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Opuntia ficus-indica, also known as the prickly pear, is a cactus belonging to the Cactaceae family. For centuries, this remarkable plant has been valued for its medicinal, environmental, and culinary uses. The primary objective of this research is to examine and contrast the chemical composition, functional attributes, and nutritional significance of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes sourced from three distinct regions in Morocco: Oulad Boubker, Imzouren, and Skoura. According to the results, moisture content differs significantly between the three sites, from 88.21 ± 0.20% to 92.11 ± 0.10%, with an acid pH value. While the ash content remained consistent across all three samples. Carbohydrate content ranging from 55.40 ± 0.08% to 55.90 ± 0.60%, fat content from 2.30 ± 0.21 to 2.62 ± 0.09, protein from 7.54 ± 0.03% to 9.07 ± 0.16%, crude fibers from 20.52 ± 1.87% to 21.00 ± 0.20%, and soluble fibers from 15.08 ± 0.16% to 16.33 ± 1.25%. Additionally, total chlorophyll content varied between 102.64 ± 8.93 and 144.80 ± 3.08 mg.100 g−1 DM. The functional properties showed considerable differences between the three samples: the water holding capacity ranged from 109.58 ± 0.11 to 174.95 ± 0.06 g water.100 g−1 DM, the oil holding capacity from 129.27 ± 0.39 to 146.51 ± 0.39 g oil.100 g−1 DM and the solubility index from 25.75 ± 0.60 to 33.18 ± 0.15 g solids.100 g−1 DM. Mineral analysis revealed significant differences based on location. The concentrations of potassium exhibited a considerable elevation compared to those of magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, and zinc. Moreover, the existence of diverse organic functional entities, including alcohols, ketones, and acids, was authenticated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. A differential distribution of the chemical composition of cladodes according to region was confirmed by nutritional, mineral and functional characterization and functional groups of cladodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating phenomenon of bacterial resistance to antibiotics over time, coupled with the consequential detrimental effects of oxidative stress on cellular aging, and the usage of pesticides with varying degrees of toxicity, thereby impacting both human health and the environment, represents a pressing global concern. Consequently, researchers are compelled to identify novel biomolecules derived from plants and their derivatives that possess antibacterial, antioxidant, and insecticidal properties. The olive tree (Olea europaea L.), a fruit-bearing tree within the Oleaceae family, characterized by its olives, has been cultivated for millennia, particularly in Mediterranean regions, with its leaves being primarily employed for their multifarious therapeutic attributes. In this investigation, extracts were procured from olive leaves through employment of the Soxhlet apparatus, followed by the quantification of total polyphenols and flavonoids. The assessment of the antioxidant potential of these extracts was conducted using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The antibacterial efficacy was evaluated via the disk diffusion method against six pathogenic bacterial strains, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Salmonella sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, the in vitro aphicide activity of Olea europaea L. extracts were investigated at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% against the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scop. The findings of this study suggest that olive leaf extracts exhibit robust antioxidant properties and display modest antibacterial activity against pathogenic agents. Hence, these extracts are strongly endorsed for their potential role as eco-friendly antioxidants, and owing to their modest yet efficient insect-repelling attributes, they can be utilized as a sustainable, low-impact insecticide in the ecological engineering approach to controlling black aphids in bean crops. Therefore, the utilization of olive tree-derived extracts is encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juncus acutus, acknowledged through its indigenous nomenclature "samar", is part of the Juncaceae taxonomic lineage, bearing considerable import as a botanical reservoir harboring conceivable therapeutic attributes. Its historical precedence in traditional curative methodologies for the alleviation of infections and inflammatory conditions is notable. In the purview of Eastern traditional medicine, Juncus species seeds find application for their remedial efficacy in addressing diarrhea, while the botanical fruits are subjected to infusion processes targeting the attenuation of symptoms associated with cold manifestations. The primary objective of this study was to unravel the phytochemical composition of distinct constituents within J. acutus, specifically leaves (JALE) and roots (JARE), originating from the indigenous expanse of the Nador region in northeastern Morocco. The extraction of plant constituents was executed utilizing an ethanol-based extraction protocol. The subsequent elucidation of chemical constituents embedded within the extracts was accomplished employing analytical techniques based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For the purpose of in vitro antioxidant evaluation, a dual approach was adopted, encompassing the radical scavenging technique employing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay. The acquired empirical data showcase substantial radical scavenging efficacy and pronounced relative antioxidant activity. Specifically, the DPPH and TAC methods yielded values of 483.45 ± 4.07 µg/mL and 54.59 ± 2.44 µg of ascorbic acid (AA)/mL, respectively, for the leaf extracts. Correspondingly, the root extracts demonstrated values of 297.03 ± 43.3 µg/mL and 65.615 ± 0.54 µg of AA/mL for the DPPH and TAC methods. In the realm of antimicrobial evaluation, the assessment of effects was undertaken through the agar well diffusion technique. The minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum fungicidal concentration were determined for each extract. The inhibitory influence of the ethanol extracts was observed across bacterial strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the notable exception of Escherichia coli. However, fungal strains such as Candida glabrata and Rhodotorula glutinis exhibited comparatively lower resistance, whereas Aspergillus niger and Penicillium digitatum exhibited heightened resistance, evincing negligible antifungal activity. An anticipatory computational assessment of pharmacokinetic parameters was conducted, complemented by the application of the Pro-tox II web tool to delineate the potential toxicity profile of compounds intrinsic to the studied extracts. The culmination of these endeavors underpins the conceivable prospects of the investigated extracts as promising candidates for oral medicinal applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout history, essential oils have been employed for their pleasing scents and potential therapeutic benefits. These oils have shown promise in various areas, including aromatherapy, personal care products, natural remedies, and even as alternatives to traditional cleaning agents or pest control solutions. The study aimed to explore the chemical makeup, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of Origanum compactum Benth., Salvia officinalis L., and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et Perry. Initially, the composition of the three essential oils, O. compactum (HO), S. officinalis (HS), and S. aromaticum (HC) was analyzed using GC-MS technology, revealing significant differences in the identified compounds. α-thujone emerged as the predominant volatile component in the oils, making up 78.04% of the composition, followed by eugenol, which constituted 72.66% and 11.22% of the HC and HO oils, respectively. To gauge antioxidant capabilities, tests involving DPPH scavenging capacity and total antioxidant capacity were conducted. Antioxidant activity was determined through the phosphomolybdate test and the DPPH• radical scavenging activity, with the HO essential oil displaying significant scavenging capacity (IC50 of 0.12 ± 0.02 mg/mL), similar to ascorbic acid (IC50 of 0.26 ± 0.24 mg/mL). Similarly, the TAC assay for HO oil revealed an IC50 of 1086.81 ± 0.32 µM AAE/mg. Additionally, the oils' effectiveness against four bacterial strains, namely Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes, and five fungi, Geotrichum candidum, Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida glabrata, and Candida albicans, was tested in vitro. The examined essential oils generally exhibited limited antimicrobial effects, with the exception of HC oil, which demonstrated an exceptionally impressive level of antifungal activity. In order to clarify the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal effects of the identified plant compounds, we employed computational methods, specifically molecular docking. This technique involved studying the interactions between these compounds and established protein targets associated with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of irrigation water quality on the synthesis of secondary metabolites and the chemical composition of Mentha piperita essential oil (MPEO). Three essential oils from Mentha piperita plants, irrigated with different water sources commonly used for mint irrigation in Morocco's Oriental region, were analyzed. The water sources were characterized based on various parameters, such as nitrites, nitrates, orthophosphates, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), pH, and electrical conductivity. The essential oils were extracted using hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), revealing notable variations among the compositions of the three essential oils. In this study, in silico tests using the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) algorithm; the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) model; and Pro-Tox II were conducted to evaluate the drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic properties, expected safety profile upon ingestion, and potential pharmacological activity of the identified compounds in MPEO. The antioxidant activity of the MPEOs was assessed through a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and the total antioxidant activity (TAC) method. Additionally, the antimicrobial effectiveness of the essential oils was tested against four bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and four fungal strains (Candida glabrata, Rhodotorula glutinis, Penicillium digitatum, Aspergillus niger), demonstrating moderate to strong activities against the tested strains. This study concludes that regulating irrigation water quality can enhance the production of specific metabolites, making them potentially valuable as antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern region of Morocco is renowned for the production of two varieties of figs, Ghoudane (GD) and Chetoui (CH), which are characterized by their high productivity and quality. To ensure a profitable selling price, producers often dry these figs, a process that not only increases their storage capability but also enhances their nutritional and health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the composition and potential health benefits of dried GD and CH figs. The findings of this study reveal that both varieties of dried figs have a rich composition of sugars, lipids, proteins, vegetable fibers, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and other nutrients. Moreover, both GD and CH figs that have been sun-dried meet the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's standard in terms of dry matter and diameter. However, their marketability and commercial quality as dried figs are only classified as Category I or lower-caliber figs. In terms of color, CH figs are lighter and brighter than their GD counterparts, making them more appealing to consumers. Furthermore, this study investigated the extraction of polyphenols and flavonoids from both dried fig varieties using different solvents. Distilled water was found to be the best extraction solvent for polyphenols in both varieties, with GD figs showing a higher content (483.6 mg GAE/100 g) than CH figs (408.3 mg GAE/100 g). Meanwhile, ethanol was found to be the best extraction solvent for flavonoids, with GD figs (180.2 mg of QE/100 g) showing a higher content than CH figs (122.9 mg of QE/100 g). In addition, the majority of the extracts, particularly the ethanol extracts, showed high efficiency against the tested bacteria and yeast. Notably, dried GD figs had higher amounts of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities compared to dried CH figs. The study also revealed high correlations between phytochemical content and both antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In conclusion, this study highlights the nutritional and health benefits of dried figs, particularly the GD variety, and their potential as a natural source of antimicrobial compounds. The findings suggest that dried figs could be an alternative source of natural antimicrobial agents for various applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of malignant cells in breast tissue, and oxidative stress activated by an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with its development and progression. Essential oils from medicinal plants, known for their antioxidant and therapeutic properties, are being explored as alternatives. Ptychotis verticillata, also known as Nûnkha, is a medicinal plant native to Morocco, belonging to the Apiaceae family, and used for generations in traditional medicine. This study focuses on the phytochemical characterization of P. verticillata essential oil (PVEO) from the province of Oujda, Morocco, for its therapeutic properties. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation, and its volatile components were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed the presence of various aromatic and terpene compounds, with carvacrol being the most abundant compound. PVEO showed antioxidant properties in several tests, including β-carotene bleaching, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). It also demonstrated cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, with higher selectivity for MDA-MB-231. The results reveal that Ptychotis verticillata essential oil (PVEO) could be a promising natural alternative for the treatment of breast cancer, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The botanical species Ceratonia siliqua L., commonly referred to as the Carob tree, and locally as "L'Kharrûb", holds significance as an agro-sylvo-pastoral species, and is traditionally utilized in Morocco for treating a variety of ailments. This current investigation aims to ascertain the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties of the ethanolic extract of C. siliqua leaves (CSEE). Initially, we analyzed the chemical composition of CSEE through high-performance liquid chromatography with Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-DAD). Subsequently, we conducted various assessments, including DPPH scavenging capacity, β-carotene bleaching assay, ABTS scavenging, and total antioxidant capacity assays to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the extract. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial properties of CSEE against five bacterial strains (two gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis; and three gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, Escherichia vekanda, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two fungi (Candida albicans, and Geotrichum candidum). Additionally, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of CSEE on three human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-436) and assessed the potential genotoxicity of the extract using the comet assay. Through HPLC-DAD analysis, we determined that phenolic acids and flavonoids were the primary constituents of the CSEE extract. The results of the DPPH test indicated a potent scavenging capacity of the extract with an IC50 of 302.78 ± 7.55 µg/mL, which was comparable to that of ascorbic acid with an IC50 of 260.24 ± 6.45 µg/mL. Similarly, the β-carotene test demonstrated an IC50 of 352.06 ± 12.16 µg/mL, signifying the extract's potential to inhibit oxidative damage. The ABTS assay revealed IC50 values of 48.13 ± 3.66 TE µmol/mL, indicating a strong ability of CSEE to scavenge ABTS radicals, and the TAC assay demonstrated an IC50 value of 165 ± 7.66 µg AAE/mg. The results suggest that the CSEE extract had potent antioxidant activity. Regarding its antimicrobial activity, the CSEE extract was effective against all five tested bacterial strains, indicating its broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. However, it only showed moderate activity against the two tested fungal strains, suggesting it may not be as effective against fungi. The CSEE exhibited a noteworthy dose-dependent inhibitory activity against all the tested tumor cell lines in vitro. The extract did not induce DNA damage at the concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 µg/mL, as assessed by the comet assay. However, the 100 µg/mL concentration of CSEE resulted in a significant genotoxic effect compared to the negative control. A computational analysis was conducted to determine the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the constituent molecules present in the extract. The Prediction of Activity Spectra of Substances (PASS) test was employed to forecast the potential biological activities of these molecules. Additionally, the toxicity of the molecules was evaluated using the Protox II webserver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mastic tree, scientifically known as Pistacia lentiscus, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, was used in this study. The aim of this research was to analyze the chemical composition of this plant and assess its antioxidant and antibacterial properties using both laboratory experiments and computer simulations through molecular docking, a method that predicts the binding strength of a small molecule to a protein. The soxhlet method (SE) was employed to extract substances from the leaves of P. lentiscus found in the eastern region of Morocco. Hexane and methanol were the solvents used for the extraction process. The n-hexane extract was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify its fatty acid content. The methanolic extract underwent high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) to determine the presence of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH spectrophotometric test. The findings revealed that the main components in the n-hexane extract were linoleic acid (40.97 ± 0.33%), oleic acid (23.69 ± 0.12%), and palmitic acid (22.83 ± 0.10%). Catechin (37.05 ± 0.15%) was identified as the predominant compound in the methanolic extract through HPLC analysis. The methanolic extract exhibited significant DPPH radical scavenging, with an IC50 value of 0.26 ± 0.14 mg/mL. The antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, and Escherichia coli, while the antifungal activity was evaluated against Geotrichum candidum and Rhodotorula glutinis. The P. lentiscus extract demonstrated notable antimicrobial effects. Additionally, apart from molecular docking, other important factors, such as drug similarity, drug metabolism and distribution within the body, potential adverse effects, and impact on bodily systems, were considered for the substances derived from P. lentiscus. Scientific algorithms, such as Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS), Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME), and Pro-Tox II, were utilized for this assessment. The results obtained from this research support the traditional medicinal usage of P. lentiscus and suggest its potential for drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ptychotis verticillata Duby, referred to as Nûnkha in the local language, is a medicinal plant that is native to Morocco. This particular plant is a member of the Apiaceae family and has a longstanding history in traditional medicine and has been utilized for therapeutic purposes by practitioners for generations. The goal of this research is to uncover the phytochemical makeup of the essential oil extracted from P. verticillata, which is indigenous to the Touissite region in Eastern Morocco. The extraction of the essential oil of P. verticillata (PVEO) was accomplished through the use of hydro-distillation via a Clevenger apparatus. The chemical profile of the essential oil was then determined through analysis utilizing gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The study findings indicated that the essential oil of P. verticillata is composed primarily of Carvacrol (37.05%), D-Limonene (22.97%), γ-Terpinene (15.97%), m-Cymene (12.14%) and Thymol (8.49%). The in vitro antioxidant potential of PVEO was evaluated using two methods: the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical trapping assay and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method. The data demonstrated considerable radical scavenging and relative antioxidative power. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most susceptible bacterial strains tested, while Geotrichum candidum, Candida albicans, and Rhodotorula glutinis were the most resilient fungi strains. PVEO had broad-spectrum antifungal and antibacterial properties. To elucidate the antioxidative and antibacterial characteristics of the identified molecules, we applied the methodology of molecular docking, a computational approach that forecasts the binding of a small molecule to a protein. Additionally, we utilized the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) algorithm; Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME); and Pro-Tox II (to predict the toxicity in silico) tests to demonstrate PVEO's identified compounds' drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic properties, the anticipated safety features after ingestion, and the potential pharmacological activity. Finally, our findings scientifically confirm the ethnomedicinal usage and usefulness of this plant, which may be a promising source for future pharmaceutical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Studies of pollution in porous media as well as water transfers in unsaturated soils have concerned many researchers. These studies have intensified, since it has become apparent that soils could have an impact on the environment, flora and fauna. In this work, the process of pollutant's propagation in an unsaturated, with a variable porosity, and broken media has been studied. The flow of fluids in such media is modeled by the Richards equation coupled by the pollutant transport equation and by the equation of thermal transfer. Those equations have been complemented by empirical relationships in order to describe the relationships between fluid pressure, and relative permeability. Because of the strong non-linearity of the equations, the double continuum method has been adopted to discretize the system of equations obtained. For the resolution, the method of ADI (Alternating Direction Implicit) has been used. Then, several graphics have been plotted in order to understand the role of three main parameters: Pressure, Temperature and Concentration. The conclusion reached is that the pressure decreases through time mainly because of the infiltration of the pollutant inside of the matrix of the media. The temperature decreases through time, which means that the heat transfer is amortized over time. The concentration of the pollutants increases over time, which is explained by the accumulation of products of dissolution of pollutants. The originality of this work is the development of a numerical solution in order to solve the flow of the pollutants for such media. Then, it has been applied on a specific region of South Morocco: Tensift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The work is focusing on air pollution impacts on historical limestone buildings located in urban areas in Morocco. Black crusts sampled on the façades of two ancient limestone monuments, dating back to the 12th and 20th centuries edified in the cities of Salé and Casablanca, have been analyzed by means of ATR-FTIR and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopies. Infrared analyses revealed degradation products, mainly gypsum due to calcite sulphation under wetness and SO 2 rich oil fired soot, and oxalates due to ancient biological weathering. Synchronous fluorescence permitted the identification of the most hazardous PAHs along with other non-identified fluorescent organics; this technique appeared efficient and suitable for the analysis of fluorescent pollutants entrapped in black crusts. Such results keeping track of air pollution causing disfigurement of architectural heritage must alarm both cultural heritage and environmental decision makers. Highlights • Air pollution impact on historical limestone buildings, in Moroccan urban areas, has been focused. • Black crusts deposits were explored by means of synchronous fluorescence and ATR-FTIR spectroscopies. • Hazardous PAHs and calcite degradation products were detected in black crusts from exposed façades. • A constant wavelength synchronous fluorescence spectra database of fifteen hazardous PAHs was elaborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to thermally characterize bagasse waste derived from sugar cane in order to highlight their energy potential. The thermal behavior of bagasse powder has been examined by: Thermogravimetric, Differential Thermal Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry, under inert atmosphere and with the heating rate o f 10°C/min. The dimensional variations of sugar cane in pieces at 300 °C have also been followed and the physico-chemical analyzes of raw and heat-treated samples have been performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The promotion of the agricultural production constitutes a main challenge for Morocco. This goal often results in an increased use of pesticides and fertilizers compromising soils and waters. Moreover, in addition to large stocks of pesticides, the invasion by locusts from southern countries requiring massive use of insecticides remains a potential threat for Morocco. Consequently, a continuous monitoring of the different environmental compartments (soil, water, and air) is increasingly needed for all the Moroccan territory Owing to hundreds of soil and water samples to control, it is important to develop simple and inexpensive methods to assess pollution levels by pesticides in agricultural soils and neighboring waters. The sophisticated chromatographic methods, in spite of their high accuracy, are very expensive and hardly accessible; they can be reserved for laboratory accurate analyses and statutory inspections. The purpose of this research is to palliate to this issue by developing a spectrometric approach for monitoring soils and waters; an approach which is effective, fast, easy to implement and reliable. In this sense, fluorescence spectroscopy presents a high potential owing to its high sensitivity, ease and rapidity. Total excitation-emission (TEEMs) and total synchronous fluorescence (TSFMs) mappings make it possible to detect remains of fluorescent pesticides in soils or waters. The present investigation aims at the creation/extension of a total excitation-emission and total synchronous fluorescence mapping database to fingerprint those fluorescent pesticides in large use in Morocco. These fluorimetric fingerprints must allow the direct identification of any targeted fluorescent pesticide persisting in soil or water. After a large survey among farmers and agricultural product distributors, to target the best-selling and most used pesticides in different Moroccan regions, one hundred and five (105) pesticides have been fingerprinted. Applicability tests were carried out on the basis of field pre-surveys information and total fluorescence results. In the present work, the maps and synchronous spectra of a set of 57 commercial pesticides are reported. Moreover, four examples of TEEMs/TSFMs fingerprinting applications to recognize pesticide remains in soil samples are shown. The agricultural plantations monitored are located in the great agricultural region Doukkala at the western Atlantic side of Morocco. The catalogue has been enriched by a PCAbased statistical study to constitute groups of pesticides with similar spectrometric fingerprints. The emitting similarity inside pesticide groups, despite different active principles, was explained by similarity of formulation products. The implemented spectrofluorimetric approach is satisfying and seems suitable, at least, as a warning method in case of massive contamination of soils or waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rich and non-invasive multi-technique study has been carried out on two ancient Moroccan manuscripts, dealing with theology, written in the 19th century and belonging to different scribal schools of the western Arabic Mediterranean region. Currently, Moroccan manuscripts investigations are limited to codicological studies in which reports on illuminations and colored vocalizations are limited to visual descriptions. Hence scientific investigations are required for an objective characterization of this universal heritage. The integration of elemental and molecular information acquired by μ-XRF, μ-XRD, μ-Raman, μ-SERS, reflection mid-FTIR, UV–vis reflectance and UV–vis fluorescence has allowed for the characterization of both inorganic pigments and organic dyes. The inorganic pigments have been identified and characterized by combining the elemental XRF information with molecular infrared and Raman investigations. XRD analyses have been also carried out for the identification of crystalline compounds. Vermillion, orpiment, azurite, lead chromate, emerald green, Scheele's green and artificial ultramarine were identified. Red and yellow organic dyes have been identified by combining SERS, UV–vis reflection and UV–vis fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. The signals detected on red colors were assigned to the animal carminic anthraquinone, while those detected on yellows seem originating from a natural flavonoid. The present study, which is the first complete one undertaken on ancient Islamic documents of Morocco and being extended in situ to other artworks, unique in the Arabic world and available at the Moroccan libraries, will contribute to promoting codicological investigations, dating and authenticating some manuscripts and giving elements of response, useful for art history, in the knowledge of coloring materials used in the western Mediterranean Arabic region during the 19th century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, attention has been paid to the physico-chemical analysis of water sources in the north-west of Morocco in particular AÏN SAHEL KHAROUBA, located 40 km south of Tetouan city and 22 km north of Chéfchaouen city. With the help of the method of Piper diagram, the waters of different origins are easily differentiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenol is a toxic pollutant commonly found in industrial wastewaters. Thus, the objective of the present study consisted in removing this organic compound from aqueous solution using a clay from Morocco. Adsorbent characterization was performed using XRF, XRD, SEM, BET and FTIR techniques. Phenol adsorption isotherms and kinetics were experimentally quantified and modeling studies were carried out by statistical physics to explain the phenol adsorption on raw and activated clays. Results showed that: i) the activation of the clay by sulfuric acid increased its adsorption capacity, ii) the phenol adsorption was well fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models, iii) the adsorption mechanism was dominated by electrostatic interactions and was associated to a multi-docking process. To conclude, the present study illustrates the valorization of this Moroccan clay as a low-cost and effective adsorbent for phenol removal from wastewaters. • Clays were valorized as phenol adsorbents from aqueous solution. • Thermodynamics of phenol adsorption on clays was studied. • Phenol adsorption mechanism was analyzed via statistical physics modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]