High Nutrient Concentrations Research Articles

A Review on Berry Seeds-A Special Emphasis on Their Chemical Content and Health-Promoting Properties.

Berries are important components of the human diet, valued for their high content of nutrients and active compounds. Berry seeds are also important objects of scientific investigation as, in some cases, they can have a higher concentration of certain phytochemicals than other parts of the fruit. Moreover, they are often byproducts of the food industry that can be reused to make oil, extracts, or flour. We have reviewed available literature related to the chemical content and biological activity of seeds from five different berry species-red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L. and Rubus coreanus Miq.), strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa), grape (Vitis vinifera L.), sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.). We have searched various databases, including PubMed, Web of Knowledge, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Last search was conducted on 16.01.2023. Various preparations from berry seeds are valuable sources of bioactive phytochemicals and could be used as functional foods or to make pharmaceuticals or cosmetics. Some products, like oil, flour, or extracts, are already available on the market. However, many preparations and compounds still lack appropriate evidence for their effectiveness in vivo, so their activity should first be assessed in animal studies and clinical trials.

Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs) a Genetic Pool for Crop Improvement: A Review

Deleterious effects of climatic changes and diverse environmental conditions, possess a major threat to agriculture in terms of growth and yield. So, to meet these challenges, there is a need to develop new crop varieties containing traits resistant against abiotic and biotic stresses and enhanced input use efficiency. Compared with domesticated cultivars, crop wild relatives maintains much higher level of genetic diversity. The high nutrient and bioactive content of many wild edible plants make them valued contributors for balanced diet and play significant role in human nutrition. In this review article, we discussed the importance of crop wild relative in crop improvement programs by giving examples of wild relatives that have been used to enhance abiotic and biotic stress tolerance and yield in various crop species. The advancement in DNA sequence technology enables plant breeders to produce high quality food. Further, combination of re-sequencing and de novo sequencing are efficiently used to explore genomic variation in crop wild relatives and moreover the genome analysis study results in detection of beneficial alleles in wild relatives which has been lost in cultivated species. Thus, conservation of genetic pool of crop wild relatives is essential to maintain sustainability of agriculture and food production.

Widespread human waste pollution in surface waters observed throughout the urbanized, coastal communities of Lee County, Florida, USA

The coastal communities of Lee County, Florida, USA have grown rapidly since the 1970s. In this county, drainage ditches, canals, creeks, and the Caloosahatchee River Estuary often have high concentrations of nutrients and bacteria limiting their designated uses. Septic systems have previously been identified as a major pollution source in some areas of Lee County; therefore, this study sought to identify the extent of this issue throughout the county. To accomplish this, surface water samples were collected at 25 ditch, creek, or canal sites suspected of human waste contamination from septic systems in various drainage basins throughout Lee County during January 2020–January 2021. Water samples were analyzed for nutrients, dual stable nitrate isotopes (δ15N-NO3−, δ18O-NO3−), fecal indicator bacteria (enterococci, Escherichia coli), a molecular tracer of human waste (HF183), and chemical tracers of human waste (the artificial sweetener sucralose, pharmaceuticals). Particulate organic matter (POM) and macrophytes were also collected and analyzed for stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes, as well as elemental composition (C:N:P). To broaden the assessment of stable isotope values and C:N:P, archived macrophyte samples from 2019 were also included in analyses. Ammonium concentrations were high (> 4.3 μM) in 55 % of samples. Fecal bacteria were high in 66 % of samples. HF183 was detected in 50 % of samples and positively correlated with enterococci (r = 0.32). Sucralose concentrations were high (> 380 ng/L) in 54 % of samples, while carbamazepine was detected in 40 % of samples. Human waste N sources were indicated by δ15N > 3.00 ‰ at 44 % of sites by δ15N-NO3−, 68 % of sites by POM, and at 100 % of sites where macrophyte samples were collected. This large-scale study provides evidence of widespread human waste pollution throughout Lee County and can help guide infrastructure improvements to promote sustainable development. These findings should be applicable to urbanized regions globally that are experiencing declines in water quality and harmful algal blooms due to development with inadequate infrastructure.

The effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus l.) Powder Addition on Qualities of Gluten-free Chiffon Cake.

Rice flour (100%, 97.4%, 94.7%, 89.5% (w/w)) and okra powder (2.6%-10.5%) were used to replace wheat flour to make gluten-free chiffon cakes. The effects of okra powder addition on the physicochemical, color, texture, moisture content, total phenolic content, antioxidant, and sensory scores of cakes were evaluated. The batter viscosity, chewiness, ash, protein, fat, total phenolics, and antioxidant activities (1,1-diphenyl-z-picrylhydrazyl hydrate and reducing power) of cakes showed an increasing trend with okra powder addition. Gluten-free chiffon cake containing 5.3% okra powder showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher protein and ash contents as compared to their control and chiffon cake made with wheat flour. Nevertheless, center height, volume index, L*, a*, and b* values, and white index of gluten-free cake decreased with increased okra powder levels. The sensory characteristics of wheat and gluten-free chiffon cakes substituted with 2.6%-5.3% okra powder showed no difference (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the sensory scores of the 5.3% okra powder addition cake obtained a higher preference than other gluten-free cakes. Although the overall acceptability of gluten-free chiffon cake supplemented with 10.5% okra flour had a lower (p < 0.05) overall acceptability (2.84) than all cake samples, it was still shown acceptable to consumers. Gluten-free rice chiffon cakes with high nutrient contents and antioxidant activities can be processed by the incorporation of okra powder of less than 10.5% to increase the diversification of gluten-free foods. Gluten-free cakes with high amounts of okra powder addition would produce cake having high water content, total phenol content, 1,1-diphenyl-z-picrylhydrazyl hydrate radical scavenging activity, reducing power, hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, batter viscosity, ash, and crude protein content through principal component analysis.

Enhancing Digestibility of Chlorella vulgaris Biomass in Monogastric Diets: Strategies and Insights

Microalgae, such as Chlorella vulgaris (CV), have been identified as promising animal feed sources due to their high content of essential nutrients, including proteins, total lipids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pigments. This study aimed to review the digestibility, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of nutrients from CV biomass, and to analyse strategies to enhance their digestibility in monogastric animal diets. The study conducted a systematic review of the literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, up until the end of January 2023. The results of adding CV to poultry and swine diets were diverse and depended on a number of variables. However, pre-treatments applied to CV biomass improved nutrient digestibility and accessibility. CV biomass, produced in a cost-effective manner, has the potential to serve as a supplement or substitute for expensive feed ingredients and improve animal health, physiology, and immune status. Variations in results may be due to differences in microalgal strain, cultivation conditions, and dietary inclusion levels, among other factors. This study provides new insights and perspectives into the utilization of CV biomass in animal diets, highlighting its potential as a valuable ingredient to improve nutrient utilization.

Effects of Parity Orders and System Managements on Vitamins A and E in Camel Milk

Introduction: Camel milk provides high nutrient content for people living in harsh environments. The current study evaluates levels of vitamins A and E in camels' milk in different production systems. Materials and Methods: The camel milk samples were gathered from a total of 42 lactating she-camels that were in varying phases of the nursing process at the second and third parties in state of Khartoum, Sudan. Semi-closed and closed farms, as well as grazing ranges, are used for the rearing of she-camels (14 milk samples were collected from each production system). Results: The findings revealed that a high level of vitamin A was observed in the camel milk samples obtained from the she-camels at third parties in the grazing range. Second parties in the confined farm recorded highly significant amounts of vitamin E. The results demonstrated that the vitamin A content of camel milk was strongly impacted by both the types of production methods and parity orders. In contrast, vitamin E was only significantly affected by parity orders. Conclusions: The production system and parity orders significantly impact camel milk levels of vitamins A and E. However, further studies are needed to correlate all the contributing factors to the levels of camel milk vitamins.

Diversity of euglenoids in a drinking water source in Burkina Faso (West Africa): implications for sustainability and water quality

Euglenophyta are a group of algae that occur in water polluted by organic matter, which makes them a good indicator for organic pollution. This study aimed to determine the diversity of Euglenophyta, the environmental conditions favourable to their development and their implication in the sustainability and quality of the water in Loumbila reservoir. Algal and chemical water samples were collected monthly between January 2015 and June 2015. Phytoplankton species were identified under a light microscope using a Fuchs-Rosenthal chamber for algal cell counting. In total, 34 species of Euglenophyta were identified, four of which are new to the algal flora of Burkina Faso. The abundance and number of species of the genera Euglena and Phacus were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the dry season. Euglena deses, Euglena texta, Euglena caudata, Phacus lefevrei, Phacus ranula and Phacus orbicularis were identified as indicator species of high nutrient concentration. The abundance of these genera was positively correlated with pH, dissolved oxygen, water transparency, conductivity, nitrates and orthophosphates. This study on the diversity of Euglenophyta enabled us to identify indicator species of reservoir pollution and the environmental factors favourable to their development. This can be used to guide the future water quality monitoring and management of the reservoir.

Vertical variations in microbial diversity, composition, and interactions in freshwater lake sediments on the Tibetan plateau.

Microbial communities in freshwater lake sediments exhibit a distinct depth-dependent variability. Further exploration is required to understand their biodiversity pattern and microbial interactions in vertical sediments. In this study, sediment cores from two freshwater lakes, Mugecuo (MGC) and Cuopu (CP), on the Tibetan plateau were sampled and subsequently sliced into layers at a depth of every centimeter or half a centimeter. Amplicon sequencing was used to analyze the composition, diversity, and interaction of microbial communities. Results showed that sediment samples of both lakes could be clustered into two groups at a sediment depth of about 20 cm, with obvious shifts in microbial community compositions. In lake MGC, the richness component dominated β-diversity and increased with depth, indicating that the microbial communities in the deep layer of MGC was selected from the surface layer. Conversely, the replacement component dominated β-diversity in CP, implying a high turnover rate in the surface layer and inactive seed banks with a high variety in the deep layer. A co-occurrence network analysis showed that negative microbial interactions were prevalent in the surface layers with high nutrient concentrations, while positive microbial interactions were more common in the deep layers with low nutrient concentrations, suggesting that microbial interactions are influenced by nutrient conditions in the vertical sediments. Additionally, the results highlight the significant contributions of abundant and rare taxa to microbial interactions and vertical fluctuations of β-diversity, respectively. Overall, this work deepens our understanding of patterns of microbial interactions and vertical fluctuation in β-diversity in lake sediment columns, particularly in freshwater lake sediments from the Tibetan plateau.

Micractinium lacustre and M. thermotolerans spp. nov. (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta): Taxonomy, temperature-dependent growth, photosynthetic characteristics and fatty acid composition

The problem of studying the species diversity of representatives of the genus Micractinium (Chlorophyta) remains relevant for its simple morphology and high phenotypic plasticity. At the same time, such studies are of great practical importance, since some of them have high biotechnological potential, because they are capable of accumulating valuable metabolites, including polyunsaturated fatty acids. The studied strains ACSSI 343, ACSSI 344, and ACSSI 345 were isolated from eutrophic reservoirs of the Vasilievsky Lakes system (Samara region, Russia), the strain ACSSI 332 – from a hot spring on the Chukotka Peninsula (Russia). All of them have a Chlorella-like morphology: single spherical cells, without bristles, chloroplast parietal with one pyrenoid, and reproduction by autospores. However, analysis of the fragment 18S–ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 showed that the studied strains belong to the genus Micractinium. Comparison of morphological characteristics at standard temperatures (20–24 °C), habitat and lifestyle, phylogenetic analysis findings, results of studying the effects of elevated temperatures (up to 41 °C) and the effect of high nutrient content on strain morphology and reproduction, as well as analysis of fatty acids profile allowed to establish that the studied strains are representatives of 2 new species with high biotechnological potential – M. lacustre and M. thermotolerans spp. nov.

Composition of Powdered Freeze-Dried Orange Juice Co-Product as Related to Glucose Absorption In Vitro.

The reuse of food by-products is crucial for the well-being of the planet. Considering the high content of nutrients and other bioactive compounds in many of them, investigating their suitability for use as human food ingredients is an interesting challenge. In this study, in addition to the proximate composition, phenol content and antioxidant activity (AOA = 3.2 mmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/100 g, db) of orange juice powder by-product (CoP), different in vitro properties related to carbohydrate metabolism have been characterised. Specifically, the glycaemic index (GI), the glycaemic load (GL), the glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI = 13.6%), the glucose adsorption capacity (GAC = 22.5 mM) and the inhibition capacity of α-amylase (α-A = 46.9%) and α-glucosidase (α-G = 93.3%) of powdered orange juice waste have been determined and related to fibre and phenolics composition. Taking advantage of the high fibre content of the by-product (36.67%), its GL was calculated for a CoP dose that allows labelling the food to which it is added as a source of fibre. The low GI value (24.4%) and the low GL (0.918 g available carbohydrates per serving) allowed us to conclude that the product studied could be an interesting opportunity for the food industry to offer it as a healthy food ingredient to be included in the diet, especially for those suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Of the total phenolic compounds (TP = 509 mg equivalent of gallic acid (GAE)/100 g, db), 68% were found in free fraction (FP), and their contribution to the total AOA was 40.6%, while this was 54.9% for the 32% of phenols bound to plant tissues (BP).

PHB production from food waste hydrolysates by Halomonas bluephagenesis Harboring PHB operon linked with an essential gene

Food wastes can be hydrolyzed into soluble microbial substrates, contributing to sustainability. Halomonas spp.-based Next Generation Industrial Biotechnology (NGIB) allows open, unsterile fermentation, eliminating the need for sterilization to avoid the Maillard reaction that negatively affects cell growth. This is especially important for food waste hydrolysates, which have a high nutrient content but are unstable due to batch, sources, or storage conditions. These make them unsuitable for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production, which usually requires limitation on either nitrogen, phosphorous, or sulfur. In this study, H. bluephagenesis was constructed by overexpressing the PHA synthesis operon phaCABCn (cloned from Cupriavidus necator) controlled by the essential gene ompW (encoding outer membrane protein W) promoter and the constitutive porin promoter that are continuously expressed at high levels throughout the cell growth process, allowing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) production to proceed in nutrient-rich (also nitrogen-rich) food waste hydrolysates of various sources. The recombinant H. bluephagenesis termed WZY278 generated 22 g L−1 cell dry weight (CDW) containing 80 wt% PHB when cultured in food waste hydrolysates in shake flasks, and it was grown to 70 g L−1 CDW containing 80 wt% PHB in a 7-L bioreactor via fed-batch cultivation. Thus, unsterilizable food waste hydrolysates can become nutrient-rich substrates for PHB production by H. bluephagenesis able to be grown contamination-free under open conditions.

Mode of killing determines the necrotrophic response of oral bacteria

ABSTRACT Background Bacteria respond to changes in their environment, such as nutrient depletion and antimicrobials exposure. Antimicrobials result not only in bacterial death, but also have a hand in determining species abundances and ecology of the oral biofilms. Proximity of dead bacterial cells to living ones is an important environmental change or stress factor. Dead bacteria represent high concentrations of nutrients, such as proteins, lipids, sugars, and nucleic acids. Living bacteria can use these biomasses as a nutrients source, which is termed necrotrophy. Aim This study investigates the effect of exposing living oral bacteria (planktonic and biofilms) to their dead siblings after being killed by heat or hydrogen peroxide. Results Tested bacterial species showed different responses towards the dead cells, depending on the mode of killing, the nutritional value of the culture media, and the the dead cells density. The multispecies oral biofilms showed different responses towards the supplementation of dead cells during biofilm development, while matured biofilms were more resilient. Conclusion This study indicates that dead bacteria resulting from antiseptics use may imbalance the nutrient availability in the oral cavity, resulting in overgrowth of opportunistic species, and hence ecological changes in oral communities, or introducing new bacterial phenotypes.

Machine Learning in the Classification of Soybean Genotypes for Primary Macronutrients’ Content Using UAV–Multispectral Sensor

Using spectral data to quantify nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents in soybean plants can help breeding programs develop fertilizer-efficient genotypes. Employing machine learning (ML) techniques to classify these genotypes according to their nutritional content makes the analyses performed in the programs even faster and more reliable. Thus, the objective of this study was to find the best ML algorithm(s) and input configurations in the classification of soybean genotypes for higher N, P, and K leaf contents. A total of 103 F2 soybean populations were evaluated in a randomized block design with two repetitions. At 60 days after emergence (DAE), spectral images were collected using a Sensefly eBee RTK fixed-wing remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) with autonomous take-off, flight plan, and landing control. The eBee was equipped with the Parrot Sequoia multispectral sensor. Reflectance values were obtained in the following spectral bands (SBs): red (660 nm), green (550 nm), NIR (735 nm), and red-edge (790 nm), which were used to calculate the vegetation index (VIs): normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference red edge (NDRE), green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI), soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), modified soil-adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI), modified chlorophyll absorption in reflectance index (MCARI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and simplified canopy chlorophyll content index (SCCCI). At the same time of the flight, leaves were collected in each experimental unit to obtain the leaf contents of N, P, and K. The data were submitted to a Pearson correlation analysis. Subsequently, a principal component analysis was performed together with the k-means algorithm to define two clusters: one whose genotypes have high leaf contents and another whose genotypes have low leaf contents. Boxplots were generated for each cluster according to the content of each nutrient within the groups formed, seeking to identify which set of genotypes has higher nutrient contents. Afterward, the data were submitted to machine learning analysis using the following algorithms: decision tree algorithms J48 and REPTree, random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), and logistic regression (LR, used as control). The clusters were used as output variables of the classification models used. The spectral data were used as input variables for the models, and three different configurations were tested: using SB only, using VIs only, and using SBs+VIs. The J48 and SVM algorithms had the best performance in classifying soybean genotypes. The best input configuration for the algorithms was using the spectral bands as input.

Production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymer from food waste using mixed culture for carboxylate production and Pseudomonas putida for PHA synthesis

Production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) with high concentration of carboxylate, that was accumulated from solid state fermentation (SSF) of food waste (FW), was tested using Pseudomonas putida strain KT2440. Mixed-culture SSF of FW supplied in a high concentration of carboxylate, which caused a high PHA production of 0.56 g PHA/g CDM under nutrients control. Interestingly, this high PHA fraction in CDM was almost constant at 0.55 g PHA/g CDM even under high nutrients concentration (25 mM NH4+), probably due to high reducing power maintained by high carboxylate concentration. PHA characterization indicated that the dominant PHA building block produced was 3-hydroxybutyrate, followed by 3-hydroxy-2-methylvalerate and 3-hydroxyhenxanoate. Carboxylate profiles before and after PHA production suggested that acetate, butyrate, and propionate were the main precursors to PHA via several metabolic pathways. Our result support that mixed culture SSF of FW for high concentration carboxylate and P. putida for PHA production enables sustainable production of PHA in cost-effective manners.

Composting Sugarcane Filter Mud with Different Sources Differently Benefits Sweet Maize

Reusing organic wastes in land applications would enhance the recovery of resources, following the concepts of the circular economy. The sugarcane-based sugar industry produces various by-products (e.g., sugarcane filter mud, molasses, and bagasse) that have the potential to contribute to crop production and soil fertility, owing to their high contents of organic matter and nutrients. Although the agricultural benefits of compost utilization in agriculture have been well-documented, to the best of our knowledge, few scientific data are currently available on the effects of sugarcane filter mud combined with the application of compost for increasing crop production. Thus, a field experiment was carried out to study how sugarcane filter mud, in combination with two compost sources, affected the growth and yield of sweet maize (Zea mays var. saccharata). We compared (i) two types of compost made from brassica residue and household waste applied at a rate of 9 t ha−1, and (ii) two application rates of sugarcane filter mud: 0 and 2 t ha−1 to two controls without any compost application: one with (+SFM) and one without (−SFM) sugar filter mud. The results highlighted that all crop growth and yield parameters benefited more from the domestic waste compost than from the brassica straw compost. Moreover, the addition of sugar filter mud to the compost further boosted the crop performance. Based on the above results, we concluded that the addition of sugarcane filter mud to locally available composts is a feasible approach for more sustainable production of sweet maize, combining efficient waste disposal and the provision of organic matter to the soil.

Utilization of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Liquid Waste to Increase Density and Growth Rate of Microalgae Chlorella Pyrenoidosa

Microalgae Chlorella pyrenoidosa is a microalgae that has the potential to have various roles, especially as a bioabsorbant for organic waste. The growth of the oil palm plantation industry is also directly proportional to the increase in waste generated from the CPO production process, namely POME Waste (Palm Oil Mill Effluent). POME waste has a high nutrient content so that it can be utilized by the microalgae Chlorella pyrenoidosa. This study aims to utilize POME waste to increase the growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Microalgae cultivation had a significant effect on the 1:2 treatment and 1:3 treatment when compared to the control cultivation medium with the highest cell density values ​​of 263(106cells/ml) and 279(106cells/ml) respectively. Injection of POME waste into microalgae rearing media will have an impact on increasing the growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa microalgae.

Transport of nutrients into the southern Gulf of Mexico by the Grijalva–Usumacinta rivers

AbstractNutrient transport by rivers strongly influences ecosystem productivity and hypoxia zone formation in coastal areas. In this study, we estimated the transport of nitrogen and phosphorus by the Grijalva and Usumacinta rivers that combined represent the second largest source of fresh water into the Gulf of Mexico. Water samples were collected monthly within an annual cycle at different sites (mainstem and tributaries) in the Lower Grijalva and Usumacinta basins to encompass the seasonal variation in discharge. Nitrogen (total nitrogen, nitrate‐N, ammonium‐N, and nitrite‐N), phosphorus (total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus), and chlorophyll concentrations were determined, and annual loads estimated using the Beale ratio approach. Nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations were greater in the Grijalva than in the Usumacinta River. Stronger seasonal patterns in nutrient concentrations and discharge were identified in the Usumacinta, evincing the flow regulation experimented by the Grijalva. In the Grijalva, higher nutrient concentrations were measured at the De la Sierra and Pichucalco rivers, compared to the regulated Carrizal. TN:TP ratios were greater during the dry season in both rivers, and higher TN:TP occurred in the Usumacinta than in the Grijalva. The Usumacinta showed greater nutrient loads (nitrogen, 26790.6 × 103 kg year−1; phosphorus, 3056.9 × 103 kg year−1) than the Grijalva (nitrogen 19974.7 × 103 kg year−1; phosphorus, 1941.8 × 103 kg year−1). However, the Grijalva River showed higher soluble reactive phosphorus and ammonium‐N loads and yields than the Usumacinta, likely explained by greater delivery of urban wastewater in the lower Grijalva Basin. The Grijalva–Usumacinta represents an important source of nitrogen compared to other rivers draining into the Gulf of Mexico, even though more disturbed rivers can exceed the phosphorus load. This study can contribute to the modelling of nutrient delivery into the Gulf of Mexico and to better understand the influence of tropical rivers in the formation of coastal hypoxia.

Production of dried tomato powder with a high concentration of functional components and nutrients

The use of conventional drying methods for dehydrating vegetables and fruits with high sugar, amino acid, and moisture content is not feasible. Under extreme conditions, drying reduces the amount of functional ingredients present in these vegetables and fruits. Recently, there has been an increasing demand for powdered tomatoes because of their nutritional and functional components. This study aimed to evaluate tomato drying under normal pressure and low-temperature conditions, to efficiently reduce water content without compromising on product quality. A convection dryer, most widely used in food factories, was used in this study. This equipment uses a low temperature zone not normally used for drying, and processes the raw material to increase the drying area for rapid drying. The proposed method was validated by comparing the moisture and functional component contents, and the antioxidant activity of the dried product with those of the dried product obtained via freeze-drying. The results suggest that the proposed low-temperature drying method can produce functional dried food at food processing sites faster than using freeze-drying, with a residual rate of functional ingredients exceeding 90 %. Thus, low-temperature drying can be used as a simple and cost-effective method for the production of uniform dry tomato powder.

Spatial-temporal distributions, probable health risks, and source identification of organic pollutants in surface waters of an extremely hypoxic river basin in Türkiye.

This study was carried out to determine the spatiotemporal distributions of organic pollution parameters in the Meriç-Ergene River Basin subjected to intensive agricultural and industrial pressure. A total of 5 basin components, including Anadere (A), Çorlu (Ç), Tunca (T), Meriç (M), and Ergene (E) rivers, and 9 stations (A1, Ç1, T1, M1-M2, and E1-E4) were identified in the watershed, and surface water samples were collected in the dry (end of summer) and wet (end of winter) seasons of 2021-2022. The Water Quality Index (WQI) and Nutrient Pollution Index (NPI) were applied to the data to evaluate the overall water quality characteristics. The Chronic Daily Index (CDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI) were applied to the data to reveal the probable noncarcinogenic health risks of organic contaminants. Cluster Analysis (CA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were applied to the data to classify the sampling sites and identify the source apportionment of organic pollution parameters. The recorded spatiotemporal averages of the investigated parameters in the basin are as follows: 6.26mg/L for DO, 9 for pH, 1626 μS/cm for EC, 985mg/L for TDS, 1 ‰ for salinity, 6.88mg/L for nitrate, 0.1mg/L for nitrite, 1.8mg/L for phosphate, 81mg/L for sulfate, and 473mg/L for chloride. The results indicate that the most contaminated components of the basin are Çorlu Stream and Ergene River, and in addition to their quite high salt and nutrient content, they have extreme hypoxic conditions to the extent that it is impossible for many aquatic organisms to live. The contamination degrees of the investigated basin components were determined using the organic pollution risk assessment indices as follows: Çorlu Stream > Ergene River > Anadere Stream > Tunca River > Meriç River.

Effect of Phosphorus Biofertilizers along with Inorganic Fertilizers on Nutrient Content of Maize

Aim: To study the response of maize to phosphorus levels and phosphorus biofertilizers.&#x0D; Study Design: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments replicated thrice.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla during kharif, 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: The experimental soil was slightly alkaline in reaction (7.63), medium in organic carbon (0.6 %), medium in available nitrogen (354 kg ha-1), high in available phosphorus (55.32 kg ha-1) and available potassium (402 kg ha-1).The treatments comprised of T1- Control ( without P ), T2 - 100% Recommended Dose of Phosphorus (RDP), T3 - 100% RDP + PSB @ 1 L ha-1, T4 - 100% RDP + VAM @ 12.5 kg ha-1, T5 - 75% RDP + PSB @ 1 L ha-1, T6 -75% RDP + VAM @ 12.5 kg ha-1, T7 – PSB @ 1 L ha-1, T8 –VAM @ 12.5 kg ha-1, T9 - PSB @ 1 L ha-1 + VAM @ 12.5 kg ha-1. The plant samples were analysed for N, P, K, S and micronutrients by the following standard methods.&#x0D; Results: The results of the experiment indicated that P, S and Zn were significantly influenced by the imposed treatments whereas N, K, Fe, Mn and Cu were not significantly influenced. The highest nutrient content was recorded in the treatment with the application of 100% RDP + VAM@ 12.5 kg ha-1 (T4).&#x0D; Conclusion: The combined application (inorganic fertilizer + biofertilizer) proved significantly superior over control and biofertilizers alone in improving the nutrient content in maize.