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Hydrothermal synthesis of CuWO4/Co3O4 nanocomposites for water remediation and antibacterial activity applications

Research Abstract

This study involved the synthesis of CuWO4/Co3O4 nanocomposites using hydrothermal technique for catalytic reduction of organic pollutants and antibacterial applications. The physicochemical characteristics and the morphological features of the prepared nanocomposites were investigated by different techniques including Xray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Xray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The XRD, FTIR, XPS analysis confirmed the successful loading of CuWO4 on the surface of Co3O4. The magnetic properties of the nanocomposites were found to be lower than that of pure Co3O4. The TEM analysis results revealed that pure Co3O4 and 1 % CuWO4/Co3O4 nanocomposites had semi-spherical particles with average diameters of 73.9 and 69.6 nm, respectively. The catalytic activity of pure Co3O4 and the nanocomposites were conducted for the reduction of various organic substances in simulated water involved 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), Congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB), and rhodamine B (RhB) in the presence of NaBH4. The 1 % CuWO4/Co3O4 nanocomposite showed the best catalytic reduction performance for 4-NP, achieving full reduction in 6 min with a rate constant value of 0.67 min− 1 . In addition, this nanocomposite also showed good catalytic performance in the reduction of 4-NP in real samples including juice and milk. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the prepared nanocomposites was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE). The 10 % CuWO4/Co3O4 nanocomposite showed the best antibacterial action among the other nanocomposites.

Research Authors
Fatma M Obiedallah, Essam F Abo Zeid, Abdel-Hamid Abu-Sehly, Abdelaziz M Aboraia, Samar Abd El-Ghaffar, Mohamed Abd El-Aal
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Ceramics International
Research Publisher
Elsevier
Research Vol
51
Research Year
2025

“The paper cups Nile”: microplastics and other hazardous substances leached from paper cups: paper cups aquatic environmental bane in the River Nile, Egypt

Research Authors
Zainab Eid, Usama M Mahmoud, Alaa El-Din Sayed
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Frontiers in Environmental Science
Research Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Research Year
2025

Antioxidants, immunotoxicological, and histopathological impacts of polypropylene microplastics emitted from paper cups on Clarias gariepinus and the ameliorating role of …‏

Research Authors
Zainab Eid, Usama M Mahmoud, Hanem S Abdel-Tawab, Alaa El-Din H Sayed
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Fish Physiology and Biochemistry
Research Publisher
Fish Physiology and Biochemistry
Research Year
2025

Genetic Fingerprint Techniques and Biological Aspects of Three Trichogramma Populations Inhabiting Different Agroecosystems

Research Abstract

The present work was initiated to study genetic differences by fingerprint technics and determine biological traits for the three Trichogramma populations inhabiting different Egyptian agroecosystems, including Abo Qurqas, Minia Governorate (Trichogramma M), Kharga, New Valley Government (Trichogramma NV), and Armant, Luxor Governorate (Trichogramma Lux). Molecular techniques, RAPD, and ISSR markers were used to distinguish the three Trichogramma populations. Results indicated that the three Trichogramma populations were separated into two clusters with individual RAPD and ISSR markers. Cluster I included TM and TLux groups, while Cluster II included only the TNV group. Biological studies included the effect of five host Sitotroga cerealella (SC) densities on three egg parasitoids, TM, TNV, and TLux populations. Biological criteria include percentages of parasitism, successive parasitized eggs, adult emerged from parasitized eggs, and female emerged parasitoids. Results indicated that the maximum female emerged parasitoids% was 56.12 ±15.27 in the TM group (F value= 4.49**). However, the minimum female emerged parasitoids% was 28.02 ±3.98 in the TLux group.
                So, the present study highlights the need to integrate morphogenetic and biological descriptions for rapid and accurate identification of Trichogramma species within diverse Egyptian agroecosystems, thereby promoting effective and sustainable pest control.

Research Authors
Sara E Mousa, Farouk A Abdel-Galil, Gaber H Abou-Elhagag, Abd El-Latif Hesham, Gehad N Aboulnasr
Research Date
Research Member
Research Year
2025

Occurrence and Seasonal Fluctuations of True Spider's Population Inhabiting Pomegranate Orchards in Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt

Research Abstract

Spiders are a significant predatory group across many agricultural crop systems. In Egypt, pomegranate is one of the most considerable fruit crops. Unfortunately, pomegranate fruits are attacked by a range of insect pests. These pests reduce the quality and marketing of pomegranate fruits. So, the present study focuses on identifying true spiders inhabiting economically important pomegranate orchards at Assiut.The pitfall trap method was conducted for a survey of two years (during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons) to determine the composition and abundance of spiders' species in pomegranate plants in the experimental farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, 31° 11' 21.4188'' E; “27° 10' 48.4824'' N”. The canonical corresponded analysis (CCA) is unimodal method to analyze the spiders' species community composition response to ecological factors. In total, 12 spider genera were identified from 11 families. Hogna ferox was the most dominant species which represented the highest number during the whole study period. The results of CCA in both growing seasons revealed that spiders' species community composition was mainly related to relative humidity, while wind velocity (W.V.MIN) had the slightest effect on the collected species.So, the main objective of this study is to discuss the functional response of environmental factors to the abundance of spiders' species as well as their effective role in integrated pest management (IPM) programs and achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) particularly biodiversity goal for pomegranate orchards.

Research Authors
Gehad N Aboulnasr, Sara E Mousa, Mervat AB Mahmoud
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, B. Zoology
Research Member
Research Pages
197-207
Research Publisher
Egyptian Society of Biological Sciences
Research Year
2025

Morpho-Molecular Identification of Female Black Widow, Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (Rossi, 1790) Inhabiting Olive Orchard at Menoufia Governorate, Egypt

Research Abstract

The Mediterranean widow spider, or "Dolmak," Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (Rossi, 1790), family Theridiidae, is one of the medically significant spiders. Also, it is listed as a dangerous animal due to its extensive geographic range and its deadly or seriously problematic toxic bites. A holistic understanding of L. tredecimguttatus requires combining knowledge derived from both morphological and molecular investigations. Thus, this study aimed to offer researchers a framework for investigating these essential species and to educate farms and visitors about the importance of avoiding any behaviour that could antagonize the spiders. For this study, specimens of L. tredecimguttatus were manually collected randomly from some olive orchards between September 2023 and August 2024 at Sadat City, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. The morphological parameters utilized for identification were the total body length, carapace width, abdomen length, and (1st,3rd, and 4th legs) length. Results indicated that the total length of females ranged from 8.92 to 10.15mm. The female dorsal pattern if present; consists of several orange spots (usually in young females). Adult females lack the dorsal pattern and ventral hourglass reduced to two transverse oranges to red Markings. The results of the mitochondrial CO1 gene confirm that our tested species identified as Latrodectus tredecimguttatus under the accession number (PQ358290.1) in GenBank for the first time in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. So, the identification of a female Black Widow according to morphological and molecular genetic methods is of great importance.

Research Authors
Gehad N Aboulnasr, Amr A El-Gendy, Sara E Mousa
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, B. Zoology
Research Member
Research Pages
242-250
Research Publisher
Egyptian Society of Biological Sciences
Research Year
2025

Efficacy of Certain Chemical, Safe Alternative Compounds, and Egg Parasitoid Trichogramma evanescens Treatments for Controlling Pieris rapae on Cabbage Cultivation at Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Research Authors
Sara E. Mousa *1; Gehad N. Aboulnasr2, and Safaa M.A. Amro3
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences A, Entomology
Research Member
Research Year
2025

Morphological Characterization and Molecular Barcoding of Angoumois Grain Moth, Sitotroga cerealella in Qus, Qena Governorate, Egypt

Research Abstract

Gehad N. Aboulnasr *1; Sara E. Mousa2, and Mervat A. B. Mahmoud3

Research Authors
Gehad N. Aboulnasr *1; Sara E. Mousa2, and Mervat A. B. Mahmoud3
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences A, Entomology
Research Member
Research Year
2025

Ecotoxicological effects of cellulose acetate nanoplastic derived from cigarette butts on earthworm (Allolobophora caliginosa): Implications for soil health

Research Abstract
Plastic pollution from nanoplastics (NPs) poses a growing environmental threat, with cigarette butts (CBs) representing a significant yet often overlooked source of terrestrial contamination. This study investigates the ecotoxicological effects of cellulose acetate nanoplastics (CA-NPs) derived from both smoked (SCB-NPs) and unsmoked (USCB-NPs) on the earthworm Allolobophora caliginosa, using commercially available CA-NPs (CCA-NPs) for comparison. The NPs were characterized and tested for their impact on earthworm endpoints such as mortality, growth, oxidative stress biomarkers, and genotoxicity. SCB-NPs exhibited the most severe toxic effects, leading to increased mortality, growth inhibition, heightened oxidative stress parameters and significant DNA damage. USCB-NPs and CCA-NPs also induced notable adverse effects, though to a lesser extent than SCB-NPs. Markers of oxidative stress were elevated across all NPs exposures, accompanied by suppressed antioxidant enzyme activities and an increase in detoxification enzyme activity. Genotoxicity analysis using the Comet assay confirmed greater DNA damage in earthworms exposed to SCB-NPs. These findings suggest that combustion by products intensify the toxicity of CB-derived NPs, posing a serious risk to soil organisms and ecosystem health. The results emphasize the urgent need for improved cigarette waste management to mitigate the release and impact of toxic nanoparticles in terrestrial environments.
Research Authors
Zeinab Bakr, Gehad N Aboulnasr, Mohamed Abd El-Aal, Naser A Elshimy, Shimaa Mohamed Said
Research Date
Research Department
Research Year
2025

Enhanced pseudocapacitance using amorphous NiCo@NiCo layered double hydroxide nanoflowers for improving storage energy in the hybrid asymmetric supercapacitor

Research Abstract

Improving the pseudocapacitance performance of layered double hydroxides (LDH) based catalysts is critical for enhancing energy density in electrochemical storage applications, such as supercapacitance and batteries. This study examines the effect of decoration with Ni, Co, and NiCo nanocomposites (NCs) on the pseudocapacitance performance of NiCo LDH nanoflowers. The NiCo LDH nanoflowers are electrodeposited using the cyclic voltammetry technique, while metal decoration is performed using the cathodic chronoamperometry technique. A clear dependence on the decorated transition metal type is observed in the surface morphology, chemical bonding states, and corresponding pseudocapacitance performance. The decoration of NiCo LDH nanoflowers with excess transition metals of the same kind, Ni and Co, strongly enhances electron coupling and charge transfer kinetics. The hybrid NiCo@NiCo LDH nanoflowers exhibit better pseudocapacitance performance than those decorated with only Ni or Co. The hybrid NiCo@NiCo LDH nanoflowers demonstrate the highest specific capacitance (Csp) of 2110 mF∙cm–2 (211 mA∙cm–2) at 1 mA∙cm–2 and retain 86 % of their Csp at 10 mA∙cm–2. The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor of NiCo@NiCo LDH || activated carbon reveals high energy density (E) of 145.1 μWh∙cm–2 at a powder density (P) of 5.12 mW∙cm–2, keeping a high E of 75 μWh∙cm–2 at a higher P of 51.92 mW∙cm–2.

Research Authors
A.G. Abd-Elrahim, Manar A. Ali, Doo-Man Chun
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Materials Chemistry and Physics
Research Pages
131908
Research Publisher
Elsevier
Research Rank
International Journal
Research Vol
350
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2025.131908
Research Year
2025
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