March 2011
In addition to the usual four features this month, we have a special report from Gavin Chait, on water quality in a time of disasters. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for ‘ChemTech' in that we have decided to run a regular article that we think will provide lighter, yet still informative, reading for our readers. Please let us know, over the coming months, what you think of this addition to our content.
Two highlights from the March issue follow.
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Indigenous edible plants as sources of nutrients and health-benefiting components by Nomusa R Dlamini, Tshidi Moroka, Lauraine Mlotshwa, Judy Reddy and Gerda Both, all of the CSIR Biosciences division, Pretoria, South Africa The project is being undertaken by the CSIR, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and Mintek (South Africa's minerals research organization). The main aim of the project is to focus on the role of indigenous edible plants in improving food security and the health of communities by providing nutrients as well as other health benefiting components (nutraceuticals).
From this study it is concluded that Amaranthus cruentus is potentially a good dietary source of the pro-vitamin A carotenoid (β-carotene). Thus consumption of Amaranthus spp may contribute towards reducing vitamin A deficiency among South Africans. Amaranth is also a good source of antioxidants (nutraceuticals) and those identified in this study include canthaxanthin (which has also been reported to be an antitumor agent) and lutein, which is reported to slow down the development of age-related eye diseases. The national energy barometer - Visible energy efficiency by Prof LJ Grobler, PrEng, BEng and MEng (Mechanical), PhD (UP), MAEE, ASAIRAC, Energy Cybernetics and North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa Worldwide, consumers demand greater attention to energy efficiency and environmental aspects from business operations. This trend will only escalate in the years to come - and rapidly so if any more energy crises strikes within our borders. The importance of energy efficiency visibility is growing. South Africa now has a national assessment tool where industries can measure themselves against others within their comparative sector and render the information publically visible.
This article looks at the reasons for the development of an energy assessment tool, the logic behind the system, the benefits of being visibly energy efficient and how to approach it successfully.
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