Minerals Ca Research Articles

Consideration on modeling of Nb sorption onto clay minerals

Abstract Sorption distribution coefficient (Kd) of niobium-94 on minerals are an important parameter in safety assessment of intermediate-depth disposal of waste from core internals etc. The Kd of Nb on clay minerals in Ca(ClO4)2 solutions were, however, not successfully modeled in a previous study. The high distribution coefficients of Nb on illite in Ca(ClO4)2 solutions were successfully reproduced by taking Ca–Nb–OH surface species into account. Solubility of Nb was studied in Ca(ClO4)2 solutions and the results were reproduced by taking an aqueous Ca–Nb–OH complex species, CaNb(OH)6 +, into account in addition to previously reported Nb(OH)6 − and Nb(OH)7 2−. Based on this aqueous speciation model, the Ca–Nb–OH surface species responsible for the sorption of Nb on illite in Ca(ClO4)2 solutions was presumed to be X_OCaNb(OH)6. Although uncertainties exist in the speciation of aqueous Ca–Nb–OH species, the result of this study proposed a possible mechanism for high distribution coefficient of Nb on illite in Ca(ClO4)2 solutions. The mechanism includes Ca–Nb–OH complex formation in aqueous, solid and surface phases.

An Eco-Friendly Fluidizable FexOy/CaO-γ-Al2O3 Catalyst for Tar Cracking during Biomass Gasification

The present study deals with the development, characterization, and performance evaluation of an eco-friendly catalyst, using 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol (2M4MP) as a surrogate tar. The 2M4MP was selected due to its chemical functionalities and the fact that it is a good model compound to represent the tar formed during biomass low temperature gasification. The eco-friendly catalyst was prepared using the typical Fe and Ca minerals which are present in ash. These ash components were added to a fluidizable γ-Al2O3 support using a multistep incipient impregnation, yielding Fe oxides as an active phase and CaO as the promoter. The prepared catalyst displayed a 120 m2/g BET specific surface area, with few γ-Al2O3 bulk phase changes, as observed with XRD. TPD-NH3 and pyridine FTIR allowed us to show the significant influence of CaO reduced support acidity. A TPR analysis provided evidence of catalyst stability during consecutive reduction–oxidation cycles. Furthermore, catalyst evaluation vis-à-vis catalytic steam 2M4MP gasification was performed using the fluidized CREC riser simulator. The obtained results confirm the high performance of the developed catalyst, with 2M4MP conversion being close to 100% and with selectivities of up to 98.6% for C1-C2 carbon-containing species, at 500 °C, with a 7.5 s reaction time and 1.5 g steam/g 2M4MP. These high tar conversions are promising efficiency indicators for alumina catalysts doped with Fe and Ca. In addition, the used catalyst particles could be blended with biochar to provide an integrated solid supplement that could return valuable mineral supplements to the soil.

The Role of Bone Phosphorus, Calcium and Magnesium on Bone Reserves of Indigenous Mixed Breed Cattle Grazing Natural Pasture during Times of Mineral Stress Induced by Drought in Mogosane Village of North West Province, South Africa

Background: Bone consists of Ca and P deposited within an organic collagen matrix. The highly porous nature of this matrix provides bone with an extensive surface area, making bone a highly labile source of both Ca and P and serves as metabolic reservoir for Ca, P and other minerals. Phosphorus in the skeleton provides large reserve, which may be mobilized when the diet is deficient in phosphorus, the measurement of bone minerals is important to evaluate bone reserves such as bone volume, bone specific gravity and bone thickness. Methods: Ten male mix breed cattle between the ages of 6 and 12 months therefore, were randomly selected from a herd feeding exclusively on communal grazing and receiving no supplements and were used to determine the role of bone phosphorus, calcium and magnesium on bone reserves in cattle grazing natural pasture. Bone samples were analysed for P through the FASPac II Version R2MI Auto- Analyzer and were analysed for Ca and Mg through an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Results: Bone volume, bone specific gravity and bone thickness were reacting with same pattern almost throughout research. Grass phosphorus was positively correlated to bone Mg (r2= 0.466) with the P value of 0.053. Concentration of Ca in the grass was positively correlated to bone Mg (r2= 0.524) and bone specific gravity (r2= 0.593) with the P values of 0.051 and 0.048 respectively. The rainfall measured during the research shown to have positive correlation on the concentration of P in the grass r2= 0.690) and of Mg (r2= 0.848) with the P values of 0.04 and 0.001 respectively.

Yield, proteins, bioactive compounds and minerals in food-type soybean grains in different environments

Soybean is characterized as a nutritional and functional food by virtue of its high concentrations of minerals and bioactive compounds - the group of phenolic compounds, mainly. The yield and chemical composition of soybean grains are influenced by genetic and environmental factors and their interactions. This study proposes to examine the yield and chemical composition of grains of food-type soybean genotypes in different environments. Six food-type soybean genotypes sown in the first week of October and in the first week of November in the municipalities of Londrina and Guarapuava (Parana State, Brazil) were evaluated. Grain yield and weight, protein percentages, phenolic compound and total flavonoid contents and Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe and Zn contents were evaluated. Combined analysis of variance revealed a genotype × environment interaction (GE) effect for the yield traits, 100-grain weight and for the mineral Ca. Higher yields and 100-grain weights were observed under milder maximum-temperature conditions. High maximum temperatures resulted in higher protein percentages and total flavonoid, Ca and Zn contents. Soybean lines UEL 110 and UEL 115 possess high grain yield capacity and higher Ca, Mg and Zn contents.

Geographical Classification of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) through Mineral Component Analysis

Inorganic components have been widely applied as geographical traceability biomarkers of plant derived food and phytophagous insects. Helicoverpa armigera (H. armigera) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a global economic pest, has been shown to be able to migrate long distances but the detailed migration paths are still unclear. Herein, the levels of 10 minerals (Mg, Al, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr and Sr) in 32 H. armigera adults from different growing backgrounds were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The discrimination of these insects from five groups was realized by using principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA). The results showed that H. armigera from different growing backgrounds discriminated by PCA and CDA achieved high accuracy values of 84.4% and 100.0%, respectively. Additionally, cross-validation was utilized to check the confidence of the CDA results with an accuracy of 81.3%. The present study shows that geographical discrimination established by chemometric analytical methods achieves high confidence in terms of the identification of the phytophagous insect H. armigera. The application of this pattern may contribute to resolving migratory insect issues in the near future.

Dissolved and colloidal phosphorus affect P cycling in calcareous forest soils

Dissolved and colloidal phosphorus (P) represent the mobile P fractions in soils, but their role in P cycling in forests is still largely unclear. In this study of four calcareous forest soil profiles, the elemental compositions of different size fractions of water dispersible colloids (WDC) were investigated by asymmetric field flow fractionation. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) was applied to identify the organic P compounds in soils, WDC, and soil solutions. Carbon was the dominant element in WDC of all soil horizons, including mineral soils that were rich in Ca or Si. Although chemical composition of P varied dramatically with increasing depth, the colloidal P composition remained unchanged. This contrasting difference between mineral soil and its WDC fraction indicated that the colloids were not locally generated but originated from the overlying organic soil horizons. Carbonate minerals were unlikely involved in colloid formation under acidic condition. Instead, Ca2+ probably drove colloid formation by bridging organic matter, including P-containing compounds released from litter degradation. Colloid formation was influenced by climate, vegetation, and soil characteristics. No dissolved P was detected in deeper mineral soil horizons due to efficient retention by Ca minerals. Colloidal P was still present in deeper soil layers and thus of significance for potential P vertical transfer.

Variation of carbonaceous species and trace elements in PM10 at a mountain site in the central Himalayan region of India

Observations of carbonaceous species [organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), water soluble organic carbon (WSOC), carbonaceous aerosols (CAs) and secondary organic carbon (SOC) ] and trace elements (As, Cr, Ni, Zn, Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, and Mn) in PM10 are made over a high altitude site (ARIES, Nainital, 29.4° N, 79.5° E, ~1958 m amsl) in the central Himalayan region during October 2018−February 2019 to explore their possible sources. The average concentrations of PM10, OC, EC, WSOC, CA and SOC were recorded as 44±13 µg m-3, 3.66±1.26 µg m-3, 1.29±0.61 µg m-3, 2.28±0.76 µg m-3, 7.15±1.96 µg m-3 and 1.45±0.73 µg m-3, respectively during the study period. The concentrations of PM10, OC, EC, WSOC, CAs and SOC were significantly varied during autumn (October-November) and winter (December-February) seasons. During both the seasons, significant positive linear trend between OC & EC and OC & WSOC have been observed which is indicative of their common sources of carbonaceous aerosols at the study site. WSOC/OC ratio was estimated as 0.56 and 0.67 during autumn and winter, respectively suggested that the biomass burning could be one of the major sources of carbonaceous aerosols at Nainital. The significant positive correlation of PM10 with crustal elements (Al, Fe, Ca, Mg and Ti) as well as correlation of Al with other crustal elements (Fe, Ca, Mg and Ti) indicates the abundance of mineral dust at the sampling site. The observed Fe/Al ratio (1.07) also indicates mineral dust as a source at the sampling site, similarly, Ca/Al ratio (1.36) indicates that aerosols over this region is rich in Ca mineral as compared to average continental crust. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified the contribution of crustal/soil dust, biomass burning and industrial emissions to the PM10 over the central Himalayan region of India. Five days back trajectory analysis indicates that the air mass impacting the sampling site is from local surrounding area in Uttrakhand as well from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ingo Gangetic Plain (IGP) region, Pakistan, Afghanistan region and Thar Desert.

Nutritional composition of Brazilian native species of Campomanesia spp.

Campomanesia eugenioides, Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Berg) and Campomanesia xanthocarpa var. littoralis are native fruits plants distributed in Brazil, which are popularly recognized for their nutritional, economic and cultural values. Given the scarcity of the controlled scientific studies comparing native Campomanesia varieties, the objective of this study was to characterize the fruits of Campomanesia eugenioides, Campomanesia xanthocarpa and Campomanesia xanthocarpa var. littoralis, regarding chemical composition and nutritional value through the quantification of carbohydrates, lipids, moisture, ash, proteins and fibers; the minerals Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, K, Na content; vitamin C and carotenoids content. These varieties showed distinct physicochemical characteristics with small differences mainly about ash content and caloric values. Nevertheless, C. xanthocarpa var. littoralis showed higher values for fiber content, total soluble solids, and total titratable acidity. C. eugenioides species highlighted in relation to the vitamin C and mineral contents, with an exception for C. xanthocarpa var. littoralis that showed higher iron content. C. xanthocarpa had the highest carotenoid content, confirming that these fruits have functional properties and high nutritional value. Finally, this study will provide important scientific data supporting the application of valuable fruits from three edible Campomanesia species for producing bioactive ingredients and natural preservatives for food products.

Potential bio-indicators for assessment of mineral status in elephants

The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) identify suitable bio-indicators to assess elemental status in elephants using captive elephant samples, and (2) understand how geochemistry influences mineral intake. Tail hair, toenail, faeces, plasma and urine were collected quarterly from 21 elephants at five UK zoos. All elephant food, soil from enclosure(s), and drinking water were also sampled. Elemental analysis was conducted on all samples, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, focusing on biologically functional minerals (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Se and Zn) and trace metals (As, Cd, Pb, U and V). Linear mixed modelling was used to identify how keeper-fed diet, water and soil were reflected in sample bio-indicators. No sample matrix reflected the status of all assessed elements. Toenail was the best bio-indicator of intake for the most elements reviewed in this study, with keeper-fed diet being the strongest predictor. Calcium status was reflected in faeces, (p 0.019, R2 between elephant within zoo - 0.608). In this study urine was of no value in determining mineral status here and plasma was of limited value. Results aimed to define the most suitable bio-indicators to assess captive animal health and encourage onward application to wildlife management.

Experimental study on permeability enhancement of coal seam with high mineral content by acid fracturing

ABSTRACT The permeability enhancement is the key to increase the efficiency of gas drainage from low-permeability coal seam. In this paper, the acid fracturing technology is proposed to solve the problem of low permeability of coal seam with high mineral content. The self-developed coal-rock acid fracturing experimental system is used to study the whole process of coal fracturing under different stress conditions and the permeability of coal specimens with varying permeability enhancing methods. The surface characteristics and mineral content of coal specimens before and after acid fracturing were tested by SEM and XRF technologies. The test results show that the effect of coal permeability enhancement by acidizing fracturing is mainly dominated by initial permeability, mineral content, and stress environment. The higher initial permeability, soluble mineral content, and in situ stress difference will lead to greater enhancement of coal permeability after acid fracturing. The fracturing induced fractures extend along the direction of maximum principal stress. Acidification causes the dissolution of Ca and Mg minerals in coal specimens, which provides the priority of fractures for further extension. Therefore, acid fracturing in coal seam is the result of the joint action of hydraulic fracturing (dominant) and acidizing (auxiliary). In this study, acid fracturing increases the permeability of coal specimens by 26.5–28.3 times.

Performance, Body Water Balance, Ingestive Behavior and Blood Metabolites in Goats Fed with Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller) Silage Subjected to An Intermittent Water Supply

This study evaluated the performance, body water balance, ingestive behavior and blood metabolites in goats fed with cactus pear silage subjected to an intermittent water supply. Thirty-six goats were distributed in a randomized block design arranged as a 3 × 3 factorial with cactus pear silage in the goats’ diet (on a 0%, 21% and 42% dry matter-DM basis) and water offer frequency (ad libitum, and 24 and 48 h water restrictions). There was an interaction only between the cactus pear silage level and water offerings for drinking water. Goats fed 42% cactus pear silage had greater intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates, energy, Ca, Mg and Na minerals, water intake, urinary water excretion, body water retention and nutrient digestibility. Cactus pear silage inclusion up to a 42% rate reduced eating and ruminating time and increased the time spent idling as well as the eating and the ruminating efficiency rate. Water restriction at 48 h reduced drinking water intake. Performance and blood metabolites were not affected by cactus silage inclusion or water offering. Cactus pear silage inclusion at up to 42% for goats is recommended during periods of water shortage in semiarid and arid regions because it improves eating, the ruminating efficiency rate, and body water retention; cactus pear silage inclusion at this rate reduces water consumption and it does not affect the performance or health of the animals.

Some Quality Properties, Mineral and Heavy Metal Composition of Wild Fruit Traditional Marmalades

In this research, some physicochemical and microbiological characteristics and mineral compositions of marmalades produced by traditional method using Berberis integerrima Bunge (purple barberry), Berberis vulgaris L. (pink barberry), Rosa pimpinellifolia L. (black rosehip), Rosa canina L. (pink rosehip), Malus sylvestris Miller (sour apple), and Vaccinium corymbosum L. (blueberry) wild fruit naturally grown in Bayburt and Trabzon provinces were determined. As a result of the research; pH 2.56-4.18, titration acidity (in terms of citric acid) 0.62-3.40%, dry matter 53.65-64.90%, water soluble dry matter 52.28-64.53%, water activity 0.818-0.894 and HMF (5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural) were detected in the range of 5.81-53.40 mg/kg. As a result of microbiological analysis, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, coliform group bacteria and yeast-mold were not detected in any of the samples. In the marmalade samples, the macro minerals Ca, K, P and Mg are ranged from 23.56-425.12 mg/kg, 1275.74-5918.10 mg/kg, 21.98-921.26 mg/kg and 125.50-776.23 mg/kg, respectively. Of the micro-minerals Fe 4034.85-22346.74 µg/kg, Mn 531.63-15065.91 µg/kg, Zn 345.40-6250.76 µg/kg, B 2872.99-7300.37 µg/kg, and Ba were found between 689.31-6455.24 µg/kg. The results of heavy metal analysis showed that marmalade samples were within reliable limits. It is concluded that these fruits, which are not usually consumed as table, but have rich mineral composition, characteristic taste and pleasant aroma, can be evaluated in marmalade production. In the years when the yields of wild fruits are high, it can be processed into products with long shelf life such as jam and marmalade and converted into added value can contribute to the regional economy.

Calcio-herbal formulation, Divya-Swasari-Ras, alleviates chronic inflammation and suppresses airway remodelling in mouse model of allergic asthma by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokine response

Asthma is a chronic allergic respiratory disease with limited therapeutic options. Here we validated the potential anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic and immunomodulatory therapeutic properties of calcio-herbal ayurvedic formulation, Divya-Swasari-Ras (DSR) in-vivo, using mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA) induced allergic asthma. HPLC analysis identified the presence of various bioactive indicating molecules and ICP-OES recognized the presence of Ca mineral in the DSR formulation. Here we show that DSR treatment significantly reduced cardinal features of allergic asthma including inflammatory cell accumulation, specifically lymphocytes and eosinophils in the Broncho-Alveolar Lavage (BAL) fluids, airway inflammation, airway remodelling, and pro-inflammatory molecules expression. Conversely, number of macrophages recoverable by BAL were increased upon DSR treatment. Histology analysis of mice lungs revealed that DSR attenuates inflammatory cell infiltration in lungs and thickening of bronchial epithelium. PAS staining confirmed the decrease in OVA-induced mucus secretion at the mucosal epithelium; and trichrome staining confirmed the decrease in peribronchial collagen deposition upon DSR treatment. DSR reduced the OVA-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α) levels in BALF and whole lung steady state mRNA levels (IL-4, -5, -33, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-1β). Biochemical assays for markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence mechanism confirmed that DSR increases the activity of SOD, Catalase, GPx, GSH, GSH/GSSG ratio and decreases the levels of MDA activity, GSSG, EPO and Nitrite levels in whole lungs. Collectively, present study suggests that, DSR effectively protects against allergic airway inflammation and possess potential therapeutic option for allergic asthma management.

Third Worldwide Occurrence of Juangodoyite, Na2Cu(CO3)2, and Other Secondary Na, Cu, Mg, and Ca Minerals in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline (Lower Silesia, SW Poland)

Na-Cu carbonates are relatively rare secondary minerals in weathering zones of ore deposits. Hereby we describe mineral composition and crystal chemistry of the most important secondary (Na)Cu minerals and their Na- and Mg-bearing associates forming rich paragenesis in Rudna IX mine. A non-bulky Ca-rich dripstone-like paragenesis from Lubin Główny mine is also characterized, using Powder X-Ray Diffraction, Rietveld, and Electron Microprobe methods. Light blue juangodoyite (3rd occurrence worldwide) and darker chalconatronite are the most important members of the Rudna IX paragenesis, being associated with malachite, aragonite (intergrown with hydromagnesite and northupite), and probably cornwallite. Most of the minerals are chemically close to their ideal composition, with minor Mg substitution in malachite. Cu chlorides are mainly represented by clinoatacamite and probably herbertsmithite. Additional, minor phases include trace Cu minerals langite, wroewolfeite, and a lavendulan-group mineral, and monohydrocalcite. Separate halite-rich encrustations are shown to be filled with eriochalcite, ktenasite, and kröhnkite. The most likely to be confirmed coexisting species include paratacamite, wooldridgeite/nesquehonite, johillerite, melanothallite, and kipushite. The Lubin paragenesis mainly comprises aragonite, gypsum, rapidcreekite, and monohydrocalcite, with trace vaterite. Blue colouration is mainly provided by a yet unspecified Ni-, Co-, Mg-, and Mn-bearing Cu-Zn-Ca arsenate mineral close to parnauite.

Use of Amazon Fruits Barks as Source of Nutrients

The barks of fruits are usually discarded as organic waste; a valuable source of nutrients is obtained are used as a starting source in the preparation of functional foods. In this work, the physicochemical properties (pH, titrable acidity and soluble solids), mineral and bromatological analysis of nine Amazonian fruits were studied: abiu, acerola, araçá, bacupari, biribá, camu-camu, fruta-do-conde, araçá and taperebá. The most acidic values stand out for the different fruits, with the exception of the abiu bark (pH = 4.7). As for its nutritional contribution, it was the araçá barks that presented the highest energy value of 276.29 Kcal 100 g-1. Among the macrominerals, the potassium concentration stands out, being the highest concentration for the graviola bark, 521.04 mg 100 g-1 followed by magnesium, where the concentration in the biribá was 64.21 mg 100 g-1. On the other hand, the husks are rich in micronutrients, highlighting the concentration of zinc in the bark of araçá, 12.23 mg 100 g-1 and manganese in the bark of abiu, 6.84 mg 100 g-1. The Pearson correlation coefficient presented a highly significant correlation for Fe-Al (0.96), P-Fe (0.94) and Fe-Zn (0.89). O bligpot of principal components (PCA) explains 56% of the cases, being the minerals Mg, Na, Co, K, S and Ca highly associated for the graviola and bacuparí.

PENGARUH BIODELIGNIFIKASI DAUN SAWIT MENGGUNAKAN KAPANG Phanerochaete Chrysosporium YANG DISUPLEMENTASI DENGAN MINERAL CA TERHADAP KARAKTERISTIK CAIRAN RUMEN SECARA In Vitro

The aims of this research to see the effect of biodelignification of palm leaves using Phanerochaete chrysosporium againts total VFA, NH3 and pH. This study used factorial randomized block design (4x3) with 3 replications. Factor A is a dose of mineral addition in which A0 = 0 ppm Ca mineral, A1 = 1000 ppm Ca mineral, A3 = 1500 ppm Ca mineral, and A4 = 2000 ppm Ca mineral. Factor Y is the time of fermentation Y1 = 10 days, Y2 = 15 days, and Y3 = 20 days. Fermentation of palm leaves using Phanerochaete chrysosporium at a dose of Ca 2000 ppm mineral with a fermentation time of 10 days showed a total of 121.25 mM VFA more than any other treatment, and the amount of NH3 produced 14.80 mg / 100 ml of rumen fluid, and pH ranges from 6.79 to 6.86. The resulting pH is still in a condition where rumen microbes can grow optimally.Keywords: Biodelignification, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, NH3, pH, Volatille Fatty Acid (VFA)

Silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) and locusts as alternative protein sources for high-energy biscuits

Abstract This study explored the possibility of replacing skimmed milk – a core ingredient of High-energy biscuit (HEB), with edible-insects as inexpensive and sustainable alternative sources. HEB was formulated to meet the USAID 2016 (STD) nutritional standards and powdered locust and mulberry silkworm pupae (LP and SWP) at 15% inclusion, were used as alternative protein sources. Preliminary nutrients composition of the insect powders were examined. Physicochemical, sensory and microbial qualities of insect-enriched biscuits (LPB and SWPB) were evaluated and compared with that of skimmed milk (SMB) and STD. Spread ratios of the biscuits were between 7.8 and 11.6 – a technically acceptable range for biscuits. SWP possessed impressive amounts of protein (60.7 g/100 g), fat (23.5 g/100 g) and energy contents (498.93 kcal/100 g), while LP had slightly more fibre (1.4 g/100 g), ash (2.1 g/100 g) and carbohydrate (31.5 g/100 g). LPB and SWPB had relatively similar proximate compositions as SMB with slight variations, and all the HEBs were above USAID minimum standard. SWPB was marginally below requirements for Ca and Mg minerals, but both (SWPB and LPB) had more than twice the recommended pro-vitamin A (918.44 and 957.65 µg/100 g) and vitamin C contents (102.17 and 98.51 mg/100 g). All the samples received reasonably good sensorial rankings; but SMB’s aroma was preferred. Similarly, microbial quality assessment of the products reflected remarkable hygienic sample preparation. These results demonstrated that HEB of significant nutritional, sensorial and microbial qualities could be developed using edible-insects as alternative protein sources.

MAIN MINERALS AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN COMMERCIAL ROASTED AND GROUND COFFEE: AN EXPLORATORY DATA ANALYSIS

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, however, little information is found regarding the mineral composition of commercial roasted and ground coffees (RG) and its correlation with organic bioactive compounds. 21 commercial Brazilian RG coffee brands - 9 traditional (T) and 12 extra strong (ES) roasted ones - were analyzed for the Cu, Ca, Mn, Mg, K, Zn, and Fe minerals, caffeine, 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) and melanoidins contents. For minerals determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), the samples were decomposed by microwave-assisted wet digestion. Caffeine and 5-CQA were determined by liquid chromatography and melanoidins by molecular absorption spectrometry. The minerals and organic compounds contents association in RG coffee was observed by a principal component analysis. The thermostable compounds (minerals and caffeine) were related to dimension 1 and 2, while 5-CQA and melanoidins were related to dimension 3, allowing for the T coffees segmentation from ES ones.

Foliar mineral content of five shrub species with nutritional potential for small ruminants in semiarid regions in northeastern Mexico

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to determine the monthly composition of the minerals Ca, P, K, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in five shrub species that are consumed by small ruminants in the semi-arid regions of northeastern Mexico. Leaves samples of shrub species; Celtis pallida, Croton suaveolens, Forestiera angustifolia, Guaiacum angustifolium and Parkinsonia aculeata were randomly collected during twelve consecutive months from July 2018 to June 2019 in two sites, located in Linares and Los Ramones counties, in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Mineral content was analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, while phosphorus was measured by the colorimetry method. The Linares county showed the highest content of macro- and micro-minerals. Among species, C. pallida showed the highest values of macro-minerals and P. aculeata content of micro-minerals was highest. Ca (total mean = 40.0 g kg-1 DM), K (15.4 g kg-1), Mg (3.7 g kg-1), Fe (87.2 mg kg-1), Mn (35.5 mg kg-1) were available in adequate quantities, while P (1.3 g kg-1 DM), Cu (6.4 mg kg-1) and Zn (17.7 mg kg-1) were found deficient. Shrub species in this study can be considered as a good source of Ca, K, Mg, Fe and Mn except in C. suaveolens. However, P, Cu and Zn must be supplemented.

Experimental research on the characteristics of ash in oxy-fuel combustion

CO2 capture and storage technology plays an important role in global carbon emission reduction, and oxy-fuel combustion is one of the key future technologies. The slagging and deposition characteristics of ash under oxy-fuel combustion restrict the competitiveness and development of this technology. In this study, an ash sample of Shenhua coal was obtained in a flat flame-assisted entrained flow reactor under different conditions, and an X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence probe, and scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive spectrometer were used. The slagging tendency under oxy-fuel combustion was thoroughly analyzed. Results showed that the characteristics of the ash samples obtained under oxy-fuel and air combustion varied. Obvious differences existed in the mineral characteristics and relative content, and these may have affected the slagging characteristics. The presence of Ca in ash was mainly in the form of CaO, and Fe was likely to react with Si, Ca, Al, and other minerals. Compounds with low melting points were generated under oxy-fuel combustion, indicating that the slagging tendency was aggravated. Moreover, the slagging tendency of Shenhua coal in different atmospheres was predicted with common and viscosity slagging indexes, and the result was consistent with the experimental ones. The sphericity of the ash samples obtained under oxy-fuel combustion was better than that of the samples under air combustion.