Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 3 (3), pp. 001-004, March, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Terminal velocity of pistachio nut and its kernel as affected by moisture content and variety

Seyed M. A. Razavi*, A. Rafe and R. Akbari

Department of Food Science and Technology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM), Mashhad PO Box: 91775-1163, Iran

Accepted 19 November 2016

Abstract

The terminal velocity data are necessary for the design of threshing, pneumatic conveying, fluidized bed dryer and cleaning the product from foreign materials. In this paper, terminal velocity of pistachio nut and its kernel for five major commercial Iranian pistachio varieties namely, Akbari, Badami, Kalle-Ghuchi, Momtaz and O'hadi were evaluated as a function of moisture content at five moisture contents levels in the range from initial moisture content at harvesting to completely industrial dried condition (37.6 - 4.0%w.b.). The results showed that terminal velocity of pistachio nuts varied from 9.8 - 12.44 m/s, whereas terminal velocity of kernels ranged between 8.30 - 11.10 m/s. The highest values of terminal velocity obtained for the nut and kernel of Kalle-Ghuchi variety that is, 12.44 and 11.1 m/s respectively, although the lowest values of terminal velocity were 9.6 and 9.06 which are related to Momtaz nut and Badami kernel. The effect of moisture content on terminal velocity of pistachio nuts and their kernels showed a linear increase with increasing moisture content.

Key words: Aerodynamics, terminal velocity, pistachio, moisture content, nut, kernel

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 3 (3), pp. 001-007, March, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The environmental impact of palm oil mill effluent (pome) on some physico-chemical parameters and total aerobic bioload of soil at a dump site in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Okwute, Loretta Ojonoma^* and Isu, Nnennaya R.

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.

Accepted 22 October, 2016

Abstract

The effect of POME on the integrity of the soil was investigated. Soil samples from the palm oil mill effluent (POME) dumpsite as well as a non-POME site were tested for physico-chemical properties such as pH, water holding capacity, available phosphorus, organic carbon, total nitrogen, mineral assay and cation exchange capacity. Furthermore, the total aerobic bacteria counts of the samples at 2, 30 and 40^oC were assayed. Results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) and (P < 0.01) in pH, water holding capacity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity and available phosphorus. 30^oC had the highest average microbial bioload (1.64 x 10⁹ ± 0.2) and so, the most favourable for growth. Bacterial counts from the POME dumpsite were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05), (9.6 x 10⁸ + 0.1 at 20^oC, 1.64 x 10⁹ + 0.2 at 30^oC and 1.07 x 10⁹ + 0.2 at 40^oC) than the counts for the non-POME soil sites (4.5 x 10⁸ + 0.3 at 20^oC, 7.6 x 10⁸ + 0.3 at 30^oC and 5.9 x 10⁸ + 0.3 at 40^oC) at all the temperatures. The implications of these results on soil environment are discussed.

Key words: Environmental impact, POME, total aerobic bacteria.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 3 (1), pp. 001-010, January, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Lithological mapping of the unsaturated zone of a porous media aquifer to delineate hydrogeological characteristic areas

A. Melloul*, J. Albert, and M. Collin

*Hydrological Service; POB 36118; IL-91 360 Jerusalem

Accepted 20 October, 2015

Abstract

With water quality steadily decreasing, decision- making with regard to water supply must improve aquifer management models, which are based upon various assumptions. Amongst these are assumptions concerning subsurface aquifer lithology. The objective of this study is to present a means of improving information and assumptions, as well as providing guidelines to characterise the unsaturated zone media. This media integrates soils and the "parental material" of soils, which results in a more realistic picture of the surficial layers of the aquifer. This is a key factor for understanding the behavior of the upper border of coastal aquifers and simulation of their hydrogeological models. Developing a digital GIS unsaturated zone map enables 3-dimensional depiction by illustrating the varying permeability characteristics of the stratigraphic layers. The resultant map conveys information about areas having low to high permeability and areas in which perched aquifers might be found. This can consequently contribute to better understanding of the recharge process, and of the reasons for deterioration of groundwater quality in the aquifer. In the case of aquifers prone to stress from significant anthropogenic land-use, the map highlights areas whose vadose zone has the ability to convey liquids and pollutants to the aquifer below. The focus of this study is Israel 's Coastal aquifer, a resource of critical significance to the country's water supply, which underlies the most populated areas of the country. This aquifer has been chosen because of its variegated lithology and water quality, the quantities of water being pumped from it, the large amount of existing data, and the potential of water which can be readily stored in it. This aquifer would appear to be an appropriate example of coastal aquifers around the world, to demonstrate the utility of such unsaturated zone mapping. This mapping can prove a tool for developing recommendations with regard to irrigation, land-use planning, and aquifer management.

Key words: GIS mapping, unsaturated zone/vadose zone, lithology, confined aquifer, phreatic aquifer, Coastal aquifer.