Evaluation of three granular activated carbon filters for the treatment of collections foul air entering a water resource recovery facility.

The treatment of raw foul air that could escape to the atmosphere from the head space of the incoming wastewater sewer lines into a Southern California Water Resource Recovery Facility was evaluated by using a 1/20th scale pilot unit consisting of three different granular activated carbon filter technologies, operating side by side, under similar operating conditions, each having an average 3.8-s contact time. The three activated carbon filters contained each 0.07 m3 of coconut, coal, and coconut mixed with permanganate media. The foul air entering the granular activated carbon filters contained 82% to 83% relative humidity. No moisture removal mechanism was used prior to treatment. The removal of six different odor characters from eight chemical odorants present in the foul air were assessed. These were rotten egg (hydrogen sulfide), rotten vegetables (methyl mercaptan), canned corn (dimethyl sulfide), rotten garlic (dimethyl disulfide), earthy/musty (2-methyl isoborneol and 2-isopropyl 3-methoxy pyrazine), and fecal (skatole and indole). This is the first time a study evaluates the removal of specific odors by simultaneously employing sensory analyses using the odor profile method, which defines the different odor characters and intensities, together with chemical analyses of the odorants causing these odors. The results show that the three granular activated carbon filters, before hydrogen sulfide breakthrough, provided significant improvement in odor intensity and odorant removal. Breakthrough was reached after 57 days for the coconut mixed with permanganate, 107 days for the coconut, and 129 days for the coal granular activated carbon filter. Breakthrough (the critical saturation point of the activated carbon media) was considered reached when the hydrogen sulfide percentage removal diminished to 90% and continued downward. The coconut mixed with permanganate granular activated carbon filter provided the best treatment among the media tested, achieving very good reduction of odorants, as measured by chemical analyses, and reasonable removal of odor intensities, as measured by the odor profile method. The coconut mixed with permanganate granular activated carbon is recommended for short-term odor control systems at sewer networks or emergency plant maintenance situations given its shorter time to breakthrough compared with the other granular activated carbons. The coal and coconut granular activated carbon filters are generally used as the last stage of an odor treatment system. Because of the observed poor to average performance in removing odorants other than hydrogen sulfide, the treatment stage(s) prior to the use of these granulated activated carbons should provide a good methyl mercaptan removal of at least 90% in order to avoid the formation of dimethyl disulfide, which, in the presence of moisture in the carbon filter, emit the characteristic rotten garlic odor. The differences observed between the performances based on odorant removal by chemical analysis compared with those based on sensorial analyses by the odor profile method indicate that both analyses are required to understand more fully the odor dynamics. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Three virgin granulated activated carbon media were evaluated in a field pilot unit using raw collections foul air. Coal, coconut, and coconut mixed with permanganate were tested until breakthrough. Samples were analyzed both chemically (odorants) and sensorially (odors). Coconut mixed with permanganate proved to be the media that better reduced odorants and odors.

Utilization of ripe coconut water in the development of probiotic gelatin.

Background: Desserts with vegetable ingredients are a constantly expanding global market due to the search for alternatives to cow's milk. Fermentation of these matrices by lactic acid bacteria can add greater functionality to the product, improving its nutritional, sensory, and food safety characteristics, as well as creating bioactive components with beneficial effects on health. Concern for health and well-being has aroused interest in byproducts of the industry that have functional properties for the body, such as mature coconut water, a normally discarded residue that is rich in nutrients. This study aimed to develop a probiotic gelatin based on pulp and water from mature coconuts and evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, viability of the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR32 strain in the medium, as well as the texture properties of the product. Methods: After collection and cleaning, the physicochemical characterization, mineral analysis, analysis of the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of mature coconut water were carried out, as well as the centesimal composition of its pulp. Afterwards, the gelling was developed with the addition of modified corn starch, gelatin, sucrose, and probiotic culture, being subjected to acidity analysis, texture profile and cell count, on the first day and every 7 days during 21 days of storage, under refrigeration at 5 °C. An analysis of the centesimal composition was also carried out. Results: The main minerals in coconut water were potassium (1,932.57 mg L-1), sodium (19.57 mg L-1), magnesium (85.13 mg L-1) calcium (279.93 mg L-1) and phosphorus (11.17 mg L- 1), while the pulp had potassium (35.96 g kg-1), sodium (0.97 g kg-1), magnesium (2.18 g kg-1), 37 calcium (1.64 g kg-1), and phosphorus (3.32 g kg-1). The phenolic content of the water and pulp was 5.72 and 9.77 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) 100 g-1, respectively, and the antioxidant capacity was 1.67 and 0.98 39 g of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) mg-1, respectively. The coconut pulp had 2.81 g 100 g-1of protein, 1.11 g 100 g-1 of 40 ash, 53% moisture, and 5.81 g 100 g-1 of carbohydrates. The gelatin produced during the storage period presented firmness parameters ranging from 145.82 to 206.81 grams-force (gf), adhesiveness from 692.85 to 1,028.63 gf sec, cohesiveness from 0.604 to 0.473, elasticity from 0.901 to 0.881, gumminess from 86.27 to 97.87 gf, and chewiness from 77.72 to 91.98 gf. Regarding the viability of the probiotic microorganism, the dessert had 7.49 log CFU g-1 that remained viable during the 21-day storage, reaching 8.51 CFU g-1. Acidity ranged from 0.15 to 0.64 g of lactic acid 100 g-1. The centesimal composition of the product showed 4.88 g 100 g-1 of protein, 0.54 g 100 g-1 of ash, 85.21% moisture, and 5.37g 100 g-1 of carbohydrates. The development of the gelatin made it possible to obtain a differentiated product, contributing to diversification in the food sector, providing a viable alternative for maintaining consumer health and reducing costs compared to desserts already available on the market.

From Palm to Plate: Unveiling the Potential of Coconut as a Plant-Based Food Alternative.

This review investigates coconut as a sustainable and nutrient-rich plant-based alternative to traditional animal-based food sources. We have explored the nutritional profile, culinary versatility, particularly focusing on the use of coconut meat, milk, cream, and oil in diverse dietary contexts when consumed in balance. Comparative analysis with animal-derived products reveals the high content of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), essential vitamins, and minerals in coconut, contrasted with its lower protein content. Researchers have underscored the environmental sustainability of coconut, advocating for its role in eco-friendly food production chains. We have also addressed challenges like potential allergies, nutritional balance, sensory attributes, and consumer motivations for coconut-based products, in terms of understanding the market dynamics. In conclusion, this review positions coconut as a promising candidate within sustainable diet frameworks, advocating for further research to augment its nutritional value, sensory characteristics, and product stability, thereby facilitating its integration into health-conscious and eco-centric dietary practices.

A squalene analog 4,4'-diapophytofluene from coconut leaves having antioxidant and anti-senescence potentialities toward human fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) leaves, an unutilized resource, enriched with valuable bioactive compounds. Spectral analysis of purified pentane fraction of coconut leaves revealed the presence of a squalene analog named 4,4'-diapophytofluene or in short 4,4'-DPE (C30H46). Pure squalene standard (PSQ) showed cytotoxicity after 8 µg/ml concentration whereas 4,4'-DPE exhibited no cytotoxic effects up to 16 µg/ml concentration. On senescence-induced WI38 cells, 4,4'-DPE displayed better percentage of cell viability (164.5% at 24 h, 159.4% at 48 h and 148% at 72 h) compared to PSQ and BSQ (bio-source squalene) with same time duration. Similar trend of result was found in HaCaT cells. SA-ß-gal assay showed that number of ß-galactosidase positive cells were significantly decreased in senescent cells (WI38 and HaCaT) after treated with 4,4'-DPE than PSQ, BSQ. Percentage of ROS was increased to 60% in WI38 cells after olaparib treatment. When PSQ, BSQ and 4,4'-DPE were applied separately on these oxidative-stress-induced cells for 48 h, the overall percentage of ROS was decreased to 39.3%, 45.6% and 19.3% respectively. This 4,4'-DPE was found to be more effective in inhibiting senescence by removing ROS as compared to squalene. Therefore, this 4,4'-DPE would be new potent senotherapeutic agent for pharmaceuticals and dermatological products.

Understanding the maturity of coconut water through 1H NMR profiling and MPAES analyses.

This study investigated the relationship between coconut maturity stages and the sugar, amino acid, and mineral profiles of coconut water (CW). Metabolite profiles were analysed using 1H NMR, covering glucose (G), fructose (F), sucrose (S), reducing sugars (RS), total sugars (TS), amino acids, and organic acids. Mineral composition was measured using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MPAES). The results revealed distinct metabolite and mineral profiles across different maturity stages. Immature CW had high G/F and RS/TS ratios but low S/G ratios. Conversely, mature CW showed decreased G/F and RS/TS ratios but an increase in S/G. Mineral analysis revealed potassium as the predominant mineral in CW, peaking in the youngest stage and declining with maturity. Sodium, magnesium, and calcium showed a similar pattern, with higher concentrations in early than in later stages. The study identifies the age of 9-10 months as optimal stages for selecting tender coconut water.

Application of a microfluidic electronic tongue based on impedance spectroscopy for coconut water analysis.

The food industry has grown with the demands for new products and their authentication, which has not been accompanied by the area of analysis and quality control, thus requiring novel process analytical technologies for food processes. An electronic tongue (e-tongue) is a multisensor system that can characterize complex liquids in a fast and simple way. Here, we tested the efficacy of an impedimetric microfluidic e-tongue setup - comprised by four interdigitated electrodes (IDE) on a printed circuit board (PCB), with four pairs of digits each, being one bare sensor and three coated with different ultrathin nanostructured films with different electrical properties - in the analysis of fresh and industrialized coconut water. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to observe sample differences, and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) was used to predict sample physicochemical parameters. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Partial Least Square - Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) were compared to classify samples based on data from the e-tongue device. Results indicate the potential application of the microfluidic e-tongue in the identification of coconut water composition and determination of physicochemical attributes, allowing for classification of samples according to soluble solid content (SSC) and total titratable acidity (TTA) with over 90% accuracy. It was also demonstrated that the microfluidic setup has potential application in the food industry for quality assessment of complex liquid samples.

Characteristics of kopyor coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) using sensory analysis and metabolomics-based approach.

Kopyor is a coconut with unique characteristics from Indonesia, one of the largest coconut producers in the world. Kopyor is an edible mature coconut with soft endosperm. Although this fruit is one of the most popular coconuts in the world, there are limited studies on its properties, including its sensory attributes and metabolite profiles. This study investigates the characteristics of kopyor using sensory evaluation, a widely targeted metabolomics approach, and multivariate analysis. The liquid (water) and solid (flesh) endosperms were collected as the samples. The results showed that kopyor has characteristics that distinguish it from normal mature and young coconuts. Kopyor water has a milky, creamy, nutty, bitter, and astringent taste with an oily aftertaste and mouthfeel. Kopyor flesh is soft and moist and gives a sandy mouth feel. This study analyzed the sensory attributes of the kopyor endosperm for the first time and compared it with those of normal mature and young coconuts. A gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis showed that kopyor contained wider variety of metabolites than normal coconuts of the same age. Based on the differential analysis and orthogonal projections to latent structures-regression, kopyor water was characterized by the accumulation of flavor-related metabolites, such as amino acids and organic acids, which contributed to its sensory complexity. This study solidified the effects of maturation and endosperm type on metabolite accumulation in kopyor endosperm. This pioneering information will lead to the future use of kopyor and other unique coconuts worldwide for food, contributing to the sustainability of the coconut industry.

Enhanced adsorption of Pb2+ by the oxygen-containing functional groups enriched activated carbon.

Lead is one of the primary pollutants found in water and poses significant toxicity risks to humans; thus, it is necessary to investigate techniques for removing it economically and efficiently. In order to enhance the removal capacity of Pb2+, coconut shell-based activated carbon (AC) was modified with introducing oxygen-containing functional groups (OFGs) via nitric acid (HNO3) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) modification in this study. The characterization results show that after oxidation treatment, the content of OFGs increased, and the textural properties of the samples do not change significantly. This indicates that the modification conditions used in this study effectively introduced OFGs while avoiding the adverse effects on physical adsorption ability of AC caused by oxidation treatment. The Pb2+ adsorption capacities of the AC modified with 10 M HNO3 and 30 wt.% H2O2 were 4.26 and 3.64 times that of the pristine AC, respectively. The experimental data can be well fitted using the Langmuir isotherm model and the Elovich kinetic model, suggesting that the adsorption of Pb2+ on AC belongs to single-layer adsorption, and chemical adsorption dominates the adsorption process. In summary, the hydrothermal-assisted HNO3/H2O2-modified coconut shell-based AC shows great potential in efficiently removing Pb2+ from solutions, offering a solution for utilizing coconut shell waste.

Mechanism for improving the in vitro digestive properties of coconut milk by modifying the structure and properties of coconut proteins with monosodium glutamate.

In this paper, the effect of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on coconut protein (CP) solubility, surface hydrophobicity, emulsification activity, ultraviolet spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy was investigated. Meanwhile, the changes in the in vitro digestive properties of coconut milk were also further analyzed. MSG treatment altered the solubility and surface hydrophobicity of CP, thereby improving protein digestibility. Molecular docking showed that CP bound to pepsin and trypsin mainly through hydrogen bonds and salt bridges. And MSG increased the cleavable sites of pepsin and trypsin on CP, thus further improving the protein digestibility. In addition, MSG increased the Na+ concentration in coconut milk, promoted flocculation and aggregation between coconut milk droplets, which prevented the binding of lipase and oil droplets and inhibited lipid digestion. These findings may provide new ideas and insights to improve the digestive properties of plant-based milk.

Coconut husk-lignin derived carbon dots incorporated carrageenan based functional film for intelligent food packaging.

Carbon dots (CDs) derived from sustainable natural feed-stocks like lignin have gained wide acceptance by virtue of their renewability and promising potential in intelligent sensing applications. The precursor lignin is isolated from agro-biomass waste, coconut husk through sodium hydroxide based extraction process. CDs are synthesised from amine functionalized lignin through solvothermal process and integrated into carrageenan biopolymer matrix (1, 2 and 3 wt%). The composite film with 2 wt% CDs (CARR2CD) showed optimum fluorescent emission intensity, excellent pH dependent fluorescent color change in the food pH range, reasonable tensile strength (46.50 ± 1.32 MPa) and 27 % increase in elongation at break. CDs imparted UV-light blocking properties (70 % UV-light) and enhanced hydrophobicity of the carrageenan matrix. CARR2CD film showed 84 % visible light transparency, 79 % reduction in oxygen transmittance rate (OTR), 81 % reduction in CO2 gas permeability and excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties (against E. coli and S. aureus). As a practical application, the developed responsive packaging material is used to track pH change associated with milk spoilage via noticeable color change in fluorescent emission of the composite film. Thus, the developed responsive composite film paves a way for use as green and sustainable transparent intelligent food packaging material.

Effect of different gelators on the physicochemical properties and microstructure of coconut oleogels.

BACKGROUND: The inherent properties of coconut oil (CO), including its elevated saturated fatty acid content and low melting point, make it suitable for application in plastic fat processing. The present study explores the physicochemical characteristics, micromorphology and oxidative stability of oleogels produced from CO using various gelators [ethylcellulose (EC), ß-sitosterol/γ-oryzanol (PS) and glyceryl monostearate (MG)] to elucidate the formation mechanisms of coconut oleogels (EC-COO, PS-COO and MG-COO). RESULTS: Three oleogel systems exhibited a solid-like behavior, with the formation of crystalline forms dominated by ß and ß'. Among them, PS-COO exhibited enhanced capability with respect to immobilizing liquid oils, resulting in solidification with high oil-binding capacity, moderate hardness and good elasticity. By contrast, MG-COO demonstrated inferior stability compared to PS-COO and EC-COO. Furthermore, MG-COO and PS-COO demonstrated antioxidant properties against CO oxidation, whereas EC-COO exhibited the opposite effect. PS-COO and EC-COO exhibited superior thermodynamic behavior compared to MG-COO. CONCLUSION: Three oleogels based on CO were successfully prepared. The mechanical strength, storage modulus and thermodynamic stability of the CO oleogel exhibited concentration dependence with increasing gelling agent addition. PS-COO demonstrated relatively robust oil-binding capacity and oxidative stability, particularly with a 15% PS addition. This information contributes to a deeper understanding of CO-based oleogels and offers theoretical insights for their application in food products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A comparison of the quality of plain yogurt and its analog made from coconut flesh extract.

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of plain yogurt made from cow milk (n = 10) and its plant-based analog made from coconut flesh extract (n = 14). Coconut yogurt alternatives were divided into 2 experimental groups based on differences in their color, which were noted after the packages had been opened. The first group included products with a typical white color (n = 8), and the second group comprised products with a grayish pink color (n = 6) that developed as a result of oxidative processes. In comparison with its plant-based analog, plain yogurt was characterized by higher values of lightness (L*), yellowness (b*) and chroma (C*), higher titratable acidity, a higher content of retinol and α-tocopherol, higher nutritional value of fat, and lower values of water-holding capacity (WHC) and redness (a*). Plain yogurt had lower volatile acidity than its plant-based analog with a grayish pink color. A comparison of yogurt analogs with different colors revealed that the product with a grayish pink color was characterized by a lower value of L*, and higher values of a*, b*, C*, and pH. An analysis of its fatty acid profile demonstrated that it also had a higher proportion of C14:0 and C18:1 cis-9; higher total monounsaturated fatty acids content; a lower proportion of C10:0, C12:0, and C18:2; a lower total content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and essential fatty acids; and a lower ratio of PUFA to saturated fatty acids. The yogurt analog with a grayish pink color had a lower total content of tocopherol isoforms than the remaining products. The yogurt analog with a white color had the highest WHC and γ-tocopherol content. Consumers should be aware of the fact that coconut yogurt alternatives may have nonstandard quality attributes. The differences between such products and yogurt made from cow milk should be explicitly communicated to consumers so that they could make informed purchasing decisions.

Conversion of archeological iron rust employing coconut husk lignin.

Rust powder collected from an archeological iron was evaluated by complementary analyses such as FTIR, XRD, XRF, and SEM/EDX. The analyses revealed that lepidocrocite (L) was the major component in the archeological iron. Coconut husk (CH) can be classified as a type of lignocellulosic biomass of renewable resources that are widely available, especially in coastal areas. In this research, the isolated lignin extracted from CH is being studied as a potential alternative for environmentally friendly applications. The isolated lignin from soda and organosolv pulping went through several analyses such as FTIR, NMR (13C and 2D-HSQC), and TGA analyses. The analyses showed that lignin isolated via soda pulping has superior antioxidant capabilities due to its greater phenolic-OH content compared to lignin isolated from organosolv pulping. The effects of lignin concentrations, pH, and reaction time were utilized in rust conversion studies of an archeological iron. 5 wt% of soda lignin (SL) was revealed as the ideal condition in this rust conversion study with a value of 84.21 %. The treated rust powder with 5 wt% of SL was then further gone through several complementary analyses, which revealed that the treated rust had nearly transformed into an amorphous state.

Unveiling the mechanistic aspects of methylene blue adsorption onto a novel phosphate-decorated coconut fiber lignin.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the adsorptive performance of the phosphorylated coconut fiber lignin (PCFL) obtained through an innovative biorefinery process for removing methylene blue (MB). PCFL was obtained using coconut fiber mixed with 85 % wt. H3PO4 at 70 °C for 1 h. Milled wood lignin (MWL) and PCFL were characterized by FTIR, CP-MAS 31P NMR, phosphorous and hydroxyl contents, pHPZC, and BET analyses. The batch adsorption tests evaluated the effects of the biosorbent (0.25 - 4 g L-1) and adsorbate dosages (2.5 - 7.5 mg L-1), contact time (0 - 60 min), pH (4 - 8), ionic strength (0.001 - 0.1 mol L-1) and temperature (298.15 - 318.15 K) on MB adsorption. Kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic modeling were used. The phosphorous content on PCFL was 2.5 times higher than that of MWL. PCFL presented an enhanced adsorptive performance for removing MB, which was spontaneous (ΔG0 < 0), endothermic (ΔH0 > 0), with affinity between the biosorbent and adsorbate (ΔS0 > 0), and driven by physisorption (Ea > 40 kJ mol-1). The adsorptive performance of PCFL was enhanced due to the grafting of new active sites by using an innovative biorefinery process, showing its potential to be used for textile effluent remediation.

Mechanism for improving coconut milk emulsions viscosity by modifying coconut protein structure and coconut milk properties with monosodium glutamate.

In this study, monosodium glutamate (MSG) was used to improve the viscosity of coconut milk and the underlying mechanism was explored by investigating the changes in structures of coconut milk protein and physicochemical properties of coconut milk. Firstly, the effect of MSG on the properties of coconut milk was studied. The results showed that MSG increased the pH and zeta potential, reduced the particle size, thus enhancing the droplet interaction and increasing the viscosity of coconut milk. Subsequently, the effects of MSG on the structure and properties of coconut proteins (CP) were investigated. FTIR spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy showed that MSG was able to change the secondary structure of CP. The results of SDS-PAGE showed that MSG was able to bind to CP to form a larger molecular weight protein, thus improving the viscosity of coconut milk. Moreover, MSG was also able to increase the water-binding capacity of CP. In addition, molecular docking and driving force analysis revealed that hydrogen bonds, electrostatic forces, disulfide bonds, and hydrophobic interactions are the main interactions between MSG and CP. Studying the effect of MSG on the viscosity of coconut milk provides theoretical support to improve the viscosity of other plant protein emulsions.

A Preliminary Survey of Transfer RNA Modifications and Modifying Enzymes of the Tropical Plant Cocos nucifera L.

The coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a commercial crop widely distributed among coastal tropical regions. It provides millions of farmers with food, fuel, cosmetics, folk medicine, and building materials. Among these, oil and palm sugar are representative extracts. However, this unique living species of Cocos has only been preliminarily studied at molecular levels. Benefiting from the genomic sequence data published in 2017 and 2021, we investigated the transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications and modifying enzymes of the coconut in this survey. An extraction method for the tRNA pool from coconut flesh was built. In total, 33 species of modified nucleosides and 66 homologous genes of modifying enzymes were confirmed using a nucleoside analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) and homologous protein sequence alignment. The positions of tRNA modifications, including pseudouridines, were preliminarily mapped using a oligonucleotide analysis, and the features of their modifying enzymes were summarized. Interestingly, we found that the gene encoding the modifying enzyme of 2'-O-ribosyladenosine at the 64th position of tRNA (Ar(p)64) was uniquely overexpressed under high-salinity stress. In contrast, most other tRNA-modifying enzymes were downregulated with mining transcriptomic sequencing data. According to previous physiological studies of Ar(p)64, the coconut appears to enhance the quality control of the translation process when subjected to high-salinity stress. We hope this survey can help advance research on tRNA modification and scientific studies of the coconut, as well as thinking of the safety and nutritional value of naturally modified nucleosides.

A comprehensive review of coconut-based porous materials for wastewater treatment and CO2 capture.

For several decades, water pollution has become a major threat to aquatic and non-aquatic species, including humans. Different treatment techniques have already been proposed and implemented depending on wastewater characteristics. But many of these treatment techniques are expensive and inefficient. Adsorption-based techniques have shown impressive performances as an inexpensive treatment method previously. Coconut-based resources have been considered as adsorbents for wastewater treatment because of their abundance, low cost, and favorable surface properties. However, over the last decade, no comprehensive study has been published regarding biochar from coconut-based materials for wastewater treatment and CO2 capture. This review discusses biochar production technology for coconut-based materials, its modification and characterization, its utilization as an adsorbent for removing metals and organics from wastewater, and the associated removal mechanisms and the economic aspects of coconut-based biochar. Coconut-based materials are cheap and effective for removing various organic compounds such as pesticides, hormones, phenol, and phenolic compounds from solutions and capturing CO2 from air mainly through the pore-filling mechanism. Utilizing coconut-based biochars in a hybrid system that combines adsorption and other techniques, such as biotechnology or chemical coagulation is a promising way to increase their performance as an adsorbent in wastewater treatment.

Physicochemical characterization and fatty acid profiles of testa oils from various coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) genotypes.

BACKGROUND: Cocos nucifera (L.) is an important plantation crop with immense but untapped nutraceutical potential. Despite its bioactive potential, the biochemical features of testa oils of various coconut genotypes are poorly understood. Hence, in this study, the physicochemical characteristics of testa oils extracted from six coconut genotypes - namely West Coast Tall (WCT), Federated Malay States Tall (FMST), Chowghat Orange Dwarf (COD), Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD), and two Dwarf × Dwarf (D × D hybrids) viz., Cameroon Red Dwarf (CRD) × Ganga Bondam Green Dwarf (GBGD) and MYD × Chowghat Green Dwarf (CGD) - were analyzed. RESULTS: The proportion of testa in the nuts (fruits) (1.29-3.42%), the proportion of oil in the testa (40.97-50.56%), and biochemical components in testa oils - namely proxidant elements Fe (34.17-62.48 ppm) and Cu (1.63-2.77 ppm), and the total phenolic content (6.84-8.67 mg GAE/100 g), and phytosterol content (54.66-137.73 mg CE/100 g) varied depending on the coconut genotypes. The saturated fatty acid content of testa oils (67.75 to 78.78%) was lower in comparison with that of coconut kernel oils. Similarly, the lauric acid (26.66-32.04%), myristic (18.31-19.60%), and palmitic acid (13.43-15.71%,) content of testa oils varied significantly in comparison with the coconut kernel oils (32-51%, 17-21% and 6.9-14%, respectively). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of 18 phenolic acids in coconut testa oil. Multivariate analysis revealed the biochemical attributes that defined the principal components loadings. Hierarchical clustering analysis of the genotypes showed two distinct clusters. CONCLUSION: This study reveals the genotypic variations in the nutritionally important biochemical components of coconut testa oils. The relatively high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and polyphenol content in testa oils warrant further investigation to explore their nutraceutical potential. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ameliorative Effects of Coconut Water on Hematological and Lipid Profiles of Phenylhydrazine-treated Rats.

Anaemia is a widespread health issue affecting young children and pregnant women, characterized by reduced red blood cells or haemoglobin levels. Coconut water, rich in nutrients such as L-arginine, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folic acid and fatty acids, is believed to aid in blood formation (hematopoesis). The study aimed to examine the impact of coconut water on hematological indices and lipid profiles in rats with phenylhydrazine-induced anemia. 30 rats were divided into 5 groups: a normal control, phenylhydrazine untreated, coconut water (0.5ml/kg), iron, and ferrous treated groups. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocyte levels were measured using a Hematology Analyzer. Results showed a significant decrease in LDL and TG levels, and an increase in HDL levels in phenylhydrazine induced anemia compared to the control group. Coconut water administration at 0.5ml/kg reduced LDL, VLDL and TG levels, and increased HDL levels in rats with induced anemia. The study found that coconut water had a positive effect on hematological indices, as it increased hemoglobin and erythrocyte levels in rats with induced anemia. These findings suggest that coconut water may have potential therapeutic benefits for individuals with anemia, particularly in lowering lipid levels and improving blood formation. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these effects and to determine the most effective dosage and duration of treatment. Overall, the study highlights the importance of coconut water as a potentially beneficial alternative treatment for anemia.

Spectroscopic investigations and density functional theory calculations reveal differences in retention mechanisms of lead and copper on chemically-modified phytolith-rich biochars.

A better understanding of different retention mechanisms of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by biochars during the remediation of contaminated sites is critically needed. In this study, different spectroscopic techniques including synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF), X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), and near-edge XAFS spectroscopy (NEXAFS), were used to investigate the spatial distributions and retention mechanisms of lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) on phytolith-rich coconut-fiber biochar (CFB), and ammonia, nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide modified CFB (MCFB) (i.e., ACFB, NCFB and HCFB). The µ-XRF analyses indicated that sorption sites on ACFB and NCFB were more efficient compared to those on CFB and HCFB to bind Pb/Cu. XAFS analyses revealed that the percentage of Pb species as Pb(C2H3O2)2 increased from 22.2% (Pb-loaded CFBs) to 47.4% and 41.9% on Pb-loaded NCFBs and HCFBs, while the percentage of Cu(OH)2 and Cu(C2H3O2)2 increased from 5.8% to 32.8% (Cu-loaded CFBs) to 41.5% and 43.4% (Cu-loaded NCFBs), and 27.1% and 35.1% (Cu-loaded HCFBs), respectively. Due to their similar atomic structures of Pb/Cu, Pb(C2H3O2)2/Pb-loaded montmorillonite and Cu(C2H3O2)2/Cu(OH)2 were identified as the predominant Pb/Cu species observed in Pb- and Cu-loaded MCFBs. The NEXAFS analyses of carbon confirmed that increasing amounts of carboxylic groups were formed on HCFB and NCFB by oxidizing carbon-containing functional groups, which could provide additional active binding sites for Pb/Cu retention. Results from the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses of nitrogen showed that azido-groups of ACFB played major roles in Pb/Cu retention, while amide-groups and pyridine-groups of NCFB primarily participated in Pb/Cu retention. Overall, density functional theory calculations suggested that silicate and the synergistic effect of hydroxyl and carboxylic-groups on MCFBs were highly efficient in Pb retention, while azido-groups and/or carboxylic-groups played major roles in Cu retention. These results provide novel insights into the PTE retention mechanisms of MCFBs.