Inorganic Sources Research Articles

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

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

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.

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.

Four sulfur-containing compounds with anti-colon cancer effect from marine-derived fungus Aspergillus terreus

Sulfur-containing natural products possess a variety of biological functions including antitumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. In this study, four previously undescribed sulfur-containing compounds asperteretals L and M, terreins A and B, together with 17 known compounds were obtained from a culture of marine fungus A. terreus supplemented with inorganic sulfur source Na2SO4. Their planar structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD experiments. The in vitro cytotoxicities of compounds 1–21 against HCT-116 and Caco-2 were evaluated by SRB assay. Asperteretal M (2) exhibited activity against HCT-116 with the IC50 value at 30μM. The antiproliferative effect of asperteretal M was confirmed by colony formation assay and cell death staining. Furthermore, the preliminary study on the anti-colon cancer mechanism of asperteretal M was performed by RNA-seq analysis. Western blotting validated that asperteretal M significantly decreased the expression of cell-cycle regulatory proteins CDK1, CDK4, and PCNA in a concentration-dependent manner.

Plasma and tissue transferrin and ferritin, and gene expression of ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin receptors I and II in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fed diets with different concentrations of inorganic or organic iron.

Ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin receptors I and II play a vital role in iron metabolism, health, and indication of iron deficiency anaemia in fish. To evaluate the use of high-iron diets to prevent or reverse channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) anaemia of unknown causes, we investigated the expression of these iron-regulatory genes and proteins in channel catfish fed plant-based diets. Catfish fingerlings were fed five diets supplemented with 0 (basal), 125, and 250 mg/kg of either inorganic iron or organic iron for 2 weeks. Ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin receptor I and II mRNA and protein expression levels in fish tissues (liver, intestine, trunk kidney, and head kidney) and plasma were determined. Transferrin (iron transporter) and TfR (I and II) genes were generally highly expressed in fish fed the basal diet compared to those fed the iron-supplemented diets. In contrast, ferritin (iron storage) genes were more expressed in the trunk kidney of fish fed the iron-supplemented diets than in those fed the basal diet. Our results demonstrate that supplementing channel catfish plant-based diets with iron from either organic or inorganic iron sources affected the expression of the iron-regulatory genes and increased body iron status in the fish.

Production of arabitol from glycerol by immobilized cells of Wickerhamomyces anomalus WC 1501.

Polyalcohols such as arabitol are among the main targets of biorefineries aiming to upcycle wastes and cheap substrates. In previous works Wickerhamomyces anomalus WC 1501 emerged as an excellent arabitol producer utilizing glycerol. Arabitol production by this strain is not growth associated, therefore, in this study, pre-grown cells were entrapped in calcium alginate beads (AB) and utilized for glycerol transformation to arabitol. Flasks experiments aimed to assess the medium composition (i.e., the concentration of inorganic and organic nitrogen sources and phosphates) and to establish the appropriate carrier-to-medium proportion. In flasks, under the best conditions of ammonium limitation and the carrier:medium ratio of 1:3 (w/v), 82.7g/L glycerol were consumed in 168h, yielding 31.2g/L arabitol, with a conversion of 38% and volumetric productivity of 186mg/mL/h. The process with immobilized cells was transferred to laboratory scale bioreactors with different configurations: stirred tank (STR), packed bed (PBR), fluidized bed (FBR), and airlift (ALR) bioreactors. The STR experienced oxygen limitation due to the need to maintain low stirring to preserve AB integrity and performed worse than flasks. Limitations in diffusion and mass transfer of oxygen and/or nutrients characterized also the PBR and the FBR and were partially relieved only in ALR, where 89.4g/L glycerol were consumed in 168h, yielding 38.1g/L arabitol, with a conversion of 42% and volumetric productivity of 227mg/mL/h. When the ALR was supplied with successive pulses of concentrated glycerol to replenish the glycerol as it was being consumed, 117g/L arabitol were generated in 500h, consuming a total of 285g/L glycerol, with a 41% and 234mg/L/h. The study strongly supports the potential of W. anomalus WC 1501 for efficient glycerol-to-arabitol conversion using immobilized cells. While the yeast shows promise by remaining viable and active for extended periods, further optimization is required, especially regarding mixing and oxygenation. Improving the stability of the immobilization process is also crucial for reusing pre-grown cells in multiple cycles, reducing dead times, biomass production costs, and enhancing the economic feasibility of the process.

Varietal Response to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Bulb Yield and Quality of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

A field experiment was conducted in the Rabi season of 2021-22 at the research farm of the Regional Research Center, Raiya (Jhajjar) of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, Haryana. The study aimed to examine the impact of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, bulb yield and quality of two local varieties of onion. The experiment consists of two factors viz. different combinations of organic and inorganic nutrient sources (T1: RDF (125:50:25 kg/ha), T2: RDN supplied through FYM, T3: RDN supplied through Vermi-compost, T4: RDN supplied through Poultry manure, T5: 50% Recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through FYM, T6: 50% Recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through Vermi-compost, T7: 50% Recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through poultry manure, T8: control) that were laid out in a randomized block design (factorial) with four replications and two varieties namely Hisar Onion-2 and Hisar Onion-4. The outcomes of the study revealed that the leaf length (52.72 cm), number of leaves (10.28), equatorial diameter (6.09 cm), polar diameter (5.16 cm), bulb yield and yield related parameters such as average fresh weight of bulbs (82.39 g), yield per plot (26.74 kg), yield per hectare (29.71 t) and A grade bulbs (73.55%) were recorded maximum, while bolting percentage (2.28%) and twin bulbs percentage (3.16%) was recorded minimum under the treatment T6 Hisar Onion-4 exhibited superiority in almost all growth and bulb yield parameters except number of leaves, which was noted higher in Hisar Onion-2.

Impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) in the hilly region of Nepal

The use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers plays a crucial role in farming practices in Nepal, depending on their availability. Applying fertilizers like compost, vermicompost, goat manure, and NPK has shown significant effects on various aspects of plant growth and yield. This study was conducted in Diktel, Khotang district of Nepal, from March 14th to June 7th, 2023, aiming to evaluate how different organic and inorganic sources affect the growth and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.). The experiment followed a one-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications, involving five treatments: T1: 100% Compost manure, T2: 100% Vermicompost, T3: 100% Goat manure, T4: 100% NPK, and T5: Control. The results clearly showed that both vegetative and reproductive traits were significantly varies among several treatments utilized in the experiments at 0.1% level of significance. Compost application consistently showed better results across most growth and yield parameters assessed. Growth parameters included plant height, leaf count per plant, leaf length, and leaf width, while yield parameters included beetroot diameter, beetroot length, root yield, and leaf yield. Organic compost manure particularly stood out, displaying significantly larger beetroot diameter (4.85 cm) and greater beetroot length (9.3 cm). Additionally, compost manure led to notably increased root yield (13.95 t/ha) compared to the control treatment, which recorded a lower root yield (6.28 t/ha). Overall, all treatments outperformed the control in terms of growth and yield parameters. These findings suggest that organic compost manure is the most favorable choice for achieving high-quality beetroot production in the hilly regions of Nepal.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Potato, Solanum tuberosum L., Crop

An experiments was conducted during winter season of 2019-20 and are presented in this chapter. The observations were recorded on growth, growth analysis, yield and yield attributes of different treatments and has been subjected to statistical analysis and presented in tables and graphical presentation as well, wherever necessary. The treatments effects have been described in the light of statistical inter pretations. The data pertaining to emergence percent of potato was recorded at 30days after planting (DAP) is given revealed the emergence(%) was not affected due to Integrated Nutrient Management-INM practice, the data further indicated that maximum emergence percent (94.40 %) was recorded underT6- 67% RDF through inorganic sources + 33% Recomended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) through organic sources i.e., FYM + biofertilizer (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria/PSB),  which was closely followed by T3 Poultry manure @ 5 t/ha + biofertilizer (PSB) (93.90) and minimum (91.30 %) and T2 - Farm Yard Manure (FYM) @ 30 t/ha) + biofertilizer (PSB).

Effect of chronic cyclic heat stress and supplemented inorganic and organic zinc source levels on grow-finish pig growth performance and estimated body composition.

Zinc (Zn) supplementation has proved to mitigate the effects of heat stress with varying effects evident with Zn source during acute heat events. However, the effects of Zn supplementation during long-term summer weather patterns have yet to be explored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the effects of supplementation source and level of Zn to mitigate the negative effects of long-term, cyclic heat stress in finishing swine. Six hundred cross-bred pigs were housed under thermoneutral (TN) or cyclic heat (HS) conditions simulating summer heat with acute 3-d heat waves for a 70-d study. Thermoneutral conditions were 16.7 to 18.9 °C throughout the study. HS pigs were housed at the same temperature as TN from days 0 to 18, then 28 °C/24 °C for 12h/12h on days 18 to 21, followed by 30 °C/26.7 °C for 12h/12h on days 24 to 70, except during acute heat (32 to 33 °C/29 to 30 °C, 12h/12h) on days 21 to 24, 42 to 45, and 63 to 66. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 6 factorial with main effects of environment (HS vs. TN) and dietary available Zn supplementation: (1) 50mg/kg zinc oxide (ZnO), (2) 130mg/kg ZnO, (3) 50mg/kg of organic Zn (Availa Zn), (4) 50mg/kg ZnO + 40mg/kg organic Zn, (5) 50mg/kg ZnO + 60mg/kg organic Zn, and (6) 50mg/kg ZnO + 80mg/kg organic Zn. Pigs (5 pigs/pen) were blocked by initial body weight (72.2kg) and randomly allotted to 1 of 12 temperature and diet treatment combinations across 10 replicates. Body weight and feed intake were determined at the beginning and end of each acute heat event. All pigs were ultrasonically scanned at the 10th rib (TR) to predict loin muscle area (LMA), backfat (BF), and percent lean. Data were analyzed by the MIXED procedure in SAS with pen as the experimental unit. At day 63, HS pigs were lighter (P < 0.05), had lower overall average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.05) and average daily feed intake (P < 0.05). A diet-by-environment interaction was observed for overall ADG (P < 0.05) with diet 5 HS pigs having a 3.9% reduction in ADG whereas diet 6 had 14.4% reduction in ADG, while under TN temperatures diet 6 had the greatest overall ADG of all treatments. Other diets were intermediate in their ADG under both HS and TN conditions. Pigs under HS had less BF at the TR (P < 0.05) and a smaller LMA (P < 0.05), and a greater calculated percent lean (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that a blend of supplemental Zn sources at 50/60mg/kg may mitigate the reduction in growth performance due to HS. While not directly contrasted, the NRC requirement of 50mg/kg Zn may be too low to optimize finishing pig growth performance under both TN and HS conditions.

Impact of organic and inorganic sources on productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.): A review

Impact of organic and inorganic sources on productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.): A review

Granulated fertilizers are more efficient in reducing potassium leaching losses than combining biosolids with inorganic sources

ABSTRACT Widespread use of soluble mineral fertilizers derived from non-renewable sources has raised concerns about environmental impacts, energy expenditures, and sustainability. Combining biosolid and mineral sources of phosphorus and potassium to produce organomineral fertilizers (OMF) can be used as an alternative nutrient source while reducing the environmental impact of sewage residues. As this approach simultaneously provides nutrients and incorporates organic matter, we hypothesized the presence of an organic source (biosolid) granulated with mineral sources of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) would reduce leaching due to the benefits of the organic source and the slower release caused by granulation. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of different OMFs on the leaching losses of nutrients. Two forms of isolated N, P, and K sources (granulated and non-granulated), five OMFs with different NPK proportions (1-2-0, 1-4-0, 1-0-2, 1-2-2, 1-2-4), and a control (unfertilized) were evaluated over ten weeks in a leaching column experiment. Non-granulated potassium sulfate exhibited the highest K leaching and did not differ from OMFs with K in their formulation (granulated PS, 1-0-2, 1-2-2, and 1-4-2). Planned contrasts showed that granulation was particularly effective at reducing K leaching, resulting in a 70 % reduction compared to non-granulated PS. While formulation and granulation showed a trend of potential benefits in reducing N-(NO 3 - + NO 2 - ) leaching, the effect was not statistically significant. Interaction between fertilizer treatments and leaching events was marginally significant for NH 4 + leaching, indicating temporal variations of OMFs in nutrient dynamics may be influenced by mineralization. As granulation modulated how OMFs affected nutrient leaching dynamics, this highlights the importance of the physical characteristics of fertilizers for effective nutrient management.

Dietary microalgal-fabricated selenium nanoparticles improve Nile tilapia biochemical indices, immune-related gene expression, and intestinal immunity

BackgroundFeed supplements, including essential trace elements are believed to play an important role in augmenting fish immune response. In this context, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in fish diets via a green biosynthesis strategy have attracted considerable interest. In this investigation, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs, 79.26 nm) synthesized from the green microalga Pediastrum boryanum were incorporated into Nile tilapia diets to explore its beneficial effects on the immune defense and intestinal integrity, in comparison with control basal diets containing inorganic Se source. Nile tilapia (No. 180, 54–57 g) were fed on three formulated diets at concentrations of 0, 0.75, and 1.5 mg/kg of SeNPs for 8 weeks. After the trial completion, tissue bioaccumulation, biochemical indices, antioxidant and pro-inflammatory cytokine-related genes, and intestinal histological examination were analyzed.ResultsOur finding revealed that dietary SeNPs significantly decreased (P < 0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cholesterol, while increasing (P < 0.05) high-density lipoproteins (HDL). The Se concentration in the muscle tissues showed a dose-dependent increase. SeNPs at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg significantly upregulated intestinal interleukin 8 (IL-8) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) gene transcription compared with the control diet. Glutathione reductase (GSR) and glutathione synthetase (GSS) genes were significantly upregulated in both SeNPs-supplemented groups compared with the control. No apoptotic changes or cell damages were observed as indicated by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 gene expression and evidenced histopathologically. SeNPs supplementation positively affects mucin-producing goblet cells (GCs), particularly at dose of 1.5 mg/kg.ConclusionTherefore, these results suggest that Green synthesized SeNPs supplementation has promising effects on enhancing Nile tilapia immunity and maintaining their intestinal health.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Timely Sown Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A comprehensive study examining the effects of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on the growth and yield of wheat was carried out during the Rabi season of 2020-21 at the Student's Instructional Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The experimental design was a Randomized Block Design, with each treatment replicated three times across eight different treatments: Control (T1), 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) (120:60:40 NPK kg/ha) (T2), RDF + Azotobacter (T3), RDF + Azotobacter + Farmyard Manure (FYM) @ 2.0 tons/ha + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) @ 6.0 kg/ha + Trichoderma @ 5.0 kg/ha (T4), RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tons/ha (T5), RDF + FYM @ 2.0 tons/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.0 ton/ha + Trichoderma @ 5.0 kg/ha (T6), RDF + FYM @ 2.0 tons/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.0 ton/ha + PSB @ 6.0 kg/ha + Azotobacter (T7), and RDF + FYM @ 2.0 tons/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.0 ton/ha + Azotobacter + PSB @ 6.0 kg/ha + Zinc @ 5.0 kg/ha + Sulphur @ 25 kg/ha (T8). The soil type was sandy loam with a pH of 8.13. The wheat variety Shekhar (K-1006) was planted on November 30, 2020, with a seed rate of 100 kg/ha and row spacing of 20 cm. The results indicated that the T8 treatment, which combined RDF, FYM, Vermicompost, Azotobacter, PSB, Zinc, and Sulphur, significantly improved plant growth characteristics such as height, fresh weight, dry weight, and number of tillers per plant, as well as yield-contributing factors including spike length, number of grains per spike, and test weight, compared to all other treatments. Specifically, the T8 treatment produced the highest grain yield, straw yield, and biological yield, recording 52.77, 67.55, and 120.32 quintals per hectare, respectively, which was significantly higher than the yields in treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4, and comparable to those in treatments T5, T6, and T7. Moreover, the T8 treatment achieved the highest gross income (Rs. 143,076.00), net income (Rs. 86,300.00), and benefit-cost ratio (2.52) when compared to all other treatments.

Soil-specific outcomes in the OECD 216 Nitrogen Transformation Test.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 216 test guideline investigates the impact of agrochemicals on soil nitrogen transformation. After an evaluation of 465 OECD 216 studies, we describe two distinct yet contrasting outcomes in control nontreated samples that are possible in this testing framework, which we term the "rise" (consistent increases in nitrate concentrations throughout the test period) and "dip" (initial decline in nitrate concentration between Days 0-7, followed by a net-generation of nitrate across Days 7-28) responses. We raise significant concerns that control data from standardized, internationally recognized test guidelines can demonstrate such dissimilar patterns. We propose that, when present, the dip response undermines the intended functioning of the test system and removes the ability to draw appropriate ecotoxicological inferences from the data. In this work, we hypothesize the dip response is a product of conducting the study in low nitrogen content soils. Our results indicate that the dip response can be alleviated by using ammonium sulfate as an immediately available inorganic nitrogen source in place of the guideline-mandated complex, organic lucerne meal, demonstrating the influence of nitrogen availability and accessibility. However, not all low nitrogen soils exhibited the dip response, indicating the involvement of additional unidentified factors. Using our data and real-world regulatory examples, we advocate that datasets displaying the dip response should not be considered valid OECD 216 studies due to the influence of soil properties precluding an assessment of whether any impacts observed are driven solely by the test compound in question or are instead a product of the soil used. We propose methods to account for these soil-specific responses that could be integrated into the conduct and interpretation of OECD 216 studies. Such amendments will improve the reliability and robustness of the study system and enhance confidence in ecotoxicological conclusions derived from OECD 216 datasets. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-14. © 2024 SETAC.

Quantum dots: a next generation approach for pathogenic microbial biofilm inhibition; mechanistic insights, existing challenges, and future potential.

Quantum Dots (QDs) have emerged as versatile nanomaterials with origins spanning organic, inorganic, and natural sources, revolutionizing various biomedical applications, particularly in combating pathogenic biofilm formation. Biofilms, complex structures formed by microbial communities enveloped in exopolysaccharide matrices, pose formidable challenges to traditional antibiotics due to their high tolerance and resistance, exacerbating inefficacy issues in antibiotic treatments. QDs offer a promising solution, employing physical mechanisms like photothermal or photodynamic therapy to disrupt biofilms. Their efficacy is noteworthy, with lower susceptibility to resistance development and broad-spectrum action as compared to conventional antibiotic methods. The stability and durability of QDs ensure sustained biofilm activity, even in challenging environmental conditions. This comprehensive review delves into the synthesis, properties, and applications of Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs), most widely used QDs, showcasing groundbreaking developments that position these nanomaterials at the forefront of cutting-edge research and innovation. These nanomaterials exhibit multifaceted mechanisms, disrupting cell walls and membranes, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), and binding to nucleic materials, effectively inhibiting microbial proliferation. This opens transformative possibilities for healthcare interventions by providing insights into biofilm dynamics. However, challenges in size control necessitate ongoing research to refine fabrication techniques, ensure defect-free surfaces, and optimize biological activity. QDs emerge as microscopic yet potent tools, promising to contribute to a brighter future where quantum wonders shape innovative solutions to persistently challenging issues posed by pathogenic biofilms. Henceforth, this review aims to explore QDs as potential agents for inhibiting pathogenic microbial biofilms, elucidating the underlying mechanisms, addressing the current challenges, and highlighting their promising future potential.