High Concentrations Of Zinc Research Articles

Investigation of genotype [formula omitted] environment interactions for the seed mineral composition in Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Common bean is an ancient grain legume crop that has been cultivated in various parts of the world by humankind for centuries. The seeds of this crop contain valuable source of protein, minerals, and vitamins. It has recently gained attention as a functional food due to its potential for preventing human diseases and providing health benefits. Therefore, plant breeders are globally aimed for nutritional development to mitigate mineral deficiencies in developed and developing countries. In this study, the genotypes and cultivars were investigated in relation to the contents of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe and Zn in four different field experiments at the Bolu and Ankara of Turkey. The field experiments were conducted in the years 2018 and 2019 at the Bolu location and in the years 2019 and 2020 at the Ankara location. Genotype × environment interaction was determined statistically significant (P < 0.01) in all mineral traits according to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Across all locations, the correlation analysis revealed positive associations between calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) (r = 0.793 **), as well as between iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) (r = 0.301 **). A total of 89.78% of cumulative variances in mineral traits were explained by the eigenvalues of the four principal components (PC). In the biplot analysis, the length and direction of the Ca, Mg and potassium (K) vectors in PC1 and Fe, and Zn vectors in PC2 effectively distinguished the genotypes. Across all locations, the Blck-7 genotype had high iron (93.76 mg kg−1) and zinc (25.40 mg kg−1) content. The Çnk-4 genotype was found as stable for all mineral traits in locations. Findings revealed that the utilization of the Çnk-4 and Blck-7 genotypes could significantly contribute to the improvement of dietary nutritional quality and positively impact human health. These genotypes also could be utilized as a parent to further biofortification studies to enhance the nutritional traits of common bean seeds.

«Influence of Excess Zinc on the Activity of Components of the Antioxidant System in Brassica juncea L. (Czern.) and Sinapis alba L. Plants»

Under the conditions of a growing experiment, the authors studied the effect of zinc at concentra_x0002_tions of 5 (control), 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg substrate on growth, the intensity of lipid peroxidation (LPO), and the activity of the components of the antioxidant system in Brassica juncea L. (Сzern.) variety Slavyanka and Sinapis alba L. cultivar Belgium plants. Some differences and similarities were found in the AOS response of the studied species to an excess of zinc in the root environment. Thus, there were no changes in the inten_x0002_sity of lipid peroxidation in B. juncea under the influence of zinc in high concentrations, despite the high con_x0002_tent of the metal in the roots and shoots. At the same time, even in the presence of metal at a concentration of 50 mg/kg substrate, an increase in the activity of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and catalase was observed. In S. alba at high concentrations of zinc in the substrate, the metal content in the shoots was higher than in B. juncea. At the same time, the content of malondialdehyde noticeably increased, despite the increased activity of superoxide dismutase and GPX. In both studied plant species, an increase in the zinc concentra_x0002_tion in the substrate to 50 mg/kg and above led to an increase in the level of proline, while the content of carotenoids decreased. Considering that, in the studied concentrations, the metal had a less strong negative effect on shoot growth in B. juncea compared with S. alba, it was concluded that plants of this species are more resistant to excess zinc in the root environment.

Resource recovery potential of Kumasi landfill waste

Landfill mining is an innovative way to minimize environmental pollution, secure land and airspace, and recover secondary raw materials from landfills. The study examined the characteristics of landfilled waste at the Kumasi landfill and its potential for resource recovery. Samples were collected based on the deposition age and characterized in the laboratory. Characteristics determined were composition, volatile solids, moisture content, and heavy metal concentrations. The results indicated that the most significant recoverable resources were Decomposed Organic Materials (organic waste mixed with sand and papers) and combustibles (plastics, wood, and textile), constituting 44 % and 36 % by weight, respectively. The composition of the landfill waste was found to be influenced by the components of waste initially disposed at the landfill and its subsequent age of deposition. The metal content concentration was, however, independent of the age of deposition. The results indicate that a landfill mining project at the Kumasi landfill will make available about 89 % of the landfill volume and airspace for reuse. However, the DOMs recovered may not be suitable for application as compost on agricultural soils due to the high zinc concentrations unless applied to zinc-deficient soils. It may, however, be used as construction material in earthworks and as cover materials at landfill sites. The combustible component can be combusted to generate heat for producing hot water for hospitals, hotels, and old age care facilities.

Heavy metals analysis of S. schall and O. niloticus fish species sold at Otuocha Market, Anambra State, Nigeria

The potentials of heavy metal pollution in natural environments have necessitated the need to determine the presence of heavy metal pollutants in the surface waters and possible bioaccumulation in the inhabiting fish species and other aquatic organisms. This study thus aimed to determine the heavy metal species that occur outside their recommended ranges in the test fish species and two Cichlid fish species namely, Synodontis schall and Oreochromis niloticus were selected for the analysis. Water samples were taken to assess the concentrations of these heavy metals in the river while tissues and organs of the test fish samples were extracted for further analysis to determine the cumulative tendencies of these metals in the organisms. All the heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb) were detected in the fish organs except copper (Cu) which was not detected in the fillet/tissue. The metals occurred in the order; Pb &gt; Zn &gt; Cd &gt; Cu &gt; Mn in both fish species. The gill emerged as the organ with the highest concentration of heavy metal with a value of 100.92ppm of lead in Synodontis schall and 111.34 ppm in Oreochromis niloticus. The high concentrations of Zinc and Lead found in the fish organs were compared with the habitat and discovered that the concentrations were high compared to the lower levels found in the river water. Although Zn occurred at very high concentrations, they were still below the threshold recommended by WHO/FAO. However, Cadmium and Lead exceeded their permissible limits, Lead occurred in outrageous amounts while other metals tested (Mn, Zn, Cu) fell within acceptable ranges. Nonetheless, care should be taken and environmental laws and policies guiding the use and discharge of harmful substances put in place to check the influx and accumulation of these toxicants which pose as threat to man. Metal pollution results in abnormal physiological function of the body cells when they exceed these limits and so guidelines on the use of related products and industrial discharge of effluents should be adhered to and penalty measures taken out on defaulters.

Plasma selenium and zinc alter associations between nephrotoxic metals and chronic kidney disease: Results from NHANES database 2011-2018.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition defined as a persistent change in kidney structure or function, or both, that compromises human health. Environmental exposure to heavy metals (e.g. cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury) is common, and high exposure levels are known to cause nephrotoxicity. Micronutrients such as selenium and zinc are positively associated with better kidney function and renal outcomes. This study determined the associations between CKD and heavy metal exposures measured in blood or urine within a community-dwelling population, and assessed whether and how selenium and zinc modified the associations. Data were extracted from 4 cycles of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2016 and 2017-2018). Univariate analysis showed that higher quartiles of plasma lead and cadmium concentration were more likely associated with CKD than the lowest quartile, and along with folate, were linked to greater odds of CKD. Conversely, as plasma selenium and serum zinc increased, the odds of CKD decreased. Multivariate analysis had similar results after adjusting for relevant confounders. Higher plasma cadmium quartiles were associated with higher odds of CKD. Associations between higher quartiles of plasma selenium and serum zinc were significantly associated with lower odds of CKD. Elevated blood levels of heavy metals increase CKD, whereas elevated concentrations of plasma selenium and serum zinc decrease CKD. A high serum zinc concentration appears to interact with low-toxicity heavy metals to reduce CKD risk. This study suggests that increased selenium and zinc in the body along with avoidance of heavy metal exposures could protect against CKD.

Morphological and Biochemical Responses of Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis in Different Zinc Concentrations

Zinc is an essential trace element required by plants. However, high zinc concentrations can lead to environmental pollution and plant toxicity. This research aimed to investigate how plants respond to different concentrations of zinc (0, 100, 200 and 300 ppm) in soil, using Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis (Yard long bean) as a model plant. A total of 12 parameters were collected including plant morphological characteristics such as plant height, leaf number, yield, root length, pod length and fresh weight. Furthermore, key biochemical properties including chlorophyll content, total protein content, total phenolic and flavonoid content in plants were analyzed, in addition to soil pH and electrical conductivity. These parameters were used to determine the morphological and biochemical responses of plants under zinc-stress conditions. The results indicated that different concentrations of zinc significantly decreased the leaf number and pod length V. unguiculata. Soil electrical conductivity was significantly high at 200 ppm zinc. Significant changes in total protein were observed in stems and pods. Moreover, the total phenolic content in leaves showed a significant increase with higher zinc concentrations, while the opposite trend was observed for total phenolic content in V. unguiculata pods. In summary, varying concentrations of zinc had a significant impact on various morphological and biochemical properties of V. unguiculata, exhibiting a distinct pattern specific to each organ. This suggests that V. unguiculata is responsive, adaptive and capable of tolerating abiotic stress induced by a broad range of zinc concentrations.

Synthesis and Characterisation of Chickpea Peptides-Zinc Chelates Having ACE2 Inhibitory Activity.

Tryptic hydrolysates of protein fractions obtained by the Osborne method from chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds interacted with zinc ions and the results of chelation were monitored by the Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) technique. The glutelin hydrolysate (GluHyd) reacted with zinc ions and depicted a relatively higher zinc content. For this reason, the zinc complex of the glutelin hydrolysate (GluHyd-Zn) was studied deeper, and 11 peptides were identified in its more zinc-containing second fraction obtained after gel filtration. The peptide HKERVQLHIIPTAVGK showed a relatively higher chelating capacity (57.86 ± 2.14%). According to the result of the ICP-OS analysis, 1mg peptide could chelate 381.61 ± 133.39µg zinc, and the molar ratio of peptide-zinc was about 1:4. Spectral methods proved that side chain and C-termini carboxyl groups of the peptide mostly were involved in chelation and N atoms of amino side chains, imidazole group of histidine, and N-termini at some extents were occupied by the metal ions. Modeling of zinc-peptide interaction was done using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software. The results of the docking correlate with the experimental data.ACE2 inhibitory effect of HKERVQLHIIPTAVGK-Zn complex (IC50 = 1.5mg/mL) was better than that of HKERVQLHIIPTAVGK (IC50 = 2.2mg/mL).

Some Heavy metals measurements (Cadmium, Copper, and Zinc) in the tissues of common carp Cyprinus carpioL . 1758 farmed in floating cages in the Euphrates River.

The current study examined the concentrations of three heavy metals (cadmium, copper, and zinc) in the tissues of common carp fish. (gills-musclesintestines) collected from one of the private farms that raised fish in floating cages in the Euphrates River from 18/10/2021 to 18/3/2022. Every month, water samples were analyzed, as were fish tissue samples. Using an atomic absorption spectroscopy device, standard procedures were followed to assess the concentration of heavy metals in water and tissues. The results showed that the highest concentration of zinc, cadmium, and copper was detected in the water during the winter season, reaching (125.5-31.95-1.37) MKgm/L. The highest concentrations of cadmium in tissues were found in the autumn season for gills and muscles (1.58-0.81) mkgm/L dry weight, and the highest concentration in tissues (0.80) mkgm/L dry weight in the winter. The highest concentrations of copper were found in the gills and muscles, followed by the intestines. Where concentrations are at their highest in the autumn season (11-9.89, 12.31) mkgm/gm dry weight. As for zinc was found in high concentrations in the gills, intestines, and muscles, with the highest concentrations recorded in the autumn season (81.6-85-93 – 112) mkgm/gm dry weight. The results revealed that heavy metal accumulation occurred in the following pattern: Concentrations in water: cadmium &lt;copper&lt;zinc, while in tissues, the arrangement was as follows: Cadmium – gills – muscles – intestines – copper. Gills – muscles – intestines Zinc – gills – intestines – muscles. Keywords: Heavy metals, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Indian traditional diet may prevent COVID-19-related mortality: A narrative review

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mortality rate in densely populated India was reportedly 5 to 8 times lower than in less populous western countries. An international team of scientists from India, Brazil, Jordan, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia conducted the research suggesting that Indian dietary components suppress cytokine storm and other severity-related pathways of COVID-19 and may play a role in reducing the severity and mortality rates of COVID-19 in India compared to western populations. The findings indicated that the constituents of Indian diets, which ensure high iron and zinc concentrations in blood and ample fibre in foods, played a role in mitigating the severity of COVID-19 caused by carbon dioxide retention and lipopolysaccharide. This narrative review highlights various facets of Indian Traditional Diet which has helped in preventing COVID 19- related mortality.

Variability Studies in Iron and Zinc as Well as Protein Concentration in Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] Genotypes for Improving Nutritional Quality

Background: Micronutrients significantly impact agricultural production and are necessary for human health. Therefore, a systematic programme on identification of sources with high concentration of iron and zinc is important for overcoming the problem of micronutrient malnutrition. Therefore, present study was undertaken with the objectives (1) to find out iron and zinc concentrations and (2) to identify stable urdbean genotypes. This will be further helpful to set desirable level of iron and zinc concentrations in the upcoming urdbean varieties. Methods: The present study was conducted to evaluate 30 urdbean genotypes for variability studies of iron, zinc and protein content. The experiment was laid out in the randomized complete block design and replicated thrice at the experimental farm of Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur, Punjab (India) during spring 2019 and 2020. Result: Analysis of variance showed that effect due to genotypes was significant for iron, zinc and protein content as well Iron and Zinc content ranged from (28.75 ppm to 90.75 ppm) and (44.75 ppm to 60.0 ppm) respectively, while protein content ranged from (18.7 to 25.13)%. The genotype PDU1 and OBG35 possessed high level of all three nutrients viz., Fe, Zn and protein. Fe content showed significant positive correlation with Zn content suggesting that both the nutrient can be improved simultaneously. Micronutrient dense genotypes identified can be used as donar to develop nutrient enriched varieties either through conventional breeding or by using biotechnological tool like marker assisted selection.

Bread wheat breeding for functional nutrition products

In a world of rapid economic growth, food security from the point of view of the nutrition profile has become of increasing interest. The development of biofortified colored wheat (black, purple and blue) adds nutritional and functional health benefits to energy-rich wheat. Cultivars and lines of colored bread wheat with a high content of anthocyanins, iron and zinc exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and have desirable properties for production and commercial use. Anthocyanins contained in colored wheat have a wide range of health effects, such as protection from metabolic syndromes, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. The idea of production anthocyanin-enriched wheat shapes people's way of life, as it is the main food crop in many countries. The achievements of breeding new high-quality productive varieties of cereals, with a large amount of antioxidants, allow them to be used to obtain a number of products for functional nutrition. The presented review is a compilation of currently available information about colored wheat in the most important aspects, including biochemistry, food industry, nutrition, genetics, selection and its influence on human health. Market formation and consumer awareness raising are vital tasks for its use as a functional food product on a large scale.

Phytoconstituents, GC-MS Characterization of Omega Fatty Acids, and Antioxidant Potential of Less-Known Plant Rivina humilis L.

Rivina humilis L. (Petiveriaceae), commonly known as the pigeon berry, accumulates betalains in berries. The present study was focused on identifying the phytoconstituents, mineral content, fatty acid composition, phenolics, flavonoids, antinutritional factors, and antioxidant activities of different plant parts (leaf, stem, root, and seeds), which are otherwise not well explored. Phytoconstituent analysis revealed seeds as a potential source of carbohydrates (50.15 g/100 g), proteins (10.96 g/100 g), and fats (11.25 g/100 g). Roots showed the highest fat (17.66 g/100 g) and dietary fiber (81.49 g/100 g). Leaves and roots contain more iron (29.59 and 29.39 mg/100 g), whereas seed has high zinc content (12.09 mg/100 g). Leaf oil showed 47.83 g/100 g of omega-3-fatty acid, confirmed by GC-MS analysis. Seed oil showed 22.23 g/100, 44.48 g/100, and 24.04 g/100 g of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids, respectively. The leaf extract has the highest TPC (597.55 mg/100 g), followed by the seed (421.68 mg/100 g). The leaf's 80% ethanolic extract had high TFC (2442.19 mg/100 g), followed by 70% methanolic extract (1566.25 mg/100 g). The antinutritional profile indicated significant phytic acid and oxalates in the leaf (9.3 g/100 and 2.07 g/100 g) and stem (6.9 and 1.58 g/100 g) and low tannin content (<0.5 g/100 g). The leaf's 80% ethanolic extract exhibited double the TAA than 70% methanolic extract (1.52 g/100 g). The leaf with an 80% ethanolic extract had the lowest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging EC50 (2.22 and 0.37 mg/mL). The leaf with an 80% ethanolic extract (479.73 mg/100 g) and seed (391.14 mg/100 g) had the highest FRAP activity. Our study proves that different parts of R. humilis had a good content of phytoconstituents, bioactives, and antioxidant activities. Hence, R. humilis leaves and seeds are a novel source of omega fatty acids and minerals reported for the first time and have potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Cadmium reduces growth of male fetuses by impairing development of the placental vasculature and reducing expression of nutrient transporters

In utero exposure to the toxic metal cadmium (Cd) alters fetoplacental growth in rodents and has been inversely associated with birth weight and infant size in some birth cohorts. Moreover, studies suggest that Cd may have differential effects on growth and development according to offspring sex. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate changes in male and female fetoplacental development following a single injection of saline (5 ml/kg ip) or cadmium chloride (CdCl2, 2.5, 5 mg/kg, ip) on gestational day (GD) 9. By GD18, no changes in fetal or placental weights were observed after treatment with 2.5 mg/kg CdCl2. By comparison, the weight and length of male fetuses and their placentas were reduced following treatment with 5 mg/kg CdCl2 whereas no change was observed in females. In addition, the area of maternal and fetal blood vessels as well as the expression of the glucose transporters, Glut1 and Glut3, and the endothelial marker, CD34, were reduced in the placentas of CdCl2-treated male offspring compared to females. Interestingly, the placentas of females accumulated 80% more Cd than males after CdCl2 (5 mg/kg) administration. Female placentas also had higher concentrations of zinc and the zinc transporter Znt1 compared to males which may explain the limited changes in fetal growth observed following CdCl2 treatment. Taken together, disruption of vasculature development and reduced expression of glucose transporters in the placenta provide potential mechanisms underlying reduced fetal growth in male offspring despite the greater accumulation of Cd in female placentas.

Genetic mapping identified major main-effect and three co-localized quantitative trait loci controlling high iron and zinc content in groundnut.

Malnutrition is a major challenge globally, and groundnut is a highly nutritious self-pollinated legume crop blessed with ample genomic resources, including the routine deployment of genomic-assisted breeding. This study aimed to identify genomic regions and candidate genes for high iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content, utilizing a biparental mapping population (ICGV 00440×ICGV 06040;). Genetic mapping and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis (474 mapped single-nucleotide polymorphism loci; 1536.33cM) using 2 seasons of phenotypic data together with genotypic data identified 5 major main-effect QTLs for Fe content. These QTLs exhibited log-of-odds (LOD) scores ranging from 6.5 to 7.4, explaining phenotypic variation (PVE) ranging from 22% (qFe-Ah01) to 30.0% (qFe-Ah14). Likewise, four major main effect QTLs were identified for Zn content, with LOD score ranging from 4.4 to 6.8 and PVE ranging from 21.8% (qZn-Ah01) to 32.8% (qZn-Ah08). Interestingly, three co-localized major and main effect QTLs (qFe-Ah01, qZn-Ah03, and qFe-Ah11) were identified for both Fe and Zn contents. These genomic regions harbored key candidate genes, including zinc/iron permease transporter, bZIP transcription factor, and vacuolar iron transporter which likely play pivotal roles in the accumulation of Fe and Zn contents in seeds. The findings of this study hold potential for fine mapping and diagnostic marker development for high Fe and Zn contents in groundnut.

Role of zinc in bulk precipitation from the steaming process of potable water

Water chemistry plays an important role in fouling kinetics and morphology. This work investigates the influence of zinc cations in potable water, specifically the kinetics of crystallisation and their effect on the fouling layer during the operation of a batch steam generator system and a once-through flow system. The kinetics of precipitation in the batch crystalliser were examined based on the change in concentration of the foulants, while the fouling resistance approach was used in the flow system. In addition, morphological testing was carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Powder X-ray Diffraction, and Energy dispersive X-ray. The findings showed that the precipitation rate of calcium carbonate decreases with the increase in zinc ions until reaching the zinc carbonate supersaturation in the water due to water evaporation. Regarding morphology, co-precipitation of zinc carbonate was observed at high zinc concentrations. As a result, a double effect was observed where zinc both retarded and enhanced fouling over time. The fouling rate in the flow system decreased as the zinc concentration increased. Zinc ions were found to influence the morphology of deposit minerals significantly. Moreover, the surface deposition of zinc salts increased with the solution content of zinc.

Study on the Preparation of ZnFeO4 by Roasting Zinc-Containing Gossan Ore

Gossan ore is typically abandoned after mining, which not only increases mining production costs but also wastes mineral resources, and its long-term accumulation can easily lead to environmental pollution hazards. Therefore, this paper takes zinc-containing gossan ore as the research object and, based on the high content of zinc and iron minerals in gossan ore, this study conducts a roasting experiment to prepare ZnFeO4. X-ray diffraction is used to characterize and analyze the ZnFeO4 sample prepared by roasting zinc-containing gossan ore. The experimental results indicate that controlling the particle size of the roasted ore sample to −0.074 mm can effectively remove impurities and facilitate the reaction. The influence of roasting temperature and time on the formation of ZnFeO4 is remarkable. The conditions for roasting zinc-containing gossan ore to maximize the ZnFeO4 content are as follows: −0.074 mm particle size ore sample, reaction zinc/iron molar ratio of 1:2, mechanical activation time of 120 min, roasting temperature of 1050 °C, and roasting time of 120 min. These findings provide new ideas for the utilization of gossan ore and lay a theoretical foundation for the efficient development and utilization of difficult-to-select zinc-containing gossan ore.

Determination of macro and microelements in stem and leaf parts after harvest of some peanut varieties

This study was carried out to determine the post-harvest macro and micro element contents of some peanut cultivars grown under main crop conditions and to meet the nutritional requirements of the cultivars. The trial was carried out for two years (2015–2016) in the Alahanlı and Toprakkale trial areas of the Oil Seeds Research Institute. According to the results obtained from the experiment; In terms of macro elements, the highest phosphorus content was found in Batem Cihangir variety (0.122%), the highest potassium content was from Brantley (1,299%), the highest calcium content was from Osmaniye-2005 (2.396%), the highest magnesium content was NC-7 (0.851%) and the highest sodium content was obtained from NC V 11 (0.146%). In terms of micro-elements, the highest iron content was obtained from the varieties of Batem 5025, Arıoğlu-2003, Georgia Green, Batem Cihangir, the highest copper content was from the Brantley variety, the highest zinc content was from the Sultan variety, the highest manganese content was from the Batem Cihangir variety and the highest boron content was from the Flower-22 variety. There are limited studies on the nutritional elements of peanuts, and this study will be beneficial for the selection of the desired varieties for breeding, nutrient content, the use of fertilizers by the growers, and the improvement of the yield of the product.

Physiological and biochemical responses of Carthamus tinctorius L. to zinc at vegetative stage

AbstractBackgroundEnvironment contamination with heavy metals is a major problem both to the environment and human health.AimsThe aim of this work is to evaluate the physiological, nutritional, and biochemical responses of safflower plants (Carthamus tinctorius L.) grown under different zinc concentrations at vegetative stage.MethodsThe effect of zinc on safflower plants was studied through the evaluation of growth parameters, colorimetric assay of phenolic compounds, and antioxidant enzymes activities.ResultsZinc inhibited shoot and root growth and resulted in leaf chlorosis at 75, 225, and 1000 µM zinc concentrations. At higher concentrations, Zn also reduced photosynthetic parameters except the internal CO2 concentration that was higher at these levels. Zinc reduced potassium content of the shoots at 75 µM of zinc. The presence of Zn at 1000 µM concentration reduced the iron content and led to the accumulation of the copper content in the shoots. In roots, iron and copper contents were reduced from 15 µM Zn. In the case of copper, this content was canceled out at 225 and 1000 µM of zinc. Lipid peroxidation (evaluated as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content) increased with zinc treatment. Safflower plants generally responded to this oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant enzymes activities, namely, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase. There was no increase in superoxide dismutase activity in shoots and roots, except at the highest zinc concentration in the roots. Total soluble sugars (TSS) and starch contents increased, whereas proline content decreased in shoots. In roots, TSS was not altered, whereas starch was decreased, and proline content was increased. There were no changes in the protein content in both organs under different Zn treatments. There was a gradual increase in the total polyphenols in shoots with increasing zinc concentration; however, no changes were observed in the roots. Flavonoids decreased in roots at 225 and 1000 µM Zn. Total antioxidant activity increased in shoots but it decreased in roots with increasing zinc concentration. The inverse trend was observed for the DPPH and ABTS tests.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the decline in safflower plant growth under high zinc concentrations is related to altered photosynthetic activity and antioxidant response to oxidative stress.

Effects of phosphorus species and zinc stress on growth and physiology of the marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii

Human activities, including industrial and agricultural production, as well as domestic sewage discharge, have led to heavy metal pollution and eutrophication in coastal waters. This has caused a deficiency of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), but an excess dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) and high concentrations of zinc. However, the impact of high zinc stress and different phosphorus species on primary producers remains unclear. This study examined the impact of different phosphorus species (DIP and DOP) and high zinc stress (1.74 mg L−1) on the growth and physiology of the marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii. The results showed that compared to the low zinc treatment (5 μg L−1), high zinc stress significantly decreased the net growth of T. weissflogii, but the decline was weaker in the DOP group than in the DIP group. Based on changes in photosynthetic parameters and nutrient concentrations, the study suggests that the growth inhibition of T. weissflogii under high zinc stress was likely due to an increase in cell death caused by zinc toxicity, rather than a decrease in cell growth caused by photosynthesis damage. Nonetheless, T. weissflogii was able to reduce zinc toxicity by antioxidant reactions through enhancing activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase and by cationic complexation through enhancing extracellular polymeric substances, particularly when DOP served as the phosphorus source. Furthermore, DOP had a unique detoxification mechanism by producing marine humic acid, which is conducive to complexing metal cations. These results provide valuable insights into the response of phytoplankton to environmental changes in coastal oceans, particularly the effects of high zinc stress and different phosphorus species on primary producers.

Characterization, antioxidant activity, and mineral profiling of Auricularia cornea mushroom strains.

Mushrooms are considered as next-generation healthy food components. Owing to their low-fat content, high-quality proteins, dietary fiber, and rich source of nutraceuticals. They are ideally preferred in formulation of low-caloric functional foods. In this view, the breeding strategies of mushroom Auricularia cornea (A. cornea) focusing on high yield and higher quality with rich nutritional values and health benefits are still needed. A total of 50 strains of A. cornea were used to analyze the bio efficiency and the time required for fruiting body formation following the cultivation experiment. The calorimetric method was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity and quantify the crude polysaccharides and minerals content thereafter. The results showed that the time required for fruiting body formation and biological efficiency varied significantly among the selected strains. Noticeably, the wild domesticated strain Ac13 of A. cornea mushroom showed the shortest fruit development time (80 days). Similarly, the hybrid strains including Ac3 and Ac15 possessed the highest biological efficiency (82.40 and 94.84%). Hybrid strains Ac18 (15.2%) and cultivated strains Ac33 (15.6%) showed the highest content of crude polysaccharides, while cultivated strains Ac1 and Ac33, demonstrated the highest content of total polysaccharides in the fruiting body (216 mg. g-1 and 200 mg. g-1). In the case of mineral content, the highest zinc contents were observed from the cultivated strain Ac46 (486.33 mg·kg-1). The maximum iron content was detected from the hybrid strain Ac3 (788 mg·kg-1), and the wild domesticated strain Ac28 (350 mg·kg-1). The crude polysaccharides of the A. cornea strain showed significant antioxidant potential, and the ability of Ac33 and Ac24 to scavenge DPPH radicals and ABTS, which was significantly improved compared to other strains, respectively. Principal component analysis was applied to examine the agronomic traits and chemical compounds of various strains of A. cornea mushrooms. The results revealed that cultivated, wild domesticated, and hybrid strains of A. cornea exhibited distinct characteristics in terms of growth, yield, and nutritional properties. The crude polysaccharides from A. cornea mushroom strains act as natural antioxidants, the wild, hybrid, and commercial A. cornea mushroom strains can achieve rapid growth, early maturation, and high yields. The evaluation of biochemical indexes and nutritional characteristics of strains with excellent traits provided a scientific basis for initiating high-quality breeding, provided germplasm resources for the production of "functional food" with real nutritional and health value.