Toxicity and accumulation of Cd²⁺ in yeasts were studied in eight different yeast species. The adaptation to toxic concentration of this metal was dependent on the production of extracellular yeast glycoproteins. The highest concentration of Cd²⁺ ions in the growth medium was tolerated by a Hansenula anomala, strain while the lowest tolerance was found by the strain of species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Extracellular glycoproteins of Hansenula anomala absorbed nearly 90% of the total content of Cd²⁺ ions bound by yeast cells, while extracellular glycoproteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae bound only 6% of the total amount of cadmium. This difference is caused by the variable composition of the saccharide moiety in the extracellular glycoproteins. The composition of extracellular glycoproteins changed during the adaptation of the yeast cells to the presence of Cd²⁺ ions.

» Articles | Agricultural Journals

This study analysed the contents of thirty-six mineral and trace elements in teff (Eragrostis tef L.) grains. What is more, dietary intakes were calculated. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to assess mineral and trace element contents. Consequently, the appropriate Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or adequate intake (AI), and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) or provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI) values for adults were determined according to the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) and Institute of Medicine (IOM) regulations. Teff is a significant contributor to RDAs and AIs for females in the following order: Mn > Cu > Zn ≥ Mg > Fe ≥ P and Ca. For males, teff contributes in the order, Mn > Cu > Fe > Zn ≥ P ≥ Mg > and Ca. The concentration of arsenic (65.9 µg/kg) in brown teff originating in Bolivia exceeded the average acceptable value set by Reg. No. 1881 of 6–50 µg/kg in cereals consumed in the EU. The PTWIs or PTMIs for Al, Cd, Sn and Hg were all under 7%, which is below the limits of toxic element intake related to the body weight of 65 kg for adult females and 80 kg for males, set by the FAO/WHO. Teff grains can be recommended as a valuable and safe source of minerals and trace elements.