Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate Research Articles

Recovery of rare earths from waste cathode ray tube (CRT) phosphor powder by selective sulfation roasting and water leaching

Until recently, most displays, such as television and computer screens, were based on cathode ray tubes (CRTs). With the introduction of new types of displays including liquid crystal displays, CRTs have been widely replaced, leading to a gradual build-up of hazardous CRT powder waste. In this paper, a new approach is introduced where the valuable rare-earth elements (REEs) (i.e. yttrium and europium) in the powder are selectively recovered, leaving behind a zinc-rich residue and glass for further recycling. The main rare-earth compound in the waste powder is Y2O2S:Eu3+ (YOS). The fine-grained CRT powder was mixed with zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZnSO4·H2O) and roasted at 600–900 °C for short periods of time. In this way, Y2O2S:Eu3+ was transformed into water-soluble rare-earth sulfates. Meanwhile, ZnS underwent a two-stage reaction with ZnSO4·H2O, where first a partially water-soluble intermediate (ZnO·2ZnSO4) and then the water-insoluble ZnO was formed. Addition of a sufficient amount of ZnSO4·H2O ensured the recovery of ≥95% of the rare earths in a subsequent water leaching step, but there was also co-dissolution of about 5% of the total amount of zinc present. Several purification methods were tested and compared to separate the REEs from the zinc impurity in the solutions. In addition to the conventional precipitation methods with sulfides and oxalic acid, a novel liquid-liquid exchange reaction between REE-containing leachate and zinc-loaded Versatic Acid 10 was tested. Finally, a complete flow sheet is proposed for the (almost complete) valorization of REEs as well as the total zinc present.

Effect of foliar application of iron and zinc on nutrient uptake and grain yield of wheat under different irrigation regimes

A field experiment was carried out to study the zinc-iron relationship in wheat (BARI Gom-26) plant grown under water stress condition in the field near net house of Soil Science Division, BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur, during November 2015 to March 2016. The experiment was designed in a split plot on sixteen treatments comprising four irrigation treatments (regular irrigation, stopping irrigation at crown root initiation, stopping irrigation at booting stage and stopping irrigation at grain filling stage) and four foliar application of zinc and iron (control, 0.05% of zinc, 0.05% of iron and 0.05% of zinc +0.05% of iron). Zinc sulphate monohydrate (ZnSO4. H2O) and ferrous sulphate (FeSO4. H2O) were used as a source of Zn and Fe. The highest yield (4.01 t ha-1) was recorded in stopping irrigation at grain filling stage which was identical with regular irrigation. Water stress at crown root initiation stage had the most negative effect on growth and yield. Foliar application of zinc and iron played a major role on yield and yield components of wheat at later stages of growth. The results obtained from the present research showed that iron and zinc spray increased grain yield and quality of wheat and improved the effects caused by drought stress.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(3): 395-406, September 2018

Copper and zinc sources and levels of zinc inclusion influence growth performance, tissue trace mineral content, and carcass yield of broiler chickens.

ABSTRACTA 35-d experiment was conducted in broilers to study the effect of supplementation of sulfate or hydroxychloride forms of Zn and Cu at 2 supplemental Zn levels on growth performance, meat yield, and tissue levels of Zn. On day 0, 900 male Ross 308 broiler chicks (45 ± 1.10 g) were allocated to 4 treatments in a randomized complete block design and 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The factors were 2 sources (sulfate or hydroxychloride) of Zn and Cu and 2 levels (low or high) of Zn. The Zn sources were zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZSM) or hydroxychloride Zn. Copper sources were copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate or hydroxychloride Cu. Each of the 4 treatments had 15 replicates and 15 birds per replicate. Birds were weighed on days 0, 21, and 35 for growth performance. On day 35, left tibia bone, liver, and blood were collected from 4 randomly selected birds per pen. In addition, 7 birds per pen were used for carcass evaluation. There was no significant source × level interaction on any of the growth performance response. Broiler chickens receiving hydroxychloride Zn and Cu had greater (P < 0.05) gain: feed, whereas broiler chickens receiving lower Zn level had greater (P < 0.01) weight gain. There was no source × level interaction on meat yield. Broiler chickens receiving hydroxychloride Zn and Cu had greater (P < 0.05) % breast yield than those receiving sulfate Zn and Cu. Higher level of Zn, irrespective of source, produced greater (P < 0.01) tibia and plasma Zn levels, whereas liver Cu was greater (P < 0.05) in broiler chickens receiving hydroxychloride Zn and Cu. It was concluded that hydroxychloride Zn and Cu were more efficacious than sulfate Zn and Cu in promoting growth performance and enhancing meat yield in the current study.

The influence of ZnS crystallinity on all-electroplated ZnS/CdS/CdTe graded bandgap device properties

Electrodeposition of zinc sulphide (ZnS) was achieved from electrolytic bath containing zinc sulphate monohydrate (ZnSO4·H2O) and ammonium thiosulphate ((NH4)2S2O3) in a two-electrode electroplating configuration. The cyclic voltammetric studies show that ZnS layers can be electroplated between (1350 and 1550) mV. The grown layers were characteristically explored for their structural, optical, morphological and electronic properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy, UV–Visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell and DC conductivity measurements respectively. The structural analysis shows that crystalline ZnS can be deposited within a narrow cathodic deposition range between (1420 and 1430) mV. The UV–Visible spectrophotometry shows that the bandgap of both as-deposited and heat-treated ZnS films are in the range of ~ (3.70 to 3.90) eV. The SEM shows small grains depicting the wetting property of ZnS. The PEC results show that the electroplated ZnS below 1425 mV is p-type and above 1425 mV is n-type under both as-deposited and heat treated condition. The DC conductivity shows that the highest resistivity is at the inversion growth voltage (Vi) for the ZnS layers. The glass/FTO/n-ZnS/n-CdS/n-CdTe/Au devices were fabricated using crystalline-ZnS and amorphous-ZnS buffer layers. The devices were explored using current–voltage (I-V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) techniques. As expected, devices fabricated with c-ZnS show improved device parameters (ideality factor n = 1.60, depletion width W = 1092 nm, open-circuit voltage Voc=730 mV, short-circuit current density Jsc=34.1 mAcm−2, fill factor FF = 0.57, conversion efficiency η = 14.2%) when compared to device parameters (n = 1.85, W = 900 nm, Voc=720 mV, Jsc=29.9 mAcm−2, FF = 0.52, η = 11.2%) of these devices fabricated with a-ZnS buffer layers.

Development of soy protein-based matrices containing zinc as micronutrient for horticulture

Protein-based bioplastics may be regarded as novel biopolymer matrices based on renewable natural components. Due to technological, economic and environmental benefits, these biopolymer matrices are highly attractive for the incorporation and subsequent release of micronutrients that are essential for the development and health of plants, avoiding the typical excesses of conventional fertilizers. In addition, soy protein isolate (SPI) seems to be an adequate resource for the manufacture of natural-based superabsorbent materials due to its hydrophilic character and excellent processability when combined with a plasticizer. The objective of this work is to develop soy protein-based bioplastic matrices loaded zinc sulphate monohydrate with potential applications in horticulture. With this aim, the micronutrient loading level and water absorption are the most important properties to assess. The effect of the presence of a selected micronutrient (zinc) at different concentrations in the soy protein-based matrix was assessed, evaluating the mechanical properties, water uptake capacity, microstructure and loading level of zinc. The results confirm that important amounts of an essential micronutrient for a plant (Zn) can be incorporated into bioplastic matrices, modifying water absorption, mechanical and microstructural properties. In any case, the results obtained in this work open up a great potential for the use of this matrices as a supplying source of micronutrients for horticultural crop applications.

Cobalt electrowinning – A systematic investigation for high quality electrolytic cobalt production

The process of Minera y Metalúrgica del Boleo recovers cobalt from a complex oxide and sulfide ore by solvent extraction and electrowinning after the recovery of copper and zinc (as copper cathode and zinc sulfate monohydrate). As part of the process development, cobalt electrowinning was systematically studied with respect to temperature, pH, pitting behavior, deposit morphology, deposition stress and interfacial tension. Electrowinning test work was conducted in a bench scale diaphragm cell in a sulfate medium with control of the catholyte pH. Cobalt was deposited on a coated stainless-steel mandrel cathode with exposed circles to allow plating of disk shaped deposits over the surface of the cathode that could be easily stripped after 5–7 days of deposition. Limiting the area of plating prevents the detachment of the cobalt deposit from the cathode due to high deposition stress. The morphology and pitting behaviour varied for different commercial cobalt raw materials used for making cobalt sulfate solution as they contained different impurities or additives. The deposition behaviour changed after the solutions had an activation carbon treatment as some impurities (mainly organic compounds) were removed. In the temperature range from 50 to 65 °C, a higher temperature resulted in a brighter deposit with more pits and smaller lateral dendrites. The cobalt deposition current efficiency was around 98% at pH 3.0 and was not sensitive to temperature. With decreasing catholyte pH from 3.5 to 2.0, the cobalt current efficiency decreased from 99 to 88% and the growth of lateral dendrites were significantly suppressed. The formation of pits resulted from the adhesion of hydrogen bubbles on the cobalt deposit. The adhesion of hydrogen bubbles was determined by the prevailing surface and interfacial tensions. Anti-pitting agents were used to change the interfacial and surface tensions in such a way that the detachment of bubbles was facilitated, resulting in a pit-free cobalt deposit. The anti-pitting agents affected the deposit morphology and internal stress. The impact of the anti-pitting agents on the disengagement of organic and aqueous phases during cobalt solvent extraction was also investigated. The internal stress of the cobalt deposit as a function of temperature and anti-pitting agent dosage and the conductivities of the CoSO4-Na2SO4-H2SO4 system are reported.

Comment on “A study on the growth and characterization of zinc sulphate mono hydrate doped glycine NLO single crystals”

ABSTRACTWe prove that a so called zinc sulphate mono hydrate doped glycine NLO single crystal described by Sakuntala et al. [Ferroelectrics 504, 96–103 (2016)], is a dubious crystal.

Short Term Oral Zinc Supplementation among Babies with Neonatal Sepsis for Reducing Mortality and Improving Outcome - A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

To evaluate the efficacy of short term zinc supplementation on the mortality rate and neurodevelopment outcome in neonates with sepsis at 12 mo corrected age. The clinical trial was undertaken in the neonatal intensive care unit of JIPMER during the time period from September 2013 through December 2016. Neonates with clinical manifestations of sepsis who exhibited two positive screening tests (microESR, C- reactive protein, band cell count) were included and randomized into no zinc and zinc group. The intervention was zinc sulfate monohydrate given at a dose of 3mg/kg twice a day orally for 10 d along with standard antibiotics. The no zinc group was on antibiotic treatment. Blood samples from both groups were collected at baseline and after day 10. Babies were carefully discharged from the hospital. The babies were followed up till 12mo corrected age using DASII (Development Assessment Scale for Indian Infants). At the time of enrolment, patient characteristics were similar in both the groups. The mortality rate was significantly higher in no zinc compared to zinc group (5 vs. 13; P=0.04). Although motor development quotient was similar, mental development quotient was significantly better among babies who received zinc supplementation. Short term zinc supplementation of newborns with sepsis reduces mortality and improves mental development quotient at 12 mo of age.

Fabrication and Characterizations of Hot-Melt Extruded Nanocomposites Based on Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate and Soluplus

Zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZnSO4)-loaded nanocomposites (NCs) were fabricated by using a hot-melt extruder (HME) system. Soluplus (SP) was adopted as an amphiphilic polymer matrix for HME processing. The micro-size of ZnSO4 dispersion was reduced to nano-size by HME processing with the use of SP. ZnSO4 could be homogeneously dispersed in SP through HME processing. ZnSO4/SP NCs with a 75 nm mean diameter, a 0.1 polydispersity index, and a −1 mV zeta potential value were prepared. The physicochemical properties of ZnSO4/SP NCs and the existence of SP in ZnSO4/SP NCs were further investigated by solid-state studies. Nano-size range of ZnSO4/SP NC dispersion was maintained in the simulated gastrointestinal environments (pH 1.2 and 6.8 media). No severe toxicity in intestinal epithelium after oral administration of ZnSO4/SP NCs (at 100 mg/kg dose of ZnSO4, single dosing) was observed in rats. These results imply that developed ZnSO4/SP NC can be used as a promising nano-sized zinc supplement formulation. In addition, developed HME technology can be widely applied to fabricate nanoformulations of inorganic materials.

A study on the growth and characterization of zinc sulphate mono hydrate doped glycine NLO single crystals

ABSTRACTSingle crystals of zinc sulphate monohydrate doped glycine have been synthesized using slow evaporation technique at room temperature using water as a solvent. Single crystal XRD revealed that the grown crystal belonged to monoclinic structure and crystalline nature was confirmed by Powder XRD analysis. Optical behaviour of the grown crystals was verified by UV spectroscopy and NLO studies. The FTIR spectrum had been recorded in the region 4000–400 cm−1 to identify the functional groups. TGA study was performed which proved that the crystal was thermally stable. The dielectric response of the crystal at various frequencies was studied and the results are discussed.

Efficacy of zinc supplementation on serum calprotectin, inflammatory cytokines and outcome in neonatal sepsis – a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To find out the efficacy of zinc supplementation in decreasing the levels of serum calprotectin and inflammatory cytokines with improvement in outcome in neonatal sepsis.Methods: Neonates with clinical signs suggestive of sepsis and at least two screening tests positive were randomized into two groups – zinc group and control group. The zinc group received 3 mg/kg of zinc sulfate monohydrate twice a day orally for 10 days along with antibiotics. The control group received antibiotics and supportive care. Serum zinc, calprotectin, TNF-α and IL-6 were estimated in serum at recruitment and 10 days later after completion of antibiotics. The babies were monitored daily till discharge and mortality rate was compared between the groups.Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Serum zinc levels were considerably increased in the zinc group after supplementation. There was significant decline in concentrations of serum calprotectin, TNF-α and IL-6 (p < 0.05) in the zinc group. In the control group also, serum calprotectin and IL-6 levels were found to be decreased significantly after antibiotic treatment (p < 0.05), while TNF-α showed insignificant reduction. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to assess the survival time between the groups. The mortality was lower in the zinc group compared to the control group 5 versus 11, p= 0.12.Conclusion: Neonates with sepsis who received zinc in addition to antibiotics showed significant reduction in serum calprotectin and inflammatory cytokines. Although mortality was lower in zinc group, it was not statistically significant.

Effect of foliar application of zinc on yield of wheat grown by avoiding irrigation at different growth stages

A field experiment was carried out at micronutrient experimental field of Soil Science Division, BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur to study the effect of foliar application of zinc on yield of wheat (BARI gom-25) grown by skipping irrigation at different growth stages of the crop. The experiment was designed in a split plot design on sixteen treatments comprising four irrigation treatments (regular irrigation, skipped irrigation at crown root initiation, skipped irrigation at booting stage and skipped irrigation at grain filling stages of wheat growth) and four foliar application of zinc (0.0%, 0.02%, 0.04% and 0.06% of zinc). Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate (ZnSO4. H2O) was used as a source of Zn. The interaction effect of irrigation and foliar application of zinc significantly influenced the yield and yield components of wheat. The highest yield (5.59 t ha-1) was recorded in normal irrigation which was identical with skipping irrigation at flowering and heading stage with 0.06% foliar application of zinc. Skipping irrigation at crown root initiation stage had the most negative effect on growth and yield. Skipping irrigation at flowering and heading stage of wheat with 0.04% foliar application of zinc gave the identical yield in regular irrigation with 0.04% and 0.06% foliar application of zinc. Thus, foliar application of zinc played a major role on yield and yield components of wheat at later stages of growth. The response of foliar application of Zn was positive and quadrate in nature. The optimum dose was appeared as 0.04% foliar application of zinc for grain yield of wheat in the study area of Joydebpur, Gazipur (AEZ-28).Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(2): 323-334, June 2016

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Early Outcome of Neonatal Sepsis - A Randomized Controlled Trial

To find the effect of zinc supplementation on the outcome of neonatal sepsis at one month of age. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary care neonatal unit, enrolling neonates with clinical features of sepsis and positive blood culture or positive sepsis screening tests. The treatment group received 3 mg/kg/twice a day of zinc sulfate monohydrate orally for 10 d along with standard antibiotic therapy. The control group received standard antibiotic treatment without zinc. Samples were collected from both the groups before and after the treatment. Babies were monitored till discharge and followed up as out-patients till one month of age. Demographic characteristics were similar between the cases and controls. After 10 d of treatment, the mean serum zinc level between the two groups was 737.09 ± 219.97 vs. 801.26 ± 405.56, (p = 0.20). Outcome measures like days of hospital stay (15 vs. 15; p = 0.69) and mortality rate (4.5% vs. 13.6%; p = 0.27) were not found to be significantly different between the groups. At one month of age, more number of control neonates had abnormal neurological findings as compared to the zinc supplemented group [(P = 0.02); RR (95%CI) = 0.28 (0.11-0.73)]. Zinc supplementation in neonates with sepsis improves the neurological status at one month of age although the mortality reduction was not statistically significant.

Yield and Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Iron Concentration in Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown on Vertisol as Influenced by Zinc Application from Various Zinc Fertilizers

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in soils and field crops is widespread across the world, including India, resulting in severe reduction in yield. Hence, soil application of Zn fertilizers is recommended for ameliorating Zn deficiency in soil and for obtaining higher crop yield and better crop quality. Zinc sulfate is commonly used Zn fertilizer in India because of its solubility and less cost. However, good quality and adequate quantity of zinc sulfate is not available in the market round the year for farmers' use. Field experiments were therefore conducted during rainy season of 2010 and 2011 at research farm of Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, India to assess the influence of Zn application through zinc sulfate monohydrate (33% Zn), zinc polyphosphate (21% Zn) and Zn ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) (12% Zn) on yield and micronutrient concentration and uptake by maize (Zea mays L.). In both the years, grain and vegetative tissue (stover) yield of maize increased significantly with successive application of Zn up to 1 kg ha−1 added through zinc sulfate monohydrate and zinc polyphosphate. Addition of 2.5 kg Zn ha−1 did not increase yield further but resulted in highest stover Zn concentration. Zinc, copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) concentration in maize grain varied from 22.2 to 27.6, 1.6 to 2.5, 3.5 to 4.7 and 19.9 to 24.5 mg kg−1 respectively in both the years. Maize stover had 25.9 to 36.2, 7.9 to 9.8, 36.7 to 44.9 and 174 to 212 mg kg−1 Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe, respectively. Zinc application did not influence Cu, Mn and Fe concentration in both grain and stover of maize. Transfer coefficients (TCs) of micronutrients varied from 0.72 to 0.95, 0.18 to 0.30, 0.08 to 0.13 and 0.10 to 0.15 for Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe respectively. Total Zn uptake significantly increased with Zn application from 0.5 to 2.5 kg ha−1 supplied through zinc sulfate monohydrate and zinc polyphosphate. Recovery efficiency of Zn declined with increased Zn rates.

Effect of summer green manuring crops and zinc fertilizer sources on productivity, Zn-uptake and economics of basmati rice

ABSTRACTField experiments were conducted for two consecutive years on basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) during summer and rainy seasons (April–November) of 2009 and 2010 in a sandy clay-loam soil (typic Ustochrept) at the research farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of zinc fertilizer sources [ethylenediamenetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-chelated zinc (Zn; 12% Zn), zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4.7H2O; 21% Zn), zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZnSO4.H2O; 33% Zn), zinc oxide (ZnO; 82% Zn), and ZnSO4.7H2O + ZnO (50% + 50%)] and summer green manuring crops [Sesbania aculeata, Crotalaria juncea and Vigna unguiculata] on productivity, Zn-uptake and economics of basmati rice. Among the summer green manuring crops, Sesbania aculeata accumulated highest amount of total dry matter, 5.46 and 5.77 t ha−1 during 2009 and 2010, respectively. Incorporation of Sesbania aculeata also led to a significant increase in grain, straw and biological yields, Zn content and uptake and economics of succeeding basmati rice. With the incorporation of Sesbania aculeata, grain and straw yields of basmati rice was 4.89, 5.56 and 9.04, 10.21 t−1 ha during 2009 and 2010, respectively. Among the Zn fertilizer sources, EDTA-chelated Zn (12% Zn) was found to be the best with respect to grain, straw, and biological yields, Zn content and uptake and economics. Application of EDTA-chelated Zn (12% Zn) recorded the highest basmati rice grain (5.15 and 5.76 t ha−1) and straw yields (9.30 and 10.48 t ha−1) compared to control (no Zn application), which produced 4.09 and 4.75 t ha−1 of grain and 8.13 and 9.39 t ha−1 of straw yields, respectively, during 2009 and 2010. Highest Zn concentration in grain and straw and its uptake was recorded with Sesbania aculeata incorporation compared with Crotalaria juncea, Vigna unguiculata and summer fallow. Highest total Zn uptake in basmati rice was recorded with EDTA-chelated Zn (12% Zn) application, followed by ZnSO4.7H2O (21% Zn), ZnSO4.H2O (33% Zn), ZnSO4.7H2O + ZnO (50% + 50%), ZnO (82% Zn), and control (no Zn application). Sesbania aculeata incorporation and EDTA-chelated Zn (12% Zn) treatments were found a better combination with respect to basmati rice productivity. The best economical returns were obtained with Sesbania aculeata incorporation and ZnSO4.7H2O (21% Zn) combination. Thus, adequate Zn fertilization along with green manure crop incorporation can lead to higher productivity of basmati rice.

Effect of probiotic L. plantarum IS-10506 and zinc supplementation on humoral immune response and zinc status of Indonesian pre-school children

A 90-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pre-post trial was conducted in four groups of Indonesian children aged 12–24 months: placebo, probiotic, zinc, and a combination of probiotic and zinc (n=12 per group). Microencapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum IS-10506 of dadih origin was supplemented at a dose of 1010CFU/day as a probiotic. Zinc was supplemented as 20mg zinc sulfate monohydrate (8mg zinc elemental). Blood and stool samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the study period. Fecal sIgA was assessed by ELISA and serum zinc concentrations by ICP-MS. Fecal sIgA increased significantly in the probiotic group (30.33±3.32μg/g; p<0.01) and in the combination probiotic and zinc group (27.55±2.28μg/g; p<0.027), as compared with the placebo group (13.58±2.26μg/g). Changes in serum zinc concentrations in the combination probiotic and zinc group showed the highest elevation at the end of the study period. A combination of probiotic L. plantarum IS-10506 at a dose of 1010CFU/day and 8mg of elemental zinc supplementation showed a potential ability to improve the zinc status of pre-school children. Taken together, supplementation with the probiotic L. plantarum IS-10506 and zinc for 90 days resulted in a significantly increased humoral immune response, as well as improved zinc status, in young children.

Hexagonal ZnO porous plates prepared from microwave synthesized layered zinc hydroxide sulphate via thermal decomposition

Layered zinc hydroxide sulphate (ZHS) was prepared by microwave-assisted hydrothermal precipitation of zinc sulphate monohydrate with hexamethylenetetramine. Under ambient conditions, the structure of ZHS determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) was found to be a mixture of zinc hydroxide sulphate pentahydrate Zn4SO4(OH)6·5H2O and tetrahydrate Zn4SO4(OH)6·4H2O. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used for characterization of the prepared materials. Based on the interpretation of ZHS's thermal decomposition profile obtained by thermogravimetric analysis, ZnO of high purity was prepared by calcination at 900°C for 2h. The structure of the resulting ZnO was confirmed by the XRD. The morphology examination by scanning electron microscopy revealed a porous mesh-like ZnO structure developed from the ZHS precursor at the expense of mass removal due to the release of water and sulphate during the calcination.

Reproductive performance of Cobb 500 breeder hens fed diets supplemented with zinc, manganese, and copper from inorganic and amino acid-complexed sources

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal dietary Zn, Mn, and Cu sources on egg production, eggshell quality, hatchability, and hatched chick grading. Inorganic sources of Zn, Mn, and Cu (IZMC) as zinc sulfate monohydrate (35% Zn), manganese sulfate monohydrate (31% Mn), and copper sulfate pentahydrate (25% Zn) or organic sources of Zn, Mn, and Cu as amino acid-mineral complexes (OZMC) were used. The 3 experimental treatments consisted of diets supplemented with 1) 100, 100, and 10 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively, from IZMC (control); 2) 60, 60, and 3 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively, from IZMC plus 40, 40, and 7 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively, from OZMC (ISO); and 3) a diet with 100, 100, and 10 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively, from IZMC as in the control plus 40, 40, and 7 ppm of supplemental Zn, Mn, and Cu from OZMC (on top). Treatments were fed from 22 to 68 wk of age. Each treatment had 10 replications of 20 females and 2 males. Feeding the ISO diet compared with the control diet increased eggshell weight and thickness (P < 0.05) and decreased early embryo mortality (P < 0.01). Feeding the on top diet compared with the control diet resulted in thicker and heavier eggshells (P < 0.05). An improvement in eggshell quality was observed in breeder hens consuming the OZMC-supplemented ISO diet or the on top diet with IZMC.

Zinc supplementation in pre-diabetes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundThe number of people with diabetes is increasing worldwide, especially in developing South Asian countries. Therefore, preventing diabetes at the early stages has become an important issue. Recent clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis have shown that zinc has beneficial effects on glycemic and metabolic control in those with diabetes. The present study is designed to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on glycemic control and other metabolic parameters in those with pre-diabetes.Methods/designThe study will be conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial for a period of 12 months at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The study has been approved by the Ethics Review Committee of Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo (EC/11/189). A total of 200 adults (age 18–60 years) with pre-diabetes will be recruited for the study. They will be stratified according to age, gender, and body mass index and randomly assigned into the test and placebo groups on a 1:1 ratio. The zinc capsules, each weighing 456 mg, will contain the following ingredients:zinc sulfate monohydrate 55.096 mg (elemental zinc 20 mg), lactose monohydrate 399.504 mg, and stearic acid 1.400 mg. The placebo capsule with the same weight will be comprised of lactose monohydrate 454.600 mg and stearic acid 1.400 mg. The subjects will receive either zinc 20 mg capsules or placebo daily for a period of 12 months. The study drugs will be double blinded to both investigators and subjects. The visits and the evaluations will be done as follows: screening (visit 0), 1 month (visit 1), 3 month (visit 2), 6 month (visit 3), and 12 month (visit 4). The following primary outcome measures will be evaluated:fasting plasma glucose (FPG), post oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), serum insulin, HbA1c, total/low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, serum zinc, and appetite using a visual analog scale. Secondary outcome measures include: blood pressure, anthropometry, and dietary assessment using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Data will be analyzed using SPSS v16.DiscussionThe present protocol will aim to establish the beneficial effects of zinc supplementation on disease progression in those with pre-diabetes and also establish its effectiveness in the prevention of diabetes mellitus.Trial registrationSri Lanka Clinical Trial Registry: SLCTR/2012/010

Effect of lime on yield contributing characters of Wheat in Barind tract of Bangladesh

Bold) : There were six lime treatments viz.T1: Control, T2 : 0.5 t lime ha-1 , T3 : 1.0 t lime ha- 1, T4 : 1.5 t lime ha-1, T5 : 2.0 t lime ha-1, and T6 : 2.5 t lime ha-1. Dolochun(CaCO3) was used as the liming material. The design of the experiment was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD )with three replications. Every plot received 140.0 kg N, 25.0 kg P, 106.0 kg K, 3.06 kg S, 3.6 kg Zn and 0.6 kg B ha-1 from urea, TSP, MoP, gypsum, zinc sulphate (monohydrate) and boric acid, respectively. Available K, P, Ca and Mg were significantly increased due to application of lime which was mainly associated with increased wheat yields. The different characters of wheat viz. plant height, tillers plant-1, spike length, grains sipke-1 and grain yield were significantly increased by the application of lime. The application of 0.5 t lime ha-1 significantly increased most of the growth parameters of wheat compared to that without any lime application. The application of lime had significant effect on the grain yield of wheat. The highest grain yield was found in T4 (4.73 t ha-1), which was statistically identical with the grain yields obtained in T5 and T6 treatments but superior to those found in T1, T2, T3 treatments. Thus, the application of 1.50 t lime ha-1 is enough for satisfactory yield wheat.