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Abstract. Previous studies have demonstrated both beneficial and detrimental effects on soil properties from biochar incorporation. Several biochars, with different feedstock origins, were evaluated for their effectiveness at improving soil quality of a sandy agricultural soil. A pot trial was used to investigate aggregate stability and microbial activity, pore water trace element mobility and micronutrient concentrations in grain of spring wheat after incorporation of three biochars. The feedstocks for biochar production were selected because they were established UK waste products, namely oversize woody material from green waste composting facilities, and rhododendron and soft wood material from forest clearance operations. Biochars were incorporated into the soil at a rate of 5% v/v. Aggregate stability was improved following addition of oversize biochar whilst microbial activity increased in all treatments. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in soil pore water from biochartreated soils were raised, whilst micronutrient concentrations in wheat grain grown in the treated soils were significantly reduced. It was concluded that incorporation of biochar to temperate agricultural soils requires caution as it may result in reductions of essential grain micronutrients required for human health, whilst the effect on aggregate stability may be linked to organic carbon functional groups on biochar surfaces and labile carbon released from the char into the soil system.

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Background Many people are used to administering their drugs with food, beverages or herbs. These substances may contain chemicals that interfere with the prescribed drugs and could potentially lead to changes in their efficacy or safety, and could result in alterations in their pharmacokinetic properties. Objective To assess the extent of the perception and consumption of food, beverages and herbs alongside conventional drugs, along with their potential interactions, specifically in Jordanian society. Methods A descriptive cross‐sectional survey was conducted in Jordan (20 April ‐ 5 May 2020). The survey was developed using Google Forms, then validated and distributed via social media platforms. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences‐24. Main outcome measure Use and perception of food, beverages, herbs and how they interact with drugs among Jordanians. Results Of all the participants (n = 789), 77.8% were females, 46.2% were 50‐year‐olds, 69.7% were married, 70.8% were medically insured, and 51.1% had bachelor's degrees. 70% of the study participants reported use of medicinal plants. About 66% of participants agreed that medicinal plants or herbs could treat diseases and 58.6% thought that medications could interact with drugs. In general, the participants’ knowledge about food/beverage/herb–drug interactions was considered poor. However, a linear regression analysis showed that the level of knowledge was significantly affected (P < .05) by gender, marital status, social status, educational level and employment sector. Conclusion Jordanians have a positive perception towards herbs and their ability to treat diseases. However, their knowledge about food/beverage–drug interactions was poor. There is therefore a need to enhance the community awareness of food/beverage/herb–drug interactions.

A flow injection system incorporating a micro-column of activated alumina was used in conjunction with flame atomic absorption spectrometry for the pre-concentration and determination of lead in drinking waters. The analyte was deposited on the alumina micro-column {basic form of alumina) during the sampting stage and elution was effected by injection of nitric acid (250 yl, 2 M). The procedure was successfully applied to a range of water samples and the accuracy was assessed through recovery experiments, the analysis of a certified reference water and by independent analyses by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The limit of detection based on a sample volume of 25ml (sampling time-5min at 5mlmin-1) was 0.36 yg 1-1 and the relative standard deviations at 40 and 4pg 1-1 were 1.4 and 12%, respectively.