Summary In this research, the effect of high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU) on physico‐chemical properties of olive oil organogel containing propolis wax was studied. The experiment was accomplished by response surface method (RSM) in different ultrasonic power levels, ultrasonic times and cooling temperatures. Regarding to maximum firmness and minimum oil migration, 300 W ultrasonic power, 5 °C cooling temperature and 120 s ultrasonic time were introduced as the optimum HIU condition. Optimised HIU‐organogel was characterised in comparison to control. Results showed that HIU induced nucleation by creating small crystals led to form a strong network with high oil binding capacity. DSC analysis confirmed nucleation by high enthalpy for HIU‐organogel. XRD pattern revealed no polymorphism transformation. However, a slight increasing of peroxide value was observed for HIU‐modified organogel. These findings indicated that HIU could be a possible modification tool to produce appropriate organogel for food application such as margarine and shortening.

The influence of toluene pollution on the chemical properties and swelling coefficient of root cell walls in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was investigated. Two sets of alfalfa seedlings were selected and one set was treated with 450 mg L(-1) toluene in the nutrient solution under hydroponic culture. Thirty days after treatment with toluene, alfalfa plants were harvested and the root cell walls were isolated. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was carried out for the characterization of the root cell walls composition. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the swelling coefficient of the root cell walls (Kcw) were estimated at various pH values. The toluene contamination significantly reduced the mass of the cell wall material in the alfalfa roots. According to the FTIR spectra, the toluene pollution can change the alfalfa root cell wall properties by reducing the cell wall functional groups. These functional groups are probably related to the proteins and polysaccharides in the cell wall. Also, toluene pollution strongly reduced CEC and Kcw of the root cell walls. The results show that the decrease in the active sites of adsorption on the root cell walls as a response to toluene pollution can affect the water flow rate and the mineral nutrients uptake by roots.