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Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) is a versatile crop that holds a high level of protein and fatty acid-rich oil. It plays a vital role in global exchange and the demand for soybean is increasing globally owing to its multiple uses, especially for de-oiled cakes. Therefore, improving the soybean crop productivity helps to acquire additional revenue for the nation. This review highlights the significant role of macro and micro-nutrients in soybean crop. Using different components of crop nutrient inputs like inorganic fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers in an integrated manner paves the way for proper utilization of applied nutrients by soybean leading to higher yield. Additionally, it offers soil fertility enhancement by creating positive effects on soil profile compared to the use of synthetic fertilizers alone. The article also discusses the role of different kinds of nutrient inputs in soybean and offers insights into integrated nutrient management practices that can be used to promote sustainable soybean production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoplankton are dominant primary producers and key indicators in aquatic ecosystems. Understanding the controlling factors on the structure of phytoplankton assemblages is fundamental, but particularly challenging at the land–ocean interface. To identify the patterns and predictors of phytoplankton assemblage structure in the Ria Formosa coastal lagoon (south Portugal), this study combined phytoplankton abundance along a transect between the discharge point of a wastewater treatment plant and a lagoon inlet, over two years, with physico-chemical, hydrographic, and meteo-oceanographic variables. Our study identified 147 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and planktonic diatoms (60–74%) and cryptophyceans (17–25%) dominated the phytoplankton in terms of abundance. Despite strong lagoon hydrodynamics, and the lack of spatial differences in the phytoplankton abundance and most diversity metrics, the multivariate analysis revealed differences in the assemblage structure between stations (p < 0.001) and seasons (p < 0.01). Indicator analysis identified cryptophyceans as lagoon generalists, and 11 station-specific specialist OTUs, including Kryptoperidinium foliaceum and Oscillatoriales (innermost stations) and potentially toxigenic species (Pseudo-nitzschia and Dinophysis; outer lagoon station, p < 0.05). Water temperature, pH, and nutrients emerged as the variables that best explained the changes in the phytoplankton assemblage structure (p < 0.001). Our findings provide insight into the relevance of local anthropogenic and natural forcings on the phytoplankton assemblage structure and can be used to support the management of RF and other coastal lagoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processes of N transformation in soil as affected by application of the three kinds of urea fertilizers, conventional urea (U), humate-coated urea (U_HA), and urea treated with the urease inhibitor NBPT (U_UI), are examined in a model laboratory experiment. Effects of urea fertilizers on soil chemical (content of water-extractable N-NH4 and N-NO3), and microbiological properties (rate of actual and potential N2O emission, basal and substrate-induced respiration, microbial biomass C, emission of ethylene) are focused to answer the following questions: (i) whether humate-coated urea has the ability to decrease N losses in soil; and (ii) how it affects soil biological activity comparable to synthetic urease inhibitor. The results showed that U_HA demonstrated advantages comparable to U in its ability to decrease N losses in soil: it increased N-NH4 content by 35%, reduced nitrate content by 9%, and decreased N2O emissions by 50%. U_HA promoted basal soil respiration by 10% and the specific activity of the soil microbial community by 7%, providing the highest metabolic quotient qCO2. Comparably to NBPT-treated U, U_HA mainly shows intermediate results between U-UI and conventional U. Considering the low cost of raw humates, U-HA can be regarded as a promising tool to decrease N losses in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For centuries, wild edible plant species have sustained local communities across Africa by supplementing households’ diets in seasons of food shortage. Wild edible plants contain inorganic nutrients, which are essential for the proper functioning of organisms. However, their nutritional contents have not been well researched and are generally poorly understood. This study aimed to quantify the levels of inorganic micro-and macronutrients as well as heavy metals (Mg, Ca, K, Fe, Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb) in selected wild edible plants traditionally consumed among the Acholi communities in northern Uganda, and associated health risks of consuming them. The leaves and young stems of 12 wild edible plants, viz: Acalypha rhomboidea, Asystacia gangetica, Crassocephalum sacrobasis, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Heterotis rotundifolia, Hibiscus cannabinus, Hibiscus sp., Hibiscus surattensis, Ipomoea eriocarpa, Maerua angolensis, Senna obtusifolia and Vigna membranacea were air-dried and crushed to powder. The powders were then macerated using aqua regia solution and analyzed in triplicates using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The target hazard quotient (THQ) of Pb was calculated for non-carcinogenic health risks. Mg, Ca, K, Fe, Zn and Pb were detectable in all the wild edible plants sampled. All inorganic nutrients (mg/100gdw), were below the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA); Mg (9.4 ± 0.19 to 10.4 ± 0.15), Ca (119 ± 5.82 to 1265 ± 14.9), Fe (3.29 ± 0.02 to 11.2 ± 0.09), Zn (0.52 ± 0.02 to 2.36 ± 0.03). Hg and Cd were below detectable limits in all the samples tested. The content of Pb (0.69 ± 0.11 to1.22 ± 0.07) was higher than the CODEX and EU limits of 0.1 ppm (0.001 mg/g) but was below the recommended threshold of 1. The health risk assessment revealed no potential hazards both in children and adults. However, there is a need to study the bioavailability of Pb when the vegetables are consumed due to factors such as indigestion and antinutritional compounds.

The present investigation was carried out on pea cv. Punjab-89 in a Randomized block design with three replications. The experiment consists of thirteen treatments of different organic manures, biofertlizers and inorganic nutrients. The effects of organic manures (enriched compost, spent mushroom compost and farmyard manure), biofertilizers (rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria) and inorganic nutrients and their combinations were studied on growth, yield, quality traits, soil and microbial properties. An integrated nutrient use of organic manures, biofertilizers and inorganic nutrients significantly improved the growth, yield, quality traits, soil and microbial properties. The results revealed maximum plant height (140.41 cm), number of primary branches (4.82), pod length (10.29 cm), pod width (1.26 cm), pod weight (6.63 g), number of grains per pod (8.65) and shelling percentage (41.72%) was recorded under T6 i.e., RDF (90%) + SMC (10%) + FYM + RZB + PSB. Maximum protein content (21.52%) and TSS (16.420B) was observed in T1 i.e., Recommended Package of Fertilization and T9 i.e., RDF (60%) + SMC (40%) + FYM + RZB + PSB. Soil and microbial properties were also improved with the application of different organic manures, biofertlizers and inorganic nutrients. The outcome of our study suggested that organic manures, biofertlizers in conjunction with inorganic nutrients improved the soil fertility and microbial properties with higher economics and net returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationships between the inorganic nutrients and diversity of dinoflagellate cysts (the N-Dc relationships) are one of the most central issues in coastal ecology. It is not only an important pathway to explore the ecological processes of plankton, but also a key element for assessing eutrophication in marine ecosystems. Although the N-Dc relationships have been studied for many years, they have remained controversial, which may be attributed to (1) using samples collected from a single source (2) considering an insufficient range of nutrient concentrations (3) rarely taking into account species abundance distributions (SAD) that could better represent diversity. In this study, the N-Dc relationships are evaluated according to a compiled dataset, which cover the wide range of nutrient concentrations. Species diversity of cysts are estimated by four common diversity metrics and a new SAD parameter. Results show that all diversity metrics are negative with nutrients, which supports that low diversity of cysts could be considered as a signal of eutrophication. Additionally, this study finds a new pattern that SAD of cysts (Nr/N1, Nr and N1 is the abundance of the r-th and the first species in descending order) with decreasing nutrients appears to gradually approach 1: 1/2: 1/3…. In the future, if this pattern can be verified by more investigations, understanding the negative N-Dc relationships is more likely to provide new direction for assessing and managing eutrophication in coastal ecosystem, and even for exploring the general mechanisms determining diversity.

Lead (Pb), like other heavy metals, is not essentially required for optimal plant growth; however, plants uptake it from the soil, which poses an adverse effect on growth and yield. Asparagine (Asp) and thiourea (Thi) are known to assuage the negative impacts of heavy metal pollution on plant growth; however, combined application of Asp and Thi has rarely been tested to discern if it could improve wheat yield under Pb stress. Thus, this experimentation tested the role of individual and combined applications of Asp (40 mM) and Thi (400 mg/L) in improving wheat growth under lead (Pb as PbCl 2 , 0.1 mM) stress. Lead stress significantly reduced plant growth, chlorophyll contents and photosystem system II (PSII) efficiency, whereas it increased Pb accumulation in the leaves and roots, leaf proline contents, phytochelatins, and oxidative stress related attributes. The sole or combined application of Asp and Thi increased the vital antioxidant biomolecules/enzymes, including reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (AsA), ascorbate peroxsidase (APX), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR). Furthermore, the sole or the combined application of Asp and Thi modulated nitrogen metabolism by stimulating the activities of nitrate and nitrite reductase, glutamate synthase (GOGAT) and glutamine synthetase (GS). Asp and Thi together led to improve plant growth and vital physiological processes, but lowered down Pb accumulation compared to those by their sole application. The results suggest that Asp and Thi synergistically can improve wheat growth under Pb-toxicity. • Lead (Pb) reduced biomass and pigment content, and increased oxidative stress. • The application of Asp and Thi together was more effective in enhancing Pb tolerance in the wheat. • Asp and Thi supplied improved ascorbate-glutathione related enzymes. • Asp and Thi supplied enhanced key nitrogen metabolism related enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processes of N transformation in soil as affected by application of the three kinds of urea fertilizers, conventional urea (U), humate-coated urea (U_HA), and urea treated with the urease inhibitor NBPT (U_UI), are examined in a model laboratory experiment. Effects of urea fertilizers on soil chemical (content of water-extractable N-NH4 and N-NO3), and microbiological properties (rate of actual and potential N2O emission, basal and substrate-induced respiration, microbial biomass C, emission of ethylene) are focused to answer the following questions: (i) whether humate-coated urea has the ability to decrease N losses in soil; and (ii) how it affects soil biological activity comparable to synthetic urease inhibitor. The results showed that U_HA demonstrated advantages comparable to U in its ability to decrease N losses in soil: it increased N-NH4 content by 35%, reduced nitrate content by 9%, and decreased N2O emissions by 50%. U_HA promoted basal soil respiration by 10% and the specific activity of the soil microbial community by 7%, providing the highest metabolic quotient qCO2. Comparably to NBPT-treated U, U_HA mainly shows intermediate results between U-UI and conventional U. Considering the low cost of raw humates, U-HA can be regarded as a promising tool to decrease N losses in soils.

Paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) in shellfish products have led to severe risks to human health. To monitor the risk, the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program has been collecting longitudinal PST measurements in blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria) samples in six coastal provinces of Canada. The spatial distributions of major temporal variation patterns were studied via Functional Principal Component Analysis. Seasonal increases in PST contamination were found to vary the most in terms of magnitude along the coastlines, which provides support for location-specific management of the time-sensitive PST contamination. In British Columbia, the first functional principal component (FPC1) indicated the variance among the magnitudes, while FPC2 indicated the seasonality of the PST levels. The temporal variations tended to be positively correlated with the abundance of dianoflagellates Alexandrium spp., and negatively with precipitation and inorganic nutrients. These findings indicate the underlying mechanism of PST variation in various geographical settings. In New Brunswick, Prince Edward, and Nova Scotia, the top FPCs indicated that the PST contamination differed mostly in the seasonal increase of the PST level during summer. • Multi-decade Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PST) in Canada were analyzed. • Shellfish harvesting sites differed the most in seasonal elevation of PST levels. • The spring-to-autumn period of increased PST was found in BC, QC, NB, and NS. • Rainfall, Alexandrium spp., nitrate/nitrite, and phosphate correlated with PST. • Higher seasonal increases tended to occur at locations of strong water mixing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many marine planktonic ciliates retain functional chloroplasts from their photosynthetic prey and use them to incorporate inorganic carbon via photosynthesis. While this strategy provides the ciliates with carbon, little is known about their ability to incorporate major dissolved inorganic nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Here, we studied how ciliates respond to different concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus. Specifically, we tested the direct and indirect effects of nutrient availability on the ciliate Strombidium cf. basimorphum fed the cryptophyte prey Teleaulax amphioxeia. We assessed responses in the rates of growth, ingestion, photosynthesis, inorganic nutrient uptake, and excretion. Our results show that the prey changed its carbon content depending on the nutrient concentrations. Low inorganic nutrient concentrations increased S. cf. basimorphum growth and prey ingestion. The higher carbon content of the prey under these low nutrient conditions likely supported the growth of the ciliate, while the higher carbon:nutrient stoichiometry of the prey led to the higher ingestion rates. The low carbon content of the prey at high nutrient concentrations resulted in reduced growth of S. cf. basimorphum, which indicates that carbon acquired via photosynthesis in the ciliate cannot compensate for the ingestion of prey with low carbon content. In conclusion, our findings show S. cf. basimorphum is not able to utilize dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus for growth, and this species seems to be well adapted to exploit its prey when grown at low nutrient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anthropogenic discharges of inorganic nutrients impact water quality, affecting the macroinvertebrate assemblage and food safety. The main objective of this study was to examine the seawater quality and macroinvertebrate dynamics in muddy habitats of Buenaventura Bay, Colombian Pacific. Macroinvertebrates were captured using artisanal trawl nets during different seasons and along four sampling sites. Multivariate analyses (canonical correspondence analysis and generalized additive model) were used to assess the effects of variations in nitrite, nitrates, phosphate concentrations, and physicochemical variables (salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen [DO], temperature, and total dissolved solids [TDS]) of water on the macroinvertebrate assemblage. Richness was the highest at sites with high salinity and temperature and low concentrations of nitrites and TDS. The densities of the commercial shrimp species Xiphopenaeus riveti and Rimapenaeus byrdi were the highest at sites with higher DO and alkalinity, and lower nitrate concentrations. The swimming crab Callinectes arcuatus was dominant at sites with low water quality. In summary, in the transitional season and at the inner sites of Buenaventura Bay, it was observed the lowest water quality due to high nitrate concentration. High nitrate concentration was highlighted as the main anthropogenic factor that could decrease the capture of target macroinvertebrate species for food and livelihoods of artisanal fishermen and their families. Thus, macroinvertebrate communities may be vulnerable to increased inorganic nutrient inputs, which could affect estuarine water quality and ecosystems services. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:796–812. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). Key Points: Monitoring of the environmental variables of estuaries in Buenaventura Bay, Colombia, revealed a decrease in water quality due to inorganic nutrients levels.Nitrate concentration was highlighted as an important anthropogenic disturbance factor in the set of environmental variables that influence invertebrate artisanal fisheries catches.The decrease of water quality due to high nitrates could cause a diminution in fishing productivity.One of main goals of management could be regulate nitrates levels in the anthropogenic discharges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mean annual air temperatures are projected to increase, while the winter snowpack is expected to shrink in depth and duration for many mid‐ and high‐latitude temperate forest ecosystems over the next several decades. Together, these changes will lead to warmer growing season soil temperatures and an increased frequency of soil freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) in winter. We took advantage of the Climate Change Across Seasons Experiment (CCASE) at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, USA, to determine how these changes in soil temperature affect foliar nitrogen (N) and carbon metabolism of red maple (Acer rubrum) trees in 2015 and 2017. Earlier work from this study revealed a similar increase in foliar N concentrations with growing season soil warming, with or without the occurrence of soil FTCs in winter. However, these changes in soil warming could differentially affect the availability of cellular nutrients, concentrations of primary and secondary metabolites, and the rates of photosynthesis that are all responsive to climate change. We found that foliar concentrations of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), N, spermine (a polyamine), amino acids (alanine, histidine, and phenylalanine), chlorophyll, carotenoids, sucrose, and rates of photosynthesis increased with growing season soil warming. Despite similar concentrations of foliar N with soil warming with and without soil FTCs in winter, winter soil FTCs affected other foliar metabolic responses. The combination of growing season soil warming and winter soil FTCs led to increased concentrations of two polyamines (putrescine and spermine) and amino acids (alanine, proline, aspartic acid, γ‐aminobutyric acid, valine, leucine, and isoleucine). Treatment‐specific metabolic changes indicated that while responses to growing season warming were more connected to their role as growth modulators, soil warming + FTC treatment‐related effects revealed their dual role in growth and stress tolerance. Together, the results of this study demonstrate that growing season soil warming has multiple positive effects on foliar N and cellular metabolism in trees and that some of these foliar responses are further modified by the addition of stress from winter soil FTCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Mean annual air temperatures are projected to increase, while the winter snowpack is expected to shrink in depth and duration for many mid‐ and high‐latitude temperate forest ecosystems over the next several decades. Together, these changes will lead to warmer growing season soil temperatures and an increased frequency of soil freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) in winter. We took advantage of the Climate Change Across Seasons Experiment (CCASE) at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, USA, to determine how these changes in soil temperature affect foliar nitrogen (N) and carbon metabolism of red maple (Acer rubrum) trees in 2015 and 2017. Earlier work from this study revealed a similar increase in foliar N concentrations with growing season soil warming, with or without the occurrence of soil FTCs in winter. However, these changes in soil warming could differentially affect the availability of cellular nutrients, concentrations of primary and secondary metabolites, and the rates of photosynthesis that are all responsive to climate change. We found that foliar concentrations of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), N, spermine (a polyamine), amino acids (alanine, histidine, and phenylalanine), chlorophyll, carotenoids, sucrose, and rates of photosynthesis increased with growing season soil warming. Despite similar concentrations of foliar N with soil warming with and without soil FTCs in winter, winter soil FTCs affected other foliar metabolic responses. The combination of growing season soil warming and winter soil FTCs led to increased concentrations of two polyamines (putrescine and spermine) and amino acids (alanine, proline, aspartic acid, γ‐aminobutyric acid, valine, leucine, and isoleucine). Treatment‐specific metabolic changes indicated that while responses to growing season warming were more connected to their role as growth modulators, soil warming + FTC treatment‐related effects revealed their dual role in growth and stress tolerance. Together, the results of this study demonstrate that growing season soil warming has multiple positive effects on foliar N and cellular metabolism in trees and that some of these foliar responses are further modified by the addition of stress from winter soil FTCs.

The roots, leaves and seeds of ambrette are considered as valuable traditional medicines. The bitter, sweet, acrid, aromatic seeds are used as tonic and are considered to possess cooling, aphrodisiac, ophthalmic, cardiotonic, digestive, stomachiecm carminative, pectoral diuretic, stimulant, antispasmodic and deodorant properties. Crop removes nutrients continuously from soil and therefore, their replenishment though fertilizers and manures are essential. To find out the integrated effect of inorganic fertilizers, neem coated urea, enriched pressmud compost and sea weed extract on NPK uptake by ambrette and its post -- harvest soil NPK status, a field investigation was carried out at Farmer's Field Sivapuri Village, Chidambaram Taluk, Cuddalore District during Kharif, 2018. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications. The crop was grown to maturity with proper cultural practices. The results revealed that application of integrated application of inorganic fertilizers, neem coated urea, enriched pressmud compost and sea weed extract resulted in significantly highest NPK uptake by ambretee and influenced the post -- harvest soil fertility status with respect to available NPK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal intent of the investigation was to examine the influence of joint application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA, 10 μM) and a nitric oxide–donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 100 μM) to wheat plants grown under cadmium (Cd as CdCl2, 100 μM) stress. Cd stress suppressed plant growth, chlorophylls (Chl), and PSII maximum efficiency (Fv/Fm), but it elevated leaf and root Cd, and contents of leaf proline, phytochelatins, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide, as well as the activity of lipoxygenase. MeJA and SNP applied jointly or singly improved the concentrations of key antioxidant biomolecules, e.g., reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid and the activities of the key oxidative defense system enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, dehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione reductase. Exogenously applied MeJA and SNP jointly or singly also improved nitrogen metabolism by activating the activities of glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase, and nitrate and nitrite reductases. Compared with individual application of MeJA or SNP, the combined application of both showed better effect in terms of improving plant growth and key metabolic processes and reducing tissue Cd content, suggesting a putative interactive role of both compounds in alleviating Cd toxicity in wheat plants.Main findingsThe main findings are that exogenous application of methyl jasmonate and nitric oxide–donor sodium nitroprusside alleviated the cadmium (Cd)–induced adverse effects on growth of wheat plants grown under Cd by modulating key physiological processes and up-regulating enzymatic antioxidants and the ascorbic acid–glutathione cycle–related enzymes.

The principal intent of the investigation was to examine the influence of joint application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA, 10 μM) and a nitric oxide–donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 100 μM) to wheat plants grown under cadmium (Cd as CdCl2, 100 μM) stress. Cd stress suppressed plant growth, chlorophylls (Chl), and PSII maximum efficiency (F v / F m ), but it elevated leaf and root Cd, and contents of leaf proline, phytochelatins, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide, as well as the activity of lipoxygenase. MeJA and SNP applied jointly or singly improved the concentrations of key antioxidant biomolecules, e.g., reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid and the activities of the key oxidative defense system enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, dehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione S -transferase, and glutathione reductase. Exogenously applied MeJA and SNP jointly or singly also improved nitrogen metabolism by activating the activities of glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase, and nitrate and nitrite reductases. Compared with individual application of MeJA or SNP, the combined application of both showed better effect in terms of improving plant growth and key metabolic processes and reducing tissue Cd content, suggesting a putative interactive role of both compounds in alleviating Cd toxicity in wheat plants. Main findings: The main findings are that exogenous application of methyl jasmonate and nitric oxide–donor sodium nitroprusside alleviated the cadmium (Cd)–induced adverse effects on growth of wheat plants grown under Cd by modulating key physiological processes and up-regulating enzymatic antioxidants and the ascorbic acid–glutathione cycle–related enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Western MEDiterranean Sea BioGeochemical Climatology (BGC-WMED) presented here is a product derived from in situ observations. Annual mean gridded nutrient fields for the period 1981- 2017, and its sub-periods 1981-2004 and 2005-2017, on a horizontal 1/4° × 1/4° grid have been produced. The biogeochemical climatology is built on 19 depth levels and for the dissolved inorganic nutrients nitrate, phosphate and orthosilicate. To generate smooth and homogeneous interpolated fields, the method of the Variational Inverse Model (VIM) was applied. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to assess the comparability of the data product with the observational data. The BGC-WMED has then been compared to other available data products, i.e. the medBFM biogeochemical reanalysis of the Mediterranean Sea and the World Ocean Atlas18 (WOA18) (its biogeochemical part). The BGC WMED product supports the understanding of inorganic nutrient variability in the western Mediterranean Sea, in space and in time, but can also be used to validate numerical simulations making it a reference data product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remediation of hydrocarbon polluted vadose zone (HPVZ) through percolation with solution of nutrient, nutrient-surfactant, or surfactant in glass columns was investigated in this study using standard methods. Percolated liquids from the columns and soils retrieved at the end of the experiment were analyzed for nitrate, phosphate, sulphate, total-petroleum hydrocarbon, and selected microbial groups. Results obtained showed that there were nitrate, phosphate, and sulphate in the percolated liquids. Cumulative hydrocarbon in the percolated liquids was 5.35 – 7.59 % of cumulative hydrocarbon start-up concentration in the columns. Cumulative hydrocarbon attenuation across soil layers in column flooded with solution of nutrients (column NT), nutrient-surfactant (column NTS), and surfactant (column SF) were 89.29, 95.27, and 66.92 % respectively. There was more phosphate reduction in column NTS, and more sulphate reduction in column NT. Hydrocarbon-utilizing fungi in columns NT and NTS increased from 3.5 Log10 CFU.g-1 to between 4.0 – 5.0 Log10 CFU.g-1, whereas a decrease was observed for column SF. Hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria in all the columns increased from between 1.0 – 2.5 Log10 CFU.g-1 to between 2.0 - 3.5 Log10 CFU.g-1. Emergence of hydrocarbon utilization among anaerobic bacteria population was also observed in all the columns. It is concludedthat percolation with nutrient-surfactant solution will be more effective in remediation of HPVZ, and that consequential migration of nutrients alongside hydrocarbons into groundwater can aid in enhancing biodegradation of the infiltrated hydrocarbons. Keywords: Biodegradation; petroleum hydrocarbons; vadose zone; inorganic nutrients; surfactant

Tagoro, the shallow submarine volcano that erupted south of El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain) in October 2011, has been intensely monitored for over 7 years, from the early eruptive stage to the current degassing stage characterized by moderate hydrothermal activity. Here, we present a detailed study of the emissions of inorganic macronutrients (NO2– + NO3–, PO4, and Si(OH)4) comprising a dataset of over 3300 samples collected through three different sampling methodologies. Our results show a significant nutrient enrichment throughout the whole studied period, up to 8.8-fold (nitrate), 4.0-fold (phosphate), and 16.3-fold (silicate) in the water column, and larger enrichments of phosphate (10.5-fold) and silicate (325.4-fold), but not of nitrate, in the samples collected directly from the vents. We also provide some preliminary results showing ammonium (NH4+) concentrations up to 1.97 μM in the vent fluids as compared to 0.02 μM in the surrounding waters. Nutrient fluxes from the volcano during the degassing stage were estimated as 3.19 ± 1.17 mol m–2 year–1 (NO2– + NO3–), 0.02 ± 0.01 mol m–2 year–1 (PO4), and 0.60 ± 1.35 mol m–2 year–1 (Si(OH)4), comparable to other important nutrient sources in the region such as fluxes from the NW-African upwelling. Nutrient ratios were affected, with a minimum (NO3– + NO2–):PO4 ratio of 2.36:1; moreover, a linear correlation between silicate and temperature enabled the use of this nutrient as a mixing tracer. This study sheds light on how shallow hydrothermal systems impact the nutrient-poor upper waters of the ocean.

Remediation of hydrocarbon polluted vadose zone (HPVZ) through percolation with solution of nutrient, nutrient-surfactant, or surfactant in glass columns was investigated in this study using standard methods. Percolated liquids from the columns and soils retrieved at the end of the experiment were analyzed for nitrate, phosphate, sulphate, total-petroleum hydrocarbon, and selected microbial groups. Results obtained showed that there were nitrate, phosphate, and sulphate in the percolated liquids. Cumulative hydrocarbon in the percolated liquids was 5.35 - 7.59 % of cumulative hydrocarbon start-up concentration in the columns. Cumulative hydrocarbon attenuation across soil layers in column flooded with solution of nutrients (column NT), nutrient-surfactant (column NTS), and surfactant (column SF) were 89.29, 95.27, and 66.92 % respectively. There was more phosphate reduction in column NTS, and more sulphate reduction in column NT. Hydrocarbon-utilizing fungi in columns NT and NTS increased from 3.5 Log10 CFU.g-1 to between 4.0 - 5.0 Log10 CFU.g-1, whereas a decrease was observed for column SF. Hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria in all the columns increased from between 1.0 - 2.5 Log10 CFU.g-1 to between 2.0 - 3.5 Log10 CFU.g-1. Emergence of hydrocarbon utilization among anaerobic bacteria population was also observed in all the columns. It is concludedthat percolation with nutrient-surfactant solution will be more effective in remediation of HPVZ, and that consequential migration of nutrients alongside hydrocarbons into groundwater can aid in enhancing biodegradation of the infiltrated hydrocarbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in phytoplankton modelling have used species-rich, self-organising assemblages. These models have shown that phytoplankton with complementary life-history traits related to resource exploitation assemble into stable states of lumpy coexistence when resources fluctuate where species' niches occur in clusters along resource gradients. They have also shown that a high degree of competitive dissimilarity between clusters arises, and that this relates to the incidence of monospecific blooms of allelochemical-producing taxa, i.e. some harmful algal bloom (HAB) species. These findings further suggest that the mode (sudden v. gradual changes) under which limiting resources fluctuate plays an important role in determining the emergent properties of the assemblage. For example, productivity, biodiversity and the number of species clusters (and, therefore, resistance to HABs) are all enhanced when switches in resource supplies are gradual, compared with when they are sudden. These theoretical findings, as well as others discussed herein, are of particular interest in watersheds where human activities, such as dam construction, have the capacity to dramatically alter natural-resource fluctuation patterns. Harmful impacts to aquatic ecosystems have resulted from human population growth, watershed development and climate change, which include harmful algal blooms (HABs). This paper spotlights recent discoveries, showing how hydrology influences emergent properties of aquatic ecosystem communities, including resistance to HABs. The research elucidates a novel mechanism based on organisms' competitive attributes that helps explain HAB incidence, suggesting a way towards proactive HAB management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pampean streams constitute a drainage network which discharges continental freshwater into the associated marine coastal zone. The present study concerned a set of streams within General Pueyrredón district, Southeastern province of Buenos Aires, Pampa's region, Argentina, which deserves particular attention, since they flow in the area of influence of Mar del Plata, one of the most important tourist destination in the country. Different physical–chemical (i.e., temperature, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen), hydrographical and eco-physiological parameters were studied within five streams along an annual cycle, searching for seasonal variations and possible relations with land use. The behavior of physical–chemical parameters was consistent with previous reports on similar environments; inorganic nutrients presented high levels along the whole period, and have never been completely depleted. Within N nutrients, nitrate demonstrated to be the dominant along the whole period, with global mean values of ~ 18 µM and reaching values up to ~ 50 µM (total discharge of N ~ 1.23 Ton DIN y−1). A very high load of organic matter (from ~ 2000 mg Cm−3 in the fall up to ~ 4000 mg Cm−3 during summer) is discharged from these streams into the marine coastal zone (which represents ~ 214 Ton POC y−1) and, even until now, response effects have not been recorded there. The obtained results allowed us to sustain that anthropic activities (i.e., agriculture, cattle raising), continental runoff and climate conditions seem to be the main drivers of the hydrographical/biogeochemical behavior of the studied streams. Therefore, changes concerning them should also be included in future monitoring programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic nutrients and phytoplankton (chlorophyll- a concentration and community variables) were studied under a hydrologic scenario defined by a joint topographic-hydrodynamic upwelling event and an algal bloom in the southeast Gulf of Mexico. To do so three oceanographic cruises (GOMEX series) were undertaken throughout the Yucatan shelf during: September 11th-21st of 2010, September 23rd-October 3 rd of 2011, and November 29th-December 9th, 2012 (named as GOMEX-1, GOMEX-2 and GOMEX-3, respectively). We aim to assess the spatial inorganic nutrients and Chl-a patterns corresponding to each cruise to explore potential biochemical consequences of the temporal variability of the vertical inflow in the eastern shelf boundary (Cape Catoche: CC) and further spatial propagation of water featuring this hydrographic signature onto a shallow shelf, marked also by a high algal bloom incidence. This framework allows tackling the implications of the interplay between coastal variability and oceanographic processes on the phytoplankton biomass and community parameters. The spatial pattern of surficial Chl-a, as well as sub-surface maxima of ≈10 mgm−3 concurrent with the 22.5 °C isotherm over the southeastern shelf area of CC supports the fact that vertical nutrients supply is removed from the euphotic layer through phytoplankton uptake. This scenario indicates a biochemical setting consistent with rapid transfer of external resources advected from deep levels, capable not only to enhance phytoplankton growth, but also to change its species composition. Vertical mixing conditions associated with N-NW winds (locally known as "nortes") and a lack of upwelling scenario during GOMEX-3 in 2012 lead to relatively more homogeneous nitrate spatial distribution with overall high concentrations in deep, oceanic areas subject to nutrients entrainment. The distribution of specific richness among diatoms and dinoflagellates and relative abundance within such groups, as well as Chl- a concentrations are considered normal with regards to what has been observed in other studies for the Gulf of Mexico. The potential implications of large-scale, inter-annual climatic processes (e.g., El Niño-Southern Oscillation) on marine resources relevant to regional primary productivity variability (changes in the phytoplankton community) are discussed. • The vertical nutrients supply under an upwelling event is removed from the euphotic layer through phytoplankton uptake. • The upwelling induced a peak surficial Chl-a maxima ≈10 mgm-3 concurrent with the 22.5 isotherm over the SE GoM. • This scenario enhance also changes in phytoplankton species composition. • Vertical mixing conditions brought about by N-NW north winds lead to relatively homogeneous nitrate spatial distribution. • The phytoplankton abundances and Chl-a concentrations are considered normal in the Gulf of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The free-flowing Usumacinta River maintains an average annual water-level fluctuation of 6.7 m. This study evaluated relationships between 14 physicochemical and biological variables and key factors in four water-level conditions in a river–floodplain system. The analysis incorporated intra-annual variation in all variables, with each selected in accordance with multiple statistical and physicochemical criteria. Possible correlations were examined as a function of various physicochemical and biological factors at each water level. Within the study area, defined by a temporal gradient in principal component 1, the yearly river overflow above the bankfull stage is characterized by water with a low level of total suspended solids. Data on riverine wetlands suggest that seasonal changes are key to determining intra- and inter-annual chlorophyll-a levels and water clarity. However, opposite trends are observed for high and low water-level conditions. Nutrient enrichment cannot be taken as the key physicochemical factor of water level, under either water-level conditions, due to the lack of a temporal gradient in principal component 2 and the high biochemical variability of nitrate and orthophosphate levels. In conclusion, the hypothesis was accepted for the production of phytoplankton biomass and light attenuation at low and high water levels, as both were dependent on intra-annual changes. The increases in chlorophyll-a related to the minimal variability at the lowest water level open the opportunity to gauge this relationship as a possible environmental predictor for river–floodplain systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The California Current System represents a confluence of different water masses originating in the subarctic, subtropical, and tropical eastern Pacific. Variations in their relative influence can alter regional biogeochemistry and ecosystem structure. We perform an optimum multiparameter analysis on historical hydrographic data to quantify the spatiotemporal variability of water mass contributions to the California Current. Within the pycnocline, a strong cross‐shore gradient in the primary water mass source reflects the dominant advective pathways within the California Current and California Undercurrent. The El Niño Southern Oscillation imparts variability in the relative contributions and depth structure of source waters, allowing stronger upwelling during La Niña to more effectively tap nutrient‐rich, oxygen‐poor waters originating in the eastern tropical North Pacific. This regional water mass history provides context for understanding the drivers and pathways of biogeochemical variability in the California Current and demonstrates that oceanic changes occurring far afield can have regionally heterogeneous impacts. Plain Language Summary: Waters found in the California Current come from different parts of the ocean: the subarctic, subtropical, and tropical eastern Pacific. Each of these source waters has its own characteristic combination of properties like temperature, saltiness, and nutrient and oxygen levels. Variations in the relative contributions of these source waters can impact local conditions, including oxygen and nutrient content and the properties of upwelled waters. Here we explore long time series of hydrographic data from an oceanic region off southern California to quantify the relative contributions of different source water masses, and their spatial and interannual variability. We describe a spatially heterogeneous water mass structure which is significantly impacted by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, with important implications for regional biogeochemistry and ecosystem structure. The analysis demonstrates that regional variability in the California Current can be driven by oceanic changes occurring far afield. Key Points: Optimum multiparameter analysis is used to quantify source water contributions and spatiotemporal variability of water mass structure in the California CurrentInterannual variability in source water mass distributions is associated with regional biogeochemical variabilityENSO cycle impacts relative contributions and depth structure of source waters, with implications for ecosystem structure [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary production of microphytobenthos (MPB) contributes significantly to the total production in shallow coastal environments. MPB is a diverse community in which diatoms are usually the main microalgal group. Diatoms require N, P, and other nutrients as with other autotrophs, but in addition require silicate to create their outer cell wall. Therefore, dissolved silica (DSi) might be a potential limiting factor for benthic primary production in areas with reduced freshwater input. To test this hypothesis, a microcosm experiment was conducted using intact sediment cores collected from an intertidal mudflat in the Bay of Cádiz and supplied with increasing concentrations of DSi (0, 5, 10, 25, and 45 μmol • L-1). After 7 d of enrichment, we determined chlorophyll a and c (Chl a, c) contents, metabolic rates (Net [Pn] and Areal Gross [PgA] Production and Light [RL] and Dark [RD] Respiration), as well as fluxes of inorganic nutrients across the sediment-water interface. Chl a and c contents increased significantly with respect to the initial conditions but no differences between treatments were found. Both Pn and Pg A showed a saturating-like pattern with silicate concentration, reaching maximum rates at a DSi concentration of 45 μmol • L-1. The addition of DSi also resulted in an increase of DSi and ammonium uptake by the sediment, which was significantly higher in light than in darkness. Our results clearly show that water column DSi concentrations have a direct impact on benthic primary production, also controlling other related processes such as inorganic nutrient fluxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the best option for remediating soil contaminated with crude oil through the addition of the inorganic nutrients C:N:P (yeast extract-glucose, NH4Cl-NaNO3 and K2HPO4-K3PO4), in order to increase the degradation of TPHs in the soil. To the contaminated soil a physicochemical characterization was made to know the initial conditions of the inorganic nutrients. The controlled conditions in the biostimulation strategy were 20 days of incubation under uncontrollable ambient temperature conditions. Responses measured after the experiments were residual TPHs, surface tension, respiratory activity and microbial counting. After an incubation period of 20 days, the best treatments found were Y5, which contains the nutrient source glucose-NaNO3-K3PO4, and Y4 (yeast extract-NH4Cl-K2HPO4), with degradation efficiencies of 14.0 and 12.8%, respectively. Biostimulation with inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus increased the metabolic activity of indigenous microorganisms in the soil and thereby increased the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons. The Y5 and Y4 treatments can be considered as suitable for use as a biostimulation strategy in soils contaminated with TPHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using stable isotope analysis of nitrogen, for the first time the hypothesis on different sources of inorganic nutrients for two groups of littoral algae in Lake Baikal was confirmed. Strongly attached filamentous algae of genus Ulothrix, which developed in the wave-braking zone at depth 0.5 m, and loosely attached filamentous algae of genus Spirogyra, which developed in deeper layers 3.0–5.0 m in a low-turbulence zone, get inorganic nutrients presumably from surface discharge and groundwater inputs, respectively. Besides, stoichiometric ratios C:N and N:P in biomass of the algae indicated that growth of Spirogyra in Lake Baikal was likely limited by nitrogen, while growth of Ulothrix was limited by phosphorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Human activities, such as reservoir construction, can result in hydraulically less dynamic systems and cause downstream systems to shift from sudden resource supply transitions to gradual. In this research, how such human activities might influence phytoplankton is further explored theoretically. Building on previous modeling results, new findings suggest that preferential grazing, pathogens, self-shading, and all these combined interact differentially with the mode of resource loading (sudden and gradual transitions) to shape phytoplankton assemblage characteristics. Most notably, phytoplankton species richness was much greater in scenarios that considered pathogen effects, self-shading effects, and combined preferential grazing, pathogen and shelf-shading effects when resource supply transitions were gradual compared to when they were sudden, i.e., 2.7-fold increase, 2.4-fold increase and 1.7-fold increase, respectively. Furthermore, reduced productivity with the additions of preferential grazing, pathogens, self-shading, and all these combined was lessened when resource supply transitions were gradual. Smaller differences to phytoplankton species evenness, overyielding, species interactions, niche breadth, and resource drawdown were also observed when comparing scenarios with sudden and gradual resource supply transitions. The nuanced details of preferential grazing, pathogens and shelf-shading uncovered here underscore the fundamental principle framed in the philosophy of Okham's Razor. How much complexity must we account for to understand how plankton systems will respond to altered land use in watersheds, and associated changed hydrology and nutrient loading? In this cursory effort, with simplistic additions of preferential grazing, pathogens and self-shading, findings highlight the need to explore empirically the effects of impoundment construction on downstream estuarine ecosystems. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Impoundment construction influences resource loadings to downstream estuarine ecosystems. • Resource loading mode alters grazing, pathogen and self-shading effects on phytoplankton. • Gradually changing loadings with pathogens and shelf-shading had the highest species richness. • Productivity reduction from these processes was lessened with gradually changing loadings. • Findings highlight the need to explore empirically the effects of impoundment construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar is an important global commodity with about 150 million tonnes produced annually from sugarcane and beet, and a market worth US$30–70 billion per year. The price of sugar varies considerably depending on demand and on quality. Quality of raw sugar is assessed using parameters such as percentage glucose, reducing sugars, dextran, colour, starch, and ash, with all of the inorganic components summarised in this last parameter. Analytical data on individual inorganic components is limited and data on non-toxic elements are rarely reported. This study determined the concentrations of agronomically important elements in raw sugar for Fiji (where no previous data were available) throughout the 2013 crushing season (July–November) for all 4 sugar mills in the country. The results showed average concentrations of N 415, P 23, K 1140, Ca 288, Mg 124, Na 22 and S 214 (mg kg −1 ) with distinct variations between the mills, but very limited seasonal variability. The contribution of sugar exports to the national nutrient budgets was also examined with sugar exports for most elements representing <10% of fertiliser imports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilizers are commonly used in tomato fields for increasing plant growth and productivity, concepts regarding the interactive effects of these elements on tomato fruit quality during storage are ambiguous. The interactive effects of potassium (0, 250 and 500 mg kg soil− 1) and nitrogen (0, 150 and 300 mg kg soil− 1) fertilizers were tested on tomato fruit size at harvest, and their quality was evaluated after 30 days of storage at 4 °C. Fruit mass, firmness, taste-related parameters, inorganic nutrients, bioactive compounds, and antioxidative capacity of the fruits were investigated after the storage period. Application of 250-500 mg K in combination with 150 mg N per kg soil improved fruit mass at harvest and reduced loss of mass during storage. By increasing the soil’s K supply, the fruits exhibited significant increases in their amount of potassium, TSS and TA contents, antioxidative capacity, concentrations of lycopene, phenolics and ascorbic acid. Nonetheless, increasing the soil’s K concentration reduced Ca concentration and firmness of the fruits. By increasing the N concentration in the soil, a trend of decline was observed in the fruits’ TSS, soluble phenolics, lycopene and ascorbic acid contents. However, higher amounts of N and TA contents were detected in fruits treated with 300 mg N kg soil− 1. N treatments did not affect the antioxidative capacity of the fruits. Accordingly, application of 250 mg K + 150 mg N kg soil− 1 was suggested as the optimum treatment that could yield tomato fruits with high quality and that would also have improved storage capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, dairy manure was converted into solid and liquid products via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) to determine optimal reaction conditions to retain the greatest amounts of inorganic nutrients. The influence of three parameters, reaction temperature (150–270 °C), residence time (0.5–6 h) and manure/water ratio (5/200–25/200 g/mL), on the total nutrient content (TNC) in the solid and liquid products were investigated using a 5-level, 3-factor orthogonal test and principal components analysis (PCA). Also, the distribution characteristics of inorganic nutrients were determined using single factor tests. The maximum TNC of the solid product was 22.92 mg/g, obtained at manure/water ratio of 20/200 g/mL and performed at 240 °C for 6 h. For obtaining the maximum TNC of liquid product, the most optimal conditions were 150 °C, 1 h and 20/200 g/mL which produced TNC of 1619.55 mg/L. The proportion of ammonium (NH 4 + -N) and orthophosphate (PO 4 3− ) were also analyzed in the liquid product. The amount of NH 4 + -N increased with reaction temperature increasing and manure/water ratio decreasing, the main form of phosphorus (P) was PO 4 3− in the liquid product, and most of the potassium (K) were also dissolved in the liquid product. These results indicate that the HTC could be a promising approach for the utilization of dairy manure as inorganic fertilizer in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to test the effects of KNO3, KH2PO4, and CaCl2 on shoot multiplication, root proliferation, and accumulation of phytochemicals in in vitro cultures of Oroxylum indicum. The results indicate that modifying the MS salt formulation in relation to particular inorganic nutrients highly affected shoot multiplication, root proliferation, and accumulation of flavonoids in in vitro cultures. A concentration of 0.60 g L−1 CaCl2 resulted in the highest frequency of shoot regeneration (5.6 shoots per explant). A concentration of 0.40 g L−1 CaCl2 resulted in the highest frequency of root regeneration (7.8 roots per shoot). Modifications of the concentrations of inorganic salts were also found to be advantageous for production media for both multiple shoots and shoot-derived root in vitro cultures. Multiple shoots generated on shoot induction medium with a concentration of 0.60 g L−1 CaCl2 and roots generated on root induction medium with a concentration of 1.5 g L−1 KNO3 yielded about a five times higher flavonoid level than cultures generated on control medium respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dredging has been practiced to remove sediment impacted by persistent contaminants, such as heavy metals. Of these metals, lead (Pb) is of particular concern due to its toxicity. Therefore, dredged sediment containing Pb requires further mitigation. One method for Pb mitigation is phytoremediation of dredged sediment. In this study, the partitioning of Pb in sediment during phytoremediation by willow ( Salix integra) was assessed. The results showed that, in general, the bioavailable forms of Pb declined with increased application of the standard Hoagland nutrient solution, which appeared to enhance the Fe-Mn oxide fraction and residual inert fraction. In contrast, the addition of excess phosphorus decreased the bioavailable fractions of Pb. However, the bioavailable fractions of Pb increased with additional potassium addition. Planting Salix integra was shown to promote the stabilization of Pb in sediment and led to a transformation from bioavailable forms to non-bioavailable forms. The results suggest that planting Salix integra can remediate Pb-contaminated dredged sediment via Pb immobilization by the roots. During this process, the application of Hoagland nutrient solution and the application of nutrient solutions with excess phosphorus not only promote root growth of Salix integra which would reduce Pb bioavailability, but also further enhance the immobilization of Pb in contaminated sediment, likely through the formation of Pb-containing compounds with low bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation was taken up on eight years old seedling trees of jackfruit, planted at 10 x 10 m spacing at the Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri (Nadia, West Bengal) of the Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya with a view to know the effect of different organic manures and inorganic nutrients (N, P and K) on production, fruit quality, soil heath and foliar NPK status. Results from the three consecutive years of investigation, it was revealed that highest dose of NPK (N 500 P300 K300 g/tree/year) resulted in highest yield (76.3 kg / tree) but gave lower BCR (benefit cost ratio) of 1.13 while its lowest dose (N200P100 K100 g/tree/year) gave higher BCR of 2.00. Among the organic manures, vermicompost at 4.00 kg/tree/year produced second higher yield (56.3 kg/tree) with best quality fruits and this treatment resulted in highest BCR of 2.17. Soil NPK status and pH improved under different treatments as compared to respective initial values. Foliar NPK values were differed among the treatments although it could not be correlated to the fruit yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Re-assessment of NPK recommendations as sole and mixed with other nutrients is necessary today because soil exhaustion continues with intensive cultivation. In line with, a study was carried out to assess the impact of mineral NPK with foliar S and Zn on lentil crop both in the presence and absence and farmyard manure (FYM) at the Agriculture Research Institute, Mingora, Swat during 2012. Using Randomized Complete Block Split Plot Design, FYM was allotted to main plots (-FYM and +FYM (10 t ha-1)) whilst NPK (kg ha-1) and S and Zn (% solution) applied as; Control, NP (30:60), NPK (30:60:60), NPKS (NPK+3%S), NPKZn (NPK+3%Zn) and NPKSZn (NPK+S+Zn) were tested in sub plots. Combined NPK, S and Zn application (NPKSZn) improved the nodule number (NN) and nodule weight (NW) plant-1 significantly (by 22 and 75%, respectively) over the control and resulted in 40, 49, 20 and 14% higher biological yield (BY), grain yield (GY), 1000-grain weight (GW) and harvest index (HI) over the control, respectively. The effect of FYM on lentil growth and nodulation, either as sole or in integration with inorganic nutrients, was non-significant. The maximum HI by NPKSZn indicated the both S and Zn have improved nutrients assimilation into the economic portion of the crop. However, the S effect on nodulation and nodule growth was greater than Zn. This study concluded that foliar application of 3% S and Zn solution is necessary along with NPK to improve the yield and nodulation in lentil.

Marine biogeochemistry dynamics in coastal marine areas is strongly influenced by episodic events such as rain, intense winds, river discharges and anthropogenic activities. We evaluated in this study the importance of these forcing events on modulating seasonal changes in the marine biogeochemistry of the northwestern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, based on data gathered from a fixed coastal sampling station in the area. A 4-year (2011–2014) monthly sampling at four depths (0.5 m, 20 m, 50 m and 80 m) was performed to examine the time variability of several oceanographic variables: seawater temperature, salinity, inorganic nutrient concentrations (NO 3 − , PO 4 3 − and SiO 2 ), chlorophyll a (Chl a ), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM). FDOM dynamics was predominantly influenced by upwelling events and mixing processes, driven by strong and characteristic wind episodes. SW wind episodes favored the upwelling of deeper and denser waters into the shallower shelf, providing a surplus of autochthonous humic-like material and inorganic nutrients, whereas northerlies favored the homogenization of the whole shelf water column by cooling and evaporation. These different wind-induced processes (deep water intrusion or mixing), reported along the four sampled years, determined a high interannual environmental variability in comparison with other Mediterranean sampling sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research studied the effects of inorganic nutrient removal by free and immobilized Scenedesmus bijugatus cells, measured by algal growth (i.e., the chlorophyll a concentration) and the efficiency of the uptake of inorganic nutrients by the cells (uptake rate (b) and removal percentage) in water samples from the organically polluted Pinang River estuary (PRE). Water samples from the PRE were collected during low and high tide. S. bijugatus cells had a higher growth rate when incubated in low tide PRE water samples compared to high tide PRE water samples, with a growth rate of 0.29 µgml−1d−1 and 0.06 µgml−1d−1 for free and immobilized cells, respectively. S. bijugatus was able to more efficiently remove nitrogen, especially ammonium (81–94%), compared to phosphate (62–88%) from both low and high tide water samples. S. bijugatus cells in low tide PRE water samples recorded highest phosphate (0.36 mgL−1d−1 and 0.25 mgL−1d−1 for free and immobilized cells, respectively) and ammonium uptake rates (0.44 mgL−1d−1 and 0.29 mgL−1d−1 for free and immobilized cells respectively). Both inorganic nutrient removal and microalgal cell growth were not significantly different between free and immobilized S. bijugatus (p > 0.05). The data obtained indicated that the removal of nutrients by microalgae was affected by salinity and the immobilization technique applied may have good potential for bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most studies on termite food selection have focused on a single nutrient per choice, however, termites, like all animals, must balance multiple nutrients in their diet. While most studies that use multi-nutrient approaches focus on macromolecules, the ability to balance the intake of inorganic nutrients is also vital to organisms. In this study, we used the geometric framework to test the effects of multiple inorganic nutrients on termite feeding. We presented the subsets of Reticulitermes flavipes colonies with food enriched with varying in levels of KCl, MgSO4, and FePO4. Each trial varied two of the three nutrients while the third nutrient was kept constant. The amount of food consumed was measured over two weeks. The termites' feeding patterns during the study suggested that they fed until they reached a limit for MgSO4. This result suggests that the termites were using the rule of compromise such that the termites would over consume KCl or FePO4 in order to avoid overeating MgSO4. Thus, the termite colonies are able to regulate the intake of inorganic nutrients, and by doing so, adjust their intake from multiple resources in order to maintain an intake target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used in this study to perform a quantitative elemental analysis in order to compare the inorganic nutrients in commercial white and noncommercial yellow maize flours. ICP-MS measurements reveals that both white and yellow maize flours contains 20 different elements including toxic elements (Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Cr, Sr, U), essential elements (Ca, Co, Se, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo ) and probably essential elements (Mg, K, Na, Ba, Al) and their crossponding nutrients values were compared in detail. The ICP-MS analysis revealed that inorganic elements such as Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, U, Zn have concentration of 168.19, 0.17, 2.13, 1327.56, 0.04, 0.12, 9.14, 5.43, 82.03, 34.90, 99.62, 2.83, 0.74, 96.09, 4.5, 9.49, 6.12, 0.03, 6.47 μg/g in white and 200.05, 0.17, 2.53, 1290.27, 0.04, 0.145, 9.85, 11.46, 115.13, 914.98, 1594.14, 21.48, 1.71, 63.89, 6.08, 17.05, 5.23, 0.027, 33.89 μg/g in yellow maize flour, respectively. On the other hand toxic elements such as Cd or Pb in both white and yellow maize flours does not exceed their maximum limit set by the European Legislation or values recommended by the codex alimentarius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Laizhou Bay is famous for aquaculture, but has been subject to eutrophication and contamination for years. High concentrations of nutrients from the Xiaoqing River are considered as the main cause for significant eutrophication in the west of Laizhou Bay. Here we present results of the research on sedimentary microbial assemblages along this spatial gradient between riverine and marine environments by high-throughput sequencing. The predominant phyla/classes of bacteria and fungi clustered the samples into two distinct provinces, while discriminant taxa of each province were strongly associated with spatial factors and inorganic nitrogen. Spatial variation of bacterial communities was mainly related with the distribution of phosphates, suggesting a phosphate-limitation pattern for the bacterial communities. Alpha- and beta-diversity of fungal communities exhibited a significant correlation with water depth. We consider the distinct distributional gradients of bacterial and fungal communities partly explain the different roles in the biogeochemical processes of coastal sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]