Matter Of Balance Research Articles

Energy and matter balance of process of activated carbon production from Algerian agricultural wastes: date palm rachis and jujube stones

This study investigated pyrolysis and activation of palm rachis and jujube stones at 1073 K to determine the yield of the detailed composition of the released gases, tar, condensable and solid material after each step of the process. The biomasses and their derived materials were characterized using approximate and ultimate analysis and calorimetry analysis in order to carry out the matter and the energy balance of both examined processes. Empirical assumptions were used to mine the collected data. Furthermore, wood was also used in this study for comparison purpose. The carbon weight percentage (%C) was 46.1, 49.3 and 49.2% for palm rachis, jujube stones and wood, respectively. This last parameter becomes 67.3, 91.7 and 87.0% for the same burn-off value (55%) for the activated carbons produced from the cited biomasses, respectively. The global matter balance of the solid materials recovered from the processes was 15.9, 11.6 and 12.5% for activated carbon (at 55% of burn-off) prepared from palm rachis, jujube stones and wood, respectively. The global energy balance was positive for all examined samples with the recovery of close to 70% of the energy initially contained in virgin biomass as combustible gases form. Finally, it was found that rachis palm and jujube stones are efficient as precursor for thermochemical conversion.

Influence of long-term plowing on water permeability of light-gray forest soils of taiga-forest zone of Western Siberia

Light-gray forest soils are of particular value to agricultural enterprises in Western Siberia. These soils have a number of advantages relative to semi-hydromorphic soils, which have high potential fertility, but unfavorable water-physical properties. The involvement of light-gray forest soils in agriculture leads to a change in the balance of organic matter and moisture regime. This affects water permeability, which characterizes the main indicators of water-physical properties. The deterioration of the conditions for the movement of water deeper into the soil leads to surface water saturation and the manifestation of water erosion. The purpose of scientific research was to study the influence of long-term plowing on water permeability of light-gray forest soils. It is established that in the virgin state, light-gray forest soils are characterized by the best water permeability. The illuvial horizon has a minimum infiltration and filtration rates, which reach 3.1 and 1.8 mm/min, respectively. Plowing and prolonged use of light-gray forest soils in arable land leads to a deterioration in the speed of movement of water in the arable horizon. The infiltration and filtration coefficients reach 2.8 and 1.1 mm/min, which is almost three times less than the values of virgin soil. Under the influence of an anthropogenic factor, a layer is formed in the upper part of the illuvial horizon with a minimum filtration rate (1.0 mm/min). The ratio of the water speed between the initial and final measurement points indicates the presence of a non-water-stable structure in the humus-eluvial and arable horizons. Therefore, to prevent deterioration in arable land, it is necessary to create all conditions for the formation of a water-stable structure by applying organic fertilizers and lime.

PARTICIPATION IN TWO EVIDENCE-BASED FALLS PREVENTION PROGRAMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH AND WITHOUT A DISABILITY

Older adults with a disability are at greater risk for falls and injury due to falling compared to those without a disability. Evidence-based falls prevention programs (EBFPPs) have been developed and disseminated broadly, however individuals with disabilities were excluded from original research on effectiveness. Using data from the National Falls Prevention Database from the National Council on Aging, we compared the reach and effectiveness of two EBFPPs, A Matter of Balance (MOB) or Stepping On, between those with and without a disability. Program reach was measured using attendance percentage. Program effectiveness was measured using change in fear of falling (FOF), fall-related activity restriction (FAR), and falls self-efficacy (FSE) post-program. A total of 12,667 participants were analyzed. Participants were, on average, 76 years old (M = 76.18, SD = 9.86), largely female (75%), well educated (80% some college or higher), and white (90%). Nearly half self-reported a disability (40%). Older adults with a disability were as likely to attend (M = 0.88, SD = 0.14) the program compared to those without a disability (M = 0.88, SD = 0.14, p =.30). Older adults with a disability reported greater FOF and FAR and lower FSE compared to participants without a disability at baseline. Significant improvements were made across effectiveness measures, irrespective of disability status. MOB and Stepping On are effective programs, well attended by older adults with and without disabilities, however older adults with a disability continued to report higher FOF and FAR, and lower FSE compared to those without a disability.

Effectiveness of a Matter of Balance Program Within an Assisted Living Community

Aims: Given the incidence of falls among individuals in senior living communities, this study examined the effectiveness of the Matter of Balance (MOB) program in reducing falls risk and improving walking speed and participant perceptions of effectiveness. Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted with 24 participants in a single 2-h MOB class each week for 8 weeks. Pre and post-measures were the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) and the 10-Meter Walk Test. Focus group and individual interviews were completed after program completion. Results: Total scores on the Mini-BESTest improved pre-to-post intervention (p = 0.008) as did anticipatory balance scores (p = 0.004). Walking speed slightly increased. Conclusions: This study’s results indicate the benefits the MOB program may have in senior living communities; however, additional research is warranted to determine the influence of the program on the reduction of falls risk and clinically meaningful improvements in walking speed.

Biorefinery for heterogeneous organic waste using microbial electrochemical technology

Environmental biorefineries aim to produce biofuels and platform biomolecules from organic waste. To this end, microbial electrochemical technologies theoretically allow controlled microbial electrosynthesis (MES) of organic molecules to be coupled to oxidation of waste. Here, we provide a first proof of concept and a robust operation strategy for MES in a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) fed with biowaste hydrolysates. This strategy allowed stable operation at 5 A/m2 for more than three months in a labscale reactor. We report a two to four-fold reduction in power consumption compared to microbial electrosynthesis with water oxidation at the anode. The bioelectrochemical characterizations of the cells were used to compute energy and matter balances for biorefinery scenarios in which anaerobic digestion (AD) provides the electricity and CO2 required for the MEC. Calculations shows that up to 22% of electrons (or COD) from waste may be converted to organic products in the AD-MEC process.

DISEÑO DE UN BIORREACTOR PARA LA PRODUCCIÓN INDUSTRIAL DE VINAGRE DE MANZANA

El ácido acético tiene una gran importancia ya que se utiliza como aromatizante en ensaladas y otros alimentos, y debido a su acidez, también se emplea en la elaboración de encurtidos, por esta razón la presente investigación tiene como objetivo el diseño de un biorreactor para la producción industrial de vinagre de manzana, teniendo en cuenta las diversas variables que se puedan presentar, lo cual garantiza un mayor rendimiento de producción. El método empleado para el proceso de fermentación acética es el método Orleans, para poder así determinar los coeficientes de la ecuación de cultivo celular, los coeficientes de rendimientos del proceso, balance de materia y energía del proceso, y de esta forma desarrollar los cálculos para un diseño del biorreactor. Los resultados obtenidos fueron un YP/Smax=1,95 y un YB/Smax=5,342 con un diseño de biorreactor con 0,14 m3 y con una altura de 1 m, con lo que se pudo llegar a concluir que las bacterias transformaron el 60% del sustrato alcohólico, lo cual es referente para generar una propuesta del diseño de un biorreactor a escala industrial. Palabras clave: biorreactor, vinagre, fermentación, ácido acético.

Alteration of the Cortex Shape as a Proxy of White Matter Swelling in Severe Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.

CADASIL is a monogenic small vessel disease characterized by the accumulation of brain tissue lesions of microvascular origin leading to strokes and cognitive deficits. Both cortical and parenchymal alterations have been described using various MRI markers. However, relationships between cortical and subcortical alterations remain largely unexplored. While brain atrophy is a preponderant feature in cerebral small vessel disease, recent results in CADASIL suggest slightly larger brain volumes and increased white matter water content at early stages of the disease by comparison to controls. We hypothesized in this study that increased water content in gyral white matter balances expected brain atrophy. Direct white matter volume computation is challenging in these patients given widespread subcortical alterations. Instead, our approach was that a gyral white matter swelling would translate into a modification of the shape of cortical gyri. Our goal was then to assess the relationship between subcortical lesions and possible alteration of the cortex shape. More specifically, aims of this work were to assess 1) morphometric differences of the cortex shape between CADASIL patients and controls 2) the relationship between the cortex shape and the volume of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), a reflect of white matter alterations. Twenty-one patients at the early stage of the disease and 28 age- and sex-matched controls were included. Cortical surfaces were reconstructed from 3D-T1-weighted images. Folding power assessed from spectral analysis of gyrification and cortical morphometry using curvedness and shape index were computed as proxies of the cortex shape. Influence of segmentation errors were evaluated through the simulation of WMH in controls. As a result, patients had larger folding power and curvedness compared to controls. They also presented lower shape indices both related to sulci and gyri. In patients, the volume of WMH was associated with decreased gyral shape index. These results suggest that the cortex shape of CADASIL patients is different compared to controls and that the enlargement of gyri is related to the extent of white matter alterations. The study of the cortex shape might be another way to evaluate subcortical swelling or atrophy in various neurological disorders.

Abstract P258: Novel Dual-task Balance Challenge to Prevent Falls in Older Adults With Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Background: Fall injuries are responsible for significant health care utilization, disability, loss of independence, and high costs among community-dwelling older adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVD-RF). A Matter of Balance (MOB) is a national community-based fall prevention program, which focuses on cognitive restructuring to manage concerns about falling, but does not include a balance-training component. We hypothesize if MOB added to a dual-task balance challenge (DTBC) comprising weight transfer using fixed and random ordering of ankle reaching tasks, while simultaneously challenging attention—would lead to reduced fall risk. Objectives: To assess participants’ acceptance and satisfaction with the 4-week MOB and MOB plus DTBC interventions, safety and adherence, and examine changes in fall risk (balance, gait, and fear of falling) post-intervention. Methods: A single-blind, two-group, randomized pilot study, among community-dwelling older adults with CVD-RF at high fall risk. MOB classes were 2-hours, 2x/week for 4 weeks, with 15 minutes of social time. MOB+DTBC classes followed the same curriculum with 15 minutes of ankle reaching tasks while simultaneously challenging attention. Acceptability and satisfaction were obtained by self-report, study staff monitored safety and adherence during class. Balance and gait were objectively assessed using LEGSys™ (BioSensics, LLC), while the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) assessed fear of falling. We used t-tests for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Results: At high fall risk older adults (n=16, mean age=74±8 years), mainly retired (95%, n=15), women (88%, n=14), with >13 years education (81%, n=13), diabetes (25%, n=4), dyslipidemia (70%, n=12), and hypertension (63%, n=10) completed the study (drop-outs, n=1). Participants reported high levels intervention acceptability and satisfaction (mean score=9±1.3, 1=least, 10=most), no safety issues (0%), with very high adherence rates (>94%), regardless of group assignment. Participants in the MOB group (n=7) had no significant within group changes in fall risk post-intervention (p>0.05). Conversely, participants in the MOB plus DTBC group (n=9) had significant improvements in balance (eyes open test=ankle sway, p=0.02; eyes closed test=hip sway, p=0.03 and center of mass, p=0.01) and gait (fast pace=stride time, p=0.04 and double support, p=0.02), with less fear of falling (p=0.04) post-intervention, when compared to baseline. Conclusions: Reducing fall risk factors and preventing falls are essential for older adults with CVD-RF, to ensure that they continue to live safely and independently. The addition of DTBC to the nationally-used standard MOB curriculum may enhance both balance and cognitive function, and lead to reduced fall risk among community-dwelling older adults with CVD-RF.

The material balance of organic matter of Domanic shale formation after thermal treatment

In this paper, we discuss the amount of generated gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons as a product of artificial maturation of organic matters of Domanic black shale. The material balance of organic matter for initial rock sample and after thermal treatment at 300 and 500 °С were estimated. The amount of generated liquid hydrocarbon was minimum at 500 °С. As a result of kerogen destruction, no asphaltenes were observed during generation of liquid hydrocarbons. Based on the results of elemental analysis, Van Krevelen diagram was plotted.

Effects of the Matter of Balance Program on Self-Reported Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Objective: To (a) evaluate effects of the Matter of Balance (MOB) program on self-reported physical activity (PA) in older adults as measured by the program’s activity (MOB-PA) measure and the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity, Part 1 (RAPA1) and (b) for a separate Community cohort, explore correlations between MOB-PA and RAPA1 scores and step counts obtained using accelerometry. Methods: Community-dwelling older adults recruited from upcoming MOB classes and from in-person contacts comprised MOB (N = 56) and Community (N = 23) cohorts, respectively. For the MOB cohort, paired t tests were computed for baseline and follow-up MOB-PA and RAPA1 scores. For the Community cohort, Pearson’s correlations between self-reported PA and step counter measures were calculated. Results: Self-reported PA did not change following MOB participation. The MOB-PA had substantial ceiling effects, which weakened relationships with step counter data. Discussion: No evidence was found that MOB participation increased PA. The MOB-PA may not be appropriate for measuring activity levels.

РОЛЬ УГЛЕРОДА И КРУГОВОРОТЫ НА ЕГО ОСНОВЕ КАК ПРЕДПОСЫЛКИ СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЯ СИСТЕМЫ МОНИТОРИНГА ПЛОДОРОДИЯ ПОЧВ

The most important role in ensuring soil fertility is played by biological processes, and this, above all, the cycles of the main nutrients of plants, animals and microorganisms. Cycles play an important role in the biosphere, providing direct and inverse links in the chains of the agro-ecological system, while maintaining the integrity of the biosphere. To monitor soil fertility it is necessary to determine (find) an integral index and its cycle, which most objectively reflects this property of the soil. Such an indicator, according to our research, is the quantity and qualitative composition of organic matter in the soil, which mainly consists of plant biomass, as well as micro and animal organisms. From the standpoint of chemistry, carbon is a part of the organic matter of the soil in the form of a huge amount of biochemical compounds containing virtually the entire table D.I. Mendeleev, but only about 30 elements (organogenic) have fixed amount and are found in organisms all the time. At the same time, the ratio of organogenic elements in the soil is different, more concentrated, rather than in the crust, established by geochemistry. In this regard, we found that the main indicator of soil fertility (having a closer correlation with it and integrally reflecting it) can be the content and balance of organic matter in it, the activity of which determines the effective and potential soil fertility. As an indicator of the cycle of organic matter it is necessary to use the carbon cycle in the soil on which all organic matter in the biosphere is built. The role of many biochemical carbon compounds in the evolution of living and soil fertility remains is to be seen.

Surface-Kinetics-Limited Ostwald Ripening of Spherical Precipitates at Grain Boundaries

Ostwald ripening of sufficiently large (usually macroscopic) precipitates is the late stage of the diffusion decomposition of a supersaturated solid solution, occurring through the formation of fluctuations and subsequent growth of centers (nuclei) of a new phase. The paper describes a theoretical study of the Ostwald ripening of spherical precipitates of a newly formed phase at the grain boundary of finite thickness with the diffusion of impurity atoms from the grain interior to the grain boundary considered. The precipitate growth is assumed to be limited by the kinetics of impurity atom imbedding into the precipitate rather than by the impurity atom diffusion inside the grain boundary. The speed of diffusion growth of spherical precipitate located on the grain boundary is found. A system of equations which describes surface-kinetics-limited growth of Oswald ripening of spherical precipitates on the grain boundary is formulated. This system consists of the equation of growth rate of the precipitate, the kinetic equation for the precipitates size distribution function which is normalized by the precipitates density, and the equation of the balance of matter in the system (the law of conservation of matter). The law of conservation of matter takes into account the atoms of impurities which are in solid solutions of the grain boundary and the body of the grain as well as in the precipitates which is the specifics of our problem. The asymptotic time dependences are found for the average and critical precipitate radius, supersaturation of solid solution of impurity atoms in the grain boundary, precipitate size distribution function, precipitate density, and for the factor of grain boundary filling with precipitates (the area covered by the precipitates per unit area of the grain boundary) and the total number of impurity atoms in precipitates. The factor of grain boundary filling with precipitates is a characteristic of the two-dimensional Ostwald ripening problem. A discussion of the limits of validity of obtained results is given.

Lake sediment records of Holocene hydroclimate and impacts of the Mount Mazama eruption, north-central Washington, USA

Multi-proxy sediment records from Castor Lake and Scanlon Lake, north-central Washington, provide a late Quaternary perspective on lake/catchment hydrologic and ecosystem responses to climate change and the Mazama volcanic ashfall event. Analyses of authigenic carbonate mineral oxygen and carbon isotope values, organic carbon and nitrogen content, and sedimentological facies were conducted on sediment from Castor Lake in order to reconstruct lake/catchment hydrologic balance, the source and abundance of organic matter, and variations in lake level. Sedimentary facies characterization was conducted on the Scanlon Lake sediment in order to provide supporting evidence for the lake-level shifts inferred from the Castor Lake data. Marked changes in Castor Lake proxy values occur from 12,860 to 11,440 calendar years before present (yr BP), suggesting lake/catchment responses to the Younger Dryas cold reversal including higher lake levels, substantial variability in productivity, and increased catchment erosion. High δ18O values at 9630 yr BP indicate that lake levels were lower than at present and that the early Holocene was dry. Sedimentological analyses and δ18O data demonstrate that subsequent to the Mazama climactic eruption (∼7600 yr BP), a transition to the lowest lake levels of the Holocene occurred over several centuries, with maximum δ18O values at 7290 (90% uncertainty range: 7020–7500) yr BP and low lake levels persisting until 6190 (5960–6410) yr BP. Lithological changes in the Scanlon Lake record support these inferences. The lowest δ18O values of the Holocene occur in sediment from ∼5000 yr BP, indicating high lake levels at this time, after which a secular trend toward higher δ18O values and lower lake levels occurred. The prolonged lowstand in the centuries following the Mazama eruption suggests that catchment hydrologic characteristics were strongly impacted by the ashfall through effects on soil water retention capacity, that similar responses may have occurred in comparable settings within the Mazama ashfall zone, and that such volcanic events have the potential confound the climate signal in lake sediment records. Were a similar event to happen in the future, catchment hydrology, stream/river discharge, and lake/catchment ecosystem dynamics could be affected for centuries.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Translated "A Matter of Balance" Fall Prevention Program Materials for Non-English-Speaking Participants.

A Matter of Balance (MOB) is an evidence-based fall prevention program shown to reduce fear of falling (FOF) in English-speaking participants. The effectiveness of translated (Chinese and Spanish) MOB materials in reducing FOF is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether MOB was associated with reduced FOF in Chinese- and Spanish-speaking participants and included an English-speaking comparison group. Participants were recruited from MOB classes in Massachusetts and Illinois. Investigators used the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and a demographic questionnaire to survey the participants at the first class (baseline), the last class, and 6 months after the MOB course. Of the 90 participants who enrolled, 77 (85.6%) completed the course (Chinese: n = 37; Spanish: n = 19; and English: n = 21) and 54 (60%) completed the 6-month survey (Chinese: n = 33; English: n = 21). Chinese FES-I scores significantly increased (FOF worsened) at the end of the course (+7.1, p = .009), and 6-month survey scores were also significantly above the baseline score (+6.7, p = .0088). FES-I scores decreased (FOF declined) in both the Spanish (-6.6, p = .016) and English groups (-2.7, p = .14) at the last class, and English 6-month FES-I scores were slightly lower than baseline scores (-0.4, p = .8). Participation in the MOB program did not reduce FOF in the Chinese population, but MOB did show promise in reducing FOF in both the Spanish and English groups. Future studies are warranted to explore the cultural, social, and education-related factors that may influence effectiveness of the MOB program.

Human and veterinary antibiotics during composting of sludge or manure: Global perspectives on persistence, degradation, and resistance genes.

Wastewater treatment plant effluent, sludge and manure are the main sources of contamination by antibiotics in the whole environment compartments (soil, sediment, surface and underground water). One of the major consequences of the antibiotics discharge into the environment could be the prevalence of a bacterial resistance to antibiotic. In this review, four groups of antibiotics (Tetracyclines, Fluoroquinolones, Macrolides and Sulfonamides) were focused for the background on their wide spread occurrence in sludge and manure and for their effects on several target and non-target species. The antibiotics concentrations range between 1 and 136,000 μg kg-1 of dry matter in sludge and manure, representing a potential risk for the human health and the environment. Composting of sludge or manure is a well-known and used organic matter stabilization technology, which could be effective in reducing the antibiotics levels as well as the antibiotic resistance genes. During sludge or manure composting, the antibiotics removals range between 17-100%. The deduced calculated half-lives range between 1-105 days for most of the studied antibiotics. Nevertheless, these removals are often based on the measurement of concentration without considering the matter removal (lack of matter balance) and very few studies are emphasized on the removal mechanisms (biotic/abiotic, bound residues formation) and the potential presence of more or less hazardous transformation products. The results from the few studies on the fate of the antibiotic resistance genes during sludge or manure composting are still inconsistent showing either decrease or increase of their concentration in the final product. Whether for antibiotic or antibiotic resistance genes, additional researches are needed, gathering chemical, microbiological and toxicological data to better understand the implied removal mechanisms (chemical, physical and biological), the interactions between both components and the environmental matrices (organic, inorganic bearing phases) and how composting process could be optimized to reduce the discharge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes into the environment.

Efecto bactericida del clavo de olor, canela y benzoato de sodio en la conservación del mango haden y melón

Se realizó estudio experimental para determinar la inhibición y/o destrucción de los microorganismos patógenos en los siguientes muestras: controles, M-EC, M-S, Me-EC, Me-S, Tratamientos M-EC-CL, M-S-CL, Me-EC-CL, Me-S-CL, M-EC-C, M-S-C, Me-EC-C, Me-S-C, M-EC-B, M-S-B, Me-EC-B y Me-S-B. Dónde: M = mango, Me = melón, EC = Escherichia coli, S = Salmonella spp, CL = clavo de olor, C = canela, B = benzoato de sodio. Calificando cada tratamiento de acuerdo al poder bactericida, como: no efectivo, efecto mínimo, letal y fulminante, en los días 0 (t0), 7 (t7) y 15 (t15); se evaluó el efecto bactericida de extractos acuosos de canela, clavo de olor en concentraciones de 2.5% y benzoato de sodio en concentraciones permitidas según la FDA 0.1%; utilizando el método de cuantificación o conteo de unidades formadoras de colonia (UFC), sobre dos cepas bacterianas, Escherichia coli y Salmonella enteritidis, que se inocularon en muestras de frutas tropicales, mango haden (Mangifera indica) y melón cantaloupe (Cucumis melo). El efecto bactericida de clavo de olor fue diferente en las dos frutas tratadas; en el mango inoculado con E. coli se observó un mínimo efecto y en el inoculado con Salmonella spp, no hubo efecto bactericida. En el melón inoculado con ambas bacterias, se observó el efecto bactericida del clavo de olor. El efecto de la canela fue mínimo en ambas frutas inoculadas con E. coli. En el mango inoculado con Salmonella spp, no hubo efecto bactericida. En el melón si tuvo un efecto letal. El uso del benzoato de sodio ejerció un efecto bactericida, tanto en el melón como el mango, inoculadas con ambas bacterias. En el análisis se observó que en el mango inoculado con E. coli el efecto fue fulminante, (muerte en el día 0). Se determinó materia seca, balance de materia y análisis sensoriales, para tener una mejor conclusión de la investigación.

Доробок професора Володимира Христофоровича Геворк’яна в пізнанні дна акваторії Світового океану (до 85-річчя з дня народження)

Здійснено історичний зріз основних віх життя і висвітлено наукові напрацювання, організаційну і громадську діяльність відомого в Україні та за її межами морського геолога, доктора геолого-мінералогічних наук, професора Володимира Христофоровича Геворк’яна. Персоналізація геології океанів і морів в Україні дає можливість визначити етапи подальшого розвитку її наукових напрямів й надає історії української науки та освіти портретної конкретики. Вказані аспекти визначають актуальність дослідження. Тому за мету статті обрано висвітлення історичних віх життєвого шляху і наукової, дослідницької і педагогічної та громадської діяльності професора В. Х. Геворк’яна. Показано коло його наукових інтересів та акцентовано увагу на започаткованих науковцем трьох нових наукових напрямах у галузі геології океанів і морів в Україні. Значна частина статті присвячена розкриттю новітніх теоретичних напрацювань В. Х. Геворк’яна: висунення та обґрунтування нової концепції – аседиментаційної трансформації і мобілізації осадових порід та відкладів через вплив на них глибинних флюїдів; ролі органічної речовини в процесах аутигенного мінералоутворення, її значенню для формування горючих корисних копалин і для з’ясування більш загальних питань колообігу вуглецю у біосфері Землі; однієї з моделей відродження науково-дослідного флоту в Україні.

Energy conversion of organic resources for fertility reproduction and biofuel production

Results in the removal of sideline products for energy purposes (cereal straw, legume, soybean and canola), which is about 20% of the total output of sideline products, the balance of organic matter of humus reaches the level of the scarcity –0.19 t/ha, which defiles 190 times. The scarcity of batteries increases by 125%. The increase in the deficit of humus and nutrition elements when removing sideline products for energy purposes determines the exception is the use of sideline products for energy purposes in connection with the decreasing fertility of agricultural land. The special value of the sideline products is to protect the soil from wind and water erosion. Monitoring of soil erosion of agrarian formations in Cherkasy region terminated in 1983, when the area of eroded lands was officially 310 thousand hectares, or 26% of plowing land. From 1961 to 1983, the growth rate of erosion processes amounted to about 2.05 thousand hectares per year. Given these pace of erosion, the area of eroded lands is forecasted to be estimated — about 390 thousand hectares, or 35%. Therefore, the use of sideline products of crop production for energy purposes is unacceptable. Maintenance of humus balance in soils of agrarian formations of Cherkasy region is a determining factor in the use of crop production sideline products for energy needs. The quantity of sideline products that can be used for energy needs is inversely proportional to the deficit of humus and nutrients in crop rotation soils, while the growth of the deficit as humus and nutrients as a result of the removal of sideline products for energy needs makes it impossible to use it due to the negative dynamics of the fertility of agricultural land.

CROP ROTATIONS ENSURING THE GREATEST YIELDS UNDER DRY CONDITIONS OF THE LOWER VOLGA REGION WATER-SAVING IRRIGATION REGIMES FOR VEGETABLE CROP PRODUCTION UNDER CONDITIONS OF VOLGA-DON INTERFLUVE

An estimation of various agro-biological methods in crop rotation of dry-steppe zone of light chestnut soils of the Lower Volga region is given. The effectiveness of a grain-fallow four-field crop rotation has been established, where green manure crop mass of winter rye, straw and leaf-weed mass of crops are plowed in soil, which increases organic matter and nutrient content in soil, reduces humus loss, and stabilizes grain yields. It was noted that only in four-field grain-fallow green manure crop rotation there is a positive balance of the main nutrients in the soil per hectare, where additional organic matter enters arable layer of soil in the form of winter rye green manure crop. In this variant, the balance was: nitrogen +39.7; phosphorus +0.7 and potassium +49.9 kg/ha. In six-field grain crop rotation with ginger as a sidereal crop, a positive balance is achieved only for phosphorus +14.1 and potassium +35.5 kg/ha, for phosphorus there is a negative balance of -3.5 kg/ha. In the eight-field grain crop rotation with 50% of legume crops, a positive balance is achieved only for potassium, +29.8 kg/ha. The balance of humus can be regulated by the structure of areas, alternation of crops in field crop rotations, application of plant residues in the form of sidereal crops, straw, leaf-weed mass, decrease in the proportion of fallow and tilled crops in the structure of biotivated crop rotations. The most complete biologization is possible in green manure crops, where humus losses decrease 1.5 times or more. A positive balance of organic matter is ensured in four-field biologized grain-fallow crop rotation - +3.33 t/ha.

Пространственно-временная трансформация грунтового комплекса водохранилищ Волги. Сообщение 5. Донные отложения и качество воды Иваньковского водохранилища

Conditions of formation, distribution, and accumulation of bottom sediments and chemical pollutants in the Ivankovo Reservoir and their impact on water quality have been considered on the basis of the long-term observation data. According to the monitoring results, it has been stated that current bottom sediments are composed of coarse-grained alluvium (38%), fine-dispersed sediments (38%), and soil (15%). Sediment accumulation decreased two folds under Transformation of the suspended matter balances caused two times decrease of sediment accumulation resulted in the increase of the amount of suspended solids saturated with pollutants. Considerable changes occurred in deposited macrophytes; their proportion increased from 16.7 to 26 – 28%, swamped soils constituted 14% of the reservoir area. The decrease in the rate of sedimentation and changes in the area of the reservoir caused a two-fold decrease in the rate of nutrient accumulation. Re-suspension of sediments and trans-sedimentation causing a secondary pollution of water with nutrients and toxic elements occur in the presence of vast shallow zones up to 3 m depth constituting about 53% of all area of the reservoir. As a result, the water quality is of a fluctuating character. This is especially distinctly manifested during the flood period when the maximum input of pollutants of natural and anthropogenic origin from residential territories, with atmospheric precipitation, ground and river runoff is observed upon filling the reservoir to the designed level and intensive hydrodynamic pressure. The results of hydrochemical surveys performed in 2012 and in the following years confirmed insignificant changes in physical and chemical parameters of elements of the ecosystem in the Ivankovo Reservoir. Since the construction of the reservoir permanganate oxidation, total iron, manganese, water mineralization and the content of the main ions are stable and depend on hydrometeorological conditions of the year. Interannual and seasonal dynamics of these parameters is observed. Despite the spatial and temporal variations, bottom sediments are the most conservative components in the environment.