Vegetable Samples Research Articles

Antioxidant property and structural characteristics of exopolysaccharides derived from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VAL6

The novel exopolysaccharides (EPS) derived from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VAL6, a species of lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented vegetable samples in Vietnam, show promising potential as a natural alternative to commercial additives. Among the six isolates, L. plantarum VAL6 exhibited remarkable EPS production, reaching 5.72 g/L, surpassing other isolated strains. The characteristics of the EPS extracted from L. plantarum VAL6 were determined through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis and Gas Chromatography with Flame-Ionization Detection. The monosaccharide composition of the EPS was found to contain mannose, glucose, rhamnose, and galactose in molar ratios of 71.98: 23.41: 2.54: 2.07. NMR analysis revealed the presence of both alpha and beta configurations of sugar residues in the EPS structure. In vitro antioxidant activity testing demonstrated that the EPS exhibited significant antioxidant properties, with 2,2-Diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl free radical scavenging capacity of 14.07 µmol TE/g and a total antioxidant capacity of 8.00 (mg AAE/g). The simultaneous presence of both alpha and beta configurations, combined with the high mannose content in the molecular structure of the EPS produced by L. plantarum VAL6, may be the key factors governing their observed antioxidant properties. These findings collectively indicate that the EPS produced by L. plantarum VAL6, as a natural compound, holds great potential for development as a natural antioxidant or functional additive in the food industry.

Радиоэкологические исследования в районе архипелага Земля Франца-Иосифа в августе и сентябре 2023 года

The results of a study of the current activity of technogenic isotopes in the coastal zone of the Alexandra Land island of the Franz Josef Land archipelago are presented. Samples of sea water, algae, bottom sediments, soil and vegetation were taken during an expedition carried out under the auspices of the Northern Fleet and the Russian Geographical Society in August and September 2023. In the marine environment and littoral macrophytes, the content of technogenic 137Cs is gradually decreasing in comparison with the indicators of the previous period 2000–2010. In the terrestrial ecosystem, the distribution 137Cs is mosaic; the highest specific activity is found in soils (up to 71.4 Bq/kg). In single samples, the presence of the short-lived isotope 134Cs was noted, which is an indicator of relatively recent atmospheric fallout in the Arctic.

Development of a 1D-WO3 and CuO nanocomposite modified electrode for enhanced detection of 2,4-dichlorophenol

A common chlorinated phenol known as 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) was investigated electrochemically using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). The electrochemical investigation was carried out at 1D nanostructured tungsten dioxide (WO3) and copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanocomposite-modified carbon paste electrode (CPE). The electrode's sensitivity was improved by the WO3/CuO nanocomposite, enabling investigators to more precisely measure the 2,4-DCP's electrochemical characteristics. The hydrothermal method was utilized to synthesize the WO3 NPs. The XRD, AFM, SEM, and EDS techniques were used to characterize the nanocomposite and WO3 NPs. Numerous parameters have been studied, including pH, concentration variation, scan rate variation, and accumulation time. Samples of soil, fruits, and vegetables were examined using the fabricated WO3/CuO/CPE. In the concentration range of 7.0 × 10−8 M to 2.6 × 10−7 M, a linear relationship was established along with the lower limit of detection of 0.17 × 10−8 M and the limit of quantification of 0.57 × 10−7 M. The 0.2 M phosphate buffer (PB) of pH 10.4 increased the peak current, which contributed to the WO3/CuO/CPE sensor's sensing performance and was highly sensitive with respect to 2,4-DCP detection. Anodic peak current was observed for the WO3/CuO/CPE is at -7.45 µA whereas for unmodified CPE is at -1.31 µA. According to the findings, the nanostructured WO3 and CuO nanocomposite showed exceptional sensitivity in identifying the electrochemical characteristics and reactions of 2,4-DCP.

Constructing 3D SPAD distribution using hyperspectral LiDAR point cloud by PROSPECT model inversion

ABSTRACT Accurately estimating leaf chlorophyll concentrations in a three-dimensional (3D) manner is crucial for precisely monitoring crop growth and development. To reduce destructive detection and achieve real-time estimation, researchers often utilize crop leaves’ SPAD (Soil and Plant Analyzer Development) to represent relative chlorophyll content. However, SPAD measurement is time-consuming and laborious work. Many inversion methods have been proposed to estimate SPAD based on one-dimensional reflectance or two-dimensional spectral images, which rely on external light sources and also cannot obtain 3D distribution. Hyperspectral LiDAR (HSL), as an active remote sensing technology, can acquire target spatial and spectral data simultaneously, making 3D SPAD inversion and reconstruction possible. This research aims to invert SPAD values with HSL spectral information aided by the PROSPECT model and reconstruct 3D SPAD distribution with HSL spatial information. Firstly, we constructed new ratio chlorophyll indices (RCI) based on the multi-feature analysis method with the PROSPECT model and HSL spectral data. Next, we employed RCIs to modify the Look-Up Table (LUT) cost function (SPAD-LUT) of the PROSPECT model, which was validated with the ANGERS dataset. Then, we conducted SPAD inversion with HSL spectral information from vegetable crop samples and integrated the inverted SPAD values into their corresponding 3D coordinates, achieving 3D SPAD distribution reconstruction. The predicted values of the model inversion with the HSL dataset are consistent with the measured SPAD (R2 = 0.421, RMSE = 10.615). The results indicate that our method can invert sample SPAD values and reconstruct their distribution with HSL point cloud despite their complex spatial structure.

Determination of some heavy metals in some vegetable samples grown around gwaigwaye dam

Consumption of vegetables contaminated with heavy metals poses a serious health risk such as cancer and kidney failure, this highlights the need for monitoring of these metals in vegetables. This study aimed at determining the concentrations of Cadmium, Nickel, Copper, Cobalt, Lead and Zinc in Cabbage, Lettuce and Moringa oleifera leaves grown around Gwaigwaye dams. These vegetables were collected, prepared, digested and analyzed using microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The results obtained were in the following ranges, 0.018±0.03 to 0.021±0.01 mg/kg for Cd, 0.00±0.00 to 0.19±0.01 mg/kg for Co, 0.00±0.00 to 0.086±0.00 mg/kg for Pb, 0.03±0.00 to0.9±0.00 mg/kg for Ni, 0.21±0.01 to 1.92±0.00 mg/kg for for Cu and 0.00±0.00 to 0.23±0.03 mg/kg for Zinc in cabbage, lettuce and moringa oleifera leaves obtained farmlands around gwaigwaye dam. Fortunately, the levels of these metals fell within the acceptable limits of FAO/WHO. The Analyzed vegetables are free from toxic metals and therefore suitable for human consumption. P- Values obtained from the statistical analysis were greater than 0.05, the differences in the concentrations of the metals observed were therefore not statistically significant.

A fluorescence biosensor for organophosphorus pesticide detection with a portable fluorescence device-based smartphone

An innovative fluorescence biosensor was successfully developed to detect organophosphorus pesticide (OPs) by utilizing smartphone technology. The assay relied on the enzymatic activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which facilitated the conversion of L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate sesquimagnesium salt hydrate (AAP) into L-ascorbic acid (AA). The AA that generated was then reactedwith o-phenylenediamine (OPD) to yield a fluorescent marker identified as 3-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)furo[3,4-b]quinoxalin-1(3H)-one (DFQ). A novel bandpass approach was specifically developed for a smartphone that was integrated with a customized portable fluorescence device to measure the fluorescence emission of DFQ. The device has a unique application that converts the fluorescence intensity into an RGB signal. In the presence of OPs, malathion was chosen as the representative of the OPs substance; the enzymatic activity of the ALP was inhibited, resulting in a decrease in fluorescence intensity, which was proportional to the concentration of malathion. Smartphones can be used to measure fluorescence emission, offering a calibration sensitivity more than 70 times higher than that of conventional spectrofluorometer. The recently developed methodology can be employed to identify malathion within the concentration range of 0.1–1 ppm, with a detection limit of 0.05 ppm. The practical applicability of the method was established using vegetable samples, and the acquired results were in good agreement with those obtained using the standard HPLC approach. This innovative method provides both portability and accuracy, while also exhibiting a notable degree of sensitivity in detecting traceamounts of OPs.

Specific and enzyme-free monitoring of propiconazole pesticide residues in vegetables with a portable nanozyme-based paper sensor

The nanozyme-based colorimetric sensor shows promise for rapid pesticide detection but struggles with non-specific enzyme inhibition. This study developed a portable paper-based sensor for detecting the propiconazole (PC) pesticide using Fe@PCN-224 nanocubes (NCs). Characterization confirmed the successful synthesis of Fe@PCN-224 NCs, which displayed peroxidase-like activity. The specific interaction between PC's triazole ring and the Fe active site inhibited their activity, enabling selective detection with a limit of 8 × 10−9 mol L−1 and a linear range of 0.03 × 10−6 to 0.90 × 10−6 mol L−1. Kinetic studies revealed a Michaelis-Menten constants (Km) of 0.68 × 10−3 mol L−1 for TMB, indicating higher affinity in Fe@PCN-224 NCs. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis revealed the production of •OH, 1O2, O2•− during the catalytic reactions. By integrating smartphone technology, this portable sensor achieved recoveries from vegetable samples between 94.6 % and 109.2 %, demonstrating its potential as an accurate, cost-effective analytical tool for food safety and advancing nanozyme applications.

Advanced electrochemical detection of carbendazim in staple food samples using cobalt hydroxide/titanium dioxide nanocomposite

This research introduces a novel composite material, cobalt hydroxide/titanium dioxide (Co(OH)2/TiO2), engineered for the detection of the fungicide carbendazim (CBZ) in environmental samples. A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with Co(OH)2/TiO2 to create an electrochemical sensor capable of highly sensitive CBZ detection. Differential pulse voltammetry was utilized to quantify various CBZ concentrations, revealing that the Co(OH)2/TiO2-GCE sensor provided robust response signals across a concentration range from 0.039 μM to 2630.1 μM, with a detection limit of 0.007 μM. The sensor demonstrated notable stability, reproducibility, and selectivity towards CBZ, attributable to the synergistic effects of Co(OH)2/TiO2. Additionally, the Co(OH)2/TiO2-GCE sensor proved effective for analyzing CBZ in fruit and vegetable samples. Thus, this sensor presents significant potential for widespread application in environmental monitoring and food safety assessments.

Green florescent carbon dots synthesized from various household green wastes for detection of parathion methyl pesticide

The purpose of the current study was to examine the use of green household wastes, such as lemon peel, bottle gourd peel (BG), culinary banana peel, and sugarcane bagasse, as a source for synthesizing carbon dots (C-dots) and to determine how the composition of the material affected the functional characteristics of the C-dots and its interaction behaviour for detection of pesticide. The synthesized C-dots showed green fluorescence with varying particle sizes and red shifting fluorescence with more than 100 nm Stokes shift, indicating time and excitation dependent luminescence behaviour. C-dots produced from bottle gourd (BG) peel had a positive impact on the functional characteristics with a maximum emission of 514 nm and excitation of 410 nm. The SAED and TEM pattern confirmed its amorphous structure. The hydronium ion diameter and the quantum yield were 0.99 nm and 3.1 % respectively. Contributing towards food safety, the synthesized C-dots from BG showed significant behaviour in the detection of parathion methyl (MP) like organophosphorus pesticide (OP) as it conjugated with iron and 1 ppm of parathion methyl, which exhibited “Turn-Off-On” fluorescence behaviour with noticeable changed in intensity and act as a promising qualitative tool for detection of parathion methyl in real sample. The intensity of FL and concentration of OP is directly proportional which is established by the investigated OP in vegetable, fruit and water samples. The significance of iron and MP-OP was also investigated in the presence of other metal ions and pesticides and showed that the C-dots synthesized probe solution was reliable and sensitive towards the detection of MP-OP in real samples.

Smartphone-based portable sensor with Bi-MOF nanocomposite for Cd (II) in vegetable samples

The accumulation of heavy metal cadmium (Cd) in the food chain poses a serious threat to human health, necessitating the development of rapid, on-site, and portable detection methods for Cd (II). Herein, we developed a smartphone-based electrochemical sensor for portable determination of Cd (II) in vegetables using a bismuth metal–organic framework (Bi-MOF) nanocomposite. Prismatic rod-like Bi-MOF was hydrothermally synthesized using trimesic acid as organic ligands, and subsequently, carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNTs) were incorporated to form Bi-MOF nanocomposite network. The smartphone-based electrochemical sensor enables rapid, sensitive, and portable detection of Cd (II) in vegetable samples using Bi-MOF/COOH-MWCNTs-modified screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE). A comparative analysis of traditional electrochemical sensors coupled with desktop computer for linear voltametric responses for Cd (II) in the range of 0.2–500 ng/mL with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.07 ng/mL using Bi-MOF/COOH-MWCNTs-modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE), the portable sensor demonstrated good linear range in 0.7–350 ng/mL with a LOD of 0.22 ng/mL. This work introduces a novel approach for on-site and portable detection of Cd (II) in agricultural products.

An electrochemical sensor based on the molecularly imprinted polymer/ single walled carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode for detection of zineb fungicide in food samples

In the present study, a selective electrochemical technique to determine Zineb fungicide based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as a simple and fast method was developed. The MIP was synthesized on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) through electropolymerization of ortho-aminophenol (o-AP) monomer and Zineb fungicide analyte. Some ions and compounds were examined as the interfering species to investigate the selectivity of the developed sensor. This research proposes simple determination of Zineb fungicide with a linear range 5–1000 fM and limit of detection (LOD) 1.6 fM. Finally, this strategy was successfully used to detect Zineb in some vegetable and fruit samples such as cucumber, potato, tomato, lettuce, peach, and apple with a satisfactory recovery range between 98.85 and 102.00%. The obtained results indicated that the newly developed method is stable, convenient, and has easy preparation steps with low-cost materials. It can be used for rapid diagnosis of Zineb in crops and agriculture products, which holds great promise in detection of environmental pollutants.

Development of an advanced analytical technique for detecting multiple pesticide residues in vegetables through liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS)

A comprehensive LC-MS/MS method, which employs Positive Electrospray Ionization (PEI) and Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) was developed for the simultaneous determination of 35 pesticides belonging to various chemical classes in tomato, brinjal, chili, and okra samples. Extraction was facilitated using a modified QuEChERS method, which allows efficient sample analysis in a single run. Calibration curves for each pesticide exhibited linearity within the concentration range of 0.0025 to 0.1 µg mL−1, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.993 to 0.999. Mean recoveries at five fortification levels (0.01 to 0.5 µg kg−1) ranged from 80 to 90%, demonstrating satisfactory precision (RSD < 20%). The matrix effects, mitigated through an optimized cleanup process, were observed within the range of 6.42% to 19.52%. The developed method having the limit of quantification of 0.01 mg kg−1 for all 35 pesticides, proved to be highly sensitive and rapid for multi-residue estimation in diverse vegetable samples. Subsequently, the method was used to analyze the market samples from Varanasi, India, which revealed the presence of pesticides like Chlorpyrifos, Chlorantraniliproleand Indoxacarb in tomato, brinjal, chili and okra. Therefore, the method could be considered as a robust tool for monitoring pesticide residues in vegetables, aiding in quality assessment and regulatory compliance in the agriculture sector.

Effects of groundwater level changes on soil characteristics and vegetation response in arid and semiarid coal mining areas.

Coal mining in arid and semiarid regions often leads to numerous ecological and environmental problems, such as aquifer depletion, lake shrinkage, vegetation degradation, and surface desertification. The drainage from coal mining activities is a major driving force in the evolution of the groundwater-soil-vegetation system. In order to explore the effect of groundwater level fluctuation on soil properties and the response mechanism of surface vegetation in coal mining areas, this study is based on hydrogeological and ecological vegetation investigations in the Bojianghaizi Basin, and soil and vegetation samples are collected in the areas with different groundwater levels, and soil and vegetation indexes are analyzed with the aid of methods such as numerical statistics, linear regression, and correlation analysis with the aid of the Origin software. The results show that there is a significant negative correlation between groundwater table (GWT) and soil water content (SWC), soil conductivity, soil organic matter (SOM), soil available nitrogen (SAN), and soil available potassium (SAK). Mining activities have led to the destruction of the soil structure, greatly reducing its ability to retain water and fertilizer. The contents of SWC, SOM, and SAN in the mining area are significantly reduced, which are at least 49.73%, 47.56% and 59.90% lower than those around the mining area. On the northern and southern sides of the lake, serious soil salinization exists in the lakeshore zone where the depth to the water table is <0.5m, and the water required for the growth of vegetation here mainly comes from the groundwater, so there are only a few water-loving and saline-resistant plants; when the depth to the water table is 0.5-7m, the growth of surface vegetation is influenced by the double impacts of the water table and atmospheric precipitation with a high degree of species richness; when the depth to the water table is >7m, the surface vegetation is only dependent on the limited atmospheric precipitation for water. When the depth of groundwater is >7m, the surface vegetation only relies on limited atmospheric precipitation for water, and drought-tolerant plants mainly grow in these areas. This study not only provides a scientific basis for the sustainable development and environmental protection of similar mines in the world, but also has important significance in guiding the ecological management and rational utilization of water resources in coal mine areas. What is more, This study provides valuable insights into sustainable water resource management in arid and semi-arid regions, crucial for mitigating the ecological impacts of coal mining activities.

An aptasensor with colorimetric and electrochemical dual-outputs for malathion detection utilizing peroxidase-like activity of Fe-MOF

An aptasensor with dual-outputs was developed for malathion detection. Fe-MOF was synthesized to design favorable signal probes for catalytic amplification. Owing to the excellent peroxidase-like activity of Fe-MOF, the redox reaction was catalyzed to produce the dual-outputs of colorimetric and electrochemical. In this sensing strategy, malathion was captured by the aptamer on sensing interface, leading to the release of signal probe. Thanks to the catalytic amplification of Fe-MOF and the high capture effect of aptamer, the aptasensor produced a sensitive response for malathion. Based on the dual-signals of absorbance and current, the detection method for malathion was developed ranging from 10 ng/mL to 500 ng/mL. The detection limit of malathion was 5.8 ng/mL for colorimetric output and 4.6 ng/mL for electrochemical output. Furthermore, the aptasensor exhibited high specificity and good repeatability in malathion detection. Finally, the aptasensor was applied to detect malathion in fruit and vegetable samples with satisfactory recovery.

Diversity of Mycotoxin-Producing Fungi in Leafy and Fruit Vegetables Sold in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi and are capable of causing diseases and even death in both humans and other animals. This study investigated the diversity of mycotoxin-producing fungi from leafy (Telfairia occidentalis and Bassica oleracea) and fruit (Solanum lycopersicum and Cucumis sativus) vegetables sold in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria using molecular techniques. The fungi were isolated from vegetable samples showing signs of disease using standard methods. DNA extraction and Polymerase chain reaction were carried out at the molecular laboratory of Regional Centre of Biotechnology and Bioresources research, University of Port Harcourt. The isolates were screened for the presence of mycotoxigenic genes (nor1 (aflatoxin), tri6 (trichothecene), otanps (Ochratoxin A), fum13 (fumonisin) and ZEA (zearalenone)) using PCR technique. The isolates containing mycotoxins were identified using ITS gene sequences. Ten out of the eighteen isolates were positive for four (nor1, tri6, otanps and fum13) out of the five mycotoxigenic genes screened. The nine isolates included fungi belong to six genera: Meyerozyma, Pithomyces, Fusarium, Trametes, Penicillium and Aspergillus. The ten isolates were classified as Meyerozyma carbbica RCBBR_Sf13, Pithomyces chartarum RCBBR_Sf5, Fusarium falciforme RCBBR_Sf10, Trametes duplexa RCBBR_Sf17, Trametes versicolor RCBBR_Sf2a, Trametes duplexa RCBBR_Mf1, Fusarium longifundum RCBBR_Mf4, Penicillium soosanum RCBBR_Mf7, Aspergillus aflatoxiformans RCBBR_Sf9, Fusarium circinatum RCBBR_Sf3 based on their ITS gene sequences. Their ITS gene sequences have been deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers OR816039-OR816047, with the exception of Fusarium circinatum RCBBR_Sf3 which could not accession. This study has demonstrated that mycotoxin-producing fungi are diverse and widespread in leafy and fruit vegetables sold within Port Harcourt Metropolis. This raises both public health and food security concerns.

Elastin-like polypeptide-functionalized nanobody for column-free immunoaffinity purification of aflatoxin B1.

A column-free immunoaffinity purification (CFIP) technique for sample preparation of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was developed using an AFB1-specific nanobody (named G8) and an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP). The reversible phase transition between liquid and solid in response to temperature changes was exhibited by the ELP which was derived from human elastin. The G8 was tagged with ELPs of various lengths (20, 40, 60, and 80 repeat units) at the C-terminus using recursive directional ligation (RDL). Coding sequences were then subcloned into pET30a at the multiple cloning sites. Bioactive recombinant proteins were produced by expressing them as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), then dissolved and refolded. Analysis by indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) and transition temperature (Tt) measurement confirmed that the refolded G8-ELPs preserved the ability to recognize AFB1 as well as phase transition when the temperature rose above Tt. To establish the optimal conditions for cleaning AFB1, the effects of various parameters on recovery were investigated. The recovery in ELISA tests was 95 ± 3.67% under the optimized CFIP workflow. Furthermore, the CFIP-prepared samples were applied for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) detection. The recovery in the CFIP-HPLC test ranged from 54 ± 1.86% to 98 ± 3.58% for maize, rice, soy sauce, and vegetable oil samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report combining the function of both nanobody and ELP to develop a cleanup technique for small molecules in a complex matrix. The CFIP for the sample pretreatment was easy to use and inexpensive. In contrast to conventional immunosensitivity materials, the reagent utilized in the CFIP was entirely biosynthesized without any chemical coupling reactions. This suggests that the nanobody-ELP may serve as a useful dual-functional reagent for the development of sample cleaning or purification methods.

β-Cyclodextrin based magnetic hyper-crosslinked polymer: A recyclable adsorbent for effective preconcentration of triazine herbicides in complex sample matrices

High efficiency enrichment and trace analysis of triazine herbicide residues are crucial for ensuring environmental and food safety. Herein, a series of magnetic hyper-crosslinked polymers (CD-gs-MHCPs) were synthesized with different crosslinkers, which might possess different pore structure and surface area, so they might dispay variable adsorption performance. CD-gs-MHCP2 with dichloroxylene as crosslinker delivered superior adsorption ability for triazine herbicides (THs). The synergistic effect of hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interaction, π-π stacking interaction and pore adsorption were proved to be the main adsorption mechanism. Combined CD-gs-MHCP2 based magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) with high-performance liquid chromatography, the quantitative analysis of THs in river water and vegetable samples (zucchini, pakchoi) was achieved. Under the optimal conditions, the enrichment factors for three different samples ranged from 94 to 244 and low detection limit (S/N = 3) of the four THs were obtained from 0.05 to 0.15 ng mL−1 for river water and 0.31–3.10 ng g−1 for vegetable samples. The method recoveries were in the range of 86.2 %–120 % with relative standard deviations lower than 7.4 %. This work not only offers a new strategy for fabrication β-CD-based HCPs, but also provided a practical and effective method for efficient isolation and sensitive detection of trace THs residues in complex samples.

Exploring the role of canopy cover and environmental factors in shaping carbon storage in Desa’a forest, Ethiopia

BackgroundDry Afromontane forests play a vital role in mitigating climate change by sequestering and storing carbon, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite previous research highlighting the importance of carbon stocks in these ecosystems, the influence of canopy cover and environmental factors on carbon storage in dry Afromontane forests has been barely assessed. This study addresses this knowledge gap by investigating the effects of environmental factors and vegetation cover on carbon stocks in Desa’a forest, a unique and threatened Afromontane dry forest ecosystem in northern Ethiopia. Data on woody vegetation, dead litter, grass biomass, and soil samples were collected from 57 plots. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed at a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05) to examine the influence of canopy cover and environmental factors on the carbon stocks of various pools.ResultsAmong the 35 woody species identified, Juniperus procera was the most dominant, while Carissa edulis Vahl and Eucalyptus globulus were the least dominant. The average total carbon stock was 92.89 Mg ha−1, with contributions from aboveground carbon, below-ground carbon, litter carbon, grass carbon, and soil organic carbon. Among the carbon pools, soil organic carbon had the highest carbon stock, accounting for 76.8% of the total, followed by above-ground biomass carbon at 17.7%. Significant variations in carbon stocks were found across altitude class and canopy level but not slope and aspect factors.ConclusionsIn summary, altitude and canopy level were found to significantly influence carbon stocks in Desa’a forest, providing valuable insights for conservation and climate change mitigation efforts in dry Afromontane forests. Forest intervention planning and management strategies should consider the influence of different environmental variables and tree canopy levels.

Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Antioxidant Properties of Traditionally Fermented Thai Vegetables: A Promising Functional Plant-Based Food.

Fermented plant-based products were gathered from various regions in Thailand and categorized into 10 types of traditional commercial vegetables. Different vegetable materials and natural fermentation methods influence the diverse physical, chemical, nutritional, and functional attributes of the products. All the traditionally fermented Thai vegetable samples collected showed physicochemical properties associated with the fermentation process, contributing to the nutritional and functional quality of the final products. Achieving consistent research results is challenging due to the intricate nature of food matrices and biochemical processes during fermentation. The roles of microorganisms, especially probiotics, are crucial in delivering health benefits through fermented foods. Traditionally fermented Thai vegetable foods contain high levels of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and salinity in pickled shallot and ginger as a result of the natural fermentation process and the ingredients used. The research findings were confirmed using a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)-derived dendrogram pattern. The nutritional compositions, total phenolic contents, and antioxidant activities varied among the different types of vegetables. The correlations among lipid, protein, fiber, total soluble solid (TSSs), total titratable acidity (TTA), and salinity as potential biomarkers in fermented vegetable products were examined. The results suggest that traditionally fermented Thai vegetable products significantly impacted food research by enhancing the quality and preserving the authenticity of traditionally fermented Thai vegetables.

Assessment of potential toxic elements in soils, sediments, and vegetation in the surroundings of Anapa, Russia.

The study presented here reports the concentration of major, trace, and rare earth elements in soil, sediments, and vegetation samples collected from 13 locations around Anapa City located on the northern coast of the Black Sea in Russia. The neutron activation analysis technique has been used to fulfill this objective. Along with this, the bioconcentration and translocation factors were calculated. Overall, the content of 31 elements was detected in soil and sediments while 20 elements were determined in three types of vegetation: macroalgae (Cystoseira sp. and Ulva sp.), aquatic plants (Phragmites australis), and sea grass (Zostera sp.). The quantified concentration followed the order soil > sediment > vegetation. The phytotoxic levels for Zn, V, Mn, and Fe have been quantified as the highest. Bromine was the most abundant and accumulated in Phragmites australis. Based on the results obtained from this investigation, there is a possibility of contamination in the study area.