Journal of Chemical Natural Resources

Analysis of River Water Quality in Medan Belawan Regency based on the Diversity Index of Aquatic Insects as an Effort to Improve the Health of River Ecosystems from Heavy Metal Contamination (Ni)

Muhammad Taufik — 2025-04-16

Heavy metals are often found in river water polluted by industrial processes. To separate heavy metals from river water, blood clam shells (Anadara granosa) are used as adsorbents. This study aims to analyze the determination of Belawan river water pollution based on the Aquatic Insect Diversity Index and analyze the content of heavy metal (Ni) in waste by utilizing blood clam shell waste as an adsorbent. The method used is solid phase extraction. Based on the diversity index data, the condition of the Belawan River waters in the Control area is not polluted (H' 2.18), Settlement Area 1 is lightly polluted (H' 1.94), Settlement Area 2 is lightly polluted (H' 1.70), Industrial Area 1 is moderately polluted (H' 1.47), and Industrial Area 2 is lightly polluted (H' 1.7). The percentage of heavy metal (Ni) absorption in Residential Area 1, Residential Area 2, Industrial Area 1, and Industrial Area 2 were respectively 28.57%, 33.33%, 31.11%, and 34.38%. This shows that blood cockles (Anadara granosa) are able to absorb Ni metal up to 34.38%. Ni levels < 0.05 mg/L so it can still be used (PP No. 22 of 2021).

Phytochemical Screening, Determination of Total Phenolic Contents and Total Flavonoid Contents of Pod Purified Extract from Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw.

Sovia Lenny — 2025-04-16

Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw. is traditionally used in medicine and is thought to be influenced by the presence of secondary metabolites, especially phenolic compounds and flavonoids. However, identifying the phytochemical compounds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw. plants, especially on the pods, are less discussed. Here, we propose research on the identification of secondary metabolite compounds of pod-purified extract from Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw. using phytochemical screening and also the determination of total phenolic and total flavonoid content. The extraction of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw. pods were processed by maceration and fractionation methods to obtain the purified extract. Total phenolic contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Meanwhile, total flavonoid contents were determined using the AlCl₃ method. The result showed that the purified extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw. pods contained phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. The total phenolic and total flavonoid content in the pod purified extract were 326.038 mg GAE/g extract and 290.026 mg QE/g extract, respectively.

Exploring the Effect of Ethylenediamine Concentration on the Optical Properties of Carbon Dots Synthesized from Candlenut Shell Biomass

Marpongahtun Marpongahtun — 2025-05-31

Carbon dots are fluorescent nanomaterials with a size below 10 nm, known for their good optical properties, including fluorescence emission and biocompatibility which are very suitable for various applications, such as bioimaging, sensors and optoelectronics. This research aims to synthesize CDs and NCDs from candlenut shells as a biomass source using the hydrothermal method at 230°C for 6 hours with the addition of ethylenediamine (EDA) as a nitrogen dopant at concentrations of 4%, 8% and 12% (v/v). The study also evaluates the effect of varying EDA concentrations on the optical properties of CDs and NCDs. Based on the results, under 365 nm UV irradiation, all samples showed bluish green fluorescence. The results of UV-Vis analysis showed an absorption peak at a wavelength of 271 nm for CDs and additional absorption peaks at 274 nm and 324 nm for NCDs, corresponding to the π–π* and n–π* transitions, respectively. Increasing EDA concentration is associated with a gradual decrease in the absorption intensity of CDs and NCDs. The photoluminescence results showed the CDs emission peak at 494 nm with a quantum yield (QY) of 18% and the strongest fluorescence at 498 nm for NCDs 8% with the highest QY of 27%. The results of FTIR analysis showed -OH, C=O and C=N functional groups in all samples and additional -NH functional groups in the NCDs, indicating successful nitrogen incorporation.

Synthesis and Characterization of Acid-Hydrolyzed Breadfruit Starch (Artocarpus altilis) Nanoparticles as a Potential Carrier for Doxorubicin

Cut Fatimah Zuhra — 2025-06-01

Natural starch-based materials are promising for drug delivery due to their biodegradability, abundance, and biocompatibility. This study isolated starch from breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) and converted into nanoparticles via acid hydrolysis using HCl 2.2 N under shaking incubation at 38°C for 24 hours. The process yielded nanoparticles with a recovery efficiency of 67% and an average particle size of 347.76 nm—within the optimal range for passive tumor targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Compared to native starch, the nanoparticles exhibited enhanced solubility and reduced viscosity, indicating improved aqueous dispersion. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the retention of major functional groups, while SEM analysis showed distinct changes in surface morphology indicative of granule disintegration. To evaluate pharmaceutical applicability, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was employed as a model drug. The breadfruit starch nanoparticles achieved a high drug loading efficiency of 78.3%. These results demonstrate the potential of breadfruit starch nanoparticles as a sustainable, low-cost drug delivery platform and highlight the value of underutilized tropical starches in nanomedicine.

Synthesis of Ester from Waste Cooking Oil (WCO) and Pentaerythritol via Dean-Stark Distillation for Potential Use as Biolubricant

Juliati Br Tarigan — 2025-06-02

Waste cooking oil (WCO) is a group of oils or fats that have been used for cooking or frying repeatedly and are no longer suitable for use. Repeated heating of cooking oil will cause the formation of trans fatty acids that trigger coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aims to synthesize esters as biolubricant candidates from WCO. WCO was purified using 0.05% (v/v) of H₃PO₄ and 2% (w/v) of bleaching earth, then saponified with ethanolic NaOH and hydrolyzed with 25% H₂SO₄. The fatty acids obtained were then esterified with pentaerythritol using a dean-stark distillation apparatus with 2% H2SO4 catalyst and toluene solvent at a temperature of 170-180°C for 6 hours. The results of the acid number analysis showed an ester conversion of 83.08%. Furthermore, the FT-IR spectra showed the presence of C=O (1730 cm⁻¹) and C–O–C (1178 cm⁻¹) groups, indicating the formation of esters. These results indicate that esters from used cooking oil have the potential to be environmentally friendly biolubricants.

Antibacterial Soap from Extract Spent Coffee Grounds using Microwave-assisted Extract Against Staphylococcus aureus

Juli Novita Sari — 2025-06-02

This study investigates the application of Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) to extract bioactive components from spent coffee grounds (SCG), enhancing the antibacterial properties of transparent soap. Spent coffee grounds, usually regarded as waste, include phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins which demonstrate potent antibacterial properties against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. MAE effectively extracts these useful compounds using ethanol as a solvent, therefore improving the antibacterial power of the soap. Unlike the soap free of the extract, the inclusion of 3% spent coffee ground extract generated an inhibitory zone of 9.16 mm. The soap base is produced using the saponification process with palm oil and sodium hydroxide. The research additionally encompasses pH analysis, foam properties, and evaluations of client preferences. This research highlights the efficiency of MAE in upcycling coffee waste into a functional and sustainable product, offering enhanced antibacterial properties while contributing to waste reduction in personal care products.

Green Synthesis of Barium Doped Titanium Dioxide Using Palm Leaf Extract (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Andriayani Andriayani — 2025-06-02

Conventional synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles often involves the use of toxic chemicals, high costs, and extreme operating conditions. This research aims to develop a cost-effective and environmentally friendly green synthesis method for TiO₂ by utilizing oil palm leaf (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Subsequently, doping with barium (Ba) was carried out to enhance the photocatalytic, optical, and electrical properties of the resulting TiO₂. Phytochemical analysis revealed that oil palm leaf extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and tannins, which play a role in the reduction and stabilization processes of TiO₂ nanoparticles. Characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) identified Ti-O bonds in pure TiO₂ at a wavenumber of 588 cm⁻¹, and a shift in absorption peaks in the range of 548-595 cm⁻¹ in Ba-doped TiO₂ indicated the formation of the barium titanate phase. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that Ba doping increased the crystallite size of TiO₂ from 1.17 nm to 1.65 nm, which may have implications for photocatalytic applications.

Physicochemical Characterization of Kefir Combination from Goat Milk and Almond Milk

Rini Hardiyanti — 2025-06-18

Kefir is a fermented milk that contains probiotic bacteria. It is made by adding kefir grain starter as a source of lactic acid bacteria. The combination of goat milk and almond milk, along with the addition of pineapple core extract, is an effort to enhance the nutritional value of probiotic kefir milk. The aim of this study is to determine the quality characteristics of the combined kefir made from almond milk and goat milk with varying milk ratios (30:70, 40:60, and 50:50%) and the effect of pineapple core extract on the combined kefir. The combination is expected to produce kefir with unique characetristics due to the nutritional differences between animal-based and plant-based milk. Quality characteristics include pH testing measured using a pH meter, viscosity testing using a Brookfield viscometer, titratable acidity (total acid) using an alkalimetric titration method, and protein content tested using the Kjeldahl method. The results obtained show that the combined kefir made from goat milk and almond milk with the addition of pineapple core extract affects the pH, viscosity, titratable acidity, and protein content. The optimal variation was obtained at a 40:60% ratio, with a pH of 3.7650 ± 0.0849, viscosity of 0.7410 ± 0.0283, titratable acidity (%) of 1.2043 ± 0.0636, and protein content of 1.3509% ± 0.0304.

Validation Method of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Analysis Using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy

Muhammad Taufik — 2025-07-08

MDMA is known as a narcotic and stimulant is a drug that is often abused, both in pill and powder form. Therefore, it is important to have an accurate and sensitive analysis method to detect the presence of MDMA especially in urine samples of drug users. In this work, optimization of the GC-MS method was carried out to obtain the best separation conditions and the highest sensitivity using the GCMS instrument. This study aims to develop a validation method for the analysis of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) using the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) technique. The results of the analysis showed that the accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification and selectivity were respectively: 97.53%, 3.66%, R² ≥ 0.99, LOD 0.7 ppm, LOQ 2.35 ppm, and Rs 19.83. The results of the study showed that this method has good accuracy with acceptable precision values and low enough LOD and LOQ to detect MDMA at appropriate concentrations. Thus, this validated GC-MS method can be effectively applied for the analysis of MDMA in various urine sample matrices, especially in the development of the field of analytical chemistry.

Modification of Hydrophobic Polymer-Based Membranes with Gambir Tannin as a Natural Additive to Reduce Humic Acid in Water

Ilham Perkasa Bako — 2025-07-28

Membrane technology is widely used in water treatment processes. This study aims to evaluate the effect of gambir tannin, a natural additive, on the performance of hydrophobic polymer membranes made from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyethersulfone (PES). Membranes were fabricated using the casting–phase inversion method with 0% and 1% tannin concentrations. Membrane characterization included functional group analysis, permeability tests with pure water and humic acid, antifouling performance, and chemical stability. Addition of tannin introduced hydrophilic functional groups into the polymer matrix, resulting in improved membrane porosity, flux recovery ratio (FRR), and fouling resistance. The most significant finding of this study is that the incorporation of 1% gambir tannin increased the pure water flux up to 20.67 L/m²·h for PVDF membranes and 102.46 L/m²·h for PES membranes, while maintaining high antifouling properties and stable performance in acidic and alkaline environments. These results demonstrate the potential of gambir tannin as a sustainable additive for enhancing membrane performance in water purification applications.