Environmental Science

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The Adsorption of Lead using Olive Cake Ash
(An-Najah National University, 2018-11-22) سودي, ميساء ابراهيم يونس
The adsorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution using olive cake ash was carried out. The effect of various parameters on the adsorption process such as pH, contact time and temperature were studied. Performed experiments included; binding capacity, stripping, hard cations interferences and adsorption isotherms on adsorption process. Results showed that the maximum adsorption of Pb(II) ions occurred at pH 5, equilibrium was achieved at 40 minutes. The removal of Pb(II) ions increased from 91.3% to 94.5% as the temperature increased from 0°C to 70°C. The binding capacity was determined to be 0.29 mg/g at 28°C. The highest total stripping for Pb(II) ions reached 100 % by 0.5 M HCl. The presence of combined Ca(II) and Mg(II) with Pb(II) ions causes a significant increase in binding. This increase in binding reached maximum (higher by 22%) when the following concentrations of Ca(II) and Mg(II) were present at 2 mM, 4 mM, 20 mM and 400 mM higher than when no Ca(II) and Mg(II) present. The isotherms results showed that the experimental data best obeys Fruindlich and Dubbinin models. Values of ΔG° at different temperatures (13°C, 23°C and 35°C) were 19.87 KJ/mol, 10.29 KJ/mol and 20.45 KJ/mol, respectively. This indicates that the adsorption process is non spontaneous. In addition, the negative value of ΔHº means that the adsorption of Pb(II) ions onto treated ash was exothermic, also the value of ΔSº was negative indicating a decrease in entropy. The values of mean free energy E per molecule sorbate at different temperatures are in the range (8 – 16) KJ/mol. This indicates a chemical adsorption.
Assessing Water Quality of Cisterns in Sha'rawiya Area "Tulkarm Governorate" for Drinking Purposes
(2016) Saja Asa'd Almur; Dr. Sameer Shadeed; Dr. Abdelrahim Abusafa
This study was undertaken to assess the quality of rainwater harvesting (RWH) cisterns for drinking purposes at Sha'rawiya rural area. Fifty water samples were collected from tested cisterns at 12 rural areas. All samples were analyzed for physiochemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, Ca+2, Mg+2, K+, Na+, Cl-, NO3-, SO4-2, PO4-2, and HCO3-), microbial parameters (TC and FC), and some heavy metals (Ag, Al, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) using standard procedures. The results were compared with Palestinian standards (PS) and world health organization (WHO) standards of drinking water. Among the analyzed samples, all results of tested physiochemical parameters were within acceptable limits of PS and WHO standards except (4%) of NO3- results, (4%) of turbidity results, (2%) of alkalinity results, (2%) of electric conductivity (EC) results, (2%) of Ca+2 results, and (28%) of Mg+2 results exceeded the PS and WHO standards. The percentage of contamination with TC and FC was 86%, 80%, respectively. All heavy metals were within PS except the iron (Fe) in which (33%) of results exceeded the permissible limits. Cistern characteristics and sources of contamination were studied by the distribution of 100 questionnaires along the study area. The highest percentage of contamination sources: (78%) was detected due to the presence of trees around the cistern, and storage of the first storm of rainwater in the cistern. Almost (36%) of contamination was due to withdrawing water manually. In general, the obtained results of water quality parameters show that some parameters have values higher than standards especially the microbial parameters (TC and FC), this explained the unsuitable use of RWH systems for direct drinking purposes without disinfection processes. This is an indication of contamination hazards and weak drinking water treatment practices in the study area, which in turn have an important effect on human health. Based on total dissolved solids (TDS) as a salinity hazard, the obtained results indicate the possibility to use RWH for irrigation purposes. This study therefore, recommends the responsible authorities to raise public awareness for cistern owners about the best practices to collect and store rainwater, and to take appropriate corrective measures to get high water quality for drinking purposes.
Assessing Water Quality of Harvested Rainwater in Tubas Governorate and Evaluation of Local Public Awareness Regarding Water Pollution
(ِAn-Najah National University, 2019-07-08) Abbas, Ahd
تهدف هذه الدراسة لتقييم جودة مياه الأمطار في آبار الجمع المنزلية لأغراض الشرب في محافظة طوباس، بالمزامنة مع تقييم الوعي البيئي للسكان المحليين بخصوص قضايا تلوث المياه . تم أخذ 47 عينة بشكل عشوائي من 11 منطقة مختلفة ضمن محافظة طوباس وأجريت لها بعض الفحوصات المخبرية التي تتضمن درجة الحموضة، الموصلية الكهربائية، البايكربونات، العسر الكلي، الكلورايد، المغنيسيوم، الكالسيوم، الصوديوم، النيترايت، الصوديوم، الفوسفات، الكبريتات، البوتاسيوم، القاعدية، العكورة، بالإضافة للفحوصات المايكروبية حيث شملت فحص وجود القولونات الكلية والبرازية. لقد أظهرت النتائج التي تم الحصول عليها بعد التحاليل الفيزيائية و الكيميائية والمايكروبية أن هناك تجاوزاً للمعايير المحلية والعالمية، بحيث تجاوزت جميع نتائج العينات للتحاليل الفيزيائية المعايير المحلية والعالمية ، إذ تجاوزت 17 ٪ من العينات المعايير الفلسطينية ومعايير منظمة الصحة العالمية لمياه الشرب لدرجة الحموضة،2% من العينات تجاوزت المعايير بالنسبة لمجموع المواد الصلبة الذائبة في المياه، وكذلك 4% من العينات بالنسبة للتعكر.أما بالنسبة للتحاليل الكيميائية فتجاوزت نتائج التحاليل المعايير بنسب مختلفة كالتالي (البوتاسيوم 30 ٪ ، الفوسفات 28 ٪ ، المغنيسيوم 21 ٪) ، بينما كانت نسبة تلوث القولونيات الكلية والبرازية (98٪ ، 92٪) ، على التوالي. تمت دراسة خصائص آبار الجمع ومصادر التلوث بواسطة استبيانات تم الإجابة عليها من قبل أصحاب الآبار أنفسهم، ووفقًا للمعلومات التي تم جمعها وتحليلها من خلال الاستبيانات ، كانت أهم مصادر التلوث هي وجود النباتات والأشجار بالقرب من الآبار بنسبة (66٪) ، وكذلك تخزين مياه الأمطار الأولى في بداية الموسم بحيث تكون محملة بالغبار والملوثات والمايكروبات بنسبة (53 ٪) ، بالإضافة الى الاحتفاظ بمياه الأمطار التي تم تجميعها في الموسم السابق داخل البئر بنسبة (34 ٪) ، ويعزى حوالي (24 ٪) من أسباب التلوث الى عدم تنظيف منطقة تجميع المياه ومداخل البئر قبل تخزينها. وبالنسبة لنتائج التقييم المتعلقة بدراسة مستوى الوعي البيئي للأفراد ضمن منطقة الدراسة فقد أشارت النتائج إلى أن (58%) من أصحاب الآبار ليس لديهم معرفة أو دراية حول الملوثات التي تؤول الى تلوث آبارهم بالإضافة إلى فقدان الاهتمام والوعي البيئي من قبل الجهات المختصة ضمن المنطقة التي تمت دراستها ، وكما أن (70%) من أصحاب الآبار فضلو اللقاءات التوعية من قبل الجهات المختصة كوسيلة لرفع الوعي البيئي وزيادة الثقافة العامة بخصوص قضايا تلوث الماء وكيفية التعامل مع هذه المشكلة. النتائج بشكل عام تشير الى وجود تلوث فعلي والذي بدوره يؤثر سلباً على صحة الإنسان مسبباً مخاطر صحية تهدد حياة الأفراد حيث أن أهم مسببات التلوث هي الممارسات الخاطئة في عملية حصاد مياه الأمطار وتخزينها لأغراض الشرب الناتجة عن غياب الوعي البيئي لدى الأفراد ملَاك الآبار . تهدف هذه الدراسة بشكل عام إلى تحديد الخصائص والظروف الحالية والأسباب الرئيسية للتلوث لآبار الجمع التي تم دراستها خلال منطقة الدراسة، وكذلك تقييم جودة مياه الأمطار في الآبار التي تم دراستها وفقًا للمعايير المحلية والدولية ، واقتراح أفضل الأدوات والأساليب المتاحة لرفع الوعي البيئي المتعلق بقضايا تلوث المياه للمواطنين المحليين. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، تهدف هذه الدراسة بشكل عام لتوفير الفرص لتجميع المعرفة العلمية ضمن إطار دولة نامية ومن ثم تعمل على تعزيز جدول أعمال للسياسات في نظام إدارة المياه ، وذلك بهدف رفع الوعي العام لأصحاب الآبار للقيام بأفضل الممارسات لجمع وتخزين مياه الأمطار مع الأخذ بعين الاعتبار الحصول على أفضل جودة من مستوى المياه المستخدمة لأغراض الشرب.
Assessing Water Quality of Harvested Rainwater in Tubas Governorate and Evaluation of Local Public Awareness Regarding Water Pollution
(جامعة النجاح الوطنية, 2019-07-08) محمد عباس, عهد
تهدف هذه الدراسة لتقييم جودة مياه الأمطار في آبار الجمع المنزلية لأغراض الشرب في محافظة طوباس، بالمزامنة مع تقييم الوعي البيئي للسكان المحليين بخصوص قضايا تلوث المياه . تم أخذ 47 عينة بشكل عشوائي من 11 منطقة مختلفة ضمن محافظة طوباس وأجريت لها بعض الفحوصات المخبرية التي تتضمن درجة الحموضة، الموصلية الكهربائية، البايكربونات، العسر الكلي، الكلورايد، المغنيسيوم، الكالسيوم، الصوديوم، النيترايت، الصوديوم، الفوسفات، الكبريتات، البوتاسيوم، القاعدية، العكورة، بالإضافة للفحوصات المايكروبية حيث شملت فحص وجود القولونات الكلية والبرازية. لقد أظهرت النتائج التي تم الحصول عليها بعد التحاليل الفيزيائية و الكيميائية والمايكروبية أن هناك تجاوزاً للمعايير المحلية والعالمية، بحيث تجاوزت جميع نتائج العينات للتحاليل الفيزيائية المعايير المحلية والعالمية ، إذ تجاوزت 17 ٪ من العينات المعايير الفلسطينية ومعايير منظمة الصحة العالمية لمياه الشرب لدرجة الحموضة،2% من العينات تجاوزت المعايير بالنسبة لمجموع المواد الصلبة الذائبة في المياه، وكذلك 4% من العينات بالنسبة للتعكر.أما بالنسبة للتحاليل الكيميائية فتجاوزت نتائج التحاليل المعايير بنسب مختلفة كالتالي (البوتاسيوم 30 ٪ ، الفوسفات 28 ٪ ، المغنيسيوم 21 ٪) ، بينما كانت نسبة تلوث القولونيات الكلية والبرازية (98٪ ، 92٪) ، على التوالي. تمت دراسة خصائص آبار الجمع ومصادر التلوث بواسطة استبيانات تم الإجابة عليها من قبل أصحاب الآبار أنفسهم، ووفقًا للمعلومات التي تم جمعها وتحليلها من خلال الاستبيانات ، كانت أهم مصادر التلوث هي وجود النباتات والأشجار بالقرب من الآبار بنسبة (66٪) ، وكذلك تخزين مياه الأمطار الأولى في بداية الموسم بحيث تكون محملة بالغبار والملوثات والمايكروبات بنسبة (53 ٪) ، بالإضافة الى الاحتفاظ بمياه الأمطار التي تم تجميعها في الموسم السابق داخل البئر بنسبة (34 ٪) ، ويعزى حوالي (24 ٪) من أسباب التلوث الى عدم تنظيف منطقة تجميع المياه ومداخل البئر قبل تخزينها. وبالنسبة لنتائج التقييم المتعلقة بدراسة مستوى الوعي البيئي للأفراد ضمن منطقة الدراسة فقد أشارت النتائج إلى أن (58%) من أصحاب الآبار ليس لديهم معرفة أو دراية حول الملوثات التي تؤول الى تلوث آبارهم بالإضافة إلى فقدان الاهتمام والوعي البيئي من قبل الجهات المختصة ضمن المنطقة التي تمت دراستها ، وكما أن (70%) من أصحاب الآبار فضلو اللقاءات التوعية من قبل الجهات المختصة كوسيلة لرفع الوعي البيئي وزيادة الثقافة العامة بخصوص قضايا تلوث الماء وكيفية التعامل مع هذه المشكلة. النتائج بشكل عام تشير الى وجود تلوث فعلي والذي بدوره يؤثر سلباً على صحة الإنسان مسبباً مخاطر صحية تهدد حياة الأفراد حيث أن أهم مسببات التلوث هي الممارسات الخاطئة في عملية حصاد مياه الأمطار وتخزينها لأغراض الشرب الناتجة عن غياب الوعي البيئي لدى الأفراد ملَاك الآبار . تهدف هذه الدراسة بشكل عام إلى تحديد الخصائص والظروف الحالية والأسباب الرئيسية للتلوث لآبار الجمع التي تم دراستها خلال منطقة الدراسة، وكذلك تقييم جودة مياه الأمطار في الآبار التي تم دراستها وفقًا للمعايير المحلية والدولية، واقتراح أفضل الأدوات والأساليب المتاحة لرفع الوعي البيئي المتعلق بقضايا تلوث المياه للمواطنين المحليين. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، تهدف هذه الدراسة بشكل عام لتوفير الفرص لتجميع المعرفة العلمية ضمن إطار دولة نامية ومن ثم تعمل على تعزيز جدول أعمال للسياسات في نظام إدارة المياه ، وذلك بهدف رفع الوعي العام لأصحاب الآبار للقيام بأفضل الممارسات لجمع وتخزين مياه الأمطار مع الأخذ بعين الاعتبار الحصول على أفضل جودة من مستوى المياه المستخدمة لأغراض الشرب.
Assessment of iodine level in breast milk samples, and in urine of mother and infant: A pilot study in Palestine
(An-Najah National University, 2017-09-13) نعيرات, سندس هاشم; صوالحة, مآثر
Iodine is an essential trace element, required for biosynthesis of thyroid gland hormones which are directly related to growth and development of human being. Both deficiency and excess of iodine intake can cause thyroid function disorder. Pregnant, lactating women and infant are the most vulnerable group to this disorder. This research is a pilot study was conducted in Palestine in Jenin district. The main objectives were to determine maternal and infant iodine levels and also to determine the breast-milk iodine concentration. The study was carried out using ninety purposive urine samples that were collected from three groups: thirty pregnant women, thirty lactating women and thirty infants. The collected samples were analyzed by Sandell–Kolthoff method. This method is a combination of digestion technique and manual spectrophotometric reading. And data was collected using a questioner. Breast milk iodine concentration was investigated, using thirty purposive milk samples that were collected from the same mothers, the milk samples were also analyzed by sandell Kolthoff method. The main outcomes of the research are: median iodine concentration of pregnant women, lactating women and infant 23.5µg/L, 28.3µg/L, 50.4µg/L respectively. Compare this medians with WHO epidemiologic criteria for assessing iodine nutrition based on median urinary iodine concentrations for different groups, indicates that iodine deficiency was prevalent among pregnant, lactating women and their infant. This deficiency could be explained using the questioner results which revealed that studied women consumption of iodine rich foods were low. Other important outcome of the research is the median of milk iodine concentration which was 20.8µg/L. When this value is compared with the optimal range that is supposed to meet the infant’s iodine requirement (100–200 µg/L) reveals that, content of breast milk of targeted lactating women don’t meet the infant’s iodine requirement. The results of the study indicant that, infant’s iodine status in the present study affected by their mother’s iodine status, and it depend on their mother’s breast milk iodine concentration.
Assessment of Medical Waste Management in Jenin District Hospitals
(2009) Abdul-Salam A. Khalaf; Dr. Suleiman Al-Khalil; Dr. Issam A. Al-Khatib
Medical waste management is of great importance due to its infectious and hazardous nature that can cause undesirable effects on humans and the environment. The objective of this study was to analyze and evaluate the present status of medical waste management in the light of medical waste control regulations recommended by the WHO in Jenin district. A comprehensive field survey was conducted for three hospitals. Field visits and a questionnaire survey method were implemented to collect information regarding different medical waste management aspects, including medical waste generation, segregation and collection, storage, training and education, transportation, disposal, and safety of cleaning personnel. The results indicated that the average hazardous healthcare waste generation rate ranges from 0.54 to 1.82 kg/bed/day with a weighted average of 0.78 kg/bed /day. There was no waste segregation of various types of healthcare wastes in all hospitals. All hospitals still use some of the unqualified staff for medical waste collection, and all of the hospitals do not have temporary storage areas. Additionally, 67.9% of cleaning personnel at the three hospitals have reported that they received training about healthcare waste handling; however, none of the hospitals have ongoing training and education. It was found that healthcare waste is finally disposed in a centralized sanitary landfill (Zahrat al Finjan) that has been constructed for domestic solid waste disposal and is not specialized for healthcare waste disposal. The management of Medical waste in Palestine was not given the proper attention. Still there are lacks of legislation and defined policy regarding this issue . The entire Medical waste generated is dumped within general waste. The results also suggested that there is need for sustained cooperation among all key actors (government, hospitals and waste managers) in implementing a safe and reliable medical waste management strategy, not only in legislation and policy formation but also particularly in its monitoring and enforcement. This can be achieved through the cooperation between the Ministry of Health, Environmental Quality Authority, Ministry of Local Government, and Non-Governmental Organizations working in related fields. Additional remediation measures are proposed to tackle the problematic areas of medical waste management in Jenin district hospitals by proposing some recommendations that will ensure that potential health and environmental risks of medical waste are minimized.
Assessment of Milk Quality and Antibiotic Residues Detection in Milk Samples from Palestinian Market
(An-Najah National University, 2019-09-08) Hamdan, Dalal
This study was conducted to evaluate the quality of milk in the Palestinian market during a period of 8 months, from June 2017 to January 2018. A total of 118 milk samples, of which 79 pasteurized, 14 raw and 25 (UHT) were collected randomly from the market, using the production date as the collection criteria. The samples were screened for antimicrobial residues using Delvotest SP-NT, and their osmolality was measured using Vapor Pressure Osmometer (VAPRO). In addition, the pasteurized and UHT milk samples were evaluated for physicochemical properties (fat, solids not fat; SNF; protein, lactose, ash, freezing point and pH), using (Ultrasonic Milk Analyzer) and pH meter. The results of the antibiotic screening test SP-NT showed that (36%) raw milk samples contained antibiotic residues above MRL. Meanwhile, the pasteurized milk samples (27%) were contaminated with antibiotic residues above MRL. None of 25 UHT milk samples were contaminated with antibiotic residue. The average content of fat and solids in pasteurized milk samples was higher during winter (3.38%, 0.65%, respectively). The Freezing point and pH average were higher during summer (-0.5048°C, 6.78, respectively). Moreover, the average content of SNF, Protein and lactose were higher in autumn (8.04%, 2.96%, and 4.41%, respectively). The average content of (fat, SNF, ash, protein, lactose) and FP of pasteurized milk samples revealed non-significant differences (P>0.05) between seasons. Meanwhile, the average pH showed significant differences (P<0.05) between seasons. The results showed that the average content of fat and protein in UHT milk samples were higher in spring (3.28%, 3.18%, respectively), the average content of solids and freezing point were higher in summer (0.65%, -0.5087°C, respectively). Moreover, the average of SNF and pH were higher in autumn (8.01%, 6.74, respectively). The Physiochemical properties average (fat, solids not fat; SNF; protein, lactose, ash, freezing point and pH) of UHT milk samples revealed non-significant differences (P>0.05) between seasons. The osmolality average of raw milk samples, pasteurized and UHT was (309±37.86, 273±24.08, 271.76±7.46 mOsmol/kg, respectively). Moreover, the osmolality average of milk samples revealed significant differences (P<0.05) between raw and heat-treated milk samples. The present study concluded that physiochemical properties and the osmolality of milk were affected by seasonal variation. Also, the study showed that the percentage of contaminant raw milk samples by antibiotic residue above MRLs is higher compared to that heat-treated milk samples.
Bacterial Quality of Drinking-Water in Rainfed Cisterns and Roof Storage Tanks in Beit Leed and Safarine Villages
(2000) Sameeh Musa Hassan Othman; Dr. Suleiman Al- Khalil
Three hundred drinking water samples were collected from two storage systems (cisterns and roof storage tanks), 150 sample from each. The samples were collected during the summer season from June to October 1999 from two villages (Beit Leed and Safarine) in the district of Tulkarm. Average counts for both total coliform and the rmotolerent coliform E. coli were used as indicators for water quality based on membrane filtration technique. Both indicators gave average counts higher than that recommended as safe drinking water by the WHO. Total coliform counts were 16.1 and 12 CFU/100ml water in cisterns and roof storage tanks respectively, while average counts of thermotolerent coliform E. coli were 7.0 and.5.4 CFU/100 ml water for cisterns and roof storage tanks respectively. Roof storage tanks showed lower average counts for both indicators. A comparison between old style and forced concrete cisterns showed a significant difference in favor of rain forced concrete cisterns using both indicators. Average counts for total coliform and the rmotolerent coliform E. coli in old style cisterns were 17.6 and 7.9 CFU/100ml water respectively, while in forced concrete cisterns were 8.7 and 3.1 CFU/100ml water respectively. Based on the average counts for both indicators no significant variations were observed on the quality of drinking water in the studied villages. Variations in both average counts for both indicators were with significant values with respect to different selected regions especially for Beit Leed center. The degree of contamination based on total coliform counts in both storage systems were similar and the majority were with first degree of contamination according to the WHO classification. Based; on the rmotolerent coliform E. coli with respect to the risk levels, both storage systems were within low and intermediate risk levels according to WHO classification. A noticeable decrease in both indicators is clear up to a distance of 22 meter and above between cesspits and cisterns, however, variations up to 28 meters were of no significant values according to our findings with respect to total coliform count and the rmotolerent coliform E. coli. Neither cesspits’ levels nor animal razing seems to have further effect on the contamination and risk levels compared to the findings on households with no histories with animal razing or having cesspits within the same level or uphill to cisterns. Our findings regard cisterns age indicate a significant increase in both indicators reflecting an increase degree of contamination and risk levels with increased cisterns age. Average counts of total coliform were 7.6 CFU/100ml water for age group greater than 0 to 9 compared to 57 CFU/100ml water for age group more than 90 years, however, the rmotolerent coliform E. coli counts were 7.9 CFU/l0Oml water for age group greater than 0 to 9 compared to 3l CFU/100ml water for age groups more than 90.
Bio-Control of Tobacco Whitefly Bemisia Tabaci Using The Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium Anisopliae
(2002) Abu-Zaid, Dua'; Yacoub Batta
This research aimed at evaluation of efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae against the immature stages (larvae and pupae) of the sweet potato whitefly Bemisia tabaci. The fungus was mainly applied in form of invert emulsion (water - in - oil formulation) after being introduced into the emulsion in form of conidia. Two types of experiments were carried out to evaluate the efficacy, the first type was under laboratory conditions (20±1°C) and a humidity of using formulated and non - formulated forms of the fungus, in addition to the control treatment; the second type was carried out on pots of eggplant seedlings kept under outdoor conditions during fall season using the above forms of the fungus, in addition to the control treatments. Results obtained from the two types of experiments indicated that affected larvae and pupae of B. tabaci due to the attack of the fungus turned into black - greenish in color (natural color of larvae is whitish, but it is yellow to dull - yellow for pupae) whereas, the values of mortality percent in the immature stages of B. tabaci under laboratory conditions were 100 %, 83.75 % and 0 % for the formulated form of Manisopliae, non - formulated form and the control, respectively. Comparatively, the mortality percent in B. tabaci immature stages under tl1e outdoor conditions were 92.269 %, 27.994 % and 1.000 % for the treatments mentioned above, respectively. Significant differences (P > 0.05) were obtained between the mean mortalities for the treatments with the formulated form of the fungus, the non — formulated form and the control. Moreover, it is recommended to confirm the efficacy of the fungus against B. tabaci especially in the formulated form under the open field conditions before the commercial use of the fungus against the whitefly.
BIOLOGICAL AND GENETICAL INVESTIGATION FOR CONSERVATION OF PALESTINIAN IRIS HAYNEI OF FAQQUA
(2022-09-25) Amer Barahmeh
Background:In Palestine, one of the symbolic flowering plants is Iris haynei. It is called "royal iris" and it's limited to the northeast of West Bank, particularly the village of Faqqua. Aim:The main aim of this study was to better understand the current status of Iris haynei population to ensure their continuity in the Palestinian ecosystems. Materials and method:Field surveys were conducted for some species to localize every plant on site and to check the fructification period (in-situ techniques). Past transplantation was monitored on-site and manual pollination was conducted and tested. On the other hand, seeds of the selected species were collected for the seed bank for the development of germination protocols (ex-situ techniques). Finally, after the lab studies have been conducted, the plants generated are ready to reinforce their original populations in their natural habitat (in-situ techniques). Besides, this study investigated the morphological and genetic variations of the planted Iris. For that, several Iris haynei species were grown in Faqqua Palestine and experiments were done including seed germination, genetic variation and site environmental scanning. Results: In lab seed germination, 50% of seeds have been germinated in the presence of Gibberellic acid, while without hormone 34%. In the field, in the first year, none of the seeds have grown, while in the second year, 25% have grown. In" this study, the RAPD method was used for genotypes identification and characterization of "three Iris haynei colors (yellow, purple and pink). Five out of ten primers were tested for their ability to generate polymorphism from selected Iris haynei using RAPD-PCR, and the obtained data were analyzed. The similarity value analysis was 0.46 between (yellow, purple) Irises, while the similarity value between (yellow, pink) was 0.33. By this study, genetic diversities of studied were Iris haynei colored species ascertained successfully using RAPD markers, concluding that it could be a useful tool for identifying Iris species. Keywords: ecosystem; Iris haynei; royal iris, RAPD.
Biological Control of Gray Mold, Blue Mold & Rhizopus Soft Rot on Grape, Pear, Kiwi, Strawberry by Trichoderma Harzianum
(2006) Odeh, Mohammed Ibrahiem Ahmad; Yacoub Batta
This research aimed at evaluation of biological effectiveness of Trichoderma harzianum against the gray mold, blue mold and rhizopus soft rot caused by B. cinerea, P. expansum and R. stolonifer, respectively, on four types of fruits (Grape, Pear, Kiwi, and strawberry). Also, it aimed at determination of the minimum protection period from infection with gray mold, blue mold and Rhizopus soft rot on the same types of fruits. T. harzianum was applied in form of invert emulsion (water- in- oil formulation) after being introduced into the emulsion in form of conidia, in addition to using non-formulated form of the fungus. The experiments of evaluation of efficacy was carried out under laboratory conditions (18 2 C) and 16 hours of illumination per day under humid conditions (100٪). Results obtained have demonstrated that the treatment with the fungus ( T. harzianum) formulated in invert emulsion reduced significantly gray mold, blue mold and Rhizopus soft rot lesion diameter compared to other treatments. Significant differences (P 0.05) were obtained in reducing the lesion diameters of gray mold, blue mold and Rhizopus soft rot treated with Trichoderma in invert emulsion in comparison with the control treatment. Results have also indicated that T. harzianum formulated in invert emulsion on unwounded grape fruits gave the longest minimum protection period against the gray mold infections. This demonstrated the biological effectiveness of Trichoderma harzianum in protecting unwounded grape berries from gray mold infection for long time (up to 25 days). Moreover, it is recommended to confirm the efficacy of the fungus against B.cinerea, P. expansum and R. stolonifer especially in the formulated form under a wide range of temperatures and relative humidity's, in addition to the controlled atmosphere conditions.
Biological Control of Rhizoctonia Solani and Sclerotium Rolfsii by Using Local Isolates of Trichoderma Spp
(2005) Fadel Abed Al-Fattah Abed Al-Aziz Al-Mahareeq; Prof. Mohammed S. Ali-Shtayeh; Dr. Radwan Barakat
The bioagent, Trichoderma species are known antagonists of other fungi, and have been shown to be very potent biocontrol agents of several soil borne plant pathogenic fungi under both greenhouse and field conditions. One hundred sixty nine soil samples from irrigated fields in the West Bank were collected for the recovering of Trichoderma fungal species using Trichoderma selective media (TSM). Forty-seven local Trichoderma isolates were isolated. The antagonistic potential of the local isolates against the phytopathogenic Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii was investigated in dual culture and bioassay on bean plants. Application of testing isolates as a conidial suspension (3*106) greatly reduced the disease index of bean plants caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii in different rates by a percentage of 65% and 67%, respectively. The results revealed that the variation of antagonistic potential between isolates was due to the variation in mycelium-coiling rate, sporulation, fungitoxic metabolites, induced growth response and temperature effect. In dual culture, most effective isolate (Jn14) overgrew the pathogens R. solani and S. rolfsii at 30 and 25 oC respectively. In addition, results showed that Jn14 and T36 were the most effective isolates at 25 °C and inhibited R. solani and S. rolfsii mycelial growth at a percentage of 79% and 94.7% respectively due to fungitoxic metabolites production. Sporulation of the isolates reached a peak at 30 °C and decreased at 35 °C. The maximum absolute spore production were 1.5*109 spore / ml by the isolate Jn14 at 30 °C. The Effect of Trichoderma on bean seedlings growth was obvious; height was nearly doubled (160% - 200%), while fresh and dry weight were increased by 133% - 217% respectively. in plant. Germination of bean seeds treated with Trichoderma isolates occurred about four days earlier than those in untreated soil.
Biological Control of Rhizopus Soft Rot on Apple, Pear and Peach by Trichoderma harzianum
(2005) Manar Ahmad Mahmoud Salman; Yacoub Batta
This research aimed at evaluation of biological effectiveness of Trichoderma harzianum against the Rhizopus soft rot caused by Rhizopus stolonifer. Also, it aimed at determination of minimum protection period from infection with Rhizopus soft rot on three types of fruits (apple, pear, and peach). The fungus was mainly applied in form of invert emulsion (water - in - oil formulation) after being introduced into the emulsion in form of conidia in addition to using formulated and non-formulated forms of the fungus. The experiments (evaluation of efficacy) was carried out under laboratory conditions (20 + 2C and 30 + 2C). Results obtained have demonstrated that the fungus (Trichoderma harzianum) formulated in invert emulsion was effective in reducing Rhizopus soft rot lesion diameter compared to other treatments. Significant differences (P?0.05) were obtained in reducing the lesion diameters of Rhizopus soft rot treated with Trichoderma in invert emulsion in comparison with the control treatment. Results have also indicated that Trichoderma formulated in invert emulsion on unwounded apple fruits gave the longest minimum protection period against Rhizopus soft rot disease, which demonstrated the biological effectiveness of Trichoderma harzianum. Moreover, it is recommended to confirm the efficacy of the fungus against R. stolonifer especially in the formulated form under a wide range of temperatures and relative humidifies, in addition to controlled atmosphere conditions and using other fungal strains of T. harzianum against R. stolonifer in the same formulation and may be other formulations can be also tested. Using other kinds of fruits also may expand the knowledge and verify the concept of biological control.
Breast Cancer Status in The Northern Part of West Bank
(2000) Ahmad Z. Haj-Qasem; Suleiman Al-Khalil
The current study is an explorative and descriptive in nature. It aimed to study the status of breast cancer in northern part of the West Bank and compare it with the other parts of the area. We also aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with the disease incidence. Previous studies on breast cancer in Palestine, Jordan and Israel were revised. The study also included all affected women (80) enrolled at Al-Watani cancer center in northern part of West Bank at the city of Nablus. The affected women were interviewed and their medical tiles were studied. Our findings indicate rapid increase in breast cancer incidence in West Bank in comparison with the situation among Israeli women, although the disease incidence among Jewish females is the highest. There is a geographical variation in the incidence of the disease in West Bank. These variations seem to be due to life style, socio-economical and health awareness of affected women. Our findings strongly indicate the lack of health awareness among females in this respect. Our findings also indicate that lactation, being married and having children especially at early age seems to play a protective role against breast cancer. On the other hand, smoking, oral contraceptive use specially at early age, stress, low fertility, early menarche and family history seem to play a role in the disease etiology and its incidence at early age of breast cancer.
Characterization of Indoor Air Bacterial Isolates from Rafidia Hospital, Nablus-Palestine and their Roles in Nosocomial Infections
(2015) Eman Atta Hassan Abedraboo; Dr. Ghaleb Adwan
Air can play a vital role as a reservoir for both pathogenic and non pathogenic living microorganisms. Microbial contamination of hospitals air is considered as a source of hospital-associat¬ed infections. The present study aimed to assess microbial profile of air contamination in different wards of Rafidia Hospital, Nablus-Palestine using both active and passive sampling methods, and to ascertain the contribution of some of these microorganisms to infection using cultures from hospitalized patients at the same time using ERIC PCR technique. Results of this research showed that total viable count of Gram-positive bacteria was the most frequent microorganisms cultured from different wards of the hospital. Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) and Micrococcus spp, were the most predominant among isolates from air samples from all operation rooms, ICU and neonatal room by passive air sampling method. The percentage of CoNS and Micrococcus spp in air of surgical operation rooms, intensive care unit and neonatal room ranged from 61.8%-100% and the average was 5158 CFU/m2/h-20187 CFU/m2/h. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common microorganisms isolated from neonatal room by active air sampling method, the percentage was 35% and the average was 100 CFU/m3. Total bacterial level range was116 CFU/ m3-1085 CFU/m3. The percentage of CoNS and Micrococcus spp in air of surgical operation rooms, intensive care unit by active air sampling was 58.8%-100% and the average was 70-1080 CFU/ m3. The results showed that most frequent Colony Forming Units were obtained from Blood agar with a range of 4085 CFU/ m2/h -8721 CFU/ m2/h and Tryptic Soy Agar with a range of 2043 CFU/ m2/h-7935 CFU/ m2/h by passive air sampling method. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates revealed that the most effective antibiotics were ciprofloxacin , norfloxacin and tetracycline against S. aureus; tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin against CoNS and Micrococcus spp and ciprofloxacin, Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline against Bacillus spp. ERIC PCR profile based on number and size of generated bands revealed that clinical bacterial strains of S. aureus, E. coli and Klebsiella spp were not clonally related to airborne isolates collected at the same time. Data presented in this study may be valuable to develop interventions to improve microbial indoor air quality in various hospital wardsand also for preventing or decreasing the occurrence of the nosocomial infections.
Chromium Removal and Recovery From Tanneries Effluents
(2000) Abeer Mousa Al-Sous; Dr. Amer M. El-Hamouz
Tanning of leather is a traditional industry in Palestine. It is accompanied by the use of tens of chemicals and consequently by the emission of a number of pollutants. Many pollutants need pretreatment before discharging the effluents in order to meet the discharging requirements. One of the most dangerous tanning pollutants is. The removal and recovery of chromium from the tanning effluents is the main objective of this work. The application of coagulation- precipitation method for the treatment of the chromium in the tanneries effluents was applied in this study. Removal was applied to the effluents of the tanning step in the tanning process (the step to which chromium is added to the hides and skins). Experiments were carried out in Birzeit University/Water Engineering laboratory as well as in one of Hebron Tanneries. Characterization of the tanneries effluents through laboratory analysis were carried out in Birzeit University/Water Engineering Laboratory. Analysis was carried out according to the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Recovery was carried out in Hebron tannery. Three coagulants were used to examine the efficiency of removal: MgO, Na₂CO₃ and Prestol. MgO showed the best removal efficiency. Experiments showed a 99% removal. The precipitated chromium was then successfully used in the leather tanning and showed a good leather quality as that tanned by fresh chromium.
Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study of Single Oral Doses of Ibuprofen in Healthy Volunteers for Palestinian, British and American Pharmaceutical Equivalents in The Local Market
(2003) Abed-Al-Rahaman Mohammad Jarrar; Dr. Ansam Sawalha
This study is conducted so as to test for the existence of actual or potential bioequivalence problems belonging to pharmaceutical equivalents of ibuprofen drug specifically the Palestinian local quality, British (Nurofen ) and American (Advil ) formulations available in the local market.To carry out this study three samples each of 24 healthy volunteers of both genders (12 males and 12 females) with the following average characteristics: age, weight, height and body mass index 20.667(year), 65.292(kg), 1.6929(m) and 22.750(kg/m²) respectively were admitted to the central laboratory of An-Najah National university and a single oral dose of 400 mg of each of the formulations was administered. Three blood samples were withdrawn to measure the drugs concentrations at three periods of time- (0.5hr, 1 hr and 1.5hr following administration). The analysis of blood plasma samples after cleaning them was carried out by utilizing the HPLC/UV. The concentration of ibuprofen in each sample was calculated and upon analyzing the results statistically, it was verified with a high degree of validation that there is a significant bio equivalence problem regarding the local brand relative to the other pharmaceutical equivalents and the difference between Nurofen and Advil was of no significant value.
Comparative Study between Commercial Charcoal and Asphodelus ramosus Tuber Derived Activated Carbons for Adsorption of Heavy metals from Aqueous Solution
(An-Najah National University, 2017-06-15) Mahameed, Abdullah; Abu-Obaid, Ahmad
In this project Asphodelus ramosus Tuber was subjected to several in-vitro investigations to show its antioxidant, and anti-obesity using different solvents for extract preparation . Activated carbon was prepared from this tuber tissues by different methods then to set up kinetic study of some heavy metals adsorption from aqueous solution onto this activated carbon to evaluate the power of this plant tubers to environmental purification from these harmful heavy metals and compared it with commercial activated carbon. The results of phytochemical screening tests showed that Asphodelus ramosus tuber methanolic extract was rich in phytochemical compounds like Flavonoid, glycosides, phenols, alkaloids, proteins, carbohydrates, tannin while antioxidant activity evaluated by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate assay also showed that methanolic extract was the best one in its antioxidant activity with IC50=13.8µg/ml which is close to IC50= 2.08µg /ml for Trolox ( the standard reference compound).So these tubers can be a good candidate of manufacturing biological and pharmacological active pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals formulations as it has good antioxidant effect. On the other hand anti lipase investigation showed that the methanol extract had the least value of the half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 which was 63.09 then aqueous extract with IC50 value =79.43, while higher values for IC50 were obtained for both acetone and n-hexane extracts which were 316 and 630 respectively. Comparing these results with orlistat IC50 which was 12.3 both acetone and n-hexane extracts seems to be not active as lipase enzyme inhibitors. while the methanol extract was the most potent one as natural anti-lipase inhibitor . Adsorption capacity of AAC for heavy metals from aqueous solution was expressed using Freundlich and Langmuir models to study adsorption isotherm at equilibrium. In order to determine whether the adsorption process is chemical or physical, two kinetics models were used. Results also showed that the activated carbon produced from Asphodelus ramosus tubers showed largest Surface area that determined by iodine number was 506.5mg/g using zinc chloride as activating agent. Results showed that Percentage removal of all heavy metals Cr(III), Cu(II), pb(II)and Cd(II) increases with increasing in both temperature and pH value as optimum adsorption occur at 45ºC and pH=12 . The effect of heavy metal concentration on adsorption by CAC and AAC has also been investigated in the range of ( 5-80 ppm) . The results indicated that the best adsorption capacity occur at low concentration as when 5ppm was used the %Removal reach 99.7%, 92.9%, 91.1% and 57.06% for pb(II), Cr(III), Cu(II) and Cd(II) respectively. The equilibrium adsorption time for all investigated heavy metals was 7hr for both Asphodelus ramosus tuber and commercial activated carbon , but most of the adsorption attained within the first 30 min Freundlich model describe adsorption isotherm of all screened heavy metals more efficiently onto AAC with n ranging between 1 to 10 that indicated favorable adsorption. This finding validated the assumption of multilayer physical adsorption process of heavy metal ions on activated carbon.
Comparative Study of Genetic Diversity in Durum Wheat in Palestine
(2002) Al-Fares, Heba Mu'een; Hassan Abu-Qaoud; Sami Yaish
A total of 11 durum wheat varieties were grown in the green house to study the morphological differences: Six landraces, three commercial cultivars, and two introduced cultivars from ICARDA were further analyzed to detect variations among durum wheat varieties at DNA level using RAPD technique. The following characters were studied: Plant height, Flag leaf length, and Tillering capacity. Statistical analysis using One Way Anova test showed significant variability among varieties for Tillering number, which ranged between l to 3 tiller/plant. However there was non- significant variability among varieties in plant height and flag leaf length. DNA genetic variation was studied using 11 wheat varieties collected from 7 locations in Palestine. A genetic similarity matrix based on the dice coefficients was constructed using RAPD data to assess the genetic relatedness. The mean similarity indices presented by the 11 varieties ranged from 0.l to 0.81 for all varieties with an average of 0.40. The wide range of similarity indices indicated that a wide range DNA polymorphism occur among the 11 varieties. The results showed also that clustering in the same cluster for the varieties which could have common genomes, but no clustering related to collection site. Of the 11 varieties used, there were 159 RAPD marker produced by five primers. This analysis has proven that RAPD-PCR is a useful tool to determine genetic diversity among durum wheat varieties and can provide valuable information for the management and identification of genetic resources.
Comparison and Evaluation of Awassi Lamps Fattening Systems in Palestine
(2001) Wajdi Hussein Ali Hammad; Dr. Jamal Abu-Omar; Dr. Rateb Aref
This research was conducted to investigate the differences between the two fattening systems operating in Palestine. Both systems are based on specific locations in the country with variable outcomes. A total of sixteen Awassi lambs were used in the experiment. Lambs were divided into two groups of eight lambs each. Lambs in the first group were fed a concentrate ration similar to those fed in commercial fattening operations. Lambs in the second group were fed a barley-based diet (70% barley plus 30% legume roughage). Lambs were fed their rations for 68 days where feed intake and refused were recorded. Lambs were weighed on weekly basis. At day 42 (if beginning of the feeding trial a digestion trial was made on two l animals of each group. An eight days total collection of feed, feces and urine was performed. At the time of terminating the trial, two lambs from each group were slaughtered and eviscerated. Weights of carcass, visceral organs, gastrointestinal tract components and contents were recorded. Also, carcasses were dissected for lean, fat and bone tissues and all weights were recorded. The performance of lambs fed the commercial fattening rations was much better (p<0.05) than lambs fed the barley based rations. This was observed from the performance parameters such as the total gain, average daily gain (278 vs., I44 g) and the efficiency of feed conversion. Lambs fed the commercial fattening rations had average feed efficiency of 5.5 kg while that of lambs fed the barley- based rations was 8,3 kg. The cost of gain was significantly (p<0.05) higher in lambs fed the barley-based diets. The digestion trials showed that the dry matter and nutrient digestibility were higher for the commercial fattening rations compared to barley- based rations. The ration type has an effect on visceral organs and gastrointestinal tract components. Lambs fed the barley based rations had heavier visceral organs and gastrointestinal tract components, especially the small intestine. Similarly, the gut contents of these lambs were heavier compared to the gut contents of lambs fed the commercial fattening rations. Lambs fed the commercial fattening rations had more lean and fat nearly in most of the carcass cuts. However, carcass cuts of lambs fed the barley-based rations had more bone, especially in the cuts of neck and leg.

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