Effect Of Physicochemical Properties Research Articles

Effect of physicochemical properties on critical sinking and attachment of respirable coal mine dust impacting on a water surface

Respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) inhalation is identified as the main cause of the resurgence of coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (CWP) since the mid-1990s. At present, the predominant dust control technology is the water spray system. However, in practice, the capture efficiency of RCMD by this technology is relatively low. To understand the capturing mechanism and develop improvement strategies, this research is focused on the surface chemistry study of RCMD and its impact on a water surface using a dynamic model. Proximate analysis, chemical, and mineral composition of a run-of-mine (ROM) coal sample from Appalachian region were analyzed using a proximate analyzer, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), respectively. Contact angles were measured by capillary rise test using the Washburn equation. Based on the dynamic model, the effects of particle size, density, contact angle, and surface tension on the critical sinking were investigated. It was pointed out in this work that reducing surface tension, in turn, decreases contact angle, which has been neglected in the literature. Regime maps for different minerals were created and showed that organic matter has the highest critical velocity due to its low density and high contact angle. Reducing water surface tension to the critical solid surface tension of coal around 30 mN/m could maximize the attachment efficiency. Scaling laws, constructed by force balance, led to the criteria of critical sinking: Ucr∼61-cosθ2D+1γlvρlR, i.e., Wecr∼121-cosθ2D+1. A semi-empirical formula for critical velocity was obtained by fitting the simulation data, Ucr=1.0961-cosθ2D+1γlvρlR. Attachment efficiency was defined and formulated as Pa=U02Ucr2=We0Wecr, establishing relationships between attachment efficiency and the physicochemical properties of RCMD and water droplets.

Unveiling the diversity, composition, and dynamics of phyllosphere microbial communities in Alhagi sparsifolia across desert basins and seasons in Xinjiang, China.

Phyllosphere microbes residing on plant leaf surfaces for maintaining plant health have gained increasing recognition. However, in desert ecosystems, knowledge about the variety, composition, and coexistence patterns of microbial communities in the phyllosphere remains limited. This study, conducted across three basins (Turpan-TLF, Tarim-CL, and Dzungaria-MSW) and three seasons (spring, summer, and autumn) in Xinjiang, China, aimed to explore the diversity and composition of microbial communities in the phyllosphere, encompassing both bacteria and fungi in Alhagi sparsifolia. We also investigated the co-occurrence patterns, influencing factors, and underlying mechanisms driving these dynamics. Results indicate that phyllosphere bacteria exhibited lower diversity indices (ACE, Shannon, Simpson, Fisher phylogenetic diversity, and Richness) in spring compared to summer and autumn, while the Goods Coverage Index (GCI) was higher in spring. Conversely, diversity indices and GCI of phyllosphere fungi showed an opposite trend. Interestingly, the lowest level of multi-functionality and niche width in phyllosphere bacteria occurred in spring, while the highest level was observed in phyllosphere fungi. Furthermore, the study revealed that no significant differences in multi-functionality were found among the regions (CL, MSW, and TLF). Network analysis highlighted that during spring, phyllosphere bacteria exhibited the lowest number of nodes, edges, and average degree, while phyllosphere fungi had the highest. Surprisingly, the multi-functionality of both phyllosphere bacteria and fungi showed no significant correlation with climatic and environmental factors but displayed a significant association with the morphological characteristics and physicochemical properties of leaves. Structural Equation Model indicated that the morphological characteristics of leaves significantly influenced the multi-functionality of phyllosphere bacteria and fungi. However, the indirect and total effects of climate on multi-functionality were greater than the effects of physicochemical properties and morphological characteristics of leaves. These findings offer new insights into leaf phyllosphere microbial community structure, laying a theoretical foundation for vegetation restoration and rational plant resource utilization in desert ecosystems.

Mass variations and transfer process of shrimp farming pollutants in aquaculture drainage systems: Effects of DOM features and physicochemical properties

The expansion of aquaculture produces increasing pollutant loads, necessitating the use of drainage systems to discharge wastewater into surface water. To assess the mass variations and transfer process of aquaculture wastewater, an entire aquaculture drainage investigation lasting for 48 h was conducted, focusing on the nutrients, heavy metals, dissolved organic matter (DOM), and physicochemical properties of drainage in a commercial shrimp farm. The findings revealed that early drainage produced more heavy metals, total nitrogen (TN), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), and feed-like proteins from aquaculture floating feed and additives, whereas late drainage produced more PO43--P and total dissolved phosphorus (TP). A few pollutants, including DON, Cu, and feed-like proteins, were effectively removed, whereas the contents of TN, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, and Zn increased in the multi-level aquaculture drainage system. Limited dilution indicated that in-stream transfer was the main process shaping pollutant concentrations within the drainage system. In the lower ditches, NO3--N, heavy metals, and feed-like proteins exhibited evident in-stream attenuation, while TN and NH4+-N underwent significant in-stream enrichment processes, especially in ditch C, with the transfer coefficient values (vf) of –1.74E-5 and –2.04E-5. This indicates that traditional aquaculture drainage systems serve as nitrogen sinks, rather than efficient nutrient purge facilitators. Notably, DOM was identified as a more influential factor in shaping the in-stream transfer process in aquaculture drainage systems, with an interpretation rate 40.79% higher than that of the physiochemical properties. Consequently, it is necessary to eliminate the obstacles posed by DOM to pollutant absorption and net zero emissions in aquaculture drainage systems in the future. Environmental implicationsNutrients, heavy metals, and dissolved organic matter are hazardous pollutants originating from high-density aquaculture. As the sole conduit to natural waters, aquaculture drainage systems have pivotal functions in receiving and purifying wastewater, in which the in-stream transfer process is affected by ambient conditions. This field study investigated the spatial variations, stage distinctions, effects of physicochemical properties, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) features. This finding suggests that the aquaculture drainage system as a nitrogen sink and DOM source. While the DOM is the key factor in shaping the in-stream transfer process, and obstacles for pollutant elimination. This study helps in understanding the fate of aquaculture pollutants and reveals the drawbacks of traditional aquaculture drainage systems.

Physicochemical properties and oil-water interfacial behavior of subcritical water-treated coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) globulins

Except for conventional heat treatment, subcritical water treatment also has been applied in the modification of protein. In order to find out whether subcritical water treatment can improve the emulsification property of coconut globulin (CG), the effects of physicochemical properties and interfacial behavior on the emulsifying properties of subcritical water-treated (120 °C for 20 min) CG were investigated and compared with conventional heated (90 °C for 20 min) CG. The solubility of 90°C-CG and 120°C-CG was 72.24% and 81.92%, respectively. Compared to 90°C-CG, the 120°C-CG has smaller size and higher surface hydrophobicity. The 120°C-CG showed higher conformational flexibility which corresponded to the higher interfacial adsorption and viscoelasticity. In addition, the 120°C-CG displayed higher emulsifying stability but lower emulsifying activity than 90°C-CG due to the lower interfacial thickness. Moreover, the 120°C-CG showed higher strain softening under higher amplitude perturbation and higher instability index after centrifuging. However, the emulsion stabilized by 120°C-CG also displayed higher viscosity and more compact transmission profiles, which is conducive to the emulsion stability. This study demonstrated that the subcritical water could effectively modify the structural and emulsifying stability of CG, which is suitable for the application in food industries.

The effect of physicochemical properties on paracetamol photodegradation in cuboid bubble column

Paracetamol is one of the most anthropogenic micropollutants, and their removal from the environment often requires a specialized method of remediation. In this study, a photocatalyst technique aided with air bubbles was used to degrade the pharmaceutical pollutant paracetamol (PCT) from the water via the COD test and HPLC analysis under different operating conditions. The experiments were carried out in a semi-batch rectangular bubble column with dimensions of 1500 mm height, 30 mm depth, and 200 mm width under UV light. Titanium oxide (TiO2) was used as a source of catalyst. The effect of operating conditions of pH (3-10), air flow rate (0-2) L/min, salinity of solution represented by NaCl concentration (0-1000) mg/L, and 240 min irradiation time on the paracetamol removal were studied. The Box–Behnken design was adopted to study the individual effects of pH (A), air flow rate (B), and salinity (C) and their interactive effects. From the experimental and regression data, a second-order polynomial regression model is predicted, and the variance analysis of the regressions shows that the linear terms (A and B), and all quadratic terms (A, B, and C) have significant effects on the removal percentage of COD. According to numerical optimization, the greatest %COD removal is 76.7 in the process conditions of 5.3 pH, 1L/min, and 269 mg/L of NaCl. The experimental results show that the maximum %COD removal was 78% at pH=7, 1L/min, and 0mg/L of NaCl. HPLC analysis shows 91.2% of paracetamol degradation.

Effect of physicochemical properties on the performance of palladium-based composite membranes: A review

Effect of physicochemical properties on the performance of palladium-based composite membranes: A review

Development of bean-based emulgels for 3D printing applications: Feasibility for dysphagia diets

Emulgels could be used as edible inks for individuals with special needs. The purpose of this work was to formulate a 3D printable low-oil emulgel by evaluating the effect of incorporating gelatin in a bean-based nanoemulsion stabilized by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) suitable for a dysphagia diet. The effect of physicochemical properties and printing parameters of the emulsion network were evaluated for printability, dimensional stability, and textural properties. HPH produced stable nanoemulsions using pressures >200 MPa and 5% bean protein. Adding gelatin decreased NH and COO vibrations, increased hydrogen bonding, and created self-supporting emulgels when the gelatin concentration was >1.5%. Printing performance, dimensional stability, and textural properties depended on the gelatin concentration and printing parameters, whose improvement enabled precise, time-stable, and swallow-safe shapes with 2.5% gelatin. In conclusion, stable emulgels can be used in 3D printing, facilitating the design of colloidal food systems with customized textures and nutritional properties for individuals with dysphagia.

Insight into the Effect of Physicochemical Properties on CO2 Absorption Behavior of Imidazole Anion-Functionalized Ionic Liquids

Insight into the Effect of Physicochemical Properties on CO2 Absorption Behavior of Imidazole Anion-Functionalized Ionic Liquids

Spatio-temporal variation and hazard assessment of potentially toxic metal element contamination in sediments and water before and after a water-level fluctuation cycle in the Three Gorges Reservoir, Wanzhou, China.

Previous investigations on heavy metals in the water-sediment compartment focused on their spatial distribution, and the influence of sediment pH and organic matter (OM) on metal environmental occurrences. However, there are limited studies on the effects of physicochemical properties on the migration and transformation of heavy metals in the water-sediment compartments. This study investigated the relationship between the physicochemical properties of sediments and the distribution and chemical speciation of heavy metals, and the potential environmental risk of heavy metals in water and sediment using Risk Assessment Code (RAC) values and the Tessier five-step extraction method. Adsorption and desorption experiments showed that the sediment had weak adsorption and the strongest desorption capacity for Cd. Results of the pH, OM, surface element content, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns suggested that cadmium (Cd) was more likely to partition into the water phase from the sediment during the flooding and water storage periods. When pH was 7-8 and OM content was 3.6-5.9%, the sediment-water distribution coefficient of Cd was low due to its large ionic radius, and the surface adsorption sites were saturated by other elements. These studies can provide a theoretical basis for the management and pollution control of the Three Gorges Reservoir.

Water-Soluble Synthetic Polymers: Their Environmental Emission Relevant Usage, Transport and Transformation, Persistence, and Toxicity

Water-soluble synthetic polymers (WSPs) are distinct from insoluble plastic particles, which are both critical components of synthetic polymers. In the history of human-made macromolecules, WSPs have consistently portrayed a crucial role and served as the ingredients of a variety of products (e.g., flocculants, thickeners, solubilizers, surfactants, etc.) commonly used in human society. However, the environmental exposures and risks of WSPs with different functions remain poorly understood. This paper provides a critical review of the usage, environmental fate, environmental persistence, and biological consequences of multiple types of WSPs in commercial and industrial production. Investigations have identified a wide market of applications and potential environmental threats of various types of WSPs, but we still lack the suitable assessment tools. The effects of physicochemical properties and environmental factors on the environmental distribution as well as the transport and transformation of WSPs are further summarized. Evidence regarding the degradation of WSPs, including mechanical, thermal, hydrolytic, photoinduced, and biological degradation is summarized, and their environmental persistence is discussed. The toxicity data show that some WSPs can cause adverse effects on aquatic species and microbial communities through intrinsic toxicity and physical hazards. This review may serve as a guide for environmental risk assessment to help develop a sustainable path for WSP management.

Effects of Physicochemical Properties on the South-South Estuaries’ Microbial Community Structure

The conceivably chemical gold of the marine environment is affected by a myriad of natural and artificial challenges. The physical and chemical challenges faced by microbes in the ocean are one among the many myriads of activities that affect marine microbial life. As the depth of the ocean increases, temperature declines, salinity increases, and the availability of nutrients dwindle, pollution from a variety of sources such as recreation, fish culture, and the assimilation and transport of pollution effluents through river can greatly affect the physiochemical and biodiversity of the ocean life. The total community DNA was extracted using the ZR soil microbe DNA Miniprep kit. The amplicon Library was prepared using the reversible terminator sequencing on Miseq, illumina’s integrated next-generation sequencer by Inqaba Biotechnological as per 16S metagenomic sequencing Library preparation. For the determination of pH, the pH meter was used; the conductivity meter was used for conductivity; the salinometer was used for salinity, the heating method was used for total dissolved solids (TDS); Nephelometer was used for turbidity; the filter method was used for total suspended solids (TSS); palintest Nitratest method was used for Nitrate determination; Total alkalinity was determined by the standard titrimetric method; for Total hardness, the EDTA titrimetric method was used; the wet ashing method was used for metals; Hydrogen carbonate was determined by titrimetric method; sulfate and Chloride were determined by turbidimetric and argentometric method respectively. The total read counts from the kingdom across the three zones are 4981 (82.70%), 991 (94.11%), and 45835 (46.64%) for Okrika, Ibaka, and Brass, respectively. The total read counts from the phyla across the three zones are 1222 (21.73%) for Proteobacteria, 221 (21.33%) for Firmicutes, and 14712 (14.97%) for Firmicutes, respectively. The salinity and sodium values were 2.96 and 3.23 and 567.31 and 422.91 for the top and bottom, respectively, in Ibaka. The salinity and sodium values were 13.55 and 12.94 and 1877.68 and 1874.02 for top and bottom, respectively, for Okrika. The salinity and sodium values were 11.65 and 8.51 and 1238.69 and 1338.82 for the top and bottom, respectively, for Brass. The number of bacteria phyla obtained from the sediment was found to depend on the physicochemical parameters (sodium, salinity, pH, etc.).

Effect of Cell Membrane-cloaked Nanoparticle Elasticity on Nano-Bio Interaction.

Cell membrane-cloaked nanoparticles are exploited as a promising drug carrier to enhance circulation, accumulation, penetration into tumor sites and cellular internalization. However, the effect of physicochemical properties (e.g., size, surface charge, shape, and elasticity) of cell membrane-cloaked nanoparticles on nano-bio interaction is rarely studied. In the present study, keeping the other parameters constant, erythrocyte membrane (EM)-cloaked nanoparticles (nanoEMs) with different Young's moduli are fabricated by altering different kinds of nano-core (i.e., aqueous phase core, gelatin nanoparticles, and platinum nanoparticles). The designed nanoEMs are used to investigate the effect of nanoparticle elasticity on nano-bio interaction including cellular internalization, tumor penetration, biodistribution, blood circulation, and so on. The results demonstrate that the nanoEMs with intermediate elasticity (≈95MPa) have a relatively higher increase in cellular internalization and inhibition of tumor cells migration than the soft (≈11MPa) and stiff (≈173MPa) ones. Furthermore, in vivo studies show that nanoEMs with intermediate elasticity preferentially accumulate and penetrate into tumor sites than the soft and stiff ones, while in circulation, softer nanoEMs show a longer blood circulation time. This work provides an insight for optimizing the design of biomimetic carriers and may further contribute to the selection of nanomaterials on biomedical application.

The Effect of Physicochemical Properties and Surface Chemistry on CO2 Adsorption Capacity of Potassium Acetate-Treated Carbon Pellets

The aim of this study is to prepare a carbon pellet using low-cost material and a green process with excellent surface properties for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture application. To enhance the surface properties of the carbon pellet, a chemical activation method was introduced by modifying the pellet with potassium acetate. Then, the carbon pellet was tested in a packed-bed adsorption column to evaluate their performance for breakthrough time and CO2 adsorption. The effect of the physicochemical and surface chemistry of the carbon pellet on CO2 adsorption was also studied. The SEM image showed remarkable changes in the surface morphology of the carbon pellet after modification with potassium acetate. In addition, the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups such as hydroxyl and carbonyl groups in the modified carbon pellet could effectively enhance the CO2 adsorption capacity. Thus, it is proven that the carbon pellet modified with potassium acetate is suitable for CO2 adsorption. The results revealed that the CAC-PA 2M obtained the longest breakthrough time (19.4 min), higher adsorption capacity (0.685 mmol/g), and good recyclability (the regenerated sample can be reused for more than five cycles). The comprehensive characterization study and CO2 adsorption experimental data on new carbon pellets can provide a direction for new researchers that are venturing into the CO2 capture field.

Pyrolysis of tea and coffee wastes: effect of physicochemical properties on kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics

Physicochemical properties, kinetic pyrolysis and thermodynamic study of spent green tea, pure spent coffee grounds, spent coffee grounds blended with 50% torrefied barley and coffee husk were experimentally investigated using thermogravimetric analysis under an inert atmosphere to evaluate their thermochemical application. Five isoconversional methods were applied to determine effective activation energy (Ea) of the pyrolysis processes. All methods showed good agreement by determining fluctuating Ea values (150–500 kJ mol−1). Complex Ea profiles with conversion were divided into four stages corresponding to thermal degradation of main biomass constituents (extractives, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin), indicating that extractives decomposition was the least demanding reaction while lignin decomposition was the most demanding. The kinetic process was verified by reconstruction according to the Friedman parameters. The thermodynamic parameters were evaluated to determine the energy demand and efficiency throughout the process. The values obtained for physicochemical properties such as volatile matter (> 68%) and higher heating value (> 17 MJ kg−1), average Ea (223–319 kJ mol−1) and significant energy efficiency implied that these types of biomass waste have significant reactivity and consequently the highest potential for the production of bioenergy and a range of high-value chemicals and materials.

Effects of physicochemical properties and co-existing zinc agrochemicals on the uptake and phytotoxicity of PFOA and GenX in lettuce.

Even though the potential toxicity and treatment methods for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have attracted extensive attention, the plant uptake and accumulation of PFAS in edible plant tissues as a potential pathway for human exposure received little attention. Our study in a hydroponic system demonstrated that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its replacing compound, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy) propanoic acid (GenX) displayed markedly different patterns of plant uptake and accumulation. For example, the root concentration factor (RCF) of PFOA in lettuce is almost five times of that of GenX while the translocation factor (TF) of GenX is about 66.7% higher than that for PFOA. The co-presence of zinc amendments affected the phyto-effect of these two compounds and their accumulation in plant tissues, and the net effect on their plant accumulation depended on both the properties of Zn amendments and PFAS. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) at 100mg/L did not affect the uptake of PFOA in either lettuce roots or shoots; however, Zn2+ at the same concentration significantly increased PFOA accumulation in both tissues. In contrast, both Zn amendments significantly lowered the accumulation of GenX in lettuce roots, but only ZnONPs significantly hindered the GenX accumulation in lettuce shoots. The co-exposure to ZnONPs and PFOA/GenX resulted in lower oxidative stress than the plants exposed to PFOA or GenX alone. However, both zinc agrochemicals with or without PFAS led to lower root dry biomass. The results shed light on the property-dependent plant uptake of PFAS and the potential impact of co-existing nanoagrochemicals and their dissolved ions on plant uptake of PFOA and GenX.

Effects of physicochemical properties and structural heterogeneity on mineral precipitation and dissolution in saturated porous media

Physicochemical properties, such as solute concentration, flow acidity and flow rate, regulate flow and reactive transport in porous media. Mineral precipitation – dissolution (PD) dynamically changes the pore structural heterogeneity and affects the physicochemical properties, yet the interplay between the PD process and structural heterogeneity remains unclear. This study took the precipitation of Ca2+ and CO32− (Ca2++CO32−⇌CaCO3) as an example to study the reactive transport behavior under different physicochemical conditions in saturated, heterogeneous-packed porous media. A series of column breakthrough experiments and numerical simulations of the coupled flow and PD processes were conducted. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) and pore morphology analysis were also applied to investigate the effects of calcite precipitation on pore structure. Results demonstrate that solute concentration, flow acidity, and flow rates in homogeneous columns significantly altered the time of the PD process to reach equilibrium, leading to immediate chemical environmental changes, and thus impact reactive transport behavior. Preferential flow paths in heterogeneous-packed columns could lead to early breakthroughs and thereby promoted the transport of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in saturated porous media. XCT images revealed that surface roughness played an important role in Ca2+ precipitation, i.e., CaCO3 clustered more on concave surface than convex surface, reshaping a round coat outside grain particles. The CaCO3 precipitation could also narrow or even block the pore throats, and thus decrease the pore connectivity, which hinders the breakthrough behavior. Our study provided experimental evidence for a predictive understanding of Ca2+ reactive transport as well as new insights into the changes in soil structural heterogeneity and transport properties during the PD process.

Recent Advances in Research on the Effect of Physicochemical Properties on the Cytotoxicity of Metal–Organic Frameworks

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been utilized with increasing interest in various fields, including gas storage and separation, catalysis, sensing, adsorption, and biomedicine. Recently, the scale‐up production and commercialization of MOFs have paved their way to real‐world applications. However, the accidental and intentional exposures of MOFs to humans and organisms make an increasing concern on their health risks and sustainable development. Thus, toxicity assessment is essential for the application of MOFs. In vitro toxic evaluation based on cell culture is low cost, fast, and high throughput, making it an ideal model in toxicity research. To understand the cytotoxicity of MOFs, a short review on the effect of key physicochemical factors on cytotoxicity is necessary. Herein, the application of MOFs is summarized and the possible exposure routes of MOFs to humans are discussed. Moreover, the key physicochemical factors affecting the cytotoxicity of MOFs such as chemical composition, size, and shape are also elucidated. It is expected that this short review helps to understand the cytotoxicity of MOFs and sheds light on the importance of the toxicity assessment of MOFs.

Bio-adsorption performances of methylene blue (MB) dye on terrestrial and marine natural fibers: Effect of physicochemical properties, kinetic models and thermodynamic parameters

ABSTRACT Biomass residues and algal wastes were used for the first time to produce new efficient adsorbents from lignocellulosic powders from Solanum elaeagnifolium Cavanilles (SE. Cav) and Gelidium elegans (G. elegans), respectively, for the efficient removal of methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous systems. The physicochemical features and the efficiency of the bio-sorbents were successfully characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA/DTG, BET, SEM and isoelectric point (pHpzc) tests. The results indicate that both bio-adsorbents have an overall surface acid due to the occurrence of hydroxyl and carboxylic groups, which directly impact the binding of cationic molecules to the surface. SE. Cav showed an ultimate monolayer absorbency of 50.607 mg/g at neutral pH (6.8) and room temperature (24°C). However, under the same conditions, G. elegans exhibited a higher value (76.689 mg/g). The adsorption kinetics indicates that both materials fit the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model as the correlation factors are quite near to unity. The parameters obtained from the equilibrium data showed that the experimental results fit well with the Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson and Sips isotherms for both bio-adsorbents. Moreover, the thermodynamic parameters suggest that the MB adsorption process for the two materials was exothermic and spontaneous.

Effect of physicochemical properties on popping characteristics of selected pearl millet varieties.

Pearl millet, commonly known as 'Bajra', is a nutrigrain, mostly used in pulverized form to make unleavened pancakes, dumplings, porridge, etc., in India. Popping, a traditional method of millet processing, is used in making ready-to-eat snacks. Pearl millet is underutilized in India. The present work aims to study the effect of the parameters of pearl millet such as variety, chemical composition, pericarp thickness, amylose content, and processing temperature on the volume expansion ratio and sensory properties of popped pearl millet. A conventional salt-popping technique was used at three different temperatures (220 °C, 240 °C, and 260 °C) for five pearl millet varieties (ABPC 4-3, AHB 1269, AHB 1666, AIMP 92901, and PPC-6). Parameters such as color, diameter, density, amylose content, pericarp thickness, and proximate composition were analyzed. Popping characteristics such as volume expansion ratio, popping yield, and sensory properties of popped grains were studied. It was observed that pericarp thickness and amylose content were positively correlated with the popping qualities of grains. AIMP 92901 offered more desirable properties such as suitable moisture content (87.5g kg-1 ), lowest equivalent diameter (2.07 mm), highest bulk density (0.84 g cm-3 ), true density (1.41 g cm-3 ), pericarp thickness (30.82 μm), and amylose content (19.75 g kg-1 ) than the other varieties that were studied. Hence, the highest popping yield (72.83%) and expansion ratio (6.15) was observed in the AIMP 92901 pearl millet variety at 260 °C. Conventional salt popping at 260 °C yielded the best popping characteristics. Pearl millet variety AIMP-92 901 developed by VNMKV (Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani), Parbhani was found to have more desirable popping characteristics (in terms of all the parameters explained in results). © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Physico-chemical Properties on Spore Density and Root Colonization of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Industrial Wastelands in Kota, Rajasthan

This study was conducted in selected industrial waste dump sites in the Kota district of Rajasthan, India to investigate the impact of various edaphic factors on spore density and root colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The current research shows that AMF root colonization rates were insignificantly negatively correlated with EC, soil temperature, P, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn but significantly positively correlated with soil pH, soil moisture, and insignificantly positively correlated with N and OC (P < 0.05). Spore density of mycorrhiza was insignificant and negatively correlated with soil moisture (P < 0.05), EC, soil temperature, P, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn but significantly positively correlated with soil pH and insignificantly positively correlated with N and OC.
 Edaphic factors may influence the root colonization and spore density of mycorrhiza differentially. Except for pH and soil moisture, almost all other parameters have a very insignificant influence on mycorrhizal root colonization and spore density in industrial wastelands.