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The current study focused on the extraction of cellulose from two selected plants, hemp (Cannabis sativa) and parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus). The research successfully isolated high-purity cellulose from both plants using a chlorination and alkaline extraction process. A higher yield (%) (38.4 ± 0.18) was obtained from hemp compared to parthenium (22 ± 0.82). Characterization techniques were used to probe the structure and properties of the extracted cellulose. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed functional groups characteristic of cellulose, while X-ray diffraction confirmed its highly crystalline structure in both samples. Scanning electron microscopy provided valuable insights into the cellulose morphology, indicating a smoother surface and reduced fiber diameter after treatment due to the removal of noncellulosic components. The research paved the way for the development of eco-friendly bioproducts utilizing cellulose from hemp and parthenium, promoting a more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research investigated the conversion of banana stem waste into cellulose nitrate, a potential bioplastic precursor. The research is of prime importance in terms of environmental pollution and sustainable development goals. The study aimed to isolate cellulose from banana stems, synthesize nitrocellulose, and assess its stability. Two different methods, that is, Method A, comprising HNO3 and H2 SO4 , and Method B, comprising HNO3 and P2 O5 , were applied to synthesize nitrocellulose, each using different acidic mixtures. Method A resulted in high nitrocellulose yield and higher nitrogen content but lower cellulose content. On the other hand, method B yielded nitrocellulose with a lower nitrogen content but higher cellulose content. It was found that composition of nitrating acid mixture, nitrating time, and ratio of nitrating acid–cellulose material influenced the yield and solubility of nitrocellulose. The highest yield of nitrocellulose was obtained using a 60:1 ratio of nitrating acid–cellulose material in method A and a 100:1 ratio of the same in method B after 90-min nitration time. It was also observed that nitrocellulose A was soluble in acetone and pyridine whereas nitrocellulose B was soluble in 1,4-dioxane, esters, and pyridine. Overall, the study demonstrated the feasibility of converting banana stem waste into a bioplastic precursor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global market for mushrooms is growing due to its nutritional enrichment, potential usage as a bioremediation, enzyme production, and functional food development. However, the leftover post-harvest mushroom substrate (SMS) generates certain environmental concerns. This study aimed to investigate the potential of SMS obtained from two oyster mushroom species—Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus djamor. These were examined regarding sustainability by analyzing their lignocellulosic enzyme production, cellulose yield, antimicrobial properties, and proximate composition. The findings for both P. ostreatus and P. djamor showed higher activity of amylase, that is, 0.3 U (μmol/min) and 0.7 U (μmol/min), respectively, compared to activity of cellulase, which showed 0.3 U (μmol/min) and 0.5 U (μmol/min), respectively. SMS showed the highest activity of lignocellulosic enzymes, compared to non-SMCs and controls at p ≤ 0.00 and ≤0.01), proving fungual mycelia as the precursor of enzymes activity, as no mushroom is cultivated due to least enzymatic activity. The results for proximate analysis of SMCs showed a significant difference from non-SMCs. The findings for P. djmor revealed protein (1.23%), fats (1.3%), and ash (8.11), which were significantly higher than in P. ostreatus. A positive co-relation of 52% was established between SMCs with amylase, while a correlation of 20% was observed with cellulase, depicting an impact of mycelia in the breakdown of protein for amylase production. The SMC samples were also subjected to antibacterial analysis against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Xanthomonas. A higher minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) was recorded for P. djamor, that is, 8.80 mm, 11.66 mm, and 9.04 mm, compared to P. ostreatus, which showed its highest MIC as 9.18 mm, 9.30 mm, and 9.28 mm for S. aureus, E. coli, and Xanthomonas, respectively. It was evident from the study that SMC has a potential of being utilized for bioremediation, as it is therapeutically active against pathogens. Additionally, Pleurotus spp. is of great interest because of its ability to produce high nutritive value, cellulose yield, and a vast amount of lignocellulosic enzymes. The current experiment recommends the use of distilled water for mushroom farming, as enzymatic activities can significantly be affected by pH and buffers. Furthermore, the spent compost, being rich nutritionally, can be used for soil enrichment or as a biofertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Water pollution is a concern that harms aquatic ecosystems and has economic and social consequences. Over the years, industrial, agricultural, and municipal activities have contributed to the deterioration of water quality, raising concerns among researchers about its impact on society. The River Kabul in Pakistan faces pollution challenges, including Fluoride contamination. However, more is needed to know about how this affects tourism in the area. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to existing knowledge by examining the influence of contamination on tourism activities in the River Kabul region. Aquatic fluoride contamination is currently an issue with toxicological implications. Methods: A mix method Approach was applied to gather information to know the water quality and its impact on local fishermen livelihood and tourism, before that water samples were collected to identify the level fluoride selective sampling techniques is outlined. The respondents were selected from tourist spots along the river Kabul for interviews. Results: The study uncovered findings and outcomes. Firstly it revealed that water pollution in River Kabul had a effect on domestic tourism activities in Pakistan. Tourists were discouraged from participating in water related activities like swimming and boating due to the water containing high levels of fluoride. Conclusions: The research findings have shown that the river is facing problems, with water pollution and high levels of fluoride. These issues are having an impact on tourism as the poor water quality, caused by pollutants like heavy metals organic matter and microbial contamination is leading to a decrease in the number of tourists visiting the region. This decline in tourism is causing losses for the area. Moreover the presence of pollution not affects tourists but also poses health risks to local residents making it even more discouraging for people to engage in tourism activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoride is non-essential element for the plant's growth. It becomes the part of food chain by natural and anthropogenic activities. World Health Organization has declared it "a health hazardous element". The objective of current investigation was to assess the remedial influences of Salicylic acid (100ppm, 200ppm) on Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Okra) under the stress of different concentrations of sodium fluoride (50ppm, 100ppm, 150ppm) to get maximum yield and biomass attributes. Okra variety "Sabz Pari" was studied during the spring season of growth (February to April) 2021. Sodium fluoride reduced biomass growth parameters (dry weight of shoots and roots and total dry weight, fresh weight of root and shoot and total fresh weight) in okra plants. Foliar application of different concentrations of salicylic acid, 100ppm and 200ppm, were applied twice a week under salt stress. Exogenous application of salicylic acid enhanced yield parameters (number of flowers, number of pods, number of seeds/pods, number of seeds/plants, pod length, pod fresh weight, pod dry weight, fresh weight of seeds/plant, dry weight of seeds/plant, 1000 seed weight, yield index) at both vegetative and reproductive stage. However, higher concentration of salicylic acid (200ppm) impedes the growth of applied plant. Additionally, salicylic acid is a growth regulator and antioxidant for improving yield and biomass by relieving the locked ions due to sodium fluoride in the soil. Hence salt tolerance was enhanced by the exogenous application of Salicylic acid in Abelmoschus esculentus L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoride is a non-essential electronegative element for plant growth. It enters the food chain through natural and anthropogenic processes. The aim of this research was to evaluate the therapeutic impact of Salicylic acid (100ppm, 200ppm) on Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Okra) under the stress of different sodium fluoride concentrations (50ppm, 100ppm, and 150ppm) in order to achieve the best growth and biochemical characteristics. The Okra variety "Sabz Pari" was studied during the spring growing season (February to April) of 2021 under the sodium fluoride stress. Sodium fluoride impede the growth attributes such as root and shoot length, number of leaves, and leaf area of Okra plant. Exogenous application of Salicylic acid improved chl a, chl b and carotenoid of Okra plants under sodium fluoride stress. Salicylic acid enhanced the production of protein and ascorbic acid that reduced the toxic effect of sodium fluoride. Salicylic acid has anti-oxidant and growth promoting properties that increase salt tolerance of Okra plants and perhaps ameliorates the deleterious impact of salt stress and enhances the growth and biomass of Okra plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and crude ethanolic, methanolic, aqueous, and acetonic extracts from leaves of Agave americana, Mentha spicata, and Mangifera indica were scrutinized for possible antineoplastic and cytotoxic efficacy. In this study, all the synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), EDX-spectroscopy, and simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). Results of various characterization analyses performed in this study revealed that synthesized AgNPs had the highest absorption at 410-430 nm, polycrystalline structure with sizes ranging from 23 to 38 nm, and were thermally stable up to 350°C. Furthermore, it was manifested that phytoproduced AgNPs from A. americana revealed good antineoplastic activity (69%). M. indica- and M. spicata-based AgNPs displayed moderate activity against PC-3 (prostate cancer cell line). Similarly, good cytotoxic aptitude was demonstrated by A. americana- and M. indica-based AgNPs at the highest sample concentration (1000 μL). Excellent cytotoxicity was revealed by ethanol (100%), methanol (100%), and aqueous extracts (100%) of A. americana and methanol extract (83%) of M. spicata at 1000 μL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study was conducted on the reuse of wastewater from Mardan city to evaluate its risk of contaminating soil and wheat grains at different NPK levels. Three irrigation sources i.e. waste water (WW), canal water (CW) and alternate waste + canal water (WW+CW) were applied to wheat (cv Atta Habib 2010) grown at 0, 50, 75 and 100% NPK levels of 120:90:60 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 at Palatoo Research Farm, Amir Muhammad Khan Campus, Mardan during 2015.The results showed higher grain and biomass yields in WW irrigated plots as compared to CW at NPK levels up to 50% of recommending dose revealing supplementing nutrient requirements in deficient conditions. However, irrigation of WW at higher NPK levels especially at or beyond 75% of recommended dose tended to reduce the crop yield that could be associated with heavy metals toxicity and nutritional imbalances. The use of WW substantially increased AB-DTPA extractable Zn, Mn, Pb, Ni and Cd indicating a potential threat to soil contamination. Similarly, WW irrigated wheat had higher concentrations of these heavy metals as compared to CW which limits its use for production purposes without any remediation measures. The alternate use of CW and WW as revealed by its comparative lower contamination in soil and wheat than sole WW could be one of the possible solutions and may increase the time required for threshold soil contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season 2017–2018 (October–March) at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar research farm to examine the influence of different nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) levels on two different oat varieties: Australian and Ukrainian. The treatments included control and three levels of nitrogen and phosphorus at 30, 60, and 90 kg ha−1. The treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The findings showed that the oat varieties were significantly different from one another in yield and yield parameters. The Australian variety recorded higher emergence (49 plants m−2), days to emergence (15 days), days to flowering (122 days), days to maturity (145 days), plant height (142.7 cm), number of leaves (6.03 leaves plant−1), number of tillers (92.2 tillers m−1), biological yield (8,179.2 kg ha−1), and grain yield (3,725.6 kg ha−1) than the Ukrainian variety. Similarly, different N and P levels, the maximum days to emergence, days to flowering, and days to maturity were recorded in a control plot. The application of 105 kg N + 90 kg P ha−1 was statistically similar to the application of 105 kg N + 60 kg P ha−1. Maximum emergence (60 plants m−2), number of leaves (7.0 leaves plant−1), plant height (118.6 cm), number of tillers m−1 (102.6), biological yield (9,687.5 kg ha−1), and grain yield (4,416.7 kg ha−1) were determined in Australian variety. Based on the findings of this study, the Australian variety performed better in terms of yield and yield components and the application of N and P fertilizers at the rate of 105 kg N + 60 kg P ha−1 produced the best results in both oat varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted on ambient ozone (O3), the most phyto-toxic air pollutant, and its effects on the growth and quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and peas (Pisum sativaum) grown in Northern Pakistan during the summer and winter of 2018. Okra was subjected to ambient O3 levels ranging from 43 to 63 ppb during the summer, with a mean O3 concentration of 55 ppb, while peas experienced lower winter concentrations of 15–25 ppb, with a mean O3 concentration of 19 ppb. The results indicated significant impacts on the growth and nutritional quality of crops, especially okra. Anti-ozonant ethylene diurea (EDU) was used for soil drenching to protect okra and green peas from O3 damage. Okra showed notable enhancements of 20%, 20%, 29%, and 13% in ash, protein, fiber, and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFE), respectively. Increase in plant height, leaf numbers, pod length, and dry weight was observed in EDU-treated okra plants. Conversely, peas exhibited less variation, although melioration was observed in plant height, pod numbers, length, and weight with EDU treatment. It was concluded that the concentration of ambient O3 in Peshawar is toxic enough to cause significant damage to crop growth and production. The stark difference in O3 impact during different seasons suggests that higher summer concentrations could severely compromise crop quality. This elicits significant concerns regarding food security in South Asia, especially for summer crops that can jeopardize future food security. It is recommended that further research be conducted on the effects of O3 on other regional crops to assess fully its implications for agricultural sustainability in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In calcareous soils, phosphorus (P) availability to plant is impaired due to the formation of insoluble complexes with calcium and magnesium. Therefore, this study was executed to compare the P use efficiency (PUE) of four different P sources [rock phosphate (RP), acidulated rock phosphate (ARP), single super phosphate (SSP) and di ammonium phosphate (DAP)] alone or pre-treated with organic amendments (farm yard manure (FYM) enriched compost, simple compost and humic acid (HA)) along with control in maize crop under calcareous soils. All treatments irrespective of P sources received 90 kg P2O5 ha-1. Phosphorus application regardless of its sources and combination with organic amendments significantly improved maize growth, yield as well as P uptake and PUE. Rock phosphate when applied alone was recorded inferior but its performance significantly improved with compost or its pre-addition with FYM and HA, that further enhanced upon acidulation. Maize grain yield increased by 21, 22.2, 67.9 and 94% with RP, ARP, ARP enriched compost and ARP+ compost respectively, over control. Similarly, PUE of DAP improved from 31.7 to 43.1 and 39 with sample and enriched compost correspondingly. Post-harvest soil and grain P were at par for SSP, ARP and DAP alone or in conjugation with organic amendments when averaged across the amendments. These results suggested that pretreatment of P sources with organic amendments is an economical and more feasible approach to improve maize yield and PUE. Moreover, on-farm acidulation of RP may give at par results with SSP and DAP with cheaper rate and hence recommended for P management in maize in alkaline calcareous soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved by treating the aqueous extract of shoots and seeds of Asphodelus tenufolius Cav with 1 mM silver nitrate solution at 30 °C. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized through UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The absorption maxima of shoot AgNPs was 444 nm and seed AgNPs was 448 nm. The FTIR spectral analysis showed a distinct peak stretching at 1380 cm-1 was clearly visible for both seed and shoot extract mediated AgNPs, and this was not present initially in crude extract of both samples. The SEM analysis confirmed the size (shoot = 58.2 nm and seed = 51.6 nm) of extract mediated AgNPs and shape (spherical and poly-dispersed) of the synthesized AgNPs. Both the synthesized AgNPs were stable at acidic pH 5.5 to fairly basic pH 9. Increase in acidity to pH 3.5 caused complete decomposition. The Metal (Cu, Ni, Co and Zn) sensing of different metal salt solutions (1 mM) confirmed the effect of copper salts (250 μl/ml of AgNP solution) on both shoot and seed AgNPs while shoot AgNPs showed effect against Zn salt. This research can open a new domain for the detection of various heavy metals in aqueous solution through simple colorimetric determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of sodium fluoride on two cultivars of okra (Nirali and Arka Anamika) was evaluated during the seedling and growth stages, by applying different concentrations of NaF (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 ppm). All the parameters studied showed a greater reduction with the higher concentrations of sodium fluoride (250 and 300 ppm) than with the lower concentrations (50 and 100 ppm). In cultivar Nirali, the plants treated with 300 ppm NaF showed reduction percentages in the shoot and root fresh weight, of 84% and 90%, respectively, while the corresponding reductions in Arka Anamika were 82% and 91%. Increased concentrations of fluoride can significantly decrease plant pigment levels (chlorophyll a & b, total chlorophyll, and total carotenoids), the total soluble sugar, and the protein content. In contrast, increasing concentrations of sodium fluoride, increased the proline content significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an examination was made of the size, fresh weight, and dry weight of turnip, Brassica rapa L., at 70 days after sowing (DAS) when different concentrations of sodium fluoride (NaF) (0 [control], 50 [NaF-50], 100, 150, 200, and 300 [NaF-300] ppm) were applied. The size of the turnip was maximal in the control plants, 20.82 cm2. In the plants given NaF-50, as both a soil drench and as a foliar spray, the sizes were 16.32 cm2 and 18.08 cm2, respectively. The size of the turnip gradually decreased as the NaF stress was increased and was at a minimum with NaF-300 for both methods of application (soil drench: 2.47 cm², foliar spray 4.35 cm²). At 70 DAS, the fresh weight was greatest, 66.60 g, in the control plants, followed by 43.06 g, in the plants given NaF-50 by foliar spray. The fresh weight successively declined as the concentration of NaF increased and at NaF-300 and it reached a minimum for both the soil drench, 1.36 g, and the foliar spray, 2.43 g. The dry weight was recorded by oven drying the fresh turnip at 70 DAS, and found to be at a maximum in the control plants, 6.60 g. When a fluoride stress was applied with NaF-50, as a soil drench and a foliar spray, the dry weight decreased to 4.30 g and 5.06 g, respectively. As the concentration of NaF increased, the dry weights decreased in a manner similar to that found with the fresh weights and the lowest values were found with NaF-300 (soil drench: 0.556 g, foliar spray: 1.20 g). In conclusion, NaF applied as both a soil drench and a foliar spray, at concentrations of 50-300 ppm, reduced the size, fresh weight, and dry weight of turnip compared to a control group with 0 ppm NaF. The application of the NaF by soil drench caused a greater degree of stress to the turnip than did the application by foliar spray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of crops in Pakistan is severely affected by the widely prevalent problem of salinity in the soil with salts including fluoride. The aim of the present study was to examine, in a pot experiment, the effects of sodium fluoride (NaF), applied as a foliar spray and as a soil drench, on the growth and other attributes of turnip (Brassica rapa L.). The percentage reduction in root length after treatment with a soil drench and a foliar spray was found to be at a maximum in plants treated with 300 ppm NaF, 62.6% and 51.02%, respectively, at 50 days after sowing (DAS) and 66.4% and 54.59%, respectively, at 70 DAS. The percentage reductions in the number of leaves, at 50 and 70 DAS, was 50.03% and 65.23%, respectively, for plants having an application of 300 ppm sodium fluoride by soil drench, while the corresponding reductions for the application of the 300 ppm NaF by foliar spray were 50.03% and 58.7%, respectively. At 50 DAS, the least percentage reduction in leaf area, 2.18%, occurred when the plants were given 50 ppm NaF by foliar spray and the highest value, 59.87%, was for the plants given 300 ppm NaF by soil drench. After 50 DAS, the percentage decrease in shoot fresh weight was found to be highest, 78.84%, when 300 ppm NaF was used as a soil drench, with the corresponding figure for the foliar spray application being 76.65%. Similarly, at 70 DAS, the percentage reduction in fresh shoot weight increased gradually with higher concentrations of NaF and was a maximum at 300 ppm NaF with both methods of application. We concluded that the application of NaF as a soil drench caused a greater reduction in the various parameters of turnip plant growth than did application as a foliar spray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adrenal histopathologies resulting from exposure to the fluoridated insecticide bifenthrin (Bif) and their amelioration upon post-treatment with Nigella sativa (NS) seed oil were explored in mice. Six groups of five animals each, namely (i) Vehicle Control (VC)--0.1 mL corn oil daily for 14 days; (ii) Positive Control (PC)--0.1 mL corn oil for 7 days followed by 0.1 mL of 10% NS seed oil in corn oil (v/v) for the next 7 days; (iii) and (iv) Bif 2.5 mg/kg (Bif2.5) and Bif 5mg/kg (Bif5)--2.5 and 5 mg Bif/kg, respectively, in 0.1 mL corn oil for 7 days + 0.1 mL corn oil only for the next 7 days; and (v) and (vi) Bif 2.5mg/kg+NS (Bif2.5N) and Bif 5 mg/kg+NS (Bif5N)--Bif exposures as in the Bif2.5 and Bif5 groups, respectively, for 7 days + 0.1 mL of 10% NS seed oil in corn oil (v/v) for the next 7 days. All the treatments were provided intragastrically by gavages. The adrenal glands from each animal were processed for histological and micrometric studies after euthanasia on day 15. We found in the medullary part of the adrenal a depletion of the storage granules and a significant enlargement (p≤0.01) in the mean cross-sectional area (CSA) of the chromaffin cells in the Bif2.5 (185±2.6 μm², mean±SEM) and Bif5 (192±2.6 μm²) groups compared to the Bif2.5N (167±1.9 μm²) and Bif5N (158±2.6 μm²) groups. Simultaneously, the basal ×-zone of the cortical regions was breached at scattered places with blood profusion in the zona fasciculata. The number of cells per fascicle in the Bif2.5, Bif5, Bif2.5N, and Bif5N groups (18.6±0.4, 19.4±0.3, 16.3±0.5, and 16.6±0.4, respectively) were significantly higher (p≤0.05) than in the VC and PC groups (14.9±0.3 and 15.5±0.4, respectively). In contrast, the mean CSA of the fascicular cells was significantly higher in the PC (101±2 μm²) and VC (103±2.8 μm²) groups than in the Bif treated groups (75±1.9 μm², 66±2.5 μm², 95±1.8 μm², and 91±2 μm², respectively). The results indicate that the histopathological and micrometric toxicity induced by Bif exposure in the Bif2.5 and Bif5 groups showed a rapid recovery on post-treatment with NS oil indicating that although Bif is potentially toxic to the adrenals, at a daily exposure dose of 2.5 mg/kg or higher for 7 or more days, the adrenal pathologies induced can be rapidly reversed by NS seed oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teratological capacities of fluoride ions (F), from NaF, and bifenthrin (BN) in ovo exposure were compared in the golden black variety of domestic chicken. Three groups (n=55) were studied: (i) vehicle control group (VC) with 0.1 mL 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in demineralized water; (ii) F group with 0.01 µg F/g egg weight (EW) and (iii) BN group with 0.01µg BN/g EW. The relevant doses were injected in freshly laid fertilized eggs. The embryos were removed from the egg shells after 14 days of incubation. The embryos were weighed and fixed in Bouin's solution for further studies. Morphological studies indicated general growth retardation in the embryos in the F and BN groups compared to the VC group. Reduced beak length, microphthalmia, exocardia, and meromelia were observed in the F group embryos whereas, different appendicular deformities such as fore-limb meromelia, contorted and polydactyl hindlimbs, un-clawed digits, and elongated digits corresponding to the index fingers were seen in the BN group embryos. Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in dead and growth-retarded embryos in both the F and BN groups compared to the VC group. The morphometric data also showed a significant (p=0.05) decrease in mean embryonic weight (F: 5.36±0.17 g, BN: 5.27±0.16 g; VC: 6.82±0.13 g), crown-rump length (F: 45.78±0.25 mm, BN: 44.30±1.15, VC: 51.67±0.81), and occipito-frontal length (FE: 13.92±0.18mm, BN: 12.65±0.14, VC: 16.05±0.13), in the FE and BN groups compared to the VC group. The findings indicate that fluoride is a potent disruptor of avian development both in ionic and organic forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollutants are considered to be a serious threat not only to humans but also to flora and fauna. The fluoride ion (F) as present in water, in soil, and in the atmosphere may adversely affect plants and ultimately pose a threat to plant growth and development. This study aimed to observe the effect of F on the crop productivity of tomato plants. Two tomato plant varieties (Roma and Meiguodahong) were used to study, under controlled conditions, the effect of F, in concentrations of 0, 10, 25, 50, and 100 ppm, on the parameters of seed germination, leaf area, plant growth rate, net assimilation rate (NAR), and proteomic response. The results showed that the maximum adverse effect of F on seed germination, leaf area, plant growth rate, and NAR occurred with a F concentration of 50 ppm. Compared to the control values (F=0 ppm), the respective values for the Roma (R) and Meiguodahong (M) varieties at F=50 ppm were (i) growth rate: R: 5.5 mg/day (F=0 ppm), 1.1 mg/day (F=50 ppm); M: 7.1 mg/day (F=0 ppm), 3.1mg/day (F=50 ppm); (ii) average leaf area: R: 25 cm2 (F=0 ppm), 8 cm2 (F=50 ppm); M: 27 cm2 (F=0 ppm), 11cm2 (F=50 ppm); and (iii) NAR: R: 44 μg/day (F=0 ppm, 22 μg/day (F=50 ppm); M: 52 μg/day (F=0 ppm, 23 μg/day (F=50 ppm). At a F concentration of 25 ppm, both tomato varieties over expressed a unique band, a 55 kilodalton (kDa) protein. The Meiguodahong variety was more resistant to F toxicity than the Roma variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online monitoring of environmental pollutants is of significant importance as it helps in controlling of the pollution at source, in the formation of regulations and policies, and in checking of the compliance of industries. Numerous conventional techniques are in practice for the detection and analysis of fluorides in water samples. However, these techniques have limitations and disadvantages and are not applicable for real-time online monitoring. It is of substantial interest to develop miniaturized robust, precise, and accurate devices capable of real-time online analysis and sensor technology provides promising tools for this purpose. Traditional methods for the assessment of water quality parameters are being replaced by new concepts and techniques. This review considers the development of miniaturized devices like optical, electrochemical, and mass sensitive sensors, suitable for fluoride recognition in liquid in this modern era. These sensors are highly sensitive, selective, user friendly, and less time consuming with a quick response. The review highlights the available literature on the potential use of sensors for the accurate recognition of fluoride ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are thousands of small-scale, poorly regulated brick kilns in rural areas of South Asia their impact on local agricultural crops is largely unknown. The impact of fluoride on crops in a brick kiln area in the Northern Punjab Region of Pakistan was investigated. Fluoride accumulation, leaf necrosis, and reduced corm diameter and weight were found in the brick kiln area in two cultivars of Gladiolus that have been widely used as biomonitors in Europe. The rate of increase in leaf injury of the sensitive Gladiolus cultivar was greatest at all sites when the temperature was lower and there was a high relative humidity of 60–75%. The necrotic leaf tip lengths of the indicator plants correlated very well with their fluoride concentrations. The fluoride accumulation was directly proportional to the Fluoride Injury Index, although a higher injury index was observed with the fluoride-sensitive cultivar Lavendell Puff compared to the fluoride-tolerant cultivar Flower Song. These results suggest that injury to sensitive crops from fluoride may occur in other brick kiln areas in South Asia, and that Gladiolus plants could be used as a cost-effective biomonitor for further investigation in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the risk factors associated with teeth discoloration in Malakand District, Pakistan. A total of 200 subjects, 50 from each of 4 villages, aged 6–60 yr, were interviewed for data collection using a questionnaire. Twenty water samples were collected from the drinking sources in each village and the fluoride levels measured using a T60 V spectrophotometer. More teeth discoloration was found in those with a middle range of family monthly income (12,000–25,000 Pakistan rupees, p<0.05). Teeth discoloration was significantly related to the mean drinking water fluoride level. The overall prevalence of teeth discoloration was 48.5% with the prevalence being highest in Barh (72%, drinking water fluoride 1.8 mg F/L) and lowest in Selaipaty (16%, drinking water fluoride 0.5 mg F/L). Among subjects with teeth discoloration, 88% had yellow teeth color, 82% had internal teeth defect, and 82% had dental fluorosis. Both the subjects with normal teeth color and discolored teeth had poor oral hygiene practices. Cigarette smoking was significantly associated with discolored teeth (p<0.05). It was recommended that the government should provide safe drinking water supply schemes, with proper maintenance, in all the high-fluoride drinking water areas to prevent the occurrence of dental and other forms of fluorosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased urbanisation throughout South Asia has increased the number and output of the brick kilns that typically surround major cities, but the environmental and health impacts of their atmospheric emissions are poorly understood in Pakistan. We report the negative effects of hydrogen fluoride (HF) emissions from brick kilns near Peshawar, Pakistan on mung bean (Vigna radiata cv. MN 92) and maize (Zea mays cv. Azam). HF air concentrations, and fluoride concentrations of mung bean and maize grains, were greater close to brick kilns than at more distant sites. The 100-grain weight of mung bean and maize close to brick kilns was significantly lower, by about 30% and 45% respectively, than at control sites. These findings, added to evidence of major impacts on local fruit orchards in this area, suggest that fluoride emissions from brick kilns may have a significant impact on peri-urban agriculture in South Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoride (F) is an emerging pollutant that originates from multiple sources and adversely affects plant growth and nutrient bioavailability in soil. This greenhouse study investigated the effects of soil F (0, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 mg kg−1) on morpho-physiological growth characteristics of wheat, soil F contents, and bioavailability and uptake of F, phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) by wheat. Higher F significantly reduced plant height and number of leaves particularly at early growth stages and increased visible leaf injury index. Powdery mildew infestation coincided with leafy injury and was higher in elevated soil F treatments. Fluoride treatments (>50 mg kg−1) significantly increased water (H 2 O)- and calcium chloride (CaCl 2)-extractable F contents in soil. Water-extractable soil F contents from soil in all concentration were higher than CaCl 2 -extractable F. This increased F bioavailability resulted in significantly higher F uptake and accumulation in live leaves, dead leaves and grains of wheat which followed order: live leaves > dead leaves > grains. Leaf injury index and number of dead leaves correlated significantly positively with soil H 2 O- and CaCl 2 -extractable F contents. Patterns of nutrient (P, K, S) and trace metals (Al, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Si, Zn) varied significantly with F concentrations and between live and dead leaves, and grains except for Zn. Dead leaves generally had higher nutrients and trace metals than live leaves and grains. Fluoride contents in live leaves, dead leaves and grains showed positive correlations with nutrient elements but negative with trace metals. Number of dead leaves correlated negatively with Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, S and Si but positively with P and Zn contents in dead leaves whereas leaf injury index showed positive correlation with Fe, K, P, Si, Zn, S but negative with Al, Ca and Mg contents. These observations provided evidence of higher F uptake and associated impairment in nutrient and trace metal accumulation which caused leaf injury accompanied by powdery mildew infestation in wheat. However, further research in the region is required to confirm the relationship between F pollution, leaf injury and trace metal accumulation in crops under field conditions. [Display omitted] • Effects of soil F (0, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 mg kg−1) were investigated on wheat. • Fluoride reduced plant height, number of leaves and biomass. • Fluoride in live and dead leaves correlated positively with soil F. • Leaf injury index and dead leaves correlated positively with soil F. • Trace metal and F accumulation encouraged powdery mildew infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major yield limiting factor across the globe and their proper management plays a vital role in optimizing crop yield. This field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of soil and plant nitrogen N and P ratio on the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in alkaline calcareous soil. The study consisted of various levels of nitrogen (0, 40, 80, and 160 kg ha−1 as urea) and phosphorus (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 as diammonium phosphate), and was carried out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement having three replications. The result showed that the addition of 160 kg N ha−1 significantly improved biological yield (10,052 kg ha−1), grain weight (3120 kg ha−1), chlorophyll content at tillering stage soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value (35.38), N uptake in straw (33.42 kg ha−1), and K uptake in straw (192 kg ha−1) compared to other N levels. In case of P, 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 had resulted maximum biological yield (9852 kg ha−1), grain yield (3663 kg ha−1), chlorophyll content at tillering stage (SPAD value 34.36), P (6.68 mg kg−1) and K (171 kg ha−1) uptake in straw. The sole use of N and P have positively influenced the biological and grain yield but their interaction didn't response to biological yield. The present study reveals that SPAD value (chlorophyll meter) is the better choice for determining plant N and P concentrations to estimate the yield potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is believed to accelerate dissolved organic carbon (DOC) production and could lead to increased heavy metal mobility into water resources. We sampled intact soil cores from the Isle of Skye with low background N deposition history and having Serpentine rock known for its higher heavy metal concentrations including zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb). The effects of 16 (16kgN) and 32 kg N ha−1 year−1 (32kgN), and liming with 32kgN (32kgN+Lime) on soil solution chemistry and heavy metal mobilization were investigated over the 15-month study. Nitrogen in deposition load was added at five ammonium (NH 4 +) to nitrate (NO 3 −) ratios of 9:1, 5:1, 1:1, 1:5 and 1:9 along NO 3 −dominance. We found significant effects of load on Cu and NH 4 +/NO 3 − ratio on pH, DOC and Zn in soil solution. However, under lime and ratio experimental factors, liming significantly influenced pH, DOC, Cu and Pb, and NH 4 +/NO 3 − ratio pH, DOC, Ni and Zn whereas interactions between lime and ratio was significant for Ni and Cu. pH and DOC increased with N load, liming and NO 3 − dominance, and both correlated significantly positively. Liming under NH 4 + dominance enhanced DOC production due to supply of base cations in lime. Mobilization of Cu, Ni and Pb was driven by DOC concentrations and, therefore, increased with load, liming and NO 3 − dominance in deposition. However, in contrast, low pH and high NH 4 + dominance was associated with Zn mobilization in soil solution. On the contrary, despite of some patterns, heavy metals in soil HNO 3 extracts were devoid of any load, lime and NH 4 +/NO 3 − ratio effects. Our study suggests that the effects of N load and forms in deposition on sites with high accumulated loads of metals need to be better quantified through soil solution partitioning models. Image 1 • 16 and 32 kg N ha−1 y−1, and 32 kg N ha−1 y−1 with lime applied to intact cores at five NH 4 +/NO 3 − ratios. • Changes in soil solution pH, DOC, NH 4 +, NO 3 −, Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb were analyzed over 15-month study. • pH and DOC increased with N load, liming and NO 3 − dominance in deposition. • Mobilization of Cu, Ni and Pb was driven by DOC concentrations. • Zn mobility was associated with low pH under NH 4 + dominance. Nitrogen load, liming and NH 4 +/NO 3 − ratios in deposition determined the changes in soil solution pH and DOC which governed Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Tannery effluents are rich source of chromium (Cr) and organic carbon (C), however, hexavalent Cr (Cr6+) is many-fold more toxic than trivalent Cr (Cr3+). We examined the extent of total Cr, Cr3+ and Cr6+ pollution of agricultural soils under long-term tannery effluent irrigation in Kasur, Pakistan. Effects of Cr species on morphological and physiological responses of wheat including patterns of Cr3+ and Cr6+ uptake, their translocation factor (TF) and bioconcentration factor (BCF) were studied. Nine soil samples had significantly variable total organic C and total Cr, Cr3+ and Cr6+ contents. Pot study showed that morphological characteristics of wheat were largely unaffected by total Cr, Cr3+ and Cr6+ contents, however, physiological responses including contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids and total proteins; and chlorophyll a:b ratio were significantly affected by contents of Cr species. Results further suggested that the relationships between total Cr and physiological attributes of wheat were controlled by Cr6+ rather than Cr3+ contents and, hence, Cr3+:Cr6+ ratios determined the effects of Cr on wheat growth and development. Uptake, TF and BCF values for Cr3+ and Cr6+ showed significant variations and BCF values showed negative correlation with total organic C contents. Results of our study highlight the significance of understanding the effects of Cr species and Cr3+:Cr6+ ratios rather than the total Cr contents when assessing the Cr behavior in soils and its effects on plant growth, especially phytotoxicity of tannery-based organic fertilizers before its application in the field. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Contrasting effects of Cr3+ and Cr6+ on wheat morphology and physiology. • Cr3+ and Cr6+ concentrations in plant tissues varies with Cr3+:Cr6+ ratio. • Bioconcentration factor (BCF) of Cr species correlated negatively with total organic C. • Soil organic C regulated the dynamics of Cr3+:Cr6+ ratio. • Cr3+:Cr6+ ratio was more important to assess the effects of Cr on wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]