Comparative metabolomics analysis of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis Swingle and Limonia acidissima Linn. Fruits and leaves cultivated in Egypt in context to their antiviral effects.

A comprehensive study of fruits and leaves extracts of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis Swingle and Limonia acidissima L. family Rutaceae was accomplished to investigate their antiviral activity along with their zinc oxide nanoparticles formulation (ZnONPs) against the avian influenza H5N1 virus. A thorough comparative phytochemical investigation of C. medica and L.acidissima leaves and fruits was performed using UPLC-QTOF-MS-MS. Antiviral effects further aided by molecular docking proved the highly significant potential of using C. medica and L.acidissima extracts as medicinal agents. Antiviral potency is ascendingly arranged as L. acidissima leaves (LAL) > L. acidissima fruits (LAF) > C. medica leaves (CML) at 160 µg. Nano formulation of LAF has the most splendid antiviral upshot. The metabolomic profiling of CMF and LAL revealed the detection of 48 & 74 chromatographic peaks respectively. Docking simulation against five essential proteins in survival and replication of the influenza virus revealed that flavonoid di-glycosides (hesperidin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol-7-neohesperidoside) have shown great affinity toward the five investigated proteins and achieved docking scores which approached or even exceeded that achieved by the native ligands. Hesperidin has demonstrated the best binding affinity toward neuraminidase (NA), haemagglutinin (HA), and polymerase protein PB2 (-10.675, -8.131, and -10.046 kcal/mol respectively. We propose using prepared crude methanol extracts of both plants as an antiviral agent.

Comprehensive risk assessment and interactions of fluoride and boron ions in the water-sediments interface: The Red Sea, Egypt.

This study presents a baseline evaluation of the distribution, human and ecotoxicological risk, and the potential interactions of fluoride and boron in the water-sediment interface in 25 locations from incredible Red Sea tourist destinations. Results showed comparable levels of B and F in the water and sediments with previous literature. Significant positive correlation was found between B and F (r = 0.57; P<0.01). Based on the sediment/liquid partition coefficient (Kd), F is more likely to be released from the sediment into seawater (logKd< 3) than B (3< logKd< 4). pH and alkalinity may affect water-sediment interactions of B and F, respectively, while SO42- and Cl- ions had no significant effect on adsorption ability of F and B. The majority of minerals had average saturation Index (SI) > 1 referring to the over saturation of seawater with these minerals and their inability to dissolve. The formation of CF, FAP, and CFAP may be related to the high correlation between Fw (r = 0.928, P< 0.01; r = 0.527, P< 0.01; r = 0.608, P< 0.01) and Bw (r = 0.38, P< 0.05; r = 0.38, P< 0.05; r = 0.397, P< 0.05). Total hazard quotient (THQ) for children and adults were <1, revealing no health risks from exposure to B and F through ingestion and skin contact while swimming. The risk characterization ratio; RCRmix(MEC/PNEC) showed high short-term risks to aquatic organisms. Further investigations might emphasis on emerging mitigation strategies to address these concerns.

Mycosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles using Penicillium tardochrysogenum as a therapeutic agent and their combination with infrared irradiation against Ehrlich carcinoma.

Over the past years, the assessment of myco-fabricated selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) properties, is still in its infancy. Herein, we have highly stable myco-synthesized SeNPs using molecularly identified soil-isolated fungus; Penicillium tardochrysogenum OR059437; (PeSeNPs) were clarified via TEM, EDX, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR and zeta potential. The therapeutic efficacy profile will be determined, these crystalline PeSeNPs were examined for antioxidant, antimicrobial, MIC, and anticancer potentials, indicating that, PeSeNPs have antioxidant activity of (IC50, 109.11 µg/mL) using DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Also, PeSeNPs possess antimicrobial potential against Penicillium italicum RCMB 001,018 (1) IMI 193,019, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 4330 and Porphyromonas gingivalis RCMB 022,001 (1) EMCC 1699; with I.Z. diameters and MIC; 16 ± 0.5 mm and MIC 500 µg/ml, 11.9 ± 0.6 mm, 500 µg/ml and 15.9±0.6 mm, 1000 µg/ml, respectively. Additionally, TEM micrographs were taken for P. italicum treated with PeSeNPs, demonstrating the destruction of hyphal membrane and internal organelles integrity, pores formation, and cell death. PeSeNP alone in vivo and combined with a near-infrared physiotherapy lamp with an energy intensity of 140 mW/cm2 showed a strong therapeutic effect against cancer cells. Thus, PeSeNPs represent anticancer agents and a suitable photothermal option for treating different kinds of cancer cells with lower toxicity and higher efficiency than normal cells. The combination therapy showed a very large and significant reduction in tumor volume, the tumor cells showed large necrosis, shrank, and disappeared. There was also improvement in liver ultrastructure, liver enzymes, and histology, as well as renal function, urea, and creatinine.

In vitro antibiofilm, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor activities of the brown alga Padina pavonica biomass extract.

The antibiofilm, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of the methanolic extract of Padina pavonica L. were determined. Results deduced that the algal extract had a high biofilm formation inhibitory action done via crystal violet (CV) assay, to 88-99%. The results showed a strong antibacterial against the identified bacteria species. Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis, and the extract had moderate antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Streptococcus agalactiae. The algal extract has a concentration-dependent DPPH radical scavenging activity (84.59%, with IC50 = 170.31 µg/ml). The inhibitory percent of P. pavonica methanolic extract in vitro antiproliferative activity was 1.79-98.25% with IC50 = 15.14 µg/ml against lung carcinoma. Phenols, terpenes, amino acids, alkaloids, flavones, alcohols, and fatty acids were among the metabolites whose biological actions were evaluated. In conclusion, for the first time, P. pavonica methanolic extract exhibited effective antibiofilm, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. .

Accelerating wound healing: Unveiling synergistic effects of P25/SWCNT/Ag and P25/rGO/Ag nanocomposites within PRP-gelatin scaffold, highlighting the synergistic antimicrobial activity.

Wound healing is a multifaceted biological process requiring innovative strategies to enhance efficiency and counter infections. In this groundbreaking study, we investigate the regenerative potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) integrated into a gelatin (GLT) scaffold along with nanocomposites of titanium dioxide (TiO2) (P25)/single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)/Ag and P25/reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/Ag. Incorporating these advanced materials into the PRP/GLT delivery system aims to optimize the controlled release of growth factors (GFs) and leverage the exceptional properties of nanomaterials for enhanced tissue repair and wound healing outcomes. Antioxidant activity assessment using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity reveals the superior performance of P25/SWCNTs/Ag compared to P25/rGO/Ag. Their synergistic effects are evaluated in conjunction with antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics. Furthermore, the wound healing potential of P25/SWCNTs/Ag and P25/rGO/Ag, combined with PRP/GLT, is examined. Notably, both nanocomposites exhibit promising synergistic effects with gentamicin and fluconazole against pathogenic strains. Significantly, the inclusion of non-activated PRP substantially augments the wound healing efficacy of P25/SWCNTs/Ag on days 3 (p < 0.01) and 15 (p < 0.05). These findings pave the way for advanced wound dressing and therapeutic interventions, capitalizing on the synergistic effects of PRP and nanomaterials, thus ultimately benefiting patients and advancing regenerative medicine.

COVID-19 anti immunoglobulin G antibodies serum levels among health care workers post COVID -19 vaccination: A single center study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has urged the scientific community internationally to find answers in terms of therapeutics and vaccines to control the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The post vaccination immune response differs between individuals especially health care workers who are the first line of defense to combat this disease. Our aim was to measure levels of anti-IgG antibodies titer post COVID-19 vaccination among health care workers in Suez Canal University Hospital. The study included 141 healthcare workers. Of these, 54 were physicians, 80 nurses, 6 health service workers, and one security guard. We used the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay for serological detection of IgG. Seropositive was found in 96.5% of the participants, and 43.3% of them had evidence of the prior history of COVID-19 infection. The highest titers of IgG in sera were found in the youngest age groups (20 - <35) years with a mean of 335.1 U/ ml. Participants who received the Sinovac vaccine had the highest mean IgG titer, 354.6U/ml; followed by Sinopharm (mean 352.15 U/ml) then Pfizer and Moderna (311.7U/ml) and AstraZeneca vaccine had the least mean level (267.31U/ml). Fatigue was the most significant short side effect occurring with 34% of the participants. In conclusion, there was a significant rising in serum IgG titer post-vaccine, and better antibody response in those previously infected with COVID-19. The post-COVID-19 vaccine serum IgG titers were affected by age, prior history of COVID-19 infection, and type of vaccine while short side effects post-vaccination may be affected by age and type of the vaccine.

Antibacterial and anti-corona virus (229E) activity of Nigella sativa oil combined with photodynamic therapy based on methylene blue in wound infection: in vitro and in vivo study.

Microbial skin infections, antibiotic resistance, and poor wound healing are major problems, and new treatments are needed. Our study targeted solving this problem with Nigella sativa (NS) oil and photodynamic therapy based on methylene blue (MB-PDT). Antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined via agar well diffusion assay and broth microdilution, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) proved deformations in Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified useful compounds that were suggested to be responsible for the potency of the oil. NS oil was tested as an antivirus against low pathogenic coronavirus (229E). Therapies examined, MB-PDT, NS, and MB-PDT + NS oil, to accelerate wound healing. The antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus was promising, with a MIC of 12.5% and TEM showing injured cells treated with NS oil. This oil inhibited 229E virus up to 42.85% and 32.14%. All tested therapies were successful in accelerating wound healing. The most successful was combined therapy (MB-PDT + NS oil), with a faster healing time. The combined therapy (MB-PDT + NS oil) reduced bacterial counts, which may be a key factor in accelerating wound healing. Skin wound histology was investigated; blood hematology and biochemical analysis did not change significantly after the safe combination treatment. A combination treatment could facilitate healing in a simple and inexpensive way in the future. Based on the results of the in vitro and in vivo studies, it was determined that NS oil had antibacterial and anti-corona virus activity when used in conjunction with photodynamic treatment based on methylene blue to treat wound infections.

Metabolomics analysis of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle and Limonia acidissima Linn. fruits and leaves in perspective to their antimicrobial potential.

Antimicrobial potential of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle and Limonia acidissima L. fruits and leaves extracts CMF, CML, LAF and LAL, respectively were evaluated. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for lipoidal matters revealed a high percentage of non-oxygenated compounds. Phytol was the major in LAL. Palmitic and linoleic acid were the major in CML and LAL, respectively. Rutin and P-hydroxy benzoic acid were the main compounds identified by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the plants extract were determined by the well diffusion method. Antimicrobial investigation for different successive fractions of active methanol extracts of CML, LAL, LAF and CMF showed the highest activity (CML), whereas the petroleum ether (CML PE) and MeOH (CML) fractions exhibit a significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 12 and 15 µg/mL, respectively. The antifungal activity prevailed by C. medica leaves may be attributed to its polyphenolics (rutin, chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid) in addition to phenylated hydrocarbon.

Quantifying microplastics pollution in the Red Sea and Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba: Insights from chemical analysis and pollution load assessment.

Microplastics (MPs) constitute the majority of marine plastic litter. The pollution caused by MPs has been categorized as a gradual and persistent crisis, but little is known about its extent along the shores of the Red Sea, particularly on the Egyptian side. The Red Sea is a rapidly developing region and home to critical ecosystems with high levels of endemism. This study represents the first comprehensive survey investigating the extent of MP pollution along the Egyptian shores of the Red Sea, including the Gulf of Suez and Aqaba. Mean concentrations ranged from 23.3 ± 15.28 to 930.0 ± 181.9 MPs/kg DW. Out of 17 beaches surveyed, 12 had mean concentrations of <200 items/kg, indicating a low occurrence of MPs compared to the shores of the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt. The pollution load index varied from low to medium levels in most locations. Ras Mohamed, a marine protected area, showed high vulnerability to MP pollution. All the investigated particles were fragments of secondary MPs. The sources of pollution mainly come from maritime activities, including cargo shipping and intense recreational activities. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy identified four plastic polymers, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common. The surface morphology of plastic particles was examined using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. All the particles exhibited signs of degradation, which could generate countless plastic pieces with possible deleterious impacts. This work has highlighted the importance of conducting region-specific assessments of mismanaged plastic waste, focusing on the role of tourism and recreational navigation as contributors to plastic litter, to estimate plastic waste inputs into the waters of the Red Sea Coast of Egypt. Efforts are needed to develop strategic plans to reduce the disposal of plastic waste in the region.

ESI-LC-MS/MS based comparative multivariate metabolomic and biological profiling with dynamic molecular docking of Gmelina arborea Roxb different organs.

A comprehensive study of leaves, flowers, fruits, bark, and seeds' extracts of Gmelina arborea Roxb was performed for first time to investigate their anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, and antidiabetic activities. A thorough comparative phytochemical investigation of the five organs was performed using Tandem ESI-LC-MS. The biological investigation, further aided by multivariate data analysis and molecular docking proved the highly significant potential of using G.arborea organs' extracts as medicinal agents. Chemometric analysis of the obtained data revealed 4 distinct clusters among different samples of the 5 G.arborea (GA)organs and also confirmed that each organ was chemically distinct from the others, except for fruits and seeds which were closely correlated. Compounds anticipated to be responsible for activity were identified by LC-MS/MS. To clarify the differential chemical biomarkers of G. arborea organs, an orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was constructed. Bark exhibited it's in vitro anti-inflammatory activity through down regulation of COX-1 pro-inflammatory markers while fruits and leaves affected mainly DPP4 the marker for diabetes, and flowers were the most potent against Alzheimer maker acetylcholine (ACE) esterase. The metabolomic profiling of the 5 extracts lead to the identification of 27 compounds in negative ion mode and the differences in chemical composition were correlated to difference in activity. Iridoid glycosides were the major class of identified compounds. Molecular docking proved the different affinities of our metabolite towards different targets. Gmelina arborea Roxb. is a very important plant both economically and medicinally.

Synergistic antibacterial effects of Ulva lactuca methanolic extract alone and in combination with different antibiotics on multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate.

Various antibiotics are available, including gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, amoxicillin, and streptomycin, but they have some restrictions. Many microorganisms are resistant to these medications. A new antimicrobial source must be found or developed to solve this issue. Inhere, extract from seaweeds Ulva lactuca was investigated for its antibacterial activity using a well diffusion assay against Klebsiella pneumoniae, and a promising inhibition zone diameter was recorded to be 14.04 mm. The biochemical structure of the antibacterial compound was determined via GC-MS and FTIR analysis. Also, a micro-dilution assay was used to calculate the minimum concentration that makes inhibition (MIC) to be 1.25 mg/ml from U. extract reliable to prevent the visibility of any bacterial growth, this was followed by examining the antibacterial effect of U. Lactuca methanolic extract alone and the synergetic effect of U. Lactuca methanolic extract in combination with two different antibiotics (gentamicin and chloramphenicol). This was assayed by the agar well diffusion method to achieve promising and strong inhibiting power against K. pneumoniae. It was deduced that the maximum synergism could be achieved by adding 2.5 mg/ml of Ulva methanolic extract to gentamicin (4 µg/ml), and the results were illustrated obviously via transmission electron microscope in which severe morphological deteriorations were experienced by the treated cells. From this study, we can conclude that U. lactucae extract has the power to aid antibiotics in reducing the growth of pathogenic K. pneumoniae.

Comprehensive Overview: The Effect of Using Different Solvents for Barley Extraction with Its Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the world's oldest cereal crops. There is considerable interest in barley's potential usage in human diets. Barley is rich in bioactive metabolites such as high content of ß-glucan, fiber, and vitamin E. It is also well-known as a rich source of phytochemical derivatives, namely, phenolic acids, flavonols, chalcones, flavones, proanthocyanidins, and flavanones. Phenolic compounds are recognized as excellent dietary materials with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This review was written to give an overview of the main components that are separated from barley using different solvents. Even though there were numerous biological activities for barely, the antioxidant, as well as the anti-inflammatory, are the main focus of this review.

Seasonal metabolic profiling of Valencia orange leaf essential oil using GC coupled with chemometrics, nano-formulation, and insecticidal evaluation: in vivo and in silico.

Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne infectious diseases are a global challenge, especially with increased resistance to synthetic insecticides. The foregoing study aimed to utilize the essential oil of leaves of Citrus sinensis var. Valencia as a cheap, safe, eco-friendly (green), and effective alternative to chemical insecticides. Essential oil samples were collected from fresh and dried leaves across different seasons. They are subjected to hydrodistillation and then GC analysis to be compared. Seventy-seven compounds were detected in all samples where monoterpene hydrocarbons represented the most abundant class of hydrocarbons in fresh leaves (52.6-74.4%) and dried leaves (58.6-66.9%). Sabinene (8.26-29.2%), delta-3-carene (8.23-16.4%), d-limonene (2.50-11.2%), and ß-myrcene (2.40-4.93%) were the major monoterpene hydrocarbons in all seasons. Oxygenated monoterpenes comprising ß-linalool, citronellal, terpinen-4-ol, ß-citral, and α-citral exhibited also appreciable percentages in fresh (21.2-43.4%) and dried leaves (23.4-33.0%). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) effectively segregated all samples into three discriminate clusters where, ß-linalool, terpinen-4-ol, ß-elemene enantiomer, sabinene, and ß-phellandrene constitute the main discriminatory biomarkers. Essential oil of fresh spring leaves (FS) was chosen for nano-formulation adopting the hot emulsification method. Both FS sample and the prepared nano-hexosomal formula were screened against the 3rd instar larvae Culex pipiens L. (common house mosquito). LC50 and LC95 values of FS and oil loaded nano-formula were (48 and 30 552 mg L-1) and (30 and 1830 mg L-1) respectively. α-Citral followed by citronellal showed the best fitting within the binding sites of acetylcholine esterase enzyme utilizing molecular docking. Thus, it can be concluded that Valencia orange leaf as a nano-formulation could serve as an effective and sustainable insecticidal agent.

Larvicidal and repellent potential of Ageratum houstonianum against Culex pipiens.

Mosquitoes are unquestionably the most medic arthropod vectors of disease. Culex pipiens, usually defined as a common house mosquito, is a well-known carrier of several virus diseases. Crude ethanol extracts of different organs of Agratum houstonianum are tested with Culex pipiens Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae) to determine their larvicidal, antifeedant, and repellency effects. Alongside biochemical analysis, the activity of the AChE, ATPase, CarE, and CYP-450 is detected in the total hemolymph of the C. pipiens larvae to examine the enzymatic action on the way to explain their neurotoxic effect and mode of action. Through HPLC and GC-MS analysis of the phytochemical profile of A. houstonianum aerial parts is identified. The larvicidal activity of aerial parts; flower (AF), leaf (AL), and stem (AS) of A. houstonianum extracts are evaluated against the 3rd instar larvae of C. pipiens at 24-, 48- and 72-post-treatment. A. houstonianium AF, AL, and AS extracts influenced the mortality of larvae with LC50 values 259.79, 266.85, and 306.86 ppm, respectively after 24 h of application. The potency of AF and AL extracts was 1.69- and 1.25-folds than that of AS extract, respectively. A high repellency percentage was obtained by AF extract 89.10% at a dose of 3.60 mg/cm2. A. houstonianium AF prevailed inhibition on acetylcholinesterase and decrease in carboxylesterase activity. Moreover, a significant increase in the ATPase levels and a decrease in cytochrome P-450 monooxegenase activity (- 36.60%) are detected. HPLC analysis prevailed chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid as the major phenolic acids in AL and AF, respectively. GC-MS analysis of A. houstonianum results in the identification of phytol as the major makeup. Precocene I and II were detected in AF. Linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acid were detected in comparable amounts in the studied organs. Overall, results suggest that the A. houstonianum flower extract (AF) exhibits significant repellent, antifeedant, and larvicidal activities.

Identification of Lactobacillus strains from human mother milk and cottage cheese revealed potential probiotic properties with enzymatic activity.

The main attempt of this study is to isolate, determine potential probiotic properties and enzyme production of some lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Among all isolates, two LAB strains isolated from human mother milk and cottage cheese revealed antimicrobial activity against some tested pathogenic strains. Both isolates inhibited all the tested pathogens except Escherichia coli. The two isolates were identified by morphological, biochemical properties and then by 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique as Lactobacillus acidophilus SAM1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SAM2. Potential probiotic characters were investigated. Both strains survived in relatively low pH and high bile concentrations and were able to grow at 0.5% of pancreatin concentrations. Their growth decreased by increasing phenol from 0.2% till 0.5%. Both strains did not show hemolytic activity. Coaggregation potential was exhibited by the two strains against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Hydrophobicity of Lactobacillus acidophilus SAM1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SAM2, with ethyl acetate; were 88.1% and 82.8%, respectively. Lactobacillus acidophilus SAM1 was susceptible to Ampicillin, Penicillin, Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin and Tetracycline; on the contrary, it resists Vancomycin and Cefoxitin; while Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SAM2 resists all tested antibiotics. Maximum growth was achieved using glucose as a carbon source and yeast extract as nitrogen source for both strains; however, glucose is the most preferred carbon source for microorganisms and it prevents the uptake of carbon from other sources like yeast by catabolite repression mechanism. Lactobacillus acidophilus SAM1 produces lipase enzyme, while Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SAM2 produces amylase and protease.

Prevalence and risk assessment of microplastics in the Nile Delta estuaries: "The Plastic Nile" revisited.

Recent research is directed toward studying plastic pollution in rivers, and estuaries due to the importance of freshwater bodies in all aspects of life. The river deltas and estuaries are interesting for studying the flux of plastics into the oceans. The Nile River has been identified as a hot spot of plastic litter flux in the eastern Mediterranean basin. In addition, it was nicknamed "Plastic Nile", yet this major river is largely unexplored with a lack of field measurements and adequate surveys. The current study was based on bridging this scientific gap. Three trips were conducted, covering 30 km in the Rosetta branch and 23 km in the Damietta branch, during the high water level in summer 2021, and 10 km off the inlet of Lake Burullus, in spring 2021. Microplastics in surface water ranged from 761 ± 319 to 1718 ± 1008 MPs/m3, and from 167 ± 137 to 1630 ± 1303 MPs/kg of dry sediments. Land use/ land cover mapping using Sentinel-2 images showed several sources of pollution that contribute to plastic contamination in the study area. Thermal analysis indicated seven plastic polymers; including, PE, PP, PET, PEVA, and PTFE, using discarded plastic products as reference materials. Microplastics were composed of colored and glossy fragments of sizes <500 µm, originating from land-based sources. Pollution load, polymer risk assessment, and ecological risk indices were calculated. Based on field observations macro-plastics were retained within the extensive network of infrastructure and dam systems. 80-106 billion MPs/year were estimated to flux from the Nile estuaries into the Mediterranean Sea. The current situation urges the development of binding plans to reduce plastic waste in the Nile Delta, as well as setting environmental monitoring points along the Deltaic coast.

Microplastics contamination in commercial fish from Alexandria City, the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt.

Plastic waste is a major threat to various marine ecosystems. Due to being semi-enclosed basin with dense population, the Mediterranean Sea has been considered as a hot spot for plastic pollution. Alexandria was listed as one of the major cities contributing to plastic waste in the eastern Mediterranean basin. Accordingly, microplastics (MPs) abundance and composition were investigated in the digestive tracts of commercial fish species from two major fishing areas in Alexandria; Abu-Qir Bay and Eastern Harbor, which are affected by plastic pollution. The incidence and average densities of MPs were 91.8 ± 8.4% and 11.7 ± 9.5 items fish-1, similar to highly polluted regions in the southeastern Mediterranean Sea. The average MPs concentration was significantly higher in Sparus aurata (38.3 ± 28.4 items fish-1) than all species, except for Siganus rivulatus and Boops boops. Polyethylene and poly ethylene-vinyl acetate were the dominant polymers in the fish digestive tracts. Four types of plastic polymers were recorded in Siganus rivulatus and five in Parupeneus macronemus. The dominance of glossy fragments (sizes <500 µm) in Abu-Qir Bay indicated land-based source of pollution from domestic, agricultural, and industrial wastes. The dominance of larger plastic filaments and colored fragments in the Eastern Harbor suggested secondary MPs, originating from the fragmentation of larger plastic items of sea-based sources, such as fishing and recreational activities.

Characterization and distribution of plastic particles along Alexandria beaches, Mediterranean Coast of Egypt, using microscopy and thermal analysis techniques.

Microplastics (MPs) contamination has become a global concern with potential impacts on the marine environment. Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt and a significant contributor of plastic litter inputs into the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The current study provides an in-depth analysis of the plastic particles accumulated along Alexandria beaches. Types, composition, and potential sources of MPs were investigated using microscopy and thermal analysis. A mean value of 389.1 ± 285.9 items kg-1 dry weight was detected in the shore sediments similar to other records from the Eastern Mediterranean region. An average of 457.4 ± 281.8 items m-3 was recorded in the surface water, which was the highest recorded MPs density in onshore waters of the Mediterranean region. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that plastics made up 0.5% - 72% of the materials extracted from the sediment samples, and 0.58% - 20.6% from the water samples. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) identified ten semi-crystalline polymers. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) were the common polymers. The single-use plastic bags and detergents were the land-based sources of marine plastic litter. The sea-based sources included antifouling paints, maintenance of ships, and abandoned fishing gears. Proper management plans of domestic waste input, polluter-pay strategy, and education programs aiming at the Fishermen and how plastic pollution would impact their livelihood are urgently needed.

Physico-chemodiversity variation between the most common calcareous red seaweed, Eastern Harbor, Alexandria, Egypt.

The present study sought to detect the difference in physicochemical properties and the proximate compositions of common calcareous red seaweeds "Corallina officinalis, Jania rubens, and Amphiroa rigida". J. rubens was recorded highly water (WHC), and oil holding capacity (OHC) (1.619 ± 0.08 g g-1 DW, 3.1 ± 0.50 g g-1 DW, respectively) than those other species relating to the hydrophilic nature of polysaccharides, whereas swelling water capacity (SWC) was higher in A. rigida (5.25 ± 0.38 mL g-1 DW). A higher value of carbohydrates (49.88 ± 2.56% DW) was observed in J. rubens, Contrariwise, protein (36.99 ± 1.36% DW) and lipid contents (5.85 ± 0.49% DW) were higher in C. officinalis. Albumin and protamine protein fractions were higher in J. rubens specimens (45.11 ± 2.29 mg g-1 & 0.0014 ± 0.0007 mg g-1 DW, respectively) than other species. While globulin and glutilin (31.70 ± 1.90 mg g-1 DW & 41.93 ± 2.20 mg g-1 DW, respectively) were high in A. rigida. Contrariwise, insoluble protein fraction was high in C. officinalis (9.50 ± 0.50 mg g-1 DW). J. rubens specimens were recorded maximum values of the photosynthetic pigments. The different surface types and elemental analysis of three species were examined by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). From fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy the S-S stretching peak of disulfides group at 462 cm-1 was the fingerprint of J. rubens. From GC-MS data A.rigida possesses 16 bioactive components with biological properties. As a result, J. rubens and A. rigida could be employed as an ingredient in functional foods and drug manufacture.

Characterization and utilization of Sargassum linifolium and Stypopodium schimperi polysaccharides as blue inhibitors for steel electo-polishing.

Different polysaccharide extracts (crude polysaccharide, fucoidan and alginate) from Sargassum linifolium and Stypopodium schimperi were examined as inhibitors of the carbon steel anodic dissolution process in 8 M phosphoric acid. The anode potential and limiting current relationship was measured and compared for gradually increasing algae extract concentrations (from 20 to 350 ppm). The limiting current decreases while inhibition efficiency (%) increases as the concentrations of all these extracts increase. Fucoidan from S. linifolium is considered to have the most retardation effect. The extracts' retardation mechanism is depending on the adsorption process at the steel metal, which was proved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, SEM shows that high concentration (350 ppm) of Stypopodium schimperi crude polysaccharide, Sargassum linifolium fucoidan and Stypopodium schimperi alginate extracts have promising effect on the surface texture. The data of Langmuir and the kinetic-thermodynamic isotherms were determined to clarify the nature of adsorption of extract on the metal-solution interface. The activation energy and activation parameters (changes in enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy) were determined and gave indication for strong interaction between the inhibitor and the steel surface. The extract features were investigated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The polysaccharides from the brown algae, especially fucoidan, manifest potential as a natural electro-polishing blue inhibitor. Surface morphology study confirmed that addition of algae extract to a steel dissolution bath enhanced the surface appearance and its texture quality to great extent.