Life Sciences and Environment Journal

Editorial Note

Namthip Wongpratheep — 2026-05-21

วารสาร Life Sciences and Environment Journal ซึ่งเป็นวารสารวิชาการที่อยู่ในฐานข้อมูลการตีพิมพ์การอ้างอิงของวารสารระดับชาติที่ได้รับการรับรองคุณภาพจากศูนย์ดัชนีการอ้างอิงวารสารไทย (Thai Journal Citation Index: TCI) รอบที่ 5 (2568-2572) เป็นวารสารกลุ่ม 1

วารสาร Life Sciences and Environment Journal ปีที่ 27 ฉบับที่ 1 (ประจำเดือนมกราคม - มิถุนายน 2569) ได้พิจารณาคัดเลือกผลงานที่มีคุณภาพ ครอบคลุมสาขาด้านวิทยาศาสตร์การเกษตรและวิทยาศาสตร์ชีวภาพ ด้านวิทยาศาสตร์สิ่งแวดล้อม ด้านวิทยาศาสตร์สุขภาพ และด้านสหวิทยาการทางด้านวิทยาศาสตร์ จำนวนทั้งสิ้น 15 บทความ ซึ่งผ่านการประเมินโดยผู้ทรงคุณวุฒิพิจารณาคุณภาพบทความ (Peer Review) ซึ่งเป็นผู้ทรงคุณวุฒิภายนอกจากหลากหลายสถาบัน จำนวน 3 ท่าน จึงทำให้แต่ละบทความล้วนมีคุณค่าทางวิชาการ และสามารถนำไปใช้เป็นเอกสารอ้างอิงเพื่อการผลิตผลงาน
ทางวิชาการได้

กองบรรณาธิการและคณะกรรมการจัดทำวารสารฯ มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏพิบูลสงคราม ขอขอบคุณผู้ทรงคุณวุฒิพิจารณาคุณภาพบทความ ตลอดจนผู้อ่านและผู้สนใจทุกท่านที่ติดตามผลงานที่ตีพิมพ์ในวารสาร นำผลงานไปอ้างอิงหรือส่งต้นฉบับเพื่อตีพิมพ์ในวารสารนี้ กองบรรณาธิการหวังเป็นอย่างยิ่งว่าจะได้รับเกียรติและความอนุเคราะห์จากท่านในโอกาสต่อไป

APPLICATION OF RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY TO PREDICT THE OPTIMAL CONDITIONS FOR REDUCING BROWNING IN THE IN VITRO CULTURE OF MUSA (AA GROUP) ‘KLUAI KHAI’ PLANTLETS

Anek Halee — 2026-05-21

One of the major problems of Musa (AA group) ‘Kluai Khai’ tissue culture is the browning from the oxidation of phenolic compounds. This problem can be resolved by adding antioxidants or phenolic–adsorbing agents to the culture medium. A response surface methodology (RSM) approach was employed in combination with a central composite design (CCD) to model the effects of three factors: ascorbic acid (AA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and activated charcoal (AC), each at three concentration levels. A total of 17 experimental treatments were conducted for 12 weeks. The levels of phenolic compounds, tannins, and flavonoids in the culture medium were analyzed, and the four treatments yielding the lowest concentrations were selected for further validation. The optimized conditions were subsequently tested for 12 weeks. The results indicated that Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium supplemented with 0.03 g/L AA, 3.325 g/L PVP, and 1.48 g/L AC effectively reduced browning in in vitro cultures of Musa (AA group) ‘Kluai Khai’.

DEVELOPMENT OF THAI LOCAL-WISDOM FOOD CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOR STANDARDS FOR ELDERLY HEALTH CARE

Satarat Tipphong — 2026-05-21

This study aimed to examine Thai local-wisdom food consumption behavior standards for elderly health care and to assess nutritional status in Phra Samut Chedi District, Samutpakan province. Data were collected from 145 participants aged 60 years and older. In addition, 15 participants were observed and interviewed for qualitative component. Research instruments included questionnaire and observation forms. Qualitative were analyzed using descriptive statistics. (frequency, percentage, and standard deviations). The chi-square test was used to examine the relationship between food consumption behavior and nutritional status. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Most participants were female had primary education, and reported a monthly income of 1,001-5,000 baht. Overall, 34.5% had normal nutritional status, while 63.5% were overweight/over-nourished. The most common chronic conditions were hypertensive (59.3%), hyperlipidemia (41.4%), diabetes (24.8%). The developed Standards Criteria for Health Care of Elderly, it is recommend consuming food from the 5 major food groups, eating 3 meals per day, and reducing sugar, fat and salt intake well-being among older adults.

DEVELOPMENT OF PROTOTYPE TEXTILE PRODUCTS FROM KLUAI KHAI–COTTON BLENDED FIBERS FOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATION

Apichaya Phadpin — 2026-05-21

The study investigated the utilization of banana sheath waste after harvest. The results showed that fibers extracted from banana sheaths can be effectively blended with cotton fibers. Based on the analysis of the physical and chemical properties of the fibers, Pattern 5 (yarn size No. 10 with 10% of Kluai Khai fiber and 90% of cotton blended fibers) and Pattern 6 (yarn size No. 10 with 15% of Kluai Khai fiber and 85% of cotton blended fibers) exhibited the highest levels of lignin, hemicellulose, cellulose, and ash—components that contribute to fiber strength due to their crystalline structure. In the development of woven fabric products combining banana and cotton fibers, Pattern 2 (yarn size No. 5 with 10% of Kluai Khai fiber and 90% of cotton blended fibers) demonstrated the highest strength and durability, with statistical at a significance level of 0.05 (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, patterns 5 and 6 were also suitable for crafting household items, especially considering their higher banana fiber content (10% and 15%), which effectively reduces agricultural waste. Prototype products developed from patterns 5 and 6 included hats, bags, and tablecloths. These products received high to very high satisfaction ratings from users (average scores ranging from 4.02 to 4.55) and showed the lowest levels of heavy metals, with statistical at a significance level of 0.05 (p < 0.05). Upon completion of the research process, a knowledge manual was created to support further development among target groups such as the Ban Mudmee weaving group and the Pangwai Forest Community Enterprise. Additional recommendations include offering products in various sizes, improving fabric softness, and expanding the range of fabric colors to enhance consumer appeal.

DEVELOPMENT OF PROTEIN HYDROLYSATE-FORTIFIED PORRIDGE FROM WOLFFIA GLOBOSA BY DRUM DRYING

Krongsakda Phakthanakanok — 2026-05-21

This study aimed to develop protein hydrolysate-fortified porridge from Wolffia globosa using drum drying to develop a functional food innovation for the elderly. Protein hydrolysates from Wolffia were prepared by boiling, freezing, thawing, grinding and hydrolyzing with three types of proteases: acid protease, bromelain and alkaline protease under different pH conditions. The obtained protein hydrolysate solution was then mixed with jasmine broken-milled rice and processed with a drum dryer at 130 °C. The porridge was packed in aluminum foil pouches under a nitrogen atmosphere and stored at room temperature for 120 days, with quality analysis performed every 30 days. The results showed that alkaline protease had the highest efficiency in hydrolyzing Wolffia protein, giving a degree of hydrolysis (%DH) of 78.55% and up to 89.20% when the enzyme volume was increased to 30 mL, while acid protease and bromelain gave significantly lower %DH values (p<0.05). The porridge product showed changes in color and moisture during storage, with the color tending to darken due to the Maillard reaction and a slight increase in moisture. Microbiological analysis showed no detection of E. coli and yeast and mold throughout the storage. On day 120, the total plate count was 1.85 × 10³ cfu/g, but still 50 times lower than the critical limit. These results indicated that the protein hydrolysate-fortified porridge from Wolffia could be stored for a long time and maintained its quality at a safe level.

MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE WATER QUALITY IN THE THA THONG RIVER INFLUENCED BY DOLOMITE MINING ACTIVITIES, SURATTHANI PROVINCE, THAILAND

Poowanida Kitngam — 2026-05-21

Maintaining surface water quality within regulatory standards is important local communities and ecosystems. The present study aims to monitor and assess the surface water quality in the Thathong River, Surat Thani Province, specifically within the dolomite mining zone throughout the rainy season (May - July 2025). Water samples were taken from 9 monitoring stations to determine physicochemical parameters and amounts of heavy metal. Water temperatures varied from 30.3 to 33.1 °C, electrical conductivity (EC) from 345 to 406 µS/cm, total dissolved solids (TDS) from 173 to 202 mg/L, and total suspended solids (SS) from 1.01 to 34.01 mg/L, with a TDS/EC ratio of 0.50. The value of pH ranged from 7.9 to 8.6, dissolved oxygen (DO) from 9 to 12 mg/L, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from 0.02 to 2 mg/L. The average mean of nitrate-nitrogen and orthophosphate was 2.14 ± 0.84 mg/L and 0.20 ± 0.01 mg/L, respectively. Low quantities of copper, iron, manganese, and lead were discovered, while cadmium and arsenic were not detectable. All detected heavy metals were below the Thailand’s class 3 surface water quality standard. The findings provide baseline information to support long-term monitoring and water resource management in mining - influenced catchments. According to spatial analysis, land-use activities and soil erosion within mining sites was associated with nutrient accumulation and water - quality deterioration. These results provide essential baseline information for managing water resources and for planning policies and regulations to support long-term environmental monitoring and preservation.

DEVELOPMENT OF LIQUID ORGANIC FERTILIZER FROM WASTE BY-PRODUCTS OF CLIMBING PERCH PROCESSING

Chakkrit Sreela-or — 2026-05-21

This research aimed to develop a liquid organic fertilizer from climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) processing waste to increase the value of agricultural by-products and mitigate environmental pollution. The experiment utilized fish heads and entrails as the primary raw materials, mixed with cricket frass, molasses, and rice bran in various proportions. The experimental design consisted of 9 treatments with 3 replications each. Fermentation was conducted in 200-liter tanks with a working volume of 160 liters for 14 days under continuous aeration. Chemical analysis of the resulting liquid organic fertilizers revealed a pH range of 6.00 to 6.49, nitrogen (N) content of 1.54-2.21%, phosphorus (P) content of 0.40-0.86%, and potassium (K) content of 0.76-1.17%. Efficacy testing on Green Oak lettuce demonstrated that Formula 7 (comprising 70% climbing perch waste, 15% cricket frass, and 15% molasses) yielded the highest growth performance and fresh weight. These results were highly significant (p < 0.01) when compared to other organic fertilizer treatments and were comparable to the growth of Green Oak lettuce treated with a 21-3-3 liquid chemical fertilizer. The findings indicate that climbing perch processing waste can be effectively converted into a high-quality liquid organic fertilizer, which not only helps reduce environmental problems but also holds potential for future commercialization as a community product.

EVALUATING A SAFETY LITERACY BASED HOME SAFETY PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND BEHAVIOUR AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THAILAND

Chaiyakrit Yokphochanachai — 2026-05-21

Background: Home related injuries and falls among older adults are a major public health issue, especially in ageing societies. Safety literacy, detimed as the ability to access, understand, evaluate, and apply safety information, is essential for promoting safe living and ageing in place. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a community- based, safety literacy-driven home safety programme among older adults in Thailand. Methods: A quasi-experimental, two-group pretest-posttest design was conducted among 68 community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years) in Thailand, equally assigned to experimental and control groups (n = 34). The eight-week intervention was guided by the Safety Literacy Model and the PAOR (Planning, Action, Observation, Reflection) framework, It included participatory workshops, home hazard assessments, fall-prevention exercises, and follow-up counseling. Validated tools assessed knowledge, attitudes, safety behaviour and safety literacy. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests (p < 0.05). Results: Post-intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and safety behaviour compared with baseline and the control group (all p-values < 0.001). Mean safety literacy scores increased from 2.60 to 2.92 (t = 7.05, p < 0.001), and participants reported high satisfaction (mean = 2.88 ± 0.33). Conclusion: The safety literacy-based programme effectively enhanced multiple domains of safety competence among older adults. Integrating participatory learning

with environmental modification promotes independent risk management and supports safe ageing in place. Future studies should integrate technological innovations (e.g., mobile applications for home risk assessment and self-monitoring) to enhance accessibility and engagement.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND SAFETY BEHAVIOR AMONG PRODUCTION EMPLOYEES IN PHRANAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA

Pennapa Phookanngam — 2026-05-21

This Study employed a quantitative approach using a survey method. It aims to investigate the relationship between the occupational health and safety management system and safety behavior at work. The sample consisted of 360 production employees. Participants were selected using cluster sampling. The research instrument is a questionnaire divided into sections on personal data, information on the occupational health and safety management system, and data on the safety behavior of production process employees. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics to calculate percentages, means, and standard deviations, as well as one-way analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis. The research findings revealed that factors significantly influencing employees' safety behavior at work included the occupational health and safety management system in terms of organizational context (X₁), leadership and worker participation (X₂), operation (X₅), and performance evaluation (X₆). Theses’factors showed a statistically significant relationship at the 0.05 level. Together, these four variables accounted for 21.00 % of the variance in the safety behavior of production employees.

THE EFFECT OF A WELL-BEING PROMOTION PROGRAM ON DEPRESSION AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THE COMMUNITY

Kitikorn Pronma — 2026-05-21

This study aimed to: (1) evaluate the effect of a well-being promotion program on depressive symptoms among older adults in the community; (2) compare depression scores before and after the intervention in the experimental group; and (3) examine differences in depression score changes between the experimental and control groups. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group was employed. The sample consisted of 66 older adults. Research instruments included the 9-Item Depression Screening Questionnaire (9Q) and the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent and paired t-tests. The results indicated a significant reduction in depression levels, with greater improvement observed in the experimental group compared to the control group. These findings suggest that the well-being promotion program is effective in reducing depressive symptoms among older adults. The program may be applied as an alternative intervention in community mental health settings.

APPLICATION OF PECTINASE AND CELLULASE IN SYRUP DEVELOPMENT FROM DRIED HOM THONG BANANA

Ataya Santakul — 2026-05-21

This study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for syrup production from dried Hom Thong banana using pectinase and cellulase, as well as to evaluate the physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability of the developed product. Dried Hom Thong banana was extracted using pectinase and cellulase at concentrations ranging from 0.05–0.15% (w/w). The results indicated that the optimal condition was the combination of 0.10% pectinase and 0.15% cellulase, which yielded the highest extraction yield, total soluble solids (TSS), and clarity (% transmittance at 670 nm; %T₆₇₀). The extracted juice was subsequently concentrated under vacuum at 60 and 70°C to produce syrup. The resulting syrup had TSS values in the range of 72–74 °Brix, complying with the standard for fruit syrups. In terms of physicochemical properties, lightness (L*) decreased, while redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) increased with increasing evaporation temperature. Reducing sugar content significantly increased (p < 0.05), whereas total phenolic content decreased. Sensory evaluation revealed that the syrup produced under the optimal condition received high acceptance scores, particularly in color, clarity, and overall acceptability. These findings demonstrate that the combined use of pectinase and cellulase, together with vacuum concentration, can effectively enhance extraction efficiency and improve product quality. This approach also shows strong potential for commercial application, adding value to dried Hom Thong banana.

DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF COCONUT-SHELL ACTIVATED CARBON FOR COMMUNITY-SCALE TREATMENT OF AQUACULTURE WASTEWATER IN KALASIN PROVINCE, THAILAND

Anongnart Rotjanakorn Wangchamhan — 2026-05-21

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the efficiency of coconut-shell activated carbon for treating wastewater from giant freshwater prawn ponds at the community scale in Kalasin Province, Thailand. The research was designed to enhance the value of local agricultural waste while reducing environmental impacts from aquaculture activities. The novelty of this study lies in the application of coconut-shell activated carbon to actual wastewater from community-based aquaculture systems, a context that has been less studied compared to laboratory-scale research, which primarily focuses on material preparation. The study consisted of three main stages: (1) production of activated carbon from coconut shells through controlled carbonization and chemical activation using phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), (2) characterization of its physicochemical properties, including moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, and iodine adsorption value, and (3) evaluation of pollutant removal efficiency using actual wastewater collected from a community-based giant freshwater prawn farming enterprise in Buaban Subdistrict, Yang Talat District, Kalasin Province. The results showed that the activated carbon exhibited a high iodine adsorption capacity of 982.33 ± 4.93 Milligrams per gram, indicating strong adsorption performance. Batch jar test experiments demonstrated that the material reduced ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃–N) by 34.21%, total suspended solids (TSS) by 34.85%, and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) by 43.35%. These findings confirm that coconut-shell activated carbon has strong potential as a low-cost adsorbent for community-scale wastewater treatment. The material effectively reduced key pollutants, including ammonia-nitrogen, suspended solids, and total nitrogen, while improving water quality to conditions suitable for aquaculture. In addition, this approach promotes value-added utilization of biomass waste in alignment with the circular economy and Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) model, thereby supporting sustainable community development across environmental, economic, and social.

URBAN WASTE MANAGEMENT IN URBAN COMMUNITIES: PERCEIVED SEVERITY OF WASTE-RELATED PROBLEMS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH OLDER ADULTS’ WELL-BEING IN A CASE STUDY IN BANGKOK

Simanata Threedeach — 2026-05-21

This study aimed to examine the situation of waste management in urban communities, household waste management behaviors, and their relationships with the well-being of older adults in Bangkok, Thailand. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 169 older adults using a structured questionnaire covering perceived waste-related problems, severity of environmental issues, household waste segregation behaviors, and health impacts. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that although most participants regularly disposed of waste at designated community collection points, the segregation of specific waste types such as hazardous, infectious, and electronic waste remained limited, while recyclable waste was more likely to be separated. This reflects both structural constraints and behavioral limitations at the household level. In addition, the severity of waste-related problems was significantly associated with adverse health outcomes among older adults and served as a key predictor of health impacts. Spatial factors played a contextual role in reflecting exposure to environmental problems and contributed to a more comprehensive explanation of the outcomes. The study highlights the need to strengthen waste management systems in urban communities, particularly in the management of specific waste types, and to develop measures that consider the limitations of older adults as a vulnerable group. These efforts are essential for promoting long-term health and quality of life in aging urban societies.

EFFECT OF DRAGON FRUIT PEEL POWDER ON THE QUALITY OF COOKIE PRODUCTS

Kanyawee Somnuk — 2026-05-21

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, physical properties, and consumer acceptance of cookies supplemented with dragon fruit peel powder, with the objective of promoting the utilization of agricultural by-products from food processing. Consumer acceptance was evaluated using 40 untrained panelists and a 9-point hedonic scale, assessing appearance, color, aroma, taste, texture, and overall acceptability. The results indicated that cookies supplemented with 20% dragon fruit peel powder received the highest overall acceptability score (8.38), corresponding to a high level of liking, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) compared to other formulations. The chemical composition of the selected formulation consisted of 5.51% protein, 4.86% moisture, 1.68% ash, 25.90% fat, 62.04% carbohydrates, and 1.36 g of dietary fiber. Increasing the level of dragon fruit peel powder (10–20%) resulted in a significant decrease in lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) values, while redness (a*) increased (p < 0.05), indicating a shift toward darker and more reddish tones. In addition, microbiological analysis, including total plate count, yeast, and mold, complied with the Thai Community Product Standard for cookies (No. 118/2555). These findings demonstrate that the incorporation of dragon fruit peel powder can enhance the nutritional value and consumer acceptability of cookie products, while also providing a sustainable approach for utilizing agricultural waste in food product development.

DEVELOPMENT OF SOIL AMENDMENT FROM CHICKEN FEATHERS COMPOSTED WITH SUGAR FILTER CAKE

Pheeradon Phansanit — 2026-05-21

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of composting feather waste in combination with filter cake from sugar factories for the development of soil amendments, and to assess its feasibility for future application as organic fertilizer. A total of 11 composting formulations were designed using different ratios of feather waste and filter cake, and the composting process was conducted over a period of 90 days. The results indicated that the formulation consisting of 100% feather waste exhibited the highest decomposition efficiency (215.59%), along with elevated levels of organic matter and potassium (48.40% and 12.17%, respectively). In contrast, the formulation with a feather waste to filter cake ratio of 2:3 produced the highest total nitrogen content (0.49%) and the most suitable carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (47:1) for soil amendment applications. Although none of the composted materials met the official standards for organic fertilizers established by the Department of Agriculture, all formulations demonstrated favorable properties as soil amendments, particularly in enhancing organic matter and essential nutrient content in soil. These findings highlight the potential utilization of locally available agricultural waste materials for the production of value-added soil amendments, with prospects for further development into standardized organic fertilizers. This approach not only contributes to environmental waste management but also promotes sustainable economic development at the community level.

INNOVATIVE PADDY DRYING VIA MILD TORREFACTION UNDER CLOSED-LOOP GAS CIRCULATION SYSTEM

Montree Wongsiriwittaya — 2026-05-25

This study investigated the effectiveness of mild torrefaction under a closed-loop gas circulation system for moisture reduction and moisture reabsorption behavior of paddy rice. Drying experiments were conducted at temperatures ranging from 40 to 80°C, drying times of 10–30 minutes, and feed rates of 500, 1,000, and 1,500 g. All experiments were performed in triplicate, and results were reported as mean ± standard deviation. The results demonstrated that drying temperature and residence time significantly affected moisture reduction efficiency. Higher temperatures enhanced the drying rate, while increasing feed rate slightly reduced drying efficiency due to increased resistance to heat and mass transfer within the material bed. Nevertheless, effective moisture reduction was achieved under all investigated conditions. In addition, paddy rice treated at 70–80°C with drying times longer than 20 minutes exhibited significantly reduced moisture reabsorption behavior, indicating improved moisture stability during storage. This behavior was attributed to structural modification within the grain under low-oxygen and closed-loop gas circulation conditions, which reduced the hygroscopic characteristics of the material. The findings suggest that mild torrefaction under a closed-loop gas circulation system has strong potential as an alternative drying technology for post-harvest paddy management. The process can improve drying efficiency, reduce moisture reabsorption, and support semi-industrial drying applications.