Increase In Phosphorus Content Research Articles

Biotechnological Application of Thermotolerant Cellulose-Decomposing Bacteria in Composting of Rice Straw

The main objective of this study is to investigate the potentiality of cellulase producing isolates, Bacillus licheniformis 1-1v and Bacillus sonorensis 7-1v, as microbial additives on composting of rice straw materials. Different pyramid shape piles were constructed, and each contained 80kg of rice straw and 288kg of cattle manure, with/without 5kg of feldspar supplementation (0.75%, w/w). C/N ratio was adjusted to 35.8 before microbial inoculation. The piles were inoculated with either single strain or mixed cultures. The physical, chemical and biological parameters indicating the decomposition of organic material, maturation and quality of the compost product were investigated during the composting process. A rapid increase in compost temperature was obtained in inoculated piles. Moreover, piles containing mixed inoculants exhibited longer time at high temperatures >55°C for 15 consecutive days compared to control treatments that lasted for only 5 consecutive days. The microbial inoculation had greatly reduced the composting time by 40–43% (from 89–96days to 51–58days). Additionally, it resulted in a higher decrease in the total organic carbon and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, as well as increase in compost quality by an increase in total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content. The analysis of moisture content, bulk density, pH value, electrical conductivity, phytotoxicity, and pathogenic bacterial content of the final compost products exhibited maturation and good quality of final product to be used without any limitations.

FLORECIMIENTO DE MICROALGAS RELACIONADO CON MORTANDAD MASIVA DE PECES EN EL COMPLEJO LAGUNAR CIENAGA GRANDE DE SANTA MARTA, CARIBE COLOMBIANO.

A discontinuous phenomenon of massive fish mortality occurred in the estuarine lagoonal complex of the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia, in July and August 1994. The first event occurred from the 15th to the 19th of July, the second took place one month later around the 20th of August, and the last one was evident from the 26th to the 31st of the same month. High concentrations of Cf. Anabaenopsis sp., a filamentous cyanobacteria, reported in the literature as highly toxic, may have been related to the causes of the first event. An increase in phosphorus concentrations resulting in massive blooms of cyanobacteria and flagellate algae of nano and picoplankton could explain the hypoxic and anoxic conditions associated to the third event of massive fish mortality. However, other possible causes, such as toxic gas liberation from the sediment and anoxia from bacterial activity cannot be roled out. The dead fish biomass was not quantified, but information obtained from fishermen suggests for sea catfish (Ariidae) values well over 20 tons. The massive death phenomenon here reported seems to be the strongest in the last years.

Studies on the Seed Germination Changes after Thermal Decontamination of Crude Oil Polluted Soils

Abstract Given that the world population will reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, removing all the causes that result in reduced yields of cereals and technical plants is vital. It is known that soil affects plants through its physical (texture, structure, density), chemical (nutrients content, pH) and biological characteristics (microbiological activity, soil fertility). Soils are the key environmental tank to pollutants, storage and persistence of pollutants in soil being dependent on a number of factors: the exchange of air, the burying of pollutants and their biodegradability. This paper aims to emphasize the germination of plants after a polluted soil sample was decontaminated by a thermal method. The soil sample was polluted with 5% oil. The soil sample was characterized by capillarity, being established the maximum height of the moistened layer of 7.6 cm and 14.1 cm for oil, but also permeability of 218.5 cm3/h for water and 70.83 cm3/h for oil. Knowing the average permeability, it can be determined the corresponding retention capacity: 873.14 kg/m3 for water and 776 kg/m3 for oil. Restoration of the germination potential for the analyzed soil also determined the presence of nutrients required before and after remediation. The analyzed nutrients were nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The soil sample had no nitrogen, but phosphorus and potassium were in medium concentration. The soil sample that was polluted with oil and decontaminated by a thermal method, has nitrogen, the potassium content does not change, but the phosphorus content increases.

Chemical Composition, Physico-Chemical Properties, and Acceptability of Instant ‘Ogi’ from Blends of Fermented Maize, Conophor Nut and Melon Seeds

Abstract This study was carried out to evaluate the nutrient, anti-nutrient composition, physico-chemical properties and acceptability of ‘ogi’ from blends of maize, conophor nut and melon seed flours at different proportions. Results of analysis of fermented maize: melon: conophor nut -90:5:5, 80:10:10, 70:15:15, 100:0:0 showed an increase in protein, ash, fat and crude fiber contents with increased supplementation with conophor nut and melon seed flour. The physico-chemical properties also varied: pH ranged from 5.70-6.20, viscosity ranged from 0.61-0.71 dPa, bulk density ranged from 0.66-0.91 g/ml, water and oil absorption capacities ranged from 660% to 680% and 820% to 870% respectively. Emulsification capacity, reconstitution index, foaming capacity, foaming stability and least gelation concentration ranged from 50.20% to 78.15%, 3.61-5.05 ml/g, and 1.38% to 10.00%, 1.38% to 5.63% and 6% to 20% respectively. The solubility index of the flour increased as supplementation levels increased. There were variations in the pasting properties of the supplemented ‘ogi’. Peak viscosity ranged from 161.17-213.83 RVU, breakdown ranged from 28.17-106.76 RVU, final viscosity ranged from 145.25-247.34 RVU. Peak time was averagely at 5 min and pasting temperature from 83.65°C to 94.75°C. Result of mineral contents showed a significant increase in iron, magnesium, copper and phosphorus contents while calcium and sodium contents decreased significantly. Increased supplementation with conophor and melon seed flour increased the anti-nutrient contents. Tannin, oxalate, and phytate contents ranged from 4.65-5.85 mg/g, 2.48- 2.65 mg/g, and 5.25-5.96 mg/g respectively. Consumer acceptability of the instant ‘ogi’ was rated best at 5% supplementation level with conophor and melon seed flours (90:5:5) when compared with the control (100% fermented maize).

Wykorzystanie oslon z wl�kniny polipropylenowej w produkcji ziemniak�w � praca przegladowa

This paper analyzes the effect of non-woven polypropylene covers on plant growth and development, frost protection, tuber yield and quality and the economic effectiveness in early potato production. A high income from early potato production is possible under conditions assuring early setting and rapid gain of tuber yield and its marketing when the price is highest. The application of non-woven polypropylene covers accelerates plant emergence by 2­8 days and the growth and development of plants in the later period, and results in an earlier new potato harvest by up to 2-3 weeks. It also increases the tuber yield and reduces the yield variability in all years. Accelerating plant growth using non-woven polypropylene covers affects not only tuber yield quantity, but also contributes to improvement of the tuber quality, especially by an increase in dry matter, potassium and phosphorus content of tubers and decrease nitrate concentration. Such a method of potato production requires higher incurred input. Increasing the production inputs is effective when the value of the tuber yield increase obtained as a result of plant covering is higher than the costs incurred. A higher productive effect of covering is usually obtained in years with a cold spring and a very early potato harvest date. A considerable tuber yield increase in cultivation under non-woven polypropylene cover results in decreased unit costs and, consequently, the cost-effectiveness of production is higher than without covering. In conditions favouring rapid potato growth, the production costs of 1 kg tuber under cover are higher, which makes production less profitable than cultivation without plant covering.

THE EFFECT OF DIET SUPPLEMENTATION WITH PROPOLIS ON IMMUNOLOGICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF TIBIA BONES IN BROILER CHICKENS

A trial was carried out to determine the effects of diet supplementation with propolis on immunological status and bone physicochemical properties of broiler at 6 weeks of age. Two hundred and forty one-day-old unsexed Cobb broilers chicks were randomly distributed into four equal experimental groups; with three replicates of 20 chicks each. They were fed on one of the following propolis levels; 0, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg diet. The tibia length, percentage relative to live body weight, dry matter, ash of tibia bone, phosphorus and calcium concentrations were determined at the end of the experiment. The results showed that, propolis supplementation at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg diet increased (p<0.05) the tibia length by 3, 2.4 and 3.4%, respectively, when compared to the control group. The higher value of tibia percentage relative to live body weight was recorded in the group fed propolis supplementation at 125 mg/kg diet, followed by groups fed 250, 500 mg propolis/kg diet and group that fed control diet. Propolis supplementation at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg increased phosphorus concentrations by 4.6, 1.1 and 1.8 %, respectively. Also, calcium concentrations in ash were increased by 0.6, 2.9 and 3.1 %, respectively, when compared to the control group. Although, all groups had haemagglutination inhibiting antibodies against NDV, the highest haemagglutination inhibiting antibody titer was obtained from birds fed diets supplemented with 125 and 250 mg propolis/ kg diet at 35 days of age. In addition, data showed that the concentration of 500 mg propolis/kg diet did not significantly influence the humoral immune response of broiler against NDV.

Effect of nitrogen form (ammonium and nitrate) on quantitative and qualitative indices of Tulipa gesneriana cv. Apricot parrot

Effects of nutrient solutions on quantitative and qualitative indices of tulip (Tulipa gesneriana cv. Apricot parrot) were studied in a completely randomized design with 5 nutrient solutions, 4 experimental units and 3 replications. Plants were fed with five nutrient solutions (S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5) having NH4 -N/total N ratios of 0, 0.038, 0.074, 0.11 and 0.14, respectively. All nutrient solutions had similar concentrations of mineral elements. The five treatments consisted of 2.5 meq/L total N, and concentration of all the nutrients was 8.4 meq/L. Based on the results, increasing the ammonium level in nutrient solutions decreased N and total protein storage in the bulbs, but increased N concentration in the shoots. The ammonium level had no significant effect on potassium concentration of shoots, but increased phosphorus concentration in the shoots. Maximum calcium and magnesium concentration in shoots, wet weight and length and diameter of flowering stem were obtained in plants fed with S2 solution. Increasing the ammonium level increased number of bulblets, but decreased their size. Increasing the ammonium level decreased time to flowering of bulbs. The highest longevity of cut flowers was observed in plants fed with S2 solution. In general, based on the results of this research, with increasing the ammonium level in the nutrients solution, the qualitative traits of tulip, such as length and diameter of flowering stem, were increased, but longevity of cut flowers and number of produced bulblets were decreased.

Influence of working parameters on the composite electrodeposition

Composite materials are extensively studied, especially in recent years, which have a wide application in industry. Among these composite materials, in this paper we studied about electrolyte composites obtained. The matrix is made up of particles of Ni-P on which have been deposited Si-C hard particles. The amount of phosphorus incorporated into the layer increases with increasing the content of phosphorous acid in the electrolyte. The content of phosphorus incorporated into the coating composition evolves as both solid as well as particle-free solutions. When the content of phosphorous acid in the electrolyte is low and where alloys are micro crystallized, the presence of particulates changes a little the phosphorus content. At the increase of phosphorus content included in the coating is observed that the incorporation of phosphorus is higher for increasing the amount of silicon carbide particles. This matrix study was done according to the amount of phosphorus in the deposited layer. The co-deposited phosphorus modifies the crystallization mechanism so the super saturation nickel network by phosphorus allows the inhibition of the growth of nickel crystallites whose size decreases until the complete amorphization of the solid solution. The development of these deposits was aimed at determining the influence of the variation of phosphorous acid in the electrolyte, and therefore the change in the content of phosphorus included in the layer for the SiC particulate, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, it was intended the influence of heat treatment on the deposition hardness. After the measurements, it is noted that the layer thicknesses are higher for the deposition obtained from electrolyte with small containing of phosphorous acid. The structure of the Ni-P alloy and the composite material Ni-P / SiC, depends on the amount of phosphorus contained in the layer and varies from the crystalline state (the low content of phosphorus) to the amorphous state (the high content of phosphorus). Metallographic investigation and X-ray diffraction on the P20S40 sample structure reveals the existence of nano-crystalline state of the layer, and it is noted that the grains of Ni-P alloy is lower than that incorporated SiC particles that are more evident. Following heat treatment, it was found that the microcrystalline structure of the deposits, consisting of a solid nickel solution supersaturated in phosphorus, is maintained up to 463 K, and at higher temperatures it is producing the precipitation of the Ni3P compound into the nickel matrix.

The past and future of phytoplankton in the UK's largest lake, Lough Neagh

Lough Neagh is the largest lake in the UK and has been extensively monitored since 1974. It has suffered from considerable eutrophication and toxic algal blooms. The lake continues to endure many of the symptoms of nutrient enrichment despite improvements in nutrient management throughout the catchment, in particular a permanently dominant crop of the cyanobacterium Planktothrix agardhii. This study examines the historical changes in the Lough, and uses the PROTECH lake model to predict how the phytoplankton community may adapt in response to potential future changes in air temperature and nutrient load. PROTECH was calibrated against 2008 observations, with a restriction on the maximum simulated mixed depth to reflect the shallow nature of the lake and the addition of sediment released phosphorus throughout the mixed water column between 1 May and 1 October (with an equivalent in-lake concentration of 2.0mgm−3). The historical analysis showed that phytoplankton biomass (total chlorophyll a) experienced a steady decline since the mid-1990s. During the same period the key nutrients for phytoplankton growth in the lake have shown contrasting trends, with increases in phosphorus concentrations and declines in nitrate concentrations. The modelled future scenarios which simulated a temperature increase of up to 3°C showed a continuation of those trends, i.e. total chlorophyll a and nitrate concentrations declined in the surface water, while phosphorus concentrations increased and P. agardhii dominated. However, scenarios which simulated a 4°C increase in air temperature showed a switch in dominance to the cyanobacteria, Dolichospermum spp. (formerly Anabaena spp.). This change was caused by a temperature related increase in growth driving nutrient consumption to a point where nitrate was limiting, allowing the nitrogen-fixing Dolichospermum spp. to gain sufficient advantage. These results suggest that in the long term, one nuisance cyanobacteria bloom may only be replaced by another unless the in-lake phosphorus concentration can be greatly reduced.

English

The experiment was conducted in a protected cultivation in the Marechal C&acirc;ndido Rondon, PR, Brazil. The experimental design was constituted of randomized blocks with six piggery wastewater doses (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 m&sup3; ha-1) in four repetitions. The variables evaluated were: number of tillers, plant height, dry matter, leaf area, leaf number, potassium content, phosphorus content and crude protein in the culture, leachate and soil analysis. The number of tillers increased linearly with the addition of SRW doses. At the beginning of the development of millet culture, swine raising wastewater (SRW) application causes a decrease in plant height; however, over the course of time, this management increases those values. There was an increase in the number of leaves at the beginning, and leaf area at the end of the development of millet crop. The SRW doses applied did not cause increase in phosphorus and potassium contents in plants, raising only the crude protein. The dry mass is highly influenced by the increase in SRW doses, with their highest levels in a dose of 319.75 m&sup3; ha-1. The SRW doses cause reduction in soil pH and its constituents are not leached. &nbsp; Key words: Fertilization, swine dejects, nutrient leaching.

Environmental Analysis of Switchgrass on Soil

Conversion of biomass to fuel is quickly gaining popularity due to its carbon neutral status and the cost volatility of the traditional fossil fuel resources. Biomass feedstocks, such as switchgrass, require minimal fertilizers, labor, and land management. For sustainable switchgrass production to occur, we must understand environmental effects associated with switchgrass, such as any changes soil is undergoing during the growth of switchgrass. This particular study focuses on concentrations of potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen in soil. Numerous soil samples were taken from four different species of switchgrass in areas with different amounts of nitrogen fertilization. This study found that there was not an overall trend amongst all the soil and switchgrass plots, however there were some similarities within the individual soils and grasses. The soil samples showed that there tends to be an overall decrease in phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen but some of the soil samples showed an increase in phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen content in 2009. Average nitrogen concentrations observed in soil ranged from 2.11-8.99 g N/kg soil and in switchgrass ranged from 3.38-7.67 g N/kg grass. The amounts of phosphorus in soil ranged from 30.7-179 mg P/kg soil and in switchgrass ranged from 14.5-52.7 g of P/kg grass. The amounts of potassium in soil ranged from 162-337 mg K/kg soil.

Key role of phosphorus and nitrogen in regulating cyanobacterial community composition in the northern Baltic Sea

Despite cyanobacteria being a key phytoplankton group in the Baltic Sea, the factors governing their community structure are still poorly understood. Here, we studied the occurrence of the orders Chroococcales, Oscillatoriales and Nostocales, and potentially explanatory variables at five locations in the northern Baltic Sea from June–September, 1998–2012. Cyanobacteria constituted 1–36% of the total phytoplankton biomass along the north–south gradient. In the Bothnian Bay, Chroococcales and Oscillatoriales dominated the cyanobacterial community, whereas in the Bothnian Sea and northern Baltic Proper, Nostocales was the dominant group. The dominance of Chroococcales was coupled to low salinity and low total phosphorus, whereas Oscillatoriales correlated with high total nitrogen and low salinity. Nostocales correlated to high total phosphorus, inorganic phosphorus and salinity. Chroococcales showed an increase over time in the offshore Bothnian Bay, whereas Nostocales increased in the coastal Bothnian Sea and coastal Baltic Proper. The increase of Nostocales in the coastal Bothnian Sea was explained by a rise in total phosphorus and decrease in dissolved inorganic nitrogen compared to an increase of total nitrogen and phosphorus in the coastal Baltic Proper. No significant trends were observed in the cyanobacterial community in the offshore Bothnian Sea and the offshore northern Baltic Proper. We concluded that Chroococcales may be a useful indicator for increased phosphorus levels in waters with low phosphorus concentrations, whereas Nostocales could be used as a quality indicator for increasing phosphorus concentrations in waters with low inorganic N/P ratios (<20), such as in the coastal Bothnian Sea and Baltic Proper.

Effects of long term raw pig slurry inputs on nutrient and metal contamination of tropical volcanogenic soils, Uvéa Island (South Pacific)

In small Polynesian islands, family pig breeding is usually conducted without recovery of pig slurry. Raw pig slurry is spread onto the soil without any treatment. So far, most of the studies were carried out in temperate climate and for industrial digested pig slurry applications on agricultural lands. In the present case study, conducted in Uvéa Island, the aim is to determine if long term application of raw pig slurry on tropical soils, naturally rich in heavy metals has a significant influence on elements concentrations and mobility. Two types of tropical soils and two pig breeding systems, pig enclosure on small concrete pens or pig enclosure in large land pens, were investigated. Here we demonstrate that raw pig slurry inputs on soils can lead to an increase of total nitrogen and phosphorus content with high Contamination Factors. The Pollution Load Index values (1.3; 5.3; 2.5; 2.3) were indicative of multi-heavy metals pollution (Fe, Mn, Al, Cu, Zn, Cr and Ni) in mixed calcareous soils of the coastal area and they are exchangeable while they are immobilized or less mobile in inland pure ferralitic soils. For mixed calcareous soils of the coastal area, family pig breeding represents a drainage risk of soluble species (phosphorus, inorganic nitrogen, Fe, Mn, Al, Cu, Zn, Cr and Ni). For inland ferralitic soils, family pig breeding is more compatible with a sustainable management of the environment in Uvéa Island and by extension in volcanic tropical islands with respect to the investigated chemical elements.

Distribution of phosphorus and hydroxypropyl groups within granules of modified sweet potato starches as determined after chemical peeling

The distributions of phosphorus and hydroxypropyl groups within granules of cross-linked and hydroxypropylated sweet potato starches were investigated. Chemical surface peeling of starch granules was performed after sieving of native and modified starches into large-size (diameter≥20μm) and small-size (diameter<20μm) fractions. Starch granules were surface gelatinized in a 4M calcium chloride solution at different levels. After the peeling step, the remaining starch granules were analysed for the content of phosphorus and hydroxypropyl groups. The phosphorus level of the parental starch gradually decreased from periphery to core of the granules. The increase in phosphorus content after cross-linking in periphery was higher than that in core. The subsequent hydroxypropylation reaction resulted in lower phosphate levels. Hydroxypropylation resulted in a gradient of hydroxypropyl group concentration from periphery to core. Cross-linking prior to the hydroxypropylation resulted in lower levels of hydroxypropyl groups and less pronounced differences between periphery and core.

Effect of tannery wastes and biochar on soil chemical and physicochemical properties and growth traits of radish

Abstract Tannery wastes can be used in soil as organic manure. The aim of this research was to study the effects of tannery wastes (before a chromium addition step) and biochar on soil chemical and physicochemical properties and radish yield. Treatments included three levels of tannery waste (0, 2.5, and 5%) and two levels of biochar (0 and 2.5 t ha−1) in a completely randomized design (factorial) with three replications. The treated pots were kept under field capacity condition for three months; thereafter, five radish seeds were sown at 1 cm depth in soil of each pot. The results showed that tannery wastes and biochar treatments resulted in an increase in soil nitrogen and phosphorus contents and their concentrations in radish root and above ground biomass, but electrical conductivity of soil was decreased and had no effect on soil potassium content. The tannery waste treatment increased soil pH after plant harvest. It also significantly increased radish fresh and dry matter weight, but the biochar treatment yielded a slight increase. It is concluded that application of tannery wastes and biochar may be useful due to their high nutrient contents in soils lacking organic carbon under arid and semi-arid regions, thereby improving growth and increasing plant yield.

Effect of wet ball milling on physicochemical properties and crosslinking reaction performance of corn starch

Corn starch was physically modified with a ball mill in ethanol. The effect of ball‐milling treatment on particle morphology, particle size distribution, crystalline structure, and pasting property was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser diffractometer, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and rapid viscosity analyzer (RVA). In addition, the ball‐milling effect on crosslinking performance of corn starch was also investigated. It was observed that the milled starch granules lost surface smoothness at high milling loads (25 and 30 g), while some granules were squashed at low milling loads (15 and 20 g). As milling load decreased from 30 to 15 g, the milled starch showed increase in volume average diameter (D[4,3]) from 13.49 to 15.45 µm. The crystalline structure of starch was partly destroyed by the milling. The pasting temperature and peak viscosity of milled starch decreased with decreasing milling load. The starch samples show improvement in crosslinking process following ball‐milling treatment as indicated by increased phosphorus content.

Improvement in flame retardancy of polyurethane dispersions by newer reactive flame retardant

A novel phosphorus containing reactive flame retardant was synthesized and incorporated successfully in polyurethane backbone to obtain flame retardant aqueous polyurethane dispersions (FRPUDs). The reactive flame retardant compound was synthesized by using phosphorus oxychloride (1 mole) and N-methylaminoethanol (3 mole). The structure of synthesized phosphorus containing triol was confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR and 31P NMR spectrometry. Further, polyurethane prepolymer was modified with phosphorus containing triol compound in various amounts (30, 40 and 50% on equivalent basis) and FRPUDs were prepared. PUD films were applied on wood and mild steel panels and air dried. It was then characterized for mechanical, chemical, thermal and flame retardant properties. It was observed that all FRPUDs exhibited good mechanical properties and improved flame retardancy as compared to the conventional one. The maximum limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 37 was obtained for FRPUD containing 0.8 mass% of phosphorus and 1 mass% of nitrogen. The flame retardancy was greatly depending on the phosphorus content and increased with increase in phosphorus content.

Bioaugmentation of Mesorhizobium cicer, Pseudomonas spp. and Piriformospora indica for Sustainable Chickpea Production.

Chickpea establishes symbiotic association with Mesorhizobium to fulfill its nitrogen (N) requirement. Integrating chickpea rhizosphere with potential native mesorhizobia and other plant growth promoting microorganisms can contribute multiple benefits to plants. The present investigation was undertaken to study interactions among Piriformospora indica (PI) with potential plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) viz. Pseudomonas argentinensis (LPGPR1), Pseudomonas sp. (LPGPR2) along with national check Pseudomons sp. (LK884) and Mesorhizobium cicer (LGR33, MR) to examine the synergistic effect of consortium for improving growth, symbiotic efficiency, nutrient acquisition and yield in two chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties viz. desi PBG1 and kabuli BG1053. In-vitro, seed germination with consortium MR + PI + LPGPR1 was the best compatible treatment followed by MR + PI + LK884 and MR + PI + LPGPR2. Significant improvement in the growth, symbiotic parameters and grain yield was observed with MR + PI + LPGPR1 and MR + PI + LK884 treatments. Significantly high chlorophyll and leghaemoglobin content was recorded with MR + PI + LPGPR1 (1.57 and 1.64mgg(-1) fresh weight of leaves and 5.19 and 4.39mg/g(-1) fresh weight of nodules) in desi PBG1 and kabuli BG1053 chickpea varieties, respectively. At 90 DAS, MR + PI + LPGPR1 treatment significantly improved nodule dry weight (ranged between 84.0 and 141.7mg plant(-1)) as compared to MR alone treatment (ranged between 62.3 and 123.3mg plant(-1)). Data revealed significant increase in total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content of shoot with MR + PI + LPGPR1 by 1.2 and 1.5 fold, respectively over MR alone treatment. On the basis of overall mean, MR + PI + LPGPR1 significantly improved the yield by 8.2% over Mesorhizobium alone application. It seems from foregoing study that tripartite combination of different micro-organisms can be explored as biofertilizer for improvement in chickpea productivity.

Feasibility Study of Vermicomposting of Textile Sludge Mixed with Cow Dung and Seed Germination Bioassay for Toxicity Evaluation of the Produced Compost

Transformation of textile sludges into vermicomposts can convert these wastes into good quality manure. The present study investigate the feasibility of vermicomposting process to transform the textile sludge amended with cow dung in different ratio into value added products by using an epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida. Seed germination bioassay also investigated using mustard seeds (Brassica nigra) in order to evaluate the toxicity and maturity tests of those different mixtures and their produced composts. The result revealed that the E. foetida did not survive in fresh textile sludge. But worms grew and reproduced in textile sludge spiked with cow dung feed mixtures. Presence of more than 20% of textile sludge in feed mixture affected biomass gain and cocoon production largely by earthworms. The net weight gained by E. foetida in 100% cow dung was three fold higher than the feed mixture of 50% cow dung + 50% textile sludge. After 13 weeks, maximum cocoons (56 cocoons) were counted in 100% cow dung and minimum (6 cocoons) in 50% cow dung + 50% textile sludge feed mixture. Vermicomposting resulted in pH shift toward slightly acidic, significant reduction in TOC and C:N ratio, and increase in nitrogen phosphorus and sulphur content. Total potassium content, calcium content and heavy metal’s (Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn) content were lower in the final product than initial feed material. The results of phytotoxicity test showed that all the vermicompost products had the higher seed germination percentage, root elongation percentage and germination index than their respective initial feed mixtures. The feed mixtures having the textile sludge had various phytotoxic compounds which might inhibit seed germination before vermicomposting. But the vermicomposts of different feed mixtures having the presence of 100% cow dung and 10% - 20% textile sludge were matured compost and had no phytotoxic effects as they had the germination index higher than 60. All the results indicated that vermicomposting (using E. foetida) is a suitable technology for the decomposition of textile sludge into value added materials. This textile sludge could be converted into good quality manure by vermicomposting if mixed in appropriate ratio (up to 20% on dry weight basis) with cow dung.

Effects of FeNi-phosphorus-carbon system on crystal growth of diamond under high pressure and high temperature conditions**Project supported by the Doctoral Fund of Henan Polytechnic University, China (Grant Nos. B2013-013 and B2013-044) and the Research Projects of Science and Technology of the Education Department of Henan Province, China (Grant Nos. 14B430026 and 12A430010).

This paper reports the crystal growth of diamond from the FeNi–Carbon system with additive phosphorus at high pressures and high temperatures of 5.4–5.8 GPa and 1280–1360 °C. Attributed to the presence of additive phosphorus, the pressure and temperature condition, morphology, and color of diamond crystals change obviously. The pressure and temperature condition of diamond growth increases evidently with the increase of additive phosphorus content and results in the moving up of the V-shape region. The surfaces of the diamonds also become coarse as the additive phosphorus added in the growth system. Raman spectra indicate that diamonds grown from the FeNi-phosphorus-carbon system have more crystal defects and impurities. This work provides a new way to enrich the doping of diamond and improve the experimental exploration for future material applications.