Flame Photometry Research Articles

ENaC expression correlates with the acute furosemide-induced K+ excretion.

BackgroundIn the aldosterone‐sensitive distal nephron (ASDN), epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)‐mediated Na+ absorption drives K+ excretion. K+ excretion depends on the delivery of Na+ to the ASDN and molecularly activated ENaC. Furosemide is known as a K+ wasting diuretic as it greatly enhances Na+ delivery to the ASDN. Here, we studied the magnitude of acute furosemide‐induced kaliuresis under various states of basal molecular ENaC activity.MethodsC57/Bl6J mice were subjected to different dietary regimens that regulate molecular ENaC expression and activity levels. The animals were anesthetized and bladder‐catheterized. Diuresis was continuously measured before and after administration of furosemide (2 µg/g BW) or benzamil (0.2 µg/g BW). Flame photometry was used to measure urinary [Na+] and [K+]. The kidneys were harvested and, subsequently, ENaC expression and cleavage activation were determined by semiquantitative western blotting.ResultsA low K+ and a high Na+ diet markedly suppressed ENaC protein expression, cleavage activation, and furosemide‐induced kaliuresis. In contrast, furosemide‐induced kaliuresis was greatly enhanced in animals fed a high K+ or low Na+ diet, conditions with increased ENaC expression. The furosemide‐induced diuresis was similar in all dietary groups.ConclusionAcute furosemide‐induced kaliuresis differs greatly and depends on the a priori molecular expression level of ENaC. Remarkably, it can be even absent in animals fed a high Na+ diet, despite a marked increase of tubular flow and urinary Na+ excretion. This study provides auxiliary evidence that acute ENaC‐dependent K+ excretion requires both Na+ as substrate and molecular activation of ENaC.

A rehabilitation effect of water with low surface tension on the functional condition of the kidneys

The aim of the research was to determine the influence of low surface tension water load on the excretory function of kidneys and the urine surface tension compared to induced diuresis by ordinary tap water. In the experiments on 40 white nonlinear male rats weighing 0.16–0.18 kg the effect of low surface tension water load (43 dyn/cm) was studied, which was obtained by treating tap water with coral calcium (Sango Coral, Okinawa, Japan). The excretory function of kidneys was studied under the conditions of water-induced diuresis and low surface tension water loading, for which the fluids in the amount of 5% of body weight were injected into the stomach of rats with the help of a metal probe with further urine collection after 2 hours. Urinary creatinine concentrations were determined based on the reaction with picric acid. Concentrations of sodium and potassium ions were studied by using flame photometry on PFP-1. The concentration of urinary protein was estimated by the method with sulphosalicylic acid. The urine pH as well as the concentrations of titratable acids and ammonia was determined. We calculated the excretion of potassium and sodium ions, protein, titratable acids, ammonia, and ammonium coefficient. The urine surface tension was determined by the Harkinson method of stalagmometric droplet counting, based on the determination of the weight of the droplet which is detached from the capillary due to gravity. As a result of the experiments on 40 white nonlinear pubertal male rats with induced diuresis under low surface tension water load (43 dyn/cm) compared to conventional tap water (the surface tension is 73 dyn/cm) a systemic effect was found on inhibition of the surface tension of urine from 75.00±0.000 dynes/cm to 74.05±0.260 dyn/cm (p<0.01), a decrease in the loss of urinary protein from 0/36±0.0074 mg/2h×100g to 0.012±0.0024 mg/2h×100g (p<0.01), sodium ions and the presence of significant interdependencies between the urinary surface tension, the concentrations of sodium ions and urinary protein. The low surface tension water load (43 dyn/cm) compared to the diuresis induced by ordinary tap water (surface tension 73 of dyn/cm) is characterized by the systemic impact along with the inhibition of the urine surface tension (p<0.01), reduction of urinary protein losses and presence of reliable interdependencies between the urine surface tension, concentrations of sodium ions and urinary protein. Thus, the use of water treated with the Coral-mine preparation may be recommended as a rehabilitation remedy with a view of improving the functional condition of the kidneys both in health and damaged tubules of the nephron.

Synthesis and Spectrophotometric Properties of Sodium Metal Carboxylates

While metal carboxylates are by no means rare or inaccessible, complete characterization with notable exception of acetates is largely neglected hence a deficiency within the carboxylate literature giving rise to discrepancies within the characterization data available thus, spectroscopic properties of synthesized sodium metal carboxylates of acetic acid and myristic acid were investigated using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), flame photometry, FTIR spectrophotometer and UV- Visible spectrophotometry. AAS and flame photometric results showed elemental abundance of the sodium metals in the carboxylate complexes. FTIR spectra data revealed ʋCOO- absorptions at 1636 cm-1 and 1558 cm-1 for sodium acetate and sodium myristate respectively. The free acid ligands showed absorptions at 1703 cm-1 for acetic acid which shifted to 1636 cm-1 for sodium acetate. FTIR absorption of myristic acid revealed a strong absorption band at 1696 cm-1 which shifted to 1558 cm-1 in sodium myristate. The geometry of the complexes were determined by the magnitude of separation, Δʋ, which is equal to ʋaym - ʋsym,. The values of Δʋ for the synthesized sodium acetate complex was found to be 231 cm-1 and 138 cm-1 for sodium myristate indicating monodentate and bridging bidentate bonding respectively. Force constants of the carboxylates which correspond to their bond energies were found to be 1495.94 K NM-1 and 1358 K NM-1 for sodium acetate and sodium myristate, respectively. The UV- Visible analysis shows ʎ max values of 201 nm and 195 nm for sodium acetate and sodium myristate respectively, which corresponds to the absorption of the COO chromophore which is due to n-π* transition.

Potential Use of Kilibwoni Bubbling Spring Water, Nandi County, Kenya

The demand for carbonated water in Kenya is in the rise, owing to increasing lifestyle diseases like obesity, which requires that to reduce weight and remain healthy; a lot of carbonated water should be taken throughout the day. This research was set to determine the potetntial use of Kilibwoni bubbling springs in Nandi County, Kenya. Six sampling points were identified; three bubbling points labeled as (P1, P2, and P4), a shallow well (P3), river (P5), and a spring (P6). A total of 60 samples were collected during the dry and rainy seasons. The samples were selected cations and anions, indicator bacteria, carbonation and physio-chemical properties. Spectrophotometry (HACH DR6000) was used to determine the concentrations of Nitrates, Phosphates, iron, manganese, Flame photometry was used for sodium and potassium determination, argentometric method for chloride, membrane filtration was used to determine total and feacal coliforms, dissolved carbon dioxide was determined using a carbonation meter (CarboQC). The water temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured in situ, using portable pre-calibrated HANNA waterproof Tester pH, TDS, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity Meter (model HI 98129), complexiometric titration was used to establish the total hardness in the water. Results: The water was contaminated with feacal and total coliforms in all the sampling points P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6. High turbidity was recorded in sampling points P1, P2, P4, high amounts of iron and manganese above those recommended by WHO and KEBS for drinking water were recorded in most sampling points. The water recorded low pH values in both seasons for all but P5 sampling points with 6.8 and 6.37 in the rainy and dry seasons. The pH values for the other samples ranged between 3.41 - 4.93 in the rainy season and 3.8-5.25 in the dry season. The dissolved CO2 concentration of the water ranged from 1.20 g/L to 2.65 g/L in the rainy season and 1.50 g/L to 3.00 g/L in the dry season for all sampling points but P5 recorded CO2 values of 0.5 and 0.4 g/L for rainy and dry season respectively. The results showed the water from all the sampling points except P5, contained sufficient dissolved carbon dioxide for use as natural carbonated water. However, purification and treatment is necessary to lower the turbidity of the water, eliminate the microbial contaminants and adjust pH to at least 4, to conform to the KEBS recommendation for naturally carbonated water.

The influence of growing conditions on the nutrient composition of table grape varieties in Dagestan

The paper presents the results of a study on the content of free amino acids, including essential ones, vitamins C and P, biologically important macro- and microelements in table grapes of the middle ripening varieties Ag raisins, Vezne, Galan, Hamburg Muscat and Samur, cultivated on the plain in Southern Dagestan Region. The qualitative composition and quantitative content of free amino acids were determined by HPLC on an AAA-881 analyzer. Amino acids tryptophan, cystine and methionine were identified by paper chromatography due to the fact that they decompose when exposed to a temperature of 102 ° C in the amino analyzer reactor. The mass concentration of vitamin C was identified titrimetrically, vitamin P was identified colorimetrically (FEK-56M, Russia), the mineral composition of grapes was identified by flame and atomic absorption photometry using Flapho-4 (Germany) and Hitachi-208 (Japan) devices. Each of the varieties had 18 amino acids, including a full set of essential ones. The total number of detected amino acids was 368.5 (Ag raisins) - 279.9 mg / dm3 (Vezne), and irreplaceable ones - from 103.8 (Hamburg muscat) to 132.4 mg / dm3 (Ag raisins). All experimental grape samples contained vitamins C, from 2.6 (Galan) to 3.7 mg / dm3 (Ag raisins) and P - from 78.0 (Samur) to 131.3 mg / dm3 (Galan), as well as physiologically important minerals. Studies have shown that in terms of the amount of free amino acids, including essential vitamins C and P, healthy minerals, such grapes as Ag raisins, Vezne, Galan, Hamburg and Samur Muscat, grown in the south of Dagestan are natural products with functional properties. Eating it fresh contributes to the normalization of metabolic processes in the human body. Additionally, these grapes can be successfully used as a raw material for the production of multicomponent functional food.

Leaf nutrient status of some grafted-pear rootstocks influenced by different soil types

Aim of study: Determining leaf nutrient status of some grafted-pear rootstocks grown under different calcareous soil types.Area of study: The Horticultural Research Station of Kamalabad, Karaj, Iran.Material and methods: Leaf mineral element concentrations were determined in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Leaf sampling was carried out about 90 days after full bloom. The N-content was estimated by the Kjeldahl method. Total concentration of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) were also determined by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were analyzed using the flame photometry. The deviation from optimum percentage (DOP) and its correlation with the ΣDOP of macro- and micro-nutrients were used to determine the nutritional status of the studied plants.Main results: In clay loamy soil pyrodwarf rootstock, which was grafted with 'William Duchess' scion, presented a more suitable balanced nutritional index than other rootstocks/scion combinations. The OHF69 rootstock grafted with 'Daregazi' offered better balanced nutritional values in fairy lime silt-loamy soil, whereas the pyrodwarf rootstock grafted with 'Louise Bonne' scion in less lime silt-loamy soil was found to have higher values than other studied rootstocks/scion combinations in terms of nutrient concentration.Research highlights: The study determined effective solutions to the field problems of calcium carbonate equivalent which distinctly affect the soil properties related to plant growth. It also revealed the most suitable pear rootstock/scion combinations in different calcareous soil types for orchard establishment in arid and semi-arid regions.

Stability Indicating and Evaluation of Preservers in Cocos Nucifera Water by means of HPTLC Techniques

This examination manages the steadiness and successful utilization of additives in the coconut water. The new coconut water was separated in Aseptic zone through whatman channel paper and equivalent amounts of new coconut water are pressed in self sealable spreads. Propylparaben and Benzoic corrosive are utilized as additives of various qualities. These examples are put away for around 1 to 12 weeks at room temperature and refrigerated condition at 25°C. Tests are tried by various diagnostic techniques like pH, Turbidimetry, Titrimetry, Flame photometry, and HPTLC the shading change of tests are likewise watched. The adjustment in the new coconut water and tests with the additives are estimated for pH at customary time stretches to such an extent that the pH is kept up in the middle of 5.5-6 and to decide the microbial development by utilizing Turbidimetry, % of magnesium and % of ascorbic corrosive by Titrimetry. Sodium Potassium particles are controlled by utilizing fire photometry and to decide the sugars by utilizing HPTLC. The expansion of the additives improved the straightforwardness of the examples and the impact of additives on the Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Ascorbic corrosive, sugars are less with the end goal that the put-away coconut water samples can be stuffed in a self-sealable spread.

Influence of winter wheat growing technologies on morphophysiological and agrochemical aspects of harvest formation

To create high-yielding sowing of winter wheat,which would effectively use the genetic potentialof varieties and soil-climatic conditions of the Forest-Steppe, it is important to study and establish thebasic patterns of formation of elements of cultureproductivity during the vegetation in connectionwith its provision bymacro- and micronutrients. Theaim of the study was to investigate the influence ofcultivation technologies of different intensity on themorphophysiological features of the formation ofwinter wheat harvest in connection with the supply of macro and micronutrients to plants and theirremoval. To solve this problem, we used field, morphophysiological research, methods of chemical, physicochemical analysis using modern methods of atomic absorption spectrophotometry, flame photometry and spectrometry, mathematical and statistical analysis. A study was conducted on the impact of winter wheat cultivation technologies on the morphophysiological aspects of yield formation and supply of plants with nutrients. The dependence between the supply of the basic nutrition elements of winter wheat and the formation of elements of productivity at different stages of organogenesis was established. Morphophysiological studies have shown that the improvement of plant nutrition conditions with energy-saving, intensive and intensive energy-saturated technologies has increased the number of flowers that havereached the XII stage of organogenesis (grains) inthe ears of both orders. The use of intensive energysaturated technologies has increased the density of productive stems in comparison with control. It was determined that the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, manganese and iron, which was used to form the main product (grain), varied depending on the norms of fertilizers applied by the respective cultivation technologies and increased with the use of intensive energy-saturated technologies. It was found that takeaway of copper and zinc with a harvest of grain and straw little depended on the technology of cultivation. With applying of high-intensity technologies of winter wheat cultivation, the level of nutrition by macro- and microelements had a positive impact on the density of productive stems, the number of potential flowers in the ears of stems of both orders and, finally, graininess of the ear and did not show a restrictive effect on the formation of productivity elements. Research in this direction needs further continuation and can be used to form a fertilizer system in the development of intensive technologies forgrowing winter wheat

Pilot Study to investigate Home Potassium testing in Heart Failure

Background and hypothesis: Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Normal potassium range is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. Low potassium level is associated with fatal dysrhythmia, and elevated potassium levels result in slow cardiac rhythms and asystole. Current venipuncture methods used for potassium testing are complicated with hemolysis, which create false potassium results. Our study objective is assessing the effectiveness of an at home device that would enable HF patients to test potassium levels frequently to avoid any complications as it relates to dyskalemia. We hypothesize that by utilizing a home testing solution, patients can develop a home HF management strategy to improve health outcomes. 
 
 Experimental Design or Project Methods: Patients diagnosed with HF will be recruited from Parkview Physicians Group – Cardiology. A venipuncture and a finger stick sample will be collected simultaneously, and their serum potassium levels will be analyzed. Venipuncture blood will be analyzed by ion-selective electrode (ISE) and flame photometry analyses. Finger stick blood will be analyzed by a novel Blaire Biomedical device. Surveys about the device will be given to both patients and clinicians. Linear regressions comparing the Blaire Biomedical results to both the ISE and flame photometry results will be created. 
 
 Results: The r-values for the regressions will be analyzed. An r-value close to 1 would indicate that the results are directly correlated and clinically equivalent. Results of the surveys will be used to gauge interest in the device. 
 
 Conclusion and Potential Impact: This study will establish a more efficient way for HF patients to measure potassium levels and ensure levels stay in the range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. This device will assist in reducing potassium imbalance complications, which will translate to a decrease in mortality in HF patients as it relates to dyskalemia.

Estimation of plant available potassium in loamy soils by extraction with magnesium sulfate solution

The aim of the study. To find a method to estimate plant available potassium for soil testing that does not require expensive flame photometry or atomic absorption spectrometry. Location and time of the study. Southern parts of West and Central Siberia, 2016-2019. Methodology. Comparison the potassium pool, extractable by 0,1M MgSO4 solution, with exchangeable potassium, extractable by 1M NH4OAc solution (according to GOST 26210-91) by regression analysis of the contents in 100 soil samples of arable soils (Luvic, Haplic and Calcic Chernozems, and Luvic Phaeozems) with different granulometric composition. Results. Exchangeable potassium showed the best correlation with the uptake of the element by plants and with yield in a variety of soil and climatic conditions. It was found that the relationship between potassium availability indices KAIAc (potassium extracted by 1M NH4OAc) and KAIMg (potassium extracted by 0,.1M MgSO4) was satisfactorily described (R2 = 0.88) by a simple linear function for soils with texture classes from sandy loam to sandy/silty clay and well described (R2 = 0.92) by a power function for silt loam, clay loam and sandy/silty clay. In 81% of the soils surveyed the difference between the calculated (according to the power equation) and actual KAIAc values was no more than 20%, and for 97% of the studied soils it did not exceed 30%. The cost of analytical equipment required for potassium analysis for soil testing is 7-60 times lower for KAIMg determination as compared with KAIAc. Conclusions. The KAIMg potassium availability index can be used alongside the standard KAIAc availability index for soils with soil texture classes from silt loam to sandy/silty clay. Conversion of KAIMg into KAIAc can be made by the following formula: KAIAc = 8,.108 • KAIMg0,793.

Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater of Igboora Area, Southwestern Nigeria

The people of Igboora rely on groundwater for their domestic water supply. A hydrogeochemical study was carried out on twenty-seven groundwater samples collected from various boreholes across the study area to determine the suitability of the groundwater for drinking purpose. The total dissolve solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and pH of the water were measured in the field directly, while the concentrations of major ions were done in the laboratory using flame photometry and spectrophotometry methods. The hydrogeochemical facies classes was done with piper plot and the likely enrichment source(s) of the chemical facies were interpreted with Gibbs plot in conjunction with correlation analysis. The results showed that the pH was between 5.0 and 6.7 at an average (av.) of 5.8; TDS ranged from 50 – 280 (av. 183) mg/L and EC was 110 – 560 (av. 373) μS/cm. The concentrations of the major cations in mg/L were: 5 – 105.5 Ca2+, 1 – 11.9 Mg2+, 0 - 95 Na+, 0 – 112 K+, while for anions the ranges were, 9 - 58 HCO3 - , 6.8 – 28.8 CO3 2-, 1.1 – 29.4 SO4 2-, 2.9 – 26 Cl- and 16 – 90.5 for NO3 -. From the mean values, the order of the cationic dominance was Ca2+ > K+ > Na+ > Mg2+ while that of anionic was NO3 -> HCO3 - > CO3 2- > CI- > SO4 2- . The hydrogeochemical facies in the groundwater was mainly Ca-HCO3 type with minor occurrences of Na-HCO3 and Ca- Na-HCO3 types. Enrichment source of the cationic chemical facies was mainly rock dominated, while that of the anionic were from meteoric and biogenic sources. From the results of correlation analyses, the TDS has direct and positive relationships with most chemical constituents, indicating that the analysed ionic constituents dominated the dissolved solids in the groundwater. The groundwater can be said to be potable except that the water in the boreholes is slightly acidic and nitrate concentration exceeded recommended limit of 50 mg/L in many of the samples.

Determination of calcium and magnesium by atomic absorption spectroscopy and flame photometry

The comparison of emission intensities of unknown samples to either that of standard solutions, the alkali and alkaline earth metals. Flame photometer has both quantitative and qualitative applications. Flame photometer with monochromators emits radiations of characteristic wavelengths which help to detect the presence of a particular metal in the sample. This help to determine the availability of alkali and alkaline earth metals. Simple direct analysis procedure calcium, magnesium, in test solution flow injection analysis using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy or flame photometry designed using a well-mixed dilution chamber to increase calibration range. Analysis results real samples correspond to those found in the flame batch atomic procedure. Using the dilution chamber allows possibility of calibration using a dilution profile a single concentrate standard for each element and an empirical dilution equation that can be used to all elements are defined in each sample.

Склад шламу від спалювання хлорорганічних відходів виробництва 1,2-дихлоретану

During organochlorine wastes thermal utilization formed at direct chlorination of ethylene to 1,2-dichloroethane in the production of vinyl chloride at Karpatnaftohim LLC, the ash is formed, which clogs gas pipelines and heat exchange elements of the steam generator, causes disruption of normal technological process and leads to emergency shutdowns.The composition of this ash was determined by chemical methods of quantitative analysis and flame photometry for such macrocomponents as Fe2O3 (28%) and FeCl3 (5%), as well as magnesium chlorides (30%) and sodium (4%), the rest (about 32% ) probably resinous highly chlorinated unburned components of VAT residues, carbon particles and nitric acid-insoluble iron compounds. Utilization methods and possible ways to reduce the amount of ash from the organochlorine waste combustion formed at the production of vinyl chloride are briefly considered.

Mineral and anti-nutrient composition of Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. grass

The grass Pennisetum pedicellatum is an ornamental-like grass that is widely used in northern Nigeria as a source of animal feed especially by local animal farmers. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional content of the grass and, hence, quantify their contribution to the animal feed so as to curb the unavailability of animal feed during the dry season. Both macronutrients and micronutrients were determined using flame photometry and atomic absorption spectrometric methods of analysis. The research investigates the mineral and anti-nutrients contents of Pennisetum pedicellatum grass. The anti-nutrients were determined using standard methods of food analyses. The mineral content of the sample showed a composition (mg/100gDW) of 11167 ± 3.82 sodium, 10850 ± 229.13 potassium, 108.3 ± 0.03 calcium, 28.3 ± 0.03 magnesium, 315.7 ± 0.03 phosphorus, 0.58 iron, 5.81 chromium and 4.07 nickel. However, copper, zinc and manganese were not detected in the sample. The anti-nutrient composition (mg/100 g DW) for oxalate, phytate, saponins, cyanide and tannins were 1.00 ± 0.0008, 3474 ± 0.0223, 56.00 ± 0.0035, 11.00 ± 0.0014 and 10.00 ± 0.0025, respectively. The anti-nutritional analysis reveals that the grass contains high amount of phytate and saponins and low oxalate content. The results revealed that the oxalic acid content of the grass is below the critical level while the phytate of the grass is above the critical level.

GANDHAKA RASAYANA PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES

The aims and objectives are to prepare Gandhaka Rasayana by the classical method mentioned in Ayurved Prakash and to evaluate parameters for process standardisation of Gandhaka Rasayana. Shuddha Gandhaka obtained by Shodhan procedure was powdered. In the preparation of Gandhaka Rasayana Bhavana Sanskar is the key element. Gandhaka Rasayana is prepared by 67 bhavanas made by nine different Bhavya dravya and their Upkalpana. The powder of Shuddha Gandhaka, Kwath, Swarasa and Phanta were prepared by the classical method. Physicochemical analysis was performed keeping in view of standardisation aspects of formulation. Final product standardisation is a part of thorough process standardisation. There is change in organoleptic properties in the process of Gandhaka Rasayana formulation. Ash value increased and % sulphur decreased as number of Bhavana increases. There was a rightward shift in pH in the formulation of Gandhaka Rasayana. Gandhaka Rasayana is the abundant source of Potassium. Gandhaka Rasayana is a nine step chain reaction resulting in the final product. Fingerprint of every step of Gandhaka Rasayana can be measured or quantified with the help of total Ash value, % Sulphur and Spectrophotometric analysis. Thus these parameters help us in the process Standardisation of Gandhaka Rasayana. Parameters for final product standardisations of Gandhaka Rasayana are pH value and evaluation of minerals from Flame photometry.

Microwave-Accelerated Facile Synthesis of 1H-Pyrazolo[1,2-b]Phthalazine-5,10-Dione Derivatives Catalyzed by WEMPA

An efficient and rapid one-pot multicomponent synthesis of 1H-pyrazolo[1,2-b]phthalazine-5,10-diones through condensation of aldehyde, malononitrile and phthalhydrazide catalyzed by agro-waste solvent catalyst-derived water extract of mango peel ash (WEMPA) under microwave irradiation is described. Further, the catalyst is prepared from agricultural waste and characterized for elemental composition by different techniques such as SEM-EDX, XRD and flame photometry. This green synthetic approach offers various advantages such as inexpensive, abundantly available source, shorter reaction time (6–8 min), good-to-excellent yield (83%–89%), simple workup and a sustainable alternative method to the existing protocols. All the synthesized compounds (4a–l) was confirmed by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and LC-MS.

Direct brackish water desalination using Chlorella vulgaris microalgae

The objective of this study was to investigate the suitability of direct use of Chlorella vulgaris for brackish water desalination as a new conceptual technique. First, the adaptation of Chlorella vulgaris in saline water was performed, and then the living microalgae cells were utilized for the desalination process using a bubble column photobioreactor. The effect of culture medium, time, salinity and initial inoculum on the microalgae growth and salinity removal was investigated and the optimum conditions were obtained by RSM−CCD method. To assure the consumption of sodium chloride (NaCl) content of water by microalgae, the BG11 culture medium was modified by substituting its chloride and sodium containing salts by nitrate, calcium and potassium containing minerals. The results indicated that the enhancement of microalgae growth and salt removal efficiency were more pronounced in the modified-BG11 (MBG11) culture medium. Using Chlorella vulgaris microalgae in the MBG11 culture medium, the decrease in brackish water electrical conductivity for different NaCl concentrations between 1000 and 5000 ppm, was between 80 % and 40 %, respectively. Atomic absorption and flame photometry analyses confirm the hypothesis of adsorption of Na+ ions on the Chlorella vulgaris cell surface.

Sodium and potassium content in sports supplements based on whey protein

Diferentes marcas de três tipos de suplementos esportivos à base de proteína de soro de leite foram avaliadas: 15 do tipo à base de proteína de soro de leite, 4 "hipercalóricos" e 7 barras de proteína. Um procedimento de preparo de amostras foi estudado empregando digestão ácida assistida por micro-ondas para determinar os teores de sódio e potássio usando Espectrometria de Emissão Atômica com Chama (Fotometria de Chama). As concentrações de sódio obtidas variaram na faixa de: 0,30 a 5,9 mg/g, de 0,52 a 2,8 mg/g e de 2,3 a 5,0 mg/g para suplementos a base de proteínas do soro de leite, suplementos hipercalóricos e suplementos em barra de proteína, respectivamente. Enquanto as concentrações de potássio, variaram de: 1,3 a 13 mg/g, de 0,47 a 5,4 mg/g e de 1,7 a 12 mg/g para as mesmas amostras, respectivamente. A razão entre os níveis de sódio e potássio, um parâmetro associado à hipertensão incidente, foi calculada e mostrou que, para algumas amostras, os valores excederam a recomendação da Organização Mundial de Saúde. O método desenvolvido apresentou alta frequência analítica, com boa exatidão e precisão sendo adequado para aplicação em rotinas de controle de qualidade.

Mineral, amino acid and fatty acid evaluations of Myristica fragrans seeds extracts

The mineral elements, amino acid constituents and fatty acids present in Myristica fragrans seeds extracts were identified and quantified using atomic absorption spectrometry and flame photometry, Technicon sequential multi-sample amino acid analyzer (TSM) and Shimadzu GC–MS machine respectively. Six hundred grams of powdered seeds were extracted in methanol and n-hexane (2:1 v/v) using a rotary evaporator. Calcium, magnesium, and iron were the most abundant in methanol extract with concentrations of 3.21 ± 0.05 part per million (ppm), 3.00 ± 0.05 ppm, and 1.00 ± 0.02 ppm respectively. The major essential amino acids in the seed were leucine 6.24 g/100 g, valine 3.72 g/100 g, and threonine 3.50 g/100 g while the non-essential amino acids were glutamate 10.6 g/100 g, aspartate 7.60 g/100 g, and arginine 5.50 g/100 g. The major biological compounds in the methanol extract as revealed by the GC–MS analysis were 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (RT: 20.768, 27.13%), Cyclododecyne (RT: 26.458, 19.33%) and octadecanoic acid (RT: 14.360, 12.24%) while the hexane extract constituents were margarinic acid (RT: 14.746, 27.04%), oleic acid (RT: 20.947, 18.96%) and 9,12-octadecadien-1-ol (RT: 26.523%, 15.10%). These compounds have shown nutritional, pharmacological, and medicinal importance in different studies.

Long-term green manure application improves soil K availability in red paddy soil of subtropical China

Potassium (K) in soil minerals is an important factor affecting rice production in red paddy soil of subtropical China under intensive agricultural production. The long-term application of green manure might affect the soil K availability through accumulative effects of microbial activity on K-bearing minerals. This study aims to investigate the effect of green manure applications (GMs) on soil K availability in relation to soil minerals. The soil mineralogy under 36 years of GMs, including milk vetch application (MV), rape application (RA), and ryegrass application (RY), was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement, with a winter fallow treatment (WF) as the control. Fast available K (FAK), non-exchangeable K (NEK), and structural K (SK) were extracted with NH4OAc, HNO3, and HF-HClO4 solution, respectively. All the extracted K was determined by flame photometry. The K release or retention was measured by a new method of potassium Q/I curve. The GMs significantly decreased the SK, which was associated with weakened diffraction intensity of feldspar and mica. However, the NEK under GMs increased from 90.9 to 100.1–104.8 mg kg−1 compared with that under WF, which was in line with the higher content of illite under GMs. The soil clays contained much kaolinite and illite, leading to easy leaching of K. The GMs obviously improved K retention in the soil, especially the MV and RY, which could be ascribed to the large amounts of illite with poorly crystallized structure under GMs. Long-term GMs, especially MV and RY, can improve the availability of SK and K retention capacity in the soil in relation to soil mineralogy, and thus can be an effective alternative to enhance soil K availability in red paddy soil.