Search Results (44)

In this study, we synthesized an activated biochar using Prosopis juliflora waste as a carbon source. Citric acid (CA) was used as the chemical agent for biochar activation. The removal of methylene blue (MB) using the fabricated biochar was investigated. A response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design was employed to evaluate the effects of synthesis parameters, including the temperature and the CA/biochar mass ratio, on the biochar’s MB removal efficiency. The impact of adsorption parameters, such as the biochar dosage, pH, MB concentration, and ionic strength, was also examined. Kinetic and isothermal adsorption studies were conducted to assess the efficacy of the activated biochar. The kinetic study revealed a maximum adsorption capacity (q_e) of 37.6 mg/g and a rate constant of 0.0022 g mg⁻¹ min⁻¹, with the pseudo-second-order model providing the best fit. The isotherm study indicated that the Freundlich model best described the data, with K_F = 37.8 mg/g and 1/n_f = 0.498. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the MB adsorption onto the biochar was spontaneous (ΔG = −9.14 kJ/mol), endothermic (ΔH = 17.87 kJ/mol), and driven by an entropy increase (ΔS = 89.20 J/mol·K). Full article

Exploring new natural-origin antiparasitic alternatives is essential in addressing the resistance issues that have emerged due to the widespread use of chemical or synthetic antiparasitic compounds. This area remains relatively underexplored despite the increasing recognition of plants like Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) for their antiparasitic properties and nutritional value as a high-protein animal feed. This review aims to investigate the antiparasitic potential of P. juliflora against gastrointestinal parasites in horses. The review incorporates sources from 2005 to 2024. It was found that various phytochemical compounds from P. juliflora, particularly alkaloids, have demonstrated significant antiparasitic activity. Alkaloids are the most studied group due to their antibacterial, antiparasitic, and cytotoxic properties. According to the literature, the phytochemicals produced by P. juliflora hold promise as a potential solution for combating gastrointestinal parasites in horses. However, while preliminary findings suggest promising results, in vivo studies are necessary to evaluate the precise antiparasitic efficacy of these compounds and to determine the appropriate IC50 doses of P. juliflora alkaloids in horses, as well as to assess potential toxicity and side effects associated with their use. Full article

The mesquite tree (Prosopis juliflora) is cultivated across 500,000 hectares in the semi-arid region of Brazil, primarily aimed at recovering degraded areas in the northeastern part of the country, which represents 15.7% of the national territory. However, its economic potential remains underutilized. Mesquite pods are particularly rich in carbohydrates, making them a promising raw material for bioethanol production. This study investigates the production of first-generation bioethanol from mesquite pods as feedstock. Mature pods were sourced from local producers in Sumé Town, located in the Cariri Paraibano microregion of Brazil. Sugar extraction from the mesquite pods involved hydration followed by pressing, with the extracted juice adjusted to a pH of 4.3 and soluble solids (°Brix) concentrations corrected to 20, 18, and 16. The juice was then subjected to fermentation using different yeast strains (fresh yeast, granular yeast, and FLNF CA-11) at a concentration of 25 g L⁻¹. Alcoholic fermentation was carried out in a batch system, with measurements of cell concentration (biomass), soluble solids (°Brix), ethanol concentration (°GL), and pH taken at 2 h intervals over a 20 h period. The best physicochemical characterization of bioethanol was obtained using the LNF CA-11 yeast at 20 °Brix, producing a biofuel that met Brazilian legal standards set by the National Petroleum Agency (ANP). The bioethanol had a colorless appearance and was free of impurities, with a titratable acidity of 28.2 mg of acetic acid, electrical conductivity of 282.33 µS m⁻¹, a specific mass of 809 kg m⁻³, an alcohol content of 95.5 °GL, a pH of 6.28, and no evaporation residue in 100 mL. Additionally, the highest bioethanol yield was achieved with broth fermented at 18 °Brix and LNF CA-11 yeast. These results highlight the potential of mesquite pods as a renewable energy alternative, especially relevant in the context of the global climate crisis; the growing need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels; and the need to reduce environmental problems; and they promote the added-value and use of this product. Full article

Background: We explore how springs and their pastures are utilised by nomadic pastoralists and how they influence interchange and conflict between the custodians of the springs and the society of pastoralists in the broader region. Methods: The custodians of three spring locations in the Afar region of Ethiopia were interviewed to identify the advantages, and the challenges, of having springs on a pastoral estate. Results: The springs provide permanent water and health benefits, are used for cooking, and provide permanent pasture for livestock. In the Dobi Valley, the groundwater supporting the springs supports a population of the palm garayto (Hyphaene thebaica), which provides thatch and a liquor derived from the sap. The custodians of the springs are baaro-mara for their homelands and they welcome and provide access to the resources of the spring to Afar outsiders, gurro-mara. Recent invasions by the Somali Issa tribe have resulted in the deaths and displacement of Afar residents at Alalo-bad and Teo. The prickly shrub Prosopis juliflora has become another invasive threat with great impacts on the livelihood of the baaro-mara at two locations. Conclusions: Springs are oases where permanent water provides perennial resources in a semi-desert. However, the tenure of these precious havens can be subject to tribal contest and the resources of the springs have been recently undermined by invasion of a plant from another continent. The removal of the incipient population of Prosopis juliflora should be a priority before it proliferates further. Full article

The remarkable adaptability and rapid proliferation of Prosopis juliflora have led to its invasive status in the rangelands of Kenya, detrimentally impacting native vegetation and biodiversity. Exacerbated by human activities such as overgrazing, deforestation, and land degradation, these conditions make the spread and management of this species a critical ecological concern. This study assesses the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensing in monitoring the invasion of Prosopis juliflora in Baringo County, Kenya. We investigated the environmental drivers, including weather conditions, land cover, and biophysical attributes, that influence its distinction from native vegetation. By analyzing data on the presence and absence of Prosopis juliflora, coupled with datasets on weather, land cover, and elevation, we identified key factors facilitating its detection. Our findings highlight the Decision Tree/Random Forest classifier as the most effective, achieving a 95% accuracy rate in instance classification. Key variables such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for February, precipitation, land cover type, and elevation were significant in the accurate identification of Prosopis juliflora. Community insights reveal varied perspectives on the impact of Prosopis juliflora, with differing views based on professional experiences with the species. Integrating these technological advancements with local knowledge, this research contributes to developing sustainable management practices tailored to the unique ecological and social challenges posed by this invasive species. Our results highlight the contribution of advanced technologies for environmental management and conservation within rangeland ecosystems. Full article

Prosopis juliflora is a shrub/tree originating from the Americas. Since its introduction for fuel wood afforestation into eastern Africa, it has been invading crop- and rangelands with negative effects on the environment and on livelihoods. Understanding the management strategies for Prosopis and matching them with ecological, social-cultural, and economic needs of the eastern African region is a pressing scientific issue. We analyzed management strategies of Prosopis, focusing on determinants and drivers of their choice of applied management strategies as well as their effectiveness. We identified 1917 scientific contributions published between 1970 and 2022. Following a multi-step screening, we reduced the references to 53 relevant (internationally) published papers with a focus on the management of Prosopis in the east African region. Analysis of the literature shows that factors driving invasion dynamics but also land users’ social-economic as well as cultural attributes determine the type of management strategy and shape local control actions. Main strategies comprise (1) physical containment of invasive spread, (2) chemical, mechanical and biological approaches to reduce stand densities, (3) complete eradication, (4) restoration of invaded land, and (5) economic use of Prosopis products. Adopted strategies are based on actual and perceived impacts of invasion, and the adoption and success of individual strategies is highly location specific. Full article

Women living in the semi-arid region of Caatinga in the northeast of Brazil report the use of plant mixtures to treat diseases in the genitourinary tract. Plant extracts were obtained from barks to simulate traditional use. The anti-trichomonads activity as well as the cytotoxic effect of plant extracts were tested. Herein, we confirmed this traditional knowledge by testing plants aqueous extracts against Trichomonas vaginalis and Tritrichomonas foetus, the etiologic agents of human and bovine trichomoniasis. All plant extracts were active individually against at least one trichomonads species except for Prosopis juliflora and Amburana cearensis. Cedrela sp. was the most active against both trichomonads species. Finally, a mixture of plants used in traditional medicine was evaluated for activity. A mixture containing extracts of the plants Ximenia americana, Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil, Myracrodruon urundeuva, Sideroxylon obtusifolium, and Amburana cearensis was active against the two trichomonads. This finding confirms the traditional practice by women living in the Caatinga region of using a mixture of plants during sitz baths to treat vaginal infections. Altogether, these results highlight the ethnopharmacological use of Cedrela sp. and of the plant mixture for the treatment of venereal diseases by Caatinga residents. Full article

Forest ecosystems in Sri Lanka are under pressure from intensive human activity and climate change. Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to autochthonous species and ecosystems. In Bundala National Park of Sri Lanka, there are efforts to control and limit the spreading of unwanted invasive Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. and Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl.) Haw., which poses a significant risk to natural ecosystem conservation. Nine different treatment variants (four replications) were used to test which management approach provides the control of Prosopis juliflora. This research is based on nine repeated measurements from 2017 to 2021 on 36 permanent research plots (each 625 m²) with 27 observed plant species and a total of 90,651 recorded plant individuals. The results confirmed that the dynamics of species richness, heterogeneity, and evenness showed significant differences between treatments during the five years of dynamics. The lowest species diversity was found in the control variant, followed by treatments based on the hard pruning and thinning of Prosopis juliflora trees. In contrast, strategies emphasizing the complete uprooting of Prosopis juliflora trees, replanting, and support of the natural regeneration of native species showed high species diversity and a high overall number of plant species. Generally, treatments had a significant effect on species diversity and the number of individuals of Prosopis juliflora, while changes in the overall number of plant species were more affected by time and succession. Silvicultural treatments including pruning, uprooting, and thinning have proven to be essential tools for nature conservation across various sites, aimed at enhancing habitat diversity in the face of ongoing climate change. Full article

In the information contained herein, we fabricated biochar by means of a pyrolysis process; it used Prosopis juliflora waste (PJW) as a biomass source. The physical and chemical material characterization was carried out through FTIR, thermogravimetric, BET-N₂ isotherm, and SEM-EDX assays. We studied the methylene orange (MO) adsorption onto PWJ biochar. The PJW biochar displayed a maximum percentage of MO removal of 64%. The results of the adsorption study indicated that Temkin isotherm was suitable to describe the MO adsorption process on PJW biochar; it suggests that the MO adsorption on PJW biochar could be a multi-layer adsorption process. Results showed that the pseudo-second-order model was accurate in demonstrating the MO adsorption on PJW (k₂ = 0.295 g mg⁻¹min⁻¹; q_e = 8.31 mg g⁻¹). Furthermore, the results made known that the MO removal by PJW biochar was endothermic (ΔH = 12.7 kJ/mol) and a spontaneous process (ΔG = −0.954 kJ/mol). The reusability test disclosed that after four consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles, the PWJ biochar reduced its MO removal by only 4.3%. Full article

Biochar is an effective soil amendment with capabilities of boosting carbon sequestration and enhancing soil fertility, thus enhancing plant growth and productivity. While numerous studies have documented the positive effects of biochar on improving soil properties, a number of studies have reported conflicting results. Therefore, the current study was conducted to evaluate the impact of Prosopis juliflora biochar (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 t ha⁻¹) on soil biochemical properties in Coastal Kenya to ascertain biochar’s potential for soil fertility improvement. A randomized complete block design was used for setting up the experiment with three replicates, while Casuarina equisetifolia L. was planted as the test crop. Soil sampling for nutrient analysis was conducted quarterly for 12 months to assess nutrient dynamics under different biochar rates in the current study. Compared to soil untreated with Prosopis juliflora biochar, the results showed that there was a significant increase in soil pH by 21% following biochar utilization at the rate of 7.5 t ha⁻¹. Total nitrogen was increased by 32% after the biochar application, whereas the total organic carbon was increased by four folds in comparison to biochar-untreated soil. Available phosphorus was increased by 264% following biochar application in comparison to the control treatment. In addition, the application of biochar resulted in an increment in the soil exchangeable cations (Ca²⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺) across the assessment periods. Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), bacteria and fungi were enhanced by 95, 33 and 48%, respectively, following biochar application at 7.5 t ha⁻¹ in comparison to untreated soil. In conclusion, these results strongly suggest improvement of soil biochemical properties following Prosopis juliflora biochar application, thus providing potential for soil fertility improvement in regions such as the one in the study. Full article

Renewable energy sources have become an urgent worldwide concern due to the impacts of global warming. Globally, biofuels can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are major contributors to global warming. The use of biofuels has the potential to transform the energy landscape while mitigating the adverse effects of traditional fossil fuels. This study examines the water features, biochemical compositions, and fatty acid profiles among various plant species. The results reveal significant variations in water features as a consequence of the relative water content and water potential of each seed. Also, we note that some non-edible species like A. blanchetii, C. procera, E. oleracea, P. juliflora, M. oleifera, and J. curcas have good attributes that confer a biofuel-like species. These attributes are high in oil content and have a good profile content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), ranging from 35% to 80% among the different oilseeds. Fatty acid profiling reveals distinct compositions among the plant species. Stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), and linoleic acid (C18:2) were the principal oils in A. blanchetii, J. curcas, P. juliflora, M. oleifera, and S. tuberosa compared to other species. M. oleifera stands out with a high linoleic acid (C18:1) content, while C. maxima, J. curcas, and P. juliflora are even higher (C18:2). A principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlations analysis also confirmed that alternative oilseeds exhibited similarities to standard oilseeds and have the potential to replace them for biofuel production. These findings demonstrate the potential of non-conventional oilseeds for sustainable biofuel production. By unlocking their global potential, we can advance towards mitigating environmental impacts and fostering a sustainable biofuel industry. Full article

Predicting the direction and magnitude of change in soil dynamics caused by invasive plant species has proven to be difficult because these changes are often reported to be species- and habitat-specific. This study was conducted to determine changes in three soil properties, eight soil ions, and seven soil microelements under established stands of four invasive plants, Prosopis juliflora, Ipomoea carnea, Leucaena leucocephala, and Opuntia ficus-indica. Soil properties, ions, and microelements were measured in sites invaded by these four species in southwest Saudi Arabia, and these values were compared to the results for the same 18 parameters from adjacent sites with native vegetation. Because this study was conducted in an arid ecosystem, we predict that these four invasive plants will significantly alter the soil properties, ions, and microelements in the areas they invaded. While the soils of sites with the four invasive plant species generally had higher values for soil properties and ions compared to sites with native vegetation, in most instances these differences were not statistically significant. However, the soils within sites invaded by I. carnea, L. leucocephala, and P. juliflora had statistically significant differences for some soil parameters. For sites invaded by O. puntia ficus-indica, no soil properties, ions, or microelements were significantly different compared to adjacent sites with native vegetation. Sites invaded by the four plant species generally exhibited differences in the 11 soil properties, but in no instance were these differences statistically significant. All three soil properties and one soil ion (Ca) were significantly different across the four stands of native vegetation. For the seven soil microelements, significantly different values were detected for Co and Ni, but only among stands of the four invasive plant species. These results indicate that the four invasive plant species altered soil properties, ions, and microelements, but for most of the parameters we assessed, not significantly. Our results do not support our initial prediction, but are in general agreement with previous published findings, which indicate that the effects of invasive plants on soil dynamics vary idiosyncratically among invasive species and among invaded habitats. Full article

The western region of Saudi Arabia is a major vegetation diversity hotspot with wide range of habitats and variant climatic and topographical characteristics. The vegetation diversity in this region has not been fully studied to monitor the changes that happen over time in these habitats. This study aims to identify the floristic diversity and vegetation structure of the plant species in invaded habitats of the western region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 58 stands in the different invaded habitats (i.e., mountains, protected areas “ridge mountain habitat”, wadis, farmlands, ruderal areas, and coastal areas) were examined. A total of 146 plant species (94 native and 52 alien species) distributed among 132 genera and 49 families were recorded. Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Fabaceae were the most represented families and accounted for approximately 35% of the identified species. Multivariate analysis of the identified species clustered them into four main vegetation groups: VG I dominated by Opuntia ficus-indica-Juniperus phoenicea, VG II dominated by Reichardia tingitana-Heliotropium aegyptiacum, VG III dominated by Prosopis juliflora-Acacia seyal-Abutilon pannosum, and VG IV dominated by Suaeda monoica. The ecological information represented in this study may help in monitoring the changes in vegetation diversity across the western region of Saudi Arabia and designing the required conservation plans. Full article

Many studies have focused on how leaf litter depth affects seed germination and seedling growth because the seedling stage is the most vulnerable portion of a plant’s life cycle. Invasive plants with the most severe ecological consequences are those that modify ecosystems, and this can occur through the formation of thick litter layers which can suppress the emergence, survival, and recruitment of native plant seedlings; in addition, in some cases, these litter layers can suppress invasive plant seedling recruitment. Prosopis juliflora is a thorny shrub that is native to arid and semi-arid portions of North America, parts of South America, and the Caribbean. It has invaded millions of hectares around the world, including Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether P. juliflora leaf litter reduces the recruitment of its own seedlings under greenhouse and field conditions in Saudi Arabia. In both the greenhouse and the field, the number of days to first emergence increased and germination percentage decreased with increasing litter depth. With the 1, 2, and 4 cm litter depth treatments, the number of viable seeds generally decreased, with no emergence, germination, or viable seeds detected for the 8 cm litter depth treatment. Results of this study reveal that increasing the depth of P. juliflora leaf litter suppresses the survival and recruitment of its own seedlings. Future search should assess the actual mechanisms through which P. juliflora seeds are suppressed, the role of allelopathic compounds in this process, and whether viable seeds are dormant and will persist in the soil seed bank. Full article

Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. Is highly recognized for its invasive character and its detrimental effects on different plant species across the world. In this study, a field survey was performed to assess the impact of P. juliflora on the surrounding native plants, followed by the effect of different concentrations of its aqueous leaf extract on seed germination and seedling growth of selected Qatari flora. Our field observations indicated a high prevalence of new recruitments of P. juliflora than other native-associated plants in the study site. Germination percentage and/or seed radicle length of the test species: Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne, Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce, Sueda aegyptica (Hasselq.) Aellen, Halopeplis perfoliata (Forssk.) Bunge ex Schweinf. & Asch, and P. juliflora were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced by the extracts at different concentration levels. Moreover, the germination rate of A. tortilis was not affected; however, the seed germination of P. cineraria was significantly affected at concentrations of 6 and 8 mg mL⁻¹. The seed radicle lengths at 2 mg mL⁻¹ were significantly reduced for both plant species. The seed germination and radicle length of S. aegyptica and H. perfoliata were significantly decreased at 2 mg mL⁻¹ of extract of P. juliflora. Furthermore, the height and biomass of the seedlings of Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. ex Thwaites, Caroxylon imbricatum (Forssk.), and Tetraena qatarensis (Hadidi) Beier & Thulin were significantly reduced by the aqueous extracts at 6 and 8 mg mL⁻¹. The aqueous extract reduced the seed germination and seedling growth at 6 and 8 mg mL⁻¹, indicating an autotoxic effect. Such allelopathic behavior of P. juliflora designates the potential investigation of using its allelochemicals as naturally based herbicides in agrosystems. Full article