Waste Extract Research Articles

Geophysical Techniques for Monitoring of Integrated Mine Waste Storage Facility: Case Study of Southeastern Bulgaria

The extraction of mineral resources usually generates varying amounts of extractive waste, which require appropriate management. Extractive waste management is complicated and difficult process. It encompasses a lot of actions and many different competences. Here must be taken into account the mining excavation method, processing methods, beneficiation and overall mineral treatment. The results obtained from these study provide an important basis for the quantification and management of environmental impacts of the Integrated mine waste facility (IMWF) at the “Ada Tepa” gold mine. The aim of this research is to monitoring the process of internal water drainage into constructed cells of the facility. This task is performed using geophysical method based on electrical resistivity measurements made on the ground surface. Electrical resistivity tomography is commonly used to solve mining and engineering issues, because it is efficient and environmentally sound. This study demonstrates the efficiency of electrical resistivity tomography in detecting the saturated zones in the IMWF.

Exploring the efficacy of a novel prebiotic-like growth promoter on broiler chicken production performance

This study attempts to isolate a candidate growth promoter from the ovine paunch waste and scrutinize its effects on the production performance of broiler chickens as compared to mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS), a prebiotic, and lincomycin, an antibiotic growth promoter (AB). The paunch waste collected from slaughtered sheep was processed to remove particulate matter. The clarified liquid was then added to an excess of ethanol (1:9 ratio), and the resultant precipitate {(novel growth-promoting paunch extract (NGPE)} was collected, dried, and stored. In vitro increase in cell density for probiotic bacteria viz. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Enterococcus faecalis (Log10 CFU/ml) were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in NGPE supplemented media (2.78 ± 0.11 and 2.77 ± 0.10) as compared to that on MOS (1.28 ± 0.05 and 2.49 ± 0.09) and glucose (1.09 ± 0.04 and 1.12 ± 0.04) supplemented media. In the in-vivo trial of six weeks duration with broiler chickens (Cobb-400), NGPE supplementation resulted in significantly higher growth in weeks IV (P < 0.05) and VI (P < 0.01) of age in comparison to MOS and AGP supplemented groups, a lower (P < 0.01) cumulative feed conversion ratio in comparison to MOS supplemented groups, and a higher (P < 0.01) cumulative protein efficiency ratio compared to MOS and AGP supplementation. NGPE supplementation also lowered lipid peroxidation (P < 0.01), increased reduced glutathione activity (P < 0.01) in chicken erythrocytes, and boosted the lactic acid bacteria count in the cecal contents (P < 0.01). This is the first report of the isolation of a paunch waste extract that increased the in vitro growth of probiotic bacteria and improved the production performance of broiler chickens.

A review of toxicity assessment procedures of solar photovoltaic modules

Environmental management of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is attracting attention as a growing number of field-operated PV modules approach end of life (EoL). PV modules may contain small amounts of toxic metals, and the procedures for assessing and regulating the toxic metal content and release of such materials at EoL differ widely across nations. This paper provides an overview of the metal composition of PV modules and common procedures for toxicity assessment through extensive research and review of technical literature and legislative documents. This review focuses on three primary aspects: first, it explores the distribution of toxic elements within current and emerging PV module designs, with a specific focus on obtaining representative samples for proportional toxicity testing within different module laminate areas. Second, it examines a sampling standard and the diverse toxicity testing methods and regulations employed in various regions, encompassing standards like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Test Method 1311 (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure, TCLP) in the U.S., Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in Europe, and the Waste Extraction Test (WET) in California. Third, the review examines the sources of variability in toxicity testing outcomes, including techniques for securing homogeneous samples from non-uniform PV modules, selecting particle sizes representative of landfill conditions in extracted samples, determining appropriate leachate characteristics such as leaching agents and pH levels, and considering factors like test duration and temperatures. In summary, this review summarizes relevant regulations and offers a comprehensive overview of the strengths and limitations associated with several toxicity assessment procedures currently in practice.

A review on evaluation of textile waste for ethanol extraction

Today, the growth in textile consumption is influenced by the increasing population. This leads to the generation of a large volume of textile waste, which has a negative impact on the environment. Textile waste is mainly disposed of by landfill or incineration. To reduce the amount of textile waste disposed of, it can be recovered and transformed into valuable compounds, such as ethanol (bioethanol). This article describes how pre- and post-consumer textile waste is used as a feedstock for ethanol.

Bio-valorization of Tagetes floral waste extract in fabrication of self-healing Schiff-base nanocomposite hydrogels for colon cancer remedy.

The drastic boom in floriculture and social events in religious and recreational places has inevitably led to generation of tremendous floral waste across the globe. Marigold (Tagetes erecta) is one of the most common loose flowers offered for the same. Generally discarded, these Tagetes floral wastes could be valorized for biogenic syntheses. In this study, we have utilized the floral extract towards green synthesis of nano ZnO, the formation of which was affirmed from different analytical techniques. Bionanocomposite Schiff-base hydrogel composed of chitosan and dialdehyde pectin was fabricated by the facile strategy of in situ polymer cross-linking, and the ZnO nanoparticles were embedded in the hydrogel matrix. The hydrogel exhibited remarkable self-healing ability. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were enhanced owing to nano ZnO. Furthermore, it was hemocompatible and biodegradable. A controlled release drug profile for 5-fluorouracil from the hydrogel was accomplished in the colorectum. The exposure of the drug-loaded nanocomposite hydrogel demonstrated improved anticancer effects in HT-29 colon cancer cells. The findings of this study altogether put forth the successful biovalorization of Tagetes floral waste extract for colon cancer remedy.

Enhancing antimicrobial and antiviral properties of Cynara scolymus L. waste through enzymatic pretreatment and lactic fermentation

This study explores the potential of Cynara scolymus L. (artichoke) waste as bioactive compounds resource with antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Three extracts were prepared using different methods: an ultrasound-assisted extraction with EtOH:H2O (1:1), an enzymatic pretreatment with Rapidase® Revelation Aroma, and a lactic fermentation for 10 days. The metabolomic profiles were compared using a UHPLC-HR-MS/Orbitrap spectrometer. While all extracts contained as main metabolites apigenin, luteolin, cynarine, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, enzymatic pretreatment and fermentation resulted in significantly higher levels of secondary metabolites than the untreated waste extract. The results of antimicrobial and antiviral activities indicated that only pretreated and fermented extracts exhibited activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and HSV-2 virus. These findings suggest that enzymatic pretreatment and lactic fermentation here used for the first time on artichoke waste could improve the bioactivity of its extracts, highlighting the use of C. scolymus by-products as a source of potential antimicrobial and antiviral constituents.

The addition of pineapple waste extract in feed on the growth and survival of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

This study aims to reduce production costs for feed by adding the pineapple waste extract to commercial feed which increases feed utilization efficiency, relative growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, Survival rate, water quality, and Organoleptic Test. This research was conducted from March 31 to April 28, 2022. At the Hatchery and Technology Laboratory Faculty of Agriculture Department of Aquaculture. This study used a non-factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of four treatments and three replications. Treatment A (0% pineapple waste extract + 100 gr feed) B (3% pineapple waste extract + 100 gr feed) C (4% pineapple waste extract + 100 gr feed) D (5% pineapple waste extract + 100 gr feed). The best results from treatment C with feed utilization efficiency of 80.45%, relative growth rate of 4.79%/day and protein efficiency ratio of 1.73%/day. Survival 81,66% and Water Quality. Temperature 26 – 28 oC, DO 7,0 - 7,5 mg/L, pH 7,1 – 7,3, Salinity 32 ppt, Ammonia 0,04-0,08 mg/L. and Organoleptic Test of Color and Scent, the best feed has a very brown color and does not have an overpowering Scent.Keywords: Growth; Pineapple; Survival rate; Vaname Shrimp.

Infiltration rate, soil penetration resistance, and soil aggregate stability at pineapple plantation as a consequence of in situ resistance organic matter application

Long-term intensive land management practice has been proven to decrease soil quality due to soil compaction. Theoretically, it would be easy to overcome by applying organic matter. However, conventional organic matter application in pineapple plantation may have some problems since the growing season of pineapple is eighteen months. In contrast, conventional organic matter would decompose at less than six months. In situ resistance organic matter is one of the alternatives and at the same time, supports the zero-waste program of the industry. A set of field research has been done on the pineapple plantation site of PT Great Giant Pineapple Plantation Lampung for one year based on randomized block design. Bromelain extraction waste product and chopped bamboo trees were used as the resistance organic matter resource. The resistant organic matters were applied at the rate of 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 ton ha-1 to investigate its effect on soil infiltration rate, soil penetration resistance, and soil aggregate stability. The application of resistance organic matter has a positive impact on the parameters investigated. The infiltration rate was very high at the first month of application but tended to decrease at 5th month of application and then leveling off. However, the value is constantly and significantly higher than control. Soil penetration resistance was significantly lower than control either at a soil depth of 0 – 10 cm, 10 – 20 cm, or 20 – 30 cm. Soil aggregate stability is higher than control at 5th month of application, the values slightly decreased at 11th month of application.

Waste cellulose extraction and analysis decortication sisal plant (Agave sisalana) Sumbawa Labangka

Waste utilization of decortication Sisal plants is minimal compared to the amount of waste produced, especially the cellulose content in the waste decortication sisal plant. This research aims to extract waste cellulose decortication sisal plants using acid and alkaline solutions with variations in NaOH solutions of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%. The process used is alkalization, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis by method analysis. Next, testing using SEM and FTIR methods is done to determine the morphology of waste cellulose decortication in the resulting sisal plants and the cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose content in the waste decortication sisal plant. Before treatment, the cellulose content of the waste is given to decorticate the sisal plant at 31%, and after alkalization treatment, the cellulose content is 54%. Cellulose content in waste decortication Sisal plants in each process increases with found O-H bonds at waves 3000-3600 cm-1, C-H bonds belong to hemicellulose at wave numbers 2800-3000 cm-1 and remove lignin, which is in the waste decortication Sisal plants did not find C=C bonds belonging to lignin at waves of 1200-1300 cm-1. FTIR test results show an increase in cellulose intensity, with the resulting cellulose measuring 28.64762 µm and 33.69369 µm. The increase in cellulose intensity in FTIR is directly proportional to the SEM results, which show a loose layer with lignin and hemicellulose that has been eroded from the cellulose.

Red seaweed biorefinery: The influence of sequential extractions on the functional properties of extracted agars and porphyrans

Red seaweeds are exploited for their hydrocolloids, but other fractions are usually overlooked. In a novel approach, this study aimed to evaluate cold-water (CWE), ethanolic (EE), and alkaline (SE) extractions, alone and in sequence, to simultaneously: i) decrease the hydrocolloid extraction waste (valorizing bioactive side-streams and/or increasing extraction yield); and ii) increase the hydrocolloids' texturizing properties. It is the first time these extractions' synergetic and/or antagonistic effects will be accessed. For Porphyra dioica, a combination of CWE and EE was optimal: a positive influence on the melting temperature (increasing 5 °C to 74 °C) and sulphate content (a 3-fold reduction to 5 %) was observed, compared to a direct porphyran extraction. The same was observed for Gracilaria vermiculophyla, recovering two additional bioactive fractions without impacting the hydrocolloid's extraction (agar with 220 g/cm2 gelling strength and 14 % yield was obtained). The sequential use of CWE, EE, and SE was the most beneficial in Gelidium corneum processing: it enhanced agar's texturizing capacity (reaching 1150 g/cm2, a 1.5-fold increase when compared to a direct extraction), without affecting its 22 % yield or over 88 % purity. Ultimately, these findings clarified the effects of cascading biorefinery approaches from red seaweeds and their pertinence.

Evaluating the opportunities for mainstream P-recovery in anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic systems

Mainstream P-recovery can help wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to effectively maintain good enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) while helping to recover P. In this study, a pilot-scale anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic (A2O) process was operated for simultaneous COD/N/P removal and P-recovery under different operational conditions. The operation with conventional extraction of waste activated sludge (WAS) from the aerobic reactor was compared to the mainstream P-recovery strategy of WAS extraction from the anaerobic reactor. Successful nutrient removal was obtained for both scenarios, but the anaerobic WAS extraction results improved polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) activity by increasing almost 27 % P concentration in the anaerobic reactor. WAS fermentation was also evaluated, showing that anaerobic WAS required only 3 days to reach a high P concentration, while the aerobic WAS fermentation required up to 7 days. The fermentation process increased the amount of soluble P available for precipitation from 24.4 % up to 51.6 % in the fermented anaerobic WAS scenario. Results obtained by precipitation modelling of these streams showed the limitations for struvite precipitation due to Ca2+ interference and Mg2+ and NH4+ as limiting species. The optimum precipitation scenario showed that P-recovery could reach up to 51 % of the input P, being 90 % struvite.

Vegetable waste extracts as enhancers of baculovirus infections

Vegetable waste extracts (VWE) contain a great variety of antioxidants such as polyphenols, which have shown to potentiate baculovirus infections, making them ingredients for pest control ingredients. In the present study, the mortality enhancement of different vegetable extracts obtained from food residues when combined with baculoviruses was evaluated. Extracts from spent coffee (E2), rosehip (E17), asparagus (E28), artichoke (E29), beet stalks (E32) and banana peel (E37) were selected as they increased mortality of Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliNPV) in second instar S. littoralis larvae, when comparing with the virus inoculation alone. Extracts were assayed at 1 % w/v. In S. littoralis-SpliNPV system, the selected extracts reduced the median lethal concentration (LC50) of SpliNPV against second instar larvae. The E37 extract presented the highest potentiation, as it reduced the LC50 13.61 times, while the rest of the extracts presented LC50 reductions from 3.71 to 7.72-fold. In Spodoptera exigua-SeMNPV (Spodoptera exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus) system, none of the extracts decreased the LC50 of SeMNPV. In contrast, in Spodoptera frugiperda-SfMNPV (Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus) system, E2 showed the greatest potentiating effect. In the heterologous systems, none of the extracts tested increased the effective host range of SfMNPV, AcMNPV (Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus), and MbMNPV (Mamestra brassicae multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus) in second instar S. littoralis larvae. Thus, the viral enhancing effect of VWE was host-pathogen and instar dependent. However, the potentiation effect of the extracts could not be directly related with the antioxidants content of the extracts.

Carboxymethyl cellulose/poly (vinyl alcohol) based active film incorporated with tamarind seed coat waste extract for food packaging application

Incorporating a bioactive food waste extract into biodegradable polymers is a promising green approach to producing active films with antioxidant and antibacterial activity for food packaging. Active packaging films from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporated with tamarind seed coat waste extract (TS) were prepared by solvent casting method using citric acid as a crosslinking agent. The effect of TS content on the film properties was determined by measuring the optical, morphology, mechanical, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), antioxidant, and antimicrobial attributes. The CMC/PVA-TS films were also tested on fresh pork. The addition of TS did not significantly affect the film structure and WVTR but it improved the mechanical and UV barrier properties. The films possessed antioxidant and antimicrobial ability against bacteria (S. aureus and E. coli). Thus, CMC/PVA packaging was successfully prepared, and the incorporation of TS enhanced the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the film, which extended the shelf-life of fresh pork.

Potassium Spraying Preharvest and Nanocoating Postharvest Improve the Quality and Extend the Storage Period for Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) Fruits.

Citrus fruits are one of the most abundant crops globally in more than 140 countries throughout the world. Acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia swingle) is one of the citrus fruits which popularly has rich nutritional and therapeutic features. The storage period is the important factor that affects the economic and quality properties of this fruit. This study aims to demonstrate the enhancing effect of preharvest spraying with potassium, in addition to the postharvest dipping of fruits in some edible coatings, on the quality and storability of acid lime fruits. Preharvest spraying with organic and mineral forms of potassium, namely, potassium thiosulfate 1.75 g/L (S) and potassium tartrate 2 g/L (T), were carried out at three different times, in May, June, and July. On the other hand, postharvest treatments were carried out via dipping fruits in different types of biopolymers (carboxymethyl cellulose (E2) and gum arabic (E3)) and carboxymethyl cellulose/gum arabic composite (E4) as well as nanocoating formulation based on both biopolymers and doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) (E1), which were prepared via acid lime peel waste extract. Herein, the physiochemical and morphological characterizations confirmed that the nanocoating was prepared at the nanoscale and doped with green synthesis ZnONPs, with recorded sizes of around 80 and 20 nm, respectively. Preharvest spraying with potassium tartrate enhanced fruit traits (Spraying with potassium tartrate at pre-harvest and nanocoating dipping at post-harvest (TE1), spraying with potassium tartrate at pre-harvest and carboxy methyl cellulose dipping at post-harvest (TE2), spraying with potassium tartrate at pre-harvest and gum arabic dipping at post-harvest (TE3) and spraying with potassium tartrate at pre-harvest and carboxymethyl cellulose/gum arabic composite dipping at post-harvest (TE4)), followed by potassium thiosulfate (spraying with potassium thiosulfate at pre-harvest and nanocoating dipping at post-harvest (SE1), spraying with potassium thiosulfate at pre-harvest and carboxy methyl cellulose dipping at post-harvest (SE2), spraying with potassium thiosulfate at pre-harvest and gum arabic dipping at post-harvest (SE3) and spraying with potassium thiosulfate at pre-harvest and carboxymethyl cellulose/gum arabic dipping at post-harvest (SE4)), compared to control. For postharvest treatments, E1 improved fruit quality, followed by E2, E4, and E3, respectively. The integration between pre- and postharvest treatments showed a clear superiority of TE2, followed by TE4, SE1, and SE2, respectively.

The effects of high-pressure, enzymatic, and high-pressure-assisted enzymatic treatment on the properties of soluble dietary fibers and their use in jelly prepared with grape waste extract.

This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical attributes of soluble dietary fibers (SDFs) of grape, which were isolated after enzymatic (using cellulase [0.1MPa/60°C/30min]), high-pressure (HP) (100MPa/60°C/30min), or HP-assisted enzymatic treatment (using cellulase [100MPa/60°C/30min]), then to evaluate textural properties, color, and microbiological load of jelly prepared using grape waste extract and either pectin or SDF types. HP-assisted enzymatic treatment increased glucose adsorption capacity by more than 50%, and the water-holding capacity of SDF more than twofold as compared to the levels measured in untreated-SDF. After treatments, glucose and galactose contents decreased, whereas fructose, mannose, xylose, arabinose, and rhamnose ratios increased. The arabinose ratio increased more than twice by the effect of HP, whereas the xylose content increased almost fivefold with HP-assisted enzymatic treatment. For the textural properties of jelly, HP-assisted enzymatic treated-SDF provided almost double values in gel strength and adhesiveness than those contributed by untreated-SDF. It was followed by HP-treated SDF jelly. The results showed that HP-assisted enzymatic treatment developed more similar outcomes with enzymatic treatment, rather than HP treatment alone. HP-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis is recommended for treating SDF for use in jelly due to its synergistic effect. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: High-pressure-assisted cellulase treatment provided the best properties to SDF for jelly. In combined treatment, impacts of cellulase treatment were more prominent than HP effects. Therefore, the use of HP assistance for enzymatic hydrolysis shortens the processing time. Moreover, the technological and functional properties (water holding, glucose adsorption capacity, and monosaccharide composition) of the combined treated-fiber can improve. In addition, the color and textural properties of the jelly prepared with this treated-fiber can be enhanced. In this way, it may be possible to obtain a good thickening agent. This material can also be an alternative to pectin.

Nanostructural Design of ZnO Using an Agro-Waste Extract for a Sustainable Process and Its Photocatalytic Activity.

The use of agro-waste extracts (AWEs) as a sustainable medium for developing cost-effective and ecologically friendly nanomaterials has piqued the interest of current researchers. Herein, waste extracts from papaya barks, banana peels, thumba plants, and snail shells were used for synthesizing ZnO nanostructures via a hydrothermal method, followed by calcination at 400 °C. The crystallinity and pure wurtzite phase formation of ZnO nanostructures were confirmed via X-ray diffraction. ZnO nanostructures with various morphologies such as tight sheet-like, spherical, porous sheet-like, and bracket-shaped, comprising small interconnected particles with a highly catalytically active exposed (0001) facet, were observed via field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The formation mechanism of the various morphologies of the ZnO nanostructures was proposed. Ultraviolet-visible spectra showed different absorption band edges of ZnO nanostructures with a bandgap in the range of 3.17-3.27 eV. Photoluminescence studies showed the presence of various defect states such as oxygen and zinc vacancies and oxygen and zinc interstitials on ZnO nanostructures, which are usually observed in traditionally prepared ZnO. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanostructures was evaluated under direct sunlight using rhodamine B (RhB) and Congo red (CR) dyes as probe pollutants. Furthermore, prepared ZnO nanostructures could potentially adsorb anionic dyes (e.g., CR) in the absence of light. Superoxide and hydroxide radicals played a vital role in the photocatalytic activity of ZnO. The photocatalyst could be reused for up to three cycles, indicating its stability. Therefore, this study reports the diverse use of AWEs as cost-effective media for nanomaterial synthesis.

Effects of enzymes on protein extraction and post-extraction hydrolysis of non-animal agro-industrial wastes to obtain inputs for cultured meat

Non-animal agro-industrial wastes have a diverse and valuable nutritional composition for the alternative protein market. In this study, extracting proteins and enzymatically obtaining hydrolysates from non-animal agro-industrial waste was evaluated as a possible route for producing cultured meat inputs. Protein extraction assisted by Viscozyme L® was analyzed for soybean and peanut meal. The protein extraction yield from these wastes increased considerably with the application of the enzyme and adjustments in the pH levels of the reaction medium. The residual protein extraction matrices were then subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using different non-animal commercial enzymes. The application of Alcalase 2.4 L® proved to be the most suitable for maximizing the degree of hydrolysis, and optimizing the reaction conditions. The highest degree of hydrolysis obtained was 31.76 ± 0.43% for the soybean meal protein extraction residue, and 30.59 ± 1.68% for the peanut meal protein extraction residue; at 50 °C, pH 8.0 and enzyme:substrate ratio of 3.5% and 5.0%, respectively. The results showed that the application of enzymes can maximize the use of protein from non-animal agro-industrial wastes and gives rise to a low-cost route, with less environmental impact and with nutritional potential for the generation of inputs required for cultured meat.

Sweet Orange Juice Processing By-Product Extracts: A Caries Management Alternative to Chlorhexidine.

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases globally in both children and adults. This study investigated the potential of industrial sweet orange waste extracts (ISOWE) as a substitute for chlorhexidine (CHX) in managing dental caries. First, the cytotoxicity of ISOWE (40, 80, 120 mg/mL) and CHX (0.1 and 0.2%) on buccal epithelial cells was determined. ISOWE exhibited no overall toxicity, whereas CHX strongly affected cell viability. The combination of ISOWE and CHX significantly enhanced cell proliferation compared to CHX alone. Next, the antimicrobial efficacy of ISOWE, CHX, and their combination was assessed against a 7-day complex biofilm model inoculated with oral samples from human volunteers. CHX exhibited indiscriminate antimicrobial action, affecting both pathogenic and health-associated oral microorganisms. ISOWE demonstrated lower antimicrobial efficacy than CHX but showed enhanced efficacy against pathogenic species while preserving the oral microbiome's balance. When applied to a cariogenic biofilm, the combined treatment of ISOWE with 0.1% CHX showed similar efficacy to 0.2% CHX treatment alone. Overall, the findings suggest that ISOWE is a promising natural anti-cariogenic agent with lower toxicity and enhanced selectivity for pathogenic species compared to CHX.

Effect of a Marinating Process Containing Extract Formulations of Pineapple Waste, Papaya Leaves, and Noni Fruit on the Quality of Culled Laying Hens

The purpose of the research is to evaluate the physical quality (pH and cooking loss), organoleptic tests, and Salmonella sp. bacteria content of marination formulations of pineapple waste extract (ELN), papaya leaf extract (EDP), and noni fruit extract (EBM) discarded laying hens. There were 12 culled laying hens used. P0: Control (no extract); P1: 15% Extract (5% ELN +5% EDP +5% EBM); P2: 22.5% Extract (7.5% ELN + 7.5% EDP + 7.5% EBM); and P3: 30% Extract (10% ELN + 10% EDP + 10% EBM) and meat from rejected layers soaked for 30 minutes. The obtained data were analyzed using the ANOVA test, and if the results were significantly different, the Duncan test was used. Organoleptic tests were performed by 29 panelists, 25 of whom were semi-trained and four of whom were untrained. The results showed that the color and tenderness of the rejected laying hens' meat had a significant effect, but the aroma and taste had no effect. P3 with a combination treatment of 30% extract (10% pineapple peel and hull extract + 10% papaya leaf extract + 10% noni fruit extract) noni was the most preferred treatment by all panelists, with neutral organoleptic values for color, aroma, and taste of 2.62 on a scale of 2.10-3.00, and organoleptic values for softness of 3.31 on a scale of 3.00-4.00.

Research on the Closure and Remediation Processes of Mining Areas in Romania and Approaches to the Strategy for Heavy Metal Pollution Remediation

Mining activities often generate important amounts of extractive waste, and, as a consequence, environmental impacts that affect all factors to a greater or lesser extent. Depending on a variety of variables, the impact can be permanent or temporary, reversible or irreversible, negative or positive. This study conducted research on the status of closure and remediation processes of mining areas in Romania, specifically in the counties of Maramureș, Suceava, Harghita, Alba, Hunedoara and Caraș-Severin. Furthermore, based on the type and level of pollution, the degree of application of remediation techniques for water and soil pollution in the investigated mining areas was studied. From the analysed information, it is evident that although the closure and remediation process started in Romania over 20 years ago, unfortunately, to this day, the technical projects, technical assistance, and execution of closure and remediation works have not yet completely solved the complex environmental issues in the mining sector. Most of the tailing ponds and waste piles of former mines continue to pose permanent specific risks to the environment and the population. This study concludes that the mining sector in Romania, although it has the necessary techniques and technologies for the ecological rehabilitation of degraded lands related to the Extractive Waste Facilities and the elimination of negative impacts on the environment and public health, has not yet been able to fully concretize its remediation efforts.