Wet Ashing Methods Research Articles

Distribution of 210Po activity and soil texture in agricultural soil.

The assessment of 210Po in agricultural soil matrices in different regions of Kerala and Karnataka was studied. The wet ash method was used to find the activity concentration of 210Po. The alpha activity was counted using a silver-activated zinc sulfide counter of 30% efficiency, and the activity was calculated. The average concentration of 210Po activity in soil samples ranged from 0.09 to 20.52Bqkg-1, with an average value of 4.47Bqkg-1. The soil texture was measured using the International Pipette method. Using the IBM Statistical Package of Social Science Software, the frequency distribution curve of 210Po is plotted and found to be lognormal. The data of 210Po are highly skewed, and the Kurtosis has a significant positive value. The 210Po activity concentrations are substantially within the World Health Organization's recommended limits.

Effects of Physicochemical Properties on the South-South Estuaries’ Microbial Community Structure

The conceivably chemical gold of the marine environment is affected by a myriad of natural and artificial challenges. The physical and chemical challenges faced by microbes in the ocean are one among the many myriads of activities that affect marine microbial life. As the depth of the ocean increases, temperature declines, salinity increases, and the availability of nutrients dwindle, pollution from a variety of sources such as recreation, fish culture, and the assimilation and transport of pollution effluents through river can greatly affect the physiochemical and biodiversity of the ocean life. The total community DNA was extracted using the ZR soil microbe DNA Miniprep kit. The amplicon Library was prepared using the reversible terminator sequencing on Miseq, illumina’s integrated next-generation sequencer by Inqaba Biotechnological as per 16S metagenomic sequencing Library preparation. For the determination of pH, the pH meter was used; the conductivity meter was used for conductivity; the salinometer was used for salinity, the heating method was used for total dissolved solids (TDS); Nephelometer was used for turbidity; the filter method was used for total suspended solids (TSS); palintest Nitratest method was used for Nitrate determination; Total alkalinity was determined by the standard titrimetric method; for Total hardness, the EDTA titrimetric method was used; the wet ashing method was used for metals; Hydrogen carbonate was determined by titrimetric method; sulfate and Chloride were determined by turbidimetric and argentometric method respectively. The total read counts from the kingdom across the three zones are 4981 (82.70%), 991 (94.11%), and 45835 (46.64%) for Okrika, Ibaka, and Brass, respectively. The total read counts from the phyla across the three zones are 1222 (21.73%) for Proteobacteria, 221 (21.33%) for Firmicutes, and 14712 (14.97%) for Firmicutes, respectively. The salinity and sodium values were 2.96 and 3.23 and 567.31 and 422.91 for the top and bottom, respectively, in Ibaka. The salinity and sodium values were 13.55 and 12.94 and 1877.68 and 1874.02 for top and bottom, respectively, for Okrika. The salinity and sodium values were 11.65 and 8.51 and 1238.69 and 1338.82 for the top and bottom, respectively, for Brass. The number of bacteria phyla obtained from the sediment was found to depend on the physicochemical parameters (sodium, salinity, pH, etc.).

Nutritional adequacy of essential vitamins and minerals consumed by edentulous elderly at Little Sisters of the Poor in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria

Edentulism is having few or no teeth in the oral cavity, which is an irreversible condition. It has been shown to be more prevalent in the aged especially among the female. Edentulism which is an age related problem is associated with inability to eat, which render the aged deficient of essential vitamins and minerals. The aim of study is to determine the Nutritional Adequacy of Essential Vitamins and Minerals consumed by Edentulous Elderly at Little Sisters of the Poor, Home for the Elderly, Enugu. The home houses 54 inmates. All inclusive sampling technique was adopted for the study. Oral examination was conducted using mouth mirror to ascertain the number of elderly with tooth loss. The food menu used for feeding the inmates was collected from the home and it served as a guide for collection of food samples for chemical analysis to determine the adequacy of essential vitamins and minerals (vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, potassium and magnesium). Minerals and Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 were analyzed using Wet Ashing method. The result showed that out of 54 elderly inmates, 44 inmates are edentulous of which females are mostly affected. The result from chemical analysis of food showed 32.5 mcg intake of vitamin D,12.2 mcg intake of vitamin B12, 0.017 mg intake of calcium, 0.346 mg intake magnesium and 0.034 mg intake of potassium and this as compared with recommended daily intake that there is adequate intake of vitamin D, excessive intake of vitamin B12 but inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium. This in turn shows that there is inadequate consumption of essential vitamins and minerals by edentulous elderly at Little Sisters of the Poor, Home for the Elderly, Enugu. This shows that there is need to include food rich in essential vitamins and minerals and also give supplement that are in form of medicine to the inmates to meet the adequacy.

Determination of Heavy Metals in Soil around Amasoma Community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Aims: Anthropogenic activities such as crude oil exploration and exploitation has led to the suspicion of heavy metals contamination in the study area. This study investigated the concentration of zinc, nickel, lead and cadmium in the soil extracted from the area where Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw tree (Carica papaya) are grown in Amassoma community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
 Study Design: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw tree (Carica papaya) soils from where these plants are grown were randomly collected for heavy metal analysis from within Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State between March 2019 to September 2019
 Methodology: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw tree (Carica papaya) soils were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, model S471096). The method used was wet-ashing method for the analysis.
 Results: the concentrations of Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), and Zinc (Zn), in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil. From the sample data analysis, the average lead (Pb) contents in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil were 1.283 mg/kg and 1.44 mg/kg respectively. The average Cadmium (Cd) in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil were 0.256 mg/kg and 0.256 mg/kg respectively. The average Nickel (Ni) compositions in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil were 4.71 mg/kg and 5.09 mg/kg respectively. While the Average Zinc (Zn) in pawpaw soil and scent leaf soil is 2.280 mg/kg and 2.160 mg/kg respectively. The soil analyzed for heavy metals were below the threshold target values recommended by the WHO.
 Conclusion: The Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw tree (Carica papaya) soils analyzed for heavy metals were below the permissible limit recommended by WHO for soil safety. The result from the present study revealed that there may not be soil contamination as a result of the selected heavy metals, however, It is recommended that caution should be taken in regulating the anthropogenic activities that may tend to elevate the level of heavy metals in the surrounding to prevent contamination of soil over time which could be detrimental to the health of the populace.

Determination of Heavy Metals (Lead, Zinc, Nickel and Cadmium) in Medicinal Plants (Scent Leaf and Pawpaw) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Aims: This study investigated the level of zinc, nickel, lead and cadmium in selected medicinal plants - Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) that are traditionally used in alternative medicine in Amassoma community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
 Study Design: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) from where these plants are grown were randomly collected for heavy metal analysis from within Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State between March 2019 to September 2019
 Methodology: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, model S471096). The method used was wet-ashing method for the analysis.
 Results: The result showed that the concentration of Lead in the pawpaw fruit with 5.99mg/kg and pawpaw seed with 3.72mg/kg, were above the WHO permissible limit. While the concentration of Cadmium in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf with 1.32mg/kg, 0.96mg/kg, 0.21mg/kg, and 0.59mg/kg, were all above the permissible limits. Again, Zinc in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf were 2.52mg/kg, 2.53mg/kg, 5.30mg/kg, and 0.79mg/kg respectively, and these are also above the permissible limit. While that of the concentration of Nickel in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf were observed to be within permissible limit.
 Conclusion: It is therefore recommended that caution should be taken when such plants are to be used as alternative to conventional medicine as excess of it could pose the risk of bioaccumulation and possible health effects in humans.

Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of multi element in apricot and soil samples after wet and microwave digestion method

Iron, copper, zinc, manganese, nickel, cobalt, lead, cadmium and chromium in various apricot and soil samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in this study. Microwave digestion method and wet ashing method efficiency were compared for digestion of the samples. Recovery values were nearly found quantitative. The analysis results were evaluated. The accuracy of the digestion procedures was confirmed by analyzing Montana Soil and Apple Leaves certified reference materials. There are no important differences between digestion methods. The results were compared with literature values. Relative standard deviations were found below 10 %. Heavy metal levels in analyzed samples were not found toxic limits.

DETERMINATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN SOME BRANDS OF GREEN TEA USING WET DIGESTION, INFUSION AND DRY ASHING METHODS

The concentrations of trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Ni) in some commercially available brands of green tea sold within Katsina metropolis coded (SGT, HGT, LGT, AGT and GGT) were determined using wet acid digestion, water infusion, and Dry Ashing methods by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Among the trace elements analyzed Nickel and Manganese recorded the highest value ranged 1.0 – 3.5 mg kg-1 and1.0 – 5.5 mg kg-1 in dry ashing and wet digestion respectively. Fortunately, almost all the elements analyzed were within the standard permissible limit of WHO. The content of trace elements was found highest in the Dry Ashing method and lowest values recorded in tea infusion. The contributory factors responsible for the differences found in tea samples could be from a varying concentration of metals in the soil, conditions of cultivation and preparations, and these vary between both countries of origin and for the type of tea. Further work is recommended on these brands to study other important parameters

Application of remediation treatment to reduce lead in the soil of shallot cropping

One of the pollutants on agricultural land is lead (Pb). Remediation is an effort to reduce contamination of heavy metals in agricultural soils. This study aimed to determine lead content in the soil through remediation with plus treatment. The study conducted at screen house on a pot scale using a completely randomized design with three replications and nine treatments, i.e. control/without organic fertilizer (P0), compost (P1), biochar+compost (P2), nanobiochar+compost (P3), nanobiochar+compost+consortia bacteria (P4), compost+consortia bacteria (P5), biochar+compost+consortia bacteria (P6), biochar+compost+botanical pesticide (P7) and biochar+compost+biological agents (P8). Biochar+compost (1:4) applied as basal fertilizer with dose of 2.5 t ha−1. Parameters observed were lead content in the soil at 7 DAA, 37 DAA and harvest, lead content in shallot plants (leaves and tubers) after harvest. Lead analysis used wet ashing method measured by AAS. The results showed the levels of lead metal in soil decreased from time to time except in compost treatment, while the levels of lead metal in shallots were still below of critical limit ≤ 0.5 mg kg−1. P3 treatment has potential to increase productivity while P4 and P0 could reduce lead soil higher than other treatment.

Comparison of Wet Destruction, Dry Ashing, and Acid Homogenic Methods In Determining Na And K in Beef and Chicken Using Flame Photometer

This research was purposed to compare the yield of destruction method in determining sodium (Na) and potassium (K) content in beef and chicken by using flame photometer. The destruction methods used they are wet destruction, dry ashing, and acid homogenic method. In acid homogenic method two types of acid are used as solvents are HCl and HNO3 with concentration variation of 0.5 M; 1 M; and 1.5 M. While the wet destruction method uses a mixture of concentrated HNO3 and HClO4 (1: 2) and the dry ashing method uses only HNO3. The highest Na content obtained from the three methods after being analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Smallest Significant Difference (SSD) test was found in the dry ashing method that is 86.33 mg Na in beef, when compare with the literature is around 64 – 69 mg. While the highest K content was found in acid homogenic method using HCl solvent is 618.77 mg K in beef, when compare with the literature is around 334 – 355 mg.

Multi-analytical characterisation of wheat biominerals: impact of methods of extraction on the mineralogy and chemistry of phytoliths

Phytoliths from two different wheat species, Triticum monococcum and Triticum durum, known for their long-lasting significance to humans, were studied by a multi-analytical approach. Characterisation of phytoliths assisted in understanding their microstructure and behaviour after extraction from plants by the dry ashing and the wet ashing methods. The phytoliths extracted from different parts of the plant, namely the inflorescence and the stem-leaves, were characterised by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (ED-XRF), elemental CHNS analysis, thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTGA) and scanning electron microscopy coupled by energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The plants were cultivated at the same period and under the same climatic conditions in the Pella area, northern Greece. The mineralogical and chemical composition of the recovered phytoliths is controlled by the extraction method, strongly suggesting that comparison of phytoliths extracted from plants is meaningful only if the method of extraction remains the same. Physicochemical characteristics of fresh phytoliths extracted from plants provided useful information on the their preservation state after laboratory processing that may further contribute to the study of aged phytoliths in archaeological sites.

Perbedaan Penyerapan Pb pada Berbagai Jenis Tanaman

Air pollution comes from many factors, one of which comes from vehicles where the smoke produced by motor vehicles contains dangerous heavy metals, Pb. Ujung Gurun Road is one of the densely populated roads which has many pollutant-absorbing plants that line the roadside. This research was conducted with the aim to determine differences in plant types in absorbing lead content (Pb) of air on the road. Analytical research with a comparative study approach. The measurement used is the Wet Ashing Method (wet ashing) for the destruction of the sample, then analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Data were analyzed using Anova test to see whether there were differences in Glondokan, Mahogany and Angsana plants in absorbing lead air. The results showed lead levels in leaves of glondokan plants were 0.9134 μg / g higher than leaves of mahogany plants as much as 0.764 ug / g and angsana 0.40 ug / g. There is a significant difference in the types of plants in the absorption of air Pb levels in Jalan Ujung Gurun Padang City with p value 0.002 where p <a. For this reason, the monday plant can be used as one of the plants that can be used as one of the government program plants for the absorption of Pb content of air produced by motor vehicles other than mahogany and angsana.

Evaluation of the Heavy Metals in Tonic Creams using the Wet Acid and Dry Ashing Methods

It has recently been discovered that long term exposure to heavy metals such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni) causes some health which are carcinogenic, behavioral abnormalities and sterility. This study is aimed at determining the concentration of Pb, Cd, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cu and Ni in skin cosmetics, particularly in toning creams. Samples were purchased from Oja-Oba market in Akure City of Ondo state, Nigeria. All the heavy metals under study were quantified using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) after wet digestion and dry ashing methods. The following metals were found through wet digestion, Cu (3.90-12.05), Zn (3.50-7.10), Mn (9.90-12.50), Cd (0.00-0.35), Ni (1.05-2.25), Pb (0.10-1.80) and Cr (0.6-4.1) while dry ashing recorded, Cu (7.15-10.70), Zn (6.40-13.85), Mn (10.60-14.90), Cd (0.35-0.55), Ni (3.40-4.70), Pb (0.30-0.55) and Cr (0.85-1.00) mg/kg. It was observed that the concentrations of those metals in the creams investigated were below the maximum permissible limits set by WHO. Significant differences (p < 0.05) of the levels of heavy metals were found between some of the creams posing risks of a combination of creams as well as continual usage. It is, therefore, necessary to indicate the levels of heavy metals on the labels of these cosmetics so the users can be aware.

PENILAIAN RESIKO KONTAMINASI LOGAM BERAT DI LAHAN SAWAH DAN TANAMAN PADI DI DAS BRANTAS, KABUPATEN JOMBANG

Risk assessment of heavy metal contamination is carried out on Pb, Cd, Fe, Cr, Cu, Co, Mn, and Zn metals in four wetland zoning areas in Jombang Regency and determining potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the community. The soil and rice samples from the four rice field zones were destructed by wet ashing method and measured by AAS. The concentration of heavy metals in the soil is Fe> Mn> Zn> Cu> Pb> Co> Cr> Cd. The concentration of heavy metals in the rice is Fe> Mn> Zn> Cu> Cr> Co> Pb> Cd. The ability to transfer heavy metals from soil is to rice Zn> Mn> Cr> Co> Pb> Fe> Cu> Cd, respectively. The daily intake of each heavy metal through rice consumption is Pb (0.003), Cd (0), Fe (0,165), Cr (0.011), Cu (0.013), Co (0.008), Mn (0.072), and Zn (0.074) in mg / (kg.day). Hazard Quotient Pb value is greater than 1, while CR (Cancer Risk) for Cr is greater than 10-4. The potential for total non-carcinogenic risk ranged from 1.82 to 3.79, while the potential carcinogenic risk ranged from 4,5.10-3-6,4.10-3. Long term exposure to heavy metals through rice consumption may pose a potential carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk to local people.Â

Study on the Levels of Some Essential and Non-essential Metals in Four Different Varieties of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare l.), Grown at the Farm Site in Dale and Aletawondo Woredas, in Sidamo Zone, Ethiopia

A study was conducted to determine the concentration of essential and non-essential metal accumulation in four different barley varieties grown at the farm site in Dale and Aleta wondo woredas, in sidama zone, Ethiopia using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In this research wet ashing method used to destroy the organic matrix. The mineral concentration of four Ethiopian barley varieties was studied, namely: Semereta, Nech, Senef and Bera barley varieties. Among all the varieties; Semereta showed the highest K, Mg content (4434.86±176.92, 757, 57±36.43) respectively. Nech showed the highest Ca, Zn content (1347.48±483.1980.54±8.66) respectively. Senef showed the highest Cu, Ni content (6.88±0.52, 1.86±0.33). These results may be useful in the food industry for the selection of hull barley varieties for human consumption and for animal feed as supplement of grass. Validation of the method checked by using recovery test of the digestion method. Keywords: Atomic absorption spectrophotometer, barley, essential, non-essential, wet ashing method. DOI : 10.7176/FSQM/83-03

Improved procedure for Pu/Am, and U isotope analysis in fecal samples

Herein, we describe an improved procedure for 238Pu, 240Pu, 241Am, and natural U quantitation in fecal samples and validate it by analyzing reference samples of the intercomparison program. Interference caused by 237Np resulted in Pu content underestimation, which was corrected by the addition of an alternative tracer. Samples processed using the fusion method (to facilitate dissolution) exhibited significantly biased U contents compared to reference values, with the magnitude of the bias being dependent on the type of flux used. Conversely, the wet-ashing method afforded results closely matching reference values, being not significantly more time consuming than the fusion method.

Analisis Kadar Unsur Nitrogen (N) Dan Posforus (P) Dalam Lamun (Enhalus acoroides) Di Wilayah Perairan Pesisir Kabonga Besar Kecamatan Banawa Kabupaten Donggala

The caring of community and local government toward sustainability of seagrass ecosystem has not built properly as well as toward the ecosystem of coral reef and mangrove, as a result, this plant needs attention for its sustainability. One of sea grass’s species which is avalaible abundantly in Banawa district Donggala regency, is enhalus acoroides type. This research aims to know the level of nitrogen dan phosphorus in enhalus acoroides which grow in the bay of Kabonga besar, Banawa district Donggala regency. Determination of nitrogen level used kjeldhal method which consisted of destruction, destilation, titration and phosphorus used wet ash method which continued to use the UV-Vis spectrometry. The result showed that the level of nitrogen in sea grass (enhalus acoroides) type was 1.89 in percentage and phosphorus was 0.413 in percentage.

Quantitative Determination of The Heavy Metals (Lead, Zinc And Manganese) in White Cheese Produced in Ergene Basin by Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

SUMMARY It is well known that heavy metals are harmful for human health appearing only after exceeding the specific concentrations of each metal. This study was carried out to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in cheese that was produced in diaries of Ergene Basin. The dairies near the Ergene River were investigated and suitable ones were selected. Since the sampling process directly affects the sensitivity of the results, particular attention was given to this process. A total of twelve samples of cheese were collected from different diaries and each samples were digested three times by dry ashing and wet ashing methods and totally 108 cheese samples were obtained for metal analyses. The lead, manganese content of the cheese samples were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer and zinc content of the cheese samples were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Contents of heavy metals in the examined samples were compared with the excepted limit values in the literature and the results were evaluated. Experimental data shows that the concentrations of heavy metals are in the range of accepted limit values. Key words : Cheese, Ergene Basin, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, Heavy Metals

Salivary estimation of copper, iron, zinc and manganese in oral submucous fibrosis patients: A case-control study

Background: Trace elements (TEs) are required for physiological functioning and alterations are noted in potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer. These TEs are used in early diagnosis, treatment and also as an indicator of disease progress and prognosis. Aims: To estimate the TEs such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and Cu/Zn ratio in the saliva of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) patients and controls. Settings and Design: The hospital-based study was conducted to estimate salivary TEs using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) in 60 individuals. Methods and Material: 5 ml saliva was collected from OSF cases (n=30) and controls (n=30) and was centrifuged and prepared by using the Wet Ashing method. The TEs were estimated in parts per million (ppm) by using AAS. Statistical Analysis Used: The data obtained was statistically analyzed using non parametric tests such as Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests. Results: Significant difference in the mean salivary Zn, Mn and Fe levels in OSF when compared to that of controls. Mean salivary Cu levels were increased and Cu/ Zn ratio was decreased in OSF when compared to the controls. Conclusions: To conclude TEs play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of OSF. Betel quid and areca nut chewing habits are frequently associated with OSF and alters the salivary TE levels. Concerted efforts would, therefore, help in early detection, management and monitoring the efficacy of treatment.

Minerals Profile of Soil, Feed, Fodder and Serum of Dairy Cattle in North Eastern Ghat (NEG) of Odisha

A survey based study was planned in North Eastern Ghat (NEG) of Odisha to analyse the mineral profile of soil, feed, fodder and serum of dairy cattle. This agro-climatic zone comprises of four districts namely Kandhamal, Ganjam, Raygada and Gajapati. Amongst those two districts viz Ganjam and Gajapati are taken for the study considering the density of dairy cattle population. In the similar manner two Blocks from Ganjam District namely Khallikote, Kukudakhandi and two blocks from Gajapati District namely Mohana, R.Udayagiri was considered for our experimental area with two villages from each of the block. Macro and micro minerals like Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Iron (Fe) were estimated for soil, feed, fodder and serum. Soil Ca was estimated by rapid titration method and available soil phosphorus was determined by colorimetric analysis. The soil micro minerals like Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn were analyzed as per the method of Lindsay and Lindsay (1978). Dry ash and Wet ash method were used for analysis of macro and micro minerals respectively for feed and fodder. The concentration of Ca and P in serum was estimated by using the kit method. The serum micro minerals like Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn were estimated by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer method. The findings depicted that cattle of this region are severely deficient in Ca, Zn, and Cu and marginally deficient in P and Mn with higher value of Fe content than the respective critical levels. Considering the importance of productivity and reproductive performance of dairy animal an area specific mineral mixture must be prepared and fed to the animals to meet the deficiencies of these minerals.

Investigations into Phytoliths as Diagnostic Markers for the Grasses (Poaceae) of Punjab

Grasses are known to accumulate amorphous silica (SiO2.nH2O) within and between cells as silica bodies of characteristic shapes. The position and type of the host cells are the characters that seem to control their shape and size. The present study was carried out to assess and utilize the diagnostic potential of phytolith types in the identification of grass taxa at sub-familial, tribal, generic and specific levels. Clearing solution method was employed for locating the position of phytoliths within and between cells. Dry and wet ashing methods were subsequently employed for their isolation. Scanning Electron Microscopy was performed to study the ultra-structural features of phytoliths. Micromorphometric measurements of phytoliths were carried out with the help of image analysis software (Image J 1.46r). The study has brought out diagnostic potential of phytolith types for characterization of grasses of Punjab plains. For example, hat shaped phytoliths were identified as the diagnostic marker type for Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler. However, full taxonomic potential of phytolith types for characterization of taxa can be realized only after further analysis of their physical properties and chemical architecture.