Watermelon Peel Research Articles

Haematological response of starter broiler chickens fed diets containing graded levels of dried watermelon peel meal

The experiment was carried out to assess the hematological parameters of starter broiler chickens fed feed formulated with dried watermelon peel meal (DWPM). Ninety-six 21-day old broiler chickens were randomly assigned into four (4) treatments of twenty-four (24) birds each containing 0, 10, 20 and 30% DWPM and coded as D1, D2, D3 and D4 respectively in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment groups were further sub-divided into four (4) sub-groups of eight (8) birds to serve as replicate. At the end of the experiment, one bird per replicate was selected for blood analysis. Packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets concentration (PC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), granulocyte and lymphocyte were measured. Results showed that the DWPM diet had no effect (P>0.05) on PCV, Hb, WBC, RBC, MCV, MCH, PC and MCHC. All mean values for the haematological parameters are above the normal range except WBC and RBC. In conclusion, the lack of significant effect suggests that, DWPM can be safely incorporated up to 12.5% in to the diets of starter broiler chicks without adverse haematological consequences. Nevertheless, careful consideration should be given to ensuring optimal nutritional balance and health status in broiler flocks.

Physicochemical and phytochemical analysis of three melon fruit (canary melon, watermelon, and muskmelon) peels, and their valorization in biscuits development

IntroductionMelons are highly sought after worldwide due to their exquisite and delectable taste. However, the peels of these fruits, which are rich in phytochemicals and sustainable components for innovative culinary formulations, are often discarded as waste.MethodsThis study explored the phytochemistry and valorization of three melon fruit, i.e., canary melon (Cucumis melo, var. Fonzy), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus, var. Augusta), and muskmelon (Cucumis melo, var. Cantaloupe), peels in food applications by incorporating into wheat flour biscuits. Peels of fruits were separated, dried and powders were extracted with 70% ethanol.Results and discussionComparing the muskmelon fruit peel to the peels of the other two fruits, the muskmelon fruit peel had the significantly (p < 0.05) high ash (8.36%), fiber (12.06%), fat (1.21%), protein (5.02%), mineral contents (Mg 233, Ca 364, K 1605, Fe 49.72, and Zn 2.39 mg/100 g), total phenolic content (167.49 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid content (79.16 mg QE/100 g) and total antioxidant activity (56.92 mg Trolox equivalent/100 g). Results of the antimicrobial experiments of three melon peels showed that extracts from all peels showed enough antimicrobial activities, nearly comparable to the reference drugs (ampicillin and nystatin), which still showed the highest inhibition zones. Among three extracts, highest zone of inhibition against three bacterial species, i.e., Bacillus cereus (12.03 mm), Escherichia coli (10.02 mm), and Streptococcus aureus (18.08 mm), and fungal species, i.e., Candida albicans (8.09 mm), Aspergillus niger (7.06 mm), and Mucor meihi (7.02 mm) was exhibited by muskmelon peel extract. Moisture, ash, fat, fiber, minerals, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities of biscuits were increased as a result of incorporating peel flours. Correlation showed TPC and TAA were highly correlated in watermelon (10%; 1). Using principal component analysis, adding 5% canary watermelon peel powder to biscuits improved their healthful and active elements while maintaining sensory features. Baking with 10% muskmelon or watermelon peel powder boosted nutrition and antioxidant activity. After the control, biscuits fortified with 5% melon peel powder exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) high sensory scores. These findings highlight the value of melon peels as sustainable ingredients, promoting waste reduction and enhancing the dietary and functional benefits of food products.

Optimizing the energy values of solid biofuel through acidic pre-treatment: An evolutionary-based neuro-fuzzy modelling and feature importance analysis

The increasing focus on sustainable energy solutions and eco-friendly fuel alternatives has sparked interest in exploring methods to enhance the energy content of solid biofuels through pre-treatment processes. This study investigates the impact of acidic (H2SO4) pretreatment on the energy content of solid biofuel derived from watermelon peel waste using machine learning methods. The biofuel properties, and calorific value (CV) were determined experimentally for both H2SO4-treated and untreated biofuel samples. Subsequently, an Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model with Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Grid Partitioning (GP) clustering techniques was developed to predict heating value of the biofuel, with performance evaluation based on root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean absolute deviation (MAD), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and R2-values. The decision tree regressor was employed to evaluate the feature importance, predictive power and impact of each input variable on CV prediction based on Gini importance metrics. To establish its superior performance, the hybrid ANFIS-GA-GP model was compared with ordinary-ANFIS and ANN model using same metrics. Results show that acid-pretreatment increased the CV of the solid biofuel by 3.53 MJ/kg (31.83 % improvement) and reduced ash content by 1.77 %. FTIR analysis revealed surface modifications, and a shift in the C-O vibrational stretch, while SEM micrographs displayed denser surfaces and reduced porosity as indicated by a lesser fiber diameter in treated samples. The GP-clustered ANFIS-GA model with a triangular membership function (tri-MF) exhibited superior performance and higher accuracy (RMSE of 0.1309, MAPE of 9.343, MAD of 0.1036, MAE of 0.1110, and R2-value of 0.9773 at model training). Furthermore, a tree decision regressor identified Fixed carbon as the most significant predictor for CV with a Gini importance of 0.988375. This study demonstrates the substantial enhancement in the energy content of biofuel using acidic pre-treatment and insights into a cutting-edge approach of improving the combustion properties of solid biofuel with machine learning models. This significantly contributes to the field of sustainable bioenergy research.

Fine genetic mapping and transcriptomic analysis revealed major gene modulating the clear stripe margin pattern of watermelon peel.

The peel stripe margin pattern is one of the most important quality traits of watermelon. In this study, two contrasted watermelon lines [slb line (P1) with a clear peel stripe margin pattern and GWAS-38 line (P2) with a blurred peel stripe margin pattern] were crossed, and biparental F2 mapping populations were developed. Genetic segregation analysis revealed that a single recessive gene is modulating the main-effect genetic locus (Clcsm) of the clear stripe margin pattern of peel. Bulked segregant analysis-based sequencing (BSA-Seq) and fine genetic mapping exposed the delimited Clcsm locus to a 19.686-kb interval on chromosome 6, and the Cla97C06G126680 gene encoding the MYB transcription factor family was identified. The gene mutation analysis showed that two non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism (nsSNP) sites [Chr6:28438793 (A-T) and Chr6:28438845 (A-C)] contribute to the clear peel stripe margin pattern, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) also showed a higher expression trend in the slb line than in the GWAS-38 line. Further, comparative transcriptomic analysis identified major differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in three developmental periods [4, 12, and 20 days after pollination (DAP)] of both parental lines. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses indicated highly enriched DEGs involved in metabolic processes and catalytic activity. A total of 44 transcription factor families and candidate genes belonging to the ARR-B transcription factor family are believed to regulate the clear stripe margin trait of watermelon peel. The gene structure, sequence polymorphism, and expression trends depicted significant differences in the peel stripe margin pattern of both parental lines. The ClMYB36 gene showed a higher expression trend for regulating the clear peel stripe margin of the slb line, and the ClAPRR5 gene depicted a higher expression for modulating the blurred peel stripe margin in the GWAS-38 line. Overall, our fine genetic mapping and transcriptomic analysis revealed candidate genes differentiating the clear and blurred peel stripe patterns of watermelon fruit.

Pemberdayaan Perempuan Melalui Pelatihan Life Skills Berbasis Agrobisnis di Desa Gapura Kabupaten Lombok Tengah NTB

This service activity aims to improve women's life skills in processing the potential of the village, namely watermelon into an agribusiness product that has a high economic selling value. The method of implementing this service uses training with target partners, namely housewives, and women of productive age in Gapura village, Central Lombok Regency, NTB. The results of this service show that this activity could improve the ability and skills of the people of Gapura Village to process watermelon into products with more selling value, namely watermelon peel and jelly candy. In addition, this activity could increase the knowledge of Gapura Village women to process agricultural products based on agribusiness. Based on the results of the evaluation, most of the partners responded that this training was very useful in improving life skills by obtaining a percentage of 55%.

Pectins Rich in RG-I Extracted from Watermelon Peel: Physicochemical, Structural, Emulsifying, and Antioxidant Properties.

RG-I pectin has excellent health benefits, but its raw materials are relatively scarce, and its complex structure often breaks down its side-chain structure during the extraction process. In this study, the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of a branched-chain-rich pectin gained from watermelon peel were demonstrated, and the structure-function relationships of RG-I-enriched pectin and emulsification properties were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high-performance anion exchange chromatography, high-performance gel permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and methylation analyses reveal it as acetylated, low-methoxylated pectin, rich in RG-I side chains (MW: 1991 kDa, RG-I = 66.17%, methylation degree: 41.45%, (Ara + Gal)/Rha: 20.59%). RPWP outperforms commercial citrus pectin in emulsification and stability, significantly preventing lipid oxidation in emulsions. It also exhibits free radical scavenging abilities, contributing to its effectiveness in preventing lipid oxidation. Emulsions made with RPWP show higher viscosity and form a weak gel network (G' > G″), enhancing stability by preventing phase separation. These findings position watermelon peel as a good source of RG-I pectin and deepen our understanding of RPWP behavior in emulsion systems, which may be useful in the food and pharmaceutical fields.

Determination of Total Phenols, Total Flavonoids and Antioxidant Activity of Watermelon Peel and Rind from Several Cultivation Areas in Indonesia

Background: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) consists of peel and rind (30-40% of total fruit weight), commonly discarded as waste. Nonetheless, several studies have shown the potential benefit of these watermelon parts. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the watermelon cultivation areas and their chemical composition, especially phenols and flavonoids. Watermelon peel and rind were obtained from Jember (WJ), Sragen (WS), Langkat (WL), Hulu Sungai Tengah (WHST) and Lombok Tengah (WLT). Methods: The total phenols and flavonoids were determined by using the colorimetric method. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was determined by using DPPH and ABTS methods. Result: The highest total flavonoids, i.e. 41.86±1,65 mgQE/100 g watermelon, was observed in the WHST rind. While WL peel showed the highest total phenols, i.e. 3.97±0.02 mgGAE/g. The correlation analysis for all samples showed no significant relationship between the antioxidant activity and total flavonoids. However, a significant relationship was found between the DPPH-IC50 and total phenols with a correlation value of 0.47 (p less than 0.01) for both watermelon parts peel and rind. In addition, watermelon peel contains higher total flavonoids compared to rind. But, there was no significant difference in the total phenols between the watermelon peel and rind. To conclude, both watermelon peel and rind obtained from five cultivation areas showed antioxidant activities contributed by the phenolic compounds.

Green synthesis of biomass-derived carbon quantum dots for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue.

Water pollution, significantly influenced by the discharge of synthetic dyes from industries, such as textiles, poses a persistent global threat to human health. Among these dyes, methylene blue, particularly prevalent in the textile sector, exacerbates this issue. This study introduces an innovative approach to mitigate water pollution through the synthesis of nanomaterials using biomass-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from grape pomace and watermelon peel. Utilizing the hydrothermal method at temperatures between 80 and 160 °C over periods ranging from 1 to 24 h, CQDs were successfully synthesized. A comprehensive characterization of the CQDs was performed using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, Raman spectroscopy, and luminescence spectroscopy, confirming their high quality. The photocatalytic activity of the CQDs in degrading methylene blue was evaluated under both sunlight and incandescent light irradiation, with measurements taken at 20 min intervals over a 2 h period. The CQDs, with sizes ranging from 1-10 nm, demonstrated notable optical properties, including upconversion and down-conversion luminescence. The results revealed effective photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under sunlight, highlighting the potential for scalable production of these cost-effective catalytic nanomaterials for synthetic dye degradation.

Green fabrication of Ag–Ni–Mn-Zn nanoparticles from watermelon peels and its antioxidant, dye degradation and molecular docking studies

Green fabrication of Ag–Ni–Mn-Zn nanoparticles from watermelon peels and its antioxidant, dye degradation and molecular docking studies

Development of Cookies Using Fruit Waste Peel Powder

The main objective of the investigation was to prepare peel powder from pineapple, banana & watermelon fruit and prepare cookies by using its different compositions. The recipe for cookies was formulated and studied by keeping all the other ingredients same except varying compositions of cornific and fruit peels powder. All ingredients were weighed according to different compositions, in which milk powder (4%), custard powder (4%), sugar flour (25%), ghee (23%), baking powder (0.5%), milk (4%) and salt (0.5%) were kept constant for all the compositions. Three compositions of fruit peel powder (pineapple, banana and watermelon) in 1:1:1 proportion were (9%), (15%) and (21%) respectively. The cookies were evaluated for sensory qualities and the most acceptable cookies were selected for nutritional analysis. Results of sensory evaluation showed that sample with pineapple, banana and watermelon peel powder as 9% in 1:1:1 proportion was most accepted. Nutritional analysis reported that cookies with cornific only contains energy (258 Kcal), protein (1.93 g), fat (16.21 g) and crude fiber (0.08 %) whereas most accepted sample contains energy (290 Kcal), protein (2.85 g), fat (19.11 g) and crude fiber (0.11 %). Keywords: Fruit peel, Sensory qualities, Statistical analysis, nutritional analysis

Synthesis of novel iron Oxide/Carbon dots green nanocomposites for bacteria detection and antibacterial agent applications

Due to the widespread of pathogens and infectious diseases, rapid detection and antibacterial agents are needed. Antibacterial nanomaterials have attracted attention due to their advantageous properties and unique mechanisms. Besides, the green route approach to synthesizing nanoparticles has attracted interest due to being environmentally friendly, biocompatible, and non-toxic. In this study, carbon dots (Cdots), a promising antibacterial material, have been combined with the Fe3O4 nanoparticles as the carrier and produce Fe3O4/Cdots nanocomposite via green synthesis for bacteria detection and antibacterial agents. Green synthesis was achieved with Moringa oleifera leaves extract as reducing agent on Fe3O4 and watermelon peel as carbon source on Cdots. X-ray diffraction shows a cubic inverse spinel structure of magnetite. The phase composition of the nanocomposites consists of magnetite and carbon. The particle size of nanocomposites is 13.4 nm with semi-spherical morphology and high surface area. The bonding analysis and element composition are consistent with phase composition estimation that confirms the existence of Fe3O4 and Cdots on the nanocomposites and lacks other impurities. The vibrating sample magnetometer shows the superparamagnetic behavior of the samples. Nanocomposites were used to detect Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The quenching of photoluminescence of the nanocomposite shows an increase in the amount of E. coli bacteria. Furthermore, nanocomposites produce high inhibition zones against E. coli bacteria within 48 h, offering excellent antibacterial properties. Hence, nanocomposites provide a promising agent for bacteria detection and antibacterial treatment.

A Sustainable and Cost‐Effective Bioadsorbent for the Removal of Allura Red from Contaminated Water

AbstractFood grade dyes pose severe health hazards when consumed in excessive amounts or enter body via contaminated water. Despite its harmful effects, Allura Red (AR) is very less explored dye for its removal, especially using agricultural/fruit waste. This study presents efficient removal of an important and unsafe food grade dye, AR via adsorption. Waste watermelon peel waste has been used for the first time for treatmenting wastewater contaminated with AR. Waste was converted to two types of adsorbents, with and without subjecting it to pyrolysis. Both the adsorbents were characterized for functionality and crystallinity and used for conducting adsorption studies. Removal of dye was evaluated by intrinsic strategy of monitoring the model solutions under pre‐ and post‐adsorption conditions. Removal percentage of dye was determined by calculating its initial (Co) and final (Cf) concentrations in solution using the formula (see Eq. (1)). Various reaction parameters important for adsorption, viz. pH, adsorbent dose, residence time, reaction temperature and particle size were optimized. Results indicate that ~80 % and >92 % dye could be removed using 0.5 g/L adsorbent before and after pyrolysis respectively in 3.5 h from its 2 ppm concentration in modelled water.

Biochar-enhanced three-dimensional conductive network thick electrodes for efficient lithium extraction from salt lake brines with high Magnesia-lithium ratios

Enhancing the kinetic performance of thick electrodes is essential for improving the efficiency of lithium extraction processes. Biochar, known for its affordability and unique three-dimensional (3D) structure, is utilized across various applications. In this study, we developed a biochar-based, 3D-conductive network thick electrode (∼20 mg cm−2) by in-situ deposition of LiFePO4 (LFP) onto watermelon peel biomass (WB). Utilizing Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations complemented by experimental data, we confirmed that this The thick electrode exhibits outstanding kinetic properties and a high capacity for lithium intercalation in brines, even in environments where the Magnesia-lithium ratios are significantly high. The electrode showed an impressive intercalation capacity of 30.67 mg g−1 within 10 min in a pure lithium solution. It also maintained high intercalation performance (31.17 mg g−1) in simulated brines with high Magnesia-lithium ratios. Moreover, in actual brine, it demonstrated a significant extraction capacity (23.87 mg g−1), effectively lowering the Magnesia-lithium ratio from 65 to 0.50. This breakthrough in high-conductivity thick electrode design offers new perspectives for lithium extraction technologies.

Optimization of watermelon peel yogurt fermentation process and study on antioxidant capacity

This study aims to explore the variation patterns of total flavonoid and other antioxidant activities in watermelon peel yogurt, providing a basis for the production of a functional yogurt. Using watermelon peel as the raw material and total flavonoid content as the indicator, the optimal process of watermelon peel yogurt was optimized through single-factor and orthogonal experiments. The results indicate that yogurt fermented with a mass ratio of watermelon juice to milk at 1:3, fermentation time of 10 hours, and fermentation agent dosage of 0.10% exhibits a refreshing watermelon aroma, excellent texture, and almost no whey separation. After process optimization, the polysaccharide content of watermelon peel yogurt increased by 19%, and water-holding capacity rose to 63.3%. Texture analysis revealed a hardness of 81.50 g, viscosity of 20.00 g, adhesiveness of 1.20 mJ, elasticity of 8.83 mm, and a draw length of 6.76 mm. The physicochemical and microbiological properties of watermelon peel yogurt meet national standards, and it possesses a good free radical scavenging ability.

High Porous Activated Carbon Electrode Derived from Watermelon Peel Biomass Exposed with DC Glow Discharge Plasma Applied for Super Capacitors

The growing demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly technologies has spurred the exploration of innovative methods for waste management and resource utilization. Among the various bio-wastes generated globally, watermelon peel emerges as a significant contributor. To characterize carbon materials in the presence of functional groups, for morphological analysis, and intensity, we subjected activated fruit peel carbon to X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman studies. Furthermore, we examined its electrochemical performance. Another method used to assess wettability is the contact angle. Watermelon-rind-activated carbon was exposed to a DC glow discharge oxygen and air plasma with a 450 V applied potential. The air-treated carbon demonstrated a noteworthy capacitance of 1669 F g−1 at 0.5 mA g−1 in a 2 M KOH electrolyte. Our study found that the properties of the activated carbon were enhanced through cold plasma treatment. This research provides valuable insights into the potential resources of fruit peels and proposes a novel adsorbent with cost-effective advantages in supercapacitors, which could provide effective energy storage for portable gadgets, electric cars, and renewable energy systems, thus presenting a solution for sustainable waste management.

Microstructures and Dielectric Permittivity Properties of Fe3O4/Cdots Nanocomposites Synthesized by Green Route Utilizing Moringa Oleifera Extract and Watermelon Peel

Dielectric materials are beneficial for storing electrical energy due to their insulating and polarization properties in response to external electric fields. Magnetite has shown promise as a dielectric material among other materials due to its good magnetic properties, low toxicity, and biocompatibility. However, the weakness of Fe3O4, which has low stability and easy agglomeration, requires a modification on its surface by using Carbon dots (Cdots). This research investigates the dielectric properties of Fe3O4/Cdots obtained through the green synthesis method. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using the co-precipitation method with Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. In contrast, Cdots were synthesized using the hydrothermal method with watermelon peel waste as a carbon source. The Fe3O4 composite nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and impedance spectroscopy. The XRD spectra revealed the existence of cubic inverse spinel and a reduction in crystal size as the concentration of Cdots increased, measuring 7.8 and 7.1 nm, respectively. SEM-EDX revealed that the sample is composed of Fe, O, and C elements and has a spherical shape with Cdots distributed on the surface of Fe3O4. The UV-Vis spectrum showed the absorption peak of Cdots at 282 nm. The Fe3O4 absorption peak is identical to the Fe3O4/Cdots absorption peak at 193 nm. The increase in band gap energy from 2.96 to 3.33 eV is related to the increase in Cdots concentration. In the 10-900 kHz frequency range, dielectric property tests demonstrated peak dielectric permittivity values (real and imaginary). A substantial decrease was observed between 10 kHz and 200 kHz, followed by a relatively stable pattern up to 900 kHz. The loss tangent value obtained has a tanδ value <0.5, which means that the addition of Cdots affects reducing the energy loss stored in Fe3O4.

Growth and gross margin of broiler starter chicks fed graded levels of watermelon peel meal as a substitute for wheat offal

The performance of broiler chicks fed graded levels of watermelon peel meals as a substitute for wheat offal was investigated using ninety-six 1-day old Amo broiler chicks. They were allotted to four dietary treatments with each having three replicates and 8 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). The experiment diets contained 0.0, 1.25, 2.5 and 3.75% dried watermelon and coded as DWMP0.0, DWMP1.25, DWMP2.5 and DWMP3.75. Ninety-six (96) two-weeks old chicks were randomly assigned into four (4) dietary treatments, each having twenty-four (24) birds, and replicated three (3) times in a completely randomized design (CRD). The experimental diets contained 0.0, 1.25, 2.5 and 3.75% dried watermelon peels meal and coded as DWMP0.0, DWMP1.25, DWMP2.5 and DWMP3.75. Results obtained shows no significance (P&gt;0.05) difference in all the growth and economic parameters evaluated. Feed intake and weight gain which are indicators of growth were better in birds fed diets containing 2.5 and 3.75% watermelon peels. Gross margin analysis reveals that it is more economical to feed starter broilers with up to 3.75% DWMP. In conclusion, starter broiler chicks can be conveniently fed DWMP up to 3.75% for better growth and cost effective broiler production.

Simulation Analysis and Multiobjective Optimization of Pulverization Process of Seed-Used Watermelon Peel Pulverizer Based on EDEM

To enhance the utilization of seed-used watermelon peel and mitigate environmental pollution, a hammer-blade seed-used watermelon peel crusher was designed and manufactured, and its structure and working parameters were optimized. Initially, the seed-used watermelon peel crusher and seed-used watermelon peel model were constructed, and the model’s parameters were calibrated. Subsequently, the discrete element method (EDEM2022) was employed to investigate the effects of spindle speed (MSS), the number of hammers (NCB), and feeding volume (FQ) on the pulverizing process. Multivariate nonlinear regression prediction models were developed for the percentage of pulverized particle size less than 8 mm (Psv), pulverizing efficiency (Ge), and power density (Ppd), followed by the analysis of influencing factors and prediction models using ANOVA. The multiobjective optimization of the prediction model utilizing the improved hybrid metacellular genetic algorithm CellDE resulted in solutions of 90.02%, 89.57%, and 8.35 × 10−3 t/(h-kw) for Psv-opt, Ge-opt, and Ppd-opt, respectively. The corresponding optimal interaction values of MSS, NCB, and FQ were determined to be 1500 r/min, 108, and 150 kg/min. Finally, a prototype test was conducted by combining the optimal factor interaction values, yielding statistically calculated values of 96.63%, 92.37%, and 7.76 × 10−3 t/(h-kw) for Psv-pr, Ge-pr, and Ppd-pr, respectively. The results indicate that the optimized values of Psv-opt, Ge-opt, and Ppd-opt models have an error of less than 8% compared to the statistically calculated values of the prototype test and outperform the values of Psv-ori, Ge-ori, and Ppd-ori obtained under the original parameters.

Adsorption of Copper and Cadmium from Wastewater Using Chemically Activated Watermelon Peels as Adsorbent

Activated Carbon of high adsorption efficiency and highly active surface properties were prepared from water melon fruits peels by using 1M H2SO4 solution, followed by activation at 300oC for 30 minutes. The adsorption capacity of the activated carbon is considered on the following; the effect of concentration, adsorbent dosage, and contact time. The physicochemical characteristics such as ash content (18.7%), pH(6.72),moisture content (1.82), bulk density(0.36) and conductivity (32.4) were investigated to understand the adsorptive capacity of activated carbon prepared from water melon peels. The adsorptive efficiency of the adsorbent in removing Cadmium and Copper ions from wastewater were compared with Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm, which proved effective removal efficiency within the range of 91.80 – 99.98 %. On the whole chemically activated watermelon peels should be used in treating our wastewaters, for a cleaner and healthier environment.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of watermelon peels (Citrullus lanatusL) and their application in cake making

Watermelon peels (WP) were treated by ethanol 70% (v/v) to extract flavonoids and phenolic acids then were identified by paper chromatographic technique. Synthetic antioxidant (butylated hydroxytoluene, BHT) and natural antioxidant (WPE) exhibited strong and close antioxidative activities (90.60% and 84.76%, respectively). The watermelon peels extract and BHT were added to sunflower oil at levels 100 and 200 ppm to keep its quality during heating at 180 ± 5°C for 28h. Moreover, the synthetic and natural antioxidants were added to cake made up by sunflower oil at the same levels. Cake was stored at refrigerator at 5°C for 28 days and the lipids were extracted every four days. The results reported that the addition of watermelon peels extract as natural antioxidant to sunflower oil and cake delayed the lipid peroxidation during heating oil and storage of cake.