ZnSO4 Solution Research Articles

New insights into the interfacial behavior and swelling of polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) during Zn (II) extraction process

Polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) has been progressively utilised in various chemical engineering applications. Understanding the interfacial interactions between PIM surface and surrounding solutions is significantly important for the industrial application of PIM systems. In this work, interfacial behavior of the PIM was studied during Zn(II) extraction process. The real-time change of the PIM under various environmental conditions was monitored by Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring. Water penetration into the PIM layer was demonstrated when the PIM was in contact with Milli-Q water. Atomic force microscopy imaging confirmed that the swollen PIM had a looser network and rougher surface, as compared to its original state. When switching the surrounding environment to ZnSO4 solution, higher Zn(II) concentration could induce microstructure change and more significant membrane swelling in the PIM layer. Our results provide valuable implications for the design of effective PIM systems towards practical applications in wastewater treatment and hydrometallurgy.

Obtaining active recombinant proteins from bacterial inclusion bodies using salt solutions under neutral pH conditions

Eukaryotic recombinant proteins expressed in bacterial cells usually aggregate within the cells as inclusion bodies. Despite the widely-accepted theory considering inclusion bodies as inactive materials, inclusion bodies may contain large amounts of correctly-folded active recombinant proteins. Proteins trapped in inclusion bodies can be released using a high pH solution (pH ≥ 11); however, they may undergo structural changes in such pH conditions that may lead to their inactivation. Shifting in pH alongside the use of metal ions can help recover protein activity. The model protein we used in this study, 9R-Nimo.scFv, is highly active when extracted from bacterial inclusion bodies at high pH condition (pH 12) but loses its activity when pH is reduced to pH 7. We evaluated the capacity of nine salt solutions in terms of recovering protein activity in neutral pH conditions and found that ZnSO4 solution was the best one for this purpose. KNO3 and MnSO4 were also found to have a good capacity for recovering protein activity, as well.

Amorphous porous layered-Al2O3 derived from AlFu MOFs as an adsorbent for removing fluorine ions in industrial ZnSO4 solution

The amorphous porous layered-Al2O3 derived from aluminium fumarate metal-organic frameworks (AlFu MOFs) by roasting at 773K under air has been applied to remove fluorine ions from industrial ZnSO4 solution. The amorphous porous layered-Al2O3 was characterized by XRD, SEM and BET. The adsorption experiments were conducted under different conditions, including adsorbent dosage, initial pH, adsorption temperature and adsorption time. And the process of removing fluorine ions is well fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model, which is studied by the adsorption kinetics and isotherms. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacity was 12.05mgg−1. Moreover, the adsorption mechanism of the amorphous porous layered-Al2O3 was analyzed by SEM-EDS and FTIR. The results indicate that the adsorption process is affected by complexation and ion exchange between fluorine ions and amorphous porous layered-Al2O3. The regeneration of the amorphous porous layered-Al2O3 shows that the adsorbent could be reused to reduce the production cost.

Development of a 3D Zinc-Entrained Activated Charcoal Anode for Air-Breathing Battery

A 3D zinc-entrained activated charcoal anode was developed to address the problem of low output current density in conventional planar-anode air-breathing batteries. The anode was a compacted and sintered mix of activated charcoal (AC), polyethylene (PE) and ammonium bicarbonate (ABC). These serve as matrix, binder and pore-former respectively. Samples were compacted at varying ratios of (AC/PE) : ABC and evaluated for suitability as anode structure using Water absorption, Hydrophobicity and Electrical conductivity tests. They were infused under vacuum with ZnSO4 solutions of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 M. It was followed by in-situ galvanostatic electroreduction of Zn2+ ion to elemental zinc to achieve zinc entrainment inside the matrix. This was carried out at varying time intervals. The anode was characterized using Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). The 3D zinc-entrained anode and a planar zinc anode were evaluated and compared in air-breathing battery configuration using polarisation experiments. Optimal composition of the anode was determined to be 25% (AC/PE) and 10% ABC while optimal conditions for zinc entrainment was 0.4 M ZnSO4 and 150 mins electroreduction time. The microstructures reveal that zinc is being preferentially deposited around the rim of pores and on ridge lines. Polarisation studies showed that the 3D zinc-entrained activated charcoal anode exhibited output current density 2.5 times that of conventional planar zinc anode and a slightly higher Open Circuit Voltage of 1.44 V.. Keywords— Air-cathode, battery, electrodeposition, zinc.

The utilization of activated carbon as micronutrients carrier in slow release fertilizer formulation

In many plantations, fertilizers were often added in high dosage and applied several times to get maximum productivity. But processes in soil caused not all nutrients in fertilizer could be uptaken by plants. Besides, the high dosage can be toxic to plants. The use of slow release fertilizer can overcome this case. This research was aimed to obtain the data of adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal to the nutrients mixed and gathering the information about nutrients release rate of fertilizer produced. The study was conducted by converting materials into activated charcoal. SRF was formulated by soaking fine activated charcoal CuSO4, FeSO4 or ZnSO4 solution for 24 hours. Analysis conducted were the observation of surface topography, qualitative analysis using EDX, and determination of total Cu, Fe and Zn in SRF. The optimal treatment was chosen to determine its release rate by extracting fertilizer with distilled water and 2% citric acid. The results showed the activated charcoal could be used to adsorb nutrients mixed as shown by SEM and EDX results. Nutrients in the charcoal could be released slowly and could not be easily leached out.

Partitioning and stability of ionic, nano- and microsized zinc in natural soil suspensions

Batch experiments aimed at solid-liquid distribution of 40 nm engineered zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP), microparticles (bulk ZnO), and ionic Zn in ZnSO4 solution were conducted on eight field soil samples of different characteristics to identify how the form of Zn affects its distribution in soil. The concentration of Zn in different size fractions present in supernatant solutions obtained from centrifuged soil suspensions was also measured. The distribution between a liquid and a solid was different for the ionic Zn (ZnSO4) and particulate Zn (ZnO-NP and bulk ZnO). In acidic soil solutions, the partitioning coefficient (KdA) of the ionic Zn was in range of 14.7–15.9 compared to 133.4–194.1 for ZnO-NP and bulk ZnO. The situation was reversed under alkaline conditions resulting in a decreased retention of particulate forms of Zn by the solids, with ZnO-NP showing KdA of 8.5–23.4 compared to 160.0–760.1 of ionic Zn. Soil pH thus appears to be the predominant factor influencing the solid-liquid distribution of Zn in different forms. Even the distribution of Zn in different size fractions is heavily affected by the soil pH, causing dissolution of ZnO-NP and bulk ZnO in acidic soils. In alkaline soils, applied ionic Zn (ZnSO4) remained dissolved. This study shows that ZnO-NP are the most mobile of the three tested forms of Zn in alkaline soils. This may affect the spatial distribution of Zn in soil and potentially increase the effectivity of the application of Zn fertilizer when in nanoparticle form.

Effect of Zinc on the Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Brain of Nickel-Treated Mice.

The overexposure to nickel due to the extensive use of it in modern technology remains a major public health concern. The mechanisms of pathological effects of this metal remain elusive. The present study was devoted to evaluate the effect of nickel on the oxidative state of the brain cells of mice and to assess whether zinc as redox state modulator could efficiently protect cells against nickel's neurotoxicity. As oxidative stress biomarkers in the present study, we have measured the concentrations of reduced glutathione, metallothioneins, and malondialdehyde and the activity of the enzyme δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase. For the single metal exposure, mice were i.p. injected once with solutions of NiCl2 and/or ZnSO4; repeated exposure was performed i.p. injecting metal salt solutions for 14 days (once a day). The control mice received i.p. injections of saline. Results of our study demonstrate that single and 14 days of Ni2+ exposure decreased reduced glutathione and increased malondialdehyde contents in the brain of mice. Repeated Ni2+ administration significantly inhibited δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase while increasing brain metallothionein concentration at both exposure periods. Zinc exhibited a protective effect against nickel-induced glutathione and lipid peroxidation in brain cells of mice at both intervals of time, while repeated exposure to this metal significantly raised the brain metallothionein content. Repeated Zn2+ pretreatment protected δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase from Ni2+-induced inhibition and significantly increased metallothionein concentration at both investigated time intervals.

Effects of Bacillus Subtilis-Zinc on Rats with Congenital Zinc Deficiency.

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis-zinc on growth rates of the body and organs, nutrient utilization, microbial diversity in caecum, and contents of zinc (Zn) in organs of rats fed a Zn-deficient diet. In trial 1, 72 female pregnant SD rats were allocated to two groups and respectively fed the basal diet containing 13mg Zn/kg, or the control diet containing 38mg Zn/kg by supplementing ZnSO4 from day 10 of pregnancy until the offspring rats 24days old. In trial 2, 18 offspring rats from the control group were fed the control diet. Ninety offspring from the Zn deficiency group were allocated to 5 groups and were fed the basal diet drenched with ZnSO4 solution (the total Zn 38mg/kg), the basal diet only, or the basal diet drenched with Bacillus subtilis-Zn at doses of 2, 17, and 32mg/kg Zn respectively. Each group had 3 replicates of 6 rats. The experiment lasted for 5weeks. We found feeding young rats the Zn-deficient diet reduced feed intake, growth rate, unitization efficiencies of nitrogen (N), and Zn content in the organs. Administration of Bacillus subtilis-Zn to rats increased feed intake and the growth rates of the body and liver, kidney and heart, increased N utilization efficiency, and the contents of Zn in heart and brain but not in liver, regulated microbial diversity in the cecal content. The optimal amount of Bacillus subtilis-Zn ranged 15~20mg Zn/kg, with the corresponding total Zn level at 28~33mg/kg diet, the effects of which were superior to these by adding ZnSO4 at 38mg/kg.

Delaminating Vanadium Carbides for Zinc‐Ion Storage: Hydrate Precipitation and H+/Zn2+ Co‐Action Mechanism

AbstractAqueous zinc (Zn) ion energy devices have demonstrated remarkable significance as a substitute of their lithium counterparts. Developing cheap and nontoxic electrode active materials is crucial for maximizing the storage of Zn ions. As a new star of 2D materials, MXenes can pose unique layered structure and abundant surface chemistry, largely benefiting the surface storage of ions. Herein, carbon nanotube (CNT) delaminated V2C MXene (DV2C@CNT) has been demonstrated, as a promising electrode for high‐performance Zn‐ion supercapacitor. The as‐prepared DV2C@CNT electrodes display favorable electrochemical activity with reversible proton (H+) and Zn ion (Zn2+) co‐insertion/extraction process in ZnSO4 solutions. Due to the superior conductive network formed by CNT, the delaminated MXene exhibit a high specific capacity of 190.2 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 with excellent rate performance and durability. More interestingly, the characterizations clearly reveal that zinc hydroxide sulfate hydrate nanoflakes can immediately precipitate onto the electrode even at the initial assembly process, which can be ascribed to the spontaneous formation of the electrostatic field in the primary battery. The operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopic measurements further confirm the dynamic hydrate precipitation during charging/discharging cycles, offering a better understanding of energy storage mechanism in Zn‐ion devices with MXene electrodes.

Exploring the role of zinc fertilization methods for agronomic bio-fortification and its impact on phenology, growth and yield characteristics of maize

Zinc (Zn) is a key mineral nutrient for plant and human growth and its deficiency can reduce the plant growth and development, however; agronomic bio-fortification can cure plant and human Zn deficiency. By using different Zn fertilization approaches, this study investigated the role and its impact on phenology, growth and yield of maize during two growing seasons 2015 and 2016. The treatments comprised of: no Zn application (ZnC0), basal application of 10 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1 (ZnB1), basal application of 15 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1 (ZnB2), foliar application of 1% solution of ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1 (ZnF3), foliar application of 1.5% solution of ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1 (ZnF4) applied to two hybrids of maize (YSM-112 and DK-6525). The maize hybrid DK-6525 showed superiority in term of growth and yield than YSM-112. The ZnF4 brings early emergence, tasseling and silking that resulted in early crop maturity. However, ZnB2 improved crop growth rate, grain yield and Zn concentration in maize grain by 44, 11.39 and 33.24%, respectively than ZnC0 (control). Regression model indicated that each 1 g increment in 1000-grain weight improved the grain yield by 0.01 and 0.16 t ha-1 of YSM-112 and DK-6525, respectively. Conclusively, it is concluded that DK-6525 with ZnB2 is suitable for optimal growth and yield of maize and would also be helpful to optimize the yield and Zn concentration of maize.

Zinc application in conjunction with urea as a fertilization strategy for improving both nitrogen use efficiency and the zinc biofortification of barley.

Intensive cropping systems have caused widespread Zn deficiency, low nutritional quality of cereals and environmental problems. The aim of the microplot field experiment reported in this paper was to assess the option of using Zn in conjunction with urea fertilization in order to reduce N rate and to maintain the yield level and grain quality but minimizing environmental risks. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was cultivated in a calcareous soil under semi-realistic conditions. Combinations of four Zn levels, applied by spraying aqueous solutions of ZnSO4 , and three N levels, applied by spreading granular urea, were tested. Zn and N showed a synergistic effect, increasing yield and Zn content in all plant parts and protein content in grain. A low Zn dosage of 5 kg ha-1 was sufficient to significantly increase the amount of bioavailable Zn in soil and significantly raise its concentration in plant material and also the protein content in grain. The remobilization of Zn from leaf tissue to grain was dependent on the availability of Zn and was only crucial when its bioavailability was low. A Zn dosage of 5 kg ha-1 enhanced the agronomic efficiency of N by 15.5 kg grain kg-1 N. The Zn applied to the soil permitted a reduction in the rate of N with only a small decrease in barley grain yield and nutritional value. However, due to the interannual variability in rainfall, which is characteristic of Mediterranean climates, further studies will be necessary to confirm and extend these results. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Zinc Diffusion and Availability Affected by Different Sources in Soils of Contrasting Textures

Trends in new fertilizer technologies should balance the nutrient release rate from fertilizers with plant demands over time, while developing suitable physical characteristics of the fertilizer’s particles. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of three zinc fertilizers [ZnO, ZnSO4, and a commercial co-granulated ZnO+S0 fertilizer (ES_Zn)] on Zn diffusion in soil and their agronomic performances. A Petri dish trial was carried out in order to evaluate the diffusion of Zn in the soil. The experiment was designed as a factorial scheme (3 + 1) × 2 × 3, with three Zn sources, one control treatment (without Zn application), two soils of contrasting textures (sandy and clay), and three incubation times (1, 30 and 60 d). The experiment was carried out under a completely randomized design with four replications. Zinc diffusion was assessed according to the method proposed by Degryse et al. (2015) along of incubation times. For that, a ZnSO4 solution or ZnO suspension was applied by pipetting 15 μL of solution or suspension into a small hole (~0.5-cm deep) in the center of the Petri dish. A single pastille of ES_Zn fertilizer (30±0.5 mg) was placed in the center of the Petri dish, at the same depth. Soil was watered to 80% of field capacity. Filter papers (Whatman) were impregnated with CaCO3 and placed on the soil surface. After 2 h of reaction, the CaCO3-impregnated filter papers were collected, and the precipitated Zn in the papers was colored with dithizone, giving a pink color. The performance of Zn sources was evaluated in a greenhouse through a successive maize-soybean-millet crop. The trial was designed as a 2 × (3 × 3 +1) factorial scheme, being two soils (sandy and clay), three Zn sources (ZnSO4, ZnO, and ES_Zn), three Zn doses (1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 mg dm-3 Zn), and a control treatment. The experiment was a randomized block design with four replications, being the experimental unit composed of a pot with 4 dm3 of soil. Pastille ES_Zn, ZnO (as suspension), and ZnSO4 (as solution) were applied at five equidistant points, at 5 cm below the soil surface. After 30, 60 and 60 days of planting, shoot of maize soybean and millet were harvest, oven-dried at 70 °C for 72 h (until constant weight), weighed and milled for chemical analysis. ES_Zn fertilizer promoted a delay Zn release in the soil, being effective as a fertilizer only in the last crop (millet), as well as ZnO. Zinc oxide and ZnSO4 had similar performances for increasing Zn availability in the inner soil portion, but its diffusion in soil was superior when the source was sulfate. The highly soluble ZnSO4 was more effective than ZnO-based fertilizers in terms of plant nutrition, especially for the two first crops. Our results also suggest that ZnO is solubilized in soil at high pH (6.6), its dispersion in soil being a key factor for the dissolution rate.

WILLIS METHOD MODIFICATION WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING ROUTINE COPROPARASITOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS

Intestinal parasites still cause high morbidity and mortality, due to poor hygiene and sanitaryconditions, and therefore indiscriminate treatment has been routine practice advocated by thePublic Health staff. Although there is a consensus regarding the need to diagnose such diseases,this is not performed with the necessary care, due to great demand and the lack of a wide rangedand highly sensitive technique. In this sense, most clinical laboratories use routine methods forfecal examination such as the Lutz sedimentation or modified Ritchie methods, which are completeand easy to execute, but do not have adequate sensitivity to detect low density eggs and protozoancysts, especially when there is a predominance of low parasite burdens. In contrast, there aremethods that are based on the flotation of low density developmental forms, namely, the Willismethod (NaCl flotation d=1.120), which is rapid, easy to perform and allows high density eggflotation but with low sensitivity for protozoan cysts; and the Faust method, which is based oncentrifugal flotation of developmental forms in a 33% ZnSO4 (d=1.200) solution, but with thedisadvantage of being lengthy and requiring a centrifuge. In this study, we verified the applicabilityof introducing an alteration in the Willis method, which consisted in the substitution of NaCl byZnSO4 in order to combine the advantages of this method with the Faust method. 208 samples wereassessed by the Willis and Ritchie methods and by the proposed method (modified Willis). Thelatter proved superior to the other two (ρ <0,0001 – X2) regarding the detection of protozoan cysts,but similar to the Ritchie method in regard to other diagnosed parasites, therefore demonstratingthe high potential for the introduction of this modified method in the routine of fecal diagnosis.

Thermal decomposition of bromine gordaite: NaZn4(OH)6(SO4)Br·6H2O

A new compound, NaZn4(OH)6(SO4)Br·6H2O named “Br-gordaite”, was obtained by mixing of ZnO with a solution of ZnSO4 and NaBr. The Br− ion occupies the Cl− ion tetrahedral position of the brucite-like layer of the gordaite structure without any other changes relating to the structure and chemical composition. The thermal decomposition of the new phase was studied by DSC–TG(DTG)–MS in regard to the thermal events and mass loss during volatile releasing, while phase composition and chemical composition of the initial and heating products were studied by XRD and SEM–EDAX, respectively. All processes are endothermic: (1) dehydration (20–185 °C), (2) dehydroxylation (185–320 °C), (3) evolving of bromine (400–600 °C) and (4) evolving of SO3 (770–1165 °C). One-stage releasing of bromine from the “Br-gordaite” was observed at 400–600 °C. Bromine-containing intermediate crystalline phases were not detected by XRD during the “Br-gordaite” decomposition. The presence of bromine in the solid residue at 340 °C was established by chemical analysis, while after 600 °C the bromine was no longer present. The final products of the thermal decomposition of “Br-gordaite” are ZnO and traces of Na2Zn(SO4)2. The thermal behavior and the obtained thermal decomposition products of the “Br-gordaite” were compared with other minerals with Zn octahedral–tetrahedral hydroxide layer.

Development of new electrode materials for thermo-electrochemical cells for waste heat harvesting

Thermoelectrochemical cells (thermogalvanic elements, thermo-cells) are the promising devices for sustainably generating electricity from waste heat. These systems directly convert heat into electricity with a performance governed by the properties of the electrode materials and electrolyte. The influence of the nature of electrodes on fundamental properties such as the Seebeck coefficient and power output are investigated in this work. Two different metal electrodes (Zn(s) and Ni(s)) not studied before in the thermogalvanic applications are examined in the ZnSO4 and NiSO4 aqueous solutions respectively, and compared with conventional Cu(s) electrodes (in the CuSO4 solution). It is established that for the copper and zinc electrodes, the experimental values ​​do correspond to theoretical values ​​and are well correlated with the data for similar thermogalvanic cells published earlier. It has been recognized that in the case of the nickel electrode there is a two-step mechanism and extremely high (for aqueous systems), value ​​of the hypothetical Seebeck coefficient (about of 2.83 mV/K with a temperature gradient in the range of 30–60 K) is observed. It is shown that nickel electrode ensures double power output in comparison with previously studied copper one, which makes it highly promising for further research. It is supposed that the effect obtained with Ni electrodes characterized with well-developed surface area allows producing the commercial thermo-electrochemical cells for waste heat harvesting.

Antimicrobial property and water-triggered release characteristics of zinc sulphate-polyvinyl acetate adhesive blend

Water-triggered antimicrobial blends are beneficial in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in moist environment. In this study, zinc sulfate polyvinyl acetate blend was fabricated by mixing polyvinyl acetate adhesive to zinc sulfate solution. Zinc sulfate served as the antimicrobial component while polyvinyl acetate adhesive served as the binder and water soluble component. White and translucent blends are produced in the study. The results of Disc Diffusion method showed that the zinc sulfate polyvinyl acetate blend has an antimicrobial property against Escherichia coli. Conductivity measurements show that the conductivity increases through time due to the release of zinc ions in water. Results show that the sample with higher amount of zinc sulfate solution has higher saturation conductivity and longer saturation time. Lastly, color analysis shows that the transmittance of the samples decreases as the amount of ZnSO4 solution added in the blend increases.

Complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) with (Z)-10-(2-(4-Amino-5-Thioxo-4,5-Dihydro-1H-1,2,4-Triazol-3-yl)hydrazono)-9-Phenanthrone: Synthesis, Spectral Studies, and Quantum Chemical Simulation of the Structures

The complexes of (Z)-10-(2-(4-amino-5-thioxo-4,5-dihydro-1Н-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)hydrazono)-9-phenanthrone (HL) with the Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) salts, [CoLAcDMF] (I), [NiLAcDMF] (II), [CuL(Н2О)]ClO4 (III), and [CuLAc] (IV), are synthesized and studied. The titration of a solution of HL in DMF with aqueous solutions of CoAc2, NiAc2, Cu(ClO4)2, CuAc2, Cd(NO3)2, or ZnSO4 leads to the bathochromic shift of the long-wavelength absorption band by 35–77 nm in the UV spectra. The formation constants and compositions of the complexes in solutions are determined from the results of titration. The structures of complexes I–IV are proposed on the basis of the DFT calculations and spectral data: the ligand being in the deprotonated form of the thione tautomer is coordinated by the metal cations through the oxygen atom of the carbonyl group and the nitrogen atoms of the hydrazo and amino groups to form two metallocycles, six- and five-membered (6 + 5). The coordination mode is completed by the acetate ion and DMF molecule (in I and II), acetate ion (in IV), or Н2О molecule (in III).

Giardia duodenalis assemblages in cats from Virginia, USA.

Giardia duodenalis is considered a species complex that is divided into 8 genetically distinct but morphologically identical assemblages (A-H). Assemblages C-H are generally host adapted, while A and B infect both people and animals and are considered potentially zoonotic. Furthermore, within assemblage A there are four subtypes (AI, AII, AIII, and AIV) of varying zoonotic potential; human isolates belong to AI and AII, while animal isolates belong to AI, AIII and AIV. Assemblages A, B, C, D, and F have all been reported from cats. The objective of this study was to determine the assemblage(s) of G. duodenalis present in cats from Virginia using multilocus genotyping and to assess if there were any differences among the assemblage(s) found in the populations of cats surveyed (free-roaming, shelter, owned) or their geographic location within Virginia. Samples that were positive for G. duodenalis cysts by microscopy using centrifugal flotation with ZnSO4 solution and/or direct immunofluorescence assay were genotyped using PCR and sequencing targeting fragments of the SSU rRNA, gdh, bg, and tpi genes. In total, 54 cyst-positive samples were analyzed by PCR and sequencing: 43 produced amplicons, and 37 samples had interpretable sequence data at one or more loci. Assemblage F was detected in 21/37 samples, AI was detected in 12/37 samples, and in 4/37 samples both assemblages F and AI were detected. The potentially zoonotic assemblage AI was detected in cats from two widely separated animal shelters and from one free-roaming cat. These genotyping data demonstrate that potentially zoonotic G. duodenalis assemblages are present in cats in Virginia.

Zinc Fertilizers and Additives for Foliar Fertilization of Cocoa Seedlings

Foliar fertilization is an interesting strategy for nutrition with micronutrients in perennial plants; among the micronutrients, zinc (Zn) deficiency is the most frequent in cocoa trees (Theobroma cacao L.). The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Zn sources through foliar application for the cocoa crop. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, with 10 treatments and four replicates. Treatments were: foliar fertilizations containing 1 g L-1 of Zn using two inorganic sources (chloride and sulfate), in the presence or absence of additives (urea and sucrose); two organic sources (Zn-EDTA, and from chloride and sulfate); soil fertilization with 8 mg dm-3 of Zn, and a control (without addition of Zn). Foliar fertilizations with Zn were monthly applied for five months, and the experiment was conducted for 210 days. The results were subjected to analyses of variance and contrast. Zn fertilization, regardless of the form of application, increased Zn contents and accumulations in the leaves. Zn fertilization in the soil, at planting, led to a recovery rate by the plant similar to the mean value caused by foliar fertilizations. ZnCl2 caused higher Zn contents and accumulations in the leaves and was more efficient than sulfate and EDTA; addition of urea to the ZnSO4 solution increased Zn accumulation in the leaves, whereas addition of sucrose to the ZnCl2 solution reduced Zn content in the leaves.

Fast Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Pure Layered δ-MnO₂ for Multivalent Ion Intercalation.

This work reports on the synthesis of layered manganese oxides (δ-MnO2) and their possible application as cathode intercalation materials in Al-ion and Zn-ion batteries. By using a one-pot microwave-assisted synthesis route in 1.6 M KOH (MnVII:MnII = 0.33), a pure layered δ-MnO2 birnessite phase without any hausmannite traces was obtained after only a 14 h reaction time period at 110 °C. Attempts to enhance crystallinity level of as-prepared birnessite through increasing of reaction time up to 96 h in 1.6 M KOH failed and led to decreases in crystallinity and the emergence of an additional hausmannite phase. The influence of MnII:OH− ratio (1:2 to 1:10) on phase crystallinity and hausmannite phase formation for 96 h reaction time was investigated as well. By increasing alkalinity of the reaction mixture up to 2.5 M KOH, a slight increase in crystallinity of birnessite phase was achieved, but hausmannite formation couldn’t be inhibited as hoped. The as-prepared layered δ-MnO2 powder material was spray-coated on a carbon paper and tested in laboratory cells with Al or Zn as active materials. The Al-ion tests were carried out in EMIMCl/AlCl3 while the Zn-Ion experiments were performed in water containing choline acetate (ChAcO) or a ZnSO4 solution. Best performance in terms of capacity was yielded in the Zn-ion cell (200 mWh g−1 for 20 cycles) compared to about 3 mAh g−1 for the Al-ion cell. The poor activity of the latter system was attributed to low dissociation rate of tetrachloroaluminate ions (AlCl4−) in the EMIMCl/AlCl3 mixture into positive Al complexes which are needed for charge compensation of the oxide-based cathode during the discharge step.