Drin pesticides removal from aqueous solutions using acid-treated date stones

This work describes the potential applicability of chemically and thermally treated date stones for removing drin pesticides (aldrin, dieldrin and endrin) from aqueous solutions. The effect of several parameters, such as sorbent particle size, adsorbent dose, shaking speed, shaking time, concentration of pesticide solution and temperature, was evaluated by batch experiments. Pesticide determination was carried out using stir bar sorptive extraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy. Maximum removal efficiency (93%) was reached using 0.1 g of acid-treated date stones (ATDS) (63–100 μm) and 100 mL of aldrin (0.5 mg L⁻¹). The removal efficiency of drin pesticides decreased in the order of aldrin, dieldrin and endrin, and decreased as the temperature rose. Adsorption data were processed according to various kinetic models. Lagergren and Morris-Weber equations were applied to fit the kinetic results. The second order model was the most suitable on the whole, and intra-particle diffusion was found to be the rate-controlling the adsorption process. According to adsorption kinetic data, 3.5 h were considered as the equilibrium time for determining adsorption isotherms. Adsorption data were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich adsorption approaches. Experimental results showed that the Freundlich isotherm model best described the adsorption process. In addition, thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH, ΔS and ΔG were calculated. Negative values of ΔH and ΔG indicate the exothermic and spontaneous nature of pesticide adsorption on ATDS.     

Adsorptive removal of Pb(II) by activated carbon prepared from Spartina alterniflora: Equilibrium,kinetics and thermodynamics

Low-cost activated carbon was prepared from Spartina alterniflora by phosphoric acid activation for the removal of Pb(II) from dilute aqueous solution. The effect of experimental parameters such as pH, initial concentration, contact time and temperature on the adsorption was studied. The obtained data were fitted with the Langmuir and Freundlich equations to describe the equilibrium isotherms. The kinetic data were fitted with the Lagergren-first-order, pseudo-second-order and Elovich models. It was found that pH played a major role in the adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity for Pb(II) on S. alterniflora activated carbon (SAAC) calculated from Langmuir isotherm was more than 99 mg g⁻¹. The optimum pH range for the removal of Pb(II) was 4.8–5.6. The Freundlich isotherm model was found to best describe the experimental data. The kinetic rates were best fitted to the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic study showed the adsorption was a spontaneous exothermic process.     

Performance of durian shell waste as high capacity biosorbent for Cr(VI) removal from synthetic wastewater

The capability of durian shell waste biomass as a novel and potential biosorbent for Cr(VI) removal from synthetic wastewater was studied. The adsorption study was performed in batch mode at different temperatures and pH. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models fit the equilibrium data very well (R² > 0.99). The maximum biosorption capacity of durian shell was 117 mg/g. On modeling its kinetic experimental data, the pseudo-first order prevails over the pseudo-second order model. Thermodynamically, the characteristic of Cr-biosorption process onto durian shell surface was spontaneous, irreversible and endothermic.     

Influence of organic matter and solute concentration on nitrate sorption in batch and diffusion-cell experiments

Nitrate sorption potentials of three surface soils (soils-1-3) were evaluated under different solute concentrations, i.e. 1-100 mg L⁻¹. Batch and diffusion-cell adsorption experiments were conducted to delineate the diffusion property and maximum specific nitrate adsorption capacity (MSNAC) of the soils. Ho’s pseudo-second order model well fitted the batch adsorption kinetics data (R² > 0.99). Subsequently, the MSNAC was estimated using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms; however, the best-fit was obtained with Langmuir isotherm. Interestingly, the batch adsorption experiments over-estimated the MSNAC of the soils compared with the diffusion-cell tests. On the other hand, a proportionate increase in the MSNAC was observed with the increase in soil organic matter content (OM) under the batch and diffusion-cell tests. Therefore, increasing the soil OM by the application of natural compost could stop nitrate leaching from agricultural fields and also increase the fertility of soil.     

Adsorption of Victoria blue by carbon/Ba/alginate beads: Kinetics,thermodynamics and isotherm studies

The kinetic, thermodynamic and isotherm modeling studies were carried out on adsorptive removal of Victoria blue (VB) dye using activated carbon, Ba/alginate and modified carbon/Ba/alginate polymer beads. The feasibility of sorption process was determined by varying the experimental parameters viz., dye concentration (4–20 mg L⁻¹), contact time (10–90 min), pH (3–10), adsorbent dose (0.5–2.5 g) and temperature (303–343 K). Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were determined and ascertained with the dimensionless separation factor (R_L). Lagergren's pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion model equations were used to analyze the kinetics of the adsorption process. The thermodynamic consistency of adsorption was found with Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), changes in enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) were calculated using the Van’t Hoff plot. The polymer beads were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and their morphology was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Improved adsorption of cadmium ions from aqueous solution using chemically modified apple pomace: Mechanism,kinetics, and thermodynamics

Apple pomace (AP), before and after chemical modification (CM), was assessed for the removal of cadmium (Cd²⁺) ions from aqueous solution by equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics studies. The chemical modification of AP was done with succinic anhydride by a simple ring opening mechanism for providing a large surface area for cadmium adsorption. The surface area of chemically modified apple pomace (CMAP) increased about 18% after the treatment. The amount of CMAP required for cadmium removal was 50 times less than the unmodified AP. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation was found to be more suitable for the AP and CMAP adsorption experimental data with a correlation coefficient of r² = 0.99 than was the Freundlich isotherm. The FTIR spectra of CMAP, with or without cadmium loading, indicated that ester (–COO), carboxyl (–CO), and amine (–NH₂) groups were involved in the cadmium adsorption mechanism. The adsorption of cadmium ions onto AP and CMAP followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The ΔG^° value, at different temperatures, was calculated by applying the Van't Hoff equation and found to be negative, indicating that the reaction is spontaneous in nature. The value of ΔH^° indicated that the adsorption was exothermic (−6.93 KJ mol⁻¹) and endothermic (3.171 KJ mol⁻¹) for AP and CMAP, respectively. CMAP could be reutilized for up to three cycles with a removal efficiency of 76.6%, while AP efficiency lessened significantly after a single cycle.     

Thermodynamic and kinetic studies for environmentaly friendly Ni(II) biosorption using waste pomace of olive oil factory

The objective of this study is to assess the environmentaly friendly Ni(II) adsorption from synthetic wastewater using waste pomace of olive oil factory (WPOOF). Batch kinetic studies were performed in order to investigate the adsorbent and adsorbate dose, solution pH, agitating speed and temperature. The maximum Ni(II) adsorption was obtained at pH 4.0. The equilibrium nature of Ni(II) adsorption at different temperature was described by the Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin isotherms. The equilibrium data fit well the Temkin and Langmuir isotherm. The monolayer adsorption capacities of WPOOF as obtained from Langmuir isotherm at 60 °C was found to be 14.80 mg/g. The adsorption mechanism was examined by the FTIR technique. The results of the thermodynamic investigations indicated that the adsorption reactions were spontaneous (ΔG < 0), slightly endothermic (ΔH > 0) and irreversible (ΔS > 0). The pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion kinetic models were used to describe the kinetic data.     

Measuring the antioxidant capacity of blood plasma using potentiometry

The use of potentiometry to measure plasma antioxidant capacity to contribute to oxidative stress evaluation is presented. In this assay, plasma (n = 60) diluted (0.3 to 1 ml) in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, NaCl 9%, was submitted to potentiometry. A platinum wire was the working electrode and saturated calomel the reference. The results are presented as the difference between sample and buffer potential (ΔE). ΔE presented a good inverse correlation with added increasing concentrations of ascorbate (2.5−75 μmol/L; R = −0.99), urate (9.0−150 μmol/L; R = −0.99), and bilirubin (0.78−13 μmol/L; R = −0.99). Increase in the antioxidant capacity decreased ΔE. Depletion of the antioxidant capacity by tert-butylhydroperoxide (6.5−50 μmol/L) presented a direct correlation (0.97) with ΔE. Furthermore, ΔE presented an inverse correlation (R = −0.99) with increased antioxidant capacity of plasma (FRAP) induced by the addition of ascorbate (2.5−75 μmol/L). The response of the potentiometric method proved be adequate for measuring the plasma antioxidant depletion induced by acute exhaustive exercise in rats (control, n = 15; exercised, n = 15). This exercise decreased the concentration of urate (p < 0.05), decreased FRAP (p < 0.5), increased TBARS (p < 0.5), and decreased the potentiometer sensor response (p = 6.5 × 10⁻³). These results demonstrate the adequacy of potentiometry for evaluating the antioxidant capacity of blood plasma samples.     

Synthesis of γ-cyclodextrin/chitosan composites for the efficient removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution

The synthesis of chitosan-graft-γ-cyclodextrin (Ch-g-γ-CD) using persulfate/ascorbic acid redox system was done and characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA and SEM/EDX. The optimum yield of the copolymer was obtained using 16 × 10⁻³ M γ-cyclodextrins (γ-CD), 2.8 × 10⁻² M ascorbic acid (AA), 1.8 × 10⁻² M K₂S₂O₈ and 0.1 g chitosan in 25 mL of 2% aqueous formic acid at 45 ± 0.2 °C. The highest percent grafting samples were evaluated for cadmium metal ion (Cd(II)) removal from the aqueous solutions where the sorption capacities were found proportional to the grafting extent. The sorption was pH and concentration dependent where, pH = 8.5 was found to be the optimum value. The adsorption data were modeled using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The equilibrium data followed the Langmuir isotherm model with maximum sorption capacity of 833.33 mg/g. The influence of electrolytes, sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄) on Cd(II) uptake was also studied. Desorption of the cadmium loaded Ch-g-γ-CD was accomplished with 0.01 N H₂SO₄. The adsorbent exhibited high reusability and could be successfully recycled for nine cycles where in the ninth cycle 27% adsorption was feasible.     

Adsorption Optimization of Lead (II) Using Saccharum Bengalense as a Non-Conventional Low Cost Biosorbent: Isotherm and Thermodynamics Modeling

In the present study a novel biomass, derived from the pulp of Saccharum bengalense, was used as an adsorbent material for the removal of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solution. After 50 minutes contact time, almost 92% lead removal was possible at pH 6.0 under batch test conditions. The experimental data was analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Timken and Dubinin-Radushkevich two parameters isotherm model, three parameters Redlich—Peterson, Sip and Toth models and four parameters Fritz Schlunder isotherm models. Langmuir, Redlich—Peterson and Fritz-Schlunder models were found to be the best fit models. Kinetic studies revealed that the sorption process was well explained with pseudo second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic parameters including free energy change (ΔG°), enthalpy change (ΔH°) and entropy change (ΔS°) have been calculated and reveal the spontaneous, endothermic and feasible nature of the adsorption process. The thermodynamic parameters of activation (ΔG ^#, ΔH ^#and ΔS ^#) were calculated from the pseudo-second order rate constant by using the Eyring equation. Results showed that Pb (II) adsorption onto SB is an associated mechanism and the reorientation step is entropy controlled.     

Further evidence for the contribution of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene in coronary artery disease susceptibility

Coronary artery disease (CAD) receives intensive attentions in the research of cardiovascular diseases, due to its high incidence and severe impact on the quality of life vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic and vascular permeability factor, has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of CAD. Genetic markers in different regions of the VEGF gene have a plausible role in modulating the risk of CAD. To identify the markers contributing to the genetic susceptibility to CAD, we examined the potential association between CAD and 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, rs699947, rs1570360, rs2010963, rs833068, rs3024997, rs3025000, rs3025010, rs3025020, rs3025030, rs3025039) of the VEGF gene using the MassARRAY system. Participants included 242 CAD patients and 253 healthy controls from a Chinese Han Population (He'nan Province, China). The allelic or genotypic frequencies of the rs699947 (5′ untranslated regions, 5′UTR) and rs2010963 (5′UTR) polymorphisms in the CAD patients were significantly different from those in the healthy controls. The CAD patients had significantly higher frequency of the rs699947 A allele (χ² = 11.141, P = 0.001, OR = 1.665, 95% CI = 1.232–2.250) and rs2010963 C allele (χ² = 13.593, P = 0.0002, OR = 1.611, 95% CI = 1.249–2.077). Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed in the rs699947–rs1570360–rs2010963 haplotype block (D’ > 0.9). Significantly more C–G–C haplotypes (P = 0.040) and significantly fewer C–G–G haplotypes (P = 0.0004) were found in the CAD patients. The possible association of rs699947 and rs2010963 with CAD risks warrant confirmation in independent case–control studies and may be informative for future investigations on the pathogenesis of CAD.     

Biosorption of three textile dyes from contaminated water by filamentous green algal Spirogyra sp.: Kinetic,isotherm and thermodynamic studies

A freshwater filamentous green alga Spirogyra sp. was used as an inexpensive and efficient biosorbent for the removal of C.I. Acid Orange 7 (AO7), C.I. Basic Red 46 (BR46) and C.I. Basic Blue 3 (BB3) dyes from contaminated water. The effects of various physico–chemical parameters on dye removal efficiency were investigated, e.g. contact time, pH, initial dyes concentration, the amount of alga, temperature and biosorbent particle size. Dyes biosorption was a quick process and reactions reached to equilibrium conditions within 60 min. The biosorption capacity of three dyes onto alga was found in the following order: BR46 > BB3> AO7. The values of thermodynamic parameters, including ΔG, ΔH and ΔS, indicated that the biosorption of the dyes on the dried Spirogyra sp. biomass was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic. The pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and the intraparticle diffusion models were applied to the experimental data in order to kinetically describe the removal mechanism of dyes, with the second one showing the best fit with the experimental kinetic biosorption data (R² = 0.99). It was also found that the adsorption process followed the Freundlich isotherm model with the highest value of correlation coefficients (0.99) and the biosorption capacity being estimated to be 13.2, 12.2 and 6.2 mg g⁻¹ for BR46, BB3 and AO7, respectively.     

Adsorption of lead(II) from aqueous solution onto Hydrilla verticillata

The adsorption of Pb(II) onto Hydrilla verticillata was examined in aqueous solution with parameters of pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time and temperature. The linear Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to describe equilibrium isotherms, and both models fitted well. The monolayer adsorption capacity of Pb(II) was found as 104.2 mg/g at pH 4 and 25°C. Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherm model was also applied to the equilibrium data. The mean free energy of adsorption (15.81 kJ/mol) indicated that the adsorption of Pb(II) onto H. verticillata may be carried out via chemical ion-exchange mechanism. Thermodynamic parameters, free energy (ΔG ⁰), enthalpy (ΔH ⁰) and entropy (ΔS ⁰) of adsorption were also calculated. These parameters showed that the adsorption of Pb(II) onto H. verticillata was a feasible, spontaneous and exothermic process in nature. The influence of Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ on adsorption of Pb²⁺ onto H. verticillata was studied, too. In the investigated range of operating conditions, it was found that the existence of Cd ²⁺, Cu ²⁺ and Ni ²⁺ had no impact on the adsorption of Pb²⁺.     

Description of Tropicibacter mediterraneus sp. nov. and Tropicibacter litoreus sp. nov.

Four strains (M15∅_3, M17^T, M49 and R37^T) were isolated from Mediterranean seawater at Malvarrosa beach, Valencia, Spain. Together with an older preserved isolate (strain 2OM6) from cultured oysters at Vinaroz, Castellón, Spain, the strains were thoroughly characterized in a polyphasic study and were placed phylogenetically within the Roseobacter clade in the family Rhodobacteraceae. Highest 16S rRNA sequence similarities of the five strains to the types of any established species corresponded to Tropicibacter multivorans (95.8–96.4%), Phaeobacter inhibens (95.9–96.3%) and Phaeobacter gallaeciensis (95.9–96.2%). On the other hand, whole genome (ANI) and protein fingerprinting (MALDI-TOF) data proved: (i) non clonality among the strains, and (ii) the existence of two genospecies, one consisting of strains M15∅_3, M17^T, M49 and 2OM6 and another one consisting of strain R37^T. Phenotypic traits determined allow differentiating both genospecies from each other and from closely related taxa. In view of all data collected we propose to accommodate these isolates in two species as members of the genus Tropicibacter, Tropicibacter mediterraneus sp. nov. (type strain M17^T = CECT 7615^T = KCTC 23058^T) and Tropicibacter litoreus sp. nov. (type strain R37^T = CECT 7639^T = KCTC 23353^T).     

Hexavalent chromium removal from aqueous solution by adsorption on treated sawdust

The studies on adsorption of hexavalent chromium were conducted by varying various parameters such as contact time, pH, amount of adsorbent, concentration of adsorbate and temperature. The kinetics of adsorption of Cr(VI) ion followed pseudo second order. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was employed in order to evaluate the optimum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent. The adsorption capacity was found to be pH dependant. Sawdust was found to be very effective and reached equilibrium in 3 h (adsorbate concentration 30 mg l⁻¹). The rate constant has been calculated at 303, 308, 313 and 318 K and the activation energy (E_a) was calculated using the Arrhenius equation. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard Gibbs energy (ΔG°) and heat of adsorption (ΔH_r) were calculated. The ΔG° and ΔH_r values for Cr(VI) adsorption on the sawdust showed the process to be exothermic in nature. The percentage of adsorption increased with decrease in pH and showed maximum removal of Cr(VI) in the pH range 4.5–6.5 for an initial concentration of 5 mg l⁻¹.     

A new chitosan biopolymer derivative as metal-complexing agent: synthesis, characterization, and metal(II) ion adsorption studies

In this study, a new chitosan biopolymer derivative (CTSL) has been synthesized by anchoring a new vanillin-based complexing agent or ligand, namely 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl] benzaldehyde, (L) with chitosan (CTS) by means of condensation. The new material was characterized by elemental (CHN), spectral (FTIR and solid state ¹³C NMR), thermal (TG-DTA and DSC), structural (powder XRD), and morphological (SEM) analyses. The CTSL was employed to study the equilibrium adsorption of various metal ions, namely, Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II), as functions of pH of the solutions. Its kinetics of adsorption was evaluated utilizing the pseudo first order and pseudo second order equation models and the equilibrium data were analyzed by Langmuir isotherm model. The CTSL shows good adsorption capacity for metal ions studied in the order Cu(II) > Ni(II) > Cd(II) ? Co ? Mn(II) > Fe(II) > Pb(II) in all studied pH ranges due to the presence of many coordinating moieties present in it.     

The RTK/ERK pathway is associated with prostate cancer risk on the SNP level: A pooled analysis of 41 sets of data from case–control studies

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a malignant disease influencing numerous men worldwide every year. However, the exact pathogenesis and the genes, environment, and other factors involved have not been explained clearly. Some studies have proposed that cell signaling pathways might play a key role in the development and progression of PCa. According to our previous study, the RTK/ERK pathway containing nearly 40 genes was associated with PCa risk. On the basis of these genes, we conducted a meta-analysis with our own Chinese Consortium for Prostate Cancer Genetics (ChinaPCa) study and available studies in the databases to describe the association between the pathway and PCa on the SNP level. The results suggested that rs4764695/IGF1 (recessive model: pooled OR = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.852–0.994, P = 0.034; I² = 0%, P = 0.042; allele analysis: pooled OR = 0.915, 95%CI = 0.874–0.958, P = 0; I² = 0%, P = 0.424; codominant model: OR = 0.835, 95%CI = 0.762–0.916, P = 0; I² = 0%, P = 0.684) and rs1570360/VEGF (recessive model: OR = 0.596, 95%CI = 0.421–0.843, P = 0.003; I² = 23.9%, P = 0.269; codominant model: OR = 0.576, 95%CI = 0.404–0.820, P = 0.002; I² = 49.1%, P = 0.140) were significantly associated with PCa. In subgroup analysis, the relationship was also found in Caucasians for IGF1 (dominant model: OR = 0.834, 95%CI = 0.769–0.904, P = 0; allele analysis: OR = 0.908, 95%CI = 0.863–0.955, P = 0; AA vs CC: OR = 0.829, 95%CI = 0.750–0.916, P = 0; AC vs CC: OR = 0.837, 95%CI = 0.768–0.912, P = 0). In addition, in Asians (allele analysis: OR = 0.21, 95%CI = 0.168–0.262, P = 0) and Caucasians (recessive model: OR = 0.453, 95%CI: 0.240–0.855, P = 0.015; codominant model: OR = 0.464, 95%CI = 0.240–0.898, P = 0.023) for VEGF, the association was significant. The results indicated that rs4764695/IGF1 and rs1570360/VEGF might play a key role in the development and progression of PCa. On the SNP level, we suggest that the study gives us a new view of gene-pathway analysis and targeted therapy for PCa.     

Determination of thermal properties of composting bulking materials

Thermal properties of compost bulking materials affect temperature and biodegradation during the composting process. Well determined thermal properties of compost feedstocks will therefore contribute to practical thermodynamic approaches. Thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and volumetric heat capacity of 12 compost bulking materials were determined in this study. Thermal properties were determined at varying bulk densities (1, 1.3, 1.7, 2.5, and 5 times uncompacted bulk density), particle sizes (ground and bulk), and water contents (0, 20, 50, 80% of water holding capacity and saturated condition). For the water content at 80% of water holding capacity, saw dust, soil compost blend, beef manure, and turkey litter showed the highest thermal conductivity (K) and volumetric heat capacity (C) (K: 0.12–0.81 W/m °C and C: 1.36–4.08 MJ/m³ °C). Silage showed medium values at the same water content (K: 0.09–0.47 W/m °C and C: 0.93–3.09 MJ/m³ °C). Wheat straw, oat straw, soybean straw, cornstalks, alfalfa hay, and wood shavings produced the lowest K and C values (K: 0.03–0.30 W/m °C and C: 0.26–3.45 MJ/m³ °C). Thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity showed a linear relationship with moisture content and bulk density, while thermal diffusivity showed a nonlinear relationship. Since the water, air, and solid materials have their own specific thermal property values, thermal properties of compost bulking materials vary with the rate of those three components by changing water content, bulk density, and particle size. The degree of saturation was used to represent the interaction between volumes of water, air, and solids under the various combinations of moisture content, bulk density, and particle size. The first order regression models developed in this paper represent the relationship between degree of saturation and volumetric heat capacity (r = 0.95–0.99) and thermal conductivity (r = 0.84–0.99) well. Improved knowledge of the thermal properties of compost bulking materials can contribute to improved thermodynamic modeling and heat management of composting processes.     

Assessing amendment properties of digestate by studying the organic matter composition and the degree of biological stability during the anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of MSW

The transformation of organic matter during anaerobic digestion of mixtures of energetic crops, cow slurry, agro-industrial waste and organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was studied by analysing different samples at diverse points during the anaerobic digestion process in a full-scale plant. Both chemical (fiber analysis) and spectroscopic approaches (¹³C CPMAS NMR) indicated the anaerobic digestion process proceeded by degradation of more labile fraction (e.g. carbohydrate-like molecules) and concentration of more recalcitrant molecules (lignin and non-hydrolysable lipids). These modifications determined a higher degree of biological stability of digestate with respect to the starting mixture, as suggested, also, by the good correlations found between the cumulative oxygen uptake (OD₂₀), and the sum of (cellulose + hemicellulose + cell soluble) contents of biomasses detected by fiber analysis (r = 0.99; P < 0.05), and both O–alkyl-C (r = 0.98; P < 0.05) and alkyl-C (r = −0.99; P < 0.05) measured by ¹³C CPMAS NMR.