High Potassium Concentration Research Articles

Two-dimensional carbon rich titanium carbide (TiC3) as a high-capacity anode for potassium ion battery

In recent years, two-dimensional (2D) materials, particularly MXenes such as titanium carbide, have gained significant interest for energy storage applications. This study explores the use of potassium-adsorbed TiC3 nanosheets as potential anode materials for potassium ion batteries (KIBs), utilizing first-principles calculations. The investigated electronic, mechanical, and thermal properties of TiC3 demonstrate its suitability as an anode material. The incorporation of potassium into the host material enhances electronic conductivity while maintaining a stable layered structure. Our findings reveal promising adsorption behavior of potassium in TiC3, leading to a high theoretical specific capacity of 958 mAh/g, coupled with a low energy barrier of 0.19 eV for potassium migration, which is indicative of superior electrochemical performance. Moreover, despite the high potassium content, the electrode material shows limited volume expansion of 11.3 %, suggesting good cyclability. Additionally, the equilibrium distance between potassium and TiC3, measured at 3.11 Å, exceeds that of lithium and TiC3 (2.56 Å), potentially augmenting the material’s flexibility. Consequently, TiC3 emerges as a promising candidate for KIB anode materials.

Effects of Biochar and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Soil Health in Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra L.) Cultivation

Biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), a promising environmentally friendly soil enhancer and biostimulant, play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture by influencing soil properties and plant growth. This research investigates the chemical properties of three biochar types [bamboo (BB-char), corn cob (CC-char), and coffee grounds (CG-char)] derived from different biomass sources and their impact on soil quality and Chinese kale growth. The results reveal significant differences in chemical properties among different types of biochar. Particularly, CG-char showed the greatest pH value and phosphorus content, with an average of 10.05 and 0.44%, respectively. On the other hand, CC-char had the highest potassium content, with an average of 2.16%. Incorporating biochar into degraded soil enhances soil structure, promoting porosity and improved texture, as evidenced by scanning electron microscope images revealing distinct porous structures. Soil chemistry analyses in treatment T2–T14 after a 42-day cultivation demonstrate the impact of biochar on pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and organic carbon levels in comparison to the control treatment (T1). Furthermore, the research assesses the impact of biochar on Chinese kale growth and photosynthetic pigments. Biochar additions, especially 5% BB-char with AMF, positively influence plant growth, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic pigment levels. Notably, lower biochar concentrations (5%) exhibit superior effects compared to higher concentrations (10%), emphasizing the importance of optimal biochar application rates. The study also delves into the total phenolic content in Chinese kale leaves, revealing that the synergistic effect of biochar and AMF enhances phenolic compound accumulation. The combination positively influences plant health, soil quality, and nutrient cycling mechanisms. Overall, the research indicates the multifaceted impact of biochar on soil and plant dynamics, emphasizing the need for tailored application strategies to optimize benefits in sustainable agriculture.

Early potassium fertilization in cover plant previous to soybean crop in highly weathered soil

Soybean crops are of great economic importance in Brazil due to its cultivation in different regions of the country, like in Mato Grosso with approximately 19,235.60 thousand hectares cultivated annually and a production of 86,484.30 thousand tons in the 21/22 harvest. Direct sowing has been widely used in production, the plants that precede the crop are fertilized, with increased benefits of the use of straw through nutrient cycling, and the succession crop would benefit from the potassium, being a way that guarantees greater fertilization efficiency, with potassium being released gradually into the soil. The objective was to evaluate the effect of potassium doses applied to U. ruziziensis on forage straw production and potassium availability in the soil profile cultivated with soybeans in succession. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with five (5) treatments and four (4) replications, totaling twenty (20) plots. The size of each plot was 2 m wide by 3 m long (6 m²). The treatments consisted of (T0) control, (T1) 25 kg ha-1 of K2O, (T2) 50 kg ha-1 of K2O, (T3) 75 kg ha-1 of K2O, (T4) 100 kg ha-1 of K2O. Straw productivity was evaluated, potassium content was determined, and potassium accumulation by forage straw was calculated. The potassium doses provided a linear increase in straw production, potassium content and accumulation in U. ruziziensis., with the highest potassium content in the soil being obtained in the first 20 cm of soil.

Diversity of phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and mineral element content in four fig cultivars (Ficus carica L.) and their correlation with the rooting of hardwood cuttings

We investigated the phenolic compound profile, antioxidant capacity, rooting of cutting and fruit mineral concentration on 15-year-old trees of four Iranian figs (Ficus carica cvs. “Siyah”, “Kashki”, “Shahanjir” and “Sabz”) planted under rain-fed conditions with different fruit skin color, as well as the correlation between these traits. The range of TSS and antioxidant capacity of fruit (without significant differences) was 75.3–76.7°Brix and 87.9–90.3 DPPHsc %, respectively. “Kashki” had the highest total phenolic (TP) (mg GAE/100 g dw) in both the fruit (1964) and the stem bark (1702) and “Sabz” had the lowest flavonoid content (µg CE mg−1 dw) in the fruit (652.3), leaf (1274.5), and stem bark (1501.9). Although the rooting percentage of cuttings was similar in “Siyah”, “Shahanjir”, and “Sabz”, the lowest rooting percentage (62.7%) and the lowest polyphenol oxidase enzyme (PPO) activity (42.5 U.mL−1) were in “Kashki”. Rooting of the cuttings had a direct correlation with PPO activity and catechin and a negative correlation with the TP, vanillin and trans-ferulic acid concentration in cutting bark. These results showed that the fresh cultivar such as “Shahanjir” with outstanding characteristics, such as high potassium and antioxidant content of fruits and good rooting of the cuttings (97.2%) can be recommended for the development programs of light-colored fresh figs. On the other hand, there were two cultivars, “Siyah” and “Kashki” with dark fruit color; due to their content of TP, total flavonoid, quercetin, trans-ferulic acid and high calcium content in the fruit, these should also be considered.

Review on K-Feldspar Mineral Processing for Extracting Metallic Potassium as a Fertilizer Resource

The K-feldspar mineral is an insoluble potassium resource with a high potassium content and the most extensive and abundant reserves. To address the insufficient supply of soluble potassium fertilizers in China, the application of appropriate processing methods to extract potassium from K-feldspar and transform it into a soluble potassium fertilizer is of great significance. To date, various techniques have been developed to extract potassium from K-feldspar and produce a soluble potassium fertilizer. This review summarizes the main methods, i.e., the hydrothermal, high-temperature pyrolysis, microbial decomposition, and low-temperature methods, for potassium extraction from K-feldspar. The mechanisms, efficiencies, impact parameters, and research progress of each potassium extraction method are comprehensively discussed. This study also compares the merits and drawbacks of the individual methods in terms of potassium extraction efficiency and practical operating conditions. The species of additives, reaction temperature, reaction time, particle size of K-feldspar, and dosage of additives significantly affected the potassium extraction efficiency. Moreover, the combination of different methods was very effective in improving the potassium extraction efficiency. This review elaborates the research prospects and potential strategies for the efficient utilization of the K-feldspar mineral as a fertilizer resource.

Dynamic changes in physicochemical and transcriptional expression profiles of mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit during ripening

Mulberry fruit is in increasingly demand as a healthy natural product. Research into the compositional characteristics of mulberries at different stages of ripening could help maximise their use and minimise wastage, but knowledge in this area is limited. This study investigated the physicochemical and transcriptional expression profiles of mulberries at different maturity stages. The results showed that the nutrients of mulberries generally accumulate during ripening. Ripe mulberries contained high levels of total sugars (129.88 ± 1.09 mg/g), total phenolics (3.08 ± 0.16 mg/g), and anthocyanin compounds, making them a good source of dietary supplements and medicines for the population. Interestingly, unripe mulberries had a high content of minerals and organic acids, showing their potential value as a derivative product. Especially, the highest content of potassium (2237.00 ± 86.56 μg/g), magnesium (707.04 ± 24.29 μg/g), calcium (2371.20 ± 364.09 μg/g), phosphorus (545.90 ± 3.13 μg/g), citric acid (45.96 ± 0.65 mg/g) were detected in the unripe mulberry. Transcriptome sequencing revealed high transcript levels of UDP-glucosyltransferase 29 and bHLH 151 in ripe mulberries. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway is a key pathway throughout the ripening process, and the high expression levels of CHS, CHI, F3H, F3′H, DFR, and ANS may contribute to flavonoid accumulation. By understanding and exploiting the characteristics of mulberries at different stages of ripening, it will help to efficiently develop nutrient-enriched mulberry derived products.

Acute Hyperkalemia Management in the Emergency Department.

Acute hyperkalemia is characterized by high concentrations of potassium in the blood that can potentially lead to life-threatening arrhythmias that require emergent treatment. Therapy involves the utilization of a constellation of different agents, all targeting different goals of care. The first, and most important step in the treatment of severe hyperkalemia with electrocardiographic (ECG) changes, is to stabilize the myocardium with calcium in order to resolve or mitigate the development of arrythmias. Next, it is vital to target the underlying etiology of any ECG changes by redistributing potassium from the extracellular space with the use of intravenous regular insulin and inhaled beta-2 agonists. Finally, the focus should shift to the elimination of excess potassium from the body through the use of intravenous furosemide, oral potassium-binding agents, or renal replacement therapy. Multiple nuances and controversies exist with these therapies, and it is important to have a robust understanding of the underlying support and recommendations for each of these agents to ensure optimal efficacy and minimize the potential for adverse effects and medication errors.

Nutritional Composition of some Common Species of Striga grass (S. gesnerioides, S. hermonthica and S. aciatica)

This study explores the nutritional values of Striga grass, typically known as a parasitic plant. Simple proximate compositional analysis method was used to determine the macronutrients while atomic absorption spectrophotometry was employed to test for the mineral elements. The research findings reveals a moisture content of all the species within the range of 5.3 g/100g to 3.15 g/100g; ash content 22.6 g/100g to 4.8 g/kg in S. gesneriodes root and S. Asiatica stem respectively. Protein and lipid concentrations ranged from 14.36 g/100g to 9.1 g/100g, and then 2.2 g/100g to 0.34 g/100g respectively; NFE 69.2 g/100g and the lowest is 45.6 g/100g in S. asiatica stem and S. generoides root respectively. Highest concentration of potassium was 1715 mg/kg in the bulb of S. gesneroides and lowest of 426 g/kg in S. asiatica leaves, while that of Sodium is between 964 mg/kg and 78 mg/kg in S. hermontheca roots and S. asiatica leaves respectively. While S gesneroides roots and bulb have high nutrient composition, S. asiatica leaves contained the lowest values. Striga grass is rich in fiber, protein, and other micronutrients and therefore could be a better supplement for animal feed as well as beneficial for digestion, muscle development, and immunity.

MACRO CONTENT ANALYSIS BETWEEN ECO ENZYME AND GREEN TONIC FERTILIZER ON CHILI PLANT GROWTH

Organic waste is a serious problem in big cities. Eco Enzyme and Green Tonic fertilizer are used to solve the problem and increase the growth of chili plants. Research comparing the macro content of both is needed. Eco Enzyme analysis activities were carried out at the Soil Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Mulawarman University. The activity of planting chili plants was carried out in one of the researcher's houses. The activities carried out in this study were carried out in two stages, namely the first stage of analysing the content of Eco Enzyme and Green Tonic Fertilizer and the second stage of planting chili plants. Green Tonic Fertilizer has a higher Nitrogen content than Eco Enzyme. However, Eco Enzyme has a higher Potassium content than Green Tonic Fertilizer. Based on the results of the research activities that have been carried out, it can be concluded that; observation of the height of chili plants after the experiment shows that the interaction effect and the main effect of applying eco enzyme has a significant effect on the height of chili plants compared to applying Green Tonic fertilizer and the results also show that many leaves using eco enzyme are better than Green Tonic fertilizer.

Edaphic growth conditions of Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. in Nikitsky Botanical Garden

A soil survey was carried out under the collection plantings of Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., growing on the experimental site of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. During the research, the morphological structure, granulometric composition, pH, content of carbonates, humus, exchangeable potassium, oxalate-soluble (amorphous) iron were studied using generally accepted methods of soil analysis. The content of mobile forms of micronutrients and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, Cd) was determined in ammonium acetate extract at pH=4.8. It was revealed that the soils of the experimental site are characterized by favorable physical, chemical properties and agrochemical parameters for cherry plum plants, including uniform distribution of humus along the profile, slightly alkaline reaction, low content of carbonates, high content of available potassium. Among the mobile forms of trace elements and heavy metals, exceeding of the maximum permissible concentration was found only for copper, the source of which is copper-containing fungicides. The slightly alkaline reaction of the soil contributes to a decrease in the mobility of micronutrients and heavy metals, therefore, even with their excessive content in the soil, there was no excess of maximum permissible concentration in cherry plum fruits.

ОПТИМИЗАЦИЯ ЛОГИСТИЧЕСКОЙ СХЕМЫ ДЛЯ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ РАЙОНОВ РЕСПУБЛИКИ ТАТАРСТАН УДОБРЕНИЯМИ ИЗ ОТХОДОВ ПТИЦЕВОДСТВА

The problem of poultry agroindustrial complex sector waste’s recycling, in particular, live activity’s waste products (poultry droppings), is considered. The technology of their utilization in gasification installation by airless, oxygenfree thermal decomposition to produce fuel gas and valuable mineral fertilizer - ash method using is proposed. The technology of waste (manure) gasification for its environmental friendliness due to the nitrogen absence at gasifying medium is known. Ash after unloading from the gasification plant can be used in agriculture as a mineral fertilizer with a high content of phosphorus and potassium. The ash, in turn, for a long time is stored and does not require special transportation conditions. The waste into a useful product’s conversion will allow poultry enterprises to eliminate environmental payments for negative environmental impacts. Poultry waste in areas that can be divided into three large centers is generated, the poultry waste gasification enterprises’ construction will be carried out and innovative technologies for its recycling will be introduced. Raw materials for large enterprises are supposed to be delivered by the cluster method from small ones. The product obtained after gasification must be known on the market and accessible through the transport’s network. A solution is also proposed to fertilizers imbalance’s eliminating on the Republic of Tatarstan districts example by transport routes optimizing from equidistant centers to all consumers organizing. The transport problem solving method to find the best schemes for fertilizers’ transporting to areas with the greatest deficit was used. A matrix of paired comparisons is presented, and the optimal transportation plan is calculated. The results show that the proposed routes and the transported fertilizers amount can the region’s situation with the fertilizers’ imbalance improving. This technique allows the regions’ agroindustrial sector due to the search and transportation to areas’ costs as to fertilization’s necessity optimizing.

КАРАТОМАР СУ ҚОЙМАСЫНЫҢ ЖАҒАЛАУ АЙМАҒЫНЫҢ ТОПЫРАҚТАРЫНЫҢ АГРОХИМИЯЛЫҚ ҚАСИЕТТЕРІН ЗЕРТТЕУ: АГРОХИМИЯЛЫҚ ТАЛДАУ ЖӘНЕ ҚОРЫТЫНДЫЛАР

The assessment of the main agrochemical indicators of the quality of agricultural soils adjacent to the Karatomar reservoir, such as pH, humus, mobile and total phosphorus and potassium, nitrogen, nitrates, mobile sulfur, heavy metals, was carried out. The determination of agrochemical indicators of soils was carried out in accordance with the regulatory requirements and standards of the Republic of Kazakhstan and state and foreign scientific recommendations; the research work was carried out from autumn 2023 to winter 2024. It has been established that the agricultural soils adjacent to the Karatomar reservoir are characterized by an alkaline environment with a pH above 7.0, which significantly affects the absorption of nutrients by plants. The humus content is at a moderate level; however, the low levels of nitrogen in nitrate form and available phosphorus indicate potential limitations for photosynthesis and overall plant viability. The high concentration of available potassium contributes to plant stress resistance. The analysis of heavy metal content showed that overall levels comply with standards, but the identified exceedance of cadmium levels requires attention when developing measures to improve soil quality and ensure the environmental safety of the region.

Kalemia – safety aspects of patients hospitalized in Department of Internal, Autoimmune and Metabolic Diseases of Medical University of Silesia in Katowice Clinical Center in the year 2020

Aim: The aim of the study was to present the issue of kalemia compartment disorders in patients hospitalized in a hospital clinical ward who came to the hospital from various areas of pre-hospital care. Material and Methods: Relying on data of patients hospitalized in the Department of Internal, Autoimmune and Metabolic Diseases of Medical University of Silesia in Katowice Clinical Center in 2020 a retrospective research regarding patients with potassium management disorders has been conducted. Medical documentation of patients admitted with hypo- or hyperkalemia has been reviewed. Range of 3,5–5,0 mmol/l (mEq/l) has been considered a variable identifying high and low potassium concentration. Total number of patients with potassium level disorders was 172 (19,5%) out of 883 patients hospitalized. Results: Hyperkalemia has been diagnosed in case of 67 patients, hypokalemia in case of 105. The majority of patients with potassium level disorders were aged between 61 and 80. Patients with hyperkalemia were most frequently redirected to hospital from Primary Healthcare facilities. Patients with hypokalemia were most frequently handed over by Emergency Medical Service rescue team. The most common ailments among each age group were weakness and shortness of breath. Main comorbidities among patients with potassium management disorders were renal failure and high blood pressure. Conclusions: Electrolyte imbalance is common among hospitalized patients. Individuals aged 61-80 are at particularly high risk of potassium management disorders. Renal failure, heart failure and high blood pressure are conditions which most frequently coexisted with potassium management disorders

Impact of High Concentration Potassium Application on Lycopene Concentration in Tomato Fruit during Maturation and Ripening

Impact of High Concentration Potassium Application on Lycopene Concentration in Tomato Fruit during Maturation and Ripening

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS UNDER SPONTANEOUS BIOCOVER OF PHALARIS ARUNDINACEA L. IN SERBIA

To investigate the quality of soils suitable for the growth of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) L., soil samples and plant material were taken from six different sites in Serbia where the plant grows spontaneously. The basic fertility of the soil was analysed to determine the soil type on which the reed canary grass grows and the content of essential nutrients in the plant material. The soil samples from sites where reed canary grass grows had different pH values, ranging from strongly acidic to almost neutral. The soils differed in humus content, ranging from slightly humic to very humic. The nitrogen content and the available forms of phosphorus in the soil samples were low, while the content of available forms of potassium was medium to well supplied. The lowest nitrogen content and the highest content of potassium and phosphorus were measured in the stalks of reed canary grass.

Physio-Chemical Analysis of Drinking Water in Populated Villages of District Skardu

Objective The purpose of this study was to establish whether the water used by inhabitants of the five surrounding village communities of Kachura, Qomra, Kwardu, Hoto, and Gamba in the district of Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan is portable or not for human consumption. Skardu is located at 35°17’25”N 75°38’40”E, with an elevation of 2,228 meters above sea level in Northeastern Pakistan. Methods Three water samples were collected from each of the 5 villages in the district. Total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), total solids (TS), total hardness (TH), calcium, magnesium, total alkalinity (TA), chloride, nitrate, conductivity, sodium, and potassium were determined using established chemical analysis techniques, according to recommended World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Results The findings showed that water samples had not been treated before being consumed by people. Variations between the communities were found when the parameters were analyzed. TSS ranged from 11 to 44 mg/L; total solids ranged from 94 to 392 mg/L; and TDS ranged from 82 to 348 mg/L. Calcium varied from 72 to 232 mg/L, magnesium ranged from 16 to 88 mg/L, and total hardness ranged from 88 to 320 mg/L. Chloride levels ranged from 8 to 12 mg/L, total alkalinity was between 72 and 248 mg/L, and nitrate levels were within acceptable bounds. Water conductivity varied between 139 and 612 S/cm. While potassium ranged from 49 to 147 mg/mL, sodium ranged from 33 to 118 mg/mL. Notably, the water samples from Kwardu, Hoto, Gamba, and Kachura had potassium levels that were higher than allowed. Only three of the samples taken from the village of Qomrah were within acceptable ranges. Conclusion According to the study’s findings, water samples from the Skardu district were not treated before being consumed by people. The high potassium content in drinking water increases the risk of hyperkalemia and can cause serious health issues, especially in people with kidney, cardiac, and diabetes conditions. Consequently, it is recommended to use reverse osmosis (RO) to remove excess potassium from water. Also, it is advised to boil drinking water before consuming to kill microbes. To reduce potential health hazards connected with drinking untreated water, it is essential to increase the local residents’ awareness of waterborne issues.

Petrogenesis and metallogenic significance of late Mesozoic granites in the Akjilga mining area, Tajikistan: constraints from geochronology and geochemistry

The Akjilga (Акджилга) mining area in Tajikistan sits in the central part of the Pamir syntaxis in the western part of the Indo–Eurasia collisional orogenic belt. Recently, the mineralization phenomena of skarn-type tin polymetallic ore bodies and dolomite-type rare-earth metals in the copper polymetallic mining area have been reported. However, the limited knowledge on the genesis of granite and its relationship with mineralization in this area hinders further research. Here, the Late Mesozoic granite rocks in the mining area were studied by petrology, geochemistry, and zircon U–Pb dating. The results showed that the rocks comprise majorly porphyric biotite syenogranite and minorly porphyric biotite monzogranite. The zircon U–Pb age of the porphyric biotite syenogranite was 108.3 ± 2.0 Ma, highlighting the Early Cretaceous period. The porphyric biotite syenogranite features high silicon and potassium contents and low iron, magnesium, calcium, sodium, titanium, and phosphorus contents. Furthermore, their aluminum saturation indexes were 1.11–1.21. Therefore, they were classified as high-potassium calc-alkaline strong peraluminous rocks. Trace-element analysis showed the enrichment of large ionic lithophile elements and light rare-earth elements (REEs); the deficiency of high-field-strength elements and heavy REEs; and the negative anomalies of Nb, P, and Ti. Compared with ordinary granites, the porphyric biotite syenogranite exhibits a higher differentiation index (91.20–93.96) and strong negative Eu anomaly (0.05–0.26), as well as a low Zr content and abnormally low Nb/Ta, Zr/Hf, Y/Ho, ∑LREE/∑HREE ratios. Therefore, the rocks are considered highly differentiated I-type granites with good Sn polymetallic and rare-metal prospecting potentials, and it resulted in the subduction-collision of the Rushan-Pshart ocean between the Middle Pamir block and the South Pamir block during the northward subduction process of the Late Mesozoic New Tethys ocean (Shyok ocean).

Reducing Water Stress, Germination and Shoot Nutrients Accumulation of Avena sativa L. Following Application of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria

ABSTRACT Many ecological factors affect the ability of plants to survive and grow. At the same time, drought causes significant limitations to plant growth in arid regions. This study investigated the effects of bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter vinelandii=F1, Pantoea agglomerans+ Pseudomonas putida=F2, F1+F2, control=C) on reducing the effect of water stress factor 100% (FC=field capacity), 70% (0.7FC), and 40% (0.4FC) on germination, growth, and absorption of some nutrients by Avena sativa L. The results indicated that the germination rate was the highest in F1 + 0.7FC and F1 + 0.4FC, respectively and the lowest germination rate was measured in C + 0.7FC. Treatment F1+F2 + 0.4FC compared to C + 0.4FC significantly reduced the germination rate (p < .01). The highest shoot and root lengths were measured in treatment F1+F2 + 0.4FC, and the lowest shoot and root length was measured in treatment F1+F2+FC. In treatment F2 + 0.7FC, shoot and root dry weight increased significantly (p < .01). Treatment F1 + 0.4FC showed the lowest shoot dry weight. In treatment F1+FC, the highest potassium concentration was measured in treatment F2 + 0.7FC, and the highest iron and zinc were measured. The maximum uptake of iron and zinc was measured in F1+FC and F2 + 0.7FC, respectively. Treatment F1+F2 + 0.4FC showed the lowest uptake of iron, zinc, and manganese. Treatment F1+FC caused to increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake. Generally, the bio-fertilizers had the highest efficiency under 0.7FC and FC conditions. Fertilizers F1 and F2 separately reduced drought’s impact on plant germination. Fertilizers had no noticeable influence on the uptake of nutrients. Bio-fertilizers applied to A. sativa L. could contribute to the restoration and enhancement of rangelands.

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.

Airborne desert dust in the Northern Adriatic area (Croatia): Different sources

During the implementation of the INTERREG IT-HR project ECOMOBILITY, whose one of the goals was to estimate the impact of ship emissions on air quality in the port city of Rijeka (Croatia) and Venice (Italy), two particular weekly samples were collected in Rijeka, during the first and the thirteen weeks of sampling, i.e. S01 (16.10.-23.10.2018) and S13 (24.04.-30.04.2019.), respectively. Both samples have similarities regarding species characteristic for desert dust contribution, but HYSPLIT analyses excluded Saharan desert to be the source of the S01 sample. Unlike Saharan dust, this sample had a high contribution of fine and ultrafine particles (>50 % and 9.8 %, respectively), as well as secondary inorganic (sulfates, ammonium) and organic (water soluble organic compounds - WSOC) aerosols. Detailed synoptic situation and HYSPLIT backward trajectories pointed out the Syrian Desert as the source of this collected sample. The same source was proved by MERRA-2 reanalysis of the desert dust emission. Although the Saharan dust episodes, mostly in precipitation, are well known in the Northern Adriatic area, this is the first time to indicate Syrian Desert as a source of airborne particulates. This assumption was confirmed with chemical species characteristic for the Syrian Desert, i.e. higher content of potassium from K- feldspar and phosphates.