Plastic Containers Research Articles

An overview of the migration status of bisphenol A from different food containers and packages

PurposeBisphenol A (BPA) is a compound commonly used in the production of plastic bottles and containers, where it is used as a plasticizer and can migrate into food. Its intake may impair the functioning of endocrine glands and have a negative impact on the health of human, especially infants. Because it is also found in baby bottles. Generally BPA can enter the body through daily, cumulative and long-term consumption of various foods. The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of BPA and its migration through some food containers and bottles. It also explains the potential risks associated with its consumption.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, some of the research conducted in this field has been used by searching in various Web databases, including ScienceDirect, Scopus and PubMed. Therefore, this study provides an overview of the migration of BPA from different packages and compares the obtained values with standard ranges.FindingsMost studies showed samples below the reference value. However, the use of containers made with BPA should be controlled and government policies should be implemented to eliminate or reduce the use of these containers.Originality/valueThis paper collects evidence of migration of BPA to some foods through bottles and food containers.

Applicability of Traps for Collecting Mosquito Immatures (Diptera: Culicidae) for Entomological Surveillance of Arbovirus Vectors in a Remnant of the Atlantic Forest, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Diverse larval habitats significantly influence female mosquito oviposition. Utilizing traps that simulate these habitats is helpful in the study of the bioecology and characteristics of pathogen-transmitting species during oviposition. This study evaluated the feasibility of different traps in natural environments by comparing sampling methods and detecting the oviposition of epidemiologically important mosquitoes, with emphasis on Haemagogus species, in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in Silva Jardim, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Monthly collections were conducted from March 2021 to October 2023 using four types of traps: plastic containers, tires, bamboo, and sapucaia. Immatures were collected from these traps using a pipette, placed in plastic bags, and transported to the laboratory. Tire was the most efficient trap, showing the highest mosquito abundance (n = 1239) and number of species (S = 11). Conversely, the plastic container trap exhibited the lowest diversity (H = 0.43), with only two species and a low mosquito abundance (n = 26). The bamboo trap captured six species and recorded the second-highest diversity index (H = 1.04), while the sapucaia trap captured five species and had the third-highest diversity index (H = 0.91). Of the total immatures collected, 1817 reached adulthood, comprising 13 species, two of which are vectors of the sylvatic yellow fever virus: Haemagogus leucocelaenus and Haemagogus janthinomys. In conclusion, detecting key vectors of the sylvatic yellow fever virus in Brazil highlights the need for ongoing entomological and epidemiological surveillance in the study area and its vicinity. These efforts are crucial for monitoring vector presence and activity, identifying potential transmission hotspots, and devising effective control and prevention strategies.

New insights into the impact of leachates from in-field collected plastics on aquatic invertebrates and vertebrates

The impact of leachates from micronized beached plastics of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean on coastal marine ecosystems was investigated by using a multidisciplinary approach. Chemical analysis and ecotoxicological tests on phylogenetically distant species were performed on leachates from the following plastic categories: bottles, pellets, hard plastic (HP) containers, fishing nets (FN) and rapido trawling rubber (RTR). The bacteria Alivibrio fischeri, the nauplii of the crustaceans Amphibalanus amphitrite and Acartia tonsa, the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, the embryos of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, the ephyrae of the jellyfish Aurelia sp. and the larvae of the medaka Oryzias latipes were exposed to different concentrations of leachates to evaluate lethal and sub-lethal effects. Thirty-one additives were identified in the plastic leachates; benzophenone, benzyl butyl phthalate and ethylparaben were present in all leachates. Ecotoxicity of leachates varied among plastic categories and areas, being RTR, HP and FN more toxic than plastic bottles and pellets to several marine invertebrates. The ecotoxicological results based on 13 endpoints were elaborated within a quantitative weight of evidence (WOE) model, providing a synthetic hazard index for each data typology, before their integrations in an environmental risk index. The WOE assigned a moderate and slight hazard to organisms exposed to leachates of FN and HP collected in the Mediterranean Sea respectively, and a moderate hazard to leachates of HP from the Atlantic Ocean. No hazard was found for pellet, bottles and RTR. These findings suggest that an integrated approach based on WOE on a large set of bioassays is recommended to get a more reliable assessment of the ecotoxicity of beached-plastic leachates. In addition, the additives leached from FN and HP should be further investigated to reduce high concentrations and additive types that could impact marine ecosystem health.

Non-negligible Toxicity to Fish in the Early Life Stages Triggered by Aqueous Leachate of Takeaway Plastic Containers.

Ordering takeout is a growing social phenomenon and may raise public health concerns. However, the associated health risk of compounds leaching from plastic packaging is unknown due to the lack of chemical and toxicity data. In this study, 20 chemical candidates were tentatively identified in the environmentally relevant leachate from plastic containers through the nontargeted chemical analysis. Three main components with high responses and/or predicted toxicity were further verified and quantified, namely, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (BHC), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP), and 9-octadecenamide (oleamide). The toxicity to zebrafish larvae of BHC, a degradation product of a widely used antioxidant Irganox 1010, was quite similar to that of the whole plastic leachate. In the same manner, RNA-seq-based ingenuity analysis showed that the affected canonical pathways of zebrafish larvae were quite comparable between BHC and the whole plastic leachate, i.e., highly relevant to neurological disease, metabolic disease, and even behavioral disorder. Longer-term exposure (35 days) did not cause any effect on adult zebrafish but led to decreased hatching rate and obvious neurotoxicity in zebrafish offspring. Collectively, this study strongly suggests that plastic containers can leach out a suite of compounds causing non-negligible impacts on the early stages of fish via direct or parental exposure.

Occurrence of parasitism promoted by Myzobdella lugubris Leidy, 1851 (Annelida: Piscicolidae) in Callinectes bocourti (Crustacea: Portunidae): A report of invasive leech in Brazilian Amazon province

This study reports the presence of high parasitic load by Myzobdella lugubris Leidy, 1851 in the swimming crab Callinectes bocourti A. Milne-Edwards, 1879 from Amazon mangrove. We sampled the swimming crabs using a baited trap, between January and June 2023, in Santa Maria River, located in the municipality of Curuçá, state of Pará, Brazil (geographical coordinates 0°40′3.705”S, 047°54′43.405”W). After sampling, each swimming crab was individually placed in plastic containers for the count of leeches per individual. In the laboratory, the specimens were sexed, measured (parasite and host) and fixed in 70% alcohol. For the leech species identification, macroscopic techniques were combined with light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We examined 86 specimens of C. bocourti (75 males and 11 females) in a ratio of 1 M:0.14 F, all infested with leeches. In total, 186 leech specimens were collected, ranging from 1 to 21 leeches per host. Leeches oviposited the cocoons in greater quantities in ventral area of swimming crab carapace (32%), followed by dorsal area of carapace (29.09%), chelipeds (24.34%) and ambulatory legs (14.57%). The presence of M. lugubris is a risk to the health of the host, once it may transmit a range of diseases to aquatic organisms, and subsequently risk to human health.

Development of cellulose/ZnO based bioplastics with enhanced gas barrier, UV-shielding effect and antibacterial activity

Development of renewable and biodegradable plastics with good properties, such as the gas barrier, UV-shielding, solvent resistance, and antibacterial activity, remains a challenge. Herein, cellulose/ZnO based bioplastics were fabricated by dissolving cellulose carbamate in an aqueous solution of NaOH/Zn(OH)42−, followed by coagulation in aqueous Na2SO4 solution, and subsequent hot-pressing. The carbamate groups detached from cellulose, and ZnO which transformed from cosolvent to nanofiller was uniformly immobilized in the cellulose matrix during the dissolution/regeneration process. The appropriate addition of ZnO (below 10.67 wt%) not only improved the mechanical properties but also enhanced the water and oxygen barrier properties of the material. Additionally, our cellulose/ZnO based bioplastic demonstrated excellent UV-blocking capabilities, increased water contact angle, and enhanced antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, deriving from the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles. Furthermore, the material exhibited resistance to organic solvents such as acetone, THF, and toluene. Indeed, the herein developed cellulose/ZnO based bioplastic presents a promising candidate to replace petrochemical plastics in various applications, such as plastic toys, anti-UV guardrails, window shades, and oil storage containers, offering a combination of favorable mechanical, gas barrier, UV-blocking, antibacterial, and solvent-resistant properties.

The stuff of memories: Planning hindsight in animal cryobanks.

Biobanks are becoming ubiquitous infrastructures in zoology and other non-human life sciences. They promise to store frozen research samples for the long term for future use. That use remains speculative but nevertheless needs to be anticipated. Following the establishment of a physical and digital infrastructure for frozen samples in an animal biobanking project, this article explores how the future is anticipated to remember the past, and how frozen objects are shaped accordingly. Situating the biobank between mundane freezing routines in a research lab and the 'dry' and 'wet' collections of natural history museums, I argue that frozen research objects need to be conserved in two separate ways. The unavailability of cryo-objects in cold storage forces researchers to store materials independently of metadata, while retaining a link between them that allows for their reunion after thawing. The result is a split object, leading a double life at sub-zero and room temperature, linked only through the surface of special plastic containers. Following the making of such split objects, this article offers an elaboration of Radin's 'planned hindsight' as well as a reflection on the universality and particularity of biobanks as standardized scientific memory.

Prevalence of synthetic phenolic antioxidants in food contact materials from China and their implications for human dietary exposure through take-away food

The application of disposable tableware has increased substantially in recent times due to the rapidly growing food delivery business in China. Synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) are widely used in food contact materials (FCMs) to delay the process of oxidation; however, their compositions, concentrations, and potential health hazards remain unclear. Therefore, FCMs comprised of five materials obtained from 19 categories (n = 118) in China were analyzed for SPAs concentrations. FCMs have been found to contain a variety of SPAs, with ∑SPAs concentrations ranging from 44.18 to 69,485.12 μg/kg (median: 2615.63 μg/kg). The predominant congeners identified in the sample include 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP), 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (2,6-DTBP), and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone (BHT-Q) with a median concentration of 885.75, 555.45 and of 217.44 μg/kg, respectively. Milky tea paper cups, instant noodle buckets, milky teacups, and disposable cups showed high levels of SPAs. 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) (AO 2246) was predominantly detected in polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate-based products. The migration test identified disposable plastic cups and bowls as the predominant FCMs and 2,4-DTBP as the dominant SPA. The exposure risk of SPAs decreased with age. In children, the estimated daily intake of ∑SPAs from FCMs was determined to be 17.56 ng/kg body weight/day, which was 8.3 times higher than that of phthalic acid esters. The current findings indicate the potential ingestion risk of SPAs during the daily life application of multiple FCM categories.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Tertiary Care Hospital

Intestinal parasitosis constitutes a serious problem of public health, especially in developing countries. Even though the population of immunocompromised individuals is growing, this is a primary cause of illness and mortality. Numerous studies have demonstrated that immunosuppressive medications, such as those used after transplantation, as well as immune suppression as a primary immunodeficiency in HIV infection, increase the possibility of infection and persistent states of carriage. People whose immune systems were weakened, like in the case of chronic internal disorders or abnormal metabolism, were thought to be more susceptible to infection. A group of metabolic non-communicable diseases known as diabetes mellitus (DM) are characterized by hyperglycemia or elevated blood sugar, which can be brought on by either inadequate secretion of insulin, insulin-resistant cells, or both. Parasitic infections in immunocompromised people are becoming more well-known as major opportunistic microorganisms that cause clinical illnesses. The goal of this research is to see how common intestinal parasite infections are in people with diabetes. The research was carried out at the Chandulal Chandrakar Memorial Medical College, Bhilai, Durg district of Chhattisgarh, India. From March to August 2020, diabetic patients who visited hospitals were studied in this cross-sectional study. This study comprised 188 diabetic individuals with type I or type II diabetes who were taking anti-diabetic medication. With a little spoon and a sterile, dry, leak-proof plastic container with a tight-fitting cover that had the patient’s name and identification number on it, the feces samples were taken. The container was then quickly sent to the parasitology lab of the microbiology department for processing. Stool samples were examined under three headings: macroscopic examination, microscopic examination, and formal ether concentration procedure. A total of 188 DM patients was included with data on socio-demographic characteristics, and from each patient stool sample were collected and processed. Out of which, 27 stool samples were positive for intestinal parasites; showed a prevalence of 14.36%. Female 16 (16.49%) revealed a greater frequency than that of men 11 (12.09%). The age range of 51 to 60 years old exhibited the highest incidence 8 (29.63 %). Stool samples were positive for intestinal parasites with one suffering from a dual infection. Various parasites were detected in which Entamoeba histolytica 10 (5.32%) was most common parasite to isolate followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 9 (4.79%) and Giardia lamblia 6 (3.19%) was least isolated parasite. The most prevalent isolated parasite was Entamoeba histolytica, which was followed by Cryptosporidium parvum. Diabetic patients have an increased risk of parasitic infections, particularly when they have the opportunistic infection Entamoeba histolytica. Patients with diabetes who have been diagnosed with Cryptosporidium parvum have a weaker immune system. Therefore, for the sake of societal welfare, people with diabetes mellitus should have routine stool examination screening for parasite infection.

Remotely controlled smart monitoring system of hermetic paddy storage to reduce postharvest losses in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy, efficient grain storage is crucial, particularly for paddy storage. Traditional methods like gunny bags and plastic containers are common, but the recent introduction of hermetic storage technologies, such as GrainPro bags and hermetic cocoons, have significantly reduced postharvest losses paddy. However, most research focuses on oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in those open storage systems. This study introduces an innovative, cost-effective remote monitoring system for hermetically sealed grain storage, designed using locally sourced components, including a Digital Hygrometer, WiFi Mini IP Camera, and a Remote Controller unit. Tested over a 125-day period at Advanced Storage Lab, Bangladesh Agricultural University, the system effectively monitored the internal environment of the storage units. Key findings show that the internal temperature of the storage bags varied between 16.7°C and 29.2°C, demonstrating lesser fluctuation compared to the ambient temperature range of 16.1°C to 33.5°C. The relative humidity inside the storage units remained stable between 45 % and 54 %, in contrast to the external humidity range of 45 % to 81.2 %. Additionally, using the Steffe and Singh equation, an increase of 0.512 % in Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) of paddy was recorded. Notably, there was no evidence of insect or mold growth after 125 days of storage. This study's remote monitoring system not only marks a significant advancement in hermetic grain storage technology but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices. It provides a practical, real-time solution to monitor and manage key environmental parameters, ensuring the preservation of grain quality over time.

Rebuttal to Correspondence on "Assessing the Release of Microplastics and Nanoplastics from Plastic Containers and Reusable Food Pouches: Implications for Human Health".

Rebuttal to Correspondence on "Assessing the Release of Microplastics and Nanoplastics from Plastic Containers and Reusable Food Pouches: Implications for Human Health".

Southern blight of water lily: The first host record of Agroathelia rolfsii on Nelumbo nucifera discovered in Florida, USA.

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nelumbonaceae, Eudicots), also known as water lily or sacred lotus, is a nonnative and invasive plant commonly found in artificial ponds and natural lakes throughout Florida (UF-IFAS 2023; Wunderlin et al. 2023). In August 2020, a single sample of water lily plants showing large leaf spots were collected at a residence in Dunnellon, Marion County, Florida (80% disease prevalence with 40% leaf coverage). Symptoms and signs of the disease were necrotized adaxial leaf spots only, bordered by whitish mycelia and hyphae with clamp connections, and whitish to light brown sclerotia formed in the center (<0.7 mm diameter). Symptomatic tissue was plated on acid potato dextrose agar (APDA) amended with chloramphenicol (100 mg/L) and ampicillin (30mg/L), and incubated at 20 °C for one week. Data supporting the molecular identification of this putative pathogen were gathered by PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing of the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and a fragment of the large subunit (LSU) of the rRNA gene (~1.5 kb) using primers ITS1F and LR5 (FDACS-DPI PPST 2020-105211, GenBank OR492009) (White et al. 1990). The identification of the host was confirmed by Sanger sequencing of three plant barcode fragments: ITS2 (ITS2-S2F/ITS4, OR492008), ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) (rbcLa-F/rbcLa-R, GenBank OR502388), and Maturase K (matK) (matK-KIM1R/matK-KIM3F, GenBank OR502389) (Fazekas et al. 2012). MegaBLAST queries of the ITS/LSU sequence obtained here recovered a 99.61% match to the fungal pathogen Agroathelia (=Athelia) rolfsii (Sacc.) Redhead & Mullineux. (Redhead and Mullineux 2023) (Amylocorticiaceae, Agaricomycotina) strain GP3 (GenBank JABRWF010000005) (Yan et al. 2021). MegaBLAST queries of three host plant DNA barcodes recovered matches of greater than 99.62% similarity to N. nucifera sequences. After diagnosis, symptomatic dried leaf samples were deposited at Plant Industry Herbarium Gainesville (PIHG 17807) and an axenic culture was deposited at the Agricultural Research Services Culture Collection (NRRL 66964). Koch's postulates were fulfilled by the inoculation of sclerotia (as in Terrones-Salgado et al. 2022) on adaxial leaf surface of four-week- old water lily transplants obtained from an artificial pond on campus (two plants with five leaves each). One additional transplant was not inoculated and served as a control; this plant remained asymptomatic during the experimentation period. Each transplant was kept in a 27-gallon plastic container (21W × 30L × 14H in) filled with tap water containing one tablespoon of 20-20-20 all-purpose-water-soluble plant fertilizer (VPG, TX, USA) in a plant biosafety level 2 greenhouse (23 °C, >50% relative humidity, and a 12-h/12-h photoperiod). All inoculated leaves showed necrotized areas after one week and new sclerotia were observed floating on the water surface after three weeks. Fungal pathogen was reisolated and reidentified subsequently. Agroathelia rolfsii is the causal agent of southern blight, also known as grey rot, and is reported from at least in 260 plant genera, including specialty crops such as citrus, cucumber, pepper, peanuts, pumpkin, and strawberry (Farr and Rossman 2018). Agroathelia rolfsii usually causes lower stem, crown, and root rots; consequently, leaf spots are a noteworthy presentation of symptoms for this fungus.

Antibiotic resistance of Bacillus species isolated in foodstuff samples that were collected in Babylon (Iraq)

A total of 164 food samples were collected from various supermarkets and farmers in various areas of Babylon, were placed in plastic containers, and were transported to the laboratory. The isolation of Bacillus species was performed by culture in blood agar, chromogenic agar, and the absence of growth on McConkey agar, by staining with Gram stain, and through molecular identification of the species’ 16SrRNA gene and sequencing. The antibiotic susceptibility test used eight types of antibiotics. The undertaken sequencing identified the Bacillus isolates to belong to the follow¬ing species: B. subtilis (2), B. cereus (6), B. thuringiensis (1), B. anthracis (1), and B. spizizenii (1). The susceptibility test of the six B. cereus isolates revealed that 5 (83.3%), 4 (66.6%), 3 (50%), 2 (33.3%), 2 (33.3%), 2 (33.3%), 1 (16.6%), and 0 (0%) were resistant to rifampicin, clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin, while the respective resistance numbers for the two isolates of B. subtilis were 2 (100%), 2 (100%), 2 (100%), 0 (0%), 1 (50%), 0 (0%), 0 (0%), and 0 (0%). One isolate of B. thuringiensis presented resistance to erythromycin, erythromycin, trimethoprim, and rifampicin, while one isolate of B. anthracis was found to be resistant to gentamicin, erythromycin, nitrofurantoin, and rifampicin. The B. spizizenii isolate was resistant to all antibiotics except gentamicin and trimethoprim.

Qualitative Changes in Birch Sap after Freezing and Thawing

In this study, the qualitative changes in raw birch sap after freezing and thawing were determined. Ten-liter bottles and one-ton plastic containers with six replications were used for the freezing of birch sap and thawing of frozen sap. During and after the thawing, the physical and physical–chemical properties of the sap were measured. According to the results, as the ice melts, the concentration of acids and other soluble substances in the sap decreases, but changes in qualitative indicators indicate the beginning of fermentation processes through color changes and pH as the temperature of the melting sap becomes positive. As a result, to freeze raw sap in large-volume containers, it is necessary to develop fast thawing technology using auxiliary means—circulation, external energy sources, and mechanical ice crushing.

Simultaneous development and validation of an HPLC-UV method for the analysis of bisphenol A in Moroccan extra virgin olive oil stored in plastic bottles

This study explores the migration of Bisphenol A (BPA) from plastic packaging to Moroccan extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a key Mediterranean diet component. Assessing the impact of plastic containers on olive oil quality and safety, the research investigates the influence of olive oil acidity on BPA release using an HPLC-UV method. Despite BPA’s known environmental and health risks, detectable levels persist in human samples, emphasizing the need for strict control. Examining 30 olive oil samples from the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region stored in plastic bottles, the study revealed BPA levels above the daily intake limits set by EFSA in its latest version (0.2 ng/kg body weight per day), reaching (0.238 ppm) in polycarbonate (PC) bottles and (0.144 ppm) in polyethylene (PE) bottles. It advocates for controlled packaging and highlights the delicate balance between convenience and consumer well-being. The findings call for informed choices in production and storage practices, urging increased scrutiny of food packaging for enhanced public health and regulatory measures.

Carbon ion mono-energetic and spread-out Bragg peak measurements using nanocomposite Fricke gel dosimeters with LET-independent response

This study investigates the LET-dependence of dose measurements performed with a nanocomposite Fricke gel (NC-FG) upon irradiation with carbon ion beams to address the problem of quenching of gel dosimeters in high-LET particle therapy. The preparation of the NC-FG in a simple gel preparation device was performed for atmospheric and anoxic environmental conditions and two different container materials. Irradiation was performed with carbon ion beams at energies of 133.39MeV/u or 194.87MeV/u, complemented by a modulated 10 mm carbon ion spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) irradiation. The R1 profiles obtained from the MRI readout were compared to the treatment planning system and a 2D-ionisation chamber array measurement performed for the mono-energetic and SOBP irradiations, respectively. For different dose levels, no difference in the gel response was obtained for the 3D-printed plastic containers, while the glass vials exhibited a linear dose response. Additional use of the glove box changes produced similar results. For both the mono-energetic and the SOBP irradiation, a linear dose response without quenching was observed. For depths ranging up to the Bragg peak position, the mono-energetic profiles deviated by less than ±15% from the planned dose distribution, excluding the lowest entrance surface dose (ESD). For the SOBP profiles, the deviation from the measured dose distribution was less than ±10% for depths between 20 mm and 33 mm. This study presents a LET-independent measurement of mono-energetic carbon ion Bragg peaks and, for the first time, a LET-independent measurement of a carbon ion SOBP with the NC-FG prepared in a simple gel preparation device under atmospheric conditions. The NC-FG provides a possible solution for 3D dosimetry in carbon ion radiotherapy.

Pembuatan Hidroponik Sistem Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) dengan Memanfaatkan Limbah Botol Plastik untuk Tanaman Pakcoy di Dusun Nunggal II Desa Dakung Kabupaten Lombok Tengah

Packaging waste for products or goods that are no longer used can still be recycled into goods that are useful and economically valuable. In general, inorganic waste is very difficult to decompose naturally. The problem of increasing waste volumes needs to be handled wisely so that environmental pollution can be avoided, especially inorganic waste in the form of plastic bottles. The state of society in handling waste, especially plastic bottles, is still very low. One way that can be done is by providing education and direct assistance to the public regarding techniques for managing inorganic waste, especially used bottles or other plastic containers into more useful products. Utilizing used bottles as a medium for hydroponic plants is an effective way to raise public interest and awareness about the importance of managing plastic bottle waste. This activity is also a means of learning and motivating the community about hydroponic business opportunities using plastic bottles. Apart from that, this can be a very productive alternative activity for society.

Mini Washing Machine

Abstract: Day to day the demand of washing clothes is increased. In order to meet the demand, we are finding so many ways along with, it is very necessary to provide compact washing machines due to due rise in prices in the market. As there are many problems with space, this system plays an important role by offering a round plastic container as the main washing machine. Bond Tithe and Metal Sheet together provide improved structural stability and durability. During the spin cycle, the Spinner mechanism effectively drains water by using a High-Speed 12V DC Motor enclosed within a Rectangular Plastic Tub. Notably, an I.V. Infusion Set is repurposed, illustrating a resourceful approach to component sourcing. The prototype's complete success and its ability to spin and wash clothes efficiently prove the design's effectiveness. Space limits in urban areas are met by the small size, which is made possible by careful choice of components and materials. In general, the developed Mini Washing Machine presents an effective solution to little laundry requirements, showing an effortless combination of inexpensive components and innovative design.

Interaction between aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves and rabeprazole in treatment of ethanol induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats

Background: The effect of concomitant use of herbs and conventional drugs is not widely known because it hasn’t been a common practice especially among the elite and those resident at the urban centers but very common among the rural duelers for co-administered herbs/supplements and conventional drugs. This study was carried out to investigate the interaction between moringa oleifera and rabeprazole in gastric acid secretion. Methods: Twenty (20) adult Wistar albino rats of both sexes weighing 300-450 g were randomly allocated into four (4) groups of five (5) animals per group. Group 1 served as the control and was given normal saline without administration of acid alcohol. Animals in group 2 were given acid alcohol (0.25 ml 0f 36% HCl + 75% ethanol 0.25 ml/100 g body weight). Animals in group 3 were given 50 mg/100 g bw of Moringa oleifera 1 hour before acid alcohol was administered. Group 4 were given: Rabeprazole 20 mg /kg body weight + acid Alcohol (36% HCL 0.25 mls+ 75% Ethanol (0.25 mls). A 30% isoflorane (inhalational anesthesia) by API Manufacturer with FDA, UK, marketed by Macfes medical store, high level Markurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. And 3.5% isoflurane (of the mixture of isoflurane 30%) at 100% oxygen was soaked in a cotton wool and dropped in clean and covered plastic container, and was used to anesthetized the rats, for the purpose of the aqueous extracts administration through a gastric fistula created by a surgical procedure. 10 minutes after aqueous extracts administration, aliquot samples were collected over 4 hours. Gastric acid secretion was measured by titrating the aliquots to a phenolphthalein endpoint. Results: showed that Moringa Olefera significantly delayed the time of onset of action of rabeprazole when co-administered. Moringa alone was a better inhibitor of gastric acid secretion than moringa co-administered with rabeprazole. Conclusion: Moringa delays the time of onset of action of Rabeprazole when co-administered.

Evaluation of earthworm meal (Eudrilus eugeniae) as fish meal replacement in juvenile Mangrove Crab (Scylla serrata) diet

Two feeding trials were conducted to evaluate the performance of the earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) meal (vermimeal) as a replacement for fish meal in the diet of juvenile mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) in terms of growth, feed efficiency, intermolt duration, carapace width increment, molting success, survival, and incidence of cannibalism. Four experimental diets were formulated with 0, 25, 50, and 75% fish meal protein replaced with earthworm meal protein, designated as D0, D25, D50, and D75, respectively. In the first feeding trial, the experimental diets were fed to crablets with an initial average weight of 0.09±0.007g. Each replicate comprised ten (10) crablets individually stocked in 750ml-capacity plastic containers randomly distributed in a static water bath. Final weight gain, feed efficiency and survival were measured after the 5th molt. In the second feeding trial, 150 crablets with an average weight of 0.07±0.002g were stocked at 30 crablets each in five (5) replicate tanks. Survival and incidence of cannibalism were monitored daily until the end of the culture period of 30 days. The first study showed that the growth of mangrove crab juveniles fed the diet with up to 50% of the fish meal protein replaced by the earthworm meal protein was statistically comparable to the control group. The survival of crablets in the second feeding trial was highest in D25 (33%), followed by D50 (29%), D0 (18%), and lowest in the group fed with D75 (13%). Overall, earthworm meal (Eudrilus eugeniae) can replace as much as 50% of the fish meal protein in juvenile mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) diet without negative effects on growth, carapace width increment, feed efficiency, intermolt duration, molting success, survival, and cannibalism.