Ammonia Concentration (ammonia + concentration)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


The Effect of Storage on Ammonia Concentration in Canine Packed Red Blood Cells.

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 1 2001
DACVECC, Lori S. Waddell DVM
Abstract Objective: To determine the effect of storage on ammonia concentration in canine packed red blood cell (pRBC) units. Design: In vitro and in vivo study. Setting: University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Interventions: Ammonia concentration was measured in 7 units of canine pRBC prepared in citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) and Adsola on Days 1 and 35 of storage. Ammonia was measured in 4 additional units of canine pRBC on Days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Plasma ammonia was also determined in 5 anemic dogs receiving pRBC. Measurements and Main Results: Ammonia concentration increased from 73 ± 15 mmol/L (mean ± SD) on Day 1 to 800 ± 275 mmpl/L on Day (p<0.001). When measured every 7 days in 4 units of canine pRBC, ammonia concentration increased from 23 ± 8 mmol/L on Day 0 to 179 ± 13 mmol/L (Day 7), 276 ± 56 mmol/L (Day 14). 383 ± 47 mmol/L (Day21), 466 ± 30 mmol/L (Day 28), and 562 ± 27 mmol/L (Day 35) (p<0.05 for all comparisons). In a preliminary study, plasma ammonia concentration measured in blood samples from 5 anemic dogs without primary liver disease immediately before and after transfusion with 5,10 ml/kg of stored pRBC remained in the normal reference range. Conclusions: The ammonia concentration in stored canine pRBC increased markedly with time. In this preliminary study, ammonia concentrations in dogs without primary liver disease did not increase above the reference range after transfusion with pRBC. [source]


Evaluation of methods to remove ammonia interference in marine sediment toxicity tests,

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2000
James A. Ferretti
Abstract Ammonia naturally accumulates to high concentrations in nonsurficial marine sediments. It can also interfere and confound interpretation of toxicity from persistent anthropogenic chemicals in tests with laboratory amphipods. Renewal of overlying water has become a standardized procedure to decrease pore-water ammonia. Our objective was to propose an alternative technique for decreasing pore-water ammonia concentrations. Sediment samples with ammonia concentrations of 70 and 155 mg/L were purged of toxic concentrations in pore-water ammonia using the existing procedure of performing two renewals of overlying water per day. A thin-layer technique, which involved increasing the sediment surface area during the purging period, decreased the ammonia concentration by as much as 4.5-fold faster than the conventional purging protocol. Minimal decreases in concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and total organic carbon were found among all the purging techniques. Toxicity tests with the marine amphipod Ampelisca abdita suggest that minimizing the time required to purge a sediment of ammonia is critical in maintaining the integrity of the sample. The thin-layer purging technique appears to be an effective method of decreasing pore-water ammonia concentrations in sediments before laboratory toxicity testing with amphipods. [source]


Enhanced reactivity in the ammonolysis of phenyl thiolacetates in aqueous medium

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL KINETICS, Issue 1 2002
D. Rajarathnam
The ammonolysis of several substituted phenyl thiolacetates is kinetically studied in aqueous medium, 18°C, ionic strength 0.1 M (KCl). By following the leaving groups spectrophotometrically (,max = 260,410 nm), under excess free ammonia, pseudo-first-order rate coefficients (kobs) are obtained. The plots of (kobs , kH) against free ammonia concentration are linear at constant pH. The macroscopic nucleophilic substitution rate coefficients (kN) are obtained as the slopes of these plots and found to be pH-independent for all the thiolesters. The Brönsted-type plot (log kN against pKa of leaving groups) and the Hammett plot (log kN against , values of substituents) obtained for the title reactions of thiolesters are linear with slope values of ,lg = ,0.34 and , = 0.74 respectively. From the magnitude of these values, experimental data, the kinetic law, and the analysis of products, it is deduced that the ammonolysis of thiolesters proceeds through a simple bimolecular nucleophilic substitution pathway with a zwitterionic tetrahedral addition intermediate (T±), whereby its formation is rate-determining (k1 step). Comparison of this reaction of thiolesters with a similar reaction of analogue oxyesters shows a mechanistic difference. Further, for thiolesters there is a rate enhancement with larger kN values. The change in mechanism and enhanced reactivity observed by substitution of the oxygen atom by sulphur atom on the phenyl moiety are discussed in detail. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 18,26, 2002 [source]


Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Materials Prepared by Ammoxidation as Solid Base Catalysts for Knoevenagel Condensation and Transesterification Reactions

ADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 9 2010
Naokatsu Kan-nari
Abstract Nitrogen-doped carbon materials were prepared by ammoxidation of commercial carbon sources (carbon black and activated carbon) and applied as base catalysts for Knoevenagel and transesterification reactions. It was shown that these carbon materials were active and the activities were different depending on the ammoxidation conditions (temperature and ammonia concentration in air) and carbon sources used. The bulk, textural, and surface properties of the nitrogen-doped carbon materials were examined by several methods to clarify possible factors determining their final catalytic activities. The activated carbon-derived catalysts were more active than the carbon black-derived ones. The surface area and porosity were not responsible for this difference between the two carbon sources but the difference in the reactivity with oxygen was important. The reactivity of carbon sources with oxygen should influence the doping of nitrogen onto their surfaces by ammoxidation with ammonia and air and the resulting activities as base catalysts. The catalytic activity increases with the amount of nitrogen doped and, therefore, the nitrogen doped should be responsible for the catalytic activities. In addition, the activities are maximal at a ratio of nitrogen to oxygen of around 1, suggesting the importance of cooperative functions of nitrogen and oxygen on the surface of carbons. [source]


Impact of dietary crude protein and amino acids status on performance and some excreta characteristics of broiler chicks during 10,28 days of age

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 3 2010
N. F. Namroud
Summary A study was conducted in a completely randomised design to evaluate the effects of providing almost all important essential amino acids (EAA) in low-crude protein (CP) diets equal to that of higher CP diets in broiler chickens. Also the effects of additional mixture of glycine (Gly) and glutamic acid (Glu) or supplementation of excess EAA to low-CP diets on the live performance and excreta characteristics including pH, moisture, nitrogen, uric acid and ammonia concentration were measured to ascertain the optimum CP concentration for the maximum performance and reduced excreta ammonia concentration. Male, broiler chickens growing from 10 to 28 days of age were fed eight experimental diets. Reducing dietary CP below 19% negatively affected performance. Adding the Gly and Glu mixtures to 17% CP diets improved live performance. Reducing CP to 19% with a normal amino acids status declined N, ammonia, uric acid, moisture and pH of excreta significantly. These findings suggest that diminishing dietary CP from 23% to 19% while maintaining adequate EAA levels during 10,28 days of age results in not only a significant decline in N emission, but also a probable reduction in the NH3 volatilisation because of reduction in pH and moisture. Contrary to expectations, reduction of dietary CP below the minimum level (19%) resulted in more ammonia. All these factors may improve on litter and air quality within the housing facility and reduce the ventilation rate required to emit the elevated ammonia gas concentrations. [source]


First record of Lamproglena pulchella Nordmann 1832 in the Pielach and Melk rivers, Austria

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 5 2006
F. Jirsa
Summary Between April and November 2003, parasitological examinations of the nase Chondrostoma nasus L. and the chub Leuciscus cephalus L. from the neighbouring Melk and Pielach rivers in Lower Austria were conducted. Amongst various gill parasites, Lamproglena pulchella Nordmann 1832 was detected on both fish species, which was the first record of this parasitic crustacean in Austria. Physico-chemical examinations of water samples of the two rivers were carried out during the same period. The results indicate that general water parameters in the Melk were subjected to more vigorous changes than in the Pielach. Critical temperature levels and ammonia concentration as well as drastic changes in the ionic composition occurred more frequently in the Melk River. The observed distribution of L. pulchella indicates its sensitivity to such stress factors: there was no evidence of the parasite in the Melk River until late November and it only then occurred on the gills of L. cephalus with a prevalence of 20% and a mean intensity of 2. In the Pielach River, infestation on chub had already occurred in June with a prevalence of 40% and a mean intensity of 3, rising to 60% and 7 in November; 45% of the nase was also infested in November at a mean intensity of 3. [source]


Nitrite accumulation characteristics of high strength ammonia wastewater in an autotrophic nitrifying biofilm reactor

JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2003
Ho-Joon Yun
Abstract Selective nitrification was carried out to accumulate nitrite from high strength ammonia wastewater in an autotrophic nitrifying biofilm reactor. Nitrification efficiencies and nitrite accumulation characteristics were investigated at various operating conditions such as ammonium load, oxygen supply and free ammonia concentration. The biofilm reactor showed very stable nitrification efficiencies of more than 90% at up to 2,kg,NH4 -N,m,3,d,1 and the nitrite content was maintained at around 95%. Inhibition by free ammonia on nitrite oxidizers seems to be the major factor for nitrite accumulation. Batch kinetic analyses of ammonium and nitrite oxidation showed that nitrite oxidation activity was selectively inhibited in the presence of free ammonia. However, the activity recovered quickly as the free ammonia concentration decreased below the threshold inhibition concentration. Examination of specific ammonia and nitrite oxidation activities and the most probable number indicated that the number of nitrite-oxidizing microorganisms in the nitrite-accumulating system was less than that in the normal nitrification system due to long-term free ammonia inhibition of the nitrite oxidizers. The reduced population of nitrite oxidizers in the biofilm system was also responsible for the accumulation of nitrite in the biofilm reactor. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


High-sensitive neural network ammonia sensor based on shear horizontal surface acoustic wave devices

JOURNAL OF CHEMOMETRICS, Issue 10 2008
Chi-Yen Shen
Abstract In this paper, a shear horizontal surface acoustic wave devices coated with L-glutamic acid hydrochloride were applied as ammonia sensors. This sensor has shown high sensitivity and fast responses to ppb-level ammonia. The frequency shift linearly increased as the ammonia concentration increased from 40 to 400,ppb in dry environment. In the humid environment, the frequency shift gradually decreased with ammonia concentration increasing. In order to precisely estimate the ammonia in humid environment, two different neural models, the conventional feedforward neural network and quantum neural network, were used as the identifier and their performances were reported and compared. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


WATER QUALITY IMPACTS AND INDICATORS OF METABOLIC ACTIVITY OF THE ZEBRA MUSSEL INVASION OF THE SENECA RIVER,

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, Issue 3 2004
Steven W. Effler
ABSTRACT: The conspicuous shifts in summertime values of common measures of water qualify that have persisted for 10 years (1993 to 2002) in the Seneca River, New York, as a result of the zebra mussel invasion are documented. Resolution of patterns in time and space is supported by water quality monitoring that extends back to the late 1970s. Patterns are evaluated to describe the stability of impacts and quantify metabolic activity of the invader. The water quality impacts that have persisted unabated for 10 years since the invasion are the most severe documented for a river in North America. Changes in summer median conditions since the invasion include: (1) a 16-fold decrease in chlorophyll concentration (Chi), (2) a 2.5-fold increase in Secchi disc transparency, (3) a 17-fold increase in soluble reactive phosphorus concentration, (4) a 3.7-fold increase in total ammonia concentration, (5) a greater than 25 percent decrease in dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, and (6) a decrease in pH of 0.55 units. The strength of these signatures has been driven by anthropogenic influences that include upstream nutrient loading and morphometric modifications of the river, and the functioning of Cross Lake, through which the river flows. This hypereutrophic lake sustains dense zebra mussel populations and related water quality impacts in the river downstream of the lake outflow by acting as a source of veligers and suitable food for this bivalve. Evidence is presented that levels of metabolic activity of the zebra mussel in this river have been resource limited, manifested through increased consumption of Chl and DO with increased delivery of these constituents in the lake's outflow. [source]


Evaluation of alternative cereal sources in dog diets: effect on nutrient utilisation and hindgut fermentation characteristics

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 13 2009
Kumar B Kore
Abstract BACKGROUND: Rice is one of the most commonly used cereal grains in pet foods. However, other cereals such as pearl millet, sorghum and maize have good amino acid profiles and could be used as alternatives to rice in the diet of dogs, thus sparing rice for human consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional worth of these cereals for pet dogs. RESULTS: Eight adult Spitz dogs (age ,10 months, average body weight 6.14 ± 0.58 kg) were used in a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square design to compare the effects of dietary inclusion of four cereals, namely rice, maize, pearl millet and sorghum, on digestibility and hindgut fermentation characteristics. The digestibility of dry matter (DM) was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced when rice was replaced by the alternative cereals. Additionally, the digestibilities of protein, fat and total dietary fibre decreased (P < 0.01) in dogs fed the pearl millet-based diet. The DM voided in faeces increased (P < 0.05) when rice was replaced by the alternative cereals. Faecal ammonia concentration was higher (P < 0.05) on the rice-based diet, while faecal lactate concentration was reduced (P < 0.01) on the pearl millet- and sorghum-based diets. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that maize, pearl millet and sorghum are not as effectively utilised as rice as cereal source in the diet of dogs. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Ruminal degradation of mountain pastures infested by Euphorbia polygalifolia in cattle and sheep: effect of previous grazing in invaded areas

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 13 2006
Manuel J Mora
Abstract Six cows and eight ewes were distributed in four paddocks according to a factorial design, 2 species (cattle vs sheep) × 2 grazing managements (grazing in pastures invaded vs non-invaded by Euphorbia polygalifolia), to study the ability of sheep and cattle to ruminally degrade mountain pastures containing E. polygalifolia, as well as the influence of previous grazing in invaded areas. After a period of 17 days, rumen fluids were collected and used as microbial inoculum to examine in vitro fermentation rates and ruminal parameters of infested and non-infested pastures. Results on parameters of gas production, extent of degradation, ammonia concentration and volatile fatty acid production of infested pastures indicate a better fermentation of this substrate in sheep than in cattle. The absence of noticeable differences when the pasture without this species of spurge was incubated suggests that most variation between ruminant species can be attributed to the presence of E. polygalifolia. The positive effect of previous grazing in invaded areas on rates of gas production, extent of degradation and ammonia concentration supports the hypothesis that the ability to degrade infested pastures may be enhanced by previous consumption, probably through an adaptation of the rumen microbiota. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Ammonia-, Sodium Chloride-, and Calcium Sulfate-induced Changes in the Stress Responses of Jundiá, Rhamdia quelen, Juveniles

JOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 6 2009
Paulo César Falanghe Carneiro
Salt (NaCl) and gypsum (CaSO4) are used as water additives to mitigate fish stress and improve specimen survival. High stocking densities and the transportation of fish can increase aqueous ammonia, which can, in turn, alter fish cortisol secretion. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of salt, gypsum, and aqueous ammonia on some stress-induced physiological responses of jundiá, Rhamdia quelen, juveniles induced by captivity and handling, and to determine the lethal ammonia concentration for this species. Jundiá juveniles were subjected to the following five treatments: water only, water + ammonia (0.4 mg/L), water + NH3 + NaCl (6 g/L), water + NH3 + gypsum (150 mg/L), and water + NH3 + NaCl + gypsum. Blood samples were taken after intervals of 1, 5, 24, and 96 h, and the concentrations of cortisol, glucose, chloride, ammonia, and hematocrit were determined. The NH3 LC50 value after 96 h of exposure (LC50,96h) was measured to be 1.9 mg/L NH3. Either salt or gypsum reduced both cortisol and glucose levels during most of the experimental period, but the combination of both reduced these levels even further. The combined use of NaCl and CaSO4 demonstrates a synergic effect on mitigating stress responses induced by handling and aqueous ammonia in jundiá juveniles. [source]


The Effect of Storage on Ammonia Concentration in Canine Packed Red Blood Cells.

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 1 2001
DACVECC, Lori S. Waddell DVM
Abstract Objective: To determine the effect of storage on ammonia concentration in canine packed red blood cell (pRBC) units. Design: In vitro and in vivo study. Setting: University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Interventions: Ammonia concentration was measured in 7 units of canine pRBC prepared in citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) and Adsola on Days 1 and 35 of storage. Ammonia was measured in 4 additional units of canine pRBC on Days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Plasma ammonia was also determined in 5 anemic dogs receiving pRBC. Measurements and Main Results: Ammonia concentration increased from 73 ± 15 mmol/L (mean ± SD) on Day 1 to 800 ± 275 mmpl/L on Day (p<0.001). When measured every 7 days in 4 units of canine pRBC, ammonia concentration increased from 23 ± 8 mmol/L on Day 0 to 179 ± 13 mmol/L (Day 7), 276 ± 56 mmol/L (Day 14). 383 ± 47 mmol/L (Day21), 466 ± 30 mmol/L (Day 28), and 562 ± 27 mmol/L (Day 35) (p<0.05 for all comparisons). In a preliminary study, plasma ammonia concentration measured in blood samples from 5 anemic dogs without primary liver disease immediately before and after transfusion with 5,10 ml/kg of stored pRBC remained in the normal reference range. Conclusions: The ammonia concentration in stored canine pRBC increased markedly with time. In this preliminary study, ammonia concentrations in dogs without primary liver disease did not increase above the reference range after transfusion with pRBC. [source]


Variation in blood ammonia concentration with site of measurement and evidence of brain and muscle uptake in patients with acute liver failure

LIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2008
William Bernal
[source]


Brain edema in liver failure: Basic physiologic principles and management

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 11 2002
Fin Stolze Larsen MD
In patients with severe liver failure, brain edema is a frequent and serious complication that may result in high intracranial pressure and brain damage. This short article focuses on basic physiologic principles that determine water flux across the blood-brain barrier. Using the Starling equation, it is evident that both the osmotic and hydrostatic pressure gradients are imbalanced across the blood-brain barrier in patients with acute liver failure. This combination will tend to favor cerebral capillary water influx to the brain. In contrast, the disequilibration of the Starling forces seems to be less pronounced in patients with cirrhosis because the regulation of cerebral blood flow is preserved and the arterial ammonia concentration is lower compared with that of patients with acute liver failure. Treatments that are known to reverse high intracranial pressure tend to decrease the osmotic pressure gradients across the blood-brain barrier. Recent studies indicate that interventions that restrict cerebral blood flow, such as hyperventilation, hypothermia, and indomethacin, are also efficient in preventing edema and high intracranial pressure, probably by decreasing the transcapillary hydrostatic pressure gradient. In our opinion, it is important to recall that rational fluid therapy, adequate ventilation, and temperature control are of direct importance to controlling cerebral capillary water flux in patients with acute liver failure. These simple interventions should be secured before more advanced experimental technologies are instituted to treat these patients. [source]


Stress corrosion cracking and selective corrosion of copper-zinc alloys for the drinking water installation,

MATERIALS AND CORROSION/WERKSTOFFE UND KORROSION, Issue 4 2009
E. Brandl
Abstract Despite a generally good corrosion resistance to tap and industrial water, many brass taps and fittings have failed in the past by stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and selective corrosion (dezincification or preferred removal of a phase). The experimental investigations of the present study clarify the influence of the ammonia concentration on the two types of corrosion. Notched specimens made of the alloys CuZn39Pb3, CuZn40Pb2, CuZn37, CuZn36Pb2As and CuZn21Si3P are polarized anodically in pure tap water and tap water with realistic ammonia concentrations (15 and 30 ppm) under a simultaneous mechanical loading condition. The influence of stress and of the third alloying elements lead and arsenic are investigated and evaluated. The experiments show that the ammonia additions significantly increase the risk of dezincification of the ,-,-brasses. The arsenic in the CuZn36Pb2As alloy avoids dezincification, but enhances the risk of SCC. The rate of selective corrosion and SCC consistently increases with increase in tensile stress. [source]


Detection of NH3 by Quartz Crystal Microbalance Coated with Ta2O5

PLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS, Issue 2 2006
Velichka Georgieva
Abstract Summary: This paper reports a study of the sorption properties of thin Ta2O5 films to NH3 vapors. The films are deposited using electron beam evaporation. In order to determine the sorption ability of Ta2O5 to NH3, a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) with a thin Ta2O5 film is investigated. The Ta2O5 film is used as a receptor for the NH3 gas. The AT-cut, 14 MHz quartz resonators allow conversion of the additional mass loading that occurs as a result of sorption into a frequency shift. The experiments are carried out by measuring the resonant frequency shift of the QCM to vapors from an aqueous solution of NH3 with different concentrations from 10 to 10,000 ppm. The obtained experimental results indicate that the variations of the resonant frequency are a function of the ammonia concentration and the thickness of the Ta2O5 layer. The process of sorption is found to be reversible. The reported investigation shows that a QCM covered with a thin Ta2O5 layer is sensitive to ammonia vapors at room temperature and is able to detect NH3 concentrations in the investigated range (10,10,000 ppm). Relative change of QCM frequency versus ammonia concentration [source]


Effects of urea treatment of potato pulp and inclusion levels of potato pulp silage in supplements on digestibility and ruminal fermentation in beef steers

ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 6 2007
Masahito SUGIMOTO
ABSTRACT Six Wagyu (Japanese Black) steers fitted with a ruminal cannula were used in a split-plot design experiment comprising a 3 × 3 Latin square design (whole plot) and a randomized blocks design (subplot) to determine the effect of the treatment of potato pulp (PP) with urea and the effect of inclusion levels of PP silage in feed supplement on digestibility, ruminal in situ degradation and ruminal fermentation. The whole plot consisted of 20%, 50% and 80% PP silage (dry matter (DM) basis), with PP silage replacing formula feed. The subplot included untreated or 0.5% (on an as-fed basis) urea-treated PP. The treatment of PP with urea showed no effect on DM intake and digestibility. The percentage of the rapidly degradable DM fraction of the urea-treated PP silage was higher (P < 0.01) and the percentage of its slowly degradable DM fraction was lower (P < 0.01) than for the untreated PP silage. Ruminal ammonia concentration was greater (P < 0.01) for steers fed urea-treated PP silage than that for steers fed the untreated PP silage. The treatment of PP with urea caused a decrease in the molar proportion of acetate and an increase in the proportion of propionate in ruminal fluid after feeding. The rate of DM degradations in hay (linear, P < 0.01) and in PP silage decreased (linear, P < 0.01) as the inclusion level of PP silage increased. Increasing the inclusion level of PP silage in supplement decreased the effective degradability of DM in hay (linear, P < 0.05) and in PP silage (linear, P < 0.05). An increase in the amount of PP silage increased the molar proportion of acetate (linear, P < 0.01) and decreased the butyrate proportion (linear, P < 0.05) in ruminal fluid. The results suggest that urea treatment of PP facilitates microbial access to starch of PP silage in the rumen and that surplus level of PP silage in supplement have adverse effect on ruminal digestion. [source]


Dietary pyridoxine requirement of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian)

AQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 4 2009
W. HE
Abstract In a 80-day feeding trial, a total of 1050 juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) with an average initial weight of 10.71 ± 0.05 g were fed semi-purified diets containing seven graded levels of pyridoxine (0.20, 1.71, 3.23, 4.96, 6.32, 8.58 and 12.39 mg pyridoxine kg,1 diet). Results indicated that with increasing dietary pyridoxine levels up to 4.96 mg kg,1 diet, percent weight gain (PWG) and specific growth rate (SGR) were improved, and no differences were found with further increase of pyridoxine levels. Feed intake also followed the similar pattern to that observed with PWG and SGR when dietary pyridoxine levels were ,6.32 mg kg,1 diet. But feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were not affected by pyridoxine levels. Crude protein of carcass, productive protein value and plasma ammonia concentration were improved with increasing dietary pyridoxine levels up to 4.96 mg kg,1 diet. Amylase activities in the intestine were improved with increasing dietary pyridoxine levels up to 4.96 mg kg,1 diet, but protease and lipase activities in the intestine were not affected by pyridoxine levels. Na+, K+ -ATPase and Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities in proximal intestine, mid intestine (MI) and distal intestine (DI) were lowest when fed the diet containing 1.71 mg pyridoxine kg,1 diet. The alkaline phosphatase activities in MI and DI followed the same pattern. The dietary pyridoxine requirement of juvenile Jian carp based on PWG estimated by broken line model was 6.07 mg pyridoxine kg,1 diet. [source]


Ammonia reduction in seawater by Yucca schidigera extract: efficacy analysis and empirical modelling

AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 8 2010
Roberto A Santacruz-Reyes
Abstract Yucca schidigera is a plant native to southwestern USA and Mexico. Its extract has been used in the livestock industry to control ammonia accumulation in animal holding facilities, and to reduce ammonia concentration in animal excreta. This study investigated the potential and effectiveness of Y. schidigera extract (YUPE) for ammonia reduction in seawater. A dose,response experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different concentrations of YUPE at 0, 18, 36, 72 and 108 mg L,1 on total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) at 1, 3 and 9 mg L,1. At a higher YUPE dosage rate, higher TAN reduction was observed, and TAN reduction was highest during the first 12 h, and decreased thereafter. A stepwise multiple linear regression that included the initial TAN, YUPE concentration and time was developed, which accurately predicted empirical TAN concentrations. Applications of this model for ammonia management strategies were formulated for hypothetical tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) rearing conditions. YUPE's efficacy for ammonia reduction, natural origin and safety make YUPE a potentially suitable compound for water quality management in mariculture. [source]


Effects of dietary protein levels on the growth performance, digestive capacity and amino acid metabolism of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian)

AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 9 2009
Yong Liu
Abstract This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of protein levels on the growth performance, digestive capacity and amino acid metabolism of juvenile Jian carp. Brown fish meal was used as the sole protein source in the present study. Six isoenergetic experimental diets containing 14.4 MJ kg,1 of digestible energy and 220,495 g crude protein kg,1 diets were fed to triplicate groups of 50 fish with a mean initial weight of 16.67 ± 0.01 g for 45 days. Per cent weight gain (PWG) and feed efficiency ratio (FER) improved with an increase in the dietary protein levels up to 330 g kg,1 diet. The condition factor, relative gut length, intestinal folds height, hepatopancreas and intestine protein content improved with an increase in the protein levels up to 330,385 g kg,1 diet. Trypsin, creatinkinase, Na+, K+ -ATPase and alkaline phosphatase activities generally followed the same tendency as that of growth parameters. Amylase and ,-glutamyl transpeptidase (,-GT) activities were negatively correlated with increasing protein levels from 220 to 330 g kg,1 diet, and no differences were found thereafter. Lipase activity was unaffected by protein levels. Lactobacillus amount was increased with protein levels up to 275 g kg,1 diet, while Aeromonas amount followed the opposite pattern. Escherichia coli amount was not influenced by dietary protein levels. Glutamate,oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) activities in the hepatopancreas and plasma ammonia concentration (PAC) were not influenced by protein levels between 220 and 275 g kg,1 diet, but significantly increased with increasing protein levels from 275 to 440 g kg,1 diet, and remained similar thereafter. Glutamate,pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activities significantly increased with protein levels >275 g kg,1 diet. Based on the broken-line model, the dietary protein requirement for PWG of Jian carp (16.7,55.0 g) was estimated to be 341 g kg,1 diet with a digestible energy of 14.4 MJ kg,1 diet. [source]


Effect of settled sludge on dissolved ammonia concentration in tanks used to grow abalone (Haliotis midae L.) fed a formulated diet

AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009
Rowan D Yearsley
Abstract The relative contribution that solid waste or ,sludge', which accumulates at the bottom of abalone (Haliotis midae L.) tanks, makes to dissolved ammonia has not been established. Sludge was allowed to accumulate in 10 fully stocked abalone tanks, fed a formulated feed (Abfeed®; Marifeed, South Africa), for 24 days. Sludge was subsequently siphoned from five of these tanks. Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) production and toxic, free ammonia nitrogen (FAN) were recorded in the tanks from which sludge was removed and compared with those from which sludge was not removed over the subsequent 50 h. Tanks with neither abalone nor sludge present were used as a control. The mean production of TAN (±standard deviation) was an average of 44% higher in tanks from which sludge was not removed compared with those from which it was, indicating that the sludge was a significant contributor to dissolved ammonia in the tanks. The toxic FAN concentrations were correspondingly higher in tanks with sludge present (2.3±0.3 ,L,1) compared with cleaned tanks (1.9±0.1 ,L,1). Our results indicate that regular removal of sludge from abalone tanks should significantly reduce the dissolved ammonia levels, thereby improving water quality in the culture environment. [source]


Nitrogen budget for a low salinity, zero-water exchange culture system: I. Effect of dietary protein level on the performance of Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone)

AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 8 2007
Mayra L. González-Félix
Abstract A 4-week study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different dietary protein levels (25%, 30%, 35% and 40%) on the growth and survival of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei raised in a low salinity (4.6 g L,1), zero-water exchange culture system, as well as on the nitrogen budget and ammonia efflux rate. No significant differences were observed among the dietary treatments for final weight, weight gain or survival of shrimp, although the best performance was observed in the 25% protein treatment group. Both weight and survival decreased as the dietary protein increased. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the ammonia concentration among dietary treatments during the first 2 weeks of the experiment. The highest concentration was measured in the 40% dietary protein treatment (5.88 mg NH4-N L,1). The nitrogen budget showed that the nitrogen loss increased as the dietary protein increased under the experimental conditions; the largest amount of nitrogen recovered as shrimp biomass (42.9%) was in the 25% protein treatment group, and the largest amount of unaccounted nitrogen (39.5%) was in the 40% protein treatment. Under these conditions, utilization of low-protein diets resulted in better performance, presumably because they provided more carbon for heterotrophic bacteria and reduced the nitrogen loading of the system. [source]


Modeling the partial nitrification in sequencing batch reactor for biomass adapted to high ammonia concentrations

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 1 2006
V. Pambrun
Abstract Partial nitrification has proven to be an economic way for treatment of industrial N-rich effluent, reducing oxygen and external COD requirements during nitrification/denitrification process. One of the key issues of this system is the intermediate nitrite accumulation stability. This work presents a control strategy and a modeling tool for maintaining nitrite build-up. Partial nitrification process has been carried out in a sequencing batch reactor at 30°C, maintaining strong changing ammonia concentration in the reactor (sequencing feed). Stable nitrite accumulation has been obtained with the help of an on-line oxygen uptake rate (OUR)-based control system, with removal rate of 2 kg NH -N,·,m,3/day and 90%,95% of conversion of ammonium into nitrite. A mathematical model, identified through the occurring biological reactions, is proposed to optimize the process (preventing nitrate production). Most of the kinetic parameters have been estimated from specific respirometric tests on biomass and validated on pilot-scale experiments of one-cycle duration. Comparison of dynamic data at different pH confirms that NH3 and NO should be considered as the true substrate of nitritation and nitratation, respectively. The proposed model represents major features: the inhibition of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria by its substrate (NH3) and product (HNO2), the inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria by free ammonia (NH3), the INFluence of pH. It appears that the model correctly describes the short-term dynamics of nitrogenous compounds in SBR, when both ammonia oxidizers and nitrite oxidizers are present and active in the reactor. The model proposed represents a useful tool for process design and optimization. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


The Interaction of Heteroaryl-Acrylates and Alanines with Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase from Parsley

CHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 10 2006
Csaba Paizs Dr.
Abstract Acrylic acids and alanines substituted with heteroaryl groups at the ,-position were synthesized and spectroscopically characterized (UV, HRMS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy). The heteroaryl groups were furanyl, thiophenyl, benzofuranyl, and benzothiophenyl and contained the alanyl side chains either at the 2- or 3-positions. While the former are good substrates for phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), the latter compounds are inhibitors. Exceptions are thiophen-3-yl-alanine, a moderate substrate and furan-3-yl-alanine, which is inert. Possible reasons for these exceptions are discussed. Starting from racemic heteroaryl-2-alanines their D -enantiomers were prepared by using a stereodestructive procedure. From the heteroaryl-2-acrylates, the L -enantiomers of the heteroaryl-2-alanines were prepared at high ammonia concentration. These results can be best explained by a Friedel,Crafts-type electrophilic attack at the aromatic part of the substrates as the initial step of the PAL reaction. [source]


Application of toxicity identification evaluation to sediment in a highly contaminated water reservoir in southeastern Brazil

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2006
Rosalina P. A. Araújo
Abstract Rasgăo Reservoir, located close to the Metropolitan region of Săo Paulo, Brazil, has been analyzed previously, and its sediment was found to be highly toxic, with high levels of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and a complete absence of benthic life. Polychlorinated biphenyls also were present, as was mutagenic activity, detected with the Salmonella/microsome assay. Because of the extremely complex mixture of contaminants in these sediments, a toxicity identification evaluation was performed on the pore water and elutriate using Ceriodaphnia dubia and Vibrio fischeri. Toxicity characterization, identification, and confirmation procedures were performed in one representative sample of the reservoir, and the results indicated that ammonia was the main cause of the toxicity detected with C. dubia in both sediment pore water and elutriate. Chemical analysis corroborated this observation by revealing un-ionized ammonia concentrations as high as 5.14 mg/L in pore water and 2.06 mg/L in elutriate. These high ammonia levels masked possible toxicity caused by other classes of compounds. The toxicity detected with V. fischeri decreased with the time of sample storage and was related to the organic fraction of the pore water and the elutriate, in which compounds such as benzothiazole and nonylphenol were detected. [source]


Evaluation of methods to remove ammonia interference in marine sediment toxicity tests,

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2000
James A. Ferretti
Abstract Ammonia naturally accumulates to high concentrations in nonsurficial marine sediments. It can also interfere and confound interpretation of toxicity from persistent anthropogenic chemicals in tests with laboratory amphipods. Renewal of overlying water has become a standardized procedure to decrease pore-water ammonia. Our objective was to propose an alternative technique for decreasing pore-water ammonia concentrations. Sediment samples with ammonia concentrations of 70 and 155 mg/L were purged of toxic concentrations in pore-water ammonia using the existing procedure of performing two renewals of overlying water per day. A thin-layer technique, which involved increasing the sediment surface area during the purging period, decreased the ammonia concentration by as much as 4.5-fold faster than the conventional purging protocol. Minimal decreases in concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and total organic carbon were found among all the purging techniques. Toxicity tests with the marine amphipod Ampelisca abdita suggest that minimizing the time required to purge a sediment of ammonia is critical in maintaining the integrity of the sample. The thin-layer purging technique appears to be an effective method of decreasing pore-water ammonia concentrations in sediments before laboratory toxicity testing with amphipods. [source]


The influence of synthetic sheep urine on ammonia oxidizing bacterial communities in grassland soil

FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2006
Shahid Mahmood
Abstract In grazed, grassland soils, sheep urine generates heterogeneity in ammonia concentrations, with potential impact on ammonia oxidizer community structure and soil N cycling. The influence of different levels of synthetic sheep urine on ammonia oxidizers was studied in grassland soil microcosms. ,Total' and active ammonia oxidizers were distinguished by comparing denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles following PCR and RT-PCR amplification of 16S rRNA gene fragments, targeting DNA and RNA, respectively. The RNA-based approach indicated earlier, more reproducible and finer scale qualitative shifts in ammonia oxidizing communities than DNA-based analysis, but led to amplification of a small number of nonammonia oxidizer sequences. Qualitative changes in RNA-derived DGGE profiles were related to changes in nitrate accumulation. Sequence analysis of excised DGGE bands revealed that ammonia oxidizing communities in synthetic sheep urine-treated soils consisted mainly of Nitrosospira clusters 2, 3 and 4. Nitrosospira cluster 2 increased in relative abundance in microcosms treated with all levels of synthetic sheep urine. Low levels additionally led to increased relative abundance of Nitrosospira cluster 4 and medium and high levels increased relative abundance of cluster 3. Synthetic sheep urine is therefore likely to influence the spatial distribution and composition of ammonia oxidizer communities, with consequent effects on nitrate accumulation. [source]


Electrolytic removal of ammonia from brine wastewater: scale-up, operation and pilot-scale evaluation

JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2004
Catalino G Alfafara
Abstract Brine wastewater with a high ammonia content from an iodine processing plant (commonly called kansui in Japan) was treated by electrolysis. The system, which can be considered as an indirect electrolytic treatment process, generates chlorine at the anodes and initiates the formation of mixed oxidants like hypochlorous acid. The oxidants then act as agents for ammonia destruction. Laboratory-scale experiments showed that high ammonia concentrations (as much as 200 mg dm,3) could be completely removed within a few minutes, and could be considered a good alternative for efficient ammonia removal from saline wastewaters. From laboratory-scale experiments in the batch and continuous modes, the charge dose was analyzed and used as the operating and scale-up factor. The value of the charge dose was not severely affected by changes in operating conditions such as electrode spacing and temperature. The charge dose from batch and continuous runs was found to be in the range of 23 C (mg NH4 -N removed),1 to 29 C (mg NH4 -N removed),1. Using the charge dose obtained from laboratory-scale continuous electrolysis experiments as the scale-up factor, a pilot-scale reactor was designed, and the operating conditions were calculated. In the pilot-scale reactor tests at different flow rates, the effluent ammonia concentrations were reasonably close to the calculated values predicted from the charge dose equation. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Impact of Copper Sulfate on Plankton in Channel Catfish Nursery Ponds

JOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 1 2009
Charles C. Mischke
Many fish culturists are interested in applying copper sulfate pentahydrate (CSP) to channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, nursery ponds as a prophylactic treatment for trematode infection and proliferative gill disease by killing snails and Dero sp., respectively, before stocking fry. However, copper is an algaecide and may adversely affect phytoplankton and zooplankton populations. We evaluated the effects of prophylactic use of copper sulfate in catfish nursery ponds on water quality and phytoplankton and zooplankton populations. In 2006, treatments of 0 mg/L CSP, 3 mg/L CSP (0.77 mg/L Cu), and 6 mg/L CSP (1.54 mg/L Cu) were randomly assigned to 0.04-ha ponds. In 2007, only treatments of 0 and 3 mg/L CSP were randomly assigned to the 16 ponds. Ponds treated with CSP had significantly higher pH and significantly lower total ammonia concentrations. Treatment of both CSP rates increased total algal concentrations but reduced desirable zooplankton groups for catfish culture. CSP has been shown to be effective in reducing snail populations at the rate used in this study. CSP treatment also appears to be beneficial to the algal bloom, shifting the algal population to green algae and increasing total algal biomass within 1 wk after CSP treatment. Although zooplankton populations were adversely affected, populations of important zooplankton to catfish fry began rebounding 6,12 d after CSP treatment. Therefore, if CSP is used to treat catfish fry ponds of similar water composition used in this study, fry should not be stocked for about 2 wk after CSP application to allow time for the desirable zooplankton densities to begin increasing. [source]