Low Phosphate Content Research Articles

WATER QUALITY CONTROL OF THREE SITES AT KEDARRA BARRAGE

Study aim is to monitor water quality at three sites at Keddara barrage witch located on territory of Boumerdes-Algeria. Physico-chemical, bacteriological and heavy metal analyses were carried out on waters feeding barrage site A, within barrage site B and those leaving barrage corresponding to pumping waters site C. Physical qualities of all three waters largely meet WHO standards. Chemical qualities Results showed that hardness is greater at site C. A mineralization with low nitrate, chloride, phosphate and ammonium contents. DCO/DBO5 ratio < 3 (for all three sites), indicating that source of water pollution is of organic origin. Analysis results of all three samples by SAA revealed traces of heavy metals which confirm good water quality. Keddara barrage waters are charged with total coliform bacteria, enterococcus and Escherichia-coli, so these waters require bacteriological treatment.

Morphogenesis and evolution mechanisms of bacterially-induced struvite

Bacteria are able to induce struvite precipitation, and modify struvite morphology, leading to the mineral with various growth habits. However, the relevant work involving the morphogenesis is limited, thereby obstructing our understanding of bacterially mediated struvite mineralization. Here, an actinomycete Microbacterium marinum sp. nov. H207 was chosen to study its effect on struvite morphology. A combination of bacterial mineralization and biomimetic mineralization techniques was adopted. The bacterial mineralization results showed that strain H207 could induce the formation of struvite with grouping structure (i.e., a small coffin-like crystal grown on a large trapezoid-like substrate crystal), and the overgrowth structure gradually disappeared, while the substrate crystal further evolved into coffin-like, and quadrangular tabular morphology with time. The biomimetic experiments with different organic components confirmed that the soluble macromolecules rich in electronegative carboxyl groups secreted by strain H207 dominate the formation of the struvite grouping. The time-course biomimetic experiments with supernatant testified that the increase in pH and NH4+ content promoted the evolution of crystal habits. Moreover, the evolution process of substrate crystal can be divided into two stages. At the first stage, the crystal grew along the crystallographic b axis. At the later stage, coupled dissolution–precipitation process occurred, and the crystals grew along the corners (i.e., [110] and [1-10] directions). In the case of dissolution, it was also found that the (00-1) face of substrate crystal preferentially dissolved, which results from the low initial phosphate content and high PO43− density on this face. As a result, present work can provide a deeper insight into bio-struvite mineralization.

Variation of morphological and leaf stoichiometric traits of two endemic species along the elevation gradient of Mount Kenya, East Africa

AbstractAimsThe aim of this paper is to assess morphological and leaf stoichiometric responses of Dendrosenecio keniensis and Lobelia gregoriana to extreme environmental conditions along an elevation gradient in tropical mountains.MethodsIn this study, we assessed the variation of the morphological traits, including plant height, leaf area, leaf thickness, leaf dry weight, specific leaf area and the leaf stoichiometry traits nitrogen, carbon and phosphorous of the two endemic species D. keniensis and L. gregoriana. We further explored the relations of these morphological traits to soil organic carbon, soil total nitrogen, soil phosphorous, annual mean temperature, annual mean precipitation, annual total solar radiation, water vapor pressure and the topographic variables aspect, slope and hill shade along the elevation gradient. Ninety 10 m × 10 m sampling plots were set up along the elevation gradient ranging from 3500 to 4300 m. We used 1 km × 1 km grid cells to rasterize our study area in ArcGIS 10.5 for easy access to data pertaining to the climate of each elevation band. We performed linear regression of the morphological and leaf stoichiometric traits with elevation as explanatory variable. We conducted correlation analysis on the morphological and leaf stoichiometric traits with climatic, soil and topographic variables along the elevation gradient.Important FindingsDendrosenecio keniensis had wool-like pubescent leaves while L. gregoriana had mucilage packed succulent and waxy cuticle leaves to avoid freezing. Both species exhibited reduced metabolic rates as shown by the low leaf phosphorous content. Our results also showed that changes in morphology and leaf stoichiometry were determined by a combination of climate, soil and topographic variables that change along elevation on Mount Kenya. The observed variations in the morphological and leaf stoichiometric traits of D. keniensis and L. gregoriana, which grow side by side along the elevation gradient, were interpreted as adaptation to the harsh environmental conditions.

Highly efficient removal of phosphate from aqueous media by pomegranate peel co-doping with ferric chloride and lanthanum hydroxide nanoparticles

The low phosphate content in the surface water is considered a pollutant that promotes algae reproduction and leads to eutrophication. Bimetallic Fe/La nanoparticles doped on pomegranate fiber (Fe/La Peel) were fabricated by solvothermal synthesis method and applied as biosorbent for phosphate removal in this study. Fe–La/Peel had an irregular and rough surface with a specific surface area of 93.18 m 2 /g and its surface was uniformly covered with Fe and La, providing potential adsorption sites for phosphate uptake. At the pH 2.91, the highest capacity of Fe/Peel, La/Peel and Fe–La/Peel were 13.91 mg/g, 38.86 mg/g and 44.5 mg/g, respectively. Batch adsorption experiments indicated that Fe–La/Peel biosorbent had excellent adsorption ability. In batch adsorption experiment, highest adsorption capacities of Fe–La/Peel fitted by Langmuir and Sips isotherms were 75.09 mg/g and 78.99 mg/g at 323 K, respectively. The total lowest metal leaching of Fe/La Peel was found 0.054 μg/mL under alkali condition, and the highest metal leaching was determined 8.13 μg/mL under acidic condition. The adsorption performance of Fe/La Peel was better than those La/Peel and Fe/Peel at the same pH levels. Phosphate capture by Fe–La/Peel bio-nanocomposite was a homogeneous adsorption process and increased capacity with the rising temperature. At neutral pH, phosphate uptake by Fe–La/Peel could maintain high efficiency and metal leaching was almost negligible. The preferential phosphate adsorption by Fe–La/Peel can also be achieved in the same magnitudes of coexisting anions (Cl − , NO 3 − , HCO 3 − ). And the adsorption capacity was reduced to less than 20% in the presence of electrolytes. These results showed that Fe–La/Peel has the potential to be used for environmental remediation to remove phosphate from the wastewater. • A novel biosorbent containing bimetallic hydroxide nanocomposite was prepared. • The preferential phosphate adsorption can be achieved in the presence of coexisting anions. • The rest of the electrolytes were reduced to less than 20% adsorption capacity. • At neutral pH, phosphate could be effective remove by Fe–La/Peel with less metal leaching.

Synergism in the Action of a Composition Consisting of Ashless Sulfur-Containing Compounds as an Antiwear Additive to Lubricants

Compositions of ashless thio compounds in mixtures with mineral oil and metal-containing detergents were tested as antiwear additives representing variants of model engine oil compositions. The tribological activity for both fresh and oxidized mixtures, in comparison with the efficiency of the industrial additive zinc dialkyldithiophosphate, was investigated using different tribometers that realize different wear conditions for friction pairs. Synergy is noted in the antiwear action of amine salt compositions of dialkyldithiophosphoric acid and methylene-bis-dibutyldithiocarbamate, which in turn ensures the ecological safety of lubricants—low sulfate ash and phosphorous contents.

Phosphate Beneficiation Innovation in a Sustainable Development Way, OCP Khouribga Mine Case

OCP’s challenge: contribute to sustainably feeding a growing world population. Agricultural yields must be significantly increased and sustained for this to happen. OCP places innovation, product development, and processes, along with sustainability, at the heart of its strategy in order to provide a sustainable response to the challenge of food security. Morocco has the greatest phosphate resources, with more than 70% of the world's reserves. OCP Group aims to conserve them to meet the growing demand for fertilizers and guarantee food security. OCP develops and invests in the efficient management of the use of its raw materials and promotes industrial synergies. Its first line of action aims to make efficient use of deposits and maximize the recovery of low phosphorous content phosphates during the extraction phase at its open-pit mining sites. OCP has thus developed a reverse flotation process to enrich its phosphates. But even with all this innovative processes that we already have, the question in ocp is always How can we reinvent ourselves? How can we strike the right balance between performance, reduced mining costs, and a longlasting competitive edge? How can we add value to a market-leading product? Since 2016, OCP Group has built on the industrial transformation it launched in 2008 by initiating a digital transformation to change its means of production. We are headed toward industry 4.0.

Osteoporosis Changes Collagen/Apatite Orientation and Young\u2019s Modulus in Vertebral Cortical Bone of Rat

This study revealed the distinguished changes of preferential orientation of collagen and apatite and Young’s modulus in two different types of osteoporotic bones compared with the normal bone. Little is known about the bone material properties of osteoporotic bones; therefore, we aimed to assess material properties in osteoporotic bones. 66 female Sprague–Dawley rats were used. We analyzed the volumetric bone mineral density, collagen/apatite orientation, and Young’s modulus of fifth lumbar vertebral cortex for osteoporotic rats caused by ovariectomy (OVX), administration of low calcium and phosphate content (LCaP) diet, and their combination (OVX + LCaP), as well as sham-operated control. Osteocyte conditions were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical (matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1)) staining. All osteoporotic animals showed bone loss compared with the sham-operated control. OVX improved craniocaudal Young’s modulus by enhancing collagen/apatite orientation along the craniocaudal axis, likely in response to the elevated stress due to osteoporotic bone loss. Conversely, LCaP-fed animals showed either significant bone loss or degraded collagen/apatite orientation and Young’s modulus. Osteocytes in LCaP and OVX + LCaP groups showed atypical appearance and MEPE- and DMP1-negative phenotype, whereas those in the OVX group showed similarity with osteocytes in the control group. This suggests that osteocytes are possibly involved in the osteoporotic changes in collagen/apatite orientation and Young’s modulus. This study is the first to demonstrate that osteoporosis changes collagen/apatite orientation and Young’s modulus in an opposite manner depending on the cause of osteoporosis in spite of common bone loss.

Role of dietary phosphate restriction in chronic kidney disease.

Patients with progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) develop positive phosphate balance that is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality. Modification of dietary phosphate is a commonly used strategy to improve outcomes but is complicated by the need for adequate dietary protein. Surprisingly, the evidence for patient-level benefits from phosphate restriction is tenuous, and the justification for using any phosphate binder for pre-dialysis patients is questionable. The evidence for dietary phosphate modification was reviewed, along with the possible role of a smart phone application (app) that provides information on phosphate, sodium, potassium and nutrients in over 50 000 Australian foods. A pilot study of healthy participants assigned to dietetic advice and standard diet sheets, or dietetic advice, diet sheets and use of the smart phone app was performed. Following baseline studies, 25 participants commenced the sodium and phosphate restricted diet. After 2 weeks, both groups showed non-significant trends to reduction in urinary phosphate and sodium. App users referred to information on the app more frequently than the control group participants referred to written instructions, found referring to the app more convenient, felt they learned more new information, were more motivated to maintain the diet and were more likely to recommend their information source to family or friends (all P < 0.05). Maintaining phosphate balance remains an important goal of CKD management, although diets incorporating very low phosphate and protein contents may worsen patient outcomes. For selected patients, a smart phone app may improve dietary acceptance and compliance.

Accuracy of a Nutrient Database in Estimating the Dietary Phosphorus-to-Protein Ratio and Using a Boiling Method in Low-Phosphate Hospital Diets

The use of the dietary phosphorus-to-protein ratio (PPR) to reduce dietary phosphorus while maintaining protein intake is valuable for nutritional management in the dialysis population, but the actual PPR values in hospital meals have not been determined. We aimed to determine the accuracy of a nutrient database for estimating the PPR in low-phosphate hospital diets compared with the accuracy of chemical analysis and produce hospital diets with low-phosphate content by boiling meat for 30 minutes before cooking. The phosphorus and protein content of 26 cooked dishes selected from the hospital menu was estimated using a food composition table (FCT) and sent for chemical analysis. Comparisons of FCT-based estimated values with measured values for every 100 g of tested foods revealed an overestimation for the PPR both in plant-based dishes (mean difference ± SD, 4.1 ± 14.6 mg/g, P = 0.06), and in meats (2.1 ± 2.3 mg/g, P = 0.06). By boiling meats, we crafted diets with PPR as low as 8 mg/g. Caution should be exercised in estimating the PPR using a FCT in hospital diets and boiling should be used to prepare hospital meals. Such diets will be promoted for dialysis patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Process optimization for the supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) extraction of wheat germ oil with respect to yield, and phosphorous and tocol contents using a Box Behnken design

The supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction technique has emerged as one of the best possible alternatives to organic solvent (hexane) extraction. However, very limited information is available on process optimization for this extraction technique and the lack of available engineering data is causing the slow growth of this technique. In the present investigation, SC-CO2 extraction was carried out to extract the oil from wheat germ under various operating conditions and the oil samples were characterized for properties such as phosphorous and tocol contents (vitamin E). A three-level Box Behnken design from response surface methodology was applied to optimize the SC-CO2 extraction parameters such as pressure, temperature and CO2 flow rate with an objective to obtain high oil yield, rich tocol contents and low phosphorous content. The process parameters were maintained between 30 to 50 MPa, 40 to 60 °C and a flow rate of 10 to 30 g·min-1 in a Box Behnken design matrix. Three different second order polynomial models were obtained for oil yield, phosphorous content and tocol contents with high R2 values. The optimum conditions were found to be 50 M Pa, 60 °C and 30 g·min-1 where the predicted oil yield, phosphorous content and tocol contents were found to be 8.87%, 31.86 mg·Kg-1 and 2059.92 mg·Kg-1 respectively. Under the optimum conditions, the experimental oil yield, phosphorous content and tocol contents obtained were found to be very close to the values predicted by the model.

Heavy mineral beach placers of the Ordovician Amdeh Formation (Member 4, Wadi Qahza, Saih Hatat, eastern Oman Mountains): Where is the main source area?

We studied an excellently exposed section of the slightly metamorphic siliciclastic Amdeh Formation. The section is near the base of the Amdeh Member 4 (Am4). Am4 is of Early to Mid-Ordovician age and 1677 m thick. Two lensoid placers were examined for their mineral composition (X-ray diffraction, transmitted and reflected light microscopy), geochemistry (X-ray fluorescence), in-situ gamma-ray emissions and the sedimentary structures of the host rocks. The placers were deposited in a beach environment as indicated by sedimentary structures in the associated quartzites, such as parallel lamination, parting lineations and sand volcanoes and as indicated by the compositional and textural maturity of the host rock and the placers. Placer deposition may have been favored by rising sea-levels. Overall, the dark placers contain the following heavy minerals: anatase (up to 35–40%) > ilmenite > zircon > hematite (a few %) > and apatite (<1%, may be present in trace amounts as indicated by low phosphorous contents in XRF analysis). The presence of monazite is indicated in our study by LREEs plus yttrium. Due to the high amounts of ilmenite and anatase, the placers' titanium contents are high (up to 20.5 wt%). In both placers, the concentrations of the light rare earth elements (LREEs) lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium and neodymium plus yttrium (geochemically affine to HREEs) are noteworthy (between ∼3000 and 7000 ppm). The source rocks can be expected in metamorphic and acidic plutonic rocks in the basement of Oman, which may have shed detritus from exposed basin flanks, but other potential source areas lay to the north and south of the basin. A source area with pre-enriched quartz in sandstone to explain the massive quartz influx would also be possible. The coastal/shallow shelf facies of Am4 shows very little bathymetric variability despite its thickness, which requires rapid and continuous subsidence. We attribute basin subsidence to rifting, withdrawal (and subrosion?) of salt in the subsurface (Ara Formation) due to sediment loading and possibly to gravity-driven subsidence due to the presence of dense ophiolite units below the Ara Salt. The absence of the Amdeh Formation in the west (Jabal Akhdar Dome) may be explained by rift shoulder uplift. While the Amdeh Formation accumulated in the rift basin, the Jabal Akhdar region occupied parts of the northwestern rift shoulder.

Vertical Variations in Bacterial Community Composition and Environmental Factors in the Culture Pond Sediment of Sea Cucumber Apostichopus Japonicus

Lv, X.; Yu, P.; Mao, W., and Li, Y., 2018. Vertical variations in bacterial community composition and environmental factors in the culture pond sediment of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. In: Wang, D. and Guido-Aldana, P.A. (eds.), Select Proceedings from the 3rd International Conference on Water Resource and Environment (WRE2017). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 84, pp. 69–76. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.The bacterial communities in culture pond sediments play important roles in the decomposition of organic matter, the release of nutrients and conservation of water quality. To explore the vertical variations in the microbial communities and environmental factors in the sediment accumulation of the sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus Selenka) culture pond, microbial community compositions were determined by high-throughput sequencing and environmental factors were measured using samples collected at different sediment depths. A total of 113,161 high-quality reads and 17,317 operational taxonomic units (OUTs) were obtained from different sediment samples. The results showed that the sediment of culture ponds has the characteristics of high organic matter, nitrogen, and sulfur contents and low phosphate contents. The bacterial richness was higher in the surface layer of the sediment. In total, 31 phyla were identified, among which the Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Planctomycetes, Gemmatimonadetes and Nitrospirae were the dominant phyla in the sediment. Principle component analysis (PCA) showed that total-phosphate, salinity, NH4+, pH and PO43− were the main factors that influenced the microbial communities. This study will deepen our understanding of aquaculture environmental regulation and provide theoretical guidance for the exploitation of probiotics.

Optimization of Novel Oil Extraction Technique From Canola Seeds: Lecithin‐Based Microemulsion

Nowadays, solvent (hexane) based oil extraction is a widely used commercial technique and there are a number of environmental, economic, and health related concerns. Overcoming such serious issues is driving research to develop alternative safe methods. In the present study, a novel technique, using lecithin‐based microemulsion system, is developed for canola oil extraction. At first, pseudoternary phase diagrams of canola oil/lecithin/propanol/water microemulsions are constructed and the effect of temperature on microemulsion formation was evaluated. So that, (lecithin/propanol)/water microemulsion premixes ([2:1]50:50 and [2:3]80:20) are selected for optimization (temperature, exposure time, premix:canola seeds ratio, and agitation rate) of oil extraction from canola seeds using one factor at a time design. Based on “one factor at a time” design, the highest extraction yield (82.6% wt) achieved at 60 °C, 60 min, 6:1 premix:canola seeds ratio without agitation; the premix composition was (lecithin/propanol)/water (2:1)50:50. From quality point of views, the microemulsion‐based extracted oils has lower peroxide value, higher acidity, as well as low phosphorous and lecithin contents in comparison with hexane extracted one. This technique confirms its simultaneous extraction, recovery, and solubilization capabilities which can be used for oil extraction and food formulation.Practical Applications: For many decades, vegetable oils are commonly extracted by mechanical pressing or extraction with solvents such as hexane. Hexane, a highly volatile and flammable solvent which requires expensive equipment for safe operation, is classified as a hazardous air pollutant and occupational exposure to n‐hexane can cause neurological symptoms and other health defects. Overcoming these serious issues is driving research to develop alternative safe methods such as microemulsion technique. This study introduces a novel technique using lecithin‐based microemulsion systems for extraction of edible oils from oilseeds. This technique, as a low energy consuming method, has great potency for being used as a safe and green oil extraction technique which is the developing direction for not only the dominant oil resources but also nutrient lipids which can be easily dissolvable in aqueous food and pharmaceutical formulations.Accurate ratios of canola seeds, lecithin, 1‐propanol and water at a moderate temperature were used to create a nano‐size canola oil lecithin‐based microemulsion which was then simply demulsified at lower temperature in order to separate the extracted oil (see picture). This technique as a low energy consuming, straightforward and environmentally friendly method could be used for solublization and extraction of oil from various sources.

Optimum rates of NPS fertilizer application for economically profitable production of potato varieties at Koga Irrigation Scheme, Northwestern Ethiopia

Field experiments have been conducted with the objective of identifying optimum rate of the newly introduced NPS fertilizer for profitable production of potato at Koga Irrigation Scheme, Northwestern Ethiopia. Six NPS fertilizer rates and three potato varieties which were factorial combined and laid down in Randomized Complete Block Design in three replicates were tested on two different farmlands. Most growth, yield, and yield components of potato were increased with increasing rates of NPS fertilizer which differed with varieties and locations. Highest marketable tuber yields of Belete (55.37 t ha−1) and Gudene (46.83 t ha−1) varieties were recorded with the of 283.75 kg ha−1 NPS fertilizer in location I (soil with low phosphorous content). The yields of Gudene variety recorded at the range of 181.6 to 283.75 kg ha−1 NPS fertilizer were however statistically similar. Farmer`s local potato variety on the other hand recorded the highest marketable tuber yield (28.98 t ha−1) in location II (soil with high phosphorous content) supplied with 227.0 kg ha−1 NPS which was similar with yields at the range of 102.12 to 283.75 kg ha−1 NPS fertilizer. On soils with low phosphorous content, production of Belete, and Gudene varieties with application of 283.75 and 181.60 kg ha−1 NPS fertilizer rates, respectively, are recommended while on soils with high phosphorous content production of local, and Gudene varieties supplied with 136.20 and 181.60 kg ha−1 NPS, respectively, are recommended for higher profitability of potato production at Koga Irrigation Scheme.

Influence of the detergent formulation on the concentration of phosphorus in the sewage inflows to the WWTPs: the Brazilian experience

ABSTRACTThis work seeks to discuss the presence of phosphorus in raw sewage considering the formulation of the powder detergent for cleaning fabrics currently sold in Brazil. Based on the results of laboratory analyses performed in the sewage inflows to three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in São Paulo state, it evaluates the different fractions of this element and sizes the impact caused by the product. The average concentration of total phosphorus (total-P) in sewage inflows has shown a reduction trend over the years, and it is currently between 5.3 and 7.6 mg/L. The participation of organic phosphorus (org-P) tends to be higher than that of the inorganic phosphorus (inorg-P) with average around 64% of total-P. This situation indicates a change from the default and it may be influenced by the reduced contribution of phosphorus in the powder detergents. It was concluded that the formulation of the Brazilian products, which have a very low phosphate content, less than 0.01% by weight, may have altered the phosphorus dynamics in sewage. In other respects, results have shown the need to enhance actions aimed at controlling the sources of phosphorus in sewage, with a view to assure preventive measures to water pollution processes.

Does fluoride influence oviposition of Anopheles stephensi in stored water habitats in an urban setting?

BackgroundThe physico-chemical characteristics of lentic aquatic habitats greatly influence mosquito species in selecting suitable oviposition sites; immature development, pupation and adult emergence, therefore are considerations for their preferred ecological niche. Correlating water quality parameters with mosquito breeding, as well as immature vector density, are useful for vector control operations in identifying and targeting potential breeding habitats.MethodsA total of 40 known habitats of Anopheles stephensi, randomly selected based on a vector survey in parallel, were inspected for the physical and chemical nature of the aquatic environment. Water samples were collected four times during 2013, representing four seasons (i.e., ten habitats per season). The physico-chemical variables and mosquito breeding were statistically analysed to find their correlation with immature density of An. stephensi and also co-inhabitation with other mosquito species.Results Anopheles stephensi prefer water with low nitrite content and high phosphate content. Parameters such as total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total hardness, chloride, fluoride and sulfate had a positive correlation in habitats with any mosquito species breeding (p < 0.05) and also in habitats with An. stephensi alone breeding. Fluoride was observed to have a strong positive correlation with immature density of An. stephensi in both overhead tanks and wells.ConclusionKnowledge of larval ecology of vector mosquitoes is a key factor in risk assessment and for implementing appropriate and sustainable vector control operations. The presence of fluoride in potential breeding habitats and a strong positive correlation with An. stephensi immature density is useful information, as fluoride can be considered an indicator/predictor of vector breeding. Effective larval source management can be focussed on specified habitats in vulnerable areas to reduce vector abundance and malaria transmission.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1594-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Paleosols can promote root growth of recent vegetation – a case study from the sandy soil–sediment sequence Rakt, the Netherlands

Abstract. Soil studies commonly comprise the uppermost meter for tracing, e.g., soil development. However, the maximum rooting depth of various plants significantly exceeds this depth. We hypothesized that deeper parts of the soil, soil parent material and especially paleosols provide beneficial conditions in terms of, e.g., nutrient contents, thus supporting their utilization and exploitation by deep roots. We aimed to decipher the different phases of soil formation in Dutch drift sands and cover sands. The study site is located at Bedafse Bergen (southeastern Netherlands) in a 200-year-old oak stand. A recent Podzol developed on drift sand covering a Plaggic Anthrosol that was piled up on a relict Podzol on Late Glacial eolian cover sand. Root-free soil and sediment samples, collected in 10–15 cm depth increments, were subjected to a multi-proxy physical and geochemical approach. The Plaggic Anthrosol revealed low bulk density and high phosphorous and organic carbon contents, whereas the relict Podzol was characterized by high iron and aluminum contents. Frequencies of fine (diameter ≤ 2 mm) and medium roots (2–5 mm) were determined on horizontal levels and the profile wall for a detailed pseudo-three-dimensional insight. On horizontal levels, living roots were most abundant in the uppermost part of the relict Podzol with ca. 4450 and 220 m−2, significantly exceeding topsoil root abundances. Roots of oak trees thus benefited from the favorable growth conditions in the nutrient-rich Plaggic Anthrosol, whereas increased compactness and high aluminum contents of the relict Podzol caused a strong decrease of roots. The approach demonstrated the benefit of comprehensive root investigation to support interpretation of soil profiles, as fine roots can be significantly underestimated when quantified at the profile wall. The possible rooting of soil parent material and paleosols long after their burial confirmed recent studies on the potential influence of rooting to overprint sediment–(paleo)soil sequences of various ages, sedimentary and climatic settings. Potential consequences of deep rooting for terrestrial deep carbon stocks, located to a relevant part in paleosols, remain largely unknown and require further investigation.

Palaeoproterozoic banded iron formationhosted high-grade hematite iron ore deposits of the Transvaal Supergroup, South Africa

Banded iron formation-hosted high-grade (>60 weight percent (wt%) iron (Fe)) hematite ore deposits make up the bulk of the world's iron ore production and reserves. They developed mainly through supergene and/or hydrothermal leaching of silica from the iron formation host rock under oxidizing conditions. Early Palaeoproterozoic iron formations of the Transvaal Supergroup host several such high-grade hematite ore deposits. The largest ones are developed in the Asbesheuwels Subgroup iron formation on the Maremane Dome, between Sishen and Postmasburg in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. These deposits currently produce virtually all of South Africa's annual supply of about 78 million tonnes (Mt) of high-grade hematite ore, to the local and export market from the Sishen, Khumani, Beeshoek and Kolomela Mines. These represent ancient supergene deposits that formed along the approximately 2.2 to 2.0 Ga unconformity at the base of the Gamagara/ Mapedi red bed succession of the Keis (formerly Kheis) Supergroup. Smaller ancient supergene deposits are also developed along the same unconformity such as where it intersects the Rooinekke Iron Formation of the Koegas Subgroup at the Rooinekke Iron Ore Mine to the south of the Maremane Dome and the intersection of the Hotazel Iron Formation of the Voelwater Subgroup of the Transvaal Supergroup, in the Kalahari Manganese Field to the north of the dome. The supergene ores occur in four types, namely laminated, massive, brecciated and conglomeratic ores, the latter forming part of the Gamagara/Mapedi red bed succession. With the exception of the ore at Rooinekke, which is manganiferous, the supergene ores are of high grade (>60 wt%) and they also have low silica and phosphorous contents. Normalized rare earth elements, in contrast to the banded iron formation protolith, show light rare earth element depletion and the oxygen isotopes are slightly depleted to slightly enriched in 18 O. Hydrothermally enriched deposits include: Thabazimbi, situated in the Penge Iron Formation of the Transvaal outcrop area of the Transvaal Supergroup in the metamorphic aureole of the Bushveld Complex; and the Bovenzeekoebaart and magmatic hydrothermal Nauga East deposit, both located in the Kuruman Iron Formation of the Asbesheuwels Subgroup, along the southern extremity of the Griqualand West outcrop area of the Transvaal Supergroup. These hydrothermal iron ores are all developed at the bottom contact between the host iron formation and underlying carbonaceous shale that marks the transition into the Malmani- Campbellrand carbonate platform succession below. In some instances this contact is faulted. The ore grades upwards into oxidized iron formation, with isolated lenses sometimes developed at higher stratigraphic levels. Fault systems intersect the iron formations and the mineralisation is concentrated between mafic sills, higher up in the iron formations and the bottom shale contact. At Nauga East, mineralisation is developed in contact with a steeply dipping zoned syenite-carbonatite dyke. The hydrothermal ores are of high grade (>60 wt%), but can have higher phosphorous contents of up to 0.25 wt%. Normalized rare earth elements are enriched but similar to that of the host iron formations and the oxygen isotopes are generally depleted in 18 O. The mining of iron ore in South Africa dates from between 800 and 1200 AD, with modern exploration and mining starting from 1916. The first production of high-grade banded iron formation-hosted ore commenced in 1931 from the Maremane Dome and Thabazimbi. The first truly world class iron ore mine in South Africa, Sishen, was opened in 1953 and still operates today. The deposits at Khumani and Welgevonden have gone into production as recently as 2008 and 2011 respectively. Current estimates place the life of mine of the larger deposits at between 15 and 40 years.

Effect of conventional milling on the nutritional value and antioxidant capacity of wheat types common in Ethiopia and a recovery attempt with bran supplementation in bread.

The effect of wheat flour refined milling on nutritional and antioxidant quality of hard and soft grown in Ethiopia was evaluated. Bread was prepared with the supplementation of the white wheat flour with different levels (0%, 10%, 20%, and 25%) of wheat bran. Whole (100% extraction) and white wheat (68% extraction) flours were analyzed for proximates, minerals, and antioxidants. Results indicated that at a low extraction rate (68%), the protein, fat, fiber, ash, iron, zinc, phosphorous, and antioxidant contents of the samples significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by milling. The TPC (total phenolic content) of the white wheat flours, which ranged from 3.34 to 3.49 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalent)/g, was significantly (P < 0.005) lower than those of the whole wheat flours, whose TPC ranged from 7.66 to 8.20 GAE/g). At 50 mg/mL, the DPPH (2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) scavenging effect of the wheat extracts decreased in the order of soft whole, hard whole, soft white, and hard white wheat flour, which was 90.39, 89.89, 75.80, and 57.57%, respectively. Moreover, the proximate and mineral contents of the bran‐supplemented breads increased significantly (P < 0.05) with the bran level of the bread, and the highest values (protein, 12.0 g/100 g; fat, 2.6 g/100 g; fiber, 2.5 g/100 g; ash, 3.3 g/100 g; iron, 4.8 mg/100 g and zinc, 2.33 mg/100 g) were found in 25% bran supplemented bread. The sensory evaluation of bread showed that all the supplementation levels had a mean score above 4 for all preferences on a 7‐ point hedonic scale. The results indicated that refined milling at 68% extraction significantly reduces the nutritional and antioxidant activity of the wheat flours. Bread of good nutritional and sensory qualities can be produced from 10% and 20% bran supplementations.

Cytocompatible 3D chitosan/hydroxyapatite composites endowed with antibacterial properties: toward a self-sterilized bone tissue engineering scaffold

Bone tissue scaffolds based on bioactive polymer–hydroxyapatite composites have caused infections that seriously limit their extended application. In this study, we proposed a practical ion substitution method to synthesize in situ silver phosphate on the surface of a two-level, three-dimensional chitosan/nano-hydroxyapatite scaffold. A release test of silver ions in a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution was performed to demonstrate that silver ions were released continuously from the silver phosphate during the initial 6 days of the study. The antibacterial property and cytocompatibility of the scaffolds treated with different concentrations of silver nitrate solution were assessed by in vitro assays with Escherichia coli and MC3T3-E1, respectively. The ability of the silver-containing scaffolds to induce bacteriostasis was confirmed by the inhibition zone (15mm) and high bactericidal rate (>99%). Cell proliferation, morphology and the alkaline phosphatase activity of MC3T3-E1 cultured on the scaffold with low silver phosphate contents were comparable with those cultured on control samples.