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Cadmium (Cd) being a non-essential, mobile, and toxic heavy metal, negatively affects the plant growth and physiology. Current work investigated the impact of Serratia marcescens CP-13 inoculation on root organic acids and nutrient exudates of two maize cultivars varying in Cd tolerance under induced Cd toxicity. Seedlings of Cd-sensitive (Sahiwal-2002) and Cd-tolerant (MMRI-Yellow) cultivars were grown either inoculated or non-inoculated with CP-13 in Petri plates having various Cd stress levels (0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 μM). Seedlings were transferred to rhizoboxes for the collection of root exudates and analysis of physio-biochemical traits. Both maize cultivars exuded higher organic acids and nutrient exudates under non-inoculated conditions as compared to inoculated ones. Non-inoculated tolerant cultivar exhibited higher nutrient accumulation, biomass, antioxidants, total chlorophyll, Cd release meanwhile reduced Cd uptake, lipid peroxidation, exudation of organic acids, and nutrients than the sensitive one. However, under CP-13 inoculation, Cd sensitive cultivar exhibited less exudation of organic acids (citric acid, acetic acid, malic acid, glutamic acid, formic acid, succinic acid, and oxalic acid), nutrients mobilization (K, Na, Zn, Ca, and Mg), total chlorophyll, antioxidants (APX, SOD, POD), total soluble sugar, diminished MDA, and Cd uptake. The significant reduction in release of root exudates by both cultivars was likely due to the plant growth promoting traits of CP-13 which confer Cd tolerance. The maximum release of rhizospheric root exudates were documented at 30 μM applied Cd stress. Therefore, the Serratia sp. CP-13 was proposed as a potential inoculant for bioremediation of Cd together with maize cultivars.

The swiftly mounting world energy consumption has sparked questions regarding supply constraints, the collapse of energy resources, and dense environmental effects. Although the construction industry has much developed, yet construction is still a difficult, and costly process. Consequently, there is a necessity to find additional energy-efficient and cost-saving substitutes to sustain the urbanization of houses at a reasonable price to low-income groups. This study aims to provide an energy-efficient proposal for a housing scheme with strict control over cost allowing the low-income groups to enjoy livability stemming from the thermally comfortable and cost-saving technology. For this purpose, visits and surveys were carried out to critically analyze the respective housing scheme. Two proposals were suggested i.e. Proposal A by applying a low-cost technique called a Rat-trap bond to the walls and Proposal B, by designing an architectural plan for proficient utilization of space along with Rat-trap bond. Proposal B is highly recommended for construction as it saves 799 units of electricity and is 28% cost-effective during the construction phase than the existing housing unit. Summarized results were prepared from cost analysis and Ecotect analysis which ascertains the proposal to be energy efficient in addition to low cost. It is recommended to invest in cost-effective and energy-efficient technologies at the governmental level so that the challenge of inadequate housing can be answered once and for all.

Cadmium (Cd) in soil–plant system can abridge plant growth by initiating alterations in root zones. Hydroponics and rhizoboxes are useful techniques to monitor plant responses against various natural and/or induced metal stresses. However, soil based studies are considered more appropriate in order to devise efficient food safety and remediation strategies. The present research evaluated the Cd-mediated variations in elemental dynamics of rhizospheric soil together with in planta ionomics and morpho-physio-biochemical traits of two differentially Cd responsive maize cultivars. Cd-sensitive (31P41) and Cd-tolerant (3062) cultivars were grown in pots filled with 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 µg/kg CdCl2 supplemented soil. The results depicted that the maize cultivars significantly influenced the elemental dynamics of rhizosphere as well as in planta mineral accumulation under applied Cd stress. The uptake and translocation of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe from rhizosphere and root cell sap was significantly higher in Cd stressed cv. 3062 as compared to cv. 31P41. In sensitive cultivar (31P41), Cd toxicity resulted in significantly prominent reduction of biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll, carotenoids, protein contents as well as catalase activity in comparison to tolerant one (3062). Analysis of tolerance indexes (TIs) validated that cv. 3062 exhibited advantageous growth and efficient Cd tolerance due to elevated proline, phenolics and activity of antioxidative machinery as compared to cv. 31P41. The cv. 3062 exhibited 54% and 37% less Cd bio-concentration (BCF) and translocation factors (TF), respectively in comparison to cv. 31P41 under highest Cd stress regime. Lower BCF and TF designated a higher Cd stabilization by tolerant cultivar (3062) in rhizospheric zone and its potential use in future remediation plans.

Cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic metal for plant metabolic processes even in low concentration due to its longer half-life and non-biodegradable nature. The current study was designed to assess the bioremediation potential of a Cd-tolerant phytobeneficial bacterial strain Bacillus sp. SDA-4, isolated, characterized and identified from Chakera wastewater reservoir, Faisalabad, Pakistan, together with spinach (as a test plant) under different Cd regimes. Spinach plants were grown with and without Bacillus sp. SDA-4 inoculation in pots filled with 0, 5 or 10 mg kg−1 CdCl2-spiked soil. Without Bacillus sp. SDA-4 inoculation, spinach plants exhibited reduction in biomass accumulation, antioxidative enzymes and nutrient retention. However, plants inoculated with Bacillus sp. SDA-4 revealed significantly augmented growth, biomass accumulation and efficiency of antioxidative machinery with concomitant reduction in proline and MDA contents under Cd stress. Furthermore, application of Bacillus sp. SDA-4 assisted the Cd-stressed plants to sustain optimal levels of essential nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg). It was inferred that the characterized Cd-tolerant PGPR strain, Bacillus sp. SDA-4 has a potential to reduce Cd uptake and lipid peroxidation which in turn maintained the optimum balance of nutrients and augmented the growth of Cd-stressed spinach. Analysis of bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) revealed that Bacillus sp. SDA-4 inoculation with spinach sequestered Cd in rhizospheric zone. Research outcomes are important for understanding morpho-physio-biochemical attributes of spinach-Bacillus sp. SDA-4 synergy which might provide efficient strategies to decrease Cd retention in edible plants and/or bioremediation of Cd polluted soil colloids.

Leafy vegetables usually absorb and retain heavy metals more readily than most of the other crop plants, and thus contribute ≥70% of the total cadmium (Cd) intake of humans. Caffeine mediates plant growth and has proved to be beneficial against pathogens and insects. Therefore, it was hypothesized that foliar applications of caffeine could alter metabolism and reduce Cd toxicity in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). Seven-day old spinach seedlings were provided with Cd (0, 50, and 100 µM) stress. Caffeine (0, 5, or 10 mM) foliar spray was given twice at after 20 days of seeds germination with an interval of one week. In results, Cd stress reduced photosynthetic pigments biosynthesis, increased oxidative stress, imbalanced nutrient retention, and inhibited plant growth. On the other hand, the caffeine-treated spinach plants showed better growth owing to the enhanced biosynthesis of chlorophylls, better oxidative defense systems, and lower accumulation and transport of Cd within the plant tissues. Furthermore, caffeine application enhanced the accumulation of the proline and ascorbic acid, but reduced MDA and H2O2 contents and Cd in plant leaves, and ultimately improved mineral nutrition of spinach plants exposed to different Cd regimes. In conclusion, exogenous application of caffeine significantly diminishes Cd stress by modulating physiological, biochemical, and growth attributes of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

The current study was aimed at enhancement of salt tolerance of maize by using a halotolerant plant growth promoting rhizobacterium. Maize seeds (FH-1137) were grown under salt stress with and without inoculation of a locally isolated Bacillus sp. SR-2-1/1. Inoculation of Bacillus sp. SR-2-1/1 significantly augmented the salt tolerance of maize plants which was reflected by increased contents of chlorophyll, total phenolics and proline. Moreover, inoculation of strain SR-2-1/1 resulted in less oxidative damage in terms of H2O2 production and lipid peroxidation. This was further supported by higher catalase and peroxidase production in these plants. Bacillus sp. SR-2-1/1 exhibited positive effects on the expression of photosynthesis (RBCL), antioxidants status (CAT1, APX1, APX2) and plant ion homeostasis (NHX1, SOS1, H+-PPase, and HKT1) related genes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting enhancement of salt tolerance in maize genotype FH-1137 by using plant growth promoting rhizobacterium. The use of Bacillus sp. SR-2-1/1 as bio-inoculant seems to be a sustainable alternative to alleviate salt-induced damages in maize. This approach can be applied to other plant species to increase salt tolerance.

In the present study, geologic lineaments have been extracted by automatic lineament extraction algorithm of Geomatica software, using digital elevation model (DEM) derived shaded relief images being illuminated with multiple illumination directions. Fieldwork has been carried out for ground truth and in search of any possible evidence of movement along the extracted lineaments in the Kandiah valley in Kohistan district. A regional lineament (possible fault) has been inferred in recent a geological study (e.g. Zeilinger, 2002) that has been found to cross the Kandiah valley. The analysis and ground verification of automatic extracted geologic lineaments revealed that Kandiah valley is in one block without having any regional geological lineament. However, a good correlation was found among the predominant orientations of extracted geologic lineaments and the measured trends of rock features such as rock foliation, drainage pattern and linear ridges. Based on extracted lineaments, no pronounced lineament or fault with the regional extension was identified. This finding is consistent with the field observations as no defenite evidence of fault was found in the study area.

The gene encoding copper-dependent laccase from Bacillus subtilis strain R5 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Initially the recombinant protein was produced in insoluble form as inclusion bodies. Successful attempts were made to produce the recombinant protein in soluble and active form. The laccase activity of the recombinant protein was highly dependent on the presence of copper ions in the growth medium and microaerobic conditions during protein production. The purified enzyme exhibited highest activity at 55 °C and pH 7.0. The recombinant protein was highly thermostable, albeit from a mesophilic source, with a half-life of 150 min at 80 °C. Similar to temperature, the recombinant protein was stable in the presence of organic solvents and protein denaturants such as urea. Furthermore, the recombinant protein was successfully utilized for the degradation of various synthetic dyes reflecting its potential use in treatment of wastewater in textile industry. Abbreviations: ABTS,2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid; CBB, Coomassie brilliant blue; SGZ, syringaldazine; DMP, 2,2-dimethoxy phenol.

The geological and geographical conditions have made the Himalayas one of the regions most vulnerable to disasters. Northern Pakistan is made up of high-relief Himalayan mountains where landslides are the most frequently occurring catastrophic events. Floods, earthquakes, and landslides occur most often in this region, causing deaths and severe infrastructure damages. The studied area is experiencing significant landslide events triggered by destructive seismic activity, extreme seasonal rainfalls, and human activities. In this study, landslide susceptibility mapping is proposed using an integrated model of information value method by optimizing its capabilities and overcoming its limitations to enhance both precision and accuracy of the results. This approach quantifies and estimates the probability of landslide occurrence using statistical principles and techniques. Seven distinct landslide causative factors, including slope angle, distance to stream, drainage density, distance to road, land cover, normalized difference vegetation index, lithology, and distance to faults were evaluated to determine the areas at risk for future slope movements. A reliable landside inventory from a spatial database combined with ground-truthing field surveys was prepared for evaluating the relationship between the landslides and their causative factors. The accuracy and efficiency of the developed model are evaluated using sensitivity analysis of the receiver operator curve (ROC). The ROC-validated results showed an accuracy of 0.845 for model prediction rate and an accuracy of 0.837 for model success rate, indicating that the model is reliable to produce landslide susceptibility map. The results showed the reasonable efficiency of the applied method for assessing landslide susceptibility in the study area and applicable to other regions with similar geomorphological conditions.

Rapid industrialization, urban waste, and natural activities can results in the addition of massive quantities of extremely toxic organic pollutants, that is, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), petroleum hydrocarbons, halogenated and nitro aromatic compounds, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), solvents, explosives, and pesticides in both aquatic and soil ecosystems. Organic pollutants attained worldwide attention due to their toxic effects on both plants and humans. These are highly persistent in the environment and are earlier treated by biochemical and physical processes, which are costly and produced toxic by-products. An alternative technique, called bioremediation, is a process of removal of these organic pollutants by the use of specific microbial species, algae, fungi, and hyperaccumulator plants. The plants when exposed to these organic pollutants showed stunted growth due to the production of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress was induced by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in response alter the balance between free radicals and reactive species, which showed cytotoxic responses. Hyperaccumulator plants and microbes that were used for bioremediation have a capability to detoxify the effects of ROS by activating antioxidant defense systems. Antioxidant defense system is composed of various enzymatic (peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and polyphenol oxidase) and nonenzymatic (α-tocopherol, β-carotenes, ascorbic acid, proline, reduced glutathione, and carotenoids) antioxidants. This chapter will discuss in detail the activation of antioxidant systems present in microbes and plants during the bioremediation of organic pollutants.

Cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic for plant metabolic processes even in low concentration due to higher retention rates, longer half-life and non-biodegradable nature. The current study was designed to assess the bioremediation potential of Cd tolerant PGPR, Serratia sp. CP-13 together with two differentially Cd tolerant maize cultivars (MMRI-Yellow, Sahiwal-2002) selected amongst ten cultivars after screening. The maize cultivars were grown under different Cd treatments (0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 µM) in Petri plates both with and without Serratia sp. CP-13 inoculation. Treated plants were analyzed for their biomass accumulation, chlorophylls, carotenoids, proline, anthocyanin, protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2 as well as for antioxidants (POD, SOD, CAT) and mineral elements (Ca, Mg, Zn, K, Fe, Na, Cd). The maize cultivar MMRI-Yellow (tolerant) and Sahiwal-2002 (sensitive) exhibited significant reduction in leaf area, nutrient contents, plant biomass, activity of antioxidants, total proteins, photosynthetic pigments as well as flavonoids with increased production of H2O2, proline, MDA and relative membrane permeability (RMP) under Cd stress. However, this reduction was cultivar specific and recorded higher in cv. Sahiwal-2002 as compared to MMRI-Yellow. Application of Serratia sp. CP-13 significantly augmented plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidative machinery, as well as flavonoids and proline while diminishing H2O2, RMP MDA production even under Cd stress in studied cultivars. Furthermore, CP-13 inoculation assisted the Cd stressed plants to sustain an optimal level of essential nutrients (Ca, Mg, Zn, K, Fe) except for Na and Cd which responded antagonistically. It was inferred that both inoculated maize cultivars exhibited better health and metabolism but substantial Cd tolerance was acquired by the sensitive cv. Sahiwal-2002 than the tolerant cv. MMRI-Yellow under applied Cd regimes. Furthermore, studied maize cultivars depicted maximum Cd tolerance in order of 30

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of chlorinated aromatic organic compounds listed as persistent organic pollutants because of their thermal and chemical stability. The high toxicity and bioaccumulation of these xenobiotics in the food chain impose a hazardous threat to our biotic system and ecosystem. Higher consumption of foods cultivated in PCB-enriched environment can result in neurotoxicity, carcinogenesis, developmental and reproductive toxicity, dermal toxicity, endocrine effects, hepatotoxicity, and the induction of diverse phase I and phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes. Increasing public awareness and concern has impelled researchers to identify ways to remove these hazardous organic compounds from the environment. Efforts have been made to devise strategies to avoid entry of PCBs in food chain. Among the various available strategies, microbial assisted PCB degradation is found to be very effective and has thus been widely considered. Many microorganisms with the capability of degradation of PCBs have been reported, for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia xenovorans, Arthrobacter sp. strain B1B, Ralstonia eutropha H850, and Rhodococcus sp. strain RHA1. Plant genetic transformation technology has facilitated scientists to develop cultivars with novel traits and enhanced resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses. Bacterial genes (e.g., biphenyl dioxygenases) can be expressed in target plant species for effective treatment of PCBs. This chapter will describe chemistry, sources, transport, and toxicity of PCBs. Recent developments in phytoremediation strategies for the removal of PCBs by using transgenic approaches will also be discussed.

In current years the prevalence of emerging micropollutants is one of the major issues, which cause environmental contamination worldwide. Based upon the fact that the micropollutants treatment units are not specifically designed to remove them, microbes and their associated processes and enzymes are the promising solutions to the problem. The current state of research has been summarized highlighting the use of microbes for the conversion of emerging micropollutants. Advantages and disadvantages of microbe-based whole-cell systems and their enzymes have been taken into consideration. Some operative and technological solutions that are able to enhance the effectiveness and the stability of biological treatments are also presented. Understanding the physiological and molecular basis of bioremediation of micropollutants is direly needed to attain maximum removal efficiency and has been discussed in this chapter.

Halogenated hydrocarbons are produced when hydrogen atoms of a hydrocarbon are substituted by one or more halogens. These occur naturally but majority of the halogenated hydrocarbons are synthetic. These are synthesized as industrially valuable materials, or produced as a by-product during chemical reactions, or being released as a result of burning of municipal waste. Halogenated hydrocarbons are ubiquitous in our environment as are found in water, marine systems, soil, sewage and air, but most commonly as groundwater contaminants. Halogenated hydrocarbons may be carcinogenic and are also involved in ozone destruction leading to global warming, which thereby result in decreased photosynthesis rate in plants. Dehalogenases (hydrolases and hydratases) catalyze the hydrolytic reaction to replace chlorine and fluorine atoms from linear halohydrocarbon compounds. Haloalkane dehalogenases (EC 3.8.1.5.) cleave carbon-halogen bond of aliphatic halogenated hydrocarbons, resulting in the formation of an alcohol, a proton, and a halide ion. Several microorganisms have been isolated and reported, which are capable of degrading aliphatic organochlorine compounds such as 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) that is degraded by bacteria. Xanthobacter autotrophicus GJ10 dehalogenates 1, 2-DCA by substituting chlorine atom with a hydroxyl group leading to the formation of chloroethanol. Trichloroethylene, one of the common halogenated hydrocarbons, is a big environmental contaminant. Poplar trees showed genetic response to trichloroethylene and several putative detoxification genes were differentially regulated as was evident by microarray studies. It was also observed that detoxification genes like cytochrome P450s, glycosyltransferases, glutathione-S-transferases, and ATP-binding cassette transporters take part in TCE degradation in poplar species. In addition, it has been reported that popular endophytic bacteria can degrade TCE more effectively, thus enhancing plant tolerance against this organic pollutant. The proposed chapter will discussed the types, chemistry, and transport of aliphatic halogenated hydrocarbons in plants. Plant genes and bacterial endophytes involved in plant tolerance against halogenated hydrocarbons will also be highlighted in this chapter.

The accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in edible plant parts and fertile lands is a worldwide problem. It negatively influences the growth and productivity of leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach, Spinacia oleracea L.), which have a high tendency to radially accumulate Cd. The present study investigated the influences of peptone application on the growth, biomass, chlorophyll content, gas exchange parameters, antioxidant enzymes activity, and Cd content of spinach plants grown under Cd stress. Cd toxicity negatively affected spinach growth, biomass, chlorophyll content, and gas exchange attributes. However, it increased malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), electrolyte leakage (EL), proline accumulation, ascorbic acid content, Cd content, and activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) in spinach plants. The exogenous foliar application of peptone increased the growth, biomass, chlorophyll content, proline accumulation, and gas exchange attributes of spinach plants. Furthermore, the application of peptone decreased Cd uptake and levels of MDA, H2O2, and EL in spinach by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This enhancement in plant growth and photosynthesis might be due to the lower level of Cd accumulation, which in turn decreased the negative impacts of oxidative stress in plant tissues. Taken together, the findings of the study revealed that peptone is a promising plant growth regulator that represents an efficient approach for the phytoremediation of Cd-polluted soils and enhancement of spinach growth, yield, and tolerance under a Cd-dominant environment.

Cadmium (Cd) in soil–plant system can abridge plant growth by initiating alterations in root zones. Hydroponics and rhizoboxes are useful techniques to monitor plant responses against various natural and/or induced metal stresses. However, soil based studies are considered more appropriate in order to devise efficient food safety and remediation strategies. The present research evaluated the Cd-mediated variations in elemental dynamics of rhizospheric soil together with in planta ionomics and morpho-physio-biochemical traits of two differentially Cd responsive maize cultivars. Cd-sensitive (31P41) and Cd-tolerant (3062) cultivars were grown in pots filled with 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 µg/kg CdCl(2) supplemented soil. The results depicted that the maize cultivars significantly influenced the elemental dynamics of rhizosphere as well as in planta mineral accumulation under applied Cd stress. The uptake and translocation of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe from rhizosphere and root cell sap was significantly higher in Cd stressed cv. 3062 as compared to cv. 31P41. In sensitive cultivar (31P41), Cd toxicity resulted in significantly prominent reduction of biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll, carotenoids, protein contents as well as catalase activity in comparison to tolerant one (3062). Analysis of tolerance indexes (TIs) validated that cv. 3062 exhibited advantageous growth and efficient Cd tolerance due to elevated proline, phenolics and activity of antioxidative machinery as compared to cv. 31P41. The cv. 3062 exhibited 54% and 37% less Cd bio-concentration (BCF) and translocation factors (TF), respectively in comparison to cv. 31P41 under highest Cd stress regime. Lower BCF and TF designated a higher Cd stabilization by tolerant cultivar (3062) in rhizospheric zone and its potential use in future remediation plans.

In this work, we further the investigation of an SEIRS model to study the dynamics of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. We derive the basic reproduction number R0 and study the local stability of the disease-free and endemic states. Since the condition R0 < 1 for our model does not determine if the disease will die out, we consider the backward bifurcation and Hopf bifurcation to understand the dynamics of the disease at the occurrence of a second wave and the kind of treatment measures needed to curtail it. Our results show that the limited availability of medical resources favours the emergence of complex dynamics that complicates the control of the outbreak.

Cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic metal for plant metabolic processes even in low concentration due to its longer half-life and non-biodegradable nature. The current study was designed to assess the bioremediation potential of a Cd-tolerant phytobeneficial bacterial strain Bacillus sp. SDA-4, isolated, characterized and identified from Chakera wastewater reservoir, Faisalabad, Pakistan, together with spinach (as a test plant) under different Cd regimes. Spinach plants were grown with and without Bacillus sp. SDA-4 inoculation in pots filled with 0, 5 or 10 mg kg(−1) CdCl(2)-spiked soil. Without Bacillus sp. SDA-4 inoculation, spinach plants exhibited reduction in biomass accumulation, antioxidative enzymes and nutrient retention. However, plants inoculated with Bacillus sp. SDA-4 revealed significantly augmented growth, biomass accumulation and efficiency of antioxidative machinery with concomitant reduction in proline and MDA contents under Cd stress. Furthermore, application of Bacillus sp. SDA-4 assisted the Cd-stressed plants to sustain optimal levels of essential nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg). It was inferred that the characterized Cd-tolerant PGPR strain, Bacillus sp. SDA-4 has a potential to reduce Cd uptake and lipid peroxidation which in turn maintained the optimum balance of nutrients and augmented the growth of Cd-stressed spinach. Analysis of bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) revealed that Bacillus sp. SDA-4 inoculation with spinach sequestered Cd in rhizospheric zone. Research outcomes are important for understanding morpho-physio-biochemical attributes of spinach-Bacillus sp. SDA-4 synergy which might provide efficient strategies to decrease Cd retention in edible plants and/or bioremediation of Cd polluted soil colloids.

The main purpose of this study is to classify the rock mass quality by using rock mass quality (Q) and Rock Mass Rating (RMR) systems along headrace tunnel of small hydropower in Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Geological field work was carried out to determine the orientation, spacing, aperture, roughness and alteration of discontinuities of rock mass. The quality of rock mass along the tunnel route is classified as good to very poor quality by Q system, while very good to very poor by RMR classification system. The relatively good rock conditions are acquired via RMR values that are attributed to ground water conditions, joint spacing, RQD and favorable orientation of discontinuities with respect to the tunnel drive. The petrographic studies revealed that study area is mainly comprised of five major geological rock units namely quartz mica schist (QMS), garnet mica schist (GMS), garnet bearing quartz mica schist (G-QMS), calcareous schist (CS), marble (M). The collected samples of quartz mica schist, marble and garnet bearing quartz mica schist are fine to medium grained, compact and are cross cut by few discontinuities having greater spacing. Therefore, these rocks have greater average RQD, Q values, RMR ratings as compared to garnet mica schist and calcareous schist.

The Northern segment of Pakistan, especially Balakot city is affected up to large extent by the landslides. Tectonically, it lies in the proximity of Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis and other two active regional faults: Main Boundary and Hazara Frontal Thrusts that traversing right through the Balakot town. This study focuses on the evaluation of slopes near Balakot town in static and pseudo-static condition. A geological map is produced at 1:24,000 scale to separate various rock and soil units. During reconnaissance study, two slopes were selected which seem prone to sliding. The procured data on condition of natural slope, properties of material entailed, structural setting, and vegetation cover distribution was gathered. Discontinuity Surveys of slopes were carried out to collect discontinuity parameters. Kinematic analyses were performed on DIPS v. 7.0 to assess mode of failures based on joints data. Limit equilibrium analyses were carried out at Slide v. 7.0 to check factor of safety at different conditions. The study concluded that the slopes were affected by the plane, wedge and toppling failures, while although in seismically active zone, circular failure is not likely.

The study area is covered by alluvium having average thickness of about 200 m that is underlain by the Precambrian basement rock units including iron ore to be mined in future. In this regards, necessary campaign of subsurface investigations including both geotechnical and hydrogeological has been carried. In geotechnical investigations, disturbed and undisturbed samples were collected from five (5) boreholes and hydrological investigations by using water pump out test were conducted to determine the characteristics of aquifer. Rock samples were also collected from already drilled boreholes for iron ore estimation from a depth of more than 200 m. The laboratory testing has classified alluvium as silty sand/sandy silt (SP-SM/SM) and clayey silt/non-plastic silt (CL-ML/ML) as per soil classification criteria having angel of friction of 31.4 - 38.5 degree with bulk density of 1.461 - 1.853 g/cc. The initial void ratio (eo) varies from 0.412 to 0.952 with no swell potential in consolidation tests. The chemical analyses of the soil have indicated values of 0.003% - 0.006%, 0.0012% - 0.0057%, 0.013% - 0.030% sulphate, chloride and organic matter contents respectively with pH-value of 6.92 - 7.56. The strength of the underlying rock was found to be medium strong to very strong corresponding to values of 25 - 140 MPa in uniaxial compression and indirect tensile strength of 15.66 MPa. Hydrological study reveals that aquifer is unconfined and generally isotropic in nature. The average transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity and storage coefficient are 6038 m2/day, 4.0 × 101 m/day and 0.016, respectively that presented aquifer is quite permeable. The cone of influence covered area of 65 m from main production well. For the open pit mining operation, stability analysis is performed by assuming a 4V:1H slope in the bedrock while 1V:1H in the overlying sediments cover using Limit-Equilibrium (LE) analysis in Slide computer program. However, overburden slope was concluded to be unstable with the analyzed slope angle. The deformation analysis for mine slopes by finite element method was performed using Phase 2 (RS) software. The results show maximum deformation is likely to be in order of as high as 700 mm for individual slope riser whereas in the range of 300 to 400 mm for the overall slope.

We report here the synthesis of a series of N -aryl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxine-6-sulfonamide and its N -substituted derivatives with benzyl chloride and ethyl iodide. Initially, 2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxine-6-sulfonyl chloride (1) was subjected to react with various aryl amines (2a-e) to afford parent compounds N -aryl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxine-6-sulfonamide (3a-e). At second step, these parent compounds were reacted with benzyl chloride (4) and ethyl iodide (5) as to synthesize N -benzyl- N -aryl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxine-6-sulfonamide (6a-e) and N -ethyl- N -aryl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxine-6-sulfonamide (7a-e) in the presence of lithium hydride and N , Nꞌ -dimethylformamide respectively. FT-IR, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ( 1 H-NMR) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) techniques were used to investigate the structures of these synthesized compounds. A fingerprinted study was conducted against some enzymes like butyrylcholin-esterase (BChE), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and lipoxygenase (LOX). This study revealed that most of them demonstrated a moderate activity against butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) however promisingly a good activity against lipoxygenase enzyme was observed. Finally, an antimicrobial and hemolytic activities of these sulfonamides were probed which confirmed that the parent sulfonamides 3b have the proficient antimicrobial activities, while the derivatives 6a, 7a, 7b and 7c explored a good activity against the selected panel of bacterial and fungal species. All the compounds were further computationally docked against (LOX), (BChE) and (AChE) enzymes and these interaction highlighted the importance of sulfonamides in the inhibition of the target enzymes.

In the above published article in October 2018 issue of the Journal of the Geological Society of India (v.92, pp.465–470).

Petrophysical evaluation and rock physics analysis are the important tools to relate the reservoir properties like porosity, permeability, pore fluids with seismic parameters. Nevertheless, the uncertainties always exist in the quantification of elastic and seismic parameters estimated through wireline logs and rock physics analysis. A workflow based on statistical relationships of rock physics and logs derived elastic and seismic parameters with porosity and the percentage error exist between them is given. The statistical linear regressions are developed for early Eocene Chorgali Formation between various petrophysically factors determined from borehole logging of well Ratana–03 drilled in tectonically disturbed zone and the seismic and elastic parameters estimated through rock physics modeling. The rock physics constraints such as seismic velocities, effective density and elastic moduli calculated from Gassmann fluid substation analysis are in harmony and close agreement to those estimated from borehole logs. The percentage errors between well logs and rock physics computed saturated bulk modulus (K sat ), effective density (ρ eff ), compressional and shear wave velocities (V P and V S) are 1.31%, 4.23 %, 5.25% and 4.01% respectively. The permeability of reservoir intervals show fairly strong linear relationship with the porosity, indicating that the reservoir interval of the Chorgali Formation is permeable and porous thus having large potential of hydrocarbon accumulation and production.

This study presents a detailed geological and geotechnical analysis of Dewal landslide along Murree-Muzaffarabad road, Pakistan. The study area is situated in a tectonically active region of the earth where mass movements like rock fall, rockslides and slumps cause adverse economic loss through disruption of travelling on roads. The study has the main focus on factors responsible for its instability together with stability analysis using limit equilibrium method by use of computer program Slide (version 5.0). The input parameters of rock mass was evaluated by field investigations and laboratory testing. To analyze the net deposit and net slide mass of the landslide area, multi-date point’s data of 2008 and 2012 of the slide area was obtained and their digital elevation models were generated by using Inverse distance weighting (IDW) technique in ArcGIS 9.3. The study has concluded that the present slope instability is the function of a specific deformation pattern in the rock units (leading towards the possibility of a shear plane under the slid mass), surface and subsurface drainage and the engineering behavior of the overburden and underlying rock units. This study recommends several protection parameters for landslide and suggests that detailed investigation of Dewal landslide is required for long term stability.

Conglomeratic rocks are composed of macro-particles (varying in size from gravels to cobbles and boulders with diameter greater than 2 mm) bonded by fine-grained cement particles with diameters of

This paper encompasses the engineering geological properties of rock mass along the power tunnel of hydropower in Kohistan, Khayber Pakhtun Khawa (KPK), Pakistan. The major geological units of the study area are Chilas complex (CC) and Gilgit complex (GC) that consists mostly of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Discontinuity surveys were conducted to classify the rock mass by utilizing rock mass rating (RMR) and tunneling quality index (Q) classification systems. RMR system involves collection of data for parameters of rock strength, RQD, spacing of discontinuities, condition of discontinuities, groundwater condition and Q system involves rock quality designation (RQD), joint roughness (Jr), joint sets (Js), joint alteration (Ja), stress reduction factor (SRF) and joint water reduction (Jw). RMR values ranges from 46 to 66 (fair to good) for rock unit of Chilas complex (CC) and 50 to 58 (fair) for rock unit of Gilgit complex (GC). The evaluated values of tunnel quality by Q-system are 1.55 to 6.4 (poor to fair) for Chilas complex (CC) and 1.35 to 1.84 (poor) for Gilgit complex (GC). The required support along the tunnel route is also estimated by both classification systems. Unwedge program is used to analyze the unstable zones due to the intersection of different joint sets. Total 14 cases are analyzed in Unwedge from which 3 cases have failure potential with FOS less than 1. These failure potential blocks can become stable by applying further support of rock bolting and shotcrete layer.

This study illustrates the classification of the rock mass and evaluation of rock squeezing, rock burst potential, deformation modulus along the proposed tunnel alignment of small hydropower in Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The field and laboratory studies were conducted to classify the rock mass by using geomechanical classification systems i.e. Rock Mass Rating (RMR), tunneling quality index (Q), Rock Mass Index (RMi). The empirical relations classified the ground as non-squeezing and minor to non-squeezing conditions, respectively. Whereas, other methods depict minor to medium bursting potential along chainage 1+000 to 4+000 m, while results along chainage 2+400 - 2+800 m present medium to high bursting potential. Furthermore, numerical analyses were carried out by RS3 for elastic and plastic conditions in order to assess the total displacement of each section in unsupported and supported conditions. The results gave maximum displacement along chainage 2+400 - 2+800 m (19.2 mm in unsupported and 16mm in supported condition) and minimum displacement along chainage 0+876 - 1+000 m (1.4 mm in unsupported and 1.3 mm in supported condition). Hence, the estimated support by empirical methods has been optimized by using numerical analyses for the stability of rock mass along the tunnel.

The pivotal aim of this study is to evaluate the rock mass characterization and deformation modulus. It is vital for rock mass classification to investigate important parameters of discontinuities. Therefore, Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Tunneling quality index (Q) classification systems are applied to analyze 22 segments along proposed tunnel routes for hydropower in Kandiah valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. RMR revealed the range of fair to good quality rocks, whereas Q yielded poor to fair quality rocks for investigated segments of the rock mass. Besides, Em values were acquired by empirical equations and computer-aided program RocLab, and both methods presented almost similar variation trend of their results. Hence, the correlations of Em with Q and RMR were carried out with higher values of the regression coefficient. This study has scientific significance to initially understand the rock mass conditions of Kandiah valley.

In current study an attempt is carried out by filling missing data of geopotiential height over Pakistan and identifying the optimum method for interpolation. In last thirteen years geopotential height values over were missing over Pakistan. These gaps are tried to be filled by interpolation Techniques. The techniques for interpolations included Bilinear interpolations [BI], Nearest Neighbor [NN], Natural [NI] and Inverse distance weighting [IDW]. These imputations were judged on the basis of performance parameters which include Root Mean Square Error [RMSE], Mean Absolute Error [MAE], Correlation Coefficient [Corr] and Coefficient of Determination [R2]. The NN and IDW interpolation Imputations were not precise and accurate. The Natural Neighbors and Bilinear interpolations immaculately fitted to the data set. A good correlation was found for Natural Neighbor interpolation imputations and perfectly fit to the surface of geopotential height. The root mean square error [maximum and minimum] values were ranges from ±5.10 to ±2.28 m respectively. However mean absolute error was near to 1. The validation of imputation revealed that NN interpolation produced more accurate results than BI. It can be concluded that Natural Interpolation was the best suited interpolation technique for filling missing data sets from AQUA satellite for geopotential height.

The relative humidity in the atmosphere captured by AQUA satellite contains missing matrices. In order to fill such missing values four very popular imputation techniques: Bilinear, Inverse Distance Weighting, Natural Neighbor and Nearest Interpolations were tested. Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Coefficient of Determination (R2) and Correlation Coefficient (Corr), were used to check the accuracy of these interpolations. It was found that the Inverse Distance Weighting and Nearest Interpolation were proved not to be suited. Natural interpolation gave accurate results than the aforementioned two interpolations. Missing values of relative humidity were accurately refilled with Bilinear Interpolation. This interpolation produced RMSE of ±0.543 for relative humidity over 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500 hPa while for 600, 700, 850 and 925 hPa RMSE remainnear to 1. A perfect fit to the surface and very strong correlation (value near to 0.99) was found between actual and imputed relative humidity data through Bilinear Interpolation. Therefore it was concluded that the Bilinear Interpolation is the most accurate and best imputation for missing values of relative humidity form 100 to 1000 hPa levels.

Lead (Pb) stress adversely affects in planta nutrient homeostasis and metabolism when present at elevated concentration in the surrounding media. The present study was aimed at investigation of organic acid exudations, elemental contents, growth, and lipid peroxidation in two wild plants (Amaranthus viridis L. and Portulaca oleracea L.), exhibiting differential root to shoot Pb translocation, under Pb stress. Plants were placed in soil spiked with lead chloride (PbCl2) concentrations of 0, 15, 30, 45, or 60 mg Pb/kg soil, in rhizoboxes supplied with nylon nets around the roots. The plant mucilage taken from root surfaces, mirroring the rhizospheric solution, was analyzed for various organic acids. Lead stress resulted in a release of basified root exudates from both plants. Exudates of P. oleracea roots showed a higher pH. In both plants, the pH rising effect was diminished at the highest Pb treatment level. The exudation of citric acid, glutamic acid (in both plants), and fumaric acid (in P. oleracea only) was significantly increased with applied Pb levels. In both plant species, root and shoot Pb contents increased while nutrients (Ca, Mg, and K) decreased with increasing Pb treatment levels, predominantly in A. viridis. At 60 mg Pb/kg soil, shoot Na content of A. viridis was significantly higher as compared to untreated control. Higher Pb treatment levels decreased plant fresh and dry masses as well as the quantity of photosynthetic pigments due to enhanced levels of plant H2O2 and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in both species. Photosynthetic, growth, and oxidative stress parameters were grouped into three distinct dendrogram sections depending on their similarities under Pb stress. A positive correlation was identified between Pb contents of studied plants and secretion of different organic acids. It is concluded that Pb stress significantly impaired the growth of A. viridis and P. oleracea as a result of nutritional ion imbalance, and the response was cultivar-specific and dependent on exogenous applied Pb levels. Differential lipid oxidation, uptake of nutrients (Ca, Mg, and K) and exudation of citric acid, fumaric acid, and glutamic acid could serve as suitable physiological indicators for adaptations of P. oleracea to Pb enriched environment. The findings may help in devising strategies for Pb stabilization to soil colloids.

The major source of environment and economic impact of machine tools has been attributed to their energy consumption. This article, therefore, proposes a novel energy mapping approach to evaluate specific cutting energy consumption with respect to cutting parameters. Unlike the studies presented earlier, which are machine-tool-specific, this study focuses on the basic tool–workpiece interaction for energy consumption analysis. The presented energy map reveals different energy consumption regions at varying machining parameters (feed and speed) during orthogonal machining of Al 6061-T6 alloy. The chip formation analysis indicates a strong correlation with the different energy consumption regions identified on the energy map. It has been observed that feed is the major contributing factor towards shear plane angle during chip formation as compared to cutting speed. Therefore, increasing feed results in a higher shear angle and consequently lowering the specific cutting energy as indicated on the energy map. Selection of machining parameters corresponding to the lowest specific cutting energy consumption region, as identified on the energy map, can result in energy savings up to 27% per kg of material removed. The developed map can be used for selection of suitable energy-efficient cutting parameters.

Genome search of Geobacillus thermopakistaniensis, formerly Geobacillus sp. SBS-4S, revealed the presence of an open reading frame (ESU71923) annotated as laccase. However, the gene product did not display any laccase-like activity against the substrates examined. The laccase activity was, therefore, purified from G. thermopakistaniensis cells and N-terminal amino acid residues of the enzyme were determined. These residues matched the N-terminal sequence of an open reading frame annotated as a copper oxidase (ESU72270). In order to characterize the enzyme, recombinant ESU72270 was prepared in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein was found to exhibit a negligible amount of laccase activity when produced in the absence of copper in the growth medium. However, the recombinant protein exhibited significantly high laccase activity when produced in the presence of copper. The recombinant enzyme showed highest activity at 60 °C and a pH of 7-7.5. The purified enzyme was highly tolerant to various halides and organic solvents, thus having a potential for various industrial applications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first characterization of a laccase from genus Geobacillus which identifies a gene responsible for functional laccase in this genus.

Many metal elements are essential for plant growth at low concentrations but their excessive levels in the rhizosphere may cause phytotoxicity depending upon the fact that metals are easily absorbed and translocated in soil–plant systems. Nonessential metals/metalloids, i.e., Pb, Cr, Cd, As, Hg, etc., initiate a series of consecutive and/or parallel events at morphological, physiological, and molecular levels in aquatic plants depending on the nature of element and plant species. This chapter emphasizes the responses of aquatic macrophytes to metals/metalloids, with possible implementation in phytoremediation techniques. Metal-triggered growth inhibition, alterations in enzyme activities, inhibition of photosynthesis, changes in nutrient acquisition and metabolism, and the formation of free radicals are the major components reviewed in this book chapter. Discussion about the metal toxicity avoidance strategies like fluctuations in rhizospheric environments, plasma membrane exclusion, cell wall immobilization, phytochelatin-based sequestration and compartmentalization processes, stress proteins, and metallothioneins is also within the scope of this chapter. Metal tolerance in aquatic plants is more likely involved in an integrated network of multiple response processes generally described as “fan-shaped response” rather than several isolated functions described above. Plant tolerance to metals/metalloids is mainly determined from its transport across plasma membrane and tonoplast in plant. The appropriate understanding of metal-triggered ecophysiological responses of aquatic plants may make it promising to use them for treatment of metal polluted waters and soils.

The world population has increased tremendously within last few decades and there is a great challenge of food security worldwide. The challenge of providing adequate food supply becomes more significant when we observe a reduction in crop yield annually. Plant pests, pathogens and various environmental factors contribute towards low crop productivity. Rapidly changing climatic conditions further add in epidemics of new pathogens. Classical breeding programs have significantly helped us in management of a sustainable food supply but with exponentially increasing population pressure together with high insurgence of pathogens/pests, we require multiple tasking to achieve better results. Modern techniques like plant tissue culture, transformation, RNAi, nanotechnology combined with classical techniques may rescue us from food shortage and help in achieving adequate supply of quality food in future.