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The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the scientific literature concerning the influence of grain physical characteristics on functional value of poultry feed. The review considers the role of grain feed particle size and its shape in ensuring optimal development and functioning of digestive tract and increasing productivity of birds. The results showed that compared to the feeding with smaller particles, the use of coarse feed increased stomach weight in broilers, enhanced enzymatic degradation of feed in digestive tract and improved nutrient bioavailability. The study found that increase in the level of coarse corn in the diet increased the number of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria spp. beneficial bacteria in digestive tract. Meanwhile, number of opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms decreased. In birds which were given granular feed we found insufficient development of stomach, mainly due to the lack of mechanical stimulation. We assume that in order to improve stomach function and health of birds, it is necessary to apply a source of dietary fiber to their diet. The results of studies suggest that adding 2-3% of insoluble source of fiber to the routine diets of young chickens based on high-protein soy flour and corn can improve their digestive tract development and growth characteristics.

Chlorella shows a wide spectrum of biological activity, in particular, it exhibits a pronounced antioxidant activity and demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antiviral properties. A number of research works have been devoted to studying feed advantages of this unicellular green algae when used in the diets of livestock animals, but the possibility of including different Chlorella species in the diet of primates has not been practically studied. The aim of this work was to assess the possibility of replacing high-protein animal and vegetable feeds with Chlorella , to calculate the digestibility coefficients for the diet nutrients and the effect of algal dry and suspension forms on hematological and serum biochemical parameters in male rhesus monkeys. The data obtained during the experiment indicate that the inclusion of Chlorella in the diet both in the dry form and cell suspension improves nutrient digestibility. Thus, the digestibility of crude protein in the animals receiving algae suspension increased by 4.18% ( p < 0.05), that of crude fat – by 4.70% ( p < 0.01), crude fiber – by 4.14% ( p < 0.05) and crude ash – by 12.32% ( p < 0.001). The digestibility coefficients of crude protein in the primates receiving compound feed supplemented with Chlorella powder were higher by 6.83% ( p < 0.001), those of crude fiber – by 4.78% ( p < 0.05) and crude ash – by 18.93% ( p < 0.001) The hematological study results indicate the absence of side effects from long-term Chlorella consumption by primates. The introduction of dry Chlorella into the diet increased blood glucose levels to the upper limit of the control values, while Chlorella suspension did not produce this effect. Thus, Chlorella can be successfully used as a component of a balanced laboratory diet for primates or as a feed additive.

Iron is a micronutrient critical to fundamental biological processes including respiration and photosynthesis, and it can therefore impact primary and heterotrophic productivity. Yet in oxic environments, iron is highly insoluble, rendering it, in principle, unavailable as a nutrient for biological growth. Life has "solved" this problem via the invention of iron chelates, known as siderophores, that keep iron available for microbial productivity. In this work, we examined the impact of siderophore synthesis on the speciation, mobility, and bioavailability of iron from rock-forming silicate minerals-shedding new light on the mechanisms by which microbes use mineral substrates to support primary productivity, as well as the consequent effects on silicate dissolution. Growth experiments were performed with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in an oxic, iron-depleted minimal medium, amended with olivine minerals as the sole source of iron. Experiments included the wild-type strain MR-1, and a siderophore synthesis gene deletion mutant strain (ΔMR-1). Relative to MR-1, ΔMR-1 exhibited a very pronounced growth penalty and an extended lag phase. However, substantial growth of ΔMR-1, comparable to MR-1 growth, was observed when the mutant strain was provided with siderophores in the form of either filtrate from a well-grown MR-1 culture, or commercially available deferoxamine. These observations suggest that siderophores are critical for S. oneidensis to acquire iron from olivine. Growth-limiting concentrations of deferoxamine amendments were observed to be ≤5-10 µM, concentrations significantly lower than previously recorded as necessary to impact mineral dissolution rates. X-ray photoelectric spectroscopy analyses of the incubated olivine surfaces suggest that siderophores deplete mineral surface layers of ferric iron. Combined, these results demonstrate that low micromolar concentrations of siderophores can effectively mobilize iron bound within silicate minerals, supporting very significant biological growth in limiting environments. The specific mechanism would involve siderophores removing a protective layer of nanometer-thick iron oxides, enhancing silicate dissolution and nutrient bioavailability.

Health-promoting activities of wheat bran are limited by the high-degree crosslinking of its dietary fiber and the low bioavailability of its phenolics. In this study, functionalized wheat bran (FWB) was prepared through a combination of milling, alkaline hydrolysis, high-shear mixing, and high-pressure homogenization treatments. Feasibility and metabolic effects of feeding FWB were investigated by a short-term mouse feeding trial and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analysis. The combinatorial processing dramatically enhanced the function-associated physicochemical properties of wheat bran, including viscosity, fiber compositions, free ferulic acid, and antioxidant capacity. FWB feeding led to diverse positive metabolic effects, including fecal sequestration of bile acids and cholesterol, reduced serum triacylglycerols and cholesterol, elevated fermentation for short-chain fatty acids, increased bioavailability of ferulic acid and its microbial metabolites, and improved redox balance. However, FWB feeding also negatively affected the nutritional status by decreasing the bioavailability of essential amino acids through the excessive loss of amino acids in feces and disrupting lipid homeostasis by reducing choline supply in the liver. These double-edged metabolic effects warrant further investigations on how to achieve the balance between the functionalization of wheat bran bioactives and the disruption of nutrient bioavailability.

Millets are a traditional staple food of the dryland regions of the world and are rich in essential nutrients like protein, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber. Also, millets commonly synthesize a range of secondary metabolites to protect themselves against adverse conditions. These factors are collectively termed anti-nutritional factors and the existence of these factors in millets might reduce the accessibility of the nutrients in humans. Some of these factors include protease inhibitors, tannins, non-starch polysaccharides-glucans, phytates, and oxalates each of which might directly or indirectly affect the digestibility of nutrients. Methods like soaking, germination, autoclaving, debranning, and the addition of exogenous enzymes have been used to reduce the anti-nutritional factors and elevate the bioavailability of the nutrients. This review summarizes various methods that have been used to improve nutrient bioavailability, specifically emphasizing the use of enzymes to improve nutrient bioavailability from millets. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Climate change could impact nutrient bioavailability in aquatic environment. To understand the interaction of nutrient bioavailability and elevated CO2, Chlorella vulgaris cells were grown in ambient air or 5% CO2 in different concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in a photobioreactor. The chlorophyll content, photosynthesis and respiration rates increased in 5% CO2 to support higher biomass production. The nutrient limitation in the growth media resulted in reduced photosynthetic rates of the algal cells and their PSI, PSII, and whole chain electron transport rates and biomass production. Conversely, their lipid content increased partly due to upregulation of expression of several lipid biosynthesis genes. The order of downregulation of photosynthesis and upregulation in lipid production due to nutrient limitation was in the order of N > P. The N-50 and 5% CO2 culture had only 10% reduction in biomass and 32% increase in lipids having 85% saturated fat required for efficient biofuel production. This growth condition is ideal for generation of biodiesel required to reduce the consumption of fossil fuel and combat global warming.

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a widely grown pulse crop that is a source of protein, starch and micronutrients in both human diets and livestock feeds. There is currently a strong global focus on making agriculture and food production systems more sustainable, and pea has one of the smallest carbon footprints of all crops. Multiple genetic loci have been identified that influence pea seed protein content, but protein composition is also important nutritionally. Studies have previously identified gene families encoding individual seed protein classes, now documented in a reference pea genome assembly. Much is also known about loci affecting starch metabolism in pea, with research especially focusing on improving concentrations of resistant starch, which has a positive effect on maintaining blood glucose homeostasis. Diversity in natural germplasm for micronutrient concentrations and mineral hyperaccumulation mutants have been discovered, with quantitative trait loci on multiple linkage groups identified for seed micronutrient concentrations. Antinutrients, which affect nutrient bioavailability, must also be considered; mutants in which the concentrations of important antinutrients including phytate and trypsin inhibitors are reduced have already been discovered. Current knowledge on the genetics of nutritional traits in pea will greatly assist with crop improvement for specific end uses, and further identification of genes involved will help advance our knowledge of the control of the synthesis of seed compounds., Highlights • There is huge potential to use genetic diversity to modify pea seed composition. • Such modifications can help meet demands for novel plant-based products. • Concentrations of protein, resistant starch and micronutrients can be improved. • Amounts of so-called antinutrients can be reduced. • Genomic resources are accelerating the rate at which changes can be made.

There are dilemmas in the minds of consumers with respect to sugar consumption - they would like to consume sugars for sweetness, but in a healthy (and perhaps guilt free!) way. In a sense, consumers believe that if sugar does not appear as an ingredient on the product label, but is intrinsic in the food (and will appear as a nutrient), it is 'good'. As an ingredient, however, it is viewed as a 'bad chemical' associated with tooth decay and obesity. The reality is that unless processing induced modifications have occurred, the sugar molecule within a plant tissue is the same molecule structure as present in purified sugar. The same calorific value. However, there is an argument that humans eat too refined food and that if sugars were eaten in their natural context (e.g. within a fruit), their presence and concentration would be in harmony (where different nutrients complement and balance the sugar concentration) with the human body. This reflects the process of eating, satiety, presence of other nutrients (including water) and the associated impact of the indigestible components of plant foods on the transit/nutrient bioavailability control and thus benefits through the gut. The authors explore these issues in this article and seek to provide a scientific basis to different sides of the argument - sugar is good or bad depending on how (in which format and how much/how concentrated) it is consumed. More importantly perhaps, how should sugar consumption - an important nutrient - be managed to optimize the benefits but reduce the disadvantages? © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Iron and zinc deficiencies are some of the most widespread micronutrient deficiencies in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Dietary diversification, food fortification, nutrition education, and supplementation can be used to control micronutrient deficiencies. Legumes are important staple foods in most households in LMIC. Legumes are highly nutritious (good sources of essential minerals, fiber, and low glycemic index) and offer potential benefits in addressing nutrition insecurity in LMIC. Several efforts have been made to increase micronutrient intake by use of improved legumes. Improved legumes have a higher nutrient bioavailability, lower phytate, or reduced hard-to-cook (HTC) defect. We hypothesize that consumption of improved legumes leads to optimization of zinc and iron status and associated health outcomes. Therefore, the objective of this review is to examine the evidence on the efficacy of interventions using improved legumes. Nine relevant studies are included in the review. Consumption of improved legumes resulted in a ≥1.5-fold increase in iron intake. Several studies noted modest improvements in biomarkers of iron status [hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), and transferrin receptor] associated with consumption of improved legumes. Currently, no efficacy studies assessing the relation between consumption of improved legumes and zinc status are available in the literature. Evidence shows that, in addition to repletion of biomarkers of iron status, consumption of improved legumes is associated with both clinical and functional outcomes. The prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) decreases with consumption of improved legumes, with increases of ≤3.0 g/L in Hb concentrations. Improvement in cognition and brain function in women has been reported as well. However, further research is necessary in more at-risk groups and also to show if the reported improvements in status markers translate to improved health outcomes. Evidence from the included studies shows potential from consumption of improved legumes suggesting them to be a sustainable solution to improve iron status. ispartof: ADVANCES IN NUTRITION vol:11 issue:5 pages:1315-1324 ispartof: location:United States status: published

This work studies the structural breakdown and nutrient release during in vitro digestion of soybean milk reconstituted from soybean flour with different particle sizes (> 100 mesh, 50–100 mesh, 28–50 mesh, 14–28 mesh and

Medicinal plants exhibit colossal impact on poultry industries by improving its performance and productivity. However, some of these plants show adverse influence too by decreasing egg production percentage, egg mass, and microbiota counts. Green tea, nettle, pennyroyal, yarrow, and alfalfa in the form of seed, powder, and extract had vast potentiality to improve immunity, reduce the growth of pathogenic microbes, and improve the viable counts of lactic acid bacteria. Lavender, Alfalfa, and Nettle powder were able to improve egg yolk color. Furthermore, ginger reduced fat content in meat and increased color intensity. Flax seed increased alpha linolenic acid content in tissue, and increased n-3 fatty acid content in breast as well as thigh tissue. Physiological assessment showed that green tea, lavender, nettle, pennyroyal, and yarrow improved poultry immunity. Lavender and nettle improved internal organ traits. Interestingly, the use of flaxseed improved quail egg hatchability. Plants metabolites, particularly carvacrol and thymol showed its pivotal role as natural growth promoters by affecting growth performances, nutrient bioavailability, and immunity of broiler chickens. Additionally, in recent years, micro-encapsulation or nano-encapsulation of plant extracts and its metabolites improved growth performances of broiler chickens, thereby suggested wide utilization of this technique as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in future. This review sheds a light on beneficial as well as no adverse effects of some of the direct-fed important medicinal plants and its metabolites in poultry nutrition in order to suggest its key role in future poultry enterprise.

The geochemistry and saturation indices (SI) of carbonate and non-carbonate mineral phases under standard thermodynamic conditions in an aqueous environment are largely influenced by the dynamic physico-chemical parameters. Based on the known feedback mechanisms of environmental parameters on the rates of mineralisation, the changes in environmental parameters such as pH, dissolved ionic concentrations and salinity were modelled as a function of their spatial and temporal distributions (dry and wet seasons) in a transitional aquatic ecosystem in South India, Pulicat lagoon. The investigation revealed the strong seasonal influence of these parameters on the magnitude and values of the SIs signalling dissolution or mineralisation. Hydroxyapatite and Talc were found to have higher positive SIs. Co-precipitation of calcite and aragonite were evident and found to be constrained by high salinities. Among the carbonates, dolomites and magnesium-calcites showed high SIs compared to calcite and aragonite, indicating that magnesium ions were incorporated into the mineral phases possibly due to the availability of nucleation sites through heterotrophic reactions. The formation of apatite was strongly influenced by pH changes, corresponding to low calcite precipitation in the wet season. High SI of hydroxyapatite, talc and silicate minerals indicate the low bioavailability of dissolved phosphate and silicates in the water during both the seasons. Strong evidences of seasonal control of pH, salinity and Total Dissolved Solids on the dissolution and mineralisation characteristics further influence nutrient bioavailability over varied spatio-temporal scales. The present study supports the potential application of the saturation indices as proxies to understand the complex biogeochemical dynamics of transitional water ecosystems.

The major determinants of malnutrition in Africa are low availability of nutritious foods and inadequate consumption of protein-rich diets. Consumption of nutritious snacks could help to reduce protein-energy malnutrition in children and adults. Biscuits are a ready-to-eat, convenient and cheap snack that is consumed by all age group in many countries. It can be produced from cereal and legume flour blends. A proximate composition such as protein, ash, crude fiber, and fat content of some cereal-legume based biscuit increased with increase in the percentage substitution of legumes flour. Carbohydrate content of biscuits decreased as legume substitution increased. The Ash (total mineral) content of some cereal and legume-based composite biscuits increased as the level of legume flour incorporation increased. The increased in some nutrient composition of the biscuit in cereal and legume blends could be due to the significant quantity of nutrients in legumes. Anti-nutritional factors (ANF) such as tannin and phytic acid affect digestibility and nutrient bioavailability for absorption. Substitution of malted cereal flour with legume flour resulted decreased in the level of both tannin and phytate in the composite biscuits and vice versa. Lower tannin and phytate content observed could be due to degradation of tannin and phytate during malting. Sensory attributes such as color, texture, aroma, taste, and overall acceptability of some cereal and legume-based biscuits were highly rated (in acceptable ranges).

Mitigation of eutrophication, intensified by excessive nutrient load discharge in wastewaters regulated by restrictive legal requirements, remains one of today’s most important global problems. Despite implementation of the Water Framework Directive, the Urban Wastewater Directive and the HELCOM recommendations, the actual condition of surface water is still not satisfactory. In response to the above, the study presents an alternative approach for surface water protection against eutrophication based on the selection of appropriate nutrient removal technologies. An activated sludge model simulation was used to enable the identification of environmentally justified nutrient removal systems with lowest eutrophication potential of treated wastewater conditioned by bioavailable nutrient forms content. Based on the outcome of the study, the 3-stage Bardenpho system was identified as the most efficient for bioavailable phosphorus removal, while the Johannesburg system proved to have the highest efficiency for bioavailable nitrogen removal. The proposed eutrophication mitigation approach underlines the need for a reconsideration of current legal regulations which ignore nutrient bioavailability and key eutrophication limiting factors.

One of the simplest methods for increasing productivity in biogas production is co-digestion. Co-digestion leads to more biogas yield as well as more nutrient bioavailability. This study reports th...

Digestion and health properties of food do not solely rely on the sum of nutrients but are also influenced by food structure. Dairy products present an array of structures due to differences in the origin of milk components and the changes induced by processing. Some dairy structures have been observed to induce specific effects on digestion rates and physiological responses. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Gastric digestion plays a key role in controlling digestion kinetics. The main objective of this review is to expose the relevance of gastric phase as the link between dairy structures and physiological responses. The focus is on human and animal studies, and physiological relevant in vitro digestion models. Data collected showed that the structure of dairy products have a profound impact on rate of nutrient bioavailability, absorption and physiological responses, suggesting gastric digestion as the main driver. Control of gastric digestion can be a tool for delivering specific rates of nutrient digestion. Therefore, the design of food structure targeting specific gastric behavior could be of great interest for particular population needs e.g. rapid nutrient digestion will benefit elderly, and slow nutrient digestion could help to enhance satiety.

N2 fixation rates were measured in the 0–1000 m layer at 13 stations located in the open western and central Mediterranean Sea (MS) during the PEACETIME cruise (late spring 2017). While the spatial variability in N2 fixation was not related to Fe, P nor N stocks, the surface composition of the diazotrophic community indicated a strong longitudinal gradient increasing eastward for the relative abundance of non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs (NCDs) (mainly γ-Proteobacteria) and conversely decreasing eastward for photo-heterotrophic group A (UCYN-A) (mainly UCYN-A1 and UCYN-A3), as did N2 fixation rates. UCYN-A4 and UCYN-A3 were identified for the first time in the MS. The westernmost station influenced by Atlantic waters and characterized by highest stocks of N and P displayed a patchy distribution of diazotrophic activity with an exceptionally high rate in the euphotic layer of 72.1 nmolNL-1d-1, which could support up to 19 % of primary production. At this station at 1 % PAR (photosynthetically available radiation) depth, UCYN-A4 represented up to 94 % of the diazotrophic community. These in situ observations of greater relative abundance of UCYN-A at stations with higher nutrient concentrations and dominance of NCDs at more oligotrophic stations suggest that nutrient conditions – even in the nanomolar range – may determine the composition of diazotrophic communities and in turn N2 fixation rates. The impact of Saharan dust deposition on N2 fixation and diazotrophic communities was also investigated, under present and future projected conditions of temperature and pH during short-term (3–4 d) experiments at three stations. New nutrients from simulated dust deposition triggered a significant stimulation of N2 fixation (from 41 % to 565 %). The strongest increase in N2 fixation was observed at the stations dominated by NCDs and did not lead on this short timescale to changes in the diazotrophic community composition. Under projected future conditions, N2 fixation was either increased or unchanged; in that later case this was probably due to a too-low nutrient bioavailability or an increased grazing pressure. The future warming and acidification likely benefited NCDs (Pseudomonas) and UCYN-A2, while disadvantaged UCYN-A3 without knowing which effect (alone or in combination) is the driver, especially since we do not know the temperature optima of these species not yet cultivated as well as the effect of acidification.

There is an increasing demand for novel feed products derivable from agroindustrial by-products and underutilized crop plants as an approach to reduce overdependence on the most conventionally used plant protein sources. The fluctuation in demand and supply, high cost of purchasing soybean meal (SBM) and persistent competition between humans and livestock for this commodity has necessitated the search for alternative protein sources. Canola meal (CM), camelina meal (CAM) and lupin (LP) are cost-effective feed resources that have been identified as alternative protein sources for broiler chickens due to their moderate protein content. However, the dietary inclusion of these alternative protein sources is limited to low inclusion levels due to the presence of antinutritional factors (ANFs) which have been found to induce poor performance and decreased nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. A potential solution is the use of solid-state fermentation (SSF) as a bioprocessing technique to enhance nutrient composition, reduce ANFs, improve nutrient bioavailability and enhance nutrient digestibility of agroindustrial by-products when fed to broiler chickens. There is limited information on the physicochemical, microbiological, and functional properties of solid-state fermented CM, solid-state fermented CAM and solid-state fermented LP prepared from Aspergillus sojae, Aspergillus ficuum and their co-cultures as well as the feeding value of these solid-state fermented products in broiler chickens. Thus, this thesis was focused on the utilization of solid-state fermented CM, CAM, and LP as potential protein sources in the diets of broiler chickens. The effect of SSF on proximate composition, ANF, microbiological properties, functional properties, fibre fractions, in vitro enzyme protein digestion (IVPD), total phenolic contents, protein molecular distribution and colour attributes of lupin flour (LPF) were evaluated in Chapter III. Samples differed in their proximate composition except crude ash and fibre contents. Phytic acid content and IVPD decreased in the fermented LPFs. Also, the fermented LPFs showed decreased water absorption capacity (WAC) but increased swelling capacity (SC). In addition, fermented LPFs demonstrated reduction in colour attributes. In Chapter IV, the nutritional improvement in CM after SSF with Aspergillus sojae, Aspergillus ficuum and their co-cultures as regards physicochemical, microbiological, and functional properties was determined. Samples did not differ in their proximate composition except in soluble carbohydrate (glucose) and starch. Phytic acid content and total glucosinolates were reduced in the fermented CMs. SSF reduced the protein molecular weight and colour attributes of CM but increased WAC, swelling index (SI) and SC. This thesis is the first to document novel findings on CAM as a potential substrate for SSF. The physicochemical, microbiological, and functional properties of CAM (Camelina sativa) fermented in solid-state using food grade Aspergillus fungi were determined in Chapter V. SSF increased the starch contents but reduced the contents of soluble carbohydrate in CAM. Phytic acid content was reduced in the fermented CAMs. SSF reduced the protein molecular weight and colour attributes of CAM. The fermented CAMs had increased bulk density and SC but reduced WAC. In the first feeding trial (Chapter VI), performance and ileal amino acid digestibility in growing male broilers fed diets containing solid-state fermented and enzyme-supplemented CMs were determined. Phytase enzyme (PHY) at 500 FTU/kg and xylanase enzyme (XYL) at 1000 U/kg were added to the respective diets. During the performance trial (1 to 21 days), birds fed SBM and SSFCM diets recorded improved (p

Production of cereal grains has steadily been increased to meet the demand of our increasing world population. Maize is an important multipurpose cereal crop of the world, utilized directly for human food in developing and underdeveloped countries. Whole maize grains provide a wide range of nutrients and bioactive compounds that optimize health. The starchy grain is used for the production of numerous indigenous and industrial foods. Maize on the cob as harvested are generally not consumed directly by humans but subjected to certain processing treatments to impart special characteristics and improve organoleptic properties. Processed grains are often nutritionally superior to unprocessed grains, probably because of enhanced nutrient bioavailability and reduction of antinutrient contents. However, some of these processing treatments could lower the nutrients and bioactive compounds in maize. Kernel nutritional quality and quantity could be improved through exogenous and endogenous fortification. Thus, this chapter discusses the major nutritive and bioactive compounds in maize, fortification and selection of appropriate processing methods to obtain maximum nutritional and health benefits.

Legumes are edible crops belonging to the Leguminosae family that are generally consumed as a rich protein source along with cereals. Besides providing ample amounts of protein, legumes also supply ample amounts of fiber and potassium to the diet. Legumes produce self-defense secondary metabolites, generally called antinutritional factors which on the basis of their heat stability can be classified into heat labile (protease inhibitors, amylase inhibitors, lectins, goitrogens, and antivitamins) and heat stable (nonprotein amino acids, alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, tannins, saponins, flavones, isoflavones, pyrimidine glycosides, and flatus-producing oligosaccharides) factors. All of these compounds tend to decrease nutrient bioavailability, particularly by binding with nutritive compounds or by interfering with the absorption of nutrients thereby limiting intake, digestion, and utilization of nutrients. When large amounts of such compounds are consumed, it can lead to toxicity. Lathyrism and favism are the two serious health implications associated with the overconsumption of these substances. In order to reduce their adverse effect on human health, a number of processing techniques have been employed to restrict their intake. Soaking, germination, milling, fermentation, heat processing, and enzymatic modification are some of the commonly employed processing techniques that reduce the amount of these antinutritional factors, increase protein digestibility, and improve the biological value of legumes.

A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) coupled to response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the effect of autoclaving conditions on the antinutritional factors, functional properties, digestibility and hardness of hard-do-cook common beans. Results indicated that autoclaving conditions did not change the functional properties (water solubility, water absorption index and oil absorption capacity) of the autoclaved hard-to-cook beans. Nevertheless, the autoclaving process was able to reduce the content of trypsin (59.8%) and α-amylase (42.2%) inhibitors as well as the amount of resistant starch (45.9%), which improves the nutrient bioavailability. In addition, compared to unprocessed hard-to-cook beans, the autoclaved seed presented higher protein and starch digestibility and lower hardness, enhancing the nutritional and textural quality of the seeds. These results evidenced that autoclaving may be an interesting alternative to enable the use of hard-to-cook beans as whole grain or component in food preparations.

Nanomaterials in biology is a versatile tool for enhancing plant growth and development, and yield. Nanotechnology facilitates improvement in agricultural production by amplifying the input efficiency and reducing relevant losses. Nanomaterials provide wider and specific surface area to agrochemicals and act as inimitable carriers to enhance nutrient bioavailability and accumulation of nutrient elements in crop plants. Nanomaterials can also be used for the crop protection. For this purpose, an inclusive understanding of nanotechnology practices and the effect of nanomaterials on the physiological, biochemical, and molecular level are needed. Nanotechnology can also be helpful to plant growth through technological interventions like nanosensors and nanofilters, to help monitor and manage the crop growth and development. The synthesis of nanoparticles can be based on chemical methods and can also be achieved through green plant-based methods. This review summarizes the utilization of plants for nanoparticle synthesis through green methods, effects of nanoparticles on growth and development of plant, and the applications of nanoparticles as fertilizers, pest control agents and in post-harvest processing of crop produce. The review also addresses various physical aspects of nanotechnology i.e., nanosensors, nanofiltration, diligence farming, and fabricated nanoparticles.

In a 10‐week study, we evaluated the effects of replacing 20%, 40% or 60% of fishmeal (present in control diet at 300 g/kg) on a digestible protein basis with yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a yeast mixture of Wickerhamomyces anomalus and S. cerevisiae on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nutrient retention and intestinal health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Triplicate tanks with 35 rainbow trout (144.7 ± 25.1 g mean ± SEM) were fed rations of 1.5% of total biomass per tank. Replacement of 60% of fishmeal with yeast mixture resulted in lower specific growth rate of 1.0% versus 1.2%/day for other diets. Apparent digestibility coefficients for crude protein and most amino acids were highest in fish fed fishmeal‐based diet, with similar values for fish fed the diet with 20% replacement with yeast mixture. Diet with 20% replacement with yeast mixture resulted in highest phosphorus digestibility. Replacement of 60% of fishmeal with S. cerevisiae resulted in oedematous mucosal fold tips in the proximal intestine. The results of this study suggest that these yeasts can replace up to 40% of fishmeal under current inclusion levels in diets for rainbow trout without compromising growth performance, nutrient digestibility or intestinal health.

Enhancement of manganese (Mn) availability in saline and Mn-deficient soils is very important for plant growth. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of Pseudomonas sp. rhizo...

Soil, inputs, and environmental factors such as weather control plant nutrient availability and nutrient content in food. Drought periods affect nutrient bioavailability. Nutrient transport within the plant and allocation of nutrients within organs of the plant is water dependent and therefore drought susceptible. This study compared Kapchorwa, Uganda and Teso South, Kenya that experienced drought during the second season in 2016. The main research questions were: (i) do droughts have an impact on the nutrient composition of food; (ii) is there a difference in nutrient concentrations in food based on their xylem or phloem mobility? Maize (Zea mays) grain (n = 62) and matooke (Musa acuminata) fruit samples (n = 90) in Kapchorwa, and maize grain (n = 61) and cassava (Manihot esculenta) tuber (n = 64) in Teso South were collected during a normal season (March–July) and drought season (October–December) in 2016. Crop samples were analysed using a pXRF for P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was calculated using TAMSAT database to compare drought intensities. The drought in Kapchorwa (SPI: −1.14 to −0.32) was severer and began 2 months prior to Teso South (SPI: 0.09 to 0.55). Nutrient concentration in Kapchorwa decreased significantly from normal to drought in both crops. In contrast, during the moderate drought in Teso South, nutrient concentrations increased significantly. Lacking nutrient phloem mobility is suggested to play a vital role in mobilisation of micronutrients (Fe, Mn, and Cu) as shown by their decreased concentration under severe drought in the yield. Total nutrients assimilated in crop samples were significantly higher in the normal than the drought for almost all samples. Micronutrients and yields during drought were strongly affected, leading to a double-burden for consumers through affected quantity and quality. Future research considerations should particularly include the focus on potential nutrient increases during mild drought.

Rapid industrial development and human activities have caused a degradation of soil quality and fertility. There is increasing interest in rehabilitating low fertility soils to improve crop yield and sustainability. Biochar, a carbonaceous material intentionally produced from biomass, is widely used as an amendment to improve soil fertility by retaining nutrients and, potentially, enhancing nutrient bioavailability. But, biochar is not a simple carbon material with uniform properties, so appropriate biochar selection must consider soil type and target crop. In this respect, many recent studies have evaluated several modification methods to maximize the effectiveness of biochar such as optimizing the pyrolysis process, mixing with other soil amendments, composting with other additives, activating by physicochemical processes, and coating with other organic materials. However, the economic feasibility of biochar application cannot be neglected. Strategies for reducing biochar losses and its application costs, and increasing its use efficiency need to be developed. This review synthesized current understanding and introduces holistic and practical approaches for biochar application to low fertility soils, with consideration of economic aspects.

Recycling organic wastes to arable land as fertilizers has been recognized as a sustainable utilization to reduce environmental pollution. Techniques used for the treatment of organic wastes determine their nutrient contents and thus fertilizer efficiency for agricultural applications. The current study investigated the influences of composting and carbon based materials (biochar and woody peat), on carbon and nitrogen loss in the process of agricultural wastes utilization in the soil batch experiments. The results indicated composting process significantly strengthened the organic matter mineralization, increased the carbon loss rates from 33.46-38.96% to 60.54-86.15% and the nitrogen loss rates from 5.01-22.22% to 48.64-58.16%, dominant lost as carbon dioxide (CO2) and ammonia (NH3) emissions. Addition of carbon based materials could effectively reduce the carbon and nitrogen loss during both composting and soil incubation process. When the composted organic wastes were used in the soil batch experiments, woody peat was more effective to reduce nitrogen loss, while biochar was more effective to control carbon loss. When organic wastes were directly fertilized to soil, biochar could effectively reduce nitrogen loss. These results suggested that fertilizing raw agricultural wastes to with carbon based materials could reduce carbon and nitrogen losses, and increased the nutrient bioavailability in soil in comparison with their farmland application after composting.

PurposeEdible insects have emerged as a promising inexpensive option to address malnutrition among vulnerable groups in the world. However, it is not clear whether including insects in diets can improve health outcomes. This paper aimed to investigate the impact of edible insect consumption on human health.Design/methodology/approachA search was conducted in PubMed Central, BioMed Central, Plosone, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Google Search and bibliographies for all human studies on the impact of edible insect consumption on human health published from January 1990 to April 2018.FindingsTwelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Consumption of cereals fortified with edible insects improved iron status and growth in infants and led to the development of life threatening anaphylactic reactions in sensitive people.Practical implicationsEdible insects are nutritious. More rigorous studies are needed to confirm nutrient bioavailability, acceptability and nutritional benefits in humans.Originality/valueThis review shows that the utilization of edible insects as food promotes desirable health outcomes, but caution must be taken to prevent allergic reactions in some cases.

Background Increasing attention is being directed at the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of the global food system. However, a key aspect of a sustainable food system should be its ability to deliver nutrition to the global population. Quantifying nutrient adequacy with current tools is challenging. Objective To produce a computational model illustrating the nutrient adequacy of current and proposed global food systems. Methods The DELTA Model was constructed using global food commodity balance sheet data, alongside demographic and nutrient requirement data from UN and European Food Safety Authority sources. It also includes nutrient bioavailability considerations for protein, the indispensable amino acids, iron, and zinc, sourced from scientific literature. Results The DELTA Model calculates global per capita nutrient availability under conditions of equal distribution and identifies areas of nutrient deficiency for various food system scenarios. Modeling the 2018 global food system showed that it supplied insufficient calcium (64% of demographically weighted target intake) and vitamin E (69%), despite supplying sufficient macronutrients. Several future scenarios were modeled, including variations in waste; scaling up current food production for the 2030 global population; plant-based food production systems; and removing sugar crops from the global food system. Each of these scenarios fell short of meeting requirements for multiple nutrients. These results emphasize the need for a balanced approach in the design of future food systems. Conclusions Nutrient adequacy must be at the forefront of the sustainable food system debate. The DELTA Model was designed for both experts and nonexperts to inform this debate as to what may be possible, practical, and optimal for our food system. The model results strongly suggest that both plant and animal foods are necessary to achieve global nutrition. The model is freely available for public use so that anyone can explore current and simulated global food systems.

Background Conventional methods of agricultural pest control and crop fertilisation are unsustainable. To meet growing demand, we must find ecologically responsible means to control disease and promote crop yields. The root-associated microbiome can aid plants with disease suppression, abiotic stress relief, and nutrient bioavailability. The aim of the present work was to profile the community of bacteria, fungi, and archaea associated with the wheat rhizosphere and root endosphere in different conditions. We also aimed to use 13CO2 stable isotope probing (SIP) to identify microbes within the root compartments that were capable of utilising host-derived carbon. Results Metabarcoding revealed that community composition shifted significantly for bacteria, fungi, and archaea across compartments. This shift was most pronounced for bacteria and fungi, while we observed weaker selection on the ammonia oxidising archaea-dominated archaeal community. Across multiple soil types we found that soil inoculum was a significant driver of endosphere community composition, however, several bacterial families were identified as core enriched taxa in all soil conditions. The most abundant of these were Streptomycetaceae and Burkholderiaceae. Moreover, as the plants senesce, both families were reduced in abundance, indicating that input from the living plant was required to maintain their abundance in the endosphere. Stable isotope probing showed that bacterial taxa within the Burkholderiaceae family, among other core enriched taxa such as Pseudomonadaceae, were able to use root exudates, but Streptomycetaceae were not. Conclusions The consistent enrichment of Streptomycetaceae and Burkholderiaceae within the endosphere, and their reduced abundance after developmental senescence, indicated a significant role for these families within the wheat root microbiome. While Streptomycetaceae did not utilise root exudates in the rhizosphere, we provide evidence that Pseudomonadaceae and Burkholderiaceae family taxa are recruited to the wheat root community via root exudates. This deeper understanding crop microbiome formation will enable researchers to characterise these interactions further, and possibly contribute to ecologically responsible methods for yield improvement and biocontrol in the future.

Dissolved air flotation (DAF) has shown potential to substantially improve phosphorus (P) mass balance on dairy farms by capturing P associated with fine solids from liquid manure, enabling new management options. However, at

Most terrestrial nutrient sources are hypothesized to shift in dominance from mineral- to organic matter (OM)-derived over millennia. We investigated how overlaying this hypothesis with plant rooting dynamics that can feedback to soil development offers insight into ecosystem functioning. To test the hypothesis that the nutritional importance of OM as mineral weathering proceeds is mediated by rooting system nutrient economies that vary with vegetation development, we paired litterfall decay experiments with soil mineralogical data from diverse forests across the Critical Zone (CZ) Observatory Network. We demonstrate that sources of phosphorus shift from OM-bound stocks to minerals as the rooting zone expands during the transition from mid to late stages of forest growth. Root-driven, plant-soil feedbacks thus can prompt inconsistencies with soil development models that posit a unidirectional transition from mineral to organic nutrient dominance, and illuminate how forest growth and land use influence nutrient bioavailability in Earth’s CZ.

Historically, soil testing has been used to quantify bio availability of essential plant nutrients to field grown crops. However, contemporary soil tests are based on philosophies and procedures developed several decades ago without significant changes in their general approach. For a soil test to be accurate, one needs to clearly understand the physico-chemico-physiological processes at the soil-root interface, and, an understanding of soils and plant root systems as polycationic systems is essential. It is this knowledge that leads to sound prescriptive soil management practices inasmuch as nutrient bioavailability vis-a-vis fertilizer application is concerned. The book presents a revolutionary new idea, now globally known as “The Nutrient Buffer Power Concept”, based on the thermodynamics of soil nutrient bioavailability that opens up a new chapter in the domain of soil testing. The success of a new approach, to a large measure, rests with the ingenuity of those applying it to suit the demands of a new situation. “The Nutrient Buffer Power Concept” project was shortlisted for the very prestigious US $1 Million 2012 Rolex Awards For Enterprise for its originality from more than 3500 nominations worldwide and is the only project selected for this coveted distinction from the Asian continent.

Organic farming is an alternative to the striking increase in the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and become necessary to maintain long term high productivity of crops and sustainable agriculture. However, crop demand and nutrient bioavailability (N and P) has been major yield-limiting factor in many organic farming systems. The use of bioeffectors, formally known as biostimulants is loosely defined as an organic material and/or microorganism that is applied to enhance plant resilience, and also to improve nutrient uptake, stimulate growth and increase stress tolerance or crop quality. They can be composed of microorganism, protein hydrolysates, seaweed extracts, humic acids, and other substances. Bacteria, fungi and yeasts are used in biocontrol of plant pathogens, and produces hormone like substances. By using such stimulants, impact of environmental stresses caused by edaphic or other factors are also reduced. This review focuses on how the microbial biostimulants application can overcome nutrient limitation in organic systems by reducing gap between organic and conventional yields.

Water deficit limits cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) productivity in drought-prone areas and alters the nutritive quality of the crop. Potassium (K) may mitigate the effects of water deficit and improve the nutritional content of cassava, which would alleviate malnutrition among the human population in the tropics who depend on cassava as a staple food. Pot experiments were conducted under controlled glasshouse conditions to investigate the influence of deficit irrigation and K fertigation on the nutritive and anti-nutritive quality of biofortified cassava during the early growth phase. Treatments initiated at 30 days after planting were three irrigation doses (30, 60, 100% pot capacity) that were split to five K (0.01, 1, 4, 16, and 32 mM) concentrations. Plants were harvested at 90 days after planting, and the starch, energy, carotenoid, crude protein, fiber, minerals, and cyanide concentration of the leaves and roots were determined. Irrigation and K treatments showed significant (P

Food processing optimization can enhance the nutrient bioavailability, storage time, and stability of convenience foods. Baking is a heat and mass transfer process with a high impact on the shelf-life of the obtained product, a small variation in the parameters during baking can lead to significant changes in the end baked product, as it significantly affects the food nutrient profile and bioactive compounds. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for mapping a response surface over a particular region of interest of baking conditions. The combined effect of the two factors (baking temperature and time) on the selected quality and bioactive parameters as dependent factors was evaluated in order to predict the optimal baking conditions which can facilitate the extended shelf-life of the product through maximizing the antioxidant bioactive properties. This design was used to develop models to predict the effect of the temperature and time baking profile and select those conditions where the quality and bioactive parameters reached a balance to obtain pulse snacks with a high quality, enhanced bioactive properties, and thus a longer shelf-life. Simultaneous optimization by the desirability function showed that a maximum temperature of 210 &deg, C and a time of 14 min were the optimum conditions to produce a pulse-based snack with high antioxidant-antihypertensive activity and nutritional quality.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of pyrolysis temperature on chemical properties of poultry manure (PM) biochar over the range of 200–500°C. Chemical properties of biochar produce...

Potato is cultivated worldwide and constitutes a substantial component of the global population’s diet. Potato tubers are rich in carbohydrates and certain vitamins, minerals, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and other bioactive compounds. The cooking process makes potatoes palatable by inducing changes in chemical composition. Nutritional value is enhanced through increased digestion and bioavailability of nutrients. Food safety and sensory qualities including taste, texture, and flavor are improved during cooking. Other chemical constituents in tubers, such as glycoalkaloids, phenolic, and umami compounds, contribute to potato flavor. Cooking methods such as boiling, baking, microwaving, and frying can alter nutritional value and lead to the formation of anti-nutrient compounds, including acrylamide. Recently published articles have shown that there are many ways to decrease undesirable reactions during cooking while enhancing nutrient bioavailability, specifically through the use of relatively low cooking temperatures and shorter cooking times, and cooking under vacuum. This review focuses on the changes during cooking in compounds that contribute to the nutritional content of potatoes.

Legumes and cereals contain high amounts of macronutrients and micronutrients but also anti-nutritional factors. Major anti-nutritional factors, which are found in edible crops include saponins, tannins, phytic acid, gossypol, lectins, protease inhibitors, amylase inhibitor, and goitrogens. Anti-nutritional factors combine with nutrients and act as the major concern because of reduced nutrient bioavailability. Various other factors like trypsin inhibitors and phytates, which are present mainly in legumes and cereals, reduce the digestibility of proteins and mineral absorption. Anti-nutrients are one of the key factors, which reduce the bioavailability of various components of the cereals and legumes. These factors can cause micronutrient malnutrition and mineral deficiencies. There are various traditional methods and technologies, which can be used to reduce the levels of these anti-nutrient factors. Several processing techniques and methods such as fermentation, germination, debranning, autoclaving, soaking etc. are used to reduce the anti-nutrient contents in foods. By using various methods alone or in combinations, it is possible to reduce the level of anti-nutrients in foods. This review is focused on different types of anti-nutrients, and possible processing methods that can be used to reduce the level of these factors in food products.Graphical abstractA brief overview of beneficial effects of anti-nutrients and reduction strategy.

Numerous studies have addressed the positive effects of organic amendments on soil and plant productivity under short-term field studies. However, to date, few studies have been conducted on the effects of organic amendment on the orchards where high nutrient bioavailability is required. This study deals with the effects of biochar and compost on soil quality, growth and yield of a replanted apple orchard in the northeast of Iran.; Results: Biochar+compost application resulted in 37% and 300% higher soil total organic carbon and available phosphorus content, respectively, during the first 3 years of experimentation compared to control. Similarly, trunk diameter and shoot number of apple trees increased 23-26% by the end of the first year. Nevertheless, there were no significant changes in fruitfulness, fruit weight or starch pattern index as productivity indices.; Conclusion: Biochar and compost were beneficial in improving soil quality, mainly by increasing soil nutrient content and decreasing soil bulk density, and in increasing plant growth at early growth stages of apple orchards. However, they failed to enhance overall yield and fruit quality, most likely due to their limited ability to suppress apple replant disease. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The occurrence of anti‐nutritional constituents in plants is an important factor that negatively affects bioavailability of nutrients and effectiveness of plant‐based foods in complementary feeding in rural areas in developing countries. However, proven methods that improve bioavailability of nutrients and tailored for application in processing complementary foods among rural communities are largely lacking. This study examined the efficacy of a traditional malting technology practiced by the Acholi ethnic community of northern Uganda to improve protein digestibility and bioavailability of iron and zinc from millet–sesame–soy composite containing 200, 300, and 550 kcal meant for complementary feeding of children aged 6–8, 9–12, and 13–23 years old, respectively. The technology involves washing and soaking of ingredients for 12 hr; malting ingredients individually for 48 hr with water changed after every 6 hr; and sun‐drying malted ingredients for 72 hr. Results showed that the level of anti‐nutritional factors significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) in all the composite formulae except the content of total phenolics in 200, tannins in 300 and 550 kcal, composite formula, respectively. In vitro protein digestibility significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) in all the composite formulae except in the 200 kcal formula. Iron bioavailability significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) in all the composite formulae except in the 550 kcal energy category. Improvement in zinc bioavailability was only observed in the 300 kcal formula. However, there were significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in the level of caregiver preferences for sensory properties and overall acceptability of the composites. These results demonstrate that the traditional malting technology has potential to improve nutrient bioavailability in plant‐based foods but requires improvement in order to increase its efficacy and mitigate negative effects on sensory appeal.

The true bioavailability of a nutrient being intrinsically coupled to the specific food matrix in which it occurs remains poorly considered in nutrition science. During digestion, the food matrix and, in particular, the structure of food modulate the extent and kinetics to which nutrients and bioactive compounds make themselves available for absorption. In this perspective, we describe an integrated look at the effect of structure on nutrient bioavailability in plant foods. Based on this integrated look, cell wall integrity and the particle size of the plant material during its transit in the small intestine determine the bioavailability of plant nutrients; in turn, cell wall integrity and particle size are determined by the level of oral processing and, accordingly, what subsequently escapes digestion in the upper intestine and is utilized by colon microbiota. Ultimately, the effect on nutrient digestion is linked to food structure through each step of digestion. A consideration of the structure rather than just the composition of foods opens up possibilities for the design of healthier foods. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sediments delivered to freshwater and marine environments can make important contributions to the aquatic bioavailable nutrient pool. In the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchments, particulate nutrients comprise an important fraction of the end of catchment loads; however, their contribution to the bioavailable nutrient pool is not well understood. This research determined which particulate nutrient parameters are the best indicators of the potential effect of fine sediment (

It has long been recognized that plant invasions may alter carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles, but the direction and magnitude of such alterations have been rarely quantified. In this study, we quantified the effects caused by the invasion of a noxious exotic plant, Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Crassulaceae), on C and N mineralization and enzymatic and microbial activities in the soil of a semiarid locality in Venezuela. We compared soil parameters associated with these processes (C and N mineralization time and the cumulative values, fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic activity, and activities of dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, glucosaminidase, and urease) between invaded and adjacent non-invaded sites. In addition, correlations among these parameters and the soil physical-chemical properties were also examined to determine if a positive feedback exists between nutrient availability and K. daigremontiana invasion. Overall, our results showed that C mineralization and transformation of organic compounds to NH4+ were favored at sites colonized by K. daigremontiana. With this species, we found the highest cumulative amounts of NH4+-N and C and the lowest mineralization time. These results could be explained by higher activities of urease and glucosaminidase in soils under the influence of K. daigremontiana. In addition, higher amounts of organic matter and moisture content in invaded soils might favor C and N mineralization. In conclusion, invasion of Neotropical semiarid zones by K. daigremontiana may influence the chemical and biological properties of the soils covered by this species, increasing nutrient bioavailability, which, in time, can facilitate the invasion process.

Some nematophagous fungi control nematodes and are also able to compensate the damage they cause in plant roots. However, the effects of these fungi on plant growth promotion are still underexplored. Here, we evaluated if some nematophagus fungi (Pochonia chlamydosporia and Duddingtonia flagrans) may increase nutrient bioavailability and promote plant growth. A growth chamber assay and a greenhouse study (both without nematodes) were carried out to assess the effects of the fungi on growth and phosphorus uptake by tomato plants. The use of P. chlamydosporia and D. flagrans substantially increased growth and the uptake of nutrients by tomato plants (mainly phosphorus – up to 70% in the best treatments). We conclude that P. chlamydosporia and D. flagrans are potentially useful not just for nematode control but also for promoting plant growth and for increasing nutrient use efficiency.

Author(s): Lee, Lianna Y; Mitchell, Alyson E | Abstract: BACKGROUND:Activated almonds are raw almonds that have been soaked in water for 12-24 h at room temperature, sometimes followed by a 24 h drying period at low temperature (50 ± 5 °C). This treatment is thought to enhance the nutrient bioavailability of almonds by degrading nutrient inhibitors, such as phytic acid or d-myo-inositol hexaphosphate (InsP6 ), through the release of phytase or passive diffusion of InsP6 into the soaking water. Over a wide pH range, InsP6 is a negatively charged compound that limits the absorption of essential nutrients by forming insoluble complexes with minerals such as iron and zinc. It is hypothesized that hydrating the seed during soaking triggers InsP6 degradation into lower myo-inositol phosphates with less binding capacity. RESULTS:Anion-exchange chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify myo-inositol mono-, di-, tris-, tetra-, penta-, and hexaphosphates (InsP1-6 ) in raw pasteurized activated almonds. At least 24 h of soaking at ambient temperature was required to reduce InsP6 content from 14.71 to 14.01 µmol g-1 . CONCLUSIONS:The reduction in InsP6 is statistically significant (P l 0.05) after 24 h of activation, but only represents a 4.75% decrease from the unsoaked almonds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The aim of the present study was to determine changes in the physicochemical properties and toxicity of soil amended with sewage sludge (10 tdw/ha) or sewage sludge (10 tdw/ha) with biochar addition (2.5, 5 or 10% of sewage sludge). The study was carried out as a field experiment over a period of 18 months. Samples for analysis were taken at the beginning of the experiment as well as after 6, 12 and 18 months. The study investigated toxicity of the unamended soil, sewage sludge-amended soil and sewage sludge-amended soil with biochar addition towards Folsomia candida (collembolan test) and Lepidium sativum (Phytotoxkit F). Moreover, toxicity of aqueous extracts obtained from the tested soils towards Vibrio fischeri (Microtox®) and Lepidium sativum (elongation test) was determined. The study showed that addition of biochar to the sewage sludge and soil reduced leaching of nutrients (mainly phosphorus and potassium) from the amended soil. Biochar significantly reduced sewage sludge toxicity, exhibiting a stimulating effect on the tested organisms. The stimulating effect of biochar addition to the sewage sludge persisted throughout the entire experiment. Apart from the remediatory character of biochar, this is also evidence of its fertilizing character. In the tests with L. sativum (leachates and solid phase) and V. fischeri (leachates), increasing the rate of biochar in the sewage sludge increased root growth stimulation (L. sativum) and bacteria luminescence (V. fischeri). However, increasing biochar rate decreased F. candida reproduction stimulation, which could have been an effect of reduced nutrient bioavailability due to the biochar.