Borneo Journal of Resource Science and Technology

Comparison between Pollution Index and STORET Methods in Determining Post-Mining Lake Water Quality in Lati Petangis Forest Park, Paser, East Kalimantan after Reclamation

NAUFAL HAFIDH MAHDI SUJARWO PUTRA — 2024-06-28

Tahura Lati Petangis is post-mining forest park area. Tahura Lati Petangis has been through the stages of reclamation and post-mining lake has been formed. Monitoring activities are needed to determine the success of post-mining management. This research aims to evaluate the post-mining lake of water quality in Tahura Lati Petangis based on the Pollution Index and STORET methods. The research was located at 3 observation stations, which were station 1 (Pit Lake I Saingprupuk Erai), station 2 (Natural Lake Gentung Dayo), and station 3 (Pit Lake II Saingprupuk Duo). At all research stations, in-situ water quality observations were made in the form of dissolved oxygen, pH, and water temperature at 4 points sites. Water sampling was also carried out at 4 sites in each station for ex-situ quality testing. Water quality analysis based on pollution index and STORET method. The determination of water quality status based on Government Regulation No. 22/2021. The results showed that the water quality status between Pollution Index and STORET had differences. The STORET method shows more polluted results. The source of pollution at the three observation stations is generally related to organic compounds through high measurement of chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, phosphate, and phenol, so the value of dissolved oxygen is also affected. Especially for zinc and iron dissolved in Station 3 which are heavy metals included in the accumulation of STORET scoring. Station 1 and Station 2 are only suitable for agricultural or irrigation activities (class IV), while Station 3 is not suitable for all four use classes. Therefore, Station 3 is more polluted than the other two lakes. Monitoring the water quality of post-mining lakes after reclamation showed decrease in heavy metal concentrations, and on the other side there was increase in the concentration of aquatic organic compounds.

Ethnoichthyology and First Record of Spine Bahaba (Bahaba polykladiskos) in Muar, Johor, Malaysia

MOHD LOKMAN1 ILHAM-NORHAKIM — 2024-06-28

The Spine Bahaba (Bahaba polykladiskos), locally known as 'Gelama Tirusan,' is a member of the Sciaenidae fish family that is distributed across Southeast Asia, reaching as far as North Australia. This species is renowned for its swim bladder, which produces a distinctive loud sound. Despite its distribution in Southeast Asia, no previous studies have reported the presence of the Spine Bahaba in Peninsular Malaysia. This research aims to document the first-ever record of B. polykladiskos in Muar River, Johor, and provide ethnoichthyological insights regarding this species. The ethnoichthyological data were collected using a convenience snowball sampling technique, involving the collection of information from communities residing in the Muar area. In total, 47 respondents participated in the study. The results indicate that a majority of the respondents were familiar with (98%) and had encountered (94%) B. polykladiskos in both the Muar River and the local fish market. The study also documented the demand and trade associated with B. polykladiskos in Muar, with recorded prices ranging from RM 20 to RM 11,500. Furthermore, this research provides a comprehensive description of the uses and perceived benefits of B. polykladiskos in traditional medicine, particularly in relation to sexual prowess among male respondents. The study successfully establishes a baseline dataset for B. polykladiskos in Peninsular Malaysia using an ethnoichthyological approach, thus extending the known geographical distribution of this distinctive species.

Computational Analysis of Epstein-Barr Virus BamHI A Rightward Transcript (BART) MicroRNAs (miRNAs) Regulation on Messenger RNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs in Nasopharyngeal Cancer

DAPHNE OLIVIA JAWAI SADAI — 2024-06-28

To date, the regulatory framework mediated by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BamHI A rightward transcript (BART) microRNAs (miRNAs) via their interaction with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the context of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) pathogenesis remains partially understood. To derive a more complete insight into this phenomenon, we embarked on a computational study to identify BART miRNAs, mRNAs, lncRNAs, and all associated factors relevant to NPC tumourigenesis and to characterise their interactions. In silico integration of multi-level RNA expression and construction of regulatory networks were performed. We found six EBV BART miRNAs (ebv-miR-BART21-3p, ebv-miR-BART19-3p, ebv-miR-BART15, ebv-miR-BART2-5p, ebv-miR-BART20-3p and ebv-miR-BART11-5p) that could interact with four mRNAs (EYA4, EYA1, EBF1 and MACROD2) associated with NPC pathogenesis. These mRNAs can interact with six non-EBV miRNAs (hsa-miR-1246, hsa-miR-93-5p, hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-miR-135b-5p, hsa-miR-211-5p and hsa-miR-1305), which in turn, could interact with three lncRNAs (CASC2, TPTE2P1 and ARHGEF26-AS1). These findings could shed light on the roles of dysregulated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in NPC oncogenesis. In addition, we have also predicted the oncogenic and tumour suppressive functions of BART miRNAs and lncRNAs, and more precisely, the involvement of BART miRNAs in DNA repair regulation and apoptosis.

Physicochemical Investigation and Analysis of Nypa Sap (Nypa fruticans Wurmb) using a Novel Collecting Device

ANA SAKURA ZAINAL ABIDIN — 2024-06-28

A sweetener from Nypa fruticans Wurmb offers significant health benefits. The traditional process of sap tapping requires careful attention to enhance cleanliness. In this research, a nypa sap harvesting device has been developed, and a time study for its installation has been conducted. The physicochemical properties of the sap gathered from the device were evaluated and compared with the traditional method in terms of total soluble solids(TSS) reading, pH level, total dissolved solid (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) value, and glucose content. Both methods showed no significant difference, with an average TSS reading of 14 to 15 brix, pH of 3.57-3.97, glucose content of 25.9 to 32.4, TDS of 2340-2726 ppm, and EC reading of 4679-5472 s/cm. Slight differences in physicochemical properties were observed due to the random selection of trees for the experiment. The use of the device was found to improve the physical cleanliness of the sap by 97% and chemical purity by 7% to 11%. The colour of the sap collected with the device was milky white compared to the traditional bamboo method, resulting in a yellowish-white sap. The time study showed a 40% improvement compared to the first trial, indicating the practicality of the device, which can be easily installed by the operator. The physicochemical properties of the sap collected using the device can be further improved with the addition of preservatives. The findings are expected to enhance sap harvesting hygiene and the quality of sap, directly affecting the quality and benefits of the derived products.

Simulation of Hybrid Microbial Fuel Cell-Adsorption System Performance: Effect of Anode Size on Bio-Energy Generation and COD Consumption Rate

NUR FARUNITA MOHAMAD — 2024-06-28

Landfill leachate discharged into watercourse without proper treatment can pollute the water source due to its high chemical oxygen demand (COD). The high pollutant load in landfill leachate has become one of the potential substrates in bio-energy generation by using microbial fuel cell (MFC). MFC integrated with adsorption system has been introduced as an approach to overcome the limitation of stand-alone MFC, which is able to treat the landfill leachate more effectively while simultaneously generating bio-energy. Anode size has been reported to have a significant influence on the power generation of MFC via lab-scale experiments, however the simulation studies on MFC are still limited. This study aimed to develop a simulation model to predict the effect of graphite fiber brush anode size on the performance of a single chamber air-cathode hybrid MFC-Adsorption system, in terms of COD removal and bio-energy generation. The highest power density of 1.33 mW/m² was achieved with 20% anode brush removed. The highest current generation of 2.37 mA and voltage of 7.11 mV was obtained with the largest anode surface area of 0.1288 m² and resistance of 2.76 Ω. The highest COD consumption by electrogenic microorganisms was 4.96 x 10^-9 Lmol/mg, and predicted to decrease with decreasing anode size. The efficiency of the simulation model could be further improved by incorporating parameters such as charge transfer kinetic at anode and cathode, adsorption effect by activated carbon as well as the substrate and microbial population behaviour. The simulation model developed was significant towards enhancing the bio-energy generation and reducing the cost of MFC for industrial application.

Phytochemical Profiling of Garcinia rostrata, Garcinia dryobalanosides and Garcinia cuneifolia and Their Antibacterial Activity

NOR HISAM ZAMAKSHSHARI — 2024-06-28

Garcinia spp. have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, and recent studies have confirmed their pharmacological activities. In this context, the present study focused on three Garcinia spp., namely Garcinia rostrata, Garcinia dryobalanoides and Garcinia cuneifolia, which gain less attention in terms of their phytoconstituent and biological activity data. Methodologically, in this study, the phytochemical constituents of the three Garcinia sp. was determined through gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) whereby the antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the Disc diffusion and Dilution method. The results showed that the extract from Garcinia dryobalanoides exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity against Bacillus amyloliquefaciens compared to the other species. The phytochemical analysis found that Garcinia dryobalanoides extract contained significant amounts of (Z)-18-Octadec-9-enolide and n-hexadecanoic acid, which are known to possess antibacterial properties. These major constituents were found to interact synergistically to produce the observed antibacterial activity. The findings suggested that Garcinia dryobalanoides could be a promising source for developing new antibiotics to combat bacterial infections. Overall, this study highlights the potential of Garcinia spp. for discovering new bioactivities, particularly their antibacterial properties. Further research is needed to explore the full range of phytochemical constituents and biological activities of these plants, which could lead to the development of new drugs to combat antibiotic resistance.

Experimental Study on Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal from Mine Wastewater by Rumex nepalensis Spreng.

GERA TECHANE — 2024-06-28

Tailings pond is considered as the main source of heavy metal pollution in gold mining areas. These heavy metals are directly released into fresh water without proper treatment. Phytoremediation process with the selected terrestrial plants may be an alternative solution for the mine wastewater treatment. In the current study, an experimental investigation found that Rumex nepalensis Spreng. has found a good accumulator of multi-metals in 15 days of experimental period. The results revealed that the removal efficiencies for Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb were 100%, 92%, 87%, and 67%, respectively. These indicate the plant showed its maximum accumulation of multi-metals. However, Pb reached saturation at the end of the 10^thday, which makes its removal efficiency only in the first 10 days of the experimental period. The experiment revealed Pb and Ni which were above WHO standard for drinking water in the mine wastewater were made to permissible limit for these metals after the treatment.

Inhibition of UVB-mediated Oxidative Stress in Immortalized HaCaT Keratinocytes by n-hexane Terpenoid Rich Canarium odontophyllum Extract (TRCO) as Evinced by Markers of Photodamage

AHMAD ROHI GHAZALI — 2024-06-28

Acute exposure of eukaryotic cells to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation leads to a number of detrimental effects, one such prominent effect of UVB exposure is increased production of free radicals which can lead to oxidative damage. Although, the human skin is well equipped with endogenous antioxidant defence system, often increased levels of free radicals lead to oxidative damage in skin. Skin inflammation, accelerated skin aging, and formation of wrinkles are all consequences of UVB induced photodamage. Hence, it is posited that supplementation of an exogenous antioxidant derived from natural products could prevent and reduce oxidative damage in skin cells. This study set forth to investigate the antioxidative role of terpenoid rich Canarium odontophyllum Miq. (Dabai) extract on acute UVB-induced photodamage human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT). We first evaluated the antioxidative capacity of increasing concentrations of crude extracts of TRCO Dabai extracts (62.50 µg/mL, 125 µg/mL, 250 µg/mL, and 500 µg/mL) through FRAP assay. We found all the tested TRCO extract exhibited antioxidative capacity in dosage dependent manner. We further investigated the effects of pre-treatment 250 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL TRCO on UVB-induced photodamaged HaCaT cell by measuring oxidative stress markers of lipid peroxide (LPO content), protein carbonyl (PC) content, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities. Both 250 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL TRCO extract pre-treated UVB-induced HaCaT cell group exhibited significantly reduced lipid peroxides content and GST activity compared to the positive control (p<0.05). Pre-treatment of 250 µg/mL TRCO extract significant enhanced GSH-Px activity (p<0.05). However, no significant difference in protein carbonyl content could be established across all tested groups. Therefore, our results suggest that TRCO extract can offer protection against oxidative damages caused by UVB exposure, and said protective effects can be attributed by its antioxidant properties.

Comparative Study of Drying Methods on Seaweeds (Kappaphycus sp. and Padina sp.) Based on Their Phytochemical and Polysaccharaide Content Located in Sabah

NAZIRAH MINGU — 2024-06-28

Seaweed, one of the marine resources is known for their precious active compound. The dehydration process is required before the ultilization of the seaweed. It helps to increase the shelf life and play a major role in the extraction of specific chemical components. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different drying treatments of two different seaweeds on its phytochemical contents and carrageenan properties. Seaweed used include edible seaweed which are Kappaphycus sp., and locally abundant seaweed Padina sp. Four (4) different drying methods used; namely sun-drying for five (5) days, air-drying for 14 days, freeze-drying for five (5) days, and oven drying with three different temperatures at 60 °C, 80 °C and 100 °C for six (6) h, respectively. The moisture content was measured, and air-dried seaweeds contain highest moisture content (19.32% - 16.21%). Methanol, MeOH was used as extraction solvent in the determination of phytochemicals content for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Sodium hydroxide, was used to extract carrageenan from Kappaphycus sp., which was evaluated on their percentage yield. Oven dried at 100 °C extracts possessed lowest retention of phytochemicals content and carrageenan yield among all drying methods. This finding suggests that various drying methods applied significantly influenced the composition of seaweeds. Identifying the most effective post-harvest drying procedure for seaweed would be commercially advantageous.

Preliminary Characterisation of Lowland and Upland Rice from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

ZAZEVIA FRANK CLIFTON — 2024-06-28

Oryza sativa L. or commonly known as rice belongs to the family of Poaceae. In Malaysia, rice is normally cultivated either as lowland or upland rice. Sarawak is a state with diverse types of rice. All Sarawak rice are landraces. Despite the fact that Sarawak is rich in rice biodiversity, the assessment of the morphological traits which may provide basic information that is useful for the future breeding programs is still unavailable. The nomenclature of the landraces is based on the name given by the farmers. Problems arise when landraces having the same morphological characteristics were given different names and vice versa. In addition, the purity of seeds is unreliable. Common practices by the local farmers such as planting different rice landraces in the same field either in one plot or in different plots but very near to each other has contributed to the impurity of the seeds. The present study was undertaken with the objective to characterise the morphological traits of 22 lowland and 22 upland rice accessions from the North-Western region of Sarawak. The morphological traits observed on the 44 rice accessions viz., blade colour, ligule shape, ligule colour, auricle colour, heading days, flowering days, panicle type, culm length, panicle number, number of filled grain, seed length and grain colour exhibited variations. There are variations which may be considered in future Sarawak rice breeding programs.

Effects of Extraction Method on Yield, Phenolic and Flavonoid Content of Leaf, Stem and Root of Cassia alata Linn.

SCHLASTICA RAMIH BUNYA — 2024-06-28

The study of medicinal plants has gained significant interest among researchers because of their potential for therapeutic purposes and the production of natural drugs. In Sarawak, Cassia alata is one of the native plants used for medicinal purposes, such as treatment for constipation, ringworm, and other skin diseases. This study determined the yield of extraction, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the leaf, stem, and root of C. alata using various extraction methods and solvent extractions. The extractions were performed using soxhlet extraction (SE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) with ethanol and chloroform. Among all, the extract obtained from SE with ethanol solvent (SE-EtOH) showed the highest yield in all plant parts (leaf: 28.62 %, stem: 10.06 %, and root: 9.79 %). Meanwhile, the TPC and TFC estimated using the Folin-Ciocalteu phenol reagent and aluminium chloride colorimetric assay methods showed that the highest TPC and TFC were from the leaf extract obtained using UAE and chloroform (UAE-Chlo-L) with a TPC value of 117.436 mg GAE/g DW and a TFC value of 568.778 mg QE/g DW, respectively. Overall, the findings demonstrated that chloroform was an effective solvent system for all plant parts on the TPC and TFC, with the leaf part containing the greatest value, and that ultrasonic-assisted extraction was the best approach. This exploration is beneficial for the determination of methods that produce optimum yield, phenolic, and flavonoid content in C. alata’s species.

Early Assessment of Forest Growth in a Logged over Coastal Lowland Mixed Dipterocarp Forest in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia

KIAN HUAT ONG — 2024-06-28

Managing regrowth forests sustainably is a necessary tactic to address climate change as these forests' ability to capture and sequester carbon is much higher due to their potential high growth rate. These forests also retained high tree diversity if subjected to selective logging previously. The objectives of this study were to investigate growth rate of tree species in a logged over coastal lowland mixed dipterocarp forest. This study was carried out in 10 established plots (50 m × 20 m) at a logged-over forest in Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus, Sarawak, Malaysia and trees with 10 cm diameter breast height (dbh) and above were measured. There were 611 individual trees of 159 species and 43 families were found in a one-hectare. The majority of trees (86%) were found in smaller diameter classes (<30 cm) with only 2% in diameter classes of more than 50 cm. The study area still retains a mixed dipterocarp forest feature. The stand has a good growth rate. Overall dbh increment was 0.34 cm yr^-1 with dipterocarps documented 0.39 cm yr^-1. A reverse growth dominance was observed in this study where smaller trees recorded higher growth. Thus contributing up to 72% of carbon sequestrated by this group of trees.

Orchids of UNIMAS: Diversity in a Developed Campus Landscape

ALMUNAH ABD MUTALIB — 2024-06-28

For the past three decades, various biotic components in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) natural habitats have been studied but less attention given to the largest family of flowering plants, the Orchidaceae. A preliminary survey in the campus areas has resulted in the discovery of more than ten species of orchids. Therefore, in this study more field samplings were conducted throughout the UNIMAS campus focusing on the developed areas to unveil the potential of UNIMAS-developed areas as a growth ground for orchids. To date, 37 orchid species have been recorded from these areas; mainly found on the planted trees at the roadside and landscaped areas surrounding the academic buildings, while the terrestrial species were found to inhabit different types of disturbed habitat. Among them, Dendrobium pensile was identified as a new record to Sarawak while Dendrobium pseudostriatellum and Pinalia biglandulosa were endemic to Borneo. This study provides an insight into the orchid resiliency towards habitat alteration, landscape phorophytes species that can host orchids, and management of species in a developed landscape.

Habitat Complexity Influencing Avian Community Structure, Conservation Management and its Implications in Malaysia

ABDUL MUHAIMIN ABDUL HALIM — 2024-06-28

In this review, we explore the understanding of habitat complexity influencing the bird community with a special focus on Malaysia’s recent case studies. Malaysia is one of the mega-diverse countries because it is gifted with the beauty of biodiversity. However, biodiversity resources are greatly affected by human activities such as mining operations, agricultural expansion, timber extraction, and hunting activity. In bird ecological research, habitat complexity is crucial because it affects biodiversity overall within species interactions and resource availability by evaluating environmental features including floristic composition and habitat heterogeneity. The positive relationship between habitat complexity and species diversity has been extensively documented. Complex habitats provide a variety of resources and niches, allowing different species to coexist. However, the advanced research methodologies, long-term monitoring, and a more nuanced understanding of the specific ecological processes influencing bird populations should be well emphasized. This review intends to fill in the gaps by critically analyzing potential conservation management strategies that might be adopted to increase habitat connectivity and minimize the negative effects of habitat loss on bird community structures in Malaysia.

The Comparison of the Histological Skin Structures of Common Sunda Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) and Grass Frog (Fejervarya limnocharis)

ZI QI LIM — 2024-06-28

Anuran skin preserves all functional activities, especially for respiration and water regulation. Duttaphrynus melanostictus and Fejervarya limnocharis are the common species found in Borneo lowlands and are well-adapted to humans. Hence, they can reproduce quickly and rapidly in great numbers in the urban area. This study aims to select these urban-type anurans and describe the skin structure and glands. Four regions of skin samples were obtained, namely Dorsal Head (DH), Dorsal Centre (DC), Ventral Head (VH) and Ventral Centre (VC). The microscopic slides were prepared accordingly as in the histological techniques including skin grossing, fixing, processing, embedding, sectioning and were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin staining. The seromucous glands are most prevalent in all four regions for both species. Parotoid glands are clearly visible in the skin structure of D. melanostictus, while there is a lack of parotoid glands in F. limnocharis. Nonetheless, F. limnocharis contains regular rows of glands, whereas the distribution of glands in D. melanostictus is scattered. In addition, D. melanostictus possess dermal bones, which are absent in F. limnocharis. Since anuran skin is a mucosal surface that in constant direct contact with the environment, their adaptations to harsh habitats should be reflected in the skin, particularly in the urban and invasive species in this study.