The presence of pollutants in water sources, particularly dyes coming by way of the textile industry, represents a major challenge with far-reaching environmental consequences, including increased scarcity. This phenomenon endangers the health of living organisms and the natural system. Numerous biosorbents have been utilized for the removal of dyes from the textile industry. The aim of this study was to optimize discarded Zygophyllum gaetulum stems as constituting an untreated natural biosorbent for the efficient removal of C.I. Direct Black 80, an azo textile dye, from an aqueous solution, thus offering an ecological and low-cost alternative while recovering the waste for reuse. The biosorbent was subjected to a series of characterization analyses: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and infrared spectroscopy (IR) were employed to characterize the biosorbent. Additionally, the moisture and ash content of the plant stem were also examined. The absorption phenomenon was studied for several different parameters including the effect of the absorption time (0 to 360 min), the sorbent mass (3 to 40 g/L), the pH of the solution (3 to 11), the dye concentration (5 to 300 mg/L), and the pH of the zero-charge point (2–12). Thermodynamic studies and desorption studies were also carried out. The results showed that an increase in plant mass from 3 to 40 g/L resulted in a notable enhancement in dye adsorption rates, with an observed rise from 63.96% to 97.08%. The pH at the zero-charge point (pHpzc) was determined to be 7.12. The percentage of dye removal was found to be highest for pH values ≤ 7, with a subsequent decline in removal efficiency as the pH increased. Following an initial increase in the amount of adsorbed dye, equilibrium was reached within 2 h of contact. The kinetic parameters of adsorption were investigated using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and Elovich models. The results indicated that the pseudo-first-order kinetic model was the most appropriate for the plant adsorbent. The isotherm parameters were determined using the Langmuir, Frendlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich models. The experimental data were more satisfactory and better fitted using the Langmuir model for the adsorption of dye on the plant. This study demonstrated that Zygophyllum gaetulum stems could be employed as an effective adsorbent for the removal of our organic dye from an aqueous solution.

Polyphenols are a class of plant secondary metabolites that have increasingly been gaining traction due to their multiple roles as therapeutics, food supplements, and preservatives. They are widely used in various foods to enhance flavor, texture, shelf life, and overall quality. Polyphenols are efficient antioxidants and radical scavengers with significant health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Several studies demonstrated that an increased consumption of polyphenol-rich foods may help reduce the risk metabolic disorders and cancer. However, their bioavailability is limited after ingestion due to low water solubility, instability at low pH values, and difficulties for absorption in the small intestine. To address these challenges, new technological processes and the use of nanoparticles loaded with polyphenols encapsulation and nanotechnology are required to improve polyphenol bioavailability and to maintain their biological activities, making them more effective as functional food ingredients and drug delivery systems. This chapter covers the latest trends and innovative techniques in polyphenol-based nanotechnology and explores the challenges associated with their use in these applications.

With the increasing impacts of climate change, establishing more sustainable and robust plants such as desert dates (Balanites aegyptiaca) seems to be necessary. Known for its resilience in arid conditions, this tree has the potential to become a more important food source, particularly for its potential to yield edible oil. This study characterized Balanites kernel oil (BKO) as a promising oil source in arid regions, studying the influence of geographical origin and environmental factors. Moroccan and Sudanese BKO samples were analyzed and compared with Mauritanian BKO. In the fatty acid profile, unsaturated fatty acids constituted over 70% of the BKO profile, with a predominance of linoleic acid (Li), oleic acid (Ol), palmitic acid (Pa), and stearic acid (St). Consequently, the predominant triacylglycerols were PaLiLi, PaLiOl, LiLiOl, OlLiOl, and StLiOl. α-Tocopherol dominated the tocochromanol composition (324 to 607 mg/kg), followed by γ-tocopherol (120 to 226 mg/kg), constituting 90% of the total tocochromanols. The total phytosterol content in BKO ranged from 871 to 2218 mg/kg oil, with β-sitosterol dominating (58% to 74%). Principal Component Analysis revealed that the geographical origin significantly influences BKO composition, emphasizing environmental factors, particularly water deficit and/or temperatures. Notably, Moroccan BKO collected from an area characterized by high aridity and relatively low winter temperatures, showcased a unique profile in fatty acid, phytosterols, and tocochromanols. The valorization of BKO presents an opportunity for local agricultural development in arid regions and a role model for plant development and agricultural practices in other parts of the world.

Argan oil is known wordwide for its nutritional, therapeutic and cosmetic benefits. However, the extraction process produces 40-50% of Argan Press Cake (APC), which is rich in protein, fiber, and minerals. Despite its nutritional potential,the high saponin content of APC imparts a bitter taste and anti-nutritional properties, making it unsuitable for human consumption and often wasted. This study addresses this issue by using boiling treatments with citric acid (CA) and distilled water (DW) to reduce the saponin content, while evaluating the impact on APC quality. In addition , the study explores for the first time, the incorporation of treated argan press cake, APC-CA and APC-DW, at different levels (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) into whole wheat flour (WWF) for bread production to improve the nutritional profile. The results indicate that both treatments significantly reduce saponin content while maintaining nutritional quality comparable to untreated APC. This includes a 50% reduction in phytic acid levels. The absence of tryptophan fluorescence emission was observed in APC-CA, which may be related to chemical degradation or interactions with other molecules. Substitution of APC-CA and APC-DW increased the protein of composite flours in a level-dependent manner. At substitution levels up to 10%, APC-CA and APC-DW positively influenced the technological properties of the bread. This study demonstrates the potential of APC to improve the nutritional value of bread and supports zero-waste initiatives by reusing by-products.

The world is facing shortage in drinking water due to dryness and pollution. Among the most worrying pollutants are azo dyes, such as C.I. Direct Black 80, used extensively in the textile industry. Their resistance to natural degradation, their toxic potential and their visibility even at low concentrations pose a major environmental challenge. The development of high-performance, long-lasting adsorbent materials derived from unused biomass represents a promising approach to the treatment of polluted water. In this work, two activated carbons (AC1 and AC2) were prepared from discarded Zygophyllum gaetulum stems by chemical activation with phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄). Materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermogravimetric derivative (TGD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The effects of different operating parameters in batch tests (pH, adsorbent mass, contact time, temperature, initial concentration) were evaluated. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were also performed to elucidate the electronic properties of the dye and identify the key interaction sites involved in the adsorption process. The point of zero charge (pHpzc) was defined as 5.95. Kinetic, isothermal and thermodynamic studies were carried out, as well as adsorption/desorption cycles to assess reusability. The activated carbons presented an amorphous, thermally stable structure enriched with oxygenated functional groups. Optimum conditions were achieved at pH = 3, with a dose of 1 g/L and a contact time of 1 h, enabling removal rates above 96% with corresponding maximum adsorption capacities of 146.95 mg·g⁻¹ for AC1 and 155.95 mg·g⁻¹ for AC2. The pseudo-first-order model and Langmuir isotherm showed the best fits, suggesting a mechanism dominated by physisorption at homogeneous sites. Thermodynamic parameters confirm a spontaneous, exothermic process based on physical interactions. Regeneration tests revealed yields of more 80% after five cycles. The results obtained demonstrate the high potential of activated carbons derived from Zygophyllum gaetulum as effective, regenerable and economically viable biosorbents for the treatment of dye-contaminated water, while at the same time contributing to the valorization of a so far neglected plant biomass.

Argan oil is known worldwide for its nutritional, therapeutic, and cosmetic benefits. However, the extraction process produces 40–50% of argan press cake (APC), which is rich in protein, fiber, and minerals. Despite its nutritional potential, the high saponin content of APC imparts a bitter taste and anti-nutritional properties, making it unsuitable for human consumption and often wasted. This study addresses this issue by using boiling treatments with citric acid (CA) and distilled water (DW) to reduce the saponin content while evaluating the impact on APC quality. In addition, this study explores, for the first time, the incorporation of treated argan press cake, APC-CA and APC-DW, at different levels (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) into whole wheat flour (WWF) for bread production to improve the nutritional profile. The results indicate that both treatments significantly reduce saponin content while maintaining nutritional quality comparable to untreated APC. This includes a 50% reduction in phytic acid levels. The absence of tryptophan fluorescence emission was observed in APC-CA, which may be related to chemical degradation or interactions with other molecules. The substitution of APC-CA and APC-DW increased the protein of composite flours in a level-dependent manner. At substitution levels up to 10%, APC-CA and APC-DW positively influenced the technological properties of the bread. This study demonstrates the potential of APC to improve the nutritional value of bread and supports zero-waste initiatives by reusing by-products.