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The fibre characteristics of five Spondia mombin stands were studied to determine their suitability for pulp and paper production. Wood slivers obtained parallel to grain at three (3) different positions along the bole were macerated in combined identical amounts of glacial acetic acid plus hydrogen peroxide under heat at between 80-100o C. Macerated fibres were washed clean of mixture and mounted on slide for microscopic examination of fibre characteristics. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed for the experiment. Data were analysed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) while, the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to separate means of significant differences among the treatments. Results show that significant differences existed in fibre characteristic of sampled trees, however the fibre length ranged from 0.98-1.0 mm, fibre diameter (18.22-21.47 um), lumen width (10.90-12.98 um) and cell wall thickness (3.86-4.60 um). Significant differences were also observed among the derived fibre characteristics, the Runkel ratio ranged from 0.66-8.89, elasticity coefficient (57.22-60.50 %), coefficient of rigidity (19.78-22.24 %), slenderness ratio (43.27-46.5). This implied that, the fibres of S. mombin were short and elastic which make the wood species an appropriate raw material for pulp and paper making especially when blended with other long fibre species.

The suitabilities of major agricultural residues were assessed as papermaking feedstocks. All the examined agricultural residues were assumed as potential candidates for substituting hardwood fibers in mixed pulp blends from a fiber morphological perspective. Wheat, barley, rice, rapeseed, maize, sunflower, sugarcane bagasse, coconut husk, and two genotypes of miscanthus grass underwent identical maceration. The fiber length, fiber width, cell wall thickness, and lumen diameter were measured to calculate the slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient, and Runkel ratio. The average fiber length ranged from 0.50 mm ± 0.32 mm (MG-S-02-V) to 1.15 mm mm ± 0.58 mm (sugarcane bagasse). The fiber width ranged from 10.77 μm ± 3.28 μm (rice straw) to 22.99 mm ± 5.20 mm (sunflower stalk). The lumen diameter ranged from 4.52 μm ± 2.52 μm (rice straw) to 13.23 μm ± 4.87 μm (sunflower stalk). The cell wall thickness ranged from 3.02 μm ± 0.95 μm (rice straw) to 4.80 μm ± 1.48 μm (sunflower stalk). The slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient, and Runkel ratio values ranged between 28.08 to 58.11, 37.97 to 60.8, and 0.62 to 1.68, respectively. Wheat, maize, rapeseed, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut husk were found to be appropriate residue sources for papermaking feedstocks.

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) is widely ensiled to feed sheep in southwestern China, as unconventional woody forage. Feeding lambs with paper mulberry silage (PMS) may improve certain feeding characteristics, thereby affecting the growth performance and meat quality. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of four diets of PMS on growth performance, rumen microbial composition, and muscle fatty acids profile in Hu lambs. The results showed that 30% and 40% PMS increased the dry matter intake and average daily gain of Hu lambs compared to the control group. PMS30 and PMS40 increased the content of C24:1, and PMS40 increased the content of C20:5n-3. The content of microbial protein (MCP) was higher in PMS40 than in others, but PMS30 and PMS40 reduced the total volatile fatty acid in rumen. PMS30 significantly increased the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid. The abundance of ruminal Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and norank_f_Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group was significantly higher in PMS30 and PMS40 groups. Moreover, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group had a significant positive correlation with n3-polyunsaturated fatty acid. PMS40 might lead to a relatively high content of unsaturated fatty acids in longissimus dorsi muscle by increasing the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group in rumen.

This study was carried out in an attempt to evaluate the impact of Broussonetia papyrifera as a roughage substitute at different levels on carcase traits, growth performance, meat quality and immune performance in Hu ram lambs. Sixty Hu rams (5 months of age, 26.70 ± 2.14 kg body weight) were randomly divided into four groups. The treatments comprised B. papyrifera supplementation at levels of 0% (G0), 30% (G30), 60% (G60) and 100% (G100) of roughage feed. The results suggested that diet supplemented with B. papyrifera (G100 group) caused a higher average weight gain (AWG) and average daily gain (ADG) than those of G0 group. The highest carcase weight was observed in the G60 group. The chemical and physical properties of the longissimus dorsi muscle of Hu rams showed no significant differences (p>.05). For fatty acid, the G60 group had significantly lower content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), higher contents of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and higher PUFA/SFA ratio than other groups (p

The gut microbiota is recognized as having major impact in health and disease. Sample storage is an important aspect to obtain reliable results. Mostly recommended is immediate freezing, however, this is not always feasible. Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) papers are an appealing solution in such situations, and most studies find these to be applicable, showing no major changes within 7 days storage at room temperature (RT). As fieldwork often requires RT storage for longer periods, evaluation of this is warranted. We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 19 paired faecal samples immediately frozen or kept five weeks and five months at RT on FOBT papers. Alpha-diversity evaluation revealed no effect of FOBT storage, and evaluation of beta-diversity showed that host explained 65% of community variation, while storage method explained 5%. Evaluation of community dispersion and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio revealed a larger effect of storage time for fresh-frozen samples. Single taxa evaluation (order-to-genus level) showed significant alterations of four (of 37) genera after five weeks and five genera after five months. When comparing the two timepoints, alterations were only detectable for fresh-frozen samples. Our findings reveal that long term storage on FOBT papers is an applicable approach for microbiota research.

The present study investigated the effects of dietary paper mulberry (Broussonetia Papyrifera, BP) on growth performance, muscle quality and muscle growth-related mRNA expressions of grass carp. Fish (initial weight: 50.0 ± 0.5 g) were fed diets supplemented with 0% (control diet), 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% BP for 8 weeks. The results showed that increasing levels of paper mulberry linearly and quadratically decreased the special gain rate (SGR) and increased the feed conversion rate (FCR) of grass carp (p &lt, 0.05). Significantly positive quadratic trends were found between paper mulberry levels and muscle crude fat or crude protein of grass carp (p &lt, 0.05). In comparison to the control diet, the 10%BP and 15%BP groups had significantly decreased muscle crude fat and increased crude protein (p &lt, 0.05). The levels of paper mulberry resulted in a linear and quadratic increase in water loss of grass carp muscle (p &lt, 0.05), and all groups with paper mulberry supplementation were significantly higher than the control group (p &lt, 0.05). Significant positive linear and quadratic trends were found between the paper mulberry levels and muscle fiber diameter or density of grass carp (p &lt, 0.05). In comparison to the control diet, the significant differences were found in the 15%BP and 20%BP groups (p &lt, 0.05). The muscle adhesiveness and hardness linearly and quadratically increased with the increasing levels of paper mulberry (p &lt, 0.05), and both of which increased significantly when the level of paper mulberry reached 10% (p &lt, 0.05). In addition, the increase in paper mulberry linearly and quadratically improved the expressions of myoblast determination protein (MyoD), myogenin (MyoG), paired box protein 7 (Pax7) and myostatin 1 (MSTN1) (p &lt, 0.05). When the supplementation of paper mulberry reached 15%, the expressions of all these mRNAs were significantly higher than those of the control group (p &lt, 0.05). In summary, adding 5% paper mulberry did not affect the growth of grass carp. However, the supplementation of 10% paper mulberry could improve muscle quality through improving muscle hardness, reducing fat accumulation and muscle fiber diameter, at the cost of reducing growth performance.

Simple Summary The usage of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a dietary protein source for ruminants in China is limited by forage quality and planting scale. Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera L., RY) has emerged as a new and representative high-protein woody forage resource for ruminants. However, information is less available regarding how substituting RY for alfalfa affect the fermentation and protein quality in total mixed ration (TMR) silages. This study evaluated ensiling characteristics, protein quality, and in vitro digestibility in TMR silages by mixing RY with alfalfa at different rations. The TMR were made with alfalfa and RY mixtures (36.0%), maize meal (35.0%), oat grass (10.0%), soybean meal (7.5%), brewers’ grain (5.0%), wheat bran (5.0%), premix (1.0%), and salt (0.5%) on a dry matter basis, respectively. The alfalfa and RY mixtures were made in the following ratios of dry matter: 36:0 (RY0), 27:9 (RY9), 18:18 (RY18), 9:27 (RY27), and 0:36 (RY36). The results showed that RY substitution had no adverse effect on fermentation quality and nutritional composition, but inhibited true protein degradation, while decreasing in vitro dry matter and crude protein digestibility. Therefore, RY and alfalfa mixtures at a ratio of 18:18 is suitable for silage-based TMR. Abstract To develop an alternative high-protein forage resource to alleviate ruminant feed shortages, we investigated the effects of replacing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with different ratios of paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera L., RY) on fermentation quality, protein degradation, and in vitro digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silage. The TMR were made with alfalfa and RY mixtures (36.0%), maize meal (35.0%), oat grass (10.0%), soybean meal (7.5%), brewers’ grain (5.0%), wheat bran (5.0%), premix (1.0%), and salt (0.5%) on a dry matter basis, respectively. The alfalfa and RY mixtures were made in the following ratios of dry matter: 36:0 (RY0), 27:9 (RY9), 18:18 (RY18), 9:27 (RY27), and 0:36 (RY36). After ensiling for 7, 14, 28, and 56 days, fermentation quality, protein degradation, and microbial counts were examined, and chemical composition and in vitro digestibility were analyzed after 56 days of ensiling. All TMR silages, irrespective of the substitution level of RY, were well preserved with low pH and ammonia nitrogen content, high lactic acid content, and undetectable butyric acid. After ensiling, the condensed tannin content for RY18 silages was higher than the control, but non-protein nitrogen, peptide nitrogen, and free amino acid nitrogen contents was lower, while the fraction B1 (buffer-soluble protein) was not different among all the silages. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility for RY27 and RY36 silages was lower than the control, but there was no difference between control and RY18 silages. This study suggested that ensiling RY with alfalfa inhibited true protein degradation, but decreased in vitro dry matter and crude protein digestibility of TMR silages, and that 18:18 is the optimal ratio.

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera, PM) is an excellent and extensive type of roughage in Asia. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PM silage on the milk production, apparent digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and fecal bacteria composition in Holstein dairy cows. Forty-five lactating Holstein dairy cows with a similar milk yield and parity were selected and randomly assigned to three groups. The control group was fed a non-PM silage diet, and the PM-treated groups were fed 4.5 and 9.0% PM silage supplementary diets for 28 days. Then, treatment groups were fed diets containing 13.5 and 18.0% PM silage for the next 28 days, respectively. PM silage increased the milk urea nitrogen and decreased the somatic cell count (p &lt, 0.05), but did not affect the dry matter intake, milk yield, apparent digestibility, and energy balance of dairy cows. PM silage can enhance the blood total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and immune globulin content (p &lt, 0.05). The PM silage significantly decreased the relative abundance of the genera Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 and Tyzzerella-4 (p &lt, 0.05). In conclusion, PM silage enhanced the antioxidant capacity and immunity of dairy cows, but did not influence the milk yield, dry matter digestibility, and fecal bacteria composition.

The present study demonstrates the vermistabilization of paper mill wastewater sludge (PMS) spiked with cow dung (CD) employing indigenous epigeic earthworm Perionyx excavatus Perrier. A total of six treatments were prepared along with a positive control (PC) and negative control (NC). Twenty earthworms were released into each treatment including PC and NC without earthworms. The different proportions viz., T1 (CD – 100%), T2 (PMS:CD – 1:3), T3 (PMS:CD – 1:2), T4 (PMS:CD – 1:1), T5 (PMS:CD – 3:1), T6 (PMS:CD – 2:1), PC (PMS – 100%) and NC (PMS – 100%) and changes in chemical parameters and microbial properties were recorded during the course of 60 days. Vermistabilization caused a significant decrease in the level of heavy metals: Cd (2.9–27.8%), Cu (0.22–42.3%), Pb (1.3–56.3%) and Cr (0.8–46.2%). The bioconcentration factor (BCFs) was also calculated and great amount of heavy metals accumulated in their body (mg kg−1) that ranged from 0.31 ± 0.003–0.45 ± 0.007 for Cd, 0.12 ± 0.005–0.24 ± 0.003 for Cu, 0.15 ± 0.005–0.31 ± 0.006 for Pb and 0.29 ± 0.007–0.56 ± 0.001 mg kg−1 for Cr, accumulation of heavy metals are in the order: Cr > Cd > Pb > Cu. The physicochemical parameters of earthworm treated substrate such as electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total potassium were significantly increased; whereas, pH, total organic carbon, C:N ratio (carbon: nitrogen) and C:P ratio (carbon: phosphorus) were reduced after 60 days of vermistabilization. The vermistabilized materials also had a higher population of bacteria (98.90 ± 0.30 CFU × 106 g−1), fungi (43.75 ± 0.55 CFU × 103 g−1) and actinomycetes (67.65 ± 0.45 CFU × 105 g−1) than initial mixtures. Moreover, several histopathological changes were observed in earthworm tissues viz., disintegration of cells, irregular surface of epidermis, cellular debris, irregular cellular compartmentation, and oval-shaped nucleus. Higher level of histopathological abnormalities was recorded in PC (PMS-100%) while none were detected in lower concentrations of PMS. Furthermore, the study concludes that the paper mill sludge in a mixture of cow dung (1:1 ratio) can be a useful proposition for utilizing this hazardous waste through the adoption of vermitechnology.

Sub chronic Characteristics Study of Hazardous waste fly ash Pulp and Paper Industry PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper aimed to observed hazardous waste characteristics, both physical or toxically characteristics (TCLP, LD50, and Sub chronic), to observe the influence of fly ash doses to mice trough toxic sub chronic characteristics tes . The research methods used survey and experimental method. Survey method is used to analyze certificate of analysis data from fly ash characteristic tesed .Experimental method is used for sub chronic tes to mice animals tes in 90 days with dosage, control (0 mg/kg body weight ), low (5 mg/kg body weight), medium (50 mg/kg body weigh), and high (500 mg/kg body weight). Results of this research showed that fly ash from Pulp and Paper Industry PT RAPP passed characteristics tes of explosive, flammable, reactive and toxic characteristics (TCLP, LD50, and Sub chronic). Dosage of fly ash level in 0 mg/kg body weight, 5 mg/kg body weight, 50 mg/kg body weight, 500 mg/kg body weight for 90 days are not influences for increasing the weight of mice body, food and beverage intake, metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, hematology and NOAEL value is over 500 mg/kg weight of body. Based on this research had been concluded that fly ash from Pulp and Paper Industry PT RAPP not identified as hazardous waste and can be submitted to KLHK for do exceptions study as hazardous waste in accordance with article 191 PP 101 Year 2014.

Waste management is the protection of the environment and the health of the population. Paper waste sludge is produced during paper production and sepiolite is a natural clay mineral. The aim of the study was to investigate the usability of sepiolite-added paper waste sludge as a bedding material in the broiler production. Two hundred eighty-eight 1-day old male broiler chicks were divided into the 6 bedding material groups (wood shavings (control), paper waste sludge, sepiolite, mix of 25% paper waste sludge and 75% sepiolite, mix of 50% paper waste sludge and 50% sepiolite, and mix of 75% paper waste sludge and 25% sepiolite) with 6 replicate pens per group. Litter quality, performance, and some welfare parameters of broilers were assessed during the 6 weeks’ period. Body weight at 42 days of age and body weight gain from 0 to 42 days of broilers reared on the wood shavings and mix of 50% paper waste sludge and 50% sepiolite were found higher than those of the sepiolite and paper waste sludge groups. Feed consumption and feed to gain ratio from 0 to 42 days, yields of carcass and carcass parts, percentages of organs and abdominal fat, IgG, percentage of bursa Fabricius, burns of foot pad and breast, litter pH and meat properties of broilers reared on the wood shavings, paper waste sludge, and sepiolite litter groups were not found to be statistically different. Litter moisture was found higher in the paper waste sludge group than that in the sepiolite group at the 42 days of rearing. As a conclusion, usage of mix of 50% paper waste sludge and 50% sepiolite as a litter does not have any negative effects on performance, welfare, and litter quality. This result is important in terms of utilizing a waste product.

Industrial by-products such as paper mill biosolids (PBs) have been used as fertilizers and amendments in agriculture for many decades. However, their content of plant essential nutrients including phosphorus (P) varies largely with sources, and availability of these nutrients once applied to soil still remains unknown. Five PBs differing in their C/N ratio (12–47) were used in an incubation study to assess the P forms and availability from both PBs and PB-amended soils. Biosolids were added to three contrasting soils varying in texture and pH in 500-ml jars at the rate of 50 Mg wet ha–1, supplying between 45 and 112 kg total P ha–1. An unfertilized control and a mineral NP treatment (30 kg P ha–1) were also included. Biosolids and soil P fractions were determined by a modified Hedley fractionation method following 2 and 16 weeks of incubation. Phosphorus forms in PBs varied across type of materials with labile P ranging from 20 to 72% and organic P (Po) ranging from 28 to 66% of total P. Soil incubated with PB showed changes in all P fractions due to amendment, soil type, and duration of incubation. Resin-P and labile P, the most available forms, were significantly higher with addition of high PB–P content. Soil labile P represented up to 50% of total P added by PB. Overall, most inorganic P (Pi) fractions and labile P further increased with incubation duration. Close relationships were established between resin-P and labile P content in PB and the increases of those fractions in incubated soils, notably after 2 weeks. The P recovery as labile P represented on average 34% of total P added or 68% in terms of mineral P. We concluded that PB could be used as an efficient source of P for fertilizing crops.

Understanding how differences in animal husbandry practices affect the reproducibility of research results is critical. We sought to understand how different beddings might influence dietary obesity studies. We compared the effects of paper and corncob bedding on weight gain, metabolism, and gut microbiome (GM) of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or a normal diet (ND) and evaluated effects on fecal and cecal microbiomes collected from these cohorts after euthanasia. Male C57BL/6J mice at 5 wk age were allowed to acclimate to the facility and the assigned bedding for one week before being placed on HFD or remaining on the ND for 12 wk. Fecal pellets and cecal samples were collected and frozen for batched 16S sequencing. Mice had similar body weight, visceral gonadal white adipose tissue (GWAT), subcutaneous inguinal white adipose tissue (IWAT), liver and spleen weights and metabolic changes regardless of the bedding type. Baseline microbiota differences were detected one week after bedding assignment. After 12 wk, the GM showed significant differences depending on both bedding and diet. The effects of the bedding were not significantly different between endpoint fecal and cecal GM, despite the inherent differences in microbiota in fecal and cecal samples. A correlation was detected between diet and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia: Akkermansia. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the importance of considering bedding type when performing dietary experiments.

To study the relationship between exposure to airborne particles in a pulp and paper mill and markers of inflammation and coagulation in blood. Personal sampling of inhalable dust was performed for 72 subjects working in a Swedish pulp and paper mill. Stationary measurements were used to study concentrations of total dust, respirable dust, PM10 and PM2.5, the particle surface area and the particle number concentrations. Markers of inflammation, interleukins (IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and fibrinogen and markers of coagulation factor VIII, von Willebrand, plasminogen activator inhibitor, and D-dimer were measured in plasma or serum. Sampling was performed on the last day of the work free period of 5 days, before and after the shift the first day of work and after the shifts the second and third day. In a mixed model analysis, the relationship between particulate exposures and inflammatory markers was determined. Sex, age, smoking, and BMI were included as covariates. The average 8-h time-weighted average (TWA) air concentration levels of inhalable dust were 0.30 mg/m(3), range 0.005-3.3 mg/m(3). The proxies for average 8-h TWAs of respirable dust were 0.045 mg/m(3). Significant and consistent positive relations were found between several exposure metrics (PM 10, total and inhalable dust) and CRP, SAA and fibrinogen taken post-shift, suggesting a dose-effect relationship. This study supports a relationship between occupational particle exposure and established inflammatory markers, which may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare [2006-0152]

The combination of bedding substrate and nesting material within the microenvironment of mice is an important consideration for animal care programs in regard to optimizing animal wellbeing. We used 3 general or breeding mouse colonies in our institution to evaluate the effects of bedding substrate on nest building, breeding performance, and recognition of animal health concerns. A scoring system was developed to assess the incorporation of bedding into the nest cup base and walls (nest base incorporation, NBI) in a controlled study with mice bedded on either compressed paper (CP) or corncob (CC) bedding. Compared with CC cages, CP cages had higher NBI scores. To determine the influence of bedding type on the recognition of animal health concerns in an animal facility, cages bedded with CC followed by CP were evaluated for the overall frequency of health-concern reports during a 2-mo time frame for each bedding type in a single-subject A-B study design. The frequency of animal health-concern reports was similar in cages using CC or CP bedding. The animal health condition, rather than bedding type, was associated with the severity of the health problem at the initial report. Breeding performance was compared for 6 mo in matched CC and CP cages containing one of 13 genetically modified mouse lines. NBI scores were higher for breeders housed on CP compared with CC bedding. Monogamous breeder pairs housed on CP had significantly higher indexes of breeding performance (measured as the number of pups per dam per week on study) than did CC cages. This report supports the use of CP bedding in the mouse microenvironment to improve general wellbeing by supporting nesting behavior and reproductive performance without hindering the detection of animal health concerns.

Bedding material is a critical component of the mouse environment and affects animal wellbeing and research integrity. Corn cob (CC) bedding has been a common bedding choice in research despite several potential negative aspects of its use. We investigated the use of compressed paper (CP) bedding as a refinement to CC bedding. CP bedding demonstrated greater total and immediate absorption, compared with CC bedding. CP-bedded cages had a reduced frequency of early cage changing prior to the Guide-recommended 2-wk interval for IVC; this reduction was proportional to room census. Intracage ammonia levels were lower in CP-bedded IVC compared with CC-bedded IVC, independent of the age, sex, and number of mice per cage. By contrast, ammonia levels were similar between CP-bedded and CC-bedded static cages. Collectively, these data support the use of CP bedding as a refinement for CC in ventilated mouse cages, in light of increased husbandry efficiency and its positive effect on the welfare of mice.

Equine scintigraphy has been legally permitted in Japan since 2009; however, it has not yet been a routine modality for horses. One reason is the legal regulations concerning the disposal of contaminated bedding. However, overseas, the bedding after scintigraphy can be disposed following radioactivity decay, but this is not allowed in Japan. Therefore, beddings are required to stored permanently in a controlled area, implying that large amounts of beddings such as straw would be kept untreated, which is quite unpractical. This may cause a hospital owner to hesitate to construct an equine scintigraphy facility. Therefore, it is proposed that water-dispersed paper bedding is disposed as aqueous waste after radioactivity decay. The purpose of this study was to check the availability of bedding, thus radioisotopes were not used in this study. Three horses were housed individually in stalls covered with water-dispersed paper bedding for 48 hr. Physical condition, including body weight, was monitored, and a complete blood cell count and biochemical analysis were conducted. The results revealed that physical conditions and results of blood analysis were all stable within the normal range, and the veterinarian did not find any specific abnormality in any of the three horses. No marked changes in the levels of blood cortisol were observed before and after stalling, suggesting almost no stress for the horses. Because the water-dispersed paper bedding did not negatively affect the horses, it can be used as a substitute for conventional straw bedding.

The interactions between earthworms and microorganisms activity has prompted several researchers to evaluate the potential of artificially inoculating vermicomposts with additional specific microbes, with the intention of enhancing the vermicomposting process. This study evaluated the potential of inoculating fly ash (F)-cow dung-paper waste (CP) mixture (F-CP) with a specialized microbial cocktail called Effective micro-organisms (EM) during vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida earthworms. Inoculation with EM alone did not result in significantly (P>0.05) different changes in C/N ratio and dissolved organic matter (DOC) compared to the control with no EM and E. fetida. A significant interaction between EM and E. fetida presence resulted in greater changes in C/N ratio and DOC, which were not statistically different from the E. fetida alone treatment. It was also noteworthy that the activity of s-Glucosidase was not influenced by the presence of EM, but was significantly influenced (P=0.0014) by the presence of E. fetida. However, the EM+E. fetida treatment resulted in a rate of weekly Olsen P release of 54.32mgkg(-1) which was 12.3%, 89.2% and 228.0% more that the E. fetida alone, EM alone and control treatments, respectively. Similarly, though higher in the E. fetida plus EM treatment, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria counts were not significantly different (P>0.05) from the E. fetida alone treatment. It is concluded that inoculation of F-CP composts with EM alone may not be beneficial, while combining EM with E. fetida results in faster compost maturity and significantly greater Olsen P release. It would be interesting to evaluate higher optimized rates of EM inoculation and fortifying EM cocktails with phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on F-CP vermicompost degradation and phosphorus mineralization.

Beef meat has a complete nutritional content, the high prices in the market causing some unscrupulous traders to cheat by adding water to meat to get more weight. This beef meat has a bad quality, so needs the right method to identify the quality of beef meat in the field. This study was designed to identify the addition of water to beef meat by measuring the water holding capacity (filter paper press method) and electrical conductivity (EC meter). The experimental used one hundred bovine longisimus dorsi and the samples were divided into five groups. One group as a control and four other groups were treatment group. The treatment groups were injected by water with a volume of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% of the sample weight and all groups were repeated for twenty times. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan Multiple Range test. The data showed that the addition of water by injection in beef meat of treatment group 2%, 3%, and 4% had a significant influence on water holding capacity and electrical conductivity (p

This study examined the potential of pulp mill effluent from pulp producing countries (Canada, Brazil, New Zealand) to affect fish reproduction. Specifically, the estrogenic effects in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) pulse-exposed to 11 different mill effluent extracts (intra peritoneal IP-injections of SPE-DCM non-polar fraction). The results indicated that effluent extracts were estrogenic in juvenile trout irrespective of the gender, reflected by increasing level of plasma vitellogenin (VTG) (Brazil > New Zealand > Canada). In spite of the high variability observed among mills, differences in VTG levels were related to the type of mill process (kraft > ECF-kraft > TMP). Moreover, effluent treatments did not appear to significantly decrease VTG induction. A consistent estrogenic effect was observed in those mills that process a combination of feedstocks (softwood, and hardwood), with the highest increase in VTG related to eucalyptus feedstock. The authors' results demonstrate significant estrogenic effects of pulp mill effluents on chronically exposed juvenile trout, suggesting in vivo metabolic activation of precursors is necessary to cause the observed increases in VTG levels. This molecular estrogenic response provides a useful starting point for predicting population-level impacts through the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) approach methodology. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Pulp and paper mill effluents (PPMEs) have been shown to increase gonad size, cause early maturation, and disrupt hormone functions in native and non-native Chilean fish. In this study, we assessed reproductive (plasma vitellogenin; VTG, gonad development) and metabolic (ethoxyresorufin-. O-deethylase activity; EROD) end points, relative liver size (LSI) and condition factor (K) of juvenile female and male rainbow trout exposed to effluents. Unlike previous studies, which have focus either on the specific effects of effluent on fish in laboratory exposures or biotic population statuses downstream of discharge sites, we simultaneously assessed the impacts of PPMES on trout using two approaches: (1) laboratory exposures of tertiary treated PPME produced from processing Eucalyptus globulus or Pinus radiata; and (2) in situ bioassay downstream of the combined discharge of the same pulp mill. Despite an increase in the average gonadosomatic index (GSI) in exposed fish, no statistical differences in gonad size between exposed and unexposed individuals was detected. However, both female and male fish exposed to effluents showed significantly higher concentrations of plasma VTG, so more in fish exposed to Eucalyptus-based effluent when compared to Pinus PPME. In addition, male fish showed intersex characteristics in all exposure assays (Eucaliptus and Pinus) and, despite the low concentration of effluent in the river (

A pulp-based ceiling board has been made. Variations in the composition of mixing cement and pulp used include: 70%: 30%, 60%: 40%, and 50%: 50% and Variations in the composition of mixing cement, sand and pulp used include: 50%:20%:30%, 40%:20%:40%, 30%:20%:50% with FAS 0,4 and the printing and pressing time is 24 hours. The parameters of the test include: water absorption and density. Analysis of the ceiling board physical produced in sample A with a composition of 70%: 30% has a water absorption value = 19% and density = 1.58%, in sample B with a composition of 6%: 40% has a water absorption value = 26 , 8% and density = 1.53%, in sample C with a composition of 50%: 50% has a water absorption value = 26.05% and density = 1.45%, in sample D with a composition of 50%:20%:30% has a water absorption value = 24,3% and density = 1.67%, in sample E with a composition of 40%:20%:40% has a water absorption value = 20,9% and density = 1.45%, in sample F with a composition of 30%:20%:50% has a water absorption value = 14,8 % and density = 1.34%.

Vermicomposting of paper mill sludge (PMS) with cowdung (CD) and green manure plants, Tephrosia purpurea (TEP) and Gliricidia sepium (GLS) in different combinations (21 days pre-decomposed) was carried out using Eisenia fetida (60 days). Results revealed that electrical conductivity, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and N NO3- levels were higher in vermicomposts generated from PMS + CD with TEP/GLS combination than in composts prepared without earthworms; while total organic carbon, C/N ratio, C/P ratio and organic matter content depicted significant reduction. C/N and C/P of final vermicompost ranged from 13.45 to 22.33 and 15.54 to 28.56 respectively. The total microbial population was significantly higher in CD + TEP/GLS vermicomposts (P

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera L.) is a type of emerging feed and very popular with its high nutrition and low-cost value. Purpose of the experiment was to evaluate the nutrient contents, amino acids content and in vitro ruminal dry matter digestibility of paper mulberry cut at four different heights (60, 90, 120, and 150 cm). Paper mulberry harvested at 60 and 90 cm increased the content of crude protein water-soluble carbohydrate, calcium and total amino acids (P0.05), but the lowest content of condensed tannin was measured at 150 cm (Pin vitro ruminal dry matter digestibility, the sample cut at 150 cm was the lowest in all samples (P

Genellikle kabuk hamur ve kâğıt özelliklerine olumsuz etki yapmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Kraft yöntemi kullanılarak Yabani kızılcık (Cornus australis L.) odunundan kâğıt hamuru ve deneme kâğıtları üretilmiştir. Pişirme yonga/çözelti oranı 1/5 ve pişirme sıcaklığı 170±2 °C sabit alınarak farklı koşullarda yapılmıştır. Kraft metodu Na2S/NaOH 18/20, 18/15, 18/10, 18/5 şartlarında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Kabuğun kâğıt hamuru ve kâğıt üretimine olumsuz etkisi olup olmadığını belirlemek için kabuksuz örneklerde en yüksek verimin elde edildiği K2 Pişirmesi kabuklu örneklerle (K5) tekrarlanmıştır. Ayrıca, K2 pişirmesinin maksimum sıcaklığa ulaşma süresi 120 dakikadan 90 dakikaya indirilerek yapılan pişirmede (K6) zaman ve enerji tasarrufu yapılıp yapılanamayacağı irdelenmiştir. Kabuk ölçülen mekanik özellikleri ve hamur verimini olumsuz etkilemiştir. Fakat bu olumsuz etki mekanik özelliklerde %95 güven aralığında belirgin değildir. Diğer taraftan, kabuk parlaklık özelliklerinde olumsuz, opaklığa olumlu etki etmiştir. Bu etkiler %95 güven düzeyinde anlamlıdır. Generally bark has a negative effect pulp and paper properties. In this study, paper pulp and hand sheets were produced from Wild dogwood (Cornus australis L.) using Kraft method. The cooking have been different conditions, chip / solution ratio 1/5, cooking temperature 170±2 °C by taking constant. Kraft method with the Na2S/NaOH, 18/20, 18/15, 18/10, 18/5 performed. Samples were used with and without bark in order to identify the negative impacts of the bark on pulp and paper production. In addition, it has been investigated whether the time of reaching the maximum temperature of K2 cooking is reduced from 120 minutes to 90 minutes, and the time and energy saving can be made. For all of the mechanical properties that were measured and pulp yield, the bark had a negative effect. But, this effect had not significant on mechanical properties at 95% significant level. On the other hand the bark had a negative effect on brightness and positive effects on opacity. These effects had significant at 95% significant level.

Little research has been conducted to examine the influence of various methods of providing nest materials—such as dispersing them, providing them as single units, or clustering them—on the behavior and welfare of group-housed mice. In this study, 6 wk-old C57BL/6NCrl mice were housed 3 per cage and randomized into 1 of 3 nest-material groups: 1) one facial tissue per cage (control; female mice, 3 cages; male mice, 3 cages); 2) an 8-g 'puck' of compressed nesting material and a facial tissue (females, 3 cages; males, 3 cages); or 3) 8 g of dispersed paper strips and a facial tissue (females, 3 cages; males, 3 cages). Mouse behavior (agonistic, stereotypic, nesting), physical examination data, and nest scores were evaluated over 16 d. The results showed that mice in the puck and control groups spent more time manipulating nest materials after cage changes than did mice in the paper-strip group. Average nest scores were highest in the paper-strip group compared with controls and puck cages. Female cages with pucks showed no barbering, whereas all other female mice cages demonstrated barbering. Overall, nest pucks may provide a time-consuming activity for mice and may help protect female C57BL/6 mice from barbering. However, more research is needed to replicate and expand these study results.

Vermistabilization of paper mill wastewater sludge (PMS) spiked with cow dung (CD) at ratios of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% was carried out employing the earthworm, Eisenia fetida. A total of five treatments were established and changes in chemical and microbial properties of mixtures were observed. Vermistabilization caused decreases in total organic carbon, C:N ratio and cellulose by 1.2-1.5, 4.6-14.6, and 2.3-9.7-fold, respectively, but increases in pH, electrical conductivity, ash content, (tot)N, (avail)P, (tot)P, (exch)K, Ca, Na, and N-NO(3)(-) of 1.06-1.11, 1.2-1.6, 1.3-1.6, 3.8-11.5, 4.1-6.5, 5.7-10.3, 1.7-2.0, 1.16-1.24, 1.23-1.45, 4.2-13.4-folds, respectively. PMS with 25-50% of CD showed the maximum mineralization rate. The fungal, bacterial and actinomycetes population increased 2.5-3.71, 3.13-8.96, and 5.71-9.48-fold, respectively after vermistabilization. The high level of plant-available nutrients indicates the suitability of vermistabilized material for agronomic uses.

The paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) leaf is rich in alkaloids and flavonoids, which has high medicinal and feeding value. We aimed to analyze the effects of B. papyrifera leaf extract on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune functions, and fecal microflora of weaned piglets. Thirty healthy, 28-day-old piglets were randomly assigned to three groups and fed with a basal diet supplemented with 0, 150, and 300 g/t B. papyrifera leaf extract for 42 days (control group, group I, and group II) separately. The result revealed that the final weight of piglets in group II was higher than the other groups, and the diarrhea rate in this group was 62.9% lower than in the control group. The feed conversion ratio in group I was significantly lower than the other two groups. Higher blood urine nitrogen concentration was noted in group II, higher glutathione peroxidase and catalase in group II, higher superoxide dismutase in the control group, and higher immune globulins (Ig) IgG, IgA, and IgM in group II. There was no significant difference in community richness and community diversity among the three groups of fecal samples. The relative level of Roseburia was higher in groups I and II, while Lactobacillus was higher in the control group. In conclusion, supplementation with B. papyrifera leaf extract at a certain dosage can increase growth performance and antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets, reduce the occurrence of diarrhea, enhance immune functions and disease resistance, and affect the composition of fecal microflora.

Blood being a vehicle for the transport of industrial pollutants in living system, fish hematology is considered as potent biomarker. In the present study, we investigated respective sublethal effects of pulp and paper mill effluents on hematology of two commonly cultured carps, Cyprinus carpio and Ctenopharyngodon idella, using optical, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Irrespective of species, results showed significant decrease in erythrocyte, hematocrit and hemoglobin contents while an increase in white blood cell counts (P

Pot culture experiments were done to process paper mill sludge mixed with bedding materials (cow dung, pig waste and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in the ratio of 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25 using earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. Totally there were three treatments (T1, T2 and T3) with three replicates for each. Before and after treatments physico-chemical parameters such as pH, OC, TN, TP, tot TK, Ca, Zn, Fe and Mn were analysed. There were reduction in pH and OC in all vermibeds. On comparison in T2 the level of macronutrients such as tot N, tot P, tot K were found to be high. Micronutrients were high in T2. Earthworm biomass and cocoon production were also studied.

The present study observed the accumulation of heavy metals in Brassica juncea irrigated with paper mill effluent (PME) and control Bore well water (BWW). The soil was treated to five rates of effluents viz. 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ml/Kg soil. It was revealed 100% PME irrigation of soil increased Pb (+46.44%), Cr (+83.21%), Ni (+38.43%) and Cd (+78.92%). The enrichment factor (Ef) for Cr and Cd showed moderate enrichment with 10% to 75% PME irrigated soil, except Cr (5.96) which showed significant enrichment with 100% PME irrigated soil. Ef value for Pb and Ni showed deficiency to mineral enrichment with different concentrations of PME irrigated soil. The maximum accumulation of Pb (42.66±2.05 mg/kg), Cr (39.80±5.95 mg/kg), Ni (88.64±11.29 mg/kg) and Cd (5.85±0.29 mg/kg) were recorded in leaves of B. juncea, while that of Pb (43.85±3.46 mg/kg), Cr (48.59±3.81 mg/kg), Cd (6.74±1.22 mg/kg) with 100% and Ni (74.93±2.54 mg/kg) were recorded with 75% PME after 60 days in roots of the B. juncea. Ef value was found maximum for Cr (5.08) in leaves and for Pb (6.64) in roots, while the Translocation factor (Tf) was found maximum for Pb (2.45) in root of the crop irrigated with PME. The use of PME with proper dilution and with the metallic concentrations in permissible limit can be used as biofertigant for irrigation of B. juncea.

Investigations were done to characterize the paper mill sludge (PMS) as a soil amendment for the production of crops. Laboratory analysis was done at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu during 2014–15. PMS samples were collected from the Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Ltd (TNPL), Kagithapuarm, Karur district, Tamil Nadu, dried and stored for analysis. PMS was characterized and analysed for its important physico-chemical properties. It was dark brown in colour with unpleasant odour. Important basic characteristics of PMS samples were studied. The physical parameters like bulk density, particle density, porosity and moisture content were 1.37 (Mg/m3), 1.89 (Mg/m3), 39 per cent and 12.19 per cent respectively. The PMS was found to be neutral in reaction having pH 7.26 and the EC was 2.19 dS/m. Among the major nutrients, sulphate (18.21%) was found in higher quantity followed by calcium (2.26%), nitrogen (1.74%), potassium (1.73%) and phosphorus (0.97%). The organic carbon content (OC) was 9.3 per cent. The exchangeable cations like Ca, Mg, Na and K were also present in the same order. The DTPA micronutrients were present in the order of Mn >Fe >Zn >Cu.

A risk assessment study of seven phthalates in paper diapers for newborn babies produced in Japan was performed. The diapers were purchased and the contents of the seven phthalates were determined and estimated amounts of exposure were calculated based on the eluted rate into artificial medium of urine or sweat, average weight of infants, and frequency of use. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate and di- n -butyl phthalate were detected in the topsheets and determined to be 0.6 μg/g and 0.2 μg/g, respectively. The daily estimated exposure volume was calculated to be in the range of 1.86 × 10 −10 –2.98 × 10 −6 mg/kg/day as follows: content of seven phthalates in the topsheet (0.1–1 μg/g) × eluted rate of phthalates into artificial sweat (0.0006–2.4%) × weight of the topsheet of a diaper (1.5 g) × the number of diapers used per day (12 sheets) × skin absorption rate (0.005–0.1)/average body weight (2.9 kg). For hazard assessment, we used 0.2–300 mg/kg/day for the seven phthalates based on the data available at international agencies. The margin of exposure to the seven phthalates was 6.71 × 10 4 –1.99 × 10 11 , indicating that the risk of exposure to phthalates from the diapers produced in Japan was negligible.

Iron oxide–coated filter paper (Pi) can estimate labile phosphorus (P) in soil by acting as a P sink. The mechanism of Pi extraction may be more analogous to P sorption by plants than extraction with chemical extractants. The objective of this work was to compare strips of paper prepared by the Chardon method with Olsen, ammonium bicarbonate–diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (AB‐DTPA), Bray 1, and Mehlich 1 methods in determining available P in alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) and surface samples of 15 soils of the Hamadan province, western Iran. A pot experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with two P levels (0 and 200 mg P kg−1) and three replications. Plants were harvested in three cuttings in a period of 25 weeks and were used to measure plant‐available soil P. The following soil tests for P had increasingly higher average amounts of P: paper strips, Bray 1, Olsen, AB‐DTPA, and Mehlich 1. The P extracted by paper strips was significantly correlated with P extracted by Olsen and AB‐DTPA. In t...

The seasonal physico-chemical and microbial quality of Gola river water has been analyzed after confluence of pulp paper mill waste. The study revealed that it has enhanced 20-30 times pollution load of BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, sulphate, chloride, sodium, nitrate, potassium, lignin and phenol after mixing of pulp paper mill waste with river water in all season. Further, it induced the bacterial growth by increasing most probable number value of E. coli was 1.57 x 10(4), 1.6 x 10(4), 1.37 x 10(4) and SPC count was 1.68 x 10(4), 1.64 x 10(4), 1.67 x 10(4)/100 ml during summer, monsoon, winter respectively. While the most probable number value in river water before mixing of pulp paper mill waste was 1.4 x 10(2), 1.82 x 10(2), 1.5 x 10(2) and SPC count was 2.8 x 10(3), 2.89 x 10(3), 2.78 x 10(3)/100 ml during summer, monsoon and winter respectively. This indicated from 88-114 fold increase in most probable number value of E. coli and 56.55-60.0 times increase in SPC count of river water after mixing of effluent in summer, monsoon and winter. Moreover, the most probable number value in effluent itself before mixing was 3.4 x 10(2), 3.3 x 10(2), 2.8 x 10(2) and SPC count was 6 x 10(4), 6.5 x 10(4), 6 x 10(4)/100 ml during summer, monsoon, winter, respectively. Furthermore, it was revealed that the seasonal variation also regulated the bacterial population dynamics as per the physico-chemical quality, in which E. coli was found highest at the rate of (5.9 x 10(4)), E. aerogenes (5.3 x 10(4)), P. aeruginosa (1.3 x 10(4)), S. aureus (3.2 x 10(3)), K. pneumoniae (2.6 x 10(4)), Enteritidis (1.1 x 10(4)) on monsoon season and V. cholerae (7.4 x 10(2)), V. vulnificus (9.2 x 10(2))/100 ml in river water when contaminated with pulp paper mill waste in monsoon season. Thus, the monsoon season showed presence of FC and TC indicated the thermo-tolerant and disease causing group of bacterial population in effluent and its sequence was observed as monsoon>summer>winter. This indicated the growth of many pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria for health hazards with contamination of pulp paper waste in aquatic ecosystem within the vicinity of pulp paper mill industry.

A large amount of sheep dung (SD) produced on farms in China is a potential feedstock for production of clean energy in the form of biogas. Similarly, waste paper can be a notable energy source that is worth exploiting. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of co-digesting nitrogen-rich SD with the carbon-rich corrugated board (CB) or waste office paper (OP) in varying volatile solids (VS) ratios, to produce methane. Synergistic effect of co-digesting SD with CB and SD with OP on methane production was found in this study. The highest methane yields of 151.62 and 198.85 mL/g-VS were obtained during the co-digestions of SD with CB at 4:1 ratio (SDCB) and SD with OP at 2:3 ratio (SDOP), respectively. High-throughput 16 S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the microbial diversity and richness in SDCB and SDOP co-digests were higher than in SD and OP mono-digests, respectively. Characteristic bacteria and archaea in the digests were strongly substrate-related and might contribute to methane production. The validated results indicated that methane production through anaerobic co-digestion of SD and waste paper can be an efficient way that could not only reduce environmental pollution but also contribute to methane production.

Tor putitora (mean wt., 86.69±1.26 g, mean total length, 19.73±0.40 cm) were exposed for 30 days to varying concentrations (3, 6, 12, and 24 ml/L) of paper mill effluent with a view to check the haematological changes. Red blood cell count (RBCC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin content (MCHC), white blood cell count (WBCC), neutrophils, monocytes and small lymphocytes were 2.17±0.01 ‐ 1 .90±0.01×10 6 /mm 3 , 8.8±0.02 ‐ 6.5±0.02 g%, 27.34±0.24 ‐ 27.02±0.28%, 126.28±1.78 ‐ 123.04±1.82 um 3 , 41.80±0.12 ‐ 38.40±0.71 pg, 32.42±0.08 ‐ 28.45±0.08 g%, 13.16±0.28 ‐ 16.19±0.23×10 3 /mm 3 , 10.36±0.33 ‐ 5.19±0.26%, 5.87±0.25 ‐ 4.17±0.26% and 83.08±1.27 ‐ 89.24±1.25% respectively. After 30 days of exposure RBCC, Hb, MCV and MCHC decreased significantly (p

Objective This study was carried out to investigate the possible application of Broussonetia papyrifera (B. papyrifera) silage as a functional feeding stuff in dairy cattle. Methods Seventy-two Holstein cows were divided into four groups randomly and allocated to 6 pens with 3 individuals in each group and fed the original total mixed ratio (TMR) in the dairy farm or the new TMR with 5%, 10%, and 15% B. papyrifera silage, separately. Feed intake were recorded, milk and blood samples were collected, and milk composition, blood metabolites and milk fatty acids composition were measure at the end of the experiment. Results Dry matter intake of cows decreased when they fed on diet with B. papyrifera, but no differences were observed in body condition score, milk yield, milk protein and lactose, feed efficiency and serum metabolites between groups. Both 10% or 15% of B. papyrifera silage in the diet significantly increased the immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG in serum, 15% of B. papyrifera silage increased the content of serum catalase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and decreased the content of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. Furthermore, 10% or 15% of B. papyrifera silage resulted in a significant decrease in the milk somatic cell count, and increased the polyunsaturated fatty acids content in the milk. Conclusion The diets with 10% to 15% of B. papyrifera silage might enhance the immune and antioxidant function of dairy cows and increase the polyunstaturated fatty acid concentration in the milk.

The acute and chronic effects of secondary-treated effluent from a New Zealand pulp and paper mill were assessed using both long-term adult and early life stage (ELS) laboratory exposures of rainbow trout. The relative impact of maternal exposure versus ELS exposure was assessed by a comparison of directly exposed eggs and larvae with the eggs and larvae of exposed adult trout that were reared in reference water. Rainbow trout were exposed to a secondary-treated mixed thermomechanical/bleached kraft mill effluent at a concentration of 15% or to reference water from the egg through to 320-d-old juveniles. The 2 adult rainbow trout exposures were undertaken with nominal concentrations of 10% and 12% treated effluent, respectively. There was no marked effect of water hardening with 15% effluent on fertility or survival of eggs to 16 d. In a subsequent exposure (with hardening in reference water), no significant effects were found on mortality to hatch, time to hatch, length at hatch, mortality to swim-up, mortality to 320 d, or deformity rate at hatch. At experimental termination (320 d), direct-exposed juveniles had smaller livers and reduced condition factor, likely due to differences in food consumption. In 2 subsequent consecutive experiments, exposure of adult trout to 10% and 12% effluent for 2 mo, followed by incubation of the fertilized eggs in reference water, produced no impact on fertility, survival to hatch, survival to swim-up, or length and weight of fry at swim-up. Exposure of adult trout to 12% treated effluent for 8 mo prior to egg fertilization also did not result in differing rates of fertility, mortality to hatch or mortality to swim-up. However, the 8-mo maternal exposure did result in swim-up fry that were significantly shorter and weighed less than the reference swim-up fry. This difference was directly attributable to smaller eggs in the 8-mo-exposed female trout. These results demonstrate that this pulp and paper mill effluent is more likely to elicit indirect impacts on progeny size through chronic exposure of adults to effluent during gonadal recrudescence rather than through direct exposure of early life stages to effluent.

Conjugated resin acids (RAs) in fish bile are considered a sensitive chemical indicator of exposure to pulp and paper mill effluent, and were used in this study to monitor the post-spill situation of a lake area (Southern Lake Saimaa) contaminated by black liquor discharged from a mill in June 2003. From the exposure perspective of populations of wild roach and perch, which were studied for their bile RAs at four time periods (July 2003, September 2003, May 2004, July 2004), the exceptional event passed in 2 months or less. Perch had lower concentration of RAs in bile than roach in all sampling areas and all times. Besides the current emissions present in the water column, part of the exposure status of the roach population to RAs seemed to derive from historically contaminated sediments. In order to test this hypothesis, a laboratory experiment with perch and roach, along with three teleosts (rainbow trout, brown trout and whitefish), was conducted. The species were simultaneously exposed for 7 days to RAs (23 microg/l). We calculated a perch/roach-ratio to investigate the difference in origin of exposure between perch and roach populations in the wild and in the laboratory. One year after the spill, the perch/roach-ratio of bile RAs was 0.25 (CV 25%) at 1 km from the mill. This is in contrast to that found under the sole waterborne conditions (0.44; CV 24%), supporting the idea that sediments serve as an additional source of RAs in roach. Additionally, bioconcentration factor log BCF(bile(RA)) was calculated to assess hepatobiliary performance and the capacity to excrete RAs in fish.

We report here on studies designed to asses the effects of paper mill effluents on non-reproductive functions of free-ranging and captive Florida largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus). This was accomplished by conducting an outdoor tank study, in which fish were exposed to well water or to 10%, 20%, 40%, and 80% full strength effluent for 28 or 56 days, and by sampling largemouth bass from sites within the St. Johns River, Florida, upstream and downstream from a paper mill plant. Blood and plasma samples from fish from the tank study and from fish sampled from the ambient sites were analyzed for over 20 variables. We also determined liver and spleen weights and examined them histologically. The most significant finding from the tank study was an increase in the concentration of albumin and hepatosomatic index for bass exposed toor = 20% effluents for 56 days. Spleenosomatic index and number of melanomacrophage centers were decreased in bass from effluent-dominated sites (Palatka and Rice Creek), whereas concentrations of calcium, phosphorous, glucose, and creatinine were elevated in fish from these sites, compared to fish from reference streams. Fish from Rice Creek also had fewer red blood cells, and male bass from Palatka had lower concentrations of cholesterol. Plasma concentrations of albumin and hepatic concentrations of glutathione were elevated in males from Palatka, and both females and males from Rice Creek had higher concentrations of globulin. These results indicate a complex pattern of effects of paper mill effluents on several physiological functions. However, despite the myriad of treatment and site-related effects, most physiological parameters fell within normal ranges when compared to reports on largemouth bass and other freshwater species.

Paper sludge composted or stored in static piles for six months was compared to raw and lime-stabilized sludge in a three-year pot experiment (loam) and a four-year field experiment (silt loam) at rates of up to 40 t DM ha -1 . The original sludge contained equal amounts of fibre sludge and biological sludge, mixed with bark in 1:1 ratio to improve the structure. The N content in composted sludge (1.30%) was markedly lower than that of the uncomposted piles (1.98%), indicating significant loss during composting. The yield results were generally inversely proportionate to the C:N ratios of the sludges applied. Sludge from the uncomposted piles gave significant grain yield increases in the year following sludge application, while the other sludge types gave variable results. In the residual years there was, generally, a small but positive effect on yield from all the sludge types. The N and P content in grain generally increased with sludge application, but only the higher rates gave statistically significant increases. Sludge application also increased the Zn content in grain, while Mn, B and Cu was less affected. The increase in Cd content was very small. The 40 t ha -1 sludge rate tended to increase the residual mineral N in soil at the field site and thus the risk of nitrate leaching.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is sensitive to nutritional stress and is reduced in soldiers during stressful field training. Methods have recently been developed to measure IGF-I from filter paper blood spots. Filter paper has advantages over traditional blood sampling in that neither blood separation equipment nor refrigeration is necessary after sample collection. This study determined whether filter paper blood spots collected in a field environment could measure IGF-I and subsequent changes during military operational stress. Thirty-four Marines participating in an 8-day military field exercise characterized by near-continuous physical work (total daily energy expenditure 17-25 MJ/day) and underfeeding (dietary intake 7.0 MJ/day) had blood samples taken on day 0, day 4, and day 8. IGF-I was measured by filter paper blood spot assays from fingertip blood samples and by conventional methods using serum. Correlation and measurement agreement were assessed. Blood spot (Day 0 152 +/- 6 ng mL(-1)Day 4 111 +/- 6 ng mL(-1)Day 8 74 +/- 4 ng mL(-1)) and serum IGF-I (Day 0 412 +/- 10 ng mL(-1)Day 4 258 +/- 14 ng mL(-1)Day 8 203 +/- 13 ng mL(-1)) concentrations declined (p0.05) progressively over the 8-day exercise. Overall, the two methods significantly (p0.05) correlated (r = 0.92); however, the blood spot values were on average 61% lower than serum, but could be used to predict serum values ( +/- 10%). IGF-I is a biomarker of metabolic status. The filter paper blood spot method for IGF-I detected reductions accompanying nutritional stress and may be of potential value for characterizing the IGF-I response when conventional blood sampling methods are not feasible.

Lying is a highly motivated behaviour in dairy cows. The level of comfort provided by the lying surface not only affects lying time, but can also affect several other aspects of welfare. We used a crossover design to compare shredded paper and sawdust bedding in relation to lying behaviour, activity, lameness, integument damage, cleanliness and productivity. Cubicles were bedded with a thin layer of bedding, which was replaced as necessary to retain its hygienic state. Twenty-eight lactating Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were divided into two balanced groups that experienced each bedding treatment for a 2 week period in opposing order. Paper bedding resulted in significantly less time spent lying down (paper: 45 %, SD ± 6.7, sawdust: 48 %, SD ± 7.3, P 0.10). Furthermore, no significant effects on step count, damage to the integument, cleanliness or milk yields were observed (P > 0.10). Slips were too rare overall for analysis. These findings indicate that paper bedding and sawdust were mostly comparable in terms of impact on behaviour, welfare and productivity when provided on a short-term basis. Future trials are recommended to determine if treatment effects persist following prolonged exposure to paper bedding. Assessing the longitudinal development of lameness and the long-term impact of reduced lying time will be essential.