Total Solids Research Articles

Coupling lactic acid fermentation of food waste at various concentrations as storage strategy with dark fermentation for biohydrogen production

Lactic acid fermentation (LAF) has recently been considered a promising strategy to store food waste (FW) prior to dark fermentation (DF), as it can stabilize organic matter with no negative impact on biohydrogen potential (BHP). However, concentrations can affect LAF and its subsequent impact on BHP is not known. This novel study evaluates the impact of storing FW by LAF at 1%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% total solids (TS), at 35 °C and 23 °C, subsequently converted to biohydrogen through DF. Storing FW in LAF at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% TS has no impact on its BHP (88 ± 23 mL/gVS). Storing at 1% TS increases variability of metabolic pathways, with replicates undergoing butyric fermentation instead of LAF, resulting in 33 mL/gVS and 13 mL/gVS of BHP, compared to the total average of all conditions at 84 ± 25 mL/gVS. Microbial analysis shows Lactobacillus sp. and Weissella sp. as the main genera selected during storage. The concentrations affect the relative abundance of various remaining genera, such as Burkholderia-Paraburkholderia sp. at 20% TS and Lactococcus sp. at 1% TS. Except at low TS, LAF is a robust storage strategy of FW prior to DF, preserving its BHP without the need for conventional refrigeration.

Fabrication and characterization of bioactive curdlan and sodium alginate films for enhancing the shelf life of Volvariella volvacea

This study aimed to develop bioactive films based on curdlan (CD) and sodium alginate (SA) to enhance the shelf life of the Volvariella volvacea mushroom. A stable nanoemulsion of droplet size of 150.1 ± 5 nm was first formulated using 5% soy protein (Sp) and 10% lavender essential oil (LEO), achieved by ultrasound treatment for 10 min, resulting in small droplet sizes. In parallel, a CD-SA film was prepared by mixing them in a 1:1 ratio. The SpLEO nanoemulsion was then ex situ added to the CD-SA film at varying concentrations (4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%). The resulting bioactive film exhibited desirable properties, including water vapor permeability (1.15 ± 0.05 × 10−10 g m−1 Pa−1 s−1), swelling rate (547%), and tensile strength (10.1 ± 1.3 MPa). Docking and structural analyses suggested that ultrasound treatment enhanced the intermolecular hydrogen bonding, creating a uniform and regular surface and reduced crystallinity. The CD-SA film with ultrasound-treated 8% SpLEO nanoemulsion [i.e., (CD-SA/SpLEO-8)US] showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and extended the freshness of straw mushrooms prevention of spoilage during storage. Additionally, the film reduced respiration rate (975 mg CO₂/kg/h at 96 h) and ethylene production (160 ng/kg/s by 96 h) while effectively inhibiting straw mushroom autolysis. This led to a reduction in browning (2.91), total soluble solids (7.5%), weight loss (13.9%), and polyphenol oxidase activity (0.08 ΔOD420/min⋅g), thereby extending the shelf life of the mushrooms to 96 h. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating different molecules using ultrasound treatment to develop innovative edible films for food preservation.

Performance evaluation of a wastewater treatment plant from a dairy in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: a case study.

Wastewater generated in dairies has a strong polluting potential and must be treated for disposal into water bodies or reuse. The objective of this work was to analyze the efficiency of removing pollutants through the processes used by a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of a dairy located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. For this purpose, the results of the characterization analyses referring to raw and treated wastewater were interpreted. The results showed that the sequence of processes used in the WWTP (water/oil separation, dissolved air flotation, followed by biodegradation in an upflow anaerobic filter) is efficient in removing on average 99.1% of COD and 98.7% of BOD5. For treated wastewater, data on pH and concentration of total suspended solids, total ammoniacal nitrogen, surfactants, settleable solids, and oils and greases also met the standards for disposal into water bodies. For reuse in agriculture, treated wastewater can be used for irrigation, but it is recommended to additionally evaluate the Escherichia coli parameter. When evaluating the existence of linear correlation between COD and BOD5 data, it was possible to find only a moderate correlation (R2 equal to 0.7) for treated wastewater.

Sustainable treatment of combined industrial wastewater: synergistic phytoremediation with Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes, and Arundo donax in biofilm wetlands

This study investigates the treatment of combined wastewater from Hattar Industrial Estate using Biofilm Wetlands (BW) planted with monoculture species: Eichhornia crassipes (EAC), Pistia stratiotes (WL), and Arundo donax (GR). Each species showed distinct capabilities in organic degradation, metal uptake, and pH stabilization. BW2, planted with EAC, achieved the highest total solids (TS) and total suspended solids (TSS) removal efficiencies of 66% and 65%, respectively. GR effectively reduced initial COD concentrations from 232 mg/L to 58.67 mg/L, while EAC and WL reached reductions to 72.78 mg/L and 70.67 mg/L, respectively. Overall, the plant efficiency ranking was EAC > GR > WL. These findings underscore the potential of these plant species in synergistic BW systems, highlighting their role as natural solutions for remediating complex industrial effluents. This research contributes to advancing eco-friendly wastewater treatment approaches, suggesting promising applications for sustainable practices in industrial contexts. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS This research assessed the effectiveness of phytoremediation using Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes, and Arundo donax for removing pollutants i.e. heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Hg) nitrates, phosphates and sulfates from combined industrial wastewater of Hattar Industrial Estate Pakistan. It highlighted the potential of selected plant species’ as natural treatment systems, providing crucial insights into their efficiency. Findings contribute to understanding nature-based solutions for complex industrial effluents.

The effects of time and anticoagulant type on hematologic values in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)

BackgroundAvian hematologic characteristics complicate evaluation; therefore, complete blood cell counts require manual analysis for best accuracy. Furthermore, the quality of samples may be affected by prolonged shipment. MethodsBlood was collected from the right jugular vein of twenty-four, 7-year-old (14 male, 10 female), wild-type cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). Smears were prepared using fresh, untreated blood. The remainder was divided into dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and lithium heparin microtainers. A hematocrit tube and blood smear were prepared at baseline, 24, 48, and 72 hours after venipuncture. Packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS), estimated white blood cell (WBC) count, WBC differential (heterophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils), hemolysis index (HI), and preparation quality were assessed and compared to baseline. After log transformation, the effects of anticoagulants across time points were compared. ResultsHeparinized samples had significant differences in WBC, heterophil, and lymphocyte counts at 48 hours, and PCV and TS at 72 hours compared to baseline. There was a positive proportional bias in PCV and TS from EDTA anticoagulant samples at 24, 48, and 72 hours, and from heparinized samples at 48 and 72 hours compared to baseline. The EDTA samples had increased PCV and TS compared to heparin at all time points, and higher WBC and heterophil counts at 48 hours compared to baseline. A type II methodological error cannot be excluded. ConclusionThese results suggest that the anticoagulant used and time spent in anticoagulant alters hematologic values in cockatiels, which may have significant clinical implications. The importance of sample processing within 24 hours and anticoagulant-specific reference intervals for hematologic variables should be considered.

Nutritional composition, fatty acids profile and immunoglobulin G concentrations of mare milk of the Chilean Corralero horse breed

The objective of the present study was to characterize the nutritional composition, fatty acid profile, and IgG concentration of the milk produced by Chilean Corralero horse (CCH) mares from breeding farms located in southern Chile. Forty-five milk samples were collected from three of the biggest breeding farms (coded as A, B and C) specialized in breeding and selection of CCH in Chile (15 mares sampled per farm). Farms differed in days in milk (DIM). A negative association between DIM and ash, milk protein, milk solids, saturated fatty acids (SFA), and gross energy (GE) was found, whereas DIM had a positive association with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Milk components like fat, lactose, and energy content varied independently of DIM, indicating other influencing factors such as farm-specific management practices. Offspring sex moderately affected GE content, with milk from mares bearing female offspring having higher GE. Macronutrient profiles of the CCH mares’ milk were within the reported range for other horse breeds but tended to have lower fat and total solids. Compared to cow and human milk, horse milk is richer in lactose and lower in fat and protein. Immunoglobulin G concentration was only affected by the farm (B > A) which could be linked to dietary factors and pasture composition rather than maternal parity or other known factors. Overall, CCH mare milk has notable nutritional characteristics, with implications for both foal health and potential human consumption, posing less cardiac risk compared to cow’s milk as indicated by lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indices.

Influence of Combined Supplemental Lighting and Nutrient Solution Concentration on Fruit Production and Quality of Cherry Tomato

We conducted an analysis on the combined effects of two light conditions (L1: greenhouse natural lighting; L2: greenhouse natural lighting plus supplemental lighting (SL)) and three nutrient solution concentrations (EC, NS1: 3.2 dS/m; NS2: 3.7 dS/m; NS3: 4.2 dS/m) on the growth, fruit production, and quality of two cherry tomato cultivars with different fruit coloring (‘Baiyu’ and ‘Qianxi’). The plants subjected to NS2 exhibited enhanced growth, photosynthetic parameters, and fruit production. The utilization of SL further enhanced stem diameter, leaf number, and single fruit weight, resulting in higher fruit weight per plant in ‘Baiyu’, which was not observed in ‘Qianxi’. The growth, fruit size, and fruit weight of both cultivars cultivated under NS3 conditions were suppressed, while these fruits exhibited elevated levels of total soluble solids (TSS), soluble sugars, vitamin C, polyphenols, fructose, glucose, sucrose, citric acid, and carotenoids. These levels were further enhanced by SL treatment. The improvement of fruit quality through the application of SL was found to be cultivar and EC dependent. In ‘Baiyu’, SL at NS1 significantly enhanced the accumulation of fruit water, minerals (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), TSS, vitamin C, fructose, sucrose, and carotenoids. However, this effect was not observed in ‘Qianxi’. The combination of SL and EC 4.2 dS/m (NS3) generally contributes to the enhancement of fruit quality, while SL and EC 3.7 dS/m can ensure consistent fruit production. The yellowish-white fruit cultivar exhibited higher levels of soluble sugars, vitamin C, and polyphenols under L2NS3 conditions compared to the red fruit cultivar, whereas the carotenoid content showed an opposite trend. The findings are anticipated to establish a theoretical foundation for the consistent annual cultivation of cherry tomatoes in protected horticultural settings.

Biochemical and physicochemical characteristics and volatile profiles of Erzincan Tulum cheese coagulated by herb-fortified artisanal lamb rennet

The characteristics of Erzincan Tulum cheese (ETC), an artisanal ewe-milk cheese and the first cheese with the designation of origin in Türkiye, are closely related to the geographical location of production and the human factors influencing every stage of the production process. This study aims to determine the influence of different coagulants (namely, herb-fortified artisanal lamb rennet (ALR), artisanal calf rennet (ACR), and commercial calf rennet (CCR)) on the biochemical, physicochemical characteristics, and volatile compounds of ETC, produced on the Heybeli plateau of the Erzincan province. Using artisanal rennet increased total solids, fat content, and acidity while decreasing pH and aw values. The highest PTA-SN (soluble nitrogen in 5 % phosphotungstic acid, w/v) and TCA-SN (soluble nitrogen in 12 % trichloroacetic acid w/w) values at the end of the ripening period (day 150 of storage) were observed in the ALR-Cheese (ALR-C). Furthermore, this cheese exhibited the highest rate of lipolysis (P < 0.01). Electrophoretograms revealed that αs-1 and β-casein degradation rates were the most significant in ALR-C. Following the 30th day of storage, the highest counts of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were found in ALR-C. The most rapid reduction of coliforms, E. coli, and yeast-mold was observed in this sample throughout the storage. Eighty-nine volatile compounds were identified in the samples. Particularly noteworthy, ALR-C exhibited the highest ratios of hexanoic, octanoic, and decanoic acids after 90 days of storage. Additionally, steroid compounds were exclusively detected in this sample. The findings of this research make a substantial contribution to the existing literature concerning rennet types and the aromatic profile of ETC. These aspects are crucial for further investigations to enhance the cheese's quality and safety.

Estimation of Heterosis and Combining Ability for Quality Traits in Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.

An experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm, Maharajpur, Department of Horticulture, JNKVV, Jabalpur in kharif season of 2022 and 2023. The current study evaluated the performance of 23 bottle gourd genotypes, including 6 parental lines, their 15 diallel crosses, and 2 checks, focusing on their quality traits. Over two years of pooled data, genotype, JBG-4×JBG-5 was found to possess maximum TSS (3.93 °Brix), followed by JBG-2×JBG-4 (3.77 °Brix). JBG-4×JBG-5 was found to have maximum ascorbic acid content (14.48 mg 100-1 g) followed by JBG-4 (14.01 mg 100-1 g). Rind thickness was found maximum in JBG-2×JBG-4 (3.36 mm) followed by JBG-2×JBG-3 (3.28 mam). This study found a substantial association between the total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid content with the yield of bottle gourd genotypes. Among the genotypes, JBG-4×JBG-5 demonstrated the highest yield per plant, along with the highest total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid content. Regarding heterosis, JBG-4×JBG-5 has found the highest heterosis for total soluble solids and ascorbic acid content. JBG-4 and JBG-2 are the best general combiners for TSS, ascorbic acid content, and rind thickness. JBG-4×JBG-5 has found the best specific combiner for TSS and ascorbic acid content.

Development of a Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Beverage Formulated with Whey and Beetroot Juice

Whey, a large by-product of cheese manufacturing, is nutritionally valuable, mainly because of its whey proteins. Beetroot juice, purple–red in colour, has numerous benefits for human health; if used as an ingredient in a whey-based RTD beverage, it could mask whey’s less pleasant organoleptic characteristics. This research aimed to develop such a beverage by mixing whey with beetroot juice in a ratio that would yield a nutritionally valuable product with acceptable sensory characteristics. To this end, three RTD beverage formulations, prepared with beetroot juice and whey in different ratios (10:90, 15:85, and 20:80 v/v), were subjected to sensory analysis. The one with a 20:80 v/v ratio of beetroot juice and whey was found to be preferred by consumers, registering the highest overall score (7.8). Next, this formula was prepared with (RTD20:80a) and without citric acid (RTD20:80a) and analysed physiochemically and microbiologically. RTD20:80a was also sensory tested and proved to be the optimum one (with an overall score of 8.1); it showed a content of 1.18 g/100 mL fat, 1.07 g/100 mL protein, 0.56 g/100 mL ash, 9.90 g/100 mL carbohydrate, total soluble solids of 11.69 °Brix, an energy value of 54.44 kcal/100 mL, titratable acidity of 0.77% lactic acid, pH of 3.75, content of 1.16 mg/mL betacyanins, 0.86 mg/mL betaxanthins, and 0.36 mg GAE/mL total phenolics. Based on the microbiological results, RTD20:80a revealed a shelf-life of 14 days. By producing this beverage, a dairy plant could reduce its whey-related losses while increasing its profitability through selling it.

Environmental factors that regulate Vibrio spp. abundance and community structure in tropical waters

Vibrio spp. is a group of heterotrophic bacteria that are ubiquitous in marine habitats, with various ecological and clinical importance. This study investigated the environmental factors that regulate Vibrio spp. dynamics in various tropical marine habitats, including nearshore (an estuary and a coastal beach) and offshore transects located northwest and southeast of Peninsular Malaysia, while focusing on the distribution of attached and free-living Vibrio spp., population growth, and community composition. The results showed that > 85% of the Vibrio spp. in nearshore waters occurred in attached form and correlated positively to total suspended solids (TSS) and Chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations. On the other hand, Vibrio spp. growth rates were positively correlated to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, but negatively correlated to total bacterial counts, likely due to resource competition. In addition, high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA V3-V4 region showed that Vibrio spp. in these tropical waters contributed < 1 − 18% of the whole bacterioplankton community, and the six major Vibrio spp. taxa were V. alginolyticus group, V. brasiliensis, V. caribbeanicus, V. hepatarius group, V. splendidus group and V. thalassae. db-RDA (cumulative variance explicated = 93.53%) further revealed the influence of TSS, DOC, and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) to the Vibrio spp. community profiles. The study highlighted the importance of suspended solids (TSS and Chl a) and dissolved organic nutrients (DOC and DON) towards Vibrio spp. dynamics in tropical marine waters.

Integrated treatment of black wastewater using sedimentation, constructed wetland, and nanoparticles coagulation

ABSTRACT The aim of the present investigation was to achieve an efficient treatment for black wastewater for non-restricted reuse. The treatment included sedimentation followed by horizontal flow constructed wetland (HF-CW), and finally chemical coagulation using magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. For the wetland, the average organic loading rate (OLR) was 42.83 biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)/m2day and 71.30 g chemical oxygen demand (COD)/m2 day, while average surface loading rate was 0.185 m3/m2 day. The obtained results revealed that removal percentage of COD, BOD, and total suspended solids (TSS) by sedimentation followed by processing through wetlands was 80.3, 81.6, and 80%, which corresponds to 76, 42.56, and 54 mg/l, respectively. When magnetite nanoparticles were added to the HF-CW effluent at the optimum dose of 25 mg/l in combination with 10 mg/l FeCl3, the overall removal rate increased to reach 95.9, 99.1, 99.17, 92.3, 94.3, 94.3, and 91.3% for turbidity, COD, BOD, TSS, phosphate (PO4), total nitrogen (TN), and sulfide, respectively. The corresponding residual concentrations were 5 NTU, 8, 5, 18 according to table 3, 0.07, 1, and 1.04 mg/l, respectively. According to the national and international regulations, the present final treated effluent can be safely reused as a non-restricted source for agriculture purposes. The overall results revealed that the implemented study is simple, efficient, reliable, and economical, particularly for remote areas, according to the non-restricted reuse requirements.

Impacts of illegal mining activities on water quality for irrigation and implications for public health: A case study of the Oda River in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the biological and physicochemical parameters of the Oda River, including the detection of heavy metals. To achieve this purpose, a quantitative experimental research design was employed. Twenty-four water samples were taken along the Oda River from Obeng ne Obeng, Abuakwaa, and Odaso communities. The samples were analysed in a laboratory, and the results were compared to the irrigation water quality standards from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). The study found that the concentration of turbidity and total suspended solids exceeded the recommended standards of FAO, while the river's pH, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids concentrations were within permissible boundaries. Lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and fluoride were present at concentrations lower than the recommended guidelines, whereas copper and cyanide were not discovered. However, iron concentrations exceeded the FAO guidelines. Escherichia coli concentrations in the Obeng ne Obeng were lower than the FAO irrigation standards but were higher in the Abuakwaa and Odaso. The Pearson correlation coefficient highlighted significant correlations between the physicochemical parameters. This paper concludes that unregulated mining activities may endanger vital water resources for irrigation, public health, food safety, ecosystems, and livelihoods.

Optimisation of Not-from-Concentrate Goji Juice Processing Using Fuzzy Mathematics and Response Surface Methodology and Its Quality Assessment

Not-from-concentrate (NFC) juice effectively retains the original characteristics of the fruit. Despite the various health benefits of Goji berries, reports on the processing technology and quality changes of NFC goji juice are lacking. We optimised the processing technology of NFC goji juice. Employing fuzzy mathematics evaluation combined with response surface methodology based on single-factor experiments, the physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological indicators of the juice were determined. Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectroscopy was used to analyse changes in volatile compounds before and after processing. The optimal processing parameters were: times for homogenisation, ultrasonication, and sterilisation of 2 min, 3 min, and 85 s, respectively, and sterilisation temperature of 102 °C. The resulting product had a sensory evaluation score of 85.5 and a rich, pleasant taste. The ratio of total soluble solids to titratable acidity and turbidity were 12.8 and 1420 NTU, respectively. Post-processing, the contents of β-carotene, polysaccharides, and betaine increased by 57.3%, 26.7%, and 31.5%, respectively. Microbiological indicators met Chinese national limits for food pollutants and microorganisms. The total relative content of volatile substances in NFC goji juice decreased by 19.86% after processing. This study provides a theoretical reference for the intensive processing and development of high-value goji berries.

The advantages and trends of lactic acid fermentation in the production of innovative fruit puree: Analysis with PROMETHEE and cluster.

The goal of this study was to create a fermented probiotic fruit puree for lactose-intolerant people, vegetarians, and infants over 6 months old. Fermented fruit purees were developed using apples, peaches, and bananas with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains: Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum (S5), Lactobacillus fermentum strain w8 (S10), and Lactobacillus pentosus strain ml104 (S14). Different fruit puree formulations were produced using three strains, two inoculation ratios (4% and 5%), and two fermentation durations (24 and 48h). The physicochemical parameters (pH, total soluble solids, and color), total phenols content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity, bacterial viability, volatile aroma profile (VAP), and individual phenolic compound profile of fruit puree fermented for both 24 and 48h were compared with the unfermented (control) purees. The results of VAP were evaluated via PROMETHEE and cluster analysis. Time of fermentation and bacterial cultures at varied concentrations improved color values of samples (L*, a*, and b*) compared to controls. The level of bioactive compounds in several samples (S10 and S14) decreased after fermentation in contrast to S5 samples. The bacterial population in the samples ranged from ∼7.00 to 9.50 log CFU/g after 48-h fermentation. The fruit puree samples exhibited the presence of two different phenolic compounds and a total of 17 distinct volatile aroma compounds. The control sample scored highest for aromatic components in PROMETHEE, while S14-II was the most unique sample in cluster analysis. In conclusion, fermented probiotic fruit puree shown high promise as a carrier for live probiotics, and the fermentation process boosted the nutritional content of the fruit puree.

Product development of gac fruit juice incorporated with lime juice

Gac fruit is widely cultivated in Thailand. It has elevated amounts of phytochemical compounds such as lycopene and β-carotene, with the aril section being the richest in these compounds. Lime juice is a healthy drink that is generally consumed for its nutritive value. The purpose of this study was to carry out an assessment to identify the appropriate proportion of lime for blended lime and gac fruit juice processing. This research consisted of four experiments. Fresh gac fruit juice (as a control sample; 0% and blended gac fruit juice with 5%, 10% and 15% concentrations of lime juice were analysed. Physical properties were examined, including brightness and colour (L*, a* and b* values), as well as chemical properties such as total acidity percentage, pH, vitamin C, total soluble solids, β-carotene, antioxidant inhibition percentage (DPPH assay) and lycopene. For the assessment of microbiological properties, a total plate count was carried out. A sensory evaluation for colour, odour, flavour, mouthfeel as well as overall acceptability was performed by thirty untrained panelists using the 9-point hedonic scale. Concerning the physical properties, it was determined that an increase in the amount of lime juice caused an escalation in external colour, odour and sediments. Analysis of the chemical properties revealed that all treatments were significantly different (p&lt;0.05), except for β-carotene and total soluble solids. The chemical properties showed that lycopene, antioxidant inhibition percentage (as DPPH assay) and β-carotene were within the ranges of 647.32- 650.48 µg/g, 4.23-4.65% and 441.95-444.16 µg/g, respectively; they were not significantly different except for the antioxidant inhibition percentage and β-carotene. An increase in the amount of lime juice caused an increase in the external appearance of vitamin C sediments and total acidity percentage. The findings of the microbiological analysis demonstrated that the total plate count met the standard regulations, while the sensory evaluation revealed that the flavour, mouthfeel and overall acceptability for experiment no. 3 (10% of lime juice) obtained the highest values of 7.37, 6.90 and 7.33, respectively.

Harnessing the Potential of Whey in the Creation of Innovative Food Products: Contributions to the Circular Economy

Food waste and by-products are intricately linked to sustainable food production, as reducing waste can play a significant role in achieving a more sustainable and efficient food system. Sustainable utilization and recovery of by-products can significantly contribute by creating strategies that can lead to cost savings and increased efficiency across the food supply chain. Worldwide, more than 40% of whey from cheese production is discarded, resulting in the loss of valuable nutrients and potentially polluting the environment. Effective use of whey reduces environmental impact and enhances manufacturing sustainability. Thus, a circular approach to food waste management in the dairy industry supports sustainability goals and creates opportunities for innovation. Whey contains most of the soluble components of milk, including a large number of serum proteins and all the essential amino acids, making it suitable for producing beverages with high nutritional value. This study aims to produce whey-based beverages with different additions to obtain dairy products with high nutritional value. Three different ingredients, sea buckthorn, ginger, and cinnamon, were chosen for their numerous health benefits to the consumer. Six samples were prepared utilizing both unmodified and deproteinized whey in a 75% proportion, with the addition of 25% sea buckthorn juice, 0.75% ginger juice, and 0.2% cinnamon powder. The resultant samples were packaged in 200 mL bottles and maintained at a controlled temperature of 6 °C to ensure optimal preservation. Given the paramount importance of consumer acceptability in novel beverage development, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the sensory properties of the formulated beverages. In addition, physico-chemical properties and their evolution over 14 days of storage were examined. The sample containing whey, sea buckthorn juice, ginger juice, and cinnamon powder received the highest marks from the tasters. The values of the physico-chemical parameters varied depending on the type of whey used and the storage period. Thus, a pH of approximately 5 and an acidity between 30 and 80 °T were recorded. The average lactose content was 4%, the average protein content was 2.5%, and the total soluble solids content was 11.5 °Brix. The beverages developed in this study represent viable alternatives for diversifying food production through sustainable, environmentally friendly technological variants. By applying circular economy principles, these products contribute to reducing food waste in the dairy industry.

Analysis of wastewater treatment plant data identifies the drivers of PFAS enrichment in foams

The concept of incorporating foam fractionation in aerated bioreactors at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has recently been proposed. The extent of PFAS enrichment in aerated bioreactors’ foams, as indicated by enrichment factors (EFs), has been observed to vary widely. Laboratory evidence has shown that factors affecting PFAS enrichment in foams include conductivity, surfactant concentrations and initial PFAS concentrations. However, real wastewaters are complex heterogenous matrices with physical, chemical and biological characteristics potentially contributing to the phenomenon of PFAS partitioning into foams. In this study, we characterised mixed liquor suspensions, including conductivity, filament content, aqueous PFAS concentrations, surface tension and total suspended solids concentrations (TSS) as well as foams, including bubble size and half-life. We used statistical tools – linear mixed-effects model – to establish relationships between PFAS enrichment in aerated bioreactor foams and the examined characteristics. We found that some of the examined characteristics, specifically filament content, surface tension and TSS concentrations measured in mixed liquor suspension and foam half-life, are negatively and significantly associated with the enrichment of longer chain PFAS (with perfluorinated carbon number ≥ 6). Of these, filament content is the important determinant of PFAS enrichment, potentially leading to an increase in, for example, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) EF from 3 to 100 between typical filamentous and non-filamentous suspended biomass. However, enrichment of shorter chain PFAS (with perfluorinated carbon number ≤ 5) is negligible and is not affected by the characteristics that were measured. The findings of our study may serve as valuable information for the implementation of foam fractionation at WWTPs by elucidating the drivers that contribute to the enrichment of longer chain PFAS, under conditions typically found at WWTPs.

Effect of Pit and Soil Types on Growth and Development, Nutrient Content and Fruit Quality of Pomegranate in the Central Deccan Plateau Region, India

To enhance pomegranate production on marginal gravelly lands, standardized planting techniques were evaluated in an 8-year-old orchard. Trenching, wider pit excavation, pit digging, and auger digs with dimensions of 1 and 2 m were employed. Utilizing native soil from barren land, with or without spent wash, and mixing it with black soil up to 1 m deep, growth parameters, leaf nutrients, fruit production, and fruit quality were assessed. The trench and wider pit methods outperformed others, yielding greater above-ground biomass (&gt;70.3 kg tree−1), root biomass (&gt;24.5 kg, tree−1), and cross-sectional area (&gt;3.30 m2 tree−1). These methods also produced longer roots (&gt;4.0 m tree−1) and higher leaf phosphorus (&gt;0.28%) and potassium (&gt;1.81%) levels, fruit juice content (&gt;48.50%), and total soluble solids (&gt;16.05°) compared to other planting methods. This resulted in higher and more sustainable fruit yield production under the trench and wider pit planting methods (&gt;7.21 t ha−1). Similarly, the native and black soil mixture produced healthy fruit trees, improved fruit quality, and sustainably higher fruit yield over the native soil alone. In summary, the trench and wider pit methods (2–3 m3), combined with a soil mixture, are recommended for sustainable, high-quality fruit production in shallow gravelly terrains, thereby improving food security and the livelihoods of farmers in arid regions.

Biostimulants Enhance the Nutritional Quality of Soilless Greenhouse Tomatoes.

The application of biostimulants in vegetable cultivation has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the nutritional quality of crops, particularly in controlled environment agriculture and soilless culture systems. In this study, we employed a rigorous methodology, applying various biostimulants amino acids, Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), fulvic acid, chitosan, and vermicompost along with mineral fertilizers, both foliar and via the roots, to soilless greenhouse tomatoes during spring cultivation. The experiment, conducted in a coir pith medium using the 'Samyeli F1' tomato cultivar, demonstrated that plants treated with biostimulants performed better than control plants. Notable variations in nutritional components were observed across treatments. PGPR had the best effects on the physical properties of the tomato fruit, showing the highest fruit weight, fruit length, equatorial diameter, fruit volume, fruit skin elasticity, and fruit flesh hardness while maintaining high color parameters L, a, and b. PGPR and fulvic acid demonstrated significant enhancements in total phenolics and flavonoids, suggesting potential boosts in antioxidant properties. Amioacid and vermicompost notably elevated total soluble solids, indicating potential fruit sweetness and overall taste improvements. On the other hand, vermicompost stood out for its ability to elevate total phenolics and flavonoids while enhancing vitamin C content, indicating a comprehensive enhancement of nutritional quality. In addition, vermicompost had the most significant impact on plant growth parameters and total yield, achieving a 43% increase over the control with a total yield of 10.39 kg/m2. These findings underline the specific nutritional benefits of different biostimulants, offering valuable insights for optimizing tomato cultivation practices to yield produce with enhanced health-promoting properties.