In this study, we have successfully synthesized aerogel composite materials based on PVA/ Maltodextrine/Agar in combination with montmorillonite (AE2) using tetracycline antibiotic (TCC) adsorption in water.The structural properties of the materials were evaluated by the following methods: XRD.SEM, FTIR, BET.Survey results of TCC antibiotic adsorption showed that the highest adsorption capacity reached 90.37 ppm in the following conditions: pH 2, initial TCC concentration 120 mg/l, adsorbent dosage 0.003 g/L, 60 min adsorption time.The experimental data are consistent with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and the Langmuir kinetic model.Overall, the results show that the composite aerogel (AE2) exhibits potential antibiotic adsorption applications in contaminated water.
Abstract To maintain the freshness of food, it is crucial to explore environmentally friendly preservation methods with a focus on safety. Chitosan, a natural coating for fruits, is often used in combination with other materials to enhance its ability to delay browning and prevent fungal diseases. This study focused on the synthesis of a novel chitosan‐based nanocomposite by incorporating Piper betle L. leaf extract (PE) and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MNPs). The characteristics of the obtained products were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The mechanical strength of chitosan/PE/MNPs (CSTM) films was evaluated, and the uniformity of the CSTM films was assessed using optical microscopy and FESEM. The antibacterial activity of CSTM films against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was tested using the diffusion method on agar wells. Additionally, the swelling behavior of CSTM films was measured. The findings demonstrated that these CSTM films exhibited resistance to S. aureus , making them potentially efficient for chili preservation.
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most alarming problems today. Therefore, composite membranes have been widely applied for the removal of antibiotics from water. PVA/Agarose/Maltodextrin films have been synthesized by casting with various component ratios. They were evaluated for characteristics through moisture, solubility, expansion, and BET results. The results showed that PVA/Agarose/Maltodextrin films exhibited the best viability in the aquatic environment through low solubility (68.88% ± 0.03), high swelling (431.77% ± 5.89) and pore volume (0.034969 cm³/g). The adsorption capacity of PVA/Agarose/Maltodextrin was tested for several antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin, Tetracycline, Oxy-Tetracycline, and Chloramphenicol. The results showed that Ciprofloxacin was removed by the PVA/Agarose/Maltodextrin films better than other antibiotics. The highest antibiotic adsorption was obtained at 20 min, temperature of 30 °C, dosage of 2 g/L, pH 6, and antibiotic concentration of 40 mg/L. Ciprofloxacin adsorption was predicted through adsorption kinetic and isothermal models. The compatibility of the Pseudo First Order kinetic and Dubinin-Radushkevich isothermal has shown that adsorption takes place according to a physical adsorption mechanism with electrostatic interactions on the surface of the material. The maximum adsorption capacity recorded at 4.48 mg/g based on the Dubinin-Radushkevich isothermal.
Abstract The mandarin ( Citrus reticulata Blanco ) essential oil is well-known for bactericidal, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Thus, an effective extraction method is required to obtain high oil yield with an abundant content of bioactive compounds. In the present study, the chemical profiles of essential oils extracted from the peels of Mandarin) via hydrodistillation (HD), microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) and microwave extraction (ME) were reported in this study. Extraction techniques were carried out at their optimal conditions and the results were compared with each other. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to perform compositional determination. A total of 5 components was determined, accounting for almost 100% of total oil content. The extraction efficiencies were 3.6%, 6.8%, and 5.5% respectively obtained from HD, MAHD and ME. The results showed that MAHD seemed to result in higher yield and essential oil with identical chemical composition and quality in comparison with those of other methods, suggesting that MAHD was a potential alternative method to HD to reduce the time and cost of the extraction process.
Activated carbons derived from the byproducts of jackfruit processing, specifically the skin (peel) and pulp, were prepared using the chemical assisted microwave irradiation method. The structural and physical properties were evaluated based on the results of scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction patterns, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller theory analysis. The results have shown that activated carbon from jackfruit skin and activated carbon from jackfruit pulp have a honeycomb shape with a surface area of 268 m2 g-1 and 309 m2 g-1, respectively. Both samples showed the presence of specific functional groups such as C=C, C=O, O–H and C–H. It can be seen that the material structure was semi-crystalline and clearly shown in the 2θ value ranges which are 2θ = 20-35º and 40-45º. Specifically, 2θ = 20-35º represents the structural characteristics of the carbon or graphite lattice. Factors that influence the removal of methylene blue that have been evaluated which include adsorption time, solution pH, ambient temperature, activated carbon dosage, dye concentration and optimization by the response surface methodology model. The parameters for the adsorption process are optimized from the response surface methodology model with activated carbon from jackfruit pulp (pH 8.97, concentration of 50.5 mg L-1, dosage of 0.57 g L-1, time 120 min, temperature 30 ºC, the adsorption capacity of 90.82 mg g-1, adsorption efficiency 100%) and activated carbon from Jackfruit skin (pH 8.61, concentration 52 mg L-1, dosage 0.57 g L-1, time 120 min, temperature 30 ºC, adsorption capacity 94.04 mg g-1, adsorption efficiency 100%), respectively. The adsorption process shows that activated carbon from jackfruit pulp (ACJP) follows the pseudo-second order and Langmuir model and activated carbon from jackfruit skin (peel) (ACJS) follows the model of Bangham and Langmuir. The adsorption process is predicted with many mechanisms, including chemical interactions, multilayer adsorption and diffusion. The materials showed application potential as the reusability was three times.
Rice production in Southeast Vietnam generates a large amount of straw, which is often burnt directly in fields, causing air pollution and affecting community health. This study aims to assess the awareness of the environmental and health impacts of straw burning among farmers, students, and managers in the provinces of Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, and Dong Nai, Vietnam. We conducted a survey of 686 individuals, divided into 3 main groups: 349 farmers, 250 students, and 87 local government officials. The survey results, analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), indicate that 55.2% of farmers never engage in straw burning, while 24.4% report infrequent burning. Awareness of the negative impacts, such as ecological imbalance, air pollution, and soil degradation, is prevalent, particularly among students and managers. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in perception and behavior toward straw burning among the groups. Despite the willingness of farmers to adopt sustainable straw management practices, they require low-cost solutions that do not significantly alter their farming practices. This study proposes a policy framework that includes educational initiatives, community participation, and government support to promote sustainable straw management. By guiding farmers away from straw burning, the framework aims to reduce air pollution and contribute to environmental protection and sustainable agricultural development.
Abstract Vietnam is known as an agricultural country with a variety of agricultural crops. In addition to agricultural by-products, bio-waste is the by-product from livestock waste, forestry, industry, and daily life. They affect the soil, water, and air environment by self-degradation processes in the environment. Therefore, researchers have come up with ideas for the usage of the by-products to decrease the amount of waste and minimize the environmental effects. In Vietnam, the by-products were used by researchers to produce bio-ethanol, fertilizers, composites, and activated carbon (AC). AC is one of the materials used to rapidly reduce the number of agricultural by-products by researchers. The synthesis process is optimized for the highest yield, while the physicochemical properties are also clearly analyzed through the X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and Bacterial endotoxin testing assays. The average recorded specific surface area was about 300 m 2 g −1 . The functional groups and surface structure showed that the material has an amorphous structure with –OH, –CH, –CC, –C═C, –C═O groups. The AC from agricultural waste had been studied and applied to treat pollutants present in water.
Abstract The essential oils (EOs) was extracted from Persian lime ( Citrus latifolia ) peels collected in Hau Giang province, Vietnam. Volatile compositions of EOs obtained by three extraction methods of hydrodistillation (HD), steam distillation (SD) and microwave extraction (ME) were analyzed and compared. The volatile compounds in EOs were analyzed based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). An amount of 3 ml/g, 2.3 ml/g and 4 ml/g of EOs was obtained from HD, SD and ME with twenty-one compounds were identified, accounting for 99% -100% of the total oil content. Limonene, β-pinene, α-pinene, γ-Terpinene, α-citral, β-citral and Sabinene are the major compound in essential oil. However, there were qualitative and quantitative differences between oil samples obtained by the three extraction methods. The difference is probably due to the influence of different environmental factors and specific characteristics of each extraction method. The results of this study will provide information on the content and chemical composition of Lemon peels. C. latifolia and serve as a stepping stone for further research into the applications of the compound to cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products.
Abstract Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a plant species native to Central Asia and has been widely grown in other regions such as Mediterranean regions as well as Asia, Europe and Africa. Determining the optimal time of storage is very important in maintaining stable garlic agricultural supply chain. In this study, we aim to identify optimal storage conditions and packaging materials that allow maintaining highest nutritional values of garlic. Garlic was harvested and stored at different temperatures and storage time. A wide range of quality parameters of garlic were taken into account including total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging activity, moisture and weight loss. The results of the study show that, at 0 °C, garlic bulbs showed minimal mass weight loss (0.49%) and stabilized polyphenol content. The change of DPPH free radical activity and the total flavonoid content in garlic bulbs stored under different temperature conditions were minor. Lastly, net cloth packaging introduced favorable loss of weight of garlic bulbs during prolonged storage.