Malaysian Journal of Bioengineering and Technology

Nutrient Analysis of Commercial Compost and Compost Produced from Household Food Waste in Correlation to Soil Physio-chemical Properties

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Food waste is one of the concerns that can potentially affect both the environment and humanity. Household food waste was the highest contributor to food waste globally. The main focus of this study is to utilise the food waste from households into compost, assess the physical and chemical properties of compost, and compare the physical and chemical properties with soil and commercial compost. Food waste was collected from households in Pasir Mas, Kelantan area, and left to mature for 2 months. The finished products produced in this research were composted, which is black in colour and odourless or earthy odour in smell. Seven output treatments were prepared: SOIL, O1, O2, O3, P1, P2 and P3 in this research. The results of this study showed that the concentration of physical and chemical parameters in all the samples was in the range of 0.59 g/cm³ at the lowest to 1.03 g/cm³ as the highest value for bulk density, and moisture content was 21.12% - 63.88%. The highest concentration value for every experiment except the total potassium (K) experiment is dominated by sample O1, and the lowest was the sample SOIL. In conclusion, the statistical test of significance using ANOVA revealed significant differences (P<0.05) between the values of all experiments of bulk density, moisture content, N, P, and K.

Preliminary Study of Melastoma Malabathricum L. Leaf Extract as a Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Car Radiator

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Corrosion in automotive cooling systems is a persistent issue that compromises efficiency and component lifespan. Synthetic corrosion inhibitors commonly used in radiator coolants help mitigate corrosion but have raised environmental concerns due to their toxic byproducts. This study evaluates tannin extracted from Melastoma Malabathricum L. leaves as a natural, eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor. Tannin was extracted using the solvent extraction method and characterised by XRD and FTIR. The corrosion resistance of aluminium substrates in car radiators was tested in various mediums (HCl, NaOH, deionised water, and radiator coolant) over 24, 48, and 72 hours using the weight loss measurement (WLM) method. Results revealed significant corrosion rate and inhibition efficiency, particularly in NaOH, supported by reduced weight loss and improved microstructural stability. These findings highlight tannin's potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic corrosion inhibitors.

Investigation and Properties of Waste Banana Peel Composite for Paper Making Consist of Egg Shell

Nik Nurul Faqihah Nik Idris, Nik Alnur Auli Nik Yusuf — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Banana peels also include a range of starch and non-starchy chemicals, including cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, and several other organic molecules. The banana peel's makeup is mostly made up of these non-starchy ingredients. Plant cell walls are structurally supported by the complex polysaccharide’s cellulose and hemicellulose. Lignin is a sophisticated polymer that gives plant tissues stiffness. A form of carbohydrate called pectin has qualities that let it gel and function as a natural glue. The paper making continued growth with a new combination for reducing the cost of paper. The study of the waste box (WB), waste banana peel (WBP), and eggshells as a filler is tested for paper making using a pneumatic sheet press machine for 3 minutes. This paper was dried under the sunlight or iron until it was dried properly. The qualities for paper production are demonstrated by using varied grams of each paper throughout the combination paper-producing process and evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of paper made from different combinations. The evaluation involved the waste box and waste banana peel composite consisting of eggshells with a tensile strength test, tear test, and physical testing using a microscope, as well as determining starch and non-starch with iodine solution as testing.

Effect of Structural, Optical, and Antibacterial Properties of Various Zinc Oxide Morphologies

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the influence of different zinc oxide morphologies on their structural, optical, and antibacterial properties. These investigations have extensive antibacterial capabilities of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures, effectively targeting various microorganisms prevalent in environmental settings, including soil, water, and food. The synthesis of ZnO nanostructures was conducted through a hydrothermal method, varying the pH from 8 to 12, using zinc chloride (ZnCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as precursors, and subjected to the 24-hour heating process at 180°C. The characterisation of the samples involved X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and inhibition zones in Escherichia coli (E. coli) agar plates. The XRD pattern illustrated the hexagonal wurtzite structure of the ZnO nanostructure, with the average crystallite size calculated. UV-Vis spectroscopy indicated absorption peaks of ZnO around 300 to 400 nm, signifying a blue shift. Furthermore, optical band gaps, derived from UV spectroscopy, demonstrated an increment from 2.88 to 3.25 eV across all samples. The size of the inhibitions zone increased as the pH values of ZnO increased. ZnO shows increased inhibition zones with higher pH, hexagonal wurtzite structure, and increasing optical band gaps. The relationship between zinc oxide morphologies and their structural, optical, and antibacterial properties offers the development of ZnO-based materials with enhanced performance for biomedical, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications.

Characterisation of Silica Extracted from Rice Husk Functionalised by Guanine (RHACGua)

Izzati Mohmad Nasir, Nadiah Ameram — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study seeks to answer how the incorporation of guanine affects the structural properties and catalytic behaviour of the silica support. This study presents the characterisation of an organic-inorganic hybrid catalyst, named as RHACGua, derived from silica extracted from rice husk (RH). The catalyst was developed by incorporating guanine onto rice husk ash (RHA)-supported silica, utilising (3-chloropropyl) triethoxysilane (CPTES) as an anchoring agent to facilitate the binding of guanine to the silica. Characterisation of RHACGua was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen sorption analysis, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for 29Si and 13C. SEM, XRD, and nitrogen sorption analyses revealed that RHACGua possesses a porous agglomerate structure with a specific surface area of 77.67 m²/g and a pore diameter of 15.81 nm. FTIR spectra demonstrated a shift in the Si-OSi band from 1038 cm^-1 in the precursor RHACCl to 1042 cm^-1 in RHACGua, confirming the successful incorporation of guanine and the presence of all expected functional groups. MAS NMR spectroscopy identified distinct silicon environments (Q4, Q3, T3, T2) in RHACGua, indicating effective modification of the Cl functional group with guanine. These findings confirm that the RHACGua catalyst was successfully synthesised via the modification of RHACCl with guanine, showcasing its potential for use in heterogeneous catalysis.

A Design of Mini Hydro Turbine System at Orang Asli Village, Kg Redig Pos Hau, Gua Musang

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research project investigates the feasibility of implementing a mini-hydro power system in Kampung Redig, a remote Orang Asli village in Pos Hau, Gua Musang, Malaysia, to address the community's ongoing electricity challenges. The village currently relies on a mix of solar panels and diesel generators, both of which are unsustainable due to high maintenance costs and increasing fuel prices. Designed by the Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) in collaboration with the Society of Petroleum Engineers Kuala Lumpur Section (SPEKL), and industry experts, the mini-hydro system utilises the kinetic energy of river water to generate up to 101 kW of electricity. This research explores the system's technical design and potential to provide a more sustainable and affordable energy source for the village. Additionally, the project offers economic benefits by involving the Orang Asli community in the installation process, providing them with valuable skills and income. The results demonstrate the positive impact of renewable energy solutions on rural communities, fostering stronger relationships between the Orang Asli, UMK, and external stakeholders while improving living standards through reliable electricity access.