Interphase migration and enrichment of lead and zinc during copper slag depletion

An interphase migration and enrichment model of lead and zinc during molten copper slag depletion was established.The occurrence of various components in copper slag was predicted using sulfur-oxygen potential calculations and confirmed through high-temperature experiments.The recovery rate of copper can reach 90.13%under the optimal conditions of 1200°C,an iron to silicon mass ratio of 1.0,3 wt.%ferrous sulfide,and a duration of 45 min.Lead(54.07 wt.%)and zinc(17.42 wt.%)are found in the flue dust as lead sulfate,lead sulfide,and zinc oxide,while copper matte contains lead(14.44 wt.%)and zinc sulfide(1.29 wt.%).The remaining lead and zinc are encapsulated as oxides within the fayalite phase.

Serum Zinc and Copper Level in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Patients and Its Correlation with Disease Duration-A Tertiary Hospital Study

Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent rheumatic disease in children. It is associated with abnormal levels of serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) as during inflammation serum copper concentration increases and zinc decreases. Objective: To assess the serum Zn and Cu levels in different sub-types of JIA patients and their correlation with the disease duration. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over twelve months at the Pediatric Rheumatology Division, Department of Paediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Sixty-nine JIA cases that fulfilled the International League of Association for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria were taken as cases and age and sex-matched healthy children were considered as controls. The serum Zn and Cu tests were done using the spectrophotometric method with INDIKO PLUS Drug Analyzer. Data were recorded in a pre-designed questionnaire. Data were checked, verified and analyzed manually where continuous variables were analyzed using unpaired t-test and categorical variables using the ANOVA test. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to see the correlation of serum zinc and copper levels with disease duration. Results: Boys were predominant in both case and control groups, with the majority within the 10 to 16-year-age group. Enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) was the most common subtype followed by sJIA, Oligo JIA, Poly JIA (RF-) and unclassified subtypes. Disease duration was found less than 12 months in 30.4% of JIA patients. Serum analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in mean zinc levels and increased copper levels in JIA patients compared to controls. This study observed a negative correlation between serum zinc levels and disease duration, whereas serum copper levels exhibited a positive correlation with disease duration. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study revealed that JIA patients exhibit alterations in serum zinc and copper levels. Serum copper levels showed a positive correlation and serum zinc levels showed a negative correlation with the duration of the disease.

Interactions between maternal parity and feed additives drive the composition of pig gut microbiomes in the post‑weaning period

Background Nursery pigs undergo stressors in the post-weaning period that result in production and welfare chal-lenges.These challenges disproportionately impact the offspring of primiparous sows compared to those of mul-tiparous counterparts.Little is known regarding potential interactions between parity and feed additives in the post-weaning period and their effects on nursery pig microbiomes.Therefore,the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal parity on sow and offspring microbiomes and the influence of sow parity on pig fecal microbi-ome and performance in response to a prebiotic post-weaning.At weaning,piglets were allotted into three treat-ment groups:a standard nursery diet including pharmacological doses of Zn and Cu(Con),a group fed a commercial prebiotic only(Preb)based on an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract,and a group fed the same prebiotic plus Zn and Cu(Preb+ZnCu).Results Although there were no differences in vaginal microbiome composition between primiparous and mul-tiparous sows,fecal microbiome composition was different(R^(2)=0.02,P=0.03).The fecal microbiomes of primiparous offspring displayed significantly higher bacterial diversity compared to multiparous offspring at d 0 and d 21 post-weaning(P<0.01),with differences in community composition observed at d 21(R^(2)=0.03,P=0.04).When analyzing the effects of maternal parity within each treatment,only the Preb diet triggered significant microbiome distinc-tions between primiparous and multiparous offspring(d 21:R^(2)=0.13,P=0.01;d 42:R^(2)=0.19,P=0.001).Composi-tional differences in pig fecal microbiomes between treatments were observed only at d 21(R^(2)=0.12,P=0.001).Pigs in the Con group gained significantly more weight throughout the nursery period when compared to those in the Preb+ZnCu group.Conclusions Nursery pig gut microbiome composition was influenced by supplementation with an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract,with varying effects on performance when combined with pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu or for offspring of different maternal parity groups.These results indicate that the development of nursery pig gut microbiomes is shaped by maternal parity and potential interactions with the effects of dietary feed additives.

Selective separation of copper and cadmium from zinc solutions by low current density electrolysis

Copper and cadmium ions were selectively separated from zinc sulphate aqueous solution or zinc ammonia/ammonium sulphate aqueous solution by low current density electrolysis.It was shown that the concentration of cadmium ion in zinc sulphate solution decreased from 4.56 g/L to 0.18 g/L in an electrolysis time of 8.5 h,whilst it decreased from 5.16 g/L to lower than 0.005 g/L in zinc ammonia/ammonium sulphate aqueous solution.On the other hand,the deposition rate of copper was so low that it was difficult to separate copper and cadmium ions from the zinc ammonia/ammonium sulphate aqueous solution during electrolysis.But copper ion could be decreased to 0.002 g/L in this solution through solvent extraction by using kerosene diluted LIX984N as extractant.Therefore,it is favorable to recover cadmium ion from the zinc ammonia/ammonium sulphate solution by electrolysis after solvent extraction of copper.

Concentrations of copper, zinc and manganese in Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) at Jixi, Heilongjiang Province, China

Concentrations of copper （Cu）, zinc （Zn） and manganese （Mn） were measured in four tissues of Tree Sparrow （Passer montanus） from three sites in Heilongjiang province, China, during four seasons. Among the four measured tissues （primary feathers, liver, heart, and pectoral muscle）, the highest concentrations were found in feathers （Zn） or liver （Cu and Mn）, and the lowest concentrations were in muscle, except Cu. For Mn, mean concentrations of the birds from the three study sites were, in decreasing order： Didao mining area （DMA） 〉 urban district of Jixi （UDJ） 〉 Phoenix Mountain national nature reserve （PMR, the reference site）, but not for Zn and Cu. There were significant differences between metal concentrations at the three sites, but differences were not significant for Mn （in muscle and feathers） and Cu （in feathers）. For most elements, the mean concentrations were greatest in summer.

Zinc and copper bioaccumulation in fi sh from Laizhou Bay, the Bohai Sea

Abstract Zinc （Zn） and copper （Cu） concentrations were determined in the tissues （muscle, stomach, liver, gills, skin, and gonads） of five commercial fish species （mullet Liza haematocheilus, flathead Platycephalus indicus, mackerel Scomberomorus niphonius, silver pomfret Pampus argenteus, and sea bass Lateolabrax japonicus） from Laizhou Bay in the Bohai Sea. Metal bioaccumulation was highest in the metabolically active tissues of the gonads and liver. Bioconcentration factors for Zn were higher in all tissues （gonads 44.35, stomach 7.73, gills 7.72, liver 5.61, skin 4.88, and muscle 1.63） than the corresponding values for Cu （gonads 3.50, stomach 3.00, gills 1.60, liver 5.43, skin 1.50, and muscle 0.93）. Mackerel tissues accumulated metal to higher concentrations than did other fish species, but bioaccumulation levels were not significantly correlated with the trophic levels of the fish. Zn and Cu concentrations in the tissues were generally negatively correlated with fish length, except for a few tissues of sea bass. Risk assessment based on national and international permissible limits and provisional tolerances for weekly intake of Zn and Cu revealed that the concentrations of these two metals in muscle were relatively low and would not pose hazards to human health.

Zinc and Copper Status in Urban Thai PregnantWomen and Their Pregnancy Outcome

Zinc and copper intakes and serum concentrations were determined at the 32th and 36th week of pregnancy in 96 healthy Thai women attending a prenatal clinic. Dietary data from 3-day food records revealed that the mean dietary zinc and copper intakes in Thai pregnant women were 6. 9 and 1. 7mg/d (equivalent to 34 and 69% of Thai RDA), respectively. Fifty-five percent of zinc intake was from animal origin, whereas 59% of copper intake was from plant origin.The infants of the 64 women who were in the study until delivery, were all normal.Most (>96%) of the maternal serum zinc and copper concentrations were within normal ranges. Only one woman at 32th week had low serum zinc level (<6. 4μmol/L). There were no significant correlations between the maternal serum zinc or copper levels and pregnancy outcome (birth weight and birth length). In this study, although the zinc and copper intake in most Thai pregnant women (99 and 58%, respectively) were less than two-thirds of the Thai RDAs, they were not at risk of suffering from zinc and copper deficiencies as determined by serum zine and copper concentrations, abnormal parturition and abnormal pregnancy outcome.

Study on experiment and mechanism of thermal dissolved sulfuration of low grade lead-zinc oxide ore in lanpin

The thermal dissolved sulfuration technology is brought forward and performed based on the characteristic of low grade lead-zinc oxide ore in lanpin. Using sulfur as the sulphidizing agent in the experiment, the oxides in the sandstone and ignimbrite are changed into sulfides. The disproportionation reaction of sulfur in a solution is confirmed as 4S＋3H2O=2S^2-＋S2O3^2--＋6H^＋. The dynamics process is studied and the first-order reaction rate equation -1n（1-a）=ktt is obtained. The effects of the reactive products, stirring speed, dosage of sulfuration agent, value of pH and sulphidizing temperature on the sulfuration of oxide ore are investigated. The results indicate that the reactive apparent activation energy is 100.8 kJ/mol and the sulfuration ratio of lead-zinc oxide ore reaches 60% under the conditions of pH 5.9-7.5, the sulfuration temperature of 130 ℃, sulfuration time of 180 min and the stirring speed of 800 r/min.

THE STUDY ON THE CHANGES OF ZINC, COPPER, CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM IN PLASMA AND ERYTHROCYTES DURING CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS

Objective To study the changes and their influence factors involved of zinc, copper, calcium and magnesium in plasma and erythrocytes during cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB). Methods Zinc, copper, calcium and magnesium values in plasma and erythrocytes were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer during CPB. Results Zinc and copper levels in plasma were significantly elevated above preinduction level before perfusion, but calcium and magnesium levels did not change significantly; zinc, copper and calcium levels in plasma were significantly below preoperation level during CPB, but magnesium level in plasma was significantly increased above preoperation; zinc level in plasma was increased to preoperation level after CPB and began to decrease again at 8 hours after CPB, copper level in plasma was increased to preoperation level at 20 hours after CPB, calcium in plasma was increased significantly from beginning to 8 hours after CPB, magnesium level in plasma was decreased to preoperation level at 8 hours afterCPB. Concentration of zinc , copper, calcium and magnesium in erythrocytes did not change significantly. Conclusion During CPB, the changes of zinc, copper, calcium and magnesium had relation to hemodilution, operative wound, carrier protein, stress and component of priming solution and cardioplegic solution, but no relation to transfer from plasma erythrocytes. The results indicate that it is beneficial to patient's recovery to supplement zinc, copper, calcium and magnesium properly by different ways during cardiac perioperation.

Cloning and Expressing of a Gene Encoding Cytosolic Copper/Zinc Superoxide Dismutase in the Upland Cotton

In this study, a gene encoding a superoxide dismutase （SOD） was cloned from senescent leaves of cotton （Gossypium hirsutum）, and its expressing profile was analyzed. The gene was cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends （RACE） method. Northern blotting was used to show the profile of the gene expression, and the enzyme activity was mensurated by NBT deoxidization method in different growth periods. The full length of a gene of cytosolic copper/zinc superoxide dismutase （Cu/Zn-SOD） was isolated from cotton （GenBank Accession Number： DQ445093）. The sequence of cDNA contained 682 bp, the opening reading frame 456 bp, and encoded polypeptide 152 amino acids with the predicted molecular mass of 15.03 kD and theoretical pI of 6.09. The amino acid sequence was similar with the other plants from 82 to 87%. Southern blotting showed that the gene had different number of copies in different cotton species. Northern blotting suggested that the gene had different expression in different tissues and development stages. The enzyme activity was the highest in peak flowering stage. The cotton cytosolic （Cu/Zn-SOD） had lower copies in the upland cotton. The copper/zinc superoxide dismutase mRNA expressing level showed regular changing in the whole development stages; it was lower in the former stages, higher in latter stages and the highest at the peak flowering stage. The curve of the copper/zinc superoxide dismutase mRNA expressing level was consistent with that of the Cu/Zn-SOD enzyme activity. The copper/zinc superoxide dismutase mRNA expressing levels of different organs showed that the gene was higher in the root, leaf, and lower in the flower.

Pig Compost Use on Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Soils and Corn Plants

The use of pig compost (PC) in agricultural land has increased in Chile in the last years. This organic amendment is a valuable nutritional source for crops, but its applying must be done in a controlled manner since it exhibited high copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations. A short-term field experiment was conducted out to study the effects of increasing PC rates on the production and quality corn crop in two soils located at south central Chile. Five treatments were evaluated: control without fertilization (C), conventional fertilization (CF) (350 kg N ha-1), and three increasing PC rates (15.33, 30.65, and 61.31 Mg&middotha-1, corresponding to 350, 700, and 1400 kg N ha-1, respectively) in a split plot design with four replicates. The overall results indicated that dry matter production, grain yield, and plant Zn and Cu concentrations were similar among fertilization sources and rates. Extractable soil Zn concentration exhibited a rate-related increase of PC in both locations, while Cu concentration exhibited this behavior only at the soil located in Chillan. Nevertheless, the values obtained were below of those considered phytotoxic levels. Therefore, the contribution of Zn and Cu through PC applying at different rates to the soils studied showed a slight affect in soil extractable Zn and Cu values without negatively effects on quantity and quality corn crop. The organic amendment applied can be a good and cheaper substitute to conventional fertilization, although further monitoring of Zn and Cu soil levels should be carried out to avoid any environmental risk.

CLINICAL STUDY ON SERUM COPPER AND ZINC LEVELS AND COPPER/ZINC RATIO IN MALIGNANT LYMPHOMA

173 simultaneous determinations of serum copper levels (SCL), serum zinc levels (SZL) and copper/zinc ratio (CZR) were made by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 51 previously untreated lymphoma patients. SCL and CZR were significantly higher in patients before treatment (mean value 22.97 μmol/L, 1.55, respectively) and in those who did not reach complete remission (mean 21.21 μmol/L, 1.36) as compared with the patients in complete remission (mean 16.36 μmol/L, 1.06) or normal controls (mean 15.67 μmol/L, 0.98). The mean value of SCL and CZR of patients in complete remission did not differ significantly from those of normal controls. Patients in stages HI and IV had higher SCL and CZR (mean 25.15 μmol/L, 1.79) than those in stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ (mean 19.30 μmol/L, 1.16). No significant difference in SZL was observed between the patient groups and normal controls. Thus, SCL and CZR may be used as prognostic indicators for monitoring disease activity and response to therapy in malignant lymphoma.

Serum Zinc, Copper and Albumin in Paired Mothers and Their Term Newborn in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Objective: This study assessed the serum zinc, copper and albumin levels in paired mother and newborns in the immediate neonatal period to establish the relationship between the pair, and the influence of maternal micronutrient status on that of the newborn if any. Methods: The sociodemographic characteristics of the mothers were obtained using a structured questioner after informed consent was obtained from the parents of the baby. At delivery, paired mother and newborns had their serum zinc, copper and albumin assayed, using cord blood in the newborn. Result: One hundred and thirty five mothers and their paired term newborns completed the study. The mean age of the mothers was 29.2 ± 4.6 years with 67% within the age bracket 20 to 30 years. Seventy three percent of the mothers attained tertiary education and 22% had secondary education. The mean serum zinc was significantly higher in the newborn (3.67 ± 1.49 μmol/L) than in the mothers (2.20 ± 1.01 μmol/L), p = 0.0001, with a feto-maternal ratio of 1.6 to 1. Copper was significantly higher in the mothers (4.27 ± 1.77 μmol/L), than in the newborns (2.84 ± 0.92 μmol/L) (p = 0.001), with a maternal-fetal ratio of 1.5 to 1. Mean serum albumin was significantly lower in the newborns than in the mothers (p > 0.011). Conclusion: This study established that term newborns have higher serum zinc, a lower serum copper and albumin levels than their maternal levels. The distribution of these trace elements is probably protective in the newborns against infection.

Synthesis and Characterization of Dipeptide Schiff Base Complexes of Copper(Ⅱ), Zinc(Ⅱ), Nickel(Ⅱ) and Cobalt(Ⅱ)

A new Schiff base (LK) obtained from 2, 4, -dihydroxybenzaldehyde and glycly-DL- phenylalanine reacted with Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) to yield new complexes. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, 1H NMR DTA, TG, IR and UV spectroscopy. In these complexes the ligand is coordinated to the metal through its phenolic oxygen, carboxyl oxygen, imino nitrogen and amide nitrogen. All complexes are non-electrolytes and four coordinated with 1:1(metal; ligand) stoichiometry. The probable structure of the complexes is suggested

Effect of Copper and Zinc on Accumulation of Vitamin E in Wheat Embryo-derived Callus

[Objective] The aim was to study the effect of the content of copper and zinc on in medium the vitamin E accumulation in wheat embryo-dreived callus.[Method] The mathematical models were established to describe the growth kinetics and the vitamin E accumulation in wheat embryo callus cells.With the aim of getting the highest accumulation of the secondary metabolite Vitamin E,the optimal combination of copper and zinc in medium was confirmed by testing.[Result] The results showed that the production of vitamin E in B5 medium reached the highest value with 2.0 mg/mL ZnSO4·7H2O and 0.1 mg/mL CuSO4·5H2O.The fitting degrees of kinetic models of vitamin E accumulation and cell growth were 97.53% and 95.60%,respectively,which indicated good nonlinear relationships.[Conclusion] Both copper and zinc could affect the accumulation of vitamin E in wheat germ callus,and Copper showed more prominent effect than Zn.Synergism existed in low copper and zinc concentration,and the inhibitive effect enhanced with the increase of the concentrations.

Copper and Zinc Enrichment in Different Size Fractions of Organic Matter from Polluted Soils

Bioavailability of heavy metals in soil organic matter depends on itscomponents. Characterization of heavy metal distributions in different fractions of soil organicmatter is needed for better understanding of the fate of heavy metals. This study investigated theaccumulation and partitioning of copper and zinc among different size particulate organic matter(POM) fractions in polluted soils from a former iron ore processing site in western Shaoxing County,Zhejiang Province. Physical fractionations were carried out to separate soil primary particlesaccording to their size and density. Copper and Zn had a heterogeneous distribution among soilparticle fractions. Copper and Zn were significantly (p < 0.05) enriched in the POM fractions. >0.05 mm POM and < 0.05 mm fine soil fractions were mainly responsible for Cu and Zn retention insoils. The POM fraction contained up to 1 322 mg Cu kg^(-1) and 1115 mg Zn kg^(-1) and the fine soilfraction contained up to 422 mg Cu kg^(-1) and 537 mg Zn kg^(-1). The total POM fraction wasresponsible for 15.8%-41.2% and 12.2%-31.7% of the total amount of Cu and Zn, respectively, in thepolluted soils. The percentages of Cu and Zn associated with organic matter in < 0.05 mm fine soilfractions for the polluted soils ranged from 14.1% to 24.5%, and 5.4% to 15.8%, respectively.Accumulation of soil organic matter could increase enrichment of Cu (or Zn) in the POM fractions.Also, Cu provided a greater enrichment in the POM fractions than Zn.

Seminal concentrations of trace elements in various animalsand their correlations

Aim: To determine the seminal concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, cadmium, lead and nickel in bulls, rams, boars, stallions and foxes and study their correlations. Methods: Semen samples were obtained, digested and analyzed by means of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed statistically with the Student's t-test and Scheffe's test using PC programs SAS and Excel. Results: The seminal copper concentration was significantly higher in ram [(2.49±0.18) mg/kg] and fox [(2.16±0.53) mg/kg] than that in bull [(1.64±0.21) mg/kg], boar [(1.64±0.28) mg/kg] and stallion (0.86 mg/kg). In boar a significantly higher seminal zinc concentration (171.74±65.72) mg/kg] was found in comparison with stallion [(86.20±45.88) mg/kg], bull [(83.15±61.61) mg/kg], ram [( 60.46±35.37) mg/kg] and fox (13.09±5.22) mg/kg]. The iron concentration in semen was significantly higher in ram [(40.32±10.81) mg/kg), bull [(38.04±22.07) mg/kg] and fox [(33.16±24.36) mg/kg] than that in boar [(16.14±10.35) mg/kg] and stallion (12.68 mg/kg). The seminal cadmium concentration was relatively low [(0.05-0.12) mg/kg] in all studied species. The seminal lead concentration was the highest in ram [(0.35±0.68) mg/kg], which was much higher than in fox [(0.08±0.06) mg/kg], bull [(0.06±0.04) mg/kg], stallion [(0.05±0.05) mg/kg] and boar [0.02±0.03) mg/kg]. The level of seminal nickel was significantly higher in fox [(0.35±0.24) mg/kg] and ram [(0.31±0.19) mg/ kg] in comparison with bull [(0.12±0.07) mg/kg] and boar [(0.06±0.08) mg/kg]. The concentration of nickel in the semen of stallion was (0.20±0.24) mg/kg. There was a high positive correlation between seminal iron and zinc in bull (r=0.723) and stallion (r=0.723), between cadmium and lead in ram (r=0.976) and boar (r=0.973) and between iron and cadmium (r=0.783) and iron and lead (r=0.791) in boar. A high negative correlation between seminal nickel and copper in ram (r=-0.709) and between seminal copper and lead in fox (r=-0.854) was found. Conclusion: There are significant differences in the concentrations of seminal elements in different animals. There is a high concentration of seminal copper in ram and fox, a high zinc level in boar, a high iron level in bull, ram and fox and a high nickel level in ram and fox.

Relationship between BMD and Zn, Cu, Ca Levels in the Hair and Meal in Elderly People

The relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and Zn, Cu, Ca levels in the meal and hair of urban and rural elderly people were studied. 470 subjects above 60 years old (urban 205 and rural 265), 178 males with an average age of 65.70±3.48 and 292 females with an average age of 65.90±4.02, were inquired. The BMD and Zn, Cu, Ca levels in the meal and hair were measured. The detected BMD in urban and rural female old people was significantly lower than that of the males; The contents of Ca and Zn in the meal of the urban females were significantly lower than those of the urban males; The Ca, Zn in the meal and Zn in the hair of the rural females were significantly lower than those of rural males (P< 0.05 or 0.01). The BMD, Ca intakes, Ca and Zn in the hair of the rural old people were significantly lower than those of the urban old people (P< 0 05 or 0.01). There was a correlation between BMD with the Ca, Zn of the hair and dietary Ca, Zn, Cu or between dietary Zn with Ca, Zn in the hair and Ca, Cu intakes. The Zn, Cu and Ca levels in the meal nutrients were correlated with BMD to some degrees. Lack of Ca and Zn in the meal can cause the reduction of BMD.

Recovery of nickel,cobalt,copper and zinc in sulphate and chloride solutions using synergistic solvent extraction

A number of synergistic solvent extraction （SSX） systems have been developed to recover nickel, cobalt, zinc and copper from sulphuric and chloride leach solutions by the solvent extraction team of CSIRO, Australia. These in- clude （1） Versatic 10/CLXS0 system for the separation of Ni from Ca in sulphate solutions, （2） Versatic 10/4PC system for the separation of Ni and Co from Mn/Mg/Ca in sulphate solutions, （3） Cyanex 471X/HRJ-4277 system for the separation of Zn from Cd in sulphate solutions, （4） Versatic 10/LIX63 system for the separation of Co from Mn/Mg/Ca in sulphate solutions, （5） Versatic 10/LIX63/TBP system for separation of Ni and Co from Mn/Mg/Ca in sulphate solutions, （6） Versatic 10/LIX63 system for the separation of cobalt from nickel in sulphate solutions by difference in kinetics, （7） Cyanex 272/LIX84 system for the separation of Cu/Fe/Zn from Ni/Co in sulphate solutions, （8） Versatic 10/LIX63fFBP system to recover Cu/Ni from strong chloride solutions, and [9） Versatic 10/LIX63 system to separate Cu from Fe in strong chloride solutions. The synergistic effect on metal separation and efficiency is presented and possible industrial applications are demonstrated. The chemical stability of selected SSX systems is also reported.