Background/Aim: Capsicum annuum Grossum Senise, a widely cultivated sweet pepper in Iraq contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids and capsinoids, known for their beneficial effects on health. The study aimed to employ advanced analytical techniques to elucidate the compound's chemical properties and concentration within this specific Capsicum cultivar, contributing to the growing body of knowledge regarding plant-derived sterols with potential nutraceutical application. Methods: This study focused on the extraction, isolation, purification and quantitative analysis of b-sitosterol from Iraqi Capsicum annuum Grossum. Advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques were employed to ensure

Persistence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment has raised concerns regarding their potential influence on potable water quality and human health. This study analyzes the presence of antibiotics in potable water from two treatment plants in Baghdad City. The collected samples were separated using a solid-phase extraction method with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) cartridge before being analyzed. The detected antibiotics in the raw and finished drinking water were analyzed and assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with fluorometric detector and UV detector. The results confirmed that different antibiotics including fluoroquinolones andB-lactams were detected in the raw an

The present study aims to establish an empirical correlation between biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the sewage flowing in Al-Diwaniyah wastewater treatment plant. The strength of the wastewater entering the plant varied from medium to high. High concentrations of BOD5 and COD in the effluent were obtained due to the poor performance of the plant. This was observed from the BOD5 /COD ratios that did not confirm with the typical ratios for the treated sewage. Regression equations for BOD5 and COD removal percentages were suggested which can be used to evaluate rapid effluent assessment after the treatment processes or optimal process control to improve the performance of wastewater treatment plants.

This study aimed at comparing the performance of vertical, horizontal and hybrid subsurface flow systems in secondary treatment for the effluent wastewater from the primary basins at Al-Rustumia wastewater treatment plant, Baghdad, Iraq. The treatments were monitored for six weeks while the testsduration were from 4 to 12 September 2018 under continuous wastewater feeding for chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solid (TSS),ammonia-nitrogen(NH₄-N) and phosphate (PO₄-P) in comparison with FAO and USEPA standards for effluent discharge to evaluate the suitability of treated water for irrigation purposes. Among the systems planted with Phragmites Australia, the hybrid subsurface flow system which cons

Abstract: The article aimed to formulate an MLX binary ethosome hydrogel for topical delivery to escalate MLX solubility, facilitate dermal permeation, avoid systemic adverse events, and compare the permeation flux and efficacy with the classical type. MLX ethosomes were prepared using the hot method according to the Box–Behnken experimental design. The formulation was implemented according to 16 design formulas with four center points. Independent variables were (soya lecithin, ethanol, and propylene glycol concentrations) and dependent variables (vesicle size, dispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, and zeta potential). The design suggested the optimized formula (MLX−Ethos−OF) with the highest desirability to perform the

This study investigates the impacts of climate change (CC) on the emergence and proliferation of fungal pathogens, with a particular focus on global food security and the potential of medicinal plants and their by-products as sustainable mitigation strategies. Through a systematic literature review of articles published up to 2024, we analyze how CC exacerbates the spread and severity of fungal diseases in crops, leading to significant agricultural losses and threats to food availability. The findings highlight that, alongside conventional approaches such as genetic resistance and precision farming, bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants and their by-products offer promising, eco-friendly alternatives for the management of fungal

Background and Aim: The use of food dyes can cause certain diseases, such as anemia and indigestion, along with other disorders, tumors, and even cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the chemical nature and toxicity of some commercial dyes locally used in processed foods compared with standard food dyes. Materials and Methods: Three types of standard and commercial food color additives (Sunset Yellow, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine) were extensively examined. The chemical structures and functional groups of the dyes were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The melting temperatures of the dyes were also determined by chemical thermal analysis. The acute toxicity test to evaluate the standard and commercial