pH Value Of Water Research Articles

Resource allocation design method based on WSN multi-dimension soil inspection

Abstract. With the industrialization of agriculture and the sharp rise of food prices, in order to promote the intensive development of natural resources and achieve economies of scale agriculture in production, people put forward the innovative strategy of "precision agriculture" to maintain the sustainable development of agriculture. To protect the environment and farmer communities and increase productivity. However, in the special context of precision agriculture, the problems related to energy consumption and electromagnetic wave propagation in complex environments have a significant impact on precision agriculture. In the case of no monitoring and harsh environment, wireless sensor networks (WSN) can complete the tasks of real-time monitoring and information collection. In the past, the understanding of WSN in agriculture was limited to unilateral detection, which led to the underutilization of the soil. This paper introduces an innovative solution for precision agriculture based on wireless sensor networks, which mainly focuses on the observation and impact assessment of soil water volume,PH value, temperature and pressure in agricultural production process. It aims to reduce the waste of natural resources and the use of fertilizer substances, while maintaining or improving the yield of farming, in order to better promote the development of WSN in the agricultural field.

Analysis of the water quality of the Wiringtasi River, Barru Regency, Indonesia, in relation to fish cultivation

Objective: This research aims to determine the quality of water along the Wiringtasi River, Barru Regency, Indonesia in relation to the development of fish cultivation. Material and method: Sampling was carried out by random sampling by selecting three research locations, namely location 1 is a river location close to rice fields, location 2 is a location close to pond areas and beaches, and location 3 is a location around the mouth of the Wiringtasi River. The data collected is water quality parameter data, which includes temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and salinity. The data obtained is then processed and linked to fish cultivation needs. The data was then analyzed using descriptive analysis. Results: The research results show that the water temperature in the Wiringtasi river is in the average range of 29.4–30.4 oC. The average dissolved oxygen at the research location is in the range of 4.31–5.08 ppm. The average value of water pH at the research location is in the range of 6.33-7.17, while the average value of water salinity at the research location is in the range of 12.67-36.83 ppt. Conclusion: All water quality parameters measured in the Wiringtasi River, Barru Regency, Indonesia, are still in accordance with the growth and survival needs of fish.

Effect of maltodextrin concentration and temperature process on physicochemical characteristics of instant lemon (Citrus limon l) powder minute using crystallization machine

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of maltodextrin concentration and drying temperature on the physicochemical characteristics of instant lemon powder drinks. The research used the randomized design group with a 3x3 factorial pattern consisting of two factors with two repeats so that 18 experimental units were obtained. There is a T factor which is a concentration of maltodextrin consisting of three levels, namely t1 (10%), t2 (15%), and t3 (20%), and a K factor that is a variation of the process temperature also consisting of three levels, namely k1 (50°C), k2 (60°C), and k3 (70°C). In this study, physical responses include solubility, dissolving time, amount of yield, hygroscopicity, bulk density, and scanning electron microscopy. Chemical responses correspond to water content, antioxidant activity, pH value, and vitamin C. The results showed that maltodextrin concentration can affect solubility, dissolving time, amount of yield, hygroscopicity, bulk density, water content, pH value, and vitamin C. Variations in process temperature affect solubility, dissolving time, amount of yield, hygroscopicity, bulk density, moisture content, pH value, and vitamin C. The interaction of maltodextrin concentration and process temperature variations affects hygroscopicity but not solubility response, dissolving time, yield amount, bulk density, water content, pH value, and vitamin C.

Phthalate Esters in Water and Surface Sediments of Anambra River in Dry Season: Distribution and Human Health Risks Assessment

This study investigated phthalate ester (PAE) contamination in water and sediment samples due to their persistence and potential health risks as endocrine disruptors. Sediment analysis revealed pH ranged from 5.35 to 6.72, with total organic carbon (TOC) levels varying between 0.74% and 2.56%. Water pH values were within WHO guidelines (5.5–8.5), and turbidity levels ranged from 0.60 to 1.40 NTU. Phthalate concentrations in sediment revealed Monobutyl phthalate (MBP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Dipentyl phthalate (DPP), Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Sample SA exhibited the highest levels of MBP (0.40 mg/kg) and DEP (0.93 mg/kg). In water samples, MBP peaked at 0.01 mg/kg, while DEP reached 0.03 mg/kg, with DBP (0.07 mg/kg) and DEHP (0.08 mg/kg) also detected. Phthalate contamination in water remained below harmful thresholds. A health risk assessment calculated Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) and Hazard Quotients (HQ) for both children and adults. CDI results indicated higher risks for children, with DBP (2.20E-06 mg/kg/day) and DEHP (2.46E-06 mg/kg/day) showing the greatest concern. The HQ for children was highest for DBP (0.22), though still below the risk threshold. Adults exhibited lower CDI and HQ values, with minimal non-carcinogenic risk. These findings highlight the need for continued monitoring of phthalate pollution, especially given children’s heightened vulnerability.

Detection and monitoring of MC-LR and MC-RR in the artifical irrigation ponds at Oltu district

Although it is defining as natural organic pollutant, surface water resources which are frequently exposed to Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) due to the increasing nutrient loading in recent years, the increase in temperature caused by climate change and the increase in surface run-off caused by extreme rainfall as a result of the risk of the increasing concentrations of algal toxins into drinking water. Although HABs have caused the problem of eutrophication in surface waters especially at hot seasons in the past decades due to the water pollution, increasing surface water temperatures with climate change cause this problem to extended periods out of season and to be permanent for the year. Therefore, studies including the detection and monitoring of algal toxins are gaining importance in order to observe HAB events at their source. As global temperature increases, HAB events have spread to regions that have even cold climates. Consequently, Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and Microcystin-RR (MC-RR), which are the main indicators of HAB events in surface waters were aimed to detect and monitor at the artificial ponds designed for agriculture and animal husbandry purposes in Oltu District of Erzurum Province which has cold climate, for the first time in this study.Microcystins (MCs) concentrations were measured in the samples taken from ponds in four seasons for one year, by LC-MS/MS and; water temperature and pH values were also determined simultaneously. The relationship between the MC-LR and MC-RR distributions and, the pH and temperature were calculated by Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r).

Effect of edible film prepared with plasma‐activated water and olive leaf extract (Olea europaea L.) as a potential packaging in cooked meat product

AbstractThis research determined the use of edible film (EF) prepared with olive leaf extract (OLE) and plasma‐activated water (PAW) on the shelf life and quality of cooked meat (M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum) product. The characterization of PAW composition and the antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content (TPC) of OLE were determined. Also, physicochemical and microbiological properties and lipid oxidation of cooked meat product coated with EF stored at +4°C for 14 d were evaluated. Cold plasma treatment increased the nitrite/nitrate concentrations and ORP value and decreased the pH value of distilled water (DW). The amount of TPC, IC50 value, and the antioxidant activity of OLE were 71.52 mg GAE/g, 0.46 mg/mL, and 77.39%, respectively. The combined use of OLE and PAW in EF during storage reduced the pH of cooked meat product. Furthermore, the addition of OLE in EF increased the b* values and reduced the a* values of cooked meat product, whereas the addition of PAW did not influence the CIE L*, a*, b* color values. The use of EF prevented lipid oxidation in cooked meat product during storage, especially the addition of OLE to the EF reduced the TBARS values. In this research, the addition of OLE to EF prepared with PAW has a promising application potential in the preservation of RTE‐cooked meat products. Also, these findings suggested that OLE, a by‐product from production of olive oil, might be applied as active packaging in biodegradable films.

Characterization of Robusta Coffee Powder with Addition of Palm Sugar and Vanilla Powder to Improve The Quality of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre)

Bondowoso Robusta Coffee is a type of Robusta coffee that has a distinctive taste and high quality. The distinctive taste and high quality are obtained from the results of harvest management and post-harvest processing in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). This research will be carried out by testing the characteristics of Robusta ground coffee with a mixture of palm sugar and vanilla flavoring to improve the quality of Robusta ground coffee. This was done by knowing the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of the mixed Robusta ground coffee. The aim of this research is to determine the interaction between roasting level and the composition of palm sugar and vanilla powder on the physiochemical and organoleptic properties of 3 in 1 Robusta Coffee. This research uses an experimental plan arranged factorially with the basic pattern of a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 replications. This design has two factors, the first factor is the roasting level and the second is the mixture composition. The results of this research show (1) The interaction of Roasting Level and Mixture (palm sugar and vanilla powder) has no significant effect on all observed variables such as water content, Brix content, pH value, and powder bulk density. (2) The effect of the main level of roasting has a very significant effect on the observed variables of rainfall density and an insignificant effect on the variables of air content, Brix content and pH value. (3) The effect of the main mixture has a very significant effect on the observed variables of air content, Brix content and powder bulk density and has no significant effect on the variable pH value.

Impact of industrial effluents on buringanga river and its tributaries

Many rivers throughout Bangladesh are now under threat due to both human-made and natural causes. In this context, we describe the Buriganga river system, its uses of the river, its level of pollution, and its sources of pollution. The present condition of the Buriganga water and its surrounding areas soils and plants might not be suitable for fisheries and irrigation; it has been observed that sampling points of 9,10,11 were highly polluted, with sampling point 7 with the highest water pH value (7.19), in sampling point 11 EC value was found (799 μS/cm) with other physicochemical parameters and Fe, Cd, Cr and Zn content in plant and soil samples were comparatively high at sampling point 9 and 11. In the studied area, the correlation coefficient of heavy metal content among soil and water, the Cr concentration (0.0289mg/l), was highly significant; it has been indicated that heavy metals were uptake by soil. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 589-596, 2024 (September)

Identifying environmental impacts on planktonic algal proliferation and associated risks: a five-year observation study in Danjiangkou Reservoir, China

Understanding the risks of planktonic algal proliferation and its environmental causes is crucial for protecting water quality and controlling ecological risks. Reservoirs, due to the characteristics of slow flow rates and long hydraulic retention times, are more prone to eutrophication and algal proliferation. Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) serves as an indicator of planktonic algal biomass. Exploring the intricate interactions and driving mechanisms between Chl-a and the water environment, and the potential risks of algal blooms, is crucial for ensuring the ecological safety of reservoirs and the health of water users. This study focused on the Danjiangkou Reservoir (DJKR), the core water source of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project of China (MRSNWDPC). The multivariate statistical methods and structural equation modeling were used to explore the relationships between chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) contents and water quality factors and understand the driving mechanisms affecting Chl-a variations. The Copula function and Bayesian theory were combined to analyze the risk of changes in Chl-a concentrations at Taocha (TC) station, which is the core water source intake point of the MRSNWDPC. The results showed that the factors driving planktonic algal proliferation were spatially heterogeneous. The main factors affecting Chl-a concentrations in Dan Reservoir (DR) were water physicochemical factors (water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH value, and turbidity) with a total contribution rate of 60.18%, whereas those in Han Reservoir (HR) were nutrient factors (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and ammonia nitrogen) with a total contribution rate of 73.58%. In TC, the main factors were water physicochemical factors (turbidity, pH, and water temperature) and nutrient factors (total phosphorus) with total contribution rates of 39.76% and 45.78%, respectively. When Chl-a concentrations in other areas of the DJKR ranged from the minimum to the uppermost quartile, the probabilities that Chl-a concentrations at the TC station exceeded 3.4 μg/L (the benchmark value of Chl-a for lakes in the central-eastern lake area of China) owing to the influence of these areas were all less than 10%. Thus, the risk of planktonic algal proliferation at the MRSNWDPC intake point is low. This study developed an integrated framework to investigate spatiotemporal changes in algal proliferation and their driving factors in reservoirs, which can be used to support water quality management in mega hydro projects.

Dental Erosion in Competitive Swimmers and Preventive Treatments: An In Vitro Study.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effectiveness of highly concentrated fluoride products and remineralizing products (F-APC) in preventing erosive dental lesions in competitive swimming patients. A total of 48 teeth were extracted, preserved in saline solution and divided into three groups. In G1 (control group), each tooth was half-immersed in chlorinated pool water; in G2 (fluoride-treated group), after being totally immersed in chlorinated water, each tooth had half of its surface treated with a highly concentrated fluoride product once a week; in G3 (remineralization product-treated group), each tooth was totally immersed in chlorinated water and half of its surface was treated with a remineralizing product after each immersion. The study was conducted over a 4-week period, immersing the teeth for 4 h per day. In G1, statistically significant differences were observed in submerged versus non-submerged tooth surfaces at week 3 (T3) (p = 0.019) and week 4 (T4) (p = 0.0007), with four and eight surfaces showing erosive tooth wear (ETW), respectively. In G2, a difference was observed between fluoride-treated and non-fluoride-treated surfaces at T4 (p = 0.039), with three surfaces with ETW among the non-treated ones. In G3, the difference was observed between portions treated with F-APC and those not treated at T4 (p = 0.019), with four surfaces with ETW among the untreated ones. Chlorinated pool water is a potential erosive agent for teeth if water pH values reach a critical value. Treating the teeth surface with highly concentrated fluoride products, once a week for 5 min, and F-APC are effective in protecting teeth against tooth erosion.

Identifying the genesis of hydrothermal activities in the Xiangcheng fault belt, southwestern China: Evidence from hydrochemistry and stable isotopes

Regional faults are beneficial structures for the formation of hydrothermal activities and have thus become target areas for geothermal resource utilization. Numerous hydrothermal activities have been reported along the Xiangcheng fault belt, particularly concentrating in the Batang, Xiangcheng and Shangri-La areas. In this study, hydrochemistry and stable isotopes were used to identify the genesis of hydrothermal activities in the Xiangcheng fault belt. The pH values of the geothermal water in these regions gradually decreases in this order, while the total dissolved solids gradually increase. The δD and δ18O values indicate the geothermal waters are mainly originated from snowmelt water and meteoric water. The recharge elevation of geothermal waters in Batang, Xiangcheng, and Shangri-La was 4415–4904 m, 4585–5038 m, and 3673–3969 m, respectively. Most geothermal waters belong to the hydrochemical type HCO3-Na, however some Batang geothermal water is of the SO4·HCO3-Na type, influenced by deep geothermal gas, and some Shangri-La geothermal water is of HCO3-Ca·Na type, influenced by shallow cold water and dissolution of carbonate rocks. Correlations of major ions suggest that HCO3-Na type geothermal waters are determined by the dissolution of paragonite, K-feldspar and albite as well as positive ion exchange. According to Na-K-Mg triangle diagram and mineral saturation indices, the geothermal waters do not reach full equilibrium and are mixed with shallow cold. Geothermometers, including cationic and SiO2, and geochemical thermodynamic calculations indicate that the deep and shallow reservoir temperatures are 200–240 °C and 169–193 °C for the Batang area, 194–201 °C and 119–131 °C for the Xiangcheng area, and 156–178 °C and 100–109 °C for the Shangri-La area. Conceptual models of the genesis of hydrothermal activities in the Batang, Xiangcheng, and Shangri-La areas were constructed, respectively. CaCO3 scaling is dominated in the study area. The hydrothermal activities of Batang and Xiangcheng areas with enriched deep materials and high reservoir temperatures are beneficial for rare-alkali metal (e.g., Li). The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for the development and utilization of geothermal resources in the high-temperature hydrothermal activity areas of western Sichuan.

Characterizing and tracing the heavy metals' spatial distribution in karst surface river affected by acid mine drainage

A series of pollution problems have been caused by the drainage of closed coal mines. This study focuses on the XZ River in Guizhou Province, employing a comprehensive approach involving hydrochemical analysis, mathematical statistics, and one-dimensional water quality modeling to investigate the spatial evolution and source apportionment of heavy metals in karst surface rivers affected by AMD. The average pH, EC, and Eh values of groundwater and surface water in the XZ river basin were 6.27, 331 <i>μ</i>s/cm, 230 mV and 3.86, 1671.57 <i>μ</i>s/cm, 412.71 mV, respectively, indicating severe pollution of surface water by AMD. The study reveals that groundwater in the XZ River Basin is predominantly of the HCO<sub>3</sub>-Ca-Mg type, shifting to HCO<sub>3</sub>-SO<sub>4</sub>-Ca-Mg type with the influx of acid mine wastewater. Utilizing statistical methods for source apportionment analysis indicated that downstream concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, As, and Sr most likely originate from tributaries. Further analysis through one-dimensional water quality simulation confirmed that downstream concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, As, and Sr are attributed to tributaries. This suggests that XZ River is affected by pollution from different coal mines, primarily from coal mine M4, followed by coal mine M1.

Correction methods for visible near-infrared spectroscopy in water pH detection to mitigate temperature influence

The pH value is an important indicator for determining water quality, and visible near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy is an ideal technique for rapid detection. The Vis-NIR spectrum of water is greatly affected by temperature. When using Vis-NIR spectroscopy to detect the pH value of water, temperature interference will affect the prediction accuracy of the water pH value. In this study, several chemometric methods developed in recent years were used to correct the spectra of distilled water samples under temperature interference to improve the prediction accuracy of water pH values. Specifically, this includes the external parameter orthogonalization (EPO) algorithm and the generalized least square weighting (GLSW) algorithm. Spectra of distilled water samples at different temperatures in the 400–1049 nm range were collected, and the correction effects of the EPO algorithm and the GLSW algorithm on the spectra after temperature changes, as well as the prediction errors of water pH values, were tested and examined, compared with traditional full-temperature spectral correction models. The results show that both the EPO algorithm and the GLSW algorithm methods require only a small number of representative samples to obtain filtering matrices. By correcting the spectra of distilled water samples at all temperatures to the reference temperature level, good correction effects can be achieved. Additionally, the prediction accuracy of water pH values of the models corrected by both methods is better than that of the traditional method, and the complexity of the models is also greatly reduced.

Physical and chemical properties and sensory evaluation of camel meat and new camel meat jerky.

Alxa Bactrian camel meat is an organic diet that provides balanced nutrition and is easy to digest and absorb. Despite its potential, it is currently underutilized. To develop a new type of camel jerky, this study utilized a single-factor design method to optimize the formula and fermentation process parameters of Alxa Bactrian camel jerky. Additionally, the physical and chemical composition, nutritional components, protein degradation, and microbial changes of the camel jerky were analyzed to evaluate the nutritional benefits of the new camel jerky created using modern fermentation technology. The results show that the optimal addition amounts of camel fermented jerky ingredients are 2.2% black pepper, 3% salt, 1.8% white sugar, and 9% cooking wine, whereas the optimal fermentation conditions by compound starter culture are 0.07% starter, 23 h of fermentation time, and a 30°C fermentation temperature. Compared to the single starter, the compound starter significantly increased the protein content, total amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, trace elements, and a*, L*, and e-values of jerky; however, it also decreased the water activity (a w), thiobarbituric acid, and pH values of jerky during storage. Compound starter strains can compensate for the shortage of single starters and improve the overall quality of meat products. These findings could provide new insights and serve as a reference for the development of camel meat products and hold significant importance for the growth of the camel industry.

Integrated study on CO2 enhanced oil recovery and geological storage in tight oil reservoirs

Carbon utilization, and sequestration (CUS) in tight oil reservoirs stands as a pivotal strategy for enhancing oil recovery and mitigating CO2 emissions. Research on CUS mainly focuses on the calculation of overall displacement efficiency and the total sequestration amount. However, the primary control and sequestration mechanisms throughout the life cycle of CUS, as well as the contribution of each mechanism at different development stages and under various injection and production parameters, are not clear, which limits effective guidance for oilfield development. Therefore, this paper studies the entire life cycle of tight oil reservoirs, from water flooding to CO2 flooding and CO2 sequestration after reservoir abandonment. The contribution degree changes of dissolution, structural, residual gas and mineralized sequestration mechanisms during the whole life cycle are analyzed. The results show that the main sequestration mechanism during CO2 flooding stage and injection sequestration stage after shutting down production wells is structural sequestration, which accounts for 84.75%. In the 2000 years following the cessation of CO2 injection, the proportion of structural sequestration gradually decreases, with a cumulative decrease of 12.41%, and it is mainly converted to the other three sequestration modes, with the largest increase in mineralization sequestration, reaching 8.81%, mainly due to the reaction of dicalcium silicate with CO2 to produce more stable calcite. When the injection pressure was increased from 23 MPa to 44 MPa, the sequestration efficiency increased by 18.45%. An interesting finding is that the solubility of CO2 in water in the target reservoir reaches its lowest point at 80 °C, and both warming and cooling at this point are conducive to the dissolution and sequestration of CO2. The initial pH value of formation water mainly affects mineralization and sequestration. The rate of calcite production and the contribution of CO2 dissolution and sequestration are positively correlated with water saturation. The findings underscore the importance of understanding dynamic contributions of various sequestration mechanisms and optimizing conditions to enhance CO2 sequestration efficiency.

Effects of mixing water and environmental pH value on the properties of sulfoaluminate cement-based ultra-high water materials

In order to grasp the influence of the pH value of mixing water and environmental water on the properties of ultra-high water materials, this article separately carried out the influence of different pH values of mixing water on the properties of ultra-high water materials and the conservation of high-water materials in water environments with different pH values. Using test methods such as loss of flow time, compressive strength, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric-Differential Thermal Analysis (TG–DTA), to conduct regular exploration and mechanism analysis. The study found that with the continuous increase of the pH value of the mixing water, the loss of flow time of the ultra-high water material gradually decreased, and the compressive strength of the samples at the same age continued to increase. A lower pH value will affect the compressive strength of the consolidated body of the ultra-high water material, but when the pH = 13 in the reaction solution, the compressive strength of the consolidated body will no longer increase and begin to produce a weakening effect. The pH of the construction water for ultra-high water materials is recommended to be 4–13. At the same time, it was found that under the conservation of an acidic environment, the consolidated body was severely eroded and the strength loss was large. The acid–base environment of the goaf suitable for filling with the ultra-high water material should be between pH = 7–10 to ensure that the filling body is not weakened by erosion.

Plant‐based meat analogues marketed in Catalonia: analysis of contaminants, essential elements, microbiological and physicochemical status, dietary intake estimation and health risk assessment

Abstract The latest barometer of food safety in Catalonia conducted by the Catalan Food Safety Agency (ACSA for its initials in Catalan) in 2021 shows that 28.7% of the population consumes meat analogues (substitutes). The main reasons for consuming this type of food are animal welfare, followed by environmental and health reasons. Due to the increasing demand for plant‐based meat analogues, the number of such products available on the market has also increased. Currently, however, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the composition of meat analogue products and their impact on human health. In this context, it was deemed necessary to complement the first report by the ACSA Scientific Advisory Committee on Food Safety with the present and more specific study on the content of contaminants and essential elements, several microbiological parameters and physicochemical characteristics of plant‐based meat analogues in order to assess the population of Catalonia's exposure to their potential health risks. The results indicate that the content of essential elements (Ca, Cr, Fe and Zn) and contaminants (As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Ni) in the plant‐based meat analogues are mostly of the same order of magnitude as those observed in the meat products evaluated in the total diet studies. The estimated dietary intakes for the evaluated population groups show values well below the toxicological safety values established for the different contaminants. Only for nickel could the risk assessment with regard to systemic contact dermatitis indicate a potential health problem for nickel‐sensitised individuals. The estimated dietary intake of essential elements associated with the consumption of one serving (100 g) of meat analogues hamburgers, or sausages, or meatballs or vegetable strips represents between 6.9 and 67.7% of the established recommended daily intake values. Out of the total number of samples evaluated, “Salmonella spp.” was detected in 6 samples. “Listeria monocytogenes” was detected by PCR in 3 samples; quantification was always lower than 10 cfu/g. The physicochemical characteristics showed very similar values in all meat analogues samples. The observed water activity and pH values favour the growth of microorganisms. To ensure the safety of products it is paramount that the need to subject the food to a complete heat treatment prior to consumption is highlighted on the labelling.

Evaluation of The Antibacterial Activity of Tallow-Based Soap with the Addition of Tea Tree and Peppermint Extracts

Tallow is a by-product of the meat processing industry. Tallow is commonly used as a raw material in soap making. This studi aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of tallow-based soap with varying amounts of tea tree and peppermint extracts. This study used a completely randomized design with the addition of tea tree and peppermint extracts 0% (P1), addition 2% (P2), addition 5% (P3), addition 8% (P4). The parameters of this study were water content, pH, free fatty acids, and antibacterial activity tests against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Propionibacterium acnes. The results showed that tea tree and peppermint extracts had no significant effect on the water content, pH and free fatty acid values. Meanwhile, the results of antibacterial activity showed significantly different results (P<0.05) for E. coli and S. aureus but were not significant for P. acnes. Adding tea tree and peppermint extracts to tallow-based soap can enhance its antibacterial properties without affecting the physical quality of the soap.

Optimasi Injeksi Trisodium Phosphate Pada Air Suplai Boiler Di Unit 4 PLTU Nagan Raya Menggunakan Design Expert Metode Pendekatan Response Surface Bok-Behnken

In the steam power plant industry, supporting facilities commonly called BOP (Balance of Plant) include Coal Handling, Ash Handling and WTP (Water Treatment Plant). TSP Trisodium Phosphate is one of the chemicals in water treatment. Besides functioning as a cleaner, TSP also functions to precipitate magnesium, iron, and silica and is able to help maintain the pH value of boiler water. Therefore, this activity was carried out to optimise chemical injection in the water treatment process for boiler water with good quality so as to produce steam with good quality as well. From the analysis results, the optimum injection of chemicals is 0.462 ppm TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) resulting in a pH value of 9.279, SiO2 (Sillicon dioxyde) 64.5 ppb, and Na+ (Sodium) 0.719 ppb.

Drought stress impacts soil microbial nutrient limitation more strongly than O3 pollution

Summer drought conditions generally coincide with exposure to high ground-level concentrations of ozone (O3). These two stressors compromise the availability of water, energy, and nutrients to vegetation and microbial communities present within the soil. However, relatively little is known regarding the responses of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil microbial nutrient acquisition to conditions of drought and O3 exposure. Here, we used ecoenzymatic stoichiometry modeling and vector analyses to decipher the resource constraints on rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil microbial metabolic limitation within the soil of hybrid poplars exposed to two watering regimens (well-watered or reduced water of 40 %) and two chronic O3 treatments (charcoal-filtered air or ambient air +40 ppb of O3). Results show that, simulated drought stress resulted in stronger effects on the structure of soil microbial communities and associated enzymatic activity relative to exposure to elevated O3 levels. Exposure to these two stressors induced a microbial phosphorus (P) limitation response, with these limitation effects being more pronounced in the rhizosphere soil relative to non-rhizosphere soil. Structural equation modeling revealed that drought-associated declines in soil water availability and pH values were the primary factors influencing this microbial P limitation. Reduced soil water levels resulted in the exacerbation of microbial P limitation as a consequence of the inhibition of P mineralization and availability of C and N, whereas declining soil pH values had the opposite effect, alleviating microbial P limitations by reducing soil alkalinity and thereby aiding in the dissolution of the insoluble P present in alkaline soil. These results emphasize the complex responses of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil microbial metabolic activity to elevated O3 levels and drought stress, providing invaluable insight into the importance of elemental stoichiometry-driven microbial metabolic variability of nutrient cycling activity at the root-soil interface in O3-polluted and drought-exposed ecosystems.