Ash Yield Research Articles

Modeling and optimizing the flotation of coal fines: an investigation utilizing the Box-Behnken design in conjunction with response surface methodology

ABSTRACT This study investigates a novel approach for upgrading coking coal fines by combining wet sieving with flotation. Using a Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology (RSM), we optimized the flotation parameters – collector concentration, pulp density, and frother concentration – to enhance clean coal recovery. Analysis showed that these parameters significantly impacted coal quality and yield. With a fixed pulp density of 10% and an 18% ash target, RSM identified optimal flotation conditions as 0.200 kg/T frother and 0.885 kg/T collector concentrations. The optimal conditions for an 18% ash content were a 6.645% pulp density, 0.200 kg/T frother, and 1.1869 kg/T collector. Under these conditions, clean coal with 18.00% ash content and yields of 34.27% and 39.72% were achieved, with deviations from predicted values under 2%. The study indicates that the RSM-based method is effective, with parameter selection influenced by collector cost and clean coal market price. These findings provide a basis for future research to assess the method’s industrial applicability and economic and environmental viability.

Improving the method for calculating carbon emissions from waste incineration: confirmed with carbon-14 testing of flue gas

An improved method was developed to calculate direct emissions from seven municipal solid waste incineration plants by adjusting the physical compositions of waste by invoking the proportion of co-incinerated waste and the bottom ash yield. The fossil carbon fractions of the waste components were determined by carbon-14 (14C) testing. Based on the improved method, direct emissions were in the range of 222–610 kg CO2-eq/t waste, corresponding to reductions of 3.4–221 kg CO2-eq/t waste compared with the method without waste composition adjustment. The 14C contents of the flue gas before and after gas cleaning were tested to validate the improved method, and indicated fossil CO2 emissions of 249–446 and 233–405 kg CO2-eq/t waste, respectively. The direct emissions obtained by the improved method were closer to the results of 14C testing, due to more accurate estimations of the actual waste composition. The method was further combined with a life cycle analysis of the waste incineration process, obtaining total carbon emissions in the range from –33.2 to 483 kg CO2-eq/t waste. The findings provide a new means of accurately calculating carbon emissions from waste incineration.Graphical

Assessment of Activated Charcoal and Phosphorus for Promoting Maize Production

The most continuous farming practice is the yearly addition of phosphorus fertilizers to soils in arid and semi-arid regions that all suffer from shortages of phosphorus availability. A vital approach is rationalizing applied fertilizers and trying to benefit from their reservoir in yearly-fertilized old soils using an activated charcoal-fertilizer mixture. Thus, a field experiment was conducted at a private farm in Mushtuhur, Toukh, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. This trial was set up to study the effect of phosphorus (P) fertilizer sources (phosphoric acid Ph.A and super phosphate S.Ph), the P application rates (P0=control, P1=50%, P2=75% and P3=100% of P requirements), activated charcoal (A.Ch) rates (A.Ch0=control, A.Ch1=1, A.Ch2=3 and A.Ch3=5 g/hole, corresponding to 41, 124, and 207 kg ha-1, respectively) and the interaction between them on promoting maize growth, production and its nutrient status. Generally, adding phosphorus improved plant height (m), dry grains (t ha-1), and ash yield (t ha-1) without a significant difference between all P rates. Phosphoric acid affects most studied parameters, mainly the biological, ear, and ash yield (t ha-1); it was the best compared with superphosphate. Adding the 1st rate of A.Ch improved the studied growth and yield parameters significantly compared with the control. Slight enhancement was induced by the 2nd A.Ch dose, and there was no significant difference between the 3rd and 4th rates in most studied parameters. The heighest value of grain yield resulted from the third interaction between A. Ch3 x P0, followed by A. Ch2 x P0, and the next is Ph.A x A. Ch2 x P1 without significant difference among them. These results shed light on the fact that there is no need to add P fertilizers yearly, as described by the recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture. Different materials can move the fixed P in old clayey soil, such as A.Ch.

Analyzing the combustion characteristics of Thar coal block XI: A comprehensive study

Coal is a key energy resource in the world that is available at low cost and the high energy content in coal makes it a fuel of choice in many developed and developing countries. Regardless of massive reserves, Thar coal of Pakistan is low-rank lignite coal with high moisture contents and has very limited use. The proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and X-ray diffractometry analysis were performed to investigate the combustion characteristics, morphological and mineral characteristics of Thar coal block XI. Thar coal samples in this study are characterized as low-rank lignite coal. The proximate analysis showed a significant difference in moisture content, volatile content, fixed carbon content and ash residue. The ultimate analysis provided the details of elemental contents (Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Sulfer) in coal. The combustion characteristics such as combustion performance of lignite at high temperatures (950 °C) was investigated in thermogravimeter and the results showed the variations in the ignition temperature, burnout tempearature, combustion index and burnout index. The marphological characteristic were determined by X-ray diffraction. The mineral congregations, ash yields, major and minor elements (SiO2, Al2O3, CaO,MgO, Fe2O3) varied significantly in the coal. These analyses integrate various results for assessing major monitoring parameters of coal reactivity, its temperature ranges and combustion products.

The St. Meinrad Coal Member (Pennsylvanian)—Reference Sections from Spencer County, Indiana

The purpose of this study is to (a) specify locations in Indiana that can serve as reference sections for the St. Meinrad Coal Member (Pennsylvanian) and (b) acquire more data to better correlate this coal with its equivalents in the Illinois Basin. The work focused on 1) a core from Indiana Geological and Water Survey drill hole (SDH) 537, latitude 38.180721 N, longitude 86.83895 W); and 2) an outcrop of the St. Meinrad Coal Member (latitude 38.147652 N, longitude 86.808903 W), both in Spencer County, Indiana. The borehole was drilled in November 2023 and the core is archived at the Indiana Geological and Water Survey Core Research and Teaching Repository, Bloomington, Indiana, USA. The St. Meinrad Coal Member was encountered at a depth of 44.25 to 48.45 ft (13.49 to 14.77 m), with a total coal thickness of 4.20 ft (1.28 m). On a whole-seam basis, the coal has an ash yield of 1.27 wt % and is 3.92 wt % in total sulfur. Petrographically, the coal consists of moderate amounts of vitrinite (77.12 vol %), liptinite (15.84 vol %) and inertinite (7.04 vol %). Palynologically, the coal is dominated by lycopsid tree spores (74.12 vol %), with reduced amounts of small lycopsid (13.4 vol %) and tree fern (6.14 vol %) spores. Small fern (0.9 vol %) and calamite (4.17 vol %) spores are uncommon to rare, as is cordaite pollen (0.96 vol %). The outcrop location has a coal thickness of 3.15 ft (96 cm). In outcrop, the coal is relatively clean in the middle part and is enriched in mineral matter at the top and bottom parts of the seam. The coal is underlain by claystone. Palynologically, the coal has similar spore assemblage to that documented from the core. The common occurrence of Endosporites globiformis and other stratigraphically diagnostic taxa in both locations warrant assignment of the St. Meinrad Coal Member to the early Atokan NG (Microreticulatisporites nobilis - Endosporites globiformis) miospore zone of the Illinois Basin, which correlates with the early Duckmantian strata of western Europe and Middle-Late Bashkirian strata worldwide. The palynologic data also indicate that, within the Illinois Basin, the St. Meinrad Coal Member is coeval with the Hawesville and Bell coal beds in western Kentucky.

Coal chemistry, utilization potential, and coalbed methane (CBM) assessment of some coal deposits in Central Benue Trough, north-central Nigeria

Coalbed methane (CBM), a current global legislative priority for climate change mitigation, is an unconventional and eco-friendly clean source of energy that is considered a veritable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Despite its overwhelming advantages, CBM evaluation studies of Nigerian coals have received little or no attention. To bridge the gap in knowledge, we have for the first time in Jangwa-Shankodi and Lafia-Obi, described the potential of harnessing CBM for its gainful utilization in Nigeria using some coal deposits in its north-central region as a case study. The gas contents of the coals were determined empirically by taking account of their ultimate and proximate properties. Other coal parameters such as fuel ratio and vitrinite reflectance (Ro (%)) have also been computed and discussed. Proximate analyses of the studied coal samples show moisture contents that vary between 2.28 and 2.56%, whereas, volatile matter yield is placed in the range of 29.98–30.34%. Ash yield ranges from 7.83 to 8.64%. Fixed carbon content varies from 55.97 to 56.30%. Variation in fuel ratio shows a restricted range from 1.72 to 1.87. All the coal samples were found to be low in sulphur (< 1%) with H/C ratios that vary from 0.072 (LAF 2, 3 and 4) to 0.086 (JSK 3). Moreover, the coals were found to be of medium-volatile bituminous rank, with gas contents that range from 12.65 to 13.20 cc/g. In the current study, kerogen lies in the Type IV zone, which suggests the generation of methane gas by the studied coal samples. Also the estimated range of vitrinite reflectance (Ro) which varies between 1.073% and 1.086% indicates thermogenic gas expulsion in the coals. There is a noticeable increase in gas content with coal maturity and depth. These values are indicative of good quality coals that show antecedents for CBM production. However, considering that this work is a pilot study, we recommend that core drilling be employed in obtaining insitu measurements of the coal gas contents and thus, verify these empirical estimates. Also, detailed laboratory study on pore structure (and its distribution) and adsorption isotherm curve are recommended to better understand the coal reservoir properties and hence, consolidate the present study.

Geochemistry of Middle Jurassic Coals from the Dananhu Mine, Xinjiang: Emphasis on Sediment Source and Control Factors of Critical Metals

In recent years, coal-type critical metal deposits have become a research hotspot in coal geology. As a major coal-accumulating basin in the Xinjiang area, the Turpan-Hami Basin contains abundant coal resources and has the potential to become a large coal-type critical metal deposit. However, previous studies on the enrichment characteristics of critical metal elements in coal are few and need further research. Based on SEM-EDS, XRF, and ICP-MS experiments, this study investigates the coal petrology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of the No. 22 coal of the Xishanyao Formation from the Dananhu Coal Mine, Xinjiang, to identify the sediment source, depositional environment, and controlling factors of the critical metal elements of the No. 22 coal. The results showed that the Dananhu coals are characterized by a low ash yield, low total sulfur content, high volatile yield, and high inertinite proportions. Quartz, kaolinite, and illite are the main minerals in the coal. Compared with the world’s low-rank coals, Ni, Co, Mo, and Ta are slightly enriched, Li, Rb, Cs, Ba, Tl, Bi, and Ge are depleted, and the concentrations of other trace elements are comparable to the average values of the world’s low-rank coals. The REY of the Dannanhu coals exhibited high fractionation, with its enrichment patterns characterized by the H-type and M-H-type. Although most of the critical metals are not enriched in the Dannanhu coals, the Ga, Zr (Hf), and Nb (Ta) concentrations in the coal ash of the Dannanhu coals have reached the economic cut-off grade and have the potential to be a substitute for rare metal resources. The terrigenous detrital sources of the Dannanhu coals mainly come from the Paleozoic dacite, andesite, and a small amount of granite from the Harik Mountain and Eastern Bogda Mountain in the Turpan-Hami Basin. The Dannanhu coals are generally in a dry and hot depositional environment, with high salinity and weak reduction-oxidation. The low source input and weak reduction-oxidation environment have resulted in low concentrations of critical metal of the No. 22 coal from the Dananhu Coal Mine.

Influence of Carbonated Pyrolysis Oil Recycled from Scrap Tires on Metallurgical Efficiency of Coal Flotation

This research assesses the effect of carbonated pyrolysis oil (CPO) derived from scrap car tires on the metallurgical efficiency of coal flotation as a flotation additive. Using a statistical experimental design, the influence of various operational variables, including solid percent of feed pulp and dosages of reagents, i.e., CPO as an additive, diesel oil as a collector, and pine oil as a frother, on the ash content and yield of the final concentrate were investigated. Experimental data vary significantly based on operational conditions, ranging from 6.6% ash content with a 15% yield to 19.1% ash content with a 76.8% yield. The composition of the pyrolysis oil was identified by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) of experimental results demonstrated that almost all variables had a substantial effect on the flotation responses, positive or negative, depending on the variable or variable interaction. It was discovered that the usage of CPO intensified the total yield and ash content of concentrate in a nonlinear fashion in a range of 15% and 4%, respectively. The results revealed a non-selective interaction effect between CPO and pine oil, as well as competitive adsorption between diesel oil and CPO, which contributed to the curved behavior of flotation measurements. The detrimental effect of CPO on the flotation response of the studied coal sample was also related to the interaction of the hydrophilic groups in the CPO structure and the oxide groups of ash material in coal particles. This work shows the potential of carbonated pyrolysis oil to enhance coal flotation performance and sheds light on the underlying mechanisms.

Modes of occurrence of tungsten in coals: a review

Relevance. The necessity to know the conditions and forms of W concentration in coals for solving a number of scientific and engineering problems at complex development of coal deposits. Aim. Complex estimation of W modes of occurrence in coal for development of measures for rational ecologically safe use of coal. Methods. Correlation analysis, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, coal group analysis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, instrumental neutron activation analysis. Results and conclusions. The modes of occurrence of W in coal were studied by a complex of methods. In the majority of W-enriched coal deposits, a negative significant correlation of its content in coal and coal ash with ash yield was found, indicating its association with organic matter. Using the method of coal group composition analysis, it was found that the main carrier and concentrator of W in the studied lignite deposits is organic matter. The contribution of the mineral phase in general in W-rich coals and in coals with its normal content does not exceed 20%, usually less than 5%. These conclusions are also confirmed by infrared spectroscopy data, according to which no more than 15% of the metal in the samples studied is associated with mineral phases. The association of W with high molecular humic acids predominates. In anomalously W-enriched lignites, the humic acid phase represents 76 to 88% of the gross metal content. The role of bitumen and low-molecular-weight humic acids in the balance of W is marginal at their different levels in the coals. Mineral phases of W are not characteristic of coal. Nano-microinclusions of scheelite, wolframite, hubnerite and ferberite were recorded as isolated occurrences. The main mineral phases are associated with Fe and Mn hydroxides, in which W is presented as a trace element in the amount of 1–5% together with other elements (Ge, As, etc.). In more metamorphosed bituminous and anthracite coals, authigenic mineral formations were found, represented by tungstite, phyllotungstite, native W and complex Fe-Mn-Ca-W-O mineral phases.

Pore Size Distribution and Fractal Characteristics of Deep Coal in the Daning-Jixian Block on the Eastern Margin of the Ordos Basin.

Important breakthroughs have recently been achieved in deep coalbed methane (CBM) exploration and development in regions such as the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin, China. Investigating the development characteristics of various-scale pores in deep coalbeds is of great significance for resource assessment and selection of favorable zones for CBM exploration. Herein, six deep coal samples were selected from the Shanxi and Taiyuan Formations in the Daning-Jixian block on the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin. Low-pressure CO2/N2 adsorption (LP-CO2/N2GA) and high-pressure mercury intrusion (HPMI) methods were employed to analyze pore volume, specific surface area, and pore size distribution, thereby evaluating the full-scale pore characteristics. Furthermore, the fractal dimension characteristics of deep coal rock pores were elucidated, revealing the influence of pore structure, burial depth, and coal composition. The results indicate that micropores in deep coal rocks have the highest volume and specific surface area proportions, while mesopores have the smallest volume proportion, and macropores make the least contribution to the total specific surface area. The V-S, Frenkel-Halsey-Hill, and Sierpinski models were suitable for calculating the fractal dimensions of micropores, mesopores, and macropores with LP-CO2GA, LP-N2GA, and HPMI experimental data, respectively. Other than the relatively smaller mesopore fractal dimension of samples 20-8 and 20-10, the micropore, mesopore, and macropore fractal dimensions successively increased in the other four samples. The comprehensive fractal dimension, which exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing pore volume and specific surface area, was negatively correlated with burial depth, mineral and moisture contents, and ash and volatile component yields, while it was positively correlated with vitrinite and fixed carbon contents.

Organic petrology and geochemistry data reveal depositional and thermal history of coal in the Guaduas formation, Colombian Eastern Cordillera

Colombia is a country rich in coal deposits; however, there are few published studies characterizing these coals in detail from a scientific perspective. This study investigates the thermal maturity and depositional environment of a coal seam from the Guaduas formation (Maastrichtian-Paleocene) of the Eastern Colombian Cordillera Basin, providing insight into burial and temperature history and changes in the depositional environment over time. This three-meter-thick hard coal seam reflects about 20 m of former peat deposition, representing a period of roughly 10.000 years.Five large, fresh samples (A to E) were collected from the seam every thirty centimeters and divided into seventeen sub-samples analyzed using organic petrological methods, Rock-Eval pyrolysis and organic geochemistry. Different thermal maturity- and depositional environment-related parameters have been determined. Results reveal a maturity of approximately 0.9% vitrinite reflectance, and relatively high HI values (kerogen type II-III). Correspondingly, high values of νCHx over γCH indicate a high relative abundance of aromatic rings over aliphatic groups. Moreover, high CH2/CH3 ratios suggest long and simple aliphatic chain structures. Molecular data indicate a balanced odd- over even n-alkane distribution and a high amount of long-chain n-alkanes. High Pr/Ph ratios and hopanoid biomarkers reveal an oxidizing depositional environment. The coal seam investigated in this study is characterized by low ash yields and low sulfur contents particularly in the central part of the seam, while percentages of inertinite are high (up to 54 Vol.-%). This data supports a low water table and oligotrophic, raised bog conditions during deposition in a humid, tropical climate which is consistent with the almost equatorial position of the study area during deposition of the Guaduas Formation. Water was mainly supplied via rainfall leading to overall low ash yields. In contrast, the top of the coal seam is strongly enriched in sulfur revealing that rapid marine flooding ultimately ceased peat accumulation leading to authigenic pyrite formation.

Petro-chemical characterization and depositional setting of a late Permian high ash coal deposit, Central Mongolia

Pan global Permian coal measures are unique in the evolution of the Earth, not matched in any period before or since. Middle and late Permian coal-bearing strata are widely distributed in Mongolia. In particular, a large concentration of transtensive coal-bearing sub-basins is located in southern Mongolia, some of which are well documented. However, the late Permian coal measures developed along the shores of the Mongol-Transbaikalian Seaway in central Mongolia, the focus of this contribution, has received very limited attention. This study focuses on the c. 420 m thick coal-bearing middle part of a c. 2,600 m thick Permo-Triassic succession in the Bayanjargalan district. The study draws on data from 38 drillholes, 3 km of trenches, mapping, petrological analysis of sandstone samples, analysis of macroflora, fauna and trace fossils, 82 coal quality samples as well as washability and ash XRD analysis from a 3t coal bulk sample. The unstable and wedge-shaped architecture of the coal seams strongly suggest a syn-tectonic influence on their development. Paleoclimatic indicators suggest the peat mire ecosystem developed during relatively cold - temperate climatic conditions. Peat-forming plants such as Cordaites, Rufloria and Koretrophyllites probably benefited from moist air currents along the seaway. Plant-arthropod interactions are reported from two sites, in particular DT228 and DT246 oviposition lesions, the latter being almost twice the size of a previous report from North America. Results from 82 proximate analyses returned consistent very high ash yields of 46.95% (db) and 43.45% (adb) from the 3t bulk sample, which are unusual for Permian coals in Mongolia.

Investigating impacts of ammonium phosphate on ash yield from co-combustion of sugarcane bagasse and banana leaves

Investigating impacts of ammonium phosphate on ash yield from co-combustion of sugarcane bagasse and banana leaves

Organic petrographic and mineralogical composition of the No. 6 coal seam of the Soutpansberg Coalfield, South Africa: Insights into paleovegetation and depositional environment

This study investigates the paleodepositional conditions of the No. 6 Seam of the Madzaringwe Formation in Makhado and Voorburg south area of the Soutpansberg Coalfield (Limpopo Province, South Africa) utilizing organic petrography and inorganic geochemical proxies. The coals are predominantly high-volatile bituminous B-A rank with high ash yields (avg. 36.1 wt%), characterized by high-vitrinite (~ 41.5 vol%), moderate-to-high inertinite (9.8 vol%–33.7 vol%) and low liptinite (~ 2.3 vol%). The distribution of inertinite varies among different coal horizons (from bottom-lower to middle-upper), suggesting differential oxidation conditions and/or paleofire occurrence. Vitrinite-to-inertinite (V/I) ratio, tissue preservation–gelification index (TPI–GI), and groundwater–vegetation index (GWI–VI) plots, indicate that the peat-forming forest-swamp vegetation accumulated under mesotrophic-to-rheotrophic hydrological conditions. The presence of structured macerals (i.e., telinite, collotelinite, fusinite, and semifusinite) suggests well-preserved plant tissues, whereas framboidal pyrite and sulphur content (0.24 wt%–2.16 wt%) point to brackish-water influence at the peat stage. The coals contain quartz, kaolinite, siderite, muscovite, dolomite, calcite, and pyrite minerals, most of which were likely sourced from felsic igneous rocks. The Al/(Al+Fe+Mn) and (Fe+Mn)/Ti ratios for the studied samples range between 0.24–0.97 and 0.57–70.10, respectively. The ratios, Al–Fe–Mn plot, and presence of massive botryoidal-type pyrite imply some influence of meteoric waters or fluids from hydrothermal activity post-deposition. Moreover, the chemical index of alteration (CIA: 98.25–99.67), chemical index of weathering (CIW: 92.04–97.66), and A–CN–K ternary diagram suggest inorganic matter suffered strong chemical weathering, indicating warm paleoclimatic conditions during the coal formation.

Modelling and comparison of fine coal beneficiation with water-only cyclone and spiral

ABSTRACT In this study, a three-level Box-Behnken design of experiments combined with response surface methodology used to investigate the effects of some parameters of a water-only cyclone (WOC), spiral and WOC-spiral circuit. The actual data collected from the tests were used to construct the empirical models representing clean coal ash and yield as process responses to the independent variables. The significance test of model fit for clean coal ash and yield were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that ash content and yield of the clean coal models were significant. The results showed that WOC produced coal with lower ash content, the spiral products resulted in higher yields. It was observed that the WOC-spiral circuit achieved higher yield at equivalent ash contents.

A Comprehensive Study on Methane Adsorption Capacities and Pore Characteristics of Coal Seams: Implications for Efficient Coalbed Methane Development in the Soma Basin, Türkiye

This study represents a comprehensive assessment of methane adsorption capacity and pore characteristics for the coal seams of the Soma Basin in Western Türkiye, with a focus on their implications for coalbed methane potential. Twenty-one exploration wells were utilized to obtain coal samples from the kP1 and kM2 coal seams in the Kınık coalfield of the Soma Basin. High-pressure methane adsorption experiments using the indirect gravimetric method were conducted to quantify the storage capacities of these coal seams. Results revealed a wide range of methane adsorption capacities, ranging from 10.5 to 28.3 m3/t (air-dry basis), indicating significant methane storage potential for the kP1 and kM2 coal seams. The gas contents, ranging from 1.1 to 4.3 m3/t (as-received basis), suggested that the coal seams were undersaturated. Low-pressure N2/CO2 adsorption tests, along with standard proximate and gross calorific value analyses, were performed to investigate the influence of coal quality and pore characteristics on methane adsorption capacities. The findings demonstrated correlations between coal quality parameters and adsorption capacity, with ash yield showing a moderately negative correlation and fixed carbon content and gross calorific values exhibiting moderately positive correlations. Microporosity was identified as the critical factor governing methane adsorption, with a strong positive correlation observed between micropore surface areas and volumes and adsorption capacity. These results highlight the significant methane storage capacities of the coal seams in the Soma Basin and underscore the importance of micropores in determining methane adsorption capacity. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing methane extraction and utilization in the region and offer important considerations for reservoir characterization and development strategies in similar low-rank coal deposits.HighlightsExtensive evaluation of methane adsorption and pore characteristics in Soma Basin coals, uncovering substantial potential for coalbed methane.The study reveals a diverse range of methane adsorption capacities, indicating highly promising methane storage capabilities.Correlation between coal quality parameters and methane adsorption, offering valuable insights into gas storage influenced by coal composition.Emphasis on the crucial role of micropores in methane storage, underscoring their significance as primary adsorption sites.Practical implications for optimizing methane extraction and utilization, guiding reservoir development in low-rank coal deposits like Soma Basin.

Two studies evaluated the effects of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant on the growth performance of broilers fed corn/soybean diets and deficient in nutrients and energy

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) on performance of broilers fed US type diets with reduced nutrients and energy. Each experiment utilized a completely randomized block design where four treatments were tested with 10 replicate groups, each treatment totaling 270 day-of-hatch male Ross 308 broilers. The diets were: 1), a nutrient-adequate control (PC) and 2), a nutrient and energy-reduced negative control (NC): PC minus 0.19 % avP, 0.23 % Ca, 0.045 % Na, up to 0.05 % unit dig AA and 37 kcal/kg ME and 3), NC with PhyG supplemented at 1,500 FTU/kg (PhyG1500) 4), PC minus 0.164 % avP, 0.201 % Ca, 0.037 % Na, up to 0.035 %-unit dig. AA and 29 kcal/kg ME plus the PhyG at 750 FTU/kg (PhyG750). Xylanase was included in all diets at 750 XU/kg with 25 kcal/kg of ME matrix applied. Experiment 1 diets (wholly vegetable) were based on corn-soybean meal with <2 % DDGs. Experiment 2 diets (conventional) were based on corn-soybean meal with <3 % DDGS and <4 % meat and bone meal. Diets were pelleted and fed ad libitum over four phases: starter (1–10d), grower (11–21d), finisher 1 (22–35d), and finisher 2 (36–42d). In both experiments, compared with PC, birds fed the nutrient and energy reduced NC exhibited reduced 42d BW and increased overall 1–42d FCR (P < 0.05). During all phases, in both experiments, PhyG at each dose-level produced growth performance measures that were by phase and cumulatively equivalent to PC. PhyG at 1500 FTU improved accumulative FCR (1–21d, 1–35d and 1–42d) in experiment 1, and 1–21d FCR in experiment 2 compared to PC. Similarly, PhyG750 and PhyG1500 increased (P < 0.05) tibia ash and carcass yield vs. NC to similar levels as PC. For all measures, response values were numerically highest with 1500 FTU/kg. In conclusion, the novel consensus phytase variant completely compensated for the reduction in avP, Ca, Na, dig AA, and ME respectively at each dose-level and maintained growth performance, carcass characteristics, and bone quality of broilers fed wholly vegetable or conventional US type commercial diets through 42 days of age, leading to reduced feed cost and production benefit.

Productivity and Profitability of Fodder oat (Avena sativa L.) as Affected by Integrated Nutrient Management: A Review

Fodder oats (Avena sativa L.) is a valuable feed resource for livestock, providing high-quality forage rich in nutrients essential for animal health and productivity. This review summarizes the key components and benefits of integrated nutrient management in fodder oats cultivation. Organic inputs such as farmyard manure, compost, and green manure enhance soil quality while inorganic fertilizers provide essential macro and micronutrients necessary for robust crop growth and yield.Various researchers found that higher green and dry fodder yields were obtained with the application of Farmyard Manure @ 5 t/ha + 50 percent of the recommended dose of fertilizers (329.76- 518.32 q ha-1) and 75% RDF along with 2 t Poultry manure ha-1 (77.57- 91.31 q ha-1 ). While 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)+Zn + plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)+residual farm yard manure (R-FYM) and 100%RDF + Zn + R-FYM significantly increased fodder quality traits- Crude protein (9.44-10.10%), ether extract (4.5-5%), total ash yield (33.8-34.6%), ADF and NDF. Uptake of N, K, P, S and Mn by oat crop was highest at 75% NPK+2.5t Vermicompost +10kg Mn+20kg S ha-1. Higher net returns per ha were obtained by integrated nutrient management treatment of FYM @ 5 t/ha + 50 percent of the recommended dose of fertilizers and the application of 75% RDF (60:40 NP) kg ha-1 along with 2 t poultry manure ha-1. Thus Integrated nutrient sources increased the yield and quality of fodder oat besides enhancing profitability.

Demineralization of Coal from Johilla Coalfield using Neutrophilic Native Bacteria: A Novel Technique to obtain REE from Coal

Abstract Mineral matter in coal is the host of several environmentally sensitive elements and a potential source of Rare Earth Elements (REE). During combustion, some trace elements are liberated as gas, while others get concentrated in ash, contaminating soil and local water bodies. Minimizing the inorganic content makes the coal clean and eventually increases its calorific value. Bacteria serve as an eco-friendly remediation tool, particularly neutrophilic ones that facilitate the treatment at mild pH and ambient temperatures. Use of native bacteria accelerates the treatment process by readily adapting to substrates. We present the remediation potential of three native neutrophilic bacteria in this study. After six days of treatment, Bacillus sp. CpH06 has reduced ash yield by 15.96%, trace elements by 26% to 75%, and REE by 24% to 50%. Bacillus anthracis CpH08 has reduced ash yield by 22.6%, trace elements by 6.4% to 70.5%, and REE by 8.4% to 37%. Maximum ash yield reduction of 22.91% was attained by the Cronobacter sp. CpH10 including reduction of 8.1% to 73% of trace elements and 26% to 48% of REEs. The FTIR spectra reveal alterations in both peak intensity and position of inorganic functional groups resulting from the removal of elements, formation of new bonds, and the elimination of certain pre-existing functional groups. XRD spectra indicate bio-oxidation mechanism, exhibited by the removal of copper sulfate hydroxide and pyrite along with formation of Jarosite and metal-sulfide peaks. The findings encourage further research on the effectiveness and performance of these bacteria on diverse types of coals.

Inorganic geochemical attributes of Jaintia Hills coals, India: Implications for paleo-depositional conditions

The Paleogene coal deposits of the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya have undergone examinations by various researchers, primarily focusing on organic petrography and geochemistry and highlighting the rank, type, and grade, with perspectives on potential utilization. However, the genesis of these coals has received limited attention from the researchers. This research article addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive examination of the geochemical and mineralogical aspects of these coals. Coal samples from two coal seams at nine locations in the Sampar coalfield in Jaintia Hills were collected and studied. The samples are subjected to X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analyses, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proximate, and ultimate analysis to study geochemical and mineralogical composition and ash yield. The study utilizes various geochemical proxies based on the inorganic constituents, providing insights into the paleo-depositional conditions and contributing to a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics of Meghalayan coals. The research indicates that these coals were formed in coastal swamps and lagoons on stable platforms, experiencing minimal tectonic activity, influenced by seawater incursions. These coals were deposited in reducing to significantly reducing conditions and warm and humid to semi-arid climatic conditions. No signature of a geothermally active fluid has been recorded.