The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to measure the effectiveness of a grocery store tour that emphasized sources of iron-rich, kid-friendly foods on the participants’ knowledge about dietary iron and iron-rich food sources. A second purpose was to determine if, three months after the grocery store tour, the serum iron levels of the children who had previously been identified by the WIC (Supplemental Women, Infants, and Children) program as being low was higher as compared to the serum iron levels of the control group. Ten parents of children with low iron levels participated in this study, 5 in the control group and 5 in the treatment group. Data collection took place for this research study over the course of three months. The results of this study indicated that the grocery store intervention seemed to have no impact on the children’s hemoglobin levels. The results of this study also indicated that the grocery store tour intervention seemed to have no impact on children’s consumption of iron rich foods. However, the grocery store tour intervention did have a positive impact on parents’ knowledge of iron rich foods and their ability to use unit pricing. / Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

Der Bericht beinhaltet Ergebnisse von Fleischuntersuchungen auf den Eisengehalt. Untersucht wurden 308 Schweinefleischproben und etwa 300 Fleischproben der Tierarten Rind, Bison, Auerochse, Büffel, Schaf, Ziege, Kaninchen, Wildschwein, Rehwild, Rotwild und Fasan. Die sächsischen Ergebnisse bestätigen Untersuchungen anderer Bundesländer und belegen den starken Rückgang des Eisengehaltes im Schweinefleisch. Er lag im Mittel bei 4,1 mg/kg Frischmasse (FM). Vor 30 Jahren lag der Eisengehalt noch bei 18 mg/kg - 25 mg/kg. Das Fleisch von Tierarten mit sogenanntem rotem Fleisch wie Rind, Schaf, Büffel, Bison, Auerochse, Reh- und Rotwild weist erwartungsgemäß einen hohen Eisengehalt (17 mg/kg FM - 33 mg/kg FM) auf. Farbuntersuchungen zeigten, dass der Eisengehalt eine Abhängigkeit zur Farbhelligkeit und zum Rotton des Fleisches aufweist. Je dunkler bzw. je intensiver der Rotton des Fleisches ist, desto höher der Eisengehalt.

This research project was divided into three parts. In the first part, heme, nonheme, and total iron methodologies for meats were evaluated. The accuracy, precision, and specificity of each method were determined by spike recoveries of heme and nonheme iron, and by analysis of National Institute of Science and Technology standard reference materials. The most reliable and practical methods were then used to determine the total, nonheme, and heme iron contents of various meats before and after cooking. The meats analyzed were beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and turkey. The wet-ashing technique was a novel procedure in which nitric acid was used to digest most of the solids followed by peroxy-monosulfuric acid to complete the digestion. Total iron values of the meats were consistent with those previously reported, but the percentage of heme iron in red meats was much greater than commonly assumed, both before and after cooking. In the second part, the distribution of heme and total iron in heat-processed poultry products was investigated using light and dark chicken meat in the form of deep-flied chicken breasts and legs purchased from fast food restaurants and grocery stores in a ready-to-eat condition. Heme and total iron values were 1.7 ± 0.5 and 6.5 ± 2.0 μg Fe/g meat for light chicken meat and 7.6 ± 1.6 and 19.3 ± 2.2 μg Fe/g for dark chicken meat. Percent heme iron values averaged 29 and 40% for light and dark chicken meat, respectively. In the third and final part, an application for the heme and nonheme iron data assembled above was developed to give dieticians an important tool in dietary formulations designed to maintain iron homeostasis. From the data it is evident that cooked light chicken meat, taken from the breast, would provide the lowest quantity of absorbable iron among the meats investigated and that ground beef, highest in heme iron, would provide the greatest quantity of bioavailable iron. Additional research was performed on processed beef products. Cooked ground beef, frankfurters, beef steak, and roast beef were analyzed for heme and total iron. The different beef products contained similar amounts of total iron, 31.4 to 34.2 μg/g, but the heme iron content ranged from 6.2 μg/g in frankfurters to 36.3 μg/g in beef steak. Percent heme iron ranged from 33.0 to 63.8% in all meats. Total iron, heme iron, and percent heme iron varied significantly (P < 0.01) among meats, sources, and preparations. This research was published and has been reproduced in Appendix F.

Past research regarding complexed iron has focused on the resistance to and kinetics of oxidation by O₂(aq) and the extent of stabilization. The 0.45 um filter was typically used to differentiate between dissolved and particulate iron. This research investigated Fe(II) oxidation by free chlorine and ClO₂ in the presence of DOC by varying the pH, DOC to Fe ratios, DOC sources, oxidant dosages, and contact time. Complexed iron removal by alum coagulation with and without oxidant addition was also examined. Particulate, colloidal, and soluble iron were differentiated by the use of 0.2 um filters and 100K ultrafilters. Ultrafiltration and oxidation studies revealed that, at the DOC-to-iron ratios used for this research, not all of the Fe(II) in solution was actually complexed. Thus, oxidation studies represented the oxidation of uncomplexed Fe(II) to Fe(III), which was then complexed by the higher molecular weight DOC. Results indicated that particulate iron formation (as defined as retention by a 0.2 um filter) was a function of the DOC source and oxidant used for testing. The formation of colloidal iron (as defined by retention on 100K ultrafilter) due to oxidation was dependent upon the initial DOC-to-iron ratio and the DOC source. A correlation between DOC adsorption to iron oxide solids and the solution pH, initial DOC-to-iron ratio, and the oxidant used was also evident. Complexed Fe(II) was removed from solution by alum coagulation. Oxidant addition to alum coagulation was necessary to effectively remove uncomplexed Fe(II) (in the presence of DOC) from solution. / Master of Science

Phytoplankton growth is iron limited in at least 20% of the world’s oceans. Iron is an important nutrient required to synthesise enzymes necessary for photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen assimilation. Due to its low solubility in seawater, iron limitation of phytoplankton production has been the focus of much recent research. These organisms secrete ligands in order to solubilise the available iron, but not all of the iron dissolved in seawater is biologically available. In this study a molecular based approach was employed to investigate the acclimation of the marine haptophyte Coccolithus pelagicus to iron limitation. Using two dimensional electrophoresis, subtractive cDNA hybridisation, and RT real time PCR, changes in the proteome and in gene expression were examined. Iron limited cells were characterised by slower specific growth rates, lower chlorophyll a concentrations per unit biomass and less extensive calcification relative to iron replete cells. Addition of iron to iron limited cultures resulted in increased specific growth rates and increased chlorophyll a concentration per unit biomass. A subtracted cDNA library revealed seventeen identifiable sequences of which photosystem I protein E (PsaE), a fucoxanthin binding protein transcript, two chlorophyll binding proteins and a predicted membrane protein were shown to be up-regulated in iron-limited cells to varying extents. Two dimensional SDS PAGE revealed 11 differentially expressed proteins in iron limited cells and 1 highly expressed protein exclusive to iron replete cells. The potential utility of each of these as biomarkers of iron-limitation/iron sufficiency for natural populations of coccolithophorids like Coccolithus pelagicus is discussed.

A glucose glycine liquid model system fortified with 24 ppm of iron as either ferrous sulfate, ferric orthophosphate or ferric orthophosphate + 110 ppm ascorbic acid was thermally processed as 240, 250 and 260°F for 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 minutes. Levels of elemental, nonelemental, soluble, total ionic and ferrous iron were measured for the model systems at each processing parameter. Data from the iron profiles were evaluated for the effect of iron salt; ascorbic acid; glucose and glycine, and processing temperature and time on changes in the iron chemistry during processing. The ferrous sulfate model system resulted in significantly higher levels of soluble and ferrous iron. Soluble iron from the ferric orthophosphate model system increased significantly with the addition of ascorbic acid. The presence of glucose and glycine prevented formation of insoluble iron hydroxides during processing of the ferrous sulfate system, promoted solubilization and ionization of iron for the ferric orthophosphate system and restricted the enhancing effect of ascorbic acid on the ferric orthophosphate profile. The interaction of the iron salt with the model system was stimulated by the application of heat. The insignificant correlation between process lethality values and the iron profile for each iron salt indicated that changes in the iron profile were time and temperature dependent. Kinetic parameters were calculated for all three model systems. The ferric orthophosphate iron profile was less sensitive to temperature change than either of the other two model systems. Evaluation of samples at sequential time intervals during the processing treatment allowed for a better understanding of the reaction mechanisms that occurred during processing which brought about a change in the iron profile of each model system. / Master of Science

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Iron is an essential micronutrient for all phytoplankton and is found in seawater at picomolar-level concentrations. For the first time in South Africa, a technique that utilizes a flow injection analyser (FIA) coupled with a chemiluminescence reaction has been developed for the analysis of Fe in seawater samples. The developed method is an improvement on similar available methods and uses commercially available resin (IDA) as opposed to the one that requires synthesis in the laboratory. Furthermore, the method requires reduced reagent concentrations thereby providing better results in a cost-efficient and easy manner. The improvements resulted in better precision while eliminating the loss of resin through bleeding, a common problem when using 8-HQ resin as per prior methods. Method validation was performed using internationally calibrated reference material provided by GEOTRACES and the values obtained were within the error limits of certified range. An inter-laboratory calibration was also conducted as part of the verification of the system. Surface samples from the SANAE 51 cruise were analysed for dFe and TdFe. Subsequently, the method was implemented on the SANAE 53 voyage on board the SA Agulhas II, to assess trace metal sampling protocol for any contamination issues, as well as for the analyses of collected samples. Current results suggest some contamination during collection stages, but this is still to be verified by complementary data on macronutrients and chlorophyll. The method was successfully developed and implemented in a land based clean laboratory, as well as on board a vessel. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Yster is „n noodsaaklike mikrovoedsel vir fitoplankton en word in seewater in pikomolêre konsentrasies gevind. Hierdie lae konsentrasies en potensiële besoedeling gedurende monsteropname vanaf „n skip se platform maak akkurate Fe-analise moeilik. Vir die eerste keer in Suid-Afrika is „n tegniek ontwikkel wat gebruik maak van „n vloei- inspuitinganaliseerder (VIA), met „n geassosieerde chemiluminessensiereaksie, om die analise van Fe in seewatermonsters uit te voer. In teenstelling met soortgelyke bestaande metodes wat labratorium-gesintetiseerde hars vereis, is die nuut-ontwikkelde metode „n verbetering wat gebruik maak van „n kommersieel-beskikbare hars (IDA). Verder vereis die metode verminderde reagenskonsentrasies wat sodoende beter resultate lewer op 'n koste-effektiewe en eenvoudiger wyse. Die verbeteringe het gelei tot verhoogde akkuraatheid en uitskakeling van die verlies van hars deur dreinering – „n algemene probleem wat ondervind is met die gebruik van 8-HQ hars in vorige metodes. Geldigheidsbepaling van die metode is met internasionaal-gekalibreerde verwysingsmateriaal, verskaf deur GEOTRACES, uitgevoer. Die waardes wat verkry is, was binne die foutgrense van die gesertifiseerde skaal. „n Interlaboratorium-kalibrasie is ook uitgevoer as deel van die verifikasie van die stelsel. Daarna is die metode geïmplementeer gedurende die SANAE 53 reis op die SA Agulhas II, om die spoormetaal-monsternemingprotokol vir enige besoedelingskwessies te evalueer, asook vir die ontleding van versamelde monsters. Huidige resultate dui op „n mate van besoedeling tydens die versamelingstadiums, maar dit moet nog geverifieer word deur aanvullende data van die totale oplosbare Fe, makrovoedingstowwe en chlorofil.

The marine chemistry of dissolved iron (Fe) was examined in two studies conducted off the coast of British Columbia in the northeast Pacific. Dissolved (<0.4 µm) Fe was measured along inshore-offshore transects across the continental shelf in Queen Charlotte Sound. A benthic layer of high Fe, enriched due to exchange with shelf sediments, was found to extend across the shelf-slope break into offshore waters. Advection of these shelf waters may be a significant source of Fe to the nearby Fe-poor region of the northeast Pacific. In this Fe-limited gyre, little is known about the chemical speciation and bioavailability of Fe. The fractionation of dissolved Fe into inorganic and organically bound species along Line P was established by competitive ligand equilibration coupled with cathodic stripping voltammetry (CLE-CSV), and the results confirm the presence of biogenic Fe-binding ligands at concentrations in excess of dissolved Fe with conditional stability constants between 8.3 x 1010 and 5.6 x 1012 for the Fe-ligand complexes. The temporal and spatial variations observed are consistent with either a biological source of the ligands or an atmospheric source where greatest deposition occurs during the summer when stratification of the upper water column is most pronounced.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:53:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 1349952 bytes, checksum: 7c1d8a7ee6647c7d23f9e903f8120640 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-05-30 / Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / The emission of gases of the greenhouse effect has increased dramatically since the geological era until the present days. Currently the use of fossil fuels and the changing of the use of the Earth are most responsible for the emission of these gases to the atmosphere.The carbon in the soil represents more than three times the carbon in the terrestrial biomass and about two times the carbon in the atmosphere, been a potential source of CO2 and CH4.The biogeochemical process that occurs in the soil or sediments for the emission of gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are controlled by process like the reduction of mineral compounds mainly oxides and amorphous and poor crystalline in anaerobic environment. These process leads to the formation of a favorable habitat suitable to the population grows of Methanogenic bacteria consequently with the production of gases of greenhouse effective. Nowadays there are several projects that defend that the hydroelectric dam offers a great contribution to the emission of the effective of greenhouse gases. This project has the purpose of study what the characteristics has more influence for the production of the emission of greenhouse effective in flood soils in hydroelectric lakes. The chapter one is dedicated to literature review where are addressed the more relevant topics. The chapter II had the purpose of studying the electrochemical dynamics of the soil at Zona da Mata mineira subject to flood due to the construction of hydroelectric. As a result we obtained that how bigger is the of Fe, bigger will be reduction of the soil, which lead us to establish the habitats proper for the establishment of the growth of Methanogenic bacteria&#8223;s. population. The contents of Fe, CO and N have more influence in the ox reduction of flood soil. The chapter III had the purpose of studying dynamics and reactivity of the soil organic carbon (SOC) such as it is also dedicated to estimate the production of CH4 in soils flooded by hydroelectric dams lake with the purpose of identifying which characteristics has more influence in the production of methane comes from an eventually flooded of soils. As a result were obtained that the reactivity of SOC receives influence of the texture of the soil, and the finer is the texture greater is the presence of free fractions. The N shows an important factor to be analyzed due to its relation with the degradation of organic compound and microbial activity. / As emissões de gases do efeito estufa (GEE) têm aumentado vertiginosamente desde eras geológicos até os dias atuais. Atualmente a utilização de combustíveis fósseis, e alterações no uso da Terra, são as maiores responsáveis pelas grandes emissões destes gases para a atmosfera. O carbono contido no solo representa mais de três vezes o carbono contido em toda a biomassa terrestre e cerca de duas vezes o carbono contido na atmosfera, sendo, dessa forma, uma potencial fonte emissora de CO2 e CH4. Os processos biogeoquímicos que ocorrem em solos e ou sedimentos para emissão de gases como o dióxido de carbono e metano, são controlados por processos como a redução de compostos minerais, principalmente óxidos, amorfos e mal cristalizados em ambientes anaeróbios. Estes processos levam a formação de um habitat propício para o crescimento populacional de bactérias metanogênicas, com a conseqüente produção de gases do efeito estufa. Atualmente há diversos trabalhos que defendem que barragem de usinas hidroelétricas oferece uma grande contribuição na emissão de gases do efeito estufa. Nesta pesquisa objetivou-se estudar quais as características do exercem mais influencia para a produção de gases do efeito estufa em solos alagados em lagos de hidroelétricas. O capítulo I é dedicado a revisão de literatura, onde são abordados temas que se julgam relevantes. No capítulo II se objetivou estudar a dinâmica eletroquímica de solos da zona da mata mineira passíveis de serem submetidos a alagamento devido a construção de hidroelétricas. Como resultado obteve-se que quanto maior for a atividade de Fe, maior será o potencial de redução do solo, o que leva ao estabelecimento de habitats, apropriados para o estabelecimento de populações de bactérias metanogênicas. Os teores de Fe, CO e N, são os que mais exercem influencia no processo de oxiredução de solos alagados. O capítulo III teve por objetivo estudar dinâmica e reatividade do carbono orgânico do solo (COS), bem como dedicado a estimar a produção de CH4 em solos alagados por lagos de usinas hidroelétricas, com o intuito de identificar quais características exerce mais influência na produção de metano, provinda do eventual alagamento dos solos. Como resultados foram obtidos que a reatividade do COS recebe influencia da textura do solo, sendo que quanto mais fina a textura maior a presença de frações livres. O N total se mostra um importante fator a ser analisado devido sua relação com a degradação de compostos orgânicos e atividade microbiana.