A laboratory incubation study (March to June 2021) was conducted to evaluate the effects of alternating wetting–drying cycles on soil properties using an acid soil from Dinajpur, a calcareous soil from Faridpur, and their 1:1 mixture. Three organic amendments such as vermicompost, tricho-compost, and burnt poultry litter were applied at 5 and 10 t ha⁻¹. The experiment was set up using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates and monitored changes over 90 days. Organic fertilizers significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved soil chemical properties. In the acid soil, pH increased from 5.42 to 7.09; in the calcareous soil, pH decreased from 8.01 to 7.43, while the 1:1 mixture maintained an intermediate, balanced pH. Electrical conductivity (EC) in the acid soil increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 22.5 to 58.73 µS cm⁻¹ after 15 days of incubation. In the calcareous soil, EC rose from 70.2 to 216.83 µS cm⁻¹ by the 15 days and declined after day 30. Organic carbon in fertilizer-treated soils peaked at day 45 and then gradually decreased. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) throughout the 90 days of wetting and drying cycles. The combined influence of soil type and organic inputs showed synergistic benefits. These results highlight the potential of integrating locally available organic fertilizers to improve soil health and support sustainable agriculture, the prime need to the present world. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(4), 297-306, 2025
The leather industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainable practices due to increasing environmental concerns associated with synthetic dyes. This research explores the potential of natural dyes derived from tea extracts as an eco-friendly alternative for leather dyeing. In this study, the aqueous extracts of dried commercial tea leave (Camellia Sinensis) (10%, 12%, and 15% w/v) with and without mordant were used for dyeing of chrome tanned goat leathers and its color intensity parameters were examined using Milton Roy Colormate HDS spectrophotometer. In addition, the quality of dyed leather was evaluated by dye exhaustion test, fastness test, tensile strength test, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) imaging, and thermogravimetric analysis. The optimized application of dye extract was 12% (without mordant) showed better color intensities (L* = 56.33 ± 0.57, DL* = -13.74 ± 0.48), highest dye exhaustion (84.68 ± 0.06%), tensile strength (18.75 ± 0.25), and residual mass in TGA, better color fastness (wet-4/5, dry-4/5, perspiration-3/4, and light fastness-4/5 in Grey Scale rating), and best fiber orientation in SEM image. In addition, another optimized was (with mordant) 15% dye extract with 1% Copper (II) Sulphate produced the highest color intensity (L* = 51.21± 1.06, DL* = -18.86±0.72). These findings offer the potential of tea extracts as a viable solution for natural leather dyeing, offering both environmental and aesthetic benefits. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(4), 251-262, 2025
Bifurcation in the hydropower plant is necessary to separate the flow towards the two units of hydro turbines on the same powerhouse for multiple benefits. The type of bifurcation depends on the site condition, either symmetric or asymmetric. This research reports the asymmetric bifurcation condition through the novelty of numerical simulation of multiple models for structural analysis after the hydraulic analysis with and without a sickle plate. The hydraulic analysis using ANSYS CFX for head loss reported the difference in flow rate of 5 kg/s and 44 kg/s with and without using a sickle plate in the bifurcation. Furthermore, an analysis of 5 different models on ANSYS Static Structural showed bifurcation with a combination of sickle plate and only one stiffener is the ideal, which is based on equivalent stress of 120.6 MPa, a factor of safety of 2.073, and working conditions. It concluded the importance of flow and structural analysis of bifurcation for balanced power generation from double-unit turbines and is recommended as a critical unit for specific sites, such that different thicknesses of bifurcation shells can be analyzed for further optimization. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(4), 275-286, 2025
The study investigates the contamination concentrations of heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in commercial poultry feeds in Bangladesh and evaluates their proximate composition. Using atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry for heavy metal analysis and standard methods for proximate composition, the study analyzed 50 poultry feed samples. Results revealed significant heavy metal contamination in a substantial number of samples, with Pb (≤4.65 mg/kg), Cd (≤0.398 mg/kg), and Cr (≤16.13 mg/kg) levels exceeding permissible limits set by regulatory bodies. This contamination poses serious health risks to poultry and humans, highlighting the potential for bioaccumulation and subsequent entry into the human food chain. Furthermore, the proximate composition analysis showed considerable variability in nutrient profiles among different feed brands, raising concerns about the adequacy of nutritional quality. The findings emphasize the urgent need for firm regional regulation and regular monitoring of poultry feed quality in Bangladesh to ensure public health safety and enhance poultry production sustainability. Implementing comprehensive quality control measures will protect consumer health and support the growth and profitability of the poultry industry in the country. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(4), 263-274, 2025
Broiler chicken leg skin (Cobb-500) is investigated in this study as an unconventional raw material for exotic leather production in Bangladesh. The raw skin contains 65.5% moisture, 28.4% protein, 6.2% fat, and 9.9% ash. Three tanning systems—chrome, semi-chrome, and vegetable—were applied to produce finished leathers, and their physicochemical and structural properties were evaluated. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that chrome-tanned leather exhibited the highest thermal stability, with collagen degradation onset at ~350°C and ~20% residual chromium oxides, while vegetable-tanned samples degraded earlier with <5% residue. Mechanical testing showed chrome tanning achieved superior performance, with tensile strength (105 kg/cm²), tear strength (19.9 kg/cm²), elongation (19.3%), and shrinkage temperature (101°C). SEM micrographs confirmed compact, well-organized fiber bundles in chrome-tanned leather, contrasting with denser, less flexible structures in vegetable-tanned samples. Chicken leg skin shows strong potential as a renewable, durable leather source, promoting waste utilization and sustainable materials. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(4), 287-296, 2025
Endophytic fungi have garnered significant scholarly interest among researchers worldwide over the past three decades, attributed to their identification as a boundless reservoir of structurally and biologically innovative compounds. This study sought to analyze the traits of endophytic fungi., alongside biological assessments such as antimicrobial and antioxidant assay, derived from the medicinal plant Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. Six distinct endophytic fungal strains were successfully isolated and characterized based on morphological criteria and identified at the genus level, of which three were classified as Carvularia sp., while the remaining strains were identified as Colletotrichum sp., Diaporthe sp. and Xylaria sp. Numerous extracts of these endophytic fungi exhibited robust antibacterial properties and notable antioxidant activities. Chemical screening conducted via TLC and GC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of multiple potentially valuable secondary metabolites within the crude fungal extracts. The findings of the present study corroborate the advantageous effects of fungal endophytes, thereby position them as invaluable sources of bioactive compounds. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(4), 225-250, 2025
The quality of pounded yam made from three different Dioscorea rotundata cultivars was assessed using three different processing methods: mortar and pestle, pounding machine, and attrition mill. The functional and pasting properties of yam starch, as well as the textural characteristics of pounded yam, were evaluated. The functional qualities of yam starch yielded values ranging from 10.36 to 12.81 g/g, 3.50 to 4.76%, 25.52 to 40.83%, and 81.00 to 83.00% for swelling power, solubility index, water absorption capacity, and dispersibility, respectively. The peak, breakdown, final, and setback viscosities of yam starch ranged from 571.09 to 682.67 (RVU), 302.96 to 355.29, 378.29 to 591.13, and 119.75 to 324.96 RVU, respectively. The scientific and subjective approaches for evaluating the samples revealed similar characteristics. The judges' acceptance of the pounded yam samples was significantly influenced by both the processing procedures and the yam cultivars. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(2), 83-92, 2025
The perennial herbs Mentha arvensis L. and Mentha spicata L., which are members of the Lamiaceae family, are extensively used in the nutraceutical, functional food, and pharmaceutical industries. Due to the potential presence of valuable secondary metabolites, a comparative study was performed on the essential oils (EOs) extracted from locally grown M. arvensis and M. spicata in Bangladesh to analyze their chemical constituents. The EOs were extracted from fresh herbs using the hydro-distillation method, and their chemical constituents were analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Carvone (59.58%) and limonene (31.14%) were recognized as the main constituents in the oil of M. arvensis, while carvone (55.03%) was also the principal constituent in the M. spicata EO. Additionally, significant proportions of dihydrocarveol (17.94%), dihydrocarveol acetate (7.69%), and limonene (6.9%) were detected among the twenty compounds analyzed in M. spicata oil. The key constituent found in these EOs may be responsible for the significant medicinal activities attributed to Mentha species. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(2), 125-130, 2025
A study investigating microbial contamination in fresh produce sold in Bangladesh revealed significant levels of bacterial pathogens. Among 8 samples of tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and green peppers, high counts of total aerobic bacteria and enteric pathogens were detected. Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 75% of samples, with 100% prevalence in carrots and tomatoes. Escherichia coli was present in 62.5% of samples, predominantly in cucumbers (100%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa appeared in 62.5% of samples, while Vibrio sp. and Salmonella sp. were each detected in 50% of samples. Chopped-carrot samples exhibited the highest aerobic bacterial load, with 5.86 × 10⁴ CFU/g in winter (December–February) and 3.75 × 10⁴ CFU/g in summer (March–June). In contrast, chopped-tomato samples showed the lowest contamination, at 6.16 × 10³ CFU/g in winter and 1.65 × 10⁴ CFU/g in summer. Overall, bacterial contamination rates were elevated in summer and in chopped produce. The findings underscore the critical need for enhanced hygiene practices, rigorous monitoring, and improved handling protocols to ensure the safety of fresh produce in market settings. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(2), 115-124, 2025
This study examines the fatty acid profiles, phospholipid content, phytosterol composition, and sugar concentrations of the kernel and pulp of African black pear (Dacryodes edulis) in order to determine their chemical composition and quality criteria. The findings showed notable variations in the distribution of fatty acids, with the pulp displaying higher amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 20.8%) and the kernel having a larger quantity of saturated fatty acids (SFA, 40.37%) than the pulp (36.41%). Oleic acid (C18:1) and stearic acid (C18:0) were the predominant fatty acids in both the kernel and the pulp. Better cholesterol-lowering capability was suggested by the kernel's greater hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (H/H) (5.74), compared to the pulp's (3.47). Total phospholipid content which is dominated by phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), was higher in the pulp (483.34 mg/100 g) than in the kernel (427.82 mg/100 g), according to phospholipid analysis. The pulp had a higher concentration of phytosterols, especially sitosterol (125.2 mg/100 g) than the kernel (108.48 mg/100 g). The pulp's greater glucose and fructose concentrations which contribute to its sweeter taste profile were shown by sugar analysis. These results highlight Dacryodes edulis's nutritional and practical potential for use in foods and medicine. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(2), 73-82, 2025
The physical-chemical characteristics of medicinal plants are well-known as is their abundance in natural medications from several molecular classes, including phenolic compounds, tannins, coumarins, and flavonoids, which provide efficient defense against a wide range of diseases. Oleanderum is widely used in medicine. It has a wide range of biological properties, such as the ability to treat eye and skin ailments and to be cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, cytotoxic and antiplatelet aggregation diuretic. The goal of the current investigation was to assess the antiradical scavenging and phytochemical screening properties of several N. oleander leaves extracts. Numerous bioactive compounds, including saponins, phenolics, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, protein and carbohydrates were found in all of the oleanderum extracts according to phytochemical analyses, while quinones are absent in all the extracts and mucilage/gums are also absent in all extract except n-hexane. According to the results of antiradical scavenging activity its extract has antioxidant properties in the DPPH assay ranging from (% inhibition 4.7±1.2-85±5.4) which is higher than standard antioxidant BHT (% inhibition 20-54 and reducing power activity (absorbance 0.15-1.8),) that was higher than BHT (absorbance 0.12-1.020) at concentrations of 10-50 μg/ml. According to the research, oleanderum leaves exhibit a variety of phyto-pharmacological properties. By applying cutting-edge extraction technology and novel biotechnology approaches, these leaves may be used to treat a range of illnesses. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(2), 107-114, 2025
Chitosan is an emerging raw material with increasing global demand, traditionally derived from crustaceans. Its production faces challenges such as high cost and inconsistent yields, necessitating the search for new chitosan precursors. This study investigates Melanoplus differentialis, a differential grasshopper, for sustainable chitosan production. Chitin was extracted from M. differentialis via sequential demineralization, deproteination, and decolorization, and then deacetylated. Response Surface Methodology (RSM), using the Box-Behnken design, was used to optimize NaOH concentration, NaOH:Chitin ratio, and deacetylation time. Statistical analysis identified NaOH concentration as the most significant factor influencing yield. The optimal process conditions of 40.5% NaOH, 16.8 mL/g NaOH: chitin ratio, and 69.3 minutes resulted in 60.62±0.79% chitosan yield. FTIR confirmed the transformation of chitin to chitosan. This study shows M. differentialis as a promising, unconventional chitosan precursor. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(3), 213-224, 2025
Lead contamination from mining activities poses significant environmental and health risks, necessitating effective remediation strategies. This study evaluates the lead tolerance and reduction capabilities of five bacterial isolates—Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain A3, Bacillus paraflexus strain rnr13, Providentia stuartii strain MF1, Pantoea agglomerans, and Commamonas thioxydans strain MA1, sourced from lead-contaminated effluents in Ikwo L.G.A, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Effluent samples were collected from two mine sites and a discharge point, and bacterial tolerance to lead concentrations (100–300 mg/L) was assessed using Luria Bertani broth. Lead reduction was investigated under varying pH (2.5 and 5.2) and temperature (30°C, 37°C, and 45°C) conditions, with residual lead quantified via a colorimetric Dithizone method. Results revealed that P. aeruginosa A3, B. paraflexus rnr13, and P. stuartii MF1 exhibited increased growth with higher lead concentrations and time, while P. agglomerans and C. thioxydans MA1 showed reduced tolerance. Lead reduction was significantly enhanced at pH 5.2 and 45°C, with P. aeruginosa A3 and B. paraflexus rnr13 demonstrating superior reduction capacities. Statistical analysis using ANOVA confirmed the significant influence of pH and temperature on lead reduction (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the potential of indigenous lead-tolerant bacteria for bioremediation of contaminated mine effluents, advocating for their use in consortium-based strategies to mitigate heavy metal pollution under optimized environmental conditions. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(3), 131-142, 2025
This study evaluated the effects of different boiling methods on the nutritional composition, phytochemicals, functional properties, and lipid quality of African walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum). Fresh walnuts were subjected to boiling treatments with or without shells at 100°C for 30 and 60 minutes. Boiling significantly reduced protein content but increased crude fiber and ash content, suggesting improved mineral availability and shelf life. Amino acid analysis indicated glutamic acid and aspartic acid as predominant, with essential amino acids like leucine and lysine confirming good protein quality. Boiled samples exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity and reduced levels of phytates and tannins, improving nutrient bioavailability. Lipid quality analysis indicated increased oxidative stability but reduced unsaturation in boiled walnuts. These findings demonstrate that appropriate boiling techniques can improve the nutritional and functional attributes of African walnuts, supporting their potential use as valuable functional food ingredients. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(3), 143-158, 2025
This study examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of shoreline changes along the Kuakata coast, Bangladesh, over a 30-year period (1991–2021), using geospatial techniques and remote sensing data. Multi-temporal Landsat imagery, including Landsat7ETM, Landsat7ETM+, Landsat8, and 9(OLI), and the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) were employed to quantify rates of erosion, accretion, and overall shoreline movement. The highest erosion rate was observed in the central BC part (-13.8 m/year), while the southeastern zone exhibited the highest accretion rate (+25.58 m/year). The total land loss and gain during the study period were calculated at 8 km² and 4.7 km², respectively. Temporal analysis revealed average shoreline movements of -9.68 m/year (1991–2000), -0.98 m/year (2000–2010), and +2.1 m/year (2010–2021). Erosional rates for these periods averaged -13.11 m/year, -6.42 m/year, and -8.38 m/year, while accretion rates were 15.09 m/year, 14.73 m/year, and 18.56 m/year, respectively. Our findings provide actionable insights into erosion mitigation and sustainable coastal management strategies for one of Bangladesh's most dynamic and vulnerable shorelines. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(3), 169-182, 2025
This study addresses the urgent need for effective industrial wastewater treatment by developing a sustainable photocatalytic system. A TiO₂-SiO₂ composite photocatalyst was synthesized using the sol-gel method and applied for dye decolorization in a custom-designed photocatalytic reactor. In contrast to other designs, the reactor's U-shaped circulation system, pump, and wastewater reservoir improve UV light exposure area and photocatalytic efficiency. The performance of the reactor was evaluated and compared with a conventional laboratory reactor, demonstrating comparable efficacy. A 1:1.5 solution-to-catalyst ratio achieved complete decolorization of dye within 30 minutes. We also report the synthesis and application of a TiO₂-SiO₂ composite photocatalyst for dye decolorization. The photocatalyst, with anatase-phase TiO₂ uniformly dispersed over SiO₂. Photocatalytic activity was optimized at a 25% TiO₂ loading, which exhibited superior performance under UV irradiation. This work highlights the potential of TiO₂-SiO₂ composites and engineered reactors in promoting cost-effective and eco-friendly wastewater treatment technologies, supporting cleaner industrial practices. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(3), 203-212, 2025
Micro- and Nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging pollutants in aquatic environments, posing significant Eco toxicological risks to marine and freshwater ecosystems. MNPs interact with biotic and abiotic components, leading to bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, and potential toxicity in aquatic organisms. The Ecotoxicological effects of MNPs include physical damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, reproductive impairment, and disruption of metabolic functions in aquatic species. This paper provides an overview of recent findings on the sources, environmental fate, and biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in aquatic ecosystems. While broad in scope, the paper offers a preliminary summary of current knowledge, highlighting the need for more research on monitoring, risk assessment, and mitigation approaches to safeguard aquatic biodiversity. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(3), 183-202, 2025
Transparent colourless block single crystal of 2-aminobenzothiazolium 4-fluorobenzoate (2-ABT4FB) was grown from aqueous solution via slow evaporation method. The unit cell parameters of the title compound was determined from single crystal x-ray diffraction studies and found to be a=12.15(9) A, b=12.65(9) A, c=28.3(2) A, α=85.03(18)˚, β=83.00(17)˚, γ=71.30(9)˚. The crystal exhibits wide transparency window of 99%. The band gap energy of the crystal was calculated as 4.11eV from the Tauc’s plot. The sharp emission peak observed at the wavelength of 470 nm in the photoluminescence spectra is due to the blue emission. Mechanical stability of the grown single crystal was investigated by using Vickers microhardness test and reveals that 2-ABT4FB single crystal is the soft material with the Meyer’s index (n) of 2. Single crystal exhibits high dielectric constant at lower frequencies and the dielectric loss decreases as the frequency increases is due to the various polarization effects. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(3), 159-168, 2025
“Nono” is an indigenous fermented milk product. Handlers' poor sanitary cultures and non-scientific practices harm food safety and public health. This study evaluated the microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory properties of "Nono," collected from the marketplaces of Enugu North Senatorial District of Nigeria. The total aerobic bacterial and total coliform counts were higher than Nigeria's standard value whereas, 50% of the overall fungal count was within permissible limits regardless of market samples. The bacteria identified were Staphylococcus aureus (17.65%), Salmonella enterica (17.65%), Bacillus subtilis (11.76%), Klebsiella aerogenes (11.76%), whereas fungal were Aspergillus niger (57.14%) and Torulopsis dottila (42.86%). Although significant changes (P < 0.05) in proximate and physicochemical parameters were observed, no significant differences in sensory attributes (P > 0.05) across these samples were recorded. The means (±SD) for pH (4.47±0.18), protein (8.74±0.44%) etc. were recorded. The presence of pathogenic bacteria in the nono samples could be hazardous to public health. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(2), 93-106, 2024
Beverages made with spiced and malted maize (MM) and orange-fleshed sweet potato were characterized. The beverages were formulated by gradually adding 5 g of MM, ranging from 0 to 25 g, to OFSP extract containing a ginger-garlic (G-G) mixture and sugar. The samples were pasteurized, evaluated, and monitored for microbiological qualities for four weeks, after which the data were statistically assessed. With the exception of specific gravity and vitamin C, all physicochemical attributes increased as MM increased. The color and general acceptance evaluations of the beverages were improved with an increase in MM up to 20 g. Since G-G-spiced OFSP beverages containing 10, 15, and 20 g of MM demonstrated beneficial qualities, they may be added to the existing health-promoting beverages. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(1), 35-44, 2025
