Batch Mode Biomethane Production from Anaerobic Digestion of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) with Cassava Peels and Cabbage Waste

Introduction: Biomedical waste (BMW) generated is a matter of great concern as it consists of high levels of hazardous waste. The lack of segregation and disposal policy in India leads to use of such infectious waste in day-to-day life [1]. Lack of awareness about segregation of Biomedical Waste (BMW) at source is a major cause for Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) and increased risk of contamination of hospital and external environment. Materials & Methods: To address the problem, we decided to train interns and health care workers to increase their awareness about BMW segregation and thereby reduce HAI. The program was run in 3 phases. In the 1st phase need assessment was done as to how important and effective this program would be in controlling HAI. The 2nd phase comprised of identifying the stake holders in the program who will play the key role in implementing the program effectively. The 3rd phase of Biomedical Segregation Program BMWSP focused on the outcomes as enumerated in the Kirkpatrick model [2], viz., participants’ reaction, learning, change in behavior and results. Measuring the impact of the program on the learners at these four levels revealed the effectiveness of the program. Results: To overcome the shortfalls in the Kirkpatrick model we used Logic model which took care of the instructional design. Logic model is better suitable for evaluating BMWSP as it considers inter-relation between constituents in a sequence and their effect on the process as well as product providing the necessary roadmap from the planned work (inputs and activities) to the intended results (outputs, outcomes and impact). It is a sequence of events connecting each other starting with Resources / Inputs, Activities, Outputs, Outcomes and Impact. The model helped medical interns and dental students to understand the importance for BMWSP and also made a significant difference in its implementation. Conclusion: The program helped in making the health care staff more aware about BMWSP. It also increased their knowledge, and helped in implementation of the program. This will significantly reduce HAI and overall benefit the society.

Characterization and Production of Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant in Recombinant Escherichia coli Using Autoinduction Medium and Palm Oil Mill Effluent

Abstract Rhamnolipid is a potent biodegradable surfactant, which frequently used in pharmaceutical and environmental industries, such as enhanced oil recovery and bioremediation. This study aims to engineer Escherichia coli for the heterologous host production of rhamnolipid, to characterize the rhamnolipid product, and to optimize the production using autoinduction medium and POME (palm oil mill effluent). The construction of genes involved in rhamnolipid biosynthesis was designed in two plasmids, pPM RHLAB (mono-rhamnolipid production plasmid) and pPM RHLABC (di-rhamnolipid production plasmid). The characterization of rhamnolipid congeners and activity using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and critical micelle concentration (CMC). In order to estimate rhamnolipid yield, an oil spreading test was performed. HRMS and CMC result show E. coli pPM RHLAB mainly produced mono-rhamnolipid (Rha-C14:2) with 900 mg/L and 35.4 mN/m of CMC and surface tension value, whereas E. coli pPM RHLABC mainly produced di-rhamnolipid (Rha-Rha-C10) with 300 mg/L and 34.3 mN/m of CMC and surface tension value, respectively. The optimum condition to produce rhamnolipid was at 20 h cultivation time, 37 oC, and pH 7. In this condition, the maximum rhamnolipid yield of 1245.68 mg/L using autoinduction medium and 318.42 mg/L using 20% (v/v) of POME. In conclusion, the characteristics of the rhamnolipid by recombinant E. coli is very promising to be used in industries as the most economical way of producing rhamnolipid.

Effects of volatile fatty acids in biohydrogen effluent on biohythane production from palm oil mill effluent under thermophilic condition

Background: Biohydrogen effluent contains a high concentration of volatile fatty acid (VFA) mainly as butyric, acetic, lactic and propionic acids. The presence of various VFAs (mixture VFAs) and their cooperative effects on two-stage biohythane production need to be further studied. The effect of VFA concentrations in biohydrogen effluent of palm oil mill effluent (POME) on methane yield in methane stage of biohythane production was investigated. Results: The methane yield obtained in low VFA loading (0.9 and 1.8 g/L) was 15­20% times greater than that of high VFA loading (3.6 and 4.7 g/L). Butyric acid at high concentrations (8 g/L) has the individual significantly negative effect the methane production process (P b 0.05). Lactic, acetic and butyric acid mixed with propionic acid at a concentration higher than 0.5 g/L has an interaction significantly negative effect on the methanogenesis process (P b 0.05). Inhibition condition had a negative effect on both bacteria and archaea with inhibited on Geobacillus sp., Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum, Methanoculleus thermophilus and Methanothermobacter delfuvii resulting in low methane yield. Conclusion: Preventing the high concentration of butyric acid, and propionic acid in the hydrogenic effluent could enhance methane production in two-stage anaerobic digestion for biohythane production.

Taguchi Design of Experiments for the Optimization of Lipase Production by Emericella Nidulans DAOM 222012 Isolated from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (Pome) Dump Sites.

Lipases with their multifarious applications in a wide variety of fields are gaining the attention of industrial biotechnologists thus necessitating the need for screening new isolates with potential industrial applications. In the present study Taguchi DOE was employed to optimize the process parameters for lipase production by Emericella nidulans DAOM 222012, screened and isolated from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) dump sites. This method allows the simultaneous study of several cultural factors while considering the mutual interaction among them and enhances the production within few experimental runs thereby greatly reducing the cost and time for process optimization. Four factors Viz., pH, carbon, nitrogen and surfactants each at 5 levels were considered and an orthogonal layout of L25 (54) was performed. The results indicated that Maltose (1%), Yeast extract (1%), Tween 80 (0.5%) and pH 6 are the significant factors for lipase production by Emericella nidulans DAOM 222012 using submerged fermentation studies.

Changes in Microbial Population of Palm Oil Mill Effluent Polluted Soil Amended with Chicken Droppings and Cow Dung.

Aim of Study: To assess changes in microbial population in palm oil mill effluent (POME) polluted soil amended with chicken droppings and cow dung. Study Design: 32 plots measuring 4 m2 were mapped out in a randomized complete block design of five main plots with three replicates. Data collected were subjected to ANOVA using SPSS. Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Agriculture, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria: July 2011 to November 2011. Methodology: Plots were polluted with palm oil mill effluent and subsequently remedied using varying amounts of chicken droppings and cow dung (5 kg, 10 kg and 15 kg). Microbiological analysis was carried out using Nutrient agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar for the enumeration of total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (TAHB) and fungi (moulds and yeasts) respectively. Results: Significant difference (P=0.05) in TAHB counts after 1 month and 2 months in all treatments with the exception of unamended polluted and unpolluted control soils. The counts however, increased after 2 months in all treatments with the exception of unamended polluted soil. The overall data suggest that amendment of the POME polluted soil enhanced microbial growth, particularly after 2 months meaning that bioremediation of the polluted soil can be achieved with the organic wastes within a short time. Conclusion: Chicken droppings (at 10 kg and 15 kg/4m2 plot) and a combination of chicken droppings and cow dung (at 10 kg and 15 kg/4m2 plot) have the ability to significantly increase microbial populations in palm oil mill effluent (POME) polluted soil thereby stimulating the bioremediation of the polluted soil.

Characterization and stability studies of emulsion systems containing pumice

Emulsions are the most common form of skin care products. However, these systems may exhibit some instability. Therefore, when developing emulsions for topical application it is interesting to verify whether they have suitable physical and mechanical characteristics and further assess their stability. The aim of this work was to study the stability of emulsion systems, which varied in the proportion of the emulsifying agent cetearyl alcohol (and) sodium lauryl sulfate (and) sodium cetearyl sulfate (LSX), the nature of the oily phase (decyl oleate, cyclomethicone or dimethicone) and the presence or absence of pumice (5% w/w). While maintaining the samples at room temperature, rheology studies, texture analysis and microscopic observation of formulations with and without pumice were performed. Samples were also submitted to an accelerated stability study by centrifugation and to a thermal stress test. Through the testing, it was found that the amount of emulsifying agent affects the consistency and textural properties such as firmness and adhesiveness. So, formulations containing LSX (5% w/w) and decyl oleate or dimethicone as oily phase had a better consistency and remained stable with time, so exhibited the best features to be used for skin care products.

Emulsões são a forma de apresentação mais comum dos produtos para aplicação na pele. No entanto estes sistemas podem exibir alguma instabilidade. Por esta razão, quando do desenvolvimento de emulsões para aplicação tópica é importante verificar se estas apresentam propriedades físicas ou mecânicas adequadas e avaliar a sua estabilidade. O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu no estudo da estabilidade de emulsões, cujas variações entre elas foi a proporção de agente emulsificante álcool estearílico (mais) laurilsulfato de sódio (mais) estearilsulfato de sódio (LSX), a natureza da fase oleosa (decil oleato, ciclometicona ou dimeticona) e a presença ou ausência de pedra-pomes (5% m/m). Mantendo as amostras à mesma temperatura, realizaram-se o estudo da reologia, a análise de textura e observação microscópica das formulações com e sem pedra-pomes. Amostras foram, também, submetidas a estudo de estabilidade acelerada por centrifugação e a ensaio de estresse térmico. Através dos testes realizados, constatou-se que a quantidade de agente emulsificante influencia a consistência e as propriedades de textura, como a firmeza e a adesividade. As formulações contendo LSX (5% m/m) e decil oleato ou dimeticona como fase oleosa exibiram melhores caraterísticas como produtos para aplicação na pele, uma vez que estas formulações apresentaram menor firmeza e consistência e permaneceram estáveis com o tempo.

The clinical effect of POME optical treatment in patients with severe vulvovaginal candidiasis / 中国综合临床

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of local POME optical treatmeat in patients with severe vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) . Methods Ninety-eight patients, who were diagnosed as severe vulvovaginal candidiasis from January to December 2009 in Beijing Wuzhou Women's Hospital gynecologicalclinic,were enrolled into this study and divided into control and physiotherapy groups randomly. The patients of control group (re =48) were treated with oral Fluconazole and had Miconazde Nitrate suppositories settlement into vagina, while in the physiotherapy group (n =50) the patients accepted local POME optical treatment combined with the same medications as control. The therapeutic effect were evaluated and compared according to the subjective symptoms and VVC scores in both groups. Results The clinical symptoms of physiotherapy group were relieved within 4 hours after the treatment, which were significantly depressed compared to before the treatment (itching score 1.4 ±0.3 vs. 2. 8 ±0. 5,P 0.05). Conclusion Local POME optical treatment combined with drug treatment in severe VVC patients not only has better effect than drug treatment alone,but also relieves clinical symptoms more quickly.

PCR-based DGGE and FISH analysis of methanogens in an anaerobic closed digester tank for treating palm oil mill effluent

16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-targeted fluorescent in situ hybridization combined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-cloning, light microscopy using Gram stains, scanning electron microscopy and denatured gradient gel electrophoresis were used to reveal the distribution of methanogens within an anaerobic closed digester tank fed with palm oil mill effluent. For specific detection of methanogens, 16S rRNA-cloning analysis was conducted followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for presumptive identification of methanogens. To cover the drawbacks of the PCR-cloning study, the organization of the microorganisms was visualized in the activated sludge sample by using fluorescent oligonucleotide probes specific to several different methanogens, and a probe for bacteria. In situ hybridization with methanogens and bacterial probes and denatured gradient gel electrophoresis within activated sludge clearly confirmed the presence of Methanosaeta sp. and Methanosarcina sp. cells. Methanosaeta concilii was found to be the dominant species in the bioreactor. These results revealed the presence of possibly new strain of Methanosaeta in the bioreactor for treating palm oil mill effluent called Methanosaeta concilii SamaliEB (Gene bank accession number: EU580025). In addition, fluorescent hybridization pictured the close association between the methanogens and bacteria and that the number of methanogens was greater than the number of bacteria.