Use Of Diatomaceous Earth Research Articles

Insecticidal Efficacy of Diatomaceous Earth and Botanical Powders against Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus analis F. in Stored Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

The pulse beetle is the most damaging insect pest of legumes causing huge economic losses. The experiment was conducted to find out the insecticidal effects of diatomaceous earth (DE) combined with three botanical powders in three different combinations of 25% plant powder with 75% DE, 50% plant powder with 50% DE and 75% plant powder with 25% DE. The results indicated that the least number of adult beetles settled on grains treated with T9 (75% GP + 25% DE and T3 (75% NP + 25% DE) whereas maximum number of adult beetles settled in T4 (25% TP + 75% DE). After 168 hours, all the treatments showed significant mortality (100%) of adult beetles compared to control (43%). All the treatments reduced the number of eggs (3.60 to 6.80 eggs per 20 grains) in comparison to control (17.00). The maximum (28.80) days to adult emergence were documented in T9 whereas; minimum (21.40) days were recorded in untreated grains. Among all the treatments, T9: showed minimum emergence (36.40) of adult beetles whereas; the maximum (125.20) adults emerged in control. The lowest grain damage (5.50%) was observed in T9 as related to the maximum grain damage (28.96%) in the untreated control. The minimum weight loss (3.49%) was recorded in T9. The maximum weight loss (21.08%) was recorded in untreated grains. The use of diatomaceous earth in combination with garlic powder is recommended for the management of pulse beetle under storage conditions.

Multifunctional heterogeneous catalysts: Tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphinato]iron(III) immobilized on amine–functionalized Diatomaceous Earth for catalytic and adsorption applications

The use of Diatomaceous Earth (DE) as a promising support of a synthetic metalloporphyrin is reported, trying to heterogenize metalloporphyrin catalysts to mimicking enzyme site isolation and improving reaction selectivity. New multifunctional hybrid materials consisting of DE amino–functionalized with aminopropyltriethoxysilane (DE–APTES), followed by grafting with [meso–tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphinato]iron(III) (DE–APTES–FeTFPP), were prepared and fully characterized. FeTFPP was grafted into DE–APTES via the amine groups (band at 1570 cm–1). The brown color of the materials indicated that FeTFPP was immobilized in the matrix; a Soret band characteristic of ironporphyrin located in a confined space, was found at 416 nm. Leaching studies confirmed that the ironporphyrin was entrapped and not just adsorbed on the silica surface. DE was composed of typical quartz and cristobalite crystalline phases and amorphous silica. The intensity of its characteristic reflection at 22° (2θ) decreased in the presence of FeTFPP, evidencing that the ironporphyrin influenced the organization of the material. Catalytic tests using DE–APTES–FeTFPP in cyclooctene epoxidation to cyclooctene oxide (56 % yield, with complete selectivity for the epoxide) and cyclohexane oxidation (4 % yield of oxidized products, with ketone/alcohol selectivity ∼ 3:1), evidenced the versatility of the catalyst and the multifunctionality of the resulting hybrid materials and the ability of DE as a promising natural support for ironporphyrin catalysts. Finally, the capacity of the materials as CO2 adsorbents was evaluated in the temperature range 100–200 °C. DE–APTES showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 1.26 mmol/g at 100 °C, 18 times higher than the value found under the same conditions for the non–functionalized support.

Acclimatization of Sweet Potatoes Under in vitro Application of Diatomaceous Earth.

Diatomaceous earth is an organic naturally occurring material rich in silicon. This silicon source can be used in organic agriculture, it also has a great potential of use in the acclimatization of crops. However, there are no reports of the effects of diatomaceous earth supplementation on the micropropagation of sweet potato. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of diatomaceous earth applied in vitro on the growth, physiology and anatomy of sweet potato cv. 'Brazlândia Branca' after acclimatization. Four concentrations of diatomaceous earth. After 30 days of in vitro growth, the plants were transferred to a greenhouse for acclimatization. After 45 days, leaf number, shoot and root length, fresh and dry shoot and root mass, gas exchange, chlorophyll content, root and leaf anatomy. The experimental design was completely randomized. The supplementation of diatomaceous earth in the in vitro cultivation had beneficial effects, increasing the accumulation of mass, improving the photosynthetic apparatus and promoting favorable anatomical characteristics during the acclimatization of the sweet potato plants. In addition, the use of diatomaceous earth achieved adequate seedling development, with higher seedling quality and resistance to biotic and abiotic effects than attained with control treatment.

Diatomaceous earth foliar spraying along with adjuvants in pistachio orchards associated with the common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae.

The common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae, is a serious global pest menacing pistachio orchards. Considering the dangers of using excessive chemical pesticides, it seems that using natural insecticides such as diatomaceous earth is a suitable way to lower the residual amount of highly hazardous pesticides. In this study, the effects of diatomaceous earth with different additives, including dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, polyurethane glue as a wood adhesive, and potassium silicate, were investigated in several concentrations over two years in orchard conditions. Although all treatments showed significant effects, the most effective treatments were (diatomaceous earth+dipotassium hydrogen phosphate) and (diatomaceous earth+polyurethane glue). Therefore, the use of diatomaceous earth combined with the additive materials mentioned can potentially be a safe method for the integrated management of the common pistachio psylla.

Cost Estimations of Water Pollution for the Adoption of Suitable Water Treatment Technology

This study analyzed the cost implications of using suitable technologies and the cost of inaction when addressing water pollution. This was achieved by developing three main models for the costs (model one) and benefits (model two and model three). The first model accounts for the operational costs of adopting suitable technologies, namely the use of diatomaceous earth for textile wastewater treatment. The second model analyzed the cost of inaction through analyzing the cost of treatment for water pollution-related diseases for the affected population. The occurrence and cost of treatment for three diseases, namely diarrhea, amoebiasis and bacterial infection, were used as indicators of water pollution in the area. The third model included the contingent valuation method (CVM) data on the willingness to pay for environmental restoration of the surveyed population. The benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of the resulting data from the three models were used to highlight the economic viability of the proposed project. A BCR of (0.67) for the cost of the proposed project versus the benefits of the project on human health using data from one hospital was obtained. There is a high possibility that the real BCR would increase if more data from other hospitals or other diseases were included. The results imply that the use of D.E can be considered a good candidate for treating wastewater. To thoroughly discuss the BCR of treating wastewater from one factory, the BCR of the proposed restoration project along River Sosiani, and the value of using DE as suitable technology, more studies are needed to evaluate the unaccounted costs and benefits for accurate economic estimations of the proposed project. The outcome of the study is a framework of numbers and figures that can be presented to decision makers and policy makers as critical information when making decisions.

Cowpea resistance and bioactivity of two diatomaceous earths against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on three cowpea varieties

The bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) is the most important pest of stored cowpea in tropical climates. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the susceptibility of three cowpea varieties and the bioactivity of SilicoSec® and FossilShield® against this insect pest under ambient laboratory conditions at the contents 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 g/kg of cowpea. The Dobie susceptibility index for cowpea genotypes was estimated to compare their relative tolerance to this insect pest. Adult mortality was assessed after 1, 2, 4 and 6 days of exposure followed by the evaluation of the F1 progeny. Population increase, percentage seed damage and weight loss were assessed after three months of storage. The results showed that the CRPS and TN5-78 varieties were highly susceptible to C. maculatus, while Lori variety was moderately susceptible to the weevil. SilicoSec® and FossilShield® caused a significant and increasing bruchid mortality according to the dose rates and periods of exposure. Malathion 5% caused complete mortality after one day exposure time. SilicoSec® was more effective than FossilShield® on the three varieties of cowpea. The greatest dose of SilicoSec® and FossilShield® (2 g/kg) caused 100% mortality on all three varieties; 4 days of exposure in the Lori variety was the shortest exposure time leading to complete mortality. Regarding LD50 and LD95 values, it was observed that C. maculatus adults are more susceptible to SilicoSec® than to FossilShield®.The two formulations of diatomaceous earth (1.5 g/kg) reduced the F1 progeny by more than 70%, and produced less than 10% of seed damage and weight loss for the three varieties of cowpea. The varietal resistance and the use of diatomaceous earth against C. maculatus in storage could represent an alternative to Malagrain® for the protection of the cowpea.

Possibilities of the Alternative Management of Mollusk Pests in Agricultural Crops. A Review.

Introduction— Mollusks are important pests of agricultural crops, for which chemical molluscicides are used in many cases that pollute the environment and crops. Objective— To assess updated information on alternatives for the management of species of mollusk pests in agricultural crops in Colombia and in the world. Methodology— A descriptive documentary research was carried out where the units of analysis were the articles collected in a bibliographic search on information related to the pest mollusk species and alternative control methods during the period 2010 to 2021. Results— From the last decade articles were obtained on alternatives for the control of mollusk pests in all continents. From Colombia only 7 articles, of which 3 correspond to the use of diatomaceous earth, 3 to vegetable extracts and 1 to agroecological management, while, at the international level of the 54 articles located, 21 were related to vegetable extracts, 17 biological control, 6 with essential oils, 5 with barriers, 3 with agroecological management and 2 with biopesticides. Conclusions— Alternatives with the use of plant extracts predominated, followed by biological means such as insects, nematodes, microorganisms and others, natural products such as lime and diatomaceous earth, as well as different materials such as repellents or barriers, depending the type of recommended alternative, on the mollusk species and its size, the phytogenetic resources present and the reported bioregulators, which should be taken into account in Colombia.

Characteristics of diatomite-alginate-Fe3O4 composite as a phosphate adsorbent

Technological approaches to the use of diatomaceous earth as a raw material for the creation of composite adsorbents for wastewater treatment from phosphate ions are analysed. It is shown that the developed surface of diatomite can be used to create a granular adsorbent, and iron (III) oxides (magnetite, goethite, lepidocrocite, ferrihydrite, hematite and goethite) are environmentally safe, cheap, economically feasible modifiers. Emphasis is placed on the possibility of obtaining magnetic granules due to the formation of magnetite. The use of the deposition method for the formation of the applied granular adsorbent is proposed.
 The influence of diatomite concentration on the static strength of granules was established. It is determined that the diameter of the nozzle is also an important factor. The selected technical solutions are aimed at solving the problems of granule hardening and ensuring high adsorption activity. Experimental studies of the synthesis and granulation of the composite adsorbent alginate - diatomaceous earth - magnetite have shown that an increase in the content of diatomaceous earth leads to a natural increase in the size of the granules. When increasing the diameter of the nozzle from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, for example, the size of the granules 1.5-4.0 (dc = 1.5 mm), 2.0-5.0 mm (dc = 3.0 mm) and 2.5-5.0 mm (dc = 3.5 mm). The diatomaceous earth content of more than 20% does not allow to carry out high-quality granulation on the experimental installation due to the increase in the viscosity of the suspension. The relationship between the size of gel granules and dried. The process of application of the active magnetic phase of the adsorbent is investigated. The dependence of the quality of the granulation process on the solid phase content is established. The measured static strength of the adsorbent granules is in the range of 17 - 25 kPa. It is established that the composite adsorbent with the applied layer of magnetite has magnetic properties. The adsorption of PO43- anions from aqueous solutions was studied. For the adsorbent alginate - diatomite and alginate - diatomite - Fe3O4 - the adsorption capacity is 4 and 9 mg PO43- / g, respectively. The obtained composite adsorbents have a set of functional properties that are promising for use in modern water purification and purification systems.

Forming of cropping capacity against the background of effect and aftereffect of diatomaceous earth and poultry manure

The effect of poultry manure, different rates of diatomaceous earth in the combination with poultry manure on the elements of the yield structure and productivity of a hybrid of Ladoga 175 MV corn and Granny spring wheat was studied. It was stated that the most significant effect on the positive change in the elements of the structure of the yield of corn and spring wheat had a direct effect and aftereffect of diatomaceous earth in combination with poultry manure. The maximum productivity was ensured by the integrated use of diatomaceous earth with poultry manure. The productivity of corn against their background statistically exceeded the control by 2.02-2.52 t/ha of grain units or by 47.7-59.6 %, the productivity of spring wheat – by 0.66-0.87 t/ha of grain units, or 26.8-35.4%. The effect and aftereffect of diatomaceous earth with rates 8 and 10 t/ha both pure and in a complex with poultry manure had an equivalent effect on the productivity of corn and spring wheat.

On the diatomite-based nanostructure-preserving material synthesis for energy applications

The present article overviews the current state-of-the-art and future prospects for the use of diatomaceous earth (DE) in the continuously expanding sector of energy science and technology. An eco-friendly direct source of silica and the production of silicon, diatomaceous earth possesses a desirable nano- to micro-structure that offers inherent advantages for optimum performance in existing and new applications in electrochemistry, catalysis, optoelectronics, and biomedical engineering. Silica, silicon and silicon-based materials have proven useful for energy harvesting and storage applications. However, they often encounter setbacks to their commercialization due to the limited capability for the production of materials possessing fascinating microstructures to deliver optimum performance. Despite many current research trends focusing on the means to create the required nano- to micro-structures, the high cost and complex, potentially environmentally harmful chemical synthesis techniques remain a considerable challenge. The present review examines the advances made using diatomaceous earth as a source of silica, silicon-based materials and templates for energy related applications. The main synthesis routes aimed at preserving the highly desirable naturally formed neat nanostructure of diatomaceous earth are assessed in this review that culminates with the discussion of recently developed pathways to achieving the best properties. The trend analysis establishes a clear roadmap for diatomaceous earth as a source material of choice for current and future energy applications.

177 Use of diatomaceous earth and copper oxide wire particles to control gastrointestinal nematodes in lambs

Abstract Anthelmintic resistance urges alternatives to control gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Copper oxide wire particles (COWP) are more efficacious when used with dewormers and little is known on efficacy of diatomaceous earth (DE) to control GIN. The objective was to examine the effects of DE and COWP on GIN control. Katahdin lambs (n = 32; ~150 d of age; 25.0 ± 1.8 kg) were randomly assigned to receive: 1) 2% dietary DE, 2) 1g COWP, 3) both 2% DE and 1g COWP, and 4) neither DE or COWP. Feces and blood were collected on d 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 to determine fecal egg counts (FEC) and blood packed cell volume (PCV). Feces were cultured to determine GIN genera. FEC were log transformed; data were analyzed as a 2 x 2 factorial using proc mixed with day as repeated (SAS). There was a mixed GIN population including 58% Haemonchus contortus and 30% Trichostrongylus spp. FEC tended to be lower by d 28 in DE (175 eggs/g) than no DE (753 eggs/g) fed lambs (P = 0.09), but in general, were relatively low and no other differences among treatments detected. PCV tended to be higher in COWP than no COWP lambs by d 28 (P = 0.10), and no other differences detected. In conclusion, during a low GIN challenge, there may have been a small effect of DE on FEC but no advantage was observed in combination treatment.

Application of An Organic Plant-Derived Binder in the Fabrication of Diatomaceous Earth Waste-Based Membranes for Water Purification Systems

ABSTRACTThis work reports on the use of diatomaceous earth (DE) waste and organic binder derived from Corchorus olitorius, locally known as “Mrenda” in the design of an efficient water filtration membranes. Charcoal powder was incorporated to enhance the porosity of the membrane. The firing was done at temperatures varying from 700.0 °C to 1150.0 °C. The DE waste samples comprised 79.0% silica (by mass) and 11.0% total flux content compared to porter’s clay that had 50.0% silica, 28.8% AL2O3 and 7.0% total flux content. On the other hand, the “Mrenda” binder contained 6.5% total organic matter. The use of the plant-derived binder enhanced the mechanical strength of the greenware by 52.7% and the fired membranes by 152.2%. The fabricated DE waste-based membranes were 15.0% stronger than clay-based ceramic membranes prepared under similar conditions. A sintering temperature of 900.0 °C was optimal in producing porous membranes for filtering of 4.1 liters of water per hour. The pore diameter of the membranes fabricated from DE waste only ranged between 2.0 nm – 99.0 nm. On micro-organisms filtering efficacy, the DE waste-based membranes and those fabricated with 5.0% charcoal were 99.9% and 88.4% effective in the removal of E. coli and Rotavirus respectively.

Use of Diatomaceous Earth as a Silica Supplement on Potted Ornamentals

The role of silica as a needed supplement in soilless media is gaining interest. This research studied the effects of diatomaceous earth as a supplement on growth and flower characteristics, physiology, and nutrient uptake in dahlia (Dahlia Cav. × hybrida ‘Dahlinova Montana’), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta L. ‘Denver Daisy’), and daisy (Gerbera jamesonii L. ‘Festival Light Eye White Shades’). Plants were either well-watered at 10 centibars or water-stressed at 20 centibars. Silicon treatments included top-dressed at 20, 40, 60, and 80 g, or incorporated at 50, 100, 150, and 200 g, in Metro-Mix 360 media without silica plus a control and one treatment of new Metro-Mix 360 with silica already incorporated. Significant effects were seen from diatomaceous earth supplementation, irrigation, and interaction in all plants; growth and flower characteristics, leaf nutrient content, and tolerance to stress were improved by application of diatomaceous earth. An increase in leaf N, P, K, Mg, and Ca was observed for dahlia ‘Dahlinova Montana’ and black-eyed Susan ‘Denver Daisy’. Transpiration was maintained in all three species due to silica supplementation under water-stress. Metro-Mix with silica was similar to the Metro-mix without silica and equivalent to most treatments with supplemental silica for all three species.

Determination of dodecanol and ethoxylated fatty alcohols from environmental samples using diatomaceous earth as a green sorbent for solid-phase extraction.

This study describes the use of diatomaceous earth during solid-phase extraction as an efficient sorbent for separation and concentration of dodecanol and ethoxylated dodecanol containing 1-9 ethoxyl groups. The efficiency of different eluents was evaluated for model samples which allowed to select methanol and chloroform for tests with river water samples. During model experiments, it was observed that the recovery rates of specific compounds in the studied mixture were influenced by the character of the solvent used for desorption. Hydrophobic compounds, such as dodecanol and ethoxylated dodecanol with 1-3 ethoxyl groups, were eluted by chloroform with 100% efficiency. In case of the remaining compounds, which were more hydrophilic, a 97% recovery rate was achieved during elution with methanol. Such dependencies were not observed in case of river water samples, as the results obtained for both studied sorbent-eluent systems were comparable. In both variants the recovery of dodecanol and ethoxylated dodecanol containing 1-9 ethoxyl groups ranged from 33 to 99%.

Croatian diatomites and their possible application as a natural insecticide

In recent decades, there has been an increase in the use of diatomaceous earth (DE) as a natural insecticide because of its low mammalian toxicity, worker safety, low risk of food residues and the occurrence of resistant insect populations associated with the use of chemical insecticides.Therefore there is potential for research into known but previously undescribed Croatian mid-Miocene marine diatomites from the perspective of their potential as proper DE that could be mixed with plant extracts as a new formulation for grain storage protection. The marine diatomites belong to the Paratethyan near shore environment, deposited in the upwelling zone during a mid-Miocene temperate climate. Palaeontological, mineral and geochemical analyses were done on ten promising marly sediments from 26 outcrops and one borehole from the North Croatian Basin. The most important ingredient of diatomaceous sediments is silica (biogenic opal-Aand SiO2 bound in other silicate minerals including quartz, clay minerals, micas, etc.). The amorphous silica content of the tested Croatian diatomites is relatively low (<50%) in comparison with the Celatom® MN 51 standard (medium to high efficient DE) (73.6%), nevertheless they show insome part even slightly better efficacy against insects. It seems that the enhanced content of smectite in diatomaceous sediments also influences increased absorption of DE. Based on palaeontological results, the most efficient diatomites from the Podsusedsko Dolje and Markusevec (Medvednica Mt.) consist of the mid-sized planktonic Coscinodiscus group of species whereThalassionema nitzschioides dominate and is positively correlated with their absorption. The usage of Bostroms’ standard formula for getting opal-A from geochemical data was abandoned because of negative results and the modified Murdmaas’ formula for hemipelagic sediments was applied. Preliminary results on the aforementioned diatomite (as inert dusts) show good efficacy against tested insects Sitophilus oryzae (LINNAEUS), Tribolium castaneum (HERBST) and Rhyzopertha dominica (FABRICIUS).

Efficiency of inert mineral dusts in the control of corn weevil

ABSTRACT Corn weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) may cause great losses in the crop and in stored corn grains. This insect is controlled with the use of chemical insecticides, which may cause serious damage to human health. One alternative of control is the use of inert dusts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of inert dusts in the control of S. zeamais under laboratory conditions. The experiment was conducted in 2014, in a completely randomized design, and the treatments consisted of basalt dust with three different granulometries (A, B and C) and diatomaceous earth, each of which at the doses of 2 and 4 kg t-1 and a control (no application). Each treatment had four replicates, and the sample unit consisted of 20 g of corn grains infected with 10 adults of S. zeamais kept in temperature-controlled chamber at 25 °C, 70% RH and photophase of 12 h. The dust efficiency was calculated using the equation of Abbott. The mortality rate was higher with the use of diatomaceous earth, reaching 100% after 5 days of exposure and the percentage of control for basalt dusts, 29 days after treatment, was above 80%.

Adsorption of sunset yellow FCF from aqueous solution by chitosan-modified diatomite.

Sunset yellow (SY) FCF is a hazardous azo dye pollutant found in food processing effluent. This study investigates the use of diatomaceous earth with chitosan (DE@C) as a modified adsorbent for the removal of SY from wastewater. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicate the importance of functional groups during the adsorption of SY. The obtained N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm values accord well with IUPAC type II. Our calculations determined a surface area of 69.68 m2 g(-1) for DE@C and an average pore diameter of 4.85 nm. Using response surface methodology, optimized conditions of process variables for dye adsorption were achieved. For the adsorption of SY onto DE@C, this study establishes mathematical models for the optimization of pH, contact time and initial dye concentration. Contact time plays a greater role in the adsorption process than either pH or initial dye concentration. According to the adjusted correlation coefficient (adj-R2>0.97), the models used here are suitable for illustration of the adsorption process. Theoretical experimental conditions included a pH of 2.40, initial dye concentration of 113 mg L(-1) and 30.37 minutes of contact time. Experimental values for the adsorption rate (92.54%) were close to the values predicted by the models (95.29%).

EFICIÊNCIA DO USO DE TERRA DE DIATOMÁCEA NA PROTEÇÃO DE GRÃOS DE MILHO - DOI: 10.13083/1414-3984.v22n06a02

Dentre os principais métodos de controle de insetos na pós-colheita de grãos, destaca-se o uso da terra de diatomácea. Desse modo, objetivou-se testar a eficiência de diferentes dosagens deste pó-inerte no controle de adultos de Sitophilus zeamais em grãos de milho, durante o armazenamento. Usaram-se cinco repetições com 100 g de grãos, com diferentes conteúdos de água (12, 14 e 17%), infestados com 20 insetos, tratados em diferentes dosagens (0, 500, 1500 e 2500 g. t-1) em1 hora e 15 dias após a aplicação do produto Verificou-se a mortalidade dos insetos nos grãos,e analisou-se dos grãos analisou a perda de peso, umidade e a análise tecnológica aos 60 dias após cada período de infestação. Não houve diferenças estatísticas entre as médias de mortalidade independente do tratamento e da umidade. Os tratamentos controles de todas as umidades apresentaram maiores perdas de peso em ambos os períodos de infestação. Maior conteúdo de água final foi verificada em grãos sem tratamento com valor inicial de 17%. Maiores valores de grãos carunchados foram obtidos para grãos não tratados, independente do conteúdo de água e período de infestação. Conclui-se, assim, que o tratamento com terra de diatomácea é eficiente para o controle de S. zeamais e reduz os danos nos grãos de milho.

Physicochemical characteristics of wheat treated with diatomaceous earth and conventionally stored

Studies show the efficacy of the use of diatomaceous earth for insect control, however, lack studies on the effects of physical and chemical properties of wheat flour added diatomaceous earth. The aim of this study was to assess the physicochemical characteristics of wheat grains treated with increasingly higher dosages of diatomaceous earth and conventionally stored for a 180-day period. Samples containing 10 kg of wheat grains were treated with 0.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g kg-1 of diatomaceous earth and then conventionally stored. Analyses of grain hectoliter mass and ash content, as well as flour gluten content, flour color, alveography and farinography were performed at 0, 60, 120 and 180 days of storage. The experiment was carried out in a totally randomized design. The grain ash content and intensity of color component L* of wheat flour increase proportionally to the application of increasing doses of diatomaceous earth and longer storage periods. The grain hectoliter mass and values of +b* chromaticity coordinate, wet gluten content and gluten content in wheat flour diminish with the application of increasing doses of diatomaceous earth and longer storage periods. The gluten strength and dough stability of flour obtained from wheat grains without addition of diatomaceous earth increase with the storage period; this behavior was not observed in treatments with the application of 2.0 and 4.0 g kg-1 diatomaceous earth. The application of increasing doses of diatomaceous earth changes the physical and chemical characteristics of wheat grains stored, with consequent reduction of the flour technological quality.

Development of Energy-Conserving and Ecologically Safe Processes for Production of Construction Materials and Fuel Pellets

Problems associated with the use of diatomaceous earth in the formulation and production of fuel pellets based on plant wastes are examined. A procedure for production of unfired silica gravel based on contaminated diatomaceous earth is described. Mixes are investigated for production of fuel pellets and their combustion kinetics. A rotary granulator with a flat die of improved design is recommended as principal equipment for production of the fuel pellets.