High Concentrations Of Zinc Research Articles

Physicochemical characterization and deterioration condition evaluation of three primary documents of Costa Rica's independence process

This research reports the results of the physicochemical characterization and deterioration condition evaluation of three nineteenth-century manuscripts, which are essential components of the Costa Rican documentary heritage. The documents were characterized by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and multispectral photography. The documents' condition was thoroughly evaluated, and the results were transformed into an index to correlate their deterioration state with the document's composition; this was achieved by using correlation plots and heatmaps. The study revealed that the Independence Act of Costa Rica was the most deteriorated document among the three manuscripts from the year 1821. This was attributed to its acidic pH level, high zinc content, and greater exposure to light compared to the other two documents.

Impact of Metal-Containing Industrial Effluents on Leafy Vegetables and Associated Human Health Risk.

One of the primary sources of trace elements in the environment is wastewater used for irrigation. However, the effects of untreated wastewater containing high concentrations of chromium and zinc on vegetables and the potential human health risks associated with their consumption are poorly understood. This pot experiment aimed to address this research gap. The accumulation of chromium and zinc and their effect on the biochemical parameters of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and green onion (Allium fistulosum L.) irrigated with untreated industrial effluents were assessed. The average concentrations of chromium and zinc in the edible parts of the vegetables ranged between 7.36 and 7.58 mg/kg dry weight and 59.8 and 833 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. The irrigation of the lettuce with the effluent containing zinc at a concentration of 2.95 mg/L led to a significant increase in the content of phenols and the antioxidant activity. A significant reduction in the chlorophyll content of the lettuce leaves and the antioxidant activity of the onion leaves was observed when the plants were irrigated with the effluent containing zinc at a concentration of 78 mg/L. No non-carcinogenic health risk from the intake of chromium and zinc was identified through the consumption of lettuce and green onion, primarily due to the fact that a smaller proportion of the total metal content was transferred to their edible parts.

Zinc and copper effect mechanical cell adhesion properties of the amyloid precursor protein.

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) can be modulated by the binding of copper and zinc ions. Both ions bind with low nanomolar affinities to both subdomains (E1and E2) in the extracellular domain of APP. However, the impact of ion binding on structural and mechanical trans-dimerization properties is yet unclear. Using a bead aggregation assay (BAA), we found that zinc ions increase the dimerization of both subdomains, while copper promotes only dimerization of the E1 domain. In line with this, scanning force spectroscopy (SFS) analysis revealed an increase in APP adhesion force up to three-fold for copper and zinc. Interestingly, however, copper did not alter the separation length of APP dimers, whereas high zinc concentrations caused alterations in the structural features and a decrease of separation length. Together, our data provide clear differences in copper and zinc mediated APP trans-dimerization and indicate that zinc binding might favor a less flexible APP structure. This fact is of significant interest since changes in zinc and copper ion homeostasis are observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and were reported to affect synaptic plasticity. Thus, modulation of APP trans-dimerization by copper and zinc could contribute to early synaptic instability in AD.

Cooking Time, Seed Darkening, and Iron and Zinc Concentrations of Selected Andean Genotypes of Common Bean

ABSTRACTCooking time (CT), post‐harvest darkening (PHD), and micronutrient content influence consumer preference of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties. The objective of this study was to evaluate Andean genotypes for CT, PHD, and seed iron and zinc concentration. A total of 52 genotypes belonging to three market classes, namely, purple‐speckled (Kabulangeti), yellows, and cranberry (sugar beans), were grown at the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART) Farm and the Mpika Research Farm in Zambia and assessed for CT, PHD, and seed iron and zinc concentration. The fastest cooking genotype among all 52 genotypes was a yellow genotype, Y1612‐5. Yellow genotypes generally cooked faster than the Kabulangeti and sugar types. Among the elite lines with Kabulangeti seed types, which is a dominant market class in Zambia, the elite line K175 had faster CT and higher iron and zinc concentration than the Kabulangeti landrace race currently available on the Zambian market. Kabulangeti and sugar genotypes showed regular darkening, whereas yellows did not darken. The yellow genotype Y1612‐3 was particularly outstanding because of its unique combination of high concentrations of both iron and zinc. Therefore, it can be used to introgress these two essential minerals into variable genetic backgrounds. The significant variability and high to moderate heritability for CT (0.85) and iron (0.81) and zinc (0.58) concentration observed in the current study suggest that it is possible to make progress in breeding for faster cooking varieties that are rich in iron and zinc.

Assessing the mobility of Zn, Pb and Ni during the weathering of Nkana smelter copper slag, Zambia

Mine slag dumps could be point-sources of possible pollutants to the surrounding water and soils. The purpose of this study was to investigate the leaching behavior of zinc, lead and nickel from Nkana copper slag dump of Kitwe in Zambia. To assess the toxicity and hazardous nature of the slag, Bath Leaching EN 12,457–2:2002, Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP) were employed. The results from these techniques revealed that the copper slag was inert in the open or natural environment. Sequential extraction analysis was conducted to analyze the fractionation of the zinc, lead and nickel using a seven-step procedure. The sequential extraction analysis showed that the 3 metals were predominantly present in the residual fraction. The risk assessment code (RAC) showed that zinc and lead's mobility could pose an environmental risk categorized as low risk, with RAC values of 1.31 % and 1.50 %, respectively. Nickel's mobility fell within the no-risk category with a RAC of 0.32 %. Additionally, the effect of pH, particle size and contact time on the release of the 3 metals were investigated. The results showed that the highest concentrations of zinc and nickel were observed for longer period of exposure (>33 days), in acidic environments (pH 2.2 and pH 3.0), for particle size distribution (<75 μm). However, lead leaching was not affected by the variation of pH or particle size distribution but mostly by duration of exposure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that diopside (CaMgSi2O6) and quartz (SiO2) constitute the primary phases within the sample. It is recommended to limit the exposure of slag material to acidic environments and minimize the fragmentation of the slag into finer particles as these conditions would promote increased release of zinc, lead and nickel to the surrounding environment.

Toxic Metals and Metalloids in Food: Current Status, Health Risks, and Mitigation Strategies.

Exposure to toxic metals/metalloids, such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), through food consumption is a global public health concern. This review examines the contamination status of these metals/metalloids in food, assesses dietary intake across different populations, and proposes strategies to reduce metal/metalloid exposures throughout the food chain. For the general population, dietary intake of metals/metalloids is generally lower than health-based guidance values. However, for vulnerable populations, such as infants, children, and pregnant women, their dietary intake levels are close to or even higher than the guidance values. Among different food categories, seafood shows higher total As, but largely present as organic species. Rice accumulates higher As concentration than other cereals, with inorganic As (iAs) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) being the main As species. Methylated thioarsenate species, such as dimethylmonothioarsenate, have also been detected in rice. The distribution of iAs and DMA in rice shows geographical variation. Additionally, seafood and cocoa products generally contain more Cd than other food, but seafood consumption does not significantly increase in adverse health effects due to its high zinc and iron content. Compared to As and Cd, Pb concentrations in food are generally lower. To minimize the health risks of metal/metalloid exposure, several strategies are proposed. Food contamination with toxic metals/metalloids poses significant concerns for human health, particularly for vulnerable populations. This review provides scientific evidence and suggestions for policy makers to reduce human exposure of metals/metalloids via dietary intake.

Processing untraditional healthy crackers formula by using sprouted flour mixes for children

This study aimed to improve the nutritional content of crackers made from a germinated flour mixture for children affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Chemical, physical, and sensory properties of crackers processed from germinated grain composite flours (maize, quinoa, finger millet, and fenugreek seeds) were compared to 100% maize crackers. Chemical analysis revealed that germinated mixture flour crackers (GMFCs) were higher in ash (2.14–2.40%), fiber (1.26–1.75%), protein (5.59–8.31%), and energy (379.64–404.77 kcal/100g) but lower in carbohydrates (70.51–61.05%). Five cracker formulas were prepared. Formula F5 (75% maize, 10% millet, and 5% fenugreek) had the highest calcium, magnesium, and total phenolic content. Formula F3 (85% maize, 10% quinoa, 10% millet, and 5% fenugreek) had the highest iron content, while Formula F4 (85% maize, 20% millet, and 5% fenugreek) had the highest zinc content and antioxidant activity. Maize crackers exhibited higher color characteristics (L*, a*, and b*) compared to the other GMFCs. Mean sensory evaluation indicated that the GMFCs were generally accepted by panelists. Overall acceptability and taste of crackers in Formula F4 were preferred by the panelists, particularly with the increased ratio of millet flour. This study demonstrated the potential of composite flours from GMFCs to produce acceptable, healthy, and nutritious crackers. All cracker formulas significantly contributed to the recommended dietary allowances for key nutrients in children, compared to the control. Therefore, it is recommended to use the studied grains to develop healthy bakery products suitable for people with celiac disease and ADHD.Graphical abstract

Iron, Zinc and Total Phenolic Content in Cooked Biofortified NUA 45 and Gloria Sugar Beans: The Case of Zimbabwe

Biofortification involves breeding of staple crops that are micronutrient-dense and high yielding for example iron-biofortified beans. The biofortification of crops has been found to be cost effective and feasible to fight micronutrient deficiencies. The aim of the study was to determine the iron, zinc and total phenolic composition for the biofortified NUA 45 and Gloria sugar beans in raw as well as cooked samples with and without previous soaking. Determination of iron and zinc content in the raw, cooked bean grain samples with and without soaking was carried out by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Optical Emission Spectrometry whereas the determination of Total Phenolic Content was done using the Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric method. The highest zinc concentration (0.295ppm) was found in raw Gloria sugar beans whilst the raw NUA 45 sugar beans had the highest iron content (0.755ppm) and total phenolic composition (352.8mg/100g). For the cooked bean samples Gloria sugar beans had the highest zinc concentration (0.247ppm) cooked after soaking. NUA 45 sugar beans had no significant difference on the zinc content after being cooked with and without soaking. Amongst the cooked samples the biofortified NUA 45 sugar beans cooked after soaking had the highest iron content (0.373ppm) as well as the highest total phenolic content in the beans cooked without soaking (200.5mg/100g). Biofortified NUA 45 and Gloria sugar beans proved to be good sources of iron, zinc and phenolic compounds. However, cooking with and without soaking diminished the iron, zinc and the total phenolic composition of the cooked NUA 45 and Gloria sugar beans.

Serum arsenic augments gallstone risk in Henan rural cohort with multiple metal exposure

BackgroundPeople are exposed to metals in various ways during their daily lives. However, the association between metal exposure and gallstones remains unclear. ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between serum elemental concentrations and the risk of gallstones. MethodsParticipants (n = 4204) were drawn from the Henan Rural Cohort. Gallstone diagnosis was based on abdominal ultrasound reports during follow-up. Baseline serum elemental concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The relationship between serum elemental levels and gallstones was evaluated using robust Poisson regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), quantile g-computation (Qgcomp), grouped weighted quantile sum (GWQS) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). Results121 individuals were diagnosed with gallstone (incidence rate of 2.88 %). In robust Poisson regression, after adjusting for confounding factors, the highest quartile of arsenic concentration compared to the lowest quartile had a 1.90 times higher relative risk (RR) [95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 3.44]. Conversely, the highest quartile of zinc concentration compared to the lowest quartile had a 0.50 times lower RR (95 % CI: 0.28, 0.89). RCS showed an approximately “S”-shaped nonlinear relationship between serum arsenic levels and gallstones, with increasing arsenic concentration leading to a higher risk of gallstones; however, the risk plateaued when arsenic concentration exceeded 0.62 μg/L. Both the Qgcomp and GWQS indicated that arsenic plays a significant role in increasing the risk of gallstones, whereas zinc plays a significant role in reducing the risk of gallstones. BKMR showed that raising arsenic exposure from the 25th to the 75th percentile increased the risk of gallstones, while raising serum zinc concentration reduced it. ConclusionsHigher serum arsenic concentration increases the risk of gallstones, whereas higher zinc concentration may reduce the risk. Effective prevention of gallstones may require further reduction of arsenic exposure and appropriate increases in zinc intake.

ANALYZING WHEAT VARIETY NAWAB-21 FOR AGRONOMIC, PATHOLOGICAL AND ZINC BIOFORTIFICATION ATTRIBUTES UNDER MULTILOCATIONAL TRIALS

Wheat variety Nawab-21 is one of the elite genotypes of CIMMYT germplasm Harvest plus yield trial (7-HPYT, 2016-17) with high zinc contents and more yield potential as compared to earlier evolved biofortified and non-biofortified wheat varieties. The variety was initially screened out at the Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Bahawalpur, Pakistan in station yield trials, where it gave 5537 kg ha-1grain yield which was 11% higher than the check varieties. In multi-locational yield trials, the variety’s yield potential was recorded as 7007 kg ha-1 in Alipur region. The variety also came-up when tested in National Wheat Disease Screening Nursery’s (NWDSN) for disease (rusts) resistance in both years of national uniform wheat yield trials (NUWYT 2019-20 and 2020-21). Nawab-21 is medium in maturity with head emerging from the flag leaf between 90-95 days and matures within 140-145 days.

Influence of cadmium and zinc contamination on the sediment microbiome of estuarine and coastal ecosystems in the Southwest Coast of India.

Metals and their nanoparticles can induce toxicities that influence the survival of both microorganisms and macroorganisms. The current study reports on the impact of heavy metal pollution on the microbiome of estuarine and coastal sediments, where the settling and final remineralization of organic matter occur. Sediment samples collected from the Cochin estuary along the southwest coast of India and its adjacent coast showed high concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). The contamination factor (CF), calculated by comparing the concentration of metals in each station with that of shale value for Cd and Zn, ranged from 5.2 to 8.7 and 1.5 to 2.0 respectively, in the estuarine and coastal stations. Microbiome analysis revealed that bacteria were common across all stations but varied in relative abundance. Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, Desulfobacteria, and Acidobacteria were the major bacterial phylum found in all stations. More than 70% of the bacteria were tolerant to 1mM concentration of Cd. The findings of our study suggest that metal pollution can influence the microbiome of sediments in the estuaries and coasts. Bacteria with metal tolerance may dominate in polluted areas, but their participation in remineralization may be impaired, as evident in our previous reports. This impairment could ultimately influence the dynamics of the food web and the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients, necessitating further research.

Association of seminal plasma zinc levels with human semen quality and its toxic effects on sperm motility

Infertility has become one of the most common chronic diseases among reproductive- aged individuals, and male factors account for about 50 %. Zinc is a trace element that is essential for sperm quality and male reproductive system. Although several current studies with small sample sizes have investigated this relationship, the conclusions have been still controversial. Here, using a large population sample involved 25,915 participants from Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, we revealed an inverted “U”-shaped trend between seminal plasma zinc concentrations and sperm motility PR/PR + NP (PR, progressive motility; NP, non-progressive motility). The results showed that the highest values of sperm PR/PR + NP observed in the group with intermediate concentrations of zinc (Group 2, 0.25–2.11 mmol/L). The mean values were 43.17 ± 19.03 % and 56.64 ± 20.28 %, respectively. And the lowest values came out in the highest zinc levels group (Group 4, > 3.04 mmol/L). In vitro cell experiments also showed that zinc caused dose-dependent cytotoxicity for GC-2 cells at a threshold value. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that high concentrations of zinc exerted toxic effects on GC-2 cells through immune injury. Taken together, our findings suggested that moderate amounts of zinc are crucial for human reproduction and excessive concentrations may have adverse effects on male fertility.

Influence of annealing on Si-Ge thin films with high concentration of tellurium and zinc

Influence of annealing on Si-Ge thin films with high concentration of tellurium and zinc

Selective Leaching and Separation of Uranium from Ochre-Umm Greifat, Red Sea Coast, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

The Ochre-Umm Greifat area is one of the Red Sea areas with high concentrations of iron and zinc, which is formed from hydrothermal solutions as a result of the structural activity that occurred in the Red Sea Zone during the Pleistocene period. These deposits are also accompanied by deposits of low- to high uranium grade. In addition to Zn, Pb, and Cu anomalies, particularly in fault zones and their branches affecting the study area, although there are numerous zinc minerals in the Ocher-Greifat area, uranium minerals are scarce, with only one mineral, compreignacite, being recorded and the majority of the uranium being present as an adsorbed element on iron and/or clay stones. In addition, uranothorite is extremely rare and occurs as fine grains embedded in rocks. A technological sample was taken from an iron-rich clay area in a fault zone and was found to assay 700-ppm uranium. The leachability of uranium from the used sample was investigated using an alkaline solution based on the chemical and mineralogical composition of the used sample. The selected ore is treated with Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 in the presence of H2O2 as oxidant. Many digestion factors are studied and optimized. Under the optimum leaching conditions, the uranium dissolution efficiency is around 84%. For the uranium separation, the pH of the leach liquor is adjusted at 10, then subjected to a solvent extraction step using 4% Aliquat®336/kerosene in the presence of isodecanol as third-phase prevention. The loaded organic solvent was then treated with NaOH/H2O2 solution as a stripping solution. Finally, the resultant solution is subjected to a precipitation step using ammonia solution.

Atomic layer deposition of biocompatible multifunctional ZnO-TiO2 nanocoatings on the surface of additively manufactured nitinol

In order to enhance the corrosion resistance and bioactivity of the additively manufactured nitinol alloy, ZnO-TiO2 (ZTO) nanocoatings have been synthesised by atomic layer deposition. The supercycle approach was employed to deposit 40 nm coatings with varying ZnO/TiO2 ratios: 5/1, 1/1, 1/5 and 1/20. The results demonstrated that this approach permitted the coating composition to be varied over a wide range. The study of anticorrosion properties in physiological Ringer’s solution revealed that the coatings, depending on their composition, are capable of reducing the corrosion rate of nitinol by a value ranging from 4 to 58 times. In vitro studies have demonstrated high viability, good adhesion and spreading of human osteoblast-like MG-63 and mesenchymal stem FetMSC cells on the surface of all samples except those with high zinc content (ZnO and ZTO-5/1). All coatings induced differentiation of both cell lines in the osteogenic direction and demonstrated antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant A. baumannii (>96 %) and P. aeruginosa (>90 %) strains. The results indicate the considerable potential of the developed methodology for the ALD of ZTO that combine the biocompatibility of titanium oxide, the antibacterial properties of zinc oxide and their overall stability and effectiveness for the protection of nitinol against biocorrosion.

Effect of Zinc on Germination, Growth Yield of (Solanum melongena L.)

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an economically significant crop, valued for its culinary versatility and nutritional content. Understanding the factors that influence its growth is crucial for optimizing agricultural practices and improving yield. Zinc, an essential micronutrient, plays a vital role in various physiological processes within plants, including enzyme activation, photosynthesis, and hormone regulation. This study investigated the effect of zinc supplementation on the growth parameters of eggplant. The experiment was conducted in Botany Lab of Maharishi University of Information Technology, Lucknow in earthen Pots filled with garden soil. Where eggplant seedlings were subjected to different levels of zinc supplementation. Parameters such as plant height, leaf area, root development, and biomass accumulation were measured at regular intervals over the growth period. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between zinc concentration and various growth parameters of eggplant. Seedlings treated with higher zinc concentrations, enhanced leaf expansion, and more extensive root systems compared to those with lower or no zinc supplementation. Furthermore, zinc-treated eggplants displayed improved resistance to certain environmental stressors, suggesting a potential role of zinc in enhancing plant resilience. These findings underscore the importance of adequate zinc supply in promoting the growth and development of eggplant crops, thereby contributing to higher yields and improved agricultural sustainability. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of zinc-mediated growth enhancement in eggplant and optimize zinc application strategies for maximum benefit.

Impact of Anadara granosa L. and Spirulina platensis on Sperm Morphology and Motility in Mus musculus

Background: Infertility, characterized by the inability to conceive, affects both men and women equally, with male infertility often linked to factors such as sperm quality and hormonal imbalances. Nutrition plays a significant role in spermatogenesis, with zinc (Zn) being crucial for sperm development. This study explored the effects of combining Anadara granosa L. (blood cockles) and Spirulina platensis on sperm morphology and motility in Mus musculus mice. Methods: Thirty male mice were divided into six treatment groups, with varying proportions of blood cockles and Spirulina platensis. Treatments were administered for 21 days, and sperm samples were collected from the cauda epididymis for morphological and motility analysis. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: After 21 days, groups treated with a combination of Anadara granosa L. and Spirulina platensis showed improved sperm motility, with the group receiving a 50% mixture demonstrating the highest motility (89%). Morphological analysis revealed no significant alterations across treatment groups, though zinc (Zn) contributed to enhanced sperm quality by facilitating spermatogenesis and improving metabolic functions in sperm cells. Conclusion: The combination of Anadara granosa L. and Spirulina platensis significantly improved sperm motility, primarily due to the high zinc content. However, morphology remained unaffected, suggesting the treatment's potential as a dietary intervention for male infertility linked to motility deficiencies. Further studies are recommended to explore long-term impacts and optimal dosing.

Synthesis of zincosilicates of dual morphology by hydrothermal method assisted by sonication

The obtaining of nanostructured zeotypes is of interest due to their large active surface area and porous structure, specifically zincosilicates stand for their photocatalytic properties. In this work, zincosilicates were synthesized by a strategic methodology that combined sonication and aging step, followed by hydrothermal treatment. The effect of sonication time on crystallinity, morphology, chemical composition and defects of synthesized zincosilicates were evaluated. The sonication time longer than 0.5 h favored the obtaining of crystalline zincosilicate. The increase in sonication time led to formation of nanostructured zincosilicates constituted by nanosheets and nanorods. Aggregates of needles tangled and faceted-sheets stacked formed particles of dual morphology bird nest-like and accordion-like shapes. The highest content of zinc was detected in needle-like morphologies. The nanostructured zincosilicates exhibited the higher amount of surface defects (ionized oxygen vacancies).

Natural zinc-rich oyster peptides ameliorate DSS-induced colitis via antioxidation, anti-inflammation, intestinal barrier repair, microbiota modulation, and SCFA accumulation

Natural oyster zinc-rich peptide (OZP) was extracted and purified. The higher zinc concentration in natural OZP may be closely related to the high zinc affinity of amino acids containing Lys, His, Cys, Val, Arg and Ser residues. FTIR analysis indicated that amino, amide, carboxyl and carbonyl groups may contribute to the binding sites for zinc and peptides. Administration of OZP ameliorated the symptoms of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice, including weight loss, colonic damage, mucosal edema, goblet cell exhaustion and crypt disappearance. Natural OZP suppressed oxidative stress by significantly reducing the level of NO, MDA and MPO as well as increasing SOD activity. The anti-inflammatory effects of OZP were associated with the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB pathways by diminishing NF-κB, TLR4, COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ and elevating IL-10. By promoting mucus secretion, repairing goblet cells and enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins including occludin, claudin-1 and ZO-1, natural OZP maintained the intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, natural OZP regulated the microbial composition by remarkedly enhancing the beneficial microbial abundance like Faecalibaculum, Odoribacter and Anaerostipes, which in turn led to a significant increase in SCFA production. Collectively, natural OZP exerted the synergistic capacity to protect against DSS-induced UC by improving antioxidation and anti-inflammation, repairing intestinal barrier and modulating intestinal microbiota and SCFA.

Effects of reducing copper and zinc supplementation on the performance and mineral status of fattening pigs

Pig manure with high copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentration is applied to the soil, and these trace minerals can accumulate in the topsoil and decrease its fertility. Thus, adjusting concentrations of Cu and Zn in pig diets below current maximum allowance can prevent this risk. Reduction of dietary concentrations of Cu and Zn reduces their faecal excretion since only a small portion is retained in the pig’s body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of reducing concentration of dietary Cu and Zn or withdrawing their supplementation on the performance and mineral status of fattening pigs. Four dietary treatments were compared: a basal diet (WS; withdraw supplementation), with no Cu or Zn supplementation (5 and 29 mg/kg of native Cu and Zn, respectively); intermediate concentration (OINT), supplemented with Cu and Zn oxides to obtain mean dietary concentration of 7.4 and 47.5 mg/kg of Cu and Zn, respectively; and two diets supplemented with oxides (OREG) or sulphates (SREG) at concentration similar to European Union limits (i.e. 25 and 120 mg/kg of total Cu and Zn, respectively), as commonly used on commercial farms. Ninety-six pigs (24.3 ± 3.3 kg BW) were each assigned to one of the four treatments and reared in individual pens for 14 weeks (up to 110.3 ± 8.9 kg BW). Animal performances were measured, and samples of plasma (on day 1 and day 41 of experimentation and at slaughter), bones and the liver (at slaughter) were collected from all pigs. Faecal samples were collected from all pigs every 3 weeks to determine the Cu and Zn excretion. Over the entire experiment, neither the concentration nor the source of Cu and Zn influenced feed intake, BW or the feed conversion ratio. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations were not influenced by the treatment but increased as the age of the pigs increased. Liver Cu concentration increased (P < 0.05) as dietary concentrations increased (OREG> WS). Neither the concentration nor the source of Cu and Zn influenced bone Cu and Zn concentration or physical bone parameters. However, SREG had a higher maximum load until bone breaking (P < 0.05) than OREG. As expected, faecal excretion of Cu and Zn decreased (P < 0.01) as dietary concentration decreased. Dietary Cu and Zn can be reduced without decreasing the performance or mineral status of pigs, and these results should be validated on commercial farms that have more challenging health conditions.