Articles

Evaluation of Dry Matter, Organic Matter and Crude Protein Digestibility in New Zealand White Rabbits with Different Sludge Percentages

This study aims to determine the effect of the addition of sludge with different percentages in the ration of New Zealand White rabbits on the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein produced. sludge used comes from dairy cow feces which are then dried and ground before finally added to the ration. The research design used a group randomized design with five treatments and two groups. The groups used were rabbit body weight groups, namely small and large groups, while the treatments used included P0 (control), P1 (basal feed + 5% sludge), P2 (basal feed + 10% sludge), P3 (basal feed + 15% sludge) and P4 (basal feed + 20% sludge). This study was conducted for 7 weeks, of which the first week was the adaptation stage and the next 6 weeks was maintenance. Collection of feces to measure digestibility was carried out in the fifth week. The data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) if there were significant differences. The results showed a significant difference between treatments on dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility and crude protein digestibility. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the best percentage that can increase digestibility is P1 or the addition of sludge as much as 5% in the ration.

A Study of the Suitability of Microbial Cells for the Biosorption and Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metal Removal

Heavy metal contamination in the natural environment can occur as long-term site pollution or as surges of pollutants from wastewater discharge. It is well recognized that heavy metal discharge from the metal processing industries has a negative impact on the environment. Conventional methods of heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions are not cost-effective and produce large amounts of harmful chemical sludge. A novel and alternative approach to removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions involve the biosorption of these contaminants by non-living, metabolically inert biomass that is either derived from microorganisms or plants. One of the key elements of environmental and bioresource technologies today is biosorption. Due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, wide availability, quick kinetics of adsorption and desorption, and low cost, microorganisms—more specifically, bacteria, algae, yeasts, and fungi—have attracted increasing attention as biosorbents for the removal of heavy metals. Analyzing the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions utilizing diverse biological components, such as fungi, algae, yeast, and bacterial biomass, is the goal of the current study. This article discusses the advantages of heavy metal removal from waste streams, gives a brief overview of the technology’s potential for biosorption and bioaccumulation, and emphasizes the undelaying features of biosorption as well as operational factors like pH, the dose required to be given, the initial concentration, temperature, the efficiency of the treatment, and its economic significance.