Content Of Macroelements Research Articles

Effect of Production System on Chemical Composition and Macro-Minerals of Sudanese camels Milk

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the production system effect on camel milk composition and macro-elements content in Sudan.
 Methodology: Sample purchased from camel milk production markets (Albutana- Tumbool, Kordfan-Elobied, and Khartoum-Alsalam market) in 6 replicates.
 Findings: There were no difference in moisture, and protein % among camel milk from different area, on the other hand there were significantly different in fat and ash content % with highest values for Khartoum camel milk and lowest values for Kordofan camel milk. Macro-minerals (Na, K, Mg, Ca, and P) content in camel milk were determined and there was different content. Ca, Na, K, Mg and P higher in Khartoum camel milk and lowest content values for Kordofan camel milk. The study was extended to determine soil macro-elements contents in Albutana and Kordofan areas which were fed by grazing system, and ignored soil in Khartoum whereas camels lives in a farm.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Camels produce more milk of high nutritional quality and for a longer period of time than other species in an environment that might be rightly termed as hostile in terms of extreme temperature, drought and lack of pasture, in Sudan camel’s milk constitutes the sole diet of camel herders for considerable periods and they rely completely on camel’s milk for more than month without having drinking water especially during the migratory routes. Camel milk from different areas and production system had different chemical content in fat and ash % and similar in moisture and protein %, within the same season. However, macro-minerals in camel milk increasing by soil macro minerals contents specially on grazing system.

Macronutrient Content in European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Seedlings Grown in Differently Compacted Peat Substrates in a Container Nursery

The macroelement (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium) contents in individual parts of 1-year-old seedlings (leaves, shoots, root system) of the common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) were investigated. The seedlings were grown in nine different densities of peat substrate (0.196–0.317 g cm−3) in 265 cm3 containers. It was found that substrate compaction influenced macroelement content in the seedlings. With an increase in substrate compaction, there was a decrease in macroelement content in the leaves (except for N). The macroelement contents derived from this study were compared to the optimal contents indicated in the literature. Studies have shown that the availability of Mg is of great importance for the growth of beech seedlings. The least-compacted substrate allowed for the best root growth in the seedlings, which translated into a higher Mg uptake, resulting in a better dry-mass shoot to root ratio. Our findings confirmed that the lowest compaction of a peat substrate (0.196 g cm−3 actual density) containing dolomite is the best for cultivating common beech under foliar fertilization in 265 cm3 containers.

Effect of organic amendment on soil characteristics and the uptake of nickel by Odontarrhena chalcidica

A comparative research on the impact of organic amendments on the soil characteristic and uptake of heavy metals, micro and macroelements of Odontarrhena chalcidica has been carried out. Experiments have been implemented in controlled conditions. The serpentine soil used in this experiment was sampled from the vicinity of the village Kazak, Bulgaria. The pot experiment was a randomized complete block design containing 9 treatments and three replications (27 pots). The treatments consisted of a control (no organic meliorants), and compost, vermicompost, biochar and activated carbon (added at 2.5% and 5.0%, respectively, recalculated based on dry soil weight). The application of organic additives to the soil influences the physicochemical properties and leads to an increase in organic matter and the content of macroelements (P, K, Ca and Mg) and trace elements (Fe, Mn, Zn) in the soil. The application of organic additives to the soil affects the uptake of Ni, micro and macroelements by Odontarrhena chalcidica. Plant biomass increased significantly, and there was a clear correlation between the amount of supplement applied and the increase in biomass. Organic additives had a positive effect on yield, influenced by the type of additive and dose. Ni yield was 3 times higher in the variants with 5% compost and 2.5% vermicompost input. The application of biochar resulted in a twofold decrease in Ni yield, while the application of activated carbon resulted in a marginal increase.

The Extent of Burn Injury Significantly Affects Serum Micro- and Macroelement Concentrations in Patients on the First Day of Hospitalisation.

Burns exceeding 30% of total body surface area (TBSA) result in considerable hypovolemia coupled with the formation and release of inflammatory mediators, leading to subsequent systemic effects known as burn shock. Because of plasma exudation and the associated losses of large quantities of minerals, severe burns can lead to nutritional deficiencies and consequently disrupt homeostasis and metabolism of the entire body. The study group comprised 62 patients, who were divided into 3 groups according to the severity of burns. Serum samples were tested for concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn, P, K, Zn, Cu, Fe, Se, Na, Cr, Ni, and Al. The mineral concentrations in serum of patients with burn injuries differ significantly from reference values, but this is not affected by the extent of the body burn. There are statistically significant decreases in serum concentrations of elements important for antioxidant protection (Zn, Cu, Se), and significant increases in the concentrations of toxic elements (Al and Ni), which may aggravate the effects associated with the state of burn shock. The Spearman rank correlation analysis did not reveal any statistically significant relationships between the serum concentrations of Mn, Ni, Al, K, Na, P, Mg, Zn, Se, Cr and the affected body surface area and severity of the burn—the values were at the lower end of the reference range. The obtained results indicate that proper nutrition, including elements replenishment, is extremely important in the recovery process of burn patients and time to nutrition is an important factor affecting patient survival after severe burn.

Comparative Analysis of Heavy Metals Concentration in Soil and Vegetable (Celosia argentea) Collected from Two Sampling Sites and Their Effect on the Plant’s DNA Stability

This study investigated the quantities of heavy metals including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)in soil samples and in the organs (leaf, stem and root) of Celosia argentea collected from a dumpsite (at Ojota) and a farmland (at Badagry) in Lagos, Nigeria. Additionally, the macroelement content of the soils and the effect of heavy metal soil contamination on C. argentea DNA stability was analysed. Heavy metals and NPK concentrations in the soil samples and organs of C. argentea were evaluated using standard techniques. The results of this study revealed that the microelement were more abundant in the soil collected from the dumpsite. Likewise, all the heavy metals (Cd,Cr,Cu,Pb and Zn) investigated in this study were detected in higher quantities in the dumpsite soil. Notably, the concentration of the metals was within the WHO/FAO limits in the soils collected from both sampling sites save Zn which was 660.260 mg/kg and 449.180mg/kg in the dumpsite and farmland respectively. The concentration of heavy metals in the C. argentea organs in this research were higher in samples collected from the dumpsite and Zn was the most accumulated on both the dumpsite and farmland. The highest amount (95.987 mg/kg) of Zn was by C. argentea root collected from the dumpsite while the least amount (15.380 mg/kg) was detected in C. argentea stem collected from the farmland. The DNA base pairs were not visibly fragmented in the samples C. argentea collected from the control and dumpsite sites. Although most of the heavy metals detected in C. argentea were in negligible quantities, the soils and the vegetable appear to be Zn-contaminated and unsafe for consumption. Keywords: Heavy Metal, DNA, vegetables, biomagnifications, Bioaccumulation, Dumpsites Farmlands

Effect of boiling and roasting processing on nutritional quality of two Sudanese peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) cultivars

AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the effect of boiling, roasting and boiling followed by roasting treatments on the nutritional quality of two Sudanese peanut cultivars, Sodari and Madani. Both cultivars are rich in fat content, protein content and bioavailability of macroelements and microelements. The thermal treatments were critical, reduced the antinutrients factors, and significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the in vitro protein digestibility of the peanut samples. The highest values 78% and 79.2%, for Madani and Sodari cultivars, were obtained after boiling and roasting processing. However, the thermal processing caused a reduction in the vitamin E content of peanuts. In general, boiled and roasted peanuts could serve as a critical, underutilized by‐product, particularly after combining boiling and roasting treatments, for potential applications in food formulations.

The content of microand macroelements in the oral fluid at different intensity of dental caries

Introduction. Due to the high prevalence of caries, the monitoring of enamel and dentin state remains an actual problem in dentistry and contributes to the development of new methods for diagnosing and predicting a cariogenic situation in the oral cavity. One of these methods is the study of the remineralization and demineralization processes in the oral cavity and of the microelements′ and macroelements′ level in the oral fluid.The aim of the study is to research the level of macroand microelements in the oral fluid in patients with different intensity of dental caries.Materials and methods. 13 people aged 21 to 35 were examined, including 10 women and 3 men. Based on the results of the dental examination, 2 groups of subjects were formed: 1st (n=4) healthy individuals and patients with a compensated form of caries; 2st (n=9) patients with decompensated form of caries. The subjects collected oral fluid by spitting into a test tube on an empty stomach, after brushing their teeth and rinsing their mouth three times with distilled water. Three samples were taken from each subject on different days, a total of 39 samples. The content of elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, P, Mn) was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.Results. An increase in the content of most microand macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg and P) in the oral fluid was found in patients with decompensated caries compared with the compensated form and healthy people (p<0,05). Perhaps, in the absence of a carious process or compensated caries, the mineral components are concentrated in hard tissues and the remineralization-restoration processes of the tooth mineral structures prevail.Conclusion. The study of the content of Na, K, Ca, Mg and P in the oral fluid can be used to diagnose and predict the course of the carious process.

Carbon, nitrogen and their stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) records in two peat deposits of Central Siberia: raised bog of middle taiga and palsa of forest-tundra ecotone

The peatlands in the northern hemisphere accumulated substantially more atmospheric carbon (C) during the Holocene than other terrestrial ecosystems. In this study we applied a multi-proxy record to distinguish variations in dynamics of two peatlands in the boreal belt (raised bog) and the forest-tundra ecotone (palsa mire) in Central Siberia. Carbon and nitrogen content in peatland soils and their stable isotope composition δ13C and δ15Μ) were used to trace likely changes of hydrothermal regimes, vegetation shifts and diagenetic alteration of accumulated peat. Several inter-related allogenic and autogenic forcings have influenced the changes in macroelement content and stable isotope composition of peat with depth. In particular, there were climate-induced and succession-driven vegetation community shifts in domination of plants characterized by specific nutrient requirements, nutrient stoichiometry and fractionation of stable isotope values. The climate and permafrost-mediated processes like hummock uplift affected 13C uptake by Sphagnum mosses in wet and dry periods and changing hydrothermal conditions in peat profiles resulted in perturbations of the nitrogen cycle inducing N loss and enrichment 15N abundance, as well as enhanced decomposition was responsible for enrichment of organic matter in the heavier isotopes. These findings confirm the hypothesis that combined use of elemental and stable isotope composition provide meaningful insights in tracing the hydrothermal conditions and the functional state of peatbogs for paleoecological and paleoclimate reconstructions.

Physiological behavior and nutritional status of almond scion-rootstock combinations in a high-density planting system under warm Mediterranean conditions

• High-density planting with new almond cultivars and Prunus rootstocks in warm area. • SPAD and Fv/Fm affected by the scion-rootstock combinations and the monitoring year. • Significant differences in mineral status among almond cultivars on Prunus rootstocks. • DOP analysis demonstrated low values on less vigorous rootstock R40 than Garnem. • R40 suitable for high-density with medium canopy and balanced nutritional status. • Guara, Lauranne and Tuono on R40 best choice for physiological and mineral parameters. Nowadays, the new tendency for a high-density plantings system for almond requires smaller and more efficient canopies. In this way, appropriate scion-rootstock combination is an important factor in adapting to local conditions and specific training systems. This investigation was dedicated to identify the most suitable scion-rootstock combination for high-density planting of almond under warm Mediterranean conditions. Four almond cultivars ‘Lauranne’, ‘Tuono’, ‘Guara’ and ‘Belona’ budded on two Prunus rootstocks ‘Garnem’ and ‘Rootpac-40′ (R40) and planted at 2m×4m spacing were followed for five successive years. Measurements focused on physiological parameters and the mineral foliar analysis. As a result, strong variability between the scion-rootstock combinations of almond was observed. For all surveyed parameters, significant effects of rootstock, cultivar, and year and their interactions were recorded. Less tree vigor was induced by ‘R40’ with similar medium tree vigor obtained with ‘Lauranne’, ‘Tuono’, and ‘Belona’ cultivars, whereas ‘Guara’ performed the lowest vigor. A significant yearly difference in vigor level could be related to local conditions and crop yield with negative impact during warm and drought year. For physiological parameters, SPAD and quantum yield Fv/Fm values were significantly affected by the scion-rootstock combinations and the monitoring year. ‘Belona’ and ‘Tuono’ performed high SPAD and Fv/Fm values on ‘Garnem’ and ‘Lauranne’ and ‘Guara’ showed the high SPAD and Fv/Fm values on ‘R40’. Mineral tree status revealed differences in leaf macronutrient and micronutrient content for almond cultivars on Prunus rootstocks. Optimal macro elements contents ​​were detected for ‘Guara’ and ‘Lauranne’ on ‘R40’. However, variable microelements contents were observed within different combinations. DOP analysis demonstrated low values on ‘R40’ with the best-balanced and highest imbalanced nutritional status (average ∑DOP index) performed by ‘Lauranne’/‘R40’ and ‘Belona’/‘R40’, respectively. In conclusion, less vigorous rootstock ‘R40’ seems to perform well in high-density planting almond orchards in a warm area. Their best performances were associated with ‘Guara’, ‘Lauranne’ and ‘Tuono’. These scion-rootstock combinations inducing size-controlling effect could be considered to implement a new high-density planting system for almond in a warm area.

The role of total Na in the retention of microelements in soils on marine deposits

The influence of alkalinity and other factors on the content of microelements in soils developed on marine deposits is studied. Traditional indicators of exchangeable sodium percentage do not demonstrate the ability to retain microelements, but one can see a close direct correlation between the content of macroelements and the retention of microelements. The efficiency of this group is increased if we take into account the concentration of total Na. The element compositions of soil were determined by neutron activation method. The results show that the Na-related alkalinity of soil can enhance the role of the main macroelements and increase the dispersibility of particles and their aggregating capacity relative to the microelements. The microelement composition was also determined in Gleyic Solonchaks using the Zn concentration due to the anionogenic composition of gley.

Plant Performance and Soil Fungal Community Impacts of Enhancing Dioscorea opposita with Spraying Foliar Fertilizer with Different Nutrient Element Combinations

Foliar fertilization, an effective method to regulate plant nutrition has attracted much attention. In this study, the effects of different foliar fertilizers (F1: NPK formulation, F2: NPK+Fe-Mn-Zn formulation, F3: Fe-Mn-Zn formulation, and CK: deionized water) on plant growth, chemical composition, rhizosphere soil properties, and fungal community of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. were assessed by a field plot experiment. Rhizosphere fungal community was examined via Illumina MiSeq sequencing of ITS2 rRNA genes. Spraying foliar fertilizer directly affected the growth and chemical content of the plant, which depends on different foliar fertilizers. Ascomycota and Moraxella were the dominant fungal phyla. Nutrient elements were the main factors affecting fungal composition, and soil microelements positively influenced soil fungi, while soil macroelements negatively influenced soil fungi. Macroelement foliar fertilizer affected soil fungi by directly affecting the growth parameters and macroelement content of the plant or by directly affecting soil properties, while microelement foliar fertilizer affected soil fungi by directly affecting the microelement content of the plant or by directly affecting the soil pH and organic matter content. These factors were involved in the formation of a “leaf-root-soil microbe” conduction system similar to the “brain-gut-microbe” axis. Our results provide a basis for the application of foliar fertilizer in the cultivation of medicinal plants.

Genetic Characterization of Spring Wheat Germplasm for Macro-, Microelements and Trace Metals.

Wheat as a staple food crop is the main source of micro- and macronutrients for most people of the world and is recognized as an attractive crop for biofortification. This study presents a comprehensive investigation of genomic regions governing grain micro- and macroelements concentrations in a panel of 135 diverse wheat accessions through a genome-wide association study. The genetic diversity panel was genotyped using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) method and phenotyped in two environments during 2017–2018. Wide ranges of variation in nutrient element concentrations in grain were detected among the accessions. Based on 33,808 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 2997 marker-element associations (MEAs) with −log10(p-value) > 3.5 were identified, representing all three subgenomes of wheat for 15-grain concentration elements. The highest numbers of MEAs were identified for Mg (499), followed by S (399), P (394), Ni (381), Cd (243), Ca (229), Mn (224), Zn (212), Sr (212), Cu (111), Rb (78), Fe (63), Mo (43), K (32) and Co (19). Further, MEAs associated with multiple elements and referred to as pleiotropic SNPs were identified for Mg, P, Cd, Mn, and Zn on chromosomes 1B, 2B, and 6B. Fifty MEAs were subjected to validation using KASIB multilocational trial at six sites in two years using 39 genotypes. Gene annotation of MEAs identified putative candidate genes that potentially encode different types of proteins related to disease, metal transportation, and metabolism. The MEAs identified in the present study could be potential targets for further validation and may be used in marker-assisted breeding to improve nutrient element concentrations in wheat grain.

Multi-elements characteristic and potential risk of heavy metals in MOUTAN CORTEX from Anhui Province, China.

To ensure the quality and safety of herbs, the content of 54 elements in MOUTAN CORTEX (MC) was determined by the ICP-AES and ICP-MS, and the health risks of Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Hg and rare earth elements (REEs) were assessed. These herbs were collected from 5 producing areas in Anhui Province, China, namely Wuhu, Tongling, Bozhou, Xuancheng and Chizhou. The multi-elements fingerprint identification of MC in Anhui Province was established. The total amount of macro-elements from Wuhu and Tongling is significantly lower than Bozhou. Among all MC from 5 producing areas, the highest content is Ca. Except for Bozhou, the content of macro-elements and REES in the other 4 origins of MC is from highest to lowest: Ca > K > Mg > Al > Fe > Na and Ce > La > Nd > Y > Pr > Er > Yb > Eu > Ho > Tb > Tm > Lu. The chemical forms of Cd in MC from Bozhou with the highest percentage were PH2O of high toxicity and migration, while the other 4 regions were PNaCl of low activity and mobility. There was a great difference in the content of inorganic elements and chemical forms of Cd between the MC produced from the plain (Bozhou) and the hilly areas (Wuhu, Tongling, Chizhou and Xuancheng). Except for Cd, the content of Cu, As, Pb and Hg in MC did not exceed the limit. The results of PTWIFact and ADI for Cd and REEs showed that MC herbs did not pose a risk to human health.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-022-04402-6.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS AND PLANT NUTRIENT CONTENT OF LEAVES IN THE APPLE ORCHARDS

This study was carried out in 42 orchards located in the lowland of Develi, where the apple cultivation is intense in Kayseri province. The analyses were made to determine pH, CaCO3, EC, organic matter, available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) in soil samples and nitrogen (N), P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and boron (B) in leaf samples. In the study, the relationships between some physical and chemical properties of the soils and the plant nutrient content of the leaves were evaluated by correlation analysis. In the study, between some physical and chemical properties of soils and the nutritional elements of soils and leaves were found important statistical relations. These relationships were mostly between soil samples rather than leaves. On the other hand, the pH and EC values of the soils showed less significant relationships with the nutrient contents of the samples according to the organic matter and CaCO3 contents of soils. It was determined that the organic matter content of the soils had a positive relationship with all the investigated elements except phosphorus. It has been determined that the relationship between the CaCO3 content and nutritional elements in the soils is statistically significant, it has a positive correlation with potassium and calcium and a negative correlation with other investigated elements. No significant relationships were found between the nutrient contents of the soils and the macro element contents of the leaves. While some important statistical relationships were determined between nutrient contents of the soils and micro element contents of the leaves, the highest correlation was determined between copper and boron contents. It was determined that the copper content of the leaves was positively related to the phosphorus, potassium and magnesium content of the soils and negatively related to the manganese content of the soils.

Impacts of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid on plant biometrics and grain metabolomics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are utility chemicals that have become environmental contaminants of global concern due to their bioaccumulative and persistent nature. The accumulation and effects of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), a type of PFAS, on agricultural plants is a serious environmental concern that needs to be investigated. Wheat was exposed to soil amended with 0, 25, and 50 mg/kg PFOS and assessed for PFOS’ impacts via agronomic measurements, biochemical assays, PFOS uptake, and ionomics and metabolomics analyses over the lifetime of the plant. PFOS was taken up in the roots and relocated to the grains, which accumulated PFOS at levels 12-18 times higher in treated plants than in control. Compared to control, 50 mg/kg PFOS reduced chlorophyll content by 49% and root biomass by 37% early on during the exposure. At the end of full life cycle exposure, PFOS did not affect the agronomic and productivity status of plants. However, PFOS impacted grain quality by reducing concentrations of macroelements (Mg, K, and P) and levels of important sugar metabolites (e.g., sucrose, glucose 6-phosphate, fructose 6-phosphate, trehalose). PFOS also decreased the abundance of non-polar proteinogenic amino acids but increased the levels of polar amino acids in grains. These findings highlight impacts of PFOS on an important agronomic crop.

Trace elements composition of the scleral shell of the eye in various forms of glaucoma

Purpose: a comparative study of the elemental composition of scleral biopsy specimens from patients with various clinical forms of glaucoma. Material and methods. 44 patients aged 79.5 ± 2.5 were divided into three groups depending on the form of glaucoma: 16 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) (group 1); 13 patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) (group 2); 15 patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEG) (group 3). For elemental analysis, we used scleral biopsies obtained during planned surgical treatment of glaucoma (non-penetrating sinus trabeculectomy). Scleral fragments of 14 donor eyes with no history of glaucoma served as controls. The concentration of macroelements K, Mg, Ca, and Fe was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES, Agilent ICP-AES 720 ES, USA), while microelement concentration (Zn, Cu, Al, Mn) was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, Bruker ICP-M S 820, Germany). Results. In all forms of glaucoma, scleral samples showed a varying increase in the content of such elements as Zn, Fe, Mg, AL, Ca, K. The highest content of Zn and Fe was found in the scleral tissue of patients with NTG, the difference with the control (p = 0.0001 andp = 0.0003) and with POAG (p = 0.0002, p = 0.0001) being highly significant. The difference between the content of Zn in scleral biopsies of patients with POAG and PEG was also statistically significant (p = 0.0002), whilst no significant difference in Fe content in the sclera (p = 0.69) was found between POAG and PEG Higher Mg concentrations as compared to the control were found in NTG (p = 0.00014) and POAG (p = 0.00002).Patients with POAG (p = 0.0005) and PEG (p = 0.00022) showed the highest accumulation of Ca in the sclera. No differences were found in Mg content of scleral biopsies between patients with NTG and POAG (p = 1.0), while the level of Ca in POAG (p = 0.02) and PEG (p = 0.00001) was significantly higher than in NTG. A significantly lower content of Cu was found in the sclera samples of patients with NTG (p = 0.022), POAG (p = 0.004) and PEG (p = 0.00004) as compared to the control, as well as a reduced content of Mn in POAG (p = 0.00003) and PEG (p = 0.0012). Contrarywise, NTG patients showed an increased content of Mn (p = 0.000003). No differences were found in the Cu content between the sclera of patients with NTG and POAG (p = 0.47), while Cu level in PEG was significantly lower than in POAG (p = 0.034) and NTG (p = 0.013). Conclusion. The macro- and microelement imbalance of the sclera of the eyes with different forms of glaucoma indicates differences in their pathogenesis. This can be the reason for the different severity of disorders of collagen biosynthesis and the formation of cross-links in the connective tissue structures of the sclera, as well as the varying degree changes in the hydrodynamics of the intraocular fluid, which on the whole can affect the level of intraocular pressure and the pattern of glaucoma development.

Study of the Properties and Composition of Processed Waste Water Mud in Terms of their Use as an Enhancer

Studies of the chemical composition of processed waste water mud were carried out. It was concluded that it fully complies with the properties of wastewater mud and is suitable for biological reclamation. Wastewater use as a soil fertility enhancer and crop yields improver was shown. Presentation of the field studies results on the cultivation of safflower, as well as those of monitoring of soil samples for the content of macroelements, organic matter and heavy metals associated with the introduction of sediment as an enhancer. It was proved that after the first year of sludge application, the content of humus and macroelements in soils increases during next three years, as well as the yield of safflower increases.

The Content of Phenolic Compounds and Mineral Elements in Edible Nuts.

Edible nuts are an important component of a healthy diet, and their frequent consumption has beneficial impact on human health, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, various factors, including cultivar, climate, soil characteristic, storage and treatment have influence on the chemical composition of nuts. Therefore, nine tree nut types and peanuts commonly available on Polish market were evaluated for phenolic profile and mineral elements content. The concentration of individual phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, aromatic acids and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) was determined by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography, while the content of macro-elements and trace minerals was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The phenolic profile of analyzed nuts substantially varied depending on the type of nut. The highest total content of all analyzed flavonoids was determined in walnuts (114.861 µg/g), while the lowest in almonds (1.717 µg/g). In turn, the highest total content of all tested aromatic acid was determined in pecans (33.743 µg/g), and the lowest in almonds (0.096 µg/g). Epicatechin and cinnamic acid were detected in the highest concentration in tested nuts. Moreover, in examined nuts (except walnuts and Brazil nuts), the presence of CAPE was confirmed. The tested nuts were also characterized by wide variation in element concentrations. Almonds contained high concentration of macro-elements (13,111.60 µg/g), while high content of trace elements was determined in pine nuts (192.79 µg/g). The obtained results indicate that the tested nuts are characterized by a significant diversity in the content of both phenolic compounds and minerals. However, all types of nuts, apart from the well-known source of fatty acids, are a rich source of various components with beneficial effect on human health.

Fatty Acid Content, Lipid Quality Indices, and Mineral Composition of Cow Milk and Yogurts Produced with Different Starter Cultures Enriched with Bifidobacterium bifidum

This study aimed to analyze the composition of fatty acids, with particular emphasis on the content of cis9trans11 C18:2 (CLA) acid, the content of minerals, and lipid quality indices in raw milk, pasteurized milk, and in yogurts produced with selected starter cultures enriched with Bifidobacterium bifidum. The GC-FID method was used to determine the fatty acid composition of those dairy products. To analyze the contents of microelements (copper, manganese, iron, and zinc) and macroelements (magnesium, calcium) flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used. The content of phosphorus was determined with the usage of the colorimetric method and the contents of sodium and potassium with emission method. Data analysis showed that such technologies as milk pasteurization and milk fermentation had a significant impact on the fatty acid profile and contents of micro- and macroelements. The lipid quality indices: atherogenicity index (AI), index thrombogenicity (TI), hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic index (H/H), and (n − 6)/(n − 3) ratio, were at similar levels in raw and pasteurized milk and yogurts produced. Starter culture type affected the content of cis-9, trans-11 CLA C18:2 acid in yogurts. Out of the starter cultures applied in the study, only the FD-DVS YC-X16 Yo-Flex starter culture with BB-12 caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in CLA content. The CLA content of the yogurts produced using this starter culture was 2.67 mg/g fat. In raw milk, pasteurized milk, and the second batch of yogurts, the content of cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 acid was significantly lower and reached 2.26 mg/g fat, 2.17 mg/g fat, and 2.30 mg/g fat, respectively. The study indicated that, when it comes to being a source of minerals, yogurts were better than milk. Yogurts were also characterized by significantly (p < 0.05) higher contents of all micro- and macroelements taken into account in this study than the raw milk used to produce them.

An Integrated Approach in the Assessment of the Vlasina River System Pollution by Toxic Elements

Increasing pollutant levels in surface water are a very important problem in developing countries. In Serbia, the largest rivers are transboundary rivers that cross the border already polluted. Taking this into account, evaluation of the distribution characteristics, ecological risk, and sources of toxic elements in river water and surface sediments in the watercourses of the Vlasina watershed is of great significance for the protection of water resources in Serbia. A total of 17 sediment and 18 water samples were collected and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma—Optical Emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma—Mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine micro- and macroelements contents. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) was applied to determine and classify the magnitude of toxic element pollution in this river sediment. The contents of the studied toxic elements were below water and sediment quality guidelines. For studied river water, results of principal component analysis (PCA) indicated the difference in behavior of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, and As and V, respectively. Cluster analysis (CA) classified water samples according to As and Cu content. The PCA results revealed that lead in river sediments had different behavior than other elements and can be associated mainly with anthropogenic sources. According to the degree of Igeo, the majority of sediments in the Vlasina region were uncontaminated regarding studied toxic elements. The origin of elements is mostly from natural processes such as soil and rock weathering.