Cross-upgrading of biomass hydrothermal carbonization and pyrolysis for high quality blast furnace injection fuel production:Physicochemical characteristics and gasification kinetics analysis

The paper proposes a biomass cross-upgrading process that combines hydrothermal carbonization and pyrolysis to produce high-quality blast furnace injection fuel.The results showed that after upgrading,the volatile content of biochar ranged from 16.19%to 45.35%,and the alkali metal content,ash content,and specific surface area were significantly reduced.The optimal route for biochar pro-duction is hydrothermal carbonization-pyrolysis(P-HC),resulting in biochar with a higher calorific value,C=C structure,and increased graphitization degree.The apparent activation energy(E)of the sample ranges from 199.1 to 324.8 kJ/mol,with P-HC having an E of 277.8 kJ/mol,lower than that of raw biomass,primary biochar,and anthracite.This makes P-HC more suitable for blast furnace injection fuel.Additionally,the paper proposes a path for P-HC injection in blast furnaces and calculates potential environmental benefits.P-HC of-fers the highest potential for carbon emission reduction,capable of reducing emissions by 96.04 kg/t when replacing 40wt%coal injec-tion.

Microwave irradiation-induced alterations in physicochemical properties and methane adsorption capability of coals:An experimental study using carbon molecular sieve

In order to comprehend the applicability of microwave irradiation for recovering coalbed methane,it is necessary to evaluate the microwave irradiation-induced alterations in coals with varying levels of metamorphism.In this work,the carbon molecular sieve combined with KMnO_(4)oxidation was selected to fabricate carbon molecular sieve with diverse oxidation degrees,which can serve as model substances toward coals.Afterwards,the microwave irradiation dependences of pores,functional groups,and highpressure methane adsorption characteristics of model substances were studied.The results indicated that microwave irradiation causes rearrangement of oxygen-containing functional groups,which could block the micropores with a size of 0.40-0.60 nm in carbon molecular sieve;meanwhile,naphthalene and phenanthrene generated by macro-molecular structure pyrolysis due to microwave irradiation could block the micropores with a size of 0.70-0.90 nm.These alterations in micropore structure weaken the saturated methane adsorption capacity of oxidized carbon molecular sieve by 2.91%-23.28%,suggesting that microwave irradiation could promote methane desorption.Moreover,the increased mesopores found for oxidized carbon molecular sieve after microwave irradiation could benefit CH4 diffusion.In summary,the oxidized carbon molecular sieve can act as model substances toward coals with different ranks.Additionally,microwave irradiation is a promising technology to enhance coalbed methane recovery.

A review:Health benefits and physicochemical characteristics of blended vegetable oils

Oil blending is the method of choice used worldwide to improve oxidative stability and nutritional value.There is no such edible oil/fat that meets all the recommendations from the health point of view.The fatty acid composition of vegetable oils decides the fate of the oil.Pure single oil is unable to provide a balanced amount of fatty acids(FAs)required/recommended on a daily intake basis.Blending oils/fats is an appropriate procedure of physically mixing multiple oils in suitable proportions which may provide functional lipids with improved antioxidant potential and desirable physical and chemical properties.This review piled up the accessible data on the blending of diverse oils/fats in the combination of binary,ternary,quaternary,or other types of oils into a single blended oil.Blending can be found very convincing towards appropriate FA profile,enhancement in physicochemical characteristics,and augmented stability for the period of storage or when used as cooking/frying processes which could ultimately serve as an effectual dietary intervention towards the health protectiveness.

Physicochemical composition and climate response of surface sediments at different altitudes in Motuo on the southern slope of the Himalayas

Background,aim,and scope Certain physicochemical indexes of topsoil are closely related to climatic factors including temperature,and precipitation.Understanding the relationship between modern topsoil properties and climatic factors is essential for quantitative paleoclimate reconstruction.Motuo located in the eastern Himalayas,exhibits a significant elevation gradient of over 7000 m from Nnamjagbarwa Peak(7782 m a.s.l.)to the Baxika(150 m a.s.l.).This region features a complete vertical zonation of vegetation,from alpine meadow to tropical forest,presenting an ideal place to investigate the relationships among vegetation,soil and climate conditions across altitudinal gradients.This study aims to explore the vertical variations in the physicochemical composition of topsoil and its relationship with temperature and precipitation.Materials and methods Twenty-seven topsoil samples were collected at 100 m intervals from 800 m to 3600 m a.s.l.along the southern slope of the Himalayas.Grain size,magnetic susceptibility and geochemical elements were measured to discuss the vertical variation characteristics of topsoil composition and their correlation with climatic factors.Results(1)The grain size of topsoil at different altitudes in Motuo is mainly composed of sand accounting for an averaged 53.2%,followed by silt and clay.(2)In the mixed forest zone,frequency dependent magnetic susceptibility(χfd%)shows a clear relationship with altitude,and clay is positively correlated with both altitude and climatic factors.(3)The oxides of topsoil in this area mainly consist of SiO_(2),Al_(2)O_(3) and Fe_(2)O_(3),followed by MgO,CaO,Na_(2)O and K_(2)O,with slight variations in the primary components at different altitudes.The sensitivity of elements to climate varies across different altitudes and vegetation zone,likely due to the region’s complex topography and vegetation.(4)Physical and biological weathering dominates in the broad-leaved forest zone of Motuo,while chemical weathering is more prominent in the coniferous forest zone,with the mixed forest zone falling in between.Discussion The formation of topsoil across the three vegetation zones is influenced by various factors,including parent material,vegetation,and climate.In the broad-leaved forest zone,physical weathering(precipitation,root wedging etc.)and pedogenesis dominate,resulting in finer grain size.The χ_(fd)% increases with altitude likely due to the high temperature and abundant precipitation in this zone,which facilitate the transformation of strong magnetic miners into weaker ones,particularly when the soil is oversaturated.Zirconium(Zr),primarily found in zircon,is depleted at lower altitudes by strong current erosion.Barium(Ba)is similarly reduced at low altitudes in this zone.In mixed forest zone,clay content is the lowest,indicating weaker physical weathering conditions than broad-leaved forest zone.The coarser grain size may result from the combined effects of topography and vegetation coverage.Magnetic susceptibility and organic matter show a positive correlation with altitude.Zr concentration is higher than that in the broad-leaved forest zone,likely resulting from decreased precipitation.In the coniferous zone,the clay content shows considerable fluctuations,with grain size generally becoming finer as altitude increases.This trend may be explained by intensified soil disintegration from seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.The χ_(fd)% values lack a clear trend or pattern,possibly due to soil erosion causing the migration of magnetic minerals or insufficient iron precipitation,which reduces the concentration of magnetic minerals in the soil.Additionally,a positive correlation is observed between altitude and organic matter content,with higher altitudes associated with greater organic matter accumulation.This may be attributed to lower microbial activity in colder conditions,which slows the decomposition and transformation of organic matter.Conclusions The variations in grain size,magnetic susceptibility,and geochemical elements differ across altitudes and vegetation zones,closely connected to the complex interplay of terrain,vegetation,and climate in Motuo.In the mixed forest,altitude has a significant impact onχfd%,and the clay component is particularly sensitive to changes in altitude,mean annual temperature,and precipitation.Zr shows a strong correlation with altitude and climate factors,making it a valuable indicator for assessing changes in atmospheric precipitation within specific altitude ranges.Recommendations and perspectives This study enhances our understanding of the relationships between the physicochemical properties of topsoil and climate conditions,offering valuable insights for paleoclimate reconstruction in Motuo.

Physicochemical and Biochemical Characterization, Total Phenolic and Energy Value from Bulbs of Different Onion (Allium cepa L.) Varieties in Senegal

The purpose of this study is to investigate the physicochemical properties of some local varieties of onion (Allium cepa L.) and compare them with an imported variety, all collected in May 2021. Proteins, reducing sugars, lipids, and polyphenol content were estimated according to the AFNOR standardized methods. The determination of calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, potassium and phosphorus was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer coupled with a CCD detector. The results highlighted an average acidity of 0.377% ± 0.002% lower than the value of the imported variety which is 0.520% ± 0.001%. Local varieties have a pH ranging from 6.35 ± 0.003 to 6.42 ± 0.004, while the variety has a pH of 6.36 ± 0.003. The ash and dry matter contents vary respectively from 4.788% ± 0.004% to 8.253% ± 0.003% and 7.945% ± 0.021% to 11.945% ± 0.007% for the local varieties. Moreover, the imported one has ash and dry matter contents of 5.175% ± 0.007% and 10.035% ± 0.021% respectively. The results show that the protein, reducing sugar and lipid contents in the local onion varieties vary respectively from 2.815 ± 0.000 to 15.634 ± 0.001 g·100 g-1;4.691 ± 0.001 to 12.596 ± 0.002 g·100 g-1 and 0.006 ± 0.001 to 0.050 ± 0.057 g·100 g-1. Furthermore, the imported variety has a protein, reducing sugar and lipid content of 5.649 ± 0.002;8.565 ± 0.002 g·100 g-1 and 0.011 ± 0.010 g·100 g-1 respectively. The maximum levels of total polyphenols are obtained in the imported variety, Bellani and Gandiol, respectively 9.973 ± 0.001, 4.535 ± 0.002, and 3.425 ± 0.006 mg EAG/g of dry matter. The local varieties have a significant calorific intake of between 35.451 ± 0.001 and 112.980 ± 0.003 kcal·100 g-1 compared to the imported one with an energy value of 56.953 ± 0.001 kcal·100 g-1 of dry matter. The bulbs of different onion varieties studied have a fairly high content of mineral elements. The potassium content of local varieties is between 502.16 ± 0.06 mg·100 g-1 and 582.77 ± 0.04 mg·100 g-1 while the imported variety has a content of 536.62 ± 1.30 mg·100 g-1. They note that the local varieties have a better calcium content (249.75 ± 0.07 to 434.20 ± 0.57 mg·100 g-1) and magnesium (142.15 ± 0.07 to 162.60 ± 0.42 mg·100 g-1) than the imported variety (229.58 ± 0.04 mg·100 g-1) except for the varieties White Grano (228.29 ± 0.01 mg·100 g-1) and Rouge Amposta (117.00 ± 0.42 mg·100 g-1) respectively. These results reveal that Gandiol, Dayo and Orient F1 are nutritionally found better due to their higher antioxidant property, proteins, carbohydrates, and reducing sugar and should be included in diets to supplement our daily allowance needed by the body.

Impact of Different Rates of Nitrogen Supplementation on Soil PhysicochemicalProperties and Microbial Diversity in Goji Berry

Goji berry(Lycium barbarum L.)is substantially dependent on nitrogen fertilizer application,which can signifi-cantly enhance fruit yield and Goji berry industrial development in Ningxia,China.This study aimed to analyze the functions of differential nitrogen application rates including low(N1),medium(N2),and high(N3)levels in soil microbial community structure(bacterial and fungal)at 2 diverse soil depths(0-20,20-40 cm)through high-throughput sequencing technology by targeting 16S RNA gene and ITS1&ITS2 regions.All the observed physicochemical parameters exhibited significant improvement(p<0.05)with increased levels of nitrogen and the highest values for most parameters were observed at N2.However,pH decreased(p<0.05)gradually.The alpha and beta diversity analyses for bacterial and fungal communities’metagenome displayed more similarities than differences among all groups.The top bacterial and fungal phyla and genera suggested no obvious(p>0.05)differences among three group treatments(N1,N2,and N3).Furthermore,the functional enrichment analysis demonstrated significant(p<0.05)enrichment of quorum sensing,cysteine and methionine metabolism,and transcriptional machinery for bacterial communities,while various saprotrophic functional roles for fungal communities.Conclusively,moderately reducing the use of N-supplemented fertilizers is conducive to increasing soil nitrogen utilization rate,which can contribute to sustainable agriculture practices through improved soil quality,and microbial community structure and functions.

Physicochemical Properties of the Seed Oil of Khaya senegalensis

The physicochemical characteristics of Khaya senegalensis seed oil were investigated. Iodine value, saponification value, percentage free fatty acid (FFA), acid value, and peroxide value were the chemical parameters examined in the oil analysis, while specific gravity and refractive index were examined as physical parameters. The results showed that the acid value was 1.18 ± 0.01, the saponification value was 191.76 ± 0.01 mgKOH/gm, and the iodine value was 102.79 ± 0.01. It contained 0.59 ± 0.01 percent free fatty acid. The value of peroxide was 6.83 ± 0.01 meq/kg. The results showed that the refractive index was 1.462 ± 0.02 and the specific gravity was 0.9194 ± 0.04. The established parameters fell within the worldwide and Nigerian vegetable oil industry standards.

Comparative Study of the Physicochemical Quality of the Waters of the Méné River (Sassandra Watershed, Ivory Coast) in the Dry Season and in the Rainy Season

The study carried out on the waters of the Méné River led to an overall assessment of its water quality during the dry season and the rainy season. The analysis focused on eight (8) water samples taken from the river during a period of dry season (January-February) and a period of rainy season (June and September). The various physicochemical parameters were measured according to Afnor standardized methods. The readings of temperature, turbidity, pH and conductivity made it possible to account for the disturbances occurring in water quality. A temporal variation correlated with the seasons (dry or rainy) is noted. Turbidity depends on the concentration of suspended solids (SS) in the water and drained particles and therefore on the seasons. Just like the temperature, the conductivity changes with the season. The waters of the Méné River are generally acidic. The results obtained show that there is a low level of pollution by chlorides, phosphates, nitrites and nitrates. A slight pollution of the waters of Méné in organic matter (chemical oxygen demand values are less than 25 mg∙L−1 during dry season and 32.33 ± 4.73 mg∙L−1 during rainy season) was observed. The concentrations of metallic trace elements such as iron, manganese and aluminum indicate significant pollution of these waters by these elements. Overall, the waters of the Méné River are of satisfactory quality because all the physicochemical parameters analyzed have values below standards during the dry season as well as during the rainy season with the exception of COD and a few metallic trace elements.

Physicochemical Analysis of Locally Made Yoghurt (Kossam) Commercialised in the City of Douala-Cameroon

Yogurt is a traditional dairy product well known in all the regions of the world. In Cameroon, the most popularly known type is “kossam” also called curdled milk. Kossam is a set of milk based beverage from northern Cameroon presenting great symbolic, economic and social values for local population [1]. 150 Kossam samples were collected from neighborhoods of PK8, Bonamoussadi, Nyalla, cite des palmier, Deido and Bedi community and later on reconstituted into 50 different samples of 350 mL, each containing 1/3 of 3 individual samples. They were analyzed for their physiochemical properties such as: PH, titratable acidity, density, brix and dry matter using most at times the standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods with slight modifications and results compared to a licensed brand sold in the Cameroonian market. The results of the study showed that, the physico-chemical properties of the locally made yogurts were different within the different samples. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in the levels of the parameters analyzed in the different yogurt samples (p −1 Kg/L), Brix (8˚ - 24˚B), Dornic (23˚ - 160˚D). others contents per 100 g fresh matter are as follows: dry matter (average mean of 16.54%). Hence, the significant variations in the physico-chemical properties of kossam are a call for concern since as it impacts on the health of the population consuming this product.

Surface Water Quality Profiling Using Physicochemical Parameters in Open Defecation Free and Non-Open Defecation Free Local Government Areas in Benue State, Nigeria

Physicochemical parameters of surface water sources in the study of local government areas (LGAs) were assessed using standard procedures. The mean physicochemical parameters for pH (5.49), NO2 (0.23 mg/L), SO4 (0.77 mg/L), Na (28.72 mg/L), Ca (28.94 mg/L), Mg (17.50 mg/L), Cl (11.65 mg/L), TSS (6.27 mg/L), TDS (104.23 mg/L), BOD (2.83 mg/L) and F (0.87 mg/L) were below WHO standards irrespective of their defecation status. The values for electrical conductivity (EC) (2770.50 µs/cm, turbidity (481.24 NTU), dissolved oxygen (DO) (5.32 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (445.50 mg/L), K (125.06 mg/L), PO4 (0.78 mg/L) and Fe (0.57 mg/L) were above the WHO limits for safe water. Higher EC and COD values obtained in the study is evidence of pollution of the water sources by organic matter.

Clay Materials for Ceramics Application from N’Djamena in the Chad Republic: Mineralogical, Physicochemical and Microstructural Characterization

Herein, we report some characteristics of the clayey materials (CMs) collected from Kaliwa (C1), Kabé (C2) and Malo (C3) district in N’Djamena (Chad). Three samples were characterized applying XRF, XRD, FTIR, SEM. In addition, TGA/DSC were performed to control decomposition/mass loss and show phase transitions respectively of CMs. Geochemical analysis by XRF reveals the following minerals composition: SiO2 (~57% - 66%), Al2O3 (~13% - 15%), Fe2O3 (~6% - 10%), TiO2 (~1% - 2%) were the predominant oxides with a reduced proportion in C1, and (~7%) of fluxing agents (K2O, CaO, Na2O). Negligible and trace of MgO (~1%) and P2O5 was noted. The mineralogical composition by XRD shows that, C1, C2 and C3 display close mineralogy with: Quartz (~50%), feldspar (~20%) as non-clay minerals, whereas clays minerals were mostly kaolinite (~15%), illite (~5%) and smectite (~10%). FTIR analysis exhibits almost seemingly similar absorption bands characteristic of hydroxyls elongation, OH valence vibration of Kaolinite and stretching vibration of some Metal-Oxygen bond. SEM micrographs of the samples exhibit microstructureformed by inter-aggregates particles with porous cavities. TGA/DSCconfirm the existence of quartz (570˚C to 870˚C), carbonates (600˚C - 760˚C), kaolinite (569˚C - 988˚C), illite (566˚C - 966˚C), MgO (410˚C - 720˚C) and smectite (650˚C - 900˚C). The overall characterization indicates that, these clayey soils exhibit good properties for ceramic application.

Changes in Soil Physicochemical Properties under Selected Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices in Central African Republic

Soil nutrient depletion as a result of continuous cultivation with insufficient external nutrient replenishment is a major challenge in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A trial using the organic and mineral fertilizer was established in the cassava cropping system of the Pissa and Damara areas to address the declining soil fertility. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of cow manure and mineral fertilizer in combination or sole application on soil physico-chemical properties and macronutrients. The experimental trial adopted a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times. The treatments comprised of;T1 (Control), T2 (Peasant practice), T3 (sole NPK), and T4 (Cow manure + NPK). The data on soil physicochemical analysis was subjected to a one-way analysis of variance in SAS 9.4 and the mean was separated by Tukey’s HSD test at p < 0.005. The soil pH values ranged from 4.20 to 4.91;and 4.53 to 5.28 in Pissa and Damara respectively. According to the treatments, a low pH value is observed in T3 (4.13) in the Pissa. Combined use of cow manure and the mineral fertilizer resulted in higher Mg K and N in the Pissa region and higher soil pH in Damara. The use of sole NPK (T3) gave a higher soil carbon and CN ratio. In the Pissa region the CEC, Cu, Fe, and Zn were higher in the treatments with mineral fertilizer compared to the control. Conclusively, the use of mineral fertilizer and cow manure can be used with optimum rates to improve soil physico-chemical properties on a sustainable basis.

Physicochemical properties and biological activities of polysaccharides from the peel of Dioscorea opposita Thunb.extracted by four different methods

Polysaccharides are the important biologically active components found in the peel of Dioscorea opposita Thunb.(DTTP).The influences of 4 extraction methods,namely hot water extraction(W),acidic extraction(HA),hot-compressed water extraction(HCW)and enzyme-assisted extraction(EAE),on the yields,physicochemical properties,hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from DTTP were studied and compared.Among these DTTP polysaccharides,DTTP-HA was outstanding in several respects.DTTP-HA was the most water soluble;it had the highest total carbohydrate content(85.08%),the highest uronic acid(13.20%)and the highest thermal stability.DTTP-HA and DTTP-W possessed a triple-helix structure.These 4 kinds of polysaccharides have the same types of monosaccharides,but in different molar percentages.Extraction method had a significant impact on the microstructures of the extracted polysaccharides.DTT-HA exhibited irregular structure with many holes.Among the 4 extracted methods,the DTTP-HA and DTTP-W initially exhibited higher hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities.The better bioactivities of DTTP-HA may be related to the above factors.The findings indicated that acid extraction is an effective method to extract polysaccharides with high biological activities from DTTP.

Physicochemical properties and antibacterial mechanism of theabrownins prepared from different catechins catalyzed by polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase

Theabrownins(TBs)are the characteristic functional and quality components of dark teas such as Pu’er tea and Chin-brick tea.TBs are a class of water-soluble brown polymers with multi-molecular weight distribution produced by the oxidative polymerisation of tea polyphenols during the fermentation process of dark tea,both enzymatically and non-enzymatically.TBs have been extracted and purified from dark tea all the time,but the obtained TBs contain heterogeneous components such as polysaccharides and caffeine in the bound state,which are difficult to remove.The isolation and purification process was tedious and required the use of organic solvents,which made it difficult to industrialise TBs.In this study,epigallocatechin(EGC),epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG),epigallocatechin gallate(ECG),EGC/EGCG(mass ratio 1:1),EGCG/ECG(mass ratio 1:1),EGC/ECG(mass ratio 1:1)and EGC/EGCG/ECG(mass ratio 1:1:1)as substrates and catalyzed by polyphenol oxidase(PPO)and peroxidase(POD)in turn to produce TBs,named TBs-dE-1,TBs-dE-2,TBs-dE-3,TBs-dE-4,TBs-dE-5,TBs-dE-6 and TBs-dE-7.The physicochemical properties and the antibacterial activity and mechanism of TBs-dE-1–7 were investigated.Sensory and colour difference measurements showed that all seven tea browning samples showed varying degrees of brownish hue.Zeta potential in aqueous solutions at pH 3.0–9.0 indicated that TBs-dE-1–7 was negatively charged and the potential increased with increasing pH.The characteristic absorption peaks of TBs-dE-1–7 were observed at 208 and 274 nm by UV-visible(UV-vis)scanning spectroscopy.Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR)spectra indicated that they were phenolic compounds.TBs-dE-1–7 showed significant inhibition of Escherichia coli DH5α(E.coli DH5α).TBs-dE-3 showed the strongest inhibitory effect with minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)of 1.25 mg mL–1 and MBC of 10 mg mL–1,followed by TBs-dE-5 and TBs-dE-6.These three TBs-dEs were selected to further investigate their inhibition mechanism.The TBs-dE was found to damage the extracellular membrane of E.coli DH5α,causing leakage of contents,and increase intracellular reactive oxygen content,resulting in abnormal cell metabolism due to oxidative stress.The results of the study provide a theoretical basis for the industrial preparation and product development of TBs.

A review of physicochemical and biological contaminants in drinking water and their impacts on human health

Clean drinking water is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.Despite significant progress in the water purification technology,many regions still lack access to clean water.This paper provides a review of selected water contaminants and their impacts on human health.The World Health Organization(WHO)guidelines and regional standards for key contaminants were used to characterise water quality in the European Union and UK.The concept of safe drinking water was explained based on the non-observed adverse effect level,threshold concentrations for toxic chemicals,and their total daily intake.Various techniques for monitoring water contaminants and the drinking water standards from five different countries,including the UK,USA,Canada,Pakistan and India,were compared to WHO recommended guidelines.The literature on actual water quality in these regions and its potential health impacts was also discussed.Finally,the role of public water suppliers in identifying and monitoring drinking water contaminants in selected developed countries was presented as a potential guideline for developing countries.This review emphasised the need for a comprehensive understanding of water quality and its impacts on human health to ensure access to clean drinking water worldwide.

Effect of different process conditions on the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of plasma-activated water

The physicochemical properties of plasma-activated water(PAW)generated under different process conditions were investigated,and their changes under different storage conditions were also studied.The results showed that increasing the processing time and power,and decreasing generated water volume,could cause an increase in the redox potential,conductivity,and temperature of PAW,and a decrease in its pH.A slower dissipation of the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in PAW was found on storage at 4℃in a sealed conical flask than on storage at room temperature.The inactivation ability of plasma-activated lactic acid(LA)to Listeria monocytogenes(L.monocytogenes)and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa)was higher than that of PAW or LA alone under the same experimental conditions.The results of this study may provide theoretical information for the application of PAW as a potential antimicrobial agent in the future.

Effect of Glycosylation on the Physicochemical Properties,Structure and Iron Bioavailability of Ferritin Extracted from Tegillarca granosa

Iron deficiency anemia(IDA)is a major global health problem.Tegillarca granosa has been considered as an excellent source of iron given its high content of iron-binding protein,ferritin.The aim of the present study was to determine the physicochemical properties,protein structures,and iron uptake of ferritin extracted from T.granosa,and to evaluate the potential impacts of chitosan glycosylation on these characteristics.Based on Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology,the optimal conditions for glycosylation included a ferritin/chitosan mass ratio of 4:1,a pH of 5.5,a reaction time of 10 min,and a reaction temperature of 50℃.Glycosylation caused decreased surface hydrophobicity and elevated water-holding capacity of ferritin due to the introduction of hydrophilic groups.Additionally,glycosylation improved antioxidant capacity of ferritin by 20.69%–189.66%,likely owing to the protons donated by saccharide moiety to terminate free radical chain reaction.The in vitro digestibility of ferritin was elevated by 22.56%–104.85%after glycosylation,which could be associated with lessβ-sheet content in secondary structure that made the glycosylated protein less resistant to enzymatic digestion.The results of the iron bioavailability in Caco-2 cells revealed that ferritin(78.85–231.77 ngmg^(−1))exhibited better iron bioavailability than FeSO4(51.48–114.37 ngmg^(−1))and the values were further elevated by glycosylation with chitosan(296.23–358.20 ngmg^(−1)),which may be related to the physicochemical properties of ferritin via glycosylation modification.These results provide a basis for the development of T.granosa derived ferritin and its glycosylated products,and can promote the utilization of aquatic resources.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Parameters of Biosorbents Produced from Groundnut Hull Using Microwave Assisted Irradiation Method

Samples of ground nut hull were converted to biosorbents using microwave assisted method [groundnut hull treated with hydrogen peroxide (HP-GH), groundnut hull treated with distilled water (W-GH) and raw groundnut hull (R-GH)]. The biosorbents were further characterized using physicochemical procedures (pH dependence, bulk density, surface area, ash content, and volatile matter, moisture content). The results show that HP-GH has pH = 8.9, W-GH pH = 8.4 and R-GH pH = 8.5 which is an indication that all the biosorbents have the appropriate pH values for the uptake of cationic species within aqueous systems. Surface area analysis revealed that HP-GH has the largest surface area (74.20 m2·g-1) while W-GH and R-GH have surface area values of 29.40 m2·g-1 and 21.40 m2·g-1 respectively. This suggests that modification of raw groundnut hull biomass with hydrogen peroxide possibly instigated delignification of the biomass which resulted in increased surface area for HP-GH. Results from Bulk density analysis also confirm the data obtained from surface area analysis. Accordingly, R-GH displayed the highest bulk density followed by W-GH with HP-GH showing the least bulk density. The variation in pH values among the biomass used in this study may be explained by the variation in their ash content as well because pH and ash content are positively correlated. Hence, HP-GH with a pH = 8.9 has high ash content (117.31%), W-GH with pH = 8.4 has 97.93% ash content and R-GH with pH = 8.5 has 94.26% ash content. Results from moisture content analysis show that HP-GH (99.95%), W-GH (99.97%) and R-GH (99.89%) may necessitate exposure of the biosorbents to moderate heat before use. The results obtained from this study suggest that modification of ground nut hull with either distilled water or Hydrogen peroxide by means of microwave irradiation improves physicochemical properties which may perhaps increase the adsorption capacity of the biomass.

Assessment of the Physicochemical Quality of Unrefined Shea Butter Produced in the Localities of Sarh and Koumra (Chad)

Introduction: The shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is one of the plant species supplying Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Chad. His edible fruits containing almonds are used as a raw material in butter processing. This processing activity is carried out by both informal units and cooperatives. Aim: The aim of the study is to contribute to the improvement of the physicochemical quality of unrefined shea butter produced in the localities of Sarh and Koumra (Chad). Methodology: The methodology consists of conducting surveys in these units and cooperatives to identify production stages and sample butter. The samples taken were analysed for seven (7) physicochemical parameters to assess their quality. The tests are carried out in the laboratories of the Food Quality Control Center (CECOQDA). The results take into account for seven (7) physicochemical parameters that are: 1) Criteria Organoleptic: 50% black and fondant butter;50% yellow and compact butter;28.57% strong smell, 28.57% low odour, 21.43% medium odour and 21.43% rancid;2) Water Content: 0.14% ± 0.020% for yellow butter and 0.25% ± 0.040% for black (p = 0.002);3) Insoluble Impurities: 3.49% m/m ± 0.27 for yellow butter and 3.88% m/m ± 0.38 black;4) Acid Index: 5.11% ± 0.090% for yellow butter and 3.57% ± 0.130% for black;5) Iodine Index: 21.12 g I2/100 g ± 0.670 for yellow butter and 20.67 g I2/100 g ± 0.62 for black;6) Peroxide Index: 11.86 mEq/Kg ± 0.42 for yellow butter and 3.65 mEq/Kg ± 0.28 for black (p = 0.008);7) Saponification Index: 182.64 mg KOH/g ± 0.80 for yellow butter and 193.45 mg KOH/g ± 0.70 black (p = 0.037). Conclusion: This study evaluated the quality of the two varieties of unrefined shea butter. The yellow variety proves to be better in view of the results. However, efforts still have to be made on the processes to connect to the values required by the Codex Alimentarius.

Effects of Different Planting Years on Physicochemical Properties and Enzyme Activities in Soil of Rice-Cherry Tomato Rotation

Crop rotation periodicity has always been one of the research focuses currently. In this study, the physicochemical properties, nutrient contents and enzyme activities were investigated in soils from rice-cherry tomato rotation for one year (1a), three years (3a), five years (5a), seven years (7a) and ten years (10a), respectively. The major objective was to analyze the optimal rotation years of rice-cherry tomato from soil perspective, so as to provide theoretical basis for effectively avoiding continuous cropping obstacles of cherry tomato via studying the response characteristics of soil physicochemical properties, nutrient contents and enzyme activities to planting years of rice-cherry tomato rotation system. The results were as follows: 1) Soil pH value was increased year by year during 1a to 5a, reached the highest value 5.32 at 5a. However, soil acidity was sharply enhanced during 7a to 10a (P P •kg-1 at 5a. 3) The content of soil available phosphorus was increased year by year with increasing of crop rotation years, and increased by 110% to 173% during 3a to 10a (P P P < 0.05). In conclusion, long-term single rotation pattern of rice-cherry tomato would aggravate soil acidification, prompt soil nutrient imbalance and reduce soil enzyme activity. 5a to 7a would be the appropriate rotation period for rice-cherry tomato, or else it would reduce soil quality, resulting in a new continuous cropping obstacle of cherry tomato.