Sartaj Ali - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Sartaj Ali

Results in Engineering Volume 24, 03333, 2024

Health concerns have arisen worldwide as a result of contaminated food and water. This study was ... more Health concerns have arisen worldwide as a result of contaminated food and water. This study was aimed to determine the levels of selected heavy metals i.e. cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) manganese (Mn),
and nickel (Ni) in various sources such as drinking water, vegetables, and soil in districts Ghizer and Gilgit, Pakistan. Human health risks were assessed using deterministic indices, a probabilistic approach, and multi
variate analysis. The determinations were carried out by pectrophotometrically (AAS-700, Perkin Elmer, USA) following the standard procedures for heavy metal levels. The mean concentration was recorded as Cd 0.036 mg/L, Cr 0.076 mg/L, and Ni 0.394 mg/L, respectively. It revealed an exceeded level for Cd (0.03 mg/L) and Cr (0.07
mg/L) against the safe limits in drinking water of Gilgit and Ghizer. The highest hazard quotient (HQ) was recorded as Cd 3000, Cr 3863.33, Cu 21.7, Mn 45.71, and Ni 22.35 for children regarding the consumption of
vegetables from district Ghizer. Whereas higher HQ values were recorded for adults regarding consumption of vegetables from district Gilgit. A hazard index (HI) indicates significant non-carcinogenic health risks (HI > 1) in Ghizer and Gilgit drinking water and vegetables. Gilgit soil HI values exceeded more than one due to dermal contact, while HI > 1 due to oral and dermal exposure in Ghizer. Furthermore, drinking water samples and
vegetables from both districts showed cancer risk (CR) > 1 × 10–4. The cumulative lifetime cancer risk (CR) was observed as 88.61 and 65.61 for adults whereas 2. 98 and 0.38 for children pertaining to vegetable consumption from Ghizer and Gilgit. It was found that the lifetime cancer risk (LCR) for Ghizer was higher than that for Gilgit, based on soil dermal and oral contact. Monte Carlo Simulation revealed adverse health risks in children as compared to adults. As a result of exposure to toxic metals, drinking water and vegetable consumption have higher cancer-causing risks. Therefore, we recommend that both districts implement strict monitoring regulations for drinking water and vegetables.

Toxics:13-0005

Environmental pollutants significantly impact health and quality of life. High levels of harmful ... more Environmental pollutants significantly impact health and quality of life. High
levels of harmful metals in drinking water, vegetables, and soil can accumulate in the body,
leading to serious health issues. In Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, the prevalence of cancer is
notably high, and heavy metals are considered among the possible risk factors. In this
study, the distribution of heavy metals, e.g., Cd, Mn, Cu, Cr, and Ni, in the drinking water,
vegetables, and soil in the Gilgit and Skardu Districts was assessed. A geo-accumulation
index was combined with a deterministic technique to examine potential carcinogenic and
non-carcinogenic impacts on human health. Cr and Ni levels in drinking water exceeded
the permissible limits from both districts. Drinking water had a HQ > 1 for Cd, Cr, Ni, and
Mn, posing significant non-carcinogenic health effects. The lifetime cancer risk (LCR) by
drinking water for Cd, Cr, and Ni in Gilgit (0.0087, 0.55, and 0.0048) and Skardu (0.071, 0.21,
and 0.014) indicated a considerable cancer risk (>1 × 10−4
) for adults. The cancer risk for
vegetable intake was observed within the safe limit, while LCR_ingetsion > LCR_dermal
and LCR_inhalation for the soil samples in both regions. These findings highlight the need
for regular monitoring, enhanced waste management, and advanced purification methods
to reduce cancer risk, lower heavy metal contamination, and safeguard public health in
the region.

Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection, 2023

Wilsonomyces carpophilus is the major fungus that produces shot hole disease (shD) in apricots, w... more Wilsonomyces carpophilus is the major fungus that produces shot hole disease (shD) in apricots, which results in significant economic losses. this problem can be addressed through the monitoring of the diseases and spotlighting the risks connected with them. this study employed descriptive and geostatistical mapping techniques to track the spatial distribution and risk of shD in apricot orchards in five apricot-growing valleys. the results showed a spatial distribution of the disease within the study area even varying within the valleys and orchards. a moderate spatial dependence of shD prevalence (0.524), incidence (0.363), and severity index (0.313) were observed. Gis maps and trend analysis graphs also showed the spatial distribution of the disease from east-west and south-north directions. climate and cultural practices favor the perpetuation of pathogens and the spread of shD. this information will help apricot growers regarding disease management and improve sustainable profitability.

Journal of Applied Polymer Science, May 18, 2019

Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 2022

Pakistan Journal of Botany, 2017

Potato is the main cash crop of Gilgit-Baltistan in particular of buffer zone of Central Karakoru... more Potato is the main cash crop of Gilgit-Baltistan in particular of buffer zone of Central Karakorum National Park (CKNP). There are many biotic and abiotic threats to its production. Amongst them the black scurf disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani is the major constraint. In order to assess black scurf of potato a comprehensive survey was carried out in four main valleys of the region consisting of 24 villages. The survey revealed that valley wise mean disease prevalence was high in Bagrote (63.85±9.06) and low in Haramosh (45.40±14.62). Maximum mean disease incidence and severity were recorded in Hoper valley while least disease incidence appeared in Haramosh and severity in Bagrote valley. Production practices as risk factor were assessed through a questionnaire. The majority of farmers performed activities in field that were supportive to the black scurf epidemics, such as, use of pits for storage of late harvested potato tuber for growing in next season, table potato, lack of general awareness about black scurf, not maintaining proper depth of sowing, irrigation, harvesting time and crop rotation. In vitro efficacy of three fungicides at different concentrations i.e. 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm were tested against Rhizoctonia solani isolates. Results indicated that increase of fungicide concentration significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of respective isolates. However, sensitivity reaction of each of isolates against each fungicide was also differential. Fungicide ridomil gold and mencozeb showed more toxic effect against the fungus compared to vitavax.

A composition of dip-sealing potato chips prior to frying to reduce the absorption of fats into p... more A composition of dip-sealing potato chips prior to frying to reduce the absorption of fats into potato chips

Apricot is a highly perishable fruit of immense nutritional and health promoting potentials. Howe... more Apricot is a highly perishable fruit of immense nutritional and health promoting potentials. However, short storage life of the fruit hampers its distant marketing. The present investigation was undertaken to assess some affordable postharvest techniques to extend shelf life of apricot. Local apricot variety cv. Habi was treated with various concentrations of calcium chloride (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4%) packed in corrugated cartons along with potassium permanganate dipped sponge cubes as ethylene scavengers. Postharvest quality traits as fruit firmness, weight loss, TSS, sugars, sensory characteristics and microbial load were recorded at 2 day intervals during ambient storage. Minimum losses in firmness and fruit weight, while maximum retention of total sugars and sensory attributes were obtained for 3 and 2% CaCl2 treated samples. The results of microbial study demonstrated lower microbial loads for 4% CaCl2 concentration followed by 3% during ambient storage. The overall results revealed ...

African Journal of Microbiology Research, Jul 23, 2014

An experiment was carried out to find the variability among twenty sclerotial isolates of Rhizoct... more An experiment was carried out to find the variability among twenty sclerotial isolates of Rhizoctonia solani collected from potato growing areas of Gilgit-Baltistan. These isolates were grown in different culture media, mycelial compatibility and fungus protein profile were investigated. Culture media were used to study radial colony growth and sclerotial production of isolates. Radial colony growth (RCG) and sclerotial production (SP) of isolates against culture media ranged from 12.31-21.55; 3.66-22.66 in potato dextrose agar, 12.

Food Science and Technology, 2017

Flatulence and fullness of stomach is one of the most common problem associated with chickpea pri... more Flatulence and fullness of stomach is one of the most common problem associated with chickpea primary due to presence of some oligosaccharides and phenols. In this investigation Desi and Kabuli varieties were compared for these oligosaccharides and phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the effect of different processing and cooking methods such as soaking, cooking and germination in the reduction of these antiphysiological factors were are also studies. Maximum tannic acid (0.90 ± 0.20%) was observed in Parbat and C-44 while minimum (0.60 ± 0.04%) in Karak-2. Stachyose contents ranged between 1.10 ± 0.05 (Karak-3) to 1.42 ± 0.02% (Parbat) while raffinose was 0.63 ± 0.05(Karak-3) to 0.81 ± 0.02% (Dasht). The highest tannic acid content was reduced up to 50% in C-44 by cooking of 72 hours germinated seeds. Stachyose and raffinose contents were completely removed after 72 hours germination. Present studies revealed that cooking after germination is the most effective method to reduce the anti-nutritional factors of chickpea. Individually, soaking and cooking also contributed to the loss of the same factors but to a lesser extent.

Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 2011

International Journal of Phytopathology

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is the most common, high-income generative fruit and consequently p... more Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is the most common, high-income generative fruit and consequently plays an important part in the region's socio-economic growth. However, apricots are susceptible to several diseases and pests that cause lower yields and significant financial losses, including apricot shot hole disease brought on by Wilsonomyces carpophilus, a polyphagous fungus, creates a serious threat to stone fruits, particularly the apricot tree. The current study used descriptive statistics and geostatistical approaches to evaluate the geographical distribution of the apricot shot hole disease (5 valleys, 30 orchards, and 480 apricot trees) in district Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. From each apricot tree, 150 apricot fruits, a total of 72,000, were randomly selected to assess the incidence, disease index, and severity. Results revealed that the disease is spatially distributed within the study area, varying within valleys and orchards. The range of disease prevalence was ...

Proceedings of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences: B. Life and Environmental Sciences

Yoghurt is a fermented dairy product developed by fermentation of milk with Streptococcus thermop... more Yoghurt is a fermented dairy product developed by fermentation of milk with Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. Assimilation of fruit pulp can boost the nutritional and health benefits of the yoghurt to many folds. The prime objective of preparing fruit yoghurt with the addition of persimmon pulp was to enhance the nutritional value and to improve overall acceptance. Yoghurt was prepared with the incorporation of persimmon in the concentration of 5%, 10% & 15% to assess the best combination. Evaluation of physico-chemical and organoleptic properties was performed during storage. The product was stored for 28 days at 4o C and quality parameters were assessed at an interval of 7 days. Acidity, total solids, and moisture content of fruit yoghurt increased while pH, lactose, protein, fat and textural profile values decreased significantly (p < 0.01) during storage. The phenolic content of the controlled sample was 175 mg GAE/g, which increased ...

A comparative study of barberry fruits in terms of its nutritive and medicinal contents from CKNP... more A comparative study of barberry fruits in terms of its nutritive and medicinal contents from CKNP region, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Pakistan Journal of Botany, 2020

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate growth, yield and quality parameters of four tomato ... more A field experiment was conducted to evaluate growth, yield and quality parameters of four tomato cultivars (Roma, Riogrand, Fmx and Savera) in Bagrote valley Gilgit-Baltistan. The results obtained showed significantly difference (p<0.05) between the cultivar as maximum plant height (73.0cm), maximum number of branches (6.46), longest leaf length (10.26cm) and maximum number of days for flowering was observed in cultivar Roma. While lowest plant height (48.66cm), shortest leaf length (7.47cm) and minimum number of days (64.33) for fruit set was observed in cultivar Riogrand. However cultivar Savera showed intermediate behavior for different growth characteristics among the other cultivars. Roma showed maximum yield (29.4t ha) followed by Fmx and Savera (25.8 t ha and 24.21 t ha), whereas the minimum yield (22.5 t ha) was found in Riogrand. Quality parameters i.e. pH, acidity, TSS and ascorbic acid were also found significantly different at p<0.05 among all four cultivars. Roma ...

Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2016

Soil plays a key role for sustainable crop production and food security. Fertility of soil is int... more Soil plays a key role for sustainable crop production and food security. Fertility of soil is intrinsic ability of a soil to supply micro-macro nutrients in sufficient amounts for getting maximum crop production (Von, 1988). Soil nutritional status is key indicators of soil quality (Jansen et al., 1995). Soil fertility influence by land use and management practices and its quality varies either spatially or temporally from field to field or on regional scale (Sun et al., 2003). Regardless of the spatial and temporal changes of soil properties in small and large scales, awareness of how these changes occur for increasing profitability and sustainable agriculture management is necessary (Ayoubia et al., 2007). Determining soil variability is important for ecological modeling, environmental predictions, precise agriculture and management of natural resources (Hangsheng et al., 2005). Farmers all over the world normally take care of macronutrients rather than micronutrient application i...

Food Science and Technology, 2019

On the present investigation functional, technological, and rheological attributes of probiotic y... more On the present investigation functional, technological, and rheological attributes of probiotic yoghurt were studied during refrigerated storage (4 °C) for 28 days. The different preparations of probiotic yoghurts were made from dahi microflora which was documented as probiotics. Three strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) i.e. S. thermophilus (S02FT), L. bulgaricus (TLB06FT) and L. acidophilus (LA06FT) were selected for formulations of probiotic yoghurt. Three sets of probiotic yoghurt including Y1: S02FT and TLB06FT (1:1ratio), Y2: S02FT and TLB06FT (1:2ratio) and Y3: S02FT, TLB06FT and LA06FT (1:1:1 ratio) along with Y0 as a control (non-probiotic strains) were prepared and stored at 4 °C for 28 days. The results showed that technological attributes of Y3 preparation had better lactic acid production (75% at 0 day and 93% at 28 days) as compared to control. Moreover, Y3 preparation had lesser synersis (20% at 0 day and 35% at 28days) as compared to other treatments i.e.Y1, Y2, Y0 that had 24, 70 and 18% synersis at 0 day of storage respectively). However, viscosity of Y3 probiotic yoghurt indicated higher values (3001 cP at 0 days and 1310 cP at 28 days) among the rest of preparations. Functional attributes of Y3 showed the better results such as viability of probiotics (40×10-6 CFU/ml at 0 day and 1.16×10-6 CFU/ml at 28 days) and antibacterial activity (7.5 mm at 0 days 7 mm at 28 days) compared to other preparations. Conclusively, Y3 formulation attained the higher sensory attributes due to its better lactic acid production, viscosity and lesser synersis values during entire study duration in formulated yoghurt.

International Journal of Biosciences (IJB), 2013

Four pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars grown in District Hunza-Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan, locally ... more Four pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars grown in District Hunza-Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan, locally called Shughri, Batung, Puno-Batung and Phycho were analyzed for their physio-chemical and functional attributes. Physicochemical characteristics of the tested genotypes revealed variable amounts of moisture (80.17-86.67%), crude fiber (5.10-10.00%), ash (1.56-1.83%), total soluble solids (11.03-14.42 o Brix), total sugars (10.19-11.12%), pH (4.12-5.24) and titratable acidity (0.12-0.26% in terms of malic acid) respectively. Similarly, ascorbic acid was established in the range of 2.80-4.30 mg/100g, total phenolic content 29.13-38.87 mg GAE/100g and antioxidant activity from 29.36-46.73% among the investigated genotypes. Some mineral estimation (mg/100g) was also carried out which showed reasonable concentrations of K

Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2017

Starch-based biodegradable films were prepared by using solution-casting method and reinforced by... more Starch-based biodegradable films were prepared by using solution-casting method and reinforced by agricultural residues [apricot and walnut shell (APS and WNS) powder]. The powder of both shells was added in different ratios (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10%) to investigate the microstructures and performances (mechanical and thermal properties) of the starch-based film. Different techniques such as impact, tensile testing, scanning electron microscope, optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and dynamic mechanical analysis were applied to study the thermomechanical and barrier properties of the composite films. Results showed that the incorporation of both shells significantly improved the WVTR and mechanical properties of starch-based films. The shells powder was significantly increased the Young's modulus and tensile strength of the starch-based films. Both OM and SEM results showed reasonably good compatibility between starch and reinforced shells. OM and XRD indicated that the APS and WNS not only retained their crystalline structure in the film but they also strengthened the peak intensity of the film. This phenomenon can be used to explain the mechanism of mechanical reinforcement. Since all the components used in the preparation of the films are food grade ingredients, it is expected that the films developed in this work will be used for food packaging applications.