Increasing Oil Concentration Research Articles

Evaluating efficiency of co-culture of two isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains for removal of floating crude oil from oil-polluted wastewater

Two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from crude oil of Isfahan oil refinery and used in a lab scale fermenter for removal of floating crude oil pollution from water. Maximum stable removal efficiency of 92% was reached despite the stepwise increase in the culture medium crude oil concentration from 0.1 g/l to 0.3 g/l and maximum biodegradation rate of 98.6 mg/l h was obtained. During 91 d mixed liquid suspended solid (MLSS) changed between 4000 and 8000 mg/l and sludge volume index (SVI) changed between 20 and 90 mg/l. The performance was investigated during a 91 d continuous operation of a fermenter which was intermittently fed with oil-polluted water. It seems biodegradation of this mixed culture is high removal efficiency (92%) in low time (7.5 d).

Nitrogen fertilizer and urease inhibitor effects on canola seed quality in a one-pass seeding and fertilizing system

Field studies were conducted over three years on a clay loam (CL) and fine sandy loam (FSL) soil on the eastern Canadian prairies to evaluate the impact of urea and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), with or without the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), placed near the seed-row in a one-pass seeding and fertilizing operation on seed protein, oil, chlorophyll and glucosinolate content of canola ( Brassica napus L.). Application of N fertilizer as a side-band application at the time of seeding increased protein concentration and decreased oil concentration. Protein and oil yield increased with low to moderate N rates, but stabilized or fell with high N rates due to reductions in yield from seedling toxicity. Both chlorophyll and glucosinolate concentrations increased with increasing N rates. Use of UAN led to higher protein, chlorophyll and glucosinolate and lower oil concentration than urea on the CL soil. Use of the urease inhibitor NBPT generally increased oil concentration on both soils and reduced the chlorophyll and glucosinolate concentration on the CL soil. Observed difference may have been due to delayed maturity and reduced stand density caused by seedling damage and high N rates. High N rates applied as a side-band of urea or UAN near the canola seed row can negatively influence both seed yield and quality in canola and the negative effects may be reduced by the use of the urease inhibitor NBPT.

Performance of maize (<i>Zea mays</i> l.) in crude oil treatment

The performance of maize (Zea mays) in crude oil treatment was investigated at the University of Port Harcourt botanical garden. Germination and growth responses of Z. mays were examined using various crude oil pollution treatments. There was no significant difference in the germination and development of Z. mays subjected to oiling at 1-3% compared to those of the control (0%), while 4-5% oiling showed a significant difference at P=0.05. Percentage germination decreased with increase in concentration of crude oil equilibrated with water. Germination rate decreased significantly with increased time of pre-soaking in crude oil. Crude oil spilled soil immediately after planting, increased the length of lag phase preceding germination from 48 hours to 96 hours and decreased percentage germination from 100% in the control to 58% in crude oil contaminated soil. This study shows that crude oil pollution has adverse effects on germination and development of Z. maysKEY WORDS: Performance, crude oil treatment, germination and development, maize (Zea mays)

The bioaccumulation of Molybdenum in the earthworm Eisenia andrei: Influence of soil properties and ageing

Mo bioaccumulation in the earthworm Eisenia andrei was determined after 28d exposure in ten different European field soils (pH 4.4–7.8) and an artificial soil, freshly spiked with Na2MoO4 at concentrations between 3.2 and 3200mg Mokg−1 dry soil. Three field soils were also tested after ageing for 11months. Earthworm Mo concentrations generally levelled off at high exposure levels but in most soils showed a (nearly) linear increase with increasing soil concentrations in the lower, non-toxic range (below EC10 or NOEC for reproduction effects). Bioaccumulation (BAF) and Bioconcentration factors (BCF) were calculated as the ratio of earthworm concentration to soil and estimated porewater concentrations, respectively. BAFs (0.35–3.44) and BCFs (1.31–276) did not seem much affected by soil concentration, suggesting that earthworms are not capable of regulating their internal Mo concentrations. BAF was best predicted by ammonium oxalate-extractable iron (Feox) and phosphor (Pox) contents of the soils.

Studies on Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Activity from Hinoki Cypress Oil

Human body and the scalp of internal, external or when symptoms occur, which often make acne and cause inflammation, Demodex in the skin, such as parasitic skin flora Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes on the wall directly by stimulating hair follicles go into the dermis, causing skin irritation leads to inflammation. In this study, using Hinoki Cypress Oil Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of skin flora and to learn, skin toner manufacturer in the clinical trials for skin flora, and antimicrobial activity by measuring the absorbance, Salmonella typhimurium Ames test carried out by using the functions were verified. Results of this study Hinoki Cypress Oil on DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 5 μL/mL in the 7.93±0.07%, 10 μL/mL and 15.49±0.18%, 20 μL/mL and 17.57±0.23%, 40 μL/mL and 20.98±0.54%, 80 μL/mL in the 28.06±0.69% appeared to have antioxidant benefits were concentration-dependent manner. However, as a result of low levels of Hinoki Cypress Oil scavenging of SC50 did not represent a positive daejomuljilin the BHT 0.1 mg/mL of the scavenging rate of 74.89±0.64% respectively. Hinoki Cypress Oil Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in S. aureus appeared as a 0.02%, S. epidermidis and P. acnes is determined by the 0.01% S. aureus was higher than the Sensibility. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of S. epidermidis were determined from the 0.03%, 0.04% did not show a survival Strains. P. acnes in the 0.04% was 99.9% almost completely inactivated S. aureus of the Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) that was not identified. Antimicrobial activity in verification Hinoki Cypress Oil 10% from 20% show restraint in the fungus P. acnes on the two antimicrobial S. aureus and S. epidermidis to the antimicrobial activity than the three strains appear to be a very good chance that the antimicrobial functions Hinoki Cypress Oil concentration increases, respectively. Antimicrobial for skin flora and growth inhibitory concentration of skin flora skin toner P. acnes, S. epidermidis, S. aureus appeared in order, the higher the concentration, application time is longer, showed higher antimicrobial. Using the genetic toxicological safety * Correspondence should be addressed to Dr. Kyeong-Ran Kim, Department of Beauty Science, Kwangju Women’s University, Sanjeong-dong, Gwangsan-gu Gwangju, 506-713, Korea. Ph.: (062) 950-3673, Fax: (062) 950-3797, E-mail: krkim@mail.kwu.ac.kr

Ultrafiltration of oil-in-water emulsion: Analysis of fouling mechanism

Membrane fouling is one of the major operational concerns of membrane processes which results in loss of productivity. This paper investigates the ultrafiltration (UF) results of synthetic oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion using flat sheets of polysulfone (PSf) membrane synthesized with four different compositions. The aim is to identify the mechanisms responsible for the observed permeate flux reduction with time for different PSf membranes. The experiments were carried out at four transmembrane pressures i.e., 68.9 kPa, 103.4 kPa, 137.9 kPa and 172.4 kPa. Three initial oil concentrations i.e., 75 <TEX>$mgL^{-1}$</TEX>, 100 <TEX>$mgL^{-1}$</TEX> and 200 <TEX>$mgL^{-1}$</TEX> were considered. The resistance-in-series (RIS) model was applied to interpret the data and on that basis, the individual resistances were evaluated. The significances of these resistances were studied in relation to parameters, namely, transmembrane pressure and initial oil concentration. The total resistance to permeate flow is found to increase with increase in both transmembrane pressure and initial oil concentration while for higher oil concentration, resistance due to concentration polarization is found to be the prevailing resistance. The applicability of the constant pressure filtration models to the experimental data was also tested to explain the blocking process. The study shows that intermediate pore blocking is the dominant mechanism at the initial period of UF while in the later period, the fouling process is found to approach cake filtration like mechanism. However, the duration of pore blocking mechanism is different for different membranes depending on their morphological and permeation properties.

Short-term effects of alternative de-icing chemicals on tree sapling performance

The use of sodium chloride (NaCl) as a road de-icer causes environmental problems and alternatives with less environmental impact are sought. This study compares the effects of three de-icers, calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), potassium formate (KFo) and NaCl, on tree performance. Growth and stress responses of tree saplings were tested in a pot experiment with five species and three substrates at increasing de-icer concentrations in soil during vegetative growth. A negative effect of increasing soil concentrations of de-icers were found for many of the responses, but the effects varied among plant species. Root growth decreased in both of two species tested, leaf biomass decreased in four of the five species and stem diameter increase decreased in two of the five species. De-icer treatments had no effect on specific leaf area, relative chlorophyll content, height increase or chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) responses. The negative effects of increasing de-icer concentration were independent of substrate characteristics, except for root growth in Acer platanoides and Pinus sylvestris and shoot growth in A. platanoides, where higher soil organic matter content improved plant performance under salinity. The negative effects of increasing concentrations were similar for all three de-icers when compared on a similar anion basis. Hence, the two organic de-icers, CMA and KFo, did not have less impact on tree sapling performance than NaCl during active growth.

Eupatorium Capillifolium Essential Oil: Chemical Composition, Antifungal Activity, and Insecticidal Activity

Natural plant extracts often contain compounds that are useful in pest management applications. The essential oil of Eupatorium capillifolium (dog-fennel) was investigated for antifungal and insecticidal activities. Essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of aerial parts was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The major components were determined to be thymol methyl ether (=methyl thymol) (36.3%), 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (20.8%) and myrcene (15.7%). Antifungal activity of the essential oil was weak against the plant pathogens Colletotrichum acutatum, C. fragariae, and C. gloeosporioides in direct bioautography assay. The E. capillifolium oil showed promising repellent activity against the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti, whereas the oil exhibited moderate activity against the mosquito's first instar larvae in a high throughput bioassay. Topical applications of the oil showed no activity against the blood-feeding female adults of A. aegypti. Eupatorium capillifolium essential oil showed a linear dose response between adult lace bug (Stephanitis pyrioides) mortality and increasing oil concentration in an adulticidal activity bioassay. The dog-fennel oil was more potent than the conventional insecticide malathion. In conclusion, these combined results showed Eupatorium capillifolium oil is a promising novel source of a biological insecticide with multiple modes of action.

Accumulation of background levels of persistent organochlorine and organobromine pollutants through the soil–earthworm–hedgehog food chain

The bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and DDT and metabolites, was investigated in the soil–earthworm–hedgehog food chain. Concentrations of selected POPs were measured in soil and earthworms collected in grassland and open woodland and in hair and blood of hedgehogs foraging in two parks containing these habitats. Despite background concentrations in soil (ranging from 1.3 to 9.3 ng/g for DDTs, 2.3 to 6.5 ng/g for PCBs and 0.08 to 0.20 ng/g for PBDEs), biota-soil accumulation factors (BSAFs) indicated that earthworms accumulated POPs (0.48–1.70 for DDTs, 1.09–2.76 for PCBs and 1.99–5.67 for PBDEs) and that animals feeding on earthworms are potentially exposed to higher concentrations of pollutants. BSAFs decreased with increasing soil concentrations for the three groups of compounds, suggesting that steady-state equilibrium was not reached in soil or earthworms. Positive, but low, log-linear relationships were found for DDT ( r 2 = 0.23, p < 0.05 for Brasschaat and r 2 = 0.63, p < 0.01 for Hoboken) and PCB ( r 2 = 0.13, p < 0.05 for both parks) concentrations between soil and earthworms. In order to relate earthworm to hedgehog POP concentrations, the foraging behavior of each individual was taken into account. The use of hair as a potential biomonitoring tissue in exposure and risk assessment of POPs was evaluated by examining the relationship between PCB and p,p′-DDE levels in hedgehogs' hair and blood. Contaminant profiles were used to gain insight into biotransformation of the studied compounds in each step of the investigated food chain and in the blood of hedgehogs, as well as the consequences thereof for their incorporation in hair. The absence of a discernable relationship between POP concentrations in earthworms and hair is possible due to variation in individual foraging behavior and POP uptake. Our results suggest that POPs in tissues should be measured from an adequate number of individuals per population instead of relying on indirect estimates from levels in soil or prey items.

Chemical composition and larvicidal activity of edible plant-derived essential oils against the pyrethroid-susceptible and -resistant strains of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Chemical composition and larvicidal activity of edible plant-derived essential oils against the pyrethroid-susceptible and -resistant strains of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Vapor activity of essential oils extracted from fruit peels of two Citrus species against adults of Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius, 1775) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

1 Summary The present study investigated the effects of volatile fractions of Citrus limon (Linnaeus, 1753) and Citrus reticulata Blanco, 1837 (Rutaceae) peel essential oils on the cowpea adult bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius, 1775) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). The oils were extracted from the fruit peels using water steam distillation. The results indicated that the citrus peel oils had high fumigant activity against adult beetles. The mortality of 1 to 2-day-old adults increased with increasing oil concentration or exposure time. The oil of C. reticulata was significantly more toxic than that of C. limon based on both 24 h LC50 (33 and 45 µl L -1 , respectively) and 24 h LC90 (75 and 99 µl L -1 , respectively) estimates. The results suggested that citrus peel oils can be used as potential control measure against cowpea beetles.

Liquid and vapour water transfer through whey protein/lipid emulsion films

Edible films and coatings based on protein/lipid combinations are among the new products being developed in order to reduce the use of plastic packaging polymers for food applications. This study was conducted to determine the effect of rapeseed oil on selected physicochemical properties of cast whey protein films. Films were cast from heated (80 degrees C for 30 min) aqueous solutions of whey protein isolate (WPI, 100 g kg(-1) of water) containing glycerol (50 g kg(-1) of WPI) as a plasticiser and different levels of added rapeseed oil (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4% w/w of WPI). Measurements of film microstructure, laser light-scattering granulometry, differential scanning calorimetry, wetting properties and water vapour permeability (WVP) were made. The emulsion structure in the film suspension changed significantly during drying, with oil creaming and coalescence occurring. Increasing oil concentration led to a 2.5-fold increase in surface hydrophobicity and decreases in WVP and denaturation temperature (T(max)). Film structure and surface properties explain the moisture absorption and film swelling as a function of moisture level and time and consequently the WVP behaviour. Small amounts of rapeseed oil favourably affect the WVP of WPI films, particularly at higher humidities.

Effect of fruit load on oil yield components and dynamics of fruit growth and oil accumulation in olive ( Olea europaea L.)

Olive oil yield and its components (fruit number, average fruit weight and fruit oil concentration) depend on crop load and source–sink ratios as affected by environmental conditions, management and the alternate bearing typical of the species. The aims of this work were to: (i) establish quantitative relationships between oil yield and its components as affected by fruit load in a high-yielding production system, (ii) analyse the dynamics of fruit weight and fruit oil concentration in terms of rates and durations, and (iii) explore the relationships between the dynamics of oil and water in fruit. In a fully irrigated olive orchard in Mendoza (32° S), Argentina, cv. Arbequina trees with similar crown volume and three fruit loads (3-fold range) were monitored during two seasons. Oil yield was positively associated with both fruit number and fruit fresh weight, but not with fruit oil concentration. Across seasons and fruit loads, fruit yield increased linearly with fruit number at ∼1.5 kg per thousand fruit and reached a maximum ∼60 kg tree −1 (or 25 t ha −1) at a fruit load of 32,700 fruit tree −1. The fruit filling rate was affected by fruit load, while the duration of fruit growth and the dynamics of oil and water concentration were unaffected by fruit load. Fruit water concentration reached a minimum at the onset of Stage III of fruit growth, which was marked by a rapid increase in oil concentration. Fruit fresh weight and oil weight increased with source–sink ratio from ∼0.5 up to a threshold ∼2 m 3 crown per thousand fruit. In contrast, a 8-fold range of source–sink ratio did not affect fruit oil concentration.

Condensation heat transfer characteristics of R410A–oil mixture in 5 mm and 4 mm outside diameter horizontal microfin tubes

Condensation heat transfer characteristics of R410A–oil mixture in 5 mm and 4 mm outside diameter horizontal microfin tubes were investigated experimentally. The experimental condensing temperature is 40 °C, and nominal oil concentration range is from 0% to 5%. The test results indicate that the presence of oil deteriorates the heat transfer. The deterioration effect is negligible at nominal oil concentration of 1%, and becomes obvious with the increase of nominal oil concentration. At 5% nominal oil concentration, the heat transfer coefficient of R410A–oil mixture is found to have a maximum reduction of 25.1% and 23.8% for 5 mm and 4 mm tubes, respectively. The predictabilities of the existing condensation heat transfer correlations were verified with the experimental data, and Yu and Koyama correlation [29] shows the best predictability. By replacing the pure refrigerant properties with the mixture’s properties, Yu and Koyama correlation has a deviation of −15% to + 20% in predicting the local condensation heat transfer coefficient of R410A–oil mixture.

Preservation of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp)Grainsagainst Cowpea Bruchids (Callosobruchus maculatus) Using Neem and Moringa Seed Oils

This study was conducted to determine the effects of neem (Azadirachta indicaA. Juss) and moringa (Moringa oleifera) seed oils on the storability of cowpea grain. Cowpea samples were treated with various concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mL/200 g cowpea) of pure neem and moringa oils and their mixtures in ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. The treated cowpea samples were stored for 180 days. Data were collected every 30 days on number of eggs laid, total weevil population, and percentage of uninfested grains and analysed statistically. Significantly different means were compared using LSD at . Increasing oil concentration resulted in better cowpea protection, for example, in oviposition where the control had 6513 eggs, only 8 eggs were recorded in pure neem oil-treated sample at 0.5 mL/200 g. Generally, better results were obtained with higher oil concentrations either in their pure forms or mixtures. The control had a total weevil population of 4988, while most treated samples had none. The control samples had 0% uninfested grains, while 73–94% of uninfested grains were observed in treated samples after 6 months of storage. Therefore, mixture of the oils at 1.5 mL/200 g can be effectively used to store cowpea.

Major and minor QTL and epistasis contribute to fatty acid compositions and oil concentration in high-oil maize

High-oil maize is a useful genetic resource for genomic investigation in plants. To determine the genetic basis of oil concentration and composition in maize grain, a recombinant inbred population derived from a cross between normal line B73 and high-oil line By804 was phenotyped using gas chromatography, and genotyped with 228 molecular markers. A total of 42 individual QTL, associated with fatty acid compositions and oil concentration, were detected in 21 genomic regions. Five major QTL were identified for measured traits, one each of which explained 42.0% of phenotypic variance for palmitic acid, 15.0% for stearic acid, 27.7% for oleic acid, 48.3% for linoleic acid, and 15.7% for oil concentration in the RIL population. Thirty-six loci were involved in 24 molecular marker pairs of epistatic interactions across all traits, which explained phenotypic variances ranging from 0.4 to 6.1%. Seven of 18 mapping candidate genes related to lipid metabolism were localized within or were close to identified individual QTL, explaining 0.7-13.2% of the population variance. These results demonstrated that a few major QTL with large additive effects could play an important role in attending fatty acid compositions and increasing oil concentration in used germplasm. A larger number of minor QTL and a certain number of epistatic QTL, both with additive effects, also contributed to fatty acid compositions and oil concentration.

Influence of oil on flow condensation heat transfer of R410A inside 4.18 mm and 1.6 mm inner diameter horizontal smooth tubes

The influence of oil on condensation heat transfer of R410A inside 4.18 mm and 1.6 mm inner diameter horizontal smooth tubes is investigated experimentally. The experimental condensing temperature is 40 °C, and nominal oil concentration range is from 0% to 5%. The test results indicate that the presence of oil deteriorates the heat transfer, and the deterioration effect becomes obvious with the increase of oil concentration. At oil concentration of 5%, the heat transfer coefficient decreases by maximum 24.9% and 28.5% for 4.18 mm and 1.6 mm tubes, respectively. A new correlation for heat transfer coefficients of R410A–oil mixture flow condensation inside smooth tubes is proposed, which agrees with all the experimental data within a deviation of −30% ∼ +20%.

SAD, a stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturase highly expressed in high-oil maize inbred lines

As special maize with more than 6% oil concentration in the grain, high-oil maize has received increased interest recently. To date, little is known about the expressions of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism of high-oil maize. Stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturase (SAD) is a key enzyme that converts stearic acid to oleic acid. In this study, two-dimensional electrophoresis, gas chromatography, and real-time PCR were used to determine the expressions of SAD at three seed development stages in high-oil and normal maize inbred lines. SAD was significantly more abundantly expressed in high-oil maize than in normal maize, not only at the protein and mRNA levels, but also at the product level. These results suggested that a high expression of SAD may play an important role in increasing oil concentration in high-oil maize.

Mineral Elements Uptake and Growth of Strawberry as Influenced by Organic Substrates

ABSTRACT Pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse to compare the effect of four organic substrates [S1: Persian turpentine trees leaf mold (50%) + Soil (50%); S2: Oak leaf mold (50%) + Soil (50%); S3: Cypress leaf mold (50%) + Soil (50%) and S4: liquorice processing wastes (50%) + Soil (50%)] application on strawberry growth, yield, and nutrient concentration, and on some soil properties. Results showed that leaves mold and liquorice wastes application decreased pH, increased soil organic matter, and increased soil concentrations in all mineral elements studied, except for potassium (K). The amount of mineral elements in substrates had also a great influence on the leaf nutrient concentrations. High levels of nitrogen (N), K, iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) were obtained in leaves; while phosphorus (P) concentration was lower than sufficient levels. Although, strawberry fresh and dry weights and leaf chlorophyll content were significantly higher in plants grown in S4 with no added fertilizer, the highest fruit yield was obtained in combination substrates with 50% fertilizer. Our results indicate that use of leaf mold and liquorice wastes in soil mixtures can reduce the amount of fertilizer required for optimum strawberry plant growth and yield.

Impact ofnC24 agricultural mineral oil deposits on the searching efficiency and predation rate of the predatory mitePhytoseiulus persimilisAthias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Walking activity, walking straightness, walking speed and searching efficiency of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot were measured on French bean leaf discs that were sprayed with either distilled water, or one of 0.25%, 0.50% and 1.00% w/w aqueous emulsions of an nC24 agricultural mineral oil (AMO). There was no significant difference in percentage of time that mites spent walking in the control (water-sprayed) conditions and in any of the oil treatments. Walking paths were significantly straighter in the oil treatments than in the control, but differences among the oil treatments did not differ significantly. Walking speeds in the oil treatments were significantly slower than in the control and decreased with increasing oil concentration. Deposits of oil at all concentrations significantly suppressed searching efficiency in comparison with control, and searching efficiency in the 1.00% oil treatment was significantly lower than in the 0.25% oil treatment. First predation of P. persimilis on AMO-contaminated eggs of two-spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) on unsprayed leaf discs was significantly delayed in all oil treatments in comparison with the control. However there was no significant effect on the overall predation rate. In the tests of P. persimilis predation on AMO-contaminated T. urticae eggs on sprayed leaf discs, the number of first predation occurrences in the first hour was significantly lower in 0.50% and 1.00% oil treatments than in the control. Overall predation rates were significantly reduced by oil but they did not differ significantly among the oil treatments.