Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Effect of pigments of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on adhering and cytotoxicity of A549 cell line
Get PDFPseudomonas aeruginosa gram-negative, bacilli and facultative aerobic, P. aeruginosa cause cystic fibrosis patients, wounds, burns, and immunodeficienct patients, that have many virulence factors such as pyocyanin , cytotoxic ,biofilm formation and motility, Eighty-eight isolates belonging to P. aeruginosa were collected including the 66 clinical isolates obtained from different hospitals in Baghdad and were from different sources and 22 environmental isolates from previous studies of soil near oil fields. Microscopical and cultural characteristics were studied and diagnosed using biochemical tests, VITEC device, their ability to adhere to non-living (Polystyrene), living cell line (A549) and cytotoxicity of bacterial filtrate by MTT method. The results displayed that all isolates belonged to P. aeruginosa. The pigment-forming (pe26 – pc36) isolates and (PE33 – PC31) non-pigment-forming isolates were selected. That all selected bacteria were able to adhere to the Polystyrene and an epithelial carcinoma of lung (A549) was of more than 300 colony formation units in dilution (1:10) ,(1:1000), and (1:10000). The toxicity of the P. aeruginosa filtrate (pc36) isolated from clinical sources and producing pigments was 15.7, 34.5, 44 % at a concentration of 40, 60, 80 % respectively, while the isolate (pc31) that was isolated from clinical sources and non-producing pigment was 28.1, 75.2, 80.9 % at the same concentrations. As for the isolate (pe26),isolated from environmental sources and forming the pigment, the inhibition rate was 38.5, 83.1, 48.8 % at concentrations of 40, 60, 80) % respectively, and the isolate (PE33) that was isolated from environmental sources was 42, 73.4, 74.1 % at concentrations of 40, 60, 80 % respectively. The study will be helpful in evaluating the effect of pigment formation in P. aeruginosa on adhesion
Foliar application of Ascophyllum nodosum on improvement of photosynthesis, fruit setting percentage, yield and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Get PDFIn recent days, liquid formulations of brown seaweed extract, Ascophyllum nodosum used as a biostimulant in agriculture. Various studies suggest that A. nodosum enhanced the growth and yield of agriculturally important crops, but still, there is a lack of information about the biostimulation effects on photosynthesis, flowering and fruit setting of tomato. Hence, the present study aimed to know the effect of foliar application of A. nodosum on photosynthesis, flowering, fruit setting, yield and quality of tomato. A biostimulant product, MC Set with A. nodosum extract applied to tomato as a foliar spray at rates of three different concentrations such as 1.0 L ha−1 (MS 1), 2.0 L ha−1 (MS 2), 3.0 L ha−1 (MS 3) for six times during flowering of 2nd (30 Days after transplanting – DAT), 3rd (40 DAT) and 4th (50 DAT) cluster and fruit setting of 2nd (60 DAT), 3rd (70 DAT) and 4th (80 DAT) cluster respectively. The MC Set treatments enhanced the plant photosynthesis, flower number and fruit number per cluster, yield and quality traits of tomato. However, the middle concentration MS 2 showed highest photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, SPAD value, flower and fruit in 2nd, 3rd and 4th cluster. It also had better average fruit weight and yield per plant and hectare and enhanced the quality parameters such as total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, lycopene and total sugars compared to control and other two concentrations of MS Set. Hence, using A. nodosum extract on tomato growth could be a better sustainable crop production method.
Adoption of smokeless Chulha (Stove) in rural of Meghalaya and its feasibility: A case study
Get PDFThe smokeless chulha is a kind of stove that can directly impact the health of women in rural areas who are burning firewood as cooking fuel. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the smokeless chulha and to compare the social and economic benefits associated with it. The smokeless Chulhas (stoves) were distributed among the villagers in Tuber Kmai village of Meghalaya, India and its impact was compared with the traditional chulha used by the villagers. The efficacy of the smokeless chulhas was measured and compared with traditional chulhas in term of cooking time, fire wood consumption, gases, volatile compounds and particulate matter emitted. To measure the amount of gases, volatile compounds and particulate matter released, multifunctional air gas and particulate matter Detector (Labart, India) was used. Compared to traditional chulha, smokeless chulha showed 68.7 % reduction in firewood consumption and 45% reduction in cooking time. In addition, smokeless chulha showed 68.9% and 98% reduction in carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide compared to traditional chulha. Further, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) was observed for particulate matter (75%-87%), formaldehyde (75%) and total volatile organic compounds (88.5%). The results indicate that smokeless chulha could save a huge number of natural resources by reducing the cutting of forest. Moreover, smokeless chulha has a positive economic impact on family income.
Evaluation on the development of soil fertility gradients with nutrient exhaustive crop (Sorghum bicolor) regard to N, P, and K in Inceptisols in semi-arid regions of Tamil Nadu
Get PDFSoil test crop response (STCR\u27s) soil fertility gradient approach is based on the idea that complex treatments are superimposed in a field to obtain crop responses for correlating with soil test values that are artificially created by differential fertiliser treatments prior to conducting the regular experiment, thereby providing a scientific basis for balanced fertilisation between applied and available forms of nutrients. The present study aimed to develop the fertility gradient with sorghum as test crop in the field concerning N, P, and K and also to evaluate its impact on sorghum nutrient uptake, and soil fertility. The experimental field was split into three equal strips. Strips I, II, and III each received three graded levels of fertiliser N (nitrogen), P2O5 (phosphorus pentoxide), and K2O (potassium oxide) as urea, single super phosphate, and muriate of potash, respectively. The green fodder yield of sorghum recorded at harvest in strip I, II & III was 16.4, 23.4 and 28.2 t ha-1, respectively. Whereas post-harvest soil available nitrogen in strip I, II & III was 155, 190 & 214 kg ha-1 respectively, for available phosphorus 12.5, 23.2 & 31.8 kg ha-1 respectively and for available potassium it is 332, 370 & 396 kg ha-1 respectively. Wide variations in green fodder yield and soil fertility were observed among the strips, establishing the influence of graded amounts of fertiliser treatment on these parameters and the formation of a soil fertility gradient
Development of a web-based simulation application for efficient drip irrigation submain design
Get PDFDrip simulation software is essential for accurately optimizing and maximizing the efficiency of drip irrigation systems, enabling precise water management and resource conservation. The present study developed a powerful web-based application to assist irrigation system designers in evaluating the effectiveness of the submain design on uniform or non-uniform slope conditions. The software facilitates the simulation and optimisation of submain design by incorporating modern drip design approaches and state-of-the-art software development methodologies. With its intuitive user interface, the software allows users to effortlessly enter important design parameters, including slope specifications, lateral discharge rates, submain length, lateral spacing and submain inlet pressure head. The software calculates to determine the pressure head values at each outlet and the relative variation in pressure head (vh), allowing for comprehensive design evaluation. Extensive testing using various typical sample data ensured the high accuracy and reliability of the developed web application. It empowers users to explore multiple design alternatives and determine the most suitable option. Rigorous testing, employing various typical sample data, has further enhanced the accuracy and reliability of the developed application. Live demonstrations were conducted to evaluate its user-friendliness, yielding overwhelmingly positive feedback from designers. The software can be accessed conveniently via the website https://www.dripdesigncheck.in/telescopic/submain, ensuring easy availability to users
Experimental investigation of anti-corrosive behaviour of Beta vulgaris: A green approach
Get PDFThe loss of metals due to corrosion can be prevented using green inhibitors. Using natural and eco-friendly plant products is futuristic, preventing the environment from toxic and harmful chemicals. The present study aimed to investigate whole beetroot (BR, Beta vulgaris) for its anti-corrosion behaviour by galvanostatic polarization and electrochemical impedance techniques at a temperature between 298 K- 328 K. The temperature study would help in proposing BR\u27s adsorption mechanism on metal surfaces. The maximum inhibition efficiency of 94% at 298 K for 5% BR was observed, whereas a minimum of 75% was obtained for 1% BR at 328 K. It was found to be a mixed-type inhibitor that followed Langmuir isotherm. From thermodynamic studies, ΔGoads was found to be -13.64 kJ/mol, which revealed that BR adsorbed physically on the surface of mild steel. Rct values increased while Cdl values decreased on exposure of metal surface with BR extract. The scanning electron micrographs (SEM) and atomic force micrographs (AFM) witnessed the formation of a protective layer on the mild steel surface, which served as a barrier between the metal and corrosive medium. The present study provides a remedy for the financial and structural losses due to metal corrosion in an acidic medium
Effect of zinc concentration on the growth performance of White leg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei Boone
Get PDFAwareness about healthy organic food is increasing, leading to research on contaminants/pollutants and their effect on aquatic fauna and mankind. The effect of zinc sulphate on the growth performance of White leg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) was evaluated under six doses viz; 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mg/l in in vitro study conducted from June to October 2021. The results revealed that higher doses of zinc sulphate showed toxicity against L. vannamei. The weight (3.12gm), length (8.95cm), weight gain per shrimp (4.11g), average daily weight gain (0.032), and specific growth rate (1.1g) were significantly (5%) lower at the higher dose (8mg/l) of zinc sulphate than control 11.73g, 16.22cm, 19.75g, 0.156g, and 2.20g respectively. With an increase in zinc sulphate dose from 0 mg/l in control to 8 mg/l, survival of shrimp decreased from 100 % to 7%. The Lethal concentration (LC50) for zinc sulphate treatments was recorded at 0.71 ppm for shrimp. The water quality parameter pH (7.17-8.09), dissolved oxygen (6.13-7.58mg/l), hardness (4000-4772mg/l), and total alkalinity (162-231mg/l) were in an optimum range. The variation in Nitrite- Nitrogen, Nitrate- Nitrogen and Ammonical-Nitrogen (0-0.018, 0-0.4, 0-0.018mg/l) were within a permissible range. Thus, the present study revealed that zinc had a negative potential effect on L. vannamei at higher concentrations and may lead to serious economic loss to farmers if ignored
Using food residues (potato peels) as an alternative to potato dextrose agar in the growth of edible food fungi
Get PDFDue to the great importance of edible fungi, their rapid life cycle, and the possibility of their production throughout the year, their cultivation has become a vital resource that many countries depend on in their pursuit of economic growth and food security. The present study aimed to devise a local nutrient media for primary mycelium growth of nine species of fungi belonging to Pleurotus eryngii , Pleurotus floridanus , Pleurotus ostreatus (white strain) , Agaricus heterocystis , Agaricus bispous (brown strain ), Agaricus bispous (white strain), Lentinula edodesstrain No. 1, Lentinula edodes strain No. 2, Flammulina velutipe (yellow strain) using culture mycelium inoculation for reproduction and production of edible fungi. Different natural materials used for this purpose involved potato peels in a concentration ranging from 5 to 20 g/ L and compared with the commercial medium Potato Dextrose Agar at a rate of 39 g/Land according to the manufacturer\u27s instructions. The study also focused on the effect of physical factors such as temperature and pH on the growth rate of fungal mycelium. The results showed that the media prepared from potato peels at 5 g/L and 10 g/L concentrations achieved the best growth rate for the studied fungi compared to Peptone Dextrose Agar (PDA). The increase in the growth rate of fungi on media prepared from potato peels was attributed to the effect of nutrients for the prepared medium because it contained effective and necessary compounds for the growth in addition to their ease of absorption and consumption to be ready for food for agricultural fungi. The effect on the growth and production of edible fungi or any other type of fungi has not previously been studied and compared to the commercial medium PDA
Nutritional qualities and fluoride content of different date (Phoenix dactylifer) varieties consumed in Morocco
Get PDFThe date is a fruit of the palm family (Phoenix dactylifer), grown in Morocco in the southern regions. It is a very important fruit in the Moroccan table, especially during Ramadan (9th month of the Islamic calendar, a lunar calendar consisting of 354 days), where it becomes an essential food that is very nutritious and invigorating to the breaking of the fast added to milk. The present work aimed to determine the contents of mineral elements (fluorine, calcium, magnesium and chlorides) and sugar levels (Brix, glucose) of 12 varieties: Ajwa (Saudi Arabia), Deglet nour (Algeria), Anbara (Saudi Arabia), Anbara (United Arab Emirates), Boufeggous (Errachidia; Morocco), Aziza (Figuig; Morocco), Majhoul (Erfoud; Morocco) Majhoul (Errachidia; Morocco), Elkhalsse (Tafilalt; Morocco) Tarzawa (Tafilalt; Morocco), Deglet nour (Tunisia), Majhoul Sghir (Tafilalt; Morocco)) of dates marketed in Morocco of North African and Middle Eastern origin. Fluoride analyses were performed using a fluoride-specific ion electrode (HI-4110). The analyses of Ca, Mg, Cl and glucose levels were performed by Spectrophotometric methods. The results of the fluoride levels revealed in the different varieties of dates varied from 0.26 to 1.05 mg in 100g of fresh weight. The sucrose and glucose levels varied between 11.8 g to 17.75 g and 18 to 40.9 g in 100g of fresh date weight, respectively. The Mg, Ca and Cl levels varied between 46.89 to 93.71mg, 11.20 to 279.28 mg and 30.66 to 47.33 mg in 100g fresh date weight, respectively. Thus, it is possible to classify the varieties of dates on the basis of their nutritional qualities and mode of consumption and to warn the population about their consumption in excess with the risk (if any) of an attack of dental or osseous fluorosis
Evaluation of macro, micro, and toxic minerals in Dates fodder in Basra, Southern Iraq
Get PDFMineral concentrations in plants are affected by a number of factors, which in turn affect the amounts available directly or indirectly to animals, so the concentration of some nutrients may be insufficient for the needs of animals. The article aimed to evaluate a wide variety of chemical elements in date fodder often used to feed cows, buffaloes, and sheep in Basra Governorate, Southern Iraq. In addition, it establishes the acceptability of chemical element concentrations in the dates, which included macro-minerals, micro-elements, and hazardous metals. The feed was prepared to be digested and then all minerals were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) equipment to determine the amounts of macro-minerals, micro-elements, and hazardous elements in the feed. Where macro-minerals included (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulfur) and micro-elements included (iron, copper, nickel, selenium, chromium, tin, silicon, vanadium, and molybdenum, while toxic elements included (aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, uranium, and lead). Most major and minor elements had low values compared to the critical level determined for their presence in fodders, as all elements did not reach the maximum tolerable(4.5% of macro-minerals and 40 ppm of micro-elements) and much less than the minimum limit(<0.06 of macro-minerals and <0.20ppm of micro-elements), whereas the toxic elements in the chosen dates fodder had low and acceptable concentrations compared to the risk index for their presence in fodder(100 mg Kg-1). The current study helps farmers in Basra Governorate in their understanding of the mineral nutritional needs of cattle while relying significantly on this type of fodder