High Levels Of Aluminum Research Articles

Potential protection of resveratrol-tempeh against nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic histological damage in mice induced by aluminum

Aluminum is a widely distributed metal that, while generally safe at low levels, can become toxic when accumulated in the body. Its exposure is daily through various sources, including food, water, and medications. High levels of aluminum have been shown to adversely affect the kidneys and liver, leading to significant organ damage. Resveratrol-tempeh is a safe protective agent against organ damage caused by aluminum. Here, we investigated the impact of resveratrol on liver and kidney toxicity and Al-induced levels of catalase and malondialdehyde. The mice group was the control group, Al-group, Al+REST5-group, and Al+REST10-group. Aluminum and resveratrol were administered intraperitoneally to mice for four weeks, but resveratrol was administered one hour after exposure to aluminum. Mice were killed by cervical dislocation; the liver and kidney were isolated for slide, and the level of an antioxidant enzyme of catalase and oxidant of malondialdehyde was measured. The results showed that administration of aluminum at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight caused glomerular shrinkage and proximal tubule degeneration in the kidneys. In addition, it also caused liver tissue damage, with hepatocytes undergoing degeneration, sinusoids dilating, and decreased body weight in the mice. Administration of resveratrol-tempeh tended to decrease malondialdehyde levels and increase catalase activity, although the changes were not significant. It seems that resveratrol-tempeh can repair liver and kidney damage and restore them to normal conditions. Conclusion: Aluminum at 200 mg/kg is toxic to mice. Resveratrol-tempeh can be considered a potential candidate to protect kidney and liver damage caused by aluminum chloride toxicity.

Sustainable recycling of pure aluminum from waste chips under supergravity-enhanced separation: A cleaning process

Large quantities of chips containing high levels of aluminum are always inevitably produced during machining process of aluminum products, which is a valuable renewable resource. In this paper, an environmental-friendly method for direct and continuous recovery of same-level recycled Al from waste chips under supergravity-induced was proposed. The oxide film covering the surface of the molten Al-chips was easily disrupted under super-gravity, and subsequently almost all of Al melt detached from the oxide film and flowed rapidly through the microporous ceramic foam filter, with a yield ratio of more than 97 %. During this process, all fine broken oxide-film particles and large amounts of primary iron-rich particles in the melt were captured in the complex channels of the filter, resulting in clean 1xxx series recycled Al with free inclusions and impurity iron content of less than 0.28 wt%. In addition, a sustainable process and a continuous centrifugal unit for recycling aluminum chips were designed, the economic and environmental advantages of which demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable regeneration of aluminum chip resources on an industrial scale via supergravity technique.

Enhanced phosphorus adsorption using modified drinking water treatment residues: A comparative analysis of powder and alginate bead forms

This study provides an analysis of the phosphorus adsorption efficacy of three modified drinking water treatment residues (MDWTRs): MDWTR-P (powdered form), MDWTR-D2, and MDWTR-D5 (alginate bead-entrapped forms with bead diameters of 2 mm and 5 mm, respectively). The preparation process involved washing and drying the drinking water treatment residue, followed by grinding and sieving to achieve particle sizes below 90 μm. The residue was then incinerated at 600 °C in oxygen-limited conditions. Subsequently, the MDWTR was formulated into alginate beads by mixing with sodium alginate and FeCl3 solutions, resulting in spherical particles of specified diameters. The evaluation of surface area, pore volume, pore size, and CHN concentration revealed that MDWTR-D5 possesses the largest surface area (284.7 m2 g−1) and highest micropore volume (0.04 cm3 g−1), indicating a greater capacity for adsorption. SEM-EDS analysis demonstrated significant compositional changes post-treatment, particularly elevated phosphorus levels, confirming effective adsorption. Metal content analysis indicated high aluminum levels in MDWTR-P and increased iron content in MDWTR-D5. Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and in vitro bioaccessibility (IVBA) tests confirmed the non-hazardous nature of all MDWTRs, ensuring their safety for environmental applications. Kinetic analyses using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models highlighted the superior performance of MDWTR-D5, with the highest equilibrium adsorption capacity and initial adsorption rate across all tested concentrations, suggesting both high efficiency and rapid adsorption potential. Further validation using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms revealed MDWTR-D5's highest monolayer adsorption capacity (22.88 mg g−1) and Freundlich adsorption capacity parameter (6.97 mg g−1). Statistical analysis via one-way ANOVA confirmed significant differences in phosphorus concentrations among the MDWTRs samples (p-value <0.001), consistently underscoring MDWTR-D5's superior adsorption performance. These findings highlight MDWTR-D5's potential as an effective adsorbent for phosphorus removal in wastewater treatment, emphasizing its applicability in environmental remediation strategies.

Agronomic Evaluation Study: Use of Caiapônia Shale as Magnesium Supplementation for Soybean (Glycine max) and Maize (Zea mays) Cultivation

The soil of the cerrado is acidic, with high levels of iron and aluminum, and has low fertility due to weathering, which removes elements such as magnesium. To increase the availability of magnesium, essential for various plant processes, an alternative is the use of agrominerals rich in this element. The objective of this work was the agronomic evaluation of the use of Caiap&amp;ocirc;nia shale as magnesium supplementation for soybean and corn crops. It is characterized as Magnesium Silicate containing 18% Magnesium Oxide (MgO) in its composition, in addition to the minerals Montmorillonite, Albite and Ilite. The product was screened to 0.425 mm in sieve no. 40. The study was conducted at the School of Agronomy of the Federal University of Goi&amp;aacute;s, located in the municipality of Goi&amp;acirc;nia, Goi&amp;aacute;s, in a greenhouse in two soils: Red Latosol (LV) and Yellow Latosol (LA). The treatments of Caiap&amp;ocirc;nia Shale (CS) were increasing doses (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 kg. ha-1 of MgO), in addition to the reference agrominerals, Dianutri (SiMg) and Ibar (MgO) and Wollastonite, source of Ca, with addition of MgO. The experimental design was completely randomized, with eight treatments conducted in quadruplicate. The variables analyzed were magnesium and calcium content and pH in the soil. The Caiap&amp;ocirc;nia Shale (CS) released Mg+2, increasing the availability of magnesium, especially in LV in the first year of soybean and residual in corn in the second year, while in LA it was efficient in the first year.

Exposure to Aluminum in Drinking Water and the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease: A Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Evaluation

The consumption of drinking water containing aluminum levels that exceed regulatory limits (e.g., the WHO’s guideline value of 0.1–0.2 mg/L) may be associated with the potential risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, according to the analyses conducted, it was observed that the scientific evidence on this topic is still limited and contradictory within the scientific community. A bibliometric analysis of 390 articles published between 1979 and 2023 and a systematic review of 20 original articles found that interest in this topic has been decreasing in recent years. The most recent studies focus on the relationship between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that exposure to high levels of aluminum in drinking water may increase the risk of developing this disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Nevertheless, other studies have concluded that there is no clear causal relationship between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease. These studies suggest that other factors, such as age, genetics, or exposure to other toxins, may play a more significant role in the development of this condition. More comprehensive studies with improved methodological quality are needed to better understand the relationship between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease and to establish a definitive conclusion on this subject. Of the 20 articles systematically reviewed, 12 (60%) reported a positive association between aluminum exposure in drinking water and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, while 8 (40%) found no significant association. Five studies (25%) were large-scale epidemiological investigations with robust methodologies. However, the current evidence remains insufficient to establish a definitive causal relationship, highlighting the need for more conclusive research in this area

Characteristics of Nanoparticles in Late Pliocene Paleo-Mountain Fire Relics in Jinsuo Basin, Yunnan Province and Their Implications for Paleoclimate Evolution

Wildfires significantly affect climate and environmental changes, closely tied to extreme weather responses. Vegetation combustion emits greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, CO), warming the climate. Climate shifts, in turn, impact vegetation growth, altering combustible material types and quantities, thus affecting wildfire intensity, duration, and frequency. Wildfires profoundly affect ecosystems, influenced by factors like atmospheric oxygen and climate. Their combustion gases impact climate and vegetation growth. Recent advancements in studying ancient wildfires include analyzing nanoparticles as key indicators. This study discovered six types of nanoparticles in ancient wildfire remains, with sizes ranging from 50 nm to 500 nm and diverse compositions including elements such as C, O, Mg, Al, Ti, Fe, S, Ca, and P. These findings indicate that wildfires generate a variety of nanoparticles, offering new insights into ancient fire events. Elemental analysis revealed low magnesium but high calcium and aluminum levels, suggesting a warm, humid paleoclimate during these fires. The presence of high Ti-O ratios and carbon-rich nanoparticles points to ground fires with incomplete combustion. This research underscores the significance of nanoparticles in understanding the history and characteristics of ancient wildfires.

Soil legacy phosphorus and loss risk in subtropical grasslands

The accumulation of soil legacy phosphorus (P) due to past fertilization practices poses a persistent challenge for agroecosystem management and water quality conservation. This study investigates the spatial distribution and risk assessment of soil legacy P in subtropical grasslands managed for cow-calf operations in Florida, with two pasture types along the intensity gradient: improved vs semi-native pastures. Soil samples from 1438 locations revealed substantial spatial variation in soil legacy P, with total P concentrations ranging from 11.46 to 619.54 mg/kg and Mehlich-1 P concentrations spanning 0.2–187.27 mg/kg. Our analyses revealed that most of the sites in semi-native pastures may function as P sinks by exhibiting positive Soil P Storage Capacity (SPSC) values, despite having high levels of soil total P. These locales of higher SPSC values were associated with high levels of aluminum, iron, and organic matter that can adsorb P. In addition, our results from spatial random forest modelling demonstrated that factors including elevation, soil organic matter, available water storage, pasture type, soil pH, and soil order are important to explain and predict spatial variations in SPSC. Incorporating SPSC into the Phosphorus Index (PI) spatial assessment, we further determined that only 3% of the study area was considered as high or very high PI categories indicative of a significant risk for P loss. Our evaluation of SPSC and PI underscores the complexity inherent in P dynamics, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to assessing P loss risk. Insights from this work not only help optimize agronomic practices but also promote sustainable land management, thus ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of grass-dominated agroecosystems.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Kumaun Lakes, Lesser Himalaya, India: Impact on Water Quality and Environmental Health

The lakes of Kumaun, located in the Lesser Himalaya, India, are vital water sources supporting local life and attracting tourists. These tectonically formed lakes sit within a geologically diverse region consisting of dolomites, limestones, shales, silicates, and volcanic rocks, providing various ecosystem services. This study utilizes Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to evaluate heavy metal pollution in Nal-Damyanti Tal, Garur Tal, and Sat Tal lakes. Results indicate mercury (Hg) concentrations exceeding permissible limits in two lakes, ranging from 0.48 to 2.027 µg/L, alongside high levels of aluminum (Al), beryllium (Be), and selenium (Se). The data suggests that both anthropogenic activities and geological factors contribute to the trace metal accumulation in these lakes. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive management strategies to protect water quality and environmental health.

An Assessment of aluminum contamination in neonatal parenteral nutrition solutions based on measured versus labeled content

Aluminum can potentially cause toxicity in pediatrics and neonates receiving parenteral nutrition. Some PN solutions and ingredients in Saudi Arabia do not comply with US FDA regulations regarding aluminum exposure. This study aims to determine the aluminum concentration in samples of PN solutions and ingredients used to feed infants in Saudi Arabia. The aluminum in the samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The concentration of metal contaminants in each sample was determined in triplicate. The aluminum content of 38 samples was investigated, 15 of which originated from components included in the prepared PN solutions. Among the 15 samples, the least measurable aluminum content was detected in potassium chloride solutions (0.81 mcg/L). In contrast, the greatest amount of aluminum was detected in potassium phosphate and calcium gluconate (141,64 mcg/L and 462.7 mcg/L), respectively. The results showed that the final PN solution (PNS) product contained more aluminum levels than the content ingredients; in addition, the study found a statistically significant relationship among 18 pediatric patients at KFMC who had intestinal failure and needed long-term parenteral nutrition. Specifically, their high aluminum levels, exceeding the normal range of 0.6 ng/ml, indicate that the current use of PN solutions will likely cause toxicity due to aluminum contamination in additives. Hence, reducing aluminum in PN solutions is imperative to ensure patient safety.

Conservation and health policy implications linked to the human consumption of sea turtles in northwestern Mexico

AbstractHuman consumption of sea turtles remains prevalent throughout Mexico even though laws restricting trade and take of threatened and endangered species have been in place for several decades. The illegal consumption of sea turtles represents a risk to animal conservation, and the pathogens in the meat can adversely affect human health. In 2017, we surveyed 201 adult residents of 22 coastal communities about their diets, health, and attitudes about the environment, and we collected hair samples that were tested for heavy metals. A large percentage of the samples had high levels of mercury (87%), arsenic (81%), lead (65%), aluminum (57%), and cadmium (31%). Odds ratios suggested that the 28% of participants who reported recent sea turtle consumption had an increased likelihood of high metal levels even after adjusting for sex, age, and consumption of fish that bioaccumulate heavy metals. Conservation efforts may be more successful when they appeal to people's self‐interest rather than merely focusing on ecological benefits. Concerns about toxins in sharks, tuna, and other types of deep‐sea fish have reduced human consumption of some species. Both sea turtle conservation and human health may benefit from awareness campaigns that emphasize the adverse outcomes associated with eating sea turtles while continuing to affirm the economic benefits of healthy ecosystems. Transdisciplinary research that draws on ecology, epidemiology, toxicology, law, and public policy provides a valuable foundation for solving complex health issues. Creative reframing of biodiversity concerns will be necessary for promoting planetary health in a time of accelerating environmental change.

Investigating the possibility of PCCP mortar coating leaching and the impact on drinking water quality

AbstractThe objective of this article was to investigate the potential for the dissolution and leaching of certain chemical elements from the protective mortar coatings of prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) into drinking water in the event of leakage and how this might affect the overall quality of the water delivered to consumers. The mortars as linings are also typically used for renovation of old pipes. Samples from three frequently used mortar coating mixtures underwent immersion in water after 28 days of curing and were monitored for 430 days. The water was tested for pH levels and the presence of aluminum, chromium, lead, and iron, in accordance with the standards set for human consumption in Moroccan and other countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States, as well as organizations such as the European Union and World Health Organization. The results indicate that the highest levels of aluminum, iron, chromium, and lead leaching occurred after the initial contact with water, gradually declining over time. Furthermore, the inclusion of silica fume and fly ash in the coating increases the potential for chemical element leaching. Additionally, preinstallation pipeline washing demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing the leaching of chemical elements into drinking water in the event of leakages. The overall results suggest that the likelihood of contamination of drinking water by leaching of chemical elements from the mortar coating in case of a leakage appears to be negligible under the studied conditions.

Characterization of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community associated with rosewood in threatened Miombo forests.

Understanding the dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in response to land use change is important for the restoration of degraded forests. Here, we investigated the AMF community composition in the roots of Pterocarpus tinctorius sampled from agricultural and forest fallow soils rich in aluminum and iron. By sequencing the large subunit region of the rRNA gene, we identified a total of 30 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in 33 root samples. These OTUs belonged to the genera Rhizophagus, Dominikia, Glomus, Sclerocystis, and Scutellospora. The majority of these OTUs did not closely match any known AMF species. We found that AMF species richness was significantly influenced by soil properties and overall tree density. Acidic soils with high levels of aluminum and iron had a low mean AMF species richness of 3.2. Indicator species analyses revealed several AMF OTUs associated with base saturation (4 OTUs), high aluminum (3 OTUs), and iron (2 OTUs). OTUs positively correlated with acidity (1 OTU), iron, and available phosphorus (2 OTUs) were assigned to the genus Rhizophagus, suggesting their tolerance to aluminum and iron. The results highlight the potential of leguminous trees in tropical dry forests as a reservoir of unknown AMF species. The baseline data obtained in this study opens new avenues for future studies, including the use of indigenous AMF-based biofertilizers to implement ecological revegetation strategies and improve land use.

Petrogenesis and tectonic environment of the Middle Permian Luerma igneous complex in the southern Lhasa subterrane, Tibet: Evidence from geochemistry; Rb–Sr, Sm–Nd, and Lu–Hf isotopes; and zircon U–Pb geochronology

Due to the lack of corresponding magmatic records, the timing of the opening of the Yarlung–Tsangpo Neo‐Tethyan Ocean remains controversial. The Middle Permian Luerma igneous complex, which is situated in the western Gangdese magmatic belt of the southern Lhasa subterrane, western Tibet, can be divided into four or more rock types, including foid gabbro, amphibole gabbro, monzogabbro, and pyroxene‐bearing monzodiorite. Through zircon U–Pb dating using laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, the age of the Luerma igneous complex is determined to be ~261 Ma. The complex is rich in titanium, iron, magnesium, and total alkalis, with medium to high levels of calcium, potassium and aluminium, as well as low levels of silicon. Therefore, it is classified as a shoshonite–latite rock series. The complex is relatively enriched in light rare earth elements and high‐field‐strength elements, without obvious Eu and Ce anomalies. These rocks exhibit relatively low (87Sr/86Sr)i values, high εNd(t) values, and high εHf(t) values. The geochemical and isotopic characteristics indicate that the magmas are derived from partial melting of the upper mantle in an intraplate tectonic environment. The new data presented here provide supplementary evidence for the initial rifting of the Lhasa terrane from the northern margin of Gondwana during the Middle Permian. These data also confirm that the opening of the Yarlung–Tsangpo Neo‐Tethyan Ocean occurred in the Middle Permian.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial and some chemical composition of Plagiochila asplenioides (L.) Dumort extract

Bryophytes are the oldest terrestrial plants in the world, about 3000 taxon are known to have medicinal properties. Plagiochila asplenioides (L.) Dumort, which is one kind of bryophytes, was examined in this study. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, fatty acids, mineral analysis and some chemical properties of the extracts obtained from the bryophyte were investigated. It was determined that the P. asplenioides extract had a moderate effect in terms of antioxidant properties and total phenolic content. In terms of fatty acid compositions, oleic and palmitic acid were found to be high. As a result of the mineral analysis, it has been observed that it can accumulate high levels of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al). In addition, it was observed that the extracts obtained from P. asplenioides showed only a moderate inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium.

Role of Aluminium in Alzheimer’s disease: Ultrastructural Study in Rat Hippocampus

Background: Exposure to high levels of aluminium (Al) leads to neurotoxicity. Hippocampus is one of the preferred sites of aluminium accumulation. Nevertheless, the role of Al in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains controversial and there is little proof directly interlinking Al to AD. Aims: The present study was undertaken to find out the occurrence of AD pathogenesis in Hippocampus under moderate aluminium exposure in rats. Materials and Methods: Adult rats were divided into control (C) and aluminium treated (E) groups having eight animal each. The rats in group E were exposed to aluminium 4.2 mg/kg body weight for three months with due approval from Institute Animal Ethics Committee. The hippocampus was processed for histopathological and electron microscopy observation. Results: Moderate Al intake produces significant reduction in the count of Pyramidal cells in hippocampus identified by shrunken cells as well as pyknosis in cell bodies. The differences between the cell numbers in all groups were found to be statistically significant (P  0.05). Cornu Ammonis (CA) exhibited significantly reduced nissl bodies with a marked reduction in neuronal cell loss. Neurofibrillary tangle and plaques were not seen in the given dose of Al exposure. Electron microscopy from experimental group showed that the majority of neurons were disintegrating, the nuclear membrane has ruptured, and nucleoli appeared significantly distorted. The chromatin condensed and the mitochondria had disintegrated. Many vacuoles and lipofuscin sediment in cytoplasm, as compared to the control group noted. Conclusion: Present data demonstrated that moderate chronic aluminium exposure 4.2mg/kg body weight induced neurodegeneration in hippocampus but not significant for Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. KEYWORDS: Aluminium, Hippocampus, Alzheimer’s Disease, Neurodegeneration, Histopathology, Electron microscopy.

Effect of coffee husk and cocoa pods biochar on phosphorus fixation and release processes in acid soils from West Cameroon

AbstractAcid soil in West Cameroon has limited phosphorus (P) availability which limits plant growth. This is mainly because of low pH, high levels of exchangeable aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) and fixation of P. In this study, acid soils, sampled in Bafang, were amended with biochar produced from coffee husks (CH) and cocoa pod husks (CP) at two different temperatures (350 and 550 °C) in other to evaluate the effect on the physicochemical properties of the acid soil and the effect on P sorption and desorption. The soil was amended with biochar at a rate of 0, 20, 40 and 80 g/kg and incubated for 7 and 60 days. Physicochemical properties of all soil–biochar samples were determined followed by sorption experiments and data fitted in the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models in other to evaluate soil P sorption capacity and its affinity to soil amended with biochar. Moreover, desorption studies were done to evaluate the availability of P in soil amended with biochar after sorption. The outcomes of this study reveal an increase in soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), available P, soil organic carbon and a drastic decrease in exchangeable Al and Fe. The point of zero charge of biochar‐amended soil was higher than the control and increased with amendment rate. The experimental data of the sorption of P on soils and soil–biochar samples fits into Langmuir and Freundlich models (R2 &gt; 0.9) suggesting that the P adsorption is controlled by both model mechanisms. Soil–biochar mixture results in a decrease in the sorption capacity as compared with the control and the decrease was predominant with increasing amendment rate. At amendment rates of 20, 40 and 80 g/kg after 7 days of incubation, for SCH350 were 2267, 2048 and 1823 mg/kg which increased to 2407, 2112 and 1990 mg/kg after 60 days of incubation. This tendency was observed for all biochar inputs with respect to the increase in incubation days. Furthermore, desorption of P from soil–biochar mixtures was enhanced with biochar added at greater rate and produced at higher temperature. The desorption percentage was increased by more than around 10% for all biochar types from 20 mg/kg to 80 mg/kg amendment. Thus, biochar addition to acid soils reduces P fixation to acid soil and improves P desorption to soil solution, thereby providing more available P in the soil solution and better conditions for plant growth.

A multi-millennial record of rock glacier ice chemistry (Lazaun, Italy)

Active rock glaciers—known as mixtures of unconsolidated debris with interstitial ice, ice lenses or a core of massive ice—are widespread indicators of mountain permafrost. The age of a frozen rock glacier core in the Central European Alps (Lazaun, Italy) was dated to about 10,000 years. Here we report on the chemical composition of the frozen Lazaun core. The ice containing part of the core extended from about 2.8 m down to 24 m depth and consisted of two lobes—both a mix of ice and debris, separated by more than 3 m thick almost ice-free layer. The two lobes of the core showed layers of high solute content and peak values of electrical conductivity exceeding 1,000 μS/cm, but they differed in acidity and metal concentration. High acidity (minimum pH of 4.15) and high levels of elements like nickel, cobalt, zinc, manganese, iron and aluminum characterized the upper lobe, while neutral to alkaline pH and low metal values prevailed in the bottom lobe. We attributed solutes accumulated in the ice matrix to the weathering of bedrock minerals, with peak values favored by the oxidation of pyrite, or by an enhanced reactive surface area in fine-grained sediment layers. The chemical composition of the ice core also revealed signals of prehistoric atmospheric deposition from different sources including wood combustion, metal ore mining, and large volcanic eruptions (Thera, Aniakchak II). To our knowledge, this is the first study that presents the chemical stratigraphy of an entire rock glacier ice core.

English

Soils in floodplain ecosystems are sedimentary and subject to removal, transport, and deposition processes caused mainly by the water cycle, contributing to frequent variations in landscape patterns and continuous transformation of the floodplain environment. Given the constant disturbance caused by flood pulse variability, it is difficult to assess soil properties in floodplain ecosystems. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0 to 0.10 m at floodplain and upland forest sites between Santar&eacute;m and Gurup&aacute;, Par&aacute; State, Brazil. Samples were analyzed for pH H2O, aluminium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, total organic carbon, boron, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, sand, silt, and clay. Potential and effective cation-exchange capacity, sum of bases, base saturation, aluminum saturation, and organic matter were calculated. Data were subjected to descriptive analysis, analysis of variance, correlation analysis, and hierarchical clustering. Chemical and textural parameters differed significantly between floodplain and upland forest soils. Soil properties were highly heterogeneous. Aluminium and aluminium saturation had the highest coefficients of variation among floodplain samples, whereas pH H2O and base saturation had the lowest. It is possible to infer from the results that floodplain forest soils maintain high levels of fertility. However, this environment also shows high acidity and toxic levels of exchangeable aluminium. Key words: Flood pulse, soil fertility, floodplain ecosystem.

Low circulatory Fe and Se levels with a higher IL-6/IL-10 ratio provide nutritional immunity in tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) patients show dysregulated immunity, iron metabolism, and anemia. In this study, circulatory cytokines, trace metals, and iron-related proteins (hepcidin, ferroportin, transferrin, Dmt1, Nramp1, ferritin, ceruloplasmin, hemojuvelin, aconitase, and transferrin receptor) were monitored in case (active tuberculosis patients: ATB) and control (non-tuberculosis: NTB and healthy) study populations (n = 72, male: 100%, mean age, 42.94 years; range, 17-83 years). Using serum elemental and cytokine levels, a partial least square discriminate analysis model (PLS-DA) was built, which clustered ATB patients away from NTB and healthy controls. Based on the PLS-DA variable importance in projection (VIP) score and analysis of variance (ANOVA), 13 variables were selected as important biosignatures [IL-18, IL-10, IL-13, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-5, IL-12 (p70), IL-1β, copper, zinc, selenium, iron, and aluminum]. Interestingly, low iron and selenium levels and high copper and aluminum levels were observed in ATB subjects. Low circulatory levels of transferrin, ferroportin, and hemojuvelin with higher ferritin and ceruloplasmin levels observed in ATB subjects demonstrate an altered iron metabolism, which partially resolved upon 6 months of anti-TB therapy. The identified biosignature in TB patients demonstrated perturbed iron homeostasis with anemia of inflammation, which could be useful targets for the development of host-directed adjunct therapeutics.

Enhancing chemical properties and maize yield through dolomite application on rock phosphate-amended oxisol

Improving soil quality is vital so plants can adapt to climate change. Indonesia's acid soils cover about 147.5 million hectares, and are generally acidic, with low levels of calcium and magnesium, and high levels of aluminum. This study aims to study the effect of dolomite application on acid upland soils that have been applied with rock phosphate to improve soil chemical properties and increase maize yields. The research was conducted in Jati Agung using a randomized block design with 5 treatments and 5 replications. The treatment consisted of 5 application levels of dolomite: 0, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 kg ha-1. The size of the experimental plot was 10 m x 10 m. Hybrid maize varieties were used as indicators. The results showed that applying dolomite increased soil pH, Ca, Mg, and K levels and decreased exchangeable and Al saturation. It also increases plant height, maize yield, and biomass. The implication of this study is that the application of dolomite 1000 kg ha-1 after rock phosphate is applied can improve soil chemical properties in acid soils.