Microplastic Contamination in the Human Gastrointestinal Tract and Daily Consumables Associated with an Indonesian Farming Community

Plastic is one of the most abundant pollutants in the environment. As a result of natural physical processes, large plastic waste is degraded into microsized particles (<5 mm) called microplastics. Because of their size, abundance, and durability, microplastics are widely distributed in the environment, contaminating food and water intended for human consumption. The extent of microplastic contamination in the human body is still unclear because there are few studies concerning microplastic contamination in human specimens and, in most studies, data were collected from city dwellers. Despite having the fourth largest population and being the fourth largest plastic waste producer in the world and second largest plastic polluter in the ocean, there are currently no data with respect to microplastic exposure for the Indonesian population. Several studies have reported on microplastic contamination in seafood and freshwater organisms from Indonesia, and it is likely that microplastics have contaminated the gastrointestinal tracts of Indonesians. Using Raman spectroscopy, we detected microplastic contamination in 7 out of 11 analyzed stool samples collected from a farming community in the highland village of Pacet, East Java, Indonesia. Polypropylene (PP) was the most abundant and prevalent type of microplastic observed, and it was found in four of the positive samples with an average concentration of 10.19 microgram per gram of feces (µg/g). Microplastics were also detected at high concentrations in tempeh (soybean cake, a staple protein source for Indonesians), table salts, and toothpaste, which were regularly consumed and used by the study participants. PP was particularly high in table salts (2.6 µg/g) and toothpaste (15.42 µg/g), suggesting that these products might contribute to the gastrointestinal contamination in the studied population. This pilot study indicated microplastic contamination in the rural Indonesian population and in their daily consumables, demonstrating the far-reaching extent of microplastic pollution beyond urban areas.

EXTRUSION TECHNOLOGY OF SOYBEANS AND OBTAINED PRODUCT FEEDING EFFECT ON LACTATING SOWS AND THEIR OFFSPRINGS PRODUCTIVITY

The aim of study was to estimate the processing technology of soybeans produced in Latvia and to compare the possibilities of using the obtained soybean cake with imported soybean meal in the feeding of lactating sows and their offspring. From soybeans, which were processed into animal feed, we obtained a product with a high content of protein. The control group of sows and fattening pigs received the imported soybean meal mixed into the compound feed, but the trial groups compound feed was mixed with soybean cake grown and processed in Latvia. Fattening pigs were weighed regularly. Feed consumption was counted and feed conversion was calculated. Was determined meat quality, carcases weight, carcases length. The chemical composition of the manure was analysed. Statistical analysis of data was performed with SAS / STAT 9.22 software package. The inclusion of soy cakes grown and processed in Latvia in lactating sow feed increased sow milk yields traits by 3.9% at 21 day of piglet age. At the end of experiment higher live weight by 3.42% were found in the trial group. Carcass quality indicators and chemical composition of meat did not show significant differences. Was observed a tendency to decrease in manure the content of organic matter in the trial group by 3.25%, decrease levels of total phosphorus and ammonium nitrogen compared to the control group. Using soybean cakes grown and processed in Latvia is possible to develop feed rations that showed similar pig growth results to imported soybean meal.

Enhanced Saccharfication of Pomegranate Peel by Trichoderma Reesei and Statiscal Optimization of Medium Composition by Response Surface Methodology

In this work, pomegranate peels (PPs) otherwise considered as waste is used as substrates for producing cellulase. Pomegranate peel was employed as a carbon source to be produced of cellulase in submerged state fermentation (SmF). Statistical experimental designs were employed to screen the nutrients and optimize the media composition for cellulase production by Trichoderma reesei. Nine nutrients were selected by the preliminary screening of medium component production by plackett –burman design (PBD) technique. Four nutrients have been found to be important for cellulase production and optimized by central component design (CCD). The best media component for submerged fermentation of cellulase using pomegranate peel were avicel– 24.812 g/l, KH2PO4 – 4.626 g/l, soybean cake flour – 20.7 g/l and MnSO4.H2O-1.036 g/l. Under these optimum conditions, the production of cellulase was found to be 9.3 IU/mL. The optimum factors acquired from the statistical model were further confirmed using the experimental results.

Fungicide Cost Reduction with Soybean Rust-Resistant Cultivars in Paraguay: A Supply and Demand Approach

Soybean rust (SBR) is one of the most serious diseases for Paraguay’s economy. To avoid excessive financial losses due to SBR, farmers utilize fungicides. Increasing fungicide costs are, therefore, becoming a threat to farmers’ incomes. Developing SBR-resistant cultivars is a possible solution to this problem. To investigate the effects of SBR-resistant cultivars on soybean farmers in Paraguay, we constructed a model for the supply and demand of soybeans considering yields, cultivated area, changes in the stock quantity of soybeans, exports of soybeans and soybean products, feed demand for soybean cake and price linkage functions. We established three scenarios: an SBR pandemic in which fungicides become ineffective (Scenario 1) and the adoption of SBR-resistant cultivars in 33% (Scenarios 2) and 75% (Scenarios 3) of cultivated areas. The estimation of these three scenarios demonstrates that SBR-resistant cultivar adoption will significantly reduce current fungicide costs for farmers by 112–253 million United States dollars (USD). The potential benefits of the widespread dissemination of SBR-resistant cultivars are also considered in terms of economic disparities and environmental risks. To establish a more sustainable agricultural industry, earlier dissemination of such cultivars is required.

Performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken fed high fibre sunflower seed cake diets

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the levels of inclusion of high fibre sunflower seed cake HFSSC) protein as replacement for soybean cake protein in the diets of broiler chicken at 0,25,50,75 and 100%. At the starter phase feed intake and feed efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05) increased as the level of HFSSC increased in the diets. Weight gain and protein efficiency ratio were however significantly (P<0.05) reduced when over 25% of HFSSC was included in the diet. At the finisher phase same trend was observed except that weight gain and protein efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05) reduced when over 50% HFSSC was included in the diet. Significant (P<0.05) differences were in liveweight, plucked and dressing percentages at the starter and finisher phases. Reduction in abdominal fat deposition was obtained at the starter and finisher phases while gizzard weights were significantly (P<0.05) increased. The results of this study show that 50% soybean cake protein in the diets of broiler chicken can be replaced by HFSSC.

Performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken fed high fibre sunflower seed cake diets

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the level of inclusion of high fibre sunflower seed cake (HFSSC) protein as ror soyabean cake protein replacement for soybean cake protein in the diets of broiler chicken at 0,25,50,75, and 100%. At the starter phase feed intake and feed efficiency ratio were significantly (p,0.05) increased as the level of HFSSC increased in the diets . weight gain and protein efficiency ratio were however significantly (p,0.05) reduced when over 25% of HFSSC was included in the diets . Atthe finisher phase the same trend was observed except that weight gain and protein efficiency ratio were significantly (p0.05) reduced when over 50% HFSSC was included in the diet. Significantly (p<0.05) differences were observed in live weight, plucked and dressing percentages at the starter and finisher phases. Reduction in abdominal fat deposition was obtained at the starter and finisher phases while gizzard weights wee significantly (p<0.05) increased. The result of this study show that 50% soybean cake protein in the diets of broiler chicken can be replaced by HSFFC.