Zn Content (zn + content)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Local 3D real space atomic structure of the simple icosahedral Ho11Mg15Zn74 quasicrystal from PDF data

CRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2003
S. Brühne
Abstract We present a new complementary strategy to quasicrystalline structure determination: The local atomic structure of simple icosahedral (si) Ho11Mg15Zn74 [a(6D) = 5.144(3)Å in a sphere of up to r = 17Å was refined using the atomic pair distribution function (PDF) from in-house X-ray powder diffraction data (MoK,1, Qmax = 13.5Å,1; R = 20.4%). The basic building block is a 105-atom Bergman-Cluster {Ho8Mg12Zn85}. Its center is occupied by a Zn atom , in contrast to a void in face centred icosahedral (fci) Ho9Mg26Zn65. The center is then surrounded by another 12 Zn atoms, forming an icosahedron (1st shell). The 2nd shell is made up of 8 Ho atoms arranged on the vertices of a cube which in turn is completed to a pentagon dodecahedron by 12 Mg atoms, the dodecahedron then being capped by 12 Zn atoms. The 3rd shell is a distorted soccer ball of 60 Zn atoms, reflecting the higher Zn content of the si phase compared to the fci phase. In our model, 7% of all atoms are situated in between the clusters. The model corresponds to a hypothetical 1/1-approximant of the icosahedral (i) phase. The local coordinations of the single atoms are of a much distorted Frank-Kasper type and call to mind those present in 0/1-Mg2Zn11. (© 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]


Changes in the potential quantum yield of photosystem II and the integrity of cell membranes relative to the elemental content of the epilithic desert lichen Ramalina maciformis

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2002
Jacob Garty
Abstract The present study used the epilithic fruticose lichen Ramalina maciformis to investigate the occurrence of mineral elements, including heavy metals, at a distance of up to 50 km from the industrial region in Ramat Hovav in the Negev Desert, Israel. The major objective of this study was an analytical comparison of elemental content and physiological parameters of lichen vitality, apart from a test of the applicability of this specific lichen in investigations of air pollution. The Ca, Cr, Cu, K, Mg, Na, Pb, S, Sr, and Zn content of thalli from the unpolluted Tellalim site collected in August 1997, transferred to 24 biomonitoring sites, and retrieved in April 1998 was analyzed in comparison with the following parameters: The potential quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII), and the integrity of cell membranes. Transplanted thalli in several sites at Ramat Hovav accumulated large amounts of most of the elements. The K content of the transplants located in the polluted sites indicated a leakage of this element, because this content was lower than that of thalli in unpolluted sites. Calcium, Cu, Mn, and Na showed an inverse correlation with the K content of the lichen. Calcium, Cu, and Sr showed an inverse correlation with the Fv/Fm ratio expressing the potential quantum yield of PSII. Calcium, Cr, Cu, Mg, Na, S, and Sr showed a positive correlation with the electrical conductivity corresponding with cell-membrane disintegration. The present study demonstrated a meaningful connection between enlarged concentrations of certain elements and physiological phenomena. The capability of the lichen to detect air pollution was found to be satisfactory. The dispersion of airborne heavy metals was found, however, to be local and limited to a few hundred meters from the source of pollution. [source]


Composition- and Shape-Controlled Synthesis and Optical Properties of ZnxCd1,xS Alloyed Nanocrystals,

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 3 2005
C. Li
Abstract Composition-tunable ZnxCd1,xS alloyed nanocrystals have been synthesized by a new approach consisting of thermolyzing a mixture of cadmium ethylxanthate (Cd(exan)2) and zinc ethylxanthate (Zn(exan)2) precursors in hot, coordinating solvents at relatively low temperatures (180,210,°C). The composition of the alloyed nanocrystals was accurately adjusted by controlling the molar ratio of Cd(exan)2 to Zn(exan)2 in the mixed reactants. The alloyed ZnxCd1,xS nanocrystals prepared in HDA/TOP (HDA: hexadecylamine; TOP: trioctylphosphine) solution exhibit composition-dependent shape and phase structures as well as composition-dependent optical properties. The shape of the ZnxCd1,xS nanocrystals changed from dot to single-armed rod then to multi-armed rod with a decrease of Zn content in the ternary nanoparticles. The alloying nature of the ZnxCd1,xS nanocrystals was consistently confirmed by the results of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Further, the shape-controlled synthesis of the ternary alloyed nanocrystals was realized by selecting appropriate solvents. Uniform nanodots in the whole composition range were obtained from TOPO/TOP solution, (TOPO: trioctylphosphine oxide) and uniform nanorods in the whole composition range were prepared from HDA/OA solution (OA: octylamine). The effect of the reaction conditions, such as solvent, reaction temperature, and reaction time, on the PL spectra of the alloyed ZnxCd1,xS nanocrystals was also systematically studied, and the reaction conditions were optimized for improving the PL properties of the nanocrystals. [source]


The effect of roasting on the nutritional and antioxidant properties of yellow and white maize varieties

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 6 2010
Ganiyu Oboh
Summary Maize varieties (yellow and white) were roasted for 17 min; and allowed to cool, and later milled into powder. The nutritional evaluation (proximate composition, mineral and antinutrient content determination) and antioxidant properties investigation (reducing power, free radicals scavenging ability and Fe2+ chelating ability) of the product was subsequently carried out. The result of the study revealed that roasting caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the crude fat, carbohydrate, Ca, Na, Mg and Zn content. Conversely, a significant decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in crude protein, crude fibre, Fe and K content. A significant decrease in the phytate content was also observed. However, the reduced phytate content did not have sparing effect on Zn bioavailability. Roasting significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the extractible phenol and flavonoid content of the maize varieties. The antioxidant properties (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydracyl free radical scavenging ability and Fe2+ chelating ability) followed the phenolic content pattern. However, roasting caused a significant increase in the ferric reducing antioxidant power of the maize varieties. Thus, roasting reduced the protein content of maize but also increased the energy value and antioxidant capacity as exemplified by high reducing power. [source]


Concentration of copper, iron, manganese and zinc in muscle, fat and bone tissue of lambs of the breed German Merino Landsheep in the course of the growing period and different feeding intensities

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 3-4 2007
G. Bellof
Summary A growth experiment with 108 lambs (breed German Merino Landsheep) was carried out in order to examine how gender, body weight and feeding intensity affect trace element concentrations in tissues and carcass. The lambs (50% male and 50% female) were fattened at three levels of feeding intensity (,low', ,medium' and ,high' by varying daily amounts of concentrate and hay) and slaughtered at different final body weights (30, 45 or 55 kg). Six male and six female animals were sacrificed at 18 kg live weight at the beginning of the comparative slaughter experiment. The left half carcass of each animal was divided into muscle tissue, fat tissue as well as bones and sinews and analysed for the trace elements copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) as well as zinc (Zn). The body weight level influenced the Zn concentrations significantly in all tissues. In addition, the Fe concentration in the fat tissue was influenced by the body weight as well as the Cu content in the bone tissue. An influence due to gender could be seen for the Zn concentration in the muscle and fat tissue and for the Fe content in the fat and bone tissue as well as for the Cu concentration in the bones. The feeding intensity affected the Cu content in the muscle and bone tissue and also the Zn content in the muscle tissue. In the present study with lambs at body weight range from 18 to 55 kg on an average, 127 mg Fe, 87 mg Zn, 1.5 mg Cu as well as 1.1 mg Mn per kilogram dry matter were found in the bone tissue. In lamb muscle tissue combined from all parts (body weight range from 18 to 45 kg, both genders) the highest concentrations were for Zn and Fe [3.42 and 1.31 mg/100 g meat (wet weight basis)], while Cu remained far below these levels (0.08 mg/100 g meat and Mn was even below the detection limit of 0.025 mg/kg). Lamb muscle is a valuable source for highly available haem-Fe as well as for Zn and Cu in human nutrition. [source]


High Q Microwave Dielectric Ceramics in (Ni1,x Znx)Nb2O6 System

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 5 2009
Sandeep Butee
(Ni1,xZnx)Nb2O6, 0,x,1.0, ceramics with >97% density were prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction, followed by sintering at 1200°,1300°C (depending on the value of x). The XRD patterns of the sintered samples (0,x,1.0) revealed single-phase formation with a columbite (Pbcn) structure. The unit cell volume slightly increased with increasing Zn content (x). All the compositions showed high electrical resistivity (,dc=1.6±0.3 × 1011,·cm). The microwave (4,5 GHz) dielectric properties of (Ni1,xZnx)Nb2O6 ceramics exhibited a significant dependence on the Zn content and to some extent on the morphology of the grains. As x was increased from 0 to 1, the average grain size monotonically increased from 7.6 to 21.2 ,m and the microwave dielectric constant (,,r) increased from 23.6 to 26.1, while the quality factors (Qu×f) increased from 18 900 to 103 730 GHz and the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (,f) increased from ,62 to ,73 ppm/°C. In the present work, we report the highest observed values of Qu×f=103 730 GHz, and ,,r=26.1 for the ZnNb2O6 -sintered ceramics. [source]


Partition of metals in the Vistula River and in effluents from sewage treatment plants in the region of Cracow (Poland)

LAKES & RESERVOIRS: RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2000
C. Guéguen
Abstract The Vistula River suffers from heavy pollution with multiple origins. In the upper reaches, metallic and chlorine pollution originates from the mining and industrial region of Upper Silesia. Downstream from Upper Silesia, urban and industrial sewage adds more metallic and organic contaminants from the large urban agglomeration of Cracow. Although the river status is monitored routinely, little is known about the partition of metals between particulate and dissolved forms. This study focuses on metal partitioning and on the impact of the two main wastewater treatment plants at Cracow on metal concentrations in the Vistula River. The Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn content was measured in both dissolved and particulate fractions. High metal concentrations in the Vistula River persist, although current levels seem to be lower than those in the past. Metal concentrations in the Vistula River and effluents from the sewage treatment plants at Cracow are similar, indicating a relatively minor contribution from the treated sewage. However, untreated sewage may be a significant source of contaminants. Despite high anthropogenic metal concentrations, the metal partitioning coefficients (Kd) in the Vistula are similar to these found in unpolluted rivers. Within a narrow pH range, Kd values depend on the metal affinity to particles, but there is no evidence of dependence on particle or chloride concentrations. An important fraction of the toxic metals Pb and Cd is associated with particles, which may decrease their immediate availability to the biota of the river. [source]


Using farmer knowledge to combat low productive spots in rice fields of a Sahelian irrigation scheme

LAND DEGRADATION AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 4 2004
P. J. A. van Asten
Abstract In the oldest sections of Burkina Faso's largest irrigation scheme in the Sourou Valley (13°,10,,N, 03°,30,W) rice (Oryza sativa L.) yields dropped from about 5 to 6,t,ha,1 in the early 1990s, shortly after establishment of the scheme, to 2 to 4,t,ha,1 from 1995 onwards. Farmers blamed this yield decline on the appearance of 2 to 20,m diameter low productive spots. According to farmers and field measurements, the low productive spots decreased yields by 25,50 per cent. The low productive spots are caused by Zn deficiency. Low Zn availability is related to the very low DTPA-extractable Zn content of the soil (0·08,0·46,mg,kg,1), the alkaline-calcareous character of the soil, the non-application of Zn fertilizers, and a relatively large P fertilizer dose (21,kg,P,ha,1). Farmers were correct in relating the calcareous nature of the soil to the presence of the low productive spots. They were instrumental in identifying application of decomposed organic resources (e.g. rice straw at 5,t,ha,1) as a short-term solution that increases yields by 1·5 to 2·0,t,ha,1. Application of Zn fertilizer (10,kg,Zn,ha,1) in 29 farmer fields in the 2001 dry season eradicated the low productive spots and increased yields from 3·4 to 6·0,t,ha,1. Although application of Zn fertilizer is strongly recommended, it is not yet available in Burkina Faso. Based on a comparison of fertilizer prices on the world market and the local market, we expect that the use of Zn fertilizers will be highly profitable (cost/value ratio,,,2). Despite the relatively recent introduction of irrigated rice cropping, most farmers showed a good understanding of cropping constraints and possible solutions. Both farmers and researchers mutually benefited from each other's knowledge and observations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Distribution of Zn in functionally different leaf epidermal cells of the hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens

PLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 7 2000
B. Frey
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to show the potential of Thlaspi caerulescens in the cleaning-up of a moderately Zn -contaminated soil and to elucidate tolerance mechanisms at the cellular and subcellular level for the detoxification of the accumulated metal within the leaf. Measured Zn concentrations in shoots were high and reached a maximum value of 83 mmol kg,1 dry mass, whereas total concentrations of Zn in the roots were lower (up to 13 mmol kg,1). In order to visualize and quantify Zn at the subcellular level in roots and leaves, ultrathin cryosections were analysed using energy-dispersive X-ray micro-analysis. Elemental maps of ultrathin cryosections showed that T. caerulescens mainly accumulated Zn in the vacuoles of epidermal leaf cells and Zn was almost absent from the vacuoles of the cells from the stomatal complex, thereby protecting the guard and subsidiary cells from high Zn concentrations. Observed patterns of Zn distribution between the functionally different epidermal cells were the same in both the upper and lower epidermis, and were independent of the total Zn content of the plant. Zinc stored in vacuoles was evenly distributed and no Zn-containing crystals or deposits were observed. From the elemental maps there was no indication that P, S or Cl was associated with the high Zn concentrations in the vacuoles. In addition, Zn also accumulated in high concentrations in both the cell walls of epidermal cells and in the mesophyll cells, indicating that apoplastic compartmentation is another important mechanism involved in zinc tolerance in the leaves of T. caerulescens. [source]


Effect of dietary phosphorus sources and varying levels of supplemental phosphorus on survival, growth and body composition of postlarval shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

AQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 5 2008
J. NIU
Abstract Two experiments were conducted for 30 days each to investigate the effective phosphorus source and supplemental phosphorus levels for postlarval Litopenaeus vannamei. The first experiment was performed in postlarval shrimp (mean initial wet weight 2 mg) fed four isoenergic and isonitrogenous diets containing three supplemented inorganic phosphorus sources [D1: no supplemental phosphorus, D2: NaH2PO4·2H2O, D3: KH2PO4·2H2O, D4: Ca(H2PO4)2·2H2O]. The quantities of the three supplemental NaH2PO4·2H2O, KH2PO4·2H2O and Ca(H2PO4)2·2H2O were 11.6, 12.8 and 10 g kg,1 of the diet, respectively in order to make the three diets have the same total phosphorus. Growth performance (final mean body weight, FBW; weight gain, WG; specific growth ratio, SGR) of shrimp in D3 treatment was the highest and had significant difference with the D1 treatment. The survival of shrimp in D3 treatment was the highest and had significant difference with the other treatments. The mineral concentration and body composition of shrimp were not significantly different among treatments. We could conclude that KH2PO4·2H2O was the optimal phosphorus source for postlarval L. vannamei from the growth performance and survival. The second experiment was performed in postlarval shrimp (mean initial wet weight 0.88 mg) fed four isoenergic and isonitrogenous diets containing four supplemental KH2PO4·2H2O levels (d1, d2, d3 and d4 with 0, 5, 10 and 20 g kg,1, respectively). Shrimp in d2 treatment showed the highest growth performance and survival and also showed significant difference with other diet treatments. The whole body content of zinc (Zn) increased with the increase of dietary KH2PO4·2H2O and significant differences were observed when dietary KH2PO4·2H2O reached 5 g kg,1, excess KH2PO4·2H2O supplementation (10 and 20 g kg,1) had a negative effect on Zn content, the Zn content significantly decreased when KH2PO4·2H2O was 20 g kg,1. We can conclude that the amount of total phosphorus in the diet should be maintained between 20.9 and 22.0 g kg,1, the amount of supplemental KH2PO4·2H2O in the diet is less than 10 g kg,1. [source]


Bioavailability of amino acids chelated and glass embedded zinc to rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, fingerlings

AQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 4 2001
M.J. Apines
A 2 × 4 factorial experiment was conducted to determine the bioavailability of zinc (Zn) from amino acids chelated (Zn,Am) and glass embedded Zn (Zn,Gl) as sources for rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, fed practical type diets. Two levels of Zn (20 and 40 mg kg,1) were supplemented to the diets using either zinc sulphate (Zn,Sf), zinc methionine (Zn,Mt), Zn,Am or Zn,Gl. Rainbow trout with an average weight of 2 g were fed the experimental diets for 15 weeks. Growth and feed gain ratio (FGR) were not significantly influenced by the dietary Zn content and forms. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity for both levels of Zn,Am was significantly higher than that of Zn,Sf and Zn,Gl at 20 mg supplementation. In another experiment, fish of about 95 g were fed the same experimental diets to determine the absorption of Zn and it was found to be significantly higher from Zn,Am compared with the rest. Retention from Zn,Am at 20 mg was significantly higher than the rest, excluding Zn,Sf. The results suggest that the availability of Zn from Zn,Am might be superior among the sources compared. [source]


Effects of dietary zinc levels on growth, serum zinc, haematological parameters and tissue trace elements of soft-shelled turtles, Pelodiscus sinensis

AQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 3 2010
S.-C. HUANG
Abstract A 10-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary zinc (Zn) contents on the growth, tissue trace element contents and serum Zn levels in soft-shelled turtles, Pelodiscus sinensis. Juvenile soft-shelled turtles approximately 4.8 g in body weight were fed casein-based diets containing seven levels of Zn (14, 23, 32, 43, 58, 87 and 100 mg kg,1) for 10 weeks. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) or protein efficiency ratio (PER) among the dietary treatments. However, Zn concentrations in the liver, serum and carapace of turtles fed the basal diet containing 14 mg Zn kg,1 were the lowest among all groups. Zn contents in the liver, serum and carapace increased when dietary Zn increased up to a dietary Zn level of approximately 43 mg kg,1. Beyond this dietary level, tissue Zn contents were relatively constant. Carapace iron (Fe), selenium (Se) in hard tissues and haemoglobin concentrations decreased when dietary Zn increased. Dietary Zn requirements of juvenile soft-shelled turtles derived from regression modelling using the liver, serum, carapace and bone Zn contents as indicators were 42, 39, 35 and 46 mg Zn kg,1, respectively. [source]