High Concentrations Of Magnesium Research Articles

A review on the phytochemistry and biological activities of Curculigo latifolia Dryand ex. W.Aiton

Curculigo latifolia Dryand. ex W. T. Aiton, from the genus Curculigo, is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat numerous illnesses such as fever, stomach aches, jaundice, wounds, and inflammation. C. latifolia is a perennial herb that is widely found in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, Southern China, Bangladesh, Australia, and the Andaman Islands. This review collates the reported studies on the different aspects of C. latifolia from its plant description, nutritional value, phytochemistry, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties. This review aims to identify gaps in the literature and provide useful references for future work on this plant. Previous studies have shown that C. latifolia contains high mineral contents of calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are essential components of human health. Moreover, the plant is rich in phytochemicals, which play a prominent role in various pharmacological activities. The most common compounds identified included curculigoside, crassifoside I, nyasicoside, and curculigine. C. latifolia demonstrated high antioxidant activity through its ability to scavenge superoxide anions, 1,1–diphenyl–2–picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino–bis(3–ethylbenzthiazoline–6–sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, reducing ferric ions to ferrous complexes, iron chelation, and B-carotene bleaching. It was also shown that the roots, stems, and leaves of C. latifolia were effective in exerting antimicrobial activity against several microbial strains, including Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtillis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Erwinia sp., Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp., Candida albicans, Salmonella choleraesuis and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the root, fruit, leaf, petiole, and rhizome extracts were found to improve glucose uptake and insulin secretion in diabetic rats, suggesting their antidiabetic potential. C. latifolia presents a wide range of medicinal properties that could make it a promising functional food or source of food supplements to prevent nutrition–related or chronic diseases.

Interaction of extreme drought and insect herbivores on grassland community is affected by drought pattern

Abstract Extreme drought and insect herbivores can affect plant community non-independently, and their interaction may be influenced by drought pattern. However, few studies have explored the interaction on plant community structure, and no study has investigated whether the interaction is affected by drought pattern. We explored the interaction of different extreme drought patterns and insect herbivores with a manipulated experiment in a semiarid grassland. There were three treatments for drought: control – ambient precipitation; chronic drought – 66% precipitation reduction in growing season (May – August); intense drought – completely exclusion rain events from June to July. Herbivores removal and present treatments were imposed within each drought treatments. We found that although herbivores had no significant effects on the impacts of droughts on total species richness, it alleviated the impacts of chronic drought on total cover, and the alleviating role decreased under intense drought. Comparing with intense drought, more increasing of grass cover led to more alleviation under chronic drought associated with the decrease of forb which have low leaf carbon and dry matter content, along with high starch, calcium, magnesium and manganese concentration. These results indicate that the interaction of drought and herbivores is affected by drought pattern, and the changes of leaf traits that reduce herbivores feeding in grass might alleviate the impact of drought on grassland.

Minerals levels in sugarcane syrup

Sugarcane syrup derived from evaporating sugarcane juice serves as both a self-consumed product and a dietary supplement. It retains nutrients in sugarcane juice, especially minerals and nutritional compounds resistant to cooking processes. This study evaluated the mineral content of Brazilian sugarcane syrup by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. The syrup was found to have high concentrations of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus (340, 57, 49, and 48 mg 100 g-1, respectively). Although the qualitative mineral composition of the evaluated products was relevant and consistent, there was considerable quantitative variation; therefore, standardization based on a narrow range of acceptable values is not recommended. It would take 243-1157 g of syrup to replace 200 g of whole cow’s milk. Nonetheless, sugarcane syrup contains essential minerals with proven health benefits. Potassium had the highest average concentration (up to 781.53 mg 100 g-1), followed by magnesium (10.82-94.69 mg 100 g-1), with iron ranking fifth (8.82 mg 100 g-1). Despite the quantitative variation, the qualitative mineral composition remained relevant. Therefore, a narrow standardization based on a limited range of values is not recommended. Nonetheless, sugarcane syrups with lower mineral levels can be considered nutritionally adequate.

Associations between maternal blood metal concentrations during the first trimester and spontaneous preterm birth: a nested case-control study

BackgroundFew studies have utilized whole blood samples to investigate the association between metal mixture exposure during early pregnancy and spontaneous preterm birth (SPB). We conduct this nested case–control study to investigate both the independent and joint effect of each metal, and identify critical metals in the metal mixture.ResultsA total of 120 pregnant women with SPB and 120 pregnant women with full-term delivery were selected from the prospective birth cohort. We measured 14 metal concentrations in maternal blood collected during 10–13 weeks gestation. Conditional logistic regression showed that high concentrations of vanadium (V), magnesium, and copper were positively associated with SPB (Adjusted OR = 5.76 (95% CI 2.46–13.53), 3.64 (95% CI 1.64–8.09), 2.88 (95% CI 1.29–6.41), respectively). Moderate manganese (Mn) concentration (50th–75th percentile) group had the lowest estimated OR (Adjusted OR = 0.32 (95% CI 0.13–0.76)). The high level of strontium (Sr) was negatively associated with SPB (Adjusted OR = 0.39 (95% CI 0.17–0.91)). The BKMR model showed a significant positive joint effect of metal mixture exposure on SPB, while V was the most important metal. The non-linear effects of V and lead (Pb) on SPB, and the interaction effects between V–Pb, Sr–Mn were also revealed.ConclusionsMaternal blood metal mixtures in the first trimester were found to be positively associated with SPB, with V exhibiting the strongest independent association. Mn had a potential U-shaped association with SPB. Elimination of metal contamination in the environment has a positive impact on maternal and child health.

Selective deforestation and exposure of African wildlife to bat-borne viruses

Proposed mechanisms of zoonotic virus spillover often posit that wildlife transmission and amplification precede human outbreaks. Between 2006 and 2012, the palm Raphia farinifera, a rich source of dietary minerals for wildlife, was nearly extirpated from Budongo Forest, Uganda. Since then, chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, and red duiker were observed feeding on bat guano, a behavior not previously observed. Here we show that guano consumption may be a response to dietary mineral scarcity and may expose wildlife to bat-borne viruses. Videos from 2017–2019 recorded 839 instances of guano consumption by the aforementioned species. Nutritional analysis of the guano revealed high concentrations of sodium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Metagenomic analyses of the guano identified 27 eukaryotic viruses, including a novel betacoronavirus. Our findings illustrate how “upstream” drivers such as socioeconomics and resource extraction can initiate elaborate chains of causation, ultimately increasing virus spillover risk.

Prospective cold metal working and analysis of deformation susceptibility of CuMg alloys with high magnesium content

Metal alloys designated for cold metal working exhibit much higher strength properties than pure materials due to solid-solution hardening. However, with the increase of mechanical properties its plasticity and workability decreases. Constant development and demand in this area has led to research on many copper alloys, such as copper alloys with high content of magnesium which were never tested before. The limitations regarding cold metal working of CuMg alloys is the main objective of this paper. Here we show that the tested materials exhibit much higher mechanical properties than currently used as electric conductors and carrying-conducting equipment materials such as pure copper, aluminum, M63 brass or CuNiSi alloy. The results were obtained using Hollomon relation, Considére criterion, Gubkin method and hardness measurements. It lead to assessing the prospective cold metal working of CuMg alloys with 2 wt% of magnesium up to 4 wt% of magnesium. The test range included upsetting with 10–50% of cold deformation. It provided the results on evolution of mechanical properties and deformability of tested alloys. Additional information was provided based on the alloys subjected to 50% of strain. The results have proven that as the amount of magnesium increased so did the assessed values, however, it was also linked with increasing friction coefficient. Measured hardness was 2 times higher and calculated Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) was even 2.5 times higher in reference to pure copper in the as-cast state. However, with magnesium content at 3.6 wt% or higher, the elevated amount of α + β phase causes brittleness making it impossible to subject these materials to cold metal working processes. We anticipate our assay to be a starting point for more sophisticated models and experimental research concerning cold metal working processes of CuMg alloys of high-strength, which may lead to developing novel and promising set of alloys.

The Effect of Saponite Clay on Ruminal Fermentation Parameters during In Vitro Studies.

Reducing the emission of global warming gases currently remains one of the strategic tasks. Therefore, the objective of our work was to determine the effect of saponite clay on fermentation in the rumen of cows. The pH, total gas production, CH4, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production in ruminal fluid was determined in vitro. Saponite clay from the Tashkiv deposit (Ukraine) has a high content of silicon, iron, aluminum, and magnesium. The addition of 0.15 and 0.25 g of saponite clay to the incubated mixture did not change the pH but reduced the total production (19% and 31%, respectively) and CH4 (24% and 46%, respectively) in the ruminal fluid compared to the control group and had no significant effect on the total VFA levels, but propionic acid increased by 15% and 21% and butyric acid decreased by 39% and 32%, respectively. We observed a decrease in the fermentation rates, with a simultaneous increase in the P:B ratio and an increase in the fermentation efficiency (FE) in the groups fermented with saponite clay, probably a consequence of the high efficiency in the breakdown of starch in the rumen. Therefore, further in vivo studies to determine the effective dose and effect of saponite clay on cow productivity and the reduction of gas emissions are promising and important.

Magnesium of Dead Sea Salts as a Key Factor for the Treatment of Seborrheic and Atopic Dermatitis: A Case Report

Background: Seborrheic and atopic dermatitis are common and chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Conventional treatments are often ineffective and can have significant side effects. Magnesium dead sea salt has a high concentration of magnesium, and previous research shows its potential to help improve skin conditions.
 Case presentation: Patients with chronic seborrheic and atopic dermatitis were treated with topical 5% dead sea salt magnesium for 4 days. Patients experienced significant improvement in their symptoms.
 Conclusion. Dead Sea salt magnesium can be a safe and effective treatment for seborrheic and atopic dermatitis.

Arthrocnemum Moq.: Unlocking Opportunities for Biosaline Agriculture and Improved Human Nutrition.

(1) Background: This study provides novel insights into the elemental content and biomineralization processes of two halophytic species of the genus Arthrocnemum Moq. (A. macrostachyum and A. meridionale). (2) Methods: Elemental content was analyzed using ICP-MS, while biominerals were detected through electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and X-ray diffraction. (3) Results: The elemental content showed significant concentrations of macronutrients (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) and micronutrients, especially iron. Iron was consistently found as ferritin in A. macrostachyum chloroplasts. Notably, A. macrostachyum populations from the Center of the Iberian Peninsula exhibited exceptionally high magnesium content, with values that exceeded 40,000 mg/kg d.w. Succulent stems showed elemental content consistent with the minerals identified through X-ray diffraction analysis (halite, sylvite, natroxalate, and glushinskite). Seed analysis revealed elevated levels of macro- and micronutrients and the absence of heavy metals. Additionally, the presence of reduced sodium chloride crystals in the seed edges suggested a mechanism to mitigate potential sodium toxicity. (4) Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of Arthrocnemum species as emerging edible halophytes with nutritional properties, particularly in Western European Mediterranean territories and North Africa. They offer promising prospects for biosaline agriculture and biotechnology applications.

Antioxidant Minerals Modified the Association between Iron and Type 2 Diabetes in a Chinese Population.

Inconsistent findings exist regarding the relationship between heme iron intake and type 2 diabetes (T2D) among Western and Eastern populations. Easterners tend to consume a plant-based diet which is abundant in antioxidant minerals. To examine the hypothesis that antioxidant mineral may modify the relationship between iron and T2D, we performed a case-control study by measuring the serum mineral levels in 2198 Chinese subjects. A total of 2113 T2D patients and 2458 controls were invited; 502 T2D patients and 1696 controls were finally analyzed. In the total population, high serum iron showed a positive association with T2D odds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27 [1.04, 1.55]); high magnesium (OR = 0.18 [0.14, 0.22]), copper (OR = 0.27 [0.21, 0.33]), zinc (OR = 0.37 [0.30, 0.46]), chromium (OR = 0.61 [0.50, 0.74]), or selenium concentrations (OR = 0.39 [0.31, 0.48]) were inversely associated with T2D odds. In contrast, in individuals with higher magnesium (>2673.2 µg/dL), zinc (>136.7 µg/dL), copper (>132.1 µg/dL), chromium (>14.0 µg/dL), or selenium concentrations (>16.8 µg/dL), serum iron displayed no association with T2D (p > 0.05). Serum copper and magnesium were significant modifiers of the association between iron and T2D in individuals with different physiological status (p < 0.05). Our findings support the idea that consuming a diet rich in antioxidant minerals is an effective approach for preventing T2D.

Contaminated Water Effects on Human Health: A Case of Pakistan

It is vital to have clean water for a healthy lifestyle. Drinking polluted and dirty water causes millions of people to perish. This study's goal was to investigate the effects of tainted water on Rahim Yar Khan's population's health. Rahim Yar Khan's water management and monitoring are subpar, and the city's subsurface water is unfit for drinking because high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, chloride, hardness, and heavy metal are present. The data's empirical component was gathered from hundred replyers in Rahim Yar Khan. The interview schedule was the tool utilized in this study's with the help of purposive sampling for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were applied to the data analysis. This study examined public perceptions of the negative health effects after consuming contaminated water and the results shows that high level of diseases are increasing in that selected area just because of drinking contaminated water, some people seemed concerned because of poor hygiene measures for drinking water. The results of this study shows high level of health risk in that selected area for human health.

Влияние гафния на высокомагниевые сплавы, легированные переходными металлами, при термической обработке

The purpose of the work is to study the influence of hafnium additives on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of particles at elevated temperature during heat treatment of aluminum alloys with a high magnesium content. Two modifications of 1570 alloy were chosen for the study: without hafnium content and with its addition of 0.5 % by weight. Both alloys were subjected to homogenizing annealing at a temperature of 440 °C with different exposure modes, which ranged from 2 to 100 h. Microhardness was studied for various heat treatment modes, and the fine microstructure was studied as well using transmission microscopy. As a result, it was possible to identify that during annealing at a short exposure time (2–8 h), the alloy with the hafnium addition has higher microhardness values exceeding those of 1570 alloy by an average of 20 HV units. This is associated with the fact that in 1570 alloy with hafnium additives, during heat treatment, the number of precipitated particles increases while their average size decreases compared to the base alloy. At the same time, in 1570 alloy without hafnium content, when annealed at a temperature of 440 °C, there is no increase in microhardness. This is caused by the fact that in 1570 alloy without hafnium content, when cooled after casting, discontinuous decomposition occurs, which resulted in the fact that most of the scandium precipitates from the supersaturated solid solution in the form of dispersoids. This phenomenon is not observed in the alloy with hafnium additives, which indicates its ability to stop discontinuous decomposition during cooling the ingot after casting.

Study on anionic-nonionic mixed surfactant for enhanced oil recovery in a hypersaline reservoir.

Hypersaline reservoirs are characterized by high salinity and high calcium and magnesium concentration. In order to enhance oil recovery of the hypersaline reservoirs, a specialized ternary mixed surfactant system composed of nonionic alkanolamide surfactants and anionic surfactant was developed in this study. Through careful analysis and optimization, lauric acid diethanolamide (LDEA), octanoic acid diethanolamide (ODEA), and sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) were identified as promising candidates for the surfactant compounding system, and formed a ternary surfactant system composed of LDEA, ODEA, and SDS with the mass ratio of 4.64 : 0.66 : 1.00. Experimental results revealed that the interfacial tension of the system was consistently below 10-2 mN m-1 and could even reach ultra-low levels (10-3 mN m-1) under conditions of calcium and magnesium ion content of 2000 mg L-1, surfactant concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.3 wt%, temperature ranging from 50 to 80 °C, and salinity ranging from 20 000 to 50 000 mg L-1. Furthermore, the mixed surfactant system exhibited favorable wetting capacity and emulsifying power. The static adsorption capacities of the mixed surfactant on oil sands were less than 2 mg g-1. This study offered a novel strategy for the actual exploitation of reservoirs with high calcium-magnesium and high salinity.

Sex-Specific Associations of Five Serum Essential Metal Elements with Thyroid Nodules in Euthyroid Adults: a Cross‑sectional Study.

The association between the serum essential metal elements (magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, and calcium) and thyroid nodules is still inconsistent. The current study aims to investigate the relationship of metal elements with thyroid nodules and their malignant tendency. A total of 6480 Chinese euthyroid adults were included in our study. We collect basic information through questionnaires and medical checkups. We diagnose thyroid nodules by ultrasound and detect serum trace metal concentrations by using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Binary and multinomial logistic regressions were used to investigate the associations. As a result, we found that serum copper concentrations were positively associated with thyroid nodules in the second, third, and fourth quartiles, compared to the first quartile (P = 0.024, P = 0.016, P = 0.032) in women and P for trend is 0.038. There is a significant sex-specific association between copper concentrations and thyroid nodules (P for interaction = 0.009). The results of the multinomial logistic regression analyses indicate high serum calcium and magnesium concentrations emerged as consistent risk factors for thyroid nodules in both genders, whereas low zinc was a sex-specific factor. We also observed significant sex interactions in the relationships of magnesium (P for interaction = 0.043) with thyroid nodules with malignant tendency among participants with thyroid nodules. In conclusion, our study suggests that gender is an important factor when studying the association between serum metals and thyroid nodules. The imbalance of selected metal elements (calcium, copper, zinc, and magnesium) may relate to thyroid nodules and their malignant tendency, and future prospective studies are needed to further confirm the associations.

Application of New Al-Si Welding Filler with High Concentration of Copper and Magnesium: High-Temperature Strength and Anti-Corrosion Mechanism.

Currently, the primary commercial aluminum alloy fillers used are 4043 and 5356. However, when welded with high-strength work pieces like 6061 and 7075 aluminum alloys, the strength of weld beads significantly lags behind that of the original welded material. Both 4043 and 5356 aluminum alloys cannot be strengthened through heat treatment. The strength difference between the weld bead and base material doubles after heat treatment. In this study, an Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy (SCM) filler modified using a heat-treatable A319 aluminum alloy was employed to investigate the post-welding microstructural and mechanical properties of specimens under room- and high-temperature conditions and after prolonged exposure in a saltwater environment (3.5 wt.% NaCl). The aim was to demonstrate that commercial aluminum alloy fillers could be substituted with a high-silicon aluminum alloy boasting excellent solidification and mechanical properties. The results revealed that, after heat treatment of the weld bead, dendrites were not eliminated, but the tensile strength increased to 310 MPa, closely matching that of commercial 6061 aluminum alloy. The strength of the weld bead remained higher than 250 MPa in high-temperature (240 °C) and saltwater environments. These findings underscore the potential application of this material.

Dolomitic Limestone Powder: Cement Substitute in the Production of Structural Concrete Paving Blocks

Manufacturers are replacing or combining cement with mineral additives such as slags, natural pozzolans, sand, diatomaceous earth and limestone to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy usage. Due to its high magnesium content, dolomitic limestone has long been utilized in concrete production to reduce costs and environmental risks associated with making cement. This study aimed to produce a reliable and appropriate concrete mixture for concrete paving blocks using dolomitic limestone powder that passed the no. 24 sieve as cement replacement at replacement levels of 0 (control mix), 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32%, satisfying the minimum compressive strength requirement for structural concrete of 20.7 MPa (3,000 psi). The ASTM E877-13 was used to sample the dolomitic limestone, and the 1:1.5:3 concrete class combination was utilized to proportion the quantities of cement, sand and aggregates (3/8”). After 28 days, the specimens were cured and the compressive strength, through the varying water-cement ratios in the concrete mixture, was determined. Results showed that dolomitic limestone powder can substitute cement by 16% by weight, using a concrete mix of 523-g cement, 936-g sand, 1,868-g gravel, 100-g dolomitic limestone powder, and 166-g water with a water-cement ratio of 0.318, exceeding the minimum necessary compressive strength of concrete of 20.7 MPa by 24.9% or 5.16 MPa. Therefore, it is advised to utilize this proven concrete mixture as a basis for a potential business venture in the production of concrete paving blocks for structural concrete applications such as walkways, sidewalks, parking lots and commercial areas, as well as in places where loads are very high, like airports, courtyards, docks and freight yards.

Characterization of the invasive macroalgae Rugulopteryx Okamurae for potential biomass valorisation

This study aimed to examine the composition and properties of the invasive macroalgae R. okamurae and explore potential applications. The results showed that the seaweed biomass is mainly composed of structural carbohydrates, with alginate being the main constituent, accounting for 32 % of its total composition and with a mannuronic and guluronic acid ratio (M/G) ratio of 0.93. It also has a relatively high concentration of fucose, related to the presence of fucoidans that have important biological functions. Among the mineral contents, a high magnesium and calcium (7107 and 5504 mg/kg) concentration, and the presence of heavy metals above legislated thresholds, were notable. R. okamurae also contained a high lipid content of 17 %, mainly composed of saturated fatty acids, but with a significant fraction of n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (18 %) resulting in a low n6/n3 ratio (0.31), that has health benefits. The protein content of R. okamurae was 12 %, with high-quality proteins, as essential amino acids (mainly leucine, phenylalanine and valine) constitute 32 % of the total amino acids. It also showed a high polyphenol content and outstanding antioxidant properties (106.88 mg TE/g). Based on these findings, R. okamurae has significant potential as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds that can add value to different sectors, including food, feed, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Characterization of Groundwater Physico-chemical Parameters in Lake Chad Polders: The Case of the Bol-bagassola Polder

Located southwest of Lake Chad (Bol-Bagassola), the study area is characterized by a Sahelian-type climate underlain by more recent sedimentary cover. The aim of this manuscript is to assess the overall impact of agricultural activities on groundwater quality in the polders (Bol and Bagassola), in order to gain a better understanding of agricultural pollution. To achieve this objective, a water sampling campaign was carried out to study hydrodynamics and hydrochemistry. As a result of this study, piezometric levels are not sufficiently heterogeneous. The pH is around neutral with an average of 7.68, and water temperatures vary between 25.3°C and 32.5°C. Conductivities ranged from 334µS/cm to 9800µS/cm, exceeding the maximum WHO/Chad standards limit of 2500µS/cm. Most of the variables (chemical parameters) are below the drinking water quality limits defined by WHO/Chad standards, with the exception of the open wells (P1, P2) at Malkoura, which show very high concentrations of potassium, sulfate, sodium, chloride, ammonium and magnesium, and the high iron signature observed in boreholes F9 and F12 at Talia. These variables (chemical parameters) enabled us to define the bicarbonate calcic and magnesian facies, followed by chloride sodium and potassium or sulfate sodium for the single F9 borehole at Malkoura. The predominance of bicarbonate facies can be explained by the dissolution of evaporites in the reservoir.

Integrated municipal wastewater treatment and lipid accumulation by a self-flocculating/floating microalga Limnothrix sp.

The present study evaluated the growth, self-flocculation, lipid content, and pollutants removal by Limnothrix sp. BASMWW-9 isolated from municipal wastewater treatment system and cultivated in municipal wastewater. The biomass yield and lipid content after 6 days of cultivation were 1.07 g dw/L and 27.34 %dw, respectively. In addition, its self-flocculating ability reached up to 90 % after harvesting time of 180 min. Moreover, COD,NH3-N, TN, and TP removalefficiencies were 71.65 %, 81.89 %, 74.64 %, and 80.16 %, respectively. The self-flocculation performance of Limnothrix sp. was greatly associated to its morphology and production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), with significant positive impact of the high calcium and magnesium content in municipal wastewater. Interestingly, blue light irradiation during harvest enhanced the aggregation and floc formation as a floating biomat, which was attributed to enhanced polysaccharides production. This study provides innovative harvest method for Limnothrix sp. BASMWW-9 cultivated in wastewater using blue light for enhanced lipid recovery.

Calcium carbonate polymorph selection in fish otoliths: A key role of phosphorylation of Starmaker-like protein

Fish otoliths are calcium carbonate biominerals found in the inner ear commonly used for tracking fish biochronologies and as a model system for biomineralization. The process of fish otolith formation is biologically controlled by numerous biomacromolecules which not only affect crystal size, shape, mechanical properties, but also selection of calcium carbonate polymorph (e.g., aragonite, vaterite). The proteinaceous control over calcium carbonate polymorph selection occurs in many other species (e.g., corals, mollusks, echinoderms) but the exact mechanism of protein interactions with calcium and carbonate ions – constituents of CaCO3 – are not fully elucidated. Herein, we focus on a native Starmaker-like protein isolated from vaterite asteriscus otoliths from Cyprinus carpio. The proteomic studies show the presence of the phosphorylated protein in vaterite otoliths. In a series of in vitro mineralization experiments with Starmaker-like, we show that native phosphorylation is a crucial determinant for the selection of a crystal's polymorphic form. This is the first report showing that the switch in calcium carbonate phase depends on the phosphorylation pattern of a single isolated protein. Statement of SignificanceCalcium carbonate has numerous applications in industry and medicine. However, we still do not understand the mechanism of biologically driven polymorph selection which results in specific biomineral properties. Previous work on calcium carbonate biominerals showed that either several macromolecular factors or high magnesium concentration (non-physiological) are required for proper polymorph selection (e.g., in mollusk shells, corals and otoliths). In this work, we showed for the first time that protein phosphorylation is a crucial factor for controlling the calcium carbonate crystal phase. This is important because a single protein from the otolith organic matrix could switch between polymorphs depending on the phosphorylation level. It seems that protein post-translational modifications (native, not artificial) are more important for biomolecular control of crystal growth than previously considered.