Characterization of residual soil used for infiltration of reclaimed water

The effects of climate change and the growing demand for water for domestic, industrial, agricultural and recreational activities have been led the use of treated wastewater (reclaimed water) for such applications. The artificial recharge of aquifers with treated wastewater can be an alternative way for restoring underground water volumes that can be used for satisfying some activities, particularly in water shortage areas or where their quality is not suitable for use. After a two-year monitoring period in the Vila Fernando WWTP (Guarda, Portugal), the characteristics of the treated effluent suggest that it could be used for infiltration for aquifer recharge. A multi-criteria analysis based on GIS was developed for site location of infiltration sites. The procedure has involved the combination of six thematic maps and environmental, technical and economic criteria, over an area of 6687.1 ha. About 6.4 ha were selected for suitable sites for infiltration and one of these sites (Quinta de Gonçalo Martins, Guarda) was selected for collecting soil samples. The characterization of the soil indicates that is favorable to the infiltration of treated wastewater for artificial recharge of aquifers.

Chemical composition of Boletus pinophilus and Clitocybe subconnexa: preservation with gamma irradiation

The short shelf life of mushrooms is a barrier for their distribution and, therefore, there has been extensive research to find technologies that ensure the preservation of mushrooms, maintaining their organoleptic and nutritional properties (1]. Irradiation has proved its technological feasibility to be safely used in the reduction of food losses, being recognized by international organizations as a valid conservation alternative in extending shelflife of many foods. The aim of the present work was to validate the use of 2 kGy dose of gamma radiation to maintain chemical composition of wild mushrooms. Boletus pinophilus Pihit & Dermek and Clitocybe subconnexa Murrill wild samples were obtained in Tnis-os-Montes; subsequently, the samples were divided in two groups: control (non-irradiated, 0 kGy) and irradiated (2 kGy). The irradiation of the samples was performed in a 6°Co experimental chamber. Moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrates and ash were determined following the standard procedures [2]. Free sugars and tocopherols were determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a refraction index detector (HPLC-RI) and a fluorescence detector, respectively; fatty acids were determined by gas-liquid chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) [3]. The protein and ash content was preserved in both groups, although the sugars and tocopherols decreased in the irradiated samples. Sugars and fatty acids showed significant changes after irradiation treatment, particularly in B. pinophillus, nevertheless, the magnitude of the obtained differences did not seem to be sufficient to affect the chemical profiles of the assayed mushrooms. Overall, the detected chemical changes might be considered as allowable, in view of the high advantages offered by gamma irradiation at decontamination and/or disinfestation level.

A comparison of the bioactivity and phytochemical profile of three different cultivars of globe amaranth: red, white, and pink

The phytochemical profiles and bioactivities of red, white and pink globe amaranth (Gomphrena haageana K., Gomphrena globosa var. albiflora and Gomphrena sp., respectively), much less studied than the purple species (G. globosa L.), were compared. The chemical characterization of the samples included the analysis of macronutrients and individual profiles of sugars, organic acids, fatty acids, tocopherols, and phenolic compounds. Their bioactivity was evaluated by determining the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; the absence of cytotoxicity was also determined. Red and pink samples showed the highest sugar content. Otherwise, the white sample gave the highest level of organic acids, and together with the pink one showed the highest tocopherol and PUFA levels. Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside was the major flavonol in white and pink samples, whereas a tetrahydroxy-methylenedioxyflavone was the major compound in the red variety, which revealed a different phenolic profile. The pink globe amaranth hydromethanolic extract revealed the highest antioxidant activity, followed by those of red and white samples. The anti-inflammatory activity was more relevant in red and pink varieties. None of the samples presented toxicity in liver cells. Overall, these samples can be used in bioactive formulations against inflammatory processes and in free radical production.