Iron Resources Research Articles

Biocontrol mechanisms of antagonistic yeasts on postharvest fruits and vegetables and the approaches to enhance the biocontrol potential of antagonistic yeasts.

During storage and transportation, fruits and vegetables are susceptible to various pathogens, leading to quality degradation and significant economic losses. Currently, chemical pesticides are primarily used for control; however, their overuse poses serious threats to human health and causes environmental pollution. Biocontrol, known for its environmentally friendly characteristics, has been extensively studied. Among biocontrol agents, yeasts are widely distributed and possesses strong antagonistic abilities, making them crucial agents against numerous pathogenic fungi. Despite their considerable promise, the full potential of antagonistic yeasts for broader application remains untapped. Therefore, this paper reviews the mechanisms of antagonistic yeasts as biocontrol agents for postharvest diseases, including space and nutrients competition, competition for scarce iron resources, parasitism, production of soluble and volatile antifungal compounds, and induction of host systemic resistance. The paper also introduces research on the combined application of antagonistic yeasts with physical, chemical, and other microbial methods. Ultimately, this review provides a potential pathway to enhance the biocontrol effectiveness of antagonistic yeasts and expand their application prospects.

Structural Basis and Mechanism of a Unique Haemophore in the Haem-Iron Acquisition by Riemerella anatipestifer.

Several bacterial pathogens employ haemophores to scavenge haem from host haemoprotein to obtain an iron source. However, no homologues of well-characterized haemophores are found in Riemerella anatipestifer, a bacterium belonging to the order Flavobacteriales that encodes haem uptake systems. Herein, a unique haemophore RhuH is characterized in this bacterium. R. anatipestifer used RhuH to grow when duck hemoglobin serves as the sole iron resource. RhuH is secreted as a component of outer membrane vesicles. Recombinant RhuH exhibited a high binding affinity for haem (Kd of 3.44 × 10-11m) and can extract haem from duck hemoglobin. X-ray crystallography elucidated the 3D structure of RhuH at 2.85 Å resolution, showing a dimeric conformation with each monomer exhibiting a unique structure. Structure modeling of RhuH-haem, coupled with mutagenesis, haemin utilization, and binding affinity assays, show that haem is captured in the β-barrel-like region, displaying the classic iron coordination. The RhuH homologues are predominantly distributed in Weeksellaceae and Flavobacteriaceae. Finally, the homologues of RhuH in Riemerella columbina, Flavobacterium columnare, and Flavobacterium soli are used as a proof of concept, demonstrating that these homologues exhibit conserved structures and functions.

Characterization of Physical and Chemical Properties of Multi-Source Metallurgical Dust and Analysis of Resource Utilization Pathways

Steel metallurgical dust, characterized by a substantial output, minute particle size, and intricate composition, poses a considerable risk of environmental contamination while simultaneously embodying an exceptionally high potential for recycling. To achieve its resource utilization, chemical analysis, particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and water leaching methods were employed to investigate the chemical compositions, particle size distributions, phase compositions, and microscopic morphologies of blast furnace bag dust, sintering dust, converter fine dust, and electric arc furnace dust from steel plants. The results indicate that the four types of dust have extremely fine particle sizes, with the main distribution range of particle size being less than 100 μm. The main constituent element is Fe (19–56%), and it also contains Zn (1.4–33.5%), Pb, K, C, and other valuable elements. Alkali metals in blast furnace bag dust and sintering machine head dust existed mainly in the form of chloride. The zinc phases in sintering machine head dust and converter fine dust were ZnFe2O4, and the zinc phases in blast furnace bag dust were ZnCl2 and ZnFe2O4. Zinc in electric furnace dust was composed of ZnO and ZnFe2O4, accounting for 70.31% and 23.12%, respectively. There are significant differences in the types and contents of valuable elements among various dusts, making it difficult to achieve full-scale recovery through a single process. In view of this, a process of “in-plant recycling of harmless dusts—collaborative treatment of harmful dusts” has been proposed. Based on the characteristics of metallurgical dusts, multiple processes are used for collaborative treatment (using hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical methods), which can not only directly recover iron resources from dusts within the plant, but also avoid the waste of valuable elements such as Zn, Pb, K, Na, etc. It is hoped that the above work can provide a reference for steel enterprises to achieve full-scale and high value-added treatment of metallurgical dusts.

High-Stable All-Iron Redox Flow Battery with Innovative Anolyte based on Steric Hindrance Regulation.

All-soluble all-iron redox flow batteries (AIRFBs) are an innovative energy storage technology that offer significant financial benefits. Stable and affordable redox-active materials are essential for the commercialization of AIRFBs, yet the battery stability must be significantly improved to achieve practical value. Herein, ferrous complexes combined with the triisopropanolamine (TIPA) ligand are identified as promising anolytes to extend battery life by reducing cross-contamination due to a pronounced steric hindrance effect. The coordination structure and failure mechanism of our Fe-TIPA complexes were determined by molecular dynamics simulation and spectroscopic experiments. By coupling with [Fe(CN)6]4-/3-, Fe-TIPA/Fe-CN AIRFBs retained excellent stability exceeding 1831 cycles at 80 mA ⋅ cm-2, yielding an energy efficiency of ~80 % and maintaining a steady discharge capacity. Moreover, the all-soluble electrolyte was tested in an industrial-scale Fe-TIPA/Fe-CN AIRFB prototype energy storage system, where an energy efficiency of 81.3 % was attained. Given the abundance of iron resources, we model the TIPA AIRFB electrolyte cost to be as low as 32.37 $/kWh, which is significantly cheaper than the current commercial level. This work demonstrates that steric hindrance is an effective measure to extended battery life, facilitating the commercial development of affordable flow batteries.

A Novel Technique for Preparation and Separation of Iron Carbide from Sintering Dust

Sintering dust is a typical refractory secondary iron resource. A technology‐based utilization of sintering dust as iron carbide by applying chlorination, carburization, and magnetic separation is proposed. Under optimized conditions, an electric furnace burden comprised of 83.51% Fe and 6.52% C and with a corresponding iron recovery rate of 81.21% is prepared. Meanwhile, 96.97% Pb can be removed by chlorination and magnetic separation. Furthermore, the separation mechanism is revealed using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, and optical microscopy. The results show that sodium sulfate can promote the carburizing efficiency of sintering dust, strengthen the growth of iron carbide particles, and improve the embedding relationship between iron carbide and gangue minerals, which significantly promotes the separation efficiency. The study demonstrates that the preparation of iron carbide from sintering dust using the proposed technology is a feasible method.

Endogenous iron-enriched biochar loaded nickel-foam cathode in electro-Fenton for ciprofloxacin degradation: performance, mechanism and DFT calculation

Endogenous iron-enriched biochar loaded nickel-foam cathode in electro-Fenton for ciprofloxacin degradation: performance, mechanism and DFT calculation

Sintering, microstructure and mechanical properties of anorthite-based ceramics prepared from iron-extracted steel slag

Sintering, microstructure and mechanical properties of anorthite-based ceramics prepared from iron-extracted steel slag

Practical experience to theoretical innovation: A model for recovering metal resources from industrial solid waste − A case study of copper smelting slag

Practical experience to theoretical innovation: A model for recovering metal resources from industrial solid waste − A case study of copper smelting slag

Separation and extraction of iron resources from hazardous electric arc furnace (EAF) steel slag: Aggregation of Fe-rich layers, magnetic separation, powder characterization

Separation and extraction of iron resources from hazardous electric arc furnace (EAF) steel slag: Aggregation of Fe-rich layers, magnetic separation, powder characterization

Uncovering Availability of the Secondary Iron Resources in China: Integrating Material Flow Analysis and Secondary Resources Reserve Assessment.

As the largest iron and steel producer, China still cannot meet its demand of iron and steel only through domestic primary supply in the last few decades. Hence, secondary iron resources are increasingly significant in meeting China's iron supply and demand balance. However, the secondary iron resource availability in China and how it impacts the future supply demand balance were still insufficiently discussed. In this work, we developed a material flow analysis and secondary resources reserve assessment (MFA-SRRA) integrated model, assessed secondary iron resources availability, and conducted a supply demand analysis through nine scenarios for irons in China. The results showed that China's secondary iron reserves will increase from 8.9 Gt in 2021 to 14.04 to 19.01 Gt in 2050. With the increasing secondary iron supply, more than 60% of iron ore as a source of steelmaking can be replaced by 2050. Landfills, as a significant reserve of iron but always ignored, will accumulate 1.42-1.51 Gt secondary iron resources by 2050 and should be noticed to be mined and utilized in the future. Last, we suggest that promoting innovation in landfill mining technology and making sustainable material management policies are urgent to prevent these secondary iron resources from becoming real waste.

A Novel Fabrication of Hematite Nanoparticles via Recycling of Titanium Slag by Pyrite Reduction Technology.

An enormous quantity of titanium slag has caused not merely serious environment pollution, but also a huge waste of iron and sulfur resources. Hence, recycling iron and sulfur resources from titanium slag has recently been an urgent problem. Herein, hematite nanoparticles were fabricated through a pyrite reduction approach using as-received titanium slag as the iron source and pyrite as the reducing agent in an nitrogen atmosphere. The physicochemical properties of the hematite nanoparticles were analyzed using multiple techniques such as X-ray diffraction pattern, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The best synthesis conditions for hematite nanoparticles were found at 550 °C for 30 min with the mass ratio of 14:1 for titanium slag and pyrite. The results demonstrated that hematite nanoparticles with an average particle diameter of 45 nm were nearly spherical in shape. The specific surface area, pore volume, and pore size estimated according to the BET method were 19.6 m2/g, 0.117 cm3/g, and 0.89 nm, respectively. Meanwhile, the fabricated hematite nanoparticles possessed weak ferromagnetic behavior and good absorbance in the wavelength range of 200 nm-600 nm, applied as a visible light responsive catalyst. Consequently, these results show that hematite nanoparticles formed by the pyrite reduction technique have a promising application prospect for magnetic material and photocatalysis.

Uncovering the key features of iron metabolism in Pakistan from 2005 to 2020: A dynamic material flow analysis

Uncovering the key features of iron metabolism in Pakistan from 2005 to 2020: A dynamic material flow analysis

Role of lactoferrin in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections

Introduction Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein belonging to the group of transferrins found in most body fluids. It has been shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. The increasing availability and widespread use of dietary supplements containing lactoferrin have been observed as supportive measures in managing various infections. Aim of the study The objective of this study is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the anti-infective - mostly antiviral - effects of lactoferrin and the justification for its use in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. Knowledge summary Scientific research has consistently confirmed the effectiveness of lactoferrin against pathogenic microorganisms. The antibacterial effect of this protein is based mainly on the management of available iron resources - an ingredient necessary for bacterial growth. On the other hand, the antiviral activity of this protein is based on the induction of interferon production. Conclusion Dietary supplements containing lactoferrin are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for supportive use in infections. Lactoferrin exhibits antimicrobial activity supported by research in specific infections. It has a good tolerance and safety profile, therefore it seems that it can be used adjunctively in this indication.

One-step hydrothermal synthesis of iron phosphate dihydrate with ferric salt dephosphorized sludge

One-step hydrothermal synthesis of iron phosphate dihydrate with ferric salt dephosphorized sludge

Preparation of cementing material and recovery of iron resources using converter slag

Preparation of cementing material and recovery of iron resources using converter slag

Retrospect on the Ground Deformation Process and Potential Triggering Mechanism of the Traditional Steel Production Base in Laiwu with ALOS PALSAR and Sentinel-1 SAR Sensors.

The realization of a harmonious relationship between the natural environment and economic development has always been the unremitting pursuit of traditional mineral resource-based cities. With rich reserves of iron and coal ore resources, Laiwu has become an important steel production base in Shandong Province in China, after several decades of industrial development. However, some serious environmental problems have occurred with the quick development of local steel industries, with ground subsidence and consequent secondary disasters as the most representative ones. To better evaluate possible ground collapse risk, comprehensive approaches incorporating the common deformation monitoring with small-baseline subset (SBAS)-synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) technique, environmental factors analysis, and risk evaluation are designed here with ALOS PALSAR and Sentinel-1 SAR observations. A retrospect on the ground deformation process indicates that ground deformation has largely decreased by around 51.57% in area but increased on average by around -5.4 mm/year in magnitude over the observation period of Sentinel-1 (30 July 2015 to 22 August 2022), compared to that of ALOS PALSAR (17 January 2007 to 28 October 2010). To better reveal the potential triggering mechanism, environmental factors are also utilized and conjointly analyzed with the ground deformation time series. These analysis results indicate that the ground deformation signals are highly correlated with human industrial activities, such underground mining, and the operation of manual infrastructures (landfill, tailing pond, and so on). In addition, the evaluation demonstrates that the area with potential collapse risk (levels of medium, high, and extremely high) occupies around 8.19 km2, approximately 0.86% of the whole study region. This study sheds a bright light on the safety guarantee for the industrial operation and the ecologically friendly urban development of traditional steel production industrial cities in China.

Iron rescues glucose-mediated photosynthesis repression during lipid accumulation in the green alga Chromochloris zofingiensis

Energy status and nutrients regulate photosynthetic protein expression. The unicellular green alga Chromochloris zofingiensis switches off photosynthesis in the presence of exogenous glucose (+Glc) in a process that depends on hexokinase (HXK1). Here, we show that this response requires that cells lack sufficient iron (−Fe). Cells grown in −Fe+Glc accumulate triacylglycerol (TAG) while losing photosynthesis and thylakoid membranes. However, cells with an iron supplement (+Fe+Glc) maintain photosynthesis and thylakoids while still accumulating TAG. Proteomic analysis shows that known photosynthetic proteins are most depleted in heterotrophy, alongside hundreds of uncharacterized, conserved proteins. Photosynthesis repression is associated with enzyme and transporter regulation that redirects iron resources to (a) respiratory instead of photosynthetic complexes and (b) a ferredoxin-dependent desaturase pathway supporting TAG accumulation rather than thylakoid lipid synthesis. Combining insights from diverse organisms from green algae to vascular plants, we show how iron and trophic constraints on metabolism aid gene discovery for photosynthesis and biofuel production.

Iron-enhanced simulated lunar regolith sintered blocks: Preparation, sintering and mechanical properties

Iron-enhanced simulated lunar regolith sintered blocks: Preparation, sintering and mechanical properties

A new eco-friendly approach for recovery of iron from copper smelting slag: Using CO2 and Cl2 recycling strategies

A new eco-friendly approach for recovery of iron from copper smelting slag: Using CO2 and Cl2 recycling strategies

Recovery of high-quality iron phosphate from acid-leaching tailings of laterite nickel ore

Recovery of high-quality iron phosphate from acid-leaching tailings of laterite nickel ore