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ThesisItem Open Access Eco-technological potential assessment of renewable bamboo biomass for bio-energy and sustainable environmental conservation(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-08) Ray, Avedananda; Dubey, AshutoshThe present work focused on the energy coversion efficacy of leaves of bamboo sp. Viz., Bambusa balcooa, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Dendrocalamus asper. After Pyrolysis of biomass 1. Bambusa balcooa bio-oil was further analysed for fuel property and bio-physical characterization, 2. biochars from Bambusa balcooa, Dendrocalamus Hamiltonii were tested for heavy metal remedation and other soil amendment experimentation and 3. biochar and bio-tar from Dendrocalamus asper were used for energy efficient pallet formation. The chemical composition of pyrolytic oil consisted of phenolic compounds contributed towards acidity of bio –oil and its relative density was found 0.912, Kinematic viscosity of 4.72, Cloud and pour points were -9 and -18 0C respectively, Flash and fire points were 59.2 and 68.5 0C respectively, ash content was 0.11, Conradson Carbon residue was 9.6 and acid value was 13.5. Thermal kinetics modeling of Bambusa balcooa biomass drying using TGA showd that Henderson model was suitably fitted (Highest R2 values) and actiovation energy for initial drying was calculated around 64.45 kJ/mol.For the devolatization stage, activation energy was found 40.36 kJ/mol.Physical study (FTIR, SEM, BET) study showed that biochar from bamboo could be used for adsorption of heavy metals. Dendrocalamus hamiiltonii biochar had equilibrium time at 60 min for Co (II) ions and 30 min for Pb (II) ions, dosage of 0.6 g/100 m.l for Co and 0.5 g/100m.l for Pb, pH 7 for max-imum uptake of Co(II) ions and pH 5 for maximum uptake of Pb (II) found optimum. Second order kinetic model, Freundlich isotherm model was found suitable to adsorption process. Response Surface Methodology applied for the adsorption from zinc electrode wastewater by Bambusa balcooa biochar showed that the optimum adsorption conditions pH (A) = 7, Time (B) = 73.05 , Biochar Dose (C) = 0.98) with predicted adsorption 18.32% (Pb), 78.39% (Zn), 44.5% (Cd), 95.71%(Cr). Calorific value of pellet produced from biochar and biotar was in range of 20-30 MJ/Kg. Ammonia adsorption was higher (123.08%) in case of 1: 1 soil : biochar ratio. Bambusa balcooa biochar applied soil has 34% increment in water holding capacity than the untreated soil.Ethanol production from pretreated biomass of Bambusa balcooa leaves (Cellulose rich fractions) was done through biomass saccharification through Cellulases and Saccharomyces cerevisiae inoculation with an overall raw biomass to ethanol conversion efficiency was 36.72%.ThesisItem Open Access Screening and biological activities of various bioactive compounds in finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] genotypes collected from various hilly regions of Uttarakhand(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-07) Bhatt, Dheeraj; Verma, K.C.Many food crops with high quality nutritional value growing in the Himalayan region have been in use from ancient time to treat various ailments in different traditional ways. In recent year, demand for high nutritional value crops has increased tremendously. The present study, focused on the Screening and Biological Activities of Various Bioactive Compounds of 10 different genotypes of Finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.], commonly known as Ragi, collected from different regions of Uttarakhand. The proximate composition showed variation in value for biochemical constituents like ash (2.58-3.18%), moisture (6.41-11.12%), protein (6.20-11.12%), fat (2.58-4.56%), tannin (1.12-4.71%), starch (35.71-41.57%), resistant starch (5.85-12.71%) and minerals (mg/100g) like as Ca (96.73-230.78), Mg (122.2-221.32), Mn (152.61-369.14) & Fe (0.147-9.44). The % yield in methanol extracts were range from 3.08-6.12% while 2.81-5.75% in hexane extracts. The range of total phenolic, total flavonoid, total antioxidant content, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, metal chelating activity of Fe2+, ferrous reducing antioxidant power , in-vitro antiinflammatory activity in methanol were 3.17-5.01 mg GAE/g, 0.76-1.72 mg CE/g, 39.02-85.98 mM AA/mg, 43.37-48.84%, 20.73-35.78%, 30.91-109.38 μg BHTE/mg and 38.98-73.75% respectively whereas in hexane, the range were 1.76-3.16 mg GAE/g, 0.511-1.29 mg CE/g, 30.31-72.41 mM AA/mg, 27.48-42.8%, 17.34-31.47%, 16.21-83.72 μg BHTE/mg and 21.99-64.77% respectively. The seed extract analysis by GC-MS reveled active components that show all sort of pharmacological activities from antioxidants to anti-cancerous. Out of all genotypes, the genotype which was collected from Bageshwer, shows better activity in terms of biochemical compositions like fat, tannin, starch & resistant starch contents as well as in antioxidant potential like TPC, TFC, TAA and ferrous chelating activity followed by Dwarahat genotype which was good in term of mineral composition (Ca, Mg & Fe) and also shows better ferrous reducing antioxidant power and in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity. As finger millet has significant mineral composition and shows good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, it might be envisage as an alternate source of staple crop and natural soruce of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.ThesisItem Open Access Biochemical analysis of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) genotypes collected from various geographical regions of Uttarakhand(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-07) Rana, Amit Singh; Verma, K.C.Many herbs in the Himalayan region offer nutrition in high value and traditional ways to overcome several diseases. Various food crop offer nutrition of quality and are in use for thousands of years. However, there are still many crops that remain neglected due to the monopoly of some popular crops. Therefore, a search for a crop that is nutritionally high and rich in natural compounds with antioxidant activity has intensified in recent years. In the present study, six genotypes of buckwheat were assessed for their nutritional value, qualitative analysis of seed extract and antioxidant potential. The proximate composition showed variation in value for biochemicals like protein (13.83%), fat (3.31%), starch (68.54%), resistant starch (37.18%) and tannin (2.08%). Bageshwar genotype showed best results for proximate composition. The extraction yield (%) was maximum in Bageshwar genotype in methanol (7.85%) and hexane (3.01%). All the tested phytochemicals were present in all genotypes, in both methanol and hexane extracts. The seed extract analysis by GC-MS reveled active components that show all sort of pharmacological activity from antioxidants to anti-cancerous. The values for antioxidants in genotypes was maximum in Bageshwar genotype (53.71%)in methanol and Rudraprayag genotype (28.47% ) in hexane in terms of DPPH, ferrous chelating activity was highest in Bageshwar genotypes (48.84 %) in methanol and Rudraprayag genotpye (10.24%) in hexane and total antioxidant activity was found to be maximum in Bageshwar genotypes (42.82 mMAA/mg and 08.98 mMAA/mg) for both methanol and hexane extracts, respectively. The total phenol content (mg GAE/g) was maximum in BAG genotype (14.41 and 2.36) in methanol and hexane, respectively while the total flavonoid content (μg CE/g) was maximum in BAG genotype (581.47 and 38.34) in methanol and hexane respectively. Among the solvents, methanol showed comparatively higher antioxidant activity than hexane. Positive and significant correlation in terms of DPPH, FCA, TAA and TPC was obtained in all genotypes. Thus, buckwheat with higher nutritional value, antioxidant potential and a number of other health benefits is comparable to and even sometimes better than other popular crops can be a potent natural alternate staple crop and provide benefits beyond nutrition because of the presence of its phyto-active constituents. It can be exploited in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.ThesisItem Open Access Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of biological activities of Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass. growing in Kumaun region of Uttarakhand(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-07) Gairola, Kanchan; Dubey, S.K.The present work focused on the phytochemical analysis and evaluation of biological activities of Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass. commonly called “Akarkara” growing in Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. The plant Acmella uliginosa, generally growing as weed, was collected from terai region of Uttarakhand and subsequently subjected to hydrodistillation for essential oil. Hexane and methanol extract were prepared with the help of soxhlet. The essential oil and plant extract was chemically analysed by GC/MS. Major compound in essential oil, hexane and methanol was Limonene (12.23%), 2, 4-heptadienal (7.99%) and trans, trans-9,12-octadecadienoic acid propyl ester (16.96%), respectively. In-vitro antioxidant activity of essential oil, hexane and methanol extract were investigated by DPPH free radical scavenging activity, reducing power activity and metal chelating activity of Fe2+. Methanol extract showed maximum free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 153.82±1.69 μg/ml against DPPH free radicals with respect to ascorbic acid (51.56±0.44 μg/ml) which was used as standard. Essential oil showed better metal chelating activity of Fe2+ and reducing power activity than methanolic and hexane plant extracts having IC50 value of 14.853±0.106 μl and RP50 value of 14.011 ± 0.0446μl. The essential oil showed maximum anti-inflammatory activity with IB50 value of 5.6290±0.0311μl whereas Diclofenac sodium which was used as standard had IB50 value of 23.693± 0.306 μg/ml. Total phenolic content, Total flavanoid content (TFC), Ortho-dihydric phenol content (ODP) and Total antioxidant activity (TAA) of methanol and hexane extract were also evaluated. TPC, TFC, ODP and TAA content was higher in methanol extract having 122.23± 0.22, 35.01± 0.29, 8±0.86 and 111±0.12mg/ml, respectively. The correlation of TPC of plant extract with DPPH radical scavenging activity was -0.99959, with metal chelating activity was 0.999307 and with reducing power was -0.90292. Significant antibacterial and antifungal activity were not observed in methanol and hexane extract. The essential oil showed exceedingly good antiinflammatory as well as antioxidant activities and plant extracts exhibited moderate activity as compared to standard marketed drugs thus, they might be envisaged as an alternative natural source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on pyrolysis products from bio-residues for antimicrobial activity, resin and grease preparation(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-07) Tarannum Jahan; Verma, A.K.Pyrolysis products (bio-oil and the aqueous phase of bio-oil) of pine needles, wheat straw, rice husk and sugarcane leaves were used for antimicrobial activity against plant pathogens (Xanthomonas axonopodia, Xanthomonas chrysanthemum, Erwinia tracheiphila, Ralastonia solanacearum and Pseudomonas fluorescens). Biooils and the aqueous phase of bio-oils showed better antibacterial activity at 1000μg/ml. The pine needles bio-oil (14.00±1mm) and the aqueous phase of bio-oils (10.00±1mm) were showed the highest zone of inhibition among all the bio-oils. Hence, pine needle bio-oil and its aqueous phase could be used as antibacterial agent. The pine needles bio-oil have approximately 50% phenols which can be used for partial replacement of the phenol to synthesize the bio-oil-phenol formaldehyde resin. The shear strength analysis of resin showed that 10% and 20% BPF resin have better bonding strength. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) was showed that the pure PF resin has maximum thermal decomposition as compared to 10% and 20% BPF resins. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of resin showed that pure PF resin and 10% BPF resin have almost similar surface structures. Hence, pine needle bio-oil could be used for phenol-formaldehyde resin. The pine needles bio-oils also used for grease preparation. Gear-oil (mineral-oil) was replaced by bio-oil as base oil and animal fat was used as a thickener. The TGA and DTG curves of grease samples were showed that grease sample A (Na-based with mineral oil) having the highest thermal decomposition as compared to sample B (Na-base with bio-oil) and sample C (Li-based with bio-oil). The better dropping point (192ºC) and oxidation stability (136min) were found higher in grease sample C compare to A and B. Cone penetration and copper corrosion values were the same for all the samples showing its liquid consistency and metal protecting nature. The highest value of cone penetration due to the high moisture content in all samples. In grease samples B and C, iron (Fe), Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pd) were found in higher concentration. The additives Ca, Mg, Zn and P were found in very low amount in the grease samples. The ferrographical analysis was found very few wears and contaminations in grease samples (A, B and C), indicating a better behaviour of grease.ThesisItem Open Access Comparative phytochemical profiling of Asparagus racemosus (Safed shatavar) and Asparagus racemosus (Pili shatavar) and assessment for its bioactivity and mineral composition(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-07) Leema; Punetha, HimanshuThe aim of present study was to compare phytochemical composition and evaluation of biological activities of pili shatavar and safed shatavar. The extraction was done using methanol as solvent. The extracts was concentrated using distillation. A. racemosus is a biochemical factory of different class of metabolites including sterols, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, carbohydrates, flavonoids, coumarine and amino acid. The extracts obtained from soxhlet extraction analysed by combination of GC and GC-MS. The percentage of major compounds present in the root extract of pili shatavar were 1,3:4,6-dimethylene-d-glycero-d-mannoheptitol (22.76), 3-deoxy-d-mannoic lactone (19.43), 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furaldehyde (18.91), 2,2-dideutero-trans-1,3-dihydroxy-cyclopentane (12.54), methyl sorbate (7.19), dimethyl fumarate (3.37), oleic Acid (3.24), diisopropyl 2-oxomalonate (2.75) dimethyl maleate (2.21). Whereas the major components present in the root of safed shatavar were 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2- furaldehyde(24.41), curdlan (20.71), pentanoic-3,3-D2 acid (10.09), cyclopentane, 1-acetyl-1,2- epoxy(7.45), oleic acid (4.54), 2-butanone, 4-hydroxy-3-methyl (4.39), pyranone (3.56), tetradecanoic acid (2.54), diethyl methoxymalonate (2.34).The minerals were analysed by AAS. Ca was observed to be highest in pili shatavar 5.276 μg/g. The Mn content was maximum in safed shatavar (0.934μg/g). The iron content observed to be 1.134μg/g in pili satavar and1.172μg/g in safed shatavar. The Zn content was maximum in pili shatavar (0.364μg/g). Cu content was trace amount in pili and safed shatavar. The TPC was maximum in pili shatavar (69±0.012mg/gm) as compared to safed shatavar (36.5±0.33 mg/g). The TFC was maximum in pili shatavar (15.32±0.29 mg/gm) and minimum in safed shatavar (10.09±0.12mg/g). Root extract from pili shatavar showed highest total antioxidant activity (IC50=189.77±4.36) as compared to safed shatavar (IC50=254.57±4.25). The in-vitro antioxidant activity was performed in terms of reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging and metal chelating effect. Pili shatavar methanolic extract (RP50=79.06±1.69) observed to have highest reducing power as compared to safed shatavar (RP50=177.12±4.47). The extract obtained from the pili shatavar displayed good radical scavenging potential with the IC50 value of 536.66±0.92 as compared with the standard antioxidant. Pili shatavar methanolic extract exhibit highest metal chelating effect (IC50=271.21±0.20) in comparison to safed shatavar (IC50=599.78±10.10). However root extract of safed shatavar (IC50=199.19±0.38) observed to have a strong in-vitro anti-inflammatory effect relative to the pili shatavar. The methanolic extracts of pili and safed shatavar have been examined for in-vitro antibacterial activity against two bacterial strains and antifungal activity against three fungal species. The health promoting phytochemical of Asparagus racemosus and their antioxidative potential could be utilized in pharmaceutical sector and food industries.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of ageing on metabolite profiling of in vitro grown cultures of Gentiana kurroo(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-07) Naudiyal, Neetika; Kumar, Vandana A.Gentiana kurroo is a critically endangered medicinal plant found in mid hills of Himalayas (1500-5000 meters asl) and is rich in metabolites of pharmaceutical importance like Gentiopicrine, Gentiamarin, Amaroswerin, etc. and possess stomachic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, antiinflammatory, anti-periodic, etc. activities. Therefore, study related to Gentiana kurroo was aimed for comparing micropropagation potential of source cultures of different ages; metabolite profiling of in vitro grown cultures viz a viz wild plant using GC-MS and spectroscopic techniques; Ca quantification using AAS; and detection of CBPs in leaves of wild plant and in vitro grown cultures. In vitro grown cultures were maintained in M2C-2 medium with 2 ppm extra calcium pantothenate. No significant difference was observed during micropropogation in terms of shoot height but total number of leaves increased from 75 ± 4.24 to 94.50 ± 13.43 in 5- and 15-month old source cultures, respectively. In order to compare the effect of extra Ca on in vitro growth, the morphological parameters during first sub culturing in M2C-2 and second & third sub culturings in M2C-1 (1 ppm Ca) media were recorded. The percent increase in number of leaves and shoot height at 45 DAI were 403.5% and 413.95% during first subculture; 152.38% and 185.92% during second subculture; and 164.81% and 172.4% during third subculture, respectively. The qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the higher phytochemical contents (total phenolic-, flavanoid- and antioxidant content) in WFR viz a viz in vitro grown cultures, both because the wild plants had been growing in natural habitat, and had also experienced temperature stress during transition from their wild habitat to the laboratory. Amongst the in vitro grown cultures (15mR-in and 3mR-in), 3mR-in the exhibited lower values of TPC, TFC and TAC due to less stressed and optimized in vitro growth conditions whereas the 15mR-in cultures had experienced culture medium nutrient depletion generated stress. GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of few major compounds such as Nitroisobutylglycerol (6.58%), Methyl palmitate (8.3%), Linoleoyl chloride (5.15%) and Z-9-Hexadecenal (12.8%) in WSR-; 2,3- Epoxyhexanol (40.79%), Oxirane, (3,3-dimethylbutyl)- (15.25%), Oleic acid, 3- (octadecyloxy)propyl ester (10.52%) and 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydro-tetrazol-5-one (20.61%) in WFR; Trehalose (77.5%) and Alloinositol (6.08%) in the 15mR-in-; 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol (6.36%), Mome inositol (41.34%), Phthalic acid (6.47%) and gamma-sitosterol (5.15%) in the 3mRin methanolic extracts. At least, 13 common compounds were found in higher quantity in 3mR-in as compared to 15mR-in. Ca quantification through AAS was in the order of 864, 608, 552 and 160 ug/g of dry weight of propagule in root samples i.e. 3mR-in, 15mR-in, WFR and wCR-in, respectively and 5.24 and 2.42 ug/g of dry weight of green (G-WLF) vs. yellow (Y-WLF) leaf samples, respectively. Total soluble protein content in leaf samples (FL-in and WFL) by Bradford method was recorded to be 418.18±0.004 and 336.36±0.001 ug/g of fresh weight of leaf, respectively. Separation of soluble proteins of wild and in-vitro leaves on SDS-PAGE indicated more than 8 identical bands ranging from 14.3 to 97.4 kDa. Calcium specific staining by Stains-All revealed the presence of more than 5 CBPs which were identical in both the leaf samples.ThesisItem Open Access Resistant starch content in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and effect of fenugreek seed extract on its in vitro starch digestibility(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-07) Sanjayrao, Mate Payal; Agrawal, SanjeevThe study was conducted to determine Resistant Starch content in Wheat and to assess an effect of Fenugreek Seed Extract (FSE) on in vitro hydrolysis of starch. Initial study was conducted on 23 genotypes of wheat. Starch was isolated from samples and analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) to study granule size and shape. It was observed that the size of granules ranges from 5.9-31.0 μm and are lenticular or spherical in shape. Total starch content in different genotypes of wheat ranged from 94.28- 61.85%. Amylose content varied from 12.81-30.71%. Amylose and amylopectin ratio ranged from 0.14 - 0.44. High-amylose starches are of great interest as they can be processed into resistant starch, which has many nutritional benefits. An amylose to amylopectin ratio of wheat starch is an important factor in the production of various kinds of wheat-related processed foods. Total protein content of wheat ranged from 9.58-13.33%. Proteins fractions estimated were albumin (1.1-2.6%), globulin (3.41-4.5%) and prolamine (3.2- 4.04%). In vitro hydrolysis of native, Gelatinized and retrograded starch was carried out and hydrolyzed .starch was estimated. It was observed that in gelatinized starch rate of hydrolysis was more than in native and retrograded. These results can be correlated with the structure of starch observed by SEM. The surface of gelatinized starch granules were swollen and disrupted. Therefore, these granules can be easily hydrolyzed whereas; in retrograded starch granules appeared hard and compact. This compaction decreases an accessibility of hydrolyzing enzymes to starch granules. Resistant starch content was analyzed and it ranged from 0.79-1.34%. Inhibition of pancreatic α amylase was studied by analyzing an amount of maltose released from all the starch was observed after 10 min of Incubation. There was significant reduction in release of maltose after mixing the starch with 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% (w/v) FSE, compared with control. In vitro hydrolysis of starch at different concentration of FSE was observed and it was observed that addition of 0.2% FSE into starch caused highest inhibition of starch hydrolysis. Glycemic Indices were compared for the genotypes under study. It was found highest in WL 711 and lowest in UP 2691.The estimation of glycemic response is an important parameter to consider in order to better understand the physiologic effects of foods with high carbohydrate levels.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of brown and yellow seeded quality germplasm of oilseed Brassica for their potential nutrients(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2018-08) Sajwan, Neha; Punetha, HimanshuOilseed Brassica is one of the most important crop among the seven edible oilseed crops. India’s top Rapeseed & Mustard producing states is Rajasthan followed by Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. In northern India, mustard oil is popular for cooking purposes, in the preparation of pickles and also used in cosmetics due to its excellent health benefits. The defatted meal of oilseeds Brassica is an excellent source of many bioactive compounds, proteins, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. It also comprises some anti-nutritional compounds such as glucosinolates and phytic acid. In the present investigation, 15 genotypes of oilseed Brassica were evaluated for their potential nutrients. The total phenolic content observed to be maximum in LES-56 (5.92 ± 0.132 mg/g), total flavonoid content found highest in RLC-6 (0.536±0.009 mg/g) and the ortho-dihydroxy phenol recorded highest in Kranti (0.412±0.007 mg/g). The highest antioxidant content was recorded in PM-29 (23.27 ± 0.202 mg/g) followed by NRCHB-101 (21.19 ± 0.583 mg/g) and LES-56 (20.54 ± 0.329 mg/g). The glucosinolates in Brassica genotypes in desired range (i.e., <30 μmol/g) was observed in PDZ9 (19.69±1.229μmol/g), PDZ-10 (20.35±1.847μmol/g) and RLC-6 (27.73±0.011μmol/g). The minimum phytic acid content was recorded in PDZ-9 (1.7± 0.173 mg/100g). The crude protein ranges from 23.35±0.710 % (in RLC-6) to 30.06±1.121 % (in LES-56). The methionine content was found to be maximum in LES-54 (2.398± 0.063 g/100g protein) and the highest tryptophan content was found in NPJ-203 (1.219± 0.029 g/100g protein). The highest content of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium was recorded in LES-56 as compared to Kranti. The maximum content of Copper was observed in PM-30 (9.2 mg kg-1), Zinc was found to be highest in RGN73 (149.5 mg kg-1) and Iron was observed to be highest in RH-749 (187.7 mg kg-1). Thus, the oilseed Brassica can be utilized in the preparation of functional food as a feasible food ingredient due to the presence of potential nutrients.