Elemental Phosphorus Research Articles

The dominant mechanisms of nutrient cycling in high-dam seservoirs: Retention, transport or transformation?

Abstract High-dam reservoirs can significantly affect nutrient cycling processes across the globe. However, the research community now has two contradictive views (i.e., retention versus transformation) about the impact of high-dam reservoirs on nutrient cycling due to incomplete information obtained from limited field samplings. To resolve this issue, we develop a physically-based, three-dimensional water quality model to examine the spatiotemporal distributions of biogenic elements (nitrogen and phosphorus) in high-dam reservoirs with high spatial and temporal details. We apply the model to the Xiaowan Reservoir, a representative high-dam reservoir in the Lancang River Basin. By scrutinizing the spatiotemporal distributions of biogenic elements across space and over time, we find a unique “retention-transformation-transportation” process of nitrogen and phosphorus in the high-dam reservoir, with dominant transformation occurring in the water zone before the dam during non-flood period while dominant retention occurring in the middle part of a reservoir during flood period. We further find that transformations of biogenic elements are enhanced only in low-temperature and low-oxygen environments. Our findings show solid scientific basis to resolve the contradictive views about nutrient cycling mechanisms in high-dam reservoirs, and provide important policy implications for the operation of high-dam reservoirs to achieve improved water quality while maintaining clean energy supply.

A Natural Event of Radioactivity

Abstract Natural radioactivity was first discovered in 1896 by the French physicist Beck Kerelem. As a result of recent research, Pierre and Marie Curie discovered that the nucleus of atoms of some elements spontaneously transforms into the nucleus of atoms of other elements, and during this, the radiation of particles occurs. Most naturally occurring radioactive elements form a radioactive family in which each radioactive element originates from the preceding radioactive element and in turn transforms into the next radioactive element. The transformations continue until the end product is an isotope of a stable element. In nature, there are also radioactive elements that this transformation occurs only once . In 1934, French scientists Irene and Fredrik Joluo-Curie irradiated aluminum, boron and manganese with particles and obtained isotopes of phosphorus, nitrogen and silicon elements, which do not exist in nature. This type of radioactivity is called artificial radioactivity. Later, by irradiating various elements with proton, deuteron and neutron particles, they obtained isotopes of all chemical elements in the Mendeleev table.

Pollution resistance and removal efficiency of mesophytic plants of polluted water bodies

With the development of cities and economic growth, the eutrophication of urban park landscape water has become a hot topic in environmental governance and research at home and abroad. Using indoor water pollution simulation experiments, the decontamination and pollution resistance performance of six aquatic plants were studied. The research results found that all six aquatic plants can reduce the pH value of eutrophic water bodies. The pH of the Lythrum salicaria L. (Q) and Iris tectorum Maxim (Y) treatment systems was the lowest which are 7.34 and 7.48, respectively. They were significantly lower than the control group (CK). The content of nitrogen and phosphorus elements were reduced by six types of plants in the wastewater. After the completion of the experiment, the total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency of Y was as high as 66.2%, and its content decreased from 9.49 to 3.21 mg/l. The removal rates of total phosphorus (TP) by six types of plants ranged from 59.1 to 81.3% and they were significantly higher than the CK. Among them, the removal rate of TP in wastewater by Y treatment exceeded 80%, which is superior to other plants and significantly different from CK. After the completion of the experiment, the content of chlorophyll a (chl a) in the water treated with Y was the lowest (6.6 mg/l). It was significantly lower than the other treatments (P<0.05). The contents of chl a in Y decreased by 37.1% compared to the initial level. Compared to CK, it is 54.1% lower and the content of chl a in CK showed an increasing trend with time delay. Overall analysis shows that the microsystems formed by the six plants all have a certain improvement effect on water quality, effectively inhibiting the proliferation of algae in eutrophic water bodies. Among them, planting iris has the best effect. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 757-763, 2024 (September) Special

6463 A Case of Tumour-Induced Osteomalacia Which Remitted After Treatment of Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Abstract Disclosure: J. Chua: None. M. Chuah: None. A case Tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) which remitted after treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Dr Chua Jia Min, Dr Matthew Chuah Bingfeng Abstract Case report: A 69-year-old gentleman with a known history of bladder cancer presented to the emergency department with fatigue, lower back pain and bilateral lower limb weakness worsening over the past one month. MRI and bone scan revealed extensive osteoblastic bone metastases across the skeletal system. This gentleman was referred to the Endocrinology service for the evaluation of high PTH. His corrected calcium was normal at 2.17mmol/L (2.09-2.46mmol/L) and iPTH was raised at 8.74pmol/L (1.60-6.90pmol/L). He was noted to have severe hypophosphatemia 0.34mmol/L (0.94-1.50mmol/L). Bicarbonate levels were normal, there was no glycosuria or proteinuria. There was no history of IV ferrous carboxymaltose use. Further investigations were consistent with urinary phosphate loss - TRP was 0.398 and TMP-GFR was 0.199. ALP was elevated at 282ug/L (39-99ug/L). 25-hydroxyvitamin D was low at 12 ug/L, which accounted for the high PTH levels (secondary hyperparathyroidism). FGF-23 levels returned high at 1293 RU/ml (<180 RU/ml). BMD showed osteoporosis with T-score of -2.6 at the left femoral neck. He was subsequently diagnosed with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma, based on histology from a bone biopsy of an affected vertebrae. PSA was markedly raised at 606ug/L. A diagnosis of TIO secondary to metastatic prostate cancer was made. The patient was started on PO sodium-phosphate solution 4ml TDS (approximately 3mmol/kg/day of elemental phosphorus), calcitriol 0.25mcg BD and vitamin D was replaced. After phosphate was replete, the patient's weakness and fatigue improved. He was subsequently started on androgen deprivation therapy with leuprorelin acetate injection once every 3 months and apalutamide daily. SC denosumab 60mg Q6monthly was also commenced in view of extensive bone metastases. Repeat imaging showed response to treatment with decrease in the size of the prostate and bone lesions. His PSA levels are now undetectable and TMP-GFR has normalised. His oral phosphate and calcitriol doses were gradually reduced and subsequently stopped. His calcium and phosphate levels remain within normal limits on no supplementation, suggesting remission of his TIO. PTH levels normalised after vitamin D repletion. Learning points TIO is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome usually associated with mesenchymal tumours, and treatment involves resection of the causative tumour. Cases of TIO secondary to prostate cancer (an epithelial cancer) are exceedingly rare. Despite metastatic disease, this patient responded exceedingly well to his cancer therapy. Suppression of the tumour cells with androgen deprivation therapy resulted in the lack of phosphotonin production and remission of his TIO. Presentation: 6/1/2024

A novel conjugated microporous polymer nano hollow sphere containing N, P and Si flame retardant elements with both thermal insulation and flame retardant properties

It is particularly important to develop new materials with both thermal insulation and flame retardant properties for addressing the severe issues caused by fire accidents. Herein, a kind of conjugated microporous polymer nanospheres with hollow structure (HCMPNS) was synthesized by Sonogashira-Hagihara cross-coupling reaction using SiO2 nanospheres as hard template and 1,3,5-triacetylenebenzene, as alkynyl monomer. Then, HCMPNS was chemically graft-modified with azidotrimethylsilane (TMSA) by "click" chemistry (HCMPNS-FRSi), and the HCMPNS-FRSi obtained from the reaction was introduced into flammable epoxy resin (EP) to obtain EP based composites, i.e. EP-Ⅰ and EP-Ⅱ. The thermal conductivities were found to be 0.0341 W m−1 K−1 and 0.0268 W m−1 K−1 for EP-Ⅰ and EP-Ⅱ, respectively, showing excellent thermal insulation performance. The total heat release (THR), the total smoke production (TSP) and the peak CO2 produced (CO2P) of EP-Ⅰ were reduced by 18.0 %, 8.0 %, 14.3 % compared with pure EP as measured by cone calorimetry (CC), respectively, indicating a certain extent flame retardant effect. In order to further improve its flame retardant properties, phosphoric acid containing the flame retardant phosphorus element was added to HCMPNS-FRSi (HCMPNS-FRSi-P), followed by the introduction of the resulting HCMPNS-FRSi-P into EP matrix to form EP based composites with Si and P dual incorporation (EP-III and EP-IV), with the thermal conductivities of 0.0470 W m−1 K−1 and 0.0855 W m−1 K−1, respectively. Through the cone calorimetry (CC) of EP-III, EP-IV, total heat release (THR) were reduced by 17.0 %, 23.8 %, total smoke production (TSP) were reduced by 6.2 %, 7.2 %, respectively. The peak heat release rate (HRR) and the peak CO2 produced (CO2P) of EP-Ⅳ were reduced by 16 % and 25 %, respectively, compared with pure EP. It has good thermal insulation and flame retardant effect. Therefore, HCMPNS-FRSi-P, as a new type of flame retardant material, has great potential in the fields of electronics, construction, transportation and so on.

Phosphorus/boron-containing, flame-retardant polyurethane elastomers with great mechanical, shape-memory, and recycling performances

Based on sustainable development strategy and practical application requirement, it is crucial to develop high-strength, recyclable, and flame-retardant polyurethane (PU) elastomers. Hence, a flame-retardant, reprocessable, high-performance polyurethane elastomer (PU-DP 1–7) with dynamic boronic ester bonds and phosphorus-containing groups was well-designed and prepared. The chemical structure of PU-DP 1–7 was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). PU-DP 1–7 shows a transmittance of about 60 % at the wavelength of 900 nm, and phosphorus and boron elements are evenly distributed within its surface, confirming the formation of uniform cross-linking network. The inclusion of phosphorus-and boron-containing groups endows PU-DP 1–7 with a vertical combustion (UL-94) V-0 rating, indicative of desired flame retardancy. In addition, PU-DP 1–7 exhibits a tensile strength of 42.7 MPa and an elongation at break of 616.9 %, with high adhesion strengths towards various substrates due to abundant hydrogen bonds within its network. Furthermore, the dynamic borate ester bonds endow PU-DP 1–7 with superior physical recycling and shape-memory properties. After hot-pressing at 130 °C, the reformed PU-DP 1–7 film shows an 83.6 % recovery efficiency in terms of elongation at break. This work presents an integrated strategy to create flame-retardant, recyclable polyurethane elastomers with great mechanical and shape-memory performances by introducing phosphorus-containing segments and dynamic boronic ester bonds.

Improved Astrophysical and Computational Oscillator Strengths for Ultraviolet P ii Lines

Abundance measurements for the volatile element phosphorus are important for measuring the metallicity in interstellar and circumgalactic gas, where their accuracies are limited by uncertainties in the oscillator strengths. We report updated oscillator strength values for two resonant transitions of the dominant ion P II, the transitions at 961.041 and 963.801 Å, which have historically shown large uncertainties. Using a combination of observational measurements and highly accurate quasi-relativistic Hartree–Fock theoretical calculations, we present an updated oscillator strength of f = 0.147 ± 0.021 for the poorly constrained P II resonant transition at 961.401 Å, which arises from the ground electronic state 3s 23p 2 3P0 to the excited level 3s 23p3d 3D 1o . This result utilizes archival optical spectra obtained with the Very Large Telescope for the quasar PKS 0528–250, which has a damped Lyα absorber at z = 2.811. We calculate a theoretical f-value = 0.153 for 961.401 Å consistent with our empirically derived value, and calculate a theoretical f-value = 1.79 for 963.801 Å. We also present theoretical oscillator strengths for the P II resonant transitions at 972.779, 1124.945, 1152.818, 1301.874, and 1532.533 Å, as well as for multiple P II fine-structure and excited-level transitions. The updated f-value for the P II 961 Å transition will be useful in future studies of P abundances, especially in sight lines where the 1152 Å line is saturated.

Study Of The Effect Of Silver And Zinc Nanoparticles Prepared Biologically By The Fungus Beauveria Bassiana On The Feeding Behavior And The Insect Body Content Of Some Materials And Nutrients In The Periplaneta Americana L.

The study was conducted in the laboratories of the Department of Prevention / College of Agriculture / Tikrit University during the years 2023-2024 to study the effect of the nanomaterial resulting from treating the fungus Beauveria bassiana with a solution of silver nitrate and a solution of zinc oxide as it affected the daily feeding rate of the last-age nymphs of the Periplaneta americana, as this rate was 0.015 g / insect on the second day of treatment with the nanomaterial prepared using silver nitrate, while it was 0.04 for the zinc oxide treatment. While it was 0.07 g / insect for the control treatment, and the nanomaterial affected the two solutions in addition to the control treatment in a fluctuating manner during seven days of feeding. Both silver nitrate and zinc oxide treatments and the control treatment recorded 0.007, 0.05, 0.085 gm/insect on the eighth day of treatment. The treatment also affected the percentage of each of the fats for the concentrations of 0.125, 0.250, 0.500 mg/L and the control treatment if it was 23.8, 23.9, 24 and 23.8 mg) respectively for the silver nitrate treatment, while it was 22.3, 20.6, 19.5, 23.8 for the zinc oxide treatment. While the protein weight was 234.24, 127.64, 35.72, 382.81 mg/g for silver nitrate, while it was 304.37, 43.756, 233.125, 43.75 mg/g for zinc oxide. It also affected the potassium element, as the concentrations were recorded as 0.125, 0.250, 0.500 mg/L and the control treatment was 4.65, 2.36, 0.54, 6.22 mg respectively for silver nitrate and 5.14, 3.21, 0.75 and 6.25 mg respectively for zinc oxide. It also affected the weight of the sodium element, as the concentrations were recorded as 0.125, 0.250, 0.500 mg/L and the control treatment was 2.63, 1.22, 0.46, 3.24 mg respectively for silver nitrate and 2.45, 1.08, 0.42 and 3.34 mg respectively for zinc oxide. It affected the percentage of phosphorus element, as the above concentrations were recorded, 4.32, 2.61, 0.40, 6.13 mg for silver nitrate, while they were 5.12, 3.43, 0.70, 6.24 mg for zinc oxide.

A Comparative Evaluation of the Antisickling, Elemental and Proximate Analysis of the Leaves of Three Khaya species Found in Nigeria

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is traditionally treated in Nigeria by the Traditional Medical Practitioners (TMPs) with medicinal plants and other plant products. One of the herbs commonly used singly or in combination with other plant materials is Khaya, which is widely distributed in Africa, with three species existing in Nigeria. These are Khaya senegalensis A. Juss (KS), Khaya grandifoliola (WELW) CDC (KG) and Khaya ivorensis A. Chev. (KI). In this study we evaluated the anti-sickling activities of the leaf extracts of the three Khaya species leaves with a view to authenticating the ethnomedicinal claims, and assess the proximate as well as the elemental constituents that may contribute to the properties. Dried leaves of the Khaya species were extracted by cold maceration and Soxhlet methods using water, ethanol and petroleum spirit as extractives. Filtered extracts were concentrated in vacuo at 40oC and dried in a lyophilizer. Inhibitory and reversal models were employed to evaluate their anti-sickling effects on Hb SS red blood cells following standard procedures. Proximate and elemental analysis were determined using the simple analytical procedure as described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemistry (AOAC) of 1987, 13th Edition Washington DC P1094 and Dry Ashing method of AOAC 2006 respectfully. Anti-sickling results showed that the Soxhlet ethanol extracts of the Khaya species demonstrated significant (p≤0.05) ability to reverse and inhibit the sickling of red blood cells in-vitro with KI having the highest inhibitory and reversal of 60.04+1.77% and 74.97+2.23% respectively at 4 mg/ml concentration. The proximate analysis revealed the richness of the Khaya leaves in minerals, proteins and carbohydrates. Khaya leaves contained calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and other essential elements within the limits of dietary requirement. Khaya species could therefore be recommended for further development into herbal remedy in the management of sickle cell disease.

Properties of phosphorus-boron co-doped c-Si quantum dots/SiNx:H thin film prepared by PECVD in-situ deposition

Co-doping of phosphorus and boron elements into crystalline silicon quantum dot (c-Si QD) is an effective approach for enhancing the photoluminescence (PL) performance. In this paper, we report on the preparation of hydrogenated silicon nitride (SiNx:H) thin films embedded with phosphorus-boron co-doped c-Si QDs via plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition route. Mixed dilution including hydrogen (H2) and argon (Ar) is applied in the in-situ deposition process for optimizing the deposition process. The P-B co-doped c-Si QD/SiNx:H thin films exhibit a wide range of PL spectra. The emission is greatly improved especially for the short-wavelength light when compared to the SiOx:H thin film containing P-B co-doped c-Si QDs. The effects of H2/Ar flow ratio on the structural and optical characteristics of thin films are systematically investigated through a series of characterizations. Experimental results show that various properties, such as crystallinity, QD size, optical band gap and doping concentrations, are effectively controlled by tuning H2/Ar flow ratio. Based on the red-shift of QCE-related PL peak, the successful P-B co-doping into Si QDs are verified. Finally, a comprehensive discussion has been made to analyze the influence of H2-Ar mixed dilution on the film growth and impurity doping in detail in this paper.

Correlation analysis between Radix Pseudostelariae quality and rhizosphere soil factors of Pseudostellaria heterophylla in a cultivation region, China.

Pseudostellaria heterophylla, known for its significant bioactive ingredients, offers potential health benefits. Amounts of bioactive compounds of the tuberous root of cultivated Pseudostellaria heterophylla are sensitive to environmental conditions. We selected 22 sampling sites in Guizhou Province, China, a primary Pseudostellaria heterophylla planting area. We analyzed polysaccharides, water-soluble extractives, total ash and inorganic elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Mg and Ca) in Radix Pseudostellariae, and pH, organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK) and inorganic elements in the soil. Our study revealed a substantial presence of polysaccharides (85.00-181.00 mg g-1), water-soluble extractives (47.52-57.63%) and total ash (1.87-3.39%) in Radix Pseudostellariae. Polysaccharides and total ash showed no sensitivity to soil pH. Radix Pseudostellariae collected from soil with pH > 7 exhibited slightly higher levels of water-soluble extractives, Mg and Ca than that from soil with pH < 5. Conversely, soil with a pH less than 5 had higher OC, AN, AP and AK contents. Water-soluble extractives in Radix Pseudostellariae were negatively correlated with soil pH but positively correlated with OC and AN. The results imply that the sequestration of soil nutrients over long-term Pseudostellaria heterophylla cultivation could negatively impact the accumulation of some bioactive ingredients in Radix Pseudostellariae. This study has a profound implication for enhancing the quality of Radix Pseudostellariae of artificially cultivated Pseudostellaria heterophylla. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Relation between complete feeding and blood biochemical indicators in housing of service dogs in a kennel

The purpose of the research was to analyze the relation between the complete feeding and biochemical parameters of blood in service dogs when housing in a kennel in the Tyumen region. The objectives of the research included issues on the assessment and adjustment of the existing diet, the study of the physiological state of dogs and the determination of the economic effi ciency of the proposed diet. The article reveals the problems of non-compliance of the existing diet with the feeding standards for service dogs, especially in terms of vitamin and mineral nutrition. In order to increase the missing indicators such as the content of protein, calcium and phosphorus to the recommended norm, we proposed to include meat and bone meal in the diet in the amount of 15 g, based on 1 kg of live weight of the dog. The ratio of trace elements calcium and phosphorus will be 1.1:1, which corresponds to the norm of 0.8–1.5: 1. The study of the biochemical composition of the blood showed a change in the enzymatic indicators of the serum to the downside, which may be a symptom of vitamin defi ciency in the diet, especially B vitamins (B6, B1). It is necessary to take into account that these indicators increase with physical activity and intensive use of animals. It was found on the based analysis that the cost of a diet with added vitamins and meat and bone meal would be increased by 2 rubles compared to the existing one, but the diet would be balanced in nutrients. When using traditional feed, it is necessary to include balancing additives in the diet, which requires additional costs. At the same time, we can talk about the feasibility of transferring animals from a traditional diet to feeding dry complete feed.

Comprehensive evaluation of product characteristics and energy consumption in hydrothermal carbonization of food waste anaerobic digestate: A perspective on phosphorus recovery and fuel properties

Food waste digestate (FWD) is rich in organic matter and phosphorus(P) elements, making it a potential source for energy and P recovery. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) addresses FWD's dehydration and stability issues, improving hydrochar's fuel properties and P recovery in hydrothermal liquid. Experiments with various additives reveals 1M HCl's effectiveness, increasing P recovery by 88.31 % at 120 °C, decreasing hydrochar ash content by 21.42 %, and raising heating value by 45.01 %. Principal component analysis highlights the viability of acid treatment for P leaching and hydrochar enhancement, with pH as a crucial factor. HTC substantially reduces energy consumption by 57.42 % compared to direct drying. Hydrochar without additives shows potential as slow-release P fertilizers, with a 28.8 % increase in total phosphorus at 240 °C, where 99.4 % of P exists as apatite inorganic. Soil tests reveal differences with formic acid method in P availability, showing varying correlations with different P forms. This research offers insights for FWD resource utilization.

Sulfur-Phosphorus Doped Metal Composites As Superior Catalyst for Electrolytic Hydrogen Production in Real Seawater

In the face of the increasingly severe global energy crisis and challenges posed by climate change, promoting energy transition has become an international consensus. Among various renewable energy sources, hydrogen is considered an ideal energy carrier due to its clean and efficient characteristics. The electrolysis of seawater for hydrogen production has garnered widespread attention for its ability to fully utilize abundant seawater resources and the advantage of zero carbon dioxide emissions. However, achieving efficient, stable, and economically viable hydrogen production in seawater still faces many challenges, with catalyst design and optimization being recognized as key issues.Firstly, NiFe-LDH was synthesized using a simple one-pot solvothermal method. Subsequently, phosphorization, sulfurization, and sulfur-phosphorus co-doping were conducted to obtain samples namely NiFe-P, NiFe-S and NiFe-SP, respectively. Various electrochemical tests, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were firstly performed in simulated seawater to evaluate the electrochemical performance of the synthesized catalysts. The overall seawater splitting reaction was conducted with the same catalysts for both anode and cathode sides.After comparing the electrochemical activity of four different catalysts, it was found that NiFe-SP performs superior HER activity in alkaline simulated seawater. NiFe-SP required merely -0.143 V to deliver 100 mA cm-2 current density, which was 95 mV lower than NiFe-LDH to achieve the same current density. In EIS tests, NiFe-SP exhibited a smaller charge transfer resistance than NiFe-LDH, and NiFe-SP had the largest double-layer capacitance (Cdl) value in ECSA measurements, indicating that NiFe-SP possessed and lowest reaction resistance and the maximum electrochemically active surface area.X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy analyses indicate that the catalyst, after sulfur-phosphorus doping, does not exhibit a pure-phase LDH structure but transforms into a heterogeneous structure of Ni3S2 and FeS2. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations suggest that sulfur-phosphorus co-doping causes the original spherical structure of NiFe-LDH to aggregate, with the appearance of some lamellar structures on the surface. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) also confirms the successful doping of sulfur and phosphorus elements into NiFe-LDH, with uniform distribution on the material's surface.Finally, the catalyst underwent a 2000-hours continuous stability test at a constant current of 100 mA cm-² in real seawater. The results indicate that the potential of NiFe-SP increased by only 5%, demonstrating that the doping of sulfur and phosphorus not only reduces the catalytic overpotential but also significantly sustains potential retention. This suggests that the metal composite structure obtained after sulfur-phosphorus co-doping is well-formed and stable. The systematic electrochemical tests and stability evaluation in this study highlights the potential of sulfur-phosphorus co-doped metal composite NiFe-SP as an efficient and stable catalyst for real seawater electrolysis. This not only contributes to a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles governing catalyst behavior but also opens new possibilities for the practical application of hydrogen production technology. Figure 1

Appendicolith classification: physical and chemical properties of appendicoliths in patients with CT diagnosed acute appendicitis – a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveAppendicoliths are associated with a more complicated course of acute appendicitis and failure of non-operative treatment. We aimed to update the appendicolith classification originally described in 1966 and to assess...

Bio-stabilization of toxic weeds (Xanthium strumarium and Lantana camara) implementing mono- and polyculture of Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae.

The present study investigates the synergistic impact of earthworms (Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae) and microbes during vermicomposting of invasive weed phytomass (Xanthium strumarium and Lantana camara). This study aims introducing an onsite solution for weed control while producing valuable organic manure. Vermitransformation and detailed characterization of mono- (VC1, VC2, VC4, VC5) and polyculture (VC3, VC6) of X. strumarium and L. camara has been reported for the first time employing E. fetida and E. eugeniae. The study achieved 45.16 ± 2.48-76.73 ± 1.37% vermiconvertion rate. The pH, conductivity, and concentration of heavy metals are effectively stabilized. Furthermore, it observed a significant reduction in total organic carbon (TOC) alongside the augmentation of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and other trace elements (Zn, Ni, Fe). The ash content, humification index, and C/N ratio analysis established the maturity of the vermicompost. The macronutrient enhancement in the vermicompost samples was recorded 1.5- to 2.47-fold for total N, 1.19- to 1.48-fold in available P, 1.1- to 1.2-fold in total K, and 1.1- to 1.18-fold in total Ca. The germination index reveals a significant reduction in phytotoxicity, suggesting the production of mature and suitable vermicompost for agricultural use. Evaluating mono- and polyculture techniques, the research highlights the superiority of E. fetida over E. eugeniae. Further, the earthworm population and biomass have significantly increased by the end of 60-day experimental trial.

Impact of acidic beverages on composition and surface characteristics of human teeth: scanning electron microscopic, stereomicroscopic and energy dispersive x-ray analyses

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of acidic beverages on the surface topography and elemental composition of human teeth.MethodsA total of five highly acidic beverages (Red Bull, Pepsi, Apple Cidra, Tang Mosambi, and Tang Orange) were investigated. The tooth specimens of experimental groups were submerged in each beverage and incubated at 37 °C for 7 days, whereas, the tooth specimens of control groups were placed in distilled water. Afterwards, tooth specimens were analyzed using scanning electron microscopic (SEM), stereomicroscopic, and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) techniques.ResultsAll experimental groups revealed a decline in the tooth elements compared to controls, however, such decline was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, comparing the experimental groups, the Red Bull beverage caused a marked reduction in the percentage of both calcium and phosphorus elements compared to the Pepsi, Apple Cidra, Tang Mosambi, and Tang Orange beverages but it was insignificant as well in contrast to its control counterpart. All five acidic beverages demonstrated erosive potential under SEM analysis; however, each group of specimens showed a diverse amount of demineralization. In addition, all experimental groups exhibited significant discoloration of tooth specimens compared to their respective control counterparts.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of study, all five acidic beverages demonstrated erosive potential in the simulated in vitro conditions under SEM analysis; however, each group of specimens exhibited a different extent of demineralization. In addition, the overall effect of all beverages was insignificant under EDX analysis as no substantial difference was revealed between the elemental composition of experimental and control group specimens.

Identification of Mineral Absorption in the Meat of Freshwater Kijing (Pilsbryoconcha exilis Lea) Using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)

The filtration ability of freshwater mussels is used as an indicator of biofiltration and has the potential to accumulate various minerals and heavy metals. This study aims to identify minerals resulting from absorption in the meat of freshwater kijing (Pilsbryoconcha exilis Lea) using the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technique. Meat freshwater kijing sliced thinly and carried out the drying process below ray sun direct in 3 days with objective lower water content. Samples already dry smoothed with method pounded using mortar until smooth and filtered for get sample form flour meat tombstone. Method of quantitative identification of absorbed minerals in samples was carried out using the X-Ray Fluorescence method (ED-XRF type) Rigaku NexCG type. The XRF testing procedure is carried out in several steps. The results of the research show that qualitatively, in the XRF test, freshwater kijing meat contains 29 metal elements with the top 10 elements consisting of calcium oxide (CaO), calcium (Ca), phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), phosphorus (P), manganese oxide. (MnO), sulfur trioxide (SO3), manganese (Mn), silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (AlO), magnesium oxide (MgO). Meanwhile, quantitative analysis shows that the five most abundant metal elements are CaO 48.70%, Ca 34.80%, P2O5 30.90%, P 13.50%, and MnO 4.9%. These results show that the main mineral compiler meat freshwater kijing is calcium and phosphorus. Element calcium and phosphorus lots utilized freshwater kijing for preparation shell.

Palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic study of the Olazagutia (Spain) and Ten Mile Creek-Arbor Park (USA) sections during the Coniacian–Santonian interval

The mechanisms and palaeoenvironmental conditions leading to and occurring through the Coniacian–Santonian Ocean Anoxic Event 3 (OAE3) are poorly known, particularly with regard to the marine phosphorus cycle and the climatic conditions in general. To explore these issues further, two famous locations have been studied, Olazagutia (Spain) and Ten Mile Creek–Arbor Park (TX, USA), which are located in different palaeogeographical areas and deposited at different palaeodepths. The study of these two locations is based on mineralogy (bulk and clay), geochemistry (stable isotopes, organic matter, phosphorus and major element) and high-resolution biostratigraphy (nannofossils) to infer changes in climate and primary productivity across OAE3. The investigated sections were both previously proposed as candidates for the base Santonian global boundary stratotype section and point (GSSP). The Olazagutia section was ratified in 2013, where the base of the Santonian was defined by the first appearance datum of the inoceramid Platyceramus undulatoplicatus . Both sections, deposited in oxygenated conditions, record the δ 13 C patterns which characterized the Coniacian–Santonian OAE3 interval, in particular the positive carbon-isotope excursions comprising the K2, Michel Dean and Bedwell events. New nannofossil biostratigraphy for both sections is presented including new occurrences. Significant diachronism of marker taxa is observed between the Spanish and Texan sections. Based on a weathering index and mineralogy, similar climate changes are observed in all sections. The climate shifted synchronously from relatively drier to warmer and wetter conditions above the Coniacian–Santonian boundary from the Michel Dean event to above the Bedwell event during the early Santonian. Fluctuations in total phosphorus contents appear mainly to have been driven by changes in detrital input and consequently by climate change in Spain and Texas. Several bentonite layers were observed in Texas close to the Coniacian–Santonian boundary, but only one located 7 m above the Coniacian–Santonian boundary provided sufficient well-preserved zircon minerals, and gives an age of 86.24 ± 0.12 Ma based on U–Pb geochronology, consistent with an early Santonian age.

Interspecific differences in ecological stoichiometric characteristics of invertebrates and their influencing factors from the Beibu Gulf, China

Invertebrates can store carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and other elements in their body tissues at theoretically homeostatic rates, thus playing an important role in the biogeochemical cycle of aquatic ecosystems. To sustain homeostasis, consumers must either balance their resource supply or adjust their stoichiometric features in response to environmental changes. However, there is limited understanding regarding potential differences in the ecological stoichiometric characteristics of marine invertebrates. To explore the ecological stoichiometric characteristics of marine invertebrates, the C, N, P, calcium (Ca), δ13C, and δ15N contents of 18 invertebrate species were analyzed from the Beibu Gulf. The results revealed that the ranges of elemental variations (C, N, and P) in invertebrates were 25.17%-47.34%, 6.14%-14.13%, and 0.26%-1.31%, respectively. The content of P in invertebrates exhibited the most significant variation, leading to alterations in C:P and N:P ratios. A significant negative correlation was observed between P content and body weight in invertebrates (p &amp;lt; 0.01). Furthermore, the C and N content of invertebrates were significantly negatively correlated with δ13C (p &amp;lt; 0.01), suggesting that the variations in C content and N content in invertebrates are influenced by different food sources, while P content varies according to body size. Our results also indicated significant interspecific differences in the ecological stoichiometry of invertebrates from the Beibu Gulf (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Invertebrate growth may be inhibited by P, and they do not maintain strict homeostasis, with stable homeostasis observed in higher trophic levels.