Low pH Levels Research Articles

Simulated Transport of Silver Therapon (Leiopotherapon plumbeus) Fingerlings at Different Durations and Loading Densities: Effects on Survival and Water Quality

The silver therapon, Leiopotherapon plumbeus, is a new species for aquaculture. However, information on the optimal conditions for the transport of this species for grow-out culture needs to be established to avoid stress and unnecessary mortalities. This study examined the effects of duration of transport and loading density on survival and water quality during simulated transport of silver therapon. Hatchery-produced fingerlings [1.30 ± 0.34 g body weight (BW); 44.30 ± 3.77 mm total length (TL)] were held in double-layered oxygenated plastic bags at three transport durations (6 h, 9 h, and 12 h) and densities (40 fish bag-1, 80 fish bag-1, and 120 fish bag-1) in triplicates. Mean survival rates were not significantly affected by both duration of transport (P = 0.321) and loading density (P = 0.345). However, a highly significant effect of duration of transport on dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH (P = 0.000), and a significant effect on Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN; P = 0.039) and total bacterial count (TBC; P = 0.034) were evident. Similarly, water quality parameters were significantly influenced by loading density (P = 0.000), with lower DO and pH levels, and higher TAN and TBC recorded at 120 fish bag-1 density. Since a very high survival rate (> 99%) is achieved at the highest loading density of 120 fish bag-1 up to 12 h transport, this density can be recommended to transport silver therapon fingerlings. Chemical treatments using either salt, methylene blue, or tropical almond leaf extract in transport water may be used to reduce the high bacterial count during transport.

Actinobacteria diversity associated with marine sediments and a wetland system, Agulhas-South Africa

BackgroundSouth Africa is known for its great biodiversity. The Agulhas Plain represents one such unique environment where low-gradient topography has resulted in extensive wetland formation. It is fed by two major river systems, bringing in brackish, alkaline water. It has been exposed to major marine transgression and regression events, and harbours great Fynbos diversity as well as a Mediterranean-type climate, thereby creating unique ecosystems. It is therefore surprising that little is known about the bacterial diversity associated with the Agulhas Plain and associated marine ecosystems.MethodsIn this study, we focused on the actinobacterial diversity (Phylum Actinomycetota) associated with an emerging peatland on the Agulhas Plain (SF; Areas 1–3) and a marine site (ANP; Ocean, Rocky, Dry) located 10 km away from SF. A combined metataxanomics and isolation approach was taken to evaluate the actinobacterial diversity of the sampling sites and to determine the effect of environmental physicochemical parameters on these populations. Various genome analyses were performed on an Sva0096 marine bin to gain insight into its ecological role.ResultsMetataxanomics showed that the two sites shared defined major taxa, including Blastococcus, Geodermatophilus, Microbacterium, Mycobacterium, Nocardioides, Streptomyces, and the Sva0996 marine group. Analysis of the biosynthetic potential of an Sva0996 marine bin134 (obtained from GenBank) provided insights into the potential ecological role of this group of bacteria in both the marine and terrestrial environments. Higher actinobacterial diversity (Shannon index > 5) was observed for Areas 2 and 3 (SF), as well as the ANP Dry samples. The actinobacterial population composition was found to be driven by salinity, pH, Mn, and Ca, with certain areas of SF exhibiting similar (and even higher) salinity (SF: 70–100 Ω vs. ANP: 100–160 Ω) and lower pH levels (SF: 6.3-8.0 vs. ANP: 8.6–8.9) to that of the marine environment.ConclusionThis snapshot study has provided some insights into the actinobacterial diversity of the two sites studied. Analysis of an Sva0096 marine bin134 provided further insights into the potential ability of the Sva0096 marine group to survive in a unique terrestrial environment that is periodically exposed to environmental pressures that mimic the marine environment.

Synthesis and characterization of X (X = Ni or Fe) modified BaTiO3 for effective degradation of Reactive Red 120 dye under UV-A light and its biological activity

For the sustainable advancement of industrial expansion that is environmentally conscious, harmful dyes must be removed from wastewater. Untreated effluents containing colors have the potential to harm the ecosystem and pose major health risks to people, animals, and aquatic life. Here, we have fabricated Ni or Fe modified with BaTiO3 materials and effectively utilized them for Reactive Red 120 (RR 120) dye degradation under UV-A light. The synthesized materials were characterized, and their structural, and photo-physical properties were reported. Phase segregation was not present in the XRD pattern, as evidenced by the absence of secondary phase peaks linked to iron, nickel, or oxides. Low metal ion concentrations may be the cause of this, and the presence of those elements was confirmed by XPS measurements. The Raman spectra of the BaTiO3/Ni and BaTiO3/Fe samples show a widened peak at 500 cm−1, which suggests that Ni or Fe are efficiently loaded onto the BaTiO3. RR 120 dye photodegradation under UV light conditions was effectively catalyzed by BaTiO3/Fe, as evidenced by its superior performance in the UV irradiation technique over both BaTiO3 and BaTiO3/Ni. Compared to bare BaTiO3, both metal-modified materials efficiently degraded the RR 120 dye. Acidic pH facilitated the degradation process, which makes sense given that the heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction was the mechanism of degradation along with BaTiO3 sensitization. High-acidity sewage can be dangerous and carcinogenic, and conventional biological treatment methods are not appropriate for managing it. In the current investigation, it may be used to treat color effluents with extremely low pH levels. Additionally, the ability of the produced nanocomposites to inhibit the growth of twenty pathogens was examined, along with two fungi, fifteen Gram-negative Bacilli (GNB), one Gram-positive Bacilli (GPB), and two Gram-positive Cocci (GBC).

Marine microalgae Schizochytrium demonstrates strong production of essential fatty acids in various cultivation conditions, advancing dietary self-sufficiency

IntroductionPolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential nutrients that humans obtain from their diet, primarily through fish oil consumption. However, fish oil production is no longer sustainable. An alternative approach is to produce PUFAs through marine microalgae. Despite the potential of algae strains to accumulate high concentrations of PUFAs, including essential fatty acids (EFAs), many aspects of PUFA production by microalgae remain unexplored and their current production outputs are frequently suboptimal.MethodsIn this study, we optimized biomass and selected ω-3 PUFAs production in two strains of algae, Schizochytrium marinum AN-4 and Schizochytrium limacinum CO3H. We examined a broad range of cultivation conditions, including pH, temperature, stirring intensity, nutrient concentrations, and their combinations.ResultsWe found that both strains grew well at low pH levels (4.5), which could reduce bacterial contamination and facilitate the use of industrial waste products as substrate supplements. Intensive stirring was necessary for rapid biomass accumulation but caused cell disruption during lipid accumulation. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) yield was independent of cultivation temperature within a range of 28–34°C. We also achieved high cell densities (up to 9 g/L) and stable DHA production (average around 0.1 g/L/d) under diverse conditions and nutrient concentrations, with minimal nutrients required for stable production including standard sea salt, glucose or glycerol, and yeast extract.DiscussionOur findings demonstrate the potential of Schizochytrium strains to boost industrial-scale PUFA production and make it more economically viable. Additionally, these results may pave the way for smaller-scale production of essential fatty acids in a domestic setting. The development of a new minimal culturing medium with reduced ionic strength and antibacterial pH could further enhance the feasibility of this approach.

Early acute kidney injury in sepsis and septic shock

ABSTRACT Background: Acute kidney injury is one of the severe conditions in hospitalized patients. Acute kidney injury can develop early from admission, usually within the first 24 hours of ICU admission. In Vietnam, there have been limited studies monitoring the progression of acute kidney injury in the early stages. This study aims to investigate the incidence, severity, clinical, laboratory characteristics, and progression of acute kidney injury in patients with sepsis and septic shock within the first 48 hours. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of 101 patients who are 15 or older and have been diagnosed with severe infection and septic shock. These patients were treated in the Intensive Care Unit of Hue Central Hospital. The patient had treatment in accordance with a standardized protocol while being closely observed. Samples were collected for diagnostic testing, and the patient’s urine output and blood creatinine levels were diligently checked. Results: The prevalence of acute renal injury (AKI) was 60.40%, with stage 1 accounting for 50.82% of cases, stage 2 accounting for 22.95%, and stage 3 accounting for 26.23%. The cohort of individuals diagnosed with AKI exhibited an advanced age, with a mean age of 60.72 ± 17.41 years, and predominantly consisted of male subjects. Patients diagnosed with acute kidney injury showed a statistically significant decrease in urine output and an increased incidence of shock (p < 0.05). Additionally, these patients demonstrated lower levels of Hct, blood pH, and bicarbonate while exhibiting higher levels of blood urea, blood creatinine, AST, ALT, total bilirubin, PCT, and blood lactate (p < 0.05) compared to individuals without AKI. Patients with AKI had significantly elevated SOFA and APACHE II scores compared to individuals without AKI, as indicated by statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Upon admission, a significant proportion of patients, precisely 81.97%, experienced the development of AKI. Furthermore, a observation was made about the prompt recovery of these patients within the initial 24 and 48 hours following admission. Conclusion: The prevalence of AKI was accounted for 60.40%. Among the cases of AKI, stage 1 accounted for 50.82%, while stage 2 and stage 3 accounted for 22.95% and 26.23%, respectively. There were observed variations in urine output and rates of shock among individuals diagnosed with AKI. Additionally, SOFA and APACHE II scores were elevated. The percentage of AKI was 81.97% of patients upon their initial hospital admission, with a significant proportion seeing early recovery within the first 24 to 48 hours.

Augmented photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac by a novel TiO2-Chitosan-Bocalanine-Ni hybrid material under illumination of various light sources

TiO2-CBA-Ni composite (hydrothermally synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles loaded chitosan-bocalanine nickel complex) was successfully produced using solid and solution approaches, and the finished product was characterized using a variety of instrumentation techniques including UV–Visible, FT-IR, XRD, and SEM. Further, the efficient photocatalytic activity and recombination rates of the prepared TiO2-CBA-Ni composite were evaluated through photoluminescence (PL) spectra compared with pure TiO2. The photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac sodium (DCF) molecules was accomplished utilizing a TiO2-CBA-Ni composite with a pH range of 4.0 to 10.0 and varied light sources. Lower pH levels (pH = 4.0) reveal improved DCF degradation efficiency as compared to higher values (pH = 7.0 and 10.0) under any light source. More importantly, the TiO2-CBA-Ni composite degraded at a greater rate of 94.3 % in an identical reaction time (250 min) than other sources when exposed to visible light and at a lower pH (4.0). This effort has generated interest about the biopolymer grafted ligand metal complex functionalization over the photocatalyst and the effectiveness of the amalgamation, paving the way for a new path to eradicate the toxicity of pharmaceutical items from the ecosystem.

Iron coupled with hydroxylamine turns on the “switch” for free radical degradation of organic pollutants under high pH conditions

Reducing iron by hydroxylamine (HA) can promote the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the Fenton reaction and play a crucial role in the degradation of organic pollutants. However, the performance of this system at wider environmental thresholds is still not sufficiently understood, especially in the highly alkaline environments resulting from human activities. Here, we assessed the impact of solution pH on organic pollutant degradation by goethite with the addition of HA and H2O2. The solid phase variation and ROS generation were analyzed using Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis. This study found that under alkaline conditions, the system can continuously scavenge organic pollutants through oxygen-mediated generation of free radicals. At lower pH levels, organic pollutant decomposition, exemplified by the breakdown of bisphenol A (BPA), is primarily driven by the Fenton reaction facilitated by iron. As pH increases, hydroxyl radical (•OH) production decreases, accompanied by decreased BPA removal efficiency. However, the removal efficiency of BPA increased significantly at pH > 9. At pH 12, the removal of BPA exceeded that of the acidic condition after one hour, which is consistent with observations in soil system studies. Unlike the Fenton reaction, which is not sensitive to oxygen content, the removal of BPA under alkaline conditions occurs only under aerobic conditions. H2O2 is hardly involved in the reaction, and the depletion of HA becomes a critical factor in the decomposition of BPA. Importantly, in contrast to acidic conditions, where the dramatic decomposition of BPA occurs mainly in the first 10 min, the decomposition of BPA under alkaline conditions continued to occur over the 2 h of observation until complete removal. For natural systems, the remediation of pollutants depends more on the active time of ROS than on their reactivity. Therefore, this idea can reference pollution remediation strategies in anthropogenically disturbed environments.

Effects of high dietary inclusion of Arthrospira platensis, either extruded or supplemented with a super-dosing multi-enzyme mixture, on broiler growth performance and major meat quality parameters

BackgroundThis investigation assessed the effects of high dietary inclusion of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) on broiler chicken growth performance, meat quality and nutritional attributes. For this, 120 male broiler chicks were housed in 40 battery brooders (three birds per brooder). Initially, for 14 days, a standard corn and soybean meal diet was administered. Subsequently, from days 14 to 35, chicks were assigned to one of the four dietary treatments (n = 10 per treatment): (1) control diet (CTR); (2) diet with 15% Spirulina (SP); (3) diet with 15% extruded Spirulina (SPE); and (4) diet with 15% Spirulina plus a super-dosing enzymes supplement (0.20% pancreatin extract and 0.01% lysozyme) (SPM).ResultsThroughout the experimental period, both SP and SPM diets resulted in decreased final body weight and body weight gain compared to control (p < 0.001), with the SPE diet showing comparable results to CTR. The SPE diet prompted an increase in average daily feed intake (p = 0.026). However, all microalga treatments increased the feed conversion ratio compared to CTR. Dietary inclusion of Spirulina notably increased intestinal content viscosity (p < 0.010), which was mitigated by the SPM diet. Spirulina supplementation led to lower pH levels in breast meat 24 h post-mortem and heightened the b* colour value in both breast and thigh meats (p < 0.010). Furthermore, Spirulina contributed to an increased accumulation of total carotenoids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and saturated fatty acids (SFA), while diminishing n-6 PUFA, thus altering the n-6/n-3 and PUFA/SFA ratios favourably (p < 0.001). However, it also reduced zinc concentration in breast meat (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe findings indicate that high Spirulina levels in broiler diets impair growth due to increased intestinal viscosity, and that extrusion pre-treatment mitigates this effect. Despite reducing digesta viscosity, a super-dosing enzyme mix did not improve growth. Data also indicates that Spirulina enriches meat with antioxidants and n-3 PUFA but reduces α-tocopherol and increases saturated fats. Reduced zinc content in meat suggests the need for Spirulina biofortification to maintain its nutritional value.

Lichen diversity and taxonomy in Bukit Barisan Grand Forest Park, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Atni OK, Munir E, Siregar ES, Saleh MN. 2024. Lichen diversity and taxonomy in Bukit Barisan Grand Forest Park, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1623-1630. Located in Bandar Baru Village, Deli Serdang District, North Sumatra, Bukit Barisan Grand Forest Park stands out for its uniqueness and high biodiversity, including lichens. This study aims to identify and map lichen diversity in the research area. Surveys were conducted from January to February 2024 using an exploratory method along designated tracks. Therefore, 57 lichen species from 23 families and 38 genera were found. Based on their thallus types, 26 lichen species were identified as crustose, 17 as foliose, 6 as squamulose, 5 as fruticose, and 3 as filamentous. Reproductive structures varied, 13 species possessed apothecia, soredia, and lacked distinguishable reproductive structures, 10 had lirellae, 7 had perithecia, and 2 had isidia. Graphidaceae emerged as the most prevalent family with 8 species, predominantly growing on bark substrates. Although lichen distribution correlated with pH levels, its correlation with the preference for lower pH levels was low. Host trees from the Pinaceae and Lauraceae families were the most populated by lichens in this study. Research on lichen diversity in Bukit Barisan Grand Forest Park is crucial, considering the increasing development and deforestation in North Sumatra. A more comprehensive study of lichens is urgently required.

Self-Assembled Fe-Phenolic Acid Network Synergizes with Ferroptosis to Enhance Tumor Nanotherapy.

Natural polyphenolic compound rosmarinic acid (RA) has good antitumor activity. However, the distinctive tumor microenvironment, characterized by low pH and elevated levels of glutathione (GSH), enhances the tolerance of tumors to the singular anti-tumor treatment mode using RA, resulting in unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy. Targeting nonapoptotic programmed cell death processes may provide another impetus to inhibit tumor growth. RA possesses the capability to coordinate with metal elements. To solve the effect restriction of the above single treatment mode, it is proposed to construct a self-assembled nanocomposite, Fe-RA. Under tumor microenvironment, Fe-RA nanocomposite exerts the characteristics of POD-like enzyme activity and depletion of GSH, producing a large amount of hydroxyl radical (·OH) while disrupting the antioxidant defense system of tumor cells. Moreover, due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR), Fe-RA can transport Fe2+ to a greater extent to tumor cells and increase intracellular iron content. Causing an imbalance in iron metabolism in tumor cells and promoting cell ferroptosis. The results of the synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) prove the successful complexation of Fe-RA nanocomposite. Density functional theory (DFT) explains the efficient catalytic mechanism of its peroxide-like enzyme activity and the reaction principle with GSH.

Fabrication of hydrophobic drug-loaded Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) for enhanced anti-bacterial activity

Current study presents a novel approach for constructing small hydrophobic biomolecules embedded within zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) with exceptional antibacterial properties. In this method, ZIF-8 is synthesized from zinc acetate and 2-methylimidazole in the presence or absence of small hydrophobic bioactive molecules like rutin, rosmarinic acid, and morin. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis reveals that the synthesized ZIF-8 nanoparticles exhibit mostly hexagonal shape with size 200 nm which is further increased upon drug encapsulation. The synthesis of ZIF-8 and drug-loaded ZIF-8 is confirmed through FTIR, UV–vis spectroscopy, XRD, TGA, and EDX analyses. Zeta potential measurements show values ranging from -14.5 to -23.97 mV for both ZIF-8 and drug-loaded ZIF-8 nanoparticles. The drug loading content is determined to be 5 %, 9 %, and 16 % for morin, rutin, and rosmarinic acid, respectively. All the drug-loaded ZIF-8 formulations exhibit a pH-dependent drug release pattern, with maximal drug release observed at lower pH levels. Most importantly, these formulations demonstrate potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacterial strains. Specifically, ZIF-8/RUT exhibit maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI ∼ 51 mm) against all tested bacterial strains. ZIF-8/MOR and ZIF-8/RUT exhibit MIC values ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 mg/mL and MBC values from 6 to 9 mg/mL against all the tested bacteria. Among the formulations, ZIF-8/MOR and ZIF-8/RUT exhibit synergistic antibacterial effect, whereas ZIF-8/RMA possess less antibacterial potency against all the tested bacteria and mostly exhibit additive effect. Our findings suggest that these newly developed nano-formulations hold potential for the creation of highly effective antibacterial agents.

Identifying Preoperative Clinical Characteristics of Unexpected Gastrointestinal Perforation in Infants-A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Infants presenting with unexpected pneumoperitoneum upon abdominal X-ray, indicating a gastrointestinal perforation (GIP), have a surgical emergency with potential morbidity and mortality. Preoperative determination of the location of perforation is challenging but will aid the surgeon in optimizing the surgical strategy, as colon perforations are more challenging than small bowel perforations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide an overview of preoperative patient characteristics, determine the differences between the small bowel and colon, and determine underlying causes in a cohort of infants with unexpected GIP. All infants (age ≤ 6 months) who presented at our center with unexpected pneumoperitoneum (no signs of pneumatosis before) undergoing surgery between 1996 and 2024 were retrospectively included. The differences between the location of perforation were analyzed using chi-squared and t-tests. Bonferroni correction was used to adjust for multiple tests. In total, 51 infants presented with unexpected pneumoperitoneum at our center, predominantly male (N = 36/51) and premature (N = 40/51). Among them, twenty-six had small bowel, twenty-two colon, and three stomach perforations. Prematurity (p = 0.001), birthweight < 1000 g (p = 0.001), respiratory support (p = 0.001), and lower median arterial pH levels (p = 0.001) were more present in patients with small bowel perforation compared with colon perforations. Pneumatosis intestinalis was more present in patients with colon perforation (p = 0.004). All patients with Hirschsprung disease and cystic fibrosis had colon perforation. The final diagnoses were mainly focal intestinal perforations (N = 27/51) and necrotizing enterocolitis (N = 9/51). Infants with unexpected GIP, birthweight < 1000 g, and prematurity have more risk for small bowel perforation. In case of colon perforation, additional screening (for Hirschsprung and cystic fibrosis) should be considered.

Conjugation of folic acid onto poly (acrylic acid-co-allylamine)-grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles for controlled methotrexate delivery

A new drug delivery system (DDS) was designed using mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized with a copolymer of poly(acrylic acid-co-allylamine) conjugated with folic acid. DDS was developed to enable targeted and controlled delivery of methotrexate to cancer cells. The DDS pores were utilized for loading methotrexate through multilayer physical adsorption, which occurred spontaneously and exothermically. The methotrexate adsorption capacity of the DDS was 673.001 ± 4.518 mg/g. The copolymer acted as a gatekeeper, regulating the entry and exit of methotrexate from the pores. The DDS exhibited minimal methotrexate leakage at high pH levels but showed a significantly increased release at lower pH levels, demonstrating a pH-controlled drug release pattern. Mathematical modeling indicated that diffusion played a major role in drug release, and the DDS functioned as a reservoir system with a declining release rate over time. Importantly, the DDS displayed significant cytocompatibility, as demonstrated by MTT assays. Furthermore, the methotrexate-loaded DDS showed remarkable efficacy in killing MCF-7 cells, suggesting that folic acid facilitates DDS-specific targeting of MCF-7 cells via folic acid receptors.

Use of Suspended Particles as a New Approach to Increase the Active Electrode Area in Water Electrolysis Experiments

AbstractThe development of base metal electrodes that can act as active and stable oxygen generating electrodes in water electrolysis systems, especially at low pH levels, remains a challenge. The use of suspensions as electrolytes for water splitting has until recently been limited to photoelectrocatalytic approaches. A high current density (j=30 mA/cm2) for water electrolysis has been achieved at a very low oxygen evolution reaction (OER) potential (E=1.36 V vs. RHE) using a SnO2/H2SO4 suspension–based electrolyte in combination with a steel anode. More importantly, the high charge–to–oxygen conversion rate (Faraday efficiency of 88 % for OER at j=10 mA/cm2 current density). Since cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments show that oxygen evolution starts at a low, but not exceptionally low, potential, the reason for the low potential in chronoamperometry (CP) tests is an increase in the active electrode area, which has been confirmed by various experiments. For the first time, the addition of a relatively small amount of solids to a clear electrolyte has been shown to significantly reduce the overpotential of the OER in water electrolysis down to the 100 mV region, resulting in a remarkable reduction in anode wear while maintaining a high current density.

One-step synthesis of magnetic biochar via co-pyrolysis of walnut shells and Fe-rich mine tails for adsorption capacity improvement of polystyrene sulfonate microplastics: Role of microplastic size

Microplastics made of polystyrene sulfonate microplastics (PSMPs) are highly mobile in aquatic ecosystems and can consequently lead to undesirable health effects in humans. Herein, the adsorption capacity of PSMPs was comprehensively analyzed using untreated biochar made from ground walnut shells (WSB) and iron (Fe) engineered WSB acquired from Fe-mining waste (Fe-WSB), to explore the changes in the adsorption potential and mechanisms by the co-pyrolysis of walnut shells and Fe-rich mine tailings. The adsorption of PSMPs for Fe-WSB (adsorption capacity (Qe) = 0.77–6.75 mg/g) was greater than that for WSB (Qe = 0.27–0.79 mg/g), particularly at lower pH levels, indicating that Fe integration and electrostatic interaction between Fe-WSB and PSMPs significantly affected the adsorption of PSMPs. The R2 values for adsorption kinetics and isotherms highlighted that chemisorption plays a fundamental role in PSMP adsorption using WSB and Fe-WSB in liquid solutions. Further, thermodynamic assessments indicated that PSMP210 (210 Da), PSMP10 K (10,000 Da), and PSMP32 K (32,000 Da) were adsorbed exothermically, with the adsorption efficiency decreasing as van der Waals forces became weaker at high temperatures. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which was conducted on WSB and Fe-WSB both before and after the adsorption of PSMPs, supported the notion that an enhancement in the primary adsorption mechanism (electrostatic interactions, pore-filling effects, π-π and H-bond interactions), following the integration of Fe-oxides onto the WSB surfaces, improved the adsorption of PSMPs in aqueous environments.

Different Scenarios for the Origin and the Subsequent Succession of a Hypothetical Microbial Community in the Cloud Layer of Venus.

The possible existence of a microbial community in the venusian clouds is one of the most intriguing hypotheses in modern astrobiology. Such a community must be characterized by a high survivability potential under severe environmental conditions, the most extreme of which are very low pH levels and water activity. Considering different scenarios for the origin of life and geological history of our planet, a few of these scenarios are discussed in the context of the origin of hypothetical microbial life within the venusian cloud layer. The existence of liquid water on the surface of ancient Venus is one of the key outstanding questions influencing this possibility. We link the inherent attributes of microbial life as we know it that favor the persistence of life in such an environment and review the possible scenarios of life's origin and its evolution under a strong greenhouse effect and loss of water on Venus. We also propose a roadmap and describe a novel methodological approach for astrobiological research in the framework of future missions to Venus with the intent to reveal whether life exists today on the planet.

Evaluation of the decomposition ability and characteristics of pig manure treated with different larval instar stages of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.)

AbstractWaste treatment using black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens L.) larvae is an emerging technology that reduces livestock manure disposal. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different growth stage BSF larvae on the decomposition potential (Experiment 1) and characteristics (Experiment 2) of pig manure. BSF larval instars were randomly divided in three groups according to their developmental stage, with three replicates per group, using a randomized block design. Each treatment group consisted of 1 kg of 2nd, 3rd, or 4th instar BSF larvae added in 10 kg of pig manure (Group 1, 2, or 3, respectively). In Experiment 1, 2nd and 3rd instar BSF larvae treatments resulted in greater decomposition levels of pig manure compared with 4th instar BSF larvae groups. In Experiment 2, BSF larvae improved the nutrient content of manure, leading to an increase in the total nitrogen levels and a decrease in total carbon content and C:N ratio, rendering it suitable for use as an organic fertilizer. In addition, the increased N levels of treated BSF manure were not related to lower pH levels. BSF larvae can greatly reduce ADF and NDF pig manure contents as a result of the larvae's waste reduction potential. Overall, BSF 3rd instar larvae have proven to be a useful tool for the sustainable management of pig manure by strongly increasing its decomposition ability and can be an organic fertilizer for agricultural purposes that reduce ADF and NDF contents through composting.

Development of an IoT Based Water Quality Monitoring Device for Domestic Fish Ponds

This study focuses on developing an affordable IoT-based water quality monitoring system for domestic fish ponds. The system aims to enable remote monitoring of critical water parameters, offering real-time data access through mobile or web interfaces. It includes an alert system to notify the pond owners of any significant changes in water quality, allowing swift corrective action. The initiative stems from challenges faced by aquaculture farmers due to insufficient knowledge about water pH levels. Understanding pH's importance, especially within the optimal range of 6.5-9.0 for fish culture, is crucial for success. Tests conducted on the system's performance in detecting various pH levels across different pond environments demonstrated its reliability in identifying low and normal pH levels. However, anomalies were observed in detecting higher pH levels, indicating potential sensitivity limitations that need further investigation for system refinement. While the system excelled in detecting low and normal pH levels accurately, improvements are required for detecting higher pH thresholds to ensure comprehensive monitoring across diverse water conditions. This enhancement is crucial for effective fish pond management and reducing losses for aquaculture farmers.

Lactic acid bacteria and manganese‐based additives for improved lucerne, perennial grass, and perennial grass‐white clover preservation as silage

AbstractLactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly used as silage inoculants. Manganese sulphate (MnSO4) has been proposed to protect certain LAB during oxygen exposure and improve silage aerobic stability (ASTA). The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of inoculants in preservation of different forages. A short‐term screening trial investigated the effect of 24 additive treatments, compared to a negative control, on ensiling perennial grass in mini‐silos (2.75 L) for 7 d. The additive treatments comprised different ratios of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum [IMI 507026, IMI 507027, and IMI 507028] and Pediococcus pentacaceus [IMI 507024 and IMI 507025], with or without MnSO4. Target parameters, such as low levels of fresh matter loss, pH, acetic acid, ammonia‐nitrogen fraction (NH3–N/Total N), and high levels of lactic acid and ASTA, were considered for treatment selection. Eight treatments were selected based on a principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering of the target parameters. These selected treatments subsequently underwent a 100 d long‐term trial using lucerne, perennial grass, and perennial grass‐white clover forages. All silages treated with the eight additives exhibited an improved homolactic fermentation and a lower (p &lt; .001) pH, acetic acid, and ethanol content than the control. Although DM losses and ASTA markedly improved in the treatments containing MnSO4 in the short‐term trial, these effects were not observed in the long‐term trial. These outcomes suggest that the selected additives can improve silage fermentation quality across a broad range of forages, but further studies are required to assess the impact of MnSO4 on ASTA.

Ensilage using Leuconostoc lactis and Weissella confusa reduces microbial risk and enhances hygienic quality of whole-crop corn

This study combined applied PICRUSt2 and BugBase tools to evaluate the effects of these two strains on the fermentation characteristics, microbial community, potential microbial risk and hygienic quality of whole-crop corn (WCC) silage. Fresh WCC harvested at the dough stage was ensiled with distilled water (CON), Leuconostoc lactis (LS) and Weissella confusa (WA) for 2, 4, 8, 15 and 30 days. After ensiling, all WCC silages presented desirable fermentation with high lactic acid and Lactobacillus proportions, low pH and ammonia nitrogen levels and absent butyric acid. Ensiling decreased the complexity of bacterial co-occurrence networks, and the Lc. lactis and W. confusa inoculation further decreased the complexity. The inoculation of W. confusa suppressed the most pathogenic pathways and related modules associated with zoonosis. In bacterial phenotype predicted analysis, although CON had lower proportions of ‘Potentially pathogenic’ than fresh material, this undesirable phenotype declined to negligible levels via LS and WA inoculation. Even for well-fermented WCC silages, the risk of pathogens remained after 30 days of ensiling. Therefore, WA could be developed as a promising fast start-up inoculant for reducing pathogenic contamination and improving hygienic quality of silage.Graphical