Progress in Chemical and Biochemical Research

Contamination and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Different Land Use Urban Soils of Kathmandu District, Nepal

Kereena R Niroula; Mahesh R Shrestha; Bijaya R Adhikary; Sudarshana Shakya; Bhushan Shakya; Achut Ram Pradhananga; Bindra Devi Shakya; Dipesh Raj Pant; Pawan Raj Shakya

Volume 5, Issue 3 , September 2022, , Pages 262-282

https://doi.org/10.22034/pcbr.2022.351156.1229

Abstract

Ever-increasing population, rapid urbanization, and industrialization have critically deteriorated the urban soil quality. This study was conducted to assess the ecological risk of ... Read More Ever-increasing population, rapid urbanization, and industrialization have critically deteriorated the urban soil quality. This study was conducted to assess the ecological risk of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in four different land-use urban soils viz, commercial area (CA), heavy traffic ring roadside (HT), residential area (RA), and agricultural farm (AF) of Kathmandu District, Nepal. For this purpose, concentrations of the five heavy metals (HMs) were determined by using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS), in a total of 31 soil samples collected from all four land uses. Pollution indices such as contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (CD), pollution load index (PLI), geo-accumulation index (I-geo), ecological risk factor (ER), and potential ecological risk (PER) were used to assess the ecological risk posed by the HMs. The overall mean concentrations for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb were 0.98, 137.1, 79.80, 100.00, and 72.3 mg/kg, respectively, and were found 2-4 times greater than the background values. The statistical analysis revealed a poor correlation of the HMs against pH and total organic carbon (TOC) suggesting little influence on HMs contamination. Results also showed the highest concentrations of the HMs in HT soils among the land use types. Ecological risk assessment revealed CF (0.42-5.06) and CD (7.83-15.72) values as indicators for low to considerable, and moderate to considerable risks respectively, in soils of all land uses under the present investigation. Whereas the PLI values (1.12-2.96) corresponded to the polluted urban soils, the Igeo values (0.08-1.02) indicated an unpolluted to the moderately polluted class of soil contamination in all the land-uses. Likewise, the ER (0.91- 114.90) and PER (113.97-170.14) values pointed out that all the land use urban soils were exposed to a class of low to considerable, and moderate to considerable risks, respectively. Among the HMs, Cd, and Pb posed a comparatively high ecological risk for soils of all land uses and the estimated indices indicated HT as the most vulnerable land use suggesting immediate control measures.

Evaluation of earliness and yield-related traits in advanced cotton cultivars (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Seyyed Yaghoob Seyyed Maasoumi; Omid Sofalian; ali asghari; Mohammad Sedghi; Mohammad-Reza Zanghi

Volume 5, Issue 3 , September 2022, , Pages 301-316

https://doi.org/10.22034/pcbr.2022.352193.1230

Abstract

Cotton is an important fiber crop and used to produce fibers and oil. Evaluating morphologic traits of cotton is very important and can be used for the selection of better cultivars. ... Read More

The Use of Calcium Carbide in Fruit Ripening: Health Risks and Arsenic Index as a Quantitative Marker for Calcium Carbide Residue

Akolade Ridwan Oladipupo; Moshood O. Akinleye; Herbert A. B. Coker

Volume 5, Issue 2 , May 2022, , Pages 125-132

https://doi.org/10.22034/pcbr.2022.320724.1206

Abstract

Fruits are important worldwide due to their nutritional, commercial, and nutraceutical values. Doubtless, the increased demand for fruits is instrumental in the use of various artificial ... Read More

Comparative Phytochemical, Nutritional and Antimicrobial Screening of the Seed, Leaf and Root of Vigna Subterranea.

Adaora Stellamaris Ogbuagu; Chinwe Chioma Maduka; Isaac Obi Okerulu; Chukwuebuka Thankgod Onyema; Chidi Onyeizugbe; Uzoamaka Anthonia Emezie

Volume 5, Issue 2 , May 2022, , Pages 182-195

https://doi.org/10.22034/pcbr.2022.314226.1201

Abstract

Vigna subterranea, a legume regarded as a ‘super food’ in Nigeria has been grossly understudied and underutilised and this study investigated the constituents of the various ... Read More

Phytochemical evaluation, in vitro-in vivo antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities of various layers of watermelon fruit Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitaceae) Matsum. & Nakai

Cletus Anes Ukwubile; Umar Idriss; Abdulmalik M. Isah

Volume 5, Issue 1 , February 2022, , Pages 97-114

https://doi.org/10.22034/pcbr.2022.334538.1218

Abstract

Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) is a popular plant whose fruits are use in all parts of Nigeria as remedy for various diseases. In this present study, the phytochemical contents, antioxidant ... Read More

Chemical Composition, Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Activities of Different Extracts of the Leaves of Parquetina nigrescens (Asclepiadaceae)

Oluwatoyin O. Olaleye; Akolade R. Oladipupo; Bamisaye O. Oyawaluja; Herbert A. B. Coker

Volume 4, Issue 4 , December 2021, , Pages 359-371

https://doi.org/10.22034/pcbr.2021.287025.1188

Abstract

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, while multiple drug resistance constitutes a major problem in management of infectious diseases. The aforementioned ... Read More Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, while multiple drug resistance constitutes a major problem in management of infectious diseases. The aforementioned problems necessitate continuous investigations for development of novel antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. Here, phytochemical constituents, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of n-hexane, ethyl-acetate, 70%-ethanol and methanol extracts of Parquetina nigrescens leaves were investigated. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, DPPH, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation assays. Antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and antifungal (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albican and Penicillium spp.) activities of the extracts were examined using agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical investigations revealed presence of various phytochemicals, including alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and terpenoids. Total phenolic contents were in the range 0.321±0.030–0.432±0.030 mg gallic acid/g extract, while total flavonoid contents were in the range 0.020±0.003–0.064±0.006 mg quercetin/g extract. The extracts displayed moderate total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and ferric reducing power; having TAC values in the range 0.820±0.060–0.876±0.030 mg ascorbic acid/g extract and reducing powers in the range 0.01–0.68. The extracts showed moderate to high activities against DPPH radical, nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation; having IC50 values in the range 59.3±10.8–87. 1±14.2 µg/mL, 52.7±10.6–56.9±10.1 µg/mL, and 58.9±18.6–101.3±10.2 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, ethyl-acetate extract showed broad spectrum antibacterial activities, while n-hexane extract demonstrated narrow spectrum antifungal activity. These findings suggest that P. nigrescens leaves have potentials as source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.

Phytochemical and Anti-Microbial Analysis of Metabolites in seeds of Moringa oleifera grown in Nigeria

Daniel Omeodisemi Omokpariola; Shalom Chimbunkem Precious-Egere; Patrick Leonard Omokpariola; Victor Uchechukwu Okechukwu

Volume 4, Issue 3 , July 2021, , Pages 268-277

https://doi.org/10.22034/pcbr.2021.269528.1173

Abstract

Phytochemical and antimicrobial analysis of Moringa oleifera seeds were carried using standard laboratory procedures. The phytochemical content showed the presence of alkaloid, ... Read More

Effect of Phaulopsis falcisepala (Acanthaceae) Leaves and Stems on Mitotic Arrest and Induction of Chromosomal Changes in Meristematic Cells of Allium Cepa

Akolade Ridwan Oladipupo; Chinwe Stephenie Alaribe; Tolulope A. Akintemi; Herbert A. B. Coker

Volume 4, Issue 2 , April 2021, , Pages 134-147

https://doi.org/10.22034/pcbr.2021.256993.1163

Abstract

< p>Phaulopsis falcisepala is an herb found in the forest zone of West Africa. It is applied ethnomedicinally for treating wounds and cancer. This study investigated the chemical ... Read More

Comparative Assessment of Phytochemicals in Four (4) Varieties of Ananas Comosus (l.) Merr Peels

Tarhemba Terwanger Philip; Kaana Asemave; G.O Obochi

Volume 4, Issue 1 , January 2021, , Pages 1-10

https://doi.org/10.22034/pcbr.2020.240534.1111

Abstract

The paper reports comparative assessment of some phytochemicals in four (4) varieties of pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) merr) peels / rinds. These varieties were Native Pineapple (A), ... Read More The paper reports comparative assessment of some phytochemicals in four (4) varieties of pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) merr) peels / rinds. These varieties were Native Pineapple (A), Queens Pineapple (B), MD-2 Pineapple (C), and Smooth Cayene pineapple (D). The pineapples were collected, properly washed, and the peels were processed. After that, the peels were pulverized and oven-dried at 50 OC for 48 h. Chefman 500 W Blender was used to blend these dry samples into 0.5 µm sizes. The resulting peels were used for the analyses of alkaloid, tannin, phytate, oxalate, flavonoid, cardiac glycoside, total phenolic, and βeta- carotene using standard reported procedures. The results implied higher levels of flavonoid and total phenol in the varieties C and D than for the varieties A and B. The levels of β-carotene and cardiac glycoside were found to be significantly different (p <0.05) amongst the different peels. However, it was observed that there was no significant difference (p <0.05) in tannin and phytate contents of these rinds. There was also no significant difference in the oxalate contents of varieties A and B; but difference in the oxalate levels of varieties C and D was significant (p <0.05). Like the varieties A and B, the difference in alkaloids content of varieties C and D was not significant (p <0.05). These peels can be blended into our diets because of the presence of these phytochemicals The paper reports comparative assessment of some phytochemicals in four (4) varieties of pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) merr) peels / rinds. These varieties were Native Pineapple (A), Queens Pineapple (B), MD-2 Pineapple (C), and Smooth Cayene pineapple (D). The pineapples were collected, properly washed, and the peels were processed. After that, the peels were pulverized and oven-dried at 50 OC for 48 h. Chefman 500 W Blender was used to blend these dry samples into 0.5 µm sizes. The resulting peels were used for the analyses of alkaloid, tannin, phytate, oxalate, flavonoid, cardiac glycoside, total phenolic, and βeta- carotene using standard reported procedures. The results implied higher levels of flavonoid and total phenol in the varieties C and D than for the varieties A and B. The levels of β-carotene and cardiac glycoside were found to be significantly different (p <0.05) amongst the different peels. However, it was observed that there was no significant difference (p <0.05) in tannin and phytate contents of these rinds. There was also no significant difference in the oxalate contents of varieties A and B; but difference in the oxalate levels of varieties C and D was significant (p <0.05). Like the varieties A and B, the difference in alkaloids content of varieties C and D was not significant (p <0.05). These peels can be blended into our diets because of the presence of these phytochemicals.

Gossypol as a Natural Insecticide in Cotton Plants against Cotton Thrips and Pink Bollworm

Seham Ismail

Volume 4, Issue 1 , January 2021, , Pages 68-79

https://doi.org/10.22034/pcbr.2021.120448

Abstract

Gossypol level plays an important role in self-protection as antibiosis of cotton plants(Gossypium spp.). Thus, it was found necessary to evaluated the level of gossypol in the different ... Read More

Preparation, Electrochemical Characterization and Vapour Sensing Application of Nanoporous Activated Carbon derived from Lapsi

Armila Rajbhandari(Nyachhyon); Sandhya Acharya

Volume 3, Issue 4 , November 2020, , Pages 350-365

https://doi.org/10.22034/pcbr.2020.113921

Abstract

Activated carbon (AC) has been successfully prepared from agricultural waste lapsi seed stone. The phosphoric acid activation was done by varying the ratio of H3PO4 and lapsi seed powder ... Read More

Estimation of Sustainable Utilization Model of Common Groundwater Aquifers: A Case Study of Urban and Operators-Game Theory

Sanaz Nozariamini; Sara Miryousefi ata

Volume 3, Issue 4 , November 2020, , Pages 390-401

https://doi.org/10.22034/pcbr.2020.114030

Abstract

< p>The growth and expansion of the population on the one hand and the supply of water to provide food to the growing population on the other hand in recent decades has caused ... Read More

Studies on the Mechanical and Degradation behavior of Polyethylene by using Jujube Seed Grinding Powder (JGP)

A.U. Santhoskumar; N Jaya Chitra; E Jaya Sathya

Volume 3, Issue 3 , July 2020, , Pages 244-250

https://doi.org/10.33945/SAMI/PCBR.2020.3.7

Abstract

The Jujube seed grinding powder (JGP) were incorporated into polyethylene (PE) by weight 5-15 wt% subsequently processed to produce films of 55 micron thickness. The JGP mixed with ... Read More

Progress in Chemical and Biochemical Research

Articles in Press

Current Issue

Volume 6 (2023)

Volume 5 (2022)

Volume 4 (2021)

Volume 3 (2020)

Volume 2 (2019)

Volume 1 (2018)

Main Subjects = Natural Products and Agriculture

Contamination and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Different Land Use Urban Soils of Kathmandu District, Nepal

Abstract

Evaluation of earliness and yield-related traits in advanced cotton cultivars (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract

The Use of Calcium Carbide in Fruit Ripening: Health Risks and Arsenic Index as a Quantitative Marker for Calcium Carbide Residue

Abstract

Comparative Phytochemical, Nutritional and Antimicrobial Screening of the Seed, Leaf and Root of Vigna Subterranea.

Abstract

Phytochemical evaluation, in vitro-in vivo antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities of various layers of watermelon fruit Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitaceae) Matsum. & Nakai

Abstract

Chemical Composition, Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Activities of Different Extracts of the Leaves of Parquetina nigrescens (Asclepiadaceae)

Abstract

Phytochemical and Anti-Microbial Analysis of Metabolites in seeds of Moringa oleifera grown in Nigeria

Abstract

Effect of Phaulopsis falcisepala (Acanthaceae) Leaves and Stems on Mitotic Arrest and Induction of Chromosomal Changes in Meristematic Cells of Allium Cepa

Abstract

Comparative Assessment of Phytochemicals in Four (4) Varieties of Ananas Comosus (l.) Merr Peels

Abstract

Gossypol as a Natural Insecticide in Cotton Plants against Cotton Thrips and Pink Bollworm

Abstract

Preparation, Electrochemical Characterization and Vapour Sensing Application of Nanoporous Activated Carbon derived from Lapsi

Abstract

Estimation of Sustainable Utilization Model of Common Groundwater Aquifers: A Case Study of Urban and Operators-Game Theory

Abstract

Studies on the Mechanical and Degradation behavior of Polyethylene by using Jujube Seed Grinding Powder (JGP)

Abstract