Facile method for preparation of oligo-carboxymethyl cellulose and other oligosaccharides: Physicochemical properties and bioactivity

Environmental Risk Analysis Based on Characterization of Ground Oily Sludge

Oily sludge is recognized as hazardous waste. To reduce the potential danger and harmful factors of oily sludge, it is very important to analyze its environmental risk. In this paper, the characterization of oily sludge from Shengli Oilfield in China was tested experimentally, including the composition content, particle size, microscopic morphology, heavy metal content, organic composition, inorganic composition, and thermogravimetric analysis, which were used to analyze environmental risks. The results show that the oil content of oily sludge is as high as 10.3%, which will cause serious pollution. It is calculated that China can recover 772.5 million liters of oil and reduce 553.9 million kg of carbon emissions compared with incineration in one year, if the oily sludge can be managed effectively. The content of heavy metals such as Ba, Zn, Cr, As, Ni, Se, Be, and Hg in oily sludge exceeds the standard. It will restrain the self-healing ability of soil, pollute groundwater, and endanger animals and plants. The organic matter of oily sludge is concentrated in C₁₁ to C₂₉. It contains a large amount of benzene series and polycyclic benzene hydrocarbons, which can lead to cancer in the human body. Inorganic substances in oily sludge are mixed with some additives, which can not only reduce the toxicity of heavy metals, but also be used as building materials. The median particle size D₅₀ of oily sludge is 0.91 μm, and it spreads all over the narrow pores. Generally, it needs to be treated under high temperature conditions, which will cause secondary pollution to the environment. The research content of this paper provides a theoretical reference for the management of oily sludge.

Oligomers of Carboxymethyl Cellulose for Postharvest Treatment of Fresh Produce: The Effect on Fresh-Cut Strawberry in Combination with Natural Active Agents

In this study, oligomers of carboxymethyl cellulose (O-CMC) were used as a new postharvest treatment for fresh produce. The oligomers were prepared by green and cost-effective enzymatic hydrolysis and applied to prevent spoilage and improve storability of fresh-cut strawberries. The produce quality was improved by all formulations containing O-CMC in comparison to the control, as indicated by the decrease in decay incidence, weight loss (min ~2–5 times less), higher firmness, microbial load decrease, better appearance, and sensorial quality of the fruits. Natural resources: ascorbic acid, gallic acid, and vanillin were further added to enhance the beneficial effect. O-CMC with vanillin was most efficient in all of the tested parameters, exhibiting the full prevention of fruit decay during all 7 days of refrigerated storage. In addition, fruits coated with O-CMC vanillin have the smallest weight loss (%), minimum browning, and highest antimicrobial effect preventing bacterial (~3 log, 2 log) and yeast/mold contaminations. Based on the obtained positive results, O-CMC may provide a new, safe, and effective tool for the postharvest treatment of fresh produce that can be used alone or in combination with other active agents.

Enhancement of Glucosinolate Formation in Broccoli Sprouts by Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment

Broccoli sprouts are known as a rich source of health-beneficial phytonutrients: glucosinolates and phenolic compounds. The production of phytonutrients can be stimulated by elicitors that activate the plant stress response. The aim of this study was enhancing the nutritional value of broccoli sprouts using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as an elicitor. Daily spraying with H₂O₂ (500-1000 mM) enhanced the accumulation of glucosinolates, doubling their content in the cotyledons of 16/8 h photoperiod-grown 7-day sprouts compared to the water-treated controls. The application of H₂O₂ on dark-grown sprouts showed a smaller extent of glucosinolate stimulation than with light exposure. The treatment affected sprout morphology without reducing their yield. The H₂O₂-treated sprouts had shorter hypocotyls and roots, negative root tropism and enhanced root branching. The activated glucosinolate production became evident 24 h after the first H₂O₂ application and continued steadily until harvest. Applying the same treatment to greenhouse-grown wild rocket plants caused scattered leaf bleaching, a certain increase in glucosinolates but decline in phenolics content. The H₂O₂ treatment of broccoli sprouts caused a 3.5-fold upregulation of APK1, a gene related to sulfur mobilization for glucosinolate synthesis. Comparing the APK1 expression with the competing gene GSH1 using sulfur for antioxidant glutathione production indicated that glutathione synthesis prevailed in the sprouts over the formation of glucosinolates.