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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is believed to accelerate dissolved organic carbon (DOC) production and could lead to increased heavy metal mobility into water resources. We sampled intact soil cores from the Isle of Skye with low background N deposition history and having Serpentine rock known for its higher heavy metal concentrations including zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb). The effects of 16 (16kgN) and 32 kg N ha -1 year -1 (32kgN), and liming with 32kgN (32kgN+Lime) on soil solution chemistry and heavy metal mobilization were investigated over the 15-month study. Nitrogen in deposition load was added at five ammonium (NH 4 + ) to nitrate (NO 3 - ) ratios of 9:1, 5:1, 1:1, 1:5 and 1:9 along NO 3 - dominance. We found significant effects of load on Cu and NH 4 + /NO 3 - ratio on pH, DOC and Zn in soil solution. However, under lime and ratio experimental factors, liming significantly influenced pH, DOC, Cu and Pb, and NH 4 + /NO 3 - ratio pH, DOC, Ni and Zn whereas interactions between lime and ratio was significant for Ni and Cu. pH and DOC increased with N load, liming and NO 3 - dominance, and both correlated significantly positively. Liming under NH 4 + dominance enhanced DOC production due to supply of base cations in lime. Mobilization of Cu, Ni and Pb was driven by DOC concentrations and, therefore, increased with load, liming and NO 3 - dominance in deposition. However, in contrast, low pH and high NH 4 + dominance was associated with Zn mobilization in soil solution. On the contrary, despite of some patterns, heavy metals in soil HNO 3 extracts were devoid of any load, lime and NH 4 + /NO 3 - ratio effects. Our study suggests that the effects of N load and forms in deposition on sites with high accumulated loads of metals need to be better quantified through soil solution partitioning models., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)