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Issue 2 (198)/2024

Cover Story

Jun 12, 2024 |

Plastic debris pollution is one of the world’s most prevalent pollution problems, affecting oceans and inland waterways. An estimated 10% of plastic waste ends up in the ocean, endangering marine turtles and altering the physical properties of the marine environment.
As a result of mass production, plastics have spread throughout the marine environment and are now particularly common in marine ecosystems, significantly threatening environmental and human health as well as the economy. Most of this plastic waste comes from unregulated use, manufacturing and importation, indiscriminately dumped or deposited at dumpsites and landfills. Significant quantities of plastic debris originate from various activities such as tourism, fishing and other recreational activities on beaches.

If waste management does not improve, the total amount of plastic waste entering the ocean is expected to increase by an order of magnitude by 2025. Evidence suggests that even remote and protected areas are not immune to plastic pollution, and it is essential to identify marine macro-plastics that have washed up on beaches to determine the source of the pollution and develop the best cleanup plans. In the Philippines, for example, marine plastic research is critical because the country is heavily reliant on the marine environment and the ecosystem services it provides. Results of a macro-plastic waste characterisation study along the coastal boulevard to develop both ecologically and economically sound management plans and policy recommendations are presented on page 183.

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Enhancing Maize Productivity with Infield Rainwater Harvesting Techniques and Cattle Manure in Semi-Arid Areas Of Zimbabwe

Jun 12, 2024 |

Andrew Tapiwa Kugedera, Ponesai Mutero, Letticia Kudzai Kokerai

ABSTRACT. Soil fertility and moisture management can be sustainable ways to improve crop production in low rainfall areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of infield rainwater harvesting and cattle manure on maize yield, rainwater use efficiency, agronomic efficiency, and the value–cost ratio. The experiment used a split plot design with three in situ rainwater harvesting (IRWH) techniques (planting pits, infiltration pits, and conventional tillage (as a control)) as the main treatment factor and cattle manure as the sub-plot factor at four levels (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 t ha−1). The interactive effects of IRWH, cattle manure, and season were significant among all parameters measured (p<0.05). The highest maize grain yield (3990 kg ha−1) was obtained from the planting pits with 10 t ha−1 cattle manure in the 2022/23 cropping season. Maize stover yield increased with an increase in cattle manure, with the highest yield of 6450 t ha−1 at 10 t ha−1 cattle manure. Rainwater use efficiency was significantly (p<0.05) increased by an average of 2.5 kg ha−1 mm−1 from 0 to 2.5 t ha−1. Agronomic use efficiency significantly decreased with the increasing application rate of cattle manure (p<0.05). The interaction of planting pits and 2.5 t ha−1 cattle manure had the highest cost ratio of 6.66 in the 2022/23 season. The interaction between planting pits and 10 t ha−1 cattle manure resulted in higher maize yields and rainwater use efficiency. However, it is recommended that smallholder farmers use planting pits and 2.5 t ha−1 cattle manure to obtain higher yield increments and high profits in high-risk climates. Keywords: agronomic efficiency; infiltration pits; maize production; planting pits; value–cost ratio.

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Lead Levels in Milk and Its Products From Various Environments in Egypt

Jun 7, 2024 |

Assem Abou-Arab, Mahmoud Abou Donia, Ali Enb

ABSTRACT. Milk and its products are considered healthy due to their content of key nutritional elements. Despite their essential role in the human diet, they may be susceptible to contamination with many chemical pollutants from the surrounding environment, most notably heavy metals such as lead, which is considered toxic to consumers. This study evaluated lead concentrations in milk and dairy product samples collected from various Egyptian environments. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in Pb concentrations in the samples collected from different environments in Egypt (industrial, traffic and rural). The average lead content in raw cow’s milk, sterilised milk, Domiati cheese, Ras cheese, processed cheese and yoghurt samples from industrial areas were 2.23, 0.33, 3.19, 5.10, 0.11 and 0.09 mg/kg, respectively. In traffic areas, lead concentrations were 1.83, 0.30, 2.72, 4.72, 0.13 and 0.09, and in rural areas, they were 0.61, 0.27, 1.52, 3.13, 0.13 and 0.09. The data showed that Pb levels in dairy product samples collected from industrial areas are very high compared with those collected from traffic areas. By contrast, the lowest Pb concentrations were recorded in samples from rural areas. It is recommended that lead levels in different foods, especially milk and its products, be evaluated at regular intervals. Keywords: dairy products; environments; lead; milk.

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The Impact of Climate Change on The Sustainability of Wine Production and the Structure of Wine Consumption in the Northeast Region of Romania

May 10, 2024 |

Gabriela Ignat, Bianca Antoanela Ungureanu, Ioan Prigoreanu, George Ungureanu

ABSTRACT. This study was carried out with the aim of investigating and analysing different aspects related to viticulture and wine production in the northeast region of Romania. The methodology focused on the use of statistical data and field research, with an emphasis on the impact of potential climate change on wine production and consumer preferences. The analysis of the evolution of vine cultivation in the northeast region of Romania was carried out using statistical data on grape harvest, area planted to vines and wine production. The results showed significant changes in these indicators over the period analysed (2013-2022), reflecting the dynamics of the wine industry in the region. A survey of a sample of 50 respondents provided relevant data on their preferences. Analysis of this data revealed information on preferred wine types, consumption habits and purchasing preferences. Although the population‘s preference for white wine is evident, climate change may pose a challenge for the region, and in the future, it may be necessary to adapt vineyard locations and cultivate vine varieties more suitable for red wine production. These issues have important implications for planning and developing the future of the wine industry in the northeast region.

Keywords: climate change; distribution; production; sustainability; wine.

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Effect of Dairy and Meat Wastewater Irrigation on Seedling Growth

Apr 29, 2024 |

Laura Carmen Apostol, Eufrozina Albu, Cristina Ghinea

ABSTRACT. Milk and meat processing industries release large quantities of nutrient-rich wastewater with organic compounds (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) in high concentrations. Reusing and recycling this biodegradable wastewater for crop irrigation could be a sustainable solution once the phytotoxic effects of wastewater on crops have been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of milk and meat processing wastewaters on germination percentage, seed vigour indices, the seedling tolerance index and the phytotoxicity index of pea (Pisum sativum L.), sugar maize (Zea mays saccharata), purslane (Portulaca oleracea), wheat (Triticum aestivum) and red spinach (Amaranthus dubius). The two wastewater types were collected at the inlet of the city’s sewage system and analysed to determine their physicochemical and microbiological characteristics. The seeds of all five plant species were irrigated with untreated wastewater effluents. The highest – germination percentages were obtained for wheat (92%) and the lowest for red spinach (2.5%). Wheat, purslane, pea and red spinach samples irrigated with meat processing wastewater had higher germination percentages than samples irrigated with dairy wastewater. A higher phytotoxicity was observed for sugar maize, followed by red spinach irrigated with both types of wastewater. Future investigation into the effects of effluent dilution on these types of plants is recommended.

Keywords: food industry wastewater; phytotoxicity; seed germination; sugar maize; wheat.

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Optimal Conditions for Extracting High-Quality Pectin From Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) for Less Soluble Hydrogel Production

Apr 24, 2024 |

Erawan Baothong, Pisit Chareonsudjai

ABSTRACT. The research aimed to extract high-quality pectin from water hyacinth for less soluble hydrogel production. The product adds value to water hyacinth waste and helps solve environmental problems. The high degree of esterification pectin can be prepared as a hydrogel, which can be used in various pollution treatment applications. The quality of pectin depended on raw materials and extraction conditions. The optimum condition was initially predicted using the response surface method (RSM). Three extraction variables were studied, including pH 1.0-4.0, temperature 50-110ºC, and extraction time 30-240 min. A total of seventeen runs including five replicate runs were studied. Functional groups of pectin were studied using Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophotometry. The degree of esterification and emulsifying properties were determined for assessing the quality of extracted pectin. The result revealed that the extraction conditions strongly affected both the yield and the quality. The condition of pH 2.5, 110ºC, and 30 minutes had the highest degree of esterification of 94.13 % but low yield (1.42%). On the other hand, under the conditions of pH 1.0, 110ºC, and 135 min extract time had the highest yield of 3.85% (about 76.6% of pectin content) however the degree of esterification is low at 43.25 %. Two mathematical models were proposed for yield and number of ester groups. The result will be used for the selection of high-quality pectin to produce insoluble hydrogel for pollution treatment in the future.

Keywords: Eichhornia crassipes; high-quality pectin; optimum condition; water hyacinth.

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Effect of Pre-Exposure on the Insecticidal and Repellency Properties of Citrus paradisi Peel Essential Oil Against Tribolium castaneum

Apr 16, 2024 |

Adeyemi O. Akinyemi, Samuel A. Babarinde, Habeeb O. Adetunji, Oladeji K. Alalade

ABSTRACT. Although the use of essential oils (EOs) for pest control has gained popularity due to their biodegradability and ecological safety, a major concern regarding their use is stability. Therefore, this aspect deserves empirical studies to enable potential end users to adopt research findings on the pesticidal potential of EOs. This research investigated the insecticidal and repellence impacts of Soxhlet-extracted grapefruit peel (Citrus paradisi Macfad. (Rutaceae) Lane) EO pre-exposed to air for 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 h (before introducing insects) on Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The ethanol diluents were initially allowed to evaporate for 15 min in all treatments. Contact toxicity was tested on larval and adult stages at 5 and 15% concentrations of the EO, while repellency was tested at a 5% concentration. The impacts of EO on adult behavioural activity were also observed 24 h after exposure. Grapefruit EO was effective in controlling T. castaneum adults and larvae at higher doses. Exposure periods had an immediate significant effect on larvae and adult mortalities 1 and 6 h after the insects were introduced. At a 15% concentration, EO with a 0 h pre-exposure period had significantly higher adult and larva mortalities after 6 h than those of 0.5, 1 and 2 h pre-exposure. Regardless of oil pre-exposure, insects were repelled, especially in test periods between 12 and 30 min. Therefore, grapefruit EO could be formulated for increased stability when an immediate impact is needed.

Keywords: exposure periods; grapefruit peel; mortality; pest control; toxicity.

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Response of Sweet Corn Varieties to Plant Density and Tiller Removal: Preliminary Studies

Apr 15, 2024 |

Răzvan Huțuliac, Cristina Precupeanu, Ionela Cătălina Vasilachi, Alexandru Cojocaru, Mihaela Roșca, Vasile Stoleru

ABSTRACT. The sweet corn breeding strategy aims to enhance and sustain a consistent yield over time. The interaction between density and tiller removal is currently being discussed among sweet corn farmers, as well as scientists working in sweet corn. Considering the studies carried out to date and the research directions suggested by them, the present study aimed to determine the impact of plant density, variety, tiller removal and their interactions on the yield and ear prolificacy/weight of sweet corn under the climatic conditions of northeast Romania. The experiments were focused on 3 sweet corn varieties (Deliciosul de Bacău, Deliciul verii and Royalty F1), sown at 3 densities (50k, 60k and 70k plants/ha) and considering 2 variants for tiller removal (tiller removal / without tiller removal). The highest yield of sweet corn was recorded in the Royalty F1 hybrid in the plots in which the tillers were removed (24.27 t/ha). The Royalty F1 hybrid also had the heaviest ears (313.33 g) in plots with tiller removal and 60k plants/ha. Overall, the most favourable plant density in terms of yield was 60k plants/ha. The experimental results showed that in the climatic conditions of northeast Romania, tiller removal led to increased yield, especially in the Deliciosul de Bacău hybrid. Tiller removal in this hybrid resulted in a significant increase in yield (from 18.41 to 23.08 t/ha).

Keywords: plant density; sweet corn variety; tillers impact; yield.

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A New Natural Food Dye: Microencapsulated Cornelian Cherry Bioactive Compounds

Apr 8, 2024 |

Iuliana-Maria Enache, Liliana Lucescu Ciurlă, Nicoleta Stănciuc, Antoanela Patraș, Camelia Vizireanu, Liviu Mihai Irimia

ABSTRACT. Cornus mas (CM) is one of the four edible fruits of the Cornus genus, a rich source of biologically active compounds (BACs) such as vitamins (like vitamin C), carotenoids, iridoids, and phenolics (phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and other flavonoids). This study aimed to analyse the improvement of the stability of CM anthocyanins by microencapsulation, in order to propose a new natural food dye. Microencapsulation using a mixture of whey protein isolate (WPI) and chitosan (CH) as wall materials has been applied to protect anthocyanins against external factors (e.g., light, temperature, storage, etc.). Two experimental variants of microencapsulated powders, WPI:CH = 1:1 (CH1) and WPI:CH = 1:2 (CH2), were realised by varying the wall materials ratio. The cornelian cherry fruit concentrated extract was evaluated for its phytochemical, colourimetric, and antioxidant capacities. Due to the excellent anthocyanin encapsulation effectiveness (74.29 – 88.71%), the wall materials utilised for both powders can be considered effective choices to safeguard the anthocyanins. All tests performed on the microencapsulated powders demonstrated that both suggested experimental forms can serve as a healthy substitute for artificial food additives. The incorporation of cornelian cherry fruit extract and microencapsulated powders into a food matrix (jelly candies) allowed examination of their effectiveness. The colour analysis rigorously characterised all the colour parameters related to red nuances (due to anthocyanins content, such as cyanidin-3-glucoside) and yellow nuances (associated with carotenoids content).

Keywords: chitosan; jelly candies; natural pigments; phenolic compounds; whey protein isolate.

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Effect of Okoro [(Albizia zygia (J.F.) Macbr)] Leafy Biomass and NPK Fertiliser on the Growth and Yield of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annum L.)

Apr 4, 2024 |

Adams Latif Mohammed

ABSTRACT. Agricultural productivity and sustainable crop management are pivotal aspects of global food security and economic stability. The quest for efficient and environmentally friendly practices in crop production has led to a surge in research exploring the utilisation of organic materials alongside conventional fertilisers to enhance crop growth and yield. An experiment was conducted over a growing period of three months, starting in August 2023 at the research field of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana, to investigate the effects of Albizia zygia leafy biomass in combination with NPK fertiliser on the growth and yield of sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L.). A randomised complete block design was employed with four treatment groups replicated four times, including various combinations of A. zygia leafy biomass and NPK fertiliser, alongside control groups of sole fertiliser application and untreated plots (T1). The treatments were as follows: T1 = No biomass, no NPK (control); T2 = 0.5348 kg of A. zygia leafy biomass per 4.86 m2 (1100.5 kg/ha of A. zygia leafy biomass); T3 = 0.2463 kg of NPK per 4.86 m2 (506.7 kg/ha of NPK); and T4 = 0.2674 kg of A. zygia leafy biomass per 4.86 m2 + 0.1231 kg of NPK (550.3 kg/ha of A. zygia leafy biomass + 253.4 kg/ha of NPK). The assessed parameters were plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, fruit yield and fresh fruit weight. Significant variations (p ˂ 0.05) were observed in the growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves, number of branches) and yield attributes (fruit yield and fresh fruit weight) of sweet pepper among the treatments. The combined application of A. zygia leafy biomass and NPK fertiliser (T4) exhibited increased effects on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, fruit yield and fresh fruit weight compared to individual treatments and control groups (p ˂ 0.05). Notably, the treatment combining A. zygia leafy biomass and NPK fertiliser (T4) demonstrated a substantial increase in plant height (44.58 cm), a significant improvement in the number of leaves (42.98) and a remarkable enhancement in the number of branches (11.33) compared to the sole applications and the control group. Furthermore, the combined treatment significantly increased (p ˂ 0.05) the yield parameters, including fruit yield and fresh fruit weight per hectare, showcasing an increase of 8796/ha and 23.91 t/ha, respectively, compared to sole fertiliser application and the control. The findings from this study demonstrated that the incorporation of A. zygia leafy biomass, either solely or in combination with NPK fertiliser, positively impacted the growth and yield of sweet pepper plants. These results highlight the potential of A. zygia leafy biomass as a valuable organic amendment for sustainable and enhanced crop production, offering promising implications for agricultural practices aimed at improving yield and plant growth.

Keywords: Albizia zygia; Capsicum annum (L.); NPK fertiliser; organic amendment; sweet pepper.

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Characterisation of Macro-Plastic Waste Along The Philippines Longest Coastal Boulevard: Basis for Solid Waste Management and Policy Formulation

Apr 3, 2024 |

Lucy O. Elep Jr., Maria Cristina C. Azuelo

ABSTRACT. This study focused on the characterisation of macro-plastic waste in terms of types and quantities along the Philippines’ longest coastal boulevard, considering density and cleanliness as a basis for solid waste management and policy formulation. Macro-plastic identification and counting were conducted in four (4) municipalities and eight (8) barangays using the standing stock survey method. There were six (6) types of macro-plastic waste, with the highest quantity consisting of beverage (37.2%) and food packaging (30.5%), followed by fishing gear (17.0%), plastic utensils (9.2%), toiletries (4.8%) and household wastes (1.4%). The computed overall density from a total of 3,978 macro-plastic waste items over 12,000 m2 of beach area sampled was 0.3 (CM), meaning there were 0.3 litter items of plastic per m2 throughout the whole boulevard. The computed overall beach cleanliness was 6.6, which means that the cleanliness status is moderate. Overall, most macro-plastic waste is generated by locals or visitors. In conclusion, a policy regulating the use, littering, and carrying of plastic along boulevards is recommended to prevent plastic pollution considering the province’s growing ecotourism and the future expansion of the coastal boulevard.

Keywords: coastal road; ecotourism; social plastic.

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© by the authors; licensee Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment, Iasi, Romania. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)