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This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of graphene, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs), and calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaONPs) against various microorganisms in dairy wastewater. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of graphene was determined to be 41.66 mg/L for Escherichia coli and 33.33 mg/L for Staphylococcus aureus, outperforming TiO2NPs and CaONPs. Additionally, graphene sheets embedded with 2.8% TiO2 (GST2.8) demonstrated superior performance in inhibiting bacterial growth compared to unmodified or other modified graphene sheets. The GST2.8 treatment significantly reduced microbial counts for S. aureus, E. coli, and mold/yeast, with the lowest observed counts being 4.85 CFU/mL, 3.00 CFU/mL, and 4.04 CFU/mL, respectively. These results suggest that graphene-based nanocomposites incorporating TiO2NPs and CaONPs hold promise as effective antimicrobial agents for wastewater treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fortified dairy products such as yogurt have attracted a lot of attention due to the increasing concern for public health. This study aimed to determine the effects of nanoemulsified and a microencapsulated protein hydrolysate obtained from Planiliza abu on some of the properties of yogurt. The physicochemical, rheological, microbiological, and sensory evaluation of the fortified yogurt samples stored at 4°C were assessed during 21 days. The fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs) < or >10 kDa protein were used. The amino acid profile of Planiliza abu was glutamic acid (78.99%), aspartic acid (59.53%), and lysine (53.54%). No significant change was observed in titratable acidity (TA) and pH of supplemented yogurts during refrigeration. The highest survival level of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), water‐holding capacity (WHC), and viscosity and the lowest syneresis were observed in fortified samples with FPH <10 kDa. The highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was achieved in yogurt fortified with nanoemulsion FPH < 10 kDa (NEh10a, 0.41 mg/g). The results showed that fortified yogurt with FPH, particularly less than 10 kDa, is among the desirable functional food with appropriate gel network and consistency as well as better taste and mouth feel, and higher overall acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of bicyclic heterocycles, notably nitrogen-containing imidazopyridines, holds immense appeal due to their structural diversity and pivotal role in biological systems. These compounds are ubiquitously found in nature and are prized for their significance in both chemical and biological contexts. Imidazopyridine derivatives, among nitrogen heterocycles, serve as fundamental structures in various applications spanning pharmaceuticals to food additives. Consequently, their synthesis and modification represent a focal point in both natural and synthetic organic chemistry. This review aims to comprehensively explore conventional methodologies alongside innovative synthesis approaches, while also delving into the diverse biological properties exhibited by these versatile heterocycles. Through this examination, we endeavor to provide valuable insights that will contribute to further advancements in the synthesis and utilization of imidazopyridines in various fields.

The increasing incidence of fraud in the olive oil market, particularly through adulteration with cheaper oils, poses a major challenge for the industry. This study examines the effectiveness of fluorescence spectroscopy combined with chemometric tools as a method to detect and quantify olive oil adulteration. Chemical analyses were used to measure parameters such as specific absorption coefficients K232 and K270, peroxide value, and acidity, in accordance with International Olive Council (IOC) standards. These measurements were conducted on samples of olive oil blended with varying percentages of adulterating oils. 3D fluorescence spectra were analyzed to examine the changes induced by adulteration. The results show that free acidity and peroxide value decrease with increasing adulteration degree, while the parameters K232 and K270 increase with the degree of adulteration. Principal component analysis (PCA) was effectively used to differentiate samples based on the percentage of adulterant. A partial least squares (PLS) regression model was developed, achieving a correlation coefficient of 0.999 for predicting the percentage of adulterant in olive oil. This PLS model also proved effective in predicting oil quality parameters such as free acidity and K232 and K270 indices. The results of this study demonstrate the significant potential of fluorescence spectroscopy as a rapid and non-destructive method for olive oil authentication. PCA emerges as a powerful tool for characterizing pure oils without requiring sample preparation or destruction. Furthermore, PLS models provide accurate means to predict both the presence of adulterants and olive oil quality parameters. This approach offers a promising solution to combat fraud in the olive oil industry, ensuring product integrity and quality.

The qualitative and quantitative analysis aims to identify secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenes, and other substances commonly referred to as phytochemicals. Qualitative phytochemical screening relies on color and precipitation tests that indicate the presence or absence of a metabolite, while quantitative analysis accounts for the quantity or concentration of the bioactive compounds contained within the extracts. During the quantitative determination of the total content of phenolics and flavonoids present in the extracts, we used the conventional soxhlet extraction (SE) method with solvents of different polarities. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the impact of solvents with varying polarity on both the extraction yield and phytochemical composition of A. unedo leaves. The findings indicate that yield and polyphenol content vary from one extract to another. Thus, the ethanol extract (EEAU) showed the highest percentage extraction yield (15.23%) and the highest total phenolic content (TPC) with 122.82 ± 5.42 mg GAE/gext. In contrast, the dichloromethane extract (EDAU) had the lowest extraction yield (1.76%), while the methanol extract (EMAU) showed the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) with 45.8 ± 1.3 mg QE/gext. Generally, these data provide information into the phytochemical content of various extracts of the plant growing in the Ait Ammart region. These extracts contain several bioactive substances that will be useful in the formulation of pharmaceutical products for a variety of diseases and may have applications in the food industry.

Imidazopyridine and its derivatives are essential heterocycles widely utilized in medicinal chemistry, natural products, and synthetic chemicals. The unique structural characteristics of the imidazopyridine ring facilitate their interaction with various enzymes and receptors through weak interactions, leading to a wide range of biological and pharmacological effects. Many imidazole derivatives are extensively used in clinical practice to treat various diseases, highlighting their significant potential for further research. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current research on imidazopyridine or imidazopyridine derivatives in medicinal chemistry, focusing on their roles as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and other therapeutic agents.

This mini review delves into the critical need to effectively eliminate nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, and ammonium from wastewater to mitigate environmental pollution and uphold water quality standards. Stemming from various human activities like agricultural runoff, industrial processes, and municipal discharges, these pollutants pose significant risks to both aquatic ecosystems and human health if left unaddressed. The study primarily focuses on the efficacy of coagulation-flocculation as a treatment method, which involves the addition of chemicals known as coagulants to destabilize the pollutants. The review further examines the influence of various parameters such as pH, coagulant dosage, and temperature on the simultaneous removal of these contaminants [1,2]. Through detailed analysis, it elucidates the complex interactions among these factors and their consequential impact on overall removal efficiency. Moreover, it underscores the significance of adopting advanced treatment methods like coagulation-flocculation. Additionally, it emphasizes the ongoing need for further research and optimization to address the evolving challenges of wastewater pollution and water resource management comprehensively. By providing insights into optimizing coagulation-flocculation processes, this review underscores the importance of tailored treatment strategies for comprehensive pollutant removal.

Amoxicillin’s prevalence in aquatic environments, stemming from widespread medical usage, serves as a significant indicator of pharmaceutical contamination. Adsorption stands out as the preferred method for addressing this issue due to its simplicity, efficacy, practicality, and cost-effectiveness. This systematic review delves into peer-reviewed literature on amoxicillin removal through adsorption, drawing from databases like ScienceDirect and Scopus. Researchers have investigated adsorption equilibrium under varied conditions, exploring parameters such as pH, temperature, and adsorbent dosage. The diverse range of observed elimination levels underscores the critical importance of careful adsorbent selection, with capacities spanning from 10 to 1500 mg/g. Pseudo-second-order kinetic models and the Langmuir isotherm model frequently offer suitable descriptions of experimental data. Future research avenues could explore alternative kinetic models to deepen our understanding of amoxicillin adsorption mechanisms and foster the development of innovative adsorbents.

Medicinal plants serve as a significant source of bioactive molecules, with their utilization in the medical realm dating back to ancient times through herbal preparations. In Morocco, the utilization of plants remains integral to traditional medicine. Despite numerous studies documenting indigenous knowledge regarding plant use, scant attention has been given to northern Morocco, particularly the Rif region. This study seeks to enrich and consolidate our understanding of plant utilization in this area. The ethnobotanical investigation was centred on medicinal plants employed in cosmetics within northern Morocco. A questionnaire was disseminated, gathering data encompassing plant names, utilized plant parts, and preparation methods. The study identified 32 plant species utilized in cosmetics, including Cannabis sativa L., Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter, Juglans regia L., and Rubus fruticosus L. Leaves emerged as the most used plant parts, with decoction and infusion being the predominant preparation methods. This survey facilitated a comprehensive examination of ethnobotanical knowledge, shedding light on the primary plants employed in cosmetics. Prudent management of these resources is imperative to prevent future shortages.

Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa L. is an industrial plant that has gained importance due to its essential oil (EO), which has commercial, medical, and potential cosmetic applications. Despite its significance, the chemical constituents of the C. sativa EO cultivated in Morocco is not well understood. In this context, the current study aimed to define and analyze the volatile fraction and evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the plant C. sativa EO for the first time in the Al-Hoceima province in northern Morocco. To assess its chemical composition, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized after hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-style apparatus. The analysis revealed that caryophyllene, α-humulene, and β-myrcene were the major constituents, accounting for 31.77%, 11.21%, and 8.76% of the EO, respectively. Antioxidant activity results indicate that the potency of C. sativa EO is interesting (IC50 = 4.45 mg/mL) for the DPPH● (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) test. These findings indicate that the C. sativa EO may serve as a natural source of antioxidants.

Nanoparticles (NPs) in a variety of types are used in food packaging films. Ag NPs and Ag@TiO2 NPs were embedded in polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) based films in an effort to create unique films that would effectively extend the shelf life of beluga sturgeon fish. To achieve this, 22 films were formulated. Two of them were nominated based on an antibacterial evaluation. Pure PE and PLA were selected as control groups. TEM, SEM, FTIR, EDX, AFM, and tensile strength were employed to study the films chemically, physically, and mechanically. The films were used to package beluga sturgeon fish for 6 days, and then humidity, TVN, PV, and colony count were measured. According to the results, Ag@TiO2 NPs had higher antibacterial activity than AgNPs. Films with 3% of Ag@TiO2 NPs showed higher microorganism growth inhibition. The addition of Ag@TiO2 NPs increased the mechanical properties. Both selected films, controlled humidity (<70%), TVN (20 mg/100 g fish), and PV (<6 meq gr O2/kg fat) after 6 days. It was also confirmed that Ag@TiO2 NPs showed notable antibacterial activity after 6 days. The best results belonged to PE + 3% Ag@TiO2 film. To sum up, PE + 3% Ag@TiO2 film can be a good candidate for marine food packaging. Highlights: Ag and Ag@TiO2 nanoparticles were studied on polyethylene and polylactic acid.This packaging reveals the favorable effect of Ag@TiO2.This packaging prolongs fish's shelf life under refrigeration.Ag@TiO2 increased both mechanical strength and barrier properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, solvent-free, and field-compatible approach to sample preparation is provided by the basic process known as solid-phase micro extraction (SPME). The aim of this study was to improve the circumstances under which triazines were extracted from aqueous matrices. The complex technique enabled the detection of the analytes in the water at a physiological level. An evaluation of the practicability of the most commercially available fiber coatings has been conducted. The porous materials (Carbowax/DVB and PDMS/DVB) extracted more efficiently than homogeneous ones (PDMS and polyacrylate). Further investigation has been focused on 65 mm PDMS/DVB fiber. Solid phase microextraction is a technique based on the partition equilibrium of analytes between the sample and the fiber. Therefore, 60 minutes were required to reach equilibrium at room temperature. The desorption efficiency at 3 temperature levels had been compared and 270 °C was retained. Experiments were performed with a Finnigan MAT GCQ Model installed with a 30-m x 0.32-mm ID, ZB-5 (0.25-mm film thickness) fused-silica capillary column, and Helium as a carrier gas (at 30 kPa), The ion trap mass spectrometer was operated in the electron ionization (EI) mode. Keywords: Fiber coating, Gaz chromatography, Mass spectrometry, Pesticides, Water matrices, Analysis.

The composition of leachates is very variable and rich in toxic compounds, which requires treatment before discharge into the natural environment in order to avoid their impact on the environment and/or human health and to comply with the requirements of regulatory discharge standards in the natural environment. Among the parameters indicating pollution by leachates, we have COD, BOD5, conductivity, pH, the presence of ammonium ions, nitrite, nitrate, chloride, orthophosphate, etc. This study presents the results of synthetic leachate orthophosphate adsorption tests on bentonite clays. For the determination of the orthophosphate concentration in the synthetic leachate, before and after adsorption, we applied the method of Ultra-Violet adsorption spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity of bentonite, the amount needed and the removal efficiency were determined. The orthophosphate adsorption yield on bentonite reaches up to 32.6 % for 5 g/L of bentonite stirred for 4 hours and exceeds 39,19 % after 24 hours of stirring.

This study aims to demonstrate the efficacy of both raw and pure bentonite as a coagulant/adjuvant in treating raw water from the Al Hoceima plant. The focus of this study lies in the evaluation of two distinct coagulant combinations with bentonite: aluminum sulfate/bentonite and chitosan/bentonite. Additionally, an assessment is made on the contrasting efficiencies of pure and raw bentonite in coagulation-flocculation processes. The potential link between Alzheimer's disease and aluminum has raised concerns due to the presence of aluminum residues after the treatment of raw water. By employing a natural organic coagulant, it becomes possible to mitigate environmental and human health risks. The experimentation involved various sections of jar tests. These tests encompassed the addition of sole coagulants (either aluminum sulfate or chitosan) as well as tests utilizing coagulant/adjuvant combinations (either aluminum sulfate or chitosan/bentonite) for raw water treatment. Key parameters under scrutiny included turbidity, pH, aluminum, and oxidizability. Results underscore that the inclusion of 30 mg/L of bentonite as an adjuvant alongside aluminum sulfate led to a 95.11% reduction in turbidity and a 56.75% decrease in oxidizable content. Similarly, the incorporation of 250 mg/L of bentonite with chitosan resulted in a 95.26% decrease in turbidity and a 57.39% reduction in oxidizable matter. Moreover, a comparative analysis between raw and pure bentonite in conjunction with coagulants was performed. Bentonite exhibited a discernible impact on the coagulation/flocculation process, contributing to larger floc formation, enhanced sedimentation rates, and influencing pH levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging organic micropollutants, such as bisphenol A (BPA), have raised concerns about their negative impact on human health and ecological safety. This review article aims to demonstrate and highlight recent advances in adsorption applications for bisphenol A, a toxic environmental pollutant commonly found in wastewater. There are many reasons to use non-toxic materials and eco-friendly technologies to remove this pollutant from sewage. [1] Several adsorbents previously used have shown significant efficiency and performance for the removal of BPAs, and current research is directed towards the development of low-cost treatment processes using materials such as clays and Chitosan. The properties of the adsorbent can be adjusted by changing their surface for an optimized performance. In addition, the efficiency of the adsorption process depends on various parameters such as solution pH, the pollutant concentration, contact time, temperature, nature and dose of the adsorbent, which are also discussed. In addition, we critically review the isothermal, kinetic and thermodynamic approaches. [2]

Due to population growth and the intensification of economic activity, the production of solid waste is constantly increasing in Morocco [1]. Several programs consist of the establishment of controlled landfills and the rehabilitation of uncontrolled landfills. The impact of landfilling is the production of liquid effluents rich in organic, mineral, and metallic matter called leachate [2,3]. The choice of leachate treatment is based on the characteristics of the leachate. Any treatment process has advantages and limitations, so before proceeding with the treatment it is necessary to characterize the leachate to choose the appropriate process [11]. The objective of this study is to prepare synthetic leachate based on the characteristics of real leachate (case of the controlled landfill of Al Hoceima), in order to carry out treatability tests of this synthetic leachate by controlling the various parameters of analysis. This solution was made from organic (CH3CO2H, CH3CO2Na) and inorganic compounds (MgSO4, CaCl2, Ca(OH)2, NH4Cl, KOH, MgCl2), the various analyzes of this solution gave values comparable to the real solution. This work was devoted to carrying out the treatability tests of synthetic leachate by a process of adsorption on bentonite, by studying its yield to reduce the organic load.

Batch measurements were conducted to assess the adsorption performance of raw and acid-activated bentonite with various operating conditions, including pH, initial Bisphenol A (BPA) concentration, contact time, and temperature. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the structure and morphology of bentonite. On a laboratory scale, isotherm experiments were carried out, and the results were compared to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Langmuir model fits the equilibrium data well. The optimum conditions for the removal of BPA within the experiment range of variables studies were 1 g/L of initial BPA concentration, pH value of 3, 0.25 g/100 mL of adsorbent dose and 180 min of contact time. The maximum removal efficiency was 51.8% under these conditions. The experimental results indicate that the adsorption was degraded by increasing the pH. The decrease of adsorbent characteristics with increasing temperature from 25°C to 65°C was observed in this work, indicating exothermic and chemical adsorption in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moving towards globalization, food packaging requires longer storage time, quality control, and hygienic measures based on international standards. Nanotechnology can meet all these needs and implement the essential factors for packaging, storage, protection, marketing, distribution, and communications. Polymer nanotechnology can provide new food packaging materials with suitable mechanical, inhibitory, and antimicrobial properties along with nanosensors to track and control food conditions during transportation and storage. In this survey, the latest innovations and applications of nanomaterials in food packaging using improved, active, and smart nanotechnology are reviewed. Moreover, the current business situation, understanding of the health concept in these technologies, as well as the limitations of recently advanced polymer nanomaterials that can effectively change the food packaging industry are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Several foodborne outbreaks associated with the consumption of vegetables have been reported which involved Vibrio spp. as causative agents. Conventional methods of detecting these microorganisms are time-consuming. Therefore, the development of techniques for rapid detection seems to be of paramount importance. OBJECTIVES: The present study recommends a rapid and reliable method for the detection of Vibrio cholera (V. cholera), V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. alginolyticus. Moreover, the results are compared with the conventional plate culture method. METHODS: The conventional bacteriological tests were conducted to detect Vibrio spp. in vegetables and their surrounding water. The samples were also subjected to a newly developed multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using five specific genes, including VC-Rmm of V. cholerae, VP-MmR of V. parahaemolyticus, VV-Rmm of V. vulnificus, V.al2-MmR of V. alginolyticus, and VM-F for all the four isolates. RESULTS: The presence of V. alginolyticus and V. vulnificus was confirmed by amplifying the specific regions of 412 bp for V. vulnificus and 144 bp for V. alginolyticus. The results demonstrated that V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus were not detected in multiplex PCR, which was consistent with the findings of conventional plating methods. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results revealed that the designed multiplex PCR assay is a reliable, rapid, and cost-effective method for the simultaneous detection of Vibrio spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to observe the effectiveness of bentonite as a coagulation adjuvant on water treatment quality at Ait Baha station. In our case, bentonite is used as a source of turbidity and is not an adsorbent. Jar tests were performed on raw water samples of low turbidity according to the approach applied in the laboratory. The performance of the bentonite was tested in mixtures: raw water/bentonite, raw water/coagulant and coagulant/bentonite. The main objectives of this study are to verify whether bentonite acts as a coagulation aid for water treatment, and then to minimize the dose of aluminum sulfate while respecting the treatment yield of the station. Indeed, the results obtained showed that the addition of bentonite doses of 20 mg/L can eliminate 96.72% of the turbidity and 60% of the oxidizable material. Also the increase of the dose of bentonite decreases the pH more than the use of aluminum sulfate alone, which makes the water pH optimal for coagulation–flocculation, but also to improve the coagulation and flocculation processes to obtain a good quality effluent and the rapid sedimentation of the flocs formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sol-gel and melt-mixing processes, which are used for the synthesis of low-density polyethylene/silver/titanium dioxide nanocomposites, can inactivate pathogens. In the sol-gel method, the nanocomposites were used to treat four selected microorganisms using the disk-diffusion method. In the melt-mixing method, fish coverage films were used to examine the shelf life of fish. TiO2 along with different concentrations of Ag (0%, 1%, 3%, and 5%) generated the nanocomposites. The maximum inhibition zone diameters (mm) for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger in 3% Ag were measured. It was concluded that applying the LDPE/Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites produced could be beneficial for inactivation of pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]