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Rhazya stricta is an important medicinal plant species distributed all over the Warcha salt mine in Pakistan. Analysis of proximate composition and metals is a commendable job to assess the suitability of the exploitation of medicinal plants on a large scale by ethnic communities. The proximate analyses (moisture, fiber, ash, crude fats, proteins and carbohydrates) of all the samples collected from five different sites (Table 1) were carried out. Moreover, different inorganic elements in the samples were also determined. The maximum and the minimum moisture content in Rhazya stricta was observed at Site 4 (31.21%) and Site 2 (29.14%), respectively. The maximum and the minimum ash concentrations were recorded in the populations collected from Site 2 (7.48%) and Site 5 (6.25%), respectively. The maximum fat content was found in the Site 3 (3.91%) population, whereas the minimum contents of crude fiber were observed in the population from Site 2 (12.2%). The maximum concentration of crude protein was observed in the plants from Site 5 (9.93%), whereas the minimum contents of carbohydrates were observed in the plants from Site 2 (48.4%). Essential and nonessential elements like potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed in the roots, stem and leaves of Rhazya stricta. The maximum K content (6836.886 mg/kg) was found in the roots of plants collected from Site 5 and the minimum in the leaves (5528.795 mg/kg) collected from Site 3. The highest concentration of magnesium was found in the roots of plants from Site 3 (2414.46 mg/kg), whereas the lowest concentration of iron was recorded in the leaves of Site 4 (31.45 mg/kg) plants. The maximum and the minimum concentrations of cobalt were detected in the roots of plants from Site 1 (0.320 mg/kg) and in the leaves of plants from Site 4 (0.135 mg/kg), respectively. The minimum concentration of leaf cadmium was recorded in plant population from Site 4, whereas in the same population the maximum level of root nickel was recorded. The highest concentration of copper was observed in the stem of plant population from Site 2 (0.297 mg/kg). The concentrations of most of the elements appraised in the present study are well below the overall permissible limits of these elements in medicinal plants determined by WHO, so this plant from the Warcha mine can be utilized without harm by herbal practitioners and pharmaceutical industry.

In Pakistan, wastewater such as industrial and urban wastewater is widely used for agricultural irrigation despite its chemical and pollutant content. In this respect, it is important to determine the risks of heavy metal accumulation in various agricultural products and the risks to human health. The aims of this study were to assess the heavy metal(loid)s contamination in soil and sugar beet samples and to assess the health risks of heavy metal(loid)s to the population via the consumption of sugar beet. The heavy metal(loid) values in the wastewater-irrigated soil samples ranged from 0.260 to 4.053 mg/kg, and wastewater-irrigated sugar beet samples ranged from 0.051 to 1.666 mg/kg. In contrast to Cd, Ni, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cr and Zn, which appeared to pose a health risk, Pb, Co, and Cr had Health Risk Index (HRI) values lower than 1.0 and did not appear to pose a threat to human health. Cd accumulation with HRI values over 1 (144.8) indicated that this metal is likely to have a major negative impact on local health.

Several routing protocols are being developed and used to develop energy-efficient wireless sensor networks. The necessity of saving energy is the need for technology as well as the scarcity of conventional energy. The wireless sensor nodes are run on battery power with energy limitations; therefore, this study needs to develop wireless sensor networks that can be kept alive for a longer period. From a computer science point of view, a routing mechanism can help in the improvement of the network. This research aims to design and develop a routing protocol that utilizes less energy and keeps sensor networks alive for longer period while using limited energy. An efficient and intelligent even-odd scheduling-based routing protocol influenced by LEACH has been proposed to achieve this goal. During transmission, this protocol alternatively considers evenly or oddly indexed nodes. The concept in this approach is to keep the node into consideration when it is ready to send data and when it is in the queue. Any node that is not in the queue or does not have data will not consume any significant energy, and thus the whole network conserves energy after each transmission round.

Anthropogenic activities are major cause of environmental pollution with significant risks for human health that can lead to excessive pollutant entry into the terrestrial ecosystem. The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of bioaccumulation of carcinogenic metals (Cd, Ni, Co, Cr), and mineral elements (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) in the wheat irrigated with sewage water and different environmental traits (bio-concentration factor, pollution load index, daily intake of metals, health risk index) were compared to understand the ultimate sink of these toxic metals. The Cd was in range of 2.89–3.04 mg/kg in soil. The Fe and Mn were in range of 2.87–4.16 and 1.54–1.66 mg/kg, while Zn varies from 0.18 to 1.21 mg/kg, respectively. Grain exhibit higher concentration (3.31 mg/kg) of Zn while lowest (1.02 mg/kg) of Ni. Bio-concentration factor (BCF) values of Cd, Ni, Fe and Mn being less than 1.0 indicates lower Ni, Cd, Fe and Mn concentration in grains. BCF varies from 0.46 to 0.80 mg/kg for Cd, 0.31 to 0.41 mg/kg for Ni, 0.29 to 0.44 mg/kg for Fe and 0.15 to 0.73 mg/kg for Mn. Pollution load index (PLI) of Zn and Cd was lowest and highest among the evaluated trace metals, respectively. Health risk index was highest for Zn and Cd while it was < 1 for all other metals that showed no danger to human health. Enrichment factor (EF) of Zn was highest followed by Cd while found lowest in Mn. To minimize the health risks in humans, regular monitoring of wheat crop irrigated with wastewater is highly recommended. Universidade de Vigo/CISUG

Vertical farming methods are gaining importance in the current era of urbanization and industrialization 5.0. These methods of farming enhance sustainability by consuming less space and reducing carbon emissions and greenhouse gas emissions. The Green Internet of Things (G-IoT) offers greater environmental sustainability by switching to a dormant mode while not in use, thereby consuming less energy. Each farming method has a different effect on the shoot and root growth of the plants. Thus, dedicated farming methods must be identified for each crop according to the type of crop under consideration. This leads to a need to compare and analyze the root as well as shoot growth trends of crops in different cultivation mediums, using different cultivation methods, thereby identifying the most suitable method for the cultivation of the crop. A comparative analysis of barley shoot and root growth in green IoT-embedded hydroponics and substrate cultivation methods has shown that hydroponics exhibits two times more shoot growth than substrate cultivation. Furthermore, the results were verified against the results obtained from the simulator, which confirmed that the hydroponic method of cultivation produced a year-round qualitative product with 17.112 tons of biomass and 8.556 tons of dry yield.

Food colors are considered the most important component of foodstuff for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the products. The rapid increase in population raised the demand for food materials, while wastewater from as-related processing industries is used for irrigation. This study was conducted to examine the genotoxicity of industrial wastewater on the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Three predominantly used synthetic food colors, including Azorubine E-122, Tartrazine E-102 and Allura Red AC E-129, were used during this project. Rhizobacteria were isolated from agricultural soils and treated with various concentrations of Azorubine E-122, Tartrazine E-102 and Allura red E-129 for a 24 and 48 h duration. DNA extraction and quantification were performed through a modified CTAB method, spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis. A comet assay was used to check DNA damage. According to the results, all the food colors had caused significant damage to DNA depending upon the concentration and exposure time. The extent of DNA damage caused by Azorubine E-122 was relatively greater compared with the other colors, so the fragmentation rate of 86% and 92% was obtained at 1.25% concentration for 24 and 48 h, respectively. The current results have revealed the devastation capacity of food colors by accelerating distortion risk to soil micro-flora, hence the fertility of the soil.

In District Jhang, farmers use municipal wastewater to irrigate fodder crops as an alternative source to the deficient availability of fresh water. Therefore, the present study selected the three irrigation sources in District Jhang (canal water, ground water and municipal wastewater) to study the iron (Fe) concentration in the soil, fodder crops and ultimately their transfer into the animal body. Analysed Fe concentration varied as 16.40-27.53 mg/kg in soil samples, 19.72-30.34 mg/kg in fodder crops and 2.49-5.11 mg/kg in animals. Analysed Fe concentration in soil was higher on the wastewater irrigation site while canal water-irrigated fodder crop Zea mays exhibit the higher Fe concentration. In animal samples, higher Fe concentration was observed in the cow blood (4.09 mg/l), cow hairs (3.39 mg/kg) and cow faeces (5.11 mg/kg). Results of pollution load index (0.288-0.484 mg/kg) and enrichment factor (0.112-0.197 mg/kg) indicated that Fe concentration was minimally dispersed and enriched in these sites. Health risk and daily intake values were observed between the 0.029-0.059 and 0.042-0.084 mg/kg/day. Bio-concentration factor (0.834-1.47 mg/kg) for Fe which was greater than 1 explains that Fe contamination was transferred from the soil to fodder tissues and may raise health issues in the grazing animals if they are continuously exposed to these contaminated forages. Wastewater irrigation in study area has increased the Fe content in soil-plant environment that is a risking factor for animal and human health. Hence, this study recommended that wastewater should be treated prior to their irrigation on agricultural lands.

Heavy metal pollution in soil, forage, and animals is serious concern nowadays. Current research was conducted in Sargodha to find out the relationship of animals related to the forages and soil pollution. Three sites were selected with three different treatments; site I irrigated with ground water, site II irrigated with the canal water, and site III irrigated with the wastewater. Samples of soil, forage, and animals (blood, hair, feces) were collected from selected sites and were analyzed for metal analysis using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results indicated that Zn in soil ranged from 24.12 to 37.39 mg/kg; forage, 31.98-44.47 mg/kg; blood of animals, 1.49-2.72 mg/L; hair of animals, 1.37-2.41 mg/kg; and feces of animals, 1.06-2.97 mg/kg. The concentration of zinc in soil and forage was less than permissible limit, but concentration in blood of animals was greater than critical limit suggesting the presence of metal. Bio-concentration factor indicated that metal was accumulated in forages growing at irrigated site. HRI concentration (2.024 mg/kg/day) suggests the accumulation of zinc in animal tissues. Pollution load index and enrichment factor were within the range.

This article focuses on the toxic element chromium (Cr) in wastewater, its incorporation into soil plant systems, and its relevant toxicity in the food chain as assessed by a health risk assessment from dietary intake. The Nili Ravi buffalo is an important cattle inhabiting Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan, and forage crops grown on soils contaminated with Cr might cause toxicity in the food chain by local inhabitants eating meat. The soil, forage and animal blood samples were collected from five different locations in Tehsil Sahiwal (Chak Dhool, Bagabalocha, Chandia, Dhool Bala and Kakrani) twice at six-month intervals. A total of 30 samples from each ecological zone were collected from the soil and forage crops (Zea mays, Sorghum bicolor, Trifolium alexandrinum). The samples from zone-V and zone-IV showed the maximum concentration of Cr because these areas receive highly contaminated water for irrigation. The Cr was greater than the permissible limits. Environmental indices for all samples ranged below 1. The bioaccumulation and pollution load of Cr in soil and forage crops due to wastewater irrigation can contaminate the whole food chain via the soil, forages and animals. The health risk index (HRI) and a high value of enrichment factor were found for Cr in some sites. The Cr concentration was higher during the summer season than winter. Fodder crops with different concentrations and an elevated level of Cr were observed in maize. Attention should be paid when wastewater is used for fodder crop irrigation and its potential risks to human health following dairy product (milk, meat) entry into the food chain. Department of Botany, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan Higher Education Commission of Pakistan | Ref. #2484/13 Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University | Ref. PNURSP2022R75

This study's aim was to investigate iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentration in the soil, forage crops, and sheep blood with respect to the seasonal availability of these metals. Soil, forage, and sheep blood samples were sampled from five different locations in Chakwal (Pidh, Tobar, Ratoccha, Choa Saiden Shah-Kalar Kahar road, and Choa Saiden Shan-Chakwal Road) during two seasons, i.e., winter and summer. All the samples were processed through wet acid digestion for evaluation of metal contents. Because of proximity of site-1 and site-2 to coal mines, higher Fe concentration was observed than Zn. Overall, varied Fe concentrations obtained in soil were 12.95-24.31 mg/kg, 1.29-9.61 mg/kg in forage and 1.17-24 mg/l in blood, whereas Zn values were 1.04-31.9 mg/kg, 1.96-7.02 mg/kg, and 0.16-6.52 mg/l for soil, forages, and blood respectively. The pollution load index value for both Fe (0.01-0.14 mg/kg) and Zn (0.02-0.72 mg/kg) was lesser than 1. Bio-concentration (0.09-2.64mg/kg) and enrichment factor (0.08-7.51 mg/kg) were showing efficient transfer of metals through the food chain. Daily intake and health risk index values of iron were ranged from 0.01 to 1.1 mg/kg/day and 0.02 to 1.05 mg/kg/day. There was a probable chance of upsurge in metal values in coming years due to continued mining activities. Anthropogenic input, mainly mining activities in the study area, have increased the Fe and Zn content in the environment which can ultimately find their way up the food chain, thereby risking the health of grazing livestock.

Seasonal changes in the climate, as well as in plants and species living in this environment, which causes serious problems. Current work was carried out to evaluate the seasonal impact on the concentration of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in soil, forages and animals. A semi arid dry climatic area of Pakistan was selected to find out the seasonal effects on soil and availability of Zn and Fe, and its translocation to forages and animals. Twenty seven forages were collected and 320 ruminant samples collected from two sites in four seasons. Effect of spatial-temporal variations were studied on the ruminants of four physiological stages (Does, Bucks, Wether and Juvenile). Different sources from goats including blood, feces and urine were collected for the analysis of Zn and Fe. Results showed that both elements in soil were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by season and site x season. In forages, only site showed significant effect on Fe and Zn, while Zn was affected non-significantly (P > 0.05) by season and site x season. Zn and Fe in goats were non-significantly affected by season and source x stages, while significantly affected by sites and sources. All values of both elements were in safe limits except deficiency of Fe (1.69 to 2.33 mg/L) in blood. Results of health indices were also in the limits. Current work encircles the spatio- temporal effects on mineral availability in the food chain and also concern the health effects related to ruminant health.

Grazing animals act as a bioindicator to study the heavy metal status in the pasture lands because excessive amount of toxic metals in the animal diet either disturb their normal activity or deposit the contaminants into their tissues. The aim of this study was to appraise the chromium status in soil and pasture crops with respect to the nutritional requirement of grazing animals. Three different sites were selected to collect soil, forages, and animal samples from District Jhang. All the samples were processed through atomic absorption spectrophotometer to analyze the chromium concentration in them. Chromium concentration was varied as 0.703-4.20 mg/kg in soil, 0.45-2.85 mg/kg in forages, and 0.588-2.37 mg/kg in all collected animal samples. Both the soil and forage samples displayed the maximum chromium concentration in the Capparis decidua, whereas animal samples revealed maximum concentration in animal blood. Results of pollution load index (0.078 to 0.463 mg/kg) exhibited that all the sample values are less than unity while enrichment factor (1.57-8.25mg/kg) showed that significant level of chromium is enriched in these sites. The maximum value of daily intake (0.0007-0.0055mg/kg/day) and health risk index (0.0004-0.00370055mg/kg/day) was observed in the buffalo that feed on the Capparis decidua. Bio-concentration factor (0.398-2.09mg/kg) value was the maximum in the Medicago sativa. It is concluded that all the animal samples showed chromium concentration beyond their standards. Thus, proper measures should be taken to reduce the metal contamination in these areas that ultimately lessen the availability of toxic metals to grazing animals.

Copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) metal distribution in soil–plant ecosystems and their public health risk impact on ruminants (cows, buffalo, and sheep) are explored in the present investigation. Five different forage crops were selected, and the foraging responses of three types of ruminants (cows, buffalo, and sheep) at three ecological sites were evaluated. The soil of these three ecological sites was metal polluted (due to wastewater irrigation) and was studied to evaluate the metal contamination and pollution load index. For the assessment of Cd and Cu, soil, vegetation, blood, hair, and feces samples were collected and analysed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. High consumption of fodder crops (Sorghum bicolor Kuntze, Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W. Wight, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Suaeda fruticosa (L.) Forssk., and Tribulus terrestris L.) by cows and buffalo at site-III resulted in an increase in daily Cu and Cd intake. The pollution load index was higher at site-II and site-III, indicating a severe health risk scenario for local inhabitants. Cd and Cu were at their maximum levels in fodder crops. A significant increase in the concentrations of Cd and Cu was found in the blood, hair, and feces of cows and buffalo at site-III. Ecological indicators such as the bioaccumulation factor, the pollution load index, and the enrichment factor were found to be higher in buffalo than cows. The Cd level in forages was highest at the site-III Cd level and in the order of S. bispinosa > S. fruticosa > T. terresteris > C. dactylon > S. bicolor. Although these levels were lower than the permissible maximum limit, they were generally higher in the forage crops. Exposure of local inhabitants to the consumption of milk and meat from these cattle showed the serious health risks consequences. This situation can be properly managed by general monitoring of soil and vegetation pollution, avoiding metal contamination in the soil and food chain components, and using treated waste water and other alternate water sources for forage irrigation. King Saud University | Ref. RSP-2021/173 Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh | Ref. PNURSP2022R186 Higher Education Commission of Pakistan | Ref. #2484/13

Pollution by organic wastes and manures is an important problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries and novel solutions for their proper management and valorization are needed. Waste-derived organic manures may increase metal load in the soil–plant ecosystem and food chain, with potential risks to public health. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of three manures (poultry waste (PW), press mud (PM), and farmyard manure (FYM)) on heavy metals (HMs) (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn) toxicity in a soil and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) system and their environmental impact (bioaccumulation, pollution load) and the consequent risk to human health via consumption. Results demonstrated that HMs in coriander fluctuated from 0.40 to 0.43 for Cd, 1.84 to 3.52 for Co, 0.15 to 0.16 for Cr, 1.32 to 1.40 for Cu, 0.05 to 0.09 for Pb, 1.32 to 2.51 for Fe, 0.10 to 0.32 for Mn, and 2.01 to 8.70 mg/kg for Zn, respectively. Highest pollution load index value was 2.89 for Cd and Mn showed the lowest (0.005). Daily intake of metal was noticed to be higher for Zn (0.049 mg/kg/day) for PW and lower for Mn (0.0005) at FYM treatment. The health risk index value was

Salt stress is a major threat for growth and development of wheat crop. Screening technique for salinity tolerance is an effective tool to identify tolerant cultivar and high yielding wheat genotypes. Present study was carried out to screen twenty wheat genotypes under laboratory terms utilizing various growth and physiological indices like plant fresh weight stress indices (PFSI), plant height stress tolerance index (PHSI), shoot length stress tolerance index (SLSI), germination stress tolerance index (GSI), plant dry weight stress indices (PDSI), root length stress tolerance index (RLSI), relative water content (RWC). Multivariate techniques like cluster analysis and correlation were used to analyze the variance between wheat genotypes. The correlations analysis indicated significant among different physiological indices like GSI, SLSI, RLSI, PFSI, PDSI and RWC. On the basis of cluster analysis 20 wheat genotypes were classified into three clusters: first cluster included (The genotype WL-711 was the premier scorer followed by Nifa Bathoor, ARRI-II and Millat-11) presents sufficient salt tolerating degree, on the other hand, cluster-2 is comprised of wheat genotypes (Inqilab-91, NIAB-09, Punjab-96, Sehar-2006, Tatara, AS-2002, SA-75, Lasani-09, FSD-08 and Galaxy-13) with medium level of salt tolerance and cluster-3 included genotypes (LU-26-S, Fakhar e Sarhad, Bakhtawar, Punjab-11, Barsat and Kohistan-97) did not perform upto the mark and have lower level of salt tolerance. Correlation analysis among different screening techniques indicated that physiological indices exhibited highly significant and positive correlations among GSI, PHSI, SLSI, PDSI, PFSI, and RWC while non-significant correlation existed among PDSI and RLSI. The correlation between PFSI and RWC was significant. Significant correlations between cluster analysis and different indices also proved that salt tolerant wheat genotypes screened.

Proximate and nutritional concentrations of some vegetables irrigated with different types of water were determined in present study. Allium fistulosum showed highest concentrations of N and P at site3 and site1, respectively. Highest ash concentration in Trigonella foenum-graecum demonstrated high mineral concentration of this vegetable. The crude protein contents ranged from 15.38% to 26.19% and crude fiber contents ranged from 12.81% to 16.73% in all vegetables. The tannins and saponins contents showed significant (P

The aim of this study was to access the Mn contamination in soil, forages, and animals. Heavy metal pollution is a matter of prime significance in natural environment. Through food chain, toxicity of heavy metals and their bioaccumulation potential are transferred into humans. Higher concentrations of metallic compounds are toxic to living organisms but these are essential to maintain body metabolism. Intake of food crops polluted with heavy metals is chief food chain channel for human exposure. Animals are exposed to heavy metal stress by the intake of richly contaminated food crops; those are chief part of food chain. Samples of soil, plant, animal blood, hair, and feces were collected to find contamination through wet digestion process in lab and metal analysis. Different forages were collected to study Mn content that was our major concern in this study. The present findings also emphasized on the assessment of bio-concentration factor (BCF). Other significant indices of mobility and pollution of metal were also calculated, i.e. pollution load index (PLI), daily intake of metal (DIM), health risk index (HRI), and enrichment factor (EF). The experimentation result showed different concentrations of metal in different seasons. The Mn concentration in forages was 20.01-28.29 mg/kg and in soil was 5.27-8.90 mg/kg. Soil samples showed higher level of (PLI) Pollution load index. Bio-concentration of MN was 2.59-4.21 mg/kg. It can be concluded that regular monitoring of the metal is essential to evaluate the contamination status. Mn contents were in the safe limits in soil and plants; however, its toxic level was observed in animals.

Environmental contamination caused by various pollutants due to automobile emissions is an alarming issue. One important type of the pollutants are heavy metals, including chromium (Cr) added by the exhaust of toxic smoke of vehicles. These pollutants are added to forage crops cultivated near roadsides, soil and irrigation water. However, rare studies have been conducted to infer Cr accumulation near heavy automobile emission areas. This study was conducted to determine Cr concentration in irrigation water, soil and forage. Water, forage and soil samples were collected from area impacted by heavy traffic. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to appraise Cr values in the collected samples. Chromium values ranged from 0.50 to 1.14 mg/kg in water samples and from 0.04 to 2.23 mg/kg in soil samples. It was highest in Zea mays grown soil, whereas minimum in Brassica campestris soil. The Cr values in forages ranged from 0.09 to 1.06 mg/kg. Z. mays observed the highest Cr accumulation, whereas the lowest Cr accrual was noted for B. campestris. The pollution load index (PLI) was the highest for Trifolium alexandrinum, while the lowest for Z. mays. Bio-concentration factor (BCF) ranged from 0.14 to 8.63. The highest BCF was noted for T. alexandrinum, while the lowest for Z. mays. The highest and the lowest daily intake of metal (DIM) was noted for Z. mays at different sites. Health risk index (HRI) was highest for Z. mays and lowest for B. campestris. The results add valuable information on heavy metal accumulation in water, soil and forage samples near to automobile emission area.

Heavy metals are considered as most important contaminations due to industrialization of countries and an influence on its existence in soil, plant and milk. A study was carried out to check manganese content in soil, forage and milk at three sites of city Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan. All samples (milk, soil, water, fodder plants and ground water) were analyzed for manganese by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Different health indices were also studied to check Mn flow in food chain. Level of Mn in samples was found within acceptable limits. Manganese level was higher in soil samples collected from Site-III than other sites. Manganese showed higher value (2.595 to 10.402 mg/kg) in soil than other samples. Fodders were found to accumulate manganese from 0.008 to 0.022 mg/kg. Manganese concentration was found to be 0.1482 to 1.241 mg/L, 0.164 to 0.9708 mg/L in water and milk, respectively. BCF and PLI values for manganese were also found to be less than 1. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and THQ of manganese are found within permissible limits in milk of cows feeding on fodders irrigated with wastewater and ground water. So, use of wastewater for irrigation purpose should be properly checked due to possible toxic effects.

The effect of spatio-temporal variations in proximate composition of the forages and fodder species grazed by the ruminants in different sites of district Bhakkar, Pakistan was evaluated. Samples were collected from different sites of the selected region during four seasons. There was significant effect of site on all proximate parameters except ether extract. Season of collection significantly affected moisture content, dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, NFES and net energy while ash content was non-significantly affected. Site x season also has significant effect on all proximate parameters. The study unveils the composition of diet of ruminants, providing information about the need of supplementation for these animals to increase their productivity.

The recent research was performed to investigate the toxicity of As and Cd in suburban area of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. Water, soil and forage samples were collected for this purpose in summer and winter season and analysis was done via wet digestion to determine the concentration of selected heavy metals. The mean concentration of As and Cd in water was found above the permissible maximum limit. Mean concentration of Cd in soil and forages was lower than the allowed limit whereas As which was higher than the PML in forages. So, continuous use of domestic wastewater for irrigation purpose should be avoided in order to secure the area from any hazard in near future.

This investigation was done for the assurance of potassium amassing in four assortments of maize (grains, shoot and root), soil, and water and in seven tissues of chickens (kidney, liver, heart, bone, gizzard, breast meat). The analysis of variance showed significant differences for potassium concentration in water in all sources of water; however, the season and variety significantly influenced the quantity of potassium in cereals. The corn varieties MMRI, Sadaf, and Pearl behaved differently when treated with water from various sources. Water taken from sewage had a higher concentration of potassium compared to canal and groundwater that is why the maize plants irrigated with this water had a higher grouping. Data regarding potassium concentration in different body parts of chicken showed that season and treatment have a significant effect on the potassium concentration in chicken organs. The variety was non-significant for the potassium concentration only in the bone. Season × Variety interaction was only significant in blood, meat heart, and gizzard. Season × Treatment and Variety × Treatment interactions were significant in the heart, kidney, and gizzard. The potassium contents were higher in the chicken body parts that were reared on grains irrigated with sewage water as compared to other groups. The potassium contents were higher in the chicken meat (96.23 ± 0.00) reared on grains of the Pearl variety raised with the sewage water. In a nutshell, the irrigation of grains with sewage water led to accumulation of nutrients greater than those irrigated with ground or canal water.

Minerals are essential for ruminants affecting significantly the production of grazing livestock. Iron level in forages, soil, and blood plasma of the small ruminants (goat and sheep) was investigated in three districts of Punjab. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the concentration of iron in collected samples. The results revealed that the mean Fe concentrations in soil of districts Sargodha, Mianwali, and Bhakhar were significantly varied and ranged from 21.85 to 23.78, 28.45 to 31.2, and 18.079 to 24.33 mg/kg, respectively. The Fe level in soil of Mianwali significantly varied and was higher than Sargodha and Bhakkar. The mean Fe concentration in forages which were used for feeding purpose were significantly varied and found between 10.95-14.49, 23.63-25.65, and 6.616-9.45 mg/kg for Sargodha, Mianwali, and Bhakhar, respectively. The mean Fe concentrations in blood plasma of goat which consumed the contaminated forages were 8.5026-11.763 mg/L in district Sargodha, 19.77-20.19 mg/L in Mianwali, and 5.508-5.858mg/L in Bhakkar. In blood plasma of sheep, the residual levels of Fe in districts Sargodha, Mianwali, and Bhakhar were ranged from 9.987 to 12.455, 15.8 to 19.785, and 3.425 to 6.383 mg/L, respectively. This study provides the data of metals effected by different sites and also their mobility from low to higher trophic level which enables us to study the iron toxicity in different trophic levels, and we recommend different safe limits and treatment in case of low and high metal profile.

The instant endeavor was undertaken for determination of lead (Pb) in water, soil, forage, and cow's blood domesticated in contaminated area of heavy automobiles' exhaust in Sahiwal town of District Sargodha, Pakistan. Water samples showed that the concentration of Pb ranged from 1.14 to 0.44 mg kg-1 at all sites. It was maximum at site 5 and minimum at site 2. Soil samples showed the concentration of Pb at all sites ranged from 1.58 to 0.279 mg kg-1. It was maximum in soil where Avena sativa was grown at site 5 and was found minimum in soil where Zea mays was grown at site 2. While among samples of forage, the concentration of Pb ranges from 0.048 to 2.002 mg kg-1. The highest Pb amount was found in Brassica campestris at site 1 and the minimum was recorded in Trifolium alexandrinum at site 2. Finally, the blood samples of cow depicted that concentration of Pb ranged from 4.468 to 0.217 mg kg-1. It was the maximum at site 1 and the minimum at site 3. It is recommended that such study should be conducted in other districts for public awareness.

In current work, we examined the absorption of metal Copper in generally grown food crops (Maize & Millet), cultivated in the waste water irrigated different Districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Analyzed samples of Water, Soil, shoot and grain were processed through atomic absorption spectrometric method. Our findings of Copper in water and Shoot were highest for Millet of Sargodha, irrigated with wastewater (1.69 mg/kg and 1.43 mg/kg respectively). In soil and grain samples maximum absorption of Cu was obtained in the waste water irrigated Maize (Sargodha) and Millet (Sheikhupura). Overall, Cu level was within the acceptable parameters set by FAO/WHO (2001). In this study, we also find out different indices such as Enrichment factor, Translocation factor, Pollution Load Index, Bio-concentration factor, Daily intake of metal and Health Risk Index. The study determined that frequently intake of waste watered forages in experimenting zone may carry possible health uncertainties in inhabitants.

Salinity is a major threat to agricultural productivity worldwide. The selection and evaluation of crop varieties that can tolerate salt stress are the main components for the rehabilitation of salt-degraded marginal soils. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate salinity tolerance potential, growth performance, carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen isotope composition (δ15N), intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), harvest index, and yield stability attributes in six barley genotypes (113/1B, 59/3A, N1-10, N1-29, Barjouj, Alanda01) at three salinity levels (0, 7, and 14 dS m−1). The number of spikes m−2 was highest in Alanda01 (620.8) while the lowest (556.2) was exhibited by Barjouj. Alanda01 produced the highest grain yield (3.96 t ha−1), while the lowest yield was obtained in 59/3A (2.31 t ha−1). Genotypes 113/1B, Barjouj, and Alanda01 demonstrate the highest negative δ13C values (−27.10‰, −26.49‰, −26.45‰), while the lowest values were obtained in N1-29 (−21.63‰) under salt stress. The δ15N was increased (4.93‰ and 4.59‰) after 7 and 14 dS m−1 as compared to control (3.12‰). The iWUE was higher in N1-29 (144.5) and N1-10 (131.8), while lowest in Barjouj (81.4). Grain protein contents were higher in 113/1B and Barjouj than other genotypes. We concluded that salt tolerant barley genotypes can be cultivated in saline marginal soils for food and nutrition security and can help in the rehabilitation of marginal lands.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of sewage water irrigation on chromium (Cr) accumulation in soil and forage species and to assess the health risk of grazing livestock via forage consumption. The experimental design of the research and all experiments were done in Sargodha University Botanical Department. Measurement of Cr in water samples and soil and plant samples prepared for analysis by wet digestion was done using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA-6300 Shimadzu Japan). The average Cr concentrations in soil samples, forage crops and in water were determined. In the root samples of forage species, the highest concentration was 0.625 mg/kg (dw) in winter forage T. alexandrinum and the lowest mean concentration was 0.053 mg/kg (dw) in summer forage S. bicolor. In the leaf samples of forage species, the highest mean concentration of Cr in leaves was 0.583 mg/kg (dw) occurred in T. alexandrinum in winter forage and the lowest mean concentration was 0.035 mg/kg (dw) occurred in E. colona grown in summer forage. The present Cr values in the leaf samples of forages species were lower than this permissible limit. In the present study, the values of health risk index were lower than 1 in case of all Cr values. So, it can be said that forage species irrigated with sewage water in the study area is safe for consumption of livestock. However, though the general values were lower than the permissible maximum limit, it was observed that the metal accumulation in the forage species irrigated with sewage water was higher. Therefore, especially in agricultural applications, attention should be paid to contamination of soil and food chain components when watering with wastewater.

Due to increasing population and increasing number of automobiles the fodder samples were collected from Khushab District along the roadside to examine the heavy metal contamination. It was a serious issue because animals consume these contaminated fodders and then they enters the food chain where they cause toxicity. Five fodder plants Pennisetum glaucum, Trifolium alexandrinum, Saccharum officinarum, Zea mays and Brassica compestris were selected for sampling. The sampling of selected fodder plants and their soil was done during November which was the driest season of Khushab city and the dust and smoke was present on the fodder plants. The samples were air and oven dried. Then subjected to digestion. Acid digestion was done with Nitric acid (HNO3), Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Hydrogen chloride (HCL). The samples become transparent and the heavy metal analysis of both soil and fodder samples was done through Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AASP). Lead and zinc heavy metals were analyzed. The pollution load index was lower than 1 which indicates that there was low concentration of metal in soil of the collected samples of the current study. It was obtained that the soil was less polluted. The daily intake of metals was lower than 1 that concluded that they were at safe limit during consumption. The present study showed the enrichment concentration of metals greater than 1 it means these metals were present in both soil and fodder samples growing near roadside.

The present investigation aimed to assess the metal contents (Fe, Zn, Cd, Co) in wheat (Triticum aestivum) crop by selecting variety (Fareed-06) which was grown in the municipal solid waste amended soil. Metal quantification in segregated plant parts of wheat was done with the help of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Result depicted the range of metals in plant samples to be 4.03 to 7.82 for Zn, 2.38 to 3.06 for Co, 1.7 to 2.91 for Cd and 66.62 to 81.66 mg/kg for Fe. In wheat grains, the heavy metal concentrations ranged from: 0.79 to 2.03 for Zn, 1.21 to 1.71 for Co, 0.87 to 1.04 for Cd and 10.41 to 21.91 mg/kg for Fe. The concentration of Cd in grains exceeded the limit set by FAO/WHO. The transfer factor and bioconcentration factor was less than 1 for all metals. The pollution load index and enrichment factor for Cd was highest among all metals. Health risk index for Cd in all treatments was ]1 indicating Cd contamination in wheat grains and various health hazards to human. So, the municipal solid waste should be treated properly before its application on agricultural field to reduce the health hazards in human.

A research project was conducted to investigate the cadmium bioaccumulation in chickens fed. In this direction, cadmium concentration was determined in maize plant parts and in seven tissues of chickens to study the potential human risk of consumption of these chickens by finding out the cadmium target hazard quotient - THQ ([1). In addition, the pollution load index for soil was also determined. The concentration of cadmium in maize and chicken body parts was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. During the spring, maximum cadmium level (01.60 � 0.47 mg / kg) was noticed in seeds of cultivar Sadaf irrigated with sewage and waste water. During autumn, the highest concentration of cadmium (0.99 � 0.04 mg / kg) was noticed in seeds of cultivar MMRI irrigated with sewage water. Results indicated that the transfer of cadmium into chickens via grains owes to the irrigated of these plants with waste water. Pollution load index - PLI values in canal and sewage water treatment were greater than 1.00, indicated that soil is polluted. The results were also debated and related with acceptable values to appraise whether this species pose any health risk to human after its consumption or not. Though the target hazard quotient values for the poultry edibles were less than 1.00, indicated that these parts even from the group of chickens reared on the sewage water treated grains were harmless for human health. But higher Cd concentration in the Gallus group reared on the seeds grown on waste water indicated the need of an ample investigation to combat the problems related to flow of toxic heavy metals in a food chain.

The use of wastewater in irrigation weakens the beneficial properties of the soil and leads to a threat to food safety standards. The present research was designed to explore the cobalt toxicity associated with the ingestion of wastewater irrigated wheat. Wheat plants of five different varieties were collected from 7 different sites of Punjab, Pakistan, which were irrigated with three different sources of water. The sampling was done in two cropping years. The cobalt values in water, soil and wheat samples (root, shoot, grain) ranged from 0.46 to 1.24 mg/l, 0.15 to 1.20, 0.29 to 1.30, 0.08 to 0.76 and 0.12 to 0.57 mg/kg, respectively. All the water samples showed high cobalt concentration than the maximum permissible value. However, all the soil and wheat plant samples were found within the maximum allowable range. The high cobalt concentration in irrigating water showed that the continuous usage of such type of water may lead to cobalt toxicity in living organisms with the passage of time and may results in severe health risks.

Heavy metal concentration in sewage water irrigation of fodders, milk, and soil was studied. It was a serious issue because excess of sewage water is used for irrigating crops and due to excessive use of waste-water heavy metals build up in plants and when animals consume these plants metals transfer to their bodies and milk causes different problems. Six samples were collected Trifolium alexandrinum, Avena sativa, Zea mays, Pennisetum glaucum, Sorghum bicolor, Brassica campestris from five sites. All the samples were digested by wet digestion method. After digestion a clear transparent solution of all samples was obtained which was analyzed in atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Different indices were applied including bio concentration factor, daily intake of metals, health risk index, enrichment factor, pollution lad index, correlations of fodders, soil and milk was done. Pollution load index of current study was less than 1 which indicates that soil was less polluted. Health risk for Cd was present higher than 1 which was an indication of risk to health of animals in eating Cd contaminated fodders. Daily intake of metal was lower than 1 it showed there was no risk in consuming fodders to health of animals. In water samples level of Cd was higher above permissible limit. Cd mean concentration was higher in milk than permissible limit which showed that animals graze more contaminated fodder in open areas and drink waste-water that�s why metals accumulate in their tissues and milk causing toxicity.

This study investigated the changes in the enzymatic and biochemical profiles of lactating, non-lactating, and young buffaloes during different sampling. In the present research thirty buffaloes (Nili-Ravi) were selected and divided into three categories lactating, non-lactating, and young. Four samplings were performed in different seasons (summer, autumn, winter, and spring), and 10 blood serum samples were collected from each category of Nili-Ravi buffaloes during each sampling period. Higher glucose, urea, creatinine, and mycotoxins (AFB1, ZEA, OTA) values were found during summer sampling season, higher SGPT (ALT) and SGOT (AST) values were found during the autumn season, higher cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase and uric acid values were found during the winter season.

Wastewater contains a surplus amount of trace metals that contaminate the soil and crops. A pot trial was performed to determine the impact of wastewater on the zinc accumulation in forages and their associated health risk. Forages both of summer (Zea mays, Echinochloa colona, Pennisetum typhoideum, Sorghum vulgare, Sorghum bicolor, Sesbania rostrata, and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and winter (Trifolium alexandrinum, Medicago sativa, Brassica campestris, Trifolium resupinatum, Brassica juncea, and Brassica napus) were grown with sewage water and tap water treatment. The experiment was laid down in a completely randomized design with five replicates. The concentration of zinc in water, root and forage samples were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In tap water, the zinc value was 0.498 mg/L and in wastewater 0.509 mg/L, respectively. The maximum level of zinc in the forages leaves was 3.582 mg/kg found in Brassica napus grown in the winter season. The maximum observed value for zinc bioconcentration factor in Brassica juncea was (2.88) grown in winter. The values of pollution load index for zinc were found less than 1. The values of daily intake of metal and health risk index for zinc in all forages were less than 1 indicated that consumption of these forages was free of risk.

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the effect of the chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizers such as cow manure and poultry manure applications on the heavy metal/metalloid accumulation in the wheat samples. A field experiment was conducted using a complete randomized block design with three replicates per treatment to observe the impact of organic and chemical fertilizers on the heavy metal/metalloid accumulation in a wheat variety (Lasani-08). Heavy metal/metalloid concentrations in the root, shoot, and grains of wheat samples were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). In addition, the growth parameters of wheat samples were assigned. Results indicated that morphological parameters showed maximum growth under chemical fertilizer treatment. The heavy metal/metalloid concentrations in the wheat grains ranged from 12.95 to 25.83, 1.03 to 1.11, 16.83 to 20.26, 0.92 to 0.98, 0.504 to 1.997, 2.24 to 5.98, and 0.493 to 1.154 mg/kg for Zn, Co, Fe, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Cr, respectively. All heavy metal/metalloid values in the present study were within the safe limits reported by the FAO/WHO except for Pb. However, the health risk index determined for all metals are higher in the wheat grown with chemical fertilizer applications, but it has been shown that the consumption of wheat grown with organic and chemical applications is not hazardous for health.

A pot experiment was conducted to observe the impact of the application of various fertilizers on the availability of trace metals in different parts of a pearl millet variety (YBS–98). The level of metals in the pearl millet plant (root, shoot, and grains) was analyzed by the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA–6300 Shimadzu Japan). Comparing different parts of millet plant Cu (3.4–4.5), Fe (62.8–73.9), Mn (23.8–44.1), Zn (22.4–43.3), Ni (4.9–7.8), and Pb (0.3–0.5) mg/kg were accumulated more in root, while Cd (0.3–1.5) mg/kg was accumulated more in grains. This shows that pearl millet phytostabilizes most of the metals in its root. The level of all metals in the pearl millet plant was within the safe limit suggested by FAO/WHO excluding Cd whose level was above the permissible limit given by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The values of all trace metals and micronutrients were higher in mixed fertilizer treatment followed by poultry manure, cow manure, NPK, and control. The bioaccumulation factor for Mn was highest among all metals, whereas the translocation factor for Cd was greater than 1. The values of pollution load index for all metals in five treatments were found within the safe limit. The values of a health risk index for all metals in all treatments were less than 1 indicating that the manure treated pearl millet grains were free of risk for human consumption.

Like animals plants required nutrients for their growth and existence. Cobalt is also important element for plant and animal growth, however higher levels of Co might have toxic potential. The study was aimed to investigate Co level in samples of forages, soil, and blood plasma of sheep and goat in Bhakkar, Mianwali and Sargodha district. The results showed that district Mianwali excelled in level of Co as compared to Bhakkar and Sargodha. The factors such as bio-concentration factor and pollution load index explained the movement of cobalt along the soil-plant-animal continuum.

The aim of this work was to examine the ameliorative effect of foliar application of salicylic acid and potassium on antioxidant enzymes activity in wheat under saline conditions. Two wheat genotypes WL-711 (salt tolerant) and Kohistan-97 (salt sensitive) were used with salicylic acid (SA) and potassium (K+) foliar spray which were applied at both vegetative and grain filling stage under saline conditions. Various enzymatic antioxidant activities include catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) was assesed. Result cleared that foliar spray of salicylic acid and potassium decreased the damaged effect of salinity in both wheat genotypes especially Kohistan-97 which was more salt sensitive. Overall, foliarly applied salicylic acid and potassium reduces the adverse effects of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzymes on cellular metabolism that was disturbed by salt stress.

Air pollution is very important issue now-a-days. This has affected the components of environment to a great extent. Organisms like animals, plants and human beings are forced to live in such polluted environments. One of the pollution sources to the environment is vehicular traffic which has toxic effect on the roadside plants. In this study, roadside forages, soil and buffalo blood were studied to estimate the level of heavy metal pollution, iron in particular, in Sargodha from six chosen sites at perimeter of major roads. Collected samples were processed and digested for quantification of iron by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Soil and buffalo samples from the site V showed high concentration of iron, whereas in forage, samples collected from site IV had greatest iron concentration. The bio concentration factor found for forage-soil was highest in the samples collected from site IV. On the other hand, bio-concentration factor for blood-forage and pollution load index was found highest in the samples collected from site V. Correlation for soil-forage and blood-forage was found negatively non-significant. The daily intake of metals for iron was found highest for site IV. The Health risk index was highest for the samples collected from site VI.

The study was carried out to evaluate the health risks associated with accumulation of cadmium in the different genotypes of wheat, grown in agricultural regions of Punjab, Pakistan. Five genotypes irrigated with three varied water sources were selected randomly from each region. Among all sources of water, types of soil, and grain samples, the cadmium (Cd) quantities were found (2.24-2.82 mg/L, 1.75-4.16 mg/kg, 0.86-1.90, respectively), exceeding the maximum permissible limits (0.01 mg/L, 1.1 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, respectively) described by FAO/WHO. The pollution load index (PLI) exhibited by all of the samples was higher than 1.00, the permissible limit; however, other factors including bioaccumulation, translocation, bio-concentration, daily intake, and enrichment values of Cd were less than 1.00. Moreover, the health risk index for cadmium in all types of wheat grain samples was less than 1.00. The study concluded that the continuous use of wastewater resources may lead to the accumulation of cadmium in the vital body organs that may cause severe health hazards.

Presence of hazardous minerals in three major components (soil, forage and buffalo serum) was evaluated for determining extent of metal contamination in Sargodha, Pakistan. Ten soil and forage samples for each season were taken from ten randomly selected sites. 30 grazing buffaloes of �niliravi� breed (calves, non-lactating and lactating) were also sampled randomly from these sites for collection of serum. Heavy metal quantification via atomic absorption spectrophotometry was carried out for selenium, molybdenum and arsenic. Non-significant but positive correlation was found for selenium (Se) concentrations in soil, forage and serum and molybdenum (Mo) concentrations in soil and serum. Negative correlation (p]0.05) was obtained for Mo level between forage-serum and soil-forage which was indicative of molybdenum deficiency in the soil. The results suggested that the heavy metals remained below maximum permissible levels and were non-toxic for the ruminants of the study area.

The article is focused on estimation of Zinc in the roadside forages, and blood of buffaloes feeding on these forages. This study was carried out in Sargodha during December 2015 to January 2016 (winter) and May 2016 to June 2016 (summer). Five road sites (Mateela, Faisalabad roadside, Shaheenabad roadside, Bhalwal roadside and 50 chak) were selected from sampling of forages, soil and buffalo blood sample. Heavy metal analysis of all digested samples was done with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Analysis of variance and correlation was done with two way ANOVA. This study regarding the accumulation of zinc in forages, soil and the buffalo blood would help the authorities to exactly determine the agents which are responsible for increasing pollution in the environment.

The present study was designed to determine the anti-nutritional compounds in the wild plants of Soone valley Punjab, Pakistan. A wide range of anti-nutritional factors exists in the wild plants of this area which are consumed as forages by the ruminants. Few anti-nutritional compounds i.e. oxalate, phytate, saponins and tannins were analyzed during the course of study. Oxalate content ranged from 0.4467% to 0.6267%. The highest oxalate content was found in Chenopodium album and lowest oxalate content was available in Mentha arvensis. The content of phytate ranged from 3.8167% to 4.9767% in all wild forages. The maximum amount was observed in Buxus papillosa and minimum amount was found in Ahadota vasica. Saponins ranged from 2.2700% to 3.7833%. The percentage of tannins varies from 1.3167% to 1.6300% in all plant species. The optimum value of tannins was found in Adatoda vasica and low value of tannins was investigated in the Mentha arvensis among the investigated plant species. Overall, the maximum factors observed in Buxus papillosa and lowest in Mentha arvensis plants. The values estimated in the present study are below the mark as compared to the toxic levels. Nutritional and health issues are developed due to the large consumption of monotypic wild edible plant parts during one meal. However, anti-nutritional compounds related to respective risks are less with the use of traditional methods.

The article is focused on concentration of cadmium in maize and millet collected in 2018-2019 from different district (Sargodha, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Lahore and Kasur) of Punjab under different irrigation sources Canal and wastewater. The values of Bioconcentration factor, Translocation factor, Pollution load index, Daily intake of metal, Health Risk Index and Enrichment factor were studied to evaluate the effect of heavy metal accumulation on grains quality and human health. Most of the metals observed in wastewater were present in high amount. Cd concentration increased considerably under wastewater irrigation in soil (1.06 mg/kg) and grains (1.05 mg/kg). Cd showed highest bioconcentration (3.82 mg/kg) in canal water. Wastewater irrigated soil exhibited the maximum Pollution Load Index (PLI) values as compared to control treatment. Under the influence of wastewater irrigation, Cd concentration increased considerably in soil and grains. The purpose of study is the labeling of Maize and Millets species of the area according to their toxicity/desirability for use as human food and fodder.

The research was aimed to determine seasonal effects on trace metals levels in soil, forages and blood plasma of animals. The mean cadmium, chromium and copper values in soil samples in different sampling seasons were ranged from 6.97 to 4.10, 0.060 to 0.72 and 3.54to 4.08 mg/kg, respectively, while, in forage samples were between 0.671-0.697, 1.57-2.22 and 6.75-7.06 mg/kg, respectively. Higher Cd, Cr and Cu concentrations were observed in blood plasma of young buffaloes during summer season, in dry buffaloes during spring season and in young buffaloes during autumn season, while lower Cd, Cr and Cu contents were noticed in blood plasma of lactating buffaloes in summer season. The highest bio-concentration factor value from soil to forage was determined for Cr while from forage to blood plasma of buffaloes was detected for Cd. The Cd, Cr and Cu correlation of soil with blood plasma were positive for all samples.

The study explores the transformation in great power politics and factors affecting the dynamics of the Middle Eastern political landscape, such as the relationships between ideological arch-rivals of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Israel. The closing up of the relationship between KSA and Israel is a historic transformation, holding immense potential embodying change in the strategic landscape of the Middle East. The article argues that the changing dynamics of global power politics has polarised the political dynamics of the Middle Eastern region along opposite poles. The US, China and Russian involvement in the Middle Eastern region have pushed the ideological arch-rival of KSA to the US and Israel, pushing Iran to tilt towards Russia and China in the region. Therefore, the significance of the study lies in the changing nature of international structure and the way this shift has impacted the inter-dynamics of Saudi-Israeli cooperation in the Middle East.