Dietary supplemental coated essential oils and organic acids mixture improves growth performance and gut health along with reduces Salmonella load of broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis

Background Reducing Salmonella infection in broiler chickens by using effective and safe alternatives to antibiotics is vital to provide safer poultry meat and minimize the emergence of drug-resistant Salmonella and the spread of salmonellosis to humans.This study was to first evaluate the protective efficacy of feeding coated essential oils and organic acids mixture(EOA)on broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis(S.Enteritidis,SE),and then its action mechanism was further explored.Methods A total of 4801-day-old Arbor Acres male chickens were randomly assigned into five treatments with six replicates,including non-challenged control fed with basal diet(A),SE-challenged control(B),and SE-infected birds fed a basal diet with 300 mg/kg of EOA(BL),500 mg/kg of EOA(BM)and 800 mg/kg of EOA(BH),respectively.All birds on challenged groups were infected with Salmonella Enteritidis on d 13.Results Feeding EOA showed a reversed ability on negative effects caused by SE infection,as evidenced by decreasing the feed conversion rate(FCR)and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(VH/CD)(P<0.05),obviously decreasing intestinal and internal organs Salmonella load along with increasing cecal butyric acid-producing bacteria abundance(P<0.05).Moreover,supplemental different levels of EOA notably up-regulated claudin-1(CLDN-1),occludin(OCLN),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),mucin-2(MUC-2),fatty acid binding protein-2(FABP-2),nuclear factor kappa-light-chainenhancer of activated B cells(NF-κB),myeloid differential protein-88(MyD88)and interleukin-6(IL-6)mRNA levels in the ileum of the infected chickens after challenge,whereas down-regulated toll-like receptor-4(TLR-4)mRNA levels(P<0.05).Linear discriminant analysis combined effect size measurements analysis(LEfSe)showed that the relative abundance of g_Butyricicoccus,g_Anaerotruncus and g_unclassified_f_Bacillaceae significantly was enriched in infected birds given EOA.Also,phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states(PICRUSt)analysis showed that alpha-linolenic acid metabolism,fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids were significantly enriched in the EOA group.Conclusion Our data suggest that the essential oils and organic acids mixture can be used as an effective strategy to ameliorate and alleviate Salmonella Enteritidis infection in broilers.

Dietary organic acids ameliorate high stocking density stress-induced intestinal inflammation through the restoration of intestinal microbiota in broilers

Background:High stocking density(HSD)stress has detrimental effects on growth performance,intestinal barrier function,and intestinal microbiota in intensive animal production.Organic acids(OA)are widely used as feed addi-tives for their ability to improve growth performance and intestinal health in poultry.However,whether dietary OA can ameliorate HSD stress-induced impaired intestinal barrier in broilers remains elusive.In this study,a total of 528 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 12 replicates per treatment including 10 birds for normal stocking density and 17 birds for HSD.The dietary treatments were as follows:1)Normal stocking density+basal diet;2)HSD+basal diets;3)HSD+OA.Results:HSD stress can induce increased levels of serum corticosterone,lipopolysaccharides,interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,and down-regulated mRNA expression of ZO-1,resulting in compromised growth performance of broilers(P<0.05).Dietary OA could significantly reduce levels of serum corticosterone,lipopolysaccharides,interleukin-1β,and tumor necrosis factor-α,which were accompanied by up-regulated interleukin-10,mRNA expres-sion of ZO-1,and growth performance(P<0.05).Moreover,OA could down-regulate the mRNA expression of TLR4 and MyD88 to inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway(P<0.05).Additionally,HSD stress significantly decreased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and disturbed the balance of microbial ecosystems,whereas OA significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and restored the disordered gut microbiota by reducing competitive and exploita-tive interactions in microbial communities(P<0.05).Meanwhile,OA significantly increased the content of acetic and butyric acids,which showed significant correlations with intestinal inflammation indicators(P<0.05).Conclusions:Dietary OA ameliorated intestinal inflammation and growth performance of broilers through restor-ing the disordered gut microbial compositions and interactions induced by HSD and elevating short-chain fatty acid production to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.These findings demonstrated the critical role of intestinal microbiota in mediating the HSD-induced inflammatory responses,contributing to exploring nutritional strategies to alleviate HSD-induced stress in animals.

Formation mechanisms of ethyl acetate and organic acids in Kluyveromyces marxianus L1-1 in Chinese acid rice soup

This study aims to explore the formation mechanism of ethyl acetate and organic acids in acid rice soup(rice-acid soup)inoculated with Kluyveromyces marxianus L1-1 through the complementary analysis of transcriptome and proteome.The quantity of K.marxianus L1-1 varied significantly in the fermentation process of rice-acid soup and the first and third days were the two key turning points in the growth phase of K.marxianus L1-1.Importantly,the concentrations of ethyl acetate,ethanol,acetic acid,and L-lactic acid increased from day 1 to day 3.At least 4231 genes and 2937 proteins were identified and 610 differentially expressed proteins were annotated to 30 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways based on the analysis results of transcriptome and proteome.The key genes and proteins including up-regulated alcohol dehydrogenase family,alcohol O-acetyltransferase,acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase,acyl-coenzyme A thioester hydrolase,and down-regulated aldehyde dehydrogenase family were involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways,starch and sucrose metabolism pathways,amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways,tricarboxylic acid(TCA)cycle,and pyruvate metabolism pathways,thus promoting the formation of ethyl acetate,organic acids,alcohols,and other esters.Our results revealed the formation mechanisms of ethyl acetate and organic acids in rice-acid soup inoculated with K.marxianus L1-1.

Effect of root derived organic acids on the activation of nutrients in the rhizosphere soil

Four types of soils, including brown coniferous forest soil, dark brown soil, black soil, and black calic soil, sampled from three different places in northeast China were used in this test. The functions of two root-derived organic acids and water were simulated and compared in the activation of mineral nutrients from the rhizosphere soil. The results showed that the organic acids could activate the nutrients and the activated degree of the nutrient elements highly depended on the amount and types of the organic acid excreted and on the physiochemical and biochemical properties of the soil tested. The activation effect of the citric acid was obviously higher than that of malic acid in extracting Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn for all the tested soil types. However, the activation efficiencies of P, K, Ca, and Mg extracting by the citric acid were not much higher, sometimes even lower, than those by malic acid. The solution concentration of all elements increased with increase of amount of the citric acid added.

Organic Acids Secreted from Plant Roots under Soil Stress and Their Effects on Ecological Adaptability of Plants

[Objective] In this study,the secretion of organic acids from plant roots under soil nutrient and water stress and the effects of organic acids on ecological adaptability of plants were investigated,which provided theoretical basis for improving the adaptability of plants to a variety of stress conditions.The results showed that,under nutrient and water stress,the content of organic acids secreted from plant roots increased significantly as a common active adaptive response.Organic acids could improve the activities of a variety of antioxidant enzymes,contents of osmotic regulatory substances,contents of chlorophyll and photosynthesis levels,promote nutrient absorption and transportation in plants,and ultimately contribute to plant growth and biomass accumulation,reduce the toxicity of stress conditions to plants and improve the stress resistance and adaptability of plants.

Effects of Exogenous Organic Acids on Phosphorus Availability of Dark Brown Forest Soils and Phosphorus Absorption and Accumulation of Larix olgensis Seedlings with Nutrient Deficiency

Different proportions of A1 and B horizons dark brown forest soils （A1∶B=1∶2） were utilized to set the soil nutrient deficient conditions, and Larix olgensis seedlings were cultivated. By simulating organic acids concentrations in forest litter leachates of northeast China, the effects and mechanism of different concentrations of organic acid solutions on phosphorus （P） availability of dark brown forest soils and P absorption of Larix olgensis seedlings with nutrient deficiency were studied. The results showed that, compared with A1 horizon soils, available P contents of mixed soils in A1 and B horizons decreased, and P accumulation and efficiency of P uptake in root and leaves of Larix olgensis seedlings also decreased, but efficiency of P utilization increased. After treatments of exogenous organic acids, available P contents of mixed soils increased and the impact sequence of different organic acids were succinic acid 〉 citric acid 〉 oxalic acid; the concentration of 5.0 mmol/L had the best function, and the best effect of organic acids was at 20 d. Organic acids also increased P accumulation and efficiency of P uptake in roots and leaves of Larix olgensis seedlings, but decreased efficiency of P utilization. The impact strength of organic acids on P accumulation and efficiency of P uptake varied with treatment time, type and concentration of organic acids. The results of 20 d and 30 d in roots were higher than those of 10 d, however, the results of 10 d and 20 d in leaves were higher than those of 30 d, thus, at the earlier stage of organic acids treatments, more P absorbed were transferred to leaves, and at the later stage, more P would be accumulated in roots. The concentration of 10.0 mmol/L had the best function, and the impact sequence of different organic acids was succinic acid 〉 citric acid 〉 oxalic acid. Therefore, organic acids might contribute to P absorption and accumulation by Larix olgensis seedlings, final y increasing the adaptability and endurance of Larix olgensis seedlings to nutrient deficient soils.

Analysis of organic acids in selected forest litters of Northeast China

Larch (Larix olgensis), Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica), Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) and White birch (Betula platyphylla) are the major planting species in northeast China. The samples of forest litters were collected from the stands of the above 4 species in Laoyeling and Jianlagou experiment stations of Maorshan Exp. Forest Farm (45?2-45?0N, 127?0-127?8E), Northeast Forestry University, in early October 2002. Quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis were carried out on the organic acids existing in freshly fallen litters (L layer) and hemi-decomposed litters (F layer) of the four forest species by using Gas Chromatogram system. A wide variety of organic acids were identified, including oxalic, malonic, fumaric, succinic, maleic, malic, citric, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3 and C20:0 acids. In respect of L litters of all samples, the oxalic acid content (over 30 mg/g) was the highest of the seven low-molecular-weight organic acids identified, while the content of oleic or linoleic (above 40 mg/g) was found to be highest among the six high aliphatic acids identified. As to F litters, oxalic acid content was also the highest, followed by linoleic and oleic. For the same tree species or the same forest, the kinds and contents of organic acids in L litters were more abundant than that in F litters.

Effects of Organic Acids on Adsorption of Cadmium onto Kaolinite, Goethite, and Bayerite

Effects of organic acids (oxalic, acetic, and citric) on adsorption characteristics of Cadmium (Cd) on soil clay minerals (kaolinite, goethite, and bayerite) were studied under different concentrations and different pH values. Although the types of organic acids and minerals were different, the effects of the organic acids on the adsorption of Cd on the minerals were similar, i.e., the amount of adsorbed Cd with an initial solution pH of 5.0 and initial Cd concentration of 35 mg L-1 increased with increasing concentration of the organic acid in solution at lower concentrations, and decreased at higher concentrations. The percentage of Cd adsorbed on the minerals in the presence of the organic acids increased considerably with increasing pH of the solution. Meanwhile, different Cd adsorption in the presence of the organic acids, due to different properties on both organic acids and clay minerals, on kaolinite, goethite, or bayerite for different pHs or organic acid concentrations was found.

A review of the effects of dietary organic acids fed to swine

Animal production depends on nutrient utilization and if done there is an accelerated momentum towards growth with a low cost to feed ratio Public concern over the consumption of pork with antibiotic residues of the animals fed with antibiotic growth promoters （AGP） has paved the way to use other additives like herbs and their products, probiotics, prebiotics etc. Numerous feed additives are in vogue for achieving this target and one such classical example is the usage of organic acids and their salts. Usage of organic acids was in progress for over four decades. Early weaned piglets are （3-4 weeks age） exposed to stress with a reduced feed intake, little or no weight gain. This post weaning lag period is due to a limited digestive and absorptive capacity due to insufficient production of hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes and sudden changes in feed consistency and intake. Lowering dietary pH by weak organic acids was found to overcome these problems. The main activity of organic acids is associated with a reduction in gastric pH converting the inactive pepsinogen to active pepsin for effective protein hydrolysis. Organic acids are both bacteriostatic and bactericidal. Lactic acid has been reported to reduce gastric pH and delay the multiplication of an enterotoxigenic E. coil These acids are the intermediary products in Kreb＇s cycle and thus act as an energy source preventing the tissue breakdown resulting from gluconeogenesis and lipolysis. Excretion of supplemental minerals and nitrogen are minimized with organic acids as these form complexes with minerals and aids for their bio-availability. Short chain fatty cids like acetic, propionic and n-butyric acid produced by microbial fermentation of dietary fibre in the large intestines may increase the proliferation of epithelial cells and have stimulatory effects on both endocrine and exocrine pancreatic secretions in pigs. Organic acids also enhances apparent total tract digestibility and improves growth performance. It is concluded that organic acids and their salts increase the protein utilization especially in weaner pigs and improves production indices.

Effects of Exogenous Organic Acids on Dehydrogenase Activity in Dark Brown Forest Soils under Nutrient Deficiency

Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous or-ganic acids on dehydrogenase activity in dark brown forest soils under nutrient defi-ciency. [Method] Different proportions of A1 and B horizon dark brown forest soils （A1∶B=1∶2） were utilized to establish soil conditions with nutrient deficiency for cultivation of Larix olgensis seedlings. The effects of oxalic acid, citric acid and succinic acid on dehydrogenase activity in dark brown forest soils under nutrient deficiency were studied systematical y by adding different concentrations of organic acid solutions. [Result] Under nutrient deficiency, dehydrogenase activity in dark brown forest soils was reduced significantly, and the reduction increased with the extension of stress duration. Most organic acid treatments improved dehydrogenase activity in nutrient-deficient dark brown forest soils, and the effects varied with different treatment du-ration and types and concentrations of organic acids. Furthermore, 10.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mmol/L organic acid treatments exhibited the most significant effects on day 10, 20 and 30, respectively. The increment of dehydrogenase activity in different durations showed a downward trend of 30 d〉20 d〉10 d; the improvement effects of three organic acids on dehydrogenase activity showed a downward trend of succinic acid〉 citric acid〉oxalic acid. [Conclusion] Exogenous organic acids improved signifi-cantly dehydrogenase activity in dark brown forest soils under nutrient deficiency and also improved the microbial activity and soil fertility to a certain extent.

Characteristics and distribution of low molecular weight organic acids in the sediment porewaters in Bosten Lake, China

The composition and vertical profiles of low molecular-weight organic acids （LMWOAs） and the contribution of them to dissolved organic matter （DOM） in sediment porewaters in Bosten Lake, Xinjiang, China were investigated. The results showed that total concentration of LMWOAs was up to 94.5 μmol/L and their proportion in DOM was 5.6%, suggesting that LMWOAs were important chemical components in DOM in lake sediment porewaters. Among the seven LMWOAs, pyruvic and acetic acid had the highest concentrations with 26.30 and 8.31 μmol/L, accounting for 51.4% and 14.92% of LMWOAs, respectively. Trifluoroacetic and sorbic acid had the lowest concentrations, indicating that the compositions of LMWOAs in relative reducing environments were largely different from those reported in glacier, atmosphere and soils. The concentrations of lactic, acetic, formic, sorbic and oxalic acid decreased with increasing depth, probably relating to stronger microbial activities in the initial stage of early diagenesis. Trifluoroacetic acid was mainly anthropogenic with its concentration, showing a diusive trend from the surface to bottom sediments. The concentrations of lactic acid and nitrate generally showed a consistent profile. The increasing concentration of pyruvic acid in the vertical profile was just opposite to that of sulfate, revealing a significant negative relationship between them. Oxalic acid remained constant except for an obvious peak at 6 cm depth. The results indicated the diversities in sources and behaviors for various LMWOAs during early diagenesis in sediments.

Dietary encapsulated essential oils and organic acids mixture improves gut health in broiler chickens challenged with necrotic enteritis

Background:The poultry industry is in need of effective antibiotic alternatives to control outbreaks of necrotic enteritis(NE)due to Clostridium perfringens.In the present study,we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with a blend of encapsulated essential oils and organic acids(BLJ)on growth performance and gut health using a coinfection model of NE in broiler chickens.Methods:Two hundred and eighty-eight one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned using a 2×2 factorial design into two groups fed either 0 or 500 mg/kg dietary BLJ and co-challenged(or not challenged for the control)with Eimeria spp./C.perfringens.Results:Infected birds fed the BLJ-supplemented diet exhibited an improved feed conversion ratio throughout the trial(P<0.01),a higher villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio,and reduced intestinal C.perfringens counts,liver C.perfringens carriage,gut lesion scores and serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran(FITC-D)concentrations at 7 d postinfection compared with those of birds without BLJ supplementation(P<0.05).NE-infected birds fed BLJ exhibited significantly upregulated claudin-1 and IGF-2 mRNA levels(P<0.05),increased A20 mRNA expression and significantly downregulated TRAF-6,TNFSF15 and TOLLIP mRNA levels in the jejunum at 7 d post-infection compared with those in birds without BLJ supplementation(P<0.05).Compared with the uninfected and untreated birds,the uninfected birds fed BLJ displayed increased relative abundances of Lactobacillus and Coprococcus but reduced Rikenellaceae levels.Compared with the unsupplemented NE-challenged birds,infected birds fed BLJ showed an increased relative abundance of Unclassified_Lachnospiraceae and a significantly decreased relative abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae.Conclusion:BLJ supplementation improved growth performance and gut health in NE-infected broiler chickens by strengthening the intestinal barrier function,positively modulating the gut microbiota community and differentially regulating intestinal immune responses.Our results also suggested that adding BLJ effectively controlled NE infections after experimental Eimeria and Clostridium perfringens coinfection.

Effect of Low-Molecular-Weight Organic Acids on Cl-Adsorption by Variable Charge Soils

Low-molecular-weight (LMW) organic acids exist widely in soils and have beenimplicated in many soil processes. The objective of the present paper was to evaluate effect of twoLMW organic acids, citric acid and oxalic acid, on Cl^-adsorption by three variable charge soils, alatosol, a lateritic red soil and a red soil, using a batch method. The results showed that thepresence of citric acid and oxalic acid led to a decrease in Cl^- adsorption with larger decreasesfor citric acid. Among the different soils Cl^- adsorption in the lateritic red soil and the redsoil was more affected by both the LMW organic acids than that in the latosol.

Effect of Selected Organic Acids on Cadmium Sorption by Variable- and Permanent-Charge Soils

Batch equilibrium experiments were conducted to investigate cadmium （Cd） sorption by two permanent-charge soils, a yellow-cinnamon soil and a yellow-brown soil, and two variable-charge soils, a red soil and a latosol, with addition of selected organic acids （acetate, tartrate, and citrate）. Results showed that with an increase in acetate concentrations from 0 to 3.0 mmol L^-1, Cd sorption percentage by the yellow-cinnamon soil, the yellow-brown soil, and the latosol decreased. The sorption percentage of Cd by the yellow-clnnamon soil and generally the yellow-brown soil （permanent-charge soils） decreased with an increase in tartrate concentration, but increased at low tartrate concentrations for the red soil and the latosol. Curves of percentage of Cd sorption for citrate were similar to those for tartrate. For the variable-charge soils with tartrate and citrate, there were obvious peaks in Cd sorption percentage. These peaks, where organic acids had maximum influence, changed with soil type, and were at a higher organic acid concentration for the variable-charge soils than for the permanent charge soils. Addition of cadmium after tartrate adsorption resulted in higher sorption increase for the varlable-charge soils than permanent-charge soils. When tartrate and Cd solution were added together, sorption of Cd decreased with tartrate concentration for the yellow-brown soil, but increased at low tartrate concentrations and then decreased with tartrate concentration for the red soil and the latosol.

Role of Organic Acids in Desorption of Mercury from Contaminated Soils in Eastern Shandong Province,China

Batch experiments were conducted to study the effects of low-molecular-weight organic acids(LMWOAs) on desorption of Hg from two kinds of soils in the eastern Shandong Province,China.Of all LMWOAs,oxalic and citric acids were chosen as the representatives in this experiment because they are most common in soils.Desorption of Hg increases with the increase of extracting time,until the highest desorption amount at 6-8 h,and then declines.It indicates that timeliness is very important when organic acids are used for phytoremediation in contaminated soils.When the concentrations of organic acids increase from 1.0 mmol/L to 10.0 mmol/L,Hg desorption increases significantly regardless of oxalic or citric acid.Compared with oxalic acid,citric acid is more effective to enhance the desorption of Hg,especially from fluvo-aquic soil.With the increase of initial pH value from 3 to 8,Hg desorption decreases directly in the presence of oxalic acid.However,Hg desorption first decreases,then increases,and eventually decreases again in the presence of citric acid due to the variation of competitive ability between chelating of citric acid and adsorption of soil in different pH values.Citric acid showed greater ability to release Hg from soils than oxalic acid.According to the results of the present study,it is found that the bioavailabilities of heavy metal can be improved with selecting suitable types and concentrations of organic acid amendment and reasonable soil condition.

Determination of Organic Acids in Root Exudates by High Performance Liquid Chromatography: I. Development and Assessment of Chromatographic Conditions *1

Methods for determining nine low molecular weight organic acids in root exudates were developed by using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography with UV (ultraviolet) detection at 214 nm. The mobile phase was 18 mmol L -1 kH 2PO 4 adjusted to pH 2.25 with phosphoric acid and the flow rate was 0.3 mL min -1 . The analytical column was a reversed phase silica based C 18 column (Shim pack CLC ODS). The root exudates were collected through submerging the whole root system into aerated deionized water for 2 hours. The filtered exudate solutions were concentrated to dryness by rotary evaporation at 40 °C, dissolved in 10 mL mobile phase. The chromatographic conditions of organic acid determination were analyzed. The results showed that there was a high selectivity and sensitivity in the organic acid determination by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Coefficients of variation for organic acid determination were lower than 10% except lactic acid. The recoveries were consistently between 80.1% to 108.3%. Detection limits were approximately 0.05 to 4.5 mg L -1 for organic acids except succinic acid with the detection limit of 7.0 mg L -1 . Phosphorus deficiency may contribute to the release of organic acids in soybean root exudates especially malic, lactic and citric acids.

Determination of Five Organic Acids in Radix Isatidis by Column Partition Chromatography and Capillary Zone Electrophoresis柱分配色谱-毛细管区带电泳联用分析板蓝根中五种微量有机酸(英文)

Aim To determine five organic acids in Radix Isatidis . Method The extraction method and the column partition chromatographic conditions were studied. Then a capillary zone electrophoretic method was set up for the determination. Results The linear ranges of quinazolinone acid, n anthranilic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, and syringic acid were 5 52-92 0 μg·mL -1 , 5 12-102 μg·mL -1 , 2 28-84 4 μg·mL-1 , 4 78-159 μg·mL -1 , and 1 74-87 0 μg·mL -1 respectively. Conclusion The established method is accurate and simple.

Effect of Zn deficiency and excessive bicarbonate on the allocation and exudation of organic acids in two Moraceae plants

The effect of zinc(Zn) deficiency and excessive bicarbonate on the allocation and exudation of organic acids in plant organs(root, stem, and leaf) and root exudates of two Moraceae plants(Broussonetia papyrifera and Morus alba) were investigated. Two Moraceae plants were hydroponically grown and cultured in nutrient solution in four different treatments with 0.02 mM Zn or no Zn,combined with no or 10 mM bicarbonate. The variations of organic acids in different plant organs were similar to those of root exudates in the four treatments except B. papyrifera, which was in a treatment that was a combination of 0.02 mM Zn and no bicarbonate. The response characteristics in the production, translocation, and allocation of organic acids in the plant organs and root exudates varied with species and treatments. Organic acids in plant organs and root exudates increased under Zn-deficient conditions,excessive bicarbonate, or both. An increase of organic acids in the leaves resulted in an increase of root-exuded organic acids. B. papyrifera translocated more oxalate and citrate from the roots to the rhizosphere than M. alba under the dual influence of 10 mM bicarbonate and Zn deficiency. Organic acids of leaves may be derived from dark respiration and photorespiration. By comparison, organic acids in stems, roots, and root exudates may be derived from dark respiration and organic acid translocation from the leaves. These results provide evidence for the selective adaptation of plants to environments with low Zn levels or high bicarbonate levels such as a karst ecosystem.

Determination of Organic Acids in Root Exudates by High Performance Liquid Chromatography:Ⅱ.Influence of Several Testing Conditions

Effects of column temperature and flow rate on separation of organic acids were studied by determining nine low-molecular-weight organic acids on reversed- phase C18 column, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a wavelength of UV (ultraviolet) 214 urn and a mobile phase of 18 mmol L-1 KH2PO4 buffer solution (pH 2.1). The thermal stability of organic acids was determined by comparing the recoveries of organic acids in different temperature treatments. The relationships between column temperature, flow rate or solvent pH and retention time were analyzed. At low solvent pH, separation efficiency of organic acids was increased by raising the flow rate of the solvent because of lowering the retention time of organic acids. High column temperature was unfavorable for the separation of organic acids. The separating effect can be enhanced through reducing column temperature in organic acid determination due to increasing retention time. High thermal stability of organic acids with low concentrations was observed at temperature of 40 ℃-45℃. Sensitivity and separation effect of organic acid determination by HPLC were clearly improved by a combination of raising flow rate and lowering column temperature at low solvent pH.

Generation of Hydrogen from Photolysis of Organic Acids by Photosynthetic Bacteria

Photodecomposition of ten kinds of organic acids by Rhodopseudomonas palustris for producing hydrogen has been investigated. By using acetate as hydrogen donor, dynamics of hydrogen production and cell growth has been determined; the influences of acetate concentration, temperature, light intensity and the effects of the interaction among metal ions (Fe3+, Ni2+), acetate and glutamate in aqueous solution on hydrogen production have been examined for optimizing the conditions of H2 generation. The results show that H2 production is partially correlated with cell growth; Ni2+ inhibits hydrogen production, but enhances cell growth; Fe3+ promotes hydrogen production evidently. The highest rate of H2 production is 22.1 mL L-1 h-1 under the conditions of 35 ~ 37℃, 6000 ~ 8000 lx, 30 mmolL-1 of acetate, 9 mmolL-1 of glutamate, and 50 mmolL-1 of Fe3+.