Minor Elements Research Articles

Mineral Element and Antioxidant Potential of Four Plants Used in Traditional Medecine in Brazzaville-Congo

Background: Plants represent an important natural resource of secondary metabolites with therapeutic properties and nutrients, including minerals, which contribute to the proper functioning and well-being of the human body. Aims: Four medicinal plants used in Congo-Brazzaville were selected in order to determine their mineral element content and assess their antioxidant activity. Methodology: Mineral element content were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with flame and flameless. The antioxidant activity assessed, using the DPPH radical scavenging test and iron reducing capacity (FRAP). Results: Eight (08) macroelements and five (05) trace elements from these plants have been quantified. The antioxidant potential showed that organic extracts were more active than aqueous extracts. However, this antioxidant potential remains low compared to that of ascorbic acid used as the reference antioxidant. Garcinia kola (seeds) and Ageratum conyzoides (leafy stems) were rich in mineral elements. Similarly, Cogniauxia podoleana (leaves) and Garcinia kola (seeds) showed remarkable antioxidant potential. Conclusion: The presence of thirteen mineral elements and the antioxidant potential are proved in these plants. Would therefore help to maintain the immunity of the human body by resisting various pathologies such as bacterial infections, malaria, inflammations and gastrointestinal disorders.

DoSPX1 and DoMYB37 regulate the expression of DoCSLA6 in Dendrobium officinale during phosphorus starvation

BackgroundDendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (D. officinale) is parasitic on rocks or plants with very few mineral elements that can be absorbed directly, so its growth and development are affected by nutritional deficiencies. Previous studies found that phosphorus deficiency promotes polysaccharides accumulation in D. officinale, the expression of DoCSLA6 (glucomannan synthase gene) was positively correlated with polysaccharide synthesis. However, the molecular mechanism by which the low phosphorus environment affects polysaccharide accumulation remains unclear.ResultsWe found that DoSPX1 can reduce phosphate accumulation in plants and promote the expression of PSIs genes, thereby enhancing plant tolerance to low phosphorus environments.Y1H and EMSA experimental show that DoMYB37 can bind the promoter of DoCSLA6. DoSPX1 interact with DoMYB37 transiently overexpressed DoSPX1 and DoMYB37 in D. officinale protocorm-like bodies, decreased the Pi content, while increased the expression of DoCSLA6.ConclusionsThe signaling pathway of DoSPX1-DoMYB37-DoCSLA6 was revealed. This provides a theoretical basis for the accumulation of polysaccharide content in D. officinale under phosphorus starvation.

Hydrothermal alteration and elemental mass balance for the Surda Copper Deposit, Singhbhum Shear Zone, Eastern India: implications for both copper and magnetite–apatite mineralization

This paper explores the geological relationships, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, and quantitative elemental mass balance constraints of the hydrothermal alteration zones within the uraniferous Surda copper deposit in the Singhbhum Shear Zone in eastern India, which is affiliated with an iron oxide–copper–gold system. Five distinct alteration zones are identified: a proximal potassic (biotitization) zone containing magnetite–apatite; a central chloritization zone containing copper, uranium, gold and magnetite; distal silicification (quartz) and albitization zones; and a transitional chlorite–sericitization zone. Evidence suggests these zones originated from mafic precursors linked to a subduction zone. Magnetite mineralization shows both magmatic ( δ 18 O + 2.0 to +4.8‰) and hydrothermal ( δ 18 O + 0.4 to +0.6‰) signatures. Hydrothermal magnetite–apatite formed at temperatures of 440 to 550°C, with continued crystallization at lower temperatures (280 to 360°C) concurrent with copper sulfide and uranium precipitation from an Fe-rich, isotopically heavy fluid ( δ 34 S + 4.55 to +9.66‰). Major elements (Ca, Na, Mg) and some minor and rare earth elements decrease from weakly altered mafic rocks to late alteration zones, reflecting the breakdown of Ca-bearing hornblende, biotite and plagioclase. Potassium decreases from early to late alteration zones due to mineral transformations. Mass-balanced geochemical data align with hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblages, indicating processes such as mineral dissolution, element absorption and sulfide behaviour. Overall, the study highlights the complex hydrothermal alteration processes shaping the Surda copper deposit and provides insights into ore formation mechanisms.

Phenolic, amino acids, and fatty acids profiles and the nutritional properties in the fresh and dried fruits of black rosehip (Rosa pimpinellifolia L.)

Recently, increased attention has been paid to the raw materials of plants as a source of biologically active substances. Black rosehip (Rosa pimpinellifolia L.) fruits could be a good resource for potential functional components in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Also, drying can influence the composition of heat-sensitive phytochemicals. However, less attention is given to comparing black rosehip bioactive compounds particularly compositions of fatty acid, amino acids, and phenolic content in fresh and dried fruits. So in this study, the amino acid constituents (by amino acid analyzer), fatty acids (by GC–MS), mineral elements (by atomic absorption spectrometer), antioxidant (by DPPH) and phenolic compounds (by HPLC) present in fresh and dried fruits of black rosehip naturally grown in Iran were comprehensively investigated. The results showed that dried fruits had a lower level moisture by 51.55%, and a higher level of total phenolic compounds and total sugar by 786.20 mg GAE/100 g and 15.77 g/100 g, respectively. Chlorogenic acid and gallic acid were the major phenolic compounds (109.3 mg/g). Whilst, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and arachidic acid (85.34%) were the most dominant fatty acids. The most dominant amino acids were glutamic acid, phenylalanine, and arginine (29.41 g/100 g). Also, Fe and Mn as micro-elements were the most dominant elements. In general, the results illustrated the potentials and differences of black rosehip fruits grown in the Arasbaran region as promising resources for food sources, pharmaceutics, cosmetics, and breeding programs. Also, these findings confirm that black rosehip fruits contain significant amounts of secondary metabolites that may positively affect human health.

Effects of long-term nighttime warming on extractable soil element composition in a Mediterranean shrubland

Understanding the soil biogeochemical responses to increasing global warming in the near future is essential for improving our capacity to mitigate the impacts of climate change on highly vulnerable Mediterranean ecosystems. Previous studies have primarily focused on the effects of warming on various biogeochemical processes. However, there is limited knowledge about how the changes in water availability associated to high temperatures can alter the bioavailability and dynamics of soil elements, thereby impacting ecosystem productivity, species composition, and pollution through soil biogeochemical and hydrological processes. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term nighttime warming on the extractable concentrations of organic carbon (EOC), total nitrogen (ETN), total phosphorus (ETP), and 17 mineral elements (arsenic (As), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), sulfur (S), strontium (Sr), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn)) through environmental experiments in a semi-arid Mediterranean shrubland. We explored the potential biotic and abiotic mechanisms underlying the seasonal and long-term changes in extractable-mobilizable elemental composition and concentrations. Our findings revealed that prolonged warming led to higher mean annual soil temperature (with an average increase of 0.67 °C from 1999 to 2014), accumulation of soil organic matter (EOC) and extractable concentrations of soil elements (particularly increased ETP and extractable Ca, Mg, Cu, Sr, Mn, and As). These changes were attributed to uniformly higher activities of extracellular soil enzymes and/or lower plant photosynthetic and nutrient uptake capacity linked to more water deficit under warmer conditions. Seasonality unevenly altered element extractable concentrations, with soil microclimate (temperature and water content) and biological (soil microbial and plant) activity being the main drivers of this variability, thus influencing soil element composition. These results suggest significant fluctuations in the extractable concentrations of specific mineral elements in these soils, implying potential future variations in soil element composition as well as the loss of total element concentrations/contents in semi-arid Mediterranean ecosystems due to increasing warming. Therefore, these findings enhance our ability to predict ecosystem management strategies and mitigate the observed negative impacts on plant-soil systems and water quality in the context of climate change.

Elemental Geochemistry and Pb Isotopic Compositions of the Thick No. 7 Coal Seam in the Datun Mining Area, China

Thick coal seams recorded abundant petrological, geochemical, and mineralogical information regarding their formation, which in turn can reflect the characteristics of the coal-forming environments, provenance attributes, paleoclimate, and so on. In order to explore the geochemical and lead isotope characteristics of thick coal seams, the No. 7 coal seam in the Datun mining area, Jiangsu Province of China, was selected as the research object. In this work, 29 samples (including coal, roof, and floor rock samples) were collected from three coal mines in the Datun mining area. Through an analysis of the mineral composition and element geochemical characteristics in the coal samples, the enrichment degree of trace elements and modes of rare earth elements were determined. The genetic mechanism of abnormal enrichment of enriched elements is discussed, especially the modes of occurrence and isotope characteristics of Pb. The results showed the following: (1) The main minerals in the coal samples include quartz, potassium feldspar, plagioclase, calcite, dolomite, pyrite, gypsum, and clay minerals, with clay minerals, calcite, quartz, and dolomite being the most common. (2) The major element oxides in coal mainly include SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, TiO2, P2O5, and FeO. In the vertical direction, the variation of SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, K2O, and FeO in coal samples from the three coal mines is consistent. The average value of Al2O3/TiO2 in the samples of Kongzhuang, Longdong, and Yaoqiao coal mines is 28.09–50.52, which basically locates the samples in the felsic source area, such that the sediment source is considered to be felsic source rock. (3) Elements U, La, Pb, and other elements are more enriched in Kongzhuang coal mine samples; elements Th, U, La, Pb, and other elements are more enriched in the Longdong coal mine samples; and elements Th, U, La, Pb, and other elements are more enriched in the Yaoqiao coal mine samples. Furthermore, W is enriched in Yaoqiao mine samples and is highly enriched in Longdong mine samples. The mining area is generally rich in the elements U, La, and Pb. The distribution curves of rare earth elements in the three mines are inclined to the right, with negative Eu anomalies. The enrichment is of the light rare earth enrichment type. (4) Pb isotope data show that the samples from the three mines are mainly distributed in the orogenic belt and the subduction zone lead source areas, where the upper crust and the mantle are mixed, with individual sample points distributed in the mantle and upper crust lead source areas.

Regolith-Hosted Rare Earth Element Mineralization in the Esperance Region, Western Australia: Major Characteristics and Potential Controls

A number of regolith-hosted REE occurrences have recently been discovered in the Esperance region in southern Western Australia. This paper summarizes major characteristics of REE mineralization and discusses contributing factors and potential controls. The main aim is to explain why there is a lack of highly sought-after ion-adsorption-clay-type REE deposits across the region despite the presence of the regolith-hosted REE mineralization on a regional scale. Local mineralization mostly occurs as continuous flat-lying enrichment “blankets” within the residual regolith developed over Archaean–Proterozoic granite gneisses and granitoids with elevated REE content. The enriched horizon is commonly located in the lower saprolite and saprock and is accompanied by an overlying REE-depleted zone. This distribution pattern, together with the data on HREE fractionation and the presence of the supergene REE minerals, indicates chemogenic type enrichment formed by supergene REE mobilization into groundwater, downward transport, and accumulation in the lower part of the weathering profile. Residual REE accumulation processes due to bulk rock volume and mass reduction during weathering also contribute to mineralization. It is proposed that climate and groundwater chemistry are the critical regional controls on the distribution of REEs in the weathering profile and on their speciation in the enrichment zone. Cenozoic aridification of climate in southwest Australia heavily overprinted pre-existing REE distributions in the weathering profile. Acidic (pH < 4), highly saline groundwaters intensely leached away any relatively weakly bound, adsorbed or colloidal REE forms, moving them downward. Dissolved REEs precipitated as secondary phosphates in neutral to alkaline environment at lower Eh near the base of the weathering profile forming the supergene enrichment zone. Low denudation rates, characteristic of areas of low relief under the arid climate, are favourable for the preservation of the existing weathering profiles with REE mineralization.

Nanominerals Packaged in pH‐Responsive Alginate Microcapsules Exhibit Selective Delivery in Small Intestine and Enhanced Absorption and Bioavailability

AbstractMineral supplementation is crucial for human nutrition to facilitate appropriate growth, disease prevention, and improved reproductive health. The conventional forms of mineral supplementation involve an ionic form of elements mixed with biomolecules; however, suffer from unfavorable reactions under an acidic environment of stomach, ROS generation, and poor absorption in the small intestine. To address this, nanominerals (NMs) of six essential mineral elements are synthesized and packed in pH‐responsive microcapsule. Each NMs is coated with biomolecules that are known to rapidly absorb through the intestinal epithelium. Microcapsules are found intact at acidic pH (pH: 2.0–6.5); however, selectively release NMs at pH ≥7.0. The in vitro study demonstrates that the mixture of NMs and microcapsules is biocompatible and exhibits excellent ROS scavenging ability at physiological pH. Oral administration of NMs‐loaded microcapsules to rats shows enhanced levels of minerals, vitamin B12, hemoglobin, and total antioxidant activity in blood. The liver, kidneys, and spleen show enhanced expression of Cu/Zn‐SOD and Mn‐SOD enzymes due to high absorption and bioavailability of ZnO, Cu2O, and MnO2 NMs through the intestine. Thus, the pH‐responsive microcapsules hold promise to effectively stealth the encapsulated nutrient materials from the acidic environment of stomach and precisely deliver them to small intestine.

Hydrolysates from cauliflower and artichoke industrial wastes as biostimulants on seed germination and seedling growth: a chemical and biological characterization.

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) and globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) are vegetables with a high waste index mainly related to stems and leaves. In this study, enzymatic hydrolysates obtained from these wastes were proposed to be used as plant biostimulants. Life cycle assessment methodology was also applied to evaluate environmental performances related to cauliflower and artichoke byproducts. Hydrolysates (HYs) were chemically and biologically characterized. Amino acids, organic acids, amines, polyols, mineral elements, phenols, tannins, flavonoids and sulfur compounds were identified and quantified by means of NMR, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and UV-visible analyses. Cauliflower leaf and flower HYs showed the highest concentration of free amino acids, whereas stems showed the highest concentration of Ca. Regarding artichoke, asparagine, glutamine and aspartic acid were exclusively detected in stems, whereas artichoke leaves showed the highest Mg and Mn levels together with the highest antioxidant activity. The HYs diluted in water were tested as biostimulants. The impacts of five concentrations of HYs (0.00, 0.28, 0.84, 2.52 and 7.56 g L-1) on seed germination and early seedling growth of crimson clover, alfalfa, durum wheat and corn were investigated. The application of artichoke biostimulant (0.28 g L-1) positively influenced the coefficient of velocity of germination in alfalfa, crimson clover and durum wheat, whereas cauliflower biostimulant significantly improved corn germination speed. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

On-site micro-XRF mapping of enameled porcelain paintings and sculpture. First demonstration

We present the first study of painted enameled ceramics with a mobile micro-XRF (MA-XRF) scanning device at the Cité de la Ceramique, Sèvres on 18th to 20th century soft- and hard-paste palettes, 2D or 3D, Castel Durante 16th century majolica, two 19th century porcelain reproducing paintings by W. Bouguereau and J.-E. Aubert and a set combining a porcelain figurine and flowers mounted with gilded bronze. Major elements (Si, Ca, K, Pb for enamels and porcelain body, Cu, Zn, Au, Hg for fire gildings and gilded bronze) and many minor elements, coloring agents (Fe, Co, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Sb, U, Au, Pt, Y, Ta), opacifier (As, Sn, Zn) or impurities (Ba, Ti, Bi, Rb, Sr, Zr, Y, Ta, Ga, Cl) are identified and mapped. The comparison of images obtained for different transitions of the same element provides stratigraphic information. Restorations and damage are highlighted.

Major and trace elements determination in organic and conventional Moroccan vegetables using the k0-standardisation method of neutron activation analysis

The aim of the present work is the determination of different essential (minor and trace) elements found in five Moroccan vegetables collected from large commercial markets in Kenitra city, Morocco, and in some organic vegetables which were traditionally grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, in a plot located in the rural commune of Dar Laaslouji, 48 km from Kenitra city. The k0-standardisation method of the Neutron Activation Analysis (k0-INAA) using the TRIGA Mark II research reactor of 2 MW at the National Centre for Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (CNESTEN) and gamma-ray spectroscopy facility were employed. For quality control, the accuracy of measurements has been investigated using certified reference materials (IAEA-336 lichens, and NIST SRM 1547 peach leaves) which were analyzed simultaneously with the samples. Good agreement was found between certified and determined values. The primary results are presented and discussed for the concentration of minor and trace elements in some vegetables (tomatoes, carrots, green peppers, cilantro and mint), that are widely used in Moroccan meals.

Exploring intrusive processes through the crystal cargo of volcanic rocks: The case of lava flows from Taranaki volcano, New Zealand

The present-day edifice of Taranaki volcano, New Zealand, is largely made up of lava flows extruded over approximately the last 8 kyr. The crystal cargo of plagioclase, pyroxene and amphibole in these lavas displays varied major, minor, and trace element zoning patterns, pointing to long and complex crystal growth histories. Crystal zoning patterns do not vary systematically between stratigraphic units, and multiple patterns are seen within the same sample over very short length scales. Intracrystalline elemental variations reveal mineral-melt interactions, which result in repeated resorption and recrystallisation in varied environments. Variable degrees of undercooling are evidenced by clinopyroxenes, with most crystals displaying sector zoning (ΔT < 50 K), while others only show concentric zoning, which suggests very low ΔT. The common occurrence of resorbed cores within the crystals and the prevalence of glomerocrysts indicate antecrystic and/or xenocrystic origins and crystal aggregation processes. We hypothesise that the repeated intrusion of melts into the crustal basement of Taranaki volcano has resulted in the formation of a heterogeneous subsolidus plutonic to supersolidus mushy (∼15–55 vol% crystals) system that interacts with intruding melts from the mantle. These interactions result in disaggregation of crystal clots from the plutonic intrusives and remobilization of the crystals through various sub-environments of small ephemeral mush pockets. Eruption-triggering injections of melt then pick up these crystals with varied growth histories to be extruded.

Insights on the formation of layered ferromanganese precipitates from the southern Mariana Arc, West Pacific, from micron-scale major, minor, and trace element variations

A combined laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) study was used to map 49 elements in four FeMn precipitates produced from three different genetic processes (hydrogenetic, hydrothermal, and mixed-type hydrogenetic-hydrothermal) in samples obtained from the southern Mariana Arc. Results show Mn-oxide minerals are consistently found to be associated with Ba, Mo, Sb, V, Zn, and the rare earth elements and yttrium (REY), excluding Ce, whereas Fe-oxyhydroxide minerals are primarily associated with Ti, Co, Cr, Cu, Nb, and Pb. Element distributions in FeMn precipitates from the southern Mariana Arc differ from deposits formed in other environments; notably, there is a decoupling of As and Sb, and redox-sensitive elements are more variable than non-redox-sensitive elements. Samples previously classified as either hydrogenetic or hydrothermal in origin, based on bulk geochemical data, show characteristics of both at higher resolution. Combining high resolution in-situ data with genetic classification discrimination diagrams reveals more ambiguity in metal and metalloid origin than previously thought. Mariana Arc FeMn precipitates can be separated into two formation sub-types (hydrothermal or mixed hydrothermal/hydrogenetic) based on textural and compositional differences, e.g., differences in Ce/Ce and Y/Ho values and relative variations in (Zr + Y + Ce) versus (Co + Ni) versus (Mn + Fe). Improved classification and knowledge of how fast-growing hydrothermal FeMn precipitates form may help us identify a relatively renewable critical metal resource.

Mineral chemistry of the Geyer SW tin skarn deposit: understanding variable fluid/rock ratios and metal fluxes

AbstractThe Geyer tin skarn in the Erzgebirge, Germany, comprises an early skarnoid stage (stage I, ~ 320 Ma) and a younger metasomatic stage (stage II, ~ 305 Ma), but yet, the source and distribution of Sn and the physicochemical conditions of skarn alteration were not constrained. Our results illustrate that contact metamorphic skarnoids of stage I contain only little Sn. REE patterns and elevated concentrations of HFSE indicate that garnet, titanite and vesuvianite of stage I formed under rock-buffered conditions (low fluid/rock ratios). Prograde assemblages of stage II, in contrast, contain two generations of stanniferous garnet, titanite-malayaite and vesuvianite. Oscillation between rock-buffered and fluid-buffered conditions are marked by variable concentrations of HFSE, W, In, and Sn in metasomatic garnet. Trace and REE element signatures of minerals formed under high fluid/rock ratios appear to mimic the signature of the magmatic-hydrothermal fluid which gave rise to metasomatic skarn alteration. Concomitantly with lower fluid-rock ratio, tin was remobilized from Sn-rich silicates and re-precipitated as malayaite. Ingress of meteoric water and decreasing temperatures towards the end of stage II led to the formation of cassiterite, low-Sn amphibole, chlorite, and sulfide minerals. Minor and trace element compositions of cassiterite do not show much variation, even if host rock and gangue minerals vary significantly, suggesting a predominance of a magmatic-hydrothermal fluid and high fluid/rock ratios. The mineral chemistry of major skarn-forming minerals, hence, records the change in the fluid/rock ratio, and the arrival, distribution, and remobilization of tin by magmatic fluids in polyphase tin skarn systems.

Chemometric characterization of the fatty acid and trace element profiles of organic and conventional Galician cheeses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid profile and trace element content in three different Galician cow's milk cheeses (organic made from pasteurized milk, industrial made from pasteurized milk and artisanal made with raw milk). Twenty-five fatty acids and thirteen elements were determined by respectively gas liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, in thirty representative samples of the cheeses. The organic cheeses had significantly lower palmitic acid contents and significantly higher contents of odd and branched fatty acids, oleic acid, vaccenic acid, α-linolenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid than the other cheeses. The organic cheeses also had lower concentrations of trace and toxic element residues. Moreover, an association between medium chain fatty acids and palmitic acid and the presence of several mineral elements was detected by chemometric techniques. The nutritional evaluation of the organic cheeses was more favorable than for the other cheeses, as confirmed by the values of health-related indices.

Effects of high temperature on grain quality and enzyme activity in heat-sensitive versus heat-tolerant rice cultivars.

High-temperature (HT) stress significantly affects the quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.), although the underlying the mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, in the present study, we assessed protein components, amino acids, mineral element levels, starch biosynthesis enzyme activity and gene expression of two heat-sensitive and two heat-tolerant genotypes under HT treatment during early (from 1 to 10 days, T1) and mid-filling (from 11 to 20 days, T2) after anthesis. Except for one cultivar, most rice varieties exhibited increased levels of amylose, chalky degree and protein content, along with elevated cracked grains and pasting temperatures and, consequently, suppressed amino acid levels under HT stress. HT treatment also increased protein components, macro- (Mg, K, P and S) and microelements (Cu, Zn, and Mo) in the rice flour. Both HT treatments reduced the activity of ADP-glucose pyrophosphate, ground-bound starch synthase, as well as the relative ratio of amylose to total starch, at the same time increasing starch branch enzyme activity. The expression levels of OsAGPL2, OsSSS1 and OsSBE1 in all varieties exhibited the same trends as enzyme activity under HT treatment. High temperatures negatively affected rice quality during grain filling, which is related to heat tolerance and grain shape. Altered enzymatic activity is crucial to compensate for the lowered enzyme quality under heat stress. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Variations of soil metal content, soil enzyme activity and soil bacterial community in Rhododendron delavayi natural shrub forest at different elevations

BackgroundRhododendron delavayi is a natural shrub that is distributed at different elevations in the karst region of Bijie, China, and that has an important role in preventing land degradation in this region. In this study, we determined the soil mineral element contents and soil enzyme activities. The composition of the soil bacterial community of R. delavayi at three elevations (1448 m, 1643 m, and 1821 m) was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing, and the interrelationships among the soil bacterial communities, mineral elements, and enzyme activities were determined.ResultsThe Shannon index of the soil bacterial community increased and then decreased with increasing elevation and was highest at 1643 m. Elevations increased the number of total nodes and edges of the soil bacterial community network, and more positive correlations at 1821 m suggested stronger intraspecific cooperation. Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla at all three elevations. The Mantel test and correlation analysis showed that Fe and soil urease significantly affected bacterial communities at 1448 m; interestingly, Chloroflexi was positively related to soil urease at 1448 m, and Actinobacteria was positively correlated with Ni and Zn at 1821 m. Fe and soil urease significantly influenced the bacterial communities at lower elevations, and high elevation (1821 m) enhanced the positive interactions of the soil bacteria, which might be a strategy for R. delavayi to adapt to high elevation environments.ConclusionElevation significantly influenced the composition of soil bacterial communities by affecting the content of soil mineral elements and soil enzyme activity.

Effects of degree of milling on bran layer structure, physicochemical properties and cooking quality of brown rice

Effects of varying degree of milling (DOM) (0–22%) on the bran layer structure, physicochemical properties, and cooking quality of brown rice were explored. As the DOM increased, bran degree, protein, lipid, dietary fiber, amylose, mineral elements, and color parameters (a* and b* values) of milled rice decreased while starch and L* value increased. Microscopic fluorescence images showed that the pericarp, combined seed coat-nucellus layer, and aleurone layer were removed in rice processed at DOM of 6.6%, 9.2%, and 15.4%, respectively. The pasting properties, thermal properties, and palatability of rice increased as the DOM increased. Principal component and correlation analysis indicated that excessive milling lead to a decline in nutritional value of rice with limited impact on enhancing palatability. Notably, when parts of aleurone cell wall were retained, rice samples exhibited high cooking and sensory properties. It serves as a potential guide to the production of moderately milled rice.

Assessment of soil resources of agricultural landscapes in Turkestan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan based on agrochemical indexes

Abstract Natural and climatic features of the soil cover formation of Turkestan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan are identified by a set of hydrological and bioclimatic factors serving as important environment-forming functions, which are reflected in the landscape organization of the territory. When assessing soil resources of agricultural landscapes, integrated index of soil fertility was applied – the “soil index,” which takes into account the reserves of humus, mineral elements, and hydrolytic acidity. Based on monitoring observations (1996–2019) of soil fertility in agricultural landscapes (agricultural lands) of Turkestan region, assessment of soil resources was performed, which showed that in general, the generalized “soil index” ranges from 1.086 to 4.800 units depending on natural features of the territory. It is found that the “soil index” in agricultural landscapes is significantly less than its maximum value (20.000 units), which suggests a pronounced humus deficiency, showing low soil fertility in all agricultural landscapes. To assess the soil resources of agricultural landscapes in Turkestan region, a new approach was applied, which is based on the assessment of energy costs for the soil formation process, which enables to quantitatively reflect the radiation balance of the earth surface, heat, and moisture supply of agricultural land for 1941–1960 and 2001–2020. The indicators applied are subject to the law of vertical zonation and change from the mountain to the arid zone, where the potential energy costs for soil formation range from 82.2–101.9 to 129.4–135.5 kJ/cm2, and natural energy costs energy costs for soil formation from 17.2–21.7 to 121.7–125.2 kJ/cm2.

Multi-stage magmatic–hydrothermal evolution of nepheline pegmatite: Insights from the mineralogy and geochronology of a zircon megacryst from the Yilanlike nepheline pegmatite, South Tianshan

Magmatic–hydrothermal evolution plays a key role in the formation of peralkaline rocks and associated zirconium and rare earth element (REE) mineralization. Zircon is a common mineral in peralkaline rocks and can record invaluable information about the magmatic–hydrothermal evolution of these systems. To help better constrain the magmatic–hydrothermal evolution of and Zr enrichment processes in peralkaline systems, we characterized the mineralogy and geochronology of a texturally complex zircon megacryst from the rare metal mineralized Yilanlike nepheline pegmatite in the South Tianshan. Here we present laser Raman spectra, in situ elemental data, and U–Pb geochronological data for the zircon megacryst to constrain the age and magmatic–hydrothermal evolution of this nepheline pegmatite. Three types of zircon domains (Zrn-I, Zrn-II, and Zrn-III) are distinguished based on their morphological and geochemical characteristics. Zrn-I has well-developed oscillatory zoning, REE patterns similar to magmatic zircon, high Th/U ratios (0.09–0.47), and concordant U–Pb ages, indicative of a magmatic origin. Zrn-II is characterized by weak oscillatory and patchy zoning, low full width at half maximum (FWHM) values (6.58–14.86 cm−1), and low trace-element contents (e.g., Nb = 0.16–0.92 ppm, Ta = 0.13–0.54 ppm, U = 195.77–812.92 ppm, Th = 15.85–158.95 ppm, and total REE = 13.00–187.75 ppm), indicative of a recrystallized origin as this process generates heterogeneous zoning, heals the zircon crystal lattice, and lowers trace-element contents. Concordant U–Pb ages and low Th/U ratios (0.05–0.26), combined with moderate Ce/Ce* and (Sm/La)N ratios (0.38–33.96 and 1.34–27.73, respectively), which are characteristic of the magmatic–hydrothermal transition, indicate that Zrn-II recrystallized in the presence of hydrothermal fluids. Zrn-III is characterized by “spongy” textures, thorite inclusions, high FWHM values (6.58–47.87), relatively high contents of total REE (14.79–962.05 ppm), and discordant U–Pb ages, suggestive of an origin related to the hydrothermal alteration of earlier zircons. Results of U–Pb dating of Zrn-I and -II yield weighted concordant ages of 286.9 ± 1.9 Ma (MSWD = 1.5, n = 23) and 279.3 ± 2.3 Ma (MSWD = 0.24, n = 20), respectively, whereas the U–Pb results for Zrn-III are largely discordant. Based on these textural, geochemical, and geochronological results, a multi-stage process for the formation of the zircon megacryst and nepheline pegmatite is proposed. First, the parent magma of the nepheline pegmatite was emplaced and the zircon megacryst crystallized at ca. 286.9 Ma (represented by Zrn-I). As the magma differentiated, hydrothermal fluids derived from the evolved magma recrystallized Zrn-I to Zrn-II at ca. 279.3 Ma. Finally, a second hydrothermal event altered Zrn-I and -II to form Zrn-III. Given the low concentrations of UO2, ThO2, and Y2O3 in Zrn-II, and the CHARAC behavior of Zr and Hf, the fluid that formed this zircon variety likely had relatively low F contents. This multi-stage magmatic–hydrothermal evolution likely played an essential role in concentrating Zr and generating the Zr mineralization. Zirconium is primarily enriched via magmatic crystallization, as illustrated by the high abundances of Zrn-I in the Yilanlike nepheline pegmatite. The presence of hydrothermal zircon (Zrn-II and Zrn-III) suggests that hydrothermal recrystallizatio nay have also facilitated the enrichment of Zr. It is, therefore, suggested that both magmatic and hydrothermal processes contributed to the enrichment of Zr in the Yilanlike nepheline pegmatite.