High Concentrations Of Zn Research Articles

Deciphering the interaction of heavy metals with Geobacter-induced vivianite recovery from wastewater

Vivianite recovery from wastewater driven by Geobacter is one of the promising approaches to address the challenges of phosphorus (P) resource shortage and eutrophication. However, the interfere of heavy metals which are prevalent in many actual wastewater with this process is rarely reported. In this study, we investigated the impact of heavy metals (i.e., Cu and Zn ions) on microbial activity, Fe reduction, P recovery efficiency, and their fate during Geobacter-induced vivianite recovery process. The experimental results showed that low and medium concentrations of Cu and Zn prolonged the Fe reduction and P recovery time but had little effect on the final P recovery efficiency. However, high concentrations of Cu and Zn ultimately inhibit vivianite formation. In addition, the different concentrations of Cu and Zn showed different effects on the morphology of the recovered vivianite. The migration of Cu and Zn was analysed by stepwise extraction of heavy metals in the vivianite. Medium concentrations of Cu and Zn were more likely to co-precipitate with vivianite, while adsorption was the primary mechanism at low concentrations. Furthermore, there were differences in the fate of Cu and Zn, and a competition mechanism was observed. Finally, we found that increasing the Fe/P ratio can significantly reduce the residues of heavy metals in vivianite. It also increased the adsorbed Cu and Zn proportion and reduced co-precipitation. These results provide insights into improving the efficiency of vivianite recovery and managing the environmental risks of heavy metal in the recovered product.

Soil and foliar application of Zn enhances its biofortification, bioavailability and productivity in both biofortified and non-biofortified wheat varieties

In a two-year field study, the agronomic approaches to enhance zinc content and bioavailability in grains of both biofortified and non-biofortified wheat varieties were investigated. During both years of the study, the biofortified variety PBW 1 Zn demonstrated significantly higher grain yield (5.8 and 5.7 t ha–1), which were statistically comparable to the non-biofortified variety HD 2967 (5.7 and 5.5 t ha–1). Similarly, upon Zn fertilization, PBW 1 Zn exhibited a 25% higher Zn concentrations in grains (50 mg kg–1), along with a greater total Zn accumulation (504 g ha–1) and higher Zn mobilization efficiency index (ZnMEI) of 2.0. Additionally, the PBW 1 Zn demonstrated elevated grain nitrogen content (2.2%) and total nitrogen accumulation (189 kg ha–1). Conversely, it displayed a reduced phosphorus content (0.30%), phytic acid content (9 mg g–1), and PA/Zn molar ratio (18) in its grains. Among the Zn fertilization strategies, soil + foliar Zn resulted in higher grain and straw yields by 14% and 7%, respectively, followed by foliar application, and soil application. Further, soil + foliar application of Zn increased the Zn concentration in grain and straw by 47% and 37%, respectively, and grain N content by 19%. Simultaneously, this method decreased the phytic acid content and PA/Zn molar ratio by 20%, and 47%, respectively. Conclusively, the soil + foliar Zn application augmented the qualities of the genetically biofortified variety PBW 1 Zn, leading to higher yields, nutritional attributes, and bioavailability of Zn.

Elucidating the promotional effect of ultra-low Zn content on Cu for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol

CO2 hydrogenation to methanol is currently of great importance for energy and environmental objectives. Herein, the effect of ultra-low amounts of Zn on Cu/SiO2 catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation was studied, maintaining the average Cu particle size in the 2–4 nm range to minimize structure sensitivity effects. The addition of Zn amounts as low as Zn/Cu = 0.01 increases the methanol formation rate up to twelve times compared to Cu/SiO2 catalyst, highlighting the importance of isolated Zn atoms in methanol synthesis catalysis. At these very low Zn contents, CuZnX alloy sites are identified, with strong affinity for CO adsorption. When Zn content is increased, CuZn alloy disappears to give rise to mostly metallic Cu likely forming Cu-ZnOx interfacial sites. Steady state and transient Operando-DRIFTS evidence that the reaction pathways depend on the nature of the active sites with reverse water–gas shift and CO hydrogenation dominant for low Zn content catalysts and formate pathway for high Zn content catalysts.

Magnetic Susceptibility and Hydrogen Cyanide Levels as Proxy Indicator for Gold Mining Pollution in River Sediment

Sumbawa’s Kuris River is one of the rivers contaminated by the island’s traditional gold mine. In order to detect contaminant levels, we examine the magnetic susceptibility, HCN levels, and the heavy metal contents on the river’s surface sediment. Environmental pollution has been widely assessed using a combination of magnetic properties and geochemical analysis. The goals of this research are to discover how magnetic susceptibility (χ) can be used as a first-order proxy for pollution. The relation between susceptibility and HCN is of particular interest, as this is a major contaminant associated with gold mining. The surface sediment samples were collected at ten different locations along the rivers. The magnetic susceptibility was determined using the Bartington MS2B, and the hydrogen cyanide (HCN) concentration was determined using Argentometric titration. The element content was determined by an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The low-frequency magnetic susceptibility (χlf) ranges from 71 to 115×10-8 m3/kg, with an average of 97×10-8 m3/kg, and the χfd(%) analysis ranges from 2% to 4%. The presence of spherical iron oxides, which are indicative of combustion byproducts, was also confirmed by SEM. The samples have low magnetic susceptibility but high levels of Hg and HCN. AAS results showed high Fe, Zn, and Cu concentrations in river sediments, with more variable concentrations of Hg, Mn, As, Cr, and Au. Because Fe, Cu, As, Hg, and HCN have a significant Pearson’s correlation with χfd(%), this parameter can be a useful indicator for contamination caused by gold mining waste.

In Situ Trace Element and Sulfur Isotope Composition of Pyrite from the Beiwagou Pb-Zn Deposit, Liaodong Peninsula, Northeast China: Implications for Ore Genesis

The Beiwagou Pb-Zn deposit, located in the western part of the Liaodong Peninsula, is a carbonate-hosted stratiform deposit with a Pb + Zn reserve of 0.08 Mt @ 4.14% (Pb + Zn). The orebodies occur as conformable layers and lenses and are strictly controlled by strata (the Paleoproterozoic Gaojiayu and Dashiqiao Formations) and lithology (plagioclase amphibolite and dolomitic marble). Given that previous studies have focused only on the mineralization features and mineralogy of deposits, herein, we report in situ trace element analyses of pyrite using LA-ICP-MS, together with in situ sulfur isotopes of pyrite, to constrain the composition, substitution mechanisms, source of sulfur, and sulfate reduction pathways of pyrite in the Beiwagou deposit. Based on pyrite morphology, texture, and chemistry, four pyrite types were identified: subhedral, porous-to-massive pyrite (Py1) related to chalcopyrite; subhedral, porous crushed pyrite (Py2) associated with fine-grained sphalerite; rounded and porous pyrite (Py3) related to the Zn-rich part of the laminated ore; and anhedral, porous-to-massive pyrite (Py4) associated with pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, and galena. Py1 is characterized by high As, Ag, Cd, In, Au, Cu, and Zn concentrations and low Te, Bi, and Mo concentrations, whereas Py2 has high concentrations of Co and Ni and low concentrations of other trace elements, such as Cu, Zn, Bi, and Te. Py3 is characterized by elevated As concentrations, low Co, Ni, In, W, Te, and Tl concentrations, and varying Pb concentrations, whereas Py4 has low Ag, Cd, In, Zn, Cu, and Mn concentrations and varying W, Co, Ni, Pb, Sb, and As concentrations. Significant correlations between some elements in each pyrite type suggest substitution mechanisms, such as (Zn2+ + Cu2+ + Mn2+ + Cd2+) ↔ 2Fe2+, Ag+ + (Sb)3+ ↔ 2Fe2+, and (Te+ + Ag+) + Sb3+ ↔ 2Fe2+, and the existence of a negative correlation between Co and Ni implies competition between both elements. The strongly positive δ34S values (12.11‰–23.54‰) are similar to that of seawater sulfates and likely result from thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR). In conclusion, the Beiwagou Pb-Zn deposit is a typical SEDEX deposit and mineralization likely occurred during diagenesis.

Integrating multiple spheres to identify the provenance and risk of urban dust and potentially toxic elements: Case study from central Mexico

This study aims to improve the current method of studying potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in urban dust using direct chemical evidence (from dust, rock, and emission source samples) and robust geochemical methods. The provenance of urban dust was determined using rare earth elements (REEs) and geochemical diagrams (V–Ni–Th*10, TiO2 vs. Zr, and Zr/Ti vs. Nb/Y). The geogenic or anthropogenic source of PTEs was determined using the enrichment factor (EF) and compositional data analysis (CoDA), while a PTE's point emission source was identified using a 3.1*La–1.54*Ce–Zn diagram, mineralogy, and morphology analyses. The spatiotemporal distribution of PTEs was determined using a geographic information system, and their health risk (by inhalation) was estimated using a lung bioaccessibility test and particle size distribution. We collected urban dust (n = 38), rock (n = 4), and zinc concentrate (n = 2) samples and determined PTEs and REEs in a city of 1.25 million inhabitants in central Mexico. Results showed that urban dust derived from the San Miguelito Range. REEs, Sc, and Zr were geogenic, while Mn, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb were anthropogenic. Due to the presente of sphalerite particles, a zinc refinery was identified as the point emission source of Zn, As, and Pb. High concentrations of Zn (5000–20,008 mg/kg), As (120–284 mg/kg), and Pb (350–776 mg/kg) were found in urban dust near the zinc refinery. Additionally, particles of PM2.5 (66–84%), PM5.0 (13–27%), PM10 (3–8%), and PM20 (0–2%) and lung bioaccessibility of Sr (48.5–72.4%), Zn (9.6–28.4%), Cu (10.5–27.0%), Fe (4.5–8.6%), Mn (2.9–9.2%), Cr (38.3%) and Pb (30.6%) demonstrated a latent risk to human health. These approaches improve our understanding of the provenance of urban dust and its PTE emission sources in urban areas.

Phenotypic and genetic dissection of the contents of important metallic elements in hybrid rice grown in cadmium-contaminated paddy fields

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food that feeds over half of the world's population, and the contents of metallic elements in rice grain play important roles in human nutrition. In this study, the contents of important metallic elements were determined by ICP-OES, and included cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in brown rice, in the first node from the top (Node 1), in the second node from the top (Node 2), and in roots of 55 hybrids and their parental lines. The heritability of metallic element contents (MECs), the general combining ability (GCA) for MEC, and the correlation between MECs in different organs/tissues of hybrids were also analyzed. The results indicated that: (1) there was a positive correlation between the contents of Cd and Zn in nodes and roots, but a negative correlation between the contents of Cd and Zn in brown rice of the hybrids(2) the GCA for MECs can be used to evaluate the ability of the parental lines to improve the metal contents in brown rice of the hybrids(3) the contents of Cd, Zn, Ca, and Mg in brown rice were mainly affected by additive genetic effects(4) the restorer lines R2292 and R2265 can be used to cultivate hybrids with high Zn and low Cd contents in the brown rice.

ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS ACCUMULATION IN SOIL AND ZYGOPHYLLUM ALBUM ALBUM: A CASE STUDY OF INDUSTRIAL PHOSPHATE VICINITY, TUNISIA

Contents and spatial distribution of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni, As, Pb, Al and Ba) in the fine fraction of surface sediments and in Zygophyllum album shrub of zones influenced by phosphate industry in the region of Gabès, as well as in a control site (Sidi Ejjehmi) were determined. For the assessment of the level of sediment pollution, several parameters were calculated, including enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), Pollutant Load Index (PLI), Risk factor (Er), potential ecological Risk Index (Ri), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Electrical Conductivity (Ec), Organic Matter (OM) and pH.Whereas, Bio-Concentration Factors (BCF) and Translocation Factors (TF) are calculated for the evaluation of pollution degree in Zygophyllum album. The soils of Gabès are characterized by a high average relative concentration of As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Al and Zn in all the study sites, indicating contributions from anthropogenic sources. The Igeo and the PLI of heavy metals show that all study sites are heavily polluted. All the EF values of all trace metals from Gabes sites (above 10), indicate a very significant enrichment in soils. The PCA, AC and correlation matrix suggest that soils are mainly polluted by As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Al and Zn. For all studied metals, the values of TF in Z. album from Gabes sites are greater than 1 except for Al at S2. All metals studied, except Cd, are more accumulated in shoots than in roots. Values of BAF are greater than 1, as well as TF values are greater than 1, so Z. album of Gabes can be considered as phytoremediator in the case of those studied metals. For Cd, TF is greater than 1 and BCF is less than 1, Z. album can be considered as a phytostabiliser for this metal.

IRON-ZINC BASED GENETIC DIVERSITY ASSESSMENT IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) GENOTYPES

Hidden hunger is one of the most important challenges of the current era, and genetic biofortification is the most feasible, cheapest, and sustainable way to provide a balanced diet to the community. Given the value of biofortification in food grains, the relevant study sought to screen maize inbred lines for kernel Fe and Zn contents and estimate their bioavailability using molar ratios. One hundred maize inbred lines planted during spring 2018 in soil contained optimal levels of Fe and Zn. Maize genotypes evaluation comprised plant height, days to tasseling, silking, maturity, cob length, number of rows per cob, grains per row, grains per cob, 100-grain weight, grain yield per plant, grain Fe, Zn, and phytic acid contents. Significant differences emerged for all the studied traits. The results of the correlation study indicated that grain Fe and Zn contents had a positive genetic link with each other while a non-significant negative association with phytic acid and grain yield. A substantial positive correlation of grain yield occurred with rows per cob, grains per row, and grains per cob. Cluster and principal component analyses ran through, with PA/Fe and PA/Zn molar ratios calculated to estimate the mineral bioavailability. Based on the genetic variability for grain yield, Fe, Zn, and PA contents, four clusters resulted, and the first two PCs had an eigenvalue of more than one and depicted 76.91% of the total variance. Genotypes M-11, M-41, M-45, M-56, M-60, M-61, M-66, M-80, M-96, and M-98 showed high Fe and Zn contents with low molar ratios and are potential to benefit further breeding programs to develop biofortified maize hybrids.

Improving grain yield and quality by enhancing accumulation of zinc in rice under subtropical condition

One of the primary abiotic factors limiting rice production is zinc (Zn) deficiency. Effective management of Zn in rice soils is crucial, as rice is a staple crop for many nations. To address this issue, a pot trial was conducted at the net house of the Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh,from December 2019 to May 2020. The trail aimed to assess the impact of zinc on yield performance and grain zinc content of rice. The experiment employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications, involving the applications of six different rates of Zn to three distinct varieties of boro rice. The result revealed that BRRI dhan28 exhibited superior yield and yield-related traits when treated with 12 kg Zn ha-1. Meanwhile, the application of 10 kg Zn ha-1 resulted in the highest Zn content in the grain of BRRI dhan74, considering the quantity of Zn accumulated by the grain. Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that applying 12 kg of Zn ha-1 is likely the optimal Zn management strategy to achieve outstanding performance in the rice cultivar BRRI dhan28. Furthermore, applying 10 kg of Zn ha-1 may enhance the Zn content of the grain in BRRI dhan74.

Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanorods from Zinc Borate Precursor and Characterization of Supercapacitor Properties.

The synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) was accomplished from zinc borate (Zn3B2O6) minerals to be used as electrodes in supercapacitor applications. The concentrations of obtained zinc (Zn) metal after treatment with hydrochloric acid (HCl) were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Direct synthesis of ZnO on a nickel (Ni) foam surface was conducted by employing the hydrothermal technique using a solution with the highest Zn content. The results showed the successful synthesis of ZnO nanorods on the surface of Ni foam with an average wall size of approximately 358 nm. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) measurements revealed that the synthesized electrode exhibited battery-type charge storage characteristics, reaching a maximum specific capacitance of approximately 867 mF·cm-² at a current density of 2 mA·cm-². Additionally, the energy and power densities of the electrode at a current density of 2 mA·cm-² were calculated as 19.3 mWh·cm-² and 200 mW·cm-², respectively. These results exhibited promising performance of the single-component electrode, outperforming the existing counterparts reported in the literature.

Biofilm electrode reactor coupled manganese ore substrate up-flow microbial fuel cell-constructed wetland system: High removal efficiencies of antibiotic, zinc (II), and the corresponding antibiotic resistance genes

A coupled system comprised of a biofilm electrode reactor (BER) and a manganese ore substrate microbial fuel cell-constructed wetland (MFC-CW) system was used to remove co-exposed antibiotic and Zn (II), as well as simultaneously reduce copies of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the current study. In this system, BER primarily reduced the concentrations of antibiotics and Zn (II), and the effluent was used as the input to the MFC-CW, thereby providing electricity to BER. Co-exposure to a high concentration of Zn (II) decreased the relative abundances (RAs) of ARGs in the BER effluent, whereas the remaining sub-lethal concentration of Zn (II) increased the RAs of ARGs in the MFC-CW effluent. Even though the absolute copies of ARGs in the effluents increased during co-exposure, the total number of target ARG copies in the effluent of MFC-CW was significantly lower than that of BER. Moreover, BER pre-treatment eliminated most of Zn (II), which improved the electrical power generation characteristic of the MFC-CW unit. Correspondingly, the bacterial community and the ARGs hosts were analyzed to demonstrate the mechanism. In conclusion, the coupled system demonstrates significant potential to reduce antibiotics, Zn (II) and environmental risks posed by ARGs.

Morphological traits and Zn content of several cassava genotypes in nutrient solution culture

Leaf morphological characters and nutrient content in leaf tissue can vary depending on plant genotype. The nutrient solution culture can produce leaves with good nutritional content. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate and validate cassava putative mutants' morphological traits and Zn content using a nutrient solution culture system. This research was carried out from January to May 2022 at the greenhouse of Cikabayan Experimental Garden, IPB University, Bogor. This study used two cassava cultivars and ten mutant genotypes from the cassava research team of IPB University, resulting from mutation breeding by gamma irradiation. The plant characters observed in this study included the number of leaves, length and width of the leaflet, leaf colour, plant height, fresh and dry weight leaf, and analysis of Zn content. The data were analyzed using ANOVA at a significant level of α = 5%, followed by Tukey's further test. The results showed that the G2D1-422 genotype had a higher Zn content than the wild type (Ratim/G2) and the other genotypes. The high Zn genotypes (G2D1-422) and low Zn genotypes (Ratim (G2) had not significantly different in fresh and dry leaf weight. Meanwhile, the plant genotype did not affect other growth characteristics such as plant height, the number of leaves, and the length and width of the leaflets, and overall, the characters were similar between the observed genotypes.

Copper–zinc/chitosan complex hydrogels: Rheological, degradation and biological properties

Polymer hydrogels crosslinked by therapeutic metal ions have attracted increased interest in recent years due to their unique and versatile properties. Chitosan hydrogels are widely investigated for various biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and drug delivery. Copper and zinc ions are considered as therapeutic metal ions, that have important roles in bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical and biological properties of bimetallic–chitosan complex hydrogels with different cupric and zinc ions content. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed changes in the morphology from the microstructure with larger, tubular pores for aerogels with higher Zn content, to the sheets-like structure with long pores for samples with higher Cu content. FTIR analysis indicated the formation of bimetallic–chitosan aerogels. The obtained X-ray diffraction patterns showed a broadening of chitosan's characteristic diffraction maximum, while characterization of physical properties showed decreased swelling ability and increased shear modulus with higher Cu content. ICP-MS results showed a negligible amount of copper and zinc ions released under physiological conditions during 24 h indicating a strong physical crosslink between metal ions and chitosan chains. Furthermore, accelerated in vitro degradation showed that hydrogels maintained good stability during four weeks of lysozyme activity. The MTT assay indicated that the cytotoxicity of Cu2+–Zn2+/chitosan complexes could be adjusted by the amount of cupric ions. All results imply that Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions act as physical crosslinkers of the polymer network. Also, results are in agreement with the prediction of density functional theory (DFT) which indicated stronger chitosan–Cu tetrahedral aqua complex interactions in comparison to the chitosan–[Zn(H2O)4]2+ interactions.

Evaluation of Soil Heavy Metal Contamination and Potential Human Health Risk inside Forests, Wildfire Forests and Urban Areas

Recently, due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, many studies have focused on the assessment of soil metal contamination. The present research aimed to investigate the concentration of potentially hazardous elements (Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) in three different areas (forest, wildfire forest and urban) of the Mediterranean region. Contamination levels were further assessed calculating different indices: contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation index (GI) and ecological risk (E). The results showed high concentrations of V, Mg and Mn in forest and wildfire forest soils, as well as high concentrations of Al, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn in urban soils. According to the contamination indices, Pb exceeded the background level in both wildfire forest and urban soils. According to human risk assessment, inhalation appeared the main route of exposure of metals in soils, especially for children. The overall cancer risk was higher than the safe level, especially for Pb. Different relationships were found between the contamination indices and the potential risk of carcinogenic effects according to the diverse metal concentrations. Particularly, wildfire soils showed human health risks mainly linked to Pb, Cu and Cr contaminations, due to human activities, and Ni, due to both anthropogenic and pedogenetic input. Instead, the urban soils showed that Zn contamination, mainly related to urban traffic, influenced the potential carcinogenetic risk in this area. The carcinogenic risk was higher than acceptable values for all the metals assessed. These findings highlighted the need to develop further management practices to protect soils from metal pollution and reduce human health risks.

Microstructure, mechanical properties, and damping capacity of high-Zn-content Al–Zn–Mg alloys with Sc and Zr additions

In this study, Al–15Zn–0.5 Mg–Sc–Zr alloys with different Sc and Zr contents were fabricated by casting, rolling, solution treatment, and aging at low and high temperatures. Primary and precipitated Al3(Sc,Zr) and Al3Zr phases could promote grain refinement in the high-Zn-content Al alloys more effectively than the Al3Sc phase, and the composition characteristics of high Zn and low Mg contents led to the Al–15Zn–0.5 Mg–Sc–Zr alloys exhibiting high thermal stability of η′ phases during aging at high temperature and long time. The Al3Sc and Al3(Sc,Zr) phases could promote the formation of fine η phases in the Al–15Zn–0.5 Mg–Sc–Zr alloys, but the Al3Zr phase could not. Finer grains and second phases led to the Al–15Zn–0.5 Mg–Sc–Zr alloys with Zr single addition and Sc, Zr collaborative additions exhibiting better mechanical properties than the alloy with Sc single addition. Meanwhile, the damping capacities of the Al–15Zn–0.5 Mg–Sc–Zr alloys with high-temperature aging were higher than those of the same alloys with aging at a low temperature due to their less numbers of dislocation pinning points and higher interface slipping ability.

Environment-Induced Crack Initiation and Early Stages of Crack Growth in Aluminum Alloys, Part 2

A second group of ‘state-of-the-art’ contributions [1-4] by invited researchers on the ‘Environment-Induced Crack Initiation and Early Stages of Crack Growth in Aluminum Alloys’ appear in this issue, complementing the papers published in the January 2023 issue of Corrosion [5-8]. The second section, presented herein, includes an overview of the experimental study of the initiation of environment-induced cracking (EIC) in aluminum alloys conducted since the 1950’s [1], showing crack initiation typically dominates the total life experienced during both service-life for structural applications and for smooth tensile test specimens subjected to conventional standard EIC testing. The review also reveals, although research conducted over the last 30 years almost exclusively focus on EIC propagation, there are notable exceptions worthy of re-evaluation and further study using modern in-situ advanced experimental techniques, paying particular attention to the roles of creep, crack-arrest and surface conditions during EIC initiation, paying particular attention the immediate sub-surface layers. The three additional papers in this collection are experimental studies. One investigates the significant differences in EIC initiation observed from fatigue pre-cracks and corrosion-induced fissures under controlled electrochemical conditions in a sensitized AA5456-H116 fracture mechanics test specimen exposed to a marine environment [2]. The final two papers involve testing conducted on high Zn-content Al-Zn-Mg-Cu 7xxx series alloys [3, 4]: one involves two commercial thick pate commercial high Zn content new-generation alloys [3], AA7449 and AA7085 in the T7651 temper and provides a detailed description of EIC initiation and its transition to long-crack growth during exposure to water vapor at 70 °C. Information gleaned from in-situ time-lapse, optical imaging over large areas has enabled the exact initiation sites to be identified and investigated with high-resolution fractographic studies. In the final paper [4] based on the deformation and fracture behavior of a high Zn-content Al-Zn-Mg-Cu 7xxx alloy observed in situ using synchrotron radiation X-ray tomography, it is proposed the dispersion of Mn-based second-phase particles may offer a novel approach for preventing hydrogen embrittlement in 7xxx series aluminum alloys.

Floristic survey, trace element transfers between soil and vegetation and human health risk at an urban industrial wasteland

This study aimed to determine the trace element accumulation in the soil and plants in an industrial wasteland and to estimate the extent of transfer to humans to measure the effects on and risks to vegetation and human health and find bioindicator plants representative of the levels of the main contaminants. In areas with the highest extractable trace element levels, we observed decreases in plant biodiversity explained by the disappearance of several families, favouring the coverage of tolerant species, such as Urtica dioica and Hedera helix. Trace elements were also found in the leaves of several plants, especially in a dominant species that is poorly studied, Alliaria petiolata. Indeed, this species had the highest contents of Zn (1750 mg.kg-1 DW), Ni (13.1 mg.kg-1 DW), and Cd (18 mg.kg-1 DW) found at the site and is a potential Zn bioindicator since its leaf contents were also representative of the Zn extractable contents in soil (R² = 0.94). The hazard quotient and carcinogen risk revealed that most of the site had an identified or possible risk, mainly due to Pb and As. Native species, especially A. petiolata, could be used in phytoextraction to manage and limit these human and environmental risks.

Effect of Soil and Foliar Application of Zinc and Iron on Yield, Nutrient Content and Quality of Summer Mungbean

The culinary value of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) makes it one of the most valuable pulses. The enhanced and inorganic farming method of India has been able to attract special attention from scientists and growers. The crucial aspect in pulse productivity is the use of the proper micronutrients in the appropriate proportions. Therefore, the field experiment was carried out at RRTTSS, Kirei, Sundargarh during summer season 2021. Experiment consists of eight treatments replicated thrice with RBD. The results revealed that seed yield (521 kg ha-1), stover yield (1307 kg ha-1), gross returns (Rs. 36470/ha), net returns (Rs. 8020/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.28) and nutrient content N (3.86% & 1.25% in seed and stover), P (0.45% & 0.19% in seed & stover), K (0.65% & 1.88% in seed and stover) were recorded significantly highest under the treatment of 0.5% ZnSO4 and 0.5% FeSO4 foliar spray at flower initiation stage along with RDF and FYM. Highest Zn content (51.01 ppm) in seed and (17.43 ppm) in stover was obtained in T3- T1+ 0.5% ZnSO4 FI & PI stage. The maximum iron content in seed (117.50 ppm) as well as in stover (84.97 ppm) was observed in T5 - T1+ 0.5% FeSO4 at FI & PI stage.

Effect of the microstructure parameters on the mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Mg alloys with high Zn or Ca content

Effect of the microstructure parameters on the mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Mg alloys with high Zn or Ca content