Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry Techniques Research Articles

Improving the Flavor Profile of Apple Spirits Using Traditional Cultivars

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of traditional apple cultivars from Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve the aroma of the less aromatic international cultivar “Idared” in the production of spirits. Two flavor improvement approaches were used: joint fermentation of traditional and “Idared” apples and the maceration of traditional apples in raw “Idared” spirits, followed by redistillation. Minor aroma volatile compounds in the obtained spirits were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy techniques after enrichment via solid-phase microextraction. Overall, 36 minor volatile compounds were found in spirits. The share of detected compounds varied greatly among samples due to the flavoring approach and used cultivars. Flavor improvement during fermentation proved a more efficient approach. Even 10% share of a traditional apple is enough to improve the positive sensory attributes of the spirits. The obtained results encourage the future use of traditional apple cultivars in the production and flavor improvement of fruit spirits.

Characterization of 35 Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) half-sib families from two provinces based on metabolite properties

Plant metabolism is an important functional trait, and its metabolites have physiological and ecological functions to adapt to the growth environment. However, the physiological and ecological functions of metabolites from different provinces of the same plant species are still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether metabolites from different provinces of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) have the corresponding metabolic traits. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry technique and metabonomic analysis methods were used to characterize 35 Masson pine half-sib families from two provinces. A total of 116 metabolites were putatively identified in 35 families of Masson pine, among which the average content of organic acids was the highest, followed by saccharides and alcohols, and phosphoric acids. Comparative analysis of metabolite groups showed that organic acids, amines, and others were significantly different between the Masson pine families from Guangxi and Guizhou provinces. Six differential metabolites were found between the provinces from Guizhou and Guangxi, namely caffeic acid, L-ascorbic acid, gentiobiose, xylitol, d-pinitol, and β-sitosterol. The most significantly enriched pathways among differentially expressed metabolites between the two provinces were steroid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions. Overall, the results showed that Masson pine half-sib families from different geographical provinces have different metabolite profiles and their metabolites are affected by geographical provenance and growth environment adaptability. This study revealed that the breeding of Masson pine families from different provinces changed the metabolite profiles, providing a reference for the multipurpose breeding of Masson pine.

Multi-Analytical Approach to Characterize the Degradation of Different Types of Microplastics: Identification and Quantification of Released Organic Compounds.

Microplastics and nanoplastics represent one of the major environmental issues nowadays due to their ubiquitous presence on Earth, and their high potential danger for living systems, ecosystems, and human life. The formation of both microplastics and nanoplastics strongly depends on both the type of pristine materials and the degradation processes related to biological and/or abiotic conditions. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of two of the most relevant abiotic parameters, namely temperature and light, taken under direct control by using a Solar box, on five types of reference polymers: high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A multi-analytical approach was adopted to investigate in detail the first steps of plastics degradation. Samples of plastic materials at different degradation times were analyzed by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy and thermal desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) technique. Several minor molecular species released during degradation were consistently identified by both techniques thus providing a comprehensive view of the various degradation products of these five types of microplastics.

Investigation of dynamic changes in quality of small white apricot wine during fermentation

Dynamic quality changes of small white apricot wine during fermentation were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique combined with multivariate statistical analysis methods. During the fermentation process, the sugar content decreased rapidly, while the alcohol gradually accumulated, reaching 11.4 %vol. The phenolic compound content and antioxidant capacity were reduced after fermentation, but still stayed at a high value. Flavor compounds of small white apricot wine are constantly changing as the fermentation progresses. After fermentation, small white apricot wine produced 3-methyl-1-butanol, isoamyl acetate, ethyl caprylate, ethyl caprate, ethyl benzoate, linalool and eugenol, which gave rich banana, lemon, pineapple, citrus and other flavors. Small white apricot wine has a soft taste, golden color and mellow body, with a typical fruit wine flavor. This study provides a theoretical basis for the further processing and flavor improvement of small white apricot.

Experimental Investigation of the Characteristics and Transformation Mechanism of Jimsar Oil Shale and Derived Shale Oil

An experimental investigation of the characteristics and transformation mechanism of Jimsar oil shale and derived shale oil was conducted using a solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (13C NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), liquid 1H NMR, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. The carbon skeleton structure of Jimsar oil shale is mainly composed of aliphatic carbons (70.5%), mostly containing straight-chain methylene (CH2), and aromatic carbon (29.31%). Derived shale oil is primarily made of aliphatic compounds that are dominated by n-alkanes and alkenes (comprising more than 70%). The nature of the conversion of oil shale to shale oil is the decomposition of aliphatic groups dominated by methylene structures in organic matter. Additionally, as the heating rate is increased, the secondary cracking reactions in shale oil could increase the contents of short-chain alkanes and alkenes, which could then enhance the secondary polymerization reactions that increase the generation of cycloalkanes and aromatic compounds. Shale oil demonstrates a maximum yield value of 6.32%, the largest carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen contents, and a minimum oxygen content at the pyrolysis heating rate of 5 °C/min.

Assessment of pesticide residues in vegetables selected from different Egyptian governorates

This study aimed to assess the levels of contamination by pesticide residues in several types of vegetables collected from different regions in Egypt. A total of 100 samples of vegetables (pepper, tomato, cucumber, and strawberry) were collected from markets in five cities (Al-Obour, Al-Salheia El-Gadida, Giza, Zagazig, and Fayed) and analyzed for the presence of 42 different pesticide residues. The Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method was used to extract the target pesticides, which were then quantified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques. The results showed that 72% of the vegetable samples contained detectable levels of pesticide residues, with 21% exceeding the European Union Maximum Residue Levels (EU-MRLs) and 51% containing residues below the MRLs. The detected residues were primarily insecticides (56.4%) and fungicides (43.6%), with tomato and strawberry samples showing the highest frequency of both types of pesticides. Tomato also had the highest absolute intake from consumption (2.89 g/kg BW/day), followed by strawberries, peppers, and cucumbers (0.47, 0.159, and 0.096 g/kg BW/day, respectively). A hazard index (HI) was used to assess the dietary risk posed by the pesticide residues, with tomato having the highest contribution value. These findings highlight the need for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs to reduce the excessive use of pesticides, particularly in relation to raw food commodities. Action is required to minimize the unacceptable risks identified in this study.

Determination of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) along with probabilistic health risk assessment in fruit juice samples in Tehran, Iran.

In the present study, magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) method and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technique were used to measure 6 PAE in fruit juice samples. The mean of total phthalic acid esters (ƩPAEs) in all samples was 3.55 ± 0.66µg/L. The mean concentration of DEHP (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) in samples was 0.82 ± 0.31µg/L, which was lower than the mentioned United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard level in drinking water (6μg/L for DEHP). The pineapple juice samples (4.44 ± 0.57µg/L) and mango juice samples (2.77 ± 0. 1µg/L) had maximum and minimum mean levels of ƩPAEs, respectively. Also, results showed that brand B (3.76 ± 0.87µg/L) and samples in the time of expiration date (3.64 ± 0.72µg/L) had the highest PAE levels. The rank order Chronic Daily Intake (95%) values for adults were DEHP ([Formula: see text]) > butylbenzyl phthalates (BBP) ([Formula: see text]) > diethyl phthalate (DEP) ([Formula: see text]) and for children were DEHP ([Formula: see text]) > BBP (9.07E-04) > DEP ([Formula: see text]), which were below the tolerable daily intake (TDI) value. The noncancer risk of PAEs based on the target hazard quotient (THQ) was acceptable (< 1). The results exhibited that the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) was below the permissible limit (< [Formula: see text]). Therefore, the risk of carcinogenicity and noncarcinogenicity of PAEs in juices does not have adverse effects on human health.

Identifying and Study of some of Phytochemical compounds and Anti-Jaundice Activity for powder of leaves and seeds of Moringa oleifera in male albino rats.

The present study aimed to revealing and identifying some of phytochemical compounds, bioactive fatty acids and antioxidants for powder of leaves and seeds of Moringa oleifera that cultivated in Iraq which have been many identified by using modern techniques such as gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. And then study and test the preventive and Therapy effects for powder of leaves and seeds in present study against hepatotoxicity that induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and against jaundice. These effects were tested by measuring total bilirubin concentrations of total bilirubin and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in serum of normal male rats, exposed to CCl4 and that treated with powder of leaves and seeds of Moringa oleifera along the period of experiment (30) days, used (20) albino male rats divide to (4) groups, that is meaning (5) rats for each group. The rats group that exposed to CCl4 caused a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in concentrations of total bilirubin and GGT enzyme in comparison with normal control group. Whereas the animals which exposed to CCl4 then treated with powder of leaves and seeds of Moringa oleifera lead to significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) in total bilirubin and GGT enzyme concentration in comparison with the group that exposed to CCl4 only. It could be concluded of this study that using powder of leaves and seeds of Moringa oleifera may be have Preventive and therapeutic effects against damage and hepatotoxicity, subsequently, anti-jaundice activity through its nutritional and antioxidant influences for remove of free radicals and repairing cellular and tissues from toxic damage

Geochemical characteristics and significance of aromatic hydrocarbons in crude oil from the East Fukang Sag, Junggar Basin, NW China

The aromatic compounds of twenty crude oil samples from different formations in the East Fukang Sag were studied by the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry technique. Through analysis of the composition of the main aromatic hydrocarbons, the studied crude oil samples were generally divided into two types: Oil type I had the relatively high content of the naphthalene series, biphenyl series and dibenzofuran series, while the samples from Oil type II contained relatively high abundance of phenanthrene series, fluorene series, triaromatic steroid series, and obvious methyltrimethyltridecylchromans. The geochemical parameters reflecting the source and sedimentary environment in naphthalene series, phenanthrene series, biphenyl series, three-fluorene series, and triaromatic steroid series were systematically analyzed. Analysis of the results showed that studied oil samples from the East Fukang Sag were of continental origin and deposited in a weakly oxidizing to weakly reducing environment with fresh-brackish water. Oil type I was characterized by considerably abundant terrestrial higher plant organic matter inputs, while Oil type II was typical with obviously lower aquatic organisms. Maturity-related parameters calculated from alkyl naphthalenes, alkyl phenanthrenes, alkyl dibenzothiophenes, and methyltrimethyltridecylchromans showed that all the studied oil samples have reached the mature stage.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Metabolite Profiling of Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck Juice Extract Evaluated for its Antimicrobial Activity Against Streptococcus mutans.

Purpose The present study aimed to determine the antimicrobial nature of Citrus limon juice extract against Streptococcus mutans and to identify its metabolic profile by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. Materials and methods The cariogenic bacteria S. mutans were procured from Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank (MTCC), Chandigarh, India, and revived on brain heart infusion (BHI) agar. The C. limon (L.) Osbeck fruits were authenticated from the University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bengaluru, India. The antibacterial property of lyophilized lemon juice extract (LJE) dissolved in methanol was evaluated against S. mutans (MTCC 497) by the agar well diffusion assay. GC-MS technique was employed to identify the volatile metabolite profile of the methanolic LJE sample. The metabolite masses of the respective compounds were identified using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library. Results The methanolic LJE sample concentration from 5 to 25 mg/ml did not demonstrate antimicrobial activity, while 30 to 100 mg/ml displayed antibacterial activity against S. mutans. Chlorohexidine (100 µg/ml) was used as the positive control, while methanol was used as the negative control. Significant antimicrobial metabolites were detected in the methanolic LJE sample by GC-MS analysis. Maleic anhydride, succinic anhydride, 6-Oxa-bicyclo[3.1.0] hexan-3-one, and 3-methyl-2,5-Furandione were the key metabolites identified in the methanolic LJE sample. Conclusion The present study reports that C. limon is a potential candidate for the pharmaceutical industry as it possesses bioactive compounds demonstrating therapeutic properties. Further investigations are warranted to determine the individual and synergetic effects of identified metabolites in the methanolic LJE sample for its antimicrobial property. Special attention needs to be focussed on translational research for the development of anti-caries products from C. limon.

Analysis of bioactive compounds from Sapindus marginatus (Willd.) by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique

This experiment was performed to detect the beneficial compounds present in seed oil of Sapindus marginatus. The oil from the seeds of S. marginatus (Sapindaceae family) was extracted by the Soxhlet extraction technique using petroleum ether as solvent at 60-80°C. 22.18% oil was recovered from seeds sample. The chemical compositions of seeds were examined by using GC-MS technique. The GC-MS analysis showed that oil of S. marginatus contained more than 40 compounds in total peaks area, out of which we discussed here mainly six monounsaturated compounds according their retention time (RT) and percentage of peak area, molecular formula and molecular weight. GC-MS study revealed the presence of cis-vaccenic acid (C18:1), cis-13-octadecenoic acid (C18:1) and trans-13-octadecenoic acid (C18:1) at RT 22.18 and its peak area was 40.48% of the compounds present in high amounts; whereas cis-13-eicosenoic acid (C20:1), cis-11-eicosenoic acid (C20:1) and cis-10-nonadecenoic acid (C19:1) at RT 23.56 and peak area 7.74 normally present in low amounts in seed oil, these are prominent components in the seed oil.

Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles induced Apoptosis in Human Cervical (HeLa) and Breast (MCF-7) Cancer Cell Lines

Chemotherapeutic resistance is currently one of the most prevalent problems due to the low absorption and undesirable toxicity of existing medications. Furthermore, non-specific targeting of existing medications is leading to the investigation of novel drug manufacturing strategies to eradicate chronic disorders. Present studies were performed to explore the anti-proliferative potential of synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in human breast (MCF-7), human lung (A549) and human cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines. The ZnO NPs were synthesized by using soybean seed extract. The ZnO NPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The phytochemicals present in the soybean seed extract was evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) technique. Cytotoxicity effects of ZnO NPs, levofloxacin (LVX) and a combination of ZnO NPs-LVX against MCF-7, A549 and HeLa cancer cell lines was evaluated by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2Htetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Annexin assays were performed to explore the apoptosis-inducing potential of ZnO NPs and its drug combination. This showed that tested compounds have potent cytotoxic effects dose-dependently against cancer cell lines. The potent anticancer potential of ZnO NPs-LVX is expressed to utilize in the near future as novel therapeutic strategies.

Chemical composition by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and antioxidant activity of Cassia alata plant leaf

Nature has provided humans with a diversity of medicinal plants employed in curing and taking care of many ailments. These medicinal plants contain many phytochemicals and bioactive compounds, which have been reported to possess some pharmacological properties. The study investigates the phytoconstituents and antioxidant activity shown by the Cassia alata plant leaf- a known medicinal plant. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique was applied in evaluating the chemical composition while Ferric reducing activity power (FRAP) and 2, 2-Dipheny l-1-picryl hydrazyl radical activity inhibition techniques were utilized to evaluate the antioxidant activity of methanol extract of the plant leaf. Ascorbic acid served as the standard. For different amounts of 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg/ml, the result of inhibitions of DPPH were revealed to be 4.14±0.00%, 12.99±0.55%, 19.55±0.06% and 25.73±0.17% respectively while that of the standard ranged from 18.41±0.17% -88.39±0.09%. Also, the FRAP results at different amounts of 50, 100, 200 and 400 µg/ml are detected to be 0.00±0.00%, 2.72±0.02%, 5.66±0.06% and 11.5±0.34% while the standard ranged from 5.09±0.16% - 52.99±0.21%.The GC-MS chemical assay of C. alata extracts afforded ten compounds which include 1-Butanol-3- methyl acetate, Pentadecane, 2, 6, 10, 14-tetramethyl., β-D-Glucopyranose-4-o-β- galactopyranosyl, Hexadecanoicacid- methyl ester, n-Hexadecanoic acid, 9, 12, 15-Octadecatrienoic acid methyl ester [ZZZ], Phytol, 9, 12, 15-Octadecatrienoic -2, 3- dihydroxyl propyl ester, Ethyl -iso-allocholate and Vitamin E. Hexadecanoic acid- methyl ester was found to the highest 77.1% in composition while 9, 12, 15-Octadecatrienoic -2- 3- dihydroxyl propyl ester 8.6% was detected to be the least. Some of these bioactive compounds have been observed to have pharmacological and biological activities which are desirable in pharmaceutical formulations.

Comparison of Biological Activities and Bioactive Components of Seed, Leaf, and Blossom Parts of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze and Commercial Black Tea

In this study, bioactive properties and GC-MS analyses of the Camellia sinensis (seed, leaf, and blossom parts) and commercial black tea extracts were compared. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of extracts were determined. The gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique was used to identify the major bioactive compounds in extracts. The TPC and antioxidant activity values of the alcohol extract prepared from the leaf part of the C. sinensis are higher than the other extracts. There was a strong correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant amount among the ethanol extracts of C. sinensis. In antimicrobial evaluation, the ethanol extracts showed more activity; the ethanolic extract of C. sinensis seeds was the most effective. GC-MS results indicated various organic compounds in the C. sinensis extracts, mainly saturated and unsaturated aromatic esters, aromatic alcohols, some cyclic structures, aromatic amine, and boranic esters with different therapeutic activities. The black tea extracts exhibited a more straightforward variety of bio components as aromatic esters and boranic ester. According to the obtained results, C. sinensis and black tea extracts would exert several beneficial effects by their biological activities thanks to the possible synergistic effect of chemical contents detected by GC-MS analysis. However, GC-MS results indicated that the black tea sample had much fewer bioconstituents than fresh C. sinensis plant samples.

Evaluating the effect of ethanol foliar feeding on the essential oil, phenolic content, and antioxidant activities of Ducrosia anethifolia

Ducrosia anethifolia (Apiaceae) is a medicinal aromatic plant distributed in Iran and Afghanistan. This research aims to investigate the composition of the plant essential oil, determine the total flavonoid and phenolic contents, and evaluate its antioxidant activities after ethanol foliar feeding. For this purpose, 0, 10, 20, 40, and 80% v/v of aqueous ethanol solutions were sprayed on different batches of the plants. Then, the essential oils were obtained using water distillation. Compounds were analyzed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique(GC-MS) using a validated method. The method was validated as per the ICH guidelines for linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, LOD, and LOQ. The total contents of phenols and flavonoids were measured using spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays. The results showed that n-decanal, cis-verbenyl acetate and dodecanal were the major compounds in all treatments. However, alcohol could cause significant differences in the essential oils qualitatively and quantitatively. The results showed that 40% ethanol could increase the number of phenolics and flavonoids and consequently the antioxidant activity. Thus, ethanol foliar feeding can be used as an appropriate approach to increase the essential oil of D. anethifolia as well as its phenolic and flavonoid contents.

Sensory and Volatile Compounds Characteristics of the Sauce in Bean Paste Fish Treated with Ultra-High-Pressure and Representative Thermal Sterilization.

This study investigated the differences between three sterilized samples to reveal the unique aroma characteristics of the sauce in bean paste fish by multiple analysis methodologies. Samples were subjected to pasteurized (PS), high-temperature sterilization (HTS), and ultra-high-pressure treatment (UHP) tests. The UHP had a higher sensory evaluation and could better maintain the original flavor of the sample. A total of 92, 83, 85, and 76 volatile compounds were detected via comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS) techniques in the control (CT), PS, HTS, and UHP groups, respectively. According to the analysis of gas chromatograph-olfactometry and odor activity value, 7 compounds were considered to have an aromatic influence on the sauces, in which four compounds (1,8-Cineole, Linalool, Hexanal, and Dimethyl trisulfide) exhibited a positive contribution to the aroma of the sauces. PLS-DA results showed that the UHP group positively correlated with volatiles (Isoamylol and 1-Octen-3-ol), color, and gloss. In general, the UHP treatment could retain the original state and flavor of the sauce, showing a high similarity to the control group. The HTS significantly altered the flavor and status of the samples.

Catalytic degradation of lindane using gamma radiations: Degradation products

Lindane is a concerned pollutant because of its long-term persistence in the environment, potential bio-accumulating characteristic, and associated harms caused to human lives and the environment. Radiolytic degradation of lindane (1.0 mg.L−1) in aqueous phase carried out through gamma (γ) irradiation by 60Co source with 1–12 kGy dose range. The γ-radiation dose optimized and maximum degradation of lindane achieved with 10 kGy at ambient temperature. The catalytical effect of TiO2 and Fe2O3 on degradation efficiency was investigated. The results demonstrate that degradation enhanced with addition of catalyst. The maximum degradation of lindane achieved with TiO2 as compare to Fe2O3. Maximum degradation (%) of lindane was 99% with TiO2; 95% with Fe2O3 and 90.2% without catalyst at 10 kGy dose. Change in concentration of lindane as result of irradiation was verified by HPLC equipped with UV detector. Lindane degradation products extracted and pre-concentrated through Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) technique. A reaction mechanism envisaged by analyzing the resulting by-products using a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) technique. The optimized method applied to industrial wastewater, containing lindane, to evaluate the efficiency of method.

Establishment of quality parameters of Quisqualis indica leaves through sophisticated analytical techniques

ABSTRACT. Quisqualis indica (Q. indica; Rangoon creeper) is found in Asia and finds its place in Ayurvedic texts, ethno-medicine as well as modern research. Its leaves contain important constituents like rutin, quisqualis acid, trigonelline, L-proline and L-asparagine. Traditionally, the leaves are used as antipyretic, anti-flatulent, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, and anti-diarrhoeal. Modern pharmacological research also supports these claims. However, this plant remains unexplored phytochemically, which restricts any means for standardization of its formulations. The present research focuses on analysis of leaves of Q. indica using sophisticated chromatographic and spectral techniques. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques were used. After several pilots, TLC analyses, an HPTLC fingerprint of methanolic extract of the leaves was performed using chloroform: methanol: ethyl acetate (7: 3: 3) solvent system, which showed 12 peaks at 254 nm and 9 peaks at 366 nm. GC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract detected 7 known phytochemicals, some of them having pharmacological importance. This research may serve the parameters for quality control of Q. indica leaves in herbal industries, in the detection of adulteration of its formulations as well as open new avenues for phytochemical research, including isolation of a marker compound.&#x0D; &#x0D; KEY WORDS: Quisqualis indica, Adulteration, Fingerprinting, GC-MS, HPTLC, Standardization&#x0D; Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(2), 289-298. &#x0D; DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i2.4

Nanoplastics in the soil environment: Analytical methods, occurrence, fate and ecological implications

Soils play a very important role in ecosystems sustainability, either natural or agricultural ones, serving as an essential support for living organisms of different kinds. However, in the current context of extremely high plastic pollution, soils are highly threatened. Plastics can change the chemical and physical properties of the soils and may also affect the biota. Of particular importance is the fact that plastics can be fragmented into microplastics and, to a final extent into nanoplastics. Due to their extremely low size and high surface area, nanoplastics may even have a higher impact in soil ecosystems. Their transport through the edaphic environment is regulated by the physicochemical properties of the soil and plastic particles themselves, anthropic activities and biota interactions. Their degradation in soils is associated with a series of mechanical, photo-, thermo-, and bio-mediated transformations eventually conducive to their mineralisation. Their tiny size is precisely the main setback when it comes to sampling soils and subsequent processes for their identification and quantification, albeit pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and other spectroscopic techniques have proven to be useful for their analysis. Another issue as a consequence of their minuscule size lies in their uptake by plants roots and their ingestion by soil dwelling fauna, producing morphological deformations, damage to organs and physiological malfunctions, as well as the risks associated to their entrance in the food chain, although current conclusions are not always consistent and show the same pattern of effects. Thus, given the omnipresence and seriousness of the plastic menace, this review article pretends to provide a general overview of the most recent data available regarding nanoplastics determination, occurrence, fate and effects in soils, with special emphasis on their ecological implications.

Metabolic Profiling of Plant Growth Promoting Microorganisms (PGPMs) from Chickpea Rhizosphere and Their Antagonistic Activity against Dry Root Rot Pathogen Rhizoctonia bataticola

Background: Dry root rot (DRR) caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola is the major threat to chickpea production globally. Recently, upsurge in disease incidence is observed due to unexpected increase in temperature and soil moisture stress resultant of changing climatic scenarios. To combat this necrotrophic phytopathogenic fungus, the present study was conducted with the aim of managing the disease by using potential rhizospheric PGPMs. Methods: Twenty-six isolates of soil-borne fungal PGPMs were isolated from rhizosphere of chickpea in North Eastern Karnataka zone and screened for bio-active compounds production against Rhizoctonia bataticola by inverted plate technique. Using ITS genes BLAST analysis, the putative rhizospheric fungal PGPM was identified at the molecular level. Finally, chemical characterization of the bio-active compounds and metabolic profiling was carried out using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. Result: All the isolates showed significant differences in radial growth of mycelium at five days after incubation. SFPGPM-13 isolate produced maximum concentration of bio-active compounds with per cent mycelial inhibition of 62.83 (52.43). Molecular identification and BLAST analysis showed the isolate SFPGPM-13 was identified as Trichoderma harzianum. GC-MS analysis resulted that 62 compounds were present in the extract of SFPGPM-13 at different retention time and mass to charge (m/z) ratio.