Source Of Magnesium Research Articles

Evaluation of nutritional profile, phytochemical potential, functional properties and anti-nutritional studies of Citrus limetta peels.

The aim of this work was to determine the proximate, mineral, amino acid composition, antioxidant activity, anti-nutritional factors, total dietary fiber, total phenolic content and technological properties of C. limetta peels. Moreover, analytical techniques including FT-IR and SEM were also conducted to study the morphological and structural properties of C. limetta peels. Considering the proximate, mineral, and amino acid composition, C. limetta peels was found to be a good source of ash (3.06 ± 0.20%), crude fiber (10.13 ± 0.30%), carbohydrate (64.08 ± 0.55%), protein (7.56 ± 0.25%), potassium (125.9671mg/100g), calcium (112.5861mg/100g), magnesium (16.43mg/100g), asparagine (2111.06nmol/mg), glutamic acid (1331.96nmol/g), and aspartic acid (1162.19nmol/mg). Furthermore, they contain an appreciable amount of total dietary fiber (48.73 ± 0.45%), total phenolic content (14.30 ± 0.03mg GAE/g), and antioxidant activity (52.65 ± 0.10%). Moreover, the antinutritional factors present in C. limetta peels were observed to be within the threshold limit. The results of technological properties of peels suggested that they can be potentially utilized as good emulsifying, gelling, foaming, and bulking agents in food industries. Therefore, C. limetta peels can be successfully re-utilized as natural food additive with numerous nutritive and bioactive properties in food sector, thereby achieving zero waste generation.

Prepartum Magnesium Butyrate Supplementation of Dairy Cows Improves Colostrum Yield, Calving Ease, Fertility, Early Lactation Performance and Neonatal Vitality.

Butyrate promotes rumen epithelium growth and function; however, the effect of prepartum butyrate supplementation on dairy cow productivity, health and their offspring has not been extensively studied. Furthermore, no studies have investigated the effect of magnesium butyrate (MgB), which is also a source of magnesium. A trial was performed to test the hypothesis that prepartum MgB supplementation (105 g/cow/day) would increase colostrum quality and improve calving, newborn calf vitality and cow health. Multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to MgB supplemented (n = 107) and Control groups (n = 112). Colostrum yield and the total yield of IgG, protein and lactose were higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the supplemented group. The calving assistance rate was lower (p ≤ 0.012), and the neonatal vitality score was higher (p ≤ 0.001) in the MgB group. Improved parameters related to cow health and fertility were observed in the supplemented group. The MgB group also had higher milk yield during the first week of lactation (p ≤ 0.001), and a higher (p ≤ 0.05) body condition score from 3 to 9 weeks after calving. In conclusion, prepartum MgB supplementation provides a wide range of benefits for dairy cows, as well as their newborn calves.

Recovering phosphorus as struvite from anaerobic digestate of pig manure with ferrochrome slag as a magnesium source

The circular economy initiative has driven the agriculture and agro-based industry to beneficiate from waste,thus closing the material loop towards enhancing economic and environmental performance. In this study, the aim was to recover phosphorus from anaerobic digestate of piggery wastewater (ADPW) using ferrochrome slag (FCSL) as the magnesium source to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of struvite precipitation. This was achieved by leaching 100 g L−1 of ferrochrome slag with 5 M HCl where 14.02 g L−1 of magnesium ions were extracted, and this acid-leachate of ferrochrome slag also contained 2650 mg L−1 of total iron. To simultaneously remove both high concentrations of organic matters in ADPW and iron in FCSL which are known to be detrimental to struvite precipitation, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at an H2O2/Fe molar ratio of 0.75 and pH 4.0 was added to the mixture of ADPW and FCSL. After the Fenton reaction, removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total iron reached 95.06% and 94.00%, respectively. Then COD and an iron-reduced mixture of ADPW and FCSL were added with a satisfying Mg:N:P molar ratio of 1.2:1:1.15 at pH 9.5 to produce struvite in 1 h. From 1 L of ADPW (2.6 g NH3–N), 0.5 L of FCSL (5.34 g Mg2+), and 6.62 g of PO43− P, were consumed to produce 45.57 g of struvite precipitate. Additionally, the economic feasibility of ferrochrome slag was assessed by estimating the chemical costs of FCSL against that of magnesium chloride which is commercially used. It was observed that using FCSL was cheaper as compared to using commercial MgCl2. Response surface methodology coupled with the central composite design was applied as a statistical tool to determine the effects of the key parameters (N:P; Mg:PO4; pH) on phosphorus recovery. Second-order polynomial equations were determined to correlate the parameters. ANOVA was applied and showed that p values for all the investigated parameters were less than 0.05 showing that they had a statistically significant effect on the phosphorus recovery. The study confirmed that it was possible to recover phosphorus as struvite from anaerobic digestate of pig manure with ferrochrome slag as a magnesium source.

What We Know About Propolis, and Its Potential Role in Obesity and Diabetes

Propolis, a resinous, dark-colored product produced by honeybees has been gaining attention in terms of its multiple proven health benefits. This natural product has different types and varieties but close to similar chemical compositions according to the environment and location where it is produced, as well as its plant source. It is mainly composed of resinous, balsamic, and gummy materials, waxes and essential oils, and pollen from the plants. Propolis contains plenty of polyphenols and it’s a rich source of magnesium, calcium, iodine, potassium, sodium, copper, zinc, manganese, and iron as well as thiamin, riboflavin, vitamins B6, C, E, D, and provitamin A. It has been proven that propolis may help to reduce diet-induced obesity through its caffeic acid content. Studies proved the antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antifungal, and antitumor effects of propolis and positive outcomes on diet-induced obesity, and diabetes. In this review, we aim to explain propolis extensively in terms of its types, chemical composition, bioactive compounds, digestion, health benefits on obesity and diabetes, as well as possible drug interactions, dosage, and safety.

First Report of Fruit Rot Caused by Diaporthe amygdali on Papaya in Punjab, Pakistan.

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is grown widely in tropical and sub-tropical regions (Ahmed et al. 2008). In Pakistan, papaya production and consumption are increasing due to its medicinal, nutritional, pharmacological properties and a rich source of antioxidant, vitamin B, potassium, and magnesium. In November 2021, 26 to 35% incidence of fruit rot was observed in 15 fields of Lahore, a district of Punjab, Pakistan. Affected fruit developed circular, gray-to-brown lesions (8 to 10 mm in diameter) with white mycelia forming on the surface of lesions. In advanced stages of the disease, the lesions enlarged in size and led to the rot of entire fruit. To isolate the causal agent, small tissue segments (1 to 2 cm) were excised from 15 symptomatic fruit, surface disinfected with 1% NaClO for 30 s, rinsed with sterile distilled water three times, air dried in laminar flow hood, aseptically transferred onto petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25℃ for 5 days with a 12-h photoperiod. Eleven isolates were obtained that produced white mycelia on PDA. Flask-shaped, dark-pigmented pycnidia formed on PDA after 18 days of incubation at 25°C, which produced α-conidia measuring 4.1 to 7.2 × 1.5 to 3.0 μm and β-conidia measuring 16.4 to 25.5 × 1.0 to 1.6 μm (n = 40). α-conidia were hyaline, fusiform, and single-celled, whereas β-conidia were one-celled, hyaline, and filiform. The morphological characteristics of the fungus were compatible with a Diaporthe species (Gomes et al. 2013). The internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) (OM865414 and OM865415), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) (OM831226 and OM831229), and histone H3 (HIS) (OM831227 and OM831228) of two representative isolates (UO02 and UO03) were amplified and sequenced using primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), EF1-728F/EF1-986R (Carbone and Kohn 1999), and CYLH3F/H3-1b (Chaisiri et al. 2021), respectively. Blast searches showed 99 to 100% nucleotide identity with reference sequences of several Diaporthe amygdali deposited in NCBI GenBank, including the ex-type strain CBS 126679. A pathogenicity test was also performed on harvested fruit of papaya cv. Bombay using isolates UO02 and UO03. Ten mature and healthy papaya fruit were surface disinfected with 1% NaClO solution for 1 min, rinsed with sterile water and dried. Each fruit was wounded twice with a sterile scalpel (4 to 5 mm incision on the peel) and a 5-mm agar disc with mycelia of each isolate was separately placed in each wound. The wounds were wrapped with Parafilm following inoculation. Sterile PDA plugs were used in separate inoculated controls. All wounds were sealed with parafilm. All fruit were maintained in plastic boxes at 25°C with 80% relative humidity. After 6 days of incubation, rot symptoms similar to those appearing on naturally-infected fruit were observed on inoculated fruits while controls remained asymptomatic. The experiment was repeated twice with similar findings. Diaporthe amygdali was re-isolated (100%) from inoculated fruit and the pathogen identification was confirmed by morphological and molecular analysis, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. Previously, the pathogen has been reported as a causal agent of canker and shoot blight disease in other countries (Ko and Sun, 2003; Beluzan et al. 2021). To our knowledge, this is the first report of D. amygdali on papaya in Punjab Province of Pakistan. Papaya is an emerging fruit crop in Punjab Province and it is important to further investigate the presence of this pathogen in other papaya orchards of the province since D. amygdali may cause rapid disease outbreaks resulting in severe losses.

Preparation and properties of porous MgO based ceramics from magnesite tailings and fused magnesia

Porous MgO based ceramics have been widely used in some key industries due to their excellent performance. To investigate the feasibility of preparing porous magnesia ceramics using magnesite tailings as a magnesium source. Porous MgO based ceramics were prepared using magnesite tailings, fused magnesia as main raw materials and soluble starch as pore-forming agent. The starting materials were mixed in different ratios and sintered at 1500 °C for 2 h to obtain good mechanical and thermophysical properties. The Mg2SiO4 plays a fixing role, inhibiting the growth of MgO grains and further promoting the discharge of pores. This fixation can prevent the linear expansion of cracks, thus increasing the fracture surface energy of the specimen. In addition, the scattering effect of pores on gas molecules decreases as the magnesite tailings content increase, so that the thermal conductivity increases. The results showed that when the mass ratio of magnesite tailings to fused magnesia was increased from 1:1 to 1:0 with 4 wt% soluble starch as the pore-forming agent, the apparent porosity decreased from 35.59% to 11.8%; the bulk density increased from 2.37 to 2.82 g∙cm−3; the linear shrinkage ratio increased from 9.28 to 24.23%; the cold compressive strength increased from 47.75 to 226.52 MPa; the residual strength retention rate after one thermal shock cycles at 1100 °C was between 64.05 and 87.76%; and the thermal conductivity increased from 7.44 to 12.23 W∙m−1 K−1.

Nutritional composition and cytotoxicity studies of black monkey (Strychnos madagascariensis) ripe fruit

Strychnos madagascariensis also known as black monkey orange is found in tropical and subtropical Africa including South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland. The fruit is consumed traditionally as food in the northern coastal region of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa and the Southern part of Zimbabwe. This study investigated the nutritional, anti-nutritional composition, and cytotoxicity of S. madagascariensis ripe fruit. Fruits were randomly selected, and the parameters of each experiment were measured in triplicates. The seed coat and fruit pulp were analysed for proximate, mineral and anti-nutrients (phytic and oxalic acid) composition using standard protocols. The cytotoxic effect of methanolic extracts from the fruit parts of S. madagascariensis was tested on human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines using the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide] cell proliferation assay. The fruit pulp’s moisture (6%), ash (11%), protein (5%), fat (1%), fibre (12%), and carbohydrate (12%) contents were significantly different (P<0.05) from the compositions of the fruit pulp (5% moisture, 5% ash, 4% protein, 33% fat, 8% fibre and 11% carbohydrate). The minerals analysed were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the fruit pulp compared to the seed coat (testa). The fruit's seed coat and fruit pulp's methanolic extracts did not show any significant toxicity in the HEK293 cell line. The seed coat's methanolic extract exhibited moderate toxicity in the HeLa cell line. The methanolic extracts from both fruit parts showed a dose-dependent effect in HEK293 and HeLa cell lines. The results of the cytotoxicity analysis revealed the safe nature of the fruit pulp while caution needs to be taken when consuming the seed coat. The seed coat contained 1.39±0.01% phytic acid, but oxalic acid and phytic acid were not detected in the fruit pulp. This study suggests that the fruit parts could serve as a source of potassium, magnesium, and nitrogen, but poor sources of protein, carbohydrates, and fat (pulp). Key words: Anti-nutrients, Cytotoxicity, Extracts, Fruit, Minerals, Proximate, Pulp, Seed

Mineral Contents of Some Canned, Jarred, and Packaged Foods Commonly Consumed in South-East Nigeria

Background: Minerals are required for human body to function properly. The purpose of this study was to find if these canned, jarred, and packaged foods are a good source of sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) in Nigerian diets.
 Methods: Totally, 188 samples of canned, packaged, and jarred foods were collected from malls, local markets, and street vendors; and then they were divided into eight food groups. After microwave-assisted digestion; the Na, K, Ca, and Mg contents of canned, packaged, and jarred foods commonly consumed in South-East Nigeria were determined using micro-sampling Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The results obtained were subjected to ordinary statistical analysis and presented as box plots. All statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20 software.
 Results: Ca was the most abundant micronutrient in all samples, reaching levels above 0.7 g/100 g in the milk and milk products group, followed by Mg at levels above 0.2 g/100 g. Na was the scarcest micronutrient with levels ranging from 0.040 to 0.065 g/100 g across food groups. K level also varied reaching levels above 0.070 g/100 g in the beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). The mean concentration (g/100 g) of Ca (0.782±0.313) and Mg (0.202±0.044) in milk and milk products were within the national reference standard by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for such micronutrients. However, the Na, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations of the various food groups were all lower than the international standards.
 Conclusion: It is concluded that some efforts are necessary to improve the nutritional quality of canned, jarred, and packaged foods distributed in Nigeria.

Sustainable magnesium phosphate micromortars formulated with PAVAL® alumina by-product as micro-aggregate

Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) is an attractive alternative to Portland cement (PC) since it can also be obtained using by-products and wastes as raw materials. This research uses low-grade MgO (LG-MgO) as a magnesium source to obtain MPC, reducing CO2 emissions related to MPC production. The obtained binder can be referred to as “sustainable MPC” (sust-MPC). Moreover, this investigation incorporates a by-product obtained in the aluminium recycling process, named PAVAL® (PV). The addition of PV (5, 17.5, and 35wt.%) and water to solid (W/S) ratio (0.23, 0.25, 0.28, and 0.31) were studied in terms of mechanical and fresh properties, leaching behaviour, and microstructure to evaluate the degree of PV inclusion in the K-struvite matrix. The addition of PV into sust-MPC improves the mechanical behaviour of the micromortars, indicating a good inclusion of PV. The mechanical and fresh behaviour of the formulations, and BSEM-EDS analysis revealed the potential chemical interaction between Al and K-struvite matrix. The addition of 17.5wt.% of PV with a W/S of 0.25 showed the best mechanical performance (∼40MPa of compressive strength at 28 days of curing). The amount of PV should be lower than 17.5wt.% to classify it as non-hazardous material at the end-of-life.

Effective removal of ammonia from aqueous solution through struvite synthesis and breakpoint chlorination: Insights into the synergistic effects of the hybrid system

The ever-growing contamination of surface water due to various catchment activities poses threats and stress to downstream water treatment entities. Specifically, the presence of ammonia, microbial contaminants, organic matter, and heavy metals has been an issue of paramount concern to water treatment entities since stringent regulatory frameworks require these pollutants to be removed prior to water consumption. Herein, a hybrid approach that integrates struvite crystallization (precipitation) and breakpoint chlorination (stripping) for the removal of ammonia from aqueous solution was evaluated. To fulfil the goals of this study, batch experimental studies were pursued through the adoption of the well-known one-factor-at-a-time (AFAAT) method, specifically the effects of time, concentration/dosage, and mixing speed. The fate of chemical species was underpinned using the state-of-the-art analytical instruments and accredited standard methods. Cryptocrystalline magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) were used as the magnesium source while the high-test hypochlorite (HTH) was used as the source of chlorine. From the experimental results, the optimum conditions were observed to be, i.e., Stage 1 – struvite synthesis, 110 mg/L of Mg and P dosage (concentration), 150 rpm of mixing speed, 60 min of contact time, and lastly, 120 min of sedimentation while optimum condition for the breakpoint chlorination (Stage 2) were 30 min of mixing and 8:1 Cl2:NH3 weight ratio. Specifically, in Stage 1, i.e., MgO-NPs, the pH increased from 6.7 to ≥9.6, while the turbidity was reduced from 9.1 to ≤1.3 NTU. Mn removal efficacy attained ≥97.70% (reduced from 174 μg/L to 4 μg/L) and Fe attained ≥96.64% (reduced from 11 mg/L to 0.37 mg/L). Elevated pH also led to the deactivation of bacteria. In Stage 2, i.e. breakpoint chlorination, the product water was further polished by eliminating residual ammonia and TPC at 8:1 Cl2–NH3 weight ratio. Interestingly, ammonia was reduced from 6.51 to 2.1 mg/L in Stage 1 (67.74% removal) and then from 2.1 to 0.002 mg/L post breakpoint chlorination (99.96% removal), i.e., stage 2. Overall, synergistic and complementary effects of integrating struvite synthesis and breakpoint chlorination hold great promise for the removal of ammonia from aqueous solutions thus confirming that this technology could potentially be used to curtail the effects of ammonia in the receiving environments and drinking water.

Comparing Smoked Fish Quality of Traditional and Improved Modern Ovens Using Dendro-Energy from Mangrove and Tropical Forest Woods and Implications for Conservation in Central African Atlantic Coast, Cameroon

Smoked fish qualitative organoleptic parameters (color, smell, texture and taste) and quantitative proximate parameters (protein and ash content and salt mineral: Ca, Iron, Mg, Zn content in ash) of two species (Ethmalosa fimbriata and Pseudotolithus elongatus) smoked in traditional and modern ovens with wood from mangrove (Rhizophora racemosa) and two tropical forest (Sacoglottis gabonensis and Albizia glaberrina) species in Douala-Edea Atlantic coast, Cameroon are presented. Women processors significantly spend more time, consume more wood and consequently release significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the environment with traditional smoking system. Organoleptic characteristics were significantly different with ovens types but not with different wood species except color (black and marron from inland forest wood species and preferred brownish and golden brown colored smoked fish from mangrove wood). Fish food constituents yielded for improved smoked oven: Protein content (65.52%; 69.45%), ash content (6.21%; 5.57%) and traditional oven: Protein content (70.65%; 75.00%), ash content (5.73%; 6.33%) for Ethmalosa fimbriata and Pseudotolithus elongatus respectively. Results also confirmed good dietary quality of fish samples (source of calcium, iron and magnesium). Some energy efficient management techniques and conservation implications were proposed regarding qualitative and quantitative improvement of smoked fish.

Seed treatment with magnesium nanoparticles alters phenology and increases grain yield and mineral content in maize

Magnesium is an essential macronutrient for maize crop and its efficiency of absorption and utilization by plants can be improved when used in the form of nanoparticles. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of different sources of magnesium oxide via seed treatment in the agronomic performance of maize. The experiments were carried out under field conditions in three locations in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. In all experiments, the P4285HYR-hybrid maize seeds were used, with three sources of magnesium: MgO-NPs, MgO@C-NPs and Mg(NO3)2; and six concentrations: 0 (control); 37.5, 75, 150, 300 and 600 mg L-1. The following variables were analyzed: SPAD reading, NDVI, plant height, ear insertion height, number of grains per ear, grain moisture, thousand grain weight, yield and quantification of Mg, Ca, P and K in the grains. The results showed that the seed treatment with magnesium oxide alters the V4 and V5 phenological stages (fourth and fifth developed leaves), shortening the plant life cycle by four to five days (P<0.05). All applied concentrations increased maize grain yield, with greater improvement in the order of 38% with 150 mg L-1 of MgO-NPs and 57% with 300 of MgO@C-NPs in comparison to control, respectively. The use of 75 and 150 mg L-1 of magnesium nitrate increased grain yield by only 2.3% and 6.6%, respectively, when compared to the control. The P>K>Mg>Ca levels in the harvested grains were increased by seeds treated with Mg. The results were significantly influenced by the nanoparticles, when comparing with conventional Mg nitrate or with the control. Therefore, it was concluded that the use of magnesium nanoparticles via seed treatment is a viable strategy to increase maize grain yield.

Phosphorus Recovery from Municipal Wastewater: Brucite from MgO Hydrothermal Treatment as Magnesium Source

Crystallization of struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O, MAPH) for both N and P recovery from municipal wastewater is an attractive alternative. The low magnesium concentration in municipal wastewater calls for low-cost magnesium sources. In the present work, the precipitation of struvite from supersaturated solutions was investigated. The supersaturated solutions were prepared by the addition of either slurry of Mg(OH)2 (brucite) obtained from the hydrothermal treatment of magnesium oxide (MgO) or using the aqueous solution equilibrated with brucite after separation from the solid. In both cases, in the supersaturated solutions prepared by the addition of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, the Mg:NH4:P ratio was 1:1:1, pH 7.0–11.0. The apparent order for the precipitation suggested that the dominant mechanism was surface diffusion according to the polynuclear model. The apparent rate constant for struvite precipitation was two orders of magnitude smaller for the slurry prepared supersaturated solution in comparison with the respective prepared from the brucite-equilibrated solution. Simulated wastewater (SWW), was supersaturated with respect to struvite, by inoculation with brucite. The apparent rate constant was two orders of magnitude higher than that corresponding to the supersaturated solutions prepared by the addition of solution equilibrated with brucite. The P recovery from SWW reached 70%.

Construction of Shape‐Controlled MgO Microstructures by Natural Bischofite for Cost‐Efficient Dye Adsorption

AbstractIn this work, Magnesium oxide (MgO) adsorbents were synthesized by coprecipitation method via natural bischofite (MgCl2 ⋅ 6H2O, ≥96 wt %) as magnesium source, two different morphologies of MgO nanomaterials, flower‐spheres‐like (MgO−S1) and lamellas‐like (MgO−L1), were successfully synthesized by control of synthesis conditions. The adsorption experimental results showed on Congo Red (CR) dye that both MgO−S1 and MgO−L1 exhibit outstanding adsorption performance with a high adsorption quantity (about 2000 mg ⋅ g−1). Langmuir was the most suitable model to describe the adsorption isotherm. The adsorption kinetics of CR are in accord with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics (PSO). As a control, flower‐spheres‐like (MgO−S2) and lamellas‐like (MgO−L2) were synthesized by commercial MgCl2 ⋅ 6H2O, and their adsorbing performance on CR dye in wastewater was studied. The results show that MgOs prepared by different Mg resources took on exactly the same shape and nearly the same adsorption properties.

Can dietary magnesium sources and buffer change the ruminal microbiota composition and fermentation of lactating dairy cows?

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is one of the most used Mg supplements in livestock. However, to avoid relying upon only one Mg source, it is important to have alternative Mg sources. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the interaction of two Mg sources with buffer use on the ruminal microbiota composition, ruminal fermentation, and nutrient digestibility in lactating dairy cows. Twenty lactating Holstein cows were blocked by parity and days in milk into five blocks with four cows each, in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Within blocks, cows were assigned to one of four treatments: 1) MgO; 2) MgO + Na sesquicarbonate (MgO+); 3) calcium-magnesium hydroxide (CaMgOH); 4) CaMgOH + Na sesquicarbonate (CaMgOH+). For 60 d, cows were individually fed a corn silage-based diet, and treatments were top-dressed. Ruminal fluid was collected via an orogastric tube, for analyses of the microbiota composition, volatile fatty acids (VFA), lactate, and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). The microbiota composition was analyzed using V4/16S rRNA gene sequencing, and taxonomy was assigned using the Silva database. Statistical analysis was carried out following the procedures of block design analysis, where block and cow were considered random variables. Effects of Mg source, buffer, and the interaction between Mg Source × Buffer were analyzed through orthogonal contrasts. There was no interaction effect of the two factors evaluated. There was a greater concentration of NH3-N, lactate, and butyrate in the ruminal fluid of cows fed with CaMg(OH)2, regardless of the buffer use. The increase in these fermentation intermediates/ end-products can be explained by an increase in abundance of micro-organisms of the genus Prevotella, Lactobacillus, and Butyrivibrio, which are micro-organisms mainly responsible for proteolysis, lactate-production, and butyrate-production in the rumen, respectively. Also, dietary buffer use did not affect the ruminal fermentation metabolites and pH; however, an improvement of the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral fiber detergent (NDF), and acid fiber detergent (ADF) were found for animals fed with dietary buffer. In summary, there was no interaction effect of buffer use and Mg source, whereas buffer improved total tract apparent digestibility of DM and OM through an increase in NDF and ADF digestibility and CaMg(OH)2 increased ruminal concentration of butyrate and abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria.

Popular Products of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Consumed in India and their Quality Concern

Sesame is the most consumed oilseed available in different varieties in India. It is eaten as a whole seed, ground, roasted, powdered, oil, or defatted meal in preparation for traditional and popular ready-to-eat sweet and savory food items. It is used in household recipes, bakery items like biscuits, buns, bagel bread, weaning foods etc. Sesame seeds and its products are rich sources of energy, protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. The food products of sesame are available easily in rural and urban markets with a range of variety and forms. They are easily accessible and affordable for every income group. Consumers should be aware of the quality concerns of these products, which are generally sold in open packaging, causing health problems. They are sometimes not prepared hygienically, leading to microbial contamination of food products and causing ill effects. So this review is about the nutritional value of different ready-to-eat homestead and commercial sesame products available in the market and the quality concern, i.e., nutritional and microbiological, regarding these products. Besides the quality attributes, their manufacturing under safe, hygienic conditions, packaging, and storage should be ensured to avoid health hazards. The products in which sesame is present in large quantities or one of the main ingredients are energy dense and rich in protein, fats, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Many sesame-based sweet products produced in unorganized sectors by small manufacturers were found to need improvement regarding microbial quality compared to the products with good preparation and packaging methods.

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.

Ammonium-nitrogen recovery as struvite from swine wastewater using various magnesium sources

Struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) precipitation is widely used for nutrient recovery from swine wastewater. Additional magnesium source is required to produce struvite for nitrogen recovery due to the limited magnesium content in swine wastewater. The present study investigated the optimized condition for treating swine wastewater and producing struvite crystals using swine slurry, commercial MgCl2, and seawater as magnesium sources. The results showed that swine slurry as an alternative source is feasible both technically and economically. The struvite precipitation process using swine slurry at pH 9.0 and [P]0/ [Mg]0/ [N]0 M ratio = 1.2/1.0/1.0 achieved removal efficiencies of 82.7 %, 83.1 %, and 92.7 % for nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis validated the solid product consisted of struvite. Further investigations revealed the harvested precipitate had a struvite content of 72.7 % with low heavy metal impurity, which could be used as fertilizer. Nutrient recovery from swine manure is a future driver for the economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural and wastewater treatment processes.

Improvement of biogas production and quality by addition of struvite precipitates derived from liquid anaerobic digestion effluents of palm oil wastes

When biogas is produced, the liquid anaerobic digestion effluents (LADE) still contain pollutants. Struvite precipitation is a technique for reducing pollutants as well as recovering useful elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium. This study aims to precipitate struvite from LADE and use it as an additive to palm oil mill effluent (POME) feedstocks in subsequent biogas production systems (batch and continuous operational modes). Struvite precipitation was simply performed using NaOH at a pH range of 8–10 without external sources of magnesium and phosphorus. The result showed that the optimum pH for struvite precipitation was 9, giving the highest yield and purity of struvite. The addition of 5% struvite to POME feedstock improved the performance of biogas production in the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in terms of stability, high COD removal efficiencies, increased methane yields, and decreased H2S concentrations. The greatest methane yield of 509.8 mL/g-VS and the methane concentration of 65.10% were obtained in the CSTR. The significant decrease in H2S concentration in biogas can increase the energy content of biogas, save on the cost of H2S removal, reduce corrosion, and extend the operating time of gas turbines used for electricity production. The results of this study emphasize the role of integrating struvite precipitation with continuous biogas production in improving the process sustainability and economy. Struvite precipitation from LADE diminishes the polluted wastewater, decreases the long-term process problems of fouling and clogging caused by struvite, and improves the performance of the biogas production.

Physical, Nutritional, and Bioactive Properties of Mandacaru Cladode Flour (Cereus jamacaru DC.): An Unconventional Food Plant from the Semi-Arid Brazilian Northeast.

In this study, we evaluated the physical, nutritional, and bioactive properties of mandacaru cladode flour (Cereus jamacaru DC.). The granulometric profile revealed particles with non-uniform geometry, flakiness, a rectangular tendency, and a non-homogeneous surface, with particle sizes ranging from 20 to 60 µm. The flour presented low water activity (0.423), a moisture content of 8.24 g/100 g, high ash (2.82 g/100 g), protein (5.18 g/100 g), and total carbohydrate contents (74.48 g/100 g), and low lipid contents (1.88 g/100 g). Mandacaru flour is an excellent source of insoluble dietary fiber (48.08 g/100 g), calcium (76.33%), magnesium (15.21%), and potassium (5.94%). Notably, 1H NMR analysis revealed the presence of N-methyltyramine. Using HPLC chromatography, glucose was identified as the predominant sugar (1.33 g/100 g), followed by four organic acids, especially malic acid (9.41 g/100 g) and citric acid (3.96 g/100 g). Eighteen phenolic compounds were detected, with relevant amounts of kaempferol (99.40 mg/100 g), myricetin (72.30 mg/100 g), and resveratrol (17.84 mg/100 g). The total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were 1285.47 mg GAE/100 g and 15.19 mg CE/100 g, respectively. The mean in vitro antioxidant activity values were higher using the FRAP method (249.45 µmol Trolox TEAC/100 g) compared to the ABTS•+ method (0.39 µmol Trolox TEAC/g). Finally, the ascorbic acid had a content of 35.22 mg/100 g. The results demonstrate the value of mandacaru as a little-explored species and an excellent matrix for the development of flours presenting good nutritional value and bioactive constituents with excellent antioxidant potential.