Production and Physicochemical Analysis of Glycerol Produced from the Transesterification Reaction of Locally Processed Fatty Acids

The study uses the transesterification reaction method to extract glycerol from three locally processed fatty acids namely; palm oil, palm kernel and shea butter. The glycerols extracted from the three fatty acids were subjected to physicochemical tests to determine if their properties are in conformity with the reported standard values. Results of the physical properties of the substances tested show that the values were in close agreement with the results of the standard values and the results reported impervious literatures. As such, the investigation concluded that the three fatty acids contain appreciable quantities of crude glycerol and can thus serve as a source for natural glycerol whose properties can be compared with standard glycerin products.

Physicochemical Properties, Heavy Metals and Aflatoxins Content of Crude Palm and Groundnut Oils Produced and Marketed in Benue State, Nigeria

The study aims at assessing the physicochemical properties, heavy metals, and aflatoxins content of crude palm and groundnut oils produced and sold in the Adikpo, Wadata, and Otukpa areas of Benue state, Nigeria. Specific gravity, refractive index, acid value, saponification value, peroxide value, moisture content, and smoke point are the physicochemical properties evaluated. The heavy metals analyzed include; Lead, Nickel, Copper, Iron, Arsenic, and Iron. Total aflatoxins were determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Findings revealed that most of the physicochemical properties of palm and groundnut oils from these areas deviated from the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) standard range. A high amount of Cadmium (0.89 mg/kg, 1.01 mg/kg, and 0.92 mg/kg) was detected in the local groundnut oil samples but lesser in palm oils from Adikpo, Wadata, and Otukpa respectively, while Copper content was within the FAO/WHO safe limits. The arsenic content of palm oil produced in the region was not as high as those in groundnut oil but was higher than the recommended maximum limit of 0.1 mg/kg. The Nickel content in the oil samples was higher than the 0.50 mg/kg permissible limit, but Lead was within the safe limits. Total Aflatoxin content in crude groundnut oil was within the range of 9.05 ppm to 10.13 ppm, while a range of 2.03 ppm to 2.74 ppm was recorded in crude palm oil. The locally produced oils are of lower quality, suggesting that refining should be adopted and quality seeds should be used for the extraction of oils.

Evaluation of Phytochemical and Antibacterial Potential of Vernonia amygdalina and Elaeis guineensis on Some Bacteria Associated with Diarrhea

Background: Bitter leaf and palm oil combination in treating diarrhoea is common in Africa. The aim of this study is to determine the synergistic and antimicrobial potential of Vernonia amygdalina and Elaeis guineensis on bacteria isolates from diarrheic stool.Methodology: One hundred and fifty (150) diarrheic stool samples from the Diagnostic Laboratory in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt, were inoculated in Selenite F broth, MacConkey, Nutrient and Salmonella-Shigella agar plates using standard methods. Fresh and dry bitter leaf extracts were prepared by mashing, weighing and dissolving 100 grams(g) and 150 g concentrations of each in 100 milliliters(mls) of ethanol and sterile distilled water respectively. Undiluted mixture of bitter leaf and palm oil were prepared by mixing 2 mls of each in a sterile beaker. Zero-point one milliliter (0.1ml) of each undiluted extract, their mixture, ethanol and palm oil were separately dispensed into appropriately labeled wells using sterile pipette for sensitivity test on the isolated bacteria. The pH, temperatures and the phytochemical contents of the bitter extracts and palm oil were determined using pH meter, thermometer and spectrophotometric method.Results: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella sp. were isolated. The pH and temperature of bitter leaf extract and palm oil were 7.2 and 26?C and 6.7 and 26?C respectively while the pH and temperature for bitter leaf and the palm oil mixture was 6.9 and 26?C. The bitter leaf and palm oil extracts, their combination, ethanol and distilled water used on the isolates as antibiotics did not show any sensitivity. The phytochemicals identified in the bitter leaf were saponins, alkaloids and tannins while carotene was detected in the palm oil.Conclusion: It can be concluded that the bitter leaf extract, palm oil and their combination did not inhibit the growth of bacteria as a result of lack of bioactive components from the bitter leaf. The nature of the diluents used for the extraction may not have been the right one as it would have caused the low concentration, dilution and disfiguring of the molecules of the bioactive compounds that prevented the proper reaction between the bacteria and the extracts used.

Bio-valorization of palm oil mill effluent waste for the potential production of renewable biomass fuel pellets

Aims@#The primary aim of this study was to utilize abundant palm oil mill effluent (POME) waste and turn it into a value-added product of biomass fuel with high calorific energy value (CEV) via fermentation and drying process, then simultaneously reduce abundant liquid waste.@*Methodology and results@#POME is available abundantly in Malaysia and only a small portion of it is utilized to produce other value-added products. In this study, fermentation of POME in the presence of bacteria (Lysinibacillus sp.) and fungus (Aspergillus flavus) separately at 37 °C, 180 rpm for 5 days, followed by overnight oven-drying at 85 °C was conducted. Four fermentation medium conditions were performed, viz.: (1) autoclaved POME, (2) autoclaved POME with the addition of Lysinibacillus sp., (3) autoclaved POME with the addition of A. flavus and (4) POME as it is (non-sterile).@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Among all conditions, fermentation utilizing autoclaved POME in the presence of A. flavus evinced the highest CEV of 25.18 MJ/kg. The fermentation in the presence of Lysinibacillus sp. strain revealed high COD and BOD removal efficiency of 59.20% and 320.44 mg/L as well as the highest reduction of oils and grease among other groups with the value of 15.84%. Future research directions are proposed for the elucidation of co-fermentation in the presence of both Lysinibacillus sp. and A. flavus.

Biosynthesis of lipase by Burkholderia cenocepacia ST8 using waste cooking oil as feedstock

Aims@#Every year, an estimated 25 million tons of waste oil are produced worldwide, and the generation of waste oil is one of the biggest global environmental problems. The incorporation of oil as a substrate for lipase production has been studied and shown to have a positive impact on its production. Burkholderia sp. is one of the major lipase-producing bacteria with their ability in bioremediation of oil-contaminated soil. This study aims to compare the production of lipase by Burkholderia cenocepacia ST8 using waste cooking oil and unused cooking oil as feedstock.@*Methodology and results@#The effect of different types of waste cooking oil (sunflower oil and palm oil) and concentration (1-3%) of waste cooking oil, agitation speed (100-400 rpm) and initial dissolved oxygen concentration (10-50%) on lipase production by B. cenocepacia ST8 under batch fermentation mode were investigated. The major fatty acids of which had been consumed were determined using gas chromatography. Results showed that 2% (v/v) of single used sunflower cooking oil produced the highest lipase activity of 138.86 U/mL with a productivity of 2.10 U/mL/h; agitation speed of 300 rpm produced the highest lipase activity of 183.56 U/mL with a productivity of 3.06 U/mL/h while 30% initial concentration of dissolved oxygen produced a lipase activity of 176.45 U/mL with a productivity of 2.94 U/mL/h. Oleic acid and linoleic acid were found to be the most consumed by B. cenocepacia ST8 among other fatty acids. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This study shows that 2% (v/v) single used sunflower cooking oil was the better type and optimum concentration of carbon source for the production of lipase by the fermentation of B. cenocepacia under 300 rpm and 30% initial concentration dissolved oxygen. The incorporation of 2% (v/v) single used sunflower cooking oil may be a great alternative to reduce the cost for the production of lipase as well as reducing the amount of waste oil generation.

Análisis del perfil de ácidos grasos y propiedades fisicoquímicas del aceite de palma de mil pesos (Oenocarpus Bataua) / Analysis of the Fatty Acid Profile and Physicochemical Properties of Oil from the Thousand Peso Palm (Oenocarpus Bataua)

Resumen Antecedentes: la palma de mil pesos (Oenocarpus bataua) es una especie promisoria, tanto por sus frutos ricos en aceite de excelente condición como por su especial adaptación a suelos pobres. Objetivo: analizar el perfil de ácidos grasos y propiedades fisicoquímicas del aceite de palma de mil pesos. Materiales y métodos: se analizaron las propiedades fisicoquímicas, el porcentaje de saturación con técnicas del AOAC y el perfil de ácidos grasos mediante cromatografía líquida de gases con detector de ionización de llama (CG-FID). Resultados: el aceite analizado tiene un perfil de ácidos grasos parecido al del aceite de oliva, con la siguiente distribución porcentual de ácidos grasos: palmítico (11,9±1,1), oleico (76,1±1), linoleico (3±0,4), α-linolénico (1,9±0,3), con predominio de grasas monoinsaturadas (77,0±1,0 %), moderado aporte de saturadas (18,1±1,2 %) y bajo de poliinsaturadas (4,9±0,6 %), esto último sería la única limitante para utilizarlo como única fuente de grasa para la preparación de alimentos, por lo demás cumple con la norma colombiana para el aceite de palma alto oleico en cuanto al perfil de ácidos grasos y sus características físicoquímicas. Conclusiones: el aceite estudiado es potencialmente comercializable para el consumo humano y tiene beneficios para la salud cardiovascular de los consumidores.

Abstract Background: The thousand peso palm tree (Oenocarpus bataua) is a promising species, both for its oil-rich fruits of excellent properties and for its unique adaptation to poor soils. Objective: Analyze the fatty acid profile and physicochemical properties of oil from the thousand peso palm tree. Materials and Methods: The physicochemical properties and the percentage of saturation ere found using AOAC techniques, and the fatty acid profile was analyzed by liquid gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Results: The oil analyzed had a fatty acid profile similar to olive oil, with the following percentage distribution of fatty acids: palmitic (11.9±1.1), oleic (76.1±1), linoleic (3±0.4), α-linolenic (1.9±0.3), with a predominance of monounsaturated fats (77.0±1.0%), moderate contribution of saturated (18.1±1.2%) and low polyunsaturated (4.9±0.6%). Only the polyunsaturated profile would constitute a limitation for use as a sole source of fat for food preparation, otherwise thousand peso palm oil complies with the Colombian standard for high oleic palm oil in terms of the fatty acid profile and its physicochemical characteristics. Conclusions: The oil studied is potentially marketable for human consumption and has cardiovascular health benefits for consumers.

Producción de aceite de palma en Colombia: ¿trabajo decente y saludable? / Palm Oil Production in Colombia: Decent and Healthy Work? / Produção de óleo de palma na Colombia: trabalho decente e saudável?

Resumen Introducción: este artículo analiza la relación entre el proceso productivo del aceite de palma en Colombia y sus efectos en la salud de los trabajadores del sector. Método: entre marzo y septiembre de 2017, se llevaron a cabo un taller piloto con directivos sindicales y ocho grupos focales en los que participaron 165 trabajadores de diversas áreas y empresas del sector y un taller de revisión y retroalimentación con la participación de diez dirigentes sindicales. Igualmente, se efectuaron visitas a algunas empresas para observar los procesos productivos, tanto en las plantaciones como en las plantas extractoras. La Encuesta de Morbilidad Sentida, sobre la información suministrada por los trabajadores (percepciones e interpretaciones acerca de su estado de salud en vínculo con su trabajo), fue la base para identificar los factores de riesgo del sector, el desgaste, la fatiga y las condiciones de salud-enfermedad asociadas a los oficios del cultivo de la palma en campo y al proceso industrial en la planta de extracción del aceite. Conclusión: la morbilidad sentida sugiere que las cargas laborales, los patrones de desgaste asociados a la producción, la exposición a altas temperaturas y agrotóxicos, además de la intensificación productiva derivada de la forma de organización del trabajo afectan significativamente la salud de los trabajadores de la agroindustria de palma. Basados en estos resultados, sugerimos que los trabajadores del sector deberían ser cobijados por un régimen especial de pensión conjugado con políticas de prevención en salud y seguridad en el trabajo y cobertura de protección social.

Abstract Introduction: This article presents the examination of the relation between the production process of palm oil in Colombia and its impact on the health of workers. Method: Between March and September of 2017, one pilot workshop with union leaders was performed along with eight focus groups in which 165 workers from diverse work areas and palm oil firms participated and one workshop dedicated to the revision and feedback from ten union leaders. Additionally, visits were conducted to some palm oil firms as a means of observing the production process (in plantations and processing mills). Conclusion: The workers' reports of their health and working conditions or their 'felt morbidity' was the basis for identifying the risk factors in this sector, the experiences of health and illness, the patterns of wear-and-tear associated with the production, the exposure to high temperatures and pesticides, and the intensification of production due to the way in which the work process is organized, all of which significantly affect the health of palm oil workers.

Resumo Introdução: este artigo analisa a relação entre a forma em que se realiza o processo produtivo do óleo de palma na Colombia e seus impactos sobre a saúde dos trabalhadores do setor. Método: realizaram-se, entre marco e setembro de 2017, um workshop piloto com diretivos sindicais e 8 grupos focais nos que participaram 165 trabalhadores de diversas áreas de trabalho e empresas do setor e um workshop de revisão e retroalimentação com a participação de 10 dirigentes sindicais. Igualmente, efetuaram-se visitas a algumas empresas para observar os processos produtivos, tanto nas plantações quanto nas plantas extratoras. O inquérito de "morbilidade sentida", que se refere á informação subministrada pelos trabalhadores, desde suas percepções e interpretações, acerca de seu estado de saúde em vínculo com seu trabalho, foi a base para identificar os fatores de risco do setor, o desgaste, a fatiga e as condições de saúde-doença associadas aos ofícios de cultivo da palma em campo e ao processo industrial na planta de extração do óleo. Conclusão: a morbilidade sentida sugere que as cargas laborais, os padrões de desgaste associados á produção, a exposição a altas temperaturas e agrotóxicos, além da intensificação produtiva derivada da forma de organização do trabalho afetam significativamente a saúde dos trabalhadores da agroindústria de palma.

Subjective Preference of New Prototypes Safety Helmets Device among Palm Oil Plantation Harvesters in Sandakan, Sabah

@#Introduction: Safety helmets are one of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that to decrease the impact of any falling object to the skull and to avoid head and brain injury by many industries, including palm oil plantation. Nevertheless, the level on the usage of the current safety helmet is very low due to a few factors that lead to the discomfort. Among the common issues for the non-compliance of safety helmets are their discomfort, ventilation, weight and safety. This study aims to determine subjective preference of the new prototypes’ safety helmets device among palm oil plantation harvesters. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among 124 harvesters in three palm oil plantations located in Sabah, Malaysia. A set of questionnaires used to collect data on their socio-demographic background, perceptions toward existing safety helmets and their subjective preference of new safety helmets prototypes. Apart from that, six harvesters were randomly choosing to attend an interview session for qualitative study. Results: The descriptive analysis indicate that among the emphasized issues regarding non-compliance of existing safety helmet were due to discomfort (66.1%), poor ventilation (97.6%), load of safety helmet (83.3%) and safety issues (68.5%). In terms of new safety helmets prototypes, 72.6% of the harvesters preferred Design C to be worn for work in the plantation. Conclusion: It can be suggested that the existing safety helmet is uncomfortable and was not design ergonomically namely loose size and discomfort. Design C was the most preferred to be worn for work in the palm oil plantation.

Factors Affecting Contact Dermatitis On Palm Oil Plantation Workers Of Pt. X In Semitau Sub-District

@#The prevalence of occupational skin diseases reaches 20% up to 70% around the world. Occupational contact dermatitis cases reached 1.3-8.1 per 10,000 full-time workers per year in two decades. This research aims to identify the relationship between predisposing factors, enabling factors, and reinforcing factors on the contact dermatitis cases on palm oil plantation workers of PT. X in Semitau Subdistrict. This study design was a cross-sectional involving 72 samples. The independent variables covered age, gender, level of knowledge, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), tenure, chemical contact, personal hygiene, history of occupational dermatitis, occupational history, and Occupational Safety and Health Management System (SMK3). Then, the dependent variable was occupational dermatitis cases. A total of 54.2% of respondent suffered from occupational dermatitis. Some respondent were elderly (43.1%) and most of the subject were female (62.5%). The respondents had a good level of knowledge (37.5%), good personal hygiene (52.8%), and use complete PPE (25%). A total of 51.4% of respondent did not have chemical contacts and those who have <2 years of tenure reached 45.8%. Most of the subjects did not have an occupational history (81.9%) and occupational dermatitis history (75%). Half of the subjects had a good level of application of SMK3. Chi-Square Test results showed significant values of personal hygiene, use of PPE, and a history of the disease (<0.05) with p values of <0.05. There is a strong relationship between personal hygiene, the use of PPE, and the history of occupational dermatitis on palm oil plantation workers of PT. X in Semitau Subdistrict.

Heat Degradation of α-Tocopherol in Sri Lankan Commercially available Palm Olein

Objectives: Palm olein, which is the fractionated form of palm oil, is commonly used as cooking oil in Sri Lanka. Processing of crude oil degrades α-tocopherol as does exposure to high heat during cooking. This study was aimed to determine the content and heat degradation of α-tocopherol in Sri Lankan commercially available palm olein. Method: Four different brands of Sri Lankan commercially available palm olein (100 mL) were heated to 180°C for 10 minutes. The oil was subsequently cooled and re-heated five times and assayed in duplicate. Between each cycle of re-heating oil was left in room temperature to cool for 5 hours. Fresh palm olein and the heated samples were analyzed for α-tocopherol content using reversed-phase High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Shimadzu, Japan). Results: The mean α-tocopherol content in unheated palm olein was 3.02 ± 0.35 ppm, with no significant differences between brands. Heating Palm olein for 10 minutes resulted in 56.6% reduction in α-tocopherol compared to unheated oil. Re-heating resulted in further reduction with a 100% loss by the fourth time. Conclusion: The Sri Lankan commercially available palm olein did not provide expected α-tocopherol content, and is not a good source of dietary α-tocopherol. Further analysis is required to quantify α-tocopherol content. Since re-heating further reduced α-tocopherol levels, repeated frying during cooking is likely to result in a minimal level of α-tocopherol being provided through palm olein to the diet.

Effect of Process Variables on the Transesterification Process of Palm Oil Sludge to Biodiesel

In this research work, the optimum process variables (catalyst, methanol to oil ratio and reaction time) for transesterification of palm oil sludge (POS) to biodiesel were studied. The transesterification process was carried by mixture of palm oil sludge, methanol and catalyst with the help of magnetic stirrer at 300 rpm and at temperature of 60ºC. The catalyst used for the process was potassium hydroxide (KOH). One-Factor-at-A-Time was used to select the possible optimum levels of process variable that gives high biodiesel yield. The study was evaluated by five levels of methanol-to-oil ratio (1:1 – 12:1), catalyst (0.1- 2%) and reaction time (30 – 150 min).The optimum process variables for transesterification of palm oil sludge (POS) to achieved maximum biodiesel yield were found to be methanol to oil molar ratio of 12:1, catalyst loading of 1.5wt% and reaction time of 30 min. At this optimum conditions the maximum biodiesel yield was 61.2%. The biodiesel produced from transesterification of palm oil sludge was characterized in order to determine the properties of the product. The density of POS is 857.0 kg/m3, kinematic viscosity of 5.38 mm2/s, flash point of 180°C, pour point of -5°C, and Acid value of 0.17 mgKOH/g. The biodiesel produced from transesterification of palm oil sludge meets the EN 14214 and ASTM 6751 standard. Thus, this study will be helpful to determine an efficient and economical procedure for biodiesel production from non-edible raw materials with high free fatty acid.

Oxidative stability of crude palm oil after deep frying akara (Fried Bean Paste)

Abstract For this study 47 samples of crude palm oil (CPO) were collected, consisted of what had been used for 4 hours around the city of Salvador-Bahia. To evaluate the quality of CPO were analyzed: Total Polar Compound (TPC; %) by Adsorption Chromatography (AC), Testo 270 and Fricheck; Free fatty acids (FFA; % oleic acid), Color (CIELab); Total Carotenoids (TC; ppm), induction time (IT, h) and fatty acids composition (g 100 g-1). The TPC analysis by Testo 270 and Fricheck showed a poor linear correlation with AC (0.69 and 0.60 respectively). Otherwise 44.70% and 36.95% of samples were completely oxidized, according to CA and IT methods. All samples presented TC (11.01-331.45 ppm) and yellow color predominance. Trans fatty acids, C18:1t in 17.02% and C18:3t in 65.65% of the samples were identified. The results demonstrate the need in the deep frying control, respect to techniques used during process. As well the improvement of the quality of palm oil fresh, can minimize the degradation process during th deep frying.

Preparation and Physical Stability Evaluation of Palm Oil-Based Nanoemulsion as a Drug Delivery System for Propofol / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

The objective of this study was to develop a formulation for propofol injection at various concentrations (1 and 2%)using palm oil-based nanoemulsion as the carrier. The nanoemulsions were characterised by globule size distribution(Dv 90 value), zeta potential, pH and viscosity determination. The physicochemical stability and accelerated stabilityof the formulations were also evaluated. Stability studies were performed for 6 months at 4, 16, 25 and 40oC storagetemperatures. The propofol content was analysed by HPLC study. The characterisation result of propofol nanoemulsion 1and 2% showed good globule size distributions in Dv 90 values of 284 ± 1.15 nm and 304 ± 1.20 nm and also stable zetapotential values of-43.37 ± 0.96 mV and -40.97 ± 1.36 mV, respectively. Accelerated test showed that the formulationshave excellent stability with no physical changes observed after centrifugation, autoclaving at 121oC for 15 mins, shakingfor 12 hours and thermal cycling test. The stability studies indicated that propofol emulsion show good stability for 6months when stored at 4 ± 1oC and 16 ± 1oC based on Dv 90 values, zeta potential, and pH readings. No changes inpropofol concentrations were observed after 6 months storage. Overall, propofol in palm oil-based nanoemulsions ascarrier was found to be stable and can be used as an alternative anaesthetic inje

Biohythane production from palm oil mill effluent – a preliminary evaluation of a two-stage anaerobic digestion

@#Aims:This research aims to investigate the potential of biohythane (biohydrogen and biomethane) production from palm oil mill effluent (POME) in a two-stage anaerobic digestion (AD) system.Methodology and results:A two-stage AD system was configured with a thermophilic dark fermenter (TDF) for biohydrogen (H2) production and a thermophilic anaerobic contact digester (TACD) for biomethane (CH4) production. To adjust pH 5.5 for dark fermentation, the settled sludge was recirculated from TACD to TDF. The hydraulic retention time (HRT) applied in TDF and TACD was 3.75 and 6.25 day, respectively.Conclusion, significance and impact of study:The sludge recirculation from TACD was able to adjust the pH in TDF to the optimum value of 5.5. The total COD and TSSdegradation were 63.12 and 77.94 %, respectively. The H2production in TDF was 1.54 L H2/L POME and the CH4production in TACD was 19.87 L CH4/L POME. The H2and CH4yielded 0.085 L/g CODremovedand 0.339 L/g CODremoved, respectively, with total energy recovery equivalent to 661.02 MJ/m3POME. Only 2.28 % of this energy was contributed by H2and the remaining was dominated by CH4.

Post-treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME) using freshwater green microalgae145-

@#Aims:The effectiveness of microalgae in the post-treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME) was being investigated for colourremoval and COD reduction. Methodology and results:Raw POME, obtained from a local palm oil mill and treated with anaerobic and aerobic processes for 50 days and 16 days of hydraulic retention time (HRT) respectively, was then used in the phycoremediation study. Three different species of microalgae (Ankistrodesmus falcatus, Scenedesmus sp. and Chlorellasp.) were inoculated in a culture media which contained 20%, 40% and 60% dilution of POME. The pH of thetreated POME sample was not adjusted and fixed at the original pH of about pH 8-9. The growth of the microalgae was determined every 2 days based on their chlorophyll concentration. Chlorellasp. showed the best adaptation and grew well in all dilutions of the treated POME sample and subsequently chosen for remediation of the POME sample without any dilution.Conclusion, significance and impact of study:Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and colour removal of POME were determined every 2 days. Chlorellasp. performed well with COD reduction and colour removal of 67.87% and 53.26%, respectively.

Enhancement of cyanobacterial control by fungi degraded palm oil trunk

Aims@#Cyanbacterial bloom can cause unpleasant smell and taste. It can also produce toxins that can be harmful to animals or human. The capability of plant materials to control cyanobacterial bloom has been reported by many researchers. Among the plant materials were barley straw, banana skin, orange peel and many more. It was also showed that the ability of the plant material, especially barley straw to control cyanobacteria might likely involved complex microbial degradation and enhanced by fungal degradation. Therefore, experiments were set up to test the effect of fungi-degraded palm oil trunk on cyanobacterial growth. @*Methodology and results@#In the study, 1 g of palm oil trunk was pre-treated with fungus Lichtheimia sp, for 30 days to allow degradation to occur. After the incubation, the fresh and degraded palm oil trunk was introduced to cyanobacterial culture for 30 days. Growth of culture were estimated based on its chlorophyll a concentration. This study showed an increase ability of fungi-degraded palm oil trunks in inhibiting cyanobacterial growth. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The results strengthened the theory of involvement of microbial degradation in controlling cyanobacterial growth.

Elaboration and characterization of snack bars made with ingredients from the Amazon / Elaboração e caracterização de barras de cereais à base de ingredientes da Amazônia

ABSTRACT Snack bars were launched on the market as an alternative for people seeking healthier food options. They are popular portable snacks commonly eaten between meals. This study aimed to develop snack bars made with tapioca flour, Brazil nut and native fruit pulps (açaí, cupuaçu, muruci and taperebá) as well as to assess their physical, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory attributes. The preferred concentration of fruit pulp was 10% in the açaí bar, and 15% in the cupuaçu, muruci and taperebá bars. The acceptance rate of the açaí bars was greater than 70% for the attributes appearance, color, texture, and overall impression, but was lower for flavour. This result may be related to the eating habits of some panelists, who eat açaí pulp without adding any other ingredients that can impart the unique flavour of the fruit. The cupuaçu and muruci snack bars had higher sensory acceptance than the açaí and taperebá bars; therefore, they are more likely to have better market prospects.

RESUMO Como uma alternativa para as pessoas que procuram opções para uma alimentação saudável, as barras de cereais foram lançadas no mercado. Elas são populares como alimentos portáteis e podem ser consumidas entre as refeições. Este trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver e determinar as variáveis físicas, físico-químicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais de barras de cereais à base de farinha de tapioca, castanha-do-brasil e polpas de frutas regionais (açaí, cupuaçu, muruci e taperebá). A concentração preferida de polpa na barra sabor açaí foi de 10% e nas barras sabor cupuaçu, muruci e taperebá de 15%. O índice de aceitação da barra sabor açaí foi superior a 70% nos atributos aparência, cor, textura e impressão global e inferior no sabor. Este comportamento pode estar relacionado à cultura de alguns provadores, os quais têm o hábito de consumir a polpa de açaí sem adição de qualquer outro ingrediente que possa mascarar o sabor intrínseco e peculiar do fruto. As barras sabor cupuaçu e muruci, por apresentarem maior aceitação sensorial, quando comparadas às barras sabor açaí e taperebá, têm melhores perspectivas de mercado caso sejam comercializadas.

Preparación de carbón activado a partir de residuos de palma de aceite y su aplicación para la remoción de colorantes / Preparation of activated carbon from palm oil wastes and their application for methylene blue removal / Preparação de carvão ativado a partir da resíduos de palmeira de óleo e sua aplicação para a remoção de corantes

Resumen En el presente estudio se muestra la producción de carbón activado a partir de la biomasa residual generada en la producción de palma de aceite, fibra (F) y cáscara (C). Se realizó activación química con ZnCl2 y se evalúo la capacidad de remoción de azul de metileno (AM) para diferentes concentraciones (50, 100 y 150 mg/L). Los resultados mostraron un buen desarrollo de poro por dicho método de activación, con áreas superficiales de 835,3 m2/g para la fibra activada (FA) y 575,1 m2/g para la cáscara activada (CA). Se encontró un buen ajuste de los datos experimentales al modelo cinético de pseudo segundo orden y a las isotermas de Langmuir y Freundlich con capacidades máximas de adsorción de 763,4 y 724,6 mg/g para FA y CA, respectivamente.

Abstract The production of activated carbon from residual biomass generated in the production of oil palm, fiber (F) and shell (C) was studied. The chemical activation was done using ZnCl2 and the adsorption capacity of methylene blue (AM) at different concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mg/L) was evaluated. Results showed a good development of pore with surface areas of 835.3 m2/g for activated fiber (FA) and 575.1 m2/g for activated shell (CA). A good fit of the experimental data with the pseudo second order kinetic model and with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms models was found. In addition, maximum adsorption capacities of 763.4 and 724.6 mg/g for FA and CA were found, respectively.

Resumo No presente estudo e mostrada a produção de carvão ativado a partir da biomassa residual gerada na produção de fibra de palmeira de óleo (F) e casca (C). A ativação química foi realizada com ZnCl2, foi avaliada a capacidade de remoção do azul de metileno (AM) para diferentes concentrações (de 50, 100 e 150 mg/L). Os resultados mostraram um bom desenvolvimento do poro pelo método de ativação estudado para com áreas de superfície de 835,3 m2/g para a fibras activada (FA) e 575,1 m2/g para a casca activada (CA). Foi encontrado um bom ajuste dos dados experimentais ao modelo da cinética de pseudo segunda ordem e a isotermas de Langmuir e Freundlich com capacidades máximas de adsorção de 763,44 e 724,6 mg/g para a FA e CA, respectivamente.

Adding palm oil to the diet of sheep alters fatty acids profile on yogurt: Benefits to consumers

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to modify the fatty acid profile of yogurt from sheep milk by the inclusion of different concentrations of palm oil into their diet. Thus, thirty-six sheep during lactation were separated in four groups with nine animals each, as described below: the group T0 (0%); the group T2 (inclusion of 2% of palm oil); the group T4 (inclusion of 4% of palm oil) and the group T6 (inclusion of 6% of palm oil). After 60 days of the supplementation, milk samples were collected and yogurt was produced, which was evaluated regarding the concentration of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PFA). A significant reduction (p<0.05) in most SFA and a significant increase (p<0.05) on MFA and PFA was observed in the yogurt of sheep supplemented with 4 and 6% of palm oil. Consequently, it is possible to conclude that palm oil supplementation exerts positive effects on yogurt, since it led to the reduction of undesirable fatty acids and increased fatty acids beneficial to human health.

Screening of endophytic fungi for biofuel feedstock production using palm oil mill effluent as a carbon source

Aims: Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is a major agricultural waste product of Malaysia. The aim of this study was to identify endophytic fungi capable of producing biofuel feedstock utilizing POME. Methodology and results: Endophytes were isolated from the Nipah palm tree, Nypa fruticans, and exposed to different POME concentrations (25%, 50% and 75%), with and without the addition of nutrients. The utilization of glucose was measured using the Dinitrosalicylic Acid assay whereas the lipid content in the fungal cells was extracted using the Bligh and Dyer method with slight modifications. Three endophytic fungi that displayed the highest growth on POME were identified using ITS 1 and 4 primers and found to be related to Pestalotiopsis sp., Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Rhizoctonia bataticola. Nutrient addition caused an average increase of 8 times in biomass, indicating nitrogen requirement for cell proliferation. The highest POME concentration (75%) resulted in lower biomass yield. Furthermore, all fungal samples in high POME concentration and nutrient conditions showed a decrease in lipids accumulated per milligram of biomass whereby lipid synthesis was enhanced under nitrogen limitation (25% without nutrients). Conclusion, significance and impact of study: In conclusion, all fungal samples can be classified as oleaginous microorganisms with Pestalotipsis sp. being the most efficient (up to 70% of its biomass). This is to our knowledge the first study that shows the potential use of Pestalotiopsis sp., L. theobromae and R. bataticola for the utilisation of POME as biofuel feedstock and could in the future potentially provide an alternative approach to the treatment of POME with value-added effect.