Physiochemical Tests Research Articles

Enhancing grape preservation: The synergistic effect of curry leaf essential oil in buckwheat starch-chitosan composite coatings

A novel edible composite coating composed of buckwheat starch (BS) and chitosan (CH) with varying levels of curry leaf essential oil (CLEO) was synthesized in the present study. Initially, starch was extracted from buckwheat groats, and its proximate analysis revealed a high amylose content (21.91 ± 0.32%), which makes it an excellent base material for coating formation. The composite coatings were created by blending BS and CH with CLEO in different concentrations. The coatings underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including physico-chemical, functional, thermal analyses, and microstructural characterization. Cytotoxicity tests on human cell lines (Caco-2) confirmed that the coatings were non-toxic. Among the various formulations, the coating with 2.0% CLEO (referred to as F5) exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity, maximum antioxidant properties, and the lowest water solubility. Following this, the coatings were applied to green grapes (Vitis vinifera) via dip coating technique. The performance of coatings was assessed by storing the grapes under room temperature (25 ± 1 °C) and refrigeration conditions (4 ± 1 °C). From visual appearance and physio-chemical tests, it was concluded that the F5 coating was potentially active in extending the shelf life of grapes to 12 days at room temperature and to 20 days under refrigeration storage. Overall, the BS-CH-CLEO composite coating emerges as a refined and eco-conscious bioactive packaging solution, elegantly extending the shelf life of grapes while providing both sustainability and cost-efficiency.

Utilization of Watermelon Rind Puree as an Enhancer of Chips

This study was conducted to improve or develop food products and processing technologies specifically that will help in value-adding, creating new marketable forms that out from the watermelon rind that is usually thrown away or discarded. The study used experimental research using a completely randomized design with four treatments replicated thrice. Different measurements of watermelon rind puree were used to represent the treatments of the study. The products were evaluated by 50 respondents composed of ten (10) trained faculty on sensory evaluation of products; 35 student evaluators who know food preparation and evaluation of products and five (5) selected bakery owners from the Municipality of Sta. Maria Ilocos Sur. Results showed that T3 (400ml of watermelon rind puree) was best in all sensory evaluations and had the highest return on investment. Analysis of variance manifests that there is a significant difference between treatments. Based on the study, the watermelon cookies are considered healthy, acceptable, and nutritious. It contained ash of 1.12g, moisture content 12.96g, crude fat 11.0g, and 10.37g per 100 g of crude protein per 100 grams of the product. The technology should be subjected to further testing on shelf-life tests and physio-chemical tests. This study also recommends the use of watermelon rind as an enhancer in making pastry products like chips, marmalade, jams/jellies and other products.

ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTIOXIDANT AND CYTOTOXICITY STUDY OF Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), AND Zr(IV) COMPLEXES CONTAINING O, N DONOR SCHIFF BASE LIGAND

Objective: The aim of the research is to synthesize and characterize Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Zr(IV) complexes with a Schiff base ligand, and evaluate their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Methods: The ligand was synthesized by refluxing salicylaldehyde with o-phenylenediamine in ethanol, forming a yellow-orange product. The complexation reaction involved stirring ethanolic solutions of Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), or Zr(IV) salts with a Schiff base ligand. Thermal decomposition of Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zr(IV) complexes was analyzed under nitrogen, heating at 30 °C/min, measuring weight loss from ambient temperature to 800 °C. The antibacterial activity, antioxidant properties, and cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds wereexamined using reported methods. Results: Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Zr(IV) complexes with a Schiff base ligand were synthesized. Analyzed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and physiochemical tests and confirmed the structures. Magnetic susceptibility and electronic spectra suggested geometries, supported by thermogravimetric data. Antibacterial tests revealed complexes had higher activity than ligands, and also showed antioxidant properties. Conclusion: Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Zr(IV) Schiff base complexes were synthesized, showing tetrahedral or square planar geometries. They exhibited thermal stability and strong antibacterial activity, outperforming the ligand alone.

Solubility Enhancement of BCS Class II Antibiotic (Azithromycin) by Solid Dispersion Technique by Using Skimmed Milk

Azithromycin has a low water solubility; Hence, dissolution represents a rate-limiting process. The goal of the present investigation is to improve azithromycin dissolution and solubility rate. The purpose of this study was to create, characterize, and test the dissolving characteristics of an Azithromycin solid dispersion with skimmed milk. Formulated tablet of optimized batch compared with marketed formulation and study its drug release and make a formulation that gives the highest rate of solubility. This experiment was conducted utilizing the solid dispersion method. The rationale for solid dispersion is that it produces better results than other methods while costing less. Skimmed milk is used as a carrier to increase the solubility of azithromycin. Azithromycin purity is certified using assessment tests such as HPLC assay, UV spectroscopy, FTIR, and DSC. Azithromycin solid dispersion (Azithromycin in skimmed milk) SD2 consistently performs well in all physiochemical tests as compared to all batches. The designed tablet F2 batch releases the drug more effectively than the marketed one. Azithromycin’s solubility was successfully enhanced by utilizing the solid dispersion method with skimmed milk. Batch SD 2 gives the highest results in all parameters like solubility. Preformulation study, mainly in tablet formulation, also it gives the highest solubility.

Study of Ancient and Modern Wheat Grain Textures, Physiochemical Properties, and Biscuit Quality

We conducted a comprehensive study to investigate how different types of wheat affect the quality of biscuits. Our research included an ancient wheat variety called T. spherococcum, as well as present-day cultivated hard wheat varieties and soft wheat varieties (T. aestivum). We compared three hard wheat varieties (MACS6478, MACS2496, NI5439) and two soft wheat varieties (HS 490, NIAW3170) with ancient wheat (T. spherococcum) to analyze various aspects such as agronomic, grain and flour physicochemical, dough mixing, and biscuit quality parameters. Our results showed that soft wheat has a weaker association between starch and the protein matrix in the grain, leading to less starch damage, a lower particle size index (PSI), and higher flour recovery than hard wheat. Soft wheat flour also has lower gluten strength, a higher gliadin fraction, and decreased mixing resistance. Additionally, soft wheat flour has lower starch damage, which results in lower alkaline water retention capacity (AWRC) than hard wheat flour. These physiochemical findings helped us better understand how these traits related to biscuit quality. The study concluded that simple and fast physiochemical tests such as PSI, MST, AWRC, and flour protein content would help to select the best biscuit-quality wheat. These tests are quick and simple and do not need high-end sophisticated instruments. We also concluded that T. spherococcum was a hard wheat, and its flour physicochemical dough mixing properties were similar to that of hard wheat. It also produced inferior quality biscuits like hard wheat.

Effects of open dumping site on surrounding air, soil, and water: a case study of Biratnagar metropolitan city

Managing solid waste is one of the emerging challenges in urban areas, and open dumping and burning is common practices mostly in developing countries like Nepal. Which affects the overall surroundings. The study has investigated the effects of open dumping and burning in nearby air, soil, and river water in dumping site of Biratnagar metropolitan city. For studying the effects on air, the three samples of air were taken, at center and 100m upstream and downstream to the direction of wind flow. Soil samples were taken at 10m from the dumping site center, at 25m from the first sample and at 60m from the second sample, and the water samples were taken at leachate and 100 m upstream and downstream to the leachate. Soil and water were subjected to the physiochemical test, heavy metals test and microbes test whereas PM 2.5, and PM 10 were tested for air quality. The results showed that the air from upstream has been seen carrying particulate matter from the dumping site to downstream. Similarly, it is found that the quality of water at leachate and downstream is degraded compared to upstream. The soil quality has been found to have degraded due to the harmful and toxic material of the dumping site. Thus, this study shows that open dumping and burning have affected the nearby air, water, and soil.

Developing and Evaluating a Novel Drug Delivery System, Calcium-Alginate Beads loaded with Valsartan

Valsartan is one of the most common drugs used by chronic patients in the management of hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. This present study was conducted with the aim of formulating a long-acting pharmaceutical form by preparing millimeter dimensions’ solid polymeric beads using the Ionotropic Gelation technique by using the polymer “Alginate Sodium” (SA), and Calcium Chloride CaCl2 as a cross-linking agent. Prepared valsartan beads succeeded in the possibility of decreasing dose administration and therefore, reduced immediate release side effects of conventional forms of Valsartan. Valsartan beads were studied using different concentrations of Sodium Alginate and Calcium Chloride to select the optimal formula and then were compared with locally marketed film-coated tables containing Valsartan. The formula (SA 3%, CaCl2 10%) was chosen after conducting several physiochemical tests such as shape and dimensions, swelling index, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and FTIR. FTIR test showed no chemical bonding between Valsartan and other excipients. Selected beads achieved a high percentage of swelling in phosphate buffer solution pH=6.8. Entrapment efficiency was also high at about 80%. Prepared beads followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas release mechanism, and eventually obtained extended-release beads which slowed drug release for 24h, Compared with the film-coated tablets, the in vitro release of valsartan expired after only one hour.

Mycoremediation of polyaromatic hydrocarbon contaminated anoxic ecosystem by <i>Trichoderma</i> species in synergy with <i>Bacillus</i> species

Fungi-base remediation is a cheap, effective and ecofriendly procedure for the cleanup of crude oil contaminated ecosystem. The study investigated the reduction of lag in crude oil degradation by Trichoderma in synergy with Bacillus in biofilm mode Sediment samples were collected from Bodo Ogoni River State using random stratified method.at depth 0 – 15 cm and 15 – 30 cm. The experimental setup consists of consortium of 1 % and 50 % crude oil (bonny light) with Trichoderma inoculum alone and/or Trichoderma and Bacillus inoculum for sixty (60) days. Microbiological test, Biochemical test, Physiochemical test (pH, conductivity) salt (nitrate, phosphate, sulphate) metal (lead, nickel, chromium, vanadium, iron) and total petroleum hydrocarbon and polyaromatic hydrocarbon using Gas chromatography flame ionization detector. Trichoderma koningopsis strain (MT111912.1): accession no (ON564694) and Bacillus velezensis strain (ON287164.1) accession no. (ON584354) were molecularly identified. 1 % crude oil Trichoderma only setup recorded 33.3 % reduction of PAHs while Trichoderma and Bacillus 1 % crude oil setup recorded 78.8 %. The 50 % crude oil Trichoderma only setup recorded 57.5 % reduction of PAHs while Trichoderma and Bacillus 50 % crude oil setup recorded 90.8 %. For TPH 1 % crude oil Trichoderma only setup recorded 29.9 % reduction while Trichoderma and Bacillus recorded 71.9 %. The 50 % crude oil Trichoderma only setup recorded 49.2 % reduction of while Trichoderma and Bacillus 50 % crude oil setup recorded 85.8 %. The study revealed that Trichoderma species can degrade polyaromatic hydrocarbon and total petroleum hydrocarbon faster in synergy with Bacillus.

Sunset Yellow protects against oxidative damage and exhibits chemoprevention in chemically induced skin cancer model

Skin cancer and other skin-related inflammatory pathologies are rising due to heightened exposure to environmental pollutants and carcinogens. In this context, natural products and repurposed compounds hold promise as novel therapeutic and preventive agents. Strengthening the skin’s antioxidant defense mechanisms is pivotal in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigating oxidative stress. Sunset Yellow (SY) exhibits immunomodulatory characteristics, evidenced by its capacity to partially inhibit the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, regulate immune cell populations, and modulate the activation of lymphocytes. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-genotoxic properties of SY using in-silico, in vitro, and physiochemical test systems, and to further explore its potential role in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA)/ 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced two-stage skin carcinogenesis. In vitro experiments showed that pre-treatment of SY significantly enhanced the cell viability of HaCaT cells when exposed to tertiary-Butyl Hydrogen Peroxide (tBHP). This increase was accompanied by reduced ROS levels, restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential, and notable reduction in DNA damage in (SY + tBHP) treated cells. Mechanistic investigations using DPPH chemical antioxidant activity test and potentiometric titrations confirmed SY’s antioxidant properties, with a standard reduction potential (Eo\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${E}^{o}$$\\end{document}) of 0.211 V. Remarkably, evaluating the effect of topical application of SY in DMBA/TPA-induced two-step skin carcinogenesis model revealed dose-dependent decreases in tumor latency, incidence, yield, and burden over 21-weeks. Furthermore, computational analysis and experimental validations identified GSK3β, KEAP1 and EGFR as putative molecular targets of SY. Collectively, our findings reveal that SY enhances cellular antioxidant defenses, exhibits anti-genotoxic effects, and functions as a promising chemopreventive agent.

Evaluation of some physical and chemical characteristics of the drinking water collected after winter and autumn seasons from Kosti and Rabak Cities, White Nile State, Sudan

Drinking water quality is a very important issue in the health sector and it involve the check of some physical, chemical and biological parameters through some standard methods and limits. The current study aimed to determine some physical and chemical parameters of the drinking water collected from White Nile after autumn and winter seasons. The drinking water samples were collected from Kosti and Rabak Cities, White Nile State, Sudan, in clean disposable plastic bottles from random sites of each city. The determinations of the physiochemical tests were performed within one week after sample collection at University of Gezira Laboratories. The results of this study show that, the drinking water that collected after winter season showed good physical quality, as same as that collected after autumn season except the slight problem in color (less transparent). The tested chemical parameters of Kosti and Rabak drinking water that collected after winter season showed good quality except, those of sulphate, carbonate (0 mg/L) and chloride of 28.4 and 31.95 (ppm) as same as that collected after autumn season, except hardness (500 mg/L) which seemed to be an autumn problem of Rabak city. Although there were some signs of physical and chemical pollutions, serious steps towards treatment of their causes should be done.

Physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical analysis of different brands of Hingwashtak churna; a polyherbal medicine in Sri Lanka

Hingwashtak churna is a polyherbal medicine, used to treat gastrointestinal diseases like gastric ulcers, bloating, acidity, and joint disease. The quality evaluation of hingwashtak churna is needed for its acceptability and safety for stakeholders. Therefore, this study focused on the evaluation of physiochemical and preliminary phytochemicals of different selected marketed brands of polyherbal medicine “hingwashtak churna” in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. Three brands of powder form (H1, H2 & H3) of Hingwashtak churna samples were purchased in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. Preliminary phytochemical screening and physio-chemical tests were carried out for each brand. The results were analyzed with one-way ANOVAs using SPSS 22. The results of physico-chemical parameters obtained from the study showed that there was a significant difference (Ρ > 0.05) among all three marketed brands as well as between each and other brands. Phytochemical screening of aqueous extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, reducing sugar, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, phenols and ascorbic acid in all the brands. There was a significant difference in the flow properties of the powders from all three brands. Most of the parameters of the physiochemical tested brands of Hingwashtak Churna had roughly similar values to previous studies. As no published data are available in Sri Lanka, this preliminary profile could be a reference in future studies. However, further analysis has to be done in order to standardize the product according to the WHO guideline on Quality control methods for medicinal plant materials.

Natural Pigments from Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis and Peristrophe bivalvis (L.) Merr for Food Coloring

Food coloring not only provides an attractive appearance but also aids in the quality of the food. Currently, colorants derived from natural sources, especially plants, are widely used for food coloring, with many benefits for health and the environment. This study used yellow and purple pigments extracted from Gardenia fruits and Peristrophe leaves for chemical component analysis and antioxidant and toxicity tests. Results from LC/MS analysis demonstrated that the major compounds contributing to the yellow color of the Gardenia extract and purple color of the Peristrophe extract were Crocin‐1 (C44H64O24) and Perisbivalvine B (C13H10N2O4), respectively. Moreover, the physiochemical tests showed that yellow and purple pigments were stable in a wide temperature range from 40 to 100°C. The yellow pigment was stable in a pH range of 1.0–12.0, while the purple pigment was not stable in acid media. These extracts also possessed moderate antioxidant activities with IC50 values of 0.33 g/L and 0.31 g/L for Gardenia and Peristrophe extract, respectively. In addition, toxicity tests on zebrafish embryos indicated that these extracts had low toxic activities with high LD50 values of 1.31 g/L for Gardenia extract and 0.74 g/L for Peristrophe extract. These tested extracts had also no acute toxicity on mice. Conclusively, this study provided important information about the major chemical components, which create yellow and purple colors for the Gardenia and Peristrophe extracts, and strongly suggested that the pigments extracted from Gardenia and Peristrophe can be safely used as food colorants.

Effect of adding sodium caseinate, whey protein concentrateand milk protein concentrate on the physical, rheological and sensory properties of yogurt produced from goat milk

Yogurt is a widespread fermented dairy product widely consumed worldwide. The present study aimed to examine the impact on the yogurt's made from goat milk's physicochemical, rheological, and sensory aspects by incorporating varying percentages of Sodium Caseinate (SC), whey protein concentrate (WPC), and cow milk protein concentrate (MPC) during production to produce good quality yogurt. Four different treatments weremade and assigned as control treatment C, treatment C1 (SC was added at a percentage of 1% and 2%), treatment C2 (WPC added at a percentage of 1% and 2%), and treatment C3 (MPC added at a percentage of 1% and 2%). Estimates of pH and total acidity were among the physiochemical tests performed. Rheological evaluations includedviscosity, the ability to separate whey spontaneously, and moisture retention. Texture tests included hardness, springiness, and cohesiveness. A sensory evaluation of the produced yogurt was also done. The results showed an approximation in the additional treatments' total acidity and pH ​​values immediately after manufacturing. Compared to the control treatment, the additional treatments decreased the values of spontaneous whey separation and increased the water holding capacity and viscosity. However, the product's texture was enhanced due to the addition of the three protein components, which contributed to its hardness, springiness, and cohesion. There was an improvement in the sensory properties of the addition treatments compared to the control treatment and directly related to the increment in the addition percentage.The yogurt resulting from the addition of (SC, WPC, and MPC) led to the production of good-quality yogurt.

Factors Affecting Biofilms Formation in Drinking Water Distribution Systems

This article discusses the importance of microbiological safety in drinking water and the challenges drinking water treatment plants face in delivering a safe product. Biofilms, thin layers of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and produce a slimy matrix of extracellular polymeric substances, can potentially cause health risks in drinking water if they contain harmful microorganisms. The article highlights the need for proper maintenance of the drinking water distribution system and regular testing for the presence of harmful microorganisms and other contaminants to minimize the risk of illness from biofilms. The study focuses on insufficient research on biofilms in drinking water distribution systems in Sulaimani City. It provides new and relevant information on the public health problems associated with their presence and describes current and emergent strategies for their control. The microbiological and Physio Chemical experiments were conducted on water samples from various water drinking sources in Sulaimani City to evaluate contamination of portable drinking water. Then, Most Probable Number (MPN) and Membrane Filtration methods were applied to collected water samples for the determination and presence of coliform bacteria in water. Moreover, Swab biofilm was employed within a different agar and distributed by an L shape. After that, 13 different physio-chemical tests were conducted on the previous experiments. Enterobacteriaceae had a moderately negative correlation (-0.764) with temperature and was statistically significant (Sig. = 0.000). Moreover, it was moderately positively correlated (0.416) with Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and statistically significant (Sig. = 0.038).

Physical-chemical properties and acellular bioactivity of newly prepared nano-tricalcium silicate-58s bioactive glass-based endodontic sealer

ObjectivesTo evaluate the physiochemical properties and apatite-forming ability of a newly prepared nano-tricalcium silicate-58s bioactive glass-based endodontic sealer (C3S-BG-P) and compare its results with the Nishika BG canal sealer and BioRoot™ RCS. MethodsThe physicochemical properties (setting time, flow, solubility, film thickness, and radiopacity) of C3S-BG-P, Nishika BG canal sealer, and BioRoot™ RCS were evaluated in accordance with ANSI/ADA 57/2000 (reaffirmed 2012) and ISO 6876:2012 for root canal sealing materials. The in vitro apatite-forming ability was evaluated after 28 days of immersion of disc-shaped specimens in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) using field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. ResultsThe results of physiochemical tests indicated that all the tested sealers complied with the ADA and ISO standards; however, the solubility of the BioRoot did not meet the two standards. C3S-BG-P revealed significantly superior properties in all physicochemical tests compared to Nishika and BioRoot; however, the solubility of Nishika was significantly lower than that of C3S-BG-P. Furthermore, all tested sealers exhibited apatite precipitation on their surfaces after 28 days of immersion in PBS. ConclusionsC3S-BG-P had superior physicochemical properties, which mitigated the disadvantages of calcium silicate-based sealers. Moreover, it exhibited apatite precipitation after immersion in PBS. Further in vivo studies utilizing animal models or clinical studies are necessary to support the rationale of the newly developed sealer for clinical application.

A Case Investigation into Causes of Premature Rutting Failures in Rehabilitated Asphalt Pavements in Tanzania

Abstract Tanzania has faced high incidences of premature rutting failures on their asphalt pavements. Some pavements experienced failures within one to two years after construction/rehabilitation. The objective of this investigation was to identify the factors that contributed to the observed failures on five rehabilitated road sections on a national highway in Tanzania. Pavement temperature data collection, traffic surveys, visual inspection, rut depth measurements, and falling weight deflectometer tests constituted the main activities of the field investigation reported in this paper. The laboratory study included a visual assessment of cores extracted from the studied road sections to determine both physical and engineering properties, including density, stiffness, strength, aggregate shape properties, grading, and physiochemical tests on the recovered binders. The results of the study indicated that the degree and extent of rutting on the investigated road sections was rated as severe., i.e., rutting ranged from 38–138 mm on the five sections when compared to the acceptable threshold value of 15 mm for high volume roads in Tanzania. The elastic deflection results indicated that the underlying layers of the pavement system were generally in a sound condition, which validated the suggestion that the rutting observed was mostly confined to the asphalt concrete layers. Factors such as relatively high axle loads, poor asphalt mixes, and possibly inadequate quality control during construction and rehabilitation were suspected to contribute to the rutting on the sections. Practical measures recommended to the roads agency to avert future occurrences are provided in this paper.

Microbiological Quality Assessment of Drinking Water at Al-Hayy City, Southern Iraq.

The microbial quality of drinking water which distributed form Al-Hayy water treatment plant and number of residential areas fed by these water treatment plant was studied each month over six month during a period extended from the October 2016 to April 2017,through the purification stages up to residential sites at different areas situated with various distances from the supplying source, two samples were taken monthly. This station derived their water from AL-Gharraf River in the southeastern part of Iraq, where the feed areas of the city with drinking water. This study included detection of bacteria, evidence of contamination of water (coliform, faecal coliform, Escherichia coli, faecal streptococcus bacteria and total bacteria count), also some physical and chemical variables ware like (temperature, turbidity, free residual chlorine and pH) . Results of Bacteriological tests showed increasing in TPC, TC, FC, E.coli and FS bacteria in December and January in all study locations as compared to those of the other months for water plant raw and drinking water and the FS values were less than other bacterial types for water plant. The TPC results of drinking water exceed 100 cell/ml, the allowable limit for drinking water, for all samples of water plant. On the other hand the TC, FC and E.coli exceeded zero cell/100ml, the allowable limit for drinking water, in many drinking water samples for water plant with increasing of temperature in summer months. Physiochemical tests showed that air temperature at sampling time was varied between17 and 34°C and between11.5 and 29°C, for water temperature at sampling time also. The results of pH means were within the allowable limit, ranging from 7.2 in October to 7.9 in April.The highest mean value of turbidity recorded for raw water was in December with 89 NTU and the lowest value was in April with 30 NTU, while the highest mean value recorded for Drinking water was 20 NTU again in December and the lowest value was 1 NTU in April. The highest mean value of residual chlorine was recorded in March with 3.8 mg/L, the lowest value was 0 mg/L in some of the farthest points of the plant.

Evaluation of Water Quality within and around Flood Prone area and Dumpsite Environment in Part of Benin Metropolitan city Southern, Nigeria

The study was carried out in Egor local government area, Dumpsite in Ovia North-East local government area of Edo state. The study areas are located between latitudes of 6°27'27.8''N to 6°27'44.6''N and longitudes of 5°35'58.7″E to 5°36'16.8''E in Egor local government area and the dumpsite is located with a latitude of 6°22´1.2''N to 6°27´51.3″N and longitudes of 5°36'42.3''E to 5°36´2.1″E in Ovia North-East local government area. A total of five (5) water samples were collected from an existing borehole at different locations within the study area. Physiochemical test, Major anion and cation concentration was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Microbiological Parameters for all the water samples was also determined. The following are the physiochemical parameters, major cations and anions that was analysed from all the water samples collected: pH, EC, TDS, Na+, Ca+, Mg2+, Cl-, NO3- , HNO3- , HNO3- , SO42- , Cr2-, Cd-, Ni-, and Pb2+ and the Microbiological parameter analysed for all the water samples are Coliform and E. Coli. The Microbiological parameter analysed for are Coliform and E. Coli as shown in Table 1. The results reveals that the study areas have average value of pH (4.89) which is below the WHO (2011) and NSQW (2007) standard permissible limit of 6.5-8.5 and this indicates that the water is slightly acidic probably due to the presence of decayed organic matter in high amounts and mineral acids produced during hydrolysis. The average values of E.C (121.86μS/cm), TDS (46.52mg/l), Na+ (1.48mg/l), Cl- (53.85mg/l), NO3- (1.17mg/l), HNO3- (0.39mg/l), SO42- (0.12mg/l), Cr2- (0.031), and Ni- (0.0074) conforms with the WHO (2011) and NSQW (2007) standard for drinking water expect some physiochemical parameters : Ca2+, Mg2+ Cd-, Pb2+, E.Coli and Coliform which has average values (4.49mg/l, 3.10mg/l, 0.027mg/l, 0.016mg/l, 1.36 X 103 (cfu/100mL)and 1.06 X 103 (cfu/mL) which do not conform with the WHO (2011) and NSQW (2007) for drinking water because of many factors and anthropogenic activities on the environment which contaminated the groundwater of the study areas. The results analysed from the three-study area reveals that the physiochemical parameters and microbiological parameters show similar trend. The water sample collected in the premises of University of Benin is more acidic compare to other water samples from the other locations. This probably due to the presence of decayed organic matter in high amounts and mineral acids produced during hydrolysis.

The effectiveness of adding apple cider vinegar and garlic to chicken meat kebabs as an antimicrobial and its role in improving its sensory and physiochemical properties

Making apple cider vinegar with garlic puree added to it and studying the effect of its antimicrobial, organoleptic and physiochemical properties on chicken thigh meat prepared for making kebabs under refrigeration. The chicken thigh meat was immersed in apple cider vinegar and garlic at concentrations of (50, 70, 100)%, while the control sample was immersed in distilled water. The meat samples were placed in polyethylene bags and kept in refrigeration at 5°C for 11 days. Some organoleptic tests such as color, flavour, taste, general acceptability and microbial tests were performed and included The total number of bacteria, coliform bacteria, proteolytic bacteria, and the physiochemical tests of moisture, pH, and total volatile nitrogen، during the storage period, the effectiveness of vinegar with garlic puree against some bacterial species was tested by diffusion method, Pseudomonas florescence , Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed a decrease in microbial numbers after the seventh day of cryopreservation, compared to the number after the first day, for all bacterial species examined and for all concentrations used. It was observed that their numbers increased after the eleventh day of preservation, indicating spoilage and microbial spoilage of the kebabs. An improvement in the sensory characteristics and for all concentrations was observed with the vinegar used compared with the control model. and a decrease in the humidity and pH levels was noted, as well as an increase in the percentage of total volatile nitrogen on the eleventh day, indicating the start of proteolysis and the deterioration of the kebab product during that period. The results showed a variable effect on the inhibition ability according to the concentration used and the type of bacteria tested, which increased with the increase in the concentration used, and the highest inhibition diameter was 29 mm towards Staph bacteria. aureus at 50% concentration. The lowest inhibition diameter was 10 mm against E.coli and Pseudo. florescence at concentration 30 %.

Evaluation of milk source on physicochemical, texture, rheological and sensory properties of yogurts

Yogurt is one of the world's most widely consumed dairy products and can be produced from different types of milk. The present research aimed to compare the effects of utilizing whole raw milk from cattle viz. cows, buffaloes, sheep, and goats in four different milk-type yogurts, T1- cow’s milk (CM), T2- buffalo’s milk (BM), T3- sheep’s milk (SM), and T4- goat’s milk (GM) on their physicochemical, texture, rheological, and sensory qualities. The physiochemical testing included estimating pH, the percentages of moisture, fat, protein, ash, and total acidity, and the sensory assessment of the yogurt. The rheological tests also included the viscosity test, spontaneous whey separation, water-holding capacity, firmness, cohesiveness, and springiness. The results showed that T2- BM yogurt and T3- SM yogurt excelled in the percentage of fat, protein, lactose, and ash, where the ratio (4.35, 8.4, 4.70, 0.8) (5.55, 7.45, 4.80, 1.1) was for each of T2- BM yogurt and T3- SM yogurt respectively. The rheological properties were the spontaneous whey separation for each of T1-CM, T2-BM, T3-SM, T4-GM yogurt were 4.1, 2.2, 2.1 and 5.3, respectively, while the water holding capacity was 55, 60, 71 and 53 and the viscosity was 7000, 8900, 6700 and 1510 respectively. The results of the texture properties were 126.2, 199.5, 176.3, and 38.9 for firmness, while the cohesiveness values were 0.41, 0.63, 0.65, and 0.4, respectively. Finally, T2-BM and T3-SM yogurt excelled in the value obtained for sensory evaluation. The importance of the present study lies in the fact that milk with a high percentage of total solids gives good-quality yogurt.