High Mineral Content Research Articles

Review on Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Seed Yield and Quality of Pulses

Pulses are also known as food utilised as legumes; they have been grown by humans for a very long time and are considered to be the meat of the poor due to their high protein, vitamin, carbohydrate, and mineral content. Seed is a fundamental component of agriculture and a crucial ingredient. The growth of the plants from sowing to harvest in pulses, such as soybean, redgram, cowpea, pea and moong depends on a number of elements including soil, nutrients, climate and the efficiency of agricultural operations. An integrated nutrient management method that maintains a healthy ecosystem while decreasing pollution is required to maintain good soil health and safeguard the environment from fertiliser pollution "Integrated Nutrient Management" (INM) describes the upkeep. The organic manures Farm yard manure (FYM, vermicompost and poultry manure etc.) increase crop yields either by acceleration of respiratory process by cell permeability or by hormone action. Rhizobium and Trichoderma) are living microorganisms when applied to seeds it colonize the rhizosphere (root zone of plants) or the interior parts of the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant. Fixes atmospheric Nitrogen symbiotically in french bean, soybean, cowpea and chickpea etc.

Study on the Leaching Conditions of the Shihongtan Uranium Deposit

CO2 + O2 is a relatively mature, neutral, in situ leaching process that has been widely used. However, the decrease in uranium concentration in the leaching solution during production has become a serious problem in the western section of the south ore belt of the Shihongtan deposit in Xinjiang, China. In order to solve this problem, mineralogy and batch tests were carried out to explore the reason for the low uranium resource leaching efficiency and determine better leaching process parameters. A total of 16 tests were carried out under different conditions of CO2/O2 ratios and HCO3− concentrations. The results show that: (1) The uranium minerals in the ore were mainly pitchblende and titanium-bearing uranium mineral. Part of the uranium resources were mixed in quartz, which were difficult to activate and recover. The high content of calcium carbonate and clay minerals in ore and the high TDS (total dissolved solid) content in groundwater would cause a reduction in porosity. (2) According to the uranium concentration and uranium leaching rate, a better leaching efficiency was obtained when the pH was lower than 6.6, and the HCO3− concentration was 800 mg/L. This result could serve as a reference for production in other similar mines.

Matrix Compressibility and Its Controlling Factors of the Marine Shale Gas Reservoir: A Case Study of the Ning228 Well in the Southwest Sichuan Basin, China

Exploring the compressibility of the deeply buried marine shale matrix and its controlling factors can help achieve efficient petroleum production. Taking ten sets of deeply buried marine shale core samples from Ning228 wells in the Yanjin area as an example, the matrix compressibility and pore characteristics of deeply buried marine shale reservoirs were investigated by applying mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms at a low temperature of 77 K. Mathematical models (based on MIP and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms) were established to analyze the effects of TOC, mineral components, and pore structure on matrix compressibility. The relationship between the compressibility coefficient and the brittleness index was also established. The results show that the compressibility of the shale matrix is significant when the mercury injection pressure ranges from 8.66 to 37 MPa. For deeply buried marine shale, the matrix compressibility is in the range of 0.23 × 10−4–22.03 × 10−4 MPa−1. The influence of TOC and minerals on matrix compressibility is mainly reflected in the control effect of pore structure. High TOC content decreases the overall shale elastic modulus, and high clay mineral content enhances shale stress sensitivity, resulting in a significant matrix compressibility effect. For the effect of pore structure on compressibility, the pore content in shale has a positive effect on matrix compressibility. In addition, the pore-specific surface area is critical to the effective variation of shale matrix compressibility, indicating that the complexity of the shale pore structure is a key factor affecting matrix compressibility.

Nutrient composition of common fish species in the Okavango Delta: potential contribution to nutrition security

Fish can be a key strategy in addressing the global food and nutrition insecurity challenges. Fish nutrient data are critical for policy development targeting to reduce these problems. Despite this, much of the published studies on nutritional characteristics of fish have focused on marine ecology and there is little information on natural freshwater fish habitats like inland delta areas. This study investigated the nutrient composition of Okavango Delta fishes and their potential contribution to the recommended nutrient intake. Fish species sampled were Clarias ngamensis, Oreochromis andersonii, Schilbe intermedius, Marcusenius altisambesi, Brycinus lateralis, Barbus poechii and Tilapia sparrmanii. The nutrients analyzed were moisture, ash, proteins, Na, K, Ca, Mg, P and Zn. The small fishes (B. lateralis and B. poechii) had higher mineral content; Ca (643–968 mg/100 g), Mg (47–49 mg/100 g) and Zn (2.8–3.6 mg/100 g) compared to the larger species with average mineral content; Ca (73–460 mg/100 g), Mg (23–35 mg/100 g), Zn (1.2–2.9 mg/100 g). The most nutrient-dense species recognized were B. poechii and B. lateralis followed by the large species, M. altisambesi. These species illustrated the potential to contribute 80–121% Ca, 32–47% Mg and 70–150% Zn of the recommended nutrient intake to children (1–9 years), pregnant women and the elderly (65 + years). The study recommends prioritizing small and some large species (M. altisambesi and T. sparrmanii) for polyculture systems, primarily for securing food and nutrition security for local communities.

Holocene evolution of the Banni Plain at the north‐east margin of the Arabian Sea: Constraints from a ca 50 m long sediment core

AbstractHolocene evolutionary history of the Banni Plain in the Great Rann of the Kachchh Basin is reconstructed from a subsurface sediment core of ca 50 m. Detailed data on textural and lithofacies variations, grain‐size analysis, environmental magnetism and accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dates on seven samples were generated on the sediment core retrieved from the Banni Plain near Berada. A high‐resolution record extending back to 10 ka has been reconstructed from the top ca 40 m of the core section comprising shallow marine sediments. The core is divisible into five depositional units. The basal part is a fluvial depositional unit followed upward by estuarine, sub‐tidal, intertidal and supra‐tidal environments. The sediment accumulation rate is highest in the sub‐tidal to intertidal facies (1.9 cm year−1) and decreases towards the supra‐tidal facies to 0.09 cm year−1. Environmental magnetic analysis, χlf coupled with the S‐ratio, indicates high magnetic mineral concentrations during the Early Holocene, suggesting a wet period accompanied by high monsoon precipitation. This is followed by the onset of semi‐arid conditions in the Great Rann of the Kachchh Basin as indicated by the low values of the χlf and S‐ratios. A westward and northward shift in the shoreline towards the deeper part of the basin is suggested during the Late Holocene, which is coupled with aridity and reduced monsoonal conditions. The change in depositional pattern from the retrogradational deposit of fluvial (Unit 1) to estuarine sediment (Unit 2), progressing to sub‐tidal (Unit 3), is attributed to sea‐level transgression followed by regressive intertidal (Unit 4) to supra‐tidal deposition (Unit 5), culminating in complete withdrawal of the sea, aided by tectonic uplift, during the Late Holocene. The results reveal that the sediment accumulation rates and depositional environments changed over time in response to changes in sea level from minima to maxima and then eventually to the present level.

Favourable IOCG and polymetallic environs in Marwar - Khetri, NW Indian Shield imprints from aerogeophysical data analysis

The analysis of aeromagnetic data reveals two significant broad oval-shaped aeromagnetic anomalies oriented in the NE-SW direction, west of Laxmangarh and east of Fatehpur. These significant anomalies identified beneath sand-alluvium-covered areas of Rajasthan's Marwar region are of a low dominance nature. These magnetic signatures are associated with gravity gradients in the regional Bouguer gravity map. Magnetic anomalies and subsurface modeling revealed that the remanence source had a high magnetic susceptibility. The ground gravity profiles across the Laxmangarh anomaly show a high gravity variation of 5 mGal/km. The integration of geochemical distribution patterns, spectrometric elemental concentrations, different ratios, and composite image maps has brought out alteration/shear zones that are favourable for mineralization. The results of selective 2D-profiles, plate modeling, and 3D-inversion modeling of these anomalies reveal that the depth of the causative source varies from 300 to 1000 m. The higher-order magnetic susceptibilities, geochemical dispersion pattern, and spectrometric ratio maps and composite images distinguished hydrothermal alteration zones characterised by potassium enrichment. The results indicate the possibility of concealed source rocks with high magnetic mineral content (magnetite, maghemite, titanomaghemite, pyrrhotite, and franklinite?) and a relatively high density. The geophysical signatures observed around Fatehpur and Laxmangarh, with high magnetic contrast, low dominance, and remanence coupled with high gravity values, as well as hydrothermal alteration zones, appear to have striking similarities with the geophysical and geochemical scenarios of some of Australia's Iron Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) prospects in the Gawler, Arunta, Tennant, and Mount Isa regions. Therefore, these anomalous areas may be explored for the possibilities of an IOCG or polymetallic type of mineral.

Recovery of lactose from simulated delactosed whey permeate by a low-temperature crystallization process

Delactosed whey permeate is the mother liquor/by-product of lactose manufacture, but it still contains around 20 wt% lactose. The high mineral content, stickiness, and hygroscopic behavior prevent further recovery of lactose in the manufacturing process. Therefore, its use is currently limited to low-value applications such as cattle feed, and more often it is seen as waste. This study investigates a new separation technique operating at sub-zero conditions. At low temperature, precipitation of calcium phosphate is expected to be reduced and the lower solubility at sub-zero temperature makes it possible to recover a large portion of the lactose. We found that lactose could be crystallized at sub-zero conditions. The crystals had a tomahawk morphology and an average size of 23 and 31 µm. In the first 24 h, the amount of calcium phosphate precipitated was limited, whereas the lactose concentration was already close to saturation. The overall rate of crystallization was increased compared with the crystals recovered from a pure lactose solution. Mutarotation was rate limiting in the pure system but it did not limit the crystallization of lactose from delactosed whey permeate. This resulted in faster crystallization; after 24 h the yield was 85%.

Worldwide development of agronomic management practices for quinoa cultivation: a systematic review

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild.) is a drought and salinity-tolerant crop that originated in the Andes over 7000 years ago. It is adapted to different agroecological areas and can be grown from sea level to an altitude of 4000 m. The outstanding nutritional status of quinoa, with its high content of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, makes it a promising crop able to combat hunger and malnutrition in different countries in the 21st century. Quinoa cultivation has expanded from South America to Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. Reviewing quinoa cropping practices will provide farmers with adequate recommendations for improving the agronomic and environmental sustainability of quinoa cultivation worldwide. For this reason, we conducted a systematic review of agronomic management practices in 148 field experiments conducted worldwide from 2000 to 2022. The collected data from the literature were analyzed and presented by location to determine high-performing genotypes, optimal planting dates, and other adequate cropping practices affecting quinoa performance and yield. Results showed that quinoa could be successfully cultivated in the new farming areas. Quinoa yields were higher than those reported in its place of origin, ranging from 108 kg ha-1, obtained by KU-2 in Washington State, to 9667 kg ha-1, obtained by Longli in China. Although quinoa is considered a crop with low input requirements, positive grain yield response was observed following increasing fertilization rates. Quinoa needs 2 to 4.6 kg of nitrogen to produce 1q of grain yield. In terms of phosphorus and potassium, quinoa needs 3.7 kg P2O5 and 4.3 kg K2O to produce 1 ton of total biomass. Quinoa has low water requirements (300-400 mm). However, a positive response was recorded with water quantities up to 866 mm. During our investigation, weed control in quinoa crop is still undeveloped and usually done manually. Research addressing this issue can increase quinoa yields and decrease the production cost. Downey mildew and birds’ attack are the major phytosanitary problems affecting quinoa grain yield. Other pests such as miners and aphids can also affect the health of quinoa, but their injury is not a serious problem. After the harvest, saponins found in the out layer of the seed can be removed through washing and mechanical pearling process, but the latter technic was found to be efficient and cost effective to reduce the saponin content. Our results constitute the first recommendation base for the adequate worldwide agronomic practices of quinoa crop.

Development of Gluten-Free Functional Bread Adapted to the Nutritional Requirements of Celiac Patients

Celiac patients suffer from nutritional deficiencies before and during the maintenance of a gluten-free diet; this is due to non-fortified, mostly processed foods that are high in saturated fat and deficient in minerals typically present in wheat. A literature search was carried out to determine the deficiencies of these patients in calcium, iron, fiber, folic acid, omega-3, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Different formulations of gluten-free bread enriched with olive extract (hydroxytyrosol of natural (HXTO) and synthetic (HXTS) origin), acerola extract, citrus extract, spinach extract, calcium, iron and linseed were used. Antioxidant capacity, nutritional composition, folates, minerals, color and pH were studied, and a microbiological study and sensory analysis were conducted to assess organoleptic quality. These studies were carried out on days 0, 4, 7 and 11 to study their evolution. The results of the HXTS bread showed a higher antioxidant capacity, higher antimicrobial capacity and higher fiber content, as well as higher amounts of minerals. It also showed higher consumer acceptability, even relative to commercial gluten-free bread. The HXTO bread showed higher antimicrobial capacity than the control (C), higher fiber content and higher mineral content, but had lower antimicrobial capacity than HTXS bread. It also had better sensory acceptability than C but was worse than HXTS bread. Taking into account the physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics, the HXTS sample is the most suitable for enriching the diet of celiac patients.

Stability analysis and deformation control method of swelling soft rock roadway adjacent to chambers

The surrounding rock of swelling soft rock roadway has high clay mineral content, strong expansibility after encountering water, low strength and poor cementation. The roadway is prone to large deformation under the influence of complex geostress. Combined with the support change of the development roadway of 2# coal in Hongqingliang mine, through geological survey, field observation and indoor test, the failure mechanism of the traditional support method of “anchor bolt + anchor cable + anchor mesh + shotcrete” was revealed by the adjustment of the surrounding rock stress after the excavation and support of the adjacent chambers. The research results show that the surrounding rock stress will cross the adjacent chambers and form a concentrated area near the weakly cemented roadway, and the maximum stress increase ratio of surrounding rock within the stress concentration range will reach 50%. The farther the chambers are from the weakly cemented roadway, the smaller the range of the surrounding rock stress concentration area. When the distance exceeds about 12 times the average height of the chambers, the surrounding rock stress concentration tends to disappear. Based on the fully enclosed combined support method of the "U-shaped steel sheds closure roof and sides + filling flexible material behind the sheds + laying reinforcement mesh and concrete in floor + strengthening key parts", the construction process flow applicable to the working condition of swelling soft rock roadway is formulated.

Influencing mechanism of saline sediments on pore system formation and evolution in terrestrial shales

The majority of oil and gas resources in the world are related to saline sediments, which mainly occur in sedimentary strata in the form of cap rocks or salt-associated shales. A large number of shale oil resources have been discovered in the saline shale sediments of the Cenozoic terrestrial lake basin in China. The hydrocarbon generation ability and the reservoir capacity of shale control the oil and gas generation. The reservoir capacity is mainly characterized by pore type, structure and porosity. Most of China’s shale oil and gas resources belong to salt-bearing formations. The role of gypsum-salt rocks in the formation and evolution of organic matter (OM) in such formations has received extensive attention. However, systematic understanding is lacking. Research on the pore formation and evolution in shale under the action of gypsum-salt rock sediments is especially weak. Taking the shales in the third member of the Shahejie Formation (Es3) of the Bohai Bay Basin as an example, the influence of halite on the formation and evolution process of pores was studied in this paper. The results show that halite and gypsum minerals were associated with OM, which made them more likely to develop OM pores. The samples with a high halite mineral content (HC) are more developed regarding the pore volume and specific surface area than those with a low HC. The formation of thick salt rocks is influenced by factors of deep thermal brine upwelling, sea erosion and arid environments. The frequent alternation between humid and arid environments led to the outbreak and death of organisms and the precipitation of gypsum-salt rock, which formed the simultaneous deposition of OM and halite minerals. Finally, we have established a model of shale pore evolution under the participation of the gypsum-salt rock, and halite minerals contribute to pore development in both Stage II and Stage IV. This study provides strong microscopic evidence for the pore system formation and evolution in salt-bearing reservoirs.

Reservoir Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Organic-Rich Siliceous Shale of the Upper Permian Dalong Formation in Western Hubei

To elucidate the reservoir characteristics of organic-rich siliceous shale of the Upper Permian Dalong Formation in western Hubei, this study focused on the drilling cores of Well ED-2. Various techniques, including a mineral composition analysis, an organic carbon content analysis, a vitrinite reflectance measurement, a total porosity determination, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and low-pressure CO2 and N2 physical adsorption tests, were employed to analyze the mineralogy, organic geochemistry, total porosity, and pore structure characteristics. Additionally, the factors influencing the reservoir performance of the Dalong Formation shale were investigated. The results indicated that the Dalong Formation’s shale was characterized as an organic-rich siliceous shale. Organic matter was mainly of sapropelic type, with a relatively high thermal evolution degree and Ro ranging from 2.59% to 2.76%. The total porosity of the Dalong Formation’s siliceous shale was low, indicating poor reservoir properties. Organic matter pores were highly developed, mainly the ones formed after the hydrocarbon generation of solid asphalt. Micropores and mesopores were the dominant pore types in the shale, with macropores being significantly less abundant. The study further revealed that the pore volume and specific surface area exhibited a significantly positive correlation with total organic carbon (TOC) content and clay minerals, while demonstrating a weak negative correlation with quartz content. The comprehensive analysis revealed that there were two factors contributing to the poor physical properties of organic-rich siliceous shale in the Dalong Formation. Firstly, in siliceous shale with a high quartz content, the siliceous component was partly derived from the siliceous cementation of hydrothermal fluids. This process led to the formation of secondary quartz that filled intergranular pores, resulting in a decrease in macropore volume, total porosity, and a weak negative correlation with quartz content. Secondly, in siliceous shale with a relatively high clay mineral content, the organic matter was subjected to stronger compaction due to the relatively low content of brittle minerals. This compaction caused the destruction of most macropores, leaving behind primarily micropores and mesopores. Consequently, the average pore size decreased, leading to poor physical properties.

Mineral and phytochemical profiles of selected garlic (Allium sativum L.) cultivars

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a versatile horticultural commodity with multiple medicinal properties. In this study, we determined the content of macroelements (K, Na, Ca, Mg, P) and microelements (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cr, Ni, Co, Pb and Cd), the content of phenolic acids (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid) and L-ascorbic acid in selected cultivars of garlic (Bjetin, Eden Rose, Garpel, Havran, Mojmir, Novozamocky). Statistical analysis indicated, that the Bjetin is characterized mainly by a high content of minerals (Mn, Fe, Ca Co), while Garpel and Mojmir are characterized by higher levels of ferulic acid, gallic acid, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Novozamocky is characterized by a high content of chlorogenic acid. Positive correlations between Pb content and gallic acid, ferulic acid, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid content, and negative correlation between Pb content and chlorogenic acid content were determined.

Characteristics of clamshell flour Donax sp from Sapola sub-village of Seram Island

Clam meat is consumed by the people of Sapola sub-village on Seram Island, and the shells are processed into flour by roasting and soaking in a husk ash solution. This traditional method, with its simple and inexpensive equipment, causes pollution. Another method of producing shell flour that uses NaOH as a solvent has resulted in shell flour with high mineral content. The objective of this study was to compare the physical and chemical properties of Donax sp shell flour using the traditional method and the chemical method with NaOH solution. Laboratory analysis was used as the research method in this study. The process included examinations on shape, size, color, and yield of the shell flour, as well as the water content and mineral content of CaCO3, MgO, SiO2, and sulphur. The results revealed differences in the physical properties and mineral content of clam shell flour when using traditional and chemical methods. Donax sp shell flour obtained by soaking purplish-white NaOH, powder form size 18 mesh size, CaCO3 content of 96.60%, MgO 0.03%, SiO2 0.33%, Sulphur 0.02%, water 0.27%, yield 41.67%, while clam shell flour obtained by burning silver white, powder form size 18, CaCO3 content of 85.92%, MgO 0.06%, SiO2 0.33%, Sulphur 0.01%

Study on the Preparation of ZnFeO4 by Roasting Zinc-Containing Gossan Ore

Gossan ore is typically abandoned after mining, which not only increases mining production costs but also wastes mineral resources, and its long-term accumulation can easily lead to environmental pollution hazards. Therefore, this paper takes zinc-containing gossan ore as the research object and, based on the high content of zinc and iron minerals in gossan ore, this study conducts a roasting experiment to prepare ZnFeO4. X-ray diffraction is used to characterize and analyze the ZnFeO4 sample prepared by roasting zinc-containing gossan ore. The experimental results indicate that controlling the particle size of the roasted ore sample to −0.074 mm can effectively remove impurities and facilitate the reaction. The influence of roasting temperature and time on the formation of ZnFeO4 is remarkable. The conditions for roasting zinc-containing gossan ore to maximize the ZnFeO4 content are as follows: −0.074 mm particle size ore sample, reaction zinc/iron molar ratio of 1:2, mechanical activation time of 120 min, roasting temperature of 1050 °C, and roasting time of 120 min. These findings provide new ideas for the utilization of gossan ore and lay a theoretical foundation for the efficient development and utilization of difficult-to-select zinc-containing gossan ore.

Performance of New Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains as Inoculants on the Microorganism Composition during Fermentation of Alfalfa Silage Containing Different Dry Matter Content

Alfalfa is the most planted perennial legume in the world due to its high nutritive value, protein content, productivity, and digestibility in addition to high vitamin and mineral content. It is also one of the hardest plants to ensile owing to its low reducible sugar and dry matter (DM) contents and high buffering capacity. In this study, the effects of inoculation with Lactobacillus bifermentans which is homofermentative and Lactobacillus brevis which is heterofermentative on the silage fermentation of different DM containing alfalfa forage. Alfalfa forages were unwilted, or wilted for 9 or 24 hours in order to achieve low (L), moderate (M) and high (H) DM contents. As a result of the research, it was determined that wilting improved the fermentation properties, decreased the pH value, and increased dry matter recovery. Microbial inoculation decreased the pH value, increased the dry matter recovery, and decreased the number of undesirable enterobacteria in silage. As a result of the research, it was determined that the wilting and inoculation should be applied for successful fermentation of alfalfa silage. It was also determined that inoculation with L. bifermentans gave the highest crude protein (CP) content while L. brevis gave the highest dry matter recovery (DMR).

Zerdeçal Nişastası ve Kurkuminin Uygulamaları

In Asia and Central America, turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), sometimes known as "Indian saffron," is a perennial plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. Due to the dried turmeric rhizomes' high concentration of minerals, proteins, carbs, and lipids, as well as the fact that it is available in a form that is simple to use and contains heat, light, and oxygen. Its excellent storage stability against environmental factors makes it more desirable, particularly in the context of the food business. In this study, based on the research on turmeric, curcumin, and its starch, the molecular mechanisms and pharmacological properties underlying its use in various diseases such as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-obesity, cardio-liver, anti-cancer, anti-arthritis. And its effects on metabolism. In addition to the lack of sufficient studies, it has been argued that its use in the food and pharmaceutical industry is promising when the results of the research are examined.

IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CASSAVA MUTANT GENOTYPES WITH HIGH LEAF MINERAL CONTENT AT THE MV10 GENERATION

Cassava leaves’ consumption as vegetables are common in several Asian countries. They contain various nutrients, such as, anthocyanins, carotene, minerals, and vitamins. New varieties with high mineral contents in leaves need development to increase the leaves’ quality as vegetables. This study aimed to identify and characterize cassava genotypes of the MV10 generation resulting from gammaray- induced mutations based on the leaves' morphology, growth characteristics, and mineral contents, using two cultivars and 10 cassava genotypes. All genotypes planted in a randomized complete block design had three replications. The leaf's morphology and mineral contents underwent scrutiny on the third to fifth leaf below the apical shoot. The mineral content analysis used the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method. Data analysis comprised the ANOVA test and descriptive analysis. This study revealed petiole length, leaf lobe length, and leaf lobe width were significantly different between genotypes at four months after planting (MAP). However, no meaningful difference showed for the plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves among genotypes. In general, the leaf morphology consisted of purplish green apical leaves with present pubescence; the shape of the central leaflet is lanceolate; the petiole color is reddish to greenish; leaves are dark green with five to seven leaf lobes; leaf veins are reddish-green; smooth lobe margins; and horizontal petiole orientation. The genotypes affect mineral contents, as the genotype with the highest Mg contents was G6-2-15-5-3, and the one with the highest Zn contents was G2D1-422. Fe contents showed more variations between genotypes, and no genotype showed consistently high Fe contents. This research produced promising genotypes for Mg or Zn contents in leaves for future cassava varieties for vegetable production.

Natural fractures in a metamorphic buried hill reservoir, Bozhong 19–6 area, Bohai Bay Basin, China

The Bozhong (BZ) 19-6 gas field in the Bohai Bay Basin is a fractured metamorphic reservoir with proven reserves of over 1000 × 108 m3. However, the fracture development in the Archaean metamorphic buried hill reservoir in the BZ19-6 area is still not clear. In this study, cores, thin sections, imaging logs and laboratory measurements were used to elucidate the influences of lithology, tectonics and weathering on the formation and development of natural fractures. Both tectonic fractures and dissolution fractures are well developed, and 96.8% of these are interconnected. Lithology exerts the primary control on fracture formation, while stress and weathering influence the development of the fractures. Leucogneiss, cataclasite and gneiss with high contents of brittle minerals are favorable for fracture formation. Buried hill reservoirs near faults commonly exhibit a high linear density of fractures due to greater stress perturbation. Based on the degree of weathering in the study area, a metamorphic buried hill reservoir may be divided vertically into three zones: a weathered fracture zone, an inner fracture zone, and the basement. Fracture linear density and fracture aperture decrease significantly with a decrease in the intensity of weathering, while paleo-topographic highs with more intense weathering have a higher fracture density. A reservoir evolution pattern is proposed that can be used for targeting the favorable reservoirs in the study area.

Proximate and mineral content of seaweeds as an alternative to vegetable in Eritrea

Seaweeds are important components in the food, medical and cosmetic industries. Thus, the interest in using seaweeds for their nutritional and industrial value is increasing. The study compared proximate and mineral content of three seaweed species: cheatomorpha linum (green seaweed), Gracilaria corticata (red seaweed) and Padina boergesenii (brown seaweed) from the Massawa Red Sea coast, and with one green leafy vegetable, spinach (Spinacia oleracea). The results revealed that, crude fiber content of cheatomorpha linum (23 ± 0.37 %) was significantly higher than Padina boergesenii (9.19 ± 0.35 %), Gracilaria corticata (4.56 ± 0.17 %), and Spinacia oleracea (8.41 ± 1.10 %) (p < 0.001). Padina boergesenii recorded maximum levels of macrominerals: Ca (37.85 ± 0.64 g.kg−1) and Mg (12.80 ± 0.14 g.kg−1), microminerals: Fe (3.8 ± 1.41 g.kg−1) and Mn (201 ± 5.66 mg.kg−1) than Gracilaria corticata, cheatomorpha linum and Spinacia oleracea. From the present study, the highest mineral content (K) in Gracilaria corticata and (Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn) in Padina boergesenii indicates to use seaweed as ingredient in food industries. This research paper also could use as nutritional baseline information.