This datasheet on Tomato brown rugose fruit virus covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Disper... more This datasheet on Tomato brown rugose fruit virus covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Seedborne Aspects, Impacts, Prevention/Control, Further Information.
Summary Plant virus movement proteins (MPs) facilitate virus spread in their plant hosts, and som... more Summary Plant virus movement proteins (MPs) facilitate virus spread in their plant hosts, and some of them are known to target plasmodesmata (PD). However, how the MPs target PD is still largely unknown. Carrot mottle virus (CMoV) encodes the ORF3 and ORF4 proteins, which are involved in CMoV movement. In this study, we used CMoV as a model to study the PD targeting of a plant virus MP. We showed that the CMoV ORF4 protein, but not the ORF3 protein, modified PD and led to the virus movement. We found that the CMoV ORF4 protein interacts with the host cell small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) 1, 2 and the SUMO‐conjugating enzyme SCE1, resulting in the ORF4 protein SUMOylation. Downregulation of mRNAs for NbSCE1 and NbSUMO impaired CMoV infection. The SUMO‐interacting motifs (SIMs) LVIVF, VIWV, and a lysine residue at position 78 (K78) are required for the ORF4 protein SUMOylation. The mutation of these motifs prevented the protein to efficiently target PD, and further slowed or compl...
Tomato brown rugose f ruit virus (ToBRFV), belonging to the genus Tobamovirus, is a highly-virule... more Tomato brown rugose f ruit virus (ToBRFV), belonging to the genus Tobamovirus, is a highly-virulent emerging virus species, causing disease outbreaks and significant crop losses worldwide. No effective measure has been identified to control ToBRFV infection. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of three seed disinfection treatments on the elimination of ToBRFV in tomato seeds and their effect on seed quality. Seeds extracted from ToBRFV-infected fruits were treated with 2% hydrochloric acid (HCl) for 30 min, 10% trisodium phosphate (TSP) for 3 h, dry heat at 72°C for 72 h, or their combinations; then, the seeds were tested for the presence of the virus using serological, molecular, and biological assays. Parallel treatments of seeds in distilled water (hydropriming) or untreated seeds were included for comparison. The quality of the treated seeds was also evaluated in terms of seed standard germination, mean time to germination (MTG), and seedling growth. Seeds extracted from ToBRFV-infected fruits had a 100% contamination rate. Treatment of ToBRFV-contaminated seeds with 2% HCl for 30 min or 10% TSP for 3 h resulted in a 100% disinfection rate, while heat treatment at 72°C for 72 h or hydropriming treatments resulted in a 0% disinfection rate. Furthermore, seed treatment with HCl or hydropriming for 3 h significantly improved seed germination percentage, reduced MTG (faster speed of germination), and increased seedling length. In conclusion, seed treatment with 2% HCl for 30 min not only resulted in a 100% disinfection rate of seeds from the ToBRFV but also improved seed quality of tomato compared to untreated seeds.
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), belonging to the genus Tobamovirus, is a highly virulen... more Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), belonging to the genus Tobamovirus, is a highly virulent emerging virus, causing disease outbreaks and significant crop losses worldwide. The growing number of ToBRFV epidemic episodes prompted the investigation of the role of seeds in the dissemination of the virus as an important aspect in the overall disease management. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the localization of ToBRFV within tomato seeds and to evaluate its seed transmission characteristics. Seeds extracted from naturally ToBRFV-infected tomato fruits were tested for the presence of the virus using serological, molecular, and biological assays. Three immunolocalization techniques were used to determine the localization and distribution of ToBRFV within the different tissues and parts of tomato seeds. To evaluate seed transmission of ToBRFV, two grow-out experiments were conducted to assess the rate of both vertical (seeds to progeny seedlings) and possi...
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using Punica granatum peel extr... more In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using Punica granatum peel extract in one–step reaction at room temperature. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The UV-vis absorption spectrum shows an absorption band at 278 nm due to ZnO nanoparticles. XRD characterized the final product as highly crystalline ZnO with sizes in the range 10-40 nm. The SEM results reveal a presence of network of randomly oriented ZnO nanoplatelets with an average size of 40 nm and thicknesses of about 8 nm. This study determined the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on green peach aphid and antibacterial activity.
Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 2016
Sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) have been successfully prepared from sodium thiosulfate in the presen... more Sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) have been successfully prepared from sodium thiosulfate in the presence of Punica granatum peels aqueous extract at room temperature. The resulting sulfur nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Highly crystalline synthesized sulfur nanoparticles exhibiting high purity, spherical shape with average particle size of about 50 nm applied at a rate of 100 ppm, 200 ppm, and 300 ppm as foliar spray for tomato leaves. The obtained results revealed that the foliar spraying tomato leaves with 200 ppm sulfur nanoparticles are very beneficial to plant growth and produced healthy plant with greener leaves and high quality of tomato fruits compared with control.
The present study investigated the effectiveness of an inexpensive and ecofriendly loquat bark as... more The present study investigated the effectiveness of an inexpensive and ecofriendly loquat bark as a biosorbent for the possible removal of toxic chromium ions from aqueous solution. In this study, the effects of biosorbent dose, pH, initial concentration, contact time, and temperature were examined. The biosorption data were fitted well by Langmuir isotherms. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption behavior of Cr(VI) onto loquat bark biosorbent was an endothermic process, resulting in higher biosorption capacities at higher temperatures. The negative values of G and positive values of H revealed that the biosorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The mean free energy (E) for the biosorption of Cr(VI) was determined from the Dubinin-Radushkevick equation indicated that the biosorption of chromium species onto loquat bark mainly proceeds through binding surface functional groups.
ABSTRACT The present study investigated the effectiveness of an inexpensive and eco-friendly loqu... more ABSTRACT The present study investigated the effectiveness of an inexpensive and eco-friendly loquat bark as a biosorbent for the possible removal of toxic lead, zinc, and cadmium ions from aqueous solutions. In this study, the effects of biosorbent dose, pH, initial concentration, contact time, and temperature were examined. The linear Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms, and both models fitted well. The monolayer adsorption capacity of of Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) on loquat bark was found as 55.770, 29.447 and 28.802 mg g-1, respectively, at pH 4 and 30oC. Dubinin-Radush Kerich (D-R) isotherm model was also applied to equilibrium data. The mean free energy of adsorption of Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) (5.596, 3.748 and 3.549 kJ/mol) onto loquat bark, respectively, may be carried out via physisorption mechanism. Loquat bark (LB) was found to remove Pb(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) ions efficiently from aqueous solutions with selectivity in the order of Pb(II) > Zn(II) > Cd(II). Keywords- Metal Ions; Biosorption; Loquat Bark; Aqueous Solutions; Isotherms I. INTRODUCTION Heavy metals are recognized as long-term hazardous contaminants because of their high toxicity, accumulation and retention in human body. Lead ranks second in the list of prioritized hazardous materials issued by US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Lead poisoning in human beings causes severe damage to the kidney, nervous system, liver and brain [1]. Major sources of lead, zinc, cadmium in environment are battery manufacturing, dyeing, plastic, metal plating, oil refining, melting of sulfides ore, and fossil fuels. The conventional methods for the removal of lead, zinc, and cadmium from water and wastewater include reverse osmosis, ion exchange, chemical precipitation electro dialysis, chemical oxidation and reduction, and filtration. All these methods are in this case either economically unfavorable or technically complicated and thus used only in special cases. Each of these methods has some limitations in practice. Problems with the aforementioned methods make it necessary to develop easily available inexpensive, ecofriendly, and equally effective alternatives for water and wastewater treatment. It has been reported that some agrowastes such as rice husk [2], wheat bran [3], lignite [4], and barley straws [5], have the capacity to adsorb and accumulate toxic heavy metals. Biosorption of heavy metals by bark samples, which are produced in large quantities as a solid waste is one of these alternative treatment methods. The use of different barks as biosorbents [6-13], has also been reported
The use of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) has been banned in Jo... more The use of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) has been banned in Jordan officially in 1981, and of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in 1995. However, residues of such compounds can still be found in the environment and in foodstuffs. Dairy products are an important exposure route for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) to humans. For this reason, the presence of OCP residues in 233 dairy product samples; comprising milk, butter, cheese, labaneh and yoghurt collected from Jordan was determined. All samples were analyzed for their residual contents of aldrin, DDT and metabolites (DDTs), dieldrin, endosulfan isomers, endrin, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), heptachlor and HCB. Levels of these compounds were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The results indicated that 9% (21/233), 8.5% (20/233), 6% (14/233) and 2.1% (5/233) of the examined samples were contaminated with b-HCH, pp 0-DDE, a-HCH and c-HCH, respectively. Heptachlor and a-endosulfan were only present in less than 2% of the analyzed samples. None of the samples revealed the presence of aldrin, op 0-DDD, pp 0-DDD, op 0-DDE, op 0-DDT, pp 0-DDT, dieldrin, b-endosulfan, endrin and HCB at their detection limits. The order for the contamination in the analyzed dairy products was labaneh > cheese > yoghurt > butter > milk. This study has provided the preliminary information on the concentration of OCPs in dairy products for the first time in Jordan. The results will help in a scientific assessment of the implications of pesticide residues with regards to human risks in Jordan.
Sulfur nanoparticles have been successfully prepared from sodium thiosulfate in the presence of A... more Sulfur nanoparticles have been successfully prepared from sodium thiosulfate in the presence of Albizia julibrissin fruits extract at room temperature. The resulting sulfur nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD characterizes the final product as highly crystalline sulfur, exhibited high purity, spherical shape with average particle size of about 20 nm, and particle size distribution in range 10 nm to 100 nm. The particle size of nanoparticles could be controlled by tuning the amount of Albizia julibrissin fruits extract. FT-IR analysis of S-NPs indicated a new chemistry linkage on the surface of sulfur nanoparticles. This suggests that Albizia julibrissin fruits extract can bind to sulfur nanoparticles through carbonyl of the amino acid residues in the protein of the extracts, therefore acting as stabilizer and dispersing agent for synthesized sulfur nanoparticles. This research provides a greener and more environment-friendly synthetic method for the production of sulfur nanoparticles for antibacterial and antifungal activities.
The present paper is focused on green synthesis of high purity sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) and it... more The present paper is focused on green synthesis of high purity sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) and its effect on seed germination and seedling growth of cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Synthesized SNPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The crystalline size of synthesized SNPs as calculated by Scherer equation was 40 nm. SEM analysis of the SNPs is in spherical shape and with a diameter size between 5-80 nm. In the present study, different concentrations of SNPs were used for the treatment of cucumber seeds to study the effect on bioavailability of seed germination and seedling growth of cucumber. The results of this experiment showed that an increase in concentrations of SNPs had significantly increased seed germination and seedling growth of cucumber.
Potato soft rot is one of the major destructive diseases affecting potato plants throughout the w... more Potato soft rot is one of the major destructive diseases affecting potato plants throughout the world. In a survey of different potato growing seasons in different regions of Jordan, samples of rotten potato tubers were collected and 131 isolates identified biochemically as Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc). The PCR primer pair (EXPCCR/EXPCCF) was used to detect these Jordanian isolates. The primer set amplified a single fragment of 550 bp in size from the total genomic DNA, which was extracted independently from 67 Pcc strains. In a nested PCR, the primer set (INPCCR/INPCCF) amplified the expected single fragment of 400 bp from the PCR product of first PCR amplification. The use of these primers was not reliable in detecting all isolates identified biochemically as Pcc. Different rots causal agents were detected by PCR amplification and further sequenced. The sequencing data revealed similarities to different genera; Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae genera such as Enterobacter spp., Serratia spp. and Klebsiella spp., in addition to P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. So far this is the first study where Pcc has been identified by using PCR and sequencing approaches in Jordan.
Various bacterial species are known to be agents causing soft rot of potatoes. The results of thi... more Various bacterial species are known to be agents causing soft rot of potatoes. The results of this study showed that potato soft rot is widely spread in different potato planting areas in Jordan. A survey was conducted through the years 2013-2015 to detect potato soft rot disease in Jordan, two hundred and four rotted potato samples were collected from different potato growing areas through different potato growing seasons. One hundred and thirty one bacterial isolates were isolated, purified on selective media and identified as Pectobacterium carotovorum subspecies carotovorum (Pcc) by different biochemical and physiological tests. Furthermore, 131 Pcc Jordanian (Jo) isolates were identified by PCR analysis of total DNA extracted from isolates that were biochemically identified as Pcc using universal primer Fd1/Rd1. Cloning and sequencing of representative PCR products, amplifying the 16S rDNA region were done. Phylogenetic analysis of the Pcc Jo-isolates revealed other than 90% similarity with different reference Pcc strains available at the GenBank. Different rot causal agents also were detected by PCR amplification and further sequences. The sequencing data revealed similarities to Pseudomonas fluorescence, Enterobacteriaceae genera such as Enterobacter spp., Serratia spp. and Klebsiella spp., in addition to Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. This study indicated that using molecular techniques such as amplification of 16S rDNA region is a sensitive and specific method for detecting Pcc as potato soft rot causal agent. So far this is the first study where Pcc has been identified by using PCR and sequencing approaches in Jordan.
In summer 2009, a survey for virus diseases in cucurbits was conducted in open fields and plastic... more In summer 2009, a survey for virus diseases in cucurbits was conducted in open fields and plastichouses in Khartoum State, the most important growing area for cucurbits in Sudan. Chlorosis and yellowing symptoms on middle and lower leaves were observed on many muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) plants grown in open fields in the Assilat agricultural scheme and on approximately 80% of the cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants grown in plastichouses in Khartoum North. Large populations of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci L.) were present in both locations. Leaf symptoms that were observed were similar to those caused by Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), a recently described new Crinivirus species infecting cucurbits in Japan (4), indicating presence of this virus previously only reported from Japan, Taiwan (2), and China (1). Samples from seven symptomatic muskmelon leaves were collected from individual plants grown in different open fields in Assilat and from a symptomatic cucumber plant gr...
In view of promising adsorption efficiency of clay based materials, a modified iron-kaolin clay w... more In view of promising adsorption efficiency of clay based materials, a modified iron-kaolin clay was used as an adsorbent of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The effects of various experimental parameters, such as initial metal ions concentration, contact time, temperature and pH were investigated. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were applied to the experimental equilibrium data at different temperatures. The maximum adsorption capacities of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions were 76.92 and 75.19 (mg/g), respectively. Thermodynamic parameters such as the change of Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of adsorption were also calculated and it was found that the lead and cadmium ions uptake by modified kaolin clay is endothermic and spontaneous in nature.
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) was isolated from naturally infected lettuce grown in Jordan. Th... more Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) was isolated from naturally infected lettuce grown in Jordan. This virus isolate (TSWV-J) was identified based on transmission studies, host range reaction, and serological tests. RTPCR was used for the detection of TSWV in infected plant tissues. Total RNA isolated from infected lettuce plants was subjected to RT-PCR using primers specific to the nucleocapsid (N) gene of TSWV and the amplified 620 bp product was cloned and sequenced. Nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the RTPCR amplicon confirmed the Jordanian virus as an isolate of TSWV. Furthermore, the genetic diversity of TSWV in Jordan was investigated. The TSWV isolates shared high nucleotide sequence identity (93-99%) with those from other countries. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TSWV infection on lettuce in Jordan.
This datasheet on Tomato brown rugose fruit virus covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Disper... more This datasheet on Tomato brown rugose fruit virus covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Seedborne Aspects, Impacts, Prevention/Control, Further Information.
Summary Plant virus movement proteins (MPs) facilitate virus spread in their plant hosts, and som... more Summary Plant virus movement proteins (MPs) facilitate virus spread in their plant hosts, and some of them are known to target plasmodesmata (PD). However, how the MPs target PD is still largely unknown. Carrot mottle virus (CMoV) encodes the ORF3 and ORF4 proteins, which are involved in CMoV movement. In this study, we used CMoV as a model to study the PD targeting of a plant virus MP. We showed that the CMoV ORF4 protein, but not the ORF3 protein, modified PD and led to the virus movement. We found that the CMoV ORF4 protein interacts with the host cell small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) 1, 2 and the SUMO‐conjugating enzyme SCE1, resulting in the ORF4 protein SUMOylation. Downregulation of mRNAs for NbSCE1 and NbSUMO impaired CMoV infection. The SUMO‐interacting motifs (SIMs) LVIVF, VIWV, and a lysine residue at position 78 (K78) are required for the ORF4 protein SUMOylation. The mutation of these motifs prevented the protein to efficiently target PD, and further slowed or compl...
Tomato brown rugose f ruit virus (ToBRFV), belonging to the genus Tobamovirus, is a highly-virule... more Tomato brown rugose f ruit virus (ToBRFV), belonging to the genus Tobamovirus, is a highly-virulent emerging virus species, causing disease outbreaks and significant crop losses worldwide. No effective measure has been identified to control ToBRFV infection. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of three seed disinfection treatments on the elimination of ToBRFV in tomato seeds and their effect on seed quality. Seeds extracted from ToBRFV-infected fruits were treated with 2% hydrochloric acid (HCl) for 30 min, 10% trisodium phosphate (TSP) for 3 h, dry heat at 72°C for 72 h, or their combinations; then, the seeds were tested for the presence of the virus using serological, molecular, and biological assays. Parallel treatments of seeds in distilled water (hydropriming) or untreated seeds were included for comparison. The quality of the treated seeds was also evaluated in terms of seed standard germination, mean time to germination (MTG), and seedling growth. Seeds extracted from ToBRFV-infected fruits had a 100% contamination rate. Treatment of ToBRFV-contaminated seeds with 2% HCl for 30 min or 10% TSP for 3 h resulted in a 100% disinfection rate, while heat treatment at 72°C for 72 h or hydropriming treatments resulted in a 0% disinfection rate. Furthermore, seed treatment with HCl or hydropriming for 3 h significantly improved seed germination percentage, reduced MTG (faster speed of germination), and increased seedling length. In conclusion, seed treatment with 2% HCl for 30 min not only resulted in a 100% disinfection rate of seeds from the ToBRFV but also improved seed quality of tomato compared to untreated seeds.
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), belonging to the genus Tobamovirus, is a highly virulen... more Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), belonging to the genus Tobamovirus, is a highly virulent emerging virus, causing disease outbreaks and significant crop losses worldwide. The growing number of ToBRFV epidemic episodes prompted the investigation of the role of seeds in the dissemination of the virus as an important aspect in the overall disease management. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the localization of ToBRFV within tomato seeds and to evaluate its seed transmission characteristics. Seeds extracted from naturally ToBRFV-infected tomato fruits were tested for the presence of the virus using serological, molecular, and biological assays. Three immunolocalization techniques were used to determine the localization and distribution of ToBRFV within the different tissues and parts of tomato seeds. To evaluate seed transmission of ToBRFV, two grow-out experiments were conducted to assess the rate of both vertical (seeds to progeny seedlings) and possi...
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using Punica granatum peel extr... more In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using Punica granatum peel extract in one–step reaction at room temperature. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The UV-vis absorption spectrum shows an absorption band at 278 nm due to ZnO nanoparticles. XRD characterized the final product as highly crystalline ZnO with sizes in the range 10-40 nm. The SEM results reveal a presence of network of randomly oriented ZnO nanoplatelets with an average size of 40 nm and thicknesses of about 8 nm. This study determined the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on green peach aphid and antibacterial activity.
Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 2016
Sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) have been successfully prepared from sodium thiosulfate in the presen... more Sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) have been successfully prepared from sodium thiosulfate in the presence of Punica granatum peels aqueous extract at room temperature. The resulting sulfur nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Highly crystalline synthesized sulfur nanoparticles exhibiting high purity, spherical shape with average particle size of about 50 nm applied at a rate of 100 ppm, 200 ppm, and 300 ppm as foliar spray for tomato leaves. The obtained results revealed that the foliar spraying tomato leaves with 200 ppm sulfur nanoparticles are very beneficial to plant growth and produced healthy plant with greener leaves and high quality of tomato fruits compared with control.
The present study investigated the effectiveness of an inexpensive and ecofriendly loquat bark as... more The present study investigated the effectiveness of an inexpensive and ecofriendly loquat bark as a biosorbent for the possible removal of toxic chromium ions from aqueous solution. In this study, the effects of biosorbent dose, pH, initial concentration, contact time, and temperature were examined. The biosorption data were fitted well by Langmuir isotherms. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption behavior of Cr(VI) onto loquat bark biosorbent was an endothermic process, resulting in higher biosorption capacities at higher temperatures. The negative values of G and positive values of H revealed that the biosorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The mean free energy (E) for the biosorption of Cr(VI) was determined from the Dubinin-Radushkevick equation indicated that the biosorption of chromium species onto loquat bark mainly proceeds through binding surface functional groups.
ABSTRACT The present study investigated the effectiveness of an inexpensive and eco-friendly loqu... more ABSTRACT The present study investigated the effectiveness of an inexpensive and eco-friendly loquat bark as a biosorbent for the possible removal of toxic lead, zinc, and cadmium ions from aqueous solutions. In this study, the effects of biosorbent dose, pH, initial concentration, contact time, and temperature were examined. The linear Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms, and both models fitted well. The monolayer adsorption capacity of of Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) on loquat bark was found as 55.770, 29.447 and 28.802 mg g-1, respectively, at pH 4 and 30oC. Dubinin-Radush Kerich (D-R) isotherm model was also applied to equilibrium data. The mean free energy of adsorption of Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) (5.596, 3.748 and 3.549 kJ/mol) onto loquat bark, respectively, may be carried out via physisorption mechanism. Loquat bark (LB) was found to remove Pb(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) ions efficiently from aqueous solutions with selectivity in the order of Pb(II) > Zn(II) > Cd(II). Keywords- Metal Ions; Biosorption; Loquat Bark; Aqueous Solutions; Isotherms I. INTRODUCTION Heavy metals are recognized as long-term hazardous contaminants because of their high toxicity, accumulation and retention in human body. Lead ranks second in the list of prioritized hazardous materials issued by US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Lead poisoning in human beings causes severe damage to the kidney, nervous system, liver and brain [1]. Major sources of lead, zinc, cadmium in environment are battery manufacturing, dyeing, plastic, metal plating, oil refining, melting of sulfides ore, and fossil fuels. The conventional methods for the removal of lead, zinc, and cadmium from water and wastewater include reverse osmosis, ion exchange, chemical precipitation electro dialysis, chemical oxidation and reduction, and filtration. All these methods are in this case either economically unfavorable or technically complicated and thus used only in special cases. Each of these methods has some limitations in practice. Problems with the aforementioned methods make it necessary to develop easily available inexpensive, ecofriendly, and equally effective alternatives for water and wastewater treatment. It has been reported that some agrowastes such as rice husk [2], wheat bran [3], lignite [4], and barley straws [5], have the capacity to adsorb and accumulate toxic heavy metals. Biosorption of heavy metals by bark samples, which are produced in large quantities as a solid waste is one of these alternative treatment methods. The use of different barks as biosorbents [6-13], has also been reported
The use of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) has been banned in Jo... more The use of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) has been banned in Jordan officially in 1981, and of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in 1995. However, residues of such compounds can still be found in the environment and in foodstuffs. Dairy products are an important exposure route for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) to humans. For this reason, the presence of OCP residues in 233 dairy product samples; comprising milk, butter, cheese, labaneh and yoghurt collected from Jordan was determined. All samples were analyzed for their residual contents of aldrin, DDT and metabolites (DDTs), dieldrin, endosulfan isomers, endrin, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), heptachlor and HCB. Levels of these compounds were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The results indicated that 9% (21/233), 8.5% (20/233), 6% (14/233) and 2.1% (5/233) of the examined samples were contaminated with b-HCH, pp 0-DDE, a-HCH and c-HCH, respectively. Heptachlor and a-endosulfan were only present in less than 2% of the analyzed samples. None of the samples revealed the presence of aldrin, op 0-DDD, pp 0-DDD, op 0-DDE, op 0-DDT, pp 0-DDT, dieldrin, b-endosulfan, endrin and HCB at their detection limits. The order for the contamination in the analyzed dairy products was labaneh > cheese > yoghurt > butter > milk. This study has provided the preliminary information on the concentration of OCPs in dairy products for the first time in Jordan. The results will help in a scientific assessment of the implications of pesticide residues with regards to human risks in Jordan.
Sulfur nanoparticles have been successfully prepared from sodium thiosulfate in the presence of A... more Sulfur nanoparticles have been successfully prepared from sodium thiosulfate in the presence of Albizia julibrissin fruits extract at room temperature. The resulting sulfur nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD characterizes the final product as highly crystalline sulfur, exhibited high purity, spherical shape with average particle size of about 20 nm, and particle size distribution in range 10 nm to 100 nm. The particle size of nanoparticles could be controlled by tuning the amount of Albizia julibrissin fruits extract. FT-IR analysis of S-NPs indicated a new chemistry linkage on the surface of sulfur nanoparticles. This suggests that Albizia julibrissin fruits extract can bind to sulfur nanoparticles through carbonyl of the amino acid residues in the protein of the extracts, therefore acting as stabilizer and dispersing agent for synthesized sulfur nanoparticles. This research provides a greener and more environment-friendly synthetic method for the production of sulfur nanoparticles for antibacterial and antifungal activities.
The present paper is focused on green synthesis of high purity sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) and it... more The present paper is focused on green synthesis of high purity sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) and its effect on seed germination and seedling growth of cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Synthesized SNPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The crystalline size of synthesized SNPs as calculated by Scherer equation was 40 nm. SEM analysis of the SNPs is in spherical shape and with a diameter size between 5-80 nm. In the present study, different concentrations of SNPs were used for the treatment of cucumber seeds to study the effect on bioavailability of seed germination and seedling growth of cucumber. The results of this experiment showed that an increase in concentrations of SNPs had significantly increased seed germination and seedling growth of cucumber.
Potato soft rot is one of the major destructive diseases affecting potato plants throughout the w... more Potato soft rot is one of the major destructive diseases affecting potato plants throughout the world. In a survey of different potato growing seasons in different regions of Jordan, samples of rotten potato tubers were collected and 131 isolates identified biochemically as Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc). The PCR primer pair (EXPCCR/EXPCCF) was used to detect these Jordanian isolates. The primer set amplified a single fragment of 550 bp in size from the total genomic DNA, which was extracted independently from 67 Pcc strains. In a nested PCR, the primer set (INPCCR/INPCCF) amplified the expected single fragment of 400 bp from the PCR product of first PCR amplification. The use of these primers was not reliable in detecting all isolates identified biochemically as Pcc. Different rots causal agents were detected by PCR amplification and further sequenced. The sequencing data revealed similarities to different genera; Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae genera such as Enterobacter spp., Serratia spp. and Klebsiella spp., in addition to P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. So far this is the first study where Pcc has been identified by using PCR and sequencing approaches in Jordan.
Various bacterial species are known to be agents causing soft rot of potatoes. The results of thi... more Various bacterial species are known to be agents causing soft rot of potatoes. The results of this study showed that potato soft rot is widely spread in different potato planting areas in Jordan. A survey was conducted through the years 2013-2015 to detect potato soft rot disease in Jordan, two hundred and four rotted potato samples were collected from different potato growing areas through different potato growing seasons. One hundred and thirty one bacterial isolates were isolated, purified on selective media and identified as Pectobacterium carotovorum subspecies carotovorum (Pcc) by different biochemical and physiological tests. Furthermore, 131 Pcc Jordanian (Jo) isolates were identified by PCR analysis of total DNA extracted from isolates that were biochemically identified as Pcc using universal primer Fd1/Rd1. Cloning and sequencing of representative PCR products, amplifying the 16S rDNA region were done. Phylogenetic analysis of the Pcc Jo-isolates revealed other than 90% similarity with different reference Pcc strains available at the GenBank. Different rot causal agents also were detected by PCR amplification and further sequences. The sequencing data revealed similarities to Pseudomonas fluorescence, Enterobacteriaceae genera such as Enterobacter spp., Serratia spp. and Klebsiella spp., in addition to Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. This study indicated that using molecular techniques such as amplification of 16S rDNA region is a sensitive and specific method for detecting Pcc as potato soft rot causal agent. So far this is the first study where Pcc has been identified by using PCR and sequencing approaches in Jordan.
In summer 2009, a survey for virus diseases in cucurbits was conducted in open fields and plastic... more In summer 2009, a survey for virus diseases in cucurbits was conducted in open fields and plastichouses in Khartoum State, the most important growing area for cucurbits in Sudan. Chlorosis and yellowing symptoms on middle and lower leaves were observed on many muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) plants grown in open fields in the Assilat agricultural scheme and on approximately 80% of the cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants grown in plastichouses in Khartoum North. Large populations of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci L.) were present in both locations. Leaf symptoms that were observed were similar to those caused by Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), a recently described new Crinivirus species infecting cucurbits in Japan (4), indicating presence of this virus previously only reported from Japan, Taiwan (2), and China (1). Samples from seven symptomatic muskmelon leaves were collected from individual plants grown in different open fields in Assilat and from a symptomatic cucumber plant gr...
In view of promising adsorption efficiency of clay based materials, a modified iron-kaolin clay w... more In view of promising adsorption efficiency of clay based materials, a modified iron-kaolin clay was used as an adsorbent of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The effects of various experimental parameters, such as initial metal ions concentration, contact time, temperature and pH were investigated. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were applied to the experimental equilibrium data at different temperatures. The maximum adsorption capacities of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions were 76.92 and 75.19 (mg/g), respectively. Thermodynamic parameters such as the change of Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of adsorption were also calculated and it was found that the lead and cadmium ions uptake by modified kaolin clay is endothermic and spontaneous in nature.
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) was isolated from naturally infected lettuce grown in Jordan. Th... more Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) was isolated from naturally infected lettuce grown in Jordan. This virus isolate (TSWV-J) was identified based on transmission studies, host range reaction, and serological tests. RTPCR was used for the detection of TSWV in infected plant tissues. Total RNA isolated from infected lettuce plants was subjected to RT-PCR using primers specific to the nucleocapsid (N) gene of TSWV and the amplified 620 bp product was cloned and sequenced. Nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the RTPCR amplicon confirmed the Jordanian virus as an isolate of TSWV. Furthermore, the genetic diversity of TSWV in Jordan was investigated. The TSWV isolates shared high nucleotide sequence identity (93-99%) with those from other countries. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TSWV infection on lettuce in Jordan.
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Papers by Nida Salem