Effect of K Fertilizer on Absorption of Mineral Elements in Greenhouse-grown Strawberry Fruits

[Objectives]The paper was to explore the effect of K fertilizer on the absorption of mineral elements in greenhouse-grown strawberry fruits.[Methods]A systematic investigation was conducted on the effects of K fertilizer dosage levels on the absorption of mineral elements in Fengxiang strawberries,an excellent variety suitable for cultivation in Anhui Province.The investigation was carried out under medium N and P conditions in a greenhouse.[Results]The N content of strawberry fruits increased as the K_(2)O dosage increased within the range of 0-250 kg/hm^(2).Similarly,the P content of strawberry fruits increased gradually with the increase of K_(2)O dosage within the range of 0-125 kg/hm^(2).[Conclusions]This study presents a basis for enhancing the absorption of mineral elements in strawberry fruit by applying K appropriately.

Three-dimensional Modeling of Ore-forming Elements and Mineralization Prognosis for the Yechangping Mo Deposit,Henan Province,China

Three-dimensional geochemical modeling of ore-forming elements is crucial for predicting deep mineralization.This approach provides key information for the quantitative prediction of deep mineral localization,three-dimensional fine interpolation,analysis of spatial distribution patterns,and extraction of quantitative mineral-seeking markers.The Yechangping molybdenum(Mo)deposit is a significant and extensive porphyry-skarn deposit in the East Qinling-Dabie Mo polymetallic metallogenic belt at the southern margin of the North China Block.Abundant borehole data on oreforming elements underpin deep geochemical predictions.The methodology includes the following steps:(1)Threedimensional geological modeling of the deposit was established.(2)Correlation,cluster,and factor analyses post delineation of mineralization stages and determination of mineral generation sequence to identify(Cu,Pb,Zn,Ag)and(Mo,W,mfe)assemblages.(3)A three-dimensional geochemical block model was constructed for Mo,W,mfe,Cu,Zn,Pb,and Ag using the ordinary kriging method,and the variational function was developed.(4)Spatial distribution and enrichment characteristics analysis of ore-forming elements are performed to extract geological information,employing the variogram and w(Cu+Pb+Zn+Ag)/w(Mo+W)as predictive indicators.(5)Identifying the western,northwestern,and southwestern areas of the mine with limited mineralization potential,contrasted by the northeastern and southeastern areas favorable for mineral exploration.

In situ U-Pb dating and trace elements of magmatic rutile from Mujicun Cu-Mo deposit,North China Craton:Insights into porphyry mineralization

Porphyry Cu(Mo-Au)deposit is one of the most important types of copper deposit and usually formed under magmatic arc-related settings,whilst the Mujicun porphyry Cu-Mo deposit in North China Craton uncommonly generated within intra-continental settings.Although previous studies have focused on the age,origin and ore genesis of the Mujicun deposit,the ore-forming age,magma source and tectonic evolution remain controversial.Here,this study targeted rutile(TiO_(2))in the ore-hosting diorite porphyry from the Mujicun Cu-Mo deposit to conduct in situ U-Pb dating and trace element composition studies,with major views to determine the timing and magma evolution and to provide new insights into porphyry Cu-Mo metallogeny.Rutile trace element data show flat-like REE patterns characterized by relatively enrichment LREEs and depleted HREEs,which could be identified as magmatic rutile.Rutile U-Pb dating yields lower intercept ages of 139.3–138.4 Ma,interpreted as post magmatic cooling timing below about 500℃,which are consistent or slightly postdate with the published zircon U-Pb ages of diorite porphyry(144.1–141.7 Ma)and skarn(146.2 Ma;139.9 Ma)as well as the molybdenite Re-Os ages of molybdenum ores(144.8–140.0 Ma).Given that the overlap between the closure temperature of rutile U-Pb system and ore-forming temperature of the Mujicun deposit,this study suggests that the ore-forming ages of the Mujicun deposit can be constrained at 139.3–138.4 Ma,with temporal links to the late large-scale granitic magmatism at 138–126 Ma in the Taihang Orogen.Based on the Mg and Al contents in rutile,the magma of ore-hosting diorite porphyry was suggested to be derived from crust-mantle mixing components.In conjunction with previous studies in Taihang Orogen,this study proposes that the far-field effect and the rollback of the subducting Paleo-Pacific slab triggered lithospheric extension,asthenosphere upwelling,crust-mantle interaction and thermo-mechanical erosion,which jointly facilitated the formation of dioritic magmas during the Early Cretaceous.Subsequently,the dioritic magmas carrying crust-mantle mixing metallic materials were emplaced and precipitated at shallow positions along NNE-trending ore-controlling faults,eventually resulting in the formation of the Mujicun Cu-Mo deposit within an intracontinental extensional setting.

Genetic Variability and Phenotypic Correlations Study among Grain Quality Traits and Mineral Elements Concentrations in Colored and Non-Colored Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Twenty-four rice genotypes were examined to assess genetic variability,heritability,and correlations for seven-grain quality traits,eight nutritional elements,and protein.ANOVA revealed significant differences for the quality traits studied.For every trait under study,the phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the correspon-dence genotypic coefficient of variation.Heritability in a broad sense varied from 29.75%for grain length to 98.31%for the elongation trait.Hulling percentage recovery had a highly significant positive correlation with milling and head rice percentage.Consequently,milling percentage had a highly positive correlation with head rice percentage.In amylose percentage,all the genotypes belonged to low amylose except the Hassawi-1 variety,which had intermediate amylose content.Mineral nutrition contents of magnesium(Mg),sodium(Na),potas-sium(K),calcium(Ca),copper(Cu),manganese(Mn),zinc(Zn),iron(Fe),or protein percentage gave different variations for 24 rice genotypes under all the nutritional elements.Among the 24 genotypes,ten rice genotypes–HighNutrient-1,HighNutrient-2,HighNutrient-9,HighNutrient-8,HighNutrient-3,Hassawi-2,HighNutrient-7,HighNutrient-6,Hassawi-1,and HighNutrient-4–had the highest heist value for all nutritional and protein con-tents,and could be used as a donor to improving new varieties.There was a positive and significant correlation between magnesium Mg,K,Zn and Fe.Consequently,K had a positive correlation with zinc Zn,Fe,and protein percentage.Clustering analysis was divided into two groups:thefirst group included all genotypes rich in nutri-ents,while the remaining genotypes with low nutritional content were included in the second group.

Toward understanding the role of genomic repeat elements in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases cause great medical and economic burdens for both patients and society;however, the complex molecular mechanisms thereof are not yet well understood. With the development of high-coverage sequencing technology, researchers have started to notice that genomic repeat regions, previously neglected in search of disease culprits, are active contributors to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we describe the association between repeat element variants and multiple degenerative diseases through genome-wide association studies and targeted sequencing. We discuss the identification of disease-relevant repeat element variants, further powered by the advancement of long-read sequencing technologies and their related tools, and summarize recent findings in the molecular mechanisms of repeat element variants in brain degeneration, such as those causing transcriptional silencing or RNA-mediated gain of toxic function. Furthermore, we describe how in silico predictions using innovative computational models, such as deep learning language models, could enhance and accelerate our understanding of the functional impact of repeat element variants. Finally, we discuss future directions to advance current findings for a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and the clinical applications of genomic repeat elements.

Effects of Ca^(2+)concentrations on accumulations of mineral elements in the components of Pteroceltis tatarinowii

The bark of Pteroce/tis tatarinowii is a raw material for manufacturing XuanPaper. The effects of Ca^(2+) concentrations on the accumulation of mineral elements in the bark,leaf and root of Pteroceltis tatarinowii were studied under controlled conditions. The types ofHoagland nutrient solution with three Ca^(2+) concentrations levels (200, 400 and 600 μg·g^(-1))and a control (without Ca^(2+)) were designed to culture Pteroceltis tatarinowii. After 6 months,contents of seven mineral elements including Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu and Na in the root, leaf and barkwere analyzed. The results indicated that Ca accumulations content in the root, leaf and bark hadpositively relation with Ca^(2+) concentrations (200, 400, 600 μg · g^(-1)), and the order of theCa content in the three components was root>leaf>bark. Ca content in the root treated with 600 μg·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations was 5.5 times as high as that of the control, and about 1.4 times ashigh as that of the root treated in 200 and 400 μg/g Ca^(2+) concentrations respectively. On thecontrary, K and Mg contents in the root, leaf and bark were negatively related to Ca^(2+)concentrations, especially in the bark, and their accumulation trend followed the order ofleaf>root>bark. K content in the bark treated with 600 μg ·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations was 39.3%of that of the control, and was 79.0% and 91.8% of that of the bark treated with 200 μg ·g^(-1)and 400 μg ·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations respectively; Mg content in the bark treated with 600μg ·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations was 23.4% of that of the control, and was 27.1% and 35.4% ofthat of the bark treated with 200 and 400 μg·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations respectively. Comparedwith the control, the general tendency of Mn, Zn and Cu content decreased with increasing of Ca^(2+)concentrations and their contents were in the order: root>leaf>bark. Based on the results of thisstudy, the experiment has been useful for providing academic bases in improving the bark quality ofPteroceltis tatarinowii on non-limestone soil.

Mineral Elements in Different Varieties of Camellia sinensis

To understand the mineral elements in different varieties of tea （ Camellia sinensis）, 17 mineral elements in eight tea varieties including Yunnan Dayezhong, No. 43 Longjing and No. 6 Zaobaijian, were measured. The results showed that nine elements, such as P, K, Ba, Mn, Cu, were significantly different among varieties, others did not. Black tea varieties usually contain high contents of Cu and K. As a conclusion, mineral elements should be extensively considered in breeding tea varieties.

Analysis of Mineral Elements in 13 Famous Tea Varieties in Sichuan Province

This study was to analyze the mineral elements in famous tea varieties in Sichuan Province. Eighteen mineral elements in the samples of 13 famous tea varieties in Sichuan Province were measured via related instruments. The results showed, of all the 18 measured samples, that the contents of K, P, S, Ca and Mg were relatively higher（ 〉1 500 mg/kg） in famous tea varieties in Sichuan Province, while those of Ba, Cr, V, Co and Se were relatively lower（ 〈 10 mg/kg） ; compared to common green tea, the famous tea varieties in Sichuan Province contained higher contents of K, Zn, P, Na, Ni, Cu, S, Se and Co（0.38% -115.65% higher than that in common green tea）, and lower contents of Mg, Mn, AI, Ca, V, Rb, Fe and Cr（7.20% -46.67% lower than that in common green tea）; of the 13 tested tea varieties, Hongyanyingchun, Yongchuanxiuya and Qingchengxueya were rich in mineral elements, while Yuchengyunwu and Yuqiancha lacked in mineral elements. The re- suits show that Hongyanyingchun, Yongchuanxiuya and Qingchengxueya are the elites in the famous tea varieties in Sichuan Province.

Variation of the Mineral Elements in the Barks of Pinus armandii Infected by Cronartium ribicola

[ Objective] The difference of mineral element content in healthy bark of P. armandii and bark affected by C. nbicola were compared, which would provide theoretical foundation for exploring new ways to control the disease by artificial water and fertilizer. [ Method] Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer（ ICP-OES）was adopted to measure the variation of mineral elements content in bark after P. armandii was affected by C. nbicola. [Result] 45 mineral elements in the healthy bark and 46 mineral elements in affected bark caused by C. ribicola were detected. These mineral elements contained 14 kinds of mineral elements which were necessary for plant growth and 31 kinds of other mineral elements （32 kinds after affected disease）. The total content of mineral elements in affected bark of P. armandii decreased for 15.77%, in which necessary elements for plant growth decreased for 15.54% and other elements decreased for 17.07%. The content of Ca decreased the most, decrease rate was about 75%. The order of content was also changed, they were Na 〉 Ca 〉 B 〉 K 〉 Si 〉 Mg 〉 S 〉 P in healthy bark, and Na 〉 B 〉 K 〉 Ca 〉 Mg 〉 P 〉 Si 〉 S in affected bark. [ Conclusion] The results laid foundation for controlling C. ribicola through application of mineral elements.

Preliminary Study on the Accumulation Characteristics of Mineral Elements in Potted Poa crymophila under Drought and Water Stress

[Objective] This study was conducted to explain the mechanism of the accumulation characteristics of mineral elements in alpine grassland plants. [Method] Cultivated alpine grassland plant, Poa crymophila, was treated with drought and wa- ter stress, and then the samples were collected and analyzed. [Result] Compared with the control group, under drought and water stress, multiple mineral elements tended to accumulate and increase, and there were significant differences in the contents of Cu, Mn, Ni and P （P〈0.05）. [Conclusion] Under drought and water stress, mineral elements in potted Poa crymophila tended to accumulate and in- crease, which is the adaption and response of Poa crymophila to drought and water stress, as well as the re-verification of the starvation effect hypothesis of mineral effects. The starvation effect of mineral elements is one of the endogenic forces for the accumulation and differentiation of mineral elements in grassland plants.

Effects of Ca2+concentrations on accumulations of mineral elements in the components of Pteroceltis tatarinowii

The bark of Pteroceltis tatarinowii is a raw material for manufacturing Xuan Paper. The effects of Ca2+ concentrations on the accumulation of mineral elements in the bark, leaf and root of Pteroceltis tatarinowii were studied under controlled condi-tions. The types of Hoagland nutrient solution with three Ca2+ concentrations levels (200, 400 and 600 靏g-1) and a control (without Ca2+) were designed to culture Pteroceltis tatarinowii. After 6 months, contents of seven mineral elements including Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu and Na in the root, leaf and bark were analyzed. The results indicated that Ca accumulations content in the root, leaf and bark had positively relation with Ca2+ concentrations (200, 400, 600 靏g-1), and the order of the Ca content in the three components was root】leaf】bark. Ca content in the root treated with 600 靏g-1 Ca2+ concentrations was 5.5 times as high as that of the control, and about 1.4 times as high as that of the root treated in 200 and 400 靏/g Ca2+ concentrations respectively. On the contrary, K and Mg contents in the root, leaf and bark were negatively related to Ca2+ concentrations, especially in the bark, and their accumulation trend followed the order of leaf】root】bark. K content in the bark treated with 600 靏g-1 Ca2+ con-centrations was 39.3% of that of the control, and was 79.0% and 91.8% of that of the bark treated with 200 靏g-1 and 400靏g-1 Ca2+ concentrations respectively; Mg content in the bark treated with 600 靏g-1 Ca2+ concentrations was 23.4% of that of the control, and was 27.1% and 35.4% of that of the bark treated with 200 and 400 靏g-1 Ca2+ concentrations respectively. Com-pared with the control, the general tendency of Mn, Zn and Cu content decreased with increasing of Ca2+ concentrations and their contents were in the order: root】leaf】bark. Based on the results of this study, the experiment has been useful for providing academic bases in improving the bark quality of Pteroceltis tatarinowii on non-limestone soil.

Characteristics of mineral elements in shoots of three annual halophytes in a saline desert, Northern Xinjiang

Halophytes are valuable salt-, alkali- and drought-resistant germplasm resources. However, the char- acteristics of mineral elements in halophytes have not been investigated as intensively as those in crops. This study attempted to investigate the characteristics of mineral elements for annual halophytes during their growth period to reveal their possible physiological mechanisms of salt resistance. By using three native annual halophytes （Salsola subcrassa, Suaeda acuminate and Petrosimonia sibirica） distributed in the desert in Northern Xinjiang of China, the dynamic changes in the mineral element contents of annual halophytes were analyzed through field sampling and laboratory analyses. The results demonstrated that the annual halophytes were able to absorb water and mineral nutrients selectively. In the interaction between the annual halophytes and saline soil, the adaptability of the annual halophytes was manifested as the accumulation of S, Na and CI during the growth period and maintenance of water and salt balance in the plant, thus ensuring their selective absorption of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and other mineral nutrients according to their growth demand. By utilizing this property, halophyte planting and mowing （before the wilting and death periods） could bioremediate heavy saline-alkali soil.

Comparative Study on Mineral Elements in the Roots of Rheum tanguticum from Qinghai-Plateau

In the present paper,the authors analysed 10 mineral elements in the roots of Rheum tanguticum collected from 30 different habitats.The mean concentration values of the 10 elements decreased as follows: Ca>Mg>K>Fe>Mn>Cr>Zn>Ni>Cu>Se. Ca,Mg,K and Fe were abundant in this herb.Most elements varied over a wide range depending on the different habitats.The mineral element data were evaluated by principal component analysis to reveal the distribution pattern of elements in root.Four principal components(K-Ca factor,Cu factor,Mg factor and Zn-Se factor) of plant elements were selected.The authors' study provided a new scientific foundation for further studies and general application of this Chinese herb.

Genetic mapping of QTL for agronomic traits and grain mineral elements in rice

Malnutrition is one of the prevailing health problems worldwide, affecting a large proportion of the populations in rice-consuming countries. Breeding rice varieties with increased concentrations of elements in the grain is considered the most cost-effective approach to alleviate malnutrition. Development of molecular markers for high grain concentrations of essential elements, particularly Zn, for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS) can hasten breeding efforts to develop rice varieties with nutrient-dense grain. We performed QTL mapping for four agronomic traits: days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of tillers, grain yield, and 13 grain elements: As, B, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, P, and Zn, in two doubled-haploid populations derived from the crosses IR64 × IR69428 and BR29 × IR75862. These populations were phenotyped during 2015DS and 2015WS at IRRI, Los Ba os, The Philippines, and genotyped them with a 6 K SNP chip. Inclusive composite interval mapping revealed 15 QTL for agronomic traits and 50 QTL for grain element concentration. Of these, eight QTL showed phenotypic variance of >25% and 11 QTL were consistent across seasons. There were seven QTL co-localization regions containing QTL for more than two traits. Twenty five epistatic interactions were detected for two agronomic traits and seven mineral elements. Several DH lines with high Fe and Zn in polished rice were identified. These lines can be used as donors for breeding high-Zn rice varieties. Some of the major QTL can be further validated and used in MAS to improve the concentrations of nutritive elements in rice grain.

Trace Elements and Rare Earth Elements of Sulfide Minerals in the Tianqiao Pb-Zn Ore Deposit,Guizhou Province,China

Trace elements and rare earth elements（REE） of the sulfide minerals were determined by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry.The results indicate that V,Cu,Sn,Ga,Cd,In,and Se are concentrated in sphalerite,Sb,As,Ge,and Tl are concentrated in galena,and almost all trace elements in pyrite are low.The Ga and Cd contents in the light-yellow sphalerites are higher than that in the brown and the black sphalerites.The contents of Ge,Tl,In,and Se in brown sphalerites are higher than that in light-yellow sphalerites and black sphalerites.It shows that REE concentrations are higher in pyrite than in sphalerite,and galena.In sphalerites,the REE concentration decreases from light-yellow sphalerites,brown sphalerites,to black sphalerites.The ratios of Ga/In are more than 10, and Co/Ni are less than 1 in the studied sphalerites and pyrites,respectively,indicating that the genesis of the Tianqiao Pb-Zn ore deposit might belong to sedimentary-reformed genesis associated with hydrothermal genesis.The relationship between LnGa and LnIn in sphalerite,and between LnBi and LnSb in galena,indicates that the Tianqiao Pb-Zn ore deposit might belong to sedimentary-reformed genesis.Based on the chondrite-normalized REE patterns,δEu is a negative anomaly（0.13-0.88）,andδCe does not show obvious anomaly（0.88-1.31）;all the samples have low total REE concentrations（〈3 ppm） and a wide range of light rare earth element/high rare earth element ratios（1.12-12.35）.These results indicate that the ore-forming fluids occur under a reducing environment.Comparison REE compositions and parameters of sphalerites,galenas,pyrites,ores,altered dolostone rocks,strata carbonates,and the pyrite from Lower Carboniferous Datang Formation showed that the ore-forming fluids might come from polycomponent systems,that is,different chronostratigraphic units could make an important contribution to the ore-forming fluids.Combined with the tectonic setting and previous isotopic geochemistry evidence,we conclude that the ore-deposit genesis is hydrothermal,sedimentary reformed,with multisources characteristics of ore-forming fluids.

Annual Variation of Mineral Nutrition Elements Content in Macadamia integrifolia

[Objective] To investigate the annual variation of 9 mineral nutrition ele-ments content in Macadamia integrifolia leaves. [Method] Twenty 6-year-old ＆quot;Guire No. 1＆quot; healthy plants were selected. On the 15th of every month in 2011, 1 leaf in the second round from top-branch in 4 directions of the 20 trees was col ected. The content of 9 mineral elements of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn were deter-mined. [Result] The results showed that the N, P, K content in leaves reached a peak in April, then N content decreased slowly, P content stayed stable, and K con-tent increased slightly; Ca, Fe content decreased in April to different degrees and then increased slowly. Mg content was consistent al year round, meanwhile Mn content decreased slightly. Cu and Zn content reached a peak in April, and then presented a rise-fal trend. [Conclusion] N, K, Ca, Mg should be supplemented in time in practice.

Effects of Exogenous Manganese (Mn) on Mineral Elements, Polyamines and Antioxidants in Apple Rootstock Malus robusta Rehd.

Manganese(Mn)is one of the essential microelements in all organisms.However,high level of Mn is deleterious to plants.In this study,the effects of exogenous manganese application on mineral element,polyamine(PA)and antioxidant accumulation,as well as polyamine metabolic and antioxidant enzyme activities,were investigated in Malus robusta Rehd.,a widely grown apple rootstock.High level of Mn treatments decreased endogenous Mg,Na,K and Ca contents,but increased Zn content,in a Mn-concentration-dependent manner.Polyamine metabolic assays revealed that,except the content of perchloric acid insoluble bound(PIS-bound)spermine,which increased significantly,the contents of putrescine(Put),spermidine(Spd)and spermine(Spm)all decreased progressively,accompanied with the decreased activities of arginine decarboxylase(ADC,EC 4.1.1.19)and ornithine decarboxylase(ODC,EC 4.1.1.17),and the increased activities of diamine oxidase(DAO,EC 1.4.3.6)and polyamine oxidase(PAO,EC 1.5.3.3).Further antioxidant capacity analyses demonstrated that contents of anthocyanin,non-protein thiols(NPT)and soluble sugar,and the activities of guaiacol peroxidase(POD,EC 1.11.1.7),catalase(CAT,EC 1.11.1.6)and superoxide dismutase(SOD,EC 1.15.1.1),also increased upon different concentrations of Mn treatments.Our results suggest that endogenous ion homeostasis is affected by high level of Mn application,and polyamine and antioxidant metabolism is involved in the responses of M.robusta Rehd.plants to high level of Mn stress.

Geochemistry and mineralogy of platinum-group elements(PGE)in chromites from CentralnoyeⅠ,Polar Urals,Russia

The Polar Urals region of northern Russia is well known for large chromium （Cr）-bearing massifs with major chromite orebodies, including the Centralnoye I deposit in the Ray-Iz ultramafic massif of the Ural ophiolite belt. New data on platinum （Pt）-group elements （PGE）, geochemistry and mineralogy of the host dunite shows that the deposit has anomalous iridium （Ir） values. These values indicate the predominance of ruthenium--osmium--iridium （Ru--Os--Ir）-bearing phases among the platinum-group mineral （PGM） assemblage that is typical of mantle-hosted chromite ores. Low Pt values in chromites and increased Pt values in host dunites might reflect the presence of cumulus PGM grains. The most abundant PGM found in the chromite is erlichmanite （up to 15 μm）. Less common are cuproiridsite （up to 5 μm）, irarsite （up to 4--5 μm）, and laurite （up to 4 μm）. The predominant sulfide is heazlewoodite, in intergrowth with Ni--Fe alloys, sporadically with pentlandite, and rarely with pure nickel. Based on the average PGE values and esti- mated Cr-ore resources, the Centralnoye I deposit can be considered as an important resource of PGE.

Change of Mineral Elements and Amino Acids in <i>Malus hupehensis var. pingyiensis</i>Leaves under Cd Treatment

The objective of this paper is to research the effects of CdCl2 treatment on mineral elements and amino acids in leaves of Malus hupehensis var. pingyiensis. The seedlings of Malus hupehensis var. pingyiensis with 6 leaf were cultured in 1/2 Hoagland nutrient solutions of different CdCl2 treatments (0, 0.5, 5 and 10 mg·L-1), respectively. The mineral elements and amino acids of the leaves in Malus hupehensis var. pingyiensis were measured in the day 30. Compared with the control (0 mg·L-1 CdCl2), the treatments significantly decreased the contents of Mg, Fe and Zn in the tested leaves and obviously increased the contents of Cd in the experimental leaves. As to Ca and Mn, low concentration Cd treatment (0.5 mg·L-1 CdCl2) promoted their absorption, however, high concentration Cd treatments (5 and 10 mg·L-1 CdCl2) inhibited their absorption. The metabolism pathway and content of amino acids in the Malus hupehensis var. pingyiensis leaves under Cd treatment were modified, the content of amino acids in the glycolate pathway became larger than that in control, the content of amino acids in the pyruvic acid synthesis pathway and tyrosine and phenylalanine became smaller than that in control, the content of other amino acids also had made a certain degree change. The results provided the important basis for safety production and quality evaluation of leaves in Malus hupehensis var. pingyiensis.

Ambient nanoparticles/nanominerals and hazardous elements from coal combustion activity:Implications on energy challenges and health hazards

Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in the world. Because of the growth of coal mining, coal-fired power plants and coal-burning industries, the increase of the emission of particulates(coarse, fine or ultrafine)is of great concern. There is a relationship between increasing human morbidity and mortality and progressive environmental air pollution caused by these types of particles. Thus, the knowledge of the physico-chemical composition and ambient concentrations of coal-derived nanoparticles will improve pollution control strategy. Given the current importance of this area of research, the advanced characterization of this coal combustion-derived nanoparticles/nanominerals as well as hazardous elements is likely to be one of the hottest research fields in coming days. In this review, we try to compile the existing knowledge on coal-derived nanoparticles/nanominerals and discuss the advanced level of characterization techniques for future research. This review also provides some of aspects of health risks associated with exposure to ambient nanoparticles. In addition, the presence of some of the hazardous elements in coal and coal combustion activities is also reviewed.