Content Of Macroelements Research Articles

Phenolic and volatile compounds, total protein content, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of leaves of Palicourea padifolia (Rubiaceae)

Background and Aims: Information on the chemical composition and biological activities of Palicourea padifolia is scarce. This study aimed to 1) measure the total content of nutrients, macroelements, proteins, and secondary metabolites, 2) conduct metabolomic analyses on phenolic and volatile compounds, and 3) assess the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities from the leaves of this species. Methods: The total content of nutrients and macroelements was determined by spectroscopic, spectrometric, and spectrophotometric approaches. The total content of alkaloids, terpenes, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and proteins was determined by spectrophotometric approaches. Volatile and phenolic compounds were identified by gas and liquid chromatography, respectively, coupled to mass spectrometers. The antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, and the antidiabetic potential was determined by the inhibition of α-glucosidase. Key results: The leaves of P. padifolia were rich in Ca, Na, and Mg and exhibited a low protein content. The leaf methanolic extract (LME) contained high levels of alkaloids, phenols, and terpenes, while flavonoids were present at low concentrations. The major phenolic compounds identified were chlorogenic acid, scopoletin, trans-cinnamic acid, and (-)-epicatechin. In addition, a leaf petroleum ether extract (LPE) contained mainly phytol, palmitic acid, (Z)-7-tetradecenal, octadecanoic acid and linoleic acid. The leaves exhibited a high antioxidant capacity, inhibiting DPPH and ABTS radicals, and the LME showed low inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme. Conclusions: Palicourea padifolia leaves had a rich composition of cations such as Ca, Na, and Mg. In addition, the LME contained alkaloids, terpenes, lipids, and phenolics, which support the potent antioxidant capacity. In contrast, the LME exhibited a low inhibition of the α-glucosidase enzyme.

Macro, Trace and Toxic Element Composition in Liver and Meat of Broiler Chicken Associated with Cecal Microbiome Community

The current study presents a meta-analysis of the detailed relationship between the composition of 25 essential and toxic elements in chicken tissues examined by ICP-MS and the gut microbial community analyzed using NGS techniques. The examination of chicken liver and meat revealed typical elemental compositions, called the “elementomes”. The α-elementomes showed high contents of macro elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, P), majority trace elements (Sr, Se, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn) and some toxic elements (B, Pb, Ni, Cd); β-elementomes indicated accumulation of Si, V and Cr; γ-elementomes indicated accumulation of Al, As and Hg. Characterization of the microbiomes’ structure showed two distinct enterotypes, designated “microbiome patterns”; the first was enriched in the phylum Bacteroidota, and the second was dominated by Bacillota and coupled with members of the phyla Actinomycetota, Cyanobacteriota and Thermodesulfobacteriota. A comparison of elementomes and microbiomes demonstrated a clear correspondence between the α- and γ-elementomes belonging to the Bacteroidota-enriched pattern, while the β-elementome was predominantly found in chicken groups belonging to the Bacillota + ACT pattern. This insight proposes a novel strategy to improve deficiency or excess of certain elements in the host by gut microbiome modulation, which needs to be verified with further in vivo experiments.

Spicing up nutrition: investigation of trace elements in some spices locally sold in two markets in Kisumu-Kenya.

Spices are integral to Kenyan cuisine, adding depth of flavour and aroma to dishes. Information on the levels of macro- and micronutrients in these spices is scarce, as they are sold locally in Kisumu City, Kenya; however, these species have medicinal value. The study reports the trace elements composition of eight selected spices (black pepper, cloves, ginger, cardamom, turmeric, cumin, red chillies, and garlic) sold in two open-air markets in Kisumu City. The trace elemental compositions for Zn, Ca, Fe, S, K, Na, P, Mg, Mn, B, Co, Li, Cu, Pb, and Cd were analysed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Ginger had the highest mean concentrations of most essential elements, K (5767.86 ± 43.44mg/kg), Mg (4615.36 ± 76.27mg/kg), B (132.08 ± 0.66mg/kg), Li (33.52 ± 0.84mg/kg), Mn (365.29 ± 2.22mg/kg), and Zn (70.44 ± 0.85mg/kg), followed by Ca (5290.44 ± 147.34mg/kg), Na (1361.88 ± 41.01mg/kg), P (3954.25 ± 122.68mg/kg), and S (4031.88 ± 106.95mg/kg), while turmeric had the lowest. The concentrations of macro-elements in spices from the Kibuye market were slightly higher than those from the Jubilee market; however, these differences were not statistically significant (p < 0.05). Concentrations of Pb and Cd heavy metals were detected and reported for all spices in the two markets, although the levels were below the WHO standard; hence, the spices are safe for use as supplements for essential trace elements in addition to their medicinal uses.

Pengaruh Campuraan Bakteri Pelarut Fosfat dan Bakteri Penambat Nitrogen terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Jagung pada Lahan Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Menghasilkan

Intercropped farming utilizez used open spaces as an alternative to making empty land more productive. In certain periods, oil palm plantations have open spaces that can be used for planting intercropped plants. The problem is, in general, that oil palm plantations are planted on marginal land, such as inceptisol that is weak in phosphate, so if they are planted with palm oil, it is necessary to provide fertilizer with the main macro element content for palms to grow optimally, such as phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). Efforts can be made to meet the P and N requirements by applying combinations of microorganisms such as phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB). The study aims to find out the effect of various dosages of PSB and NFB combinations on the growth and yield of corn crops, as well as the effect of corn crops on the growth and physiology of palm oil crops. The experiment was conducted at the Ciparanje Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University, January to April 2024. The study used a randomized block design (RBD) with six treatments repeated four times. The treatments included the application of a combination of Pseudomonas sp. and Azotobacter sp., which included: 10 kg/ha of PSB and NFB per plant, 20 kg/ha of PSB and NFB per plant, 30 kg/ha of PSB and NFB per plant, 40 kg/ha of PSB and NFB per plant, and 50 kg/ha of PSB and NFB per plant. Experimental results showed that the PSB and NFB mixture increased crop height 5.28%, stem diameter 3.19%, cob length 9.2%, cob diameter 9.8%, dried weight by 100 seeds 14.5%, and dried weight by corn plant 33.46%. The 40 kg/ha and 50 kg/ha dose of PSB and NFB per plant is the most efficient dose for the growth and of palm oil crops producing 2.

Diverse Farming Systems and their Impact on Macro and Microelement Content of Vegetables & Crops.

The present study investigates the effect of conventional and organic farming systems on the nutritional profile of crops. Different crops, namely -millet, sorghum, sesame, mustard, fenugreek, berseem, pea, potato, and onion were cultivated through conventional agriculture in which chemical fertilizers like urea, DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) and pesticides were used and organic farming in which organic fertilizers like seaweed and vermicompost were used. The experimental study was done on a field in north India from 2019 to 2021 in six different seasons, and the nutrient profile of the crops with respect to macroelements (S, K, Na, P, Ca, Mg) and microelements (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Al) was compared. Macro and microelements were analyzed by Element analyzer and ICP-OES in both types of farming systems. The content of macro, as well as microelements, was found to be significantly higher in all the organically produced crops as compared to the conventionally grown crops. Significant differences were observed in the macroelement content of organic onion (P- 900 mg/kg, K-2000mg/kg) and organic pea (K 2250 mg/kg) as compared to the content of conventionally grown onion (P-756 mg/kg, K- 1550 mg/kg) and pea (K-2000 mg/kg). Similarly, microelement content in the organic sesame (Fe - 3.12 mg/kg), organic millet (Fe- 2.19 mg/kg), and organic potato (Zn-200 mg/kg) was higher as compared to conventionally grown sesame (Fe 2.05 mg/kg), millet (Fe- 1.56 mg/kg) and potato (Zn 167 mg/kg). This investigation concludes that crops with optimum nutritional content can be produced through organic farming with minimum input and maximum production.

Batch-to-batch differences in nutritional quality of selected raw and cooked pork offal

With a pressing need to enhance sustainability and reduce waste, harnessing the untapped nutritional wealth buried in by-products of the meat processing industry is more critical than ever. The research was aimed at comparing variation in raw material between batches and establishing a comprehensive database that would serve as a valuable resource for manufacturers seeking to exploit the potential of pork offal. This study is focused on analysing both raw and cooked offal, including liver, heart, kidney, spleen, blood, tongue, esophagus, as well as meat trimmings. Four batches were analysed with regard to their chemical composition, micro- and macro-element content, amino as well as fatty acid profile. The results indicate significant differences in raw material supplies from the same supplier across batches. In our study, all analysed pork offal and meat trimmings exhibited statistically significant variations between individual batches. Furthermore, clustering analysis conducted on the data will be beneficial in optimising recipes and formulations that utilise pork offal. This research may contribute to the sustainable utilization of meat by-products, waste reduction and overall value enhancement in the meat processing industry.

The insights into the activity of the extracts from Polygonum aviculare L. and Pseudomonas fluorescens for enhancing and modeling seed germination and seedling growth of Melilotus officinalis L. Lam

The empirical evidence indicated that chemicals in plants and selected microorganisms can promote the germination process and determine the growth, viability, survival and yield potential of industrial crop plants. The main objective of this study was exploring the phytochemical and microbiological synergistic activity between plant extracts from Polygonum aviculare L. and beneficial bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens to enhance germination of Melilotus officinalis seeds and improve morphological characteristics of seedlings. The derived plant preparations were analyzed qualitatively, which showed that the aqueous extracts of P. aviculare were characterized by a higher content of phenolic compounds, micro- and macroelements and carbohydrates compared to the macerates, and that no phytohormones were detected in both the infusions and macerates. Pure macerates (MAC), infusions (IF), bacterial cultures (PF) and their mixtures (MAC+PF; INF+PF) were used for seed treatment of test plants. In the control group, lower values of M. officinalis seed germination and seedling growth rates were observed in relation to the applied treatments. The most effective germination rates were obtained after the application of pure infusions (IF) and their mixture with P. fluorescens (IF+PF), while the highest growth rates (including an almost twofold increase in the length of the nostril shoots compared to the control) were obtained after the application of P. fluorescens inoculum (PF) and the mixture of the infusion and these bacteria (IF+PF).The use of modeling, as a tool for predicting germination efficiency, has been shown to provide screening opportunities for identifying the effectiveness of biostimulant treatments. Thereby, this indicates the need to develop such an approach under field conditions.

STUDYING INDICATORS OF CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS OF MACROELEMENTS CONCENTRATION IN HUMAN SALIVA UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS

Seasonal and circadian research in the field of chronobiology and chronomedicine is currently of particular interest to scientists. Chronobiology has discovered previously unknown approaches to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases. For biological objects, as an open thermodynamic system, in their development have absorbed all the laws of the rhythmically oscillating external world and interact with it with the help of these vibrations. Therefore, at the present stage of the development of chronobiology, any research that fills, like bricks, still empty niches of new knowledge reflects the advanced frontiers of natural science and is included in the creation of a future general theory of biology. This is confirmed by a number of discoveries of scientists in the field of physics, physiology and medicine. Thus, a group of scientists became laureates of the Nobel Prize in physics in 2017 for the discovery of gravitational waves, and in the field of physiology and medicine, a number of scientists (Hall, Rosbash, Young) became Nobel laureates for a series of works on the topic: "Studying the mechanisms of the circadian dynamics of the body." Today, chronobiology can characterize periodic fluctuations of, perhaps, all organs, all body systems. A large amount of data has been accumulated on the daily and seasonal rhythms of the digestive and urinary tract organs, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, brain, etc. A violation of biorhythms can lead to the development of defects in oral and maxillofacial tissues, the development of inflammation and tumors, which affects cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, etc. The main purpose of this work was to study the characteristics of circadian rhythms of macroelement concentrations in human saliva under normal conditions. A feature of the research work is the determination of the concentration of macroelements in saliva in the summer. The saliva of 12 healthy volunteers was taken as the study material. Age 22-30 years. The method of spectrophotometry was used in this research work. The research work was carried out in the summer at the Department of Biophysics, Biomedicine and Neuroscience of the al-Farabi Kazakh National University and at the City Clinical Hospital №1 in Almaty. During the study, a saliva sample was collected on 1.5 ml of Eppendorf. All samples were stored in the freezer. Before the experiment, the material was soaked at room temperature for 30-40 minutes. Using the spectrophotometric method, we determined the concentration of macroelements in saliva using a set of special reagents. We have identified the features of the daily dynamics of the concentration of macroelements in the saliva of healthy people in summer: K, Na, Ca, Mg and P. The concentration of macroelements varied widely throughout the day. As a result of the study, the concentration index of K during the day normally ranges from 528±36 µg/ml to 634±42 µg/ml; Na - from 153.4±19.8 µg/ml to 144.9±25.1 µg/ml; Ca-from 35.4±4.0 µg/ml to 45.5±5.1 µg/ml; Mg-from 2.12±0.15 µg/ml to 4.02±0.25 µg/ml and P-from 134.5±7.7 µg/ml to 151.6±10.1 µg/ml. Summing up, we have identified the features of the daily dynamics of the concentration of macroelements in the saliva of healthy people in summer. In summer, the daily dynamics of the concentration of macroelements in saliva ranged from 2.12±0.15 µg/ml (Mg) to 634±12 µg/ml (K).

Elemental composition of post-wildfire biomass ashes and partly burned woody species in Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic.

The study explored the post-wildfire elemental composition of parts (wood, bark, branch, cone, trunk, litter, twig, needle, sward, fallow, sapling, etc.) and by-products (biomass ashes, partly burnt parts, and char) of different woody species in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic, and considered their effects on soils. Multi-elemental analysis of the fire by-products of the woody species was determined with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry and mass spectrometry and compared with control biomass samples unaffected by wildfire. Most fire by-products were slightly alkaline, with acidic ashes obtained from blueberry wood. The by-products of the wildfire were characterized by varied total contents of macro (P, Ca, K, Mg, and S), micro (Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn), and other elements (B, Co, Mo, and V) vital to soil fertility and plant growth. The mean content of macro elements in the biomass ashes was up to 4.16 P, 23.5 Ca, 2.48Mg, 63K, and 5.57 S g kg-1. These values were comparatively lower than published data for ashes obtained under optimized conditions, e.g., those combusted in power generation facilities. Conversely, partly burnt parts-an indication of incomplete combustion-had higher 9.22 P, 79 Ca, and 5.99Mggkg-1 contents in spruce needles than in biomass ashes and the control. Variations in woody species and anthropogenic activities in areas of wildfires produced varied As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb contents above EU fertilizer regulation. Caution in applying biomass ashes from wildfires on fields is required due to risk/toxic elements input from anthropogenic activities. Wildfire effects on the elemental composition of woody species can provide information on plant parts most suitable for biomass ashes for soil and ecosystem safety.

Possibilities of comprehensive rehabilitation in combination with vitamin and mineral preparations for patients who have undergone hospitalization COVID-19 form

Relevance. Rehabilitation of patients who have suffered severe and moderate COVID-19 is an urgent task of modern medicine. Today, the most important are rehabilitation measures for people who have undergone hospitalization. The goal is to study. The possibility of comprehensive rehabilitation of patients who have suffered hospital-acquired COVID-19, incl. using vitamin and mineral preparations. Materials and methods. A total of 195 consecutively recruited patients were examined. There were 2 groups of patients: with moderate severity (111 (56.92 %)) and severe severity (84 (43.0 %)). After discharge from the hospital, patients were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group A — 47 patients who received a rehabilitation complex, including therapeutic physical education (therapeutic and breathing exercises), physiotherapeutic treatment (inhalation and respiratory support) in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health Russian Federation, drug therapy in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (anticoagulant therapy, if indicated — HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, oral hypoglycemic therapy, ACE inhibitors and sartans); Group B — 49 patients who, in addition to the above methods, received vitamin preparations (vitamin D 1500 IU/day and vitamin C 30 mg/day); Group B — 48 patients who, in addition to the above methods, received mineral preparations (zinc 15 mg/day and selenium 70 mcg/day); Group D — 51 patients who, in addition to the above methods, received vitamins and mineral preparations in the previously indicated doses for groups B and C. The dynamics of mineral metabolism parameters were assessed. Results. During the examination of patients upon discharge from the hospital, a change in the content of macroelements was established: an increase in the level of potassium, sodium, sulfur and a decrease in calcium, as well as microelements: an increase in antimony and barium and a decrease in zinc, selenium and silicon. The most pronounced positive effect in terms of increasing the levels of essential macro- and microelements in the body (zinc, selenium and iron) in patients who had hospitalized COVID-19 was observed when using rehabilitation complexes in combination with vitamin and mineral preparations.

Physicochemical and textural properties of gummy candies prepared with fruit vinegar

Foods with additional functional value derived from natural sources are becoming more and more in demand these days, including confectionary products. Therefore, the study aimed to develop a gummy candy recipe, enriched with different fruit vinegars and determine the components' effect on the products' mineral, acid, sugar, antioxidant, and polyphenol content, and texture of the confectionery products with analytical methods. In terms of macroelement content, potassium was present in the largest amount in the tested candies (167.87 and 178.83 mg kg-1) and liquid ingredients (57,71–306.93 mg kg-1). In the case of microelements, iron (4.81, 4.79 mg kg-1) and boron (4.62, 4.49 mg kg-1) were significant in the products, iron is also found in gelatin in significant quantities (3.51 mg kg-1), however, boron came exclusively from fruit-derived components (1.02–9.40 mg kg-1). Among the tested organic acids, malic acid (21.67–46.12 mg g-1), and acetic acid (47.74–50.06 mg g-1) were significant in both the raw materials and products, while the fructose content (2.44–439.35 mg g-1) was prominent among the sugars, but the glucose (75.99–163.44 mg g-1) and sucrose (73.61–157.00 mg g-1) content were also significant. Unfortunately, the polyphenol (1.37–1.46 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant (0.29–0.75 mg AAE/g) content of the products was not significant, maybe because of their heat sensitivity. In terms of the texture of the candies, the two candies prepared with different fruit vinegars had similar textural properties, however, in terms of hardness (3523.10 N/m2), gumminess (3266.25 N/m2), and chewiness (3425.33 N/m2) the gummy candy with apple cider vinegar proved to be better. Unlike many other confectionery products, the sugar content of the developed product is provided only by the used the apple concentrate, it does not contain added sugar or sweeteners. The addition of fruit vinegars has been proven to have a positive effect on the nutritional values of candies. By replacing gelatin with another gelling agent, the product can also be prepared in a vegan form.

Proximate composition, fatty acid characteristics, amino acid profile and mineral content of fish Acanthurus sohal

The study's objective was to explore the chemical composition of Acanthurus sohal fish flesh and their nutritional quality. Fish samples were caught in the Red Sea, prepared, and analysed for proximate composition, fatty acid, amino acid and mineral content. The results revealed that fish flesh contained 71.1 % moisture, 20.7 % crude protein, 5 % crude lipids and 1.7 % ash. The fatty acids were dominant by 61.93 % saturated fatty acids. Palmitic was the most common (40.35 %) saturated fatty acids, while monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids accounted for 22.59 % and 15.48 %, respectively. The fish fat consisted of appreciable amounts of odd-numbered fatty acids heptadecanoic and heptadecenoic acids standing for 1.62 % and 1.45 %, respectively. The fatty acids were predominated by C16, C18 and C20 fatty acids. The percentage of n-6/n-3 reached 2.26. Seventeen amino acids were identified in A. sohal flesh protein, eight of which were essential amino acids (EAAs); they amounted to 375.47 mg/g crude protein. Lysine was the most common EAA (64.49 mg/g crude protein). Aromatic amino acid and sulphur amino acid constituted 112.43 and 47.56 mg/g protein, respectively. The following macroelement concentration ranking was identified: Ca > P > K > Na > Mg, while the concentration of vital elements was Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > I > Se > Co.

Bioaccumulation of metals in muscle tissues of economically important fish species from black sea Lagoon lakes in Türkiye: Consumer health risk and nutritional value assessment

This study is the first comprehensive investigation into the levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the muscle tissues of various fish species (Carassius gibelio, Squalis cephalus, Esox lucius, and Tinca tinca) in Lagoon Lakes Akgöl and Semenit (LLAS), Samsun, Türkiye. A multidisciplinary approach was employed, integrating elemental analysis, health risk assessment, and source identification techniques to evaluate the distribution, sources, and health risks of PTE contamination in fish. The mean concentrations of toxic and trace elements (µg/kg) were determined in ascending order: Cd (5) < Co (8) < Cr (18) = Pb (18) < Ni (66) < As (163) < Cu (290) < Mn (798) < Fe (6150) < Zn (6250). In contrast, the concentrations of macro elements are provided in units of mg/kg, as follows: Mg (391) < Na (677) < Ca (1698) < P (2314) < K (3837), with notable variations across species. Health risk assessment methodologies indicated that PTE levels in fish muscle tissues generally fell below regulatory limits, indicating their safety for consumption. Noncarcinogenic risk assessment further documented the safety of consuming these fish species, with elevated maximum safe consumption quantity (MSCQ) values observed for all metals. In addition, the estimated daily intake of PTEs was found to be below reference doses, confirming the safety of consumption. Esox lucius demonstrated a highest abundance of essential nutrients (e.g., Ca, K, Mg, and P). Source identification techniques indicated that residential waste, lithogenic materials, and agricultural practices are significant contributors to PTE contamination. Overall, this research stresses the importance of monitoring PTE levels in fish, ensuring food safety and protect human health.

Chemical composition and nutritional characteristics of popular wild edible mushroom species collected from North-Western Romania

Wild edible mushrooms contain substances of nutritional and biological importance for humans, but they can also accumulate potentially toxic elements. The study aimed to determine the proximate composition, fatty acids profile and content of 18 elements (As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Zn) in four species of popular wild edible mushrooms (Agaricus campestris, Boletus edulis, Lepiota Procera, and Russula cyanoxantha) collected from NW Romania. The analysed mushrooms contained 22 – 28 % proteins and 2 – 5 % lipids dry weight (dw) basis, in which the total unsaturated fatty acids contents prevailed over saturated fatty acids. The average contents (mg kg−1dw) of the essential macroelements were: 22900 (K), 5500 (P), 1920 (S), 1250 (Na), 701 (Ca), and 565 (Mg). The contents of potentially toxic elements were lower and decreased in the order of Zn>Fe>Cu>Mn>Cr>Hg>Ni>Pb>As>Cd. The toxicity of these elements is related to the ingested amounts, and thus the health risk was assessed considering their contents. The obtained scores indicated non-carcinogenic health risks, primarily because of the high Hg contents, and children’s vulnerability compared to adults. Fortunately, no carcinogenic risk was indicated for the ingestion of the studied mushrooms.

Toxicological risk assessment using spring water quality indices in plateaus of Giresun Province/Türkiye: a holistic hydrogeochemical data analysis

Water scarcity is a growing concern due to rapid urbanization and population growth. This study assesses spring water quality at 20 stations in Giresun province, Türkiye, focusing on potentially toxic elements and physicochemical parameters. The Water Quality Index rated most samples as "excellent" during the rainy season and "good" during the dry season, except at stations 4 (40° 35′ 12″ North/38° 26′ 34″ East) and 19 (40° 44′ 28″ North/38° 06′ 53″ West), indicating "poor" quality. Mean macro-element concentrations (mg/L) were: Ca (34.27), Na (10.36), Mg (8.26), and K (1.48). Mean trace element values (μg/L) were: Al (1093), Zn (110.54), Fe (67.45), Mn (23.03), Cu (9.79), As (3.75), Ni (3.00), Cr (2.84), Pb (2.70), Co (1.93), and Cd (0.76). Health risk assessments showed minimal non-carcinogenic risks, while carcinogenic risk from arsenic slightly exceeded safe limits (CR = 1.75E−04). Higher arsenic concentrations during the rainy season were due to increased recharge, arsenic-laden surface runoff, and human activities. Statistical analyses (PCA, PCC, HCA) suggested that metals and physico-chemical parameters originated from lithogenic, anthropogenic, or mixed sources. Regular monitoring of spring water is recommended to mitigate potential public health risks from waterborne contaminants.

Nutritional, Phytochemical, and Rheological Profiles of Different Oat Varieties and Their Potential in the Flour Industry

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate from a nutritional, phytochemical, and rheological point of view different varieties/lines of oats cultivated in Romania. In this sense, the proximate composition (proteins, lipids, mineral substances, starch, and carbohydrates), the total polyphenols content (TPC) of individual polyphenols and macro and microelements of 20 oat varieties/lines were determined. In order to evaluate the potential for use in the flour industry (pasta, bread, and biscuits)., a variety of oats with optimal nutritional properties and active principles was used to obtain oat/wheat composite flours in different proportions (10–30% oat flour) and subjected to rheological analysis using the Chopin Mixolab test (Chopin Technologies, Paris, France) The results showed a protein content between 14.36–17.08%, lipid content between 6.01–9.03%, starch between 44.13–52.95%, total mineral substances between 0.93–1.65%, carbohydrates between 65.16–69.32% and energy value between 389.81–409.86 kcal/100 g. The TPC content varied between 614.76–1244.58 µgGAE/g, and the average values of individual polyphenols were between 1.87 μg/g (rosmarinic acid) and 28.18 μg/g (gallic acid). Regarding the macroelements content, potassium (K) was the major element (203.19 μg/g), followed by calcium (Ca) (181.71 μg/g) and magnesium (Mg) (105.79 μg/g). The level of microelements varied between 3.02 μg/g for nickel (Ni) and 60.25 μg/g for iron (Fe). Multivariate data analysis PCA was used to correlate the obtained data. The rheological analysis using the MIXOLAB system proved that, from the point of view of technological properties, composite flours from a mixture of 10–30% oat and wheat flour are the best for obtaining biscuit dough, compared to pasta or pan bread. Following the study and based on nutritional, phytochemical and rheological results, line 2511 was selected as optimal for use in obtaining hypoglycemic flour foods for people with diabetes.

Effect of foliar chelated forms spraying on grape yield and mineral status of shoots

The aim of this study was to evaluate the foliar chelated forms of Mg and Fe, on grape yield and mineral status of the shoots of vine cultivar Cardinal. Field trials were organized using a random block system with three variants, including a control (Variant I), each replicated three times. Foliar fertilizers were applied at a concentration of 0.5% on four occasions throughout the vegetation period: before and after blooming, during buckshot berry stage, and at the verasion stage. Over the ivestigation of three years, the application of foliar Mg and Fe fertilizers significantly influenced grape yield. The variant treated with Fe (VFe) demonstrated a higher average yield of 14.87 t/ha. Furthermore, a noticeable impact of foliar fertilizers on the concentration of analyzed elements in grapevine shoots was observed. Over the three-year period, the average content of macro elements, including nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and iron, was higher in the treated variants compared to the control. Additionally, results from shoot tissue analysis confirmed the existence of an antagonistic relationship between magnesium and potassium.

The Effects of Frass and Vermicompost Fertilization on the Biometrical Parameters of Plant and Soil Quality, and the Rhizobiome, in Red Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Cultivation

Insect frass and vermicompost hold potential applications as fertilizers, with their abilities to improve plant resilience against unfavorable environmental conditions and increase their resistance to pests and diseases. In this study, we explored the effects of vermicompost fertilization, mealworm frass, and superworm frass as potential plant fertilizers for red beet cultivation. We analyzed the connections among chemical parameters, rhizobiome structure and function, and the biometrics of fertilizer-treated plants. In general, soils enriched with vermicompost and superworm frass exhibited the highest macroelement contents. Dry superworm frass fertilization was characterized by the increased availabilities of total nitrogen, NH4-N, and NO3-N. The use of vermicompost and mealworm frass resulted in significantly higher red beet biomass values. The presence of the highest N-fixation potential and key hormonal substances involved in plant development, such as auxins and gibberellins, was demonstrated using wet superworm frass. The results indicated that wet superworm frass, similar to vermicompost and dry superworm frass, exhibits high chemoheterotrophic potential. This suggests an r-type strategy and high adaptive flexibility of rhizobial bacteria. As a consequence, both life in the root zone and the microbiome itself may be better adapted to sudden, unfavorable environmental changes or attacks by plant pathogens.

Mineral Components, Organic Matter Quality and Soil Enzymatic Activity under the Influence of Differentiated Farmyard Manure and Nitrogen Fertilisation

Research was carried out on the impact of long-term use of cattle manure (30 t ha−1 FYM) and various doses of N (0, 40, 60 and 120 t ha−1) in the form of ammonium nitrate on the following soil parameters: salinity, hydrolytic acidity, total exchangeable base cations, cation exchange capacity, degree of base saturation of the sorption complex, total organic carbon and total nitrogen content, dissolved organic matter, fractional composition of organic matter and content of bioavailable macroelements: phosphorus, potassium and magnesium in the soil of a multi-year static field experiment. The activities of dehydrogenases, catalase, alkaline and acid phosphatase and proteases were also tested. A significant effect of FYM and N fertilisation on the content of bioavailable macroelements was found. The application of manure at a dose of 30 t ha−1 mitigated the negative effects of the application of N at a dose of 120 kg ha−1. A higher content of total organic carbon (8.42 g kg−1) and humic acid fraction (1761 mg kg−1) and higher values of the CHA/CFA ratio (0.79; parameters that are indicators of soil quality) were found in the soil fertilised with manure compared to the soil without manure added (TOC—7.00 g kg−1; CHAs—1285 mg kg−1; CHAs/CFAs 0.66). The activity of the tested enzymes was also significantly determined by the applied fertilisation. Enzyme activity was highest in the soil to which manure had been applied. Nitrogen fertilisation varied in its impact on the activity of enzymes according to the specifics of each enzyme. The content of humic acids and CHA/CFA values correlated positively with the content of soil minerals and the activity of dehydrogenases, catalase, alkaline and acid phosphatase and GMea and TEI indices. Dehydrogenases and acid phosphatase can be considered enzymes that take part in transforming organic matter towards the formation of FAs.

Makroelementi u mlijeku lakon ovaca u ovisnosti o stadiju laktacije

This research aspires to demonstrate how the stage of lactation influences the content of macroelements in the Lacaune sheep milk. The research was conducted with 30 Lacaune sheep in their fourth lactation during the early (60 days), middle (120 days), and late lactation stages (180 days). The macroelement concentration (Ca, K, Na, and Mg) of the Lacaune sheep milk was determined by the ICP. As lactation progressed, a significant increase in the concentrations of Mg and Na and a significant decrease in K were observed in the Lacaune sheep milk. A stability of Ca and P concentrations during lactation was demonstrated by the lack of significant variation in the Lacaune sheep milk, based on the stage of lactation. A significant positive correlation was detected between Ca:Mg, Ca:P, and K:P, as well as a significant negative correlation between Mg:K and K:Na. The obtained results prove a significant effect of lactation stage on the content of most macroelements in the Lacaune sheep milk, except Ca and P, which should be included in the research scheme.