Quality of Emulsions Based on Modified Watermelon Seed Oil, Stabilized with Orange Fibres

The aim of the study was to evaluate emulsion systems prepared on the basis of blended fat in different ratios (watermelon seed oil and mutton tallow) stabilised by orange fibres and xanthan gum. Emulsions were subjected to stability testing by Turbiscan and were assessed in terms of mean droplet size, colour, viscosity, texture, skin hydration and sensory properties. The most stable systems were found to be the ones containing a predominance of mutton tallow in a fat phase. For these emulsions the lowest increase in mean particle size during storage was observed. The study also confirmed the synergistic effect of the thickeners used. The presented emulsions despite favourable physicochemical parameters, did not gain acceptance in sensory evaluation.

Physicochemical Parameters and Suitability for Irrigation of Groundwater Resources from Biskra Area (Southeastern Algeria)

This study is part of the more general framework for diagnosis of the quality of water resources in the Biskra area and its suitability for irrigation. This work reports the results of an analysis of physicochemical groundwater quality. Groundwater samples were collected from 12 boreholes in different aquifers exploited in the area, and used for drinking and domestic purposes. The results showed that the water of the limestone aquifer (Maastrichtian) is better than other aquifers (phreatic, Miopliocene, Lower Eocene). This affects more particularly the pH, conductivity (mineralization), total hardness, and concentration of the major elements. As far as the same aquifers (phreatic, Miopliocene, Lower Eocene), present water which classified mediocre highly mineralized for irrigation because EC > 2250 μS/cm (class 4). The Maastrichtian aquifer presents a poor water quality (class 3), according to the Riverside classification.

Evaluating the Physicochemical Properties of Some Kosovo’s and Imported Honey Samples

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties (moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, free acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), proteins, insoluble solids, and ash) of 45 Kosovo’s and imported honey samples, using methods provided by national and international standards. The moisture values of all honey samples analyzed were below 20%. The free acidity was above 50.0 meq kg−1 in 14 out of 33 samples (42%) collected in Kosovo, while 2 out of 12 imported honey samples (16.7%) showed higher values than 50 meq kg−1. In this study, 7 out of 33 honey samples (21%) from Kosovo and one out of 12 honey samples from imports had soluble solids content below 80 °Brix. In terms of HMF, 5 out of 33 Kosovo honey samples (15%) and 4 out of 12 imported honey samples (33%) exceeded 40 mg/kg, which is the maximum content of HMF set in standards. The values of some physicochemical parameters (free acidity, HMF, and soluble solids) of local and imported honey samples are not within the quality limits set in legislation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the properties of fresh honey produced in Kosovo and the stability of honey during prolonged storage.

Diethylamine and formic acid-based ionic liquid in selective purification process of oil distillates of various viscosities

This paper presents the results of selective purification of oil distillates with a viscosity of 7.5 mm2/s and 18 mm2/s at [Formula: see text]C, as well as a mixture of these oil distillates obtained by compounding at various ratios using an ionic liquid based on diethylamine and formic acid as an extractant acid. The conditions for the ionic liquid dearomatization of the indicated oil distillates were determined by studying the influence of various factors on the selective purification process. Many parameters are set for the objects of research. The values of physicochemical parameters determined under various conditions are presented in the tables.