Mean pH Values Research Articles

Strategy to remove ammonium compounds released from fish feed in aquaculture using natural filtration materials.

The effects of addition of adsorbent mixture at two different stages in aquaculture system were investigated for the first time in this study. In the first stage, in order to determine the effects of natural adsorbents in an environment without feed, a trial consisting of four treatment groups with three replications was conducted. In this trial, individual and combined effects of two natural adsorbents on water parameters in absence of feed were assessed for five days.In the second stage for 9 experimental days, a total of 18 aquaria consisting of three treatment groups with three replications for two different fish feeds were used. Of these aquaria, the first six received only two types of feeds containing 33 and 40% protein, designated as two control groups (C1 and C2). Other two groups (T1 and T2) were prepared by adding a leonardite: zeolite mixture (at 2:1 ratio) to next six replicates simultaneously. The last six replicates received a leonardite: zeolite mixture (at 2:1 ratio) after the 8th day of the study, and formed the last two treatment groups (T3 and T4).In this study, mean pH values varied between 7.01 and 7.82 and ammonia values were found to be maximum of 94.96% and minimum of 38.73% lower compared to the control group when 3g adsorbent mixture (2L: 1Z) was used to balance pH and ammonium (NH4+) values in an aquatic environment containing 0.5l freshwater and 0.5g fish feed with 33-40% protein contents. It was demonstrated that the combined use of zeolite and leonardite had positive effects on ammonium removal and providing optimum pH levels for aquaculture. The combined use of these two adsorbents helped balance the pH-reducing effect of leonardite with zeolite, and the pH-reducing effect of leonardite contributed to the NH4+ adsorption efficiency of zeolite.

The taxonomy and distribution of algae in the thermal springs of Türkiye

The algal flora and physio-chemical parameters of seven thermal springs in Denizli were studied for the first time. Samples for algal analyses were taken monthly between May 2013 and June 2014, while the physio-chemical parameters were measured seasonally. The mean pH value of the thermal springs was 6.3, and temperatures varied between 34-60 °C. The significant differences (P < 0.001) among the thermal springs were in their temperature and pH, as well as concentration of Cl^- , Fe^2+ , K^+ , Mg^+ , Na^+ , Li^+ , Ca^+ , HCO3^ - , and SO4^2- ions. A total of 43 Cyanobacteria and three Bacillariophyta taxa were determined.The most common taxon was Spirulina subsalsa Oersted ex Gomont, sampled from five sampling sites. According to the principal component analysis (PCA), the most important determining factor for the algae was temperature, followed by concentration of K^+ and Cl^- ions.

Modeling pH changes and electrical conductivity in surface water as a result of mining activities

Purpose. To develop comprehensive models for predicting the pH and electrical conductivity of surface water in Maiganga coal mine and environs affected by mining activities. Methodology. The research utilizes a combination of in-situ measurement, laboratory analysis, modeling technique using Ansys Workbench and Linear Regression for predicting the content of pollutants. In-situ measurement/data collection in the upstream and downstream were carried out to evaluate the potential impact of mining activities on surface and ground water quality. Electrical conductivity and pH were measured on the samples that were collected using Oakton 5/6 pH meter and TDS/EC meter. Findings. According to the results, the regression statistics model of pH and electrical conductivity (EC) shows that the predicted values have a pH range of 4.7–7.05 and a mean pH value of 5.5. In contrast, while the EC ranges from 454.52 to 2,720.68 s/cm (EC) with a mean value of 905 µs/cm of the downstream flow which is completely dependent on the mine inlet (pH-in and EC-in). The findings show a direct correlation between surface water pH, electrical conductivity, and mining activities in the Maiganga coal mine area and their detrimental effects on the ecosystem and water quality. Originality. The results were obtained directly from the mine site during field visit and can be compared to data from active coal mine sites. Practical value. The detrimental effect of the results of mining activities can be controlled if monitoring sensors are introduced at mines’ effluent outlet to alert the mine management of possible danger in real time.

Water quality trends of streams in Puerto Rico: Evaluating 50 years of the Clean Water Act.

Water quality regulations entail a substantial commitment of resources from governments and private entities. It is important to continually evaluate the effectiveness of these regulations to ensure they are having the intended impact. In this paper, we evaluated nutrient data as indicators of primary productivity and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations and pH as response variables to assess historical water quality trends from 55 stations of Puerto Rico. The stations were divided into impaired versus non-impaired categories based on their historical total phosphorus (TP) mean concentration. Mean TP and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations were significantly higher in the impaired stations relative to the non-impaired stations. In contrast, DO mean concentrations and mean pH values were significantly lower in the impaired stations. A generalized additive mixed model was used to demonstrate temporal trends. A significant decrease in TP and TN concentrations was observed with time at the impaired stations. This was accompanied by significant increases in DO concentrations and pH. The non-impaired stations showed a marginal (statistically nonsignificant) decreasing trend with time. The large reductions in nutrient concentrations observed at the impaired stations seem to be related to the closure of several primary wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across the island. The conversion of abandoned crop agricultural lands into secondary forest in recent decades has resulted in small but significant decreases in TN (not TP) in receiving streams. We conclude that the Clean Water Act has promoted improvements in water quality in Puerto Rico by advancing upgrades in sanitary infrastructure and the regulation of point sources of pollution.

Hydrochemical properties of groundwater and land use and land cover changes impact on agricultural productivity: An empirical observation and integrated framework approaches

Land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics of the Bankura district effect groundwater resources and agricultural productivity, particularly the expansion of urban land, discharge of fertiliser mixed water from agriculture and reduction of scrubland. This study investigates the Spatio-temporal relation between groundwater qualities (GWQ), LULC and agricultural productivity of the Bankura district in 2009 and 2020. The twelve standard water qualities parameters; “pH, electrical conductivity (EC), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), iron (Fe3+), bicarbonate (HCO3¯), chloride (Cl−), sulfate (SO42−), nitrate (NO3−), and fluoride (F−)” were considered for the study. Landsat-5, 7 and 8 images were classified for 2009 and 2020 to detect LULC dynamics related to GWQ. The results showed that GWQ was depleted in 2020 compared to 2009, with agricultural land suffering from lower GWQ than other land uses. Some of the water quality indices (Mean value of pH, EC, Ca2+, Mg2+, and NO3−) drastically declined in 2020 compared to 2009. The degree of contamination (CD) analysis showed the above value of zero (>CD) is highly vulnerable for dug well users. The mean nitrate (7.281 to 51.387 mg/l), calcium (38.366 to 58.082 mg/l), chloride (121.861 to 125.981 mg/l), and potassium (15.261 to 18.363 mg/l) concentration levels drastically increase over the agricultural land. To know the relationship between LULC and agriculture productivity, block-wise production and yield analysis of both years have been presented. It was seen that there are low crop and high productivity observed from the 2009 to 2015 block of Bankura. The overall result indicates that human activities are the primary cause of spatial-temporal changes in GWQ and agricultural productivity. The geospatial-based water quality assessment benefited in understanding changes in GWQ and developing appropriate site-specific agricultural and health policies.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL PLANT-BASED BEVERAGES

The variety of vegetables available for plant-based beverage production is associated with a lack of specific regulatory aspects and difficult standardization. The aim of this study was to characterize the physicochemical properties of plant-based beverages (five different sources, three different market brands for each vegetable). The parameters studied were pH, moisture content, acidity, soluble ionic calcium at initial pH and pH 4.3, soluble solids, heat coagulation time (HCT), density, conductivity, surface zeta potential, morphology, polydispersity index, particle size. When comparing the mean values of the results found in the present work with model emulsions and/or plant based beverages produced on a laboratory scale, it can be found that the mean values for pH, moisture, soluble solids, calcium, surface zeta potential, particle size, and polydispersity index were similar to the reported values in the literature, however, acidity, HCT, density, and conductivity were lower than those reported in the literature. The coconut plantbased beverage exhibited the most significant statistical difference as compared to other plant-based beverages, especially in terms of pH, conductivity, particle size, and polydispersity index. This study is a promising aid to regulatory agencies and industries for standardization of nutritional value, production, stability, storage and chemical attributes of these beverages.

Analysis of Microbial and Physicochemical Properties of Raw and Pasteurized Milk at Some Selected Areas of Tangail District, Bangladesh

Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the microbial quality and physicochemical properties of raw and pasteurized milk from Tangail District of Bangladesh. Methods: A rigorous study was carried out from April - August 2019 at the Tangail District of Bangladesh for investigation. A total of 18 samples were examined by following the standard bacteriological methods and by using a refractometer and digital pH meter. Results: The results revealed that the highest log of Total Viable Count (TVC) was found as 6.9 and 8.7 CFU/ml in raw and pasteurized milk, whereas the highest log of Total Coliform Count (TCC) was found as 4.4 and 6.3 CFU/ml in raw and pasteurized milk, respectively. When the mean value is greater, then the mean value is displayed on the graph as a logarithm. The highest log of Total E. coli Count (TE.cC) was 6.6 and 6.4 CFU/ml in raw and pasteurized milk, whereas the highest log of Total Staphylococcus Count (TSC) was found as 7.6 and 6.5 CFU/ml in raw and pasteurized milk, respectively. The highest mean pH value was 7.43 and 7.19 in raw and pasteurized milk and the greatest mean value of Total Soluble Solids (TSS) was found as 6.33 and 10.33% in raw and pasteurized milk. Conclusion: It can be summarized that both the raw and pasteurized milk bear higher microorganisms than standards. It might hurt consumers in the long term. So, the milk producers should be trained up properly and the apposite authority should inspect hygienic conditions around milk production and processing and marketed milks to ensure the minimal legal requirements.

Physico-Chemical and Bacteriological Quality of Household Drinking Water from Source to Point of Use in Akewu Community in Ibadan, Oyo State, Southwest, Nigeria

Poor household water storage is one of the major factors contributing to contamination of drinking water in Nigeria. Studies have shown that sizes of containers opening can affect water quality, but little has been documented on comparative effect of storage containers with different opening sizes in improving drinking water quality in Ibadan. This study was designed to assess the effect of different storage containers on household drinking water quality in selected communities in Ibadan. A quasi-experimental design was adopted. Four communities in Ibadan North Local Government namely; Akewu using protected springs as household drinking water sources were purposively selected. Forty-four households (11 from each community) were selected and randomly assigned to four treatment groups; those with Covered Buckets with Taps (CBT), Covered Buckets without Tap (CB), Covered Kegs with Taps (CKT) and Covered Kegs without Tap (CK). Prior to introducing the treatment containers, water samples were collected from their Regular Storage Containers (RSC) and springs for physicochemical and bacteriological analysis using standard methods. Participants were thereafter encouraged to store drinking water in the treatment containers provided for them. Water samples were later collected from CBT, CB, CKT and CK containers twice daily for 3 alternate days over two weeks for bacteriological analysis. In addition, oldest female of selected households were interviewed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire to elicit information on their socio-demographic characteristics, storage container cleaning and handwashing practices. Results of physicochemical and bacteriological findings were compared with Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) guidelines. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t- test and ANOVA at p=0.05. At baseline, mean pH values of water samples from the springs and RSC were 6.4±0.6 and 7.1±0.7 respectively compared with 6.5-8.5 limits recommended by SON. Mean chloride concentration of springs (14.3±7.4mg/l) and RSC (19.3±10.0 mg/l) samples were below 250mg/l limit recommended by SON. Mean Total Coliform Count (TCC) of the springs in the four communities was 18.0±4.0 and mean TCC of RSC was 12.7±4.9 which exceeded the SON standard of 10MPN/100ml. Five percent of water samples from RSC had mean E.coli count of 100/100ml compared with SON guidelines of 0/100ml. The mean TCC after introducing CB, CBT, CK and CKT in all the communities were 10.0±4.0, 8.5±4.2, 6.9±2.8 and 7.3±3.7 respectively (p<0.05). No E.coli was found in the samples collected from the treatment storage containers. The percentage difference of coliform count in water from springs and RSC was 29.4% while percentage difference from RSC and CB, CBT, CK and CKT were 21.5%, 33.2%, 45.5% and 42.5% respectively. Mean age of the 44 respondents interviewed was 37.9±10.7years. Seventy-three percent washed their hands with only water after defecation and 95.0% stored water for cooking and drinking in the same container. Sixty-eight percent cleaned their containers weekly while 32.0% cleaned twice weekly.

Water Quality Assessment of The Three Lakes of Barandabhar Forest Corridor, Central Nepal

Addressing the global challenge of securing water for both human needs and ecosystem health is crucial. This study aims to characterize the physiochemical parameters of three lakes in the Bharandabhar forest corridor, Chitwan, Central Nepal: Tiger Lake, Kalimati Lake, and Rhino Lake. During the pre-monsoon season, four different sites (Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern) of each lake were examined. To ensure precision, five replicated water samples were collected from each site, and standard protocols were applied to analyze various physiochemical parameters, such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide, total hardness, chloride, total alkalinity, conductivity, nitrate, inorganic phosphorus, and total solid matter. Also, the Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated. Results show that physiochemical parameter values mostly align with permissible limits according to regional and international guidelines. However, the mean phosphorous concentration and pH values of Tiger and Kalimati lakes exceed these limits. Rhino Lake displayed a mildly alkaline pH, while Kalimati and Tiger lakes exhibited slightly acidic characteristics. An interesting observation is the significant negative correlation between temperature and dissolved oxygen, indicating that as temperature rises, dissolved oxygen levels decrease. Additionally, WQI suggests that all three lakes maintain good water quality. However, a concerning finding is that all three lakes exhibited hyper-eutrophic conditions based on their phosphorous concentration. The lakes face significant threats due to high levels of organic pollutants and a rapid eutrophication process. Authorities must take significant actions to safeguard the lakes and ensure their future well-being. This research highlights the urgent need for environmental protection and conservation efforts to preserve the water quality and ecological balance of the Bharandabhar forest corridor lakes for the well-being of both human communities and the ecosystem.

Quality assessment and comparative study of somatic cell fluctuation at different lactation stages of buffalo's milk

The aim of current study is to check the health status and the quality of milk by counting somatic cells. Total 50 samples of fresh raw buffalo milk were gathered and divided into five groups on the basis of lactation stages i.e early, mid, late, buffalo at parturition and post parturition (colostrum). Fresh samples were collected and assessed with quality assessment test i.e. pH analysis, lactometer reading test, clots on boiling (COB), alcohol precipitate test (APT) and acidity % age test and the somatic cell count (SCC) through Neubauer chamber under light microscope. Data were evaluated by the stage of lactation with the SPSS programme. The total mean values of pH, Lr and acidity % at each lactation stages were (±6.96, ±31 and ±0.19). Significant effect of SCC on different stages were observed (P<0.05). The average SCC was determined to be 10.1000±5.8121 cells/ml. The effects lactation stages on the SCC value between group were statistically significant (P<0.05). The mean SCC values for early, mid, late, parturition and post parturition stages were (±6.4750, ±5.7500, ±10.8750, ±16.2750 and ±11.1250). The significant differences recognized between the groups indicates that there is a fluctuation of somatic cells at different lactation stages. The number of somatic cells increase from early stage, then decrease gradually in mid stage and starts increasing till the end of lactation and have no significant difference (P<0.05), whereas the mean comparison is highly significant in parturition and colostrum stage.

Determination of Thermotolerant Yeast Population in Dairy Products

Thermotolerant yeasts constitute a critical indicator for the effective management of product quality, food safety, and production processes in the dairy industry. This study aims to investigate the presence of thermotolerant yeasts in diverse dairy products within the context of Turkiye. In this study, pH and thermotolerant yeast properties of Turkish white cheese, butter, cream (Kaymak), and Tulum cheese were investigated. Thermotolerant yeast counts in butter samples ranged between 4.30 and 4.82 log CFU/g, with pH values ranging from 4.91 to 6.68. Thermotolerant yeast counts of Tulum cheese, white cheese and cream samples were <2 log CFU/g. The pH values of cream and Tulum cheese were ranged from pH 5.07-6.79 and pH 4.91-6.68, respectively. The mean pH value for white cheeses was 4.98. As a results, thermotolerant yeast counts of Tulum cheese, white cheese and cream samples were below the detectable value; however, a high number of thermotolerant yeasts were determined in butter samples. In conclusions, these findings offer valuable insights for evaluating the microbiological quality of different dairy products, aiding producers in enhancing safety and quality for consumers.

Plankton dynamics and physico-chemical parameters: A longitudinal investigation in carp and catfish culture ponds

An experiment was aimed to discover the overall scenario of physico-chemical parameters along with the qualitative and quantitative analysis of plankton in two different fish culture systems as carp mixed culture and catfish (Pangus) monoculture from September 2021 to February 2022 using conventional techniques. The mean values of transparency and dissolved oxygen (DO) noted at the catfish culture pond were lower than those at the mixed carp culture pond while pH mean values were observed to be higher in the catfish culture pond than in the mixed carp culture pond. A total of 21 genera of phytoplankton were found in both ponds under the groups of euglenophyceae (4), cyanophyceae (4), bacillariophyceae (5) and chlorophyceae (8). Among zooplankton, 13 genera were identified including Rotifera (7), copepoda (2), cladocera (3) and crustacean larvae (1) were recorded in mixed culture ponds whereas in catfish culture ponds, 11 zooplankton genera were recorded including Rotifera (5), copepoda (2), cladocera (3) and crustacean larvae (1). Planktonic abundances were statistically significantly different between the different levels (phytoplankton abundance in CCP, phytoplankton abundance in MCP, zooplankton abundance in CCP, zooplankton abundance in MCP), χ2(3) = 220.46, p < 0.001. Mixed culture pond cyanophyceae, bacillariophyceae, and euglenophyceae are positively associated with water temperature and pH but negatively correlated with DO. Rotifera is negatively associated with catfish culture pond water temperature, whereas chlorophyceae and cyanophyceae are favorably. Catfish monoculture ponds had higher phytoplankton abundance, so phytoplankton grazing fish species could be included with pangus culture to maintain a better water quality.

Nutritional and Sensory Evaluation of Yoghurt Incorporated with Unripe False Horn Plantain (Musa paradisiaca var. "apentu").

Unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) is rich in nutrients including minerals, vitamin C, and carbohydrates particularly resistant starches with prebiotic properties. However, the fruit is challenged with limited utilisation, and this contributes to its high postharvest losses along the production and supply chain. Information is lacking on incorporating plantain (UPF) in functional dairy food product development. In a completely randomized design, the study evaluated the effect of unripe false horn plantain (var. "apentu") flour (UPF) incorporation (w/v), at 0% (control), 2%, 4%, and 6%, on the composition and sensory quality of yoghurt. The results showed that higher UPF percent incorporation resulted in yoghurts having lower moisture and higher total solid values as well as enhanced nutritional values, in terms of protein, zinc, potassium, calcium, and vitamin C (P < 0.05). Mean pH and total titratable acidity values of the yoghurt products were in the ranges of 3.40-3.65 and 1.00-130%, respectively. Conversely, an increase in UPF incorporation generally reduced consumer likeness scores for yoghurt sensory characteristics including appearance, texture, flavour, taste, aftertaste, and overall acceptability. The control AZ product received the highest ratings in all sensory attributes evaluated. Compared with the control AZ, the BX (2% w/w UPF) yoghurt showed better nutritional quality as well as had comparable ratings for the sensory attributes, particularly in terms of appearance, texture, and flavour. Thus, the formulation containing 2% UPF has the best potential for the production of value-added functional yoghurt, which will be acceptable. However, for high acceptability, further research is needed to improve the impact of UPF incorporation on the overall sensory quality of yoghurt. The study suggests that UPF can serve as a potential supplement for improving the value of yoghurt, and this also contributes to reducing postharvest losses of plantain as a key food security resource. Also, the study findings contribute baseline information to guide future research on functional dairy product development with unripe plantain.

Production and Biochemical, Phytochemical, Sensory, and Microbiological Characterization of “Bili-Bili” and “Cochette,” Two Traditional Beers Produced from Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and Rice (Oryza sativa)

“Bili-bili” and “cochette” are two traditional beers made from sorghum and rice, respectively. Despite the socioeconomical interest of these drinks, limited studies have been conducted to elucidate their quality and safety. To fill these gaps, the quality features and the safety status of both beers were assessed. After a reasoned field survey, the samples from various locations in Maroua were collected and analysed using referenced methods. The field survey revealed that both beers were produced under unsanitary conditions using rudimentary procedures. Mean values of pH (2.99 and 3.58), TTA (1.1 and 0.9%), alcohol (3.8 and 2.5%), DM (6.4 and 11.1%), TSS (6.94 and 6.18 °Brix), proteins (0.54 and 0.71 g/100 mL), amino acids (0.30 and 0.38 g/100 mL), and ash (1.52 and 0.51%) were recorded in “bili-bili” and “cochette,” respectively. Similarly, the TPC, TFC, and carotenoid content of 325.5 and 352.4 mgGAE/100 mL, 314.4 and 278.9 mgQE/100 mL, and 95.4 and 89.4 mg/100 mL were noted in both beers, respectively. “Bili-bili” and “cochette” exhibited free radical scavenging activity of 42.4 and 36.7% and reducing power of 87.3 and 119.5 mgTE/100 mL, respectively. Overall acceptability ratings ranged from 5.6 to 7.5 and from 6.7 to 6.9 for “bili-bili” and “cochette,” respectively. No pathogen was detected, but the presence of total aerobic bacteria, fungi, coliforms, and aerobic spore-forming bacteria flora above the recommended limits made both beers unsafe and potentially harmful for consumers. Given all above, improving of the production scheme and microbiological quality of the two traditional beers are required to ensure the safety of consumers.

Status of Soil Quality in the Vicinity of Artisanal Refining Sites in Rivers State, Nigeria

The environmental quality and sustainability in the Niger Delta region are severely undermined by the increasing practice of artisanal crude oil refining. This study aimed to assess the impact artisanal crude oil refining on soil nutrients stability vis-à-vis plant/vegetal resources of farmlands. Farmlands in Elele-Alimini and Ibaa in Emohua Local Government Area (LGA), Ogbodo in Ikwerre LGA and Umuanyagu (control) in Etche LGA, Rivers State (Nigeria) were sampled in this study. A total of fifty (50) sampling points in both test and control locations, were randomly selected using a standard spatial (grid-based) sampling technique. Soil and plant samples within the farmlands were collected to determine the physicochemical parameters and macronutrient contents. During the dry and wet seasons, mean values of pH, EC and moisture content in test soil were in the ranges 4.60-4.85 and 4.55-4.79; 66.67-130.0 µS/cm and 31.3-33 µS/cm, and 7.21-11.49 % and 11.71-66 %, respectively. The values of pH, EC and moisture content in the control soil ranged from 4.78-4.84 and 4.81-5.14; 130-152 µS/cm and 31.5-33.0 µS/cm, 11.86-11.88% and 63-66% respectively. Electrical conductivity and pH of soil showed almost a similar trend (Control &gt; Ogbodo &gt; Ibaa &gt; Elele Alimini) for both top and sub-soils and in both seasons. During the dry and wet seasons, mean values of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Soil Organic Matter (SOM) in test soils were in the ranges 0.11-0.17% and 0.11-0.18 %; 0.13-0.23 mg/kg and 0.04-0.06 mg/kg; 22.82-51.87 mg/kg and 14.23-35.60 mg/kg; 1.30-2.00% and 1.36-2.0%, and 2.22-3.45% and 2.24-3.16, respectively. Mean values of N, P, K, TOC and SOM in control soils during the dry and wet seasons were in the ranges 0.12-0.19% and 0.14%; 0.29-0.33 mg/kg and 0.08-0.09 mg/kg; 50.33-52.18 mg/kg and 42.75-50.24 mg/kg; 1.35-2.14 and 1.83-2.08%, and 2.53-3.70% and 2.12-2.85%, respectively. The levels of N, P, K, TOC and SOM in the farmlands were low, and could result in poor crop growth yield.

Physicochemical and Cytological Analysis of Synovial Fluid in Young and Adult Dogs

Background: Synovial fluid is a complex viscous fluid which provides lubrication to the articulating joints to avoid friction and wearing of cartilages. It is also an indicator of health status of joint, but a comparison of its composition between young and adult dogs is lacking. Methods: Present study was conducted to evaluate physical, biochemical and cytological analysis of synovial fluid in apparently healthy stifle joint of young and adult non-descript dogs. Twelve non-descript dogs irrespective of sex were divided into two groups (6 dogs in each group) i.e., group I (2-8 months of age) and group II (1-8 years of age). Dogs died in the OPDs of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Jabalpur were acquired with the consent of pet parent. The duration of study was one year, i.e., from September 2021 to August 2022. Immediately after collection of synovial fluid; volume, colour, viscosity, pH, specific gravity and refractive index were recorded, smear on slides were prepared. Protein and glucose were estimated within one hour using biochemical semi-autoanalyzer. Result: Volume of fluid collected in a single attempt varied from one drop to 0.5 ml. Mean pH values in group I and II were 7.33±0.17 and 7.67±0.25 respectively. Mean values of refractive index and specific gravity were 1.34 and 1.02 respectively in both the groups. Observations of mucin clot test of synovial fluid in group I and II exhibited a tight ropy clot in a clear solution. Turbidity was not observed in any case. Mean protein concentration was 1.29±0.18 g/dl and 2.74±0.84 g/dl in group I and II respectively. The concentration of glucose in group I and II was 102.79±3.66 mg/dl and 105.47±4.19 mg/dl respectively, that was around normal blood plasma level. Cytological observation revealed 1-3 cells per field at 1000x magnification. Mean neutrophil count in both the groups was about 6% of total nucleated cell count. Small mononuclear cells and large mononuclear cells were 19±3.79, 74.33±4.24 and 12.17±2.33, 81.83±2.54 in group I and II respectively. Biochemically and cytologically no significant difference was observed between the group I and II. Vacuolated large mononuclear cells contributed about 6-6.5% of total large mononuclear cells in both the groups. No significant difference was observed in most physical and biochemical parameters of synovial fluid in young and adult dogs, except a higher concentration of protein content in adults.

Spatial distribution of heavy metals in surface sediments of the Kalametiya Lagoon in southern Sri Lanka: Insights into the pollution status and socio-economic interactions&amp;nbsp;

Heavy metal pollution has become a serious threat to coastal aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, this study, aimed to assess the spatial distribution of five selected heavy metals/metalloids, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg), in surface sediment samples collected from the Kalametiya Lagoon in southern Sri Lanka. Sixteen (16) areas of the lagoon were sampled. The sediment samples were analysed for heavy metal content by using ICP-MS while the water samples were measured for salinity and pH. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the possible sources of heavy metal pollution in the Lagoon. Water pH and salinity showed significant variations across the lagoon. The overall mean value of pH and salinity were 6.68 ± 0.17 and 2.9 ± 2.2 PSU, respectively. The spatial distribution of the heavy metals was not monotonous and showed a high spatial variation. The kernel density maps of the measured heavy metals demarcated several spatially different patches in the lagoon. The mean levels of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb were lower than the threshold effect level (TEL) although it was higher for Hg in the North inlet. Nevertheless, it was still lower than the potential effect level (PEL). Industrial sewage, river suspended sediments, and agrochemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides were identified as the possible sources for heavy metal loads. Accumulation of toxic heavy metals can be minimized by by-passing the freshwater inflow to the lagoon.

County-Scale Spatial Distribution of Soil Nutrients and Driving Factors in Semiarid Loess Plateau Farmland, China

Characterized by a topography of thousands of ravines, the Loess Plateau has highly complex spatial variability in terms of soil nutrients. Therefore, it is of considerable importance to study the soil nutrient spatial distribution, driving factors of precise fertilizer management, and the strategic use of soil nutrient resources. In 2017, 242 soil samples were taken from the semiarid Anding district farming region in northern China. The spatial variability and factors influencing soil nutrients were studied using statistical and geostatistical methods. The results showed that the mean soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and pH values were averaged at 12.64 g·kg−1, 0.84 g·kg−1, 23.20 mg·kg−1, 188.87 mg·kg−1, and 8.60, respectively. The nugget-to-sill ratios for the semi-variograms of SOM, TN, AP, and AK varied from 25.84 to 49.93%, while the coefficients of variation varied from 24.53 to 69.44%, revealing that all four indicators exhibited considerable variability, and that the samples’ geographical variability was produced by a combination of random and structural factors. Overall increasing trends were exhibited from the middle to the northeast and southwest in the distributions of SOM, TN, and AP. The spatial distribution of AK displayed the opposite trend, increasing from the southwest to north and southeast. The texture of the tillage layer was the main factor directly affecting SOM, and explained 8% of its variation. The distribution of TN was mainly influenced by the irrigation method and water source type. AP and AK contents differed significantly between the two parent materials, three textures, and three topography types at the level of p &lt; 0.01. In conclusion, the regional soil fertility was poor, spatial heterogeneity was moderate, and influencing factors were complex, highlighting the need to adopt precise fertilization management and adopting land management measures according to the actual influencing factors of each nutrient, thereby contributing to the enhancement of regional fertility.

Predestinative role acidic cerebrospinal fluid on the destiny of central channel in spinal cord following subarachnoid hemorrhage: an experimental study.

Acidosis is the most dangerous complication in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study aimed to investigate the effect of acidic cerebrospinal fluid on central canal structures after SAH. Twenty-eight hybrid rabbits were studied. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid pH values were recorded before/during/after the experimental procedures. The structures related to the central canals at the level of C5 of the cervical spinal cord were then examined histopathologically. The relationship between pH values of ependymal cells and degenerated epithelial cell densities was statistically analyzed. Mean blood pH values and degenerated ependymal cell density (n/mm2) were as follows: 7.351 ± 0.033/23 ± 7 in control, 7.322 ± 0.059/78 ± 13 in SHAM, and 7.261 ± 0.048/254 ± 62 in study animals. Gross examinations revealed swelling, edema, pia-arachnoid adhesions, ventral canal dilatation, arachnoiditis, central canal hemorrhage, occlusions, and dilatation in the spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid acidosis-induced central channel pathologies should be considered an important complication of SAH following SAH.

Partial Replacement of NaCl by KCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2 Chloride Salts in the Production of Sucuk: Effects on Volatile Compounds, Lipid Oxidation, Microbiological and Sensory Properties.

The effects of different chloride salt mixtures (I-control: 100% NaCl, II: 50:50-NaCl:KCl, III: 50:30:20-NaCl:KCl:MgCl2, IV: 50:30:20-NaCl:KCl:CaCl2, V: 50:30:10:10-NaCl:KCl:MgCl2:CaCl2) on the quality properties of sucuk (a dry fermented beef sausage) during ripening were investigated. Lactic acid bacteria reached 8 log cfu/g in the 3 days of fermentation in all treatments. However, salt mixtures including MgCl2 caused an increase in Micrococcus/Staphylococcus. The control group showed the lowest mean aw value at the end of ripening. The salt mixture with 20% CaCl2 showed the lowest mean pH value of 4.97. The mean TBARS value varied between 6.34 and 6.97 µmol MDA/kg but was not affected by the salt mixtures (p > 0.05). According to the results of PCA, salt mixtures I, II and III had a positive correlation in PC1, and PC1 also separated salt mixtures with CaCl2 (IV and V) from other groups. In addition, a strong positive correlation between the control and III group (50:30:20-NaCl:KCl:MgCl2) for sensory properties was determined by heatmap clustering analysis. In addition, the principal component analysis showed that the control, II, and III groups had a stronger correlation with each other for volatile compounds.