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Drought can significantly impact fiber crop cultivation due to the plants' specific water requirements and their extended vegetative period. The purpose of the research was to examine how drought stress affects the quality and chemical composition of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) fibers. A three-year pot experiment was conducted in a plant growth facility, using controlled drought stress for hemp plants. Soil moisture levels were maintained at three levels, where 45% field water capacity was the control and 35% and 25% FWC were drought. A comprehensive suite of fiber quality characterization techniques, including linear density measurement, tenacity assessment, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Wide-Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD), was employed to evaluate the impact of drought stress on fiber properties. The chemical composition of hemp fibers was thoroughly analyzed, quantifying the content of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin. The findings indicate that drought conditions significantly influence linear density, wax and fat content, as well as the crystallinity of the fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, biological indicators were used to assess the impact of applying spent mushroom substrate and manure on the soil environment. The use of spent mushroom substrate had a varied effect on the microorganisms. Stimulation was recorded in the abundance of copiotrophic bacteria and fungi, but only in the first year of the study. In the case of cellulolytic bacteria, this effect was visible only in single plots. Similar observations were also noted regarding the relative DNA content (in relation to the control), which increased for both bacteria and fungi after applying spent mushroom substrate. In the soil fertilized with spent mushroom substrate, a decrease in DNA concentration was observed, but only in the first and second year. For enzymatic activity, the use of spent mushroom substrate alone proved to be more favorable, but this effect was again observed only in the first year of the study. The application of manure caused similar changes as observed with the use of spent mushroom substrate. These observations indicate a similar impact of spent mushroom substrate and manure on the parameters tested. The research presented suggests the use of both classical methods and methods based on the analysis of DNA extracted from soil to study the impact of spent mushroom substrate on the activity of soil microbial populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop a natural nonwoven layer made of cottonized bleached flax and cotton fibers which is suitable to replace one of the three polypropylene layers of face mask type II in order to reduce non-biodegradable waste production and limit the negative impact of used masks on the environment. The work focused on the design of a nonwoven structure based on properly blending cotton and flax fibers as well as ensuring the cover factor, which can support the mask's barrier properties against air dust particles and does not make breathing difficult. Additionally, a biodegradable film was developed to connect the nonwoven layer with the other polypropylene filtering layers. The effectiveness of the biodeterioration of the flax/cotton nonwoven was evaluated based on a test of the susceptibility of materials to the action of soil microorganisms. The flax/cotton nonwoven layer was tested in terms of mechanical, physical, and biophysical properties, and an analysis of the covering of the nonwoven surface with fibers was conducted as well. The results confirmed that the structure of flax/cotton nonwovens is suitable to replace the nondegradable polypropylene layer of the face mask type II to improve its environmental performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming has led to a change in climatic conditions. Since 2006, drought has contributed to a reduction of food production and other agriculture-based products in many countries. The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has caused some changes in the composition of fruits and vegetables, making them less nutritious. To analyse this situation, a study was conducted on the effect of drought on the quality of fibres provided by the main fibre crops in Europe, namely flax (Linum usitatissimum). The experiment consisted of growing flax under controlled comparative conditions with designed different irrigation levels, such as 25%, 35% and 45% field soil moisture. Three varieties of flax were grown in 2019, 2020 and 2021 in the greenhouses of the Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants in Poland. Fibre parameters, such as linear density, length and strength, were evaluated according to relevant standards. In addition, scanning electron microscope images of the cross-section and longitudinal view of the fibres were analysed. The results of the study indicated that deficiency of water during the flax growing season resulted in lowering of fibre linear density and tenacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Soil degradation is an unavoidable phenomenon that poses a real threat, as it limits soil utility and reduces its resources. Early assessment of soil degradation can prevent its further deterioration. Various parameters of soil microbial activity may be helpful in this evaluation. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the usefulness of microbiological (total abundance of oligotrophic bacteria and filamentous fungi), biochemical (soil respiration) and enzymatic (dehydrogenase, protease, acid and alkaline phosphatase activity and fluorescein hydrolytic activity) indicators, as well as phytotoxicity, in monitoring the condition of chemically degraded soils due to severe alkalization. The experimental material was soil collected in three sites located at different distances from the reservoir with liquid post-production waste. The analyzed indicators were correlated with the physical and chemical properties of the soil in three variants at the level of sampling sites, soil profile and seasonal variability. All analyzed parameters showed significant changes in the level of their activity at individual sampling sites. The location closest to the waste reservoir was characterized by the lowest values of the discussed activities and the highest phytotoxicity. Individual activities also showed changes depending on the season and soil layer. Considering the usefulness in monitoring changes in soils exposed to chemical degradation, total bacterial and fungal counts, as well as acid and alkaline phosphatase activities and fluorescein hydrolytic activity proved to be the most sensitive indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to explore the possibility to re-use disposable masks in order to prevent excessive waste generation during the pandemic period. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused rapidly increasing waste production resulting from the necessity of common usage of disposable personal protective equipment. This research covers the evaluation of the structure of surgical masks subjected to a threefold steam, gas or plasma sterilization process in order to verify the possibility of their re-use. The results of the study showed that gas sterilization even after three cycles did not cause significant changes in mask structure or air permeability. Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization caused significant changes in the structure of layer A after the third cycle of sterilization; nonetheless, it did not influence the air permeability of the mask. A significant reduction in the cover ratio of layers composing surgical masks causes an increase of air permeability in the case of steam sterilization, leading to a reduction of the mechanical ability to prevent the penetration of microorganisms. The reduction in cover ratio limits the filtration efficiency. Surgical masks subjected to threefold gas sterilization can be recommended for re-use. This allows one to use the mask thrice, ensuring safety for users and limiting the mask-waste production to one-third of the volume compared with when the mask is used once. The volume of mask-waste can be reduced with the application of the sterilization process for used masks during the pandemic period. Currently, it is not possible to sterilize all one-use masks, but implementation of this method in hospitals and medical centers is a step in the pro-environmental direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensification of agriculture leads to worrying changes in agro-ecosystems. Research has been conducted to bridge the gap between the desire to maintain ecological balance and harmful interference with ecosystems. Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) can become the basis of a farming system that improves soil quality. The aim of the study was to assess the potential of SMS in improving the following soil quality indicators: abundance and activity of microorganisms, and to assess the impact of SMS and manure (M) on the increase in the greenhouse effect. The plots were fertilized with SMS, M, and SMS in combination with NPK mineral fertilization. The application of SMS had a varied but generally positive effect on the parameters studied, particularly on the number of proteolytic microorganisms, urease activity but also ammonification and nitrification. In contrast, inhibition of protease activity was observed. The stimulation of most of the indicators was recorded in the first and second years, followed by a weakening of their effect. M also positively influenced the tested parameters, especially nitrification, where this effect lasted longer than for SMS. This indicates that the application of manure contributes more to the formation of products from which denitrification can potentially generate greenhouse gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sida hermaphrodita (Virginia fanpetals) was introduced to Poland nearly 70 years ago as a potential fodder plant, and it is gaining importance as an energy crop. Alternaria alternata transmitted by seeds may exert a negative effect on the health of Virginia fanpetals plants. Methods: The virulence of the A. alternata pathogen, isolated from Virginia fanpetals seeds, was tested on detached leaves of Virginia fanpetals plants. The isolates were identified as A. alternata based on partial sequence analysis of Alta1, TEF1a and gdp genes and the ITS 1–5.8SrDNA–ITS 2 region. Pathogen transmission from seeds to seedlings and the influence of seed dressing with a suspension of Aureobasidium pullulans on seedling health were analyzed in a greenhouse experiment. Results: Three of the nine analyzed A. alternata isolates were highly pathogenic for S. hermaphrodita. The initial symptoms of leaf infection were small, round dark brown or black spots which grew into larger dark brown spots surrounded by a chlorotic halo. Alternaria alternata was re-isolated from inoculated plants and was identified as the causal agent of Alternaria leaf spot disease. In the greenhouse experiment, S. hermaphrodita seeds dressed with a suspension of A. pullulans and inoculated with A. alternata produced a higher number of seedlings with a higher health status than non-dressed seeds. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that A. alternata is transmitted from infected S. hermaphrodita seeds to developing plants and biological control limits this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was carried out to assess soil condition many years after waste introduction for reclamation purposes. The parameters of the activity of soil microorganisms responsible for the revitalization processes in degraded soils were used in the research. Soil material was derived from the area of the former sulfur mine. The results showed that even a single waste introduction to degraded soil caused long-lasting effects in the activity of soil microorganisms. The most favorable changes were caused by the addition of sewage sludge and the use of mineral wool in the form of a pad. The application of lime alone turned out to be the least beneficial for the revitalization processes, i.e., restoring the homeostasis of biological life in degraded soil. This research is a continuation of study that concerned the initial recultivation period. The obtained research results show the need for monitoring soils reclaimed with waste, not only in the initial period but also in the following years. These results allow evaluation of the usefulness of the parameters of soil microbial activity in monitoring soil environments subjected to strong human pressure. The results can be used to assess the risks associated with the introduction of waste into the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemp fiber variety, Bialobrzeskie, contains phenolic acids in its chemical composition giving it inherent antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The use of this raw material in fabric manufacture allows the creation of functional clothing with a positive effect on human skin. The aim of the study was to develop biologically active functional clothing made of pure industrial hemp raw materials, where cannabidiol (CBD) extract applied on the fabric surface strengthened the fiber bioactivity. The design of the clothing technology was focused on keeping the hemp inherent properties on a steady level and avoiding the use of chemicals in each stage of the value chain from plant cultivation up to garment manufacture. The research covered the evaluation of phenolic acids content and The Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power FRAP antioxidant activity of the hemp fabric. The hemp fabric enriched with CBD was used for clothing preparation. The human trials covered wearing of the clothing by 15 volunteers for six weeks and evaluation of hemp garment effect on human skin. The skin parameters were tested twice, before and after six weeks of clothing wearing, according to the own methodology that included measurements of skin biophysical properties including tests of skin moisture, transepidermal water loss, and sebum. Also, the effect of the active substances present on the fabrics on the in vitro culture of human keratinocytes was evaluated. Results of the research proved, that the wearing of developed functional hemp clothing with CBD extracts applied on the fabric surface was safe and caused improvement of skin condition, which can have an influence on slowing down of skin aging. The invention covering the pure hemp functional clothing with hybrid bioactivity resulting from the joined activity of fiber and cannabidiol was applied for a patent, Patent Application No: P.438388, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]