Scientific Journal for Faculty of Science-Sirte University

Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Goethite as an Adsorbent for Uranyl (VI) ion from its Aqueous Solutions

Ragiab Issa — 2024-10-26

Nano goethite was synthesized via chemical precipitation, characterized, and utilized in batch adsorption of uranium (VI) in aqueous solution. This study aims to investigate whether a synthetic goethite could extract uranium (VI) from aqueous solutions, and to study the adsorption isotherm models. In this work, goethite (α-FeOOH) was synthesized using Atkinson et al.'s approach, which was utilized as an adsorbent. It was essential to characterize this adsorbent material. The prepared material was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Investigation and optimization have been done on different factors that may influence uranium (VI) adsorption, such as pH, initial ion concentration, and adsorbent amount. The ideal parameters that were found were then applied to actual effluents that contained uranium (VI). The results demonstrated that more than 95% of the uranium (VI) was removed. Utilizing the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models, the data shows strong agreement with the three models. According to the Langmuir isotherm model, the highest sorption capacity of goethite was 33.3 mg/g, the Langmuir constant was -7.77 L/mg, and the separation factor was 1.29x10^-3. The Freundlich constant was found to be 28.31 (mg/g)*(L/mg)^1/n, and the adsorption intensity was 2.09. The was also in agreement with the Temkin model, which shows the b_T equals 68.75 joules/mol and the KT equals 3.89 L/mg. The correlation constants were in the order of 0.982 > 0.961 > 0.872 for Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin, respectively, explaining that the three models show favorable fittings.

A Comparative Study on the Chemical Constituents of Four Libyan Herbs: Mentha Piperita, Matricaria Chamomile L, Rosmarinus Officinalis L, and Thymus Vulgaris

Rafallah Mohamed Atiya — 2024-10-26

The chemical compositions of four medicinal plants grown in Libya, specifically Mentha, Chamomile, Rosmarinus, and Thymus, have been identified. The levels of ten macro-metals (Na, K, Ca, Mg), essential heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Cu, Zn), and toxic metals (Cd, Pb) were analyzed. Wet digestion was used to dissolve the samples, and the levels of macro-metals, essential metals, and toxic metals were measured with a flame photometer and flame atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. The investigation revealed the following results (in mg/kg): Ca ranged from 2009.20 to 6184.20; Mg from 2145 to 3479; Fe from 155.36 to 370.95; Cr from 23.71 to 73.91; Cu from 6.31 to 23.71; Zn from 9.23 to 27.32; Pb from 0.14 to 0.30; Cd from 0.02 to 0.09. Cadmium and lead concentrations in Thymus and Rosmarinus were found to be lower the detection limits of flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The moisture levels varied from 9.95% in Rosmarinus to 14.43% in Menthe, while the total ash amounts are still pending. Additionally, the phytochemical properties of the plant leaves were evaluated through a screening process. The results of this research revealed the existence of phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, and saponins.

Evaluation of Pomegranate Peel as Bioadsorbent for the Removal of Lead Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Phytoadsorption Technique

Salaheddin A. Sharif — 2024-10-26

Removal of toxic heavy metals from ecosystems is a challenge. Looking for green solutions is always required. Phytoremediation is one of the most powerful, efficient, and sustainable methods. However, phytoadsorption approach was emerged in the last two decades as a potential, cheap, and benign method for the clean up of contaminated aquatic systems from heavy metals. We have investigated the potential of dry pomegranate peels as biosorbent to remove lead ions from their aqueous solutions using the phytoadsorption technique. Different amounts of the dead biomass (5.0, 2.0, and 0.5 g) at varied shaking rates of 400, 600, 800 OSC/min and three periods of contact time were applied. The resulting observations of all experiments showed that the dry pomegranate peels were able to remove up 91.1% of Pb²⁺ ions from their 1000-ppm aqueous solutions at room temperature and neutral pH. In addition, the pomegranate peel as a bioadsorbent has showed an adsorption capacity up to 96.1 mg/g. Consequently, the pomegranate peels can be used as potential bioadsorbents for the removal of lead heavy metal from the contaminated aquatic systems.

Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts from Marrubium Vulgare L Plant

Salma Abdusalam Ali Ashkorfo — 2024-10-26

Marrubium vulgare L., a remarkable medicinal herb, has been used for centuries to effectively treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, and digestive issues. Renowned for its expectorant, diaphoretic, and anti-inflammatory properties, this precious herb has become a cornerstone of traditional medicine worldwide. In this study, the productivity of the ethanolic extract was an impressive 33.69%, while the aqueous extract showcased a still remarkable 14.5%. The pH levels demonstrated the ethanolic extract at 4.02 and the aqueous extract at 6.61. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of beneficial compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, steroids, and terpenes in both extracts. It is noteworthy that the ethanolic extract exhibited a higher presence of tannins, which were not found in the aqueous extract. In contrast, the ethanolic extract did not contain phenols, whereas the aqueous extract contained a significant amount of these compounds. To further explore the biological potential of these extracts, this study was conducted on their activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The findings revealed that the aqueous extract's astounding inhibition zones, measured at 19 mm and 17 mm against E. coli and S. aureus respectively. The ethanolic extract also exhibited noteworthy results, with inhibition zones of 16 mm and 18 mm against E. coli and S. aureus correspondingly. Clearly, Marrubium vulgare L. is a truly remarkable herb with immense medicinal value.

Studying the Protective Effect of Gundelia L. Against Induced Liver Diseases in Male Rats

Lelas Farhan Bdaiwi — 2024-10-26

The plant (Gundelia tournefortii) L (GL) was found in the temperate regions of Western Asia. Historically, it has been employed for its therapeutic attributes and biological efficacy in addressing diverse ailments. This study aimed to explore the protective role of GL. against the harmful effects of ethanol. Twenty-five male rats were split into five groups: the control group, the ethanol group, and other groups received GL. extracts containing flavonoids, alkaloids, and oils. The results demonstrated that treating the rats with ethanol caused elevating the activity of liver enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, the concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, malondialdehyde, and reducing the concentrations of high density lipoprotein, total protein, albumin, glutathione, antioxidant enzymes activity like catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase. Conversely, GL extracts reduced the toxicity of ethanol by decreasing the activity of liver enzymes, the concentration of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, malondialdehyde and elevating the concentrations of total protein, albumin, high density lipoprotein and antioxidant enzymes activity in the groups treated with these extracts. These results showed the hepatoprotective effects of GL extracts against ethanol which attributed to their antioxidant capacity.

Sustainable Use of Silk Vine Roots(S-VPR) as Low Cost Adsorbent for the Removal of Methylene Blue Dye from Its Aqueous Solution

Rajoan Mohammed — 2024-10-26

This study examines the adsorption of methylene blue dye from an aqueous solution using silk vine roots derived from dairy powder. The adsorbent material was utilized in its natural state, without any chemical or physical treatment. The adsorption process was conducted under different conditions, including pH, adsorbent weight, initial dye concentration, and contact time at room temperature. The adsorption capacity exhibited an increase (49.9 mg/g), whereas the adsorbent weight and initial concentration increased until equilibrium was reached within 20 minutes. The adsorption process followed second-order kinetics and displayed compatibility with the Freundlich isotherm coefficient. It was determined to be a multilayer, heterogeneous adsorption process with a maximum adsorption capacity value (qe _max 49.9 mg/g). Based on the results, it can be confirmed that wild dairy (silk vine) is capable of effectively adsorbing pollutants, such as the blue methylene dye.

pH Role in Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Extract of various Plant Parts: A review

Mofida M. Alfaid — 2024-10-26

Synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from extracts of various plant parts and of agricultural waste is strongly affected by pH. These green synthesis methods cconsidered simple, cost effective, ecofriendly, and biologically effective. This brief review aimed to survey the role of pH in the green synthesis of AgNPs using those media, with a focus on its effect on AgNPs morphology and size. This review article revealed that the alkaline pH (9 - 10) is the optimum condition for synthesizing more stable and tiny uniform AgNPs. In addition, according to the reviewed articles, the spherical shape is the most dominant shape of these articles in the basic medium and the size of these particles decreases at elevated pH values and ranged from 5-40 nm.

The Effect of Leishmania mexicana growth phase on MHC class I down regulation

khdija S. Mohamed — 2024-10-26

The histocompatibility complex (MHC) system is important in immunity to intracellular pathogens such as Leishmania parasites. MHC-I expression is regulated after the infection, and it is a pivotal mechanism used by intracellular pathogens to evade the immune response. Very little is known about this mechanism of Leishmania infection. In this study, the infection with different growth phases of Leishmania mexicana effect on MHC-I expression was evaluated in human cell line U937 and MonoMac-6 by flow cytometry. The results clearly show a wide range of MHC-I downregulation due to the infection of human cells with different phases of L. mexicana. MHC-I expression was significantly (P<0.05) downregulated when U937 and MonoMac-6 cells were infected with mid log stage at a ratio of 1:10 (cell:parasite), compared to infection with late and stationary phases. The results illustrated that MHC-I expression was down regulated from 88% in control cells to 79.00%, 45.08%, and 1.74% at infection ratios of 1:10, 1:20, and 1:30, respectively. Therefore, the degree of MHC-I downregulation was parasite dosage dependent. The normal MHC-I appearance in parasite infected cells was partially restored after adding fungizone, an anti Leishmania agent. In conclusion, the previously documented fluctuations in MHC-I expression responses to Leishmania infection may relate to differences in the parasite's development stages and infection dose.

The cardiovascular function and growth of the developing embryo exposed to nicotine during the early stages of chicken embryo.

kawakeb saad — 2024-10-26

Congenital malformations, present at birth, can be caused by genetic factors, environmental influences, or both. Nicotine exposure during pregnancy, whether due to passive smoke exposure or active smoking, is a significant environmental factor contributing to congenital malformations. Nicotine imitates acetylcholine, a natural chemical in the body, and its consumption by expectant mothers leads to growth delays, nervous system and cardiac abnormalities, and other abnormalities.

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of nicotine on the early stages of embryonic development. The study focused on observing general morphological abnormalities in the development, and alterations in heart rate using domestic chick Galls galls embryos. Fertilized eggs were sterilized with 70% ethanol and then injected with three concentrations of nicotine solution (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mg/ml) on day zero before being placed in an incubator set at a temperature range of 37.5 - 38 C^o. The current research indicated the effects of nicotine on the heart rate (HR) of chicken embryos treated at different stages, HH19 (Day 3), HH27 (Day 5), and HH36 (Day 10), with nicotine solutions in a decrease in HR. This suggests that nicotine has a notable effect on the heart rate of chicken embryos at various developmental stages.

The Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in the Qaminis Region, Eastern Libya

Fatma Wanis F. Al-jmali — 2024-10-26

One widespread health issue is the lack of adequate vitamin D. Today, vitamin D deficiency is acknowledged worldwide. In addition, increasing the rates of hypovitaminosis D in the sunniest places of the world, such as Libya. Aim: present study's objectives were to assess the vitamin D status of the local populace in the Qaminis region of astern Libya and investigate the correlations between age and gender with vitamin D deficiency. Methods: In the Qaminis region of Eastern Libya, 135 respondents (47 males and 88 females) participated in a cross-sectional study between January 2023 and December 2023.An enzyme immunoassay method was used to measure the serum 25(OH) D levels. Results: The incidence of vitamin D insufficiency was 74.81% in Qaminis town. Vitamin D levels were found to be below normal in 25.18% of the subjects (<30 ng/mL), with 17.03% of them being deficient (<10 ng/mL) and 57.77% being insufficient (10–29.9 ng/mL). Age groups revealed that the proportion of people with severe vitamin D deficiency was 9.62%, insufficiency was 32.59%, and people with adequate vitamin D concentrations were 14.81% (26–80). Conclusion: Based on the data, it is reveled that populations in Qaminis had a very high frequency of vitamin D deficiency

Prevalence of Anaemia among Students in the Jardinah Region and Its Relationship to Dietary Behaviours

Najla Abdul-Razig Najm — 2024-10-26

Background: School students are among the most vulnerable groups to malnutrition. It's possible that it's a result of eating habits that are incorrect, which results in complications and physical changes. These changes may be in the short or long term in successive age stages, which causes many disorders and defects in their healthy development and growth.

Design: This study was conducted during the period of 2022-2023, focusing on the dietary habits of students in four randomly selected schools in the Jardinah area of Benghazi city. The study involved administering a questionnaire to assess dietary behaviours, including breakfast consumption, fruit intake, water consumption, and measuring haemoglobin levels. The study sample consisted of 33 male and female students, ranging in age from 9 to 18 years.

Results: The study findings revealed that among school students, the prevalence of anaemia was 15.5% for males and 12.1% for females, the highest rates observed in the 9-11-year-old age group. Additionally, a significant proportion of students demonstrated healthy dietary habits. Specifically, (60.6%) of the participants reported regular breakfast consumption, while (54.5%) reported consuming fruits. Furthermore, the study highlighted that (42.4%) of the students reported regular water intake.

Conclusions: It has been found that schoolchildren typically adhere to the habit of having breakfast, eating a substantial amount of fruits and vegetables, and regularly drinking water. This may be a contributing factor to the moderately low prevalence of anaemia compared to the classification established by the World Health Organization for the severity levels of anaemia.

Vitamin D level in children with type 1 diabetes in Misrata, Libya

Naima H. Ftattet — 2024-10-26

Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and type 1 diabetes and some factors related to it. The study was conducted on 100 children with diabetes and 40 non-diabetic children from the city of Misurata. Samples were collected by using a questionnaire over a period of 4 months. The study showed a significant relationship (P-value <0.05) between the level of vitamin D and patients with type 1 diabetes. The percentage of vitamin D deficiency in sick children was higher compared to healthy children (59%) (55%), respectively, and the percentage of vitamin D deficiency did not constitute and its relationship to age, gender, residential area, duration of exposure to the sunlight, and seasons of the year, showed statistical significance (P-value > 0.05), and the most age groups suffering from vitamin D deficiency were those between the ages of (11-16 years) in patients and healthy people, The rate of vitamin D deficiency was higher in females than in males. The percentage of vitamin D deficiency and taking supplements was statistically significant, and there was an inverse relationship between fasting blood sugar and vitamin D levels. The percentage of vitamin D deficiency duration of diabetes, and HbA1c did not constitute any statistical significance. This current study concluded that vitamin D deficiency is common in children, whether in patients or healthy people.

Checklist of Poisonous Plants in Al Mansora and Jarjar– oma regions of Al Jabal Al Akhdar- Libya

Ensaf H. Dakeel — 2024-10-26

The total number of poisonous species in the two regions was 78 species. In Al Mansora region 36 species which belongs to 32 genera and 22 families, 9 species belong to monocotyledons and 27 species belongs to dicotyledons were recoreded. The results showed that the percentage of poisonous plants was 20.5% in Al Mansora region. However, in Jarjar oma region 42 species which belongs to 37 genera and 23 families, 10 species belong to monocotyledons and 32 species belongs to dicotyledons were recorded. Also, the results showed that the percentage of poisonous plant was 23.4% in Jarjar oma region. The checklist included family, scientific name, local name, some toxic plant parts and some effects for some species.

Alleviation of Salinity Stress on Growth and Yield of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L) Plants Using Dry Yeast (Saccharomyces cereivisiae) Solution

Amal Ehtaiwesh — 2024-10-26

The area of saline effected soils is increasing worldwide. Salinity significantly influences plant growth and yield. However, dry yeast (Saccharomyces cereivisiae) solution may play a role in alleviating salinity stress on faba bean (Vicia faba L) plants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the ability of dry yeast solution on reducing the negative effect of salinity on bean plants. In complete randomized design with four replicates in two factors, this study was conducted. Faba bean plants were grown under saline and non-saline conditions (0 and 120mM NaCl), treated with and without yeast solution (10g/L). The results indicated that salinity stress 120mM NaCl significantly (p<0.001) decreased most of studied growth and yield parameters such as plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area, number of pods plant^-1 number of seeds pod^-1, weight of 10 seeds, dry weight and seed yield. On the other hand, the result shown that the application of 10g/L of yeast solution induced significant (p<0.05) promotive effects on most of growth and yield parameters in both saline and non-saline conditions. The study revealed that dry yeast solution treatment had the ability to persuade significant recovery for the reduction occurred in growth and yield traits of bean plants exposed to salinity. Overall, the study conclude that yeast can be beneficial to alleviate the injury caused by salinity stress; however, it may needed to combine it with other farming practices for optimal results.

Mineral Composition of Coastal Landforms in Wadi Al-Suwani at Al-Bardia Region, East of Tobruk City, Libya

Mohamed Masoud — 2024-10-26

This study investigates the mineralogical composition of coastal geomorphological units, including sabkhas, rock cliffs, and beach sands, along the Wadi Al-Suwani shoreline near Burdi village in east of Libya. The research aimed to characterize these landforms, focusing on their geochemical and mineralogical properties, to better understand the processes shaping this unique coastal landscape. A total of fifteen samples were collected during field trips in August and September 2022, spanning various geomorphological units such as sabkhas, rock cliffs, and beaches. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that intertidal sabkha sediments predominantly contain terrigenous minerals like quartz (40.7%-69.7%), microcline (34.6%-39.0%), and albite (7.7%-13.7%), with minor occurrences of carbonate minerals such as calcite (9.5%-30.6%) and dolomite (1.3%-5.4%). The supratidal sabkha sediments were primarily composed of quartz (45.7%-69.7%) and lesser amounts of microcline and calcite, while halite was notably absent. Beach sands exhibited a mineralogical profile dominated by quartz (41.2%-78.2%) and calcite (19.1%-50.4%), with traces of dolomite and hematite. In contrast, the rock cliffs of the Al-Abraq, Al-Faidiyah, and Al-Jaghbub Formations were overwhelmingly composed of calcite (83.4%-97.9%), indicative of their shallow marine origin, with minor quartz and halite content. The findings underscore the complexity of depositional processes in the region, shaped by a combination of terrigenous input, marine biogenic activity, and evaporative conditions. This research provides valuable insights into the coastal geomorphology of the Al-Bardia region, with broader implications for understanding similar coastal environments globally.

Parasite Contamination of Fresh Leafy Vegetables in Benghazi, Libya.

Entesar S. Elmnefi — 2024-10-26

Background: Raw vegetable consumption can be a primary pathway for the spread of food-borne parasite illnesses, despite the fact that fresh vegetables offer significant nutritional value to people. Thus. This study's goal was to investigate whether parasites are present in veggies that are frequently eaten in Benghazi city, Libya. Method of the study:- One hundred and fifteen types of vegetables. lettuce, mint, parsley, green onion, and watercress 30 pieces of each were included. The sediments experienced analysis using iodine and modified smears stained with Ziehl- Neelsen, while data SPSS version 20 statistical software was used for the analysis. Results:- It was discovered that 90% of the samples that were inspected contained parasite eggs, cysts, and larvae. With a contamination percentage of 100%, lettuce was the most contaminated vegetable, and parsley had the lowest contamination rate (80%). The parasite with the highest prevalence rate was Entamoeba histolytica/ dispar cyst (71.1%), Giardia Lamblia cyst and Hymenolepis nana eggs (13.3% each of them), Taenia. Saginata eggs (11.11%), Ascaris eggs and Entamoeba. Hartmanni cyst (6.67% each of them), but it was discovered that the Strongyloides larvae only occasionally appeared (6.67%).

Conclusion:- Benghazi City leafy vegetables had a very high parasitic rate of contamination. Therefore, eating such vegetables without thoroughly cleaning them promotes the spread of parasitic diseases, which provide a serious risk to health for those in Libya.

Evaluation of the ability of endemic herbal extracts to bio-control some plant pathogenic bacteria: (Araceae of Libya).

Ahmed A. abdulrraziq — 2024-10-26

Potentially control of plant diseases in the future can occur by utilizing endemic plant extracts to provide biotic and abiotic environmental conditions that are beneficial for host development and growth which are adverse to pathogen reproduction and evolution. The present study reports the antibacterial activities of three species of endemic herbs of Araceae. The antibacterial activity was determined by methanol and acetone extraction of aerial and underground parts of three endemic herbaceous species in Libya; Arisarum vulgari, Arum cyreniacum and Biarum bovei. The test was conducted by Screening using the disc diffusion technique, against Two various species of plant-pathogenic bacteria; Agrobacterium spp. and Erwinia spp. According to this study, the most effective way to manage plant-pathogenic bacteria was tuber extracts, especially B. bovei tubers. A. cyreniacum tuber extracts also showed good efficacy, while A. vulgaris extracts were the least effective. On the other hand, the majority of the examined extracts had the greatest impact on Erwinia spp. This is the first report to highlight the potential of all species of endemic herbs of Araceae family of Libya in the bio-control of plant pathogens. Thus, endemic herbs of Araceae can be considered to possess strong germicidal properties against plant disease-causing Agrobacterium spp.and Erwinia spp.