ZnSO4 Research Articles

Dormancy induction for advancement of flowering and harvest maturity in peaches under subtropical climate

Aim: Inducing early leaf fall and subsequently dormancy for advancement of harvest maturity in two peach varieties Glohaven and Royal Paradelux. Methodology: This research work was carried out in the experimental farm of Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur, (HP). The study was conducted on three-year-old peach plants of cultivars Glohaven and Royal Paradelux planted at a spacing of 2m × 2m. During experiment, chemical treatments were applied to induce early dormancy in the plants so as to obtain early and uniform flowering. Six treatments viz., T1- urea @ 4%, T2- CuSO4 @ 10%, T3- ZnSO4 @ 1.5%, T4- ZnSO4 @ 3%, T5- urea @ 2% + CuSO4 @ 5% + ZnSO4 @ 2% and T6- control were applied in the first week of November, 2018. Results: Observations on vegetative parameters, time of leaf fall, flowering, fruiting parameters and biochemical parameters were taken on all the plants under each treatment. The results of the study revealed that application of 3% ZnSO4 effectively advanced the leaf fall, bud break and flowering leading to improved yield and quality in low chill peaches. Interpretation: The fruit maturity was advanced by one week under treatment of T3 (zinc sulphate @ 3%). Key words: Dormancy, Flowering, Fruit maturity, Peach

Effect of Recommended and Graded Doses of Biochar with and without ZMB Biofertilizer and Zinc on the Growth Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the Students' Instructional Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj Ayodhya, to assess the impact of graded doses of biochar, varying fertility levels, and the addition of biofertilizers and zinc on rice cultivation under partially reclaimed sodic soils. Nine treatments were applied, including combinations of recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF), biochar (5 t ha⁻¹ and 2.5 t ha⁻¹), biofertilizer (ZMB), and zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments were: T1 (Control), T2 (100% RDF), T3 (50% RDF), T4 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar), T5 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB), T6 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄), T7 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar), T8 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB), and T9 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄). The rice variety NDR 2065 was used as the test crop. Growth parameters such as plant height, dry matter accumulation, root length, root volume, number of tillers, and panicle length were evaluated. The results showed that the treatment T9 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄) produced the highest growth and quality parameters, indicating a significant improvement in rice performance. The study suggests combining biochar, biofertilizers, and zinc under reduced fertilizer levels can enhance rice growth and productivity in sodic soils, offering a sustainable approach to soil fertility management.

Smart Zinc-Based Coatings with Chitosan–Alginate Nanocontainers Loaded with ZnO and Caffeine for Corrosion Protection of Mild Steel

The development of environmentally friendly materials is a subject of increasing interest in corrosion protection research. The objective of the present investigation is to propose the preparation procedure of chitosan–alginate (CHI/ALG) nanocontainers loaded with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles or combining ZnO nanoparticles with corrosion inhibitor caffeine (CAF), both suitable for incorporation into the matrix of ordinary zinc coatings on mild steel substrates. The nanocontainers were synthesized through spontaneous polysaccharide complexation in the presence of ZnO nanoparticles and CAF using a cross-linking agent, namely tripolyphosphate (TPP). Dynamic light scattering and laser Doppler velocimetry measurements are used for evaluation of the size distribution and zeta potentials of the nanocontainers, both loaded or unloaded with CAF. Using UV-spectroscopy, entrapment efficiency and release amounts of CAF are quantitatively evaluated. The nanocontainers thus obtained were incorporated into the matrices of ordinary zinc coatings via co-electrodeposition with zinc from zinc sulfate solution, aiming to improve the corrosion protection of steel in corrosive environments containing chloride ions. The surface morphology and elemental composition of the electrodeposited hybrid coatings before and after treating in the model corrosive medium of 3.5% NaCl is studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cyclic voltammetry method (CVA) is applied to characterize the cathodic (electrodeposition) and anodic (dissolution) processes. The protective characteristics of the hybrid coatings are investigated by application of potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) curves and polarization resistance (Rp) measurements after a time interval of 40 days. The obtained results indicate that both hybrid coating types could prolong the life time of mild steel in aggressive Cl− ion-containing solution, combining the protection effect of sacrificial zinc with barrier (ZnO) and active (CAF) protective effects.

A randomized clinical study to evaluate the possible antifibrotic effect of zinc sulfate in chronic HCV patient receiving direct-acting anti-viral therapy.

This study aimed to assess the potential antifibrotic impact of zinc sulfate in chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) patients receiving direct-acting antiviral therapy. This randomized controlled study included 50 chronic HCV-infected patients with fibrosis stage (F1 & F2). Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 (Control group, n = 25) received standard direct-acting antiviral therapy for 3months, while Group 2 (Zinc group, n = 25) received 50mg/day of zinc sulfate in addition to the standard direct-acting antiviral therapy for the same duration. Baseline and 3-month post-intervention assessments included evaluating serum levels of hyaluronic acid, transforming growth factor beta-1, and fibronectin. Furthermore, indices of liver fibrosis, such as the Fibrosis Index based on the 4 factors (FIB-4) and the Aspartate Transaminase-to-Platelet-Ratio Index (APRI), were calculated during these assessments. At baseline, the two studied groups had no statistical difference in demographic and laboratory data. After treatment, serum zinc levels significantly increased in the zinc-treated group compared to the control group. Additionally, serum fibronectin and hyaluronic acid levels were significantly reduced in group 2 (zinc group) compared to group 1 (control group). Moreover, zinc group showed lower APRI scores than the control group after a 3-month follow-up period, but there was non-significant difference in FIB-4 scores between the two groups after treatment. Furthermore, total bilirubin levels were reduced after zinc therapy for 3months. Administering zinc sulfate could potentially serve as a safe and efficient therapeutic strategy for the management of hepatic fibrosis in individuals with chronic hepatitis C virus. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05465434, On 19/7/2022.

Investigating the Effects of Urea-Zinc Sulfate-L Phenylalanine on the Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel Exposed to pH-4 Sulfuric Acid

Background: Corrosion of mild steel is a risk to material and stability. The practice of corrosion inhibitors is a cost-effective corrosion modification method for mild steel. Organic inhibitors rich in electrons might have an excellent ability to prevent corrosion. This study aims to assess the inhibitory effect of the mixture of Urea, Zinc Sulfate, and L-Phenylalanine, which has a high electron density Methods: MS corrosion was experimentally analyzed by dipping in H2SO4 solution at a pH – 4 for 24 hrs. Different gravimetric and conventional techniques, such as polarization, AC impedance AFM, UV, and fluorescence, were used to examine the corrosion rate Results: According to gravimetric measurements, this combination produced 93% effective inhibition. The findings of the impedance test proved that the mixture of inhibitors that was adsorbed on the metal surface effectively prevented corrosion. Conclusion: Likewise, according to the Polarization measurements, the inhibitor exhibits mixed-type performance with significant cathodic activity. UV, Fluorescence, and AFM findings showed that MS corrosion was suppressed because the inhibitor molecule adhered to the metal's surface and reduced.

Green Synthesis and Application of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles from Cenchrus setigerus Vahl in Herbal Handwash as Antimicrobial Reducer

AbstractIn the current study, ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized via green chemistry protocols from the Cenchrus setigerus Vahl plant leaf extracts. For the synthesis of ZnO NPs, about 100 mM zinc sulfate heptahydrate salt (ZnSO4·7H2O) was taken in an aqueous solution along with Cenchrus setigerus Vahl extracts as a reducing and capping agent. The reaction mixture was stirred constantly till the color change was observed. The synthesized ZnO NPs were dried and characterized by UV, FT‐IR, PXRD, SEM, and EDX. From the results, the calculated particle size was about 9.91 nm, with a crystalline nature. In UV–visible it shows characteristics peak at the region of 372 nm, while orthorhombic structure was predicted from their SEM analysis. Using the agar well diffusion method, the antibacterial potentials were determined for the synthesized ZnO NPs at three different concentrations: 500, 700, and 900 µg/mL, against Bacillus subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. Similarly, the antibacterial potentials were evaluated for herbal handwash, synthesized from the methanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum and Azadirachta indica. The comparison of ZnO NPs incorporated herbal handwash, and herbal handwash was performed against skin pathogens, which were found more beneficial.

Efficient removal of Cd2+ impurity from zinc sulfate electrolytes by zinc powder replacement under ultrasound assisted Cu2+ additive

Efficient removal of Cd2+ impurity from zinc sulfate electrolytes by zinc powder replacement under ultrasound assisted Cu2+ additive

Foliar zinc sulfate application effects on biomass and forage traits of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) in zinc-deficient soils

Deficiencies of essential micronutrients in forage crops can result in reduced growth, diminished nutrient content, and reduced in forage quality. This can, in turn, affect the nutritional requirements of livestock and the overall productivity of the agricultural sector. The experiment was initiated during the 2023-24 production season and employed four zinc sulfate doses (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 % w/v) and five varieties of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. cv. İlkadım, cv. Master, cv. Baqueno, cv. Caramba, cv. Trinova), with four replications. SPAD measurements were obtained following the foliar application of zinc sulfate, and plant height (cm), flag leaf length (cm), flag leaf width (cm), leaf number per plant, and leaf area (cm2) parameters were collected through the single mowing of annual ryegrass. After the fresh forage yield (t ha-1) measurements, ADF (%), NDF (%), crude protein ratio (%), crude protein yield (kg da-1) and relative feed value were measured and calculated. As a result of the data obtained, it was determined that foliar zinc sulfate applications can make positive changes in yield and quality, while at the same time increasing the amount of fiber. While İlkadım had the highest average value with 1.48 t da-1 in terms of hay yield, the highest value among zinc sulfate doses was obtained from 0.6 % with 1.47 t da-1. High values were obtained at 0.4 % and 0.6 % doses. Among the varieties, İlkadım and Baqueno had higher yield and quality characteristics. However, it is understood that the responses to foliar zinc sulfate applications occurred in different percentages among the others.

Optimization of yield and rooting behaviour of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in desert region through land configuration, Mycorrhiza and zinc fertilization

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis holds promise for enhancing soil phosphorus (P) efficiencycy and valuable in improving zinc uptake in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), especially in Zn-deficient soils. The proper land configuration important for enhancing the rainfed crop performance by changing the rooting and soil moisture conservation patterns. Thus, a study was conducted in 2020 and 2021 at Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agriculture University, Bikaner, we explored the combined effects of land configuration, zinc ffertilization and Mycorrhiza on yield attributes and roots characteristics of pearl millet. We evaluated 24 treatment combinations, including flat bed (S1), ridge & furrow (S2) and pit (S3) planting techniques, Mycorrhiza control (M0) and 8 kg/ha as basal (M1), and zinc fertilization control (Z0), 0.5% ZnSO4 in two foliar sprays (Z1), ZnSO4 @10 kg/ha basal + 0.5% foliar spray (Z2), and ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ha basal (Z3) in a split-split plot design. Our findings revealed that, the pit planting technique, combined with Mycorrhiza and zinc sulphate fertilization, significantly increased plant stand (141.2 thousand/ha), root characteristics (root volume, 42.93 cm3), and yield attributes (effective tillers: 4.75, grain yield: 30.75 q/ha, and stover yield: 71.43 q/ha) by 12.72%, 29.11%, 137.53%, 95.74% and 39.95% compared to flat bed sowing, respectively. These results underscore the immense potential of pit planting techniques for enhancing pearl millet productivity and quality by promoting robust root system development.

Optimization of yield and rooting behaviour of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in desert region through land configuration, Mycorrhiza and zinc fertilization

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis holds promise for enhancing soil phosphorus (P) efficiencycy and valuable in improving zinc uptake in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), especially in Zn-deficient soils. The proper land configuration important for enhancing the rainfed crop performance by changing the rooting and soil moisture conservation patterns. Thus, a study was conducted in 2020 and 2021 at Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agriculture University, Bikaner, we explored the combined effects of land configuration, zinc ffertilization and Mycorrhiza on yield attributes and roots characteristics of pearl millet. We evaluated 24 treatment combinations, including flat bed (S1), ridge & furrow (S2) and pit (S3) planting techniques, Mycorrhiza control (M0) and 8 kg/ha as basal (M1), and zinc fertilization control (Z0), 0.5% ZnSO4 in two foliar sprays (Z1), ZnSO4 @10 kg/ha basal + 0.5% foliar spray (Z2), and ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ha basal (Z3) in a split-split plot design. Our findings revealed that, the pit planting technique, combined with Mycorrhiza and zinc sulphate fertilization, significantly increased plant stand (141.2 thousand/ha), root characteristics (root volume, 42.93 cm3), and yield attributes (effective tillers: 4.75, grain yield: 30.75 q/ha, and stover yield: 71.43 q/ha) by 12.72%, 29.11%, 137.53%, 95.74% and 39.95% compared to flat bed sowing, respectively. These results underscore the immense potential of pit planting techniques for enhancing pearl millet productivity and quality by promoting robust root system development.

Zinc pretreatment for protection against intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury (II/RI) is a critical condition that results in oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to multiple organs. Zinc, an essential trace element, offers protective benefits in several tissues during I/R injury, but its effects on intestinal II/RI remain unclear. To investigate the effects of zinc pretreatment on II/RI and associated multiorgan damage. C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4, 10 mg/kg) daily for three days before I/R injury was induced via superior mesenteric artery occlusion (SMAO) and abdominal aortic occlusion (AAO) models. Tissue and serum samples were collected to evaluate intestinal, liver, and kidney damage using Chiu's score, Suzuki score, and histopathological analysis. Caco-2 cells and intestinal organoids were used for in vitro hypoxia-reoxygenation injury models to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Zinc pretreatment significantly reduced intestinal damage in the SMAO and AAO models (P < 0.001). The serum levels of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) and kidney markers (creatinine and urea) were lower in the zinc-treated mice than in the control mice, indicating reduced hepatic and renal injury. In vitro, zinc decreased ROS levels and increased SOD activity in Caco-2 cells subject to hypoxia-reoxygenation injury. Intestinal organoids pretreated with zinc exhibited enhanced resilience to hypoxic injury compared to controls. Zinc pretreatment mitigates II/RI and reduces associated multiorgan damage. These findings suggest that zinc has potential clinical applications in protecting against I/R injuries.

Manipulating Interphase Chemistry for Aqueous Zn Stabilization: The Role of Supersaturation

The limited cycling durability of Zn anode, attributed to the absence of a robust electrolyte‐derived solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), remains the bottleneck for the practical deployment of aqueous zinc batteries. Herein, we highlight the role of local supersaturation in governing the fundamental crystallization chemistry of Zn4SO4(OH)6·xH2O (ZSH) and propose a subtle supersaturation‐controlled morphology strategy to tailor the interphase chemistry of Zn anode. By judiciously creating local high‐supersaturation environment with organic caprolactam to manipulate the precipitation manner of zinc sulfate hydroxide (ZSH), lattice‐lattice matched heterogeneous nucleation of ZSH (001) and Zn (002) is realized in aqueous ZnSO4, producing a dense, pseudo‐coincidence interface capable of functioning as decent SEI. The plating/stripping efficacy of Zn is significantly boosted, as reflected by the great improvement of the initial (from 59.9% to 84.1%) and average (from 94.0% to 99.2%) coulombic efficiency. Accordingly, the cyclic endurance of Zn anode is prolonged from 50 h to over 7000 h at 0.5 mA cm‐2/1 mAh cm‐2, witnessing 140‐fold lifespan extension. Profiting from supersaturation‐mediated Zn stabilization, the performance deterioration of zinc‐vanadium batteries is also alleviated, even with a low N/P ratio of 4.4. This work is anticipated to deepen current understanding on the control of the anodic chemistry.

Manipulating Interphase Chemistry for Aqueous Zn Stabilization: The Role of Supersaturation.

The limited cycling durability of Zn anode, attributed to the absence of a robust electrolyte-derived solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), remains the bottleneck for the practical deployment of aqueous zinc batteries. Herein, we highlight the role of local supersaturation in governing the fundamental crystallization chemistry of Zn4SO4(OH)6·xH2O (ZSH) and propose a subtle supersaturation-controlled morphology strategy to tailor the interphase chemistry of Zn anode. By judiciously creating local high-supersaturation environment with organic caprolactam to manipulate the precipitation manner of zinc sulfate hydroxide (ZSH), lattice-lattice matched heterogeneous nucleation of ZSH (001) and Zn (002) is realized in aqueous ZnSO4, producing a dense, pseudo-coincidence interface capable of functioning as decent SEI. The plating/stripping efficacy of Zn is significantly boosted, as reflected by the great improvement of the initial (from 59.9% to 84.1%) and average (from 94.0% to 99.2%) coulombic efficiency. Accordingly, the cyclic endurance of Zn anode is prolonged from 50 h to over 7000 h at 0.5 mA cm-2/1 mAh cm-2, witnessing 140-fold lifespan extension. Profiting from supersaturation-mediated Zn stabilization, the performance deterioration of zinc-vanadium batteries is also alleviated, even with a low N/P ratio of 4.4. This work is anticipated to deepen current understanding on the control of the anodic chemistry.

The effect of Phytostimplus on blood biochemical parameters, average daily growth and disease resistance of calves

The purpose of the research is to study the effect of the Phytostimplus supplement on the clinical and physiological status, average daily growth and viability of calves during the dairy growing period. The phytobiotic contained an extract from three herbs (safflower rhaponticum, crowned sickle, viscose meadowsweet) and lactic acid microorganisms dried lyophilically. The work was carried out in 2023. The experiment involved calves of the Holstein breed, starting at the age of 2 days. Experimental and control groups of 10 heads each were formed. In the control group, the calves were kept on a regular diet, without the use of any drugs. The additive was soldered to calves of the experimental group at a dose of 30.0 ml / head per day after preliminary dilution in water. The duration of the experiment was 2 months. Thirty days after the start of the experiment, the albumin in the calves of the experimental and control groups exceeded the reference values by 17.8–18.1 %. In both groups of calves, α-globulin decreased in comparison with the physiological norm by 3.3–4.1 %, γ-globulin – by 6.0–6.2 %. A decrease of β-globulin by 5.5 % was observed in animals in the experiment. The rest of the studied blood parameters of calves (urea, zinc sulfate test) in both groups were within the normal range and did not differ significantly. By the end of the experiments, the total protein in the calves in the experiment exceeded the indicator in the control by 30 %, albumin – by 8.1 %, γ-globulin – by 4.9 %, while there was a decrease in α-globulin by 8.6 %, β-globulin – by 4.4 %. The studied parameters did not exceed the limits of the physiological norm. The duration of treatment of enteritis in calves in the experimental groups turned out to be less than in the control with Phytostimplus by 0.7±0.2 days. The safety of animals by the end of the experiments was 100 %. The average daily increase in live weight of calves after the use of phytobiotics for 60 days exceeded that in the control by 4.9 %.

Succinonitrile Electrolyte Additive for Stabilizing Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries.

The utilization of water electrolytes in zinc-ion batteries offers the advantages of enhanced safety, reduced cost, and improved environmental friendliness, rendering them an optimal choice for replacing lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, the conventional zinc sulfate electrolyte fails to meet stringent requirements. Therefore, developing electrolytes is crucial for addressing the low cycle life of zinc ions and suppressing the growth of zinc dendrites. So we proposed a strategy for engineering dilution of aqueous Zn(OTf)2 solution with succinonitrile (SN) network electrolytes. The introduction of SN also disrupts the original hydrogen bonding network within the system and mitigates issues related to side reactions. Additionally, the inclusion of SN additives significantly diminishes the reactivity of water molecules and smoothing zinc deposition to form favorable two-component Zn3N2/ZnF2 SEI. The results indicate that symmetric cells exhibit a remarkable cycling performance (877 h at current density and capacity of 1 mA cm-2 and 1 mAh cm-2, respectively). Furthermore, after 2000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g-1, the full battery demonstrates an impressive capacity of 151.2 mAh g-1. These results show that the electrolyte structure project provides a promising direction for the design of aqueous zinc-metal batteries, aiming to achieve high reversibility and long cycle life.

Effects of Zinc on Yield and Quality of Forage Pea [Pisum sativum ssp. arvense (L.) Poir.

Zinc (Zn) is one of the most important micronutrients that can increase the growth, yield attributes, yield, quality and nutritional value of plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4·7H2O) application at different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 kg/ha) on forage yield and quality and mineral content of the plant in forage pea [Pisum sativum ssp. arvense (L.) Poir.] (cv. Özkaynak) under semi-arid climate conditions. The response variables included stem diameter, plant height, green forage yield, hay yield, crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, total phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). As a result of the research, it was determined that the Zn doses applied from the soil had meannigful effects on the green forage yield (p

On the cementation purification of zinc solutions

The article focuses on researching the technology of cementation purification of zinc sulfate solutions from impurities that adversely affect the electrolysis of zinc. The purpose of this work is to explore new approaches for deep cementation purification of solutions, aimed at reducing the consumption of zinc dust and activating additives (antimony and copper compounds) in the technological process, while improving the quality of the purified solution by decreasing the content of cobalt, nickel, and cadmium in the solution supplied for zinc electrolysis. In this study, a new technology for the cementation purification of industrial solutions was developed, which includes the following stages of impurity removal using zinc dust: preliminary purification stage to remove copper to a concentration of 90–110 mg/L; co-precipitation of copper, cadmium, cobalt, and nickel with the addition of antimony trioxide; deep purification of the solutions from all impurities remaining after the first stage. The purification process was conducted under the following conditions: the preliminary deposition took place at a temperature of 50 °C, with a duration of 30 min and a zinc dust consumption of 0.2–0.4 g/L; the first purification stage occurred at a temperature of 80 °C, for a duration of 1 h, with a zinc dust consumption of 2–3 g/L, and an antimony dosage of 3–6 mg/L; the second purification stage was carried out at a temperature of 75–80 °C, for a duration of 1 h, with a zinc dust consumption of 2–3 g/L, and dosages of copper sulfate and antimony at 50 mg/L and 2–3 mg/L, respectively.

Substitution of Chemical Fertilization using PGRs Evident in Growth and Yield of Tomato

The excessive utilization of synthetic fertilizers and chemicals poses a significant threat to both environment and human well-being. A pot experiment was done between December 2022 and April 2023 using a factorial randomized complete block design, which involved combining fertilizers and plant growth regulators (PGRs). The objective was to decrease the utilization of artificial fertilizers through the application of PGRs. The experiment involved applying fertilizers at 80, 90, 100 and 110% of the recommended doses. The recommended doses consist of 12 grams (g) of urea, 10 g of TSP, 5 g of MoP, 3 g of gypsum, 0.5 g of zinc sulphate, and 0.5 g of boric acid per plant. Furthermore, PGRs including gibberellic acid (GA3), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 4-chlorophenoxy acetic acid (4-CPA), and salicylic acid (SA) were applied at a concentration of 50 ppm. The results showed that there were no significant differences in growth and yield-contributing features when the fertilizer dose was increased from 80% to 110% of the recommended amount. Nonetheless, there were significant differences compared to the control group. However, PGRs showed significant variability in the morphological and reproductive responses of tomatoes under the conditions being researched. The GA3 treatment resulted in significantly greater plant height, base diameter, number of branches and leaves per plant, canopy spread, and internode length. Moreover, GA3 at 50 ppm produced the highest number of flowers and fruits/plant, with a single fruit weighing 67.83 g and a total fruit production of 6.61 kg/plant of tomato. Among the other PGRs, salicylic acid showed statistical equivalence to GA3 treatment. Nonetheless, there was a notable decrease in both vegetative and reproductive features, including yield, when NAA and 4-CPA were used. The interaction between fertilizers and PGRs showed that combining GA3 and SA with any of the tested fertilizer rates resulted in statistically distinct and improved vegetative and reproductive responses. However, the combination of fertilizer with NAA and 4-CPA produced highly unsatisfactory outcomes. Therefore, GA3 at 50 ppm and SA at 50 ppm can effectively be employed as substitute of synthetic chemical fertilizers in tomato cultivation. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 53-64, 2024

The Synthesis of Crystalline, Mono-Phase Copper and Zinc Arsenates (III)

This research is part of a continuing effort to synthesize copper and zinc arsenates(III) to use as a zinc dust activator in zinc sulphate solution purification. In this paper, the feasibility of synthesizing crystalline, mono-phase zinc and copper arsenates(III) were investigated. Copper and zinc arsenates(III) were prepared by adding their sulphate solutions into arsenious solution obtained by dissolving As2O3 in NaOH aqueous solution. The structure and crystal lattice of the products and amount of the elements in precipitations were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry(AAS), respectively. Based on the results of XRD in the conditions of NaOH concentration = 1 mol/L, n(OH–)/n(As) = 1:1, n(Cu)/n(As) = 1:2, reaction temperature 90°C and reaction time 8h, a mono-phase crystalline copper arsenate(III) with the chemical composition of Cu(AsO2)2 and tetragonal crystal lattice was synthesized. In these conditions, the yields of arsenic and copper precipitation from the solution were 93.81% and 97.68%, respectively. Based on the XRD results in the conditions of NaOH concentration = 1 L, n(OH–)/n(As) = 1:1, n(Zn)/n(As) = 1:2, reaction temperature 80°C, reaction time 2h and washing pH = 6, a mono-phase crystalline zinc arsenate (III) with the chemical composition of Zn(AsO2)2 and monoclinic crystal lattice was synthesized. In these conditions, the yields of arsenic and zinc extraction from the solution were 77.70% and 46.37%, respectively.

The Preventive Effect of Zinc Sulfate against Olanzapine-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Rats.

Male infertility is a complex and multifactorial clinical condition affecting a large population attributed to several factors, including perturbation in oxidative stress and the level of essential trace elements. Oxidative stress exerts multiple issues related to reproductive health, including male infertility, decreased sperm motility, sperm DNA damage, and an increased susceptibility to genetic disorders. Besides chemical toxins and food allergens in junk food items, many drugs can also lead to male infertility. Olanzapine (OLZ), a general antipsychotic drug, has also been reported to induce male fertility. A great deal of literature entails that supplementation of zinc can alleviate oxidative stress-related clinical complications, including male infertility. This study investigates the potential protective effects of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) on OLZ-induced male infertility. In the present study, there were four treatment groups (n = 6): group 1 as control (without any treatment); group 2 treated with OLZ (10mg/kg) orally daily for 6weeks; groups 3 and 4 treated with 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg of ZnSO4 respectively in pre-exposed OLZ (10mg/kg) orally daily for 6weeks. After completion of the treatment, the biochemical analysis of serum and tissue samples demonstrated that group 2 had compromised levels of antioxidant parameters (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH)) as well as elevated levels of stress parameters (oxidized glutathione (GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO)) as compared to the control by a significant extent (p ≤ 0.05). However, supplementation of ZnSO4 significantly corrected all these parameters in a dose-dependent way in groups 3 and 4 (p ≤ 0.05). Other health indicators, like taurine, enzyme Q10, phosphatidylcholine, ascorbic acid, and vitamin E, were also observed to improve prominently with the supplementation of ZnSO4. Intriguingly, all the fertility parameters (sperm motility, count and level of testosterone) were also found to be significantly enhanced with decreased sperm abnormalities in both the combination groups. The histological evaluation of the testis section also agreed with the biochemical analysis in this investigation. Therefore, the study strongly advocates that supplementation of Zn can ameliorate OLZ-induced male infertility to a significant extent.