Biochar hydrological characteristics in related to branch wood properties

Branch wood possesses unique properties that may affect biochar characteristics. Despite the abundance of broad studies on biochar, the correlation between feedstock properties and biochar hydrological characteristics has yet to be elucidated. Therefore, in this work the tree branch wood properties of three feedstocks (Acacia gerrardii Benth., Tamarix aphylla (L.) H. Karst., and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) were investigated and compared with the characteristics of biochar produced by pyrolysis at 300 °C, 400 °C, and 500 °C. It was found that a higher lumen fraction resulted in a more porous structure, thus increasing the ability of biochar to absorb and retain water. Acacia gerrardii absorbed 403% and retained 73.6% water, whereas T. aphylla and E. camaldulensis held 396% and 342%, and then retained 71.5% and 68.1% water, respectively. The water holding capacity and water retention ability were lower in biochars pyrolyzed at 300 °C than 500 °C. The present findings demonstrate that fiber lumen diameter and parenchyma properties provide indicators of biochar hydrological characteristics generated from tree branch wood.

Acacia Gerrardii Leaf Extracts Inhibit Genetic Diversity Induced by Streptozotocin in Male Rats

This study investigated the prevention effect of Acacia gerrardii leaf extracts on genetic variation in male rats exposed to streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Male rats (n=70) were treated with A. gerrardii leaf extract using concentrations ranging from 100 to 500 mg/kg body weight/day for four weeks against streptozotocin-induced possibly genetic variation. Blood samples and pancreatic tissues were collected at the end of the experiment. Ten Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat primers and ten Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism primers were used to detect genetic variations between the different groups. The biochemical results indicated a reduction in serum glucose levels, especially at doses of 400 and 500 mg/kg body weight. Molecular analysis showed that Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat primers and SCoT detected 119 and 97 amplicons, with 0.43% and 0.55% polymorphic respectively. Based on the previous markers analyzed, cluster analysis revealed that genetic variation was high in the pancreatic tissues of streptozotocin-treated rats in the groups treated with 0 (C+) > 100 (T1) > 200 (T2) > 300 (T3) mg/kg body weight/day. However, low genetic variation was observed in the pancreatic tissues of streptozotocin-treated rats in the groups treated with 400 (T4) > 500 (T5) mg/kg body weight/day. These results indicate that the A. gerrardii leaf extracts are rich in antioxidants preventing genetic variation in the pancreatic tissues. Therefore, A. gerrardii leaf extracts could be recommended as good source of dietary antioxidant

Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Solution by the Pod of Acacia gerrardii

This study aims at investigating the potential of Acacia gerrardii pod for the removal of Cr(VI) in batch system. Effect of solution pH, biosorbent dosage, initial concentration of Cr(VI), contact time on the removal process was examined. Complete removal of hexavalent chromium was achieved at pH values 1.0 and 2.0 whereas maximum removal of total chromium was obtained at pH of 3.0. The study showed that the biosorption and bioreduction mechanisms were involved in the removal process. The time required for complete removal of Cr(VI) using the pod of Acacia gerrardii was shortened with an increase in biomaterial dosage and decrease in Cr(VI) concentration. Kinetic data was well described using Park kinetic model. Freundlich isotherm model adequately fitted the equilibrium data indication multilayer adsorption of total chromium on the surface of biomaterial. The pod of Acacia gerrardii could be used efficiently for the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions.