Oil Production Research Articles

Endosperm-specific expressed transcription factor protein WRINKLED1-mediated oil accumulative mechanism in woody oil peony Paeonia ostii var. lishizhenii

Paeonia ostii var. lishizhenii exhibits superiority of high α-linolenic acid in seed oils, yet, the low yield highlights the importance of enhancing oil accumulation in seeds for edible oil production. The transcription factor protein WRINKLED1 (WRI1) plays crucial roles in modulating oil content in higher plants; however, its functional characterization remains elusive in P. ostii var. lishizhenii. Herein, based on a correlation analysis of transcription factor transcript levels, FA accumulation rates, and interaction assay of FA biosynthesis associated proteins, a WRI1 homologous gene (PoWRI1) that potentially regulated oil content in P. ostii var. lishizhenii seeds was screened. The PoWRI1 exhibited an endosperm-specific and development-depended expression pattern, encoding a nuclear-localized protein with transcriptional activation capability. Notably, overexpressing PoWRI1 upregulated certain key genes relevant to glycolysis, FA biosynthesis and desaturation, and improved seed development, oil body formation and oil accumulation in Arabidopsis seeds, resulting an enhancement of total seed oil weight by 9.47–18.77 %. The defective impacts on seed phenotypes were rescued through ectopic induction of PoWRI1 in wri1 mutants. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of PoWRI1 in controlling oil accumulation in P. ostii var. lishizhenii, offering bioengineering strategies to increase seed oil accumulation and enhance its potential for edible oil production.

Biocrude oil Production Upgrading by Catalytic Assisted Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Underutilized non-edible seed Biomass

Biocrude oil Production Upgrading by Catalytic Assisted Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Underutilized non-edible seed Biomass

399 Effect of feeding palm oil products on finishing cattle performance, carcass characteristics, and methane production

Abstract The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate feeding palm oil products on feedlot cattle performance and methane production. Steers (n = 320; 380 ± 14.5 kg) were allocated to 40 pens in a randomized block design and assigned to 1 of 5 treatments consisting of different sources of supplemental fat: 1) No Oil; negative control containing 0.0% supplemental fat, 2) Corn Oil; positive control containing 4.0% supplemental corn oil, 3) Whole Palm; 4.0% supplemental whole palm oil, 4) Olein; 4.0% supplemental palm olein oil, or 5) Stearin; 4.0% supplemental palm stearin oil. Cattle consuming Corn Oil, Olein and Stearin all had greater (P = 0.04) final body weight (BW) and hot carcass weight (HCW) than cattle consuming no oil but were not different (P > 0.11) from each other or from Whole Palm, which was intermediate. Dry matter intake (DMI) of cattle consuming No Oil, Whole Palm and Stearin oil was not different from each other; however, cattle fed Corn Oil had greater intake than Whole Palm (P = 0.03). Corn Oil, Olein, and Stearin all had greater average daily gain (ADG) than cattle consuming No Oil (P = 0.04) but were not different (P > 0.12) from Whole Palm. Adding fat improved feed efficiency (gain to feed; G:F) as all diets including added fat had greater (P < 0.01) G:F than No Oil. Marbling scores were greater (P = 0.01) for Olein and Stearin than Corn and Whole Palm. There were no differences in backfat, ribeye area or liver abscess rate among any treatments (P > 0.74). Gas emissions were evaluated for only the No Oil and Whole Palm treatments. Total methane and methane produced per pound of dry matter intake was less for cattle consuming Whole Palm than No Oil by 14.8% (P < 0.04) while cattle were in the methane chamber. Methane produced per kilogram of ADG for Whole Palm was also reduced (P < 0.01) by 21.4% compared with No Oil. The results of this study indicate feeding palm oil products as a source of supplemental fat in finishing diets increases final BW, ADG, and HCW compared with feeding no supplemental fat, but had minimal impact on DMI resulting in an improvement in G:F. Adding supplemental fat reduced methane emissions in cattle when feeding Whole Palm compared with No Oil. The value of palm oil products in feedlot finishing diets is comparable with feeding corn oil.

Extraction, FTIR and GC-MS characterization of palm kernel oil for laundry soap production

This study aimed at extracting and characterizing palm kernel oil from oil palm seed for laundry soap production. Palm kernel oil was obtained by Soxhlet extraction with n-hexane. Standard methods were used to determine the physicochemical properties of the kernel oil and laundry soap. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were used to characterize the oil. Results revealed that the palm kernel seed yielded 45.51±1.10% oil. Relative density, saponification value, acid value, and iodine value of the oil were 0.87±0,034 g/mL, 224.40±3.13 mg KOH/g, 3.25±0.11 mgKOH/g, and 14.72±0.25 gI2/100g, respectively. FTIR spectrum showed absorption peaks of methylene groups (723, 2855, 2922 cm–1), carbonyl group (1744 cm–1), and olefin group (1632 cm–1) which are characteristics of fatty acids. GC-MS analysis showed oleic acid, trans-13-octadecenoic acid, elaidic acid, petroselinic acid and vaccenic acid. Quality parameters of the white and hard palm kernel oil soap were found to be 9.55±0.43, 5.20±0.48 cm, 9.65±0.97% and 72.50±2.34% for the pH, foam height, moisture content, and total fatty matter, respectively. These findings suggest that FTIR and GC-MS can substantially be used to effectively verify the suitability of a vegetable oil for soap production. Finally, the moderately high oil yield of the kernel seed indicates its potential for large-scale soap production in Nigeria considering the country’s position as the world’s 4th largest producer of palm kernel oil.

Sustainable valorisation of freshwater fish by‐products to gelatin and fish oil by hydrothermal extraction

SummaryThis study explores the potential of hydrothermal extraction as an innovative valorisation method for the simultaneous production of gelatin and fish oil from fish byproducts. It offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional solvent‐based techniques by minimising the use of chemical solvents and water. We researched various major commercial freshwater fish species: striped catfish, catfish, and tilapia, and achieved a gelatin product that reflects commercial standards in chemical structure, gel strength, and pH level. The striped catfish gelatin showed the highest gel strength and viscosity (66.01 ± 0.83 g bloom and 15.3 ± 0.1 cP), but was produced at a lower yield than the catfish gelatin. On the other hand, striped catfish produced the highest yield of fish oil (13.56 ± 0.21%) and has the highest omega 3 content (3.72 ± 0.02%) than other fish oil. This innovative study demonstrates the potential of hydrothermal extraction as a sustainable method for producing gelatin and fish oil, offering eco‐friendly and nutritional benefits across a range of applications.

Mitigation of methylglyoxal-induced hepatotoxicity by Boerhavia diffusa L. aerial extract: Insights from cellular and animal models

BackgroundBoerhavia diffusa (Punarnava), is a perennial herb with a long-standing reputation for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, dating back to ancient times. Methylglyoxal is an advanced glycation end-product, known to be toxic in liver cell line as well as in mice model. Our objective is to illustrate the protective action of punarnava aerial extracts in methylglyoxal-induced hepatotoxicity in cell line and mice model. MethodsPunarnava aerial parts were collected and different solvent extracts were prepared in methanol, dichloromethane and hexane by maceration followed by their LCMS/MS characterization, determination of total phenolic, total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity by DPPH reagent. Cell viability of the extracts and methylglyoxal was assessed using different cell lines. In vitro protective effect of punarnava methanolic extract (PME) against methylglyoxal was evaluated by cell migration assay, NO and ROS production assays and Oil Red O staining in HepG2 cell line. BALB/c mice were pretreated with Punarnava methanolic extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) for seven days followed by 290 mg/kg methylglyoxal administration for 6 hrs to induce hepatotoxicity. Serum glucose, AST, ALT, ALP and GSH level were checked and liver histopathological damages were identified. ResultsAmong the three Punarnava extracts, PME possessed maximum antioxidant, total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as least cytotoxic to liver cell line. Methylglyoxal showed maximum toxicity in HepG2 cells with IC50 (50 % inhibitory concentration) 3 µM. PME confers protection against methylglyoxal-induced cytotoxicity by decreasing ROS, promoting cell migration and preventing loss of cell viability. No significant change was observed in NO production and Oil Red O staining. PME-treated mice showed decrease in liver ALP levels and glucose with intact cellular morphology compared to hepatocyte steatosis and nuclear degeneration in methylglyoxal-treated group. DiscussionsIndigenous herb Punarnava is effective in protecting liver cells from damage induced by the glycolytic byproduct, methylglyoxal.

The transcription factors GmVOZ1A and GmWRI1a synergistically regulate oil biosynthesis in soybean.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a major oil-producing crop worldwide. Although several related proteins regulating soybean oil accumulation have been reported, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms. In this study, we characterized vascular plant one-zinc-finger 1A (GmVOZ1A) that interacts with WRINKLED 1a (GmWRI1a) using yeast two-hybrid library screening. The GmVOZ1A-GmWRI1a interaction was further verified by protein-protein interaction assays in vivo and in vitro. GmVOZ1A enhanced the seed fatty acid and oil contents by regulating genes involved in lipid biosynthesis. Conversely, a loss-of-function mutation in GmVOZ1A resulted in a reduction in triacylglycerol (TAG) content in soybean. Protein-DNA interaction assays revealed that GmVOZ1A and GmWRI1a cooperate to up-regulate the expression level of acyl-coenzymeA-binding protein 6a (GmACBP6a) and promote the accumulation of TAG. In addition, GmACBP6a overexpression promoted seed fatty acid and oil contents, as well as increased seed size and 100-seed weight. Taken together, these findings indicate that the transcription factor GmVOZ1A regulates soybean oil synthesis and cooperates with GmWRI1a to up-regulate GmACBP6a expression and oil biosynthesis in soybean. The results lay a foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying soybean oil biosynthesis and will contribute to improving soybean oil production through molecular breeding approaches.

Optimization Analysis of In-Situ Conversion and Displacement in Continental Shale Reservoirs.

In the context of growing global energy demands and the need for efficient extraction techniques, this research, based on numerical analysis, addresses the high-energy demands of in situ conversion by introducing a two-stage development strategy. The strategy begins with an initial continuous heating stage, followed by a thermal stabilization stage. It culminates in a hydrocarbon production stage, which is divided into primary recovery and water injection-enhanced recovery. The findings demonstrate that the reservoir temperature continues to increase even after the stop of heating. Consequently, the reactions within the reservoir persist, leading to increased hydrocarbon generation. The heating stage also helps restore reservoir pressure, enabling high production rates of hydrocarbons during the first year of primary recovery. However, natural depletion subsequently occurs, requiring an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method. While water injection is a viable EOR method, it proves less effective due to high water breakthroughs in the producer well. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis reveals that hydrocarbon generation and production are closely related to the calibration of energy input and the duration of injection. These results underscore the critical importance of precise energy management and injection timing in optimizing hydrocarbon recovery. By enhancing our understanding of the thermal dynamics and reaction kinetics within the reservoir, this research contributes to the development of more efficient and sustainable extraction technologies, ultimately improving the feasibility of commercial shale oil production.

Determinants of Petroleum Products Export from Niger

This paper aims to define the main determinants of petroleum products export from Niger in the light of the specificity of the country, in order to make recommendations to policy-makers for improving oil revenues. To carry out this work, we started by interviewing stakeholders in the Niger trade using an interview guide. This was followed by a literature review and exploration of previous empirical work on various studies devoted to the determinants of exports. Finally, statistical data from a number of sources were processed. The main results, derived from the estimation of the OLS gravity model, show that the factors that strongly influence Niger's exports are transport distance and its economic weight when put in relation to that of trading partners. The main recommendations towards policy-makers arising from our research are: the creation of a new refinery close to Burkina Faso and Mali, increased oil production and the ongoing improvement of road transport infrastructure.

Roles of Catalysts and Feedstock in Optimizing the Performance of Heavy Fraction Conversion Processes: Fluid Catalytic Cracking and Ebullated Bed Vacuum Residue Hydrocracking

Petroleum refining has been, is still, and is expected to remain in the next decades the main source of energy required to drive transport for mankind. The demand for automotive and aviation fuels has urged refiners to search for ways to extract more light oil products per barrel of crude oil. The heavy oil conversion processes of ebullated bed vacuum residue hydrocracking (EBVRHC) and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) can assist refiners in their aim to produce more transportation fuels and feeds for petrochemistry from a ton of petroleum. However, a good understanding of the roles of feed quality and catalyst characteristics is needed to optimize the performance of both heavy oil conversion processes. Three knowledge discovery database techniques—intercriteria and regression analyses, and artificial neural networks—were used to evaluate the performance of commercial FCC and EBVRHC in processing 19 different heavy oils. Seven diverse FCC catalysts were assessed using a cascade and parallel fresh catalyst addition system in an EBVRHC unit. It was found that the vacuum residue conversion in the EBVRHC depended on feed reactivity, which, calculated on the basis of pilot plant tests, varied by 16.4%; the content of vacuum residue (VR) in the mixed EBVRHC unit feed (each 10% fluctuation in VR content leads to an alteration in VR conversion of 1.6%); the reaction temperature (a 1 °C deviation in reaction temperature is associated with a 0.8% shift in VR conversion); and the liquid hourly space velocity (0.01 h-1 change of LHSV leads to 0.85% conversion alteration). The vacuum gas oil conversion in the FCC unit was determined to correlate with feed crackability, which, calculated on the basis of pilot plant tests, varied by 8.2%, and the catalyst ΔCoke (each 0.03% ΔCoke increase reduces FCC conversion by 1%), which was unveiled to depend on FCC feed density and equilibrium FCC micro-activity. The developed correlations can be used to optimize the performance of FCC and EBVRHC units by selecting the appropriate feed slate and catalyst.

Biochar improves morpho-physiological growth, osmolyte accumulation, nutrients balance, anti-oxidative defense and oil productivity of Brassica under flooding stress

Soil flooding is a serious abiotic stress that can repress plant growth and yield. The intensity of flooding stress is continuously increasing owing to rapid climate change and changes in rain intensity and frequency. Biochar (BC) emerges as an important soil amendment to mitigate adverse impacts of abiotic stress. The role of BC against different stresses is well reported, however, its role under flooding stress is not determined yet. Thus, this experiment was conducted to determine the role of BC on the performance of brassica crops under flooding stress. The experiment was comprised of well-watered (WW) and flooding stress (FS) conditions and biochar application: control, 1% biochar, and 2.5% biochar. The results indicated that flooding stress stunted the plant growth and impaired the photosynthetic pigments, leaf water status, osmolytes yield and yield traits, and oil concentration and increased the electrolyte leakage (EL), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. The application of BC at the rate of 2.5% mitigated the adverse impacts of salinity and upgraded the antioxidant activities (~50-120%), reduced the oxidative stress markets (~70-300%), and increased the leaf water status, photosynthetic pigments, osmolyte accumulation, nutrient uptake, yield traits, and oil contents. In conclusion, BC application can improve the productivity and oil yield of brassica under drought stress by improving plant physiological and biochemical functioning. However, more in depth studies are direly needed to explore the mechanism of BC to induce flood tolerance.

Application of smart proxy model for multi-optimization of CO2-EOR design in farnsworth unit with production-injection well conversion

CO2-Enhanced Oil Recovery (CO2-EOR) is an effective development strategy and an economically viable CO2 storage method for a mature oil field. In this study, a smart proxy model (SPM) was constructed to establish the optimal development strategies in Farnsworth Unit (FWU) considering CO2 storage and oil production with the production-injection well conversion. An SPM was constructed with the results of 16 reservoir simulations and was validated with an R2 values of 96.3 % and 97.5 % for the CO2 storage and oil production, respectively. The obtained Pareto front indicates a range of the optimized CO2 storage and oil production. In addition, the maximum CO2 storage case shows 260 % and 61.1 % of the CO2 storage and oil production of the base case, respectively. When the maximum oil production is targeted, the CO2 storage and oil production are respectively 66.5 % and 111.3 % of the base case. It was concluded that the SPM is effectively applicable for multi-objective optimization with fewer simulation runs and shorter time. In addition, the well conversion is a viable method to improve both the CO2 storage and oil production in the FWU during CO2-EOR process.

Examining macroeconomic factors and environmental sustainability: An OLS regression analysis of the impact of exports, imports, governmental budget, and oil products on CO2 emissions in Jordan

This study aims to investigate the relationship between macroeconomic factors and CO2 emissions. The study used a sample of data covering the period from 1991 to 2019 and employed ordinary least squares (OLS) method to estimate the relationship. The study found that there is a strong relationship between CO2 emissions and the macroeconomic factors of exports, imports, governmental budget, and oil products. The R-squared value of 0.717668 suggests that these variables explain approximately 72% of the variation in CO2 emissions. The coefficients for exports, imports and oil products are statistically significant at the 5% level. A negative coefficient for exports indicates that an increase in exports is associated with a decrease in CO2 emissions. On the other hand, a positive coefficient for imports suggests that an increase in imports is associated with an increase in CO2 emissions. Additionally, the positive coefficient for oil products indicates that an increase in oil product consumption is associated with a significant increase in CO2 emissions. The coefficient for the government budget variable is not statistically significant, which suggests that changes in the government budget do not have a significant impact on CO2 emissions. The results are robust and reliable as the assumptions of linearity, normality and homoscedasticity of errors were met. The study results could help policy makers in taking potential actions to mitigate CO2 emissions in the country.

Potential application of generative artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithm in oil and gas sector: Benefits and future prospects

With the rapid advancement of technology and societies, the global energy sector now acknowledges that by integrating contemporary digital technologies into their operations and capabilities, can improve their competitive advantage and innovation performance and processes. Moreover, energy operators are also facing a significant undertaking: how to best use and secure large amounts of data that promote sustainable productivity performance and minimise potential threats in the oil and gas value chain and project operations. In view of the foregoing, various facets like Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) and Machine Learning Algorithms (MLA) are increasingly gaining popularity within oil and gas sector operations. Thus, we explored how GAI and ML algorithms can enhance oil and gas value chain productivity performance. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to identify significant GAI and MLA variables influencing performance in the oil and gas value chain, while Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test regression equations related to their application. The study found that risk portfolios and profiles can be appraised throughout the value chain by effectively utilising GAI and ML algorithms in upstream, midstream and downstream undertakings. While these findings are noteworthy and have significant implications for current practice, the paper advocates that an array of digital technologies beyond GAI and ML can still be examined during future studies to demonstrate a holistic perspective on how digital transformation can be achieved across the energy sector value and project operations.

Analysis of the bending performance of unbonded flexible risers

ABSTRACT As the key equipment for offshore oil and gas production systems, the unbonded flexible riser (UFR) is subjected to extensive interlayer and intralayer non-linear contact and slip that make it difficult to analyse its bending performance. In this paper, by combining the theoretical model of bending of the UFR with the finite element model, the influence of the number, width, external pressure and coefficient of friction of tensile armour wires on its bending performance was studied. The results showed that the non-slip bending stiffness of the UFR decreased by 3.20 and 23.35 kN·m2 every time one of the outer tensile armour wires was removed and the width of the wires was reduced by 0.3 mm, respectively. The external pressure and coefficient of friction did not influence its bending stiffness in the non-slip and complete slip stages, and were linearly related to the curvature of the critical slip.

Interplay of phenolic compounds and gene expression in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways during olive (Olea europaea L.) ripening of ‘Leccino’ cultivar

This study presents a detailed analysis and interplay of the phenolics, relative gene expression and quality parameters during ripening of ‘Leccino’ olive fruit pulp and skin at seven maturity indexes, in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways. Tissue-specific gene expression analysis revealed statistically higher expression levels for eight genes in the skin. The only exception was anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), which expression level was statistically higher in the pulp. Our results confirm that the important role in olives of the anthocyanin composition have flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H) and flavonoid-3′,5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H) in both tissues. The phenolic content was mostly statistically higher in the skin than in the pulp and generally increased in both tissues during ripening. A notable shift in phenolic compounds occurs between maturity index 3 and 4, when the skin of the fruit turns completely purple. Results from this study highlight the intricate dynamics of physiological processes and biochemical mechanisms in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways in olive fruit. The findings also underscore the relationship between phenolic content, relative gene expression, and quality parameters, particularly in relation to color development during ripening in different olive fruit tissues. Our conclusions can be used by growers to improve the quality of fruit and consequently the quality of olive oil or other final products.

A Mini Review on the Opportunities for Membrane Pervaporation Technology for Energy-efficient Removal of Dispersed Oil and Dissolved Hydrocarbons from Produced Water

Produced water is reported to have the largest volume of waste stream associated with hydrocarbon recovery. It was estimated to increase from 250 million B/D in 2007 to more than 300 million B/D between 2010 and 2012. Market research conducted by Adroit put the globally produced water treatment market at a value of USD 5.10 billion in 2022. This value is anticipated to be USD 9.80 billion in 2032 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.80% over the prediction period. Oil and gas companies have been mandated to comply with the newly enacted environmental regulations that require extensive treatment of this water before discharge or reuse. The limited quantity of freshwater resources coupled with the increasing oil and gas production activities has made it necessary for all stakeholders to look for sustainable management of this water. Presently, a certain percentage of produced water is reused while the rest is discharged into the ocean. In both cases, the water needs to be thoroughly treated. The choice of technologies for produced water treatment depends on numerous factors, such as the chemical composition of the water and the level of purity that must be attained before disposal, recycling, or re-use. Some of the technologies used for produced water treatment include physical separation methods such as gravity, adsorption, filtration, coalescence, cyclones, flotation, centrifuges, membranes, and oxidation. There are also chemical and biological separation methods. Contaminants such as small droplets of dispersed oil and dissolved hydrocarbons (DODHs) are very challenging to remove using the above-listed water treatment technologies. Moreover, the use of membrane technology has been limited only to the use of reverse osmosis and membrane filtration for removing salinity, metals, and other inorganics. This article highlights the opportunities for the use of membrane vapor permeation and pervaporation for the removal of the small droplets of DODHs, which have been reported to be very challenging contaminants to remove. The use of 3D printing technology for the fabrication of membrane materials was reviewed. The 3D membrane development method can be used to fabricate almost any shape of the material in a highly customized manner using computer-aided design. The information presented in this article will serve as a useful reference for the technologies used for a sustainable water treatment strategy in the oil and gas industry.

Using palm oil residue for food nutrition and quality: from palm fatty acid distillate to vitamin E toward sustainability.

Increasing global palm oil production yields a valuable palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) - a rich vitamin E (Vit-E) source and multifunctional ingredient in the food agro-industry - that can be utilized to achieve sustainability. This article reviews trends in the use and role of PFAD and its Vit-E in the food sector and proposes an integrated agro-industrial concept toward sustainability. Vit-E can be separated from PFAD with diverse and impactful pharmaceutical activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anti-ultraviolet effects. Based on in vivo experimental tests, PFAD and Vit-E supplementation can enhance the productivity and quality of livestock-based food products. PFAD is a plasticizer and antistatic packaging material in food packaging systems, and its derivatives can be used as food additives. Meanwhile, the Vit-E molecule in packaging can extend food shelf life by maintaining color stability, reducing lipid oxidation and rancidity, adding antimicrobial properties, and influencing changes in packaging properties such as water vapor, tensile strength, melting point and other physical properties. Toward sustainability, an integrated agro-industrial design has been proposed to implement clean production, increase the added value of palm oil industry residues, minimize environmental risks and increase profits to achieve long-term social welfare. In conclusion, PFAD residues and their Vit-E content have shown broad benefits in the food sector and prospects toward sustainability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Non-specific Phospholipase C4 Improves Phosphorus Remobilization From Old to Young Leaves in Camelina.

Camelina sativa is regarded as a low-input oilseed crop for versatile food, biofuels and industrial applications with potential production on marginal lands, whereas phosphate (Pi) deficiency greatly reduces camelina seed production. To improve camelina resilience to low P conditions, here we overexpressed the Pi deficiency-induced non-specific phospholipase C4 (NPC4) to test its effect on camelina seed production under different levels of Pi availability. NPC4-overexpressing (OE) plants displayed increased seed yield and oil production, with a greater magnitude of increases under Pi-deficient than Pi-sufficient conditions. NPC4-OE camelina had a higher level of total P and free Pi in young leaves but a lower level in old leaves than in wild-type plants. More Pi was moved from old leaves to young leaves in NPC4-OE than in wild-type plants. NPC4-OE increased the expression of Pi transporter genes, and the increase was greater in old leaves and under Pi-deficient conditions. These data indicate that NPC4 improves camelina growth by promoting Pi remobilization from old to young tissues, revealing a mechanism by which NPC4 mediates plant response to Pi deficiency.

Sorbents based on foamed phosphate glass for collecting petroleum oil products from contaminated soils and water surfaces

Relevance. The need to clean from pollution soils and water areas contaminated with oil and chemical industry wastes. Physico-chemical methods are one of the effective ways of cleaning, provided that sorbents are applied in time to collect contaminants from the surface of water areas and landscapes. Sorption is the most efficient and cost-effective method for relatively small scale pollution. Despite the variety of existing sorbents, in most cases when cleaning up accidental spills, first of all, economic benefits and oil capacity value of the sorbent are guided. However, such essential criteria as: 1) main purpose (type of polluted surface and nature of pollution); 2) physical and chemical properties, including structural characteristics and acid-base adsorption centers; 3) peculiarities of oil or other pollutants adsorption. Taking into account these factors, it is possible to develop and improve the formulation of sorbents based on phosphate foams. Introduction of various modifying additives into material composition is likely to expand their field of application. Aim. Development of formulation and technological features of obtaining new phosphate sorbents in relation to their intended purpose: for collecting oil and petroleum product spills from soil or water surfaces. Methods. Gravimetric, microscopic spectroscopic, statistical and comparative methods. Results and conclusions. The authors have compared sorbents no. 1 and 2 in terms of physical and chemical properties, morphology and cleaning efficiency. Based on our laboratory studies, we concluded that sorbent no. 1 is better suited for sorption from aqueous surfaces and sorbent no. 2 is better suited for soil cleaning. Both sorbents have the potential to improve their technological properties. This allows refining the formulation of these materials with further testing in laboratory and field conditions, for example, at oil spill sites. For this purpose, it is possible to change the material composition using a different foaming agent, applying modifying additives and varying the temperature mode of firing. Development of new compositions and methods of sorbent foaming will make it possible to select optimal characteristics for each type of contamination. The author proposed as well to create phosphate biosorbent obtained by immobilization of fungi and bacteria on the surface of highly porous carrier. In this case, after sorption of pollution, adsorbed substances will undergo biodegradation with the formation of safe products, and the sorbent will perform the role of fertilizer.