Total Oil Research Articles

Optimization of trellis design and height for double-season hop (Humulus lupulus L.) production in a subtropical climate: Growth, morphology, yield, and cone quality during establishment years

Photoperiod manipulation using supplemental lighting enables double-season production of hops (Humulus lupulus L.) under subtropical climatic conditions. In Florida, United States, the spring growing season (Spring) is from February to June, and the fall growing season (Fall) is from June to November. To develop the optimum trellis for this unique hop production system, we examined the effects of two trellis designs (straight trellis and V-trellis) and three trellis heights (3.7, 4.6, and 5.5 m) on growth, morphology, yield, and cone quality of 'Cascade' hops grown in west central Florida. The straight trellis had two twines per hill installed on a top middle cable, whereas the V-trellis had four twines per hill installed on two top parallel cables. We trained 16 bines per hill for both trellises. Data were collected during establishment years: Year 1 and Year 2. Yield showed significant season × trellis height interaction effects. Surprisingly, yield was highest in Year 1 Spring and decreased by 45–74 % in the subsequent seasons. Increasing trellis height from 3.7 to 5.5 m increased yield by 78–215 %. On average, the V-trellis produced 24 % higher yield than the straight trellis. The 5.5-m V-trellis produced the highest annual yield of 1807 kg ha–1 in Year 1. Yield had a significant positive correlation with stem dry weight in Year 1 Spring and Year 2 Spring, but it had no significant correlation with bine number per hill, stem diameter, and internode length in any season. Cone quality showed significant seasonal variations. Total α acid concentration decreased from Spring to Fall in both years and recorded the highest value in Year 2 Spring. Similarly, total essential oil content was highest in Year 2 Spring. Except in Year 2 Fall, total α acid concentration (5.35–8.25 %) was within or above the normal range for ‘Cascade’. Compared to these seasonal variations, trellis design and height effects on cone quality were relatively small. These results suggest that, during establishment years, adopting a V-trellis design and increasing trellis height can maximize yield in subtropical hop production without compromising overall cone quality. Ongoing research will validate these findings in mature hop plants.

Impact of altitudinal gradients on chemical profiling and pesticidal activities of Hedychium spicatum Sm

Hedychium spicatum Sm. is an endangered herb which grows preferably in humid tropics and subtropics known for its distinct camphoraceous flavour and medicinal properties. The essential oils of H. spicatum rhizomes from six different natural habitats at different altitudes in Uttarakhand, India were analyzed. Twenty compounds were identified, accounting for 87.4–98.5% of the essential oils, with 1,8-cineole (33.4–41.9%), α-terpinene (39.6%), camphor (31.4%), and linalool (29.9%), being the prevalent major constituents of all accessions. HS-ALM (H. spicatum rhizomes Almora essential oil), HS-DDN (H. spicatum rhizomes Dehradun essential oil), HS-PAU (H. spicatum rhizomes Pauri essential oil), HS-TEH (H. spicatum rhizomes Tehri essential oil), and HS-USN (H. spicatum rhizomes Udham Singh Nagar essential oil) were dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes with 43.1–74.0%, respectively. In contrast, in HS-PIT (H. spicatum rhizomes Pithoragarh essential oil), hydrogenated monoterpenes dominated 57.8% of the total oil constituents. All accessions were assessed for significant nematicidal potential against Meloidogyne incognita and insecticidal potential against Spodoptera litura. The proteins/enzymes used for validation using docking studies were acetylcholinesterase (PBD ID: IC2O) and carboxylesterase (PDB ID: 1CI8). The study produced significant outcomes, showing the binding energy estimation of tested oil components to active sites supported the structure-activity relationship with bioinformatics tools.

Study on interfacial tension, wettability and viscosity in different salinities of synthesized a new polymeric surfactant for improving oil recovery

Over 50% of the original oil in place (OOIP) is immobile or trapped in the reservoir. Therefore, today, more efficient methods have been introduced in the tertiary oil recovery sector as a scheme of enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Due to the decline of conventional hydrocarbon reserves, polymers are increasingly used in EOR methods, such as surfactant-polymer (SP) and alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding. SP flooding has a complex formulation and design, leading to undesirable phase separation if improperly mixed. Polymeric surfactants are a promising alternative to SP flooding. They consist of hydrophobic groups attached to hydrophilic polymers, which help to improve the mobility ratio and reduce interfacial tension (IFT). This paper examines the rheological and synthesis properties of a new polymeric surfactant produced through bond co-polymerization reaction using different hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) ratios and a zwitterion hydrophobic group. The synthesized hydrophobically modified zwitterionic polyacrylamide (HMZPAM) was characterized by FTIR and HMNR analysis. HMZPAM performed better than other substances in IFT, viscosity, wettability, oil recovery, and resistance to different one and two-valence cations. The results indicate that HPAM reduced the IFT to 13.65, while HMZPAM reduced it to 0.441 mN/m. Wettability change evaluated on a rock carbonate/crude oil/HMZPAM system that changed the water-wet state of the primary oil-wet rock carbonate to strongly water-wet state as wettability change measurements showed a decrease in contact angle from 62.76 to 21.23 degree. Comparative studies on the effectiveness of HPAM and HMZPAM were also conducted according to the measurement of viscosity and shear rate in the presence of salt, which indicates the higher shear rate and viscosity of HMZPAM. Core flooding tests revealed that HMZPAM resulted in better additional recovery due to microscopic displacement, resulting in a total oil recovery of 84%, compared to 48% of residual oil saturation for HPAM. Also, salts decreased oil recovery in HPAM injection but increased oil recovery in HMZPAM injection.

First Report on Salvia Sahendica Boiss & Buhs roots biocomponents characterization by GC-MS and HPLC and Antibacterial Potency

Treatment of bacterial infections with antibiotic resistance is complicated. For this reason, new therapeutic methods are needed to control bacterial infections. Therefore, it is necessary to discover new antibiotics from medicinal plants that can destroy drug-resistant bacteria. Essential oils (EO) of some medicinal plants have antimicrobial effects and can be used as antimicrobial agents in the treatment of infections and food industries. The aim of this study was to determine the EO composition and antimicrobial effects of EO and polyphenols profile of Salvia Sahendica roots for the first time. Chemical compounds and antibacterial activity of EOs against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus as gram-positive and Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as gram- negative bacteria were evaluated using microtiter broth dilution method. Studied organs of S. sahendica showed significant diversity in terms of type and percentage of essential oil and polyphenol compounds. Overall, 44, 46, 42, and 45 compounds were identified in the essential oil of leaves, flowers, stems, and roots of this plant, which constituted 99.6, 99.3, 98.2, and 99.4% of total oil composition, respectively. The current study collectively demonstrated inhibitory effects ranged from strong (S. aureus) to low inhibition (P. aeruginosa). According to the HPLC result, the amounts of coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, and gallic acid compounds in the root are higher than in other plant parts, which indicate that the root can be a suitable source for the production of these valuable polyphenol compounds. Due to the results, it is possible to hope for the application of EO from S. sahendica as natural antibacterial in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Spatial distribution of remaining movable and non-movable oil fractions in a depleted Maastrichtian chalk reservoir, Danish North Sea: Implications for CO2 storage

Depleted oil and gas fields constitute potentially important storage sites for CO2 in the subsurface, but large-scale injection of supercritical (sc) CO2 in chalk has not yet been attempted. One of the risks is the adverse effect of the substantial amount of remaining oil in the chalk reservoirs on scCO2 injection. In order to counter an undesired effect on injectivity, a fundamental understanding of the spatial distribution and quantity of the movable, semi-movable, and non-movable oil, and solid bitumen/asphaltenes fractions of the remaining oil is critical. In this study a combination of organic geochemistry (gas chromatography of the saturated fraction and programmed pyrolysis), and reflected light microscopy was applied to evaluate and measure the spatial distribution, volume, and saturation of different oil fractions in a well-defined reservoir interval of a waterflooded Maastrichtian chalk reservoir in the Danish Central Graben, North Sea. A total of 127 samples from a slightly deviated vertical well and two ∼5 km-long horizontal wells from the Halfdan and Dan fields were analyzed. An original uneven distribution of oil saturation and composition or different production efficiency of different levels in the reservoir may account for variations in the total oil and oil fraction saturations. Gas chromatography shows that the solvent extractable oil is quite similar in composition, characterized by a dominance of polar compounds and a high content of asphaltenes. Extended slow heating (ESH) pyrolysis reveals that most of the remaining oil saturation consists of semi-movable oil and total non-movable oil (non-movable oil plus solid bitumen/asphaltenes). Reduced oil gravity values (API) are related to evaporation loss of the lightest hydrocarbon fraction during core storage and increase of the relative proportion of the heavier oil fractions by waterflooding during production. Microscopy disclosed three forms of oil: i) Patchy distributed lighter, movable oil showing a bluish fluorescence, ii) Brownish staining with a dark orange to brownish fluorescence, and iii) Dark brown non-fluorescing oil and black solid bitumen/asphaltenes occurring in microfossils and along deformation bands and stylolites, constituting the heavy non-movable oil fractions. There is a general correlation between bulk rock porosity and the total non-movable oil saturation. It thus appears that the heavy non-movable oil fractions preferentially occur in association with low-permeability heterogeneities within high-permeability stratigraphic intervals. These intervals appear to favor accumulation of non-movable oil and solid bitumen/asphaltenes and may carry a higher risk for impeding scCO2 flow.

Integrated uses of organic and inorganic fertilisers to increase sesame productivity on coastal sand fields

Sesame is recognised as a valuable oil plant with potential health benefits due to its disease mitigating properties. It shows exceptional growth rates in light soil types, such as sandy beach soils which are often deemed infertile. To address the issue, it is necessary to apply eco-friendly fertilisers derived from animal manure. Consequently, research has focused on performance evaluation over two growing seasons, namely the dry and rainy seasons, on coastal sandy soils. Employing a split-plot design across three replicates, the study investigated the influence of planting time and cultivar on the growth and yield of sesame. The study aimed to assess the impact of mixed fertiliser application timing on sesame growth and yield, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative parameters across the rainy and dry seasons. Results indicated that applying a mixture comprising chicken manure and inorganic fertiliser at the planting time significantly affected several growth parameters. These included plant height, chlorophyll content, flowering time, number of branches, net assimilation rate, root volume, and total sesame oil content, particularly in the dry season. Specifically, employing a dosage of 24.75 g of inorganic NPK fertiliser, comprising 1.45 g of nitrogen, 0.74 g of phosphorus, and 1.25 g of potassium per plant at planting time during the dry season, demonstrated the most favourable outcomes in terms of growth, yield components, and soil fertility. This approach also yielded a remarkable 54.51% oil content in the cultivar ‘Sbr-1’.

Evaluation of the protective effect of Nigella sativa oil’s unsaponifiable fraction in carbon tetrachloride-kidney damage model

Background/Aim: Kidney diseases is a global public health problem. This study was conducted to evaluate the renoprotective effect of the total oil’s unsaponifiable fraction (UF) of a medicinal plant called Nigella sativa. Methods: The extraction of unsaponifiables from the total seed oil of the medicinal plant Nigella sativa was carried out according to the standardized methods of the European Pharmacopoeia (Edition 5.0). Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is known to induce kidney toxicity. Acute poisoning of Male albino rats with 1:1 (v/v) mixture of CCl4 and olive oil (3 ml/Kg b.w. of rat by subcutaneous injection) induces considerable kidney pain. Results: Nigella sativa UF is found to be rich in tocopherols, its administration as a curative or preventive treatment to poisoned animals results in a very significant reduction in renal markers (CREA, URE). Histological study shows that kidneys are in better condition than those of intoxicated rats. Conclusion: Measurable biological evidence has been given to the use of such extract as effective substance against kidney diseases. Keywords: CCl4, Renoprotective activity, Nigella sativa, total oil, Unsaponifiable fraction

Comparative study of chemical constituents and biological potency in Lantana camara Linn. leaf essential oil collected from two different sites in Northeast India

The ubiquitous occurrence of Lantana camara highlights its exceptional ecological versatility. Leaves of L. camara were obtained for this study from two different locations of NE, India. Hydro distillation was used to extract the essential oils from the leaves, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) were used to study the chemical profiles of the isolated oils. The essential oil analysis detected 35 components in total essential oil from Location 1 (BLCEO) while in Location 2 essential oil (JLCEO), 29 components were identified. Caryophyllene, humulene and sabinene were present in considerably major amounts in both BLCEO and JLCEO, though variation in area percentage was seen. The anti-oxidant properties of BLCEO were better than that of JLCEO. The BLCEO has also exhibited better results in inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. However, both the essential oils did not show any prominent results in α-amylase inhibitory assay and anti-tyrosinase activity. In this study, the phytochemical composition and their effect on the bioactivity of both samples were observed. The chemical constitution of L. camara essential oils (LCEO) and its possible ecological ramifications have also been well explained.

Mining of Oil Content Genes in Recombinant Maize Inbred Lines with Introgression from Temperate and Tropical Germplasm.

The oil content of maize kernels is essential to determine its nutritional and economic value. A multiparent population (MPP) consisting of five recombinant inbred line (RIL) subpopulations was developed to elucidate the genetic basis of the total oil content (TOC) in maize. The MPP used the subtropical maize inbred lines CML312 and CML384, along with the tropical maize inbred lines CML395, YML46, and YML32 as the female parents, and Ye107 as the male parent. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using 429 RILs of the multiparent population across three environments, employing 584,847 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Furthermore, linkage analysis was performed in the five subpopulations to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to TOC in maize. Through QTL mapping and GWAS, 18 QTLs and 60 SNPs that were significantly associated with TOC were identified. Two novel candidate genes, Zm00001d029550 and Zm00001d029551, related to TOC in maize and located on chromosome 1 were reported, which have not been previously reported. These genes are involved in biosynthesis, lipid signal transduction, plant development and metabolism, and stress responses, potentially influencing maize TOC. Haplotype analysis of Zm00001d029550 and Zm00001d029551 revealed that Hap3 could be considered a superior haplotype for increasing TOC in maize. A co-located SNP (SNP-75791466) on chromosome 1, located 5648 bp and 11,951 bp downstream of the candidate genes Zm00001d029550 and Zm00001d029551, respectively, was found to be expressed in various maize tissues. The highest expression was observed in embryos after pollination, indicating that embryos are the main tissue for oil accumulation in maize. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying maize TOC and developing high-quality, high-oil maize varieties.

Degree of Impact of Applying Environmental Cost Accounting on Tax Revenues from Oil Companies Operating in Iraq

Protecting the environment and its natural resources is an issue of great importance at the local and global levels. The phenomenon of environmental pollution resulting from the work of oil companies is one of the dangerous phenomena facing the environment in Iraq in general, and the environment of Kirkuk Governorate in particular, as the latter is considered one of the governorates rich in mineral resources, especially oil, as it contains six oil fields, and it contains the largest oil field in Iraq. Estimates indicate that it produces (40%) of the total Iraqi oil, so it suffers from a significant increase in the proportions of toxic and environmentally polluting gases resulting from the work of these companies in it. The work of oil companies from exploration, extraction and refining oil will naturally result in the emission of many gases that are highly toxic, dangerous and harmful to human health. The most important of these gases are carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbon compounds, hydrogen sulfide and other gases that pollute the environment, which has resulted in the spread and increase in the number of patients with respiratory diseases in a clear and increasing manner in the governorate. This increase in environmental costs falls on society as a whole, so it was necessary to identify and measure environmental costs from the society’s point of view and work to re-charge them to oil companies by applying the environmental tax.

Determining the effect of high hydrostatic pressure on the refrigerated stability of avocado puree

The present study aimed to extend refrigerated stability of locally grown avocado fruit by applying High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) treatment. HHP was applied at 600 MPa for 3 min to avocado puree and stored at 4 °C for 28 days. Physicochemical (colour CIE L*, a*, b*, total oil amount, chlorophyll, pH, moisture) and microbiological (mesophilic, yeast-mould) analyses were performed at seven-day intervals on both control (untreated) and HHP-treated sample packs. It could be judged that HHP treatment effectively controlled the colour indices, preventing undesired changes during the cold storage period of avocado puree. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that HHP-processed avocado puree exhibited stability for 28 days compared to unprocessed puree at 4 °C. The shelf-life stability of avocado puree under chilled conditions was extended from 7 to 28 days.Graphical

Study on the Influence of Sludge Biochemical Characteristics and Treatment Conditions on Rheological Properties

Abstract In response to the differences in the organic matter, oil and other components of temporary sludge stored in different storage areas of Shanghai Lao-gang, which affect the long-distance transportation of sludge, a full range sampling was conducted on the temporary sludge. Based on the results of solid content measurement, the pH value, mineral oil, total nitrogen, organic matter content, total oil and other six selected sludge samples were subjected to biochemical testing, and one sludge sample was selected for drying and concentration treatment. At the same time, sludge rheological tests were conducted on the biochemical testing sludge samples and the concentrated sludge samples, and the impact of sludge biochemical characteristics and sludge concentration on sludge rheological characteristics was compared and analyzed, which provide reference for the construction process of temporary sludge transportation.

Preface

The International Conference on Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (ICNREC) is an annual event dedicated to discussing various topics and issues regarding the conservation of natural resources and the environment. The 4th ICNREC was held on October 26, 2023, at the IPB International Convention Center (Botani Square) in Bogor, Indonesia. This year, the conference raised the theme: “Origin of Land Status, History of Land Use, and Development of Plantation Land Cover.” Over the past 25 years, driven by its high economic value, the area of oil palm plantations in Indonesia has nearly tripled. Since 2008, Indonesia has been the largest palm oil producer in the world, contributing 48% of the total global palm oil production. With an area of no less than 16.32 million hectares, palm oil plantations have brought various positive impacts, including generating foreign exchange, alleviating rural poverty, and creating jobs for approximately 21.49 million people. However, this success has also drawn accusations that oil palm plantations originate from primary or secondary forests, leading to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and a decline in plant diversity. Although these accusations are still debatable and not scientifically valid, they have significantly harmed Indonesia’s position in global trade. On May 16, 2023, the European Union officially implemented the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), which aims to ensure that products entering the EU market come from legal sources and do not cause deforestation. This regulation requires companies to trace these commodities back to the land where they were produced. In response, there is an urgent need to develop a scientifically valid and internationally recognized Deforestation Verification or Certification System for every oil palm plantation and palm oil mill. Research collaborations have shown that data and information about the “Origin of Land Status, History of Land Use, and Development of Plantation Land Cover” in various provinces are relatively easy to obtain and scientifically valid. To achieve both national and international legitimacy, it is necessary to discuss these findings with experts from various parts of the world with relevant disciplines. Therefore, the 4th ICNREC is themed “Origin of Land Status, History of Land Use, and Development of Plantation Land Cover.” Given the strategic position of palm oil as Indonesia’s main foreign exchange source and to avoid systemic negative impacts on the future progress of Indonesia’s palm oil industry, developing a deforestation verification/certification system based on data and information about the origin of land status, land cover development, and land use history is crucial. The 4th ICNREC was organized in partnership with the Center for Study, Advocacy, and Nature Conservation (PUSAKA KALAM), the Faculty of Forestry and Environment of IPB University, and the French Agricultural Research for International Development (CIRAD). It also received support from various sponsors, including the Indonesia Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS), Sampoerna Agri, the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), Asian Agri, the French Embassy in Indonesia, and the Indonesian Oil Palm Farmers Association (APKASINDO), along with many others who contributed to the event’s success. The conference resulted in a proceeding featuring 23 papers on various aspects of biodiversity. We appreciate all the support received in organizing the conference and preparing the proceedings and hope that these proceedings will benefit many people. Best Regards, Prof, Dr. Ir. Yanto Santosa, DEA Chairman of Committee of The 4th ICNREC List of Committee is available in this Pdf.

Reducing the oil absorption and oil deterioration in fried apple slices by ultrasound integrated in infrared frying

The effects of integrated ultrasonic infrared frying (USIF) on the oil absorption of apple slices and the oil deterioration were studied with frequency of 28 and 40 kHz, respectively. Results showed that the heat transfer and moisture migration was accelerated by the integrated ultrasound in IF. The soluble Gal-A content and esterification degree of pectin was increased, the damages of pectin crystal structure and chemical structure in side chain was aggravated. These damages to pectin were intensified with higher frequency (40 kHz) of ultrasound. Lower retention of phenols was found in USIF apple slices, but the flavonoids content had no significant change compared to CF samples. USIF samples showed a smoother morphology, and the pore volume and porosity were reduced by ultrasonication applied with 28 kHz but increased with 40 kHz. The largest volume fraction of pores was changed from 100-250 μm in IF to 0.02–10 μm and 10–100 μm by the integrated ultrasound at 28 kHz and 40 kHz samples, respectively. The total oil uptake in USIF samples was reduced by 24.9 %–33.2 % compared to the conventional fried (CF) samples, and achieved the lowest with the frequency of 40 kHz. The surficial and structural oil were also decreased by 39.2 %-51.3 % and 20.9 %–32.3 %, respectively. The peroxide value, acid value, carbonyl value, polar component, and the saturated fatty acids ratio of oil in repeated frying for 16 h was reduced in USIF, especially with ultrasonication 40 kHz. These results indicate that USIF is a promising method for producing novel low-oil apple fries.

Experimental investigation on the oil occurrence and mobility of lacustrine shales in offshore area of China using 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance and centrifugal techniques

Shale oil occurrence mechanism and mobility have significant influences on hydrocarbons extraction from shale systems. However, the effects of petrophysical and petroleum geochemical properties on oil mobility are not understood. In this study, shales with different lithofacies were investigated using thin sections, scanning electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and organic geochemical analysis. Shales at original, extracted, oil-saturated, and centrifugal states were systematically scanned using 1D and 2D NMR technologies. The multi-scaled pores were obtained by comparing the T2 spectra of samples at different states. The 2D NMR identification spectra for hydrocarbon-bearing components were established. The free oil, adsorbed oil, mobile oil contents were quantitatively evaluated and the geological controls on oil mobility were discussed.Results show that the siliceous shales have the highest total oil and movable oil contents, while the argillaceous shales have the lowest values due to the limited pore space and poor connectivity. Mobile oil mainly stores in interparticle pores, dissolution-related pores and bedding fractures. Its content increases with the increasing felsic minerals. Oil in siliceous shales are rich in low carbon-chain hydrocarbons and has high mobility. Based on oil distribution in multi-scaled pores, a strategy about the mobile oil distribution were proposed: Ultramicropores region is the immobile oil zone; Micropores region is the oil difficult-to-flow zone; Transition pores region is the oil easy-to-flow zone; Macropores region is the completely mobile oil zone. The mobile oil mainly accommodates in transition pores and macropores (pore size >20 nm and mobile oil saturation exceeds 60 %).

Geochemical Characteristics and Significance of Molecular Markers in the Paleogene-Neogene Crude Oils of the Northwest Qaidam Basin.

The western Qaidam Basin is rich in oil and gas resources, constituting over 90% of the total oil and gas resources in the whole basin. However, the regional distribution characteristics of molecular markers of crude oil and the petroleum system elements relevant to the distribution of oil and gas in the northwest Qaidam Basin are still unclear, which restricts further exploration of oil and gas reservoirs. A total of 38 crude oils were collected from the Xiaoliangshan Sag and Mangya Sag in the northwest Qaidam Basin and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The indicators of sedimentary environment, organic matter source, and thermal maturity show regular changes from the west to the east in the Xiaoliangshan Sag and Mangya Sag. The nC21 -/nC22 +, n(C21 + C22)/n(C28 + C29), and C27-C28-C29 regular sterane distribution characteristics indicate that the input proportion of lower aquatic organisms in source rocks (E3-N1) gradually increases, while the input proportion of terrigenous organic matter gradually decreases. The triaromatic dinosterane index (TDSI) and methyltriaromatic steroid index (MTDSI) indicate that the input proportion of dinoflagellates gradually increases. The gradual increase in the Pr/Ph ratio indicates a decrease in the reducibility of the sedimentary environment of source rocks. The gammacerane index (Ga/C30H) and methylated-2-methyltrimethyltride-cylchromans (MTTCs) indicate that the degree of stratification and salinity of water body gradually decrease. A total of 23 thermal maturity parameters indicate that crude oil is in a mature evolution stage, and the thermal maturity of crude oil increases with depth, indicating that there are the characteristics of hydrocarbon accumulation close to source rocks. The variation features of sedimentary environment, organic matter origin, and thermal maturity indicators from the west to the east in the Xiaoliangshan Sag and Mangya Sag are controlled by the sedimentary structure characteristics of the study area.

Quantitative analysis of bioactive compounds in five black tea sortiments of the romanian market

Five black tea types, Assam, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Oolong were tested for their chlorophyll, carotenoid, flavonoid, total phenolic content and essential oil content. English Breakfast had the highest chlorophyll content (834 mg/kg) and Earl Grey, the highest carotenoid content (360 mg/kg). Total phenolic content was the highest in Darjeeling (an average of 40,874 mg/kg ), while flavonoids, specifically, reached the highest concentrations in Oolong (498 mg/kg). Total essential oils were maximum in Assam tea blend (4,600 mg/kg). Tea pH values ranged between 6.13-6.66. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 555-560, 2024 (September)

Hydrocarbon generation potential in Jurassic source rocks from hydrous pyrolysis experiments under ultradeep conditions

This study investigates the hydrocarbon generation potential of Jurassic source rocks under ultradeep conditions by utilizing semiclosed system hydrous pyrolysis experiments to simulate the geological processes at play. This study examines four distinct lithologies (shale, mudstone, carbonaceous mudstone, and coal) and three kerogen types (I, II, and III) across a temperature range of 250–650 °C and fluid pressures ranging from 34 to 100 MPa. The results indicate a bimodal distribution in total oil yields, with peak generation observed at approximately 350 °C and 600 °C. This pattern suggests a complex relationship between temperature, pressure, kerogen type, and hydrocarbon output. Notably, while I-Shale and II-Mudstone display higher hydrocarbon efficiency, III-type rocks exhibit superior oil and gas production rates because of their higher total organic carbon content. Research revealed that the oil expulsion rate exceeds 99% at temperatures above 500 °C, with the expelled oil predominantly comprising nonhydrocarbons and asphaltenes. Our findings suggest that Jurassic hydrocarbon source rocks maintain oil and gas potential under ultradeep conditions (high-over maturity stages at depths exceeding 6000 m). Under sustained fluid overpressure exceeding 70 MPa, the hydrocarbon generation peaks of various kerogen types in source rocks are markedly delayed. This phenomenon enables the source rocks to retain the potential for liquid hydrocarbon generation even during the stages of overmaturity. The results significantly enhance the theoretical framework of hydrocarbon generation under ultradeep conditions, thereby providing a crucial extension to the existing thermal boundary theory of hydrocarbon formation. These insights are crucial for the oil and gas industry, directing future exploration efforts towards ultradeep reservoirs and informing the development of new technologies to exploit these resources. This research not only enhances the understanding of subsurface hydrocarbon systems but also has implications for strategies aimed at maximizing resource recovery and managing the environmental impact of deep Earth exploration.

Chemical Profiling and Cytotoxicity Activity of Essential Oil from Artemisia Maritima Collected through Four Different Wild Locations of Lahaul Valley in Indian Western Himalaya

AbstractThis research leads to the analysis of quality parameters and chemical profiles of Artemisia maritima essential oils (EOs) extracted from four different wild areas viz: Darcha, Jispa, Gemur and Tandi of Lahaul valley of Indian western Himalaya in comparison to a market sample. The EOs content was found higher in Darcha (0.54 %) and Jispa (0.48 %). The quality parameters such as color, odor, density, refractive index and optical rotations were found comparable with the market sample. Further, volatile chemo‐profile of EOs was generated using GC/GC‐MS. A total of 34 metabolites were identified in five samples (n=3) that account around 87.3–95.1 % of the total oils. These EOs majorly contained monoterpene hydrocarbons (3.0–68.5 %) and oxygenated monoterpenes (26.6–85.0 %) with β‐myrcene (9.8–20.6 %), α‐terpinene (0.7–17.3 %), β‐phellandrene (1.5–22.4 %), 1,8‐cineole (3.0–50.8 %), terpinen‐4‐ol (2.5–7.2 %), ascaridole (11.5 %), bornyl acetate (5.1–14.2 %), trans‐sabinyl acetate (0.8–49.6) and trans‐ascaridole (7.9 %). Moreover, cytotoxicity study of EOs against CaCo2 and HT‐29 human colon carcinoma cell lines unveiled significant anticancer potential of A. maritima. AMD (82.87±0.39 %) AMG (61.17±1.45 %) and AMM (73.37±2.1 %) showed comparable activity at 600 μg/ml (72 hr) in comparisons to vinblastine (20 μM). A. maritima is less explored as compared to other species and could be a new potential source for EOs and anticancer candidate.

Metabolic engineering-induced transcriptome reprogramming of lipid biosynthesis enhances oil composition in oat.

The endeavour to elevate the nutritional value of oat (Avena sativa) by altering the oil composition and content positions it as an optimal crop for fostering human health and animal feed. However, optimization of oil traits on oat through conventional breeding is challenging due to its quantitative nature and complexity of the oat genome. We introduced two constructs containing three key genes integral to lipid biosynthesis and/or regulatory pathways from Arabidopsis (AtWRI1 and AtDGAT1) and Sesame (SiOLEOSIN) into the oat cultivar 'Park' to modify the fatty acid composition. Four homozygous transgenic lines were generated with a transformation frequency of 7%. The expression of these introduced genes initiated a comprehensive transcriptional reprogramming in oat grains and leaves. Notably, endogenous DGAT, WRI1 and OLEOSIN genes experienced upregulation, while genes associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, such as KASII, SACPD and FAD2, displayed antagonistic expression patterns between oat grains and leaves. Transcriptomic analyses highlighted significant differential gene expression, particularly enriched in lipid metabolism. Comparing the transgenic oat plants with the wild type, we observed a remarkable increase of up to 34% in oleic acid content in oat grains. Furthermore, there were marked improvements in the total oil content in oat leaves, as well as primary metabolites changes in both oat grains and leaves, while maintaining homeostasis in the transgenic oat plants. These findings underscore the effectiveness of genetic engineering in manipulating oat oil composition and content, offering promising implications for human consumption and animal feeding through oat crop improvement programmes.