Sulphur study of the Palaeogene coals from Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, NE India: Implications for palaeoenvironment, utilisation prospects, and environmental impacts

Coal samples of Eocene age (Shella Formation) from four different mines (Bapung, Jaintia, Sutunga, and Lakadong) of the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, Northeast India, were collected and investigated to observe the sulphur content and to understand the palaeoenvironment, utilisation prospects, and environmental impact. The study reveals that these coal samples contain sulphur in higher concentration (4.46% to 7.26%) both organic and inorganic forms. There are 3 coal seams exposed in the area. The organic sulphur is higher (2.53%-5.49%) than the inorganic forms (1.26%-1.77%). The upper seam is found to contain higher concentration of sulphur than the lower seam. Intra seam pyritic sulphur also shows an upward increasing trend. The high sulphur content in the coal seams suggests the marine influence in the peat-forming swamps. These coals are classified as High Sulphur coal (>1%) which is the main obstacle in the utilization although high volatile matter and hydrogen content strongly suggest that these coals are good for liquefaction. Moreover, during coal combustion emissions of sulphur dioxide produce acid rain, affecting the environment of the mine areas.

Streptococcus sputorum, a Novel Member of Streptococcus with Multidrug Resistance, Exhibits Cytotoxicity

We describe the genomic and phenotypic characteristics of a novel member of Streptococcus with multidrug resistance (MDR) isolated from hospital samples. Strains SP218 and SP219 were identified as a novel Streptococcus, S. sputorum, using whole-genome sequencing and biochemical tests. Average nucleotide identity values of strains SP218 and SP219 with S. pseudopneumoniae IS7493 and S. pneumoniae ST556 were 94.3% and 93.3%, respectively. Genome-to-genome distance values of strains SP218 and SP219 with S. pseudopneumoniae IS7493 and S. pneumoniae ST556 were 56.70% (54–59.5%) and 56.40% (52.8–59.9%), respectively. The biochemical test results distinguished these strains from S. pseudopneumoniae and S. pneumoniae, particularly hydrolysis of equine urate and utilization of ribose to produce acid. These isolates were resistant to six major classes of antibiotics, which correlated with horizontal gene transfer and mutation. Notably, strain SP219 exhibited cytotoxicity against human lung epithelial cell line A549. Our results indicate the pathogenic potential of S. sputorum, and provide valuable insights into mitis group of streptococci.

Two New Penicillium Species Penicillium Dongtaiense Sp. Nov and Penicillium Yanchengense sp. nov., Isolated From a Poplar Plantation in China

Studies on the degradation of plant cell wall polysaccharides by fungal extracellular enzymes have attracted much recent attention. In this study, dozens of fungus species spanning genera were isolated from rotting leaves based on their ability to decompose xylan. Using genetic sequencing (rDNA internal transcribed spacer), strains were identified as members of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Campylocarpon, Pyrenochaeta and Cladosporium. Among these strains, two Penicillium strains can’t be assigned to any reported species. In this study, they are described new species as Penicillium yanchengium sp. novT (AF 2021051) and Penicillium dongtaiense sp. novT (AF 2121001) based on multigene phylogenetic analysis and morphology. Penicillium yanchengense sp. novT belong to Penicillium section Lanata-Divaricata and are phylogenetically closely related to Penicillium oxalicum and Penicillium asturianum. Isolates of Penicillium yanchengense sp. novT have a faster growth on Czapek yeast agar (CYA) at 37 ℃, abundant exudate present on CYA, and a greater ability to produce acid on creatine sucrose agar (CREA). Penicillium dongtaiense sp. novT was placed in section Sclerotiora and it is most closely related to Penicillium exsudans, Penicillium mallochii and Penicillium acidum. It is unique in slower growth on CYA and MEA plates, abundant exudate on MEA, and cerebriform grooves on YES compared to its relatives. In this study, we provide detailed description about two species.

Oxidative Synthesis of Acid Blue 7 Dye Catalyzed by CuO/Silicotungstic Acid in Water-Phase

A catalytic oxidation reaction for Acid Blue 7 dye synthesis was evaluated in water. Without lead oxide or manganese oxide derivatives as oxidants, polyoxometalate catalysts were investigated to reduce the usage of harmful heavy metal. A catalyst was prepared by mixing silicotungstic acid with copper oxide, and aqueous hydrogen peroxide (30%) was used as an oxidizing agent. This reaction proceeded to produce Acid Blue 7 from the corresponding leuco acid after 45 min at 95 °C and was viable for a 10 g-scale synthesis.

A Multidisciplinary Approach for the Assessment of Origin, Fate and Ecotoxicity of Metal(loid)s from Legacy Coal Mine Tailings

Over the course of history, the development of human societies implied the exploitation of mineral resources which generated huge amounts of mining wastes leading to substantial environmental contamination by various metal(loid)s. This is especially the case of coal mine tailings which, subjected to weathering reactions, produce acid mine drainage (AMD), a recurring ecological issue related to current and past mining activities. In this study, we aimed to determine the origin, the fate and the ecotoxicity of metal(loid)s leached from a historical coal tailing heap to the Beuveroux river (Franche-Comté, France) using a combination of mineralogical, chemical and biological approaches. In the constitutive materials of the tailings, we identified galena, tetrahedrite and bournonite as metal-rich minerals and their weathering has led to massive contamination of the water and suspended particles of the river bordering the heap. The ecotoxicity of the AMD has been assessed using Chironomus riparius larvae encaged in the field during a one-month biomonitoring campaign. The larvae showed lethal and sub-lethal (growth and emergence inhibition and delay) impairments at the AMD tributary and near downstream stations. Metal bioaccumulation and subcellular fractionation in the larvae tissues revealed a strong bioavailability of, notably, As, Pb and Tl explaining the observed biological responses. Thus, more than 70 years after the end of mining operations, the coal tailings remain a chronic source of contamination and environmental risks in AMD effluent receiving waters.

Analyzing the variation of the water table level with 3D numerical simulations to assess reclamation techniques for an acidic tailings impoundment

Tailings with sulphide minerals exposed to oxygen and water can oxidize and produce acid mine drainage (AMD). This study evaluated the impact of natural conditions and of a thin cover deposition on the water table level, for selecting the reclamation technique to control AMD on the elevated portion of an abandoned tailings impoundment. The reactive tailings were partly covered with alkaline tailings transported as a pulp from a nearby mine. A 3D numerical variably-saturated groundwater flow model of the tailings impoundment and its surrounding area was built. The simulation results reproduced well the field observations before, during and after the deposition of a thin layer of tailings. The calibrated model was then used to forecast the evolution of the water table position for the next 100 years, under various site conditions, including a period of 5 years with dry summers. The results show that the water table levels are in average several meters below the interface between the reactive tailings and the cover, thus failing to meet the target criterion to control the production of AMD determined from previous column tests. The results are analyzed and discussed in terms of the site configuration and atmospheric recharge.

Recovery and Screening of Alpha-Galacotosidase Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria from Fermented Dairy Products

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) present in fermented foods has long been consumed by humans without any obvious adverse effects. Therefore, they are potent candidates as vehicles for the delivery of digestive enzymes. Stachyose, a tetrasaccharide, is believed to contribute to flatulent properties of soyabeans that limit their use for human consumption. LAB including some Lactobacillus plantarum, L.fermentum,L. buchneri and reuteri hydrolyze ?- galactosides or non-digestible carbohydrates into digestible carbohydrates during fermentation. These bacteria are therefore a source of ? -galactosidase. If soy milk could be fermented with these microorganisms that utilize stachyose either to produce acid or to hydrolyze it to mono and disaccharides, the product thus prepared ought to be less flatulent and therefore, more acceptable. In present study, total 27 lactic acid bacteria were recovered selectively on MRS agar from the various milk and milk products. All the 27 isolates were characterized morphologically and the colonies were white to cream and gram positive. Out of 27 LAB only 5 isolates were found to be positive for ?- galactosidase enzyme. ?-galactosidase activities were determined by using p-NPG. All 5 ?- galactosidase producer were further subjected for various biochemical characterization for partial identification and were catalase negative, and casein hydrolysis, sugar fermentation, nitrate reduction positive. Reduction of ?- galactosides by the 5 selected isolates were evaluated. The isolate, RLAB ?-4, CLAB ?-14, CLAB, CLAB ?-20 ?-18 and WLAB ?-25 degraded 67.56 %, 45.94%, 54.05%, 70.27%, and 64.86% ?- galactosides respectively. CLAB ?-20 degraded maximum concentration of ?- galactosides and RLAB ?-14 degraded least concentration of ?- galactosides.

A reported Antarctic environmental microorganism isolated from the blood of sheep on the Mongolian Plateau

Herein, we report a novel Carnobacterium-like organism, CS13T, isolated from the blood of sheep with persistent diarrhea from a grassland pasturing area in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Municipality, China. Homology analysis indicated that CS13T belongs to the genus Carnobacterium and is 100% related to the reported environmental microorganism Carnobacterium antarticum sp. CP1 (C. CP1), which was isolated from sandy soil near Davis Station, Antarctica; the following strains are closely related: Carnobacterium mobile DSM 4848 (97%) and Carnobacterium funditum DSM 5970 (96%). Similar to those of the C. CP1, the short rod-shaped cells of CS13T are 0.4-0.8 μm wide and 1.0-1.5 μm long; exist singly, paired or catenoid; are gram positive, non-spore forming, and facultatively anaerobic; and produce hemolysin. CS13T cannot produce gas or H2S but can ferment sucrose, galactose, salicin, and esculin to produce acid. However, in contrast to C. CP1, CS13T can produce acid from cellobiose and maltose and is weakly positive for D-mannose fermentation; the growth temperatures range from 20-37°C, the pH range is 5.0-9.0, and the G+C content is 37.84% (4-36°C, pH 6.0-9.5, and 38.1% for C. CP1). Furthermore, based on gene annotation analysis, we found that CS13T has 31 more specific genes than C. CP1 (133 to 102) and that the nonredundant protein similarity to C. CP1 is only 84.2%. Based on the physiological-biochemical and genetic analysis results, we infer that the organisms isolated from the Mongolian Plateau and sandy soil in Antarctica belong to the same novel species of the genus Carnobacterium; therefore, this novel species probably has distributed globally and should not be called species antarticum.

THE EFFECT OF Streptococcus sp AND Lactobacillus sp ATTACHMENT ON THE LEVEL OF FLUORIDE ION SOLUBILITY IN GIC RESTORATION

Background: Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is a restoration material that has the ability to release Fluoride ion. The Extrinsic factor that affect the solubility of fluoride is low or acidic pH. Streptococcus sp and Lactobacillus sp are asiduric and acidogenic bacteria which are resistant to acidic conditions and may produce acid. A lower pH (acid) causes higher level of fluoride to be released. Objective: This study was to analyze the effect of Streptococcus sp and Lactobacillus sp attachment on solubility of fluoride level on GIC restoration Method: Twenty-one specimens (5mm diameter x 2mm thickness; n = 7 / group) were fabricated with GIC. The treatment group (Streptococcus sp and Lactobacillus sp) while the control group (Artificial Saliva) was immersion for 7 days in an incubator 37oC. Solubility of fluoride was measured using a pH meter Lutron (208) TL Lutron (Taiwan). Result: One Way Anova and Post Hoc Bonferonni showed that there were significant differences between the treatment groups of Streptococcus sp (5.13 ± 0.86ppm) and Lactobacillus sp (6, 02 ± 0.79ppm) with artificial Saliva group controls (3.03±0,56ppm). Conclusion: There was an effect of Streptococcus sp and Lactobacillus sp bacteria attachment on the solubility of fluoride from the GIC restoration.

Isolation and Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Legume Soaking Water of Tempeh Productions

<p><span>The aims of this study were to isolate lactic acid bacteria from legume soaking water and to examine their ability to grow and produce acid in jack bean milk. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from legume soaking water in five tempeh productions in Special Province of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The identification of <st1:stockticker w:st="on">LAB</st1:stockticker> was carried out based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. Twenty-nine <st1:stockticker w:st="on">LAB</st1:stockticker> were obtained, and twelve isolates considered to be homo-fermentative types. Four of these homofermentative isolates which be able to grow at pH 4.4 were further examined of their ability to grow and produce acid in jack bean milk. Biochemical identification using <st1:stockticker w:st="on">API</st1:stockticker> 50 CH and 50 <st1:stockticker w:st="on">CHL</st1:stockticker> identified them as <i>Lactobacillus</i> sp. KKNB1, <i>L. plantarum</i> WGK3, <i>L. plantarum</i> WGK4, and <i>L. paracasei</i> WGK5. All those isolates were able to ferment jack bean milk which was marked by an increase of the number of cells (1.07-1.76 log cycle) and decrease of pH value in jack bean milk after fermentation at 37^oC for 24 hours. It means that they could utilize carbon sources and other nutrients in jack bean milk for their growth and metabolic activities. Further study should be done to evaluate the possibility of these isolates for starter cultures in fermentation of jack bean milk.<o:p></o:p></span></p>