Removal of chromium (VI) from dilute aqueous solutions by activated carbon developed from Terminalia arjuna nuts activated with zinc chloride

Different structured activated carbons were prepared from Terminalia arjuna nuts, an agricultural waste, by chemical activation with zinc chloride for the adsorption of Cr(VI) from dilute aqueous solutions. The most important parameter in chemical activation was found to be the chemical ratio (activating agent/precursor, g/g). Carbonization temperature and time are the other two important variables, which had significant effect on the pore structure of carbon. A high surface area of was obtained at a chemical ratio of 300%, carbonization time and temperature of 1 h and 500 °C, respectively. The activated carbon developed shows substantial capability to adsorb Cr(VI) from dilute aqueous solutions. The parameters studied include pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial concentrations. The kinetic data were best fitted to the Lagergren pseudo-first-order model. The isotherm equilibrium data were well fitted by the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The maximum removal of chromium was obtained at pH 1.0 (about 99% for adsorbent dose of 2 g/l and 10 mg/l initial concentration).     

Free primary alcohols in oils and waxes from germs,kernels and other components of nuts,seeds, fruits and cereals

The composition of free primary alcohols in oils and waxes obtained from the germ, kernel, seed coat, shell and skin (peel) of various nuts, seeds, fruits and cereals and from the chrysalis of silkworm was examined. These alcohols are usually present in small amounts, along with large quantities of hydrocarbons, esters and glycerides in oils and waxes. Thus, it is necessary to remove hydrocarbons, esters and glycerides to analyze the alcohols. We found that preparative reverse-phase thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was the best way to isolate alcohols from oils and waxes. Gas liquid chromatography (GLC) then detected hexacosanol, octacosanol and triacontanol in the oils and waxes. Octacosanol usually was the predominant alcohol. Relationships between the organs from nuts, seeds, fruits and cereals and the contents of octacosanol are suggested. For example, degermed kernels contained two times more octacosanol than the germ, and the skin coat and shell contained one-half and one-fortieth the octacosanol of the germ, respectively.     

Exploring relationships between satiation,perceived satiety and plant-based snack food features

We aimed to identify relations between satiation and subsequent satiety for six plant-based foods (apple, avocado, banana, carrot, chick pea and macadamia) using a panel of ten healthy participants and a complete crossover randomised design. Food was served as a mid-morning snack ad libitum over 20 min until participants were comfortably full, and subsequent satiety was monitored for up to 180 min. Carrot and macadamia had significantly higher perceived fullness during eating, but also significantly lower perceived satiety per gram than other foods. Food energy factors had no strong relationship with perceived fullness, but were significantly positively correlated with satiety. Mastication number had significant effects on both perceived fullness (negative) and satiety (positive). This pilot study showed that plant food factors affecting perceived fullness during eating and subsequent satiety are different, and suggests how portion control through satiation for different plant-based snacks may influence both energy intake and subsequent satiety.     

免疫亲和层析净化高效液相色谱法测定澳洲坚果中黄曲霉毒素B_1

建立了一种测定澳洲坚果中黄曲霉毒素B1的免疫亲和层析净化高效液相色谱法。采用甲醇-水提取,提取液经过滤、水稀释、净化,甲醇洗脱溶解,柱后衍生液相色谱仪荧光检测器测定。实验结果表明,澳洲坚果中黄曲霉毒素B1的检出限为0.2μg/kg,在添加水平为5、10、20μg/kg的回收率实验中,平均回收率为81%~96%,相对标准偏差为0.8%~3.7%。     

A Review on Mycotoxins in Food and Feed: Malaysia Case Study

Fungi are distributed worldwide and can be found in various foods and feedstuffs from almost every part of the world. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by some fungal species and may impose food safety risks to human health. Among all mycotoxins, aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), trichothecenes, deoxynivalenol (DON and T‐2 toxin), zearalenone (ZEN), and fumonisins (FMN) have received much attention due to high frequency and severe health effects in humans and animals. Malaysia has heavy rainfall throughout the year, high temperatures (28 to 31 °C), and high relative humidity (70% to 80% during wet seasons). Stored crops under such conditions can easily be contaminated by mycotoxin‐producing fungi. The most important mycotoxins in Malaysian foods are AFs, OTA, DON, ZEN, and FMN that can be found in peanuts, cereal grains, cocoa beans, and spices. AFs have been reported to occur in several cereal grains, feeds, nuts, and nut products consumed in Malaysia. Spices, oilseeds, milk, eggs, and herbal medicines have been reported to be contaminated with AFs (lower than the Malaysian acceptable level of 35 ng/g for total AFs). OTA, a possible human carcinogen, was reported in cereal grains, nuts, and spices in Malaysian market. ZEN was detected in Malaysian rice, oat, barley, maize meal, and wheat at different levels. DON contamination, although at low levels, was reported in rice, maize, barley, oat, wheat, and wheat‐based products in Malaysia. FMN was reported in feed and some cereal grains consumed in Malaysia. Since some food commodities are more susceptible than others to fungal growth and mycotoxin contamination, more stringent prevention and control methods are required.     

螺母与钢,镀锌和镀铝薄板凸焊的研究

本文根据机械标准件行业新开发的焊接螺母技术要求,先后对DIN928方形螺母、DIN929六角形螺母与厚度0.5～4mm钢板,0.5～2mm镀锌和镀铝薄板进行了凸焊性能试验研究。试验结果表明,凸焊工艺稳定,凸焊接头质量良好。接头的抗扭强度达到和超过了DIN928,DTN929标准。从系列试验中获得了最佳凸焊工艺规范和技术措施。     

我国熟制坚果与籽类食品中霉菌及其毒素污染状况研究

目的 调查我国熟制坚果与籽类食品中霉菌及其毒素污染状况，掌握该类食品中霉菌及真菌毒素污染风险的关联性。方法 通过采集市售商品，检测霉菌及其毒素，采用内转录间区（ITS）测序法对样品中污染的霉菌进行属鉴定。结果 19.32%（560/2 912）的熟制坚果与籽类食品霉菌计数>25 CFU/g。单一、混合坚果超过该限值的比例分别为14.78%（322/2 178）和32.56%（239/734），差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。单一坚果中核桃超过该限值的比例最高，为24.10%（47/195），杏仁、巴达木和花生分别为17.44%（15/86）、16.81%（20/119）和16.22%（73/450），其余种类均在15%以下。对26份霉菌计数>25 CFU/g的样品进行真菌毒素检测，1份采自云南的花生检出白僵菌素污染量为16.37 μg/kg。ITS扩增子测序发现熟制坚果与籽类食品中主要污染曲霉属、交链孢霉属、念珠菌属等，和真菌毒素检出有相关性。结论 熟制坚果与籽类食品中霉菌污染较高，检出的霉菌属有产真菌毒素的风险，提示应加强该类食品中污染霉菌的监测、种属鉴定及产毒情况研究，掌握其污染途径和产毒规律，为开展风险评估，采取有效防控措施提供科学依据。     

Brazil nuts: Benefits and risks associated with contamination by fungi and mycotoxins

The monotypic type genus Bertholletia produces commercially nutritionally harvested edible seeds, Brazil nuts. It is an important product from the Amazon forest in the food production chain, with a 2008 annual world production of 78,000 tonnes, being Brazil responsible for approximately 40% of it. Although there are beneficial nutritional properties, the prevailing mycobiota of Brazil nuts include fungi that are producers of aflatoxins, such as Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius. Aflatoxins have deleterious effects in consumption considering the global distribution chain, affecting major exporting countries. The present review is focused on the importance of Brazil nuts for the Amazon rainforest, emphasizing on the social and environmental impact of its production, on the mycobiota contamination of seeds, and on the presence of mycotoxins and related food safety aspects.     

美国施必牢防松螺母在煤矿井筒装备上的应用

矿井罐道固定用的螺栓副,以前使用尼龙螺母、变形螺母,收效甚微。采用施必牢螺母后,由于它结构特殊,牙根处有一个30°楔形斜面,螺栓牙尖紧紧地顶在斜面上,具有独特的防松效果,经2003年9月开始使用至今,防松效果很好,有效地解决了井筒设备的安全问题。     

POST—DEHYDRATION SHELF LIFE EXTENSION OF FRUITS AND NUTS

Post- dehydration storage life of fruits and plant nuts such as apricot, raisin, date, fig, almond, peanut, pinenut and walnut, was studied. The results showed that radiation dose of 1.0 kGy completely, inhibited insect infestation. Low dose radiation (0.25kGy) plus 20℃ and vacuum extended the storage life for 6 and 12 months in dry nuts and fruits respectively without affecting nutritional quality except ascorbic acid. Packaging in opaque pouches under vacuum proved better than other treatments in maintaining nutritional and sensoric quality.