Ecological Value of Ormenis mixta Essential Oil from Pre-Rif Morocco as a Natural Antifungal Agent for Sustainable Agriculture

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Growing concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of synthetic pesticides have stimulated increasing interest in plant-derived antimicrobial agents as sustainable alternatives. In this study, the essential oil (EO) of Ormenis mixta collected from the Pre-Rif region (Taza, Morocco) was extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and chemically characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the broth microdilution method according to CLSI guidelines against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and the opportunistic yeast Candida albicans. The EO yield reached 0.55% (w/w). Chemical analysis revealed a composition dominated by aromatic hydrocarbons (51.18%) and polycyclic aromatic compounds (20.89%), whereas oxygenated monoterpenes were detected in lower proportions. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was recorded against C. albicans (6.50 ± 0.76 mg/mL), indicating notable antifungal activity. Gram-positive bacteria exhibited moderate susceptibility, while Gram-negative strains were comparatively less sensitive, likely due to structural differences in their outer membranes. Molecular docking analysis further suggested that major aromatic constituents, particularly hydrogenated anthracene and trimethyl-substituted naphthalene derivatives, may contribute to membrane-related antimicrobial interactions. Overall, these findings describe a distinct Pre-Rif chemotype of O. mixta and provide experimental evidence supporting its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. The results offer a scientific foundation for future ecological, toxicological, and field-based evaluations aimed at integrating this essential oil into sustainable agricultural and environmental management strategies.

Influence of Natural Ventilation on Indoor Air Quality in a Single-Family Dwelling in the Northwest Area of Madrid

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a fundamental characteristic of eco-friendly buildings and sustainable environments, significantly impacting the well-being and behavior of occupants. Even in low-occupancy residences, maintaining good IAQ is essential for health and comfort. Buildings must meet both regulatory standards and occupant satisfaction to ensure a healthy indoor environment. Regardless of external conditions, people are constantly exposed to their surroundings, making air quality management a critical challenge. This study evaluates the impact of natural ventilation on IAQ in a single-family home in northwest Madrid through continuous monitoring of particle concentrations and CO₂ levels. The results reveal that daily indoor activities—particularly cooking, cleaning, and evening occupancy—significantly influence pollutant levels. Cleaning processes release particles ranging from 1 µm to 10 µm, while midday cooking generates notable emissions from stoves and ovens. CO₂ concentrations regularly exceed 1000 ppm at night in bedrooms with poor ventilation, whereas the living room maintains levels close to outdoor air due to consistent daily ventilation practices of approximately 3 h typically below 600 ppm. The monitoring also showed that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are heavily influenced by furnishings, pets, tobacco, airflow patterns, temperature and humidity, among other factors with greater variability than CO₂. Based on these findings, the study provides targeted recommendations to optimize natural ventilation, emphasizing schedule-based airing routines and material considerations for furnishings. These insights will be valuable to homeowners, architects, engineers, and public health professionals seeking sustainable, health-focused indoor environments. By enhancing IAQ through passive strategies, this study advances occupant well-being and environmental sustainability.

Research in Ecology

Ecological Value of Ormenis mixta Essential Oil from Pre-Rif Morocco as a Natural Antifungal Agent for Sustainable Agriculture

Influence of Natural Ventilation on Indoor Air Quality in a Single-Family Dwelling in the Northwest Area of Madrid