μS Cm-1 Research Articles

Conduction channel creation by interstitial site engineering in otherwise insulating Na6ZnS4 for Na-conducting solid-state electrolytes

Na5.6Zn0.6Ga0.4S4, which retains the crystalline structure of its parent form Na6ZnS4, is described as a new class of Na-conducting solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for all-solid-state batteries. We demonstrate that while Na6ZnS4 is ionically insulating (1.4 nS cm-1), Ga-substitution results in an astonishing improvement of ionic conductivity (σion) to 70.1 μS cm-1, making Na5.6Zn0.6Ga0.4S4 a practical SSE. This dramatic increase in σion (5 × 104 fold) is associated with an increased Na+ occupancy in interstitial sites as ‘x’ increases in Na6-xZn1-xGaxS4, where interstitial Na ions facilitate long-range Na+ conduction, which is otherwise immobile. Ga-substitution also results in phase-pure Na6-xZn1-xGaxS4, contributing at least partially to the enhancement of σion. Furthermore, Na6-xZn1-xGaxS4 exhibits neither releasing H2S gas nor compromising its crystalline structure for several hours under ambient conditions. Ga-substitution also enhances electrochemical stability. While the anodic limit remains largely unchanged, the cathodic limit is significantly lowered from 0.99 V vs. Na2Sn in Na6ZnS4 to 0.35 V in Na5.6Zn0.6Ga0.4S4, resulting in stable Na alloying/dealloying reactions in a symmetric Na2Sn ‖ Na2Sn cell. These findings are comprehensively supported by various experimental and theoretical methods. Finally, we construct a full cell (Na2Sn ‖ TiS2) and demonstrate the practicality of Na5.6Zn0.6Ga0.4S4 as a promising SSE in all solid-state Na ion batteries.

Exploring Pyrazine-Based Organic Redox Couples for Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance in Wearable Energy Harvesters.

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) based on thermogalvanic cells can convert low-temperature waste heat into electricity. Organic redox couples are well-suited for wearable devices due to their nontoxicity and the potential to enhance the ionic Seebeck coefficient through functional-group modifications. Pyrazine-based organic redox couples with different functional groups is comparatively analyzed through cyclic voltammetry under varying temperatures.The results reveal substantial differences in entropy changes with temperature and highlight 2,5-pyrazinedicarboxylic acid dihydrate (PDCA) as the optimal candidate.How the functional groups of the pyrazine compounds impact the ionic Seebeck coefficient is examined, by calculating the electrostatic potential based on density functional theory.To evaluate the thermoelectric properties, PDCA is integrated in different concentrations into a double-network hydrogel comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) and polyacrylamide. The resulting champion device exhibits an impressive ionic Seebeck coefficient (Si) of 2.99mV K-1, with ionic and thermal conductivities of ≈67.6 µS cm-1 and ≈0.49W m-1 K-1, respectively.Finally, a TEG is constructed by connecting 36 pieces of 20× 10-3 m PDCA-soaked hydrogel in series. It achieves a maximum power output of ≈0.28 µW under a temperature gradient of 28.3 °C and can power a small light-emitting diode. These findings highlight the significant potential of TEGs for wearable devices.

Assessing the effects of salinity on microbial communities and pollutant removal in urban wastewater treatment plants

This study assessed the impact of electrical conductivity (EC) on the microeukaryotic community and pollutant removal efficiency in full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Catalonia, Spain. Monthly samples from seven WWTPs (2010−2021) were collected, with microbial communities identified by microscopy and effluent quality parameters measured. Linear mixed-effects models (LMER), indicator species analysis (IndVal), and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to evaluate the effects of EC on WWTP operation and microbial communities. EC levels varied widely among WWTPs (800 to 15,000 μS cm−1), with mean removal rates generally low, not exceeding 26 %. EC removal was inversely correlated with organic matter removal (p < 0.05). IndVal analysis revealed distinct microbial communities associated with each WWTPs along the EC gradient (e.g., Beggiatoa spp. and Epistylis sp. were associated with high and low EC, respectively). High EC and peaks negatively affected the abundance of certain microorganisms (e.g., Acineria uncinata) (p < 0.05). Ciliate genera were most affected by EC peaks, with different species showing different salinity tolerance ranges (e.g. Holophyra discolor was affected by EC > 3000 μS cm-1). Seasonal variations did not significantly alter community sensitivity to salinity (p > 0.05). LMER and SEM analyses revealed strong adverse effects of high EC and EC peaks on microbial diversity, richness, and the efficiency of organic matter and TKN removal (p < 0.05). This highlights the importance of monitoring and controlling EC levels in WWTP influent to maintain optimal treatment performance and the need for effective technologies or biological processes to mitigate saline discharges into rivers.

Analysis of the drought effects on the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of the Inaouene River water (Taza, Morocco)

The Inaouene basin's waters are deeply affected by pollution, which undermines their quality. Indeed, due to the increasing population and industrial development of Taza city, the Inaouene River and its tributaries Larbaa and Lahdar are currently at risk of large quantities of urban discharge, exacerbated by successive drought periods. The objective of this study was to determine the pollution levels and assess the impact of drought on the water quality of the Inaouene River, based on physicochemical, and bacteriological analyses at seven stations over two hydrological cycles (June 2020 to May 2022). The results of physicochemical analyses during the first hydrological cycle revealed averages of 15.93 °C for Temperature, 1434.43 µS cm-1 for electrical conductivity (EC), 0.93 and 0.63 mg L-1 respectively for total phosphorus (TP) and orthophosphate (PO43-), 9 mg L-1 for NTK, 134.23 and 278.43 mg L-1 for BOD5 and COD respectively, 3.99 mg L-1 for Dissolved oxygen (DO) and 203.59 mg L-1 for sulfate (SO42-). For water bacteriological quality, the total coliforms (TC), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and intestinal enterococcus (IE) have shown averages of 3.45, 2.96, and 2.73 Log10 MPN per 100 ml respectively. During the second hydrological cycle, marked by low rainfall, a pronounced degradation in water quality has been observed, affecting all parameters. Notably, water quality went from average to poor or very poor according to the Moroccan surface water quality standards (MSWQS) and from very poor to unsuitable for consumption for the Water Quality Index (WQI) during the drought period. This study confirmed the exacerbation of deterioration in the water quality of the Inaouene River during the drought period, notably evidenced by heightened concentrations of organic matter (increases of 41.53 % and 37.08 % for BOD5 and COD, respectively), fecal contaminants (elevations of 11.48 %, 10.18 %, and 14.7 % for IE, TC, and E. coli, respectively), nutrients (increases of 38.83 % for TP, 48.67 % for PO43-, and 35.82 % for NTK), and mineral content (augmentations of 28.89 % for EC, and 31.73 % for sulfate). Additionally, this degradation in quality is reflected in the elevation of water temperature and the reduction in oxygenation (of 9.39 % for Temperature, and 46,26 % for DO).

Use of eggshell as an alternative substrate for biofilters in recirculation aquaculture systems

One of the biggest challenges of recirculating systems (RAS) is keeping levels of toxic compounds, such as ammonia, low. This work sought to evaluate the use of eggshell as a biofilter substrate in the cultivation of juvenile Oreochromis niloticus. The experiment lasted 90 days, using four treatments: A) 100% expanded clay, A+CO) 50% expanded clay and 50% eggshell, PC) MBBR3 and NC) without substrate, with three replications each, storing 15 juveniles with an initial weight of 1.26±0.08g. Feeding occurred three times a day with commercial food offered until apparent satiety. The following parameters were monitored: pH, temperature (ºC), dissolved oxygen (mg L-1), electrical conductivity (µS cm-1) and total soluble solids (ppm); and zootechnical performance indices: survival rate (%), weight gain (g), specific growth rate (% day-1) and condition factor. Water samples were collected at the inlet and outlet of the biofilters on days 0, 30 and 60 of the experiment. Means were compared using the 5% Tukey test. All biofilters used maintained water quality parameters within those recommended for production, with emphasis on A+CO. The concentrations of ammonia at the inlet of the A+CO biofilter were lower than the others, providing lower levels of this substance in the system and high concentrations of nitrate. It was concluded that the biofilter composed of 50% expanded clay and 50% eggshell showed better efficiency in maintaining water quality compared to the others, revealing its potential as an alternative biological substrate.

Assessment of physiological quality of commercial maize-seed lots for quality a ssurance in the Nigerian seed industry

Maize productivity in Nigeria fluctuates over the years partly due to the use of seed lots with poor seed quality. The aim of this study was to assess problems associated with physiological quality for commercial maize seed lots in the Nigerian seed industry. Fifty samples of commercial maize seed-lots of the same variety, 'Sammaz 15', were collected from 50 seed companies across the country. Moisture content, standard germination, bulk conductivity, accelerated ageing, seedling vigour and field seedling emergence tests were performed on the seeds. The assessments were conducted in two consecutive years. Across the years, mean seed moisture content was 10.6%, germination was 93.7%, bulk conductivity was 8.10 μS cm-1 g-1 and 1000-seed weight was 245.2 g. Mean values for length of mesocotyl, coleoptile, primary leaf, shoot and root were 30.7, 35.6, 65.1, 97.7 and 210.5 mm, respectively. Mean values for field emergence and accelerated ageing were 88.5 and 68.8%, respectively. There were significant correlations between germination percentage, bulk conductivity, accelerated ageing germination percentage and ageing index and field emergence. Correlations with moisture content were poor. The ageing test showed that storability was low. Breeders should select for seed with good storability to ensure quality maize seed production.

Potassium silicate as a new micronutrient agent in the initial development of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Silicon (Si) is considered a non-essential micronutrient for vegetables, although it has important functions during vegetative development in some large crops of agricultural interest. This study aimed to evaluate the action of Silicon on vegetative development in a sunflower cultivar ‘Multissol’. The experiment was carried out in full sun in February 2024, with five dosages (0; 150; 300; 600 and 900 kg ha-1) using potassium silicate as a source of Si. The vigor variables for humidity, germination, accelerated aging, weight of 100 grains, electrical conductivity, cold test and emergence in sand and soil were analyzed. Vegetative parameters for plant height, root size, number of leaves, aerial and root fresh mass and aerial and root dry mass were also evaluated. The germination rate was greater than 90%, the electrical conductivity was 100 µS cm-1.g-1, emergence in sand and soil was greater than 90%, regarding the variables of the vegetative phase, there were substantial gains (p &lt; 0.05) in all parameters analyzed, especially for the highest dosage of 900 kg ha-1 when compared between the control. Si has a positive effect on the evaluated parameters and is a non-essential element that has positive effects on sunflower crops, especially on the Multissol cultivar.

Seed Coating Treatments and Foliar Spray of Micronutrients Enhance Quality of Harvested Seeds in Garden Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

To study the effect of different seed coating treatments and foliar application of micronutrients on quality seed production in pea, analysis of harvested seed was done at laboratory of the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP). Seeds from field experiment were harvested and were evaluated in the laboratory conditions based on the different parameters. In field experiment, there were seven different treatments comprising, seed coating with Rhizobium, Phosphate solubilizing bacteria, iron, zinc, carbendazim along with control and foliar application of micronutrients. From the investigation, it was observed that seed coating with Rhizobium @ 30 g + PSB @ 30 ml kg-1 seed and two foliar sprays of ZnSO4 @ 0.3 % + FeSO4 @ 0.3 % at 50 per cent flowering and 15 days later, significantly improved the germination (96.00 %), seedling length (19.29 cm), seedling dry weight (34.80 mg), SVI-I (1851.62), SVI-II (3341.38), germination in accelerated ageing test and in cold test (77.75 % and 80 %, respectively) and resulted in the lowest EC (16.75 μS cm-1) of harvested seeds. Hence, it was concluded that seed coating with Rhizobium @ 30 g + PSB @ 30 ml kg-1 seed and two foliar sprays of ZnSO4 @ 0.3 % + FeSO4 @ 0.3 % performed best among all the treatments tested for quality seed production and it could be recommended for getting quality seeds in garden pea.

Nitzschiatranstagensis Morales, Novais, Wetzel, Morais & Ector (Bacillariophyceae) - the second record in the Mediterranean Region.

The Mediterranean Region holds significant ecological importance, characterised by its unique climate, biodiversity and the crucial role it plays in global ecosystems. Mediterranean streams are naturally highly-stressed environments mainly due to fluctuations in water quantity. River flow generally varies from perennial to ephemeral and temporary rivers constitute significant water resources. Streams that flow through Balearic Islands are subjected to these conditions. The majority of these streams sustain water flow for 4-5 months annually, with exceptions noted for streams associated with springs, which typically maintain water throughout most of the year.Benthic diatoms are widely recognised as reliable bioindicators of water quality, used in many aquatic ecosystems. Analysing diatom communities and their biodiversity serves as a valuable tool to ensure the ecological and sustainable utilisation of water resources as well as the accurate development of guidelines for their conservation.The field of diatom taxonomy and distribution plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of aquatic ecosystems and their biodiversity. Species of the genus Nitzschia are extensively found throughout the Mediterranean Region, including the Balearic Islands. However, they have rarely been investigated in temporary streams. This study presents the first record of Nitzschiatranstagensis Morales, Novais, Wetzel, Morais & Ector, outside the type locality and being the second record in Europe. In this study, the authors found this taxon in one temporary stream of Majorca Island, Torrent des Castellot in November 2005 (Balearic Islands). Nitzschiatranstagensis occurred at 2.6% abundance in this stream with oligotrophic waters (0.052 mg∙l-1 of nitrate), slightly alkaline pH values (7.8) and water conductivity levels of 626.5 µS cm-1. This species was recorded in the biofilm of the stones together with other taxa such as Achnanthidiumminutissimum (Kützing) Czarnecki (39.2%), Gomphonemarosenstockianum Lange-Bertalot & Reichardt (28.9%) and Halamphoraoligotraphenta (Lange-Bertalot) Levkov (20.4%). The Nitzschiatranstagensis frustules found in the examined material have similar dimensions and a higher fibulae count (8-11 in 10 μm vs. 6-10 in 10 μm) compared to the type material of Nitzschiatranstagensis. The habitat characteristics in which this species was found are described, together with LM micrographs of this taxon.

Reduced fertilization boosts soil quality and economic benefits in semiarid apple orchard: A two-year appraisal of fertigation strategy

Long-term overfertilization not only aggravates environmental costs, but reduces the quality and yield of fruit in dryland apple orchard, and this issue is closely associated with post-germination fertilization management. On the basis of multi-year observations, we developed a targeted fertigation strategy of FORD, i.e. formula fertilization (rational fertilizer scheme), on-demand fertilization in the sensitive period, reduced fertilization and delayed fertilization. Two-year field investigations were conducted with conventional furrow application (CK), integrated furrow and injection application (FI) and the optimized injection application under the FORD principle in a semiarid apple orchard. The data indicated that FI and FORD had a similar fruit yield of 57.2 Mg ha-1, significantly greater (by 4.5%) than CK. Yet, fruit quality (nutrition, flavor and appearance) was substantially improved under FORD, relative to FI and CK (P<0.05). Importantly, FORD did not induce secondary salinization (soil electric conductivity (EC) of 100-500 μs cm-1, pH of 7.8), but significantly improved soil microbial biomass carbon and the activities of carbon turnover key enzymes (β-glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase). As a result, FORD induced a better functioning of leaves, and a faster speed of fruit expansion than CK and FI did. Totally, the above parameters were positively associated with the efficient couplings of water and fertilizer, which critically depended on nutrients rational supply in FORD. Notably, relative to CK and FI, FORD reduced the fertilization cost by 27.8% and 8.3% respectively, accordingly harvesting 38.1% and 11.6% higher net economic return (2.94×104 US$ ha-1). In summary, there existed remarkable positive effects of FORD-led fertigation strategy on fruit yield, quality and economic benefits. The FORD can be viewed as a general environment-friendly strategy to guide apple post-germination fertilization management for greater economic benefits.

Assessing the effects of free fall conditions on damage to chickpea seeds: A comprehensive examination of seed deterioration.

Impact damage is the most destructive effect on the seeds during harvesting, handling, and storage, both on-farm and off-farm. The chickpea seeds' dicotyledonous characteristics and large mass and size make them susceptible to mechanical damage under impact loading. Tests were conducted to determine the extent of damage to chickpea seeds due to the impact caused by free fall. The extent of internal damage to the chickpea seeds was determined, which included the measurement of seed deterioration by the accelerated aging method (percentage loss in germination in the accelerated aging test) and the measurement of electrical conductivity. Three independent variables were used in the test, namely: (a) drop height (3, 6, 9, and 12 m), (b) impact surface (concrete, metal, plywood and seeds on seeds), and (c) seed moisture content (10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% w.b). The results showed that drop height, impact surface, and moisture content had significant effects (p < .01) on the loss in germination percentage and change in electrical conductivity of chickpea seeds. In terms of loss in germination, the highest damage to seeds occurred at the metal impact surface (41.96%) and the least at the seed on the seed (29.71%). The highest amount of electrical conductivity was related to the seeds dropped on the metal (36.09 μS cm-1 g-1) and the lowest was related to seed-on-seed contact (21.68 μS cm-1 g-1). By increasing the drop height from 3 to 12 m, the loss in germination and electrical conductivity of seeds increased from 27.74% to 48.08% and from 18.72 to 40.47 μS cm-1 g-1, respectively. Increasing the moisture content of chickpea seeds from 10 to 25% causes a decrease in the amount of damage to the seeds in terms of electrical conductivity (from 38.40 to 21.18 μS cm-1 g-1), but increases the damage in the form of a loss in the percentage germination in the accelerated aging test (from 29.22% to 42.88%). To reduce the impact damage to peas caused by free fall, the height of the fall should be limited to about 6 m, and they should be prevented from hitting hard and rough surfaces.

Influence of Solarization on Seed Quality of Bruchid Infested and Fresh Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Seeds during Storage.

During July 2018 and April 2019, the laboratory study was conducted at the Department of Seed Science and Technology and National Seed Project, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, to investigate the influence of solarization on the seed quality of both bruchid-infested and fresh cowpea seeds (cv. IT38956-1). The findings indicated that subjecting fresh seeds to solarization in clear polyethylene packets (700 gauge) for 3 hours daily over 6 days resulted in the lowest seed moisture content (11.03%), highest germination rate (70.67%), longest mean seedling length (21.80 cm), highest mean seedling dry weight (46.10 mg), enhanced seedling vigour indices I and II (1541 and 3258), improved field emergence (68.33%), elevated TDH activity (1.43), higher protein content (19.73%), and reduced electrical conductivity of leachate (927 µS cm-1) after nine months of storage, compared to the control.

Monitoring of rainwater quality in Kandy and Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

The composition of atmospheric deposition is a measure of air quality, an important aspect of the health of the ecosystem. Consequently, continuous monitoring of atmospheric deposition is crucial to obtain remedial measures to avoid undesirable aspects that would affect living things. In this context, the objective of this study was to determine the rainwater quality at selected locations in Kandy and Peradeniya area of Sri Lanka, namely, Kandy, Polgolla, and University of Peradeniya (UOP), and to identify possible correlations between quality parameters through statistical means. Forty (40) rainwater samples from the UOP site and seven (07) samples each from the Kandy and Polgolla sites were collected from 18 May 2020 to 28 April 2021. The volume-weighted average (VWA) pH values of UOP, Kandy, and Polgolla sites were determined to be 7.44, 7.19, and 7.19, respectively, and moreover, acid rain (pH < 5.6) occurrences were not detected during the sampling period. The VWA values of rainfall, conductivity, salinity, TDS, and hardness at the UOP site were 40.12 mm, 51.93 μS cm-1, 0.0300 ppt, 26.59 mg L-1, and 13.55 mg L-1, respectively. The corresponding values of the Kandy site were 16.52 mm, 64.04 μS cm-1, 0.0361 ppt, 30.80 mg L-1, and 19.49 mg L-1, respectively; and those of the Polgolla site were 33.10 mm, 53.90 μS cm-1, 0.0310 ppt, 25.76 mg L-1, and 19.31 mg L-1, respectively. The VWA values of conductivity, salinity, and TDS were the highest at the Kandy site. Further, the VWA values of hardness at Kandy and Polgollasites were approximately equal, probably due to the spring of Ca2+ and Mg2+ particulates from the dolomite quarry located in Digana area. The most prominent anion was identified as Cl- in bulk deposition at all three sites, while NO3- showed the lowest concentration of all sites. Moreover, very strong significant positive correlations were identified between conductivity-TDS, conductivity-salinity, conductivity-hardness, TDS-hardness, TDS-salinity, salinity-hardness, SO42--Cl-, and NO3--Cl- according to the relevant Pearson correlation coefficients. It is thus concluded that the pollutants come from the same sources, either natural or anthropogenic.

Determination of some heavy metals and physicochemical properties in contaminated soils of open waste dumpsite in Awka, Anambra State

The current study was designed for the assessment of cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, zinc and manganese and some physicochemical properties of soils collected from an open dumpsite in Awka, Nigeria. Soil samples at the depth (0-20 cm) were randomly collected at the dump field and were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and heavy metals using standard analytical methods. The results show that the main dumpsite had a high sand content (91.48% ± 0.26%) with a low silt 4.07% ± 0.03% and clay 4.65% ± 0.00%. The pH of the dumpsite soils was 6.07 ± 0.04 which is an acidic pH. Organic matter (%) and organic carbon (%) were 3.84 ± 0.06 and 2.23 ± 0.04 respectively. The EC (µS cm-1) was 476.9 ± 0.00 while the ECEC (cmol/kg) 18.93 ± 0.04. The bulk density (g cm-3) was 1.32 ± 0.00 and the porosity (%) of the dump soil was 41.40 ± 0.00. Total metal concentrations of Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn and Mn were also analyzed and the concentrations of the heavy metals at dumpsitewas obtained (28.35 ± 0.21 to 149.10 ± 0.01 mg/kg). Metal contamination at dumpsite was in the order of Mn ˃ Zn ˃ Pb ˃ Cd ˃ Cr ˃ Ni. The study evidently indicates the presence of heavy metal contamination in the dumpsite even though some of them fell below the critical permissible concentration level. However, it is their accumulation and persistence in the soils of the dump site that may be a cause of concern for their surrounding environment and organisms.

MIGRATION OF HEAVY METALS FROM MINE WASTE ROCK DUMP END ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON GROUNDWATERS AND SEDIMENTS

The environmental impact of mine waste rock dump, located in the region of Srednogorie, Bulgaria on groundwaters and sediments was studied. The acid mine drainage with low pH (2.43 - 3.53), high electrical conductivity (1500 - 4400 μS cm-1), content of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Al, As and high concentration of sulfates (540 - 6905 mg L-1) are formed after heavy rainfall. The content of heavy metals, except manganese, in groundwater was significantly lower than that in the acid mine drainage, and the pH was in the range of 5.43 to 6.62. Sediments in the non-consequential vicinity of the mine waste rock dump had a pH in the range of 2.86 - 4.53 and contained heavy metals and As at concentrations higher than those in the mineral waste due to precipitation, co-precipitation and sorption reactions. An increase in the copper and zinc content in the exchangeable and organic matter fractions was found in the sediment sample. A relationship was found between arsenic and iron concentration in the sediments, which was mainly due to the retention of arsenic in the Fe and Mn oxides fraction. The concentration of total Mn in the sediments was lower than that in the mining waste due to the high mobility of manganese.

Assessment of water quality in the Oued Kert (Eastern Rif, Morocco): Physicochemical analyses and heavy metals

Water resources are vital for life, yet they are exposed to various risks. In the estern Rif of Morocco, the Oued Kert is a crucial water resource for a large population. Therefore, evaluating their health status is essential to ensure their optimal preservation. In this context, five stations (S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5) were monitored, during the four campaigns (September, December, March, and June 2022), to assess the physicochemical quality of water. In this sense, seven parameters were measured, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), Chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrates, and ammonium. In addition, an evaluation of metal contamination was conducted during a single campaign (May 2022) by measuring four elements (Al, Fe, Li, and Mn). The levels of electrical conductivity (greater than 3000 μS cm-1), and COD (greater than 40mg L-1 in S2, S3, and S4) indicate poor water quality, while, the average concentrations of ammonium classify these waters as of moderate quality. The results of metal contamination revealed the presence of iron (Fe) at a concentration of 1.9 mg L-1 in S5, classifying these waters as of moderate quality according to Moroccan water quality standards.

A microfluidic impedance cytometry device for robust identification of H. pluvialis.

H. pluvialis contains rich oleic acid and astaxanthin, which have important applications in the fields of biodiesel and biomedicine. Detection of live H. pluvialis is the prerequisite to obtaining oleic acid and astaxanthin. For this purpose, we successfully developed a reliable microfluidic impedance cytometry for the identification of live H. pluvialis. Firstly, we established a simulation model for detecting H. pluvialis based on their morphology and studied the effect of medium conductivity on the impedance of H. pluvialis at different frequencies. From the simulations, we determined that the optimal solution conductivity for the detection of H. pluvialis was 1500 μS cm-1 and studied the frequency responses of the impedance of H. pluvialis. Secondly, we fabricated the microchannels and stainless-steel detection electrodes and assembled them into microfluidic impedance cytometry. The frequency dependence of live and dead H. pluvialis was explored under different frequencies, and live and dead H. pluvialis were distinguished at a frequency of 1 MHz. The impedance of live H. pluvialis at the frequency of 1 MHz ranges from 33.73 to 52.23 Ω, while that of dead ones ranges from 13.05 to 19.59 Ω. Based on these findings, we accomplished the identification and counting of live H. pluvialis in the live and dead sample solutions. Furthermore, we accomplished the identification and counting of live H. pluvialis in the mixed samples containing Euglena and H. pluvialis. This approach possesses the promising capacity to serve as a robust tool in the identification of target microalgae, addressing a challenge in the fields of biodiesel and biomedicine.

Influence of organic nutrient sources on growth and seed quality of garden pea

In the post-era of the green revolution, the productivity of crops has been increased by massive application of agro-chemicals that has disturbed harmony existing in the ecosystem. As a legume crop, garden pea is gaining attention towards organic farming systems. Seeds produced organically are better adaptable to organic growing conditions. A field experiment was laid out with three replications, comprising of twelve treatment combinations of different levels of FYM and jeevamrit during Rabi season of 2020-21. Seeds of cv. ‘Punjab-89’ were sown at a spacing of 60 cm × 7.5 cm after inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB. FYM was applied at the time of sowing. Jeevamrit was applied treatment-wise as soil drenching at an interval of 15 days starting from 30 days after sowing. Combined application of FYM @ 15 t ha-1 and jeevamrit @ 10% drenching resulted in maximum plant height (80.63 cm), pod length (8.84 cm), number of pods per plant (21.33), number of seeds per pod (8.07), gross seed yield (12.56 q ha-1), graded seed yield (11.31 q ha-1), speed of germination (8.68 days), 100 seed weight (17.51 g), seed germination (88.33%), minimum powdery mildew severity (25.33%) and lowest EC of seed (15.26 μS cm-1) along with highest net returns (₹ 195567.5 ha-1).

Preliminary study on the man-made habitat of Utricularia gibba L. in the tropical peatland environment

Utricularia gibba L. is a free-floating aquatic carnivorous plant found in some parts of the world, including Asian tropical regions. However, data on water’s physical and chemical properties for the ecology of this species in Asian tropical peatland environments are underrepresented in the literature. Here, we reported water physical and chemical properties for the habitat of U. gibba occurring in the tropical peatland of Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia. The study site is on the man-made water canal in Jalan Parit Haji Muksin II, Kubu Raya Regency, Kalimantan Barat. We measured temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), total nitrogen, total phosphorus, nitrates, and nitrite of the waters at three points along the water canal where the bladderworts occur. The results showed that U. gibba inhabits waters with low conductivity (< 66 µS cm-1), low TDS (< 32 ppm), acidic (< pH 6), low DO (< 8 mg L-1), but higher total nitrogen (7.02 – 19.4 mg L-1), total phosphorus (0.86 – 1.71 mg L-1), nitrates (3.01 – 4.06 mg L-1) and nitrite (3.53 – 5.18 mg L-1). These findings demonstrate that U. gibba in tropical peatland environments reportedly occurs in acidic (pH 5.03 – 5.29) but relatively high nutrient habitats compared to its counterpart and other species found elsewhere.

Determination of Bayındır Dam Lake (Ankara) Zooplankton Fauna

Zooplankton samples were collected from four stations in Bayındır Dam Lake between April 2022 and January 2023 using a 60 μm plankton net with horizontal and vertical hauls, and some water quality parameters (water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity) were determined in-situ. The annual mean water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and conductivity were 17.64±7.64 °C, 7.92±0.18 mgL-1, 9.26±1.00 mgL-1, 368.52±24.69 µS cm-1 respectively. Water quality parameters were within normal limits for most aquatic organisms. A total of 87 species were recorded in the reservoir, including 66 rotifers (75.86%), 15 cladocerans (17.24%) and 6 copepods (6.90%). A total of 22 families from Rotifera, 5 families from Cladocera and 2 families from Copepoda were recorded. Brachionidae and Lecanidae (Rotifera) having most of the species were the richest families with 10 species each. With 8 Chydoridae species from Cladocera and 5 Cyclopoidae species from Copepoda, they were discovered to be the most numerous family. It was determined that the dam lake zooplankton consisted of widely distributed cosmopolitan and eutrophication indicator species.