Assimilation Of Zinc Research Articles

Assessing the Effectiveness of Vermi-Liquids as a Sustainable Alternative to Inorganic Nutrient Solutions in Hydroponic Agriculture: A Study on Diplotaxis muralis

Organic products are gaining popularity due to their positive impact on human health and the environment. While hydroponics is commonly used in vegetable production, it relies on mineral fertilizers derived from limited and non-renewable resources. As a result, farmers are actively seeking sustainable farming solutions. This study comprehensively evaluated the effectiveness of vermi-liquids (organic nutrient solutions) as a replacement for conventional inorganic nutrient solutions in promoting growth and nutrient acquisition in Diplotaxis muralis plants in a controlled environment. The results showed that plant biomass and SPAD values of D. muralis grown in Hoagland solution and enhanced vermitea (vermitea having relatively low pH and high EC) were higher compared to standard vermitea (high pH and low EC). The findings also revealed improved nutrient assimilation of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc in the enhanced vermitea plants. The heavy metal contents in D. muralis leaves were evaluated, too, and they were found to fall significantly below the safe threshold, rendering them safe for human consumption. However, the standard vermitea, with its high pH and low EC, performed poorly as a hydroponic solution. This research suggests that enhanced vermitea can completely replace chemical nutrient solutions in hydroponic agriculture. This substitution could lead to reduced production costs and improved product quality.

Digestibility of substances, balance of Nitrogen, Zinc and Manganese in highly productive cows of the Holstein breed of German selection in the first period of lactation for feeding mixed ligand complexes of Zinc, Manganese and Co-balt

The article deals with the results of research to study the digestibility of nutrients in the ration and metabolism of Nitrogen, Zinc and Manganese in high-yielding Holstein cows of German selection in the first period of lactation for feeding mixed ligand complexes of Zinc, Manganese and Cobalt. The research was performed in the conditions of Terezyne Ltd., Bila Tserkva district, Kyiv region. There was an increase in the coefficients of digestibility of dry matter in cows of the 2nd-5th experimental groups compared with animals of the 1st control group, respectively by 1.8–3.5 % (P < 0.05); organic matter by 0.3–2.5 %; crude protein by 0.5–4.2 % (P < 0.05 – P < 0.01); crude fat by 1.1–1.8 %; crude fiber by 1.3–3.3 % and nitrogen-free extractives by 2.1–4.2 %. Cows of the experimental groups consumed more Nitrogen than the cows of the control group: 20.18 g or 2.4 % – the 2nd group, 55.06 g or 6.6 % – the 3rd, 42.52 g or 5, 1 % – 4th and 28.98 g or 3.5 % – 5th experimental group due to better eating of the feed mixture. General consumption level of Nitrogen in relation to excreted with milk and deposited in the body of cows of the control group was 32.02 %, and in animals of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th experimental groups – 33.59 %; 37.31; 36.99 and 34.97 %. In relation to the total digested amount, the proportion of Nitrogen deposited in the body and excreted with milk in animals of the control group was 42.38 %, and in the experimental – 44.25–47.34 %. Doses of Zinc, which provided its existing rate of 54–85 % due to the mixed ligand complex, positively influenced on the the metabolism of trace elements in the organism of experimental cows. Assimilation of Zinc in the organism was determined by the amount of its secretions with milk and deposits in the body and in absolute terms it was the lowest in cows of the 4th and 5th experimental groups – 562.7 mg and 671.6 mg against 740.8 mg in the 1st control group and the largest – 784.7 mg and 801.3 mg in animals of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups. The use of a mixed ligand complex of manganese ensured its positive balance in the organism of cows and the absorption of the trace element in the organism of experimental cows ranged from 22.5 % in the 2nd experimental group to 33.2 % in the 3rd experimental group. The best indicators for the metabolism of Nitrogen, Zinc and Manganese were got in the third experimental group whose cows were fed a feed mixture, that in 1 kg of DM contained, mg: Zinc – 54.7; Manganese – 54.7; Cobalt – 0.7; Selenium – 0.3; Copper – 12 and Iodine – 1.1.

Controlled Release of Zinc from Soy Protein-Based Matrices to Plants

Controlled release systems are increasing their presence on the market. However, their use is not generating a great impact on horticultural production, mainly due to their price, which makes crop production more expensive. This work proposes a cheaper alternative for the manufacture of these devices. Thus, an agri-food byproduct (soy protein isolate) and a thermomechanical processing were used to create devices (matrices) that can compete in price with the use of conventional fertilizers (0.50–2.00 €/kg). First, different processing methods were evaluated to obtain the matrix with the most optimal mechanical, functional (zinc and water retention/release, biodegradability) and morphological (zinc distribution) properties for the supply of zinc (micronutrient). This was achieved by incorporating an ethanol immersion step into the processing to remove the plasticizer before its use in horticulture. Finally, the efficiency of these matrices was verified in crops (lettuce and peppers), improving up to 60% the assimilation of zinc by plants that conventional fertilization achieves. In addition, these matrices allow a 33% reduction in the water used during cultivation. This work has opened a new possibility of creating more efficient devices for the incorporation of fertilizers into crops, also having an affordable price for industrial use.

Assimilation of Selenium, Copper, and Zinc in Rye Malt

Abstract Trace elements selenium, copper, and zinc are essential minerals for the human body. One of the means to increase the micronutrient content in diets is to add them to food raw materials, for example, to enrich grain with micronutrients during malt production. To obtain rye malt, 3 kg grain was soaked in 10 l water with addition of three mineral salts — sodium selenate (Na2SeO4), copper sulphate (CuSO4 5H2O), and zinc sulphate (ZnSO4 7H2O) at different concentrations and different combination of salts. The concentration of selenium, copper, and zinc was determined in rye malt. The obtained results were used to calculate the degree of assimilation of trace elements in rye malt. The interaction of trace elements selenium/copper and copper/zinc was studied. The total amount of selenium, copper, and zinc was analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Sample preparation for elemental analysis was performed by wet acid digestion in a closed microwave mineralisation system. The selenium assimilation degree in rye malt was within 10.6 to 12.2%. Accordingly, copper assimilation was 32.8 to 38.0% and zinc 49.3 to 57.0%. Simultaneous presence of selenium/copper and copper/zinc during rye grain soaking promoted the assimilation of each mineral, compared with only one mineral additive.

Determination of Zinc(II) Ions Released into Artificial Digestive Juices from Culinary-Medicinal Button Mushroom, Agaricus bisporus (Agaricomycetidae), Biomass of In Vitro Cultures Using an Anodic Stripping Voltammetry Method

Zinc is one of those microelements that are essential for the proper functioning of the human body and must be supplemented in our food at a daily dose of 15 mg. It is well known that mushrooms accumulate elements; thus, in order to determine the extent of accumulation and the level of zinc released from mushrooms, in vitro cultures of Agaricus bisporus were established. The cultures were run on a modified Oddoux medium (a control culture) as well as on the same medium with the addition of zinc hydroaspartate (100 and 200 mg/L) and zinc sulfate (87.23 and 174.47 mg/L). These compounds were chosen to help estimate which form, organic or inorganic, results in a better assimilation of zinc(II) ions by biomass. As the next step, the level of zinc(II) ions released from the lyophilized biomass of in vitro cultures to the digestive juices, under thermal conditions of the human body (37°C), was determined. For this purpose, artificial digestive juices, imitating the composition of human digestive juices, were used. For determination of zinc(II) ions in the digestive tract, an anodic stripping voltammetry method was employed. The amount of zinc released into artificial saliva over 1 minute varied from 0.15 mg/100 g d.w. in the control culture to 2.35 mg/100 g d.w. in the biomass in the medium to which 200 mg/L zinc hydroaspartate had been added. Values were higher in gastric juice and depended on incubation time (2.66 to 30.63 mg/100 g d.w.). In intestinal juice, the highest value of the released zinc grew to 24.20 mg/100 g d.w. (biomass of A. bisporus in vitro cultures in medium with the addition of 200 mg/L zinc hydroaspartate). Total average amount of zinc released into artificial digestive juices was the highest (56.26 mg/100 g d.w.) from A. bisporus biomass of in vitro cultures in the medium to which 200 mg/L zinc hydroaspartate had been added.

Characterization of Zinc-Solubilizing Bacillus Isolates and their Potential to Influence Zinc Assimilation in Soybean Seeds

One hundred thirty-four putative Bacillus isolates were recovered from soybean rhizosphere soils of Nimar region to select effective zinc solubilizers for increased assimilation of zinc (Zn) in soybean seeds. These isolates were screened in vitro for zinc-solubilization ability on Tris-minimal agar medium supplemented separately with 0.1% zinc in the form of zinc oxide, zinc phosphate, and zinc carbonate. Of all, 9 isolates and a reference Bacillus cereus ATCC 13061 were characterized and identified as Bacillus species based on Gram-positive reaction, endospore-forming cells, and the presence of iso-C₁₅:₀ and anteiso-C₁₅:₀ as predominant fatty acids. On plate assay, two isolates KHBD-6 and KHBAR-1 showed a greater diameter of solubilization halo and colony diameter on all the three zinc compounds. The isolates KHBD-6, KHBAR-1, BDSD-2-2C, and KHTH-4-1 and the reference strain ATCC 13061 had higher soluble zinc concentration in liquid medium supplemented with zinc phosphate and zinc carbonate compounds as compared with the other isolates and uninoculated control. Evaluation under microcosm conditions showed that inoculation of isolates KHBD-6 (57.34 μg/g), KHBAR-1 (55.67 μg/g), and strain ATCC 13061 (53.10 μg/g) significantly increased the Zn concentration in soybean seeds as compared with the other isolates and uninoculated control (47.14 μg/g). This study suggests the occurrence of zinc-solubilizing Bacillus in soils of Nimar region and isolates KHBD-6 and KHBAR-1 were found to be promising zinc solubilizers for increased assimilation of Zn in soybean seeds.

The bioavailability of different chemical forms of zinc in fattening lambs

Abstract. The aim of the presented study was an estimation of the zinc bioavailability derived from amino acid complexes with methionine, lysine and glycine in growing lambs. 48 lambs, Polish Merino × Romanowski × Charolaise crossbreed, at age about 10 weeks and average body weight of 20 kg were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups. Animals were kept collectively and fed with concentrate and hay in amount: 0.7–1.2 and 0.3–0.5 kg/day/head, respectively. After rearing period 6 rams from each group with average body weight of about 30 kg were divided into digestibility-balance experiments. At the end of the experiment the blood samples were taken, then from each group 8 lambs were chosen, killed and during dissection tissue samples were taken (liver, pancreas, kidney and rib bone). In tissue samples as well as in fodders and excrements the content of zinc was determined. Obtained data in digestibility experiments allowed on calculation of apparent absorption and retention of zinc and the level of Zn determined in tissues’ samples were used to the estimation of bioavailability of zinc from different ones applied in experiment sources. Apparent absorption and retention of zinc were higher (P≤0.01) in lambs receiving in mixtures amino acid complexes of zinc than in animals from the control group. The higher content of zinc in soft and hard tissues of lambs which received organic forms of zinc might indicate better assimilation and bioavailability of zinc from these forms than from oxide. Among tested organic forms of zinc, the zinc-lysine complex was characterized as having the most advantageous property.

Zinc and Prostate Cancer: A Critical Scientific, Medical, and Public Interest Issue (United States)

The role of zinc in the development and progression of prostate malignancy and its potential application in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) are contemporary critical issues for the medical/scientific community and the public-at-large. The overwhelming clinical and experimental evidence provides a compelling rational basis for the expectation and concept that prostate zinc accumulation is an important factor in the development and progression of prostate malignancy; and that zinc could be efficacious in the prevention and treatment of PCa. In contrast, various epidemiologic studies have produced divergent and conflicting results regarding the efficacy of dietary and supplemental zinc against PCa. Before reaching any definitive conclusions regarding this complex issue, one should have a complete understanding of the clinical and experimental evidence associated with the involvement of zinc in the normal and malignant prostate. Also, an understanding of interacting effects of confounding factors on the absorption, assimilation, and bioavailability of supplemental dietary zinc is important. The purpose of this review is to present the current state of the clinical and experimental information regarding zinc relationships in the normal prostate and in the pathogenesis PCa. The evidence in support of a potential beneficial effect of zinc supplement versus potential harmful effects on PCa is assessed. A discussion of the divergent results of the epidemiologic studies is presented along with a description of important factors and conditions that impact or mask the effects of dietary zinc on PCa development and progression. We also hope to bring more attention to the medical and research community of the critical need for concerted clinical and basic research regarding zinc and PCa, for the development of appropriate human prostate models to investigate these relationships, for further appropriately designed epidemiologic studies, and for future well-controlled clinical trials.

Trophic transfer of trace metals from protozoa to mesozooplankton

Radiotracer techniques were used to quantify the assimilation and subsequent efflux of silver, cadmium, iron, mercury, thallium, and zinc by mesozooplankton fed ciliates, heterotrophic dinoflagellates, or heterotrophic flagellates, and the results were compared with published values measured for phytoplankton prey. The subcellular distribution of the metals within the prey cells was also determined and related to their bioavailability. Marine copepods assimilated 59ߚ82% of Ag, 83ߚ92% of Cd, 32ߚ66– of Fe, 14ߚ49% of Hg, and 71ߚ78% of Zn ingested with protozoan prey. Higher Ag, Cd, Fe, and Hg assimilation efficiencies were observed for at least one of the species of protozoa than reported in the literature for phytoplankton. Significant differences in assimilation were not observed for Zn or for Tl fed to freshwater Ceriodaphnia in either protozoa or phytoplankton. The higher assimilation efficiencies of protozoan metals, when observed, were matched by higher fractions of metals in the cytoplasm of protozoa. A biokinetic model used to calculate steadyߚstate metal concentrations in copepods indicates that copepods may contain 119% more Ag and 44% more Zn when feeding on ciliates instead of diatoms, possibly resulting in sublethal toxic effects at Ag and Zn concentrations reported for the Hudson River estuary. Further, higher assimilation and efflux rates of protozoan Fe may enhance remineralization of this limiting nutrient by mesozooplankton in high nutrient, low chlorophyll regions.

Intake and assimilation of zinc, copper, and cadmium in the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber Latr. (Crustacea, Isopoda).

Intake and assimilation of zinc, copper, and cadmium in the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber Latr. (Crustacea, Isopoda).

Yeast Assimilation of Trub-Bound Zinc

Zinc is widely known to be utilized by yeast resulting in an increased fermentation rate. This study was conducted to ascertain if trub-bound zinc may be utilized by yeast. This was determined by adding dialysis sac tubing filled with trub to a fermenter and monitoring the fermentation progress. This article discusses the positive influences of trub-bound zinc on yeast during fermentation through comparisons of fermentation data, yeast analyses, and a zinc mass balance over the course of primary fermentation. Wort zinc as well as trub-bound zinc is assimilated by the yeast for cell growth and directly stimulates the fermentation rate.

Effect of graft combination and position of application on assimilation and translocation of zinc in grapevines

Radioactive zinc (Zn) was applied to apical leaves, basal leaves, and roots of water cultured Muscat d'Alexandrie grapevines grafted onto rootstocks 140 Ruggeri and 110 Richter, respectively. For both rootstocks, poor assimilation, but relatively good distribution, of Zn by apical and basal leaves was found; translocation to the rootstock was lower for 110 Richter than to 140 Ruggeri. In contrast, assimilation by roots was relatively good, but translocation was poor, particularly when using 110 Richter. The apical translocation of leaf assimilated Zn was less prominent when using rootstock 140 Ruggeri compared to 110 Richter. The general pattern of Zn distribution was, however, similar between rootstocks. Maximum assimilation can be ensured by foliar Zn sprays early during the growth season. The presence of metabolically active, mature leaves will guarantee effective distribution of Zn within the grapevine.

Assimilation of zinc by Porcellio scaber (Isopoda, Crustacea) exposed to zinc.

Assimilation of zinc by Porcellio scaber (Isopoda, Crustacea) exposed to zinc.

Species-Specific Differences in the Net Assimilation of Zinc, Cadmium, Lead, Copper and Iron by the Terrestrial Isopods Oniscus asellus and Porcellio scaber

Species-Specific Differences in the Net Assimilation of Zinc, Cadmium, Lead, Copper and Iron by the Terrestrial Isopods Oniscus asellus and Porcellio scaber

Assimilation of zinc, cadmium, lead, copper, and iron by the spiderDysdera crocata, a predator of woodlice

In this paper, an experiment is described on the assimilation of zinc, cadmium, lead, copper and iron by Dysdera crocata collected from a site in central Bristol. The spiders were fed on woodlice from their own site, and on woodlice from a site contaminated by a smelting works which contained much higher levels of zinc, cadmium and lead than the spiders would have been used to in their normal diet.

Assimilation of Zinc, Cadmium, Lead and Copper By the Centipede Lithobius variegatus (Chilopoda)

Des specimens de L.v. sont collectes dans un bois de feuillus contamine par les metaux lourds et dans une zone similaire, non contaminee; ils sont nourris de tissus d'Oniscus asellus contenant des quantites connues de divers metaux lourds. Les resultats sont variables selon le metal considere et l'origine des O.a. mais on peut en conclure que O.a. ne forme pas une part importante du regime de L.v. dans les forets de feuillus

Effects of annual and accumulative applications of sewage sludge on assimilation of zinc and cadmium by corn (Zea mays L.)

Effects of annual and accumulative applications of sewage sludge on assimilation of zinc and cadmium by corn (Zea mays L.)