Eucalyptus Leaves as Potential Indicators of Gold Mine in Indonesia

Eucalyptus is a plant that is able to absorb gold (Au) particles from the soil and store them in the leaves. Eucalyptus roots have the ability to penetrate the soil of the calcrete zone, which is rich in the mineral calcium (Ca). Calcium is a chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. As an alkaline earth metal, calcium is a reactive metal that forms a dark oxide-nitride layer when exposed to air. and contains Au particles as impurities, making this plant a potential natural indicator (biogeochemical) of potential Au metal mining. The Au content in eucalyptus leaves can be determined by using the XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) instrumentation material analysis method for qualitative analysis and AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy) for quantitative results. The form of XRF characterization of the intensity versus energy spectrum of certain elements from the XRF analysis results obtained is a spectrum with a peak power of 9.731 keV which indicates the presence of Au metal in the sample. The results obtained qualitatively are the Au metal content in the eucalyptus leaf sample of (9.0 ± 0.5) ppm. However, the Au metal content in each leaf sample was different. This provides information that Eucalyptus from different plants has the potential to be a biogeochemical indicator of potential Au metal mining in Indonesia

Utilization of Remote Sensing and GIS For The Calculation of Eucalypthus Productivity at BKPH Sukun

The Sukun Forest Management Unit (BKPH) is the manager of both protection and production forest, which includes eucalyptus trees covering an area of 3,701 ha. One of the efforts to optimize eucalyptus production is to estimate the productivity of eucalyptus. Advances in remote sensing technology and geographic information systems (GIS) can provide fast and accurate specific data to be able to estimate the production of eucalyptus leaves. The purpose of this research is to build a model for calculating eucalyptus production based on remote sensing data and to estimate the amount of eucalyptus production by applying remote sensing data. This research uses remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) with Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) and the number of trees of eucalyptus as parameters to analyze the productivity of eucalyptus leaves. The results showed that the spectral value of SAVI and the number of trees were able to explain the yield of eucalyptus leaves with an accuracy of 98%. Estimation of eucalyptus production can be done through multiple linear regression models between the variable number of trees and the SAVI spectral value. The result showed an accuracy of 78% with the equation y = 0.405 + 1.190x1 + 0.001x2 and the Standard Error of Estimate are 0.052. The highest production estimate is 1.239 tonnes/pixel, while the lowest estimate is 0.633 tonnes/pixel.

Effect of Eucalyptus Leaves Supplementation in Ration on Lactating Buffaloes Performance

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of fresh and dry eucalyptus leaves on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation activity, blood serum biochemical, milk yield and composition, feed conversion and economic efficiency of lactating buffaloes. Twenty lactating multiparous Egyptian buffaloes in 3rd and 5th lactation seasons and weighed 550 kg on average were used in complete randomized design after 8 weeks of calving (peak period) and assigned into five similar groups of four buffaloes each according to milk yield and live body weight. Animals were individually fed on a basal ration (BR) consisted of 40% concentrate feed mixture (CFM), 30% fresh berseem (FB) and 30% rice straw (RS). The first group was un supplemented and served as a control group (G1). Those in the second and third groups were supplemented with 50 and 100 g of fresh eucalyptus leaves per head per day for low level (G2) and high level (G3). Animals in the fourth and fifth groups were supplemented with 15 and 30 g of dry eucalyptus leaves per head per day for low level (G4) and high level (G5). G3 recorded significantly the highest digestibility coefficients of all nutrients and feeding values followed by G2, G5 and G4, whereas control one (G1) had the lowest values. Ruminal pH value tended to decreased with Eucalyptus leaves additive. Group 3 showed significantly the highest TVFA’s and the lowest NH3-N concentration followed by G2, G5 and G4, while G1 had the opposite trend. Moreover, G3 revealed significantly the highest concentrations of total protein and globulin and the lowest urea, urea-N and creatinine and activity of SGOT and SGPT enzymes in blood serum followed by G2, G5 and G4, while G1 had reverse values. However, serum albumin concentration was nearly similar for the different groups. Group 3 recorded significantly the highest feed intake (DM, TDN and DCP), yield of actual milk and 7% FCM, milk composition (fat, protein, lactose, SNF, TS and ash) and milk constituents yield followed by G2, G5 and G4, while G1 had the lowest values. Also, G3 recorded significantly the lowest amounts of DM, TDN and DCP per 1 kg 7% FCM followed by G2, G5 and G4, while G1 had the highest amounts. At the same time, G3 recorded significantly the highest values of feed cost, output of 7% FCM yield, net revenue and economic efficiency and the lowest feed cost per kg 7% FCM followed by G2, G5 and G4, while G1 had the opposite values. In conclusion, addition of fresh eucalyptus leaves at the level of 100 g/head/day recorded the best improvements in feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation activity, some blood serum biochemical, milk yield and composition, feed conversion and economic efficiency of lactating buffaloes.

ISOLATION OF CELLULOLYTIC BACTERIA FROM SOIL AND VALORIZATION OF DIFFERENT LIGNOCELLULOSIC WASTES FOR CELLULASE PRODUCTION BY SUBMERGED FERMENTATION

Cellulases are known to convert cellulose into monomeric or dimeric structures, hence playing an important role in bioethanol production, along with their applications in textile and paper industries. This study was directed towards the isolation and screening of cellulase producing bacteria from different soil samples on CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose) agar plates, followed by Gram’s iodine staining. Six strains showed clear zones of hydrolysis on CMC agar plates. Isolates were identified as Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Bacillus aerius, Bacillus paralichniformis, Bacillus flexus, and Bacillus wiedmanni by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These strains were cultivated by submerged fermentation for cellulase production using various lignocellulosic wastes, such as corn cob, rice husk, wheat straw, seed pods of Bombax ceiba and eucalyptus leaves. Results showed that Pseudomonas stutzeri is the best cellulase producer among these strains. It offered the highest cellulase activity of 170.9±4.1 (IU/mL/min) in media containing eucalyptus leaves after 24 h of incubation at 37 °C, followed by Bacillus paralichniformis, Bacillus wiedmanni, Bacillus flexus, Bacillus aerius and Bacillus megaterium. These bacterial strains and lignocellulosic wastes could be potentially used for industrial exploitation, particularly in biofuels and textiles.

ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF BIODIESEL PRODUCED BY FAST PYROLYSIS OF EUCALYPTUS LEAVES

In this study, temperature studies were studied on the production of a product from selected eucalyptus leaving samples. The bio-diesel yield from these samples was further determined using non-model methods and analytical pyrolysis-gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (Py-GC / MS). The fresh eucalyptus leaves were obtained from nearby forest of Godhra (Gujarat), India. Results of the Proximate analysis of eucalyptus leaves powder sample study shows that volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content and moisture content are 61.70 %, 26.37%, 8.36 % and 3.57%, The results of the basic analysis indicate that the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur content is 89.17%, 7.36%, 1.01%, 1.98% and 0.26%, respectively. The higher heating value (HHV) of the biodiesel obtained from the biomass samples is 32.81 MJ/kg. Chemical composition analysis of Eucalyptus Biodiesel carried out and compared with standards. The study revealed that pyro-fuel is not only used as fuel but also can be purified and used as a commodity in the chemical and processing industries.

Comparing the Coagulation Performance of Rice Husk, Cypress Leaves, and Eucalyptus Leaves Powders with That of Alum in Improving the Turbidity and pH of Some Local Water Sources in Bamenda, Cameroon

In this study, the efficiencies of the use of rice husk, cypress, and Eucalyptus leaves biocoagulants as alternative to alum as chemical coagulant in reducing turbidity and stabilizing the pH of slaughterhouse wastewater and three other local drinking water sources were investigated. Two systems were used: one involving individual coagulants and the second involving mix alum and biocoagulant with fixed alum dose of 0.05 g and varying amounts of each biocoagulant type (0.05 to 5 g). Turbidity reduction, coagulation activity, and pH variation were used to characterize each system. Results show reduction in turbidity is higher in mixed coagulants than with individual coagulants. At 5 g each of alum, rice husk, cypress, and Eucalyptus leaves, the corresponding turbidity values, 8.3, 13.6, 14.5, and 20.3 NTU, were obtained compared to 7.3 with 0.05 alum and 5 g rice husk mixture, 8.7 NTU with 0.05 g alum and 5 g cypress leaves mixture, and 16.1 NTU with 0.05 g alum and 5 g Eucalyptus leaves mixture, for 37.3 NTU initial turbidity. The used biocoagulants individually show insignificant effect on the pH of coagulation-treated water. Alum has an insignificant effect up to 2 g. 0.05 g of each biocoagulant stabilizes the pH between 6.57 and 7.34 against 4.14 for alum. 0.05 g alum/0.05 g biocoagulant stabilized the pH of water between 6.32 and 7.41. The coagulation activities for individual systems follow the order alum > rice husk > cypress > Eucalyptus, and for mixed systems, alum/rice husk > alum/cypress > alum/Eucalyptus. Water with turbidity and pH values within the World Health Organization’s guideline value of < 5 NTU and 6.5–8.5, respectively, were obtained using studied low cost and locally available biocoagulants.

Antifungal activity of foliar extracts from Maytenus spp. on Cylindrocladium clavatum

The use of leaf extracts to reduce pesticide applications that harm the environment and cause environmental disorder can be an alternative to the control of fungi during propagation of eucalyptus. The experiment tested the effect of leaf extracts from two species of espinheira-santa on Cylindrocladium clavatum. The extraction of plant material was carried out through percolation at 28 °C for 7 days using column liquid chromatography with hexane, chloroform, and methanol as solvents. Evaluations of antifungal activity were performed with a fixed extract concentration of 2,000 mg L-1. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the extracts, sporulation, and control of C. clavatum in eucalyptus leaves were evaluated using concentrations of 500, 250, 125, and 100 mg L-1 after 5 and 15 days of incubation. The concentration of 500 mg L-1 of chloroform extract from leaves of M.ilicifolia and M.aquifolium resulted in a better control of Cylindrocladium clavatum. In the evaluation of sporulation, the crude and methanolic extracts obtained the best performances, with emphasis on the concentrations of 500 and 250 mg L-1, which resulted in the lowest number of spores. For the evaluation of the minimum inhibitory concentration, it was observed that the fungus is not 100% controlled, but that the greatest effect lies on the reduction of fungus growth. In the image tests with eucalyptus leaves, the crude extract resulted in the smallest lesion area at concentrations of 500 and 250 mg L-1. The extract was more effective when applied in its raw form and with greater concentration.

Efficacy of Different Waste and By-Products from Forest and Food Industries in the Removal/Retention of the Antibiotic Cefuroxime

Environmental pollution due to antibiotics is a serious problem. In this work, the adsorption and desorption of the antibiotic cefuroxime (CFX) were studied in four by-products/residues from the forestry and food industries. For this, batch-type experiments were carried out, adding increasing concentrations of CFX (from 0 to 50 µmol L−1) to 0.5 g of adsorbent. The materials with a pH higher than 9 (mussel shell and wood ash) were those that presented the highest adsorption percentages, from 71.2% (23.1 µmol kg−1) to 98.6% (928.0 µmol kg−1). For the rest of the adsorbents, the adsorption was also around 100% when the lowest concentrations of CFX were added, but the percentage dropped sharply when the highest dose of the antibiotic was incorporated. Adsorption data fitted well to the Langmuir and Freundlich models, with R2 greater than 0.9. Regarding desorption, the materials that presented the lowest values when the highest concentration of CFX was added were wood ash (0%) and mussel shell (2.1%), while pine bark and eucalyptus leaves presented the highest desorption (26.6% and 28.6%, respectively). Therefore, wood ash and mussel shell could be considered adsorbents with a high potential to be used in problems of environmental contamination by CFX.

Dyeing and finishing of cotton fabric with eucalyptus leaves extracts

Purpose The purpose of this study is to establish a suitable procedure for dyeing and multifunctional finishing on 100% cotton using extracts of eucalyptus leaves in an eco-friendly manner. Design/methodology/approach Box–Behnken design of experiments and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to optimise the conditions of extraction, dyeing and finishing. Phytochemical analysis was performed to determine the chemical constituents of the extracts. Colour strength, fastness properties were evaluated for dyed fabric samples. The effectiveness of eucalyptus leaves extract as an insect repellent, aroma, antibacterial finishing agent, was assessed. Pre-soaking and padding method was used for the application of active essential oil on the fabric. Findings Essential oil extracted from Eucalyptus globulus leaves have great repellent rate for insects to the extent of 90% and aroma intensity of 72% and antibacterial effect of 100% bacterial reduction up to five washings. The use of citric acid as cross-linking agent helps increase the durability of the finish. Natural dyeing to get light yellow shade is possible with extracts made with water, possessing good fastness properties. Research limitations/implications Scaling up the extraction process and soaking larger quantities of fabrics in extracted essential oil solution before the pad applications are considered limitations of this study. However, smaller pieces of fabrics can conveniently be handled in this process. It has tremendous potential for practising industrially, to get yellow-shaded multifunctional finished cotton textiles. Practical implications Protection against insects, including mosquitoes, bacteria with additional aroma on cotton will be of great use in day-to-day life for the wearer. Social implications Eco-friendly, renewable sources of ingredients from the plant were used to obtain protection against pathogenic or odour-causing microorganisms using this hygiene finish with multiple end uses. Originality/value This original work enables conducting dyeing and multifunctional finishing together in a single stage, which otherwise takes a number of steps, consuming large quantities of water, chemicals and energy to impart similar effects on cotton.