Soluble Ca Research Articles

GENOTYPIC VARIATIONS IN SALT TOLERANCE OF SOME EGYPTIAN WILD BEET ACCESSIONS

This study reports for the first time the eco-physiological responses of some Egyptian wild beet accessions (WB1013, WB1021 and WB1026) under saline irrigation. The plants were exposed to five seawater salinities (0, 20, 30, 40 and 60% sws) for 6 weeks in a sandy culture in the greenhouse. Low salinity (20% sws) slightly enhanced the plant fresh weight of both WB1013 and WB1021 genotypes by 5% and 3% respectively, but significantly reduced that of WB1026 genotype by about 10%. Higher seawater salinities, however, caused progressive growth reductions in all accessions, with maximum growth inhibition, being 59% in WB1026 at 60% sws. Tolerance threshold was lowest (being at 20% sws) for WB1026, but highest (reached 40% sws) for both genotypes WB1013 and WB1021. EC50 was at salinity level of 40 – 60% sws for WB1026 genotype, but higher than 60% sws for genotypes WB1013 and WB1021. These indicate that both accessions WB1013 and WB1021 are more salt-tolerant when compared with WB1026. The higher salt tolerance of WB1013 and WB1021 accessions is largely conferred by higher leaf K+/Na+ ratio, due to low Na+ and Cl- accumulation under saline conditions compared to WB1026. This was associated with lower dry weights and ion leakage, and with higher leaf area, chlorophyll readings, total soluble carbohydrates and Ca2+ concentrations when compared with WB1026. Both WB1013 and WB1021 accessions do not only offer the possibility of being an alternative promising cash crops under seawater irrigation, but also, through an understanding of its physiology, may provide possible routes to enhance salt tolerance in other beet crops.

Soil Type-Dependent Interactions of P-Solubilizing Microorganisms with Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers Mediate Plant Growth Promotion in Tomato

The use of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) as bio-effectors (BEs) to improve the nutrient acquisition of crops has a long history. However, limited reproducibility of the expected effects still remains a major challenge for practical applications. Based on the hypothesis that the expression of PGPM effects depends on soil type and the properties of the applied fertilizers, in this study, the performance of selected microbial inoculants was investigated for two contrasting low-fertility soils supplied with different organic and inorganic fertilizers. Greenhouse experiments were conducted with tomato on an alkaline sandy loam of pH 7.8 and an acidic loamy sand of pH 5.6 with limited phosphate (P) availability. Municipal waste compost, with and without poultry manure (PM), rock phosphate (RP), stabilized ammonium, and mineral nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilization were tested as fertilizer variants. Selected strains of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (Priest et al. 1987) Borriss et al. 2011 (FZB42) and Trichoderma harzianum Rifai (OMG16) with proven plant growth-promoting potential were used as inoculants. On both soils, P was identified as a major limiting nutrient. Microbial inoculation selectively increased the P utilization in the PM-compost variants by 116% and 56% on the alkaline and acidic soil, while RP utilization was increased by 24%. This was associated with significantly increased shoot biomass production by 37–42%. Plant growth promotion coincided with a corresponding stimulation of root growth, suggesting improved spatial acquisition of soluble soil P fractions, associated also with improved acquisition of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca). There was no indication for mobilization of sparingly soluble Ca phosphates via rhizosphere acidification on the alkaline soil, and only mineral NPK fertilization reached a sufficient P status and maximum biomass production. However, on the moderately acidic soil, FZB42 significantly stimulated plant growth of the variants supplied with Ca–P in the form of RP + stabilized ammonium and PM compost, which was equivalent to NPK fertilization; however, the P nutritional status was sufficient only in the RP and NPK variants. The results suggest that successful application of microbial biofertilizers requires more targeted application strategies, considering the soil properties and compatible fertilizer combinations.

Impact of in vitro cold stress on two banana genotypes based on physio-biochemical Evaluation

Climatic changes affect agriculture and alter cultivated land area worldwide. Among which, low-temperature has a general negative impact on plant growth and productivity especially on tropical and subtropical species. To assess the effect of cold stress on banana, two global cultivated varieties (i.e. Grand Nain and Williams) were used for in vitro physio-biochemical evaluation. Cold stress was performed at constant 5 °C for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h, to assess the changes in the pool of proline, total phenolics, total soluble carbohydrates, K+ and Ca+2 ions as well as the photosynthesis related pigments chlorophyll and carotenoids). Significant differences between cultivars and among exposure times were found in most of the studied traits. Results indicated that cold-stressed plants were capable to enhance their cold tolerance by over-accumulation of cryoprotectants, particularly under extended cold stress. Importantly, Williams showed more tolerance than Grand Nain by accumulating higher amounts of total phenolics, total soluble carbohydrates, higher concentrations of K+ and Ca+2 ions as well as more content of the photosynthetic pigments, compared to Grand Nain. Meanwhile, Grand Nain produced greater amounts of proline than Williams. These findings suggest that compatible solutes increased in relation to cold tolerance mechanisms which modulate chilling-induced oxidative damage in banana. These imperative mechanisms could be utilized as important tools and selectable markers for cold tolerance screening in banana genotypes which could be helpful in breeding programs.

Minor Review: An Overview of a Synthetic Nanophase Bone Substitute.

Material is reviewed that consists of reconstituted collagen fibril gel mineralized in a manner that produces biomimetically sized nanoapatites intimately associated with the fibrils. This gel is formed into usable shapes with a modulus and strength that allow it to be surgically press fitted into bony defects. The design paradigm for the material is that the nanoapatites will dissolve into soluble Ca2+ as the collagen is degraded into RGD-containing peptide fragments due to osteoclastic action. This is intended to signal to the osteoclasts to continue removing the material in a biomimetic fashion similar to bony remodeling. Preliminary experiments in a subcutaneous rat model show that the material is biocompatible with respect to inflammatory and immunogenic responses, and that it supports cellular invasion. Preliminary experiments in a critical-sized mandibular defect in rats show that the material is resorbable and functions well as a bone morphogenetic 2 (BMP-2) carrier. We have produced a range of mechanical and biological responses by varying mechanical and chemical processing of the material.

Distribution of palygorskite in Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments and the associated soils in southern Iran

Little is known about the distribution and origins of palygorskite in soils developed on Tertiary and Cretaceous rocks and sediments and the associated soils in such areas as Fars Province, southern Iran, or the other Middle Eastern countries. The present study pursued the twofold objective of (1) identifying the distribution and sources of palygorskite in the soils developed on the above sediments and (2) determining the major soil properties influencing palygorskite distribution. Eight soil profiles developed on Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments and their parent materials were sampled and studied using XRD, SEM, and EDX analyses. The results revealed that most of the palygorskite was inherited from the respective parent materials although some seemed to be the product of neoformation pathways as a result of gypsum and calcite precipitation. Principal component analysis revealed that the most significant factors affecting the distribution and genesis of palygorskite in the soils developed on Cretaceous sediments are electrical conductivity (EC), clay, soluble Si, organic C, calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), and smectite while those for Tertiary parent material-derived soils are the amounts of gypsum, illite, organic C, and CCE. Multiple regression analysis suggested smectite, pH, gypsum, and EC in the Cretaceous samples and the values of gypsum and soluble Ca and Si in the Tertiary soils as indicators to be used for predicting palygorskite content.

Combined effects of ultrasound and calcium on the chelate-soluble pectin and quality of strawberries during storage

The combined effects of ultrasound and calcium on the water migration, quality, and chelate-soluble pectin (CSP) properties of strawberries were investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The relationship among water migration, firmness, and CSP properties was also determined. Treatment with ultrasound and calcium (U + Ca) prevented the decrease in firmness of strawberries during storage (17 days). Measurements of physicochemical parameters (titratable acidity (TA), soluble solid content (SSC), CSP and Ca content) showed that U + Ca treatment maintained better fruit quality. AFM showed a larger percentage of wider and longer CSP molecules in the U + Ca group (width ≥90 nm; length ≥800 nm). These results, together with the HPLC results, confirmed that U + Ca treatment effectively inhibits CSP degradation. This study revealed that the application of ultrasound and calcium could preserve the quality of stored strawberries.

Gastropod grazing of epiphytic lichen-dominated communities depends on tree species

Tree species differ in longevity, canopy structure, and bark texture, chemistry and water storage. Tree species-specific traits play a role in shaping epiphytic vegetation and likely influence the community assembly of organisms feeding on epiphytes. Lichenivorous gastropods, species with calcium-rich shells in particular, need calcium and likely occur more abundantly in and around tree species with high available calcium. We quantified gastropod grazing on the epiphytic lichens Lobaria pulmonaria and Lobaria scrobiculata transplanted to blocks of adjacent trunks of Acer platanoides, Quercus robur and Tilia cordata. We tested the hypothesis that tree species known to have more available Ca, exhibit more grazing damage on transplanted lichens than trees with lower Ca-availability. The grazing pressure was 1.6–1.8 times higher for lichen transplants on Acer and Tilia known to produce litter with easily soluble Ca than on Quercus, which binds Ca as oxalate. Trees with a high grazing pressure on transplants had greater natural abundance of Lobaria virens than of L. pulmonaria. Gastropods preferred L. scrobiculata to L. pulmonaria, evidenced by more observed grazing marks and greater measured biomass loss. We attribute this difference to the lower concentration of carbon-based secondary compounds in L. scrobiculata. However, the strength of the preference varied between the three tree species receiving lichen transplants and was strongest on A. platanoides, while gastropods on T. cordata grazed equal amounts of each transplanted lichen. In conclusion, tree species influenced grazing patterns of gastropods on epiphytic lichens. In addition to bark pH and other factors, we have shown that tree species-specific differences in grazing pressure play a role in shaping the epiphytic macrolichen community.

Characterization of primary and secondary wastewater treatment sludge from a pulp and board mill complex to evaluate the feasibility of utilization as a soil amendment agent and a fertilizer product

In this study, we have determined the main important physical and chemical properties as well as the heavy metal concentrations of the primary and secondary wastewater treatment sludge from a pulp and board mill complex located in Finland in order to evaluate the utilization of these by-products as a soil amendment agent or a fertilizer product. Easily soluble Ca, Mg, K, Na, P and S concentrations in the sludges were extracted by ammonium acetate (CH 3 COONH 4 ) and easily soluble Cu, Mn and Zn concentrations by CH 3 COONH 4 + Na 2 EDTA. For the determination of total nutrient and total heavy metal concentrations in sludges, they were digested using aqua regia (3 mL HCl + 9 mL HNO 3 ). The total heavy concentrations in the primary sludge were lower than the Finnish heavy metal limit values for fertilizer products. In the secondary sludge, all other total heavy metals than the total Cd concentration (4.8 mg/kg; d.w.) were lower than the heavy metal limit values for fertilizer products. Due to the low total heavy metal concentrations, which were lower than the Finnish limit values for fertilizer products, the primary sludge is a potential fertilizer. Although the total Cd concentration (4.8 mg/kg; d.w.) in the secondary sludge exceed the limit value of 1.5 mg/kg (d.w.) for fertilizer products, this residue may be used as a soil improver, a growing media or as a fertilizer product in landfill sites or in other closed industrial areas, because the Finnish limit values for fertilizer products are not applied at these sites.

Soluble calcium-binding proteins (SCBPs) of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris: possible role as relaxation factors in muscle.

The soluble Ca2+-binding protein (SCBP) from the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris was analyzed with regard to its role as a soluble muscle relaxation factor. The actomyosin ATPase activity was inhibited by the addition of decalcified SCBP as it binds Ca2+ stronger than the regulatory proteins associated with the actomyosin. Competitive 45Ca2+-binding assays with decalcified actomyosin and SCBP showed that 45Ca2+ is first bound to actomyosin and is subsequently taken over by SCBP with increasing incubation time. Ca2+ competition experiments carried out with 45Ca2+ loaded SCBP and fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles revealed that 45Ca2+ bound to SCBP can be deprived by the ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, experiments in a diffusion chamber showed that the addition of SCBP significantly enhances the 45Ca2+ flux in a concentration dependent manner. The amount of the Ca2+ flux increasetends to reach a maximum value of about 70%. With all protein components isolated from the obliquely striated muscle, our in vitro experiments consistently show that SCBP may accelerate muscle relaxation similar as assumed for vertebrate parvalbumin.

Effect of hydroquinone-induced iron reduction on the stability of Fe(III)-As(V) Co-precipitate and arsenic mobilization

Long-term storage of Fe(III)-As(V) co-precipitate wastes derived from the industrial As removal process poses the risk of secondary arsenic pollution to the local environment. However, its stability in only iron-reducing environment remains unclear. The effect of iron reduction by hydroquinone (QH2) on the stability of co-precipitate at Fe/As molar ratio of 5 was investigated in this study. The results showed that 16.5–93% of Fe(III) reduction in NaOH-neutralized co-precipitate caused 0.1–11% (0.1–8.5 mg L-1) As release and 0.9–46% (2.6–130 mg L-1) Fe(II) release at pH 4 and 6. Most of the As(V) and more than half of the Fe(II) generated by the reductive decomposition of Fe(III)-As(V) co-precipitate were retained in solid phases. Solid characterization and thermodynamic calculation indicated that amorphous Fe3(AsO4)2 was probably the major secondary mineral for As immobilization. At pH 8, 11–39% As and less than 4% Fe(II) were released into solution after 3.6–87% Fe(III) was reduced to Fe(II). Both amorphous Fe3(AsO4)2 and Fe(II,III) (hydr)oxides were responsible for As retention. The solubility of NaOH-neutralized co-precipitates in terms of dissolved As concentration upon Fe(III) reduction at pH 4, 6 and 8 with QH2/Fe(III) mol of 1 was lower than that in oxic environment. It was also lower than the solubility of Ca(OH)2-neutralized co-precipitate after Fe(III) reduction at pH 4 and 6.

Preparation of novel tissue acidosis-responsive chitosan drug nanoparticles: Characterization and in vitro release properties of Ca2+ channel blocker nimodipine drug molecules

The pH-responsive intelligent drug release facility of hydrophobically modified chitosan nanoparticles (Chit NPs) (d = 5.2 ± 1.1 nm) was presented in the case of poorly water soluble Ca2+ channel blocker nimodipine (NIMO) drug molecules. The adequate pH-sensitivity, i.e. the suitable drug carrier properties of the initial hydrophilic Chit were achieved by reductive amination of Chit with hexanal (C6-) and dodecanal (C12-) aldehydes. The successful modifications of the macromolecule were evidenced via FTIR measurements: the band appearing at 1412 cm−1 (CN stretching in aliphatic amines) in the cases of the hydrophobically modified Chit samples shows that the CN bond successfully formed between the Chit and the aldehydes. Hydrophobization of the polymer unambiguously led to lower water contents with lower intermolecular interactions in the prepared hydrogel matrix: the initial hydrophilic Chit has the highest water content (78.6 wt%) and the increasing hydrophobicity of the polymer resulted in decreasing water content (C6-chit.: 74.2 wt% and C12-chit.: 47.1 wt%). Furthermore, it was established that the length of the side chain of the aldehyde influences the pH-dependent solubility properties of the Chit. Transparent homogenous polymer solution was obtained at lower pH, while at higher pH the formation of polymer (nano)particles was determined and the corresponding cut-off pH values showed decreasing tendency with increasing hydrophobic feature (pH = 7.47, 6.73 and 2.49 for initial Chit, C6-chit and C12-chit, respectively).Next the poorly water soluble NIMO drug was encapsulated with the C6-chit with adequate pH-sensitive properties. The polymer-stabilized NIMO particles with 10 wt% NIMO content resulted in stable dispersion in aqueous phase, the formation of polymer shell increased in the water solubility/dispersibility of the initial hydrophobic drug. According to the drug release experiments, we clearly confirmed that the encapsulated low crystallinity NIMO drug remained closed in the polymer NPs at normal tissue pH (pH = 7.4, PBS buffer, physiological condition) but at pH < 6.5 which is typical for seriously ischemic brain tissue, 93.6% of the available 0.14 mg/ml NIMO was released into the buffer solution under 8 h release time. According to this in vitro study, the presented pH-sensitive drug carrier system could be useful to selectively target ischemic brain regions characterized by acidosis, to achieve neuroprotection at tissue zones at risk of injury, without any undesirable side effects caused by systemic drug administration.

Bone char vs. S-enriched bone char: Multi-method characterization of bone chars and their transformation in soil

To decrease environmental impacts from usage of mineral P fertilizers based on rock phosphate, alternative P fertilizers are urgently necessary but have to be critically evaluated for their characteristics and behaviour or effects in soil. For this reason, bone char (BC) and S-enriched BC (BCplus), original and after one vegetation period in soil, were analysed by wet chemical analyses and XANES spectroscopy. According to X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, both chars were dominated by P bound in hydroxyapatite, which was well reflected by wet chemical P fractionation, where Ca-P was the dominant fraction. Sulfur fractionation of both chars confirmed low percentages of sulfate-S according to XANES analysis but failed to detect elemental S in BCplus. Because S concentrations in BCplus were comparable to that of activated carbon used for biogas desulfurization and sorbed S was dominantly elemental S, BC seems to be well suited for biogas desulfurization. After one year in soil the disappearance of more easily soluble Ca(H2PO4)·2H2O and strongly reduced proportions of sulfates and sulfonates in soil-BCplus compared to BCplus pointed to considerable advantages of BCplus over BC. Taking into consideration the acidic pH of BCplus, the high Ca, P, and S concentrations and the expected microbial induced “in situ digestion” of BC by oxidation of elemental S, it can be concluded that a cascade usage of BC as biogas adsorber and following subsequent usage of BCplus as S/P/Ca/Mg (multi-element) fertilizer could be an alternative to mineral fertilizers based on rock phosphate. The agronomic efficiency and detailed application guidelines must be derived from established and currently running longer-term plot and field experiments.

Effect of Marine Microorganisms on Limestone as an Approach for Calcareous Soil

Calcareous soils generally have low levels of organic matter and nitrogen; they require modification to promote their support for agriculture production. Calcareous soils are commonly found in important agricultural areas throughout the world, mainly around the Mediterranean, America and Australia. In this study, we the isolated and identified different groups of microorganisms, from a product made from seaweed, in relation to their soil improvement properties. The objective was to use these microorganisms for the solubilization of specific soil elements and reduce their accumulation as a result of overfertilization. The isolated microorganisms were grown in specific culture media and were applied on limestone to determine their effect on mobility of Ca, Mg and K. Also, changes in soil properties such as pH, texture and density were evaluated. This study demonstrated that the treatments applied were able to modify the solubility of Ca, Mg and K, increasing it, in some cases, up to 3500%. In addition, an increase of organic matter close to 200% was observed. Both the group of molds and yeasts, and the group of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, modified the proportion of sand, silt and clay in the treated limestone. These results open possibilities for the widespread use of marine microorganisms on a large scale in the agricultural sector, since they improve the nutrient availability present in the soil.

Phosphogypsum stabilization of bauxite residue: Conversion of its alkaline characteristics.

Reduction of the high alkalinity of bauxite residue is a key problem to solve to make it suitable for plant growth and comprehensive utilization. In this study, phosphogypsum, a waste product from the phosphate fertilizer industry, was used to drive the alkaline transformation of the bauxite residue. Under optimal water washing conditions (liquid/solid ratio of 2 mL/g, 30°C, 24 hr), the impact of quantity added, reaction time and reaction mechanism during phosphogypsum application were investigated. Phosphogypsum addition effectively lowered pH levels and reduced the soluble alkalinity by 92.2%. It was found that the concentration of soluble Na and Ca ions in the supernatant increased gradually, whilst the exchangeable Na+ and Ca2+ in solid phase changed 112 mg/kg and 259 mg/kg, respectively. Ca2+ became the dominant element in the solid phase (phosphogypsum addition of 2%, liquid/solid ratio of 2 mL/g, 30°C, 12 hr). X-ray diffraction data indicated that cancrinite and hydrogarnet were the primary alkaline minerals. SEM images suggested that phosphogypsum could promote the formation of stable macro-aggregates, whilst the content of Ca2+ increased from 5.6% to 18.2% and Na reduced from 6.8% to 2.4%. Treatment with phosphogypsum could significantly promote the transformation of alkalinity cations by neutralization, precipitation and replacement reactions. This research provided a feasible method to promote soil formation of bauxite residue by phosphogypsum amendment.

Exogenously applied gibberellic acid affects shoot regeneration, growth, physiological parameters, and proximate and mineral contents of pot-grown Solanecio biafrae

ABSTRACTSolanecio biafrae (Oliv.& Hiеrn) C. Jеffrеу iѕ a trаditiоnаl leafy vеgеtаblе in Afriса, but its vegetative growth is slow, making production fall short of market demands. Gibberellic acid (GA3) is a hormone produced by plants that stimulates growth and enhances absorption of minerals. However, GA3 synthesis is limited in shoots of S. biafrae due to inadequate external stimuli. To increase yield of S. biafrae and its proximate and mineral contents, external application of GA3 is desirable to supplement internally produced GA3. This study examined the influence of exogenously applied GA3 on shoot emergence, growth, fresh shoot weight, physiological parameters, proximate, and leaf mineral element contents of the green-stemmed morphotype of S. biafrae. Stem-cuttings were treated at 1, 3, аnd 6 dауѕ after planting with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 mg∙L−1 of GA3 in plastic pots. Exogenously applied GA3 influenced most parameters measured except leaf K. Total number of leaves, total leaf area, fresh shoot weight, dry weight, carotenoids, phenolics, total soluble sugars, ash, carbohydrates, leaf Na, P, Mg, Ca, Fe, and Zn increased as GA3 concentration increased up to 80 mg∙L−1. Number of days to shoot emergence and crude fat content were lower in treated plants than controls. Chlorophyll a was highest at 60 mg∙L−1. The study concluded that the optimum GA3 concentration was 80 mg∙L−1 as it promoted the highest total number of leaves, total leaf area, shoot height, dry and fresh shoot weights, and produced the highest synthesis of chlorophyll a, phenolics, total soluble sugars and proteins, crude fiber, protein, ash, carbohydrates, leaf Na, P, Mg, Ca, Fe, and Zn.

Controllable synthesis of all the anhydrous CaCO3 polymorphs with various morphologies in CaCl2-NH3-CO2 aqueous system

Polymorphism- or morphology-controllable synthesis of CaCO3 is of significance. Usually only calcite CaCO3 can be obtained from the ordinary CO2-Ca(OH)2 solution route; the very low solubility of Ca(OH)2 also causes many defects with this route. The route by CaCl2 and Na2CO3 exhibits some advantages, but the consumption of Na2CO3 is a deficiency. Therefore, this work studies the precipitation of CaCO3 with CaCl2 in NH3-CO2 aqueous solution, which will make the overall reaction “CaCO3 → CaCO3” if tracing the origin of the reactants. A main focus of the present work is to elucidate how to obtain various CaCO3 polymorphs with different morphologies through this synthesis system and the corresponding crystal growth mechanism. The results show that, just by simply regulating the reaction conditions, all three anhydrous CaCO3 polymorphs with various morphologies (e.g., cubic, lamellar, spherical, needle-like and branched) can be obtained in the absence of any additives. The crystal growth process can be well explained based on either Ostwald ripening or dissolution-recrystallization mechanism, depending on the reaction conditions. In addition, the rare phase transition of metastable vaterite to metastable aragonite can also be obtained from the present synthesis system, besides the usual phase transition of vaterite to the most thermodynamically stable calcite. This work provides the essential theoretical support for further developing a green process for CaCO3 production by using various calcium-containing carbonate minerals, such as limestone, calcite and dolomite.

Soils and Vegetation of the Khaipudyr Bay Coast of the Barents Sea

Soils and vegetation of the coastal zone of the Khaipudyr Bay of the Barents Sea have been examined and compared with analogous objects in the Karelian coastal zone of the White Sea. The environmental conditions of these two areas are somewhat different: the climate of the Khaipudyr Bay coast is more severe, and the seawater salinity is higher (32–33‰ in the Khaipudyr Bay and 25–26‰ in the White Sea). The soil cover patterns of both regions are highly variable. Salt-affected marsh soils (Tidalic Fluvisols) are widespread. The complicated mesotopography includes high geomorphic positions that are not affected by tidal water. Under these conditions, zonal factors of pedogenesis predominate and lead to the development of Cryic Folic Histosols and Histic Reductaquic Cryosols. On low marshes, the concentrations of soluble Ca2+, K+ + Na+, Cl–, and SO2-4 ions in the soils of the Khaipudyr Bay coast are two to four times higher than those in the analogous soils of Karelian coast. Cluster analysis of a number of soil characteristics allows separation of three soils groups: soils of low marshes, soils of middle-high marshes, and soils of higher positions developing under the impact of zonal factors together with the aerial transfer and deposition of seawater drops. The corresponding plant communities are represented by coastal sedge cenoses, forb–grassy halophytic cenoses, and zonal cenoses of hypoarctic tundra. It is argued that the grouping of marsh soils in the new substantivegenetic classification system of Russian soils requires further elaboration.

Monitoring the Changes of the Chemical and Physical Properties of the Planted Soil with Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris) Plants under the Influence of Nano-Silica Treatments

This experiment was conducted in the green house at the Agricultural and Veterinary Training Research Station, King Faisal University, Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia in the season of 2016-2017, to study the effects of different suspension of five rates of Nano-silica (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg kg-1 soil) which added to the soil before cultivation of bean plant on some chemical and physical properties of the soil. Complete block design with three replications was used in this experiment. The results indicated that the nano-silica rates have significant effect on percentage of sand, Silt, and clay particles, cation exchange capacity (CEC), particle density, porosity, saturation percentage, and surface area but has no significant effect on bulk density. All physical and chemical characters increased with increasing nano-silica rates except the bulk density, sand, EC, soluble Ca2+ andsoluble Mg2+ decreased with increasing nano silica rates. Also, total nitrogen and the yield of bean crop increased with the increase of nano silica (NS) treatments up to 200 ppm and then decreases with increasing NS at 400ppm.

Soluble starch-blended Ca2+-Zn2+-alginate composites-based microparticles of aceclofenac: Formulation development and in vitro characterization

The present article describes development of starch-blended Ca2+-Zn2+-alginate microparticles of aceclofenac for attaining gastric protection and controlled release delivery. Different formulations (F1 to F7) of microparticles were prepared by ionotropic gelation method and subjected to characterization studies. In vitro drug release studies were performed in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2) for initial 2 h and additional 5 h in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). These microparticles were characterized by SEM, FTIR spectroscopy and XRD analyses. The formulation F7 (prepared using sodium alginate of 300 mg, soluble starch 250 mg, 5% CaCl2 and 1% ZnSO4) was selected as the optimized formulation, which exhibited entrapment efficiency of 85.73%, particle size of 1610 μm and viscosity of 802.16 cps. In vitro drug release from the formulation F7 revealed maximal 38% drug release within 7 h indicating sustained drug release profile from the prepared formulation. Also, in vitro swelling studies revealed maximal swelling within the period of 2 h at pH 7.4 for all these microparticles. The surface morphology studies performed using SEM showed smooth and spherical nature of the microparticles. Evaluation of drug release kinetic indicated fitting as per Korsmeyer-Peppas model and construed drug release via Fickian diffusion mechanism. Drug-excipient interaction studies using FTIR spectroscopy showed no change in characteristic peaks of the drug, while powder XRD revealed absence of sharp crystalline peaks of the drug. Overall, the present investigation corroborated successful development of microparticles of aceclofenac as an effective and cost-effective approach for oral delivery of aceclofenac.

Sodium alginate-grafted β-cyclodextrins as a matrix for immobilized Arthrobacter simplex for cortisone acetate biotransfromation

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are used to resolve the low aqueous solubility of steroids, but the high cost of CDs is still a limiting factor in biotransformation process. This study, which is based on grafting and immobilization techniques, focused on synthesizing for the first time sodium alginate (SA)-grafted β-CD (SA-β-CD) and alginate-grafted β-CD for the immobilization of Arthrobacter simplex (ASP) cells (SA-β-CD-cells) and subsequent recycling of CDs and cells. FTIR spectium and X-ray diffraction proved that β-CD was successfully grafted with SA, whereas the grafting yield of β-CD was 10.3 μmol g−1. SA-β-CD could increase the solubility of CA by 3.5-fold, whereas the transformation rate was enhanced by 10%. The conversion ratio of CA was over 92% after the SA-β-CD recycling for nine cycles. In addition, after SA-β-CD-cells were applied in biocatalytic reactions for eight cycles, the conversion ratio of CA was over 90%. These advantages suggest great potential for using both grafting and immobilized techniques in steroid transformation.