This environmental study aims to assess the levels of heavy metal pollution in tea plantation soils and evaluate the associated ecological risk. Soil samples were collected from various tea plantations in the study area, and the concentrations of heavy metals were determined using standardized analytical methods. Ecological risk assessment models were employed to estimate the potential risks posed by these pollutants to the surrounding ecosystems. The results revealed significant contamination of tea plantation soils with heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As). Moreover, the ecological risk assessment indicated a high potential for adverse effects on soil organisms and nearby water bodies. The findings highlight the urgent need for effective management strategies to mitigate heavy metal pollution in tea plantation soils and safeguard the ecological health of the surrounding areas.

This research article investigates the association between dietary fiber, protein, and fat with manganese content in food. Manganese is an essential micronutrient involved in various physiological processes, and its dietary intake is crucial for maintaining optimal health. The study aimed to uncover the relationship between dietary fiber, protein, and fat and the manganese content in different food sources. Methods involved the analysis of a diverse range of food samples for their manganese content and determination of their dietary fiber, protein, and fat composition. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the associations. The results elucidate the significant influence of dietary fiber, protein, and fat on the manganese content in various foods. The findings provide valuable insights into the factors affecting manganese intake through dietary choices. Understanding this link can contribute to optimizing manganese intake and promoting overall health and well-being.

This study aimed to compare the chemical and nutritional values of extracted pectin from three different local banana cultivars (Giant Governor, Sabri, and Kola) in Bangladesh. The pectin was extracted using a hot acid extraction method, and the chemical properties were analysed, including yield, moisture content, ash content, galacturonic acid content, and methoxy content. Nutritional analysis was also performed to determine the total phenolic content, total antioxidant activity, and sugar profile of the extracted pectin. The results showed that the pectin yield was highest in the Sabri cultivar (16.20%) and lowest in the Kola cultivar (13.89%). The Sabri cultivar also had the highest moisture content and ash content, while the Kola cultivar had the highest galacturonic acid content and methoxy content. The total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity were highest in the Sabri cultivar, followed by the Giant Governor and Kola cultivars. The sugar profile analysis revealed that all three cultivars contained high amounts of galactose and arabinose, which are essential for the gelling properties of pectin. Overall, the Sabri cultivar was found to have the highest pectin yield and nutritional value among the three cultivars.

This article presents the results of a study of the accumulation of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd) in the leaves of ornamental trees in two families Magnoliaceae (2 species) and Pinaceae (2 species) in the urban environment of the city of Tashkent. Growing in the Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, and on the central streets of Amir Temur in Tashkent. In the leaves of trees in the urban environment, there is an excess of background concentrations of lead, copper and zinc. The maximum content of heavy metals in trees noted in the areas of industrial enterprises and in areas with increased traffic load. Species features of metal accumulation revealed. Ornamental trees with a high metal storage capacity can be useful for phytoremediation of polluted urban areas.

Zinc deficiency is a major health concern in many developing countries, and rice is a staple food for millions of people worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the effect of zinc biofortification on nutrient concentration in rice grain. Two rice cultivars were grown under zinc-sufficient and zinc-deficient conditions, with and without zinc fertilization. Zinc biofortification significantly increased zinc concentration in rice grain and improved the bioavailability of other micronutrients, such as iron and manganese. However, there was no significant effect of zinc biofortification on the macronutrient concentration of rice grain. These findings suggest that zinc biofortification can be an effective strategy to address micronutrient malnutrition in rice-consuming populations.