Search Results (7,647)

To investigate the geographical and species differences regarding mineral element content of camel milk, this research used camel milk from the Tacheng, Altay, and Ili regions of Xinjiang and cow milk, goat milk, and horse milk from the Tacheng region as subjects. The contents of 22 mineral elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed that the contents of macro elements Ca, P, K, and Na in camel milk were significantly higher than those in other milk sources (p < 0.01). The contents of trace elements such as Se, Sr, and Ni were very significantly higher than those in other milk sources (p < 0.01). The content of 12 mineral elements in camel milk was very significantly higher than in other types of milk (p < 0.01). Principal component analysis (PCA) and factor analysis emphasized the relationship between element distribution and different milk sources, and the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model could identify the species type of milk. Geographical analysis indicated that trace elements such as Sr, Ni, and Cr were highly significantly enriched in Tacheng camel milk (p < 0.01). The established LDA model achieved traceability of the geographical origin of Xinjiang camel milk. This research reveals the mineral nutritional advantages of camel milk and its geographical differentiation patterns, providing theoretical support for exploring the functional properties of camel milk and for identifying species and regions through minerals. It is important to promote the upgrading of the specialty dairy product industry. Full article

The progressive replacement of conventional plastic films with biodegradable alternatives in agricultural systems has led to the accumulation of diverse plastic residues in soils, exerting documented impacts on microbial-mediated ecological processes. However, systematic investigations into how these residues influence organic carbon (C) turnover and inter-aggregate C flows remain critically lacking. This study investigated the effects of diverse plastic film residues on organic C decomposition dynamics and aggregate-associated C sequestration through a 60-day soil incubation experiment. Two representative plastic film types—conventional polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable polylactic acid + polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PAT)—were incorporated into agricultural soil under contrasting organic matter input regimes: with maize straw addition (St) and without any straw addition. The results demonstrated that, in the absence of maize straw, both PE and PAT residues enhanced native soil organic C (SOC) mineralization. Notably, PAT elevated the cumulative CO₂ emission by 7.4% (P < 0.05) relative to the control. PE slightly reduced the final SOC content but increased the proportion of soil gates (Mi) and silt plus clay (S + C) toward Ma. Conversely, PAT exerted a negligible effect on final SOC content but reduced Ma by 40.9% (P < 0.05) and increased Mi by 33.4% (P < 0.05), driving C redistribution from Ma to Mi. In contrast, with the addition of maize straw, both St + PE and St + PAT treatments reduced organic C mineralization and diminished the increases in SOC content. Specifically, St + PAT decreased the cumulative CO₂ emission by 1.9% (P < 0.05) and lowered the SOC content by 7.1% (P < 0.05) compared to straw addition alone (St). Both St + PE and St + PAT also lowered Ma formation; notably, St + PAT significantly reduced Ma by 33.6% and diminished C flow from Mi and S + C into Ma. In conclusion, biodegradable film residues may impede SOC sequestration and macroaggregate-associated C storage by stimulating the mineralization of native SOC and suppressing organic matter decomposition after crop residue input in soil. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms governing SOC turnover and C stabilization via soil aggregation in the context of accumulating plastic wastes. Full article

Atmospheric nitrogen input has been a severe challenge worldwide. The influences of N deposition on carbon cycling, loss, and storage have been recognized as a critical issue. This study aimed to assess the immediate responses of soil respiration to different N deposition treatments in radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) and chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia C. A. Mey) plantations within 12 months. N treatments were performed monthly at levels of 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ from October 2017 to September 2018. Litterfall was collected and analyzed seasonally for its mass and C content. Within the 0–10 cm depth of mineral soil in both plantations, parameters such as total nitrogen, pH, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), organic carbon (OC), and fine root biomass were measured seasonally. Soil respiration (Rs) was determined through monthly measurements of CO₂ concentration in the field using a portable, closed chamber technique. The control plots exhibited the highest Rs during spring (2.96, 2.85 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹) and summer (2.92, 3.1 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹) seasons in oak and pine plantations, respectively. However, the introduction of nitrogen significantly diminished Rs in both plantations. Moreover, N treatments caused a notable reduction of soil MBC and fine root biomass. Soil microbial entropy and the C/N ratio were also significantly decreased by nitrogen treatments in both plantations, with the most prominent effects observed in summer. The observed decline in Rs in N-treated plots can be attributed to the decrease in MBC and fine root biomass, potentially with distinct contributions of these components in the pine and oak plantations. Our findings suggested that N-induced alteration in soil carbon dynamics was more pronounced in the oak plantation, which resulted in more SOC accumulation with increasing N inputs, while the pine plantation showed no significant changes in SOC. Full article

In the process of shield tunneling in clayey strata, the fine-grained clay mineral components in the soil easily adhere to the cutter plate. The clay adhering to the cutterhead and the soil compartment then solidifies and hardens, which results in the production of mud cake and clogging. At present, research on cutter plates in clayey ground is limited and has focused mostly on static tests or simplified models. There is a lack of in-depth studies on the effect of temperature on clay adhesion, which is crucial for understanding the clogging risks. In this study, we independently researched and developed a rotary adhesion tester to investigate the adhesion effect and adhesion force change in a shield cutter plate under the influence of different temperatures, water contents (ω), and clay types, revealing the change rule of the adhesion effect under the joint influence of the temperature and the consistency index (I_c). This study provides experimental evidence and an empirical model for assessing the clogging risk in shield tunneling through clay strata, offering valuable insights that support the efficient operation of earth pressure balance (EPB) shields. Full article

In Abidjan, the treatment of pig waste is becoming a priority given the continued growth of pig farms, which readily reuse manure as organic fertilizer. This study evaluated the effectiveness of anaerobic digestion for simultaneous biogas production and pathogen reduction from pig farm residues. Two 1600 L biodigesters were installed at pig farms in Port Bouët (PBk) and Abobo (Ab). They were fed with pig manure and water (1:4 ratio) and monitored over 56 days. The total biogas production was 22.63 m³ and 16.31 m³ for the PBk and Ab digesters, respectively, with peak production occurring between days 14 and 28. Following biofilter treatment, the methane content increased to 80–82%, yielding potential energy outputs of 2.32–3.29 kWh/d, with optimal production occurring at a pH of 7.28–7.76. The COD, BOD₅, organic acid, and total nitrogen levels decreased progressively in the biodigesters, while the mineral element content remained almost unchanged. Complete elimination was achieved for most of the bacteria tested (E. coli, Enterococcus, Salmonella, etc.). However, Bacillus and Clostridium were able to persist, albeit with significant reductions of between 3.11 and 5.79 log₁₀. Anaerobic digestion is an effective method of combining waste treatment and energy recovery. It eliminates major pathogens while producing valuable biogas. This makes it a sustainable waste management solution for urban agricultural systems. Full article

The crystal structure of kuliokite-(Y), Y₄Al(SiO₄)₂(OH)₂F₅, has been re-investigated using the material from the type locality the Ploskaya Mt, Kola peninsula, Russian Arctic. It has been shown that in contrast to previous studies, the mineral is monoclinic, Im, with a = 4.3213(1), b = 14.8123(6), c = 8.6857(3) Å, β = 102.872(4)°, and V = 541.99(3) ų. The crystal structure was solved and refined to R₁ = 0.030 on the basis of 3202 unique observed reflections. The average chemical composition determined by electron microprobe analysis is (Y_2.96Yb_0.49Er_0.27Dy_0.13Tm_0.07Lu_0.05Ho_0.05Gd_0.01Ca_0.01)_Σ4.04Al_0.92Si_2.04O₈-[(OH)_2.61F_4.42]_Σ7.03; the idealized formula is (Y,Yb,Er)₄Al[SiO₄]₂(OH)_2.5F_4.5. The crystal structure of kuliokite-(Y) contains two symmetrically independent Y sites, Y1 and Y2, coordinated by eight and seven X anions, respectively (X = O, F). The coordination polyhedra can be described as a distorted square antiprism and a distorted pentagonal bipyramid, respectively. The refinement of site occupancies indicated that the mineral represents a rare case of HREE fractionation among two cation sites driven by their coordination numbers and geometry. In agreement with the lanthanide contraction, HREEs are selectively incorporated into the Y2 site with a smaller coordination number and tighter coordination environment. The strongest building unit of the structure is the [AlX₂(SiO₄)₂] chain of corner-sharing AlX₆ octahedra and SiO₄ tetrahedra running along the a axis. The chains have their planes oriented parallel to (001). The Y atoms are located in between the chains, along with the F⁻ and (OH)⁻ anions, providing the three-dimensional integrity of the crystal structure. Each F⁻ anion is coordinated by three Y³⁺ cations to form planar (FY₃)⁸⁺ triangles parallel to the (010) plane. The triangles share common edges to form [F₂Y₂]⁴⁺ chains parallel to the a axis. The analysis of second-neighbor coordination of Y sites allowed us to identify the structural topology of kuliokite-(Y) as the only case of the skd network in inorganic compounds, previously known in molecular structures only. The variety of anionic content in the mineral allows us to identify the potential existence of two other mineral species that can tentatively be named ‘fluorokuliokite-(Y)’ and ‘hydroxykuliokite-(Y)’. Full article

Optimizing organic fertilizer substitution is essential for enhancing the sustainability of agriculture and achieving a balance between crop productivity, nutritional quality, and environmental safety. Here, we conducted an 11-year field experiment to evaluate the effects of substituting 50% of mineral fertilizers with pig manure (PM) or cattle manure (CM) on the nutritional quality of wheat grain, heavy metal (HM) accumulation, and associated human health risks. The yield and protein content were highest in the mineral fertilizer (MF) treatment, and grain micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) were 6.7–13.8% higher under organic substitution (PM/CM) than in the MF treatment. The Ni, Pb, and As contents were 35.4–43.0% higher in the PM treatment than in the MF treatment, which stems from the higher HM content in pig manure. Health risk assessments indicated that the Hazard Index (HI) for children exceeded 1 in the PM treatment, primarily due to As, which accounted for 69.6% of the HI. All treatments remained within safe thresholds, although As and Pb posed detectable carcinogenic health risks. The higher levels of Ni and As in pig manure likewise led to a significant increase in the health risk associated with the PM treatment compared to the MF treatment. We developed a novel Grain Quality Index (GQI) that combined nutrient and HM data, which indicated that the nutritional quality of wheat grain was similar in the CM and MF treatments. The GQI was 9.1% lower in the PM treatment than in the MF treatment. These findings suggest that the substitution of mineral fertilizer with cow manure can help achieve a balance between yield, nutrition, and safety, and more stringent regulation of HMs is required for the use of pig manure. Our findings provide actionable insights with implications for sustainable wheat production policies. Full article

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the effect of manganese (Mn) exclusion from the dietary mineral mixture and the dietary replacement of the recommended level of MnCO₃ with Mn₂O₃ nanoparticles (Mn₂O₃NPs) on the Mn biodistribution and the femur histology. Methods: The experiment was conducted on twenty seven Wistar rats divided into three groups (n = 9): a control group receiving the recommended level of Mn (65 mg/kg) in standard form (MnCO₃); a manganese deficient group (Mn deprived from dietary mineral mixture), and a group receiving diet supplemented Mn₂O₃NPs (65 mg/kg) instead of MnCO₃. During the 12-week experiment, a balance test was performed. After the experiment period, blood and femur were collected from sacrificed rats. The content of Mn in water, diet, urine, feces, plasma, and femur was measured. Results: In the Mn-deficient rats, a reduction in Mn intake and excretion, Mn retention index, and blood Mn level, but an increase in Mn digestibility index was noted. In rats supplemented with Mn₂O₃NPs, Mn intake and excretion and blood Mn levels were decreased, while Mn retention and digestibility indexes were increased. In both experimental groups, deterioration of femur morphology was noted, but these changes were more severe in the Mn-deficient group. Conclusions: The obtained research results indicate that manganese deficiency significantly disturbed the biodistribution of this element and led to the deterioration of the architecture and histological parameters of the femur, emphasizing the key role of manganese in maintaining bone homeostasis. It has also been shown that replacing MnCO₃ with Mn₂O₃NPs allows the maintenance of the correct Mn level in the femur but causes unfavorable changes in its morphology. Full article

Due to its implications for environmental conservation, the search for alternative ingredients to replace conventional raw materials destined for animal feed is a highly relevant issue. This systematic review aims to identify the fruit with the greatest potential for use in animal feed among those commonly cultivated in the Colombian Pacific region. A bibliographic search of scientific articles on eight different fruits commonly cultivated in the Colombian Pacific was carried out in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology, 970 publications from 2004 to 15 December 2024 were selected. After screening the publications, naidí (Euterpe oleracea) was selected as the fruit with the greatest potential for use in animal feed due to the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the 53 relevant publications found in the databases. The articles were classified by subject matter: nutritional composition, bioactive compound content, and uses in animal feed. The results indicate that naidí is a good source of fat and fiber and has a suitable mineral and fatty acid profile for animal feed. It also contains a variety of chemical constituents, including polyphenols such as anthocyanins and other flavonoids. The multiple precedents found related to the use of naidí in animal feed, such as good indicators of weight gain, increased immune values, antioxidant capacity, and other health benefits, make this fruit and its by-products a promising source as an ingredient for animal feed. This expands the perspective and projection of the naidí industry in Colombia. Full article

This study examined the application of rhyolite filler in agroecological farming systems in the Fourth Colony of Italian Immigration (Quarta Colônia de Imigração Italiana), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The aim was to explore sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers in line with organic agriculture principles. The region’s designation as the Quarta Colônia UNESCO Global Geopark reinforces the relevance of this initiative. The research involved petrographic characterization, incubation experiments, and chemical analyses of rhyolite samples. Incubation tests with pigeon pea and elephant grass assessed combinations of rock filler and poultry litter. The results showed that rhyolite filler supported plant growth, especially with poultry litter, which supplies nitrogen and microorganisms that accelerate mineral weathering. Petrographic observations indicated that elephant grass promoted stronger mineral alteration, likely due to its dense fibrous roots and substrate interaction. Chemical analyses confirmed the rhyolite’s quartz content and trace elements remain within safety limits defined by Brazilian legislation on soil remineralizers. The K₂O content and the base sum (CaO, MgO, and K₂O) also complied with minimum legal requirements. Beyond mineralogical and chemical aspects, the study emphasized the economic feasibility of using locally sourced rock fillers, offering lower costs than synthetic fertilizers and supporting sustainable, resilient agroecological systems. Full article

Skarn-type iron ore is economically significant, and numerous skarn ore deposits have been identified in the North China Craton. The newly discovered orbicular diorite in this region is distinguished from other analogous rocks due to the accumulation of large magnetite particles, which may shed new light on the genesis of this ore type. The magnetite in different parts of the orbicular structure exhibits distinct compositional differences. For example, magnetite at the edge has a small particle size (200 μm) and is associated with the minerals plagioclase and hornblende, indicating that it crystallized from normal diorite magma. By contrast, magnetite in the core has a relatively large particle size (>1000 μm), is associated with apatite and actinolite, and contains apatite inclusions as well as numerous pores. The size of magnetite in the mantle falls between that of the edge and the core. The syngenetic minerals of magnetite in the mantle include epidote and plagioclase. The magnetites in the cores of orbicules have a higher content of Ti, Al, Ni, Cr, Sc, Zn, Co, Ga, and Nb than those in the rim. The δ⁵⁶Fe value of the core magnetite (0.46‰–0.78‰) is much higher than that of the mantle and rim magnetite in orbicules. Moreover, the δ⁵⁶Fe value of magnetite increases as the V content of magnetite gradually decreases. This large iron isotope fractionation is likely driven by liquid immiscibility that forms iron-rich melts under high oxygen fugacity. The reaction between magma and carbonate xenoliths (Ca, Mg)CO₃ during magma migration generates abundant CO₂, which significantly increases the oxygen fugacity of the magmatic system. Under the action of CO₂ and other volatile components, liquid immiscibility occurs in the magma chamber, and Fe-rich oxide melts are formed by the melting of carbonate xenoliths. Iron oxides (Fe₃O₄/Fe₂O₃₎ will crystallize close to the liquidus due to high oxygen fugacity. These characteristics of magnetite in the Tanling orbicular diorite (Wuan, China) indicate that diorite magma reacts with carbonate xenoliths to form “Fe-rich melts”, and skarn iron deposits are probably formed by the reaction of intermediate-basic magma with carbonate rocks that generate such “Fe-rich melts”. A possible reaction is as follows: diorite magma + carbonate → (magnetite-actinolite-apatite) + garnet + epidote + feldspar + hornblende + CO₂↑. Full article

Microalgae cultivation offers a sustainable approach for nutrient recovery from municipal effluents and the production of valuable biomass, although efficient harvesting remains challenging. This study evaluated the adaptation of the microalgal consortium MC-10 in a sequential batch system through reinoculation of its flocculating fraction to enhance harvesting efficiency and mineral recovery. The consortium was initially cultivated under high ionic stress to promote cell aggregation. Laboratory preadaptation using secondary municipal effluents was then conducted, followed by an outdoor evaluation. In the initial propagation stage, flocculation efficiency reached 98%. Using municipal effluents, flocculation values of 99% were obtained, with a 149% increase in flocculating biomass under laboratory conditions, and 84% flocculation with a 125% increase in biomass production under outdoor conditions, demonstrating the consortium’s stability under environmental fluctuations and its suitability for biomass harvesting. The resulting biomass showed high potential as a biofertilizer due to its mineral content (47% dry weight, DW) and acid solubility (83%), indicating high nutrient bioavailability. Additionally, it contained a total carotenoid concentration of 451 μg/g DW, adding antioxidant value. These findings support the use of microalgae cultivation for the valorization of municipal effluents through the production of easily harvestable biomass with potential for reintegration into agricultural systems. Full article

Almond hulls and shells, the byproducts of the almond industry, were analyzed to assess their potential valorization pathways. Shells showed a higher content in lignin and polysaccharides, but very low levels of extractives and inorganics. Hull’s high polar extractives fraction showed poor phenolic preponderance and antioxidant activity, but high sugar and mineral contents, and its lipophilic extracts were highly enriched in triterpenes (from 73.5% to 91.3%), while shells presented more fatty acids (27.4% to 34.2%) and sterols (17.4% to 29.1%). Shells exhibited much higher S/G ratio (syringyl to guaiacyl units) in their lignin polymer (1.0 to 1.4), compared to hulls (0.5 to 0.6). After mineral analyses, hulls showed high amounts of potassium (3.7–4.9%). Fixed carbon content was similar for both materials, but shells showed a higher energetic content, ~20 MJ/kg. Finally, both hulls and pellets increased the water holding capacity (WHC) of the soil by 50%, when added in weight percentages of 6.25% (hulls) and 25% (pellets). With these results, the range of possibilities for these waste materials is exciting: shells could be used to obtain hemicellulose oligosaccharides, while hulls could be used in sugar extraction for biotransformation or as a soil amendment. Full article

The present study examined the impact of adding methionine (Met) and its conjugated form (Met-Met) on Cornu aspersum snails. The primary focus was on the animals’ growth performance, the chemical composition of their carcass (whole body without the shell), the mineral profile, and the mechanical properties of their shells. In two experiments conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, diets supplemented with varying levels of Met addition (0.3, 0.6, 1.4 g/kg feed) were used, and the effects of free methionine, Met-Met and their mixture (1.4 g/kg feed) were compared. The study incorporated measurements of body weight, shell width, and mortality of snails. Analyses encompassing protein, fat, sulphur amino acids, glutathione levels, oxidative stress indices (DPPH, TAC, TBARS), and macro- and micronutrient content of carcass and shells were conducted. The findings demonstrated that adding 1.4 g Met/kg feed significantly enhanced the shells’ weight gain (+56% vs. Control), shell weight (+56%) and crushing force (+135%). Furthermore, an increase in the Met content of the carcass was observed (+18%), along with elevated carcass Ca (+28%) and P (+30%) and higher shell Ca (+12%) and Zn (+87%), alongside reduced carcass Fe (−38%) and Cu (−19%). In Experiment II, the Met-Met group exhibited the highest carcass weight (+16% vs. Control), the greatest carcass-to-body weight ratio, and the highest proportion of mature individuals (+27%). Moreover, Met-Met supplementation improved Cu absorption and retention in the carcass (+19%). Also, the results suggest that the conjugated form of methionine may improve Cu absorption and storage in the carcass (+19%). The study’s findings indicate that methionine addition, especially in Met-Met form, can substantially impact the efficiency of C. aspersum farming, enhancing both the productivity outcomes and the quality of the product. That is particularly important in increasing the shell’s mechanical resistance and the carcass’s nutritional value. Full article

Young child formula (YCF) products are important sources of nutrients for children 1–3 years of age. Salt equilibria and protein glycation are two of the crucial aspects affecting nutritional properties and digestive behaviors of YCF, but detailed insights into these two aspects of YCF products remains limited. This study analyzed the distribution of salts and the level of protein glycation in 25 commercial YCF products from the retail market in China. The YCF products were reconstituted (12 g of powder per 100 g of water) and the distribution of calcium and phosphorus between the sedimentable (at 200× g), protein-associated and soluble (10 kDa-permeable) fractions were determined. Blocked lysine and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural were analyzed using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Varying proportions of calcium (3.0–39.3%) and phosphorus (1.2–29.8%) were sedimentable for the products. Notable proportions of calcium (28.9–62.7%) and phosphorus (27.4–57.9%) were associated with the proteins. The remainder of the calcium (24.9–41.4%) and phosphorus (34.2–62.1%) were soluble. When expressing the protein-associated calcium as a function of casein, i.e., casein mineralization, large differences (~1.7 fold) were found among products. Variation in blocked lysine (7.4–19.2% of total lysine) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural contents (3.0–7.0 mg/100 g protein) among products was also observed, suggesting notable differences in heat-load during processing. This study revealed notable variation in salt distribution and protein glycation among the YCF products. These findings underscore the critical need for manufacturers to optimize formulation and processing approaches, e.g., using milk with a low level of casein mineralization and using milk protein sources as concentrated liquid rather than powder to reduce protein glycation, to improve nutritional properties of the products. Full article