African Journal of Advanced Pure and Applied Sciences

Physicochemical Fingerprinting and Pollution Indicators of Hemodialysis Wastewater in a Developing Mediterranean Region

2026-04-08T20:43:54+00:00

Wastewater generated from dialysis centers represents a significant environmental concern due to its complex physicochemical composition. These properties may alter environmental conditions and pose potential risks to ecosystem stability and public health. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of blood dialysis waste and water rejected from the treatment units from dialysis centers in Riqdalin and Al-Jamil hospitals. Samples were collected periodically from the discharge points of both centers over a period of four months, from August to November 2025, and tested in accordance with standard methods of wastewater analysis. The physicochemical investigation focused on the extent of temperature (T), potential hydrogen (PH), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrates (NO₃⁻), nitrites (NO2-), total nitrogen, total organic carbon (TOC), total phosphorus, and Oil & Grease. During an evaluation of effluent physicochemical properties of wastewater analysis, the effluents analyzed showed non-compliant with the WHO and Libyan standard specifications. The findings indicate an urgent need to develop specialized treatment strategies for this waste prior to final discharge to mitigate its environmental and health impacts.

Synthesis and Evaluation of New Pyrazoline Derivatives as Potential Anti-breast cancer Agents

2026-04-10T12:17:40+00:00

Using creative, effective anticancer therapeutics, new kinds of heteroaryl pyrazoline compounds were synthesized, designed, and studied based on their anti-proliferative effects against breast cancer cell lines. The following pyrazoline derivatives were designed and synthesized: 5-(naphthalene-2-yl)-3-(phenyl)-1-tosyl-1H-pyrazole (NAPT) and 3-(4-N,N-dimethylamino)-phenyl)-5-(naphthalene-2-yl)-1-tosyl-1H-pyrazole (DMNAPT) Using naphthyl-chalcone derivatives, pyrazoline derivatives were synthesized and were determined using IR and ¹H-NMR spectra. Antitumor activity was also evaluated using the MTT assay. It was discovered that the compounds synthesized from 2-naphthyl chalcones (M1 and M2) exhibited relatively better anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Among the compounds that were evaluated, NAPT and DMNAPT were observed to have significantly moderate anti-proliferative activity on the MCF-7.

Fruit fly as a biological model for detecting the effects and toxicity of environmental pollutants on living organisms in the city of Benghazi

2026-04-17T10:37:34+00:00

The risk of environmental pollution is increasing year after year. To assess the impact and toxicity of pollution, the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) was used as a biological tool for this purpose. Accordingly, this study was conducted in several geographical locations within the city of Benghazi with the aim of monitoring and characterizing morphological mutations in the fly to detect the presence of environmental pollutants in the area.Random samples were collected from several regions during two consecutive seasons, namely the spring season 2024/2025 and the autumn season 2025/2026. The results of the morphological analysis showed the occurrence of a mutation related to wing deformity during the spring season in the areas of Sidi Khalifa, Al-Salam district, and Al-Majouri. In contrast, the same mutation was observed during the autumn season in the regions of Al-Halis, Qanfouda, and Al-Fuwayhat, along with a noticeable enlargement of the eyes in some samples collected from the Buatni area, indicating a possible variation in mutation patterns depending on environmental differences between locations.It is noteworthy that all individuals carrying the recorded mutations were females, except in the Al-Majouri area, while in the autumn season males were recorded in the areas of Al-Halis and Al-Fuwayhat. Statistical analysis showed that the percentages of affected males, females, and overall cases were (13.1 - 17.0 - 16.1)%, respectively, with an increase in infection cases in the second season, and females had higher rates in both seasons.The Chi-square results showed statistical significance in the regions and in the mutated cases for males, females, and overall, estimated at 27.1 - 45.8 - 120 - 165.4, respectively, at P < 0.05. The highest infection rate was observed in western Benghazi, and the infection ratio for males was one for every four females. This supports the need for further studies to understand and clarify the relationship between sex and mutation occurrence.

Study on the Effect of Delayed Field Compaction Duration on the Properties of Subgrade Soil in Road Construction

2026-04-24T08:24:52+00:00

This study discusses the evaluation of the physical and mechanical changes occurring in the unbound granular base layer due to prolonged exposure to weathering and traffic loading prior to the final compaction and asphalt covering. The research adopted a comparative methodology encompassing three main phases. It began with the characterization of the source material and verification of its compliance with standard specifications (ASTM D422, AASHTO T180) in terms of particle size distribution and mechanical properties. In the second phase, a notable deterioration in the soil's structural framework was observed after one year of being laid bare, where storm water runoff and vehicle movements caused the particle size distribution to deviate from the allowable design limits, accompanied by a tangible increase in the percentage of fine particles and loss of layer stability.

In its third phase, the study moved to the practical side by treating the deteriorated soil and re-adjusting its gradation instead of fully replacing it. The results showed that the process of "gradation adjustment" by adding precise proportions of sand and coarse aggregate (1% sand, 1.5% coarse aggregate of size 20–30 mm, and 1% aggregate of size 0–5 mm) succeeded in bringing the gradation curve back within the specification limits. The study concluded that leaving base layers exposed leads to substantial changes in their properties, necessitating engineering re-adjustment. It recommended conducting periodic verification tests and adopting localized addition techniques as an economical and sustainable solution for restoring the design efficiency of the road.

Random use of Antibiotics and prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria

2026-04-24T09:13:26+00:00

This study evaluated the antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial isolates against a panel of commonly used antibiotics. Resistance percentages were calculated based on the number of resistant isolates relative to the total number of tests performed for each antibiotic. The results revealed considerable variability in resistance rates among the tested antibiotics. Cefuroxime demonstrated complete susceptibility (0% resistance), while gentamicin and cefotaxime showed low resistance rates of 17.4% and 19.0%, respectively. Moderate resistance levels were observed for ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone, with resistance rates ranging between 22% and 30%, whereas trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, augmentin, and streptomycin exhibited relatively higher resistance rates ranging from 36% to 43%. In contrast, high resistance rates exceeding 50% were recorded for tetracycline (52.2%), erythromycin (55.6%), doxycycline (66.7%), amoxicillin (60%), and ampicillin– Cloxacillin (APX) 60%. The highest resistance level was observed for nalidixic acid (100%), indicating complete loss of efficacy

In-Silico Investigation of Selected Phytochemicals as Potential Androgen Receptor Modulators: A Molecular Docking and ADMET Study

2026-04-24T09:54:21+00:00

The Androgen Receptor (AR) is a fundamental therapeutic target for hormone-sensitive diseases, including prostate cancer. This study employed a computational workflow to evaluate the binding potential of five selected phytochemicals—Quercetin, Ursolic acid, β-sitosterol, Berberine, and Rutin—against the human AR (PDB ID: 2AMB). Ligand and receptor preparation were performed using Discovery Studio, while text editing and parameter adjustment were facilitated through Notepad++. Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina, and molecular visualization and interaction analysis were carried out with PyMOL. Docking results demonstrated that Quercetin and Berberine exhibited the most favorable binding energies of −8.8 kcal/mol and −8.7 kcal/mol, respectively, indicating strong binding affinity for the AR pocket. Evaluation of drug-likeness using Lipinski’s and Veber’s rules revealed that Quercetin and Berberine comply with pharmacokinetic criteria, whereas Ursolic acid, β-sitosterol, and Rutin showed multiple violations. ADMET predictions further identified Quercetin as possessing favorable oral absorption and metabolic profiles. Detailed molecular interaction analysis elucidated the key amino acid residues stabilizing the ligand within the AR binding pocket. These findings support and underscore supporting the identification of Quercetin as the most promising lead compound for AR modulation, providing a computational foundation for subsequent in vitro and in vivo investigations to validate Quercetin as a potential AR modulator.

Advancing Drinking Water Distribution Systems through Smart Water Applications: Insights, Benefits, and Lessons Learned

2026-05-02T17:44:37+00:00

The global water sector is increasingly challenged by population growth, urbanization, climate change, and water scarcity. Conventional management practices are proving inadequate to address leakage, inefficiency, and rising demand, underscoring the need for digital and data-driven solutions. This study investigates the role of Smart Water Applications, with particular focus on Smart Water Metering (SWM), in enhancing drinking water distribution systems. Using a multiple case study approach, SWM adoption in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Korea is analyzed, highlighting both pilot projects and large-scale deployments. Findings show that national policies, regulatory frameworks, financial support, and institutional readiness shape adoption trajectories. Across contexts, SWM provides wide-ranging benefits, including reduced water losses, enhanced leakage detection, cost savings, and improved customer engagement. Crucially, the study identifies significant gains in asset and maintenance management, such as predictive maintenance, optimized infrastructure monitoring, reduced operational disruptions, and extended asset lifecycles. Despite persistent challenges—most notably high upfront costs and legacy system integration—SWM emerges as a transformative pathway for improving efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in water distribution. The insights presented offer valuable lessons for utilities, policymakers, and stakeholders aiming to advance digital water innovation worldwide.