Deep learning artificial neural network framework to optimize the adsorption capacity of 3-nitrophenol using carbonaceous material obtained from biomass waste.

The presence of toxic chemicals in water, including heavy metals like mercury and lead, organic pollutants such as pesticides, and industrial chemicals from runoff and discharges, poses critical public health and environmental risks leading to severe health issues and ecosystem damage; education plays a crucial role in mitigating these effects by enhancing awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and integrating environmental science into curricula to empower individuals to address and advocate for effective solutions to water pollution. However, the educational transformation should be accompanied with a technical process which can be eventually transferred to society to empower environmental education. In this study, carbonaceous material derived from Haematoxylum campechianum (CM-HC) was utilized for removing 3-nitrophenol (3-Nph) from aqueous solutions. The novelty of this research utilizes Haematoxylum campechianum bark and coconut shell, abundant agricultural wastes in Campeche, Mexico, for toxin removal, enhancing the adsorption process through artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms to optimize conditions and maximize the absorption efficiency. CM-HC's surface morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), BET method, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and pHpzc. Kinetic models including pseudo-first-order (PFO), pseudo-second-order (PSO), and Elovich were applied to fit the data. Adsorption isotherms were determined at varying pH (3-8), adsorbent dosages (2-10 g/L), and temperatures (300.15-330.15 K), employing Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Redlich-Peterson models. PSO kinetics demonstrated a good fit (R2 > 0.98) for Ci = 50-100 mg/L, indicating a chemical adsorption mechanism. The Langmuir isotherm model exhibited the best fit, confirming chemical adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) of 236.156 mg/g at T = 300.15 K, pH = 6, contact time = 3 h, and 2 g/L adsorbent dosage. Lower temperatures favored exothermic adsorption. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were employed for deep learning, optimizing the predictive model for removal percentage. Correlation heat maps highlighted positive correlations between time, dosage, and removal percentage, emphasizing the impact of initial concentration on efficiency. ANN modeling, incorporating iterative optimization, yielded highly accurate predictions, aligned closely with experimental results. The study showcases the success of deep learning in optimizing adsorption processes, emphasizing the importance of diverse correlation algorithms for comprehensive insights into competitive adsorption dynamics. The 5-14-14-1 deep learning architecture, fine-tuned over 228 epochs, demonstrated strong performance with mean squared error (MSE) values of 4.07, 18.406, and 6.2122 for training, testing, and total datasets, respectively, and high R-squared values. Graphical analysis showed a solid linear correlation between experimental and simulated removal percentages, emphasizing the need to consider more than just testing data for optimization. Experimental validation confirmed a 98.77% removal efficiency, illustrating the effectiveness of combining deep learning with genetic algorithms, and highlighting the necessity of experimental trials to verify computational predictions. It is concluded that the carbonaceous material from Haematoxylum campechianum waste (CM-HC) is an effective, low-cost adsorbent for removing 3-nitrophenol from aqueous solutions, achieving optimal removal at pH 6 and 300.15 K with a maximum adsorption capacity of 236.156 mg/g, following Langmuir model and pseudo-second order kinetics. The validated ANN model offers a reliable tool for practical applications in environmental remediation, advancing both environmental science and educational innovation by integrating artificial neural networks and data science methodologies into student learning experiences.

The return of natural dyes: the case of logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum L.).

In recent years, a worldwide reassessment of natural dyes has occurred, driven by the health and environmental issues associated with synthetic dyes. Haematoxylum campechianum L. is a tropical tree from which wood extracts were widely used in the textile industry during the 16th century. The logwood tree extract serves as a contemporary source of hematoxylin, a key dye in the globally prevalent hematoxylin-eosin staining method, a cornerstone in histopathological procedures. This paper will initially explore the re-emergence of natural dyes. Subsequently, it will focus on the historical, conventional, and innovative applications of logwood in the fields of medicine, histopathology, and nanotechnology, along with the status and alternative uses of the hematoxylin-eosin stain. Lastly, this paper will examine the current state of conservation and utilization of Haematoxylum campechianum in Campeche, Mexico, a leading global producer of hematoxylin.

Sorption Behavior of Azo Dye Congo Red onto Activated Biochar from Haematoxylum campechianum Waste: Gradient Boosting Machine Learning-Assisted Bayesian Optimization for Improved Adsorption Process.

This work aimed to describe the adsorption behavior of Congo red (CR) onto activated biochar material prepared from Haematoxylum campechianum waste (ABHC). The carbon precursor was soaked with phosphoric acid, followed by pyrolysis to convert the precursor into activated biochar. The surface morphology of the adsorbent (before and after dye adsorption) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), BET method, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and, lastly, pHpzc was also determined. Batch studies were carried out in the following intervals of pH = 4-10, temperature = 300.15-330.15 K, the dose of adsorbent = 1-10 g/L, and isotherms evaluated the adsorption process to determine the maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax, mg/g). Kinetic studies were performed starting from two different initial concentrations (25 and 50 mg/L) and at a maximum contact time of 48 h. The reusability potential of activated biochar was evaluated by adsorption-desorption cycles. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model was 114.8 mg/g at 300.15 K, pH = 5.4, and a dose of activated biochar of 1.0 g/L. This study also highlights the application of advanced machine learning techniques to optimize a chemical removal process. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset, a Gradient Boosting regression model was developed and fine-tuned using Bayesian optimization within a Python programming environment. The optimization algorithm efficiently navigated the input space to maximize the removal percentage, resulting in a predicted efficiency of approximately 90.47% under optimal conditions. These findings offer promising insights for enhancing efficiency in similar removal processes, showcasing the potential of machine learning in process optimization and environmental remediation.

Anxiolytic effect of the heartwood of Haematoxylum campechianum L. and sappanchalcone in an in vivo model in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Haematoxylum campechianum L., is a well-known plant in the southeast region of Mexico, where it is named as "palo tinto" or "palo de Campeche", in English there are vernacular names such as "redwood", "bloodwood tree" or "campeachy wood". Traditional medicine refers its use for the treatment of different disorders including depression. AIM OF THE STUDY: Considering the traditional use of this plant for the alleviation of depression, the aim of this study was the evaluation of the anxiolytic effect of the methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts from the heartwood of Haematoxylum campechianum L., and the sappanchalchone (Sapp). Additionally, it is presented the characterization of the new compound 4-hydroxyhematoxylol (2) isolated from the hydroalcoholic extract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The anxiolytic effect of the extracts and Sapp was evaluated by using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) additionally the sedative effect was assessed with the Open Field Test (OFT). The chemical characterization of Sapp and 2 was performing by 1D and 2D NMR experiments. RESULTS: The EPM test showed that the administration of the plant extracts increased the percentage of time spent in open arms (76.32 ± 6.35 and 66.68 ± 20.64%, respectively for the methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts), whereas the administration of Sapp increased the percentage of time spent in open arms by 60.07 ± 14.28%, these results are similar to Diazepam (DZP, positive control) which caused an increment of 74.06 ± 23.42%. For the OFT, all of the doses evaluated for both extracts and Sapp diminished the number of rearing (R) and total corssing (TC) behavior in a similar way to the positive control (DZO) and statistically different with respect to the vehicle. CONCLUSION: The results obtained showed that the polar extracts from the heartwood of Haematoxylum campechianum L. possess both anxiolytic and sedative effect and that the chalcone-type compound Sapp, isolated from the methanolic extract, is partially responsible of these activities.

Diversidad de murciélagos en la selva baja inundable del sureste de México / Diversity of bats inhabiting seasonally inundated forest in the Southeastern Mexico

Introducción: El tintal es un tipo de selva baja inundable característico del sureste de México, donde la especie dominante es el palo de tinte (Haematoxylum campechianum L.). Por sus características estructurales y las condiciones de las áreas donde se desarrollan, los tintales pueden funcionar como un hábitat crítico para muchas especies animales. Objetivo: El objetivo de esta investigación fue describir la diversidad local y regional de la quiropterofauna presente en tintales de diferentes áreas del sureste mexicano. Métodos: Se trabajó en ocho localidades con presencia de tintal en los estados de Campeche y Tabasco. En cada una se colocaron seis redes de nylon durante tres noches. Se calculó la riqueza observada y la estimada para cada localidad, así como la abundancia total. Se elaboraron curvas de rango de abundancia y de acumulación de especies. Se realizaron análisis de similitud entre localidades y se correlacionaron estas similitudes con la distancia geográfica entre ellas. Resultados: Se registraron 25 especies de murciélagos pertenecientes a cinco familias, de las cuales Phyllostomidae fue la mejor representada. La mayoría de las especies fueron insectívoras (44 % del total), mientras los frugívoros fueron los más abundantes. Entre estas destacan Artibeus lituratus y A. jamaicensis, las cuales se registraron en un mayor número de localidades. Mientras tanto, Glossophaga soricina fue la más abundante. En Oxpemul, se registró la mayor riqueza de especies (N= 12) y en Las Bodegas la menor (N= 4), aunque esta fue la tercera localidad con mayor cantidad de individuos. La riqueza estimada de especies para toda el área, según nuestros datos, osciló entre 29 y 34. Los ensamblajes menos equitativos fueron Las Bodegas y Tres Brazos. Las localidades más semejantes entre sí en cuanto a la estructura de la comunidad fueron La Toza y Las Bodegas y, en cuanto a la composición de especies Oxpemul y Atasta. Las similitudes entre las localidades no estuvieron correlacionadas con la cercanía geográfica. Conclusiones: La mayoría de las localidades de estudio están altamente antropizadas, pero la tolerancia de varias especies de murciélagos a estas modificaciones del paisaje les ha permitido hacer uso de estas. La elevada abundancia de las especies consumidoras de frutos encontrada apoya la idea de la importancia de los murciélagos en la recuperación de la vegetación arbórea en zonas alteradas del sureste de México y el valor de los tintales dentro de estas áreas para la conservación de la biodiversidad.

Introduction: The "tintal" is a type of seasonally inundated forest where the dominant species is Haematoxylum campechianum L. Due to its structural characteristics and the conditions of the areas where it develops, it could work as a critical habitat for many animal species. Objective: This work aimed at describing the regional and local diversity of the chiropterofauna inhabiting tintal along different areas in the Southeastern Mexico. Methods: The research was carried out in eight localities with presence of tintal in the states of Campeche and Tabasco, Mexico. In each site, six mist nets were placed during three nights. The observed and expected richness were calculated for each site, as well as the total abundance. Rank-abundance and species accumulation curves were generated. Similarity analyses between localities were performed and correlated with the geographical distance between them. Results: We recorded 25 bat species belonging to five families, where Phyllostomidae was the most represented. Most registered species were insectivorous (44 % of the total), while frugivorous were the most abundant. Frugivorous Artibeus lituratus and A. jamaicensis were the species recorded in a greater number of localities, and Glossophaga soricina was the most abundant. The highest richness of species was registered in Oxpemul (N= 12), while in Las Bodegas we found the lowest (N= 4), although the latter was the third locality with the highest number of individuals. The estimated richness of species for the whole area varied between 29 and 34. The least even assemblages were Las Bodegas and Tres Brazos. The most similar localities in terms of the structure of the assemblages were La Toza and Las Bodegas and, in terms of the species composition, Oxpemul and Atasta. The similarities between the localities were not correlated with geographical proximity. Conclusions: Most of the researched localities were highly anthropized, but the tolerance of several bat species to these landscape modifications has allowed them to make use of such areas. The high abundance of the frugivorous species registered supports that bats may play a key role in the recovery of tree vegetation in altered areas in Southeastern Mexico, and emphasizes the value of the tintal along this area for the conservation of biodiversity.

Diversidad, estructura y afinidades florísticas de un bosque temporalmente inundable de la Península de Yucatán / Diversity, structure and floristic affinities of a temporarily flooded forest of the Yucatan Peninsula

ResumenLos bosques temporalmente inundables (BTI's) se encuentran entre las comunidades arbóreas más amenazadas del sureste de México y de manera contradictoria entre las menos conocidas en términos de su diversidad. Por lo que el objetivo del presente estudio fue caracterizar la riqueza, diversidad (Shannon-Wiener) y dominancia (valor de importancia relativo; VIR) del componente leñoso de un BTI de la península de Yucatán, así como evaluar sus afinidades florísticas con otros BTI's y bosques de tierras altas (BTA's) del sureste de México. Se utilizó un método de muestreo basado 10 cuadrantes de 10 x 20 m (2 000 m2), donde se registraron todos los individuos leñosos con diámetro ≥ 1cm y altura ≥ 1.5 m. Se usó un análisis de similitud florística que incluyó 192 géneros de plantas leñosas presentes en BTI's y BTA's de la península de Yucatán y BTI's Tabasco. Se realizó una prueba de correlación de Mantel para determinar si la distancia geográfica posee efecto sobre su similitud florística entre BTI's y BTA's de la península de Yucatán. El BTI estudiado se caracterizó por una baja diversidad (2.79) y riqueza de especies (56), así como por una alta dominancia (52.3 % del VIR en cinco especies). Especies dominantes como Haematoxylum campechianum, Dalbergia glabra, Cameraria latifolia, Byrsonima crassifolia, Crescentia cujete y Terminalia buceras denotan una afinidad florística neotropical típica de hábitats inundables. La estructura de la comunidad se caracterizó por presentar un patrón de "J" invertida para la distribución de los individuos en las clases diamétricas y de alturas. La alta densidad de lianas leñosas principalmente de Dalbergia glabra (22 % de los individuos registrados) sugiere un óptimo estado de conservación para el área de estudio. El análisis de relaciones florísticas reveló que en su mayoría BTI's de la península de Yucatán se agrupan con alta similitud (55 %) independientemente de los BTA's adyacentes, sin embargo, guardan mayor similitud con ellos (36 % de similitud) que con BTI´s de otras regiones (16 % de similitud). Según la prueba de Mantel, la similitud entre sitios no se encuentra influenciada por su proximidad geográfica (r= -0.098, p>0.05). Esto enfatiza la necesidad de generar estrategias de conservación para los BTI's de la península de Yucatán de manera independiente de otras regiones del sureste de México. Nuestros resultados sugieren que el BTI de la región estudiada posee una diversidad similar a otros BTI's del sureste de México, una composición florística diferente de BTA's adyacentes y una estructura con óptimo estado de conservación, características que indican su importancia para la conservación de la flora regional. Son necesarios estudios ecológicos adicionales para generar bases sólidas para el manejo y conservación de los BTI´s.

AbstractTemporarily flooded forests (TFF's) are among the most endangered tree communities in Southeast Mexico and in a contradictory way among the least known in terms of their diversity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the richness, diversity (Shannon-Wiener) and dominance (relative importance value; RIV) of a TFF of the Yucatan Peninsula, and evaluate its floristic affinities with other TFF's and upland forests (UF's) of Southeast Mexico. A sampling method based on 10 quadrants of 10 x 20 m (2 000 m2) was used to record all woody individuals with diameter ≥ 1 cm and height ≥ 1.5 m. A floristic similarity analysis was used including 192 genera of woody plants belonging to TFF's and UF's of the Yucatan and Tabasco TFF's. A Mantel correlation test was performed to determine if the geographic distance has effect on the floristic similarities between TFF's and UF´s of the Yucatan peninsula. The TFF under study was characterized with a low level of diversity (2.79) and species richness (56), and a high dominance level (52.3 % of RIV in five species). Dominant species such as Haematoxylum campechianum, Dalbergia glabra, Cameraria latifolia, Byrsonima crassifolia, Crescentia cujete and Terminalia buceras showed a floristic neotropical affinity typical of floodable habitats. The structure of the community was characterized by an inverted "J" pattern for the distribution of individuals in the diametric and height classes. The high density of woody lianas, mainly of Dalbergia glabra (22 % of the recorded individuals) suggested an optimal state of conservation of the studied area. The floristic similarity analysis revealed that most of TFF's in Yucatan Peninsula were grouped with high similarity (55 %) independently of the adjacent UF's; however, TFF´s resulted similar among them (36 % similarity) when compared with TFF's from other regions (16 % similarity). According to the Mantel test, the similarity between sites is not influenced by its geographical proximity (r = -0.098, p>0.05). This emphasizes the need to generate conservation strategies for the TFF's of the Yucatan peninsula independently from other regions of Southeast Mexico. Our results suggest that the TFF of the studied region has a similar diversity from other TFF's in Southeast Mexico, a different floristic composition compared with adjacent UF's and a structure with an optimal conservation status, characteristics that indicate their importance for the regional flora conservation. Further ecological studies are needed to build a solid foundation for management and conservation for the TFF's. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (3): 868-880. Epub 2017 September 01.

Homoisoflavonoids and Chalcones Isolated from Haematoxylum campechianum L., with Spasmolytic Activity.

Haematoxylum campechianum is a medicinal plant employed as an astringent to purify the blood and to treat stomach problems such as diarrhea and dysentery. A bio-guided chemical fractionation of the methanolic extract obtained from this plant allowed for the isolation of five compounds: two chalcones known as sappanchalcone (1); 3-deoxysappanchalcone (2); three homoisoflavonoids known as hematoxylol A (3); 4-O-methylhematoxylol (4); and, hematoxin (5). The spasmolytic activity was determined in an in vitro model (electrically induced contractions of guinea pig ileum), and allowed to demonstrate that the methanolic extract (EC50 = 62.11 ± 3.23) fractions HcF7 (EC50 = 61.75 ± 3.55) and HcF9 (EC50 = 125.5 ± 10.65) and compounds 1 (EC50 = 16.06 ± 2.15) and 2 (EC50 = 25.37 ± 3.47) of Haematoxylum campechianum present significant relaxing activity as compared to papaverine (EC50 = 20.08 ± 2.0) as a positive control.