Micronutrients and socio-demographic factors were major predictors of anaemia among the Ethiopian population.

Anaemia is characterised by low hemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Despite being a public health concern in Ethiopia, the role of micronutrients and non-nutritional factors as a determinant of Hb concentrations has been inadequately explored. This study focused on the assessment of serum micronutrient and Hb concentrations and a range of non-nutritional factors, to evaluate their associations with the risk of anaemia among the Ethiopian population (n 2046). It also explored the mediation effect of Zn on the relation between se and Hb. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify the relationship between serum micronutrients concentration, inflammation biomarkers, nutritional status, presence of parasitic infection and socio-demographic factors with Hb concentration (n 2046). Sobel-Goodman test was applied to investigate the mediation of Zn on relations between serum se and Hb. In total, 18·6 % of participants were anaemic, 5·8 % had iron deficiency (ID), 2·6 % had ID anaemia and 0·6 % had tissue ID. Younger age, household head illiteracy and low serum concentrations of ferritin, Co, Cu and folate were associated with anaemia. Serum se had an indirect effect that was mediated by Zn, with a significant effect of se on Zn (P < 0·001) and Zn on Hb (P < 0·001). The findings of this study suggest the need for designing a multi-sectorial intervention to address anaemia based on demographic group.

Soil and plant contamination by potentially toxic and emerging elements and the associated human health risk in some Egyptian environments.

The aim of this work was to assess the origins, mobility, bioavailability and potential health risks of V, Cr, Co, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Sn and Sb, which are not sufficiently studied in the terrestrial environment of Egypt. This has been carried out by employing a combination of chemical fractionation, plants uptake, mathematical modeling and risk assessment approaches on a wide range of soils and plants sampled from industrial, urban and agricultural locations across Egypt. The contents of As, Cd, Sn and Sb were elevated in the soils of some urban and industrial locations within Cairo, although their soil geo-accumulation (Igeo) indices remained ≤ 2, indicating only moderate contamination. Selenium showed moderate to heavy contamination levels (Igeo up to 4.7) in all sampling locations, and Sb was highly elevated (Igeo = 7.1; extreme contamination) in one industrial location. Therefore, Se was the most important contributor to the pollution load followed by Sb and Cd. Both principle component analysis (of total content) and geochemical fractionation (by sequential extraction) suggested that V, Cr and Co are mostly of geogenic origin, while Se and Sb contents appear to be highly influenced by anthropogenic inputs. The most mobile and bioavailable element was Cd with a large non-residual fraction in all soils (76% of total Cd). The bio-concentration factors of Cd in leafy and fruiting plants were 50 times larger than other elements (except Mo) indicating preferential systematic plant uptake of Cd. Risk assessment models showed an overall low noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the population of Egypt due to the studied elements with only a few anomalies.

Mineral micronutrient status and spatial distribution among the Ethiopian population.

Multiple micronutrient deficiencies are widespread in Ethiopia. However, the distribution of Se and Zn deficiency risks has previously shown evidence of spatially dependent variability, warranting the need to explore this aspect for wider micronutrients. Here, blood serum concentrations for Ca, Mg, Co, Cu and Mo were measured (n 3102) on samples from the Ethiopian National Micronutrient Survey. Geostatistical modelling was used to test spatial variation of these micronutrients for women of reproductive age, who represent the largest demographic group surveyed (n 1290). Median serum concentrations were 8·6 mg dl-1 for Ca, 1·9 mg dl-1 for Mg, 0·4 µg l-1 for Co, 98·8 µg dl-1 for Cu and 0·2 µg dl-1 for Mo. The prevalence of Ca, Mg and Co deficiency was 41·6 %, 29·2 % and 15·9 %, respectively; Cu and Mo deficiency prevalence was 7·6 % and 0·3 %, respectively. A higher prevalence of Ca, Cu and Mo deficiency was observed in north western, Co deficiency in central and Mg deficiency in north eastern parts of Ethiopia. Serum Ca, Mg and Mo concentrations show spatial dependencies up to 140-500 km; however, there was no evidence of spatial correlations for serum Co and Cu concentrations. These new data indicate the scale of multiple mineral micronutrient deficiency in Ethiopia and the geographical differences in the prevalence of deficiencies suggesting the need to consider targeted responses during the planning of nutrition intervention programmes.

Assessing the Lability and Environmental Mobility of Organically Bound Copper by Stable Isotope Dilution.

The environmental mobility of Cu and therefore its potential toxicity are closely linked to its attachment to natural organic matter (NOM). Geochemical models assume full lability of metals bound to NOM, especially under strong oxidizing conditions, which often leads to an overestimation of the lability of soil metals. Stable isotope dilution (SID) has been successfully applied to estimate the labile (isotopically exchangeable) pool of soil metals. However, its application to study the lability of NOM-Cu required development of a robust separation and detection approach so that free Cu ions can be discriminated from (the also soluble) NOM-Cu. We developed a SID protocol (with enriched 65Cu) to quantify the labile pool of NOM-Cu using size exclusion chromatography coupled to a UV detector (for the identification of different NOM molecular weights) and ICP-MS (for 65Cu/63Cu ratio measurement). The Cu isotopic-exchange technique was first characterized and verified using standard NOM (SR-NOM) before applying the developed technique to an "organic-rich" podzol soil extract. The developed protocol indicated that, in contrast to the common knowledge, significant proportions of SR-NOM-Cu (25%) and soil organic-Cu (55%) were not labile, i.e., permanently locked into inaccessible organic structures. These findings need to be considered in defining Cu interactions with the reactive pool of NOM using geochemical models and risk evaluation protocols in which complexed Cu has always been implicitly assumed to be fully labile and exchangeable with free Cu ions.

Online Microdialysis-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MD-HPLC-ICP-MS) as a Novel Tool for Sampling Hexavalent Chromium in Soil Solution.

Conventional soil solution sampling of species-sensitive inorganic contaminants, such as hexavalent chromium (CrVI), may induce interconversions due to disruption of system equilibrium. The temporal resolution that these sampling methods afford may also be insufficient to capture dynamic interactions or require time-consuming and expensive analysis. Microdialysis (MD) is emerging as a minimally invasive passive sampling method in environmental science, permitting the determination of solute fluxes and concentrations at previously unobtainable spatial scales and time frames. This article presents the first use of MD coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) for the continuous sampling and simultaneous detection of CrVI in soil solution. The performance criteria of the system were assessed using stirred solutions; good repeatability of measurement (RSD < 2.5%) was obtained for CrVI, with a detection limit of 0.2 µg L-1. The online MD-HPLC-ICP-MS setup was applied to the sampling of native CrVI in three soils with differing geochemical properties. The system sampled and analyzed fresh soil solution at 15 min intervals, offering improved temporal resolution and a significant reduction in analysis time over offline MD. Simple modifications to the chromatographic conditions could resolve additional analytes, offering a powerful tool for the study of solute fluxes in soil systems to inform research into nutrient availability or soil-to-plant transfer of potentially harmful elements.

Multiple geochemical factors may cause iodine and selenium deficiency in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

Deficiencies of the micronutrients iodine and selenium are particularly prevalent where populations consume local agricultural produce grown on soils with low iodine and selenium availability. This study focussed on such an area, Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan, through a geochemical survey of iodine and selenium fractionation and speciation in irrigation water and arable soil. Iodine and selenium concentrations in water ranged from 0.01-1.79 µg L-1 to 0.016-2.09 µg L-1, respectively, which are smaller than levels reported in similar mountainous areas in other parts of the world. Iodate and selenate were the dominant inorganic species in all water samples. Average concentrations of iodine and selenium in soil were 685 µg kg-1 and 209 µg kg-1, respectively, much lower than global averages of 2600 and 400 µg kg-1, respectively. The 'reactive' fractions ('soluble' and 'adsorbed') of iodine and selenium accounted for < 7% and < 5% of their total concentrations in soil. More than 90% of reactive iodine was organic; iodide was the main inorganic species. By contrast, 66.9 and 39.7% of 'soluble' and 'adsorbed' selenium, respectively, were present as organic species; inorganic selenium was mainly selenite. Very low distribution coefficients (kd = adsorbed/soluble; L kg-1) for iodine (1.07) and selenium (1.27) suggested minimal buffering of available iodine and selenium against leaching losses and plant uptake. These geochemical characteristics suggest low availability of iodine and selenium in Gilgit-Baltistan, which may be reflected in locally grown crops. However, further investigation is required to ascertain the status of iodine and selenium in the Gilgit-Baltistan food supply and population.

Fate of selenium in biofortification of wheat on calcareous soil: an isotopic study.

Selenium (Se) biofortification of staple cereal crops can improve the Se nutritional status of populations. A field trial employing an enriched stable isotope of Se (77Se) was undertaken over three consecutive cropping seasons in a coarse-textured, calcareous soil in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The objectives were to (1) assess the feasibility and efficiency of Se biofortification, (2) determine the fate of residual Se, and (3) assess the consequences for dietary Se intake. Isotopically enriched 77Se (77SeFert) was applied, either as selenate or as selenite, at three levels (0, 10, and 20 g ha-1) to a wheat crop. Residual 77SeFert availability was assessed in subsequent crops of maize and wheat without further 77SeFert addition. Loss of 77SeFert was c.35% by the first (wheat) harvest, for both selenium species, attributable to the practice of flood irrigation and low adsorption capacity of the soil. No 77SeFert was detectable in subsequent maize or wheat crops. The remaining 77SeFert in soil was almost entirely organically bound and diminished with time following a reversible (pseudo-)first-order trend. Thus, repeat applications of Se would be required to adequately biofortify grain each year. In contrast to native soil Se, there was no transfer of 77SeFert to a recalcitrant form. Grain from control plots would provide only 0.5 µg person-1 day-1 of Se. By contrast, a single application of 20 g ha-1 SeVI could provide c. 47 µg person-1 day-1 Se in wheat, sufficient to avoid deficiency when combined with dietary Se intake from other sources (c. 25 µg day-1).

Environmental and human iodine and selenium status: lessons from Gilgit-Baltistan, North-East Pakistan.

Iodine and selenium deficiencies are common worldwide. We assessed the iodine and selenium status of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. We determined the elemental composition (ICP-MS) of locally grown crops (n = 281), drinking water (n = 82), urine (n = 451) and salt (n = 76), correcting urinary analytes for hydration (creatinine, specific gravity). We estimated dietary iodine, selenium and salt intake. Median iodine and selenium concentrations were 11.5 (IQR 6.01, 23.2) and 8.81 (IQR 4.03, 27.6) µg/kg in crops and 0.24 (IQR 0.12, 0.72) and 0.27 (IQR 0.11, 0.46) µg/L in water, respectively. Median iodised salt iodine was 4.16 (IQR 2.99, 10.8) mg/kg. Population mean salt intake was 13.0 g/day. Population median urinary iodine (uncorrected 78 µg/L, specific gravity-corrected 83 µg/L) was below WHO guidelines; creatinine-corrected median was 114 µg/L but was unreliable. Daily selenium intake (from urinary selenium concentration) was below the EAR in the majority (46-90%) of individuals. Iodine and selenium concentrations in all crops were low, but no health-related environmental standards exist. Iodine concentration in iodised salt was below WHO-recommended minimum. Estimated population average salt intake was above WHO-recommended daily intake. Locally available food and drinking water together provide an estimated 49% and 72% of EAR for iodine (95 µg/day) and selenium (45 µg/day), respectively. Low environmental and dietary iodine and selenium place Gilgit-Baltistan residents at risk of iodine deficiency disorders despite using iodised salt. Specific gravity correction of urine analysis for hydration is more consistent than using creatinine. Health-relevant environmental standards for iodine and selenium are needed.

Short-Term Iodine Dynamics in Soil Solution.

Assessing the reactions of iodine (I) in soil is critical to evaluate radioiodine exposure and understand soil-to-crop transfer rates. Our mechanistic understanding has been constrained by method limitations in assessing the dynamic interactions of iodine between soil solution and soil solid phase over short periods (hours). We use microdialysis to passively extract soil solution spiked with radioiodine (129I- and 129IO3-) to monitor short-term (≤40 h) in situ fixation and speciation changes. We observed greater instantaneous adsorption of 129IO3- compared to 129I- in all soils and the complete reduction of 129IO3- to 129I- within 5 h of addition. Loss of 129I from solution was extremely rapid; the average half-lives of 129I- and 129IO3- in soil solution were 4.06 and 10.03 h, respectively. We detected the presence of soluble organically bound iodine (org-129I) with a low molecular weight (MW) range (0.5-5 kDa) in all soils and a slower (20-40 h) time-dependent formation of larger MW org-I compounds (12-18 kDa) in some samples. This study highlights the very short window of immediate availability in which I from rainfall or irrigation remains in soil solution and available to crops, thus presenting significant challenges to phytofortification strategies in soil-based production systems.

Assessment of potentially toxic elements in vegetables cultivated in urban and peri-urban sites in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and implications for human health.

Vegetable fields in and around urban areas in the Kurdistan region of Iraq may have higher than background concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from contamination sources including municipal waste disposal and wastewater used for irrigation. The purpose of this study was to assess PTE concentrations in soils and the edible parts of field-grown vegetables to quantify potential health risks to the local population. In this survey, 174 soils and 26 different vegetable and fruit types were sampled from 15 areas around Sulaymaniyah and Halabja cities. Sampling was undertaken from fields in urban, peri-urban and rural locations including sites close to areas of waste disposal. The soils are calcareous (pH 7.67-8.21) and classified as silty loam, sandy or silty clay with organic matter content between 6.62 and 11.4%. Concentrations of PTEs were typically higher in waste disposal areas compared with urban, peri-urban and rural areas. Pollution load indices suggested that agricultural soils near waste disposal sites were contaminated with some trace elements. Potentially toxic element concentrations in vegetables were highly variable. Higher total concentrations of PTEs were measured in vegetables from the waste areas with decreasing concentrations in urban, peri-urban and rural areas. Risks to human health were assessed using hazard quotients (HQ). Vegetable consumption poses no risk for adults, whereas children might be exposed to Ni, As and Cd. Although HQs suggest elevated risk for children from consumption of some vegetables, these risks are likely to be lower when realistic dietary consumption levels are considered.

Impact of Environmental Radiation on the Health and Reproductive Status of Fish from Chernobyl.

Aquatic organisms at Chernobyl have now been chronically exposed to environmental radiation for three decades. The biological effects of acute exposure to radiation are relatively well documented, but much less is known about the long-term effects of chronic exposure of organisms in their natural environment. Highly exposed fish in freshwater systems at Chernobyl showed morphological changes in their reproductive system in the years after the accident. However, the relatively limited scope of past studies did not allow robust conclusions to be drawn. Moreover, the level of the radiation dose at which significant effects on wildlife occur is still under debate. In the most comprehensive evaluation of the effects of chronic radiation on wild fish populations to date, the present study measures specific activities of 137Cs, 90Sr, and transuranium elements (238Pu, 239,240Pu, and 241Am), index conditions, distribution and size of oocytes, as well as environmental and biological confounding factors in two fish species perch ( Perca fluviatilis) and roach ( Rutilus rutilus) from seven lakes. In addition, relative species abundance was examined. The results showed that both fish species are, perhaps surprisingly, in good general physiological and reproductive health. Perch, however, appeared to be more sensitive to radiation than roach: in the most contaminated lakes, a delay of the maturation of the gonads and the presence of several undeveloped phenotypes were evident only for perch and not for roach.

Maternal selenium deficiency was positively associated with the risk of selenium deficiency in children aged 6-59 months in rural Zimbabwe.

There is growing evidence showing the existence of selenium (Se) deficiency among women and children in sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, the key drivers of Se deficiency are not clearly understood. This study assessed the determinants of Se deficiency among children aged 6-59 months and Women of Reproductive Age (WRA), in Zimbabwe. This cross-sectional biomarker study was conducted in selected districts in rural Zimbabwe (Murewa, Shamva, and Mutasa). Children aged 6-59 months (n = 683) and WRA (n = 683), were selected using a systematic random sampling approach. Venous blood samples were collected, processed, and stored according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Plasma selenium concentration was measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Anthropometric indices were assessed and classified based on WHO standards. Demographic characteristics were adapted from the Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey standard questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that children whose mothers were Se deficient were 4 times more likely to be Se deficient compared to those whose mothers were Se adequate (OR = 4.25; 95% CI; 1.55-11.67; p = 0.005). Girl children were 3 times more likely to be Se deficient compared to boys (OR = 2.84; 95% CI; 1.08-7.51; p = 0.035). Women producing maize for consumption were 0.5 times more likely to be Se deficient than non-producers (OR = 0.47; 95% CI; 0.25-0.90; p = 0.022). The risk of Se depletion in children was amplified by maternal deficiency. Therefore, initiation of maternal multiple micronutrient supplementation from preconception through lactation is beneficial to both children and women.

Differences in the nutritional quality of improved finger millet genotypes in Ethiopia.

Improved crop genotypes are constantly introduced. However, information on their nutritional quality is generally limited. The present study reports the proximate composition and the concentration and relative bioavailability of minerals of improved finger millets of different genotypes. Grains of finger millet genotypes (n = 15) grown in research station during 2019 and 2020 in Ethiopia, and replicated three times in a randomized complete block design, were analysed for proximate composition, mineral concentration (iron, zinc, calcium, selenium), and antinutritional factors (phytate, tannin and oxalate). Moreover, the antinutritional factors to mineral molar ratio method was used to estimate mineral bioavailability. The result shows a significant genotypic variation in protein, fat and fibre level, ranging from 10% to 14.6%, 1.0 to 3.8%, and 1.4 to 4.6%, respectively. Similarly, different finger millets genotypes had significantly different mineral concentrations ranging from 3762 ± 332 to 5893 ± 353 mg kg-1 for Ca, 19.9 ± 1.6 to 26.2 ± 2.7 mg kg-1 for Zn, 36.3 ± 4.6 to 52.9 ± 9.1 mg kg-1 for Fe and 36.6 ± 11 to 60.9 ± 22 µg kg-1 for Se. Phytate (308-360 µg g-1), tannin (0.15-0.51 mg g-1) and oxalate (1.26-4.41 mg g-1) concentrations were also influenced by genotype. Antinutritional factors to minerals molar ratio were also significantly different by genotypes but were below the threshold for low mineral bioavailability. Genotype significantly influenced mineral and antinutritional concentrations of finger millet grains. In addition, all finger millet genotypes possess good mineral bioavailability. Especially, the high Ca concentration in finger millet, compared to in other cereals, could play a vital role to combating Ca deficiency. The result suggests the different finger millet genotypes possess good nutrient content and may contribute to the nutrition security of the local people.

Urine Se concentration poorly predicts plasma Se concentration at sub-district scales in Zimbabwe, limiting its value as a biomarker of population Se status.

Introduction: The current study investigated the value of urine selenium (Se) concentration as a biomarker of population Se status in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Method: Urine and plasma Se concentrations were measured among children aged 6-59 months (n = 608) and women of reproductive age (WRA, n = 781) living in rural Zimbabwe (Murehwa, Shamva, and Mutasa districts) and participating in a pilot national micronutrient survey. Selenium concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and urine concentrations were corrected for hydration status. Results: The median (Q1, Q3) urine Se concentrations were 8.4 µg/L (5.3, 13.5) and 10.5 µg/L (6.5, 15.2) in children and WRA, respectively. There was moderate evidence for a relationship between urine Se concentration and plasma Se concentration in children (p = 0.0236) and WRA (p = < 0.0001), but the relationship had poor predictive value. Using previously defined thresholds for optimal activity of iodothyronine deiodinase (IDI), there was an association between deficiency when indicated by plasma Se concentrations and urine Se concentrations among WRA, but not among children. Discussion: Urine Se concentration poorly predicted plasma Se concentration at sub-district scales in Zimbabwe, limiting its value as a biomarker of population Se status in this context. Further research is warranted at wider spatial scales to determine the value of urine Se as a biomarker when there is greater heterogeneity in Se exposure.

Quantification of changes in zero valent iron morphology using X-ray computed tomography.

Morphological changes within the porous architecture of laboratory scale zero valent iron (ZVI) permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), after exposure to different groundwater conditions, have been quantified experimentally for different ZVI/sand ratios (10%, 50% and 100%, W/W) with the aim of inferring porosity changes in field barriers. Column studies were conducted to simulate interaction with different water chemistries, a synthetic groundwater, acidic drainage and deionised (DI) water as control. Morphological changes, in terms of pore size and distribution, were measured using X-ray computed tomography (CT). CT image analysis revealed significant morphological changes in columns treated with different water chemistries. For example, 100% ZVI (W/W) columns had a higher frequency of small pores (0.6 mm) was observed in ZVI grains reacted with typical groundwater, resulting in a porosity of 27%, compared to 32% when exposed to DI water. In comparison, ZVI grains treated with the acidic drainage had higher porosity (44%) and larger average pore size (2.8 mm). 10% ZVI PRB barrier material had the highest mean porosity (56%) after exposure to any water chemistry whilst 100% ZVI (W/W) columns always had the lowest (34%) with the 50% ZVI (W/W) in between (40%). These results agree with previously published PRB field data and simultaneously conducted geochemical monitoring and mass balance calculation, indicating that both the geochemical and hydraulic environment of the PRB play an important role in determining barrier lifespan. This study suggests that X-ray CT image analysis is a powerful tool for studying the detailed inter pores between ZVI grains within PRBs.

Bioaccessibility of iron in pearl millet flour contaminated with different soil types.

A controlled in-vitro experiment was conducted to determine the bioaccessibility of extrinsic soil iron in pearl millet contaminated with typical Malawian soils. Pearl millet was contaminated with soils at ratios typically encountered in real life. Iron concentrations of soil-contaminated flour increased such that soil-derived iron contributed 56, 83 and 91% of the total iron when the proportions of soil were 0.1, 0.5 and 1% (soil: grain w/w), respectively. When soils were digested alone, the concentration of bioaccessible iron differed depending on the type of soil. However, the concentration of bioaccessible iron in soil-contaminated flours did not exceed that of uncontaminated flour and there was no effect of soil type. This suggests that knowledge of the proportion of extrinsic soil iron in soil-contaminated grains would be useful for iron bioavailability estimations. Vanadium is a reliable indicator of the presence of extrinsic soil iron in grains and has potential applications in this regard.

Dietary selenium intake among Ethiopian children in areas known for selenium spatial variability.

Introduction: There is spatial variability of selenium (Se) in soil and crops in Ethiopia. We assessed the Se content of food items, breast milk, and urine among infants in Ethiopia from two areas with contrasting Se concentrations in soils. Methods: Dietary Se intakes among children (6-23 months) were evaluated using a weighed food record on two non-consecutive days. Also, spot urine samples from children and breast milk samples from their mothers were collected to determine Se concentration. Selenium concentrations in the samples were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Results: Injera (prepared from teff and mixtures of other cereals) with a legume-based stew were the most frequently consumed foods by the children in both areas, followed by pasta. Overall, the Se concentration (mean ± SD) of food items, breast milk (12.2 ± 3.9 µg/L vs. 3.39 ± 1.5 µg/L), and urine samples (22.5 ± 11.5 µg/L vs. 3.0 ± 1.9 µg/L) from East Amhara were significantly higher than the corresponding samples from West Amhara (p < 0.001). The total Se intakes by the study children from East Amhara and West Amhara were 30.2 [IQ 25%, 14.2; IQ 75%, 54.1] and 7.4 [IQR 25%, 4.2; IQ 75%, 10.6] µg day-1, respectively; 31.5% of children from East Amhara and 92% of children from West Amhara were at risk of inadequate Se intakes. Urinary Se excretion accounted for 53 and 39% of daily dietary Se intake in East Amhara and West Amhara, respectively. Dietary Se intake was positively correlated with urinary Se excretion in East Amhara (r = 0.56; p < 0.001) but not among samples from West Amhara (r = 0.16; p ≥ 0.05), suggesting greater physiological Se conservation in a state of deficiency. Conclusion: There is spatial variability of Se in foods, breast milk, and urine in Ethiopia, suggesting the need for implementation of targeted agronomic interventions that enhance Se concentrations in the edible portion of plant foods.

Impact of zinc and iron agronomic biofortification on grain mineral concentration of finger millet varieties as affected by location and slope.

Background: Food crop micronutrient concentrations can be enhanced through agronomic biofortification, with the potential to reduce micronutrient deficiencies among rural population if they have access to fertilizers. Here we reported the impact of agronomic biofortification on finger millet grain zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentration. Methods: A field experiment was conducted in farmers' fields in Ethiopia in two locations; over two seasons in one district (2019 and 2020), and over a single season (2019) in a second district. The experimental design had 15 treatment combinations comprising 3 finger millet varieties and 5 soil-applied fertilizer treatments: (T1) 20 kg ha-1 FeSO4 + 25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 + NPKS; (T2) 25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 + NPKS; (T3) NPKS; (T4) 30% NPKS; (T5) 20 kg ha-1 FeSO4 + NPKS. The treatments were studied at two slope positions (foot and hill), replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. Results: Grain Zn concentration increased by 20% in response to Fe and Zn and by 18.9% due to Zn addition. Similarly, grain Fe concentration increased by 21.4% in T1 and 17.8% in T5 (Fe). Zinc fertilizer application (p < 0.001), finger millet variety (p < 0.001), and an interaction of Fe and Zn had significant effect on grain Zn concentration. Iron fertilizer (p < 0.001) and interactive effect of Fe fertilizer and finger millet variety (p < 0.01) had significant effects on grain Fe concentration. Location but not slope position was a source of variation for both grain Zn and Fe concentrations. Conclusion: Soil application of Zn and Fe could be a viable strategy to enhance grain Zn and Fe concentration to finger millet grain. If increased grain Zn and Fe is bioavailable, it could help to combat micronutrient deficiencies.

Anemia in children aged 6-59 months was significantly associated with maternal anemia status in rural Zimbabwe.

Globally, anemia is a public health problem affecting mostly women of reproductive age (WRA, n = 452) and children aged 6-59 months (n = 452) from low- and lower-middle-income countries. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and determinants of anemia in WRA and children aged 6-59 months in rural Zimbabwe. The venous blood sample was measured for hemoglobin utilizing a HemoCue machine. Anthropometric indices were assessed and classified based on World Health Organization standards. Socioeconomic characteristics were assessed. The median (±inter quartile range (IQR)) age of WRA was 29 ± 12 years and that for children was 29 ± 14 months. The prevalence of anemia was 29.6% and 17.9% in children and WRA, respectively, while the median (±IQR) hemoglobin levels were 13.4 ± 1.8 and 11.7 ± 1.5 g/dl among women and children, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess determinants of anemia. Anemia in children was significantly associated with maternal anemia (odds ratio (OR) = 2.02; 95% CI 1.21-3.37; p = .007) and being a boy (OR = 0.63; 95% CI 0.41-0.95; p = .029), while anemia in WRA was significantly associated with the use of unimproved dug wells as a source of drinking water (OR = 0.36; 95% CI 0.20-0.66; p = .001) and lack of agricultural land ownership (OR = 0.51; 95% CI 0.31-0.85; p = .009). Anemia is a public health problem in the study setting. The positive association between maternal and child anemia reflects the possibility of cross-generational anemia. Therefore, interventions that focus on improving preconceptual and maternal nutritional status may help to reduce anemia in low-income settings.