Organic Sources Research Articles

Sediment microbial diversity, functional potentials, and antibiotic resistance pattern: a case study of Cochin Estuary core sediment.

Marine sediments are an important part of the marine environment and the world's greatest organic carbon source. Sediment microorganisms are important regulators of major geochemical and eco-environmental processes in marine environments, especially nutrient dynamics and biogeochemical cycles. Despite their importance, core marine microorganisms are virtually unknown due to a lack of consensus on how to identify them. Most core microbiotas have been characterized thus far based on species abundance and occurrence. The combined effects of habitat and depth on benthic bacterial communities and ecological functions were studied using "Next-Generation sequencing (NGS) and Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) predictive functional profiling" at the surface (0.2cm) and bottom depth (250cm) in a sediment core sample from Cochin Estuary, Kerala, India. The results showed that bacterial diversity and richness were significantly higher in the surface sediment sample with the most abundant phyla being Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Bacteroidetes. The major metabolic functions were metabolism, followed by environmental information processing and genetic information processing. Antibiotic resistance genes between the surface and bottom samples help to understand the resistance pattern among multidrug resistance is the most prominent one. Among viruses, Siphoviridae is the dominant family, followed by Myoviridae. In the case of Archea, Crenarchaeota is dominant, whereas among eukaryotes phyla Streptophyta and Chordata were dominant in the surface and the bottom samples respectively.

Selection and characterization of a Parachlorella kessleri microalgal strain able to assimilate lactose, and grow on dairy waste

One of the main limitations of commercial production of algae is the cost of cultivation, largely attributed to the cost of the nutrients; hence, finding cheap alternative substrates has been a significant line of research in this field. The dairy industry produces large amounts of wastewater that might be used as a cost-effective nutrient alternative, containing lactose as a main carbon source, as well as other essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphate. Nevertheless, just a few algal species of commercial value can grow on any organic carbon sources, and even less are able to utilize lactose. In this work we have identified a Parachlorella kessleri strain capable of utilizing lactose for growth, and have characterized its ability to accumulate metabolites of commercial interest under heterotrophic growth conditions. P. kessleri was capable to utilize lactose from dairy wastewater, and to accumulate several amino acids, dicarboxylic acids, such as tartaric acid and succinic acid, and triacylglycerols in heterotrophic conditions. These metabolites have applications in the food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries, and in the green chemical industry for the production of bio-based green polymers and biofuels. The significance of these findings for future product development is discussed.

Novel Botrytis cinerea Zn(II)2Cys6 Transcription Factor BcFtg1 Enhances the Virulence of the Gray Mold Fungus by Promoting Organic Acid Secretion and Carbon Source Utilization.

The Zn(II)2Cys6 zinc cluster protein family comprises a subclass of zinc-finger proteins that serve as transcriptional regulators involved in a diverse array of fugal biological processes. However, the roles and mechanisms of the Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factors in mediating Botrytis cinerea, a necrotrophic fungus that causes gray mold in over 1000 plant species, development and virulence remain obscure. Here, we demonstrate that a novel B. cinerea pathogenicity-associated factor BcFTG1 (fungal transcription factor containing the GAL4 domain), identified from a virulence-attenuated mutant M20162 from a B. cinerea T-DNA insertion mutant library, plays an important role in oxalic acid (OA) secretion, carbon source absorption and cell wall integrity. Loss of BcFTG1 compromises the ability of the pathogen to secrete OA, absorb carbon sources, maintain cell wall integrity, and promote virulence. Our findings provide novel insights into fungal factors mediating the pathogenesis of the gray mold fungus via regulation of OA secretion, carbon source utilization and cell wall integrity.

Orthophosphate uptake onto woodchips in denitrifying bioreactors is enhanced by anoxic-(anaerobic-)oxic cycling

Woodchips are widely used as a low-cost and renewable organic carbon source for denitrifying biofilms in passive nutrient removal systems. One limitation of wood-based biofiltration systems is their relatively poor removal of phosphorus (P) from subsurface drainage and stormwaters, necessitating the use of additional filter media when co-treatment of nitrogen (N) and P is required. Here, we show that anoxic-oxic cycling of woodchip media, which enhances nitrate (NO3−) removal by increasing the mobilization of organic carbon from wood, also improves orthophosphate (Pi) uptake onto woodchips. Orthophosphate removal rates in flow-through woodchip columns ranged from 0 to 34.9 μg PO43− L−1 h−1 under continuously-saturated (anoxic) conditions, and increased to 17.5 to 71.9 μg PO43− L−1 h−1 in columns undergoing drying-rewetting (oxic-anoxic) cycles. The highest Pi removal efficiencies were observed in the first 20 h after reactors were re-flooded, and were concurrent with maxima in polyphosphate kinase (ppk) gene expression by the polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) Accumulibacter spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Batch experiments confirmed that anoxic-anaerobic-oxic pre-incubation conditions led to orthophosphate uptake onto woodchips as high as 74.9 ± 0.8 mg PO43−/kg woodchip, and batch tests with autoclaved woodchips demonstrated that Pi uptake was due to biological processes and not adsorption. NO3− removal in batch tests was also greatest under oxic incubation conditions, attributed to greater carbon availability in hypoxic to anoxic zones in woodchip biofilms. While further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms controlling enhanced Pi uptake by woodchip biofilms under anoxic-(anaerobic-)oxic cycling, these results suggest a role for enhanced Pi uptake by PAOs in a nature-based system for treatment of nonpoint source nutrients.

Implementasi Sistem Pertanian Organik di Desa Karangrejo, Kecamatan Gumukmas, Kabupaten Jember

The Mulyo Farmer Group of Karangrejo village are the fostered villages of the University of Jember and have long been food producers, especially rice and corn, with the potential to become one of the providers of organic products according to SNI 6729:2016. Therefore it is essential to evaluate the implementation of gab against the standard requirements of organic farming systems. Some of the activities carried out are Evaluation and increasing understanding of the application of organic farming systems by continuing the practice of making biochar from agricultural waste for long-term organic fertilizer base materials; Focus Group Discussion and ongoing assistance by the Soil Biodiversity and Fertility Research Group UNEJ. The results of the activities show that the community and village officials are thrilled and open to several activities to be carried out. The results of the initial evaluation using the checklist for fulfilling the requirements of SNI 6729:2016 are based on eight variables related to fresh plants and plant products, indicating that there is no program yet to meet the needs of the organic farming system of SNI 6729:2016 or it has not yet been fulfilled. Even though it has not been fulfilled, the potential for implementing it remains open if based on its main potential, namely organic fertilizer sources and water sources (lowlands with relatively shallow groundwater tables). The existence of many livestock and agricultural waste (which is not harvested) available throughout the year can be used as a source of organic fertilizer in maintaining soil fertility or health.

Isolation of Electrochemically Active Bacteria from an Anaerobic Digester Treating Food Waste and Their Characterization.

Studies have used anaerobic-digester sludge and/or effluent as inocula for bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), for power generation, while limited studies have isolated and characterized electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) that inhabit anaerobic digesters. In the present work, single-chamber MFCs were operated using the anaerobic-digester effluent as the sole source of organics and microbes, and attempts were made to isolate EAB from anode biofilms in MFCs by repeated anaerobic cultivations on agar plates. Red colonies were selected from those grown on the agar plates, resulting in the isolation of three phylogenetically diverse strains affiliated with the phyla Bacillota, Campylobacterota and Deferribacterota. All these strains are capable of current generation in pure-culture BESs, while they exhibit different electrochemical properties as assessed by cyclic voltammetry. The analyses of their cell-free extracts show that cytochromes are abundantly present in their cells, suggesting their involvement in current generation. The results suggest that anaerobic digesters harbor diverse EAB, and it would be of interest to examine their ecological niches in anaerobic digestion.

Effect of Organic, Nano, and Inorganic Zinc Sources on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Function, and Intestinal Health of Young Broilers.

The study aimed to determine the effects of different zinc sources on growth performance, antioxidant function, and intestinal health of broilers. In total, 240 Ross 308 male broilers with similar weight were randomly assigned to 4 treatments, including zinc sulfate, methionine zinc (Zn-Met), glycine zinc (Zn-Gly), and nano-zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs), with 80mg zinc/kg diet supplementation. The experiment lasted for 21days. Results showed dietary supplemental Zn-Gly and Zn-Met increased average daily gain during 1-14days (P = 0.011), and Zn-Gly, Zn-Met, and ZnO-NP supplementation decreased the ratio of feed to gain during 1-21days (P = 0.003) compared to zinc sulfate. ZnO-NPs supplementation tended to increase total SOD activity (P = 0.068) and had higher serum IgA content and lower MDA level than the other three groups (P < 0.05). Compared with zinc sulfate, Zn-Met and ZnO-NP supplementation decreased TNF-α mRNA expression (P = 0.048). However, serum biochemical indices, intestinal morphology, and mRNA expressions of tight junction proteins were not affected by different zinc sources (P > 0.05). A differential trend was observed in the beta diversity of bacterial communities among four groups (P = 0.082). The LEfSe analysis showed that bacterial genera Blautia, Ruminococcaceae, Clostridia, Anaerostipes, Eubacterium_ventriosum, Merdibacter, and Oscillospira were enriched in the ZnSO4 group, and the genera Eubacterium_hallii and Anaerotruncus were enriched in the Zn-Gly group. The genera UCG-009 and UCG010 were enriched in ZnO-NPs and Zn-Met groups, respectively. It should be stated dietary supplemental Zn-Met improved growth performance, ZnO-NPs promoted IgA production and reduced occurrences of oxidative stress and inflammation, and different zinc sources enriched different jejunal bacteria genera.

In vitro bioaccessibility of inorganic and organic copper in different diets

In poultry diets, copper is an essential nutrient that is critical for various physiological functions. Although copper sulfate is commonly used due to its cost-effectiveness, organic copper sources are gaining popularity because of their superior production outcomes and environmental benefits. Nevertheless, understanding the distinct bioaccessibility of inorganic and organic copper in diverse dietary setting remains limited. This study investigated the bioaccessibility of copper sulfate, copper amino acid chelate, and copper proteinate in the intestine via in vitro digestion and in situ dialysis. The results showed significant differences in the molecular size distribution of compounds formed by different copper salts within the intestinal environment, thereby leading to varying bioaccessibility. Copper sulfate has a bioaccessibility of 47 % ± 4%, which is significantly lower than copper amino acid chelate and copper proteinate (63% ± 5%, and 60% ± 4%, respectively) in purified diet systems. Similarly, in whey protein systems, sulfate records 54% ± 10% bioaccessibility compared to 78% ± 9% and 76% ± 5% for copper amino acid chelate and copper proteinate. Coexisting feed ingredients have a significant impact on copper bioaccessibility. Copper sulfate forms precipitates, reducing its bioaccessibility to 34% ± 1% in sodium nitrate solution. The addition of digestive enzyme increases the bioaccessibility of copper sulfate to 81% ± 2% by providing organic ligands. Digestive enzyme also enhanced the bioaccessibility of copper proteinate from 36% ± 4% to 81% ± 4% by degrading its ligands. However, feed ingredients may decrease copper bioaccessibility by forming macromolecular complexes with copper, as all the organic ligands can competitively bind with copper in the intestine. These findings emphasize the importance of considering copper salt types and diet composition in animal nutrition practices.

A 25-year scoping review of the organ donation system in Malaysia: past, present, and future.

Organ donation and transplantation are integral components of modern medicine. This scoping review thoroughly explores the historical evolution, current status, and future prospects of organ donation and transplantation in Malaysia. Historically, Malaysia faced significant challenges in establishing a robust organ transplantation system, with various factors hindering organ donation efforts. Currently, Malaysia continues to struggle with stagnant donation rates despite collaborative efforts from various sectors. There is an urgent need to amend the 50-year-old Human Tissue Act to strengthen the legal framework for organ donation and address ethical concerns. Looking to the future, Malaysia could adopt a soft opt-out system and prioritize advancements in organ preservation techniques by exploring new sources of organs through the donation after circulatory death program. Continued efforts are necessary to enhance education programs for professionals and the public, dispelling myths about organ donation and effectively educating on the concepts of brain death. Malaysia strives to create a more accessible future for organ transplantation, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals to reduce the burden of organ failure and improve the population's health and well-being.

Water-soluble organic compounds (WSOC) from atmospheric aerosols in Bou-Ismail (Algeria).

In this contribution, we report the study of nuclear resonance magnetic spectroscopy techniques (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and 2D-NMR) efficiency in the characterisation of the functional composition of water-soluble organic compounds (WSOC) from atmospheric aerosols. The chosen site was our scientific and technical center of research (CRAPC) situated in Algerian Bou-Ismail city. where the concentrations of PM10 were found to be between 15.66 and 142.19µg.m-3. As results, 1H-NMR analysis showed the coexistence of biological material and emissions from urban and biomass burning. The dominant source was identified by quantitative integration of each 1H NMR spectral region. By using the HSQC technique, many peaks are revealed in biogenic samples including biomass burning. On the other hand, the identification of the source of various organic compounds and their functional composition is possible through specific NMR spectra, which can also be used to adjust the surrounding organic aerosol sources.

Growth and biomass of Wolffia arrhiza with different sources of organic fertilizer

Wolffia arrhiza has a growth rate and biomass as well as a good nutritional content for the growth of cultivated fish, especially herbivorous fish. Due to the high protein content (up to 45% of the dry weight), Wolffia is an excellent plant for the production of various biologically active substances, especially proteins. These plants can double every 1-6 days, similar to algae or mushrooms, and the number of leaves doubles every 2-3 days. This study aims to determine the effect of different fertilizer sources on doubling time, relative growth rate, population density and biomass of Wolffia arrhiza and water quality. The method used in this research is experimental. The research design used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were as follows: treatment A: chicken manure, B: cow manure, C: buffalo manure and D: goat manure with each dose of 200 grams. Parameters observed included doubling time, relative growth rate, population density, biomass and water quality parameters. The results showed that treatment B (cow manure) gave the highest value for doubling time, 1.59 days, relative growth rate 0.392 g/day, population density 209.75 ind/cm2, biomass 94.97. Keyword: Biomass; Fertilizer; Growth; Wolffia

Carbon sources influence on heterotrophic ammonia assimilation: Performance and mechanism

Different carbon contents of organic carbon sources can be used as the reaction substrates of heterotrophic ammonia assimilation (HAA), which effectively dominates the recovery of available nutrients in wastewater. However, the influences of organic carbon sources on nutrient metabolism, degradation kinetics, and functional microbes of HAA were largely unknown. Here, HAA bioreactors fed with acetate, glucose, sucrose, starch, methanol, and sludge alkaline fermentation liquid (SAFL) were constructed to compare the nitrogen recovery performance, kinetic analysis, sludge characteristics, and microbial community structure. Higher COD and NH4+-N removal efficiencies were found in bioreactors supplied with acetate, glucose, and SAFL. Kinetic analysis showed that the acetate-fed bioreactor had more efficient organic utilization for assimilation. Corynebacterium, Pseudohoeflea, and Methylophaga emerged as the primary assimilation bacteria for typical carbon sources of organic acids, sugars, and alcohols, whereas Halomonas, Corynebacterium, and Marinobacter dominated in SAFL. Acetate- and SAFL-supported sludge particles displayed enhanced internal and external oxygen mass transfer, along with heightened sedimentation performance and deconsolidation ability. High-quality assimilative gene expression, assimilative enzyme activity, and assimilated organic nitrogen product synthesis with direct effects were observed in a reactor supplied with acetate and SAFL. The cost-effectiveness of SAFL preparation positions it as a promising candidate for practical engineering applications. This research underscored the pivotal role of different carbon contents in the nutrient recovery process of the HAA reaction, providing essential insights for optimizing wastewater treatment strategies and enhancing environmental sustainability.

Response of Inorganic, Integrated and Organic Sources of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Cabbage

Response of Inorganic, Integrated and Organic Sources of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Cabbage

Inorganic carbon metabolism enhanced hydrogen-driven denitrification: Evaluation of carbon fixation pathways and microbial traits

H2-driven denitrification offers a promising alternative for treating low C/N wastewater amidst global nitrogen pollution, due to its advantages of high removal efficiency, low energy consumption, and independence from exogenous organic carbon source. While inorganic carbon assimilation is crucial for the growth and reproduction of autotrophic microorganisms, it remains uncertain whether the fixation of inorganic carbon could impact H2-driven denitrification. This work demonstrated that the supplement of inorganic carbon efficiently improved the efficiency of nitrate removal to 90.3%, compared to 78.0% in the control. Further analysis indicated that inorganic carbon supplementation shifted the microbial structure from autotrophic-dominated (e.g., Hydrogenophaga and Rhodococcus with abundance of 2.3% and 2.6%) to mixotrophic-dominated (e.g., Thauera and Microscillaceae sp. with abundance of 5.6% and 32.8%). Additionally, although H2 boosted the carbon fixation via the reductive TCA cycle and Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, the Calvin-Benson cycle emerged as the predominant pathway, significantly boosted under inorganic carbon supplementation, along with the upregulation of critical enzyme expression including RuBisCo (EC 4.1.1.39), PGK (EC 2.7.2.3) and GAPDH (EC 1.2.1.12). Moreover, the expressions and activities of functional enzymes involved in nitrogen transformation, including nitrate reductase (NAR), nitrite reductase (NIR) and nitric oxide reductase (NOR), as well as microbial electron transfer ability, were remarkably enhanced under sufficient inorganic carbon conditions. This work contributed to understanding the carbon metabolism mechanism in H2-driven denitrification, thereby facilitating the promotion of the efficient and low-carbon approach for nitrogen removal from wastewater.

Effect of different organic sources on growth, yield and economics of kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.)

Effect of different organic sources on growth, yield and economics of kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.)

Study on the effect of organic and inorganic sources on the soil fertility, microbial population and nutrient uptake in sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata)

Study on the effect of organic and inorganic sources on the soil fertility, microbial population and nutrient uptake in sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata)

Increasing Multiorgan Heart Transplantations From Donation After Circulatory Death Donors in the United States.

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors are becoming an important source of organs for heart-transplantation (HT), but there are limited data regarding their use in multiorgan-HT. Between January 2020 and June 2023, we identified 87 adult multiorgan-HTs performed using DCD-donors [77 heart-kidney, 6 heart-lung, 4 heart-liver] and 1494 multiorgan-HTs using donation after brain death (DBD) donors (1141 heart-kidney, 165 heart-lung, 188 heart-liver) in UNOS. For heart-kidney transplantations (the most common multiorgan-HT combination from DCD-donors), we also compared donor/recipient characteristics, and early outcomes, including 6-month mortality using Kaplan-Meier (KM) and Cox hazards-ratio (Cox-HR). Use of DCD-donors for multiorgan-HTs in the United States increased from 1% in January to June 2020 to 12% in January-June 2023 (p < 0.001); but there was a wide variation across UNOS regions and center volumes. Compared to recipients of DBD heart-kidney transplantations, recipients of DCD heart-kidney transplantations were less likely to be of UNOS Status 1/2 at transplant (35.06%vs. 69.59%) and had lower inotrope use (22.08%vs. 43.30%), lower IABP use (2.60%vs. 26.29%), but higher durable CF-LVAD use (19.48%vs. 12.97%), all p < 0.01. Compared to DBD-donors, DCD-donors used for heart-kidney transplantations were younger [28(22-34) vs. 32(25-39) years, p=0.004]. Recipients of heart-kidney transplantations from DCD-donors and DBD-donors had similar 6-month survival using both KM analysis, and unadjusted and adjusted Cox-HR models, including in propensity matched cohorts. Rates of PGF and in-hospital outcomes were also similar. Use of DCD-donors for multiorgan-HTs has increased rapidly in the United States and early outcomes of DCD heart-kidney transplantations are promising.

Failure of the three-way catalyst (TWC) introduces “super emitters”

Vehicle exhaust is one of the major organic sources in urban areas. Old taxis equipped with failed three-way catalysts (TWCs) have been regarded as “super emitters”. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a regular substitution fuel for gasoline in taxis. The relative effect of fuel substitution and TWC failure has not been thoroughly investigated. In this work, vehicle exhausts from gasoline and CNG taxis with optimally functioning and malfunctioning TWCs are sampled by Tenax TA tubes and then analyzed by a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC×GC–MS). A total of 216 organics are quantified, including 80 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and 132 intermediate volatility organic compounds (IVOCs). Failure of TWC introduces super emitters with 30 – 70 times emission factors (EFs), 60 – 112 times ozone formation potentials (OFPs), and 34 – 92 times secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) more than normal vehicles. Specifically, for the taxi with failed TWC, the total organic EF of CNG is 16 times that of gasoline, indicating that the failure of TWC exceeds the emission reduction achieved by CNG-gasoline substitution. A significant but unbalanced reduction of ozone and SOA is observed after TWC, whereas a notable “enrichment” in IVOCs was observed. Naphthalene is a typical IVOC component strongly associated with CNG-gasoline substitution and TWC failure, which is lacking in current VOC measurement. We especially emphasize that there is an urgent need to scrap vehicles with failed TWCs in order to significantly reduce air pollution.

Distribution, sources, impact factors and ecological risks of sediment heavy metals from typical estuarine wetlands in tropical islands

Heavy metal contamination in the estuarine wetlands of tropical islands is becoming increasingly severe. This study focused on four typical estuarine wetlands of Hainan Island, including the mangrove and seagrass areas in Lingshui County, the mangrove and seagrass areas in Xinying Port, the mangrove area in Sibi Wan, and the seagrass area in Huachang Wan. By analyzing the heavy metal content in the surface sediments of these wetlands, we investigated the distribution characteristics and levels, explored their influencing factors, and assessed ecological risk of heavy metals in these areas. It was found the accumulation of heavy metals was high from obvious sampling sites of human activities, the type of sediment could affect the adsorption of heavy metals, with silty mudflats accumulating more. TOC/TN indicated that the organic sources of mangroves were diverse, included environmental impacts and human interference. According to the soil accumulation index and potential ecological risk index in these areas, almost all heavy metals were unpolluted except for As, which showed moderate pollution levels. The overall ecological risk in these areas was relatively low. The results of principal component analysis and correlation analysis indicated that Pb, Cu, and As were primarily sourced from human activities, while Cr was mainly of natural origin. Moreover, the distribution of heavy metals in the study areas was principally affected by TOC and salinity.

Synergistic effects of heterotrophic and phototrophic metabolism for Haematococcus lacustris grown under mixotrophic conditions

AbstractMixotrophic cultivation of Haematococcus lacustris is one of the most promising strategies to produce natural astaxanthin. During mixotrophic growth, microalgae assimilate and metabolize organic carbon in addition to photosynthetic growth, resulting in increased biomass productivity. Several studies have evaluated the effect of different organic carbon sources on mixotrophic growth in various microalgae species. However, knowledge of detailed growth kinetics as a function of substrate concentration and light intensity is lacking. In this study, the growth kinetics of H. lacustris using four different carbon sources and the effect of light under mixotrophic and photoautotrophic conditions are described. Mixotrophic cultivation showed significant differences in respect to applied substrate and achieved maximum specific growth rates of 0.91 ± 0.13, 0.19 ± 0.05, 0.36 ± 0.05, and 0.23 ± 0.05 day−1, for acetate, methanol, glucose, and glycerol, respectively. Optimal growth at mixotrophic conditions using acetate was 1.8 times higher than the sum of hetero- and photoautotrophic growth. Furthermore, the optimum light intensity was 1.3 times higher for mixotrophic than for autotrophic growth. Thus, mixotrophy increases light intensity tolerance. These results indicate a strong interconnection between carbon metabolism and photosynthetic activity and lay the foundation for more detailed mathematical models describing the mixotrophic growth of H. lacustris. Graphical Abstract