Inorganic Sources Research Articles

English

In modern agriculture, soil salinity stress has been extensively studied by researchers owing to its disastrous impacts on soil and plant health. Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient. Crucial role of Zn in regulating plant growth under salinity stress has been well documented. Current research consisted of two studies, first study was aimed at comparing three organic (i.e. sugarcane filter cake, farmyard manure and poultry manure) and inorganic sources (i.e. zinc oxide, zinc sulphate and zinc nitrate) of Zn for improving Zn uptake by salt tolerant wheat varieties in a pot trial. Whereas, in second experiment the effect of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4; inorganic) alone and in combination with sugarcane filter cake (SFC; organic) was evaluated in sustaining wheat growth under naturally salt affected soil. Results from pot trial suggested that among different organic sources, SFC application significantly enhanced the plant height (12.52%), spike length (9.07%) and number of fertile tillers (25%), whereas, application of ZnSO4 among the inorganic sources resulted in notable enhancements in plant height (7%), number of fertile tillers (24%), and spike length (8%) compared to their corresponding treatments. In addition, wheat variety Sehar-2006 proved to be the most efficient wheat variety under salinized conditions. Whereas the findings of the field trial revealed ZnSO4 application @ 24 kg ha-1 in combination with SFC 1 % w/w improved the plant height (2%), grain yield (81%), K+/Na+ ratio (1.4 fold), catalase (8%) and peroxidase (3%) activities.

Effect on yield, nutrient uptake and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under integrated nutrient management

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a heavy feeder and highly responsive to nutrient input, where the proper quantity and timing of nutrient supply is most critical component in achieving high productivity in potato cultivation. To assess the crop response and productivity, the potato variety ‘Kufri Jyoti’ was taken under different integrated nutrient management practices. The recommended dose of fertilizer was at 150:80:100 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ha, 25 kg/ha of ZnSO4 and 15 kg/ha of Borax were applied during the experiment. The results indicated that there were highly significant effects of higher doses of nitrogen with recommended P and K combined applied with Zinc and Boron on tuber yield, plant NPK uptake efficiency and enzymatic activities. Results from the experiment expressed that the application of 125% RDN along with the application of Zn and B ensured maximum total tuber yield (24.73 t/ha), crop growth rate (5.222 g/m2/day), relative growth rate (0.066 g/g/day) at peak growth stages and quality such as starch (15.64%) and sucrose synthase activity (695 µg/g of fresh weight of tuber) of potato grown with the above nutrient management practices. This study indicated that production variation for higher nitrogen doses from inorganic sources of fertilizer existed among 16 different nutrient application treatments, and with better quality parameters.

Influence of mineral source and inclusion levels of iron, copper, and zinc on the oxidative stability of extruded cat food

This study aimed to compare inorganic sources (sulfates) and chelated organic sources (proteinates) of minerals on the oxidative stability and shelf-life of extruded cat food. Five complete foods were formulated, including a negative control without supplementation of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), or zinc (Zn). The other formulations were obtained by supplementing the negative control formulation with these microminerals in organic or inorganic form at one (1x) or two (2x) times the FEDIAF (2021) requirement level for adult cats. The effects of supplementation on oxidative stability and shelf-life were determined before and after extrusion and during the 365-day storage period. The levels of fatty acids and synthetic antioxidants (BHA and BHT) were significantly lower after extrusion (P < 0.05). While inorganic and organic mineral sources did not differ, the negative control retained higher levels of fatty acids and synthetic antioxidants compared to mineral sources and levels. After extrusion, saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were reduced by 22.82% ± 1.8%, 22.91% ± 1.9%, and 19.32% ± 2.5%, respectively, with no mineral source and level effects. The Concentrations of synthetic antioxidants were significantly lower after extrusion, with a retention of 49.72% in the negative control and 35.09% ± 1.23% in the other treatments. Storage studies showed that fatty acids declined over time without significant treatment differences (P > 0.05). As expected, the most evident change was that of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Synthetic antioxidant levels also lowered during storage, with significant differences among treatments (P < 0.05). The highest losses were observed in formulations supplemented with inorganic sources. These differences affected peroxide value, which was influenced by both supplementation level and source. At the end of 365 days of shelf life, the peroxide value in foods supplemented with inorganic minerals was 92.3% (1×) and 49.7% (2×) greater than in foods with the same level of organic minerals. The negative control formulation had the lowest peroxide value among all treatments. From this data, we can conclude that the source of the microelements Fe, Cu, and Zn does not influence the oxidative stability of cat food during the extrusion process; however, the inorganic sources (e.g., sulfates) favor the oxidation during storage, which may be attenuated using less reactive, organic trace mineral sources, such as proteinates.

Influence of Inorganic Nitroge N-Nutrients on Copper Toxicity in &lt;I&gt;Anacystis nidulans&lt;/I&gt; and Cyanophage As-I Resistant Mutant

The effect of different nitrogen sources on growth and copper toxicity was studied in the unicellular cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans and Gyanophage AS-1 resistant mutant (An/AS-1). The mutant An/AS-1 was characterised by slow growth rate but was more senstitive to copper than its parent. In both the strains, the presence of high nitrate concentrations, which supported better growth of algae, reduced the algicidal effect of copper. However, other inorganic nitrogen sources such as nitrite and ammonium caused more inhibition and reduced the specific growth rate.

Influence of complex enzyme drug and phytase on growth, digestibility and use of nutrients of wheat and soya compound feed and mineralization of the drumstick in broiler chickens

Plant feeds contain anti-nutritional factors. Thus, non-starchy polysaccharides are poorly digested and can serve as a barrier to enzyme access to nutrients. Phytate can form a complex with other divalent cations (Ca, Mn, Mg, Fe, Zn), amino acids. Phytate is the largest reserve of phosphorus in plants, but this compound cannot be effectively absorbed by poultry, which requires the inclusion of expensive inorganic sources of phosphorus in feed. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the possible effects of separate and combined inclusion of the complex enzyme drug Sunzyme (matrix as an ingredient) and the phytase-containing enzyme drug Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value) on the digestibility and absorption of nutrients of wheat and soybean compound feed by broiler chickens. During the experiment, 204 day-old broiler chickens were divided according to the principle of analogues into 4 groups of 51 heads in each. The broiler chickens of the control group received compound feed without enzyme drugs, the 1st experimental group received compound feed with Sanzyme (matrix as an ingredient), the 2nd experimental group received compound feed with Sanzyme (matrix as an ingredient) and Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value), the 3rd experimental group received compound feed with Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value). Compound feeds were fed from one day to 42 days of age. In order to determine the digestibility of the main nutrients in compound feeds of broiler chickens aged 35–42 days, a physiological experiment was carried out based on the results of which a animal science analysis of the fed compound feeds and litter was carried out using generally accepted methods. When studying feed and litter, the mass fraction of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, fiber, nitrogen-free extractives, ash, calcium and phosphorus were determined. It was found that compared with the control group broiler chickens received Sunzyme and Sunface 5000 had higher coefficients of digestibility and nutrient utilization of wheat and soybean compound feeds and as a result achieved a high average final live weight with low feed intake per unit of gain during the rearing period.

Selenium inorganic sources applied to soil: Effects on gas exchange and anatomical changes of radishes

Selenium (Se), in low doses, provides several beneficial effects, such as plant resistance to various abiotic stresses (e.g. drought stress and low/high temperatures). However, Se excess causes toxicity, with harmful impacts such as a decline in yield. Here, we studied the effects of fertilization with different Se sources and doses applied via soil on Se accumulation, toxicity, as well as on gas exchange, and anatomy of leaves and roots of radish plants. A randomized experimental design was adopted with three replications in a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial arrangement: two Se sources (sodium selenate – Na2SeO4 and sodium selenite – Na2SeO3·5H2O), three Se doses applied on soil (0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mg dm−3), and one control treatment (without Se application). Each experimental unit consisted of one pot containing six radish plants. Selenate at 1.8 mg Se dm−3 increased the Se accumulation and radish dry matter. Selenite generally caused significant changes in the anatomical part, mainly in the conductive tissues of the leaves. In leaves with selenite fertilization, it was estimated that the maximum Se accumulation would be 5.9 µg plant−1 with a rate of 2.0 mg Se dm−3. However, it was impossible to estimate the maximum Se accumulation with selenate fertilization because as the dose increased, there were also increases in accumulation, thus presenting a linear regression. The maximum Se accumulation in radishes would be 10.7 µg Se plant −1 with 1.2 mg Se dm−3 by selenite and 45.8 µg Se plant−1 with 5.0 mg Se dm−3 by selenate. Although the highest dry mass production occurred with the 1.8 mg Se dm−3 through selenite, it is recommended to use smaller doses to provide adequate Se consumption selenate. The gas exchange and the anatomy of the plants changed due to Se fertilization through selenate and selenite.

Response of N, P &amp; K Uptake Pattern under the Different Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Potato, Solanum tuberosum L., Crop

The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Block Design treatments 8 viz. T1 Control,T2 FYM @ 30 t/ha) + biofertilizer (PSB), T3 poultry manure @ 5 t/ha + biofertilizer (PSB),T4 vermicompost @ 7.5 t/ha + biofertilizer (PSB), T5 FYM @ 10 t/ha + poultry manure @ 1.7 t/ha +vermicompost 2.7 t/ha + biofertilizer (PSB), T6 67% RDF through inorganic sources + 33% RDF through organic sources i.e. FYM + biofertilizer (PSB), T7 33% RDF through inorganic sources + 67% RDF through organic sources i.e. FYM + biofertilizer (PSB) and T8 Farmer practices (through organic). All the treatment combinations were replicated three times. The soil of the experiment field was silty loam in texture and medium in fertility status with the pH values 8.1, organic carbon 0.31%. The available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were 140.0, 15.2, and 240 kg ha-1 respectively.

Nitrogen isotope ratio (δ15N): a nearly unexplored indicator that provides useful information in viticulture

The study of the natural abundance of nitrogen-stable isotopes is an aspect of viticulture research that has received limited attention. While stable isotopes of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen have received significant attention, nitrogen isotope ratio (δ15N) remains a less studied yet potentially informative parameter. This paper explores the implications of δ15N measurements in grapevines, shedding light on its utility as an indicator for nitrogen sources, plant water status, and within-field variability. The study examines the influence of nitrogen sources, dose, and sampling organs on δ15N values, revealing distinct trends in petioles, berries, and seeds. Organic fertilisers led to higher δ15N values compared to inorganic sources, while increasing nitrogen doses exhibited a much weaker effect on δ15N. Moreover, δ15N values vary spatially within vineyards, associating with its topography and potential soil composition, soil management and water availability. Our results highlight the importance of considering δ15N in viticulture, suggesting its integration with δ13C for comprehensive insights into nitrogen cycling and soil management practices. The findings advocate for further research to harness the full potential of δ15N as a valuable tool in viticultural studies.

Integrated Nutrient Management for Lentil Cultivation: Improving Soil Fertility, Nutrient Content, and Economic Returns

Context: -Overuse of chemical fertilizers reduces soil fertility, which highlights the need to switch to integrated farming practices for sustainable growth. Purpose: – A field experiment was conducted to analyse the effects of various integrated nutrient management strategies on soil fertility generally, nutrient level fluctuations in the soil, plant uptake, and nutrient content and economic consequences in lentil farming. Method: – Eight different treatments representing various nutrient sources were used in the experiment, which used a Randomized Block Design. Each treatment had three replications. Result: – The results indicated that there was no significant difference among 8 different treatments for soil pH and EC. The available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium in soil and content in straw and seed were found highest in T 8 while protein content in seed was also found highest in T 8 (24.85 %) followed by T 7 (24.50 %). But the economics of cultivation indicated T 4 to be the best with the highest B:C ratio (1.96). Conclusion: – The proper and balanced usage of organic and inorganic sources of nutrient increased soil accessible nutrient pool and there was abundant of the remainder of nutrient in the soil. The impact of combined RDF, rhizobium, vermicompost and FYM may be the reason in higher nutrient content in soil, plants and quality of lentil. Implication: – The practice of integrated nutrient management strategies are for improving lentil cultivation's soil fertility, nutrient uptake, protein content, and overall economic viability.

Nickel-rich ternary cathode material as a novel capping layer to improve lithium iron phosphate electrochemical performance

We use a facile high-temperature solid-phase method to coat a layer of Ni-rich ternary material (LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2) on the surface of lithium iron phosphate. This active coating greatly improves the intrinsic conductivity of LiFePO4. Compared to the conventional carbon material cladding, since this cladding layer is electrochemically active, the problem of decreasing the proportion of active material due to the addition of a cladding layer can be avoided to a certain extent. Compared with the samples capped with conventional organic carbon source (151.2 mAh g−1) and inorganic carbon source (155.9 mAh g−1) at 0.2 C, the discharge specific capacity was as high as 165.7 mAh g−1. Capacity retention after 200 cycles is up to 98 %, which is much higher than that of glucose and graphene oxide (GO)-coated samples (95.9 %, 96.6 %). Even when charging and discharging cycles are performed at different multipliers (2C and 10C), the retention rate remains higher than the latter.

Optimizing nutrient application and nitrogen transformation to maximize the growth and productivity of bud chip transplanted sugarcane

The judicious use of different organic and inorganic nutrient sources is of prime importance for enhancing the productivity of long-duration and nutrient-exhaustive crops, including sugarcane. We aimed to assess the impact of optimum nutrient application through integration of bio-products and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield of sugarcane, and N availability in sugarcane plant crops raised through bud chip settlings. The fifteen treatment combinations were replicated three times in randomized block design. Results revealed that 150% of RDF + 5 t vermicompost ha−1 + 25 kg ZnSO4 + Azotobacter + phosphate solubilizing bacteria recorded the highest growth in terms of plant population, drymatter production, cane diameter, millable canes and single cane weight; cane yield (138.7 t ha−1) and net returns (Rs. 2, 62, 600 ha−1) followed by 150% RDF + 5 t vermicompost + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha−1 in sugarcane. However, maximum benefit: cost ratio was evidenced with 150% RDF alone (1.80) and lowest in RDF + 5 t vermicompost ha−1 (0.78), respectively. NO3-N, exchangeable NH4 +-N, hydrolyzable NH4 +-N were found to represent about 20.5 to 30.9, 41.5 to 73.8, 55.8 to 76.8 mg kg−1, respectively. The relative contents of these fractions were in the order: non-hydrolysable > unidentified N > amino acid N > hydrolyzable NH4 +-N > exchangeable NH4 +-N > NO3-N > hexose amine N. Thus, the integration of organic sources with NPK holds great promise to increase cane yield and N availability in soil but with 150% RDF proved to be more remunerative and economically sound for the bud chip raised sugarcane.

Organic Farming vs. Integrated Nutrient Management: A Comparative Review of Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

In an era where sustainable agriculture is crucial for global food security and environmental preservation, organic farming and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) have emerged as leading practices. This review paper offers a comprehensive comparison of these two approaches, focusing on their impact on agricultural productivity and sustainability. Organic farming, with its emphasis on reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones, and feed additives, aligns closely with the principles of sustainability. It enhances food quality, promotes soil health, and mitigates adverse environmental effects by encouraging natural recovery cycles. However, organic farming's limitations, such as lower yields and a more labour-intensive approach have prompted interest in innovative solutions that blend organic practices with modern technologies. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) presents a compelling alternative. By combining organic, inorganic, and biological nutrient sources, INM seeks to optimize nutrient use efficiency and maintain soil health. This approach offers a flexible nutrient management strategy, balancing organic and inorganic inputs to maintain crop productivity while reducing environmental impact. Studies have shown that INM can improve soil properties, such as bulk density, porosity, and water-holding capacity, leading to enhanced crop yields and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The paper explores how INM's integrated approach not only stabilizes crop production but also supports the growth of soil microbes, providing a source of energy and organic carbon. By using a combination of specific microorganisms, organic matter, and minimal doses of inorganic fertilizers, INM can achieve a harmonious balance that reduces environmental pollution and ensures long-term soil fertility. Ultimately, this review underscores the potential of combining organic and INM practices to create a sustainable and productive agricultural system. Through a comparative analysis, the paper aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and farmers towards adopting strategies that foster agricultural sustainability without compromising productivity.

Total and Class-Specific Determination of Fluorinated Compounds in Consumer and Food Packaging Samples Using Fluorine-19 Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Hamburger wrapping paper, coated with water-based barrier coatings, used in the food packaging industry was studied by using the total organic fluorine (TOF) method based on combustion ion chromatography and fluorine-19 solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (19F ss-NMR) spectroscopy. Although the TOF method is a fast and affordable method used to screen for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the amount of fluorine it measures is heavily dependent on the extraction step and, therefore could lead to inaccurate results. Fluorine-19 ss-NMR spectroscopy can differentiate between organic and inorganic fluorinated sources, eliminating the need for sample clean up. To illustrate this, the 19F ss-NMR spectra of clean coated paper samples that contained naturally occurring F- ions from the talc raw material and spiked samples containing perfluorooctanoic acid were compared. A range of experimental conditions was explored to improve sensitivity for low PFAS concentrations (in the order of 10-20 mg/kg). Despite the disadvantages of ss-NMR spectroscopy, such as the low limit of detection and resolution, the results demonstrate it can be a viable tool to directly detect PFAS moieties in consumer and food packaging. Therefore, 19F solid-state NMR spectroscopy challenges and complements current methods, which only provide indirect evidence of the presence of PFAS.

Apparent total tract digestibility of calcium and phosphorus from partially defatted Hermetia illucens larvae meal in pigs

Abstract Insect meals, which have emerged as a sustainable protein source in animal nutrition, are also rich in calcium and phosphorus and thus might be a valuable source for supplying these minerals in farm animals. The aim of the present study was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of these minerals from commercially available partially defatted meals of Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae in growing pigs. According to a difference approach, twenty male growing pigs with an average body weight of around 30 kg were divided into five groups of four pigs each and fed either a basal diet or the basal diet blended with one of three HI meals or monocalcium phosphate (MCP, as a positive control) for 14 days. Calcium and phosphorus ATTD were determined, by using the indicator method with acid-insoluble ash as an indigestible marker. Calcium ATTD on average of the three HI meals was 71.2%, ranging from 60.7% to 77.0%, and the ATTD of phosphorus was 80.6%, with a range of 70.8% to 88.9%. Calcium and phosphorus ATTD of MCP were 95.0% and 82.8%, respectively. The study shows that calcium and phosphorus from HI meals exhibit a relatively high ATTD in pigs, similar to that observed from inorganic mineral sources. Thus, HI meal could substantially contribute to the supply of calcium and phosphorus to pigs, thus opening the possibility to conserve scarce minerals resources such as phosphate-rich rocks for pig nutrition.

Pollution Characteristics and Sources of Ambient Air Dustfall in Urban Area of Beijing

Since 2016, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Beijing Municipal Government have adjusted the minimum concentration limit for ambient air dustfall several times, indicating that they attach great importance to dustfall. To grasp the pollution characteristics and sources of dustfall, in this work, the filtration method was used to determine the insoluble dustfall and water-soluble dustfall in the urban area of Beijing. From our analysis, the influence of the meteorological parameters on dustfall was found, and the chemical components of dustfall were determined. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was also utilized to analyze the sources of dustfall. The results indicated that the average amount of dustfall in 2021–2022 was 4.4 t·(km2·30 d)−1, and the proportion of insoluble dustfall deposition was 82.4%. Dustfall was positively correlated with the average wind speed and temperature and negatively correlated with the relative humidity and rain precipitation. The impact of the meteorological parameters on insoluble dustfall and water-soluble dustfall was the opposite. The average proportions of crustal material, ions, organic matter, element carbon, trace elements, and unknown components were 48%, 16%, 14%, 1.4%, 0.20%, and 20%, respectively. The proportions of the crustal material and ions were the highest in spring (57%) and summer (37%). The contribution rates of fugitive dust source, secondary inorganic source, mobile source, coal combustion source, snow melting agent source, and other sources were 42.4%, 19.3%, 8.3%, 3.0%, 2.7%, and 24.3%, respectively. This study supported dustfall pollution control by analysing the pollutant characteristics and sources of dustfall from the standpoint of total chemical components. In order to better control dustfall pollution, control measures and evaluation standards for fugitive dust pollution should be formulated.

Hydrochemical and microbial community characteristics and the sources of inorganic nitrogen in groundwater from different aquifers in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China

Groundwater from different aquifers in the Zhanjiang area suffers from different degrees of nitrogen pollution, which poses a serious threat to the health of urban and rural residents as well as the surrounding aquatic ecological environment. However, neither the water chemistry and microbial community characteristics in different aquifer media nor the sources of inorganic nitrogen pollution have been extensively studied. This study integrated water quality parameters, dual isotopes (δ15N–NO3− and δ18O–NO3−), and 16S rRNA data to clarify the hydrochemical and microbial characteristics of loose rock pore water (LRPW), layered bedrock fissure water (LBFW), and volcanic rock pore fissure water (VRPFW) in the Zhanjiang area and to determine inorganic nitrogen pollution and sources. The results show that the hydrochemistry of groundwater in different aquifers is complex and diverse, which is mainly affected by rock weathering and atmospheric precipitation, and the cation exchange is strong. High NO3− concentration reduces the richness of the microbial community (VRPFW). There are a large number of bacteria related to nitrogen (N) cycle in groundwater and nitrification dominated the N transformation. A quarter of the samples exceeded the relevant inorganic nitrogen index limits specified in the drinking water standard for China. The NO3− content is highest in VRPFW and the NH4+ content is highest in shallow loose rock pore water (SLRPW). In general, NO3−/Cl−, dual isotope (δ15N–NO3− and δ18O–NO3−) data and MixSIAR quantitative results indicate manure and sewage (M&S) and soil organic nitrogen (SON) are the main sources of NO3−. In LRPW, as the depth increases, the contribution rate of M&S gradually decreases, and the contribution rate of SON gradually increases. The results of uncertainty analysis show that the UI90 values of SON and M&S are higher. This study provides a scientific basis for local relevant departments to address inorganic nitrogen pollution in groundwater.

Application of Nanostructured Materials for the Remediation of Microbes Contaminated Water and Sustainable Water Treatment

Regardless of whether pollution originates from inorganic sources such as heavy metals, or organic waste such as industrial discharges; it poses a grave threat toward human health and environmental equilibrium. Air and water quality, soil health, ecosystem integrity—all can suffer negative impacts due to these pollutants with far-reaching effects on both public health and our surroundings. To alleviate this pervasive problem effectively: comprehensive strategies must be implemented that encompass strict regulatory measures; advocate for sustainable industrial practices – promoting environmentally conscious behaviors is also key, and recent decades have seen a marked rise in pollutants in water sources. Human existence depends on having access to clean water, yet numerous sources are now seriously contaminated. Fortunately, using several cutting-edge methods, nanotechnology provides intriguing and useful options for wastewater cleaning. Numerous pollutants, including germs, sediments, and dangerous chemicals like Mercury and Arsenic, may be removed using nanotechnology. The development of wastewater treatment alternatives is being aided by cutting-edge nanotechnology, which has the potential to improve the reuse of water, recycling, and restoration. This not only improves the quality and durability of the water over the long term, but also assures future generations will have access to it. Diverse procedures and strategies are now used in the field of water purification, many of which use nanomaterials. Nanofiltration is a particularly effective and straightforward technique. Low pressure water is used in this method to flow through nanofiltration filters; these filters may be quickly cleaned by simply back-flushing. Utilizing carbon nanotubes, which are recognized for their efficiency in eliminating a wide range of water contaminants because of their incredibly smooth interiors, is another benefit of nanofiltration. When compared to traditional microstructure materials, nanostructured materials, such as Ag (silver), Au (gold), metal oxides, and CNTs (carbon nanotubes), provide several advantages in the purification of water. They are excellent alternatives for tackling the urgent problems caused by water contamination because of their increased surface area and exceptional qualities. In conclusion, the use of nanomaterials in water filtration, such as Ag, Au, metal oxides, and CNTs, marks a huge step towards protecting our planet's most valuable resource. We can create a sustainable future where everyone has access to clean, secure drinking water by using the potential of nanotechnology.

Redox Relay-Induced C-S Radical Cross-Coupling Strategy: Application in Nontraditional Site-Selective Thiocyanation of Quinoxalinones.

Oxidative cross-coupling is a powerful strategy to form C-heteroatom bonds. However, oxidative cross-coupling for constructing C-S bond is still a challenge due to sulfur overoxidation and poisoning transition-metal catalysts. Now, electrochemical redox relay using sulfur radicals formed in situ from inorganic sulfur source offers a solution to this problem. Herein, electrochemical redox relay-induced C-S radical cross-coupling of quinoxalinones and ammonium thiocyanate with bromine anion as mediator is presented. The electrochemical redox relay comprised initially the formation of sulfur radical via indirect electrochemical oxidation, simultaneous electrochemical reduction of the imine bond, electro-oxidation-triggered radical coupling involving dearomatization-rearomatization, and the reformation of the imine bond through anodic oxidation. Applying this strategy, various quinoxalinones bearing multifarious electron-deficient/-rich substituents at different positions were well compatible with moderate to excellent yields and good steric hindrance compatibility under constant current conditions in an undivided cell without transition-metal catalysts and additional redox reagents. Synthetic applications of this methodology were demonstrated through gram-scale preparation and follow-up transformation. Notably, such a unique strategy may offer new opportunities for the development of new quinoxalinone-core leads.

Unveiling the ecological resilience and industrial potential of Skeletonema marinoi through mixotrophic cultivation in Nordic winter condition.

Mixotrophy, the concurrent use of inorganic and organic carbon in the presence of light for microalgal growth, holds ecological and industrial significance. However, it is poorly explored in diatoms, especially in ecologically relevant species like Skeletonema marinoi. This study strategically employed mixotrophic metabolism to optimize the growth of a strain of Skeletonema marinoi (Sm142), which was found potentially important for biomass production on the west coast of Sweden in winter conditions. The aim of this study was to discern the most effective organic carbon sources by closely monitoring microalgal growth through the assessment of optical density, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and biomass concentration. The impact of various carbon sources on the physiology of Sm142 was investigated using photosynthetic and respiratory parameters. The findings revealed that glycerol exhibited the highest potential for enhancing the biomass concentration of Sm142 in a multi-cultivator under the specified experimental conditions, thanks to the increase in respiration activity. Furthermore, the stimulatory effect of glycerol was confirmed at a larger scale using environmental photobioreactors simulating the winter conditions on the west coast of Sweden; it was found comparable to the stimulation by CO2-enriched air versus normal air. These results were the first evidence of the ability of Skeletonema marinoi to perform mixotrophic metabolism during the winter and could explain the ecological success of this diatom on the Swedish west coast. These findings also highlight the importance of both organic and inorganic carbon sources for enhancing biomass productivity in harsh winter conditions.

YeeD is an essential partner for YeeE-mediated thiosulfate uptake in bacteria and regulates thiosulfate ion decomposition.

Uptake of thiosulfate ions as an inorganic sulfur source from the environment is important for bacterial sulfur assimilation. Recently, a selective thiosulfate uptake pathway involving a membrane protein YeeE (TsuA) in Escherichia coli was characterized. YeeE-like proteins are conserved in some bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. However, the precise function of YeeE, along with its potential partner protein in the thiosulfate ion uptake pathway, remained unclear. Here, we assessed selective thiosulfate transport via Spirochaeta thermophila YeeE in vitro and characterized E. coli YeeD (TsuB) as an adjacent and essential protein for YeeE-mediated thiosulfate uptake in vivo. We further showed that S. thermophila YeeD possesses thiosulfate decomposition activity and that a conserved cysteine in YeeD was modified to several forms in the presence of thiosulfate. Finally, the crystal structures of S. thermophila YeeE-YeeD fusion proteins at 3.34-Å and 2.60-Å resolutions revealed their interactions. The association was evaluated by a binding assay using purified S. thermophila YeeE and YeeD. Based on these results, a model of the sophisticated uptake of thiosulfate ions by YeeE and YeeD is proposed.