The Residual Copper and Zinc in Tropical Soil over 21 Years after Amendment with Heavy Metal Containing Waste, Lime, and Compost

This research aimed to evaluate the residual Cu and Zn in tropical soil over 21 years after amendment with industrial waste, lime, and compost. Soil samples were collected from a well-maintained experimental field amended one time with industrial waste high in Cu and Zn set in 1998 at about 1.5–20 years after amendment. Treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with a metal-wares industrial waste at rates 0, 15, and 60 Mg·ha−1, lime at 0 and 5 Mg·ha−1, and compost at 0 and 5 Mg·ha−1. Soil samples were also taken vertically in the exact plot centers at depths of 0–75 cm of plots not amended with lime and compost and also from topsoils (0–15 cm) at 90 points with distances 50 cm between each other in each of the respective plots 21 years after amendment. Significant increases in Cu and Zn caused by waste were observed over 21 years. The increase in soil pH by lime was observed over 10 years but its effect in decreasing Cu and Zn was observed only at 1.5 years, particularly in topsoils. However, the effect of lime in lowering Cu and Zn was observed over 20 years when waste and/or compost were also given. Similarly, the effect of compost was absent over 20 years but significant when waste and/or lime were also given. The relative concentration of Cu and Zn in the 60 Mg waste ha−1 plots decreased over 20 years to 17–53% for Cu and to 12–33% for Zn; their concentrations were, in general, lower with lime and/or compost addition. The relative concentrations of Cu and Zn significantly decreased over 21 years in plots with 15 or 60 Mg·ha−1 and increased in the control plots. Heavy metals moved in soil significantly through soil tillage and erosion and partially by leaching.

Avaliação de diferentes substratos orgânicos na produção de biomassa do hortelã (mentha piperita l.)

O cultivo de plantas medicinais assume importância mundial devido à demanda exercida pelas indústrias químicas, farmacêuticas, alimentares e de cosméticos. Entre as plantas medicinais, a Hortelã (Mentha piperita L.), apresenta óleo essencial de grande interesse econômico. A aplicação de adubos orgânicos em seu cultivo melhora as condições físicas, químicas e biológicas do solo, além de fornecer nutrientes que contribuem em diversos processos metabólicos no vegetal. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar diferentes substratos orgânicos na produção de biomassa de hortelã. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação do campus experimental da Universidade Federal do Recôncavo/UFB em Cruz das Almas/Ba. Foram 4 tratamentos: T1- controle (solo puro), T2 - húmus de minhoca + solo + areia, T3 – composto orgânico + solo + areia, T4 – esterco bovino + solo+ areia, com dez repetições, totalizando 50 unidades experimentais. As variáveis foram altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, teor de clorofila a e b, massa fresca e seca da parte aérea, massa fresca e seca da raiz. O tratamento com esterco bovino apresentou as melhores média na produção de massa seca de 130, 28 g e fresca de 22, 59 g da parte aérea e raiz.de 176,13 e 25,18 g respectivamente. A maior média em relação a altura da planta foi com o tratamento de composto orgânico (46,5 cm). The cultivation of medicinal plants is of importance due to global demand exerted by the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics. Among the medicinal plants, the Mint (Mentha piperita L.) L. essential oil has great economic interest. The application of organic fertilizers in cultivation improves the physical, chemical and biological soil properties, in addition to providing nutrients that contribute in various metabolic processes in the plant. This study aimed to evaluate different organic substrates in the production of biomass mint. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse on campus Universidad Federal Reconcavo / UFB in Cruz das Almas / Ba. 4 treatments were: T1-control (pure soil), T2 - earthworm humus soil + sand +, T3 - compost + soil + sand, T4 - cattle manure + soil + sand, with ten repetitions, totaling 50 experimental units. The variables were plant height, stem diameter, chlorophyll b, fresh and dry weight of shoot, fresh and dry root. Treatment with manure showed the best average in the dry mass of 130, 28 g and 22 fresh, 59 g of shoots and raiz.de 176.13 and 25.18 g respectively. The highest average over the height of the plant was to treat organic compound (46.5 cm).

Exploration for Thermostable β-Amylase of a Bacillus sp. Isolated from Compost Soil to Degrade Bacterial Biofilm

More than 85% of nosocomial infections are due to the development of bacterial biofilms. Recent research proposed that biofilm-like structures are not only visible in autopsies, biopsies, patients with chronic wounds, and exudates in animal models but are also present in biomedical devices, implants, prosthetic valves, urinary catheters, etc.

Peroxide-Induced Synthesis of Maleic Anhydride-Grafted Poly(butylene succinate) and Its Compatibilizing Effect on Poly(butylene succinate)/Pistachio Shell Flour Composites

Framing the Circular Bioeconomy, the use of reactive compatibilizers was applied in order to increase the interfacial adhesion and, hence, the physical properties and applications of green composites based on biopolymers and food waste derived lignocellulosic fillers. In this study, poly(butylene succinate) grafted with maleic anhydride (PBS-g-MAH) was successfully synthetized by a reactive melt-mixing process using poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and maleic anhydride (MAH) that was induced with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a radical initiator and based on the formation of macroradicals derived from the hydrogen abstraction of the biopolymer backbone. Then, PBS-g-MAH was used as reactive compatibilizer for PBS filled with different contents of pistachio shell flour (PSF) during melt extrusion. As confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), PBS-g-MAH acted as a bridge between the two composite phases since it was readily soluble in PBS and could successfully form new esters by reaction of its multiple MAH groups with the hydroxyl (–OH) groups present in cellulose or lignin of PSF and the end ones in PBS. The resultant compatibilized green composites were, thereafter, shaped by injection molding into 4-mm thick pieces with a wood-like color. Results showed significant increases in the mechanical and thermomechanical rigidity and hardness, meanwhile variations on the thermal stability were negligible. The enhancement observed was related to the good dispersion and the improved filler-matrix interfacial interactions achieved by PBS-g-MAH and also to the PSF nucleating effect that increased the PBS’s crystallinity. Furthermore, water uptake of the pieces progressively increased as a function of the filler content, whereas the disintegration in controlled compost soil was limited due to their large thickness.

Exploring the Potential of Micrococcus luteus Culture Supernatant With Resuscitation-Promoting Factor for Enhancing the Culturability of Soil Bacteria

A bacterial species is best characterized after its isolation in a pure culture. This is an arduous endeavor for many soil microorganisms, but it can be simplified by several techniques for improving culturability: for example, by using growth-promoting factors. We investigated the potential of a Micrococcus luteus culture supernatant containing resuscitation-promoting factor (SRpf) to increase the number and diversity of cultured bacterial taxa from a nutrient-rich compost soil. Phosphate-buffered saline and inactivated SRpf were included as controls. After agitation with SRpf at 28°C for 1 day, the soil suspension was diluted and plated on two different solid, oligotrophic media: tenfold diluted Reasoner’s 2A agar (R2A) and soil extract-based agar (SA). Colonies were collected from the plates to assess the differences in diversity between different treatments and cultivation media. The diversity on both R2A and SA was higher in the SRpf-amended extracts than the controls, but the differences on R2A were higher. Importantly, 51 potentially novel bacterial species were isolated on R2A and SA after SRpf treatment. Diversity in the soil extracts was also determined by high-throughput 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, which showed an increase in the abundance of specific taxa before their successful cultivation. Conclusively, SRpf can effectively enhance the growth of soil bacterial species, including those hitherto uncultured.

Biodegradable Antimicrobial Films for Food Packaging: Effect of Antimicrobials on Degradation

The environmental problem generated by the massive consumption of plastics makes necessary the developing of biodegradable antimicrobial materials that can extend food shelf-life without having a negative impact on the environment. The current situation regarding the availability of biodegradable food packaging materials has been analysed, as well as different studies where antimicrobial compounds have been incorporated into the polymer matrix to control the growth of pathogenic or spoilage bacteria. Thus, the antimicrobial activity of active films based on different biodegradable polymers and antimicrobial compounds has been discussed. Likewise, relevant information on biodegradation studies carried out with different biopolymers in different environments (compost, soil, aquatic), and the effect of some antimicrobials on this behavior, are reviewed. In most of the studies, no relevant effect of the incorporated antimicrobials on the degradation of the polymer were observed, but some antimicrobials can delay the process. The changes in biodegradation pattern due to the presence of the antimicrobial are attributed to its influence on the microorganism population responsible for the process. More studies are required to know the specific influence of the antimicrobial compounds on the biodegradation behavior of polymers in different environments. No studies have been carried out or marine media to this end.

Organic Waste as Fertilizer to Increase the Number of Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) Flowers

Peanut has high economic value and a significant role in food needs. the national food supply needs for peanuts to date have not been sufficient. This study aimed to determine the effect of organic waste which in this case is mushroom baglog compost and sheep manure on the flowers and pods of peanuts. The study was conducted on March-July 2018 in Subang district using the simple experimental plot method and group-randomized factorial design with two factors with each treatment done triplicate. The first factor is the baglog compost (soil without baglog compost, 90 g/plants, 120 gr/plants); the second factor is sheep manure dose (without sheep fertilizer, 90 gr/ plants, 120 gr/plants). The results showed that the application of baglog compost and sheep manure fertilizer at concentrations of 90 g and 120 g, respectively increased the number of flowers and potential pods. Moreover, Sheep manure fertilizer at a concentration of 120 g/plant, increased the dry weight of pods, seed, and 100 seeds even though was not significant.

Biodegradation properties and thermogravimetric analysis of 3D braided flax PLA textile composites

Recent advances in the development and application of bio-based (natural fiber and biopolymer) composites are gaining broad attention because the resulting polymer completely degrades and does not release harmful substances. In this study, natural fiber 3 D braided yarn textile PLA (Polylactic acid) bio-composites are developed by film sequencing followed by hot-press compression molding. Bio-deterioration and thermal stability of the composites are analysed for storage, machining, transportation, and in-service uses in different environmental conditions (compost and thermal). Composite samples with different fiber wt.% (0, 22, 44) are exposed to compost soil. Tensile testing is performed under different configurations to characterise the tensile properties. Prepared bio-composite specimens are evaluated for weight loss and reduction in tensile properties over soil burial time, to observe the rate of biodegradation of braided yarn textile bio-composites. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is employed to analyse the biodegradability of the composites. To study the thermal stability of the prepared bio-composites thermogravimetric (TG) analysis is carried out. Results showed that biodegradability, tensile properties and thermal stability of the composites are enhanced significantly with the reinforcement of 3 D braided yarn fabric.