Book of Abstract

2

O-1 REGIONAL COOPERATION IN USE OF WATER ENERGY RESOURCES OF

THE TRANSBOUNDARY RIVERS OF CENTRAL ASIA

Inom Normatov1*

1Institute of Water problems, Hydropower and Ecology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan12,

Parvin Street, Dushanbe, 734002, Tajikistan. *Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected]

In the Aral Sea Basin on the territory which is located five states, water resources are used basically

for irrigation and water-power engineering. These water users demand different modes of

regulation of a river drain. In interests of water-power engineering – the greatest development of

the electric power and accordingly use larges parts of an annual drain of the rivers in winter the

cold period of year. For irrigation the greatest volume of water is required in the summer during

the vegetative period. Regulation of a river drain is thus carried out by the large reservoirs. Thus all

largest hydroelectric power stations are constructed in the countries of a zone of the drain formation

- in upstream the rivers Amu Darya and Sir-Darya – in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and the main

areas of the irrigated lands are located in states of the down stream of the rivers – Kazakhstan,

Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Zeravshan - the Transboundary River in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan

by length of 877 km and the area of basin of 17.7 Th. km2. From total water intake of the

Zeravshan river make is 4834 to the Republic of Tajikistan to come only 253 Mln. m3 (5.23 %).

The area of the irrigated lands in the Zeravshan valley in the Tajikistan though not so large (about

20 Th. ha) but a tendency of its expansion by the assimilation of foothill territories is observed. It is

necessary to notice that for the Republic of Tajikistan is perspective the energy potential of

waterways of the Zeravshan river basin which according to [4 ] makes – 11.8 Bln. kWt∙h. In the

presence of such rich energy potential suspended to the Zeravshan river Basin in Sugd area huge

deficiency of the electric power is observed - 3-4 Bln. kWt∙h /year which is covered by import of

mailto:[email protected]

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the electric power from the Republic of Uzbekistan. The intensive grows of the Tajikistan

population, presence of the large file of the fertile but not mastered lands suspended to upstream of

the Zeravshan river demands principal processing of economic use of the Zeravshan rivers scheme.

The mutual combination of interests of upstream and downstream countries of the Zeravshan River

is quite achievable by building of the cascade of Hydropower station (HPS) with regulation of the

river drain. It causes some discontent of the Republic of Uzbekistan connected by that realization of

programs on development of a hydropower potential of the river by building a number of the water

reservoirs leads to deficiency of water in vegetation period of agricultural crops. The cardinal

solution of the conflict situation between an irrigation and water-power engineering is the greatest

their joint development by building of new HPS with reservoirs. For water-power engineering it

means increase in production of cheap and ecological pure energy and for an irrigation – increase

of depth of long-term regulation of a drain and water security of already mastered lands, and also

possibility of development new. At presence of several HPS with reservoirs the top reservoir can

work only in power mode, the bottom reservoir of the same volume can regulated a drain up to

restoration of its natural regime. Especially it can provide drain regulation in interests of irrigation.

At presence not two but many quantities of HPS with reservoirs the situation even more will

improve. The solution of a problem of balanced use of two aspects: use of a hydroenergy potential

of the Zarafshon River with full satisfaction of requirements of agriculture on water demands the

deep feasibility report leaves on a plane of bilaterial negotiations of the adjoining countries. At the

present stage in Global climate change by the most important monitoring and a behavior estimation

hydro- and meteorological parameters of a river basin of Zarafshon to climate changes which

allows to plan and adapt development and water-power engineering and agriculture taking into

account forthcoming values of volume of the river water on immediate prospects is.

O-2 AGRIBUSINESS LABORATORY FOR RURAL ENERGY BY UTILIZING SCALAR DURIAN

SEEDS (Durio zibethinus L) AS BIOETHANOL INDUSTRY THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY MODEL

Agung Wicaksono*1, Fitria Ummu Habibah2, Afrizal Rahardyan Pradana3

1Agriculture Faculty, University of Brawijaya Malang, Indonesia,

2Medical Faculty , University of Brawijaya Malang, Indonesia

3Agriculture Faculty, University of Brawijaya Malang, Indonesia

Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected]

During this time, people rely on fossil fuels to meet fuel vehicles. However, fossil fuels are not

renewable and increasingly depleted. In modern times such as now, the demand for fuel continues

to rise and the world population is also increasing. On the other hand, the earth must also be

preserved. One solution is the use of bioethanol as a fuel substitute. Bioethanol is a liquid produced

from the fermentation of starch are broken down by microorganisms. In addition to

environmentally friendly, renewable fuel that will reduce harmful gases that cause global warming.

Alternative energy in the manufacture of bioethanol is to utilize the durian seeds. The starch

content in the seeds of the durian is high enough to be able to produce ethanol. Durian seeds had

43.6 percent starch content. In a research note that the results obtained from starch was 18.46

percent durian seed cotyledons exact section. Because the starch content in the seeds of the durian

is considered very high, it can be developed and used as bioethanol. Additionally the durian seeds

as bioethanol will add value to the durian fruit. Bioethanol durian seeds will be developed through

a strategy of rural industrial agribusiness (AIP).


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O-3 MANURE AS PERSPECTIVE ALTERNATIVE OF SUPPLY OF MOUNTAIN

REGIONS BY ELECTRIC POWER

Inom Normatov1*, Abdullo Rasulov1 1Institute of Water problems, Hydropower and Ecology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan12,

Parvin Street, Dushanbe, 734002, Tajikistan

Correspondence author e-mail: [email protected]

According to the world wide experiences, the anaerobic process is recommended as the most

suitable one for treatment of the manure from the pig farms. The advantages of this method

are numerous: the emission of disagreeable odor is significantly reduced; produced biogas can be

used as a fuel or for generation of heat/electricity which economically valorize the

process; the composition of the nutrients in the stabilized fertilizer is almost the same as

the row waste; -emissions of methane are reduced. Considering the possible and applied

solutions as well as the experiences from the treatment of the manure and the wastewater

from the pig farms in Europe and all over the world, on one hand, and respecting the

local and specific features of the of cattle-breeding farm in Kanibadam district on the other

hand, the existing system for the treatment of the manure and waste water was analyzed

and a new solution was proposed. In the elaboration of the solution, important request was

to consider the existing situation and structures and to plan inclusion and upgrading of

those structures. It was decided to apply a technology with anaerobic digestion and biogas

production that can be used for energy generation. Republic of Tajikistan is one of the countries

of the Central Asia, 93% of territory which occupy by mountains, possesses unique stocks of

hydropower resources (527 Bln. kWt∙h). However many areas and administrative centers test an

acute shortage of the electric power especially in the winter period of year. It, first of all, is


5

connected by that the mountain relief and numerous mountain canyons create difficulties in

carrying out and electric main adjustment. In most cases formation of flows and flooding destroy

technical constructions and electricity transmission media. Nowadays maintenance of inhabitants of

mountain districts and industrial and agroindustrial objects by electric power is one of priority lines

of activity of power branch of Republic Tajikistan. Preliminary researches on a finding of

alternative energy sources have shown that in mountain districts there are rich potential stocks of

energy - the expanded network of cattle-breeding farm. For an estimation of possibility of use of

manure in reception of the electric power we choose a typical dairy-cattle-breeding complex in one

mountain areas of Tajikistan from 1200 goals of cattle. It has been established that at average

value of manure of 12 kg per day of one goal of cattle on a farm it is formed more than 14 tons of

manure that corresponds to 650 м3 biogas equivalent to 1300 kWt∙h to the electric power.

O-4 ECONOMICS OF SOLAR POWERED IRRIGATION PUMP USE IN PAKISTAN –

ENERGY POLICY PERSPECTIVE

Sardar Mohazzam1*

1Center for Energy and Environmental Policy,University of Delaware, USA.


Pakistan is agriculture based country, with more than 47% of its population’s livelihood is

dependent on agriculture. The country earns 70 percent of its foreign exchange from agriculture

sector; the share of agriculture sector in GDP is 24 %. The country with estimated population of

190 million has been declared food insecure. Due to severe power shortage, high fuel prices

coupled with climate change is making the agriculture sector unsustainable. It is reported that there

are 1100000 tube wells across the country among which 2,50,000 tube wells are energized by

PEPCO system consuming 3000 MW of electricity. There is an increasing trend in installation of

tube-wells, with limited availability of grid-based electricity which results in shift toward diesel

tube-wells which are expensive and produces greenhouse gases (GHG). Depleting groundwater in

Wheat and rice growing areas further deteriorates the situation and making the farming system

unsustainable. Pakistan is blessed with solar and wind energy. According to National Renewable

Energy Laboratory (http://www.nrel.gov/international/ra_pakistan.html) Pakistan Solar radiation is

5 kWh / meter square /day in most of the agricultural areas which goes to 6.5 kWh / meter square /

day in Baluchistan. The renewable energy source can be used as energy source for tube-wells. This

paper is an attempt to assess the technical, financial and economic feasibility of Solar Irrigation

pumps use in Pakistan. The paper will assess technical feasibility based on pump used, groundwater


http://www.nrel.gov/international/ra_pakistan.html

6

table measurement and water requirement for the Rabi and Kharif crops. Clean Development

Mechanism (CDM) for carbon emission reduction for using solar pumps will be used to assess the

environmental viability, whereas, the negative health impacts by of thermal power and diesel based

pumps will be used to incorporate the negative externalities. The financial feasibility and economic

viability will be assessed on the basis of cost benefit analysis. Finally, the paper will conclude with

the policy recommendations for the implementation of Solar power Irrigation pump use in Pakistan

with special focus on Pakistan’s energy policy.

O-5 THE BIODIESL PRODUCTION FROM RESIDUAL ANIMAL FAT USING

VARIOUS CATALYSTS

Adnan Skhawat Ali1*

1GC University Lahore, Pakistan. Correspondence author e-mail: [email protected]

Waste animal fat is considered a promising cheap alternative feedstock for biodiesel production

that does not compete with food items. In addition, using waste animal fat as a feedstock is

considered a waste management process. In order to contribute for a more sustainable biodiesel

production, its synthesis from animal fat through different catalysts (NA, NaOH & KOH) was

studied. The objective of the study was to utilize waste animal fat (beef & mutton) for biodiesel

production because it was cheap, easily available and renewable raw material. The

transesterification of animal fat with methanol and suitable catalyst (KOH) produces a biodiesel of

high quality with good conversion rate. The process is easily feasible but the economical viability

can be improved by reusing methanol and glycerin. Oil extracted from beef and mutton fat was

analyzed by Gas Layer Chromatography for its fatty acids composition. Both mutton and beef fat

showed 50-93% conversion rate of oil to biodiesel with 3:1 methanol to oil molar ratio and 1wt%

of different catalysts like potassium hydroxide, sodium metal and sodium hydroxide at 60oC.

Biodiesel produced after transesterification reaction was analyzed for flash point <135oC each,

kinematic viscosity 1.74 & 1.59cSt, density 0.840 & 0.835, pour point 59oF & 57.2

oF, calorific

value 11568.7 & 10907.4BTU/lb and water content 1.0991 & 1.1725%vol for mutton and beef

respectively. Properties of biodiesel were almost comparable to ASTM standards so it can be used

as a fuel in vehicles.


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O-6 PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FROM BRASSICA NAPUS OIL:

CHARACTERIZATION AND OPTIMIZATION BY RSM

Faiza Anwar1, Umer Rashid2*, Sobia Ashraf1, Muhammad Ibrahim1

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan;

2Institute

of Advanced Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

In the current work, response surface methodology (RSM), based on central composite rotatable

design (CCRD) was applied to establish the optimum conditions for the methanolysis of Canola

(Brassica napus) seed oil. Four process variables were evaluated at two levels (24 experimental

design): the methanol:oil molar ratio (3:1-12:1), the catalyst concentration in relation to oil mass

(0.25-1.25 wt% KOH), the reaction temperature (25-65C) and the alcoholysis reaction time (20-

120 min). Using RSM, quadratic polynomial equation was obtained by multiple regression analysis

for predicting transesterification. The results indicates that methanol-oil-molar ratio, catalyst

concentration and reaction temperature were the significant factors on the yield of fatty methyl

esters. The reaction conditions for transesterification of B. napus crude oil for the response at which

methyl esters content of the biodiesel were 95.7% was found to be 8:1 methanol-to-oil ratio, 0.97 %

catalyst concentration, 55 C reaction temperature and 70-min reaction time. A linear relationship

was observed between the observed and predicted values. The biodiesel produced in the present

study was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC), which showed that it mainly contained four fatty

acid methyl esters. The fuel properties of B. napus oil methyl esters (BOME), i.e. kinematic

viscosity, oxidative stability, cloud point, pour point, cold filter plugging point, flash point, ash

content, sulfur content, acid value and density were determined which were within the limit of

biodiesel standards such as ASTM D6751 and EN 14214.


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O-7 TRANSESTERIFICATION OF NON EDIBLE JATROPHA OIL TO BIODIESEL, STUDY OF

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF DIESEL-BIODIESEL BLENDS AND THEIR IMPACT ON

ENVIRONMENT

Arslan Akram*1, Rafi Ullah Khan1, Arshid Mehmood Ali1, Ayyaz Muhammad2

1Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan;

2King AbdulAziz

University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Correspondence author e-mail: [email protected]

Two-step transesterification process was studied for the production of biodiesel from non edible clean jatropha

curcas oil (CJCO) having high level of FFA content (11.32%). First step was the esterification with acid catalyst

and FFA content were reduced from 11.32% to 1.13%. Second step was alkali based transesterification to convert

pretreated oil to biodiesel. The yield of first and second step was 90.5% and 80.7% respectively. Biodiesel

produced by this process was completely miscible with petro-diesel in every proportion and found to be

environment friendly diesel because its exhausts contain lesser emissions of toxic and hazardous waste such as

CO2, SOx, NOx as compared to petro diesel .Physico-chemical study of blends of biodiesel and petro-diesel was

established which showed that blending reduced the density, specific gravity of biodiesel, flash point of petro-

diesel was improved (which made the diesel a safe fuel), lower calorific value of biodiesel was improved.


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O-8 ENERGY CRISIS OF PAKISTAN & POTENTIAL OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

IN PAKISTAN

Iqra Hamd1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Muhammad Ahmad1, Anum Jacob1, Amir Mehmood Shah1, Zaid-ul-

Hassan1, Naila Batool1, Mamoona Sadia1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1, M. Anwar-ul-Haq1

1Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan

Corresponding author email: [email protected]

Energy is the blood in Country’s Life. Pakistan went through an extraordinary period of having surplus electricity

from the late 1990s to 2004-05. However, since then, the country has been facing an acute shortage of electricity.

Current energy crisis started in 2006-07 with a gradual widening in the demand and supply gap. These energy

crises have be considered to be the worst of all such power crises that Pakistan has faced since its inception. It is

generally believed that the present crisis is a self-imposed problem ensuing from years of bad management, rapid

growth in demand, lack of proper vision for future and poor policies. Unfortunately, the scale of the problem has

now grown beyond any immediate solution. The persistent shortage of electricity in the country has adversely

affected the national economy. Industrial production has been severely hit; and also triggered social unrest which

sometimes turns violent thus, creating law and order problems in many urban centers in the country. In this

situation Pakistan must concentrate on generation of an appreciable amount of energy through renewable energy

resources which have a huge potential. We have 346,000 MW of wind energy potential, 2.9 million MW of solar

energy potential, 4,500 MW of small hydel potential, 4,000 MW of cogeneration/biomass, 2,000 MW of

geothermal, 10,000 MW of off-grid applications and a large potential of alternative fuels. However, lack of

institutional, information base technical capacity, policy challenges, poor infrastructure and market access, lack of

social awareness, lack of investors and financial barriers required to be sorted out by long-term management and

utilization of these potential energy resources in Pakistan.


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O-9 TOXICITY ANALYSIS OF PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOUNDS TOWARDS THE

NON-TARGETED AQUATIC ORGANISMS BY EMPLOYING DIFFERENT BIOASSAYS

(VIBRIO FISCHERI, TETRAHYMENA PYRIFORMIS, AND DAPHNIA MAGNA)

Muhammad Rizwan Ashraf1*, Matthias Liess1, Gerrit Schüürmann1

1Department of Ecological chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318,

Leipzig, Germany. Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected]

The prevalent occurrence of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environment and their increasing trend in

the aquatic environment has increased the concern of toxicologists and ecologists about the

impending threats to aquatic species. In this study, toxicity of 10 pharmaceutical compounds

(Acetylsalicylic acid, Amoxicillin, Carbamezepine, Clofibric acid, Diclofenac, Erythromycin,

Ibuprofen, Ofloxacin, Sulfamethoxazole and Triclosan) has been determined with regard to

bacterial 30-min bioluminescence inhibition, ciliates 48-h growth inhabitation and crustacean’s 48-

h acute immobilization employing Vibrio fischeri, Tetrahymena pyriformis, and Daphnia magna.

The results are discussed in terms of compound concentrations exerting 50% effect, EC50. For these

pharmaceutical compounds, the following EC50 value ranges have been observed: For Vibrio

fischeri (30-min bioluminescence inhibition) 6.00 × 10–07

M to 2.47 × 10–04

M, for Tetrahymena

pyriformis 8.00 × 10–07

M to 3.55 × 10

–03M, and for Daphnia magna (48-h immobilization) 9.57 ×

10–07

M to >3.42 × 10–03

M respectively. Employing narcosis models from literature for the

organisms and endpoints under analysis, toxicity enhancement (Te) values were derived as ratio of

its predicted narcosis EC50 over its experimentally determined EC50. The accordingly observed log

Te values ranged for Vibrio fischeri from –1.08 to 4.46, for Tetrahymena pyriformis from –0.65 to

2.20, and for Daphnia magna from –1.95 to 3.12, respectively. Interestingly, some pharmaceuticals

are even less toxic than baseline narcosis, suggesting an efficient metabolic detoxification. At the

same time, however, there are also pharmaceuticals with substantial toxicity enhancements, which

is most pronounced for Vibrio fischeri with a maximum Te value of almost 26,302. What has been

learned so for from this study, is that, it is critical to make a confident prediction about the

ecotoxicological effects of the pharmaceuticals in aquatic environment towards non-targeted

aquatic organisms. The effects are very heterogeneous as results showed in different classes of

pharmaceuticals towards the different organisms. The results even vary in a single class towards


11

due to the specific mode of action; every substance has its own fate in aquatic environment. Excess

toxicity (Te) values indirectly depend on the octanol/water partition coefficients, log Kow values,

toxicity increase by decreasing the log Kow values. The bioassay with Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia

magna both are useful tools to determine the toxicity of the pharmaceuticals as the both assays

showed correlation r2 = 0.746 rather than the Tetrahymena pyriformis, which showed least

sensitivity towards the pharmaceutical compounds by showing higher EC50 among all bioassays.

O-10 HEAVY METAL DETERMINATION IN THE SOIL AND VEGETATION OF A

POLLUTED AND RELATIVELY LESS POLLUTED SITE OF DISTRICT ATTOCK

Mehwish Bashir1, Sofia Khalid1*

1Fatima Jinnah Women University, The Mall, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail:

[email protected]

Heavy metals are available in different concentrations in the Earth crust and atmosphere. Heavy metals

accumulate in the soil, water, plants and sediments. These are stable and cannot be degraded. Plants and soil

are the cheapest way to study and explore the concentration of heavy metals. Present study was conducted to

examine the heavy metals pollution in two areas of district Attock. An attempt has been made to compare

the heavy metals concentrations (Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn) in a relatively less polluted site (Khour City) and a

polluted site (Khour Company). Samples of soil and plants were collected from both sites. From each site,

four points were selected randomly for vegetation and soil sampling. Plant species included Eucalyptus

camaldulensis, Calotropis procera, Ziziphus nummularia , Cynodon dactylon, Acacia senegal,

Parthenium hysterophorus, Dalbergia sissoo and Desmostachya bipinnata. Heavy metals were detected in

soil and vegetation of both areas. The Pb concentration was highest amongst other heavy metals in both soil

and vegetation. In studied plant species heavy metals concentrations varied among different species. The

level of heavy metal concentration in the area was in order Khour Company>Khour City. The increasing

level of heavy metal contamination in the Khour Company area may be because of higher traffic density and

industralization compared to Khour City.


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O-11 USING MID INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY AND PARTIAL-LEAST-SQUARES

REGRESSION TO ESTIMATE SOIL ARSENIC CONTENT AT AN ARSENIC-

CONTAMINATED SITE

Nabeel Khan Niazi1,2,*, Balwant Singh2

1Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences (ISES),University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad – 38040, Pakistan

2Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia

*Corresponding author email: [email protected]

The potential of mid infrared (MIR) spectroscopy in combination with partial least squares (PLS) regression was

investigated to estimate the total As content in soil samples collected from a highly variable arsenic-contaminated

cattle-dip site at Wollongbar in northern NSW, Australia. The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed

prior to MIR-PLS regression analysis that identified spectral outliers in the absorbance spectra of soil samples.

The MIR-PLS calibration model excluding (n = 149) the spectral outliers showed an acceptable reliability

(coefficient of determination, R2

c = 0.75; residual prediction deviation, RPDc = 2.02) to estimate total arsenic (As)

content in soil. For total As, the validation of final calibration model using a validation set (n = 149) of unknown

samples also resulted in a good acceptability with R2

v = 0.67 and RPDv = 1.68. The MIR-PLS based model can

provide a rapid estimate of total soil As content by taking into account the integrated effects of mineralogical and

organic components of soils. This approach can be useful to estimate total soil As in various conditions; for

example, where analysis of a large number of soil samples is required.


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O-12 EVALUATION OF WATER POLLUTION THROUGH ASSESSMENT OF

BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN ORGANS OF FISH

Naumana Bashir1*, Salma Sultana1, Tayyaba Sultana1

1Department of wildlife & Fisheries, Government College University, Faisalabad.


Bioaccumulation of the three heavy metals lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) was analyzed in

water as well as in different organs like gills, liver and intestine of the sample and control fish. The

fish (Cyprinus carpio and Labeo rohita) and water samples were taken for experimental work from

three polluted site whereas control samples of fish and water were taken from fish hatchery, Satina

Road, Faisalabad. The physiochemical parameters of polluted and control water were evaluated to

determine the difference of quality in habitat. It was observed that water temperature and total

solids were higher at polluted sites than control whereas water pH, dissolved oxygen and electrical

conductivity were low at polluted sites than control. In the control water the concentrations of

heavy metals ranged as Pb (0.14-1.34 mg/ l), Cu (0.15- 1.17 mg/ l) and Ni (0.15-1.08 mg/ l)

whereas in the polluted water these were (3.02-4.88 mg/ l), (1.87- 4.95 mg/ l) and (1.16- 1.22 mg/

l), respectively. Among the three different polluted water sites, site Ι exhibited significantly higher

mean concentration of Pb (4.41±0.24 m/l), Cu (4.87±0.03 mg/l) and Ni (1.22±0.01 mg/l). The

differences among all the three polluted sites for the Pb, Cu and Ni toxicity were significant (P <

0.05). The magnitude of Pb and Cu accumulation in organs of both the species of fish was liver >

gills >intestine. The liver, gills and intestine of Cyprinus carpio and Labeo rohita had showed

significant (P<0.001) differences in the amount of metal concentration. Both of the fish species at

three sites had the maximum concentrations of Cu in the liver, followed by the gills. However,

intestine was the organ that accumulated significantly lowest concentration of Cu. The gills

accumulated usually higher amount of Ni followed by the liver and intestine, respectively. Both

species showed the same pattern of bioaccumulation, but the difference was significant (P < 0.05).

Usually Cyprinus carpio had significantly higher (P > 0.05) level of metal concentrations at all

sites.


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O-12 RISK ASSESSMENT OF LEACHATES FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE DUMPING

SITES ON SOIL AND GROUND WATER QUALITY IN GUJRANWALA DIVISION

Mabroor Hassan1, Syed Shahid Ali1*

1Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, H-10 Islamabad, Pakistan.

Corresponding author e-mail: e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

Waste generation has increased tremendously in developing countries due to population growth,

pattern of consumption and consumerism and other lifestyle changes. However, a large amount of

different categories of waste generated is disposed off in open dump sites without segregation at

source. The disposal of household organic waste continues along hazardous waste that could result

in making it more toxic and carcinogenic. It causes contamination through microbial byproducts

present in leachates and hence, deteriorates soil and ground water quality. This study was designed

to assess the effects of leachate on soil and water from aged open dump sites during pre- and post-

rain season in 2011-12. The ground water and soil samples were analyzed and evaluated for heavy

metals, organic compounds and other contaminants (APHA, 2005; Rayan et al., 2001). The

physico-chemical characterization of soil samples collected from open dumping sites of both

Sialkot and Gujranwala city confirmed the presence of macro inorganic components, high total

organic carbon, and heavy metals. The heavy metal concentration present in soil was in order of:

Zn>Fe>Cu>Cr>Ni>Cd>Co>Pb whereas As and Hg was not detected. As a whole, the site wise

contamination order was Gujranwala-B > Gujranwala-A whereas Sialkot-A >Sialkot-B.

Collectively, Gujranwala samples irrespective of water or soil were significantly contaminated as

compared to Sialkot samples. On the other hand, the damaging environmental prospect associated

with leaching of toxic chemicals was the contamination of adjacent water bodies and ground water.

It was found that most of the pre-rain samples had pH value near to or higher than WHO/NEQS



15

standards in both cities while TDS, EC, hardness, nitrate, sulfates, chlorides and phosphates

concentrations were found to be within WHO/NEQS permissible standards. The heavy metals (Zn,

Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni, Cd, Co and Pb) were detected in higher concentration than NEQS/WHO standards

in most of water samples. The presence of high concentration of heavy metals, i.e., Cd, Zn, Fe, Cr,

Cu, Ni was the indication of deleterious effects on ground water quality due to wate dumping sites.

Moreover, people living in that area are at risk of toxic effects of heavy metals due to accumulation

of metals in receipt of soils and release of concentrated leachate to the environment which further

become potential source of entry into the food web.

O-13 PERCOLATION OF PESTICIDES WITH TIME IN COTTON GROWING SOIL OF

VEHARI

Muhammad Shahid1*, Muhammad Bilal1, Muhammad Arif1, Muhammad Aslam1,

Muhammad Nadeem1

1Department of Environmental Science, COMSATS Vehari, Pakistan.


Pesticides are common pollutant of rural areas and are determent to people's health and

environment. About 2.5 million tons of pesticides per year are used worldwide to control the pests.

The use of pesticides is increasing with the passage of time due to increased demand of food from

growing population. The same trend of increased annual consumption of pesticides is observed in

Pakistan. In addition to protect plants from pests, pesticide use deteriorates soil physico-chemical

properties and microbial activities. In Pakistan, about 80% of total pesticides used are being

sprayed on cotton crops. Vehari, a cotton-growing heart of the Indus Valley, contributes 12-18 % to

the total cotton production of Pakistan. The district is also considered as the major utilizer of

pesticides. The increased use of pesticides in this area has caused several environmental concerns,

but are still unexposed due to lack of awareness in local community and facilities for analysis. The

present study was carried out to analyse pesticide percolation in Vehari region soil. The surface soil

samples are collected from 9 sites of cotton area in Vehari region (3 sites from each Tehsil, i.e.,

Vehari, Mailsi, Burrewala). Then the soil samples are analysed for chemical analysis (pH, texture,

total organic carbon and electrical conductivity) and pesticides contents. The four pesticides

analysed include: Acephate, Profenofos, Trichlorfon and Endosulfan.


16

O-14 DEVASTATION OF OMEGA FATTY ACIDS IN THE FLESH OF INDIAN MAJOR

CARPS DUE TO FRESHWATER POLLUTION

Bilal Hussain*1, Tayyaba Sultana1, Salma Sultana1, Farhat Jabeen1, Naureen Aziz Qureshi1

1Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Govt. College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.


Contaminants in fish are of particular interest not only because of potential risk to human as being

ultimate consumer but also for devastation of the meat quality. Water from River Chenab was

analyzed for water quality parameters (WQP) from three sampling sites designated as highly

polluted, less polluted and Control devoid of any pollution. These WQP were analyzed to find out

their effects on fish fatty acid profile. River water receiving Chakbandi drain, District Jhang

(31.570345° and 72.533798°) becomes highly polluted as witnessed through high levels of salinity,

conductivity, pH, BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, SO42-

and Phenols. Atomic absorption

spectrophotometery showed higher levels of contaminations for Cd, Hg, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr and Sn

in the River water. Fatty acids in the fish meat were detected by gas chromatography using Flame

Ionization Detector. Fish from unpolluted environment showed higher levels of unsaturated fatty

acids, as for example Catla catla (73%), Labeo rohita (67%) and Cirrhina mrigala (62%). Fish

from polluted and less polluted environment showed unsaturated fatty acids, as Catla catla (37%),

Labeo rohita (12%), Cirrhina mrigala (24%) and Catla catla (52%), Labeo rohita (31%), Cirrhina

mrigala (23%) respectively. Fatty acids C8:0, C12:0, C20:0, C16:1(n-7), C16:1(n-9), C20:1(n-9),

C18:2(n-6), C18:4(n-3), C20:5(n-3) and C22:4(n-6) were found missing in the flesh of fishes

obtained from area of higher pollution. Fatty acids C16:1(n-7), C20:1(n-9) and C20:5(n-3) were

exclusively found in considerable amount only in Catla catla, but missing in both Labeo rohita and

Cirrhina mrigala even in less polluted environment. Present study provided clear indication about

fish contamination accompanied by annihilation of omega fatty acids and quality of fish meat being

affected even because of lower intensity of pollution.


17

O-15 DETERMINATION OF HEAVY METALS FOUND IN DIFFERENT SIZES OF

TUBE WELLS OF DISTRICT PISHIN BALUCHISTAN PAKISTAN

Afrasiab Khan Tareen1*, Imrana Niaz Sultan2, Mohammad Waseem Khan2, Mohammad Ashraf3

1Center for Research and Development Quetta,

2Department of Life Sciences, BUITEMS, Quetta,

3CVH Hospital

Quetta. Correspondence author e-mail: [email protected]

A study was designed to determine the quantities of heavy metals such as (Antimony, Cobalt,

Arsenic, Chromium, Sodium, Calcium, Lead, Aluminum, Iron) in water samples obtained from

tube wells having different depths in district Pishin, Baluchistan, Pakistan. A total of 50 fresh water

samples were collected and different parameters such as depth of tube well, location of tube well,

age of tube well, pH, electrical conductivity, population burden and use of fertilizers in the vicinity

of tube wells were correlated with the quantities of heavy metals. The study findings shows that

age of tube well had no impact on quantities of studied heavy metals. It was found that depth of

tube wells had significant impact on quantities of heavy metals, when compared with heavy metals

such as Iron, Antimony, Chromium and Aluminum the values were found to be higher in quantities

in tube wells of lower depth and as the depth of tube wells increased the contents of theses metals

decreased significantly. Chromium, Cobalt, Antimony, Iron and Aluminum were found in higher

concentration than standard recommended values. Arsenic was found in all samples collected from

tube wells of main Pishin city and chromium was found in all samples collected from tube wells

where fruit orchards were present. The presence of arsenic in the samples may be attributed to the

population burden, where as presence of chromium may be attributed to the use of chemical

fertilizers and pesticides in the vicinity of tube wells. In general it is concluded that the quantities of

heavy metals such as Iron, Aluminum, Antimony, Chromium and Cobalt were found in higher than

recommended level which is an alarming indication for the drinking water for public use. pH and

conductivity were found higher in shallow depths of tube wells.


18

O-16 EFFECT OF POLLUTION ON THE VEGETATION OF THE BHIMBER

(MACHIA) AZAD KASHMIR

Mehwish Maqbool1, Muhammad Ishtiaq1*, Tanveer Hussain1

1Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST) Bhimber Campus, Azad Kashmir,

Pakistan

Corresponding author: Email: [email protected]

This is the first attempt to determine the effect of polluted water on the vegetation of the Machia

and its allied area in Bhimber, Azad Kashmir during 2004-2005. For this investigation the highly

industrialized urban location of 500 Sq. meter polluted area was selected. It has 5-6 industries of

soap, steel, textile, pharmaceutical and leather, which are secreting polluted water in the affected

area. Heavy metal emissions in the isolated polluted area have detrimental effect on the vegetation

of 500 sq. meter selected area. The result reflects that the accumulations of heavy metals deposition

have eliminated the 94 species from the area and only fifteen species have flourished in the polluted

area. Floristic survey of the Machia and allied area indicates that there are 111 plant species present

belonging to 97 genera and 41 families including 83 herbs, 17 trees and 11 shrubs. Poaceae is the

dominant family following the Asteraceae. There are about 72 medicinal, 29 food and fodder, 19

are fuel and constructive plants with 14 vegetables. 15 species are resident to loamy, 200 ppm.

Potassium, 16 ppm. Phosphorous, 2.45% organic matter and 42% saturation. Trees have been

disappeared from the polluted area and most resistant species are, Datura, Innoxia, Ricinus

Communus, Cassia Obtuqifolia, Cynodon dactylon and Calatrotis procira. The biologically

effective results of pollution can only be determined by carrying out measurements on organization

themselves, the most suitable indicator organisms are plants. The polluted water in this area have

eliminated all the trees and 94 important plants of diverse utility from the area.


19

O-17 BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF CELL TOWER

RADIATION

Anurag Misra1*, Sanjay Misra1

1Department of Physics DBS College, Kanpur, India.


Our technology advances at incredible speed. Most of the development has definitely resulted in

global shrinkage. Today the amount of microwave our planet swims in far surpasses the output of

the sun. The energy associated with electromagnetic radiation (non–ionizing) is proportional to

frequency. The mobile phones and mobile towers sprouting are studied in the presentation .High

power transmission lines carrying current and passing over fields have effected cattle as strong

magnetic field is developed around , power frequency (50/60 Hz) are produced around wires.

Recent studies are showing that there is a significant decline in the number of bird sparrow and

honey bees which is also an outcome of microwaves. All vital organs have melatonin and serotonin

receptors, the studies have shown the reduction in melatonin in presence of strong fields. The

neurological effect and blood brain barrier disturbance has been studied in humans. .The study was

carried out at Kanpur (India) and data of leading cellular operators are compiled, which indicate the

rise in density of radiation in highly populated areas. Field survey data indicated some serious

disorders in humans who are sitting around or below the towers for around 10 hrs every day for

past 5 years. Even though more evidence is required before we draw a conclusion we can practice

some safe methodology to reduce the impact not only on us but on environment as whole.


20

O-18 IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL POLLUTANTS ON KARNAFULLY RIVER

Muhammad Abdur Rahaman*1, Md. Edrise Ali2

1Director, Bangladesh Research Initiatives of Environment-Society, House#15, Block#E, Zakir Hossein Road,

Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh; 2Department of Chemistry, CHittagong College, CHittagong, Bangladesh


Chittagong is the second largest city of Bangladesh which is known as commercial capital city of

the country. Most of the industries of the country are situated in Chittagong. The city is situated on

the bank of Karnafully River. Industrial pollution is common feature in this city. Most of the

industries throw their industrial effluent in the Karnafully River through different water channels.

The specific object of the study is to find out the pollution level in different point Karnafully River

which is governed by industrial effluent. The study was conducted in 7 kilometer of the river which

is adjacent to the Chittagong City. Different water quality parameters were examined to investigate

the water pollution level. The study data has collected from the study area through Key Informants

Interview (KII), Focus Group Discussion, in depth interview, expert’s opinion, check list, aerial

photography study, personal observation, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), household survey,

PH meter, salinity meter, water quality parameter analysis etc. Published and unpublished

information on water quality, water pollution, point and non-point source of pollution, industrial

location collected from Department of Environment (DoE), Water Development Board, Ministry of

Industry, Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh Standard Testing Institute (BSTI). Some points of

the river is in worse situation due to industrial pollution.


21

O-19 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF HEAVY METALS IN EFFLUENTS OF SMALL

INDUSTRIAL ESTATE PESHAWAR ON SOIL, WATER AND PLANTS

Tariq Usman Saeed*1, Daulat Khan2, Haleema Attaullah3, Mahmood Alam Khan2, Mohammad Hizbullah

Khan2

1Transport Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, Pakistan,

2Department of Agricultural Engineering, University

of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar, 3Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar


Man’s influence on the earth and its resources has increased at an unprecedented rate since the advent of industrial

revolution in 18th

century. Human activities are now affecting some of the most basic climatic and biological

cycles of the planet. The increased use of natural resources for human needs generates solid wastes, toxic effluents

and gaseous emissions adversely affecting human and environment. The present study was conducted to

investigate and evaluate the impacts of industrial effluents of Small Industrial Estate, Kohat Road Peshawar, on

the quality of water, soils and plants in the adjoining area. Investigations were conducted to determine the

magnitude of heavy metals concentration in Industrial effluents, soils and plants and compared it with the National

Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for Industrial effluents and World Health Organization (WHO)

permissible limit of these metals in soils and plants respectively. Samples at three different sites i.e. Canal water

(CW), Industrial Effluents (IE) and Mixed water (MW) (Canal water + Industrial effluents + municipal waste)

were taken. Soil samples were collected at two (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm) depths. Results revealed that the

temperature, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS) values for all the three types of water were within the

permissible limit of NEQS, while values of total suspended solids (TTS) were higher. The Biological Oxygen

Demand (BOD) values were low for Canal water but exceeded the permissible limits of NEQS for IE and MW.

The concentration of Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe in soil irrigated with CW and MW exceeded WHO permissible limit

in 0% , 100%, 70%, 100%, 0% and 100 %, 100%, 100%, 100%, 40% at 0-15 cm depth respectively, whereas, at

the depth of 15-30 cm, the concentration were 0%, 100%, 70%, 100%, 0% and 50%, 100%, 100%, 100% and 20%

respectively. Plants receiving Canal water showed higher concentration of Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, Mn and Fe, thereby

exceeding WHO permissible limit in 100%, 100%, 100%, 90%, 100% and 100%, while those irrigated with

Mixed water showed higher level in 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 100% and 80% respectively. The

concentration of Cr, Cd and Ni in soil at both the depths and that of Cu in plants for CW and MW of irrigation was

found within the permissible limit of WHO. It was revealed through interaction with the local people that the canal

water under study was not used for human consumption but was only used for irrigation purposes. The canal water

was also used for swimming in summer season by the local community, which caused diseases like dysentery,

typhoid fever and cholera. The results indicated that the amount of heavy metals in water in excess of the NEQS,


22

have certainly increased the concentration of most of the heavy metals in soil and plants. In conclusion it is

suggested that in order to avoid water, soil and plants pollution, the industrial effluents and municipal wastewater

should be treated before discharge to irrigation channels to irrigate the fields.

O-20 EFFECT OF CHROMIUM TOXICITY ON PLANT GROWTH,

PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN BARLEY AS AFFECTED

BY NITROGEN FORM

Shafaqat Ali1,2, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq2,Saima Aslam Bharwana2, Sabir Hussain2, Zaheer

Abbas Virk2, Shahbaz Ali Khan2, Guoping Zhang1*

1Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China

2Department of Environmental Sciences,

Government College University, Allama Iqbal Road, 38000,

Faisalabad. Pakistan. Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected]

The effect of nitrogen forms on growth, photosynthesis and physiological processes of barley plants

under chromium stress was studied with a hydroponic experiment. The treatments consisted of three

chromium (Cr) levels (0, 75 and 100 µM) and three N forms ((NH4)2SO4, urea and Ca (NO3)2. N

forms in the absence of Cr had significant effect on plant growth, biomass, physiological and

biochemical changes. The Ca (NO3)2 fed plants had higher plant growth and biomass, followed by

urea. Cr stress caused a significant reduction in growth and biomass in all three N forms. In

comparison with the urea or (NH4)2SO4 fed plants, the Ca (NO3)2 fed plants had higher plant height,

dry biomass, tillers per plant, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), cellular CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal

conductance (Gs) and transpiration rate (Tr), PAR utilization efficiency (PARUE), photosynthetic

efficiency (Fv/Fm), the contents of chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids, root

dehydrogenase activity. Cr toxicity caused oxidative stress in all three forms of N, while the

Ca(NO3)2 fed plants had less oxidative stress than the urea or (NH4)2SO4 fed plants. Moreover, the

Ca(NO3)2 fed plants had higher soluble protein, proline, free amino acid contents, activities of anti-

oxidative enzymes, including SOD, POD, APX, CAT and GR and contents of non-enzymatic

antioxidants, including GSH and ASC than the urea or (NH4)2SO4 fed plants. In addition, the

Ca(NO3)2 fed plants had higher N and lower Cr concentrations in all plant tissues than the urea or

(NH4)2SO4 fed plants. The conclusion is that Ca(NO3)2 is a better fertilizer for the Cr-contaminated

soils for barley production.


23

O-21 TECHNOSOLS TO RECLAIM INDUSTRIAL WASTELANDS: DEPTH

DISTRIBUTION OF ABUNDANCE AND ACTIVITY OF N-CYCLING MICROBIAL

COMMUNITIES

Farhan Hafeez1,2, Fabrice Martin-Laurent1,2, Aymé Spor1,2, Marie-Christine Breuil1,2,

Christophe Schwartz3, Laurent Philippot1,2

1INRA, Soil and Environmental Microbiology, F-21065 Dijon Cedex;

2Université de Bourgogne, F-21065 Dijon Cedex,

3 Nancy-Université, Laboratoire Sols et Environnement, UMR INRA/INPL 1120, BP 172, F-54505 Vandœuvre-lès-

Nancy cedex. Correspondance author: [email protected]

Construction of Technosols through assemblage of treated soil and recycled wastes is an innovative

option for the restoration of degraded lands and re-use of industrial wastes. Recent studies have

evidenced that Technosols could support soil functions such as primary production but the

knowledge about other ecosystemic services, such as nutrient cycling, is limited. In this work, we

investigated the abundance and the activity of microbial communities involved in N-cycling in

different horizons (0–15, 15–35, 35–70 cm) of two types of Technosols constructed to reclaim an

industrial wasteland. The estimation by real-time PCR of the abundances of the different microbial

guilds indicated a significant depth effect in both Technosols on the abundances of the total

bacterial and crenarchaeal community and of the ammonia-oxidizing and denitrifying communities.

Activity measurements revealed higher denitrification than nitrification rates, which were also

affected by Technosol depth. Potential denitrification and nitrification were correlated with

Technosol physicochemical properties but also with the abundances of the nirS denitrification gene

and bacterial amoA gene, respectively. The type of Technosols influenced both the abundance and

the activity of the denitrifier community but not the ammonia-oxidizers, which underlines the

importance of a better understanding of microbial communities in Technosols to maximize their

potential for fulfilling soil ecosystemic functions.


24

O-22 POTENTIAL OF ACTIVATED CARBONS DEVELOPED FROM DALBERGIA

SISSOO AND CEDRUS DEODARA FOR THE TREATMENT OF DOMESTIC

WASTEWATER

Muhammad Farhan*1, Abdul Wahid2, Amina Kanwal3

1Department of Biological Sciences, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore, Pakistan

2Department of Environmental Science, Bahhu Din Zakaria University, Multan, Pakistan

3Department of Botany, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan


The amount and toxicity of domestic wastewater is increasing due to population explosion and

rapid urbanization. This untreated domestic wastewater is badly affecting the ecosystem. In the

present study, we have tried to develop activated carbon based abatement technique for domestic

wastewater. Dalbergia sissoo and Cedrus deodara saw dust was used for the preparation of

activated carbons (ACs), using different activating agents (BaCl2, H3PO4, and H2SO4). The

efficiency and potential of developed ACs for Color, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and

biological oxygen demand (BOD) removal was investigated in batch mode experimentation.

Different operating parameters like contact time, COD and BOD load, pH and activated carbon

amount were also investigated. Statistical analysis showed that every AC is significantly diverse in

their potential for domestic wastewater treatment. Dalbergia sissoo based AC was most proficient;

reduced 87% COD, 87% BOD and 93% color. The results of this study can be utilized for the

establishment of large scale treatment plant. The quality of wastewaters after treatment was found

to be appropriate for direct discharge into streams for irrigation purpose. This experimentation

successfully addressed the local problem of wastewater pollution, using locally available

byproducts of furniture industry.


25

O-23 EVALUATION OF ADSORPTION POTENTIAL OF PEELS AND FRUIT OF

WATER CHESTNUTS FOR REACTIVE YELLOW DYE AND ESTIMATION OF

ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF WATER CHESTNUTS

Maryam Yousaf *1, Raziya Nadeem1, Muzna Saeed1


Dyes are the first noxious waste to be visually recognized, but one of the most difficult contagion to

remove because of their synthetic origin, recalcitrant and mainly complex conjugated aromatic

structure. So presented precise work is intended to look at the process of adsorption for the removal

of reactive azo dye using indigenous water chestnuts fruit and peels as a sorbent. A reactive Yellow

42 (RY 42) dye was taken as model azo based reactive dye. Comparative study of free,

immobilized anionic surfactant modified peels and fruit of water chestnuts revealed that sorbent

have higher sorption potential for RY 42 in free form as compared to immobilized and pretreated

form. Pretreatment and immobilization reduced the sorption potential of sorbent. Following trend in

sorption capacity (mgg-1

) was observed for RY 42 WCN F (30.77) > WCN F bead (25.66) > WCN

P (22.10) >WCN P bead (18.77) > SDS-WCN P(15.04) > SDS-WCN P bead(13.60) > SDS-WCN

F(11.66) > SDS-WCN F bead (10.70) > Plane bead(7.87) at optimized operating variables like pH

and dye concentration at 1.0 and 50 ppm. Equilibrium time was optimized at 60 min while it was

delayed for the beads up to 120 min. Pseudo-second order kinetic model ascertain that sorption of

dye over this indigenous adsorbent is governed by dye concentration and active sites over sorbent.

While applicability of Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal models over the equilibrium data

disclosed that sorption is monolayer and multilayer coverage of sorbate. Result obtained will be

statistically analyzed using regression line. Surface analysis of water chestnuts will be carried out

using SEM/EDX to determine the possible interaction between the dye and adsorbent. Need of

biological active agents focused on determination of Phenolic, Flavonoid and DPPH radical

scavenging activity of WCN P and WCN F. Results of assays show that higher TPC in WCN P

(143.62±0.01 mg/g) than WCN F (93.17 ±0.02 mg/g), while lower TFC contents in WCN F (35. 9

±0.01mg/g) than (21.9±0.1) WCN P. Maximum DPPH scavenging activity observed was 75.8±0.01

% and 22.9 ±0.04% for WCN P and WCN F respectively.

26

O-24 REMOVAL OF PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (POPS) IN

CONTAMINATED SOILS VIA CHEMICAL OXIDATION TREATMENTS

M. Usman1,2,3 *, P. Faure3, C. Ruby2, K. Hanna4

1 Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan.

2 Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour l’Environnement, LCPME, UMR 7564 CNRS–Université de

Lorraine, 405 rue de Vandoeuvre, 54600, Villers Les Nancy, France. 3 Géologie et Gestion des Ressources Minérales et Energétiques, G2R, UMR 7566, CNRS–Université de Lorraine,

54506, Vandoeuvre Les Nancy, France. 4 Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, UMR CNRS 6226 "Sciences Chimiques de Rennes", Avenue du

Général Leclerc, 35708 Rennes Cedex 7, France. *Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected]

Soil pollution by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is a major environmental issue. Pesticides

bearing hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs; α, β, γ and δ) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

(PAHs) were selected as target compounds in this study. Removal of POPs is widely studied due to

its importance in environment. In the present laboratory study, batch experiments were performed

for hydrocarbon degradation by using magnetite catalyzed Fenton–like (FL) and activated

persulfate (AP) oxidation. Soluble FeII was also used as a catalyst. Lindane contaminated soil was

originated from a pesticide dumping site. PAH degradation was studied in two soils originating

from coking plant sites at circumneutral pH. Organic analyses were performed by GC–MS and µ–

FTIR. Significant abatement of hydrocarbons (80-90%) was achieved in batch reactors after

chemical oxidation (FL and AP) while soluble FeII was unable to act as a catalyst for hydrocarbons.

No such differences were observed for lindane as both (soluble FeII and magnetite) were less

efficient at circumneutral pH. Soluble FeII was effective to degrade at acidic pH. No significant by–

products were observed during oxidation experiment underscoring the complete degradation of

hydrocarbons. No selective degradation was observed for FL with almost similar efficiency

towards all hydrocarbons. However, AP showed less reactivity towards higher molecular weight

PAHs. Among four HCHs, β–HCH was highly recalcitrant. Results of this study demonstrated

chemical oxidation can effectively degrade the persistent organic compounds. This study has

important implications for in-situ remediation of contaminated soils.


27

O-25 REDUCTION OF HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM BY BACTERIAL COLUMN

FORMATION

Aniqa Naeem1, Rida Batool1*, Nazia Jamil1

Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the

Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus Lahore-54590, Pakistan

*Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected]

Cr(VI) is among one of the toxic metal detectable in earth crust. It is highly toxic to all the living

organisms due to its carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. Some microorganisms have ability to

reduce it into less toxic Cr(III) form efficiently. In order to study the contribution of microbes

towards Cr(VI) reduction an indigenous chromium-resistant bacterial strain A8 was isolated from a

tannery effluent. It was identified as, cellulosimicrobium sp. on the basis of morphological,

biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. It could tolerate up to 1800µgml-1

of

K2CrO4 and showed optimum reduction (98.6%) of Cr(VI) at the conc. of 900µgml-1

at pH 7 and

incubation temperature of 37ºC aerobically. Cell-free enzyme assay exhibited the reduction of Cr

(VI) in-vitro. Four synthetic materials: sand, PVC, stone and rubber tubing were used as solid

support in order to evaluate the ability of the isolated chromium resistant bacterial strain for biofilm

formation. In column experiment among bacterial film coated materials, sand exhibited an excellent

Cr(VI) reduction (96%), PVC pipe and rubber tubing showed 94.5% and 90% reduction potential

of Cr(VI) respectively while minimum reduction potential of Cr(VI) was observed in case of stone

that was 88.4% after 96 hours of incubation. Fluorescent microscopy also revealed that bacterial

biofilm was distributed thoroughly on the surface of sand particles. Fourier transforms infrared

(FTIR) spectroscopy showed mainly the involvement of the glycerol units, polysaccharides and C-

N (alkyl) functional groups of isolated chromium resistant bacterial strain (A8) in the reduction of

Cr(VI).


28

O-26 MICROBIAL COMMUNITY STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL-FRIENDLY SOIL

BALLS USED FOR STREAM WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Abdur Rahim Khan1*, Gun-Seok Park1, Ihsan Ullah1, Jong-Hui Lim1, Jin-Ho Shin1, Jae-Ho

Shin*1

1School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Korea


To improve the stream water quality, different methods are employed which involve physical,

chemical and biological processes. Recently people use soil ball with effective microbes for stream

water quality improvement. However, the pH of these soil balls is acidic (pH 4.0) which are not

suitable for diverse microbes’ growth. As well the soil balls are not hard enough and quickly

dissociate under the stream water. In order to overcome this problem, various materials were added to

increase the strength as well pH of soil balls. As a result the hardness of soil balls as well pH 7.0 was

increased almost three folds in comparison with pH 4.0 of the soil balls. Additionally microbial

community was determined from soil ball’s whole metagenomic DNA using personal genome

machine (Ion Torrent). The raw data were analyzed through the MG-RAST server. The microbial

community of pH 4.0 sample was represented by 96.1% Bacteria, 2.7% Eukaryota, and 1% Archaea

while the pH 7.0 sample was represented by 67.7% Bacteria, 31.6% Eukaryota, and 0.2% Viruses.

Especially in comparison to pH 4.0 sample, the Eukaryotic community diversity increased highly in

pH 7.0 sample. These results suggest that our method is effective by increasing the stability of soil

balls as well change in community from prokaryotes to eukaryotes which may improve the stream

water quality.

*


29

O-27 GENETIC ENGINEERING FOR TRICHLOROPROPANE DEGRADATION

Ghufrana Samin1, 2, Martina Pavlova1, Muhammad Irfan Arif1, Jiri Damborsky1, Dick B.

Janssen1

1Department of Biochemistry, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.

2University of Engineering and Technology, Faisalabad Campus


1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) is a toxic compound that has caused serious groundwater pollution at

chemical waste disposal sites. The availability of bacteria that can degrade this compound would

allow the development of bioreactors for TCP removal from contaminated groundwater. However,

many attempts to isolate such an organism by classical enrichments failed. A possible degradation

pathway would start with hydrolytic dehalogenation of TCP to 2,3-dichloro-1-propanol (DCP),

followed by further oxidative metabolism (Fig. 1). To obtain such an organism that degrades TCP,

we used an engineered haloalkane dehalogenase (DhaA31) with improved TCP degradation

activity. The enzyme was expressed constitutively under control of the dhlA promoter and

introduced into the genome of the DCP degrading bacterium Pseudomonas putida MC4 by using a

transposon delivery system. The transposon-located antibiotic marker was subsequently removed

using a resolvase step. Haloalkane dehalogenase was well expressed in the genetically engineered

bacterium MC4-5222 and was exported to the periplasm even though no signal sequence was

present. Growth of the engineered bacterium on TCP was indeed observed, and all organic chlorine

was released as inorganic chloride. The genetically engineered TCP-degrading strain is stable, free

of any additional plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistance marker and has the ability to completely

mineralize TCP with quantitative stoichiometric release of inorganic chloride. The application of

the strain in lab-scale bioreactors is under investigation.

Figure 1:

Proposed degradation pathway of TCP by strain MC4.


30

O-28 CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIAL DECOLORIZATION OF REACTIVE

RED S3R DYE BY THE STRAINS ISOLATED FROM THE EFFLUENTS OF DIFFERENT

TEXTILE INDUSTRIES OF FAISALABAD

Monika Younas, Rabia Najme, Khurram Mall, Shafaqat Ali, Zahid Maqbool, Sabir Hussain1*

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad Pakistan


Discharge of wastewaters loaded with azo dyes into natural streams and rivers poses a severe

problem, as dyes are toxic for aquatic life and are damaging the aesthetic nature of the

environment. Therefore, it is need of the hour to treat the dye loaded wastewaters before their

discharge. Because of being relatively environmental friendly, the use of biological techniques for

wastewater treatment has attracted worldwide attention. The present study was conducted to isolate

dye degrading bacterial strains from the wastewaters of diverse textile industries located in

Faisalabad. Initially, numerous strains were isolated and screened using liquid mineral salt medium

(MSM) enriched with reactive red S3R azo dye a as source of carbon. The most efficient isolate

M41 was selected to study the effect of different incubation and environmental conditions on the

decolorization activity. This isolate was found to show optimal decolorization activity at pH 8.5 in

the presence of yeast extract as an additional nutritional source under static conditions at 30 ˚C.


31

O-29 OPTIMIZING SAMPLING STRATEGY FOR MEASUREMENT OF BIOMASS

PROPERTIES DURING FULL SCALE COMPOSTING

Yumna Sadef1,2*, Tjalfe Gorm Poulsen1, Kai Bester2

1 Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Aalborg University, Sohngaardsholmsvej 57, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark 2 Department of Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology, National Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus

University, Frederiksborgsvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.


Biomass to be composted often consists of a very heterogeneous mixture of different materials such

as yard waste, sewage sludge, straw, food waste and other organic materials. Collection of

representative compost samples is therefore difficult especially under full-scale conditions. The key

problem is that of scale. The sample size (mass) used in for instance contaminant concentration

measurements is usually on the order of a few grams while the mass of a full scale compost pile is

on the order of hundreds of tons. The desired sample particle size is on the order of 1 mm while

particle sizes of the materials being composted under full-scale conditions is on the order of tens of

centimeters. This study was therefore conducted to develop and optimize a strategy for sampling in

compost and similar materials under full-scale conditions. The aim was to minimize the

measurement uncertainty with respect to material properties such as nutrient and contaminant

concentrations. Optimization was conducted considering multiple parameters such as the number of

turnings of the compost pile before sampling, the number of samples collected, the mass of each

sample, sample homogenization, particle size reduction, and the number of replicate measurements

conducted. Measurement uncertainty was evaluated based on measurements of water content,

inorganic matter content, and nutrient (N, P) content. Experiments were conducted using a 2k

factorial design. For each parameter measurement variability was determined as a function of

sampling strategy. These data were then used to identify the optimal sampling strategy. The optimal

strategy was then applied in organic contaminant concentration measurements and estimation of

measurement variability.


32

O-30 GROWTH RESPONSE OF OKRA IN CHROMIUM CONTAMINATED SOIL

INOCULATED WITH CHROMIUM REDUCING BACTERIA

Zahid Maqbool*1,2, Naeem Asghar1, Sabir Hussain2, Shafaqat Ali2, Muhammad Khalid1,

Aftab Wajid3

1Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad,

2Department of Environmental

Sciences, GC University Faisalabad, 3Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

* Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected]

Chromium released from the leather and different other industries, is one of the heavy metals,

contaminating the soil and water resources. Among different oxidation states of chromium,

hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] is more toxic as compare to trivalent chromium [Cr (III)] because

of its comparatively higher solubility. It causes various detrimental effects on the plants by

affecting their physiological processes. Natures has gifted certain bacteria capable of degrading

these heavy metals and promote the plant growth under stressed conditions directly or indirectly by

lowering the ethylene level, producing certain harmones, improving the nutrient availability. In

chromium contaminated soil, plant growth can be improved by the reduction of Cr (VI) to Cr (III)

which is carried out by chromium reducing bacteria. So to evaluate the potential of bacteria for

growth promotion of okra in chromium contaminated soil and the transformation of Cr (VI) to Cr

(III), a pot experiment was conducted. Okra seed were inoculated with ten different bacterial

isolates capable of reducing hexavalent chromium and were sown in soil having 30.46 ppm initial

concentration of hexavalent chromium. Results showed that inoculation of bacterial isolates

significantly enhanced the growth and yield of okra, however, K-13 bacterial isolate was found to

be more efficient as compare to other isolates. This bacterial isolate had shown 77.5%, 72%, 2.5

fold, 2.9 and 4.4 fold, 1.4 and 2.5 fold, 3.9 and 6.5 fold increase in shoot length, root length,

number of pods per plant, fresh and dry weight of shoot, fresh and dry weight of fruit, fresh and dry

weight of root, respectively, as compared to un-inoculated control. This bacterial isolate was also

found to carry out maximum Cr (VI) reduction (69.7%). It was also observed that vegetative parts

retained more chromium as compare to reproductive parts. This study revealed that bacterial

isolates can be used as a tool for the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil as well as to

improve the soil health which ultimately improves the plant growth.


33

O-31 ELECTRO-CHEMICAL DETOXIFICATION OF SYNTHETIC DYES

USING DIFFERENT ELECTRODES IN THE PRESENCE OF AN

ELECTROLYTE

Farrukh Raza Amin*1, Romana Khan1, Abdul Jabbar2

1 Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSAT Institute of Information Technology, Abottabad Pakistan

2 Department of Chemistry, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan


Dyes are widely used in the textile industry to color the natural fibers. The toxicity of the dyes is of

considerable interest due to the ecotoxicological and environmental problems. Dyes cause major

diseases to human beings and animals. The electrochemical reduction of the dye has been

investigated in aqueous solution using an electrochemical cell, spectrophotometer and controlled

potential electrolysis (9.00 V). Optimum conditions for dye discoloration by controlled potential

electrolysis use an alkaline medium using cathodic stripping spectrophotometer. A linear

calibration graph was obtained using accumulation times of zero time, 2, 4, 6 and 8 minutes

respectively and an accumulation potential of 9.00 Volts. Electrochemical treatment showed to be

very efficient in removing dye’s color (Reactive Dyes) 90-99.3 %.


34

O-32 AGRICULTURE UNDER STRESS FROM AIR POLLUTION EMITTING FROM

VEHICULAR AND INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS IN NORTHERN PAKISTAN

Muhammad Nauman Ahmad1*, Patrick Büker2, Lisa Emberson2, Hamid Ullah Shah1 and Mike

Ashmore2

1Agricultural Chemistry Department, Khyber Pukhtoon Khwah Agricultural University, Peshawar Pakistan

2Environment Department, University of York, York, YO10 5DD


Air pollution has increased rapidly with no knowledge of its effects on agricultural crops in the

Northern region of Pakistan. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hydrogen fluoride

(HF) on agricultural crops in Peshawar through field surveys. The HF concentrations from about

450 brick kilns around Peshawar, measured using passive samplers were higher in summer than in

winter in areas close to brick kiln fields. The mean summer concentration was 0.2μg HF m-3

, with

maximum of 0.3μg HF m-3

in May. Severe HF injuries to mango, apricot and plum leaves, in form

of necrotic leaf margins and tipburn, were found near the brick kiln fields. The fluoride content of

fruit leaves, wheat grains and spinach was significantly higher in the brick kiln area than at control

sites. It was also observed that the local community people were not aware of the toxic effects of

air pollution on crops. It was concluded that HF is s significant pollutant in Peshawar, especially for

summer crops and can change the climatic conditions for the local crops. Therefore, it is

recommended to conduct more detailed studies to determine the magnitude of damage caused by

HF in the Peshawar region and to educate people about this danger and alerting of the

consequences that can jeopardise their future food security.


35

O-33 CLIMATE CHANGE AND FUTURE FOOD SECURITY: ASSESSING THE

EFFECTS OF AMBIENT OZONE ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MUNG BEAN

(Vigna radiate, MN-98) USING ETHYLENE DIUREA (EDU) IN NORTHERN PAKISTAN

Waqar Aman1, Muhammad Nauman Ahmad1*, Hamid Ullah Shah1 and Patrick Bücker2

1KPK Agricultural University, Peshawar Pakistan

2Stockholm Environmental Institute (SEIY), University of York, UK


Mung bean (Vigna radiata, MN-98) grown in pots and exposed to ambient air at a field-site in

Peshawar (Northern Pakistan) was subjected to EDU (ethylene diurea) to assess ozone effects on

the yield and quality of this important legume. The experiment – the first of its kind in Northern

Pakistan - was carried out according to a standardised protocol from March to June, 2011.

Temperature and relative humidity were recorded half-hourly and ozone was measured using

passive samplers (double-sampling, four-weekly time steps). Weekly foliar injury assessments were

conducted, followed by a final harvest on day 84 of the experiment. The total biomass, seed weight,

no. of pods, length of pods and roots were recorded. Passive samplers results revealed that the

mean ozone concentration was significantly lower (24.2ppb) in March and April as compared to

May and June (49ppb). Leaf marginal necrosis were recorded in both EDU and non-EDU treated

plants in May and June that might be due to severe exposure to direct sunlight. No ozone visible

injury was reported during the entire experiment. However, the number and biomass of pods were

significantly reduced in non-EDU treated plants as compared to EDU treated plants. The biomass

of shoots, leaves and the root length increased significantly in EDU treated plants. Seed weight was

significantly reduced (20%) in non-EDU treated plants. The overall plant biomass was significantly

higher (30 %) in EDU treated as compared to non-EDU treated plants. It was concluded that a)

there was a close positive relationship between the ozone concentration and temperature and b)

ozone is a threat to local summer legumes grown in Pakistan, with potentially negative impacts on

food security in the region.


36

O-34 MONITORING ATMOSPHERIC FLUORIDE IN VEGETATION AROUND

BRICK-KILNS OF MUZAFFARGARH CITY – A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN

PUNJAB

BINISH KHALIQ1, ABDUL WAHID2*, MAQSOOD AHMAD3

1Institute of Pure & Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan,


Science, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan, 3Environment Protection Department, Govt. of the Punjab,

Gujranwala, Pakistan


Present study was carried out to assess effects of hydrogen fluoride (HF) on locally important

vegetables grown around the brick-kilns of Muzaffargarh (Southern Punjab, Pakistan). For this

purpose, vegetables were grouped into four categories i.e., root-vegetables, inflorescence-

vegetables, fruit-vegetables and leafy-vegetables. This study was carried out site-wise and transect-

wise from the brick-kilns in order to highlight the significance of the wind direction that usually

carries atmospheric pollutants beyond the regional and local boundaries. Fluoride concentrations

were found in nearly all vegetables in statistically significant quantities and were mostly higher

than the prescribed HF limits set by the World Health Organization and Air Quality Standards

(2006). It is worth noting that leafy and fruit vegetables were more sensitive than other ones, and

accumulation of fluoride decreased when moving away from the brick-kilns. It was concluded from

this preliminary study that atmospheric HF was definitely accumulated in the nearby vegetation of

brick-kilns above threshold concentrations and if these plants/plant parts are consumed by

humans/animals can cause serious illnesses leading to cancer as well.


37

O-35 AKAGANÉITE PRECIPITATION IN SOIL UNDER SALINE-ACID SULFATE

CONDITIONS

Irshad Bibi1,3*, Balwant Singh1, Ewen Silvester2

1Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia

2Department of Environmental Management and Ecology, La Trobe University, Wodonga, Victoria 3690, Australia

3Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan


The prevalence of sulfidic sediments in inland wetlands has been only recently recognised in many

parts of the world. The exposure of sulfidic sediments in these wetlands due to natural and human

induced drying events has resulted in the oxidation of iron sulfide minerals, the formation of

secondary iron minerals characteristic of acid sulfate soils (ASS) and the release of highly acidic

solutions. The objective of this study was to determine the mineralogy and morphology of

sediments collected from the oxidised surface horizon (0−5 cm) of an inland acid sulfate soil

located in south-western New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Random powder X-ray diffraction

(XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy

combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) techniques were used to

characterise the minerals present in these sediments. Akaganéite was identified as the major

mineral phase in the sediments; K-jarosite was also determined in small amounts in some

sediments. The minor amounts of jarosite formed at the study site are predicted to be a product of

transformation of previously precipitated akaganéite. The XRD patterns of sequentially washed (E-

pure® water-0.01 M HCl-0.01 M EDTA) sediment samples showed all akaganéite peaks; the

Rietveld refinement of these patterns also revealed a predominance of akaganéite. The chemical

analyses of the original and washed sediments using STEM-EDS clearly showed the presence of

akaganéite as a pure mineral phase with an average Fe/Cl mole ratio of 6.7 and a structural formula

of Fe8O8(OH)6.8(Cl)1.2. These findings show that the extreme saline-acidic solutions (pH ~ 2, EC =

216 dS/m) at the Bottle Bend lagoon provide ideal conditions for the crystallization of this rarely

forming mineral. The formation of secondary iron minerals (such as akaganéite) is of particular

significance due to their high reactive surface areas and their ability to affect the mobility and

bioavailability of metals in the environment through adsorption and coprecipitation processes.


38

O-36 BIOMASS BURNING TRACERS IN ORGANIC AEROSOLS, COLLECTED FROM

SOUTH OF SWEDEN

Murtaza Hyder1*, Jan Åke Jönsson2

1Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO),

2Centre for analysis and synthesis,

Department of chemistry, Lund University, Sweden


One of the important sources of airborne particulate matter is fuel burning. Plant matter, or

biomass, has served as one of the primary energy forms utilized by humans for essential activities.

The knowledge about the contribution of different sources to atmospheric aerosols is of great

importance. Analysis of the tracer molecules from organic aerosol is helpful in determining the

contribution of different sources to atmospheric aerosols. Levoglucosan and other anhydro-sugars

are believed to be important tracers produced from pyrolysis of cellulosic part of wood while lignin

pyrolysis yields various characteristic compounds like phenols, aldehyde, ketones, carboxylic acids

and alcohols, for which structure can be traced back to the lignin characteristic monomers. Syringic

Acid, Vanillic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid are some aromatic acids with OCH3 and OH

substituent on phenyl ring that have been found in biomass burning smoke in various studies. In

present study we analyzed biomass-burning tracers in aerosol samples collected from southern part

of Sweden. Sampling was carried out for complete one year on weekly basis. Samples were

extracted using dichloromethane and methanol mixture with ultrasonic assistance. Concentrated

extracts were derivatized with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) containing 1 %

trimethylsilyl chloride. Analysis for biomass burning tracers, levoglucosan, mannosan, glactosan,

syringic acid, vanillic acid, and salicylic acid was done using gas chromatography mass

spectrometry (GC-MS). Levoglucosan concentration was found in a range of 2 – 153 (average

46.7) ng.m-3

, for mannosan, it was 0.3 – 14.8 (average 4) ng.m-3

, and for glactosan, it was 0.3 –

19.3 (average 5.2) ng.m-3

. Individual concentrations of vanillic acid, syringic acid and salicylic acid

were found below 3 ng.m-3

. Mannosan was found 2.2 – 19.5 % with an average 9.9 % of

levoglucosan concentration. While glactosan concentration was 5.1 – 19.4 % with an average of

11.6 % of levoglucosan. Levoglucosan was found to account for 0.12 – 14.1 % of OC with an

average of 3.6 %. Collective contribution of syringic acid, vanillic acid and salicylic acid to OC

was less than 0.5 %. All the tracers analysed, shown an increasing trend in the concentration during

winter times and a good correlation was found among them.


39

O-37 THE ROLE OF WRF LAND SURFACE SCHEMES ON WEATHER

SIMULATIONS IN DELHI REGION

Sarika Jain1*, Rupender Singh2, Ramesh Raghava3

1, 3 Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, Delhi,

2Netaji Subash Institute of Technology, Dwarka, Delhi


In this paper we are analysing the effect of Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) land surface

schemes (LSMs) on weather simulation in Delhi region. The widely used WRF model provides a

few land surface schemes (LSMs) to compute heat and moisture fluxes over land surface. The

LSMs differ in complexity and approaches used. In order to assess their role on weather

simulations in the Delhi region, we performed WRF simulations for 30 km resolution domains over

the Delhi region. We used the four LSMs provided with WRF: 6-layer Rapid Update Cycle (RUC),

5-layer thermal diffusion, 2-layer Pleim-Xiu scheme (together with the Pleim-Xiu surface layer and

the ACM boundary layer models), and 4-layer Noah scheme. We focused on summers of 2009. The

RUC scheme showed stronger-wind, warmer, and drier biases. The Pleim-Xiu scheme is giving

best result for the temperature and Wind Speed. Thermal Scheme is giving best results for Relative

humidity. So we can say that if we compare only LSP’s by keeping other schemes same then Pleim

is the scheme which is giving best results for Temperature (Cumulative PDF - Pleim Xiu Scheme

error < 3 degree is approx. 60%) and Wind Speed. Thermal Scheme is giving good results for

Relative Humidity. Weather underground provides local & long range Weather Forecast, weather

reports, maps & tropical weather conditions for locations worldwide. The simulation results are

compared to the weather Underground measurement data.


40

O-38 ASSESSMENT OF OUTDOOR PARTICULATE MATTER POLLUTANT IN

SIALKOT AND ITS SOCIO-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL IMPACTS

Muhammad Waseem Mumtaz1*, Muhammad Danish1 , Muhammad Zubair1 , Nadeem Zafer1,

Ahtisham Raza2, Mahrban Ashiq1, Saad Afzal1

1 Department of Chemistry, University of Gujrat, Pakistan,

2 Integrated Environmental Laboratory, Lahore, Pakistan


Present study deals with the estimation of the outdoor particulate matter pollution in Sialkot city of

Pakistan to evaluate its associated socio-epidemiological impacts. Using iso-kinetic conditions

particulate matter was estimated. PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0, PM 10.0 concentrations were ranged from

282 – 528 µg/m3, 360 – 677 µg/m

3, 382 – 724µg/m

3, 440 – 843 µg/m

3 , respectively. China Chowk

was found to be the most polluted area with highest levels of particulate matter. Particulate matter

load in the ambient air of Sialkot city was depicted to be noncompliance with NEQS guideline

values. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) ascertained significant difference among PM

concentrations at all sampling points on average basis with p-value < 0.05. Flue, cough, eye and

skin problems were the most common epidemiological impacts being faced by the general public

by 25.4%, 37.3%, 20.9% and 16.4%, respectively.


41

O-39 A MICROBIALLY-BASED MODEL OF C AND N CYCLES WHERE SOIL

MICROBES AND PLANT ACT IN SYNCHRONY- CONSEQUENCE FOR ECOSYSTEM

RESPONSE TO GLOBAL CHANGE

Nazia Perveen1*, Sébastien Barot1, Gaël Alvarez1, Sébastien Fontaine1

1INRA, UR874 Unité Recherche d’Ecosystème Prairial, n°5, Chemin de Beaulieu 63039, Clermont Ferrand.


Integration of priming effect (PE) in agroecosystem models is central challenge to predict

consequences of global change on ecosystem carbon (C) fluxes and feedback on climate, and to

design new agricultural practices with minimum use of fertilizers. PE corresponds to the

acceleration of mineralization of recalcitrant soil organic matter (SOM) after addition of fresh

organic matter (FOM) to soil that leads to the stimulation of soil microbes. Over the last decade

many models were built to simulate PE. However, PE has never been inserted in plant-soil model to

analyze its consequences on ecosystem properties. The objective of this work is to build a simple

model of soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics by taking into account PE, soil-plant relations and

plant-microbial interactions. Our approach is to integrate the plant in the model of Fontaine and

Barot (2005) and to analyze it mathematically at equilibrium followed by numerical simulations.

Taking together, our results suggest that PE is the necessary universal mechanism through which

nutrients are shared between plant and micro-organisms via a bank mechanism. In a permanent

vegetation cover, this mechanism helps to synchronize the availability of soluble nutrients to plant

requirements during temporal fluctuations and the existence of decomposers in their limitations by

C or a limiting mineral nutrient. Our results can allow designing highly-efficient food production

system that will minimize nutrient losses (leaching and denitrification) and fertilizer application

while leading to long-term SOM accumulation.

.


42

O-40 EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON CARBON SEQUESTRATION IN

GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM

Muhammad Sanaullah1,2*, Cornelia Rumpel1 and Abad Chabbi1,3

1ISES, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad;

2BIOEMCO, CNRS-INRA-Université Paris VI, Thiverval-Grignon,

France; 3UEFE, INRA Poitou-Charentes, Lusignan, France.


Warm and dry climate caused by anthropogenic climatic changes may alter plant biochemical

composition and ultimately its decomposition behavior in soil. The objective of this study was to

investigate the effects of future warming and summer drought on the biochemical composition of

aerial litter from forage plants and the potential mineralization of this modified material in soil. Our

conceptual approach was based on the sampling of aerial forage plant litter of two grassland species

(Festuca arundinacea and Dactylis glomerata) at the end of spring and in summer. Moreover, we

sampled plant material exposed to elevated temperature by infrared heating of the canopy (+6°C)

during summer. We analyzed for elemental and stable carbon isotope composition of this material

as well as lignin and non-cellulosic neutral carbohydrate contents. The mineralization potential of

the forage litter in soil was evaluated under optimum laboratory conditions. Additionally, we

examined their effect on the potential mineralization of native soil organic matter (SOM). Drought

stress significantly changed the elemental and isotopic composition of both plant species with

increased N contents and lower C/N ratio. The δ13

C values also clearly indicated consistent

variations in stomatal conductance during the dry summer period. This increased N contents and

lower C/N ratio resulted in higher mineralization of drought affected plant material. In contrast,

there was no significant of heating on plant elemental and isotopic compositions, while plant

biochemical composition changed under elevated temperature. Priming effects of plant material

subjected to climatic stresses seems to be governed by alterations in plant chemical composition

rather than stoichiometry. So, different mineralization rates of plant materials produced under

different climatic conditions might indicate their altered trends towards carbon sequestration in soil.


43

O-41 DID THE CLIMATE OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN BECOME WARMER DURING

THE PAST 30 YEARS (1981-2010)?

Farhat Abbas1*

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.


Prolonged droughts and uneven monsoons have adversely affected socioeconomic and

environmental conditions of Pakistan especially of the Punjab province. The objective of this

modeling approach is to evaluate climate change patterns by analyzing time series data of climate

extremes (minimum and maximum temperatures) data. Thirty years (1981-2010) of climate

extremes data were collected from five representative cities across Punjab, i.e., Multan,

Bahawalnagar, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Rawalpindi, Thirteen temperature indices, established by

the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection, Monitoring and Indices (ETCCDMI), were

calculated using above data and RClimDex software. Mann-Kendall Test and Sen's Slope Estimates

were used to detect rare, general, and prevailing climate trends. The results indicated consistent

patterns of global warming over most of the province. Overall, extremely warm events have

increased and the extremely cold temperature events have decreased for the analysis period. Cool

nights have significantly decreased and hot nights have significantly increased. All the cities

experienced the most number of cold spells during 1984. Regionally averaged per decade summer

days (when temperature was > 25oC) and tropical nights (when temperature was > 20

oC) were

computed to increase by 5 and 8, respectively.


44

O-42 HOW DOES RESOURCE AVAILABILITY AFFECT PLANT RESPONSE TO

OZONE?

Muhammad Adrees 1,2 *, Sally Power2 , Farhat Abbas1

1Departmetn of Environmental Science, Government College University, Faisalabad Pakistan 38000;

2Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY.


Nitrogen deposition may modify the effects of increasing tropospheric ozone on plant communities.

Our evidence suggests that negative responses to ozone are exacerbated under conditions of high N

availability. This highlights the importance of considering interactions between pollutants in the

evaluation of critical levels (or loads) for semi-natural ecosystems. During the last century,

concentrations of ozone (O3) in the troposphere have risen considerably as a result of anthropogenic

activities. O3 is an important phytotoxic air pollutant, with current ambient concentrations high

enough to cause visible O3 injury and detrimental effects on plant growth in many parts of the

world. Some evidence exists to suggest that environmental factors such as soil fertility and nitrogen

deposition may influence plant sensitivity to O3. An experiment was, therefore, established to

examine the effects of these two global change issues, in combination. Two plant species Trifolium

repens and Festuca ovina were exposed to O3 under differing levels of N addition to address the

question of how soil resource availability (nitrogen status) affects plant response to O3 in a grass-

legume mixture. Mixed species pots were exposed to ozone in a series of 16 open top chambers at

Silwood Park (Ascot) for a period of 16 weeks. Ozone exposure was carried out from 9am-6pm

daily, with target concentrations of 0 ppb, 30 ppb, 60 ppb and 90 ppb (resulting in seasonal AOT40

values from 0 – 25,492 ppb.h). In addition, weekly applications of Hoagland’s solution with

nitrogen levels equivalent to 0 or 50 kg N ha-1

were given to pairs of pots over the course of the

experiment. Plant performance was monitored during the exposure period, after which

aboveground plant material was harvested, separated into living, senescent or dead material and

then oven dried and weighed. Below ground biomass was also measured, following root washing.

Results show a negative effect of O3 and N on above-ground biomass of T. repens and positive

effects of both pollutants on the biomass of F. ovina. Aboveground biomass reductions of 80.6%

(HO3+N) and 70% (HO3-N) for T. repens indicate greater effects of ozone in high N treatments.

Below-ground biomass also showed a significant decrease in ozone treatments (44.6%, HighO3+N

and 35.8% HighO3-N) compared with filtered air. Overall, results suggest that N deposition may

exacerbate the effects of O3 on legumes, driving changes in plant productivity and community

composition.


45

O-43 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN PAKISTAN ON SNOW AND GLACIER

MELTING USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS

Amjad Ali*1, Ather Ashraf1, Rashid Saleem2

1Center of Geographical Information System, University of the Punjab Lahore;

2 Institute of geology, University of the Punjab Lahore


Due to climate change and global warming, frozen water resources have been losing their mass at an

unprecedented rate, not only, reducing the ice and glacier mass but increasing the number and extent of glacial

lakes.. The global warming can have a strong impact on river flows in Pakistan. This may be due to the melting of

snow and glaciers at a higher rate and changes in precipitation patterns. Now snow occurs in late winter and

disappears in early summer, hence, reducing the residency period to complete metamorphic processes for

conversion into ice and glacier. Snow and glacier volume and snow covered area decreasing day by day due to

climate change. Glaciers are quit sensitive to climate change therefore, the studies and monitoring of glacier has

gained importance and a lot of work has been conducted all over the world during recent years. As a case study

climate change impact assessment on glacier melting were studies at Mangla catchment area using the

advancement of remote sensing and GIS. Due to periodic Revisits of satellites over the area of interest, it is now

convenient to monitor the snow cover at regular intervals. Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer

(MODIS) is a reliable sensor, due to its spatial, temporal and radiometric resolution. In addition elevation data

from Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) is used for the production of Digital Elevation Model (DEM).

The temporal snow cover is derived from Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI). Temperature data of

various years is being used to identify the impact of climate variability on snow cover. Temporal analysis of snow

cover using spatial analysis tools revealed variations in snow cover of the study area during different year 2000 to

2011 data. The results of present study show good agreement between temperature change and snow and glacier

melting. As global warming increase frozen reservoirs of waters are decreasing.


46

O-44 UNUSUAL RAINFALL PATTERN DURING MONSOON PERIOD IN INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

WHICH FLASH FLOODING IN NORTHERN ASIA AND RIVERINE FLOODING

IN SOUTHERN ASIA UNDER SCOPE OF GIS

Muhammad Arslan*1, Muhammad Tauseef1, Mehtab Gul1, Iftikhar Ahmad2

1College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Pakistan

2 National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jhang Road, Faisalabad.


Flooding is a serious, devastating, and catastrophic hazard that many countries face regularly. During 2010,

uplifting of monsoon, trade winds, to higher altitudes caused 34 days fuel recharge from Arabian sea which

resulted in intense rainfall after condensation. Justified reason was synergistic effect of uplifting of monsoon and

blocking event in jet stream. In the second half of July, Blocking Even froze the meander of Jet stream over

Europe and Asia. Extreme rainfall occurred in Upper Asia and catastrophic flooding was reported in south Asia.

Uplifting of Monsoon with moisture content was continued upto this period (app. 34 days) and more and more

trade winds came from Indian Ocean. In the start of July, 2010, changes in monsoon pattern caused the most

severe flooding in Pakistan’s history. It has been estimated that, by using flood simulation and GIS overlays

technique with original waterways, changes in monsoon pattern caused one fifth of the country to be inundated.

Flooding remained continued in late July and rainwater from the highlands enters into major rivers which affected

nearby areas of Indus River. In the late July, In the late July, calamity was observed in major areas of Sindh. Heavy

monsoon rains affected one fifth of total area of Pakistan which was inundated and rest of was in danger. In early

August, flood waters began to recede in the southern provinces. Level of water in the Indus River continued to rise

more and more, however, as it travelled southward, flooding in eight districts of Punjab and thousands of communities

along Indus River occurred. More than 250 mm of rain fell over a 36-hour period. Abeyant policies by PID caused

destruction in Jacobabad which was not normal Indus waterway. Finally, the first week of August became worst week

of extreme flooding and land sliding in Pakistan. However, these floods were big source of hydel energy from which

energy plan of Pakistan can be ameliorated if simulation was taken on time. Simulation analysis explains that such

climate changes are very often in future as well which may help to meet energy crisis as well as water deterioration.

Associated reasons behind these floods were monsoon winds moved to higher altitude caused more fuel recharge

from Arabian Sea and integrated unusual holding patterns in the jet stream caused weather systems stopped, violation

of Indus Water Treaty 1960, and heightening Monsoon activity by the la Niña phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean.

47

O-45 RAINFALL-RUNOFF MODEL UNCERTAINTY USING SATELLITE BASED

RAINFALL DATA IN A MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION FRAMEWORK

Haris Akram Bhatti1,2*, Tom Rientjes1, Wouter Verhoef1, Alemseged T. Haile3

1Department of Water Resources, Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of

Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands; 2Department of Civil Engineering, NED University of Engineering and

Technology, Karachi, Pakistan; 3African Climate Policy Centre, UN Economic Commission for Africa, Addis

Ababa, Ethiopia


In this study, we test the high resolution satellite rainfall product (CMORPH) (Joyce et al., 2004)

for rainfall-runoff modeling. The study area is the Gilgil Abbey catchment, Ethiopia that has

relatively low density of rain gauge stations. For rainfall-runoff modeling, we selected the lumped

conceptual, water balance based HBV model (Lindström et al., 1997). The study aims to assess

how model parameter uncertainty is affected when gauged rainfall model input is replaced by

satellite based rainfall estimates. For uncertainty assessments, we rely on a multi-objective

optimization framework. The specific objectives of this research are (i) to evaluate accuracy of the

CMORPH rainfall product (ii) to evaluate HBV model performance for a) gauged rainfall input

data, b) CMORPH input data and c) bias corrected CMORPH input data and (iii) to assess model

parameter uncertainty for these three cases. For parameter uncertainty assessment, we selected the

Multi ALgorithm Genetically Adaptive Method (AMALGAM) for multi-objective optimization

(Vrugt and Robinson, 2007). This algorithm incorporates the attributes of several optimization

algorithms and gives reliable and efficient solution to multi-objective optimization problems

(Zhang et al., 2009). Model performance is assessed by Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (NS) (Nash and

Sutcliffe, 1970), Relative Volumetric Error (RVE) and a weighted combination of NSE and RVE

objective functions. Results of this study help to better understand the efficiency and application of

CMORPH rainfall products for rainfall-runoff modeling and water resources assessments in

general.


48

O-46 A GIS BASED DRASTIC MODEL FOR ASSESSING GROUNDWATER VULNERABILITY

Sajid Rashid Ahmad*1, Rashid Saleem1

1 Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan


The materialization of Remote Sensing and GIS technologies has substantially eased the problems of groundwater.

Groundwater is a key resource for global agricultural production but is vulnerable to a changing climate. Proper

utilization of these can provide more vital information in managing such inadequate resource. GIS can help to

integrate, analyze and represent spatial information and database of any resource, which could be easily used for

planning of resource development, environmental protection and scientific researches and investigations. A

preliminary assessment of vulnerability to groundwater contamination in Lahore district was undertaken to assess

the impact on groundwater. The Information on the hydraulic confinement, overlying strata in terms of their depth

of water, net recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography and hydraulic conductivity was incorporated into the

DRASTIC model, to produce groundwater vulnerability maps. GIS was used for indexing and overlaying the

different data sources to create a groundwater vulnerability map. The integration of such groundwater features of

different periods and their analysis with structural features provided some newer information on geo-system

processes and their interface dynamics with hydro-systems, from which, certain strategies were suggested for

better groundwater management.


http://academic.research.microsoft.com/Keyword/1074/agricultural-production

49

O-47 REMOTE SENSING AND GIS FOR DENGUE EPIDEMIC RISK MAPPING

IN LAHORE

Bilal Tariq1*, Arjumand Z. Zaidi2

1Department of Remote Sensing & Geo-information Sciences, Institute of Space Technology (IST), Karachi

Campus; 2Assitant Professor, Department of Remote Sensing & Geo-information Sciences, Institute of Space

Technology (IST), Karachi Campus


Over the last two decades, dengue fever has become a major mosquito borne disease in Pakistan. Dengue

outbreaks were reported in the major cities of Pakistan especially in Lahore where the number of dengue cases

increases radically in 2011 making it the worst epidemic disease in the national history. This situation has emerged

as a serious threat to public health and managing and controlling risks of dengue outbreaks are being given a

serious consideration by the concerned local and provincial departments. It has been observed that dengue virus

grows in specific climatic conditions and there are some environmental factors (EFs) that promote its growth. The

objective of this paper is to propose an advance approach to identify the risk prone areas by linking these factors

with dengue outbreaks using satellite data and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques. The Remote

Sensing (RS) and GIS techniques used in this study are proven to be more efficient and cost effective as compared

to the traditional approaches. Information provided in terms of spatial and temporal distribution patterns of dengue

fever outbreaks in Lahore and its relationships with EFs are helpful in developing dengue risk maps. Assessment

of dengue risk maps based on EFs, investigates the dengue risk prone areas of Lahore. These maps will help

concerned departments in managing dengue outbreaks in a more informed and effective manner. The EFs used for

this study are Land Surface Temperature (LST), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), precipitation,

air temperature and humidity. The results show that most of the cases occurred in residential areas near hospitals

and those areas that have received heavy rainfall followed by high NDVI and high temperatures.


50

O-48 MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN CONTEXT OF CLIMATE

CHANGE SCENARIO IN PAKISTAN

Luqman Atique1*, Abdul Malik1, Shahid Mehmood1

1 Department of Meteorology, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Park Road,

Chak Shahzad, Islamabad


Climate change is a present day reality and the developing countries like Pakistan are most at risk.

Warming of our climate system is beyond any doubt and unambiguous as concluded in the Fourth

Assessment Report (AR4) by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2007.

Over the last one hundred years (1905-2006), the world has warmed up by three-quarters of a

degree Celsius. Human are exposed to climate change directly through the weather patterns and

indirectly through changes in air, water, food, ecosystems, agriculture, livelihoods and

infrastructure. The IPCC has warned and anticipated widespread increase in extreme precipitation

with greater risks of flooding owing to intense precipitation over Pakistan. Pakistan is highly

vulnerable to adverse vagaries of climate change. Mitigation and adaptation to climate change has

turned out to be the key priority issue for the country particularly for urban areas as the cities are

more vulnerable due to a high concentration of population and economic activities in a relatively

small space. This demands capacity building of cities to develop and implement adaptation

measures. Population and infrastructure in the far and wide of Pakistan will be particularly

vulnerable to flooding from extreme precipitation. Poor planning has contributed to a reduction of

the resilience of ecosystem services on which populace depends. Climate change will make life in

the cities more and more miserable, unless measures for adaptation and control of environmental

degradation are taken immediately. It is pertinent to assess the capacity of city’s infrastructure and

services to cope with climate change and climate related disasters as the situation would lead to

social issues such as migration, competition and conflicts. The ultimate objective of adaptation is to

decrease the vulnerability of ecosystems and societies. There is need for systematic sector-based

work where climate-related issues typically include disciplines, sectors and administrative regions

and, therefore, cannot be dealt with within single sectors or organizations. Hence dedicated efforts

are needed to bridge the gaps between sectoral organizations, in order to share relevant information

concerning risks and their management as well as achieve efficiencies and synergies. This study

suggests and arrives at climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in context of current climate

change scenario in Pakistan and more importantly the adaptation strategies for sustainable

agricultural practices based on a participative vulnerability assessment and identification of

adaptation measures that aim to provide valuable insights to policy makers, urban planners, local

governmental organization and stakeholders. To meet the challenges of climate change in Pakistan,

the planning process should comprise of the following steps: (1) identify current and future climate

changes as accurately as possible; (2) assess the vulnerabilities and risks especially the poor

communities; (3) develop an adaptation strategy using risk based prioritization schemes; (4)

identify opportunities for co-benefits and synergies across sectors; and (5) adaptation options to be

identified based on past experience and extensive public and expert consultations.


51

O-49 SEABUCKTHORN RESOURCE - FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND

ECO PRESERVATION OF HIGH ALTITUDE / COLD DESERT AREAS

DP Attrey1*

1Amity Institute of Seabuckthorn Research, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, NOIDA-201303


Seabuckthorn (SBT) plays an important role in the sustainable development and eco-preservation

of high altitude/cold desert areas. SBT is nature’s bio factory, having >200 bioactive components,

32 types of fatty acids, 36 types of flavonoides and phenols and 24 kinds of minerals and trace

elements. It has huge potential for conversion into health foods and medicines. Important bio-

molecules include the vitamins, organic acids; flavonoides, phenols; carotenoides; sterols; betaine;

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT); coumarin and ursolic acid etc. More than 90 % total fatty acids are

essential viz Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. Role of SBT as Neuroprotective, Hepatoprotective,

Cardio protective, Radio protective, Anti inflammatory, Anti oxidant, Anti microbial, Anti

Ulcerative, Immunomodulator and even as anti diabetic has been reported. A number of products

having health, medicinal and cosmetic benefits can be developed from SBT fruits and leaves

through value addition. Enhancing SBT resource through cultivation will go a long way in

economic development of cold desert areas. India and Pakistan have 11500 and 5000 ha area under

wild SBT resource respectively. Only a few plant species can survive in cold desert areas due to

adverse climatic conditions. Soil and water erosion are major problems of hilly mountains. SBT can

effectively prevent soil erosion and surface run-off, since it has an extensive root system which

helps it in tolerating moisture stress and protects it from strong winds. That is why SBT is an ideal

plant for flood protection on river banks or checking the streams, wasteland development, sand

dune fixation and control of soil erosion through wind and water. Seabuckthorn roots contain

nodules which are produced by symbiotic mycorrhizal fungus–Frankia, which help in nitrogen

fixation and improvement in soil fertility. Siltation process of rivers is likely to be reduced

substantially with SBT plantation through prevention of land slides. This plant could be propagated

near all the major rivers in the Himalayas, so that the Himalayan eco-system will be protected. SBT

is not just a plant with nutritional, health and medicinal properties; it also has great economic value,

besides providing significant environmental benefits in many countries e.g. to combat

desertification and preventing soil erosion in China; to improve soil quality in Germany; to reclaim

wastelands in Poland and to enhance wildlife habitats in Canada etc. SBT plants help the flora and

fauna by providing adequate food, thermal cover, protection, nesting site for songbirds and

excellent escape cover for upland game birds. Once established, SBT propagates very fast on its

own through suckers. Mixed farming of SBT with maize, potato and fruit trees can result in an

increased yield of revenue. Residues of fruit, pulp and leaves could be used as an excellent source

of fodder for cattle. It will also enhance employment opportunities and sustainable development of

cold desert areas through its cultivation in waste lands without much investment. Development and

commercialization of Leh Berry Juice has laid the foundation of a sustainable SBT industry in

India. The revenue generated from value added products of SBT can ensure a good quality of life to

the people of these cold desert areas on sustainable basis.


52

O-50 COMMUNITY FOREST MANAGEMENT: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION

AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN NEPAL

Nirmal Kumar BK1*

1Human and Natural Resource Studies Centre, Balkuamri, Guwarko Chowk, Kathamndu University, Nepal


Community forestry management practice is recognized as important climate change adaptation

and potential mitigation strategy, by climate change policy and National Adaptation Programme of

Action (NAPA) in Nepal. Based on the paper presenter’s 10 years long experience in the issues and

the study of six community forest user groups, three from each of DFID/UK and CARE supported

groups, the finding shows that the practice is initiated and groups are formed to address the issues

of natural hazards and mal-adaptation practices the local people followed previously both in

responses to changes in local forest ecosystem and to socio-economic condition due to climate

change. The practices of forest management not only increase the adaptation of forest through

restoration of forest ecosystem, but also is suitable mechanism for planned, decentralized, cost

effective, linked and inclusive adaptation strategies to poor and marginalized member of the

groups. However, the people who are member of the groups have opportunity to get benefit from

the benefit of management including adaptation fund while there are some households/communities

are excluded from the groups. Also, limitation on extraction of forest products is in some instances

undermining the livelihoods strategies of the forest dependant people limiting their adaptation

capacity. There are also issues of resource access with members in particular can be constrained by

poorly aligned jurisdiction. Simultaneously, the community forestry management promotes entry

points for pro-poor mitigation strategies. The growing stock of forest particularly in hills increased

and the community forestry user groups have established resource distribution system based on

wealth ranking of the groups, the mitigation strategies specifically the REDD mechanism may

benefit to the poor category of the users. However, we find that the executive committees of

CFUGs are politicized and the political ideology affects resource distribution. Also, there are high

value forest trees, the illegal sale of which offers considerable financial intensives. So, particularly

in the Terai, the conservation and management of forest may be competing with very high

opportunity costs. Also, there are significant issues of land tenure conflicts between people and

Government, VDCs (Village Development Committee), and communities, the result of which does

not favor the protection, management and conservation of forest. The findings suggest that climate change friendly approach needs to integrate in the policy of constitutions and operational plan preparation process of community forest management. As the groups are growing as a local adaption funding institutions, the role of CFUGs should also be linked with sources of credit and low-interest loans. In addition, to increase the community forest for mitigation, climate change sensitive forest management guidelines needs to developed and linked with national forestry activities.


53

O-51 WASTEWATER RECYCLING FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN WATER

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Tejwant Singh Brar1*

1 School Of Architecture and Planning, Sharda University, Greater Noida, U.P., India.


The urban population in India is presently about 27.8% of the total population (Census of India,

2001) and is expected to reach 50% by 2050 at the present growth rate. This number would be 820

million by 2050 (Agrawal, C.S., Mittal, S., Goyal, H., 2000), which would further aggravate the

currently strained water resources in the urban areas. There is a rapid increase in demand of water

supply which has resulted in increase in wastewater and untreated sewage (The National

Commission On Urbanisation, 1988). The wastewater, disposal has resulted in many environmental

problems such as the contamination and pollution of ground water, pollution of water bodies etc.

the situation is particularly very grim in small and medium towns (Central Pollution Control Board,

2001). In this paper case study of Patiala city has been undertaken to review and analyze the effects

of disposal of untreated wastewater on the urban stream and ground water quality. This paper gives

categorical analysis of present scenario and various technologies available for restoring the water

quality of urban streams and ground water. A comparison has been made between the centralized

wastewater treatment system (CTS) and decentralized wastewater treatment system (DTS) on the

quality of water disposed off in the streams and their respective economic viability in different

situations.


54

O-52 GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT BY RECHARGING THE AQUIFER

WITH CAPTURED RAINWATER OR STREAM WATER

Muhammad Yasin Khan1*

Independent Renewable & Environment Professional, 2180-Block 17, St. # 3 Chichawatni 57200-Pakistan


Environmental pollution and presence of underground hard water is causing unavailability of safe

drinking water in Pakistan. Groundwater is the main resource of drinking, irrigation and industrial

use. Groundwater is charged by surface water, precipitation, or the storm water through infiltration.

The industrial waste-water and municipal sewerage containing bacteria of E.Coli, Cholera, and

parasites of Giardia is directly disposed off into the canals and streams, which consequently are

absorbed into the soil and contaminate the groundwater. Infiltration water also dissolves the

hardness forming minerals present in the soil and makes the groundwater hard. Water table is

usually very low in arid areas. To manage the groundwater quality and water table depth, author

has devised a mechanism to recharge the groundwater resource in a way that the rooftop rainwater

and the storm water after filtration and oxidation is directly channeled to the water table via

plurality of pipes or cemented dug bores. This recharge reaches water table without mixing with the

polluted surface water or hardness forming minerals present in the soil. Such kind of large scale

rechargers, if installed in open ground to collect storm water, and low cost mini rechargers installed

in buildings to collect rooftop rain water and to recharge the aquifer, the groundwater quality of the

town will improve gradually. This system of artificial recharge can also help to raise the water table

resulting in the reduction of pumping costs. Author holds the patent rights of the invention, patent #

140451 issued October 15, 2010.


55

O-53 CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ATMOSPHERIC AEROSOLS IN

DIFFERENT CITIES OF PAKISTAN

Imran Shahid1,2*, Magdalena Kister1, Heidi Bauer1, Hans Puxbaum1

1Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria

2Department of Space Science, Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan


Atmospheric aerosols or particulate matter (PM) have become of vital importance since two

decades due to their role in ambient air quality, climate change and adverse health effects. The

atmospheric pollution and extreme weather events have become a serious problem in developing

countries like Pakistan. Carbonaceous species makes large fraction of the atmospheric aerosol

which plays an important role in the atmospheric chemistry, radiative transfer and health effects.

Carbonaceous species mainly consist of elemental carbon/black carbon (EC / BC) and organic

carbon (OC). In this study an attempt was made to study the chemical composition of particulate

matter, their possible sources, and the contribution of wood smoke particles to organic carbon (OC)

and particulate matter (PM) in Islamabad during winter time (December 2007) and in Karachi

during pre moon soon period (March - April 2009). The PM concentrations in Karachi were

ranged between 42µg/m3 and 120µg/m

3 (mean 75.21µg/m

3) for PM2.5 and from 255 and 792

µg/m3 (mean 437µg/m

3) for PM10. The levoglucosan concentration is found to be in the range

52ng/m3

– 185ng/m3

(average 99ng/m3) and 91ng/m

3 – 398ng/m

3 (average 210ng/m

3) for PM2.5

and PM10, respectively. While in case of Islamabad the concentration of TSP varied from

218.9µg/m3 to 468µg/m

3 (mean 343µg/m

3) and PM10 Concentrations were in the range of 89.73 -

304.82 µg/m3 (mean 194 µg/m

3). Contribution of biomass burning to PM was calculated using

levoglucosan as a tracer. In Karachi, the biomass smoke OC constitute 5 - 25% of PM-OC in both

fractions however biomass contribution to total PM mass was found to be 2 - 8 %. In case of

Islamabad wood smoke contributes 9 – 13% of total PM mass in TSP and 16 – 22% in PM10. A

good correlation were observed between PM10, TSP and Ca++

which implies that mineral / road

dust may be major contributor to PM in Islamabad. Sea salt contribution was calculated using water

soluble Na as tracer and 3 - 15% contribution of sea salt to total PM mass.


56

O-54 EFFECT OF PENTACHLOROPHENOL ON PHOSPHOLIPID FATTY ACIDS

AND FRACTIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF PCP IN RHIZOSPHERE

OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVE L.)

Tahir Hayat1,2,3* and Jianming Xu1.2

aCollege of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University;

bProvincial Key Laboratory of

Subtropical Soil and Plant Nutrition, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; cDepartment of Environmental Sciences,

PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi Pakistan.


Rhizoremediation is an emerging technology for remediating organic pollutants such as

pentachlorophenol (PCP) in soils. Wetland plants like rice contain aerenchyma tissue, which

channel air transports from the leaves to the roots, and uniquely develop aerobic-anaerobic

interfaces in the rhizosphere. To investigate the rice rhizosphere effects on the dynamic changes of

various extractable fractions of PCP and the microbial community, a glasshouse experiment was

conducted by using a rhizobox in which rice seedlings were grown for 45 days. The soil was spiked

with 20 and 45mg kg-1 PCP. Soil in the rhizobox was divided into five compartments at various

distances from the roots. Sequential PCP extractions were conducted with three extractants: CaCl2

(0.01molL-1), butanol (99%), and DCM (99%). Butanol extractable form of PCP showed a

significant difference in the rhizosphere at 3mm distance from the roots at both PCP levels. Thirty

four phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs）in the rice rhizosphere were identified in soils given the two

different PCP concentrations. The total soil PLFAs concentration in the planted soils ranged from

29 to 52 nmol g-1. The highest concentration of PLFAs was at 3 mm distance from the roots at both

PCP concentrations. The results suggest that the aerobic-anaerobic interface established by the root

in the rhizosphere of rice increases PCP dissipation in the rice rhizosphere.


57

O-55 COMPUTATION OF CITRUS SINENSIS FOR REMOVAL AND RECOVERY OF

LEAD FROM WASTE WATER

Muhammad Ahmad1*

1Lecturer, Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000 Pakistan


Lead (Pb (II)) binding capacity by a natural and low cost agro waste adsorbent Citrus sinensis peels

(CSP) in original, chemically (surfactant, acid, organic solvents) and physically pretreated

immobilized (PVA-Na alginate, Na alginate) form was carried out. Batch adsorption experiments

demonstrated that the rate of Pb (II) sorption increases fastly initially, reaching up to maximum

sorption capacity of 88 mgg-1

after that it attains equilibrium with in 60 min at the pH of 4.5 with

optimized dose of 0.1 g having particle size of 0.71 mm. Kinetic data were successfully described

by a pseudo-second-order model revealing that adsorption is rate controlled. Applicability of

Langmuir isotherm on adsorption data indicated the monolayer coverage of the sorbate. These

results inferred that pretreatment and immobilization reduced the sorption tendency from 88 mgg-1

-

23mgg-1

. Regeneration of metal was attained up to 80 % using EDTA as eluting agent. CSP being a

cheap, highly selective and easily regeneratable biomass seems to be a promising substrate to

entrap Pb (II) ions in aqueous solutions.


58

O-56 PHYCO-REMEDIATION OF TEXTILE WASTEWATER AND REUSE OF

TREATED WASTEWATER AS IRRIGATION

Rashid Waqas1*, Muhammad Arshad1

1Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan


The release of unloaded azodyes by textile and other industries in neighboring water bodies causes

severe water pollution. The use of this azodyes contaminated wastewater for crop production has

been increased alarmingly in surrounding areas of these industries allowing the dangerous azodyes

and their metabolites to enter our food chain. The application of algae for phycoremediation of

textile wastewater and its reuse as irrigation is a feasible option. Therefore this study discusses

current knowledge regarding wastewater treatment using algae isolated from fresh and salt water

bodies. In addition, the phycoremediated wastewater application to crop plants not only removes

the threat of hazardous materials to enter our food chain but also employ the reuse ability of textile

wastewater and obtaining better crop production. Overall, the algal use not only helps in treating

the contaminated wastewaters and makes them reusable again for plants but also produce biomass

which could be used for biodiesel production.


59

O-57 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAZARDS IN SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIAL

WORKERS OF IRON FURNITURE MANUFACTURING UNITS (IMUF): A SITUATION

ANALYSIS IN PAKISTAN

Saima Aslam Bharwana1*, Shafaqat Ali1, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq1

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Corresponding Author: [email protected]

The main objective of this research is to identify factors that affect worker productivity,

occupational health and safety conditions in small scale industries of developing country. Most of

the iron manufacturing units are working under small sheds and 90 to 95 % iron furniture prepared

by unregistered small scale industries. Focused group discussions (FGD) have been conducted

among IFMU workers which are based on a cross sectional, descriptive, analytic and time limited

study. Workers are assessed for exposure to occupational and environmental risks, the use of

protective equipment and health complaints by interviews. All workers of the area have been taken

as study population and by method of random sampling all the units have been sampled with the

help of self designed questionnaire and use of direct reading instruments. The data is arranged in

tabulated form and the tables show the frequency distribution of variables among the workers. The

data is divided into three parts: occupational accidents profile, safety measures profile and

monitoring of work environment. There is a high level (>90%) exposure to either dust, fumes, noise

or heat and there is less reported use of personal protective equipment. The workers have high level

of self-reported occupational health problems, particularly amongst welders and metalworkers.

Workers reported their needs as permanent workplaces, information on work related hazards, water

and sanitation, and legislation for SSI.


60

O-58 BIODIVERSITY OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGI AND THEIR ASSOCIATED

MYCORRHIZOSPHERE BACTERIA IN ULTRAMAFIC ECOSYSTEM OF NEW

CALEDONIA

Muhammad Waseem1,3*, Marc Ducousso2, Michel Lebrun1,2, Odile Domergue1, Robin

Duponnois1, Yves prin1 , Antoine Galiana1.

1 Laboratoire des Symbioses Tropicales et Méditerranéennes, UMR 113 INRA-IRD-CIRAD-UMII-Sup Agro-M,

Montpellier, FRANCE; 2 IRD, Nouméa, NOUVELLE-CALEDONIE;

3 Department of Microbiology, GC University,

Faisalabad, Pakistan.


New Caledonian ultramafic ecosystems are considered as hotspots of biodiversity, partly because

of the adaptive pressure exerted by drastic edaphic conditions. These soils are composed of up to

85 % of iron oxides, are deficient in NPK, unbalanced for the Ca/Mg ratio and particularly rich in

heavy metals such as Ni (2%), Cr (2%), and Mn (1%). Consequently, intensive nickel mining

activities have created severe environmental hazard: large surfaces remain devoid of vegetation,

and have altered the structure of soil microbial communities. Both plant and soil microbes play a

vital role in the adaptation to harsh soil conditions mainly heavy metal uptake and tolerance. To

investigate the mycorrhizosphere bacteria (MB) diversities as well as on the genetic determinants

of resistance/adaptation of MB associated to endemic species of the genus Tristaniopsis

(Myrtaceae), about 200 ectomycorrhizas were sampled from four different ultramafic sites vs two

non-ultramafic ones from volcano-sedimentary soils. Molecular characterization of fungi (through

partial sequencing of the ITS rRNA gene) and related bacteria (through16S rRNA sequencing)

revealed the presence of different dominant fungi (Pisolithus albus, Russula spp., Boletellus spp.)

and bacteria (Burkholderia spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp.). However, bacteria isolated from

ultramafic soils could grow in the presence of Ni up to 20 mmol L-1

, exhibited P-solubilizing

ability, .contained cnrT and nreB genes, known to confer heavy metal tolerance, contrary to

bacteria isolated from non-ultramafic soils. Further investigation on functional diversity of EM-

MB associations and their role in plant adaptation to ultramafic soils would help in successful re-

vegetation of these mine sites.


61

O-59 PRODUCTION OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER FROM POTATO WASTE BY

BACILLUS CEREUS STRAIN 64-INS

Iftikhar Ali 1*, Nazia Jamil1

1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore-54590, Pakistan.


The aim of this research was to isolate a microorganism capable of producing raw potato starch

digesting enzyme to hydrolyze potato starch into sugar monomers to be used for the production of

biodegradable polymer poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The production of biodegradable PHA

from the potato waste by bacteria isolated from sludge has been studied in a lab-scale fermenter and

shake flask. The bacterium was screened for the degradation of waste potato starch and extracted

PHA was purified and analyzed by GC-MS. A number of bacteria were screened for their ability to

hydrolyse starch and efficiency to produce poly-3-hydroxyalkanoates. Bacillus cereus strain 64-

INS was selected and it was found that this bacterium was able to produce 64.35% PHA of its

DCW in case of glucose and 34.68% PHA in case of 2% potato starch. Fermentation of this 2%

potato starch resulted 60.53% PHA in a 5-l fermenter (Bioengineering, Wald, Switzerland). PHB

(poly-3-hydroxybutyrate) was the major PHA when analyzed by GC-MS.


62

O-60 WATER PURIFICATION BY MICELLAR ENHANCED ULTRA FILTRATION

(MEUF)

Kashif Ijaz Hussain1, Muhammad Usman1,*, Muhammad Ibrahim2 and Mohammad Siddiq3

1Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad;


Government College University, Faisalabad; 3Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad


Miceller enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) technique was employed to remove the organic dye,

Reactive Blue 19 from the aqueous solution. The micelles of Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS), an

anionic surfactant and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), a cationic surfactant were used

for this process. The main principle of this process is to increase the size of pollutant molecules by

forming a complex with surfactant. The surfactant molecules form micelles, which can solubilize

the organic dyes. Micelles containing the dissolved solutes are then separated by ultrafiltration

using a membrane of suitable porosity, capable of retaining micelles. The regenerated cellulose

membrane was used to retain dyes from the aqueous solution in ultrafiltration cell. The constant

value of permeate flux throughout the experiment confirmed no membrane plugging. The large

size of dye containing micelle resulted in high rejection and low permeates flux.


63

O-61 A LAB SCALE INVESTIGATION OF TRACE GAS EMISSION FACTORS FROM

BURNING OF CROP RESIDUES

Muhammad Irfan1, Muhammad Saleem Arif1, Muhammad Riaz1, Shafaqat Ali1, Sabir

Hussain1, Tahira Yasmeen1, Farhat Abbas1

1Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University, Faisalabad Pakistan

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Burning of crop residues is one of the popular residue management strategies globally, especially in

the developing countries. However, burning of crop residues creates multiple environmental

problems primarily due to emissions of trace gases. Pakistan is an agricultural country and

generates crop residues in huge amounts and dealing with crop residues is a great mess. Farmers

generally burn the crop residues to get rid of that waste material. Emissions from crop residue

burning include a wide range of gaseous compounds like CO, CO2, NOx, SO2, NO2, and NO which

contribute significantly to the tropospheric budgets on local, regional and global scales. In this

study the approach used in order to a) estimating the quantities of rice straw, rice husk, bagasse and

corncobs generated and fraction of that quantities being burned, b) investigate the gaseous

emissions and emission factors for trace gases from the burning of rice straw, rice husk, corn cobs

and bagasse, c) estimating the total emissions of trace gases. The average emission factors of CO,

CO2, SO2, NOx, NO2, and NO measured in the study were 14.04, 880.48, 0.11, 2.31, 0.19 and 1.38

g/kg for rice husk, 17.19, 1090.07, 0.38, 3.16, 0.89 and 1.48 g/kg for rice straw, 8.63, 595.44, 0.02.

1.23, 0.16 and 0.70 g/kg for corncobs, and 12.39, 937.03, 0.18, 2.57, 0.36 and 1.44 g/kg for

bagasse, respectively. The total emissions of the trace gases CO, CO2, SO2, NOx, NO2, and NO

from the burning of rice husk, rice straw, corncobs and bagasse in Pakistan for the year 2011 were

estimated to be the 3.68, 230.51, 0.03, 0.60, 0.05 and 0.36 Gg for rice husk, 33.75, 2140.35, 0.75,

6.20, 1.75 and 2.91 Gg for rice straw, 1.11, 76.28, 0.03, 0.16, 0.02 and 0.02 Gg for corncobs, and

42.12, 3185.53, 0.61, 8.74, 1.22 and 4,90 Gg for bagasse, respectively.


64

O-62 BIOSURFACTANT-FACILITATED REMEDIATION OF CO-CONTAMINATED

SITES: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Zulfiqar Ahmad1*, Muhammad Arshad1, Rashid Waqas1, Muhammad Imran1, Allah Ditta1

1Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad.

*Corresponding Author: [email protected]

Sites co-contaminated with organic and metal pollutants are common and considered to be a more

complex problem as the two components often causes synergistic cytotoxic effects. Presence of

metals can inhibit the biodegradation processes in co-contaminated soils by adversely affecting

microbial growth or may interact with enzymes directly involved in biodegradation or in general

metabolism. The use of biosurfactants producing bacteria has potential for remediation of these co

contaminated soil heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbon. The distinct advantage of

biosurfactants producing bacteria over other remediation technologies is their ability to reduce

metal availability thus enhancing solubility and biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons. So

biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbon in the presence of metals can be enhanced by adopting

intervention strategies like metal resistant bacteria, application of treatment additives and clay

minerals. Adjustment of pH and addition of divalent cations could also be an additional strategy.


65

O-63 GC-MS, LC-MS, CYTOTOXICITY AND ANTIOXIDANT ANALYSIS OF

ANTICHARIS LINEARIS

Muhammad Riaz1*, Nasir Rasool1*, Iftikhar Hussain Bukhari1, Komal Riazwan1, Hafiz Muhammad Adeel1,

Mazhar Iqbal2, Shaukat Ali1, Abdullah Ijaz Hussain3, Shahzad Ali Shahid Chatha3, Muhammad Ibrahim4

1Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan;

2 Health Biotechnology

Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering P. O. Box 577, Jhang Road, Faisalabad,

Pakistan; 3 Department of Applied Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan;

4Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan

Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected], [email protected],

The use of synthetic antioxidants in food products is mostly discouraged because of their adverse

effects. In this work we evaluated the cytotoxicity and antioxidant, of absolute methanol extract and

its fractions from the Anticharis linearis plant. The GC-MS of essential oil and LC-MS analysis of

Phenolics in Anticharis linearis was carried out. The IC50 and the % inhibition in linoleic acid

oxidation was evaluated. Moreover, it was observed to provide a protective effect in H2O2 induced

oxidative damage in plasmid pBR322 DNA, indicating that the plant has antioxidant properties.

The results of present study revealed that plant may be considered as a good source of natural

antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of plant was also studied using sunflower oil as an oxidative

substrate. Peroxide value (PV), free fatty acids (FFA), conjugated dienes (CD), conjugated trienes

(CT) and para-anisidine values were also studied by stabilizing the sunflower oil as oxidation

substrate.



66

O-64 QUANTITATIVE STRUCTURE ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIP AND RISK

ANALYSIS OF SOME PESTICIDES IN THE GOAT MILK

Faqir Muhammad1*, Mian Muhammad Awais2, Masood Akhtar3, Muhammad Irfan Anwar4

1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan;

2Department of

Pathobiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub campus University of Veterinary and Animal

Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan; 3Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan;

4Poultry Research Institute, Office of Deputy District Livestock Officer (Poultry), Faisalabad, Pakistan


The detection and quantification of different pesticides in the goat milk samples collected from

different localities of Faisalabad, Pakistan was performed by HPLC using solid phase

microextraction. The analysis showed that about 50% milk samples were contaminated with

pesticides. The mean±SEM levels (ppm) of cyhalothrin, endosulfan, chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin

were 0.34±0.007, 0.063±0.002, 0.034±0.002 and 0.092±0.002, respectively; whereas, methyl

parathion was not detected in any of the analyzed samples. Quantitative structure activity

relationship (QSAR) models were suggested to predict the residues of unknown pesticides in the

goat milk using their known physicochemical characteristics including molecular weight (MW),

melting point (MP), and log octanol to water partition coefficient (Ko/w) in relation to the

characteristics such as pH, % fat, specific gravity and refractive index of goat milk. The analysis

revealed good correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.985) for goat QSAR model. The coefficients for Ko/w

and refractive index for the studied pesticides were higher in goat milk. This suggests that these are

better determinants for pesticide residue prediction in the milk of these animals. Based upon the

determined pesticide residues and their provisional tolerable daily intakes, risk analysis was also

conducted which showed that daily intake levels of pesticide residues including cyhalothrin,

chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin in present study are 2.68, 5.19 and 2.71 times higher, respectively in

the goat milk. This intake of pesticide contaminated milk might pose health hazards to humans in

this locality.


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O-65 MONITORING OF INDOOR PARTICULATE MATTER POLLUTION AND ITS

HEALTH IMPACTS ON HOUSEHOLD WOMEN DURING DUSTING

Muhammad Danish1*, Muhammad Waseem Mumtaz1, Aysha Abbas1

Department of Chemistry, University of Gujrat, Pakistan


Present study describes the monitoring of indoor Particulate Matter (PM) concentration during

dusting in urban areas of the Gujranwala District, Punjab, Pakistan. Monitoring was carried out at

nine sampling stations with variable flour structures before, during and after dusting. PM1.0, PM2.5,

PM4.0 and PM10 fractions of the Particulate Matter (PM) were estimated. On the average basis at all

sampling points the levels of PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0 and PM10 were depicted to be 311, 382, 431 and

501 µg/m3, respectively. The associated socio-epidemiological impacts were also assessed and it

was found that during dusting majority of the respondents do not use mouth covers and major

problem they faced were depicted to be dust allergies and cough.


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O-66 CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITY DEGRADING RDX IN DOMESTIC

SOIL CONTAMINATED WITH EXPLOSIVES

Muhammad Imran Khan1, Byungun Yoo, Joonhong Park1*

1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul (120–749), Republic of Korea


In the present study, a microcosm experiment was conducted to characterize the hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-

triazine (RDX) -degrading microbial populations at Darokdae (in South Korea) shooting site, contaminated with

explosives. In microcosm, set up with explosive-contaminated soil from shooting site, RDX transformation started

within three days of incubation and complete degradation was obtained after 12 days in microcosm amended with

starch (5g/L) (as external C-source). In microcosm amended with starch showed faster RDX degradation when

compared with microcosm without starch. Five metabolites including 4-nitro-2,4-diazabutanal (NDAB) were

observed in the live microcosm as transforming end products of RDX microbial degradation under aerobic

conditions. After two sequential transfers of RDX-degrading consortium, pyrosequencing analysis targeting

bacterial 16S rRNA genes showed Rhizobium-like populations predominanted in the microcosms. Other abundant

groups (over 10% in relative abundance) included Terrimonas, Rhizobacter, and Brevundimonas. However,

Rhodococcus and Pseudomonas spp. (which are well known as RDX-degraders) populations were not found in the

shooting site soil before and after incubation with RDX. In the live microcosm amended with starch (5g/L), only

Rhizobium genus increased over 30% in relative abundance after the incubation. Members of the genera

Rhizobium and Brevundimonas have been known to degrade RDX previously. The results suggest that the

microbial consortia in the soil, collected from shooting site, were able to degrade RDX aerobically and the soil

may harbor novel explosive degrading populations.


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O-67 EVALUATION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN LEAD AND CADMIUM TOXICITY

Zahra Batool1*, Asma Haque1, Asma Naz1, Muhammad Ibrahim Rajoka1

Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad

Lead and cadmium are the common environmental heavy metal pollutants with a widespread

distribution. Both natural and anthropogenic sources including mining, smelting, and other

industrial processes are responsible for human and animal exposure. These pollutants often act as

copollutants leading to concurrent exposure to living beings and resultant synergistic deleterious

health effects. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species and free radicals beyond the cell’s

intrinsic capacity leads to a state of oxidative stress and resultant damage of lipids, protein, and

DNA. In the first part of this study, human blood samples from lead exposed and control males

were collected and different biochemical tests were performed on sera by using kits. The results

indicated an increase in glucose concentration in lead exposed subjects. There was an increased

concentration of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate

aminotransferase and total oxidant status in the blood serum of lead exposed subjects. A decreased

concentration was noted for HDL cholesterol, total proteins and globulin. The concentration of

triiodothyronine (T3) remained almost the same in lead exposed and control subjects indicating no

effect of lead intoxication on triiodothyronine level in them. Lead concentration was determined

from serum of lead exposed and control subjects by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.

Structure prediction including primary, secondary and tertiary structure of an enzyme delta-

aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), which is sensitive to lead toxicity, was carried out by

using bioinformatics tools. A software and web database were also developed for evaluation of

results. As second part of the study, a database and website related to cadmium induced oxidative

stress were developed containing information of all metabolic dysfunctions that are associated with

cadmium toxicity and cadmium elevation using data of the patients that includes different physical

and biochemical parameters. These parameters are affected by the cadmium quantity. The website

comprises information regarding diagnosis of cadmium affected patients, treatment and preventive

measures to avoid cadmium exposure.

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O-68 STUDY OF SOIL CONTAMINATION AROUND TANNERY INDUSTRIES USING

LASER INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPY

Shakeel Ahmad Khan1,2*, Yasir Jamil2, Muhammad Ibrahim1 and Saifullah2

1Department of Environment Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan.

2Laser Spectroscopy Lab., Department of Physics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan

Corresponding author email: [email protected]; [email protected]

In the present research the use of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for determining

the contamination of soil with chromium due to effluents from tannery industry was reported. The

study was conducted at four locations around these industries which confirmed the leaching of soil

contaminants in horizontal direction. It has been found that concentration of chromium is up to 834

mg kg–1

in the soil which is much higher than the safe limits (100 mg/kg). Calibration curve for Cr

in soil matrix was also drawn for quantitative analysis. LIBS were found to be a viable technique

for qualitative and quantitative analysis of heavy metals like chromium (Cr) in the soil up to trace

levels.



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O-69 OPTIMIZING WHEAT PRODUCTIVITY UNDER IRRIGATED CONDITIONS

USING SIMULATION MODELLING APPROCH

Waj Ishaque1*, Farhat Abbas2, Khalid Mahmood1, Shafaqat Ali2

1Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Pakistan

2Government Collage University, Faisalabad


Lower rainfall, reduction in irrigation water supplies and predicted climate change scenarios

require sustainable methods to increase crop productivity per unit of total water consumption i.e.

crop water productivity (CWP). Such increase in CWP can be achieved by improving water

management practices and use of novel irrigation technologies such as deficit irrigation. The

present research aims at evaluating the performance of AquaCrop model to simulate crop yield,

water productivity and Off-site water losses in the form of deep percolation. Field experiments

with different irrigation regimes: stored soil moisture/rain-fed, optimal irrigation and regulated

deficit irrigation at different growth stages were conducted on a loam soil for four crop seasons

(2008 -2012). Regulated deficit irrigation at less sensitive crop stage(s) could allow up to 20 %

water saving without compromising economic yield. AquaCrop simulations for in-season canopy

growth, biomass production, yield, soil moisture dynamics and water productivity under different

irrigation regimes were quite reliable. The model can be a useful tool for assessing crop

requirements and devising irrigation strategies to enhance water productivity under water limiting

conditions.


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O-70 GC/MS PROFILING, IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIMICROBIAL AND

HAEMOLYTIC ACTIVITIES OF SMILAX MACROPHYLLA LEAVES

Komal Rizwan*a, Muhammad Zubair*a, Muhammad Ibrahimb, Rabia Saeeda, Muhammad

Kashifc, Anum Ayesha Saeeda, Umer Rashidd, Nasir Rasoola

a Department of Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan,

bDepartment of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan

cinstitute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan dInstitute of Advanced Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia

Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected], [email protected],

Current study was designed to appraise the antioxidant, antimicrobial and haemolytic potential

of Smilax macrophylla leaves. n-hexane fraction was analysed by GC/MS which revealed the

presence of 38 compounds. All examined extracts and fractions of plant leaves showed

significant antimicrobial activity. The haemolytic effect of the plant was found to be in a range

of 3.41-8.48%. S. macrophylla leaves contained substantial level of total phenolic contents (2.2-

6.2 GAE, mg/g) and total flavonoid contents (1.2-4.5 CE, mg/g) of dry plant matter. Leaves

extract and fractions also exhibited a good antioxidant potential when measured by DPPH

radical scavenging assay (IC50 = 33.4-72.3 µg/mL). The antioxidant activity of plant extracts

was also studied using sunflower oil as an oxidative substrate and found that it stabilized the oil.

The correlation between the results of different antioxidant assays and oxidation parameters of

oil indicated that leaves extracts and fractions, contained considerable TPC, TFC, and

scavenging power, and was potent for enhancing the oxidative stability of sunflower oil.

Considering these results, S. macrophylla could be used as a source for the exploration of new

antimicrobial, antioxidant agents, functional food and nutraceutical applications.



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O-71 COMBINED ANALYSIS OF NUCLEAR (28S RDNA) AND MITOCHONDRIAL

(NADH I) GENES TO RESOLVE PHYLOGENETIC PROBLEM OF BRACONINAE

(BRACONIDAE: HYMENOPTERA) WITH THE ESTIMATION OF DIVERSIFICATION

AGE

Adila Shaukat¹’ 3, Aamer Mehmood 3, Donald L. J. Quicke¹¸ ²

¹Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK; ²Department of

Entomology, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK; 3Department of Bioinformatics & Biotechnology, GC

University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.


The phylogenetic relationships of 18 genera belonging to the subfamily Braconinae were

investigated using nuclear 28S rDNA and mitochondrial NADH1. Both separate and simultaneous

analyses to reveal the Braconinae monophyletic except the one with NADH1 gene fragment. The

tribe Aphrastobraconini was recovered monophyletic in all of these analyses. The genus

Digonogastra and the Atanycolus group of genera were also recovered monophyletic. Node support

increased considerably by combining the nuclear and mitochondrial sequences. The age of

Braconinae was estimated and found to have originated in the Miocene era based on ultrametric

tree obtained by the penalized likelihood method implemented in


74

OXIDATIVE STRESS-INDUCED DNA DAMAGE BY PARTICULATE AIR

POLLUTANTS IS IMPLICATED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FATAL DISEASES

Muhammad Ibrahim Rajoka, Shazia A. Bukhari and Asma Haque

Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Exposure to ambient air particulate matter (PM) is associated with the development of pulmonary,

cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms of PM-induced health problems are due to the

involvement of inflammation and oxidative stress. PM mediated oxidative stress may generate

reactive oxygen species (ROS ) from the surface of particles, soluble compounds of transition

metals or organic compound, altered function of mitochondria or NADPH-oxidase, and activation

of inflammatory cells capable of generating ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Resulting

oxidative DNA damage may be implicated in development of cancer and may serve as marker for

oxidative stress related to other ailments caused by particulate air pollution. Studies on animal

experimental models, cell culture experiments, and cell free systems have proved that exposure to

diesel exhaust and diesel exhaust particles causes oxidative DNA damage. The mechanisms

involved in the action of PM has prompted the use of markers of oxidative stress and DNA damage

for human biomonitoring. Proteins are oxidized forming carbonyl moieties in such circumstances.

Similarly lipids and carbohydrates are oxidized and laed to their increased accumulation in blood

stream. In both indoor and outdoor exposure to PM (2.5 nm) has been correlated with guanine

oxidation in DNA. Oxidative stress-induced DNA damage appears to be an important mechanism

of action of urban particulate air pollution. Total homocysteine (THcy) in blood is enhanced and

brings about enhanced oxidative stress in favour of oxidants. Efforts may be made to reduce DNA

damage and THcy by proper implication of nutrigenomic approaches.

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P-1 MODELLING OF INDIUM GALLIUM NITRIDE BASED SOLAR CELLS

Ghulam Ali*1, 2, Shahzad Hussain 1, Haris Mehmood 1, Muhammad Omar 3, Salahuddin Zafar1

1 Department of Electrical Engineering, NUST College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME), Rawalpindi Cantt, Pakistan

2Department of Electrical Engineering, The University of Lahore (UoL), Islamabad Campus, Pakistan

3 Department of Electronic Engineering, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI), Topi, Pakistan



76

The theoretical studies of InxGa1-xN based solar cells using Silvaco TCAD have been carried out. The cells were

simulated under diverse constraints and the results were analyzed. The performance parameters such as open

circuit voltage VOC, short circuit current JSC, fill factor FF, and efficiency η were evaluated. It was found that the

thickness and doping of the emitter and the base have dynamic effects on the device performance. Moreover, it

was found that VOC and JSC are strong function of Indium concentration. The simulated results are in consistent

with the recently published data. These results suggest that deployment of III-Nitride solar cells as future

technology have colossal potential of attaining high efficiency. The challenges that hamper the growth of such a

high efficient cells were also addressed.

P-2 CO-COMBUSTION OF COAL AND BIOMASS

Sidra Ijaz Khan1*

1214-C, B.O.R, Saman Berg, Johat Yown, Lahore, Pakistan



77

Coal is the cheap and innate energy resource in Pakistan. According to NEPRA Pakistan, Thar coal

resources can generate more than 100,000MW electricity for next 30 years. Pakistan which is an

agricultural country, biomass is interesting option by keeping in view the production and

performance of biomass. Biomass co-firing (or combustion) involves the combination of fossils

based (pulverized coal) power plant with biomass stock. The fuel properties like high level of

moisture, high chlorine content, and low heatig level make suitable conditions for co-firing. The

Cofiring of biomass with coal can lessen the harmful hazards and save coal for next years. The

working of Coal Power Plant and Co-firing of biomass in three different ways i.e. Direct Cofiring,

Indirect Cofiring and Parallel Cofiring have shown that it is a green technology, due to carbon

neutral effect as well as reduction in green house gases. The growth rate of agricultural sector,

social-economic and environmental assessment of coal combustion with biomass have shown that it

is an profitable, sustainable technology and environmental friendly.

P-3 MODELLING OF THIN-FILM SOLAR CELL BASED ON HYDROGENATED

NANOCRYSTALLINE SILICON LAYERS

Haris Mehmood*1,2, Ghulam Ali1, Shahzad Hussain1, Mamoona Bashir1, Adeel Ahmed Khan1

1Department of Electrical Engineering, NUST College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME), Rawalpindi Cantt, Pakistan

2The University of Faisalabad (Amin Campus), Faisalabad, Pakistan



78

The characterization behaviour were studied for the thin-film p-i-n solar cell based on hydrogenated

nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) aborber layer. Till now, hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) has been

extensively used for p-i-n solar cell technology because of its better characteristics such as higher absorption

coefficient, and lower material costs. However, defects present within a-Si:H degrades the conversion efficiency

of such solar cells. We proposed incorporating newly developed nc-Si:H absorber layer instead of a-Si:H that

contains crystalline phase mixed with amorphous phase. The proposed p-nc-Si:H/i-nc-Si:H/n-a-Si:H solar cell

structure had been simulated with Silvaco TCAD (ATLAS). The influence of intrinsic layer absorber thickness on

characterization behaviour such as open circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current (Isc) and conversion efficiency

was investigated. Simulated results showed that it is preferable to employ nc-Si:H for thin-film p-i-n solar cell

technology because of its better mobility, stability and lower material costs.

P-4 ENZYME CATALYZED PRODUCTION OF ERUCA SATIVA OIL BASED BIODIESEL AS

GREEN FUEL

Muhammad Waseem Mumtaz1,2, Hamid Mukhtar3, , Muahmmad Danish2, Muhammad Zubair2, Nadeem Zafer2, Azam Mukhtar4

1Department of Chemistry, GC University Lahore, Pakistan;

2Department of Chemistry, University of Gujrat, Pakistan

3Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, GC University Lahore, Pakistan;

4University of Education, Okara Campus, Pakistan



79

Current research work describes the optimized synthesis of Eruca sativa oil based biodiesel by NOVOZYME-435

and A.n.Lipase catalyzed transesterification. For the optimization of reaction conditions, Response Surface

Methodology was employed and optimized amount of biodiesel obtained was depicted to be 98.3 ± 0.9 and 56.4 ±

2.6% catalyzed by NOVOZYME-435 and A.n.Lipase, respectively. The optimum reaction conditions for

NOVOZYME-435 catalyzed transesterification of Eruca sativa oil were found to be 0.75% NOVOZYME-435

concentration, 6:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 32.5oC reaction temperature and 60 hrs reaction time, whereas for

transesterification reactions catalyzed by A.n.Lipase, the optimized parameters were 1.0% A.n.Lipase

concentration, 6:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 32.5oC reaction temperature and 60 hrs reaction time. The produced

biodiesel was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, HPLC and GC-MS analytical methods. Furthermore, the

biodiesel was combusted in diesel engine and exhaust emission levels were evaluated which showed considerable

reductions in emissions as comparative to the conventional petrodiesel.

P-5 ESTIMATION OF CARBON FOOTPRINT OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN MILK

COLLECTION CENTERS OF DAIRY COMPANY IN PAKISTAN

Yasir Rafique1*

1University of the Punjab, Lahore

Corresponding email: [email protected]

World is facing a rising epidemic of global environmental problems. Modern communication has brought us into a

closer contact with every part of the world; we are compelled to recognize that all the Earth inhabitants share a

common environment and its related problems. With the onset of industrial revolution in 1700s, increasing use of


80

fossil fuels has resulted in enormous emissions of Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere on burning. The increasing

domestic and industrial energy demands coupled with an increase in the technological abilities has strengthened

our potential for altering the environment we live. We have no choices but to learn to live sustainably, with little

impact on our environment. Otherwise, the prospects for future generations are indeed bleak. This present study

aims to calculate carbon footprint of energy consumption in Nestle’ milk collection centers in Pakistan.IPCC

Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories 2006 aids in the various calculation that are undertaken in

carbon footprint estimation. Nestle’, a globally known company, promises quality, health and nutrition to its

consumers through a wide range of products and also addresses the wellbeing of the environment through

estimating and mitigating its environmental impacts continuously. The contributions to climate change by

company’s operations were realized by the company and the present study’s objectives are to calculate the carbon

footprint resulting from the company’s energy consumption at the Milk Collection Centers. All the energy and

fuel consumption data were provided by the company that made the estimation of contributions of the Company’s

Milk Collection Operations towards the global warming possible. It is estimated that a total of 5337.076 tons of

CO2 emissions results from energy consumption by the milk collection centers all over the country. The aim for all

is Carbon neutrality, which though is quite hard to achieve but is not impossible.

P-6 CONVERSION OF BIO WASTE OF MUD CRABS IN TO VALUABLE POLYMER

*Naila Sirajuddin1*

1Institute of biotechnology and genetic engineering, university of Sindh, Jamshoro


Chitin is versatile environmental friendly natural amino polysaccharide. Beside cellulose and

lignin, it is an abundant renewable resource having wide range of biotechnological applications.

The crustacean waste is the most economical chitin source for commercial use. In the present study

the bio waste (shells) of processed sea food scylla serrata (mud crabs) were collected from Karachi


81

fisheries and powdered after drying at 50°C in oven until dried completely. This sample was

chemically treated with 4% NaOH at 90°C for 2 hours for removal of protein content. Alkali

insoluble fraction was separated by centrifugation and pallet was washed and treated with 1N HCl

for 1 hour at 30°C for demineralization. The crude chitin was recovered after washing and drying

pallet. Physiochemical analysis was done for determination of chitin purity.

P-7 CONVERSION OF BIO WASTE OF MUD CRABS IN TO VALUABLE POLYMER

Naila Sirajuddin1*

1Institute of biotechnology and genetic engineering, university of Sindh, Jamshoro


Chitin is versatile environmental friendly natural amino polysaccharide. Beside cellulose and

lignin, it is an abundant renewable resource having wide range of biotechnological applications.


82

The crustacean waste is the most economical chitin source for commercial use. In the present study

the bio waste (shells) of processed sea food scylla serrata (mud crabs) were collected from Karachi

fisheries and powdered after drying at 50°C in oven until dried completely. This sample was

chemically treated with 4% NaOH at 90°C for 2 hours for removal of protein content. Alkali

insoluble fraction was separated by centrifugation and pallet was washed and treated with 1N HCl

for 1 hour at 30°C for demineralization. The crude chitin was recovered after washing and drying

pallet. Physiochemical analysis was done for determination of chitin purity.

P-8 IODINE DETERMINATION IN WATER SAMPLES FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF

GOITER USING ION SELECTIVE ELECTRODE METHOD

Muhammad Rafi Awan1*, Muhammad Mansha Chaudhry2, Abdullah3

1Department of Medical Sciences, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan; 2Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and

Applied Sciences Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan; 3Department of Nuclear Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering

and Applied Sciences Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan,

83


Thyroid gland is located in the neck and enlargement of this gland is known as goiter. When the

supply of iodine to the thyroid gland is inadequate for the formation of sufficient quantities of

thyroid hormones, goiter appears. In the present study prevelance and epidemiological risk factors

of goiter in Hyderabad and adjoining areas has been studied with the help of a standard

questionnaire. The important findings of this study are summed up as under: Amongst the patients

referred to Atomic Energy Medical Centre Jamshoro for goiter screening and treatment, females

were seen to be more prone to develop goiter than males, with an overall female to male ratio of

5:1. In both sexes, the prevalence of goiter was maximum in 15-25 year age group. Family history

was positive in 22.45% cases. Of the goiter patients 77.22% belonged to Hyderabad city and

84.85% were sedentary by occupation. Goiter was more prevalent in surface water drinker

(80.75%) than in ground water consumers (19.25%), in mine salt consumers (67.55%) than in sea

salt intakers (32.45%). Screening of goiter patients by blood chemistry revealed that 5.17% and

2.50% cases had hyperthyroid and hypothyroid respectively. Nodular non-toxic goiter was found in

6.71% cases, nodular toxic in 0.28% cases and solid adenoma/cyst in 24.45% cases. It seemed

essential to monitor the iodine content in water of this area to ascertain whether the iodine

deficiency is the cause of sporadic goiter. As iodine content in water is generally taken as an index

of the iodine intake. Therefore 100 water samples were collected and analyzed by Ion selective

electrode method. Results showed that iodine contents in water are within permissible limit i.e. not

lower than 3µg/l. This indicates that iodine deficiency in water of studied area is not isolated

epidemiological phenomenon for goiter genesis.

P-9 LAKES OF RIVER INDUS: BACTERIAL POLLUTANTS AND

CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIOCIN FROM THE INDIGENOUS

ENVIRONMENT

Humerah Bano Shafiq1*, Sheikh Ajaz Rasool2

1Department of Microbiology, GC University Faisalabad, Faisalabad;

2LMG, Department of Microbiology, University

of Karachi, Karachi


For the detection of pollutant indicator organisms (w. p. r. to the two lakes of the Indus river i.e.,

Haleji and Keenjhar), coliform test was performed. Total coliform bacteria were found more in



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Haleji lake as compared to Keenjhar lake however, 87.5% of the samples exceeded the acceptable

limits in both the lake water samples. Faecal coliform count exhibited seasonal variation in both the

lakes whereas, total average (aerobic) bacterial count (determined in both the lakes) was 102

CFU/ml – 107 CFU/ml. A total of 109 bacterial isolates from both the lakes (Haleji and Keenjhar)

were screened for bacteriocinogenic potential. The physico-chemical characterization was taken

into account for the best producer strain identified as Bacillus circulans HA12. The bacteriocin by

B. circulans HA12 was designated as bacillocin HA12, antagonistic to only gram-positive bacteria

(namely Brevibacillus brevis, B. subtilus, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus) and a few

fungi (Microsporum gypseum). The inhibitory activity was inactivated rapidly by proteolytic

enzyme (proteinase K) while, lipolytic enzymes had no influence on the bioactivity. The activity

remained intact after the bacillocin HA12 exposure to heavy metal ions, organic solvents, protease

inhibitor and surfactants. Stability was observed at low & high temperatures and at broad (2 – 12)

pH range. Its electrophoregram exhibited a single band of molecular weight of about 10 kDa. This

study was intended to make certain the access of safe and potable water to urban and rural areas of

Sindh. The properties of bacillocin HA12 like thermal stability and sustainable activity at low

temperature and at broad pH range are the desirable attributes of this bacteriocin which may allow

its utilization as biopreservative, food additive and in public health products.

P-10 BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTION OF ZINC IS TO SERVE AS AN ANTIOXIDANT?

Faisal Islam1*, Tahira yasmeen1

1Department of environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad


Zinc is a trace element that supports cellular integrity and required for biological functioning. Zinc

is present in biological system in divalent cation with (– 0.763) radox potential. Zinc serves as a


85

cofactor in all six classes of enzymes and in number of regulatory proteins including zinc finger

proteins and transcription factors. The current bioinformatics studies showed that zinc, copper and

iron compose 10 % of bacterial and about 13 % of the aracheal proteomes. Zinc-binding proteins in

E. coli is 3 % of its total proteins those form a stable association due to its flexible coordination

geometry, making it highly adapted to meet the needs of proteins by rapid shift of conformations

and to perform diverse biological functions. Zinc acts as strong Lewis acid or electrophile in many

protein catalyzed reaction in which it catalyses the substrate by ionization of zinc bound water

molecule, polarization and activation. Zinc is an antioxidant and retards the oxidative mechanisms

through steric hindrance, conformational changes in protein structures and neutralizes the Reactive

Oxygen Species (ROS), produced in various catalytic reaction of redox active metals. Zinc

increases the resistance of cell by stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane that prevents the ROS

mediated apoptosis and protects membranes from iron-initiated lipid oxidation by occupying

negatively charged sites with potential iron binding capacity. It protects sulfhydryl containing

proteins and maintains optimal levels of metallothioneins (low-molecular weight metal-binding

proteins). Zinc superoxide dismutase scavenges the ROS and control oxidative stress. All of the

described mechanisms suggest that zinc is an essential constituent of the antioxidant defense

system that protects membranes from oxidation. The purpose of this review is to consider whether

an essential biochemical function of zinc is to serve as an antioxidant?

P-11 THE METAL SPECIATION AND MOBILIZATION IN SOIL

Faisal Islam1*, Tahira yasmeen1

1Department of environmental sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad


The structure and functioning of the ecosystem and the health of organisms are at high risk because

of the accruement of metals in different zones of ecosphere and their potential mobilization under

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coordination_geometry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coordination_geometry


86

environmentally changing conditions. The heavy metals are present in soil in different speciation

and sorption/desorption mechanisms are contingent to biotic and abiotic factors that influence soil-

metal interactions. Influenced by metal speciation metal bioavailability, leaching and toxicity is

affected by pH, quantity of the metal, cation-exchange capacity, redox potential, content of organic

matter including humic and fulvic acid, microbial metabolites and mineralogy of soil. The

speciation influence the bioavailability of heavy metals their transport and intake in various food

chains. it is key factor to the chemical and physical reactions that heavy metals experience in soil

and which determine the mobility and transport in different soil matrixes, their possible toxicity, the

nature of their association with other soluble species. Furthermore, the ability of soil to release

metal from solid phase to refill that absorbed by plant from soil solution also depend upon

speciation.

P-12 ASSESSMENT OF HOSPITAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AND POTENTIAL

HEALTH RISKS IN DISTRICT FAISALABAD

Shahida Amin1, Tahira Yasmeen1*, Saima Aslam Bharwana1, Sabir Hussain1

1Department of Environmental Science, Government College University, Faisalabad.


Hospitals produce a large amount of hazardous and infectious waste. Improper management of

medical waste can cause serious threat to hospital workers, waste handlers, community as well as

the environment and can make public vulnerable to the communicable diseases such as AIDS,

hepatitis, typhoid and many other diseases. The objective of this project was to design proper plan


87

for handling medical waste that includes different steps such as waste generation, storage,

transportation, safe processing and finally disposal in a proper place. According to environment

protection agency (EPA) improper disposal of regulated waste is aesthetically damaging the

environment. Lack of medical waste disposal management can increase the risk of infections and

diseases to the public and can pollute the environment. Medical waste management is receiving

greater attention due to potential health risks arising from inappropriate disposal and treatment of

the waste. Such waste typically contains a variety of potential infectious and toxic material.

Keeping the health problem caused by improper management of medical waste in view, the current

study was planned to evaluate the situation of hospital waste management in district Faisalabad and

to realize the responsibility of government in mandating, initiating, facilitating and reduction of the

poor impacts related to environment and human health in district Faisalabad. The study was based

on the walk through survey, interview and questionnaires.

P-13 IMPACT OF WASTE WATER ON PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERS OF

MUNGBEAN (Vigna radiata L.)

Aasma Ahmad1, Tahira Yasmeen*1, Syed Hammad Raza2, Anjum Iqbal1

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad.

2Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad.


In the modern era industrialization has cruised so much, as its harmful effects has also increased

steeply. The waste products of industries are continuously being released in rivers, ponds and lakes,

flowing nearby. These wastes are mostly released without any safety treatment. The sewage-sludge

from the city is being disposed to agricultural land that is under the cultivation of different crops.


88

This had led to accumulation of micronutrients in the soil resulting in their enhanced uptake by the

plants. As high levels of micronutrients may cause human and animal health hazards after entering

in their system through food chain and waste water, having high load of micronutrients can exert

adverse effect on the growth and yield of the plant so, the present study was planned to investigate

the effects of waste water on the growth of mungbean. The experiment was conducted to access the

influence of exogenously applied waste water on physiological character of mungbean (Vigna

radiata L.). The treatment was applied on three weak old plants. The plants were harvested two

weak after the application of waste water .Growth parameter i.e. plant height, root length, fresh and

dry weight, number of leaves and leaf area per plant were recorded. Lab and pot experiment were

conducted to check the growth in term of growth parameter and chlorophyll extraction. Root

length, shoot length, fresh and dry weight declined with the application of waste water. Chlorophyll

has minor or no difference with waste water treatment. In our study it was found that waste water

treatment reduced plant growth and growth related parameters when applied in undiluted form.

However, at least 50 % dilution of waste water is needed to reduce the effect of toxicity and to

enhance or improve the growth and growth related parameter before its application on Vigna

radiata plants.

P-14 BIOCHEMICAL MODIFICATION IN CANOLA EXPOSED TO WATER DEFICIT

STRESS AFTER EXOGENOUS SUPPLEMENTATION OF CALCIUM

Rizwan Alam1*, Ikhtiar Khan1, Aqib Iqbal2

1Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.

2Institute of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, KPK, Agricultural University, Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.


Climate change and environmental stresses have posed threats to the global food security. Water

deficit, one of the most limiting abiotic stresses has devastating effect on agricultural extension and

crops productivity. An experiment was conducted to investigate the biochemical modifications

triggered in canola (Brassica napus) seedlings after exogenous calcium supplementation followed

by imposition of water deficit stress by withholding the irrigation water supply for 10 days. It was

observed that water deficit stress increased the accumulation of proline, hydrogen peroxide,


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catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity. Exogenous calcium supplementation further increased

the accumulation of proline and catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity but decreased the

hydrogen peroxide content under water deficit stress condition. Thus, supplemental calcium proved

to have beneficial effects of canola seedlings exposed to water deficit stress.

P-15 ROLE OF POST HARVEST HANDLING TECHNIQUES ON PRODUCTION OF

AFLATOXIN IN BROWN RICE: A THREAT TO ENVIORNMENT AND BIODIVERSITY

Kashif Hanif *1, Muhammad Shahbaz2, Shahid Masood3

1Department of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan

2Food Testing Labs, SGS Pakistan,

3University of Agriculture, Faisalabad


Aflatoxins are noxious metabolites produced by certain fungi in foods and feeds. They are probably

the best known and most intensively researched mycotoxins in the world. Aflatoxins have been

allied with various diseases, such as aflatoxicosis, in livestock, domestic animals and humans

throughout the world. It is a problem, particularly in developing countries. Aflatoxins are produced

primarily by some strains of Aspergillus flavus and by most, if not all, strains of A. parasiticus, plus


90

related species, A. nomius and A. niger. It is discovered that there are four major aflatoxins: B1, B2,

G1, G2. Aflatoxin development in many stored cereal grains has hampered the availability of good

quality grains. It may cause severe health hazards to human, animals as well as can create great

economical problems. In this study hundred samples of paddy rice were tested for aflatoxin

contamination. Fifty samples were self dried in one step while fifty samples were let to be dried

conventionally by the huskers i.e. first semidrying up to 16 -18 % moisture contents and then final

drying up to 12-14 % moisture level after certain storage period depending upon paddy purchase

period of each husking unit. The aflatoxins was detected in paddy rice by using VICAM Series-

4EX Fluorometer™ which is a based on monoclonal antibody- based affinity chromatography.

Almost all the self dried samples have aflatoxin level below the European maximum permissible

level while the rice samples dried conventionally at husking units were contaminated with aflatoxin

more than the European maximum permissible level for brown rice. The production & high level of

these lethal aflatoxins due to conventional post harvesting techniques causes serious threats to our

environment, human & animal population. This may lead to several toxicological problems in our

ecology & environment. On consumption of such food or feed an individual may suffer from

immunosuppression, cancer, toxicity & other abnormalities. So such conventional methods of

drying should be avoided to create any serious threat to environment, human & animals.

P-16 HISTOLPATHLOGICAL CHANGES IN LUNGS, AND KIDNEYS OF MICE

INDUCED BY CYPERMETHRIN

Asma Abdul Latif1*, Anam Butt1, Muqadas Masood1

1Department of Zoology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan


Cypermethrin causes hazardous effects in different levels to non target species and producing

significant histopathological changes. In this study animals were divided into 4 groups, Control,

Experimental groups A (30 mg/kg), B (60 mg/kg) and C (120 mg/kg). Each group comprised of 10

animals and these animals were marked for identification. Animals of group C were died on fourth

day of an experiment. Initial body weights (gms) were recorded in various groups, Control

(22.2±1.20), A (28.4±1.34), B (27.2±1.28) and final body weights were also noted in Control

(24.5± 1.34), A (25.9± 1.10) and B (20.8±1.06) respectively. Final body weights showed

http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/aflatoxin/image2.html





91

significant variations among all groups. Total kidney weights (gms) were also noted in Control

(0.61 ± 0.04), A (0.78 ± 0.09) and B (0.90±0.03), then gradual increase in kidney weight was noted.

Significant variations were found in the kidney weights of mice. Lungs weight (gms) were higher

in group A (0.59±0.08) and lower in group B (0.36±0.03) as compared to the control (0.42±0.03).

Histopathological study of kidney showed changes in treated groups as compared to Control

group. Both groups A and B showed degeneration of glomeruli and vaculation in kidney tissues,

while in group B more degeneration of cells had been observed. Haemorages and marked Odema

were found in lungs of treated groups. Cypermethrin has disastrous impacts on the vital organs of

the body. Overall results revealed cypermethrin is toxic not only for insects but also for mammals

P-17 ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ASSESSMENT OF VARIABLE SOURCE

POINTS OF SELECTED TEXTILE INDUSTRIES

Muhammad Zubair1,2*, Mujahid Farid3, Muhammad Danish2, Muhammad Waseem Mumtaz2

1Environment Protection Deaprtment, Govt of the Punjab, Pakistan


3Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan


The present report focuses on the air pollution load of following industries, IP Tex, CT Tex, KH

Tex, NF Tex, BR Tex and HS Tex situated in the Faisalabad city of Pakistan. The industries tested

for flue gas emissions of boilers and generators using flue gas analyzer. In boilers the amount of

CO, CO2 and NOx (NO+NO2) were found in the range of 0 to 4903 mg/Nm3, 58732 to 221964

mg/Nm3 and 121 to 437 mg/Nm

3 respectively whereas in generators these were found in the range

of 572 to 1927 mg/Nm3, 21714 to 131429 mg/Nm

3 and 315 to 2297 mg/Nm

3 respectively. The SO2

contents were ranged from 0 to 3383 mg/Nm3 in boilers and 65 to 265 mg/Nm

3 in generators. H2


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concentration varied from 0.09 to 174 mg/Nm3 in boilers while 0.7 to 4.0 mg/Nm

3 in generators. In

boilers and generators the flue gas temperature was as high as 400oC and 521

oC respectively with

ambient temperature in the range from 30 - 45oC at workplace area. The noise generated by boilers

was in the range of 94 to 97 dB(A) at 1 m distance and 75 to 84 dB(A) at 7 m distance. Similarly

for generators, noise recorded in the range of 91 to 97 dB(A) at 1 m and 81 to 89 dB(A) for 7 m

distance. Smoke opacity of these industries varied from 2 -30% boiler stacks and 25 - 46% in

generators. Overall efficiency of industrial source points calculated to be 75.8 - 91.7% for boilers,

whereas 53.6 - 76% for generators. The results of present work revealed the fact of air pollution

stress generated by different industries in Faisalabad and most of the industries examined for

gaseous emissions were found to be exceeding the limits of national environmental quality

standards for CO, CO2, NOx and SO2 thus generating the environmental pollution.

P-18 MONITORING OF COTTON DUST AND HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT IN

SMALL-SCALE WEAVING INDUSTRY

Tahir MW1*, Mumtaz MW1, Tauseef S1, Sajjad M1, Nazeer A1, Farheen N1, Iqbal M1



The present study describes the estimation of particulate matter (cotton dust) with different sizes,

i.e., PM(1.0), PM(2.5), PM(4.0), and PM(10.0 μm) in small-scale weaving industry (power looms)

situated in district Hafizabad, Punjab, Pakistan, and the assessment of health problems of workers

associated with these pollutants. A significant difference was found in PM(1.0), PM(2.5), PM(4.0),

and PM(10.0) with reference to nine different sampling stations with p values <0.05. Multiple

comparisons of particulate matter with respect to size, i.e. PM(1.0), PM(2.5), PM(4.0), and

PM(10.0), depict that PM(1.0) differs significantly from PM(2.5), PM(4.0), and PM(10.0), with p

values <0.05 and that PM(2.5) differs significantly from PM(1.0) and PM(10.0), with p values

<0.05, whereas PM(2.5) differs non-significantly from PM(4.0), with a p value >0.05 in defined

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Tahir%20MW%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=21947877

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Mumtaz%20MW%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=21947877

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Tauseef%20S%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=21947877

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Sajjad%20M%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=21947877

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Nazeer%20A%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=21947877

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Farheen%20N%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=21947877

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Iqbal%20M%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=21947877


93

sampling stations on an average basis. Majority of the workers were facing several diseases due to

interaction with particulate matter (cotton dust) during working hours. Flue, cough, eye, and skin

infections were the most common diseases among workers caused by particulate matter (cotton

dust).

P-19 PILOT SCALE BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF COMBINED INDUSTRIAL AND

MUNICIPAL EFFLUENT IN PAHARANG DRAIN, FAISALABAD

Muhammad Ahmad1, Zahiruddin Khan2*

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad

2 Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National

University of Sciences and Technology, H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan


A pilot scale wastewater treatment plant was operated onsite to treat wastewater of Paharang Drain,

Faisalabad, Pakistan using Activated Sludge Process (ASP). The ASP was used at three different

hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 12 hr, 10 hr and 8 hr at average MLSS concentration of 3500

mg/L. Under each HRT, the pilot plant was operated for a period of 10-12 weeks. The average

chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency at HRT=12 was 77 %, HRT=10 was 79.8 %

and HRT=8 was 86.6 %. The maximum COD removal efficiency for the same HRTs were 81.4 %,

83.3 % and 92.4 % respectively. The average biological oxygen demand (BOD) removal efficiency

at HRT=10 was 78.4 % and HRT=8 was 87.1 %. Maximum BOD removal efficiency for the same


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HRTs were 81.9 and 91.1 % respectively. The average total organic carbon (TOC) removal

efficiency at HRT=12 was 64.2 %, HRT=10 was 64.6% and HRT=8 was 75.2. The maximum TOC

removal efficiency for the same HRTs were of 69.8%, 65.9 % and 81.2 % respectively. The

average total suspended solids (TSS) removal efficiency at HRT=12 was 86.8 %, HRT=10 was

89.2 % and HRT=8 was 95.5 %. The maximum TSS removal efficiency for the same HRTs were

89.1 %, 93.4 % and 97.8 % respectively. 8 hr HRT was found to be the best among the HRTs

tested. The average values of BOD reduced from 274.6 to 35.5 (mg/L), COD from 459.7 to 63.9

(mg/L), TSS from 528.2 to 23.4 (mg/L) and TOC from 134.3 to 33.2 (mg/L). Values of all

parameters were under the limits prescribed by National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS).

The treatment train tested in this work proved to be very successful in turning the wastewater in

Paharang Drain to a useful resource for irrigation of fodder crops in the area.

P-20 REMOVAL OF SELECTED METAL IONS FROM AQUEOUS MEDIA USING

AGROWASTES AS POTENTIAL ADSORBENT

Taslim Akhtar1*, Fozia Batool1, Sobia Noreen1, Muhammad Ilyas Tariq1

1Department of Chemistry, University of Sargodha


In present study we have used crushed seed coat of the seeds of chinaberry (Melia azedarach) for

removal of selected divalent metal ions, i.e., Cd+2

and Cu+2

, from water. By applying different

shaking time, best sorption for Cd+2

occurred in 60 min which was 40.78 %, while for Cu+2

the

selected adsorbent showed comparatively increased sorption value 80.47 % in 90 min. Sample was

thermally treated in a temperature range of 100-800 ºC and the best sorption was achieved at 400

°C, which was 99.92 %. Two types of chemicals (HNO3 and NaOH) were employed to check their

effect on sorption. For nitric acid treated sample sorption of Cd+2

was 49% and that of Cu+2

66%.

Base treated sample shows sorption of Cd+2

upto 90.3% and Cu+2

upto 54.7%. Results show that

sorption is maximum when sample is thermally treated which may be due to increase in surface

pore size as a result of this treatment.


95

P-21 MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND ITS ASSOCIATED

PROBLEMS, A CASE STUDY OF BAHAWALPUR, PAKISTAN

Sana Arshad*1, Munazza Fatima1

1Department of Geography,Tthe Islamia University Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan.


Municipal management of solid wastes is a complicated task to be done by the local Government

requiring a good organizational structure and working staff with equipments. The term Municipal

wastes encompass all kind of non- hazardous waste collected from household, commercial and

industrial sector of the city. MSWMS (Municipal Solid Wastes Management System) is very

significant to prevent the city dwellers from various environment and health related problems.

MSWMS include collection, storage, and compaction, Transportation, dumping and recycling of

waste material. It is a cyclic process that’s needs a good management system. The major objective

of the paper is to explore the management process of solid wastes by Tehsil Municipal

Administration Bahawalpur and the problems associated with its management process. The paper

analyses the results of field survey of wastes dumping sites and treatment process. TMA Chief

Officer of Infrastructure and services department is interviewed and problems associated with its


96

management are analyzed. It is concluded from the research that municipal service for solid waste

management exists for almost 100% population of the city, although there are many infrastructure

and finance problems existing that hinders the good management plans. Insufficient machinery and

equipment in TMA is making the collection and transportation process more difficult and

decreasing the waste collection rate. Moreover, distribution of wastes dumping sites in the city is

quite inappropriate and causing severe negative impacts on the surrounding environment like

Ground water pollution, noise pollution and various health related diseases. The paper addresses

the strategies that can make the management system more efficient through public and private

sector participation with city TMA .

P-22 ESTIMATION OF BIOFILM FORMATION AND EFFICACY OF ISINFECTANTS

AGAINST ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATES FROM DRINKING WATER

Muhammad Ashraf1*, Muhammad Adnan Liaqat1, Muhammad Arshad1, H.A. Khan1

1Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-Pakistan


Biofilm is a dense aggregate of surface-adherent microorganisms embedded in a polysaccharide

matrix It is a serious threat to increase the onset of diseases. The most alarming consequence of

biofilm formation is the multiplication of pathogens such as E.coli, Pseudomonas and Salmonella.

The present study was conducted to isolate E. coli and to check the efficacy of disinfectants to

control biofilm formation. A total of 40 biofilm samples were collected, from different commercial

poultry farms of broiler and layer birds. Samples were inoculated on MacConkey agar and

inoculated plates were incubated at 37°C for 36 hours. Isolated microorganisms were identified

through conventional method. The ability of isolates to form biofilm on Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC)

pipe and iron pipe was determined. Efficacy of commonly used disinfectants was also determined

against Escherichia coli isolates. The results showed that out of 40 samples, 32 samples were

positive for E.coli. Iron pipe was found more susceptible for biofilm formation as viable count of

E.coli was more on iron pipe (1.99× 106

cfu) and less on PVC pipe (1.48 × 106 cfu). Among 4 used


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disinfectatnts, TH4 (contains tertiary chlorides and glutarldehydes) was found most effective

disinfectant as it reduced viable count of E.coli from 110 × 106 to 55 × 10

2 cfu. It was concluded

that biofilm is a serious threat as it contributes many species of bacteria but major one is E. coli. It

is recommended that by using of PVC pipe instead of iron pipe and regular water disinfection may

solve the problem of biofilm formation in water distribution networks.

P-23 BIOLOGICAL CONTROL POTENTIAL OF PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS

AGAINST FUSARIUM SOLANI – A CAUSE OF FUSARIUM WILT IN POTATO

Shazia Shafique1*, Zunaira Zaheer1, Sobiya Shafique1, Tahir Mehmood1

1Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan


Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium solani, is an economically important disease of potato in

Pakistan. Presently, pathogenic potential of F. solani was studied by inoculating potato plants with

three F. solani, strains to screen the most virulent isolate among F. solani FCBP-016, F. solani

FCBP-434 and F. solani FCBP-470. Pathogenicity test depicted that F. solani FCBP-434 was the

most pathogenic isolate with variation in genetic level that was determined by RAPD-PCR. F.

solani FCBP-434 was 55.66% different with both isolates. This disparity in genetic constitution

might be cause of high pathogenicity. Afterwards, antifungal bioassays were conducted to confirm

mycotoxic potential of root, shoot and leaf of Parthenium hysterophorus against F. solani FCBP-

434 using 1-4% concentrations of aqueous, methanol and n-hexane extracts. Bioassays revealed

that growth of F. solani FCBP-434 was greatly inhibited at 1 and 2% concentrations of aqueous

and methanol leaf and stem extracts while 3 and 4% concentrations of n-hexane extract proved

more effective in suppressing the growth. Among root extracts, higher concentrations of aqueous


98

and n-hexane exhibited more promising results by causing reduction of 85 and 74%, of the growth,

respectively, whereas in methanol extract again lower concentrations were more inhibitory.

P-24 TAGETES ERECTUS – A TOOL FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ALTERNARIA

ALTERNATA STRAINS OF TOMATO

Sobiya Shafique1*, Tahir Mehmood1, Shazia Shafique1, Zunera Zaheer1

1Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan.

Corresponding author: e-mail: [email protected]

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) is one of the most economically important vegetable

crops in the world. It is estimated that diseases reduce tomato production to a greater extent

worldwide. Natural plants derived compounds contribute a lot in fight against pathogens. In the

current study the tomato plants were inoculated with A. alternata FCBP-573, A. alternata FCBP-

479 and A. alternata FCBP-349 for the scrutiny of the most pathogenic isolate among these. A.

alternata FCBP-573 was screened out as the most pathogenic isolate. RAPD analysis confirmed

that A. alternata FCBP-573 had variability in its genetic constitution with other two isolates; thus

this disparity in genetic constitution might be a cause to stir up more pathogenicity in this isolate.

Therefore, A. alternata FCBP-573 was selected as the most pathogenic isolate and subjected to

biological control through Tagetes erectus L. In antifungal bioassays different plant parts of T.


99

erectus with 1-4% concentrations of aqueous, methanol and n-hexane extracts of each part were

evaluated against A. alternata FCBP-573. Results revealed that the growth of A. alternata FCBP-

573 was greatly inhibited at 4% concentration of methanol extract followed by aqueous and n-

hexane extract. Among different plant parts tested, root extract exhibited more promising results by

causing 81-92% reduction in biomass. The study concludes that aqueous and organic extracts of

ornamentals have potential to obstruct dreadful effect of pathogenic fungi by suppressing their

growth. T. erectus conferred vital and surprisingly stable compounds having inhibitory potential

against A. alternata FCBP-573.

P-25 UTILIZATION OF SLUDGE AS ORGANIC CATFISH FEED

Trini Y.Pratiwi1*, Priyandaru Agung E.T1, Erika Nur Maidah1

1Brawijaya University, Malang City, Province East Java, Indonesia


Percentage of fish cultivation in feed requirements intensively can reach 60% of the total

production cost, resulting in the need to depress production cost alternative in terms of purchase of

fodder. Dairy farms have generally waste used as fertilizer for plants. However, these wastes can be

used as feed in organic cultivation of catfish. Indonesia is an area that has a lot of dairy farms, dairy

farms of waste which is not yet in use optimally. So it takes an idea to utilize waste such as dairy

farms to become organic feed catfish. From this venture is expected waste dairy farms have higher

economic value after it is processed into sludge. From the results of observations in UPBAT

Kepanjen, Malang, sewage sludge obtained from dairy farms that has been fermented for 2 weeks

which biogas fermentation of these already in use as fuel gas stove home appliances. The result of

the fermentation of sewage in the form of pasta that can then take advantage of the organic feed

during cultivation as catfish. Based on the data obtained, the sludge contain nutrients that are

almost the same as bran. In addition, the rate of growth of the catfish feed sludge similar to the

growth rate of catfish are given artificial feed so that the sludge factory worth in feed alternatives.


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P-26 XENOBIOTICS BIODEGRADATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP

Hussain B1*, Parveen A1, Zahra N, Saleem AM1

1Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore


Environmental contamination due to xenobiotic compounds is mainly due to their large-scale

manufacturing, processing and handling. Owing to long-term persistence, and acute toxic and

teratogenic effects of these compounds.Due to its capability to degrade toxic xenobiotic compounds

in a safe and cost-effective manner, interest in bioremediation using microorganisms, particularly

bacteria and fungi, has increased in the past two decades. Partial microbial degradation of

xenobiotic compounds in wastewater treatment plants results in the formation of transformation

products, which have to be released and detectable in surface waters. The accumulation of

recalcitrant xenobiotic compounds is due to continuous efflux from population and industrial inputs

that have created a serious impact on the pristine nature of our environment. Metabolic pathways

and specific operon systems have been found in diverse but limited groups of microbes that are

responsible for the transformation of xenobiotic compounds. Distinct catabolic genes are either

present on mobile genetic elements, such as transposons and plasmids, or the chromosome itself


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that facilitates horizontal gene transfer and enhances the rapid microbial transformation of toxic

xenobiotic compounds. Remediation is the only way to tackle these so called xenobiotic

compounds and to reduce the hazards caused by them. Even though, several practices have been

implemented for degrading these recalcitrants, bioremediation step is proved to show the

significant impact on them. In present article we have reviewed the role of microbes in

biodegradation of various xenobiotic compounds escepieally releted to waste material of petroleum

and pharmaceutical industries.

P-27 MANAGEMENT OF HUGE BIOMASS OF NOXIOUS PARTHENIUM WEED BY

USING AS GREEN MANURE

Arshad Javaid1*

1Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus Lahore, Pakistan


Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is a rapidly growing invasive weed native to America

that has invaded Asia, Africa and Australia during the last 50 years. The weed is growing

abundantly along the road sides, on waste lands and grazing pastures as well as in agricultural

fields and produces a huge biomass. It has adverse effects on agriculture and natural ecosystems

and also poses serious health risks such as allergic contact dermatitis, rhinitis and asthma. In the

present study, pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential of parthenium weed to be

used as green manure. Maize (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and mungbean [Vigna


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radiata (L.) Wilczek] were used as test crops. Treatments employed were control, recommended

NPK fertilizers, and 1, 2, 3 & 4% (w/w) parthenium green manure (on fresh weight bases).

Parthenium was collected at 30-35 days growth stage prior to flowering. After mixing the

parthenium manure in the soil, pots were irrigated and left for 30 days for decomposition. Highest

root and shoot biomass in maize was obtained in 3% green manure treatment that was significantly

greater than control and equivalent to that of NPK fertilizers. Similarly, a 4% green manure

treatment of parthenium significantly enhanced growth and yield of wheat, and grain yield

equivalent to recommended dose of NPK fertilizers was obtained. In contrast, the effect of both

NPK fertilizers and parthenium green manure on growth and yield of mungean was insignificant.

The present study concludes that huge biomass of noxious parthenium weed can be managed by

using it as green manure for maize and wheat crops.

P-28 DISINFECTION OF UASB TREATED MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER USING ADVANCED

OXIDATION PROCESSES

Rabiya Manzoor*1, Sana Ahmed1

1College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan


An-aerobic reactors are proved to be ineffective to disinfect the municipal wastewater. However,

an-aerobic treatment of wastewater in conjunction with an adequate post-treatment can provide a

good quality wastewater to be used for irrigation or for other applications. In this study, advanced

oxidation processes like ozonation, UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide and their combinations

(O3/H2O2, O3/UV and UV/H2O2) in addition to sunlight were used to disinfect the UASB treated

municipal wastewater. All the processes gave encouraging results with minor differences with one

another however cost effectiveness of sunlight cannot be denied. Using ozone as treatment

provided frequent elimination of various pathogens included in this study. An optimal dose of 30

min eliminated 99.9 % of pathogens and showed great potential of inhabiting re-growth of these

pathogens. UV irradiation was also proved to be an efficient process for eliminating pathogen

content but it appeared to be a costly process. However, UV irradiation also achieved better results

like ozonation. UV irradiation with an intensity of 5 mW/cm2 and wavelength of 254 nm resulted in

99.9% pathogen removal when a UV dose was applied for 480 sec. Treatment with H2O2 was

appeared to be the cheapest treatment among the AOPs. A H2O2 dose (35 % conc.) of 0.9 ml/L was


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appeared to be optimal providing more than 99 % removal of pathogens. Treatment using

combinations was proved the most effective tool for the disinfection of wastewater requiring

comparatively low doses of disinfectants than individual processes. Using O3 and H2O2 in

combination (O3/H2O2) gave 99.9 % removal of pathogens when wastewater sample was treated

with 0.25 ml/L of H2O2 and later disinfecting with O3 for 10 min. similar result were obtained with

(UV/H2O2) at 0.3 ml/L of H2O2 dose and 1 min exposure time of UV irradiation. In case of O3/UV

treatment system, the effluent was 99.9 % clear from pathogens at 10 min O3 and 240 sec UV

irradiation post ozonation. Solar disinfection was effective in vivo as a free, low technology, which

proved to be an efficient method of improving water quality. In the present study, sunlight has been

proved to be an attractive technique for the removal of pathogens. A removal of 99.9% of

pathogens was obtained at a solar irradiation time of 150 min with an average intensity of 75 mW/

cm2. In this study solar disinfection was also used in combination with H2O2, which appeared to be

an attractive and cost effective treatment process resulting in appreciably reduced contact time with

sunlight and high rates of pathogen removal. Sunlight /H2O2 treatment achieved 99.9 % removal of

pathogens when wastewater sample was treated with 0.25 ml/L of H2O2 dose and then irradiated

with sunlight for a contact time of 30 min.

P-29 BIODEGRADATION OF CHLORPYRIFOS BY KLEBSIELLA SP.

ISOLATED FROM AGRICULTURAL SOILS

Muhammad Farhan1*, A. U. Khan1, Abdul Wahid2

1Sustainable Development Study Centre, GC. University, Lahore-54000, Pakistan 2Department of Environmental Sciences, BZ University, Multan-60800, Pakistan


With the increase in world’s population and more resistant pests, the use of pesticide is increasing

day by day. Now this practice is creating disturbances in ecosystem as pesticides remain in soil, air,

surface and ground water for longer duration. Microbes which consistently come in contact with

pesticide develop the ability to degrade them into non-toxic products. In present study, microbial

strains were isolated from cotton growing agricultural soils where chlorpyrifos was extensively in

use. The isolated strains were significantly different in their resistant towards chlorpyrifos. Out of

these strains, Klebsiella sp. was found most resistant (50mgL-1

) and was selected for follow up

studies. Different culture conditions like, chlorpyrifos concentration, added nutrients, pH and

inoculum densities were tested to maximize the biodegradation of chlorpyrifos by Klebsiella sp. In

minimal salt medium Klebsiella sp. exhibited 75% of chlorpyrifos (50mgL-1

) degradation in 22

days of incubation. Kinetic analysis reveals that the Klebsiella sp. shows longer lag phase at high

concentration of chlorpyrifos. This strain can be used for bioremediation and ecological restoration

of sites, contaminated with chlorpyrifos.


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P-30 BIOREMEDIATION OF INDUSTRIAL EFFULENTS

Parveen A1*, Anwer T1

Institute Of Molecular Biology And Biotecnology The University Of Lahore, Lahore


Effluent is a discharge of waste water from industrial site that is contributing to environmental

pollution. Effluent or the waste water is mainly generated as a result of the production processes

within the industries especially food, oil, textile industries and nuclear waste which not only harms

the environment but also micro and macro flora within it. Rapid industrialization generates tons of

hazardous waste comprising conventional and toxic pollutants that is causing damage to

ecosystem.Therfore, industries are searching for effective and sustainable technologies for

disposing of their wastes. Breakthrough of eco-friendly bioremediation process has provided use of

microorganisms to deal with contaminants and transform them into innocuous end products and to

reclaim the environment into its original state. Bioremediation is a technique to eliminate, degrade

or transformed toxic agent to non-toxic ones by employing biological processes, and using

microbial species in both natural and man-created remediation processes. In present article we

reviewed waste material released from different industries and the method to check the accessibility

and biological activity of microorganism to transform voluminous industrial effluents to less toxic

products


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P-31 URBAN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN PESHAWAR, MARDAN AND

NOWSHERA DISTRICTS

Tariq Usman Saeed*1, Daulat Khan2, Haleema Attaullah3, Taj Ali Khan2, Mahmood Alam Khan2

1Transport Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, Pakistan

2Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar

3Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar


Municipalities in the three important and major cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa namely Peshawar,

Mardan and Nowshera districts are facing hard challenges in solid waste disposal due to the lack of

landfill capacity in these cities. With rapid urbanization especially over few decades, the

movement/migration of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) towards these districts has made solid

waste a serious reason of causing negative impacts on human health as well as environmental

degradation affecting urban ecosystem. This study aims to estimate the total quantity of solid

wastes generated in these three districts and evaluate the present solid waste management systems.

According to the field survey conducted in January 2012 and data from municipalities estimates,

the average per capita household waste generation rate is 0.67 kg/capita/day in Peshawar, 0.54

kg/capita/day in Mardan and 0.42 kg/capita/day in Nowshera and the total daily waste generation is

1000 tons in Peshawar, 850 tons in Mardan and 740 tons in Nowshera districts on daily basis. This

study indicated that approximately 65 percent of waste is collected by the municipalities of these

cities while remaining 35 percent is thrown either into waterways or lying in the street or road sides

which poses serious health risks to inhabitants. This research identified the serious needs of public

awareness, implementation and execution of creative and innovative approaches/technologies like


106

reuse and recycling opportunities, disposal of the solid waste on a landfill with electricity

generation and composting of organic materials to overcome related human health and

environmental issues. After this extensive study of three important districts, the authors strongly

feel that there is an intense need of proper legislation and policies regarding solid waste

management in the country.

P-32 DRINKING WATER SOURCES, QUALITY AND PURIFICATION PRACTICE: A

CASE OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN BAHAWALPUR CITY

Sajid Noor1*, Munazza Fatima2

1Department of Geography, The Islamia University Bahawalpur Pakistan

2Lecturer, Department of Geography, The Islamia University Bahawalpur Pakistan


Water is an essential element of our survival. Based on three residential areas of Bahawalpur City,

this article is a case study about the drinking water sources, quality and purification practice among

the public. Through the analysis of these parameters, the main aim of this paper is to examine the

drinking water quality and the awareness level in the population about the use of purified water.

Firstly, this paper describes the main sources of water used in the study area, among which ground

water is found to be the main one. Further to it, based upon the analysis of physical and chemical

quality of water, some areas show the poor quality of drinking water. In addition, the public

awareness about the purification measures of drinking water found to be very low in the study area.

Finally this study leads the authors to suggest some policy measures which will aware the local

dwellers for the use of pure drinking water.


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P-33 REMOVAL OF NICKEL (II) AND CHROMIUM (III) FROM AQUEOUS

SOLUTION BY USING PHALSA LEAVES (GREWIA ASIATICA) AS BIOSORBENT

Saad Shahid*1, Mohsin Jamshaid2

1College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan


Biosorption has been regarded as a low cost method for the removal of contaminants especially

heavy metals from aqueous solutions. Biosorption puts to use the characteristic of biological

materials to accumulate the heavy metals by metabolic or physio-chemical pathways. The

accumulated biological materials along with heavy metals are further filtered. This process depends

on variables such as temperature, agitation speed, pH, amount of adsorbent and concentration of the

initial solution. Adsorption performance of Cr (III) and Ni (II) on dried Phalsa (Grewia asiatica)

leaves powder was studied. It shows an appreciable removal efficiency for Cr (III) and Ni (II) and

removed from their aqueous solution up to 87.89% at pH=4 and 95.48% at pH=5, respectively.

Optimum adsorption conditions were determined as a function of adsorbent dosage, contact time,

pH and agitation speed. Langmuir, Freundlichand and Temkin isotherms were used to evaluate the

equilibrium data. The adsorption capacity q max of Cr (III) and Ni (II) is found to be 6.002 mg/g

and 3.815 mg/g of adsorbent respectively. The observed Cr (III) and Ni (II) removal order is Cr

(III) > Ni (II).


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P-34 METAL REMOVAL ABILITY OF BREAD MOLD FUNGUS

Amna Shoaib1*, Nida Aslam1, Nafisa1, Nabila Aslam1

Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.


Cr(III) removal ability of indigenous soil fungus of Pakistan i.e. Rhizopus arrhizus Fisher. was

checked through batch experiments. Laboratory experiments were performed by taking 0.1 g of

powdered fungal biomass in 100 mL of metal solution kept at 150 rpm for 3 hours. FTIR

spectroscopy revealed that amine (-NH2) and hydroxyl (-OH) groups participated in Cr(III) binding

with the fungal biomass. Adsorption efficiency of the fungus significantly declined by 1-30% on

increasing initial metal concentration in the range of 20-100 mg/L. The adsorption capacity of

fungal biomass was 43.47 mg g-1

as determined by Langmuir isotherm. High correlation coefficient

(R2: 0.99) acquired through Langumir and Frendulich models adequately described the adsorption

mechanism on to fungal biomass. pH optimization trials in the range of 2-10 exhibited significantly

greater adsorption efficiency of 75% at pH 4. Adsorption/desorption trials with four acids indicted

that desorption of Cr(III) follow the order of: HCl > HNO3> CH3COOH > H2SO4. Adsorption

based trials summarized that R. arrhizus is potential and inexpensive biomaterial with viable

application in the removal of Cr(III) from the aqueous solution.


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P-35 REMOVAL OF CR(VI) FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION BY TRICHODERMA

HARZIANUM

AMNA SHOAIB1*, NIDA ASLAM1, NAFISA1, SABA KHURSHID1

1Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.


Metal removal capability of indigenous soil fungus of Pakistan i.e. Trichoderma harzianum (Rifai)

was determined through laboratory bioassays. Experiments were conducted in flask by taking 0.1 g

of powdered fungal biomass in 100 mL (25 mg L-1

) of metal solution kept at 150 rpm for 3 hrs.

Results showed 65% adsorption efficiency of T. harzianum biomass for Cr(VI). Langmuir and

Freundlich isotherms were used to enlighten biosorption phenomenon revealed 50 mg g-1

adsorption capacity of the fungus. The solution pH selected in the range of 2-10 followed

downward trend for metal uptake as maximum removal efficiency of 80% was noticed at pH 2-3.

FTIR highlighted the involvement of amine, amide and hydroxyl groups in adsorption process.

Adsorption/desorption trials conducted with four acids indicted that desorption of Cr(VI) follow the

order of: H2SO4 (0.1M)>HNO3 (0.5M) >HCl(0.1M)>HCl(0.5M)>CH3COOH (0.1M)>CH3COOH

(0.5M) >H2SO4 (0.5M). Adsorption based trials summarized that fungal biomass are potential and

inexpensive biomaterial with viable application in the biosorption of Cr(VI) from the liquid media.


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P-36 LAPINDO MUD BREAKWATER: A SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Trini Y.Pratiwi1*, Priyandaru Agung E.T1, Erika Nur Maidah1

1Brawijaya University, Malang City, Province East Java, Indonesia

Corresponding author e-mail:[email protected]

Until now, the problem is the cataclysm lapindo mud to the detriment of many parties and damage

to the environment. Mudflow in Sidoarjo region, endlessly, this can not be solved and remains one

of the great things that are not solved in this country. lumpur lapindo has become waste waiting to

be exploited. Solution this problem is the utilization of sludge into innovative products that useful

for many people, i.e. with the breakwater. Lumpur lapindo in large quantities to be used into the

breakwater, a breakwater that was built on the southern coast of Indonesia. The construction of the

breakwater itself is a major project which cost is expensive, so it's hard to do in Indonesia. With the

utilization of lapindo mud as the breakwater was able to complete 2 problem i.e. the maximal

utilization of the sludge issue itself and the construction of the breakwater with cheaper cost and

effective. Furthermore, the mud will be used as particles finely in the breakwater. Lapindo mud

position was used on the breakwater core will maintain the resilience and strength of the

breakwater itself. With the utilization of massively for the creation of the breakwater, mud in

Sidoarjo volume can be reduced. this Lapindo mud breakwater will be built in several cities in

Indonesia with high sea waves in the South Coast such as Yogyakarta, Malang, Trenggalek, and

others. At this stage the application previously held the breakwater testing the resilience of the

breakwater with a few parameters such as strong attraction, strong press, as well as testing the

feasibility of the breakwater. After both analysis and testing is done, next is a place or location

analysis of development include wave height, wind, depth, flow direction, resources and

biodiversity around the location. If all aspects have been ordered, then the construction of the

breakwater is ready made. Advantages of this innovation is effective, appropriate, and resolve

problems that matter in mud lapindo and the construction of the breakwater.


111

P-37 5-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID IMPROVES THE PLANT GROWTH BY

ENHANCING ELEMENTS UPTAKE AND ANTIOXIDANTS ENZYMES UNDER

CADMIUM STRESS IN OILSEED RAPE

Basharat Ali1, C.R. Huang1, Shafaqat Ali2, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq2, Rafaqat Ali Gill1,

Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir3, Aaifa Chaudhary2,Sadia Hina2 , Ghazala2, W.J. Zhou1,4*

aInstitute of Crop Science and Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Resource of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang

University, Hangzhou 310058, China.

bDepartment of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan.

cInstitute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad -38040, Pakistan

dAgricultural Experiment Station, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.


To study the plant response to cadmium (Cd) stress in combination with a growth regulator, 5-

aminolevulinic acid (ALA), oilseed rape plants were grown hydroponically in greenhouse

conditions under three levels of Cd (0, 100, and 500 μM) and foliar application of ALA at three

concentrations (0, 12.5 and 25 mg/l). Cd stress depressed the plant growth in terms of plant

biomass, plant height, root length and reduced chlorophyll contents in the leaves; however foliar

application of ALA significantly improved the plant growth and enhanced the chlorophyll synthesis

in the leaves. Generally, analyses of macro (N, P, K, S, Ca, and Mg) and micronutrients (Mn, Zn,

Fe, and Cu) showed reduction of accumulation of these ions in the leaves and roots under higher

concentration of Cd (500 μM). Exogenous application of ALA enhanced the concentration of all

the nutrients except P and S. Results have shown that foliar application of ALA significantly

decreased the production rate of MDA and ROS in the leaves of brassica. Antioxidant enzymes

like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) decreased significantly whereas

ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) showed increase in their activities under 500 μM

Cd. The antioxidants enzymes enhanced their activities when ALA was applied with the

combination of different Cd concentrations. The study also reveals that seedlings treated with ALA

at different concentrations enhanced the glutathione reduced (GSH), glutathione oxidized (GSSG),

total glutathione and reduced the GSH/GSSG ratio in leaves under different levels of Cd stress. Our


112

results indicate that ALA helped the plants to improve the uptake of nutrients and antioxidants

enzymes due to its ameliorative capability under Cd stress conditions.

P-38 ROLE OF SILICON IN MITIGATING THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF NICKEL

STRESS ON COTTON (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM) PLANTS GROWN

HYDROPONICALLY

Ammara Khaliq1, Shafaqat Ali1*, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq1, Muhammad Muzammil

Jahangir2, Saima Aslam Bharwana1, Muhammad Saleem Arif1



Faisalabad. Pakistan; 2Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad -38040,

Pakistan.


The cotton plays a vital role in the national economy. Contamination by heavy metal is an

important environmental issue worldwide, particularly in the agriculture sector, as it confines the

crop production and its quality. Soil management techniques should be used for contaminated soil

to reduce the availability of heavy metal to the plants. Keeping in view, this study was planned to

investigate the alleviating effects of Silicon on different Physiological, morphological and

biochemical attributes of cotton plants under Nickel (Ni) stress. Cotton plants (MNH-886) were

exposed to the three replicate of each two level of Ni (50µM and 100µM) in form of NiCl2, with or

without 1mM of Silicon (Si) as Na2SiO4 in hydroponic culture at pH 6.0 + 1.0. After eight weeks of

Ni stress exposure, the finding depicts that increase in the concentration of Ni in the growth

medium of the plant significantly affected the biological activities like synthesis of protein contents

and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD) that caused not only decreased in growth rate of the plant

but also damage its physical structure The transformation of the (O2¯) radical into H

2O

2 are

basically supported the SOD activity in the plants cell which considerably increased with the

presence of Ni but it showed the non-significant behavior if plants were exposed to higher

concentration of Ni for a long period. Cotton plant has the ability to survive for a long time period

under stressed condition of Ni50 with respect to the Ni100. Alteration in the biological activities

disturb the chlorophyll contents that effect the photosynthesis rate ultimately caused substantial

reduction in the leaf, shoot and roots growth as well change do occurred in their physical structures.

The rate of Ni accumulation in roots was found much higher than of shoots and leaves. Induction of

Silicon (Si) as an alleviating agent to plants supported them to cope up maximum in case of Ni


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stress by enhancing the biological activities ultimately led to increase in growth rate of the cotton

plants.

P-39 EFFICACY OF COMMERCIAL DISINFECTANTS AGAINST THE WATER

CONTAMINATING BACTERIA AT COMMERCIAL BROILER FARMS

Mian Muhammad Salman1, Muhammad Nawaz1, Aftab Ahmad Anjum*1, Mansur-ud-din Ahmad2

1Department of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore

2Department of Epidemiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore


Microbiological qualities of drinking water have fundamental importance for poultry. Due to poor

hygienic conditions in water supply, it is becoming a health hazard for the poultry. Present study

was designed to analyze the bacteriological quality of water supplied to poultry farms and evaluate

the efficacy of different disinfectants to reduce the microbial load of water at commercial broiler

farms. Water samples (n=50) were collected from broiler farms in and around Lahore. Water in

poultry environment was of low quality as detected by Total Viable Count and Coliform count.

Commercial preparations of various disinfectants (PHMB, PHMB + Benzalkonium chloride + non

ionic surfactants, Chlorine dioxide, Glutralaldehyde and organic acid) were evaluated for their

potential to reduce the microbial load from the water in poultry farms. The disinfectants were

effective on normal as well as on lower than recommended doses. Glutralaldehyde containing

disinfectant had significantly higher efficacy. The study insinuates the continuous monitoring of the

water quality and use of suitable disinfectant in poultry environment for better microbial quality of

drinking water for poultry.


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P-40 ALLEVIATION OF CHROMIUM TOXICITY BY HYDROGEN SULFIDE IN

BARLEY

Shafaqat Ali1,2, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq2,Saima Aslam Bharwana2, Muhammad Muzammil

Jahangir3, Sabir Hussain2 , Shamaila Noureen2 , Hina Rizvi2 , Guoping Zhang1*

1Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China


Government College University, Allama Iqbal Road,

38000, Faisalabad, Pakistan; 3Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad -

38040, Pakistan


Recently, it was found that H2S donor NaHS alleviates the harmful effects of stress in plants.

Chromium is considered very harmful heavy metal for both plants and animals. A hydroponic

experiment was carried out to check the alleviating effects of NaHS in chromium stressed plants.

The treatments consisted of three H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) (0, 100 and 200 µM) and

two Cr (0 and 100 µM) levels. The results showed that H2S application increased plant growth and

photosynthesis slightly as compared to control. H2S alleviated the inhibition in plant growth and

photosynthesis by Cr stress, with higher H2S level having more beneficial effect. H2S also reduced

Cr concentration in all three plant parts, and higher H2S level had greater effect. Exogenous

application of NaHS alleviated cell disorders both in root and leaf cells. On the basis of these

results it may be concluded that H2S is a promising gas molecule, which can improve plant survival

under chromium stress.


115

P-41 5-AMINOLEVOLINIC ACID ENHANCES THE CADMIUM INDUCED CHANGES

IN BRASSICA NAPUS AS REVEALED BY THE BIOCHEMICAL AND ULTRA-

STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF ROOTS

Basharat Ali1, C.R. Huang1, Shafaqat Ali2, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq2, Sabir Hussain2,

Rafaqat Ali Gill1, Zaheer Abbas Virk2, W.J. Zhou1,3*

1Institute of Crop Science and Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Resource of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang

University, Hangzhou 310058, China; 2Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University,

Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; 3Agricultural Experiment Station, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.


Cadmium (Cd) interrupts many metabolic reactions and decreases the antioxidants enzymes as well

as damage the cell structure that cause growth retardation and ultimately plant death. The

ameliorating effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) under cadmium (Cd) stress conditions were

studied with special attention being given to root morphology and root ultra-structure in oilseed

rape. The plants were treated hydroponically with three different Cd concentrations (0, 100, 500

μM) and foliar spray of ALA with three concentrations (0, 12.5 and 30 mg/l) simultaneously. After

15 days of treatment higher Cd stress significantly reduced the plant biomass and root morphology.

Moreover Cd increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulted in enhance the

malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the roots. Foliar application of ALA improved the plant

growth, root morphology and significantly reduced the ROS and MDA contents in roots under the

Cd stress conditions. On the other hand higher concentration of Cd (500 μM) decreased the

activities of antioxidants enzymes like catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase

(POD) and glutathione reductase (GR) and also declined the oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and total

glutathione contents in roots. As well as Cd toxicity had no affect on total soluble protein (TSP),

ascorbic acid (ASA) contents and reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG). Application of

ALA at 25 mg/l dosage significantly enhanced the antioxidant activities e.g. APX, SOD, POD, and

GSH contents. Cd toxicity damaged the whole root structure which was evident by electron

microscopic ultra-structures. Cell possessed the undeveloped nucleus and mitochondria, cracked

cell wall, occurrence of plasmolysis, and absence of endoplasmic reticulum under the higher


116

concentration of Cd (500 μM) alone. Whereas, ALA showed whole clear cell with developed

nucleus and nuclear membrane, smooth cell wall, continuous endoplasmic reticulum, and well

shaped mitochondria under the 500 μM cd level. These results suggests that, application of ALA

helped the plants to improve root growth, root antioxidants enzymes, and ultra-structural changes in

root tip cells under short term Cd-induced stress (15 days)

P-42 5-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID AMELIORATES CADMIUM-INDUCED

MORPHOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN

SEEDLINGS OF OILSEED RAPE

Basharat Ali1, C.R. Huang1, Shafaqat Ali2, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq2, Muhammad

Muzammil Jahangir4, Rafaqat Ali Gill1, W.J. Zhou1,3*

aInstitute of Crop Science and Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Resource of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang

University, Hangzhou 310058, China.

bDepartment of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan. cAgricultural

Experiment Station, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. dInstitute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad -38040, Pakistan


Due to its prolific growth, oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) can be grown successfully for

phytoremediation of cadmium (Cd) contaminated soils. Nowadays, use of plant growth regulators

against heavy metals stress is one of the major objectives of researchers. The present study

evaluates the ameliorate effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA, 0, 0.4, 2 and 10 mg/l) on the

growth of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. cv. ZS 758) seedlings under Cd stress (0, 100 and 500

μM). Results have shown that Cd stress hampered the seedling growth by decreasing the radical

and hypocotyls length, shoot and root biomass, chlorophyll content and antioxidants enzymes. On

the other hand Cd stress increased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and production of H2O2

and accumulation of Cd in the shoots. The microscopic study of leaf measophyll cells showed that

toxicity of Cd totally destroyed the whole cell structure and accumulation of Cd also appeared in

micrographs. Application of ALA at lower dosage (2 mg/l) enhanced the seedling growth and

biomass. The results showed that 2 mg/l ALA significantly improved chlorophyll content under Cd

stress and decreased the level of Cd contents in shoots. Application of ALA reduced the MDA and

H2O2 levels in the cotyledons. The antioxidants enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase,

catalase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase) enhanced their activities significantly

with the application of 2 mg/l ALA under Cd stress. This study also indicated that higher dosage of

ALA (10 mg/l) imposed the negative effect on the growth of oilseed rape. Microscopic study

showed that application of ALA alleviated the toxic effects of Cd in the mesophyll cell and


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improved the cell structure. Use of 2 mg/l ALA under 500 μM Cd was found to be more effective

and under this dosage cell structure was clear, with obvious cell wall and cell membrane as well as

a big nucleus which was found with well developed two or more nucleoli. Chloroplast was almost

round in shape and contained thylakoids membranes and grana but starch grains were not found in

chloroplast comparatively to other treatments. On the basis of our results we can conclude that

ALA has promotive effect which could improve plant survival under Cd stress.

P-43 MITIGATION EFFECTS OF SILICON ON COTTON (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM)

PLANTS GROWN UNDER ZINC STRESS HYDROPONICALLY

Shad Ali Anwar1, Shafaqat Ali1*, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq1, Wajid Ishaque3, Tahira

Yasmeen1, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir2, Saima Aslam Bharwana1,



Faisalabad. Pakistan; 2Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad -38040,

Pakistan; 3Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institure for Agriculure and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad.


Effective pollution remediation is need of the hour because huge quantities of heavy metals

including Zinc are being discharged from the industries which are contaminating soil and water

resources. Silicon is agronomically important fertilizer element that enhances plants tolerance of

multiple abiotic stresses. This study was designed to Investigate the effects of Zinc stress on

different physiological, morphological and biochemical properties of cotton plants and role of

silicon in alleviation of that detrimental effects of Zinc. Zinc (Zn) was introduced as two levels

zinc 50 µM and 25 µM and one level for Silicon 1mM and treatments were; Control, 1mM Si, 25

µM Zn, 25 µM Zn+ 1mM Si, 50 µM Zn, 50 µM Zn+ 1mM Si in nutrient solution while keeping pH

stabilized at 6 ± 0.1. Physiological, morphological and biochemical responses of cotton plant to

Zinc stress was observed after eight weeks and data regarding root/shoot length, root/shoot fresh

and dry weight, Leaf area, SPAD values, Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll,

carotenoids, photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), Electrolyte

leakage values were recorded. Anti-oxidant enzymes activity such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD),

guaiacol peroxidase (POD), soluble protein and Zn contents in roots, stems and leaves were

determined. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS statistical package version 17.0. The

results suggested that the Zn considerably inhibited the overall growth parameters of the cotton

plants with increasing Zn concentration, decreased root, shoot and leaves weight, length. Highest

level of metal uptake was carried out by Zn50 roots, shoots and leaves 3604.5g Kg-1 DW, 1042.5g

Kg-1 DW and 653.14g Kg-1DW respectively. Overall chlorophyll status was severely damaged by

the Zn toxicity most affected by Zn50. Stress of Zn concentration affected the antioxidant and


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enzymatic activity adversely and increased the production of the guaiacol Peroxidase (POD),

Superoxidase Dismutase (SOD) enormously while in mean time decreasing the contents of soluble

protein to greater extant, revealing the enhanced production of the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

in response to the stress caused by the Zn. This enhancement in the production of the ROS caused

damage to protein and caused decrease in contents. Zinc on the other hand caused strong alleviation

of the toxic effects of the Zn stress and caused enhancement in the overall growth, anti-oxidant

activity and increased level of protein contents.

P-44 DEGRADATION OF AZO DYE ACID RED 66 BY ELECTROLYTIC PROCESS

Muhammad Kashif1*, Abdul Ghaffar1, Abdul Jabbar1 and Mukhtar ul Hassan2

1Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad. 2Institute of Chemistry University of The Punjab, Lahore.


Azo dyes are widely used in the textile industry and can be hazardous to the environment due to

their reactivity, toxicity and recalcitrance. The degradation of acid red 66 in aqueous phase was

experimentally investigated using iron mesh titanium coated electrode with potential difference of

28V. The influence of the pH, supporting electrolyte concentration, concentration of dye and

configuration of electrodes on dye degradation was studied. The intermediate formed during the

degradation were detected by GC-MS. The maximum degradation (97 %) occurs at optimum pH 7

in the presence of 1.2 g electrolyte/L in 18 minutes. NaCl was found to be the most appropriate

electrolyte. Two anode one cathode system was found to be most working configuration of

electrodes during electrolytic process. Increase of the dye concentration required more time for

degradation. The results showed that the electrolytic degradation process is much beneficial over

the other oxidative/biodegradative processes.


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P-45 ALLEVIATION OF DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF LEAD BY SILICON

NUTRITION IN SOIL GROWN COTTON PLANTS

Mudassar Maqbool1, Shafaqat Ali1*, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq1, Wajid Ishaque2, Sabir

Hussain1, Tahira Yasmeen1, Saima Aslam Bharwana1



Faisalabad. Pakistan; 2Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institure for Agriculure and Biology (NIAB),

Faisalabad


Heavy metal pollution is of much environmental concern, and it poses major threat to terrestrial

plants, animal and human via food chain. Lead toxicity has gained a considerable attention as a

potent envirornmental toxicant.The present study was conducted to investigate the alleviation of

detrimental effects of lead by silicon nutrition in soil grown cotton plants . A wire house pot

experiment was carried out at a wire house of Government College University Faisalabad. Cotton

seeds of genotype MNH-886 were sown in earthen pots. After five weeks of sowing, four

treatments were applied, i) Controlled conditions (CK), ii) silicon (Si), iii) Lead (Pb),( iv)

Combined Silicon and lead (Pb 0.5 mM and Si1mM). Each treatment was applied to each pot after

every alternate day for five weeks by making solution in distilled water. After twelve weeks of

sowing plants were hearvested and growth variables including root shoot length; root shoot fresh

and dry weight were estimated. Leaf area and SPAD value was measured. For the determination of

electrolyte leakage of roots and leaves, EC was determined from leaves and root extract after one

day of hearvesting. The data was analyzed statistically by using standard procedure.


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P-46 CHARACTERIZATION OF A BACTERIAL CO-CULTURE FOR EFFICIENT

DECOLORIZATION OF REACTIVE DYES

Rabia Najme1, Monika Younas1, Shafaqat Ali1, Zahid Maqbool1, Sabir Hussain1*

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad Pakistan


Azo compounds constitute the largest and the most diverse group of synthetic dyes and are widely

used in a number of industries such as textile, food, cosmetics and paper printing. Azo dyes are

ubiquitously used in the textile industry. These dyes need to be removed from the effluent prior to

discharge to sewage due to their intense color and toxicity. However, wastewater containing dyes is

very difficult to treat, since the dyes are recalcitrant organic molecules, resistant to aerobic

digestion, and are stable to light, heat and oxidizing agents due to their structure and molecular

size. Biological wastewater management is amongst the most significant biotechnological

techniques and a variety of bacterial species have been reported to decolorize azo dyes under

aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In this regard, this study was conducted to isolate bacterial strains

which had ability to decolorize the reactive yellow S3R. The strain RN34 was found to be efficient

in decolorizing reactive yellow S3R as it decolorized 88% of the reactive yellow S3R azo dye only

in 48 hours. This isolate was also found to efficiently decolorize reactive red S3R azo dye. Further

results indicated that this isolate showed optimal decolorization of the reactive yellow S3R azo dye

at pH 7.5 in the presence of yest extract as an additional nutrient source under static incubation at

300C. the decolorizing potential was found to considerably enhanced when it was co-cultured with

a reactive red S3R decolorizing isolate M41. It is noteworthy that when both the isolates were co-

cultured, they could also decolorize orange reactive and reactive GR black up to 51.17 and 37%,

respectively


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P-47 REMOVAL OF DYES FROM WATER BY SOLUBLIZATION

Hina Shakoor1, Muhammad Ibrahim1*, Muhammad Usman2

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad

2Department of Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad

Corresponding author email: ebrahem.m@gmaicom

A comparative study of removal of health risk organic dyes from water was carried out using

sorption and solublization. Activated carbon was used as sorbents to remove reactive textile dyes

from aqueous solutions. The bath sorption experiments were conducted at various pH, sorbent

dosage, contact time, initial concentration and agitation speed. The applicability of the Langmuir

and Freundlich isotherm models was examined. The influence of cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethyl

ammonium bromide (CTAB), and an anionic surfactant, Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on spectral

properties of selected dyes in aqueous solutions was investigated by means of UV-Visible

spectroscopy in submicellar and micellar concentration range. Absorption spectra of these dyes in

the presence of surfactant confirmed which type of interaction was taking place between molecules

of dye and surfactant. It was explored that initially molecules of dye were attached with monomeric

molecules of surfactant in premicellar region while in post micellar region they were

accommodated with in micelle. The values of micelle–water partition coefficient Kx, free energy of

partition, dye-surfactant binding constant Kb and free energy of binding were also calculated by

differential spectroscopic method.

mailto:ebrahem.m@gmaicom

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P-48 ISOPROTURON MINERALIZATION IN AN AGRICULTURAL SOIL OVER A

THREE YEAR CROP ROTATION: IMPACT OF PESTICIDE APPLICATION HISTORY

ON MINERALIZATION KINETICS

Sabir Hussain1,2*, Marion Devers-Lamrani1, Mylène Porcherot1, Nadine Rouard1 and Fabrice Martin-Laurent1

1 INRA, Université de Bourgogne, UMR MSE, 17 rue Sully, BP 86510, F-21065 Dijon Cedex, France

2 Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University Faisalabad, Pakistan


Frequent use of phenylurea herbicide isoproturon (IPU) in agricultural fields has resulted not only

in the contamination of arable soils but also in the adaptation of the soil microflora to its rapid

biodegradation. Microbial biodegradation plays a key purifying role by governing natural

attenuation of pesticdes in the environment. In order to further elucidate the factors affecting the

purifying capabilities of soil microbial communities, we monitored the spatial variability of the IPU

mineralization activity of soil microflora over a three years (2008, 2009 and 2010) an agricultural

field cropped with winter wheat/ rapeseed/ barley crop rotation periodically exposed to this

herbicide. Thirty six soil samples were collected on a XX x YY m grid, analyzed by

radiorespirometery using 14

C-ring-labeled IPU. Several biological and physicochemical parameters

including pH, relative humidity, CEC, organic carbon, total nitrogen, C/N ratio, microbial C

biomass, culturable bacteria and mineralization activity were estimated. Significantly higher

cumulative IPU mineralization were observed in 2008 and 2010 when the field was treated with

IPU and sulfonylurea herbicides, respectively (p<0.05). Spatial variability of IPU mineralization

revealed higher variability in 2009 and 2010 as compared to that observed in 2008. Pearson’s

coefficient of correlation indicated for a weak relationship between the IPU mineralization and

several the physico-chemical properties like pH and organic matter content. However, the

geostatistical map of IPU mineralization rate (µm) showed important similarity with that of soil pH

and organic matter content. Furthermore, geostatistics revealed IPU and sulfonylurea herbicide

treatment lowered the range of variation in IPU mineralization activity. Based on these findings, we

conclude that pesticide treatment is the key driver of pesticide degrading ability of the soil


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microflora and that soil physico-chemical parameters (pH and organic matter content) are

influencing the expression of the IPU degrading potential of the soil microbiota.

P-49 TOXICITY ASSESSMENT THROUGH ALLIUM CEPA TEST OF ADVANCED

OXIDATION PROCESS EFFICIENCY

T. H. Bokhari2*, Munawar Iqbal1, Ijaz Ahmad Bhatti1, Muhammad Shahid2

1Department of Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan

2Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan


Azo dyes are widely used in textile industries and to date, various techniques, such as

adsorption, photocatalysis and purification by membrane filtration, have been reported to

remove this class of dye form wastewater. However, decolorization is not a correct solution.

Recently, various author reported the toxic and carcinogenic nature of dyes, which is

considered a threat to the aquatic life. The advanced oxidation process (AOP) has advantages

over all existing technologies due to its degradation and mineralization efficiency and allium

cepa test has been used for the evaluation of toxicity of treated sample. In present study, the

toxicity of dye aqueous solution was checked before AOP application, which was found to

toxic (up to 90% versus negative control). After toxicity evaluation, the aqueous solutions of

Yellow F3R were irradiated to UV (40 watt, 254 nm) in the presence of H2O2 and degradation

was evaluated using spectrophotometric analysis. The dye degradation was influenced by multi-

parameters like hydrogen peroxide percentage, time of UV irradiation, pH and shaking speed.

The experimental variables were optimized to obtain maximum dye degradation and the

toxicity of maximum degraded dye aqueous solutions were checked by allium cepa biological

test, which is considered a true representative of vast fana and flora community. The optimized

values of variable such as dye concentration, H2O2 percentage, UV irradiation time, pH and

shaking speed were found to be 100 ppm, 5%, 1 h, 3 and 100 rpm, respectively and the dye

solution treated at these selected level showed significantly reduced toxicity (up to 65%).


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Results indicate that this method is useful for dye toxicity reduction and also applicable for the

toxicity reduction of true textile wastewater, which may be helpful for aquatic life.

P-50 REMOVAL OF CR AND NI FROM WASTEWATER USING THESPESIA

POPULENEA AS BIOSORBENT

M.Irfan1, Zaib-un-Nisa1, U. Rashid2, M.Ibrahim1, M.S. Arif1*, S. Anwaar1

1Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University, Faisalabad Pakistan


Removal of toxic heavy metals from water channels is one of most significant environmental issue.

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based optimized model was used to assess the potential of

Thespesia populenea as a feedstock material for the removal of Cr and Ni from the wastewater of

tannery and textile industry. Effects of operating variables such as pH, agitation time and dose

concentration were also determined for the removal of heavy metals ions followed by quality of

waste water obtained. Optimization of biosorption process using RSM model showed that the best

possible percent removal of heavy metal, 78.26 % and 86.52 % for Ni and Cr were obtained at 2

pH, (1.5 gL-1

) biomass doze concentration (with 0.710 mm particle size), 40 (min.) agitation time

and 2.81 pH, 0.91 (gL-1

) biomass doze concentration (with 0.250 mm particle size), 51.90 (min.)

agitation time; respectively. The percent removal theoretically predicted by quadratic polynomial

models was found to be in good agreement with those of experimental data, verifying the accuracy

of the proposed model. This study showed that use of indigenously available non-conventional

plant materials could be used as biosorbent to the accelerated problem of effluents treatment.


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P-51 HEAVY METAL RESISTANCE BACTERIA: HOW AND WHY DO THEY DO IT?

AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO INTERESTING?

Faisal Islam1, Tahira yasmeen1*



The term ―resistance bacteria‖ describes a number of bacteria that belong to different phylogenetic

groups but share the ability to grow on metal contaminated site and to accumulate extraordinarily

high amounts of heavy metals in their biomass without suffering normal metabolic functioning.

Two basic characters distinguish resistance from related non-resistance bacteria: a strongly

enhanced rate of heavy metal uptake and a greater ability to detoxify and sequester heavy metals.

An interesting come out that has come forth from comparative physiological and genomic studies

of resistance and non resistance bacteria reveals that resistance mechanism is because of different

regulation and expression of genes found in both kinds of bacteria in chromosomes and on plasmid.

Primarily, resistance in microorganisms can occur through the decreased uptake of metal ion, the

increased use of efflux pumps, biosorption, and the upregulation of genes associated with oxidative

stress response and in metal reduction. Heavy metal contaminated soils pose an increasing problem

to human and animal health. An overview of literature demonstrates the cleanup efforts using

bacteria to remediate specific metal effected soils have appeared over the last 30 years. Moreover,

metal resistant bacteria can be used for microbe assisted phytoremediation to restore the

productivity, fertility, and stability of heavy metal spoil, leading to the development of a

sustainable ecosystem.


126

P-52 ROLE OF METAL CHELATION BY POLYCHELATINS AND VACUOLAR

COMPARTMENTALIZATION IN PLANT

Faisal Islam1,Tahira yasmeen1*



Both essential and non-essential transition metal ions can be toxic to cells. The physiological range

for essential metals between deficiency and toxicity is extremely narrow. A tightly controlled metal

homeostasis network is required to adjust fluctuations in micronutrient availability in for all

organisms. One protective strategy against metal excess is the production of high affinity binding

proteins to inhibit uncontrolled binding of metal ions to physiologically important functional

groups. Phytochelatins (PCs) are heavy metal-binding peptides that play important roles in the

detoxification of toxic heavy metals. PCs are the cystine rich oligomers of glutathione having

variable chain length with basic formula is (-GluCys)n-Gly. The molecular weight ranges from

2000 to 10000 DA. In addition, a number of structural variants of PCs such as (γ-Glu-Cys)n-β-Ala,

(γ-Glu-Cys)n-Glu, (γ-GluCys)n-Ser and (γ-Glu-Cys)n, have been identified in some species of

plants. Phytochelatins also regulate intracellular concentrations of essential metals in eukaryotes,

including higher plants, fungi, and microalgae. Recently, PC synthase (PCS) genes are isolated

from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtPCS1), wheat (TaPCS1), Thlaspi caerulescens (TcMT3). PvPCS1

from Pteris vittata , Nelumbo nucifera (NnPCS1), Sesbania rostrata (SrPCS).The PC synthase is

novel papain-like Cys protease having combined protease and peptide polymerase capabilities with

self-regulated activity; it terminates the reaction as the activating metal ion is chelated by the

nascent PCs. Plants employ a two-step mechanism to detoxify toxic ions. First, phytochelatins bind

to the toxic ion, and then compartmentalization is the second step of conjugation in which metal-

phytochelatin complex is sequestered in the vacuole. The vacuole is generally considered to be the

main storage site for metal-phytochelatin complex in yeast and plant cells. Sequestrations of toxic


127

metal ions to vacuole is the main strategy for heavy metals/metalloids detoxification and tolerance

in plants because it prevents its free circulation, reduces the level of toxic metal ions in cytosol,

forces them into a limited area.

P-53 BACTERIAL ZINC HOMEOSTASIS

Faisal Islam1, Tahira Yasmeen1*



Zinc is essential to virtually all organisms since it plays important catalytic and structural roles in

many proteins but poses problems of toxicity in excess. Bacteria cell membranes prevent passive

diffusion of metal ions into the cytoplasm, tightly regulated systems are required to permit metal

ion uptake which allowing them to achieve effective zinc homeostasis under a range of zinc

regimes. Highly efficient zinc acquisition systems are used to scavenge zinc from the environment

under zinc-restricted conditions. In many cases, this involves direct transcriptional control of

metalloregulatory protein synthesis as well as post transcriptional regulation. There is evidence that

bacteria control their zinc requirements in response to zinc availability by down regulating the

expression of zinc proteins during zinc-restricted growth some of which utilize either ATP or the

chemiosmotic potential to drive the movement of Zinc across the cytosolic membrane, together

with proteins that facilitate the diffusion of this ion across either the outer or inner membranes of

prokaryotes. And finally, the expression of the zinc homeostatic machinery is subject to zinc-

dependent global control ensuring that zinc acquisition, storage and consumption are geared to zinc

availability and that intracellular levels of free zinc do not reach toxic levels.


128

P-54 HYDROGEOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MALIR RIVERS BASIN

AQUIFER

Haris Akram Bhatti1,2, Muhammad Shafqat Ejaz1, Abid Murtaza Khan3, Qurat-ul-Ain Asim4

1Department of Civil Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan;

2Department of Water Resources, Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of

Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands; 3Department of Petroleum Engineering, NED University of Engineering and

Technology, Karachi, Pakistan;4Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Government College

University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Hydrogeological studies are the most important tool for the assessment of groundwater resources

and sustainability issues. Malir River Basin (MRB) that lies at the north east of the Karachi city is

popular for peri-urban agricultural activities with groundwater irrigation in its various parts. In this

study, aquifer characterization in terms of hydraulic conductivity and specific yield of different

sub-basins of the MRB catchment is carried out. Geological map (GSP, 2001), general topographic

(GT) sheets (SOP, 1998), electric resistivity survey and hydrogeological profiles (JICA, 1990),

vertical electrical sounding (VES) and records of drilled test hole (KWSB, 2005) are used for the

representation of the MRB aquifer system. The Geological Map of Karachi city was digitized with

the image processing software and georeferencing of the map was done to make it compatible with

GT sheets. The spot heights (around 200 points) and contours marked in the GT sheets were also

digitized to prepare the digital elevation model (ground surface/top elevation of layer) for the

MRB. Similarly, the bottom of aquifer is marked on the basis of hydrogeological profiles. The

refinement to the aquifer thickness and bottom of impermeable boundary is incorporated by the

records of electric resistivity survey and digitization of hydrogeological profiles carried out by

JICA (1990) and records of VES reported by KWSB (2005). The records of test holes drilled up to

the depth of 365m were also used to substantiate the thickness of saturated permeable material

within the MRB aquifer system. Two methods namely: pumping test analysis and porous medium



129

approach were adopted for the estimation of aquifer parameters (hydraulic conductivity and

specific yield). The pumping tests with observations of water levels recorded through piezometer

installed at 30m interval were conducted (KWSB, 2005) on five wells in the MRB. The pumping

test data was analyzed by type and field curve matching; and corresponding values of aquifer

parameters were calculated. Similarly the layered porous medium approach was applied on the

lithological logs of test hole drilled in the MRB for the estimation of aquifer parameters and ranges

of hydraulic conductivity and specific yield were estimated. Results of this study suggest presence

of an unconfined highly transmissive aquifer in the MRB having thickness varies from 200-400m

on the north western (upstream side) of the Area of Interest (AOI) and 17-200m within the AOI and

pinches out at south eastern boundary. The thickness of MRB aquifer decreases from northeast to

southwest direction with maximum and minimum values of 414m and 17m in the Khadeji and

Thaddo Basin respectively. The estimation of hydraulic conductivity and specific yield by porous

medium approach gives closer results to the values reported earlier (JICA, 1990) in comparison to

the pumping test data analysis which gives unrealistic values of the above aquifer parameters. The

ranges (minimum and maximum values) of aquifer parameters estimated by porous medium

approach for the sub basins can be used as an initial guess during groundwater model development

and calibration. The maximum and minimum values of hydraulic conductivity are estimated as

1.88m/d and 493.18m/d in the Thaddo Basin whereas the maximum and minimum values of

specific yield are found out as 0.09 and 0.17 in the Thaddo and Sukkan Basin respectively.

Additional hydrogeological investigations are suggested to be carried out especially in the northern

side of the MRB catchment area. Groundwater monitoring is also suggested to be undertaken on

long term basis for the characterization of MRB aquifer system.

P-55 CLIMATE CHANGE: SOCIAL OR SCIENTIFIC PHENOMENA UNDER ITS

IMPACT

Shamim Soomro1*, Syed Aijaz Ali Shah2

1Department of Social work, University of Sindh Jamshoro;

2Government of Sindh


Climate change is a world phenomenon; scientists consider it scientific while sociologists always

enlist it as a social phenomenon. No doubt without scientific approach climate change has any

meaning but as a social phenomenon it helps to understand the socio economic aspects of climate

change. Migration, evacuation and impact upon the people living in different areas are the attached

factors that must be considered during the research especially development of curriculum for the

purpose. Millennium Development Goal always shows social aspect in Goal no.7 as ―Ensuring

Environmental Sustainability‖. This goal cannot be achieved without understanding climate change

as a social phenomenon. Now the impact is mass migration from arid zone to non arid zone as in

Tharparkar Sindh Pakistan.


130

P-56 INVESTIGATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE (CLIMATE & LAND

COVER) FACTORS ASSOCIATED TO THE FLOOD DISASTER: A CASE STUDY OF

KOHISTAN (HAZARA)

Habiba Khalid1, Adnan Ahmad Tahir1*, Muhammad Bilal1, Arshid Pervez1

1Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad


There are various environmental changes which are accelerating worldwide, posing significant challenges

for humanity. These include energy crises, environmental degradation, environmental health, pollution,

ozone depletion, climatic change and land degradation. Climatic change and vegetation cover reduction lead

to catastrophic floods. This study was based on investigating the climatic variables (mean temperature &

precipitation) and vegetation cover change associated with extreme stream flow events (2010 Indus Floods)

in River Indus at Shatial Bridge, Kohistan. Two major types of data sets were used, satellite data and ground

data (hydro-meteorological data) respectively to accomplish the objectives of this study. Satellite datasets

used for the DEM (Digital Elevation Model) and land cover monitoring were ASTER V002 (Advanced

Space-borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) and Landsat TM 4-5 (Land Remote Sensing

Satellite Thematic Mapper 4-5) respectively. The extreme River Indus events were analyzed using hydro

meteorological data. Hydrological data included data for monthly Indus River discharge from 1990-2010.

Meteorological data included monthly precipitation and mean temperature from 1990-2010. The results of

the study show that the enhanced Indus flow at Shatial Bridge during floods was mainly due to increase in

mean temperature that caused glacier melt and uneven monsoon rainfall distribution. Vegetation cover

seems to have no contribution in increasing the surface runoff during these flood periods.


131

P-57 ON THE DESIGN OF BUILDINGS IN RELATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Imrose Bin Muhit1*

1Department of Civil Engineering Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology Chittagong-4349 Bangladesh.


Climate change and its impact on the design of buildings are currently subject to concern. Large

resources have been put into development of models for predicting future climate changes.

However, considering the huge investment in buildings combined with their expected long service

life, only few resources have been put into adaptation strategies for buildings. In line with other

countries, Bangladesh is at the beginning of developing a strategy to address the effect of climate

change on a broad scale. The present paper is based on one of the pre-studies for this work and

focuses only on the impact on the design of buildings. It is shown how performance requirements

for buildings may be taken as a starting point for a systematic evaluation of which climate related

data are needed as a background for the design of buildings. Among the conclusions is that the lack

of knowledge about the uncertainty of the relevant climate parameters is in itself a problem, and

that the building sector should be more active in presenting its need for knowledge about specific

climate related parameters.


132

P-58 ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES IN PAKISTAN

Sidra Ijaz Khan1*

121-C, B.O.R Saman Berg, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan


Pakistan, with approximately ―17.5 million‖ populations, is facing Environmental Problems, which are

threatening to health and prosperity. These environmental problems are mostly because of anthropogenic

action. The environmental protection in Pakistan, role of PEPA by the government, are still confronting

global challenges like Climate Change, Toxic Chemicals and Pesticides, Biological Diversity, Deforestation,

Oceans, Ozone Depletion, and Water Resource and its Pollution. The regional environmental problems

includes Costal and Marine Pollution, Domestic Water Pollution, Air Quality, Vehicle Emission, Glacier

Melting Poverty Urbanization and Population growth, can be resolved if the government, NGOs1, and

CSR(Coporate Social Responsiblity) work together and share the vision of a cleaner and healthier world.

The resistant behavior to introduce the latest energy resources and technology and high dependency on

existing resources like hydropower to generate electricity are hindering in the way of progress. Hydropower

is no longer supporting the demand, but still there is no serious attitude toward looking at new renewable

energy resources such as PV15

, Geothermal, and Wind Power, Nuclear Energy etc. The need of the hour is to

change the present so called Democratic Political System, which is the biggest hurdle in the way of progress

of Pakistan and search a true leader who can lead pakistan in best manner. By changing their attitude and let

them understand that their political consequences are causing drastic problems, Pakistan can run on the road

of progress.


133

P-59 CLIMATE CHNGE AND ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT

Sobia Khan1*, Noreen Rao1, Quratul-Ain1

1Civil Services Academy (Pvt) Pakistan


The atmosphere of earth is abundant with air, water and wind that make its climate. They all have

the regular patterns and thus create the weather conditions on earth for the survival of man and

other possible lives to exist. The organisms show great variety from smallest known protein particle

prior to the largest mammal blue whale with the either terrestrial or aqueous biome. This is just

because of the evolution that directly affected by environmental adaptations. The anthropogenic

activities at an extended level are intermingling with natural phenomena and are the bedrocks for

fluctuations in the environment. This has become the biggest threat of the present world to combat

against it globally, not only to get maximum benefits from the natural resources but to make

existence of every creature with a full environmental and nutritional values. Its none but the our

surroundings and environmental conditions that bolstered the growth of ripened fruit, seasonal

crops, medicinal herbs, shadow providing trees, feed and fodder of livestock, edible food variety

and many other advantious resources directly.


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P-60 LAND USE CHANGES AND RURAL„S LIVELIHOOD STRATEGY IN SAMAHNI,

DISTRICT BHIMBER AZAD KASHMIR

Aimen Imtiaz, Muhammad Ishtiaq*, Mehwish Maqbool, Tanveer Hussain

Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), Bhimber Campus, Bhimber, Azad

Kashmir, Pakistan.


The current case study was conducted at village of Jarali, Union Council Chowki (UCC) of Tehsil

Samahni, District Bhimber, Azad Kashmir. The village survey, key informants interview and

sustainable livelihood framework have been applied for analyzing land use changes in forestland,

farmland and grazing land as well as driving forces for such changes. The results indicated that the

state use polices and market economy are underlying causes for land use and cover changes.

However, the local inhabitants response to land use change and their livelihood changes vary based

on their cultural beliefs, household economic and labor forces. The priority ranking (PR) was

constructed by using quantitative and qualitative interview strategies. The pros and cons of such

variations in abiota are discovered and people’s reaction and planning methodologies are also

reviewed and revitalized with positive and constructive suggestions.


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P-61 IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURE OF PAKISTAN

Mahmood-ur-Rahman*, Khadim Hussain, Noor-us-saba

Plant Research Group, Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad-

38000, Pakistan


Global agriculture is under significant pressure to meet the demands of rising populations using

limited soil and water resources that are predicted to be further stressed by the impact of climate

change. It could affect agriculture in several ways like productivity, agricultural practices,

environmental effects, agricultural land use, adaptation, etc. Rapid climate change could harm

agriculture in under developed countries like Pakistan, especially which are already suffering from

poor soil and climate conditions. Agriculture is the back bone of Pakistan’s economy that could be

heavily damaged by climate change. Under changing climatic conditions, growing period of some

crops (oilseeds, grains, etc.) may decrease and they are matured in less time. Horticultural crops

(such as tomato, onion, and fruit) are more sensitive towards environment and may heavily be

affected by climate change. The variabilities in climatic conditions may harmfully affect the crops

by causing increase in temperature and less availability of water for cultivation. A significant threat

posed by rising temperatures is water stress through increased rate of transpiration. Without

adequate rainfall or irrigation systems, crop failure is a real danger. These serious problems can be

tackled through the use of biotechnology. By using biotechnological procedures, it is possible to

create variability in the genome of crop plants followed by adaptation under changing climatic

conditions.


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P-62 ETHNOBOTANICAL PROFILE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS OF MARADORI

VALLEY, DISTRICT HAVELI (FORWARD KHAHOOTA), AZAD KASHMIR,

PAKISTAN

Muhammad Ishtiaq*1, Mehwish Maqbool1, Tanveer Hussain1, Muhammad Amin Ullah Shah2

1.Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST) Bhimber Campus, Azad Kashmir,

PAKISTAN; 2. Department of Biological Sciences, Sargodha University, Sargodha, PAKISTAN


An Ethnomedicinal Inventory (EMI) was formulated in the year 2010 to record the culture and

folklore uses of Medicinal Plants (MPs) of Maradori Valley (MV), District Khahuta Haveli, Azad

Kashmir, Pakistan. The MV is very rich in plant biodiversity and it presents a fabulous scenic

preview with high and diverse lofty mountainous terrain. The tribes of the area hitherto depend on

MPs to cure various diseases. During research, open-ended ad closed-ended interviews and

questionnaire form methodology was employed. This EMI reveals that 45 plants are of pertinent

significance because they are used not only at local level but also these MPs are exported to other

cities of Pakistan to manufacture drugs in pharmaceutical industries. In EMI some interesting

findings were use of Ajuga bacteosa in treating jaundice and in enlargement of liver and spleen.

The flowers of Achillea millefolium are used as laxative and tonic for brain and development of

secondary features in females. The root extract of Senecio chrysanthemoides is applied to treat

cholera and lung diseases in infants. The root of Berberis lycium is used frequently in treating

diabetes and spleenic troubles. The extract of Swertia petiolata is used in leucoderma and to prevent

vomiting of pregnancy. Arnebia bethemii is used to cure pneumonia, cardiac, tongue and throat

disorders. Angelica glavaca is useful in cancer/tumor treatment. Saussurea costus is used to cure

arthritis. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity Level (FL) of medicinal plants were

determined. The category ―Fever, flu, cough and malaria‖ had highest ICF value (0.88) followed by

―Gastro-intestinal disorders, diarrhea, ulcers‖ had had ICF values (0.77), ranking at second position

which demonstrates high incidence of these types of diseases in the area. The medicinal plants with

high FL values are Senecio chrysanthernoldes, Geranium wallichianum, Arnebia bethemii and


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Saussurea costus. Agricultural expansion, urbanization and over exploitation are two major

threatening factors for the flora.

P-63 WATER MANAGEMENT IN PAKISTAN BY IMPLEMENTING NATURAL

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Farid Yasin1, Abdul Wahid1 and Muhammad Nawaz1

Department of Environmental Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University


Water plays a vital role in a country's economy. It has been critical to the making of human history.

Water is a main source of life and unfortunately, that source is becoming extinct in some parts of

the world and this case can be well observed in Pakistan. This document deals with the water crises

as well as its management in Pakistan. Pakistan is an agricultural country having a variety of

landscapes in its five provinces, Sindh, Balochistan, Sarhad, Punjab and Pukhtunistan with water

sources of five rivers Indus, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Jhelum and also rain fall. In spite of these

resources, still there is scarcity of water for many purposes, even for the smooth running of daily

life. This resource is being depleted by direct or indirect effect of human activates as well as some

other environmental factors which are playing their havoc role. Now there is a need to improve and

manage the situation for the sake of avoidance from bad future and it can be done by creating

awareness among the people through different ways.Undesireable effects of environment can be

minimized by having a serious check and balance on human activities. The water crisis in Pakistan

can be avoided by building more dams and reservoirs but till than a solution is needed to manage

the water, so it can be provided to the agricultural, industrial and residential sector. This document

tries to give an insight to this problem along with providing a solution with the help of Natural

Resource Management tools.


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P-64 MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL

DEGRADATION REDUCTION STRATEGIES

Nadia Erum khan

Correspondence author: [email protected]

―Nature is convenient standard that supports the existence of life with ups and downs ―by guarding

the veracity, diversity of nature and efficiently use of natural resources we can maintain the life on

planet. Global warming is the outcome of the mismanagement of micro and macro ecological and

social activates. The destruction of natural resources like, mangroves, dunes and coastal wetland

they protect us from storm, the intensity and frequency of floods is increasing day by day due to the

deforestation, greenhouse gasses emission is increasing in atmosphere with alarming rate.

Therefore, here is a dire need of good management (preventive, precautionary, proactive action).

Due to lack of long term policy Have to set the priorities through which we can preserve and

restore the natural resources because this natural resources provide economical development and

protective service to human beings.


139

P-65 HOW TO COMBAT DROUGHT STRESS IN COTTON UNDER

CHANGING CLIMATIC CONDITIONS IN PAKISTAN?

Noor-us-saba, Mahmood-ur-Rahman*, Khadim Hussain

Plant Research Group, Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University,

Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan


Cotton is a fiber crop which plays an important role in Pakistan’s economy. During the

past few years, the cotton plant has been adversely affected by drought which is also cited

as one of the most serious natural disaster under changing climatic conditions. Under

stress conditions, the gene expression of cotton plant can be up regulated and down

regulated and the level of expression also varies from plant to plant. It is important to

study the genes responsible for drought stress. Identification of such genes is a critical

step in this regard. The transcripts/genes responsible for drought stress can be identified

using bioinformatics tools. To identify the genes, sequences of known drought tolerant

genes of Arabidopsis thaliana and rice are retrieved, screened and classified. Then

identification of Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) is carried out. ESTs are rich source to

study and identify transcripts/genes responsible for various traits in plants and these

identified ESTs are subjected to multiple sequence alignment. The conserved domains and

motifs are predicted using bioinformatics online tools for further characterization.

Identification of drought related transcripts and there study at gene level is helpful to

understand the mechanism of drought tolerance in cotton plant. Gene identification

approach using bioinformatics is less laborious, need fewer resources and quick. Thus,

keeping all the above information in view, the strategy will be discussed to identify

drought tolerant transcripts/genes in crop plants.


140

P-66 WQI BASED GROUNDWATER ASSESSMENT IN THE FLOOD HIT AREAS AT KABUL

RIVER IN PAKISTAN

Tariq Usman Saeed*1, Haleema Attaullah2

1Assistant Director (Policy & Traffic), Transport Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, Pakistan

2Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan


The aim of this study was to ascertain WQI (Water Quality Index) of groundwater drawn from deep

aquifers with hand-pumps available to the communities settled in the surroundings of three important

tributaries of Kabul River. The main purpose of using WQI technique was to present the results and

complex water quality data in a simplified manner that is easier to interpret and understand by common

people. Present day, water from Kabul River is highly polluted due to direct introduction of effluents and

solid wastes from industries such as tanneries, sugar mills, paper industries and textiles. Earlier studies

have been carried out for assessing water quality of Kabul River. But the assessment of groundwater

quality in the low income communities in the vicinity of three tributaries of Kabul River namely Shah

Alam, Sardaryab and Budnai has become important and essential to be monitored after extreme floods that

hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province of Pakistan, in 2010 resulting from torrential monsoon. The most

serious impact of flooding in these areas was a wide spread contamination of groundwater which caused

serious health issues like diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, skin diseases, dysentery, infected liver, and

gastroenteritis. A total of fifteen wells used in this study were selected from five different villages

surrounding each tributary; based on their critical situation regarding severe damages in these villages by

floods and having no access to safe drinking water. Collected samples were analyzed by standard

techniques for 13 water quality parameters i.e. pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total

suspended solids, total alkalinity, total hardness, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, calcium, magnesium, biological

oxygen demand and dissolved oxygen. In this study, according to WQI scale all the samples collected from

Shah Alam and Sardaryab comes under the condition of ―Unsuitable‖ indicating higher level of

contamination and have shown that water is highly risky for drinking and other domestic usages. Few

water samples from villages near Budnai River fall under the condition ―very poor‖ while others show

―Unsuitable‖ condition according to WQI scale. It is recommended that these poor communities with high

density of population should be provided with water filtration and purification plant on an immediate basis


141

to cope with the health issues and an alternate source of water should be arranged immediately not

allowing them to use this contaminated water.

P-67 CLIMATE CHANGE: GENOMIC APPROACHES FOR PLANT ADAPTATION

Muhammad Saeed

Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad


Pakistan is among the countries severely-hit by climate change. Climate change is affecting plant

production by disturbing the optimum conditions for plant growth and development. Sudden

temperature rises during the grain filling stages of wheat, rice, and maize reduces grain formation.

This leads to yield reductions causing economic losses. In cotton, there is increased flower and

square shedding due to temperature rises. Extreme low temperatures, beyond the optimum range

for plant growth, also cause reduced plant survival and germination. Genomic approaches can help

to tag the genomic regions involved in plant adaptation to harsh climates. Post genome sequence

era has accelerated the genome annotation research identifying genes involved in abiotic stress

tolerance. DNA marker technology, a tool of modern genomics, can help to identify loci for harsh

environment tolerance and molecular breeding for release of crop cultivars best suited under post

climate change scenario. Association mapping and genomic selection are the recent versions of

genomic approaches which are promising to breed for plant abiotic stress tolerance under climate

change scenario.


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P-68 ASSESMENT OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF ANTIFUNGAL RHIZOBACTERIA

WITH HELP OF MOLECULAR MARKERS

Tayyaba Shaheen1, Amir Abdullah1, Sadia Ali1, Shafaqat Ali2 and Mehboob-ur-Rahman1

1Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, GC University Faisalabad

2Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, AllamaIqbal Road, 38000, Faisalabad.

Pakistan.


The fungal diseases are the major problem in the production of crops. The crop production is

decreasing day by day due to fungal disease, especially in Asian countries. Rhizobacteria are

naturally occurring soil bacteria that aggressively colonize plant roots and benefit plants by

providing growth. These rhizobacteria can stimulate plant growth directly by producing growth

hormones or indirectly by producing antifungal compounds/antibiotics to suppress phytopathogenic

fungi. Rhizobacterial diversity is influenced by both plant and soil type. Since root exudation is

species-specific, it is a major factor that determines community composition within the rhizosphere.

We used different techniques like RAPD, 16srRNA for the assessement of genetic diversity of

antifungal rhizobacteria. Our results indicted a high degree of similarity in rhizobacteria habitating

in same region. Lastly the assessment of genetic diversity of antifungal rhiziobacteria can

contribute greatly in control of fungal disease and help in enhancement of crop production. The

major goal of our research is to overcome the stress due to which major crops of the Pakistan are

destroyed such as fungal diseases.


143

P-69 SNOW COVER AND STREAM FLOW RELATIONSHIP IN SHIGAR RIVER

BASIN UNDER CLIMATE VARIABILITY USING GIS AND REMOTE SENSING

Samreen Abdul Hakeem, Adnan Ahmad Tahir, Muhammad Bilal, Arshid Pervez

Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad


Pakistan being an agricultural economy is strongly relying on its water resources for generation of

revenue and sustainability of livelihood of its 60% population. The vast irrigation system of

Pakistan is constituted by the Indus River and its tributaries. The Indus River originates from the

mighty Hindukush- Karakoram-Himalaya range and enters into the northern areas of Pakistan

where it is fed by the snow melt of towering glaciers of Upper Indus Basin, thereby, serving as a

primary source for river discharge. Shigar River, a tributary of Indus River, lies in the Upper Indus

Basin and is dependent on the snow and glacial melt for availability of water. The river discharge is

found to be directly influenced by the change in % Snow Cover Area which is directly affected by

the temperature variation over the year. Any change in the rate of snow and glacial melt caused by

the climate variability may therefore influence the entire irrigation system of Indus River.


144

P-70 SATELLITE BASED MONITORING OF SOME CLIMATOLOGICAL

PARAMETERS

Memon Akhtar A1, Aziz Adnan1 and Said-ur-Rehman1

1Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission

Climate change is arguably the greatest challenge facing mankind over centuries so monitoring

changes contribute to a better understanding of our changing world. Satellite applications have been

facilitated us with monitoring several parameters regarding climate change studies such as Land

Surface Temperature (LST), Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Sea Surface Salinity (SSS), sea level,

sea height, chlorophyll concentration, wind speed and direction, lakes, snow cover, glaciers and ice

cover, cloud cover, precipitation, humidity, fog, etc. This paper presents the techniques of

monitoring various climatological parameters using satellite remote sensing.

145

P-71 GIS BASED ANALYSIS OF GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION AND SOIL

QUALITY AROUND THE SOLID WASTE SITES IN FAISALABAD CITY

Nusrat Parveen1, Naeem Iqbal2, Muhammad Sajjad3

1. Department of Geography, Govt. College University. Faisalabad

2. Department of Botany, Govt. College University. Faisalabad


Emergence of industrialization and Urban sprawl are forceful factors to raise the graph of water

contamination and soil pollution. Faisalabad, the 2nd

large industrial city of the country is a source of

influx of several pollutants particularly heavy metals into urban environment. Undeniably, there is a

rising apprehension over the prospective for pollution of urban ground water with heavy metals. An

experimental work has been conducted to analyze the heavy metals Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, As and Cd with

the help of ICP. In addition to these nutrients contents such as Na and K, were determined through

the flame photometer and Ca and Mg were determined through the buffer analysis in the urban

topsoil of sixteen selected solid waste sites and there were eight water samples collected around the

each solid waste site. A systematic sampling was done from the nearest distance of 10 meter to

maximum distance of 200 meter from the solid waste sites. The study was based on geospatial and

geo-statistical techniques along with laboratory work to assess the heavy metal contamination in

water. The study reveals that water present in the vicinity of dumping sites is not pure. Water

contains a large number of heavy metals which is very unsafe to human health. The mean

concentration of Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb ranged from 21.9-200.1, 12.03-109.85, 12.32-33.90 and 0.00-

30.25 mg/Kg respectively and K and Na mean concentration in the solid waste sites soil 1.357-3.50.

Some parameters exceeded from WHO standards like Cadmium, lead, Nickel. The concentration of

lead is high at five locations and of Ni has crossed the WHO tolerance level in every observed

ground water sample. Monitoring of water and soil contamination aspects is essential for the quality

assessment and sustainable development of the urban environment.


146

P-72 PERCEPTION OF CLIMATE CHANGES AND A COMMON MAN

Muhammad Nofil Safwan

House No. 426 Meher Ali Scheme, Unit No. 11 Latifabad Hyderabad Sindh

Corresponding author e-mail:[email protected]

―Climate change‖ is an emerging contemporary problem around the world, technically the

definitions and descriptions are same globally, but the comprehension for a common man varies;

which is the biggest issue, reasons are different caste and creed, as well as the literacy rate in

different areas plays a major role to realize it as a ―problem‖ by a common man, even in United

States a significant number of population believe that there is no issue of climate change it is a

natural process and recovered naturally, similarly in a country like Pakistan a common man even

don’t know the term ―Climate change‖ or ―Global warming‖. Awareness of a common man

regarding Climate change and related all problems including its remedies is the key to success,

almost 3.9 billion of the population live in Asia, where the awareness levels are very low regarding

the importance of climate change. This paper will help to sought out the places and populations

where climate change awareness is required, this paper also try to frame some strategies to unravel

the solutions by materializing the local machinery.


147

P-73 LANDSLIDE ZONATION MAPPING IN GILGIT DISTRICT USING REMOTE SENSING AND

GIS TECHNIQUES

Rashid Saleem*1, Sajid Rashid Ahmad1,Faisal Mueen Qamar2, Garee Khan3

1Institutes of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

2 International Centers for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal

3World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) – Pakistan


Landslide happening is one of the most common natural hazards in the mountain areas and can significance in

huge destruction to both life and assets. Therefore, identification of landslide-prone areas is essential for harmless

strategic planning of future growing activities. To assess the hazard caused by the landslides, it requires the

preparation of landslide susceptibility map. For this purpose, the statistical method like maximum entropy analysis

(Maxent) and weighting factor methods have been used with GIS to prepare a landslide susceptibility map district

Gilgit. Spatial layers used for the analysis comprises of past landslide incidents inventory, land cover / land use

map, slope, aspect, elevation, distance to stream density, and distance to steep stream. The stability index map

formed by the model was further characterised into three susceptibility zones. The results were verified with the

existing landslide ground based observed points.


148

P-74 SIMULATION OF THE METEOROLOGICAL DATA FOR THE REGION OF

ISLAMABAD USING WRF MODEL

Sabir Sardar and Naseem Irfan

Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan


The meteorological data is considered as a key input to a dispersion model for performing

atmospheric dispersion modeling. Dispersion modeling plays an important role in accident and its

consequences analysis to assist in planning of evacuation and emergency preparedness plan in case

of an accident. To generate the meteorological data of a region where the observed station data is

not available, some meteorological models are used as the powerful modeling tools for this

purpose. The present study has been carried out to evaluate the simulative capability of a

meteorological model as Weather and Research Forecasting model (WRF). This model has been

used in present study for the simulation of the climatology of the region of Islamabad. The

Eulerian and grid dependent meteorological data for different parameters like ground temperature,

surface wind speed and wind direction so obtained were validated against the observed data of the

same region. The comparison of simulated and observed meteorological data of abovementioned

parameters indicated that the predicted results for the ground temperature seemed to have superior

agreement with the observed data of the same meteorological parameter while a slight mismatching

was observed for wind parameters. The reason was attributed to the large perturbation in wind

parameters as compared to the ground temperature. The overall performance of WRF model was

found satisfactory in simulation the climatology of the simulated region.


149

P-75 REMOTE SENSING AND GIS FOR DENGUE EPIDEMIC RISK MAPPING

IN LAHORE

Bilal Tariq1, Arjumand Z. Zaidi2

1Department of Remote Sensing & Geo-information Sciences Institute of Space Technology (IST), Karachi

Campus 2Assitant Professor, Department of Remote Sensing & Geo-information Sciences Institute of Space Technology

(IST), Karachi Campus


Over the last two decades, dengue fever has become a major mosquito borne disease in Pakistan.

Dengue outbreaks were reported in the major cities of Pakistan especially in Lahore where the

number of dengue cases increases radically in 2011 making it the worst epidemic disease in the

national history. This situation has emerged as a serious threat to public health and managing and

controlling risks of dengue outbreaks are being given a serious consideration by the concerned local

and provincial departments. It has been observed that dengue virus grows in specific climatic

conditions and there are some environmental factors (EFs) that promote its growth. The objective

of this paper is to propose an advance approach to identify the risk prone areas by linking these

factors with dengue outbreaks using satellite data and Geographical Information System (GIS)

techniques. The Remote Sensing (RS) and GIS techniques used in this study are proven to be more

efficient and cost effective as compared to the traditional approaches. Information provided in

terms of spatial and temporal distribution patterns of dengue fever outbreaks in Lahore and its

relationships with EFs are helpful in developing dengue risk maps. Assessment of dengue risk

maps based on EFs, investigates the dengue risk prone areas of Lahore. These maps will help

concerned departments in managing dengue outbreaks in a more informed and effective manner.

The EFs used for this study are Land Surface Temperature (LST), Normalized Difference

Vegetation Index (NDVI), precipitation, air temperature and humidity. The results show that most

of the cases occurred in residential areas near hospitals and those areas that have received heavy

rainfall followed by high NDVI and high temperatures.


150

P-76 MANAGEMENT OF SOIL SALINITY THROUGH MICROBIALY PRODUCED

PHYTOHORMONES TO IMPROVE THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (ZEA

MAYS)

Muhammad Asif Iqbal*, Muhammad Khalid, Zahir Ahmad Zahir

Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-

38040 (Pakistan)


Soil salinity is one of the most widespread agricultural problems which reduces the field and crop

productivity. Twenty rhizobacterial strains producing auxin and containaing 1-aminocyclopropane

1-carboxylate deaminase activity were isolated from the rhizosphere of the salt affected maize

plants. These isolates were screened for their growth promoting activity under axenic conditions at

1, 4, 8, 12 and 15 dS m-1

salinity levels. Results showed that increase in salinity level significantly

decreased the growth of maize seedlings. However inoculation with rhizobacterial strains reduced

this depression effect and improved the growth of maize seedlings at all salinity levels. The

selected strains significantly increased the root length, shoot length and fresh biomass up to 95%,

182% and 175% respectively. Among various rhizobacterial strains M4, M9, M14 and M20 were

the most effective strains for promoting the growth of maize at various salinity levels. The

relatively better salt tolerance of the inoculated plants was associated with the auxin production by

the rhizobacterial strains. Best Performing strains will be further verified for their growth

promoting ability in pot and field trials. Under current environmental scenario, the use of soil born

bacteria too mitigate soil salinity is a promising technique.


151

P-77 APPLYING ETHNOECOLOGY FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SHIWALIK MOUNTAINOUS RANGE, DISTRICT

BHIMBER (AK)

Tariq Mehmood, Muhammad Ishtiaq*, Tanveer Hussain, Zaheer Ahmed, Atiq Hussain

Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST) Bhimber Campus, Azad Kashmir,

PAKISTAN


The current global transition from market based economy has triggered many economic and socio-

cultural changes among Shiwalik ethnic groups. There are a lot of conflicts and flaws over natural

resources, which often result from competing knowledge system, competing objectives and

competing identification. However our knowledge about indigenous people and ecosystems in

mountain region is still far from perfect and authentic. The ethnoecology refers the way in which

indigenous people interact with all the elements of natural environment, including plants and

animals, landform, forest types and soils, which provide an alternative approach of way knowledge

and sustainable development in the mountain region. The sustainable livelihood and development

can be only achieved by strengthening indigenous knowledge and empowering local communities

in the mountain regions such as Shiwalik Mountain Range (SMR), Bhimber Azad Kashmir.

Different parameters such as fidelity level (FL), informant consensus factor (ICF) and data matrix

ranking (DMR) were calculated to visualize the impact of environment on the community and vice

versa.


152

P-78 SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT IN JOHAR TOWN AREA

Fizza Batool*1, Silvia Machado2

1Lahore School of Economics,Pakistan

2 University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590,Pakistan


Freshwater resources might become the most limited resource in the future due to rising demands,

climate change, and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. The fast increase of the population

leads towards the raised consumption water. According to the recent studies, Pakistan is in the

category of high degree stress. The water availability has been decreased to an estimated

approximated level that can adversely affect the humans. This is happening due the increase of the

urbanization and development. To understand the current situation, it was selected a small area of

Johar Town, Lahore, to assess the present situation on the water resource supply-demand balance

based. The research focused in the population trend estimate, the water demand, its increase trend

and finally the consumption rate. This research made our work substantial to realize the present

conditions and trends of water sustainability. The results elucidate demand of water per capita, in

parallel with, both, the new and old standards set forth by the Urban Unit development and

planning. The results and projections discussed were made on the basis of calculations in each

sector, since different sectors have different water demand values. It was calculated the ultimate

capacity for the selected area and forecasted the future demands of water. Water resources must be

carefully managed so it can lead to sustainable solutions for future generations. To promote a

comprehensive perspective on water sustainability for this particular case, it is recommended an

introduction of proper metering system by WASA, awareness to people; and communication

(conferences/seminars about water resources management). It’s not required planting more tube

wells. Moreover, rain water harvesting system should be commercialized so it is possible to store

rain water in abundance which can be used further for a consumption purpose. Furthermore,

pumping should be done according to available water conditions so that it is possible to avoid the

deterioration of land and affect the water level.

.


153

P-79 GREEN STRUCTURES FOR CITIES AND ENVIRONMENT: A POSSIBLE

ADAPTIVE MEASURE FOR URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

Adila Shafqat

Department of Geography, The Islamia University Bahawalpur, Pakistan


Global change in a broad sense — including climate and land-use change, as well as changes in

demographic structures in and between urban and rural societies — presents a number of

challenges to the concept of integrated resource management. Urban areas are the hot spots that

drive environmental change at multiple scales. Material demands and human consumption alter

biodiversity, hydro systems, land use, and waste discharge effects locally to globally. In this

process of global changes urban infrastructures are stressed due to the changing climate and

population pressure also. Growing population changes the face of cities by crowding them and

constructing them. In the pace of growth when our cities are becoming more urban, Green

Structures in all forms can play an important role by giving many services to environment and

community. Cities are and can be embedded with varieties of green structures to make it more

livable. Green Structures provide number of services for the population around. In sustainable

perspective, green structure is more than the sum of green spaces. It is considered as spatial

network of open spaces, public and private gardens and parks, sports fields, allotment gardens,

woodlands and recreational grounds. Therefore it is considered as a significant part of built up

environment and major source of ecological services. To structure urban areas for sustainable

environmental development, it is necessary to develop a proportion between grey and green areas.

The Research will discuss the impacts and importance of green structures in in changing urban

environment and analyze the ecological services generated from green structures. The research will

develop an approach of interrelation between green environment and urban society. Strategies will

be proposed for better land use planning in green and sustainable perspective. Cities themselves

provide both the problem and solutions to sustainability challenges of an increasingly urbanized

world.


154

P-80 ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO FACE CLIMATE CHANGE IN

MEDITERRANEAN FARMING SYSTEMS

Imen Ssouissi 1,2, Faisal Mahmood3, HatemBelhouchette1

1CIHEAM-IAMM, 3191 Route de Mende, France.

2Université Montpellier 1, UMR5474 LAMETA, F-34000 Montpellier, France

3 Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan


Mediterranean farming systems and especially in Tunisia are inherently vulnerable to climate

change and market uncertainties. Therefore, technological and policy innovations will be needed to

increase their resilience. The objective of this study is to propose a set of adaptations strategies to

overcome climate change in the Low Valley of Medjerda Region. Adaptations strategies were

identified in interaction with farmers and local experts in the region and declined as scenarioswhich

are simulated with regional bio-economic-indicators model chain. Scenarios of adaptation

strategies included technological innovation based on the increasing of irrigation amounts for

already irrigated cropping systems (SIrr.am), the conversion to irrigated cereals (SIrr.c) for farming

systems dominated by rainfed cereals and the implementation of more efficient irrigation systems

for summer forages and vegetables (SIrr.sys). Each scenario was simulated with the current

preferential water tariff and the new binominal water tariff (NWT). The simulation results showed

that the adaptation strategies based on the introduction of alternative activities using more water

(SIrr.am scenario) increased the resilience of farming systems. Farming systems introduced these

strategies with different degrees: i) the farming systems with totally irrigated area intensify more by

increasing the irrigation amounts which increased crop yields and therefore farm profitability; ii)

however, the farming systems dominated with rainfed cereals were obliged in addition to the

intensification by increasing the irrigation amountsfor cropping systems with high added value

(vegetables), to adjust their cropping systems by reducingthe irrigated forage area and livestock to

ensure a minimum income and compensate the increasing of irrigation costs. The most appropriate

adaptation strategy for farming systems dominated with rainfed cereals and have totally irrigable

farmland was the conversion for the irrigated cereals (SIrr.c scenario) that allowed an extremely

increase of farm net margin. Mostly, farming systems did not invest in more efficient irrigation

system (SIrr.sys scenario) because that yields increasing due to the implementation of efficient

irrigation system did not compensate the investment costs. The introduction of the new binominal

water tariff (NWT) induced a decrease in irrigationunit cost and encouraged farmers to cultivate

irrigated cropping systems which allowed an increasing of the net margin for any farming systems

for all simulated technological innovation scenarios.


155

P-81 GLOBAL CLIMATIC CHANGES AND ITS MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES

Muhammad Attique Amer

Researcher Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore (54590) Pakistan


The prospect of global climatic changes is a matter of real public concern. In general, burning of

fossil fuels accumulates greenhouse gases and traps more heat which eventually cause global

warming. In these greenhouse gases, the emission of carbon dioxide has increased alarmingly since

industrialization age and humanity has visible impacts on the world's climate. Climate change can

be beneficial and as well as very dangerous for human health and socioeconomic systems. The

extreme emissions scenarios have extremely harmful effects. The threats are particularly acute for

poor and vulnerable communities in tropical and subtropical countries. Various major effects of

climate change include more hot climatic conditions, sea-level rise, and species extinction, wider

geographical range of tropical / subtropical diseases, crop zones migration possibility and increased

flooding. There are various technological options for mitigating CO2 emissions and concentrations

from the atmosphere. In which, carbon sequestration, alternate energy resources, switching to less

carbon intensive fuels and renewable energy sources are the important mitigation options. Carbon

Sequestration is a technology for reducing global warming of the environment by injecting CO2

into the subsurface for its long-term isolation from the atmosphere. Atmospheric CO2 can be

reduced by capturing emissions from power plants or chemical units and storing them into the

underground rocks and aquifers.


156

P-82 CONTROL OF GREENHOUSE MICROCLIMATIC CONDISITIONS

USING WIRELESS SENSORS

Waqas A. Imtiaz*1, Tayeb Tahir1, T. Ahmed1, Qasim Asmat1

1IQRA National University, Hayatabad, Peshawar, Pakistan


Microclimatic conditions control and monitoring puts a decisive influence on greenhouse

production processes. Assurance of optimal climatic conditions has a great effect on crop growth

and health, however it increases the cost of equipment and labor required to produce healthy crops.

Traditionally, systems installed at greenhouse require a great effort and labor to connect and

distribute all control sensors. These installations need many power wires distributed over the

greenhouse, which makes the system more complex and high in cost. For this reason, usually

individual sensors are used which are fixed at a point, that is selected as representative of the

overall greenhouse. Being desirable to reduce the complexity and cost of greenhouse automation,

this paper describes a system which controls the microclimatic conditions of a greenhouse using

four wireless sensors i.e. soil moisture sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor and light sensor.

This system can efficiently reduce the cost and complexity associated with greenhouse automation.


157

P-83 CONTROL OF GREEN HOUSE MICROCLIMATIC CONDITIONS USING

WIRELESS SENSORS

1Waqas A. Imtiaz, 2Tayeb Tahir, 3T. Ahmed, 4Qasim Asmat

IQRA National University Peshawar


Microclimatic conditions control and monitoring puts a decisive influence on greenhouse

production processes. Assurance of optimal climatic conditions has a great effect on crop growth

and health, however it increases the cost of equipment and labor required to produce healthy crops.

Traditionally, systems installed at greenhouse requires a great effort and labor to connect and

distribute all control sensors. These installations need many power wires to be distributed over the

greenhouse, which makes the system more complex and high in cost. For this reason, usually

individual sensors are used which are fixed at a point, that is selected as representative of the

overall greenhouse. Being desirable to reduce the complexity and cost of greenhouse automation,

this paper describes a system which controls the microclimatic conditions of a greenhouse using

four wireless sensors i.e. soil moisture sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor and light sensor.

This system can efficiently reduce the cost and complexity associated with greenhouse automation.


158

P-84 THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF PHYTOCHEMICALS AGAINST

HEPATITIS C VIRUS

Usman Ali Ashfaq

Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad


Hepatitis C virus is a major cause of chronic liver diseases which can lead to permanent liver damage,

hepatocellular carcinoma and death. The presently available treatment with interferon plus ribavirin, has

limited benefits due to adverse side effects and high cost. Hence, there is a need to develop anti-HCV

agents, which are less toxic, more efficacious and cost-effective. The present study was aimed at making a

sustained search for antiviral compounds and studies their therapeutic potential as anti-HCV drug. To this

end, in-vitro bioassay for screening the activity of test compounds was developed. One hundred and

seventy five phytochemicals were obtained from International centre for chemical and biological sciences

(ICCBS). Further, fourty herbs were collected from different parts of Pakistan on the basis of reports

(undocumented) of antiviral activity against different viral infections. Firstly, the effects of

phytochemicals/herb-extracts were studied on the cellular growth of liver and fibroblast cells.

Subsequently, HCV infected liver cells were treated with test compounds/herbal extract at non toxic doses

and replication of viral RNA was measured by Quantitative real time RT-PCR. For those compounds

which showed a positive response, we determined 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50). Three out of one

hundred seventy five compounds designated as 000, 010 and 043 showed antiviral effects in a dose-

dependent manner as well as synergism with interferon. Further, two out of twenty herbs exhibited activity

against HCV in our in-vitro assay. In order to identify the active ingredient, corresponding herbal extracts

were fractioned by thin layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography and HPLC. Purified

fractions were tested for activity against HCV in in-vitro assays. Resultantly, we have identified three

active fractions against HCV. These in-vitro studies have identified six phytochemicals/herbal compounds

that show a potential of being antiviral agents against HCV and combination of these newly isolated

compounds with interferon may open new avenues of future HCV therapies.


159

P-85 CONTRIBUTION OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE TO SUSTAINABLE

LIVELIHOOD IN BAROH, TEHSIL SAMAHNI, AZAD KASHMIR

Zaheer Ahmed, Muhammad Ishtiaq*, Mehwish Maqbool, Tanveer Hussain, Attique Hussain

Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), Bhimber Campus, Bhimber, Azad

Kashmir, Pakistan


The diversity of knowledge systems guides and directs the process of the transformation of natural

landscapes into cultural landscapes (e.g. sacred mountains, shrines, trees and lakes), ecological

functions and livelihood support systems in the particularly situated in socioeconomic and

biophysical environments. Nevertheless, it is hitherto the case that the analysis of sustainable

livelihoods does not pay enough to the local placed indigenous knowledge of access to biological

diversity and applying the knowledge to land use practices. In eco-based societies, knowledgeable

persons or indigenous experts such as the Hakeem, Sanyasi, Perawana and nomadic tribes of a

village are recognized and respected by the society and actively participate in local medical

information education and decision making of indigenous medicine systems and productive

activities. Moreover, increasing acquisition of goods through access to and use of biological

resources, especially non-timber forest (NTFPs) and local agricultural products, has created a

system of Knowledge Power. This power has the capability of accessing resources and socially

influencing others within the local society. Sustainable livelihoods are functions of the interaction

between biodiversity (natural capital), indigenous knowledge (social capital) and enabling

environment (both policies and marketing forces). Indigenous knowledge includes cultural beliefs

and social values, cognitive learning process, knowledge transfer, technical knowledge for practice

and innovations, customary institutions for social consent and local governance. It is observed that

natural resources refer to the forest, rangeland, rivers, lakes and other kinds of natural endowments

that human societies’ livelihoods cannot sustained without; the term cultural resources refers to

traditional livelihood practices, place-and-time specific knowledge about their home land, cultural

beliefs and values, such as lakes, trees, shrines and mountains in the different sections of Islam,

perceptions of factors responsible for good harvest and good rain fall or natural disaster. More often

than not, the cultural resources viewed in public eyes are merely those which are commercially

marketable, that have easy market values for tourism development, such as singing, dancing,

costumes and exotic customs. The lessons learnt from development in the mountain region are that

the regions with unfavorable policy environment (such as resource sanction, block access to

biodiversity, suppressed or displaced cultural communities) usually often experience the poverty

and sometimes a degraded environment. On the other hand, loss of biodiversity cab lead to the loss

of cultural diversity, and therefore, further deteriorated local livelihood.


160

P-86 APPLICATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN

DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT

Sobia Idrees1, Usman A Ashfaq1*

1 Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University (GCU), Faisalabad.


A major emphasis in bioengineering and medical technology is improved diagnostic techniques to

screen for disease. Such screening is required to identify illnesses, assess risk of disease onset, or

determine progression or improvement of disease state for diseases such as cancer, stroke,

Alzheimer’s, or cardiac disease. Nanotechnology may improve the sensitivity, selectivity, speed,

cost, and convenience of diagnosis. Individual biomolecular interactions can be detected by the

deflection of a microcantilever, the red-shifted emission of a gold nanoparticle, or the altered

conductance of a nanowire. Nanoscale labeling agents, such as quantum dots, have numerous

advantages to intracellular labeling and visualization. Nanotechnology has opened up the

possibility of other screening strategies as well. These techniques and others can be further

developed to enable enhanced visualization of an array, cell culture, or tumor; be multiplexed to

create smaller, denser gene and protein chips; or be integrated into a handheld nanofluidic device to

improve clinical diagnosis of disease.


161

P-87 INTEGRATED EFFECT OF BIOLOGICAL AND ORGANIC AMENDMENTS ON

THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF LENTIL

Muhammad Asif Iqbal*, Muhammd Khalid, Sher Muhammad Shahzad

Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan


Potential of microbial activities can be made more efficient by maintaining high bacterial

populations in the rhizospheric soil of plant. Use of enriched compost in the rhizosphere of plant

can provide a niche for bacteria to increase their growth and activities. Thus integrated use of

Rhizobium with plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) having trait ACC-deaminase plus P-

enriched compost (PEC) could be highly effective in promoting nodulation and yield of lentil crop.

A field study was conducted to evaluate the growth promoting potential of co-inoculation

Rhizobium with PGPB containing ACC-deaminase and PEC of lentil plants. Results of field study

showed that the integrated use of co-inoculation of R. leguminosarum with Pseudomonas Spp.

containing ACC-deaminase along PEC was highly effective and caused up to 73.5, 73.9, 74.4, 67.5,

73.3, 65.8, 40.5 and 52.5% increase in fresh biomass, grain yield, straw yield, pods per plant,

nodule per plant, nodule dry weight, 1000-grain weight and N content in grain of lentil respectively

as compared with respective control. It is concluded from the results that integrated use of R.

leguminosarum with Pseudomonas Spp. having trait ACC-deaminase plus PEC would be an

effective and novel approach for better nodulation which consequently improved yield of lentil

under natural conditions.


162

P-88 EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE DEGRADATION OF LIGNIN

Ammara Khalid *1, Muhammad Ibrahim Rajoka1, Farooq latif 2

1Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad.

2 National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Faisalabad.


The concentration of lignin in plant tissue is a major factor controlling organic matter degradation

rates. Lignin and cellulose decomposition significantly increased at higher temperatures and

moisture contents. Lignocellulose decomposition depends on the association of biodegradable

cellulose and hemicellulose with lignin. Lignin is a recalcitrant material which hinders

cellulose degradation in conventional landfills. Because of this property of lignin cellulose to

lignin ratio (C/L) is a common landfill stabilization parameter. Refuse degradation in landfills is

a microbiological process and is highly dependent on temperature, moisture, and pH. Bioreactor

landfills are designed to enhance biodegradation of refuse by providing favorable conditions for

microorganisms. The thermal and biological study indicates that as lignin is solubilized, it breaks

down into lignin monomers, which can be converted easily by anaerobic bacteria into VFAs and

subsequently, methane. Experiments indicate that temperature is crucial to the degradation of lignin

compounds in a bioreactor landfill. Lignin, a valuable resource for chemicals and energy, is a main

component of wood, together with cellulose and hemicellulose. It is the second large source of

organic raw material, constituting about 4-35 wt% of most biomass, 16-25 wt% of hardwoods and

23-35 wt% of softwoods. Lignin decomposes slower, over a broader temperature range (200-500 °

C) than cellulose and the hemicellulose components of biomass.


163

P-89 MYCOFLORAL STUDY OF FOREST OF SAMAHNI VALLEY DISTRICT

BHIMBER AZAD KASHMIR

Tanveer Hussain, Muhammad Ishtiaq*, Mehwish Maqbool, Atiq Hussain


PAKISTAN


Fungi are potential sources of diseases for human, animals and plants. The present research was

aimed to collect, isolate and identify different fungi to find out the prevalence of the mycoflora in

different habitats. Its economic importance and pathogenic toxicity was also measured and

documented. Air pollution is one of the most serious problems to human health. Air-borne fungal

spores were collected on two different culture media viz. potato dextrose agar (PDA) and water

agar (WA) from different habitats of Samahni forest areas (SFA), District Bhimber Azad Kashmir,

Pakistan. The soil and aqua mycoflora was also taken under consideration and its prevalence was

measured by using different techniques. Greater numbers of fungal colonies were obtained on PDA

than on WA culture medium. A total of thirty five different fungal species were investigated

belonging to eighteen different genera. The density of identified fungal species in each sample was

as: air mycoflora (AMF), soil mycoflora (SMF) and water mycoflora (WMF) were, 20, 32 and 11,

respectively. These differences could be due to geographical location, variable fungal growth

substrates in different samples as well as due to use of different sampling methods. A considerable

significant difference was seen among the fungal colony (%age) in AMF, SMF and WMF. It was

noted that soil mycoflora was more frequently depicted because land provides best environment

and nourishment for growth and reproduction of fungi. It was also observed that some fungi were

common in water and soil substrates which indicate that some species of soil fungi do use water as

mode of distribution and dispersal. The most dominant fungal species were Cladosporium

cladosporioides (7.1%) in Air, Fusarium oxysporum (4.9%) in soil and Fusarium oxysporum

(11.3%) in water samples.


164

P-90 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL

CONDITIONS IN DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES OF FAISALABAD CITY, PAKISTAN

Muhammad Farrakh Nawaz*1,2, Ayesha Saddiqa2

1Department of Forestry, Range Management and Wildlife, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan

2Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University Faisalabad, Pakistan


Occupational health and safety issues are very frequent in almost every kind of industry. Faisalabad

is the 3rd

most populated and highly industrialised city of Pakistan. To evaluate the potential of

above mentioned issues in textile, food, rice mills and brick kiln sectors, one unit of each sector

was selected in Faisalabad as case study. For this purpose processing unit surveys were made and

questionnaires were distributed among employees. The pollution load on the environment due to

processing activities of these industrial units was also monitored with the help of several

instruments. It was found that ISO certified industries have better Occupational, Health and Safety

(OHS) conditions as compared to non-ISO certified industries. The results showed that flues gases

contained high concentrations of pollutants (especially NOx) due to burning of low quality of fuels

in industrial units. The concentrations of particulate matter within and outside the rice mills

industries were alarming. The opacity of smoke in brick kiln industry was higher than National

Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). The values of humidity and illumination were observed

at disturbing level. It was found that working conditions at brick kilns were more unsuitable as

compared to other industries in Faisalabad but workers are obliged to work under these conditions

due to high unemployment rate in Pakistan. Finally, on the basis of existing conditions,

recommendations were made for each industry to reduce the health hazards.


165

P-91 INNOVATION “FEN” (FEATHERS, VEGETABLES, AND

FISH WHICH IS NUTRITIOUS AND CHEAP) UTILIZATION OF MARKET WASTE

DAN HUSBANDRY AS CHEAP AND NUTRITIOUS FISH FEED

Trini Y.Pratiwi, Priyandaru Agung E.T, Erika Nur Maidah

Brawijaya University, Malang City, Province East Java, Indonesia

On the cultivation of water organisms, especially fish that are rampant throughout the region in

developing Indonesia, there is one fundamental problem experienced by all the cultivators, that is

organisms feed cultivation problem aspects. Feed problem that needs a solution this is balanced

with the existence of other problems i.e. the availability of waste on the environment is in adequate

amounts, i.e. waste production, animal husbandry, fisheries and vegetable waste which has not yet

been used. Innovation feed FEN (feathers, vegetables, and fish which is nutritious and cheap), both

problems would be solved. Innovation feed FEN made with raw material waste, chicken feathers

farm waste, waste vegetable and waste of fish production. This feed can be applied on all types of

cultivation and all types of commercial fish cultivation. With the creation stages and makes that

easy to do , this feed is solutive for aquaculture Indonesia. The primacy of the feed is analyzed

towards nutrition, growth, economic, business, and the profit potential in the application. FEN has

high nutrition content, giving it a high growth rate, the price is cheaper, profits in cultivating

application much higher total artificial feed factory, and so potentially to be developed in the

attempt.

166

P-92 STAND ALONE PV SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED

GREENHOUSES

Saad Salman Khan*1, Abubakar Shinwari2

1,2 IQRA National University Hayatabad Peshawar Pakistan

Corresponding author email: [email protected]@yahoo.com

Greenhouses plays an important role in agriculture and horticulture sector in Pakistan, therefore

cost effective and reliable power solution for greenhouses are very helpful in the growth and

expenditure of agriculture. However like most sectors in Pakistan, agriculture has not yet adopted

the full-fledge use of automation. Automation is the process control of industrial machinery and

processes. Efficient operation of such instruments requires an efficient supply of power. Most

regions of Pakistan lacks a continuous supply of power and hence are not able to use automation

and fruits of new technology in agriculture sector. One solution to overcome this problem is the use

of renewable energy resources. Solar energy is an efficient replacement for existing power solution,

which is available in abundance. This paper presents the design idea of PV-SOLAR system to

provide an economical energy system for automated greenhouses. Feasibility of the proposed

design is checked via HOMER software. Results have shown that the proposed system is efficient,

and cost effective as compared to proposed Hybrid-Solar/wind systems.

mailto:[email protected]@yahoo.com

167

P-93 WHEAT YIELD AND PHOSPHORUS UPTAKE AS

AFFECTED BY COMPOSTS OF DIFFERENT ORGANIC MATERIALS AND ROCK

PHOSPHATE

Muhammad Sharif*1, Saeed Khan*, Fazli Wahid*

*Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural University, Peshawar Pakistan 1 Corresponding author email: [email protected]

A field experiment was conducted to determine the affect of composts prepared from different

organic materials with rock phosphate (RP) on yield and P uptake of wheat crop at the research

farm of Agricultural University, Peshawar during Rabi 2010-2011. Wheat variety saran with a seed

rate of 100 kg ha-1 was grown in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three

replications. There were 11 treatments, each of 3×5×2 m size. The row to row distance of wheat

plants was 25 cm. Composts prepared from RP fed FYM, simple FYM, organic waste and city

garbage were applied at the rate based of their P concentrations. Fertilizers were applied at the rate

of 120-90-60 kg ha-1 N, P and K, respectively in the form of urea, SSP or composts and K2SO4.

Nitrogen was applied in three split applications whereas all P and K were applied at sowing time.

Composts prepared from different organic materials with RP significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased

grains, total dry matter, straw yield and 1000 grains weight of wheat over control. Significantly (P

≤ 0.05) increased grains yield of 5274 Kg ha-1, total dry matter yield of 8533 Kg ha-1, straw yield

of 3585 Kg ha-1 and thousand grains weight of 40.5 g of wheat were produced by the compost of

Organic Waste and half dose of SSP. Decreasing trend was observed in soil pH by the addition of

composts of different organic materials. Post harvest soil N and P concentrations improved with the

application of compost of organic materials. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) increases in N and P uptake by

wheat plants were found by the treatments of composts of different organic materials with RP.

Results suggest that the use of composts prepared from different organic materials with RP are

economical, environmental friendly and have potential to improve wheat yield and plants N and P

uptakes.

.


168

P-94 VALIDATION OF NEW TIEDKE SCHEME OVER

TROPICAL BAND VERSION OF REGCM4 (REGT-BAND)

Shaukat Ali*1,2, Syed Ahsan Ali Bokhari3, Dan Li1, Fu Congbin1

1Key Laboratory of Regional Climate-Environment for Temperate East Asia, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese

Academy of Sciences; 2Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), Ministry of Climate Change, Islamabad,

Pakistan; 3Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD), Islamabad, Pakistan.


In this study the latest version of RegCM4.3 (REGional Climate Model 4.3) is used to investigate

and validate the performance of the Tiedke scheme with special configuration of tropical band

version RegT-band. Model domain is tropical band cover the area of tropical/subtropical region

(from 45° S to 45° N). ERA-Interim-15 data was used as a boundary condition for the year 1998.

Five different simulations were performed with variation in the value of the Tiedke parameters e.g.

Default Tiedke, Entrpen, Cmtcape, Cprcon, and changes in trigger function. For the validations of

the simulation results, precipitation and temperature were compared with TRMM and CRU data.

The results show that Tiedke Scheme perform better than Grell scheme over Indian Ocean for

precipitation and changes in trigger function performs better than the others in Tiedke experiments.

However, changes in the value of parameters to make it half, Tiedke scheme is supposed to produce

more precipitation but the precipitation is decreased instead of increase. In addition for

precipitation in JJA Grell scheme show wet biases while Tiedke show dry biases and for

temperature Grell scheme show cold biases for both DJF and JJA while Tiedke show warm biases.

For the future work more simulation years are needed to better test Tiedke over RegT-band.


169

P-95 ETHNOBOTANY AND CONSERVATION & EXPLOITATION OF TRADITIONAL

AGRO-FOREST PRODUCTS OF BHIMBER AZAD KASHMIR

Shezad Azam, Muhammad Ishtiaq*, Mehwish Maqbool, Tanveer Hussain


PAKISTAN


The paper is profound with the analysis of the ethnobotanical origin, development, present situation

and the characteristics of Kashmiri Agro-forest products, exploring the relation between agro-forest

products and ethnobotany. It is pinpointed that the development of ethnobotany holds a significant

and pivotal role in conservation and exploitation of agro-forest resources. Ethnobotanical Study

(EBS) depicts that traditional and cultural knowledge and customs do play an important role in the

use and their subsequent consequences on flora of the area. Various plants being employed in the

Agro-forest system were enumerated in an alphabetical order with botanical name, vernacular

name, family, part used in full length paper. The Priority Ranking (PR) and data matrix ranking

(DMR) was calculated to observe the biotic pressure on the flora due to population increase.

Furthermore, conservation status of different important taxa was also evaluated and future strategy

with real time based recommendations were formulated.


170

P-96 CONSERVING THE ECOSYSTEM OF 21ST

CENTURY

*Ambreen shaikh

Affiliation; Civil Services Academy H.no: D-43 Mir Fazal Town,Unit no 9 Latifabad Hyderabad. E-mail address:


In this 21st century scientific revolution brought about overwhelm changes in this world but in

some places it disturb a natural cycle of universal ecosystem, consequently become a serious threat

to our environment such as pollution, nuclear proliferation, high rising, deforestation, advancement

of industries etc. While a sustainable ecosystem signifies a balance relationship between all plants

and living organisms biotic or abiotic in a physical environment. A mainstay challenges of this 21st

century melt into a lofty crises by a disturbance in our ecosystem climate change, acid rain, global

warming and some portrays towards technological advancement and natural depletion of resources.

In this critical juncture it’s a higher time to adopt conservation as well as prevention technique to

sustain our ecosystem. This paper will provide guideline towards mitigation strategies and

environmental friendly policies being a panacea towards establishing a healthy ecosystem for nex

generation.


171

P-97 BIOFLOCS TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFECTIVE VANNAMEI SHRIMP

Trini Y.Pratiwi, Priyandaru Agung E.T, Erika Nur Maidah

Brawijaya University, Malang City, Province East Java, Indonesia

As time goes by, cultivation increased further. This led to a negative impact is real and very

influential to the environment if it is not finished, namely the impact of aquaculture waste. These

wastes contain toxic materials such as residual excretion amoniak, nitrite, and nitrate. To support

the sustainability of aquaculture is needed an eco-friendly solution with bioflok technology.

Bioflok technology is a technology which uses techniques enable the suspension derived from the

cultivation of waste (organic N such, ammonium, nitrite amoniak and nitrate) is then converted into

bioflok (collection of bacteria). This is composed of bacteria heterotrophic and bacteria

heterotrophic filaments, which use organic compounds as a source of carbons.This is one way that

waste management solutif and easily applied. Bioflok technology is done on the cultivation of fish

or shrimp or semi intensive intensive way of adding organic carbon as a substrate for doing aerobic

decomposition. Then given aeration and stirring the water to keep the high microbial flok in

circumstances remain suspended. Microbial flok this would be useful as feed flok shrimp or fish.

Thus, the handling of waste agriculture cultivation of prawns and fish is very useful for fish growth

and nutrient intake. Furthermore, this can continue to be developed flok until time desired while

maintaining carbohydrate composition for awarding the growth of bacteria. Advantages of

cultivation waste handling techniques include bioflok effective, efficient, and recovery. First,

effective in terms of handling waste cultivation itself. If the waste is directly dumped into the

environment, then it can threaten the balance of the ecosystem because it is malicious and

poisonous. With this technology, aquaculture waste into safe and can be used to feed. Second,

because this function efficiently bioflok key as a natural feed for shrimp or fish can reduce the cost

of feed and support the growth of organisms. Thirdly, recovery because bioflok also serves to

improve the water quality in pond aquaculture.

172

P-98 MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL

PRODUCTIVITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Maqshoof Ahmad*1, 2, Zahir A. Zahir1, Farheen Nazli3, Muhammad Khalid1

1Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan

2Soil Salinity Research Station, Rahim Yar Khan;

3Pesticide Quality Control Lab., Bahawalpur


The industrial fixation of atmospheric nitrogen into urea is proving highly destructive to the

environment, both during its production and use. On an average, production of one kg of urea emits

2,500 grams of CO2, 10 grams of N2O and one gram of CH4 -all greenhouse gases. Seldom more

than 50% of applied N is taken up by crops and rest is either stored in soil or lost into the

environment. The nitrifying bacteria in soil convert chemical nitrogen into nitrate which is a

potential human health hazard in groundwater. The denitrifying bacteria in soil convert back the

nitrates into gaseous nitrogen and this phenomenon again releases greenhouse gases. Soil salinity is

an enormous world wide problem that hinders agricultural productivity and deteriorates soil quality

in Semi-arid climate. Salinity negatively affects nodulation in legumes. Plants under salinity stress

produce inhibitory levels of ethylene which may be repressed by using plant growth promoting

rhizobacteria (PGPR) containing ACC-deaminase. These PGPR, in combination with rhizobia,

have been reported to improve nodulation in legumes leading to increased nitrogen fixation. This

biological nitrogen fixation holds a huge potential to improve agricultural productivity along with

lessening the use of nitrogenous fertilizers thus decreasing the hazardous effects of chemical

fertilizers on environment. Pseudomonas and Rhizobium phaseoli strains were evaluated in pot and

field experiments under salt-affected conditions for their potential as biofertilizer to improve mung

bean productivity. Results showed that this biofertilizer significantly reduced the depressing effect

of salinity and increased nodulation and consequently nitrogen fixation thus improved growth,

yield and quality of mung bean. This biofertilizer also improved the ionic balance, chlorophyll

contents and physiological parameters of mung bean. The results suggested that this biotechnology

not only increased the mung bean productivity but also improved the environmental quality by

reduction in the use of nitrogenous fertilizers.


173

P-99 BIO-AUGMENTATION: A STRATEGY TO COMBAT THE HAZARDOUS

AZODYES COMMONLY USED IN TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Muhammad Imran1*, Rashid Waqas2, Muhammad Arshad2, Khaliq-ur-Rehman Arshad2 and

Farhat Bashir2

1Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Sargodha, Pakistan

2Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.


Faisalabad is known as a city of textile not only in Pakistan but also all over the world. Several

textile processing units are in operation in the surrounding of this city, which are releasing huge

quantity of wastewater contaminated with a variety of xenobiotics. Particularly, a substantial

amount of azo dyes are released continuously into wastewater streams in the surroundings of these

textile units. The discharge of these contaminants is considered a potential threat to environments

because of their hazardous nature. Thus, this study was undertaken to isolate bacteria possessing

high potential to degrade these azo dyes from the wastewater discharged by the textile units. The

wastewater samples were collected from the outlets of a number of textile units for the isolation of

azo dye degrading bacteria. A total of 40 bacterial strains were isolated from these wastewater

samples using minimal salt medium spiked with dye (Red C4BLN) and yeast extract. Selection of

azo dye degrading bacteria was done on the basis of decolorizing zone around their colonies. Out of

these five bacterial strains (S1, S5, S6, S29, S35) were more effective in decolorization of Red

C4BLN and they were used for further study. Above 90% decolorization of 100 mg L-1

of Reactive

Black-5, Reactive Blue BRS, Red C4BLN, Navy Blue CBF and Orange C2RL was achieved in just

8 h. Thus, isolated bacterial strains have the potential to remove a variety of dyes from the liquid

culture which could be used to develop a biotreatment strategy for cleanup of the industrial

wastewater prior to their discharge into wastewater streams of the surrounding area.


174

P-100 COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DRINKING WATER

QUALITY OF FILTRATION PLANTS AND WASA WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM IN

RAWALPINDI

Farrukh Raza Amin*1, Romana Khan1, Islam-UD-Din2

1 Department of Environmental Sciences COMSAT Institute of Information Technology, Abottabad Pakistan

2 Department of Environmental Sciences International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan


Water is needed for food preparation, drinking, washing, and irrigation as well as used in industrial

processes. Water is neutral, tasteless, odorless and preferably of known hardness. The water

provided to the assessors for rinsing their mouths shall be identical with that used to prepare the

dilutions. But water is not tasteless to subjects (Bartoshuk, 1974). The objectives of the current

study were to investigate the water quality of two main sources of drinking water in Rawlpindi i.e.

from filtration plants and WASA supply water through physico-chemical analysis and to do a

comparative study of both according to WHO standards. Water quality parameters including

Conductivity (micro-S/cm), Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L), Turbidity (NTU), Arsenic (ppb),

Chloride (mg/L), Sulfate (mg/L) and Flouride (mg/L) were analyzed in the laboratory by using

standard method by APHA, 2005. It was broadly observed that pH value for Filteration Plants

samples was comparatively higher than WASA tubewells. The color and taste of both WASA

tubewells and filtration plants was clear and unobjectionable. The maximum turbidity value

1.21±0.42 NTU was observed in sample collected from tubewell (T.W.29) of WASA but no

turbidity was observed in filtration plants. The average chloride’s value observed in samples

collected from WASA tubewells was higher than chlorides level observed in filtration plants. The

maximum fluorides value 1.73±0.25 mg/l was observed in sample collected from tubewell (T.W.1)

of WASA but the maximum fluorides value 0.51±0.1 mg/l was observed in filtration plant (F.P.47)

of RCB. Similarly conductivity of tubewells water was higher that water taken from filtration

plants. The level of arsenic observed in WASA tubewell was almost double the arsenic value

observed in filtration plants water samplings. The maximum sulfates value 156±25 mg/l was

observed in sample collected from tubewell (T.W.6) of WASA but the maximum sulfates value

68±11 mg/l was observed in filtration plant (F.P.55) of RCB, which was comparatively low than

WASA tubewells. Most of the drinking water samples collected from WASA tubewells and

filtration plants of RCB, CCB, WASA and TMA in Rawalpindi were found to be fit for

consumption with respect to physicochemical and aesthetic water quality parameters.


175

P-101 POSSIBLE ENERGY SOURCES FROM INDUSTRIAL SOLID WASTES

Muhammad Anwar-ul-Haq1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Anum Jacob1, Muhammad Ahmad1, Amir Mehmood Shah1,

Zaid-ul-Hassan1, Naila Batool1, Mamoona Sadia1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1,

Muhammad Saleem Arif1



Environmental pollution is a major problem associated with rapid industrialization, urbanization and rise in living

standards of people in Pakistan. With increasing demand of raw materials for industrial production, the non-

renewable resources are deteriorating at a rapid rate. Therefore, efforts are to be made for controlling pollution

arising from the disposal of wastes by conversion of these unwanted wastes into utilizable raw materials for

various beneficial uses. The main solid waste contributor industries are steel and blast furnace, brine mud, copper

slag, Fly ash, kiln dust, lime sludge, mica scraper waste, phosphogypsum, red mud/ bauxite, iron tailing, textile,

sugar cane, tanneries and lime stone waste. The different technologies for recovering useful energy from industrial

solid wastes exist. It is necessary for the success of these technologies to develop an Integrated Waste

Management System, coupled with necessary legislative and control measures. Energy can be recovered from the

organic fraction of waste (biodegradable as well as non-biodegradable) through two methods as follows: Thermo-

chemical conversion involves thermal de-composition of organic matter to produce either heat energy or fuel oil or

gas; Bio-chemical conversion is based on enzymatic decomposition of organic matter by microbial action to

produce methane gas or alcohol. In general, 100 tones of solid waste with 50-60% organic matter can generate

about 1- 1.5 mega watt power (MWP), depending upon the waste characteristics. The waste-to-energy facilities

can effectively bridge the gap between waste recycling, composting and landfilling, for tackling the increasing

problems of waste disposal in the urban areas, in an environmentally compassionate manner, besides boosting

power generation in the country.


176

P-102 CHITOSAN PRIMING ENHANCES THE SEED GERMINATION,

ANTIOXIDANTS, HYDROLYTIC ENZYMES, SOLUBLE PROTEINS AND SUGARS IN

WHEAT SEEDS

Arruje Hameed1*, Munir Ahmad Sheikh1, Shahzad M. A. Basra2, Amer Jamil1

1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

2Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.


Effects of wheat seed priming with chitosan on seed germination and biochemistry were investigated.

Seed treatments included hydropriming (water soaking) and chitosan priming i.e. soaking seeds in

aerated solution of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.50 % chitosan for 8 h. Chitosan priming improved the final

germination percent, germination energy, germination index, germination rate, vigor index and

shoot as well as root length of seedlings while shorten the mean germination time. Hydropriming

induced less prominent effects on seed germination and growth attributes as induced by chitosan

priming. Chitosan priming induced changes in the seed biochemistry were also investigated.

Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), protease activities and soluble

proteins increased in the chitosan primed seeds as compared to non primed control. The reducing

and total sugars decreased while non reducing sugars increased in chitosan primed seeds. Among

seed reserve mobilizing enzymes, α-amylase, α- naphthyl acetate esterase (0.25 % and 0.50%

chitosan) and β-naphthyl acetate esterase (0.50 % chitosan) activities increased in the chitosan

primed seeds. Hydropriming decreased the SOD, α- naphthyl acetate esterase, MDA content, non-

reducing and total sugars while raised the CAT, POD, soluble proteins, proteases in the seeds. In

general, hydropriming induced modulations in seed biochemical processes were different and less

prominent as induced by chitosan priming. Collectively, enhanced capacity of primed seeds to

scavenge free radicals by elevated antioxidants i.e. SOD, CAT and POD and rapid mobilization of

stored carbohydrates, proteins and lipids by amylases, proteases and esterases during seed

germination explained the beneficial effects of chitosan priming.


177

P-103 POTENTIAL OF CORN BASE BIORESOURCES FOR CADMIUM REMOVAL

FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION

Afsheen Asif

1, Muhammad Riaz*

1, Muhammad Saleem Arif

1, Iqra Kanwal

1, Muhammad Ahmad

1,

Muhammad Ibrahim1



Heavy metal contamination of surface and ground waters is a serious threat to ecosystem stability

and human health. Industrialization is considered a main source of metal pollution with extent of

the problem usually higher in urban areas. A variety of physical, chemical and biological methods

are available to remove heavy metals from contaminated sites. Sorption, desorption and

Biosorption are among these methods. Biosorption is a cost effective method. Cadmium (Cd) has

been identified an important heavy metal in Pakistan. The present short-term laboratory microcosm

study is designed to explore the potential of corn cob as bioresource, in three forms i.e. raw

biomass, ashed biomass and biochar biomass, to remove Cd from aqueous solutions. The

experiment was performed in leaching columns packed with different forms of biomass derived

from corn cobs. For sorption potential, solutions containing 0, 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 mg/L Cd were

used. The sorption leachate samples was analysed for pH, EC, soluble organic carbon (SOC) and

total Cd. The study showed that corn biosmass both raw and ashed has a strong potential to remove

Cd from aqueous solution.


178

P-104 DOES NUCLEAR ENERGY AN ANSWER TO ENERGY CRISES IN PAKISTAN?

Naila Batool1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Anum Jacob1, Amir Mehmood Shah1, Zaid-ul-Hassan1, Muhammad

Ahmad1, Mamoona Sadia1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1, M. Anwar-ul-Haq1,

Muhammad Ahmad1



Nuclear energy is a form of energy produced by an atomic reaction, capable of producing an alternative source of

energy to that supplied by oil, gas or coal. Nuclear energy originates from the splitting of uranium atom in a

process called fission which can be used to generate heat for producing steam for running a turbine to produce

electricity. Nuclear energy can be used for both, destructive as well as for constructive purposes; however, the

world needs nuclear energy and will need it more in the years to come. Besides to produce electricity from the use

of nuclear power plants, nuclear energy has also been used widely in agriculture, medicine, industry, biology and

hydrology. The principal risks associated with nuclear power arise from health effects of radiation. At present,

power is produced from atom in advanced countries whereas other countries are also making efforts to produce

electricity at cheap rates from atomic power plants. Pakistan is the 6th most populous country of the world where

peak demand of electricity is 14,792 MW with installed capacity of 19,540 MW. Electricity generation of our

country is 85.6 TWh and consumption is 45% in household sector, 30% in industrial sector and 25% in others.

Pakistan has a small nuclear power generation program, with 725 MWe capacity, but there are strategic potential

to increase this substantially. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) is responsible for all nuclear

energy and research applications in the country. Its first nuclear power reactor is a small 137 MWe (125 MWe net)

Canadian Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) which was started in 1971 and which is under international

safeguards - KANUPP near Karachi. The second unit, at Chashma-1 in north Punjab, has been reported to cost

PKR 51.46 billion (US$ 860 million, with $350 million of this financed by China). A safeguards agreement with

IAEA was signed in 2006 and grid connection was made in March 2011, with commercial operation in May. In

2005, an Energy Security Plan was adopted by the government, calling for a huge increase in generating capacity

to more than 160,000 MWe by 2030. It included intention of lifting nuclear capacity to 8800 MWe, 900 MWe of

this by 2015 and a further 1500 MWe by 2020. Pakistan is a Member of International Atomic Energy Agency

(IAEA), World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), Candu Owner’s Group (COG), World Nuclear

Association (WNA). The number of visits by the Delegations/Missions/Teams of these Organizations to the

Nuclear Power Plants of Pakistan and related facilities over the decades is innumerable. Pakistan has no need of

furthering its defense capabilities through civilian nuclear facilities.


179

P-105 THE CHALLENGE OF WATER MANAGEMENT FOR IRRIGATION IN ARID

REGIONS

Iftikhar Fareed1, Muhammad Irshad1*

1Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Abbottabad


The demand for water is constantly increasing as a result of population growth and the expansion of

agriculture and industry. Agriculture commands more water than any other activity on this planet.

Although the total amount of water made available by the hydrologic cycle is enough to provide the

world’s current population with adequate freshwater, most of this water is concentrated in specific

regions, leaving other areas water-deficient. Fresh water resources are limited in the arid and semi-

arid areas whereas the existing water resources are often overused and misused. The lack of water

management in the arid areas generated numerous economic, social and ecological issues.

Agriculture currently accounts for nearly 70-80% of water consumption in the developing

countries. Because of the uneven distribution of water resources and population densities

worldwide, water demands already exceed supplies in nearly 80 countries with more than 40%

population of the world. Consequent to future population increase in developing countries, supplies

of good-quality irrigation water will further decrease due to increased municipal–industrial–

agricultural competition. These facts reveal that the time has come for the sustainable management

of available water resources based on global, regional, and site-specific strategic options:

improvement in current efficiencies of agricultural water use and conservation, both in the rain-fed

and irrigated agriculture, i.e. to produce more with the existing resources with minimum

deterioration of land and water resources; use of efficient, economic, and environmentally

acceptable methods for the amelioration of polluted waters and degraded soils, and re-use of saline

and/or sodic drainage waters via cyclic, blended, or sequential strategies for crop production

systems, wherever possible and practical. We believe that these strategies will serve as pillars of

integrated agricultural water management and their suitable combinations will be the key to future

agricultural and economic growth, particularly in regions that are deficient in freshwater supplies

and are expected to become more deficient in future. The productivity of water use in agriculture

needs to enhance in order both to avoid exacerbating the water crisis and to prevent considerable

food shortages. More efficient use of existing water resources could prove to be the effective tool

for the development of agriculture in arid and semiarid areas. This would provide new

opportunities for food security and sound environment in water scarced areas.


180

P-106 IMPACT OF CROP RESIDUE MANAGEMENT ON SOIL BIOGEOCHEMICAL INDICES

Muhammad Farhan Tahir1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Komal Riaz1, Shermeen Tahir2, Sidra Azhar1, Muhammad Saleem Arif1, Wajid Ishaq2, Ishaq A. Mian3


2Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institute of Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Pakistan

Department of Soil & Environmental Science, KP Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan


Crop residue is the part of plant left in the field after the crop has been harvested. Since Green Revolution

in 1960 and mechanization in agriculture, crop production has dramatically increased. Consequently, a

large amount of crop residue is produced worldwide and management of this huge amount is a challenging

problem. Major crops that produce large amount of residue are maize, wheat, sugarcane and rice. Due to

high C/N ratio and silica content, rice residue is unsuitable for animal feed. To manage rice residue, farmer

often burn the residue in the field posing a potential threat for environmental pollution. However, the

residue could be incorporated into soils or left on the surface as alternative management practices. This

study aims to investigate the effects of rice residue management on soil physical, chemical and biological

properties. A microcosm study will be conducted at Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB),

Faisalabad. The changes in soil biogeochemical parameters like pH, EC, soil organic matter (SOM), water

extractable carbon, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen,, total nitrogen , total carbon,

KCl extractable NH4+-N, and NO3

--N (Mineral N, Na

+, K

+, available phosphorus were measured at 30, 60

and 120 days interval. Results revealed a significant effect of residue management on soil biogeochemical

indicators.


181

P-107 CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD SECURITY CURRENT FUTURE TRENDS

Abdul Ghani

Department of Botany, University of Sargodha, Pakistan


Climate change refers to a statically significant variation in either the mean state of the climate or

in its variability and persistence for an extended period and is due either to natural processes,

external forcing, or to persistent anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in-

land use. Visible components of climate change includes 1) extreme of temperature, 2) drought, 3)

unprecedented floods and rainfall, & 4) high frequency of tropical cyclones. All these changes have

proven to affect food security: which exist when all people, at all times, have physical and

economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food

preferences for an active and healthy life. It has four dimensions including 1) food availability 2)

access to food 3) stability of supplies and 4) healthy food utilization. All these dimensions will be

affected differently in the world. The most vulnerable region would be those already most

vulnerable to food insecurity and malnutrition such as Sub-Saharan Africa. The most vulnerable

Ecosystem would be tundra, boreal forests, mountains, and Mediterranean regions. The most

vulnerable population would be human being as since 1970-2000, 160,000 deaths and 5 millions

disability-adjusted life years have caused from only Malaria, Diarrhea, Malnutrition and flooding.

The most vulnerable gender would be the women and children especially those living in the rural

areas of the developing countries and are dependent upon subsistence farming. These women lake

modern fuel and power source for farming. The water shortage will add more to their food

insecurity and would thus increase the women work level. Climate change however presents some

opportunities as well. This presentation will thus explain the current situations and some future

remedies that may help mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.


182

P-108 BIOGAS ENERGY RESOURCE POTENTIAL IN PAKISTAN

Zaid-ul-Hassan1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Anum Jacob1, Amir Mehmood Shah1, Naila Batool1, Mamoona Sadia1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1, M. Anwar-ul-Haq1



Factors like increased prices, rising inflation, diminishing resources and intense global demand for energy

have led to an era of an era of energy shortage, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Pakistan

spends ca. 7 billion US dollars on import of fossil fuel annually to fulfill its energy needs. The renewable

and sustainable energy resources are the best substitute to conventional fuel and energy sources. Biogas is

a potential energy source for Pakistan. Biogas produced by anaerobic digestion or fermentation of

biodegradable materials such as biomass, manure, sewage, municipal waste and green waste. Biogas

contain gases including CH4 (50-75%), CO2 (25-50%), N2 (0-10%) and H2S (0-3%). Biogas is an ideal

form of energy because it turns waste material into a source of power. The manure of cattle, in particular,

contains a high amount of biogas. Biogas contains substantial amounts of methane that makes it be used in

power appliance that run on natural gas. Pakistan has huge population living in rural areas. According to

estimates, animal rearing in rural areas of Pakistan produce 652 million kg of manure daily which can be

used to generate 16.3 million cubic meter biogas per day and 21 million ton of biofertilizer per year; the

latter is essential requirement for sustainable development of agriculture land. A high quality biogas plant

need minimum maintenance cost and can produce gas for 15-20 years without major problems and

reinvestment. Biogas is a best way of get rid off animal waste material. The energy it produces is clean and

powerful which does not pollute groundwater or air and quite safe. In addition, Pakistan can also explore

biogas potential of citrus pulp, paper industry, slaughter house and street waste. Poultry waste is also

considered and ideal base material for biogas production. According to a survey, Pakistan has capacity to

generate over 2000MW renewable energy from biogas. In Pakistan, the Rural Support Programme

Network is running the Pakistan Domestic Biogas Programme which has installed over 1500 biogas plants

and aims to develop biogas sector intensively around the country. Recently, around 4000 biogas plants

have been installed across the country. Practically, installing biogas units could help us to overcome

energy crisis in our country. They are low cost and can be run with small budget. Biogas corridors can

work as a good substitute for nearly 70% of country population residing in rural areas. However, the need

of national policy is imperative to bring this technology further at farmer doorstep.


183

P-109 EVALUATION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN LEAD AND CADMIUM TOXICITY

Zahra Batool, Asma Haque, Asma Naz, Muhammad Ibrahim Rajoka

Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad


Lead and cadmium are the common environmental heavy metal pollutants with a widespread

distribution. Both natural and anthropogenic sources including mining, smelting, and other

industrial processes are responsible for human and animal exposure. These pollutants often act as

copollutants leading to concurrent exposure to living beings and resultant synergistic deleterious

health effects. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species and free radicals beyond the cell’s

intrinsic capacity leads to a state of oxidative stress and resultant damage of lipids, protein, and

DNA. In the first part of this study, human blood samples from lead exposed and control males

were collected and different biochemical tests were performed on sera by using kits. The results

indicated an increase in glucose concentration in lead exposed subjects. There was an increased

concentration of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate

aminotransferase and total oxidant status in the blood serum of lead exposed subjects. A decreased

concentration was noted for HDL cholesterol, total proteins and globulin. The concentration of

triiodothyronine (T3) remained almost the same in lead exposed and control subjects indicating no

effect of lead intoxication on triiodothyronine level in them. Lead concentration was determined

from serum of lead exposed and control subjects by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.

Structure prediction including primary, secondary and tertiary structure of an enzyme delta-

aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), which is sensitive to lead toxicity, was carried out by

using bioinformatics tools. A software and web database was also developed for evaluation of

results. As second part of the study, a database and website related to cadmium induced oxidative

stress were developed containing information of all metabolic dysfunctions that are associated with

cadmium toxicity and cadmium elevation using data of the patients that includes different physical

and biochemical parameters. These parameters are affected by the cadmium quantity. The website

comprises information regarding diagnosis of cadmium affected patients, treatment and preventive

measures to avoid cadmium exposure.


184

P-110 IMPACT ABIOTIC FACTOR ON THRIPS TABACI (THRIPIDAE:

THYSANOPTERA) IN TRANSGENIC AND NON TRANSGENIC COTTON CULTIVARS

Tahammal Hussain, Khuram Zia, Rashid Rasool Khan


Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) is a queen of fiber and under various agro-climatic conditions

it is an imperative non food cash crop. In Pakistan economy, cotton is considered as moral

fibers. In cotton crop, 20-40% losses are estimated which occur annually due to different

insect pests of cotton. Among the sucking insect pest, Thrips tabaci (Lind) is a serious pest of

cotton in Pakistan. Genetically modified crops proved best for control of insect pest without

any additional charges. These genetically modified crops are environment friendly. Proposed

study will be conducted at research area of Deptt of Agriculture Entomology, UAF to

determine thrips density on newly developed cotton genotypes like FH-113, FH-114, FH-

4243, FH-116, FH-167 (BT) FH-1000, FH-941, FH-942, FH-901 and FH-207 (Non BT)

against Thrips tabaci (Lind) and to determine fluctuation in the population of thrips when

thrips population is relate with abiotic factors like Temp, R.H and rainfall and to correlate

thrips density with physico-morphic characters like hair density, hair length and gossypol

gland contents. The experimental data will be analyzed by using appropriate statistical

method.


185

P-111 ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHROMIUM RESISTANT

BACTERIA FROM INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS

Qasir imran, Tahira yasmeen, Hammad Raza*, Faisal Islam

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad

*Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad


Untreated discharge of chromium, in water resources subsequently had serious environmental and

health effect. Among all the available techniques of metal reduction, biotic treatment is getting

attention for being environmental friendly and cheap that could be used to clean up metal

contamination wastewater. The 300 colonies were screened from initial level on chromium

amended NA medium. 26 pure colonies were selected in the secondary screening from wastewater.

All isolated strains are resistance to the Cr but there tolerance level was varied. The bacteria

isolated from specific Cr contaminated site like tannery effluent exhibit more resistant i.e. the

CrR11, CrR16, CrR21 showed MIC of 70 ppm while the strains CrR19, CrR4 show least MIC. The

strain CrR7, CrR21 was most resistance and fast growers then other bacterial strains. The

biosorption potential of the isolated strains was showed that these bacteria posses effective metal

sorption efficiency within a short time of treatment process. The highest reduction at 70 ppm was

shown by the CrR11 by 91%, CrR16 by 86%, CrR21 by 92%, CrR 7 by 82% in 24 hours at pH of 7

and temp was 30oC. Physicochemical parameters like pH, TDS, TSS, EC and Temperature of

effluents measured by standard methods. The pH of waste water samples were in the range of 6.0-

7.4 which was within the limits of the NEQS (6-10 pH). Total Dissolved solids (TDS) and Total

suspended solids (TSS) in the effluent varied form 490- 550 mg/l and 61 – 73 mg/l and

respectively. The values of TDS and TSS were below the NEQS recommendations. The highest

value of EC was found in S7 while least is found in S5 sample. The temperature of S3, S4, S7

effluent samples was found above the NEQS (40oC) guidelines for industrial effluents.


186

P-112 INTEGRATED EFFECT OF BIOLOGICAL AND ORGANIC AMENDMENTS ON

THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF LENTIL

Muhammad Asif Iqbal*, Muhammd Khalid, Sher Muhammad Shahzad

Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan


Potential of microbial activities can be made more efficient by maintaining high bacterial

populations in the rhizospheric soil of plant. Use of enriched compost in the rhizosphere of plant

can provide a niche for bacteria to increase their growth and activities. Thus integrated use of

Rhizobium with plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) having trait ACC-deaminase plus P-

enriched compost (PEC) could be highly effective in promoting nodulation and yield of lentil crop.

A field study was conducted to evaluate the growth promoting potential of co-inoculation

Rhizobium with PGPB containing ACC-deaminase and PEC of lentil plants. Results of field study

showed that the integrated use of co-inoculation of R. leguminosarum with Pseudomonas Spp.

containing ACC-deaminase along PEC was highly effective and caused up to 73.5, 73.9, 74.4, 67.5,

73.3, 65.8, 40.5 and 52.5% increase in fresh biomass, grain yield, straw yield, pods per plant,

nodule per plant, nodule dry weight, 1000-grain weight and N content in grain of lentil respectively

as compared with respective control. It is concluded from the results that integrated use of R.

leguminosarum with Pseudomonas Spp. having trait ACC-deaminase plus PEC would be an

effective and novel approach for better nodulation which consequently improved yield of lentil

under natural conditions.


187

P-113 EFFECT OF MICROBIALY PRODUCED AUXINS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF

MAIZE (ZEA MAYS)

Muhammad faraz Anwar, Muhammad Asif Iqbal*, Muhammad Khalid

Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040 (Pakistan)


Maize is third most important cereal crop of Pakistan. At optimum level, plant hormones play a vital role

in regulating plant growth. Auxin is one of the five most important plant hormones which affect many

aspects of plant growth and development. Rhizospheric bacteria have the ability to produce auxin and

improve the plant growth. The present study was conducted to estimate the impact of soil microbes that

synthesize plant hormone, especially auxin, in maize crop under field conditions. For the reason, various

auxin producing strains were collected and tested as sole or in dual combinations in the presence and

absence of L-TRP following randomized complete block design (RCBD) based on two factors factorial

arrangement and three repeats. The results determined a significant increase in plant height, fresh biomass

of plants, number of grains per cob, 1000 grain weight and straw yield due to dual inoculation with

M6+M7 over single inoculated and un-inoculated control in both, absence and presence of L-TRP.

Nutrient uptake by plants was also remarkably prominent in M6+M7 inoculaton over un-inoculated

control. Net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency was also

improved in dual inoculation of M6+M7. It is concluded that dual inoculation with auxin producing soil

microbes along with L-TRP could perform better than single or un-inoculated control.


188

P-114 LEGISLATION FOR GHGS: KYOTO PROTOCOL AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

Anum Jacob1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Amir Mehmood Shah1, Zaid-ul-Hassan1, Naila Batool1, Mamoona Sadia1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1, M. Anwar-ul-Haq1, Muhammad Saleem

Arif1



In order to address climate change and green house gas (GHG) emission, the Kyoto Protocol was adopted

on 11 December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan. It was an important and necessary step toward protecting the global

environment which evidenced the most recent international effort to address the greenhouse effect. The

Kyoto Protocol was an agreement among the industrialized nations of the world to reduce emissions of six

greenhouse gases over a certain period of time. U.S., the European Union, Canada, and Japan and almost

170 other nations have signed this treaty. The Kyoto Protocol tackles emissions of six greenhouse gases

included carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs), per

fluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).The States which were members of the EU before

2004 must collectively reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 8% between 2008 and 2012. Member

States which joined the EU after that date undertake to reduce their emissions by 8%, with the exception of

Poland and Hungary. Under Kyoto, industrialized nations pledged to cut their yearly emissions of carbon,

as measured in six greenhouse gases, by varying amounts, averaging 5.2%, by 2012 as compared to 1990.

However, the protocol didn't become international law until more than halfway through the 1990–2012

periods. By that point, global emissions had risen substantially. Initially, the U.S. withdrawal from the

Kyoto Protocol was considered its death knell. The agreement can only enter into force internationally if it

is ratified by at least 55 nations that, together, accounted for at least 55% of the total carbon dioxide

emissions in 1990. Given that the U.S. alone was responsible for about 25% of the 1990 carbon dioxide

emissions, experts predicted that without the participation of the U.S., the Kyoto Protocol would never be

implemented. However, in July 2001, the European Union, Japan, Canada, Russia, Australia, and 170 other

nations reached an agreement to proceed with the treaty.


189

P-115 INFLUENCE OF POPULATION AND POVERTY ON VEGETATION COVER IN

AND AROUND AYUBIA NATIONAL PARK (PAKISTAN)

M. Abdul Nasir Khan, Salman Khan

Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Abbottabad


The study was conducted in and around Ayubia National Park (ANP) to assess and analyze the

influence of poverty and population pressure on natural resources (forest, wildlife, medicinal plants

and pastures). Furthermore, it was intended to study the role of various governmental and non-

governmental organizations in natural resource management and their impact on the habitat of the

area. The data was collected by the several methods from the local community and NGO’S such as;

through observation and participation, Group discussion and in -depth interviews, questionnaire and

schedule. ANP is surrounded by 12 villages with a total population (65686). The people of the area

are mostly poor and poverty leads to the extensive use of natural resources. About 80-85% people

of the area are completely dependent on the forest and other natural resources of the area.

Population of the area is increasing rapidly like other parts of the country. Excessive collection of

Fuel wood (10.3 tons/hh/yr) was the major issue of the area and fuel wood collected from the forest

was the main source of energy in ANP, while agriculture crops and livestock were the sources of

food. Deforestation was the major problem of the area. Mostly people of the area are poor therefore;

they over-exploited the natural resources available to them for fulfilling their needs regardless of the

future consequences. The underlying causes found responsible for over exploitation of natural

resources were: poverty, increasing population (2.3%), lack of alternative sources of fuel and

energy, lack of environmental awareness, low literacy rate and weak administration on part of the

government pertaining to proper management of natural resources/forest and pasture resources of

the study area. Hence, it is concluded that poverty can be reduced through employment of local

population, encouraging private nurseries, bee keeping and poultry farming. Public awareness

through various sources like Ngo’s and media groups will certainly help in the population control

and conservation of natural resources.


190

P-116 OPTIMIZATION FOR DEGRADATION OF COMMERCIAL REACTIVE

YELLOW DYE 145 THROUGH FENTON‟S REAGENT

AYESHA MAHMOOD, SHAUKAT ALI

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan


Synthetic dyes are widely used in many industries such as leather, paper, textile, etc. to

impart colour to the desired products. On exposure to environmental conditions, the effluent

discharge of these industries containing dye molecules pose a potential threat to living

organisms. Among advanced oxidation processes, oxidation using Fenton's reagent is an

attractive treatment for the effective decolourization and degradation of dye because of its

low cost and the lack of toxicity of the reagents (i.e., Fe2+

and H2O2 and solar radiation).

The degradation of reactive yellow 145 dye by Fenton and photo-Fenton processes was

investigated. The degradation rate was strongly dependent on pH, initial concentrations of

Fe2+

, H2O2, temperature and light intensity. The optimum conditions were found at pH 3 for

Fonton and Photo-Fenton processes. The decolourization experiments indicate that dye can

be effectively decolourized using Fenton and photo-Fenton processes with a little difference

between the two processes, 91.4 and 97.8 % within 0.5 h, respectively for optimal

conditions. The difference in docolourization is not similar to COD removal: with Fenton

process there is significant increment (52.27 % COD removal) relatively to photo-Fenton

process (only 38.63 % COD removal).


191

P-117 GENOTOXIC EFFECTS OF ARSENIC ON DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC

INDIVIUALS

Sara Mahmood1, Muhammad Waqar Zafar3, Ejaz-ul-Islam2, Qaiser Mahmood Khan2,

Muhammad Hidayat Rasool1

1Department of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad Pakistan.

2National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad Pakistan.

3National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad Pakistan.

Corresponding author email: [email protected].

Arsenic presence in drinking water has many hazardous effects on health. The aim of the

present study was to investigate the possible genotoxic effects associated with diabetic and non-

diabetic individuals living in arsenic contaminated and control areas. A total of 100 individuals

participated in this study. All of them were asked to answer a standard questionnaire covering

standard demographic questions and those about medical history. Among the 50 individuals in each

of the arsenic contaminated and non-contaminated groups, 15 diabetic subjects in each group and

20 non-diabetic subjects in each group were selected for the collection of blood. Total of 12 water

samples were collected to check the concentration of arsenic in contaminated area. Comet assay

was used as biological marker and DNA damage was scored empirically using a numerical rating

system. There was a clear DNA damage in population of contaminated area. Although, there was

also slight damage in the DNA of non-contaminated population which may be due to some

environmental effects. The results clearly indicate that arsenic affects the genotoxic parameter.


192

P-118 CHARACTERIZATION OF HEAVY METALS IN POLLUTED SOILS APPLIED

WITH CLAY MATERIAL

Masood-ur-Rehman1, M. Irshad*1, M. M. Shah1, A. Hassan1

1Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) Abbottabad Pakistan


Application of untreated wastewater of industries can contaminate the environment with heavy

metals (HM). Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate HM fractions in contaminated

soil with or without clay amendments were determined. The material was applied at the rate of 0%,

2.5% and 5% to the polluted soil. The amended soil samples were incubated for four weeks. The

metals were stepwise fractionated into exchangeable, adsorbed, organically bound, carbonate

precipitated and residual forms. Extraction of elements from amended soil considerably varied

depending on the chemical reagent. Metals were varied in the order of Pb > Cr > Ni. The

concentrations of water soluble metals in soil were found less than other fractions. A great

proportion of metals were noticed in carbonate and residual forms. Overall metal fractions

extracted by reagents varied in the order of HNO3 > EDTA > NaOH > KNO3 > H2O. Increasing

application of clay apparently decreased the concentration of HM in polluted soil irrepective of the

metal fraction.


193

P-119 SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND APPLICATIONS OF BACTERIAL

CELLULOSE NANOCOMPOSITES WITH ORGANIC POLYMERS AND IN-ORGANIC

NANOMATERIALS

Mazhar-ul-Islam, Joong Kon Park

Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea


Bacterial cellulose (BC) a biopolymer has received significant interest owing to its impressive

physico-mechanical properties. Its immense applications are threatened by few shortcomings

associated mainly with its chemical nature. Synthesis of BC composites is a way to address these

limitations. Being a versatile material with unique structural features, BC shows feasibility to

combine with a number of materials of organic and inorganic nature. The present study was aimed

to synthesize BC composites with organic polymers and inorganic nanomaterials through various

composites synthetic strategies. The composites were expected to significantly increase the

physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties of BC and will consequently.


194

P-120 BACTERIAL POLYHYDROXYALKANOATES PRODUCTION USING

CHEAP CARBON SOURCES

Nasir Javaid, Nazia Jamil

Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan


Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are efficient, renewable and environment friendly polyesters.

Various bacterial species accumulate intracellular polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) granules as energy

and carbon reserves inside their cells. Polyhydroxyalkanoates is a family of biopolyesters with

diverse structures. PHAs are the only bioplastics which are completely synthesized by

microorganisms. This work was done to find out the ability of various bacterial strains to produce

PHA using different carbon sources (Glucose and Cannola oil), to check lipase activity among

different strains, and to check PHA production by lipase positive and lipase negative organisms. All

strains were identified by basic microbiological and biochemical tests. After checking their lipase

activity using Tributyrin agar followed by growing the strains on PHA detection media. Screening

for bioplastic production was done by Nile blue and Sudan black B staining. PHA positive strains

were further checked out for the quantity of PHA produced by them in PHA screening media with

glucose and cannola oil as carbon sources. Strains 1,2 and 5 showed lipase activity while strains 3

and 4 did not show. In nitrogen limiting conditions, Strain 1 showed maximum growth at 72 hrs in

both carbon and cannola sources. Strains 2, 4 and 5 also showed same trend like strain 1 while

strain 3 showed maximum growth in case of, glucose at 48 hrs and cannola at 72 hrs. All Strains

either lipase positive or lipase negative can produce PHA in harsh environment i.e nitrogen

limitation (in this case). But their produced quantity can vary according to used carbon source. It

can also be concluded from results that maximum production happens in double harsh environment

(Nitrogen limitation and Oil).


195

P-121 YIELD RESPONSE OF TWO ONION (ALLIUM CEPA L.) CULTIVARS GROWN

UNDER SHADED WASTELAND

Tariq Mahmood Qureshi, Javed Akhter, M.Yasin Ashraf

Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad


The studies were conducted to find out the effect of different shaded conditions of Eugenia

jambulana trees on two onion cultivars collected from surrounding market area locally called

Indian and 144. The growth parameters of onion cultivars were recorded under un-shaded, partially

and fully-shaded canopies of Eugenia trees already grown on a waste land of Nuclear Institute of

Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad. The transplanted seedlings were fertilized with just one bag of

NH4 (SO4)2 (i.e. 50 kg) and half of urea and MOP (i.e. 25 kg) acre-1

of each were applied with first

irrigation. Maximum weights of bulbs (162.62±9.10 g) of onion were recorded in Indian cultivar

under shaded conditions of E. jambulana trees followed by cultiver 144 under un-shaded

conditions (135.12±7.40 g). Maximum horizontal diameters (7.83±0.77 cm) were recorded in

Indian cultivar grown under un-shaded conditions. The maximum circumferences (24.20±2.44 cm)

and number of leaves per plant (15.14±0.25) were observed in Indian cultivar. Similarly maximum

yield (18.0±0.11 ton ha-1

) was recorded in small sized bulbs under partially-shaded conditions,

medium sized (10.58±0.41 ton ha-1

) under partially-shaded and large sized (6.23±0.36 ton ha-1

)

under fully-shaded conditions in Indian cultivar whereas lowest (14.58±0.59 ton ha-1

) was recorded

under fully-shaded conditions of E. jambulana trees in cultivar 144. Highest firmness (8.25±0.54

lbs) and moisture levels (81.0±4.66%) were recorded under partially-shaded conditions in Indian

cultivar whereas more weight losses (50.0±0.25%) in cultivar 144 under un-shaded conditions.

More sprouting was observed in Indian cultivar (40.0±2.11%) under un-shaded whereas least

(18.0±3.55%) under partially-shaded conditions in the same cultivar. It was inferred from current

studies that Indian cultivar proved better than cultivar 144 however, both varieties could be grown

under shady conditions and be beneficial on wasteland.


196

P-122 CULTIVATION OF CYAMOUS TETRAGOCALOBE IN WASTE LAND UNDER

SHADED ENVIRONMENT

Tariq Mahmood Qureshi, Tariq Mahmood Shah, Javed Akhter

Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad


Field studies were conducted on sandy clay loam soil to evaluate growth and yield response of

Cyamous tetragocalobe (cluster bean) under shady trees of Eugenia. No fertilizer was applied

to any treatment and the crop was irrigated with three intervals of times. Crop were sown under

three environmental (i.e. without shade (control), shaded and partially shaded) conditions.

Results showed that response of yield was higher (19% and 9% in fertile pods; 23% and 12% in

seed weight, respectively) in crop which were grown without shade than shady and partially

shady conditions. It was concluded on the results data basis that Cyamous tetragocalobe could

also be cultivated in wasteland under shaded environments; however, its overall growth

response was more in un-shaded conditions.


197

P-123 IMPACT OF TEXTILE EFFLUENT ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF MAIZE (ZEA

MAYS L.) AND MUNGBEAN (VIGNA RADIATA L.)

Muhammad Riaz*1, Khadija Mureed1, Muhammad Imran2, Muhammad Saleem Arif1, Sabir Hussain1,

Muhammad Arshad2

1Department of Environmental Science, GC University Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan 2Institute of Soil and Environmental Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad


Textile effluent is the waste water that comes from textile units at various stages of production. It has diverse and

complex chemical composition but dyes are the frequently dominant constituent of the textile wastewater. Among

the variety of dyes, azodyes are used most widely in the textile industrially. When this effluent is discharged into

water bodies, it potentially contaminates water bodies on large scale. Control of water pollution from textile

wastewater has become increasingly important in recent years. These effluents are being used for irrigation in

agro-systems for the production of crops. But these can have detrimental effect on the growth and development of

crops. Consequently, different dilution factors are used to reduce its negative impacts on crops. The present study,

therefore, was conducted to investigate textile effluent effect on the growth and germination of maize (Zea mays

L.) and mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) under axenic conditions. For this purpose, textile effluent was collected from

Dawood Textile Mills Faisalabad and was applied to maize and mungbean crops at different concentration levels

in a two-week pot experiment under laboratory conditions at Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences,

University of Agriculture Faisalabad. In addition, effect of textile wastewater on seed-germination of these crops

was also assessed under laboratory conditions. Textile effluent significantly hampered the growth and

development of both crops, especially at 100% concentration level; however, mungbean crop showed more

pronounced sensitivity compared to maize crop. It is suggested that such a negative impact on growth and

germination could be attributed to high salt contents of textile effluents. However, it was noticeable that textile

effluent at moderate concentrations (25%) had shown positive effect on growth parameters. It is hypothesized that

biodegradation of textile wastewater dyes results in plant consumable N-compounds which stimulate their growth

and development; however, the idea needs to be addressed and verified though sound research in future.


198

P-124 EXTENT AND CONSEQUENCES OF GLOBAL WARMING IN PAKISTAN

Mamoona Saadia1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Anum Jacob1, Amir Mehmood Shah1, Zaid-ul-

Hassan1, Naila Batool1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1, M. Anwar-ul-

Haq1, Muhammad Ahmad1, Muhammad Ibrahim1



The global warming that is directly or indirectly related to human activity that alters the

composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability

over comparable time periods. The past temperature trends over Pakistan are seen very much

tallying with the global trends, Furthermore, Pakistan located in sub-tropics and in temperate

region, has a warm climate and its economy being largely agrarian, is highly climate sensitive.

Pakistan is the least responsible for global climate change, but remains severely impacted by

the negative effects of climate change like crop yield growth rates are declining in Pakistan,

accelerating recession of glacier melt in the Himalayas, rainfall variability and changes in

marine ecosystems, freshwater availability is also projected to decrease which will lead to

biodiversity loss, Coastal areas bordering the Arabian Sea in the south of Pakistan will be at

greatest risk due to increased flooding, Endemic morbidity and mortality due to diseases

primarily associated with floods and droughts are expected to rise as a consequence of rising

temperatures. Increasing access to high quality information about the impacts of climate

change, developing new and innovative farm production practices and irrigation techniques,

improving forest management and biodiversity, mainstreaming climate change into

development planning at all scales, levels and empowering communities and local stakeholders

promoting good governance and responsible policy by integrating risk management and

adaptation, practicing energy efficiency through changes in individual lifestyles and businesses,

reducing the vulnerability to livelihoods to climate change through infra-structural changes can

be taken to cope with climate change and avoid global warming.


199

P-125 A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF AGRO-PASTORAL SYSTEM IN CHOLISTAN

DESERT

Qurratulain Safdar

Department of Geography, The Islamia University Bahawalpur, Pakistan


Cholistan desert covers the southern portion of the Bahawalpur division. Bahawalpur division lies in the

extreme south of the Punjab province. The area of Cholistan desert is 2.6 million ha. The desert measures

480 km in length and between 32 and 192km in breadth. Human and livestock population in the desert is

0.1 and 2.0 million respectively. The paper emphasis on the qualitative analysis of the two dominant

production systems in the Cholistan desert: (1) an agro-pastoral system representing about 75 % of the

population, composed of irrigated agriculture undertaken in association with the raising of livestock that

are either stall-fed or grazed in the desert; and (2) a pastoral system which comprises chiefly of a trans

humant element, involving the seasonal movement of people and livestock in the desert made up of

herders representing about 25 % of the population. The qualitative analysis, also examines that relative

inefficiency of agriculture activity in Cholistan reflects the influence of physical, economic, social, and

most importantly climatic factors.


200

P-126 A COMPARATIVE ADSORPTION/BIOSORPOTION STUDY OF REMOVAL OF

ORGANIC DYES FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION

Shabbir Sajida, Muhammad Usmana,*, Muhammad Ibrahimb

aDepartment of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad

bDepartment of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad


A comparative adsorption/biosorption study of removal of health risk organic dyes from water was carried

out. A low cost waste biomass derived from plant and activated carbon was used as sorbents and their

efficiency was compared to remove reactive textile dyes from aqueous solutions. The bath bio

sorption/adsorption experiments were conducted at various pH, sorbent dosage, contact time, initial

concentration and agitation speed. The applicability of the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models was

examined and thermodynamic parameters were calculated. The experimental results indicated that this low

cost biomaterial is very effective for the removal of textile dye from aqueous solutions.


201

P-127 CARBON SEQUESTRATION THROUGH AFFORESTATION TO MITIGATE CO2 FOOT

PRINT IN PAKISTAN

Aamir Mehmood Shah1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Anum Jacob1, Zaid-ul-Hassan1, Naila Batool1, Mamoona

Sadia1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, Sana Younas1, M. Anwar-ul-Haq1



Global warming, caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, is a topic of wider global concern causing

environmental, ecological and social concerns in human society. Carbon dioxide emissions from anthropogenic

sources are estimated to be 22 billion tons per annum and are thought to be 72% of the overall green house gas

emission (GHGs) of the world. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased from 290

ppm in 1900 to nearly 400 ppm in 2010, and it is currently increasing by 2 to 3 ppm each year. Major source of

carbon dioxide is burning of fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, diesel etc. The emissions of CO2 have been

dramatically increased within the last 50 years and are still increasing. There are a number of options available to

cut down the carbon dioxide emission such as use of alternative energy sources, carbon capture and storage

strategies etc. At this time, we need to store and capture the CO2 from the atmosphere by carbon sequestration

methods including biological, chemical and/or physical processes. Carbon sequestration at more advanced levels

is targeting development of fast-growing tree and grass species, and deciphering the genomes of carbon-storing

soil microbes. These activities complement research into afforestation and agricultural practices. We can control

the rising temperature by planting trees which has been considered have been touted as way to become carbon-

neutral. It has been estimated that a single mature tree can absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of 48 lbs/year and

release 260 pounds oxygen back into the atmosphere to support 2 human beings. According to the World Bank’s

Pakistan Strategic Country Environment Assessment Report, the cost of environmental degradation is at least 6

percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or about Rs.365 billion per year. Pakistan is a country of diverse

landscape and contains within its boundaries six major forest types, ranging from forest cover on some of the

highest mountain ranges in the world to mangrove forests along the low lying coastal belt. Pakistan’s annual rate

of deforestation, between 2000 and 2005, was 2.1 percent, which was the second highest in Asia after

Afghanistan. According to the National Forest and Range Resource Assessment Study (NFRRAS) by Pakistan

Forest Institute (PFI) in 2004, the total forest cover of Pakistan has decreased to 3.317 million hectares. There is

strong potential of sequester carbon dioxide in Pakistan through planting trees but only through education, policy

making and active government involvement.


202

P-128 SIMULATION OF PARTICULATE MATTER & BLACK CARBON

CONCENTRATION IN PAKISTAN USING WRF/CHEM MODEL

Muhammad Zeeshaan Shahid1, Muhammad Ibrahim

2, Imran Shahid

3

1Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing China;


Sciences, GC University Faisalabad Pakistan; 3Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad Pakistan


Air Pollution and climate change is serious challenge of developing countries like Pakistan. To

study the impact of PM2.5 (Particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm or less) and Black

Carbon (BC) concentrations on Pakistan’s climate, PM2.5 and BC are simulated using the Weather

Research and Forecasting, Chemistry (WRF/Chem) model over Pakistan during the period from 24

to 28 August 2006. The David Street emissions data for Asian countries have been used. The model

results are compared with published data and other available information has been analyzed. Model

result showed higher concentration of PM2.5 over Punjab region which adjacent to northern India.

PM2.5 concentration observed higher in the morning and evening hours and lower in afternoon.

Daily mean PM2.5 varied about 11 to 18µg/m³ and compared it with winter season. PM2.5

concentration is much lower than the winter season, which is reported upto 500 µg/m³, (Lodhi et al.

2009). The model results have been compared with measurements results of Aug 2007 which is

exactly after one year of model simulation to emission pattern. Emission trend is almost same that

model showed in Aug 2006. Daily mean of Black Carbon varied from 2 to 2.5 µg/m³. Model result

is compared with measurements result of the same month Aug 2006. Model result almost same as

reported by Dutkiewicz et al., 2009. From July to Aug is monsoon season in Pakistan,

concentration of particulate may be lower due to rain, air born species washed out in this season

and concentration reported lower than winter season which much higher during fog episode. Due to

rapid urbanization and industrialization have increased PM and BC emission that has serious

impact on human and climate.


203

P-129 PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER

FROM DIFFERENTIAL ORIGIN

Muhammad Ramzan Thind1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Muhammad Saleem Arif1, Muhammad Arif Ali2


2Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, BZU, Multan.


Industries are very important components of a country’s progress; because they play a significant

role for the economy of a country. The industries waste water produces from the nature of many

industries that needs large quantity of water for their Processing and wastes disposal. Many of the

industries are therefore, situated near water sources. The wastewater of industries has the higher

concentrations of different polluting substances and is produced large quantities, so the pollution

present in industrial wastewater is by many times greater than that of domestic wastewater. The

number of industries is very high which discharge waste water directly into the waste water of

rivers and lakes which produce threats for the aquatic life. The current study is the physico-

chemical analysis of parameters of waste water. In this work, the samples were collected from

industries including sugar, Pharmaceutical, paper, food processing, municipal wastewater and

textile industries. Untreated wastewater samples was collected from their discharge point and was

tested for physical and chemical parameters like pH, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved

solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), dominant

cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+), dominant anions (Cl-, SO42-, PO43-) and heavy metals including

Pb, Cr, Ni and Cu. The measured values were assessed in comparison with those of National

Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) permissible limits, which allowed us to figure out

various environmental contamination threats emerging from these industries.


204

P-130 QUANTIFYING EFFECTS OF CROP RESIDUE APPLICATION AND DECOMPOSITION ON

CONCENTRATIONS AND FLUXES OF NUTRIENTS IN DRAINAGE WATER: A MICROCOSM

STUDY

Sidra Azhar1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Shermeen Tahir2, Muhammad Farhan Tahir1, Muhammad Saleem Arif1,

Wajid Ishaq2, Ishaq A. Mian3


2Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institute of Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Pakistan 3Department of Soil & Environmental Science, KP Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan


Crop residue production, decomposition and management are central processes of nutrient cycling and recycling

in agro ecosystems. The present microcosm study was designed to investigate impact of rice residue management

practices (no-till and conventional tillage) on nutrients fluxes in drainage water over a period of four months. The

treatments included control, surface residue application (no- till/zero tillage) and subsurface residue incorporation

(conventional tillage). The microcosms were irrigated with simulated rain of known composition bi-weekly and

drainage water was collected at a two week interval. Treatment effects were statistically explored through one way

analysis of variance (ANOVA) using standard statistical methods. Pearson’s correlations coefficients were used to

study the nature of relationships between leachate physicochemical parameters. The leachate samples were

analyzed for pH and the pH of sub-surface residue samples were 8 which showed that soil was alkaline in nature.

From the results, it was concluded that the concentrations and fluxes of nitrate, ammonium, mineral-N, sodium,

potassium and chlorine were higher in surface residue (no tillage practice) soils compared with those from the

control and sub-surface residue, but the other remaining parameters had low concentrations. Nutrient

concentrations were converted into fluxes using the volume of leachate samples. The cumulative fluxes showed

that fluxes of nitrate, ammonium, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and potassium were high in surface residue

treatment and chlorine and sodium had low fluxes for the same treatment. Future research should address how

above- and belowground decomposition processes differ for a wider range of crop residues and nutrients,

emphasizing both short and long-term nutrient recycling.


205

P-131 FUTURE OF SOLAR ENERGY IN AGRO-INDUSTRIAL SECTOR OF PAKISTAN

Sana Younas1, Muhammad Riaz*1, Anum Jacob1, Amir Mehmood Shah1, Zaid-ul-Hassan1, Naila Batool1, Mamoona Sadia1, Iqra Hamd1, M. Waqas Mahmood1, M. Anwar-ul-Haq1



Solar energy is generated by the process of nuclear fusion in tremendous amounts that by traveling at the

speed of light, arrives from the sun at the earth at 170 thousand million joules every second. Of which,

About 30-33% radiation energy is reflected straight back into space and 67% of sunlight actually heats the

Earth. As one of the cheapest, clean, reliable and affordable type of energy and alternative fuel, it produces

a large amount of energy in a small place. It is partly responsible for wind energy and geothermal energy.

Solar energy is vital to support life on earth. Use of solar technology has developed from the simplest use

to make fire to the object to be burned to run modern machinery all over the world. Solar energy

generation is the real time solution to Pakistan’s growing energy scarcity problem, especially, in

agricultural and industrial sectors. A solar system that is economic at remote locations, energy storing,

cost-effective technology is helpful in water pumping, powering electric fans for air circulation, lighting in

agricultural buildings and enclosures, appropriate uses for ranches and orchards like Power for feed or

product grinding, electric-powered egg collection and handling equipment, Product refrigeration,

Livestock feeder and sprayer motors and controls, Compressors and pumps for fish farming, electric

fencing to contain livestock and battery charging etc. As an indirect use, it is helpful as crop and grain

driers, space and water heater – particularly in livestock operations. A solar greenhouse reduces the need

for fossil fuels for heating. A study showed that the food processing, pharmaceutical, automotive, dairy,

textile, and pulp and paper sectors are the ones that have the highest potentials of successfully operating on

solar power. Indeed, solar energy has a bright future ahead and will find many applications in various

sectors of Pakistan.


206

P-132 CANOLA, BRASSICA NAPUS SEED TREATMENT FOR CONTROL OF APHIDS,

BREVICORYNE BRASSICAE AND LIPAPHIS ERYSIMI (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE)

Muhammad Aslam1, Muhammad Razaq2, M. Imran Aslam2, Qudsia Yousafi3

1COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Pir Murad, Vehari, Pakistan;

2University Colleges of Agriculture, Bahauddin

Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan; 3COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Sahiwal, Pakistan

Corresponding author email: [email protected].

Brevicoryne brassicae L. and Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) are major insect pests of canola, Brassica napus L.

in Pakistan. Our ten years’ studies have revealed that these species cannot be controlled without

application of insecticides. Present study was therefore undertaken to determine the effect of imidacloprid

and thiamethoxam seed treatment on population of both aphid species on canola variety ―Oscar‖.

Experiment was conducted at Multan in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Crop was sown with the

seed treated at three different doses of each of the imidacloprid 70 WP (@ 3.5, 5.0 and 6.5 gm/ kg of seed)

and thiamethoxam 70 WP @ 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 gm/ kg of seed). Number of aphids (cabbage aphid + turnip

aphid) was recorded from late January to mid March from 12 plants in each treatment from 10 cm terminal

part of inflorescence. No significant difference in number of aphids among treatments was observed on any

sampling date. Mean seasonal aphid population also did not differ among treatments. It is concluded that

seed treatment of canola is not effective for management of aphids in southern Punjab, Pakistan.


207

P-133 MANAGEMENT OF DROUGHT AFFECTED ECOSYSTEM

Samina Malik1*

Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad


The total arid area of the world is increasing rapidly due to considerable changes in climate and

rainfall patterns caused by global warming. This recent change of high temperature and depleting

water resources is badly deteriorating ecosystems. Green lands are turning into barren. Without

plantation, ecosystems are eroded. Ecosystem may be restored by growing more plants. But how

can plants survive in extreme temperature and drought? Pakistan has an arid to semi-arid climate.

Of the total 79.6 million hectare of the country, only 9% receives more than 508 mm rain per

annum. Further reduction of rainfall is predicted in future. Although supplemental irrigation by

canal water is available for some areas however, it is not enough to fulfill the needs of crops.

Drought or water deficit is defined as the absence of adequate moisture necessary for normal

growth and completion of life cycle of a plant. Plants suffer drought when water supply to the roots

is very low due to less soil moisture or when transpiration rate is very high. These two conditions

usually occur together under arid or semi-arid climates. Problem of drought is acute in the

developing part of the world where there are a few opportunities for adopting drought management

strategies such as irrigation. Scientists have been striving to find and implement strategies to

manage dry ecosystems and to help plants survive in those arid areas. Naturally plant species on

land have developed some adaptive strategies to tolerate water deficit thereby maintaining growth

and development. Plant biologists have been studying these plant adaptive mechanisms to

manipulate them for generating drought tolerant crop cultivars. Plants can also be genetically

engineered to naturally resist drought conditions of the environment. Plant scientists are trying a

variety of plant hormones involved in cellular metabolism for their ameliorative role against

drought stress. A novel idea is to use ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to save plants under drought stress. I

have conducted experiments which reveal that ascorbic acid being an antioxidant has the ability to

effectively mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress if sprayed or given in the rooting medium

to wheat under stress.


208

P-134 NUTRIENT CYCLING IN AGRO-ECOSYSTEM: ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY USE

OF PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER FOR SUSTAINABLE CROP PRODUCTION IN PAKISTAN

Muhammad Nadeem1, Sajid Ali2, Muhammad Ashfaq Wahid3, Muhammad Shahid1

1COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Vehari, Pakistan:

2Institute of the agricultural sciences, university of

the Punjab, Pakistan; 3Department of Agronomy, university of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan


Pakistan is an agricultural base economy and 65 percent population of the country is involved directly or

indirectly in this sector. The green revolution has several impacts on its agricultural practices. The high use

of fertilizers is being incorporated with the soil and leaching down to the groundwater, causing pollution

and eutrophication of these natural reserves. Phosphorus (P), a nonrenewable resource is being used

intensively and this trend will lead to the complete depletion in coming 100 years. The authors collected

data regarding P fertilizer usage in Pakistan for the last twenty years from published papers, national

reports, and government departments. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of inorganic

agricultural inputs (fertilizers) usages on the sustainable and environmental friendly agricultural production

in Pakistan. Cotton and wheat are the two major crops of Pakistan. The fertilizer use was increased to

108% during the last two decades (1990-91 to 2010-11). Whereas the average yields increase during this

period was 18% and 54% in cotton and wheat, respectively. Therefore the need of the time is to use P

fertilizer accordingly to minimize the environmental hazards and to improve the soil health.


209

P-135 SUNFLOWER PRODUCTIVITY UNDER GLASSHOUSE ENVIRONMENT: A

SIMULATION & FIELD STUDY

Wajid Nasim1,2*, Asghari Bano2

1 Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT-Vehari) 61100,

Pakistan; 2 Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad (45320), Pakistan


Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a major oilseed crop not only in Pakistan, but also all over the

world. It is much susceptible to climatic variables and hence climate could have significant effect

on its production. The experiment was conducted during spring 2011 in greenhouse of Department

of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. The effects of Nitrogen (N) and Plant

Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on growth and development of sunflower (Helianthus

annuus L., var. Hysun-33) under natural environment were studied. The N use efficiency of

sunflower crop grown under three N rates (N1 = 0 kg ha-1

, N2 = 120 kg ha-1

, N3 = 240 kg ha-1

) and

three PGPR levels (R1 = 0 kg ha-1

, R2 = 30 kg ha-1

, R3 = 60 kg ha-1

) were investigated. This study

presents results of a simulation study to evaluate the impact of projected climate change on

sunflower in contrasting agro-environments in glass house environment by making different

treatments within the model for various temperature and CO2 levels. The OILCROP-SUN model

that is part of DSSAT (Decision Support System for Agro-technology Transfer) has reasonably

predicted phenology, crop growth, development, yield and yield components of sunflower crop.

The simulation results showed that their is increase in CO2 concentration from 360 ppm to 550 ppm

has no affect on crop duration. On the other hand, leaf area index (LAI) that results in total dry

matter (TDM), will increase with increased CO2 concentration. Results of present study showed

that, increasing temperature will shorten crop duration from planting to physiological maturity

(with difference of almost 14 days in 2020's and 21 days in 2050's, respectively), thus retards the

growth and development and ultimately decreased the yield than current situation at all the

experimental locations of Punjab-Pakistan. Furthermore, for maximum economic benefits

(maximum growth and development that’s lead to higher achene yield), application of 120 kg N ha-

1 was better under well irrigated conditions compared to other different N levels. Further research

especially in the field of crop simulation modeling may be required in this area for sunflower crop

to identify best agronomic management strategies in order to achieve high yield and profitable

edible oil production of Pakistan.


210

P-136 IMPLEMENTATION STUDY OF ISO 14001- EMS STANDARDS IN PROCESSING

UNIT OF NIMRA TEXTILES

Samia Sajid1*, Fozia Dogar1, Shafaqat Ali1

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, AllamaIqbal Road, 38000,

Faisalabad. Pakistan.


Textile sector is often considered as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. It is the most important

industrial sector in terms of export and involves human resource to a much greater extent. Apart

from being one of the highest revenue generating sectors, it has several tribulations, one of them

being the environmental pollution. Water, air and noise pollution and the solid waste generation are

the main problems which turn out to be a serious health hazard for flora and fauna. Increasing

global awareness about these environmental hazards has triggered international environment

protection agencies and governments to impose stringent pollution regulations. International

certification requirements for ISO 14001-EMS is also becoming essential dynamics of the global

market. These standards are also implemented in Pakistan. If these standards are not followed

precisely, the Pakistan textile products will start losing their competitive edge in the international

markets.The purpose of this study is to develop better understanding of the textile processes, related

environmental issues and the available techniques for controlling the environmental pollution and

also to understand the components of ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS). To

achieve this goal, I worked with NEC Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd team in one of their projects: Cleaner

Technology Program for Textile industry (CTPT). The processes of ISO 14001-EMS

implementation in Nimra Textile (Pvt.) Ltd (NTL) was studied in detail with help of literature review,

industrial survey and checklists. By these tools, it was found that most of the environmental aspects

of NTL were exceeding the NEQs and company was willing to improve its environmental

performance. That’s why the NTL takes services from NEC team as consultants. So, NEC team

suggested them to implement ISO 14001-EMS standards in their company and provide guidance

for its implementation.


211

P-137 METAL SPECIATION ROLE IN EARLY STEPS OF LEAD-INDUCED ROS

PRODUCTION AS WELL AS LIPID PEROXIDATION IN VICIA FABA L. SEEDLINGS

M. Shahid1,2,3*, E. Pinelli1,2, C. Laplanche1,2, B. Pourrut4, J. Silvestre1,2, C. Dumat1,2

1Université de Toulouse; INP-ENSAT, Av. de l’Agrobiopôle, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France.

2UMR 5245 CNRS-INP-UPS; EcoLab (Laboratoire d’écologie fonctionnelle) ; 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France.

3Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Vehari,

Pakistan; 4LGCgE, Equipe Sols et environnement, ISA, 48 boulevard Vauban 59046 - Lille Cedex France.


The present study evaluated the effect of metal speciation on lead-induced toxicity to Vicia faba

seedlings. Young V. faba seedlings were exposed to 5 µM of lead nitrate in the presence and

absence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid (CA). All the treatments were

exposed for 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h in controlled hydroponic conditions. The results showed that Pb

toxicity to V. faba depends on its speciation and duration of exposure. Lead alone caused two burst

of lipid peroxidation and H2O2 induction at 1 and 12 h in V. faba roots. In leaves, Pb-induced H2O2

induction and lipid peroxidation started after 8 h. Addition of EDTA dose dependently inhibited

Pb-induced lipid peroxidation and ROS production indicating a protective role of this metal

chelator. In contrast, CA did not show significant effects on Pb-induced lipid peroxidation and ROS

production, but delayed the induction of effects. The present study suggested that metal speciation

plays important role in early steps of Pb toxicity to V. faba seedlings.


212

P-138 SCREENING OF BRINJAL (SLANUM MELONGENA L.) VARIETIES FOR

RESISTANCE AGAINST COTTON JASSID (AMRASCA BIGUTULLA BIGUTULLA

(ISHIDA)

Qudsia Yousafi1, Muhammad Afzal2, Muhammad Aslam3, Muhammad Razaq4,

Muhammad Shahid3

1Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Sahiwal;

2University College of

Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha; 3Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute

of Information Technology, Vehari; 4Department of Agricultural Entomology, University College of

Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan.


The study was conducted to screen nine varieties of brinjal, Solanum melongena L. for resistance

against jassid, Amrasca bigutulla bigutulla (Ishida). Brinjal nursery was grown in pots and

transplanting was done on September 4, 2011. Experiment was planted in a randomized complete

block design having four replications. Each plot had four rows. Plant to plant and row to row

spacing was 10.0 cm and 50.0 cm, respectively. Data were recorded from the middle two rows of

each plot. Number of jassid (adults + nymphs) was counted in early morning hours on the

underside of three leaves from each plant by randomly selecting two plants from each row of each

plot. The three leaves chosen were; one from the top one third, one from the middle one third and

one from the bottom one third of each plant. Highest number of jassid per leaf was observed on the

variety Black Beauty on all sampling dates. The varieties Nirala and Hybrid 3715 had the lowest

number of jassid per leaf on most of the sampling dates. Seasonal mean number of jassid per leaf

on different varieties was in the order; Black Beauty > Dilnasheen > Hybrid Shilpa = Round Black

>Bemisal > Hybrid 888 > Black Pearl > Hybrid 3715 > Nirala. Based on the seasonal mean

number of jassid per leaf, brinjal variety Black Beauty, having 14.6 jassid per leaf, was highly

susceptible, Dilnasheen, Hybrid Shilpa, Round Black, Bemisal, with jassid number from 3.0 to 3.8

per leaf., were moderately resistant and Hybrid 888, Black Pearl, Hybrid 3715 and Nirala, with

jassid population ranging from 2.3 to 2.7 per leaf, were resistant against jassid. Jassid per leaf,

averaged over all the varieties screened, started to build from 49 days after transplanting (DAT)

and reached a peak on 63 DAT. Thereafter number per leaf decreased up to 84 DAT.


213

P-139 SCREENING AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIOCIN

PRODUCED BY RHIZOPHERIC BACTERIA

Misbah Aslam1*, Nazia Jamil1

1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics New campus, University of the Punjab, Lahore.


Bacteriocins have attracted much attention due to their potential use as antibacterial agents for the

treatment of infections, preservation of food and animal feed. Bacteriocin have been found in all

major bacterial groups and recently been described as universally produced by some members of

the Archaea. The present study was carried out for screening and molecular characterization of

bacteriocin produced by bacteria isolated from rhizospheric soil. Rhizospheric soil samples were

collected from the indigenous areas of Punjab University to isolate bacterial strains that exhibit the

antibacterial activity. Extraction and purification of the bacteriocin was done by TLC and SDS-

PAGE. Purified extracts were treated with high temperature 121°C, Proteinase K and UV radiation

to check the stability of the bacteriocin. Five out of ten bacterial strains (AZS, A2, P, U and LB)

showed high bacteriocin activity against the target organism. The stability of the crude extract of

bacteriocin to high temperature 121°C, Proteinase K and UV radiation indicated that these

compounds could be a better option for utilization as a probiotics. The SDS-PAGE analysis

indicated that bacteriocin were low molecular weight peptide i.e. molecular weight of

Brevundimonas and Bacillus (A2, AZS & LB) was approximately in the range of 10 to 25 kDa

whereas the molecular weight of Pseudomonas and Alcaligenes (P & U) was approximately 40

kDa. It was concluded that bacteriocins are low molecular weight compounds with diverse stability

which indicated that these compounds could be a better alternative to antibiotics.


214

P-140 MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF

PLANTS TO NICKEL STRESS: A REVIEW

Muhammad Bilal Hussain1, Shafaqat Ali2*, Aqeel Azam1, Basharat Ali3, Wajid Ishaque5,

Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir4

1Department of Geography, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;

2Department of

Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; 3Institute of Crop

Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; 4Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of

Agriculture, Faisalabad -38040, Pakistan; 5Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institure for Agriculure and

Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad

Pakistan


Nickel (Ni), 22th

abundant element in the earth crust, being an essential mineral nutrient found in

natural soils in trace concentrations. The elevated levels of Ni pollution in the environment are due

to industrial and agricultural activities. It is vitally important to understand both, the functional

characteristics and toxic effects of Ni in plants. The quantity of Ni required for normal growth and

development of plants is very low. However Ni has been identified as a component of various

enzymes in plants and has decisive metabolism for certain enzyme activities, like maintaining

proper cellular redox state and various other biochemical, physiological and growth responses. The

higher concentration of Ni is associated with serpentine soils, manifestation in plant chlorosis and

inhibits root and shoot growth. Excess of Ni inhibits a large number of enzymes and interferes with

several aspects of plant biochemistry, including photosynthesis, pigment synthesis, and membrane

integrity. This article is based on the overview of available data of past two decades that in core

encompasses the ill morphological, physiological and biochemical effects of Ni stress on plants.


215

P-141 MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF

PLANTS TO MANGANESE STRESS

Muhammad Bilal Hussain1, Muhammad Aqeel1, Shafaqat Ali2*, Wajid Ishaque4, Muhammad

Muzammil Jahangir3

1Department of Geography, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;

2Department of

Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; 3Institute of

Horticultural, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; 4Soil Science Division, Nuclear Institure for Agriculure and

Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad


Manganese is an essential nutrient to all plant species. After year to year study it has been

documented that different plant nutrients show a complex interaction, which effect their absorption

and utilization in plants. In plants manganese takes place in the synthesis of chlorophyll and in the

oxidase enzymes activity such as dehydrogenase, transferase, hydroxylase, and decarboxylase

involved in respiration, amino acid, lignin synthesis as well as in hormone production. But the

elevated amount becomes toxic for plant. The phytotoxicity of manganese resulted in the reduction

of crop yield, photosynthesis, and biochemical disorders. A compatible role of antioxidative system

has been reported as a defense mechanism in relation to high Mn concentration. The purpose of this

review is to show the effects of Mn stress on plants in contact to morphological, physiological and

biochemical processes.


216

P-142 ANALYSIS OF GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION CAUSED BY INDUSTRIAL WASTE

WATER IN JARANWALA ROAD DRAIN KHURRIANWALA FAISALABAD

Lubna Taj*1, Sabir Hussain1, Khalid Hussain2

1Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan

2 King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia


In order Analyze ground water contamination of 6 samples collected from the different distances at

Jaranwala Road Drain Khurrianwala industrial estate has been carried out, to determine the quality

of water used for drinking purposes. Physical parameters such as color, odor, taste, pH, Electrical

conductivity and total suspended solids and some chemical parameters such as nitrate and

concentration of principal anions like chloride were determined. pH values of the water samples

ranged (7.32-7.57) the standard value set by WHO is (6-8.5) . Electrical conductivity values of

ground water samples ranged (3.32-3.98 dS m-1

), which is higher than the permissible limit set by

WHO (3 dS m-1

). The carbonate and bicarbonates values of ground water samples were also within

the standard value. All drinking water samples have the chloride concentration higher (17-25 meq

L-1

) then the permissible limit set by WHO (7.04 meq L-1

). The Total suspended solids values for

drinking water samples were 2124-2515 mg L-1

and they were higher than the standard value. The

Nitrates present in drinking water samples (22.91- 44 mg L-1

) were within the permissible to (50

mg L-1

). The heavy metals in all the water samples were in trace amounts. Overall result indicated

that most of the parameters showed higher values then the standards values, which indicated that

industrial waste water damaging the quality of ground water (drinking water) adversely in vicinity

of industrial areas.


217

P-143 DETERMINATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, TOTAL PHENOLICS AND

FLAVONOID CONTENTS IN WILD FRUITS AND VEGETABLES OF PAKISTAN

Muhammad Ahmad1*

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000 Pakistan


Total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF) contents in wild fruits (Apple, Peach) and vegetables

(Carrot, Lemon) by F-C reagent method and Aluminum chloride colorimetric assay and their

antioxidant activities was determined by DPPH assays. Effect of different solvent and extraction

techniques was also evaluated. Extraction was carried out by shaking and ultrasonic bath method

while pure methanol and 80 % methanol was used as extracting solvent. Higher TPC were observed

in Apple (106.78 GAE/100 g DW) while lemon (28.24 Catechin equivalent/100g DW) contains

higher TFC. Ultrasonic bath extraction technique was proved to be best for extraction of

compounds irrespective of solvent used. While higher extraction yield was obtained with 80 %

methanol. DPPH scavenging activity increases with increases in concentration while IC50 value

decreases.


218

P-144 HEAVY METALS ASSESSMENT IN SOIL AND VEGETABLES RECEIVING

WASTE WATER IN FAISALABAD

Khadija Siddique1*, Anjum Iqbal1

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, AllamaIqbal Road, 38000, Faisalabad,

Pakistan.


Application of waste water for irrigation purposes has increased over the past years. This waste

water contains high amounts of trace elements and heavy metals. Objective of the study was to

evaluate heavy metals concentration in the soil irrigated with waste water. Sampling was carried

out from a vegetable farms located along drain where vegetables were grown by untreated sewage

water. . Plant samples were washed and cut into pieces, air dried in Fluidized Bed Dryer. After

digestion, Concentration of heavy metal was detected by Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer.

The results revealed that heavy metals concentration in the soil irrigated with waste water was

above the toxicity level. The maximum concentration of lead, iron and manganese was recorded in

soil samples taken from Nawabanwala, Malkanwala and Sheikhanwala. The concentration of heavy

metals in upper layer of soil (0 -15 cm) is higher than the lower layer (15-30 cm).


219

P-145 METAL SPECIATION ROLE IN EARLY STEPS OF LEAD-INDUCED ROS

PRODUCTION AS WELL AS LIPID PEROXIDATION IN VICIA FABA L. SEEDLINGS

M. Shahid1,2,3*, E. Pinelli1,2, C. Laplanche1,2, B. Pourrut4, J. Silvestre1,2, C. Dumat1,2

1Université de Toulouse; INP-ENSAT, Av. de l’Agrobiopôle, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France.

2UMR 5245 CNRS-INP-UPS; EcoLab (Laboratoire d’écologie fonctionnelle) ; 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France.

3 Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Vehari,

Pakistan; 4 LGCgE, Equipe Sols et environnement, ISA, 48 boulevard Vauban 59046 - Lille Cedex France.


The present study evaluated the effect of metal speciation on lead-induced toxicity to Vicia faba

seedlings. Young V. faba seedlings were exposed to 5 µM of lead nitrate in the presence and

absence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid (CA). All the treatments were

exposed for 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h in controlled hydroponic conditions. The results showed that Pb

toxicity to V. faba depends on its speciation and duration of exposure. Lead alone caused two burst

of lipid peroxidation and H2O2 induction at 1 and 12 h in V. faba roots. In leaves, Pb-induced H2O2

induction and lipid peroxidation started after 8 h. Addition of EDTA dose dependently inhibited

Pb-induced lipid peroxidation and ROS production indicating a protective role of this metal

chelator. In contrast, CA did not show significant effects on Pb-induced lipid peroxidation and ROS

production, but delayed the induction of effects. The present study suggested that metal speciation

plays important role in early steps of Pb toxicity to V. faba seedlings.


220

P-146 INFECTIOUS AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT AT PINUM

HOSPITAL, FAISALABAD

Tauqir Shehzad


In Pakistan, like many other developing countries of the world, hospital and medical waste

management practices are very unsatisfactory. Existing techniques and practices are not in

accordance with the guidelines and levels prescribed by the WHO and other international bodies

concerned with environment and human health. Reasons for poor management of infectious and

hazardous waste from hospitals are lack of legislations, inability to adapt international protocols

and guidelines for hospital waste management such as waste minimization, segregation, collection,

storage, final treatment, recycling and disposal. Lack of trained and literate manpower, equipment,

and socio-economic status of the country are major obstacles which hinder the proper and effective

management of hospital waste. At present in most of hospitals present in country, waste is not

managed properly. Mostly hospital waste is disposed off together with domestic and municipal

waste or is openly dumped without any prior treatment. Moreover due to financial crises in country

scavengers collect recyclable waste such as syringes, glass vials, and plastic bags which are highly

infectious in nature. These items are repacked and reused. This exercise is affecting the community

health to a large extent. Use of contaminated syringes has contributed a lot in spread of infectious

diseases like hepatitis B, C and HIV in the country. Many drug users pick syringes from debris and

use them which can transmit infectious diseases to community. Many small-level medical facilities

even dump their waste in nearby water courses. Syringes, needles, sharps, blood bags and other

type of medical waste are found in most water courses running through urban areas. Objective of

this study was to design and implement a proper waste management plan for the PINUM hospital

Faisalabad, Pakistan. At PINUM hospital, infectious waste was produced as a result of diagnostic

and radioactive waste was produced as a result of diagnostic and therapeutic activities in nuclear

medicine. This study was carried out in a period of 10 months in two phases.In first phase a proper

infectious waste management plan was design and incorporated at hospital and in 2nd

phase proper

management plan for radioactive waste was designed and implemented. Nested PCR was also

performed to check any virulence for hepatitis B and C in incinerated ash of infectious waste

arising from diagnostic labs. Results showed a 45% reduction on treatment cost and significant

volume reduction of infectious waste due to proper management. There was significant decrease in

prescribed` storage time of radioactive waste which is done to bring its activity to normal level. It

was seen that if radioactive waste properly segregated, lose radioactive waste

(gloves,swabs,absorbing sheets, tissue papers etc.) can be disposed off much earlier than the

compact radioactive waste (radioactive vials, needles, sharps etc.)


221

P-147 IN SILICO ANALYSIS OF SOIL UREASE INHIBITORS FOR IMPROVING

FERTILIZER USE EFFICIENCY OF SOIL

Tayyaba Huma1, Ume Robab Sana1

1Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Govt College University,Faisalabad


Urease (urea amidohydrolase; E.C. 3.5.1.5) is a metallo enzyme which usually found in plants and

microbes (algae, fungi and bacteria). It is ubiquitous that catalysis the hydrolysis of urea in the soil

by using a bimetallic nickel center. It is involved in the final step of organic nitrogen

mineralization. In plants, the major role of urease is to facilitate it’s growth by providing nitrogen

in the form of ammonia. High catalytic rate of urease in soil may results in excessive release of

abnormally large amounts of ammonia into atmosphere. If the hydrolysis of ammonia does not

occur in the soil surface, soil pH will increase due to liberated OH- ions, ammonia will escape to

atmosphere hence ammonia volatilization will occur which may lead to environmental and

economic problems. In order to protect the crops from volatilization loss of ammonia, various

inhibitors are used that can retard urea hydrolysis by blocking the activity of urease enzyme. Soil

urease inhibitors are Phenylphosphorodiamidat, Hydroquinone, N-(Diaminophosphinyl)-N-Benzyl-

N-methyl phosphoric triamide (NBPT) ,Trichloroethyl phosphorodiamidate Diethyl phosphoric

triamide, Dimethyl phosphoric triamide and N-Butyl phosphorothioic triamide . In silico studies

have been carried out to understand the interaction of inhibitors with urease by using different

bioinformatics tools. Conformational changes occurred when ligand binds to the urease which

causes the inhibition of urease activity.


222

P-148 ABSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF CADMIUM AND LEAD IN MUNG-BEAN

(PHASEOLUS VULGARIS, L.) IN SAND

Mehnaz Roohi*, Muhammad Riaz, Sabir Hussain, Muhammad Ahmad, Muhammad Saleem

Arif, Muhammad Ibrahim

Department of Environmental Sciences, GC University Faisalabad


Heavy metals create serious problems in the environment due to their toxic nature heavy metals

such as Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) are widely distributed throughout the environment due to soil

erosion, industrial and agricultural processes. These metals accumulate in the environment causing

different diseases in living organisms. Toxicity of these metals has harmful affects on plants,

animals and soil microorganisms. Heavy metals have detrimental effects on the growth of some

crops. In this context, two varieties of mung-bean NM-92 and NM-98 were used for the present

study. The work was carried out in Plant Stress Physiology Lab, Plant Protection Division at

Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) Faisalabad, Pakistan to examine the effect of

Cadmium and Lead in mung-bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) in sand. The experiment was conducted

in net house after the germination in glass house. Four treatments control, Cd (1mM), Pb (1mM)

and Cd (0.5mM) +Pb (0.5mM) were applied to both varieties with three replicates before

germination in small plastic pots. Physiological and biochemical parameters were used to examine

the effect of these heavy metals on both varieties of mung-bean after the harvesting of 21 days. The

concentration of Cd and Pb in plants given Cd+Pb alone and in combination indicated the plant

tissue affinity for the uptake of the heavy metal ions in mung-bean and demonstrated the plant

ability for its use as a bio-accumulator. The lack of interaction between the ions indicated that

neither of the two ions had any antagonistic effect on the behavior of the other. This thus pointed to

the plant ability to accumulate both the ions equally well and perhaps at equal rate. The plants grew

well in both Cd and Pb and the two ions were distributed between tops and roots equally. Further

studies in mung-bean are aimed at characterizing absorption and distribution of Cd+Pb in the plant

further.


223

P-149 EVALUATION OF PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND COMPARING HEAVY

METAL STATUS IN VEGETABLES IRRIGATED WITH FRESH AND WASTE WATER

Khadeeja Rehman1, Sobia Ashraf1, Umer Rashid2,3*, Muhammad Ibrahim1, Sadia Hina1,

Tehreema Iftikhar4, Shahla Ramzan5

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan;

2Institute of

Advanced Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang-43400, Malaysia; 3Department of Industrial Chemistry,

Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan; 4Department of Botany, Government College University,

Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan; 5Department of Statistics, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan


Vegetables are irrigated with waste water in many developing countries like Pakistan due to

inaccessibility of cleaner water resources. Inspite of enriched in nutrients, it may also lead to

accumulation of heavy metals that poses severe health risks. In this study, two digestion methods

were used to compare heavy metal concentrations in edible and leaf parts of vegetables;

cauliflower, green pepper, spring onion and brinjal, irrigated with fresh and wastewater on ICP-

AES and also their proximate composition was accessed. The amount of Pb (1.87mg kg–1), Fe

(1.09 mg kg–1), Cu (1.01 mg kg–1), Zn (0.99 mg kg–1), Cr (0.97 mg kg–1) showed more

accumulation than Mn (017 mg kg–1) and Ni (0.31 mg kg–1) both the edible and leaves of

investigated vegetables but nearly all metals were found within safe limits. All the

samplesshowedlarge variation of elemental concentration however, wastewater grown vegetables

showed more accumulation of heavy metals than their respective fresh water irrigated vegetables.

Only Pb (1.87 mg kg–1) concentration in wastewater-irrigated vegetables exceeded the permissible

limits defined by World Health Organization (WHO).In leaves of vegetables more uptake of metals

were found than their edible portions. Of the two digestion methods nitric acid showed more

recovery of metals as compared to dry ash procedure.Continuous accumulation of these metals can

cause severe threats to health of people.


224

P-150 OPTIMIZING THE APPLICATION LEVELS OF ROCK PHOSPHATE

ENRICHED COMPOST FOR ENHANCED NODULATION OF CHICKPEA AND LENTIL

Allah Ditta*, Muhammad Usman Munir, Muhammad Arshad, Muhammad Imran, Rashid

Waqas, Zulfiqar Ahmad, Shakeel Ahmad

Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan


Phosphorus (P) being the 2nd

most significant plant growth limiting nutrient is crucial for growth and

nodulation of legumes. The use of chemical phosphatic fertilizers is unavoidable but these are costly and

mostly unavailable to crop plants when applied in soil. The need of hour is to find out alternate cheaper

sources of P or to reduce their use under current scenario. The use of rock phosphate enriched compost

might prove to be an economical and environment friendly technology. For this purpose a field study was

designed in which different levels of rock phosphate enriched compost (RP-EC) were tested for their

potential to improve growth, yield and nodulation parameters of chickpea and lentil. Already prepared RP-

EC was broadcasted @ 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 800 and 1000 kg/ha in the field with four replications.

Recommended doses of N and K were applied in all treatments. Recommended doses of N, P and K were

(25-60-25 kg/ha for chickpea and 30-60-0 kg/ha for lentil) were applied in control. The application of RP-

EC applied @ 100, 200, 300, 400 kg/ha showed the insignificant but when it was applied 500 kg/ha, it gave

significant results incase of growth, yield and nodulation parameters as compared to control. Further

increase in the RP-EC levels i.e. @ 800 and 1000 kg/ha did not result in significant improvement in the

above stated parameters. So from the results, it was concluded that application of RP-EC @ 500 kg/ha or

more significantly improves nodulation, growth and yield of chickpea and lentil.


225

P-151 GIBBERELLIC ACID (GA3): A SUBSTANTIAL REVOLUTION FOR

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF OKRA

Abdul Manan1*, Rashid Waqas2, M. Aslam Parvaiz1, C.M. Ayub1, Mohsin Ejaz 1, Muhammad

Imran3

1Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad;

2Institute of Soil and

Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad; 3Department of Soil and Environmental

Sciences, University of Sargodha


Gibberellic acid (GA3), a naturally occurring growth hormone which controls the extremely

important aspects of plant growth through regulation of several growth processes such as seed

germination, stem elongation, uniform flowering, increased flower number and size. Exogenous

application of GA3 hastens the vegetative and reproductive growth of plants. A study was planned

to evaluate the effectiveness of GA3 applied as foliar application for enhanced vegetative and

reproductive growth of okra. Results revealed that increase in number of foliar application of GA3

substantially improved the vegetative as well as reproductive growth of okra as compared to plants

receiving no foliar GA3 application. It was found that GA3 application at different growth stages of

okra predominantly boost the stem elongation, no. of leaves, no. of pods, no. of seeds per pod, seed

weight and seed yield. So, it can be concluded that foliar application of GA3 could be an effective

strategy for maximizing the growth and yield of okra.


226

P-152 BIOSORPTION OF LEAD BY CHEMICALLY PRETREATED COTTON LEAVES

BIOMASS

Muhammad Riaz1,2*, Raziya Nadeem1,* Muhammad Asif Hanif 1, Muhammad Adeel Hanif1,

Shaukat Ali2, Yasmeen Gull2, Mnaza Noreen2, Muhammad Ibrahim3, Iftikhar Hussain

Bukhari2

1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan

2Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan


Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected],

Biosorption Pb(II) on chemically pretreated G. hirsutum (cotton) leaves waste biomass was

investigated in the present study. The Pb (II) sorption was found dependent on solution pH, initial

Pb (II) concentration, temperature and contact time. The chemical pretreatment of biomass resulted

in significant enhancement and reduction in sorption capacity depending on the nature of

pretreatment. Results revealed that chemical modifications of G. hirsutum (cotton) leaves waste

biomass with alkali, inorganic salts, organic salts and organic solvents enhanced the adsorption

capacity, while acidic pretreatments caused reduction in adsorption capacity. The sorption data was

fitted well to Langmuir isotherm and kinetic data to pseudo second order model, due to higher

value of correlation coefficient (R2). The effect of contact time showed that sorption of Pb (II)

occurred rapidly within first 30 minutes followed by slow adsorption till equilibrium. Present

research work illustrated an effective and economical biosorbent for the removal of toxic heavy

metals from aqueous solutions.


227

P-153 BIOSORPTION OF CU(II) FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION BY OCIMUM

BACILICUM SEEDS

Hafiz Muhammad Adeel1,*, Bushra Parveen1,*, Nasir Rasool1, Kalsoom G. Ali1, Naila Raza1,

Muhammad Riaz1, Mnaza Noreen1, Yasmeen Gull1, Muhammad Ibrahim2




The feasibility of using Ocimum bacilicum seeds for the removal of copper ions from aqueous

solution has been investigated. Batch biosorption studies were conducted to study the effect of

different experimental parameters such as initial metal ion concentration, contact time, agitation

speed, biosorption dose and pH. The result indicated that sorption equilibrium was established in 30

minutes. Biosorption efficiency was maximum at biosorbent dose 0.5 g. The copper sorption was

strictly pH dependent and maximum removal was observed at pH 5. Effective biosorption of

copper was taken place at 150-rpm. Maximum biosorption capacity was found to be 73.1 mg/g. The

influence of Pb, Zn and Ni on biosorption of copper was found in the order of, Pb > Ni > Zn. The

equilibrium data fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm model with R2

= 0.9979. The study revealed

that O. bacilicum biosorbent could be used as an adsorbent for the removal of other heavy metals

on large scale.


228

P-154 RHIZOSPHERE ACIDIFICATION OF SALIX SMITHIANA AS A MEAN TO

ENHANCE TRACE METAL MOBILIZATION AND PHYTOEXTRACTION– AN

ASSESEMNT BY APPLICATION OF ELEMENTAL SULFUR AND IMMOBILIZING

AGENTS

Muhammad Iqbal1, Markus Puschenreiter2, Walter W. Wenzel2

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Allama Iqbal Road 38000-Faisalabad,

Pakistan; 2University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), A-3430 Tulln, Austria,


Phytoextraction is a technology that uses plants and/or associated microbes for the removal of

potentially toxic trace elements (TE) from contaminated soils. The efficiency of this approach

depends on the concentration of TE in the harvestable biomass (i.e. shoot) and the amount of

biomass produced. However, establishing the phytoextraction crops on TE polluted soils and their

performance may be limited by TE toxicity during the initial phase. Moreover, if soil conditions

favour high solubility of labile TE species, the use of phytoextraction may be limited because of the

risk of TE leaching from the root zone and/or deeper soil layers, depending on the contaminant

location, to the groundwater. We recently proposed a combined approach to overcome these

limitations, where initially TE are immobilized by soil additives such as red mud, and, after

successful establishment of the phytoextraction crop, being re-mobilized by application of

elemental sulfur to enhance the phytoextraction process. Here we present data from a pot study

where Salix smithiana was grown on two soils mainly contaminated with Cd and Zn polluted soils

treated with a mixture of gravel sludge and red mud. To mimic the rhizosphere acidification,

elemental sulphur was added. Soil pore waters were collected from planted and unplanted pots

using soil solution samplers and were measured for pH and TE concentrations (ICP-MS). Plants

were analyzed for TE concentrations after a growth period of 160 days. Our results show that the

solubility and bioavailability of Cd and Zn in both soils were strongly affected by the addition of

both amendments. Interestingly, soil pH plots against the corresponding mobilized TE

concentrations were explained only to some extent by soil acidification during sulfur oxidation.

Enhanced Cd and Zn mobilization was particularly observed in planted pots amended with sulfur.

Higher concentrations of Mn in soil pore waters indicated substantial reduction of Mn

(oxy)hydroxides due to partially aerobic rhizosphere conditions, explaining that Mn served as

electron acceptors during sulfur oxidation in O2-depleted zones. Enhanced Cd and Zn solubility in

the sulfur treatments was generally associated with substantially increased uptake of Cd and Zn in

willow tissues. It can be calculated that the observed magnification of Cd and Zn mobilization in

the partially anaerobic willow rhizosphere, i.e. at the location of plant uptake, upon addition of

elemental sulfur can substantially enhance the efficiency of phytoextraction process and seems

practical to keep the risk of TE leaching from the bulk soil relatively low.


229

P-155 EVALUATION OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF VARIOUS EXTRACTS

OF EUPHORBIA ROYLEANA

Mnaza Noreen1,2*, Sofia Nosheen1, Yasmeen Gull2, Nasir Rasool2, Muhammad Riaz2,

Muhammad Ibrahim3, Hafiz Muhammad Adeel2

1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan

2Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan;

3Department of

Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan


Medicinal plants contain many phytoconstituents like Alkaloids, Saponins, Glycosides, Steroids,

Triterpenoids, Flavonoids etc. This study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of

Euphorbia royleana against CCl4 induced toxicity using chicks as model. It involved qualitative

and quantitative analysis of aqueous extracts for the presence of phytochemicals and a correlation

was developed between hepatoprotective activity and phytochemical responsible for it. Different

phytoconstituents such as Alkaloids, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Tannic acids, Steroids, Triterpenoids

and Saponins was present in 2.20%, 6.00%, 10.9%, 1.15%, 21.3% and 9.00% respectively.


230

P-156 BIOSORPTION OF Pb (II) FROM SYNTHETIC SOLUTION BY ACIDIC AND

BASIC PRETREATED NEEM(AZADIRACHTA INDICA) LEAVES

Yasmeen Gull1,2*, Raziya Nadeem2,*, Mnaza Noreen1, Nasir Rasool 1, Muhammad Riaz1,

Hafiz Muhammad Adeel1, Muhammad Ibrahim3


2Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan

3Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan Corresponding


Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves have excellent pharmaceutical importance. In present study

neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves were treated with three acids like HNO3, H2SO4 , H3PO4 and

three bases like NaOH, Ca(OH)2 and Al(OH). Different parameter on biosorption of Pb (II) are

analysed like effect of pH, effect of different initial concentration of Pb (II) and effect of kinetics

by these acidic and basic pre-treated neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves. Pretreated neem

(Azadirachta indica) leaves with NaOH at pH 5.0 showed high removal of Pb (II) which was

80.01%. These NaOH pretreated neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves showed maximum removal of

Pb (II) which was 80.333 at 100 ppm.


231

P-157 AN ECO-FRIENDLY APPROACH FOR CONTROL OF ECHINOCHLOA CRUS-

GALLI (BARNYARD GRASS)

Muhammad Kamran1,2, Abdul Latif Khan1, Muhammad Waqas 1, Sang-Mo Kang1, Yoon-Ha

Kim1, Duk-Hwan Kim1, Q. Muhammad Imran2, In-Jung Lee*1

1School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea;

2Department of Plant

Sciences, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, Pakistan


The stimulation of seed germination by smoke and aqueous smoke extracts from the combustion of

plant material has received much attention in recent years. Here we report, that smoke derived from

a weed Bauhinia variegata (Fabaceae) can stimulate seedling emergence of the economically

important rice weed specie Echinochloa crus-galli (Barnyard grass-Poaceae). The result shows that

Plant extracted smoke tested seeds had a significantly higher speed of germination, germination

percentage, fresh weight, relative seed germination percentage, peak value, germination value,

shoot and root length, germination index and vigor index as compared to control. This research

highlights that plant extracted smoke can be used as a tool for minimizing weed impacts in

agriculture, horticulture and land restoration by stimulation and seedling emergence of the dormant

weed seed bank, followed by chemical control through known weedicide/herbicide treatments

without harming economically required crops in an eco-friendly way and may provide a new and

exciting opportunity for weed control.


232

P-158 PHOTOCATALYTIC WATER REDUCTION (PCR) AND WATER OXIDATION

(PCO) USING TIO2/CARBON ALLOTROPES

Gulzar Khan1, Hyunwoong Park 1,2

1Department of Physics &

2School of Energy Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Korea


TiO2 (P25) has been one of the most widely investigated and used photocatalytic materials Over the

past decades, because TiO2 is inexpensive, non toxic and chemically stable. Due to their broad

applications in the fields of H2 production, water and air purification, photovoltaic and

photoelectrochemical cells, TiO2-based nanomaterials have attracted significant research attention,

However, one of the major factors that limits the efficiency of TiO2 photocatalysis is its fast

recombination of photo-generated electron/hole pairs, which releases energy in the form of

unproductive heat or photons and alternatively lowers its efficiency. To solve this problem a simple

and straight forward approach i.e. hydration and dehydration process to synthesize TiO2-coated

carbon allotropes is presented here. The composite showed great activity for water reduction from

aqueous methanol (1 M) solution (photocatalytic reduction: PCR) and degradation of aqueous

pollutants (Phenol, methylene blue, and rhodamine B) (photocatalytic oxidation: PCO) under AM

1.5-light irradiation. The TiO2 NPs-coated Carbon allotropes exhibited 30 times higher

photocatalytic activity for H2 production compared to pristine TiO2. For the dye degradation The

composites showed good adsorption capacity, which further facilitated the enhancement of

photocatalytic activity of TiO2 NPs-coated Carbon allotropes for the degradation of dye molecules

while the degradation of phenol was not enhanced too much. excellent light absorption and charge

separation on the interfaces between the modified Carbon allotropes and TiO2 may be attributed to

the synergetic effect of the intrinsic photocatalytic activity of the composite.


233

P-159 EFFECT OF HEAVY METALS ON FISH

Sehar Afsheen1, Shafaqat Ali*1, Muhammad Bilal Shakoor1, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq1,

Skhawat Ali1, Wajed Ishaque3, Sharafat Ali2

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan;

2Department

of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan; 3Soil Science Division, Nuclear

Institure for Agriculure and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad


The objective of the present study is to determine the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in various

organs of the fresh water fish exposed to heavy metal contaminated water system. The

experimental fish was exposed to Cr, Zn, Cd and Pb at sublethal concentrations. The order of heavy

metal accumulation in the gills and liver was Cd > Pb > Ni > Cr and Pb > Cd > Ni > Cr. Similarly,

in case of kidney and flesh tissues, the order was Pb > Cd > Cr > Ni and Pb > Cr > Cd > Ni. Heavy

metals entre in fish bodies by three possible way : by gills, by body surface and digestive track.In

all heavy metals, the bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium proportion was significantly increased

in the tissues of Cyprinus carpio (Common carp). Heavy metals accumulate in water and move up

through food chain and fishes are badly affected because they are top consumer in aquatic

system.humans are also effected by intake of fishes mostly people of area which main food is

fishes.


234

P-160 EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION OF WASTE WATER FROM DIFFERENT

INDUSTRIES (TEXTILE, PAPER AND PULP INDUSTRIES) ON VEGETABLES GROWN

IN VICINITY OF FAISALABAD CITY: A REVIEW

Irum Bashir Khan1, Jadoon, Shafaqat Ali1*, Qurratulain Bashir Khan Jadoon1, Muhammad

Bilal Shakoor1, Wajed Ishaque3, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq1, Skhawat Ali1,Sharafat Ali2

Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan; Department of

Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan; 3Soil Science Division, Nuclear

Institure for Agriculure and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad


Faisalabad is known for its various industries such as textile, ghee, paper and tanneries etc. There is

scarcity of water so Irrigation in Faisalabad is mostly done by recycle waste water from these

industries. This review focuses on effects of different industrial effluents on various vegetables

grown in the Faisalabad city. Waste water from different industries such as Textile and paper

industries etc. is discharged into streams and land with or without any secondary or tertiary

treatment. This results in severe effect on the surface and underground water and also affects the

quality of crops. Under different amounts of effluents there are improved seedling and root lengths

of various vegetables and on the other side at high concentration of numerous effluents there is a

decreased germination and reduced growth. Untreated textile effluent decreased biomass of root

and shoot but treated textile effluent resulted in a prominent growth, increase sugar and protein

percentage. Wastewater contains heavy metals that accumulate in vegetables and has negative

impacts on vegetables grown. These heavy metals results in inhibition of root growth, reduced yield

due to less uptake of water and nutrients and reduced growth and germination.


235

P-161 HEAVY METAL POLLUTION: A GLOBAL PROBLEM AND ITS REMEDIATION

BY CHEMICALLY ENHANCED PHYTOREMEDIATION: A REVIEW

Muhammad Bilal Shakoor, Shafaqat Ali*, Mujahid Farid, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq, Faisal

Mahmood, Muhammad Kashif Irshad



Heavy metal contaminated soils are very hard to restore. This type of soil pollution is primarily

attributed to anthropogenic activities, including, smelting, mining and various industrial activities.

Heavy metals are being acknowledged as toxic contaminants around the globe. The world's heavily

effected areas from heavy metal pollution have been proving as health risks to more than 10 million

people in various countries. Linfen in China people faced extreme loads of pollution, Haina of

Dominican Republic, was a center of automobile battery recycling industries previously where

people suffered from a huge amount of lead poisoning, in Ranipet a city of India about 3.5 million

people are being effected by annery waste. Bioaccumulation of metal toxins in the food chain

poses disastrous effects on human health. General route of exposure to heavy metals in human are

Ingestion of food and water. Plants demand various quantities of some essential metal elements for

their growth and development. This capability to accumulate metals also allows accumulation of

other ―non-essential‖ metals (Al, Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Pt, Sb, Te, Pb, Pd, Tl, Au and U) which do not

have any contribution in biological function. These heavy metals cause serious risks to plants,

animals and human health. In order to remediate this problem in situ and ex situ techniques are

used but in situ methods are more effective than ex situ. Phytoremediation is one of the most

successful and environmental friendly in situ method of modern era, coupled with chemical

chealtores this method is being proved to be more useful and soil friendly. EDTA is although a

good chelator but its slow biodegradation rate makes it unusable for remediation purposes.

Methylglycinediacetate (MGDA) and ethylenediaminedissuccinate (EDDS) are considered as better

alternatives for EDTA due to their high degradation rate and effectiveness in phytoremediation.


236

P-162 EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION OF WASTE WATER FROM DIFFERENT

INDUSTRIES (TEXTILE, PAPER AND PULP INDUSTRIES) ON VEGETABLES GROWN

IN VICINITY OF FAISALABAD CITY: A REVIEW

Irum Bashir Khan Jadoon, Shafaqat Ali, Qurratulain Bashir Khan Jadoon, Muhammad Bilal Shakoor, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq



Faisalabad is known for its various industries such as textile, ghee, paper and tanneries etc. There is

scarcity of water so Irrigation in Faisalabad is mostly done by recycle waste water from these

industries. This review focuses on effects of different industrial effluents on various vegetables

grown in the Faisalabad city. Waste water from different industries such as Textile and paper

industries etc. is discharged into streams and land with or without any secondary or tertiary

treatment. This results in severe effect on the surface and underground water and also affects the

quality of crops. Under different amounts of effluents there are improved seedling and root lengths

of various vegetables and on the other side at high concentration of numerous effluents there is a

decreased germination and reduced growth. Untreated textile effluent decreased biomass of root

and shoot but treated textile effluent resulted in a prominent growth, increase sugar and protein

percentage. Wastewater contains heavy metals that accumulate in vegetables and has negative

impacts on vegetables grown. These heavy metals results in inhibition of root growth, reduced yield

due to less uptake of water and nutrients and reduced growth and germination.


237

P-163 EFFECT OF HEAVY METALS ON FISH

Sehar Afsheen, Shafaqat Ali*, Muhammad Bilal Shakoor, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq



The objective of the present study is to determine the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in various

organs of the fresh water fish exposed to heavy metal contaminated water system. The

experimental fish was exposed to Cr, Zn, Cd and Pb at sublethal concentrations. The order of heavy

metal accumulation in the gills and liver was Cd > Pb > Ni > Cr and Pb > Cd > Ni > Cr. Similarly,

in case of kidney and flesh tissues, the order was Pb > Cd > Cr > Ni and Pb > Cr > Cd > Ni. Heavy

metals entre in fish bodies by three possible way: by gills, by body surface and digestive track.In

all heavy metals, the bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium proportion was significantly increased

in the tissues of Cyprinus carpio (Common carp). Heavy metals accumulate in water and move up

through food chain and fishes are badly affected because they are top consumer in aquatic

system.humans are also effected by intake of fishes mostly people of area which main food is

fishes.

238

P-164 HEAVY METAL POLLUTION: A GLOBAL PROBLEM AND ITS REMEDIATION

BY CHEMICALLY ENHANCED PHYTOREMEDIATION

Muhammad Bilal Shakoor, Shafaqat Ali*, Mujahid Farid, Muhammad Ahsan Farooq



Heavy metal contaminated soils are very hard to restore. This type of soil pollution is primarily

attributed to anthropogenic activities, including, smelting, mining and various industrial activities.

Heavy metals are being acknowledged as toxic contaminants around the globe. The world's heavily

effected areas from heavy metal pollution have been proving as health risks to more than 10 million

people in various countries. Linfen in China people faced extreme loads of pollution, Haina of

Dominican Republic, was a center of automobile battery recycling industries previously where

people suffered from a huge amount of lead poisoning, in Ranipet a city of India about 3.5 million

people are being affected by annery waste. Bioaccumulation of metal toxins in the food chain poses

disastrous effects on human health. General route of exposure to heavy metals in human are

Ingestion of food and water. Plants demand various quantities of some essential metal elements for

their growth and development. This capability to accumulate metals also allows accumulation of

other ―non-essential‖ metals (Al, Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Pt, Sb, Te, Pb, Pd, Tl, Au and U) which do not

have any contribution in biological function. These heavy metals cause serious risks to plants,

animals and human health. In order to remediate this problem in situ and ex situ techniques are

used but in situ methods are more effective than ex situ. Phytoremediation is one of the most

successful and environmental friendly in situ method of modern era, coupled with chemical

chealtores this method is being proved to be more useful and soil friendly. EDTA is although a

good chelator but its slow biodegradation rate makes it unusable for remediation purposes.

Methylglycinediacetate (MGDA) and ethylenediaminedissuccinate (EDDS) are considered as better

alternatives for EDTA due to their high degradation rate and effectiveness in phytoremediation.


239

P-165 INFLUENCE OF VARYING NITRATE-AMMONIUM (NO3-/NH4

+) RATIOS ON

GROWTH, WATER RELATIONS, GAS EXCHANGE PROPERTIES AND IONIC

RELATIONS IN SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.) UNDER SALINE

CONDITIONS

Habib-ur-Rehman Athar1, Zafar Ullah Zafar1, Pakeeza Sabir1, Nudrat Anees1, Muhammad

Ashraf2

1Department of Botany, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan;

2Department of Botany, University of Agriculuture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Nitrogen (N) uptake, growth, and N use efficiency in plants may be affected by N form (NO3- or

NH4+) and in varying NO3

-/NH4

+ ratio in rooting medium under normal or saline conditions. A

hydroponic study was conducted in controlled conditions to investigate growth, gas exchange

properties and nutrient relations of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants at varying nitrate:

ammonium ratio under non-saline or saline conditions. Eleven day-old sunflower plants were

grown for 21 days at varying nitrate: ammonium ratios (80/20, 60/40, 50/50, 40/60, 20/80 NO3-

/NH4+ ratios with 8 mM total nitrogen in Hoagland’s nutrient solution) under normal or saline

conditions (120 mM NaCl). Shoot fresh and dry biomass decreased with the decrease in nitrate:

ammonium ratio under non-saline conditions. Optimum nitrate: ammonium ratio for non-stressed

sunflower plants was 60/40 (1.5). Better growth of non-stressed sunflower plants at optimum

nitrate: ammonium ratio was associated with high uptake and use efficiency of N, due to nitrate

ammonium synergism, as well as uptake and utilization efficiency of other cations. Although high

nitrate: ammonium ratio reduced sodium accumulation in shoots of stressed sunflower plants, it can

not avert toxic effects of salt stress on the growth of sunflower plants.

240

P-166 GC-MS, HP-LC, CYTOTOXICITY AND BIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF GLACIER

BUTTERCUP PLANT PARTS

Hafiz Muhammad Adeela, Nasir Rasoola, Matloob Ahmada, Muhammad Zubaira, Muhammad

Riaza, Yasmeen Gulla, Mnaza Noreena, Muhammad Asghara, Lubna Tahirb

aDepartment of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan;

bApplied Chemistry Research

Center, PCSIR Laboratories Complex, Lahore, Pakistan


Plants generally produce many secondary metabolites which constitute an important source of

microbicides, pesticides and many pharmaceutical drugs. Present research work is a part of such

investigations on Glacier Buttercup (Ranunculus glacialis). It belongs to the family Renunculaceae.

There is a very little work on this plant so far and limited information published on the biological

activities of this plant. So there is a need to analyze antimicrobial activity of this plant. The various

parts of Ranunculus glacialis were extracted with absolute methanol and further fractionated by

solvent-solvent extraction method with increasing polarity based absolute solvents i.e. chloroform,

ethyl acetate and n-butanol, n-hexane. The methanolic extract of various parts of Ranunculus

glacialis and their fractions were analyzed for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. It

contained appreciable levels of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. HPLC analysis of n-hexane,

chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fraction of various parts for total phenolic and flavoniods

also carried out. The GC-MS analysis of Ranunculus glacialis essential oil and n-hexane extract

revealed the presence of several compounds. The plant extract and fraction were assessed against

human blood erythrocytes (RBCs) for cytotoxicity studies by haemolytic activity.


241

P-167 EFFECT OF ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES ON THE HEAVY METAL

BIOACCUMULATION AND HISTOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS IN THE GILLS OF

OREOCHROMIS MOSSAMBICUS DOMICILED IN THE RIVER INDUS

Farhat Jabeen1, Abdul Shakoor Chaudhry2

1Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, GC University Faisalabad, Pakistan;

2 School of Agriculture Food and Rural

Development, Newcastle University, UK

This study monitored the accumulation of selected metals (Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Hg and Cr) in gills and

their relevance to the histology of these organs in Oreochromis mossambicus from two selected

sites of the Indus River in Mianwali district of Pakistan. These two sites were receiving agricultural

runoffs and municipal and domestic wastes. Selected metals were analysed by inductively coupled

plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Mn, Cu, Zn and Cr in fish tissues showed

significant differences between two sites (P<0.01). While the Mn, Zn, Hg and Cr levels were higher

in gills of fish than the WHO standards, the Pb and Cu levels were within the permissible limits for

fish as a food for human consumption. Most common gill abnormalities observed in O.

mossambicus were desquamation of secondary lamellar epithelium, hypertrophy of epithelial cells,

lifting up of epithelium, intraepithelial oedema, aneurysm, hyperplasia, and haemorrhage at

primary lamellae. In conclusion the evidence of pathological alterations in gills of O. mossambicus

appeared to be a useful bio-marker to assess the impact of metal pollution in water on the health of

fish.

242

P-168 AQUAPORINS IN CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT A MOLECULAR GEAR

FOR WATER REMODELING INSILICO APPROACH FOR ARABIDOPSIS MAJOR

INTRINSIC PROTEINS MIPS

Madiha Hamyat, Sadia Ali, Ambreen ijaz, Tayyabea shaheen

Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology GC University Faisalabad

Plants have to adjust their water balance in response to very challenging environmental conditions

such as drought, salinity, and cold but also changes in light, nutrient deficiency or soil acidity. The

molecular and functional characterization of aquaporins, a class of membrane proteins that

facilitate water diffusion across cell membranes, has revealed the significance of their regulation in

response to these environmental stimuli Aquaporins are proteins embedded in the cell membrane

that regulate the flow of water. They are "the plumbing system for cells" Aquaporins are integral

membrane proteins from a larger family of major intrinsic proteins (MIP) that form pores in the

membrane of biological cells. Arabidopsis thaliana contains 35 members of this family. 35

members of this family were collected from available databases to perform multiple sequence

alignment Identification of conserved motifs within the Aquaporin family for function recognition,

Analysis of domains Prediction of secondary structure, study basis of common functionality of

different Aquaporin subfamilies in Arabidopsis and Development of Motif search tool using visual

basic programming. TAIR (The Arabidopsis Information Resource) SBASE was used for the

Identification of protein domains and function. Aminocomp was used to find Composition of

Amino Acids and their pI. Domain prediction of Aquaporin protein family showed that Major

intrinsic protein - like domain is present throughout the family members. Motif search of

Aquaporin Protein family showed following motifs are almost common to all members: 1) N-

glycosylation site. 2) N-myristoylation site. 3) Casein kinase II phosphorylation site. 4) Protein

kinase C phosphorylation site. 5) cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation site.

Secondary Structure Analysis and Composition of Amino Acids showed little divergence in these

proteins. The over all analysis of all the 35 members showed that they show similarity at structural

level so belongs to same family. But are involved in transport of different molecules, due to low

similarity at sequence level. This study provide insight for Functional characterization of these

proteins to resolve water stress a global environmental issue in plants

243

P-169 THE TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LEAD ON SELECTED BIOCHEMICAL

PARAMETERS OF NORMAL AND LEAD EXPOSED WORKERS

Narjis Shafiq, Ambreen Ijaz, Sadia Ali, Ibrahim Rajooka

Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology GC University Faisalabad

Lead poisoning is an old but persistent public health problem throughout the world. Lead is a

ubiquitous environmental toxin that may result in severe damage to many body systems including

central nervous system, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, haematologic, renal, hepatic and

reproductive organs. Oxidative stress is the destruction caused by free radical molecules.

Antioxidants protect and repair cells and neutralize free radical damage to organs and cell

membranes. We studied fifty two (52) blood samples from normal and lead exposed workers.

Different biochemical parameters were apply such as glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-

cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, creatinine, total proteins and total antioxidative status. Statistical

technique was applied for finding its correlation with anti- oxidtive status. Level of triglycerides,

cholesterol and glucose was very high in lead exposer workers as compared to control. HDL-

cholesterol, globulin were related negatively while, total proteins, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol,

creatinine, glucose and cholesterol showed a positive relationship with total antioxidative status.

244

P-170 PHYTOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF ADONIS AESTIVALIS

Asim Anwara, Muhammad Zubair*a, Komal Rizwana, Rasool Bakhsh Tareenb, Nasir Rasoola,

Muhammad Ibrahimc , Muhammad Riaza


bDepartment of Botany,

University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan; cDepartment of Environmental Sciences, Government College University,



Nature has been a source of medicinal agents for thousands of years and a substantial number of

modern drugs have been isolated from natural sources, many based on their use in traditional

medicines. Present research work is a part of such investigations on Adonis aestivalis. Different

fractions were taken by solvent extraction method and their phytochemicals and biological analyses

(antimicrobial and antioxidant) were carried out. Essential oil of the plant was extracted and

subjected to GC-MS analysis. During the course of this work, n-butanol, Chloroform, Ethyl acetate

and Methanol fractions were studied by HPLC and LC-MS. The cytotoxicity was analyzed by

haemolytic assay


245

P-171 ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF VARIOUS PARTS OF

DAPHNAE MUCRONATA

Hafiza Iqra Ashrafa, Muhammad Zubair*a, Rasool Bakhsh Tareenb, Komal Rizwana,

Muhammad Ibrahimc, Nasir Rasoola, Muhammad Riaza


bDepartment of Botany,

University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan; cDepartment of Environmental Sciences, Government College University,



Plants are a proven source of anti-tumor compounds and it is reasonable to assume that many such

substances remain to be discovered. This prompted us to investigate the effects of Daphne

mucronata (belonging to the family Thymelaeaceae). Different fractions were taken by solvent

extraction method and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were determined. Essential oil

of the plant was extracted and subjected to GC-MS studies. During the course of this work, n-

butanol, Chloroform, Ethyl acetate and Methanol fractions were studied by HPLC and LC-MS. The

cytotoxicity was analyzed by haemolytic assay.


246

P-172 PRODUCTION OF SULFUR FREE COAL BY USING EU32 STRAIN OF

RHODOCOCCUS IN PRESENCE OF DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES

Muhammad Mustafa, Muhammad Afzal Ghauri, Nasrin Akhtar, Muhammad Ilyas

National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Coal reserves in Pakistan are estimated to be more than 186 billion tons and are important for the

cost-efficient alternative to ethanol in Pakistan. Coal contains appreciable quantities of both forms

of sulfur, organic and elemental, with total sulfur content typically between 1- 4% but in some

cases being greater than 11%. Unfortunately, Lakhra coal contains 1.2 – 14.8% of sulfur that is the

major issue that we are facing in air pollution and acid rain. Removal of this sulfur is of prime

importance so that we can use it as clean energy fuel. Crushing washing, scrubbers, and

biodesulpherization are ways to reduce sulfur from coal deposits. Former two methods are not very

useful these days but biodesulfurization has played a vital role in clean fuel technologies.Organic

sulfur is present in the coal in the form of dibenzothiophene. The initial oxidation and cleavage of

one of the aromatic rings by conventional methods initiate the complete degradation of the

molecule to CO 2, H2O and SO4. This pathway, also called Kodama pathway, involving the C-S

cleavage as well as C--C bond cleavage which is undesirable due to the lack of specificity for sulfur

resulting in the degradation of aromatic hydrocarbon compounds thereby greatly reducing the

efficiency and the calorific value of the fuel. On the other hand, biodesulferization has made a great

break through in cleaning of sulfur containing coal deposits which can degrade dibenzothiophene

(DBT) aerobically without cleaving C-C bond and, hence, do not decrease the calorific value of

coal by using Acidothiobacillus ferroxidans. EU32 strain of Rhodococcus was used for

desulfurization of pyrite bearing coal deposits of Larkana. Rate of desulfurization of

dibenzothiophene was tested in presence of different carbon sources. Gulucose+Sodium Citrate was

proved as best carbon source for production 2-HBP (2-hydroxybiphenyl) which is the pure form of

coal without any organic of elemental sulfur. This microbial desulfurization process which removes

organically bounded and elementally present sulfur without cleaving g carbon-carbon bond from

the coal, thereby operating at efficiency, and retaining the calorific value of the fuel.

247

LONG-TERM MANURE AND FERTILIZERS ENHANCES SOIL ORGANIC CARBON

FRACTIONS IN ARABLE LAND OF CHINA

Muhammad Aslam, Minggang Xu*, Wenju Zhang, Wendy Wang, Huimin Zhang, Haiwen Wu

Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Crop Nutrition and Fertilization, Institute of Agricultural Resources and

Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, P. R. China


Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a key role in several physical, chemical and biological soil

processes that contribute productivity of agricultural soils. More researches are mainly focused on

the dynamics of total SOC and particle fractions of SOC in the upper surface (0–20 cm) layer of

soil. A few studies were conducted to examine the labile and recalcitrant fractions of SOC in

different soils, much less along further soil profile or under long-term application of manure and

fertilizers. Thus, in the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the effects of long-term

manure and fertilizers on labile and recalcitrant fractions of SOC, and to investigate the depth

distribution and relative proportion of labile and recalcitrant fractions, and their relationship to soil

quality. This study was carried out in five long-term fertility experiments (Gongzhuling,

Zhengzhou, Chongqing, Jinxian and Qiyang) varying in soil type, cropping patterns and agro-

climatic conditions in the arable cropping regions of China. The treatments examined were: (1) No-

fertilization (control); (2) Fallow, where no crop was grown since the initiation of the experiment;

(3) NPK; (4) NPK combined with crop straw (NPKS); (5) NPK with livestock manure (NPKM);

and (6) higher application rate of NPKM (1.5NPKM). Soil samples were collected at 0–20, 20–40

and 40–60 cm depths and analyzed for total SOC, and four fractions of SOC: very labile (Cfrac 1 =

12 N H2SO4), labile (Cfrac 2 = 18 N−12 N H2SO4), less labile (Cfrac 3 = 24 N−18 N H2SO4) and

non-labile (Cfrac 4 = Total SOC−24 N H2SO4). The application of manure and fertilizers increased

the SOC and its fractions when compared with the initial C content of 1990. At Gongzhuling site,

the NPK, NPKS, NPKM and 1.5NPKM treatments increased the SOC content by 14, 17, 54 and

69% in 0–20 cm and 15, 28, 52 and 80%, respectively in 20–40 cm soil layers. The 1.5NPKM had

the highest SOC and its fractions in all five sites. The long-term manure and fertilizers application

decreased the labile: recalcitrant ratio of SOC compared with the no-fertilization control. The SOC

retention was higher in the NPK and manure treated plots compared to control plots. The labile C

pool (Cfrac 1 and Cfrac2) constituted 52–56% and recalcitrant C pool (Cfrac 3 and Cfrac4)

constituted 44–48% of total SOC at all five sites. Manure increases the recalcitrant fraction (Cfrac 3

and Cfrac 4) in deep layer. For Qiyang site, the recalcitrant C fraction was 55% of total SOC at 20–

40 cm in M treatment compared with the surface layer (51%). We concluded that the combined

application of manure and fertilizers has the potential to significantly increase the SOC and its

fractions in agricultural soils of China. The inorganic plus manure fertilizer treatments contained a

larger proportion of total SOC in recalcitrant fraction compared with NPK and no-fertilizer

treatments indicating that manure application helped in promoting the formation of SOC in the

recalcitrant fraction and thus protecting SOC from decomposition losses. The higher

labile:recalcitrant SOC ratio in surface layer than deeper soil layer indicating that improving the

depth distribution may be practical suggestion to achieve C retention.


248

MEDHERB: AN INTERACTIVE BIOINFORMATICS DATABASE AND ANALYSIS

RESOURCE FOR MEDICINALLY IMPORTANT HERBS

Sobia Idrees1, Muhammad Ibrahim Rajoka1, Sana Khalid1, Beenish Ehsan1

1Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University (GCU), Faisalabad.


Ethnopharmacological findings are spread over a multitude of databases and publications and are

not well connected to other biomedical databases. Consequently, the utility of these sources as

knowledge resources are badly limited. It results in a further obstacle for modern day e-science

research, relying mainly on multiple and heterogeneous data sources. Herbal medicines have long

been used for the treatment of different ailments and have attracted the attention of scientists and

common people due to their easy availability, low cost, affordability and minor side effects. Much

research is being performed on the active constituents, protein availability, healing benefits of the

medicinal herbs, their implication in the treatment of multidrug resistant pathogens and other

related properties. Thus, the cataloging of medicinal herbs’ information along with their

DNA/protein sequences has become a fundamental step in the development of new medicinal drugs

against diseases. However, assembly of this information requires proper storage, management and

analyzing tools. This database provides comprehensive information on medicinal properties of

herbs with a stylish web interface. MedHerb database provides quick information access to

medicinal herbs, genes, proteins, plant species, statistical vision, and published literature with

detailed information on each aspect at only one click. Although several medicinal plants have been

tested for different diseases but detailed information on 9 medicinal plant species is available.

Studies are being done to explore other plant species and assemble their all characteristics and will

be added in this database when available. This database encompasses an interactive approach of

Bioinformatics Tools by which users can perform bio-analysis for their different research needs.

Availability of primers is another unique feature of the database assisting in Polymerase Chain

Reaction (PCR) application. The database aims to expand the information by adding new features

like addition of more plant species, expressed sequence tags, therapeutically important information,

more published literature, information on active constituents and new tools to facilitate the

researches from different backgrounds. The database is available at

http://medicinalherbs.comule.com/.


http://medicinalherbs.comule.com/

249

BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS PRODUCTION UTILIZING WASTEWATER AS

CARBON SOURCE

Sajida Munir, Nazia Jamil

Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Lahore 54590, Pakistan

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biopolymers stored in intracellular inclusion bodies by a wide

variety of bacteria as an energy reserve, in response to excess carbon under nutrient-limited

conditions broader usage of biodegradable plastics in packaging and disposable products as a

solution to environmental problems would heavily depend on further reduction of costs and the

discovery of cheap carbon sources as a substrate for bioplastic production. The monomeric

composition of PHAs can be related both to the nature of the carbon source supplied and to the

bacteria. PHAs exhibit great variety of properties and thus may have different applications. The aim

of present study is to check the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates by bacteria using industrial

wastewater as carbon source. Different strategies will be adopted to check the maximum

accumulation of PHA. In this work wastewater was used as a carbon source in different

concentrations. Wastewater was analysed for different nutrients. Total of 30 bacterial strains were

isolated from different water samples. Screening for bioplastic producing strains was done by Nile

blue and Sudan black B staining. Screening for bioplastic producing strains was done by Nile blue

and PHA extraction was carried out at different time intervals using sodium hypochlorite method.

Genomic DNA was isolated to amplify phaC gene and amplified products were submitted for

sequencing after PCR product purification.

250

TRANSPORT NETWORK MODEL FOR THE SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL IN

FAISALABAD CITY: A GIS APPROACH

Shoaib Khalid1, Fariha Zameer2, Rana Muhammad Ahsan3

1Department of Geography, Government College University, Faisalabad;

2House No. 40-C, ABC Road, Sheikh Colony,

Faisalabad; 3SIT Digital International, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The rapid growth of urban population in Faisalabad city of Pakistan from last decades has made

solid waste disposal an important issue and has lead to various environmental problems. This

research aims to contribute into the efforts being made for the solution of this problem. The

Geographic Information System (GIS) approach has been used for the transport route optimization

for the solid waste collection vehicles in Faisalabad city. The locations of solid waste collection

containers, transfer stations and the dumping sites have been marked by using the Google earth’s

imagery. The population density, waste generation and the solid waste services in the entire city

have been spatially analyzed in GIS environment. After measuring the solid waste facility radius,

the different zones have been developed. The best locations for the new transfer stations and

collection containers have also been identified. The road network of the city has been digitized in

ArcGIS software. This resulted into the development of a transport network model for the solid

waste disposal. This model helped in finding the shortest routes from the waste collection

containers to the transfer stations and finally to the main dumping site. This approach could reduce

the time and fuel cost for the solid waste disposal in the city.

251

USE OF WASTEWATER IN AGRICULTURE FIELDS OF PERI URBAN AREA OF

FAISALABAD

Shamila Shabir2, Tahira Yasmeen1, Faisal Islam1, Shafaqat Ali1

1Department of environmental sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad;

2Department of botany,

Government College University, Faisalabad

Growing population and rapid industrialization has increased the volume of wastewater manifolds

eventually deteriorating the freshwater resources and surrounding environment due to inappropriate

management. Wastewater can be considered as both a resource and a problem. Wastewater and its

nutrient content can be used extensively for irrigation and other ecosystem services. Its reuse can

deliver positive benefits to the farming community, society, and municipalities. However,

wastewater reuse also exacts negative externality effects on humans and ecological systems.

Irrigation of agricultural lands with wastewater led to the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil

and crops grown on it. Variations in the heavy metal concentrations between the vegetables/cereal

crops reflect the differences in uptake capabilities and their further translocation to the edible

portion of the plants. This raises the concern of contamination and bioaccumulation of potentially

toxic elements such as Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in crops. Pakistan is a case which illustrates this

problem. Both treated and untreated wastewater in the vicinity of large cities like Faisalabad is used

for vegetable production. But, how safe is this practice? How does one tradeoff between the

obvious benefits of this use and the costs associated with it?

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