不同生态条件下华抗草78水稻对杂草的干扰控制作用

对不同水稻叶龄、水层深度、水稻密度和保水时间条件下水稻对杂草控制效果进行研究.结果表明,具有化感特性的水稻品系华抗草78对稗草、鳢肠、异型莎草等杂草的抑制率显著优于无化感特性品种Lemont;华抗草78对0～1.5叶期稗草和0～0.3叶期异型莎草的控制效果优于1.5～2.4叶期稗草和0.8～2.0叶期异型莎草;移栽时叶龄与栽插密度互作有利于提高华抗草78对杂草的防效,并明显高于移栽时叶龄分别与水层深度和保水时间互作效应.适当提高水稻移栽时的叶龄、增加移栽密度可显著提高华抗草78对供试杂草的抑制率.     

Effects of Stress Modifier Biostimulants on Vegetative Growth,Nutrients, and Antioxidants Contents of Garden Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) Under Water Deficit Conditions

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of stress modulators on vegetative growth, antioxidants, and nutrient content of Thymus vulgaris L. under water deficit stress conditions. A factorial experiment was performed in the form of a randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and 3 replications in the 2019–2020 growing season. The factors were stress modulators at 5 levels (ZN: zinc nano-fertilizer, AA: amino acid, SW: seaweed, HA: humic acid and C: control) and irrigation regime at 2 levels [FIrr: full irrigation (100% field capacity) and DIrr: deficit irrigation (50% field capacity)]. The highest plant height, number of branches, and total dry weight of the garden thyme plant were observed in the foliar application of HA and SW under full irrigation conditions. Relative water content, chlorophyll a and b, and uptake of nutrients (N, P, and K) were reduced under water deficit stress, but the foliar application of stress modulators increased relative water content, chlorophyll content, and nutrient uptake of the garden thyme plant significantly compared with control. The water deficit increased proline content, total flavonoid, and phenol content in the garden thyme plant. So, the highest total flavonoid and phenol content was obtained from plants treated with HA, whereas proline content was higher in the control plants. Soluble sugars and essential oil increased significantly under water deficit stress conditions. The foliar application of HA compared to the control plant increased soluble sugars and essential oil in garden thymes. The activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes were improved in stress modulator treatments such as HA and SW compared to control plants under water deficit stress conditions. The plants of garden thymes showed a good response to stress modulator treatments under water stress conditions, and HA and SW treatments were found to be more effective.

     

Influence of lead,cadmium, and nickel on the growth ofMedicago sativa (L.)

Summary Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), cv. Iroquois, was grown in the greenhouse in soils amended with additions of either lead, cadmium, or nickel. Metals, at rates varying from 0–250 ppm, were not uniformly mixed but were placed close to the soil surface so as to simulate surface deposition. In one series of experiments the sulphate salt of each metal and two soils were used. In a second series of experiments the nitrate salts and one soil were used. Neither salt of lead significantly depressed alfalfa yields. Both salts of either cadmium or nickel significantly depressed yields. Additions of all metals to the soil resulted in both increased metal uptake and concentrations in alfalfa tissue, particularly for cadmium and nickel. The highest tissue concentrations of cadmium and nickel were associated with plant stunting and necrosis. However, at rates of 125 ppm and less, substantial increases in cadmium and nickel concentrations were obtained frequently without serious yield reductions. Generally, metal concentrations were greatest in the first harvest following metal application. Concentration and uptake of lead and cadmium were greater when the metal was applied to the soil as nitrate than when applied as the sulphate salt.     

The effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on the growth,physiology, and Cd uptake of Arundo donax L.

In this study, plant growth-promoting potential isolates from rhizosphere of 10 weed species grown in heavy metal-contaminated areas were identified and their effect on growth, antioxidant enzymes, and cadmium (Cd) uptake in Arundo donax L. was explored. Plant growth-promoting traits of isolates were also analyzed. These isolates were found to produce siderophores and enzymes such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, and aid in solubilization of mineral nutrients and modulate plant growth and development. Based on the presence of multiple plant growth-promoting traits, isolates were selected for molecular characterization and inoculation studies. Altogether, 58 isolates were obtained and 20% of them were able to tolerate Cd up to 400 ppm. The sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA genes indicates that the isolates belong to the phylum Firmicutes. Bacillus sp. along with mycorrhizae inoculation significantly improves the growth, the activity of antioxidants enzymes, and the Cd uptake in A. donax than Bacillus alone. Highly significant correlations were observed between Cd uptake, enzymatic activities, and plant growth characteristics at 1% level of significance. The synergistic interaction effect between these organisms helps to alleviate Cd effects on soil. Heavy metal-tolerant isolate along with arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) could be used to improve the phytoremedial potential of plants.     

Trace metal uptake by garden herbs and vegetables

In many regions of Iran, crops are irrigated with municipal and industrial wastewater that contain a variety of metals. The purpose of this study was to simulate the level of metals that may be presented to plants over a growing season in a controlled laboratory setting. Cadmium, lead, arsenic, chromium, mercury, nickel, copper, zinc, and selenium were applied to plants at the high rate of 200 g metal/ha/wk. The following plants were examined for metal accumulation and effects on yield: garden cress (Lipidium sativum), leek (Allium porrum L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), mint (Mentha arvensis L.), onion (Allium capa L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), and tarragon (Artemisia draculus L.). All plants showed significant uptake of all metals when compared to control (p=0.05), and growth was significantly reduced (p=0.05). Cadmium and chromium levels of 85±7.4 and 47.6±8.9 μg/g); selenium levels were highest in tarragon (16.5±5.8 μg/g). Zinc levels were similar (p=0.05) in all species tested, as were mercury and lead. The remaining metals (nickel and copper) showed significant differences in uptake, depending on plant species.     

Plasma lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte antioxidants status in workers exposed to nickel

The objectives were to investigate the plasma lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte antioxidants status in workers exposed to nickel. The study groups comprised 69 nickel plating workers and 50 office workers residing in the same city, but away from the place of work of the study group subjects, considered as control group. Urinary nickel concentration was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The plasma lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte antioxidants were measured by spectrophotmetric methods. The plasma lipid peroxidation level was significantly increased in nickel-platers and their helpers as compared with controls. Erythrocyte antioxidants were significantly decreased in the nickel-platers compared with the controls. The level of plasma lipid peroxidation was positively and erythrocyte antioxidants were negatively and significantly correlated with the urine nickel levels. Multiple regression analysis assessed the oxidative stress associated with nickel and other potential confounding factors such as body mass index, the consumption of green vegetables, coffee, tea, smoking and alcohol consumption. Analysis showed that the lifestyle confounding factors: the consumption of green vegetables, smoking and alcohol, were not significantly associated with oxidative stress. The exposure to nickel, body mass index and coffee consumption were significantly associated with oxidative stress. The results show that the increased plasma lipid peroxidation and decreased erythrocyte antioxidants levels observed in nickel-exposed workers could be used as biomarkers of oxidative stress.     

Plasma lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte antioxidants status in workers exposed to nickel

The objectives were to investigate the plasma lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte antioxidants status in workers exposed to nickel. The study groups comprised 69 nickel plating workers and 50 office workers residing in the same city, but away from the place of work of the study group subjects, considered as control group. Urinary nickel concentration was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The plasma lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte antioxidants were measured by spectrophotmetric methods. The plasma lipid peroxidation level was significantly increased in nickel-platers and their helpers as compared with controls. Erythrocyte antioxidants were significantly decreased in the nickel-platers compared with the controls. The level of plasma lipid peroxidation was positively and erythrocyte antioxidants were negatively and significantly correlated with the urine nickel levels. Multiple regression analysis assessed the oxidative stress associated with nickel and other potential confounding factors such as body mass index, the consumption of green vegetables, coffee, tea, smoking and alcohol consumption. Analysis showed that the lifestyle confounding factors: the consumption of green vegetables, smoking and alcohol, were not significantly associated with oxidative stress. The exposure to nickel, body mass index and coffee consumption were significantly associated with oxidative stress. The results show that the increased plasma lipid peroxidation and decreased erythrocyte antioxidants levels observed in nickel-exposed workers could be used as biomarkers of oxidative stress.     

Phytoaccumulation and tolerance of Riccinus communis L. to nickel

The phytotoxicity due to nickel (Ni) and its accumulation in castor (Ricinus communis L.) plant of Euphorbiaceae family resulting from its addition from low to very high levels to a swell-shrink clayey soil (Haplustert) was studied in a pot culture experiment. Nine levels of Ni (0, 10, 40, 80, 120, 160, 180, 200, 250 mg Ni kg(-1) soil) were applied. Crop was harvested at 45 days after sowing. At the higher Ni levels, beyond 200 mg Ni kg(-1) soil, reduced growth symptom was recorded. The concentration of Ni in plant parts increased with increasing dose of applied Ni. Nickel concentration in castor root ranged from traces (control) to 455 mg kg(-1) and was directly related to soil Ni concentration. At 200 mg Ni kg(-1) soil, dry matter yield of castor reduced to 10% of control plant. Significant changes were observed in the roots of castor treated with higher levels of Ni against control. The roots treated with Ni showed a decrease in number of cells in the cortex region. It also appeared that the cortex region consisted of elongated parenchymatous cells instead of the normal parenchymatous tissue as in the control plant. Regarding Ni accumulation capacity, castor plant was recorded as an accumulator (alpha = 0.11 and beta = 1.10). A laboratory study was also conducted in the experimental soil to know the different operationally defined fractions of Ni, which control the availability of Ni to castor. Different fractions of Ni present in this soil followed this order: Residual > Fe-Mn oxides > carbonate > organic > exchangeable > water soluble. Overall results depict that castor is a promising species which can be used as a potential plant for phytoremediation of contaminated soils and to improve soil quality and provide economical benefits.     

Hypolipidemic activity of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. leaf extract in atherogenic diet induced hyperlipidemic rats

In atherogenic diet induced hyperlipidemic model, the rats receiving treatment with the aqueous extract of the leaves of E. prostrata showed significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein and elevation in high density lipoprotein cholesterol.The aqueous extract of E. prostrata was found to possess significant hypolipidemic activity. The results also suggest that E. prostrata leaf extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt. concentrations is an excellent lipid-lowering agent.     

Copper accumulation,localization and antioxidant response in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eclipta alba</Emphasis> L. in relation to quantitative variation of the metal in soil

Eclipta alba L. is a well known medicinal herb, found commonly on contaminated roadsides in Kerala, India. To assess its potential for copper tolerance and accumulation, pot culture experiment was carried out. Metal accumulation in the plant in relation to 50–800 mg kg^?1 Cu in soils, administered as CuSO₄·7H₂O in solution, was examined. Biomass yield of shoot and root, pigment content, Cu accumulation in the plant, bio-concentration factor, and translocation factor were the parameters studied. At the highest level of treatment, Cu was found accumulated more in the roots than in shoots. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation, proline content, phenolics and flavanoids were observed in Cu treated plants, compared to the control. The activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase was found significantly changed in all the treated plants than in the control. The Bradford assay revealed a significant increase in protein content of the plant at higher levels of Cu treatment. Transmission electron microscopy, images supported the uptake and sequestration of metal particles inside the plant cell. The overall data suggests Eclipta alba L. to be a plant with high potential to tolerate Cu toxicity in soil.     

Nickel-induced changes in lipid peroxidation, antioxidative enzymes, and metal accumulation in Lemna gibba

In this study, an experiment was carried out to study the process of stress adaptation in Lemna gibba grown under nickel stress (0-20 mg Ni L(-1)). The results showed that Ni concentrations in plants increased with increasing Ni supply levels and reached a maximum of 142.82 mg.kg1 DW at 0.5 mg x L(-1) Ni treatments. The level of photosynthetic pigments (Chl a, Chi b, and total Chl) and soluble proteins increased upon exposure to high Ni concentrations. At the same time, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased with increasing Ni concentration. These results suggested an alleviation of stress that was presumably the results of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) which generally increased linearly with increasing Ni levels. In addition, the proline content in L. gibba increased with increasing nickel levels. Our present work concluded that Lemna gibba has a high level of nickel tolerance and accumulation. We also found that moderate nickel treatment (0.05-5 mg x L(-1)) alleviated oxidative stress in plants, while the addition of higher amounts of nickel (10-20 mg x L(-1)) could cause an increasing generation of ROS, which was effectively scavenged by the antioxidative system. Therefore, L. gibba may be used as a phytoremediator in moderately polluted aquatic ecosystems.     

Phytoremediation potential of Lemna minor L. for heavy metals

Phytoremediation potential of L. minor for cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) from two different types of effluent in raw form was evaluated in a glass house experiment using hydroponic studies for a period of 31 days. Heavy metals concentration in water and plant sample was analyzed at 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 day. Removal efficiency, metal uptake and bio-concentration factor were also calculated. Effluents were initially analyzed for physical, chemical and microbiological parameters and results indicated that municipal effluent (ME) was highly contaminated in terms of nutrient and organic load than sewage mixed industrial effluent (SMIE). Results confirmed the accumulation of heavy metals within plant and subsequent decrease in the effluents. Removal efficiency was greater than 80% for all metals and maximum removal was observed for nickel (99%) from SMIE. Accumulation and uptake of lead in dry biomass was significantly higher than other metals. Bio-concentration factors were less than 1000 and maximum BCFs were found for copper (558) and lead (523.1) indicated that plant is a moderate accumulator of both metals. Overall, L. minor showed better performance from SMIE and was more effective in extracting lead than other metals.     

Effects of Auxin at Different Concentrations on the Growth,Root Morphology and Cadmium Uptake of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.)

Indoleacetic acid (IAA) is an important regulator that plays a crucial role in plant growth and responses to abiotic stresses. In the present study, a sand cultivation experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of IAA at different concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2.5 mmol/L) on maize growth, root morphology, mineral elements (Ca, Mg) and Cd uptake under 20 mg/kg Cd stress. The results showed that 0.01 mmol/L is the optimal IAA concentration for enhancing the Cd tolerance of maize. Compared with the control treatment, 0.01 mmol/L IAA promoted maize growth, with significant increases in the height, shoot and root biomass by 34.6%, 25.0% and 16.3%; altered the root morphology, with increases in root length, root tip number, and root tip density by 8.9%, 31.4% and 20.7%, respectively; and enhanced the mineral element uptake of maize, resulting in signifi- cant increases in the Ca content in shoots and roots by 640.6% and 1036.4% and in the Mg content in shoots by 205.8%, respectively. In addition, 0.01 mmol/L IAA decreased the Cd content and uptake in the shoots by 51.9% and 39.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the Cd content and uptake exhibited a significant negative correlation with Ca content in roots and a significantly positive correlation with root morphology, and the Cd content in shoots was significantly and negatively correlated with root tip number. Thus, 0.01 mmol/L IAA was effective in enhancing the Cd tolerance and plant growth of maize.     

Investigation of Vetiver Grass Capability in Phytoremediation of Contaminated Soils with Heavy Metals (Pb,Cd, Mn,and Ni)

ABSTRACT

Soil contamination with heavy metals has become a worldwide concern. A sustainable technology to mitigate heavy metal contamination is extremely important. Phytoremediation is a cost-effective method, environmentally friendly, and esthetically pleasing. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Vetiver phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals. This research was conducted as a factorial design with four different heavy metals (lead, cadmium, manganese, and nickel) with three varying levels and also three replications for each treatment. Statistical analysis of data was performed using SPSS19 software and analysis of variance, Duncan and Pearson correlation tests. The results showed that, the highest uptake rate was related to lead metal with 282.45 mg/kg of dry soil and 83.4% uptake percentage. Then, the mean and percentage of adsorption for cadmium, nickel and manganese were 248.3 mg/kg (53.2%), 69.4 mg/kg (65.5%), and 63.29 mg/kg (61%), respectively. Lead was found to be the main component of uptake by Vetiver plant. It was found that the roots of the plant have absorbed more heavy metals than the shoots. And at the roots in total 1089.05 and on average 363.01 mg/kg and at the shoots 901.19 and on average 300.39 mg/kg, the metals used were adsorbed on three levels and four treatments. The results of analysis of variance, Duncan test and Pearson correlation showed that the effect of applied treatments on lead uptake in roots and shoots increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) with increasing levels of treatments. The biological concentration factor was more than one, and the transfer factor was close to one. Therefore, it can be used as a phytostablization plant. The results showed that Vetiver can be considered as a refining plant due to its vegetative characteristics, cost-effectiveness and high adaptation to environmental conditions.     

Influence of plant-growth-promoting bacteria on germination,growth and nutrients’ uptake of Onobrychis sativa L. under drought stress

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of growth-promoting bacteria (Azotobacter vinelandii?=?A, Pantoea agglomerans?+?P. putida?=?P, combined A?+?P, control) on the germination, growth and nutrient uptake of Onobrychis sativa L. under drought stress (field capacity (FC), 0.7?FC, 0.4?FC). The results showed that the highest and lowest germination rate (GR) was related to the P and control treatments in FC level, respectively. The maximum root and shoot length at the FC level was related to the treatment A. In the A?+?P treatment, the maximum shoot dry weight was measured in 0.7?FC level. The lowest root dry weight was also related to the A?+?P treatment in the FC level. Bio-fertilizers had the maximum impact in increasing the nutrients uptake in 0.7?FC and FC levels. The fertilizers in 0.7?FC and FC levels increased the plant traits and played no significant role in mitigating the effects of drought stress.     

外源钙对黑藻抗镉胁迫能力的影响

以分布广泛的沉水植物——黑藻为实验材料,对比研究了Cd胁迫和施加适宜浓度的外源Ca后,黑藻体内Cd积累、矿质营养、光合色素、可溶性蛋白、渗透调节物质、抗氧化能力以及非蛋白巯基(NP-SH)和植物络合素(PCs)的变化,以探讨Ca缓解水生植物Cd毒害的生理生化机制。结果表明:(1)Cd胁迫使黑藻体内Cd含量极显著增加,并造成明显的矿质营养失衡,主要表现为显著降低了P、K、Fe、Cu、Mn的含量,而外源Ca则削弱了黑藻对Cd的蓄积,并在一定程度上减轻了Cd胁迫所造成的矿质元素失衡;(2)Cd处理使黑藻体内叶绿素含量、叶绿素a/b值和可溶性蛋白含量大幅度下降并显著降低了黑藻的总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)和小分子保护物质[谷胱甘肽(GSH)、抗坏血酸(AsA)]的含量,而外源Ca延缓了黑藻的失绿症状,促进了可溶性蛋白的合成并提高了黑藻的抗氧化能力;(3)Cd胁迫使黑藻体内脯氨酸积累显著,而外施Ca减缓了其积累;可溶性糖变化趋势与之相反;(4)Cd胁迫诱导了NP-SH和PCs在黑藻体内的大量累积,外源Ca处理后,其增加幅度减小。以上结果说明外源Ca能通过抑制Cd的吸收,促进光合色素、可溶性蛋白和可溶性糖的合成,维持高的总抗氧化能力和抗氧化物质含量以及矿质营养平衡等途径来增强黑藻对Cd胁迫的抗性。     

Evaluation of the phytoremediation potential of Arundo donax L. for nickel-contaminated soil

This study investigates the accumulation and distribution of nickel in Arundo donax L. parts to assess the potential use of this plant in phytoremediation of Ni-contaminated soils. The effect of ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) and nutrient solution containing NPK on the plant was proped. A 35-day pot experiment was performed in the laboratory and the pots were irrigated with Ni-contaminated solution combined or not with EDTA and NPK. The growth of plants was evaluated at the end of the experiment. The accumulation of Ni was analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The obtained results indicate that the plant was able to survive with high Ni content. The growth and the concentrations of Ni in the plant tissues were less affected. In the absence of the amendments, Ni was accumulated in the stems and leaves. However, the addition of NPK significantly reduced Ni concentration in the stems and leaves. The application of EDTA enhanced Ni uptake in roots. The translocation factor (TF) was greater than 1, which categorizes A. donax L. as a great candidate for Ni phytoextraction. A. donax L. is suitable for phytoremediation of Ni. This investigation contributes to the studies on the potential of phytoremediation technologies in Algeria.     

Effect of Fixed Orthodontic Therapy on Urinary Nickel Levels: A Long-term Retrospective Cohort Study

Nickel constitutes about 8?C60?% of orthodontic alloys. It is known as an allergenic/cytotoxic trace metal. Therefore, it should be investigated in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment which might last for 2 or 3?years. However, no controlled studies have assessed the influence of orthodontic treatments of longer than 5?months on its systemic levels. Thus, the aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate systemic nickel in patients undergoing orthodontic therapy for a minimum period of 1?year. In this study, urinary nickel concentrations in 20 female and 10 male patients being treated with stainless steel appliances were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The same procedure was done on a control group of the patients?? same-gender near-age siblings (n?=?30). The effect of treatment and gender on urinary nickel levels were assessed using a repeated-measures two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a Tukey test (???=?0.05). The mean treatment duration was 17.1?±?6.4?months (range, 12?C21). The mean nickel concentrations in male and female patients were 9.67?±?3.25 and 9.9?±?3.83???g/L, respectively. These statistics for male and female control subjects were 6.65?±?2.57 and 8.43?±?2.94???g/L, respectively. The ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference between the urinary nickel levels of the treatment and the control groups (P?=?0.009) but not between the genders (P?=?0.194). The interaction between gender and treatment was also nonsignificant (P?=?0.337). The Tukey test indicated that the increase in nickel was higher in male patients, in comparison to their brothers (P?<?0.05). It could be concluded that orthodontic therapy for longer durations with stainless-steel archwires might elevate slightly, but significantly, urinary nickel levels.     

Inductive responses of some organic metabolites for osmotic homeostasis in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seedlings during salt stress

The salt tolerance of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seedlings was evaluated by analyzing growth, nutrient uptake, electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation and alterations in levels of some organic metabolites under NaCl stress. The plant height, leaf area and plant biomass decreased significantly in salt-treated seedlings as compared with control. The relative water content (RWC %) of leaf decreased by 16 % at high concentrations of NaCl. There was an increase in the lipid peroxidation level and decrease in the electrolyte leakage at high concentrations of NaCl. The total free amino acid and proline contents of leaf increased by 5.5- and 43-folds, respectively in 150 mM NaCl-treated plants as compared with control. Total sugar and starch content increased significantly at high concentrations of NaCl. Chl a, Chl b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents decreased significantly at high salinity. Na⁺ contents of leaf, stem and root increased in dose-dependent manner. K⁺ content remained unaffected in leaf and root and decreased in stem by salinity. The results from present study reveal that the peanut plants have an efficient adaptive mechanism to tolerate high salinity by maintaining adequate leaf water status associated with growth restriction. In order to circumvent the stress resulting from high salinity, the levels of some organic metabolites such as total free amino acids, proline, total sugars and starch were elevated. The elevated levels of the organic metabolites may possibly have some role in maintenance of osmotic homeostasis, nutrient uptake and adequate tissue water status in peanut seedlings under high-salinity conditions.     

Biokinetics of 65Zn in liver and whole body and its bio-distribution in nickel treated protein deficient rats

This study was designed to determine the effect of nickel treatment on biological half-lives of 65Zn in whole body and liver as well as on distribution of 65Zn in different organs of protein deficient rats. Nickel sulfate at a dose level of 800mg/l in drinking water was administrated to normal control as well as to protein deficient rats for 8 weeks. A significant increase was found in fast and slow components of biological half lives of 65Zn in whole body and only fast component in liver of protein deficient rats. Interestingly, slow component in whole body and fast component in liver of nickel treated protein deficient rats were not different from normal controls though they were significantly elevated in protein deficient rats. On the other hand, slow component of 65Zn was also not altered in nickel treated protein deficient rats, which however, was significantly decreased in nickel treated rats. Protein deficiency led to a marked elevation in per cent uptake of 65Zn in brain and caused significant depression in liver, kidney and intestine. However, uptake of 65Zn in brain showed a significant depression in nickel treated rats, whereas the uptake was elevated in brain in nickel treated protein deficient rats. In conclusion, protein deficient conditions seem to be playing a dominant role in context with the distribution of 65Zn in different organs when nickel is administered to protein deficient rats. However nickel alone is seen to cause adverse effect on the distribution of 65Zn.