High Concentrations Of Zinc Research Articles

Assessment of the suitability of millet for the production of pasta

In temperate climate zones such as Switzerland, wheat is exposed to increasing heat and water stress due to climate change. Millet is a promising alternative crop with a high heat resistance and the additional benefit of being gluten-free. However, the market for organic Swiss millet within Switzerland is saturated with the current product portfolio of flakes or dehulled millet. Therefore, novel end products with a high millet content, such as pasta, could play a key role in increasing consumer demand.Against this background, the suitability of the millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) variety Alba for producing spaghetti was investigated. To optimize the quality of the millet spaghetti, different pre-treatments and recipes were tested, i.e., hull particles were sieved out of the flours and blends with other gluten-free and gluten-containing flours were tested. Finally, the best types of spaghetti were subject to sensory testing, and the color and texture were both quantified. In addition, nutritional quality was assessed.The analytical results showed that a firmness comparable to durum spaghetti was reached for pure millet, 50% millet mixed with 50% corn and rice flour (95:5), and 15% millet mixed with 85% durum wheat. The brownish appearance, slightly rough surface, and nutty flavor of the spaghetti made from millet was especially popular among consumers with a diet-conscious lifestyle. The millet pasta had a high content of iron, zinc and dietary fiber. Since the production processes were able to be implemented in industry without major additional costs, implementation in the market seems feasible.

Plastic leachate-induced toxicity during sea urchin embryonic development: Insights into the molecular pathways affected by PVC

Microplastics are now polluting all seas and, while studies have found numerous negative interactions between plastic pollution and marine animals, the effects on embryonic development are poorly understood. A potentially important source of developmental ecotoxicity comes from chemicals leached from plastic particles to the marine environment. Here we investigate the effects of leachates from new and beach-collected pellets on the embryonic and larval development of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and demonstrate that exposure of developing embryos to these leachates elicits severe, consistent and treatment-specific developmental abnormalities including radialisation of the embryo and malformation of the skeleton, neural and immune cells. Using a multi-omics approach we define the developmental pathways disturbed upon exposure to PVC leachates and provide a mechanistic view that pinpoints cellular redox stress and energy production as drivers of phenotypic abnormalities following exposure to PVC leachates. Analysis of leachates identified high concentrations of zinc that are the likely cause of these observed defects. Our findings point to clear and specific detrimental effects of marine plastic pollution on the development of echinoderms, demonstrating that chemicals leached from plastic particles into sea water can produce strong developmental abnormalities via specific pathways, and therefore have the potential to impact on a wide range of organisms.

WATER QUALITY OF SMALL RIVERS IN THE PRIPYAT BASIN: ENVIRONMENTAL AND FISHERY ASSESSMENT

The study of anthropogenic causes of the deterioration of the state of small rivers is the first step towards their conservation and restoration, improving the human environment as a whole. The aim of the study is the fishery and environmental assessment of water quality of small rivers in the Pripyat River basin (the area of right-bank tributaries in the middle part of the river) within the Rivne region in the northern-west region of Ukraine. The initial data for the assessment have been the results of monitoring (27 physical and chemical indicators) during 2010–2018. The assessment by the integral ecological index (Ie) has shown that the rivers belonged to the II quality class in terms of average values and were characterized as “clean” and “clean enough”. According to the worst values, the rivers belonged to the II-III quality classes and were characterized as “fairly clean” – “slightly polluted” – “moderately polluted”. The best water quality by the Ie index was established for the Zhabichi River within the urban-type settlement of Demydivka. Water quality of the Ustia River below the runoff of the cities of Rivne and Zdolbuniv has corresponded to IV-V classes i.e. was "dirty" and "very dirty" (high content of phosphates, nitrogen compounds, copper, manganese, and zinc). In terms of trophic state, the water of the rivers is mesotrophic (according to average values) and eutrophic (according to the worst values), except for the part of the Ustia River below the runoff of the city of Rivne, where the water is polytrophic. The rivers have failed to meet water quality standards for fishery water use by COD, BOD5, and heavy metals content (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn).

The Chemically Modified Leaves of Pteris vittata as Efficient Adsorbent for Zinc (II) Removal from Aqueous Solution

High concentrations of zinc along with other metals are released by steel mills, and this has a number of negative effects on organism health; most notably, neurological symptoms have been recorded with a high risk of brain atrophy. In the current study, Zn (II) was eliminated from steel mill effluent, utilizing chemically processed Pteris vittata plant leaves as a biosorbent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were applied to characterize the chemically modified Pteris vittata leaves, from now onward abbreviated as CMPVL. In order to identify the ideal parameter, batch studies were conducted varying a single parameter affecting the biosorption process at a time, including variations in temperature (293–323 K), initial metal concentration (20–300 mg/L), and adsorbent doses (0.01–0.12 g), pH (2–8), as well as contact time (10–140 min). To describe the isothermal experimental results, a number of models were used including Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, Jovanovich, and Harkins–Jura. Among these models, the Langmuir model provided a significant fit to the isotherm data with an R2 of 0.9738. The kinetics data were fitted to the pseudo first order, pseudo second order, power function, Natarajan–Khalaf, and intraparticle diffusion models. The highest R2 (0.9976) value was recorded for the pseudo second order model. Using the Langmuir isotherm, the highest uptake ability (84.74 mg/g) of Zn was recorded. The thermodynamic investigation, carried out at various temperatures, led to the conclusion that the biosorption process was exothermic and spontaneous in nature. The CMPVL, thus, has the potential to function well as an alternative to existing carbon-based adsorbents in the effective elimination of zinc from aquatic environments.

Use of propionic acid additions to enhance zinc removal from mine drainage in short residence time, flow-through sulfate-reducing bioreactors

The effectiveness of liquid carbon additions to enhance zinc removal in laboratory-scale short hydraulic residence time (19 h) compost bioreactors receiving synthetic mine water with a high influent zinc concentration (45 mg/L) was investigated. Effective removal of such elevated zinc concentrations could not be sustained by sulfate reduction and/or other attenuation processes without carbon supplementation. Propionic acid addition resulted in improved and sustained performance by promoting the activities of sulfate reducing bacteria, leading to efficient zinc removal (mean 99%) via bacterial sulfate reduction. In contrast, cessation of propionic acid addition led to carbon limitation and the growth of sulfur oxidising bacteria, compromising zinc removal by bacterial sulfate reduction. These research findings demonstrate the potential for modest liquid carbon additions to compost-based passive treatment systems to engineer microbial responses which enhance rates of zinc attenuation in a short hydraulic residence time, enabling remediation of highly polluting mine drainage at sites with limited land availability.

Proximate composition and characterization of the vitamins and minerals of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) from the Middle Doce River region – Minas Gerais, Brazil

This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and the vitamin, carotenoid, and mineral profile in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) collected from the Middle Doce River region (Médio Rio Doce) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. To accomplish this, the physicochemical parameters, such as titratable acidity, pH, and soluble solids were determined, in addition to the evaluation of the plants’ proximate composition (moisture, ash, proteins, dietary fibers, and lipids). The vitamin E, carotenoids and vitamin C were determined by HPLC and the minerals were analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The T. officinale samples presented a low content of macronutrients, a total energy value of 27.88 kcal.100 g−1 FW, a high fiber content (3.7 g.100 g−1 FW), low levels of total vitamin E (43.67 μg.100 g−1 FW), total carotenoids of 11.95 g.100 g−1 FW, and did not present vitamin C in detectable levels. The mineral analysis revealed a high concentration of iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and selenium, and small amounts or traces of aluminium, cadmium, nickel, and chromium. In conclusion, T. officinale was shown to be an important source of nutrients, especially fiber, iron and manganese.

Highly Dispersed Blast-Furnace Sludge as a New Micronutrient Fertilizer: Promising Results on Rapeseed

Due to the growing population of Earth, the problem of providing food comes to the fore. Therefore, the search for new, economically available sources of trace elements for crop production is relevant. One of these potential sources is blast-furnace sludge: highly dispersed metallurgical waste, the industrial processing of which is difficult due to its high zinc content. We studied the effect of blast-furnace sludge on rapeseed plants in laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments and also assessed the accumulation of sludge components in plant organs. The studied sludge sample consisted of micron and submicron particles containing compounds of iron, silicon, aluminum, zinc, calcium, and sulfur. Used concentrations: laboratory—0.01, 0.1, 1%, 10, and 100 g L−1; greenhouse—0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 g kg−1; field—0.5, 2, and 4 t ha−1. During a laboratory experiment, a decrease in the germination of rapeseed seeds exposed to 0.01, 0.1, 10, and 100 g L−1 waste was observed, but 1 g L−1 promoted the increase of this indicator by 7% regarding control (0 g L−1). While inhibiting seed germination, the sludge had a beneficial effect on the vegetative performance of plants. Reverse effects were noted in the greenhouse experiment as an increase in seed germination (introduction of 1 g kg−1 of sludge to the substrate caused maximum stimulation) and a decrease in rapeseed morphometric parameters were observed. However, at a concentration of 10 g kg−1, the root mass increased by 43% and the stem mass by 63%. In the same group, the highest content of chlorophylls was noted. The number of pods in all experimental groups of plants was less than in control (0 g kg−1) plants, but at the same time, in the variants of 0.01 and 1 g kg−1, the weight of seeds was noticeably increased, by 15.6 and 50%, respectively. Under the conditions of the field experiment, the sludge had a positive effect on the indicators of biological and economic productivity. Thus, exposure to 0.5 and 2 t ha−1 of sludge significantly increased the dry matter and leaf area. The highest values of photosynthetic capacity were recorded at a dose of 2 t ha−1. The maximum increase in yield was ensured by the introduction of sludge at a concentration of 0.5 and 2 t ha−1. The sludge dose of 4 t ha−1, which was also used, either had no effect or suppressed the development of the analyzed traits. The study of the accumulation of zinc and iron in the organs of plants showed the absence of a pronounced dose-dependent accumulation of zinc in the organs of rapeseed, while for iron, an increase in the content of the element in the organs of plants associated with an increase in the concentration of sludge in the soil was recorded. Our results demonstrate the promise of further research and development of methods for the agricultural use of highly dispersed sludge from wet gas cleaning of blast furnace production.

Identification of temporally distributed candidate genes for high iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Micronutrient deficiency causes a major global public health issues. Increasing micronutrient content through biofortification can be achieved by exploring molecular regulatory networks for micronutrients metabolism in cereal crops. The present study provides regulatory gene networks for micronutrients homeostasis through transcriptome analysis at two seed developmental stages (14 and 28 days after anthesis) in three micronutrients variant wheat genotypes, ‘FAR 4’, ‘HD 3226’ and ‘K 8027’ at Illumina Hiseq-2500 platform. Differential gene expression (DGE) with gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis, revealed the role of iron binding protein ferritin, nicotianamine synthase, and Yellow Stripe-Like transporters in maintaining higher grain micronutrient contents in ‘FAR 4’ genotype. The gene regulatory network analysis suggested the possible interactions between the protein and associated transcription factors and revealed NAC TFs, as the major regulatory factor in ‘FAR 4’ responsible for micronutrient homeostasis. Further, 11 F-box and 12 NBS-LRR disease resistance protein genes were abundant transcriptionally across the two seed development stages in all these wheat genotypes. The potential candidate genes may be further exploited to increase the micronutrient contents in cereal grains making them more nutrition for human consumption.

Effects of Fermentation Time and Type of Tea on the Content of Micronutrients in Kombucha Fermented Tea.

The fermented tea beverage Kombucha is obtained through a series of biochemical and enzymatic reactions carried out by symbiotic cultures of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY). It contains organic acids, vitamins, amino acids, and biologically active compounds, notably polyphenols, derived mainly from tea. Kombucha exhibits a range of health-promoting properties, including antioxidant or detoxifying effects. This fermented beverage is traditionally brewed with black tea, but other types of tea are used increasingly, which may have significant implications in terms of chemical composition and health-promoting effects. In this preliminary study, we investigated the content of micronutrients (manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn)) by the ICP-OES method in Kombucha prepared with black, red, green and white tea at different time points of fermentation (1, 7, 14 days). It should be noted that the composition of separate ingredients such as tea, leaven or sugar has not been studied. Kombucha had the highest content of zinc-0.36 mg/L to 2.08 mg/L, which accounts for between 3% and 26% of the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for adults, and the smallest amounts of chromium (0.03 mg/L to 0.09 mg/L), which however represents as much as between 75% and 232% of the RDA. It has been demonstrated that the type of tea as well as the day of fermentation have a significant effect on the concentrations of selected minerals. Kombucha can therefore supplement micronutrients in the human diet.

Metabolites, elemental profile and chemical activities of Pinus strobus high temperature-derived pyroligneous acid

BackgroundPyroligneous acid (PA) is an aqueous smoky fraction produced during pyrolysis of biomass. The chemical composition of PA from different plant biomass has been studied, but reports on PA metabolites and elemental profiles are rare. In this study, we examined the metabolites, elemental profiles and the associated chemical activities of PA derived from white pine (Pinus strobus) at 1100 °C compared to similar work done elsewhere using different biomass at lower temperatures.ResultsPA from P. strobus biomass exhibited a lower electrical conductivity (2.05 mS/cm), salinity (1.03 g/L) and total dissolved solids (1.42 g/L) but higher oBrix content (9.35 ± 0.06) compared to PA from other feedstock. The P. strobus PA showed a higher antioxidant activity characterized by enhanced radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free-radical (78.52%) and accumulation of higher total phenolic (95.81 ± 1.45 gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL) and flavonoid content (49.46 µg quercetin/mL). Metabolite profiling by direct injection mass spectrometry with a reverse-phase liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (DI/LC–MS/MS) identified a total of 156 metabolites. Four (4) main groups including organic acids (90.87%), hexose (8.60%), carnitine (0.3%) and phospholipids (0.24%) were found in the PA. Mineral element analysis revealed that the P. strobus PA contained high concentrations of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn), while the content of sodium (Na) and trace/heavy metals were present at levels below the reported limit.ConclusionThis study indicates that P. strobus PA is a valuable product that can be used in agriculture to improve plant growth and productivity under normal and environmentally stressful conditions.Graphical

Zinc polyacrylamide hydrogel electrolyte for quasi-solid-state electrochromic devices with low-temperature tolerance

To achieve solid-state electrochromic devices, an acceptable compromise is to use polymer electrolyte gels, which combine the merits of liquid and solid electrolytes. However, many drawbacks remain, such as inflammability, a sharp decline in ionic conductivity at zero temperature, and interfacial problems with the electrodes. Here, we introduce a polyacrylamide (PAM)-based hydrogel electrolyte containing a high concentration of zinc ion, which delivers an ionic conductivity of 63.5 mS cm −1 at room temperature and 12.8 mS cm −1 at even −30°C. Based on the PAM-Zn 2+ electrolyte, we prepare a quasi-solid WO 3 /PAM-Zn/Zn energy storage electrochromic bifunctional device by in situ polymerization. The device exhibits excellent cycle performance (retaining 45.1% of optical contrast after 9,200 cycles) and a high areal capacity (278.3 mAh m −2 at 0.1 mA cm −2 ). Furthermore, larger-sized electrochromic devices also show ultra-long cycle stability and attractive anti-freeze properties. This work provides an idea for the large-scale fabrication of anti-freeze electrochromic devices with remarkable lifetimes. • An electrochromic bifunctional battery is designed and prepared • “Water-in-salt”-type electrolyte enables the device to work under −30°C • In situ hydrogel electrolytes polymerization improves the life cycle of the device In this paper, Ai et al. prepare a WO 3 -Zn electrochromic bifunctional battery by in situ polymerization based on a hydrogel electrolyte containing a high zinc concentration, which can work at −30°C and supply external power during the coloring process, widening the application range of electrochromic technic and zinc-ion batteries.

Manganese Limitation of Phytoplankton Physiology and Productivity in the Southern Ocean.

Although iron and light are understood to regulate the Southern Ocean biological carbon pump, observations have also indicated a possible role for manganese. Low concentrations in Southern Ocean surface waters suggest manganese limitation is possible, but its spatial extent remains poorly constrained and direct manganese limitation of the marine carbon cycle has been neglected by ocean models. Here, using available observations, we develop a new global biogeochemical model and find that phytoplankton in over half of the Southern Ocean cannot attain maximal growth rates because of manganese deficiency. Manganese limitation is most extensive in austral spring and depends on phytoplankton traits related to the size of photosynthetic antennae and the inhibition of manganese uptake by high zinc concentrations in Antarctic waters. Importantly, manganese limitation expands under the increased iron supply of past glacial periods, reducing the response of the biological carbon pump. Overall, these model experiments describe a mosaic of controls on Southern Ocean productivity that emerge from the interplay of light, iron, manganese and zinc, shaping the evolution of Antarctic phytoplankton since the opening of the Drake Passage.

AUSTRAL WRIGHT COPPER ALLOY 220 (UNS C22000)

Abstract Austral Wright Copper Alloy 220 (UNS C22000), also known as 90/10 gilding metal, is a wrought copper-zinc alloy. It combines a rich golden color with the best combination of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance of the plain copper-zinc alloys. It weathers to a rich bronze color and can be supplied in pre-patinated colors ranging from deep brown to green. Austral Wright Copper Alloy 220 has a lower rate of work hardening than the copper-zinc alloys with higher zinc content, such as alloys 260 and 272. This is an advantage in multistage pressing applications without interstage annealing. It has excellent deep drawing characteristics and resistance to pitting corrosion when exposed to severe weather and water environments. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, hardness, elasticity, and tensile properties. It also includes information on corrosion resistance as well as forming, heat treating, and joining. Filing Code: Cu-935. Producer or source: Austral Wright Metals.

Nutrients and amyloid β status in the brain: A narrative review.

Amyloid beta (Aβ) is a peptide and a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Emerging evidence suggests that Aβ levels could be influenced by diet. However, the evidence is sparse and for some nutrients, controversial. The aim of this narrative review is to gather the findings of observational and clinical trials involving human participants on the relationships between nutrients and brain Aβ status. Some dietary patterns are associated to reduced levels of Aβ in the brain, such as the Mediterranean diet, ketogenic diet as well as low intake of saturated fat, high-glycemic-index food, sodium, and junk/fast food. Low Aβ status in the brain was also associated with higher density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol and polyunsaturated fatty acids consumption. Data on alcohol intake is not conclusive. On the contrary, high Aβ levels in the brain were related to a higher intake of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, saturated fat, sucrose, and fructose. Folic acid, cobalamin, vitamin E, and vitamin D were not associated to Aβ status, while high blood concentrations of Calcium, Aluminum, Zinc, Copper, and Manganese were associated with decreased Aβ blood levels but were not associated with Aβ cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) concentrations. In conclusion, certain dietary patterns and nutrients are associated to brain Aβ status. Further research on the association between nutrients and brain Aβ status is needed in order to pave the way to use nutritional interventions as efficacious strategies to prevent Aβ disturbance and potentially AD.

Nutritional qualities of Kapok (Ceiba pentandra L. Gaertn.) in response to fertilizer management

Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn, is a leafy vegetable that is under-utilized due to lack of information about the nutritional potential and agronomic practices. Minerals, vitamins, and protein content of succulent leaves of C. pentandra plants grown under different fertilizer rates (Control (No fertilizer), 5 t ha-1 of poultry manure (PM) + 200 kg ha-1 of NPK, 10 t ha-1 of PM, 20 t ha-1 of PM, 450 kg ha-1 of NPK, and 20 t ha-1 of PM + 100 kg ha-1 of NPK) in the Department of Crop Science Garden, University of Nigeria, Nsukka were evaluated using standard analytical procedures in a replicated trial. Analysis of variance indicated a non-significant effect of fertilizer rates on vitamin contents assessed. Protein and the minerals evaluated showed non-significant response to fertilizer except zinc and calcium. Highest concentration of zinc (0.46 mg/100g) was attributed to 20 t ha-1 of PM which was statistically similar to 0.43 and 0.42 mg/100g obtained from leaves of plants grown without fertilizer and 5 t ha-1 of PM + 200 kg ha-1 of NPK, respectively. Soil amendment at 5 t ha-1 of PM + 200 kg ha-1 of NPK resulted in high accumulation of calcium (145.00 mg/100g). Conclusively, application of 20 t ha-1 of PM or 5 t ha-1 of PM + 200 kg ha-1 of NPK may be appropriate for growing C. pentandra. The study established that C. pentandra can be brought under regular cultivation culture without compromising the nutritional quality.

Using pollution indices to develop a risk classification tool for gold mining contaminated soils

The presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil and plants is a risk factor to human well-being and the environment. Soil and leaves from a traditional medicinal plant, Vachellia karroo, known as the sweet thorn plant, were assessed to determine the extent of pollution by PTEs from gold mine tailings in a case study area of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, South Africa. A risk classification tool was developed using the different indicators of pollution quantified to describe the pollution risk at each sampling site. High concentrations of copper, cadmium, lead, nickel, and zinc were measured in the soil, which exceeded the maximum permissible soil quality limits. The enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index results also confirmed heavy soil pollution by copper, nickel, and zinc, with exceptionally heavy pollution by cadmium and selenium. The PTEs in the soil were in an exchangeable form, with the sweet thorn plant accumulating lead and selenium at toxic levels, which poses a risk to the health of the local people as the plant is used for medicinal purposes. The overall pollution risk classification tool of the sampling sites showed that 17% were high-risk areas, 53% were moderate-risk areas, and 20% of the sites were low-risk areas.

Nuts as a Dietary Enrichment with Selected Minerals—Content Assessment Supported by Chemometric Analysis

Nuts used as a snack and meal accompaniment supply plant protein and fatty acids that are beneficial for human health; however, they can also provide minerals. The aim of this study was to determine the content of selected elements that are often deficient in the diet (calcium, potassium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc) in nuts and determine whether they can be used to supplement deficiencies in the diet. In this study, we analyzed 10 types of nuts (n = 120 samples) that are consumed and available for sale in Poland. The content of calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc was determined by the atomic absorption spectrometry method, and flame atomic emission spectrometry was used for determination of potassium contents. The highest median calcium content was found in almonds (2825.8 mg/kg), the highest potassium content in pistachio nuts (15,730.5 mg/kg), the highest magnesium and selenium contents in Brazil nuts (10,509.2 mg/kg and 4348.7 μg/kg, respectively), and the highest zinc content in pine nuts (72.4 mg/kg). All the tested nuts are a source of magnesium, eight types of tested nuts are a source of potassium, six nut types are a source of zinc, and four nut types are a source of selenium; however, among the tested nuts, only almonds can be considered a source of calcium. Moreover, we found that selected chemometric methods can be useful in the classification of nuts. The studied nuts are valuable products that can be used to supplement the diet with selected minerals and can therefore be labelled as functional products crucial for disease prevention.

Comparative Study of Carbonaceous and Polymer Conductive Additives on Anticorrosion Performance of Epoxy Zinc-Rich Primer

Zinc-rich primers are among the most promising organic coating systems for improving the corrosion resistance of metals in the marine environment. However, the high zinc content results in poor coating adhesion, high cost, insecurity and pollution. To decrease the zinc dust content, the carbonaceous and polymer conductive additives carbon black (CB), conductive graphite (CG), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and polyaniline (PANI) were introduced to partially replace the zinc dust in the primers. A comparative study of the anticorrosion performance of epoxy zinc-rich primer (ZRP) is presented herein to systematically discuss and elaborate on the effects of the different conductive additives. There were no blisters, rust or corrosion products presented on the coatings of the CB-modified series due to the good dispersion and conductivity of nanosized CB clusters, while the zinc corrosion products covered the surface of the MWCNT-modified series samples, which was attributed to the excessive electrical conductivity resulting in high consumption of zinc powder. The lamellar CG provided an additional blocking barrier for the coatings based on the maze effect. The transition from the intrinsic state to the doped state of PANI resulted in corrosion protection for the coatings depending on the cathodic and barrier function. The experimental results suggested that the formula with 2 wt.% CB and 67 wt.% zinc dust had the most promising anticorrosion properties, which was also demonstrated by the high Rct and low CPEdl values calculated according to the equivalent electrical circuit analyses.

Links between individual performance, trace elements and stable isotopes in an endangered caribou population

Foraging is a key behaviour, and several aspects of foraging remain to be investigated in many wild species. Low energy gain or reduced protein, nutrient, and mineral intake may explain poor individual condition, low reproductive output, high mortality, and, in extreme cases, population declines. Our study explores how foraging ecology, diet composition, and nutritional status could influence individual performance in an endangered population of caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). We measured stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) as well as the concentration of 21 trace elements in hairs of 44 caribou (~ 50% of the population). Our results showed that the Atlantic-Gaspésie caribou population consumed mainly lichens, horsetails, deciduous shrubs, and deciduous trees. We found a correlation between diet (described using stable isotope ratios) and accumulation of trace elements in hair using a redundancy analysis, and we detected relationships between diet, trace elements and vital rates using logistic and Cox models. Pregnancy and calf survival probabilities were higher when the δ13C signature of female caribou was higher, and the adult survival probability was higher in caribou that had higher concentrations of zinc and sodium, and lower concentrations of cesium and manganese in their hair. Based on the correlation we found between nutrition and individual performance, our study suggests that nutrition may be an important factor to consider in the recovery of this endangered caribou population.

Study of the chemical composition of freeze-dried berries for enriching instant cereals

Grain crops are a good source of carbohydrates and proteins, are important sources of B vitamins and vitamin E, so these crops are widely used for the production of instant cereals, mainly in the form of extruded products. Fruits or vegetables are often used to enrich cereals with vitamins, antioxidants, fiber and phytochemicals. The article presents the results of studies of the chemical composition of freeze-dried berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, currants and sea buckthorn). Studies of their mineral mineral composition showed that the amount of mineral compounds in all samples was within the permissible concentration. The highest content of zinc, magnesium, iron and selenium is observed in sea buckthorn berries (2.12 mg/kg, 198.71 mg/100g, 13.55 mg/kg and 5.08mg/100g, respectively). The concentration of copper in currants is 408.93mg/kg, which is significantly higher than in other berries. The calcium content is almost at the same level in all samples with the exception of currants and sea buckthorn, in which these indicators are lower. The iodine content is absent in strawberries and blueberries. It was found that sea buckthorn has high levels of vitamin A and E among the sublimated berries (796.01 mg/g and 17.09 mg/g, respectively). The highest content of vitamins B3 and B5 was found in currants (1,591mg/g, 0.308 mg/g). Strawberries have a high antioxidant activity in comparison with other berries (3.94 mg / g). Strawberries also have the highest total carbohydrate content (28.56 %). These products are promising as components of instant porridge, since sublimation allows you to preserve nutrients and useful properties in berries.