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Open Access
Articles
by Adiatuj Jahan Rimu, Israt Binta Isa, Afroj Jahan Bristi, Md. Al-Amin Hossen
2025,3(1);    93 Views
Abstract Microbial enzymes play a crucial role in industrial and environmental biotechnology due to their biodegradability, specificity, and ability to function under mild conditions. This study aimed to isolate and characterize extracellular enzyme-producing bacteria from soil and poultry waste collected in Mirer Bazar, Tongi, Bangladesh. A total of 40 bacterial isolates were screened for amylase, cellulase, pectinase, lipase, and protease activities through primary plate assays (Table 1) and subsequent shake-flask fermentation experiments (Tables 2–6). Significant variation in enzyme production was observed among isolates. Strong amylase and cellulase activity were detected in PLW 5EH, PLW 5FH, GRDF 2, PEDF 10⁻³ 1, and PLW 5CH, with halo diameters reaching 40–46 mm, indicating their potential for starch and cellulose hydrolysis in industrial processes such as food processing, biomass conversion, and biofuel production. Moderate lipase activity was observed in PLW 1AH and PLW 2CH, suggesting their suitability for lipid degradation and biocatalysis applications. Pectinase and protease activities were generally low, implying that optimized culture conditions or substrate induction may be required for enhanced production. The study highlights the diversity of enzyme-producing bacteria from environmental sources and identifies promising strains for industrial and environmental biotechnological applications. Future research should focus on optimizing fermentation conditions, enzyme purification, biochemical characterization, and molecular identification of top-performing isolates.
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Open Access
Articles
by Adiatuj Jahan Rimu, Israt Binta Isa, Mst.Umme Habiba, Bijoy Biswas, Md. Al-Amin Hossen
2025,3(1);    86 Views
Abstract Paper currency is one of the most commonly exchanged items in daily life and can serve as a potential vehicle for the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. This study aimed to assess the environmental contamination and antibiotic resistance profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from paper money collected from various sources in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 40 paper currency samples of different denominations (Tk 10, 20, 50, 100, and 1000) were collected from super shops, fish and vegetable markets, public transport, and new banknotes. Samples were swabbed, cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA), and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Isolates were identified through Gram staining, hemolysis pattern, and standard biochemical tests, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. All samples (100%) were contaminated with S. aureus. The highest contamination was observed in lower denomination notes (Tk 10 and Tk 20), particularly from fish and vegetable markets. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance to oxacillin (75%) and cefoxitin (60%), indicating the presence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). However, isolates showed complete susceptibility to tetracycline, amikacin, and cotrimoxazole. These findings suggest that paper currency acts as a significant environmental reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, contributing to community-level pathogen transmission. Enhanced public hygiene awareness, reduced cash handling, and the introduction of polymer-based banknotes are recommended to minimize this public health risk.
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Open Access
Articles
by Md. Kamrul Hasan
2025,3(1);    70 Views
Abstract Khirsapat, also known as Himsagar, is one of the most prized traditional mango varieties of Bangladesh, primarily cultivated in the northwestern region, including Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, and Naogaon. Renowned for its fiberless, soft, and aromatic pulp, Khirsapat mango is highly valued for fresh consumption as well as processing into juices, jams, and other value-added products. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of Khirsapat mango, covering its origin, botanical characteristics, agro-climatic requirements, cultivation practices, nutritional and phytochemical composition, sensory quality, post-harvest handling, processing, economic importance, and export potential. The fruit is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and mangiferin, offering numerous health benefits including immunity enhancement, eye health, antioxidant protection, and digestive support. Despite its economic and nutritional significance, Khirsapat mango faces challenges such as high post-harvest losses, pest infestations, limited cold storage, and climate change impacts. Future prospects include improved storage and transport systems, disease-resistant varieties, organic cultivation, and enhanced farmer training to boost production, quality, and export potential. This review emphasizes the cultural, economic, and nutritional importance of Khirsapat mango and highlights strategies for sustainable development and global recognition of this premium fruit.
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Open Access
Articles
by James chakma
2025,3(1);    298 Views
Abstract Biomedical waste management has become a critical public health and environmental concern in Bangladesh due to rapid urbanization, growing healthcare infrastructure, and increasing patient flow. Improper handling, segregation, treatment, and disposal of BMW pose significant risks, including soil, water, and air contamination, occupational hazards for healthcare and waste management personnel, and broader public health implications. This review synthesizes current research, policy documents, and institutional reports from 2010 to 2024 to provide a comprehensive overview of biomedical waste generation patterns, management practices, environmental and health impacts, and regulatory frameworks in Bangladesh. Key challenges such as inadequate training, weak enforcement of regulations, insufficient infrastructure, and limited public awareness are highlighted. Recommendations for sustainable management include strict policy adherence, capacity-building programs, investment in modern treatment technologies, public-private partnerships, and environmental monitoring. This review underscores the urgent need for integrated, evidence-based strategies to ensure safe biomedical waste management and protect both human health and the environment in Bangladesh.
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Open Access
Articles
by K. M. Lokman Nayan
2025,3(1);    83 Views
Abstract Dhaka, one of the world’s fastest-growing megacities, experiences persistently high levels of air pollution, including fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀), black carbon, and episodic peaks of toxic gases such as NO₂, SO₂, O₃, and CO. These pollutants arise from diverse sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, brick kilns, construction, and open waste burning, and exhibit strong spatial and seasonal variability. Emerging biomarker studies in Dhaka reveal that exposure to these pollutants induces measurable physiological and molecular alterations, including oxidative stress, reduced antioxidant defenses, systemic inflammation, impaired oxygenation, and early genotoxic effects. Children, pregnant women, and occupationally exposed adults demonstrate heightened susceptibility, with short-term exposures linked to acute lung function decline and long-term exposure associated with cumulative biochemical dysregulation. Integration of ambient and indoor pollution data with biochemical outcomes highlights mechanistic pathways connecting environmental exposure to adverse health effects. This review consolidates Bangladesh-specific evidence on air pollution and biochemical markers of environmental stress, emphasizing the biological plausibility of pollution-induced health risks and the utility of biomarkers in environmental health assessment.
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