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Wind Analysis for Power Generation in the South of Iraq Full text
2025
Abbas, Taghreed Ali | Al-Jiboori, Monim H. | Altmimi, Amani I.
The spectrum of the wind speed is expressed as the total wind speed that results from events split up into space, time, or both. It is the relationship shown between the energy or magnitude of any given parameter versus the frequency. In this study, the spectra of the wind speed at the Al-Reem site in Iraq were presented. Since the goal of the current research is to analyze wind speed and direction using the Fast-Fourier-Transform, experimental measurements for the wind speed and wind direction were taken every ten minutes for a year, from December 2014 to December 2015 at heights (10, 30, 50 m). Based on the performance of the Fast-Fourier-Transform, the peak with the highest spectral density, measured at 226,236.282 m/s at the frequency of 2 Hz, was found to be at a height of 50 m throughout the night, while the peak with the lowest height level. The spectral density was 115,863.7 m/s at a frequency of 2 Hz, at a height of (10 m) all into the night. Winds coming from the west and northwest were the most common direction in the region. In the morning, the wind was blowing faster than at night.
Show more [+] Less [-]Food and Water Safety Surveillance at Galala Port in Ambon, Indonesia: An Investigation Study Full text
2025
Fikri, E. | Firmansyah, Y. W. | Suhardono, S. | Mikana, W. | Noya, L. Y. J.
The port is a place for ships as sea transportation to dock. The port, as a place of entry and exit for goods or passengers from various regions, places, and environments, encourages the potential for disease transmission to a new environment. Pathogens present in the environment can directly contact the human body through air, touch, and transmission through food around areas with high mobilization. Therefore, this study aims to look at the results of hygiene observations and laboratory testing related to food, drinking water, and air samples at Galala Port, Ambon City. This study used descriptive research with a cross-sectional research design. From all parameter examination results, several examination results do not meet the standards such as food microbiology examination results (E. coli bacteria > 3.6MPN/gr), sanitation (walls and floors are not watertight), the presence of mosquito larvae (seven Aedes albopictus mosquito larvae), drinking water microbiology (total Coliforms 64 CFU.100 mL-1), and clean water microbiology (E. coli > 250 CFU. 100 mL-1 and total Coliforms 8 CFU.100 mL-1). Therefore, it can be concluded that the inspection of restaurants carried out at Galala port, Ambon City, is not appropriate and does not meet the standards according to the Minister of Health Decree number 942 of 2003.
Show more [+] Less [-]Using Azospirillum Bacteria Isolated from Soil as Bioremediation Agent in Wastewater Contaminated with Cadmium in Iraq Full text
2025
Abbas, Z. R. | Al-Ezee, A. M. | Al-Shandah, B. T. | Shafeeq, M. A.
Bioremediation is an important technique to remove heavy metals from wastewater. The current research aimed to use Azospirillum bacteria in removing cadmium ions from wastewater. The source of Azospirillum bacteria was the soil of Al-Mishkhab in Al-Najaf province, Iraq (rice fields), while the source of wastewater was taken from the Al-Rustamia wastewater treatment plant, in Baghdad in October 2020. All the experiments were carried out in Soil and Water Research Center, Ministry of Science and Technology. After collecting the soil, the microorganisms were isolated through the Immunomagnetic beads (IMB) process and were incubated on a certain synthesized medium. The concentration of cadmium ion was determined through the Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) technique. The Azospirillum colonies were identified and characterized as white colonies while the concentration of cadmium ion ranged from 0.03-1.6 mg/L and applying the microorganism on the wastewater will decrease the concentration up to 99.9% in a process called biosorption. Treatment time was also studied for 24, 48, 72, and 168 hours. The statistical analysis shows that increasing time will enhance the removal of cadmium. Cadmium is one of the heavy metals responsible for soil contamination; bacteria play a crucial role in bioremediation, demonstrating stability in decomposing various compounds and materials. Azospirillum is employed for soil decontamination purposes; increasing incubation time will enhance the removal of the trace element; also further investigate the effect of other factors such as temperature, pH, and the effect of using other microorganisms.
Show more [+] Less [-]The Circular Economy of the Food Bank Supply Chain in Bandung City, West Java Full text
2025
Widiyanesti, Sri | Mahardhika, Bintang
Food banks play a crucial role in reducing food waste and addressing food vulnerability. Their operations involve an efficient supply chain that collects surplus food, processes it, and distributes it to those in need. This aligns with the goals of a circular economy, aiming to minimize food crises. This research aims to understand the supply chain of the Food Bank Bandung and analyze the implementation of circular economy principles within its supply chain. The study employs qualitative methods, with data gathered through interviews conducted with representatives from the Food Bank located in Bandung City. The collected information was used to design a comprehensive supply chain model, which was then meticulously analyzed. The analysis reveals that the Food Bank in Bandung effectively implements a circular economy by transforming surplus food, which would otherwise go to waste, into consumable items. Furthermore, the food bank adopts circular economy concepts by providing inedible food to Black Soldier Fly (BSF) cultivation for maggot consumption, which then can be used as an alternative source of protein for animal feed. The findings of the study show how circular economy practices can be integrated into food bank operations. By analyzing the circular economy approach in the Food Bank of Bandung, this research contributes to the existing body of knowledge and provides a foundation for future studies, offering a more extensive dataset for researchers and practitioners in the field.
Show more [+] Less [-]Geostatistical Appraisal to Comprehend Hydrogeochemical Environment of Major Ions and Depiction of Groundwater Suitability from Part of Balaghat District (M.P.), Central India Full text
2025
Murkute, Y. A. | Pradhan, A. P.
The key observations on the study concerning the geostatistical appraisal, hydrogeochemical environment of major ions (cations and anions) as well as groundwater suitability from the part of Balaghat District (MP) latitude 21°31ʹ42ʺ: 21°43ʹ11ʺ N and longitude 79°50ʹ30ʺ:80°11ʹ30ʺ E., Central India are presented here. The pH (7.3 to 8.6) of the groundwater samples and range of EC values (50-5080 μS.cm-1) typically clarify the alkaline nature and the involvement of diverse processes (geogenic as well as anthropogenic) deciding the hydrogeochemical environment of groundwater. This prominent behavior is the result of the conductivity in groundwater, which is the consequence of ion exchange along with the solubilization processes during the rock-water interaction and also represents anthropogenic activity. The abundance succession of cations is Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+, while the profusion sequence of anions is HCO3- > Cl- > NO3- > SO42- > F-. The positive correlation among the pair of Ca2+ with Mg2+ (r = 0.657), Na+(r = 0.691), and HCO3- (r = 0.842) as well as the high positive association between K+ and SO42- (r = 0.856), plus K+ and NO3- (r = 0.779) unravels the derivation of ions from the geogenic origin and the agro-chemical derivation of ions respectively. The three factors (1:6.350, 2:2.732, and 3:2.697), having a total variance of 87.923%, correspond with the geogenic factor, anthropogenic factor, and alkalinity factor, respectively. The groundwater from the study area is suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes with a slight threat of exchangeable sodium.
Show more [+] Less [-]A Review on Biosurfactants with their Broad Spectrum Applications in Various Fields Full text
2025
Uddin, Nazim | Sarwan, Jyoti | Dhiman, Sunny | ., Kshitij | Mittal, Komal | Sood, Vijaya | Siddique, Md. Abu Bakar | Bose K, Jagadeesh Chandra
Because of the superior qualities of biosurfactants over their equivalents derived from fossil fuels, they have recently attracted more attention. Although production costs are still a major barrier to biosurfactants’ superiority over synthetic surfactants, biosurfactants are expected to grow in market share over the next several decades. Glycolipids, a class of low-molecular-weight biosurfactants, are particularly sought-after for a variety of surfactant-related applications due to their effective reduction of surface and interfacial tension. Rhamnolipids, trehalose lipids, sophorolipids, and mannosyl erythritol lipids are the primary types of glycolipids. Glycolipids are made of hydrophilic carbohydrate moieties joined to hydrophobic fatty acid chains by ester bonds. This review addresses the unique glycolipid production and the wide range of goods available in the global market, as well as the present state of the glycolipid industry. Applications include food processing, petroleum refining, biomedical usage, bioremediation, and boosting agricultural productivity. With biosurfactants, their beneficial Ness in releasing oil encased in rock, a need for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Another crucial biotechnological component in anti-corrosion procedures is biosurfactants, which stop Crude oil transportation in pipelines and are made easier by incrustations and the growth of biofilms on metallic surfaces. They are also employed in the production of emulsifiers and demulsifies and have other cutting-edge uses in the oil sector. Natural surfactants can be used to lessen pollution produced by chemical solvents or synthetic detergents without compromising the oil industry’s financial gains. Consequently, it is imperative to invest in biotechnological processes. It is anticipated that natural surfactants will take over the global market in the not-too-distant future and prove to be economically feasible. It is likely possible to substitute synthetic surfactants used in agricultural product composition with biosurfactants. Because biosurfactants can benefit crops without harming the environment, they hold great potential as a useful tool in the fight against pesticide use. Furthermore, by making hazardous and leftover pesticides more soluble and thus accessible for biodegradation by other microbes, their potential as bioremediation agents can help to improve the health of soil systems. This article is based on the explanation of various applications of Biosurfactants.
Show more [+] Less [-]A Concurrent Review on Plant-Derived Biopesticides and Synthetic Pesticides: Their Importance in Plant Protection and Impacts on Human Health Full text
2025
Ramchandar, R. Venkat | Kumar, Abhiram | Priyanka, E. | Bharati, Madhu Rani | Bhardwaj, Laxmi Kant | Khandelia, Piyush | Narayan, Kumar Pranav
This review explores the impacts of synthetic pesticides and biopesticides on human health, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of their benefits and risks. Currently, farmers are using synthetic pesticides to increase the yield of crop production, but they pose significant health risks, such as acute poisoning, cancer, endocrine disruption, anaphylactic shock, and other severe health issues. On the other hand, biopesticides, derived from natural organisms or plant-derived secondary metabolites, are considered safer alternatives, offering effective pest management with reduced risk to human health. This review draws attention to plant-derived materials in pest control management. Further, deciphering plant diseases with phytogenic bacteria and their control by organic bio-pesticides. Conclusively, this review suggests that future research should focus on integrated pest management approaches that combine the strengths of both synthetic and biopesticide applications while mitigating health risks. The findings underscore the imperative for ongoing evaluation of pesticide usage and provide a framework for informed decision-making regarding human exposure to these substances.
Show more [+] Less [-]Eco-Friendly Bioremediation of Batik Dye Waste Using Indigenous Bacterial Consortia Full text
2025
., Suhartini | Prodjosantoso, A. K. | Octavia, Bernadetta | Louise, Isana Supiah Yosephine
This study explores the potential of indigenous bacteria in bioremediating batik dye wastewater, a major environmental pollutant that threatens aquatic ecosystems and human health. The research aimed to identify and characterize bacterial isolates capable of degrading natural dyes (Indigofera tinctoria L., Caesalpinia sappan L.) and synthetic dyes (methyl, naphthol, remazol, indigosol). The variable investigated in this study is the degradation rate of batik dye wastewater by bacteria, both individually and in bacterial consortia. Using isolation, purification, and 16S rRNA sequencing, 15 bacterial isolates were identified, with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (D), Stutzerimonas stutzeri (H, I), Micrococcus sp. (J), and Pseudomonas sp. (N) exhibiting high effectiveness. Micrococcus sp. (J) achieved degradation rates of 99.62% for Indigofera, 85.74% for red remazol, and 83.05% for blue naphthol, while Pseudomonas sp. (N) degraded remazol red at 94.72%. A bacterial consortium (INJ: Stutzerimonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas sp., and Micrococcus sp.) efficiently degraded indigosol blue at 90.29%. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences in decolorization between natural and synthetic dyes or dye colors. These bacteria demonstrated strong enzymatic activity under diverse environmental conditions, such as differences in pH, temperature, dye concentration, and chemical composition, providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for batik dye waste bioremediation. The findings support SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by improving wastewater quality and promoting sustainable waste management in the batik industry.
Show more [+] Less [-]Fabrication of Loofah Sponge as an Effective Natural Chromium Sequestrant Full text
2025
Jayakumar, Santhiya | Sharmila, K. J.
Industrialization is key to a nation’s progress, but exposure to industrial effluents containing heavy metals can cause deadly diseases; therefore, mitigation measures must be applied to safeguard both human beings and the environment. In this study, loofah sponges, a natural heavy metal sequestrant, were modified with sodium hydroxide, acetic acid, sequestering, and wetting agents and showed increased mechanical strength with strong interfacial bonding with the composite materials than untreated loofah sponge. Characterization techniques, including ASTM-D570, FTIR, SEM, SEM-EDX, TGA (thermogravimetry analysis), XRD (X-ray diffraction spectra), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) were employed to investigate the SSGP-pretreated loofah sponge. The FTIR and SEM examination revealed the removal of waxes and contaminants and heavy metal adsorption on the loofah sponge noted in the SEM-EDX image. The ICP-OES analysis revealed that the pretreated loofah sponge adsorbed about 39 mg/g of chromium. This study proved that pretreated loofah sponges adsorbed about 12.4% more chromium than untreated loofah sponges. Therefore, a pretreated loofah sponge, an environmentally based green technology, can be utilized as an effective biocarrier for heavy metal-contaminated effluents. This study supports the Sustainable Development Goals of clean water and sanitation and recommends using a modified loofah sponge for large-scale applications.
Show more [+] Less [-]A Comprehensive Analysis of Land Use Types and Plant Characteristics in Carbon Sequestration in Ngiwngam Full text
2025
Panumonwatee, Gitsada | Premprasit, Rudklow | Pampasit, Savent
This study examined land use patterns, tree species diversity, biomass distribution, carbon sequestration, and oxygen release in Ngiwngam Subdistrict, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand. The research encompassed a total area of 6,054.72 hectares, categorized into 20 distinct land use types. Rice paddies dominated the landscape, covering over 97% of the area. A systematic sampling method using fifteen 40x40 meter plots revealed 18 tree species from 13 families, with banana trees being the most prevalent. Biomass estimation showed significant variations across land use types, with an average total biomass of 189.39 t/ha. Eucalyptus plantations exhibited the highest biomass (1,797.50 t.ha-1) and carbon stock (898.75 t/ ha). The study quantified carbon sequestration and oxygen release rates, finding a total sequestration of 6,944.14 t/ha across all land use types, with Eucalyptus plantations leading at 3,295.42 t.ha-1. Oxygen release patterns closely mirrored carbon sequestration, totaling 5,050.28 t.ha-1. The research highlights the superior performance of tree-based systems, particularly fast-growing species like Eucalyptus and Bamboo, in carbon sequestration and oxygen production compared to annual crops and grasslands. These findings underscore the potential for strategic land use planning to enhance climate change mitigation efforts and ecosystem services in the region, suggesting that increasing tree cover through various means could significantly boost the landscape’s capacity for carbon storage and oxygen generation.
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