The Impact of Apple Variety and the Production Methods on the Antibacterial Activity of Vinegar Samples

Apple vinegar is a natural product widely used in food and traditional medicine as it contains many bioactive compounds. The apple variety and production methods are two factors that play a major role in determining the quality of vinegar. Therefore, this study aims to determine the quality of apple vinegar samples from different varieties (Red Delicious, Gala, Golden Delicious, and Starking Delicious) prepared by three methods using small apple pieces, apple juice, and crushed apple, through determining the physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity of these samples. The antibacterial activity was studied against five pathogenic bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli (ATB: 57), Escherichia coli (ATB: 97), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using two methods, disk diffusion and microdilution, for determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations and the minimum bactericidal concentrations. The results of this study showed that the lowest pH value was 3.6 for Stark Delicious, obtained by liquid fermentation, and the highest acetic acid values were 4.7 and 4% for the vinegar of Red Delicious and Golden Delicious, prepared by solid fermentation, respectively. The results of the antibacterial activity showed considerable activity of apple vinegar on the tested strains. Generally, the Staphylococcus aureus strain appears less sensitive and Pseudomonas aeruginosa seems to be very sensitive against all samples, while the other strains have distinct sensitivities depending on the variety studied and the method used. A higher antibacterial activity was found in vinegar obtained by the apple pieces method and the Red Delicious variety, with a low MIC and MBC recorded, at 1.95 and 3.90 µL/mL, respectively. This study has shown that the choice of both apple variety and production method is therefore an essential step in determining and aiming for the desired quality of apple vinegar

The first record of the swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii Heckel, 1848 (Poeciliidae, Actinopterygii) established in the wild from Morocco

Aquarium and ornamental fish trade is currently recognized as a major source of invasive species in aquatic ecosystems around the world. The swordtail Xyphophorus hellerii is a popular ornamental freshwater fish that occurs as an introduced species in the aquatic habitats of at least thirty-one countries. We report the first finding of an established population of the swordtail in Morocco. Twelve individuals of X. hellerii were captured along Oued Ain Chkef inside the park (Fez Province), including females and males (mature and immature). Ongoing investigations could soon reveal more occurrences of this species in the country

Hygienic quality and physicochemical characterization of Moulay Yacoub thermal therapeutic water of Fez region (Morocco)

The hydrothermal complex of Moulay Yacoub is located in the north center of Morocco. It is well-known for its large therapeutic benefits and is the most visited thermal station by Moroccans and foreign tourists. To determine the physicochemical composition and to assess the hygienic quality of these thermal waters, the water of the source and on others three points of use was studied monthly, from June 2009 to June 2010. The results of this study showed that these waters are characterized by high temperature (53.13 °C) and high values of the sodium (>1000 mg.L−1), chlorides (17440 mg.L−1) and calcium (1058 mg.L−1). This study demonstrates also that the water of the source is free from bacterial contamination, including Legionella. However, different rates of contamination were detected in the waters at several points of use (women pool, mixed pool), which are associated to visitor activities. The physicochemical characteristics and mineral composition of these thermomineral waters explain the benefit effect associated to its use in the therapy of some pathologies. The use of thermal water from the source is not associated to any risk of bacterial contamination. However, hygiene precautions must be applied and imposed to curists, in order to improve the hygienic quality of the water in different points of use

Yeast Warriors: Exploring the Potential of Yeasts for Sustainable Citrus Post-Harvest Disease Management

Citrus fruits stand as pivotal and extensively cultivated fruit crops on a global scale, boasting substantial economic and nutritional significance. Despite their paramount importance, citrus growers and the industry face a formidable obstacle in the form of post-harvest losses caused by plant pathogens. Effectively addressing this challenge has become imperative. The predominant approach to tackle these pathogens has traditionally involved the use of chemical fungicides. However, the escalating environmental concerns associated with chemical interventions, coupled with a growing consumer preference for pesticide-free produce, have catalyzed an earnest quest for alternative methods of disease control in the citrus industry. The antagonistic yeasts hold great promise as biocontrol agents for mitigating post-harvest fungal diseases in citrus. In this regard, this review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the study of yeast strains with biocontrol potential. Thus, the various modes of action employed by these yeasts and their effectiveness against prominent citrus pathogens such as Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum and Geotrichum citri were discussed. Additionally, the review delved into the challenges associated with the practical implementation of yeast-based biocontrol strategies in citrus post-harvest management and investigated the potential of yeast-based approaches to enhance the safety and quality of citrus produce, while reducing the reliance on chemical fungicides and contributing to the sustainable and environmentally responsible future of the citrus industry

Contribution to the Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties, Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Potential, and Antimicrobial Activity of Vinegar Commercialized in Morocco

Vinegar is a natural product widely used in food and traditional medicine thanks to its physicochemical properties and its richness in bioactive molecules. However, its direct use by consumers can have complications and undesirable effects. Therefore, this study contributes to investigating the physicochemical and biological properties of eleven vinegars marketed in Morocco. Determination of pH, acetic acid, conductivity, total soluble solids and alcohol content in vinegar was carried out. The polyphenols (TP), flavonoids (TF), and condensed tannins (CT) content was determined, and their antioxidant activities were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl Hydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Phosphomolybdenum Reduction Assay (TAC). Then, the antimicrobial activity was studied against four pathogenic bacteria and two fungal strains, using the disk diffusion and the microdilution method. This study showed a wide range of acetic acid values from 0.65 ± 0.29 to 5.15 ± 0.20%. The high value of TP, TF, and CT in our samples V10, V9, and V4 was 655.00 ± 22.2 µgGAE/mL, 244.53 ± 11.32 µgQE/mL and 84.63 ± 1.00 µgTAE/mL, respectively. The tested strains showed variable sensitivities to the different samples with inhibition zones ranging from 6.33 ± 2.08 to 34.33 ± 0.58 mm. The lowest minimum inhibition concentrations were recorded against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC29213 ranging from 1.95 to 7.81 µL/mL. While Aspergillus niger ATCC16404 showed resistance against all of the analyzed samples. In general, vinegar commercialized in Morocco presents a variable range of products with variable properties. Indeed, must take into account this diversity when using it. A future study is needed to identify the phytochemical composition that will further the comprehension of this variability and contribute to its valorization

New Margin-Based Biochar for Removing Hydrogen Sulfide Generated during the Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment

The present research concerns the development of a new device and process intended for the purification and treatment of sulfurous elements, and more particularly, of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from the biogas produced at the time of the anaerobic fermentation in the purification stations. The controlled dumps or any other unit are likely to produce biogas with concentrations of H2S harmful to the operation of the machines for the valorization of the produced biogas or deodorization. This device uses new biochar from a mixture of dehydrated digested sludge from sewage treatment plants and margins from traditional crushing units, followed by biological treatment in a liquid medium at a controlled temperature. The liquid medium is based on a margin (nutrient) with culture support (large granules of biochar) in suspension by the injection under the pressure of biogas coming from the biochar filter. Physico-chemical characterization of the biochar and a test practiced on the new device of raw biogas treatment were realized. The results showed that the newly synthesized biochar has a low specific surface and a highly undeveloped porosity. The spectrum corresponding to the images of the biochar reveals the presence of C, O, N, Al, Si, P, and Fe, as significant elements with the following respective percentages: 37.62%, 35.78%, 1.87%, 4.26%, 7.33%, 8.56%, and 4.58%. It is important to note that the C content of the biochar thus synthesized found by EDX is quite comparable to that estimated from ATG. Biogas treatment test results on the prototype object of the invention eliminated 97% of the H2S from the biogas produced

Phytochemical and physicochemical studies of different apple varieties grown in Morocco

The apple is an important part of the human diet and is one of the most popular fruits in Morocco, with varieties that are now suitable for human consumption. This study aims to clarify several aspects of apples, such as their physical and chemical compositions and nutrient profiles. Total polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins were determined using spectrophotometer and organic acid compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet. The results show a significant difference between the several varieties under study in terms of their physico-chemical and phyto-chemical characteristics. In general, the studied apples are juiciness, with a percentage ranging from 60 to 71%. The pH values demonstrate how acidic the apples are. The Brix parameter denotes values greater than 13°Brix. Total polyphenols and condensed tannins (1154.65 ± 13.54 µg EAG/g and 514.09 ± 32.40 µg EAT/g, respectively) are more present in the Ahjjani variety than they are in other varieties. This demonstrates their good nutritional quality while not being consumable. However, the Story variety has a predominance of flavonoids (75.074 ± 2.309 µg QE/g) and flavones (45.074 ± 2.09 µg QE/g). The detection of organic acids has shown that the acid succinic is the most abundant in all the varieties of studied apple fruits. These results allow us to infer that non-consumable varieties are also important dietary sources of bioactive molecules, notably for polyphenols. The fact that these kinds can be used to produce other byproducts is therefore highly intriguing

New Margin-Based Biochar for Removing Hydrogen Sulfide Generated during the Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment

The present research concerns the development of a new device and process intended for the purification and treatment of sulfurous elements, and more particularly, of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from the biogas produced at the time of the anaerobic fermentation in the purification stations. The controlled dumps or any other unit are likely to produce biogas with concentrations of H2S harmful to the operation of the machines for the valorization of the produced biogas or deodorization. This device uses new biochar from a mixture of dehydrated digested sludge from sewage treatment plants and margins from traditional crushing units, followed by biological treatment in a liquid medium at a controlled temperature. The liquid medium is based on a margin (nutrient) with culture support (large granules of biochar) in suspension by the injection under the pressure of biogas coming from the biochar filter. Physico-chemical characterization of the biochar and a test practiced on the new device of raw biogas treatment were realized. The results showed that the newly synthesized biochar has a low specific surface and a highly undeveloped porosity. The spectrum corresponding to the images of the biochar reveals the presence of C, O, N, Al, Si, P, and Fe, as significant elements with the following respective percentages: 37.62%, 35.78%, 1.87%, 4.26%, 7.33%, 8.56%, and 4.58%. It is important to note that the C content of the biochar thus synthesized found by EDX is quite comparable to that estimated from ATG. Biogas treatment test results on the prototype object of the invention eliminated 97% of the H2S from the biogas produced

Elaboration and Characterization of a Biochar from Wastewater Sludge and Olive Mill Wastewater

The objective of this study is to valorize two waste products which, until now, caused major problems concerning their management and impacts on the environment and health. This study concerns the sludge of the wastewater treatment station of the city of Fez-Morocco and the olive mill wastewater, which are produced, respectively, in quantities of around 51,100 t/year and 514,350 m3/year, by pyrolysis for the production of biochar. The obtained biochar was characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic analyses. The results show that the biochar is close to neutrality and is characterized by an important organic and mineral load; further, it is endowed with a porous surface, which could facilitate the adsorption of different polluting substances, composed mainly by micropores. It is mainly composed of alcohol, phenol, carboxyl and phenyl groups, as well as other mineral elements including silica and calcite. The composition, structure and morphology of the biochar thus prepared recommend its use in various fields, such as the treatment of pollutants, organic amendment, the reinforcement of polymers and as a secondary building material