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The Compound Bacillus and Sea Purslane (Sesuvium Portulacastrum) Enhanced Aquaculture Wastewater Treatment Efficiency: Insights from a Study on Microbial Community Distributions.
(ELSEVIER, 2025-03-31) Hongmei Yuan; Li, Junxian; Wang, Haihang; Nicholaus, Regan; Ramzan, Muhammad Naeem; Yang, Wen; Zheng, Zhongming; Wang, Yangcai
As the aquaculture industry continues to grow rapidly, the environmental consequences of wastewater discharge from aquaculture have become a major concern. The biological treatment method has proven to be an effective and beneficial approach for wastewater treatment. In this experiment, aquaculture wastewater was treated using two different ratios of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis composites in combination with sea purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum) to investigate the wastewater treatment efficiency and microbial community. Sea purslane effectively removed nutrients from aquaculture wastewater. The addition of compound Bacillus significantly increased the removal rates of CODMn, TP, and PO4 3− -P, which were 54.9–56.4 %, 78.2–79.9 %, and 85.0–89.6 %, respectively. Moreover, the compound Bacillus notably influenced the microbial community composition in the water and root systems, reducing species abundance while increasing community diversity, with Treatment 2 exhibiting the highest community stability. The addition of the compound Bacillus significantly increased the relative abundance of Alphaproteobacteria. Most of the important operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that significantly impacted the groups belonged to Alphaproteobacteria. Different biomarkers in the water and root system were primarily from Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Bacteroidia, including Idiomarina and Alteromonas, Ruegeria, Vibrio, Algoriphagus, and Maribacter, among others. These microorganisms play a significant role in promoting the removal rate of nitrogen and phosphorus. Furthermore, the compound Bacillus notably affected the abundance of nitrogen cycle-related sequences and increased the relative abundance of microorganisms associated with the nitrogen cycle. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing aquaculture wastewater treatment processes.
Sensory Evaluation of Butter and Milk Derived from Oyster Nut.
(MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2025-03-31) Shayo, Philipina F.; Emmanuel, John; Oscar, Allen; Balole, Paul; Mlowe, Diana; Sangiwa, Veronica; Runyoro, Joan; Aluko, Angela
This study explores the sensory evaluation of butter and milk made from oyster nuts (Telfairia pedata), a lesser-known but nutritionally rich seed. The evaluation involved a panel of trained assessors who assessed the products on the basis of key sensory attributes, such as appearance, texture, flavour, aroma, and overall acceptability. The oyster nut milk added with strawberry and oyster nut butter with cocoa, sugar, pumpkin seeds and chocolate had higher scores of 7.57 and 6.52, respectively, on overall acceptability. However, as a dairy-free product alternative, oyster nut milk and butter scored highly on sensory evaluations, suggesting significant market potential and positive benefits for cardiovascular health. The two products exhibit potential, though further refinement in processing could enhance its acceptability. These findings suggest that oyster nut-derived products could serve as viable alternatives in the growing market for plant-based dairy substitutes, especially for consumers seeking unique and allergen-free options.
Underutilised Oyster Nut (Telfairia pedata): Farmers’ Knowledge, Practices and Utilisation in Northern Tanzania.
(MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2025-03-31) Shayo, Philipina F.; Treydte, Anna C.; Mbega, Ernest R.
Oyster nut [Telfairia pedata (Smiths ex Sim)] Hook is a regularly cultivated crop in East African countries such as Tanzania (including Zanzibar Island), Uganda, Angola, Mozambique, and along Kenya’s coast, which is regarded to be underutilised. Despite its relevance to small-scale farmers in terms of conservation, income creation and food security, little is known about the farmer’s knowledge, practices and utilisation in Northern Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating aspects of its production, including farmers’ practices, utilisation and preferences. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured questionnaires in the regions of Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Tanga. Descriptive analysis was done whereby frequencies, means and percentages were calculated using SPSS from the farmers’ responses. The results on oyster nut preferences, knowledge, cultivation and utilisation were presented in the form of tables and graphs. The findings revealed that 87% of respondents who were knowledgeable about oyster nuts were female, 89% of interviewed farmers grew the nuts on inherited family lands, 24% of respondents stored oyster nuts in perforated plastic bags, and 90% of the farmers used recycled seeds as their primary method of propagation without the use of any agricultural inputs. Conclusively, the study gives significant baseline data for future research on oyster nuts and development projects in Tanzania to enhance its conservation and sustainable usage while ensuring nutritional security for the majority of resource-poor people.
Effect of Fire Timing on The Regeneration Capacity of Helichrysum Species in Tanzania.
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2024-02-11) Mgimba, Christopher A.; Ngondya, Issakwisa B.; Treydte, Anna C.
1. Shrub encroachment poses a significant challenge in many grassland ecosystems, particularly where disturbances such as heavy livestock grazing and uncontrolled fires are prevalent. Fire is frequently employed as a management tool to mitigate shrub encroachment and preserve native vegetation, as it influences both resprouting and seed germination. However, few studies have examined the effects of fire timing on resprouting and seed germination both in the field and ex situ.
2. We investigated the resprouting ability of Helichrysum shrubs after being completely, partially or not at all burned. In addition, we collected soil seed bank samples from each early burned, late burned and unburned area at depths of 0–2, 2–4 and 4–6 cm to assess plant species recruitment via seedlings. The data were analysed using a generalized linear regression model with a Gaussian link function.
3. We found significant differences in the number of resprouts and seedling abundance across early burned, late burned and unburned sites. Resprouting of both partially burned and completely burned shrubs was more abundant compared to unburned shrubs. The surface soil in unburned sites contained a greater abundance of Helichrysum seedlings compared to that of burned sites, suggesting that fire negatively affects seed germination, particularly in the upper soil layers. Overall seedling recruitment was lower in early and late burned areas, whereas resprouting was higher in areas burned later in the season.
4. Practical implication. The findings highlight the significance of fire timing in grassland management. We advocate for the implementation of planned early burning to mitigate shrub encroachment, promote biodiversity and save ecologically sensitive grasslands.
First-Principles Study of the Structural, Electronic, Mechanical, and Optical Properties of Zintl-Phase K2AgBi Ternary Compound for Optoelectronic Applications.
(2025-04-23) Kachira, John Peter; Musembi, Robinson; Nyongesa, Francis; Mbilo, Mwende; Nyamuga, Martin; Musanyi, Ibrahim
A comprehensive first-principles study was conducted to explore the structural, electronic, mechanical, thermophysical, and optical proper ties of a Zintl-phase K2AgBi ternary semiconductor compound using density functional theory. The calculations employed the local density approximation (LDA), generalized gradient approximation (GGA), and meta-GGA methods. The computed negative formation energies proved the thermodynamic stability of the K2AgBi ternary compound. The computed bandgap values were 0.6732 and 0.7848 eV for the LDA and GGA, respectively. More refined bandgap estimates were obtained using meta-GGA methods, with the Tran–Blaha modified
Becke–Johnson potential yielding 0.9346 eV and the revised strongly constrained and appropriately normed functional yielding 0.9778 eV. The projected density of states study revealed that the Ag3d, Bi2p, and K1s orbitals dominate the formation of the valence band, whereas the K4p, Ag2p, and K2s orbitals contribute significantly to the formation of the conduction band. Analysis of the mechanical properties confirmed that K2AgBi is mechanically stable and ductile. Optical analysis revealed strong absorption in the 1.0–15 eV energy range, high refractive index in the low-energy region, and distinct plasmonic response, suggesting potential applications in photovoltaics, optoelectronics, and plasmonic-based technologies.