Background: Seasonal heavy metal pollution of river waters poses a significant risk to environmental and human health; yet its biological effects are often insufficiently characterized. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal variations in river water pollution and to evaluate the associated cytotoxic, oxidative, and genotoxic effects of these waters on human keratinocytes using an integrated in vitro approach. Methods: This study collected river water samples during the four seasons and evaluated their cytotoxic and genotoxic impacts in human keratinocytes using an integrated in vitro approach. The cells were exposed to the samples for 24 and 48 h. Cytotoxicity was assessed via the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, elemental accumulation by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and oxidative and genotoxic responses by assessing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 8-hydroxy-2 '-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels. Results: All samples induced time-and season-dependent cytotoxicity, whereas control cells were unaffected. Autumn-collected samples exhibited the maximal cytotoxicity, with cell mortality ranging from 38.94% to 80.09% at 24 h and increasing to 56.97%-81.03% at 48 h. Spring-collected samples induced the second-highest lethality, with cell death reaching <= 90.03% at 48 h. Enhanced cytotoxicity was associated with elevated cellular levels of Fe, Al, Cr, Ni, Ca, and Sr at 24 h and Ti, Mn, Zn, Cu, and P at 48 h, indicating rapid uptake and delayed accumulation patterns. River water exposure also significantly increased ROS generation (p < 0.005) and 8-OHdG levels, particularly by autumn and spring samples, demonstrating cumulative oxidative DNA damage. Conclusion: These findings indicate that seasonal river water pollution induces oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in human keratinocytes. The study underscores the necessity of incorporating biological endpoints into routine water quality monitoring to better assess health risks associated with contaminated freshwater systems.
Background: Amylases are enzymes that break down starch and help clarify fruit juices. Aims: This study focused on screening amylolytic Streptomyces spp. isolated from soil samples for their potential for amylase production and fruit juice clarification. Methods: Select organisms produced amylase, which was assayed by measuring the reducing sugar content of the fermentation medium. The effects of pH, carbon and nitrogen source, as well as agitation and incubation periods, were evaluated to optimize amylase synthesis. Results: A total of 22 species were isolated, with five-FE4, ELI1, FL2, MS2, and MS5-demonstrating high amylase production ability, which occurred at a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Cassava peels supported optimal amylase production in Streptomyces spp. A4 (0.834), ELI1 (0.910), and FE4 (0.814 U/mL). The maximum yield of 0.930 U/mL was observed with ELI1 when urea was used as the nitrogen source, at an agitation speed of 100-150 rpm, and peaking on the fourth day of fermentation. It was identified as S.griseoflavus ELI_1 using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and submitted to the GenBank with accession number OQ930232. The amylase produced by it was partially purified, markedly increasing its specific activity from 1.50 to 4.56 U/mL. Its ability to clarify orange juice was tested; the turbidity reduced significantly by 16.8% after amylase treatment (p <0.05). Conclusion: Amylolytic Streptomyces spp. were isolated from soil samples, and their amylase yield was optimized. The Amylase of S.griseoflavus ELI_1 could optimally clarify orange juice.
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), including adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs) and bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSCs), are multipotent cells essential for tissue repair, with strong self-renewal and differentiation abilities. Bmal1 is a core component of the circadian cycle and plays a regulatory role in stem cell specialization; PPAR gamma links adipogenesis to the circadian rhythm by epigenetically regulating Bmal1. Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation influences circadian processes by modulating the expression of growth factors and cytokines in MSCs. Aims: This study investigated how UVB affects adipogenesis and circadian-system-related gene transcription in ADMSCs and BMMSCs. Methods: MSC viability post-exposure was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide analysis. Cells were cultured in adipogenesis medium and stained with Oil Red O at multiple time points. UVB-treated MSCs were maintained under differentiation-inducing conditions for 28 days, and gene expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Viability assays identified 25 mJ/cm2 as the optimal UVB dose. Flow cytometry confirmed the enhanced expression of MSC markers (CD54, CD90, and CD29) and low expression of hematopoietic markers (CD45, CD106, and MHC class II). Oil Red O staining revealed gradual lipid accumulation, beginning on day 14 and forming mature droplets by day 28. qRT-PCR indicated a significant increase in PPAR gamma expression in adipogenic differentiation groups and Bmal1 expression post-UVB exposure. Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that UVB stimulation at optimal doses enhances the adipogenic differentiation capacity of MSCs while modulating circadian rhythm-associated genes. Moreover, adipogenic differentiation itself appears to contribute to the regulation of the circadian rhythm.
Background: Biofilm formation represents a major challenge for food safety, contributing to persistent contamination, compromised process hygiene, and increased antimicrobial resistance. Because quorum sensing (QS) regulates biofilm development, interference with QS signaling (quorum quenching [QQ]) has emerged as a promising strategy for biofilm control. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the biofilm-forming capacity and QS (N-acyl homoserine lactones [AHL] and autoinducer-2 [AI-2]) activity of foodborne bacterial isolates and to assess the antimicrobial and QQ potential of selected natural products under in vitro conditions. Methods: A total of 109 bacterial isolates from dairy processing lines were assessed for biofilm formation using a 96-well microtiter assay. QS activity was detected using indicator microorganisms for AHL and AI-2 signaling. Selected natural products (1 mg/mL) were screened for antimicrobial and QQ activity, with QS inhibition evaluated independently of growth suppression. Results: A total of 89% of the isolates were classified as strong biofilm producers, with Bacillus and Pseudomonas species predominating. Plant-derived extracts and natural products, including Calendula officinalis, propolis, nisin, and Hypericum perforatum, exhibited measurable antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. Propolis and C. officinalis reduced QS-associated biofilm responses independently of growth inhibition, indicating potential QQ activity. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of natural extracts as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical disinfectants in food processing environments.
Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer type associated with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Due to the absence of targetable receptors, conventional chemotherapy remains the primary treatment approach. ERCC1 is a critical component of the nucleotide excision repair system, responsible for repairing DNA damaged by platinum-based agents like carboplatin. Heat shock response (HSR) is a fundamental, stress-induced defense mechanism that supports cancer cell survival. Aims: This study aims to investigate the effects of HSR inhibition by KNK437 on ERCC1 gene expression and carboplatin sensitivity in the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231. Methods: The IC50 values of carboplatin and KNK437 were determined using WST-8 cytotoxicity assay. ERCC1 gene expression levels were quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Apoptotic and necrotic cell death induced by carboplatin and KNK437 was assessed by flow cytometry using FITC-Annexin V assay. Results: The IC50 values of carboplatin and KNK437 were 247.5 & micro;M and 89.74 & micro;M, respectively. Carboplatin or KNK437 monotherapy significantly decreased ERCC1 expression by 42.8% and 49.5%, respectively, while their combined application caused a 54.9% reduction. Furthermore, co-treatment markedly increased total cell death by 34.1% compared to carboplatin alone. Interestingly, necrosis induced by carboplatin shifted toward apoptosis upon co-treatment with KNK437, as confirmed by light microscopy and flow cytometry. Conclusion: HSR inhibition by KNK437 enhances carboplatin sensitivity in TNBC cells and downregulates ERCC1 gene expression. Given the aggressive nature of TNBC and its limited treatment options, our results suggest that KNK437 may offer therapeutic advantages when combined with carboplatin, particularly in contexts where carboplatin-induced necrosis contributes to inflammation-related complications.
Background: Desiccation is a critical factor influencing seed viability and storage potential. Among the physiological changes accompanying seed drying are alterations in carbohydrate reserves and the activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes. Aims: This study investigated changes in reducing sugar and starch content, as well as the activities of alpha-amylase, (3-amylase, and total amylases, in the seeds of two tropical timber species, Afzelia africana Sm. and Gambeya albida (G. Don) Aubr & eacute;v. & Pellegr., during progressive desiccation. Methods: Mature seeds were harvested directly from parent trees and desiccated under ambient conditions for 0, 3, 7, 10, 13, 15, 22, and 35 days. Germination capacity, carbohydrate levels, and amylolytic activities were assessed at each desiccation interval. Results: Germination in A. africana increased gradually with desiccation, whereas seeds of G. albida exhibited high initial germination that declined significantly (p <= 0.05) following moisture loss. Reducing sugar levels were consistently higher in G. albida than in A. africana, while starch content increased in A. africana but declined in G. albida during later stages of desiccation. Activities of alpha-amylase, (3-amylase and total amylases increased during early desiccation (0-7 days) in both species, followed by a significant (p <= 0.05) decline, with A. africana exhibiting higher overall amylolytic activity. These results indicate contrasting carbohydrate metabolic responses to desiccation, consistent with orthodoxlike behavior in A. africana and recalcitrant behavior in G. albida. Conclusion: The findings provide physiological insight relevant to seed storage and reforestation strategies for tropical forest species.
Background: Microalgae offer significant advantages for third generation bioethanol production due to their rapid growth rates, high photosynthetic efficiency, and ability to accumulate substantial amounts of carbohydrates. Unlike agricultural food crops, microalgae can be cultivated on non-arable land using saline or wastewater resources, thereby avoiding competition with food crops. Moreover, their low lignin contained cell wall structure enables milder pretreatment requirements and more efficient enzymatic hydrolysis, which ultimately leads to improved sugar production and higher ethanol yields. In addition, microalgae-based bioethanol production contributes to carbon dioxide mitigation through CO2 fixation, enhancing the overall environmental sustainability of the process. For the mentioned reasons Chlorella vulgaris biomass was used as a feedstock for third-generation bioethanol production in the present study. Aims: The aim of this study is to develop a sustainable and integrated process for third generation bioethanol production by utilizing domestic food waste. Specifically, the research focuses on: investigating the effects of ZnO nanoparticles on the fermentation process; evaluating the performance of C. boidinii yeast in the presence of nanoparticle catalysts; optimizing cultivation conditions to achieve efficient microalgal growth and enhanced bioethanol production by C. boidinii; and examining the influence of key parameters, such as pretreatment methods (1% H2SO4 and 1% NaOH), biomass loading (50, 100, 200 g/L), and media composition, on the ethanol yield. Methods: In this study, C. vulgaris was used as a feedstock for bioethanol severalkeyparameters were optimized, including microalgal cultivation conditions (photoautotrophic, photoheterotrophic with glucose, and photoheterotrophic with carrot pomace), pretreatment type (1% H2SO4 and 1% NaOH), biomass loading (50, 100, and 200 g/L), and nutrient supplementation (Medium 1 and Medium 2). Results: Candida boidinii exhibited the highest bioethanol production and productivity at 3.29 +/- 0.14 g/L and 0.26 +/- 0.01g/L.h, respectively. When Medium 1 was applied, bioethanol concentration and productivity further increased to 4.54 +/- 0.18 g/L and 0.38 +/- 0.01 g/L.h, respectively. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that fermentable sugars derived from C. vulgaris can be effectively converted into third-generation bioethanol by C. boidinii.
Background: Traditional rice-based fermented foods, prevalent across Asia particularly India, constitute an unexplored reservoir of probiotic microorganisms with high commercial potential for functional foods and synbiotics. Aims: This study investigates the probiotic properties and therapeutic efficacy of a fermented matrix derived from Oryza sativa (Poongar rice) against antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis. Methods: Fermented Poongar rice water underwent microbial isolation, biochemical characterization, and 16S rRNA sequencing, which confirmed the presence of Lactococcus lactis with 96.7% homology. The isolated strain was assessed for its tolerance to acidic pH, bile salts, and salinity. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was employed to characterize its bioactive metabolite profile, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Nutritional composition analysis and exopolysaccharides (EPS) quantification were also performed. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) were utilized to evaluate acute toxicity (LC50 = similar to 2,138 ppm) and to examine gut recovery following erythromycin-induced dysbiosis. Results: The isolated strain exhibited high survivability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and demonstrated the production of SCFAs and EPS, both of which contribute to gut health. Zebrafish administered the probiotic matrix after antibiotic exposure displayed restored swimming behavior and significant improvement in intestinal histoarchitecture, characterized by reduced goblet cell hyperplasia and diminished villi damage. Conclusion: Fermented Poongar rice contains a functionally robust strain of L. lactis capable of restoring gut integrity in vivo. The findings supports its potential development as a culturally rooted, cost-effective probiotic candidate for gut health applications.
Background: Investigating viral diversity in non-cultivated fungi is essential for achieving a comprehensive understanding of mycoviral evolution and ecology, as current knowledge is largely derived from studies on phytopathogenic and commercially important species. Aims: This study aimed to identify and characterize mycoviruses associated with wild-collected fungi and to expand existing knowledge on mitovirus diversity in underexplored fungal hosts. Methods: A specimen assigned to Morchella sp. was screened for mycoviruses using molecular detection and genome sequencing. The complete viral genome was sequenced and annotated; bioinformatic techniques were employed to determine organization, nucleotide composition, and coding regions. Sequences were compared using BLASTp, and phylogenetic relationships were inferred based on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) sequences. Results: A novel mitovirus, designated Morchella mitovirus 1 (MMV1), was identified. MMV1 possesses a linear RNA genome consisting of 3,167 nucleotides with a G + C content of 41.00% and contains a single open reading frame encoding an RdRp. BLASTp revealed that the MMV1 RdRp shares the highest amino acid sequence identity (40.29%) with Tuber mitovirus 3, a member of the Triamitovirus genus of the Mitoviridae family. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of MMV1 within Triamitovirus. Conclusion: This study reports the first mitovirus identified from Morchella and expands the known genetic diversity and evolutionary landscape of mitoviruses, emphasizing the importance of investigating mycoviruses in non-cultivated fungal hosts.
Background: Streptozotocin (STZ) is an agent with selective toxicity targeting pancreatic beta-cells and is commonly used to establish models of pancreatic damage. Royal jelly (RJ) is a natural product rich in biologically active compounds and has been shown in various studies to exert antioxidative and cytoprotective effects. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of RJ against STZ-induced pancreatic damage and to investigate these effects in terms of oxidative stress (OS) and telomere biology. Methods: Twenty-four female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, RJ (350 mg/kg), STZ, and STZ + RJ (350 mg/kg). Telomere length in pancreatic tissue and serum levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), paraoxonase-1 (PON1), and telomerase were analyzed using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: STZ administration significantly increased oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG) and decreased PON1 levels, indicating elevated OS. RJ treatment effectively reversed these changes, bringing 8-OHdG and PON1 levels closer to those of the control group. Moreover, RJ administration significantly increased the reduced pancreatic telomere length and serum telomerase levels in the STZ group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that RJ may mitigate STZinduced oxidative stress and telomere shortening. Further studies are needed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of RJ in OS-related pancreatic disorders.
Background: Horses (Equus caballus) have been selectively bred for numerous purposes since their domestication, leading to various breeds and increased genetic diversity within the species. Aims: This study focused on the mitogenome characterization and phylogenetic relationships of Turkish feral (yilki) and domestic horse breeds. Methods: In this study, the whole mitogenomes of Turkish feral (yilki) and domestic horse breeds were first amplified using long-range polymerase chain reaction, sequenced with similar to 4000x coverage on the Illumina MiSeq platform, and their phylogenetic relationships were subsequently analyzed. Results: The mitogenomes of Turkish horses were 16657 base pairs in length, encompassing 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, one origin of replication (O-L), and one non-coding control region (displacement-loop). In the mitogenomes, the ND6 gene and eight tRNAs (tRNA(Gln), tRNA(Ala), tRNA(Asn), tRNA(Cys), tRNA(Tyr), tRNA(Ser(UCN)), tRNA(Glu), and tRNA(Pro)) were encoded on the light strand (L), while the origin of replication (O-L), 12 PCGs, 14 tRNAs, and two rRNA genes were encoded on the heavy strand (H). A total of 45 gaps and 68 overlaps were identified in the intergenic regions of the assembled mitogenomes. In the Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree, the feral (yilki) horse clustered within haplogroup A together with breeds from North America, the Middle East, Southern Europe, and Central Asia, while the domestic horse was clustered in haplogroup B together with breeds from Southern Europe and Central Europe. Conclusion This study significantly contributes to evolutionary biology, genetic diversity, and conservation by providing the first comprehensive mitogenome data for Turkish horses, establishing a foundational resource for future comparative and evolutionary genomic research.
Background: The FabI enzyme, crucial for fatty acid synthesis, represents a promising target for antimalarial drug development, particularly in Plasmodium falciparum. Aims: To comprehensively characterize the P. falciparum FabI enzyme by elucidating its evolutionary relationships, physicochemical properties, and detailed structural features using advanced in silico methodologies. Methods: An extensive computational analysis was performed on 25 FabI protein sequences, encompassing those from P. falciparum as well as diverse protozoan and bacterial species. Results: The predicted physicochemical properties indicated that P. falciparum FabI is comparatively larger, more hydrophilic, and exhibits a higher isoelectric point than its bacterial homologs. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic reconstruction revealed a clear evolutionary divergence of P. falciparum FabI from bacterial orthologs, supporting its origin through an ancient horizontal gene transfer event and its localization to the apicoplast. Further sequence analysis identified two conserved motifs mapped to a central NAD(P) binding Rossmann-fold domain, which is essential for the enzyme's catalytic function. The predicted three-dimensional (3D) structure of P. falciparum FabI exhibited a characteristic alpha/(3-fold architecture forming a dimeric complex. A persistent challenge was noted in the N-terminal region, predicted to be a flexible, cleavable signal/transit peptide, accounting for its lower structural confidence. PDBsum analysis delineated its structural organization, consisting of 19 alpha-helices and 9 (3-strands, with a notable absence of disulfide bridges. Additionally, proteolytic digestion produced multiple cleavage patterns. CASTp 3.0 analysis revealed a complex active site comprising several sub-pockets and key functional residues, along with buried cavities. Conclusion: These comprehensive structural and functional insights into the unique features of P. falciparum FabI provide a strong foundation for the rational design of novel antimalarial drugs.
Hebeloma species are ectomycorrhizal fungi that are widely distributed in nature and grow in a wide variety of habitats. Hebeloma spp. are difficult to identify and distinguish due to high morphological similarity between species. In this study, two newly recorded Hebeloma (Fr.) P. Kumm. species (H. minus Bruchet and H. rostratum Beker, Vesterh. & U. Eberh.) from T & uuml;rkiye were described and photographed. Specimens were identified using morphological and molecular methods. Phylogenies based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-alpha) regions of the genome were constructed employing the Maximum-Likelihood method. In conclusion, a technique that combines morphological and molecular data provides a robust approach to assessing the taxonomic status of Hebeloma spp. Descriptions and photographs of the species are also presented.
Macrofungal species attract significant attention due to their critical roles in ecosystems and widespread industrial applications. Traditional species identification methods are expertise-intensive and time-consuming processes. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, especially, deep learning (DL), have been employed to accelerate these processes and improve result accuracy. This article aimed to classify five macrofungi using AI, specifically DL. The study focuses on classifying Amanita muscaria, A. phalloides, Lepista nuda, Macrolepiota procera, and Craterellus cornucopioides, utilizing various DL models, including DenseNet121, InceptionV3, MobileNetV2, Xception, VGG16, and ResNet101. The dataset comprised 683 images across five classes. The data were collected in a balanced manner, and the model's effectiveness was evaluated based on accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score metrics. Additionally, Grad-CAM visualizations were utilized to analyze the regions of focus. The best-performing model achieved 93% accuracy (7% error), outperforming a simple Convolutional Neural Network baseline with 70% accuracy (30% error). Overall, all transfer-learning models achieved accuracies of >= 90%. In particular, the DenseNet121 and Xception models achieved the maximum success by correctly identifying relevant regions of these species. The study demonstrates that AI, particularly DL-based techniques, can be effectively applied in species identification. Expanding datasets could further enhance their performance. The novelty of this study is the use of a combination of transfer-learning and Grad-CAM explainability to provide an interpretable and biologically meaningful framework for macrofungi identification.
Heavy metal pollution of water caused by various anthropogenic activities remains a significant global challenge, threatening the supply of clean water. Conventional water remediation approaches are costly with potential environmental risks. Thus, the development of costeffective and biodegradable remediation methods is imperative. This study assessed the heavy metal adsorption capacities of native and Elephant grass was collected from Enugu, Nigeria. The samples were washed and shade-dried. Cellulose was extracted via alkali treatment and bleaching, and then modified with EDTA to enhance its adsorptive properties. Batch adsorption experiments were designed to evaluate the capacities of unmodified and modified cellulose fibers to adsorb heavy metals from aqueous solutions under controlled conditions. The metal ion concentrations before and after adsorption were measured metal pollution.
Hypericum L. is a significantly important genus for flora of T & uuml;rkiye due to its richness in phytochemicals possessing medicinal and cosmetic benefits. The essential oil composition and biological activities of Hypericum bilgehan-bilgilii Bask & ouml;se & Savran (HEO) were analysed for the first time in the present study. The volatile oil of the whole parts of H. bilgehan-bilgilii was obtained by hydrodistillation with Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS using non-polar column. alpha-glucosidase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory, cytotoxic, and DPPH radical scavenging activities were investigated. Forty-eight components were identified and represented 97.3% of the whole constituents. Interestingly, the major volatiles: 1-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)butan-1-one (27.7%) and 3-Methyl-1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one (11.2%) were detected for the first time in Hypericum essential oils. The oil exhibited a significant activity against the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme with an IC50 value of 39 mu g/mL. Cytotoxicity potential of HEO was investigated, at different concentrations, towards four cell lines and, IC50 values underlies mild cytotoxicity. These results indicated that H. bilgehan-bilgilii essential oil may be considered as a valuable source for bioactive ingredients and anti-inflammatory agents.
The structural complexity and synthetic origin of azo dyes such as Direct Red 75 (DR75) make them environmentally persistent and challenging to remove from industrial effluents. In this study, Penicillium oxalicum M6A, a halotolerant marine-derived fungus isolated from the Nigerian coastline, was evaluated for its capacity to biodegrade and detoxify DR75. The influence of pH, temperature, salt, and dye concentration on degradation efficiency was assessed, along with enzymatic activity. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were employed to identify degradation products and predict metabolic pathways. Toxicity was determined using three bacterial strains and two crop plant seeds. Optimal degradation was achieved at a pH of 5 (90.37%), a temperature of 35 degrees C (66.82%), a dye concentration of 50 mg/L (91.53%), and a NaCl concentration of 4% (67.08%). Enzymatic assays revealed significant upregulation of laccase (24.17 U/mL), azoreductase (13.14 U/mL), and lignin peroxidase (12.54 U/mL), indicating their involvement in dye breakdown. FTIR analysis confirmed the disappearance of characteristic azo and sulfonic peaks, while GC-MS identified key metabolites such as 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran, m-hydroquinone, and 6-ethoxy-6-methyl-2-cyclohexenone. Microtoxicity and phytotoxicity assessments revealed that the degradation products of DR75 by P. oxalicum M6A did not inhibit the bacterial strains and exhibited low toxicity to the seeds of the crop plants used. These findings establish that P. oxalicum M6A can effectively degrade and detoxify DR75, converting it into less toxic metabolites. These observations highlight the biocatalytic potential of P. oxalicum M6A for treating contaminated saline wastewater and encourage further scale-up environmental applications.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a result of the interaction between micro-environmental conditions, location, and building characteristics. IAQ directly affects human health, comfort, productivity, and performance. However, very little attention has been paid to the IAQ of nonindustrial workshops. This cross-sectional survey aimed to determine the IAQ of academia-related workshops based on the factors such as the microbial load (including bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes), particulate matter (PM) content, presence of chemical pollutants (such as ammonia [NH3], volatile organic compounds [VOCs], and formaldehyde [HCHO]), and physical conditions (such as temperature [T degrees C], relative humidity [RH%], light intensity, noise, dewpoint and air speed). Moreover, the perception weights of IAQ factors affecting the indoor comfort condition were also examined. A two-stage viable, Andersen cascade impactor, was used by suctioning air onto the selective culture media. The PM content was determined by using a preweighted membrane filter. Portable air quality monitors were used to estimate the chemical and physical factors. A questionnaire survey was employed to assess the health complaints and the participants' perception weights on the indoor environmental parameters (such as thermal, acoustic, visual environment, and air quality). The concentrations of mesophilic bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes were found to be higher indoors than outdoors, with indoor/outdoor (I/O) values of 3.13, 1.56, and 1.53, respectively. The Global Index of Microbial Contamination/m(3) exceeded 7,000 colony forming units/m(3) in approximately 46% of the workshop areas. The I/O ratios of PM, VOCs, HCHO, and NH3 were 1.69, 1.52, 0.65, and 0.6, respectively. T degrees C and RH% values ranged 18 +/- 35 degrees C and 40 +/- 56%, respectively. Noise values exceeded 70 dBA in both the indoor and outdoor environments. Light intensity was also unacceptable (<= 300 lux) at 84.6% of the workshop areas. VOCs and dewpoint revealed significant positive and negative effects on microbial viability, differing with regard to the microbial type. Fatigue (45.5%), allergies (38.6%), and headache (35.2%) were the common complaints of the occupants. All of the tested IAQ parameters influenced the workplace environment, with noise ranking as the main factor (40.9%). Microbial air quality is differently associated with the indoor environmental factors. The IAQ in the workshops was poor and potentially affected the occupant's well-being. The perception of comfort varied among the occupants under the same IAQ factors. Thus, corrective actions based on comparative analysis should be implemented to promote the indoor quality of even nonindustrial and academia-related workplaces.
