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Risk assessment of microplastics (MPs) contamination in the assemblage of 15 important fish species with different feeding habits and microhabitats was studied in the River Ravi, Pakistan. Fishes with different feeding habits (omnivore, herbivore, and carnivore) and microhabitat preferences (surface, column, and bottom dweller) were sampled at Balloki and Sidhnai barrages during the post-monsoon seasons of 2019–2020. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of fish samples were found to be contaminated with MPs, with an average of 28.1 ± 20.7 MPs/individual and 26.8 ± 15.9 MPs/individual at Balloki and Sidhnai barrages, respectively. The surface dweller fish exhibited the highest MPs abundance, followed by the bottom dweller and column dweller. In addition, the highest MPs recovered from the omnivore generalist feeding group as compared to herbivores and carnivores. The fibers were the most abundant shape and generally made up of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE). These PET and PE (low-density MPs) exhibit low hazard level, whereas high-density MPs with high hazard level and rarely present in GIT of sampled fishes. Based on MP polymer toxicity assessment, nine fish species were categorized in minor risk, two species in medium risk, and four species in highrisk group. Bottom dwelling fishes were at the highest plastic polymer risk level III due to the presence of a high density of MPs with high toxicity hazards. The high-risk prone fishes are under direct threat from MPs pollution, which may disrupt the ecological integrity of the river ecosystem and human health. The findings of the current study highlight the urgent need to address plastic pollution issues in River Ravi, and will be helpful for managers, researchers, and fisheries experts to mitigate this emerging challenge.speciesspecies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

World's largest glaciers lie in Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) outside polar region, are the source of fresh water which accommodates the needs of millions of people living downstream. Impact of changing climate on cryosphere can be measured critically from glacier movement due to global warming. Due to complex terrain and unpredictable weather, it is not feasible to measure glaciers' velocity and movement through field surveys physically. For this purpose, the current study aimed to assess the variation of glaciers velocity using advance geospatial technique like the co-registration and correlation (COSI-CORR) of optically sensed satellite images. Time-series analysis on the Landsat-8 data (2013-2020) revealed successfully for computing the surface ice velocity of glaciers of Hunza Basin. Results show that the velocity of a glacier increases with the altitude whereas speed decreases at the terminus. Moreover, it has been noted from spatial patterns of glacier surface ice velocity that the tributary glaciers contribute to the mainstream glacier velocity significantly, which increases at the terminus. Subsequently, the varying ice velocity was determined by orientation, debris cover, glacier size, and altitude for glaciers. The study recommended to regularly monitor the dynamics of glaciers in this region to cater the impacts of global warming and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as new promising solvents in the field of "green chemistry," which possess a broad range of potential applications. However, the ecotoxicological profile of these solvents is still poorly known. In this study, ammonium-based deep eutectic solutions with glycerol (2:2), ethylene glycol (1:2), and diethylene glycol (1:2) as hydrogen bond donors in 1:2 proportion were evaluated for their interaction with various biological systems, including gram-positive and negative bacteria, fungi, fish, and human fibroblast cell lines. The DES synthesis was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, which analyses the interactions between DES precursors for their synthesis. The antimicrobial activity of tetrabutylammonium bromide: ethylene glycol was the most potent, while tetrabutylammonium bromide: diethylene glycol had a higher LC50 against C. carpio fish. Tetrabutylammonium bromide: glycerol was supposed to be the most suitable DES in terms of cell viability percentage (118%) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity (93%). Finally, tetrabutylammonium bromide in glycerol can be considered an eco-friendly solvent due to its lower toxicity in both in vivo and in vitro environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization and associated waste generation have become a mounting ecological concern for wildlife, especially avian communities. Research has primarily focused on investigating the impacts of human activities on marine birds with comparatively less focus on terrestrial species that live in far more anthropized environments and are at significant risk. Our study has explored the abundance and characteristics of anthropogenic litter in 70 nests of four generalist bird species: Bank Myna (Acridotheres ginginianus) , Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and House Crow (Corvus splendens) , within the city of Lahore (Pakistan) and its surroundings, by determining and following an urbanization gradient. The overall frequency of litter occurrence (FLO%) for all the sampled nests was 89%. Over 80% of the recorded litter items consisted of plastic materials, primarily dominated by sheet-like plastics. There was a strong association between fabric and Black Kite nests, and metal and House Crow nests. Litter incorporation increased across the gradient from rural to urban habitats. The highest FLO% was found in nests sampled from waste dumping sites and urban sites (95%–100%), where anthropogenic influence was more intense. The high level of litter incorporation is potentially indicative of a species' adaptive response to urbanization, associated with the decline in natural nesting material and availability of anthropogenic litter. These findings highlight the need for strengthening the existing global database for terrestrial litter and its effect on wildlife and devising policy actions for better waste management and conservation of natural ecosystem balance. [Display omitted] • The presence of litter in nests is indicative of surplus availability of anthropogenic waste in the surroundings. • The abundance of plastic sheets in cavity nests suggests its use as cushioning material. • High incorporation of fabric and metal in platform nests reflects its use as a structural material. • Frequency of anthropogenic litter incorporation increased along the urbanization gradient. • Nests in urban and waste dumping sites showed the highest variety of anthropogenic litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainwater harvesting is an ancient technique to irrigate agriculture land in arid and semi-arid regions. Kirthar mountain range, Sindh Pakistan, receives an average annual rainfall of 250 mm, mainly during monsoon season from June to September, which is used to irrigate the agricultural land. Rainwater is also stored by local farmers in the form of small ponds which is not sufficient to fulfill agricultural requirements throughout the year. Rainwater storage structures like irrigation dams can be used to augment water supplies in the agricultural areas. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify potential sites for rainwater storage. For this, the understanding of spatial and temporal patterns of rainfall is important factor for annual run off estimation. Due to scarcity of weather station in the county, both the gauge data of Dadu station and satellite estimates were used to determine annual rainfall runoff using soil conservation service curve number (SCS-CN) method. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to calculate the relative importance of different spatially varying parameters like geology, runoff potential, landuse/ land cover, stream network, settlement and slope. Then the relative percentage weights of each influencing factors were processed using weighted overlay analysis to identify potential sites. The analysis identified five, the most suitable sites for rainwater storage structure. Out of these five sites, site-3 is already under construction which validates the findings. The study showed strong potential of building water storage structure to store rainwater during intense rainfall events in monsoon. Subsequently these structures can help to increase gross productivity of agriculture as well as to enhance the socioeconomic status of the local community and farmers living in nearby villages [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing fresh water resources are insufficient to fulfill the water requirements for different uses such as drinking, agriculture irrigation and for industrialization purposes. Present study carried out for the identification of groundwater potential zones by using Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing Techniques in the district Chakwal, a water scarce area lying in the Pothohar region of Punjab province, Pakistan. The land-use/land cover, geology, rainfall, drainage density and slope data have been incorporated to identify groundwater potential zones. Freely available landsat satellite data for landuse/landcover classification and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the extraction of slope, drainage network have been used. However, available geological maps for the study area were incorporated as an input raster layers in analyses. Weighted Overlay analyses were performed to produce the resultant map showing the spatial distribution pattern of ground water potential. Results showed the water potential zones as; (i) unsuitable area=2756 sq.km, (ii) moderately suitable area=3256 sq.km and (iii) suitable land=3256 sq.km. North side of the district shows better water potential in comparison to the south of study area. This can be due to hard rocks in the south of study area causing inference in ground water recharge. The present highlights the usefulness of processed remote sensing satellite data and GIS techniques used for the production of ground water potential zone map. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hudiara drain, a big sewage water body originating from India, is an important tributary of river Ravi in Pakistan. In present study, role of the drain in build-up/depletion of metal micronutrients Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in surrounding agricultural lands has been investigated. Soil samples, up to a vertical distance of 1200 m on both sides of the drain and drain water samples were collected and analysed for metal micronutrients. Soil analysis results were interpolated by using the best optimized interpolator to generate continuous variation of the selected metals. Further patterns have been identified using proximity stat with consecutive neighbouring zones of 100 m extent. Cu and Mn concentrations were higher in some drain water samples, whereas Fe and Zn were found below guidelines in all collected water samples. In adjacent agricultural land the metals did not show uniform dispersal pattern along the drain length. However, vertical pattern of distribution indicated that drain water was controlling Cu and Zn concentrations, positively, whereas it was causing a dilution effect on Fe and Mn build-up in the surrounding agricultural lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is quite challenging to assess the crop water requirement with limited time and resources on a regional scale. The study focuses on developing a spatial decision support system (SDSS) for crop water requirement and to determine the efficacy of existing irrigation systems by utilizing advanced geo-spatial techniques. Selected region was Punjab province of Pakistan that covers a total area of 105227 sq.km. Reflectance based crop coefficient approach was used forcrop water requirement estimation. Various metrological, climatic, geographical vector layers and statistical data of irrigation supply along with satellite imageries were used for monitoring the crop health on8-days periodic intervals for the summer (Kharif) season in the year 2018. For accurate quantification and mapping of crop water requirement, Landsat, MODIS and SPOT imageries were processed for crop classification, top of the atmosphere radiation calculation and actual and reference measurements, respectively. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was calculated using Penman method leading to provide water demand and consumption by further calculations in each irrigation circle. The results show that the regions lying at the tail of the canal command area (CCA) facing higher water deficit. In addition, irrigation circles facing insufficient irrigation water supplies (upper and lower Jhelum canal, Pothoar region) also demonstrating higher crop water deficits. Comparing southern with northern parts of the province high water deficits observed in images in the year 2018, reflecting these regions are relatively hotter and receive less average precipitation. Similarly, high water deficit observed at northeast of the Punjab due to insufficient irrigation water supply. The results have been validated by comparing the water demand with the irrigation supply in each CCA, which provides the water being utilized other than irrigation sources to satisfy crop water needs. This study is quite effective in water budget estimation and mitigation of water scarcity issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is a major tea consumer country and ranked as one of the largest importer of tea worldwide. This research has been conducted over district Mansehra and district Abbottabad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan where the most favourable conditions for tea cultivation already exist and National Tea Research Institute has done successful experiments to cultivate high quality tea. High tech approach is adopted to meet the objectives of this research by using the remotely sensed data i.e. Aster DEM, Land sat8 Imagery. Results showed that in study area 13.24% (778.3 sq.km.) is highly suitable, 33.44% (1966 sq.km.) is suitable, 30.71% area (1805 sq.km.) is moderately suitable, 16.13% area (948.5 sq.km.) is less suitable, and 6.46% (379.3 sq.km.) is not suitable for tea cultivation. This geomatics based model and approach could be used to identify more areas for tea cultivation to meet country's demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People of Asia and Africa have been facing floods while carrying out their agricultural activities because their permanent settlements are built along the rivers. Floods affect people and other living organisms by crop nutrient reduction, desertification, salinization, organic substance wastage, and soil structure degradation. Most importantly, floods can destroy vegetation and plants, which are nutrition resources for human and animals. Because of seasonal lows in the Arabian Sea and known westerly waves, northern regions of Pakistan experienced heavy rainfall at the start of September 2014, which caused overflow and flash floods by the rivers Jhelum, Ravi, and Chenab. Many cities in Punjab, along riversides, suffered because of floods that inundated large areas of rural and urban areas in 16 districts. The present work aimed to assess and quantify the change in the vegetation cover in the Hafizabad district due to the 2014 flood and its recovery in 2015 by adopting the geographic information system and remote sensing approach. Remote sensing and satellite images enable us to analyze the current state and the past state over a large geographical area. Supervised classification methodology was applied to three Landsat satellite images, such as pre-flood 2014 land cover classification, for post-flood land cover classification, and land cover classification of the year 2015 to assess the current state of recovery. It was found that 52.7 km" of the vegetation area has expanded to the flood-affected area of 541 km" in a time span of 1 year only. Moreover, the barren land has decreased by 19 percent, which resulted in an increase in the built-up area (9.5 percent) and fish farms (59 percent). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the health risk assessment and spatial distribution of arsenic in Hudaira Drain and its adjoining areas using GIS techniques. For this purpose, surface water, groundwater, and soil samples were collected from the nine transects across the drain. The results of the present study indicated that two of the examined transects were situated in a high arsenic concentration zone and this area was dominated by industrial activities. A strong correlation at 95% confidence level exists among drain water, ground water, and soil. Furthermore, Hazard quotient (HQ) was calculated and results indicated that about 75% of children and 50% of adults may be affected by arsenic through drinking of groundwater. The presence of arsenic in groundwater, which is a major source of drinking water in this area, may cause excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR)> 10-4 in 44.4% of the resident human population. There is an urgent need to focus on the arsenic contamination issue in this area in order to protect the groundwater, surface water, and soil resources from arsenic contamination for better human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in a major industrial city in Pakistan (Faisalabad) with a population of 3.2 million. Air quality data was monitored for a whole year using United States Environmental Protection Agency certified instruments, while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended AirQ+ model was used to assess the human health risks of air pollutants. The annual mean concentration of NO2 (13.6 μg/m³) was within the permissible limits of Punjab Environmental Quality Standards (PEQS) (40 μg/m³), but the annual mean concentration of PM2.5 was above both standard limits (106.1 μg/m³). As per the model, contribution of PM10 and PM2.5 to newborn mortality was 39.7% and 43.9%. Precisely, Acute Lower Respiratory Infections (ALRI) in children under 5 years of age group was significantly high due to PM2.5 i.e., 44.6%. Overall, PM2.5 was found to be significantly affecting the mortality rates, including causing a high number of deaths due to natural causes, ALRI in children under 5, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in those aged 30 or older, and stroke. Based on the findings of the study, it is strongly recommended that comprehensive measures and interventions be implemented to effectively reduce the elevated levels of PM2.5 in Faisalabad to mitigate the adverse health effects, particularly the increased mortality rates and respiratory illnesses observed in vulnerable populations such as children under 5 and individuals aged 30 or older. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research was performed to evaluate the effect ofBacillus megateriumMCR-8 on mitigation of nickel (Ni) stress inVinca roseagrown on Ni-contaminated soil (50, 100, and 200 mg Ni kg−1soil). The treated plants exhibited reduced growth, biomass, gas exchange capacity, and chlorophyll (Chl) content under Ni stress. The inoculated plants growing in Ni-contaminated media exhibited relatively higher growth, total soluble protein, and proline contents. Similarly, bacterial inoculation improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) under Ni stress. The Ni stress alleviation in inoculated plants was attributed to the reduced level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), enhanced synthesis of protein, proline, phenols, and flavonides in conjunction with improved activity of antioxidant enzymes. The growth-promoting characteristics of microbe such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACCD) and phosphate solubilization activity, siderophore, and auxin production capability also improved the growth and stress mitigation in inoculated plants. Furthermore, the inoculated plants exhibited higher value for bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), and resulted in higher loss of Ni content from soil. The current results exhibited the beneficial role ofB. megateriumMCR-8 regarding stress alleviation and Ni phytoextraction byV. rosea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbes have shown potential for the bioremediation of tannery waste polluted soil. During our previous study, it was observed that heavy metal resistant Burkholderia cepacia CS8 augmented growth and phytoremediation capability of an ornamental plant. Objective of the present research work was to evaluate the capability of B. cepacia CS8 assisted Calendula officinalis plants for the phytoremediation of tannery solid waste (TSW) polluted soil. The TSW treatment significantly reduced growth attributes and photosynthetic pigments in C. officinalis. However, supplementation of B. cepacia CS8 which exhibited substantial tolerance to the TSW amended soil, augmented growth traits, carotenoid, proline, and antioxidant enzymes level in C. officinalis under toxic and nontoxic regimes. Inoculation of B. cepacia CS8 augmented plant growth (shoot length 13%, root length 11%), physiological attributes (chlorophyll a 14%, chlorophyll b 17%), antioxidant enzyme activities (peroxidase 24%, superoxide dismutase 31% and catalase 19%), improved proline 36%, phenol 32%, flavonoids 14% and declined malondialdehyde (MDA) content 15% and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level 12% in C. officinalis at TSW10 stress compared with relevant un-inoculated plants of TSW10 treatment. Moreover, B. cepacia CS8 application enhanced labile metals in soil and subsequent metal uptake, such as Cr 19%, Cd 22%, Ni 35%, Fe 18%, Cu 21%, Pb 34%, and Zn 30%, respectively in C. officinalis plants subjected to TSW10 stress than that of analogous un-inoculated treatment. Higher plant stress tolerance and improved phytoremediation potential through microbial inoculation will assist in the retrieval of agricultural land in addition to the renewal of native vegetation. During the current study, it was observed that combination of Calendula officinalis and metal tolerant Burkholderia cepacia CS8 not only improved plant growth but also helped phyto-extraction of pollutants present in the tannery solid waste polluted soil. According to our information, research work describing the phytoremediation potential of native metal tolerant microbes and ornamental plants has not been reported in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical waste management based on knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) analysis, this paper evaluates healthcare of employees. A tertiary care hospital located in Lahore was selected for this purpose. The present studys consisted of doctors, nurses and paramedical and janitorial staff. Self administered assessments were used in this statistical cross-sectional investigation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the results of sample of employee. A sample of 248 healthcare workers was drawn and analyzed by using descriptive statistics to check the respondents quantity and the proportion of responses about understanding, mindset and practice regarding managing biological waste. The Chi-square test and ANOVA test were applied to the data. For discovering, an independent sample t-test was used for the attitude of hospital employees and concluded that P (0.000) is far less than the degree of evidence (0.05) and a P-value compared with fewer than 0.05 and it is statistically significant. It indicates substantial evidence against the null hypothesis since there is a 5% chance that the null hypothesis is incorrect (and the outcomes are random). As a result, we reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis. It concludes that there is a difference between gender and attitude toward healthcare workers perception of medical waste management. Females have a better and more positive attitude toward medical waste management than male employees. The Chi-square method was conducted to test the association between respondents education and knowledge about medical waste management. The P (0.000) value is less than the significance level of significance a (0.05), which mean there is no association between education and understanding of medical waste management. One way ANOVA test was applied to find out the significant difference between respondents experience and healthcare sewage treatment in theory and practice as the P > a value of (0.230) is greater than just the significant level (0.05), indicating a substantial discrepancy experience and practice of workers about the handling of medical waste. One-way ANOVA to discover, testing was conducted on the significant difference between respondents experience and an exercise about medical waste management. The P (0.230) value is more significant than just the significance level a (0.05), meaning employees with a profession like doctors and nurses have better attitudes toward medical waste management than other hospital staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils has become a critical issue due to toxic effects of these metals on living organisms. The current research was conducted to study the effect ofPseudomonas fluorescensRB4 andBacillus subtilis189 on the growth and phytoremediation potential ofCatharanthus roseusin Cu- and Pb-contaminated soils. The bacterial strains exhibited significantly higher level of water-extractable Pb and Cu in Pb, Cu, and Cu+Pb-contaminated. TheP. fluorescensRB4 inoculated plants, produced 102%, 48%, and 45% higher fresh weight (FW) in soils contaminated with Cu, Pb, and both elements, respectively, as compared to un-inoculated control plants. Similarly,B. subtilis189 inoculated plants produced 108%, 43%, and 114% more FW in the presence of Cu, Pb, and both elements. The plants co-cultivated with both bacteria exhibited 121%, 102%, and 177% higher FW, in Cu, Pb, and both elements contaminated soils, as compared to respective un-inoculated control. Co-cultivation ofP. fluorescensRB4, B. subtilis189, andP. fluorescensRB4 +B. subtilis189 resulted in higher accumulation of Cu and Pb in shoots of theC. roseusgrown in contaminated soils as compared to un-inoculated control. Bacterial treatments also improved the translocation and metal bioconcentration factors. The growth and phytoextraction capability ofC. roseuswas improved by inoculation ofP. fluorescensRB4 andB. subtilis189. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mapping mangrove (littoral and swamps) ecosystems is challenging due to the qualitative and quantitative nature of the surrounding water and mudflats. However, accurate assessment of mangroves is required to determine carbon credits. This research study explores five pan-sharpening algorithms with the aim of determining the best algorithm to map mangrove ecosystems from very high resolution satellite images. In this research, a multidimensional evaluation was employed to pinpoint the best algorithm from among five advanced algorithms, i.e. Ehler’s transformation (ET), modified intensity hue saturation (MIHS), wavelet transformation (WT), optimized high pass filter addition (OHPFA), and subtractive resolution merge (SRM). These approaches involve the calculation of spectral root mean square error (RMSE), Sobel filter RMSE and correlation coefficient (r). OHPFA and SRM provided good results during this assessment. Object-based image analysis was incorporated to further assess the best technique between these two approaches for assessing mangrove tree canopy by calculating under and over segmentation. The SRM algorithm provides the best results with a kappa coefficient (κ) of 0.875 and an accuracy of 92.3% when compared with ground data. This research is very useful in various applications such as calculation of crown projection area using high resolution satellite images for estimation of blue carbon in mangrove trees. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Punjab is the largest province of Pakistan and consumes most of the national energy resources. Electricity is considered as one of the major needs of time. Planning problem in Power sector has given rise to unwanted electricity shortfall, inefficiencies, supply shortage and subsidization leading to circular debt etc. Major generation is from non-renewable energy sources resulting in higher emissions of greenhouse gases. This paper by using Long Range Energy Alternative Planning (LEAP) System forecasts electricity demand and compares four supply scenarios i.e., Business as Usual Scenario (BAUS), Coal Scenario (CS), Oil Scenario (OS) and Green Punjab Scenario (GPS) from the year 2019 till 2050. The results of the study indicate that electricity demand in 2050 would be 279.7 TWh for Punjab. GHG emission will be 45.5, 58.3 55.0 and 24.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in BAUS, CS, OS and GPS respectively. The study suggests that the electricity generation from Green Punjab Scenario is the cheapest in terms of cost and it gives less than 50% of GHG emissions when it is compared with all other scenarios. Therefore, the energy sector of Punjab should be incentivized in electricity generation based on renewable resources in order to increase their contribution in overall energy mix and reduce global emissions. This research will be helpful for developing countries particularly of South Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An empirical time series (1941-2007) of advance and retreat data from the coast of Guyana is modeled with statistical time-series techniques. Subseries of 5-y periods are fitted to modified Box-Jenkins space--time models. Second-order spatial-cyclic autoregressive models, associated with cyclical advance and retreat patterns, fit the data for five different subseries. First-order autoregressive models are also suitable to describe the data from five other subseries, thereby suggesting a long-memory response in the coastal system. Three of the subseries are fitted to space--time autoregressive moving-average models, thereby indicating the presence of random shocks (i.e., random events) in the coastal system. The various models are indicative of cyclical, long-memory, and short-memory processes operating in the coastal system. These processes can be associated with mudshoal propagation and stabilization and with temporal stochastic processes that force the coast to advance or retreat in different locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changing climate and global warming have rendered existing surface water insufficient, which is projected to adversely influence the irrigated farming systems globally. Consequently, groundwater demand has increased significantly owing to increasing population and demand for plant-based foods especially in South Asia and Pakistan. This study aimed to determine the potential areas for groundwater use for agriculture sector development in the study area Lower Dir District. ArcGIS 10.4 was utilized for geospatial analysis, which is referred to as Multi Influencing Factor (MIF) methodology. Seven parameters including land cover, geology, soil, rainfall, underground faults (liniment) density, drainage density, and slope, were utilized for delineation purpose. Considering relative significance and influence of each parameter in the groundwater recharge rating and weightage was given and potential groundwater areas were classified into very high, high, good, and poor. The result of classification disclosed that the areas of 113.10, 659.38, 674.68, and 124.17 km2 had very high, high, good, and poor potential for groundwater agricultural uses, respectively. Field surveys for water table indicated groundwater potentiality, which was high for Kotkay and Lalqila union councils having shallow water table. However, groundwater potentiality was poor in Zimdara, Khal, and Talash, characterized with a very deep water table. Moreover, the study effectively revealed that remote sensing and GIS could be developed as potent tools for mapping potential sites for groundwater utilization. Furthermore, MIF technique could be a suitable approach for delineation of groundwater potential zone, which can be applied for further research in different areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a relation-based dam suitability analysis (RDSA) technique is developed to identify the most suitable sites for dams. The methodology focused on a group of the most important parameters/indicators (stream order, terrain roughness index, slope, multiresolution valley bottom flatness index, closed depression, valley depth, and downslope gradient difference) and their relation to the dam wall and reservoir suitability. Quantitative assessment results in an elevation-area-capacity (EAC) curve substantiating the capacity determination of selected sites. The methodology also incorporates the estimation of soil erosion (SE) using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model and sediment yield at the selected dam sites. The RDSA technique identifies two suitable dam sites (A and B) with a maximum collective capacity of approximately 1202 million m3. The RDSA technique was validated with the existing dam, Gomal-Zam, in the north of Sanghar catchment, where RDSA classified the Gomal-Zam Dam in a very high suitability class. The SE estimates show an average of 75 t-ha−1y−1 of soil loss occurs in the study area. The result shows approximately 298,073 and 318,000 tons of annual average sediment yield (SY) will feed the dam A and B respectively. The SE-based sediment yield substantiates the approximate life of Dam-A and Dam-B to be 87 and 90 years, respectively. The approach is dynamic and can be applied for any other location globally for dam site selection and SE estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to monitor the flash flood response of Vidor/Wadore hill torrent in Pakistan by the integration of Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model PCSWMM (hydrologic) and HEC-RAS 5.x (hydraulic) models. The method leverages remote sensing and GIS derive estimates of measured and inferred parameters of Vidor rural catchment to quantify the flash flood events of the last four years: 2014–2017. The calibration of the PCSWMM is performed using the sensitivity-based radio tuning calibration (SRTC) tool. The Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), coefficient of determination (R2), and relative error (RE) values were found between 0.75–0.97, 0.94–0.98, and −0.22–−0.09 respectively. The statistical indicators prove the accuracy of PCSWMM for rural catchments. The runoff response of Vidor torrent is also analyzed for 0.5/12.7, 1.5/38.1, and 2.0/50.8-inch/mm rainfall hyetographs. The generated hydrographs are used to simulate 2D-module in HEC-RAS 5.x for floodplain demarcation in the piedmont area. The accuracy of the flood extent is analyzed using spatial overlay analogy in the ArcGIS environment by comparing simulated and historically available flood extents. The simulated flood extent shows 76% accuracy with historic flood extent. The impact of flash flood events shows wheat, maize, and fruit orchards are the most effected agriculture in piedmont area. The results revealed that the integration of hydrological, hydraulic, and geospatial modeling approaches can be used to model a full picture of catchment response during flash flood events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Occupational stress is a common concern among employees, particularly those working in tertiary care hospitals. In Pakistan, both medical and paramedical staffs face many stressors because of their high job demand, dealing with multiple patients, excessive duty hours, and strict rules and regulations. The objective of the study was to measure occupational stress among the tertiary care hospital employees of the Lahore District using different demographic and workplace determinants. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. A total of 138 hospital employees recorded their responses, which included 71 medical staff/doctors and 67 paramedical staff members. Primary data was obtained through a detailed structured questionnaire based on the Likert scale with the stress level index ranging from 1-5. Results: In terms of the six staff designations, stress index from top to bottom was observed in house officers/internees (3.47), medical officers/postgraduate trainees (3.04), technicians (2.74), consultants/specialists (2.73), emergency/ward assistants (2.61) and nurses (2.46). Among all the employees, the most significant factors leading to stress bottom-down were justice/fairness (3.30), tasks and roles (3.14), management (3.03), environment/working conditions (3.01), decision-making autonomy (2.84), work schedule (2.62) and profession/job entitlement (1.63). Analysis of demographic characteristics showed that males (2.99) faced greater stress than females (2.64) and people of young age group (= 30 years) showed the highest stress value (3.01) than other age groups. It was observed that moderately experienced (5-10 years) employees were more prone to occupational stress (3.03) than other groups. Furthermore, the employees of public hospitals (3.13) bear more stress than those of private hospitals (2.67). On the basis of locality, the locals showed slightly higher stress values (2.89) as compared to non-locals (2.77). Conclusion: The current study showed that occupational stress is a prevalent problem in hospitals, particularly among house officers and postgraduate residents. Several useful steps can be undertaken to improve the health and safety of hospital employees like alleviating duty hours, working in shifts, focusing on a single task, and motivating the employees in decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxin (OTA) is a potent carcinogen which may pose a tremendous threat to human health when found beyond permissible levels. This study aims at evaluating ochratoxin contamination in corn. The corn samples (n=80) were collected from 4 major districts (Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi) of Punjab Pakistan. The quantification of OTA in collected corn samples was carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatographic technique. Different methods (physical, chemical and natural/biological) were used for the detoxification of contaminated corn. It was found that 59% of total 80 samples were contaminated with ochratoxin. Among contaminated samples, 26% samples were beyond permissible levels i.e. 5μg/kg OTA in corn samples as set by European Commission Regulation while 33% samples were found contaminated within permissible levels. However, 41% samples were not contaminated with OTA. Highest level 231.49+29.39μg/kg of OTA was found in corn sample of Faisalabad. The corn samples collected during summer season were found more contaminated than winter season. OTA contamination in corn seems to be a very serious issue in Punjab, Pakistan. Different environment-friendly, easy and cheap detoxification approaches were adopted to decontaminate OTA contaminated corn. Maximum detoxification of OTA in corn was found 48.17% by cooking, 64.25% by 0.5% hydrochloric acid and 52.38% by probiotic among physical, chemical and biological methods respectively. Proper handling, suitable storage conditions and proper management may be helpful to avoid ochratoxin contamination in corn and corn products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the ineffective environmental impact assessment (EIA) process and limited public participation, it is important to evaluate the role played by informal regulators like Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in EIA in raising the voice of communities and promoting sustainable development. This study aims to identify the NGOs that are involved in the EIA process in Punjab. It also aims to evaluate how effectively the NGOs play their roles as watchdog, information provider and pressure group as well as discuss the challenges they face in EIA. Semi-structured interviews are used as a data collection method. Results of the study revealed that very few NGOs are involved in the EIA process. The role of NGOs as watchdog is not prominent because they are rarely involved in public participation and scoping. Only one international NGO has played a key role as an information provider. Some local NGOs functioned as pressure groups against environmentally damaging development projects. The key challenges faced by NGOs include lack of financial and technical resources and support from the state and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants must cope with the stress conditions to survive. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria can improve plant growth either directly or indirectly under stress conditions. However, the possible mechanisms remain unclear. Here we report that Bacillus megaterium strain A12 (BMA12) maintains hormonal and redox homeostasis and restores the photosynthetic efficacy of tomato plants through multiple mechanisms to survive under salinity stress conditions. Tomato plants were co-cultivated with BMA12 under saline conditions. The application of BMA12 significantly increased plant growth and photosynthetic capacity. BMA12 decreased production of ROS and ethylene but increased expression levels of selected genes responsible for repairing of damaged photosynthetic apparatus and maintenance of redox homeostasis. Furthermore, BMA12 significantly altered metabolic profile to restore perturbations of tomato plant physiology impaired with salinity stress. This study proves that BMA12 can be used in the conventional agriculture system in the salinity effected fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are health hazardous natural toxin produced by various fungal species due to favourable environmental conditions for fungal growth. These are carcinogenic, hepatotoxic and immuno- suppressive substances usually found in food and feed items. Mycotoxins are broadly divided into two major groups on the basis of mycotoxin producing fungi i.e., those fungi which invade in pre-harvest conditions and those which are produced in post-harvest conditions called storage fungi. The conditions which promote mycotoxin growth are high temperatures, moisture levels, poor hygienic conditions and contamination during storage and transportation. Aflatoxins, ochratoxins, citrinin, trichothecene, fumonisins, patulin and zearalenone are prominent mycotoxins in food and feed commodities. This review renders the comprehensive data regarding occurrence of main mycotoxins, their analysis and health hazardous effects on human health alongwith some detoxification protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal contamination of water has become a global environmental burden, which has stirred up agitation worldwide. Fabrication of adsorbents utilizing either low cost, environment friendly materials or waste products can be helpful in remediating environmental pollution. The current study evolved around the synthesis of nanocomposites derived from such raw precursors like spent tea waste biochar, hydroxyapatite, and clays. In this context, two nanocomposites, namely manganese ferrite doped hydroxyapatite/kaolinite/biochar (TK-NC) and manganese ferrite doped hydroxyapatite/vermiculite/biochar (TV-NC), were synthesized followed by their employment for decontamination of heavy metals from aqueous media. TK-NC and TV-NC exhibited the crystallite sizes in the range of 2.55–5.94 nm as obtained by Debye Scherrer Equation and Williamsons–Hall equation The fabricated nanocomposites were characterized using FT-IR, SEM-EDX, and powder XRD. Batch adsorption studies were performed, and influence of different adsorption parameters (contact time, reaction temperature, solution pH, adsorbent dose, and initial adsorbate concentration) on metal adsorption was examined. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption of Cr(VI), Ni(II) and Cu(II) on TK-NC and TV-NC was endothermic (+ΔH°) and indicates disorderness (+ΔS°) at the solid-liquid interface owing to the strong affinity of metal ions with adsorbent. The heavy metal uptake selectivity followed the following decreasing order; Cr(VI) > Cu(II) > Ni(II) by both nanocomposites, with adsorption capacities falling in the range of 204.68–343.05 mg g-1. Several adsorption kinetic and isotherm models were applied to experimentally calculated data, which suggest favorable adsorption of Cr(VI), Ni(II) and Cu(II) by TK-NC and TV-NC from the system while obeying general-order kinetics and R-P adsorption model, conferring the transition in adsorption kinetics order and involvement of multiple adsorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was conducted to assure quality of biscuits, cakes and noodles by determining aflatoxin B1 and proximate composition of the selected food products. A total of 60 samples (20 each of biscuits, cakes and noodles) were collected from diverse areas of Lahore. Aflatoxins were determined using thin layer chromatography by adopting standard method of the association of official analytical chemists (AOAC). The proximate composition was also determined for selective products. Different parameters like moisture, ash content, crude fiber, crude protein and crude fat in percentages were determined in selected food products. The correlation of aflatoxins was calculated with each factor at significant level (P<0.05). Total 19 samples (32.0%) showed presence of aflatoxins. Aflatoxins contamination was observed in 10%, 8.3% and 13.3% contamination in biscuit, cakes and noodles respectively and 89.4% of the total contaminated samples were within permissible limits, while 10.6% (2 samples) were contaminated beyond permissible limits. In cakes, highest moisture content (9.54-19.47%) was observed. Moisture content was 2.23-6.71% in biscuits and 1.21-3.79% in noodles. The minimum and maximum value of ash, crude fiber, crude fat and crude protein were 1.09-2.37%, 0-1.21%, 0.53-9.92% and 2.01-3.91% correspondingly in noodles. The range of ash contents, fiber contents, fat contents, protein contents in cakes 1.12-1.68%, 0-0.97%, 19.76-27.21%, 4.10-5.81%, respectively. In biscuits ash content, crude fibre, fat contents and protein contents range is 0.87-2.98%, 0-1.31%, 19.12-27.45%, 7.02-9.49%, respectively. Positive correlation (r=0.459) was found between aflatoxin contamination and moisture contents in cakes. It is needed to monitor aflatoxins levels in processed food due to increase in its occurrence day by day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some rhizobacteria are capable of improving metal tolerance and growth of plants under heavy metal stress. The objective of the current study was isolation and subsequent application of cadmium-resistant rhizobacteria in phytoremediation by Catharanthus longifolius. The screened bacterial isolate exhibited growth-promoting attributes, including phosphate solubilization, ACCD activity, auxin, and siderophores production. The inoculation of Acinetobacter sp. CS9 under greenhouse trial improved growth and phytoextraction capability of C. longifolius plants in soils contaminated with different concentrations (0, 100, and 200 mg kg-1) of Cd. The plants exhibited reduced quantity of total soluble protein, soluble sugars, and chlorophyll contents under Cd stress. On the other hand, improved chlorophyll, soluble protein, and sugar contents were observed in Acinetobacter sp. CS9-treated plants. The inoculated plants exhibited improved activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) and reduced malondialdehyde levels. Moreover, higher Cd uptake and translocation ratio was observed in Acinetobacter sp. CS9-inoculated plants as compared to un-inoculated ones. The current study showed that Acinetobacter sp. CS9 reduced Cd-induced oxidative stress and improved the phytoremediation capability of C. longifolius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During our current study we evaluated the effect of ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) and Enterobacter sp. CS2 on nickel stress alleviation and phytoextraction by Impatiens balsamina L in spiked soil. Nickel resistant Enterobacter sp. CS2 was isolated from soil polluted by industrial effluents. The I. balsamina seeds primed with Enterobacter sp. CS2 were raised in EDTA-supplemented soil (10 mM) contaminated with 0, 100, 200, and 300 mg kg-1 Ni for 50 days. The effect of different treatments on plant growth attributes, nickel tolerance index, bioconcentration factor, and translocation factor were evaluated. The Ni stress reduced plant growth, carotenoids, and chlorophyll (chl) content. However, higher Ni uptake and proline contents were observed in plants growing in Ni-contaminated soils. The Enterobacter sp. CS2 inoculation further enhanced Ni uptake and proline contents in I. balsamina plants growing under Ni stress. The inoculated plants showed improved shoot length, root length, carotenoid content, chl 'a' and 'b' contents, root and shoot dry weight. The Ni tolerance index in Enterobacter sp. CS2-assisted plants was much higher compared to un-inoculated ones. The inoculated plants supplemented with EDTA enhanced 39%, 34%, and 30% Ni uptake in roots respectively under 100, 200, and 300 mg kg-1 of Ni treatment as compared with un-inoculated plants. The data regarding bioconcentration factor and translocation factor showed that Ni phytoextraction capability of I. balsamina plants was significantly enhanced with the supplementation of Enterobacter sp. CS2 and EDTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this novel industrial scale case study, the bioenergy recovery based on sole and mixed cow-buffalo (CBM) and potato waste (PW) substrates has been analyzed in real time, i.e., on-site on a full-scale operational anaerobic digestion (AD) plant. The plant employed in this study is a novel design, consisting of tri-digesters connected via an underground upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) type lagoon allowing it to function as a continuous-flow reactor. The system has been further equipped with CSTR, microwave heating, gas scrubbers, compression, and storage systems. The highest energy recovery readings were 123.9 m3/1,000 kg, 77 m3/1,000 kg, and 151.6 kWh/1,000 kg in terms of biogas, bio-methane, and electricity generated, respectively, with 75:25 ratio of CBM:PW. Operating with 100% CBM, yields of 79.9 m3/1,000 kg, 47 m3/1,000 kg, and 95 kWh/1,000 kg were obtained. The percentage of recovery in bio-methane production increased on using the mixed substrates, but it was the lowest with a 25:75 ratio of CBM:PW. The electrical power generation efficiency was found to be significantly increased, but not distinctively with the plant aggregate power rating that was probably associated with the variable quality of biogas which was fed to the power generator. A linear regression analysis had shown a significant and positive correlation between the rate of VS removal and biogas yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop mapping and its health monitoring are of key importance for a country like Pakistan where a considerable share of the GDP originates from agricultural production. Currently, extensive capital and human resource are utilized to record the crop types and monitor crop health due to variations in crop pattern and intercropping practices being observed in many parts of the country. Satellite Remote Sensing, however, can be utilized very efficiently to identify crop types and estimate acreage by using unique phenological cycles derived from NDVI thresholds. In this research, we proposed a semi-automated, efficient and cost-effective state-of-the-art technique for crop classification using satellite remote sensing datasets and GIS techniques to replace outdated conventional survey-based crop estimations procedures. This research was conducted in Sahiwal district, Pakistan to categorise several crop types using two major inputs: satellite (Sentinel-2, 10m) imagery and local crop calendar. The research adopted a semi-automatic approach to find the main crops of Rabi (winter) and Kharif (summer) using orthorectified and atmospherically corrected Level-1C images to extract phenological information based on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The complete phenological life cycle of crops including sowing, growing, and harvesting stages were deeply analyzed with the help of crop calendar and NDVI profiles. Then this information passed through iterative selforganizing (ISO Data Model) of unsupervised classification technique in the form of temporal stacked images. The NDVI profiles of each crop were synchronized with the crop calendar of the study area to develop the crop categorization procedure. The results were validated with the statistics of the agriculture department Lahore and field samples gave about 85% and 88% accuracy for Rabi and Kharif cropping seasons respectively. It is concluded from the research that the tested methodology is capable of providing a fast, cost-efficient, and reliable solution for crop mapping instead of conventional survey-based crop area assessment techniques (conventional Girdawri) which requires a vast number of resources and time, and it can be replicated in different areas with minor changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is posing stresses on water resources, food security, population, environment and economy of the southern Punjab. Integrated climate change risk assessment is carried out using assessed likelihood approach for defined mean, hot & dry, central, warm & wet climate models over selected time slices and adaptation plans. Climate models are based on the 5 th , 50 th & 95 th percentiles of PRECIS RCM projections of temperature & precipitation under IPCC A2 & A1B scenarios. Four time slices 2015, 2035, 2065 and 2085 are selected to assess the temporal climate change risk and to evaluate the performance of selected adaptations to reduce climate threats over considered assets. Results are presented in terms of risk indices and risk reduction units (RRUs). In first half of the 21 st century, climate change risk will continue to increase from current level and is high (>10) in most of the selected time slices. Maximum ensembles of climate models, time slices and adaptation plans observe moderate (37–40 RRUs) and high (40–55 RRUs) risk class. Cumulative risk has been calculated through integration of sectoral sensitivity e.g. population density, land use, food security and multidimensional poverty to climate change risk class using AHP and overlaying in GIS environment. About 90% and 83% area of southern Punjab is falling in high cumulative risk. About 13% area, comprising Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur district is under very high cumulative risk. Water induced adaptations like development of water resources, dam & flood control protection, temporary flood barriers and water resource acquisition are the preferred and suitable adaptations as these observed >100 RRUs for most of the ensembles. Assessing baseline vulnerability and sectoral sensitivity to climate stimuli are the hot spots requiring priority attention and firm decision making by disaster management authorities and communities residing in southern Punjab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was performed to assess the effect of Burkholderia cepacia CS8 on the phytoremediation of cadmium (Cd) by Catharanthus roseus grown in Cd-contaminated soil. The plants cultivated in Cd amended soil showed reduced growth, dry mass, gas-exchange capacity, and chlorophyll contents. Furthermore, the plants exhibited elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under Cd stress. The bacterized plants showed higher shoot length, root length; fresh and dry weight. The improved stress tolerance in inoculated plants was attributed to the reduced quantity of MDA and H2O2, enhanced synthesis of protein, proline, phenols, flavonoids, and improved activity of antioxidant enzymes including peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase. Similarly, the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity, phosphate solubilization, auxin, and siderophore production capability of B. cepacia CS8 improved growth and stress alleviation in treated plants. The bacterial inoculation enhanced the amount of water extractable Cd from soil. Furthermore, the inoculated plants showed higher bioconcentration factor and translocation factor. The current study exhibits that B. cepacia CS8 improves stress alleviation and phytoextraction potential of C. roseus plants growing under Cd stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to investigate the bioavailable levels and human health risk of organochlorine contaminants (OCs), particularly organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in freshwater mussels from northern three tributaries of River Ravi, Pakistan that provides the pioneer data for the occurrence of POPs in the freshwater mussels from Pakistan. The Σ23OCPs and Σ35PCBs concentrations in mussels were ranged from 189.66-2049.40 ng/g and 25.81 to 135.38 ng/g, respectively. The comparison of current bioavailable levels of OCs with maximum residual limits (MRLs) established by Food and Agricultural Organization and European Union revealed that Σendosulfan (100%), ΣDDTs (93%), HCB (87%), β-HCH (77%), endrin (77%), γ-HCH (70%), heptachlor (67%), aldrin (67%), dielrin (67%), Chlordane (70%), α-HCH (40%), and WHO-TEQ (2005) values for PCB-126, PCB-169 and Σ8DL-PCBs were exceeding the permissible limits. The human health risk assessment revealed the occurrence of substantial lifetime carcinogenic risk for OCPs and PCBs at both 50th and 95th percentile concentrations in freshwater mussels from the tributaries of River Ravi. Therefore, the freshwater mussels are recommended to be used in environmental toxicological studies to assess the bioavailable levels of pollution in hostile environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study monitored the human health risks through dermal exposure, hazardous risks to ecological integrity, contamination levels, spatio-temporal distribution, and congener specific analysis of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) across River Ravi and its three northern tributaries (Nullah Bein, Nullah Basanter and Nullah Deg). The residual levels of OCPs isomers were screened for water (n = 54) and surface sediment (n = 54) samples from twenty seven sampling sites in two alternate seasons (pre-monsoon and post-monsoon). The ∑ OCPs concentrations ranged from 13.61 to 1992.18 ng/g dry weight and 12.89 to 128.16 ng/L with predominance of β-endosulfan and p , p ′-DDT in sediment and water matrixes, respectively. Distribution pattern revealed significantly higher concentrations in upstream and midstream, suggesting considerable transboundary OCPs pollution. Calculated ratios of α-HCH/γ-HCH, o , p ′-DDT/ p , p ′-DDT, (DDE + DDD) / ∑ DDTs and cis / trans -chlordane for water and sediments identified the fresh addition of lindane, technical DDTs and chlordane in the study area. Risk quotient (RQ) based ecological risk was found to be > 1 at all studied streams during both seasons and elucidates higher risks for endosulfan (α-endosulfan) and endrin. Human health risk assessment indicated absence of hazardous (non-carcinogenic) risk through bathing in studied streams; as the hazard index values ranged from 1.09E − 05 to 2.48E − 02 (acceptable limit; < 1). However, the calculated carcinogenic risk possessed by OCPs through dermal exposure ranged from 1.39E − 10 to 1.98E − 05 that highlighted the considerable carcinogenic risk associated to aldrin, dieldrin, p , p ′-DDT and β-endosulfan at certain studied sites. Therefore, the high levels of ecological risk and carcinogenic human health risk had emphasized an immediate elimination of ongoing OCPs addition in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gladiolus corms were grown in media contaminated with cadmium (Cd) (50 mg kg−1) and supplemented with silicon (Si) and potassium (K). The role of Si and K for mitigation of Cd toxicity was evaluated. Cd-induced stress generated significantly increased level of oxidative stress markers including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in gladiolus. The application of K and Si improved the production of protein and proline in the treated plants. Moreover, K and Si supplemented plants exhibited an improvement in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and a reduction in the level of MDA, H2O2and Cd uptake under Cd stress. Application of K and Si also enhanced the uptake of mineral nutrients including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sulfur (S) and K. The plants supplemented with K and Si exhibited a higher amount of total phenolics and flavonoids. The combined effect of Si and K was more pronounced regarding beneficial effects on gladiolus plants compared to individual effect of these elements under Cd stress. The current research reveals that Si and K may improve gladiolus growth by decreasing the oxidative stress and Cd uptake and by increasing the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes, the quantity of secondary metabolites and plant nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The presence of microplastics in different environmental matrices has raised many concerns about potential effects of microplastics on humans and freshwater ecosystems. In Pakistan, rivers potentially receive microplastics from anthropogenic activities in their catchments. However, research studies regarding microplastics' presence, distribution, and risks are scarce in Pakistan. To bridge the gap, the present study was conducted to evaluate microplastic pollution in the Chenab River. Surface water samples were collected from selected sites on the Chenab River using a manta trawl in the low‐flow season during postmonsoon (October) 2019 and 2020 and in the high‐flow season during monsoon (July) 2020 and 2021. Samples were digested, followed by density separation and filtration. Identification and polymer characterization of microplastics were completed using stereomicroscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Microplastics were found in all samples with significant spatiotemporal variation in microplastic concentration, with an average of 45.98 ± 10.45 microplastics/m3 in the low‐flow season and 34.66 ± 16.15 microplastics/m3 in the high‐flow season. Among microplastic shapes, fibers were the most dominant shape, whereas polyethylene terephthalate (38.2%) and polypropylene (19%) were the most abundant polymers. Polymer risk index analysis and pollution load index demonstrated that most of the sites ranked as safe. The potential ecological risks from single polymers and combined polymers showed minor risks posed by microplastics. The present study is the first step to focus on microplastic pollution in the Chenab River; it will help river managers to mitigate the microplastic pollution without compromising the ecological integrity of the river. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:727–739. © 2023 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our current study, four nickel-tolerant (Ni-tolerant) bacterial species viz,Bacillus thuringiensis002,Bacillus fortis162,Bacillus subtilis174, andBacillus farraginis354, were screened using Ni-contaminated media. The screened microbes exhibited positive results for synthesis of indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophore production, and phosphate solubilization. The effects of these screened microbes on Ni mobility in the soil, root elongation, plant biomass, and Ni uptake inAlthea roseaplants grown in Ni-contaminated soil (200 mg Ni kg−1) were evaluated. Significantly higher value for water-extractable Ni (38 mg kg−1) was observed in case of Ni-amended soils inoculated withB. subtilis174. Similarly,B. thuringiensis002,B. fortis162, andB. subtilis174 significantly enhanced growth and Ni uptake inA. rosea. The Ni uptake in the shoots and roots ofB. subtilis174-inoculated plants enhanced up to 1.7 and 1.6-fold, respectively, as compared to that in the un-inoculated control. Bacterial inoculation also significantly improved the root and shoot biomass of treated plants. The current study presents a novel approach for bacteria-assisted phytoremediation of Ni-contaminated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Summary: This study was conducted to analyze the efficacy of Polyalthia longifolia branches as an effective biosorbent for elimination of textile dye stuff brilliant yellow. Different operating conditions were tested (adsorbent dose, dye concentration, contact time, pH and temperature) to investigate their relationship with adsorption strength of Polyalthia longifolia and subsequently to eliminate toxic color. The absorbent was also characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Optimum adsorption was observed at pH 6. Model of kinetic explored the adsorption data showing pseudo 2nd order with high correlation coefficient R2 of 0.996. Langmuir model followed well to equilibrium data relative to Freundlich and Temkin models. Thermodynamic property was also observed, where Gibbs free energy, entropy and enthalpy were analyzed. Through Gibbs free energy it was found that absorbent has endothermic nature. Thermodynamic properties have depicted that adsorption process was natural, endothermic and suitable for treatment of toxic dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing concentration of trace metals in the environment and their subsequent health effects in living organisms has become a major threat particularly in developing parts of the world. Therefore present study was designed to investigate the concentration of trace metals such as Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu in liver, pectoral muscle, pelvic muscle and blood of two terrestrial (Bank Myna; Acridotheres ginginianus and Jungle Babbler; Turdoides striata) and two aquatic (Grey Heron; Ardea cinerea and Cattle Egret; Bubulcus ibis) bird species collected from the premises of Lahore, Pakistan. The detection frequency of trace metals in collected samples were highest in Cd (100%) followed by Pb (83%), Cr (80%) and Cu (76.5%). Species revealed heterogeneous levels of metals in all organs. In general the mean concentration (µg/g) of trace metals in organs and blood of terrestrial species followed the pattern as Pb > Cu > Cr > Cd contrary to aquatic species in which the trend was Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd. Highest concentration of Pb (3.23 µg/g) was reported in pelvic muscle of jungle babbler, Cd (0.15 µg/g) in liver of bank myna, Cr (0.40 µg/g) in pelvic muscle of Cattle Egret and Cu (1.89 µg/g) in liver of Cattle Egret. Whereas lowest concentration of Pb (0µg/g) and Cd (0.09 µg/g) was reported in blood and pelvic muscle of Grey Heron respectively, Cr (0µg/g) in blood of Bank Myna, Grey Heron and Cattle Egret, Cu (0 µg/g) in blood of Grey Heron, Cattle Egret and Jungle Babbler. Concentration of metals varied significantly (P<0.05) among organs however, no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed among species except Cu(P<0.05). Further, no significant difference (P>0.05) of metals was observed between feeding guilds and habitat of the species. The increasing concentration of toxic trace metals in the birds reflects deteriorating environmental health as a result of greater metals exposure which must be reduced through proper legislation and strict implementation of laws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study was designed to validate the use of tail feathers as non-invasive biomonitoring tool and to compare its barb and calamus parts for bioaccumulation of heavy metals viz. Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Hg and As in white backed vulture (Gyps africanus). A total of 8 tail feathers samples collected from eight birds were analyzed. All the studied heavy metals except Hg and As were detected in tail feathers of G. Africanus. We corroborated the use of tail feathers as non-invasive biomonitoring tool for all the heavy metals except Hg and As. In general, metals in feathers followed the trend as Pb>Cd>Cr>Cu. Concentrations of trace metals were higher in barbs than calamus reflecting possible external deposition. Comparison of heavy metals revealed non-significant (P> 0.05) differences between barbs and calamus parts. We concluded that barbs of feathers are promising biomonitoring tool for metals contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal variation of sulphate aerosols along with its optieal properties and its dependenee upon meteorologieal parameters are studied over Karaehi, Pakistan during 2018by using Giovanni data, where MEERA-2 analysis has been performed using OpenGrADS. Analysis of results showed that mass eoneentration (5-13 pg/m3) and eolumn density (19-24.5 mg/m2) of sulphate aerosol and its extinetion faetor (0.18) is high in winter and autumn seasons showing dependenee on biomass burning and fossil fuel eombustion in the industrial seetor. Low preeipitation and wind speed favour the aeeumulation of pollutants and their transport from Nawabshah and Hyderabad to Karaehi. On the other hand, in summer and spring low biomass burning, small retention time due to frequent preeipitation, eausing washing of air and reversal of wind direetion are all the faetors preventing the aeeumulation of pollutants in the area. This eause a deerease in the mass eoneentration (1.9-3 pg/m3), density (9.8-13 mg/m2) and extinetion faetor (0.06) of sulphate aerosols in the troposphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide effective solution to escalating spatial problems of hostel management this paper provides a lay out of latest technologies which is applicable for not only interactive decision making, but also beneficial for risk management. The architectural plane of eight hostels of University of the Punjab, New campus Lahore and Google Earth imagery were selected to prepare geodatabase for spatial and non-spatial entities using ArcGIS 10. To manage effectively spatial and non-spatial data of a hostel requires the understanding and manipulation of a large number of variables. The spatial nature of the hostel and their associated resources were linked to students, departments and hostel management in Geographic Information System (GIS). Three storys buildings of these hostels were digitized as three different layers with other basic layers. Student's data linked with rooms for query and visualization. Hostel management system also provided facility to manage immovable assets glued to the hostel property allotted to students and management staffs. ArcReader 10 was used for the data disbursement to different hostel offices and related department for the management of hostel assets and illegal hostelized any time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shortage of land for waste disposal and inappropriate landfill site is one of the biggest problems in urban areas. This problem could be solved by applying new technologies like Geographic Information Systems. Most of the landfill sites in Pakistan are selected randomly, and waste is burned in air which has impacts on nature and human lives. The main aim of this research is to determine a suitable landfill site with less impact on environment. In this research, a potential site for an appropriate landfill area for Faisalabad city was determined by using Geographic Information System (GIS) as a tool to aid the decision making process. To achieve this purpose, thematic layers, and different tabular data such as topography, land use, roads network, ground, and surface water, infrastructure, and urban areas were collected. Thematic maps were used to create the vulnerability map for the area and the results were compiled to the buffer zones around sensitive areas. Multi-criteria analysis (MDA) was used to measure the relative importance weighting for each criterion. Each map layers were formed with the aid of GIS and final suitability map was created by overlay analyses of each criterion map. According to obtained results, high and low suitable areas were determined in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flonicamid is an insecticide which is frequently used in agriculture practices these days. However the excessive use of this chemical insecticide exhibit toxic effects on ecosystem as well as on mammals. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate flonicamid median lethal dose which is 180 mg/kg body weight. Further, investigations involved the repeated oral administration of safe dose of flonicamid i.e 18 mg/kg body weight/day to various groups of rabbits alone, in combination with vitamin C and E for partial sub chronic study of 30 days. Significant increase (P<0.05) in hepatic enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were observed whereas animal body weight, serum protein and serum albumin exhibited significant decrease (P<0.05) in rabbits given only flonicamid. In addition, histological examination of liver tissues of treated rabbits showed alterations of hepatocytes morphology from severe level to mild depending upon type of treatment either given flonicamid only or co-administered with vitamin C/vitamin E. We conclude that supplementation of vitamin C alone and in combination with vitamin E each at 100 mg/kg body weight/day dose significantly reduces the toxicopathetic effects of flonicamid in exposed rabbits and ameliorates the hepatic marker enzymes as well as histological aspects of liver tissues near the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]