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The size and shape of solar box cooker is determined by the volume of the vessel, which in turn depends on the number of family members. The primary objective of this study is to overcome the obstacles inhibiting researchers from crafting solar box cookers tailored to their specific research needs, as well as hindrances preventing manufacturers from effectively bringing them to market. This experimental study aims to identify two novel optimal volumetric efficiencies (VE1 and VE2) to minimize cooking time. To achieve this goal, we employed two identical solar box cookers made from the same materials and four vessels. The results obtained clearly show that the absorber temperature reached a maximum value of 124.9 °C and the boiling time was the shortest 02h50 when the first volumetric efficiency VE1 had the least value of 6.2% and the second volumetric efficiency VE2 had the greatest value of 100%. It is concluded that these two volumetric efficiencies could serve as benchmark parameters for future research, providing a standardized reference for developing solar box cookers of varied shapes and sizes under the same climatic conditions.

This study investigates heavy metal contamination in soils, irrigation water, and agricultural produce (fruits: Vitis vinifera (grape), Cucumis melo var. saccharimus (melon), and Citrullus vulgaris. Schrade (watermelon); vegetables: Lycopersicum esculentum L. (tomato), Cucurbita pepo (zucchini), Daucus carota (carrot), Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Convolvulus Batatas (potato), and Capsicum annuum L. (green pepper)) in the Boumerdes region of Algeria. The concentrations of seven heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) in soil and food samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Health risks associated with these metals were evaluated through the estimated daily intake (EDI), non-carcinogenic risks (using target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ), and hazard index (HI)), and carcinogenic risks (cancer risk factor (CR)). Statistical analyses, including cluster analysis (CA) and Pearson correlation, were conducted to interpret the data. The results revealed the highest metal transfer as follows: Cd was most significantly transferred to tomatoes and watermelons; Cr to carrots; Cu to tomatoes; and Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn to lettuce. Among fruits, the highest EDI values were for Zn (2.54·10−3 mg/day) and Cu (1.17·10−3 mg/day), with melons showing the highest Zn levels. For vegetables, the highest EDI values were for Fe (1.68·10−2 mg/day) and Zn (8.37·10−3 mg/day), with potatoes showing the highest Fe levels. Although all heavy metal concentrations were within the World Health Organization's permissible limits, the HI and TTHQ values indicated potential health risks, particularly from vegetable consumption. These findings suggest the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure food safety and mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]