Synechococcus sp. and Pseudanabaena sp. cell culture biogenesis towards pH, period of time and bio-concentration factor (BCF)

Water pollution and water scarcity due to the discharge of untreated domestic and industrial wastewater into aquatic bodies need serious attention. A number of physical, chemical, and biological methods have been developed for wastewater treatment; among these, the use of cyanobacteria is considered as sustainable ways of averting the consequences. The dual application of microalgae for phycoremediation and biomass production for value products like biofuels and fertilizers is a feasible and eco-friendly alternative. This research aimed to investigate variables controlling heavy metal sequestration mechanism by assessing the effects of environmental variables from the mixtures of artificial wastewater samples using Synechococcus sp., and Pseudanabaena sp. Six heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Cr, Cd, Al, and Cu) treatments were tested and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) at three different periods of time (week 1 until week 3). The results indicated that both cyanobacteria species have equal potential to sequester heavy metals. However, Pseudanabaena sp. is the best phycoremediator agent due to substantial high Bio-concentration factor (BCF) compared to Synechococcus sp. On top of that, a regulatory step for the cyanobacteria cell growth and production mechanism is mediated by pH

Influences of laterite soil towards physico-chemical properties and heavy metals concentration in urban lake quality index

The soil is a transmitted agent of water run-off to the water body. Variety of soil type in Malaysia has contributed to the difference of soil properties dissolved in the water and the concern of soil problem in Malaysia involving from laterite, sandy, acid sulfate and organic soil type. Soil properties are one of the subjects of impacting the hydrological composition through transportation of physic chemicals properties that bring all compound result on water quality. Thus, this research aimed to identify the influences of laterite soil towards physico-chemicals properties and heavy metals concentration in an urban lake. The study was conducted at 10 site studies located at the laterite soil area by evaluating physico-chemical properties and heavy metals concentrations by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results established the significant physico-chemical and heavy metal variables that strongly associated with laterite soil urban lake are high value in biological oxygen demand (62.8 mg/L), chemicals oxygen demand (15.87 mg/L), NH3–N(0.58 mg/L), total suspended solids (59.27 mg/L), slightly acidic of pH (6.62) and for heavy metals three elements found dominants in water samples such as Fe (0.49 mg/L), Al (0.24 mg/L) and Mn (0.05 mg/L).The laterite soil samples were dominated by clay (36.1%) whereas the composition of heavy metals concentration was found high in Fe (676.25 mg/L), Al (563.13 mg/L), and Mn (1.82 mg/L). The significant outcome of this study can be used as key tools indicator for monitoring urban lakes status and indices

Impact of sandy soil physico-chemical properties towards urban lakes eutrophication and inorganic pollutant status

A variety of soil types in Malaysia have contributed to the difference of soil properties dissolved in the water and the concern of soil problem in Malaysia involves laterite, sandy, acid sulphate and organic soil. There are several physical properties have been used to evaluate the water sample and consist of pH, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3–N). For heavy metals, 10 elements had been selected based on Malaysia Environmental Quality Report for further evaluation that consists of (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb). Physico-chemical properties for water were measured in situ and in the laboratory and further analysis was prepared by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for heavy metals assessment equally for soil and water. The result obtained showed the average of water quality index for sandy soil in the urban lake was in class IV the status of water mostly was polluted as the amount of the high value in BOD (81.62 mg/L), COD (23.53 mg/L) and NH3–N (0.44 mg/L). The level of TSS was low (27.18 mg/L) as sandy soil particle less influence for soil movement into the water. As for the result of heavy metals, the composition varied in water but several elements exceeded the natural level such as Al (0.07 mg/L), Cr (0.3 mg/L), Ni (0.11 mg/L), Cu (0.02 mg/L) and Pb (1.43 mg/L) as responding to the character of porosity in sandy soil. Meanwhile, two significant elements were found in sandy soil which was Al (157.95 mg/kg) and Fe (156.17 mg/kg) and become a significant signature indicator

Natural essence of Malay poison from Melaleuca cajuputi as potential natural herbicide and microbes inhibitor

Poisoning is an art that Malays are well skilled at and recognized for. Numerous poisons are utilized differently; also, most characteristics relating to intoxication, poisoning, or therapeutic use are directly dependent on the origin of the substance such as animals or plants. Melaleuca cajuputi (gelam) belongs to the Myrtaceae family, and the Malay population has traditionally used it for several functions and reasons. Nevertheless, its natural essence has not been deeply researched; hence, this work aimed to assess the chemical characteristics of M. cajuputi and evaluate their impact on microbial processes and weed development. The observations indicated that three primary phenolic acids (Vanillic acid, Ferulic acid, and Caffeic acid), including one volatile substance, were identified, indicating a total phenolic content of 493.92±6.88 μg GAE/g DW. Extracts from M. cajuputi leaves inhibited aquatic weed activity against Rotala rotundifolia and Glossostigma elatinoides; treatment levels were between 10 and 50 g/L. Similarly, there were inhibitory observations against microbes like Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermis. Hence, these observations are vital since it is the foundational study concerning the use of poisonous Malay plant species as antimicrobials and natural herbicides in Malaysi

A study on an active functional group and antimicrobial properties from rhizophora apiculata extracts used in traditional Malay as medicine

A mangrove plant known as Rhizophora apiculata is employed by Malay for treating skin diseases, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, as an antiseptic, for tanning, and also as fuelwood and fodder. Its large-scale use can be attributed to its high-quality timber, availability as well and the presence of a chemical named tannin that is employed for reinforcing fishing lines, nets, and ropes. The tannin content of R. apiculata's roots, bark, and leaves is regarded to be a natural inhibitor of fungal infections. This study is focused on determining the different kinds of functional groups, as well as individual phenolic compounds present in R. apiculata for identifying new bioactive compounds via decoding of the traditional values of Malay remedies. There is a high demand for such natural bioactive compounds, particularly in the healthcare and pharmaceutical markets. Alkaline fractional extracts were employed to design an analytical extraction method for R. apiculata. As per the HPLC results, there were three phenolic acids detected namely Caffeic acid, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, and Vanillic acid. Meanwhile, ten volatile compounds were identified by the GCTOF-MS. With regards to antibacterial activity, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and E. coli were inhibited by R. apiculata leaf extract, while C. albicans and Fusarium sp. were inhibited by their antifungal activity

Aquatic plants as ecological indicator for urban lakes eutrophication status and indices

There is an increasing pursuit of utilizing plants as a gear to predict, describe and diagnose environmental stresses. Being united swiftly with their environments, granting them to offer beneficial information on the condition of the aquatic environment. The aquatic plant species are effectively reliable indices as water status indicators. Their ability in taking up metal and toxic pollutants has shown their level of strength as well as tolerance in any concentration levels. Eutrophication is also being associated with the existence of aquatic plants. This widespread crisis in water bodies is made by over enrichment with N and P. Excess nutrients can trigger undesirable eutrophication, resulting in unhealthy algal blooms, spreading of certain aquatic macrophytes, depletion of oxygen and loss of key species, resulting in widespread degradation of many freshwater ecosystems. A broad number of physico-chemical parameters and biological characteristics render the degree of quality of water resources. Supervising above parameters is a crucial part to classify the magnitude and origin of any pollution load. The study was carried out to determine the levels of Nitrite (NO2), Nitrate (NO3) and Phosphate (PO4), in different stations of urban lakes in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Data for physico-chemical parameter were classified according to the Interim National Water Quality Standard, Malaysia (INWQS). The significant outcome of this research is the abundance or loss of certain key species can be used as indicator for eutrophication state and level for urban lakes management and maintenance

Ecological restoration of Urban lakes through synthetic seed-based phytoremediation: insights from Islamic ethics

Urban lakes are crucial components of urban ecosystems as they serve various functions such as flood control, groundwater replenishment, biodiversity preservation, and habitat protection. However, urban lakes are also prone to pollution, particularly heavy metal contamination, which affects the water quality of downstream water channels and poses a significant threat to the environment and human health. In Islam, maintaining a clean environment, including air, land, and water, is mandatory for the benefit of all living things on earth. To address this issue, aquatic plants, particularly small-sized species like Glossostigma elatinoides (small mud-mat) and Bacopa caroliniana (blue water hyssop), are promising candidates for phytoremediation in slow-moving or stagnant water bodies such as urban lakes. Synthetic seed technology, an advanced technique that uses encapsulated meristematic tissues like shoot buds or somatic embryos, provides long-term storage capacity, easy handling, economical mass propagation, and an environmentally friendly approach to delivering phytoremediating plants. This study reviews the mechanisms of heavy metal uptake, translocation, and detoxification in plants, the potential of small-sized aquatic plant species for heavy metal remediation in urban lakes, and proposes the use of synthetic seed technology to remediate urban lake contamination. The principles and ethics of environmental sustainability, as explained by the Quran and Sunnah, can guide this study and all stakeholders in their efforts to preserve the environment and address the critical issue of urban lake pollution

Aquatic plants as ecological indicators -status and indices of unhealthy sandy soil water bodies

Inorganic contaminants and eutrophication are typically associated with the profusion of invasive aquatic vegetation in freshwater. Such extensive problems concerning water bodies are triggered due to excess levels of phosphate (P), nitrogen (N), and heavy metals. Superfluous nutrient levels and toxic elements can create adverse environmental conditions, eutrophication, algal blooms, invasive growth of several aquatic plants, oxygen level depletion, and loss of important species, reducing the quality of several freshwater systems. Numerous physicochemical and biological indicators are used to gauge water quality. Such parameters must be understood and managed carefully to determine the origin and degree of pollution load. Hence, this research was conducted to understand the correlation between contamination levels and physicochemical indicators for water bodies with sandy soils and extensive aquatic plants. This research presents an important outcome concerning the loss or profusion of critical species that indicate heavy metal contamination or eutrophication, including concentrations leading to deteriorating sandy soil water body regulation and management. The following are desirable aspects concerning the conditions that must be used as indicators: preventative, measurable, integrative, and sensitive to human-caused stress or interference; however, they must have a predictable stress response and low flexibility reaction

Phytoremediation as phytotechnology approach for wastewater treatment : an Islamic perspectives

Wastewater contamination is one of the critical environmental issues that is becoming worse daily due to the development of human activities mainly produced from domestic, heavy metals, oil, agricultural, and industrial waste. From the Islamic perspective, Muslims play essential roles as khalifah on earth responsible for taking care of and preserving the balanced relationship between man and the environment. As such, phytotechnology, which applies plants and associated microorganisms-based technologies, has been emerging to examine the problems and provide sustainable solutions for this issue. In the 1980’s, the concept of phytoremediation was bornwhen the ability of plant species to accumulate high amounts of heavy metals in their tissue and organs was proved. There are several advantages of using aquatic plants for the remediation process, such as being very cost-effective, eco-friendly and safe. Selecting suitable aquatic plant species helps safely remediate the wastewater contamination without producing any toxic substances. This article summarises recent facts on phytoremediation by using aquatic plants as the best approach to remediate wastewater contaminants. Furthermore, some sustainability principles have been highlighted in the Quran and Sunnah, which can guide stakeholders and serve as a basis for any institution to introduce better environmental conservation and management policies through Islamic perspectives, particularly in the practice of phytoremediation for wastewater management

Algae carotenoid pigments as new sources of halal bioactive ingredients

Halal Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) is a substance used in a finished pharmaceutical product, intended to furnish pharmacological activity or contribute direct effect in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. It also provides a direct effect in restoring, correcting or modifying physiological functions in human beings. Microalgae, which are single-celled microorganisms, are considered to be a rich source of diverse bioactive molecules. They play a vital role in the aquatic food chain as primary producers and can store complex organic compounds in their bodies, which can be released with the help of sunlight. Microalgae have evolved distinctive metabolic pathways, resulting in the production of remarkable secondary metabolites and unique structures that differ from those found in superior plants. Due to the high structural diversity of pigments, microalgae have the potential to produce pharmacologically valuable compounds, making them a promising source of bioactive molecules. This study aimed to examine the carotenoids pigmentation profiling from selected microalgae species subjected to different culture conditions. The methods involve are microalgae cell culture mass production, carotenoid sample extraction and HPLC analysis. The findings revealed that the composition and amount of carotenoids differ according to the microalgae species. Genetic factors appear to be a crucial factor in categorizing these species based on their individual carotenoids accumulation. In short, selecting the appropriate species with the ability to accumulate carotenoids is important in determining the sources of pigments for halal bioactive ingredients or for commercial purposes, particularly in the halal market