Composition Of Oil Research Articles

Evaluation of physicochemical and phytotoxic properties of WCO-based composites with natural additives.

Currently, global consumption of vegetable oils for food purposes exceeds 200 million tons per year. Hazardous waste frying oil has become a fully valuable, environmentally friendly raw material with a wide range of industrial applications. Solid materials based on waste cooking oil (WCO) are becoming increasingly popular due to their easy production technology, availability of raw material, and low cost. Waste cooking oil can be used to produce materials used in the construction industry. In the present study, the manufacturing process of oil composites reinforced with natural additives such as nut shells, pistachios, and shellfish shells was optimized and their physicochemical and phytotoxic properties were determined. The absorbability of the obtained oil composites ranged from 3.1 to 10.3%. The maximum growth inhibition of 82% was recorded for the underground part of Sinapis alba for soil soaked in a solution obtained by leaching oil composites obtained at 185°C (catalyst: catalyzed oil ratio equal to 0.24). Lowest growth - 63% for Sorghum saccharatum grown on a sponge soaked in a solution obtained by leaching oil composites was obtained at 210°C (catalyst:catalyzed oil ratio equal to 0.13).

MODELAREA MATEMATICĂ A FORȚEI NECESARE DEPLASĂRII PLATFORMELOR DESTINATE PRELEVĂRII PROBELOR DE SOL

Self-propelled platforms designed for soil sampling represent a remarkable technological advancement in the field of soil research, providing efficient and precise collection of essential data regarding soil composition. These platforms are equipped with advanced technologies and sophisticated sampling systems, offering researchers the opportunity to obtain detailed data in an automated and replicable manner. In this article, we will delve into the technical features of self-propelled platforms for soil sampling and their significance in advancing soil sciences research. In this paper, a mathematical model is described to aid in the design of the propulsion system of self-propelled platforms intended for soil sample collection under conditions of movement on horizontal or sloping terrain. With this mathematical model, the forces required for the platform to move can be calculated, considering the constraints specific to each project. When the project is completed, and key parameters such as the total weight of the platform, dimensions, payload weight, and transmission gear ratios are known, the minimum power required for the engine to move the platform can be calculated.

Effects of pepper–maize intercropping on the physicochemical properties, microbial communities, and metabolites of rhizosphere and bulk soils

BackgroundIntercropping increases land use efficiency and farmland ecological diversity. However, little is understood about whether and how soil biota, metabolites, and nutrients change under interspecific competition among plants. Thus, this study aimed to explore the changes in the physicochemical properties, microbial communities, and metabolites of rhizosphere and bulk soils of pepper monocropping and pepper–maize intercropping systems.ResultsIntercropping significantly increased the contents of available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK), and decreased the pH value, whereas it had little effect on the total nitrogen (TN) and organic matter (OM) in the rhizosphere and bulk soils, compared with those in monocropping pepper. Moreover, the OM content was higher in rhizosphere soil than in bulk soil. The microbial community structures and metabolite profiles also differed between the two systems. The diversity of bacteria and fungi increased in intercropped pepper. The relative abundances of Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, and Ascomycota were higher while those of Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, Mucoromycota, and Basidiomycota were significantly lower in the rhizosphere and bulk soils from the intercropping system than in those from the monocropping system. Linear discriminant analysis revealed that the predominant bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere soil from the intercropping system belonged to the order Sphingomonadales and genera Nitrospira, Phycicoccus and Auricularia, whereas those in the bulk soil from the intercropping system belonged to the phylum Acidobacteria and genera Calocera, Pseudogymnoascus, and Trichosporon. Intercropping promoted the secretion of flavonoids, alkaloids, and nucleotides and their derivatives in the rhizosphere soil and significantly increased the contents of organoheterocyclic compounds in the bulk soil. Furthermore, the AP and AK contents, and pH value had strong positive correlations with bacteria. In addition, co-occurrence network analysis also showed that asebogenin, trachelanthamidine, 5-methyldeoxycytidine, and soil pH were the key factors mediating root-soil-microbe interactions.ConclusionIntercropping can alter microbial community structures and soil metabolite composition in rhizosphere and bulk soils, enhancing soil nutrient contents, enriching soil beneficial microbes and secondary metabolites (flavonoids and alkaloids) of intercropped pepper, and provided a scientific basis for sustainable development in the pepper-maize intercropping system.

Research on the Mechanical Properties of EPS Lightweight Soil Mixed with Fly Ash

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) bead–lightweight soil composites are a new type of artificial geotechnical material with low density and high strength. We applied EPS bead–lightweight soil in this project, replacing partial cement with fly ash to reduce construction costs. EPS beads were used as a lightweight material and cement and fly ash as curing agents in the raw soil were used to make EPS lightweight soil mixed with fly ash. The EPS bead proportions were 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%; the total curing agent contents were 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%; and the proportions of fly ash replacing cement were 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%, respectively. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were conducted. The results showed that the EPS content, total curing agent content, and proportion of fly ash replacing cement had a significant impact on the UCS of the lightweight soil. This decreased with an increase in EPS content and decrease in total curing agent content and decreased with increased proportions of fly ash replacing cement. When the proportion of fly ash replacing cement was not too high, the strength of the lightweight soil decreased less, and its performance still met engineering needs. At the same time, the soil can also consume fly ash and reduce environmental pollution. EPS lightweight soil mixed with fly ash still has advantages, and it is recommended to keep the proportion of fly ash replacing cement less than 30%. The failure patterns for lightweight soil mainly include splitting failure, oblique shear failure, and bulging failure, which are related to the material mix ratio.

Temporal variation in soil quality and carbon sequestration potential of different cropping systems in Arid and Semi-Arid parts of South Eastern Kenya

The use of incorrect agricultural methods and utilization of land, excessive inorganic chemical applications, misguided cultivation, and nutrient mining have all contributed to a considerable deterioration in soil health globally. To meet the requirements of growing inhabitants, farmers have turned to unsustainable methods including monoculture, excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, and increased agricultural intensification. A study to determine the seasonal variation of soil quality under different cropping systems and carbon sequestration potential was done during the years 2018 and 2019 in Kauwi and Zombe Wards of South Eastern Kenya. Five cropping systems namely, vegetable, cereal, fruit, and agroforestry were selected, whereas uncultivated land was considered as control. During the typical long (MAM) and short (OND) rainfall seasons, composite soil samples were taken from the cropping systems at random, making the treatment combinations ten. Each farming system had surface soil samples obtained from a depth of 0 to 15 centimetres. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the results. The results revealed that the influence of cropping systems on seasonal variation of soil quality parameters varied significantly (p<0.05). Further, the interaction between cropping systems and seasons significantly influenced soil pH and soil organic carbon. The short rain season registered lower soil pH values across all cropping systems. Soil Organic Carbon was found to be highest in vegetable-based cropping systems during short and long rain seasons. Electrical Conductivity was highest during the long rain season across all cropping systems. Soil bulk density was lowest during the short rains and under uncultivated land. NPK varied significantly across the cropping systems in the different rain seasons. Higher carbon stock was found in the Zombe ward as compared to the Kauwi ward. Carbon density values were noticed to be highest under Vegetable-based cropping systems in both study locations. This can be ascribed to the heavy application of organic and artificial fertilizers by farmers to increase yields and profits. Based on the results, Vegetable and agroforestry cropping systems were found to contain the highest amounts of soil carbon, and therefore, with the potential to sequester the highest amount of soil carbon. Both tiers of government should promote vegetable and agroforestry cropping systems to minimize the effects of climate change

Hybrid Process Flow Diagram for Separation of Fusel Oil into Valuable Components

Ethanol production by fermentation results in obtaining, in addition to the main product, ethyl alcohol, by-products and secondary products, which include carbon dioxide, fusel oil, and ester–aldehyde cut. Fusel oil, despite its low yield and the large volume of ethanol production, accumulates at distilleries, which ultimately raises the question of its disposal or the rational use of this by-product. Fusel oil, being a complex mixture, can serve as a source of technical alcohols used in various sectors of the economy, including the food industry, pharmaceuticals, organic synthesis, perfume, and cosmetics industries, as well as the production of paints and varnishes. However, the complexity of using fusel oil lies in its difficult separation. The reason for this is the presence of water, which forms low-boiling azeotropes with aliphatic alcohols. Our study aimed to develop a process flow diagram (PFD) that allows individual components from fusel oil to be obtained without extraneous separating agents (not inherent in fusel oil). This condition is necessary to obtain products labeled as natural for further use in the food, perfume, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The distinctive feature of this work is that the target product is not only isoamyl alcohol but also all other alcohols present in the composition of fusel oil. To achieve this goal and create a mathematical model, the Aspen Plus V14 application, the Non-Random Two Liquid (NRTL) thermodynamic model, and the Vap-Liq/Liq-Liq phase equilibrium were used. Fusel oil separation was modeled using a continuous separation PFD to obtain ethanol, water, isoamyl alcohol, and raw propanol and butanol cuts. The Sorel and Barbet distillation technique was used to isolate ethanol. The isolation of isopropanol and 1-propanol, as well as isobutanol and 1-butanol, was modeled using the batch distillation method. The isolation of fusel oil components was based on their thermodynamic properties and the selection of appropriate techniques for their separation, such as extraction, distillation, pressure swing distillation, and decantation. The simulation of fusel oil separation PFD showed the possibility of obtaining the components of a complex mixture without separating agents, as discussed earlier. Ethanol corresponds to the quality of rectified ethyl alcohol, and 1-butanol and isoamyl alcohols to anhydrous alcohols, whereas isopropanol (which contains an admixture of ethanol), 1-propanol, and isobutanol are obtained as aqueous solutions of different concentrations of alcohols. However, due to a distillation boundary in the raw propanol and butanol cuts, these mixtures cannot be separated completely, which leads to the production of intermediate fractions. To eliminate intermediate fractions and obtain anhydrous isopropanol, 1-propanol, and isobutanol in the future, it is necessary to solve the dehydration problem of either fusel oil or the propanol–butanol mixture.

Integrating Temporal Dimensions in Circularity of the Built Environment Analysis of Two Flemish Industrial Parks

This manuscript explores how incorporating temporal dimensions into built environment research can promote a more circular society, adding societal improvements to efficiency-driven measures closing waste or material cycles. The current circularity approaches in industrial environments mainly focus on short-term innovations reducing resource extraction and waste, overlooking long-term circularity potentials of natural resource management such as living soils as a basis for all life. This study addresses this gap by investigating, analyzing, and drawing interplays between regenerative soil cycles and business development cycles in two Flemish industry parks, Kortrijk-Noord and Haasrode. Using diachronic mapping, a qualitative design and action research tool, the study aims to generate a space–time composite of soil and business cycles, integrating archival research, interviews, and policy document reviews. This method visually captures interplays between geology, land valuation, and economic development, demonstrating that integrating soil and business cycles can suggest new pathways for site-specific circular practices on Flemish industry parks, which can inform site-specific project frameworks for circular built environments. As such, the research advocates a paradigm shift in industry park (re)development, from product and material innovation within a ‘time is money’ framework to an integrated ‘time is life’ approach, where time’s historical and social dimensions are part of circular landscape development.

The essential oil chemical composition of the aerial parts of Asparagus pastorianus Webb & Berthel growing wild in Sicily (Italy)

The genus Asparagus L. (Asparagaceae) has a wide geographical distribution being present in Europe, Africa, and Asia to N. Australia. The use of Asparagus ssp. dates since Ancient Grecians and Romans and several ethnopharmacological properties have been reported for many species. Asparagus pastorianus Webb & Berthel is a taxon described for the flora of the Canary Islands. The species is also reported in northern Morocco. Recently it has also been included in the Italian flora as present in southern Sicily. In this study, the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts (Ap) of a Sicilian accession of this plant, never previously investigated, was evaluated by GC-MS. The essential was characterised by large amounts of aldehydes (65.5%) and alkanes (19.3%) whereas terpenes were very poorly represented. An update of all the essential oils of Asparagus species, studied so far, was carried out.

The Role of Sudanese Forests Agro-ecosystem in Improving the Cation Exchange Capacity and Exchangeable Bases of a Sandy Soil in Western Burkina Faso

The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of Sudanese forests on the chemical equilibrium and exchangeable bases of sandy soils in the Bondoukuy region. The study examines the impact of forest cover on soil fertility and the mechanisms through which these natural ecosystems promote soil health and productivity in the region. The Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of soil represents its capacity to retain and exchange nutrient cations with plant roots. In Sudanian Forests Agro-ecosystem, sandy soils are characterized by a dominance of coarse particles, which exhibit a low specific surface area and low cation retention capacity, in contrast to clayey soils. A low CEC restricts soil fertility and the capacity of the soil to sustainably provide essential nutrients to plants. It was hypothesized that the CEC of the topsoil in forests of western Burkina Faso would demonstrate a significant increase due to substantial environmental changes during the fallow period. To test this hypothesis, a comparison was made between soil fertility in forests and fallows, and that of cultivated plots, which were considered the control for this increase. A total of 15 plots were selected, with five plots allocated to each situation. The vegetation and soil of the plots were described in detail. Composite soil samples were taken from the 0-20 cm horizon. The soil analyses in the laboratory were conducted on several parameters, including texture, pH-H2O, pH-KCl, carbon, nitrogen, CEC and exchangeable bases. The results of the observations enabled the classification of the soils as tropical ferruginous soils with iron and manganese sesquioxides. The original materials indicate that the soil exhibits sandy properties. This was demonstrated by the granulometric study, which revealed that the soils under investigation exhibited an essentially sandy texture on the surface horizon. This results in a low retention capacity for exchangeable bases. The woody vegetation of the forest exhibits a greater diversity of flora than that of the fallows. This has a significant impact on the enhancement of the CEC, due to the replenishment of the soil with plant debris of varying organic compositions. The overall pH is slightly acidic, with a range of 5.63 to 5.71. The soils of forests exhibit higher concentrations of carbon and nitrogen than those of the fallows and fields. The observation of chemical balances has enabled the identification of forests as an environment conducive to optimal plant nutrition. Overall, forests enhance the CEC and exchangeable bases, despite the values being below the threshold recommended for tropical sandy soils. It is therefore necessary to implement measures to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance agricultural productivity in this region, where soil nutrients are naturally scarce.

Chemical signatures in the preen oil of pied flycatchers: testing reproducibility and exploring ontogeny

Preen oil – the secretion from the uropygial gland of birds – may have diverse functions in avian reproduction: protection against eggshell bacteria, olfactory crypsis against nest predators and olfactory mate choice. To investigate such functions, we should first characterise variation in preen oil composition, but also confirm that previously described patterns are robust. Replication studies are crucial to test the reproducibility of previous findings, but are rarely undertaken in chemical ecology. Here, we conducted an almost exact replication of a previous study on the chemical composition of preen oil in a wild passerine bird, the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca. We aimed to estimate the reproducibility of the previous results using larger sample sizes and following a pre‐registered analysis. In addition, we explored the ontogeny of preen oil composition by comparing nestling and adult preen oil. In line with previous findings, preen oil composition was similar between breeding partners and not repeatable within individual females across breeding stages. Female preen oil changed across breeding stages more clearly than in the original study (higher richness, diversity and volatility during incubation than nestling‐rearing), further refuting a role of preen oil in olfactory crypsis in this species. Unlike the original study, we found no difference in chemical profiles between sexes (nestling‐rearing), casting doubt on the proposed role of preen oil as a sex semiochemical in this species. Nestling preen oil differed from adults, was more similar to adult males than to adult females, but was not more similar to parents than to non‐parents. We found family chemical signatures, which, along with the breeding pair signature, suggests an influence of the nest environment on preen oil composition. Our study highlights the importance of replication and provides novel insights into the function and development of preen oil.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of essential oils from Artemisia herba-alba asso. and Artemisia huguetii caball. from Morocco: in vitro and in silico evaluation

IntroductionMorocco is home to a remarkable diversity of flora, including several species from the Artemisia genus. This study aims to thoroughly examine the chemical composition of essential oils derived from Artemisia species and assess their antibacterial and antioxidant properties through in vitro experiments and in silico simulations.MethodsSamples of Artemisia herba-alba Asso. were collected from Boulemane and Ifrane in Morocco, while Artemisia huguetii Caball. was sampled from Tata, representing regions of the Central Middle Atlas and Western Anti-Atlas. Essential oils were extracted using hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated, and antioxidant properties were assessed using the DPPH assay. In silico predictions of antibacterial and antioxidant activities were performed using computational models.ResultsThe extraction yields varied depending on the geographical origin, ranging from 1.54% to 2.78%. GC-MS analysis revealed significant differences in the chemical composition of the oils from different Artemisia species and regions, with a notable prevalence of oxygenated monoterpenes. Specifically, the oil from Boulemane was rich in thujone, the oil from Ifrane was predominantly composed of camphor, and the oil from Tata contained both camphor and thujone. The oils exhibited stronger antifungal than antibacterial properties, with Enterobacter cloacae strains showing high sensitivity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of approximately 12.5 mg/mL. The Boulemane oil of A. herba-alba displayed the highest antioxidant activity, effectively inhibiting DPPH at a concentration of 13.501 μg/mL.DiscussionThe in silico simulations predicted that the primary compounds in these essential oils, such as davanone, eucalyptol, camphor, and thujone, would exhibit potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These compounds were found to have favorable ADMET characteristics, including good blood-brain barrier permeability, gastrointestinal absorption, and skin penetration. Molecular docking studies revealed strong interactions between these compounds and key target proteins, such as NADPH-dependent catalase and dihydrofolate reductase. The stability of the protein-ligand complexes was confirmed by molecular dynamics, with davanone showing a significant impact. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the biological potential of Artemisia essential oils, highlighting davanone as a promising molecule for medicinal or pharmaceutical applications.

Plant-part chemical composition of essential oils of Crithmum maritimum L. from Montenegro

This paper reports the chemical constituents of essential oils from different organs of Crithmum maritimum L. collected at three localities in Montenegro (Bar, Budva and Herceg-Novi), thus covering the northern, central and southern parts of the national coastline. A total of 12 samples were isolated by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method. The highest yield was observed in fruits, while rhizomes contained the lowest amount of essential oil. The high content of monoterpene hydrocarbons, such as limonene and γ-terpinene, characterised the samples from leaves, fruits, and flowers. Essential oils obtained from rhizomes were characterised by phenylpropanoids dillapiole and elemicin. Depending on the plant organ and locality, four different chemotypes can be distinguished. This is the very first report on essential oils of C. maritimum L. leaves, flowers, and fruits collected in Montenegro.

Reduced content of gamma-aminobutyric acid enhances resistance to bacterial wilt disease in tomato.

Bacteria within the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex cause devastating diseases in numerous crops, causing important losses in food production and industrial supply. Despite extensive efforts to enhance plant tolerance to disease caused by Ralstonia, efficient and sustainable approaches are still missing. Before, we found that Ralstonia promotes the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in plant cells; GABA can be used as a nutrient by Ralstonia to sustain the massive bacterial replication during plant colonization. In this work, we used CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing to mutate SlGAD2, which encodes the major glutamate decarboxylase responsible for GABA production in tomato, a major crop affected by Ralstonia. The resulting Slgad2 mutant plants show reduced GABA content, and enhanced tolerance to bacterial wilt disease upon Ralstonia inoculation. Slgad2 mutant plants did not show altered susceptibility to other tested biotic and abiotic stresses, including drought and heat. Interestingly, Slgad2 mutant plants showed altered microbiome composition in roots and soil. We reveal a strategy to enhance plant resistance to Ralstonia by the manipulation of plant metabolism leading to an impairment of bacterial fitness. This approach could be particularly efficient in combination with other strategies based on the manipulation of the plant immune system, paving the way to a sustainable solution to Ralstonia in agricultural systems.

Denitrifying microbial genes quantification attests inference for potential N2O emissions in sugarcane soils by enzymatic bioanalysis

This study evaluated the relationships and sensitivity of denitrifying microbial gene abundance, as well as the activities of soil enzymes β-glucosidase (GLU) and arylsulfatase (ARYL), to assess the quality of sugarcane soils managed with vinasse (V), filter cake (FC), and mineral fertilizer (MF). Composite soil samples were collected using a systematic sampling approach that included two soil classes (Ferralsol and Acrisol), two textures (clayey and sandy), three management systems (V, V+FC, and MF), two sampling seasons (rainy and dry), and three replicates, totaling 72 samples. Analysis of soil organic carbon (SOC), and macro- and micronutrients differentiated the Ferralsol and Acrisol samples into distinct groups based on agricultural management (Global R = 0.554) and showed some overlap based on soil texture (Global R = 0.369). The number of nirK, nirS, and nosZ I gene copies per gram of soil, determined by Real-Time Quantitative PCR (qPCR) based on genomic DNA isolated from the 72 soil samples, was higher in the rainy season compared to the dry season (P<0.05). None of the genes evaluated revealed a consistent response to different sugarcane soil managements, showing specific response patterns for each soil class and texture. In the Ferralsol, the activities of GLU and ARYL increased in the following order: V < MF < V+FC, regardless of soil texture (sandy or clayey) and sampling season. The average activity of the two enzymes in both V+FC and MF treatments was 1.8 times higher in sandy soil and 3.9 times higher in clayey soil compared to soil managed with vinasse. In the Acrisol, no significant differences among the treatments were observed. Statistical analyses revealed negative correlations (P<0.05) between the number of copies of the nirK and nosZ I genes and GLU and ARYL activities in the soil during both seasonal periods analyzed. The number of copies of these two microbial genes was also negatively correlated with the soil organic matter in the rainy season. Thus, the indications of sugarcane soil quality based on enzymatic analyses were corroborated by the lower abundance of genes associated with denitrification process. The findings of this study open the possibilities to infer about the potential for N2O emission from these sugarcane soils based on GLU and ARYL activities.

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil-crop System in Different Ecological Regions of Ningxia

Heavy metals are characterized by toxicity，non-biodegradability，and accumulation in the food chain；hence，o the distribution of heavy metals in farmland soils and crop food safety have attracted much attention. A total of 1 274 soil samples and crop samples were collected from farmland in Ningxia from 2017 to 2021 and bioconcentration coefficients were used based on the analysis of the elemental contents of Zn，Cr，Ni，Cu，Pb，As，Cd，and Hg. The ecological risk index and correlation analysis were used to characterize the heavy metal content and health risk assessment of the soil-crop system in Ningxia. The results showed that the soils in the study area were alkaline and the mechanical composition was dominated by pulverized and sandy grains，with a relatively small content of clay grains. The heavy metal contents in the soils were in the following order：Zn>Cr>Ni>Cu>Pb>As>Cd> Hg. Except for that of Cu and Ni，the contents of other heavy metals in the soils of the northern region were higher than those of the central and southern regions. The ecological risk index of soil heavy metals was Hg>Cd>As>Cu>Pb>Ni>Cr>Zn and the proportion of points with low and medium ecological risk index levels was high（98.58%），indicating that the soil environment was generally good. The average content of the eight heavy metals in crops did not exceed the limit value，and the average health risk index value was <1. However， the health risk index（HRI）of As in individual crops existed at points >1 in all three sub-regions and individual points with high values of HRI（HRI>1）for Cu and Ni were observed in crops in the northern region and for Pb in the north and south of the country，which require further attention. From the bioconcentration factor，crops showed no accumulation effect （BCF<1）for heavy metals such as As，Cd，Cr，Cu，Ni，Pb，and Zn and although the average uptake of Hg by crops did not show accumulation，a total of 31 crops in the three ecological zones showed some accumulation（BCF>1），which also requires further monitoring. Analysis using the Mantel's test showed that except for As and Ni in crops，which had a weak correlation with Cu content in the soil（0.05>Mantel's P>0.01），the other heavy metals in crops did not have a significant correlation with the corresponding soil heavy metals （Mantel's P≥0.05），indicating that the heavy metal contents in crops were less affected by soil heavy metals. RDA analysis showed that the sand content had a strong positive correlation with the transfer coefficients of heavy metals such as Hg，Ni，Pb，and Cd，while the powder content showed a strong negative correlation；however，the transfer coefficients of Cu，Zn，As，and Cr were not much affected by the mechanical composition of soils，and the correlation between the soil organic matter content and the transfer coefficients of heavy metals was also small. In summary，the quality of the soil environment and crops in the study area is generally good；however，attention must still be paid to the areas with high heavy metal content or exceeding the standard value to strictly control the input of pollutants，and at the same time，establishing long-term monitoring of the quality status of soil and agricultural products in the crop production area is a necessary control initiative.

Study Regarding the Possibility of Using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) on Earthen Construction Evaluation

The determination of drying period, compressive strength, and air-dry density represent crucial parameters for assessing the quality and performance of earthen construction materials. This paper explores the possibilities of using the ultrasonic method as a non-destructive testing technique applied to earthen materials (specimens, elements, or structures) to determine these properties. The method relies on the measurement of ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), which is influenced by factors such as density, elasticity, and curing process. By analyzing the propagation of ultrasonic waves through earthen samples, valuable insights can be gained regarding their drying period, compressive strength, and density. The drying period of earthen samples can be determined using the ultrasonic method by monitoring the changes in pulse velocity over time. As the moisture content decreases during the drying process, the velocity of ultrasonic waves increases due to the reduced presence of water. This allows for the estimation of the drying period without the need for time-consuming and destructive testing methods. Compressive strength is also a critical parameter in assessing the structural integrity of earthen materials. The UPV method offers a non-destructive approach to determine the compressive strength of earthen samples. This provides a valuable tool for quality control and assessment of earthen construction materials. Density is another important property that influences their performance and the UPV method can be used to determine the density of earthen materials by measuring the ultrasonic pulse velocity and analyzing its relationship with density. This non-destructive approach allows for quick and efficient estimation of the compactness and quality of earthen mixes. Overall, the ultrasonic method offers a non-destructive and efficient approach in determining the drying period, compressive strength, and density of various soil compositions. By measuring the pulse velocity and analyzing its relationship with these properties, valuable insights can be gained regarding the quality and performance of earthen construction materials. This method has the potential to significantly improve the assessment and quality control processes in earthen construction, leading to more sustainable and reliable structures associated with the earthen techniques.

Novel gas sensing mechanisms of Pd and Rh-doped h-BN monolayers for detecting dissolved gases (H2、CH4、and C2H4) in transformer oil

Detecting dissolved gases in transformer oil is crucial for assessing the operational status of transformers. The gas composition in transformer oil can reflect the health status of the equipment and help identify potential failure risks in a timely manner. Based on density functional theory (DFT), Pd and Rh atoms were doped into the h-BN monolayer, and the most stable adsorption structures for each were first explored. Then, the sensing performance of the Pd-doped and Rh-doped h-BN monolayers for H2, CH4, and C2H4 gases was analyzed. The results indicate that Pd-BN and Rh-BN exhibit enhanced sensitivity to H2 and C2H4 gases compared to pristine h-BN. However, they show poor adsorption characteristics for CH4. Both Pd-BN and Rh-BN demonstrate strong chemisorption for H2 and C2H4. In contrast, CH4 adsorption is predominantly physisorbed. The desorption time of H2 from Pd-BN at 398 K is 164 s, reflecting its excellent desorption performance. Additionally, Pd-BN and Rh-BN monolayers exhibit exceptional C2H4 capture capabilities, with adsorption energies of −1.697 eV and −2.188 eV, respectively, indicating their potential as C2H4 gas adsorbents. These findings provide theoretical insights for selecting materials for dissolved gas detection in oil and lay the groundwork for the development of Pd-BN and Rh-BN-based gas sensors.

Geology and landforms of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Context Underlying geology strongly influences landforms, soil composition, and hydrogeology in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia, which was mapped by P. E. Playford in 1982. Aims To review the mapping of the Reserve, with the aim to better understand the geological history and landforms of the area. Methods In 2024, I. M. Tyler and K. A. Evans reviewed P. E. Playford’s mapping in the field, viewed aerial photography and geophysical imagery, and reviewed research published since 1984. Key results The oldest rocks are 1290 Ma granitic gneiss and an 1180 Ma granite intrusion. Amalgamation of the Meso- to Neoproterozoic Rodinian Supercontinent put the Albany−Fraser Orogen at the heart of east Gondwana for ~1.0 billion years. At 165 Ma, that plate configuration began to break up, and from 83 Ma, the Eucla Basin opened. Cenozoic landforms and surficial deposits record northward plate movement and collision with south-east Asia at around 23 Ma, causing tectonic uplift, sea-level change, and climate change. The middle to upper Eocene Plantagenet Group was deposited in a shallow marine embayment with Maardjitup Gurlin/Mount Gardner, forming an island. The uplifted Eocene sea floor was lateritized in the Miocene and is presently covered by Holocene eolian sand dunes, peaty swamps and lakes. Maardjitup Gurlin/Mount Gardner was connected to the mainland by Pleistocene eolianite deposits. Conclusions The influence of plate tectonics on the geological evolution of an area is profound, from the origin and composition of the oldest rocks to the present landscape and the youngest surficial deposits. Implications Understanding the geological history of an area is essential to understanding landscape evolution and the natural history of the flora and fauna that inhabit it.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity of essential oil from Magnolia tiepii sp. nov. leaves

The essential oil isolated by hydro-distillation from Magnolia tiepii leaves was analyzed by GC-MS and assessed for antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Thirty-three components of the essential oil were identified, and the major components were β-pinene (40.8%), β-funebrene (12.0%), and trans-meta-mentha-2,8-diene (8.1%). The oil’s antimicrobial activity was assessed using IC50 values to determine its efficacy against six bacterial strains and one fungus strain. The IC50 values ranged from 2.30 mg/mL to 42 mg/mL, except for C. albicans, whose IC50 did not reach the highest concentration tested (>42 mg/mL). In addition, the anticancer activity of the M. tiepii essential oil was evaluated on KB, HepG2, MCF-7, and A549 cancer cell lines using the MTT method. These cell lines were treated with essential oil samples at concentrations ranging from 0.16 to 42 μg/mL. The M. tiepii essential oil exhibited high anticancer activity, with IC50 values ranging from 0.90 μg/mL to 2.07 ± 0.06 μg/mL across the four tested cell lines. These promising results underscore the potential of M. tiepii essential oil for cancer treatment, offering hope for future research and applications.

Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & clemants: a review of the medicinal uses, chemical composition, and biological effects

ABSTRACT Dysphania ambrosioides (D. ambrosioides) is a medicinal plant in the family Amaranthaceae, well distributed from its American and Mexican origins. This paper aimed to offer a comprehensive review of scientific reports on the plant. Data on traditional uses, the chemical composition of the essential oil, and the biological activities of D. ambrosioides were gathered via the electronic databases Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, and Springer Link using epazote and the scientific names (D. ambrosioides and Chenopodium ambrosioides) of the species as keywords. There are many reported applications in traditional medicine. Phytochemical research on D. ambrosioides essential oil revealed that the oil contains numerous oxygenised monoterpenes and hydrocarbon monoterpenes with different percentages for different samples. Work on the plant essential oil revealed a wide range of pharmacological activities. Extracts and isolated compounds have also exhibited biological activity.