Fumigation experiments with SO performed on the seedlings of three plant species viz, tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), mung bean (Vigna radiata) and maize (Zea mays) resulted in the emission of volatiles. Acetaldehyde and ethanol were produced in the fumigated plants. In addition, there was also an increased production of ethylene and ethane. The production of these volatiles was positively correlated to the SO concentrations of 4.2 and 8.3 μmol m (0.1 and 0.2 ppm). Ethylene was emitted primarily from SO-stressed yet healthy leaves, whereas high ethane levels were detected in leaves with visible injury symptoms. However, with the appearance of visible injury symptoms, there was a decline in ethylene, acetaldehyde and ethanol emissions. Synthesis of ethylene and ethane seems to be a result of different metabolic pathways. Ethane evolution and its inhibition by antioxidants indicate SO-mediated lipid peroxidation by free radical species formed during sulphite oxidation. Perturbation in the cellular respiratory machinery results in the formation of acetaldehyde and ethanol. Since the rates of emissions of ethane, acetaldehyde and ethanol fromplant species were positively correlated to their relative resistance to SO, the production of these gases could be used as a reliable diagnostic tool for biomonitoring air pollution (SO) stress.
Base-catalyzed transesterification of waste cooking oil for the production of biodiesel was assisted by the addition of cosolventTetrahydrofuran (THF). In addition to lowering of reaction temperature and reduction in reaction time for transesterification, THF facilitated production of methyl ester in a single phase. THF-assisted base-catalyzed reaction was optimized for various parameters. Maximum biodiesel production(92.8%) was obtained with 4% THF; 0.6% sodium methoxide (catalyst), 6:1 methanol to oil ratio, 45 min reaction time, 50 0 C reaction temperature. Added to this, maximum glycerol recovery (18.62%) was obtained at 50 0 C using lower concentrations of THF(2%). Use of THF highlights even more economically viable and greener potential for biodiesel production as this co-solvent is non-toxic, unreactive and of biomass origin.
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