A preliminary study on intraparticle diffusion of turbidity through nanomagnetic biocarbon composite (NBC)

The accessibility of safe drinking water is a fundamental element of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). A novel nanomagnetic biocarbon composite (NBC) has been developed utilising coconut shells for purifying raw groundwater. One of the primary concerns associated with groundwater is turbidity, a condition resulting from the presence of clay, dirt, and silt particles. The presence of turbidity in untreated water has a significant effect on both the visual appeal and overall cleanliness of the water. For the purposes of comparison, commercialised activated carbon (CAC) was utilised in this study. According to the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, it was observed that the average pore diameter of NBC was smaller compared to commercially available activated carbon (CAC), despite having a higher BET surface (SBET) value of 916.189 m/g compared to CAC. Based on the results of the kinetic study, it was determined that intraparticle diffusion, specifically external film diffusion, exhibited the most suitable fit as the kinetic model for NBC and CAC. This conclusion was supported by the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) values obtained, which were 0.04 for NBC and 0.13 for CAC, surpassing the performance of alternative models. The diffusion coefficient (Di) values for NBC (7.40 x 10–15 cm2/s) and CAC (7.80 x 10–15 cm2/s) demonstrated the phenomenon of bulk diffusion from high to low concentration. Notably, the diffusion coefficient for NBC was found to be lower than that for CAC. Accordingly, it is suggested that average pore diameter played important roles in intraparticle diffusion of an absorbent

The perception on halal label of MAMEE products among consumers in Selangor

The halal label on food products is important to provide health and create awareness among MAMEE consumers. The official halal label on food packaging has been investigated as one of the good health indicators that is beneficial for people who consume it. A shift towards sustainable halal labels should be taken to ensure good absorption of food nutrition. Consumers’ perception of the halal label on MAMEE products has changed due to their awareness of the halal label’s effect on consumer health. This study is conducted to investigate the relationship between demographic factors and the perception of consumers towards MAMEE products based on the halal label. The questionnaire was distributed to 114 respondents in Selangor. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). From this study, the consumers are able to give a positive perception towards MAMEE products based on the halal label. The result showed a relationship between demographic factors and the perception of MAMEE consumers in Selangor, with significance values below 0.1. The significance of this study is to be a reference for the MAMEE Company to conduct research and development (R&D) in producing halal food products for the consumers

Phytochemical Screening and Chemical Analysis of Freeze-dried Lawsonia inermis Leaves Extract

Lawsonia inermis or Henna is proven to give a natural dye to skin and hair. However, there is still a lack of studies evaluating the properties of Henna in terms of its phytochemical composition. Thus, this study aims to extract henna leaves using the freeze-dried method before testing the phytochemicals in the extract. This study also seeks to analyze the presence of chemicals in the plant extract. The Thin Layer Chromatography, TLC method was used to test the extract's antioxidant, phenolic and polyphenol compounds. Gas Chromatography was applied to analyze the presence of chemicals in the plant extract. This study found that the extract of henna leaves contained antioxidants, phenolic, and polyphenol compounds. There are four chemicals found in the plant sample that show antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. This study proves that Henna leaves are composed of dye and other valuable compounds that could benefit the body. Hence, the application for this leave could be extended not only for dye purposes but also for others

The perception on halal label of MAMEE products among consumers in Selangor

The halal label on food products is important to provide health and create awareness among MAMEE consumers. The official halal label on food packaging has been investigated as one of the good health indicators that is beneficial for people who consume it. A shift towards sustainable halal labels should be taken to ensure good absorption of food nutrition. Consumers’ perception of the halal label on MAMEE products has changed due to their awareness of the halal label’s effect on consumer health. This study is conducted to investigate the relationship between demographic factors and the perception of consumers towards MAMEE products based on the halal label. The questionnaire was distributed to 114 respondents in Selangor. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). From this study, the consumers are able to give a positive perception towards MAMEE products based on the halal label. The result showed a relationship between demographic factors and the perception of MAMEE consumers in Selangor, with significance values below 0.1. The significance of this study is to be a reference for the MAMEE Company to conduct research and development (R&D) in producing halal food products for the consumers

Comparative Study on Adsorption of Crystal Violet and Chromium (VI) by Activated Carbon Derived from Spent Coffee Grounds

In the context of the circular economy, used coffee grounds were transformed into powdered activated carbon by chemical activation using potassium hydroxide. Its characterisation was conducted in comparison with that of a commercial activated carbon by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Boehm titration, and point zero charge (pHPZC) and by determination of the methylene blue number (MBN) and the iodine number (IN). Performance of the prepared activated carbon was tested in the adsorption of the cationic dye crystal violet (CV) and hexavalent chromium. Batch adsorption tests were carried out and the effects of operating parameters were studied. The results collected on the adsorption kinetics show that the adsorption followed pseudo-second order kinetics and that the Langmuir isotherm best fits the equilibrium data for crystal violet and hexavalent chromium. The thermodynamic study showed that the adsorption of both adsorbates is spontaneous and exothermic and leads to a decrease in disorder at the solid–liquid interfaces. These results indicate that this activated carbon can be used as an alternative adsorbent to remove cationic dyes and heavy metals from aqueous solutions