Amount Of Residues Research Articles

Azospirillum brasilense Inoculation in a Maize–Urochloa–Rice Cropping System Promotes Soil Chemical and Biological Changes and Increases Productivity

Large quantities of cover crop residues in the soil, combined, or not, with the inoculation of seeds with diazotrophic bacteria, can increase organic matter (OM) and protect soil microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi. Thus, the use of these sustainable biotechnologies can benefit microbial interactions, soil fertility and rice production in the Brazilian Cerrado region. In this study, we evaluated the effects of maize and Urochloa ruziziensis, intercropped or individually, as cover crops and an inoculation of Azospirillum brasilense on the chemical (fertility) and biological (C–microbial biomass and C–CO2 released) attributes of soil and the effects of root colonization by AMF and DSE on the yield of rice grown in succession in highlands. The experiment was conducted under field conditions, in a typical dystrophic Red Oxisol. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks arranged in strips, incorporating a combination of eight residual cover crops: ((1) maize, (2) maize–I (I = inoculation of seeds with A. brasilense), (3) Urochloa (U. ruziziensis), (4) Urochloa–I, (5) maize + Urochloa–I, (6) maize + Urochloa–I, (7) maize–I + Urochloa and (8) maize–I + Urochloa–I). This was accompanied by two treatments of rice as a successor crop (inoculated or not with A. brasilense), with four replicates, totaling 64 experimental units. A cover crop and rice seed inoculation prompted increases in OM and AMF relative to DSE, while the inoculation of rice, regardless of the cover crop treatment, increased the soil’s P content. The combination of maize + Urochloa–I and inoculated rice as the next crop generated increases in its sum of bases (SBs) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). There was a 19% increase in rice grain yields when the seed was inoculated.

An assessment of the renewable energy potential of oil palm residues: A case study of CDC plantation, Cameroon

Cameroon faces enormous clean energy accessibility challenges despite abundant energy resources and huge quantities of free oil palm residues (OPR) generated but dumped yearly from the agro-industrial companies like the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC). Presently, electricity supply is mainly from hydro (73 %) with accessibility of 65 % and 14 % for urban and rural areas respectively, while energy mix is historically dominated by traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal, accounting for more than 76 % of the country's total energy consumption. The hydro supply is not regular as it depends on weather conditions and this has negatively impacted the economy. The situation is aggravated by the increased energy demand over the past decade as Cameroon has engaged to become an emerging economy by 2035. However, encouraging policies for researchers and investors in the energy sector have been put in place with a view of attaining a 25 % share of renewable energy (RE) by 2035. OPR are a potential (RE) resource but require technical assessment and technological transformation into clean energy rather than dumping, which constitutes a serious environmental problem. This research has assessed the quantity of OPR generated annually at the CDC and estimated its clean energy value from 2004 to 2018 by consulting fruits-harvest records from CDC statistics office and by bomb calorimetry respectively. The significant findings reveal a yearly production of 203666T of OPR with a calorific value of 896 TJ, corresponding to electrical energy potential of 249 MWh. The energy could be used by the industry or injected into the grid to mitigate the current energy challenges.

Reemplazo del Agregado Fino por Residuo de Ladrillo Refractario en Concreto Expuesto a Elevadas Temperaturas

Refractory brick waste, added to the fires originated in structures, makes it possible to bring together two problems to contribute to sustainable construction and introduce new aggregate alternatives in concrete. The objective of the study was to produce concrete with less fine aggregate and to evaluate a more sustainable concrete, using refractory brick residues (RBR) to replace fine aggregate in five percentages 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 % and 50 % to be exposed to direct fire. The design was based on a water-cement w/c ratio of 0.71 and the production of 144 RBR-based concrete specimens. The fresh samples were subjected to slump and fresh unit weight tests, the cylindrical specimens prepared after 28 days of curing were subjected to compressive strength at room temperature and various temperatures (200 to 1 000 °C) for different times of 15, 30 and 60 minutes. In addition, a Three Factor statistical analysis of variance was performed with respect to the compressive strength at 28 days. The results showed that the RBR influences the concrete mix are less workable and reduce the fresh unit weight at higher substitution percentages. On the other hand, the ideal dosage was with the percentage of 40RBR as opposed to the other dosages subjected to heat, being insignificant at 15-minute exposure, but relevant at 30 and 60 minutes. It is concluded that RBR significantly influences the improvement of its mechanical properties under high heat and the amount of residues is limited to a specific dosage, providing a sustainable constructive approach to direct controlled fire exposures.

Brine Valorisation Using Mechanical Vapor Compression Desalination: Approaches to Consider.

Water scarcity is one of the biggest challenges we are facing due to climate change: lack of rainfall and polluted water sources are an increasing reality worldwide. Sustainable Development Goals reinforce the urgency of dealing with this issue, targeting scientific community’s efforts towards solutions for this trending topic, where desalination of seawater is one of the main proposals. However, concerns regarding to the environmental effects of residual brines, generated in the desalination process, are emerging on the spots where this technology has been applied.To contribute to the implementation of desalination technologies, the valorisation of these residual brines brings the opportunity not only to reduce the volume of wastewater generated, but increasing its final concentrations and producing more freshwater from a residue. Nevertheless, it comes with the cost of higher energy demands than in the previous stage: the higher the concentration of the fluid, the higher its energy consumption. We can approach this challenge from two different perspectives, focusing on the final amount of concentrated residue or focusing on the energy demand of the installation.While focusing on reducing the volume of residue to its minimum expression is the most attractive option for concentrating the dissolved salts, it comes with the cost of excessive energy demands. On the other hand, focusing on reducing the power consumption of the installation allows the usage of variable renewables, in a more efficient way, allowing the carbon neutrality of emissions during its operation but obtaining a lower concentrated residue. By using a computational model of the installation, we can replicate its operation and compare results from both perspectives.In this paper we will use two scenarios with fixed conditions for a basic mechanical vapor compression (MVC) desalination plant modelled in TRNSYS, where we can observe the correlations between the final volume of residual brine and the energy consumption required for achieving those results. One of the scenarios will show the biggest final concentration, while the other one will consider the minimum operating conditions for the desalination plant. Apart from those results, there will be an analysis of environmental and economic advantages that can be achieved by the implementation of this technology, as well as an early approach towards the technical aspects involving the development of the model used for these calculations.

The mechanical and frost resistance properties of pressed concrete blocks mixed with the polymeric aluminum chloride waste residue.

This study aims to research on the mechanical and frost resistance properties of pressed concrete blocks mixed with the polymeric aluminum chloride (PAC) waste residue. Experimental studies on the activity index of volcanic ash, mechanical property, frost resistance and microstructure of pressed concrete blocks mixed with PAC waste residue were carried out. The results show that the activity index of volcanic ash of PAC waste residue reaches 74.96% at a particle size of 0.075mm or less and a curing age of 28days. Based on results of mechanical property tests, the optimum dosage of PAC waste residue is 15%, at which time the compressive and bending strength only decreases by 14.57% and 15.84%. Based on results of frost resistance tests, the optimum dosage of PAC waste residue for pressed concrete blocks is 10%. After 50 freeze-thaw cycles, when the dosage of PAC waste residue is 10%, the strength loss rate is only 3.04%. XRD and SEM tests show that PAC waste residue participates in chemical reactions. With a small amount of PAC waste residue, the structure of the specimen remains dense and therefore the strength decreases less.

Shape Memory Materials Based on a NiMnSb Alloy and Polylactic Acid/Polyhydroxyalkanoate: Evaluation of The Chemical And Physical Properties

AbstractIn this study, NiMnSb alloy and PLA/PHA blend composite films with shape memory properties, which exhibit magnetic, elastic, and smart properties at the same time, were prepared by solution casting method. After the magnetic shape memory alloy (MSMA) used in different ratios was doped into the polymer, its effect on the characteristic functional groups of PLA and PHA was examined by attenuated total reflectance‐infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐IR). When the thermal data were examined, it was determined that as the NiMnSb ratio increased, the percentage residue amount increased and the highest residue amount at 500 °C was in the PLA/PHA blend composite film containing 20 % alloy. In X‐ray diffraction (XRD), it was observed that the characteristic signal of the NiMnSb alloy in polymer blend composite films became evident with increasing concentration at 2θ=45° (222). VSM results showed that when a ferromagnetic material such as NiMnSb was doped into the diamagnetic PLA/PHA blend film, the resulting composite now showed ferromagnetic properties. In addition, it has been determined that MSMA further improves this feature of the PLA/PHA blend, which has a shape memory effect.

Assessment of the Characteristics of Corncobs Used for Energy Needs

Due to environmental pollution and global warming, the use of renewable energy sources such as agricultural residues is gaining attention. Corn is the main source of food in many countries, and after harvesting it, the agricultural and industrial sectors generate significant amounts of residues. This study focused on corncob processing, its preparation, and the evaluation of its characteristics for energy needs. There was no significant difference between drying with active ventilation in the dryer and outdoor drying conditions. The adequate moisture content of corncob pellets is 12.39% at a compression ratio of 3.43 ± 0.011 and a maximum pellet density of 1012.96 ± 3.35 kg m−3. The variation in pellet density at a given adequate moisture content is at least 0.78%. The compression ratio of the pellets compacted on the horizontal matrix granulator is 9.75% higher than that of the pellets produced on the laboratory automatic press. The corncob’s lower calorific value was 17.35 ± 0.14 MJ kg−1, and the ash content was 1.78 ± 0.24%. The produced pellets are strong enough and can be used for combustion. This research may help to better understand the properties of corncobs and their energy potential.

AttABseq: an attention-based deep learning prediction method for antigen-antibody binding affinity changes based on protein sequences.

The optimization of therapeutic antibodies through traditional techniques, such as candidate screening via hybridoma or phage display, is resource-intensive and time-consuming. In recent years, computational and artificial intelligence-based methods have been actively developed to accelerate and improve the development of therapeutic antibodies. In this study, we developed an end-to-end sequence-based deep learning model, termed AttABseq, for the predictions of the antigen-antibody binding affinity changes connected with antibody mutations. AttABseq is a highly efficient and generic attention-based model by utilizing diverse antigen-antibody complex sequences as the input to predict the binding affinity changes of residue mutations. The assessment on the three benchmark datasets illustrates that AttABseq is 120% more accurate than other sequence-based models in terms of the Pearson correlation coefficient between the predicted and experimental binding affinity changes. Moreover, AttABseq also either outperforms or competes favorably with the structure-based approaches. Furthermore, AttABseq consistently demonstrates robust predictive capabilities across a diverse array of conditions, underscoring its remarkable capacity for generalization across a wide spectrum of antigen-antibody complexes. It imposes no constraints on the quantity of altered residues, rendering it particularly applicable in scenarios where crystallographic structures remain unavailable. The attention-based interpretability analysis indicates that the causal effects of point mutations on antibody-antigen binding affinity changes can be visualized at the residue level, which might assist automated antibody sequence optimization. We believe that AttABseq provides a fiercely competitive answer to therapeutic antibody optimization.

Fe(III)/peroxymonosulfate oxidation system for the degradation of rhein, a toxic component abundance in rhubarb residue

Rhubarb is widely used in health care, but causing a great amount of rhein-containing herbal residue. Rhein with several toxicities might pollute environment, damage ecology and even hazard human health if left untreated. In this study, the degradation effects of bisulfite- (BS) and peroxymonosulfate- (PMS) based oxidation systems on rhein in rhubarb residue were compared and investigated. The effects of BS and PMS with two valence states of ferric ion (Fe) on the degradation of rhein in rhubarb residue were optimized for the selection of optimal oxidation system. The influences of reaction temperature, reaction time and initial pH on the removal of rhein under the optimal oxidation system were evaluated. The chemical profiles of rhubarb residue with and without oxidation process were compared by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, and the degradation effects were investigated by PLS-DA and S plot/OPLS-DA analysis. The results manifested that PMS showed relative higher efficiency than BS on the degradation of rhein. Moreover, Fe(III) promoted the degradation effect of PMS, demonstrated that Fe(III)/PMS is the optimal oxidation system to degrade rhein in rhubarb residue. Further studies indicated that the degradation of rhein by the Fe(III)/PMS oxidation system was accelerated with the prolong of reaction time and the elevation of reaction temperature, and also affected by the initial pH. More importantly, Fe(III)/PMS oxidation system could degrade rhein in rhubarb residue completely under the optimal conditions. In conclusion, Fe(III)/PMS oxidation system is a feasible method to treat rhein in rhubarb residue.

Revolutionising pesticide detection: a high-sensitivity electrochemical sensor with CdS/g-C3N4/MWCNTs for paraquat monitoring

ABSTRACT Over a decade, the Malaysia National Poison Centre found that 40% of pesticide poisoning cases may be linked to excessive paraquat (PQ) in water, soil, or food, underscoring the widespread impact on public health and emphasising the importance of detecting even trace amounts of PQ residues in the environment. Thus, this study presents a novel electrochemical sensor based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced cadmium sulphide co-anchoring on graphitic carbon nitride (CdS/g-C3N4) nanocomposites for PQ detection. The CdS/g-C3N4 nanocomposite was successfully synthesised and characterised through FTIR, XRD, EDX, FESEM and TEM analysis. The modified electrode (CdS/g-C3N4/MWCNTs PE) exhibited improved electrocatalytic activity, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and impedance spectroscopy. The CdS/g-C3N4/MWCNTs PE displayed a high CV peak and low Rct value which corresponded to a higher electron transfer rate, reduced charge transfer resistance and enhanced mass transport properties. The electrochemical sensor’s performance was evaluated for the detection of PQ, and it demonstrated a linear response in a range of 1.0 µM to 0.1 mM with a limit of detection of 0.14 μM. Furthermore, the sensor exhibited selectivity with a less than 16% potential interference from various organic chemicals and inorganic ions. The sensor’s applicability was tested by quantifying PQ in real water samples, showing excellent recovery percentages ranging from 98.9% to 102.0%. The developed electrochemical sensor provides a practical solution for the rapid and accurate monitoring of PQ levels in the environment. This work establishes the foundation for the development of a selective electrochemical sensor for pesticide analysis, addressing both public health and environmental concerns.

In situ phytoextraction of Mn and NH4+-N from aqueous electrolytic manganese residue solution by Pistia stratiotes: Effects of Fe/Co presence and rhizospheric microbe synergistic involvement

The electrolytic manganese industry produces a large amount of electrolytic manganese residue (EMR). Soluble Mn, NH4+-N, and other pollutants may be released from the open-air stacked EMR and transported to the environment along with rainfall or surface runoff. Aqueous EMR solution (AES) generally contains various elements required for plant growth, and phytoremediation can be applied to remove these pollutants from AES. Since the contents of Fe and Co vary greatly in AES depending on the ore sources as well as the pre-treatment processes, the presence of bioavailable Fe and Co at different levels may affect plant growth, the rhizosphere microbes, and pollutant removal. The present study investigated the in-situ removal of Mn(II) and NH4+-N from AES solution using free floating aquatic plant Pistia stratiotes, focusing especially on the effects of Fe/Co presence and rhizospheric microbe synergistic involvement on contaminant removal. The results showed that 69.08% of Mn and 94.99% of NH4+-N were removed by P. stratiotes in 24 d. Both the presence of Fe(II) and Co(II) facilitated the Mn(II) immobilization and increased Mn(II) removal by 19–31% due to the enhanced peroxidase activity and the increased Mn accumulating in roots The complete removal of Mn from AES was found in the presence of Fe(II) at 2 mg L−1 or Co(II) at 0.5 mg L−1 and more than 51% accumulated Mn in the roots was stored in the vacuole and cytoplasm. BioMnOx was found on the surface of the roots, revealing that rhizofiltration, rhizospheric plaque/biofilm formation, and Mn biogeochemical cycle exert synergic effects on Mn(II) immobilization. The findings of the present study demonstrate the feasibility of using P. stratiotes in the treatment of aqueous EMR solutions and the presence of an appropriate amount of bio-available Fe and Co can promote the removal of Mn(II) and NH4+-N.

Quantitative determination of residue amounts of pesticide active ingredients used in grapes by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS devices and evaluation of these pesticides in terms of public health.

The aim of this study was to quantitatively determine pesticide residues in grapes, one of the most produced and consumed fruits in Turkey and in the world. A total of 226 active ingredients were analyzed in 21 samples collected from Southeastern and Eastern Anatolia regions using QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) extraction method and multiple residue analysis technique and LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS devices. In 11 out of 21 samples (52.4%), no active ingredient was detected, while at least one active ingredient was detected in 10 samples (47.6%). Thirteen different active substances (Ametoctradin, Azoxystrobin, Boscalid, Diphenoconazole, Dimethomorph, Fenhexamid, Fluopyram, Flutriafol, Metalaxyl- Metalaxyl-M, Metrafenone, Tebuconazole, Trifloxystrobin) were detected in the samples. The top 3 most detected active substances were Boscalid-Azoxystrobin and Fluopyram, respectively. The active ingredients were found between 0.015 and 0.499 mg kğ-1 values.

Enhanced removal of typical antibiotics and the changes of bacterial communities in an electro-assisted vertical flow constructed wetland

The presence of a considerable amount of antibiotic residues in urban sewage treatment systems represents a significant threat to both ecological security and human health. In this study, three common aquatic plants, Iris pseudacoru, Cannan indica, and Cyperus alternifolius, and three commonly used antibiotics, oxytetracycline (OTC), tetracycline (TET), and sulfadimethoxine (SDM) were selected to construct a hydroponic system to screen plants with the best antibiotic removal effect. The impact of electric-assisted vertical flow constructed wetland (E-VFCW) on the removal of target antibiotics under varying conditions was investigated. Furthermore, the effects of electrical stimulation on plant physiological indexes and the structure of the microbial community were analyzed. The results showed that the three stages of anodic had the best removal rates for OTC (23.9%, 18.5%, and 14.5%) and TET (28.4%, 23.4%, and 17.4%). When the voltage was 0.9 V and the hydraulic residence time was 36 h, the removal rates of OTC and TET in the anaerobic anodic and aerobic cathodic chamber systems were increased by 15.7% and 18.9%, respectively. The OTC and TET removal rates in the anaerobic cathodic and aerobic anodic chamber systems were increased by approximately 10.3% and 15.5%, respectively. The E-VFCW had no significant effect on SDM. The degradation efficiencies of OTC and TET in the anaerobic zone were higher than those in the aerobic zone. Electrical stimulation enhances enzymatic activity in plants and improves their resistance. Electrical stimulation selectively enriched certain antibiotic-degrading microorganisms, including Elstera, Erysipelothrix, Anaerolinea and Desulfomicrobium.

Analysis of Antibiotics in Milk from Smallholder Farmers from Kenya Shows Traces Above the Recommended Maximum Residue Limits

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rising globally and is likely to cause more deaths because of antibiotic-resistant microbial infections and antibiotic residues in animal foods and products as a result of misuse of antibiotics in dairying. Thus, we determined the presence and quantities of sulfonamide, tetracycline, and beta-lactam drug residues in milk sampled in Nyandarua, Meru, and Kiambu counties in Kenya using the Charm TRIO® test kit and liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to the triple quadrupole mass spectroscopy (MS) (LC-MS/MS). The TRIO® test kit showed dicloxacillin as the most prevalent at 9.3%, followed by penicillin and cloxacillin at 3.7% each, and nafcillin at 0.9% among the beta-lactams. Among the tetracyclines, demeclocycline and tigecycline were the most prevalent at 10.3% each, followed by oxytetracycline at 9.3%, chlortetracycline at 7.5%, and doxycycline at 3.7%, while sulfaquinoxaline was the only sulfonamide drug detected at 4%. The LC-MS/MS detected the presence of all the tested β-lactam and tetracycline antimicrobial traces and all sulfonamide drugs except sulfamerazine in all three counties. All the tetracycline antibiotics recorded between 3 and 10.5% of antibiotic residues above the recommended Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) in milk across all three counties, with beta-lactam antibiotics recording between 2 and 33.3%, indicating their misuse in the three counties. Sulfaquinoxaline was the only sulfonamide detected in milk samples above the recommended MRLs, indicating sulfonamides are less used in those counties. Therefore, it is important to enforce a regulatory framework to control antibiotic use in livestock to minimize potential health risks related to their traces in the foods.

Crop management strategies shape the shared temporal dynamics of soil food web structure and functioning

In recent decades, there has been growing interest in exploring the soil biota, highlighting the significance of soil organisms' networks in soil functioning. Here, we use a modeling approach to investigate how changes in cropping practices influence the soil food web dynamics and it relates to that of soil functioning. In an experimental trial, we tested for change in topsoil food webs after shift from conventional to alternative practices (changes in tillage intensity, amount of residues returned and N fertilization rate). Samplings were made in 16 plots of a randomized complete block design during spring of year 0, 2 and 4 after the onset of the trial. Microorganisms, microfauna, mesofauna and macrofauna were sampled, identified and grouped into trophic groups. We built a general soil food web describing plausible carbon flows between these trophic groups and computed several network indices. At the same dates, soil functions linked to C and N dynamics were measured from soil samples. We used a COSTATIS analysis to investigate relationships between temporal sequences of soil functions and soil food web indices. Significant interactive effects of the date and of agricultural systems were found on the mean and the maximum trophic level, the bacterial-to-fungal path ratio, the total biomass and the way biomass accumulates across trophic levels, the number of trophic groups and the functional redundancy in trophic groups. Similarly, organic matter transformations and enzymatic activities showed differences across date and agricultural systems. Results show that temporal changes in soil food web structure and in soil processes related to N and C cycling co-vary following changes in agricultural management practices. Management practices related to tillage exerted stronger effects on soil food web functioning than those related to the export of crop residues or reduction in mineral N fertiliser. For instance, reduced tillage lead to more complex food webs, with increased C and N mineralization in the upper soil layer (0–5 cm), in which most of the residues accumulate. Our results provide insights on soil food webs temporal dynamics, even within a restricted panel of agricultural practices. Our results suggest that changes in agricultural practices influence feedbacks between organisms and the functions they perform, so that a temporal co-structure can be observed in the studied site. Such work could help better understand the mechanisms of resistance or ecological debt during agroecological transition, which could limit or delay expected Nature-based solutions.

Development of transcriptional factor-based whole-cell biosensors to monitor and degrade antibiotics using mutant cells obtained via adaptive laboratory evolution

With the widespread use of antibiotics and increasing environmental concerns regarding antibiotic abuse, the detection and degradation of antibiotic residues in various samples has become a pressing issue. Transcriptional factor (TF)-based whole-cell biosensors are low-cost, easy-to-use, and flexible tools for detecting chemicals and controlling bioprocesses. However, because of cytotoxicity caused by antibiotics, the application of such biosensors is limited in the presence of antibiotics. In this study, we used antibiotic-tolerant mutants obtained via adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) to develop TF-based whole-cell biosensors for antibiotic monitoring and degradation. The biosensors had high performance and stability in detecting relatively high concentrations of tetracycline (Tc) and nisin. The ALE mutant-based Tc biosensor exhibited a 10-fold larger linear detection range than the wild-type strain-based biosensor. Then, the Tc biosensor was employed to detect residual amounts of Tc in mouse stool, serum, and urine samples and facilitate Tc biodegradation in mouse stool, demonstrating its high utility. Considering that ALE has been demonstrated to enhance cell tolerance to various toxic chemicals, our strategy might facilitate the development of whole-cell biosensors for most antibiotics and other toxic ligands.

Pilot findings on the real-world performance of xylazine test strips for drug residue testing and the importance of secondary testing methods

BackgroundXylazine is a sedative found increasingly in the illicit fentanyl supply that can cause hypotension, bradycardia, necrosis and death. This pilot examined the real-world performance of BTNX xylazine test strips (XTS) in drug residue samples. MethodsThis study was nested within a drug checking service in Rhode Island. We tested unmeasured drug residue dissolved in 5mL of distilled water using XTS and Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Analyses compared XTS and LC-QTOF-MS results to calculate XTS detection of xylazine in residue. ResultsAmong 41 residue samples, xylazine was detected in 11% by the XTS and 44 % by the laboratory. The LC-QTOF-MS detected xylazine in 18 samples: 4 major, 9 minor, 5 trace by volume relative to the whole sample. The XTS disagreed with the LC-QTOF-MS by indicating a negative result in 77.8 % (N=14) of the samples but never indicated a positive when the LC-QTOF-MS reported xylazine’s absence. The XTS correctly detected xylazine 22 % of the time, however, this increased to 100 % of the time if xylazine was a major active component. ConclusionsIn this study, the BTNX XTS often disagreed with LC-QTOF-MS by indicating a negative result, likely due to the dilution levels used and sample composition. The XTS may not be accurate in detecting residual amounts of xylazine, especially if xylazine is not a dominant component of the tested sample. Given the novelty of BTNX’s XTS products, we recommend XTS only be used in conjunction with other advanced drug checking modalities for residue testing.

Study on Hydrothermal Arsenic Fixation in H3AsO4-FeSO4-Na2SO4-H2O System

In this study, hydrothermal metallurgy technology was used to convert arsenic in the solution into a stable, dense, and granular arsenic-fixing mineral, scorodite (FeAsO4·2H2O), that is conducive to storage. The effect of Na+ on the precipitation rate of arsenic and iron, the phase composition, and the transformation of arsenic residue during the mineralization and arsenic precipitation of hydrothermal scorodite in the H3AsO4-FeSO4-Na2SO4-H2O system were studied. The results show that Fe3+ co-precipitates with As5+ to form scorodite (FeAsO4·2H2O). In the later stage of the reaction, Fe3+ and Na+ combine to precipitate in the form of sodium jarosite [NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6]. Under the conditions of an initial Na+ concentration of 10 g/L, an arsenic concentration of 10 g/L, a molar ratio of iron to arsenic of 1.5, a pH of 1, a reaction temperature of 160 °C, a stirring speed of 500 r/min, a reaction time of 3 h, and an oxygen partial pressure of 0.6 MPa, the precipitation rates of arsenic and iron were 98.2% and 93.2%, respectively. The phase composition of the arsenic residue is mainly composed of large-grained polyhedral crystal scorodite, and a small amount of irregular, small-grained crystal sodium jarosite is dispersed in it. By controlling the initial molar ratio of iron to arsenic, the concentration of Na+, and prolonging the reaction time, the formation of the sodium jarosite phase can be inhibited, and the transformation of the sodium jarosite phase into the scorodite phase can be promoted, so as to realize the efficient precipitation of arsenic, reduce the amount of arsenic residue, ensure the stability of arsenic residue, and avoid potential environmental pollution risks.

Rapid testing of antibiotic residues to increase food safety awareness of animal origin.

Antibiotics are used to improve growth, reduce disease, and decrease mortality in animals grown for food. The government regulates and prohibits the use of antibiotics, in particular, the use of antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) in livestock; however, it is not yet known whether the use of antibiotics is in accordance with regulations so that there are no antibiotic residues in food of animal origin. To ensure food safety of animal origin and to raise awareness of food safety, it is necessary to detect antibiotic residues in fish, eggs, and chicken meat from Yogyakarta Special Province through monitoring and monitoring. To ensure food safety and regulatory compliance in food samples, antibiotic residue screening techniques are essential. A number of methods, such as time-consuming and costly chromatographic and spectroscopic methods, have been developed for the detection of antibiotic residues in food samples; however, not all laboratories have these facilities. Therefore, a rapid diagnosis of food of animal origin is required. The purpose of this study was to rapidly test antibiotic residues by using Premi®test kits (R-Biopharm AG, Germany) to increase awareness of food safety of animal origin. We tested 345 animal-based food samples from traditional markets, supermarkets, and central markets in five districts of Yogyakarta Special Province for antibiotic residues using rapid test kits and observation questionnaires to identify risk factors. The presence of antibiotic residues in food-animal origin samples from the Yogyakarta region had an antibiotic residue level of 9.28% (32/345), consisting of fish samples 11.3% (18/97), eggs 15.65% (1/114), and chicken meat samples 0.87% (13/102). The highest percentage of samples positive for residual antibiotics was 21.9% (7/32) from supermarket meat samples. The highest amounts of antibiotic residues were found in fish samples collected from Sleman Regency, up to 25% (8/32), whereas in supermarket fish samples, there were as high as 18.8% (6/32). Antibiotic residues in animal-based food can be attributed to various factors, including product source, transportation conditions, and environmental conditions. The widespread distribution of antibiotic residues in fish comes from environmental conditions during maintenance, distribution, and retailing. Monitoring antibiotic residue prevalence in food-animal origins, particularly chicken meat, eggs, and fish, is crucial for improving animal food quality and safety.

Comprehensive investigation of undesired substances and microbial contamination in plant-based drinks

There is a growing market relevance of non-dairy alternatives mainly driven by issues concerning an increasing prevalence of vegetarianism, awareness of animal welfare and ecological impact of food production. Among the most popular plant-based drinks (PBDs) are almond-, oat- and soy-based products. As the likeliness of contamination of PBDs varies markedly depending on their plant origin, in a survey of selected most common organic-products from the German market mycotoxins, residues of plant protection products, heavy metals, and microbial contamination have been monitored. The results showed that, with one exception, all products were commercially sterile, free of pathogenic microorganisms and contained at most trace amounts of plant protection agent residues. For nickel especially, soy-based drinks showed elevated levels of up to 315 μg/kg and these products also had the highest cadmium levels of up to 7.2 μg/kg. Oat and almond based drinks contained up to 159 and 54 μg/kg Ni and 1.4 and 0.6 μg/kg Cd respectively. By contrast, for mycotoxins, the soy-based drinks showed almost no detectable contamination, while up to 2.1 μg/L T2+HT2-toxin and 5.5 μg/L deoxynivalenol were quantified in oat-based drinks and up to 130 ng/L aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) were found in almond-based drinks. Additionally, oat- as well as almond-based drinks frequently contained up to 263 ng/L and 70 ng/L of the emerging mycotoxin and AFB1 precursor sterigmatocystin.In particular, the mycotoxins in oat- and almond-based drinks and heavy metals in soy-based drinks should be further investigated and minimized, as PBDs represent a novel and additional source of the overall human exposure to these contaminants.