Olive mill wastewater (OMWW) is produced in large quantities in several oil-producing countries and is of particular concern due to its harmful long-term effects on soil fertility. Although OMWW is phytotoxic, it contains numerous nutrients suitable for reuse, particularly in agriculture. We hypothesized that the activity of earthworms, digesting OMWW and excreting the products into the soil, reduces the load of toxic organics and harmful effects of OMWW by the "vermicomposting" process, and increases soil fertility and nutrient availability. OMWW was diluted (at concentrations of 0

ABSTRACT Juniper forests (Juniperus thurifera L.) are among the most valuable forest ecosystems in the mountains of Algeria. Numerous studies have focused on enhancing the germination capacity of juniper seeds. This particular study aimed at breaking the seed dormancy by employing pretreatment methods involving sulphuric acid and gibberellic acid (AG3). To distinguish viable seeds from non-viable ones, the seeds were submerged in sucrose solutions with increasing concentrations (0%. 20%. 40%. and 60%) and subjected to cold treatments at 4 °C for a period of 2 years. Additionally, two pre-treatments were conducted: the first involved immersing the seeds in concentrated sulphuric acid for 15 minutes, while the second pre-treatment utilized AG3 at various concentrations (100 ppm, 400 ppm, and 1000 ppm) for 24 and 48 hours. The results demonstrated the possibility of breaking seed dormancy and achieving germination, which varied significantly based on the pretreatments, seed fractions, cold treatment, and their interactions. The highest germination percentage (83.33%) was observed when applying the gibberellic acid pretreatment (400 ppm for 48hours) to the seeds of the heavy fraction previously stored in cold conditions. Overall, this research opens up new possibilities for effectively managing and protecting juniper forests, contributing to their long-term sustainability and conservation efforts.

HIS STUDY aimed to investigate the response of durum wheat seedlings to water stress and to analyze the relationships between seedling-stage parameters and their behavior under field conditions. Sixteen (16) genotypes of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) were subjected to two water regimes: control and stressed. Parameters measured included accumulated biomass, seedling height, specific leaf weight, relative water content, proline content, drying rate of the flag leaf, and cell integrity. Water stress significantly affected all measured parameters, though the degree of impact varied among genotypes. Some genotypes demonstrated lower sensitivity to stress than others. Proline accumulation at the seedling stage showed a correlation with genotype performance under field conditions. Additionally, genotypes with higher specific leaf weight under stress better retained relative water content. The findings suggest that the ability to accumulate proline and sugars contributes to minimizing yield loss under water stress. This highlights potential physiological traits for breeding durum wheat varieties with improved drought tolerance.

This study investigated the impact of storage duration on olive mill wastewater (OMW) quality and biological properties. Among two various olive varieties, Abani exhibited the highest phenolic compound concentration after 12 months of storage. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis identified 28 OMW constituents, with kampherol as the major one, and rosmarinic acid detected for the first time. Results showed significant differences in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities among samples. The inhibition of protein denaturation (IPD) test yielded the best value after 1 month for Abani OMW, while membrane-stabilizing potential (MSP) test values were highest after 12 months for the same variety. Anticoagulant activity, measured by activating partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT), significantly varied with storage time, with the most favorable values found in Zlitni OMW immediately after olive oil extraction. These findings illuminate OMW changes over time, bearing significance for OMW management and potential applications.

Due to water shortages in semi-arid regions of Algeria, reusing treated waste water for irrigation is necessary. This study aims to demonstrate how the biological treatment methods used in Algerian plants can be applied to the domestic sewage of Oum El-Bouaghi City, located in northeastern Algeria. Twenty-one parameters were monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment techniques. Over 2 weeks, the samples were continuously collected via an automated sampler (Hach Lange type). We have determined the most critical parameters in wastewater: pH, EC, T, O2, ORP, BOD5, COD, MES, MVS, N–NTK, NO3−, NO2−, NH4+, P.T., oils and fats, and metallic elements: Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni. The findings indicate that biological treatment methods effectively purify the effluent of Oum El-Bouaghi City. The BOD5/COD ranges between 0.47 and 0.55, demonstrating that biological processes can efficiently break down the pollutant load. The inverse ratio (COD/BOD5) inferior to 3 (1.77 to 2.25) indicates their domestic origin. The results of the PCA projection on the F1*F2 plan show a robust positive correlation between BOD5 and several organic pollution indicators, as follows: r = 0.94 with COD, MES, and NH4+, r = 0.96 for both NO3− and NO2−. r = 0.89 for total phosphorus. Similar strong correlations were observed with COD, reflecting the ease of organic compound oxidation via chemical processes. Over-studied heavy metals, chromium stands out as the sole element demonstrating substantial connections with other elements with correlation coefficients of 0.63 to 0.82, showing its reactivity and unstable behavior. These findings emphasize the efficiency of the biological treatment procedures in purifying the effluent of Oum El-Bouaghi city regarding their domestic character.

The current study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition of the flavonoid-rich extract of Hyoscyamus albus L. (FEHA), collected from the Khenchela region, and to investigate its multiple bioactivities. Phytochemical profiling was explored using LC-MS and FTIR. The antioxidant activity was assessed via five assays. Antiarthritic activity was evaluated using the albumin denaturation method. The antidiabetic effect was measured through the glucose uptake assay in yeast cells. Antibacterial activity was tested using the disk diffusion method against five bacterial strains and anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated via inhibition of protein denaturation using the BSA technique. LC-MS analysis identified 15 phenolic compounds, with Cirsiliol being the most abundant and FTIR spectra revealed the presence of phenols, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aliphatics, carboxylic acids, aromatics, and amides. Among the antioxidant tests, the reducing power method showed the highest activity. Significant antiarthritic activity was recorded, and promising antidiabetic effects were observed. The extract also exhibited notable anti-inflammatory activity and, at higher concentrations, zone of inhibition was also observed against E. coli. These findings suggest that H. albus. could be a valuable natural source of pharmacologically active compounds with potential therapeutic applications.

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is a significant environmental pollutant due to its high organic load and toxicity, necessitating effective treatment methods. This study evaluates the impact of treating OMW through infiltration-percolation on the germination of cereal seeds, specifically durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The treatment involved using sand filters combined with lime and eucalyptus sawdust. Key physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), biological oxygen demand (BOD₅), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), and total organic carbon (TOC), were analyzed for both untreated OMW and the filtrates produced by the treatment. The results showed that the use of lime, alone or with eucalyptus sawdust, in the filtration process significantly increased the pH and EC, while leading to a highly significant reduction in BOD5, MM, OM, and TOC. Germination tests indicated that the highest germination rates, 80

Soil and earthworms are threatened by anthropogenic contamination resulting from olive mill waste dumping on the soil due to their pollutant properties. While several studies have explored the effects of olive mill waste on soil properties and the accumulation of heavy metals in soil, there is currently a gap in the literature regarding the potential bioaccumulation of heavy metals from olive mill waste in earthworms. In this study, soil with earthworms from two ecological categories (endogeic: Aporrectodea trapezoides and epigeic: Eisenia fetida) was treated with increasing doses of olive mill wastewater (OMWW) and olive mill pomace (OMP), applied individually or combined, in an indoor experiment in plastic containers, under laboratory conditions. The results revealed the presence of significant concentrations of heavy metals in the two types of wastes ranging as follows: Fe˃ Zn˃ Cu˃ Cd˃ Cr for OMWW, and Fe˃ Zn˃ Cu˃ Cr for OMP (with Cd below the detection limit). The study demonstrated distinct effects of OMWW and OMP, both individually and in combination, on soil heavy metal content, ranging as follows: soil OMWW > soil Combination > soil OMP for Cd; soil Combination > soil OMWW > soil OMP for Cr and Fe; and soil Combination > soil OMP > soil OMWW for Cu and Zn. Additionally, our investigation showed that both earthworm species exhibited significant uptake of these metals into their tissues, particularly the endogeic species. Interestingly, the most significant difference between species was in the accumulation of Cu, with the epigeic species accumulating significantly lower amounts.

The search results offer comprehensive insights into the phenolic compounds, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic effects, LC-MS/MS analysis, molecular docking, and MD simulation of the identified phenolic compounds in the Astragalus arpilobus subsp. hauarensis extract (AAH). The analysis revealed substantial levels of total phenolic content (TPC), with a measured value of 191 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g DM. This high TPC was primarily attributed to two key phenolic compounds: total flavonoid content (TFC) and total tannin content (TTC), quantified at 80.82 ± 0.02 mg QE/g DM and 51.91 ± 0.01 mg CE/g DM, respectively. LC-MS/MS analysis identified 28 phenolic compounds, with gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, catechin, and others. In the DPPH scavenging assay, the IC50 value for the extract was determined to be 19.44 ± 0.04 μg/mL, comparable to standard antioxidants like BHA, BHT, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol. Regarding anti-inflammatory activity, the extract demonstrated a notably lower IC50 value compared to both diclofenac and ketoprofen, with values of 35.73 µg/mL, 63.78 µg/mL, and 164.79 µg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed significant cytotoxicity of the A. arpilobus extract, with an LC50 value of 28.84 µg/mL, which exceeded that of potassium dichromate (15.73 µg/mL), indicating its potential as a safer alternative for various applications. Molecular docking studies have highlighted chrysin as a promising COX-2 inhibitor, with favorable binding energies and interactions. Molecular dynamic simulations further support chrysin’s potential, showing stable interactions with COX-2, comparable to the reference ligand S58. Overall, the study underscores the pharmacological potential of A. arpilobus extract, particularly chrysin, as a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Further research is warranted to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms and clinical implications of these natural compounds.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) refers to the waste generated by households, businesses, and institutions in urban areas. It is a complex mixture of materials, including food waste, plastics, paper, glass, metals, and yard waste. The characteristics of municipal solid waste can vary depending on factors such as the size and density of the population, consumption patterns, and waste management practices. The impacts of MSW are significant. It can affect the environment, public health, and the economy. Improperly managed MSW can result in air, water, and soil pollution, leading to environmental degradation and health problems. In addition, MSW can attract pests and vermin, creating public health risks. The accumulation of MSW can also cause aesthetic problems and reduce property values. Effective management of MSW can mitigate these impacts. The most common methods of MSW management include landfilling, incineration, and recycling. Landfills are the most commonly used method of MSW disposal, but they can pose environmental risks if not properly designed and maintained. Incineration can reduce the volume of MSW and generate energy, but it can also produce air pollution. Recycling can reduce the volume of MSW and conserve resources, but it requires significant infrastructure and education to be effective. In conclusion, MSW is a significant challenge for urban areas worldwide, with complex characteristics and significant impacts. Effective management of MSW requires a multifaceted approach that considers environmental, public health, and economic factors.

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is a by-product of olive oil production that, in its pure state, pollutes and harms the environment. We aim to minimize its polluting effect and investigate the impact of its direct application at diluted doses on soil quality and legume growth. In a pot experiment, the OMW doses of 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 75% were applied and the growth of lentil and faba bean seedlings was studied. Fresh sampling of OMW was conducted in a modern cold extraction oil mill located in north eastern Algeria. Physicochemical properties of OMW and soil as well as plant physiological parameters are studied. The OMW used is a highly acidic effluent and rich in organic matter (56.29 +/- 1.05 g/L) and mineral content (10.33 +/- 0.2 g/L). The dose of 75% has significantly improved the properties of the soil by increasing its organic matter and electrical conductivity, and has also increased the leaf area of the plants. On the other hand the dose of 12.5% has improved plant height, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, and total chlorophyll content. The research has shown that it is possible to use the OMW at diluted doses to improve soil quality in degraded land and food legume growth. Faba bean grew well in all soils treated by diluted OMW; it can be considered a tolerant plant to its pollutant effect, while lentil is sensitive and its growth is reduced by the increasing OMW dose. OMW is suitable for the vegetative development of food legumes, and it will be beneficial as a bio-fertilizer load of inorganic fertilizer used to enhance soil quality and its diluted form lessen its polluting impact on the environment and it is probably mostly important in semi-arid areas poor in organic matter.

Ovarian cancer poses a significant challenge to women's health, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of compounds derived from Hyoscyamus niger, a medicinal plant with a history of traditional use, focusing on their antioxidant properties and their ability to inhibit epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase a promising target in cancer therapy. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of H. niger extract revealed the presence of 21 phenolic compounds, with luteolin and p-coumaric acid notably exhibiting the highest concentrations. The extract displayed robust antioxidant activity across multiple assays, and its performance in the Reducing Power assay highlights its potential in reducing oxidative stress. Molecular docking results indicate that several phenolic compounds may serve as EGFR inhibitors, offering promising avenues for further investigation in cancer therapy. Notably, hyperoside emerged as a strong candidate due to its favorable binding energy and interactions within the EGFR active site. This study demonstrates the therapeutic promise of H. niger-derived compounds in targeting ovarian cancer through antioxidant activity and EGFR inhibition. Further research is warranted to validate their efficacy and safety, potentially opening up new avenues for ovarian cancer treatment.

The present study evaluated the potential of Salvia balansae from the Aures Mountains as a source of natural bioactive compounds. Leaves, flowers, and stems were extracted separately using methanol, ethanol, and acetone. Phenolic compounds were quantified colorimetrically and identified using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant capacity was assessed using six different in vitro assays, 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, ferrous ion chelating, and phenanthroline assay, while the photo-protective capacity was evaluated using the sun protective factor. The methanolic flower extracts revealed the highest O-diphenol and phenolic levels (287.9 ± 0.50 and 147.87 ± 0.21 µg GAE/mg, respectively), whereas the acetonic and ethanolic leaf extracts contained the highest flavonoid (72.17 ± 0.12 μg QE/mg) and flavonol (35.28 ± 0.05 μg QE/mg) levels, respectively. LC-MS was used to identify 18 phenolics, including quinic acid (5.051–69.69 ppm), luteolin-7-o-glucoside (7.802–44.917 ppm), apigenin-7-o-glucoside (3.751–68.507 ppm), and cirsiliol (2.081–15.608 ppm), distinguishing this Aures taxon. Principal component analysis and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean revealed variability in phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, and photo-protective activity influenced by biological activities and the compound content. Overall, S. balansae demonstrated promising photo-protective capacity, the presence of key bioactive compounds, and wide-ranging antioxidant potential, presenting this endemic plant as a valuable source of natural antioxidants and photo-protective agents with pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Investigations into cholinesterase inhibition have received attention from researchers in recent years for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Cholinesterase enzymes, namely, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), hold pivotal significance in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment. In this study, we utilized the ethanolic extract of Astragalus crenatus followed by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) to separate and identify at least 21 compounds in the extract. Rosmarinic acid exhibited the highest concentration (96.675 ± 1.3 mg/g extract), succeeded by hesperidin (79.613 ± 1.2 mg/g extract), hesperetin (75.102 ± 1.4 mg/g extract), rutin (68.156 ± 1.6 mg/g extract), chlorogenic acid (67.645 ± 1.5 mg/g extract), fisetin (66.647 ± 2.3 mg/g extract), and hyperoside (63.173 ± 1.5 mg/g extract). A. crenatus extract efficiently inhibited both AChE and BChE activities in a dosage-dependent manner. Molecular docking was employed to scrutinize the anticholinesterase mechanisms of the identified phytocompounds. Notably, a network pharmacology analysis was executed for the most efficacious compound. Based on binding energies, hesperidin emerged as the most potent inhibitor against both AChE and BChE, exhibiting scores of −10.5 Kcal/mol and −9.8 Kcal/mol, respectively. Due to its dual inhibition of AChE and BChE activities, hesperidin from Astragalus crenatus holds promise for the development of novel therapeutics aimed at neurological disorders, particularly AD.

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and antidiabetic properties of cultivated Hyoscyamus albus L. The ethanol extract was analyzed using LC-MS/MS, and 18 distinct phenolic compounds were identified. Among these, p-coumaric acid (6656.8 ± 3.4 µg/g), gallic acid (6516 ± 1.7 µg/g), luteolin (6251.9 ± 1.3 µg/g), apigenin (6209.9 ± 1.1 µg/g), and rutin (5213.9 ± 1.3 µg/g) were identified as the most abundant polyphenolic molecules. In the in vitro antidiabetic experiment, the ability of the plant extract to inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities was examined. The results indicated that the extract from H. albus L. exhibited a higher inhibitory effect on α-amylase compared to α-glucosidase, with an IC50 of 146.63 ± 1.1 µg/mL and 270.43 ± 1.1 µg/mL, respectively. Docking simulations revealed that luteolin, fisetin, and rutin exhibited the most promising inhibitory activity against both enzymes, as indicated by their high contrasting inhibition scores. To further investigate the in vivo antidiabetic effects of H. albus L., an experiment was conducted using STZ-induced diabetic mice. The results demonstrated that the plant extract effectively reduced the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. These findings suggest that H. albus L. may have therapeutic potential for managing hyperlipidemia, a common complication associated with diabetes. This highlights its potential as a natural remedy for diabetes and related conditions.