Total Sulfur Research Articles

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Context. One of the main problems in astrochemistry is determining the amount of sulfur in volatiles and refractories in the interstellar medium. The detection of the main sulfur reservoirs (icy H2S and atomic gas) has been challenging, and estimates are based on the reliability of models to account for the abundances of species containing less than 1% of the total sulfur. The high sensitivity of the James Webb Space Telescope provides an unprecedented opportunity to estimate the sulfur abundance through the observation of the [S I] 25.249 µm line. Aims. Our aim is to determine the amount of sulfur in the ionized and warm molecular phases toward the Orion Bar as a template to investigate sulfur depletion in the transition between the ionized gas and the molecular cloud in HII regions. Methods. We used the [S III] 18.7 µm, [S IV] 10.5 µm, and [S l] 25.249 µm lines to estimate the amount of sulfur in the ionized and molecular gas along the Orion Bar. For the theoretical part, we used an upgraded version of the Meudon photodissociation region (PDR) code to model the observations. New inelastic collision rates of neutral atomic sulfur with ortho-and para- molecular hydrogen were calculated to predict the line intensities. Results. The [S III] 18.7 µm and [S IV] 10.5 µm lines are detected over the imaged region with a shallow increase (by a factor of 4) toward the HII region. This suggests that their emissions are partially coming from the Orion Veil. We estimate a moderate sulfur depletion, by a factor of ~2, in the ionized gas. The corrugated interface between the molecular and atomic phases gives rise to several edge-on dissociation fronts we refer to as DF1, DF2, and DF3. The [S l] 25.249 µm line is only detected toward DF2 and DF3, the dissociation fronts located farthest from the HII region. This is the first ever detection of the [S l] 25.249 µm line in a PDR. The detailed modeling of DF3 using the Meudon PDR code shows that the emission of the [S l] 25.249 µm line is coming from warm (>40 K) molecular gas located at AV ~1–5 mag from the ionization front. Moreover, the intensity of the [S l] 25.249 µm line is only accounted for if we assume the presence of undepleted sulfur. Conclusions. Our data show that sulfur remains undepleted along the ionic, atomic, and molecular gas in the Orion Bar. This is consistent with recent findings that suggest that sulfur depletion is low in massive star-forming regions because of the interaction of the UV photons coming from the newly formed stars with the interstellar matter.

Factors Controlling DMS Emission and Atmospheric Sulfate Aerosols in the Western Pacific Continental Sea

AbstractThe western Pacific continental sea significantly influences the regulation of climate‐active gases budget and the burden of sulfate aerosols. An underway shipboard measurement device was used to determine the dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the surface seawater and overlying atmosphere in the East China Continental Sea. The average concentration of DMS in atmosphere and seawater was 122.8 ± 86.2pptv and 6.47 ± 3.58 nmol L−1, respectively. The variation trend of surface water DMS in the western Pacific continental sea was influenced by the abundance and composition of phytoplankton under different ocean current systems, with a significant impact from eddies on DMS production in the South China Sea. By eliminating the influence of terrestrial sources and limiting air mass transport within the marine boundary layer, strong correlations were established between atmospheric DMS and air mass exposure to chlorophyll (Echl), as well as between aerosol methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and Echl. During the aerosol sampling period, the atmospheric DMS levels (1,057 ± 371 ng/m3) were significantly higher than MSA levels (46.3 ± 59.8 ng/m3) in the East China Sea, where the conversion of DMS to MSA was not affected by changes in DMS concentration. The sea‐to‐air fluxes of DMS varied over a wide range, from 0.02 to 156.0 μmol m−2 d−1, with an average of 14.35 ± 18.58 μmol m−2 d−1. Marine DMS emissions play a critical role in the formation of sulfur aerosols on the western Pacific continental shelf, accounting for 24.6 ± 7.6% (14.8%–37.8%) of the total sulfate aerosols.

Sodium-assisted MoS2 for boosting CO2 hydrogenation to methanol: The crucial role of sodium in defect evolution and modification

The effective conversion of CO2 to methanol utilizing green hydrogen under moderate conditions represents a promising approach for achieving carbon neutrality. MoS2 demonstrates exceptional catalytic performance at temperatures below 200 °C, however, generating in-plane sulfur defects is challenging due to the intact planar structure. Introducing heteroatoms to induce sulfur vacancy formation and modulate their chemical environment remains a significant obstacle. In this study, we developed a NaCl-assisted method for synthesizing MoS2 and discovered that a small quantity of sodium not only promotes the formation of sulfur vacancies during the induction period, but also encourages CO2 hydrogenation via the carboxylate route, as opposed to the CO2 dissociation to CO* route over non-modified sulfur vacancies. Furthermore, catalysts at various stages throughout the 60 h induction period were characterized, revealing that the increase in sulfur vacancies and enhanced H2 dissociation capability are primary factors contributing to improved methanol yield. The sodium-modified MoS2 achieves a methanol space–time yield of up to 571 mgMeOH gcat.−1 h−1 at 200 °C and 5 MPa with a 4.8% CO2 conversion and 96% methanol selectivity. The turnover frequency based on total sulfur vacancies reaches 170 h−1. This research is anticipated to offer a new strategy for enhancing the catalytic performance of CO2 hydrogenation to methanol using heteroatom-assisted defect engineering.

Study on the Physiochemical Properties of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Available by Cylinders in Bangladesh

The work analyzed the composition and other physiochemical properties of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG mixture available in Bangladesh by cylinder. LPG Composition (C2-C6), Butadiene, Total Sulfur, Cu Corrosion, Relative Density and Vapor Pressure were determined by respective ASTM methods. Free water content was measured visually and odour tested by smell detection. Data from nine samples were used to compare with ASTM and Indian Standards. The results of this analysis revealed that the LPG contains propane and butane with a certain range of ratio. But that has no free water content. The total Sulfur content is within the permissible limit according to ASTM Standards. The samples do not have corrosive hydrogen sulfide. The vapor pressure is lower than the maximum limit and have very low linear relationship with relative density. The calorific value is highly dependent on the propane and butane content and moderately related to the relative density. Compared to ASTM and Indian standards, the examined LPG mixtures are found to be safe for the tropical country.

Formation mechanism and control of a kind of pit-shaped defect in Cf53 rolled products

Aiming at the frequent issue of pit-shaped surface defects in S-bearing and Al-killed steel products and the related poor castability due to submerged entry nozzle (SEN) clogging, the melting and casting process of a popular auto steel Cf53 has been studied based on in-situ investigation and experimental analysis. To clarify the generation of the pit-shaped defects, the local surface chemistry, evolution of steel inclusions throughout the melting process, SEN clogging substances, and the internal relationship among them were systematically analyzed. The results show that this type of defect in the Cf53 rolled products is caused by the large-sized composite inclusions rich in CaS, which originate from the molten steel during the refining process, gradually accumulate on the inner wall of the SEN during casting, and finally lead to SEN clogging. The loose structure of clogging inclusions makes them prone to fall off into the mold and get trapped by solidifying steel shell. The formation mechanism of the inclusions was studied through FactSage software calculation. The results show that the increase in total sulfur and total calcium content, and the decrease in total oxygen content and temperature in steel will lead to CaS inclusion formation, which agrees reasonably well with experimental results. An optimized refining process to reduce calcium addition into molten steel is proposed accordingly, which achieves a remarkably alleviation in casting SEN clogging and an elimination of the pit-shaped defects on the final rolled products as well.

In situ desulfurization mechanism of molten salt thermal treatment for waste tires

Pyrolysis is regarded as a practical way for waste tires to achieve waste-to-resource objectives. However, the environmental risk of pollution emissions in product utilization caused by the migration of sulfur is an important issue in the waste tire disposal industry. This study introduced a solution to using the binary molten salt system (NaOH-Na2CO3) as a heat transfer and desulfurization medium for the thermal utilization of waste tires. The results demonstrated that molten salts had in-situ desulfurization capability at 425 °C −575 °C and inhibited the migration of sulfur to gas–liquid-solid products with the total sulfur ratio reduced by 50 % − 67 %. The sulfur-containing radical intermediates could be extensively consumed by molten salt, leading to a low concentration level of H2S and COS in gaseous products. Simultaneously, molten salt blocked the traditional pathway of the sulfhydryl radical with inorganic additives, weakening the sulfur enrichment to char. Additionally, molten salt enhanced heat transfer during pyrolysis, facilitating the decomposition of thiazole and the polymerization of sulfur-containing benzene ring (2,3-dimethyl-thiophene to benzothiophene). The online monitoring further corroborated that COS release was preceded by H2S at high temperatures (>500 °C) along with the full degradation of the waste tires. Higher desulfurization efficiency of molten salt was achieved with feedstocks of small particle size, as it allows for adequate exposure of the reaction contact sites. This approach provides a new opportunity for in-situ desulfurization of waste tire pyrolysis via molten salt thermal treatment.

Thermal steam treatment effect of metallic sodium nanoparticles for high-carbon, low permeability Domanic rocks

In a study aimed at exploring novel methods for enhancing hydrocarbon extraction from shale reservoirs, we conducted an experimental study to model the effects of thermal steam treatment on high-carbon, low-permeability Domanic shale in the presence of sodium metal nanoparticles. We characterized the mineral composition of the rock samples and evaluated the yield and quality of extracted hydrocarbons before and after treatment. Our results demonstrated an increase in extract yield with increasing treatment temperature. Notably, we observed a significantly augmented effect when we introduced sodium nanoparticles into the reaction system, enabling a 100 °C reduction in treatment temperature while maintaining comparable capabilities for extracting organic matter. It was found that the experimental products exhibited enrichment in saturated hydrocarbons, coupled with a decrease in resinous-asphaltenic substances. Within the saturated fraction, we observed a shift towards lighter alkanes and cycloalkanes (C12–C14). Moreover, it has been found that the highest yield of low molecular weight liquid hydrocarbons is acheived in the experiment involving sodium nanoparticles at 250 °C. Upon further increasing the temperature to 300 °C, we noted a decline in liquid hydrocarbon content, accompanied by an increase in gaseous hydrocarbons (C1–C4). Besides, thermal steam treatment substantially reduced the proportion of sulfur-containing aromatic compounds, such as alkylbenzothiophenes, dibenzo- and naphthothiophenes, in the aromatic fraction. The addition of sodium nanoparticles facilitated near-complete desulfurization of this fraction. Moreover, we observed a significant reduction in the total sulfur content of the extracted organic matter. Hydrothermal treatment in the presence of nanoparticles induced transformations in the kerogen structure and structural and phase changes in the mineral components of the shale.

Sulfur stable isotopes in Paleogene coals of Northeast India

Sulfur stable isotope signatures are instrumental in tracing the sources and tracking the movement of sulfur in different environmental compartments, besides providing vital insights into the origin and transport dynamics. Sulfur stable isotope composition in coal can give valuable information regarding sulfur sources and the process of sulfur incorporation in coal. The present study was conducted to determine the total sulfur content and sulfur isotopic composition for bulk sulfur (bulk S δ34S) in Oligocene and Eocene coal samples from coal mines and a few coal stockings in northeast India. The results revealed that the total sulfur content in coal samples varied between 1.03 and 4.80 (wt%) with an average value of 2.64 wt%. The bulk S δ34S in coal samples exhibited a wide range between −4.66 ‰ to 14.78 ‰ (VCDT). Oligocene coal samples from mines in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Nagaland were enriched with heavier sulfur isotopes relative to Eocene coal samples from the Jaintia Hills region of Meghalaya. A moderate positive correlation was observed in the Oligocene coal samples, in contrast to the moderate negative correlation found in the Eocene coal samples. The bulk S δ34S values and sulfur content in coal samples from coal stockings matched closely with Assam and Meghalaya mine samples. The findings of this study can be used to track the sources and movement of coal sulfur in various environmental compartments, besides providing valuable information about sulfur sources, the process of sulfur incorporation in coal, and the depositional environment.

Ulvans, sulfated β-d-galactans and xyloarabinogalactan: A comparative approach to extraction, structural characterization and antioxidant activity assessment

Antioxidants can be extracted from various seaweeds as natural ingredients for use in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The composition and structure of polysaccharides extracted from four green seaweeds: Ulva lactuca (UL), Halimeda opuntia (HO), Caulerpa racemosa (CR) and Chaetomorpha antennina (CA) were correlated with their antioxidant activities. Crude extracts were characterized by NMR (1H and 13C), HP-SEC, HPAEC-PAD and FTIR spectroscopy. Extracted polysaccharides were assayed spectrophotometrically for their total sugar, sulfate, phenolic and protein contents. The antioxidant capacities of each fractionated polysaccharide sample were evaluated by five methods, i.e., ABTS (2,2-azino-bis-[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical), ferric-reducing power in FRAP (Ferric-reducing Antioxidant Power), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the hydroxyl radical (OH) scavenging capacity assay. All polysaccharides had molecular weights (MW) under 1000 kDa, with HO having the lowest MW (<100 kDa). Polysaccharide extracts of UL (i.e., l-iduronic acid, 1,4-linked α-l-rhamnose, β-d-glucuronic acid) and CA were promising sources of antioxidants. The highest antioxidant capacity was measured in extracts from CA-2B (52.1 ± 0.9 μg/mL) using the ABTS assay, while CR-1B exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in both the FRAP (303.7 ± 8.2 μm/mL) and OH (28.4 ± 0.8%) assays. Taken together, useful insights were gained into the potential health benefits of selected green seaweed polysaccharides (i.e., ulvans, sulfated or/and pyruvylated β-d-galactans and sulfated xyloarabinogalactan) for applications in the pharmaceutical, food and biotechnology industries.

Geochemical and Organic Petrological Characteristics of the Bituminous Carbonate Succession (Upper Cretaceous Shu'ayb Formation) in Northern Jordan: Implications for Organic Matter Input and Paleosalinity, Paleoredox, and Paleoclimatic Conditions.

Bituminous carbonate rocks of the Upper Cretaceous Shu'ayb Formation from the Ajloun outcrop in Northern Jordan were geochemically and petrologically analyzed in this study. This study integrates kerogen microscopy results with geochemical results (i.e., biomarker, stable carbon isotope, and major elemental compositions) to understand the organic matter (OM) inputs and to reveal the dispositional setting and its effect on the occurrence of OM. The Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate rocks have high total organic carbon (TOC) and sulfur (S) contents, with average values of 12.3 and 4.59 wt %, respectively, indicating redox conditions during their precipitation. The high abundance of alginite (i.e., lamalginite) in the Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate sediments is a further evidence for redox conditions. The finding of mainly marine-derived OM was also demonstrated by the biomarker distribution and carbon isotope composition. The biomarkers are represented by a narrow Pr/Ph ratio of up to 0.97, abundance of tricyclic terpanes, and high C27 regular sterane, indicating that the OM was primarily derived from phytoplankton algae, along with small amounts of land plant-derived materials, and were accumulated under reducing conditions. The studied Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate facies is composed of mainly calcium (CaO; average, 45.10 wt %), with significant amounts of silicon (Si2O3; avg., 9.35 wt %), aluminum (Al2O3; avg., 6.91 wt %), and phosphorus (P2O3; avg., 1.47 wt %) and low amounts of iron (Fe2O3) and titanium (TiO2) of less than 1 wt %, indicating that the detrital influx was low in an open water depth system with higher primary bioproductivity. The geochemical proxy suggests that the Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate facies was established in a saline water environment, with Ca/Ca + Fe and S/TOC values of more than 0.9 and 0.50, respectively, which could be attributed to the increase in reducing conditions of the water column. The chemical index of alteration values of more than 0.8 also indicate that the Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate facies formed during warm and humid climatic conditions, thereby resulting in intense subaerial weathering.

Application of X-ray principles to quantify sulfur oxidation states in concrete

This study introduces a novel mathematical approach rooted in X-ray spectroscopy principles to evaluate the oxidation state of sulfur, which is then applied in concrete and cementitious materials. Unlike previous studies that relied on an empirical quadratic relationship based on the ratios of characteristic X-ray lines (SKα, SKβ, and SKβ') for sulfur oxidation state determination, unique linear relationships between the intensities of the three X-ray lines for each oxidation state and total sulfur were utilized. Rational equations are then derived by combining these linear relationships for each species. Two independent rational calibration curves are constructed using the SKβ/SKα and SKβ'/SKβ ratios for samples containing sulfide-sulfate mixtures, irrespective of total sulfur concentration within the range of 0.3% to 2.0% by weight of concrete. These equations demonstrated interchangeability across three simulated matrices (Portland cement, concrete, and silica) and two sulfide species (pyrrhotite and pyrite). Absolute quantification of sulfide and sulfate species in concrete is achieved by independently measuring total sulfur. Compared to previous quadratic and linear equations, this approach is shown to minimize the difference between the experimental and calculated ratios of the calibration samples. Agreement was also observed between the sulfate ratio calculated through the rational approach and gravimetric analysis for concrete samples.

Exploring Red Wine Aging: Comparative Analysis of Cellar and Sea Underwater Aging on Chemical Composition and Quality.

The aging process of wine is influenced by various factors, including the presence of oxygen, the temperature, and the storage conditions. While oxygen can have both positive and negative effects on wine quality, temperature fluctuations during storage can impact its chemical composition. This study has investigated the aging of Merlot and Sangiovese wines under traditional cellar conditions and underwater, exploring the influence of storage parameters on their chemical evolution. Analyzing parameters such as temperature, pressure, and chemical composition, the research revealed subtle but significant changes in the wines over time. Both wines showed a gradual reduction in total phenols, anthocyanins, non-flavonoid compounds, and total sulfur dioxide, irrespective of the storage conditions. Preliminary findings suggested that aging wine underwater does not induce significant alterations in its fundamental characteristics compared to traditional cellar aging. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of wine aging processes and highlight the importance of storage conditions in preserving wine quality. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complexities of underwater aging and its broader implications for wine production.

Geochemistry of Cenozoic coals from Sarawak Basin, Malaysia: implications for paleoclimate, depositional conditions, and controls on petroleum potential

Forty Tertiary coals from Mukah-Balingian and Merit-Pila coalfields of the Sarawak Basin, Malaysia were investigated using bulk and molecular geochemical techniques such as proximate analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, elemental analyser, isotope ratio mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to reconstruct their paleovegetation, paleoclimate, and environments of deposition. In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) of selected geochemical parameters was carried out to determine the controlling influences on the petroleum potential of the humic coals. δ13C values and the abundance of terpenoids imply the predominant contribution of angiosperms to the paleoflora. Bimetal proxies (Sr/Ba, Sr/Cu, and C-value), and δD values are generally suggestive of a warm and humid climate during the accumulation of the paleopeats. However, n-alkane proxies (Pwax, Paq, n-C23/n-C29, etc.) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) distribution suggest that Balingian coals accumulated under relatively drier and strongly seasonal paleoclimate in the Late Pliocene. When compared with published global average abundances, the investigated coals are mostly depleted in major oxides and trace elements, suggesting peat accumulation in freshwater-influenced environments. Nonetheless, higher (> 0.5 wt%) total sulfur content in some Mukah-Balingian coals suggests some degree of epigenetic marine influence. Furthermore, the low to moderately-high ash contents of the Sarawak Basin coals indicate the presence of ombrotrophic and rheotrophic peat deposits. PCA result of selected geochemical proxies suggests that source input, paleoflora, and marine incursions are not major controlling influences on the petroleum potential. However, climatic, and depositional conditions appear to slightly influence the petroleum potential of the studied humic coals.

Enhancing sulfur absorption in soybean rhizosphere through arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation: Implications for soil health and crop growth

Soybean, a sulfur-loving cash crop, suffers from declining soil sulfur with continuous cropping, hindering its growth and development. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form beneficial partnerships with plant roots, aiding in nutrient uptake and promoting plant growth. Recent research has increasingly focused upon AMF's potential to enhance sulfur absorption through increased rhizosphere microbial activity. This study investigated the impact of AMF inoculation on soil organic sulfur mineralization, microbial community composition, and sulfur cycle function genes in the continuous cropping soybean rhizosphere. 16 S rRNA sequencing and high-throughput qPCR revealed changes in microbial community composition and the expression of sulfur cycle genes. ICP-MS measured total soil sulfur, and the BaSO4 turbidimetric method determined available sulfur. Following inoculation of continuous cropping soybean soil with AMF, it was observed that OTU1851, OTU1897, OTU2148, OTU3303, and OTU3738, five specific rhizospheric soil sulfur cycling microbial communities, were enriched. And AMF inoculation enhanced sulfur cycle function, the abundance of aspA, soxY and yedZ increased by 143.23 %, 236.04 % and 436.64 %. This led to increased soil arylsulfatase (S-ASF) activity (from 39.17 to 49.82 μg/(mL·h)), available sulfur content (from 12.88 to 17.55 mg/kg), and ultimately, improved soybean sulfur absorption and growth. Therefore, this study holds significant implications for improving available sulfur content and utilization in sulfur-deficient soils. Furthermore, it provides a theoretical basis for using AMF as a biofertilizer to remediate sulfur -deficiency, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.

Atmospheric oxygenation at the onset of Earth’s Great Oxidation forced enhanced marine anoxia

Abstract Capturing the loss of mass-independent sulphur isotope fractionation (MIF-S), the correlative South African Duitschland and Rooihoogte formations are widely held to bear the isotopic fingerprint of the first atmospheric oxygenation at the onset of the so-called Great Oxidation Event (GOE). Surprisingly, however, while the multiple sulphur isotope systematics of these formations remain central to our understanding of the GOE, until now, comparatively little work has been done to elucidate the repercussions within the marine realm. Here we present chemostratigraphic records from four drill cores covering a large area of the Transvaal Basin, transcending these crucial units and continuing into the overlying Timeball Hill Formation (TBH), that document the immediate, yet counterintuitive, marine response to atmospheric oxygenation. Specifically, irrespective of the interpretative framework employed, our basin-wide redox-sensitive trace element data document an environmental change from oxic/suboxic conditions within the lower and middle parts of the Duitschland and Rooihoogte formations to suboxic/anoxic conditions within their upper reaches. Interestingly, in concert with a ~35‰ negative δ34S excursion that implicates increased sulphate availability and bacterial sulphate reduction, δ98/95Mo3134+0.25 values increase by ~1.0 to 1.5‰. Combining these observations with increased Fe/Mn ratios, elevated total sulphur and carbon contents and a trend towards lower δ13Corg values imply a shift toward less oxygenated conditions across the Transvaal Basin. The combined observations in the mentioned parameters expose a geobiological feedback-driven causality between the earliest oxygenation of the atmosphere and decreased redox potentials of medium to deep marine environments, at least within the Transvaal Basin.

Polysaccharides from Artemisia argyi leaves: Environmentally friendly ultrasound-assisted extraction and antifatigue activities

Artemisia argyi leaf polysaccharide (AALPs) were prepared through ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and their antifatigue activities were evaluated. Extraction was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), which yielded the following optimal UAE conditions: ultrasonication power of 300 W, extraction temperature of 51 °C, liquid:solid ratio of 20 mL/g, and ultrasonication time of 47 mins. The above optimal conditions resulted in the maximum extraction rate of 10.49 %. Compared with hot water extraction (HWE), UAE supported higher yields and total sugar, uronic acid, and sulfate contents of AALPs. Meanwhile, AALP prepared through UAE (AALP-U) exhibited higher stability due to its smaller particle size and higher absolute value of zeta potential than AALP prepared through HWE (AALP-H). In addition, AALP-U demonstrated stronger antioxidant activity than AALP-H. In forced swimming tests on mice, AALP-U could significantly prolong swimming time with a dose-dependent effect, increase liver and muscle glycogen levels, and improve other biochemical indices, thus showing great potential for application in functional food.

Evaluation of Water Quality of Lakhanvaram Lake : A Comparative Study of Three Locations of Lake

The present study evaluated on the quality of Lakhanvaram Lake for two years during 202-23(April to March) and 2023-24(April to March) along with seasonal changes during the period of study. The research focuses on detecting, monitoring, and predicting water quality of lake at three different sites/locations using nineteen parameters viz., pH, Carbonates (CO3),Bicarbonates(HCO3), Chlorides (Cl), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Dissolved (BOD), Organic Matter (OM), Chemical Oxygen Dissolved (COD), (TH), Calcium(Ca), Magnesium(Mg), Total Solids (TS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Soluble Salts(TSS), Sulphur (SO4), Phosphorus(PO4), Nitrates (NO3) and Nitrites(NO2). The results demonstrated that Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Dissolved (BOD), Organic Matter (OM), Chemical Oxygen Dissolved (COD), (TH), Calcium(Ca), Magnesium(Mg), Total Solids (TS) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) increased during rainy season and pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Dissolved (BOD) Chemical Oxygen Dissolved (COD) decreased during summer months in both the years of study. It indicated that the overall water quality will improve more if the period is sustained for another 2 to 3 years. The outcomes of the study will help the stakeholders develop effective regulations and strategies for the timely restoration of lake water quality.

Air pollution in Białowieża forest: Analysis of short-term trends from 2014 to 2021

Air pollution caused by sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) has negative impacts on forest health and can initiate forest dieback. Long-term monitoring and analysis of these pollution are carried out in Białowieża Forest in NE Poland due to the threats from abiotic, biotic and anthropogenic factors. The main objective of our study was to monitor the levels and trends of air pollutant deposition in Białowieża Forest. During a short-term monitoring period over six years (2014–2021), the concentration of SO2 in the air decreased significantly (from 2.03 μg m−3 in December 2015 to 0.20 μg m−3 in July 2016), while the concentration of NO2 in the air showed a non-significant decrease (from 8.24 μg m−3 in December 2015 to 1.61 μg m−3 May 2016). There was no significant linear trend in the wet deposition of S–SO4 anions. Mean monthly S–SO4 deposition varies between 4.54 and 94.14 mg m−2month−1. Wet nitrogen deposition, including oxidized nitrogen (N–NO3) and reduced nitrogen (N–NH4), showed a non-significant increase. Mean monthly precipitation of N–NO3 and N–N H4 ranged from 1.91 to 451.73 mg m−2month−1. Neither did total sulphur deposition nor total nitrogen deposition exceed the mean deposition values for forests in Europe (below 6 ha−1yr−1 and 3–15 ha−1yr−1, respectively). Our results indicate that air pollutants originate from local sources (households), especially from the village of Białowieża, as demonstrated by the level and spatial distribution of air pollutant deposition. This indicates that air pollutants from the village of Białowieża could spread to other parts of Białowieża Forest in the future and may have a negative impact on forest health and can initiate forest dieback. It is therefore important to continue monitoring air pollution to assess the threats to this valuable forest ecosystem.

The Role of Nitrate Supply in Bioactive Compound Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity in the Cultivation of Porphyra linearis (Rhodophyta, Bangiales) for Future Cosmeceutical and Bioremediation Applications.

Porphyra sensu lato has economic importance for food and pharmaceutical industries due to its significant physiological activities resulting from its bioactive compounds (BACs). This study aimed to determine the optimal nitrate dosage required in short-term cultivation to achieve substantial BAC production. A nitrate experiment using varied concentrations (0 to 6.5 mM) revealed optimal nitrate uptake at 0.5 mM in the first two days and at 3 and 5 mM in the last five days. Polyphenols and carbohydrates showed no differences between treatments, while soluble proteins peaked at 1.5 and 3 mM. Total mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) were highest in algae incubated at 5 and 6.5 mM, and the highest antioxidant activity was observed in the 5 mM, potentially related to the MAAs amount. Total carbon and sulfur did not differ between treatments, while nitrogen decreased at higher nitrate. This discovery highlights the nuanced role of nitrate in algal physiology, suggesting that biological and chemical responses to nitrate supplementation can optimize an organism's health and its commercially significant bioactive potential. Furthermore, given its ability to absorb high doses of nitrate, this alga can be cultivated in eutrophic zones or even in out-/indoor tanks, becoming an excellent option for integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and bioremediation.

The use of chitosan and an inactivated yeast to reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide in wine

This study aims to evaluate the sulfur dioxide dynamics in two wines, dry white wine Fetească albă and dry red wine Fetească neagră made in Târnave vineyard, and to observe their evolution after application of Bactiless and Longevity to lower the level of SO2. The wines from 2020 harvest were produced using traditional winemaking techniques. The experimental variants were: Control, Longevity (20, 30, 40, 0, and 40 g/hL) with Bactiless (20, 35, 50, 50 and 0 g/hL). For all the samples studied in this work, it was determined a decrease concentration of free and total sulfur dioxide. The best results obtained for the Fetească albă wine was the decrease of free SO2 from 35.00 mg/L to 25.33±0.60 mg/L and total SO2 from 120.50 mg/L to 117.50 mg/L by using 50 g/hL of Bactiless (CFAV4). For the Fetească neagră wine, the best results obtained were the decrease of free SO2 from 32.50±0.29 mg/L to 14.83±0.18 mg/L and total SO2 from 85.00±0.87 mg/L to 75.00±0.86 mg/L by adding 40 g/hL of Longevity and 50 g/hL of Bactiless (CFNV3). With an allowed SO2 concentration, the evaluated wines maintained their varietal characteristics and organoleptic properties.