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Environmental Technologies

Biodiversity of soil microorganisms

คณะเทคโนโลยีการเกษตร

Biodiversity of soil microorganisms

Soil is home to a diverse array of living organisms that interact within a complex food web, facilitating energy and nutrient cycling essential for sustaining life above ground. Among these organisms, soil microbes play a crucial role in supporting plant growth. Beneficial microorganisms enhance nutrient availability, improve soil structure by increasing porosity, and strengthen plant resistance to diseases. Conversely, harmful microorganisms, such as plant pathogens, can hinder plant growth and reduce crop yields when present in high concentrations. Neutral microorganisms, which naturally inhabit the soil, contribute to the soil ecosystem without directly impacting plants. A single teaspoon of soil contains over a billion microorganisms, yet only about 1% of them can be cultured in laboratory conditions. This highlights soil as one of the richest reservoirs of microbial diversity on Earth.

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Production of Lactic acid bacteria prototype from Thailand for use as probiotics for livestock animals

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Production of Lactic acid bacteria prototype from Thailand for use as probiotics for livestock animals

This research gives a comprehensive overview of the use of antibiotics in livestock production, highlighting both the benefits and the risks associated with their use. The benefits, such as improving immunity, digestion, and reducing infections, are contrasted with the growing concern over antibiotic residues and the development of drug resistance. The shift towards alternatives like probiotics is explored as a sustainable solution, with a specific focus on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) found in the digestive systems of livestock. Thailand’s regulations, which control antibiotic use in animal feed, are also discussed, setting the stage for the study on LAB as a potential replacement for imported probiotics. 1. Use of Antibiotics in Livestock: Antibiotics have been used to promote growth, improve digestion, and prevent infections in livestock. However, the improper use of antibiotics can lead to residues in animal products and the development of drug-resistant bacteria. 2. Global Trends in Antibiotic Use: Many countries, like the European Union and Japan, have banned antibiotics as growth promoters, while others, like China and the U.S., are planning similar bans. 3. Thailand's Approach: Thailand has implemented a regulation since September 2020 to control the use of antibiotics in animal feed, requiring control at both feed mills and farms that mix their own feed. 4. Probiotics as an Alternative: Probiotics, particularly lactic acid bacteria (LAB), are being studied as an alternative to antibiotics. LAB are naturally found in the digestive tracts of livestock and are considered beneficial for maintaining gut health and replacing the need for antibiotics. The study examines the potential of LAB from Thai livestock (broilers, pigs, and cattle) as a sustainable alternative to imported probiotics, aiming to overcome issues like low survival rates of foreign probiotics in practice.

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Natural Herbicide Products as a Substitute for Paraquat

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Natural Herbicide Products as a Substitute for Paraquat

The use of chemical herbicides in agriculture has raised concerns due to its adverse effects on farmers' health, environmental sustainability, and consumer safety. Paraquat, a widely used herbicide, has been banned in Thailand. In response to this issue, this research focused on the development of natural herbicide products as an alternative to conventional chemical herbicides. The study involved the extraction of bioactive compounds from selected plants with potential herbicidal properties and evaluating their effectiveness in controlling target weeds. The results indicated that the developed natural herbicide demonstrates significant weed control efficiency. Additionally, this product can be applied to organic farming systems, reducing reliance on hazardous chemicals and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The development of this natural herbicide served as an essential step toward environmentally friendly and safe agricultural solutions.

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The product "Nai Hoi Hua Fu"

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The product "Nai Hoi Hua Fu"

Study on Parasites in Blackchin Tilapia and Value-Added Processing Parasites play a crucial role in affecting fish health and the balance of marine ecosystems. The study of parasites in fish is essential for assessing fish population status and their impact on the ecosystem. This research focuses on a preliminary survey of parasites in Blackchin Tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) found in the waters of Chumphon Province to determine whether this species carries parasitic infections. The findings will provide valuable insights for managing marine resources and developing strategies for processing Blackchin Tilapia into food products to help control its population in the ecosystem. One of the value-added processing approaches for Blackchin Tilapia is the "Nai Hoi Hua Fu" product. This product involves deep-frying the fish to achieve a crispy and fluffy texture before mixing it with mango salad to enhance its flavor and make it more appealing. This processing method not only adds value to the fish but also serves as a practical solution for managing the Blackchin Tilapia population, which may impact the ecosystem. The study results indicate that no parasitic infections were found in either the internal or external organs of the sampled fish, suggesting that the marine environment in the study area is favorable for fish health. However, continuous research is recommended to monitor long-term ecological changes and evaluate the impact of Blackchin Tilapia on ecosystem balance to ensure sustainable resource management.

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Effect of Packaging Thickness on Corn Silage Quality

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Effect of Packaging Thickness on Corn Silage Quality

Climate change and the increasing unpredictability of environmental conditions have aggravated the shortage of animal feed crops during the dry season. This study examines effect of packaging thickness on the quality of corn silage during long-term storage, to maintain its nutritional value during feed shortages. The results show that packaging with thicknesses of 80, 120, 150, and 200 microns effectively maintain good physical quality, including odor, texture, color, and pH levels, during the 0–21day storage period. The silage had a fermented like fruit flavor or vinegar flavor, a silage texture, and well-preserved leaves and stems. Its color remained yellowish-green, with pH values between 3.7 and 4.7. Additionally, lactic acid analysis found that silage in 200-micron-thick packaging for 21 days had the highest lactic acid content (5.64%). However, there were no significant differences in the nutritional value of the silage across different packaging thicknesses

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Power of Leaves: A Natural Fluorescent Seed Coating Innovation for Anti-Counterfeiting

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Power of Leaves: A Natural Fluorescent Seed Coating Innovation for Anti-Counterfeiting

This experiment aimed to study the suitable types of polymers for coating with chlorophyll extract and the quality of cucumber seeds after coating. The experiment was planned using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications, consisting of five methods involving seeds coated with different types of polymers: Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Sodium Alginate, Carboxy Methyl Cellulose, and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, each polymer being coated alongside chlorophyll, with uncoated seeds serving as the control method. The coating substance was prepared by extracting chlorophyll from mango leaves, then mixed with each type of polymer at a concentration of 1%, using an 8% concentration of chlorophyll extract. The properties of each coating method, such as pH and viscosity of the coating substance, were examined before coating the cucumber seeds with a rotary disk coater model RRC150 at a coating rate of 1,100 milliliters per 1 kilogram of seeds. Subsequently, the seeds were dried to reach the initial moisture level using a hot air blower, and seed quality was assessed in various aspects, including seed moisture, germination rate under laboratory conditions, germination index, and seed fluorescence under a portable ultraviolet light illuminator, as well as light emission spectrum analysis using a Spectrophotometer. The experiment found that each type of polymer could be used to form a film together with chlorophyll, which had appropriate pH and viscosity for the coating without affecting seed quality and showed fluorescence on the seed surface both under portable ultraviolet light and spectral emission analysis with a Spectrophotometer. Using HPMC as the film-forming agent with chlorophyll was the most suitable method, enhancing seed fluorescence efficiency.

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Effect of Gum Arabic Combined with Mangosteen Peel Extract (MPE) on Extending the Shelf Life of ‘Namdokmai Sithong’

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Effect of Gum Arabic Combined with Mangosteen Peel Extract (MPE) on Extending the Shelf Life of ‘Namdokmai Sithong’

This study aimed to evaluate the optimal edible coating formulation for 'Namdokmai Sithong' mangoes by incorporating 10% gum arabic (GA) with mangosteen peel extract (MPE) at varying concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%), compared to a control treatment (distilled water). The coated fruits were stored at room temperature for 14 days, and their physicochemical properties were assessed. The findings indicate that the application of GA (10%) combined with MPE effectively mitigated color changes in mango flesh, suppressed disease incidence, and preserved fruit firmness. Additionally, the coating significantly delayed alterations in total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), vitamin C content, carotenoid levels, and phenolic compounds. Among the tested formulations, GA (10%) + MPE (1%) exhibited the highest efficacy in extending shelf life, maintaining fruit quality, and enhancing surface gloss.

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Spray System of Plant Essential Oil Emulsion for Reducing PM2.5

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Spray System of Plant Essential Oil Emulsion for Reducing PM2.5

The extreme weathers according to PM 2.5 is a global problem with out any borders. This pollutant can directly attack human health. The objective of the study was aimed to develop medicinal plant essential oil emulsions in order to use to decrease PM 2.5 based on chemical characterization of water-soluble anions and cations. A mount of 31 medicinal plant essential oil emulsions were prepared and then initially careened and tested for their efficiency in reducing PM 2.5 under test chamber by spraying method. It was found that spraying for 1 hr with kaffir lime essential oil emulsion at 0.025% concentration could reduce PM 2.5 obtained from engine exhaust pipe effectively when PM 2.5 of 24.7 µg/m3 was detected within 6 hrs, followed by kaffir lime essential oil emulsion at 0.05% and Eucalyptus essential oil emulsion at 0.05% and 0.025% concentration resulting in 27.3, 30.0 and 95.3 µg/m3, respectively. Whereas, water (blank) and control group (water and carboxymethylcellulose, CMC 0.2%) showed high revels of PM 2.5 with 126.4 and 157.3 µg/m3, respectively. This kaffir lime essential oil emulsion at 0.025% concentration showed 3-6 time decline of PM 2.5 upward 2 hrs compared with control group. Field experiment was performed at 3 Bangkok parks, namely, Suantaweewanarom, Suanbankharepirom and Suanthonbureerom. There were many factors affecting the decline of PM 2.5 caused by this essential oil emulsion, particularly, the windy as well as temperature and humidity. PM 2.5 level tended to be decreased after the beginning of spraying. In general, PM 2.5 levels appeared at those 3 parks were decreased rapidly within 1 hr as by average of 21.8 (7.7-27.3) µg/m3, Whereas, decline of only 6.4 (5.0-8.0) µg/m3 was observed in control (water). Incase of calm wind, (10-20 km/hr) this plant essential oil emulsion could even reduce PM 2.5 at 37.0-44.0 µg/m3 and reached to 13.5-16.5 µg/m3 within 3 hrs. As high level of PM 2.5 as 98.0-101.0 µg/m3 , it could reduce PM 2.5 to be an average of 23.0-26.5 µg/m3 within 3 hrs, Whereas, the use of water performed low capacity of PM 2.5 reduction found with only 31.0-40.0 µg/m3. However, windy condition (15-35 km/hr), the efficacy of this essential oil emulsion seem to be lower but tended to work better than using water alone

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The development of precision automation system for Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)

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The development of precision automation system for Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)

Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) is an ornamental fish that is the first exported economically valuable fish in the country, but there is a limitation to increase the production of betta fish due to climate variability and the shortage of Thai workers. This research aims to develop 2 systems: a betta fish fry nursery system and a market-sized betta fish rearing system by using automated technology to precisely control the water quality in the system and reduce labor costs. Using precise automation consists of two systems: a minimal-waste system, which repurposes some of the waste generated from farming, and a zero-waste system, which treats and recycles all wastewater from farming. These systems aim to address issues related to water quality, animal welfare, and labor requirements in Betta fish farming. Experimental results show that these systems improve Betta fish survival rates by 10-15% compared to traditional methods. When considering net returns, the zero- waste system provides the highest profitability.

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