Azadirachta indica leaf extract mediated silver nanoparticles impregnated nano composite film (AgNP/MCC/starch/whey protein) for food packaging applications.

In order to be used in food packaging, the study aims to develop a composite film based on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The MCC was derived from sugar cane bagasse. Protein, starch, and poly-ethylene glycol 1500 (PEG-1500) are employed to improve the tensile strength, flexibility, and durability of the packaging film. The AgNPs was synthesized by a green route employing Azadirachtaindica leaf extract as reducing agent. The determined average crystallite size of AgNPs was seen at 20 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies of the final film prepared have an elevated peak with a crystallinity of 37.5%. The scanning electron microscopic images (SEM) of the AgNPs and the prepared samples, reveal their surface morphology. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies (FT-IR) disclose the functional group changes during the film preparation. The antibacterial activity of the amalgamated AgNPs against five bacterial pathogens studied was found to be highly active against tested food pathogens, except for Proteus vulgari. When coated over a vegetable, the produced nanocomposite film displayed an increased shelf life for the vegetable by limiting the decay impact caused by food pathogens. According to the findings, the AgNPs-impregnated MCC/Starch/Whey protein has the potential to be employed as an antimicrobial packaging material.

Treatment of Municipal Wastewater in a Fixed Aerated Bed: Use of Natural Fibrous Materials.

The municipal wastewater may be treated using a number of different types of fixed beds that have a larger surface area. Since the fibrous materials have such a large specific surface area, they are frequently considered to be the best option for greater microbiological support and treatment efficacy. In this research, natural fibre materials such as coir fibre and areca husk were investigated for their potential to function as fixed aerated beds for the treatment of municipal wastewater. During the experiment, variations in the chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS), and total suspended solids (TSS) of the effluent were used to determine how well the aerated fixed bed work in treating the wastewater. The most efficient operating parameters for the successful treatment of wastewater were determined to be a contact period of 72 hrs, a filter medium depth of 5 cm, and a packing density of 10 kg/m3. The reductions in BOD, COD, TDS, and TSS for coir fibre are 55%, 58.8%, 57.8%, and 51.89%, respectively, whereas the reductions for areca husk are 38.3%, 37.78%, 31.76%, and 30.56%, respectively. In the course of this experiment, the coir fibre was discovered to be marginally more effective in comparison to the areca husk.

Physiochemical Analysis of Drinking Water and Treatment with a Homemade Filter: A Case Study of Illu Abba Bor Zone, Ethiopia.

The drinking water quality was evaluated in order to provide a continuous supply of clean and safe drinking water for the preservation of public health. The study area consists of three villages: Tulube, Seddo, and Serdo, all of which are located near Mettu town, which is about 550 kilometers south-west of Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa. The physical and chemical parameters of the collected drinking water samples were assessed, including pH, turbidity, conductivity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), and the presence of heavy metals. The samples were examined in the laboratory, and the findings were compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Almost all of the physiochemical indicators were safe and within the permissible limit for drinking water quality. However, lead ion concentrations were found to be above the WHO standards. An adsorbent produced from banana pseudostems was used to remove lead ions from drinking water. The equilibrium parameters were determined using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The drinking water was treated for 4 h in a homemade adsorption column composed of filter medium (sand, charcoal, and powder of treated banana pseudostem). The data revealed that lead ions removal was nearly 70%, but still above the WHO standards.