Identification of Polyphenolic Compounds in Edible Wild Fruits Grown in the North-West of Italy by Means of HPLC-DAD-ESI HRMS

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - The popularity of edible wild fruits has increased in industrialized countries due to their composition and positive effects. The aim of this study has been to...     

Testing Scandium Method to Quantify Suspended Particles Adhesion to the External Surface of Periphyton Communities

Aquarium experiments were performed to quantify the inorganic fraction of suspended particles deposited on the external surface of aquatic biota. The mass of suspended particles retained on the surfaces of microalgae growing on submerged substrates and the algal biomass were determined by comparing the scandium content of suspended material with that in algal communities. Scandium, a predominantly soil-associated trace element, has been used as a ‘tracer’ for the inorganic component of suspended particles, because this element is geologically ubiquitous in soils, and it is recognized that it cannot cross natural membranes of plants and other organisms. The algal biomass determined using the scandium content was compared with biomass values calculated using phytopigments as estimates of periphyton biomass. The results indicate that the suspended particle mass adhering to the external periphyton surface may accounted for up to 55% of the total mass collected on submerged artificial substrates.     

Organic Matter Evolution Index (OMEI) as a Measure Of Composting Efficiency

The significance of the organic matter evolution index (OMEI) related to the composting process degree was tested on a full-scale windrow process for 239 days. Analytical data from many samples collected during the process and kinetics were in agreement regarding the insufficient degree of stability and maturity reached by the compost obtained. As expected, the OMEI at the end of the process was low (OMEI = 0.46) confirming its validity to composting degree evaluation. New analytical methods for humic substances quantification were developed by monitoring humic acids concentration versus composting time and ligno-humic fraction.