Organic Content Research Articles

The art of tartness: the genetics of organic acid content in fresh fruits.

Organic acids are major determinants of fruit flavor and a primary focus of fruit crop breeding. The accumulation of organic acids is determined by their synthesis, degradation, and transport, all of which are manipulated by sophisticated genetic mechanisms. Constant exploration of the genetic basis of organic acid accumulation, especially through linkage analysis, association analysis, and evolutionary analysis, have identified numerous loci in recent decades. In this review, the genetic loci and genes responsible for malate and citrate contents in fruits are discussed from the genetic perspective. Technologies such as gene transformation and genome editing as well as efficient breeding using marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) are expected to break the bottleneck of traditional fruit crop breeding and promote fruit quality improvement.

Interference Effect of Tree Spacing on Natural Volatile Organic Compound Concentrations Measured Using Passive Samplers

Research highlights: The increasing rates of mental health disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic have popularized the notion of access to natural environments as a solution, leading to a surge in demand for urban green spaces. The concentration of natural volatile organic compounds (NVOCs) in forests, resulting from plant metabolism, plays a crucial role in forest-based healing and ecosystem health. Background and objectives: This study aimed to investigate how tree spacing influences NVOC concentrations within forest ecosystems using passive samplers, thereby enhancing the understanding of optimal forest management practices to promote human health benefits. Methods: We employed passive samplers to investigate tree spacing effects on NVOC concentrations. We placed passive samplers among trees in the study area to measure NVOC concentrations in individual trees and analyzed the relationship between NVOC concentration and tree spacing and structure. Results: A multiple regression analysis using distance decay models showed that a tree spacing of 2.7–3 m had a significant impact on NVOC concentrations. These findings provide a better understanding of how tree structure, tree spacing, and microclimate within the forest influence NVOC concentration. Conclusion: These findings have important implications for forest management and the design of forest landscapes to promote human health and well-being by considering the spatial distribution of NVOC concentrations.

A novel environmentally-friendly filler of the asphalt mastic: Organic modified waste shells

The shell farming industry generates significant waste shells annually, often improperly disposed of, causing environmental pollution. Concurrently, pavement engineering faces a shortage of limestone resources. Utilizing waste shells as a substitute for limestone fillers could simultaneously address both environmental and resource challenges. To analyze the feasibility of this strategy, this work collected the mussel, pectinid, oncomelania and oyster as the raw materials, and the method of organic modification was adopted on these shells to enhance the compatibility between the filler and asphalt. Asphalt. The physical and rheological properties of the prepared asphalt mastics were evaluated, and the modification effect was determined by the contact angle test and the surface energy parameters. Results indicated that the asphalt mastics with modified shells had higher penetration and ductility while lower softening point compared to the mastics with unmodified shells. Moreover, the modification with aluminate coupling agent had more significant impact on the physical properties of the asphalt mastics than that using amino silicone oil. For the rheological properties, shell asphalt mastics exhibited an extremely complex rheological behavior due to the various polarity and the organic content of the shell fillers. Besides, the contact angle of the shells increased after the modification, implying a better compatibility with asphalt. Moreover, the results of the surface energy parameters indicated that the non-polar component of the shells increased obvious after modification. In comparison with the conventional limestone, it can be found that the modified shells enhanced the adhesion between the aggregates and the asphalt mastics, which can improve the resistance of asphalt mixture to water damage. This work verifies the feasibility to replace the conventional mineral filler with modified shell filler, which was beneficial to recycling the waste shell and reducing the consumption of non-renewable mineral resources.

Evaluation of energy potential of MSW in the Tamale metropolis, Ghana: An assessment of solid waste characteristics and energy content

ABSTRACT In the present investigation, a thorough examination of waste composition was undertaken in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. The methodology employed was carefully designed, incorporating both commercial and residential sectors as well as various socioeconomic classes. Source-based sampling of waste materials covered a range of locations, including households, markets, hotels, and restaurants, while socioeconomic-based categorization followed the zoning of the metropolis. Waste audit sampling involved collecting a total of 90 batches of solid waste over the three-month period from August to October 2023. The primary objectives were to physically characterize the waste and evaluate its chemical properties through proximate and ultimate analysis of waste fractions, aiming to determine the waste-to-energy potential and compatibility with waste-to-energy technologies. The study revealed that the Tamale Metropolis generates 176.1 tons/day of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) at a rate of 0.47 kg/capita/day. Organic matter constituted the majority (44.9%), followed by inert, miscellaneous, and plastic waste at 20% each. The remaining 14.3% comprised paper, metal, glass, leather, and textile components. Notably, the hospitality sector exhibited the highest organic matter content at 62.3%, contrasting with average households and markets at 44.9% and 13.1%, respectively. Moisture content ranged from 5.4% to 12.6%, volatile solids from 21.8% to 77.2%, and gross calorific values from 7.9 MJ/kg to 28.9 MJ/kg. Household waste demonstrated the highest energy content at 6693.8 kcal/kg, followed by hotels/restaurants (2003.94 kcal/kg) and markets (1883.62 kcal/kg). This study’s findings offer valuable insights that can inform the development of effective policies by regulatory bodies such as the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) and the Ghana Ministry of Energy, as well as city authorities like the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and the Environmental Protection Agency. These insights can be used to address waste and energy challenges in the metropolis. Implications: The findings reveal critical insights with substantial implications for stakeholders and regulatory bodies. It emphasizes the waste-to-energy potential of various waste fractions, highlighting the need for sustainable municipal waste management strategies. Particularly, the high organic content in the hospitality sector presents significant energy recovery opportunities. For bodies like the Public Utility Regulatory Commission and the Ghana Ministry of Energy, this data is crucial for developing policies that support waste-to-energy technologies. Additionally, the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and the Environmental Protection Agency can use these insights to improve local waste management practices, customizing interventions to address specific sectoral waste composition. The study also underlines the importance of ongoing monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of these strategies over time.

Assessment of fine and coarse tyre wear particles along a highway stormwater system and in receiving waters: Occurrence and transport

Tyre wear has been identified as a major road-related pollutant source, with road runoff transporting tyre wear particles (TWP) to adjacent soil, watercourses, or further through stormwater systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and transport of TWP along a stormwater system. Water and sediment have been sampled at selected points (road runoff, gully pots, wells, outlet to a ditch, and stream) through a stormwater system situated along a highway in Sweden during November and December 2022, and March 2023. As there is limited data on the size distribution of TWP in different environmental media, especially in the size fraction <20 μm, the samples were fractioned into a fine (1.6–20 μm) and a coarse (1.6–500 μm) size fraction. The samples were analysed using a combination of marker compounds (benzene, α-methylstyrene, ethylstyrene, and butadiene trimer) for styrene-butadiene rubbers with PYR-GC/MS from which TWP concentration was calculated. Suspended solids were analysed in the water samples, and organic content was analysed in the sediment samples. TWP was found at nearly all locations, with concentrations up to 17 mg/L in the water samples and up to 40 mg/g in the sediment samples. In the sediment samples, TWP in the size fraction 1.6–20 μm represented a significant proportion (20–60%). Correlations were found between TWP concentration and suspended solids in the water samples (r = 0.87) and organic content in the sediment samples (r = 0.72). The results presented in this study demonstrate that TWP can be transported to the surrounding environment through road runoff, with limited retention in the studied stormwater system.

Significantly enhanced high-temperature energy storage performance for polymer composite films with gradient distribution of organic fillers

Film capacitors as one of the most important electronic devices are heading in large capacity, heightened integration and excellent extreme-condition tolerance, which faces the challenges in maintaining outstanding performance under harsh conditions of high temperature and large electric field. Nonetheless, polymer capacitive films, which are renowned for their exceptional thermal stability, experience an escalation in conduction losses at elevated temperatures, resulting in degradation of energy storage performance. This study presents the gradient distribution of organic fillers content in all-organic polymer capacitive films utilizing electrospinning technique, the significantly improved high-temperature energy storage performance has been achieved. Glucose (GLC), a weak polar molecule rich in hydroxyl groups, is blended with the most promising polyetherimide (PEI). Experimental and theoretical calculations confirm that the formed hydrogen bond between GLC and PEI acts as a trapping site for capturing carriers and suppressing conduction losses. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of organic fillers was designed on the basis of direct mixing. The results demonstrate that the gradient composite film introduces interlayer interfacial polarization, while the dielectric mismatch between adjacent layers increases the height of potential barriers for the charge carriers across the interfaces, thereby achieving a synergistic enhancement of dielectric response and insulation strength. The maximum discharge energy density of 6.52 J/cm3 with an efficiency of 85.6 % has been achieved at 150℃ for the modified capacitive films. This work establishes a decoupling relationship between permittivity and electric breakdown strength, offering insights for the advancement of polymer films with outstanding energy storage capabilities in extreme environments.

Effective grease separator management is the key to enhancing bioenergy recovery of fat, oil, and grease (FOG) and contributing to a circular bio-economy

Management of fat, oil and grease (FOG) is crucial for the recovery of renewable resources and the protection of sewer systems. This study aims to identify the potential quantities and qualities of FOG that can be acquired through optimised grease separator (GS) management approaches in hotels and restaurants during seasonal tourism. A technical survey of 20 GS from hotels and restaurants in the federal state of Tyrol, Austria was conducted. The findings revealed that 55 % of the GS were in poor condition, often due to infrequent maintenance and limited operator's knowledge. The FOG layer quality and quantity was monitored over three years and physicochemical parameters including total residue, volatile solids, total organic carbon, lipid content, and biomethane yield, were analysed. An optimised management approach, which involved up to 4 GS emptying per season, revealed a significant increase in FOG quantity for the majority of the inspected establishments, with an overall doubling of the acquired FOG volume. Based on these results, the energy potential of GS is presented in three potential management scenarios. The energy recovered from GS increased by 246 %. This highlights the importance of proper GS management in the hospitality sector, which can play a critical role in promoting environmental sustainability and renewable energy production.

Spatial and seasonal variability in benthic impact of mussel farms: Predicting and mitigating impacts using ambient oxygen conditions

Environmental impacts are a cause for concern when developing and expanding aquaculture and to be sustainable potential negative effects need to be addressed. The intensity and extent of these impacts likely vary among sites and seasons, depending on multiple factors including the physical and biological setting and operational aspects. Using a combination of sampling techniques, we investigated the spatial variability in epibenthic impacts in eleven commercial mussel farms, on the Swedish west coast. We found increased levels of organic content, changes in epibenthic macrofauna and increased cover of Beggiatoa sp., a documented indicator of hypoxia. The extent of these impacts was generally limited to the extent of the farms. Because the cover of Beggiatoa sp. was particularly clear and because oxygen conditions in the sediment is of great importance to the structure and function of these habitats, we analysed spatial patterns using an index of the benthic footprint (BFI) accounting for both intensity and extent of impacts. In the summer, the BFI varied strongly among farm-sites and subsequent analyses showed that it highly correlated with ambient bottom oxygen concentration. Repeated sampling during early spring, however, showed that impacts were quickly reversible also in the most impacted sites. Thus, we conclude that in Swedish coastal waters the benthic footprint calculated on the % cover of Beggiatoa sp. is highly dependent on ambient oxygen concentration. We suggest that knowledge about spatial and temporal patterns of oxygen in the bottom water can be used to predict the severity of impacts and provide an important criterion in a site-selection process aimed at developing a sustainable food industry.

The rates of starch depletion and hydraulic failure both play a role in drought-induced seedling mortality

Key messageThe elapsed times to deplete starch concentrations and to reach a null hydraulic safety margin were related to tree seedling mortality under experimental drought. Starch concentration showed an accelerated decline across all species during the early stages of dehydration, while the concentrations of soluble sugars and total nonstructural carbohydrates remained stable. Concomitant carbohydrate depletion and hydraulic failure drive seedling mortality under drought.ContextCurrent upsurges of drought events are provoking impacts on tree physiology, resulting in forest mortality. Hydraulic dysfunction and nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) depletion have been posited as the main mechanisms leading to plant mortality under drought.AimsThis study explores the dynamics of the two mortality-inducing processes during drought stress using an experimental approach with 12 evergreen tree species.MethodsSeedlings were subjected to drought until 100% mortality was observed. Midday (ΨMD) and predawn (ΨPD) water potentials, xylem pressure leading to a 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity (Ψ50), along with NSC concentrations in different organs (leaves, stems, and roots) were measured regularly during drought.ResultsTotal NSC concentrations and soluble sugar pools did not decline during drought. However, starch pools showed strong reductions early during drought stress as ΨPD decreased, and the time leading to starch depletion emerged as a strong mortality predictor. Ψ50 alone did not provide an accurate estimate of mortality, while the elapsed time to reach a null hydraulic safety margin (ΨMD—Ψ50 = 0) was related to seedling mortality.ConclusionAdopting a dynamic approach by estimating the times to consume both starch reserves and hydraulic safety margins is highly relevant to improve predictions of tree mortality under the current context of increasing global drought.

Evolution of the different types of catalytic sites in aminosilica materials during recycle experiments in aldol chemistry

Aminosilica materials are promising for many applications, including as a catalyst for aldol chemistry. Whereas aminosilica catalysts are known to deactivate overtime, it is unclear how recent revelations about the different types of catalytic sites impact the understanding of the deactivation behavior. In this work, we investigate how the aminosilica catalyst activity decreases and affects the fraction and the type of active sites. After a single catalytic cycle, the catalyst activity decreases, but the fraction of active sites remains constant. The decrease in catalytic activity is consistent with the conversion of medium and high activity sites transfer to low activity sites that lack cooperative interactions. Additional catalytic cycles decrease the fraction of active sites but do not result in aminosilane leaching. The sites are inactive because of accumulation of organic content. Interestingly, the organic can be removed through washing with a dilute sodium carbonate solution. The washed material fully recovers to the catalytic activity of the fresh material. Overall, the catalytic sites evolve after each cycle, but this trend can be reversed, enabling aminosilica materials to be used as sustainable catalysts for aldol chemistry.

Analisis Uji Kuat Tekan Beton pada Campuran Air Payau Desa Tellumpanua Kecamatan Suppa

Increased economic growth in the city of Parepare with the presence of buildings around the estuary. In general, the composition of concrete making materials is taken from good materials. The problem encountered in the field is that the quality of concrete in construction decreases due to brackish water, causing structural elements in the construction to become porous. Meanwhile, preventive measures are rarely or never taken. As a result, the construction life is very short. Brackish water is one of the causes of structural failure. This is due to the content of sulfate and chloride ions in water containing salt/salts that react with chemical elements in reinforcing steel resulting in corrosion of the reinforcement. The purpose of the study was to analyse the compressive strength of concrete with a mixture of clean water against the percentage of brackish water with a maintenance age of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The results showed that brackish water had an impact on reducing the compressive strength of concrete due to the high chemical content in brackish water such as Sulfate (SO²¯) of 52.5 in brackish water in Kenjeran and 62.5 in brackish water in mangrove. Dissolved Solids (TDS) of 15188 mg/l in kenjeran brackish water and 3436 mg/l in mangrove brackish water. Organic Content (KMnO) of 8.05 mg/l in kenjeran brackish water and 6.69 mg/l in mangrove brackish water is too high, so the chemical content contained in brackish water can damage the compounds in the cement content and decrease the strength of the materials contained in the concrete. In this case it can result in concrete having a very low durability.

Representative Sample Size for Estimating Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity via Machine Learning: A Proof‐Of‐Concept Study

AbstractMachine learning (ML) has been extensively applied in various disciplines. However, not much attention has been paid to data heterogeneity in databases and number of samples used to train ML models in hydrology. In this study, we addressed these issues and their impacts on the accuracy and reliability of ML models in the estimation of saturated hydraulic conductivity, Ks. We selected 17,990 soil samples from the USKSAT database and created random subsets N = 2,000, 4,000, 6,000, 8,000, 10,000, 12,000, 14,000, 16,000, and 17,990, 80% of which were used for training. The random subset selection was repeated 50 times. The extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm was used to estimate Ks from other soil properties, such as bulk density, soil depth, texture, and organic content. For each subset, we conducted the learning curve analysis on the training and cross‐validation data sets. Results showed that for all training sample sizes the number of samples was not enough for the training and cross‐validation curves to reach a plateau. We also applied the concept of representative elementary volume by plotting the average coefficient of determination, R2, and root mean square log‐transformed error, RMSLE, against the training sample size. For the testing data set, as the number of training sample size increased from 1,600 to 14,392 the average R2 value increased from 0.74 to 0.90, while the average RMSLE value decreased from 1.08 to 0.69. Either the learning curve or representative sample size analysis is required to investigate whether the number of samples is enough or not.

Willingness to Pay for Blueberries: Sensory Attributes, Fruit Quality Traits, and Consumers’ Characteristics

Understanding consumers’ preferences for fruit quality attributes is key to informing breeding efforts, meeting consumer preferences, and promoting increased market demand. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of fruit quality traits and hedonic sensory evaluation on consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a selection of fresh northern and southern highbush blueberry cultivars. The WTP was elicited by using a double-bounded contingent valuation conducted in conjunction with a consumer sensory test. Two types of models were estimated using either sensory evaluations (i.e., consumer preference and consumer intensity) or instrumental measurement data (i.e., measures of soluble solids, titratable acidity, sugars, acids, and firmness) as explanatory variables to model WTP. Results using sensory evaluations indicated that flavor liking, flavor intensity, and sweetness intensity are key factors that influence consumers’ acceptance and WTP for blueberries. A regression analysis using instrumental measurements indicated that measures related to sweetness and acidity traits are important factors that determine WTP. Higher WTP was associated with higher total sugar content across different levels of total organic acid. The WTP increases with organic acid content, because this is needed for enhanced flavor; however, WTP declines at high concentrations of organic acid. Except for extreme values of firmness, the WTP increased as measures of fruit firmness increased, indicating a consumer preference for firmer blueberries. Overall, the results provided new insights into the relationships between consumer preference and WTP and fruit quality benchmarks to select for improved quality.

Содержание железа в органах и тканях каспийского рыбца Vimba vimba persa (Pallas)

The object of research in this work is the Caspian vimba Vimba vimba persa (Pallas), one of the commercial fish species of the Caspian Sea. Fish samples taken in the middle part of the Caspian Sea in the autumn period from 2020 to 2023 were analyzed. The work includes studies of Fe concentration in organs and tissues (muscle tissue, gonads, liver, gills, gastrointestinal tract) and food coma of the Caspian vimba Vimba vimba persa (Pallas) aged 2 and 3 years old. It was revealed that Fe accumulation in the liver occurs to a greater extent in the body of the Caspian vimba, and to a lesser extent in muscle tissue. A comparative analysis of the metal concentration was carried out depending on the sex and age of the fish. It was found that females accumulate Fe to a lesser extent than males. The average concentration of Fe in the body of 2-year-old females was 184.11 mg/kg of dry matter, and in 3-year-old females 163.58 mg/kg of dry matter. The average concentration of Fe in the body of males aged 2 years was 203.39 mg/kg of dry matter, and in males aged 3 years 225.92 mg/kg of dry matter. There is also an increase in the concentra-tion of Fe in the body of males upon reaching the age of 3, and a slight decrease in concentration in females. There are sexual differences in the distribution of metal in fish organs (liver, gills, gonads). Of particular interest is the dynamics of metal in the gonads (increases in females, decreases in males). There occurs redistribution of metal in the organs and tissues of fish.

Potential Combination of Phytoremediation Plants and Compost in Remediation of Hg in Ex-Gold Mine Soil Contaminated Mercury (Hg)

Heavy metal mercury pollution in the environment can have negative impacts on both surrounding ecosystems and human health. Sources of mercury pollution often come from mining activities, particularly from many unlicensed gold mines (PETI) that use the mercury amalgamation method to extract gold. Due to the persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic nature of mercury, contamination in the soil has increased. One effort to reduce mercury toxicity is the application of absorption methods using phytoremediation plants and compost as regulating factors. The aim of this study is to review sources of information related to the use of phytoremediation plants and the application of compost as remediators to clean mercury (Hg)-contaminated soil. To reduce levels of heavy metal contamination, plants employ five phytoremediation mechanisms: phytoextraction, phytostabilization, rhizofiltration, phyto degradation, and phytovolatilization. Therefore, selecting hyperaccumulator plants that have the ability to accumulate mercury (Hg) at levels 100 times higher than ordinary plants is crucial for effective remediation. Additionally, the use of compost as a source of organic material can enhance mercury mobility. The addition of organic materials such as compost can increase C organic content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, and Hg-chelate formation, thereby maximizing mercury absorption by plants. This combination has a positive impact on reducing mercury levels in the soil and is environmentally safe.

Performance of catalytic wet oxidation on thermochemical aqueous effluents assessed by FT-ICR MS

Aqueous phase (AP) is frequently observed in bio-oil from biomass thermochemical conversion or as an upgrading coproduct. However, AP contains high organic content that can be toxic and that must be reduced or removed to be then treated in existing wastewater plants. A promising method to upgrade these APs is the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) that was applied here on APs of both hydrothermal liquefaction and pyrolysis bio-oils from softwood and hardwood. Efficiency of the CWPO was assessed by investigating the molecular composition of raw and treated APs by ultra-high-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI) in negative- and positive-ion modes. Combination of FT-ICR MS and multivariate statistical analyses evidenced efficiency of the process with new compounds resulting from the oxidative depolymerization, characterized by lower unsaturation degree and molecular weight, and higher oxygen atom count. Refractory compounds were also observed, which are notably characterized by high unsaturation degrees. Interestingly, both detection modes were shown to be complementary for the understanding of the CWPO process. ESI (-) allowed to assess the completion of the oxidation process in detecting carboxylic acid conversion products and to specifically evidence refractory products. ESI (+) was informative on the CWPO process, especially on the conversion of the basic compounds, with the decrease of the detected species. Eventually, softwood AP was shown to be more reluctant to CWPO than the hardwood one.

Open-Bin Composting for Enhancing the Processed Fecal Sludge Quality with Co-Composting Materials as Admixture

Processed fecal sludge generated from a sludge treatment plant rich of organic content, micronutrients, and several heavy metals that might potentially exist. Composting process recognized as a promising and cost-effective method to improve the sludge quality. The composting process was carried out in this study by using modified Compost Bag with processed sludge from fecal sludge treatment plant as the main material and organic waste and dry leaves as co-composting materials. The macro-micronutrients and heavy metal concentration of the produced compost were further analyzed. The potential application was also considered by indulging the risk assessment. The main and co-composting materials were investigated in three different ratios of processed fecal sludge (S), organic waste (OW), and dry leaves (DL) to get the optimum composition that meet the compost quality standard. Compost R2 with the ratio of 50S: 25OW: 25DL as an optimum composition which resulted good quality compost with the C/N ratio of 10.29, Total P2O5 about 2.45%, Total K2O of 0.38%, and the Cu removal up to 91.17%. The produced Compost R2 has met the compost quality standard with Hazard Quotient (HQ) for non-carcinogenic effects less than 1 revealed no potential for disease-causing effects thus safe to be used in daily life.

Performance of Effective Microorganism (EM) in Food Waste Composting and Their Association with Seed Germination on Kale Seed

Food waste has an influence throughout the whole food supply chain, from production to consumption. Composting effectively and affordably reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, water, soil erosion, pesticides, and soil carbon storage. Composting may also improve crop yields and soil fertility, leading to more sustainable farming practices. The potential of efficient microorganisms (EM) for dehydrated food waste decomposition was investigated in this study. The research assessed the temperature and pH profiles during composting, whereas nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic content, and E. coli were measured in mature composts. Therefore, the study revealed that EM greatly hastened the composting process by boosting critical factors such as temperature, pH, nitrogen content (TN : 1.17±0.6%, TP: 0.059±1.92%, K: 0.12±5.3%) organic enrichment (85%), and E-coli (&lt;1 MPN/g). The germination index (GI) of kale seed was then analysed with the study’s findings indicating an 80% soil-compost ratio was the best. This research investigates the use of effective microorganisms (EM) to transform food waste into beneficial agricultural resources, with favourable results for soil health and kale seed germination. Researchers and circular economy officials may use the results to promote sustainable agriculture. The research helps to minimize landfill food waste, methane emissions, and synthetic fertilizer consumption, all of which benefit the environment. Farmers and gardeners may use the findings to boost soil fertility and crop yields on a budget. This research indicates that food waste may be transformed into useful resources, encouraging sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural.

Karakteristik Fisika dan Kimia pada Tanah Ultisol di Lahan Perkebunan Karet di Desa Gunung Kupang Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan

Soil properties are the inherent characteristics of soil bodies in different locations that are influenced by factors such as mineral composition, structure, texture, and organic content. Soil has characteristics that affect the growth of the plants that are cultivated. This study aims to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of Ultisol soil at a depth of 0-50 cm on rubber plantation land in Cempaka District, Banjarbaru City. This research was conducted in the laboratory of ULM Soil Department. The land used was in Gunung Kupang, Cempaka Village, Cempaka District, Banjarbaru City, South Kalimantan Province. The research method used in this study is an exploratory descriptive method whose implementation is carried out directly at the research site and continued with soil sampling as material for analysis in the laboratory. Soil sampling was purposefully determined in 10 minipits in rubber plantations with two sides of observation at five depths, namely 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm, 30-40 cm, and 40-50 cm. Thus, all observations amounted to 100 samples. The data analysis used is presented in graphical form and analyzed descriptively. The results of this study show that increasing soil depth causes changes in soil physical characteristics. Physical characteristics of soil texture values affect the value of bulk density, particle density,and soil moisture content. The phenomenon of changes in physical characteristics ultimately affects the chemical characteristics of C-organic, soil pH, N-total, P-total and K-total values.

Microbial biomass production from enzymatically saccharified organic municipal waste and present microbial inhibitors

AbstractThe study investigated the potential of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) for microbial biomass production. The compositional analysis of OFMSW showed richness in sugars, proteins, lipids, organic acids, and ethanol, suggesting promising cheap cultivation feedstock if inhibitory compounds are sustainably detoxified. The enzymatic hydrolysis with Cellic® CTec3 and AMG® 300 L BrewQ (Novozymes A/S) demonstrated excellent saccharification of sugar polymer, reaching 92% glucan hydrolysis and 70% xylan hydrolysis. However, higher enzymatic dosages led to a rise in the total organic acids content, potentially causing increased microbial inhibition. Full hydrolysate and hydrolysate after solids removal were cultivated with seven robust microbial strains. Cultivation on hydrolysate with solids showed consumption of sugars and organic acids solely by commercial backer yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Removal of solids from hydrolysate resulted in increased performance of tested strains, showing consumption of measured organic acids and ethanol by S. cerevisiae, Yarrowia lipolytica DSM 8218, and Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus ATCC 20509. Remarkably, the investigation of biomass production revealed superior cell mass formation and detoxification by S. cerevisiae, resulting in 18.9 g of biomass/L hydrolysate with 50% of crude protein (w/w) in shake flasks and 13.2 g/L of hydrolase with 46% of crude protein (w/w) in a 5-L bioreactor. Furthermore, bioreactor cultivation confirmed organic acids and ethanol conversion into biomass, highlighting S. cerevisiae’s suitability for utilizing OFMSW for microbial biomass production. These findings contribute to advancements in biowaste-to-fodder conversion, promoting the development of a more sustainable circular economy. Graphical abstract