Macro Elements Research Articles

Migration of Plutonium, Micro- and Macroelements in the “Soil–Plant” System at Different Soil Moisture

In the vegetation experiment, the plutonium, micro- and macroelements migration in the “soil–agricultural plant” system depending on soil moisture in the range from 15 to 40٪ of absolute soil moisture were studied. The content of 239Pu was analyzed by α-spectrometry with preliminary radiochemical isolation. The elemental composition was analyzed by the ICP-MS and ICP-AES methods. Beans (Fabaceae) variety “Amber” were used as a test culture. The plutonium transfer factor obtained in the vegetation experiments are in the range of of 5.3×10–4–1.5×10–2, with an average value of 5.4×10–3 for the aboveground part of bean and range of 4.5×10–2–2.7×10–1, with an average of 1.6×10–1 for bean roots. It was determined that the distribution of plutonium, micro and macro elements in the vegetative organs of plants is not equally, the transfer factor of plutonium for the aboveground part of plants is lower than for the root part. It has been established that the accumulation of plutonium, micro- and macroelements, depending on soil moisture, is different for the organs of beans. The dependence of plutonium accumulation by plants on soil moisture is significantly higher than for other considered elements. A decrease in the coefficient of accumulation of plutonium in the aerial part of the beans is recorded with an increase in soil moisture up to two orders of magnitude. There is a trend towards a slight decrease in the accumulation coefficients of Fe, Mg, Mn, Cr, Mo, Ni, Co, Cu. For the root system of beans, a clear dependence of the accumulation of the considered elements on soil moisture is not observed.

Modelado de paredes de mampostería confinada: revisión de métodos y aplicación utilizando macroelemento discreto

One of the main challenges assessing masonry structures is numerical simulation. An overview and classification of the current developments and available techniques for nonlinear analysis of confined masonry structures is presented. As an exploratory study, an application of a numerical model using a Discrete Macro Element Method was carried out. It consisted on the calibration of mechanical parameters for representing the capacity curve and damage progression of a confined masonry wall tested under quasi static cyclic load. Then a sensitivity analysis was carried out. It has been found that global behavior is well captured by the model regarding strength and deformation. However, failure mode at confining elements was not consistent with the observed damage. Calibration has been made only for one experimental test; thus, conclusions are only valid for this set of experimental results. It is considered that the Discrete Macro Element Method is suitable not only to reproduce the global behavior of complete buildings, which is its original purpose, but also it may be used to study element behavior with appropriate modifications. ILIA: Investigaciones Latinoamericanas en Ingeniería y Arquitectura, No. 01, 2024: 108-114.

Toxic and essential elements in honeybee venom from Slovakia: Potential health risk to humans

Honeybee venom is one of the natural substances produced by bees (Apis mellifera). Their venom gland produces venom which plays a defensive role. In this study a concentration of macro and trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Sb, Se, Sr, Pb and Zn) in foragers′ and honeybees′ venom was analysed by axial inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) with good validation parameters to differentiate the element accumulation ability in honeybee venom. Cumulative ability for some elements (As, Al, Ba, Cr, Li, Mo, Pb, and Zn) in bee venom was clearly demonstrated. Oppositely, levels of macro elements (Ca, K, Mg and Na) in venom were several times lower compared to the levels detected in foragers. Moreover, PCA analysis of bee samples showed that Cr was associated with locality Košice, and Cd with locality Krompachy; both have rich industrial history. Since some of analysed elements are potentially toxic for humans, a risk assessment for bee-stung scenario was also calculated. A new way of exposure to potentially toxic elements via honeybee stung was showed in this study. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment for humans to selected toxic elements (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb) demonstrated acceptable risk and moreover the same we may conclude for potential carcinogenic risk for beekeepers exposed to As, Cd, Ni, and Pb via venom over their whole life.

Seasonal fluctuations in fatty acid profile and biochemical traits of edible deep-water shrimp Heterocarpus woodmasoni

Heterocarpus woodmasoni is an edible deep-sea caridean shrimp that holds significant commercial importance and is sourced from the south-west coast of India in the Arabian Sea. In this research study, we extensively examined the biochemical, mineral and seasonal fatty acid compositions of H. woodmasoni. ANOVA tests, unveiled noteworthy disparities (p < 0.05) in moisture, crude fat and protein content between male and female H. woodmasoni. In contrast, we observed no significant differences in ash, carbohydrate, and cholesterol levels. Regarding minerals, the prominent macro elements detected in H. woodmasoni included K, P, Na, Ca and Mg with Zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) emerging as the dominant micro elements followed by Copper (Cu) and Selenium (Se). Notably, these shrimp exhibited a well-balanced ratio of essential to non-essential amino acids. Within the n-6 series, linoleic acid (18:2n-6), dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20:3n-6), and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) were identified as the primary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), exhibiting distinct concentrations across sexes and seasons. Both male and female H. woodmasoni displayed lower atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices, ranging between 0.4 and 0.6 and 0.2–0.4, respectively, indicating a favourable cardiovascular health profile. Principal component analysis resulted in a two-principal component model explaining 83.4 % and 67.3 % of the total data variance for amino acid and fatty acid indices, respectively. This comprehensive biochemical analysis of both male and female H. woodmasoni reaffirms the species' status as a valuable and healthful resource, characterized by its abundance of high-quality nutritional components.

Comparative Analysis of Biochar Derived from Rice Straw and Soybean Straw

Aim: Recycling agricultural postharvest waste and re-introducing it again into farmland is one of the tangible ways to address zero waste dream, soil infertility and climate change. Pyrolysis of crop leftovers into biochar remains the most acceptable alternative for proper management of crop waste. The possibility of sustainable biochar production practices and multi-functionality features makes it promising to fufill an increasing demand for soil amendment, agricultural sustainability, environmental protection, cutting-edge materials and mitigation of climate change. Methodology: Same amount (14450 g) in feedstock of rice straw (RS) and soybean straw (SS) undergo slow pyrolysis separately to produce biochar. Physical (percentage yield, moisture, ash, volatile matter, bulk density, pH, electrical conductivity), chemical characterization (Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES), Scanning Electron Microscope Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis and Derivative Thermogravimetry (TGA and DTA)) and evaluation of bochar was determined. Results: Rice straw biochar (RSB) recorded a higher char yield of 42.1%. Both lignocellulosic biochars were black and porous with a higher silica (10.6%) content in RSB and higher carbon (82.2%) content in SSB as was revealed by SEM-EDX. Higher ash 27.1%, volatile matter (VM) 31.3% and moisture 29.4% content was seen in RSB compared to SSB because of feedstock composition. Rice straw biochar show higher peaks of macro and micro mineral elements K(14561.21mg/kg), Ca (2401.28 mg/kg), and Na(1735.27 mg/kg) than soybean straw biochar. FTIR was used to identify functional groups that might act as cation adsorbents. As the temperature increased, the TGA and DTG graphs showed mass loss and sample breakdown. Conclusion: Rice and soybean crop wastes were converted into biochar, a nutrient-rich material that maybe utilized to balance acidic soils promoting healthy plant growth and also protecting the environment.

Impact of Toxoplasma gondii on Serum Protein Levels and Mineral Content in Sheep and Goats at a Small Dairy Farm in White Nile State, Sudan

Aim: This study aims to investigate the effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection on the serum proteins and macro elements (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphate) for sheep and goat. Introduction: In sheep and goats, Toxoplasma infection is a major cause of abortion and stillbirth. Subclinical infections are also quite common in adult animals of affected flocks and herds. Serum proteins and macro elements plays an essential role in animal metabolism. Materials and Methods: Serological survey of T. gondii was conducted using Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) for 20 sera collected from sheep and goats (8 and12 respectively) in white Nile State, Sudan. Results: Out of twelve goats’ serum and eight sheep serum samples, seven samples were found to be positive for Toxoplasma (58.33%) in goats and four samples were found to be positive for Toxoplasma (50%) in sheep, the remaining samples were negative. It was observed that serum Total protein (Tp) level was increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) in both species, and albumin (Alb) level decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) in goats, while Globulin (Glob) was significantly (p&lt;0.05) low in sheep compared with control animals. The results showed that some minerals (Na and K) concentrations in the serum were higher in both sheep and goats compared to the controls. Conclusion: In conclusion infestation of goats with Toxoplama gondii increases the total protein, globulins and significantly decreases the albumin concentrations. For sheep the infestation increases the total protein, albumin and significantly decreases the globulin concentrations. Sheep and goats infected with Toxoplasma gondii showed increased serum sodium, potassium and magnesium levels affecting most of the enzyme systems.

Formation of the quality of champignons using organic additives and biologically active substances

This article provides a summary of the results of research using various additives to improve the yield of mushrooms. To improve the quality of mushrooms mushrooms studies were carried out to increase the yield of mushrooms using organic additives and biologically active substances grown on substrates of soybean seeds, meat and bone meal, powder from buckwheat seeds and millet. Conducted a comparative characterization of the impact of mushrooms mushrooms on quality indicators. In carrying out the study different objectives, such as increasing the composition, the quality of agricultural products, as well as the volume of production, the impact on growth. The article presents current methodological and agro-technical problems of mushroom growing technology. However, they are not enough, in our opinion, studied the effect of organic additives and biologically active products on the formation of not only the yield but also the quality of mushrooms. Vitamins, macro - and microelements and energy value of mushrooms champignons presented in the results of the study. Cultivation of mushrooms is provided to meet the needs of humans and the environment on the basis of increasing their biological value, for therapeutic treatment of various cancers and use as a food, pesticide product, in everyday life for the human body, health, normal daily diet as a product with many benefits from high quality and simple mushrooms. In the study, vitamins C,PP showed higher values than other vitamins, And in the amount of 100 g of macro and trace elements can be noticed high content of potassium and phosphorus. It is worth noting that the calorie content of mushrooms is only 27 kilocalories per one hundred grams of product. The nutritional value of mushrooms is one of the factors affecting their population.

SEISMIC VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF AN HISTORICAL UNREINFORCED MASONRY BUILDING OF THE XIXTH CENTURY: EL FETH HIGH SCHOOL IN BLIDA, ALGERIA

Schools In Algeria, built in the XIXth and XXth centuries, are not only places of education and learning, but make up a rich cultural heritage of architectural techniques and traditional know-how. However, their seismic vulnerability risks the safety of their occupants. They were built of masonry before seismic regulations were put into place, which increases their sensitivity to seismic hazard. Algeria is situated in a well-known zone of high seismic activity and the risk to these buildings challenges their structural behaviour. This study focuses on an assessment of seismic vulnerability on a specimen built entirely in hollow brick which wonderfully represents this architectural heritage leading to a better understanding of the potential risks for these buildings, at a structural level. Macro element models, using the Tremuri software, are subjected to a non-linear “Pushover” analysis in order to determine the degree of vulnerability and locate the weak sections of the structure which could collapse during seismic action. This study aims to highlight the seismic risks of these types of structures and also offer appropriate guidelines and recommendations that could be of use during a possible rehabilitation or conservation program of this built heritage site.

Combining non-destructive devices and multivariate analysis as a tool to quantify the fatty acid profiles of linseed genotypes

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and linseed oil, with a fatty acid profile rich in both macro and micro elements, are recognized as functional foods due to their valuable positive effects on health. Fatty acids composition (FAC) is a key indicator in assessing the quality of linseeds. The FAC of linseed is typically determined using chromatographic methods, yielding highly accurate results. However, chromatographic methods entail drawbacks such as requiring pre-chemical processes, generating chemical waste, and being both expensive and time-consuming, similar to chemical analyses. This study focused on the feasibility of colorimeter and FT-NIRS data to determine the FAC (%), protein (%) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF %) in linseed samples. By employing the PLSR analysis based on FT-NIRS, it was determined that the ratios of stearic (R2val = 0.74, RMSEP = 0.09 %), oleic (R2val = 0.75, RMSEP = 0.26 %), linoleic (R2val = 0.85, RMSEP = 0.58 %), linolenic (R2val = 0.71, RMSEP = 1.07 %), 8,11,14 eicosatrienoic (R2val = 0.77, RMSEP = 0.02 %), margaric (R2val = 0.71, RMSEP = 0.01 %), myristic (R2val = 0.75, RMSEP = 0.02 %), and behenic (R2val = 0.74, RMSEP = 1.12 %) in linseed could be successfully predicted. Furthermore, results demonstrated that the protein (R2val = 0.87, RMSEP = 0.9 %) and NDF (R2val = 0.90, RMSEP = 0.6 %) content in linseeds can be successfully predicted. PLSR demonstrated that FT-NIRS had relatively higher predictive capability compared to color models.

Elemental composition of post-wildfire biomass ashes and partly burned woody species in Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic.

The study explored the post-wildfire elemental composition of parts (wood, bark, branch, cone, trunk, litter, twig, needle, sward, fallow, sapling, etc.) and by-products (biomass ashes, partly burnt parts, and char) of different woody species in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic, and considered their effects on soils. Multi-elemental analysis of the fire by-products of the woody species was determined with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry and mass spectrometry and compared with control biomass samples unaffected by wildfire. Most fire by-products were slightly alkaline, with acidic ashes obtained from blueberry wood. The by-products of the wildfire were characterized by varied total contents of macro (P, Ca, K, Mg, and S), micro (Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn), and other elements (B, Co, Mo, and V) vital to soil fertility and plant growth. The mean content of macro elements in the biomass ashes was up to 4.16 P, 23.5 Ca, 2.48Mg, 63K, and 5.57 S g kg-1. These values were comparatively lower than published data for ashes obtained under optimized conditions, e.g., those combusted in power generation facilities. Conversely, partly burnt parts-an indication of incomplete combustion-had higher 9.22 P, 79 Ca, and 5.99Mggkg-1 contents in spruce needles than in biomass ashes and the control. Variations in woody species and anthropogenic activities in areas of wildfires produced varied As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb contents above EU fertilizer regulation. Caution in applying biomass ashes from wildfires on fields is required due to risk/toxic elements input from anthropogenic activities. Wildfire effects on the elemental composition of woody species can provide information on plant parts most suitable for biomass ashes for soil and ecosystem safety.

Assessment of the Biochemical Methane Potential of Wastewater and Sludge Cake from a Poultry Slaughterhouse

Objectives : This study evaluates the potential for resource recovery through anaerobic digestion of organic waste generated in a poultry slaughterhouse, specifically focusing on poultry slaughterhouse wastewater and sludge cake obtained from in-house wastewater treatment.Methods : Basic characteristics (total solids, alkalinity, etc.), total nitrogen/ammonia nitrogen, and elemental analysis (macro and trace elements) were performed to determine the properties of the samples and calculate theoretical methane potential. Experimental methane potential was determined through BMP tests, with parameters such as lag period (λ) and maximum methane production rate (CH 4 mL/g VS/d) obtained using the modified Gompertz equation.Results and Discussion : The wastewater exhibited low organic matter concentration (1.79 g VS/kg; 3.74 g COD/L), while the sludge cake showed high total solids content (TS 170.8 g/kg) and organic matter concentration (131.5 g VS/kg; 220 g COD/L). Elemental analysis revealed that the C/N ratio was 9.17 for the sludge cake and 8.24 for the wastewater, indicating high nitrogen content. Methane production modeling using the modified Gompertz equation revealed a lag period of 7.5 days and T80 (time to produce 80% of total methane) of 21 days for wastewater, and a lag period of 2.4 days and T80 of 14 days for sludge cake.Conclusion : Wastewater and sludge cake from poultry slaughterhouses show significant potential as substrates for anaerobic digestion. However, the wastewater has low organic matter content, and the sludge cake, while high in organic matter, has low moisture and high ammonia levels. Therefore, it may be appropriate to co-digest these two substrates, or to co-digest the sludge cake with other substrates that have low nitrogen content and high water content. These findings provide fundamental data for the anaerobic digestion of slaughterhouse waste and highlight the need for further research on co-digestion and continuous processes.

Ilex paraguariensis Extracts: A Source of Bioelements and Biologically Active Compounds for Food Supplements

Ilex paraguariensis, commonly known as yerba mate, is a plant belonging to the holly genus Ilex and the Aquifoliaceae family, indigenous to South America, and is used for the production of yerba mate. Yerba mate is renowned for its abundance of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. Based on test results, it can be assumed that the selection of raw material for the preparation of extracts as well as the extraction method significantly influence the final content of biologically active compounds in the extracts. Consequently, this variability impacts the ultimate concentration of biologically active substances within the end product, potentially influencing human consumption. The present study aimed to quantify and compare the content of selected biological active compounds in supplements and products containing I. paraguariensis extracts, along with organic yerba mate dried through a smoke-free process, available in the European market (P-1–P-10). The evaluation focused on antioxidant substances such as neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, 4-feruloylquinic acid, isochlorogenic acid, rutoside astragalin, and caffeine. Additionally, the concentration of specific macro and trace elements was ascertained. The antioxidant compound makeup differs between methanol-extracted samples and aqueous extracts. In both cases, methanol extracts, particularly those in instant and traditional herb forms, showed the highest content of organic compounds with antioxidant properties (such as phenolic compounds and caffeine). The highest content of chlorogenic acid was detected in both methanol (14.7412 mg/g d.w.) and water (8.3120 mg/g d.w.) extracts in product P-4. The caffeic acid content ranged from 0.1491 mg/g d.w. to 1.7938 mg/g d.w. in methanol extracts and from 0.0760 mg/g d.w. to 0.4892 mg/g d.w. in water extracts. The neochlorogenic acid content ranged from 2.6869 to 23.9750 mg/g d.w. in ethanol extracts and from 0.4529 to 10.2299 mg/g d.w. in water extracts. Therefore, the traditional preparation of yerba mate as a water infusion does not fully exploit the raw material’s potential. Among the tested products, only the dietary supplement in capsule form contained protocatechuic acid, which was not present in any other tested products. Conversely, compounds characteristic of yerba mate found in other preparations were absent in this supplement. The caffeine content was also the lowest in this product. The determined content of active substances did not consistently match the declarations made by producers if stated on the packaging.

Bioaccumulation of metals in muscle tissues of economically important fish species from black sea Lagoon lakes in Türkiye: Consumer health risk and nutritional value assessment

This study is the first comprehensive investigation into the levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the muscle tissues of various fish species (Carassius gibelio, Squalis cephalus, Esox lucius, and Tinca tinca) in Lagoon Lakes Akgöl and Semenit (LLAS), Samsun, Türkiye. A multidisciplinary approach was employed, integrating elemental analysis, health risk assessment, and source identification techniques to evaluate the distribution, sources, and health risks of PTE contamination in fish. The mean concentrations of toxic and trace elements (µg/kg) were determined in ascending order: Cd (5) < Co (8) < Cr (18) = Pb (18) < Ni (66) < As (163) < Cu (290) < Mn (798) < Fe (6150) < Zn (6250). In contrast, the concentrations of macro elements are provided in units of mg/kg, as follows: Mg (391) < Na (677) < Ca (1698) < P (2314) < K (3837), with notable variations across species. Health risk assessment methodologies indicated that PTE levels in fish muscle tissues generally fell below regulatory limits, indicating their safety for consumption. Noncarcinogenic risk assessment further documented the safety of consuming these fish species, with elevated maximum safe consumption quantity (MSCQ) values observed for all metals. In addition, the estimated daily intake of PTEs was found to be below reference doses, confirming the safety of consumption. Esox lucius demonstrated a highest abundance of essential nutrients (e.g., Ca, K, Mg, and P). Source identification techniques indicated that residential waste, lithogenic materials, and agricultural practices are significant contributors to PTE contamination. Overall, this research stresses the importance of monitoring PTE levels in fish, ensuring food safety and protect human health.

Dietary Intake of Minerals and Potential Human Exposure to Toxic Elements via Coffee Consumption.

In this study, we investigated the levels of macro, minor, and trace elements in roasted ground and instant coffees (n = 56). We assessed dietary mineral intake and health risks associated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) using deterministic and probabilistic approaches. The limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.13 µg/kg for Be to 3.7 mg/kg for K, with corresponding limits of quantification (LOQ) at 0.43 µg/kg and 12.2 mg/kg. The recovery values (R%) ranged from 89 to 107%. The most abundant element was K, followed by Mg, Ca, and Na. Other elements followed this order: Fe > Mn > B > Cu > Sr > Zn > Al > Ba > Ni > Cr > Co > Se > Sn > Pb > Li > Ag > V > As > Cd > Hg > Be. Instant coffees generally exhibited higher K, Mg, and Na levels than ground-roasted coffees. Notably, Hg, Li, and Se were not detected in 34, 2, and 1 samples, respectively. Coffee samples were generally a good source of dietary elements such as Cu, Mn, Cr, and Se. The PTEs found in coffee products posed negligible risks to human health. The total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) remained below 1, and the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) did not exceed the threshold of 1 × 10-6. Nevertheless, coffee consumption contributed to Pb and As levels below 15% of the benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL) values, and Sn, Hg, and Cd levels below 0.90% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI).

Assessment of Endogenous Soil Fertility to Update Fertilization of Maize (Zea mays L) Crops in the Savannah Region of Togo

The diagnosis of soil fertility is a prerequisite for the formulation of balanced and site-specific fertilizer recommendations. Macro elements (nitrogen – N, phosphorous – P and potassium – K) based nutrient omission trials were conducted in the districts of Oti, Tandjoare, Tone and Kpendjal of the Savannah region. The objective was to assess endogenous soil fertility under maize cropping to further develop updated site-specifique fertilization schemes for the crop. A total of twenty-five producers were selected in the region (eight in Tandjoare, seven in Tone, five in Oti and five in Kpendjal) for the study in a paticipatory approach. The approach was participatory in order to involve the end user in the exercise. A randomized complete block design was adopted with five fertilization treatments including N0P0K0 (T1), N0P60K70 (T2), N120P0K70 (T3), N120P60K0 (T4) and N120P60K70 (T5) kg ha-1 for the trial. The unit plot size was 100 m2 (10 m x10 m). Grain yield, yield response to nutrients and Agronomic Efficiency (AE) were determined. Genstat Edition 12th was used to discriminate means.The average yields were 0.56, 0.83, 3.18, 3.44 and 4.57 Mg ha-1 respectively for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 in Tandjoare, 0.32, 0.52, 1.06, 2.39 and 3.02 Mg ha-1 respectively for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 in Tône, 1.01, 1.35, 2.56, 3.16 and 4.39 Mg ha-1 respectively for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 in Oti and 0.39, 0.75, 1.54, 2.33 and 3.31 Mg ha-1 respectively for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 in Kpendjal. The ranking of yield data by fertilizer treatment indicates that all three macronutrients (N, P and K) are required for maize production in the Savannah region, with a priority ranking of N&gt;P&gt;K. The results also showed that the best Agronomic Efficiency is obtained when all macronutrients are supplied in all four districts. The results of this diagnostic will be used as a basis for formulating balanced, site-specific fertilizer recommendations for intelligent, environmentally-friendly agriculture.

Seasonal aspects of macro, trace, and ultra trace element changes in soils with different anthropogenic loads

Studying seasonal changes in the concentrations of macro, trace and ultra trace elements in soil samples is important for solving a number of environmental problems in mountainous regions. An innovative technical approach, using a portable X-ray fluorescenceanalyzer, was used to detect changes in the concentrations of certain chemical elements in soil samples from different regions of Armenia during the four seasons. Based on the established Clark concentration for chemical elements, a pollution index was calculated. Regardless of the season, the significance of the pollution index for trace elements is greater than the value of the other elements of the group. Moderate direct and inverse correlations between macro and trace elements, as well as between trace and ultra trace elements were dominant throughout the experimental cycle in all soil samples. The results obtained are of practical importance for the development of mountain soils for agricultural use and can be useful for the preparation of geochemical maps of the distribution of macro, trace, and ultra trace elements to adjust the geochemical background of heavy metals in the soils of Armenia.

Experimental Studies on the Mineral Content of Solojo Flour and Protein Isolates from Two Varieties (DAS and BS) of Nigerian Cultivated Solojo Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp)

Studies on the Mineral Content of Solojo Flour and Protein Isolates from the two varieties (DAS and BS) of Nigeria cultivated solojo cowpeas were conducted to determine their nutritional value. These inorganic elements or minerals were classified into 3 categories, the ultra- trace minerals, which is the third category; the micro elements, also known as the trace minerals is the second category; while the first category are the macro elements, also known as major minerals. Some of the macro-elements are Ca, P, Na and Cl, the second category, micro-elements include, iron, copper, cobalt, potassium, magnesium, iodine, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, F, Cr, Se and S. Results show that the proportion of Sodium (Na) which is ingested into the body in the form of NaCl through food intake maintenance of body pH and to retain water ranged from 728.97 to 253.37 ppm (72.90 to 25.34 mg/100 g); 715.24 to 235.45 ppm; 735.28 to 270.37 ppm; 726.59 to 264.35ppm, for FFDAS, FFBS, DAS and BS respectively with all values of the germinated samples all bellow the control. While FFDAS iron content ranged from 4.25 to 13.50 mg/100 g; FFBS ranged from 3.15 to 12.56 mg/100 g; DAS ranged from 3.81 to 12.90 mg/100g; BS ranged from 3.42 to 9.40 mg/100 g. The values of the germinated flours were all greater than the ungerminated flour. Iron helps to transport oxygen round the body and also helps in red blood cells building and to convert food into needed energy by the body. While Manganese an element that is needed in micro quantity but necessary to convert food into energy, is also crucial for healthy bone and cartilage creation. Results also show that zinc quantity increased as germination proceeded and the values ranged from 38.80 ppm to 230.00 ppm (3.880 mg/100 g to 23.00 mg/100 g; 0.003880% to 0.0230%); 40.84 to 250.01 ppm; 32.85 to 93.41 ppm; 37.07 to 115.00 ppm, for FFDAS, FFBS, DAS and BS respectively. The Ca content improved significantly (p&lt;0.05) with sprouting, the value extended from 250.56 ppm to 760.03 ppm (25.056 to 76.00 mg/100g or 0.0251 to 0.0760 %); 400.40 to 998.22 ppm; 116.87 to 195.69 ppm; 113.48 to 220.75 ppm, for FFDAS, FFBS, DAS and BS respectively. Zinc element although needed at the micro level in the body, is essential for a strong immune system to keep the body in good health. It is also crucial for the maintenance of a healthy sense of taste and odor, while Calcium is critical for strong bones and teeth, blood coagulation, and muscle tightening and relaxation. Magnesium is needed to build enzyme and antioxidants and also for healthy bones while Potassium is needed to maintain; water balance, muscle movement, and nerve impulses. It functions in conjuction with Na to regulate blood pressure.

Effect of foliar chelated forms spraying on grape yield and mineral status of shoots

The aim of this study was to evaluate the foliar chelated forms of Mg and Fe, on grape yield and mineral status of the shoots of vine cultivar Cardinal. Field trials were organized using a random block system with three variants, including a control (Variant I), each replicated three times. Foliar fertilizers were applied at a concentration of 0.5% on four occasions throughout the vegetation period: before and after blooming, during buckshot berry stage, and at the verasion stage. Over the ivestigation of three years, the application of foliar Mg and Fe fertilizers significantly influenced grape yield. The variant treated with Fe (VFe) demonstrated a higher average yield of 14.87 t/ha. Furthermore, a noticeable impact of foliar fertilizers on the concentration of analyzed elements in grapevine shoots was observed. Over the three-year period, the average content of macro elements, including nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and iron, was higher in the treated variants compared to the control. Additionally, results from shoot tissue analysis confirmed the existence of an antagonistic relationship between magnesium and potassium.

Major and Trace Elements of Baobab Leaves in Different Habitats and Regions in Sudan: Implication for Human Dietary Needs and Overall Health.

The metabolic needs of the human body and preventing infections require a diet with sufficient amounts of essential nutrients. This study aimed to investigate the importance of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) dried leaves as a healthy food source by determining the content of macro and trace elements in different habitats and regions. This study was conducted in Sudan and covered three different habitats, wetland (W), plainland (P), and mountain (M), in two regions (Blue Nile and Kordofan). The dry matter (DM) of Baobab leaves was considered for analyzed menials, and the results showed that the mean values were significantly affected by habitats where Baobab trees grew. The highest contents of potassium K (1653 ± 34 mg/100 g) and sodium (Na) 7.67 ± 1.18 mg/100 g were found in the W zone, whereas the highest contents of calcium (Ca) 2903 ± 187 mg/100 g and magnesium (Mg) 529 ± 101 mg/100 g were detected in the M and P zones, respectively. In addition, the two regions showed significant differences in trace and macro elements, i.e., higher levels of iron (Fe) 17.17 ± 2.76 mg/100 g and magnesium (556 ± 55 mg/100 g) were found in the Kordofan region while higher levels of zinc (Zn) 2.548 ± 0.55 mg/100 g and calcium (2689 ± 305 mg/100) were in the Blue Nile region. These varying amounts of elements can be used in our daily diets because of their potentially healthy effects, especially in areas where access to nutrient-rich foods is limited.

Impact of the soil-foundation-structure interaction in the seismic behaviour of a heritage masonry tower: The Giralda of Seville

The seismic safety of heritage buildings may be affected by the interaction between the soil, the foundation and the structure, which is usually neglected in conventional seismic assessments. These factors are particularly important in the case of slender constructions, such as masonry towers, over soft strata. Hence, this work deals with the influence of the soil-foundation-structure interaction in the seismic behaviour of complex heritage masonry towers. The investigations have been carried out considering the case study of the Giralda tower in Seville, Spain. The region is an earthquake-prone area, characterised by far away very large earthquakes with long-return periods. The Giralda tower is a slender brick unreinforced masonry tower, 95 m high and about 13 m wide. It features a high artistic value and popularity as it has been the historical symbol of the city. It was declared a UNESCO Word Heritage Site of Outstanding Universal Value in 1987. Apart from its slenderness, the tower presents some other seismic vulnerabilities: openings irregularities, material heterogeneity and the position of a belfry on the top. Furthermore, the building is placed on soft alluvial strata and has a shallow foundation. Likewise, the tower has a considerable weight, which has caused large settlements. A thorough evaluation of the soil, the foundation and the structure has been carried out to develop a complex and detailed finite element model. Macro mechanical elements and the direct method have been used to develop the numerical model of the tower in the OpenSees framework. Free ambient vibration tests and non-destructive experiments have been used to calibrate the model. Its dynamic behaviour has been evaluated considering the seismic action suggested by the Spanish Code and those determined through a seismic response analysis, bearing in mind different return periods and considering real ground motions. Finally, the numerical results showed that the effect of the soil and the foundation have a significant impact on the seismic behaviour of the bell tower, amplifying the acceleration and its damage at the top.