Iron Content Research Articles

A comprehensive evaluation of different responses of supplementary light qualities on physiological and biochemical mechanisms of ‘Kyoho’ grape

Grape is an economically important fruit crop worldwide, for which light qualities play a diverse role in vineyard growth and development. However, the regulatory mechanisms between different light qualities and the quality of plant growth at the morphophysiological and pomological levels remain unknown. Therefore, in the current study, we studied plant physiological, biochemical and genetical analysis to investigate the response of all seven light qualities, including red (R), blue (B), white (W), 1-red, 1 blue (1R1B), 2-red, 1-blue (2R1B), 1-red, 2-blue (1R2B), and natural (N, was used as control group) to evaluate ‘Kyoho'grape (Vitis labrusca L. × V. vinifera) morphophysiological, pomological traits at light responsive transcriptional pathway, which revealed the possible networking metabolism controlling fruit quality and quantity of grape plant. Our results showed that photosynthetic indicators such as leaf stomata, number of stomata, and longitudinal and transverse diameter of stomata improved under red and blue light qualities as compared to white light. Leaf gas exchange indicators showed that net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, intercellular CO2 concentration rate, total conductance to CO2, stomatal conductance, conductance to water vapor, maximal quantum yield of PS (II), actual photochemical quantum efficiency, electron transfer chain, and non-photochemical quantum efficiency improve under blue and red light. Photosynthetic pigments showed that chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid, and total pigment contents improved under blue and red light. Nutrient elements showed that potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc contents improved under blue and red light. Morphological and organic acid indicators such as the appearance of fruit shape, firmness, and titratable acidity improved under blue and light. However, there was a notable increment in the total soluble sugar under blue and red light as compared to natural light. The composition of sugar including (sucrose, fructose, glucose) and organic acids (tartaric acid, citric acid, and malic acid) improved under blue and red light (fruits) and showed notable reductions for tartaric acid under blue and red light (leaves) as compared to natural light. Aromatic compounds showed that esters, aldehydes, acetaldehyde, 2-hexenal, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, butanoic acid, ethyl ester, 1-hexanol, 2-ethyl, 2-propanone, and 1‑hydroxyl, improved under blue and red light. Further, changes in enhanced expression of light-responsive genes including VvCRYI, VvCRY2, VvPHYA, VvPHYB, VvCOP1, VvHY5, VvHYH, and VvPIF4 upregulated under blue and red light, while VvPIF3.1 down-regulated as compared to natural light. Also, chlorophyll synthesis-related genes including VvSGR, VvPAO, and VvCHLH upregulated under blue and red light, while VvNYC1, VvPPH, and VvPOR showed noticeable changes under blue and red light as compared to natural light. Interestingly, most of the relative genes were highly expressed in fruits as compared to leaves. Finally, we have established correlation and principal component analysis for indicators in grapes. Current findings provide novel mechanisms by which different responses of supplementary light control the plant fruit quality of grapes.

Selective removal of chromium from laterite residue with high content of iron by the co-operation of phosphoric acid and oxalic acid

With the rising demand for nickel and cobalt, laterite residue containing chromium is extensively generated through the laterite hydrometallurgical process, posing a significant burden on environmental protection and the sustainable development of the nickel industry. This study presents a novel and environmentally friendly method for selectively extracting chromium from laterite residue and yielding iron phosphate concentrate. In this method, iron, as the major component, is simultaneously transformed into iron phosphate as solid state, while chromium is extracted into solution by a minimal amount of phosphoric acid. The effects of phosphoric acid and oxalic acid usage, temperature, liquid-to-solid ratio, and leaching time on the transformation and removal were investigated. Thermodynamic analysis and experimental results indicated that the addition of oxalic acid promoted chromium extraction with minimal impact on the transformation of hematite and iron phosphate. The results of SEM, XPS, and XRD revealed the conversion of laterite residue to iron phosphate. At an oxalic acid dosage of 10 %, almost 90 % of the iron remained in the residue as iron phosphate, while over 60 % of the chromium was extracted into the solution, resulting in a chromium concentration of 1.1 g/L. The solution underwent a two-step treatment process, primarily to recycle the soluble iron species. The extracted chromium was captured by adding calcium hydroxide at pH ∼ 3.0 in the form of phosphate.

Enhancing Protein and Vitamin A Intake Through the Addition of Bambara Groundnut and Ripe Plantain to Maize Porridge

ABSTRACTProtein deficiency, especially among children, is prevalent in most developing countries. One sustainable strategy proposed to tackle this deficiency is by incorporating locally available but underutilised staple foods that are rich in proteins such as Bambara groundnut into pre‐existing and popular diets such as porridge prepared from roasted maize flour. This strategy can also be used to tackle vitamin A deficiency which is common among children and pregnant women through the incorporation of ripe plantain—a vitamin A rich staple. In this study, the quality of composite flours prepared from roasted maize, Bambara groundnut and ripe plantain and the acceptability of porridge made thereof was investigated. Increasing the levels of Bambara groundnut and ripe plantain increased the protein and β‐carotene levels, respectively, without affecting the physicochemical quality. Increasing the content of ripe plantain increased the iron content; however, higher levels of the Bambara groundnut increased the tannin content. Flash profiling showed that flour composition influenced the attributes of the porridges; however, hedonic sensory scores showed no differences in acceptability with respect to the aroma, appearance, texture and taste.

Assessment of Quality, Bacterial Population and Diversity, of Irrigation Water in Selected Areas of Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

This research was carried out in the cropping season of 2016 to determine the quality, bacterial population, and diversity of irrigation water in selected areas of Minna, Niger state. The treatments comprised four locations where irrigation agriculture is practiced in Minna, namely Bali in Chanchaga, Fadikwe, Mechanic Village in Keterin Gwari, and Soje-A in Kpakungu, where water samples were collected at 3 points from the water sources and mixed together to represent the locations. The treatments were replicated three times and fitted to a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The physical, chemical, and biological properties of the irrigation water were determined according to standard methods. Results showed that bacterial population and diversity were significantly affected by location and that all the physical and chemical properties of the irrigation water were significantly affected by location except for chemical oxygen demand (mg/lL). Fadikwe had the highest bacterial population (2.5×108 CFU/mlL) and was the least diverse. Other locations were equally diverse, with Soje-A having the lowest bacterial population (2.8×107 CFU/mlL). Averagely, the bacterial population found in the irrigation water of Minna may not be biodegrading. _B. subtilis_, which has a higher potential for biodegradation, was unable to reduce the biochemical oxygen demand in this research. Water from Chanchaga was relatively best suitable for irrigation, even though values of some of the physicochemical properties were higher than values recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization standard. Further studies should therefore be carried out to identify the potentials of _B.subtilis _in the bioremediation of Chanchaga water and to investigate the biodegrading potential of _Escherichia coli _due to its negative correlation with total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and iron content.

Concentrations, Sources, and Health Risk of Heavy Metals in Edible Parts of Broilers from Northeast of Algeria.

Heavy metals contamination of poultry products is a major concern for public health. This study aimed to determine the concentration of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and iron (Fe) in the edible parts of broilers, as well as in feed, drinking water, and litter as sources of contamination and to assess their possible human health risk in the province of Jijel (Northeast Algeria). The range of Hg, Pb, and Fe in edible parts were 0.004-0.007, 0.185-0.480, and 28.536-88.306mg/kg, respectively, and the difference in content was only significant (p < 0.05) for lead. Breast and thigh samples had Pb concentrations above the maximum limit. Spearman coefficient analysis revealed that most correlations were positive between metals detected in feed, water, and litter and those in the edible parts of broilers. But most of them were insignificant (p > 0.05). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of examined metal exceeded the tolerable daily intake (PTDI). The target hazard quotients (THQ) and hazard index (HI) of all metals were lower than 1, suggesting no significant carcinogenic risks. The calculated incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of Pb was higher than 10-4 for men, women, and children, indicating the presence of carcinogenic risk. Considering the wide consumption of broiler meat, regular national monitoring of heavy metals in the broiler production chain is recommended to protect population health.

Salicylic Acid and Calcium Chloride Seed Priming: A Prominent Frontier in Inducing Mineral Nutrition Balance and Antioxidant System Capacity to Enhance the Tolerance of Barley Plants to Salinity.

The current investigation aims to underline the impact of salicylic acid or calcium chloride seed pre-treatments on mineral status and oxidative stress markers, namely levels of electrolyte leakage (EL) and lipid peroxidation levels, measured as thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS), and the activity of some antioxidant enzymes in roots and leaves of plants in two barley species grown under various salt treatments. Overall, our results revealed that salinity inhibits essential nutrient absorption such as iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium and stimulates the absorption of sodium. Also, this environmental constraint induced oxidative stress in plants in comparison with the control conditions. This state of oxidative stress is reflected by an increase in TBARS content as well as the stimulation of EL values. In addition, salinity induced disturbances in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which were mainly dependent on the applied salt concentration and the species. In addition, Hordeum marinum maintained high antioxidant enzyme activity and low levels of oxidative stress parameters, which reinforces its salt-tolerant character. Importantly, salicylic acid or calcium chloride seed priming alleviated the mineral imbalance and the oxidative damage induced by salinity. Moreover, seed priming improves iron, calcium magnesium and potassium content and limitsthe accumulation of sodium. Also, both treatments not only decrease TBARS levels and limit EL, but they also stimulate the antioxidant enzyme activities in the leaves and roots of the stressed plants as compared with stressed plants grown from non-primed seeds. Interestingly, the beneficial effects of the mentioned treatments were more notable on Hordeum vulgare species.

Hepcidin, in contrast to heparin binding protein, does not portend acute kidney injury in patients with community acquired septic shock.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe complication in patients treated at an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The pathogenesis of AKI has been reported to involve hypoperfusion, diminished oxygenation, systemic inflammation, and damage by increased intracellular iron concentration. Hepcidin, a regulator of iron metabolism, has been shown to be associated with sepsis and septic shock, conditions that can result in AKI. Heparin binding protein (HBP) has been reported to be associated with sepsis and AKI. The aim of the present study was to compare serum hepcidin and heparin binding protein (HBP) levels in relation to AKI in patients admitted to the ICU. One hundred and forty patients with community acquired illness admitted to the ICU within 24 hours after first arrival to the hospital were included in the study. Eighty five of these patients were diagnosed with sepsis and 55 with other severe non-septic conditions. Logistic and linear regression models were created to evaluate possible correlations between circulating hepcidin and heparin-binding protein (HBP), stage 2-3 AKI, peak serum creatinine levels, and the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). During the 7-day study period, 52% of the 85 sepsis and 33% of the 55 non-sepsis patients had been diagnosed with AKI stage 2-3 already at inclusion. The need for RRT was 20% and 15%, respectively, in the groups. Hepcidin levels at admission were significantly higher in the sepsis group compared to the non-sepsis group but these levels did not significantly correlate to the development of stage 2-3 AKI in the sepsis group (p = 0.189) nor in the non-sepsis group (p = 0.910). No significant correlation between hepcidin and peak creatinine levels, nor with the need for RRT was observed. Stage 2-3 AKI correlated, as expected, significantly with HBP levels at admission in both groups (Odds Ratio 1.008 (CI 1.003-1.014, p = 0.005), the need for RRT, as well as with peak creatinine in septic patients. Initial serum hepcidin, and HBP levels in patients admitted to the ICU are biomarkers for septic shock but in contrast to HBP, hepcidin does not portend progression of disease into AKI or a later need for RRT. Since hepcidin is a key regulator of iron metabolism our present data do not support a decisive role of initial iron levels in the progression of septic shock into AKI.

Iron chelators: as therapeutic agents in diseases.

The concentration of iron is tightly regulated, making it an essential element. Various cellular processes in the body rely on iron, such as oxygen sensing, oxygen transport, electron transfer, and DNA synthesis. Iron excess can be toxic because it participates in redox reactions that catalyze the production of reactive oxygen species and elevate oxidative stress. Iron chelators are chemically diverse; they can coordinate six ligands in an octagonal sequence. Because of the ability of chelators to trap essential metals, including iron, they may be involved in diseases caused by oxidative stress, such as infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Iron-chelating agents, by tightly binding to iron, prohibit it from functioning as a catalyst in redox reactions and transfer iron and excrete it from the body. Thus, the use of iron chelators as therapeutic agents has received increasing attention. This review investigates the function of various iron chelators in treating iron overload in different clinical conditions.

Geospatial analysis of toxic metal contamination in groundwater and associated health risks in the lower Himalayan industrial region

Once known for its clean and natural environment, the lower Himalayan region is now no exception to human-induced disturbances. Rapid industrial growth in Baddi-Barotiwala (BB) industrial region has led to degradation of groundwater resources in the area. Groundwater samples were collected from 37 locations to study the groundwater chemistry, geospatial variation of 15 toxic metals in groundwater, source apportionment, metals of concern and associated health risks in the region. The results showed rock dominated hydrogeology with decreasing order of anion and cation abundance as HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > NO3− > Br− > F− and Ca+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Li+ respectively. Concentrations of Iron (BDL-3.6 mg/l), Nickel (BDL-0.023 mg/l), Barium (0.22–0.89 mg/l), Lead (0.0001–0.085 mg/l) and Zinc (0.006–21.4 mg/l) were found above the permissible limits at few locations. Principal component analysis (PCA) and coefficient of variance (CV) showed both geogenic and anthropogenic origin of metals in groundwater of the BB industrial region. A consistent concentration of Uranium was detected at all the sampling locations with an average value of 0.0039 mg/l and poor spatial variation indicating its natural presence. Overall, non-carcinogenic (N-CR) risk in the study area via oral pathway was high for adults and children (Hazard Index > 1) with geogenic Uranium as the major contributor (Hazard Quotient > 1) followed by Zinc, Lead and Cobalt. Carcinogenic (CR) risk in the region was high for adults having mean value above the threshold (1E-04) with Nickel and Chromium as the metals of major concern. Spatial variation of health risks was overlayed on village boundaries of the region to identify the potential industrial sources of the metals of major concern. The results highlight the need for immediate remediation of groundwater resources in order to achieve a harmonious coexistence between industrialization and human well-being.

Evaluation of dietary Fe on juvenile mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio var. specularis) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort) in recirculating aquaponic system

In this study, we assessed the effects of dietary Fe level on the growth performance, nutritional status and health condition of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio var. specularis) (12.59 ± 1.73 g), production and quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort) in recirculating aquaponic system for a 60-day feeding trial. Five semi-purified diets with ferrous sulfate as the iron source were used in the feeding trail, which were: T1 (53.81 mg Fe/kg); T2 (118.83 mg Fe/kg); T3 (209.24 mg Fe/kg); T4 (328.44 mg Fe/kg); T5 (498.74 mg Fe/kg). The findings indicated the following: (1) The growth results showed that compare to other groups, the weight gain of mirror carp in Group T2 was the highest, and the feed conversion ratio was the lowest (P < 0.05). (2) The body composition results showed that muscle crude fat and crude protein of the mirror carp significantly increase in the T2 group compared to the T1 group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the C20:5n-3 levels in both the T2 and T3 groups were significantly higher than that of T1 group (P < 0.05). (3) Group T2 exhibited the highest liver superoxide dismutase activity, with significantly elevated catalase activity compared to the other groups (P < 0.05), and the liver malondialdehyde content in group T2 was significantly lower than the T4 and T5 groups (P < 0.05). (4) The morphological measurements of intestinal tissues in mirror carp showed that compared to Group T1 and Group T5, Group T2 exhibited the highest villus length and muscular layer thickness (P < 0.05). (5) The lowest yield of lettuce is in the T1group (3.35 kg/m2/month), and the highest yield (3.96 kg/m2/month) is in the T5 group, along with the highest chlorophyll and soluble sugar content (P < 0.05). (6) The T5 group had the highest nitrogen utilization efficiency (69.44%), while the T1 group had the lowest nitrogen utilization efficiency (58.42%). In addition, the different dietary iron levels did not adversely affect the water quality of the aquaponic systems. Based on the line regression analysis of weight gain and feed conversion ratio with feed iron content, it was found that the most suitable iron content in feed is 118.22–120.44 mg/kg, and the production and quality of lettuce will increase with the increase of feed iron content. According to the results of fish and vegetable growth, as well as nitrogen utilization efficiency, it is suggested that the dietary iron level in the feed of juvenile mirror carp utilized within aquaponic systems should ideally fall within the range of 120–200 mg/kg.

Isothermal Reduction and Comparative Analysis of Reaction Kinetics of Sponge Iron Produced from Heamatite-Charcoal Reaction Using Non-contact Direct Reduction Method

The challenge of making sponge iron, or direct reduced iron (DRI), is hard to overstate. These are a key feed for metallurgical operations while iron extraction sets these limits, which include scarcity of metallurgical coke, poor environmental impact, and high production cost. Thus, the non-contact direct reduction process of DRIs has the potential to significantly reduce carbon deposition and CO2 emission from the ironmaking process. This work produced sponge iron from commercially acquired hematite ore using an alternative reducing agent (i.e. charcoal) under specified isothermal conditions. Comparative analysis of reaction kinetics models including Ginstein−Brounshtein and Shrinking core models was also performed to ascertain the resistances that control the reaction rate for reduction degree up to 98.1%. The reduction kinetics were found to be described by reaction control time and activation energies based on a shrinking core model as the reduction time lasted for 120minutes at temperatures 843~1273K. At temperatures above 973~1073K, the rate-limiting step was found to be solely an interfacial chemical reaction process, with an apparent activation energy of 196.1kJ/mol. In addition, a slowing trend was observed for iron ore sample sizes 10-20mm as a result of ash layer infiltration around the inner-core structure of the DRI metal matrix. The DRI morphological characteristics were performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) to ascertain the mineralogical and morphological properties of the DRI samples. The XRF analysis confirms that the raw iron ore sample is hematite. Its iron content is 70.04% metallic iron (TFe) which has 83.59% Fe2O3 The SEM/EDS image also revealed the presence of micropores on the DRI morphology. This indicates that the reduction ratio and swelling extent rise with the temperature and time. This happens for all DRI sizes. However, the EDS result confirms the presence of gangue elements within the DRI metal matrix and mineralogical structure. The DRI contains very high silicon content up to 33.90%. So, a fluxing experiment is needed using limestone (CaCO3) or quicklime (CaO) quicklime to remove gangue (silicate, aluminate) from the DRI matrix. At the set reduction temperatures, the largest metallization degree of 93.05% at 1273K for a reduction time of 120mins was achieved. This showed that the overall reduction process still follows the expected chronological order since the NDR process uses CO gas from preheated charcoal. This makes DRI be produced from raw hematite under non-contact reduction bases. Therefore, the NDR technique offers a viable option for sponge iron production in modern-day iron and steelmaking processes.

Nitrogen-fixing and non-nitrogen-fixing legume plants differ in leaf nutrient concentrations and relationships between photosynthetic and hydraulic traits.

Legumes account for a significant proportion of plants in the terrestrial ecosystems. Nitrogen-fixing capability of certain legumes is a pivotal trait that contributes to their ecological dominance. Yet, the functional traits and trait relationships between N-fixer and non-N-fixer legumes are poorly understood. Here, we investigated 27 functional traits associated with morphology, nutrients, hydraulic conductance, and photosynthesis in 42 woody legumes (19N-fixers and 23 non-N-fixers) in a common garden. Our results showed that N-fixers had higher specific leaf area, photosynthetic phosphorus (P) use efficiency, leaf nitrogen (N) and iron concentrations on both area and mass basis, N/P ratio, and carbon (C) to P ratio, but lower wood density, area-based maximum photosynthetic rate (Aa), photosynthetic N use efficiency, leaf mass- and area-based P and molybdenum and area-based boron concentrations, and C/N ratio, compared to non-N-fixers. The mass-based maximum photosynthetic rate (Am), stomatal conductance (gs), intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi), mass- and area-based leaf potassium and mass-based boron concentrations, leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf), and whole-shoot hydraulic conductance (Kshoot) showed no difference between N-fixers and non-N-fixers. Significant positive associations between all hydraulic and photosynthetic trait pairs were found in N-fixers, but only one pair (Kshoot-Aa) in non-N-fixers, suggesting that hydraulic conductance plays a more important role in mediating photosynthetic capacity in N-fixers compared to non-N-fixers. Higher mass-based leaf N was linked to lower time-integrated gs and higher WUEi among non-N-fixer legumes or all legumes pooled after phylogeny was considered. Moreover, mass-based P concentration was positively related to Am and gs in N-fixers, but not in non-N-fixers, indicating that the photosynthetic capacity and stomatal conductance in N-fixers were more dependent on leaf P status than in non-N-fixers. These findings expand our understanding of the trait-based ecology within and across N-fixer and non-N-fixer legumes in tropics.

ZnSe:(Cr,Fe) laser crystal matrices: Challenges related to doping

We investigate co-doped ZnSe: (Cr, Fe) laser crystals with an approach that includes both optical spectroscopy and theoretical modelling. We found that concentrations of chromium and iron up to 1018 cm−3 are optimal for obtaining a homogeneous solid solution in designing laser crystals. Higher dopant concentrations lead to the formation of clusters with spinel structure in the ZnSe matrix. The optimal effectiveness of ZnSe laser media with active Cr2+ and Fe2+ elements is achieved at temperatures of around 100 K. Heating induces charge transfers like Fe2+→Fe3+ and Cr2+→Cr3+, while cooling results in phonon freezing. A theoretical model has been developed to explain the observed temperature evolution of the absorption spectrum. The types and values of distortions of the Cr- and Fe-based coordination complexes are determined. We have found that the Jahn-Teller distortions are crucial for modelling the temperature-dependent changes of the absorption spectra.

Application of pollution indices to determine pollution intensities in the groundwater of Gopalganj (south-central part), Bangladesh

Heavy metals (HMs) contamination in groundwater (GW) is a serious concern due to growing urbanization, industrialization, and contemporary farming practices. The GW in the Gopalganj district of Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to this pollution. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the pollution intensities in shallow groundwater (SGW) using multiple pollution indices, including Heavy-metal Pollution Index (HPI), Heavy-metal Evaluation Index (HEI), Degree of Contamination (Cd), Synthetic Pollution Index (SPI), Metal Index (MI), and Ecological Risk Index (ERI). As a consequence, the concentrations of arsenic (As), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were measured using the Particle-induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) method. Roughly 30.58% of the samples exceeded the acceptable level of As. The concentration of the other two metals also excedded, namely Fe and Mn, were 99.42% and 48.00%, respectively. According to HPI, 85.29% of the samples were unsuitable for drinking, 10.59% were questionable, and the rest 4.12% of the samples were suitable for drinking purposes. The HEI depicted that 82.94% of SGW were high pollution, 14.12% were medium pollution, and the remaining 2.94% were low pollution status. In addition, the Cd and MI results exhibited that the majority of the samples were highly contaminated. The SPI values showed that 54.71% of samples were unfit for drinking, 44.12% were highly polluted, and only 1.17% were moderately polluted. The ERI evaluated that 12.94% of the SGW posed moderate ecological risk, while 86.47% posed low ecological risks. In addition, Pearson Correlation, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Cluster Analysis (CA) were performed to scrutinize the pollution source and factors influencing SGW quality. The individuality of this research was that we used different indices to determine the pollution intensities, which will be a valuable tool for indigenous planners and policymakers, surveying the decision-making and reduction of pollution activities occurring throughout the study area.

The carcass characteristics and quality of meat from lambs grazing perennial wheat with different companion legumes (clover, serradella, lucerne) or a mineral supplement

This study compared carcasses as well as the quality and mineral concentration of meat from lambs extensively grazing perennial wheat with clover (PW + C), serradella (PW + S), lucerne (PW + L), or a mineral salt supplement (PW + Min). A split-plot design were used, wherein 3 crossbred ewe lambs (n = 72 in total) (sub-plots) grazed each of 4 forage types (plots), that were replicated across 6 locations (blocks). The feeding study concluded after 96 d, when all the lambs were slaughtered. The left longissimus lumborum muscles (LL) were collected and wet aged for either 5 or 56 d post-mortem. Lambs grazing PW + Min were found to produce carcasses with lower dressing percentage values to those grazing the other forage types (P = 0.037). The LL of lambs grazing PW + L had the lowest crude protein values (P = 0.015). Forage type by ageing period interactions did not affect meat quality. The 56 d ageing period did result in higher purge loss (P < 0.001) and TVB-N values (P < 0.001) and a decline in shear force (P < 0.001) compared to the 5 d ageing period. The other carcass and meat quality parameters were not affected by forage type; including hot carcass weight, pH decline parameters, eye muscle area, cooking loss, intramuscular fat, sarcomere length, colour stability, and concentrations of calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, and zinc in the LL. These findings confirm that perennial cereal production systems, that include legume forages with contrasting protein, energy, and micronutrient profiles, can deliver comparable lamb carcasses and meat quality.

In-situ oxidation of ammonia nitrogen to N2 in low temperature groundwater through Cl• − mediated peroxymonosulfate – Fe3O4 / chlorine process

The conventional ammonia in-situ treatment technology fails to achieve complete NH4+-N degradation, while the high concentration of native iron in groundwater further complicates its removal process, potentially leading to adverse environmental consequences. This study investigates the introduction of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) into groundwater containing high concentrations Fe2+ (Fe3O4 as a ferrous source), which can act as persistent catalysts, and Cl-, causing the degradation of ammonia through chlorine free radical-based advanced oxidation processes (PMS- Fe3O4/Cl-), and evaluates the advantages and limitations of employing the PMS- Fe3O4/Cl- system for ammonia treatment. The rapid reaction between SO4•- and Cl- resulted in the formation of Cl• as primary products. Cl• initiates a cascade of subsequent reactions with pH-dependent secondary active products. Under optimal conditions, the ammonia removal efficiency reached 97.44 % using the PMS- Fe3O4/Cl- system within 120 min of operation, which can be attributed to the selective oxidation of ammonia by chlorine reactive species. And this finding was substantiated by observations from experiments involving free radical quenching and EPR spectra coupled with DMPO. The HCO3– and humic acid (HA) in water can significantly affect the removal of ammonia, owing to their capability of quenching SO4•- and Cl•. Meanwhile, the levels of generated toxic chlorates in our system remain within acceptable limits. The PMS- Fe3O4/Cl- system exhibited outstanding transport capacity and stability in simulated columns, demonstrating excellent ammonia oxidation efficiency in natural groundwater, thereby confirming its promising practical potential. All experiments were executed at a temperature of 12 ℃, thereby verifying the remarkable efficacy of the PMS- Fe3O4/Cl- system in removing ammonia even under microtherm conditions.

Comparison and assessment of nutritional composition in shoots of six bamboo species in Southeast China

The introduction of bamboo species is one of the strategies used to enrich edible fresh bamboo shoots resources across diverse regions. However, there is a lack of investigation on the adaptability of bamboo species and the nutritional profiles of their shoots post-introduction. In this study, the nutritional components of bamboo shoots from six bamboo species that have been successfully introduced were compared and evaluated. These six bamboo species possess shoots rich in soluble sugar, soluble protein, and crude fibre. Furthermore, the shoots exhibit significant concentrations of potassium and iron, along with an abundance of amino acids. Notably, the amino acid content is highest in the apical region of the bamboo shoot, followed by the middle section, with the base having the lowest levels. When evaluated through several assessment systems, the shoots exhibited varying scores and rankings. A comprehensive evaluation approach was then utilized to assign final scores and rankings to all six species. Recommendations are provided for the selection of high-quality nutrient-dense bamboo shoots grown in the same field following successful introduction.

Ubiquitous but unique: Water depth and oceanographic attributes shape methane seep communities

AbstractIn the past decade, thousands of previously unknown methane seeps have been identified on continental margins around the world. As we have come to appreciate methane seep habitats to be abundant components of marine ecosystems, we have also realized they are highly dynamic in nature. With a focus on discrete depth ranges across the Cascadia Margin, we work to further unravel the drivers of seep‐associated microbial community structure. We found highly heterogenous environments, with depth as a deterministic factor in community structure. This was associated with multiple variables that covaried with depth, including surface production, prevailing oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), and geologic and hydrographic context. Development of megafaunal seep communities appeared limited in shallow depth zones (~ 200 m). However, this effect did not extend to the structure or function of microbial communities. Siboglinid tubeworms were restricted to water depths &gt; 1000 m, and we posit this deep distribution is driven by the prevailing OMZ limiting dispersal. Microbial community composition and distribution covaried most significantly with depth, but variables including oxygen concentration, habitat type, and organic matter, as well as iron and methane concentration, also explained the distribution of the microbial seep taxa. While members of the core seep microbiome were seen across sites, there was a high abundance of microbial taxa not previously considered within the seep microbiome as well. Our work highlights the multifaceted aspects that drive community composition beyond localized methane flux and depth, where environmental diversity adds to margin biodiversity in seep systems.

Contribution of ferritin and zinc to adverse infant outcomes among pregnancies with prenatal alcohol exposure in South Africa

Nutritional status during pregnancy can impact fetal development, yet less is known about how alcohol may interact with nutritional status to influence infant outcomes. Pregnant women (n=196) completed 2, 24-hour dietary recalls and provided a venous blood sample to be analyzed for liver enzymes (GGT –gamma-glutamyl transferase; ALT –alanine transaminase; and AST –aspartate transferase), iron, ferritin, and zinc concentrations. Infants were assessed at 6 weeks of age. Women who consumed alcohol had significantly higher ferritin levels compared to non-drinkers (51.8 vs. 34.2). While 44% of women had ferritin <30 ug/L (an indicator of iron deficiency), and 24% of women were low in serum iron, and 72% were low in serum zinc. All six drinking measures for 1st trimester and previous week were significantly correlated with GGT and AST levels while 4 out of 6 alcohol measures were associated with levels of ALT and ferritin. At six weeks of age, nearly all physical measures differentiated infants with alcohol exposure from infants without exposure. Controlling for six covariates, maternal ferritin was significantly and inversely associated with infant head circumference (OFC) centile among infants with alcohol exposure. GGT was inversely associated with infant height and weight centile among unexposed infants. Seventy-four percent (74%) of mothers who consumed alcohol were found to be low in serum zinc, yet higher maternal zinc was associated with more dysmorphology. This may indicate that higher zinc status is not protecting the fetus from the teratogenic effects of alcohol. PAE, ferritin, and zinc status influence infant growth and neurodevelopment.

Chemical and biological effects of zero-valent iron (ZVI) concentration on in-situ production of H2 from ZVI and bioconversion of CO2 into CH4 under anaerobic conditions

The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to methane (CH4) is a strategy for sequestering CO2. Zero-valent iron (ZVI) has been proposed as an alternative electron donor for the CO2 reduction to CH4. In this study, the effects of ZVI concentrations on the abiotic production of H2 (without the action of microorganisms) in the first part and on the biological conversion of CO2 to CH4 using ZVI as a direct electron donor in the second part were examined. In the abiotic H2 production, the increase in the ZVI concentration from 16 to 32, 64, and 96 g/L was found to have positive effects on both the amounts of H2 generated and the rates of H2 production because the extent of ZVI oxidation positively correlates with increasing surface area. Nevertheless, the increase in ZVI concentration from 96 to 224 g/L did not benefit the H2 production because the ZVI dissolution was suppressed by the increasing aqueous pH above 10. In the bioconversion of CO2 to CH4 using ZVI as an electron donor, the main methanogenesis pathway occurred via hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis at pH 8.7–9.5 driven by the genus Methanobacterium of the class Methanobacteria. At ZVI concentrations of 64 g/L and above, the production of volatile fatty acid (VFA) became clear. Acetate was the main VFA, indicating the induction of homoacetogenesis at ZVI concentrations of 64 g/L and above. In addition, the presence of propionate as the second major VFA suggests the production of propionate from CO2 and acetate under conditions with high H2 partial pressure. The results indicated that the pathway for ZVI/CO2 conversion to CH4 was competitive between hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and homoacetogenesis.