Utilization of mieki as an alternative to yeast extract in batch ethanol fermentation

In standard ethanol fermentation, yeast extract (YE) had been recognized as the most important component vital for microbial nitrogen supply, functions as growth promoter. However, yeast extract is very expensive to be applied in fermentation. Thus, a study was done with the aim in utilizing Mieki (ME) as an alternative compound to yeast extract for significant cost reduction especially in fermentation research field and ethanol production industry. Establishment of glucose standard curve was done with 30 replicates using DNS methods by Sumner, 1921 and Miller, 1959 which yield Y-value, 2.5353 and r2-value, 0.9905. Batch ethanol fermentations were performed using 100g/L dextrose inoculated with 1% (v/v) Saccharomyces cerevisiae CSI-1 JCM15097 and proceeded for 24H. Two replicates of batch ethanol fermentation with 5g/L YE, four replicates of 2% (v/v) ME, and each for 4%, 8% and 10% (v/v) ME respectively. YE proved to show the best ethanol yield, 49.65g/L; followed by 2% (v/v) ME, 34.40g/L; and steady decline with the increase of concentration of Mieki to 10% (v/v) ME, 18.60g/L in 24H period. Performances of ME and YE for 36H onwards were comparable; 46.39g/L and 47.26g/L ethanol yield respectively

Aquaponics Recirculation System: A Sustainable Food Source for the Future Water Conserves and Resources

The current and escalating extent of soil degradation, water scarcity and environmental concern plaguing agricultural productivity, demands re-assessing the direction of food production. Aquaponics is a concept relatively new to modern food production methods and can contribute to food security.  This study was conducted to establish sustainable aquaculture systems that maximize benefits and minimize the accumulation of detrimental compounds and other types of negative impacts on both natural and social environments. This study carried out at an average inflow rate of 1.28 m/day to evaluate the operation of the aquaponics recirculation system (ARS) on nutrients removal and growth and yield of African catfish as well as water spinach.  A special design of ARS was used to provide nitrification of fishery wastewater, where the combination of sands and gravels in hydroponics trough, providing both surfaces for biofuel development and cultivation area for plants.  Removal efficiencies of 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5),  total suspended solids (TSS), total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrite-nitrogen (NO2-N), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), and orthophosphate  (PO43-) were 82%, 89%, 93%, 94%, 81%, and 80%, respectively.  The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of African catfish were 1.08 and 3.34% day-1, respectively. The average water spinach production was 3.56 kg per m2. This study showed that ARS is a method of producing crop along with a healthy protein source and among the best alternatives for achieving economic and environmental sustainability. Keywords: African catfish; aquaponics recirculation system; food security; hydroponics; water spinac

Comparison of prediction model using spatial discriminant analysis for marine water quality index in mangrove estuarine zones

The prediction models of MWQI in mangrove and estuarine zones were constructed. The 2011–2015 data em- ployed in this study entailed 13 parameters from six monitoring stations in West Malaysia. Spatial discriminant analysis (SDA) had recommended seven significant parameters to develop the MWQI which were DO, TSS, O&G, PO4, Cd, Cr and Zn. These selected parameters were then used to develop prediction models for the MWQI using artificial neural network (ANN) and multiple linear regressions (MLR). The SDA-ANN model had higher R2 value for training (0.9044) and validation (0.7113) results than SDA-MLR model and was chosen as the best model in mangrove estuarine zone. The SDA-ANN model had also demonstrated lower RMSE (5.224) than the SDA-MLR (12.7755). In summary, this work suggested that ANN was an effective tool to compute the MWQ in mangrove estuarine zone and a powerful alternative prediction model as compared to the other modelling methods

The Population of Airborne Microorganisms and the Presence of Staphylococcus aureus in Cattle Farm at Ladang Pasir Akar

Microorganisms found in bio aerosols from animals’ confinement buildings is not only foster the risk of spreading diseases among livestock itself, but also pose health hazard among farm workers and nearby residents. The objectives of this study are to observe the population of microorganisms and identify the present of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) inside the cattle farm. DRF e-MAS which was owned prepared by Arduino kit had been used to observe the microorganisms’ population. The air from surrounding that contained microorganisms being aspirated into the plate chamber of the DRF e-MAS. The nutrient agar that being placed inside the plate chamber will be incubated along with aspirated microorganisms and the result of microorganisms’ population will be observed. S. aureus is one of the possible bacteria that may be found among the population of the microorganisms in cattle farm. DRF e-MAS along with Baird Parker Agar being used to identify the present of S. aureus. Baird Parker Agar is used to enhance the growth of S. aureus while eliminating the others. After being incubated, a single colony of S. aureus that grew on the Baird Parker Agar had been picked and regrow on another nutrient agar. A single colony that formed on that nutrient agar will be picked and then undergo Coagulase test and IMViC test. Coagulase test involved the citrated plasma and the present of bubbles show positive result. On the other hand, IMViC test divided into four sub-test which are Indole test, Methyl red test, Voges-Proskauer test and Citrate test.  These tests are important in order to confirm the present of S. aureus in this farm. According to the test, there was S. aureus found among the microorganisms’ population inside this barn

Seasonal Variation of Water Quality at Sungai Chanteq and Sungai Dendong

Water is important for all the living things as water is one of the components build up in plant, animal and human. Rivers are an important source for domestic, industrial as well as agriculture sector. The aim of this study was to assess the physicochemical and biological parameter from two rivers located at Pasir Akar Farm and Tembila. Water Quality Index (WQI) related to the quality status of the water. From the two sampling stations in different rivers were sampled from December 2017 until March 2018. Eight water quality parameters were analyzed based on in-situ and ex-situ analysis at two different time. According to HACH and American Public Health Association (APHA) methods. A total eight parameters were measured and analyzed for both rivers. Based on Malaysia Water Quality Index (WQI) shows the water quality value for Sungai Dendong 71.56 which is class III and for Sungai Chanteq value is 89.99 which in class II. Based on Water class and guideline of Malaysia, class II water quality need conventional requirement to treat the water while class III need extensive treatment required in order to serve for use in the agricultural sector surround the are

Assessment and distribution of heavy metal toxicity in chrysichthys nigrodigitatus and the water quality of an impacted river in Southern Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the amounts of heavy metals in Silver Catfish and water samples collected from the Ogbogoro section of the new Calabar River in Nigeria. Measure key water quality parameters, such as pH, temperature, salinity, conductivity, total suspended solids, and Total dissolved solids. Dissolved oxygen levels were assessed using the Winkler method, turbidity was determined using a Secchi disc. Metals in fish tissue were analysed using a spectrophotometer, including copper, zinc, cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead, iron, and cobalt. These findings suggest that fish have increased levels of Pb, Cd, and Cr, posing possible ecological and human health hazards. Water quality measures such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity were also found to vary. To address these findings, it is recommended to establish regular monitoring programs, enforce strict environmental regulations, and implement mitigation measures to reduce heavy-metal inputs. This research contributes to the understanding of heavy metal contamination in Southern Nigeria and provides recommendations for policymakers, resource managers, and local communities to protect and sustainably regulate river ecosystems. Continuous monitoring and study are required to understand the longterm trends and possible effects of heavy-metal pollution caused by heavy metals

Aquaculture and climate change: a data-driven analysis

As climate change increasingly impacts the aquaculture industry, it poses challenges to production quality, management, and sustainability. This study provides a scientometric analysis of 47 years of research on aquaculture and climate change, analysing 4,785 articles and 224,895 references through CiteSpace software. The study highlights enduring themes such as "ocean acidification" and "global warming," alongside emerging concerns like "deforestation" and "nutrient runoff," reflecting new research directions. Notably, "seasonal variations" persist as a key focus due to their significant impact on aquaculture practices. Fourteen research clusters were identified, revealing a diverse array of topics from environmental performance to the effects of blue food systems and ocean acidification on marine life. Clusters related to "carbon sequestration," "seaweed farming," and "integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA)" emphasise the shift toward innovative practices aimed at mitigating climate impacts and enhancing sustainability. The analysis shows a need for more collaborative research, particularly from leading contributors such as the USA, Europe and Australia with underrepresented regions like Southeast Asia and Africa, to develop resilient aquaculture systems capable of adapting to climatic challenges. It advocates for the integration of new technologies and the exploration of sustainable aquaculture practices that minimise environmental impacts while enhancing global food security. This approach sets a direction for future research to promote adaptive strategies and technological innovations in aquaculture

Aquaculture and climate change: a data-driven analysis

As climate change increasingly impacts the aquaculture industry, it poses challenges to production quality, management, and sustainability. This study provides a scientometric analysis of 47 years of research on aquaculture and climate change, analysing 4,785 articles and 224,895 references through CiteSpace software. The study highlights enduring themes such as "ocean acidification" and "global warming," alongside emerging concerns like "deforestation" and "nutrient runoff," reflecting new research directions. Notably, "seasonal variations" persist as a key focus due to their significant impact on aquaculture practices. Fourteen research clusters were identified, revealing a diverse array of topics from environmental performance to the effects of blue food systems and ocean acidification on marine life. Clusters related to "carbon sequestration," "seaweed farming," and "integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA)" emphasise the shift toward innovative practices aimed at mitigating climate impacts and enhancing sustainability. The analysis shows a need for more collaborative research, particularly from leading contributors such as the USA, Europe and Australia with underrepresented regions like Southeast Asia and Africa, to develop resilient aquaculture systems capable of adapting to climatic challenges. It advocates for the integration of new technologies and the exploration of sustainable aquaculture practices that minimise environmental impacts while enhancing global food security. This approach sets a direction for future research to promote adaptive strategies and technological innovations in aquaculture

Comparative ecotoxicological study on the current status of artisanal crude oil contaminated mangrove swamps in Rivers State, Southern Nigeria

The rise in illegal crude oil theft and refining in the southern Niger Delta region of Nigeria, especially in Rivers State, has led to significant environmental damage to aquatic ecosystems. A study was carried out to assess the impact of crude oil bunkering on aquatic environments and fish samples from Oproama, Sama-Naguakiri, and Abalama over six months. Findings revealed that Oproama had the highest levels of biological oxygen demand (3.60 ± 0.79 mg/L), electrical conductivity (34.07 ± 3.62 μS/cm), total dissolved solids (28.17 ± 3.77 mg/L), and temperature (29.50 ± 0.74 °C). In contrast, Sama-Naguakiri recorded the highest pH (6.72 ± 0.14) and dissolved oxygen (3.35 ± 0.11 mg/L). Though minor variances were noted between Sama-Naguakiri and Abalama, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between these areas and Oproama. Importantly, all measured values adhered to WHO/FAO standards. Analysis of potentially harmful metals in sediment and water indicated notable distinctions among the three sites, with Sama-Naguakiri exhibiting the highest levels of Zn (114.5 ± 1.5 mg/kg), Cu (237.8 ± 0.9 mg/kg), Pb (3.6 ± 1.2 mg/kg), and Cd (1.1 ± 0.4 mg/kg). Conversely, Abalama showed the lowest zinc (105.2 ± 1.5 mg/kg) and lead (2.4 ± 0.5 mg/kg) concentrations, while Oproama displayed the lowest copper level (0.8 ± 0.3 mg/kg). The concentrations of heavy metals in the water, sediment, and fish surpassed the permissible limits established by NESREA, the EPA, and WHO, except for arsenic. The presence of heavy metals in this region could pose significant ecological and health hazards, underscoring the urgency for immediate remedial measures to safeguard the environment and this fish-dependent community