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In this study, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity were determined in various products made from two cultivars of jamman fruit (Eugenia jambolana) i.e. improved (V1) and indigenous (V2). Five products were made from each cultivar such as jam, squash, ready-to-drink juice, pulp powder and seed powder. Fruit cultivars were endogenous to the typical region of Sindh-Pakistan. Total phenolic contents were analyzed by Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method, whereas, the total antioxidant activity was analyzed by using the 2, 2-diphenil-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) assays. The highest total phenolic contents and antioxidants were observed in freeze dried seed powder while the lowest contents were found in squash.

The present research study was aimed at determining the proximate and mineral composition of horse radish tree flowers by utilizing standard methodologies. The mean moisture content in fresh, thermally dehydrated, curry, shade dried and boiled fresh /processed samples of horse radish tree flowers was 80.98, 5.40, 68.07, 5.84 and 86.26%, respectively. The vegetable had the highest pH, carbohydrates, total solids, nitrogen free extracts and calorific values in thermally dried samples and crude fiber, ash and protein values were higher in shade dried samples. Whereas, fat and total fatty acids were found higher in curry samples. There was a significant presence of dietary essential micro-nutrients. It was therefore revealed that horse radish tree flowers(Moringa oleifera) when consumed in curry form could also be a good source of nutrients. The inclusion of horse radish tree flowers into the diet could potentially address some of the challenges, such as health benefits, food security and increase life expectancy in Sindh, Pakistan.

WOS: 000464784800001, Present study deals with the synthesis of the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene diamide derivative as ligand (L) and its Fe3+ complex, followed by its characterization using TLC and FT-IR, while UV-Vis and Job's plot study were performed for complex formation. Antimicrobial activity of the derivative (L) and its metal complex was carried out by the disc diffusion method against bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus albus) and fungi (R. stolonifer). Different concentrations of the derivative (L) (6, 3, 1.5, 0.75, and 0.37 mu g/mL) and its Fe3+ complex were prepared, and Mueller-Hinton agar was used as the medium for the growth of microorganisms. Six successive dilutions of the derivative (L) and Fe3+ complex were used against microorganisms. Two successive dilutions (6 and 3 mu g/mL) of the derivative (L) showed antibacterial action against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, three successive dilutions (6, 3, and 1.5 mu g/mL) of the derivative (L) showed antifungal activity. However, all of six dilutions of the Fe3+ complex showed antimicrobial activity. Derivative (L) showed 3 and 1.5g/mL minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against bacteria and fungi, respectively. On the contrary, its Fe3+ complex showed 0.37g/mL value of MIC against bacteria and fungi. Hence, Fe3+ complex of the derivative (L) was found to be a more effective antimicrobial agent against selected bacteria and fungi than the diamide derivative (L).

Anthocyanins ACNs are water soluble plant pigments having a vital role in plant physiology and human health Grewia asiatica L genus Tiliaceae is a fruit producing shrub originating from south Asia Pakistan India East Cambodia cultivated mainly for its comestible fruit and well reported diverse medicinal uses The current study was the first attempt to characterize ACNs from G asiatica native to Pakistan Results revealed that maximum anthocyanin extraction yield micro g g was obtained with acidified methanol as compared to other investigated solvents water methanol ethanol and their binary mixture Total seven ACNs were identified including non acylated delphinidin O glucoside peonidin O glucoside pelargonidin O malonyl glucoside acylated cyanidin peonidin and pelargonidin O rdquo acetylglucoside and pyranoanthocyanin Malvidin O glucoside pyruvic acid Among them cyanidin O quot acetylglucoside was the major ACN comprising micro g g of total ACNs composition followed by peonidin O glucoside consisting of micro g g and pelargonidin O rdquo acetyl glucoside micro g g Moreover the study of ACNs stability at the temperature deg C testified the better temperature tolerance by ACNs under dark at temperature ranging deg C Hence the results revealed that G asiatica is a potent fruit rich in ACNs and can be used as food colorant and nutraceutical

BACKGROUND Mycotoxin-contaminated feed is very dangerous for the growth and even life of poultry. The objective of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of ultra-violet irradiation for decontamination of ochratoxin A (OTA) in spiked and naturally contaminated poultry feed samples. Spiked and naturally contaminated feed samples were irradiated with ultra-violet light (UV) at distance of 25 cm over the feed samples. In vitro, the effect of UV intensity (0.1 mW cm−2 at 254 nm UV-C) on different types of poultry feeds contaminated with OTA was evaluated. The same samples were also irradiated with sunlight and analysed for OTA by an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS Poultry feed samples containing 500 µg kg−1 were 100% decontaminated in 180 min with UV radiation while OTA was decreased to 70–95 µg kg−1 using the same poultry feed samples after 8 h sunlight irradiation. Therefore, UV light was found to be more effective. Only 1 h of UV irradiation was found to be sufficient to bring the OTA level to the maximum regulatory limit suggested for poultry feeds (100 µg kg−1), while 8 h were needed to obtain this level using sunlight radiations. CONCLUSION The proposed approach is a viable option to reduce the level of OTA in contaminated poultry feeds. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

This study concerns the investigation of dissipation, adsorption, and degradation of triazophos in different soils from Pakistan. These processes help in the disappearance of pesticide from the environment. Gas chromatography was used for dissipation and adsorption analysis while for degradation study mass spectrometer was used in addition of gas chromatography (GC-MS). The dissipation rate of triazophos in three different soils was 90% over 30 days with average half-life of 9.059 days. From dissipation study it was inferred that rate is variable in each soil due to climatic changes, soil nature and soil-pesticide interactions. Adsorption experiment has revealed that the adsorption of this pesticide to soil follows the pseudo first order kinetic model with rate constant value of 0.479/h and Freundlich isotherm with adsorption capacity of 1.832 mol/g. Degradation study has displayed two major metabolites, one is phosphorothioic acid, S-[2-[(1-cyano-1-methylethyl) amino]-2-oxoethyl] O,O-diethyl ester at ret...

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a potent carcinogen, teratogen and mutagen found in the milk when lactating animals consume feed contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). In the present study, the contamination of AFM1 was evaluated in the milk supply chain of the province of Sindh, Pakistan. For the broader profiling of targeted toxin, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the determination of AFM1 in both branded and non-branded milk samples. The results showed that 96.43% of samples (81 out of 84) were contaminated with AFM1 in the range of 0.01–0.76 μg/L. The average contamination level was 0.38 μg/L. The determined values of AFM1 in the collected milk samples were above the standard limit of the European Commission while 70% of the samples exceeded levels established by United States regulations. According to these results, the estimated daily intake of AFM1 for adults was determined as 3.1 ng/kg of body weight per day.

An efficient and simple in situ ultrasonic assisted esterification method has been developed for gas chromatographic determination of benzoic acid (BA) in raw and processed milk samples. For optimization of variables, chemometric approach was employed using Plackett–Burman design (PBD) and face-centered central composite design (FCCCD). Firstly, major factors affecting benzoic acid methyl ester (BAME) yield, i.e., BA concentration, volume of methanol, sonication time, amount of milk, and sulfuric acid, were studied with PBD. After screening significant factors, further optimization was carried out with FCCCD. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the quadratic model demonstrated that BA concentration, interaction factors of BA with sulfuric acid, and methanol volume significantly (p < 0.05) affect the BAME %yield. The proposed in situ method has better BAME limit of detection (0.02 mg/L) and quantification (0.07 mg/L) for the rapid determination of BA in milk samples avoiding the use of sample pretreatment and solvent extraction step.

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) is a class of refractory organic compounds, widely used as additives or plasticizers in plastic industry. PAEs are ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting pollutants and can be degraded by microorganisms. The present study described the assimilation of four PAE mixture (dimethyl, diethyl, dipropyl, and dibutyl phthalate) by two bacillus species: Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus cereus, isolated from different agricultural soil and their consortium. Among which, the optimal degradation of 82–96% was achieved by B. thuringiensis. This is the first report on the metabolic breakdown of four basic PAE mixture. The optimum conditions for biodegradation were found to be pH 7, temperature 30 °C, inoculum size 10 mL, and concentration 400 mg/L. Moreover, the respective biodegradation followed the first-order kinetic model. Our results proffered supplementary confirmation of the wide spectrum of PAE utilization by B. thuringiensis and suggest the possibility of applying it for the remediation of PAE contamination waste.

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are mainly used as plasticizers, and their release in the environment during the manufacturing, use, and disposal has caused serious environmental health concerns, since some of them are suspected to be mutagens, hepatotoxic agents, and carcinogens. In the present study, leaching of PAEs from different drinking stuffs (water cooler, mineral water bottles) exposed to sunlight and baby feeders subjected to different heating treatments (boiling, autoclave and oven) was studied. Results showed that a total of 10 PAEs were leached and identified. Among them, dimethyl phthalate, bis(2-methoxyethyl) phthalate, diethyl phthalate, and dibutyl phthalate were the major leached PAEs found in the range 9–112.50 μg L−1. Boiling treatment was found safer for baby feeders as PAE leaching was ~26–54% less as compared to other two treatments. The leached PAEs in water samples were then subjected to biodegradation experiment with Bacillus thuringiensis strain at optimized conditions (time 72 h and 30 °C). Hence, leaching of hazardous PAEs from different water stuffs is alarming and needs immediate attention. Moreover, B. thuringiensis strain was found effective for PAE remediation (75–96% degradation) at neutral pH.

Background: Exhumation is a process by which the already buried dead body is taken out by digging under the law of the land. Aim: To analyze and evaluate the findings seen in exhumed bodies and the factors which play role in decomposition of a corpse. Material & methods: Study was conducted in different districts of Sindh on exhumed dead bodies of different Age, Sex and religion.

The study was conducted to assess the quality of ground water from different Talukas of district Tando Muhammad Khan for drinking and agriculture purpose. Water samples for determining the water quality were collected in one liter polyethylene bags by observing standard sample collection method. It was ensured that sample collection sites must be at least 500 feet away from each other.Physical and chemical parameters of ground and surface water samples such as pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Turbidity, Colour, Taste, Odour, Alkalinity as CaCO3, Bicarbonate (HCO3), Carbonate (CO3), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Hardness, Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Chloride (Cl), Phosphate (PO4), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Arsenic (As) were determined.The study clarified that pH and odour was within the permissible limits in majority of samples whereas, Arsenic (As),Hardness, Sodium (Na),Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Taste, Chloride (Cl) and turbidity were beyond the permissible limits set by WHO.The groundwater status in Tando Muhammad Khan district, TDS in 50% samples, Chloride in 54.16% samples, Sulphate in 44.8% samples, Calcium in 38.5% samples, Sodium in 54.16% samples, hardness in 21.88% samples were beyond the WHO’s permissible limits for human consumption.

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), a phthalate ester, is widely used in cosmetics, perfumes, and plasticizers. It has been classified as a suspected endocrine disruptor by many countries. The present study describes the biodegradation of DMP by a new aerobic bacterium, isolated from soil samples of a cotton field by an enrichment culture technique utilizing DMP as the sole source of carbon and energy. The isolate was identified as Bacillus thuringiensis based on the morphological and biochemical characteristics as well as gene sequence analysis. Bacillus thuringiensis grows best in a mineral salt medium of pH 7.0 at 30 °C incubation for 48 hours. The effects of temperature, inoculum size, substrate concentration and incubation time on DMP degradation were also studied. Bacillus thuringiensis is able to biodegrade 400 mg L−1 of DMP under aerobic conditions with 99% degradation potential. A combination of GC and GC-MS analysis revealed a complete DMP biodegradation pathway. The results indicate that Bacillus thuringiensis may prove a promising source for DMP bioremediation at a commercial scale.

A simple, cost-effective and environmentally friendly analytical method was developed for the quantification of melamine (MEL) in liquid milk and infant powder by using transmission Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Standards and samples were analyzed in the form of a KBr pellet for recording FT-IR spectra. Partial least squares calibration was established in the FT-IR region, 851.62–798.39 cm−1, with a linear range of 0.001–1%. An excellent coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9999 was achieved, with minimum errors in the root mean square error of calibration and the root mean square error of prediction, for which the values were 0.17 and 3.49, respectively. The accuracy of the calibration model was also verified using the root mean square error of cross-validation, which was found to be 2.25. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification of the method were 0.0001% (1 ppm) and 0.00035% (3.5 ppm), respectively. The method was successfully applied to liquid and infant powder milk samples and gave good recoveries (98.9–100.2%). The FT-IR method developed here is efficient, accurate and appropriate for MEL detection in the dairy industry, with a reduced cost and a short analysis time.

Melamine is a nitrogenous chemical substance used principally as a starting material for the manufacture of synthetic resins. Due to its very high proportion of nitrogen melamine has been added illegitimately to foods and feeds to increase the measured protein content, which determines the value of the product. These issues prompted private as well as governmental laboratories to develop methods for the analysis of melamine in a wide variety of food products and ingredients. Owing to this fact present study is aimed to use single bounce attenuated total reflectance (SB-ATR) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) method as an effective rapid tool for the detection and quantification of melamine in milk (liquid and powder). Partial least-squares (PLS) models were established for correlating spectral data to melamine concentration with R 2 > 0.99, and RMSEC 0.370. Linear calibration curves were obtained over the calibration range of 25–0.0625%. The LOD and LOQ of the method was 0.00025% (2.5 ppm) and 0.0015% (15 ppm) respectively. Proposed SB-ATR–FTIR method requires little or no sample preparation with an assay time of 1–2 min.

Three different gas chromatographic detection techniques were applied for the determination of deoxynivalenol (DON) present in poultry feed samples. Extraction and cleanup procedures were kept the same for GC–FID, GC–ECD and GC–MS methods. Although all three GC methods provided good and comparable results, but more attention was focused on GC–FID due to its lower cost and easy availability in many laboratories. Therefore, a short 15 m DB-1 short column was introduced for the determination of DON in poultry feed to reduce the time of analysis and initial cost of column. An inter-laboratory study for GC–FID was performed in two laboratories using four naturally DONS-contaminated feed samples and one spiked with standard. The relative standard deviations for repeatability (RSDr) and relative standard deviations for reproducibility (RSDR) of naturally contaminated feed were in the range 5–23 and 11–24 %, respectively. The Horwitz Ratio (HORRAT) was less than 1.0 in each sample. From the spiking test, recovery, RSDr, RSDR and value of HORRAT were 93, 5, 11 and 0.6 %, respectively. For GC–FID method, limit of quantification was found to be 6 μg kg−1. Thus, GC–FID method using 15 m DB-1 capillary column is sensitive and validated analytical method for the determination of DON for poultry feed.

This work reports the application of banana peel as a novel bioadsorbent for in vitro removal of five mycotoxins (aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) and ochratoxin A). The effect of operational parameters including initial pH, adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature were studied in batch adsorption experiments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and point of zero charge (pHpzc) analysis were used to characterise the adsorbent material. Aflatoxins' adsorption equilibrium was achieved in 15 min, with highest adsorption at alkaline pH (6-8), while ochratoxin has not shown any significant adsorption due to surface charge repulsion. The experimental equilibrium data were tested by Langmuir, Freundlich and Hill isotherms. The Langmuir isotherm was found to be the best fitted model for aflatoxins, and the maximum monolayer coverage (Q0) was determined to be 8.4, 9.5, 0.4 and 1.1 ng mg(-1) for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 respectively. Thermodynamic parameters including changes in free energy (ΔG), enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) were determined for the four aflatoxins. Free energy change and enthalpy change demonstrated that the adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous. Adsorption and desorption study at different pH further demonstrated that the sorption of toxins was strong enough to sustain pH changes that would be experienced in the gastrointestinal tract. This study suggests that biosorption of aflatoxins by dried banana peel may be an effective low-cost decontamination method for incorporation in animal feed diets.

In a two-year study ten commercial date palm varieties were evaluated. The varieties showed varying response to Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliv; some varieties suffered heavy infestation while others indicated tolerance against R. ferrugineus. The most tolerant varieties with less infestation percentage against R. ferrugineus were Muzawati (8%) followed by Pathri (12%), Thothar (15%), Khar and Shakri (16%) respectively. The varieties which suffered high infestation rate were Karbalain, Dhedhi, Fasli, Aseel and Eidan Shah. To control the R. ferrugineus infestation pheromone trapping system was used. Significantly more R. ferrugineus (18-21) adults were captured during the 1st, 2nd, 3rd week of July and 2nd week of June. The studies conducted will be helpful in survey and control of R. ferrugineus infestation in Khairpur District of Sindh province.

3 Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the mineral contents of jamun fruit (Eugenia jambolana) products namely jam, squash, ready-to-drink juice, pulp powder and seed powder. The products were made and stored for 24 months at various storage conditions in different packaging material since it was an essential part of doctoral study carried out in 2007-2009. About 09 mineral elements such as Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na and K in all jamun products were detected through atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The minimum and maximum macronutrients of Jamun products were determined as mg/kg. Two varieties of Jamun namely improved-V1 and indigenous-V2 were used. From the results of this study it could be concluded that there is a significant difference between the products as well between the cultivars however, VI is comparatively better than V2 in containing minerals.

This study was aimed to assess the adsorption and leaching potential of imidacloprid pesticide in column and field soil. To visibly understand these actions and factors affecting them, the experiments were carried out under laboratory and field conditions. Adsorption study was divided into kinetic and equilibrium sections. The evaluation of kinetic data was done through pseudo first and second order models. It was found that kinetic adsorption of imidacloprid on soil followed pseudo second order with rate constant value of 4.333 mg/g/h. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to explain equilibrium adsorption, from these isotherms it was evaluated that Freundlich isotherm was obeyed well with adsorption capacity of 2.190 - 4.573 mol/g. Leaching study was performed in laboratory using column made of poly-vinyl chloride having 30 cm length. Known amount of imidacloprid pesticide was applied to column left for adsorption and then eluted with 500 mL water in five equal portions. These water portions and soil of column which was divided into three sections were analyzed by HPLC. The result revealed that the concentration of imidacloprid was decreased from 0.481 ppm in first portion of water to 0.327 ppm in last portion of water while 0.783 ppm in first section of column soil to 0.038 ppm in last section of column soil. In field the leaching power of imidacloprid was observed up to 60 cm depth, its concentration decreased with soil depth. It was 3.311 ppm in first portion of soil and 0.357 ppm in last portion of soil. The leaching potential of imidacloprid pesticide up to 60 cm soil depth was due to less organic matter, sandy texture, alkaline pH, and low cation exchange capacity.

Study on the nutritive values of stored Jamun (Eugenia jambolana) products, namely jam, squash, ready-to-drink juice, seed powder and pulp powder was carried out at the Institute of Food Sciences and Technology, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam. The specific fruit cultivar undertaken for this scientific evaluation was commonly known as (Improved) variety of Jamun. Besides of jam, squash and juice products, Jamun seed and pulp powder also have good nutritive values and were quite rich in carbohydrates accompanied by enough protein, ash, crude fibers but were not sufficient in fat composition. It was observed that nutritional values were varied at different packaging and storage temperature. The glass package among the packages and refrigerator temperature among the storage temperatures showed good results in terms of retaining good quality nutritive values and extensive shelf life of the products. The results were statistically significant. This study could be a beneficial source to the dieticians/nutritionist to consider Jamun as best nutraceutical fruit with natural curing and food industries for manufacturing commercially viable food products.

In the present study, milk samples including raw and ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed milk were analyzed for pesticide residue levels, including five pesticides, viz chloripyrifos, endosulfan (α and β), profenofos and bifenthrin by gas chromatography microelectron capture detector (GC-μECD) after extraction by QuEChERS method. Further confirmation of the pesticide residue was done by GC-MS. The pesticide residual level in raw and UHT milk samples (n = 70) was determined in the range of 0.1-30 μg L(-1). All UHT processed milk samples contain pesticide residues within permissible limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO); however, among raw milk samples, chloripyrifos (12 %), α (24 %), and β (14 %) endosulfan were found above the maximum residue limit (MRL). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of these four pesticide residues were also calculated as 1.32, 16.16, 5.30, 10.20, and 9.93 μg kg(-1) body weight for chloripyrifos, endosulfan α, profenofos, endosulfan β, and bifenthrin, respectively. It is concluded that the raw milk samples showed higher prevalence of pesticide residues as compared to UHT processed milk. Graphical abstract Determination of pesticide residues in dairy milk by GC-μECD after QuEChERS extraction method.

Mycotoxin-contaminated feed is very dangerous for the growth and even life of poultry. The objective of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of ultra-violet irradiation for decontamination of ochratoxin A (OTA) in spiked and naturally contaminated poultry feed samples. Spiked and naturally contaminated feed samples were irradiated with ultra-violet light (UV) at distance of 25 cm over the feed samples. In vitro, the effect of UV intensity (0.1 mW cm(-2) at 254 nm UV-C) on different types of poultry feeds contaminated with OTA was evaluated. The same samples were also irradiated with sunlight and analysed for OTA by an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method.Poultry feed samples containing 500 µg kg(-1) were 100% decontaminated in 180 min with UV radiation while OTA was decreased to 70-95 µg kg(-1) using the same poultry feed samples after 8 h sunlight irradiation. Therefore, UV light was found to be more effective. Only 1 h of UV irradiation was found to be sufficient to bring the OTA level to the maximum regulatory limit suggested for poultry feeds (100 µg kg(-1) ), while 8 h were needed to obtain this level using sunlight radiations.The proposed approach is a viable option to reduce the level of OTA in contaminated poultry feeds. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Molecularly imprinted particles embedded composite cryogel discs specific for alpha-cypermethrin and beta-cypermethrin were prepared. Two different types of imprinted particles were embedded into cryogel to prepare composite cryogels specific for two isomers of cypermethrin simultaneously. Adsorption studies revealed that MIP is extremely selective for alpha-cypermethrin and beta-cypermethrin with outstanding adsorption capacity. A sensitive analytical method comprising MISPE coupled with GC-MS has been developed to quantify trace levels of alpha-cypermethrin and beta-cypermethrin in real water matrices. The polymer showed fast kinetics and follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model very well (R-2 = 0.9999). It shows excellent capacity towards alpha-cypermethrin and beta-cypermethrin with a higher total number of binding sites (N-t - 96 mu mol g(-1) for alpha-cypermethrin and 95 mu mol g(-1) for beta-cypermethrin). The MIP showed selectivity over the homologues of alpha-cypermethrin and beta-cypermethrin with imprinting factor (IF) 11.2, 10.0, 1.04 and 1.20 for alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, deltamethrin and permethrin, respectively. The developed MISPE method followed by GC-MS enhanced the sensitivity and selectivity of the assay. This method was successfully applied to samples of lake water for the determination of alpha-cypermethrin and beta-cypermethrin simultaneously. Moreover, the synthesized MIP can be easily regenerated and repeatedly used without loss of efficiency.

Bisphenol A (BPA) imprinted poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate-N-methacryloyl-L-phenylalanine-vinyl imidazole) [poly(EGDMA-MAPA-VI)] film deposition on a SPR sensor with improved efficiency is described in this paper. The molecularly imprinted SPR sensor was characterized by FTIR-ATR, atomic force microscopy and ellipsometry. A water-compatible molecularly imprinted film has been developed for rapid, sensitive, and label-free detection of BPA in aqueous solutions prepared in Milli Q water, tap water and synthetic wastewater. The real-time response allows the detection of BPA with concentrations ranging from 0.08 to 10 mu g L-1 with LOD and LOQ values of 0.02 and 0.08 mu g L-1 in Milli Q water, 0.06 and 0.2 mu g L-1 in tap water and 0.08 and 0.3 mu g L-1 in synthetic wastewater, respectively. A significant increase in sensitivity was therefore expected due to the use of the imprinted poly(EGDMA-MAPA- VI) thin film. The method showed good recoveries and precision for the samples spiked with BPA. The results suggest that the imprinted SPR sensing method can be used as a promising alternative for the detection of BPA. The sensor data fitted well with the Langmuir adsorption model. The selectivity studies showed that the imprinted cavities formed in the polymeric nanofilm recognize BPA preferentially rather than 4-nitrophenol, hydroquinone, phenol and 8-hydroxy quinoline with a relative selectivity coefficient of 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 and 2.5, respectively. The prepared BPA imprinted SPR sensor enables high sensitivity, label-free detection, real-time monitoring, low volume sample consumption, quantitative evaluation, and determination of kinetic rate constants very well. In addition, the SPR based BPA sensor is easy to use and can be a cost effective solution due to the reusability of the prepared sensor. Furthermore, the storage stability will be higher than antibody-based detection methods.

A study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in complete poultry feeds (n = 80) and poultry feed ingredients (n = 286) from Pakistan. All samples were first analyzed by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), samples with OTA concentrations above the European Union maximum regulatory limit (MRL, 100 μg/kg) were further confirmed by HPLC-FLD. Contamination frequency and mean OTA levels were 31 % and 51 μg/kg in feed ingredients, and the corresponding values for complete feeds were 38 % and 75 μg/kg. Ten samples of complete poultry feed and 19 samples of feed ingredients contained OTA at levels higher than the MRL. The results of the present study indicate that there is a strong need for a more intense monitoring programs for OTA in poultry feed.

Two hundred and fifteen broiler poultry feed samples were analysed over the time period of one year for the co-occurrence of aflatoxins and deoxynivalenol (DON). These were determined by GC–MS and ELISA, respectively. LOD values for aflatoxins and DON were 0.5 and 5 µg/kg, respectively. From all investigated 215 poultry feed samples, aflatoxins and DON co-occurred in 100 samples (46%). DON was detected in 114 samples while 100 samples also were positive for aflatoxins. Mean concentrations of positive samples for aflatoxins and DON were 18 and 807 µg/kg, respectively. Twenty-one DON-positive and 42 aflatoxin positive samples were contaminated above the EU maximum legal limits of 1000 µg/kg and 20 µg/kg, respectively. The present study provided useful data on aflatoxin and DON contamination, which may be helpful for future strategies to control contamination and to formulate standards in poultry feeds.

In this study, core-shell molecularly imprinted polymer selective for endosulfan I and II was prepared by copolymerization of Fe3O4@SiO2-methacrylamide composites and N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide. The synthesized polymer was thoroughly characterized by FT-IR, TGA, and SEM. The adsorption properties of the MIP and NIP were demonstrated by equilibrium rebinding experiments, pseudo-second-order kinetic model, LF-isotherm and Scatchard analysis. The competitive recognition studies were performed with endosulfan I and II and structurally similar compounds: aldrin, dieldrin and heptachlor. The imprinting factors (IF) of endosulfan I and II were found to be 10.1 and 9.1, respectively, which were much higher than the imprinting factors (IF) of other cyclodienes. The imprinted polymer was then coated on stainless steel wire to develop an easy and simple laboratory made solid phase microextraction device for selective extraction of endosulfan I and II from water samples of environmental importance. Also the main parameters influencing coating of fiber and microextraction procedure were investigated and optimized using Plackett-Burman and Central Composite designs. The developed method was thoroughly validated for its linearity, selectivity, precision and accuracy. The developed MISPME method's linearity ranged from 7 to 5×10(3)ngl(-1) (R(2)=0.999) and from 10 to 5×10(3)ngl(-1) (R(2)=0.999) for endosulfan I and II, respectively. The limits of detection for endosulfan I and II were found to be 2ngl(-1) and 3ngl(-1), respectively. However, the limits of quantification for endosulfan I and II were 7ngl(-1) and 10ngl(-1), respectively.

The molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) selective for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) an environmental endocrine disruptor was prepared by suspension polymerization using methacrylamide as functional monomer and N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide as cross-linker. The imprinted polymer was employed for solid-phase extraction of DEHP from water samples of environmental importance and characterized by FT-IR and SEM. The adsorption properties of the imprinted polymer were demonstrated by equilibrium rebinding experiments, Pseudo-second-order kinetic model, Sips isotherm and Scatchard analysis. The reusability of MIP was checked for at least six repeated batch adsorption cycles and the results showed almost no deterioration in the adsorption capacity. The competitive recognition studies were performed with DEHP and structurally similar compounds; dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The imprinting factor (IF) of DEHP was found to be 12.86 which was much higher than the imprinting factors (IF) of other phthalates. A method constituted by molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) with GC-FID was developed for DEHP analysis in water samples under very simple conditions. Sample loading and desorption conditions were also optimized. The MISPE method's linearity ranged from 0.035 to 3.0 μg ml⁻¹ with r² = 0.9998. Intra-assay, interassay precision and accuracy ranged from 0.0168% to 1.017%, 1.130% to 4.799% and 94.98% to 99.35%, respectively. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.011 and 0.035 μg ml⁻¹, respectively. Synthesized MIP was employed in MISPE for cleaning up the spiked river water samples prior to gas chromatographic analysis. The river samples were found to contain DEHP in the range of 1.4 × 10⁻³ to 0.349 μg ml⁻¹.

The survey on various parameters showed that the degree of orchard infestation fluctuated by time period/seasons, so attack of red palm weevil varied on different months of the year during the study period. It was observed that this insect pest had significantly higher (16%) infestation in the months of June, July and August, during experimental period. The least attack (8%) of the weevil was in the months of January, September, October, November and December in both the years (2007 and 2008). Place of infestation of weevil on date palm stem revealed that the pest infestation was mostly concentrated at the base of trunk (up to 50 cm height) and 75 to 82% of total weevil infestations were located at the base of palm trunk. Spirotetramat insecticide was found most efficient treatment to control red palm weevil infestation/damage, which recovered (43%) damaged date palm trees, followed by Fipronil (33%), Chlorpyrifos (26%) and Methidathion (19%) during the year 2007 and 2008. Key words: Red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, chemical control, date palm