Online: ISSN 2784 – 0360 | Print: ISSN 2784 – 0379

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2025

Bioplastic content in biowaste: a growing problem in composting efficiency and quality

Jun 10, 2025 |

Alessandra Fiorucci, Maria Elena Bini, Alessandra Bonoli

ABSTRACT. The increase in fossil fuel–based plastic use and its subsequential refuse production and dispersion in the environment cause long-lasting waste that can pile up quickly. Compostable bio-based plastics, polymeric compounds that are functionally similar to fossil fuel–based plastics, seem to be more environmentally sustainable and particularly useful and recommended in food packaging. Even with the lower impacts of bioplastics, there is still a need for effective end-of-life management strategies to promote more efficient treatment of bioplastic waste. For biodegradable bioplastics, this endeavour could involve composting. Bioplastics would be processed like any other organic waste, prompting a closer study of how efficient this process is in degrading them, or if their presence can persist in high-quality compost or even in cultivated food. This paper focuses on organic waste treatment and compost production to assess the efficiency of bioplastic degrada-tion, aiming to explore the bioplastic content in compost in reference with a wide com-posting plants overview. An analysis of waste flow data from selected Italian composting plants highlighted a bioplastic reduction rate near 80%, with a small variance for different kinds of bioplastics, stressing the importance of investing in collection.

Keywords: bioplastic; biowaste; compost; treatment efficiency; waste management.

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Factors associated with the choice of cooking fuel among households in Uganda

May 14, 2025 |

Douglas Andabati Candia

ABSTRACT. The majority of households in Uganda rely on traditional cooking fuels the use of which is associated with many dangers. This study sought to identify the factors related to the choice of cooking fuel among households in Uganda. The study used secondary data from the 2018–19 Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey (UMIS). The analysis was performed using Pearson’s chi-square test and the complementary log-log regression model. Most respondents used unclean cooking fuels (98.96%). The use of clean cooking fuels was more likely among households in the richest wealth index category, those from the Pentecostal/born-again/evangelical or other religions, and households that had electricity. An increase in household members was found to reduce the likelihood of using clean cooking fuels. There is a need for the government to reduce the initial connection fees to the power grid and the tariff per unit of electricity consumed by households in Uganda.

Keywords: complementary log-log regression; cooking fuel; Uganda.

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Assessing the impacts of climate change on wheat crop water requirements in Central Afghanistan

May 14, 2025 |

Homayoon Raoufi, Jamily Abdul Saleem

ABSTRACT. Water crises in agricultural production are a serious issue in water-limited ecosystems and farming regions. This study was conducted to estimate crop water requirements, crop irrigation requirements, and irrigation scheduling under climate change in Central Afghanistan using CROPWAT8.0 software. The climatic variables were acquired from local organisations and the general circulation model (GCM) (1990–2020). The temperature and rainfall patterns were evaluated under three scenarios (RCP2.6, 4.5, and 8.5) from 2025 to 2100. CROPWAT8.0 was used to assess reference evapotranspiration, crop water requirements, crop irrigation requirements, and irrigation scheduling based on predicted meteorological conditions under different scenarios. The crop water requirements under RCP2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 increased by 9.74, 9.99, and 10.28 mm/day, respectively, compared to the baseline at 9.07 mm/day. Moreover, crop irrigation requirements would increase by 92.5 (18.46%), 109.7 (21.88%), and 100.7 mm/dec (20.09%) under RCP2.6, 4.5, and 8.5, respectively, compared to the baseline at 62.65 mm/dec. Furthermore, the results showed that wheat needs 3 irrigations in the baseline scenario, while it would need 4 irrigations for future scenarios due to an increase in crop irrigation requirements. The results of this study will be useful for agricultural practices and management.

Keywords: Afghanistan; irrigation scheduling; precipitation; scenarios; temperature.

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Influence of paclobutrazol concentrations, soil types and production seasons on physicochemical attributes of Keitt mangoes

May 5, 2025 |

Justice Amponsah, Patrick Kumah, Francis Appiah, Irene Akua Idun, Paul Kweku Tandoh

ABSTRACT. Mango is an important fruit with nutritional and economic benefits. However, the impact of varying paclobutrazol (PBZ) concentrations, soil types, and production seasons on its quality is less known in the literature. This study investigated the effects of varying PBZ concentrations, soil types, and production seasons on the quality of Keitt mangoes, aiming to optimise fruit attributes for both domestic and export markets. Conducted over three years in the Eastern Region of Ghana, this study had a 5×3×3 factorial design, with 5 PBZ concentrations (0, 10, 12.5, 20, and 25 mL), 3 soil types (Agawtaw, Akuse, and Baraku), and 3 production seasons (major, minor, and off-season). PBZ application had a concentration-dependent influence on the physical attributes of Keitt mango fruit, particularly fruit size, density, and firmness. Lower PBZ concentrations (0–12.5 mL) improved fruit size and total soluble solids (TSS) content, while higher concentrations (20–25 mL) reduced these parameters. Soil fertility played a key role, with fertile soils, such as Agawtaw, producing larger, heavier fruit with higher TSS and moisture contents. Seasonal variations also influenced the outcomes, with the major season favouring optimal fruit development due to favourable climatic conditions. Non-treated trees (0 mL PBZ) produced the largest and heaviest fruit, while the 25 mL PBZ treatment increased fruit firmness and extended the shelf life by reducing the total titratable acidity. The study emphasises the need to tailor PBZ applications to soil fertility and seasonal factors to achieve the desired fruit quality. These findings offer valuable insights for mango growers, promoting sustainable practices that enhance yield, quality, and economic viability in Keitt mango production to meet the growing global demand.

Keywords: Agawtaw soil series; Baraku soil series; Keitt mango; paclobutrazol.

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Comparative effects of cassava peel compost, Tithonia diversifolia compost and NPK fertiliser on maize performance in Ibadan

Apr 23, 2025 |

Adeyinka Kehinde Adebayo, Sifau Adenike Adejumo, Folake Bosede Anjorin, Samson Oyewole Olanipekun

ABSTRACT. Maize is a widely cultivated crop with significant agricultural and industrial uses. Its production depends on efficient soil fertility management, which is increasingly supported by the use of organic and inorganic amendments. The effectiveness of cassava peel compost (CPC) and Tithonia diversifolia compost (TdC) at 0 (control), 10, and 15 t ha⁻¹, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) based fertiliser at 150 kg N ha⁻¹, was tested on maize in a randomised complete block design (r=3) in the field. Nutrient analysis was conducted following standard procedures. A residual trial was conducted immediately after harvest to assess the lasting impact of compost on maize yield. Data on dry matter (DM, g) and grain yield (GY, t ha⁻¹) were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance at α=0.05. NPK application initially enhanced maize performance more effectively than compost. However, in the second trial, compost application significantly improved maize performance compared to NPK. Maize GY and DM increased from 3.42 t ha⁻¹ and 224.53 g in the first trial to 3.95 t ha⁻¹ and 324.68 g in the second trial with the application of a higher rate (15 t ha⁻¹) of TdC. Soil Nitrogen (0.97% and 0.71%), phosphorus (34.08 mg/kg and 21.93 mg/kg), and potassium (0.69 cmol/kg and 1.09 cmol/kg) content in 15 t ha⁻¹ of TdC and CPC were higher compared to control, which contain 0.20% nitrogen, 17.17 mg/kg phosphorus and 0.31 cmol/kg potassium, respectively. Conclusively, compost alone may not replace synthetic fertilizers, but integrating TdC reduces NPK dependence, lowers environmental risks, and promotes sustainability.

Keywords: cassava peel; compost; poultry manure; Tithonia diversifolia; yield.

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Exploring the role of seaweed culture in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere: a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation

Mar 24, 2025 |

Md. Simul Bhuyan, Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider, Mrityunjoy Kunda, Md. Tarikul Islam, Istiak Ahamed Mojumder, Abid Husain, Enam Chowdhury, Ranjan Roy, Mir Mohammad Ali, Debasish Pandit

ABSTRACT. To keep the world safe from extreme temperature occurrences, global warming must be kept below 1.5C. Seaweed has emerged as a holistic nature-based solution to solve global warming by reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs). This review evaluated the role of seaweed in reducing GHGs. Seaweed can minimise carbon (C) emissions by absorbing them. Lowering ruminant enteric methane (CH4) emissions and producing bioenergy are two more ways seaweed can contribute to global decarbonisation. Atmospheric trace gases like nitrous oxide (N2O) are a factor in global warming. By 2050, 10 million metric tons (MMt) of nitrogen (N) would be absorbed by a seaweed yield of 500 MMt. All macroalgae release the volatile gas bromoform, which contributes to ozone (O3) depletion in the atmosphere. Bromoform is a component of red seaweed’s chemical composition. Large-scale seaweed cultivation can transform the way GHG emissions are managed while also generating new businesses. Furthermore, eutrophic, hypoxic, and acidic coasts can gain other advantages from seaweed cultivation. Although seaweed offsetting is a vital emerging tool for achieving a more sustainable future, it is not the only answer to the problem of climate change. This study demonstrates that seaweed cultivation and related sectors are viable solutions for lowering GHG emissions, achieving monetary growth, and creating sustainable means of subsistence.

Keywords: culture; global warming; greenhouse gases; minimization; seaweed.

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Massive ovarian cyst in a guinea pig: surgical insights

Feb 26, 2025 |

Liviu Cătălin Burtan, Ivona Popovici, Alexandra Ciubotariu

ABSTRACT. Ovarian cystic disease is a common condition in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). Surgical intervention is considered the definitive treatment, effectively preventing disease recurrence, progression, and complications. A 5-year-old female guinea pig was referred to our clinic with nonspecific signs of lethargy and gastrointestinal disturbances that had emerged over the previous week. Diagnostic imaging identified a large abdominal mass, consistent with a cyst, extending throughout the right hemiabdomen, warranting immediate surgical intervention. Safe removal of the cyst via an ovariectomy procedure was performed with particular attention to the species-specific anatomical and physiological challenges. Managing the adhesions that had formed with the intestinal mass proved to be a complex step, requiring precise dissection to ensure secure and complete removal. Histopathological analysis of the mass revealed a ciliated cuboidal to columnar epithelium lining the cyst cavity, originating from the rete ovarii, indicative of a serous cystadenoma. This study highlights the importance of early detection and emphasises the role of elective spaying in preventing severe complications. It also provides valuable surgical insights for veterinary practitioners by documenting the largest ovarian cyst reported in a guinea pig. The case presents a detailed approach to managing species-specific challenges, with the aim of improving clinical outcomes for these patients.

Keywords: Cavia porcellus; histopathology; large ovarian cystadenoma; surgery.

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Effect of feeding selected farm residues on growth performance, digestibility and nitrogen balance of West African dwarf bucks

Feb 21, 2025 |

Joshua Femi Oluwadele, Adeolu Ademiju Aganga, Anthony Henry Ekeocha, Olayinka Miriam Tawose, Adetumbi Tella, Ebenezer Yemi Akinlabi, Dakuna Gode

ABSTRACT. This study investigated the effects of feeding selected farm residues on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance of West African dwarf (WAD) bucks. A total of 16 bucks aged 16–18 months and weighing 14.45 ± 0.78 kg were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: control, cacao pod shells (T1); peanut shells (T2), corn cobs (T3), and mixed residues of cacao pod shells, peanut shells, and corn cobs in equal proportions (T4). This study spanned 92 days, during which feed intake, weight gain, digestibility, and nitrogen utilisation were evaluated. The T2 diet significantly enhanced growth performance, with the highest final weight (19.8 ± 0.20 kg), weight gain (5.30 ± 0.15 kg), and average daily gain (57.6 ± 1.2 g/day). The nutrient intake and digestibility were also highest in the T2 group, with a crude protein intake of 131 g/day and crude protein digestibility of 78.2%. Similarly, nitrogen retention was greatest in T2 bucks (13.7 ± 0.4 g/day), reflecting efficient protein utilisation. The findings suggest that peanut shells are a highly digestible and nutrient-rich feed resource, offering significant advantages over the control and other treatments. By improving growth rates, feed efficiency, and nitrogen balance, peanut shells provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution for smallholder farmers facing feed shortages. These results support the adoption of farm residues as alternative feed resources to enhance the productivity and economic viability of small ruminant farming systems in West Africa.

Keywords: crop residues; nitrogen retention; nutrient digestibility; peanut shells; West African dwarf bucks.

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Actual crop coefficients and yield response factors of irrigated tomato in Afaka, Northwest Nigeria

Feb 19, 2025 |

Donatus Obiajulu Onwuegbunam, Muyideen Abubakar Oyebode, Henry Evonameh Igbadun, Habibu Ismail, Isaac John Maisamari

ABSTRACT. In the face of the prevailing challenges of limited water for irrigated agriculture, the knowledge of crop coefficients for use in irrigation, and the yield response to moisture stresses become pertinent for developing strategies to improve agricultural water productivity. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the crop coefficients and yield response factors of UC 82B tomato subjected to soil moisture stresses on growth-stage basis. The irrigation treatments investigated were: a full irrigation (application of 100% ETo), and three soil moisture deficit levels (20%, 40%, 60% ETo) imposed at the vegetative, flowering and maturity growth stages, in successions. The mean crop coefficient (Kc) was highest (0.99) during the mid-season under full irrigation, and lowest (0.47) during the vegetative stage under 60% ETo soil moisture deficit, while the mean value across the entire crop growth stage was 0.88. The yield response factors (Ky) were 1.26 and 1.30 for the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons, respectively. The mean Ky of was 1.28 for the entire growth cycle, implying high sensitivity of the tomato cultivar to water deficits, and that yield reduction is proportionally larger when water used is reduced because of stress. Full irrigation at the maturity stage is recommended.

Keywords: crop coefficients; deficit irrigation; Northwest Nigeria; tomato; yield response.

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Morpho-functional adaptations of the tiger skull (Panthera tigris) in relation to forceful biting

Feb 12, 2025 |

Alexandra-Andreea Cherșunaru, Mihaela Claudia Spataru, Constantin Spataru

ABSTRACT. The anatomical peculiarities of the tiger’s skull reflect the ecological and behavioural needs of this predator. The study aims to observe the morphological adaptations that grant it exceptional hunting and survival abilities. The anatomical study was conducted on the skulls of two adult male tigers. The tiger’s skull is wide and rounded, providing a robust base for the attachment of masticatory muscles, which is essential for powerful bites. The sagittal crest, a bony prominence located on the upper part of the skull, serves as an attachment point for the temporal muscles. A distinct process is present on the maxillary tubercle, from which a strong tendon of the masseter muscle originates. The nasal bones are elongated, extending beyond the frontal processes of the maxillae, while the frontal area is elevated in the region of the postorbital processes. The anterior nasal opening is narrow, and the lower margin of the mandible is typically concave, with a prominent mental process. The front part of the mandibular symphysis is concave. Compared to other large felines, tigers have a more rounded skull and a downward-sloping dorsal surface. The tiger’s skull exhibits remarkable morpho-functional adaptations, such as a robust bony head, a prominent sagittal crest, a strong mandible, and well-developed insertions for masticatory muscles. These features are essential for their predatory lifestyle, allowing them to capture and control large prey efficiently.

Keywords: adaptation; mandible; skull; tiger.

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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)