Artificial neural network-based modeling of Malachite green adsorption onto baru fruit endocarp: insights into equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic behavior.

In this study, artificial neural network (ANN) tools were employed to forecast the adsorption capacity of Malachite green (MG) by baru fruit endocarp waste (B@FE) under diverse conditions, including pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, contact time, and temperature. Enhanced adsorption efficiency was notably observed under alkaline pH conditions (pH 10). Kinetic analysis indicated that the adsorption process closely followed a pseudo-second-order model, while equilibrium studies revealed the Langmuir isotherm as the most suitable model, estimating a maximum adsorption capacity of 57.85 mg g-1. Furthermore, the chemical adsorption of MG by B@FE was confirmed using the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm. Thermodynamic analysis suggested that the adsorption is spontaneous and endothermic. Various ANN architectures were explored, employing different activation functions such as identity, logistic, tanh, and exponential. Based on evaluation metrics like the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE), the optimal network configuration was identified as a 5-11-1 architecture, consisting of five input neurons, eleven hidden neurons, and one output neuron. Notably, the logistic activation function was applied in both the hidden and output layers for this configuration. This study highlights the efficacy of B@FE as an efficient adsorbent for MG removal from aqueous solutions and demonstrates the potential of ANN models in predicting adsorption behavior across varying environmental conditions, emphasizing their utility in this field.

The innovative aspect of this study lies in the utilization of a new and effective adsorbent for the removal of Malachite Green (MG), derived from the fruit endocarp of baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.). The baru fruit endocarp, typically discarded as solid waste during processing, was found to possess favorable characteristics for adsorption processes and provides an adsorption capacity that exceeds that of most other similar adsorbents. Additionally, integrating Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) enables accurate modeling of the adsorption process, eliminating the need for extensive laboratory experiments. This contributes significantly to wastewater treatment research, enhancing effectiveness and sustainability in unwanted dye removal.

Evaluating the persistence of malachite green residues in tilapia and pacu fish.

Although banned in food-producing animals, residues of malachite green (MG) and its primary metabolite, leucomalachite green (LMG), have been found in fish due to illegal use in aquaculture and the release of industrial wastewater, which represent a serious risk to food and environmental securities. This study aimed to investigate the residue depletion profile of MG and LMG in edible tissues of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) cultured simultaneously under the same environmental conditions to support control measures in case of abuse. An analytical method involving QuEChERS sample preparation and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was developed, validated, and applied to quantify MG and LMG residues in fish fillets from two depletion experiments after treatment by immersion bath (MG at 0.10 mg L-1 for 60 min). During the experiment, the average water temperature was 30 ºC, while the pH was 6.9. The method is selective, precise (CV = 0.4 - 22%) and accurate (recovery 92 - 114%). The limits of detection and quantification are 0.15 and 0.5 ng g-1, respectively. In both species, the sum of MG and LMG residues were quantified up to the 32nd day post-exposure, and the concentrations were significantly higher in the pacu fillets (up to 3284 ng g-1) than in Nile tilapia (up to 432 ng g-1). The sums of MG and LMG residues were below 2 ng g-1 at 44 days and 342 days for Nile tilapia and pacu, respectively - the Minimum Required Performance Limit (MRPL) for analytical methods intended to monitor forbidden substances in food according to old European Commission guidelines. The persistence of MG residues in pacu may be attributed to its higher lipid content, which favors the accumulation of the non-polar metabolite LMG. These results provide insights into the concern about human, animal, and environmental health risks resulting from unauthorized use or aquatic contamination by industrial wastewater containing MG residues.

DyMnO3: Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Its Photocatalytic Activity in the Visible Spectrum.

DyMnO3 is a p-type semiconductor oxide with two crystal systems, orthorhombic and hexagonal. This material highlights its ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties, which have been the subject of numerous studies. Nevertheless, its photocatalytic activity has been less explored. In this work, the photocatalytic activity of DyMnO3 is evaluated through the photodegradation of MG dye. For the synthesis of this oxide, a novel and effective method was used: polymer-decomposition. The synthesized powders contain an orthorhombic phase, with a range of absorbances from 300 to 500 nm and a band gap energy of 2.4 eV. It is also highlighted that, when using this synthesis method, some of the main diffraction lines related to the orthorhombic phase appear at 100 °C. Regarding its photocatalytic activity, it was evaluated under visible light (λ = 405 nm), reaching a photodegradation of approximately 88% in a period of 30 min. Photocurrent tests reveal a charge carrier separation (e-,h+) at a 405 nm wavelength. The main reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in the photodegradation process were radicals, OH•, and photo-holes (h+). These results stand out because it is the first time that the photodegradation capability of this oxide in the visible spectrum has been evaluated.

Evaluation of two microcosm systems for co-treatment of LDPEoxo and lignocellulosic biomass for biochar production.

BACKGROUND: The co-transformation of solid waste of natural and anthropogenic origin can be carried out through solid-state-fermentation systems to obtain bio-products with higher added value and lower environmental impact. METHODS: To evaluate the effect of Pleurotus ostreatus on co-transformation of oxo-degradable low-density polyethylene (LDPEoxo) sheets and lignocellulosic biomass (LCB), were assembled two 0.75 L microcosm systems in vertical (VMS) and horizontal (HMS) position. The pre-treated sheets with luminescent O2 plasma discharges were mixed with pine bark, hydrolyzed brewer's yeast and paper napkin fragments and incubated for 135 days at 20 ± 1.0 °C in the presence of the fungus. With the co-transformation residues, biochar (BC) was produced at 300 ± 1.0 °C (BC300) for 1 h, then used to carry out adsorption studies, using the malachite green dye (MG) at pH 4.0, 7.0 and 9.0 ± 0.2. Finally, the biochar was the substrate for the germination of carnation seeds (Dianthus caryophyllus) and Ray-grass (Lolium sp.) in vitro. RESULTS: For HMS, the decrease in static contact angle (SCA) was 63.63% (p = 0.00824) and for VMS 74.45% (p = 0.00219), concerning the pristine. Plastic roughness in VMS was higher (26%) concerning the control. Throughout the 135 days, there were fungal growth and consequently laccase (Lac), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and lignin peroxidase (LiP) activities. During the first 75 days, CO2 production increased to 4.78 ± 0.01 and 4.98 ± 0.01 mg g-1 for HMS and VMS, respectively. In MG adsorption studies, the highest amount of the colourant adsorbed at both pH 4.0 and 7.0 ± 0.2. CONCLUSIONS: Finally, the biochar or the biochar enriched with low concentrations of plant growth-promoting microorganisms and inorganic fertilizer favours the germination of Dianthus caryophyllus and Lolium sp., seeds.

Large-volume electric field-assisted multiphase extraction of malachite green from water samples: A multisample device and method validation.

In this work, a new large-volume multiphase, multi-sample electroextraction device was developed and applied to selectively extract malachite green (MG) from water samples. This device was easily constructed with ordinary materials and capable of extracting ten samples simultaneously, obtaining MG preconcentrated on a solid support, to fit into a pipette tip. A multi-well plate was applied to extract MG from aquaculture water samples, and the extracts containing the desorbed MG were analysed by LC-DAD and LC-MS/MS. The signals from both detectors were used in two independent validation procedures. Linearity, matrix effect, selectivity, precision, trueness, and limits of detection and quantification were all evaluated. For both detectors, linearity was demonstrated in the range of 0.5-5 µg L-1 (R2 > 0.98). Matrix effect was insignificant for LC-DAD only, and the average preconcentration factor was about 60 times. Recoveries ranged from 94 to 113% for LC-DAD and 95-115% for LC-MS/MS analysis. ANOVA was applied to estimate the standard deviation under repeatability (6.96-8.61% for LC-DAD and 5.98-7.41% for LC-MS/MS) and within-reproducibility (6.96-8.61% for LC-DAD and 6.56-7.41% for LC-MS/MS) conditions. The limits of detection and quantification for LC-MS/MS analysis were 4.29 and 28.74 ng L-1, respectively, while, for LC-DAD, these limits were 14.29 and 95.81 ng L-1, respectively. The results demonstrated that the developed method was suitable for determining MG in water samples, and the large-volume multiphase, multi-sample electroextraction device proved to be a powerful sample preparation technique to obtain high clean-up and large preconcentration levels, which are of paramount importance for environmental applications.

Improving the stability of the malachite green method for the determination of phosphate using Pluronic F68.

The analytical determination of phosphate constitutes a fundamental step for the evaluation of catalytic activities of many enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of phosphate-containing biomolecules. The most sensitive colorimetric methods to quantify phosphate are based on measuring the spectral changes produced by the adsorption of malachite green to 12-molybdophosphoric acid. Malachite green methods are time-consuming because they require the preparation of color reagent on the day of use, due to its low stability. In this work we propose a modification of the malachite green method that overcomes these problems and only requires a one-step, ready-to-use stock solution including perchloric acid and Pluronic F68. The improved reaction mixture allowed the quantification of phosphate with a limit of detection of 0.22 µM, a dynamical range up to 80 µM depending on the optical path-length, and a molar absorption coefficient at 640 nm of 94000 M-1cm-1. Color development reaches a steady level within 30 min and remains constant for at least 2 h. The high stability of the color reagent allows long-term storage for at least 1 year. The optimized procedure is especially useful to measure phosphate-containing biomolecule levels and enzyme activities when low values are critical.

Field evaluation of malaria malachite green loop-mediated isothermal amplification in health posts in Roraima state, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Microscopic detection of malaria parasites is the standard method for clinical diagnosis of malaria in Brazil. However, malaria epidemiological surveillance studies specifically aimed at the detection of low-density infection and asymptomatic cases will require more sensitive and field-usable tools. The diagnostic accuracy of the colorimetric malachite green, loop-mediated, isothermal amplification (MG-LAMP) assay was evaluated in remote health posts in Roraima state, Brazil. METHODS: Study participants were prospectively enrolled from health posts (healthcare-seeking patients) and from nearby villages (healthy participants) in three different study sites. The MG-LAMP assay and microscopy were performed in the health posts. Two independent readers scored the MG-LAMP tests as positive (blue/green) or negative (clear). Sensitivity and specificity of local microscopy and MG-LAMP were calculated using results of PET-PCR as a reference. RESULTS: A total of 91 participants were enrolled. There was 100% agreement between the two MG-LAMP readers (Kappa = 1). The overall sensitivity and specificity of MG-LAMP were 90.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 76.34-97.21%) and 94% (95% CI 83.76-98.77%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of local microscopy were 83% (95% CI 67.22-92.66%) and 100% (95% CI 93.02-100.00%), respectively. PET-PCR detected six mixed infections (infection with both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax); two of these were also detected by MG-LAMP and one by microscopy. Microscopy did not detect any Plasmodium infection in the 26 healthy participants; MG-LAMP detected Plasmodium in five of these and PET-PCR assay detected infection in three. Overall, performing the MG-LAMP in this setting did not present any particular challenges. CONCLUSION: MG-LAMP is a sensitive and specific assay that may be useful for the detection of malaria parasites in remote healthcare settings. These findings suggest that it is possible to implement simple molecular tests in facilities with limited resources.

Malachite Green and Crystal Violet Decolorization by Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus Supernatant and by rGlLCC1 and rPOXA 1B Concentrates: Molecular Docking Analysis.

Laccases catalyze the oxidation of various aromatic organic compounds concomitantly with molecular oxygen reduction to water. Triphenylmethane dyes are synthetic compounds widely used in diverse industries. Their removal from effluents is difficult, due to their high degree of structural complexity; hence, their high concentration in effluents cause a negative impact on the environment. In the present work, molecular docking was used to evaluate interactions between rGlLCC1 or rPOXA 1B enzymes with Crystal Violet (CV) or Malachite Green (MG) dyes. In addition, removal tests of the two dyes were performed. Van der Waals interactions were obtained for only the CV dye for both GlLCC1 and POXA 1B enzymes. Nevertheless, in the GlLCC1 model, two π-π interactions were observed. For the MG dye only, Van der Waals interactions were obtained. Moreover, amino acid composition interacting in each model with each dye was similar. It is important to highlight that by molecular docking, none of the estimated ligand configurations generated hydrogen bonds. Thus, explaining the difficulty to degrade CV and MG. Regarding CV, maximum decolorization percentage was 23.6 ± 1.0% using Ganoderma lucidum supernatant and 5.0 ± 0.5% with Pleurotus ostreatus supernatant. When using recombinant laccase enzyme concentrates, decolorization percentages were 9.9 ± 0.1 and 7.5 ± 1.0% for rGlLCC1 and rPOXA 1B, respectively. On the other hand, for the MG dye, maximum decolorization percentages were 52.1 ± 5.1 and 2.3 ± 0.2% using G. lucidum and P. ostreatus concentrates, respectively. Whereas with recombinant laccase enzymatic concentrates, values of 9.4 ± 0.8% were obtained, with rGlLCC1, and 2.1 ± 0.1% when using rPOXA 1B. These findings represent an important step in bioremediation processes improvement and efficiency of industry-generated products, using environmentally friendly alternatives.

Reator anaeróbio tipo UASB conjugado com processo Fenton para remoção de cor e demanda química de oxigênio de água residuária sintética de indústria têxtil / Anaerobic reactor type UASB conjunction with process Fenton to remove color and chemical oxygen demand textile industry of synthetic wastewater

RESUMO A contaminação por despejos de efluentes industriais têxteis tem sido uma preocupação emergente de pesquisadores e ambientalistas, pois esses apresentam composição extremamente heterogênea e grande quantidade de material tóxico e recalcitrante, o que dificulta seu tratamento. Durante o processamento têxtil, uma ampla gama de corantes é liberada e alguns desses, como os azo corantes, que se caracterizam pela função azo (-N=N-) ligada a grupos aromáticos e podem ser tóxicos, carcinogênicos e/ou mutagênicos. Em vista disso, esta pesquisa teve como principal objetivo avaliar os benefícios da utilização de um reator anaeróbio tipo reator anaeróbico de fluxo ascendente com manta de lodo (UABS), seguido de processo oxidativo avançado (POA) do tipo Fenton na degradação de cor e demanda química de oxigênio (DQO) de efluente sintético de indústria têxtil. Com os resultados, foram verificadas remoções de DQO em torno de 82,0% para o reator UASB e de 95,6% para o conjunto. A cor alcançou 96,1% de remoção no reator UASB e 100,0% ao final do processo.

ABSTRACT Contamination by textile industrial wastewater discharges has been an emerging concern of researchers and environmentalists, as they have extremely heterogeneous composition and loads of toxic and recalcitrant material, which complicates treatment. In the textile processing, a wide range of dye is released and some of these, such as dyes, azo, characterized by the feature azo (-N=N-) attached to aromatic groups and may be toxic, carcinogenic and/or mutagenic. In view of this, this research aimed to evaluate the benefits of using an anaerobic reactor type anaerobic reactor upflow sludge blanket (UABS), followed by advanced oxidation process (AOP) type Fenton in color degradation and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of synthetic textile industry effluent. From the results of COD removal was observed at around 82.0% for the UASB reactor and 95.6% for the group. The color reached 96.1% removal in UASB reactor and 100.0% at the end of the process.

Partial removal and detoxification of Malachite Green and Crystal Violet from laboratory artificially contaminated water by Pleurotus ostreatus / Eliminación parcial y desintoxicación de Verde Malaquita y Cristal Violeta del laboratorio con agua contaminada artificialmente por Pleurotus ostreatus / Extração e desintoxicação de Verde Malaquita e Cristal Violeta de água contaminada artificialmente em laboratório por Pleurotus ostreatus

Abstract The triphenylmethane Malachite Green (MG) and Crystal Violet (CV) dyes are cationic dyes and mix with domestic wastewater when dumped; increasing, among others, the chemical and biological oxygen demand and can cause acute toxicity at different trophic levels. Promoting the removal (decolorization) of MG and CV, and laccase activity (54.8 ± 8.9 and 30.6 ± 2.9 UL-1 respectively) by using P. ostreatus viable biomass needed parameters such as pH (4.5 and 6.0), temperature (25 to 30 °C), stirring speed (120 rpm), percentage of inoculum (2% v/v), and dye concentration (20 and 10 mg L-1). In adsorption studies, it was showed that an acidic pH favors the adsorption of both dyes and the model of pseudo-second order describes best the phenomenon of adsorption. Finally, the germination index (GI), using Lactuca sativa seeds for the initial dyes solutions, was < 50%; demonstrating its high phytotoxic effect. When dye solutions were treated with viable biomass, the GI increased, leaving open the possibility to perform future research to determine if the aqueous solutions, post-treated with P. ostreatus, could be used in treatments that generate less toxic water which could be used in processes that do not require potable water.

Resumen Los colorantes trifenilmetánicos Verde Malaquita (MG) y Crystal Violeta (CV) son catiónicos y al ser vertidos se mezclan con aguas residuales domésticas, incrementando, entre otros, la demanda química y biológica de oxígeno; pudiendo causar toxicidad aguda en diferentes niveles tróficos. En este estudio se encontró que los parámetros pH (4,5 y 6,0), temperatura (25 y 30 °C), velocidad de agitación (120 r.p.m.), porcentaje de inóculo (2 % v/v) y concentración de colorante (20 y 10 mgL-1), presentaron un efecto significativo (p < 0.05) para favorecer la remoción (decoloración) de MG y CV, así como la actividad lacasa (54,76 ± 8,91 y 30,59 ± 2,89 UL-1 respectivamente) al utilizar biomasa viable de P. ostreatus. En los estudios de adsorción se evidenció que pH ácidos favorecen la adsorción de ambos colorantes y que el modelo de Pseudo-segundo orden describe mejor el fenómeno de quimisorción. Finalmente los índices de germinación (IG) empleando semillas de Lactuca sativa, para los colorantes iniciales fueron < 50 %; demostrando su efecto fitotóxico elevado. Cuando las soluciones de colorantes fueron tratadas con biomasa viable, el IG aumentó, dejando abierta la puerta para la realización de investigaciones futuras con la intensión de determinar si las soluciones acuosas, postratadas con P ostreatus, pueden ser utilizadas en tratamientos que generen aguas menos tóxicas y que estas puedan ser empleadas en otros procesos que no requieran agua potable.

Resumen Os corantes de tipo trifenilmetano Verde Malaquita (VM) e Cristal Violeta (CV) são corantes catiônicos e se misturam com águas residuais domésticas quando descartadas; aumentando, entre outros, as demandas químicas e biológicas de oxigênio, podendo causar toxicidade aguda em diferentes níveis tróficos. Promoveu-se a remoção (descoloração) de VM e CV, e atividade da lacase (54.8 ± 8.9 e 30.6 ± 2.9 UL-1 respectivamente) utilizando como parâmetros necessários para a biomassa viável de P. ostreatus como pH (4,5 e 6,0), temperatura (25 a 30 °C), velocidade de agitação (120 RPM), porcentagem de inócuo (2 % v/v), e concentração de corante (20 e 10 mg L-1). Em estudos de absorção, se demonstrou que um pH mais ácido favorece a absorção de ambos corantes e o modelo de pseudo-segunda ordem descreve melhor o fenômeno da absorção. Finalmente, o índice de germinação (IG), utilizando sementes de Lactuca sativa para as soluções iniciais dos corantes, foi < 50 %; demonstrando assim seu alto efeito fitotóxico. Quando as soluções de corante foram tratadas com a biomassa viável, o IG aumentou, deixando em aberto a possibilidade de realizar futuras investigações para determinar se as soluções aquosas, tratadas com P. ostreatus, poderiam ser utilizadas em tratamentos que gerem águas menos tóxicas, que poderia ser utilizada em processos que não requerem água potável.

A rapid molecular diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis by colorimetric malachite green-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) combined with an FTA card as a direct sampling tool.

Leishmaniasis remains one of the world's most neglected diseases, and early detection of the infectious agent, especially in developing countries, will require a simple and rapid test. In this study, we established a quick, one-step, single-tube, highly sensitive loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid detection of Leishmania DNA from tissue materials spotted on an FTA card. An FTA-LAMP with pre-added malachite green was performed at 64°C for 60min using a heating block and/or water bath and DNA amplification was detected immediately after incubation. The LAMP assay had high detection sensitivity down to a level of 0.01 parasites per µl. The field- and clinic-applicability of the colorimetric FTA-LAMP assay was demonstrated with 122 clinical samples collected from patients suspected of having cutaneous leishmaniasis in Peru, from which 71 positives were detected. The LAMP assay in combination with an FTA card described here is rapid and sensitive, as well as simple to perform, and has great potential usefulness for diagnosis and surveillance of leishmaniasis in endemic areas.

Evaluation of four colourimetric susceptibility tests for the rapid detection of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosisisolates

The purpose of this study is to evaluate four rapid colourimetric methods, including the resazurin microtitre assay (REMA), malachite green decolourisation assay (MGDA), microplate nitrate reductase assay (MNRA) and crystal violet decolourisation assay (CVDA), for the rapid detection of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis. Fifty Mycobacterium tuberculosisisolates were used in this study. Eighteen isolates were MDR, two isolates were only resistant to isoniazid (INH) and the remaining isolates were susceptible to both INH and rifampicin (RIF). INH and RIF were tested in 0.25 µg/mL and 0.5 µg/mL, respectively. The agar proportion method was used as a reference method. MNRA and REMA were performed with some modifications. MGDA and CVDA were performed as defined in the literature. The agreements of the MNRA for INH and RIF were 96% and 94%, respectively, while the agreement of the other assays for INH and RIF were 98%. In this study, while the specificities of the REMA, MGDA and CVDA were 100%, the specificity of the MNRA was lower than the others (93.3% for INH and 90.9% for RIF). In addition, while the sensitivity of the MNRA was 100%, the sensitivities of the others were lower than that of the MNRA (from 94.1-95%). The results were reported on the seventh-10th day of the incubation. All methods are reliable, easy to perform, inexpensive and easy to evaluate and do not require special equipment.

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for rapid mass-screening of sand flies for Leishmania infection.

Entomological monitoring of Leishmania infection in leishmaniasis endemic areas offers epidemiologic advantages for predicting the risk and expansion of the disease, as well as evaluation of the effectiveness of control programs. In this study, we developed a highly sensitive loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for the mass screening of sand flies for Leishmania infection based on the 18S rRNA gene. The LAMP technique could detect 0.01 parasites, which was more sensitive than classical PCR. The method was robust and could amplify the target DNA within 1h from a crude sand fly template without DNA purification. Amplicon detection could be accomplished by the newly developed colorimetric malachite green (MG)--mediated naked eye visualization. Pre-addition of MG to the LAMP reaction solution did not inhibit amplification efficiency. The field applicability of the colorimetric MG-based LAMP assay was demonstrated with 397 field-caught samples from the endemic areas of Ecuador and eight positive sand flies were detected. The robustness, superior sensitivity, and ability to produce better visual discriminatory reaction products than existing LAMP fluorescence and turbidity assays indicated the field potential usefulness of this new method for surveillance and epidemiological studies of leishmaniasis in developing countries.

Rapid detection of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis using the malachite green decolourisation assay

Early detection of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates allows for earlier and more effective treatment of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of the malachite green decolourisation assay (MGDA) in detecting isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) resistance in M. tuberculosis clinical isolates. Fifty M. tuberculosis isolates, including 19 multidrug-resistant, eight INH-resistant and 23 INH and RIF-susceptible samples, were tested. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and agreement of the assay for INH were 92.5%, 91.3%, 92.5%, 91.3% and 92%, respectively. Similarly, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and agreement of the assay for RIF were 94.7%, 100%, 100%, 96.8% and 98%, respectively. There was a major discrepancy in the tests of two isolates, as they were sensitive to INH by the MGDA test, but resistant by the reference method. There was a minor discrepancy in the tests of two additional isolates, as they were sensitive to INH by the reference method, but resistant by the MGDA test. The drug susceptibility test results were obtained within eight-nine days. In conclusion, the MGDA test is a reliable and accurate method for the rapid detection of INH and RIF resistance compared with the reference method and the MGDA test additionally requires less time to obtain results.

Removal of malachite green from water by Firmiana simplex wood fiber / Eliminación de malaquita verde del agua con fibra de madera Firmiana simple

This study shows that wood fiber of Phoenix tree (Firmiana simplex) is an effective adsorbent for malachite green (MG). MG sorption behavior onto the wood adsorbent was investigated in this study. Basic condition was favorable for MG adsorption to the adsorbent. The pseudo second order equation well described MG adsorption onto the wood adsorbent. The Freundlich Isotherm could describe the sorption data. The positive value of AH0 showed that adsorption of malachite green onto the wood adsorbent was endothermic. The negative values of AG at various temperatures indicate the spontaneous nature of the adsorption process.