Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health

Chlorella is a green unicellular alga that is commercially produced and distributed worldwide as a dietary supplement. Chlorella products contain numerous nutrients and vitamins, including D and B12, that are absent in plant-derived food sources. Chlorella contains larger amounts of folate and iron than other plant-derived foods. Chlorella supplementation to mammals, including humans, has been reported to exhibit various pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antihyperlipidemic activities. Meta-analysis on the effects of Chlorella supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors have suggested that it improves total cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels but not triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. These beneficial effects of Chlorella might be due to synergism between multiple nutrient and antioxidant compounds. However, information regarding the bioactive compounds in Chlorella is limited.

A Comprehensive Review on Chemical and Pharmacological Potential of Viola betonicifolia: A Plant with Multiple Benefits

Viola betonicifolia (Violaceae) is commonly recognized as “Banafsha” and widely distributed throughout the globe. This plant is of great interest because of its traditional, pharmacological uses. This review mainly emphases on morphology, nutritional composition, and several therapeutic uses, along with pharmacological properties of different parts of this multipurpose plant. Different vegetative parts of this plant (roots, leaves, petioles, and flowers) contained a good profile of essential micro- and macronutrients and are rich source of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamin C. The plant is well known for its pharmacological properties, e.g., antioxidant, antihelminthic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and has been reported in the treatment of various neurological diseases. This plant is of high economic value. The plant has potential role in cosmetic industry. This review suggests that V. betonicifolia is a promising source of pharmaceutical agents. This plant is also of significance as ornamental plant, however further studies needed to explore its phytoconstituents and their pharmacological potential. Furthermore, clinical studies are needed to use this plant for benefits of human beings.

Chloroplast-rich material from the physical fractionation of pea vine (Pisum sativum) postharvest field residue (Haulm)

An innovative procedure for plant chloroplasts isolation has been proposed, which consists of juice extraction by physical fractionation from plant material and recovery of its chloroplast-rich fraction (CRF) by centrifugation. This simple method has been applied to pea vine haulm subjected to different post-harvest treatments: blanching, storage at different relative humidity values and fermentation. Additionally, freeze storage of the extracted juice was carried out. The macronutrient (total lipids, proteins, ash and carbohydrates) and micronutrient (fatty acids, chlorophylls, β-carotene, α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid) content and composition of the CRF have been determined. The CRF isolated from fresh pea vine haulm is a potential source of essential micronutrients (α-linolenic acid, β-carotene, α-tocopherol) and carbohydrates, whereas the post-harvest treatments trialled have a detrimental effect on the nutritional content. Industrial applications for the recovered nutritionally rich fraction, such as food supplement ingredient or animal feeding, are likely envisaged, while optimising the use of green haulm.

Impact of spreading olive mill waste water on agricultural soils for leaching of metal micronutrients and cations

Olive mill waste water (OMWW) is an acidic (pH 4-5), saline (EC ∼ 5-10 mS cm^-1), blackish-red aqueous byproduct of the three phase olive oil production process, with a high chemical oxygen demand (COD) of up to 220,000 mg L^-1. OMWW is conventionally disposed of by uncontrolled dumping into the environment or by semi-controlled spreading on agricultural soils. It was hypothesized that spreading such liquids on agricultural soils could result in the release and mobilization of indigenous soil metals. The effect of OMWW spreading on leaching of metal cations (Na, K, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) was tested in four non-contaminated agricultural soils having different textures (sand, clay loam, clay, and loam) and chemical properties. While the OMWW contributed metals to the soil solution, it also mobilized indigenous soil metals as a function of soil clay content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and soil pH-buffer capacity. Leaching of soil-originated metals from the sandy soil was substantially greater than from the loam and clay soils, while the clay loam was enriched with metals derived from the OMWW. These trends were attributed to cation exchange and organic-metal complex formation. The organic matter fraction of OMWW forms complexes with metal cations; these complexes may be mobile or precipitate, depending on the soil chemical and physical environment.

Mineral constituents and toxicological profile of Jateorhiza macrantha (Menispermaceae) aqueous extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jateorhiza macrantha is a medicinal plant used in popular medicine to treat several diseases, including cardiovascular disorders. To date, there is no documented report available on the toxicological profile of this medicinal plant.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was carried out to investigate the mineral content and the safety of the oral administration of the leaf aqueous extract of Jateorhiza macrantha in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The presence of Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn in the extract was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. In the acute toxicity study, Male and female Balb-C mice were administered single doses of 2.5 and 5 g/kg of body weight by gavage, and were monitored for 7 days. In the subacute toxicity study, the extract was administered by gavage at doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight daily for 6 weeks to mice (8 mice/dose/sex). After this period of treatment, 5 mice per sex and per group were sacrificed. The rest of animals per group were observed without any treatment for 2 weeks. After the treatments, some biochemical and hematological parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

Our findings indicate the presence of all mineral elements tested. Acute study indicates no signs of toxicity at the doses used. The LD50 value is >5.00 g/kg body weight, since there was no death registered at that dose. In subacute study, hematological and biochemical parameters showed a significant decrease in platelet and significant increases in ALT and AST in both sexes and creatinin levels only in male suggesting that some compounds of the plant extract were responsible of disturbances of hematopoiesis, liver and kidney functions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that Jateorhiza macrantha acute toxicity towards animals is very low. However, in subacute administration, this extract induces slight injuries on hematopoiesis, liver and kidney functions, suggesting its use with caution.

Simultaneous analysis of circulating 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D2, retinol, tocopherols, carotenoids, and oxidized and reduced coenzyme Q10 by high performance liquid chromatography with photo diode-array detection using C18 and C30 columns alone or in combination

Circulating lipid-phase micronutrients (LPM) such as 25-hydroxylated D vitamers, retinol, tocopherols, carotenoids including their isomers, and coenzyme Q10 play important roles in health maintenance and disease prevention and can serve as useful biomarkers. We developed fast, affordable, and accurate HPLC assays that simultaneously measured all above LPM in a single run using UV/VIS detection at 265nm, 295nm, and 480nm with (1) a C18 column alone; (2) a C30 column alone; or (3) each of these columns connected in series. The C18 column alone could separate all major LPM of interest in less than 17min but insufficiently resolved the lycopene isomers, the 25-hydroxylated D vitamers, lutein from zeaxanthin and β- from γ-tocopherol. The C30 column alone separated all LPM of interest including many isomeric analytes but failed to resolve the Q10 compounds, which co-eluted with carotenoids. Connecting the C18 and C30 columns in series with a detector after the C30 column and a pressure resistant detector between the columns resulted in ideal resolution and accurate quantitation of all LPM of interest but required software capable of processing the acquired data from both detectors. Connecting the C18 and C30 columns in series with exclusively one detector after the C30 column resulted in carotenoid-Q10 interferences, however, this was remedied by heart-cutting 2D-LC with a 6-port valve between the columns, which resolved all analytes in 42min. Faster run times led to some analytes not being resolved. Many variations of these methods are possible to meet the needs of individual requirements while minimizing sample material and turn-around-times.

Effluent quality from 200 on-site sewage systems: design values for guidelines

The quality of effluent from an on-site sewage treatment system is a critical factor in designing the disposal area and, hence, ensuring the sustained performance of the system. Contaminant concentrations in effluent are typically specified in regulatory guidelines or standards; however, the accuracy of these guideline values are brought into question due to the poor performance of septic tanks and the high failure rates of disposal systems reported here and elsewhere. Results from studies of septic tank effluent quality indicated that the effluent is of poorer quality than currently suggested by guidelines. Aerated wastewater treatment systems were found to perform to accreditation guidelines; however, insufficient nutrient data is presently available to assess nutrient loads. It is proposed that the 80th percentile of system performance be adopted as the design value for sizing effluent disposal areas to minimise failure associated with overloading. For septic tanks this equates to 660 mg L(-1) SS, 330 mg L(-1) BOD, 250 mg L(-1) TN and 36 mg L(-1) TP.

Microbial and nutrient investigations into the use of in situ layers for treatment of tailings effluent

The release of acidic drainage, containing high concentrations of dissolved metals, is associated with mining districts throughout the world. Remediation of acidic drainage at active and abandoned mines remains a significant challenge. A potential alternative technique to prevent the release of acidic drainage is the addition of labile organic carbon to mine wastes during deposition, creating large in situ treatment systems. Organic carbon can enhance bacterially mediated sulfate reduction and subsequent metal sulfide precipitation, treating metal-contaminated water prior to discharge from the impoundment. Two laboratory column experiments were conducted using simulated mine drainage water. The columns contained tailings derived from the Kidd Creek Metallurgical site in Timmins, Ontario, and reactive materials mixed to a 4:1 volumetric ratio. The average sulfate reduction rate observed in the woodchip column was 0.009 mmol L(-1) day(-1) g(-1) organic matter and in the pulp waste column 0.018 mmol L(-1) day(-1) g(-1) organic matter. Residence times were 14 days in the woodchip column, resulting in the average removal of 500 mg L(-1) (5.2 mmol L(-1)) SO4 and 60 mg L(-1) (1.1 mmol L(-1)) Fe, and 13 days in the pulp waste column, resulting in the average removal of 600 mg L(-1) (6.2 mmol L(-1)) SO4 and the complete removal of 100 mg L(-1) (1.8 mmol L(-1)) Fe. In both columns, sulfate reduction was coupled with an increase in alkalinity and pH and the complete removal of 80 mg L(-1) (1.2 mmol L(-1)) Zn and other metals. Populations of sulfate-reducing bacteria within both columns increased by 3-4 orders of magnitude, and bacterial activity was up to 5 times greater than in the unamended tailings. The woodchip material contained lower concentrations of labile C, N, and P than the pulp waste, possibly accounting for the lower sulfate reduction rates and metal removal capacity observed.

Polish experience with sewage sludge dewatering in reed systems

Macrophyte plants e.g. reed, cattails, bulrush, can be applied to sewage sludge utilisation. One of the first facilities of this type in the Gdansk region (Northern Poland) was established in Darzlubie in 1995 and primary sludge has been utilised in reed beds there. The objective of the undertaken research was evaluating the influence of sewage sludge storage on its chemical and biological properties. A total of 5.5 m thick layer of primary, anaerobically stabilised sludge (moisture 90-96%) was loaded to the reed bed during 6 years of operation. As a consequence of dewatering and biochemical transformation, the sludge layer decreased to 30 cm. Moisture, organic matter, total nitrogen and total phosphorus contents, as well as coli index, Clostridium perfringens index and the number of Ascaris lumbricoides ova were measured. Also the contents of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr and Cd) were determined in sludge samples. The study showed that sludge storage in reed beds results in dewatering and partial stabilisation. In the reed lagoons in Swarzewo and Zambrow, dewatering of secondary sludges was investigated. The results of measurements of the quality of sludge and effluent from the reed lagoon in Zambrow are also presented.

Microbial quantification in activated sludge: the hits and misses

Since the implementation of the activated sludge process for treating wastewater, there has been a reliance on chemical and physical parameters to monitor the system. However, in biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes, the microorganisms responsible for some of the transformations should be used to monitor the processes with the overall goal to achieve better treatment performance. The development of in situ identification and rapid quantification techniques for key microorganisms involved in BNR are required to achieve this goal. This study explored the quantification of Nitrospira, a key organism in the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate in BNR. Two molecular genetic microbial quantification techniques were evaluated: real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) followed by digital image analysis. A correlation between the Nitrospira quantitative data and the nitrate production rate, determined in batch tests, was attempted. The disadvantages and advantages of both methods will be discussed.

Nutrient removal and plant biomass in a subsurface flow constructed wetland in Brisbane, Australia

Four native plant species (Baumea articulata, Carex fascicularis, Philydrum lanuginosum and Schoenoplectus mucronatus) are being investigated for their suitability in subsurface flow wetlands. The pilot scale Oxley Wetland, Brisbane, consists of 4 cells with different sized gravel (5 mm and 20 mm). The project aims to investigate nutrient removal rates and removal efficiency; nutrient storage in plant biomass; effect of cropping on plant regrowth, and the effect of gravel size on both water treatment and plant growth. Average daily mass removal rates ranged from 7.3 Kgha(-1)d(-1) NH4-N in Cell D to 4.6 Kgha(-1)d(-1) in Cell C i.e. 37%-22% removal efficiency respectively; 5.2 Kgha(-1)d(-1) NOx-N in Cell C to 1.3 Kgha(-1)d(-1) in Cell A (i.e. 75%-22% removal efficiency) and 0.8 Kgha(-1)d(-1) PO4-P in Cell A to 0.1 Kgha(-1)d(-1) in Cell C (i.e. 10%-1% removal efficiency). Cell A was the youngest wetland with new 5 mm gravel. Plant biomass was highest for Baumea and Carex. Gravel size does not appear to have affected biomass and recovery following cropping. Carex consistently had the highest harvested above ground biomass with high re-growth following cropping. Cropping appears to have retarded growth of the other three species with Schoenoplectus consistently having slowest regrowth. Plant biomass and nutrient storage was highest in Cell A and accounted for 11% of nitrogen removal and 3% of phosphorus removal.