Minerals Ca Research Articles

Macronutrient and mineral contents of five local black rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars in Indonesia

Abstract. Nashrurrokhman M, Sayekti PR, Safitri A, Purwestri YA, Pratiwi R. 2019. Macronutrient and mineral contents of five local black rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars in Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 3647-3653. Nutrient composition is important information that can be used to support the development of black rice as functional food. In this study, the macronutrient and mineral compositions of five black rice cultivars were determined by measuring the contents of total carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, and levels of the minerals Ca, Fe, and Zn of whole rice, refined rice, and rice bran. Rice samples were obtained from farmers who planted the black rice cultivars of Woja Laka, Toraja, Cempo Ireng “Seyegan”, Melik “Bantul” and Wedomartani. Proximate analysis and spectrophotometric methods were performed to measure the contents of macronutrients and minerals. Statistical analysis of all quantitative data was conducted by using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p<0.05) using the SPSS-25 program. Results showed that the contents of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in the five rice cultivars varied in the range of 61.80%-65.58%, 7.13%-9.10%, and 1.98%-3.23%, respectively. Carbohydrates found in refined rice were in the range of 62.71%-67.89%, while rice bran had protein and lipid contents varying in the range of 10.95%-11.48% and 5.70%-6.86%, respectively. Rice bran also had the highest mineral content and the highest mineral content was 30 μg/g Ca compared to Fe and Zn. Therefore, the macronutrient and mineral composition varied among the five black rice cultivars and rice components. The highest carbohydrate content was found in refined rice, while the highest proteins, lipids, and minerals (Ca, Fe, and Zn) contents were found in rice bran.

Determination of Primary Mineral Content and Calcium Sources in Forest Soils using Electron Probe Microanalysis Mapping and Cluster Analysis

Although mineral dissolution is a fundamental soil forming process, primary mineral content of soils is rarely inventoried or quantified. Concerns about maintenance of forest soil nutrient stocks require better mineralogic data. In particular, to understand recovery from Ca losses induced by acid deposition and sustainability of intensive forest harvest, better inventory of primary Ca minerals is needed. We developed a method based on electron probe micro‐analysis to quantify primary mineral concentrations in soil. Samples analyzed from three sites in the glaciated northeastern United States spanned a bulk Ca concentration of 0.03 to 0.94%. Plagioclase was the dominant Ca‐bearing mineral at two sites while apatite was the only Ca‐bearing mineral found in all three samples and was the dominant calcium source at one site. A variety of other Ca silicate minerals were found in trace amounts. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) proved more sensitive in detecting minor and trace Ca bearing minerals than standard XRD procedures. The Ca‐bearing minerals detected by EPMA matched those expected based on the lithologic composition of the glacial till and were consistent with measured bulk soil Ca content by lithium‐borate fusion. Taking into account the Ca concentration in each mineral and each mineral's abundance in the sample, this inventory provided a complete accounting of Ca sources.

Variability of Mineral Composition of Rice Landraces Collected from Maharashtra, India

Micronutrient malnutrition is one of the burning issues in rice-based diet area throughout world. Present study was aimed at evaluation of mineral composition of 77 rice landraces collected from various agro-climatic zones of Maharashtra. The hand mill processed rice grains were analyzed for eight (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu and Zn) mineral content. Among the mineral contents, the iron content ranged from 2.05 to 12.2 mg/100g, calcium content from 39.2 to 238.47 mg/100g, manganese content from 1.53 to 7.54 mg/100g, copper content from 0.54 to 3.03 mg/100g and zinc content ranged from 2.65 to 11.62 mg/100g.The other minerals like magnesium content in studied landraces ranged from 81.72 to 278.56mg/100g, sodium content from 4.73 to 274.34 mg/100g and potassium content from 148.05 to 670.74 mg/100g. Most of the studied landraces had wide range of variation, rich in minerals and could be valuable source for bio-fortification of minerals through breeding method.

Redox-dependent phosphorus burial and regeneration in an offshore sulfidic sediment core in North Yellow Sea, China.

Phosphorus (P) pollution can trigger severe marine eutrophication, which further leads to harmful algal blooms, and a deterioration of sea water quality. The P burial and regeneration in offshore sediments can directly affect the eutrophication levels of estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Although many researches on redox-dependent P burial and regeneration were studied, such process in the presence of silicate is still poorly understood, and the effects of pyrite formation on organic P (OP) burial and regeneration also remain unclear. In this study, a sulfidic sediment core was collected in the offshore of an estuary in the north Yellow Sea, China. Results indicated that indigenous biological input was found to be the primary source of organic matter in upper sediments. The regenerated P under reducing conditions was dominated by labile FeP and OP. The PO43- released from FeP and OP that could be captured by Al/Fe/Mn (oxyhydr) oxides in surface sediments and Ca minerals in deep sediments. CaP, AlP, unreactive Al/Fe-Si-P and some stable metal chelated OP were the main burial P fractions. Sulfate reduction and formation of insoluble metal sulfides including the pyrite promoted OP decomposition by anaerobic decomposition, removing metal ions from the "metal-OP" chelates and restoring the phosphatase activity.

FORMULASI PAKAN UNGGUL BERBASIS BIOTEKNOLOGI LIMBAH ORGANIK LOKAL UNTUK IKAN LELE ORGANIK KUALITAS EKSPOR

Research on Superior Feed Formulations Based on Local Organic waste Biotechnology for Export quality organic Catfish. Research Objective: The discovery of feed types of tilapia and organic catfish that have export quality nutritional content based on the best quality local marine organic waste through a touch of biotechnology. Furthermore, the complete chemical composition of the waste used and feed components is obtained. Research Methods: Determine the best composition of biomass of marine organic waste and local onshore organic wastes with the highest levels of protein and carbohydrates and integrated with other wastes. The nutritional content is analyzed, namely: Carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and supporting minerals, namely: Fe, K and Ca. Instrumentation used to support the research objectives is AAS and HPLC. Research Results: Export quality organic catfish pellet feed in the form of waste: marine fish, sea shrimp waste, sea crab waste, rice bran waste, corn waste, mixed organic waste, golden snail waste, seaweed waste and coconut water waste respectively (27; 15; 7.5; 33; 3; 2.5; 5; 2.5 and 2) %b/ b, starch 2% b/b and marine phytoplankton biomass 0.5% b/b. The nutritional content of organic catfish pellets that have been produced, namely: 51% protein b/b, 24% carbohydrate b/b, 9% fat b/b, crude fiber 8%b/b, water content 2 - 2.5%b/b, mineral Fe 1% b/b, mineral K 1% b/b, mineral Ca 1%b/b, ash content 2 - 2.5%b/b. Feed packing for export quality organic catfish pellets is given the "SANTARI-KU" label.
 Keywords: Superior feed, local organic waste biotechnology, export quality organic catfish, Santari-ku.

Dampak Kebakaran Hutan Terhadap Flora Dan Sifat Tanah Mineral Di Kawasan Hutan Kabupaten Pelalawan Provinsi Riau

Forest fires cause the death of flora, soil damage and smoke disasters. The research was corected at the productivity forest and soil samples were taken through purposive sampling. The result of research show that forest fires cause the death of flora by 100% and erosion occurring at the dept of 5-10 cm. Forest fires cause a significant increase in pH, Ca and Mg mineral soils, and reduce organic C, total microorganisms, total fungi and soil respiration significantly. Forest fires increase soil pH and soil fertility due to ash remaining combustion. The residual combustion ash comes from organic material (natural forest biomass and organic matter) which is burned was which of nutrient needed fan the growth of the vegetation in the forest.Keywords: forest fires, mineral soils, soil fertility, soil properties

Geochemical Characterization of Iron and Steel Slag and Its Potential to Remove Phosphate and Neutralize Acid

Iron and steel slags from legacy and modern operations in the Chicago-Gary area of Illinois and Indiana, USA, are predominantly composed of Ca (10–44 wt. % CaO), Fe (0.3–28 wt. % FeO), and Si (10–44 wt. % SiO2), with generally lesser amounts of Al (<1–15 wt. % Al2O3), Mg (2–11 wt. % MgO), and Mn (0.3–9 wt. % MnO). Mineralogy is dominated by Ca ± Mg ± Al silicates, Fe ± Ca oxides, Ca-carbonates, and high-temperature SiO2 phases. Chromium and Mn concentrations in most samples may be environmentally significant based on comparison with generic soil contaminant guidelines. However, simulated weathering tests suggest these elements are present in generally insoluble phases making their use in water treatment applications possible; however, the generation of high pH and alkaline solutions may be an issue. As for possible water treatment applications, batch and flow-through experiments document effective removal of phosphate from synthetic solutions for nearly all slag samples. Air-cooled fine fractions (<10 mm) of modern slag were most effective; other types, including modern granulated, modern air-cooled coarse fractions (>10 mm), and legacy slag removed phosphate, but to a lesser degree. An additional water treatment application is the use of slag to neutralize acidic waters. Most slag samples are extremely alkaline and have high net neutralization potentials (NNP) (400–830 kg CaCO3/t), with the highest approximately equivalent to 80% of the neutralization potential of calcite. Overall, phosphate removal capacity and NNP correlate positively with total Ca content and the dissolution of Ca minerals facilitates secondary Ca phosphate formation and consumes acid during hydrolysis. Utilizing locally available slag to treat waste or agricultural waters in this region may be a higher value alternative than use in construction, potentially offsetting restoration costs to degraded legacy areas and decreasing steel manufacturers’ current waste footprint.

Sequential carbonate mineralization of desalination brine for CO2 emission reduction

Desalination brine is a potential source for CO2 mineralization aimed at reducing CO2 emissions, because the concentration of Ca and Mg in brine is almost twice that of ordinary seawater. However, the previously achieved conversion ratio of CO2 to carbonate minerals is too low for commercial application, as Ca and Mg compete and interfere with each other during precipitation. In this study, we tested the separate and sequential mineralization of Ca and Mg in brine, enhancing the CO2 conversion ratio to 57% from 12%. We also tested the use of 15% CO2 gas (the typical concentration of actual combustion gas), and it was observed that 69% of injected CO2 was precipitated as Ca and Mg carbonate minerals and 99% of Ca and 69% of Mg in the initial brine were precipitated. In addition, the volume of NaOH solution required was reduced by 76%. This revised method is more material- and reagent-efficient which would likely have lower operation costs; moreover, as no further additives are required, environmental impact of brine release is also likely to be reduced. The findings of this study can help address environmental problems caused by large seawater desalination plants and thermal power plants.

Effect of Maturation Degree on the Fixed Oil Chemical Composition, Phenolic Compounds, Mineral Nutrients and Antioxidant Properties of Pistacia lentiscus L. Fruits

This study aimed to evaluate the maturity stage effects on the bioactive metabolites content, the antioxidant activity and color variation of Algerian Pistacia lentiscus L. fruit. For this propose, both red and black fruits of the selected species representing two different maturation stages immature and mature, respectively are chosen. Our experimental study was initiated by a GC/MS analysis in order to determinate the fixed oils chemical composition. An AAS for macroelements and ICP-MS for microelements was carried out to evaluate the mineral composition. Furthermore, phenolic, anthocyanins and total sugars compounds level were determinate. Also, a chromameter was used to detect the color changes of fruits powders. At last, antioxidant activities were evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays. As a result, the fixed oil qualitative evaluation, revealed new molecules were synthesized in the mature fruit oil which gives it a higher quality than one of the immature stage, we also noted that the accumulation of the oils increases with the fruits maturation while the sugar content decreases significantly. In addition, the results obtained showed that the bioactive molecules were found to be significantly high at the mature stage and its affects positively the P. lentiscus antioxidant activity. High levels of minerals (Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu and Zn) observed in mature fruits ensure a high nutritional quality compared to immature ones. To conclude, the phytocomponents of P. lentiscus fruit are accumulated during maturation, which provides it with an important qualitative and quantitative value in terms of both curative and/ or nutritional fields.
 
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 In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 3, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue.
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Two-Way Characterization of Beekeepers' Honey According to Botanical Origin on the Basis of Mineral Content Analysis Using ICP-OES Implemented with Multiple Chemometric Tools.

Asfaka, fir, flower, forest flowers and orange blossom honeys harvested in the wider area of Hellas by professional beekeepers, were subjected to mineral content analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The main purpose of this study was to characterize the mineral profile and content of toxic metals such as lead, cadmium and chromium, and investigate whether specific minerals could assist accurately in the botanical origin discrimination with implementation of chemometrics. Twenty-five minerals were identified (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Si, Ti, Tl, V, Zn) and quantified. Results showed that the mineral content varied significantly (p < 0.05) according to honey botanical origin, whereas lead, cadmium, and chromium contents ranged between 0.05–0.33 mg kg−1, <0.05 mg kg−1, and in the range of <0.12 to 0.39 mg kg−1, respectively. Fir honeys from Aitoloakarnania region showed the highest mineral content (182.13 ± 71.34 mg kg−1), while flower honeys from Samos Island recorded the highest silicon content (16.08 ± 2.94 mg kg−1). Implementation of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), factor analysis (FA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA) led to the perfect classification (100%) of these honeys according to botanical origin with the use of Al, As, Ca, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Si, Zn and total mineral content. However, the higher lead content in the majority of samples than the regulated upper limit (0.10 mg kg−1), sets the need for further improvements of the beekeepers’ practices/strategies for honey production.

PEMBUATAN PELET IKAN APUNG BERBAHAN LOKAL DENGAN TEKNOLOGI STEAMER DI DESA DAHAN REJO, KECAMATAN KEBOMAS, GRESIK

Dahan Rejo Village, Kebomas District is one of the centers of fish farming centers in Gresik Regency. The obstacle faced by pond farmers is the high price of feed, which increases the cost of production and capital. Farmers have not yet used alternative feed and are still dependent on factory-made pellets. The alternative solution that can be done is to make pellets from local materials such as tofu pellets and corn with steamer technology. The aim of this program is to empower the people of Dahan Rejo Village to make floating fish feed from local materials. The methods used are program preparation, product making and proximate analysis, making tutorial videos and guidebooks, socializing and training, mentoring, monitoring, and evaluating. The result of this community empowerment program is that farmer groups have the potential to develop floating fish pellets. Proximate analysis of floating fish pellets showed protein content of 31.6%, 6.8% fat, 4.2% reducing sugar, 4.4% crude fiber, and Ca minerals 0.3%. Tutorial videos and guidebooks for making floating fish pellets are good and suitable for use by the community. Farmers can make pellets from local raw materials independently with the percentage of material achievement being 70% of the total number of group members. The accompanying results show that the obstacles faced by fish pond farmers are weather, supporting raw materials, and marketing. The monitoring and evaluation results show that pond farmers in Dahan Rejo Village are committed to developing floating fish pellets from local raw materials as an effort to sustain the program.

Association of eggs with dietary nutrient adequacy and cardiovascular risk factors in US adults.

Whole eggs are rich sources of several micronutrients. However, it is not well known how egg consumption contributes to overall nutrient adequacy and how it may relate to CVD risk factors. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine how whole egg consumption contributes to nutrient intakes and to assess its association with CVD risk factors in US adults. Cross-sectional study. The study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2012, a nationally representative survey of the US civilian population.ParticipantsAdults who completed two dietary recalls and provided information on relevant sociodemographic factors were included in the study (n 21 845). Approximately 73 % of adults were classified as whole egg consumers. Egg consumption was associated with greater intakes of protein, saturated fat, mono- and polyunsaturated fats, Fe, Zn, Ca, Se, choline, and several other vitamins and minerals. Egg consumption was associated with a higher likelihood of meeting or exceeding recommendations for several micronutrients. Egg intake was positively associated with dietary cholesterol consumption, but not with serum total cholesterol (TC) when adjusted for multiple potential confounders. In multiple linear regression analyses, TAG, TAG:HDL-cholesterol and TC:HDL-cholesterol were significantly lower with greater egg consumption. Egg consumption had no significant relationship with LDL-cholesterol or C-reactive protein, but was associated with higher BMI and waist circumference. Whole eggs are important dietary contributors of many nutrients and had either beneficial or non-significant associations with most CVD risk biomarkers examined.

Coupling restites and mobilizates – Geological and litho-chemical investigations of paired belts of calcsilicate fels and quartzite (SE German Basement) – Quo vadis David London’s pegmatology?

In some areas of the Variscan orogen felsic mobilizates (pegmatitic and aplitic rocks) are closely associated with stratiform and stockwork-like bodies enriched in Ca minerals (e.g. wollastonite, diopside-hedenbergite s.s.s., grossular-spessartine s.s.s., siderite..) and bodies aligned to them similar in structure but abundant in quartz, plagioclase and mica. Geological mapping and lithochemical studies are the tools to decipher the nature of these crystalline rocks which are common to the Hagendorf-Pleystein Pegmatite Province, SE Germany, and present in many ensialic orogens elsewhere. Geological and chemical data suggest paired belts of a restite-mobilization system. The Ca and Si metasomatites are different from calcareous metasediments and quartzites elsewhere in the SE German basement devoid of mobilizates (parent rocks: limestones and cherts). Mobilization conducive to this paired belt of metasomatites involved silica mobilized from a deep level of the crust as a result of metamorphic-metasomatic alteration of Precambrian to Early Paleozoic metagreywackes during retrograde metamorphism from HP to LP metamorphism around 680–600 °C. The arrangement of mobilizates and restites in the field has been denominated as metamorphic differentiation sensu lato. The zone of silica mobilization is transitional into a zone of pegmatoids and aploids that overlaps with another one characterized by rocks derived from Ca metasomatism the footwall facies of which developed in the range 750–400 °C while in the hanging wall metamorphic rocks of rare-element pegmatites 570–430 °C occurred. The intensity of Ca metasomatism diminishes from the footwall to the hanging wall rocks and reflects a subcrustal impact. These investigations call attention among exploration geologists and petrologists to an alternative origin of “metasilica” and “metacarbonate” rocks being encountered in a zoned arrangement with felsic mobilizates (pegmatitic and aplitic rocks). The current study also raises the question “Quo vadis” pegmatology? It is an amendment to the mainstream geoscientific handling of pegmatitic rocks as “..texturally complex igneous rocks” genetically linked to granitic plutons (see review of London (2018) in Ore Geology Reviews). Taking a holistic approach can give us a reality check and prevent pegmatology from converting into a one-way street (granites-only) that eventually ends up in a dead-end street. The field evidence is the litmus test for all our models created in the laboratory and on the PC. There is no ore geology without field geology.

Exploration of Available Feed Resources, Feeding Practices, Morphometric and Nutritional Status of Horses in Kashmir Valley of India

Nutrition is a critical component of equine health. Horse owners’ knowledge of nutrition is likely to affect their feeding practices. The study was conducted with the aim to survey available feed resources for equines, existing feeding practices and morphometric and nutritional status of horses in four major horse rearing tehsils (Sopore, Pattan, Tangmarg and Gulmarg) of district Baramulla in Kashmir valley. Twelve equine keeping families from each study area were selected at random. The daily dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), digestible energy (DE) and macro minerals (Ca and P) intakes by different classes of horses were calculated from the feed intakes and compared with the nutrient requirement given in the feeding standard. Among body morphometry, body weight (BW) was calculated using body measurements, age was predicted by dentition and body condition scoring (BCS) was done using the Henneke BCS system. Adult horses were being fed rice straw and wheat bran; however, in addition to these, maize grains was fed in Tangmarg and Gulmarg areas, while jaggery was fed as energy supplement in Sopore only. The horses were fed blend of spicy ingredients locally called as “masala”. None of the farmers offered any oil seeds/cakes, compound pelleted feed or mineral supplement to their horses, though, salt licks were allowed to the adult animals on daily basis in all the study areas. The chemical composition of all the feeds and fodders fed to horses in the study areas of district Baramulla were within the ranges as prescribed for Indian feeds and fodders. During the survey, no lactating mare was observed in the entire study areas, while no foal was observed in Sopore and Gulmarg areas. Average age of the adult animal was 7.08±0.29 years, BW was in the range of 224.40 to 271.13 kg, and BCS ranged from 4.28 to 5.21 with an average of 4.93. While adult horses received optimum DM, the daily CP and DE intakes were found to be deficient along with imbalanced Ca and P intake when compared to the standard requirements. Foals were found to get diets deficient in DM, DE, CP and Ca but surplus in P. It was concluded that horse owners of district Baramulla lack basic knowledge on equine nutrition, feeding un-balanced diets to adult horses that were optimum only in terms of quantity; however, foals were fed diets deficient both in quantity as well as quality. The veterinarian-client dialog needs to be enhanced to address the misconceptions of horse owners about nutrition and feeding practices.

Studies on Physico-chemical Characteristics, Heavy Metals and Minerals components of leaves of Boehmeria rugulosa Wedd

The present study comprises physicochemical evaluation, heavy metal and minerals analysis and nutritive value of leaves of plant Boehmeria rugulosa. Physicochemical, nutritive value of leaves was done by standard methods. ICP-OES, Flame photometry and titrimetry methods was used for the heavy metals and mineral analysis. The mineral contents Na, K and Ca was found to be 53.82, 92.62 and 460.92 ppm respectively and heavy metal contents As, Pb and Cr was estimated 0.75, 2.22 and 0.68 respectively. Cd and Se concentration was negligible in leaves sample. The nutritive value of plant is 335.02 kcal/100g dry weight of leaves. The Physicochemical analysis includes Total Ash, acid insoluble ash and Loss on drying, which was shows the significant results. The present study can be used as a diagnostic tool for the standardization and identification of plant.

A new class of Super-Earths formed from high-temperature condensates: HD219134 b, 55 Cnc e, WASP-47 e

We hypothesise that differences in the temperatures at which the rocky material condensed out of the nebula gas can lead to differences in the composition of key rocky species (e.g., Fe, Mg, Si, Ca, Al, Na) and thus planet bulk density. Such differences in the observed bulk density of planets may occur as a function of radial location and time of planet formation. In this work we show that the predicted differences are on the cusp of being detectable with current instrumentation. In fact, for HD 219134, the 10 % lower bulk density of planet b compared to planet c could be explained by enhancements in Ca, Al rich minerals. However, we also show that the 11 % uncertainties on the individual bulk densities are not sufficiently accurate to exclude the absence of a density difference as well as differences in volatile layers. Besides HD 219134 b, we demonstrate that 55 Cnc e and WASP-47 e are similar candidates of a new Super-Earth class that have no core and are rich in Ca and Al minerals which are among the first solids that condense from a cooling proto-planetary disc. Planets of this class have densities 10-20% lower than Earth-like compositions and may have very different interior dynamics, outgassing histories and magnetic fields compared to the majority of Super-Earths.

Essential and toxic elements in commercial microalgal food supplements

Arthrospira spp. (known commercially as Spirulina) and Chlorella spp., valued for their evidence-based nutritional and bioactive properties, are cultivated for the purpose of production of food supplements for worldwide distribution. However, the quality and safety of the final product depends on culturing and manufacturing conditions. The present study investigated the content of toxic elements (As species, Al, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pt, Pb, Cr (VI), rare earth elements) and minerals (Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Na, Mg, Mn, P, Zn) in Chlorella (n = 10) and Spirulina (n = 13) food supplements registered in the European Union. Considering the most common recommended daily dosage 3.0, supplementation with any of the studied product would contribute significantly to mineral intake, with the exception of Fe which was found at high but acceptable levels in both Spirulina and Chlorella formulas. The majority of products revealed agreement between factual mineral content and that declared on the label, the only exception being Cu content in Chlorella products found to be significantly higher (> 130%). All studied supplements were found to have Cd, Hg, and Ni levels much below safety limits, although selected ones were characterized by increased content of Al, Pb, and inorganic As. No hexavalent Cr was detected in the studied products. The study highlights that microalgal supplements can be safe for consumers if appropriate measures are taken to ensure consumer safety, although it underlines the continuous need to monitor these products in order to fully eliminate those of low quality.

Tingkat Kesadahan Air Sumur di Dusun Gelaran 01 Desa Bejiharjo Karangmojo Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta

Air dengan konsentrasi mineral Kalsium (Ca) dan Magnesium (Mg) yang tinggi disebut dengan air sadah. Jenis air ini menentukan kualitas lingkungan sosial dan kesehatan masyarakat di suatu daerah. Air sangat penting untuk kehidupan manusia, akan tetapi air dengan tingkat kesadahan yang tinggi berbahaya untuk kesehatan karena dapat menyebabkan gangguan ginjal. Masyarakat Dusun Gelaran 01 yang berada di Desa Bejiharjo, Kecamatan Karangmojo, Kabupaten Gunungkidul menggunakan air tanah untuk minum dan kebutuhan rumah tangga lainnya. Air tanah di daerah ini diperoleh dengan cara membuat sumur, dengan kedalaman sumur berkisar antara 10-20 meter. Jenis tanah di daerah ini didominasi oleh asosiasi mediteran merah dan grumusol hitam dengan bahan induk batu kapur, sehingga air tanah di daerah tersebut mengandung mineral Ca dan Mg dalam jumlah yang cukup tinggi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat kesadahan air dari 40 sampel air sumur yang digunakan masyarakat di Dusun Gelaran 01 dengan metode titrasi kompleksometri. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan dari 40 sampel yang diuji, 6 sampel (15 %) memiliki tingkat kesadahan tinggi dan 34 sampel (85%) dengan tingkat kesadahan sangat tinggi. Kadar kesadahan total tertinggi yaitu sebesar 490,2 mg/L. Kadar kesadahan total masih dalam batas kadar maksimal sesuai dengan PERMENKES RI Nomor 492/MENKES/PER/IV/2010.

Effect of BaO on the calcination and hydration characteristic of CA

Phosphoaluminate cement (PAC) clinker had good mechanical properties at early and long-term period. In comparison, the compressive strength of PAC clinker modified by BaO was more prominent. As primary mineral phase for PAC clinker, CA’s mineralogical structure and hydration characteristics were intimately related to the compressive strength of hardened cement paste. In this study, the effects of BaO content on the calcination, mineralogical structure and hydration characteristics of CA were investigated. Experimental results showed that the appropriate calcination temperature of CA was 1400 °C. No more than 11% (the substitution ratio of BaO for CaO) addition of BaO can promote the conversion of C12A7 to CA and increase the formation ratio of CA. Appropriate content of 7 mol% BaO could endow the hardened paste with excellent compressive strength. In CA mineral phase the high limit addition of BaO was 15 mol%. The addition of BaO decreased and even restrained the formation of C2AH8 and C3AH6 of CA hydration products and also improved the content of CAH10. The addition of BaO dramatically decreased the hydration velocity and cumulative heat of CA mineral.

Characterization of chemical elements in common spices of Bangladesh for dietary intake and possible health risk assessment by INAA and AAS techniques

In this study, total concentrations of seventeen chemical elements (Al, As, Br, Ca, Cd, Cl, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sc, V and Zn) in Bangladeshi common spices were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry techniques. This study indicates that spices are a good source of a combination of Ca, Fe, K, Mn, Na and Zn minerals. The concentrations of the elements As, Cd, Cr and Pb in some spices were higher than WHO and FAO permissible levels. However, health risks associated with these elements evaluated by dietary intake, target hazard quotient and target carcinogenic risk indices indicate that people would experience no potential risks due to consumption of the spices.