Catappa Research Articles

Effect of Terminalia Catappa Linn. Leaves Extract on Water Quality, Survival and Blood Profile of Betta sp.

Betta sp., also known as Siamese fighting fish, is renowned in the ornamental fish trade for its captivating colours and unique shapes, particularly among male specimens. Despite extensive research, challenges persist in meeting market demand for this species due to high mortality rates during production. Therefore, this study focused on determining the water quality properties (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature), survival rates and blood profile of the Betta sp. by applying different concentrations of Terminalia catappa leaves (TCL) extracts: 0 (Control treatment), 480 (Treatment 1), 960 (Treatment 2), 1440 (Treatment 3) and 1920 (Treatment 4) ppm on three months old Betta splendens for 30 days. The experiment employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications for each treatment. Results indicated that temperature and dissolved oxygen remained unaffected by varying concentrations of TCL, while pH exhibited a significant decrease with increasing concentration, ranging from 7.07 to 5.88. Notably, treatment 2 (pH 6.73) demonstrated a significant improvement in survival rate, achieving 100 % survival compared to the control (pH 7.07) with 46.67 % survival. Moreover, treatment 2 exhibited a significantly higher specific growth rate (0.85 % per day) compared to the control (0.04 % per day). Red blood cell (RBC) content also exhibited significant differences, with the highest RBC content (1.269 x 10^6 µL) observed at the highest TCL concentration (treatment 4, 1920 ppm). Therefore, the study concludes that the most optimal concentration of TCL, as determined from the research, was 960 ppm with a pH of 6.73. This concentration yielded the highest survival rate and growth performance for 3-month-old Betta splendens.

Removal of Chromium from Aqueous System Using Nanocellulose Prepared from Defoliated Terminalia Catappa Leaves

Nanocellulose is considered as a sustainable and renewable nanomaterial due to its abundant availability, biodegradability and biocompatibility characteristics. The study demonstrates the synthesis of nanocellulose from defoliated leaves of the Tropical Almond (Terminalia catappa) plant, abundantly available residual plant biomass and its subsequent use in eliminating Cr(VI) from the water system. The study demonstrates the preparation of nanocellulose by chemical means, employing NaOH and H2SO4 as chemical agents. Characterization techniques like FTIR, SEM, and XRD were used to study the chemical composition and morphology of the resulting nanocellulose. The characterization studies confirm the formation of nanocellulose from the plant biomass. The Cr(VI) adsorption study of the produced nanocellulose is carried out through fitting different adsorption isotherm models and kinetic models. According to the study, Cr(VI) adsorption gradually increases as time period of treatment increases. A maximum adsorption of 98.4% is attained for time period of treatment of 75 min. Overall, the study proposes mixed types of adsorption (chemisorption and physisorption) of Cr(VI) on nanocellulose. This comprehensive research contributes in developing affordable, sustainable nanobiomass from plentiful bio-waste for use in the removal of heavy metals from water streams.

PENGELOLAAN VEGETASI DI KAWASAN EKOWISATA MANGROVE PERANCAK, JEMBRANA

Perancak mangrove forest is one of the important supporters for mangrove ecotourism in perancak as an ecosystem that functions ecologically, economically and socially as an effort to preserve the beach in a sustainable manner. This research aims to determine the level of diversity of mangrove vegetation types in the perancak coastal area and conduct mangrove management efforts through vegetation analysis and soil analysis. Sampling carriedout on true mangroves and associated mangroves using purposive sampling technique. The method of flora sampling was carried out by quadrant method by calculating the important value index, diversity index and type distribution pattern. True mangroves consist of 13 species and 1367 individuals, dominated by rhyzophora stylosa, with a total importance index (indeks nilai penting)= 299.86 % (classified as sestable), diversity index 1.1192 and distribution pattern = 0.548 (vegetation is stable and uniform). Associate mangroves consists of 13 types and 649 individuals, dominated by the type Terminalia cattapa. Important index =297.892 %, diversity index = 0.9438 and type distribution pattern = 0.73 i.e vegetation that grows is classified as uniform. Analysis results for the 5 soil samples for total n, p and k elements available and organic c, all support mangrove growth. the development of true mangroves and associations is the main supporting factor for the development of tourism areas in the perancak jembrana ecotourism area which is now developing into a beach park developed by the people of Perancak village. Keywords: Perancak; Mangrove Diversity; Management; Soil Analysis

IDENTIFIKASI MANGROVE DI WILAYAH PESISIR DESA BAGAN DALAM KABUPATEN BATU BARA

Mangroves are an ecosystem environment located in tidal areas, where significant interactions occur between seawater, brackish water, rivers, and land. This interaction causes high diversity in the form of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial plants and animals in mangrove areas. Mangroves have many benefits, both ecologically and economically. The distribution of mangroves in Indonesia is very wide, including in the area of Batu Bara Regency, and information on mangrove identification in Batu Bara Regency, one of which is for Bagan Dalam village, is still minimal. The purpose of this study was to record the types of mangroves in Bagan Dalam village. The method used is an exploratory method, which records all types of mangroves in the research area. Mangroves in Bagan Dalam village consist of Acanthus ilicifolius species, Acrostichum speciosum, Avicennia marina, Clerodendrum inerme, Excoecaria agallocha, Morinda citrifolia, Nypa fruticans, Pluchea indica, Rhizophora apiculata, Sonneratia alba, Sonneratia ovata, Spinifex sp., Terminalia catappa, and Wedelia biflora. Water quality consists of temperature, pH, and salinity. The temperature value is 29.20C, the pH value is 7, and the salinity value is 18.2‰.

Terminalia catappa leaf extract as a bio-reducing agent to synthesize Cu2O nanoparticles for methylene blue photodegradation

The large tree species Terminalia catappa is a member of the Combretaceae family and is mainly found in tropical climates. They are commonly cultivated for shade because they have huge, dense foliage. Numerous polyphenols, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phytosterols, are present in the leaves. In this study, the green chemical method was used to extract polyphenols from dried green almond leaves. They were employed in the synthesis of Cu2O nanoparticles as a reducing agent. FTIR and UV–Vis were used to describe the leaf extract of Terminalia catappa after the chlorophyll was removed. Copper salt was used to create Cu2O nanoparticles via a reduction process. The extract's potential for photocatalytic dye degradation has also been explored. The obtained Cu2O had a spherical shape with dimensions of 50–100 nm, and its band gap energy reached 1.945 eV to remove methylene blue from aqueous media under visible light irradiation conditions. At an initial MB concentration of 10 ppm, the decomposition efficiency reached 71.99% after only 2 h of exposure to simulated sunlight. The decomposition process occurred according to a pseudo-first-order kinetic model with a rate constant of 0.0084 min−1.

Identification of Phytochemicals and Assessment of Hypoglycemic and Haematological Potentials of Terminalia catappa Linn leaf Extract in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Wistar Rats.

Hypoglycemia and anemia are associated with diabetes mellitus. Medicinal plants and orthodox drugs have been used for the management of this disease. This study aimed to validate the ethnomedical claims of Terminalia catappa Linn. leaf extract in reducing hyperglycemia and hematological potentials in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and to identify likely antidiabetic compounds. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography was used to identify the various phytochemical constituents. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups containing 6 rats per group. Group 1 (control) received 0.2 ml/kg of distilled water, group 2 received 130 mg/kg of T. catappa aqueous extract, groups 3-5 were diabetic and received 0.2 ml/g distilled water, 130 mg/kg T. catappa extract and 0.75 IU/kg insulin respectively for 14 days. Hematological parameters were measured and an oral glucose tolerance test was carried out using 2 g/kg body weight glucose. A histological analysis of the pancreas was done. Twenty-five compounds identified as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and triterpenoids were detected. The blood glucose levels were significantly (p <0.05) elevated in DM groups but were significantly (p <0.05) reduced following Terminalia catappa leaves extract to DM groups. There was s significant (p <0.05) increase in insulin levels improved hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, and platelets), and increased islet population. These results suggest that T. catappa extract has hypoglycemic, insulinogenic, and hematopoietic potentials in diabetic condition and offer protection to the pancreas which could be attributed to the phytochemical constituents thereby justifying its use in traditional therapy.

Simulated Transport of Silver Therapon (Leiopotherapon plumbeus) Fingerlings at Different Durations and Loading Densities: Effects on Survival and Water Quality

The silver therapon, Leiopotherapon plumbeus, is a new species for aquaculture. However, information on the optimal conditions for the transport of this species for grow-out culture needs to be established to avoid stress and unnecessary mortalities. This study examined the effects of duration of transport and loading density on survival and water quality during simulated transport of silver therapon. Hatchery-produced fingerlings [1.30 ± 0.34 g body weight (BW); 44.30 ± 3.77 mm total length (TL)] were held in double-layered oxygenated plastic bags at three transport durations (6 h, 9 h, and 12 h) and densities (40 fish bag-1, 80 fish bag-1, and 120 fish bag-1) in triplicates. Mean survival rates were not significantly affected by both duration of transport (P = 0.321) and loading density (P = 0.345). However, a highly significant effect of duration of transport on dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH (P = 0.000), and a significant effect on Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN; P = 0.039) and total bacterial count (TBC; P = 0.034) were evident. Similarly, water quality parameters were significantly influenced by loading density (P = 0.000), with lower DO and pH levels, and higher TAN and TBC recorded at 120 fish bag-1 density. Since a very high survival rate (&gt; 99%) is achieved at the highest loading density of 120 fish bag-1 up to 12 h transport, this density can be recommended to transport silver therapon fingerlings. Chemical treatments using either salt, methylene blue, or tropical almond leaf extract in transport water may be used to reduce the high bacterial count during transport.

Recyclable Ag-Au bimetallic nanoparticles supported on acid functionalized multi walled carbon nanotubes for effective catalytic applications

In the present investigation, in situ green reduction approach is used to uniformly decorate the Ag-Au bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) on the surface of acid functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The adsorbed Terminalia catappa aqueous leaf extract biopolymers on the surface of MWCNTs can increase the in situ reduction of Ag, Au ions to Ag-Au BNPs and stabilise them which can operate as a capper/stabiliser and reductant agent. X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV–visible spectroscopy techniques were employed to examine the structures, morphologies, composition, chemical bonds and optical properties of the functionalised MWCNTs and the nanohybrid. The results revealed that the spherical T.C-Ag-Au bimetallic nanoparticle with average size 12.4 nm was uniformly distributed on the surface of modified MWCNTs. Finally, evaluation of the catalytic activity of the T.C-Ag-Au BNPs decorated MWCNTs exhibited excellent catalytic performance for completing the reduction of 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) and degradation of alizarin red (AR) dye at ambient temperature with a great rate constant and the degradation efficiency of 98.7% and 96.4%, respectively. The order of reaction, rate constant, half-life and mechanism of catalytic activity of the T.C-Ag-Au BNPs@COOH-MWCNTs nanohybrid were calculated using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. The catalyst can be retained and reapplied eight times without affecting its catalytic performance. The interaction between T.C-Ag-Au BNPs and MWCNTs has a synergistic effect, which is accountable for the enhanced catalytic activity.

Antilipidemic and Hepatorenal Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Terminalia catappa on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Aims: Diabetes mellitus, a condition characterized by glucose receptor abnormalities affecting glucose uptake, affects approximately 600 million individuals globally as of 2021. This study aimed to assess the antilipidemic and renal effects of aqueous extracts from the root bark and flowers of Terminalia catappa on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methodology: Twenty-five Albino rats weighing 160 – 300g were divided into five groups: A - normal control, B - diabetic control, C - diabetic treated with root bark extract, D - diabetic treated with flower extract, E - diabetic rats treated with glibenclimide. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (55mg/kg). The extracts (200mg/kg) were orally administered for 14 days, after which lipid profiles, renal and liver function tests were conducted. Results: There was a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in total cholesterol, serum liver enzymes, and kidney markers in the diabetic control group compared to the normal control group. Treatment with the Terminalia catappa extracts for 14 days resulted in more than 20% decrease in urea (from 18.58 Mmol/L to between 11.58 and 13.92 Mmol/L), creatinine (from 343.56 Mmol/L to between 223.94 and 266.30 Mmol/L) and uric acid (from 570.54 µmol/L to between 413.55 and 440.62 µmol/L) concentrations by more than 20%, with the root bark extract showing the most significant effect. Additionally, the Terminalia catappa extract-treated groups exhibited a substantial (around 40%) reduction in serum liver enzymes compared to the diabetic control group. The hepatoprotective capacity of the root bark extract was similar to the glibenclimide-treated group. Furthermore, the extracts led to a 3% reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins, along with a significant increase in high-density lipoproteins. Conclusion: The aqueous root bark and flower extracts of Terminalia catappa demonstrate potentials for managing diabetes mellitus at the specified dosage.

Recent advances of Terminalia catappa and its application in fish culture: A review

AbstractHigh‐intensity aquaculture may cause the aquatic animals to experience elevated stress levels, which in turn will increase their susceptibility to illness and result in substantial losses. Farmers frequently use chemical and antibiotic treatments for fish diseases, which have led to drug‐resistant and hazardous residues in farmed fish and the environment. Consequently, finding substitutes for chemicals and antibiotics is crucial for disease management in aquaculture. Terminalia catappa L. or commonly called Indian almond is well known for its medicinal properties and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. T. catappa contains chemical compounds such as tannin and flavonoid that play an important role in antibacterial, anti‐allergy, anti‐inflammation, and anti‐cancer. Numerous studies have been conducted on leaves, bark, fruits, and seed of T. catappa for their applications, including medicinal, bioremediation (dye absorption), and aquaculture use. Much research can be found on the utilization of T. catappa leaves to improve fish well‐being, mostly in the ornamental fish industry. Extract of T. catappa has been found to improve fish survival, growth rate, inhibit bacterial infection, improve water quality, enhance fish colouration, and boost the immune response. Although T. catappa leaves have undergone substantial research, it has not been systematically described in connection to fish species used in aquaculture. This review will systematically discuss the biotoxicity of T. catappa evaluation of growth‐promoting properties, eggs and larviculture performance, and enhancement of fish resistance to various bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In addition, the article also highlights the future perspectives of using T. catappa to improve fish culture.

Vasodilation Effects of Ketapang (&lt;i&gt;Terminalia catappa&lt;/i&gt; Linn) Fruit on Aortic Rings Rat

Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Hypertension requires long-term treatment to keep blood pressure under control. Exploration found that antihypertensive drugs have economic value. East Kalimantan is rich in medicinal plant diversity and needs to be explored to discover new drugs for hypertension. Ketapang fruit (Terminalia catappa Linn) has the potential to have a vasodilation effect so research is needed to explore vasodilation activity in vitro. This research to determine the vasodilation activity of Terminalia catappa fruit using isolated aortic ring bioassay. Twelve Wistar rats were used for bioassays isolated aortic ring with endothelium. The aortic rings is precontracted with phenylephrine. This study used two test groups, Control group and Terminalia catappa fruit ethanol extract group (FTC). The FTC and Control concentrations were given cumulatively in chamber of isolated aortic ring. Log concentration -2 FTC (-11.8 ± 3.5)% and Control (0.0 ± 0.0)%, p = 0,002; log concentration -1,5 FTC (-22.8 ± 2.5)% and Control (0.0 ± 0.0)%, p = 0,002; log concentration -1,0 FTC (-41.5 ± 2.8)% and Control (0.0 ± 0.0)%, p = 0,002; log concentration -0,5 FTC (-58.7 ± 3.1)% and Control (0.0 ± 0.0)%, p = 0,002; log concentration 0 FTC (-79.0 ± 3.4)% and Control (0.0 ± -1.9)%, p = 0,001; log concentration 0,5 FTC (-93.8 ± 3.0)% and Control (0.2 ± 1.5)%, p = 0,002. FTC causes vasodilation in isolated rat aortic rings with endothelium.

LEAF ANATOMICAL ADAPTATIONS OF FOURTEEN TREE SPECIES GROWING IN LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, OJO CAMPUS. LAGOS, NIGERIA

Plants growing in different locations exhibit various anatomical adaptations which make them survive in their various habitats. Therefore, this study examined the leaf anatomical adaptations of fourteen tree species namely Acacia auriculiformis, Albizia lebbeck, Anacardium occidentale, Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya, Delonix regia, Gmelina arborea, Lagestroemia speciosa, Mangifera indica, Polyalthia longifolia, Tectona grandis, Terminalia catappa, Terminalia ivoriensis and Yucca gigantea growing in Lagos State University, Ojo Campus.. The leaf epidermal layers were isolated using nail polish; and were observed under the light microscope to determine the stomata features, epidermal cell and trichome types. The results showed that all the species were hypostomatic, with the exception of Acacia auriculiformis and Terminalia ivorensis that were amphistomatic. Eight stomatal complex types such as anomotetracytic, staurocytic, anisosytic, brachyparacytic, paracytic, pericytic, brachyparatetracytic and anomocytic were observed among the species. The stomatal density ranged from 46.05 mm-2 342.11 mm-2 on both leaf surfaces. The stomatal index ranged from 16.17% - 91.23% on both leaf surfaces. Trichomes were found in Albizia lebbeck, Delonix regia, Gmelina arborea, Polyalthia longifolia, Tectona grandis and Terminali aivorensis. The anticlinal cell wall patterns observed were round, curved, wavy and straight; while the epidermal cell shapes were irregular, isodiametric and polygonal. This study revealed that leaf anatomical adaptations such as amphistomatic leaf type, presence of stomatal complex types (anomocytic, anomotetracytic, brachyparatetracytic, staurocytic and anisocytic) with many subsidiary cells; high stomatal density and index; absence of trichomes; and wavy anticlinal cell wall pattern might be responsible for survival of the species in their locations.

Terminalia catappa Leaf Extract as a Capping Agent for ZnO Nanoparticle Synthesis via Sol-gel Method and its Microbial Effects on Selected Fungi and Bacterial

This study presents a reliable process for synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles using a green method. In this approach, we harness Terminalia catappa leaf extract as an effective chelating and capping agent to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles from zinc nitrate hexahydrate salt through a sol-gel method, employing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and its microbial assessment. Optical properties of the ZnO nanoparticles were investigated using UV-visible spectroscopy, and determined their band-gap to range between 4.13 and 5.175 eV. To explore the outcomes, Response Surface Methodology (RSM), was employed which revealed that the Model F-value of 2.62 signifies the significance of the model for the response. Furthermore, when examining the contour plot relating the inhibition zone to temperature and plant extract dosage, we found that an increase in dosage and decrease in temperature resulted in an increase in the bandgap. This method of biosynthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles through Terminalia catappa leaf extract offers effect against the bactieria and fungi such as; Escherichia -coli, Straphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeuginosa and Trichophyton rubrum, Penicillium marnaffei, Atteneria spp respectively. Therefore, ZnO nanoparticles though this route gives an eco-friendly and more straightforward alternative to chemical and physical synthesis techniques for various environmental applications.

A Facile Synthesis of MgO Decorated Spinel Magnetic Nanoparticles Using Terminalia catappa Leaf Extract: Its Application in EBT Dye Removal

A Facile Synthesis of MgO Decorated Spinel Magnetic Nanoparticles Using Terminalia catappa Leaf Extract: Its Application in EBT Dye Removal

Phytochemical characterization, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Terminalia catappa methanol and aqueous extracts

BackgroundA study carried out by World Health Organization revealed that around 80% of individuals globally depends on herbal forms of medication with 40% of pharmaceutical products being sourced from medicinal plants. The study objective was to evaluate the phytochemicals composition, in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the leaves of Terminalia catappa L. aqueous and methanolic extracts.MethodsAntimicrobial activity was analyzed by disk diffusion, the minimum inhibitory concentration in-vitro assays with ciprofloxacin as the standard for antibacterial assay while nystatin for antifungal assay. Ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate assays were used for the evaluation of antioxidant properties of the crude extracts while the groups responsible for this activity identified using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer.ResultsThe study found that the leaves of Terminalia catappa contained alkaloids, tannins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and coumarins, but terpenoids were absent. Presence of functional groups associated with this class of compounds such as OH vibrational frequencies were observed in IR spectrum of the crude extracts. Methanolic extract from Terminalia catappa exhibited greater antibacterial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, whereas aqueous extract displayed greater antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis for all concentrations tested. The amount of the sample that scavenged 50 percent of DPPH (IC50) was found to be 8.723, 13.42 and 13.04 µg/mL for L-ascorbic acid, Terminalia catappa L. methanolic and aqueous extracts respectively. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities varied with the extract concentration and solvent used in extractions.ConclusionTerminalia catappa L. leaves are prospective for use as a source of therapeutic agents that could lead to the advancement of new antimicrobial and antioxidant products.

Graphene oxide doping in tropical almond (terminalia catappa L.) fruits extract mediated green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles for improved DSSC power conversion efficiency

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) device depends on its semiconductor characteristics. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are a semiconductor material commonly used in the DSSC device whose characteristics depend on the synthesis process. There are many routes to synthesize TiO2, however, they typically involve hazardous approaches, which may cause risk to the environment. Green synthesis is an environmentally friendly alternative method using ecological solvents that eliminates toxic waste and reduces energy consumption. In this work, tropical almond (Terminalia catappa L.) was used as a natural capping agent in the green synthesis to control the growth of TiO2. In addition, graphene oxide (GO) was used as a dopant to increase the performance of DSSC device. The results are convincing, in which the addition of 0.0017 % GO doping in tropical almond extract mediated green synthesis of TiO2 improved the PCE from 0.85 % to 1.72 %. These results suggest that GO-modified TiO2 nanoparticles green synthesized using tropical almond extract have great potential in the fabrication of DSSC devices with good PCE, low cost, and low environmental impact.

Polyphenols from Tropical Almond Leaves (Terminalia catappa L.): Optimized Extraction Conditions and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity

The purpose of this study was to find the optimal conditions for extracting polyphenols from Vietnamese tropical almond leaves (Terminalia catappa L.) and to assess the anti-diabetic activities of the resulting extract. The polyphenol extraction from Vietnamese tropical almond leaves was optimized using the response surface methodology. A rotatable central composite design (RCCD) with three variables (ethanol concentration, temperature, and extraction time), consisting of 21 experimental runs with three replicates at the center, minimal, and maximal factorial points was applied to describe the experimental data. The experimental results properly confirmed the constructed model (R2 = 0.8337). The optimized conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration of 62.76%, a temperature of 62.2°C, and an extraction time of 70 minutes. Five extractions were performed in parallel at the optimized conditions to validate the model. The experimental values highly agreed with the predicted value. The extract powder has powerful effects against the α-glucosidase activity and can develop as a novel natural anti-diabetic agent.

Impact of temperature and frequency dependence of electrical properties of Al doped ZnO nanoparticles

ABSTRACT In the present work, Al-doped (0, 1, 2 and 3%) ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesised by green combustion method (GCM) using Terminalia Catappa seeds (TCS) extract as a novel fuel. For the synthesis Zinc nitrate and Aluminum nitrate are used as precursor and dopant respectively. The synthesised NPs are characterised by XRD, FTIR, UV-vi and impedance spectroscopy. The XRD analysis shows decrease in crystallite size varies between 40 to 26 nm as dopant increases. The FTIR spectrum reaffirms the formation of Zn-O bonding structure at 454.28 cm−1. UV-Vi spectroscopic studies show the optical band gap of 3.63, 3.53, 3.22 and 3.19 eV for Al doped (0, 1, 2 and 3%) ZnO NPs. Thermal analysis for the synthesised Al-doped (0, 1, 2 and 3%) ZnO nanoparticles are analysed using TGA/DTA studies. The Electrical characteristics are studied at various temperatures (50 to 350°C) by varying frequency (10 Hz to 8 MHz). In low frequency regions, dielectric constant and dielectric loss increases with rise in temperature. The constant AC conductivity is observed in lower frequencies and increases for higher frequencies for all doped ZnO NPs. ZnO NPs prepared with 2% of doping exhibit improved structural and electrical properties. Hence these ZnO NPs may be used as sensing material for vibration sensor.

Optical, Structural and Morphological Studies of ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized using Terminalia catappa Leaf Extract

This research aims to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles using Terminalia catappa leaf extract. The synthesis method used Terminalia catappa leaves as a reductor. Synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were characterized using UV-vis, XRD, SEM, and TEM. UV-vis spectroscopy of samples showed peak absorption in the 300-380 nm range. The results of XRD characterization show that the ZnO nanoparticles crystal structure is hexagonal wurtzite, where the highest peak of reflection occurs at the reflection angle 2θ=36.24 of the crystal plan (101). SEM characterization results refer to flower-shaped morphology with a size distribution between 392-423 nm. These findings reveal morphology insight into the photocatalytic of ZnO nano-flowers for the environment.

Beyond the metropolis: street tree communities and resident perceptions on ecosystem services in small urban centers in India

Abstract Although 41% of the global urban population lives in smaller cities, the nature and trajectories of urban nature, ecosystem services and human-nature connections in smaller centers is relatively unknown. While megacities in developed countries move towards biophilic urban planning and participatory decision making, basic information on tree communities and their perceived services is a bottleneck in achieving these goals in such small urban centers. Through a combination of field measurements (258 transects, 931 trees) and semi-structured interviews (497 individuals), we assessed the street tree community and resident perceptions of ecosystem service values in two coastal cities on the west coast of India that are under rapid change. We found that mean street tree density is low in both cities, and corresponds to perceptions of recent change in tree cover (−28% in Kochi, −11% in Panjim). The street tree community in both cities were dominated by ornamental avenue trees such as Albizia saman and Peltophorum pterocarpum, but native coastal species like Cocos nucifera, Terminalia catappa and Thespesia populnea were also common. Despite recent urban growth, residents in both cities reported low value of trees for food, fodder and medicine, but high value for regulating services like shade and water. Moreover, we found strong evidence for aesthetic and cultural values of trees in both cities. Our study establishes critical baselines for biophilic planning in these small urban centers towards urban sustainability in India.