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

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

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

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

Cannabis sativa L. is an extremely variable species. Even within the same cultivar plants can significantly differ in the content and profile of cannabinoids. Therefore, the best method for production of uniform plants and standardized raw material is vegetative propagation using clones. The aim of this study was to determine the content of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN) in clonally propagated plants of industrial hemp. One hundred and thirty-nine plants representing 17 different hemp genotypes were regenerated in vitro, hardened, and grown in a vegetation hall until harvest. Single plants of each accession were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with UV/diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD/UV). The results revealed significant variability in the total cannabinoid content (0.55–5.18% in dry weight) among tested genotypes and within the Epsilon 68 cultivar. The highest content of total CBD (4.410%) was recorded for EPS/40 genotype, while the level of total Δ9-THC was below the allowed threshold (0.3%). Therefore, we can conclude that some clonally propagated plants provided reproducible hemp material as a potential source of cannabidiol. The results of this study will be useful for breeding and early selection of hemp genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was exploration of the properties of wool derived from sheep reared in Poland. Twenty-nine breeds of sheep diverse from the type of farming, e.g. for meat, dual-purpose breeds for wool-milk, and versatile wool are bred in Poland, but only few of them have uniform wool. Because there is a lack of data determining quality and quantity of Polish wool, the wool-based textile industry in Poland uses mainly imported raw material. Wool quality has an impact on processing efficiency and determines possibility of its further use. In order to assess the wool quality from the local sheep breeds (Polish Merino, Olkuska, Żelaźnieńska, Polish Lowland Sheep), fiber parameters were evaluated: average fiber diameter, length, curvature, and comfort factor. The wool was subjected to microscopic analysis and color examination. Results of the study showed that wool from the above-mentioned sheep breeds varies greatly in terms of quality. The obtained data helps fill the information gap on Polish wool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian nests are a unique and sometimes extreme environment in which fungi occur. In this study, a correlation was recorded between the breeding biology and ecology of wetland birds and the biology and ecology of fungi in nests of wetland birds. The abundance of ecophysiologically diversified fungi, i.e. saprotrophs, cellulolytic fungi, and potentially zoo- and phytopathogenic fungi, was shown to be significantly higher in large nests, while species diversity (Shannon index) of fungi in nests with similar properties was not significant. The taxonomic structure (genus and species composition) and the spatial structure (frequency) of the nest mycobiota are mainly affected by nests' specific physical and chemical properties which depend on the breeding and feeding preferences of the birds. In dry, highly sun-exposed nests of the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), a species that establishes breeding colonies high in the trees, mainly feeds on fish and has young who defecate into the nest, populations of xerophilic, alkali- and thermotolerant fungi, including keratinolytic fungi (Chrysosporium tropicum), developed. In the nests of the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), a precocial species which constructs very large, relatively low-hygiene nests at the water's edge and which feeds on plant food, populations of hydrophilic and thermotolerant fungi, including highly cellulolytic fungi such as Chaetomium globosum, were detected. Nests of other small species of wetland birds, whose nests are also located on water but contain smaller amounts of animal-derived material, did not differ significantly mycologically and were colonised mainly by species such as Trichoderma viride and Penicillium purpurogenum, ubiquitous fungi with very high water and thermotolerant requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sewage sludge, thanks to its content of nutrients, can be used as a fertilizer for lawns. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the applied dose of sewage sludge and variety of lawn grasses and changes in the quality and quantity of microorganisms in the root zone of grass. The community of fungi isolated from the rhizoplane was significantly dominated by fungi belonging to the Fusarium genus, including F. oxysporum. The share of these fungi in the isolated community increased with the dose of sewage sludge. It was also found that the share of some saprotrophic fungi significantly increased after application of the sludge at a dose of 60 t·ha-1 and decreased after its application at the highest dose of 150 t·ha-1. The lowest number of fungi of the Fusarium genus was observed in the roots of perennial rye-grass (30.3% of all isolates), while their highest number occurred in creeping red fescue (44.3% of all isolates). Based on all the results, such as the level of dominance, the number of potential pathogens and bacteria and fungi saprotrophic observed that the dose of 60 t·ha-1 is the most favorable option, while the use of a dose of 150 t·ha-1 may increase the share of pathogenic fungi in the community fungi, without causing beneficial changes in the number of microorganisms inhabiting rhizosferę terms lawns where no fertilizer was applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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