Synthesis of nanoparticles by microorganisms and their application in enhancing microbiological reaction rates

Nanotechnology has attracted a great interest in recent years due to its expected impact on many areas such as energy, medicine, electronics, and space industries. This review provides the state-of-art knowledge on the synthesis of nanoparticles by microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and yeast, and their effect on microbiological processes. The available microbes and their predicted nanoparticle biosynthesis mechanism, the conditions to control the size/shape and monodispersity of particles, and microbiological reaction rate enhancement using nanoparticles as catalysts are presented. The current limitations and future scope for specific research are also discussed.     

Comparison of fatty acid profile in the chicken meat after feeding with narasin,nicarbazin and salinomycin sodium and phyto-additive substances

The purpose of this study was an experimental investigation and a statistical evaluation of the influence of various additives in feed mixtures of broiler chickens on fatty acids content and their ratio in breast and thigh muscles. First feed additive consisted of narasin, nicarbasin and salinomycin sodium, and other five additives were of phytogenic origin. In vivo experiment was realized on the poultry experimental station with deep litter breeding system. A total of 300 one-day-old hybrid chickens Cobb 500 divided into six groups were used for the experiment. The experimental period was divided into four phases, i.e. Starter, Grower 1, Grower 2 and Final, according to the application of commercial feed mixture of soy cereal type. Additive substances used in feed mixtures were different for each group. Basic feed mixtures were equal for all groups. Fatty acid profile of breast and thigh muscles was measured by the method of FT IR Nicolet 6700. Investigated additive substances in the feed mixtures did not have statistically significant effect on fatty acid content and omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio in breast and thigh muscles. Strong statistically significant relation between omega-6 PUFAs and total PUFAs were proved by experiment. A relation between omega-3 PUFAs and total PUFAs was found only in the group with Biocitro additive.     

Preliminary economic analysis of poultry litter gasification option with a simple transportation model

Several environmental issues are related to the disposal of poultry litter. In an effort to provide a more environmentally friendly alternative than landfill disposal or spreading as a soil amendment, work has been carried out previously at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI). This past UTSI work was concentrated on developing a catalytic steam gasification concept to produce energy from poultry litter. In the past UTSI studies, preliminary design and economics for a stationary, centralized gasification plant capable of processing approximately 100 ton/day of poultry litter were developed. However, in this preliminary design the economic impact of transporting litter to a centralized gasification plant location was not addressed. To determine the preliminary impact of transporting the poultry litter on the overall economics of this energy conversion plant design, a simple transportation model was developed. This model was used in conjunction with the earlier plant design prepared at UTSI to determine the economic feasibility of a centralized, stationary poultry litter gasification plant. To do so, major variables such as traveling distance, plant feed rate (or capacity), fluctuations in the sales price of the product gas (that means value of the energy), population density of poultry farms, impact of tipping fees, and cost of litter were varied. The study showed that for plant with a capacity of 1000 ton/day to be able to withstand several changes in economic conditions and sustain itself, the poultry farm density would need to be approximately 0.3 houses/mi2. Smaller plants would need either a higher energy price or some kind of subsidy to be economically feasible.     

Biological treatment of whey by Tetrahymena pyriformis and impact study on laboratory-scale wastewater lagoon process

A procedure based on a biological treatment of whey was tested as part of research on waste treatment at the scale of small cheesemaking units. We studied the potential biodegradation of whey by a protozoan ciliate, Tetrahymena pyriformis, and evaluated the functional, microbiological and physiological disturbances caused by crude whey and the biodegraded whey in laboratory-scale pilots mimicking a natural lagoon treatment. The results show that T. pyriformis can strongly reduce the pollutant load of whey. In the lagoon pilots serving as example of receptor media, crude whey gradually but completely arrested operation, whereas with the biodegraded whey adverse effects were only temporary, and normal operation versus a control was gradually recovered in a few days.     

Protection of wetlands as a strategy for reducing the spread of avian influenza from migratory waterfowl

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has led to the death or destruction of millions of domesticated and wild birds and caused hundreds of human deaths worldwide. As with other HPAIs, H5N1 outbreaks among poultry have generally been caused by contact with infected migratory waterfowl at the interface of wildlands and human-dominated landscapes. Using a case–control epidemiological approach, we analyzed the relation between habitat protection and H5N1 outbreaks in China from 2004 to 2017. We found that while proximity to unprotected waterfowl habitats and rice paddy generally increased outbreak risk, proximity to the most highly protected habitats (e.g., Ramsar-designated lakes and wetlands) had the opposite effect. Protection likely involves two mechanisms: the separation of wild waterfowl and poultry populations and the diversion of wild waterfowl from human-dominated landscapes toward protected natural habitats. Wetland protection could therefore be an effective means to control avian influenza while also contributing to avian conservation.     

Evaluation of PCDD/Fs characterization in animal feed and feed additives

Safety control of feed and feed additives is necessary to have safe food of animal origin. Based on media reports, nine incidents regarding dioxins and/or PCBs contaminations occurred worldwide during the last decade. Korea is a country which imports feed and feed additives. In this study, various kinds of feed and feed additives were analyzed to monitor the contamination level of dioxins. The level of PCDD/Fs in fish oil was the highest with a concentration of 23.33ngkg(-1), which is equivalent to a toxicological concentration of 4.68ngWHO-TEQ/kg. Feed from animals origin such as chicken meal, animal fat, fish meal, fish oil, and shell powder showed relatively higher concentrations of PCDD/Fs. Feed from plants origin, minerals, and additives ranged from non-detects for bit pulp and ethoxyquin to 8.28ngkg(-1) for dl-methionine. From a toxicological point of view, the highest concentration in vitamins was 0.08ngWHO-TEQ/kg among the feed additives. 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF was the dominant congener in samples of fish oil, fish meal, and shell powder. Animal fat showed that the pattern of PCDD/Fs depends on the sources of contamination. A sample of animal fat showed 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF and the other sample showed 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD as a primary congener. Generally, low levels of PCDDs were detected in feed additives. Patterns of PCDD/Fs in choline chloride were different with that in choline chloride from an incident in Europe in 2000.     

Effects of golpar (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Heracleum persicum</Emphasis> Desf.) and probiotics in drinking water on performance,carcass characteristics,organ weights,blood plasma constituents,and immunity of broilers

Increasing levels of Heracleum persicum (golpar) in drinking water were studied in broilers. Two hundred and forty-one-day-old male chickens were allocated to one of six treatments: control, without added phytogenics nor probiotics in drinking water, and probiotics at recommended manufacturer’s level (P) or 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 ml/l of golpar extract solution (G1, G1.5, G2, and G2.5 treatments, respectively) in drinking water. As a result of this study, no linear or quadratic trends in the feed intake (FI) and feed conversion rate (FCR) due to golpar supplementation were found. Body weight gain, final body weight, and relative carcass weight showed a positive linear response with increasing levels of golpar supplementation. Neither golpar nor probiotics had effects on the percentages of edible parts of the carcass. Golpar supplementation levels caused a linear negative response of the albumin content in blood plasma, whereas both abdominal fat as percentage of carcass weight and uric acid levels in blood plasma linearly increased. The effects on Ig responses were only observed at 42 days of age and were similar in probiotics and the highest level of golpar supplementation. Based on our results, both probiotics and golpar supplementation could improve broiler performance and immune function.     

Characterization of isolated yeast growth response to methionine analogs

Methionine is one of the first limiting amino acids in poultry nutrition. The use of methionine-rich natural feed ingredients, such as soybean meal or rapeseed meal may lead to negative environmental consequences. Amino acid supplementation leads to reduced use of protein-rich ingredients. The objectives of this study were isolation of potentially high content methionine-containing yeasts, quantification of methionine content in yeasts and their respective growth response to methionine analogs. Minimal medium was used as the selection medium and the isolation medium of methionine-producing yeasts from yeast collection and environmental samples, respectively. Two yeasts previously collected along with six additional strains isolated from Caucasian kefir grains, air-trapped, cantaloupe, and three soil samples could grow on minimal medium. Only two of the newly isolated strains, K1 and C1, grew in minimal medium supplied with either methionine analogs ethionine or norleucine at 0.5% (w/v). Based on large subunit rRNA sequences, these isolated strains were identified as Pichia udriavzevii/Issatchenkia orientalis. P. kudriavzevii/I. orentalis is a generally recognized as a safe organism. In addition, methionine produced by K1 and C1 yeast hydrolysate yielded 1.3 ± 0.01 and 1.1 ± 0.01 mg g^?1 dry cell. Yeast strain K1 may be suitable as a potential source of methionine for dietary supplements in organic poultry feed but may require growth conditions to further increase their methionine content.     

International trade in meat: the tip of the pork chop

This paper provides an original account of global land, water, and nitrogen use in support of industrialized livestock production and trade, with emphasis on two of the fastest-growing sectors, pork and poultry. Our analysis focuses on trade in feed and animal products, using a new model that calculates the amount of "virtual" nitrogen, water, and land used in production but not embedded in the product. We show how key meat-importing countries, such as Japan, benefit from "virtual" trade in land, water, and nitrogen, and how key meat-exporting countries, such as Brazil, provide these resources without accounting for their true environmental cost. Results show that Japan's pig and chicken meat imports embody the virtual equivalent of 50% of Japan's total arable land, and half of Japan's virtual nitrogen total is lost in the US. Trade links with China are responsible for 15% of the virtual nitrogen left behind in Brazil due to feed and meat exports, and 20% of Brazil's area is used to grow soybean exports. The complexity of trade in meat, feed, water, and nitrogen is illustrated by the dual roles of the US and The Netherlands as both importers and exporters of meat. Mitigation of environmental damage from industrialized livestock production and trade depends on a combination of direct-pricing strategies, regulatory approaches, and use of best management practices. Our analysis indicates that increased water- and nitrogen-use efficiency and land conservation resulting from these measures could significantly reduce resource costs.     

Terrestrial exposure of oilfield flowline additives diminish soil structural stability and remediative microbial function

Onshore oil production pipelines are major installations in the petroleum industry, stretching many thousands of kilometres worldwide which also contain flowline additives. The current study focuses on the effect of the flowline additives on soil physico-chemical and biological properties and quantified the impact using resilience and resistance indices. Our findings are the first to highlight deleterious effect of flowline additives by altering some fundamental soil properties, including a complete loss of structural integrity of the impacted soil and a reduced capacity to degrade hydrocarbons mainly due to: (i) phosphonate salts (in scale inhibitor) prevented accumulation of scale in pipelines but also disrupted soil physical structure; (ii) glutaraldehyde (in biocides) which repressed microbial activity in the pipeline and reduced hydrocarbon degradation in soil upon environmental exposure; (iii) the combinatory effects of these two chemicals synergistically caused severe soil structural collapse and disruption of microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons.     

The effect of aged litter materials on polyatomic ion concentrations in fractionated suspended particulate matter from a broiler house

Inorganic emissions from livestock production and subsequent deposition of these ions can be a major source of pollution, causing nitrogen enrichment, eutrophication, acidification of soils and surface waters, and aerosol formation. In the poultry house, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions can also adversely affect the health, performance, and welfare of both animals and human operators. The persistence and long life expectancy of ammonia, odors and toxic pollutants from poultry houses may be due to the ability of suspended particulate matter (SPM) to serve as carriers for odorous compounds such as ammonium ions and other inorganic compounds (e.g., phosphate, sulfate, nitrate, etc.). SPM is generated from the feed, animal manure, and the birds themselves. A large portion of odor associated with exhaust air from poultry houses is SPM that has absorbed odors from within the houses. Understanding the fate and transport processes of ammonia and other inorganic emissions in poultry houses is a necessary first step in utilizing the appropriate abatement strategies. In this study, the examination and characterization of ammonium ions, major components of odors and toxic gases from poultry operations, and other ions in suspended particulate matter in a broiler house were carried out using particle trap impactors. The SPM from the particle trap impactors was extracted and analyzed for its ionic species using ion chromatography (IC). The results showed concentrations of polyatomic ions in suspended particulate matter were found to increase with successive flocks and were highly concentrated in the larger size particulate matter. In addition, the ions concentrations appeared to reach a maximum at the middle of flock age (around the fourth week), tapering off toward the end in a given flock (possibly due to ventilation rates to cool off larger birds). Thus, it can be inferred that aged of bedding materials affects the ionic concentrations in aerosol particulate matter more than the age of the birds.

Implications: In the poultry house, toxic gas emissions can adversely affect the health, performance, and welfare of both animals and human operators. The persistence of these toxic pollutants from poultry houses may be due to the ability of suspended particulate matter (SPM) to serve as carriers for these compounds (inorganic ions). Our study showed that polyatomic ions in suspended particulate matter were found to increase with successive flocks and were highly concentrated in the larger size SPM. Understanding the effect of management practices on poultry air emissions will lead to innovative best management practices to safeguard the health and welfare of the animals as well as those of the poultry operators, along with reducing the impact of potential air pollution on the environment.     

Occurrence and treatment trials of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in wastewaters

This study demonstrates that both synthetic and natural endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) (e.g., bisphenol A, estrone and 17beta-estradiol) were found in the crude wastewaters from two wastewater treatment works (WwTWs). Conventional biological processes can lower EDCs concentrations to several tens to hundreds ngl(-1). Since natural EDCs (e.g., estrone and 17beta-estradiol) have biological activity and adverse impact on the environment at extremely low concentrations (several tens of ngl(-1)), further treatment after conventional biological processes is required. Preliminary trials with ferrate(VI) and electrochemical oxidation process demonstrated that both processes can effectively reduce EDCs to very low levels, ranging between 10 and 100ngl(-1), but the former is more effective than the latter to reduce COD concentration in wastewater for given studying conditions.     

Some aspects of toxic contaminants in herbal medicines

A World Health Organisation survey indicated that about 70-80% of the world populations rely on non-conventional medicine mainly of herbal sources in their primary healthcare. In recent years, we have witnessed the increasing growth in popularity of over-the-counter (OTC) health foods, nutraceuticals, and medicinal products from plants or other natural sources in developed countries. This indirectly indicates that the public is not satisfied with their orthodox medical (OM) treatment. Such increase in popularity has also brought concerns and fears over the professionalism of practitioners, and quality, efficacy and safety of their treatment methods and products from herbal and natural sources available in the market. Over the past decade several news-catching episodes in developed communities indicated adverse effects, sometimes life threatening, allegedly arisen consequential to taking of OTC herbal products or traditional medicines from various ethnic groups. These OTC products may be contaminated with excessive or banned pesticides, microbial contaminants, heavy metals, chemical toxins, and for adulterated with orthodox drugs. Excessive or banned pesticides, heavy metals and microbial contaminants may be related to the source of these herbal materials, if they are grown under contaminated environment or during collection of these plant materials. Chemical toxins may come from unfavourable or wrong storage conditions or chemical treatment due to storage. The presence of orthodox drugs can be related to unprofessional practice of manufacturers. Some of these environment related factors can be controlled by implementing standard operating procedures (SOP) leading to Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Supply Practice (GSP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for producing these medicinal products from herbal or natural sources. The public's belief that herbal and natural products are safer than synthetic medicines can only be ascertained by imposing regulatory standards on these products that should be manufactured using these Good Practices. Using Chinese medicines, as examples, this paper illustrate how advances in chemical and biomedical analysis would help to detect intentional and unintentional toxic contaminants in herbal substances. The paper also summarises how modernization and progress are being carried out to get the best out of Chinese medicines for public healthcare.     

Bench-scale biofilter for removing ammonia from poultry house exhaust

A bench-scale biofilter was evaluated for removing ammonia (NH3) from poultry house exhaust. The biofilter system was equipped with a compost filter to remove NH3 and calcium oxide (CaO) filter to remove carbon dioxide (CO2). Removal of NH3 and CO2 from poultry house exhaust could allow treated air with residual heat to be recirculated back into the poultry house to conserve energy during winter months. Apart from its use as a plant nutrient, NH3 removal from poultry house exhaust could lessen the adverse environmental impacts of NH3 emissions. Ammonia and CO2 were measured daily with gas detector tubes while temperatures in the poultry pen and compost filter were monitored to evaluate the thermal impact of the biofilter on treated air. During the first 37 days of the 54-day study, exhaust air from 33 birds housed in a pen was treated in the biofilter; for the final 17 days, NH3-laden exhaust, obtained by applying urea to the empty pen was treated in the biofilter. The biofilter system provided near-complete attenuation of a maximum short-term NH3 concentration of 73 ppm. During the last 17 days, with a mean influent NH3 concentration of 26 ppm, the biofilter provided 97% attenuation. The CaO filter was effective in attenuating CO2. Compared with a biofilter sized only for NH3 removal, an oversized biofilter would be required to provide supplemental heat to the treated air through exothermic biochemical reactions in the compost. The biofilter could conserve energy in poultry production and capture NH3 for use as plant nutrient. Based on this study, a house for 27,000 broilers would require a compost filter with a volume of approximately 34 m3.     

Quantification of ionophores in aged poultry litter using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Veterinary anticoccidials, biochemically known as ionophores, are widely used in poultry feed at therapeutic levels to treat Coccidiosis and at sub-therapeutic levels for growth- promotion. Commonly used ionophores in the US poultry industry are monensin, salinomycin, lasalocid and narasin. There is an increasing concern regarding the persistence of these anticoccidials in the environment. However, little attention has been directed to methods development for quantitatively measuring ionophores in complex environmental matrices such as poultry litters that are land applied. Here, we describe a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based method developed for simultaneous quantification of monensin, lasalocid, salinomycin, and narasin in aged poultry litter samples. Results show significant level of monensin (97.8 ± 3.2?μg kg(-1)), lasalocid (19.2 ± 6.6?μg kg(-1)), salinomycin (70 ± 2.7?μg kg(-1)) and narasin (57.3 ± 2.6?μg kg(-1)) in poultry litter stored for over three years at < 5°C. Our findings indicate that even after several years of unmanaged storage of poultry litter, ionophores may continue to persist in this matrix, raising the possibility of prolonged release into the environment.     

Presence of bacteriophages in animal feed as indicators of fecal contamination

The objectives of this study were to determine if indigenous male specific and somatic bacteriophages could be detected in animal feeds and if isolated phages contained RNA or DNA. Seven fresh feeds, 2 fresh feed ingredients, 7 stored feeds, 2 stored feed ingredients, and 8 samples of poultry diets suspected to contain Salmonella spp. were enriched and spot plated for indigenous phages using Escherichia coli Famp and CN-13 as hosts. Bacteriophage numbers were below detection without enrichment, but both male specific and somatic coliphages were detected in all animal feeds, feed ingredients, and poultry diets after 16 h of enrichment, even after the samples had been stored for 14 months of storage at -20 C. Five out of 9 fresh feeds and 7 out of 8 stored feeds contained RNA somatic phages.     

Alteration in some biochemical and enzymological parameters in the snake head fish Channapunctatus, exposed chronically to quinalphos

The effect of chronic quinalphos exposure (0.025 mg/1) for 15 and 30 days on the levels of glucose, lactic acid and haemoglobin in the blood; glycogen and lactic acid contents of the liver and muscles; and the activities of hexokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase in liver, kidney, intestine, brain, gills and muscles was examined. Blood glucose, lactic acid and haemoglobin levels decreased in quinalphos exposed fish. Glycogen content of liver and muscles increased but lactic acid decreased. Hexokinase was inhibited in intestine and muscles after 30 days of exposure but increase in enzyme activity was noted in gills. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was inhibited in all the six tissues. Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity of liver, kidney, gills and muscles was inhibited. However, in brain the enzyme activity was elevated. Succinate dehydrogenase activity was elevated in intestine and inhibited in other tissues.     

Alteration in some biochemical and enzymological parameters in the snake head fish , exposed chronically to quinalphos

The effect of chronic quinalphos exposure (0.025 mg/1) for 15 and 30 days on the levels of glucose, lactic acid and haemoglobin in the blood; glycogen and lactic acid contents of the liver and muscles; and the activities of hexokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase in liver, kidney, intestine, brain, gills and muscles was examined. Blood glucose, lactic acid and haemoglobin levels decreased in quinalphos exposed fish. Glycogen content of liver and muscles increased but lactic acid decreased. Hexokinase was inhibited in intestine and muscles after 30 days of exposure but increase in enzyme activity was noted in gills. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was inhibited in all the six tissues. Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity of liver, kidney, gills and muscles was inhibited. However, in brain the enzyme activity was elevated. Succinate dehydrogenase activity was elevated in intestine and inhibited in other tissues.     

Investigation of Nitrogen-Bearing Species in Catalytic Steam Gasification of Poultry Litter

Abstract

The production of broiler chickens has become one of the largest sectors in U.S. agriculture, and the growing demand for poultry has led to an annual production growth rate of 5%. With increased demand for poultry, litter management has become a major challenge in the agriculture industry. Although the catalytic steam gasification has been accepted as a possible and feasible method for litter management, concern has been expressed about the presence of nitrogen and phosphorus containing species in the fuel gas and/or in the final solid residue. The possible release of phosphorus as phosphine gas in the fuel gas can have an adverse impact on the environment. Similarly, possible release of ammonia from the nitrogen containing species is also not acceptable. Hence, under partial U.S. Department of Agriculture support, a study was conducted to examine the fate and the environmental impact of the nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing species released during catalytic steam gasification of poultry litter. From various preliminary tests, it was concluded that most (～100%) of the phosphorus would remain in the residue, and some (20–70%) of the nitrogen would end up as ammonia in the fuel gas. The effects of temperature, catalyst loading, and type of catalyst on ammonia liberation were studied in a muffled furnace setup at atmospheric pressure. The fraction of nitrogen released as ammonia was found to decrease with an increase in temperature during pyrolysis and steam gasification. It also decreased with an increase in catalyst loading.     

Investigation of nitrogen-bearing species in catalytic steam gasification of poultry litter

The production of broiler chickens has become one of the largest sectors in U.S. agriculture, and the growing demand for poultry has led to an annual production growth rate of 5%. With increased demand for poultry, litter management has become a major challenge in the agriculture industry. Although the catalytic steam gasification has been accepted as a possible and feasible method for litter management, concern has been expressed about the presence of nitrogen and phosphorus containing species in the fuel gas and/or in the final solid residue. The possible release of phosphorus as phosphine gas in the fuel gas can have an adverse impact on the environment. Similarly, possible release of ammonia from the nitrogen containing species is also not acceptable. Hence, under partial U.S. Department of Agriculture support, a study was conducted to examine the fate and the environmental impact of the nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing species released during catalytic steam gasification of poultry litter. From various preliminary tests, it was concluded that most (approximately 100%) of the phosphorus would remain in the residue, and some (20-70%) of the nitrogen would end up as ammonia in the fuel gas. The effects of temperature, catalyst loading, and type of catalyst on ammonia liberation were studied in a muffled furnace setup at atmospheric pressure. The fraction of nitrogen released as ammonia was found to decrease with an increase in temperature during pyrolysis and steam gasification. It also decreased with an increase in catalyst loading.