Assessment of Groundwater Physico-Chemical Quality in the Ouémé Delta (Southern-Benin)

Groundwater resources are the main sources of water used to supply drinking water to the population of the Ouémé Delta via the Continental Terminal aquifer. Urbanization, population growth, and agricultural and industrial activities have resulted in a deterioration in the quality of these resources. To assess the quality of the delta’s groundwater and its suitability for human consumption and irrigation, a total of fourteen (14) physico-chemical parameters were analyzed in some forty existing water points between September 2020 and March 2021, using standard water analysis techniques. The values obtained were compared with the potability standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Republic of Benin and were subjected to statistical analysis (principal component analysis (PCA)). In addition, methods for determining the suitability of water for irrigation were used. The results showed that the waters are acidic to slightly neutral and influenced by ambient temperature. In addition, the waters are moderately mineralized, with conductivities (24 - 1205 μS/cm) in line with WHO standards. A comparison of the analytical results of the WHO (2017) and Benin (2001) standards indicates that the majority of the waters studied are of good quality for all the chemical parameters considered. Nevertheless, some samples show levels of nitrates (21%), potassium (14% to 16%), calcium (13%), ammonium (12%), nitrites (8%) and bicarbonates (10%) over their respective standards. The Wilcox and Riverside diagrams indicate that the majority of waters (90%) have excellent suitability for irrigation and no negative effect on soil fertilization.

Physico-Chemical Analysis of Soils Used for Pineapple Cultivation in the Sub-Prefectures of Maferinyah and Friguiagbé (Prefectures of Forécariah and Kindia) Republic of Guinea

Over the years, pineapple production in the Republic of Guinea has become less competitive in the West African sub-region, with a world ranking of 144th. It is therefore only natural to review certain parameters in order to improve this ranking. To do this, certain physico-chemical parameters of soil samples from Friguiagbé and Maferinyah (in the Kindia and Forécariah prefectures) were taken and analysed using the following techniques: Pipette de Robinson, Anne, Bray II, Kapen HICDVITZ, Mc. Lead (1982). The analytical results show that the soils at Friguiagbé in Kindia and Maferinyah in Forécariah are acidic, with pH values of 4.4 and 4.7 (fields I and II) and 4.8 and 4.7 (fields I and II) respectively. The soils have a silty-sandy texture. This study could therefore serve as a guide for the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Guinea.

Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Properties of a Food Broth Based on Nere (Parkia biglobosa)

Purpose: Diet and eating habits are major risk factors for the health and the development of disease, such as, for example, metabolic disorder leading to cardiovascular pathology and cancer, decreased immunity exposing to infections. This study of the physico-chemical and nutritional properties of a soumara-based food broth was carried out with the aim of promoting the consumption of organic broth made from nere seeds (soumara). That is to alleviate certain metabolic diseases, which is a matter of food safety, and also to limit the risk for the health about the consumption of some cooking stocks on the market. Methods: Several natural ingredients such as nere seeds (soumara), ginger, black pepper, parsley and garlic were used to create a nere-based stock. All these ingredients were freeze-dried and the powder obtained was used to make the broth, regarding their physical and chemical properties. Results: The broth had a good protein content of 17.41 ± 0.367 g/100g, a lipid content of 16.80 ± 0.08 g/100g and a fiber content of 8.66 ± 0.04 g/100g. In terms of nutritional values, the broth showed good levels of calcium 184.21 ± 0.09 mg/100g, potassium 50.04 ± 1.45 mg/100g and iron and zinc. In terms of antioxidant activity, the broth also showed good antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Regarding the properties of our food broth, whose composition is based on natural ingredients, could be recommended for consumption and, its properties, could play an important role in preventing and combating certain metabolic diseases.

Assessment of Physico-Chemical and Microbial Quality of Sugarcane Juice Sold by Street Vendors in Three Regions of Bangladesh

Sugar cane juice is a popular refreshing drink in most part of Bangladesh. It has great taste and health benefits;also it is available most of the public places at reasonable prices which consumed by road side customers including general public, shopping personals, tourists, students. In our country, street vendors crushing sugarcane between roller crusher and sold without any heat treatment or preservative, also served with or without added ice and lemon juice. The study aimed to identify and compare the physico-chemical and microbial quality of sugarcane juice. The chemical qualities of juices including moisture, PH, ash, total soluble solid, total sugar, reducing sugar and titrable acidity were found slightly different in Mymensingh, Gazipur and Narayangonj areas. The highest and lowest value of moisture, ash, PH, total soluble solids, total sugar, reducing sugar and titrable acidity were found in 84.33% - 79.26% (Gazipur-Mymensingh), 0.57% - 0.04% (Mymensingh-Gazipur), 5.9 - 2.9 (Gazipur-Narayangonj), 17.48% - 4.98% (Mymensingh-Narayangonj), 21.9% - 6.56% (Mymensingh-Gazipur), 3.7 - 2.1 (Gazipur-Mymensingh) and 0.523% - 0.007% (Narayangonj-Gazipur) respectively. For microbiological analysis, the total viable count of sugar cane juice in Mymensingh, Gazipur and Narayangonj were ranged from 0.6 × 105 - 43.6 × 105 cfu/ml, 4.6 × 105 - 21.6 × 105 cfu/ml and 3.6 × 105 - 36.6 × 105 cfu/ml respectively, where the permitted value is 1.0 × 104 cfu/ml, whereas the total coliform count was ranged from 0.4 × 105 - 6.4 × 105 cfu/ml, 0.6 × 105 - 8.4 × 105 cfu/ml and 0.00 - 8.4 × 105 cfu/ml, where the permitted value is 100 cfu/ml and total fungal count was ranged from 5.5 × 105 - 56.5 × 105 cfu/ml, 21.5 × 105 - 54.5 × 105 cfu/ml and 32.5 × 105 - 68.5 × 105 cfu/ml, where the permitted value is 1000 cfu/ml. According to the Gulf standard, the microbiological parameters of all the collected sugar cane juice were out of the permitted standards, so that a serious health outbreak can be caused anytime.

Physico-Chemical Properties of Soils from Diguel and Koudalwa Tchad,and Phytoremediation Potentials of Acasia and Kinkeliba Plants in Removing Cr and Cu from These Soils

The aim of this study to investigate the physico-chemical properties of soils from Diguel and Koudalwa Tchad,and phytoremediation potentials of acasia and kinkeliba plants in removing Cr and Cu from these soils.Soil was sampled from the tannery plant in Diguel and agricultural land around crude oil activities in Koudalwa.Soils were characterized by the following properties:pH,(Electrical Conductivity),TDS(Total Dissolved Solids),salinity,bulk density,OM(Organic Matter),nitrate,phosphate,clay,silt,sand,and textural class.The acasia and kinkeliba plants were used to decontaminate Cu and Cr from sample soils for 30 days period.The bulk density of all the soil samples from Kouldawa was higher compared to Diguil,ranging from 1.421 to 1.64 g/cm^(3)compared to 1.21 to 1.51 g/cm^(3)for Diguel.Most of the soils in Kouldawa are mineral soils,while those of Diguel are mostly mineral soil with some organics.Diguel soils are richer in nitrate(577.9 to 2,687.32 mg/kg in Diguel and 33.64 to 197.64 mg/kg in Kouldawa)and phosphate than soils from Kouldawa.Soils from the studied areas are not saline except for a subsurface soil in Diguel(salinity,4.21;EC,4.280 dS/m;TDS,3,040 mg/L).The highest amount of Cr and Cu removed by acasia is 78%and 53.12%compared to 73.8%and 52.21%by kinkeliba.Diguel soil can be very suitable for agriculture and Kouldawa soils for construction.Acasia and kinkeliba can be effectively used to decontaminate the studied soils from heavy metal pollution.

Physico-Chemical and Structural Assessment of Akono Riparian Forest Watershed, Tributary of the Nyong Basin (Centre-Cameroon) at Different Stages of Degradation

Freshwater bodies are natural resources that should be exploited to the fullest, while maintaining the sustainability of ecosystems and ecosystem services which they support. Riparian forests are more important as they contain rivers which are vital sources of fresh water for local populations. However, the quality and quantity of water issued from the watershed depend on the structural state of these forests. The aim of this work was to assess the physico-chemical and structural state of the Akono gallery forest. To achieve this, fieldwork consisted of selecting six major streams of the watershed including Ndjolong, Menyeng adzap, Emomodo, Mvila, Negbe and Ossoé kobok. On each of these, two stations, one intact and one degraded, were marked by transects. The method involved measuring Hydrometric parameters (depth, length, width) of the stream and Physico-chemical parameters of water in the streams while dendrometric parameters were measured along 100 m-transects laid using the point-centred quarter method modified for water bodies to collect tree, shrub and palm variables such as trunk diameter, crown diameter and height. Macrophytes and species identification were carried out using standard botanical procedures. Results showed that, the majority of physico-chemical parameters measured differed significantly between intact and degraded stations (P Pentachletra mancrophylla, whereas on degraded sites, this index was low and characterized by the relative dominance of species Piptadeniastrum africanum. Sorensen’s index (0.56) and CFA showed that the different stands were homogeneous. We can affirm that the riparian forests of Akono watershed are towards a state of stability notwithstanding the perpetuation of anthropological actions.

Physico-Chemical Characterization of Some Honeys from the Savannah-Gallery Forest Complex and Primary Forest in Gabon

Honey harvesting throughout beekeeping is a technology recently introduced in Gabon comparing to the other African countries well known in international honey trade. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the knowledge of the quality of multi-flower honeys from the savannah-gallery forest complex and primary forest not well documented in Gabon. Physical and chemical parameters of different honeys were analyzed using the official methods of analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The results of physico-chemical analysis show variations in pH (3.4 to 3.9), free acidity (37.12 to 76.65 meq∙kg−1), water content (17.49% to 21.21%), electrical conductivity (0.64 to 1.24 mS∙cm−1), density (1.02 to 1.03) and total sugar content (77% to 82%). These variations were significantly different (p < 0.05) between certain honeys, but independent of the type of ecosystem considered. The pH values confirmed the botanical origin of the five honeys. The physico-chemical parameters of the honeys show significant correlations (p < 0.05). Moisture content is negatively correlated with conductivity (r = −0.628), pH (r = −0.631), density (r = −0.552) and total sugar content (r = −0.890). Conductivity is positively correlated with free acidity (r = 0.688) and total sugar content (r = 0.776), and negatively correlated with water content (r = −0.628). All honeys were in line with Codex Alimentarius standards, except for 3 types of honey (M1, M2 and M4) for free acidity and electrical conductivity, showing possible fermentation of these honeys.

Assessing the Impact of Petrol Service Stations on Selected Physico-Chemical Water Quality Parameters within Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

This study assessed the impact of petrol service stations on physico-chemical water quality in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State. This threw light on the extent of damage and alteration of water quality in Port Harcourt metropolis as a result of the proliferation of petrol service stations especially the condition of ground and nearby surface water. This serves as a useful tool to government and regulatory authorities for planning especially due to lack of central water supply system in Port Harcourt metropolis. The parameters studied were sampled, measured and analyzed using in situ and other standard methods. Remarkable results above permissible limits of interest for physicochemical parameter analysis revealed pH values from 4.6 to 6.8, electrical conductivity from 0.002 µS/cm to 0.42 µS/cm, salinity from 3 ppm to 4050 ppm, and temperatures from 19.9˚C to 32.6˚C. Total dissolved solids (TDS) varied from 7 ppm to 1000 ppm, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from 0.167 mg/L to 2.167 mg/L, chemical oxygen demand (COD) from 0.257 mg/L to 3.253 mg/L, and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations from 1.70 mg/L to 4.30 mg/L. Specifically, water samples from NNPC Filling Station (Choba) and Eneka Pond displayed “Poor” water quality with WQI values of 112.003 and 112.076, respectively. Similarly, ALLTEC Filling Station (Eneka) and TOTAL Filling Station (Rumuomasi) had “Poor” water quality with WQI values of 173.707 and 180.946, respectively. In contrast, Excelsis Filling Station (Akpajo) demonstrated “Good” water quality with a WQI of 85.2072, while Total Filling Stations (Slaughter) and Choba River revealed “unsuitable for drinking” water quality with WQI values of 552.461 and 654.601, respectively. Slaughter River also indicated very poor water quality with a WQI of 442.024. The physicochemical and nutrient analyses of the water samples showed that activities of the filling stations within the study area may have polluted groundwater in the environment posing poor aesthetics and great health risk to consumers of the water bodies. The findings underscore the need for immediate remediation efforts and stricter regulatory measures to protect water quality. The study concluded that surface and groundwater near petrol service stations in Port Harcourt are unfit for drinking and irrigation purposes without adequate treatment.

QTL Mapping and Q×E Interactions of Grain Cooking and Nutrient Qualities in Rice Under Upland and Lowland Environments

Grain cooking and nutrient qualities are the most important components of rice （Oryza sativa L.） quality. A doubled haploid （DH） population from a cross between two japonica cultivars was used to examine the phenotypic values and potential QTLs for the quality traits. The cooking and nutrient quality traits, including the amylose content （AC）, the gel consistency （CJC）, the gelatinization temperature （GT）, and the protein content （PC）, in rice grown under upland and lowland environments were evaluated. Significant differences for AC, GC, GT, and PC between upland and lowland environments were detected. The phenotypic values of all four traits were higher under upland environment than lowland environment. The value of PC under upland environment was significantly higher （by 37.9%） than that under lowland environment. This suggests that upland cultivation had large effect on both cooking and nutrient qualifies. A total of seven QTLs and twelve pairs of QTLs were detected to have significant additive and epistatic effects for the four traits. Significant Q x E interaction effects of two QTLs and two pairs of QTLs were also discovered. The general contribution of additive QTLs ranged from 1.91% to 19.77%. The Q × E interactions of QTLs QGt3 and QAc6 accounted for 8.99% and 47.86% of the phenotypic variation, respectively, whereas those of the 2 pairs of epistatic QTLs, QAc6-QAcllb and QAc8-QAc9, accounted for 32.54% and 11.82%, respectively. Five QTLs QGt6b, QGt8, QGt11, QGcl, and QPc2, which had relatively high general contribution and no Q x E interactions, were selected to facilitate the upland rice grain quality breeding.

Effects of Different Light Qualities on Activity and Gene Expression of Caspase-like Proteases in Tobacco Leaves

[Objective] The study aimed to investigate the activity and gene expression of caspase-like proteases in tobacco leaves growing under different light qualities. [Method] By covering tobacco plants with white, red, yellow, blue and purple films to obtain different light quality, the changes of chlorophyll content, activity and gene expression of caspase-like proteases in the tobacco leaves were studied. [Results] Compared with treatments of white, red and yellow film, blue and purple films delayed the decrease of chlorophyll content and senescence of tobacco leaves at the late growth stage, and relatively lowered the activity and gene expression of caspase-like proteases during growth, development and senescence periods. [Conclusion] Different light qualities exhibited various effects on the growth, development and senescence of tobacco leaves, possibly by affecting the activity and gene expression of caspase-like proteases to some extent.

Study on Influences of Different Land Use Types on Soil Qualities in Plateau Karst Depression

[Objective] The aim was to study influences of different land use ways on soil qualities in plateau karst depression.[Method] Different land use types were divided by topographic map of 1∶10 000 scales and soil properties of physics and chemistry were analyzed.[Result] The results showed that the variation trend of soil depth(A+B stratum)was slope plough(include returning farm to forest)land>natural forest land>planted forest land>shrub forest land,and relative indexes changing regularities of soil...

Comparative Analysis on Fruit Qualities of 7 Litchi Varieties from Vietnam

[Objective] The aim was to screen litchi varieties suitable for local production in Vietnam. [Method] The fruit botanical and quality characteristics of the seven litchi varieties introduced into Northern Mountainous Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute of Vietnam Academy of Agriculture Sciences were compared and analyzed. [Result] Three varieties with good general qualities including Lai Phu Ho,Thach Binh and Hung Long which were suitable to be cultivated in the local area were selected. In addition,Phu Dong was the available,early-maturing germplasm resource. [Conclusion] This research will provide reference for litchi production and breeding in northern mountainous area.

Comparative Analysis on Fruit Qualities of Longan Varieties form Vietnam

[Objective] The aim was to screen longan varieties suitable for local production in Vietnam.[Method] The fruit botanical characteristics and quality characteristics of longan varieties introduced into Northern Mountainous Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute of Vietnam Academy of Agriculture Sciences were compared and analyzed.[Result] Two varieties with good general qualities including PMP6 and PHS1-1 which were suitable to be cultivated in the local area were selected.In addition,Phu Dong was the available processed germplasm resource.[Conclusion] This research will provide reference for longan production and breeding in Northern Mountainous.

Fundamental Qualities of Diplomatic Interpreters

With the more and more frequent of international communications, diplomatic work has come to a totally new age.The diplomatic interpreters must meet higher requirments and challenges. Hence what qualities they should have becomes an important problem.this thesis focus on four aspects to deal with it.

Investigation of Punica granatum L.Germplasm Resources in Binchuan and Comparative Analysis of Major Fruit Qualities

[Objective] This study aimed to provide a basis for enriching the Punica granatum L. germplasm resources through investigating Punica granatum L. vari- eties in Binchuan. [Method] In this study, biological traits of Punica granatum L. vari- eties in Binchuan （including two local varieties-＇Binchuan Red Coat＇ and ＇Binchuan Green Coat＇, ＇Cyan Coat and Soft Seeds＇ and ＇Little Red Coat＇ introduced from Huili, Sichuan, ＇Acid Pomegranate＇ introduced from Shandong Province and ＂Ma Pomegranate＂ from Fengqiu, Henan） were investigated and their major fruit qualities were also analyzed. [Result] ＂Cyan Coat and Soft Seeds＇ and ＂Ma Pomegranate＇ grew well with good fruit quality, which adapted well to the climate and environment in Binchuan; ＂Little Red Coat＇ showed average performance in growth and major fruit qualities with inferior flavour; ＂Binchuan Red Coat＇ and ＇Binchuan Green Coat＇ also showed average performance in major fruit qualities and and inferior flavour; ＇Acid Pomegranate＇ grew while was inferior in flavour. [Conclusion] This study pro- vides references for presenting the directions for studies of P. granatum L. germplasm resources and determining the genetic relationship among germplasm resources, as well as breeding, introduction and cultivation of P. granatum L., further providing a variety basis for pomegranate production.

Changes in Cooking and Nutrition Qualities of Grains at Different Positions in a Rice Panicle under Different Nitrogen Levels

Cooking and nutrition qualities of grain are two of the most important aspects of rice quality. To understand the difference in cooking and nutrition qualities among the grains at different positions within a rice panicle, the distributions of gel consistency （GC）, amylose content （AC） and crude protein content （CPC） of grains in a panicle in association with different nitrogen levels （0, 120 and 240 k c/ha） were investigated by using two rice varieties, Yangdao 6 （indica） and Wuyujing 3 （japonica）. In general, the grains at the basal part of a panicle had lower GC and higher AC than those at the upper or middle part of a panicle. The 1^st grain on the secondary branch with earlier flowering exhibited the highest GC, whereas the 2nd grain on the primary branch with later flowering showed the highest AC. For Yangdao 6, CPC in the grains on the primary branches was lower at the middle part of a panicle than at the upper or basal part of a panicle. For Wuyujing 3, there were no significant differences in CPCs in the grains among the upper, middle and basal parts of a panicle. GC in the grains was increased, whereas AC was reduced from zero nitrogen application （ON） to low amount of nitrogen application （LN）, and the result was reversed from LN to medium amount of nitrogen application （MN）. CPC was increased with the increase in the amount of nitrogen application.

Effects of Chalkiness on Cooking,Eating and Nutritional Qualities of Rice in Two indica Varieties

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of chalkiness on cooking, eating and nutrition qualities of rice using Gangyou 527 （indica hybrid rice） and Zhaiyeqing 8 （conventional indica rice） as materials. Compared with the milled rice without chalkiness, amylose content, final viscosity, setback and consistence increased significantly, while gel consistence, peak viscosity and breakdown decreased remarkably and other RVA values did not have significant changes in the chalky rice of Gangyou 527. The differences in the above indices between the chalky and non-chalky rice was not remarkable in Zhaiyeqing 8. The crude protein content of chalky rice in Zhaiyeqing 8 was significantly lower than that of non-chalky rice, but there was no remarkable change between the chalky and non-chalky rice in Gangyou 527. Glutelin content fell significantly, and albumin, globulin, prolamine and lysine contents did not change significantly in chalky rice compared with non-chalky rice in the two varieties.

Physico-Chemical Properties of Flour, Starch, and Modified Starch of Two Rice Varieties

The physical and chemical properties of the flours, starches, and modified starches of indica rice and japonica rice were investigated in this paper. Results showed that the swelling powers of flour, starch, and phosphate starch [substitution degree （DS）=0.065] of japonica rice were significantly higher than those （DS=0.065） of indica rice. The transmittance of modified starches was highest; and that of flours was lowest. The pasting property investigated with rapid visco analyzer （RVA） indicated that the peak viscosity and breakdown value of paste with high swelling power were high. Furthermore, the effect of protein and amylose content on pasting property were investigated. The results of rheological properties determined using rheological rheometer showed that at the same temperature, the storage modulus （G′ of flour, starch, and modified starch of indica rice was higher than that of japonica rice. For each variety, the G′of flour was the highest, while the G′of modified starch was the lowest.

Principal Component Analysis of Cooked Rice Texture Qualities

Texture qualities of cooked rice are comprised of many indexes with the complex relationship, so it is difficult to analyze and evaluate cooked rice. In this paper, the related indexes of texture properties were conversed into the independent indexes of principal component based on the principal component analysis method. The results showed that the rice kernel types influenced the meanings of principal components indexes. For long and short rice, the first principal component was comprehensive index. But the second principal component was springiness for the short rice, while it was adhesiveness for long rice. Therefore, the first principal component can be used to express the quality of cooked rice with a few of indexes, and the rice type can be recognized according to the second principal component.

Correlation Between Physicochemical Properties and Eating Qualities of Rice

Correlation among physicochemical properties, which include amylose content, alkali spreading values, gel consistency, water absorption, expansion rate, solid content of rice-water, protein content and fat content, and eating qualities of six kinds of rice samples planted in Heilongjiang Province were studied. Correlation analysis showed that amylose content, water absorption and expansion rate were negatively correlated with eating qualities, yet gel consistency, alkali spreading values, solid content of rice-water and fat content were positively correlated with eating qualities. Among them, eating quality had an obvious correlation with amylose content and gel consistency, but no significant correlation with protein content. The regression equation, which described the relationship of the eating quality scores and physicochemical indexes, was Y=94.439–12.711X1–23.721X2–0.701X3＋0.570X4＋186.938X5（X1, X2, X3, X4 and X5 represented amylose content, water absorption, expansion rate gel, consistency and fat content）. The single factor analysis of variance showed that six kinds of rice existed significant differences in quality category.