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Herbicide use in Nigeria: a review of its effects on human, animal and environmental health
Full text linkHerbicides are a class of
pesticide compounds with a specific role in
weed control. Most herbicides have a positive
effect on crop production; however, they are
also harmful to the environment, animals, and
humans when misused. The aims of this study
were to identify commonly used herbicides in
Nigeria, examine the effects of herbicides
from the perspective of One Health (i.e., the
health of humans, animals, and the
environment), and increase public awareness
of the negative impact of herbicide misuse on
human, animal, and environmental health in
Nigeria. We conducted a systematic literature
search for this study using Google Scholar,
the Bielefeld Academic Search Engine
(BASE), Research Gate, and PubMed,
focusing on research studies conducted in
Nigeria. In total, 192 articles were included in
this review. Atrazine, glyphosate,
metolachlor, paraquat, and 2,4-D are the most
commonly used herbicides in Nigeria.
According to reports, some of these
chemicals inhibit plant photosynthesis and
disrupt the female luteinising hormone surge,
which disrupts ovulation. Moreover, these
chemicals can lead to negative outcomes,
such as headaches, oxidative stress, and
pollution. Only 1.0, 9.4, and 16.1% of the
studies examined the impact of herbicides on
human, animal, and environmental health,
respectively. Similarly, only 11 studies
(5.7%) investigated bioherbicide
development in Nigeria, and only 2.6% tested
for herbicide residues in crops. Nigeria
desperately needs public education regarding
the use of herbicides. One health intervention
is urgently needed
Sound and silence: a comparative study of noise pollution in Shimla’s residential and commercial sectors, Himachal Pradesh, India
Full text linkNoise pollution is a growing
global issue, impacting both developed and
developing countries, including India.
Shimla, a historically significant city and a
popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is
experiencing increasing noise pollution due
to its expanding population, more vehicles,
congested roads, and tourists. This study
evaluates noise pollution in Shimla’s
commercial and residential areas, comparing
current levels with Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB) standards and proposing
mitigation measures. Noise was measured
using a Metravi (SL-4010) sound level meter,
with readings taken every three minutes for
three hours in the morning, at noon, and in the
evening. The equivalent continuous noise
level (Leq) was calculated and compared to
standards. Measurements were conducted in
March and April 2024 at 15 locations.
Additionally, a survey of 100 people assessed
the causes and effects of noise pollution.
Results showed that the Leq dB(A) values
ranged from 76.87 dB(A) at Boileauganj
Chowk to 84.97 dB(A) at the Old Bus Stand
in commercial areas. In residential areas,
Khalini Chowk recorded the highest Leq of
80.56 dB(A), while Mall Road had the lowest
at 76.87 dB(A). Vehicles were identified as
the primary noise source by 75% of
respondents. In the survey, 51.67% of
respondents reported irritation due to high
noise levels, and 38.33% experienced
headaches, highlighting the adverse effects on
residents’ well-being and health. All locations
exceeded CPCB standards for noise levels.
The study recommends measures to reduce
noise pollution in Shimla and suggests further
comprehensive noise pollution studies in
Himachal Pradesh
Raw bovine milk as a reservoir of multi-drug resistant, beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella
Full text linkThe transmission of zoonotic
bacteria through consumption of raw milk is
complicated by the dissemination of
antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. The present
study was conducted to detect the occurrence
of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ESBL-
/AmpC-producing Klebsiella spp.) in cow’s
milk originating from healthy or infected
(mastitis) cattle in India. In total, 450 milk
samples were collected from apparently
healthy cattle and cattle suffering from
clinical or sub-clinical mastitis. Out of 455
Klebsiella spp., 67 (14.73%) isolates were
found to be ESBL producers in the doubledisc
diffusion test. The occurrence of ESBLproducing
Klebsiella spp. was significantly
(p < 0.05) higher in milk samples collected
from cattle suffering with mastitis than in
healthy cattle. Among the ESBL-producing
Klebsiella spp., 56 (83.6%) isolates were
also detected that produced AmpC β-
lactamases. All the ESBL and AmpCproducing
Klebsiella spp. possessed blaCTX-M
(100%) and blaAmpC (100%), respectively.
The present study revealed a higher
occurrence of class 1 integron in ESBLproducing
Klebsiella spp. isolates. All
ESBL-producing- Klebsiella spp. isolates
were multi-drug resistant. The ciprofloxacinand/
or levofloxacin-resistant Klebsiella spp.
isolates possessed the quinolone resistance
gene (qnrS). The co-trimoxazole-resistant isolates possessed the sul1 and sul2 genes.
Phylogenetic analysis of the studied isolates
revealed that strains isolated from the same
location had a clonal relationship. The study
increases consumer awareness of the need to
avoid raw milk consumption to prevent the
spread of antimicrobial resistance in the
community.isolates possessed the sul1 and sul2 genes.
Phylogenetic analysis of the studied isolates
revealed that strains isolated from the same
location had a clonal relationship. The study
increases consumer awareness of the need to
avoid raw milk consumption to prevent the
spread of antimicrobial resistance in the
community
Red Onion Peel Powder as a Functional Ingredient for Manufacturing Ricotta Cheese
Full text linkOnion (Allium cepa L.) is a vegetable widely cultivated and consumed due to its rich content in bioactive compounds. Red onion peel (ROP) powder, which is a by-product derived from the onion industry, has been attracting significant interest as a potential functional ingredient for improving the overall quality of foods. The present study explores the potential of ROP powder as a functional ingredient to improve the quality and nutritional value of whey cheese. Despite being frequently viewed as a food processing waste byproduct, ROP is a rich source of bioactive substances, including antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber, having antioxidant and antibacterial effects. The ROP extract exhibited high amounts of total polyphenols (119.69 ± 2.71 mg GAE/g dw) and antioxidant activity (82.35 ± 1.05%). Different quantities (1 and 3%) of ROP powder were added to cheese formulations, and the subsequent impact on the texture characteristics, sensory attributes, and phytochemical composition of the value-added cheeses was evaluated. The findings show that the addition of ROP powder improved the texture and the color of the cheeses, providing a visually appealing product. Additionally, adding the ROP powder significantly raised the amount of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity (17.08 ± 0.78 µmol TE/g dw for RCROP1, 24.55 ± 0.67 µmol TE/g dw for RCROP2) in the final product’s formulation. Moreover, adding powder to cheese is an effective way to increase the value of onion by-products and produce polyphenol-enriched cheese
Extraction and characterisation of natural dye from orange peel for textile applications
Full text linkAwareness of the need to
protect the environment and people's health
has led to an intensification of concerns for
obtaining sustainable products and processes.
Toxic waste created during the production
and use of synthetic dyes has an impact on
both human and environmental health. As a
result, natural dyes are more secure and safer
than synthetic dyes. This study is significant
because it has the potential to help develop
sustainable and environmentally friendly
textile dyeing techniques. In this study, a
natural dye was successfully extracted from
orange peel (Citrus recticulata Rutaceae)
which was applied on textile fibre and was
found to be partly effective for eco-friendly
dyeing applications. The extracted dye does
not have a good wash fastness, which is the
ability of the fabric to retain its colour after
washing. This weakness is demonstrated by
carrying out a Fourier transform infrared
(FTIR) analysis where the potential binding
mechanisms between the dye and the textile
fibres was revealed. Different functional
groups can interact with the fibre’s functional
groups, affecting the dye's affinity for the
fabric and its overall colour fastness
properties. Findings show that dyes from
orange peels showed promise in this study,
but need to be improved further. Therefore,
the study suggests that further research is
needed to optimize the dyeing process and
improve the fabric's resistance to washing and
other environmental factors
Inclusion of Sorghum in Cyprinus carpio L. Diet: Effects on Growth, Flesh Quality, Microbiota, and Oxidative Status
Full text linkThis study investigates the impact of including sorghum in the diet of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) on its growth, blood parameters, meat composition, intestinal microbiota, and oxidative stress. Experimental diets with varying sorghum content (0%—V0 or control, 10%—V1, 20%—V2, and 30%—V3) were administered to carp weighing 43 g initially. Notably, in the 30% variant, sorghum entirely replaced corn and barley in the diet. Chemical analysis of sorghum unveiled a protein content of 14% and a fat content of 3.9%. Sorghum inclusion led to a decline in final body weight and weight gain, particularly notable in the V3 group with 30% sorghum. However, other physiological parameters, such as feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, and organ indices, remained unaffected. Protein and salt content in carp flesh increased with higher sorghum inclusion levels, while hematological parameters showed minimal variations. Analysis of the intestinal microbiota revealed increases in both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial populations with sorghum inclusion. Furthermore, sorghum concentration inversely correlated with glutathione levels and positively correlated with malondialdehyde content, indicating a disruption of antioxidant defense mechanisms and elevated oxidative stress
Contributions to the diversification of wine varieties without added sulfites from the Panciu Vineyard
No full textHorizontal flow pilot constructed wetland for dairy wastewater purification
No full textDue to the natural energy
sources used in constructed wetlands,
minimal energy and chemicals are required
for wastewater treatment. For the successful
wastewater treatment via constructed
wetlands, adequate pretreatment and a
sufficient amount of oxygen are crucial.
Constructed wetlands can be used to treat
industrial wastewater, such as wastewater
from the dairy industry, with prior
degreasing. This study was conducted on a
horizontal flow pilot constructed wetland
located on a plot of land used by the
Biotechnical Faculty in Bihać. The
constructed wetland consisted of two fields
planted with rushes (Typha latifolia) and
reeds (Phragmites australis). The substrate
and plants were not changed during the
experimental period. We monitored the
efficiency of industrial wastewater treatment
(wastewater from the dairy industry) by
season, varying the flow rate as well as the
hydraulic retention time of the water in the
device. The quality of the influent and
effluent was monitored by determining
analytical parameters. The constructed
wetland showed the highest efficiency in the
summer period, with a hydraulic retention
time of 6 days, with removal efficiencies of
98.03% for ammonia, 98.19% for total
nitrogen, 95.27% for total phosphorous,
94.50% for COD and 97.73% for BOD5. The
organic substance removal efficiency across
all four seasons was 94.68%
Evaluating the Use of Grape Pomace in Cyprinus carpio Nutrition: Effects on Growth, Biochemistry, Meat Quality, Microbiota, and Oxidative Status
Full text linkThis study investigated the effects of incorporating grape pomace (GP) into fish diets on the growth performance, physiological parameters, and biochemical composition of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). A total of 180 carp, with an average initial weight of 65 g, were reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). They were divided into a control group (C), fed with a diet containing 0% GP, and two experimental groups (V1 and V2), fed with diets containing 5% and 10% GP, respectively. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Results revealed that most growth parameters were not significantly affected by GP inclusion, except for a notable difference in the hepatosomatic index (HSI), indicating an impact on liver size relative to body weight. The biochemical analysis of carp meat showed significant differences in moisture, protein, fat, collagen, and salt content between the control and experimental groups. Furthermore, the oxidative status assessment indicated that GP supplementation modulates oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation pathways in carp, enhancing their antioxidant defenses and overall health. Microbiological examination of the carp intestinal content showed that GP inclusion in fish diets influenced microbial parameters, particularly affecting the abundance of aerobic germs and Enterobacteriaceae
Electrospun Membranes Based on Quaternized Polysulfones: Rheological Properties–Electrospinning Mechanisms Relationship
Full text linkComposite membranes based on a polymer mixture solution of quaternized polysulfone (PSFQ), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for biomedical applications were successfully obtained through the electrospinning technique. To ensure the polysulfone membranes’ functionality in targeted applications, the selection of electrospinning conditions was essential. Moreover, understanding the geometric characteristics and morphology of fibrous membranes is crucial in designing them to meet the performance standards necessary for future biomedical applications. Thus, the viscosity of the solutions used in the electrospinning process was determined, and the morphology of the electrospun membranes was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Investigations on the surfaces of electrospun membranes based on water vapor sorption data have demonstrated that their surface properties dictate their biological ability more than their specific surfaces. Furthermore, in order to understand the different macromolecular rearrangements of membrane structures caused by physical interactions between the polymeric chains as well as by the orientation of functional groups during the electrospinning process, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used. The applicability of composite membranes in the biomedical field was established by bacterial adhesion testing on the surface of electrospun membranes using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus microorganisms. The biological experiments conducted establish a foundation for future applications of these membranes and validate their effectiveness in specific fields