Conveners
Posters session
- Houssam Lakhmili (Laboratory of Agro-Food, Biotechnologies and Valorization of Plant Bioresources. Faculty of Sciences Semlalia. Cadi Ayyad University)
Posters session
- Houssam Lakhmili (Laboratory of Agro-Food, Biotechnologies and Valorization of Plant Bioresources. Faculty of Sciences Semlalia. Cadi Ayyad University)
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an increasingly attractive versatile crop for the sustainable production of fiber, seeds, and cannabinoids. This crop is of increasing interest for ecological and economic reasons. Additionally, hemp can be easily integrated into crop rotations, helping to improve soil structure and biology and interrupt the breeding cycles of weeds and pests. Additionally, all...
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important leguminous crop grown worldwide and plays a significant role in humans’ dietary consumption. Alongside nitrogen (N), low phosphorus (P) availability within agricultural soils is one of the major factors limiting chickpea growth and productivity. The combined application of beneficial bacterial inoculants and Rock P-fertilizer could boost chickpea...
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic elements in soil, affecting plant morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes. Many strategies have been developed to improve plant resilience against heavy metal stresses. Mineral plant nutrition was tested as an effective approach to mitigate Cd stress in several crop species. In this regard, the present study aims to elucidate how different...
The Zeida Lead mine is located in the center of the High Moulouya basin, 26 km in the north of the town of Midelt (Morocco). During the period (1972-1985), it experienced very intense mining. However, this activity has had a harmful impact on the surrounding ecosystem through the storage quantities of several million tons of mining residues excessively loaded with heavy metals and Arsenic...
The Green Morocco Plan (PMV) has invested in making agriculture the engine of economic and social development, transforming the agricultural sector into a modern, competitive and inclusive sector [1]. However, strongly depends on a very erratic rainfall. In addition, Morocco is among the countries most highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as it is going through an exceptional...
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a severe hazard to human health in drinking water and freshwater ecosystems. Several methods including chemical, physical, mechanical, and biological strategies have been applied in HABs control. Nevertheless, the use of those strategies is generally not efficient because of their unforeseen ecological consequences, high costs, energy-intensive, and low...
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a crop of major importance in the Moroccan economy and ecosystem. In desert oases, date palm trees create a friendly microclimate environment suitable for cultivating legume crops and protecting lands from desertification. The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa), the causal agent of bayoud disease, is the most alerting pathogen that...
Phosphorus (P) is an essential macro-nutrient that often limits plant productivity in alkaline-calcareous soils, because sorption and precipitation reactions are strongly favored in these typical soils. Hence, the importance of understanding the root-soil interface, known as rhizosphere, especially the processes and mechanisms involved in plant P utilization. A greenhouse experiment was...
Olive oil mill wastewater (OMWW) poses a significant environmental challenge due to its high organic loads and phenolic compounds (PCs) content. This study introduces two novel nanoparticle synthesis approaches and their environmental remediation applications. Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were synthesized using microalgal cell lysate supernatant. In contrast, Verbena officinalis was...
The agricultural sector stands as one of the most rapidly expanding industries, driven by the escalating global demand for food and textiles to meet the needs of a growing world population. However, the use of water resources has become increasingly critical, especially in arid regions, as water scarcity contributes to soil degradation, desertification, and salinization due to the dryness of...
Rapid testing and identification of foodborne pathogens is paramount in the field of microbiology where the concept of food safety directly correlates to overall well-being of the human populace. Household fungi in particular pose serious health concerns due to their ability to produce spores, whose microscopic nature allows them to be easily dispersed in immediate and far-off environments....
Phosphorus (P) is the second most important macro-nutrient required by the plants, next to Nitrogen and is considered among the main abiotic factors limiting chickpea productivity in Morocco. This study assessed P-efficiency levels of different Moroccan chickpea genotypes and interactive effects between P fertilizer and doses under greenhouse conditions at UM6P-Benguerir experimental farm....
Nowadays, providing access to clean and safe drinking water supply especially in the developing parts of the world must be one of the most important necessities of our modern society. Indeed, the widespread use of organic dyes, pesticides, antibiotics, phenols and other organic compounds in our daily life including industrial, scientific, medical, domestic and agricultural applications has...
Melon (Cucumis melo) is the most widely consumed fruit, with undeniable socioeconomic and nutritional importance, as proven by its large acreage (1 Mha) and output (28 Mt). However, melon farming has three challenges: producing enough to meet rising consumer demand, increasing the concentration of human wellness compounds, and reducing chemical inputs. The purpose of this study was to...
Extract rich in preservative compounds was obtained from pumpkin peels by heat-assisted extraction, with water as solvent. This extract was incorporated into a ready-to-use pumpkin pulp product, in a concentration of 5g/kg, in order to replace the use of potassium sorbate (control). The product shelf-life was evaluated regarding microbial load and colour stability considering the best before...
Desalination of brackish groundwater using Forward Osmosis technology is an emerging field of research. One of its application, Fertilizer Drawn Forward Osmosis (FDFO), represents a potential alternative water supply for irrigation. Adapting this technique, under the framework of the Water-Energy-Food “WEF” nexus perspective, is promising to overcome water scarcity challenges while preventing...
Adoption of microalgae-based plant biostimulant as an alternative to the harmful products commonly employed in the agricultural sector, would be a likely; solution for boosting wheat sector sustainability. The current research examines the effects of two marine microalgae species on wheat growth, nutrient uptake, grain yield, and nutritional quality (Triticum durum). Each microalgae extract...
All over the worldly historic period of humanity Oak tree forest has played a major role in food security providing a wide range of diversified food sources and constituting an essential element of climate resilience. Mediterranean Acorn-based food literature was found to be out of date and incomplete. Our curiosity prompted us to study related literature papers on the subject, the main aim of...
Olive wastewater and olive cake extracts are usually assocoiated with great bioactive compounds. In this work, we compared in vitro antioxidant activity, antiglycation activity and the phenolic content of olive mill wastewater extracts (OWWE) and the olive cake extracts (OCE) using two extraction solvent; ethanol 70% and ethyl acetate 100%. OWW ethyl acetate extract contained higher total...
The overall objective of this work is the elaboration of polymer-clay thermoset bionanocomposites (HNT/PCL). The aim is to create a covalent bond between the two components by a thiol-ene radical photocrosslinking addition. The external surfaces of the halloysite clay were modified with a silylating agent, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-1-propanethiol (TESP). On the other hand, functionalization of the...
Agroecosystems, despite their tendency to be impoverished, can host various insect communities essential for ecosystem services. Crops, in particular, benefit from pollinating insects, which enhance both quantity and quality of yields. However, there is still a need to fully comprehend the identification of diversity, abundance and ecology of pollinating insects, especially wild bees. In...
The objective of the current study is to evaluate the performance of a prototype activated sludge process treating secondary wastewater and the progression of biomass growth.The activated sludge pilot utilized in this experiment replicates the fundamental principles of biological treatment through the activated sludge process. Samples were collected daily from the influent, effluent of the...
The nanoparticle name itself implies a ‘Nano’ particle with size ranges from 1 nm to 100 nm [1], they can be classified into different classes based on their properties, shapes, or sizes. There are numerous ways available to synthesize metal nanoparticles, such as chemical, electrochemical, and radiation methods. However, chemical processes often produce toxic chemicals that may result in...
This study explores the potential of slow sand filtration as an economical alternative process to conventional water decontamination techniques for the removal of heavy metals from polluted waters. Specifically, we focus on the Tensift River, which is contaminated by metallic trace elements, notably Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn, due to direct wastewater discharge from the Zn and Pb extraction industrial...
The present study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the allelopathic potential of pyrrolizidine alkaloids fraction obtained from aerial parts of Senecio anteuphorbium, an endemic plant growing in western Morocco and widely used in local folk medicine. S. anteuphorbium (syn. Kleinia anteuphorbium (L.) DC.), is a Moroccan medicinal plant locally known as "Achbardou," commonly...
Due to intense precipitation, rapid snowmelt and rising sea and lake waters, river levels and groundwater, urban areas can be flooded. These flood risks are associated with several factors of a topographical, geological, hydrological, climatic and anthropic nature. These factors must be taken into account when managing floods and especially when delimiting vulnerable areas. This research aims...
The objective of this study is to promote one of the cockroach species, Periplaneta americana L., native to the Zagora region, through the production of chitin and chitosan. We obtained chitins from different morphological sites of the species: wings (A), legs (P), exoskeleton (E), and whole body (CE). The characterization methods demonstrate the obtaining of chitins with Degree of...
154 Half-sibs families from the offspring of a cross between three alfalfa cultivars (Mumuntanas, Sardi and Erfoud) were evaluated for their tolerance to water stress in summer field conditions the Haouz region. The test was first subjected to a moderate water deficit during the months of April and May, followed by a severe water deficit in early July until mid-September including irrigation...
Soil ecosystems enclose an important diversity of microorganisms assuring different ecological key roles. Cyanobacteria and eukaryotic microalgae can enhance soil organic matter, and support its stability, water retention, fertility, and nutrient availability. Microalgae can be exploited in many sectors, especially in agriculture, as a new emerging category of plant biostimulants and an...
This study aims to analyze rainfall patterns in the west-central region of Morocco, characterized by a semi-arid climate with fluctuating rainfall and frequent droughts. The research employs the Mann-Kendall test and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) on monthly and annual rainfall data from six rain gauges. Furthermore, the investigation explores the connection between monthly precipitation...
In Morocco, Rosmarinus officinalis is among the most coveted aromatic plants for its leaves and essential oil. Nevertheless, the process of extraction of the latter generates a large quantity of residual water whose valorization will ensure the sustainable management of the territories of rosemary and the development of the networks associated with this resource. In this context, we evaluated...
Olive pomace (OP) valorization using aqueous extraction of bioactive compounds provide a potential tool to develop a sustainable process with minimum impact on health and the environment. The effect of different preparation and stress conditions on the emulsifying performance of crude aqueous extracts from untreated OP was investigated. OP aqueous extract contained important concentrations of...
Morocco is one of the countries that is currently living with the dilemma of a high consumption rate alongside another problem, which is waste management. This problem has been known a significant rise in Morocco with approximately 18000 t/day, characterized by a high rate of organic waste (approximately 80%). Morocco’s multiple trials to treat these problems politically and financially seemed...
Water contamination by dyeing chemicals has become a worldwide problem. Adsorption by using low-cost adsorbents has been considered as an appropriate and economical method for water remediation. So, the process of the dye adsorption by cured alkali-activated heated clay-cellulose (up to 10 mass%) composites was investigated within the 288–318 K range using methylene blue (MB) as a...
Our studies, carried out on biological processes, offer one of the most viable approaches to the treatment of Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW). Effective utilization of these methods, which leads to significant reductions in COD and Phenolic compounds, will facilitate safe and economical disposal of OMW. Because of the greater part of olive oil production (98%) occurs in the Mediterranean region,...
Climate change is poised to exert a notable impact on global and regional water resource systems. Over the last three decades, the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco have faced severe droughts, resulting in a diminished water supply that adversely affects both agricultural activities and urban water systems. This study aims to evaluate the repercussions of climate change and socio-economic...
Water pollution appears to be one of the greatest challenges the humane society is currently facing [1]. Here, we report the preparation of a new hybrid material based on Bi5O7I supported on chitosan and its application in organic dye photo-degradation and 4-Nitrophenol reduction. The composition, structure and morphology of the obtained hybrid materials were investigated using SEM, EDS,...
Abstract
This study focuses on the characterization and assessment of the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized from the stems of Moroccan Berberis vulgaris. The nanoparticles were generated using a green chemistry approach, employing aqueous extracts from Berberis vulgaris root. The synthesis parameters, including AgNP concentrations (5 and 10 mM) and...
In order to evaluate the environmental impregnation of toxic metals in the city of Marrakech (Morocco), the concentration of elements (Al, Pb, Cd and Hg) in the soil, water and children's nails was determined by ICPMS. The mean values of Al, Pb, Cd and Hg found in the children's nails were respectively (28.19±22.63; 4.08±2.69; 0.14±0.25 and 0.09±0.11). All these toxic metals concentrations...
Intercropping offers vital benefits, particularly under abiotic stress conditions. It enhances resource utilization, abiotic stress management, biodiversity conservation, and soil health, making it an innovative cropping system to sustain agriculture. This study assesses the agronomical performance (growth, yield, and nutrient use efficiency) of field-grown faba bean and wheat intercrops...
In the modern food packaging industry, the role of nanostructured materials has become increasingly crucial in ensuring food safety, quality, and sustainability. The use of nanostructured materials such as nanofibers in food packaging can potentiate their properties and functionalities. These materials offer remarkable advantages in the packaging field due to their exceptional barrier...
The recovery of chitinous waste from sea fishing discharged on Moroccan coasts can play a significant role in the fight against climate change. This chitinous waste comes mainly from the shells of crustaceans such as crabs, prawns, cuttlefish bones and lobsters, which are widely used in the fishing industry. They contain chitin, a polymer found in the shells of crustaceans such as prawns and...
Pistacia lentiscus oil is increasingly appearing on the Moroccan market, and several cooperatives are starting to sale it for massage and cosmetic uses. Extracting the oil from the fruits generates cakes that, depending on the chosen extraction method, may still contain bioactive compounds such as phenols.
The main objective of the current study was to characterize and compare the chemical...
Several studies have reported that the intensification of agricultural production using excessive chemical inputs has depleted soil organic matter responsible for storing nutrients, altered the pH and soil structure, and unbalanced the microbial flora. In recent years, Microalgae and cyanobacteria have gained particular attention as renewable organic biomass inputs that can be exploited in...
Tylenchulus semipenetrans is a highly damaging obligate plant parasitic nematode (PPN) that poses a significant threat to citrus crops. the use of chemical nematicides has proven effective in reducing T. semipenetrans populations, but their repeated use can have negative environmental impacts, necessitating the adoption of more ecological strategies. The current study aimed to evaluate the...
Recently, microalgae extracts have received greater interest as biostimulants for plant production, and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers in agriculture. Among them, cyanobacteria extracts have shown a number of beneficial effects, such as increased nutrient uptake, tolerance to abiotic stresses and improved crop yield and quality. A greenhouse experiment was...
The present work investigates the HPLC analysis and two biological activities (antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity) of the phenolic extract fruit of Pistacia lentiscus from the national park of Toubkal, Morocco. The Phenolic extract were obtained by maceration. HPLC analysis of phenolic extracts showed the presence 7 major phenolic compounds in the fruit extracts, by co-injection...
Various lavender species contain essential oils (EOs) rich in bioactive compounds known for their important biological properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidepressant. These EOs also possess significant economic value due to their uses in producing perfumes, cosmetics, and flavoring agents. Lavandula maroccana is an indigenous medicinal and aromatic plant in Morocco that...
Portugal is a country with a tradition in almond production, producing annually around 34,000 tons of almonds in the shell. In the region of Trás-os-Montes (Portugal), where the largest production area is concentrated, almond groves are mostly rainfed and have different soil maintenance systems.
Taking this reality into account, we carried out this work with the aim of studying the water...
At the global level, it is well acknowledged that today's world is at a turning point. More than ever before, it is universally admitted that our modern society faces enormous catastrophic challenges that urgently and immediately need to be addressed e.g. global warming, climate change, environmental destruction, energy shortage, global water crisis, food insecurity, global peace and security...
Global food security is constantly threatened by a range of detrimental abiotic stresses, including salinity emerging as a serious challenge for conventional crop production and hence adversely food and feed availability. In light of this pressing limitation, the prompt implementation of various interventions, including the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops like quinoa, has become an...
