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Where vineyard exposure to bushfire smoke cannot be avoided or prevented, grape and wine producers need strategies to transform smoke-affected juice and wine into saleable product. This study evaluated the potential for spinning cone column (SCC) distillation to be used for the remediation of ‘smoke taint’. Compositional analysis of ‘stripped wine’ and condensate collected during SCC treatment of two smoke-tainted red wines indicated limited, if any, removal of volatile phenols, while their non-volatile glycoconjugates were concentrated due to water and ethanol removal. Together with the removal of desirable volatile aroma compounds, this enhanced the perception of smoke-related sensory attributes; i.e., smoke taint intensified. Stripped wines also became increasingly sour and salty as ethanol (and water) were progressively removed. A preliminary juice remediation trial yielded more promising results. While clarification, heating, evaporation, deionization and fermentation processes applied to smoke-tainted white juice gave ≤3 µg/L changes in volatile phenol concentrations, SCC distillation of smoke-tainted red juice increased the volatile phenol content of condensate (in some cases by 3- to 4-fold). Deionization of the resulting condensate removed 75 µg/L of volatile phenols, but fermentation of reconstituted juice increased volatile phenol concentrations again, presumably due to yeast metabolism of glycoconjugate precursors. Research findings suggest SCC distillation alone cannot remediate smoke taint, but used in combination with adsorbents, SCC may offer a novel remediation strategy, especially for tainted juice.

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and applied to the simultaneous determination of hydroquinone (HQ), catechol (CC), bisphenol A (BPA) and phenol by using square-wave voltammetry. The MWCNTs were deposited on the GCE and the AgNPs were then electrodeposited onto the MWCNT/GCE by the application of 10 potential sweep cycles using an AgNP colloidal suspension. The modified GCE was characterized by using SEM, which confirmed the presence of the AgNPs. The electrochemical behavior of the material was evaluated by using cyclic voltammetry, and by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy that employed hexacyanoferrate as an electrochemical probe. The results were compared to the performance of the unmodified GCE. The modified electrode has a lower charge-transfer resistance and yields an increased signal. The peaks for HQ (0.30 V), CC (0.40 V), BPA (0.74 V) and phenol (0.83 V; all versus Ag/AgCl) are well separated under optimized conditions, which facilitates their simultaneous determination. The oxidation current increases linearly with the concentrations of HQ, CC, BPA and phenol. Detection limits are in the order of 1 μM for all 4 species, and the sensor is highly stable and reproducible. The electrode was successfully employed with the simultaneous determination of HQ, CC, BPA and phenol in spiked tap water samples. Graphical abstract A glassy carbon electrode was modified with carbon nanotubes and silver nanoparticles and then successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of four phenolic compounds. The sensor showed high sensitivity in the detection of hydroquinone, catechol, bisphenol A and phenol in water samples.

Cola nitida known as Kola serves as flavouring ingredient in the food industry and is also of great importance during traditional rites in Africa. Despite the well-known pharmaceutical values of the species, efforts to develop improved varieties with enhanced nutraceutical quality is limited due to unavailability of information on variation of genotypes in bioactive compounds in the nuts. The objectives of this research were to evaluate 25 genotypes of kola for bioactive contents, determine relationship between nutritional and phenolic traits and to identify kola genotypes with good nutraceutical quality for use in developing improved varieties. The kola genotypes were established in the field using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Nuts harvested from the blocks, were bulked and used to quantify soluble and insoluble sugars, total protein, moisture, ash, fats, pH, polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids using completely randomized design with three replicates in the laboratory. Data were analysed by combining Analysis of Variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, correlation test and multivariate analysis. Significant variations (P < 0.05) were observed among the kola genotypes for the bioactive traits evaluated. Phenolic traits were more heritable than nutritional traits. Although not significant (P > 0.05), correlation between nutritional and phenolic traits was negative, whereas correlations among nutritional traits were weak. On the contrary, significant and positive correlations (P < 0.05) were observed among phenolic traits. The hierarchical clustering analysis based on the traits evaluated grouped the 25 genotypes of kola evaluated into four clusters. Genotypes A12, JB4, JB19, JB36, P2-1b, and P2-1c were identified as potential parental lines for phenolic traits selection in kola whereas genotypes A10, Club, Atta1 and JB10 can be considered for soluble and insoluble sugar-rich variety development. These findings represent an important step towards improving nutritional and nutraceutical quality of kola nuts.

The pollution of water resources due to the disposal of industrial wastes that have organic material like phenol is causing worldwide concern because of their toxicity towards aquatic life, human beings and the environment. Phenol causes nervous system damage, renal kidney disease, mental retardation, cancer and anaemia. In this study, magnetic palm kernel biochar is used for removal of phenol from wastewater. The effect of parameters such as pH, agitation speed, contact time and magnetic biochar dosage are validated using design of experiments. The statistical analysis reveals that the optimum conditions for the highest removal (93.39%) of phenol are obtained at pH of 8, magnetic biochar dosage of 0.6 g, agitation speed at 180 rpm and time of 60 min with the initial concentration of 10 mg/L. The maximum adsorption capacities of phenol were found to be 10.84 mg/g and Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models match the experimental data very well and adsorption kinetic obeys a pseudo-second order. Hence, magnetic palm kernel can be a potential candidate for phenol removal from wastewater.

Due to limited local knowledge regarding the optimal harvest time for this non-native variety, a two-year study (2021–2022) was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four blocks. This study aimed to determine the ideal harvest time based on quantitative and qualitative fruit characteristics in saveh, which has a semi-arid climate. Twelve similarly sized trees were selected for each orchard, and fruits were harvested at three-time intervals: 155 days after flowering (DAF) (September 27), 170 DAF (October 12), and 185 DAF (October 27). Ten fruits from four sides of the tree canopy were collected and analyzed for physical and biochemical properties. The results showed that harvest time significantly affected fruit weight, aril weight, and juice percentage positively, while it negatively impacted rind percentage. The first harvest date yielded the lowest quantitative and qualitative traits, with incomplete skin and aril coloration. By the third harvest, pomegranate fruits exhibited the highest total soluble solids (17.76 °Brix), pH (3.41), and anthocyanin content (32.56 mg/L), along with the lowest total phenols (17.28 mg GAE/L), antioxidant capacity (79.78%), and titratable acidity (1.11%), resulting in the highest flavor or ripening index (16.31). In addition, cracking rates increased substantially, reaching 30.25% by the third harvest, compared to negligible levels of 20.72% by the second harvest. Juice percentage and aril weight improved significantly with delayed harvest, peaking on October 27. These findings suggest that October 12–27 is the optimal harvest window for superior fruit quality while considering the risk of fruit cracking. This study provides practical insights into harvest timing for maximizing the marketability and nutritional value of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranates in semi-arid climates.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of natural Pomegranate juice supplementation on performance and acute and delayed responses of muscle soreness and biomarkers of muscle damage after a weightlifting training session. Nine elite weightlifters (21±0.5 years) performed two Olympic-Weightlifting-sessions after either placebo (PLA) or natural pomegranate juice (POMj) supplementations. Heart rate, blood pressure and blood samples (hematological parameters, muscle damage and C-reactive protein (CRP)) were collected at rest, 3min and 48h after each session. Weightlifting performance, RPE, and DOMS were also assessed after each training session. T-test showed higher performance (+8.30%) and lower RPE values (-4.37%) using POMj supplementation (p<0.05) in comparison with PLA. For the DOMS values, a significant improvement (13.4%) was shown only for the knee extensors (p<0.01) using the POMj. Compared to PLA condition, POMj attenuated the acute (i.e., 3min) increase of systolic blood pressure (SBP), HR, CK and LDH (p<0.05; -4.46%, -1.81%, -8.75%, -1.64%, respectively) and blunted the significant increase of ASAT, PAL and CRP (p>0.05). Additionally, during the 48h following the training session, POMj improved the recovery kinetic of SBP (p<0.01, 7.97%), CK (p<0.001, 11.34%), LDH (p<0.05, 7.30%) and ASAT (p<0.05, 6.77%). Indeed, the present study showed that 48h of recovery associated to natural POMj supplementation was sufficient to reach the resting values of the selected muscle damage markers after intensive training session. Natural POMj seems to ameliorate the capacity to adhere to an intensive training program. Therefore, elite weightlifters are advised to use natural POMj during intensive training program and competition to accelerate muscle recovery. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02697903.

Diet is a primary source of exposure for high-molecular-weight phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), but little is known about the efficacy of various interventions to reduce exposures. We conducted a randomized trial with 10 families to test the efficacy of a 5-day complete dietary replacement (Arm 1; n =21) versus written recommendations to reduce phthalate and BPA exposures (Arm 2; n =19). We measured phthalate and BPA concentrations in urine samples at baseline, intervention, and post-intervention periods. We used Wilcoxon paired signed-rank tests to assess change in concentrations across time and multi-level mixed effects regression models to assess differences between Arms 1 and 2. Urinary di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolite concentrations increased unexpectedly from a median of 283.7 nmol/g at baseline to 7027.5 nmol/g during the intervention ( P <0.0001) among Arm 1 participants, and no significant changes were observed for Arm 2 participants. We observed a statistically significant increase in total BPA concentration between baseline and intervention periods in Arm 1 but no significant changes in Arm 2. Arm 1 food ingredient testing for DEHP revealed concentrations of 21,400 ng/g in ground coriander and 673 ng/g in milk. Food contamination with DEHP led to unexpected increases in urinary phthalate concentrations in a trial intended to minimize exposure. In the absence of regulation to reduce phthalate and BPA concentrations in food production, it may be difficult to develop effective interventions that are feasible in the general population. An estimate of DEHP daily intake for children in the dietary replacement Arm was above the US Environmental Protection Agency oral reference dose and the European Food Safety Authority’s tolerable daily intake, suggesting that food contamination can be a major source of DEHP exposure.

This study analyzes the effects on body composition and variables related to metabolic syndrome of two coffees with different degree of roasting and phenolic content. Sixty participants with body mass index between 25 and 35 kg/m2 and a median age of 51.0 years (Interquartile range 46.3–56) were recruited. The study was a controlled, randomized, single-blind crossover trial consisting in drinking three cups/day of roasted coffee (RC) or lightly roasted coffee (LRC) during 12 weeks with 2-week wash-out stages before each coffee intervention. LRC contained ≈400 mg of hydroxycinnamic acids and ≈130 mg of caffeine per 200 mL/cup while RC contained ≈150 mg of hydroxycinnamic acids and ≈70 mg of caffeine per 200 mL/cup. Along the study, in each of the six visits, blood pressure, body composition by bioimpedance, anthropometric measurements, and blood biochemistry were analyzed. The mean differences and p values were calculated using a linear mixed model (JASP.v.0.18.0.3). A total of 38 participants completed the study. After the consumption of both coffees, fat mass and body fat percentage (LRC: −1.4%, p < 0.001; RC: −1.0%, p = 0.005) were reduced, whereas muscle mass and muscle mass percentage slightly increased (LRC: 0.8%, p < 0.001; RC: 0.7%, p = 0.002). The decrease in fat percentage was greater with LRC compared to RC (−0.8%; p = 0.029). There were no significant changes in metabolic syndrome variables or in body weight. In conclusion, LRC was slightly superior at inducing changes in body composition.

This study reports the occurrence and risk assessment of 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP), phenol (PHE), and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) in drinking water sources in three south-western States in Nigeria (Osun, Oyo, and Lagos). Groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW) were collected during dry and rainy seasons of a year. The detection frequency of the phenolic compounds followed the trend Phenol > 2,4-DNP > 2,4,6-TCP. The mean concentrations of 2,4-DNP, Phenol, and 2,4,6-TCP in GW/SW samples from Osun State were 639/553 μg L −1 , 261/262 μg L −1 , and 169/131 μg L −1 during the rainy season and 154/7 μg L −1 , 78/37 μg L −1 , and 123/15 μg L −1 during the dry season, respectively. In Oyo State, the mean concentrations were 165/391 μg L −1 for 2,4-DNP and 71/231 μg L −1 for Phenol in GW/SW samples, respectively, during the rainy season. Generally, in the dry season, these values decreased. In any case, these concentrations are higher than those previously reported in water from other countries. The concentration of 2,4-DNP in water posed serious ecological risks to Daphnia on the acute scale while it was algae on the chronic scale. Estimated daily intake and hazard quotient calculations suggest that 2,4-DNP and 2,4,6-TCP in water pose serious toxicity concerns to humans. Additionally, the concentration of 2,4,6-TCP in water from Osun State in both seasons of the year and in both groundwater and surface water poses significant carcinogenic risks to persons ingesting water from these sources in the State. Every exposure group studied were at risk from ingesting these phenolic compounds in water. However, this risk decreased with increasing age of the exposure group. Results from the principal component analysis indicate that 2,4-DNP in water samples is from an anthropogenic source different from that for Phenol and 2,4,6-TCP. There is a strong need to treat water from GW and SW systems in these States before ingesting while assessing their quality regularly.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of virgin olive oils (VOOs) enriched with phenolic compounds and triterpenes on metabolic syndrome and endothelial function biomarkers in healthy adults. The trial was a three-week randomized, crossover, controlled, double-blind, intervention study involving 58 subjects supplemented with a daily dose (30 mL) of three oils: (1) a VOO (124 ppm of phenolic compounds and 86 ppm of triterpenes); (2) an optimized VOO (OVOO) (490 ppm of phenolic compounds and 86 ppm of triterpenes); and (3) a functional olive oil (FOO) high in phenolic compounds (487 ppm) and enriched with triterpenes (389 ppm). Metabolic syndrome and endothelial function biomarkers were determined in vivo and ex vivo. Plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) increased after the OVOO intake. Plasma endothelin-1 levels decreased after the intake of the three olive oils, and in blood cell cultures challenged. Daily intake of VOO enriched in phenolic compounds improved plasma HDLc, although no differences were found at the end of the three interventions, while VOO with at least 124 ppm of phenolic compounds, regardless of the triterpenes content improved the systemic endothelin-1 levels in vivo and ex vivo. No effect of triterpenes was observed after three weeks of interventions. Results need to be confirmed in subjects with metabolic syndrome and impaired endothelial function (Clinical Trials number NCT02520739).