Potassium Calcium Research Articles

Evaluation of Food Quality of Released Maize Varieties Grown in Oromia, Ethiopia

Maize is widely produced in Ethiopia and is mostly used for human consumption. Considerable efforts are being made by agricultural researchers to release different maize varieties and adaptations according to different agro-ecology. However, there is an information gap on the physic-chemicals of food qualities and the consumer's preference for all maize varieties. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the food quality of released food maize varieties through physical, chemical and sensory evaluation. Fifteen released maize varieties were collected from different agricultural research centers. The physicochemical attributes of these varieties were analyzed with three replications. Sensory evaluation was also performed by using the hedonic scale method. Thousand kernel weight, moisture, oil, protein, starch, ash, sodium, calcium potassium, and phosphorus contents were determined in the range of 152.81 – 479.45 grams, 9.54 – 12.97%, 3.78 – 4.86%, 7.07 – 11.76%, 77.75 – 81.27%, 0.64 – 1.12%, 228.75 – 3.02.33 ppm, 225.65 – 332.34 ppm, 1626.34 – 2714.51 ppm and 956.95 – 1452.86 ppm, 305.42 – 716.91 ppm and 811.50 – 1731.10 ppm, respectively. Overall acceptability of porridge and Injera prepared from maize varieties were on the scale of neither like nor dislike to like moderately. There were significant (P<0.05) variations in physical, chemical and organoleptic properties due to maize varieties variation. BH540, BH661 and Limu maize varieties had higher starch content and white color that gave them better acceptance value than those varieties with higher protein content and yellow color such as Melkasa 1, Melkasa seven, and Melkasa IQ maize varieties.

Laboratory studies on the mechanical properties of sulphur-based construction material at simulated Martian temperatures

Mars is the next destination for further exploration and the hypothetical establishment of humanity's frontier. However, the planet offers very harsh environmental conditions particularly the very cold temperature in the Martian environment. Knowing that the sulphur-based construction material is perceived as one of the ideal Martian construction materials based on the identified abundant source of sulphur on Mars, its behaviour when subjected to the very cold Martian temperature is yet to be fully clarified. Therefore, this study intends to investigate the behaviour of the Martian sulphur-based construction material subjected to the simulated very cold Martian temperature whilst being compared with the simulated hot Martian temperature. Two mixture compositions of 50/50 and 60/40 comprising of sulphur and Mojave Mars simulant 1 (MMS-1) respectively were fabricated in this study characterising the simulated Martian temperature. The workability at 50 % and 60 % sulphur content was initially investigated. Subsequently, the overall mechanical properties characterising the sulphur content and simulated Martian temperature were investigated via unconfined compression, three-point bending and tensile splitting tests. Necessary factors that influence the overall mechanical properties including the internal structure and microstructural characteristics were also performed via ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was also conducted to identify the chemical composition of the end product. The comparisons between this study and other previous related studies within the state-of-the-art Martian sulphur-based construction materials were also outlined. Prospects for future construction on Mars are also presented. It was found that the 60 % sulphur content exhibited higher workability due to the high amount of unreactive sulphur. The 50 % sulphur content recorded the optimal overall mechanical properties under the simulated hot and very cold Martian temperatures. The simulated very cold Martian temperature triggered non-uniform interparticle distribution and larger cavities thus dramatically reducing its overall strength and triggering higher volumetric inconsistency. The very brittle nature of unreactive crystallised sulphur binder at excessive thickness particularly at 60 % sulphur content in between filler particles also triggered volumetric inconsistency which further worsened at the simulated very cold Martian temperature. The iron sulphate hydrate found was almost in agreement with the related works and another new compound, potassium calcium magnesium sulphate was identified as well. The overall mechanical properties are comparable with the other previous related studies and the residual strength when subjected to the simulated very cold Martian temperature remains adequate in the Martian environment of low gravity. The 60 % sulphur content is suggested for structural elements built internally whereas the 50 % sulphur content demonstrated a high potential in adapting to the harsh Martian environmental conditions. The findings of this study hoped to act as the initial outlook on how such Martian sulphur-based construction material would react upon fabrication on Mars.

Quantitative Estimation of Food Value of Edible Young Shoot of Melocanna Baccifera

The very young edible shoot of bamboo- Melocanna baccifera is widely used as a raw food ingredient for several dishes of Tripura Tribes. In Kokborok (Tribal language - the 3rd Official Language of the state-Tripura, India), it is known as Muia. It’s soft part is used almost daily & vigorously by the Tribal people, allowing it as one of the major ingredient of almost all curry. There is very little scientific analysis regarding the biological activities of different food items of Tribal people of Tripura. Few therapeutic activities of this young edible shoot and it’s different part were performed based on the availability of facilities of laboratories but the quantitative estimation of this edible shoot was not carried out. Therefore, it is pertinent to study quantitative estimation of food value of edible young shoot. Methanolic shoot extract of bamboo-Melocanna baccifera (MEMB) has transpired the presence of several components like, protein, carbohydrate, minerals like sodium, chloride, phosphate, calcium potassium, alkaloids, fixed oil along with few bioactive constituents like flavonoids, triterpinoids, glycosides. MEMB was able to show some pharmacological activities like analgesic activity, anti-diabetic activity & hepatoprotective activity along with antimicrobial activity. So, the shoot of Melocanna baccifera is protective as well as nutritious food for Tribal people of Tripura, India. That’s why, nowadays, a section of non-Tribal people of Tripura also used to consume the said food ingredient in several dishes.

Spectral and FTIR Analysis of Ho3+ ions doped ZincLithium Potassium Calcium Alumino Borophosphate Glasses

Abstract: Glasses samples containing Ho3+ in zinc lithium potassium calcium alumino borophosphate glasses (30-x)P2O5: 10ZnO: 10Li2O: 10K2O: 10CaO: 10Al2O3:20B2O3:xHo2O3. (where x=1, 1.5,2 mol %) have been prepared by melt-quenching method. The amorphous nature of the prepared glass samples was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Optical absorption, Excitation, fluorescence and FTIR spectra were recorded at room temperature for all glass samples. Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters Ωλ (λ=2, 4 and 6) are evaluated from the intensities of various absorption bands of optical absorption spectra. Using these intensity parameters various radiative properties like spontaneous emission probability (A), branching ratio (β), radiative life time (τR) and stimulated emission cross–section ( σp) of various emission lines have been evaluated.

Comparative Evaluation of the Nutrients and Phytochemical Composition of Cissus populnea (Ogbodu) Dried Leaves, Roots, and Stem Bark from Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to compare the nutrient contents and phytochemical composition of the leaves, roots, and stem bark of Cissus populnea. The specimens came from Nsukka in Nigeria's Enugu State. Laboratory experimental design was used for this study. Samples of leaves, roots, and stem barks were prepared by drying them for two hours at 50 0C in a food dehydrator, ground into fine powder and dried again using the air-drying process The analyses were carried out using standard methods. The proximate analyses showed that the samples contain crude protein (1.89 - 2.11%), crude fibre (22.23 - 22.48%), crude fat (1.99 - 2.09%), carbohydrates (43.71 - 64.96%), ash (4.11 - 6.64%) and moisture (4.46- 4.84%). The phytochemical data showed that all plant components contained phenol, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids, but not steroids. Both saponin and flavoloid were found in the plant's roots and leaves only. Flavonoid was not detected in the stem. The results of mineral compositions showed that the root, stem, and leaf samples included potassium (340.83 – 439.33 mg/100g) calcium (132.99 – 295.78 mg/100g), iron (1.12 – 4.21 mg/100g), magnesium (27.41- 39.67 mg/100g) and manganese (0.14 – 3.99 mg/100g). Because of its nutrient contents and phytochemical proportions, consumers are encouraged to use any parts, though root parts of the plant seem to contain high nutrient.

Effects of Patiromer and Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate on Blood Pressure in Rats with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Potassium-binders patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) are approved to treat hyperkalaemia, which is frequently observed in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Elevated blood pressure (BP) is common in CKD, due in part to impaired sodium excretion. The effect of patiromer, which exchanges calcium for potassium and SZC, which exchanges sodium or hydrogen for potassium, on BP was assessed in a CKD rat model. Thirty-six Sprague Dawley rats with 5/6 nephrectomy were randomised to three groups (n = 12/group) to receive 4 g/kg/day patiromer or SZC, or vehicle treatment, for 8 weeks. BP was determined by radiotelemetry and urinary protein and electrolytes were measured. At Week 8, systolic BP (sBP) increased in all groups; however, patiromer led to a lower mean (standard deviation) sBP than vehicle or SZC (141 [2.9] vs 158 [5.2] or 162 [6.1] mm Hg, respectively, both p < 0.001), with no difference in sBP between vehicle and SZC (p = 0.08). Similar results were observed for diastolic BP. Serum potassium levels fell with SZC (p < 0.02), but not vehicle or patiromer. Urine potassium decreased with both patiromer and SZC versus vehicle (p < 0.01); urine sodium increased with SZC (p < 0.01); and urine calcium increased with patiromer (p < 0.01). Urine phosphorus decreased with patiromer (p < 0.01) but increased with SZC (p < 0.01). Patiromer resulted in less proteinuria than vehicle or SZC (both p < 0.017). After 8 weeks, treatment with patiromer resulted in lower BP in rats than vehicle or SZC. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanism of the differential effect of potassium binders on rat BP.

Comparative Studies on the Quality and Bacterial Contamination of Five Varieties of Groundnut (Arachishypogaea L.)

Studies on the quality and bacterial contamination of five varieties of groundnut were carried out in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University. Nutrient analysis was conducted in accordance with the guideline of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) while the laboratory cultural method was used for bacterial isolation and characterization. The proximate assessment revealed the presence of moisture, ash, lipid, fibre, carbohydrate and protein. However, highest lipid (49.25±0.05%) and fibre (4.95±0.50%) were recorded for SM 10 while LM had highest values of moisture (7.8±0.00%) and carbohydrate (31.25±0.37%). Highest ash (6.55±0.05%) and protein (36.74±0.04%) were seen for SN22 and SN23 respectively.The mineral evaluation revealed calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium to be present in all test groundnut samples. Although, SN24 recorded highest calcium (130.00±0.00mg/100g) potassium (950.00±0.00mg/100g) and iron (4.70±0.00mg/100g). However, highest values magnesium (161.00±1.mg/100g), phosphorus (376.50±0.50mg/100g) and sodium (107.30±87.70mg/100g) were recorded for SN22, SN10 and SN23 respectively. Bacteria investigation showed the occurrence of five organisms viz: Bacillus cereus, Micrococussp, Staphylococcus sp and Bacillus mycoide. However, SN10 and SN23 had highest number of bacterial flora (3 genera) while SN22 had least bacterial flora (1 genus). Generally, all groundnut varieties possessed vital nutrient but could still be contaminated by bacteria.

Structural, optical, and luminescence properties of Dy3+ -activated potassium calcium silicate phosphor for white light-emitting diodes.

A dysprosium (Dy3+ )-activated potassium calcium silicate (K4 CaSi3 O9 ) phosphor was prepared using a solid-state synthesis route. The phosphor had a cubic structure with the space group Pa as confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Details of surface morphology and elemental composition of the as-synthesized undoped KCS phosphor was obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The chemical structure as well as the vibrational modes present in the as-prepared KCS phosphor was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR)spectroscopy. Diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) were used to determine the optical bandgap of the phosphors and were found to be in the optical range 3.52-3.71 eV. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed intense yellow emission corresponding to the 4 F9/2 →6 H13/2 transition under 350 nm excitation. Commission International de l'Eclairage colour chromaticity coordinates were evaluated using the PL spectral data lie within the white region. Dexter theory and the Inokuti-Hirayama (I-H) model were applied to study the nature of the energy transfer mechanism in the as-prepared phosphors. The relatively high activation energy of the phosphors was evaluated using temperature-dependent PL (TDPL) data and confirmed the high thermal stability of the titled phosphor. The abovementioned results indicated that the as-prepared KCS:Dy3+ phosphor was a promising candidate for n-UV-based white light-emitting diodes.

Thermodynamic Properties Data of Ternary System KBr–KH2PO4–H2O at 298.15 K

The OCP Group located in Morocco in Africa is one of the biggest producers of phosphates and fertilizers in the world and delivers products to more than 165 clients on five continents. These products include ammonium and di-ammonium phosphate, sodium phosphate, and others with added micronutrients (potassium–calcium–nitrogen) that are designed to effectively feed degraded soil. OCP has launched a new strategy in Africa called “Green Africa” to transform African agriculture and make it a platform for food production. Therefore, with the aim of developing new fertilizers and increasing the yield of soils and agriculture, we are interested in this work to study the influence of electrolytes on the fertilizer phosphate KBr–KH2PO4–H2O. This system was investigated with our developed hygrometric method at 298.15 K. The thermodynamic parameters of the studied system such as the water activity and osmotic coefficient are determined by measuring the relative humidity at various total molalities from 0.2 mol·kg–1 to about saturation, and for different ionic-strength fractions y of KH2PO4 (y = IKBr/(IKH2PO4+IKBr)) of 0, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 1. The obtained measurements are compared to four models such the Dinane (ECA), Lin et al., Robinson and Stokes (RS), and Leitzke-Stoughton (LS II) equations. The solubilities of KBr and KH2PO4 in their aqueous mixture are also measured at 298.15 K. The solid state was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The PSC model was used to correlate the results and to predict the solute activity coefficients, excess Gibbs energy, and solubilities of the components in the mixture.

Mineral acquisition of Japanese macaques: Contents in the foods, digestibility, and sodium-provisioning experiment.

Minerals provide micronutrients that function in various ways in the body, and they are necessary for the survival of animals. In this study, we first compared the mineral content of foods of wild Japanese macaques in lowland Yakushima with that of monkey chow used for many years to feed captive macaques and specifically formulated to obtain good health in captive macaques (National Research Council [NRC] recommendations). Second, we clarified the mineral balance in captive individuals when feeding them monkey chow to clarify the digestibility/bioavailability of the minerals. Third, we investigated the physiological response when we experimentally increased sodium intake. In the lowland of Yakushima, which is in the vicinity (<800 m) of the coast, animals, fungi, and mature leaves had high sodium contents compared with NRC recommendations. The calcium contents of mature leaves and animals were higher than the NRC recommendations. The overall mineral intake in this population was lower than that in the captive animals for calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and iron, while similar for magnesium and higher in potassium. Patterns in the intake and excretion of minerals indicated that excretion was mostly from urine and not from feces, and apparent digestibility was high for sodium. This tendency was opposite for calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus and intermediate for potassium. A sodium-provisioning experiment showed that fecal aldosterone concentration remained low in both control and sodium-provisioning conditions so the macaques do not need reabsorb sodium in the kidneys. Therefore, sodium content in the monkey chow, which is slightly lower than the NRC recommendation, seemed high enough so that the macaques could avoid the need to reabsorb sodium in the kidneys. We advocate similar studies for other primate populations or species to better understand the role of mineral concentrations on food selection and to identify potential mineral deficiencies.

Variation of Mechanical and Chemical Properties of Old and New Clay Bricks

Clay bricks are a popular building material, especially in historical structures. Understanding the chemical and mechanical properties of bricks is vital in historical structure rehabilitation attempts, because discrepancies in the material could lead to accelerated degradation and structural failure. This research focuses on understanding the mechanical and chemical properties of clay bricks used in the world heritage city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, over the chronological period of the 18th to the 21st centuries. Chronological analysis of brick properties reveals that optimal mechanical properties in bricks are closely related to the water absorption rate and are found to be between 10% and 18% in the analyzed specimens. Further, regional mineralogical properties, such as high concentration of calcium and inclusion of barium (Ba), potassium (K), strontium (Sr), and titanium (Ti) as trace elements, were visible in most samples regardless of the year the brick was produced. The analysis also identified revealed that the inclusion of ferrous (Fe) increases performance. Assuring similar chemical characteristics in restoration material is important to avoid chemical imbalances leading to accelerated deterioration due to the presence of reactive metals in the brick composition.

Interrogation on Optical Properties of Electrolyte Minerals, TSS and Turbidity in Water - Spectrophotometer and IOP Profiler Based Hyperspectral Analysis Approach

The optical properties of total suspended solids, turbidity, and electrolyte minerals in water such as sodium, potassium, and calcium were studied under laboratory and field-oriented conditions. Spectrophotometer and Wet Lab Instrument Inherent Optical Properties profiler have been used to measure the optical properties. The polynomial fit between the field measured absorption spectra and laboratory measured absorption spectra of each mineral explains in detail the chemical water quality parameters and optical properties. The spectrophotometrically derived absorption coefficient of electrolyte minerals such as sodium (1,000 ppm), potassium (100 ppm), and calcium (1,000 ppm), TSS (500 ppm) and Turbidity (100 NTU) makes virtuous correlation with the IOP profiler measured absorption coefficient donates the best polynomial fit R2 values of 0.9076, 0.9019, 0.9645, 0.9823 and 0.9354 respectively. Results in this study exhibits that, the absorption coefficient of electrolyte minerals, TSS, and Turbidity in water increases with increasing their concentrations at the wavelengths range from 200 to 300 nm. HIGHLIGHTS The absorption coefficient values are increasing with the increasing concentration of sodium as well as for calcium and Total suspended solids The absorption spectra of potassium are exponentially increasing with decreasing wavelength The absorption curves show an evolution from a solitary, well defined absorption trough at 550 nm at lower turbidity values to a broader, more flat-topped absorption encompassing from 550 to 650 nm at higher turbidity levels GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Thermodynamic properties of KCaCl(NO3)2 compound and influence of kinetic effects

The thermodynamic properties of the intermediate compound KCaCl(NO3)2 are important for the thermochemical description of the KCl–CaCl2–KNO3–Ca(NO3)2 reciprocal system, for its utilization as a phase change material or heat transfer fluid in thermal energy storage. The formation of KCaCl(NO3)2 as intermediate compound in this reciprocal system was confirmed by X-Ray diffraction analysis. Aside from the main phase of KCaCl(NO3)2, other crystalline phases were also identified. Kinetic effects were observed during the study of this compound. For example, the enthalpy of fusion of the 50KCl–50Ca(NO3)2 mixture depends on the cooling rate of the previous cycle. The samples, which crystallized with 10 K/min, show higher enthalpy of fusion (22.4 kJ/mol) compared to samples cooled with 0.5 K/min - 16.3 kJ/mol. This effect is related to the different ratio of crystallized phases (KCaCl(NO3)2, KCaCl3, Ca(NO3)2 and various Potassium Calcium nitrates) in this mixture. The heat capacity and enthalpy increment of the KCaCl(NO3)2 compound in solid and liquid phases are determined with two different DSC instruments. The selected value of the fusion enthalpy for KCaCl(NO3)2 compound is 22.4 ± 1.2 kJ/mol, which was obtained after fast (10 K/min) cooling. The comparison of the experimental results with calculated values based on Neumann-Kopp rule confirms the reliability of the obtained data.

Novel green emitting Tb3+ doped KCaF3 phosphor for WLEDs and TLD applications

Multifunctional green emitting (Potassium Calcium Fluoride: x Trivalent Terbium) KCaF3: xTb3+ (x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.09, and 0.11 mol%) phosphor was synthesized by solid state reaction method. Crystal structure, morphology, photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties were investigated in detail. Photoluminescence emission spectrum showed the characteristic maximum intensity peak at 543 nm corresponding to Tb3+ emission band when excited using an UV light of wavelength 374 nm. The concentration quenching effect of Tb3+ in KCaF3 phosphor was caused by dipole – quadrupole interaction between Tb3+ ions. CIE coordinates of KCaF3: xTb3+ (x = 0.05 mol%) was found to be x = 0.2959 and y = 0.6592 positioning at green region. Beta irradiated thermoluminescence glow curve was recorded on KCaF3: xTb3+ (x = 0.05 mol%) phosphor. Low temperature signals in TL glow curve were removed using bleaching or preheating technique. The optimization of preheat temperature was performed using different temperature and found 125 °C (peak 1) and 210 °C (peak 2) as an optimized temperature. Temperature of maximum TL intensity (Tm) of peak 1 and peak 2 was found to be 181 °C and 292 °C, respectively. The activation energy (Ea) and frequency factor (s) of peak 1 and peak 2 were calculated using peak shape method and variable heating rate method (VHR). Characteristic studies for dosimetry application such as dose response and reusability of KCaF3: xTb3+ (x = 0.05 mol%) were investigated in detail.

ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF NATURAL RAIN WATER FOR DOMESTIC USE IN JIMETA-YOLA METROPOLIS, ADAMAWA STATE.

A Preliminary study to provide information on the physical and chemical properties of rain water which purity depends on the freedom of the atmosphere above the location of its fall and or collection from volatile impurities existing and or sent up there through natural and man-made activities was conducted in selected wards in Jimeta and Yola metropolis. Physical and chemical parameter determined include pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Total dissolved solid (TDS), Temperature (T0C), Colour (Hazen), Potassium (K) Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn). Samples from the selected wards /Locations were analyzed using standard techniques. The levels of the parameter were found to be within the WHO, SON and NSDWQ limit for potable water except for turbidity value at Jambutu (8.33NTU), Gwadabawa (6.34NTU) and Temperature at Ngurore (28.20 0C) are slightly outside the guideline’s values. The pH values of the samples show that rain water from the three wards (Namtari, Yolde pate and Gwadabawa) showed slight acidity. This shows that it is possible to have acidic rain in these wards / Locations. However, the rain water is safe for drinking and can be used for other purposes.

Channel Function of Polycystin-2 in the Endoplasmic Reticulum Protects against Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Mutations of PKD2, which encodes polycystin-2, cause autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The prevailing view is that defects in polycystin-2-mediated calcium ion influx in the primary cilia play a central role in the pathogenesis of cyst growth. However, polycystin-2 is predominantly expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and more permeable to potassium ions than to calcium ions. The trimeric intracellular cation (TRIC) channel TRIC-B is an ER-resident potassium channel that mediates potassium-calcium counterion exchange for inositol trisphosphate-mediated calcium ion release. Using TRIC-B as a tool, we examined the function of ER-localized polycystin-2 and its role in ADPKD pathogenesis in cultured cells, zebrafish, and mouse models. Agonist-induced ER calcium ion release was defective in cells lacking polycystin-2 and reversed by exogenous expression of TRIC-B. Vice versa, exogenous polycystin-2 reversed an ER calcium-release defect in cells lacking TRIC-B. In a zebrafish model, expression of wild-type but not nonfunctional TRIC-B suppressed polycystin-2-deficient phenotypes. Similarly, these phenotypes were suppressed by targeting the ROMK potassium channel (normally expressed on the cell surface) to the ER. In cultured cells and polycystin-2-deficient zebrafish phenotypes, polycystin-2 remained capable of reversing the ER calcium release defect even when it was not present in the cilia. Transgenic expression of Tric-b ameliorated cystogenesis in the kidneys of conditional Pkd2-inactivated mice, whereas Tric-b deletion enhanced cystogenesis in Pkd2-heterozygous kidneys. Polycystin-2 in the ER appears to be critical for anticystogenesis and likely functions as a potassium ion channel to facilitate potassium-calcium counterion exchange for inositol trisphosphate-mediated calcium release. The results advance the understanding of ADPKD pathogenesis and provides proof of principle for pharmacotherapy by TRIC-B activators.

Layered potassium calcium phosphate with multiple exchangeable cations for Sr(II) and Co(II) removal from water

Developing adsorbents with fast uptake rates and high adsorption capacities for both Sr2+ and Co2+ is a major challenge for treating radioactive wastewater. Traditional calcium phosphates (CaPs) can adsorb Sr2+ and Co2+ but their adsorption performance is limited by their compact structures. Because of the looser structure and the presence of more exchangeable cations than other CaPs, layered potassium calcium phosphate (K3HCa(PO4)2, KCaP) would be appropriate for removing Sr2+ and Co2+ from wastewater. KCaP demonstrated fast uptake (94.1 % Sr2+ in 120 min and 96.6 % Co2+ in 10 min) and remarkable adsorption capacity (384 mg g−1 for Sr2+ and 382 mg g−1 for Co2+). It also exhibited high distribution coefficients for Sr2+ (Kd = 2.3 × 104 mLg−1) and Co2+ (Kd = 5.6 × 104 mLg−1) at pH 7. Although KCaP prefers to adsorb Co2+, it can efficiently remove Sr2+ and Co2+ in the presence of multiple competing cations. Adsorption on KCaP is believed to occur as a two-stage ion-exchange process: fast exchange with K+ and subsequent progressive exchange with Ca2+. As a result of the uptake of Sr2+ and Co2+, KCaP was transformed into chemically more stable Sr- and Co-containing CaPs. The nonreactivity of the used adsorbent makes the disposal of radioactive wastes manageable and relieves the environmental burden.

Impact of TiO2 on DTA and Elastic Moduli of Calcium Potassium Borophosphosilicate Glasses in Prelude for Use in Dental and Orthopedic Applications

Impact of TiO2 on DTA and Elastic Moduli of Calcium Potassium Borophosphosilicate Glasses in Prelude for Use in Dental and Orthopedic Applications

Applications of Calcium Boron or Potassium Phosphite Combined with Different Fruit Thinning Styles to Enhance Fruit Quality of Barhee date palm

Applications of Calcium Boron or Potassium Phosphite Combined with Different Fruit Thinning Styles to Enhance Fruit Quality of Barhee date palm

Elemental and Phytochemical Variation among Healthy and Cracked Fruit of Punica granatum L. From Selected Areas of Kachchh Region, India

Punica granatum L. also called Pomegranate is an commercially important fruit plant belonging to Punicaceae family. Cultivation for pomegranate in Kachchh district is increasing drastically but cracking of pomegranate is one of the serious problem that badly affects the production and quality of pomegranate and also economic loss to farmers. For this purpose, the study was conducted to identify elemental and phytochemicals variation in leaves among healthy and cracked fruit. Identification of elements in leaves was carried using scanning electron microscope (SEM) energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) technique while acetone extracts were used for phytochemical variation using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The result of the SEM-EDX analysis revealed that in cracked fruit deficiency of calcium, magnesium, cobalt, and tin and excess amount of chloride and potassium was found when compared with healthy fruit while lupeol acetate and sclareol phytochemical were observed in healthy fruit while cracked fruit showed its absence.