Bioresources and Environment

The effects of different drying methods on the proximate analysis and antioxidant properties of Chaya leaves (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius)

2025-09-05T08:33:38+00:00

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Chaya) leaves are highly nutritious, containing significant protein levels, dietary fibre, and antioxidant compounds. However, post-harvest deterioration due to suboptimal drying methods can diminish their nutritional and functional qualities. This study evaluated the effects of three drying methods, such as sun drying, shade drying, and oven drying at 80 °C, on Chaya leaves' proximate composition and antioxidant potential. Parameters analyzed included moisture content, crude protein, crude fibre, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Shade drying preserved the highest protein content and antioxidant activity, with DPPH radical scavenging reaching 64.57%. Sun drying retained the highest flavonoid content (1.46 mg/g), while oven drying, although the most rapid method, resulted in lower antioxidant retention. Crude fibre content did not differ significantly among the drying treatments. These findings suggest that shade drying is the most effective method for maintaining the nutritional and functional properties of Chaya leaves post-harvest.

Comparative Effects of Vermicompost and NPK Fertilization on Growth, Heterocyst Frequency, and Protein-Lipid Accumulation in Azolla microphylla

2025-10-14T08:40:46+00:00

Azolla sp. is a rapidly growing aquatic fern valued as a nitrogen-rich biofertilizer and sustainable feed source. Its nutritional value is attributed to its high protein content, essential lipids, vitamins, and minerals, which contribute to improved animal nutrition. Ecologically, the plant maintains a permanent symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing cyanobateria, enabling its adaptation to diverse and extreme environments. This study compared the effects of vermicompost (VC) and NPK (15:15:15) fertilizers at five concentrations (0–1000 ppm) on biomass accumulation, heterocyst frequency, and protein–lipid content of A. microphylla under greenhouse conditions. Relative growth rate (RGR) was calculated every three days, heterocyst frequency was quantified microscopically, and protein/lipid contents were determined using AOAC (2016) methods. Results showed that VC treatment significantly enhanced biomass yield (RGR = 0.23 at 750 ppm, p < 0.05), sustained higher heterocyst frequency across concentrations, and produced greater protein (24.31 ± 0.60%) and lipid (13.71 ± 0.08%) contents compared to NPK (17.62 ± 0.80%, 8.53 ± 0.05%, respectively). In contrast, NPK promoted growth only at 250 ppm and inhibited heterocyst formation and nutrient accumulation at higher concentrations. These findings indicate that VC provides a balanced, slow-release nutrient supply that supports both growth and symbiotic nitrogen fixation, highlighting its potential to enhance Azolla production for biofertilizer and feed applications.

The Effect of Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG) as a Natural Filler on the Physio Mechanical Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Films

2025-09-30T03:19:12+00:00

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a biodegradable polymer that is safe, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic. It forms strong, flexible, and translucent films, making it highly suitable for various applications such as packaging, adhesives, and coatings. However, despite its excellent swelling capacity, PVA is highly sensitive to water due to the presence of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups in its side chains. This study investigates the incorporation of spent coffee grounds (SCG) as a natural filler to enhance the physio-mechanical and water-resistance properties of PVA films. PVA/SCG composite films were fabricated via solution casting using varying SCG loadings (0–2 g) and citric acid as a crosslinker. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic PVA and lignocellulosic SCG functional groups, along with shifts in C=O and O–H regions indicating altered hydrogen-bonding environments. Tensile testing showed that increasing SCG content reduced tensile strength from 2.31 MPa (0 g SCG) to 0.63 MPa (2.0 g SCG), while Young’s modulus increased due to the rigid structure of SCG. Water absorption decreased markedly with filler incorporation, dropping from 21.61% (0 g SCG) to 5.57% (2.0 g SCG), demonstrating improved water resistance. Overall, SCG serves as an effective bio-filler that enhances moisture barrier properties and stiffness of PVA films, suggesting their potential for sustainable packaging applications.

Checklist of Arachnids in Taman Rimba Ilmu Tanah BRIS (TRIBE), Besut: A New Record of Damarchus sp. in Terengganu

2025-10-20T12:11:11+00:00

This record provides the first, albeit preliminary, overview of the spiders in Taman Rimba Ilmu Tanah BRIS (TRIBE), UniSZA, highlighting the significance of beach ridges interspersed with swales (BRIS) soil ecosystems in supporting arachnid diversity. The arachnids were collected on 9-10^th August 2025, through visual encounters where the samples were handpicked or collected using a sweep net. Samples were also collected through vegetation beating and litter sieving. Sampling was conducted both during the day and night. A total of 319 individuals, consisting of 66 species belonging to 47 genera, 18 families, and two orders (Araneae and Scorpiones) were recorded in TRIBE. The jumping spiders, Salticidae, and the orb-weavers, Araneidae were the most species-rich families, with 16 and 11 species, respectively. The finding of the tube trapdoor spider, Damarchus sp. (Bemmeridae), marks the first record of this genus in the state of Terengganu, underscoring the ecological importance of BRIS habitats in harbouring unique arachnid species. The presence of the scorpion Lychas mucronatus (Buthidae, another first record in this state further enriches the biodiversity of TRIBE. These findings provide crucial baseline data for future biodiversity assessment of arachnids and emphasize the need for conservation efforts in BRIS ecosystems in Malaysia.