SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

In order to investigate the antioxidant activity of Salvia nemorosa L. collected from Ahar and Urmia regionsin Iran at different growth stages, aerial parts of sage after collecting were dried, and for measurement, the abilityof scavenge DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) radical in different concentrations (0.025, 0.05, 0.07,0.1, 0.2, 0.04 and 0.6) of methanolic extracts were prepared. The result showed that the ability to scavenge DPPHradical and amount of inhibition percent of vegetative stage leaves, flowering stage leaves, and flowers increasedwith increasing concentrations of methanolic extracts from 0.25 to 0.6 mg/mL. In the region of Urmia, the highestamount of DPPH inhibition there was in vegetative stage leaves, and the lowest amount of DPPH inhibition wasseen in flowers. In Ahar regions, unlike the Urmia region, the highest amount of DPPH inhibition there was inflowers, but the lowest of DPPH inhibition was seen in flowering stage leaves. Also, the content of inhibition ofDPPH in Ahar and Urmia regions similarly increased between two phenological stages (vegetative stage leaves,flowering stage leaves, and flowers) in 0.4 mg/mL and 0.6 mg/mL concentrations.

Background: This study explores the potential use of biomass residues from soybean pressing via static pyrolysis to produce carbonaceous materials for pesticide adsorption. It emphasizes concerns regarding the environmental impact of agroindustrial waste and the persistent nature of pesticides in soil and water systems. Aims: To investigate the efficacy of biochar obtained from soybean waste in adsorbing pesticides. Specifically, to analyze the gas products generated during pyrolysis and characterize the obtained carbonaceous material for its adsorption capabilities. Methods: Soybean residue underwent static pyrolysis at various temperatures and durations. Gas analysis utilizing FTIR spectroscopy identified the gaseous products generated during the pyrolysis process. The obtained biochar underwent successive washes and characterization through FTIR spectra comparison with commercial activated carbon. Through absorption assays, using UV-VIS spectroscopy, investigations were conducted on the solid biocarbon fractions to evaluate their capacity for absorbing pesticides. Results: Gas Analysis: The study revealed the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and highlighted the prevalence of mono-carbon compounds with increased temperature and pyrolysis time. The analysis demonstrated consistent carbon mass percentages across different reaction conditions. Characterization of Biochar: Comparison with activated carbon indicated structural similarities with heightened intensity in certain bands, suggesting the presence of incomplete cellulose cracking in the obtained biochar. Regarding the Chlorothalonil, Atrazine and DIcamba remotion, notably, the concentration of Chlorothalonil in a 7:3 water: acetonitrile solution decreases by 77 % through adsorption on the carbons. Discussion: The investigation examined the adsorption efficiency of the biochar for Chlorothalonil, Atrazine, and Dicamba from aqueous solutions. Chlorothalonil exhibited substantial retention by the biochar, while Atrazine showed comparatively lower adsorption effectiveness. Remarkably, Dicamba did not demonstrate retention by either the biochar or activated carbon. Conclusion: The study underscores the potential of pyrolyzed soybean waste for pesticide adsorption, particularly highlighting Chlorothalonil's strong affinity with the carbonaceous structure. Further research is needed to optimize adsorption properties and explores potential enhancements of these materials through additional treatment methods, offering promising avenues for environmental remediation.

Introduction: The detection of methanol in alcoholic beverages represents a critical public health issue, particularly in light of the recent outbreak of poisonings in Brazil, which registered 58 confirmed cases and 15 deaths through October 2025. Methanol's toxicity, with an estimated lethal dose ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 g/kg, requires reliable analytical methods for health surveillance. Brazilian legislation establishes a maximum limit of 20 mg/100 mL of anhydrous alcohol; however, the need for accessible screening methods in field settings remains an important challenge. Objective: To critically compare three analytical methods for methanol determination: classical qualitative methods (Lucas Test and dichromate/Schiff), Brazilian colorimetric method, and gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID), evaluating their performance and applicability in resource-limited contexts. Methods: Theoretical-comparative approach through critical analysis of specialized literature and normative technical documentation. Methods were evaluated according to: operational principle, sensitivity (LOD/LOQ), selectivity, operational complexity, analysis time, and practical applicability. Results: The Lucas Test is not applicable for methanol detection. Colorimetric methods showed moderate sensitivity (LOD ~20-160 mg/100 mL), a 10-30-minute execution time, low operational complexity, and excellent portability. The Brazilian method presented chemical equivalence with international standards, differing only in the type of reading performed. GC-FID has shown superior sensitivity (LOD ≤ 1 mg/100 mL) and high specificity, but it requires extended time (~45-60 minutes), complex laboratory infrastructure, and specialized operators. Sugars interfere with colorimetric methods. Conclusions: The methods are complementary within a hierarchical system. Colorimetric methods enable rapid field screening, while GC-FID serves as the confirmatory method for forensic analyses. We recommend implementing integrated protocols that combine in situ colorimetric screening with GC-FID confirmation in accredited laboratories for effective health surveillance.