This study aimed to obtain 15% total solids and reduced mineral content in milk UF permeate by nanofiltration, hydrolysing the lactose content of nano-concentrate enzymically, partially substituting sucrose in ice cream formulations with hydrolysed lactose nano-concentrate (HLNC), and investigating the effects of HLNC on the physio-chemical and sensory characteristics of ice cream. The desired 15% total solids in the nano-concentrate was achieved after three fold concentration of milk UF permeate. The colour of milk permeate changed, pH and mineral content decreased, and crude protein content, lactose content and titratable acidity increased. The lactose content was hydrolysed by enzyme lactase. HLNC was used to replace 25% and 50% of sucrose in ice cream formulations. Springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, adhesiveness, hardness, iciness, Ph and colour were not significantly affected. Viscosity, freezing point, glass transition temperature, melting temperature, gumminess and sweetness were significantly decreased, whereas freezing time, saltiness and cooked flavour were significantly increased. The overall acceptability of ice cream significantly decreased at 50% but was insignificantly affected at the 25% level. These results indicate that about one quarter of sucrose could be replaced by HLNC. / Master of Science (Hons) (Food Technology)

In this thesis work, a high grade chromite concentrate obtained from PinarbaSi, Kayseri region of Turkey was reacted with sulfuric acid solution to determine the optimum conditions of leaching of chromite ores. Conventional methods for producing chromium are still valid in industry. The main process in production includes soda melting and taking it into solution in the form of chemical compounds such as sodium dichromate. Three and six valence states of chromium have importance in production. Trivalent chromium, chrome ore or chromite have no harmful effects. However, compounds of hexavalent chromium show toxic, irritating and corrosive action to people and environment. In the mentioned conventional method, main products consist of hexavalent chromium compounds. In this study, only trivalent chromium remained in the leach solution and did not change to hexavalent state. Obtained product after leaching was chromium(III) sulfate. The maximum extraction of chromium in the absence of perchloric acid was 94.1 % under the conditions of 175 &deg / C, 6 hours and 84.6 wt % sulfuric acid. The maximum extraction of chromium in the presence of perchloric acid was 98.7 % under the conditions of 175 &deg / C, 2 hours, 84.6 wt % sulfuric acid and &frac12 / perchloric acid / chromite ratio. The latter one was also the highest recovery value obtained during the experiments. Moreover, in none of the analyzed samples, appreciable amounts of hexavalent chromium was found during analyses.

Eight samples of varying qualities and ages of surimi were used in the development of a new method for testing the quality of surimi. The effects of salt, pH, concentration, heating temperatures and times, and cooling times were observed. These results were used in the development of the McRae-Manning Test. By employing this method, it was possible to determine the difference between fresh high quality surimi, fresh low quality surimi, and old surimi. For this test, surimi was mixed at a 15% concentration, heated at 90 C for 20 minutes in plastic syringes, cooled and evaluated. The surimi was evaluated by emptying the samples onto prepared transparent sheets and measuring how far the sample spreads with time. The transparent sheets had circular measurements which indicated the amount of spread. Best results were obtained when the sheets were elevated at one end.

Concentrate (when discharged to the ocean) may have chronic/acute impacts on marine ecosystems, particularly in the mixing zone around outfalls. The environmental impact of the desalination plant discharges is very site- and volumetric specific, and depends to a great extent on the salinity tolerance of the specific marine microbial communities as well as higher order organisms inhabiting the water column in and around this extreme discharge environment. Scientific studies that aim to grant insight into possible impacts of concentrate discharge are very important, in order to understand how this may affect different marine species when exposed to elevated salinity levels or residual chemicals from the treatment process in the discharge site. The objective of this PhD research was to investigate the potential environmental effects of the concentrate discharge in the near-field area around the submerged discharge of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plant by a combination of biological and hydrological studies. Possible changes in microbial abundance were assessed by using flow cytometric (FCM) analysis on a single-cell level in 107 samples, taken from the discharge area, the feed-water intake area and two control sites. Results indicate that changes in microbial abundance in the near-field area of the KAUST SWRO outfall are minor and appear to bethe result of a dilution effect rather than a direct impact of the concentrate discharge. In order to also investigate potential impacts on higher order organisms, a longterm in-situ salinity tolerance test at the discharge site was conducted on the coral Fungia granulosa and its photophysiology. The corals were exposed to elevated levels of salinity as a direct result of concentrate discharge. Their photosynthetic response after exposure to extreme salinity conditions around the full-scale operating SWRO desalination discharge was measured. A pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometer was used to assess photochemical energy conversion in photosystem II (PSII) measured under constant concentrate discharge conditions. Based on a literature review, we anticipated distinct impairment of photosynthetic characteristics as a response to elevated salinity levels. We also expected particularly quick indications of bleaching for the specimens exposed to the highest salinity levels. The hypothesis was strongly rejected as symbiotic dinoflagellates of Fungia granulosa demonstrated high tolerance to hyper saline stress as measured by effective quantum yield of PSII (ΔF/Fm’) during this study. A series of propulsion driven autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) missions with velocity and salinity measurements were used for possible plume detection and evaluation of the discharge. The Cornell Mixing Zone Expert System (CORMIX) was additionally utilized in order to assess discharge performance under different ambient velocity magnitudes. Results show that AUV missions could provide significant insight with regards to plume identification and effluent discharge environmental impact studies. Combined with robust in-situ field measurements, models and expert systems were used to evaluate possible impacts on the marine environment in comparison with regulatory mixing zones and dilution criteria. Based on the findings and existing environmental governance (national and international), a revised regulatory framework for mixing zones within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is recommended.

No description available.

The impact of supplying a mixed culture of lactate producing bacteria on in-vitro rumen fermentation of forage- (Experiment 1) and concentrate- (Experiment 2) based diets in the presence and absence of monensin was explored. In experiment 1, interactions between DFM and MON were absent (P>0.10) for gas production and fermentative end products. Gas production and fermentative end products were unaffected by DFM alone (P>0.10). Monensin decreased (P<0.001) CH4 and NH3 production, rate and total gas production, as well as total VFA concentration and molar proportions of acetate and butyrate. However, MON increased (P<0.001) proportions of propionate, valerate, isobutyrate and isovalerate. Independently, DFM and MON increased (P<0.001) end point pH. In experiment 2, DFM x MON interactions or tendencies (P=0.07, P<0.01, P<0.01) were present, DFM effects were abated by MON, for rate, total gas production and total VFA concentrations. Acetate:propionate ratio was decreased (P<0.01) with MON and was unaffected by DFM. Ammonia-N concentration was increased (P<0.01) by DFM and unaffected (P=0.75) by MON. Both DFM and MON treatment increased (P<0.01) ruminal pH levels. These studies suggest the effects of DFM and MON of in-vitro fermentation are dependent on the substrate being fermented and the observed interactions provide means for further research.

Hydrometallurgical processing of sulphide concentrates is an attractive method for the selective extraction of valuable metals. The dissolution of minerals in a leaching process involves several electrochemical parameters that need to be investigated• to ensure the development and growth of the base metal industry in South Africa. A study has been carried out to elucidate the leaching mechanism of a nickel-coppercobalt sulphide concentrate in an oxidative pressure-acid medium. The sulphide concentrate studied in this research, comprises mainly of the minerals pyrrhotite, (Fe1_xS) with x = 0 to 0.2, pentlandite, (Ni,Fe)9S8 and chalcopyrite, (CuFeS2). The leaching behaviour of these minerals was successfully studied by means of Atomic Absorption (AA) measurements, Scanning '•Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Moss bauer spectroscopy, after leaching took place in an oxidative pressure-acid medium. The dissolution of the valuable metals was achieved effectively with recoveries of well over 90% for nickel, copper and cobalt under the specific conditions studied. Mechanical activation by means of ultra fine milling improved metal extraction with an average of approximately 40%, after a leaching period of 150 minutes. The most suitable conditions for the oxidative pressure-acid leaching of the mechanically treated nickel-copper-cobalt sulphide concentrate in a dilute sulphuric acid medium were found to be: particle size 80% - 10J.Lm; temperature l10°C; oxygen partial pressure 10 bar; sulphuric acid concentration 30 kg/ton; solids content 15% by mass and an impeller agitation rate of 800 r/min. The values of the apparent activation energies of nickel, copper and cobalt, extracted from the sulphide concentrate, were found to be 20.6 (± 4.4) kJ/mol K, 33.6 (± 4.2) kJ/mol K and 17.4 (± 3.5) kJ/mol K respectively. / Thesis (MIng (Chemical Engineering))--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2001

Hydrometallurgical processing of sulphide concentrates is an attractive method for the selective extraction of valuable metals. The dissolution of minerals in a leaching process involves several electrochemical parameters that need to be investigated• to ensure the development and growth of the base metal industry in South Africa. A study has been carried out to elucidate the leaching mechanism of a nickel-coppercobalt sulphide concentrate in an oxidative pressure-acid medium. The sulphide concentrate studied in this research, comprises mainly of the minerals pyrrhotite, (Fe1_xS) with x = 0 to 0.2, pentlandite, (Ni,Fe)9S8 and chalcopyrite, (CuFeS2). The leaching behaviour of these minerals was successfully studied by means of Atomic Absorption (AA) measurements, Scanning '•Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Moss bauer spectroscopy, after leaching took place in an oxidative pressure-acid medium. The dissolution of the valuable metals was achieved effectively with recoveries of well over 90% for nickel, copper and cobalt under the specific conditions studied. Mechanical activation by means of ultra fine milling improved metal extraction with an average of approximately 40%, after a leaching period of 150 minutes. The most suitable conditions for the oxidative pressure-acid leaching of the mechanically treated nickel-copper-cobalt sulphide concentrate in a dilute sulphuric acid medium were found to be: particle size 80% - 10J.Lm; temperature l10°C; oxygen partial pressure 10 bar; sulphuric acid concentration 30 kg/ton; solids content 15% by mass and an impeller agitation rate of 800 r/min. The values of the apparent activation energies of nickel, copper and cobalt, extracted from the sulphide concentrate, were found to be 20.6 (± 4.4) kJ/mol K, 33.6 (± 4.2) kJ/mol K and 17.4 (± 3.5) kJ/mol K respectively. / Thesis (MIng (Chemical Engineering))--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2001

Filtration performance of mineral concentrate is mainly controlled by solid particle size and surface hydrophobicity. Filtration of coarser particles with more hydrophobic surfaces produces better filtration performance characterized by higher filtration rate (U) and lower final moisture content (FMC) in the final cake. Some filtration aids could improve filtration performance by flocculating solid particles and enhancing surface hydrophobicity. For the mineral concentrate used in this study, many filtration aids tested could only improve either U or FMC: one type was effective in improving U, and another type was effective in improving FMC. The combination of the two types of filtration aids at certain dosages could achieve better filtration performance than the optimum performance achieved by each individual filtration aid. Based on the experimental results, the working mechanism of filtration aids behind the filtration behavior was explored to deepen the understanding of the chemical-enhanced filtration of Cu/Ni concentrate. / Chemical Engineering

Replacement of fish meal as the primary protein source in diets for farmed carnivorous fish is a major priority for sustainability of the aquaculture industry. Three plant-based protein sources (soybeans, field peas, and canola) were investigated to compare their effects on the health and performance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and to identify significant anti-nutritional factors (ANFs). Six separate 8-week studies were conducted, over a period of one year, to assess the effects of protein source and processing level (meal versus protein concentrate) at dietary inclusion rates of 0 to 300 g kg-1. Abundance of inflammatory and immune marker transcripts including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) was evaluated in distal intestinal tissue by quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis. Activity of the pro-apoptotic enzyme caspase-3 was also assayed in distal intestinal tissue. Transcript abundance was highly variable and no suitable genes for the internal normalization of qPCR data could be identified. As a result, transcript copy numbers were reported per 50 ng of total RNA. At 300 g kg-1 inclusion, soybean meal (SBM) increased abundance of IL-8 and IgM, pea meal (PM) increased abundance of IL-10, and canola protein concentrate (CPC) increased abundance of IL-8. Pea protein concentrate (PPC) reduced IL-8 abundance and caspase-3 activity, while increasing abundance of IL-10. Canola meal (CM) and soy protein concentrate (SPC) did not significantly affect the transcript abundance of any assayed gene. Pearson correlation coefficients were determined between gene transcript abundance, performance parameters, protein source, inclusion level, and ANF content. Specific growth rate (SGR) was negatively correlated with the abundance of IL-1β and IgM. Dietary inclusion of SBM was positively correlated with all assayed proinflammatory markers and negatively correlated with SGR. Inclusion of PM was positively correlated with both SGR and the abundance of IL-10. The inclusion of CM was negatively correlated with average daily feed intake (ADFI) and with the abundance of both IL-8 and PCNA. Inclusion of PPC correlated positively with SGR and negatively with the activity of caspase-3. Correlation between transcript abundance and dietary content of putative ANFs suggested negative correlations between glucosinolate content, proinflammatory cytokine expression, SGR, and ADFI; whereas, isoflavone content was positively correlated with proinflammatory markers and negatively correlated with SGR. In conclusion, although high SBM and CM inclusion levels have been associated with reduced growth performance in trout, only SBM was associated with increased abundance of inflammatory marker transcripts. These contrasting responses may be mediated by CM glucosinolates, which could negatively affect palatability without inducing a pro-inflammatory response. Dietary PM was very well tolerated and may have promoted anti-inflammatory activity. Further processing of protein meals to concentrates markedly reduced any observable negative impact on performance parameters and the abundance of inflammatory marker mRNA transcripts. Interestingly, both PM and PPC were positively correlated with SGR and may contain a beneficial anti-inflammatory component.