Nitrogen Salts Research Articles

Evaluation of Microbial Loads and Physico-Chemicals of Cassava Mill Effluent Simulated Soil

Evaluation of microbial loads and physico-chemicals of cassava mill effluent simulated soil was carried out using standard microbiological and biochemical techniques. This was to determine the effect of cassava mill effluent (CME) on rhizosphere microbial loads, physicochemical properties, nitrogenous salt and heavy metals. The results showed that CME effect on the physicochemical determinants (pH, Ca, Mg, K) and heavy metal determinant (Fe, Zn, Co, Ni, Pb and Mn) was concentration dependents. The nitrogenous salts (NO3, NH4+ and NO2) levels progressively increased with no significant differences (p>0.05 ANOVA). The microbial isolates were: Saccharomyces sp, Mucorindicus, Fusarium sp and Gliocladium sp for the fungal group. The bacterial group were Chromobacterium sp, Corynebacterium sp, Bacillus sp, Acinetobacter sp and Escherichia coli while the nitrogen-fixing bacterial group were Azotobacter sp., Azospirillum sp., Frankia sp., Bradyrhizobium sp., Hebaspirillum sp., Cyanobacteria (or blue green algae), Anabaena sp, Nostoc sp., Clostridium sp. and Rhizobium sp. There was no significant differences (p>0.05) in the rhizosphere microbial load across the concentration gradient at the CME-simulated plot phyto-remediated by Centrosema pubesscens and Calopogonium mucunoides. Agricultural wastes such as cassava mill effluent should be properly treated before discharging to the environment in other to prevent the loss of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and total heterotrophic bacterial genera that could be of immense importance to man.

Macroscopic, Histomorphological and Histochemical Studies on the Kidneys of Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris)

Background: Kidneys, the paired organ which essentially plays for excreting nitrogenous wastes, excessive water, inorganic salts and toxic substances produced during the process of body metabolism. Maintenance of osmotic regulation and homeostatic fluid balance of the body has also be performed by kidneys. Each of the kidneys filtrate carried to cloaca by respective ureter from where the urine leaves the body. The present macroscopic, histomorphological and histochemical studies undertaken on the Kidneys of Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) is nothing but the attempt to widen our thrust area for that bird which is nonexistent as on documentation.Methods: The present studies were carried upon 12 pairs of in-vitro kidney samples in Guinea fowl. Gross morphology and morphometrical observations were carried on fresh specimens. Histological studies were carried on fixed samples those were processed for dehydration, clearing, embedding into paraffin and sections of 5-6 μ thickness were obtained. Different staining procedure as to Haematoxylin and Eosin, Silver orcein, Aniline blue and Weigert’s staining methods were employed for different histological components. The histochemical and histoenzymic studies were also accomplished with Periodic acid Schiff‘s (PAS), Alcian blue methods (pH-2.5) and Gomori’s cobalt method for Alkaline phosphatase and Acid phosphatase. The Succinic dehydrogenase enzyme was also estimated on cryostat sections.Result: The observations on kidneys of Guinea fowl were accomplished after macroscopic, histomorphological and histochemical means. This reddish-brown colored paired organ of kidneys was retroperitoneally placed in synsacral fossa and had incomplete division of three parts. The wrapping material of capsule was the dense connective tissue. The outer cortex and inner medulla had different parts of nephrons. Two types of nephrons viz. mammalian type (with Henle loop) and reptilian type (without Henle loop) were observed. Collagen, elastic and reticular fibers were there in different components of the kidney. Histochemically it has determined the secretion of neutral as well as acidic mucopolysaccharide substances. PAS activity was observed at mesangial cells and basement membrane of DCT. The Alkaline phosphatase showed the positive activity in capsule, brush border of proximal and distal convoluted tubules. The Acid phosphatases were showing intense activity in parietal and visceral layer of renal corpuscles, lumen and basement membrane of PCT. The intense activity of Succinic dehydrogenase showed at PCT, DCT, collecting tubule whereas renal corpuscles showed feeble activity.

Cometary nitrogenous salts tell about the Solar System’s history

Cometary nitrogenous salts tell about the Solar System’s history

Biofertilizers Enhance Quality of Onion

This investigation was conducted to determine the effect of organic fertilizers on the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, antioxidant activity, crude fibre, and zinc in two onion cultivars, Stuttgarter Riesen and Rote Laaer, during 2016, 2017, and 2018. In this research, the following treatments were used: B-Stimul (contains Azospirillum Tarrand et al., Azotobacter Beij., Bacillus Cohn, Chlorella vulgaris Beij., and Herbaspirillum Baldani et al.), EkoBooster 2 (contains biostimulators and mineral salts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and Vermifit A (extract of compost of Californian earthworm). The results showed that the application of biofertilizers to onion resulted in the highest chlorophyll b content in 2017 in Stuttgarter Riesen. EkoBooster 2 positively affected crude fibre content in both cultivars, but only in 2016. Antioxidant activity was not significantly affected by the interaction of experimental factors. The application of the biostimulating fertilizers can have a positive impact on the quality parameters of onion, but the kind of fertilizer must be suited to seasonal conditions and the cultivar.

Differences in stress defence mechanisms in germinating seeds of Pinus sylvestris exposed to various lead chemical forms.

Exposure to lead (Pb) can have serious toxic effects on the physiological and biochemical processes of plants. The chemical form of the metal determines the degree of its toxicity. In our research, we examined the effect of lead in the form of lead nitrate [Pb(NO3)2] and lead chloride (PbCl2) in concentrations of 12.5 mM and 25 mM on pine (Pinus sylvestris) seed germination. Nitrogen salt causes more severe changes than chloride salt. Increasing levels of electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide were detected during germination processes. The high levels of ROS lead to redox changes in the cell. We observed a reduction in the level of the reduced form of glutathione (GSH), and at the same time observed increased levels of the oxidised form of glutathione (GSSG) depending on the concentration and also the time of exposure to lead compounds. At the beginning of germination processes, the effective non-enzymatic activity of the antioxidant cycle was dominant, and at the late stage the enzymatic activity was noticed in the presence of Pb compounds. CAT activity significantly increased after Pb compound exposition.

Acute toxicity of inorganic nitrogen (ammonium, nitrate and nitrite) to tadpoles of five tropical amphibian species.

Despite the higher diversity of amphibians and the increasing use of agrochemicals in tropical countries, knowledge on the ecotoxicity of such compounds to tropical amphibians remains very limited. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess the acute lethal toxicity of three nitrogen salts (ammonium sulphate, sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite) to tadpoles of five tropical frog species: Rhinella ornata, Boana faber, B. pardalis, Physalaemus cuvieri, and P. olfersii. The order of sensitivity to the nitrogen salts for all five species was sodium nitrite > ammonium sulphate > sodium nitrate. There was not a single most sensitive species to all three nitrogen salts. However, differences in generated 4-d LC50 values between the most and least sensitive test species were small (a factor 2 to 6). A comparison with published toxicity values does not suggest an intrinsic higher, or lower, sensitivity of the tropical species tested as compared to their temperate counterparts. Reported nitrogen concentrations in sugarcane fields do not indicate a lethal risk to the amphibian species tested. Chronic-exposure and field studies are recommended to evaluate amphibian sensitivity under environmental-realistic multiple-stressor conditions.

Possibilities of using biodegradable polymeric materials in the agricultural sector

The article presents options for recycling polymers. The use of biodegradable materials is promising. This is a special class of polymers that can decompose under aerobic or anaerobic conditions under the action of microorganisms or enzymes forming natural products such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water, biomass, and inorganic salts. (Research purpose) The research purpose is in reviewing biodegradable materials that can be used for the manufacture of products used in agriculture. (Materials and methods) The study are based on open information sources containing information about biodegradable materials. Research methods are collecting, studying and comparative analysis of information. (Results and discussion) The article presents the advantages and disadvantages of biodegradable materials, mechanical properties of the main groups of biodegradable polymers. The article provides a summary list of agricultural products that can be made from biodegradable polymer materials. It was found that products from the general group are widely used in agriculture. Authors have found that products from a special group can only be made from biodegradable polymers with a controlled decomposition period in the soil, their use contributes to increasing the productivity of crops. (Conclusions) It was found that biodegradable polymer materials, along with environmental safety, have mechanical properties that allow them producing products that do not carry significant loads during operation. We have shown that the creation of responsible products (machine parts) from biodegradable polymers requires an increase in their strength properties, which is achievable by creating composites based on them. It was found that the technological complexity of their manufacture and high cost are the limiting factors for the widespread use of biodegradable polymers at this stage.

Environmental and Economic Sustainability of Swine Wastewater Treatments Using Ammonia Stripping and Anaerobic Digestion: A Short Review

One of the most promising systems to treat swine wastewater is air stripping. This system simultaneously recovers nitrogen salts, to be used as fertiliser, and reduces the organic pollutant load in the effluents of swine breeding farms. Several reviews have discussed the air stripping as a treatment for many types of industrial wastewater or nitrogen-rich digestate (the liquid effluent derived from the anaerobic digestion plants) for the stripping/recovery of nutrients. However, reviews about the use of air stripping as treatment for raw or anaerobically digested swine wastewater are not available in literature. To fill this gap, this study: (i) Summarises the experiences of air stripping for recovery of ammonium salts from both raw and digested swine wastewater; and (ii) compares air stripping efficiency under different operational conditions. Moreover, combined systems including air stripping (such as struvite crystallisation, chemical precipitation, microwave radiation) have been compared. These comparisons have shown that air stripping of raw and digested swine wastewater fits well the concept of bio-refinery, because this system allows the sustainable management of the piggery effluent by extracting value-added compounds, by-products, and/or energy from wastewater. On the other hand, air stripping of raw and digested swine wastewater has not been extensively studied and more investigations should be carried out.

Conservation of Vriesea flammea L.B.Sm., an endemic Brazilian bromeliad: effects of nutrients and carbon source on plant development.

Bromeliaceae is restricted to the Neotropical region and has a high degree of endemism, which contributes to increased biodiversity because of the diverse morphological characteristics of individuals. In order to develop an in vitro conservation technology to obtain plants for reintroduction, seeds of Vriesea flammea L.B.Sm. were collected, sterilized and germinated in culture medium. The plants obtained were cultured for 180 days in MS medium with different concentrations of mineral nutrients (25 and 50% of nitrogenous salts and macronutrients), and different concentrations of sucrose (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 g L-1), and then acclimatized for 150 days on commercial substrate. When seeds were sterilized directly, only 4% of them were contaminated, whereas sterilization of capsules resulted in 43.6% contaminated seeds. Germination rates above 80% were recorded. Low concentrations of nitrogenous salts and macronutrients produced greater than 76% survival and promoted greater in vitro plant development than the complete MS medium. The development of the aerial system, root system, fresh mass and photosynthetic pigments were positively related to sucrose concentration in vitro. The highest sucrose concentration also indirectly promoted greater development of the aerial system and fresh mass of acclimatized plants. We established conditions for in vitro cultivation and acclimatization for efficient propagation of V. flammea with a view towards conservation of the species or reestablishment of natural populations.

New tool for the determination of the nitrogen accumulation rate in the washing liquid of a biotrickling filter treating ammonia emissions

A new tool to determine the Specific Nitrogen Accumulation Rate (SNAR expressed in gNH3 h−1 m-3packingmaterial) in the washing liquid of a biotrickling filter for treating ammonia (NH3) emissions is proposed. The tool is based on the relationship which exists between the electrical conductivity (EC) of the water and the amount of nitrogen salts dissolved in the water (i.e. ammonium NH4+, nitrite NO2–, and nitrate NO3–). The methodology was applied experimentally by carrying out EC measurements for 5 months in a lab-scale biotrickling filter treating gaseous ammonia emissions. In addition to the EC measurements, the temperature and pH of the liquid phase were recorded. The temperature, NH3 and N2O concentrations (inlet and outlet) were also measured in the gas phase. It was demonstrated that the continuous EC record over time would appear to be a valuable tool in determining the amount of nitrogen actually accumulated into the liquid phase of the biotrickling filter. Thus, the parameter SNAR could be used to characterize the ability of the biotrickling filter to remove ammonia without measurement on the gas phase. It was also shown that high values of the ionic strength of the water (EC > 25 mS cm−1) dramatically affects the nitrogen accumulation rate.

Effect of the Strategy of Molasses Supplementation in Vinasse to High SCP Production and Rose Flavor Compound

Vinasse is residue obtained from production of spirit beverages and, the presence of acids, alcohols, sugars, minerals, amino acids, peptides and nitrogen salts, make vinasse a liquid residue harmful to the environment, affecting the fauna, flora and the microbiota of the rivers and ponds. Vinasse is appropriated as microbial substrate since have a nutrients supplementation. Follow this idea, this study used molasses as supplementation in vinasse to increase bioaroma and SCP production, combining the reduction of cost fermentation. The sub-chronic effect of spent media was also evaluated to suggest the disposal way. To avoid the catabolic repression, we used the fed batch whole the fermentation process. Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 0186 and CCMA 0188; Candida parapsilosis CCMA 0544; C. glabrata CCMA 0193; Meyerozyma caribbica CCMA 0198 were selected based in the previous results. C. parapsilosis CCMA 0544 highlighted for the highest biomass production (8.8 g L−1) and 2-phenylethanol (3.87 g L−1) that has rose flavor. Others volatile compounds have also and showed commercial interesting. Thus, the vinasse supplemented was adequate to target products but should be considering the difference in its proportion in medium culture. Front of the high sub-chronic effect, the spent vinasse + molasses just are used as bio-fertilizer at 10% or less concentration. Another alternative is used it in a new fermentation cycle.

Experimental Water Treatment Plant from Agrozootechnical Farm

According to the existing statistical data at the country level, over 65% of the wastewater (rural from agricultural livestock farms) is discharged without purification, 61% are insufficiently purified and only 10-15% are properly purified. The pollution effect of wastewater not purified or insufficiently purified on surface waters, is mainly manifested by the content of suspended matter, of organic matter, in nutritional salts, ammonium and in pathogenic microorganisms. It is well-known that the nutritional salts of nitrogen and phosphorus cause the eutrophication of surface waters, with the effect of consuming the dissolved oxygen needed to sustain the aquatic life. Ammonia is particularly toxic to aquatic life. Unsaturated or insufficiently purified wastewater pollutes groundwater, among others with nitrates, ammonium and bacteriologically. From the presented results, the purification of waste water is an essential requirement of the development of human civilization. Being a necessity with special social and ecological implications, the unitary regulation and the general provision of the necessary infrastructure is a priority, in this sense an article will be presented in an experimental treatment station that performs the collection of waste water from an agrozootechnical farm. The purification of water within this experimental model of treatment plant will be done autonomously from an energy point of view (electricity supply is carried out through a hybrid system based on photovoltaic panels and wind turbine), and the recovery. The use of purified water is done in a greenhouse, using a mixed irrigation system (dripping / spray irrigation).

Assessing the robust growth and lipid-accumulating characteristics of Scenedesmus sp. for biodiesel production.

In the present investigation, different salts of nitrogen and carbon sources were tested for their potential to boost biomass and lipid content in Scenedesmus sp. IITRIND2. Among the nitrogen sources, ammonium bicarbonate/nitrate cultures showed maximum dry cell weight (DCW) of ~ 1.8g/L and lipid yield (~ 40%) while the addition of C6 sugars (glucose and mannose) and sodium acetate enhanced the DCW (~ 3g/L) and lipid accumulation (~ 40%) compared with disaccharides, C4 and C5 sugars. On evaluating the synergistic effects of the nitrogen and carbon sources, maximum DCW (3.66g/L) was obtained in ammonium bicarbonate + sodium acetate cultures with a lipid yield of 37.15%. The fatty acid profile of the derived biodiesel was similar to that of plant oils. The results clearly established the robust capability of the novel microalga to efficiently adapt, sustain, and grow in different carbon and nitrogen sources along with high lipid productivity, making it a potential source for biodiesel production.

A Spectrophotometric Study of Nitrate and Nitrite Salts and Their Aqueous Solutions

Optical characteristics of nitrate and nitrite salts and their aqueous solutions are studied to demonstrate the application of direct spectrophotometric methods for determination of different forms of nitrogen salts in water. Examples of application of the method for determination of nitrate ion in samples of natural and drinking water from wells are given.

Новая технология культивирования черноморского гелидиума Gelidium spinosum (S. G. Gmelin) P. C. Silva (Rhodophyta)

Приведены результаты многолетних исследований условий культивирования красной черноморской водоросли Gelidium spinosum (Grev.) Born. et Thur. (Rhodophyta) в системах инженерного типа для повышения содержания в ней R-фикоэритрина. Защищённые патентами методики разработаны после изучения влияния на рост биомассы гелидиума ряда факторов (температура, освещённость и режим протока питательной среды, насыщаемой биогенами и углекислым газом) и способов борьбы с обрастаниями. Актуальность исследования определяется ценностью гелидиума как источника R-фикоэритрина ― натурального пигмента, пищевого красителя, а также мощного и дорогого антиоксиданта, используемого в иммунной диагностике, микроскопии и цитометрии. Цель работы ― оптимизировать условия культивирования черноморского гелидиума в береговых системах инженерного типа для увеличения выхода R-фикоэритрина с единицы площади культиваторов. В качестве материала использовали гелидиум из обрастаний скал и берегоукрепительных сооружений в районе Севастополя, который культивировали в лабораторной установке при температуре 15–27 °C и освещённости 10–25 клк в режиме 18 ч день : 6 ч ночь (06:00–00:00 и 00:00–06:00 соответственно) в вариациях протока питательной среды на основе фильтрованной черноморской воды с добавками поваренной соли, солей азота, фосфора, железа, магния и марганца. Урожай в экспериментах 2017 г. — (96,2 ± 8,8) г·м-2·сут-1 сырой массы гелидиума. При минимальном урожае 87,4 г·м-2, минимуме сухого вещества в 36 % и содержании в нём фикоэритрина до 12 мг·г-1 выход R-фикоэритрина составит 378,6 мг·м-2·сут-1. В перспективе береговая система культиваторов глубиной 0,5 м и зеркальной площадью в 1 га при её работе 300 дней в году позволит получать продукцию не менее 1100 кг R-фикоэритрина.

In Vitro Establishment of ‘Delite’ Rabbiteye Blueberry Microshoots

Micropropagation is an important technique for clonal mass propagation and a tool for in vitro studies. One of the first steps to overcome in this process is the establishment of new explants in vitro. ‘Delite’ rabbiteye blueberry was cultured in vitro with four cytokinins (zeatin (ZEA), 6-(γ-γ-dimethylallylamino)-purine (2iP), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), and kinetin (KIN)) at eight concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 µM). Additionally, nine combinations of nitrogen salts were tested, using Woody Plant Medium (WPM) and a modified WPM as the basic medium. ZEA and 2iP showed better responses, but ZEA was superior at lower (2.5 µM) concentrations (89.7% survival, 81.3% shoot formation, 1.3 shoots, 13.8 mm shoot length, 10.0 leaves). BAP and KIN showed very low responses. In the combinations of salts with modified WPM, no differences were observed. However, the original WPM with treatments of 0.5 × NH4NO3 and 1 × Ca(NO3)2, 0.5 × NH4NO3 and 0.5 × Ca(NO3)2, and the modified WPM alone showed the lowest rates of survival and shoot formation and the shortest shoot lengths. The highest shoot lengths were observed in treatments with the original WPM, 1.5 × NH4NO3 and 0.5 × Ca(NO3)2, and 1.5 × NH4NO3 and 1.5 × Ca(NO3)2. This initial study with ‘Delite’ can be the basis for further experiments with different combinations of salts, 2iP, and ZEA.

Postharvest Quality of Roses under Different Levels of Nitrogenous Compounds in Holding Solution

Abstract Nitrogen (N) forms and N levels can have a great impact on growth and quality of agricultural crops. Postharvest N treatments may also affect the quality of products. This study was conducted under laboratory conditions to evaluate the changes in postharvest quality characteristics of cut roses (Rosa hybrid cv ‘Utopia’) under different nitrogen concentrations of holding solution. Three nitrogen sources including ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate at five concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mgL-1 N) were applied into vases with holding solution. The results showed that low ammonium (5 mg L-1) and high nitrate (20 mgL-1) resulted in the highest leaf SPAD values, whereas the lowest values were recorded for those stems treated with the two highest ammonium concentrations (15 and 20 mg L-1). Leaf and petal relative water contents (RWC) were significantly reduced by higher ammonium concentrations, while they were increased by increasing calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate concentrations in the vase holding solution. Leaf catalase activity was increased by the two lowest (5 and 10 mg L-1) and decreased by the two highest ammonium levels (15 and 20 mg L-1), and it was not affected by the two other nitrogen salts. Higher ammonium levels resulted in a significant increase in leaf proline concentrations and petal ion leakage, whereas nitrate concentrations reduced these two traits. A low concentration of ammonium (5 mg L- 1) increased flower vase life while higher ammonium concentrations reduced the trait. There was also an increasing trend in flower vase life with higher concentrations of both nitrate salts. Therefore, low ammonium or high nitrate levels in vase holding solution can improve vase life quality of cut roses.

Germinação e crescimento de plântulas in vitro de Muntingia calabura L. (Muntingiaceae) submetida a diferentes meios de cultivo

This study evaluated the germination and growth of M. calabura L. seedlings in culture medium MS ½ macronutrients, Hyponex® and Kristalon laranja®. Seeding was carried out in four flasks per treatment, and were kept in B.O.D. After 45 days, we evaluated germination, germination speed index, total seedling length, shoot length, length of axial root and of larger leaf, total fresh weight and total dry matter. The the culture media MS ½ macronutrients proved to be the most efficient for the in vitro development of M. calabura seedlings. This efficiency is due to intermediate concentrations of nitrogen salts in relation to other culture medium and larger contractions of P and K in relation to the KR and smaller for HY. The culture medium based on KR yielded intermediate values of seedling growth in relation to MS ½ macro nutrients and HY

Спектрофотометрическое исследование солей нитратов и нитритов и их водных растворов

Optical characteristics of nitrate and nitrite salts and their water solutions are investigated with the goal to demonstrate the applicability of direct spectrophotometric methods to detect various forms of nitrogen salts in water. We provide examples of the application of the method to measure nitrogen ion in samples of natural and potable water from wells.

Assessment of groundwater quality using statistical techniques in high Basin of Guir (Eastern High Atlas, Morocco)

Abstract This paper reports results of a physico-chimical study of groundwater in in high Basin of Guir (Eastern High Atlas, Morocco). The water quality data was monitored at ten different wells and springs using 12 water quality parameters (Biochemical oxygen demand (DBO5), chemical oxygen demand (DCO), Sulfate (SO42-), Ammonium (NH4+), Nitrate (NO3-), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2-), chloride (Cl-), Sodium (Na+), Electrical conductivity(EC), pH, Turbidity, suspended matter(MES)). The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to examine the data with the objective of determining the spatial variability of groundwater and to identify the sources of pollution. Results show that two factors account for almost 59% of the variance: factor 1 is that of the nitrogenous salts (NH4+, NO3- and NO2-) while the factor 2 is related to mineral salts (Cl- and SO42-). The typological structure of the plan analysis F1 x F2 shows four areas depending on the nature of salt pollutants. The contamination observed for the majority of stations could be related to domestic, fertilizers and geological sources of pollution.