Aromatic Components Research Articles

Biodegradation Potential of Bacillus sp. PAH-2 on PAHs for Oil-Contaminated Seawater.

Microbial degradation is a useful tool for inhibiting or preventing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) widely distributed in marine environment after oil spill accidents. This study aimed to evaluate the potential and diversity of bacteria Bacillus sp. PAH-2 on Benzo (a) anthracene (BaA), Pyrene (Pyr), and Benzo (a) pyrene (BaP), their composite system, aromatic components system, and crude oil. The seven-day degradation rates against BaA, Pyr, and BaP were 20.6%, 12.83%, and 17.49%, respectively. Further degradation study of aromatic components demonstrated PAH-2 had a high degradation rate of substances with poor stability of molecular structure. In addition, the degradation of PAHs in crude oil suggested PAH-2 not only made good use of PAHs in such a more complex structure of pollutants but the saturated hydrocarbons in the crude oil also showed a good application potential.

Evaluation of Commercial Strains of Torulaspora delbrueckii in Beer Production

Nowadays, the micro-brewing industry aims at yeast strains beyond Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the so-called non-Saccharomyces, for their flavor contribution to the final product. In the present study, two commercial strains of Torulaspora delbrueckii (Prelude and 291) were evaluated for the production of a pale ale beer, in mono- and co-culture fermentations with S. cerevisiae, at 13 and 20 °C. From the results, it was concluded that both non-Saccharomyces yeasts were able to metabolize wort sugars at both temperatures, albeit at a slower rate at 13 °C. The fermented products were sealed in glass bottles (without filtration) and measurements of the ethanol content, color, bitterness, and volatile compounds were conducted after 30 days of storage. The ethanol content obtained from the non-Saccharomyces monocultures varied between 3.90 and 5.50% alcohol by volume (ABV), while that of the co-cultures was not significantly different from the ethanol content obtained by the conventional yeast (4.80–5.80% ABV). Higher bitterness and color values were detected in the non-Saccharomyces fermentations. The analysis of volatile compounds revealed that the two non-conventional yeasts were capable of producing aromatic components, such as higher alcohols and esters, yielding a fruity and floral aromatic profile, especially in the mixed culture fermentation of T. delbrueckii 291 at 13 °C.

IR spectroscopy for analysing solvent extraction efficiency of oil extracts

Solvent extraction is a method for purifying oil extracts, which are used as oil-plasticisers for industrial rubber goods, from cancerogenic hydrocarbons. The efficiency of this method is mainly determined by the selectivity and solvent properties of a separating agent. However, when carrying out a comparative analysis of promising extraction methods, it is necessary to use real-time methods for studying the composition of the resulting products. The purification efficiency of oil extracts from polycyclic aromatic components, including carcinogenic hydrocarbons (benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[e]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, etc.), was evaluated depending upon the nature of selective solvents. The structure-group composition of the purified oil extracts and those at the second-stage of purification was determined by FTIR spectroscopy. It was found that the extraction efficiency of the studied solvents towards polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from oil extracts increases in the following order: dimethyl sulfoxide < N-methylpyrrolidone + 10 wt% ethylene glycol <N-methylpyrrolidone +50 wt% triethylene glycol. When using a solvent comprising N-methylpyrrolidone + 50 wt% triethylene glycol, the proportion of polyalkyl-substituted and condensed aromatic structures in the purified oil extract decreases by 16.8%; the oil extract yield increases by over 25 wt% in contrast to extraction with N-methylpyrrolidone + ethylene glycol mixture, which meets the requirements of the European Union for oil extract purification (Directive No. 2005/69/EC). Therefore, we recommend the solvent comprising N-methylpyrrolidone + 50 wt% triethylene glycol for purifying oil extracts from components having a technogenic impact on the environment and human health and IR spectroscopy for efficiency assessment of solvent extraction of oil extracts.

The Essential Oil Components of Helichrysum pallasii Flowers

The genus Helichrysum contains many species displaying therapeutical effects and use in folk medicine. Helichrysum pallasii (Spreng.) Ledeb. is one of these species, used in the region for traditional medicine and ornamental purposes. Plants have been used in the treatment in folk medicines since the earliest times of human history. Chemical composition, antimicrobial and other medicinal properties of plants are being investigated in laboratories throughout the world using the extracts and essential oils derived from medicinal plants. Essential oils are usually complex mixtures of natural compounds of both polar and apolar structure. Essential oils consist mainly of terpenoids and their oxygenated derivatives. Essential oils, which have antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, have therapeutic properties and are the raw materials of cosmetics, as well as acting as natural additives in foods and food products. In this study, the volatile components of the H. pallasii plants were investigated which collected from its natural habitat in the Armutlu district of Bayburt province (Turkey) at the time of flowering. The proportion of essential oils of the plant harvested during the full flowering period and the aromatic components in the essential oil of the plant were determined using the SPME (Solid Phase Microextraction) method in a Gas Chromatography (GC-MS) device. Almost 37 different components were found as a result of the analysis. The main components were found as α-Springene (34.89%), (-)-Isoledene (7.11%), δ-Selinene (5.79%) and Aristolene (5.09).

The Impact of Agricultural Use of Retisols on the Molecular Structure of Humic Substances

Agricultural soil use does not only affect the amount of soil organic matter, but also the molecular composition of humic (HAs) and fulvic acids (FAs). Changed hydrothermal conditions and composition of the incoming plant residues are reflected in the rate of humification and its products. The objective of this study was to compare the molecular composition of HAs and FAs isolated from Eutric Albic Stagnic Histic Retisol (Loamic), two Eutric Albic Retisols (Loamic)—mature and arable. Plots of mature Retisols are located at a middle taiga (Komi Republic, Russia) in a bilberry-green-moss birch-spruce forest. The plot of Retisols arable is located in the fields of the Syktyvkar state farm, which is 3.3 km northeast of mature Retisol plots. The development period is about 40 years, it is sowed with a pea-oat mixture. The results obtained indicate that soil reclamation essentially increases the proportion of aromatic components and decreases the content of carboxyl and ester groups in the humic substance (HS) structure. An increased extent of hydromorphism of Retisols leads to the enrichment of HS with aliphatic fragments.

Organic matter in aqueous soil extracts: Prediction of compositional attributes from bulk soil mid-IR spectra using partial least square regressions

Water-extractable organic matter (WEOM) is labile and a key component of soil organic matter. Thus, the prediction of soil WEOM concentration and composition-related characteristics is of great interest. The main objective of this study was to model and predict dissolved organic C (DOC) concentration and WEOM composition-related attributes of aqueous soil extracts using mid-infrared (IR) spectra of bulk soils coupled with partial least square (PLS) regression. Absorbance of UV light at 254 nm (Abs254), considered proportional to the concentration of aromatic substances in soil extracts, and light emission intensities proportional to concentrations of some components controlling WEOM fluorescence, were used as composition-related attributes of the soil extracts. The DOC-normalized Abs254 and emission intensities were used as composition-related attributes of WEOM. Application of PLS regressions for predicting spectroscopy-based composition-related attributes of aqueous soil extracts, using bulk soil IR spectra, is novel. Mid-IR spectra were determined for 216 soil samples collected from different (i) Israeli climate regions (Mediterranean and Semi-arid), (ii) types of land use (field crops, orchard and non-cultivated land), (iii) two depths (0–10 and 30–60 cm), (iv) sampling seasons (Fall and Spring). Prediction of DOC concentrations in the soil extracts was of limited and variable success evaluated by the coefficient of determination and slope of the linear regression of predicted vs measured values, with some soil subsets yielding no satisfactory predictions. However, Abs254 and emission intensities of fluorescent humic-like components were predicted more successfully than DOC concentrations, suggesting that WEOM aromatic and fluorescent components are better presented in soil IR spectra compared to WEOM aliphatic substances. Yet, prediction of the specific UV absorbance (SUVA), using bulk soil IR spectra, was less successful than prediction of Abs254. Prediction of DOC-normalized emission intensities of fluorescent components (analogous to SUVA in fluorescence spectroscopy) was not successful. The differences between the success of predicting extract properties, i.e., Abs254 and fluorescence emission intensities, and the prediction of DOC-normalized derivatives, suggest that concentrations of aromatic (fluorescent) components in soil extracts are better predicted using PLS regression analysis of bulk soil mid-IR spectra than the WEOM composition.

Comparative methylomics and chromatin accessibility analysis in Osmanthus fragrans uncovers regulation of genic transcription and mechanisms of key floral scent production.

Linalool and ionone are two important aromatic components in sweet osmanthus petals, and the regulatory mechanisms that produce these two components remain unclear. In this study, we employed whole-genome methylation sequencing and ATAC-seq technology to analyze the genomic DNA methylation status and chromatin accessibility of the sweet osmanthus cultivars ‘Zaohuang’ and ‘Chenghong Dangui’. Results showed that the promoter region of TPS2, a key gene in the linalool synthesis pathway, was less methylated in ‘Chenghong Dangui’ than in ‘Zaohuang’. The chromatin was more accessible in ‘Chenghong Dangui’ than in ‘Zaohuang’, which resulted in a much stronger expression of this gene in ‘Chenghong Dangui’ than in ‘Zaohuang’. This eventually led to a high quantity of linalool and its oxides in the petals of ‘Chenghong Dangui’, but there were lower levels present in the petals of ‘Zaohuang’. These results suggest that DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility play major roles in linalool synthesis in sweet osmanthus. The methylation level of the promoter region of CCD4, a key gene for ionone synthesis, was higher in ‘Zaohuang’ than in ‘Chenghong Dangui’. The chromatin accessibility was lower in ‘Zaohuang’ than in ‘Chenghong Dangui’, although the expression of this gene was significantly higher in ‘Zaohuang’ than in ‘Chenghong Dangui’. ChIP-seq analysis and a series of experiments showed that the differential expression of CCD4 and CCD1 in the two cultivars may predominantly be the result of regulation by ERF2 and other transcription factors. However, a 183-bp deletion involving the CCD4 promoter region in ‘Chenghong Dangui’ may be the main reason for the low expression of this gene in its petals. This study provides an important theoretical basis for improving selective breeding of key floral fragrance components in sweet osmanthus.

Impact of pre-oxidation on the formation of byproducts in algae-laden water disinfection: Insights from fluorescent and molecular weight

Pre-oxidation has been reported to be an effective way to remove algal cells in water, but the released algal organic matter (AOM) could be oxidized and lead to the increment in disinfection by-product (DBP) formation. The relationship between pre-oxidation and AOM-derived DBP formation needs to be approached more precisely. This study compared the impact of four pre-oxidants, ozone (O3), chlorine dioxide (ClO2), potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), on the formation of nitrogenous (N-) and carbonaceous (C-) DBPs in AOM chlorination. The characterization (fluorescent properties, molecular weight distribution and amino acids concentration) on AOM samples showed that the characterization properties variations after pre-oxidation were highly dependent on the oxidizing ability of oxidants. The disinfection experiments showed that O3 increased DBP formation most significantly, which was consistent with the result of characterization properties variations. Then canonical correspondent analysis (CCA) and Pearson's correlation analysis were conducted based on the characterization data and DBP formation. CCA indicated that C-DBPs formation was highly dependent on fluorescent data. The formation of haloacetic acids (HAAs) had a positive correlation with aromatic protein-like component while trichloromethane (TCM) had a positive correlation with fulvic acid-like component. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that low molecular weight fractions were favorable to form N-DBPs. Therefore, characterization data could provide the advantages in the control of DBP formation, which further revealed that KMnO4 and ClO2 were better options for removing algal cells as well as limiting DBP formation.

Iron (hydr)oxides mediated immobilization and interaction of dissolved organic matter and inorganic phosphate: A review

铁(氢)氧化物介导的溶解性有机质(DOM)和无机磷(DIP)的固定在水生态系统中普遍存在，对碳、磷元素的生物地球化学循环有重要的影响. 铁(氢)氧化物主要通过吸附和共沉淀两种过程固定DOM和DIP，且铁(氢)氧化物、DOM和DIP三者存在复杂的相互作用. 本文主要从铁(氢)氧化物对DOM和DIP的固定，铁(氢)氧化物、DOM和DIP之间的相互影响等方面综述了相关研究进展，梳理了铁(氢)氧化物、DOM和DIP在吸附和共沉淀过程中的相互作用机制与影响因素. DOM的存在会通过占据铁(氢)氧化物表面吸附点位、络合、抑制铁水解沉淀等途径影响铁(氢)氧化物对DIP的固定; 且不同机制与DOM的不同性质如分子大小、芳香组分、羧基官能团含量等有关. 而DIP的存在会改变铁(氢)氧化物对DOM的固定分馏过程，改变溶液中DOM的组分和性质. 在明晰三者相互作用基础上，探讨了铁(氢)氧化物介导的DOM和DIP的固定过程对湖泊内源磷释放和碳埋藏的可能影响，并对未来的研究方向进行了展望.;Iron(hydr)oxides mediated immobilization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and inorganic phosphate (DIP) is ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems, which plays an important role in the biogeochemical cycle of carbon and phosphorus. The immobilization of DOM and DIP based on iron(hydr)oxides is mainly via adsorption and coprecipitation, and there is a complex interaction among iron(hydr)oxide, DOM and DIP. This paper reviewed the relevant studies on the immobilization of DOM and DIP by iron(hydr)oxides and their interactions. We discussed the interaction mechanism and influencing factors on the interaction among iron (hydr)oxides, DOM and DIP during the processes of adsorption and coprecipitation. The presence of DOM affects the fixation of DIP by occupying the adsorption sites on the surface of iron(hydr)oxides, complexing and inhibiting iron hydrolysis and precipitation. The properties of DOM, such as molecular size, aromatic components, carboxyl functional group content are the main decisive factors. The presence of DIP changes the immobilization and fractionation of DOM by iron(hydr)oxides, and thus the composition and properties of DOM in solution. After clarifying the interaction of iron(hydr)oxides, DOM and DIP, the potential effects of these interactions on internal phosphate release and carbon burial in lakes were discussed. The potential future research issues were proposed.

Molecular characteristics of organic matter obtained from biochar by carbon disulfide/acetone synergistic extraction

Environmental context Novel insight into BEOMcc is provided by fractionation and FTICR MS. Sub-fractions of biochar were extracted due to the chemical properties of the organic solvents. BEOMcc has a carbon fixation effect, and so is likely beneficial to the growth of plants and microorganisms. Rationale Since carbon disulfide (CS2) has a strong penetrating ability and acetone (CH3COCH3) can dissolve tiny biochar particles, a mixture of these compounds may efficiently extract organic matter from biochar. The extraction efficacy and structural features of a mixture of CH3COCH3 and CS2 (1:1) were tested in this study. Π–Π interactions between CS2 and CH3COCH3 increase the solubility of organic matter in the extraction process. Methodology We used a mixture of CH3COCH3 and CS2 (1:1) to extract organic matter from soybean straw biochar (BEOMcc) and applied Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR MS) for analysis. Results We found that CS2/CH3COCH3 tended to extract refractory substances, and the resulting extract contained a higher number of heteroatoms than the CS2-extractable fraction (1.34 times). Discussion The H/C ratio of BEOMcc is lower than that of CS2- and CH3COCH3-extractable components. The aromatic component of BEOMcc accounts for 52.47%, which is higher than the contribution to CS2-extractable organic matter of approximately 49.9%. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon component of BEOMcc is beneficial to improving soil stability. The organic matter fraction of BEOMcc has a lower H/C ratio. The C/N ratio of BEOMcc is lower than that of the CS2- and CH3COCH3-extractable components. This result reveals that BEOMcc may provide a significant environmental benefit. The polarity of BEOMcc is between that of CS2- and CH3COCH3-extractable components. Implications for future research In this study, the composition of BEOMcc was assessed at the molecular level, and the extraction method was continuously improved to provide more extraction options for the study of biochar–pollutant interactions. This method can be used to extract organic matter that is difficult to extract by conventional methods, which is more closely bound to the biochar framework. It can provide a technical basis for the in‐depth characterisation and utilisation of biochar organic matter.

Comparison of stepwise and single-step pyrolysis GC/MS for natural complex macromolecular organic matter.

Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is a useful technique for the analysis of complex organic matter. However, the pyrolysis temperatures must be carefully chosen to maximize the information obtained and, in parallel, minimize byproducts. One solution to accomplish this is the stepwise pyrolysis method, which has been employed to analyze complex mixtures of natural samples. Here, we compared the stepwise pyrolysis method to a suite of single-step pyrolysis runs using the same temperatures by employing a humic acid standard sample, to evaluate the advantage of the stepwise pyrolysis method. In addition, we conducted in-situ heating experiments of the humic acid under infrared microspectroscopy to observe changes in the functional groups during the stepwise pyrolysis process. Results showed that O-bearing components were released at relatively low temperatures, whereas aromatic components were released at higher temperatures, indicating that the stepwise method effectively separates labile and refractory fractions. As such, the stepwise method would be useful for analyzing limited amounts of samples, such as for extraterrestrial materials as well as for payload instruments onboard space missions.

Effect of pre-harvest practices on physical and colorimetric characteristics of date fruit (cv. ‘Aziza Bouzid’) in Figuig oasis

Dates represent a very important energy source that contains a wide range of functional, nutritional, bioactive, and aromatic components. Dates characteristics have been widely studied but none has been conducted on the pre-harvest factors responsible for the quality variation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of pre-harvest practices on physical and colorimetric characteristics. The analyses were conducted on twelve samples of ‘Aziza Bouzid’ cultivar and collected at Tmar stage from Figuig oasis. Results obtained for physical parameters show a significant variation between different samples. Weight of ‘Aziza Bouzid’ varied from 5.44 g to 9.04 g. Geometric mean diameter and Porosity varied from 13.08 mm to 17.01 mm and 31.88 % to 42.3 % respectively for ‘Aziza Bouzid’. Highest Chroma and hue values registered for ‘Aziza Bouzid’ were 38.14 and 83.22 and the lowest were 21.1 and 67.15. This study contributes to develop good agricultural practices, help improve the quality and increase the quantity of Moroccan date production.

Self-aggregation of soil humic acids with respect to their structural characteristics

The main goal of this work was to estimate the influence of carboxyl and phenolic groups, as well as aromatic, aliphatic and polysaccharide components, on the soil humic acids (HA) self-aggregation process. Soil HAs (leptosol and regosol) were separated using base resin getting fractions with different functional group contents. Blocking of carboxyl groups was performed using the esterification procedure to estimate the participation of each functional group in the HA aggregation. The presence of HA structural components was evaluated by potentiometric titration and ATR-FTIR. The aggregation was monitored at pH 3 using dynamic light scattering. Results indicated that the higher group content, the HA aggregation is less pronounced. A significant positive correlation of aliphatic C and aggregate size revealed their dominant influence in the HA self-aggregation. A lower abundance of aliphatic C in HA fractions could be considered as not sufficient to start the process. An increase of aromatic C in esters likely pointed out to its participation in hydrophobic bonding and, consequently, more pronounced aggregation. The relation of HA self-aggregate size with carboxyl and phenolic group, as well as aliphatic C, at low pH, could be considered universal regardless of the structural characteristics of the original or modified HA forms.

Identification of floral fragrance components in an F<sub>1</sub> population derived from <i>Paeonia ostii</i> 'Fengdan' × <i>P. suffruticosa</i> 'Chunguihuawu' Cross

Tree peony (<italic>Paeonia suffruticosa</italic> Andr.) is a unique aromatic plant famous for its huge flowers, bright colors and strong fragrance, having high ornamental, medicinal, and edible value. Research on tree peony's flower fragrance has mainly focused on the comparative analysis among its varieties, leaving the inheritance of aroma compounds in this plant an overlooked area of study. Here, the volatile components of flowers at three different flowering stages of the light fragrance-type cultivar <italic>P. ostii</italic> 'Fengdan' and the strong fragrance-type cultivar <italic>P. suffruticosa</italic> 'Chunguihuawu', as well as the half-opening stage flowers of 109 F₁ progeny, were collected and characterized in-depth by dynamic headspace sampling technique combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Diverse profiles of volatiles that included alcohols, esters, aldehydes, terpenes, benzenes, and hydrocarbons were identified from the evaluated accessions. These results revealed that the volatile components and contents of parents were significantly different, and that hybridization generated more complex volatile components. Most volatile compounds in the hybrids, especially the main aromatic components, existed in at least one of the parents, being characterized by intermediate or transgressive inheritance for the floral trait; this demonstrated that volatile compounds can be inherited from parents to progeny. Further, seven <italic>de novo</italic> aroma compounds—those present in progeny yet absent in their parents—were found in progeny. This study preliminarily clarified the segregation performance of aroma traits in tree peony hybrids, which might provide a theoretical basis for selecting breeding parents and the breeding of new varieties for aroma traits.

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes reinforced flexible blend nanocomposites membranes for pervaporation separation of aromatic-aliphatic mixtures

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) reinforced NR-NBR blend nanocomposite membranes were prepared and potentially employed for the pervaporation separation of aliphatic – aromatic mixtures. For a 50 wt% benzene feed, the blend nanocomposite membranes had a total flux of 1.265 kgm−2h−1 and separation factor of 1.59 at room temperature. The blend membranes exhibited aromatic selectivity for the separation of aromatic – aliphatic mixtures. 2 phr MWCNT/blend nanocomposite membranes exhibited similar trend for the separation of 10 wt% feed toluene mixture. Trasmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the blend nanocomposites revealed the well dispersion and distribution of MWCNT in the polymer matrix. The well dispersed MWCNT/blend membranes selectively separate aromatic components from aliphatic – aromatic mixtures.

Comparison of phenolic composition, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, and aromatic components in apricots from Xinjiang.

As a famous table fruit in Xinjiang, apricot has gained an increasing number of consumers because of its rich nutritional value and seductive flavor. The aim of this study was to assess the sensory qualities, the nutritional value, antioxidant properties, and flavor of Xinjiang apricots, which were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and headspace-solid phase micro-extraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). The results revealed that while there were similarities in the components contributing to nutrition and flavor, the Xinjiang apricots had distinct features. The "Luopuhongdaike" cultivar was superior in taste based on the comprehensive evaluation of the sugar, and acid contents and the sugar-acid ratio. The "Suogejianali" and "Luopuhongdaike" cultivars were the best in terms of nutrients and antioxidant activity. All Xinjiang apricots possessed similar volatile compounds, including linalool, nonanal, decanal, (E)-2-nonenal, and octanal, which provided fatty, green, lemon, floral, and orange aromatic notes. In conclusion, Xinjiang apricots have high nutritional and aromatic value. These results will provide a complete chemical characterization of the taste, nutritional ingredients, and aroma of Xinjiang apricots, and help breeders better develop polyphenol-rich varieties with superior antioxidant activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study investigated the sensory characteristics, nutritional value, antioxidant activity, and flavor of fresh apricots in Xinjiang. The research results will provide a theoretical basis for the development of the sensory characteristics, aroma, nutritional value, and medicinal value of fresh apricots in Xinjiang.

Effect of ageing on biochar properties and pollutant management

Biochar is a carbon-rich pyrogenic material for multifunctional environmental applications such as carbon sequestration, soil amendment, and pollutant management, etc. Owing to long-term existing in the soil, biochar would inevitably suffer from natural geochemical weathering. Such ageing process could pose nonnegligible impacts on the physicochemical property and functionality of biochar. For an object-oriented design of biochar under different application ageing conditions, the latest research progress on ageing methods, biochar properties, and pollutant sorption performance needs to be fully understood. Specifically, the effect of soil components on biochar ageing is critically reviewed, which is of importance but not fully explored so far. The decrease of ash in aged biochar can inhibit the adsorption of heavy metals. The loss of aromatic components and the formation of three-dimensional water clusters during the ageing process have a negative impact on high-temperature biochar (>500° C) for organic pollutants adsorption. For long-term soil remediation, these results remind us to carefully use high-ash biochar for heavy metals and high-temperature biochar for organic pollutants. The interaction between soil minerals and biochar can form organometallic complexes and change functional groups to enhance the oxidation resistance of biochar. In the present review, the current research on biochar ageing are critical reviewed, and the further researches are prospected including developing advanced artificial ageing methods, exploring the impact of soil components on biochar ageing, and clarifying the long-term environmental behavior of modified biochar.

The Influence of Oil Composition, Rock Mineralogy, Aging Time, and Brine Pre-soak on Shale Wettability.

Experimental and field studies have indicated that surfactants enhance oil recovery (EOR) in unconventional reservoirs. Rock surface wettability plays an important role in determining the efficacy of this EOR method. In these reservoirs, the initial wettability of the rock surface is especially important due to the extremely low porosity, permeability, and resulting proximity of fluids to the solid surface. This study is designed to investigate the effect of oil components, rock mineralogy, and brine salinity on rock surface wettability in unconventional shale oil/brine/rock systems. Six crude oils, seven reservoir rocks, and seven reservoir brine samples were studied. These oil samples were obtained from various shale reservoirs (light Eagle Ford, heavy Eagle Ford, Wolfcamp, Middle Bakken, and Three Forks) in the US. SARA (saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes) analysis was conducted for each of the crude oil samples. Additionally, this study also aims to provide a guideline to standardize the rock sample aging protocol for surfactant-related laboratory experiments on shale reservoir samples. The included shale reservoir systems were all found to be oil-wet. Oil composition and brine salinity showed a greater effect on wettability as compared to rock mineralogy. Oil with a greater amount of aromatic and resin components and higher salinity rendered the surface more oil-wet. Rock samples with a higher quartz content were also observed to increase the oil-wetness. The combination of aromatic/resin and the quartz interaction resulted in an even more oil-wet system. These observations are explained by a mutual solubility/polarity concept. The minimum aging time required to achieve a statistically stable wettability state was 35 days according to Tukey’s analysis performed on more than 1100 contact angle measurements. Pre-wetting the surface with its corresponding brine was observed to render the rock surface more oil-wet.

A Guide to Elucidate the Hidden Multicomponent Layered Structure of Plant Cuticles by Raman Imaging.

The cuticle covers almost all plant organs as the outermost layer and serves as a transpiration barrier, sunscreen, and first line of defense against pathogens. Waxes, fatty acids, and aromatic components build chemically and structurally diverse layers with different functionality. So far, electron microscopy has elucidated structure, while isolation, extraction, and analysis procedures have revealed chemistry. With this method paper, we close the missing link by demonstrating how Raman microscopy gives detailed information about chemistry and structure of the native cuticle on the microscale. We introduce an optimized experimental workflow, covering the whole process of sample preparation, Raman imaging experiment, data analysis, and interpretation and show the versatility of the approach on cuticles of a spruce needle, a tomato peel, and an Arabidopsis stem. We include laser polarization experiments to deduce the orientation of molecules and multivariate data analysis to separate cuticle layers and verify their molecular composition. Based on the three investigated cuticles, we discuss the chemical and structural diversity and validate our findings by comparing models based on our spectroscopic data with the current view of the cuticle. We amend the model by adding the distribution of cinnamic acids and flavonoids within the cuticle layers and their transition to the epidermal layer. Raman imaging proves as a non-destructive and fast approach to assess the chemical and structural variability in space and time. It might become a valuable tool to tackle knowledge gaps in plant cuticle research.

Research on the aromatics enrichment and solid particles removal during slurry oil fluidized thermal conversion

Fluidized thermal conversion technology can facilitate the high-value utilization of slurry oil because of its high flexibility, strong adaptability of raw materials, high liquid yield, and high decarbonization rate. Herein, the thermal conversion of slurry oil using silica sand and an FCC catalyst as heat carriers was investigated by a fluidized bed reactor. The results demonstrated that at 500 °C, silica sand produced cracking oil and gas yields of 85.54 and 1.24 wt% respectively. Correspondingly, the oil and gas yields over the FCC catalyst were 72.53 and 4.70 wt%, respectively, which indicated that the FCC catalyst effectively promoted the thermal conversion of slurry oil. Moreover, the yields of main gas products H2, CH4 and C2–C3 increased significantly from 1.86, 6.59, and 2.33 mL/g (over silica sand) to 19.01, 13.16, and 20.84 mL/g (over the FCC catalyst), respectively. Fluidized thermal conversion was found to effectively cause the enrichment of the aromatic components of slurry oil by FTIR analysis in conjunction with GC-MS. The mass ratio of two–five-ring aromatics obtained via the FCC catalyst (86.53 wt%) was higher than that via silica sand (77.42 wt%). Upon using the FCC catalyst twice in succession, the yield of each cracking product remained nearly unchanged. However, the cracking oil yield increased from 73.79 wt% to 77.31 wt% with further use of the FCC catalyst, implying that the activity of the FCC catalyst decreased. Fluidized thermal conversion facilitated the removal of solid particles from slurry oil. The solid particle removal rate by the FCC catalyst was ∼3% higher than that by silica sand.