SDF (U-SDF). In conclusion, the modification effect of KLDS-82 is the most remarkable. Therefore, it can be utilized as a functional raw material in food.

Novel förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based ratiometric fluorescent probe for detection of cyanides by nucleophilic substitution of aromatic hydrogen (SNArH)

The development of novel fluorescent probes for real-time detection of cyanides (CN−) in environmental and biological systems has become a significant focus in chemical sensing. Particularly, ratiometric fluorescence sensing offers a unique method for precise and quantitative detection of cyanides, even under complex conditions. We report herein the design of a new ratiometric fluorescent probe for cyanides based on modulation of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) coupled with novel cyanide-induced nucleophilic substitution of aromatic hydrogen (SNArH). The target probe (R1) is developed by introducing coumarin fluorophores as FRET donors into a 3-nitro-naphthalimide acceptor, which is easily synthesized and exhibits a colorimetric change from colorless to faint yellow and a significant ratiometric fluorescence shift (Δλ = 114 nm) upon cyanide binding. A clear ratiometric signal at I582/I468 was obtained, with a limit of detection of 5.69 μM. The sensing mechanism was confirmed through 1H NMR titration and LC-MS analysis. Additionally, R1-loaded strips were easily prepared, serving as a portable device for detecting CN− with visible color changes. The probe R1 has been successfully utilized for real-time monitoring of cyanide in food materials and water samples. Importantly, fluorescence bioimaging studies in HeLa cells were conducted, demonstrating the probe’s capability for ratiometric detection of exogenous CN− in living systems.

Rebalancing immune homeostasis in combating disease: the impact of medicine food homology plants and gut microbiome

BackgroundGut microbiota plays an important role in multiple human physiological processes and an imbalance in it, including the species, abundance, and metabolites can lead to diseases. These enteric microorganisms modulate immune homeostasis by presenting a myriad of antigenic determinants and microbial metabolites. Medicinal and food homologous (MFH) plants, edible herbal materials for both medicine and food, are important parts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). MFH plants have drawn much attention due to their strong biological activity and low toxicity. However, the interplay of MFH and gut microbiota in rebalancing the immune homeostasis in combating diseases needs systematic illumination. PurposeThe review discusses the interaction between MFH and gut microbiota, including the effect of MFH on the major group of gut microbiota and the metabolic effect of gut microbiota on MFH. Moreover, how gut microbiota influences the immune system in terms of innate and adaptive immunity is addressed. Finally, the immunoregulatory mechanisms of MFH in regulation of host pathophysiology via gut microbiota are summarized. MethodsLiterature was searched, analyzed, and collected using databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords. The obtained articles were screened and summarized by the research content of MFH and gut microbiota in immune regulation. ResultsThe review demonstrates the interaction between MFH and gut microbiota in disease prevention and treatment. Not only do the intestinal microorganisms and intestinal mucosa constitute an important immune barrier of the human body, but also lymphoid tissue and diffused immune cells within the mucosa participate in the response of innate immunity and adaptive immunity. MFH modulates immune regulation by affecting intestinal flora, helps maintain the balance of the immune system and interfere with the occurrence and development of a broad category of diseases. ConclusionBeing absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, MFH can have profound effects on gut microbiota. In turn, the gut microbiota also actively participate in the bioconversion of complex constituents from MFH, which could further influence their physiological and pharmacological properties. The review deepens the understanding of the relationship among MFH, gut microbiota, immune system, and human diseases and further promotes the progression of additional relevant research.

Phytochemical component profiling and anti-renal fibrosis effects of crude and salt-stir fried Eucommiae Cortex extracts on renal fibrosis rats caused by high-purine diet

A prolonged diet laden with purine-rich foods represents a significant contributor to renal fibrosis (RF). Eucommia ulmoides Oliver, a plant homologous to food and medicinal materials, has long been employed to recover kidney function. This investigation presents a strategy integrating chemistry, biochemistry, and metabolomics to evaluate bioactive components and efficiency mechanism of crude and salt-stir fried Eucommiae Cortex (EC) extracts against RF. Firstly, 155 chemical components were identified in the EC extracts and the contents of 19 and 27 compounds decreased and increased respectively after salt-stir frying. Secondly, various biochemical indicators displayed that salt-stir fried EC (SEC) extracts had the optimal anti-RF effects in adenine-induced RF model rats, which were associated with the attenuation of TGF-β signaling pathway. Finally, untargeted metabolomics analysis demonstrated that after treatments with EC and SEC extracts, 30 and 32 efficacy biomarkers were significantly restored in the RF + EC and RF + SEC groups respectively, involving five metabolic pathways.

Developing a novel flavoured low alcohol beer using New Zealand honeydew honey and yacon concentrate

Demand for low alcohol beer (LAB) is growing around the world as consumer attitudes towards alcohol consumption shift, with health consciousness and sober driving listed among the possible drivers. In New Zealand, LAB is defined as having no more than 1.15% alcohol by volume (ABV). In industry, physical or biological processes are used to produce no- and low- alcohol beer; however, these methods are typically inaccessible to home brewers, and literature on accessible methods is non-existent. New Zealand honeydew honey (NZHDH) and New Zealand yacon concentrate (NZYC) have recently been chemically profiled in the literature. NZHDH and NZYC contain fermentable sugars, while NZYC also contains a very high percentage of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). This paper aims to incorporate these food materials into LABs using a method accessible to home brewers. The resultant LABs had an alcohol content between 0.61 and 0.86% ABV, well under the 1.15% threshold. Results from sensory analysis showed that all beer samples were somewhat acceptable to consumers; however, penalty analysis determined that hedonic scores could be improved by making the beers more sweet, bitter, and hoppy. Correspondence analysis revealed that the beers containing NZYC were more ‘foamy’ and ‘brown’ than all other beer samples, properties most likely related to the protein content and colour of NZYC respectively. Beers containing NZYC were also found to contain FOS and/or inulins, which are non-digestible sugars and therefore hypocaloric. This study provides an accessible method to produce LAB and shows how NZYC may be incorporated into LABs to yield a functional food.

Hybrid organic - inorganic filter system for cadmium ions adsorption from aqueous solutions

The study reflects on the problem of heavy metals, namely cadmium, polluting the natural environment. The goal was to select the most efficient adsorber enabling ion exchange between calcium and cadmium in an aqueous environment and subsequently design a material hybrid organic-inorganic, particle-fiber system that adsorbs cadmium from aqueous environments and will be easily included in the technological process. The novelty of this study lies in the use of waste food material – eggshells as a source of biogenic nanoparticles. These are applied to a nanofibrous structure made of polyvinyl butyral in amounts of 8 to 10 %wt by weight by the AC electrospinning. (The experiment was performed with these boundary conditions: temperature was 23°C, and humidity was 42%. The high-electrical voltage amplifier generated a sinusoidal waveform with a frequency of 50 Hz and an amplitude of 32 kV) and were used for ion exchange. In ion exchange, cadmium ions are exchanged with calcium ions based on the principle of chemical similarity of the two elements expressed by the z/r ratio (charge/ radius ratio), the z/r ratio is 2.02 for calcium ions Ca2+ and 2.06 for cadmium Cd2. Separateted nanoparticles of calcium carbonate obtained by burning eggshells (727°C) with dimensions from 100 to 200 nm and a specific surface area of 3.9 m2/g showed the highest adsorption capacity of 99.8%, synthetic calcium carbonate at 71.8%, and ground eggshells the lowest at 25.0%. Designed and laboratory-tested filter system of nanoparticles - nanofibers captures 95.6% and 96.8% of cadmium ions from an aqueous solution within 10 minutes and 90 minutes, respectively, at a concentration of cadmium ions of 10 mg/l, and at several nanoparticles of 0.3 g. The ion exchange is carried out only on the filter surface, and after a specific time, the calcium carbonate nanoparticles are released from the filter probably due to absence of chemical bond between nanoparticles and nanostructures or the low density of the nanofibrous structure. SEM, EDX, FTIR, BET and TGA analysis were used for material evaluation. The adsorption capacity of used nanoparticles and filter adsorbers was evaluated according to residual amounts of cadmium ions in aqueous solutions using ICP-IOS.

Geographical origin identification of dendrobium officinale based on NNRW-stacking ensembles

Dendrobium officinale is a well-recognized functional food material. Considering its therapeutic effect and price vary among different geographical origins, this paper proposed an origin identification method based on Raman spectroscopy and NNRW (neural network with random weights)-stacking ensemble model. In a case study of dendrobium officinale samples from three different geographical origins, we compare both single estimators, i.e., KNN (k-nearest neighbors), MLP (multi-layer perceptron), DTC (decision tree classifier), and NNRW, and their stacking ensemble counterparts. The results showed that the NNRW-stacking ensemble has the best test accuracy (96.3%) and an impressive fitting speed (the fastest among all ensembles). In conclusion, the NNRW-stacking ensemble model combined with Raman spectroscopy can be a promising method for herb geographical original identification. The proposed model has demonstrated the speed advantage of NNRW (no need for gradient-based iterations) and the generalization power of stacking ensembles (reduce single-estimator bias).

Antioxidant and Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of the tea (Camellia sinensis) flower

The major purpose of this study was to investigate the DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, reducing power, ferrous ion chelating activity, and xanthine oxidase activity for research of antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities using a variety of extracts of tea (Camellia sinensis) flower. Among the several extracts, when 800 μg/mL of the ethanol extract was used, the maximum DPPH radical scavenging activity was obtained, 79.2%, which was approximately 80.8% compared to L-ascorbic acid, the maximum hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, 71.3%, which was approximately 73.2% compared to BHA, and the maximum super oxide radical scavenging activity, 89.4%, which was, approximately 90.6% compared to BHT, and the maximum reducing power, 1.94 at an OD of 700 nm, which was approximately 49.2% compared to L-ascorbic acid, respectively. On the other hand, when 800 μg/mL of the hot water extract was used, the maximum activity of ferrous ion chelate was obtained, 28.6%, which was approximately 48.4% compared to EDTA and the maximum xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity, 61.4%, approximately 63.8% compared to catechin, respectively. These results indicated the application potential for industries that can produce new biomaterials that can compensate for the shortcomings of existing synthetic antioxidants and use discarded tea flower as food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic materials.

Utilization methods and challenges of AI technology in the field of functional food materials

Utilization methods and challenges of AI technology in the field of functional food materials

Scientific and practical basis of cephalopods dehydration processes

Nowadays, it is relevant to solve the problems of adapting optimal resource- and energy-efficient modes to technologies for processing food raw materials. The work is focused on the analysis of the prerequisites to find similar features in the dehydration of food capillary-porous colloidal materials by means of various methods. The authors have studied the patterns of cephalopods dehydration using the example of octopus and squid under different heat treatment regimes. It has been proved that there is only one critical point characterizing the transition from moisture with a lower binding energy to moisture with a higher one, and an equation has been proposed for finding the critical humidity during dehydration of the objects been studied. A generalized mathematical model has been developed to determine the duration of the process at the current moisture content of the food material based on dimensionless similarity criteria characterizing the phenomena been investigated. The dependences of the moisture removal rate for different heat treatment methods of cephalopods are given according to their initial moisture content, the specific surface area of the material and the operating factors that determine the process. The obtained dependencies and patterns open up unique opportunities for labor-saving design in the food industry using rational operating modes of industrial enterprises, optimization of heat treatment processes in general and the creation of energy-efficient equipment new designs.

The Glycemic Index of Gayam (Inocarpus fagifer Forst) Cookies as a High Dietary Fiber Food

The type 2 diabetes (T2D) is still one of the world's public health problems. It needs serious handling and prevention efforts in the nutritional aspect. The high prevalence of T2D is related to the low intake of dietary fiber. This type of food has a low glycemic index (GI). Gayam is a high-dietary fiber material that can be used for the manufacture of flour and as processed food material for the high-dietary fiber cookies. The objectives of this research were to study the GI evaluation of cookies from gayam flour. Cookies were tested for chemical composition, and glycemic index. The glycemic index evaluation test used 12 volunteers taken from the healthy group/nondiabetic, normal nutritional status (BMI: 18.5-22.9), and age 19-55 years. The results of this study indicate the dietary fiber content of gayam cookies was 4.57 g/100 g and included in the category of high dietary fiber food. The glycemic index of gayam cookies was 43 and the low glycemic index category. The obtained results show for the first time the potential of gayam cookies in hyperglycaemia management. The conclusion of this study was that gayam cookies has high dietary fiber content and low GI level. Gayam cookies can be used as an alternative snack to control blood glucose levels in the prevention of diabetes mellitus.

Enzyme‑assisted extraction of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) testa

Enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) has been successfully applied to extract polyphenols from various food materials and by-products. Hence, the present research aimed to valorize the cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) testa by EAE method using an enzyme cocktail of cellulase and pectinase. The effects of different processing parameters, including the pH (3.0 - 6.0), temperature (30 - 70°C), extraction time (60 - 150 min), solid -to-solvent ratio (1/5 - 1/85), and enzyme concentration (0.1 - 0.4% v/v) on the total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity of the testa extracts were investigated. The results showed that the TPC of the testa extracts positively correlated with the antioxidant capacity. The EAE performed at pH 4.0, a temperature of 50°C, an extraction time of 60 mins, a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1/55, and an enzyme concentration of 0.2% (v/ v) resulted in the highest TPC (168.84 g GAE/kg DW) with DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activity of 885.56 and 1513.60 (mmol TE/kg DW), respectively. The EAE technique holds significant promise as a sustainable approach to mitigate the underutilization and undervaluation of cashew nut testa waste, which could otherwise contribute to environmental pollution.

Determinants of Sorghum Farmers' Decisions to Adopt New Superior Varieties: Evidence from Lamongan Regency

Sorghum as an alternative commodity to substitute rice and other cereal crops, showing to its high adaptability to arid environments and limited rainfall. However, sorghum production has witnessed a decline, leading to a reduction in sorghum supply, thus impacting the provision of food and raw materials for industries. This research aims to ascertain farmers' decisions in selecting new superior varieties (NSV) and whether the utilization of NSV enhances farmers' productivity and income. The study was conducted in Patihan Village, Lamongan Regency, with a sample size of 55 sorghum farmers. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the factors influencing farmers in adopting new superior sorghum varieties. The findings indicate that factors influencing farmers in utilizing NSV include education, land size, farming experience, participation in farmer groups, and harvest orientation. Although the utilization of NSV does not increase sorghum farmers' productivity, the income of sorghum farmers adopting NSV has increased.

Edible innovations: Testing the WOW impact of 3D printed chocolate packaging

3D food printing is an emerging processing technology with a profound impact on both the food industry and consumer experiences. It currently makes it possible to process a wide range of food materials into custom-designed and safe-to-consume 3D printed foods. One notable application lies in the creation of customized, fully edible packaging using ingredients that are safe for human consumption. The study presented in this paper examined consumer attitudes and emotions to 3D printed edible packaging in gastronomic experiences, comparing a milk chocolate snack served in a fully 3D printed edible chocolate packaging to one served in a traditional ceramic packaging. The results show that compared to the ceramic packaging, the edible packaging elicits higher levels of surprise, fascination, and desire, thereby increasing the overall positive consumer experience by more than 10 %. Part of this work aims to familiarize consumers with this innovative type of 3D food, demonstrating its relevance and potential to the food industry. The findings contribute to understanding consumer attitudes towards 3D printed foods and suggest a new potential field of research establishing a path to strengthen its common application in gastronomy.

Porous starch-probiotics encapsulation for 3D-printed chocolate

This study aims to utilize 3D printing technology to prepare functional chocolates with high content and viability of probiotics. Firstly, in order to protect probiotics (L. plantarum, lpl) avoiding inactive by melting chocolate syrup, we used raw starches as different amylose/amylopectin ratios (up to ∼30% amylose) for preparing novel porous carriers to encapsulate them. Then the formed pores of porous starches (HPPS1:0,3:1,1:1,1:3,0:1) were identified by SEM and BET, and their ability to encapsulate lpl were compared (with HPPS3:1 showing the best behavior) based on the survival rate and gastrointestinal simulation system. Then HPPS3:1-lpl capsule was applied in 3D printed chocolate, with optimization of adding levels for the shaping property. Probiotic cell viability, rheology, texture, and digestion simulation were also compared. The results showed that the surviving amount of probiotics (107 CFU/g) in HPPS3:1-lpl@choc (add 15% HPPS3:1-lpl to the chocolate) was much higher than that in lpl@choc (102 CFU/g, without microencapsulation protection) after in-vitro digestion test, among which HPPS3:1-lpl@choc15 had the best shaping property. This research provides a new alternative strategy for utilizing porous starch carrier to encapsulate probiotics for melting 3D printing of chocolate (or other similar food materials) as personalized design.

EXAMINATION OF THE DYNAMICS OF ANALYZES PERFORMED FOR THE PRESENCE OF RADIONUCLEIDE RESIDUES IN FOOD IN THE PERIOD 2019-2023 IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

The main focus of this research is to determine the extent of analyzes performed for the presence of radionuclides in food, their dynamics, which radionuclides are present in food, and how much their radioactivity was in the period 2019-2023. The research covers the period from January 01, 2019. until December 31, 2023. The data we used to conduct this research were obtained from the Public Health Institute of R. N. Macedonia. The tests were carried out with accredited methods and by the Regulation on the maximum allowed amounts of radionuclides in food, water, air, land, products, and raw materials of animal and plant origin and objects for general use. Relative numbers and trends are used as statistical methods of work. According to the results, in the period 2019-2023, radionuclides were analyzed in 6065 samples (2711 samples from imports, and 3354 samples from domestic production). The largest amount of radioactivity analyzes were performed in the group of mushrooms (51%) and the group of grain and flour (44%). The scope of analyzes performed for the presence of radionuclide residues in food in R.N. Macedonia shows a downward trend. In the analyzed products, no radioactivity above the limit values was detected (except in 2020 when only in 1 product from the mushroom group - dry morel) detected a value for Cs-137 = 662.8 Bq/kg, and the maximum allowed value is 600 Bq/kg ). It can be concluded from the study that food is safe in terms of the presence of radionuclide residues, but work should be done to increase the volume of analyzes performed for the presence of radionuclides in food, as well as to increase the coverage of different groups of products (fruit, vegetables, coffee, tea, etc.) in which such analyzes would be performed.

Sustainable solution for wastewater management: Fabrication of cost-effective β-cyclodextrin incorporated chitosan polyvinyl alcohol composite hydrogel film for the efficient adsorption of anionic congo red and tartrazine dyes

Dyes are an integral part of leather, textiles, food, and packaging materials, providing aesthetic appeal to the finished article. These industries use large amounts of water, creating wastewater with harmful, toxic, and hazardous pollutants, posing significant health and environmental risks to the public and ecological system. Therefore, to resolve this issue, a superabsorbent β-cyclodextrin incorporated chitosan polyvinyl alcohol cross-linked with citric acid composite hydrogel film (β-CD/Ch/PVA) has been developed for the effective adsorption of congo red (CR) and tartrazine dyes (TG). The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of –OH, –NH2 functional groups in hydrogel film. The rough surface morphology was obtained through Field emission scanning electron microscopic (FESEM) analysis. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method gave the surface area of hydrogel, which is 17.34 m2/g with pore diameter of 4.12 nm, indicating its mesoporous nature. Adsorption parameters like contact time, temperature, pH, initial concentration of dyes, and dosage of hydrogel have been optimized by batch adsorption studies and the Box-Behknen Design Model. In batch experiments, the hydrogel film effectiveness was confirmed, achieving high removal efficiencies of 95.38 % and 96.3 % for CR and TG dyes at pH 7 and 6, respectively. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir model at room temperature for both dyes, and the maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 366.34 mg/g, 1436.04 mg/g for CR and TG dyes, respectively. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption of dyes was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding between the hydrogel and dye molecules were responsible for the adsorption. This hydrogel film can be reused for 5 consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles for both dyes, maintaining upto 85 % in removal efficiency. Hence, the synthesized β-cyclodextrin incorporated chitosan polyvinyl alcohol composite hydrogel film holds great potential for the remediation of wastewater effluents and addressing environmental issues.

Microplastic pollution in the surface water of Yele Mallappa Shetty Lake, Bengaluru: first report

Aim: This study was conducted to identify and characterize microplastics in Yele Mallappa Shetty (YMS) Lake, Bengaluru. Methodology: Water samples were collected from four distinct entry locations to the lake and analysed for microplastic as per the methods adopted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Results: Samples of three different microplastic foams—polyester, polyurethane, and polypropylene—were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), visual analysis, hot needle testing and Raman spectroscopy. The diameters of various components ranged from 0.2-3 mm, with the majority of the samples consisting of fibres (26%), fragments (27%), films (25%) and foam (22%). The mean concentration of microplastic recorded in the water sample was 10±0.7 particles l-1. Interpretation: Protecting wetland ecosystems is essential because they provide countless services, such as food and building materials, biodiversity, flood control, and groundwater recharge. This study provideds valuable baseline data on microplastics in YMS lake for the first time. Key words: Bengaluru lake; Lake water, Microplastic pollution, Water pollution, Yele Mallappa Shetty Lake