Evaluation of Sensory and <i>in Vitro</i>Cardio Protective Properties of Sardine (<i>Sardina pilchardus</i>): The Effect of Grilling and Brining

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of grilling and brining on the sensory properties, the fillet fatty acid composition and the cardio-protective activity of sardine (Sardina pilchardus), studying the in vitro activity against Platelet-Activating-Factor (PAF) induced platelet aggregation. Sensory evaluation of grilled and brined sardine showed that grilled sardine had higher scores for the attributes: grilled fish, marine and fresh fish whereas brined sardine had higher scores for the attributes: salty, iodine, oily and bitter. Grilled sardine exhibited significantly increased fillet fatty acid content while the brined fish sample significantly decreased fatty acid levels. Polar lipids of all specimens (raw, grilled and brined) showed strong inhibitory activity against PAF action indicating that grilling and brining have not diminished the cardio-protective properties of sardine.

Hydrochemical Characteristics and Evolution of Underground Brine in Lop Nur,Northwestern China

Lop Nur is located at the eastmost end of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang,Northwestern China.This study reviews the hydrochemical characteristics and evolution of underground brine in Lop Nur,based on analytical data from 429 water samples(mainly brine).It is found that in the NE-SW direction,from the periphery to the Luobei sub-depression,while the hydrochemical type varies from the sodium sulfate subtype(S)to the magnesium sulfate subtype(M),the corresponding brine in the phase diagram transfers from the thenardite phase(Then)area,through the bloedite phase(Blo),epsomite phase(Eps),picromerite phase(Picro),finally reaching the sylvite phase(Syl)area.As for the degree of evolution,the sequence is the periphery<Luobei horizontally and the overlying glauberite brine<the underlying clastic brine vertically.It is concluded that the oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions of the brine have evidently been affected through the effects of evaporation and altitude,as well as the changes in local water circulation in recent years.Boron and chloride isotopic compositions show that the glauberite brine is formed under more arid conditions than the clastic one.The strontium isotopic composition indicates that the Lop Nur brine primarily originates from surface water;however,deep recharge may also be involved in the evolution of the brine,according to previous noble gas studies.It is confirmed that the brine in Lop Nur has become enriched with potassium prior to halite precipitation over the full course of the salt lake's evolution.Based on chemical compositions of brine from drillhole LDK01 and previous lithological studies,the evolution of the salt lake can be divided into three stages and it is inferred that the brine in Lop Nur may have undergone at least two significant concentration-dilution periods.

Effects of conductive agent type on lithium extraction from salt lake brine with LiFePO_(4) electrodes

Electrochemical lithium extraction from salt lakes is an effective strategy for obtaining lithium at a low cost.Nevertheless,the elevated Mg:Li ratio and the presence of numerous coexisting ions in salt lake brines give rise to challenges,such as prolonged lithium extraction periods,diminished lithium extraction efficiency,and considerable environmental pollution.In this work,Li FePO4(LFP)served as the electrode material for electrochemical lithium extraction.The conductive network in the LFP electrode was optimized by adjusting the type of conductive agent.This approach resulted in high lithium extraction efficiency and extended cycle life.When the single conductive agent of acetylene black(AB)or multiwalled carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs)was replaced with the mixed conductive agent of AB/MWCNTs,the average diffusion coefficient of Li+in the electrode increased from 2.35×10^(-9)or 1.77×10^(-9)to 4.21×10^(-9)cm^(2)·s^(-1).At the current density of 20 mA·g^(-1),the average lithium extraction capacity per gram of LFP electrode increased from 30.36 mg with the single conductive agent(AB)to 35.62 mg with the mixed conductive agent(AB/MWCNTs).When the mixed conductive agent was used,the capacity retention of the electrode after 30 cycles reached 82.9%,which was considerably higher than the capacity retention of 65.8%obtained when the single AB was utilized.Meanwhile,the electrode with mixed conductive agent of AB/MWCNTs provided good cycling performance.When the conductive agent content decreased or the loading capacity increased,the electrode containing the mixed conductive agent continued to show excellent electrochemical performance.Furthermore,a self-designed,highly efficient,continuous lithium extraction device was constructed.The electrode utilizing the AB/MWCNT mixed conductive agent maintained excellent adsorption capacity and cycling performance in this device.This work provides a new perspective for the electrochemical extraction of lithium using LFP electrodes.

Study on Effects of Curing Process on Characteristics of Marinated Beef Products

[Objectives]This study was conducted to compare the effects of different curing processes on the characteristics of marinated beef.[Methods]Marinated beef was obtained by two curing processes:static curing and injection and vacuum tumbling curing.The effects of the two curing processes on the production rate,curing absorption rate,water content,soluble protein content,amino acid nitrogen content,texture characteristics and microstructure of the product were compared.[Results]Compared with static curing,the production rate of marinated beef increased by 10%,the curing absorption rate increased by 28%,the texture and microstructure were improved,and the water content increased,while the soluble protein content decreased.As a result,the sensory score was higher.There was no significant difference in the content of amino acid nitrogen,but it decreased compared with raw meat.To sum up,injection and vacuum tumbling curing is more conducive to the processing of marinated beef.[Conclusions]This study provides a theoretical basis for the industrial production of marinated beef,and lays a foundation for in-depth exploration of injection and vacuum tumbling curing technique of marinated beef.

A review of lithium extraction from natural resources

Lithium is considered to be the most important energy metal of the 21st century.Because of the development trend of global electrification,the consumption of lithium has increased significantly over the last decade,and it is foreseeable that its demand will continue to increase for a long time.Limited by the total amount of lithium on the market,lithium extraction from natural resources is still the first choice for the rapid development of emerging industries.This paper reviews the recent technological developments in the extraction of lithium from natural resources.Existing methods are summarized by the main resources,such as spodumene,lepidolite,and brine.The advantages and disadvantages of each method are compared.Finally,reasonable suggestions are proposed for the development of lithium extraction from natural resources based on the understanding of existing methods.This review provides a reference for the research,development,optimization,and industrial application of future processes.

Genesis of Neogene Formation Waters in the Central Qaidam Basin:Clues from Hydrochemistry and Stable D-O-S-Sr Isotopes

Geological explorations have revealed plentiful Neogene formation waters in anticlines in the central Qaidam Basin(QB).However,the hydrochemistry and origin of these waters are obscure.In this study,the hydrochemistry and DO-S-Sr isotopes of these formation waters were determined to study their origin and evolution.The formation waters are enriched in Na-Ca-Cl,and depleted in Mg-K-SO4-HCO3ions with elevated Li-B-Br-Sr elements.The D-O isotopes prove that the formation waters originated from weak-evaporated meteoric waters,and experienced water-rock interactions.Ion comparisons and Caexcess-Nadeficitdiagrams suggest that solute sources of these waters include evaporite dissolution,waterrock interaction,and minor residual lake brines.Bacterial sulfate reduction and water-rock interactions are supported by the high S-Sr isotopes.The enriched Li-B-Br-Sr concentrations of these waters are in accord with the high geochemical background values of the QB.Regarding the genesis of the formation waters,it can be concluded that meteoric waters from the southern Kunlun Mountains were discharged into the basin,weakly evaporated,and then infiltrated into the Neogene strata through faults leaching the soluble ions and mixing with residual lake brines,and all experienced water-rock interactions and a sulphate reduction process.

Classification and mineralization of global lithium deposits and lithium extraction technologies for exogenetic lithium deposits

A reasonable classification of deposits holds great significance for identifying prospecting targets and deploying exploration. The world ’s keen demand for lithium resources has expedited the discovery of numerous novel lithium resources. Given the presence of varied classification criteria for lithium resources presently, this study further ascertained and classified the lithium resources according to their occurrence modes, obtaining 10 types and 5 subtypes of lithium deposits(resources) based on endogenetic and exogenetic factors. As indicated by surveys of Cenozoic exogenetic lithium deposits in China and abroad,the formation and distribution of the deposits are primarily determined by plate collision zones, their primary material sources are linked to the anatectic magmas in the deep oceanic crust, and they were formed primarily during the Miocene and Late Paleogene. The researchers ascertained that these deposits,especially those of the salt lake, geothermal, and volcanic deposit types, are formed by unique slightly acidic magmas, tend to migrate and accumulate toward low-lying areas, and display supernormal enrichment. However, the material sources of lithium deposits(resources) of the Neopaleozoic clay subtype and the deep brine type are yet to be further identified. Given the various types and complex origins of lithium deposits(resources), which were formed due to the interactions of multiple spheres, it is recommended that the mineralization of exogenetic lithium deposits(resources) be investigated by integrating tectono-geochemistry, paleoatmospheric circulation, and salinology. So far, industrialized lithium extraction is primarily achieved in lithium deposits of the salt lake, clay, and hard rock types. The lithium extraction employs different processes, with lithium extraction from salt lake-type lithium deposits proving the most energy-saving and cost-effective.

Construction of truncated-octahedral LiMn2O4 for battery-like electrochemical lithium recovery from brine

The extraction of lithium from salt lakes or seawater has attracted worldwide attention because of the explosive growth of global demand for lithium products. The LiMn_(2)O_(4)-based electrochemical lithium recovery system is one of the strongest candidates for commercial application due to its high inserted capacity and low energy consumption. However, the surface orientation of LiMn_(2)O_(4)that facilitates Li diffusion happens to be prone to manganese dissolution making it a great challenge to obtain high lithium inserted capacity and long life simultaneously. Herein, we address this problem by designing a truncated octahedral LiMn_(2)O_(4)(Tr-oh LMO) in which the dominant(111) facets minimize Mn dissolution while a small portion of(100) facets facilitate the Li diffusion. Thus, this Tr-oh LMO-based electrochemical lithium recovery system shows excellent Li recovery performance with high inserted capacity(20.25 mg g^(-1)per cycle) in simulated brine. In addition, the dissolution rate of manganese per 30 cycles is only 0.44% and the capacity maintained 85% of the initial after 30 cycles. These promising findings accelerate the practical application of LiMn_(2)O_(4)in electrochemical lithium recovery.

Construction of porous disc-like lithium manganate for rapid and selective electrochemical lithium extraction from brine

In order to satisfy the growing global demand for lithium, selective extraction of lithium from brine has attracted extensive attention. LiMn_(2)O_(4)-based electrochemical lithium recovery system is one of the best choices for commercial applications because of its high selectivity and low energy consumption.However, the low ion diffusion coefficient of lithium manganate limits the further development of electrochemical lithium recovery system. In this work, a novel porous disc-like LiMn_(2)O_(4) was successfully synthesized for the first time via two-step annealing manganese(Ⅱ) precursors. The as-prepared LiMn_(2)O_(4) exhibits porous disc-like morphology, excellent crystallinity, high Li^(+)diffusion coefficient(average 7.6×10^(-9)cm^(2)·s^(-1)), high cycle stability(after 30 uninterrupted extraction and release cycles, the crystal structure hardly changed) and superior rate capacity(93.5% retention from 10-120 mA·g^(-1)). The porous structure and disc-like morphology further promote the contact between lithium ions and electrode materials. Therefore, the assembled electrochemical lithium extraction device with LiMn_(2)O_(4) as positive electrode and silver as negative electrode can realize the rapid and selective extraction of lithium in simulated brine(adsorption capacity of lithium can reach 4.85 mg·g^(-1) in 1 h). The mechanism of disc-like LiMn_(2)O_(4) in electrochemical lithium extraction was proposed based on the analysis of electrochemical characterization and quasi in situ XRD. This novel structure may further promote the practical application of electrochemical lithium extraction from brine.

Performance comparison of lithium fractionation from magnesium via continuous selective nanofiltration/electrodialysis

Although selective nanofiltration(SNF)and selective electrodialysis(SED)have been widely adopted in the field of Mg^(2+)/Li^(+)separation,their differences have not been illustrated systematically.In this study,for the first time,SNF and SED processes in continuous mode were studied for Li+fractionation from the same brine with high Mg/Li ratios and their differences were discussed in detail.For a fair analysis of the two processes,typical factors were optimized.Specifically,the optimal operating pressure and feed flow rate for SNF were 2.4 MPa and 140 L·h^(-1),respectively,while the optimal cell-pair voltage and replenishment flow rate for SED were 1.0 V and 14 L·h^(-1),respectively.Although the Li^(+)fractionation capacity of the two processes were similar,the selectivity coefficient of SNF was 24.7% higher than that of SED and,thus,the Mg/Li ratio in purified stream of the former was 19.0% lower than that of the latter.Due to higher ion driving force,SED had clear advantages in recovery ratio and concentration effects.Meanwhile,the specific energy consumption of SED was 20.1% lower than that of SNF.This study provided a better understanding and guidance for the application and improvement of the two technologies.

Influence of quenching medium on the dendrite morphology,hardness,and tribological behaviour of cast Cu-Ni-Sn spinodal alloy for defence application

Cu-Ni-Sn spinodal alloys(Spinodal bronze)are potential materials with robust applications in components associated with defence applications like bearings,propellers,bushes,and shafts of heavily loaded aircraft,off-road vehicles,and warships.This paper presents a comparative study using water,Brine solution,and SAE 40 oil as the quenching media in regular bronze(Cu-6Sn)and spinodal bronze(Cu-9Ni-6Sn)alloys.Morphological analysis was conducted by optical microscopy,transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and X-ray diffraction technique(XRD)on bronze and spinodal bronze samples immersed in the three different quenching media to understand the grain size and hardness values better.Tribological analysis was performed to analyze the effect of quenching media on the wear aspects of bronze and spinodal bronze samples.The hardness value of the brine-aged spinodal bronze samples was as high as 320 Hv,and the grain size was very low in the range of 60μm.A quantitative comparison between brine-aged regular bronze and brine-aged spinodal bronze showed that the hardness(Hv)was almost 80%higher for brine-aged spinodal bronze.Further,the grain size was approximately 30%finer for spinodal bronze when compared with regular bronze.When the load was increased in spinodal bronze samples,there was an initial dip in wear rate followed by a marginal increase.There was a steady increase in friction coefficient with a rise in load for brine-aged regular bronze and spinodal bronze samples.These results indicate that brine solution is the most effective quenching medium for cast Cu-Ni-Sn spinodal alloys.

Influence of Climate and Tectonics on the Crystallization of Carnallite and Related Salts in the Congolese Atlantic Basin during the Lower Cretaceous, Republic of Congo

Lithological, petrographic, and morphoscopic studies were conducted on cuttings and cores from three boreholes drilled in the Loemé salt, Kanga site, Republic of the Congo, to determine 1) the preferential conditions for crystallization of carnallite and associated salts and 2) to reconstruct paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions at the time of sedimentation. Sequential analysis of logs, sedimentary structures, carnallitite facies and associated salts concluded to the existence of a potassic carnallitite lagoon basin with low water cover, on a very wide and extensive plateau, affected by coastal waves and swells resulting from successive collapses. This basin evolved in two phases: confined and then open. The regular stratifications of halite, the rhythmicity of the halite-carnallitite elementary sequences are characteristic of salts that precipitated in relatively stable brines. These salts are therefore tectonosedimentary. The brecciated facies of the carnallitites sometimes associated with tachyhydrite result from the evolution of these deposits into salt crusts reworked by the surges into subaquatic allochemical gravelly cords under water. These crusts mark stages of partial and complete drying of the basin in a very hot and arid climate. Prolonged exposure of halite brines as well as their homogenization by surges accelerated evaporation and their abrupt evolution into carnallite brines obstructing the fossilization of sylvite. The precipitation of tachyhydrite marks the final stage of the successive complete drying of the basin.

Solar-Driven Water Treatment: New Technologies, Challenges, and Futures

In this review, the new solar water treatment technologies, including solar water desalination in two direct and indirect methods, are comprehensively presented. Recent advances and applications of five major solar desalination technologies include solar-powered humidification–dehumidification, multi-stage flash desalination, multi-effect desalination, RO, and solar stills. Each technology’s productivity, energy consumption, and water production costs are presented. Also, common methods of solar water disinfection have been reviewed as one of the common and low-cost methods of water treatment, especially in areas with no access to drinking water. However, although desalination technologies have many social, economic, and public health benefits, they are energy-intensive and negatively affect the environment. In addition, the disposal of brine from the desalination processes is one of the most challenging and costly issues. In this regard, the environmental effects of desalination technologies are presented and discussed. Among direct solar water desalination technologies, solar still technology is a low-cost, low-tech, and low-investment method suitable for remote areas, especially in developing countries with low financial support and access to skilled workers. Indirect solar-driven water desalination technologies, including thermal and membrane technologies, are more reliable and technically more mature. Recently, RO technology has received particular attention thanks to its lower energy demand, lower cost, and available solutions to increase membrane durability. Disposal of brines can account for much of the water cost and potentially negatively affect the environment. Therefore, in addition to efforts to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of solar technologies and water treatment processes, future research studies should consider developing new solutions to this issue.

In Search of Portable Water Supplies within a Brine and Mine Water-Invaded Region for Serving Some Communities around Ishiagu, Afikpo and Environs in Abakaliki Basin, Southeast Nigeria

The study investigates the hydrogeochemical characteristics of some towns in the Abakaliki Basin, comprising, Ishiagu, Aka Eze, Amaseri, Afikpo and Okposi communities, with the aim of sourcing for portable water in the area. The basin is underlain by Albian sediments, essentially shales, in the lowlands, which were affected by low-grade metamorphism that had produced slates. The highlands comprise basic intrusives from episodes of magmatism and metallic ore mineralisation. Injection of brines into the aquifer system and low, seasonal aquifer recharge from rainfall results in poor water quality in the area. The study analyzes the geochemical distribution in water sources in the area and identifies sources of pollutants to guide the better choice of portable water. Results of hydrogeochemical analysis of both surface and groundwater from the communities were compared with World Health Organization to identify portable water locations in the area. While the salt lake at Okposi is the main source of brine intrusion in the study area, the Pb/Zn mine at Ishiagu is the main source of mine-water pollution in the study area. Most chemical parameters, (especially Cl-, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, HCO3-) maintain high concentrations within the salt lake area, with the values declining away from the salt lake. The main anthropogenic source of pollution in the area, especially at Ishiagu, is the indiscriminate surface mining of lead-zinc without proposer waste management practices. Possible sourcing for portable water in the study area includes a deep borehole at Ishiagu, away from lead-zinc intrusives. At the Okposi axis, searching for portable water in boreholes should target shallower aquifers that do not communicate with the deeper-seated brine zones, likewise targeting zones farther away from these brine-invaded areas. A controlled pumping rate could potentially ensure that the cone of depression was not low enough to reach the brine zone at depth. In addition, desalination could also potentially render the salt water drinkable if properly handled to eliminate the high concentration of salts in the water to the level of acceptable limit by the WHO. Based on the study, the best area to target for portable water in the study area is Afikpo, with most geochemical elements naturally occurring within WHO’s standard concentration while portable water could be harnessed in areas further away from mining sites, especially at deep groundwater.

Electrochemical behavior of Li^+,Mg^(2+),Na^+ and K^+ in LiFePO_4/FePO_4 structures

Besides Li＋ and Mg2＋, the electrochemical behavior of Na^＋ and K＋ in LiFePO4/FePO4 structures was studied since they naturally coexist with Li＋ and Mg2＋ in brine. The cyclic voltammogram （CV） results indicated that Na＋ exhibits some reversibility in LiFePO4/FePO4 structures. Its reduction peak appears at -0.511 V, more negative than that of Li＋ （-0.197 V）, meaning that a relatively positive potential is beneficial for decreasing Na＋ insertion. The reduction peak of K＋ could not be found clearly, indicating that K＋ is difficult to insert into the FePO4 structure. Furthermore, technical experiments using real brine with a super high Mg/Li ratio （493） at a cell voltage of 0.7V showed that the final extracted capacity of Li＋, Mg2＋ and Na＋ that can be attained in 1 g LiFePO4 is 24.1 mg, 7.32 mg and 4.61 mg, respectively. The Mg/Li ratio can be reduced to 0.30 from 493, and the Na/Li ratio to 0.19 from 16.7, which proves that, even in super high Mg/Li ratio brine, if a cell voltage is appropriately controlled, it is possible to separate Li^＋ and other impurities effectively.

Extraction of lithium from salt lake brine by aluminum-based alloys

Salt lake brine was reacted with activated aluminum-based alloys and lithium was precipitated.The effects of aluminum-based alloys on precipitating lithium were investigated and the reasonable alloy used to extract lithium from brine was obtained.The effects of the mole ratio of Al to Li and Ca content of Al-Ca alloy,the initial concentration of lithiumion ion in solution,reaction temperature and reaction time on the adsorption rate of lithium were studied,and the optimized process parameters were determined.The results show that the mole ratio of Al to Li and Ca content of Al-Ca alloy and reaction temperature have great influences on the precipitation rate of lithium.The precipitation rate of lithium reaches 94.6% under the optimal condition,indicating that Al-Ca alloy is suitable for the extraction of lithium from salt lake brine.

Solvent extraction of rubidium and cesium from salt lake brine with t-BAMBP-kerosene solution

The residues of salt lake brine from which potassium had been removed were used to extract Rb＋ and Cs＋ together with a sulphonated kerosene（SK） solution of 1.0 mol/L 4-tert-butyl-2-（α-methylbenzyl） phenol（t-BAMBP）. Rb＋ and Cs＋ were enriched and separated effectively by precipitating Mg2＋ before extraction and by scrubbing out K＋ and Na＋ repeatedly before stripping. The effects of the volume ratio of organic phase to aqueous extraction phase（O/A）, alkalinity of aqueous phase（c（OH）-）, interference from K＋ and Mg2＋, and ratio the volume of organic phase to aqueous scrubbing phase（O/A′） were investigated. The experimental brine was extracted optimally by 5-stage extraction with 1.0 mol/L t-BAMBP in SK, c（OH-）=1 mol/L, and O/A=1：1. The scrubbing yield of rubidium was only about 10.5% when the extraction solvent was washed 3 times with 1×10-4 mol/L Na OH at O/A′=1：0.5. After 5-stage countercurrent extraction, the final extraction yields of Rb＋ and Cs＋ reached 95.04% and 99.80%, respectively.

Brineshrimp致死率生测法筛选九牛造抗癌活性部位

首次采用Ｂｒｉｎｅｓｈｒｉｍｐ致死率生测法检测了九牛造的不同提取组分的抗癌活性，结果表明其根提取组分均具生物活性。

Screening an Na^+/H^+ Antiporter Gene from the Halophiles Colonizing in the Dagong Ancient Brine Well of Zigong City,China

[Objective] This study aimed to screen an Na＋/H＋ antiporter gene from the halophiles colonizing in the Dagong Ancient Brine Well in Zigong City, China, and then analyze the gene structure and properties of the protein encoded by this gene. [Method] Metagenomic DNA libraries of halophiles from the Dagong Ancient Brine Well were used for screening genes with Na＋/H＋ antiporter activity in antiporter-defi- cient E. coil KNabc strain by functional complementation. Then the start codon, stop codon, ORF, -35 region, -10 region and SD sequence of Na~/H＋ antiporter gene, as well as the molecular weight, isoelectric point, hydrophobic region, transmembrane domain, phyletic evolution and salt resistance of protein encoded by the gene were investigated. [Result] A new Na＋/H＋ antiporter gene m-nha was obtained, which ,ren- dered the antiporter-negative mutant E. coil KNabc cells with both the resistance to Na＋ and the ability to grow under alkaline conditions. [Conclusion] The structure and amino acid sequence of M-Nha was different from the previously reported Na＋/H~ antiporters, and the m-nha gene disclosed from the Dagong Ancient Brine Well was identified as a novel Na＋/H＋ antiporter gene. This study was significant not only in helping us understand the salt tolerance of halophiles in ancient brine wells and develop and utilize the genes resource, but also in exploring new salt-tolerant genes.

Effects of Sea Brine on Growth of Fusarium graminearum

[ Objective ] The paper was to study the effect of sea brine on the growth of Fusarium graminearum. [ Method] The inhibition rate of sea brine against F. gram/nearum was measured using mycelial growth rate method. The inhibition effect of sea brine against infection of F. gram/nearum on maize was measured through leaf culture method in vitro. [Result] With the decrease of sea brine concentration, its inhibition against F. gram/nearum had no remarkable regulation, which first decreased, then increased, and finally decreased. It had the best inhibition effect as the concentration was 0.005 0% with the inhibition rate of 31.2%. 0.050 0% sea brine had the best inhibition effect against the infection of F. graminearum with the inhibition rate of 44.3%. [ Conclusion] The results provided theoretical basis for the application of sea brine in the aspects of plant diseases and vests control