Hybrid rice achievements, development and prospect in China

This article reviews the history and progress of hybrid rice development. Hybrid rice research was initiated back in 1964, and commercialized in 1976. Three-line and two-line system hybrid rice were developed in 1974 and 1995, respectively. Research on super hybrid rice, which was first launched by Ministry of Agriculture, China in 1996, is discussed, and the great progress of super hybrid rice had been achieved with a new yield record by 15.4 t ha^-1 in the 6.84 ha demonstration location in Xupu, Hunan Province, China in 2014. And the mechanism of heterosis, the techniques of hybrid seed production and the modern field managements in hybrid rice over the past decades are also discussed. Additionally, this article dealt with the intellectual property protection（IPR） and development of hybrid rice seed industry in China. Major factors that constrain hybrid rice development are analyzed and possible solutions to this problems are proposed. Finally, the authors present methods to further increase production yield, and propose an improvement for breeding super high-yielding hybrid rice based on these methods.

Modeling water resources under competing demands for sustainable development: A case study of Kaligandaki Gorge Hydropower Project in Nepal

The challenges posed by climate change require that the quantity and quality of water resources in Nepal be managed with sustainable development practices. The communities around the Kaligandaki Gorge Hydropower Project in the Myagdi District of Nepal depend on river flow for most of their rural and agricultural needs. Without a sustainable development plan, the growing population of the region, confined in an area with declining water resources, will face serious challenges to economic growth. Meteorological data show increasing annual average rainfall at a slight rate of about 0.284 mm/year, with erratic annual percentage change in rainfall in the area. The mean and minimum temperatures show decreasing trends at the rates of 0.05-C and 0.14-C per year, respectively. An assessment of the impacts on water availability for domestic and irrigation usage in the face of competing demands caused by the hydropower development project in the Kaligandaki Gorge was undertaken. The water demand and supply modeling were conducted using the water evaluation and planning (WEAP) model, based on discharge data from the Kaligandaki River, which were obtained from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Nepal. The available data from 2001 to 2003 were used to estimate the model parameters while the stability of these parameters was tested with a validation period from 2004 to 2007. The performance of the model was assessed through statistical measures of calibration with the root mean square error and coefficient of determination, whose values were 0.046% and 0.79, respectively. Two scenarios were created in addition to the base case scenario: the discharge decrement scenario and new irrigation technology scenario. Analysis showed that a prioritization of demands will be necessary in the area in the near future for the purpose of sustainability of water resources, due to climate change impacts.

Background and Research Prospect of Geo-ecological Survey and Monitor in the Critical Zone of Black Soil

The American Science journal,on the occasion of its 125 publication anniversary,in 2016,released 125 of the most challenging scientific issues(Kennedy et al.,2005)to the world.According to the basics,breadth and the influence,25 of the issues which considered to be the most important were screened,including"How many people can the Earth carry?"(Stokstad,2005;Dailyg et al.,1992;Cohen,1995)and"How high will the greenhouse effect make the earth temperature?

Studies on the temporal,structural,and interacting features of the clubroot resistance gene Rcr1 using CRISPR/Cas9-based systems

Clubroot disease is a severe threat to Brassica crops globally,particularly in western Canada.Genetic resistance,achieved through pyramiding clubroot resistance(CR)genes with different modes of action,is the most important strategy for managing the disease.However,studies on the CR gene functions are quite limited.In this study,we have conducted investigations into the temporal,structural,and interacting features of a newly cloned CR gene,Rcr1,using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.For temporal functionality,we developed a novel CRISPR/Cas9-based binary vector,pHHIGR-Hsp18.2,to deliver Rcr1 into a susceptible canola line(DH12075)and observed that early expression of Rcr1 is critical for conferring resistance.For structural functionality,several independent mutations in specific domains of Rcr1 resulted in loss-offunction,highlighting their importance for CR phenotype.In the study of the interacting features of Rcr1,a cysteine protease gene and its homologous allele in canola were successfully disrupted via CRISPR/Cas9 as an interacting component with Rcr1 protein,resulting in the conversion from clubroot resistant to susceptible in plants carrying intact Rcr1.These results indicated an indispensable role of these two cysteine proteases in Rcr1-mediated resistance response.This study,the first of its kind,provides valuable insights into the functionality of Rcr1.Further,the new vector p HHIGR-Hsp18.2 demonstrated an inducible feature on the removal of add-on traits,which should be useful for functional genomics and other similar research in brassica crops.

Effects of dietary Clostridium butyricum and rumen protected fat on meat quality,oxidative stability,and chemical composition of finishing goats

Background Clostridium butyricum(CB)is a probiotic that can regulate intestinal microbial composition and improve meat quality.Rumen protected fat(RPF)has been shown to increase the dietary energy density and provide essential fatty acids.However,it is still unknown whether dietary supplementation with CB and RPF exerts beneficial effects on growth performance and nutritional value of goat meat.This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary CB and RPF supplementation on growth performance,meat quality,oxidative stability,and meat nutritional value of finishing goats.Thirty-two goats(initial body weight,20.5±0.82 kg)were used in a completely randomized block design with a 2 RPF supplementation(0 vs.30 g/d)×2 CB supplementation(0 vs.1.0 g/d)factorial treatment arrangement.The experiment included a 14-d adaptation and 70-d data and sample collection period.The goats were fed a diet consisted of 400 g/kg peanut seedling and 600 g/kg corn-based concentrate(dry matter basis).Result Interaction between CB and RPF was rarely observed on the variables measured,except that shear force was reduced(P<0.05)by adding CB or RPF alone or their combination;the increased intramuscular fat(IMF)content with adding RPF was more pronounced(P<0.05)with CB than without CB addition.The pH24h(P=0.009),a*values(P=0.007),total antioxidant capacity(P=0.050),glutathione peroxidase activities(P=0.006),concentrations of 18:3(P<0.001),20:5(P=0.003)and total polyunsaturated fatty acids(P=0.048)were increased,whereas the L*values(P<0.001),shear force(P=0.050)and malondialdehyde content(P=0.044)were decreased by adding CB.Furthermore,CB supplementation increased essential amino acid(P=0.027),flavor amino acid(P=0.010)and total amino acid contents(P=0.024)as well as upregulated the expression of lipoprotein lipase(P=0.034)and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ)(P=0.012),and downregulated the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase(SCD)(P=0.034).The RPF supplementation increased dry matter intake(P=0.005),averaged daily gain(trend,P=0.058),hot carcass weight(P=0.046),backfat thickness(P=0.006),concentrations of 16:0(P<0.001)and c9-18:1(P=0.002),and decreased the shear force(P<0.001),isoleucine(P=0.049)and lysine content(P=0.003)of meat.In addition,the expressions of acetyl-CoA carboxylase(P=0.003),fatty acid synthase(P=0.038),SCD(P<0.001)and PPARγ(P=0.022)were upregulated due to RPF supplementation,resulting in higher(P<0.001)content of IMF.Conclusions CB and RPF could be fed to goats for improving the growth performance,carcass traits and meat quality,and promote fat deposition by upregulating the expression of lipogenic genes of Longissimus thoracis muscle.

Fine mapping of two recessive genes TaFLA1 and TaSPL8 controlling flag leaf angle in bread wheat

Flag leaf angle is one of the key target traits in high yield wheat breeding.A smaller flag leaf angle reduces shading and enables plants to grow at a higher density,which increases yield.Here we identified a mutant,je0407,with an 84.34%-89.35%smaller flag leaf angle compared with the wild type.The mutant also had an abnormal lamina joint and no ligule or auricle.Genetic analysis indicated that the ligule was controlled by two recessive genes,which were mapped to chromosomes 2AS and 2DL.The mutant allele on chromosome 2AS was named Tafla1b,and it was fine mapped to a 1 Mb physical interval.The mutant allele on chr.2DL was identified as Taspl8b,a novel allele of TaSPL8 with a missense mutation in the second exon,which was used to develop a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence marker.F3 and F4 lines derived from crosses between Jing411 and je0407 were genotyped to investigate interactions between the Tafla1b and Taspl8b alleles.Plants with the Tafla1b/Taspl8a genotype had 58.41%-82.76%smaller flag leaf angles,6.4%-24.9%shorter spikes,and a greater spikelet density(0.382 more spikelets per cm)compared with the wild type.Plants with the Tafla1a/Taspl8b genotype had 52.62%-82.24%smaller flag leaf angles and no differences in plant height or spikelet density compared with the wild type.Tafla1b/Taspl8b plants produced erect leaves with an abnormal lamina joint.The two alleles had dosage effects on ligule formation and flag leaf angle,but no significant effect on thousand-grain weight.The mutant alleles provide novel resources for improvement of wheat plant architecture.

Emerging technological developments to address pest resistance in Bt cotton

Cotton plays a crucial role in shaping Indian economy and rural livelihoods.The cotton crop is prone to numerous insect pests,necessitating insecticidal application,which increases production costs.The advent of the expression of Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)insecticidal protein in cotton has significantly reduced the burden of pest without compromising environmental or human health.After the introduction of transgenic cotton,the cultivated area expanded to 22 million hectares,with a 64% increase in adoption by farmers worldwide.Currently,Bt cotton accounts for 93% of the cultivated cotton area in India.However,extensive use of Bt cotton has accelerated resistance development in pests like the pink bollworm.Furthermore,the overreliance on Bt cotton has reduced the use of broad-spectrum pesticides,favouring the emergence of secondary pests with significant challenges.This emphasizes the urgent necessity for developing novel pest management strategies.The high-dose and refuge strategy was initially effective for managing pest resistance in Bt cotton,but its implementation in India faced challenges due to misunderstandings about the use of non-Bt refuge crops.Although gene pyramiding was introduced as a solution,combining mono toxin also led to instances of cross-resistance.Therefore,there is a need for further exploration of biotechnological approaches to manage insect resistance in Bt cotton.Advanced biotechnological strategies,such as sterile insect release,RNA interference(RNAi)-mediated gene silencing,stacking Bt with RNAi,and genome editing using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein(CRISPR-Cas),offer promising tools for identifying and managing resistance genes in insects.Additionally,CRISPR-mediated gene drives and the development of novel biopesticides present potential avenues for effective pest management in cotton cultivation.These innovative approaches could significantly enhance the sustainability and efficacy of pest resistance management in Bt cotton.

Research on arbuscular mycorrhizae in Cuba:a historical review and future perspectives

This review presents the development of researches on arbuscular mycorrhizae(AM)conducted in Cuba,a tropical Caribbean island rich in biodiversity.The key findings from this work are highlighted and presented as a stepping stone for future research.Cuban research has contributed to understand the diversity and functionality of AM in several tropical ecosystems,mainly evergreen forests,agroecosystems,sand dunes and pasturelands.Inventories were conducted in 10 out of 16 provinces reported 79 AM species,representing 25%of the known species worldwide.Cuban researchers have a great deal of expertise in Glomeromycota taxonomy and have described 11 new species,of which six were not reported elsewhere in the world.Furthermore,important studies conducted in Cuba have shed light on the mycotrophic plants,the role of AM in forest ecosystems,and their use in crop production.The contribution of AM to ecosystem processes is a priority line of research.Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary researches are necessary to define the role of AM symbioses and improve biogeochemical models.Recently created Cuban Mycorrhizal Research Network will help to coordinate validation campaigns for various biofertilizers with training courses for Cuban farmers to disseminate the key results on AM.Despite the challenges for Cuban mycorrhizologists,molecular(genomic)techniques,stable isotopes and nuclear magnetic resonance should also be included as priority lines of research in the future.

Development of Hybrid Rice to Ensure Food Security

Rice is the staple food for more than half of the world＇s population and for more than 60% of China population. Increasing rice yield is therefore crucial for solving food shortage problem, ensuring food secruity, and reducing poverty. Given the vast population and limited per capita cultivated land in China, meeting food demands by increasing the yield per unit area with the aid of advanced sciences and technologies would be the only option. Several alternative measures for increasing crop yield, such as building water conservancy facilities, increasing fertilizer application, improving soil texture, forming interrelated cultivation techniques, more effective controlling of pests and diseases, and using of elite varieties, have been undertaken. Among these alternative measures, adopting elite varieties, particularly popularizing super hybrid rice, proves to be the most economical and effective option.

Cell signaling mechanisms and metabolic regulation of germination and dormancy in barley seeds

During germination of barley(Hordeum vulgare L.) seeds, important morphological and physiological changes take place, including development of organs and tissues and activation of metabolic pathways. Germination and dormancy of seeds are regulated by abscisic acid, gibberellins, reactive oxygen species(ROS), reactive nitrogen species(RNS)and several other factors. Activities of ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes, responsible for scavenging ROS, strongly increase. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, also scavenging ROS, decrease at the onset of seed germination and then increase. With the increase in aerobic metabolism after radicle protrusion, the activities of the fermentation enzymes lactate and alcohol dehydrogenase decline rapidly. The RNS-scavenging activity of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase decreases in the course of seed germination, in concert with elevation of nitric oxide production and protein nitrosylation. This activity supports the role of RNS in regulating seed germination. Transcription of various genes at different phases of seed germination exhibits phase-specific changes. During imbibition, genes involved in cell wall metabolism are highly expressed; in the middle phase of seed germination before radicle protrusion, genes involved in amino acid synthesis, protein synthesis, and transport and nucleic acid synthesis are upregulated significantly, and after radicle protrusion, genes involved in photosynthetic metabolism are induced. In summary, signal transduction and metabolic regulation of seed germination involve diverse reactions and complex regulation at different levels of metabolic organization.

Improvement of anticorrosion and adhesion to magnesium alloy by phosphate coating formed at room temperature

A new surface protection process was developed to magnesium alloy against corrosion in aggressive environments.Firstly,a phosphate coating was formed on rinsed magnesium alloy.Then,powder painting was carried out on the phosphated magnesium alloy.Surface morphologies and phase compositions of the phosphate coating were investigated by X-ray diffraction(XRD) and scanning electron microscope(SEM) .The results show that the phosphate coatings formed in bath containing earth additives at room temperature have dense and fine microstructure.The phosphate coating provides excellent paint adhesion to the magnesium alloy. Salt spray tests indicate that the corrosion resistance of the phosphate coating plus paint could meet the demand of magnesium alloy automobile components in aggressive environments.

Breeding wheat for resistance to Fusarium head blight in the Global North: China, USA, and Canada

The objective of this paper is to review progress made in wheat breeding for Fusarium head blight(FHB) resistance in China, the United States of America(USA), and Canada. In China,numerous Chinese landraces possessing high levels of FHB resistance were grown before the 1950 s. Later, pyramiding multiple sources of FHB resistance from introduced germplasm such as Mentana and Funo and locally adapted cultivars played a key role in combining satisfactory FHB resistance and high yield potential in commercial cultivars.Sumai 3, a Chinese spring wheat cultivar, became a major source of FHB resistance in the USA and Canada, and contributed to the release of more than 20 modern cultivars used for wheat production, including the leading hard spring wheat cultivars Alsen, Glenn, Barlow and SY Ingmar from North Dakota, Faller and Prosper from Minnesota, and AAC Brandon from Canada. Brazilian wheat cultivar Frontana, T. dicoccoides and other local germplasm provided additional sources of resistance. The FHB resistant cultivars mostly relied on stepwise accumulation of favorable alleles of both genes for FHB resistance and high yield,with marker-assisted selection being a valuable complement to phenotypic selection. With the Chinese Spring reference genome decoded and resistance gene Fhb1 now cloned, new genomic tools such as genomic selection and gene editing will be available to breeders, thus opening new possibilities for development of FHB resistant cultivars.

Effect of Si,Cu and Fe on mechanical properties of cast semi-solid 206 alloys

The development of a modified 206 alloy whose composition was optimized to minimize hot tearing during semi-solid forming was reported. The effect of varying silicon, copper and iron contents was investigated using a design of experiment (DOE) approach. Semi-solid slurries were prepared using the SEED process and injected into a high pressure die casting press. The hot tearing sensitivity results were reported for different alloy variants. The microstructure evolution during the semi-solid preparation was presented along with actual die cast components. The effects of silicon, copper and iron on mechanical properties in the T7 condition were also analyzed. Beyond the benefit of reducing hot tearing, it is shown that the tensile and fatigue properties remain compatible with the automotive industry requirements.

Changes in terrestrial surface dry and wet conditions on the Loess Plateau(China) during the last half century

This paper, using a revised Penman-Monteith model, computed the terrestrial surface humidity index of the Loess Plateau （China） based on climatic factors of monthly mean temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind speed and sunshine duration observed on the plateau from 1961 to 2008. The temporal-spatial distribution, anomaly distribution and sub-regional temporal variations of the terrestrial surface dry and wet conditions were analyzed as well. The results showed a decreasing trend in the annual average surface humidity from the southeast to the northwest in the research anna. Over the period of 1961-2008, an aridification tendency appeared sharply in the central interior region of the Loess Plateau, and less sharply in the middle part of the region. The border region showed the weakest tendency ol; aridification. It is clear that aridification diffused in all directions from the interior region. The spatial anomaly distribution of the terrestrial surface dry and wet conditions on the Loess Plateau can be divided into three key areas： the southern, western and eastern regions. The terrestrial annual humidity index displayed a significantly descending trend and showed remarkable abrupt changes from wet to dry in the years 1967, 1977 and 1979. In the above mentioned three key areas for dry and wet conditions, the terrestrial annual humidity index exhibited a fluctuation period of 3-4 years, while in the southern region, a fluctuation period of 7-8 years existed at the same time.

PPARγ: the dominant regulator among PPARs in dry eye lacrimal gland and diabetic lacrimal gland

AIM: To investigate the regulatory roles of the members of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR)family in lacrimal gland dysfunction under conditions of desiccating stress or diabetes.METHODS: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) was used to examine the expression of PPARs in the cornea, conjunctiva, meibomian gland, and lacrimal gland in adult rats. The rats were divided into 3 groups:a control group, dry eye group, and diabetic group. The phenol red threads test, tear film break-up time(BUT) test and fluorescein staining were carried out to evaluate the development of dry eye. Based on bioinformatics research,qP CR was used to examine the expression level of PPARγ,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6), sirtuin 1(Sirt1), myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88) and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)in the lacrimal glands.RESULTS: PPARα and PPARβ/δ were mainly expressed in the conjunctiva and the lacrimal gland, respectively.However, PPARγ was expressed in both the conjunctiva and lacrimal gland, at much higher levels than those measured for PPARα and PPARβ/δ. Dry eye rats and diabetic rats both showed decreased tear secretion, shortened BUT,and increased corneal staining. Significant changes in gene expression were observed compared with the control group. In the lacrimal glands of dry eye rats and diabetic rats, expression of PPARγ decreased(P<0.05), expression of Sirt1 also decreased(P<0.01), whereas expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MyD88, and TGF-β increased(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Among PPARs, PPARγ might play a dominant role in the regulation of metabolic-and inflammatorysignaling pathways on the ocular surfaces and in lacrimal glands. Down-regulation of PPARγ is highly relevant to lacrimal gland dysfunction under desiccating-stress and diabetic conditions. PPARγ, thus, is a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of environment-or diabetes-induced dry eye diseases.

Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of Solanum xanthocarpum leaves(field grown & in vitro raised) extracts on alloxan induced diabetic rats

Objective:To investigate antidiabetic efficacy of the extract of field grown and in vitro raised leaves of Solanum xanthocarpum(S.xanthocarpum) against alloxan induced diabetic rats. Methods:The antidiabetic activity of the crude methanol extracts of the field grown and in vitro raised leaves of S.xanthocarpum at different concentrations(100-200 mg/kg bw) was tested against alloxan induced diabetic rats.The antidiabetic efficacy was validated through various biochemical parameters and the antioxidant effect was also determined.The phytochemical analyses of field grown S.xanthocarpum and in vitro rasied 5.xanthocarpum leaves were done by estimating their chlorophyll,carotenoids,total sugar,protein,amino acid and minerals contents. Results:The results revealed that the methanol extracts of both the leaves(field grown and in vitro raised) of S.xanthocarpum was efficient anti hyperglycemic agents at a concentration of 200 mg/kg bw and posses potent antioxidant activity.However,the extracts of in vitro rasied S.xanthocarpum raised leaves exhibit higher efficacy than the field grown leaves in all tested concentrations.Proximal composition and mineral analysis of S.xanthocarpum revealed higher concentration of contents in in vitro rasied S.xanthocarpum than field grown S.xanthocarpum. Conclusions:From the results it can be concluded that the leaves extracts of S.xanthocarpum can be a potential candidate in treating the hyperglycemic conditions and suits to be an agent to reduce oxidative stress.

Microstructure evolution during homogenization of Al-Mg-Si-Mn-Fe alloys: Modelling and experimental results

Microstructure evolution during the homogenization heat treatment of an Al?Mg?Si?Fe?Mn(AA6xxx)alloy wasinvestigated using a combination of modelling and experimental studies.The model is based on the CALPHAD-coupledhomogenization heat treatment model originally developed for AA3xxx alloys(i.e.,Al?Mn?Fe?Si).In this work,the model wasadapted to the more complex AA6xxx system(Al?Mg?Si?Mn?Fe)to predict the evolution of critical microstructural features suchas the spatial distribution of solute,the type and fraction of constituent particles and dispersoid number density and size distribution.Experiments were also conducted using three direct chill(DC)cast AA6xxx alloys with different Mn levels subjected to varioushomogenization treatments.The resulting microstructures were characterized using a range of techniques including scanning electronmicroscopy,electron microprobe analysis(EPMA),XRD,and electrical resistivity measurements.The model predictions werecompared with the experimental measurements,and reasonable agreement was found.

Effects of urea plus nitrate pretreated rice straw and corn oil supplementation on fiber digestibility,nitrogen balance,rumen fermentation,microbiota and methane emissions in goats

Background: Urea pretreatment is an efficient strategy to improve fiber digestibility of low quality roughages for ruminants. Nitrate and oil are usually used to inhibit enteric methane(CH4) emissions from ruminants. The objective of this study was to examine the combined effects of urea plus nitrate pretreated rice straw and corn oil supplementation to the diet on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen(N) balance, CH4 emissions, ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbiota in goats. Nine female goats were used in a triple 3 × 3 Latin Square design(27 d periods). The treatments were: control(untreated rice straw, no added corn oil), rice straw pretreated with urea and nitrate(34 and 4.7 g/kg of rice straw on a dry matter [DM] basis, respectively, UN), and UN diet supplemented with corn oil(15 g/kg soybean and15 g/kg corn were replaced by 30 g/kg corn oil, DM basis, UNCO).Results: Compared with control, UN increased neutral detergent fiber(NDF) digestibility(P < 0.001) and copies of protozoa(P < 0.001) and R. albus(P < 0.05) in the rumen, but decreased N retention(-21.2%, P < 0.001), dissolved hydrogen concentration(-22.8%, P < 0.001), molar proportion of butyrate(-18.2%, P < 0.05),(acetate + butyrate) to propionate ratio(P < 0.05) and enteric CH4 emissions(-10.2%, P < 0.05). In comparison with UN, UNCO increased N retention(+34.9%, P < 0.001) and decreased copies of protozoa(P < 0.001) and methanogens(P < 0.001). Compared with control, UNCO increased NDF digestibility(+8.3%, P < 0.001), reduced ruminal dissolved CH4 concentration(-24.4%, P < 0.001) and enteric CH4 emissions(-12.6%, P < 0.05).Conclusions: A combination of rice straw pretreated with urea plus nitrate and corn oil supplementation of the diet improved fiber digestibility and lowered enteric CH4 emissions without negative effects on N retention. These strategies improved the utilization of rice straw by goats.

Removal of copper from molybdenite concentrate by mesophilic and extreme thermophilic microorganisms

Mixed mesophilic and extreme thermophilic bioleaching were evaluated to remove copper from the molybdenite concentrate.Bioleaching tests were carried out in shake flasks and in a 50-L bioreactor.The shake flask tests were performed with different inoculum size,solids density,pH.and temperature in order to identify optimum conditions.The highest amount of copper elimination,75%was obtained with extreme thermophilic microorganisms(at 12%inoculation,10%solids,65℃and a pH of 1.5).The highest copper elimination by mesophilic microorganisms was 55%(at 12%inoculation,5%solids,30℃at pH 2).The optimum conditions in shake flask tests were applied to 7 days batch tests in a50-L bioreactor.Extreme thermophilic experiment gave the best copper elimination of 60%(at 12%inoculation,10%solids,65℃and pH 1.5).Mesophilic test removed 50%of the copper(at 12%inoculation,10%solids,35℃at pH 2).

Structure,morphology and opto-magnetic properties of Bi_2MoO_6 nano-photocatalyst synthesized by sol-gel method

Bismuth molybdate （Bi2MoO6） nano-particles （NPs） were synthesized using bismuth nitrate, ammonium molybdate, citric acid and ethyl cellulose by a simple sol-gel method. The structure, morphology, opto-magnetic and photocatalytic properties of the obtained powder were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, Fourier transform infrared （FT-IR） spectra, high resolution scanning electron microscopy （HRSEM）, energy dispersive X-ray （EDX）, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra （DRS）, photoluminescence （PL） spectra and vibrating sample magnetometer （VSM） techniques. The XRD, FT-IR and EDX results indicate that the resultant powder is pure and single phase crystalline Bi2MoO6 with orthorhombic structure. The HRSEM image shows that the morphology of obtained powder consists with well defined nano-particles structure. The VSM results show superparamagnetic behavior of the obtained nano-particles. The photocatalytic activity of Bi2MoO6 nano-particles was performed. The addition of TiO2 catalyst enhances the photocatalytic activity of Bi2MoO6 nano-particles. The catalysts Bi2MoO6, TiO2 and mixed oxide catalyst Bi2MoO6-TiO2 nano-composites （NCs） were tested for the photocatalytic degradation （PCD） of 4-chlorophenol （4-CP）. It is found that the PCD efficiency of Bi2MoO6-TiO2 NCs is higher than that of pure Bi2MoO6 and TiO2 catalysts.