Decrease In Carbon Content Research Articles

Co-implementation of tillage and precision nutrient management practices on crop yield of kharif maize (Zea mays)

Our accustomed agricultural practices of tilling the soil continuously and excessive fertilizer applications caused not only a decrease in organic carbon content and soil degradation but also disturbed environmental harmony. With this backdrop, current study was carried out during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2018 and 2019 at the research farm of Trihut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Pusa, Bihar to evaluate the effect of different tillage and nutrient management practices on maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with tillage as the main plot and nutrient management as the sub-plot. The results showed significantly superior maize grain yield in PB (6.1, 6.2 mg/ ha) and 60% RDN+GSGN (6.0, 5.9 mg/ha) over CT (4.9, 5.0 mg/ha) and RDF (5.1, 5.4 mg/ha) during 2018 and 2019. Similar trend was followed in stover yield, net returns and B:C ratio. Among path analysis, harvest index and no of grains/cob observed largest direct path coefficient of yield attributes to determine the maize grain yield and stover yield respectively. The results suggest that the adoption of conservation tillage and precise nutrient management practices will help in the realization of better yield with maximum profit by way of reducing the input capital apart from improving soil health thereby sustaining natural resources for future generations.

Calcium dynamics during the growth of Agaricus bisporus: implications for mushroom development and nutrition

BackgroundAgaricus bisporus (A. bisporus) is highly valued for its nutritional benefits and delicious taste, making it one of the most widely cultivated, highest yielding, and most consumed edible mushrooms worldwide. The yield and quality of A. bisporus were affected by its culture medium and environment. Among the culture base, the precise impact of calcium on A. bisporus cultivation and the dynamic changes in calcium concentration and chemical environment during the cultivation process remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the changes in calcium content and forms during the growth of A. bisporus and their implications for mushroom growth and nutrition.ResultsThrough the analysis of samples collected during the composting phase, mycelial development phase, and A. bisporus harvesting phase, the role of calcium in the growth process of button mushrooms is revealed. During the composting phase, the calcium content remains relatively stable, suggesting a consistent calcium source in the compost. The fermentation process shows a significant decrease in carbon content and an increase in oxygen content, indicating the degradation and oxidation of organic matter. In the mycelial development phase, both the cover soil and compost experience a decrease in calcium content, with a more pronounced reduction observed in the covering soil, indicating its primary role as an energy source for enzymatic activity and metabolic processes of the mycelium. During the A. bisporus harvesting phase, the changes in calcium, carbon, and oxygen content become less prominent, indicating a stable state of fruiting bodies growth that no longer requires a significant supply of organic matter.ConclusionsAnalysis of calcium forms reveals the presence of different calcium compounds, likely influenced by soil calcium sources, microbial activities, and mushroom metabolic byproducts. Calcium plays a crucial regulatory role in the growth and quality of A. bisporus. This study provides valuable insights into the significance of calcium in A. bisporus growth and offers theoretical guidance for optimizing mushroom production and quality improvement.Graphical

Mitigation of hydrocarbon toxicity using bacterial consortium in microcosm environment for agrarian fecundity

Petroleum contamination in the soil has been well emphasized as a toxic and hazardous soil pollution contributing to a significant portion of soil infertility worldwide. In the present study, bacterial consortium CHM1 composed of 5 strains belonging to genera Klebsiella, Pantoea, and Enterobacter was evaluated for hydrocarbon degradation ability in the soil environment, as well as their performance in remediating ecotoxicity and phytotoxicity. Initially, the degradation efficiency (1.98%/day) in the soil environment was evaluated. Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed an increase in nitrogen content by 24.98% and a decrease in carbon content by 22.76% implying an improvement in soil fertility. The Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy and Gas Chromatographic analysis revealed significant depletion of aromatic, cyclic, long aliphatic, and complex acid and ester content of the test soil. Moreover, the quantitative PCR analysis exhibited the non-competitive coexistence of each component of the CHM1 consortium. Different enzymatic assays revealed elevated dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase activity in the degradation system due to the introduction of CHM1 in the soil microcosm. Vibrio fischeri-assisted ecotoxicity analysis had established the potential of CHM1 to efficiently minimize the ecotoxicity of hydrocarbon contamination. The phytotoxicity analysis was performed using four different plant models viz. Chickpeas (Cicer arientinum), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) exhibiting CHM1 amendment helped to restore plant germination and growth in hydrocarbon-contaminated soil system efficiently. The promising results from this study indicated the possible application of the bacterial consortium in hydrocarbon-contaminated land management and soil restoration for cultivation or other plantation purposes.

Pore Structure Characterizations of Shale Oil Reservoirs with Heat Treatment: A Case Study from Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China.

Heat treatment plays a significant role in determining the petrophysical properties of shale reservoirs; however, the existing studies on the evolution of pore structures are still insufficient. This study conducts a series of tests, including Rock-Eval, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) T2, and T1-T2 tests on samples from Shahejie Formation, Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. The tests aim to determine the changes in the shale pore structures under increasing heat treatments (ranging from 110 to 500 °C) and identify the factors that control pore structures. The results show that the gradual decomposition of organic matter leads to an eventual decrease in the total organic carbon (TOC) content. The decrease in TOC is more prominent when the temperature exceeds 300 °C. For shales with lower TOC contents (<2%), the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area (BET SSA) first decreases, then increases, but eventually decreases again. However, the average pore diameter demonstrates an opposite trend when the temperature increases. In contrast, for organic-rich shales (TOC > 2%), the BET SSA increases at temperatures above 200 °C. The similarity between the D1 values implies that the complexity and heterogeneity of shale pore surface only undergo minor changes during heat treatment. Porosity shows an increasing trend, and the higher the contents of clay minerals and organic matter in shales are, the greater the change in porosity is. The NMR T2 spectra suggest that micropores (<0.1 μm) in shales first decrease and then increase, whereas the contents of meso- (0.1-1 μm) and macropores (>1 μm) increase, corresponding to the increase in free shale oil. Moreover, shale pore structures are primarily controlled by clay minerals and organic matter contents during heat treatments, with higher contents resulting in better pore structures. Overall, this study contributes to detailing the shale pore structure characteristics during the in situ conversion process (ICP).

Soil erosion decreases soil microbial respiration in Japanese beech forests with understory vegetation lost by deer

ABSTRACT Increases in the number of wild herbivores resulted in understory degradation because of their overgrazing in forest ecosystems. Deer overgrazing has occurred soil erosion in Japanese beech forests where dwarf bamboo used to be densely covered. Soil erosion can result in a decrease in soil carbon and nutrient contents, causing the soil microbial respiration in such forest ecosystems to be degraded. The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of soil erosion, which sporadically occurs within the forests, on soil properties and microbial activity. Soil erosion indices, such as the maximum height of exposed roots from the soil surface (MAXH), tree and soil properties, microbial basal and substrate-induced respiration, were measured under the canopy of 16 beech trees in each of three deciduous broadleaved forests on southern Kyushu Island, Japan. Soil properties such as the humus mass and the organic matter contents of soil and humus decreased with MAXH. Basal and substrate-induced respiration decreased with increases in MAXH. Soil properties associated with organic matter increased with basal and substrate-induced respiration. These results suggest that soil surface layers that were rich in organic matter ran off because of soil erosion, resulting in the degradation of soil microbial activity. This study suggests that increases in wild herbivore populations degrade soil ecosystem functioning owing to the soil erosion induced by understory disappearance.

Improving fertilizer response of crop yield through liming and targeting to landscape positions in tropical agricultural soils

Nutrient management research was conducted across locations to investigate the influence of landscape position (hill, mid-, and foot slope) in teff (Eragrostis tef) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield response to fertilizer application and liming in the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. The treatments included 1) NPS fertilizer as a control treatment (42 N + 10P + 4.2S kg ha−1 for teff and 65 N + 20P + 8.5S kg ha−1 for wheat); 2) NPS and potassium (73 N + 17P + 7.2S + 24 K kg ha−1 for teff and 103 N + 30P + 12.7S + 24 K kg ha−1 for wheat) and 3) NPSK and zinc (73 N + 17P + 7.2S + 24K + 5.3Zn kg ha−1 for teff and 103 N + 30P + 12.7S + 24K + 5,3Zn kg ha−1 for wheat) in acid soils with and without liming. Results showed that the highest teff and wheat grain yields of 1512 and 4252 kg ha−1 were obtained at the foot slope position, with the respective yield increments of 71% and 57% over the hillslope position. Yield response to fertilizer application significantly decreased with increasing slope owing to the decrease in soil organic carbon and soil water content and the increase in soil acidity. The application of lime with NPSK and NPSKZn fertilizer increased teff and wheat yields by 43–54% and 32–35%, respectively compared to the application of NPS fertilizer without liming where yield increments were associated with the application of N and P nutrients. Orthogonal contrasts revealed that landscape position, fertilizer application, and their interaction effects were significant on teff and wheat yields. Soil properties including soil pH, organic carbon, total N, and soil water content were increased down the slope, which might be attributed to sedimentation down the slope. However, available P is yet very low both in acidic and non-acidic soils. We conclude that crop response to applied nutrients could be enhanced by targeting nutrient management practices to agricultural landscape features and addressing other yield-limiting factors such as soil acidity and nutrient availability by conducting further research.

Impacts of microplastics and heavy metals on the earthworm Eisenia fetida and on soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly being studied because they have become ubiquitous in aquatic and terrestrial environments. However, little is known about the negative effects of co-contamination by polypropylene microplastic (PP MPs) and heavy metal mixtures on terrestrial environment and biota. This study assessed the adverse effects of co-exposure to PP MPs and heavy metal mixture (Cu2+, Cr6+, and Zn2+) on soil quality and the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Soil samples were collected in the Dong Cao catchment, near Hanoi, Vietnam, and analyzed for changes in extracellular enzyme activity and carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus availability in the soil. We determined the survival rate of earthworms Eisenia fetida that had ingested MPs and two doses of heavy metals (the environmental level - 1 × - and its double - 2 ×). Earthworm ingestion rates were not significantly impacted by the exposure conditions, but the mortality rate for the 2 × exposure conditions was 100%. Metal-associated PP MPs stimulated the activities of β-glucosidase, β-N-acetyl glucosaminidase, and phosphatase enzymes in soil. Principle component analysis showed that these enzymes were positively correlated with Cu2+ and Cr6+ concentrations, but negatively correlated with microbial activity. Zn2+ showed no correlation with soil extracellular enzyme activity or soil microbial activity. Our results showed that co-exposure of earthworms to MPs and heavy metals had no impact on soil nitrogen and phosphorus but caused a decrease in total soil carbon content, with a possible associated risk of increased CO2 emissions.

Efficient aerobic denitrification without nitrite accumulation by Pseudomonas mendocina HITSZ-D1 isolated from sewage sludge

A highly efficient aerobic denitrifying microbe was isolated from sewage sludge by using a denitrifier enrichment strategy based on decreasing carbon content. The microbe was identified as Pseudomonas mendocina HITSZ-D1 (hereafter, D1). Investigation of the conditions under which D1 grew and denitrified revealed that it performed good growth and nitrate removal performance under a wide range of conditions. In particular, D1 rapidly removed all types of inorganic nitrogen without accumulation of the intermediate products nitrite and nitrous oxide. Overall, D1 showed a total nitrogen removal efficiency >96% at a C/N ratio of 8. The biotransformation modes and fates of three typical types of inorganic nitrogen were also assessed. Moreover, D1 had significantly higher denitrification efficiency and enzyme activities than other aerobic denitrifying microbes (Paracoccus denitrificans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Pseudomonas putida). These results suggest that D1 has great potential for treating wastewater containing high concentrations of nitrogen.

Utilization of Bacillus cereus strain CGK5 associated with cow feces in the degradation of commercially available high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

The accumulation and mismanagement of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste in the environment is a complex problem in the present scenario. Biodegradation of this thermoplastic polymer is a promising environmentally sustainable method that offers a significant opportunity to address plastic waste management with minimal negative repercussion on the environment. In this framework, HDPE-degrading bacterium strain CGK5 was isolated from the fecal matter of cow. The biodegradation efficiency of strain was assessed, including percentage reduction in HDPE weight, cell surface hydrophobicity, extracellular biosurfactant production, viability of surface adhered cells, as well as biomass in terms of protein content. Through molecular techniques, strain CGK5 was identified as Bacillus cereus. Significant weight loss of 1.83% was observed in the HDPE film treated with strain CGK5 for 90days. The FE-SEM analysis revealed the profused bacterial growth which ultimately caused the distortions in HDPE films. Furthermore, EDX study indicated a significant decrease in percentage carbon content at atomic level, whereas FTIR analysis confirmed chemical groups' transformation as well as an increment in the carbonyl index supposedly caused by bacterial biofilm biodegradation. Our findings shed light on the ability of our strain B. cereus CGK5 to colonize and use HDPE as a sole carbon source, demonstrating its applicability for future eco-friendly biodegradation processes.

Glacial retreat and rising temperatures are limiting the expansion of temperate kelp species in the future Arctic

AbstractKelps act as ecosystem engineers on many polar rocky shore coastlines. The underwater light climate and temperature are the main drivers for their vertical and latitudinal distribution. With temperatures rising globally, an Arctic expansion of temperate kelp species and an accelerating glacial melt is predicted. It was our aim to investigate the effects of retreating glaciers and rising temperatures on the potential habitat of kelps in Arctic fjords. We analyzed the underwater light climate of areas being influenced by different stages of glacial retreat (sea‐terminating glacier, land‐terminating glacier, coastal water) in Arctic Kongsfjorden. We observed reduced light intensities and a changed spectral composition in glacial meltwater plumes, potentially resulting in an upward shift of the lower depth limit of kelp, counteracting the predicted biomass increase in the Arctic. Furthermore, we studied temperature‐related changes in light‐use characteristics in two kelp species (Alaria esculenta, Saccharina latissima) at 3°C, 7°C, and 11°C. Rising temperatures lead to a significant increase of the compensation irradiance of A. esculenta. The dark respiration of S. latissima increased significantly, correlating with a decreasing carbon content. We detected no differences in photosynthetic rates, although the chlorophyll a concentration of A. esculenta was ~ 78% higher compared to S. latissima. Ultimately, temperature‐induced changes in kelps light‐use characteristics might lead to a changed species composition, as we found A. esculenta better adapted to polar conditions. We conclude that the deterioration of the underwater light climate and the temperature increase may drive substantial changes of the future Arctic kelp forest structure.

Structure and chemical composition of thin-film nanocomposites based on silver in organosilicon amorphous matrix prepared by High Target Utilization Sputtering

Thin films based on Ag nanoclusters embedded in an organosilicon polymer matrix were deposited using the High Target Utilization Sputtering technique (HiTUS) by simultaneous sputtering of the Ag target and polymerization of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) vapors in radiofrequency plasma. The influence of deposition parameters on chemical composition and structure of the deposited nanocomposite films was studied using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analytical techniques. The films under investigation exhibit a dense uniform structure with the metallic nanocrystalline silver present in the form of spherical-shaped nanoclusters with dimensions below 10 nm embedded in an amorphous organosilicon plasma polymer. The average size of Ag nanoclusters is increased from 1.8 to 4.4 nm with Ag content increasing from 16 to 57%at. while concentration of nanoclusters is reduced. Incorporation of the metallic silver into the plasma polymerized HMDSO leads to a decrease of carbon and oxygen content as well as a decrease of organosilicon polymer matrix density.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of a Fluid Catalytic Cracking Regenerator

The aim of this study is to simulate a Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Regenerator, of a local refinery, using the Fluent Ansys.13 program and subsequently to investigate the impact of the change in geometry on the unit’s performance. Three different geometrical models of FCC Regenerator were simulated. The Solid Works program was used to build up the computational domain and the commercial CFD code Ansys-Fluent 13 was used for meshing, models setup and solving. Three cases were examined: base case with a single air inlet, case one with five air inlets, and case two with five air inlets, however with the catalyst inlet axis raised by 100%. The results showed that the carbon solid mass content (used to represent the coke) decreases from 0.39 to 0.23 in the base case and to 0.12 in case one and to 0.19 in case two for the regenerated catalyst. Case one resulted in a decrease in carbon content by 100%, with a carbon monoxide emission of 10ppm (the base case at a value of 200ppm) which increased in case two to 100ppm. Furthermore the impact of air mass flow rate in case one (best case) was investigated starting with a mass flow rate of 29.5kg/s. The flow rate was further increased by 100% and 200% which resulted in a carbon mass content of 0.092 and 0.08 respectively.

Improving mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of 0.5 wt.% C TRIP steel by adjusting retained austenite stability and microstructural constituents

Here the effect of retained austenite stability and martensite-austenite island/fresh martensite on mechanical properties, fracture behavior, and corrosion resistance of 0.5 wt.% C TRIP steel was studied. The volume fraction of retained austenite is distinctly high at ∼ 30% in 0.5 wt.% C TRIP steel compared to the conventional TRIP steels (10–20%) while the morphologies of retained austenite are mainly film-like, mixed film-like and small blocky (0.3–0.7 μm), and large blocky (0.7–1.5 μm), respectively, in the steels after bainitic holding at 360 °C, 400 °C and 450 °C. In addition, the volume fraction of bainite decreases from 53 vol.% to 44 vol.% and 32 vol.%, and that of martensite-austenite island/fresh martensite content increases from 2 vol.% to 9 vol.% and 21 vol.% with increasing temperatures. The two-stage mechanical stability of retained austenite with large volume fraction and mixed film-like and blocky morphologies ensures stable and continuous TRIP effect. As a result, after bainitic holding at 400 °C for 30 min, the superiorly comprehensive mechanical properties are obtained for the steel, showing ultrahigh tensile strength of 1220 MPa and retaining good ductility of 44%. Moreover, the effects of multiphase on strength and ductility were discussed and the presences of martensite-austenite island/fresh martensite and blocky retained austenite lead to premature crack initiation. Crack initiation and propagation mainly happen along the interface between deformation-induced martensite and the ferritic matrix and that between M-A island/FM and the ferritic matrix. The decreasing carbon content in RA and the occurrence as well as increase of M-A island/FM can deteriorate corrosion resistance of 0.5 wt.% C TRIP steels.

Relationship of Sphaeroma quoianum to sediment characteristics and invertebrate community

Many important wetland functions are tied to sediment dynamics, which are influenced by infaunal invertebrate communities. These communities are sensitive to changes in sediment structure and to colonization by non-native species. In a southern California salt marsh, the non-native isopod Sphaeroma quoianum has created dense networks of burrows within the marsh banks. Since this isopod increases erosion in many areas and can change local invertebrate communities, its possible contribution to habitat loss in this already-scarce southern California ecosystem is an important issue. To determine the relationship of S. quoianum to invertebrate community and sediment characteristics, three burrowed transects and one unburrowed transect were surveyed and sampled for invertebrate and sediment cores. This study tested the association between burrows and grain size distribution, sediment carbon content, respiration rates, and invertebrate community composition. Sphaeroma quoianum burrows were correlated with altered invertebrate community composition, decreased carbon content, and steep marsh bluffs. These results highlight the potential susceptibility of salt marsh habitat with steep edges to invasion by non-native species. These results also suggest that S. quoianum invasion of salt marsh habitats can alter native communities and ecosystem functions; thus, incipient invasions should be of concern to managers and ecologists alike.

A Cooperative-Dominated Model of Conservation Tillage to Mitigate Soil Degradation on Cultivated Land and Its Effectiveness Evaluation

Sustainable agricultural production systems are important for ensuring food security. However, they are severely threatened by soil degradation and carbon emissions resulting from traditional farming practices. A cooperative-dominated conservation tillage model attempts to mitigate these issues, yet it is not clear how this model has been implemented and how well it performs in practice. This study takes Lishu County in Jilin Province in Northeast China as a case study to explore the implementation of a cooperative-dominated conservation tillage (CDCT) model and its practical effectiveness. In contrast to the traditional production model, this model uses cooperatives as the direct managers of cultivated land and promotes the construction of new production units and large-scale and mechanized operations to standardize the application of conservation tillage technology in agricultural production. Scientific research institutes, governments, and enterprises are supporters of cooperatives, empowering them in terms of technology, capital, products, and services. The evaluation results show that, unlike the traditional production model, which caused a decrease in the soil organic carbon content, the organic carbon content of the topsoil of cultivated land under this model increased by an average of 6.17% after 9 years of conservation tillage application. Furthermore, the soil structural stability index of the cultivated land increased from 3.35% to 3.69%, indicating that the degree of soil structural degradation was alleviated to a certain extent. The CDCT model effectively enhanced the operational efficiency and fertilizer use efficiency, and the carbon footprint of maize production was also reduced by 15.65% compared to the traditional production model. In addition, the total production cost was reduced by 1449 CNY/ha and profit increased by 2599 CNY/ha on average, indicating higher economic returns under the CDCT model due to increased yields and lower input costs. Farmers who are freed from agricultural production activities by transferring their farmland can also gain two types of income—land revenue and labor wagesi—thus mproving their living conditions. The CDCT model can deliver multigoal benefits and be of great value in its extension to other regions. This study may provide lessons for the sustainable use of cultivated land in China and other developing countries, contributing to agricultural development with lower environmental costs.

Experimental and numerical study on diazinon removal using plasma bubble column reactor: Modeling, kinetics, mechanisms, and degradation products

Diazinone is the most commonly used pesticide worldwide. In this study, experimental and numerical analyses were employed to model and optimize the degradation and mineralization of diazinon using remotely generated non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma. The initial concentration of diazinon, pH of the medium, and flow rate of the plasma feeding gas were considered as the salient factors in the modeling and optimization processes. To our knowledge, this study is the first report on the effects of gas composition and flow rate on the type and concentration of remotely generated reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNOS). An air gas composition was adopted as the feeding gas for a custom-made dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma generator. Remotely generated gas plasma was introduced into the reactor through a diffuser located at the bottom of the column reactor, and the degradation of diazinon and its derived products was monitored using GC-MS. The decrease in the total organic carbon (TOC) content of the samples due to plasma treatment was traced using a TOC analyzer. Although 83.11% degradation was observed, the maximum TOC removal using this method was only 39.22%. Subsequently, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to mathematically model the process and observe the correlations between different parameters. Our results suggested a quadratic model for the degradation and TOC removal of the given treatment methods, which further indicated that the initial concentration of the analyte and pH influenced the degradation efficiency. However, the gas flow rate was identified as an important factor in TOC removal. The energy yield of the treatment procedure was 46.2 (gTOCkW−1h−1), suggesting the potential of DBD plasma for the treatment of diazinon-polluted water.

The preparation and evaluation mechanism of mesoporous spherical silica/porous carbon-filled polypropylene composites obtained from coal gasification fine slag.

Coal gasification fine slag is a by-product of the entrained-flow gasifier, which has caused some environmental pollution. Through acid dissolution and calcination at different temperatures, mesoporous spherical silica/porous carbon composite filler was prepared using coal gasification fine slag. The particle size and specific surface area of the composite filler decreased with the decrease of unburned carbon content. The analysis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated the decrease of oxygen-containing functional groups and the increase of C-C groups with the decrease of the content of carbon. The effects of mesoporous spherical silica/porous carbon with different carbon content on the comprehensive properties of filled polypropylene (PP) were studied. The tensile strength and interface interaction increased at first and then decreased with the decrease of carbon content, due to the synergistic effect of mesoporous spherical silica and rough amorphous carbon. The scanning electron microscope showed that the composite filler with the carbon content of 14.47 wt.% at the calcination temperature of 450°C had the best compatibility with the matrix. Thermodynamic analysis of the PP composites indicated that thermal insulation properties and thermal stability improved with the incorporation of the composite filler. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) testing indicated the highest crystallinity of the matrix corresponding to the best comprehensive performances of the composites. XRD patterns revealed that the cooperation of fillers brought characteristic peaks and did not change the primary crystal structure of PP. Simultaneously, heavy calcium powders (CC) were used as comparative fillers, and the overall properties of the PP composites filled with the composite filler were better compared to those of the CC-filled PP composite. The results illustrated that mesoporous spherical silica/porous carbon particles can completely replace CC used in the PP composites, which can be used in auto bumpers, plastic pipes, display cases, and car air deflectors. The CGFS can be processed into a plastic filler for substituting heavy calcium powder particles, which can solve the environmental pollution caused by the accumulation of solid waste.

Laboratory evaluation of four types of biochar to manage some stored product insects

Four types of biochars were prepared from rice husk as farm waste, sugarcane bagasse as sugar cane juice store waste, residues of Leucaena leucocephala tree as horticulture waste and chicken manure as chicken farm reduce at 700οC, then evaluated as a alternative to control Tribolium castaneum, Rhyzopertha dominica, Oryzaephlius surinamensis and Sitophilus oryzae. The character of each type has been defined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with an Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to identify the elemental composition and functional groups distributed on biochars surface. The elemental compositions refer to the chicken manure biochar exhibited a decrease in Carbon concentration and increase Oxygen content; there is a negative correlation between C and O contents. On the other hand, the chicken manure biochar is the only tested biochar that contains Ca, P, and Cl. The chicken manure biochar has the largest number of functional groups on its surface, the mortality of insects was recorded after 10 days which showed that the chicken manure biochar was the most effective which contains more different elements and functional groups on its surface. The most affected insects were O.surinamensis and R. dominica with mortality percentages 86.66 and 73.33. Smaller particles of chicken manure biochar were more effective than larger particles against both R. dominica and O. surinamensis, the smaller particles (1.80—0.94 µm) recorded LC50 1.29 and 0.56 g/kg against R. dominica and O. surinamensis. SEM images for the affected insects showed the adhesion of biochar particles on insect’s body parts, also, the sensilla were disappeared as a result of the friction between biochar particles and insect cuticle. Our results may indicate the promising features of biochar as an alternative method to control some stored product insects with considering the source of biochar which affect its elemental and functional groups contents. Biochar had different efficacy depending upon its moisture contents, with increased moisture the toxicity of biochar decreased.

Vertical SOC distribution and aromatic carbon in centuries old charcoal‐rich Technosols

AbstractCharcoal‐rich Technosols on century‐old relict charcoal hearths (RCHs) are the subject of ongoing research regarding potential legacy effects that result from historic charcoal production and subsequent charcoal amendments on forest soil properties and forest ecosystems today. RCHs consist mostly of Auh horizons that are substantially enriched in soil organic carbon (SOC), of which the largest part seems to be of pyrogenic origin (PyC). However, the reported range of SOC and PyC contents in RCH soil also suggests that they are enriched in nonpyrogenic SOC. RCH soils are discussed as potential benchmarks for the long‐term influence of biochar amendment and the post‐wildfire influences on soil properties. In this study, we utilised a large soil sample dataset (n = 1245) from 52 RCH sites in north‐western Connecticut, USA, to quantify SOC contents by total element analysis. The contents of condensed highly aromatic carbon as a proxy for black carbon (BC) were predicted by using a modified benzene polycarboxylated acid (BPCA) marker method in combination with diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy‐based partial least square regression (r2 = 0.89). A high vertical spatial sampling resolution allowed the identification of soil organic matter (SOM) enrichment and translocation processes. The results show an average 75% and 1862% increase in TOC and BPCA‐derived carbon, respectively, for technogenic Auh horizons compared to reference soils. In addition to an increase in aromatic properties, increased carboxylic properties of the RCH SOC suggest self‐humification effects of degrading charcoal and thereby the continuing formation of leachable aromatic carbon compounds, which could have effects on pedogenic processes in buried soils. Indeed, we show BPCA‐derived carbon concentrations in intermediate technogenic Cu horizons and buried top/subsoils that suggest vertical translocation of highly aromatic carbon originating in RCH Auh horizons. Topmost Auh horizons showed a gradual decrease in total organic carbon (TOC) contents with increasing depth, suggesting accumulation of recent, non‐pyrogenic SOM. Lower aliphatic absorptions in RCH soil spectra suggest different SOM turnover dynamics compared to reference soils. Furthermore, studied RCH soils featured additional TOC enrichment, which cannot be fully explained now.Highlights BC to TOC ratio and high resolution vertical SOC distribution in 52 RCH sites were studied. RCH soils non‐BC pool was potentially different to reference soils. RCH soils feature TOC accumulation in the topmost horizon. There is BC translocation into buried soils on RCH sites.

Thermodynamic mechanism of the magnetic-field-induced carbon content variation in bainitic ferrite during super bainite transformation

The experimental results demonstrate the decrease in carbon content of bainitic ferrite under a 12 T high magnetic field. A hybrid approach combining electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), first-principles calculations and Weiss molecular-field theory was used to evaluate the relationship between the carbon content and magnetism in bainitic ferrite. The calculated results demonstrate that the origins of the magnetic structural characteristics are controlled by interactions amongst the various sites of iron atoms and Fe-C bond distances. The negative magnetic Gibbs free energy changes increased the transformation driving force between the ferrite (α) and austenite (γ) phases, leading to an increased paraequilibrium carbon concentration at the α/γ interface, leading to an increase in the carbon diffusion in the austenite near the interface. As a consequence, the carbon atoms in bainitic ferrite decrease which is consistent with the experimental results.