Showing papers in "Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Environment in 2014"

Cocoyam (corms and cormels)—An underexploited food and feed resource

Abstract: Cocoyams (old-taro: Colocasia esculenta; newtannia: Xanthosoma sagittifolium) yield corms as root crops produced in regions of tropical and subtropical developing countries. In certain countries such as Ghana, there are surpluses in production but deficits in cereals. Cocoyams are used in a range of indigenous foods. Post harvest losses are high due to mechanical damage of corms during harvest and microbial attacks on such damaged corms during storage. Cocoyams contain, on average, 25% starch (wet weight basis) with A-type structures characterized by small granule size (<1.5 μm). Non-starch polysaccharides in cocoyams confer gummy properties to the starch. However, mechanical effects of raphides—crystals of calcium oxalate and other components—produce irritation when raw corm tissue is ingested resulting in several levels of discomfort. With appropriate processing, cocoyams could be a rich source of starch for food and industrial applications and corms have potential for new product development. Stabilizing cocoyam crops and adding value could greatly improve its utilization in cocoyam producing countries.

Chemical Characterisation of the Industrial Residues of the Pineapple (Ananas comosus)

Abstract: In Mexico pineapple processing produces industrial residues with a high concentration of dietary fibre. The aim of this study was to quantify the constituents of the fibrous residues from the industrial processing of pineapples which exhibited low concentrations of lignin.

Application of Electrocoagulation and Electrolysis on the Precipitation of Heavy Metals and Particulate Solids in Washwater from the Soil Washing

Abstract: Soil washing, ex situ mechanical technique, is one of the few permanent treatment alternatives to remove metal contaminants from soils by employing physical separation based on mineral processing technologies to remove discrete particles or metal-bearing particles and/or chemical extraction based on leaching or dissolving process to extract the metals from the soils into an aqueous solution. However, washwater remained from soil washing process contains discrete particulate particles along with heavy metals as solution phase to be treated separately, as well as this process can produce large amount of sludge that requires further treatment, slow metal precipitation, poor settling, the aggregation of metal precipitates. Electrical treatments including electrocoagulation and electrolysis can be effective in removing these substances from washwater. This paper reviews the theoretical models in applying electrocoagulation and electrolysis to remove heavy metals and discrete particulate particles in washwater by examining and comparing the status of washwater treatment technologies which have been undertaken, mostly in the US and EU for the period 1990-2012.

Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil and Water in Some Selected Towns in Dunkwa-on-Offin District in the Central Region of Ghana as a Result of Small Scale Gold Mining

Abstract: Illegal small scale gold mining popularly called “Galamsey” in our local communities is on the increase. This has led to concerns about the level of environmental pollution resulting from these mining activities. This work was conducted to determine the level of heavy metal contamination in the environment due to the activities of the small scale miners. This paper discusses the concentrations of some selected heavy metals—Hg, Pb, and Cu which were measured in 14 sampling sites in Dunkwa-on-Offin in the Central Region of Ghana, known for these activities. The heavy metal concentrations have been investigated for soil and water samples in the selected towns and compared with the relevant guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency. The concentration of heavy metals was measured by using AAS. In most locations, the concentration for the investigated heavy metals far exceeded the concentration admitted by the guidelines. The mean concentration of Lead was 95.13 mg/Kg for soil and 190.27 mg/L in water; Copper was 63.26 mg/Kg in soil and 75.92 mg/L in water while Mercury was 140.87 ug/Kg in soil and 211.31 mg/L in water. The mean recorded concentrations in the sensitive areas exceeded greatly. Hence the levels of heavy metal contamination have spread beyond control.

Crop Water Requirements in Egypt Using Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract: The common Soil in Egypt is clay soil so common irrigation system is tradition surface irrigation with 60% irrigation efficiency. Agricultural sector consumes more than 80% of water resources under surface irrigation (tradition methods). In arid and semi-arid regions consumptive use is the best index for irrigation requirements. A large part of the irrigation water applied to farm land is consumed by Evapotranspiration (ET). Irrigation water consumption under each of the physical and climatic conditions for large scale will be easier with remote sensing techniques. In Egypt, Agricultural cycle is often tow agricultural seasons yearly; summer and winter. Common summer crops are Maize, Rice and Cotton while common winter crops are Clover and Wheat. Landsat8 bands 4 and 5 provide Red (R) and Near Infra-Red (NIR) measurements and it used to calculate Normalized Deference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and monitoring cultivated areas. The cultivated land area was 3,277,311 ha in August 2013. In this paper Kc = 2 * NDVI ? 0.2 represents the relation between crop coefficient (Kc) and NDVI. Kc and Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) used to estimate ETc in Egypt. The main objective of this paper is studying the potential crop Evapotranspiration in Egypt using remote sensing techniques.

Water Scrubbing for Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide (H 2 S) Inbiogas from Hog Farms

Abstract: Biogas from anaerobic digestion of biological wastes is a renewable energy resource. H2S in biogas may cause corrosion or other damage to engines if it is not removed from the gas before utilization. Because the solubility of H2S in water is higher than methane, water can be used as an adsorbent to remove H2S from biogas. A simple water scrubbing column to reduce the H2S content was designed in this study. The biogas purification process took place in the scrubbing column with water where the gas was continuously fed from the bottom of the column through the diffuser which could produce bubbles. The biogas bubbles and the water can accelerate the reaction inside the column. The water in the column was circulated by means of a pump. H2S content in raw biogas was about 6000 ppm. First, the efficiencies of H2S removal for different biogas flow rate and water level were conducted at 30 and 90 sec. Second, the efficiencies of H2S removal with water recycling system were induced. The results showed that the concentration of H2S in biogas decreased significantly with water level and increased with biogas flow rate through the water scrubbing. It was an effective technique for removing H2S in a short operation time, but absorption capability of water declined rapidly with time. To maintain high absorption rate, water scrubbing after adsorption needed to be replaced or regenerated. The water scrubbing system is a simplest and cheapest method. This work is investigated the feasibility of water scrubbing system and its application to a small hog farm.

Effects of Biochar on the Abundance of Three Agriculturally Important Soil Bacteria

Abstract: An in vitro study was conducted to make a comparative study of biochar and biomass on soil bacteria. The responses of three agriculturally important bacteria viz., Bradyrhizobium, Sulphate reducing and Iron oxidizing bacteria, were studied. Total viable counts were also made. Three different types of biomasses viz., rice husk, rice straw and saw dust, and biochars produced thereof were used for the study. The biomasses or biochars were applied to the soil at a rate of 5 t/ha. The study included seven different treatments of biomasses and corresponding biochars including a control. Total counts were made on the original materials as well as on the treated soils at 30, 60 and 90 days of incubation. Bacterial count was higher in all the biomass treated soils than the corresponding biochar treated ones including control. Although the presence of Bradyrhizobium, sulphate reducing and iron oxidizing bacteria were not noted in the fresh soils, their presence, however, was noted after incubation periods. The counts of all three bacteria are however lower in the biochar treated soils than the corresponding biomass treated soils. The paper discusses about the microbial soil health vis-a-vis biochar application, indicating that the materials exert negative effect on the soil microbial population and thereby likely to jeopardize soil health and crop production.

Local Role of Food Producers' Communities for a Global One-Health Framework: The Experience of Translational Research in an Italian Dairy Chain

Abstract: Community is the foundation of public health: the present paper reports the approach and strategy for intervention on the dairy production community developed by the Italian project ALERT (www.alert2015.it), which implements the transfer of technical innovation and technological know-how from public research. Starting from the local role of primary producers, North-South and South-South networking (www.noodlesonlus.org) is needed to share solutions for transnational problems like climatic change, contaminated agro-farming sites and food waste and losses in the era of food crisis. Based on risk analysis, science-society dialogue and global health, the main drivers of this experience of translational research are One Health, i.e. the web of inter-relationships among environment, farm animals and human health, and sustainable food safety (prevention actions on diet of young women, today, to protect next generation’s health) to increase population life expectancy in good health.

Quantitative Analysis of Matrine and Oxymatrine in Sophora flavescens Extract and Its Biopesticides by UPLC

Abstract: Successive cartridge clean-up method for the simultaneous determination of matrine and oxyma- trine in biopesticides containing Sophora flavescens extract was developed and validated by UPLC The clean-up method was established with ENVI-Carb (05 g) and C18 SPE (05 g) cartridges for the bioactive alkaloid in biopesticides from S flavescens, and the eluate was analyzed to quantify the matrine and oxymatrine by UPLC The developed method was validated, and the recovery and LOQ of both materials were 1050% and 1036%, and 0050 and 0684 mg·kg-1, respectively Of the twenty one samples, the total content of matrines were analyzed by using the developed method and the result showed the developed successive clean-up method could contribute to the manufacture and control of biopesticides including matrines, and can be ap- plied to the method development for the analysis of alkaloid materials in biopesticides

The calcium-binding activity of fish scale protein hydrolysates *

Abstract: The calcium-binding activity of tilapia scale protein hydrolysates sequentially hydrolyzed by trypsin, flavor enzyme and pepsin were investigated. The hydrolysates were divided into four fractions using G-15 gel chromatography, and the F3 fraction has the higher calcium-binding activity of 196.3 mg/g. The UV-vis and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) demonstrate that the amino nitrogen atoms and the oxygen atoms belonging to the carboxylate groups are the primary binding sites for Ca2+. The X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the reaction between the peptde and calcium. The results obtained indicated that this fish scale protein hydroly-sates have potential as functional foods for calcium-supplementation.

Heavy Metals Accumulation in Soil Irrigated with Industrial Effluents of Gadoon Industrial Estate, Pakistan and Its Comparison with Fresh Water Irrigated Soil

Abstract: Wastewater mixed with industrial effluents is used for irrigation in Gadoon Industrial estate and thus contaminating soil. This soil was tested for heavy metal content by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (perkin elmer 700) and compared with control soil irrigated with tube well water at seven selected spots. Accumulation of the toxic metal was significantly greater in the soil irrigated with industrial effluent than control soil (p < 0.05). Manganese (Mn) was the most significant pollutant, accumulated up to 9.95 ppm in the soil irrigated with industrial waste water. It was found that the samples were containing Zn in the range of 1.596 - 6.288, Cu 0.202 - 1.236, Co 0.074 - 0.115, Ni 0.0002 - 0.544, Cr 0.243 - 0.936, Mn 3.667 - 9.955 and Pb 0.488 - 1.259 ppm. No sample was containing the heavy metal above the critical level mentioned in typical and unsafe heavy metal levels in soil.

Economic Assessment of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) through Intercropping

Abstract: Sugarcane has pronounced importance to provide sugar for more than half of the global population. World population is enhancing day-by-day and production land is in the worst situation. The cultivated land is diminishing rapidly due to urbanization, road construction, and land deterioration. This crisis demands alternate research to raise crop productivity and maximize the economic returns per unit land for feeding the gigantic population. Sugarcane is a long duration crop and gave late net economic return. Intercropping in sugarcane received much attention and need to properly manage for getting higher net return from same unit area. It is becoming popular among farming community due to resourcefully utilization of land. Intercropping has the potential to inspire the farmers to get maximum economic return per acre per annum. For intercropping, wheat, gram, soybean, and potato were used as an intercrop in September-sown sugarcane. Triple row strip planting geometry of sugarcane with four intercropped (SC + Wheat, SC + Gram, SC + Soybean, and SC + Potato) and check with sole SC was used. Sugarcane was planted during September 2011- 12 and 2012-13 at research area University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan. Randomized complete block design with three replications were used. Results showed that number of millable cane, cane diameter; unstripped and stripped cane yield and crop growth rate was significantly higher in sole sugarcane when compared with different intercrop in 2011-12 while trend was same in 2012-13. Cane diameter and un-stripped cane yield were statistically at par of intercrops SC + Soybean and SC + Potato while stripped cane yield of Sole SC and SC + Potato was statistically at par in 2012-13. In both the year of study, intercrops gave higher land equivalent ratio and net return over sole sugarcane planted while sole sugarcane gave maximum benefit cost ratio compared with other intercrops.

Carbon Sequestration in Soil Cooperated with Organic Composts and Bio-Char during Corn (Zea mays) Cultivation

Abstract: Background: The objective of this study was to estimate the carbon sequestration in soils cooperated with organic composts and bio-char during corn cultivation. Methods and Results: For the experiment, the soil texture used in this study was clay loam, and application rates of chemical fertilizer and bio-char were 230-107-190 kg·ha-1 (N-P2O5-K2O) as recommended amount after soil test and 0.2% to soil weight. The soil samples were periodically taken at every 15-day intervals during the experimental periods. The treatments consisted of cow compost, pig compost, swine digestate from aerobic digestion system, and their bio-char cooperation. For estimating soil C sequestration, it is determined by the net balance between carbon inputs and outputs during corn cultivation periods. For the experimental results, it found that applications of aerobic swine digestate, cow compost, and pig compost could sequester C by 38.9%, 82.2% and 19.7% in soil, respectively, when bio-char from rice hulls was cooperated with soil. For plant responses, application of bio-char in the corn field for carbon sequestration was not occurred the damage of corn growth. Conclusion: When bio-char from rice hulls was cooperated with soil, applications of aerobic swine digestate, cow compost, and pig compost could sequester C by 38.9%, 82.2% and 19.7% in soil, respectively. Therefore, addition of bio-char with organic composts could have a potential soil C sequestration in agricultural practices.

Monitoring MVOC Profiles over Time from Isolates of Aspergillus flavus Using SPME GC-MS

Abstract: Fungi produce a variety of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) during primary and secondary metabolism. The fungus, Aspergillus flavus, is a human, animal and plant pathogen which produces aflatoxin, one of the most carcinogenic substances known. In this study, MVOCs were analyzed using solid phase microextraction (SPME) combined with GCMS from two genetically different A. flavus strains, an aflatoxigenic strain, NRRL 3357, and a non-aflatoxigenic strain, NRRL 21882. A PDMS/CAR SPME fiber was used over 30 days to observe variations in MVOCs over time. The relative percentage of individual chemicals in several chemical classes (alcohols, aldehydes, esters, furans, hydrocarbons, ketones, and organic acids) was shown to change considerably during the varied fungal growth stages. This changing chemical profile reduces the likelihood of finding a single chemical that can be used consistently as a biomarker for fungal strain identification. In our study, discriminant analysis techniques were successfully conducted using all identified and quantified MVOCs enabling discrimination of the two A. flavus strains over the entire 30-day period. This study underscores the potential of using SPME GCMS coupled with multivariate analysis for fungi strain identification.

Hot Air Drying and Quality of Red and White Varieties of Onion (Allium cepa)

Abstract: This study was undertaken to investigate the drying characteristics of red and white varieties of onion (Allium cepa) in a convective dryer. The drying characteristics of onion slices were examined at air temperatures of 50℃, 60℃ and 70℃ and sample thicknesses of 2 mm. During the drying experiments, air velocity was held stable at 0.9 m/s. The effects of air temperature on the drying characteristics and quality parameters such as vitamins C and D, macro minerals (Mg, Na, P, Ca and K), non-enzymatic browning and thiolsulphinate of the dried onion slices were determined. For each of the plots of the drying curves from the mechanical drying tests, there was an absence of or just a very brief appearance of a constant rate period because onions are hygroscopic and hygroscopic foods tending to quickly enter the falling rate period; drying time decreased considerably with increased temperature. The time required to reduce the moisture content to any given value was dependent on the drying conditions, being the longest at an air temperature of 50℃, 0.9 m/s and the shortest at an air temperature of 70℃ and air velocity of 0.9 m/s. The loss of vitamin C, which is a thermo-sensitive compound, was the least at an air temperature of 50℃.

Sensor with Intact or Modified Yeast Cells as Rapid Device for Toxicological Test of Chemicals

Abstract: Aerobic catabolism of S. cerevisiae (cell respiration) is a rapid, cost-effective, and reproducible toxicological endpoint of the whole cells biosensor. To increase the signal intensity, a protocol for the immobilization and modification of the yeast cells is described. In particular, the enzymatic treatment of the immobilized yeast cells allows removing the cell wall and obtaining structurally modified cells namely spheroplasts. Both immobilization and exposure of sensitive cells like spheroplasts confirmed to improve the method’s sensitivity vs. the chemicals. The present paper reports the test of different chemicals (including Mercury and wood preservative like Tanalith) present in consumer products, performed both by sensor with intact and modified whole cells.

Developing the Agro-Grassland System to Insure Food Security of China

Abstract: China’s food security has always been the top priority in China. As the huge increase of animal food consumption, the current agriculture system in China namely “grain farming”, whose major animal feed are grains, seems to meet a great challenge to ensure China’s food security in the future. Not only the current situation, but also the production capacity as developing grassland agriculture is analyzed in this paper. The results show that half of provinces don’t have enough grain to meet their various needs for grain, and the whole country’s potential of grain yield is reaching a limited position. On the other hand, implementing cereal-forage rotation on 20% of the total arable land and developing high productivity sown pastures on 3% of the total rangeland areas could create approximately 1.2 times Arable Land Equivalent Unit (ALEU) than ever. So changing the traditional agriculture system into Grassland Agro-Ecosystems is an effective way to insure China’s food security. It includes utilization of rangeland rationally, establishment of more sown pasture and implementation of cereal-pasture rotation system, increase livestock production, and use of arable land more efficiently.

Insecticidal Effects of the Annonaceous Acetogenin Squamocin and the Acetogenin Fraction of Seeds of Rollinia occidentalis on Soybean and Corn Pests

Abstract: A treatment based on the acetogenin fraction of the methanol extract of Rollinia occidentalis seeds was applied to soybean crops for three consecutive years. In relation to the control population, the treatment reduced the population of Anticarsia gemmatalis, Rachiplusia nu, Pseudoplusia includens, Loxostege bifidalis and Spodoptera frugiperda to 52% and 65% after 48 h of application at concentrations of 500 and 750 μg/mL respectively, while low toxic effects were detected on natural enemies. The extract treatment at 500 μg/mL and a solution of the annonaceous acetogenin, squamocin, at 50 and 100 μg/mL, were also applied to a corn field to produce 75%, 93% and 100% mortality rates on the population of S. frugiperda, respectively, after 72 h of application. In addition, damages caused by lepidopterans in treated crops were lower than those observed in non treated fields, evaluated by residual biomass. This statement is based on data from trials with the commercially available insecticides lufenuron and cypermethrin.

Novel method for determination of sodium in foods by thermometric endpoint titrimetry (TET)

Abstract: A novel yet simple, rapid and robust thermometric endpoint titration (TET) method for the determination of sodium in various foodstuffs is described Sodium reacts exothermically with aluminium in the presence of an excess of potassium and fluoride ions to form NaK2AlF6 (“elpasolite”) This reaction forms the basis of a robust, reliable analytical procedure suitable for routine process control The reaction of calcium under similar conditions (to form KCaAlF6) suggests that potentially, calcium may interfere in the determination of sodium in some foodstuffs Results of an investigation suggest that at molar ratios [Ca]/[Na] < 085, an error of <1% of the measured value of sodium is incurred

Development of controlled release formulations of thiabendazole

Abstract: This study aimed to develop controlled release formulation of Thiabendazole for reduced contaminations to soil water and agricultural produces. The idea behind this work was based on changing the ionization status of Thiabendazole molecule throughout pH changes to become a cation then adsorbing it to bentonite clay surfaces. Equilibrium concentrations of Thiabendazole in the adsorption solutions were determined by HPLC. Results showed that Thiabendazole was better adsorbed in clay at the lowest pH value (pH 3). Furthermore, raising the temperature of the adsorption reaction increased the adsorbed amount of Thiabendazole. Release experiments showed that Thiabendazole is extremely slower at pH 3 than at pH 5.5 or pH 9. These promising results suggest that application of Thiabendazole clay based formulation may reduce the applied rate and that the released fraction consequently may reduce the environmental contamination. It is also advantageous to use these formulations in the acidic soil for plant disease control.

Comparison of Accelerated Solvent Extraction, Soxhlet and Sonication Techniques for the Extraction of Estrogens, Androgens and Progestogens from Soils

Abstract: Leaching of hormones from manure amended fields to receive surface water can lead to endocrine disruption in resident fish populations. In order to determine the concentrations of hormones present in manure amended soils, and thus the potential for soils to release hormones to aquatic environments, efficient extraction methods are needed. In this study, the efficacy of three techniques (accelerated solvent extraction [ASE], Soxhlet and sonication) for the extraction of estrogens, androgens and progestogens, as well as their metabolites, from various soil types were evaluated. The stability of hormones spiked into these soils and stored for 30, 90 and 210 days at -20°C was also investigated. Four experimental soil matrices (reagent sand, silt loam, clay and high organic) were spiked with 50 μL of 10 μg·mL-1 (in methanol; final conc. 100 ng·g-1) of a stock mix of hormones and isotopically-labeled standards (ISTDs). After equilibration, triplicate samples of the spiked soils were extracted by ASE, Soxhlet and sonication techniques and analysed, without post extraction cleanup, using HPLC-MS/MS. Sonication and ASE were effective at extracting hormones from all matrices with overall average apparent recoveries, for all 19 extracted analytes, of 71% ± 23% and 73% ± 16%, respectively. Soxhlet was significantly less efficient (p < 0.05) with overall average apparent recoveries of 58% ± 34%. Incorporation of ISTDs resulted in overall average process efficiencies of 108% ± 24%, 102% ± 24% and 180% ± 310% for ASE, Soxhlet and sonication, respectively. The hormones had variable stability in soils stored for at least 30 days, and therefore it recommended that soil samples be analysed within 30 days of sampling.

Root and Foot Rot Diseases of Winter Wheat Grown in Conventional and Organic Systems

Abstract: The object of the study was fungous diseases occurring on roots, leave sheaths and stem base of winter wheat in the two opposing cropping systems (organic and conventional). The observations were made in vegetation periods (2007-2009) in the fields of winter wheat in northern Poland. Every year on each plot of compared farming systems root rot occurred (Fusarium spp., Gaeumannomyces graminis and other fungi). For the period of 3 years the degree of disease injury on the roots of winter wheat grown in the conventional system in the vegetation period increased, while in the organic one remained on pretty the same level. On average a lot more affected roots, especially in the flowering stage, occurred on the winter wheat grown in the conventional system. Fusarium foot rot (Fusarium spp.) developed on the wheat during the entire vegetation period. It was the most dangerous root and foot rot disease (the highest indexes of injury). The mean degree of disease injury on leave sheath was on pretty the same level in the two farming systems, although in investigated vegetation periods differed a lot, whereas at the bases of stems the pathogen was on the higher level on the wheat in the conventional system. Also eyespot (Tapesia yallude) developed in the entire vegetation period of the winter wheat, but its intensity was much lower than in case of fusarium foot rot. Leave sheaths of the wheat grown in the conventional system were slightly stronger affected than those grown in the organic system. In the flowering stage the intensity of the disease in both farming systems became equal, while in the wax maturity it was considerably higher in the conventional system. Sharp eyespot (Rhizoctonia spp.) appeared relatively late and occurred only in two years of investigation. The intensiveness of the disease was definitely higher on the organic plots. Among the affected roots, taken in the stem elongation stage, from the organic system 28 cultures of fungi were isolated, and from the conventional one 24 colonies. Cereals pathogenic fungi amounted 35.8% of isolates obtained from the organic system and as many as 66.7% from the conventional system. Among the affected roots, taken in the flowering stage, from the organic system 68 cultures of fungi were isolated in all, and from the conventional one 25 colonies. Cereals pathogenic fungi amounted 38.2% of isolates obtained from the organic system and 56.0% from the conventional system. Among the affected stem bases, taken in the wax maturity stage, from the organic system 56 cultures of fungi were isolated in all, and from the conventional one 52 colonies. Cereals pathogenic fungi amounted 48.4% of isolates obtained from the organic system and 53.6% from the conventional system. In the case of all root and foot rot diseases of wheat grown in the organic system, an advantageous influence of greater biodiversity and number of various fungi species living in root proximity was noticed as opposed to the conventional system.

Development of temperature indicator prototype: Cardpaper coated with chitosan intelligent films

Abstract: An intelligent and biodegradable material pack- aging was developed based on a natural and thermal-sensitive pigment. Anthocyanin (ATH, 0.50 g/100g) was incorporated into chitosan matrix films (2 g/100g) forming a chitosan intelligent film (C-ATH). The system is able to indicate the variation of temperature during distribution and storage chain of industrial products. The novelty of this work was an alternative packaging material that it is biodegradable and could inform any temperature variations on the range of 40?C - 70?C, by irreversible visual colour changes. The effects of temperature (10?C, 30?C and 50?C) and luminosity (0, 500 and 1000 l×) were analyzed on C-ATH using an experimental design of 2 variables, measuring the colour parameters (L*, a*, b*) and mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation break and Young’s modulus) as responses. C-ATH suspensions were applied as a coating on cardpaper surface forming a temperature indicator prototype (TIP). C-ATH darkened after being exposed to temper- atures above 50?C and luminosity of 1000 lx for 72 hours. TIP was obtained, without bubbles or defects, with reduced water absorption capacity. Irreversible visual colour change was verified on TIP exposed at 40?C independently of luminosity, turned gradually yellow. Chitosan suspensions containing ATH and applied as a coated on card paper sheets could be an alternative of biode-gradable material for packaging system that indicates efficiently temperature changes. This indicator system has potential application temperature range of 40?C to 70?C, such as food, pharmaceuticals, biological, agricultural and others products, that are highly dependent of storage temperature conditions.

The Archaea Community Associated with Lava-Formed Gotjawal Forest Soil in Jeju, Korea

Abstract: The abundance and diversity of archaeal assemblages were analyzed in soils collected from Gyorae Gotjawal forest, Jeju, Korea. Gotjawal soil refers to soil derived from a lava-formed forest, characterized by high organic matter content, fertility, and poor rocky soil. Using domain-specific primers, archaeal 16S rRNA gene sequences were PCR amplified for clone library construction, and a total of 185 archaeal clones were examined. The archaeal clones were affiliated with the phyla Thaumarchaeota (96.2%) and Euryarchaeota (3.8%). The most abundant thaumarchaeal group (90.3% of the clones) was the group I.1b clade, which includes soil ammonia-oxidizing archaea. The unique characteristics of Gotjawal soil, including basalt morphology, vegetation, and groundwater aquifer penetration, may be reflected in the archaeal community composition. Further study is necessary to understand the unique factors of Gotjawal soils that influence archaeal abundance, composition, and diversity.

Pyroclastic material from the Puyehue-Cordon-Caulle Volcanic Complex, Chile, as carrier of Beauveria bassiana conidia: Potential utilization in mycoinsecticide formulations

Abstract: The last volcanic eruption of the Puyehue-Cordon-Caulle Volcanic Complex in the Andes cordillera of western South America, occurring on 4 June 2011, ejected pyroclastic materials that were accumulated in a wide region of the northern Patagonia (Argentina), affecting the environment and health of residents within the area. The aim of this work was to evaluate the practicability of using this waste material as a lowcost carrier for mycopesticide formulations. Beauveria bassiana is a recognized fungal agent for arthropod biologic control. Lengthy storage is critical for the development of mycoinsecticide formulations. Accordingly, the search for adequate materials to improve the shelf life of biocontrol products becomes desirable. First, several analytical techniques were employed to characterize the pyroclast physicochemically; then the viability of the fungal conidia was evaluated after an 18-month storage in the volcanic material. Finally, the pathogenicity of the conidia after that prolonged maintenance in the vehicle was assessed on the beetle Alphitobius diaperinus, an insect pest in poultry houses that causes major economic losses. The results from those bioassays proved auspicious for the eventual utilization of the pyroclast as a bioinsecticide carrier especially since the formulation had proven to be stable for at least 18 months under a wide range of environmental conditions. The constant moisture in a closed environment within a 5°C - 40°C temperature range insures a viable state during storage. The results indicate that what would otherwise be volcanic waste may be utilized as an efficient, abundant, inexpensive, and environmentally innocuous carrier of entomopathogenic fungi.

Acute toxicity of Cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid to estuarine clam Katelysia opima (Gmelin) and its effect on oxygen consumption

Abstract: The impact of acute exposure of Cypermethrin on the rate of oxygen consumption of the estuarine clam, Katelysia opima was studied. After 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 84 and 96 h of exposure to acute concentration, the average oxygen consumption in LC0 group was 0.215, 0.305, 0364, 0.355, 0.362, 0.376, 0.313, 0.305, 0.297 (ml/L/hr/gm) and in LC50 group it was 0.210, 0.299, 0.356, 0.247, 0.217, 0.244, 0.203, 0.186, 0.174 (ml/L/hr/gm). It was observed that the rate of oxygen consumption fluctuated with an increase in the exposure period. The decrease was maximum in LC50 group as compared to LC0 group.

Development of a Hybrid Best Management Practice System for Control of Agricultural Nonpoint Water Pollution

Abstract: Agricultural drainage ditches play an important role in removing surplus water; however, these can also potentially act as major conduits of agricultural nonpoint source pollutants, including sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus. A supplementary hybrid system to limit such pollution was developed in this study; this consists of biodegradable fiber check dams, used in combination with a synthetic polymer (Polyacrylamide, PAM). An open channel experiment was conducted to optimize the design of the hybrid system, taking into account a variety of physical and hydraulic conditions. Subsequent field application of the hybrid system improved runoff water quality, such as 10.0% to 98.3% reduction for suspended solids, 25.2% to 98.4% reduction for turbidity, 21.1% to 91.1% increase for BOD, 19.2% to 75.4% increase for COD, 21.0% to 73.3% reduction for T-N, 5.9% to 91.2% reduction for T-P and 35.7% to 97.6% reduction for fecal coliforms. This clearly showed that this hybrid system could play a significant role in supplementing conventional best management practices.

Ohmic Heating for Tofu Making—A Pilot Study

Abstract: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between temperature and electrical conductivity of soya milk under ohmic heating in tofu making. The soya milk of 10 Brix was heated to a steady temperature of 90?C. The applied voltage was increased and the temperature rising rate was investigated for adequate heating profiles in tofu making. Experimental results showed that the electrical conductivity of soya milk is proportional to the heating time. The temperature rising rate was increased from 1.46?C to 3.82?C/min as a result of increased voltage. Hence ohmic heating could be an efficient, convenient heating measure in tofu making.

Technological Experiments for the Enhancement of Glycerol Content in High Quality Wines

Abstract: The glycerol content of grape juices and wines has been determined by gas-chromatographic methods using silyl derivatives. The effect of different storage conditions and yeast cultures on glycerol content has been investigated. Grape juice samples with different starting D-Glucose concentrations have been treated with several additives (HPO42?, S2O52?, NADH and HSO3?). Significant glycerol concentration enhancement has been detected in the case of the addition of NADH (5.14 g/L), however the presence of HSO3? prevented the excessive glycerol formation (1.21 g/L).

Allelopathy of Cold Water Extracts from Origanum vulgare ssp. vulgare L.

Abstract: Secondary metabolites in medicinal plants could lead to discovery of new classes of herbicides. Recently aromatic plants have gained interest as a source of allelopathic secondary metabolites. Origanum vulgare ssp. vulgare L. infusions in hot water are used in folk medicine and possess proved beneficial biological activity. Plant-to-plant variability of metabolites due to genetic heterogeneity is established in Lamiaceae family. From this point of view, studies on plants from different geographic regions might reveal important sources of variability. The objective of this study was to evaluate allelopathic activity of cold water extracts made from the aerial parts of O. vulgare ssp. vulgare growing wild in Northeast Bulgaria in laboratory conditions. The allelopathic effect was evaluated using root elongation test and Allium cepa-test. Oregano extracts (17.5 g/l, 52.5 g/l) significantly decreased root length of Triticum aestivum L. (P ≤ 0.001). The root growth reduction could serve as a sign for presence of water soluble allelopathic secondary metabolites in the plant tested. Oregano (3.5 g/l) inhibited cell division in Allium root meristematic cells. The decline of the mitotic index indicates the occurrence of a cytotoxic effect. Oregano induced abnormalities in mitotic and interphase cells, so can be also considered as genotoxic. The observed macroscopic and microscopic effects of tested extracts indicated presence of water soluble allelochemicals in O. vulgare ssp. vulgare. This characteristic could be further studied as a possibility to be used in weed management programs.