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Zhang J, Fan B, Zhao L, Zhao C, Yang F. Biochar promotes compost humification by regulating bacterial and fungal communities. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1470930. [PMID: 39360319 PMCID: PMC11445164 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1470930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Humus can be formed during composting through biological pathways, nonetheless, the mechanisms through which bacterial and fungal communities govern the development of humus in compost with the addition of biochar remain uncertain. Methods In this study, compost with cow dung and maize stover as feedstock was employed as a control group, and compost with 10% biochar added on top of the feedstock was adopted as a treatment group to investigate the effect of bacterial and fungal communities on humus formation during biochar composting. Results and Discussion The results demonstrated that the humic acid content increased by 24.82 and 25.10% at the cooling and maturation stages, respectively, after adding biochar. Besides, the degree of polymerization content in the maturation stage was elevated by 90.98%, which accelerated the humification process of the compost. During the thermophilic and maturity stages, there was a respective increase of 51.34 and 31.40% in reducing sugar content, suggesting that the inclusion of biochar could furnish ample reducing sugar substrate for the Maillard reaction. The addition of biochar reduced the number of humus precursor-associated genera by 35, increased the number of genera involved in humus synthesis by two, and enhanced the stability of the cross-domain network between bacteria and fungi, which confirms that microorganisms contribute to the humification process by decreasing humus precursor consumption as well as increasing humus synthesis with the addition of biochar. Additionally, adding biochar could enhance the humification capacity of the compost pile by dominating the Maillard reaction with reducing sugars as the substrate and strengthening the function of humus synthesis-associated genera. This study enhances our comprehension of the regulatory pathways of biochar in the humification process during composting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Crop Straw Utilization, Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Bowen Fan
- College of Agronomy, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Crop Straw Utilization, Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Liqin Zhao
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Changjiang Zhao
- College of Agronomy, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Crop Straw Utilization, Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Fengjun Yang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
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Schneider E, Neumann A, Chacón-Patiño ML, Somero M, Ruppel MM, Ihalainen M, Köster K, Sippula O, Czech H, Rüger CP, Zimmermann R. Accessing the Low-Polar Molecular Composition of Boreal and Arctic Peat-Burning Organic Aerosol via Thermal Analysis and Ultrahigh-Resolution Mass Spectrometry: Structural Motifs and Their Formation. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2024; 35:1713-1725. [PMID: 38950165 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.4c00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Peatland fires emit organic carbon-rich particulate matter into the atmosphere. Boreal and Arctic peatlands are becoming more vulnerable to wildfires, resulting in a need for better understanding of the emissions of these special fires. Extractable, nonpolar, and low-polar organic aerosol species emitted from laboratory-based boreal and Arctic peat-burning experiments are analyzed by direct-infusion atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry (UHRMS) and compared to time-resolved APPI UHRMS evolved gas analysis from the thermal analysis of peat under inert nitrogen (pyrolysis) and oxidative atmosphere. The chemical composition is characterized on a molecular level, revealing abundant aromatic compounds that partially contain oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur and are formed at characteristic temperatures. Two main structural motifs are identified, single core and multicore, and their temperature-dependent formation is assigned to the thermal degradation of the lignocellulose building blocks and other parts of peat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Schneider
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Department of Analytical and Technical Chemistry, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
- Department Life, Light & Matter (LL&M), University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Anika Neumann
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Department of Analytical and Technical Chemistry, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
- Department Life, Light & Matter (LL&M), University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Martha L Chacón-Patiño
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, 32310 Tallahassee, United States
| | - Markus Somero
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Meri M Ruppel
- Atmospheric Composition Unit, Finnish Meteorological Institute, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Ihalainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kajar Köster
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Olli Sippula
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Eastern Finland, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Hendryk Czech
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Department of Analytical and Technical Chemistry, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Cooperation Group "Comprehensive Molecular Analytics" (CMA), Helmholtz Centre Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Christopher P Rüger
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Department of Analytical and Technical Chemistry, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
- Department Life, Light & Matter (LL&M), University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Ralf Zimmermann
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Department of Analytical and Technical Chemistry, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
- Department Life, Light & Matter (LL&M), University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Cooperation Group "Comprehensive Molecular Analytics" (CMA), Helmholtz Centre Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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Li J, Lardon R, Mangelinckx S, Geelen D. A practical guide to the discovery of biomolecules with biostimulant activity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:3797-3817. [PMID: 38630561 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable solutions in agriculture, which are critical for crop productivity and food quality in the face of climate change and the need to reduce agrochemical usage, has brought biostimulants into the spotlight as valuable tools for regenerative agriculture. With their diverse biological activities, biostimulants can contribute to crop growth, nutrient use efficiency, and abiotic stress resilience, as well as to the restoration of soil health. Biomolecules include humic substances, protein lysates, phenolics, and carbohydrates have undergone thorough investigation because of their demonstrated biostimulant activities. Here, we review the process of the discovery and development of extract-based biostimulants, and propose a practical step-by-step pipeline that starts with initial identification of biomolecules, followed by extraction and isolation, determination of bioactivity, identification of active compound(s), elucidation of mechanisms, formulation, and assessment of effectiveness. The different steps generate a roadmap that aims to expedite the transfer of interdisciplinary knowledge from laboratory-scale studies to pilot-scale production in practical scenarios that are aligned with the prevailing regulatory frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- HortiCell, Department Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Robin Lardon
- HortiCell, Department Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sven Mangelinckx
- SynBioC, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Danny Geelen
- HortiCell, Department Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Nieweś D, Biegun M, Marecka K, Hoffmann J. Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis of Humic-Silica Composites by the Isolation of Humic Substances from Peat and Lignite. Chempluschem 2024; 89:e202300715. [PMID: 38300236 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202300715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the presented study was to evaluate an integrated, direct procedure for the synthesis of humic-silica composites (HSiC) by the isolation of humic substances (HS) from peat and lignite by the use of sodium silicate solution as an extractant. The obtained materials, because of the presence of humic functional groups, may potentially be used for removing contaminants from aqueous solutions. The quantitative assessment was based on experiments designed according to the Box-Behnken plan. The statistical analysis of the results allowed to determine the optimal conditions of the process tested, for which the isolation efficiency of humic substances (HS) was greater than 50 % for both raw materials. This made it possible to synthesize humic silica composites with a high content of HS, which have been qualitatively evaluated. This step was focused on the analysis of the humic structure using elemental analysis, spectroscopic methods, and differential thermal analysis coupled with thermogravimetry. On the basis of them, the presence of structures characteristic for HS in the HSiC tested was observed. Moreover, the results of the thermal analysis pointed to the higher thermal stability of the synthesized compounds, compared to the HS isolated with the use of a traditional extractant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Nieweś
- Department of Engineering and Technology of Chemical Processes, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Biegun
- Department of Engineering and Technology of Chemical Processes, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kinga Marecka
- Department of Engineering and Technology of Chemical Processes, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Józef Hoffmann
- Department of Engineering and Technology of Chemical Processes, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372, Wroclaw, Poland
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Hussain A, Saeed A. Hazardous or Advantageous: Uncovering the Roles of Heavy Metals and Humic Substances in Shilajit (Phyto-mineral) with Emphasis on Heavy Metals Toxicity and Their Detoxification Mechanisms. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04109-4. [PMID: 38393486 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04109-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Shilajit is a phyto-mineral diffusion and semi-solid matter used as traditional medicine with extraordinary health benefits. This study provides a comprehensive data on Shilajit with emphasis on heavy metal profile, associated toxicities, and metal detoxification mechanisms by humic substances present in Shilajit. Data was searched across papers and traditional books using Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, SciELO, Web of Science, and Scopus as key scientific databases. Findings showed that Shilajit is distributed in almost 20 regions of the world with uses against 20 health problems as traditional medicine. With various humic substances, almost 11 biological activities were reported in Shilajit. This phyto-mineral diffusion possesses around 65 heavy metals including the toxic heavy metals like Cu, Al, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg. However, humic substances in Shilajit actively detoxify around 12 heavy metals. The recommended levels of heavy metals by WHO and FDA in herbal drugs is 0.20 and 0.30 ppm for Cd, 1 ppm for Hg, 10.00 ppm for As and Pb, 20 ppm for Cu, and 50 ppm for Zn. The levels of reported metals in Shilajit were found to be lower than the permissible limits set by WHO and FDA, except in few studies where exceeded levels were reported. Shilajit consumption without knowing permissible levels of metals is not safe and could pose serious health problems. Although the humic substances and few metals in Shilajit are beneficial in terms of chelating toxic heavy metals, the data on metal detoxification still needs to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil Hussain
- Food and Biotechnology Research Centre, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Laboratories Complex, Ferozepur Road, Lahore, 54600, Punjab, Pakistan.
| | - Asma Saeed
- Food and Biotechnology Research Centre, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Laboratories Complex, Ferozepur Road, Lahore, 54600, Punjab, Pakistan
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Fernández-Delgado M, Carlos López-Linares J, Lucas S, Teresa García-Cubero M, Coca M. Efficient recovery and characterization of humic acids from municipal and manure composts: A comparative study. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 172:245-255. [PMID: 37924600 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
The recovery of humic acids from low-quality compost obtained in municipal solid waste treatment plants provides opportunities for its valorization. This study compares the recovery and properties of the humic acids obtained from municipal mixed waste compost (MMWC) and manure compost. The effects of temperature, time, and KOH concentration on the ratio of humic acids in the extracted liquid and the content of organic carbon of the precipitates were investigated by response surface methodology. Optimal conditions were 30 °C and 24 h for both composts, with a KOH concentration of 0.53 M for MMWC and 0.25 M for manure compost. The manure compost provided a liquid extract richer in humic acids than MMWC (76.6 % vs. 33.7 %), but the precipitates presented similar organic carbon contents (38.1 % vs. 42.4 %). Regarding composition, both humic acids presented higher organic carbon and nitrogen contents than the composts used as feedstock. The extraction and further precipitation of humic acids reduced the concentration of heavy metals. Humic acids from manure compost have a slightly higher average molecular weight (2650 Da) than those from MMWC (1980 Da), while both present similar C/N ratios and degree of aromaticity. Most contaminants of emerging concern present in the original composts were not detected in the humic acids. Thus, it was demonstrated that MMWC constitutes an attractive source of humic acids with properties similar to those obtained from a high-quality compost and, therefore, with potential economic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Fernández-Delgado
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos López-Linares
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Susana Lucas
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - M Teresa García-Cubero
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Mónica Coca
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.
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Vasile C, Baican M. Lignins as Promising Renewable Biopolymers and Bioactive Compounds for High-Performance Materials. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3177. [PMID: 37571069 PMCID: PMC10420922 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The recycling of biomass into high-value-added materials requires important developments in research and technology to create a sustainable circular economy. Lignin, as a component of biomass, is a multipurpose aromatic polymer with a significant potential to be used as a renewable bioresource in many fields in which it acts both as promising biopolymer and bioactive compound. This comprehensive review gives brief insights into the recent research and technological trends on the potential of lignin development and utilization. It is divided into ten main sections, starting with an outlook on its diversity; main properties and possibilities to be used as a raw material for fuels, aromatic chemicals, plastics, or thermoset substitutes; and new developments in the use of lignin as a bioactive compound and in nanoparticles, hydrogels, 3D-printing-based lignin biomaterials, new sustainable biomaterials, and energy production and storage. In each section are presented recent developments in the preparation of lignin-based biomaterials, especially the green approaches to obtaining nanoparticles, hydrogels, and multifunctional materials as blends and bio(nano)composites; most suitable lignin type for each category of the envisaged products; main properties of the obtained lignin-based materials, etc. Different application categories of lignin within various sectors, which could provide completely sustainable energy conversion, such as in agriculture and environment protection, food packaging, biomedicine, and cosmetics, are also described. The medical and therapeutic potential of lignin-derived materials is evidenced in applications such as antimicrobial, antiviral, and antitumor agents; carriers for drug delivery systems with controlled/targeting drug release; tissue engineering and wound healing; and coatings, natural sunscreen, and surfactants. Lignin is mainly used for fuel, and, recently, studies highlighted more sustainable bioenergy production technologies, such as the supercapacitor electrode, photocatalysts, and photovoltaics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Vasile
- Romanian Academy, “P. Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Physical Chemistry of Polymers Department 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, RO700487 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Mihaela Baican
- “Grigore T. Popa” Medicine and Pharmacy University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences I Department, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Physics, 16 University Street, RO700115 Iaşi, Romania;
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