Trihalomethanes (THMs) are regulated disinfection by-products generated when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter and other reactive precursors in water. Their formation and speciation depend on hydrochemical conditions, halide availability, climate, and operational disinfection practices. This review examines the interacting factors that may control THM formation in Zanzibar groundwater, a tropical coastal aquifer system affected by seawater intrusion, sanitation-related pollution, agricultural activities, high temperatures, and seasonal variability. Peer-reviewed studies published from 2010 to 2025 were synthesized thematically, with emphasis on seawater intrusion, organic matter and nutrient pollution, climate variability, water hardness and inorganic chemistry, and local chlorination practices. The evidence indicates that bromide enrichment from saline mixing can shift THM speciation toward more toxic brominated compounds, while natural and algal organic matter provide reactive carbon precursors. Warm conditions accelerate halogenation reactions, and carbonate alkalinity and hardness stabilize the chemical environment in which chlorine reacts with organic matter. Inconsistent chlorine dosing, limited monitoring, and inadequate precursor removal may further increase disinfection by-product risks. The review identifies major local gaps, particularly the limited routine measurement of bromide, THMs, and organic-matter reactivity. It concludes that Zanzibar requires hydrochemically informed monitoring, improved source protection, precursor-removal measures, and adaptive disinfection strategies that account for spatial and seasonal water-quality variability while maintaining effective microbial control.
Bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the major food crops cultivated in West Guji and plays a significant role in ensuring food security in Ethiopia. However, low soil fertility and inadequate fertilizer application are among the major constraints limiting wheat productivity in the study area. The study took place in the West Guji southern Oromia, during the main cropping season in 2023. The study was aimed to determine the combined application of NPS and urea (N) fertilizer rates for bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. The treatments were (0 NPS) negative control, 60 kg NPS, 120 kg NPS, and 180 kg NPS, and (0 N) negative control, 140 kg N, 280 kg N, and positive control (100/100 kg ha⁻ 1 NPS/N). The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The results of the analysis of variance for agronomic characters indicated that the effects of fertilizer application rates were significant for the date of 50% heading, the date of 90% physiological maturity, plant height, the number of total tillers per plant, spike length per plant, effective tiller per plant, spikelet per spike, the number of grains per spike, thousand seed weight, and harvest index. The maximum duration of 50% days to heading (83.67 days) and day to 90% physiological maturity (136 days) was obtained from unfertilized plants, whereas the minimum duration of 50% day to heading (70.33 days) and day to 90% physiological maturity (120 days) was obtained from 180 kg NPS ha⁻ 1 + 280 kg N ha⁻ 1 fertilizer rates, respectively. The maximum plant height (92.5 cm) was also recorded under the highest fertilizer treatment, indicating a strong correlation between nutrient application and plant growth. These findings suggest that balanced fertilizer rates can significantly enhance both yield components and overall plant development. 21 cm), effective tiller per plant (5.21), number of total tillers per plant (5.25), spike length (9.21 cm), and 180 kg NPS ha⁻ 1 + 280 kg N ha⁻ 1 fertilizer rates, respectively. The maximum spikelet per spike (19) and number of grains per spike (74.67) were obtained from 120 kg NPS ha⁻ 1 + 140 kg N ha⁻ 1 fertilizer rates, respectively. The maximum thousand grains weight (38.00 gm) and harvest index (44.33%) were obtained from 180 kg NPS ha⁻ 1 + 140 kg N ha⁻ 1 fertilizer rates, respectively. Therefore, 180 kg/280 kg and 180 kg/140 kg ha⁻ 1 NPS/urea (N) are better, but 120/140 kg is best for gain yield, and the farming community can be used in the study area. This suggests that optimizing fertilizer application can significantly enhance bread wheat yield and yield components. Future research should focus on refining these rates further to maximize efficiency and sustainability in agricultural practices.
Absorption, emission, time resolved fluorescence spectra and molecular modelling of 2-anisidine (2AS) with α-CD and β-CD in pH~2, pH~7 and pH~11 solutions were examined. Cu: 2AS: CD nanomaterials were investigated by SEM, DSC, FTIR, XRD and 1H NMR techniques. The absorption and emission maxima and spectral shape of 2AS in all the pH solutions and solvents are different from each other. 2AS gave a single broad emission spectrum in all the solvents while dual emission noticed at pH~11. The lifetimes of the inclusion complexes were longer than that of the free 2AS molecule. The geometrical restriction of the α-CD cavity likely limits the free rotation of the amino and methoxy groups, thereby enhancing the emission intensity. The calculated HOMO–LUMO energy gap, total energy, free energy, enthalpy, entropy, dipole moment, and zero-point vibrational energy of the CD: 2AS complex differed significantly from those of the isolated 2AS, α-CD and β-CD molecules, and both the vertical and horizontal bond lengths between the amino and methoxy groups are smaller than the β-CD cavity size confirming the formation of an inclusion complex. In FTIR, most of the peaks are not appeared and a substantial decrease in intensity was noted in the Cu: 2AS: CD nano. The chemical shift value of 2AS protons are shifts to up field and down field and the peak intensities are very low in the nano copper with CD nanomaterials. SEM image of the nanomaterials are different from isolated 2AS molecule.
Ligand, oroaniline were combined to synthesize Zn(II) complex. Characterization was performed through determining parameters such as melting point, solubility, molar conductivity, electronic and FTIR spectra studies, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), profiled for their biocidal effects, and performed docking calculations to determine protein binding ability of the metal complex. Results of melting points was in the range of 188 – 194°C, indicating thermal stability, their insoluble nature in polar solvents and narrow range of conductivity indices (5.6 – 18 Ω/cm-2) highlights their non-electrolytic nature in solutions. Comparing the UV-Vis spectra of the compounds revealed major shifts which were backed up by the FTIR spectra. This confirmed coordination through nitrogen and oxygen donor atoms of the ligands. The thermal results of the ligands revealed good stability with multiple non-spontaneous decomposition steps evident from the energy of activation data. The enhanced biocidal effect of the complex in comparison with the ligand confirms chelation with increased rigid structure. Molecular docking analysis of the metal complex gave binding affinity score of -172.67 in comparison with chloroquine as the reference antimalarial medication with score of -120.36. The result indicate stronger binding interaction with the target protein. The biological function and binding interaction of the Schiff base Zn(II) complex are essential for its application as biocidal agent in therapy upon optimization and functionalization.
There is increased interest in the study and application of finger millet derived yeast (FM), especially in bioethanol industry. Several studies have shown the vitality of this yeast, but its preservation has been a challenge hindering its wider application. Natural antioxidant sources such as sorghum are promising non-toxic preservatives with strong radical scavenging activity. However, it is unknown whether its antioxidants have no side effects on FM, or can extend its shelf life. This study aimed at analysing sorghum grain extracts (SEs) antioxidant activity in terms of their antioxidant content and activity to preserve these yeasts, in small or large quantities for laboratory or industrial applications. Acombination of in vitro and in vivo methods were used to determine the antioxidant potential of SEs, and high performance liquid chromatography for compound characterization. The highest total phenolic content was recorded in K71S2814 (76.25) and lowest in KARI MATIMA1 (43.57) in mgGAE /100gdm, and that of total flavonoid content was reported in GBK006801 (37.31), and lowest in K15 OCHUTI (10.14) in mgCE /100gdm. The highest radical scavenging activity (IC 50 ) was reported in GBK006801 (25.82ug/ml), and lowest in GBK032096 (86.01ug/ml), GBK006801 (25.82), ( Severe≥5density ) and K71S2814 (44.11), ( Severe≥5density ) had higher in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity than ASCORBIC ACID (46.25) ( moderate survival ≤2.5density ). Epigallocatechin gallate (0.002939-0.035139%), and epicatechin gallate (0.007525-0.251397%) very powerful antioxidants than ascorbic acid were isolated. Based on the study, it is concluded that sorghum is non-toxic, with antioxidants that can significantly extend FM shelf life.
This study aims to synthesize activated carbon (ACGH) and ferromagnetic activated carbon (ACGH-Fe 3 O 4 ) derived from cotton stalks ( Gossypium herbaceum ) and to evaluate their catalytic performance in the degradation of Cochineal Red A (E124) dye in aqueous solution using the heterogeneous Fenton process. The textural, structural, and chemical properties of the synthesized materials were characterized using different analytical techniques. The degradation of E124 was investigated by varying several operational parameters, including the pH of the solution (3–7), hydrogen peroxide concentration (0.5–1.5 mol.L -1 ), initial dye concentration (100–200 mg.L -1 ), and catalyst dosage (50–100 mg). FTIR analysis of ACGH-Fe 3 O 4 confirmed the presence of Fe-O functional groups, while X ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of a magnetite crystalline structure. The specific surface areas of ACGH and ACGH-Fe 3 O 4 were determined to be approximately 694.35 and 287.14 m 2 .g -1 , respectively, indicating the presence of micro and mesoporous structures. Catalytic performance tests showed that the degradation efficiencies of Fe 3 O 4 , ACGH, and ACGH-Fe 3 O 4 reached 35.32%, 51.56%, and 99.95%, respectively, after 60 min of reaction. Process optimization using response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box–Behnken design (BBD) confirmed a maximum degradation efficiency of 99.97% at an optimal catalyst dosage of 1.5 g.L -1 . The quadratic regression model provided coefficients of determination of R 2 = 0.9217 and adjusted R 2 = 0.8488, indicating good agreement between the experimental and predicted values. Kinetic analysis revealed that the degradation of E124 follows a pseudo-first-order model. In addition, the ACGH-Fe 3 O 4 catalyst exhibited good reusability, maintaining degradation efficiencies between 90% and 70% after five successive cycles. Compared to conventional activated carbons, ACGH-Fe 3 O 4 demonstrated superior catalytic efficiency, fast kinetics, and excellent reusability, highlighting its potential for practical wastewater treatment.
This worked is aimed at studying the thermodynamic and kinetic adsorption of methyl orange (MO) onto activated carbon (AC) obtained from Neem oil cakes (NOC). The ACs were synthesized by chemical activation of Neem oil cakes with H3PO4 of 2, 5 and 10 percent (respectively labeled AC-2, AC-5, and AC-10) followed by pyrolysis at 450°C for 1 hr. Various characterizations of the synthesized ACs include Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy FTIR, microstructural and elemental analyses (SEM/TEM, EDS), pHPZC, moisture content, and iodine and methylene blue adsorption methods were used to determine the surface area. The ACs were employed to adsorb methyl orange (MO) from a synthetic aqueous solution. The results obtained show that: pHPZC was less than 7, indicating that the three activated carbons have predominantly acidic surface. The adsorbents AC-5 and AC-10 have microporous and mesoporous structures respectively, with respective specific surface area by iodine adsorption (SI2) method estimated to be around 688.45 and 689.70 m2/g. The adsorption of MO was pH dependent, with an optimal adsorption at pH =2. The EDS results confirm that these adsorbents are primarily composed of carbon. Results from kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process followed a pseudo second order kinetic model. The experimental data from the equilibrium adsorption of MO on the ACs showed the best fit with the Langmuir isotherm, suggesting monolayer adsorption. Maximum adsorption capacity of 232.558 mg.g-1 was obtained for AC-10. These results show that the adsorption of MO is spontaneous and endothermic. Chemisorption is the predominant mechanism for MO removal on AC-2, AC-5, and AC-10.
We have prepared and isolated in solid form two types of polymers formed between iron (II) complexes ([FePc(COOH)8] and [FePc(CN)8]) and two bidentate ligands [trans-1,2-bis (4-pyridyl) ethylene (bpe); trans-1,2-bis (4-pyridyl) ethane (bpa)]. The electronic and vibrational absorption spectra of these complexes are discussed in comparison with those of previous work on [FePcL2]n polymers with the same ligands. Infrared spectrometry shows a modulation in the intensities of certain characteristic bands of the complexes, reflecting a reorganization of the structure of these compounds through the formation of polymers and, above all, the emergence of new vibration bands attributable to the ligands. In electron absorption spectrometry, our results confirm those already available in the literature with the [FePcL2]n series. The presence of the bpa ligand causes each macrocycle of the polymer to behave independently. In contrast, the bpe ligand induces a perfect linear connection between the macrocycles due to its alkene function, which allows electrons to move easily along the polymer chain. The presence of peripheral groups (COOH and CN) provides a novel result because they strongly influence not only the energy of the π→π* band, but especially that of the central metal-axial ligand charge transfer band (CT Fe→L). These charge transfers are responsible for the conductive properties of these compounds.
3-Sphere, a hypersphere in 4 dimensions approach, applied for calculating stereochemical parameters of iminocyclitol 1 – 5 with Hopf fibration and Lie algebra is described. Three angles have been considered, i.e. dihedral θHnHn+1 [deg] – tetrahedral φCn [deg] – phase angle of the pseudorotation P [deg] calculated from NMR data, vicinal coupling constant 3JHH [Hz] and carbon chemical shift δC [ppm]. This approach gave for 1-α-methyl-1,4-imino-1,4-dideoxy-D-ribitol 2 two conformers E3 and 3T2 having different dihedral θHnHn+1 [deg] and tetrahedral φCn [deg] angles with same vicinal angles ϕ [deg]. Notably, phase angle of pseudorotation P [deg] placed the conformations on the south side for D-ribitols 1 - 3 and on the north side for L-ribitol 4, excepting trifluoroacetate salt of L-ribitol 5. The wave character of NMR data introduced few homotopic switches, the transformation from torus to inverse of torus, the relationship between angles of set A and set B, the transformation from Planck constants h to h-bar, along with the transformation from Joule to Calorie (J 4.1868 ⇆ J-1 0.238). Two methods for calculation of tetrahedral angles φCn [deg], energy-graph and Euler conic with two ways for representing the angles, polyhedron and unit models are analyzed. The conformational parameters, phase angle of the pseudorotation P [deg] established with VISION molecular model and exocyclic 3-Sphere dihedral angles θHnHn+1 [deg] relative to endocyclic torsional angles θn,n+1 [deg] from Altona-Sundaralingan model have been evaluated. In addition, the corresponding angle of deviation from planarity θm [deg] has been determined.
Conic projection as manifold enable calculation dihedral θHnHn+1[deg] angles from differences between two atoms of carbon ΔδCnCn+1[ppm] in three steps or from only one atom of carbon δCn[ppm] in close relationships with tetrahedral φCn[deg] angles under 3-Sphere approach. Hopf fibration and Lie algebra ensuring calculation dihedral θHnHn+1[deg] angles from vicinal ϕ[deg] angle, angle results from vicinal coupling constant 3JHH[Hz]. Real Hopf fibration for calculation dihedral θHnHn+1[deg] angle in real space, and R16 octonionic Hopf fibration, double of quaternionic R7, for all cis, trans-ee, trans-aa stereochemistry, unreal space relative to calculated dihedral θHnHn+1[deg] angle. Continue “deformation”, homotopic behaviour h ⇆ h-1 characteristic for wave NMR data, probably a point of swich on Möbius band, in case of radius r of the cone inscribes on sphere at tangent point, calculated from height of cone h or inverse of height h-1, the tan function of h is equal with sin function of h-1. Dihedral θHnHn+1[deg] and tetrahedral φCn[deg] angles are from the trigonometric point of view under sin and tan function, or viceversa, homotopic behavior of NMR data under conic projection demonstrating that. Because the dihedral θHnHn+1[deg] angles are not found in first unit, for few vicinal coupling constants 3JHH[Hz], the rule accepted until now are explored taking in consideration other sets for building unit along the set C, respectively D, E and F, G, or vicinal angle ϕ[deg] with its three possible dihedral θHnHn+1[deg] angles in close relationships with tetrahedral φCn[deg] angles under seven sets unit. Building units through sets U or S calculated from sin or tan functions until calculated angles are almost equals with angles of unit U1 or S1, required long time for calculation.
This study is devoted to the determination of polyphenol, flavonoid and mineral contents and then to the evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Amorphophallus consimilis extracts. The spectrophotometric method is used for the determination of polyphenol and flavonoid contents with standard solutions of gallic acid and quercetin respectively. The polyphenol content varies from 2.33 (stems) to 4.68 (tubers) µg EAG/g and that of flavonoids from 2.425 (tubers) to 9.373 (stems) µg EQ/g. The antioxidant activity is evaluated by the DPPH• and ABTS+ method. The 50% Inhibitory Concentration (IC50) values obtained with both methods range from 0.17±0.011 (leaves) to 0.254±0.001 (tubers) mg/mL. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) is used for the determination of mineral contents. Amorphophallus consimilis contains minerals with average contents of calcium (43 µg/g), iron (11 µg/g), zinc (0.28 µg/g) and copper (0.14 µg/g). The disk diffusion method is used for the evaluation of antibacterial activity. A total of five bacterial strains are used, these are: Escherichia coli ATCC25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC29213, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC29212, Pseudomonas (community strain), Candida albican ATCC24433 were used. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) range from 1.875 to 30 mg/mL, showing overall interesting bacterial activity of the extracts on the strains tested.
Sudan Red-7B/Cyclodextrin doped ZnO nanocomposites are synthesized and analyzed by various spectral and microscopic methods. The doping effect of SR7B/CD on ZnO nano investigated by UV-visible, fluorescence, FTIR, DTA, XRD, FE-SEM and TEM methods. The effect of different polarities of the solvents, α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), on MV was studied by various spectral methods. The inclusion behaviour of SR7B on both CDs was determined by PM3 method. The solvent and CD studies show that the azo-imino tautomer is present in the SR7B molecule and that, depending upon the polarity of the solvents, absorbance and emission intensities of the azo-imino tautomer is varied. With increasing CD concentrations, the shorter wavelength emission intensity of the SR7B regularly increased while the longer wavelength emission intensity decreased. The horizontal bond length of SR7B is longer than the CD cavities; hence, this molecule is partially encapsulated in the CD cavity. HOMO-LUMO gap for MV/β-CD inclusion complex was more negative, which supports that this complex is more stable than MV/α-CD inclusion complex. Red or blue shifted absorption and fluorescence maxima were seen in SR7B/CD/ZnO nanocomposites than SR7B/CD inclusion complex. Nanoparticle size was measured by TEM-EDS and X-RD methods. TEM image showed that nanosheets are formed in SR7B/CD/ZnO.
The integration of organic species with polyoxometalates leads to the formation of hybrid materials that benefit from the combined functionalities of both components. These organo-inorganic systems are of great interest due to their potential synergistic behavior. Developing straightforward and efficient synthetic approaches to design such materials combining the rigidity of the inorganic backbone and the tunability of organic units remains a key objective in the field of materials chemistry. In this work, we present a simple "one-pot" synthesis route for the compound (C6H20N3)2[P2Mo5O23].1.5H2O. Structural characterization was performed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction alongside infrared and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c, with the following unit cell parameters: a = 18.9626(2) Å, b = 10.8514(1) Å, c = 16.4933(1) Å, β = 107.37(1)°, and Z = 4. Its structure is based on a diphosphomolybdate anion [P2Mo5O23]6-, neutralized by two organic cations (C6H20N3)3+, and accompanied by 1.5 lattice water molecules. The three-dimensional arrangement is characterized by layered assemblies oriented along the a-axis, stabilized through extensive hydrogen bonding. These layers alternate between polyanionic clusters, organic moieties, and water molecules, forming a robust supramolecular network. Notably, this material displays photochromic behavior, suggesting its potential for applications in responsive optical systems.
Struvite is a magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate (MAP) crystal with significant potential in agriculture as a slow-release fertilizer. Struvite and its derivatives, such as Hazenite, Struvite-K, and Struvite-Na, can form through specific chemical reactions. Hazenite, a newly discovered mineral in the struvite group, contains two monovalent cations (Na+ and K+) and can be applied in agriculture and orthopedics. Hazenite has an orthorhombic structure with a dipyramidal crystal system and a formula weight of 276.331 g/mol. It was first discovered in Mono Lake, California, and named in honor of Robert M. Hazen. Hazenite forms biologically by microbes that precipitate this crystal when phosphorus levels in the environment increase. The precipitation of struvite and its derivatives requires magnesium, which can be sourced from alternatives like bittern, a byproduct of salt production. This study successfully synthesized Hazenite from bittern as a source of magnesium and sodium. XRD characterization revealed that Hazenite is the dominant phase in the sample, with a tubular elongated shape detected through FESEM-EDX. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken Design (BBD), optimal conditions for Hazenite production were identified: pH 11.0 - 11.5, reaction time 45 - 50 minutes, and Mg:Na:PO4 molar ratios of 1:1:1 - 1.2:1.2:1 or 1.8:1.8:1 - 2:2:1. These conditions yielded the highest Hazenite percentage (>95%).
Over the last ten years, cancer therapies have struggled with drug resistance. In this report, we explore new coumarin (COU) compounds designed to inhibit the enzyme NQO1, which shows potential for effective treatment due to their favorable predicted drug properties. Three-dimensional (3D) models of NQO1-COUx complexes were generated through in situ modifications of the crystal structure of NQO1-COU12 (PDB entry code: 3JSX), which served as the reference compound for a training set of of 22 and a validation set of 6 VCOUs with known experimental inhibitory potencies. To identify the active conformation of COU1-22, we developed a gas-phase quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model that established a linear correlation between the calculated enthalpy of NQO1-COU complex formation and the values of experimental activities. Subsequently, we screened the Virtual Compound Library (VCL) using Lipinski's Rule of Five and the PH4 model, then assessed the potency of the new COU analogues using the retained QSAR model. The pharmacokinetic profile of the analogues obtained was also evaluated using the linear correlation equation derived from the QSAR model. The coefficient of determination (R²), the Leave One Out (LOO) cross-validated Squared and the Standard error of regression σ for this equation are 0.91, 0.94 and 0.14, respectively, thus revealing the high predictive power of this model. Similarly, the PH4 model, with a correlation coefficient of 0.91, demonstrated robust predictive power. A comprehensive screening of the COU virtual analogue library yielded a total of 63 drug candidates with oral bioavailability, among which the most promising compounds exhibited a predicted potency of 12.22 and a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. The integration of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) techniques and in silico screening, based on the PH4 model, has enabled us to propose potent anticancer candidates with optimal pharmacokinetic profiles.
This work concerns the determination of conditions for optimizing the synthesis of a composite material consisting of activated carbon and iron (III) oxide nanoparticles in order to improve adsorptions properties such as adsorption yield and enthalpy of adsorption of malachite green. A three-point central full factorial design was used for this purpose to evaluate impact of optimal synthesis parameters namely the concentration of iron nitrate, the annealing temperature, the synthesis pH and the citric acid/iron nitrate molar ratio. The existence of interaction between the synthesis parameters increases the effects of the latter on the properties of the composite material obtained. The increase in the concentration and the decrease in the annealing temperature favors an increase in the adsorption yield from 60% to 76%. There is also an increase in the adsorption enthalpy up to values greater than or equal to 40 kJ.mol-1 when there is an increase in the synthesis pH and the iron nitrate concentration simultaneously with the drop in the molar ratio citric acid/iron nitrate and the annealing temperature. Composite material obtained following the optimal conditions: annealing temperature at 400°C, with an ionic iron concentration of 0.150 mol.L-1 at pH 5 and a molar ratio close to 0.250 exhibited an adsorption yield of ~80%, higher than pristine activated carbon (~70%) and an increase in the variation of enthalpy (from -12.010 kJ.mol-1 to 52.612 kJ.mol-1). The results of this work provide a basis from which to effectively functionalize an adsorbent with iron oxide nanoparticles with the aim of having more improved adsorbent properties.
The increasing use of untreated pig slurry as an organic amendment in Kozah 1 (Togo) raises environmental and public health concerns. A preliminary survey revealed that 80% of farmers apply raw slurry directly to crops, while 20% discharge it into the environment, from where it is often collected by market gardeners. This study assesses the fertilizing potential and toxicity risks associated with such practices. Samples were collected from ten randomly selected pig farms in Lama canton, a zone dominated by small-scale artisanal pig farming. In each pit, stratified sampling targeted the surface, middle, and bottom layers using a sterile bucket mounted on a 1.5-meter pole. Each layer (500 mL) was homogenized into a composite sample per site. Samples were kept at 4°C until physico-chemical and microbiological analyses. The slurry showed a high organic matter content (730 ± 1.1 g/kgDM) and macronutrients (N = 21 ± 0.2, P2O5 = 25 ± 0.2, K2O = 38 ± 0.4 g/kgDM), but a low C/N ratio (5.2), indicating instability. Pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella) and elevated nitrate and phosphate levels were also detected, suggesting health and water pollution risks. The findings underscore the need for pretreatment methods such as co-composting to reduce pathogenic loads and stabilize nutrients for safer agricultural use.
This innovative study assesses the environmental and health risks associated with the use of chemical coating products in the commune of Tchaoudjo 1 (Togo), a context marked by informality and the absence of strict regulations. It combines, in an unprecedented way, field surveys of artisans, chemical analyses of commonly used products (paints, varnishes, mastics, thinners) and a comparison with international standards. The results reveal a high use of solvent-based products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals (chromium, lead, mercury). Waste management is alarming: 100% of liquid residues are discharged into the open air and 85% of plastic waste is burned, promoting the dispersion of toxic pollutants. The study highlights previously poorly documented risks, such as the presence of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), a carcinogen, and the domestic storage of hazardous substances. Although measured concentrations generally remain below regulatory thresholds, their accumulation and persistence represent a serious threat. By filling a significant regional knowledge gap, this research provides essential baseline data for public policies, while highlighting the urgent need for regulatory, awareness-raising, and substitution measures.
The tanning industry, although essential for leather production, is one of the most polluting due to the significant discharge of effluents containing toxic chemicals. The objective of this study was to analyze physicochemical parameters and metals of composite samples from effluents of the Tannerie Abidjanaise (Côte d’Ivoire). All parameters of the effluents were measured using standardized methods. Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) and other heavy metals (Copper, Iron, Manganese, Nickel, Plomb, Total chromium, Zinc) have been determined by means of an ion chromatograph and an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP OES), respectively. Environmental Risk Assessment of Tannerie Abidjanaise were done with the heavy metal evaluation index (HEI). The Kruskal-Wallis test was made to bring out the relation between in value of all parameters of the different sampling. The mean concentration of temperature, pH, and SSM were 26.7, 7.04 and 414 mg/L, respectively. The average level of Total nitrogen, COD and BOD5 were 238 mg/L, 720 mg/L, and 249 mg/L, respectively. All of these parameters were higher than that of standard permissible limits. The BOD5 and COD ratio ranged from 0.3 to 0.4 indicated the low biodegradability of the effluents. The tannery effluents have TCr and Cr (VI) value with average concentrations of 122 mg/L and 49 mg/L, respectively. Like iron (average of 7.3 mg/L), TCr and Cr (VI) were higher than the standard permissible limits prescribed by National standards. Copper, lead, manganese, and zinc were determined at very low levels, while arsenic, cadmium, and nickel were below their detection limits. There is no significantly difference between the value of the different sampling for all parameters according to Kruskal-Wallis test. Tannerie Abidjanaise’s effluents present environmental risk to heavy metals provides according to HEI methodology.
Isoberlinia tomentosa, a medicinal plant commonly found in the southern part of Borno State, Nigeria, has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, malaria, rheumatic fever, strep throat, urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, and dysentery. This research aimed to assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity and phytochemical composition of the ethyl acetate and n-butanol portions of Isoberlinia tomentosa stem bark extracts. The plant-based chemical analysis showed that the n-butanol portion contained flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and carbohydrates. In contrast, the ethyl acetate portion contained tannins, carbohydrates, terpenoids, flavonoids, cardenolides, and cardiac glycosides, but no saponins were detected. Notably, anthraquinone glycosides and alkaloids were also not detected. The antimicrobial screening demonstrated that Isoberlinia tomentosa exhibited significant inhibitory activity against certain test organisms. Specifically, the ethyl acetate portion (500 mg/mL) showed pronounced inhibition against Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella typhi. and Staphylococcus aureus, Furthermore, the n-butanol portion (500 mg/mL) exhibited broad-spectrum inhibition against all tested bacteria and fungi, including Salmonella typhi Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli,, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. These results imply that the stem bark extract of Isoberlinia tomentosa has antibacterial and antifungal properties, affirming its historical application in treating various illnesses.
