Ppm Zinc Research Articles

Influence of zinc on the growth, distribution of elements, and metabolism of one‐year old American ginseng plants

Abstract Using a water culture technique, 0.05 ppm zinc (Zn) was found to be the critical deficiency concentraction for one‐year American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L) plants, 0.3 ppm was optimum, 0.5 ppm the critical Zn‐toxicity concentration, and 10 ppm the concentration when severe toxicity occurs. Therefore, the optimum Zn concentration for the growth of American ginseng plants was between 0.1 ppm ‐ 0.3 ppm. Zinc deficiency symptoms of one‐year old American ginseng plants were indicated by the inhabition of root growth, with little fibrous root development, and smaller leaves compared to normal leaves. The symptoms of toxicity were also indicated by the inhibition of root growth, and when seedlings were suffering from an acute toxicity, no fibrous roots appeared, and eventually the roots yellowed and leaves grew slowly or even entirely ceased to grow, the final result being very small leaves which are also chlorotic. Zinc maintained within the 0.1 ppm to 0.3 ppm sufficiency range promoted the synthe...

EFFECTS OF THE HEAVY METAL, ZINC, ON THE FRESHWATER FISH TILAPIA NILOTICA L.

Gills, gonads, and blood of Tilapia nilotica exposed to different concentrations of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4. 7H2O) exhibited histological effects. Gills of posthatch larvae exposed chronically for 21 days to 2 ppm zinc sulfate and fingerlings to 10 ppm sublethal zinc concentrations exhibited hyperplasia that resulted in fusion of adjacent secondary gill lamellae. The same effects were observed in 4-hour short-term exposure to 30 ppm lethal dose. Posthatch larvae subjected to 2 and 5 ppm sublethal levels of zinc for 30 days retained undifferentiated gonads with differentiation with oogonial proliferation. Ovaries of control fish demonstrated healthy oocyte growth and other normal histological features after 57 days. In contrast, ovaries in treated groups exhibited excessive amounts of connective tissue, hyperemia and markedly reduced oocyte number. Oocytes had wavy irregular surface outlines. Deviation from normal was observed to be dose dependent. In juvenile tilapia, spermatogenesis was observed in control testes. Testes of zinc-exposed fish, on the other hand, remained immature. Hyperemia was markedly pronounced in both testes and ovary after 90 days exposure to zinc. Blood of Tilapia nilotica fingerlings exposed to sublethal concentrations of 2, 5, and 10 ppm zinc for 30, 60, and 90 days exhibited anisocytosis and poikilocytosis. There was an increase in hematocrit values in zinc-reared fish which, however, reverted to control/near control levels at day 90. Hemoglobin values were inversely proportional to the level of zinc in the rearing water. The marked reduction in hemoglobin values in fish reared at the higher zinc concentrations of 5 and 10 ppm suggests the development of some degree of anemia which is also supported by the observations of anisocytosis and poikilocytosis.

Soil contamination beneath asphalt roads by polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, zinc, lead and cadmium

The contamination of soil by 16 PAH and heavy metals beneath and alongside six asphalt roads in the city of Dortmund (FRG) was the object of a comprehensive investigation. Beside the roads concentrations of 6.6–9.8 ppm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), 0.26–0.45 ppm benzo[ a]pyrene, 58–330 ppm zinc, 48–130 ppm lead and 0.6–1.4 ppm cadmium were found. These concentrations are equal to the ‘natural’ background of elements availability in the city of Dortmund. Soil contamination by PAH and benzo[ a]pyrene beneath the road surface is only equal to 26% and 30% of the contamination beside the road at the same soil depth. The soil contamination by zinc, lead and cadmium beneath the road surface is only equal to 36%, 43% and 78%, respectively, of the soil contamination beside the road. It is recommended to block, demolish and renaturate roads for the restoration of relatively less contaminated biotops in nature reserves.

Effects of high-ash diets on growth, feed efficiency, and zinc status of juvenile Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar)

Juvenile Atlantic salmon (initial weight 3.9 g) were fed practical diets with similar levels of protein and energy,and graded levels of fish bone, for 98 days. The diets contained 10.5 to 17.5% ash and 100 ppm zinc after the addition of a commercial mineral supplement. When fish were fed a fixed ration, feed efficiency decreased (1.02 to 0.89) and their growth rate was reduced as the level of dietary ash was increased. When fed ad libitum, weight gains were similar in all groups. Protein digestibility was not affected by the level of dietary ash. Whole-body concentrations of iron and zinc declined markedly in all groups during the experiment. Even though clinical signs of zinc deficiency were not observed, small but statistically significant differences in whole-body zinc concentrations between treatments were detected. The results of this study suggest that dietary ash levels up to 17.5% are not detrimental to juvenile Atlantic salmon when the dietary zinc level is minimally 100 ppm.

Research Note: Maintenance of Duodenum Weight During a Molt Induced by Dietary Zinc in a Low-Calcium Diet

The duodenal loop was excised from hens that had been induced to molt by a low-calcium diet containing 2,800 ppm zinc in the form of zinc sulfate heptahydrate. This was compared to that of hens pair-fed a layer diet. In Experiment 1, hens exhibited an increased duodenum weight after receiving the zinc diet for 14 days but no differences remained 14 days later. In Experiment 2, increased duodenum weight was noted after 4 days on the zinc diet and this persisted through 10 days. This greater tissue weight was observed whether expressed on a wet or dry weight basis. Thus, there was a persistency of tissue mass. The duodenum does not regress during a zinc-induced molt as it does during a fast-induced molt.

Molt Induced by Dietary Zinc in a Low-Calcium Diet

Three experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that zinc has a specific effect independent of anorexia during induction of molt. In Experiment 1, hens were fed a low-calcium (.08%) basal molt diet to which was added 0, 110, 620, or 1,120 mg/kg (ppm) zinc as zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2 O) for 7 days and 0, 1,400, 2,800, or 4,200 ppm zinc, respectively, for the following 14 days. In Experiment 2, hens were provided ad libitum access to the low-calcium basal molt diet with 2,800 ppm added zinc for 14 days during which a paired control hen received a similar amount of the low-calcium basal molt diet. In Experiment 3, hens were fed the low-calcium basal molt diet on a restricted basis amended with either 0 or 2,800 ppm zinc on a restricted basis for 10 days.In Experiment 1, all hens that consumed zinc had significantly fewer days to last oviposition as compared with control hens, and this occurred without significant differences in body weight or feed consumption for the lowest zinc group. When compared with the control group, higher levels of zinc did decrease body weight and feed consumption. In Experiment 2, the hens consuming the diet with 2,800 ppm zinc (Zn2800) reached last oviposition significantly sooner than control hens, although the Zn2800 hens actually consumed more feed. In Experiment 3, the Zn2800 hens lost more body weight than control hens due partially to earlier reproductive tract regression. Serum luteinizing hormone was increased in the Zn2800 hens. In the absence of supplemental dietary calcium, dietary zinc in moderate concentrations (≤2,800 ppm) has a specific suppressing effect on reproduction independent of anorexia.

Influence of high levels of zinc oxide in starter diets on pig performance (1992)

Two trials were conducted to determine the influence of high levels of zinc oxide on starter pig performance. Two dietary treatments (110 or 3,110 ppm zinc) were used in each trial. In trial 1, 180 pigs (17 d of age and 10.9 lb) were blocked by weight and allotted to 20 pens for a total of eight or nine pigs/pen and 10 pens/treatment. In trial 2, 168 pigs (21 d of age and 12.8 lb) were blocked by weight and sex and allotted to six pens for a total of 28 pigs/pen and three pens/treatment. Experimental diets were fed for d 0 to 14 after weaning (phase I). All pigs were fed a common diet containing 110 ppm zinc during phase II (d 14 to 25 in trial 1 and d 14 to 29 in trial 2). Adding 3,000 ppm zinc as zinc oxide to the starter diet did not influence starter pig performance in either trial.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 19, 1992

Response of Eastern and Formosan Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) to Borate Dust and Soil Treatments

Workers of the termites Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) were topically treated with disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, a fine-grain zinc borate, or boric acid (+1% magnesium stearate) powder; they were also exposed to sand treated with borates in an indirect exposure tunneling assay. Dust treatment with boric acid powder caused the most rapid mortality, with application of all three powders causing 100% mortality within 15d. Treatment of 10-20% of the termite workers in test groups with borate dusts indicated that the toxicants are transmitted by grooming or trophallaxis (or both) to untreated individuals. However, less mortality occurred in groups of C. formosanus than in corresponding groups of R. flavipes workers when 10% of the workers were treated with disodium octaborate tetrahydrate or zinc borate powders. Both termite species readily penetrated sand containing 5,000, 10,000, or 15,000 ppm disodium octaborate tetrahydrate or zinc borate. In the 10-d test period, ≥5,000 ppm (or greater) disodium octaborate tetra hydrate and 15,000 ppm zinc borate in the sand elicited high mortality (85-93%) in R. fla vipers . Responsesof C. formosanus workers were more variable. Only 10,000 and 15,000ppm zinc borate in the sand caused mortality (70-89%) significantly different from that in control groups. In both dust transmission and tunneling experiments, interspecific differences in grooming or tunneling behavior may cause reduced exposure of C. formosanus to the borates.

Toleration of High Concentrations of Dietary Zinc by Mink

Adult and kit male and female natural dark ranch mink (Mustela vison) were fed a conventional diet supplemented with 0, 500, 1,000, or 1,500 ppm zinc, as ZnSO4.7H2O, for 144 days. No marked adverse effects were observed in feed consumption, body weight gains, hematologic parameters, fur quality, or survival. Zinc concentrations in liver, kidney, and pancreas of the mink increased in direct proportion to the zinc content of the diet. Histopathologic examination of the livers, kidneys, and pancreata revealed no lesions indicative of zinc toxicosis. The results indicate that mink can tolerate at least 1,500 ppm dietary zinc, as ZnSO4.7H2O, for several months without apparent adverse effects.

The effect of various dietary zinc concentrations on the biological interactions of zinc, copper, and iron in rats

Three groups (14 rats each) were fed one of the following diets for 8 wks: a control purified basal diet containing 12 ppm zinc, 5 ppm copper, and 35 ppm iron; the basal diet with less than 2 ppm zinc; or the basal diet supplemented with 1000 ppm zinc. Rats fed the zinc-deficient diet had decreased weight gain, moderate polydipsia, and intermittent mild diarrhea. The zinc-supplemented rats had a cyclical pattern of food intake and weight loss from weeks 5 to 8. Tissue concentrations suggest that zinc and copper were not mutually antagonistic with chronic dietary imbalances. If tissue element concentrations reflected intestinal uptake, then competition and/or inhibition of intestinal uptake occurred between zinc and iron. The fluctuations in tissue element concentrations that occurred with increased duration of the study were at variance with previous studies of shorter time periods. The dietary proportions of zinc, copper, and iron appear to influence zinc, copper, and iron metabolism at the intestinal and cellular transport levels over a given period of time.

Influence of zinc on copper binding in tissue proteins of steers

Two experiments were conducted with steers fed diets containing 270 ppm copper either with or without 2050 ppm zinc. Liver biopsies were taken from steers biweekly for 10 wk for analysis. The steers were then killed; tissues were removed, homogenized, and centrifuged, and the pellets were extracted with mercaptoethanol (BME), and selected cytosols and extracts were subjected to gel filtration (Sephadex G-75). Copper and zinc were determined on the BME extracts, pellets after extraction, cytosols, and gel-filtration fractions. Copper accumulated at about the same rate in BME extract and in the extracted pellet, with the smallest amount in the cytosol. In contrast, over 70% of the zinc was present in the hepatic cytosols. Gel filtration of BME extracts revealed the greatest amount of copper in a low-mol-wt (MW) peak in addition to three minor peaks of copper. Within the hepatic cytosols, the greatest amount of copper accumulated in proteins of MW greater than 75,000, the next greatest amount in 30,000-MW proteins, and the least amount with metallothionein (MT) of steers fed the diet with only copper added. In contrast, the greatest amount of copper was present with MT in hepatic cytosols of the steer fed a diet that included copper plus zinc. Hence the zinc status of steers influences the deposition of copper in the cytosolic proteins (as demonstrated by liver, kidney, and pancreas), but not in the intracellular fractions.

Effect of marginal zinc nutriture on protein and lipid metabolism in rat pancreas in vitro

To determine the effect of marginal zinc nutriture on the pancreas, rats were divided into three groups and fed Rodent Blox ad libitum, 4-ppm-zinc-supplemented liquid diet ad libitum, and 50-ppm-zinc-supplemented liquid diet in amounts isocaloric to the 4-ppm-zinc supplemented diet, for a period of 15 wk. Compared to Rodent Blox-fed animals, animals fed diet supplemented with 4 ppm zinc and with 50 ppm zinc had lower body weights and higher pancreas weights in relation to body weight. DNA synthesis and total content and specific activity of amylase were decreased, whereas trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, and lipase were not affected in animals fed diet supplemented with 4 ppm zinc (compared with animals fed 50-ppm-zinc-supplemented diet). Lipid studies revealed increased free and esterified cholesterol and a decreased level of triglyceride. Incorporation of14C-1 -acetate in triglyceride was increased. Electron microscopy showed no change in number, size, and volume fraction of zymogen granules/unit. These studies indicate that marginal zinc nutriture alters the function of the pancreatic acinar cell, independent of the caloric intake in the diet. Although marginal zinc nutriture was expected to impair DNA synthesis, isolated decrease of amylase seems to be mediated through altered insulin and/or glucose homeostasis. Changes observed in lipid metabolism may underlie the membrane pathology associated with zinc deficiency.

Impacts of Heavy Metals on Higher Aquatic Plant, Diatom and Benthic Invertebrate Communities in the Niagara River Watershed near Welland, Ontario

Abstract Nickel, chromium, zinc and lead were 60 to 500 times more concentrated in the sediments downstream of the Atlas Specialty Steels Co. than they were in the sediments of the upper Welland River or in the nearby Lyon’s Creek. These metals reached concentrations of 4,900 mg kg−1 dry weight (ppm) of nickel versus 10 ppm upstream, 890 versus 5 ppm lead, 1,050 versus 30 ppm zinc and 5,120 verses 10 ppm chromium. Changes in higher aquatic plant species composition and relative abundance downstream of the Atlas Specialty Steels Co. were plotted as a function of the downstream distance (800 m) from the point source discharge of the company. Four zones in the distribution patterns of aquatic plants were recognized. In the first zone (0–10 m from the point source) benthic invertebrates and aquatic plants were absent. In zone 2 (10–15 m from the point source) pollution tolerant benthic invertebrates such as sludge worms and blood worms as well as pollution tolerant long stemmed emergent macrophytes such as bulrushes and cattails first appeared. Further downstream (15–120 m from the point source), short stemmed macrophytes became abundant and benthic invertebrate diversity and density began to increase (zone 3). Only in zone 4 (120–800 m from the point source) did submersed macrophytes first appear and benthic invertebrates such as isopods, snails and leeches became established. Sites where sediments displayed the highest levels of heavy metal contamination displayed low species richness and low benthic invertebrate densities. These same sites displayed the highest proportions of pollution tolerant chironomid genera such as Procladius cf. bellus and Phaenopsectra flavipes and the highest percentage of pollution tolerant diatoms such as Nitzschia hantzschia and N. palea. Chironomid density was significantly lower below the point source (19 individuals m−2 versus 162 individuals m−2 upstream) as was species richness (11 versus 20 species, P < 0.05). A similar pattern was evident for other benthic invertebrates as well as epipelic diatoms (15 vs. 34 species). In addition, the frequency of chironomid deformities was significantly higher at the downstream site than at the upstream “control” site (27% vs. 9%).

Accumulation of zinc in egg yolk, ovarian follicles and organs after forced resting by high dietary zinc

1. Eighteen Warren SSL hens of 71 weeks of age were forced-moulted by ad libitum feeding of a high-zinc diet (10,000 ppm zinc for 2 days followed by 5,000 ppm zinc-supplement diet for 4 days). From the start of the treatment, eggs were collected and 3 hens were slaughtered on days 0, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the study. 2. Zinc analyses were carried out on the different components of the eggs and on liver, pancreas, kidney, different yolky follicles of the ovary and various segments of the oviduct. 3. Seven-, six- and threefold increases in zinc concentration were found in pancreas, liver and kidney, respectively. 4. The shell gland and isthmus, but not the magnum, also showed slight but significant increases in Zn content. 5. Zinc accumulation was also high and almost identical in ovarian follicles F1 to F4 but slightly less in F5 and F6 follicles. 6. In the egg, a significant increase in zinc concentration was only observed in the yolk.

Determination of zinc in aluminum metal and alloys using a sensitized murexide reaction

AbstractThe spectrophotometric properties of zinc complexes with murexide in the absence and presence of cationic, anionic and nonionic surfactants were studied. The addition of cationic surfactants stabilized the complex and hence improved the intensity of the absorption band (sensitized the reaction). A method for the determination of >0.01% zinc in aluminum metal and some aluminum base alloys was developed. The method was based on measuring the absorbance of the formed complex with murexide and cetylpyridinium bromide at pH 8. The apparent molar absorptivity was 4.7 ± 0.01 × 104 litre mol−1 cm−1 at 470 nm. A linear calibration curve was obtained for up to 1.44 ppm of zinc. In the presence of sodium fluoride and thiourea masking solutions, common ions in aluminum metal and alloys did not interfere.

Abnormal movements in brindled mutant mouse heterozygotes: As related to the development of their offspring — Biochemical and morphological studies

As a possible preventive measure for brain dysfunction in Menkes disease, prenatal treatment by maternal administration of zinc, vitamin E and copper was examined in brindled mutant mice. During pregnancy and lactation, female heterozygous mice received 20 ppm zinc or 0.004% alpha-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) throughout and 6 ppm copper from gestational day 13 in the drinking fluid, ad libitum. The maternal administration of zinc and vitamin E, as antioxidants, or copper resulted in decreased fetal and neonatal death of offspring, especially those of hemizygous males, as compared with the administration of water only. When offspring did not grow, maternal abnormal movements, which comprised rotatory movements of high speed with tremor and ataxia, were frequently observed. In the heterozygotes with abnormal movements, the level of lipid peroxidation in cerebrum and the concentration of copper in kidney were much higher than those in the heterozygotes with normal movement. Morphologically, in cerebellum of the heterozygotes with abnormal movements, the loss of Purkinje cells, abundance of lipofuscin granules and abnormal mitochondria or degenerative bodies of high electron density were frequently observed, as compared with heterozygotes with normal movement. These findings suggest that the development of hemizygous male mice may be influenced by both copper and oxygen radical metabolism.

Determination of zinc in silicatl rocks by graphite furnace AAS with direct introduction of suspension.

A simple method was investigated for the direct determination of zinc in silicate rocks using graphite furnace AAS. The method is based on atomization of zinc with introducing the powdered rock samples suspended in 10% glycerin solution into a furnace. The sample (smaller than 10 μm in size) of 0.55.0 mg containing less than 0.20 μg zinc was placed in a stoppered polystyrene test tube (50 ml). Adding 25 ml of 10% glycerin solution, the sample was uniformly dispersed into the suspension by an ultrasonic agitator for 1 min. Then, 10 μl portion of the suspension was injected into the graphite furnace. The injected sample was dried at 200°C for 20 s, heated at 800°C for 60 s, and atomized at 1600°C for 5 s in an argon atmosphere (argon flow rate; 2 1/min). The background was corrected with the non-absorption line at 213.5 nm, and the peak areas of the zinc signal at 213.8 nm were obtained. The relative standard deviation was 6.3% for 7 times determinations on 43 ppm zinc in a standard silicate rock sample ( JG-1).

Effect of purified immunoglobulins or pooled colostrum on performance of rearing calves

Fifty Belgian white-blue male calves, purchased from the market at about 10 days of age, were divided into three groups. The basic diet was the same for all calves, and consisted of a restricted amount of commercial milk replacer containing 50 ppm zinc bacitracin and 20 pm virginiamycin, calf starter and grass hay. Weaning occurred when daily starter intake over 7 consecutive days averaged 0.5 kg. Maximum starter intake was restricted to 3 kg day −1, and grass hay was fed ad libitum. The experiment lasted 20 weeks. Group 1 (control) received the basic diet. Groups 2 and 3 were supplemented with either 2 g purified immunoglobulins (Ig) or 25-ml pooled colostrum (CO) twice daily, via the milk replacer as used in Group 1. Neither Ig nor CO exerted a positive effect on growth rate and feed efficiency. Six calves died: two, one and three in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Their serum IG content was significantly lower than that of the surviving animals. Mechanisms explaining the lack of any protective effect are discussed. It is supposed that the main reason was due to the gap between the CO feeding at birth and the onset of the administration of Ig or CO at the start of the experiment. At that time, 31 of the 50 calves excreted rota-and/or coronaviruses.

Effect of zinc administration on cadmium-induced suppression of natural killer cell activity in mice.

Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in immune surveillance against viral infections and neoplasms. The effect of cadmium with or without zinc on mouse spleen NK cell activity was studied. Six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were given drinking water containing either 50 ppm cadmium, 50 ppm cadmium together with 500 ppm zinc, or 500 ppm zinc. A fourth group receiving no additional cadmium or zinc served as control. After 3 weeks of treatment, the mice were killed, splenic lymphocytes isolated and cultured with 51Cr-labelled YAC-1 target cells for 4 and 12 h in a ratio of 50:1. The percentage of target cell lysis was measured to assess NK cell activity. In the 12-h assay, cadmium-treated animals had significantly lower NK cell activity than controls. Concurrent zinc administration prevented the suppression. In the 4-h assay, a similar trend was observed. Between 4 and 12 h, NK cell activity increased significantly in control and zinc-treated groups, but not in those receiving cadmium. The results suggest that a relatively low dose of cadmium suppresses NK cell activity, which can be prevented by a moderately large dose of zinc.

Synthesis and Chromogenic Properties of Disulfonated (1-Naphthyl)(2-quinolyl)methanone 5-Nitro-2-pyridylhydrazone and Its Application to the Spectrophotometric and Analogue-Derivative Spectrophotometric Determination of Trace Amounts of Zinc

Abstract A water-soluble hydrazone, disulfonated (1-naphthyl)(2-quinolyl)methanone 5-nitro-2-pyridylhydrazone (NQNPH), in which one nitro group and two sulfo groups are introduced for the purpose of increasing sensitivity and solubility in water, has been synthesized and its chromogenic property and reactivity with metal ions investigated. NQNPH reacts with various metal ions including zinc(II) to form 1:2 (metal: ligand) colored stable complexes with high molar absorptivities. On this basis, sensitive and practical spectrophotometric and analogue-derivative spectrophotometric methods for the determination of trace amounts of zinc with NQNPH have been proposed. The zinc(II)–NQNPH complex is formed quantitatively in the pH range 6.9–9.6 and its absorption spectrum shows an absorption maximum at 516 nm. Beer’s law is obeyed over the range 0.07–1.5 ppm of zinc and the apparent molar absorptivity of the complex is 4.33×104 dm3 mol−1 cm−1 at 516 nm. The proposed method was applied to the determination of zinc in Kuroko and water samples, with satisfactory results. In addition, the acid dissociation constants of NQNPH and the overall formation constant of its zinc complex were also determined spectrophotometrically.