Fertilizer Samples Research Articles

Ecological Risk, Input Flux, and Source of Heavy Metals in the Agricultural Plain of Hebei Province, China.

A large amount of heavy metal (HM) inputs exists in the farming areas of the Hebei plain of northern China. However, the potential ecological risk, source, and input flux of HMs in these areas have not been well-investigated. In this study, atmospheric deposition, fertilizer, irrigation water, and agricultural soil samples were collected from farming areas (~74,111 km2) in Hebei Province, China. The HM index of geoaccumulation (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (RI) of soil was calculated for eight HMs. The source and input flux of each element were predicted using the input flux and principal component score–multiple linear regression (PCS–MLR) methods. The results showed that Cd and Hg increased Igeo values, and the maximum levels of As (29.5 mg/kg), Cu (228.9 mg/kg), Cd (4.52 mg/kg), and Zn (879.0 mg/kg) were greater than the health risk screening values in the soil quality standard of China. The potential ecological risk factor (Er) of Cd demonstrated a moderately potential ecological risk, accounting for 67.72%. The distribution map showed that Cd was mainly concentrated in eastern area of Baoding (BD) in the study area. The result of the atmospheric dry and wet deposition contributed more to soil pollution than the usage of fertilizer or irrigation water by calculating the input flux. The order was Zn (94%) > Cu (92%) > Pb (89%) > Cr (86%) > Cd (72%) > Hg = Ni (71%) > As (59%). Principal component analysis (PCA) results showed that there were four sources of HMs in soil. Geological sources contribute to the accumulation of As, Cr, and Ni in soil. Cu and Pb in the soil were attributable to the input from vehicular emissions and irrigation water. Cd and Zn in the soil were attributable to the farming activity, whereas Hg originates from the combustion of coal. The results of PCS–MLR demonstrated that the contribution rate of As, Ni, and Cr in the study area was 30.06%, 71.86%, 57.71% for the first group (natural source); Cu, Pb and Zn were 71.78%, 63.59%, and 30.72% for the second group (vehicle emissions); Zn was 60.93% for the third group (fertilizer application and irrigation water); and Hg was 85.16%, for the fourth group (coal combustion). These factors provide a valuable reference for remediating HM pollution.

Studies of the features of vacuum drying of organic-mineral fertilizers

AbstactThe article presents the results of studies of drying of organic-mineral fertilizer. Drying options in various technological regimes are considered. Vacuum methods are used in drying materials because they provide good quality at high speeds. In this study, samples of organic-mineral fertilizers were dried at an absolute pressure of 65-75 Pa at a temperature of 50-70 ° C to assess the drying characteristics. The change in the mass proportion of water can be considered as one of the indicators of the effectiveness of vacuum drying of organic-mineral fertilizer. Optimal drying parameters were established when using a vacuum pump in a laboratory installation. The advantages of vacuum drying are revealed, consisting in reducing the process time by more than 2 times. The proposed model effectively predicts the moisture content in organic-mineral fertilizer during vacuum drying.

Analisis Kadar Nitrogen Total pada Pupuk Padat dengan Metode Kjedahl di Balai Pengkajian Teknologi Pertanian (BPTP) Yogyakarta

Telah dilakukan analisis penentuan kadar N-Total dalam pupuk di Balai Pengkajian Teknologi Pertanian (BPTP) Yogyakarta. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kadar nitrogen total dalam sampel pupuk. Analisis kadar nitrogen dalam pupuk dilakukan dengan mengggunakan Metode Kjeldahl. Prinsip penentuan nitrogen total dengan metode Kjeldahl adalah nitrogen dalam sampel pupuk dihidrolisis dengan asam sulfat pekat membentuk senyawa amonium sulfat. Produk hasil destruksi yaitu senyawa ammonium sulfat didestilasi dalam suasana basa yang kemudian ditampung dengan asam borat. Destilat yang dihasilkan dititrasi dengan larutan asam sulfat sampai terjadi perubahan warna hijau menjadi merah muda. Dari hasil kadar N-Total didapatkan yaitu pada sampel PO.207 dengan N-Total 1,8136%, PO.208 dengan N-Total 1,5597%, PO.209 dengan N-Total 1,5489%, PO.210 dengan N-Total 1,385%, PO.211 dengan NTotal 1,1292% dan PO.212 dengan N-Total 2,2401%.

Source Apportionment and Geographic Distribution of Heavy Metals and as in Soils and Vegetables Using Kriging Interpolation and Positive Matrix Factorization Analysis.

Food security and cultivated land utilization can be seriously affected by heavy metal (HM) pollution of the soil. Therefore, identifying the pollution sources of farmland is the way to control soil pollution and enhance soil quality effectively. In this research, 95 surface soil samples, 34 vegetable samples, 27 irrigation water samples, and 20 fertilizer samples were collected from the Wuqing District of Tianjin City, China and was used to determine their HMs accumulation and potential ecological risks. Then, kriging interpolation and positive matrix factorization (PMF) were utilized to identify the sources of soil HMs. The results indicated that soil HMs in the study area were contaminated at a medium level, but that the pollution of Cd was more severe, and the Cd content in vegetables was slightly higher than the permissible threshold (0.02 mg·kg−1). Furthermore, a non-homogeneous distribution was observed, with higher concentrations of HM contaminants concentrated in the southwest of the study area, where many metal manufacturing industries are located. Our results suggest that the Cd originated from industrial activity; As and Pb from agricultural practices; Ni, Cu, Cr, and As mainly from natural sources; Zn and Cu from organic fertilizer; Pb and Cd mainly from traffic discharge; and Cr, Ni, and Pb from sewage irrigation. Obviously, the accumulation of soil HMs in the study area could be mainly attributed to industrial activities, implying the need for implementation of government strategies to reduce industrial point-source pollution.

Determination of Natural Radioactivity in Some Commercial Phosphate Fertilizer Samples

Determinations of specific activity concentrations for Uranium-238, Thorium-232 and Potassium-40 in 10 commercial phosphate fertilizers samples from various countries (Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Italy and Turkey) were accomplished by the use of high purity germanium detector device. Radiation hazard indices [(Annual Effective Dose Equivalent) in, (Annual Effective Dose Equivalent) out, Equivalent Activity of Radium, Dose Rate of Absorbed Gamma, Activity Concentration Index , Internal and External Hazard Indices and (Excess Life Time Cancer Risk) out] were also investigated. The acquired outcomes were fewer than the advisable limits identified by (UNSCEAR, 2000).

Characterization of the Gastrointestinal and Reproductive Tract Microbiota in Fertile and Infertile Pakistani Couples.

Simple SummaryWe describe microbial taxa associated with the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts of married Pakistani couples. We highlight differences in microbial composition and diversity that are associated with fertile and infertile couples and provide a baseline for future in-depth studies to target the association of the human microbiome with infertility.The human microbiota is recognized as a vital “virtual” organ of the human body that influences human health, metabolism, and physiology. While the microbiomes of the gut, oral cavity, and skin have been extensively studied in the literature, relatively little work has been done on characterizing the microbiota of the human reproductive tract organs, and specifically on investigating its association to fertility. Here, we implemented a 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) amplicon sequencing approach to sequence and characterize the gut and genital tract microbiomes from several married Pakistani couples. The recruited individuals included 31 fertile and 35 infertile individuals, with ages ranging from 19–45 years. We identified several fluctuations in the diversity and composition of the gut and genital microbiota among fertile and infertile samples. For example, measures of α-diversity varied significantly between the genital samples donated by fertile and infertile men and there was overall greater between-sample variability in genital samples regardless of gender. In terms of taxonomic composition, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes fluctuated significantly between the gut microbiomes of fertile and infertile samples. Finally, biomarker analyses identified features (genera and molecular functions and pathways) that differed significantly between the fertile and infertile samples and in the past have been associated with bacterial vaginosis. However, we emphasize that 16S amplicon data alone has no bearing on individual health and is merely representative of microbial taxonomic differences that could also arise due to multiple other factors. Our findings, however, represent the first effort to characterize the microbiome associated with fertile and infertile couples in Pakistan and will hopefully pave the way for more comprehensive and broad-scale investigations in the future.

Investigation of natural radioactivity levels in some fertilizer samples used for agriculture purposes in Tiruvannamalai locality, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT In this work, radioactivity levels and distributions of natural radionuclides in selected fertilizer samples from Tiruvannamalai locality, Tamil Nadu, India were investigated. Various types of chemical fertilizer samples such as calcium nitrate (CN), Urea (U), Sulphur (S), Complex Fertilizer (CF) and Spic Surabi (SS) were collected from the manufacturers and suppliers of Tiruvannamalai locality, Tamil Nadu, India. Activity concentration of natural radionuclides in different fertilizer samples were measured by gamma counting system. Hazard parameters have been calculated for different studied samples. The following parameters were studied: Radium Equivalent Activity (Raeq), Absorbed dose rate (DR), Annual Effective Dose Rate (AEDR), Gamma Index (Iγ), External Hazard Index (Hex), Activity utilisation index (AUI), and Cancer risk (CR). The mean activity concentrations of uranium, thorium and potassium were 188.56, 27.06 and 579.0 Bq.kg−1 respectively. Obtained activity concentrations as well as hazard parameters were compared with world recommended values. Results shown that hazard parameters for studied samples were less than the international recommended values except AUI and CR.

Tree species delimitation in tropical forest inventories: Perspectives from a taxonomically challenging case study

Forest conservation and management programs rely on precise knowledge of local tree diversity. Distinguishing tree species is a major concern in tropical forest inventories as morphology alone may not be sufficient for species identifications in those highly diverse environments. Therefore, a multi-evidence approach is desirable to avoid subjective interpretations. We tested the contribution of a low-cost integrative protocol for delimiting sympatric species of the taxonomically challenging genus Myrcia (Myrtaceae) in the central Amazon region. We classified specimens into local species by morphotyping them and then validated our hypotheses using two additional sources of evidence: i) near-infrared spectroscopic data, consisting of 1557 absorbance values obtained from dried leaves; and, ii) morphometric data of leaf blade contours, translated into Fourier descriptors and summarized by principal component analysis (PCA), together with four additional leaf characters. The morphotypes were validated using linear discriminant analyses (LDAs) of the raw NIR spectra, stepwise-selected spectral regions, PCA-reduced spectra, as well as the morphometric data. A taxonomic name was assigned to each validated species based on comparisons with herbarium specimens and/or the technical literature. We delimited 38 species of Myrcia, and our hypotheses were well-supported by the LDAs (81–99% accuracy), evidencing that inexpensive tools can be effectively used to discriminate species in large-scale projects, and that integrative approaches are fundamental in that regard. Although vegetative traits were sufficient for species discrimination, fertile samples were crucial for obtaining taxonomic names for them. Thirteen species delimited by us belong to four species complexes, each treated under single species names in the current systematics of the genus. We therefore argue that species delimitations prior to individual identifications are essential for robust species definition in forest plot research because local species do not necessarily match global circumscriptions. This type of approach may greatly alter how local community structures are viewed and consequently modify the results of downstream analyses of ecological studies. We also emphasize that local species delimitations may contribute to the field of taxonomy by identifying potential inconsistencies in global species definitions.

Progesterone, Myo-Inositol, Dopamine and Prolactin Present in Follicular Fluid Have Differential Effects on Sperm Motility Subpopulations.

Considering the challenges surrounding causative factors in male infertility, rather than relying on standard semen analysis, the assessment of sperm subpopulations and functional characteristics essential for fertilization is paramount. Furthermore, the diagnostic value of sperm interactions with biological components in the female reproductive tract may improve our understanding of subfertility and provide applications in assisted reproductive techniques. We investigated the response of two sperm motility subpopulations (mimicking the functionality of potentially fertile and sub-fertile semen samples) to biological substances present in the female reproductive tract. Donor semen was separated via double density gradient centrifugation, isolated into high (HM) and low motile (LM) sperm subpopulations and incubated in human tubal fluid (HTF), capacitating HTF, HD-C medium, progesterone, myo-inositol, dopamine and prolactin. Treated subpopulations were evaluated for vitality, motility percentages and kinematic parameters, hyperactivation, positive reactive oxygen species (ROS), intact mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and acrosome reaction (AR). While all media had a significantly positive effect on the LM subpopulation, dopamine appeared to significantly improve both subpopulations’ functional characteristics. HD-C, progesterone and myo-inositol resulted in increased motility, kinematic and hyperactivation parameters, whereas prolactin and myo-inositol improved the LM subpopulations’ MMP intactness and reduced ROS. Furthermore, progesterone, myo-inositol and dopamine improved the HM subpopulations’ motility parameters and AR. Our results suggest that treatment of sub-fertile semen samples with biological substances present in follicular fluid might assist the development of new strategies for IVF treatment.

Synthesis and characterisation of homemade urea nitrate explosive from commercial sources of urea

The aim of this study was to investigate the preparation of urea nitrate (UN) using a range of urea sources followed by characterisationwithanalytical techniques routine to explosive analysis. The UN was prepared from lab grade urea, fertiliser urea, urea cold packs, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and Osmocote plant feed, resultingin six samples of UN as the Osmocote plant feed produced a blue and yellow product due to variation between products purchased at different times. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy revealed no notable differences between the samples apart from the blue UN product, which hada distinct peak in the IR spectra at 1150 cm−1. The Osmocote products couldbe discriminated by scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and ion chromatography (IC), as bulk samples contained a range of trace metals and ions. Analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)found 9 elementspresent at varying concentrations throughout the samples. The Osmocote products could be identified by the concentration of manganese, copper, and molybdenum whiletheDEF product could be discriminatedas it contained a high concentration of nickel compared to other samples. ICP-MS has potential to further discriminate between the lab grade, fertiliser and cold pack samples, however, additional statistical and chemometric analysis is necessary. This study highlights that seized UN can be identified as being prepared from DEF or an Osmocote product, and contributes to the forensic intelligence of improvised explosives by reporting how UN can be commercially sourced, prepared and characterised.

The effects of various types of phosphate fertilizers on the environment and their natural activity

In this study, the effect of various types of fertilizers on natural radioactivity levels in agricultural soil was investigated in this research. The activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in fertilizer samples were determined by using gamma-ray spectroscopy and a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector to determine the activity concentrations 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K. The activity concentrations for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in fertilizers and phosphate raw were (2300-5400) Bq/kg, (9-53) Bq/kg, and (56-3000) Bq/kg, respectively. This research could serve as a baseline data for understanding the effects of fertilizer radiation on human health.

Measurement of Natural Radioactivity Level in Selected Phosphate Fertilizer Samples Collected from Iraqi Markets

The Gamma-ray spectrometry (spectra line Gp) and a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector were used to determine the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in fertilizer samples. 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K activity concentrations in fertilizers and phosphate raw. In this study the gamma index(I), Radium equivalent dose(Raeq),dose rate(DR),external hazard index(Hex) internal hazard index(Hin), annual effective dose outdoor(AEDout) and annual effective dose indoor(AEDin)were found. This study could serve as a starting point for figuring out how fertilizer radiation affects human health.

Study of The Physicochemical and Commercial Properties of NPK Fertilizers

Kyzylkum phosphate rock was studied with a nitric acid content of 50 and 75 and 100%, as well as in fertilizers obtained from the ratio of R2O5: K2O = 1:1. The gyroscopic points of the fertilizer size of 2-3 mm were determined at 250 ° C by the desiccator method of N.Ye. Pestov. The points of hygroscopicity of fertilizer samples with an initial moisture content of 1.0% were No. 1 - 46.5%, No. 2 - 38.0% and No. 3 - 32.4%.

Analysis and Comparison of Human Prostasomes Amino Acid Content Variation in Normal Men and Infertile Men-A Clinical Relevance Study for Effective Diagnosis Method for Human Male Infertility

Aim: The main objective of this study is to compare and analyse human prostasomes amino acid content variation in normal men semen samples and infertile men semen samples for identification of clinical relevance. Materials and methods: Semen samples were collected from normal men (N=32) and from infertile men (N=32) and by following the standard world health organisation protocol semen analysis was done. Amino acid quantification was done by using amino acid analyzer. Prostasomes were separated from spermatozoa and seminal plasma by using centrifugation technique at 95000 RPM for 90 mins. Results: Independent sample T-test was carried out and shows that proline and alanine amino acids concentration (p<0.01) statistically significant compared with fertile men and infertile men. High concentration of amino acids in prostasomes were found in fertile men samples (18.09 ± 0.20 μmoles/L) when compared with infertile men samples (15.12± 0.37 μmoles/L). Conclusion: Amino acid in prostasomes plays an important role in the fertilization; the change in the concentration of amino acid in prostasomes leads to infertility of men. Here we found that the concentration of amino acids is high in fertile men when compared to infertile men which could act as an innovative diagnosis method for infertility.

Ammonium Nitrate/Fuel Oil Vapour Detection with Conducting Polymer Percolation Network Sensors

Ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil (ANFO) is one of the most commonly used materials for improvised explosive devices (IEDs). ANFO detection is challenging because ANFO itself is not volatile. However, ammonium nitrate (AN) slowly decomposes into NH3 and HNO3.1 Additionally, fuel oils such as diesel are omnipresent and can cause a high false positive rate. Existing detection methods often require large pieces of equipment and are therefore impractical for many safety, security, and humanitarian applications. Conductive polymer (CP) based chemiresitive vapour sensors offer a potential solution because they can be used for stand-off detection, are small scale, relatively cheap, and operate at room temperature.2 Here we use percolation networks of conducting polymers to detect ANFO, instead of the more traditional thin films, to increase the sensitivity.3-5 Using a custom made sensor testing chamber, sensors based on a percolation network of polypyrrole (PPy) were exposed to a series of vapours emitted by 7 different fertilisers and ANFOs made with those fertilisers (Figure 1). The sensor responses to the fertiliser and ANFO samples were rapid and reversible. It is likely that the sensor responses measured are responses to the NH3 emitted by the fertiliser in the sample. For this reason a calibration curve based on known NH3 concentrations can be used to determine the NH3 concentration detected as a result of an unknown fertiliser or ANFO sample. Ammonia vapour concentrations emitted by the fertiliser and ANFO samples of 13-180 ppb were detected.Exposing the sensors to all 7 fertilisers and their ANFOs results in different sensor responses for the different fertilisers (Figure 1). Although one might expect that the sensor response is directly related to the nitrogen content of the fertiliser, we found that this is not the case. It is possible that other components such as additives or internal desiccants play a role. Even in small quantities around 0.1% of common additives such as magnesium nitrate play an important role in the stability of the fertiliser.6 Additionally, the porosity of the fertiliser granules or prills might affect the measured NH3 concentration because the pores may store NH3 and thus influence the amount of available NH3. The relationship between sensor response and granule porosity could provide valuable information for sensing applications because porosity is known to be one of the most important factors determining explosives properties such as detonation velocity.7 Furthermore, it was shown that our sensors do not respond to diesel alone, and that there is no significant difference between the sensor responses to the fertiliser and ANFO made with the same fertiliser. This eliminates false positives due to the presence of diesel vapours in the environment.At the end of each series of exposures the sensor was exposed to the first fertiliser from the series for a second time. This control experiment demonstrates that the sensor has good stability and reproducibility, and doesn’t degrade over time or after repeated exposures.Our sensor responses were validated by comparison to gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GCMS) measurements conducted for the same fertilisers and ANFOs. Although our sensors detected much smaller NH3 concentrations, the pattern of different NH3 concentrations detected for the different fertilisers was similar for the two methods. Furthermore, in both methods the fuel oil component did not affect the detection of the fertiliser or ANFO.Figure 1: Top: Schematic of custom made sensor testing chamber. The testing chamber has 2 gas inlets, allowing for gases directly from a cylinder as well as vapours emitted by solid or liquid samples carried into the chamber by an N2 flow. Bottom: Vapour concentrations measured by our conducting polymer percolation network sensors for 7 different fertilisers and ANFOs made with those fertilisers. Ammonia vapour concentrations emitted by the fertiliser and ANFO samples of 13-180 ppb were detected.

Fluorescence and electrochemical assay for bimodal detection of lead ions based on Metal–Organic framework nanosheets

The accurate measurement of heavy metal ions is essential for human health and environmental protection. Here, we report the design of a simple and convenient bimodal strategy for signal-on, label-free lead ion detection in environmental samples based on two-dimensional metal–organic framework (2D-MOF) nanosheets. 2D-MOFs have different affinities toward guanine-rich DNA (ssGDNA) and the G-quadruplex, allowing these structures to be distinguished. The nanosheets were also used as quenchers for fluorescent lead ion detection. Using lead ions to induce G-quadruplex formation from ssGDNA, a simple fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) strategy was developed for lead ion detection; the detection limit was 3.3 nM. Based on changes in the GDNA configuration, the FRET system was converted into an electrochemical sensor for lead ion assays using an electrode modified with the 2D-MOF nanosheets. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed a high sensitivity and a low limit of detection (i.e., 8.7 pM) of the electrode. The adaptability of the bimodal mechanism was verified through the successful detection of lead ions in tap water and fertilizer samples, and the method accuracy was demonstrated through inductively coupled plasma analysis. The developed bimodal device is cost-effective, highly sensitive, and allows for convenient operation, thereby rendering it a promising and reliable system for the detection of lead ions in environmental samples.

2-chlorobenzaldehyde thiocarbohydrazone: a novel reagent for liquid-liquid extractive spectrophotometric determination of copper(II) from environmental and real samples

ABSTRACT 2-Chlorobenzaldehyde thiocarbohydrazone (2-CBTCH) is proved as a novel analytical chelating reagent to developa simple, fast and selective liquid–liquid extractive spectrophotometric method for trace level determination of copper(II). The method was based upon the complexation reaction of copper(II) with 2-CBTCH in ethanol. It instantly forms orange coloured [Cu(II)-2 CBTCH] complex at room temperature, which was quantitatively extracted in 1-butanol and shows maximum absorption at 470 nm. The values of molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity of [Cu(II)-2CBTCH] complex are found to be 0.3429 × 104 Lmol−1 cm−1 and 0.01851 µgcm−2, respectively. The system follows Beer’s law up to 17.5 µgmL−1. The stoichiometry of the [Cu(II)-2CBTCH] complex in 1-butanol is determined by Job’s method, mole ratio method is 1:2 and was confirmed by log-log plot method. To intuit the peak extraction conditions several experimental factors such as pH, reagent concentration, selection of solvent, shaking time, interference of cations and anions has been studiedwell. The usage of masking agent lifts the selectivity of the present method. The method has been effectively used for the determination of copper(II) in alloy samples, pharmaceutical samples, fertiliser samples and environmental samples such as leafy vegetables and water samples.

Mutations in the desert hedgehog (DHH) gene in the disorders of sexual differentiation and male infertility.

To identify the contribution of mutations in the Desert Hedgehog (DHH) gene to the disorders of sexual differentiation (DSD) and male infertility. The study included a total 430 subjects, including 47 gonadal dysgenesis cases, 6 patients with undescended testis and infertility characterized by azoospermia, 125 infertile male patients characterized by oligoasthenozoospermia, 24 patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, and 200 ethnically matched normozoospermic fertile men who had fathered a child in the last two years. Sequencing of the complete coding region of the DHH gene was undertaken to find its contribution to the DSD and male infertility. We observed four novel mutations in the DHH gene in the cases with different reproductive anomalies. A synonymous substitution, c. 543C>T (p.His181His) was observed in 6.6% oligoasthenozoospermic infertile males and 1.5% normozoospermic fertile control samples (RR = 4.4077, 95%CI 1.19-16.29). Another synonymous substitution, c.990G>A (p.Ala330Ala) was observed in an infertile patient with unilateral undescended testis (case #12). Insertion of G at c.1156insG (p.Arg385fs) was observed in a case with bilateral undescended testis and azoospermia (case #23). In gonadal dysgenesis category, two mutations, insertion of G at c.1156insG (p.Arg385fs) and c.997A>G (p.Thr333Ala) substitution were observed in one case (case #34). These mutations were completely absent in control samples. Mutations in the DHH gene impact reproduction with mild mutations affecting fertility, and severe or multiple mutations resulting in gonadal dysgenesis.

First description of the emergence of Echinococcus ortleppi (G5 genotype) in sheep and goats in Iran.

Cystic echinococcosis is one of the most important cyclozoonotic helminthic diseases caused by various genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus SENSU lato complex in the Middle East. Echinococcus ortleppi G5 genotype has been previously reported to infect camels in Iran. However, no molecular data are available on the circulation of the cattle genotype from other animal intermediate hosts. Overall, 30 hydatid cyst samples were collected from 2015 to 2016 from sheep (n; 15) and goat (n; 15) isolates in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. The DNA of larval stages was extracted, amplified and sequenced by targeting of mitochondrial 12S rRNA marker. Based on sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, 28 isolates were identified as E. granulosus G1. However, two fertile hydatid cyst samples isolated from sheep and goat liver were confirmed as E. ortleppi with 99.8%-100% identity to species isolated from a buffalo in India. The first emergence of fertile cattle cysts from sheep and goats may have implications in the zoonotic importance of E. ortleppi in human infection and de-worming regime of infected dogs due to the shorter maturation time of G5 genotype compared with G1 genotype. Since the distribution of E. ortleppi in Iran is not fully known, further studies are urgently needed to appraise the evolutionary and epidemiology scenarios. These studies can ascertain the transmission dynamics of E. ortleppi inferred by full-length concatenated mitogenomes on the domestic and wildlife hosts, as well as humans in wider areas of Iran and the neighboring countries.

Water Cleaning Dispersive Solid Phase Microextraction and UHPLC-DAD Determination of 16 PAHs in Some Fertilizer Samples

Water Cleaning Dispersive Solid Phase Microextraction and UHPLC-DAD Determination of 16 PAHs in Some Fertilizer Samples