In this paper, the production of biomass, pigments, lipids, and carbohydrates and the elimination of ammonium and orthophosphate by the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, grown in synthetic wastewater (SWW), were studied under different light intensities (3000–10,000 lux), pH (7.5–9.5) and daily illumination time (8–16 h). The best conditions for the autotrophic culture of microalgae were predicted using response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that the adaptation of the microalgae for this nutrient source was effective. The best conditions for the cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris in SWW were 8.44 pH and a light intensity of 8433 lux in the daily illumination time of 16 h. Under optimal conditions, the production of microalgal biomass, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, carotenoids, lipids and carbohydrates was 0.534 g/L, 7.46 mg/mL, 3.53 mg/mL, 2.01 mg/mL, 21.40% and 28.46%, respectively. The removal efficiencies of ammonium and orthophosphate from SWW were 97.66% and 58.78% in autotrophic cultures. This investigation introduces a new aspect by verifying the optimized cultivation conditions with real municipal wastewater, indicating that the procedure could be utilized for sustainable production of bioproducts and efficient treatment of municipal wastewater.
A new Mexican leafhopper species, Amblysellus ravgozai sp. nov., is described and illustrated from western Mexico. Specimens were collected over perennial grasses. A key for all recognized species within the country is provided.
Resumen. Abundancia de Diaphorina citri1 en el dosel de árboles de limón persa El psílido asiático de los cítricos (ACP), Diaphorina citri, es la plaga más importante de los cítricos a nivel mundial. La implementación de una estrategia exitosa para manejar esta plaga requiere la evaluación de su distribución a lo largo de los árboles, incluyendo el suelo bajo el dosel. También es crítico determinar su abundancia si el ACP está presente. Se utilizaron dos trampas adhesivas amarillas por árbol para monitorear el ACP en 10 árboles de lima persa (Citrus latifolia). Una trampa estaba a 1.5 m sobre el suelo en el medio dosel, mientras que la segunda estaba a 30 cm sobre el suelo. Se realizó una prueba estadística de Chi-cuadrado para evaluar las diferencias en la abundancia total de ambas posiciones. Las trampas adhesivas amarillas en el suelo capturaron ACP, aunque hubo una mayor abundancia total en la mitad del dosel. Se capturaron más especímenes de ACP a ambas alturas en junio. Estos hallazgos podrían ayudar a los productores de cítricos a controlar el ACP.
This study investigated the efficacy of agave bagasse biochar and zeolite as filter materials for the removal of boron from water using a continuous flow column system. Experiments were conducted with varying initial boron concentrations and contact times. The results showed moderate boron removal capabilities, with agave biochar slightly outperforming zeolite. Maximum removal percentages of 29.31% for zeolite and 33.12% for agave biochar were achieved at the lowest initial boron concentration. Factorial analysis revealed significant effects of concentration, contact time, and column material on boron removal, with contact time having the largest impact. The interaction between concentration and column material suggests the potential for optimization. While removal percentages were lower compared to some chemically modified materials, the use of low-cost, natural filter media offers sustainability advantages. These materials show promise for treating water with lower boron levels or as part of a multi-step treatment process. Future research should focus on optimizing experimental conditions and exploring material modifications to enhance boron removal efficiency.
Background: Agave species, native to Mexico, have been historically used for food, medicine, fiber, and ceremonial purposes, and are now the basis of economically important products such as tequila and mezcal. However, agave cultivation must deal with multiple biotic and abiotic factors, with weeds reducing yield and crop vigor. Objective: This study aimed to identify and compare the weed species associated with agave crops under organic and conventional systems across different agroecological zones of Jalisco, Mexico. Methods: Between 2023-2024, [...] Background: Agave species, native to Mexico, have been historically used for food, medicine, fiber, and ceremonial purposes, and are now the basis of economically important products such as tequila and mezcal. However, agave cultivation must deal with multiple biotic and abiotic factors, with weeds reducing yield and crop vigor. Objective: This study aimed to identify and compare the weed species associated with agave crops under organic and conventional systems across different agroecological zones of Jalisco, Mexico. Methods: Between 2023-2024,