Soluble Ca Research Articles

Synergistic inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal formation and synergistic protection of HK-2 cells from crystal damage by sulfated Laminarin polysaccharide and potassium citrate.

Objective: The first objective is to study the synergistic inhibition of calcium oxalate (CaOx) formation by Laminarin polysaccharides (DLP and SDLP, before and after sulfation) and potassium citrate (K3cit) and determine the synergistic protection of renal epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) caused by CaOx crystal damage. The second objective is to explore new ways to prevent and treat kidney stones. Methods: The CaOx crystals regulated by five additives (K3cit group, DLP group, SDLP group, DLP-K3cit synergistic group and SDLP-K3cit synergistic group) were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, zeta potential, ICP, and TGA. The protective effect of each additive group on HK-2 cells damaged by nano-calcium oxalate monohydrate (nano-COM) was compared by detecting cell viability, the cell reactive oxygen species level, the cell survival rate, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Results: When DLP or SDLP acted synergically with K3cit, the synergistic group induced the same amount of COD at a lower concentration or more COD formation at the same concentration, highlighting the synergistic enhancement effect of 1 + 1 > 2. At 0.3 g L-1, the COD contents induced by DLP, SDLP, K3cit, DLP-K3cit, and SDLP-K3cit synergistic groups were 20.3%, 75.8%, 75.4%, 87.3%, and 100%, respectively. The synergistic group increased the concentration of soluble Ca2+ ions in the supernatant, increased the absolute value of the zeta potential on the surface of CaOx crystals, and inhibited the aggregation among the crystals. TGA and DTG analyses established the adsorption of polysaccharides in the crystals. Cell experiments showed the ability of the synergistic group to significantly inhibit the damage of nano-COM crystals on HK-2 cells, reduce the level of reactive oxygen species and mortality, and improve cell viability and the mitochondrial membrane potential. Conclusions: The synergistic group can more effectively induce COD formation and cell protection than the standalone polysaccharide group or K3cit group. The synergistic groups, especially SDLP-K3cit, may be a potential drug for inhibiting the formation of CaOx kidney stones.

Calcium Enhances Thallium Uptake in Green Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.).

Thallium (Tl) is a nonessential and toxic trace metal that is detrimental to plants, but it can be highly up-taken in green cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.). It has been proven that there is a significant positive correlation between Tl and Calcium (Ca) contents in plants. However, whether Ca presents a similar role for alleviating Tl toxicity in plants remains unclear, and little is known in terms of evidence for both Ca-enhanced uptake of Tl from soils to green cabbage and associated geochemical processes. In this study, we investigated the influence of Ca in soils on Tl uptake in green cabbage and the associated geochemical process. The pot experiments were conducted in 12 mg/kg Tl(I) and 8 mg/kg Tl(III) treatments with various Ca dosages. The results showed that Ca in soils could significantly enhance Tl uptake in green cabbage, increasing 210% in content over the control group. The soluble concentrations of Tl were largely increased by 210% and 150%, respectively, in 3.0 g/kg Ca treatment, compared with the corresponding treatment without Ca addition. This was attributed to the geochemical process in which the enhanced soluble Ca probably replaces Tl held on the soil particles, releasing more soluble Tl into the soil solution. More interestingly, the bioconcentration factor of the leaves and whole plant for the 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 g/kg Ca dosage group were greatly higher than for the non-Ca treatment, which could reach 207%, implying the addition of Ca can improve the ability of green cabbage to transfer Tl from the stems to the leaves. Furthermore, the pH values dropped with the increasing Ca concentration treatment, and the lower pH in soils also increased Tl mobilization, which resulted in Tl accumulation in green cabbage. Therefore, this work not only informs the improvement of agricultural safety management practices for the farming of crops in Tl-polluted and high-Ca-content areas, but also provides technical support for the exploitation of Ca-assisted phytoextraction technology.

Production, physiological response, and calcium and magnesium balance of lactating Holstein cows fed different sources of supplemental magnesium with or without ruminal buffer

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary replacement of magnesium oxide (MgO) with calcium-magnesium hydroxide [CaMg(OH)2] and its interaction with ruminal buffer (sodium sesquicarbonate) supplementation on production, Ca and Mg balance, and overall physiological response of mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows. Sixty cows averaging 40.5 ± 7.0 kg of milk/d were used. Treatments were assigned following a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: (1) MgO, (2) MgO + buffer, (3) CaMg(OH)2, or (4) CaMg(OH)2 + buffer. Diets were formulated to have 16.5% of crude protein, 1.82 Mcal/kg of net energy for lactation, 0.67% Ca, 0.39% P, and 0.25% Mg, all on a dry matter (DM) basis. Treatments were individually top dressed. Milk production, composition, and DM intake were evaluated. A subsample of 20 cows were randomly selected for the evaluation of Ca and Mg balance, blood gases, and electrolytes. Ruminal fluid was also collected for evaluation of pH and Ca and Mg solubility. Effects of Mg source, buffer, and the interaction Mg source × buffer were analyzed through orthogonal contrasts. An interaction of Mg source × buffer was found for DM intake and feed efficiency, in which cows fed CaMg(OH)2 had a similar feed efficiency regardless of ruminal buffer inclusion; however, when cows were fed MgO, the inclusion of buffer reduced feed efficiency. No effects on body weight and milk yield were observed. Buffer addition tended to increase the concentrations of fat, protein, and solids-not-fat, without affecting the yields of these milk components. Magnesium source and buffer did not affect ruminal fluid, blood, urine, or fecal pH; however, buffer supplementation increased urinary pH. Treatment with CaMg(OH)2 increased blood concentration of HCO3-, total CO2, and base excess compared with cows fed MgO. No differences were observed in the ruminal solubility of Ca and Mg or on milk or urinary Ca and Mg excretion. Greater plasma Mg concentration was observed for animals fed MgO compared with cows fed CaMg(OH)2; however, both sources were above the threshold recommended in the literature for dairy cows. Also, a reduction in fecal Mg excretion was observed in animals fed CaMg(OH)2. In summary, we provide evidence that CaMg(OH)2 could replace MgO without affecting performance, overall physiological response, or Ca and Mg balance of mid-lactating dairy Holstein cows.

Aluminium sulfate synergistic electrokinetic separation of soluble components from phosphorus slag and simultaneous stabilization of fluoride

In this study, fluoride (F) was stabilized and soluble components, namely phosphate (P), K, Ca, Cr, Mn, and Pb, were extracted from phosphorus slag (PS) by using aluminum sulfate (AS) synergistic electrokinetic. PHREEQC simulation was used to determine the occurrence form of each ion in the PS. The mechanisms by which various electrokinetic treatment methods affected conductivity and pH distribution were carefully investigated. Electrokinetic treatment increased P concentration of the anode chamber from 22.7 mg/L to 63.39 mg/L, whereas K concentration increased from 15.26 mg/L to 93.44 mg/L. After AS-enhanced electrokinetic treatments, the concentrations of the different components were as follows: P, 131.66 mg/L; K, 198.2 mg/L; and Ca, 331.3 mg/L. The removal rate of soluble P in PS slices increased to 80.88% by 1.5 V/cm of treatment, and it increased to 94.04% after AS enhancement treatment. For water-soluble F, the removal rate from the PS slices in the anode region was 86.03%, decreasing F concentration in the electrode chamber to 9.57 × 10−3 mg/L. Different extraction efficiencies and stability levels of each component in the PS were regulated at various electrode regions by using different processes such as electromigration, electro-osmotic flow, flocculation, and precipitation. Good results can be obtained if fluoride is solidified concurrently with the removal or recovery of P, K, Ca, and other elements using 2%–4% AS enhanced electrokinetic treatment. Furthermore, CaSO4·2H2O whiskers were produced in the electrode regions when AS content was 6%. The findings of this study indicated that the AS synergistic electrokinetic method is suitable for stabilizing F and removing heavy metals from PS, thus providing a promising technology for recycling valuable components such as P, K, Ca, and Sr and for the simultaneous production of CaSO4·2H2O whiskers. This study provides insights for developing novel technologies for the clean treatment and high-value utilization of PS.

Co-Responses of Soil Organic Carbon Pool and Biogeochemistry to Different Long-Term Fertilization Practices in Paddy Fields

Long-term application of soil organic amendments (SOA) can improve the formation of soil organic carbon (SOC) pool as well as soil fertility and health of paddy lands. However, the effects of SOA may vary with the input amount and its characteristics. In this work, a descriptive field research was conducted during one cropping season to investigate the responses of various SOC fractions to different long-term fertilization practices in rice fields and their relationships with soil biogeochemical properties and the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). The field sites included two conventional paddies applied with chemical fertilizer (CF) or CF + rice straw (RS) and six organic agriculture paddies applied with oilseed cake manure (OCM) + wheat straw (WS), cow manure (CM) + WS, or CM + RS. The two paddy soils treated with CM + RS had significantly higher concentrations of recalcitrant to labile C forms, such as loss-on-ignition C (LOIC; 56-73 g kg-1), Walkley-Black C (WBC; 20-25 g kg-1), permanganate oxidizable C (POXC; 835-853 mg kg-1), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC; 133-141 mg kg-1), than soils treated with other SOA. Likewise, long-term application of CM + RS seemed to be the best for regulating soil fertility parameters, such as ammonium (11-141 mg kg-1); phosphate (61-106 mg kg-1); and soluble Ca, K, and Mg (7-10, 0.5-1.2, and 1.9-3.8 mg kg-1, respectively), although the results varied with the location and soil properties of rice fields. Additionally, the two paddy sites had the largest cumulative methane emission (754-762 kg ha-1), seemingly attributed to increased microbial biomass and labile C fractions. The significant correlations of most SOC fractions with soil microbial biomass, trophic factors, and methane emissions were confirmed with multivariate data analysis. It was also possible to infer that long-term SOA application, especially with CM + RS, enhanced interaction in belowground paddy fields, contributing to soil fertility and rice production sustainability. Based on our findings, we suggest the need for analysis of various types of SOC fractions to efficiently manage soil fertility and quality of paddy fields, C sequestration, and GHG emissions.

Unraveling correlations between calcium deficiency and spongy tissue in mango fruit flesh

Spongy tissue, as one of internal flesh breakdown in mango fruits, is correlated with calcium (Ca) deficiency, and adversely affects fruit quality and yield worldwide. However, the underlying mechanism causing spongy tissue remains unknown. Here, we explored the effects of Ca deficiency on spongy tissue in a susceptible cultivar, ‘Keitt’, at the physiological and molecular levels. Nutrient analysis showed that flesh with spongy tissue had lower Ca content and higher N/Ca, K/Ca and Mg/Ca rations than healthy fruit flesh. Ca accumulation in the cell wall, especially in chelator-soluble pectin, was elevated due to increased pectin content, lower levels of pectin methylesterification, and increased pectin methylesterase (PME) activity. During spongy tissue development, levels of Ca oxalate (CaOx) and oxalic acid both increased, whereas soluble Ca content decreased in the flesh. Transcriptomic analysis of healthy flesh and flesh with spongy tissue revealed 2054 up-regulated and 996 down-regulated genes. Gene ontology term analysis showed that the up-regulated genes were mainly enriched in functions related to the transmembrane transporter activity, calcium ion binding, and the cell wall. Importantly, up-regulated genes in spongy tissue included five glucuronate 4-epimerase (GAE) genes and two galactosyltransferase (GALT) genes, which involved in pectin synthesis; four PME genes which control pectin demethylesterification; and eight autoinhibited calcium-transporting ATPase (ACA) genes and two vacuole H+/Ca2+ exchanger (CAX) genes which contribute to Ca influx in the vacuole. Our findings illustrate a mechanism by which Ca deficiency leads to spongy tissue, which will contribute to efforts to control this physiological disorder.

Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese made from blends of camel and bovine milk: Gross composition, proteolysis, functionality, microstructure, and rheological properties.

Camel (CM) milk is used in variety of ways; however, it has inferior gelling properties compared with bovine milk (BM). In this study, we aimed to investigate the physicochemical, functional, microstructural, and rheological properties of low-moisture part-skim (LMPS) mozzarella cheese, made from BM, or BM mixed with 15% CM (CM15%) or 30% CM (CM30%), at various time points (up to 60 d) of storage at 4°C after manufacture. Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheeses using CM15% and CM30% had high moisture and total Ca contents, but lower soluble Ca content. Compared with BM cheese, CM15% and CM30% LMPS mozzarella cheese exhibited higher proteolysis rates during storage. Adding CM affected the color properties of LMPS mozzarella cheese manufactured from mixed milk. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the microstructure of CM15% and CM30% cheeses had smooth surfaces, whereas the BM cheese microstructures were rough with granulated surfaces. Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheeses using CM15% and CM30% showed significantly lower hardness and chewiness, but higher stringiness than BM cheese. Compared with BM cheese, CM15% and CM30% cheeses showed lower tan δ levels during temperature surges, suggesting that the addition of CM increased the meltability of LMPS mozzarella cheese during temperature increases. Camel milk addition affected the physicochemical, microstructural, and rheological properties of LMPS mozzarella cheese.

A field and laboratory study for effect of heat on some chemical properties of soils of Northeastern of Libya

Libya is one of semi-arid regions in the world except in a small area called (Aljabal Alakhdar) forests. It is the only wet area in Libya. This region exposing to encroachments such as burning parts of it to convert trees to charcoal trees and other purposes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of heat on chemical properties of soil of Aljabal Alakhdar. The chemical properties of soil following heat in two geographic areas were determined in one coastal (old burned) and one mountain site (recently burned). The properties studied were: soil moisture content, soil particle size, soil electrical conductivity (EC), soil pH and soluble Na, K, Ca and Mg, a soluble Cl, HCO3 and SO4. The results showed except for the soil particle size, heat has a clear effect on the soils in the two studied areas. It is particularly interesting to note that many of the results when assessed by ANOVA, showed these properties were affected by heat and very few of the data sets proved to be showing no or low significance due to the effect of heat. This is still true at the coastal site even though the burned area there affected by heat several years ago. However, the affected parameters showed a recovery towards unburned levels with time, being less strongly different in the coastal site than in the mountain site. Many of these effects are pronounced in the upper soil layer, reflecting the rapid decline in temperatures with soil depth.

Soil properties as influenced by use of irrigation water having variable RSC and different varieties of groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)

A pot experiment was conducted during summer-2019 at Net House, Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh to study the “Soil properties and different varieties of groundnut as influenced by variable RSC of irrigation water”. The pot experiment comprising of four RSC levels (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 meq L-1) and four different groundnut varieties (V1- TG-37-A, V2- TPG-41, V3- GJG-31 and V4- GG-6) by adopting Completely Randomized Design (Factorial) replicated three times. The available P2O5, organic carbon and available Mn of soil after harvest of the crop were found maximum with RSC- 0 meq L-1. Remaining micronutrients were not affected by RSC water and varieties.The water soluble cations like Ca, Mg, Na and K, exchangeable cations like Ca, Mg and CEC and EC2.5 and ECe were found maximum with irrigation water having RSC -0 meq L-1. Water soluble CO3 2- and HCO3 - exchangeable cations like Na and ESP, pH2.5 and pHs were observed highest with RSC value 7.5 meq L-1. The highest value of available K2O and organic carbon, water soluble cations like Mg and K, exchangeable K and EC2.5 were observed with the variety V2- TPG-41. Exchangeable Na and ESP and available N were observed highest with variety V1- TG-37-A. The combined effect of RSC of irrigation water and variety was found significant on available N, water soluble Ca, Mg, K and ESP of soil after harvest of the groundnut crop.

Changes in oxalic acid and mineral contents of tomato plant under salinity stress

The synthesis of oxalic acid in the plant and its relations with other minerals in plant biochemistry were investigated under saline growing conditions. The effects of NaCl salt applied to the nutrient solution at concentrations of 0, 25, 50 and 75 mM on the mineral nutrients and oxalic acid contents of the leaves, roots and fruits of the tomato plant were examined. NaCl applied to the soil significantly decreased the vegetative, root and fruit dry matter amounts of the tomato plant and the N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu contents in these parts of the plant. The oxalic acid content of the plant also decreased with increasing salt concentration. Ca and oxalic acid contents of the plant were determined at different levels in the vegetative, root and fruit organs of the plant. Depending on the applied NaCl levels, significant decreases were recorded in the total and soluble oxalic acid and Ca levels of the plant. Physiologically effective oxalic acid in tomato plant was recorded only in fruits with low Ca content. The data confirm the effect of salinity on Ca nutrition and show the effects of ion interaction on oxalic acid synthesis in plants.

Ionic Composition Thermodynamics for Different Saline Waters in Central Iraq

understand the thermodynamic of ionic composition for different saline water, triplicate water samples were collected from each location. This study required chemical analysis for total cations (Ca+2,Mg+2,Na+1,K+1) and anions (Cl-1, HCO3-1,CO3-2,SO4-2). The following parameters were calculated using the[1] program: ionic strength, activity coefficient, activity, and ion pairs. The findings revealed that, according to the classification of medium salinity[2], There is no issue with the rate of infiltration. The calcium ionic activity coefficient values ranged from 0.332 to 0.587, with active Ca+2 accounting for 23 to 48 percent of total soluble Ca+2 in the samples investigated. The concentrations of ion pairs ranged from 0.749 to 2.716 mM. L-1. The magnesium ionic activity coefficient ranged from 0.385 to 0.609, and active Mg+2 was found to be between 29 and 44 percent of total soluble Mg+2. The concentrations of ion pairs ranged from 0.270 to 6.618 mM.L-1. In general, the findings show that: The following is the ion Paris sequence: (MgSO4) 0, (CaSO4) 0, (NaSO4) -, (MgHCO3) +, (CaHO3) +, (KSO4)-. The free ions were arranged in the following order: Na+, SO4 -2, Mg+2, Ca+2, HCO3-1, K+1.- Changes in the mathematical relationship between ionic strength and electric conductivity were generated by the correction of ion pairs and ionic activity.- Correction of ion pairs and ionic activity increased the adjusted sodium adsorption ratio (adj.RNa). Ion pairs, activity, and saline water are some of the terms used in this paper.

Solubility of aerosol minor and trace elements in Xiamen Island, Southeast China: Size distribution, health risk and dry deposition

Aerosol element solubility is essential to evaluate the damage to the environment and human health. In this work, the size distribution of total and soluble elements in eight particle size ranges with diameter <0.25, 0.25–0.44, 0.44–1.0, 1.0–1.4, 1.4–2.5, 2.5–10, 10–16 and >16 μm was investigated in Xiamen Island, southeast China from March 2018 to June 2020. The results showed that both total and soluble elements exhibited significant size dependence without obvious seasonal variations, and their relative contributions to PM1 mass were much lower than in particles larger than 1 μm. The correlations between some elements in soluble fraction were quite different from those in total fraction and the correlations also varied with particle size due to their different solubility. The solubility of Al, Fe, Ag and Cr was relatively low compared with other elements. Moreover, the solubility of Na, Mg, Ca, Mn and Ag was less dependent on particle size while Al, Fe and other trace elements exhibited the highest solubility in PM1 and the lowest in PM>10. Overall, the solubility of elements is primarily a function of aerosol origin and size. The carcinogenic risks of metal exposure via inhalation for children (3.31 × 10−6) and adults (4.42 × 10−6) were slightly higher than the guideline of cancer risk with >60 % from V. As for non-carcinogenic risk, the hazard index values for children and adults were 1.59 and 0.53, respectively, with Mn, V and Ni together accounting for >85 % of the risk. >85 % of the size-dependent dry deposition fluxes of the selected soluble elements over the Xiamen Bay were contributed by particles larger than 10 μm due to their high deposition velocities. The atmospheric inputs of bioavailable Fe and Cu to the sea exceeded the required amounts relative to inorganic nitrogen to meet the growth of phytoplankton.

Soil properties as influenced by use of irrigation water having variable RSC and different varieties of groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)

A pot experiment was conducted during summer-2019 at Net House, Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh to study the “Soil properties and different varieties of groundnut as influenced by variable RSC of irrigation water”. The pot experiment comprising of four RSC levels (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 meq L-1) and four different groundnut varieties (V1- TG-37-A, V2- TPG-41, V3- GJG-31 and V4- GG-6) by adopting completely randomized design (Factorial) replicated three times. The available P2O5, organic carbon and available Mn of soil after harvest of the crop were found maximum with RSC- 0 meq L-1. Remaining micronutrients were not affected by RSC water and varieties.The water soluble cations like Ca, Mg, Na and K, exchangeable cations like Ca, Mg and CEC and EC2.5 and ECe were found maximum with irrigation water having RSC -0 meq L-1. Water soluble CO3 2- and HCO3 - exchangeable cations like Na and ESP, pH2.5 and pHs were observed highest with RSC value 7.5 meq L-1. The highest value of available K2O and organic carbon, water soluble cations like Mg and K, exchangeable K and EC2.5 were observed with the variety V2- TPG-41. Exchangeable Na and ESP and available N were observed highest with variety V1- TG-37-A. The combined effect of RSC of irrigation water and variety was found significant on available N, water soluble Ca, Mg, K and ESP of soil after harvest of the groundnut crop.

Physiological and biochemical responses of Tanacetum balsamita L. to the foliar application of Dobogen biostimulant, glucose and KNO3 under salinity stress

Salinity is one of the predominant abiotic stress factors that influence the growth and productivity of plants. Salinity adversely impacts the growth responses via ionic toxicity, osmotic stress, impaired nutrients uptake, hormonal disparity, and the over-production of reactive oxygen species. To study the effects of salinity stress (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM) and foliar treatments (dH2O, 2 g L−1 Dobogen biostimulant, 2 g L−1 KNO3, and 2 g L−1d-glucose) on the growth and physiological responses of Tanacetum balsamita, a factorial experiment was conducted based on the completely randomized design at the research greenhouse of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Iran. The results showed the significant interaction effects of salinity and foliar sprays on chlorophyll a, K+, Na+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, and Si content, K/Na ratio, and total phenolics and flavonoids content. The highest phenolic content was acquired with 100 mM salinity and foliar spray of Dobogen and glucose, 50 mM NaCl × KNO3 application, and 50 mM salinity × no-foliar application. The highest K/Na ratio was observed in control plants and controls × KNO3 and/or Dobogen application. The greatest Si content was recorded with no-salinity × Dobogen and KNO3 applications and no-saline × no-foliar (control) plants. The independent effects of treatments influenced malondialdehyde, flavonoids, proline contents, and catalase activity. Chlorophyll b and superoxide dismutase were affected by the salinity. Total soluble solids and Ca2+ content were responsive to the foliar applications. Malondialdehyde and proline content was the highest at 150 mM salinity. Salinity adversely affected the physiological responses of costmary. However, foliar treatments partially ameliorated the salinity effect, and the results with more detailed studies would be advisable to the extension section and pioneer farmers.

우유무기질을 첨가하여 제조한 칼슘 강화 요구르트의 품질 특성

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential use of milk mineral (MM) as the calcium source for the production of calcium-fortified yogurt. MM was composed of 83% minerals, 7.5% lactose, 3.3% protein, and &lt; 1% fat. Calcium (Ca) content in MM was about 46%; calcium: phosphorous ratio was 1.28:1. The aqueous solubility of Ca increased with the decrease in pH; the solubility at pH 4 and 5 was 98% and 53%, respectively. Ca-fortified yogurt with up to 200 mg Ca/100 mL did not show significant differences in acid production and number of viable cells; however, the viscosity increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) with the increase in Ca levels. Microstructure analysis of Ca-fortified yogurt using confocal scanning laser microscopy indicated that the protein network became denser with increasing fortification with MM. There was no significant difference in the sensory quality between the control and Ca-fortified yogurts. Therefore, MM could be used for the production of Ca-fortified yoghurt without compromising the quality characteristics of yogurt.

Fluoride-contaminated water remediation using biochar derived from dairy processing sludge

Seeking a technically reliable disposal platform for milk sludge has drawn particular concern considering its hazardous potential to our environment. Milk sludge from the dissolved air flotation process has abundant calcium because of the naturally available calcium in milk and lime addition as a coagulant. No previous study on its ability to remove fluoride based on its abundant calcium has been reported. As a strategic measure to minimize the environmental impacts, milk sludge was pyrolyzed. Milk sludge biochar was used as an adsorbent to remove fluoride from water. To delineate the close relationships between the fluoride removal capacity and the physico-chemical properties of biochar, milk sludge biochar was fabricated at the temperature range from 500 to 800 ˚C. In an effort to align the experimental/theoretical data, adsorption kinetics, isotherms, column studies, and equilibrium modelling using visual MINTEQ 3.1 were conducted. In addition, milk sludge biochar was characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Biochar fabricated at 800 °C (MS800) exhibited the highest fluoride removal capacity of 485.9 mg/g. Only MS800 mainly composed highly soluble Ca(OH)2 while the other temperature-prepared biochar mainly composed of less soluble CaCO3. Consequently, MS800 is providing more Ca2+ to the system. At the equilibrium, MS800 releases Ca2+ ∼200 mg/g into water within 24 h. X-ray diffraction of the spent biochar shows that fluoride was removed by forming a CaF2 precipitation. All experimental findings of this study confirmed that milk sludge converted into a value-added, efficient environmental media to remediate fluoride-contaminated wastewater.

Foliar Application of Cerium Oxide-Salicylic Acid Nanoparticles (CeO2:SA Nanoparticles) Influences the Growth and Physiological Responses of Portulaca oleracea L. under Salinity.

In the present study, the effects of foliar application of salicylic acid (100 μM), cerium oxide (50 mg L−1), and cerium oxide:salicylic acid nanoparticles (CeO2: SA-nanoparticles, 50 mg L−1 + 100 μM) on the growth and physiological responses of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) were examined in non-saline and saline conditions (50 and 100 mM NaCl salinity). Foliar applications mitigated salinity-induced adverse effects, and the highest plant height and N, P, Mg, and Mn content were recorded in the variant with non-saline × foliar use of CeO2: SA-nanoparticles. The highest values of fresh and dry weight were noted in the treatment with no-salinity × foliar use of CeO2:SA-nanoparticles. The highest number of sub-branches was observed in the foliar treatments with CeO2-nanoparticles and CeO2:SA-nanoparticles without salinity stress, while the lowest number was noted in the 100 mM NaCl treatment. Moreover, the foliar application of CeO2:SA-nanoparticles and cerium-oxide nanoparticles improved the total soluble solid content, K, Fe, Zn, Ca, chlorophyll a, and oil yield in the plants. The salinity of 0 and 50 mM increased the K content, 1000-seed weight, total soluble solid content, and chlorophyll b content. The use of 100 mM NaCl with no-foliar spray increased the malondialdehyde, Na, and H2O2 content and the Na+/K+ ratio. No-salinity and 50 mM NaCl × CeO2: SA-nanoparticle interactions improved the anthocyanin content in plants. The phenolic content was influenced by NaCl100 and the foliar use of CeO2:SA-nanoparticles. The study revealed that the foliar treatment with CeO2:SA-nanoparticles alleviated the side effects of salinity by improving the physiological responses and growth-related traits of purslane plants.

Ca Solubility in a BiFeO3-Based System with a Secondary Bi2O3 Phase on a Nanoscale.

In BiFeO3 (BFO), Bi2O3 (BO) is a known secondary phase, which can appear under certain growth conditions. However, BO is not just an unwanted parasitic phase but can be used to create the super-tetragonal BFO phase in films on substrates, which would otherwise grow in the regular rhombohedral phase (R-phase). The super-tetragonal BFO phase has the advantage of a much larger ferroelectric polarization of 130–150 μC/cm2, which is around 1.5 times the value of the rhombohedral phase with 80–100 μC/cm2. Here, we report that the solubility of Ca, which is a common dopant of bismuth ferrite materials to tune their properties, is significantly lower in the secondary BO phase than in the observed R-phase BFO. Starting from the film growth, this leads to completely different Ca concentrations in the two phases. We show this with advanced analytical transmission electron microscopy techniques and confirm the experimental results with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. At the film’s fabrication temperature, caused by different solubilities, about 50 times higher Ca concentration is expected in the BFO phase than in the secondary one. Depending on the cooling rate after fabrication, this can further increase since a larger Ca concentration difference is expected at lower temperatures. When fabricating functional devices using Ca doping and the secondary BO phase, the difference in solubility must be considered because, depending on the ratio of the BO phase, the Ca concentration in the BFO phase can become much higher than intended. This can be critical for the intended device functionality because the Ca concentration strongly influences and modifies the BFO properties.

Low-fat akawi cheese made from bovine-camel milk blends: Rheological properties and microstructural characteristics

Camel milk (CM) can be used as an ingredient to produce various dairy products but it forms weak rennet-induced and acid-induced gels compared with bovine milk (BM). Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of blending bovine milk with camel milk on the physicochemical, rheological (amplitude sweep and frequency sweep), and microstructural properties of low-fat akawi (LFA) cheese. The cheeses were made of BM only or BM blended with 15% (CM15%) or 30% (CM30%) camel milk and stored at 4°C for 28 d. The viscoelastic properties as a function of temperature were assessed. The LFA cheeses made from blended milks had higher moisture, total Ca, and soluble Ca contents, and had higher pH 4.6-water-soluble nitrogen compared with those made from BM. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the microstructures formed in BM cheese were rough with granular surfaces, whereas those in blended milk cheeses had smooth surfaces. Hardness was lower for LFA cheeses made from blended milk than for those made from BM only. The LFA cheeses demonstrated viscoelastic behavior in a linear viscoelastic range from 0.1 to 1.0% strain. The storage modulus (G') was lower in LFA cheese made from BM over a range of frequencies. Adding CM reduced the resistance of LFA cheeses to flow as temperature increased. Blended cheeses exhibited lower complex viscosity values than BM cheeses during temperature increases. Thus, the addition of camel milk improved the rheological properties of LFA cheese.

Ruminai Macro Mineral Solubility of Indigofera zollingeriana Top-Leaves from Plants with Different Planting Density Using In Vitro Technique

Abstract Indigofera zollingeriana is a tremendous potential forage plant due to its high nutrient content and potential to be a protein and mineral source in a sustainable system. Mineral fulfillment in ruminants is determined by their bioavailability. This study evaluated the ruminal macro mineral solubility of I. zollingeriana growing with different planting densities. The field experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three different planting densities, 8000plants/ha, 13333plants/ha, 20000plants/ha, and 3 replicates. An in vitro experiment evaluated macrominerals solubility and incubated in rumen liquor at 0,3,6,12,24,48, and 72 h. The results showed that increased planting densities significantly(P&lt;0.05) decreased DM degradability. Planting density also gave various effects on the level of kinetic parameters, effective solubility(ES), and solubility of macro minerals(P&lt;0.05). The plant of 8000 to 13333plants/ha has a higher Ca and Mg solubility, kinetic parameters, and ES of macro minerals compared to the density of 20000plants/ha. Based on these results, it can be concluded that higher bioavailability of macro minerals is obtained from populations of 8000 to 13333plants/ha, so that the planting of I. zollingeriana needs to be carried out with a population of 8000 to 13333plants/ha to produce forage macro mineral biomass and can be utilized by livestock optimally.