Survey of Frontier Technological Approaches to Mitigate Climate Change

Climate change with its’ increasingly serious and wide spectrum adverse impacts is the Issue of the Age. Climate change impacts have advanced to where mitigation solutions are now required for CO2 removal from the atmosphere along with planetary albedo/ other safe geoengineering approaches in addition to ever lower cost green energy generation and energy storage/ conversion/ conservation/ efficiency. There are extensive ongoing efforts involving all of these climate mitigation approaches. This work is a survey of additional frontier technologies, concepts and alternatives not yet deployed or nascent which could greatly augment the ongoing climate mitigation efforts across the spectrum. Particularly potentially efficacious approaches wrt cost and effectiveness include Halophytes, LENR, high altitude wind, geothermal utilizing abandoned oil and gas wells, ocean fertilization, white roofs and white roads and utilization of weak force nuclear batteries to extract the some 85% of the energy still present in nuclear waste.

Halophytes: A Rapid, Inexpensive and Significant Way to Address Land, Water, Food, Energy and Climate

Climate change, in spite of attempts at mitigation, is becoming much more serious. Wide spectrum major mitigation efforts are now necessary including removing ­CO2 from the atmosphere, reducing fossil energy use and increasing the planet albedo. Halophytes, salt plants grown on deserts and wastelands using saline and seawater are uniquely suitable to rapidly and profitably, at the tremendous scale of the climate problem, using inexpensive land and water, remove CO2 and produce major amounts of biofuels and food while returning up to 70% of the fresh water to direct human use. This article examines the extraordinary possibilities of halophytes to significantly mitigate the major societal issues involving land, water, food, energy and climate.

Herbaceous biomass yield in the saline soils during the dry and rainy seasons in the municipality of Pentecoste, CE, Brazil / Rendimento da biomassa herbácea em solos salinos nas estações seca e chuvosa no município de Pentecoste, CE, Brasil

ABSTRACT: This study was an endeavor undertaken to assess the biomass yield of the species that are native to a particular region characterized by saline soil, in the Irrigated Perimeter Curu-Pentecoste, in the municipality of Pentecoste-CE, corresponding to the qualities of moisture, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil. The experiment was conducted in six areas, with area 1, the one nearest to the collecting drain, the end having the highest salinity and area 6, the one furthest away from the collecting drain, the end with the lowest salinity. The factorial design with the 2 x 6 scheme was adopted, in which the first and second factors referred, respectively, to the seasons (drought and rain collection) and collection areas. In each area, eight permanent 5 x 5 m plots were demarcated, which included 8 repetitions per treatment. Within each permanent plot the quantity of forage was gathered within an area of 0.25 x 0.25 m. Soil samples were taken from a depth of 0-20 cm, and the EC, pH and soil moisture were determined. The phytomass was oven dried, after which the water content and yield were recorded. Three subsamples per area were burned in a muffle furnace to determine the percentage of ash content. The resultant high pH and EC values, typical of arid soils and related to the significantly low humidity, can cause harm to most of the crops cultivated in the Northeast of Brazil. However, the biomass yield was substantial, indicating that the species occurring there possessed adaptive mechanisms to enable them to tolerate the conditions of saline soil and water stresses prevalent there.

RESUMO: O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o rendimento de biomassa vegetal de espécies presentes naturalmente em uma área com o solo salinizado no perímetro irrigado Curu-Pentecoste, no município de Pentecoste, CE, correlacionando com os atributos umidade, pH e condutividade elétrica (CE) do solo. O experimento foi realizado em 6 áreas, sendo a área 1 mais próxima do dreno coletor o extremo mais salinizado, e a área 6 mais distante do dreno coletor, o extremo menos salinizado. Utilizamos do delineamento fatorial no esquema 2 x 6, com primeiro fator referente às estações de coleta (seca e chuva), e o segundo relativo às áreas. Foram marcadas em cada uma das áreas 8 parcelas permanentes de 5 x 5m e em cada parcela permanente foram realizadas coletas da porção forrageira dentro de um quadrado de 0,25 x 0,25 m. Amostras de solo de 0-20 cm de profundidade foram coletadas para a obtenção da CE, do pH e da umidade do solo. A fitomassa foi secada em estufa, onde foram mensurados o seu conteúdo de água e biomassa seca. Três subamostras por área foram queimadas em mufla para a obtenção do seu conteúdo de cinzas. O pH e CE elevados do solo mostraram características típicas de solos de clima árido, que associados a uma significante diminuição da umidade desse, podem causar prejuízos na maioria dos cultivos no Nordeste brasileiro. Entretanto, o rendimento de biomassa foi elevado, o que demonstra que as espécies ali presentes possuem mecanismos adaptativos para tolerância aos estresses salino e hídrico.

Physiological and molecular traits conferring salt tolerance in halophytic grasses

Aim: This study was conducted to identify the physiological and molecular traits underpinning salt stress adaptation in halophytic grasses Urochondra setulosa and Leptachloa fusca. Methodology: To assess the salt tolerance potential of Urochondra setulosa and Leptachloa fusca, the rooted cuttings and seeds were collected from Rann of Kutch, Bhuj, Gujarat and ICAR-CSSRI Regional Research Station, Lucknow, India, respectively using physiological, biochemical and molecular traits. Results: Salt stress decreased the biomass production in both the species to varying extents. Leaf chlorophyll declined marginally (5-12%) in Urochondra and moderately (~28%) in Leptachloa under various salt treatments compared to controls. The values of ψw and ψs, i.e., – 3.98 MPa and 760.5 mmol kg-1 were obtained under salinity stress of ECe ~ 50 dS m-1 in Urochondra whereas the values of ψw and ψs were – 3.63 MPa and 556 mmol kg-1 in Leptachloa. Osmoprotectant (proline, glycine betaine, total soluble sugar) and epi-cuticular wax content increased with increasing sodicity/salinity stresses in both grasss. The results showed that both halophytic grasses maintained lower Na+/K+ in their roots and which excludes the salt through the shoots portion. Expression of NHX1 gene increased with an increase of not only sodic, but also saline stress in both the grasses. Interpretation: The results demonstrate that Urochondra has a better adaption towards salinity and Leptochloa towards sodicity stress

Morpho-anatomical characters of Limonium brasiliense leaves

Abstract Limonium brasiliense (Boiss.) Kuntze, Plumbaginaceae, is a coastal herb of the Southern Brazilian states and Rio de Janeiro State. In folk medicine, it is used in the treatment of female genitourinary tract infections and menstrual cycle irregularities. The aim of this study was to describe morpho-anatomical characters with details on venation pattern of L. brasiliense leaves, collected on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul State, in Southern Brazil. Leaf samples fixed in FAA50 (5% formaldehyde, 5% acetic acid and 90% ethanol: water mixture 50:50 v/v) and 1% glutaraldehyde and preserved in 70% ethanol, were histologically sectioned and analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy. The L. brasiliense leaves were simple, entire, incomplete, oboval-lanceolate, venation penninervous and showed rosulated phyllotaxy, entire and revolute margin, with apex rounded to slightly retuse, base attenuate and venation pattern brochidodromous. On microscopic analysis, these leaves showed a thick and striated cuticle, salt glands, isobilateral mesophyll thicker in the apical region of the leaf blade, abundant aerenchyma in the petiole and main vein, collateral vascular bundles surrounded by fiber-sclereids, lipid substances in the cuticle and polyphenols in phloem cells.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Six Halophytes in Korea

The aim of this study was to measure and compare polyphenol content, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of six halophytes (Limonium tetragonum, Suaeda glauca, Suaeda japonica, Salicornia europaea, Triglochin maritimum, and Sonchus brachyotus). Depending on the total polyphenol content, the plants were categorized into two groups: (1) a high total polyphenol content group that included L. tetragonum, S. brachyotus, and S. europaea, and, (2) a low total polyphenol content group consisting of S. glauca, T. maritima, and S. japonica. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, and by measuring ROS. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring NO and PGE₂. L. tetragonum and S. brachyotus, that have high polyphenol content, also showed strong antioxidant activity. In addition, L. tetragonum, S. brachyotus, and S. europaea showed good anti-inflammatory activity. Consequently, the total polyphenol content was thought to be related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, S. brachyotus and L. tetragonum are good candidates for use in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.

Profiling of antioxidant potential and phytoconstituents of Plantago coronopus / Avaliação do potencial antioxidante e perfil fitoquímico do Plantago coronopus

Abstract The halophyte species Plantago coronopus has several described ethnomedicinal uses, but few reported biological activities. This work carried out for the first time a comparative analysis of P. coronopus organs in terms of phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of organic and water extracts from roots, leaves and flowers. The leaves contents in selected nutrients, namely amino acids and minerals, are also described. Roots (ethyl acetate and methanol extracts) had the highest radical scavenging activity (RSA) towards 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, while leaves (hexane extract) had higher RSA on nitric oxide radical and iron chelating ability. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified eighteen phenolics from which salicylic acid and epicatechin are here firstly described in Plantago species. Leaves had mineral levels similar to those of most vegetables, proving to be a good source for elements like calcium, sodium, iron and magnesium, and also for several of the essential amino acids justifying it use as food. Our results, especially those regarding the phenolics composition, can explain the main traditional uses given to this plantain and, altogether, emphasize the potential of P. coronopus as a source of bioactive molecules particularly useful for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases.

Resumo A espécie halófita Plantago coronopus tem vários usos etnomedicinais já descritos, mas em relação à bioatividade a informação é escassa. Este trabalho efetuou, pela primeira vez, uma análise comparativa dos órgãos de P. coronopus em termos de compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante de extratos orgânicos e aquosos provenientes das raízes, folhas e flores da planta, bem como o conteúdo de determinados nutrientes, aminoácidos e minerais, nas folhas da planta. As raízes (extratos de acetato de etila e metanol) apresentaram a maior atividade de captação para os radicais 1,1-difenil-2-picril hidrazil (DPPH) e 2,2'-azino-bis(3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfónico) (ABTS), enquanto as folhas (extrato de hexano) mostraram maior atividade captadora para o radical óxido nítrico bem como maior capacidade quelante do ferro. A análise por cromatografia liquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) identificou dezoito compostos fenólicos e, destes, o ácido salicílico e a epicatequina são aqui descritos pela primeira vez em espécies de Plantago. As folhas desta planta halófita mostraram ainda conter minerais em níveis semelhantes aos da maioria dos vegetais, provando ser uma boa fonte de elementos como o cálcio, sódio, ferro e magnésio, bem como de vários dos aminoácidos essenciais o que justifica seu uso na alimentação. Os resultados, particularmente aqueles relacionados à composição fenólica, podem justificar os principais usos medicinais atribuídos a esta espécie e, na sua totalidade, demonstram o potencial de P. coronopus como fonte de moléculas bioativas particularmente úteis na prevenção de doenças relacionadas com estresse oxidativo.

Unlocking the in vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of halophyte plants from the southern Portugal

Objective To evaluate the in vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) activity of organic extracts prepared from halophyte species collected in the southern coast of Portugal (Algarve), and chemically characterize the most active samples. Methods Acetone, dichloromethane and methanol extracts were prepared from 31 halophyte species and tested in vitro against trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of the Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi. The most active extract was fractionated by preparative HPLC-DAD, affording 11 fractions. The most selective fraction was fully characterized by

Unlocking the in vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of halophyte plants from the southern Portugal

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the in vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) activity of organic extracts prepared from halophyte species collected in the southern coast of Portugal (Algarve), and chemically characterize the most active samples.@*METHODS@#Acetone, dichloromethane and methanol extracts were prepared from 31 halophyte species and tested in vitro against trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of the Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi. The most active extract was fractionated by preparative HPLC-DAD, affording 11 fractions. The most selective fraction was fully characterized by (1)H NMR.@*RESULTS@#From 94 samples tested, one was active, namely the root dichloromethane extract of Juncus acutus (IC50 < 20 μg/mL). This extract was fractionated by HPLC, affording 11 fractions, one of them containing only a pure compound (juncunol), and tested for anti-parasitic activity. Fraction 8 (IC50 = 4.1 μg/mL) was the most active, and was further characterized by (1)H NMR. The major compounds were phenanthrenes, 9,10-dihydrophenanthrenes and benzocoumarins.@*CONCLUSION@#Our results suggest that the compounds identified in fraction 8 are likely responsible for the observed anti parasitic activity. Further research is in progress aiming to isolate and identify the specific active molecules. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the in vitro anti T. cruzi activity of halophyte species.

Antiviral, antioxidant and toxicological evaluation of mangrove associate from South East coast of India

Objective: To identify the antiviral antioxidant and toxicological evaluation of marine halophyte.Methods:Mangrove associates such as Salicornia brachiata, Clerodendron inerme, Rhizophora lamarckii, Suaeda maritima were collected. In vitro antiviral studies such as HBsAg binding assay, DNA polymerase inhibition assay, RT inhibition assay were carried out. Moreover, antioxidant properties, ash content, elemental analysis, LD50 analysis were measured for theS. maritima leaf extract which was the most potent. Results: S. maritima leaf extract showed minimum concentration of IC50 value with HBsAg binding assay, DNA polymerase inhibition assay, RT inhibition assay as 325.98, 843.09 and 587.32 μg/ml concentrations respectively. Antioxidant properties of S. maritima leaf extract showed the minimum concentration (23.64±5.27μg/ml) of IC50 value with the nitric oxide scavenging assay, followed by DPPH assay (112.03±18.39μg/ml). The ash content of S. maritima leaf extract was varied between 8.05% to 87.30%concentrations. The elemental analysis of S. maritima showed the values within the limits of WHO guidelines. The lethal dose of S. maritima leaf extract was identified as 3000 mg/kg/body weight. The sub acute toxicity was not showed any significant differences with organ weights between control and extract treated animals. Biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, ALP, sugar and urea were not showed any significant variations between control and extract treated animals. But, the results of haematological parameters such as WBC (6600±234.90 cells/cumm), lymphocytes (69±14.09), polymorphs (38±9.38), eosinophils (02±0.00) were found significantly increased with extract treated animals. Phytochemical analysis of S. maritima leaf extract showed the presence of various phytochemical constituents such as reducing sugars, polyophenols, flavonoids and tannins with the leaf extract. Conclusions: The results of the present findings pave the way for the identification of novel molecules for the possible utilization of antiviral and antioxidant drugs from Suaeda maritima leaf.