Effect of Ripening Degree of Argane Fruit on the Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of the fruit Pulp, Kernel and Oil

The quality of the vegetal oil depends to the quality of the fruit used during the extraction. Ripening of the fruit is one of the most important processes associated with metabolic changes in the fruit. These changes include variations in the fatty acid profile, fluctuations in the level of phenolic compounds. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ripening on the characteristics of Argane fruits including the variation of total phenol and flavonoid present in the pulp of the fruit, the kernel and the oil as well as their antioxidant potential. The rate of total phenol and flavonoid increases upon ripeness process in fruit parts and its oil; however, it decreases again in latest stages of ripeness. When compared to kernel extract and fruit pulp, oil extract with a ripeness index of 2.07 displays the highest inhibition of 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Moreover, it was revealed that the oil and kernel extract gave higher reducing power measured with the FRAP assay, It increases along the ripping process starting from ripeness index (RI) = 2.34 till 3.17.These results can be considered for a better use of fruit pulp press-cakes and oil as nutraceuticals or cosmetics. The study also helps to determine the best harvesting time in order to get a oil a high quality rich in phenolic compounds, and a large antioxidant potential which seems to be at ripeness index higher than 2.07 and lower than 3.0

Etude physico-chimique de deux variétés de figuier de barbarie ('Achefri' et 'Amouslem') du Sud marocain

This work concerns the morphological characterization of fruits of two cultivars of prickly pear; Achefri and Amouslem widely present in two regions of southern Morocco; Arbaa Sahel and Asgherkiss. The study of the interaction between cultivar and the site shows in both localities that Opuntia has specific adaptations to their environment. Some parameters such as color, weight and diameter of the fruit, the weight of the pulp and sugar content showed a significant difference between the cultivars of the two studied sites.Ce travail concerne la caractérisation morphologique, des fruits de deux cultivars de figuier de barbarie; Achefri et Amouslem largement présents dans deux régions du Sud marocain; Arbaâ Sahel et Asgherkiss. L’étude de l’interaction entre le cultivar et le site montre dans les deux localités que les Opuntia présentent des adaptations propres à leur environnement. Certains paramètres tels que la couleur, le poids et le diamètre du fruit, le poids de la pulpe et sa teneur en sucres présentent une différence significative entre les cultivars des deux sites étudiés

Phytochemical study of prickly pear from southern Morocco

This work concerns the phytochemical study of the prickly pear pulp’s fruits of two opuntia cultivars; Achefri and Amouslem widely present in two regions of southern Morocco; Arbaa Sahel and Asgherkis that are different in their altitude and annual rainfall. The results of the phytochemical study show that the levels of antioxidants have a non-significant difference between the fruits of the two sites (comparing Amouslem and Achefri in the same site, on the one hand, for the differences due to the variety or cultivar, on the other hand between Amouslem and Achefri from the two sites to show the site effect)

Utilization of Coal and Biomass Ash

Sustainable utilization of the ash generated from the combustion of coal or biomass is a big challenge for the power industry. Huge quantities of ash are generated and, in general, they are disposed-off in ash ponds. However, recent regulatory requirements demand 100% utilization of ash. So many new areas of ash utilization are being explored by the researchers and ash managers. Bulk utilization sectors are cement industry, construction, bricks, landfill, mine back filling, and soil amendment for growing plants. Efforts to enhance the use in value-added low-volume sectors like fertilizer, cenosphere, catalyst support, zeolites, aerogels, and so on are continuously evolving. The heterogeneity of the ash properties is one of the main challenges for advocating a generalized utilization pattern of the ash. Biomass has some typical properties that limit its use for some sectors. However, beneficiation of both coal and biomass ash and use of other additives could improve the suitability of the ashes to multifarious uses