Abstract This research investigated the extraction, isolation, and characterization of natural dyes from Persea americana leaves for application on polyamide fabrics. The solvent extraction process was optimized through Response Surface Methodology using a Central Composite Design (RSM-CCD), while techniques such as Vacuum Liquid Chromatography (VLC) and preparative High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were applied for dye isolation and purification. Characterization techniques like UV-Vis spectrophotometry, HPLC, FTIR, and NMR spectroscopy were used to identify the compounds responsible for the dyes’ colouring properties. The study evaluated physical properties such as light fastness, wash fastness, perspiration fastness, and dry and wet rubbing fastness on polyamide fabrics. Optimal dye extraction conditions were found to be 55.6 ℃ over 3 hours. UV-Vis spectrophotometry revealed the presence of chromophores like conjugated systems in the dye fraction (VLC 13), while HPLC identified key compounds, such as quercetin and isoquercetin. FTIR spectroscopy detected functional groups typical of natural dyes, such as O-H, C-O-C, and C-O, while NMR spectroscopy confirmed the structures of two key constituents (quercetin and isoquercetin) of the dye. Mordanted fabrics showed deeper colour strength and improved fastness ratings ranging from fair to excellent (4-8 for light fastness, 2-4 for wash fastness and 2-5 for others). In contrast, unmordanted fabrics exhibited lower ratings (3-6 for light fastness, 2-4 for others, and 1-4 for rubbing fastness). These findings highlight the potential of utilizing Persea americana leaves, an often-underutilized agricultural by-product, to create bio-based textile treatments that promote green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing.

Abstract Nine substituted styryl 4-bromophenyl ketones were synthesized by potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHC 6 H 4 O 4 ) assisted crossed-aldol condensation of 4-bromoacetophenone and benzaldehydes in stirring method. This method yields more than 80 % product. In this condensation, the effect of solvents was studied. The purities of these enones were analyzed by their data reported earlier in literature. The molecular structure of 4-bromophenyl chalcones was investigated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. The simulations provide insights into total energy, frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO), and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces. Molecular docking analysis of 4-bromophenyl chalcones against D-glutamate ligase (PDB ID:1UAG) bacterial protein that gives highest binding affinity value -6.63 with the compound 1c. ADMET results support the further development of pharmacologically active drugs. The enzyme target prediction ligand-based method demonstrates 4-bromophenyl chalcone derivatives ( 1a-i ) effective inhibitors of oxidoreductase, kinases, and proteases enzymes. These findings revealed 4-bromophenyl chalcone derivatives as potential candidates for therapeutic applications.

Abstract Significant interest in plant-derived bioactive compounds has been fueled by the demand for effective, sustainable, and natural skincare solutions. Coffee and caffeine stand out as particularly promising ingredients, thanks to their well-established antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics. This study investigates the formulation and assessment of innovative semisolid products enhanced with extracts from coffee beans and caffeine, responding to the increasing need for natural, sustainable, and effective options in both pharmaceutical and cosmetic skincare. The formulations utilized aqueous extracts from both green and roasted coffee beans (Arabica and Robusta), alongside synthetic caffeine, to facilitate a comparative analysis. These formulations demonstrated enhanced sensory properties and optimal compatibility with skin pH levels. Rheological analysis revealed thixotropic and pseudoplastic behavior with variable hysteresis loops. Four formulations with optimal characteristics were further evaluated for antioxidant activity (using photo-chemiluminescence) and antimicrobial properties (using the diffusion method). This study highlights the impact of coffee species and processing methods on the antioxidant activity of pharmaceutical formulations. Composites containing green Arabica coffee aqueous extract obtaining at room temperature (e.g., C11) exhibited slightly higher antioxidant activity compared to those with roasted Arabica coffee aqueous extract obtaining by hot water infusion (e.g., C2), indicating a processing-related enhancement (C11 > C2). Similarly, formulations with green Robusta coffee aqueous extract obtaining at room temperature (e.g., C12) showed superior antioxidant activity compared to those with roasted Robusta coffee aqueous extract obtaining by hot water infusion (e.g., C3), emphasizing the influence of coffee type and preparation on the bioactive properties (C12 > C3). Notably, two formulations (C2 and C3) containing roasted coffee extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity against reference strains Staphylococcus aureus 25923 (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (Gram-negative), forming inhibition zones of 11 mm and 15 mm. These findings highlight the potential of caffeine-based formulations with coffee extracts for skin protection and care. Overall, this study highlights the potential of caffeine-based formulations enriched with coffee extracts for dermatological applications. The influence of coffee species, processing methods, and extraction techniques on antioxidant and antimicrobial properties underscores their significance in the development of effective and multifunctional skincare solutions.

Abstract Red mud, a voluminous industrial waste produced during the Bayer process in the alumina industry, has numerous application possibilities across various fields. Its potential uses are diverse, ranging from the construction industry and metallurgy to environmental protection and agriculture. There are three main aspects of red mud utilization. First, it can be analyzed from the point of view of resource utilization, where it could be applied as raw material mostly in the construction industry. Second, it could be a useful source of valuable components, such as rare earths and metals, especially iron. Third, red mud could have different environmental applications, in wastewater treatment, soil remediation, etc.The paper summarizes current data on red mud utilization methods and aims to emphasize the potential for red mud utilization in various fields.

Abstract The health risk of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure from Ugbuwangue, Ugbori and Edjeba rivers sediments in Warri-South, Warri, Delta State was investigated. Nine sediment samples were collected; three samples each along the course of the different rivers. The sediment samples were Soxhlet extracted with acetone/dichloromethane/ n hexane (1:1:1 v/v). A total of 28 PCBs were quantified using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detector. The concentration of the 28 PCBs ranges from 178.76-1398.29 ng g −1 for Ugbuwangue river, 224.81-685.19 ng g-1 for Ugbori river and 539.33-7858.3 ng g −1 for Edjeba river. The concentration of 12 PCBs were recorded for dioxin-like PCBs ranged from 0.08-401.52 ng g −1 (Ugbuwangue river 0.13 to 223.11 ng g −1 , Ugbori river 0.08 to 153.39 ng g −1 and Edjeba river 0.32 to 401.52 ng g −1 ), while the concentration of 16 non-dioxin-like PCBs were recorded ranging from 0.13-4245.71 ng g −1 (Ugbuwangue river 0.18 to 386.47 ng g −1 , Ugbori river 0.13 to 111.98 ng g −1 and Edjeba river 0.31 to 4245.71 ng g −1 ). The ecological risks of the nine sediment samples were investigated and it ranges from 25.52 – 1122.616 with Edjeba river sediment having the highest ecological risk while Ugbuwangue river sediment has the least ecological risk.

Abstract In this study, the extent of Pb contamination around an active military shooting range is re-assessed to ascertain current contamination status comparatively to data’s reported 20 years ago. This is because lead bullet disintegration and mobility takes several years and extensively affects levels of soil-Pb contamination. A total of 120 topsoil samples were collected within the impact area (front) and non-impact area (back) for Pb determination. High concentrations of Pb were found at impact berm both front (28940±2996 μg/g) and back (775±128 μg/g). Spatial distribution of contamination reflects the distances from berm. Soil-Pb contamination around non-impact area was notable at back berm through to 100 m distance with significant difference in Pb, Cr, Ni and Zn levels. Concentration of Pb at berm was observed to have increase five-fold over a period of about twenty years from previous study with accumulation factor of about 1000. Principal component analysis PCA indicated 67 % of total metal load of range soil was majorly from impact areas of the berm. The correspondence analysis relay plot shows pollution order of Pb > Ni > Cd > Cr > Zn > Cu. This confirms soil contamination especially around the impact area, i.e. impact berm and firing lines and non-impact area at 0 m, 10 m, 50 m and 100 m. Environmental consequence of high soil-Pb levels within the range especially non-impact areas utilized for farming activities will leave much to desire. Hence, extensive and continuous monitoring is needed. However, remediation through appropriate soil washing technique could reduce Pb levels and improve soil condition regardless of age.

Abstract At present, possible utilization of oil-containing sludge so as to achieve the sustainable environment has become a subject of considerable interest. The oleochemical factory generates nearly two metric tons of sludge per day from the effluent processing plant. Its disposal is costly and strenuous towards the environment, therefore different alternatives to handling and utilization were studied. The sludge and its derivatives were characterized for elemental composition, proximate analysis, ash and oil constituents, surface analysis, leaching tests and calorific value. Results show that the oil-containing sludge is rich in carbon, calcium, and iron. It has a high calorific value of 33.8 MJ/kg, that is partly attributed to the oil content of 68 %. These preliminary characteristics data offer insight into several promising applications of converting “trash” into “treasure” towards sustainable environment.

Abstract Various studies have shown that ultrafiltration membranes are successfully involved in the removal process of most organic pollutants from wastewater. In this context, the hydrodynamic characteristics of a modified cellulose ultrafiltration membrane were evaluated. This composite membrane type has been proposed for the separation of colloidal matter from industrial wastewater in Galati City area (Romania). Another purpose of this paper was also to determine the volume flows, along with the permeate and concentrate fluxes through the technical membrane taken under study. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of three samples of industrial water from Galați City area in terms of the degree of contamination was performed. Surface modification was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Results indicated that the industrial wastewater from the steel factory Liberty Galati was significantly more impure than the water from Cătuşa Lake, which in turn was more impure than the water from Siret River, as indicated by comparative analysis of the water samples subjected to the ultrafiltration operation through semipermeable technical membranes. It was shown that the decrease of the permeate flux at the modified cellulosic membrane was accentuated in the first moments, probably due to the clogging of the surface pores that present an uneven distribution. The results of the present study show that the cellulosic membrane used has pore diameters which correspond to the values recommended for the retention of colloidal matter.

Abstract The Ebola virus disease causing hemorrhagic fever in human, has been known for nearly about 40 years, with the most recent outbreak being in West Africa creating humanitarian crisis, where over 11,308 deaths were recorded as reported in 30 th March, 2016 (World Health Organization). Till now, Ebola virus drugs have been far from achieving regulatory FDA approval, and coupled with toxicity of these drugs, it is become imperative to appraise the available trail drugs, as well as looking into alternative natural resources of tackling menace. Therefore, in silico methods were used to assess the potency of the bioactive phytochemical, Curcumin from Turmeric and results compared with those obtained for some selected trial drugs in use for the treatment of Ebola virus. This study is focused on molecular docking of Curcumin and eight commercially available drugs (Amodiaquine, Apilimod, Azithromycin, Bepridil, Pyronaridine, Remedesivir and Tilorone) against Ebola transcription activator VP30 proteins (PDB: 2I8B, 4Z9P and 5T3T) and their ADMET profiling. The results showed that binding affinity (ΔG kJ/mol) ranged from -5.8 (Tilorone) to -7.3 (Remdesivir) for 218B, -6.4 (Tilorone) to -8.2 (Pyronaridine, Remedesivir) and -5.8 (Bepridil) to -7.4 (Pyronaridine). Curcumin could be more desirable as inhibitor for than Tilorone, Dronedarone and Bepridil in the treatment of Ebola virus; the ADMET profile revealed that Curcumin presents attractive pharmacokinetic properties than the trial drugs.

Abstract The analysis deals with the thermo-hydraulic performance of a Gasket Plate Heat Exchanger used for cooling vegetable oils with a water-ethylene glycol 50% and volume fractions of non-spherical nanoparticles mixture as a refrigerant. The heat exchanger has 75 plates with a chevron angle equal to 30º. The Reynolds number of the refrigerant varies from 80 to 1530. The Reynolds number of the sunflower vegetable oil is fixed and equal to 30. The non-spherical nanoparticles used for analysis are platelet, cylindrical and brick types. Graphical results are presented for global heat transfer coefficient, heat capacity ratio, heat transfer rate, outlet temperatures, thermal and viscous entropy generation rate, and Bejan thermodynamic number. The results obtained allow us to conclude that it is possible to work with low relative flow rates using non-spherical nanoparticles, emphasizing platelet nanoparticles. The entropy generations analysis shows that very high flow rates of the refrigerant dissipate much of the energy in viscous form and do not contribute to oil cooling, with a consequent increase in the heat exchanger operating costs.