pH Readings Research Articles

Effect of different freezing temperatures on the physical, technological, and organoleptic properties of aged semimembranosus muscles from farmed fallow deer (Dama dama)

Although venison could play an important role in human nutrition, this meat remains undervalued and still contributes very little to the formal meat industry. Moreover, information on processing methods of fallow deer meat and overall quality is still very limited. The objective of this study was to determine how physical, technological, and organoleptic properties differ between 14-day-aged vacuum-packaged fallow deer meat stored either chilled or frozen at different temperatures (-10°C, -18°C, -40°C and -80°C) for six months. Physical, technological, and organoleptic analyses were conducted on semimembranosus muscles (SM) obtained from farmed fallow deer bucks (n = 10). Freezing significantly increased meat redness, yellowness, chroma values, cooking loss and tenderness compared to fresh meat but did not affect pH values, lightness, thawing, or grilling loss. Mean pH readings were 5.5–5.6, being highest in the samples measured one day after slaughter. Freezing at -80°C had the most pronounced effect on some sensory attributes, namely, the highest game meat aroma intensity, sour odour, sour flavour and the lowest chewiness. The findings indicate that a freezing temperature of -18°C and subsequent slow thawing might be preferential in terms of maintaining fallow deer meat quality.

Comprehensive river water quality monitoring using convolutional neural networks and gated recurrent units: A case study along the Vaigai River

Effective monitoring of river water quality is required for long-term water resource management. Convolutional Neural Networks and Gated Recurrent Unit-based water quality monitoring (CNGRU-WQM) were used in this investigation to develop a comprehensive monitoring system along the Vaigai River. The system was designed to collect real-time data on several crucial water quality parameters. The collected characteristics encompassed factors like water pollution levels, turbidity, pH readings, temperature, and total dissolved solids, offering a comprehensive view of river water quality. The monitoring system was methodically set up, with sensors strategically positioned at various locations along the river. This ensured that data collection would take place at regular intervals. The CNGRU-WQM model achieved a validation accuracy of 97.86%, surpassing the performance of other state-of-the-art approaches. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the actual use of this system incorporates real-time warnings, which enable stakeholders to be instantly informed if water quality measurements surpass pre-set criteria. The study's contributions include its efficient river water quality monitoring system, which encompasses a variety of indicators, and its ability to significantly affect environmental conservation efforts by offering a helpful tool for informed decision-making and timely interventions.

Evaluation of physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations in shrimp (<i>Penaeus monodon</i>), sediment and surrounding water of the Mangrove Swamps, Rivers State, Nigeria

The study focused on the evaluation of the physiochemical and heavy metal concentration in shrimp (P. monodon), sediments and surface water of Ikpukulu, Kalio, and Ogoloma swamps in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. The following parameters were examined: temperature, potential hydrogen, electrical conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total dissolved oxygen, temperature, and the content of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, and Cr) in surface water, sediments, and shrimp. The pH values (p > 0.05) did not significantly differ amongst the stations. The three sampling station readings of pH were below WHO and FEPA (standards). The temperature data from the three stations did not show any significant differences (p > 0.05), but when compared to the standards, all of the readings were much lower. Result from Ogoloma showed that it had lowest electrical conductivity ratings of the three stations, although overall, the values were higher than the norms. At Kalio, the highest Total Dissolved Solids value (9348.6 ± 67 mg/L) was recorded. When compared to the standards, the salinity values of the three stations were noticeably higher. For Biological oxygen demand, there was no significant (p>0.05) difference between the three stations, but comparing the values to the standards they were all significantly (p>0.05) lower. Heavy metal analysis showed that in the sediment, Copper concentration at Ogoloma was significantly (p>0.05) higher among the three metals in the three stations. Copper and chromium concentrations in the three stations were much higher than the standard. Among the three metals found in the water at the three stations, copper had the highest quantities; the content of copper in Ogoloma was noticeably greater than the standard. Of the threelocations, Ogoloma exhibited a noticeably greater concentration of copper for Shrimp. Thefindings highlight the necessity for preventative action by pointing to an increase in heavy metalconcentrations in the Mangrove swamp area.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of Sachet Water Quality Vended Along Song-Gombi Route, Adamawa State, Northeastern Nigeria

People need safe drinking water to survive; hence, the quality of drinking water is crucial. Nigerians' ambition to consume sachet water has made it possible to analyse the quality of various sachet water brands, hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the physiochemical properties of sachet water quality vended along Song-Gombi Route, Adamawa State, Northeastern Nigeria using appropriate standard methods by collecting 10 brands of sachet water labeled 1-10. The pH readings of all 10 different brands of sachet water, which ranged from 6.75 to 7.91, were within the allowable limit. The allowed limit was met by the turbidity result, which ranged from 0.32 to 4.90 NTU, and the TDS, which ranged from 0.00 to54.00 mg/L. There was a range of 31-340C, 131-202µS/cm, and 23.99-71.98 mg/L for temperature, conductivity, and chloride, respectively. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) Buck Scientific VPG, 210 model was used to determine the concentrations of Pb, Cu, Mn, Mg, and Cd. With the exception of Mn, which was found in two brands of sachet water, sample 8 (0.60 mg/L) and sample 10 (0.84 mg/L), the findings of the metal concentration tests were below the WHO/SON acceptable limit. None of the samples had any Pb. These findings indicate that high quality standards must be followed. Additionally, evaluating market samples at random will be an effective method for determining whether the quality meets the necessary requirements.

An in-depth assessment of the long-term effects of global ocean acidification on marine ecosystems

The main goal of this study is to establish the long-term effects that ocean acidification has on the biogeochemical processes that involve carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in marine ecosystems. Even though scientists have learned a lot about how ocean acidification affects marine species as evidenced by a wide body of literature on the subject, there are still a lot of areas that require further investigation. For example, there exists a dearth of academic studies on the long-term effects of ocean acidification. More study needs to be done to establish what the long-term and cumulative effects of acidity are, especially in terms of how well different species can adapt. A research design that combines laboratory experiments and field surveys has been identified for this study. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of how ocean acidification affects marine ecosystems, field surveys will be done at the places chosen for the study. A statistical analysis will be done on the pH readings and carbonate ion concentrations. The goal of this process is to identify patterns and links that may point to probable cause-and-effect links between changes in the chemistry of the ocean and the reported changes in life. The results and discussion intend to give a full analysis and evaluation of how acidification of the world's oceans affects marine ecosystems. This will be done by showing, interpreting, and comparing all the important data and findings. The results of this study are critical for establishing how ocean acidification affects marine ecosystems in the long run.

In-Depth Analysis of Diet Diary and Urine pH Measurements Improved Food Diet Reporting in Postmenopausal Women with RUTI.

We proceeded with an in-depth review of diet diaries for nutrient analysis from a cohort of women suffering from uncomplicated recurrent urinary tract infection (RUTI) to validate the accuracy of our current food diet record (FDR) form and evaluate possible domains of improvement. As part of an IRB-approved study, this previously published cohort of NHANES-comparable women was analyzed for consistency of the nutrient intake over 3 days, the influence of the time between meals and urine pH, the effect of nutrient intake over interval time between meals, and seasonal and before/during the COVID-19 pandemic changes. Intrarater reliability for nutrient analysis and intrapatient variability for urine pH were computed to test for consistency. Intrarater reliability for diet analysis was 91% accurate for foods and beverage matching and nutrient analysis. Mean standard deviation of urine pH readings within study participants was 0.4 (95% CI: 0.4, 0.5). An association was noted between total calories and fat consumed at breakfast and an increase in time to lunch. Calories consumed were unaffected across seasons or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Water intake during summer was significantly lower than that during fall and winter (both, p < 0.001). The patients who reported drinking water had a significantly lower average urine pH than women who did not report drinking water (5.8 vs. 6.2; p = 0.026). In this cohort of postmenopausal women with RUTIs, in-depth analysis of our current FDR findings led to several actionable items, which will improve our current food diet self-reporting process by our patients.

An Ecological Overview of Halophytes and Salt-Affected Soils at El Hito Saline Pond (Central Spain): Baseline Study for Future Conservation–Rehabilitation Measures

In an attempt to boost the potential ecological viability of wetlands, this study aimed to discover the relationship between soil salinity and vegetation composition in a quasi-pristine saline pond, “El Hito Lagoon”. This wetland is situated in the largest continuous natural semi-arid steppe land of western Europe (specifically in Castilla La Mancha, Central Spain). Several soil profiles and a series of surface samples (0–10 cm) extracted from a systematic network throughout the saline pond were described, sampled, and analyzed. The most significant results included the detection of elevated levels of soil salinity, with distinctive sub-areas of extreme elevated surface salinity where the pH reading peaked at 9.89 and the electrical conductivity was higher than 40 (dS/m). The very high content of total available P displayed quite an irregular scatter within the soil profile. Specifically, the range oscillated between 8.57 mg/kg and 388.1 mg/kg, several samples having values greater than 100 mg/kg. An aspect that the abundant presence of Salsola soda, a plant frequently found growing in nutrient-rich wetlands, was able to confirm.

Associations between sun exposure, skin pH, and epidermal permeability in pregnancy: A longitudinal observational study.

Little is known about how sun exposure may affect the maternal skin barrier during pregnancy when many hormonal and physiological changes occur. In this longitudinal observational study, 50 pregnant women were recruited at 18-24 weeks' gestation, 25 in summer-autumn, and 25 in winter-spring. At three time points in pregnancy at 18-24, 28-30, and 36-38 weeks' gestation, participants completed a validated sun exposure questionnaire and had skin permeability and surface pH measured on the volar forearm. We identified an association between increased sun exposure and increased skin permeability at 18-24 weeks' gestation (β = 0.85, p = 0.01). Lower transepidermal water loss (decreased skin permeability), mean = 12.1 (SD = 5.1) at 28-30 weeks' gestation was observed, compared to mean = 12.6 (SD = 4.0) at 18-24 weeks' and mean = 13.7 (SD = 8.5) at 36-38 weeks' gestation (n = 27, β = -1.83, p = 0.007). Higher skin pH readings, mean = 5.80 (SD = 0.58) were found at 28-30 weeks' gestation, compared to mean = 5.25 (SD = 0.62) at 18-24 weeks' and mean = 5.47 (SD = 0.57) at 36-38 weeks' gestation (n = 27, β = 0.40, p = 0.004). These gestational fluctuations remained after adjusting for Fitzpatrick skin type, season, and sun exposure. We observed gestational fluctuations in both skin permeability and skin pH, with 28-30 weeks' gestation being a significant point of difference compared to mid- and late-pregnancy periods.

Monitoring of pH level for maximizing oil palm ffb yields

Depending on the location of estates and types of soils, monitoring of pH changes is an integral part of soil-water management for realizing sustainable Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) yields. In Sumber Tani Agung Resources Tbk, fluctuations in pH levels in field blocks as well as nearby drains were monitored since 2019. The usage of portable units of pH meters made it possible for planters to record and monitor the on-site changes in pH. Monitoring of pH was done on two types of soils namely peat (three estates in North Sumatra) and acid sulfate soils (two estates in South Sumatra). Piezometer was established in each block in all five estates and pH reading was taken biweekly, including at nearby watergates for comparison. Lower pH values ranging from 3.5 to 3.7 were observed at piezometers and water gates on blocks established on acid sulfate soils as compared to pH values recorded in peat areas where slightly higher pH values were registered (4.3 to 5.6). The presence of pyrite contributed to a lower range of pH values on acid sulfate soils. Keeping water level at 40-70 cm on peat and at 45-60 cm for acid sulfate soils would have an impact on the improvement of soil physical chemistry and biology properties, besides creating aerobic conditions for roots of the cultivated oil palms. Organic fertilizer such as bunch ash was applied in the 2020-2021 period which also resulted in an increment in pH values. Generally, there were improvements in oil palm growth as well as palm yield performance in areas with higher pH values (>4.50).

Optimizing bioethanol production from cassava peels through agitation timing variation in separate hydrolysis and co-fermentation

Background: This study assessed the effect of various agitation timings on bioethanol production from cassava peels (CP) using separate hydrolysis and co-fermentation (SHCF) technique. Methods: The milled CP was divided into three groups each of 20 g and subjected to two-stage hydrolysis carried out at 100 o C for 60 min and 50 minutes, respectively. Experimental layouts were Sample 1 (B1) [0 hours i.e., no shaking], Sample 2 (B2) [3 hours shaking with an electric shaker at 200 rev/min-1], and Sample 3 (B3) [6 hours shaking at 200 rev/min-1]. Fermentations were carried out at 30 o C for 72 days. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one–way ANOVA, and New Duncan’s multiple range test at P=0.05. Results: The TSS and pH readings of the treatment groups before and after fermentation were: B1 – TSS (27.15±0.15, 17.25±0.07 o Bx), pH (5.50±0.00, 4.53±0.04); B2 – TSS (27.32±0.08, 14.78±0.12 o Bx), pH (5.50±0.00, 4.74±0.06); and B3 – TSS (27.17±0.07, 10.24±0.08 o Bx), pH (5.50±0.00, 4.77±0.05) (P&lt;0.05). The mean fermentation efficiency (FE) and ethanol productivity (EP) were B1 (15.17±0.07%, 0.122±0.001 gL-1h-1), B2 (15.70±0.18%, 0.126±0.002 gL-1h-1), and B3 (18.80±0.14%, 0.151±0.001 gL-1 h-1) (P&lt;0.05). All treatment groups attained the maximum ethanol yields at 72 hours of fermentation (P&lt;0.05). Agitation at 200 rev/min-1 for 6 hours gave the optimal FE (%), EP, and ethanol yield. Conclusion: The established condition improved the Bioethanol quality and yield of CP. Thus, optimizing bioethanol production from CP would help enhance sustainable biofuel production without affecting food security.

The pH of Drinking Water and Its Human Health Implications: A Case of Surrounding Communities in the Dormaa Central Municipality of Ghana

Of all the things to consider about safe water, the pH of drinking water probably has been overlooked. Most spoken about, however, is alkaline water which has a host of supposed health benefits? For instance, it is known to help the body to clear toxins thereby improving metabolism. Meanwhile, research has shown that most diseases, illnesses, and bad bacteria thrive in an over-acidic environment. Additionally, the acidic water indirectly may impact on budget as this would contribute to the metallic or sour taste of drinking water, and stained laundry and provide blue-green staining of sinks and other household fixtures. Acidic water having low pH often are known to contain high amounts of heavy metals. Also, research has found that solutions with low pH are more likely to have heavy metals from the environment. Other researchers have identified that acidic water can be high in Pb, As, Cu, Ni, Cb, Cr, and Zn. All these elements fall under heavy metals and exposure to them can be dangerous, and could lead to heavy metal poisoning and toxicity. This is concerning as water is said to be life and the population within Dormaa Central Municipality is most likely to have symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, abnormal pains, weakness, shortness of breath, suppression of the immune system, organ damage, and enamel wearout leading to dental cavities. Water samples and their corresponding spatial locations were collected from (how many?) communities within the Dormaa Central Municipality. The potential for hydrogen (pH) readings of the respective water samples was measured using a pH meter. The results obtained range from 0.2 mmHg to 6.5 mmHg.

PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE HYPOXIA RESEARCH: COULD PHARMACOLOGICAL AGENTS BE USED TO LIMIT REPERFUSION INJURY AT THE TIME OF FASCIOTOMY TO TREAT ACUTE COMPARTMENT SYNDROME?

AbstractBackgroundProgressive muscle ischaemia results in reduced aerobic respiration and increased anaerobic respiration, as cells attempt to survive in a hypoxic environment. Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a progressive form of muscle ischaemia that is a surgical emergency resulting in the production of Lactic acid by cells through anaerobic respiration. Our previous research has shown that it is possible to measure H+ ions concentration (pH) as a measure of progressive muscle ischaemia (in vivo) and hypoxia (in vitro). Our aim was to correlate intramuscular pH readings and cell viability techniques with the intramuscular concentration of key metabolic biomarkers [adenosine triphosphate (ATP), Phosphocreatine (PCr), lactate and pyruvate], to assess overall cell health in a hypoxic tissue model.MethodsNine euthanised Wistar rats were used in a non-circulatory model. A pH catheter was used to measure real-time pH levels from one of the exposed gluteus medius muscles, while muscle biopsies were taken from the contralateral gluteus medius at the start of the experiment and subsequently at every 0.1 of a pH unit decline. The metabolic biomarkers were extracted from the snap frozen muscle biopsies and analyzed with standard fluorimetric method. Another set of biopsies were stained with Hoechst 33342, Ethidium homodimer-1 and Calcein am and imaged with a Zeiss LSM880 confocal microscope.ResultsOur study shows that the direct pH electrode readings decrease with time and took an average of 69 minutes to drop to a pH of 6.0. The concentrations of ATP, pyruvate and PCr declined over time, and the concentration of lactate increased over time. At pH 6.0, both ATP and PCr concentrations had decreased by 20% and pyruvate has decreased by 50%, whereas lactate had increased 6-fold. The majority of cells were still viable at a pH of 6.0, suggesting that skeletal muscle cells are remarkably robust to hypoxic insult, although this was a hypoxic model where reperfusion was not possible.ConclusionsOur research suggests that histologically, skeletal muscle cells are remarkably robust to hypoxic insult despite the reduction in the total adenine nucleotide pool, but this may not reflect the full extent of cell injury and quite possibly irreversible injury. The timely restoration of blood flow in theory should halt the hypoxic insult, but late reperfusion results in cellular dysfunction and cell death due to localised free radical formation. Further research investigating the effects of reperfusion in vivo are warranted, as this may identify an optimal time for using pharmacological agents to limit reperfusion injury, around the time of fasciotomy to treat acute compartment syndrome.Declaration of Interest(b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE HYPOXIA RESEARCH: A MODIFIED METHOD FOR ASSESSING CELL VIABILITY IN SKELETAL MUSCLE BIOPSIES USING VITALITY DYES AND CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY

AbstractObjectivesAcute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a progressive form of muscle ischaemia that is a surgical emergency and can have detrimental outcomes for patients if not treated optimally. The current problem is that there is no clear diagnostic threshold for ACS or guidance as to when fasciotomies should be performed. A new diagnostic method(s) is necessary to provide real-time information about the extent of muscle ischaemia in ACS. Given that lactic acid is produced by cells through anaerobic respiration, it may be possible to measure H+ ion concentration and to use this as a measure of ischaemia within muscle. Although we are familiar with the key biochemical metabolites involved in ischaemia; and the use of viability dyes in cell culture to distinguish between living or dead cells is well recognised; research has not been undertaken to correlate the biochemical and histological findings of ischaemia in skeletal muscle biopsies. Our primary aim was to investigate the potential for viability dyes to be used on live skeletal muscle biopsies (explants). Our secondary aim was to correlate the intramuscular pH readings with muscle biopsy viability.MethodsNine euthanised Wistar rats were used. A pH catheter was inserted into one exposed gluteus medius muscles to record real-time pH levels and muscle biopsies were taken from the contralateral gluteus medius at the start of experiment and subsequently at every 0.1 of pH unit drop. Prior to muscle biopsy, the surface of the gluteus medius was painted with a layer of 50µmol/l Brilliant blue FCF solution to facilitate biopsy orientation. A 4mm punch biopsy tool was used to take biopsies. Each muscle biopsy was placed in a base mould filled with 4% ultra-low melting point agarose. The agarose embedded tissue block was sectioned to generate 400 micron thick tissue slices with a vibratome. The tissue slices were then placed in the staining solution with Hoechst 33342, Ethidium homodimer-1 and Calcein am. The tissue slices were imaged with Zeiss LSM880 confocal microscope's Z stack function. A dead muscle control was created by adding TritonX-100 to other tissue slices. For quantitative analyses, the images were analysed in Image J using the selection tool. This permitted individual cells to be identified and the mean grey value of each channel to be defined. Using the dead control, we were able to identify the threshold value for living cells using the Calcein AM channel.ResultsViability dyes, used primarily for cell cultures, can be used with skeletal muscle explants. Our study also showed that despite a significant reduction in tissue pH concentration over time, that almost 100% of muscle cells were still viable at pH 6.0, suggesting that skeletal muscle cells are robust to hypoxic insult in the absence of reperfusion.ConclusionsViability dyes can be used on skeletal muscle biopsies. Further research investigating the likely associations between direct measured pH using a pH catheter, the concentrations of key cellular metabolic markers, and muscle tissue histology using vitality dyes in response to ischaemia, rather than hypoxia, is warranted.Declaration of Interest(b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Sistem Monitoring Nutrisi dan PH Air pada Tanaman Hidroponik Berbasis Internet of Things (IoT)

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Hydroponics is a soilless cultivation method that relies on water and the fulfillment of plant nutritional needs. Nutrient provision is usually done manually, which can be time-consuming. To improve efficiency, an automated system using sensors and an IoT-based application can be implemented. This system utilizes a TDS sensor, pH sensor, and NodeMCU ESP32 to monitor nutrient and pH levels in water. The values are displayed on an LCD screen and sent to the application. If the nutrient content falls below 700 ppm or the pH falls below 5 or above 8, indicating a nutrient deficiency, the nutrient pump can be remotely activated through the application. The pump stops when the nutrient level reaches 1000 ppm or the pH reaches 8. The system provides TDS and pH readings, which have an average error of 3.16% and 2.87%, respectively. This automated system can be used to reading TDS and pH values to assist in providing nutrients to hydroponic plants.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Application of Internet of Things (Iot) for Physicochemical Parameters Measurement in The PVC and Bamboo Material

Aquaculture is the practice of cultivating and farming aquatic organisms under controlled conditions. High pH conditions, more toxic ammonia is present which can be harmful to aquatic organisms, particularly fish. The presence of ammonia in water can have implications for dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. The purpose of this study was to develop Internet of things (IoT) for measurement pH, DO and ammonia-nitrogen using Blynk platform. Additionally, the study aimed to determine physicochemical parameters trend in aquaponic system using IoT application. The reading of pH and DO from IoT sensor were collected from Blynk platform every ten seconds and ammonia nitrogen was observed twice a month. The presence of ammonia nitrogen in aquaponic system was determined using Nitrogen-ammonia reagent set, TNT, AmVer (Salicylate), High range. The data from this study were statistically analysed using Microsoft Excel 2019 to perform one-way ANOVA. Through this study, it could be concluded that internet accessibility is statistically significant to intention to use internet of things (IoT) application and the use of IoT sensors in aquaponic systems has yielded advantages

Student exploration of the Henderson-Hasselbach equation and pH readings to determine the pK a value of 4,4′-trimethylenedipiperidine (TMDP)

Abstract This educatory experiment uses an inexpensive pH meter to determine an approximate negative logarithm of the acid dissociation constant (pK a ) value of 4,4′-trimethylenedipiperidine (TMDP). Using a pH meter and statistical data analysis by Excel tool presents an excellent opportunity to deepen student engagement with the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and acid/base dissociation constant (K a /K b ). Furthermore, students understand the importance determination of K a /K b and its relationship with the concentration and strength of acid/base. Four different concentrations of TMDP aqueous solutions were prepared and a series of pH readings were collected using a calibrated pH meter. Some statistical parameters were calculated and analyzed using the statistical program in Excel. Finally, students identified an unknown pK a for TMDP and compared their obtained value with a predicted pK a using software like ChemAxon. The experiment is inexpensive, safe, simple, and clean, and less experienced students can perform it. In addition, all pH recordings can be readily accessible for analysis and descriptive statistics by the Excel formula.

Implementation of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) in the re-treatment of conventionally treated pharmaceutical wastewater: a case study of Radiant Pharmaceuticals Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Since Bangladesh already has robust pharmaceutical industries, nearly all companies owned effluent treatment plant (ETP) facilities to improve the quality of wastewater. Water retreatment utilizing affordable, accessible, and environmentally sustainable techniques have not yet been thoroughly investigated. In this study, the potential of water hyacinth and water lettuce was investigated at three different concentrations: 50% of total volume coverages (1000g macrophytes/2000ml water), 75% of total volume coverages (1500g macrophytes/2000ml water), and 100% of total volume coverages (2000g macrophytes/2000ml water) on the post-treated ETP's wastewater for 3weeks in a mesocosm environment. Heavy metals, such as chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) along with physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, DO, and BOD5) were measured after 7days intervals. Results indicated that water hyacinth was considerably more efficient than water lettuce at removing many factors, including metals. Water hyacinth was able to remove 79.15% of nickel and 92.97% of chromium while also increasing DO and EC by 36.72% and 14.59%, respectively, at 100% of total volume coverages. On the other hand, 100% of the total volume coverage of water lettuce decreased the pH, TDS, and BOD5 readings by 6.70%, 31.62%, and 87.61%, respectively. With each treatment, the water quality significantly improved over the control. The findings suggest that the pharmaceutical industries may improve the quality of their treated wastewater even more by integrating phytoremediation technology with traditional ETP facilities.

Effect of mouthwashes on the microhardness of aesthetic composite restorative materials.

Mouthwashes are increasingly being used worldwide. However, these preparations are known to have a negative impact on composite resin dental restorations. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of mouthwashes on the microhardness of such restorations. Thirty specimens of Tetric N-Ceram composite were prepared. Each composite specimen was cured for 40 seconds and kept in saline solution for 24 hours at 37 °C. Baseline microhardness of each specimen was recorded using an Innovatest Vickers Micro Hardness Tester. Composite specimens were randomly placed in 20 mL of the selected mouthwashes (Colgate® Plax, Listerine® Teeth & Gum Defence, and Closeup® Antibacterial Mouthwash Cool Breeze) and stored in an incubator for 24 hours at 37 °C. Next, microhardness values were rechecked. pH measurements were recorded for each type of mouthwash using a digital pH meter. Due to the acidic nature of Colgate® and Listerine®, the microhardness of the restorations decreased with these mouthwashes; Listerine® caused the greatest decrease in microhardness and had the lowest pH reading (4.34). For Closeup®, with a neutral pH (7.02), no negative effect on microhardness was found; on the contrary, due to the presence of zinc in this latter mouthwash, an increase of the microhardness was found. We confirm the negative effect of acidic mouthwashes on the microhardness of composite dental restorations.

Monitoring Tingkat Ph dan Kandungan NPK pada Proses Composting Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit

Handling empty palm oil bunches into compost biomass requires measurement and monitoring technology. This natural process has not run optimally due to the lack of application of technology that is able to collect information on the dynamics of the effect of pH on the rate of decomposition of empty oil palm fruit bunches into compost. Responding to this need, a measuring tool for pH degrees and monitoring of NPK content was designed. The design uses the following components: a). Esp32 micro-controller, b). pH sensor, c). NPK sensor d) Soil moisture sensor, e).Modbus RS485), f). Power supply: 12 volt adapter, and 9volt battery, h) Stepdown 12volt ke 5volt, i). saklaron/off and j) Application blink IoT. The schematic of the component circuit is placed onPrinted Circuit Board (PCB) and programmed usingArduino GOES 1.8.19. The tool works by means of acid-wet signals, moisture content and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content which are read by the sensors sent by the esp32 microcontroller toblynk IoT use the internet. Successful data capture and transmission will appear on the LCD and the applicationblink web andandroid. The results of the design of this tool have functioned well. The tool managed to read the degree of pH, moisture level and NPK content in compost from empty oil palm fruit bunches. First sample test: display on monitor successfully,blynk web andandroid regarding data on pH and NPK sensor readings: (pH: 4.24), (N: 100 mg/kg), (P: 31 mg/kg), (K: 43 mg/kg) and (Moisture: 53%).

Controlled release of niacinamide from fibrous silica nanocarrier in face serum formulation

The current study offers controlled release of niacinamide from fibrous silica (KCC-1) loaded in a face serum formulation. Furthermore, three drug loading methods, namely physical mixing, melting, and solvent evaporation, denoted as (Phy)/Nia-KCC-1, (Mel)/Nia-KCC-1, and (Sol)/Nia-KCC-1, respectively, were implemented, and the percentage loading efficiencies were compared. (Mel)/Nia-KCC-1 demonstrated the highest percentage of drug loading at 33%, followed by (Phy)/Nia-KCC-1 and (Sol)/Nia-KCC-1 at 25% and 17%, respectively. Likewise, the in vitro release study also revealed a similar pattern, with (Mel)/Nia-KCC-1 recording the highest percentage release at 29%, followed by (Phy)/Nia-KCC-1 and (Sol)/Nia-KCC-1 at 24% and 21%, respectively. As the (Mel)/Nia-KCC-1 sample unveiled decent results in transporting the sample drug, the respective sample was then further loaded into the face serum formulation, and the pH stability was observed for 7 days. The pH readings remained constant at pH 4.3 throughout the 7 days, within the acceptance range according to the derma-cosmetic product that states the effective pH should lie between pH 4 and pH 6. Therefore, it can be stated that the (Mel)/Nia-KCC-1 loaded serum fulfills the acceptance criteria for the pH requirement of derma-cosmetic products.