Zinc Source Research Articles

Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) Plant-Endophyte Dynamics: Plant Growth, Nutrient Uptake, and Zinc Biofortification.

Endophytic fungi and bacteria were isolated from finger millet and their effects on finger millet growth parameters and zinc and NPK contents in grains were studied. Out of 70 fungal and 112 bacterial endophytes, the two best fungal and bacterial isolates were selected on the basis of zinc solubilization and plant-growth-promoting attributes. The fungal isolates identified were Aspergillus terreus and Lecanicillium sp., and the bacterial isolates were Pseudomonas bijieensis and Priestia megaterium. The endophytic zinc, NPK mobilization, and plant-growth-promoting efficacy were determined in a pot experiment with zinc carbonate as the zinc source. Endophytic-primed plants showed enhanced shoot and root lengths compared to the unprimed control. Endophytes increased the zinc content in grains by between 12.12% and 18.80% compared to control plants. Endophytes also augmented the NPK concentrations in seeds compared to control plants and exhibited stability in a diverse range of pHs, temperatures, and NaCl concentrations, and exhibited growth on various carbohydrate and nitrogen sources. This is the first study reporting the interaction of Aspergillus terreus, Lecanicillium sp., Pseudomonas bijieensis, and Priestia megaterium with finger millet for grain Zn biofortification and NPK concentration enhancement. This study indicated that zinc-dissolving endophytes possess the potential for enhancing the zinc and NPK content in grains in addition to the plant-growth-promoting attributes.

Effect of Some Iron and Zinc Sources on the Mineral Content Characteristics of Lemon Seedlings (Citrus lemon L.)

Citrus lemon L. seedlings aged one year were grown in the lath house of the Hawija horticultural station, ministry of agriculture, horticultural Department, in 2021 for the experiment (local species). Lemon seedlings were studied to assess the effects of different iron and zinc sources and how they interacted with the seedlings’ vegetative growth features. With four levels of iron (control, ferrous sulfate and zinc), the experiment incorporated two factors: two levels of zinc (nano-zinc and chelated iron) (control, zinc sulfate, chelated zinc, and nano-zinc). During the growing season, the seedlings were sprayed three times with the two components at a dosage of 50 mg L-1 from their various sources. Four repetitions of the experiment were used in an RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design). According to Duncan’s multiple range test at 0.05 probability level, the data were processed and the averages were compared. A considerable increase in nitrogen (3.69%), phosphorous (0.42%), and potassium (1.37%) was seen after spraying with chelated iron, but spraying with nano iron resulted in a decrease. A considerable advantage was gained over the control treatment by the treatment with the highest iron concentration (34,47 mg kg-1). Compared to the control treatment, spraying with zinc sulfate gave the highest percentage of phosphorous (0.23 percent), and spraying with nano-zinc gave the highest percentage of potassium (1.28 percent), and it gave the interaction of chelated iron and sulfate Zinc. Zinc chelated with nano-iron (35.38 mg kg-1) Furthermore, these treatments have surpassed the comparison treatment by a wide margin.

Effect of Zinc Sources and Levels on Zinc Uptake and Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

This experiment was conducted in a farmer’s field in Al-Najmi district, Al-Muthanna governorate, 3 km away from the district center during the agricultural season 2021-2022, to determine the effect of sources and levels of zinc spraying on the yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), as zinc was used. Nano zinc (12% Zn), chelated zinc (14% Zn) and zinc sulfate (23% Zn) and a symbol for the sources with the symbol (S2, S3, S1) in sequence, and four levels (0, 100, 200, 300) mg Zn l-1, symbol It has (L4, L3, L2, L1) respectively, as it was sprayed on the wheat crop Rashid in two stages when branching and flowering. The experiment was conducted using factorial trials, randomized complete block Design (RCBD), with three replications. Thus, the number of experimental units is (4*3*3)=36. The results show that the superiority of nano-zinc at the level of 300PPM on the flag leaf area and the number of grains in the spike, as the highest averages, while zinc sulfate at the level of 200PPM outperformed in the trait of plant height, as it recorded the highest average, as well as the superiority of zinc sulphate at the level of 300PPM in the trait of spike length, number of branches, and grain yield, which recorded the highest averages.

Effect of some iron and zinc sources on the vegetative growth characteristics of lemon seedlings (Citrus lemon L.)

The experiment was conducted in the lath house of Hawija Horticultural Station/ Horticulture Department/ Ministry of Agriculture, during the 2021 growing season on one-year-old of the lemon Transplants. (local species). This study conducted to compare the effect of some sources of iron and zinc and their interaction on the vegetative growth characteristics of lemon Tranplants. The experiment included two factors: iron sources at four levels (control, ferrous sulfate, chelated iron, nano-iron), and zinc with four levels as well (control, zinc sulfate, chelated zinc, and nano-zinc).The Transplants were sprayed three times during the growing season with the two components from their different sources at a concentration of 50 mg L-1. The experiment was carried out according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. The data were collected and analyzed statistically and the averages were compared by Duncan's multiple range test at 0.05 probability level. The results showed that spraying with ferrous sulfate led to a significant increase in percent of seedling height,and spraying with chelated iron gave significant superiority in increase percent of stem diameter, and leaf thickness,and spraying with nano iron achieved the highest values in the one leaf area, and the total leaves area which outperformed significantly compared with control treatment. Spraying with chelated zinc gave the largest total leaves area of the seedling, while spraying with nano-zinc gave the highest percentage of increase in stem diameter, seedling height, one leaf area of the seedling, and leaf thickness. Regarding for the interaction,Transplant treated with chelated iron and nano-zinc gave the highest values in the percentage of increase in stem diameter,single leaf area,and leaf thickness.The treatment of the interaction between ferrous sulfate and nano-zinc gave the highest value for the percentage of increase in the seedling height, while the highest value of the total leaves area of the seedling was with the interaction treatment for both nanoparticles of iron and zinc.
 

Cooking properties and nutrient retention of biofortified common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties: The case of Burundi

IntroductionCurrent research on micronutrient deficiency indicates positive outcomes associated with utilizing biofortified beans in mitigating nutrition-related iron and zinc deficiencies, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa. The common bean is however not palatable in its raw state and requires cooking before consumption. Existing research on the cooking qualities and nutrient retention of these novel biofortified common bean varieties is nonetheless scant, notably in Burundi.Materials and methodsThis study determined water absorption capacity, cooking yield, cooking time, and iron and zinc retention of 9 biofortified common bean varieties with Kinure, a traditional non-biofortified variety, as the control. The study employed a 10 × 2 completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement. The first factor was bean varieties with ten levels, and the second was pre-treatment with two levels, soaking and not soaking. Standard methods were used to analyze cooking properties and mineral retention, and experiments replicated thrice. Data analysis was conducted at a 95% confidence level and included Analysis of Variance and t-test comparison studies. Post-hoc analysis was performed using Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference.Results and discussionCooking properties and mineral retention varied significantly between soaked and unsoaked bean varieties (P < 0.05) and in comparison, to Kinure (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001). Water absorption capacity varied from 64.51% to 116.3%. Soaked beans recorded half the total cooking time needed to cook unsoaked beans (77.62 versus 156.86 minutes), had higher cooking yields (289.77% versus 259.82%), and reduced Fe (121.58 versus 167.8%) and Zn (127.74% versus 145.15%) retention. Compared to Kinure, soaking resulted in longer cooking times, lower cooking yields in the biofortified common beans, and an insignificant effect on their zinc retention. A significant correlation between iron and zinc retention (r = 0.445), water absorption capacity and iron retention (r = −0.0425) and water absorption capacity and zinc retention (r = −0.477) were recorded. Three clusters were also observed; iron and zinc retention, cooking yields, and water absorption capacity, and cooking time. It was observed that, soaking common beans before cooking reduces cooking time and increases cooking yield in both biofortified and traditional common bean varieties. Moreover, biofortified common beans are a good source of iron and zinc and could considerably alleviate micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in developing countries.

Micromineral Content of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) Leaves Grown on Zeolite-Amended Sandy Soil

Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla), a popular leafy vegetable grown mainly for its ease of production and nutritional content, is normally used as a good source of microminerals iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Improving plant uptake of Fe and Zn could assist in reducing micromineral deficiencies in humans, which are a global problem. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Council, Stellenbosch to assess the response in micromineral and soil trace elements uptake in Swiss chard grown under zeolite and sandy soil. The experiment consisted of four treatments, with six replicates arranged in a randomized complete block design. Zeolite was applied at 0%; 10%; 20% and 30% in combination with sandy soil. Swiss chard was harvested for micromineral analysis 143 days after transplanting. Soil samples were also collected at the end of each growing season. Swiss chard leaves were analysed for Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu content with soil samples also analysed for the same elements. The study found that zeolite did not improve Swiss chard uptake of Fe, Zn and Mn. Soil Fe also had an inverse relationship to zeolite application while the residual effect of zeolite showed the same trend, but only in the second season. This study indicated that zeolite cannot be used to improve micromineral uptake by Swiss chard but can be used to rectify heavy metal-infested soils.

Combined Effect of Acid Whey Addition and Ultrasonic Treatment on the Chemical and Microbiological Stability of Lamb Stuffing.

The microbiological and chemical stability of stuffing is crucial in meat processing. Small ruminant (lamb) meat has many nutritional advantages (fatty acid composition and ratio, high biological value of protein, source of zinc, and selenium) but is poorly utilized in processing. In this experiment, we determined the effects of physical (sonication), chemical (salt, curing salt, and air access), and microbiological (acid whey) factors on the microbiological and chemical stability of lamb meat stuffing. Proximate composition and fatty acids profile, pH, water activity, lipid oxidation, color parameters, and microbiology examinations were performed in fresh meat stuffing and on the fifth day of refrigerated storage. Ultrasound treatment of the meat with whey reduced its acidity and increased the oxidative stability of fats but did not modify the water activity and color of the stuffing. Stuffing sonication did not affect the growth of LAB but reduced the number of Entereobacteriace, especially in the presence of whey and salt. The treatment of lamb meat stuffing with low-frequency and medium-intensity ultrasound assisted by the addition of acid whey and salt is a technique conducive to reducing the use of nitrates in meat technology and their consumption by consumers.

What We Know About Propolis, and Its Potential Role in Obesity and Diabetes

Propolis, a resinous, dark-colored product produced by honeybees has been gaining attention in terms of its multiple proven health benefits. This natural product has different types and varieties but close to similar chemical compositions according to the environment and location where it is produced, as well as its plant source. It is mainly composed of resinous, balsamic, and gummy materials, waxes and essential oils, and pollen from the plants. Propolis contains plenty of polyphenols and it’s a rich source of magnesium, calcium, iodine, potassium, sodium, copper, zinc, manganese, and iron as well as thiamin, riboflavin, vitamins B6, C, E, D, and provitamin A. It has been proven that propolis may help to reduce diet-induced obesity through its caffeic acid content. Studies proved the antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antifungal, and antitumor effects of propolis and positive outcomes on diet-induced obesity, and diabetes. In this review, we aim to explain propolis extensively in terms of its types, chemical composition, bioactive compounds, digestion, health benefits on obesity and diabetes, as well as possible drug interactions, dosage, and safety.

Production and Evaluation of Encapsulated Zinc Oxide on Performance, Ileal Digestibility and Zinc Transporter Gene Expression in Broiler Chicken.

The present study was undertaken for the production of encapsulated zinc and its evaluation in broiler chicken diet. The process of microencapsulation involved the use of polymers, gum arabic and maltodextrin with a maximum encapsulation of efficiency of 66%. Encapsulated material contained about 20% zinc oxide (ZnO) as core material following the freeze-drying process. One hundred and ninety-two-day-old broiler chicks were distributed in four groups in six replications having eight birds in each. The four groups comprised control (inorganic source of zinc), En-Zn-100 (encapsulated zinc at 100% of control), En-Zn-50 (encapsulated zinc at 50% of control), and Org-Zn-50 (Zn-methionine at 50% of control). The experiment was carried out for 35 days following standard management practices. The live weight gain, feed intake and FCR were comparable among groups. Plasma and muscle zinc (ppm) content was unaffected by the level or source of zinc supplementation. The zinc apparent ileal digestibility coefficient was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in En-Zn-50 fed groups, while crude protein digestibility was not affected by the level or form of Zn supplementation. Bone weight, length, and zinc content were comparable, and bone ash content was significantly different among the groups. Relative expression of ZnT2 was significantly upregulated in encapsulated zinc-fed groups. From the study, it could be concluded that supplementation of zinc either as encapsulated or organic form at 50% of inorganic source (ZnO) could be sufficient to maintain the growth performance, serum, tissue and bone mineral content in broiler chicken.

Understanding heavy metal distribution in timberline vegetations: A case from the Gongga Mountain, eastern Tibetan Plateau

To quantify impacts of vegetation and topographic factors on heavy metal accumulation in montane forests, we assessed the spatial distribution and determined the sources of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in timberline forests of Gongga Mountain. Our results show that vegetation type has little impact on the soil Hg, Cd and Pb concentrations. The soil concentrations of Cr, Cu and Zn are controlled by litter return, moss and lichen biomass, and canopy interception, with the highest concentrations in shrub forest. In contrast to other forests, the soil Hg pool in coniferous forest is significantly high due to the elevated Hg concentration and greater biomass production in litter. However, the soil pool sizes of Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn show a distinct increase along the elevation, which are attributed to the elevated heavy metal inputs from litter and moss, as well as the greater cloud water-induced atmospheric heavy metal depositions. The highest Hg concentrations of the aboveground parts of plant are in the foliage and bark, while the concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn in the branch and bark are the highest. The decreased biomass density leads to a downward trend in the total vegetation pool sizes of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn by 0.4–4.4 times with increasing elevation. The statistical analysis finally suggests that Hg, Cd and Pb mainly originate from anthropogenic atmospheric deposition, whereas Cr, Cu and Zn are mainly from natural sources. Our results highlight the importance of vegetation types and terrain conditions on distribution patterns of heavy metal in alpine forests.

Constructing a robust ZIF-7 based superhydrophobic coating with the excellent performance in self-cleaning, anti-icing, anti-biofouling and anti-corrosion

Herein, zinc gluconate was used as zinc source to synthesize ZIF-7@ZnG nanoparticles (NPs), and modified with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDS) to obtain ZIF-7@ZnG@PFDS superhydrophobic NPs. To improve the durability and wear resistance of superhydrophobic coating, epoxy resin (EP) was introduced as the connection layer to fabricate ZIF-7@ZnG@PFDS/EP superhydrophobic coating. The results show that the fabricated coating exhibits superior hydrophobicity (CA = 164°, SA = 3.7°) and manifests excellent performance in self-cleaning, anti-icing, anti-biofouling and anti-corrosion. It is worth mentioning that after 36 days of immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, the impedance modulus of the coating is three orders of magnitude higher than that of EP coating. The result of wire beam electrode (WEB) confirms that ZIF-7@ZnG@PFDS/EP coating has a self-healing property in the artificial damage area. Finally, the influence mechanism of ZIF-7@ZnG@PFDS nanoparticles on the corrosion process was discussed. We believe this work could provide a novel insight into the preparation and application of superhydrophobic coating based on MOFs material.

Replacing ZnSO4 with Zn-glycine in the diet of goat promotes the pancreatic function of the offspring.

Zinc supplementation in the diet of goats affects pancreas development in offspring. However, the impact of maternal inorganic and organic zinc supplementation in offspring is poorly defined. In this study, 14 late-pregnant goats were assigned at random to the zinc sulfate group (ZnSO4, n=7) and the zinc-glycine chelate group (Zn-Gly, n=7), respectively. Serum samples and pancreas tissue were collected from kids whose mothers were fed ZnSO4 and Zn-Gly at the late pregnancy, respectively. Histologic examination showed no morphologic differences between the 2 groups. Pancreatic zinc content in kids tended to be increased when replacing ZnSO4 with Zn-Gly. The serum insulin concentration was greater and glucagon less in the Zn-Gly group when compared to the ZnSO4 group. The activities of lipase and chymotrypsin were enhanced when replacing ZnSO4 with Zn-Gly. Proteomics results showed that 234 proteins were differentially expressed between the 2 groups, some of which were associated with the secretion of insulin, enzyme activity and signal transduction. The results suggested that supply of dietary Zn-Gly to goats during late pregnancy promoted pancreatic function in offspring compared with dietary ZnSO4 supplementation. This provides new information about pancreatic function when supplementing different zinc sources in the diets of late pregnant goats.

Exploiting Underutilised crops

Exploiting Underutilised crops

In-situ construction of magnetic raspberry-like ZnO/C supporting different transition metal (Fe, Co, Ni) species with high adsorption-photocatalysis efficiency

Organic pollutants that are difficult to degrade with potential biological toxicity are challenges in the environmental field. Magnetic raspberry microspheres of three transition metal (Fe, Co, Ni) nitrate sources were prepared by simple chemical route using zinc gluconate aqueous solution as precursor, the adsorption-catalytic efficiency of which was studied in detail. The effects of the types of transition metal sources, zinc sources, carbon sources and addition amount on the phase composition, structure and properties were investigated. The specific surface area of the products under the optimal conditions is 531, 687 and 592 m2/g, which are 28, 36 and 31 times higher than that of the products with glucose porous carbon alone. In addition, the products also show excellent photoelectric, paramagnetic properties and stability. Interestingly, the phase compositions are Fe/ZnO/ZnFe2O4, Co/ZnO and ZnO/Ni3ZnC0.7 coated with carbon substrate, quite different when the same amount of Fe, Co and Ni nitrates introduced into hydrothermal system, demonstrating heterojunction/doping, doping and heterojunction effects, respectively. Within 40 min, the microspheres could rapidly remove 65.6 mg/g, 146.1 mg/g and 114.6 mg/g of Rhodamine B, respectively, higher than the adsorption of glucose carbon (18.8 mg/g), of which the adsorption processes were in accordance with Pseudo second kinetics and Langmuir monolayer adsorption. These findings not only provide a strategy for the construction of magnetic raspberry microspheres ZnO/C composites with transition metal nitrate salts, but also contribute to the analysis of adsorption-photocatalysis mechanism, which has practical application in the environmental field.

Evaluation and Current State of Primary and Secondary Zinc Production—A Review

This article presents the history of zinc, its production and demand. The quantity of zinc production, both primary zinc from ores and concentrates, and secondary zinc from scrap and zinc-rich waste, was discussed. A comprehensive economic analysis covers zinc prices in the years 1960–2021. The basic methods of obtaining zinc from ores, including pyrometallurgical (Imperial Smelting Process ISP, Kivcet, Ausmelt) and hydrometallurgical (roasting–leaching–electrowinning RLE, atmospheric direct leaching ADL, Engitec Zinc Extraction EZINEX, zinc pressure leach) and their short characteristics, are presented. The global zinc market and the main areas of its application were analyzed. Technologies used for the recovery of zinc from scrap are discussed along with their characteristics. Galvanized steel is the main source of secondary zinc, both in the galvanizing process and in the remelting of galvanized steel. It can be easily recycled with other scrap steel in the electric arc furnace (EAF) for steel production. Currently, with high volatility in the price of zinc, as well as its natural resources in the earth’s crust, recycling is an important activity, despite the fact that zinc concentrates have a relatively constant chemical composition, while the resulting zinc waste contains zinc in varying amounts.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a zinc(II)-betaine complex for all animal species (Biochem Zusatzstoffe Handels- und Produktionsges. mbH).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a zinc(II)-betaine complex as nutritional additive for all animal species. The EFSA Panelon Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive is safe for chickens for fattening. This conclusion could be extrapolated to all animal species and categories provided that the maximum authorised levels in the EU for total zinc in feed are not exceeded. The FEEDAP Panelconcluded that the use of the zinc(II)-betaine complex in animal nutrition is of no concern for consumer safety provided that the maximum authorised total zinc levels in feed are respected. The additive is considered to be a skin and respiratory sensitiser due to the presence of nickel; it is irritant to the eyes, but not to the skin. The use of the additive in animal nutrition for terrestrial animals and land-based aquaculture at the proposed use levels is considered safe for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The available data do not allow the conclusion to be made on the safety of the additive for the marine sediment when it is used in sea cages. Based on the deposition of zinc in edible tissues/organs in chickens for fattening, the FEEDAP Panelconcluded that the additive is a source of bioavailable zinc, comparable to the standard inorganic zinc source, and therefore, the additive is efficacious in meeting the birds zinc requirements. This conclusion can be extrapolated to all animal species and categories.

Filizchay pyrite-polymetallic deposit (the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus) – as a typical representative of the SEDEX type pyrite deposits

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The article has been devoted to one of the largest deposits of the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus – the Filizchay pyrite-polymetallic deposit. It has been found that the main morphology peculiarity of the pyrite-polymetallic deposit of the Filizchay deposit is that it is a single, compact sheet-like body composed mainly (at 90-95%) by the aggregates of the sulfide ores which are based on pyrite, sphalerite, galena and to a far lesser extent chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite. The carbonate minerals played a subordinate role in the deposit composition and quartz, sericite and chlorite – even less. The pyrite –polymetalic ores of the deposit are characterized by the following main mineralogical-textural varieties of ores: layered-bedded pyrite-polymetallic, massive sulfur-pyrite, massive pyrite-polymetallic, spotted-disseminated pyrite-polymetallic and vein-disseminated pyrite-polymetallic. The vein-disseminated ores are adjacent to the deposit on the footwall and are considered as independent bodies. Two industrial-techno- logical types of ores, oxidized and pyrite-polymetallic, have been distinguished at the deposit. The latter is in turn divided into two grades: mixed and primary ores. These three varieties of ores differ in the content of the oxidized lead forms. The ores with a content of the oxidized lead speciation above 60% have been classed as oxidized ores, those from 20% to 60% as mixed and those below 20% as primary. The Filizchay deposit consists of thin-bedded massive sulfides with shales, siltstones or sandstones interbeds («ore flysch») which have been formed exclusively or mainly as a result of the exhalative processes on the seabed and differ from massive sulfide deposits in volcanic rocks. On the basis of this and also according to the geological structure, the reserves of the valuable Zn + Pb components of the deposit belong to the SEDEX type that is the most important source of lead, zinc and silver. The deposit had been developing for a long time starting from the period of sedimentation and up to the ore’s formation of the copper-pyrrhotite stage. The lower age limit of the mineralization is determined by the presence of the hydrothermal-sedimentary ores of the Upper Pliensbachian. The upper age limit is established by the presence of the pebbles of the hydrothermally altered rocks and by their sulfide ores in the conglomerates underlying the deposits of the lower parts of the Upper Jurassic.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Microwave-assisted synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using different capping agents and their photocatalytic application.

This investigation reports the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles from various sources of zinc salts via a microwave-assisted method. Furthermore, the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were capped with different capping agents such as sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) to examine the stability and characteristics of ZnO nanoparticles. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were characterized with sophisticated analytical techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, UV-vis DRS, Raman, and PL to understand their properties. From these studies, the XRD depicts the decrease in crystallinity of ZnO nanoparticles with the addition of different capping agents, and the morphology of the ZnO nanoparticles was influenced by capping agents as evidenced by SEM. The band gap of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles is found to decrease with different capping agents confirmed by UV-Vis DRS studies. Furthermore, the photocatalytic degradation performance of the prepared samples is assessed by the degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. The ZnO nanoparticles synthesized from the Zinc nitrate source with SHMP capping agent show a greater extent of photocatalytic degradation efficiency than other Zinc sources. After 60min of light, MB was observed to have degraded by about 80%, and hence, zinc nitrate is a suitable source to synthesize ZnO.

Mineral content in raw, boiled and canned pulsesin Argentina

Sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper and water content of the most consumed pulses in Argentina were determined. Mineral elements were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Potassium is the most abundant element inraw lentils (784 ± 142 mg/100 g), peas (947 ± 78 mg/100 g (whole); 1110 ± 63 mg/100 g (split)), chickpeas (993 ± 35 mg/100 g) and beans (1980 ± 525 mg/100 g), followed by phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. This behavior is repeated in boiled and canned pulses. Beans have higher potassium content (1980 ± 525 mg/100 g in raw pulses, 548 ± 167 mg/100 g in boiled pulses and 288 ± 31.8 mg/100 g in canned pulses) than the other legumes analyzed. The soaking and boiling or the elaboration of canned pulsescaused the reduction of the potassium and magnesium content due to solubilization in the cooking or covering liquid in the preserves. Calcium and sodium were increased in canned pulses and showed wide variability due tothe different formulations. All the legumes analyzed presented high copper content (greater than 30 % of the RDI) and are sources of iron and zinc (greater than 15 % of the RDI), These results will be incorporated into the food composition database of the National University of Luján.

Popular Products of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Consumed in India and their Quality Concern

Sesame is the most consumed oilseed available in different varieties in India. It is eaten as a whole seed, ground, roasted, powdered, oil, or defatted meal in preparation for traditional and popular ready-to-eat sweet and savory food items. It is used in household recipes, bakery items like biscuits, buns, bagel bread, weaning foods etc. Sesame seeds and its products are rich sources of energy, protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. The food products of sesame are available easily in rural and urban markets with a range of variety and forms. They are easily accessible and affordable for every income group. Consumers should be aware of the quality concerns of these products, which are generally sold in open packaging, causing health problems. They are sometimes not prepared hygienically, leading to microbial contamination of food products and causing ill effects. So this review is about the nutritional value of different ready-to-eat homestead and commercial sesame products available in the market and the quality concern, i.e., nutritional and microbiological, regarding these products. Besides the quality attributes, their manufacturing under safe, hygienic conditions, packaging, and storage should be ensured to avoid health hazards. The products in which sesame is present in large quantities or one of the main ingredients are energy dense and rich in protein, fats, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Many sesame-based sweet products produced in unorganized sectors by small manufacturers were found to need improvement regarding microbial quality compared to the products with good preparation and packaging methods.