Authors:Amel ALAYAT, Zineddine BOUMEDRIS, Sana BENOSMANE, Amira ATAILIA, Nesrine HACINI Abstract: Using two wheat (Triticum durum) cultivars (cvs. Vitron and Simeto) hydroponic solution experiments were conducted in order to study the genotypic variation in tolerance to NaCl toxicity and to investigate effect of silicon supplied to the nutrient solution on wheat plants grown at salt stress. The experiment was a 2×2 factorial arrangement with two levels of NaCl in nutrient solution, 0 and 100 mM, and two levels of silicon (Si) in nutrient solution, 1 and 2 mM, as Na2SiO3.9H2O. Silicon supplementation has an important role in alleviating salinity injury, however, the definite mechanisms stay scantily understood, and must be examined. The role of silicon application in improving growth, maintaining water status and alleviating oxidative injury of salt affected wheat plants were studied. Indeed, our results indicate salinity induced in wheat plants a notable increase in oxidative biomarkers, reduced plant growth and produced less dry matter content than those without NaCl. However, the reductions of seedling height, dry biomass, and soluble content were greatly alleviated due to Si addition to the culture solution. Thus, the beneficial effects of Si on oxidative biomarkers contents under NaCl stress were genotype-dependent. The beneficial effect of Si on alleviating oxidative stress was much more pronounced in Vitron (salt tolerant cultivar) than in Simeto (salt sensitive cultivar). PubDate: 2022-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Meiada KHELLOU, Zahra RAZKALLAH, Aziz LAIFA, Mohammed LOUDIKI, Mountasser DOUMA, Moussa HOUHAMDI Abstract: Phytoplankton is a very important part of the ecosystem and is extremely susceptible to environmental variations. Understanding and evaluating the effects of environmental changes on planktonic populations is central to freshwater ecology. In order to explore the phytoplankton diversity and abundance of two ponds in the arid region of Megarine (Lella Fatma and Zerzaim) District, Oued Righ, Algeria, we collected phytoplanktonic samples during the period January-December 2016. The results showed that the ponds harbored a total of 58 species of phytoplankton. Lella Fatma had 55 species and Zerzaim had 56 species. These species belonged to three phyla (Bacillariophyta, Euglenophyta, Cyanobacteria) and 5 classes, and included 23 species of Cyanophyceae and 21 species of Bacillariophyceae. The latter was the most abundant class of phytoplankton community. The study reveals that the distribution equipoise in the Megarine region is balanced with equity of 0.89 in Lella Fatma and 0.92 in Zerzaim. The autumn season is the best period for phytoplankton in Megarine 2016. PubDate: 2022-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Veronica TANASA, Madalina DOLTU, Dorin SORA, Radu I. TANASA, Narcisa BABEANU Abstract: Carbendazim is a fungicide that is not approved for use in the European Union, but is used in some other countries to preserve agricultural crops. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) become a viable alternative to traditional instrumental methods in pesticides analysis, for screening purpose. Carbendazim residues were determined in two green lettuce cultivars, from the experimental lots, harvested at different times after the treatment with 0.1 % carbendazim solution, by an ELISA carbendazim commercial kit and the values were compared with those obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results of ELISA and HPLC analysis of carbendazim residues in the two green lettuce cultivars were well correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient r=0.8925). Carbendazim residues in green lettuce/vegetables can be determined with high reliability by commercial ELISAs with results well correlated with those obtained by HPLC, with an additional sample preparation step involving solid phase extraction, in order to reduce matrix effects; the assay can be used for carbendazim screening of many vegetable/fruit samples in shorter time and with inexpensive/cheaper equipment. PubDate: 2022-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Anna MAKARENKO, Mariia VOROBETS, Iryna KONDRACHUK, Anastasiia SACHKO, Heorhii VOROBETS Abstract: In this work, the influence of chamomile on the content of tannin in the blended green and black teas is investigated by the titrimetric method, which relies on the assessment of tannin oxidation by potassium permanganate with the indicator indigo carmine. The standard procedure of titration was altered in such a way that the dilution of filtrate used during the investigation was decreased by 10 times. This modification made it possible to use the regular 250 ml flasks instead of big and inconvenient porcelain bowls. This way, identification of the point of equivalence became easier and more accurate. Application of this modified method to the determination of tannin in a series of blended teas showed results that are in good agreement with those obtained by the standard methods. They proved that the content of tannin in tea does not depend on the added chamomile and, therefore, this herb does not depress the medical value of the investigated blended teas. PubDate: 2022-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Rasheed Olatunji MORUF, Mosunmola Florence AKINWUNMI Abstract: Edible crustaceans, such as prawns, are one of the most nutritious shellfish available to humans. Meanwhile, the macro-micro nutrient content of seafood determines their nutritional value. The study assessed the energy values, macro and trace elemental residues in the caridean species, Macrobrachium macrobrachion from the Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria. The protein contents obtained from M. macrobrachion were 50.16±0.00 % and 56.20±0.01 % for exoskeleton and flesh samples respectively. Crude fiber and total ash contents were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in exoskeleton compared to the flesh part. Flesh sample had the highest proportion of energy contribution, which was from protein (PEP = 63.8 %) while the least energy contribution was from fat (PEF = 17.0 %) in exoskeleton sample. The value of total macro element was higher in exoskeleton sample (626.23 mg 100g-1) than in flesh sample (402.28 mg 100g-1). The highest percentage difference (% D) in mineral content between exoskeleton and flesh samples of M. macrobrachion was recorded in phosphorus with the value of 46.93 %. All the computed mineral ratios were comparably lower than the reference values. Furthermore, all the minerals had calculated Mineral Safety Index lower than the tabulated, showing positive percentage differences ranging from 74.67 to 90.61 % and 85.07 to 93.65 % for exoskeleton and flesh samples respectively. The trace metal result showed that iron, zinc and copper were the most abundant elements in exoskeleton and flesh of M. macrobrachion whereas chromium, lead and cadmium were the least abundant trace element detected. Furthermore, most of the trace metal levels recorded in this study were below the maximum permitted concentrations. The nutrient composition recorded for M. macrobrachion implies that it could be a healthy diet option for health-conscious consumers. PubDate: 2022-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Pius Ifeanyi OKOLIE, Emilymary Chima OKOLIE, Sarah Abiola OGUNDIMU, Kudirat Aina AGBOOLA, Maureen Chinwe OJINNAKA Abstract: African yam bean seeds (Sphenostylis sternocarpa) Iru-like condiment was produced with 0.005 and 0.0075 g broth/g seed different concentrations of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens culture. The sample fermentation was conducted at 35 °C for 5 days. Proximate composition, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, pH, and titratable acidity of the fermented samples were assessed using standard methods. Proximate composition of fermented African yam bean (AYB) condiment with 0.005 g broth/g seed inoculum concentration as determined were crude protein (6.86%-7.74%), crude fat (1.37%-1.71%), crude fiber (2.73%-4.81%), ash content (1.02%-1.59%), moisture content (9.71%-14.92%), dry matter (85.10%-90.28%), carbohydrate (70.43%-77.16%). The pH, total titratable acidity, water absorption capacity (WAC), and oil absorption capacity (OAC) of the fermented condiment were 6.76-7.60 ml, 0.07-0.09 ml, 0.50%-0.92%, and 0.55%-0.65% respectively. The fermented condiment produced with 0.0075 g broth/g seed inoculum concentration had its proximate composition as determined as crude protein (8.10%-8.53%), crude fat (1.81%-2.12%), crude fiber (2.83%-3.73%), ash content (1.23%-1.42%), moisture content (8.97%-12.81%), dry matter (87.19%-90.91%), carbohydrate (72.22%-76.13%) while its pH, total titratable acidity, WAC and OAC ranged as 7.10-8.76 ml, 0.06-0.11 ml, 0.38%-0.81% and 0.54%-0.84% respectively. The sensory acceptability scores reveal condiment samples from 0 hours as the best-preferred sample produced from the use of the inoculum concentrations. The study showed that AYB seeds condiments produced were significantly different in terms of different concentrations of starter culture used. Although the single starter culture did not deliver acceptable products during the fermentation, it played a few parts within the product quality. PubDate: 2022-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Souhil MAHDID, Nabil CHABOUR, Taha-Hocine DEBIECHE, Abdelmalek DROUICHE, Faouzi ZAHI, Séverin PISTRE Abstract: The current research aims to compare the results of two vulnerability estimation methods (DRASTIC and GOD) in superficial and deep aquifer of Wadi Nil alluvial plain (NE Algerian). Analysis of the obtained results showed that the vulnerability of the superficial aquifer is divided into three classes of vulnerability according to the DRASTIC method, and only into two classes according to the GOD method. In deep aquifer, the study of vulnerability using DRASTIC method has shown us a dominance of the middle and high classes. On the other hand, GOD method shows an equitable distribution of high, low and middle classes. The statistical study of the agreement between the two methods shows a weak agreement in superficial aquifer and a strong agreement in deep aquifer. The surface analysis per class of the two methods shows an identical index of superficial and deep aquifers. In this study, we find that the DRASTIC method provides better results in both aquifers (superficial and deep). It provides better information and gives the necessary amount of information required in the vulnerability assessment compared to the GOD method. PubDate: 2022-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Maria POROCH - SERIŢAN, Mihaela JARCĂU, Narcisa Mihaela CORNEA Abstract: Many studies have proved that bioactive components of Silybum marianum powder have excellent hepatoprotective action. The silymarin is a mixture of mainly three flavonolignans, for example, silybin, silydianin and silychristin, with silybin being the most active. The active substances work upon the membrane of the liver cell preventing its destruction and favoring the reconstruction of the cell which is already in the process of destruction. In this study, we measured the quantitative of total silymarin in the powder of Silybum marianum from various geographical areas. Results showed that silymarin content varied according to the geographical location. The quantitative dosing of the silymarin extract existing in the Silybum marianum powder samples from the analyzed geographical areas was performed by the UV spectrophotometric method on soxhlet extraction and they fall within the parameters described in the European Pharmacopoeia. PubDate: 2022-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Souad SAIDANI, Mohamed ZAIRI, Samira MEZIANI, Lahouaria LABGA, Ghania TIBOURA, Noreddine MENADI, Abassia DEMMOUCHE Abstract: Wheat bran is a by-product rich in bioactive compounds. However, little is known about the arrangement, composition and secondary metabolisms of the grain outer layers during grain development. To this end, the objective of this study is to evaluate the variations in cell wall structure and chemical composition of the outer layers during the cellularization phase, the actual filling of the grain and the maturation phase. Morphological and structural aspects were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy; phytochemical study also was carried out: Extracts from the peripheral layers (CP) of wheat grain (cultivar Triticum aestivum HD1220) were analyzed to determine: Total phenols content by Folin-Ciocâlteu method, flavonoids by aluminum trichloride and sodium hydroxide method; Antioxidant power was evaluated by free radical scavenging (DPPH) and iron reduction (FRAP). The results of histological analysis showed that the outer layers become thinner during grain development, the main tissues develop and differentiate synchronously; the phenolic content ranged from 47.58± 3.23 mg GAE/g to 108.67± 10.7 mg GAE/g wheat outer layers, the wheat outer layers contained 6.96±2.61-35.297±8.68 mg EAQ/g flavonoids. The contents of total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) increased during development; the antioxidant activity, depended on the developmental phase of the peripheral layers; the antioxidant activity studied for 70% ethanolic extracts was highest in the peripheral layers of mature grains. These results underline that the peripheral layers of wheat bran derived from maternal tissues are constituted by a superposition of different tissues and are considered as an important source of bioactive compounds. PubDate: 2022-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Karima OULD YEROU, Fatima Zohra EL KADI, Khedoudja KANOUN, Hadj Mostefa KHELLADI, Hanane BENZAHIA, Sara BEKHTI Abstract: In the present work, the aqueous and methanolic extract of the underground part (comestible part) of Brassica Rapa (Brassicaceae) was subjected to phytochemical and biological evaluation. The results show that the methanolic extract of B. rapa (MEBr) presents a higher yield than the aqueous extract of B. rapa (AqEBr) (24% vs 17%) respectively. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of some chemical families. However, MEBr showed higher contents of polyphenols, total flavonoids and condensed tannins compared to AqEBr. The total antioxidant activity (TAC) of MEBr (5.32 ± 0.56 mg AAE/gr DE) was more powerful than that of AqEBr (2.68 ± 0.33 mg AAE/gr DE). According to the DPPH test, the IC50 values are (0.14±0.12 mg/ml vs 1.9±0.45 mg/ml) for MEBr and AqEBr respectively. On the other hand, the FRAP test confirmed that AqEBr has antioxidant activity with a maximum of 1.41mg/ml, which is still higher than that of MEBr 0.83 mg/ml. We conclude, that methanol was a more efficient extractor than water for B. rapa species, which allows a good yield, a high rate of secondary metabolites and a powerful antioxidant activity. B. rapa is a rich source of antioxidants that can eliminate free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Abbreviations: MEBr: Methanolic Extract of Brassica rapa, AqEBr: Aqueous Extract of Brassica rapa, TAC: Total Antioxydant Capacity, DPPH: 2.2'-diphenyl-1-pycrilhydrazyl, FRAP: Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay, IC50: Inhibitory Concentration 50. PubDate: 2022-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2022)
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