Lipid oxidation and amylopectin molecular weight changes occurring during storage of extruded starch samples

Using thermomechanical extrusion, waxy maize starch and 4% (w/w) lipid were formed into strips. The lipids used were free fatty acids (mostly linoleic) and antioxidant stripped sunflower oil (either previously oxidised or fresh, with and without copper ions). By altering their water content it was possible to store, at the same temperature, sample strips in the glassy and rubbery states. Lipid oxidation was monitored by determining hexanal in the headspace above all stored samples. The molecular weights of the amylopectin in the samples of extruded products (dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide, precipitated and redissolved using a pressure cell) were determined by asymmetric flow-field-flow fractionation, analytical ultracentrifugation and light scattering. The initial rate of hexanal generation was higher in samples stored in the glassy state compared with those in the rubbery state. Waxy maize and extruded samples, at the start of the storage period and after 42 days, were used to establish the molecular weight of the amylopectin. A significant fall (a decrease of 40%) in molecular weight was found on storage of samples containing sunflower oil and copper ions and those containing free fatty acids, irrespective of the method used for molecular weight determination.     

Evaluating the influence of wetland vegetation on chemical residence time in Mississippi Delta drainage ditches

The presence of emergent vegetation within channelized aquatic environments has the capacity to provide a number of biological functions as well as alter the hydrology of the system. Vegetation within the channel exerts roughness, drag and friction on flowing water, reducing flow rates, increasing water depths and increasing hydraulic retention time. By increasing the hydraulic retention time, chemical residence time (CRT) is increased, thus improving the potential of pollutant mitigation. The study compared two geomorphologically similar drainage ditches, one vegetated and one non-vegetated to evaluate the effect obligate, in-stream wetland vegetation had on CRT. A fluoride (F⁻) tracer was amended to both ditches with nutrients and sediments to simulate stormwater runoff event. The measured CRT of the vegetated drainage ditch was at least twice that of the non-vegetated ditch. These results suggest that with the presence of vegetation increasing CRT, chemical removal rates will improve, and as a result increase the possibility of microbial transformation, adsorption, and macrophyte assimilation. By dredging or clear-scraping ditches and removing the vegetative component, farmers and managers alike will increase water flows, decrease CRT and potentially increase pollutant loads into aquatic receiving systems.