Variability In Mineral Composition Research Articles

Removing the moisture effect on predicting soil organic matter using vis-NIR spectroscopy with external parameter orthogonalization

External parameter orthogonalization (EPO) can remove the moisture effect on the in situ soil reflectance spectra. However, when applied to a sample space with high changeability in structure of mineral, EPO cannot fully remove the in situ effect on spectra due to the complex interactions between both soil moisture and mineral composition on the spectra. This study aims to minimize the effect of soil moisture on the accuracy of in situ visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectra on estimating of soil organic matter (SOM) content by using strategies of firstly classifying the samples according to absorbance length ∼ 2200 nm (AL), texture (TC) and land use (LC), and then implementing the EPO through each class in each strategy. The samples were split into the total EPO development, where a serial subset was selected for the EPO dataset, and validation dataset. For every subset selected from the total EPO development, an EPO corrected matrix, developed from the spectra from each class of each classification strategy, was implemented with the spectra from the validation dataset and local spectra library. The performances of the EPO algorithm were evaluated through partial least squares regression (PLSR). The results showed that the classifications of AL, LC and TC combined with EPO led to a greater reduction in the principal component space of in situ subsets and improved the similarity between in situ spectra and dry subset distribution. The combination of classification with EPO leads to a reduction of 11% - 25% prediction RMSE of SOM. Classification with EPO can minimize the moisture effect on in situ spectra from a sample space with high variability in mineral composition.

Characterization of peloids from different regions of Brazil

IntroductionSince the early days of humankind, peloids have been used for therapeutic purposes. However, the safety and efficacy of these materials for therapeutic treatments has never been regulated in most of the countries where it is commonly used. Materials and methodsIn this study, samples os peloids from different regions of Brazil (Águas de São Pedro, Paraty and Araxá) were characterized: mineral composition (X-ray diffractometry), physicochemical characteristics (pH, redox potential, moisture, % loss on ignition at 550 °C and 1000 °C, cooling kinetics, swelling power, specific surface area), concentration of trace elements (X-ray fluorescence, Neutron activation analysis, Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry) and radiological activity (Gamma spectrometry). ResultsThe results showed great variability in mineral composition, physicochemical characteristics, elemental concentration, concentration of activity and little variation in cooling kinetics. However, this variation is also found when comparing the results with some those presented by other authors. ConclusionThis study concludes that the three peloids studied are good candidates to be used for topical application. Metals and potentially toxic elements present are in concentrations levels that are unlikely to cause risk to health.

Comparison of Mineral Composition in Microgreens and Mature leaves ofCelery (Apium graveolens L.).

Celery (Apium graveolens L.), a medicinal crop, occupies a significant position in the human diet possessing several essential macro- and microelements. For proper proximate analysis, an experiment was executed by taking 20 celery genotypes. The genotypes were analyzed for macro- and microminerals which include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn). Results from analysis revealed thatthe amount of N, P, Ca, Na, and S was higher in microgreens, whereas a higher value for K was found in mature leaves. Zn, Cu, and Mn contents were found to be higher in mature leaves, while no significant difference was observed for Fe content in microgreens and mature leaves. The inclusion of celery microgreens in our daily diet would fulfill a significant portion of our daily mineral requirement. This is the first report on mineral comparison between microgreens and mature leaves ofcelery. It opens a new avenue for further enhancement of minerals via biofortification of this medicinal wonder crop through systematic breeding efforts. On the basis of mineral analysis, three genotypes, namely PAU2, PAU4, and PAU16, were found superior in terms of mineral composition in microgreens and matureleaves of celery. Principal component and cluster analyses divide the genotypes into two different clusters on the basis of variability in mineral composition.

Controls of Distinct Mineral Compositions on Pore Structure in Over-Mature Shales: A Case Study of Lower Cambrian Niutitang Shales in South China

Investigating the impacts of rock composition on pore structure is of great significance to understand shale gas occurrence and gas accumulation mechanism. Shale samples from over-mature Niutitang formation of Lower Cambrian in south China were measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), low pressure N2 and CO2 adsorption to elucidate the controls of distinct mineral composition on pore development. Two distinct lithofacies, namely siliceous shale and argillaceous shale, were ascertained based on their mineral composition. Due to the variability of mineral composition in different lithofacies, pore structure characteristics are not uniform. Pores in siliceous shales are dominated by interparticle pores and organic matter (OM) pores, among which the interparticle pores are mainly developed between authigenic quartz. Furthermore, most of these interparticle pores and cleavage-sheet intraparticle pores within clay minerals are usually filled by amorphous organic matter that is host to OM pores. Due to the lack of rigid minerals, argillaceous shale was cemented densely, resulting in few interparticle pores, while cleavage-sheet intraparticle pores within clay minerals are common. Comparing siliceous shales with argillaceous shales, specific surface areas and pore volumes are higher on the former than on the latter. The content of total organic carbon (TOC) and authigenic quartz have a great influence on micropore structures, but less on mesopore structure for siliceous shales. The rigid framework structure formed by authigenic quartz is believed to be able to prevent primary interparticle pores from mechanical compaction and facilitate the formation of organic matter-associated pores. In terms of argillaceous shales, due to the lack of authigenic quartz, interparticle pores were rarely developed and its pore structure is mainly controlled by illite content.

Metal concentration and health risk assessment of eight Russula mushrooms collected from Kizilcahamam-Ankara, Turkey.

The aim of this study was to determine the essential element (Zn, Ca, K, Fe, Na, and Mg), essential trace element (Co, Mn, Cr, and Cu), and non-essential element (Pb, Ni, and Cd) contents of eight different Russula species (R. risigallina (Batsch) Sacc., R. cyanoxantha (Schaeff.) Fr., R. delica Fr., R. vinosa Lindblad, R. olivacea (Schaeff.) Fr., R. velenovskyi Melzer & Zvára, R. turci Bres., and R. parazurea Jul. Schäff.) collected from Soguksu National Park (Turkey), which is a region away from the city center (Kizilcahamam, Ankara). In addition to the metal contents of these species, daily intake and health risk index values of the metals in question were also calculated and discussed. As a result of elemental analysis, the major elements were K (28980-58,380mg/kg), Mg (704-1404mg/kg), and Ca (190-1662mg/kg). Except for R. risigallina, R. olivacea, and R. velenovskyi, elemental concentrations were within the limits that can be safely consumed as nutrients in terms of their metal content. The daily intakes of metal (DIM) values of R. risigallina and R. olivacea for Cr exceed the reference dose limits (3.80 and 3.87μg/kg body weight/serving, respectively). According to the health risk index (HRI) measurements, the HRI values of R. risigallina and R. olivacea for Cr and of R. velenovskyi for Cd were found to be above 1.0 and could pose a health risk. In order to analyze the mineral composition variability of the studied mushroom species, principal component analysis (PCA) and the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) techniques were also performed. Regarding the significant correlations between all descriptors (r> 0.7), there was a positive relationship between Mg-K, Ni-Co, Ni-Na, Cr-Ni, Cr-Co, Zn-Mg, Zn-K, Cd-Mg couples.

Variability in leaf mineral composition of Moringa oleifera in irrigated plains of Pakistan

Food security is a global challenge and plant scientists are always keen to search for sustainable and long term solutions to meet this challenge. Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose tree that is very famous among farmers, nutritionists and physicians due to its nutrient composition. Interestingly, its leaves’ nutritional value is variable depending upon various factors such as site, climate, provenance and management practices. However, the variability of widely grown M. oleifera leaves within same ecological zone is not studied yet. The major objective of current study was to understand the variability in the mineral composition of leaves collected from widely grown M. oleifera trees in irrigated plains of Pakistan. Total 90 leave samples were collected from three distant sites (districts) with similar climate and little site variability: Kanewal, Faisalabad and Kasur. Mineral composition and proximate analysis of leave samples were conducted. Owing to management practices and genetic variability, variability in nutrient composition at three sites was observed for sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), nitrogen (N), organic matter and ash contents. However, no significant differences were observed for calcium (Ca), protein, fiber and moisture contents. The Na was found maximum (1.26%) in Faisalabad, K in Kasur (2.37%), Mg in Khanwal (2.58%), and N (4.11%) and organic matter (99.25%) in Khanewal. So, local factors, even within same ecological zone, are important in determining the nutrient composition of M. oleifera leaves.

ГЛИНЫ ТАВДИНСКОЙ СВИТЫ ЭОЦЕНА: ЛИТОГЕОХИМИЧЕСКИЕ И СЕДИМЕНТОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ (КЫШТЫРЛИНСКОЕ МЕСТОРОЖДЕНИЕ, ЗАПАДНАЯ СИБИРЬ)

Актуальность. Минеральный состав глин тавдинской свиты изучался неоднократно. Полученные результаты, содержащиеся в геологических отчетах и немногочисленных опубликованных работах, зачастую слабо коррелируются друг с другом. Подобное противоречие вызвано отбором проб для технологических испытаний с различных участков, которые относятся к двум подсвитам, имеющим ряд отличий. Возраст, стратиграфическое положение и химико-минералогические особенности пород, слагающих тавдинскую свиту, остаются дискуссионными и актуальными вопросами, что требует дополнительных исследований. Детальное изучение литологии глин тавдинской свиты принимает важное значение в связи с планами по расширению сырьевой базы и потребностью перепрофилизации части производственных мощностей на выпуск новой товарной продукции. Цель работы: изучение вещественного состава глин тавдинской свиты эоцена Западной Сибири для выявления их генезиса и практического использования Методы: полевые исследования, рентгеноструктурный анализ, рентгенофлуоресцентный анализ, определение огнеупорности, масс-спектрометрия с индуктивно-связанной плазмой, сканирующая электронная микроскопия, литолого-петрографический анализ в шлифах. Результаты. Представлены результаты исследований химического и минерального составов, особенностей литологии и микростроения глинистых пород из Кыштырлинского участка (Тюменская область). Глинистые породы обладают определенной вариативностью минерального состава, но неизменным остается глинистый слюдистый смешаннослойно-смектитовый матрикс. В нижней подсвите глинистая масса пород сложена преимущественно иллитом и смешанослойными образованиями иллит-смектитового состава. Глины верхней подсвиты больше соответствуют каолинит-иллит-монтмориллонитовому типу с примесями пирита, минералов кремнезёма, сульфатов, карбонатов и органического вещества. Формирование таких смешаннослойных масс, вероятно, обусловлено трансформацией обломочных минералов и первичного глинистого субстрата. Установленное распределение редкоземельных элементов индицирует существенные изменения в восстановительно-окислительных условиях морского бассейна на различных этапах его существования. Изученные глины рассматриваются как полиминеральные.

Variability of Mineral Composition of Rice Landraces Collected from Maharashtra, India

Micronutrient malnutrition is one of the burning issues in rice-based diet area throughout world. Present study was aimed at evaluation of mineral composition of 77 rice landraces collected from various agro-climatic zones of Maharashtra. The hand mill processed rice grains were analyzed for eight (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu and Zn) mineral content. Among the mineral contents, the iron content ranged from 2.05 to 12.2 mg/100g, calcium content from 39.2 to 238.47 mg/100g, manganese content from 1.53 to 7.54 mg/100g, copper content from 0.54 to 3.03 mg/100g and zinc content ranged from 2.65 to 11.62 mg/100g.The other minerals like magnesium content in studied landraces ranged from 81.72 to 278.56mg/100g, sodium content from 4.73 to 274.34 mg/100g and potassium content from 148.05 to 670.74 mg/100g. Most of the studied landraces had wide range of variation, rich in minerals and could be valuable source for bio-fortification of minerals through breeding method.

External parameter orthogonalisation of Eastern European VisNIR-DRS soil spectra

The quality and precision of spatial soil information varies tremendously worldwide, owing to differential access to technology, laboratory facilities, and adequate funding. Some countries offer detailed soil maps, but in developing countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, and others from Eastern Europe, such data are limited. Visible near infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (VisNIR DRS) is a proximal and in situ sensing approach, which can quickly provide quantitative data reflecting multiple soil physicochemical properties. If in situ VisNIR DRS is shown effective in Eastern Europe, it would greatly enhance the collection of high quality soil data in support of mapping, environmental modeling, soil and water resource assessment, and precision agriculture. The present study was conducted on a soil library (500 samples) collected from mineral surface soils of Romania and Bulgaria. The samples covered a wide range of soil types and land use. VisNIR spectra were acquired on all samples with a portable spectroradiometer and then soil mineralogy was established via standard laboratory methods. The entire dataset was split into three subsets for two different external parameter orthogonalization (EPO) approaches; using a combination of field-moist intact cores and processed samples (EPO1) and only processed samples (EPO2) to remove the moisture signature from moist spectra of both moist intact and ground samples to improve clay predictions. Results indicated that using EPO1 and EPO2 it was possible to remove 5% and 29% of the error introduced by the wet/in situ measurements, respectively. However, the complex interactions between both soil moisture and mineral composition on the spectra possibly prevented EPO from fully removing the in situ effect on spectra when applied to a sample space with high variability in mineral composition. In situ VisNIR DRS shows important advantages over traditional laboratory approaches, allowing for more analytical density and less expensive soil information, with minimal reduction in data quality. The use of in situ VisNIR DRS with the EPO has excellent potential for providing data needed to support optimized soil resource mapping and land management decisions in Eastern Europe.

Preferential accumulation of inorganic elements in Amanita muscaria from North-eastern Poland

ABSTRACTConcentrations of Al, Ba, Cd, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Hg, Rb, Ag, Na, Sr and Zn were analysed in fruiting bodies of A. muscaria. This mushroom is considered conditionally edible, since parboiling can detoxify its fruiting bodies from the hallucinogens and render it edible. The specific purpose of the research is the little-known phenomenon of the variability of mineral composition of mushrooms for generations harvested in the same forest areas – both in terms of their nutritional value and anthropogenic influences. Fungal materials were digested in nitric acid and analysed by a validated methods using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) and cold – vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS). A. muscaria collected in the same area over the period of four years showed fluctuations in the concentrations of the essential elements Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Na and Zn (p < 0.05; U Mann-Whitney test), while only Ca and Mg (p > 0.05) levels were similar. In addition, concentrations of Ag, Al, Ba, Cd, Rb and Sr in fruiting bodies fluctuated, while remained at a similar level for Hg. It is important to note that statistically significant variations in levels of several inorganic elements accumulated in A. muscaria would imply a more careful consideration would be required when assessing the nutritional value of mushroom species.

Reservoir parameters of deeply buried sandstones and their impact on fluid flow – a case study of the Rotliegend Sandstones from the Polish Permian Basin

Reservoir parameters of rocks determine its ability to accumulate and transport reservoir fluids such as oil and gas. These parameters include, inter alia , porosity, permeability, and total pore area. Porosity is the capacity of a sandstone to store fluids. Permeability is the ability to transport them (McDonald & Schmidt 1992) and is controlled mainly by pore – throat size (Pittman 1992). Finally, pore area is the total area of pore space. During burial rocks undergo diagenesis - physical and chemical changes, that affect their primary reservoir parameters (Boggs 2009). The aim of this work was to investigate reservoir parameters of the deeply buried Rotliegend Sandstones, their changes during diagenesis and impact on fluid flow. Research included petrographic examination of thin sections under transmitted light and petrophysical analysis of rock samples – mercury porosimetry and permeability analysis. For investigation were selected 58 core samples from 13 wells located within the Polish Permian Basin in the area of the Eastern Erg and the Central Basin, from a depth interval of 3415 – 4312 m. Samples were represented by Saxonian very fine, fine and medium – grained quartz and lithic arenites. The samples were divided into three groups, according to the location of wells within the Polish Permian Basin. The first group included samples from the central part of the Eastern Erg, the second – the westernmost part of the Eastern Erg, and the third – sandstones deposited within the Central Basin. Samples revealed variability in mineral composition, grain size and reservoir parameters between areas. The best reservoir properties were found within samples from the easternmost part of the Eastern Erg, whereas the weakest in central area of Eastern Erg. The effective porosity of rocks was in the range of 0,5 to 26%. In terms of pore space, the studied samples were classified as porous, in some cases with fractures, very heterogeneous and with small apertures. The increase of total pore area corresponds to the presence of authigenic clay minerals that grew during diagenesis. All those factors contributed to the reduction of potential fluid flow.

Intra- and interspecific mineral composition variability of commercial instant coffees and coffee substitutes: Contribution to mineral intake

The present paper reports the amount and estimated daily mineral intake of nine elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, Fe, Mn, Cr and Ni) in commercial instant coffees and coffee substitutes (n=49). Elements were quantified by high-resolution continuum source flame (HR-CS-FAAS) and graphite furnace (HR-CS-GFAAS) atomic absorption spectrometry, while phosphorous was evaluated by a standard vanadomolybdophosphoric acid colorimetric method.Instant coffees and coffee substitutes are rich in K, Mg and P (>100mg/100g dw), contain Na, Ca and Fe in moderate amounts (>1mg/100g), and trace levels of Cr and Ni. Among the samples analysed, plain instant coffees are richer in minerals (p<0.001), except for Na and Cr. Blends of coffee substitutes (barley, malt, chicory and rye) with coffee (20–66%) present intermediate amounts, while lower quantities are found in substitutes without coffee, particularly in barley.From a nutritional point of view the results indicate that the mean ingestion of two instant beverages per day (total of 4g instant powder), either with or without coffee, cannot be regarded as important sources of minerals to the human diet, although providing a supplementation of some minerals, particularly Mg and Mn in instant coffees. Additionally, and for authentication purposes, the correlations observed between some elements and the coffee percentage in the blends, with particular significance for Mg amounts, provides a potential tool for the estimation of coffee in substitute blends.

Genotypic variability in mineral composition of switchgrass

Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) is a warm season perennial grass with great potential as an energy crop in the USA. It is widely adapted to many regions of the country, produces large amounts of biomass, serves as a useful forage grass, and provides ecosystem services that benefit soil and water quality and wildlife. Biological and thermochemical technologies are being developed to convert herbaceous biomass, including switchgrass, to energy. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of genotype and production environment on the concentration of minerals that affect the suitability of switchgrass for thermochemical conversion and to quantify the amount of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) removed from the production system by harvest of the aboveground biomass, a measure of the sustainability of the practice. Straw dry biomass contained from 1.3 to 6.4 kg Mg −1 and from 6.2 to 15.8 kg Mg −1 of P and K, respectively. Variability in aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), chloride (Cl), K, P, silicon (Si), and sulfur (S) concentrations across locations was relatively high, ranging from twofold (Al) to eightfold (Cl). Location had a strong impact on mineral concentrations among switchgrass genotypes evaluated in this study. Latitude of origin impacted the Cl and Si concentrations measured in plant tissues, but none of the other minerals analyzed in this study. Upland and lowland cytotypes explained some of the observed differences, but population × location interactions were the primary source of variability in the concentration of these minerals.

Quantitative Mineralogy of Surface Sediments on the Iceland Shelf, and Application to Down-Core Studies of Holocene Ice-Rafted Sediments

Abstract Quantitative X-ray diffraction analyses on the < 2 mm sediment fraction from the Iceland shelves are reported for subglacial diamictons, seafloor surface sediments, and the last 2000 cal yr BP from two cores. The overall goal of the paper is to characterize the spatial variability of the mineralogy of the present-day surface sediments (18 non-clay minerals and 7 clay minerals), compare that with largely in situ erosional products typified by the composition of subglacial diamictons, and finally examine the late Holocene temporal variability in mineral composition using multi-mineral compositions. The subglacial diamictons are dominated in the non-clay-mineral fraction by the plagioclase feldspars and pyroxene with 36.7 ± 6.1 and 17.9 ± 3.5 wt % respectively, with smectites being the dominant clay minerals. The surface seafloor sediments have similar compositions although there are substantial amounts of calcite, plus there is a distinct band of sites from NW to N-central Iceland that contain 1–6 wt% of quartz. This latter distribution mimics the modern and historic pattern of drift ice in Iceland waters. Principal component analysis of the transformed wt% (log-ratio) non-clay minerals is used to compare the subglacial, surface, and down-core mineral compositions. Fifty-eight percent of the variance is explained by the first two axes, with dolomite, microcline, and quartz being important foreign species. These analyses indicate that today the NW–N-central Iceland shelf is affected by the import of exotic minerals, which are transported and released from drift ice. The down-core mineralogy indicates that this is a process that has varied over the last 2000 cal yr BP.

Mineral Content of Commercial Samples of Mechanically Deboned Poultry Meat

Nine commercial samples of mechanically deboned poultry meat, including products from broiler, fowl, and turkey parts, were analyzed for potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and lead. Calcium content, which had a fourfold range over the nine samples, probably reflected the varying bone content. Iron content, for which the literature provides widely different values within a product type, fell within reasonable limits for specific products analyzed. The many almost uncontrollable production factors, and the consequent high variability in mineral composition, suggest the need for frequent monitoring of production lots of these products for mineral elements of nutritional interest.

Sodium-Potassium Ratios in Honey and in High-Fructose Corn Syrup

AbstractHigh-fructose corn syrup is a major new industrial sweetener. Differentiation of pure honey from mixtures with this syrup can be difficult, since the syrup is highly refined and contains glucose and fructose in approximately the same proportions as in honey. A recent proposal to use the sodium-potassium ratio is shown by literature consultation not to be valid because of the great variability in mineral composition of honey. Approaches based on unique properties of the syrup should be more rewarding.