Nutrient Formulations Research Articles

IMPROVING NUTRIENT FORMULATION FOR CULTURE OF (Spirulina platensis) TO REPLACE THE TRADITIONAL ZARROUK IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC ASPECT IN TRA VINH

This study aims to find an improved nutrient formulation for culturing spirulina (Spirulina platensis) from the traditional formulation (Zarrouk). Experiments are applied in outside condition with simple transparent plastic cover combined with black camo netting. The first experiment tested the efficiency of 25% Zarrouk+ iodine formulation and the second experiment was applied fully Zarrourk formulation. The result shows that the first experiment reached 37.42 ± 3.881 cells/ml with total biomass approaches 643.3 ± 80.2 (g /0.5 m3). The second experiment reachs 43.422 ± 3.845 cells/ml with average biomass of ∼ 791.7 ± 52 (g/0,5 m3) with (P-value < 0,05). In conclusion, the improved nutrient formulation with original 25% Zarrouk adding iodine which contributes to improve Spirulina culture effectiveness in economic aspect which decreases expenses up to 75% as compared to Zarrourk

Biotechnological and Pharmacological Applications of Biotoxins and Other Bioactive Molecules from Dinoflagellates

The long-lasting interest in bioactive molecules (namely toxins) produced by (microalga) dinoflagellates has risen in recent years. Exhibiting wide diversity and complexity, said compounds are well-recognized for their biological features, with great potential for use as pharmaceutical therapies and biological research probes. Unfortunately, provision of those compounds is still far from sufficient, especially in view of an increasing demand for preclinical testing. Despite the difficulties to establish dinoflagellate cultures and obtain reasonable productivities of such compounds, intensive research has permitted a number of advances in the field. This paper accordingly reviews the characteristics of some of the most important biotoxins (and other bioactive substances) produced by dinoflagellates. It also presents and discusses (to some length) the main advances pertaining to dinoflagellate production, from bench to large scale—with an emphasis on material published since the latest review available on the subject. Such advances encompass improvements in nutrient formulation and light supply as major operational conditions; they have permitted adaptation of classical designs, and aided the development of novel configurations for dinoflagellate growth—even though shearing-related issues remain a major challenge.

PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF AQUAPONICALLY GROWN TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum L.) SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIFFERENT NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable in the country which is consumed both raw and as processed product. This study aimed to evaluate the growth, yield, postharvest qualities and profitability of aquaponically grown tomato supplemented with different nutrient solutions. The study was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with 8 treatments replicated 3 times. Tomato fruits were first harvested 60 days after transplanting with 100 percent survival rate. Early flowering of tomato plant was observed when applied with VSU liquid nutrient formulation (VSU-LNF) with node number ranging from 13.33-14.00 bearing the first flower. Growth parameters such as plant height, number of lateral shoot, root length and fruit size are stimulated by the application of VSU liquid nutrient formulation and in combination with ferments. This also resulted to high number and weight of marketable fruit in tomato plant. Carotenoid and chlorophyll contents of the fruits were higher in aquaponically grown tomato supplemented with fermented kuhol (Pomacea canaliculata L.). Free radical scavenging activity was found highest in the fruit of tomato grown in aquaponic system supplemented with combined VSU liquid nutrient formulation with fermented malunggay (Moringa olifera). However, vitamin Cand sugar content of tomato fruits were found highest when supplemented with combine VSU liquid nutrient formulation and fermented kuhol. No significant differences were obtained on firmness, percent weight loss, respiration rate at 2 and 4 weeks after storage, titratable acidity, fruit nitrogen, pH of fruit, oxidation reduction potential, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids. On the other hand, higher moisture content of the tomato fruits were observed with the application of VSU liquid nutrient formulation and in combination with ferments. Therefore, high yield was produced with the application of VSU liquid nutrient formulation which resulted to higher net return. Aquaponically grown tomato supplemented with VSU-LNF produced lesser yield but with considerable net return.

Producción de Hidrógeno a partir de la fermentación de residuos agroindustriales de la piña

<p>Se estudió la generación de hidrógeno a partir de la fermentación anaeróbica de residuos agroindustriales de corazón de piña utilizando como inóculo lodos pretratados provenientes de una planta de tratamiento de agua residual del tipo UASB. Mediante un diseño factorial 23, se determinaron los efectos de la concentración inicial de sustrato, del pH inicial del medio de fermentación y de la formulación de nutrientes, sobre el rendimiento en la producción de hidrógeno. Los mejores resultados se obtuvieron utilizando un pH inicial de 5,5, con una concentración inicial de sustrato de 5 (g de glucosa)/L y usando una formulación de nutrientes basada en magnesio, hierro, zinc y sodio. Posteriormente, utilizando las condiciones de operación anteriores, se realizó un escalamiento de la fermentación en un bioreactor de 5 L y se alcanzó un rendimiento máximo en la producción de hidrógeno de 1,541 (mol H2)/(mol glucosa). Este rendimiento es comparable con datos reportados en la literatura cuando se ha usado glucosa como sustrato. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que los residuos de corazón de piña podrían ser utilizados como una fuente renovable para la producción de hidrógeno.</p>

Integrated Nutrient Management and Formulation of Targeted Yield Equations for Black Gram (<i>Vigna mungo</i> L.)

Three fertility gradient stripes were created in Inceptisols of Odisha by applying no fertilizer, recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and double the RDF and paddy was grown during kharif , 2013. These three stripes were sub-divided into 24 sub-plots and black gram was grown with different graded doses of fertilizers and manure during rabi , 2013-14. Initial and post-harvest soil nutrient status, nutrient uptake, nutrient requirement, soil efficiency, fertilizer efficiency and yield data were recorded. The highest yield (12.09 q ha -1 ) was achieved with 30 : 50 : 50 (N : P 2 O 5 : K 2 O). On the basis of these data, fertilizer prescription equations were formulated for targeted yield of black gram in Inceptisols of Odisha.

The effects of vitamin and mineral supplementation on symptoms of schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

When used as an adjunctive with antipsychotics, certain vitamins and minerals may be effective for improving symptomatic outcomes of schizophrenia, by restoring nutritional deficits, reducing oxidative stress, or modulating neurological pathways. We conducted a systematic review of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting effects of vitamin and/or mineral supplements on psychiatric symptoms in people with schizophrenia. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to calculate the standardized mean difference between nutrient and placebo treatments. An electronic database search in July 2016 identified 18 eligible RCTs, with outcome data for 832 patients. Pooled effects showed that vitamin B supplementation (including B6, B8 and B12) reduced psychiatric symptoms significantly more than control conditions [g = 0.508, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01-1.01, p = 0.047, I 2 = 72.3%]. Similar effects were observed among vitamin B RCTs which used intention-to-treat analyses (g = 0.734, 95% CI 0.00-1.49, p = 0.051). However, no effects of B vitamins were observed in individual domains of positive and negative symptoms (both p > 0.1). Meta-regression analyses showed that shorter illness duration was associated with greater vitamin B effectiveness (p = 0.001). There were no overall effects from antioxidant vitamins, inositol or dietary minerals on psychiatric symptoms. There is preliminary evidence that certain vitamin and mineral supplements may reduce psychiatric symptoms in some people with schizophrenia. Further research is needed to examine how the benefits of supplementation relate to nutrient deficits and the impact upon underlying neurobiological pathways, in order to establish optimal nutrient formulations for improving clinical outcomes in this population. Future studies should also explore the effects of combining beneficial nutrients within multi-nutrient formulas.

Synergistic effects of light quality, carbon dioxide and nutrients on metabolite compositions of head lettuce under artificial growth conditions mimicking a plant factory

Carbon dioxide (CO2), nutrient supply, and light quality are amongst the major controlling factors to improve the biomass production and nutritional outputs in plant factory. The present study employed CE-MS to investigate the effects of high CO2, nutrient formulation, and LED on the accumulation of primary metabolites in head lettuce. Results suggested that high CO2 (1000ppm) and nutrient supply enhanced both the biomass and some amino acids. Hierarchical clustering analysis was used to evaluate effects of red LED in combination with high CO2 and Hoagland’s formulation; distinctive cluster formation contained 14 amino acids (mostly branched-chain and aromatic amino acids, histidine and arginine). Thus, simultaneous treatments of monochromatic LED, high CO2 and nutrient formulation improved the amino acids accumulation, and likely reduced the inorganic nitrogen sources in planta.

Nutritional recommendations of feedlot consulting nutritionists: The 2015 New Mexico State and Texas Tech University survey.

The 2015 feedlot consulting nutritionist survey is a collaborative project between New Mexico State University and Texas Tech University that focuses on summarizing the professional practices of consulting feedlot nutritionists and updates a 2007 survey. Forty-nine consulting feedlot nutritionists were asked to participate, of which 24 completed the survey. The nutritionists surveyed service over 14,000,000 cattle annually and were representatives from individual consulting practices (54.2%), corporate cattle feeding companies (20.8%), corporate feed manufacturing companies (20.8%), or a combination of consulting practices (4.2%). The survey was completed using a web-based survey tool and contained 101 questions that were divided into sections regarding general information about the consulting practice; general cattle management; receiving cattle management, diet adaption; mixers, feed mills, and feeding management; grains and grain processing; grain by-product use; roughage use; information about supplements and microingredients; liquid feed use; nutrient formulation; feed additive use; and information used as a basis for nutritional recommendations. In most cases, the results of the current survey were similar to those reported for the 2007 survey, with a few notable exceptions such as shifts in cattle numbers and preferences for specific feedstuffs. The present study introduced a number of new questions not included in the 2007 survey that focused on management strategies used in the receiving period. Data from this survey provide insight into current nutritional and management practices of consulting nutritionists and, as in past surveys, should be useful for informing national committees that make nutritional recommendations for cattle, as well as nutrition and management strategies employed within university research settings.

Optimization of an invitro bioassay to monitor growth and formation of myotubes in real time.

The importance of growth and maintenance of skeletal muscle is vital for long term health and quality of life. Appropriate nutrition with specific bioactivities relevant to the functionalities of tissues such as skeletal muscle, can assist in maintaining and promoting adaptive responses to biological and environmental stresses which prevent muscle atrophy and promote hypertrophy. The aim of this investigation was to develop a novel invitro cell-based electric impedance assay to study myoblast to myotube formation on the real time cell analysis (RTCA) platform (xCELLigence™, ACEA) and to validate the system by testing myotube responses to hypertrophic stimuli. C2C12 myoblasts were proliferated until 70% confluent in Dulbecco's Modified Eagles Medium (DMEM) (10% FBS) and subsequently differentiated to myotubes over 8days in DMEM [2% horse serum (HS)]. Changes in cell behaviour and adhesion properties were monitored by measuring impedance via interdigitated microelectrodes in the base of E-16 cell culture dishes. To establish the suitability of this assay to monitor nutrient regulation of muscle hypertrophy, leucine, a known potent regulator of MPS was then supplemented to the fully formed myotubes in physiologically relevant conditions-0.20mM, 0.40mM, 0.6mM, 0.8mM and above 1.0mM, 1.5mM, 2.0mM and impedance subsequently monitored. Parallel experiments highlighting alterations in myotube thickness, muscle protein synthesis (MPS) (mammalian target of rapamycin; mTOR) and differentiation (myogenin) were conducted to support RTCA bioassay findings. This invitro bioassay can be used to monitor skeletal muscle behaviour and identify nutrient compounds with bioactivities promoting skeletal muscle hypertrophy, reducing muscle atrophy and thus inform the development of novel nutrient formulations for the maintenance of skeletal muscle.

Emerging and Established Technologies to Increase Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Cereals

Nitrogen (N) fertilizers are one of the most expensive inputs in agricultural settings. Additionally, the loss of N increases costs, contributes to soil acidification, and causes off-site pollution of the air, groundwater and waterways. This study reviews current knowledge about technologies for N fertilization with potential to increase N use efficiency and reduce its negative effects on the environment. Classic inorganic sources such as urea and ammonium sulfate are the major sources utilized, while controlled N release fertilizers have not been significantly adopted for cereals and oil crops. Microorganisms, with the exception of Rhizobium sp. in soybeans, are also not widely used nowadays (e.g., plant growth-promoting bacteria and cynobacteria). The interest in implementing new N fertilization knowledge is stimulating the development of sensors to diagnose the N status and decision support systems for integrating several variables to optimize sources, rates and methods of application. Among potential new technologies we identified the incipient development of nanofertilizers, nutrient formulations to coat seeds, and recycled nutrients. Furthermore, increasing concern about the environmental consequences of N may facilitate the implementation of innovations outside the farm such as more effective regulations to guide N fertilization and methods to manufacture N fertilizers that are more energy-efficient and less CO2 equivalent emitting.

Technology Update: Custom Biological Produced Water Treatment Yields Fast Oil Recovery Boost in Waterflood

Technology Update Improving oil production from mature fields is a significant challenge because of rising recovery costs and fluctuating crude oil prices. Although large investments are made in finding new reserves, typically more than 60% of discovered oil is left behind. Thus, the use of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies is necessary to bring more of this oil into production. This article describes how the use of a biological EOR technique that applied produced water for reservoir flooding in a mature field led to rapid and substantial increases in oil production. Glori Energy’s Activated Environment for Recovery of Oil (AERO) technology is a biological EOR method in which customized nutrients are injected into the reservoir to activate native microbes. The ensuing microbial activity improves oil mobility and leads to increased production in waterflooded sandstone reservoirs. Use of the technology involves minimal capital spending and low operating costs, and applications can use existing field infrastructure. Reservoirs respond quickly to the use of the method, showing higher oil rates and increased oil cuts. Recovery is increased, and the economic life of the field is extended. Oil fields are screened in a two-step process that includes reservoir analysis and treatment design. Reservoir analysis involves geological assessment to determine key characteristics such as porosity, permeability, structural alignment, net pay, oil gravity, injector/producer continuity, and historical production response. The analysis allows for a quick review of multiple fields to select the one predicted to benefit most from biological EOR. Treatment design comprises biochemical testing and nutrient formulation. The process starts with the sampling of reservoir fluids under controlled conditions, using specialized equipment from pertinent locations such as injection, production, and source-water wells. Chemical analysis is begun immediately upon the sample’s arrival to determine the physicochemical characteristics of oil and water. Biological testing comprises assessing the viability of native microbial populations, developing a customized nutrient blend tailored to the field, and confirming the suitability of injection water for supporting microbial activity.

New ‘solutions’ for floating cultivation system of ready-to-eat salad: A review

Soilless cultivation systems represent an alternative to traditional agriculture, as they offer the possibility to reduce water use and to design nutrient formulations of the hydroponic solutions in order to maximize yield and quality of the products. Reduction in accumulation of undesired compounds, like e.g. nitrate, and enhanced nutritional value for human consumption, like e.g. Se-rich compounds, could be reasonably achieved. These aspects, together with the extension of the shelf life, would increase the market value of ready-to-cut vegetables. This review discusses how recent advances in understanding the role of plant nutrients and their interactions and the management of nutrient solution composition, including the addition of non-essential elements, micronutrients’ biofortification, biostimulants, together with the control of some crucial environmental conditions, like temperature, can help accomplishing this task.

Effect of Nutrient Formulations on Permeation of Proteins and Lipids through Porcine Intestine <i>In vitro</i>

Purpose: To investigate the effect of nutrient formulations on the permeation of proteins and lipids through porcine intestine in vitro . Method: In vitro permeation studies of proteins and lipids of two peptide-based formulations, composed of various compounds and sources of hydrolyzed protein was carried out, and compared with a conservative polymeric formulation as control, The test was undertaken using Franz diffusion cell apparatus incorporating porcine intestine. Results: The peptide-based formulation demonstrated higher protein absorption than the conservative polymeric one. However, there were some differences in protein absorption rates between the peptide based formulations obtained from various sources. Formulation A with 1.0 and 1.5 kcal/mL exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher cumulative protein permeation (11.97 ± 0.23 and 12.54 ± 0.94 μg/cm 2 ) than formulations B (9.41 ± 0.36 and 9.67 ± 0.35 μg/cm 2 ) and C (8.34 ± 0.56 and 8.61 ± 0.71 μg/cm 2 ), respectively. Lipid permeation from formulations A and B (13.91 ± 0.26 and 12.94 ± 0.59 μg/cm 2 respectively for 1.0 kcal/mL formulation, and 13.31 ± 0.21 and 12.86 ± 0.16 for 1.5 kcal/mL formulation) which consist mainly of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), were significantly (p <0.05) higher than those from formulation C (11.49 ± 0.43 and 12.62 ± 0.38 μg/cm 2 for 1.0 and 1.5 kcal/mL formulation, respectively) which mostly contained long chain triglycerides (LCTs). Conclusion: The results reveal that oligomeric formulations have higher absorption rate than polymeric formulations. However, the outcomes when administered to clinically ill patients need to be investigated. Keywords: Nutrient Formulations, Permeation, Proteins, Lipids, Porcine Intestine, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Long Chain Triglycerides

Adding value to wastewater by resource recovery and reformulation as growth media: current prospects and potential

Wastewater, despite being a serious environmental constraint, has been identified as a source of valuable commodities including phosphate, ammonia, metal ions and volatile fatty acids. Using low-cost physical pre-treatments, filtration technology gives the opportunity of recovering materials in purified concentrated liquid form and purified water. Filtration also allows manipulation of the nutrient content in the effluents enabling the formulation of a series of streams enriched with important chemical components, enabling their reformulation into balanced nutrient media for microbial growth and the production of biofuels, acids and other chemicals such as lipids and enzymes. This approach benefits industry through the use of a relatively abundant inexpensive feedstock able to be recycled to produce high value chemicals while reducing the carbon footprint of the fermentation and reducing waste disposal. Examples of potential schemes of nutrient formulation and their application are presented.

An examination of the nutrient content and on-package marketing of novel beverages.

Changing regulatory approaches to fortification in Canada have enabled the expansion of the novel beverage market, but the nutritional implications of these new products are poorly understood. This study assessed the micronutrient composition of energy drinks, vitamin waters, and novel juices sold in Canadian supermarkets, and critically examined their on-package marketing at 2 time points: 2010-2011, when they were regulated as Natural Health Products, and 2014, when they fell under food regulations. We examined changes in micronutrient composition and on-package marketing among a sample of novel beverages (n = 46) over time, compared micronutrient content with Dietary Reference Intakes and the results of the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey to assess potential benefits, and conducted a content analysis of product labels. The median number of nutrients per product was 4.5, with vitamins B6, B12, C, and niacin most commonly added. Almost every beverage provided at least 1 nutrient in excess of requirements, and most contained 3 or more nutrients at such levels. With the exception of vitamin C, there was no discernible prevalence of inadequacy among young Canadian adults for the nutrients. Product labels promoted performance and emotional benefits related to nutrient formulations that go beyond conventional nutritional science. Label graphics continued to communicate these attributes even after reformatting to comply with food regulations. In contrast with the on-package marketing of novel beverages, there is little evidence that consumers stand to benefit from the micronutrients most commonly found in these products.

Production of therapeutically relevant indolizidine alkaloids in Securinega suffruticosa in vitro shoots maintained in liquid culture systems.

Microshoot cultures of the Chinese medicinal plant Securinega suffruticosa (Pall.) Rehd. were established and evaluated for the presence of therapeutically relevant indolizidine alkaloids securinine (S) and allosecurinine (AS). The cultures were maintained in shake flasks (SFs) and a bubble column bioreactor (BCB) using the modified Murashige’s shoot multiplication medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l−1 benzyladenine (BA), 3.0 mg l−1 2-isopentenyladenine (2iP), and 0.3 mg l−1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The influence of light and medium supplementation strategies with biosynthesis precursor (lysine (LY)) and nutrient formulations (casein hydrolysate (CH) and coconut water (CW)) on biomass growth and alkaloid production were investigated. SF cultures grown in the presence of light yielded up to 6.02 mg g−1 dry weight (DW) S and 3.70 mg g−1 DW AS, corresponding to the respective productivities of 98.39 and 60.21 mg l−1. Among feeding experiments, CW supplementation proved most effective for SF-grown shoots, increasing biomass yield and AS productivity by 52 and 44 %, respectively. Maximum concentrations of securinine (3.25 mg g−1 DW) and allosecurinine (3.41 mg g−1 DW) in BCB cultures were achieved in the case of 1.0 g l−1 LY supplementation. These values corresponded to the productivities of 42.64 and 44.47 mg per bioreactor, respectively.

Copper and lysine amino acid density responses in commercial broilers

Nutritional modulation of live performance and meat yield must be continuously tested as broiler strains become more efficient every year. This study evaluates both copper- and lysine-derived amino acid balance. In experiment 1, amino acid balance (high, moderate, and low) and copper (5 and 200 ppm) were investigated in a factorial array of treatments (6 treatments with 8 replications; 1,536 Cobb 500 male broilers across 48 floor pens from 1–40 d of age; 32 birds per pen). In experiment 2, amino acid density (high and low) was assessed in 2 broiler strains (a multipurpose and a high-yield strain) obtained from the field in a factorial array of treatments (4 treatments with 21 replications; 1,344 multipurpose and 1,344 high-yield broilers across 84 floor pens from 1–42 d of age; 32 birds per pen). Amino acid density treatments were created by altering digestible lysine and other essentials amino acids at a fixed ratio. Copper and amino acid density did not interact, but supplementing broilers with 200 ppm of copper in the form of tribasic copper chloride improved growth rate. Lysine-derived amino acid density improved performance and yields, but should be assessed as strains are improved for efficiency to ensure digestible lysine adequacy in the nutrient formulation matrix. Although both copper and lysine influence growth rate, interactive effects were not assessed in this study.

IMPROVED FERTILIZATION STRATEGY FOR STRAWBERRY FERTIGATION CULTURE

Recently, soil culture with a fertigation system has been recommended to strawberry growers. Using the nutrient recipe for soilless cultures, they apply water and fertilizers on a gradual basis in small quantities over several times each day. However, due to environmental pressures related to fertilizer waste, a more optimal fertilization strategy is needed. In this study, the nutrient absorption characteristics of strawberry plants were determined. The total amounts of N, P, K, Ca and Mg accumulated by plants increased gradually as growth stages progressed , but the ratio of nutrient accumulation in the body showed a similar tendency. The ratio of P/N was 24%, K/N 128%, Ca/N 38%, and Mg/N 33%. Based on this finding, a nutrient formulation was developed. The newly developed nutrient formulation reflected the absorption ratio of K/N and Ca/N as they were, and 60% of the P/N ratio. Mg reflected as much as half the amount of Ca supply. The NH4 ratio to total N was set at 20%. The newly developed nutrient formulation was examined in soil culture. With the use of the new nutrient formulation in soil culture, there was a lower consumption of all minerals in comparison with the use of the soilless nutrient recipe. In particular, the consumption of Ca and Mg were decreased by 48% and 31%, respectively. After culture, the concentration of minerals in soil became higher than before culture, particularly, Ca and Mg. Thus, there needs to be more reduction in supply of Ca and Mg. Thus, the nutrient formulation was modified to N(NO3:NH4)-P-K-Ca-Mg-S=16.3(13:3.3)-2-7-3.5-1.8-1.8 me•L-1.

Minor nutrients are critical for the improved growth of Corylus avellana shoot cultures

Many hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cultivars fail to thrive in vitro on standard growth medium and the reasons for poor growth are not well understood. Our initial study of five C. avellana cultivars showed that changes in the mineral nutrients of Driver and Kuniyuki walnut (DKW) medium, including doubling the minor nutrients, produced improved growth and shoot quality. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of the individual minor mineral nutrients from DKW medium and if added nickel was required for optimal growth. Five factors were tested at 0.5 × to 4× DKW medium concentrations, [H3BO3, CuSO4·5H2O, MnSO4·H2O, Na2MoO4·2H2O and Zn(NO3)2·6H20], in a response surface design with 39 treatment combinations. Ni was not present in the DKW medium formulation so NiSO4·6H2O was varied from 0 to 6 µM. There were many significant interactions among the minor nutrients. Higher concentrations (4×) of B, Mo, and Zn increased overall shoot quality, length, and multiplication. Increased Mo improved some responses for each cultivar, and it interacted significantly with Cu and Zn. The addition of Ni greatly improved the shoot quality and length of ‘Sacajawea.’ Ni interactions were significant for the other cultivars as well, and altered the requirements for the other minor nutrients, but did not necessarily improve the overall shoot response. Improved growth and shoot quality for most cultivars required increased amounts of B, Mo, and Zn and less Mn and Cu. ‘Sacajawea’ required increased B, Cu, Zn, and Ni. All of the cultivars required minor nutrient formulations that differed greatly from DKW medium or other published minor nutrient formulations.

Exploiting the intrinsic hydrocarbon-degrading microbial capacities in oil tank bottom sludge and waste soil for sludge bioremediation

In this study, biological methods (biostimulation and bioaugmentation) were used to treat oil tank bottom sludge contaminated soils to total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) levels suitable for landfill disposal. The sludge’s hydrocarbon-degrading microbial capacities were initially compared to those from other contaminated environments using culture-based methods. Results indicated that a fungus, Scedosporium dominated the sludge microbial community. Its application in a nutrient formulation resulted in greater reduction in oil tank bottom sludge viscosity (44 %) and residual soil hydrocarbon compared to hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms from other sources (26.7 % reduction in viscosity). Subsequent field-based experiments showed greater TPH reduction (54 %) in fungal-nutrient-treated sludge–waste soils than in naturally attenuated controls (22 %) over 49 days. 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid and internal transcribed spacer region-based polymerase chain reactions and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses showed minimal effects on the microbial communities during this time. TPH reduction to landfill disposal levels occurred at a slower rate after this, falling below the 10,000 mg kg−1 legislated TPH disposal threshold earlier in amended samples (91.2 %; 9,500 mg kg−1) compared to the control (82 %; 17,000 mg kg−1) in 182 days. The results show that the intrinsic hydrocarbon-degrading microbial capacities in sludge are better suited for sludge degradation than those from other sources. The substantial TPH reduction observed in control samples demonstrates the beneficial effects of natural attenuation with waste soils for oil tank sludge treatment. Microbial capacities in sludge and treated waste soils can therefore be successfully employed for treating oil tank bottom sludge.