Increase In pH Research Articles

Electrochemical CO2 Reduction in Acidic Electrolytes: Spectroscopic Evidence for Local pH Gradients.

Inspired by recent advances in electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2R) under acidic conditions, herein we leverage in situ spectroscopy to inform the optimization of CO2R at low pH. Using attenuated total reflection surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS) and fluorescent confocal laser scanning microscopy, we investigate the role that alkali cations (M+) play on electrochemical CO2R. This study hence provides important information related to the local electrode surface pH under bulk acidic conditions for CO2R, both in the presence and absence of an organic film layer, at variable [M+]. We show that in an acidic electrolyte, an appropriate current density can enable CO2R in the absence of metal cations. In situ local pH measurements suggest the local [H+] must be sufficiently depleted to promote H2O reduction as the competing reaction with CO2R. Incrementally incorporating [K+] leads to increases in the local pH that promotes CO2R but only at proton consumption rates sufficient to drive the pH up dramatically. Stark tuning measurements and analysis of surface water structure reveal no change in the electric field with [M+] and a desorption of interfacial water, indicating that improved CO2R performance is driven by suppression of H+ mass transport and modification of the interfacial solvation structure. In situ pH measurements confirm increasing local pH, and therefore decreased local [CO2], with [M+], motivating alternate means of modulating proton transport. We show that an organic film formed via in situ electrodeposition of an organic additive provides a means to achieve selective CO2R (FECO2R ∼ 65%) over hydrogen evolution reaction in the presence of strong acid (pH 1) and low cation concentrations (≤0.1 M) at both low and high current densities.

Synthesis and Dye Adsorption Dynamics of Chitosan-Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) Composite.

One major environmental issue responsible for water pollution is the presence of dyes in the aquatic environment as a result of human activity, particularly the textile industry. Chitosan-Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) polymer composite beads were synthesized and explored for the adsorption of dyes (Bismarck brown (BB), orange G (OG), brilliant blue G (BBG), and indigo carmine (IC)) from dye solution. The CS-PVPP beads demonstrated high removal efficiency of BB (87%), OG (58%), BBG (42%), and IC (49%). The beads demonstrated a reasonable surface area of 2.203 m2/g and were negatively charged in the applicable operating pH ranges. TGA analysis showed that the polymer composite can withstand decomposition up to 400 °C, proving high stability in harsh conditions. FTIR analysis highlighted the presence of N-H amine, O-H alcohol, and S=O sulfo groups responsible for electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding with the dye molecules. A shift in the FTIR bands was observed on N-H and C-N stretching for the beads after dye adsorption, implying that adsorption was facilitated by hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals forces of attraction between the hydroxyl, amine, and carbonyl groups on the surface of the beads and the dye molecules. An increase in pH increased the adsorption capacity of the beads for BB while decreasing OG, BBG, and IC due to their cationic and anionic nature, respectively. While an increase in temperature did not affect the adsorption capacity of OG and BBG, it significantly improved the removal of BB and IC from the dye solution and the adsorption was thermodynamically favoured, as demonstrated by the negative Gibbs free energy at all temperatures. Adsorption of dye mixtures followed the characteristic adsorption nature of the individual dyes. The beads show great potential for applications in the treatment of dye wastewater.

Efficient adsorptive removal of methyl green using Fe3O4/sawdust/MWCNT: Explaining sigmoidal behavior

The 4R concept (reduce, reuse, recycle and repurpose) in water management necessitates innovative adsorption techniques that utilize sustainable and natural materials. This study investigates the use of natural sawdust embedded in magnetic iron oxide to treat wastewater. The performance of the newly synthesized Fe3O4/sawdust adsorbent was also compared to the native Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/MWCNT. Methyl Green (MG) was used as a model pollutant due to its wide use and potential toxicity. The new adsorbents demonstrated a high removal efficiency that exceeds 97 % under ambient conditions. The study investigates the effect of pH on adsorption, revealing a significant shift in removal efficiency as pH increases, with an optimal pH of around 7. The pH dependence is explained based on the point-of-zero-charge of the Fe3O4 adsorbent and the structure of the dye. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG°) of adsorption were determined through a temperature study. The adsorption equilibrium was found to be endothermic, therefore preferring elevated temperatures. Because the adsorption data of the study exhibited S-shaped-like curves, sigmoidal models were used to describe the adsorption isotherms. This provided new insights into the competitive adsorption mechanisms acting on the heterogeneous Fe3O4/sawdust surfaces. The kinetics study indicates rapid and efficient adsorption with pseudo-second-order reaction. The half-life of the reaction was as low as 4.8 min. The findings suggest a rapid, highly efficient and sustainable method to remove organic pollutants from wastewater.

Evaluation of a novel attapulgite loaded sulfidized nanoscale zero-valent iron for immobilization of Pb in sediment: Performance, microenvironmental response, and mechanisms

In recent years, industrial activities involving electroplating and mining have caused Pb to enter rivers and become over-enriched in sediments, posing a potential risk to aquatic organisms. Given this, in this study, attapulgite loaded sulfidized nZVI (S-nZVI@ATP) was prepared by sulfidized modification and ATP loading and applied for the first time to the remediation of Pb contaminated sediments. The immobilization effect and mechanism of S-nZVI@ATP on Pb contaminated sediments were comprehensively investigated, as well as the changes in the microenvironment during the remediation process were assessed. Characterization analysis revealed that S-nZVI was uniformly loaded on the surface of ATP, and the characteristic functional groups of ATP, such as Al/Mg-OH and Si-O, were successfully loaded. Incubation experiments demonstrated that S-nZVI@ATP significantly reduced the availability and leaching toxicity of sediment Pb with immobilization efficiencies as high as 94.08% and 73.15%, respectively (P < 0.05), meanwhile, it facilitated the conversion of acid soluble Pb to the residue state. This phenomenon suggested that S-nZVI@ATP displayed excellent performance in immobilizing Pb. The increase of sediment pH and the decrease of Eh were beneficial to the immobilization of Pb. The addition of S-nZVI@ATP changed the structure and composition of the sediment bacterial community, with Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota being the dominant phyla. Except for sucrase, urease and catalase activities were increased by 1.23 and 2.48 times, respectively. Correlation analysis highlighted the importance of pH, Eh, Proteobacteria phylum, and Firmicutes phylum in sediment Pb immobilization. Post-reaction material characterization indicated that the main mechanisms of S-nZVI@ATP for sediment Pb immobilization were adsorption, complexation, ion exchange, electrostatic attraction, reduction and precipitation.

EFFECT OF THREE QUINOA VARIETIES AND EDIBLE FLOWERS ON ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF ALE BEER

Fermentation experiments were conducted with a top-fermenting brewing yeast strain and wort enriched with three varieties of quinoa (with white, red and black grain color), as well as edible flowers (marigold and dandelion) to study their influence on the antioxidant properties of ale beer. Plant additives led to a slight increase in pH and a lower alcohol content of the beer. By itself, quinoa did not improve the functional properties of the beverage, but the combination of black quinoa and edible flowers resulted in an increased content of polyphenols in beer; marigold showed a 48.7 % increase in this parameter compared to the control, and dandelion - 51.2 %. The content of flavonoids in beer was not affected by the addition of plant additives to the wort. A slight increase in anthocyanins (0.7 - 4.4 %) was reported for black quinoa beer as well as black quinoa with flowers. A significant increase in antioxidant activity was reported for the variants with flowers (54 % for marigold and 56.6 % for dandelion). The increased antioxidant capacity combined with the reduced alcohol content of the beers with black quinoa and flowers suggests that a beverage with improved functional properties was obtained. Black quinoa, combined with edible flowers, was more favorable for increasing the antioxidant capacity of beer than other pseudo-cereals (amaranth and chia).

Calcium Silicate-Based Sealers: Apatite Deposition on Root Canal Dentin and pH Variation Analysis

Abstract Objective This study analyzes the biomineralization potential of calcium silicate-based sealers Ceraseal (Meta Biomed Co., Cheongju, Korea) and AH Plus Bioceramic (Dentsply Sirona, United States), focusing on evaluating apatite deposition in root canal dentin and pH increases. Materials and Methods Calcium silicate-based sealers Ceraseal (Meta Biomed Co.) and AH Plus Bioceramic (Dentsply Sirona) were applied to the root canal dentin of premolars that had undergone root canal preparation procedures. This was followed by a 14-day immersion in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Biomineralization analysis was performed by analyzing the formation of the apatite layer after the 14-day immersion. The thickness of the apatite layer deposits was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally, the sealers were placed in molds and submerged in PBS solution with pH measurements taken on days 0, 7, and 14 using a digital pH meter. Statistical Analysis The average thickness of apatite deposition in the interfacial layer was analyzed using the Mann–Whitney's test. The pH value differences among the groups were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance test, followed by a post hoc least significant difference. Results There were differences in the apatite deposition in the interfacial layer between Ceraseal and AH Plus Bioceramic within 14 days of observation. There was a significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) between the pH values of Ceraseal and AH Plus Bioceramic at 7 and 14 days of observation. Ceraseal showed greater alkalizing activity compared with AH Plus Bioceramic. Conclusion Calcium silicate-based sealer Ceraseal showed better biomineralization potential than AH Plus Bioceramic.

Improving the pH of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) with Aerator Treatment and Water Dilution

Palm Oil Mill Effluent/POME is a by-product produced from the processing of fresh fruit bunches/FFB into crude palm oil/CPO. Aeration of POME is one of the processing methods that aims to reduce the levels of organic matter and pollutants. This study aims to determine the dynamics of POME pH with aeration treatment and dilution variations in order to speed up the waste treatment time.The method used in this research is to make the treatment of pure POME, POME &amp; water in a ratio of 1:1 &amp; 1:2. The process carried out in the study was to place the solution into a 1 liter bottle and given an air flow using an aerator with a discharge of 0.66 l/min. POME samples were taken every 24 hours for a span of 7 days. The pH was measured using the electrometric method. On day 2, it was found that the pH of the 1:1 treatment POME had reached pH 6, while the 1:2 treatment on day 3 and the pure POME only reached pH 6 on day 5. Aeration is an effective method to neutralize the acidity of POME. The increase in POME pH was fastest in the 1:2, 1:1 and finally pure POME dilutions. All treatments met the pH quality standard on day 5. Aeration can help improve the quality of POME so that it is more environmentally friendly.

Long-lasting organics removal via •OH adsorbed transition metal flocs: Electron transfer-mediated H-bond and van der Waals force

Homogenous advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on transition metal catalysts toward the activation of H2O2 to hydroxyl radical (•OH) have been widely applied to organic pollutants removal, such as Fenton and Fenton-like processes. These transition metal catalysts mostly flocculate as the pH increases. It's worth noting that the formed transition metal flocs are complex heterogeneous aggregations with active substances, providing diverse reaction spaces and interfaces. However, it is a challenge to distinguish the roles of transition metal flocs in the organic pollutants removal from homogeneous catalytic reactions. Herein, we unveiled a pathway for the long-lasting removal of organic pollutants via Cr flocs adsorbed with •OH (HO•-Cr flocs) using a stepwise method. First, adsorbed •OH (•OHads) within the HO•-Cr flocs was proved to be the active site forming hydrogen bond (H-bond) and van der Waals force with organic pollutants. Then, the presence of switchable electron transfer between Cr and OH groups within the HO•-Cr flocs was revealed, contributing to the persistent existence of •OHads and consequently ensuring the long-lasting organics removal. Further, this removal pathway of organic pollutants was confirmed during the leather wastewater treatment. These findings will complement a different pathway for organic pollutants removal via transition metal flocs and extend the lifetime of homogeneous AOPs based on transition metal catalysts, providing significant implications for their design and optimization.

Characterization of fresh biowastes for biogas production and environmental health in Niger Delta, Nigeria

BackgroundEnvironmental pollution is a public health problem in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to: identify the major fresh biowastes in Bayelsa State, Niger Delta; quantify the biogas yields from mono-digestion and co-digestion of identified biowastes; determine the first day of biogas production during hydraulic retention time; assess pH variations during anaerobic digestion; and evaluate biogas flame colours.MethodsFifteen communities in Bayelsa State were randomly selected, and on-the-spot assessment and quantification of the biowastes found in each community were carried out daily per week. Mono-digestion of 20 kg of each biowaste and co-digestion of 10 kg of animal waste with 10 kg of plant waste were carried out respectively under anaerobic conditions. Cumulative biogas yield and pH were measured using a pH meter and weighing scale respectively. Biogas flame colours during combustion were visually assessed.ResultsExactly 120.61 metric ton of fresh biowastes was found to be generated per week in Bayelsa State, Niger Delta. Industrial biowastes were the highest [47.6 tonnes, (39.46%)], followed by abattoir biowastes [33 tonnes (27%)], market and roadside sellers biowastes [25.5 tonnes (21.14%)], and farm biowastes [14.51 (12.03%)]. Biogas yields (kg) were: 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 17, 14, 2, 18, 16, 17, 15 and 1 kg for palm oil mill effluent (POME), orange fruit waste (OFW), pineapple peels (PP), plantain peels, cassava mill effluent (CME), rumen digesta (RD), cow dung, sewage, PP-RD, plantain peels-cow dung, POME-rumen digesta, OFW-cow dung, and CME-sewage respectively. The first day of biogas production for RD, cow dung, sewage, PP-RD, plantain peels-cow dung, POME-RD, OFW-cow dung, and CME-sewage was on the 6th, 32nd. 56th, 1st, 26th, 18th, 25th, and 60th day of hydraulic retention time respectively. A dominant blue flame colour mixed reddish yellow or orange flames were found during biogas combustion. A slight increase in pH was found in all the biodigester media.ConclusionsIn the present study, a variety of biowastes yielding various quantities and qualities of biogas were identified in Bayelsa State, Niger Delta. The study’s findings have provided evidence-based data that might be explored as a road map and catalyst for policy creation against inadequate biowaste management and as sustainable alternatives to the expensive liquefied petroleum gas. The potential of current research study to be scaled up for commercial use is implicated in the present study.

Localized Surface Modification during Alternating Current Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy: Origin and Mechanism

In the current study, we report for the first time the observation of unintended localized surface modification on commercially pure aluminum (Al) during an alternating current scanning electrochemical microscopy (AC-SECM) analysis, its origin, and the probable mechanism responsible for it. Application of an AC perturbation potential (∼100 mV amplitude at ∼100 kHz frequency) to the Platinum ultramicroelectrode (Pt UME), during AC-SECM in acidic, neutral chloride, tap water, and alkaline electrolytes was found to cause surface modification on the scanned region of Al. An increase in the local pH of the electrolyte between the UME and the Al substrate, irrespective of the electrolyte pH (3–11) and UME biasing conditions, led to the local surface modification. The reason for the enhancement of local pH is attributed to the occurrence of higher rates of cathodic reduction reactions than that of anodic oxidation reactions. The reduction of dissolved oxygen/protons/water in the electrolytes led to the generation or consumption of OH−/H+ ions, respectively, and thus increased the pH, whereas the oxidation of Pt UME/Al surfaces decreased the pH with the generation of H+ or consumption of OH− ions. These results contribute significantly to accurately analyzing Al and its alloys using the AC-SECM technique.

Sorption retards remediation of clayey sulfuric soils with straw‐derived dissolved organic matter

AbstractWhen sulfidic soils become drained, oxidation of pyrite can cause acidification and formation of iron (Fe) oxyhydroxy sulfate phases such as jarosite. Remediation via re‐establishment of reducing conditions requires submergence and addition of biodegradable organic carbon (OC) to stimulate activity of reducing bacteria. Addition of straw‐derived dissolved organic carbon (DOC) has been shown to induce rapid microbial reduction in sandy sulfuric (pH &lt;4) soils. In clayey sulfuric soil, DOC may be less efficient because of limited availability for microbes due to its sorption to reactive minerals. We tested the possible effect of sorption on the remediative potential of straw‐derived DOC using a set of incubation and sorption experiments, and used solid‐state 13C‐NMR spectroscopy for the chemical characterization of OC. The tested materials were a clayey, jarosite‐containing sulfuric soil (pH 3), and artificial model soils composed of synthesized jarosite either mixed with quartz powder or quartz powder + clay minerals. The results showed that addition of DOC from wheat straw induces reduction conditions varying with soil sorptivity. For the model soils, DOC sorption was little, and DOC additions of 0.8 mg OC g−1 were sufficient to achieve permanently reducing conditions and an increase in pH to &gt;6.0. In the natural sulfuric soil, much higher DOC additions were needed (1.8 mg OC g−1) to facilitate continuous reducing conditions, but pH increased only to values no higher than 5.0–5.5. The natural soil revealed strong sorption of added DOC. Sorption preferentially reduced the proportion of proteins, while the proportion of lignin components, which can hardly be used by microorganisms under reducing conditions, remained relatively high in solution. Thus, high DOC additions were required to overcome the sorption‐induced limitations in OC availability. The results suggest that wheat straw‐derived DOC is a promising approach also for remediation of clayey sulfuric soils; however, OC additions need to be adjusted to compensate for possible sorption.

Enhanced γ-aminobutyric acid production by Co-culture fermentation with Enterococcus faecium AB157 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC125

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-protein amino acid, is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter within the human nervous system. Research on enhancing GABA production through the co-culture of yeast and lactic acid bacteria is limited, and the intricacies of their interactions and the mechanisms behind GABA enhancement are not fully elucidated. In this study, five yeast strains from Sichuan Pao Cai were co-cultured with Enterococcus faecium AB157 to increase GABA content, and it was found that combining E. faecium AB157 with Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC125 at a 4:1 ratio, along with 12 g/L MSG, at 35 °C, optimized GABA production to reach levels of 6.57 g/L. Within the co-culture system, there was a notable increase in both glutamate decarboxylase activity (GAD) and medium pH, while the activity of Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) remained stable. Furthermore, the cell-free supernatants (CFS) from S. cerevisiae SC125 were able to enhance GABA production by E. faecium AB157, up to 4.61 g/L. RNA sequencing revealed that the GABA biosynthetic pathways and quorum sensing (QS) in co-fermentation on E. faecium AB157 were upregulated, and the ATP synthesis and arginine deiminase pathway were downregulated compare to the pure culture of E. faecium AB157.

L-asparaginase-mediated pH shift and carbon dot fluorescence modulation: A sensitive ratiometric method for quantifying L-asparagine in diverse potato varieties under variable storage conditions

This study presents a novel and selective method for the determination of l-asparagine in diverse potato varieties under various storage conditions. L-asparagine levels serve as a crucial indicator for acrylamide formation, a hazardous substance in processed potato products. The fluorometric method utilized blue-emitting CDs (B-CDs), orange-emitting CDs (O-CDs), and the enzyme L-asparaginase for ratiometric detection of L-asparagine. Upon enzymatic hydrolysis of L-asparagine by L-asparaginase, liberated ammonia induced a pH increase in the reaction medium. This pH shift enhanced the fluorescence of B-CDs while simultaneously decreasing that of O-CDs, enabling sensitive and selective L-asparagine quantification. Comprehensive characterization of the CDs was performed using various spectroscopic techniques and transmission electron microscopy. The method demonstrated excellent sensitivity (LOD = 0.31 μM) and a wide linear range (1.0–50.0 μM). When the method was applied to potato samples, high recovery values (98.00–100.33 %) with low relative standard deviations (RSDs) were achieved, confirming the accuracy and precision of the method. The approach was employed to determine L-asparagine levels in three potato varieties (Lady Rosetta, Spunta, and Nicola) under different storage temperatures and durations. This method provides a valuable tool for monitoring L-asparagine content in potatoes, potentially aiding in the mitigation of acrylamide formation during processing. The robust performance and simplicity of the proposed technique make it suitable for routine analysis in both research and industrial applications within the potato industry.

PH Variation in the Acidic Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Process.

To address the carbonate problem in the alkaline electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), more attention has been paid to the CO2RR conducted in acidic electrolytes. The pH stability of such an acidic electrolyte is vital to make sure that the conclusion made in the so-called acidic CO2RR is reliable. Herein, based on reported model electrocatalysts for acidic CO2RR, by monitoring the varying of pH and alkali cation (K+) concentration along with the CO2RR performance in initially acidic electrolyte solution (K2SO4 with pH = 3.5), we unveil their remarkable CO2RR performance along with the rapid pH increase up to 9.5 in the cathode chamber and decrease down to 2.4 in the anode chamber due to the diffusion of K+ along with protons through the proton exchange membrane from the anode to the cathode chamber. We further reveal the rapid collapse of their CO2RR performance in a constant acid solution. This means that some previously reported "remarkable acidic CO2RR performances" actually originate from the alkaline rather than acidic electrolyte, and the conclusions made in such work need to be reconsidered. We also summarize the actual relationship between the CO2RR performance and catholyte pH in widely used Bi- and Sn-based catalysts. This work provides deeper insights into the stability of acidity and the pH effect on electrocatalysts for the CO2RR.

The yengejeh diasporic karst bauxite deposit, NW Iran: Constraints on distribution and fractionation of major and rare earth elements

The Yengejeh diasporic karst bauxite deposit (NW Iran) was developed as discontinuous layers and lenses along the contact of dolomitic limestone of the Ruteh Formation (middle-upper Permian) and dolomite of the Elika Formation (Triassic). This deposit is constituted by two conspicuous subset layers, (1) green bauxite (GB) and (2) red bauxite (RB). The XRD analytic data revealed that diaspore is accompanied by chlorite and anatase in the GB subset and by hematite in the RB subset. Minerals such as pyrophyllite, kaolinite, illite, and rutile are present within the both subsets. The antithetical distributions of Al with Fe and Al with Ti in the deposit are indicative of the controlling role of climatic changes of the depositional environment and the function of post-formation diagenetic processes. The increment in certain geochemical ratios like La/Y, (La/Yb)N, and (LREE/HREE)N from the top toward the bottom of the horizon is designative of pH increase in depositional milieu by buffering of the percolating solutions, and of preferential scavenging of LREE by hematite. The positive Ce anomaly in the GB subset took place as the result of change in the oxidation state of this element from Ce3+ to Ce4+. However, the positive Ce anomalies in the RB subset implicates preferential scavenging of Ce onto hematite. The marked variation range in anomaly values of Eu/Eu* (0.38–1.01) at Yengejeh reveals that this index acted as non-conservative during the evolution of this deposit, and this behavior is related most likely to influences of post-formation diagenetic processes.

Elongation of Very Long-Chain Fatty Acids (ELOVL) in Atopic Dermatitis and the Cutaneous Adverse Effect AGEP of Drugs.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease, in particular among infants, and is characterized, among other things, by a modification in fatty acid and ceramide composition of the skin's stratum corneum. Palmitic acid and stearic acid, along with C16-ceramide and 2-hydroxy C16-ceramide, occur strikingly in AD. They coincide with a simultaneous decrease in very long-chain ceramides and ultra-long-chain ceramides, which form the outermost lipid barrier. Ceramides originate from cellular sphingolipid/ceramide metabolism, comprising a well-orchestrated network of enzymes involving various ELOVLs and CerSs in the de novo ceramide synthesis and neutral and acid CERase in degradation. Contrasting changes in long-chain ceramides and very long-chain ceramides in AD can be more clearly explained by the compartmentalization of ceramide synthesis. According to our hypothesis, the origin of increased C16-ceramide and 2-hydroxy C16-ceramide is located in the lysosome. Conversely, the decreased ultra-long-chain and very long-chain ceramides are the result of impaired ELOVL fatty acid elongation. The suggested model's key elements include the lysosomal aCERase, which has pH-dependent long-chain C16-ceramide synthase activity (revaCERase); the NADPH-activated step-in enzyme ELOVL6 for fatty acid elongation; and the coincidence of impaired ELOVL fatty acid elongation and an elevated lysosomal pH, which is considered to be the trigger for the altered ceramide biosynthesis in the lysosome. To maintain the ELOVL6 fatty acid elongation and the supply of NADPH and ATP to the cell, the polyunsaturated PPARG activator linoleic acid is considered to be one of the most suitable compounds. In the event that the increase in lysosomal pH is triggered by lysosomotropic compounds, compounds that disrupt the transmembrane proton gradient or force the breakdown of lysosomal proton pumps, non-HLA-classified AGEP may result.

Effect of Poor Post-Slaughter Handling on Physicochemical and Microbial Quality of Fresh Broiler in Bangladesh

The slaughtering method and post-handling play an important role in meat processing. Countries followed different slaughtering methods, post-handling, and preservation techniques for post-slaughtered meat. Stress-oriented slaughtering, unhygienic handling, processing, and improper preservation are triggering factors of rapid oxidation and microbial proliferation in meat during storage. Bangladesh is a Muslim-oriented country but many vendors do not follow the halal slaughtering, and handling of meat in an unhygienic way due to a lack of food safety knowledge. Thus, the study aims to assess the effect of poor post-slaughtering handling practices on the physiochemical properties which include moisture, ash, protein content, fat content, drip loss, cooking loss, water holding capacity, pH, fat oxidation, color, heme iron, mineral content, and microbial qualities of fresh samples by total plate count during 0 days, 15 days and 30 days frozen storage at -18ºC. The live broiler was purchased randomly and slaughtered instantly from different slaughter shops in Jashore City, Bangladesh. The laboratory analysis was performed following the standard method of meat sample analysis. The outcome of this study revealed that heme iron content, minerals like Ca, Fe, Zn, and lightness values decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) during 30 days of storage at -18 ºC. Post-handling had no significant effect (p &gt; 0.05) on protein and ash content at 0 and 15 days of storage but slowly decreased with increasing storage time. The continuous increase in pH, cooking loss, and TBARS value indicate rises in lipid oxidation noticed in all samples, especially during 16-30 days of frozen storage (p &lt; 0.05). The total viable count significantly raised (p &lt; 0.05) and reached the highest value of 7.27 log10 CFU/g and 7.44 log10 CFU/g respectively after 15 days and 30 days of frozen storage compared to fresh condition. Bacteriologically meat samples were of very poor quality during storage compared to fresh ones.

Fungal carbonatogenesis process mediates zinc and chromium removal via statistically optimized carbonic anhydrase enzyme

IntroductionWith rapid elevation in population, urbanization and industrialization, the environment is exposed to uncontrolled discharge of effluents filled with broad-spectrum toxicity, persistence and long-distance transmission anthropogenic compounds, among them heavy metals. That put our ecosystem on the verge or at a stake of drastic ecological deterioration, which eventually adversely influence on public health. Therefore, this study employed marine fungal strain Rhodotorula sp. MZ312369 for Zn2+ and Cr6+ remediation using the promising calcium carbonate (CaCO3) bioprecipitation technique, for the first time.ResultsInitially, Plackett–Burman design followed by central composite design were applied to optimize carbonic anhydrase enzyme (CA), which succeeded in enhancing its activity to 154 U/mL with 1.8-fold increase comparing to the basal conditions. The potentiality of our biofactory in remediating Zn2+ (50 ppm) and Cr6+ (400 ppm) was monitored through dynamic study of several parameters including microbial count, CA activity, CaCO3 weight, pH fluctuation, changing the soluble concentrations of Ca2+ along with Zn2+ and Cr6+. The results revealed that 9.23 × 107 ± 2.1 × 106 CFU/mL and 10.88 × 107 ± 2.5 × 106 CFU/mL of cells exhibited their maximum CA activity by 124.84 ± 1.24 and 140 ± 2.5 U/mL at 132 h for Zn2+ and Cr6+, respectively. Simultaneously, with pH increase to 9.5 ± 0.2, a complete removal for both metals was observed at 168 h; Ca2+ removal percentages recorded 78.99% and 85.06% for Zn2+ and Cr6+ remediating experiments, respectively. Further, the identity, elemental composition, functional structure and morphology of bioremediated precipitates were also examined via mineralogical analysis. EDX pattern showed the typical signals of C, O and Ca accompanying with Zn2+ and Cr6+ peaks. SEM micrographs depicted spindle, spherical and cubic shape bioliths with size range of 1.3 ± 0.5–23.7 ± 3.1 µm. Meanwhile, XRD difractigrams unveiled the prevalence of vaterite phase in remediated samples. Besides, FTIR profiles emphasized the presence of vaterite spectral peaks along with metals wavenumbers.ConclusionCA enzyme mediated Zn2+ and Cr6+ immobilization and encapsulation inside potent vaterite trap through microbial biomineralization process, which deemed as surrogate ecofriendly solution to mitigate heavy metals toxicity and restrict their mobility in soil and wastewater.

Unravelling the nature differences of halide anions affecting the sorption of U(VI) by hydrous titanium dioxide supported waste polyacrylonitrile fibers in the presence of carbonates

The co-occurrence of halides and carbonates with uranium in the natural water poses a challenge to the uranium recovery for nuclear power due to the potential complexation. Hydrated titanium dioxide (HTD) contains a lot of surface hydroxyl (–OH) groups and waste polyacrylonitrile fiber (WPANF) has the advantages of both weather and chemical resistances. Herein, the nature differences of halide anions affecting the sorption of U(VI) by WPANF/HTD was investigated in the presence of carbonates. The sorption capacity (qe) decreased with the increases of initial pH, total carbonates, and halides but increased at high temperature and initial U(VI) concentration. The U(VI) sorption was a spontaneous chemisorption, which mainly involved surface sorption rather than intra-particle diffusion. The order of inhibitory ability on U(VI) sorption for the four halides was F > I ∼ Br > Cl. The aqueous F− was shown to be the most strongly inhibited with the lowest qe value of 17.2 mg·g−1, due to the formation of U(VI)–F complex anions. The characteristic peaks with weakened relative intensity after U(VI) sorption for the surface –OH groups on HTD (HTD–OH), together with the results from DFT calculations, demonstrated a key role of HTD–OH in U(VI) sorption by WPANF/HTD via the coordination with U(VI) complex anions. This work unravels the nature differences of halide anions affecting U(VI) sorption in the presence of carbonates and provides a valuable reference for the U(VI) extraction toward halogen-rich natural uranium-containing water.

Optimizing Peat and Wood Fiber Blends: Impacts of Liming and Fertilization on Growth of Petunia (Petunia x hybrida Vilm.) and Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

This study investigated the effects of substrates composed of various ratios of wood fiber and peat (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% peat (v/v)) mixed with different amounts of lime (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g L−1) and start fertilizer (0, 2, and 4 g L−1 Multimix) on the growth and biomass accumulation of petunia (Petunia x hybrida Vilm ‘Finity F1 Purple’) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L. ‘Marian’) in an ebb-and-flow greenhouse system. Growth parameters included plant height, weight, canopy diameter, and chlorosis symptoms for petunia, along with substrate pH and EC measurements. Petunia showed optimal growth in substrates with higher peat content, while basil produced satisfactory biomass across a pH range of 5–7 regardless of substrate type. Optimal petunia cultivation in 100% wood fiber required a significant dose of start fertilizer without lime. Monitoring pH and EC using pour-through and press methods revealed a pH decrease in substrates with added start fertilizer, while substrates with higher wood fiber content were less acidic. Substrates with over 50% (v/v) wood fiber without lime showed a rapid pH increase over five weeks. The pour-through method generally underestimated EC values compared to the press method. These findings contribute to optimizing the wood fiber/peat blends for sustainable horticulture.