Search Results (55)

This research aimed to enhance biodiesel stability through catalytic transfer hydrogenation using a biomimetic bimetallic catalyst and glycerol as a hydrogen donor. The effects of catalyst species, intermediate solvent, glycerol feed, and glycerol form on biodiesel stability were investigated. In this study, the examined bimetallic catalysts were Zn-Cr-bicarbonate, Zn-Cr-formate, Zn-Cr-Ni, and Cu-Ni/SiO₂. Based on the results, the most excellent catalyst was presented by Cu-Ni/SiO₂ catalyst with DMF solvent and 10 wt% glycerol feed. This combination demonstrated a significant reduction in iodine (ΔIV = −4.9 g-I₂/100 g) and peroxide values (ΔPV = −5.2 meq-O₂/kg) accompanied by an elevation of oxidative stability (ΔOS = 4.3 h). Moreover, the reaction of catalytic transfer hydrogenation using these bimetallic catalysts followed the theoretical mechanism of the simultaneous dehydrogenation–hydrogenation process with two different metals. The promotion of bicarbonate and formate ions on the bimetallic catalyst provided hydrogen transfer assistance in the catalyst. Hence, the continuous improvement of biodiesel properties is expected to promote sustainable implementation of cleaner diesel fuel. Full article

This study investigates the effects of hull and impurity content on the efficiency of cold-pressing high-oleic sunflower seeds using a screw press. High-oleic sunflower oil is valued for its oxidative stability and health benefits, and optimizing pressing conditions is crucial for maximizing yield and maintaining oil quality. The identification of high-oleic sunflower oil was performed by analyzing its fatty acid composition, iodine value, and refractive index. Eleven seed samples with varying hull and impurity contents were processed to assess their impact on cake composition, pressing efficiency, and pressing oil yield. Oil yield ranged from 39.24% to 76.52%, with higher hull content contributing to increased yield due to its role in facilitating oil drainage. Multiple linear regression models were developed to predict moisture and oil content in the cake, as well as pressing efficiency, based on hull and impurity content, demonstrating strong predictive accuracy. These parameters were selected as they represent economically significant indicators, given that moisture and oil content indirectly reflect the protein content in the cake, while sunflower cake is primarily used as animal feed. Additionally, pressing efficiency indicates oil yield during pressing, which is the most critical economic parameter of the cold-pressing process. Cluster analysis identified three sample groups with distinct characteristics, revealing interactions between seed composition and pressing performance. The results highlight the significance of seed preparation in optimizing cold-pressing efficiency and provide insights for improving oil extraction processes. These findings support the industrial application of high-oleic sunflower seed pressing and contribute to the development of sustainable, high-quality oil production methods. Full article

Iodine, being an important resource, must be recovered and reused. Iodine is not only attracted to the hydrophobic silicone membrane but also easily vaporized. In this study, we explored the use of five types of silicone hollow fiber membrane modules (SFMMs) for separating iodine in the gaseous phase. In the SFMM, iodine gas and the recovery solution (sodium sulfite and sodium carbonate at a concentration of 10 mM each) were flowed outside and inside the silicone hollow fiber, respectively, in a co-current-flow manner. At an iodine gas flow rate of 0.2 L/min (8.4 × 10⁻³ mmol-I₂/L), the capture efficiency of iodine into the SFMM was approximately 100% for all five SFMMs. With increasing feed gas flow rates, the capture efficiency of iodine decreased, reducing to approximately 50% at 0.8 L/min. However, the recovery efficiency of iodine in the recovery solution was 60–30% at 0.2–0.8 L/min. This decrease in capture efficiency with increasing flow rates was because iodine could not spread and diffuse successfully in the SFMM, resulting in a low recovery efficiency of iodine. Thus, we next improved the structure of the SFMM by placing a perforated pipe in the center of the module. The perforated pipe effectively directs the iodine feed gas from the holes in the pipe to the hollow fiber membrane bundle wrapped around the pipe. With the improved SFMM, the capture efficiency markedly increased to approximately 100% in the range of the flow rates tested in our experiments. The recovery efficiency also increased to ≥70%. These data illustrate the potential application of the improved SFMM for recovering iodine in the gaseous phase. Full article

This study explores the potential of novel feed ingredients for monogastric animals, such as pigs and poultry, to enhance meat quality and nutritional value while reducing the environmental footprint of production. Innovative feed options like black soldier fly larvae, Schizochytrium microalga, Laminaria seaweed, fermented soybean hulls, fortified flaxseed and grape pomace have significantly improved meat quality and nutritional traits. Results indicate that these ingredients enrich meat with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, enhancing nutritional value while improving sensory traits such as flavour, tenderness and colour. For instance, including Laminaria seaweed increased iodine content by up to 45%, while Schizochytrium microalga improved omega-3 deposition by over 70%. The inclusion of grape pomace enhanced oxidative stability and extended meat shelf life. This review also discusses the influence of ingredient composition, inclusion levels and processing techniques, alongside challenges such as regulatory constraints, ingredient cost and palatability. The alignment of these alternative feeds with circular economy principles and sustainability goals further emphasizes their role in reducing environmental impact. By summarising recent advancements, this paper underscores the transformative potential of novel feed ingredients in advancing monogastric meat production towards greater nutritional quality, sustainability and consumer acceptance. Full article

Iodine is a critical trace element necessary for human and animal health owing to its role in thyroid hormone synthesis. Despite its importance, iodine deficiency remains a global health concern. Traditional methods to address this issue, such as salt iodization, face challenges like iodine loss during storage and cooking. The biofortification of plants, particularly carrots, offers a promising alternative. This study investigates iodine accumulation and distribution in carrots biofortified with potassium iodide (KI) and potassium iodate (KIO₃) using single extraction at elevated temperatures with tetramethylammonium hydroxide followed by iodine determination by ICP-MS. Results show that iodine biofortification significantly increases the iodine content of various parts of the carrot, especially the leaves and the root peels. Carrots treated with iodate accumulate 2.7 times more iodine than those treated with iodide. The leaves exhibit the highest iodine content, particularly in iodate-treated plants, where levels can be over 24 times higher than those of control carrots. Root peel and roots also accumulate substantial amounts of iodine, with the iodate treatment resulting in 5.42 mg·kg⁻¹ and 3.75 mg·kg⁻¹ dry weight, respectively. The potential application of biofortified carrots can help meet human dietary iodine requirements; additionally, iodine-rich carrot leaves as livestock feed offer a sustainable approach to increasing the iodine intake in animals. Full article

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary fermented rapeseed meal (FRM), potassium iodide, and their interactions on growth performance, approximate composition, and antioxidant capacity in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (initial body weight: 3.50 ± 0.15 g). Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets from a 2 × 3 factorial design were formulated with two levels of FRM (25.8 and 51.6%) and three levels of potassium iodide (0, 6, and 12 mg/kg), respectively. The results indicated that dietary levels of FRM and iodine had no significant influence on the SR of tilapia but exerted significant effects on weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake (FI), hepatosomatic index, and viscerosomatic index. The WG, SGR, and FI of tilapia in the 51.6% FRM groups were significantly lower than those in other groups (p < 0.05), and iodine inclusion in the 51.6% FRM diet significantly enhanced WG, SGR, and FI of tilapia (p < 0.05). Dietary iodine significantly increased the whole-body and muscle lipid content in the tilapia (p < 0.05). The content of total bilirubin (T-Bil) and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the tilapia serum were significantly reduced by the inclusion of 6–12 mg/kg iodine in 51.6% FRM level (p < 0.05), and the serum total triiodothyronine content was significantly elevated by the supplementation of 12 mg/kg iodine (p < 0.05). Significant interactions between dietary FRM and iodine were found in serum T-Bil content and triglyceride and AST activity (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of iodine in high FRM diets (51.6%) significantly increased the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver of tilapia (p < 0.05). The activity of T-SOD, CAT, and T-AOC and the content of MDA in the liver of tilapia significantly interacted with the levels of dietary FRM and iodine (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the liver cell structure was further ameliorated, and the liver health status was significantly enhanced in each iodine treatment group. Full article

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is widely used in the field of biomedicine, food, agriculture, and ecological remediation. For the biosynthesis of γ-PGA, the pigments and remaining glutamate are two big problems that impede γ-PGA production by fermentation, and a trade-off between the decolorization rate and γ-PGA recovery rate during the purification process was found. The optimized static activated carbon adsorption conditions for treating the 2-times diluted cell-free supernatant (i.e., feed solution) was as follows: 0.51% 200-mesh, 1000 iodine value, coal-based activated carbon, pH 6.0, 140 min, and 40 °C. Under the optimized conditions, the decolorization rate reached 94.42%, and the recovery rate of γ-PGA was 94.22%. During the adsorption process, the pigments were adsorbed on the activated carbon surface in a monolayer, and the process was a spontaneous, heat-absorbing, and entropy-increasing process. Then, the decolorization flow rate optimized for the dynamic decolorization experiment was 1 BV/h. However, the remaining glutamate was still a problem after the activated carbon adsorption. After isoelectric point (IEP) precipitation of glutamic acid, the glutamic acid can be recovered, and the residual pigment can be further removed. Finally, an integrated decolorization process of activated carbon adsorption and IEP precipitation of glutamic acid was developed. After the integrated process, the decolorization and glutamic acid precipitation rates were 95.80% and 49.02%, respectively. The recovered glutamic acid can be reused in the next fermentation process. Full article

Background: Iodine is one of the essential trace elements for human life. The main objective of the biofortification of plants with iodine is to obtain food with a higher content of this element compared to conventional food. Biofortification of plants with iodine can increase the intake of this trace element by different populations. In addition, it may reduce the risk of iodine deficiency diseases. Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of kale biofortified with 8-hydroxy-7-iodo-5-quinolinesulfonic acid (8-OH-7-I-5QSA) on iodine bioavailability and biochemical effects in Wistar rats. Methods: Kale biofortified with (8-OH-7-I-5QSA) was tested for iodine levels in urine, feces, and selected tissues using the ICP-MS/MS technique. The feeding experiment was designed to investigate potential changes in selected thyroid-regulated biochemical parameters in blood serum of Wistar rats. Results: The dietary intake of Wistar rats fed kale biofortified with (8-OH-7-I-5QSA) from both the “Oldenbor F₁” and “Redbor F₁” cultivars for 8 weeks resulted in significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher iodine concentrations in the urine and kidneys of rats, which proves iodine bioavailability. Rats’ diets with “Oldenbor F₁” and “Redbor F₁” kale non- and -biofortified with 8-OH-7-I-5QSA had a significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower or a tendency for lower concentration of TSH, triglyceride, total and direct bilirubin, TBARs, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations in serum. Dietary intake of “Oldenbor F₁” and “Redbor F₁” kale biofortified with 8-OH-7-I-5QSA significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the total antioxidant status (TAS). Conclusions: Our study confirms that kale biofortified with iodine in organic form iodoquinoline 8-OH-7-I-5QSA is bioavailable and well absorbed by the Wistar rat and has a positive effect on selected biochemical parameters. The results obtained in this study may be highly predictive for further studies in humans. Full article

Hydrogen energy, as a clean, renewable, and high-calorific energy carrier, has garnered significant attention globally. Among various hydrogen production methods, the thermochemical iodine–sulfur (I-S) cycle is considered the most promising due to its high efficiency and adaptability for large-scale industrial applications. This study focuses on the distillation characteristics of the HI_x (HI–I₂–H₂O) solution within the I-S cycle, which is crucial for achieving the high-concentration HI necessary for efficient hydrogen production. Previous methods, including phosphoric acid extraction–distillation and reactive distillation, have addressed azeotrope issues but introduced complexities and equipment demands. This research constructs a hypo-azeotropic HI_x solution distillation experimental system and uses the Aspen Plus v14 software to optimize distillation parameters. By analyzing the effects of feed stage, reflux ratio, and feed temperature, the study provides essential data for improving distillation efficiency and supports the scale-up of I-S cycle technology. The findings indicate that optimal distillation is achieved with a feed position at 1/3 column height, a reflux ratio of 1.4, and a feed temperature near the boiling point, enhancing the feasibility of industrial hydrogen production via the I-S cycle. Full article

This study used a meta-analytic approach to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with seaweed on milk yield, milk composition, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and enteric methane (CH₄) emissions of dairy cows. Data used in statistical analyses were obtained from 23 peer-reviewed scientific articles. Effect size was assessed using weighted mean differences (WMD) between seaweed-supplemented and control treatments. Dietary supplementation with seaweed decreased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake, milk protein content, milk urea nitrogen, and somatic cell count. In contrast, milk fat content, milk lactose content, and milk iodine increased (p < 0.05) in response to dietary supplementation with seaweed. Dietary supplementation with seaweed did not affect (p > 0.05) nutrient digestibility, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, and propionate. Dietary supplementation with seaweeds increased (p < 0.05) ruminal pH and ruminal concentration of butyrate and valerate. In contrast, lower (p < 0.05) ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration, acetate/propionate ratio, daily CH₄ emission, CH₄ yield, and CH₄ intensity were observed in response to dietary supplementation with seaweeds. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with seaweed modifies milk composition, improves ruminal fermentation, and decreases enteric methane emissions without negatively affecting milk yield or feed efficiency. Full article

Considering the spectrum of benefits of breast milk feeding, determining the essential components of an infant’s only food-mother’s milk-seems justified, especially in the case of those whose deficiency (e.g., iodine) may result in developmental disorders. The main aim of this study was the determination of the total iodine content of breast milk (including colostrum and mature milk). A secondary objective was to assess the influence of factors such as the type of delivery, hypothyroidism, gestational diabetes or the stage of lactation on this parameter. The study materials were colostrum and milk after 1 (n = 14), 2 and 3 months (n = 8) of lactation with a range of iodine concentrations (µg/L): 195–1648 and 170–842, 174–650 and 273–751, respectively. Iodine was determined using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed, e.g., that delivery by caesarean section or dose of L-thyroxine taken by women to normalise thyroid hormones, had a significant effect on iodine concentrations in breast milk. Further research aimed at assessing the quality of breast milk should also include determining the factors influencing it. Full article

The addition of marine macroalgae to animal feed has garnered interest due to the demonstrated benefits of gut health in many livestock species. Most macroalgae have a higher mineral content than terrestrial vegetables, making them an attractive, sustainable source of minerals. However, some macroalgae contain elevated concentrations of iodine and arsenic, which may be transferred to the meat of livestock fed with macroalgae. This study evaluated the mineral profile of rabbit serum, muscle, liver, and kidney of rabbits fed diets supplemented with different marine macroalgae, with the goal of improving post-weaning gut health and reducing reliance on antibiotics. We found increased deposition of iodine in muscle, liver, and kidney due to macroalgae supplementation, which is particularly promising for regions with low iodine endemicity. Higher, though relatively low arsenic concentrations, compared to those in other animal meats and food sources, were also detected in the muscle, liver, and kidney of macroalgae-fed rabbits. The absence of apparent interactions with other micronutrients, particularly selenium, suggests that the inclusion of macroalgae in rabbit diets will not affect the overall mineral content. Enhanced bioavailability of elements such as phosphorus and iron may provide additional benefits, potentially reducing the need for mineral supplementation. Full article

It is crucial to provide adequate iodine nutrition to infants and toddlers for proper thyroid function and subsequent brain development. Infants are particularly vulnerable to iodine deficiency during the transition from a milk-based diet (breast milk and/or infant formula) to solid food. This study examines the current iodine levels of children during their first two years of life and investigates the association between these levels and feeding behaviors and the iodine status of their mothers in Shanghai, a city located in eastern China. A hospital-based cohort study was conducted to enroll mother–child pairs, where the child is aged 6–23 months, who visited community health service centers in the 16 districts of Shanghai, China. Data on socio-demographic factors and feeding behavior data were collected from the participants. The urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in both the young children and their mothers were analyzed. A total of 2282 mother–child pairs were included in this analysis. The median (p25–p75) UIC for lactating women, weaning women, and children were 121.3 μg/L (68.1–206.4 μg/L), 123.4 μg/L (58.4–227.2 μg/L), and 152.1 μg/L (75.8–268.3 μg/L), respectively. The UIC in children was found to be higher than that in their mothers (p < 0.001). Children who consumed less than 500 mL per day of formula milk in the last week had lower UICs compared with those who consumed 500 mL per day or more (p = 0.026). Furthermore, the children’s UIC was positively correlated with the maternal UIC (r_s = 0.285, p < 0.001). Multiple quantile regression analysis revealed a statistically significant positive association between maternal UIC and children’s UIC between the 0.1 and 0.9 quantiles (all p < 0.001). We found that the iodine status of infants and toddlers, as well as of mothers, was sufficient. However, a large minority of children and mothers may be at risk of iodine deficiency. Furthermore, no associations between children’s UIC and feeding behaviors were observed. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the UIC of young children and their mothers. Full article

Oilfield brine is the largest byproduct stream generated during the extraction of crude oil and natural gas and may be considered a resource for the production of potable water and valuable raw materials. The high salinity of such waters limits the application of typical membrane-based techniques. In most oilfields, waste cold energy from the process of the low-temperature separation of natural gas is available and may be used as a source of cold for the freezing desalination (FD) of brine. As a result of the FD process, two streams are obtained: partially desalinated water and concentrated brine. The partially desalinated water may be suitable for non-potable applications or as a feed for membrane desalination. The concentrated brine from the FD could be used as a feed for the recovery of selected chemicals. This paper focuses on verifying the above-described concept of the freezing desalination of oilfield brine on a laboratory scale. The brine from a Polish oilfield located in the Carpathian Foredeep was used as a feed. Four freezing–thawing stages were applied to obtain low-salinity water, which subsequently was treated by reverse osmosis. The obtained permeate meets the criteria recommended for irrigation and livestock watering. The concentrated brine enriched with iodine (48 mg/L) and lithium (14 mg/L) was subjected to recovery tests. Ion exchange resin Diaion NSA100 allowed us to recover 58% of iodine. Lithium recovery using Mn- and Ti-based sorbents varies from 52 to 93%. Full article

Uncertainty remains about the composition of contemporary plant-based diets and whether they provide recommended nutrient intakes. We established Feeding the Future (FEED), an up-to-date online cohort of UK adults following different plant-based diets and diets containing meat and fish. We recruited 6342 participants aged 18–99 [omnivores (1562), flexitarians (1349), pescatarians (568), vegetarians (1292), and vegans (1571)] between February 2022 and December 2023, and measured diet using a food frequency questionnaire and free text. We compared personal characteristics and dietary intakes between diet groups and assessed compliance with dietary guidelines. Most participants met UK dietary recommendations for fruit and vegetables, sodium, and protein, although protein intakes were lowest among vegetarians and vegans. Omnivores did not meet the fibre recommendation and only vegans met the saturated fat recommendation. All diet groups exceeded the free sugars recommendation. Higher proportions of vegetarians and vegans were below the estimated average requirements (EARs) for zinc, iodine, selenium, and, in vegans, vitamins A and B12, whereas calcium intakes were similar across the diet groups. People following plant-based diets showed good compliance with most dietary targets, and their risk for inadequate intakes of certain nutrients might be mitigated by improved dietary choices and/or food fortification. Full article