Source Of Potassium Research Articles

INVESTIGATION OF THE MINERAL PROFILE, STRUCTURAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF BLENDS OF TRAPIÁ POWDER WITH TROPICAL FRUITS

Trapiá is widely distributed throughout Brazilian territory and in Latin American countries, yet its commercial potential is overlooked due to insuficiente knowledge of its bioactive properties and a lack of studies on pulp processing. Aiming to enhance the value of Trapiá by improving its nutraceutical properties through the incorporation of minerals, vitamins, and the popularity of tropical fruits, this study investigated the mineral potential, structural properties, and thermal characteristics of mixtures of trapiá pulp with orange, lemon, and pineapple pulps, which were converted into powders through spray drying and freeze-drying. The powders were evaluated for their mineral profile; structural properties were assessed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), crystallinity was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the analysis of absorption spectroscopy in the infrared region (FTIR). Finally, the thermal profile was evaluated using thermogravimetry (TG/DTG). The trapiá powders combined with orange, lemon, and pineapple were found to be sources of magnesium and potassium, with appreciable levels of calcium. The powders containing lemon also provided copper, while those mixed with pineapple were sources of manganese. SEM images revealed spherical particles with smooth surfaces in the powders obtained from spray drying, whereas the freeze-dried powders exhibited larger particle sizes with irregular dimensions and rough surfaces. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the powders possessed high thermal stability, making them suitable for use in the food industry. The data from this study indicate that these powders are promising for use in various industrial formulations, characterized by their high mineral content and notable thermal stability.

K, Sr isotopes, and trace element to constrain potash origin in the Simao Basin, southwestern China, and insight into K isotope geochemical behavior in evaporite

With the advancement of emerging potassium isotope testing techniques, the characteristics of δ41K in evaporite have garnered increasing attention. Its application in constraining the genesis of potash deposits and tracing the process of potash mineralization holds significant prospects. A comprehensive analysis of the geochemical characteristics of K, Sr isotopes, and trace elements provides an opportunity to address the ongoing debate regarding the mineralization mechanism of potash in the Simao Basin. In this study, we collected 64 potash samples from the Simao and Khorat basins. The analytical results revealed that the major ions in the samples consist of Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, and SO2- 4, while the trace elements Br, Sr, Rb, B, Li, V, Cr, Mn, Ba, As, and Zn are relatively enriched. The δ41K values range from − 0.12 ‰ to 0.20 ‰ with an average of 0.01 ‰. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios range from 0.707553 to 0.708565 with an average of 0.708020, which is lower than that of the river water in the drainage basin. Additionally, the Br content ranges from 316.3 × 10−6 to 1709.1 × 10−6, with an average of 633.8 × 10−6. These data indicate that the Early Cretaceous Albian-Middle Jurassic Bajocian seawater serves as an important source of potassium for potash deposition in the Simao Basin. The characteristics of the ratios of the Br/Cl (mmol/mol), K/Cl (mmol/mol), Rb/Sr (mol/mol), along with the contents of the Br and Rb, indicate that the most of potash in the Simao Basin is primary origin. Moreover, we have also provided new insight into the geochemical behaviors of K isotopes during the evolution of the evaporites. The precipitation of potash may be accompanied by K isotope fractionation, as evidenced by the lighter K isotope composition of carnallite compared to that of sylvinite. K isotope fractionation occurs between the secondary sylvite and its parent source, and newly precipitated solids are characterized by relatively light K isotope Episodic freshwater inflow into the evaporative basin stimulates microbial activity, leading to fluctuations in K isotopes in the precipitated potash during the same evaporation stage. Therefore, this work not only provided direct evidence from the K isotopes for determining the origin of the potash in the Simao Basin but also further perceived the geochemical behaviors of K isotopes during the evolution of evaporite.

Standardization of Recipes and Storage Behaviour of Value-Added Products from Knol-Khol (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.)

Knol-khol (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.) is one of the most important cruciferous vegetable crops which belongs to the family Brassicaceae. Knol-khol is a fast growing, cool season vegetable cultivated primarily for its enlarged stem called ‘knob’ which is rich in nutritional components, especially vitamin A, C, minerals and is also a good source of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron and sodium. To exploit its high nutritional as well as antioxidant properties and also to ensure its year around availability, it needs value addition. Therefore, in the current investigation, value added products viz., nectar and squash were prepared from Knol-khol. Four recipes of prepared nectar and squash were subjected to physico-chemical and sensory evaluation soon after preparation and at 90 days of storage. During the storage, a slight increase in pH, TSS and total sugars, a considerable rise in reducing sugars, but a slight decrease in acidity and also a considerable decrease in non-reducing sugars and ascorbic acid was recorded in various treatments of nectar and squash. The treatments K2N2 (15% pulp, 15˚B), and K1T2 (25% pulp, 45˚B TSS) among different recipes of nectar and squash respectively were found to be the best on the basis of their physico-chemical and organoleptic evaluation. These findings suggest that specific compositional parameters significantly influence the quality and acceptability of fruit-based beverages during storage.

A Comparative Analysis of Folate and Mineral Contents in Freshly Squeezed and Commercial 100% Orange Juices Available in Europe.

Orange juices are widely known for their organoleptic characteristics and potential health benefits derived from their nutritional and functional composition. The aim of this work was to provide comprehensive, up-to-date information on the content of folates and some minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn) present in different fresh and commercial orange juices available in the European market, including juices from concentrate (FC) and not from concentrate (NFC). A total of twenty-five juice samples were selected, comprising the most purchased types of commercial juices from France, the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and Spain, and four fresh squeezed juices (FSJ) made from Spanish oranges. In FSJ, nutrient stability during storage time (0-48 h) was also assessed. Folate concentration was highly variable between commercial samples, with higher contents in FSJ and NFC samples, followed by FC juices. Regarding mineral content, FSJ showed significant differences with FC (except for Mg) and NFC juice samples (except for Ca and Mg), while FC and NFC had similar mineral profiles, except for Ca. Storage time had no significant impact on FSJ folates and minerals. Among commercial juices, the NFC category generally showed the highest content of folates, K, Mg, and Fe, whereas FC juices showed the highest contents of Ca, Mn, and Zn. Some commercial juices met the legal use conditions for a "Source of folate" claim, whereas both commercial and fresh juices met the conditions for a "Source of potassium" claim, according to European and UK regulations.

Foliar Nourishment with Different Potassium Sources to Maximize Yield Through Improving Nutrient Uptake in Citrus Aurantifolia Trees Grown in Potassium-Deficient Soil

AbstractPurpose: Based on its crucial regulatory role in several biochemical processes, potassium (K) is considered to greatly influence fruit yield and quality. Methods: Two field experiments were carried out in two seasons (2021 and 2022) to explore the response of lemon (Baladi cv.) trees grown in K-deficient soil to four different K fertilizer sources applied individually as a foliar spray. K citrate (KC1 = 1.3 vs. KC2 = 2.6 g L− 1), K nitrate (KN1 = 1.5 vs. KN2 = 3.0 g L− 1), K tartrate (KT1 = 1.5 vs. KT2 = 3.0 g L− 1), and K thiosulfate (KS1 = 1.25 vs. KS2 = 2.5 g L− 1) were applied three times, and the treated trees were compared with untreated trees. This study was established with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using four replicates. Results: The findings revealed that the KC treatment, regardless of dosage, showed clear superiority in terms of the values for the leaf phosphorus (%), manganese, and zinc contents (mg kg− 1), as well as fruit firmness, fruit dry matter, and total soluble solids in both seasons. In second place was the KT treatment, which yielded the best values for fruit length and width in 2021, the best values for leaf nitrogen and iron contents and fruit weight and volume in 2022, and the best values regarding variable fluorescence by maximum fluorescence, relative chlorophyll content (SPAD readings), the photosynthetic performance index, total acidity, and vitamin C in both seasons. Furthermore, the highest total lemon yield and leaf potassium contents were achieved with the KN treatment in both seasons. The heat map illustrating that most of the studied characteristics were positively and significantly correlated with total lemon yield (TLY). Conclusions: The KN treatment, closely followed by the KC treatment, is regarded to be the best treatment for most of the studied trails.

Enriched Linz-Donawitz (LD) slag application for improving grain yield and quality of wheat grown under nutritionally poor degraded soil

Aim: To evaluate the impact of enriched steel slag on the physico-chemical characteristics of soil and yield attributes of wheat under poor quality degraded soil. Methodology: Steel slag was biologically and organically amended with natural sources of phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) and characterized for its nutrient content along with biological activity. The impact of resultant products was assessed on soil quality and yield component traits of wheat for two consecutive years (2021-2022 and 2022-23). Results: Application of slag based products significantly (p<0.05) improved the plant height, biological yield, grain yield and ear bearing tillers (EBT) of wheat even with 80% of recommended fertilizer dose (NPK). Further, in comparison to control, a moderation of soil pH (8.6 to 8.8), EC (0.18 to 0.20 dS m-1), OC (0.22 to 0.24 %) and essential mineral macronutrients viz., N (126 to 130 kg N ha-1), P (8.0 to 13.0 kg ha-1), K (100 to 125 kg ha-1) were observed with the application of amended steel slag products. No significant change with respect to existing heavy metal concentration viz., Co, Ni, Cd and Pb in soil was observed when supplemented with amended slag products. Interpretation: Steel slag can be transformed favorably for on-farm application to improve wheat yield besides serving as an environmentally sustainable alternate of soil conditioner for the management of degraded soil. Key words: Degraded soil, Heavy metals, Steel slag, Waste management, Wheat

Evaluation of nutrient composition of selected small indigenous fish species in Bangladesh and potential contribution to nutrient intakes

Small indigenous fish (SIF) are recognized as easily available, and abundant source of macronutrients and micronutrients in Bangladesh. The current investigation was undertaken to assess the existing heavy metal, mineral, vitamin, and others nutrient content of small indigenous freshwater fish in Bangladesh. Eight indigenous fish (Mola, Tengra, Baim, Punti, Chanda, Guchi, Koi, and Taki) were selected for this study. The AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer), ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry), and the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods outlined were used to determine the proximate compositional analysis of fish. The highest fat content was found in koi fish. Protein was highest in both baim and taki fish. Iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 content were highest in mola fish. Highest calcium and phosphorus were found in the chanda and taki fish. The study concludes that small indigenous fish are valuable sources of fat, protein, ash, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12, which are important for maintaining good health. Our findings suggest that small indigenous fish could serve as a viable option for addressing the nutritional needs for the children (6–23 m age), and Pregnant and lactating women in Bangladesh as a tool to fight malnutrition.

Typochemistry and possible sources of ferrosaponite with Ce–Cu–Ni from the metabasalts of the Northern Ural

We studied metabasites from metamorphic complexes located in the northern part of the Lyapin anticlinorium of the Subpolar Urals and the Kharbey anticlinorium in the Polar Urals of the Central Ural Uplift, which are part of the Arctic zone. For the first time, ferrosaponite containing copper, nickel, and rare earth metals has been identified in these metabasites. The morphological and typochemical characteristics of ferrosaponite were examined using electron microscopy. In the Polar Urals, ferrosaponite is found in the almandine eclogite of the Marunkeu eclogite-amphibolite gneiss. The mineral is associated with garnet, quartz, pyroxene, muscovite, amphibole, and sulfides. The general formula for the mineral from almandine eclogite: (Ca0,06–0,27K0,01–0,06Се0,01)∑0,13–0,31(Fe2+ 1,67–2,21Mg0,51–0,84 Cu0,01–0,09Ni0,03–0,11)∑2,25–3,08[(Si2,84–3,08Al0,92–1,16)∑4,00O10](OH)2 ×3,55–3,83H2O. In the Subpolar Urals, this mineral was examined in a sample of garnet-amphibole-biotite-plagioclase-quartz shale, where it occurs in association with other minerals: amphibole, plagioclase, quartz, epidote, biotite, zircon, albite, titanite, apatite, and sulfides. The general formula of the mineral: (Ca0,14–0,22K0,01–0,02Се0,01)∑0,15–0,23(Fe2+ 1,24–2,22Mg0,76–0,97)∑2,17–3,15 [(Si2,86–2,96Al1,04–1,14)∑4,00O10](OH)2 ×3,41–4,47H2O. It is assumed that ferrosaponite forms through a hydrothermal-metamorphic process during the late fluid stage of rock transformation. Feldspars and biotite serve as sources of potassium and aluminum, while hornblende, pyroxenes, and epidote are the primary suppliers of magnesium and iron. In the chemical composition, alongside the main components of the mineral—potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, and iron—copper, nickel, and rare earth metals were also detected. Under the influence of fluids, copper and nickel may have been derived from replaced sulfides, while cerium could have been introduced from allanite, apatite, and other minerals containing rare earth elements. Continued study of the mineragenic features of metamorphic rocks in the Arctic regions of the Urals is essential for a comprehensive assessment of their resource potential, as well as promising sources and concentrators of rare metals.

Revealing Asymmetric Phase Transformation of the BiVO4 Anodes for Potassium-Ion Batteries by In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), thanks to the cost-effectiveness of potassium resources and a favorable redox potential of approximately -2.936 V. The monoclinic BiVO4, known for its layered structure, shows noteworthy electrochemical properties when utilized as an anode material for both LIBs and sodium-ion batteries. However, the fundamental electrochemical reaction mechanisms of the BiVO4 anode during the potassium insertion/extraction processes remain unclear. Here, we constructed a BiVO4 anode PIB inside the transmission electron microscope (TEM) to explore the real-time potassiation/depotassiation behaviors of BiVO4 during electrochemical cycling. Utilizing the state-of-art in situ TEM technique, the BiVO4 nanorods are found to undergo an asymmetric phase transformation for the first time, where the pristine BiVO4 material is transformed into an amorphous KxBiVO4 phase after the first cycle. More interestingly, the anode materials near and far from the potassium source exhibit opposite volume-changing trends under the same voltage potential. Also, this phenomenon should be attributed to the mass flow of the unstable K-Bi alloy under the electric field. Our findings provide significant insights into the electrochemical mechanism of BiVO4 nanorods during the potassiation/depotassiation process, with the hope of assistance in designing anodes for high-performance PIBs.

Soil health impact of long‐term sugarcane vinasse recycling

AbstractThe efficient use of vinasse, the primary byproduct of sugarcane ethanol production, is important for the economic and environmental sustainability of the industry. Few studies have quantified the soil health response to long‐term vinasse application, even though this byproduct is generally applied as a potassium (K) source in sugarcane fields. The Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) was used to assess the integrated soil health response in soils with contrasting textures. Chemical, physical, and biological indicators were selected, measured, and integrated into a soil health index for clay‐ and sandy‐textured soils in Brazil. Overall, the application of vinasse improved soil health components in both soils. The results showed that the benefits of vinasse go beyond increasing the K content. Vinasse application showed increased soil organic carbon content, nutrient recycling, and soil physical quality. The long‐term application of vinasse increased the soil health from 49% to 62% in the clayey soil and from 43% to 61% in the sandy clay soil. The findings therefore revealed the potential of vinasse application to reduce the need for synthetic fertilizer and promote the circular economy and soil health regardless of soil type. This study verifies that the long‐term application of vinasse to sandy‐ and clay‐texture soils in Brazil has both economic and environmental benefits because it recycles an important ethanol byproduct and enhances soil health.

Efficacy of potassium schoenite as indigenous source of potassic fertilizer for potato crop grown in Western India

To attain the optimal production and quality, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) farming requires a large amount of potassium fertilizers. Due to a lack of K mineral reserves, several nations, including India, import potassic fertilizers, which place additional financial strain on the country’s economy. Thus, potassium schoenite produced from sea bittern may present an attractive substitute for potassium nutrition in crop production. The current study examined the relative effect of indigenously produced potassium schoenite (PS) on potato crop. The findings demonstrated that potassium schoenite considerably increased potato growth, yield characteristics, yield, and quality of tuber. With 100% RDK (220 kg/ha K2O) through potassium schoenite + 1% foliar spray of potassium schoenite @ 30 and 45 DAP, the greatest yield attributes, total tuber yield and starch output were achieved which remained at par with 75% RDK (165 kg/ha K2O) through potassium schoenite + 1% foliar spray of potassium schoenite @ 30 and 45 DAP. Furthermore, potassium schoenite saves 25% K2O in potato production as compared to potassium sulfate and muriate of potash. Thus, indigenous potassium sources have been found to be far more effective than imported potassium sulfate and muriate of potash in enhancing potato productivity.

Assessment of amoxicillin (AMX) removal from aqueous medium through Rhapis-based bioretention system.

Antibiotics can be effectively removed from wastewater using constructed wetlands (C.W.s). However, little is known about using attractive garden plants in C.W.s to eliminate antibiotics. Thus, the current study aims to treat amoxicillin (AMX)-contaminated wastewater through a Rhapis excelsa-based bioretention system (BS). The investigation was done at 15days hydraulic retention time (HRT) under two conditions: set-1, varied AMX 5 to 25ppm with constant NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) source; and set-2, varied NPK sources with constant AMX (25ppm). During the study, it was observed that in the set-1 condition with increasing AMX concentration, the removal of AMX through BS decreased; however, in the set-2 experiment, with enhancing NPK source, the performance of the BS treating 25-ppm AMX-contaminated wastewater increased. AMX removal of 2.3%, 66.3%, 60.6%, 52.2%, 46.7%, and 44.9% was achieved for control, BS-1, BS-2, BS-3, BS-4, and BS-5, respectively, during set-1 experiment. However, in the set-2 experiment, 23.4% (control), 43.3% (BS-1), 60.3% (BS-2), 75.9% (BS-3), 88.8% (BS-4), and 99% (BS-5) AMX removal were achieved. Removing pollutants like AMX, COD, PO43--P, NO3--N, and NH4+-N followed first-order kinetics. A positive correlation of COD with AMX was observed through principal component analysis and correlation matrix. The microbial community study was also covered to prioritize the role of microbes in treating AMX through BSs. The AMX treatment through Rhapis excelsa-based BS supported plant growth and development with increasing chlorophyll content, fresh weight, and C, H, N value.

Deciphering the Effects of Different Calcium Sources on the Plant Growth, Yield, Quality, and Postharvest Quality Parameters of ‘Tomato’

Tomatoes are one of the most important vegetables in every home, especially in South Asian countries, used as a vegetable, ketchup, and condiment in many kitchen recipes. It is a good source of calcium, potassium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin K, and lycopene, which are beneficial for the human body and protect it against different diseases. Nutrient management is a key factor for the best quality production of tomato fruit. The present study was conducted to compare the efficiency of different calcium salts (calcium sulphate, calcium carbonate, calcium nitrate, and calcium chloride) in improving the growth, yield, and other quality-related parameters of tomatoes. A single field experiment was conducted and laid out according to the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a single factor in the field and a Complete Randomized Design (CRD)) for postharvest fruit storage. The results obtained from this experiment suggest that plants treated with 2% calcium chloride solution exhibited the greatest plant height (85.27 cm), number of leaves (221), yield per plant (2.3 kg), ascorbate peroxidase (290.75 m mol s−1 kg−1), superoxide dismutase (7.13 m mol s−1 kg−1), catalase (18.74 m mol s−1 kg−1), total phenolics (2.44 mg g−1), and β carotene (0.48 µg g−1). During postharvest storage, the maximum shelf life (18 days), minimum disease incidence (4.78%), weight loss (6.61%), and ethylene production (119.6 µL C2H4 kg−1h−1) rate were also observed in calcium-treated fruits.

Influence of potassium addition on phosphorus availability and heavy metals immobility of biochar derived from swine manure

Pyrolysis of animal manure at high temperature is necessary to effectively immobilize heavy metals, while the available phosphorus (P) level in biochar is relatively low, rendering it unsuitable for use as fertilizer. In this study, the pretreatment of swine manure with different potassium (K) sources (KOH, K2CO3, CH3COOK and C6H5K3O7) was conducted to produce a biochar with enhanced P availability and heavy metals immobility. The addition of all K compounds lowered the peak temperature of decomposition of cellulose in swine manure. The percentage of ammonium citrate and formic acid extractable P in biochar increased with K addition compared to undoped biochar, with CH3COOK and C6H5K3O7 showing greater effectiveness than KOH and K2CO3, however, water- extractable P did not exhibit significant changes. Additionally, the available and dissolved Si increased due to the doping of K, with KOH and K2CO3 having a stronger effect than CH3COOK and C6H5K3O7. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed that K addition led to the formation of soluble CaKPO4 and silicate. In addition, the incorporation of K promoted the transformation of labile copper (Cu) and znic (Zn) into the stable fraction while simultaneously reducing their environmental risk. Our study suggest that the co-pyrolysis of swine manure and organic K represents an effective and valuable method for producing biochar with optimized P availability and heavy metals immobility.

Application of X-ray Spectroscopic Techniques to Determine the Inorganic Composition and Sulfur Chemical Speciation of the Amazonian Plant Bixa orellana

Bixa orellana is a plant that has a variety of uses, such as applications in the food and cosmetic industries, as well as culinary uses, and body painting for Indigenous people. Despite its versatility, few studies have explored its inorganic composition, and its sulfur chemical speciation has only been assessed from the point of view of sulfurous amino acids. Here, we report on the inorganic composition of Bixa orellana fruits, pericarps, and seeds obtained using Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) and sulfur chemical speciation using X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES). Our results show that the seed is a source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. But also, the pericarp, which is considered waste, contains a high amount of nutrients. From the XANES measurements, the distribution of the oxidation state of the sulfur atom was obtained, and it was shown that although several oxidation states of sulfur are present, oxidized sulfur (sulfate) is the dominant form of sulfur in all samples.

Optimization of Flexural Strength of Sawdust Ash Blended Geopolymer Concrete

release of greenhouse gases linked to the manufacture of cement. Geopolymer as a binder for making concrete consists of two (2) main components; (1) the alkaline liquid consisting of sodium or potassium silicate and sodium or potassium hydroxide and (2) source material of geological origin or by-products rich in silica and alumina. The combination proportions utilised in this investigation were formulated utilising Scheffe's (5,2) basic lattice mix design approach with the intent to create the trial mix and the control mix. A total of thirty (30) geopolymers concrete sample mixes were made in the laboratory, with fifteen samples for trial mixes and fifteen mixtures for control mixes. These mixtures were used to appraise the performance of the sawdust ash geopolymer concrete in term of its flexural strength property. The study used sawdust ash as the source material and investigation revealed that subjecting sawdust ash to pyrolysis without oxygen has a notable impact on the pozzolanic characteristics of the constituent. Consequently, this also affects the flexural qualities of the concrete. Furthermore, it has been shown that softwood sawdust exhibits superior pozzolanic properties when compared to hardwood sawdust. The study revealed that the optimum flexural strength of sawdust ash blended geopolymer concrete is 3.3002 MPa and the corresponding mix deign obtained. Computer programs were created using Matlab and used for the optimization and prediction of the flexural strength of sawdust ash based geopolymer concrete.

Review On Potato Peels: Great Sources Of Healthy Ingredients

The potato is one of the mankinds and valuable food crops. Potatoes are also fat-free, gluten-free, plant-based, affordable, and a quality carbohydrate. Since potatoes are the common vegetable in kitchen and huge quantity used per day, so like many others, we also throw potato peels into the garbage bin for disposed it. Due to high content of polyphenols and phenolic acids in potato peels it act as a strong natural antioxidant and recorded to be 10 times higher than their flesh concentration and useful to reduced hyperglycemia, oxidative stress etc. Peels of potatoes are the good source of iron, potassium, calcium and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the predominant vitamin in potatoes. Also several B vitamins (niacin, folic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, and pyridoxine) are present in peels of potato. In a word potato peels are the natural source of major nutrients, vitamins. In this review paper, We mainly emphasis on the chemical compositions, nutritional values and other applications of potato peels

Dietary Needs, Barriers, and Facilitators Among Patients on Hemodialysis and Their Caregivers: The GoodRENal Project in Spain

ObjectiveDietary restrictions are common in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). These restrictions result in a complex diet that becomes difficult for patients to understand and to follow. Therefore, we aimed to identify dietary needs, and barriers and facilitators that influence the adherence to dietary recommendations as perceived by patients on HD and their caregivers. MethodsSeventy-two Spanish patients on HD and fifty-seven caregivers participated in this explorative study by replying a questionnaire consisting of 20 and 10 questions respectively. The responses were assessed using a Likert scale varying from 1 to 5 (strongly agree, agree, neither disagree or disagree, disagree, strongly disagree, respectively) to evaluate the perception of patients and caregivers regarding dietary needs, barriers and facilitators to adhere to the recommended diet. For analysis purposes, the responses were grouped in three categories (agree, neither agree or disagree, disagree). ResultsSeventy percent of the patients agreed that knowing the food sources of potassium, protein and phosphate was a need for them to know to be able to adhere to the dietary recommendations. Moreover, patients stated that not being able to eat what they liked, and feeling thirsty, were important barriers. For caregivers, the support of a renal dietitian was mentioned as an important facilitator to assist those they cared for to adhere to the diet. ConclusionsKnowing food sources of potassium, phosphate, and protein, exploring foods patients like to eat and adjusting fluid intake to avoid feeling thirsty were identified as important by the patients. These findings can be used to develop strategies and educational material to improve the dietary adherence in patients undergoing HD. Moreover, the presence of a renal dietitian was identified as an important resource by the caregivers.

Tolerance Factor Approach for the Design of Quaternary Materials as Applied to the A2Ln4Cu2nQ7+n Homologous Series.

The design of novel quaternary materials can be a chemically challenging endeavor. Here, we show that a new tolerance factor, we herein call the quaternary tolerance factor (QTF), akin to the Goldschmidt ratio, can be applied to a homologous series of quaternary materials to aid in the prediction of structural stability in new phases. Single crystals of nine new members of the A2Ln4Cu2nQ7+n homologous series were synthesized (A = K, Rb, Cs, Ln = Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Er, Yb, Lu, Q = S, Se) for n = 1, 2, and 3 using a reactive KCl flux method as the sole potassium source. This homologous series is notable for being the largest of all known chalcogenide homologies and thus serves as a case study for understanding quaternary structural relationships. We present a thorough structural analysis of these newly synthesized compounds and place them in the context of all previously reported members of the homologous series. We then report a generalizable tolerance factor capable of predicting structurally interrelated quaternary materials from an a priori sphere-packing approach for the design of new materials.

Environmental assessment of alkali-activated materials based on agro-industrial waste as alkaline activators through leaching tests

Global circular economy drives the development of sustainable alkali activated materials (AAM) for use as construction material from industrial by-products and wastes. The assessment of the potentially hazardous substances release of these new material combinations into the soil and groundwater over time is essential. In this study, the aim is the environmental assessment of three AAMs based on blast furnace slag (BFS), activated with almond shell biomass ash (ABA) as potassium source and three solid sources of silica from the agricultural industry, rice husk ash (RHA), spent diatomaceous earth (SDE) and bamboo leaf ash (BLA), using European horizontal leaching tests proposed for construction materials, for monolithic form, Dynamic Surface Leaching Test (DSLT) and for granular form, Up-flow Percolation Test and the Compliance leaching test, by simulating different scenarios of their entire life cycle. The leaching results of the AAM showed the effectiveness of the inertization of all the recycled materials studied, which exceeded some inert materials limits, by means of the activation process. Despite the absence of significant differences in the leaching mechanisms of the oxyanions As, Cr, Mo, Sb, Se and V between the three AAMs developed, they presented different long-term leaching behavior depending on their form, monolithic, or granular, and therefore in their different life cycle stages. Therefore, it is concluded that although the incorporation of agro-industrial waste as alternative activators in BFS based AAM according to the Dutch Soil Quality Decree (for unrestricted use of monolithic and granular materials) is an environmentally acceptable option, the design of waste derived AAMs should be assessed by means of a combination of leaching tests that cover their expected life cycle.