A multi-scale framework for advancing national dairy sector GHG mitigation in Israel.

Dairy production systems display a wide range of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission characteristics influenced by factors like geographical location, farm size, herd composition, milk yield, management practices, and existing infrastructure. Effective national GHG mitigation plans for the dairy industry should incorporate strategies that account for the diversity within this system. This paper aims to introduce a multi-scale framework to assess the GHG mitigation potential within the Israeli dairy system. It begins by analyzing the GHG intensity per unit of milk produced by a representative sample of 145 farms (20 % of the national dairy farms). It then extrapolates the data to the regional and national scales. The research reveals an average carbon footprint of 1.18 (ranging from 0.8 to 1.64) kg CO2e per kilogram of milk (FPCM) over the life cycle up to the farm gate. Upon scaling up, the study estimates the annual carbon footprint of the Israeli dairy industry at 1,777,800 t of CO2e. Consequently, this framework highlights areas with significant GHG emissions that require attention and opportunities for national mitigation based on the detailed characteristics of the studied systems.

Mechanisms of humic acids degradation by white rot fungi explored using 1H NMR spectroscopy and FTICR mass spectrometry.

Enzymatic activities involved in decay processes of natural aromatic macromolecules, such as humic acids (HA) and lignin by white rot fungi, have been widely investigated. However, the physical and chemical analysis of degradation products of these materials has not been intensively explored. Fourier transform cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR MS) and 1H NMR as well as CHNOS and size exclusion chromatography were employed to study the mechanisms of HA degradation by Trametes sp. M23 and Phanerochaete sp. Y6. Size exclusion chromatography analyses demonstrate and provide evidence for HA breakdown into low MW compounds. The 1H NMR analysis revealed oxidation, a decrease in the aromatic content, and an indication of demethylation of the HA during biodegradation. Evidence for oxidation was also obtained using CHNOS. Analysis of FTICR MS results using a new software program developed by our group (David Mass Sort) revealed consecutive series of masses suggesting biochemical degradation trends such as oxidation, aromatic cleavage, and demethylation. These results are in agreement with the 1H NMR analysis and with the suggested role of the ligninolytic system leading to HA degradation.

Involvement of ligninolytic enzymes and Fenton-like reaction in humic acid degradation by Trametes sp.

Trametes sp. M23, isolated from biosolids compost was found to decompose humic acids (HA). A low N (LN) medium (C/N, 53) provided suitable conditions for HA degradation, whereas in a high N (HN) medium (C/N, 10), HA was not degraded. In the absence of Mn(2+), HA degradation was similar to that in Mn(2+)-containing medium. In contrast, MnP activity was significantly affected by Mn(2+). Laccase activity exhibited a negative correlation to HA degradation, while LiP activity was not detected. Thus, ligninolytic enzymes activity could provide only a partial explanation for the HA-degradation mechanism. The decolorization of two dyes, Orange II and Brilliant Blue R250, was also determined. Similar to HA degradation, under LN conditions, decolorization occurred independently of the presence of Mn(2+). We investigated the possible involvement of a Fenton-like reaction in HA degradation. The addition of DMSO, an OH-radical scavenger, to LN media resulted in a significant decrease in HA bleaching. The rate of extracellular Fe(3+) reduction was much higher in the LN vs. HN medium. In addition, the rate of reduction was even higher in the presence of HA in the medium. In vitro HA bleaching in non-inoculated media was observed with H(2)O(2) amendment to a final concentration of 200 mM (obtained by 50 mM amendments for 4 days) and Fe(2+) (36 mM). After 4 days of incubation, HA decolorization was similar to the biological treatment. These results support our hypothesis that a Fenton-like reaction is involved in HA degradation by Trametes sp. M23.

Novel software for data analysis of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectra applied to natural organic matter.

Natural organic matter (NOM) occurs as an extremely complex mixture of large, charged molecules that are formed by secondary synthesis reactions. Due to their nature, their full characterization is an important challenge to scientists specializing in NOM as well as analytical chemistry. Ultra-high-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) analysis enables the identification of thousands of masses in a single measurement. A major challenge in the data analysis process of NOM using the FT-ICR MS technique is the need to sort the entire data set and to present it in an accessible mode. Here we present a simple targeted algorithm called the David Mass Sort (DMS) algorithm which facilitates the detection and counting of consecutive series of masses correlated to any selected mass spacing. This program searches for specific mass differences among all of the masses in a single spectrum against all of the masses in the same spectrum. As a representative case, the current study focuses on the analysis of the well-characterized Suwannee River humic and fulvic acid (SRHA and SRFA, respectively). By applying this algorithm, we were able to find and assess the amount of singly and doubly charged molecules. In addition we present the capabilities of the program to detect any series of consecutive masses correlated to specific mass spacing, e.g. COO, H(2), OCH(2) and O(2). Under several limitations, these mass spacings may be correlated to both chemical and biochemical changes which occur simultaneously during the formation and/or degradation of large mixtures of compounds.